Houston Defender: October 27, 2016 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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COMMUNITY FILLS EMPTY LIBRARY SHELVES AT CULLEN MIDDLE, YATES HS, P2

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 85 | Number 52

OCTOBER 27, 2016 |FREE

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ENTERTAINMENT MARY J. BLIGE divorce gets messy

MADEA DOES IT AGAIN!

FEATURE SHERYL UNDERWOOD spearheading day of radio unity

P11 HS ZONE REGINALD BRYANT helps Yates HS

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Learn about Medicare Annual enrollment for Medicare is underway and will end on Dec. 7. Millions of Americans who receive the federal health insurance should know the options available. See why open enrollment is being called the ultimate in consumer empowerment. Read about the services and supplies that are covered and gain a clear understanding of Plans A, B, C, and D. Find out the questions to ask if you’re choosing or changing coverage. H PAGE 8

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Sylvester Turner, Marsha Murray attend the 22nd Annual Pinnacle Awards.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016

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Community unites

Filling empty library shelves at Cullen, Yates By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

For months, the shelves at Cullen Middle School have remained bare, unable to be filled because of budgetary constraints. Now, the community is stepping up to restock the shelves and put books back in the hands of children in the HISD school. The lack of books was the first thing community activist, Gerry Monroe noticed during a recent visit to Cullen. He was there to speak to kids about gangs as part of his One Houston/One Hood program. But when he was led into the library, he was dumbfounded The shelves at the Cullen Middle School library remained empty because of budgetary constraints. by what he saw. “I was floored because the shelves had prove literacy and need books toward that end. Our assistant no books,” he said. “After years of using books, students taking manager at our Rice Village store, Terri Crawford, saw the them home, the supply started to deplete. The principal barely has Facebook post about the need for books at Cullen and Yates a budget to run the school, so so she reached out to the I’m not faulting him, but this to arrange to donate “I was floored because the shelves schools should never happen. Now I some books,” said South had no books. After years of using Houston District Manager, can understand why our kids are struggling.” books, students taking them home, Lane Garrison. Monroe rallied other Crawford has already the supply started to deplete.” members of his community delivered books to Cullen, coalition to spread the word and is working to take more about the dire circumstances at to Yates. Cullen, as well as the feeder school, Yates. The Defender posted “We have given the schools contact information at the story on social media and the community stepped up to the our Houston warehouse where we currently have several plate. Hundreds of residents – across the country – asked how thousand teen and young adult books available for donation. they could donate, and Half Price Books immediately went into We would be thrilled to work with Cullen and Yates on an action. ongoing basis,” Garrison added. “Half Price Books donates books year-round to many If you’re interested in donating to the Cullen Middle types of non-profit organizations who are working to imSchool library, visit www.funds4books.com.

Congressman John Lewis joins Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and TSU President Austin Lane in promoting voting.

Houstonians urged to vote

With local early voting underway and the Nov. 8 election less than two weeks away, Georgia Congressman John Lewis, a Civil Rights Movement icon, said the right to vote is “precious” during a visit to Texas Southern University. Lewis was a special guest of Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, and the duo participated in student forums and a voter registration rally. Lewis and Jackson Lee led a Congressional breakfast policy discussion attended by local religious leaders and a gun control forum, which included members of Moms Demand Action, an organization that advocates for gun safety and reform. TSU students participated in a get-out-the-vote rally that stressed the importance of young people getting involved in the democratic process. “The vote is precious,” Lewis said. “The vote controls everything we do here in America and we’ve got to vote in November like we never ever voted before. Get your classmates, your roommates, your friends and all of your relatives to go out and vote.” The rally was organized by TSU’s Democratic Club.

Early voting schedule

Oct. 27-28 – 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 29 – 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 30 – 1-6 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 4 – 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Visit www.HarrisVotes.com for locations and other information.

localbriefs HOUSTON 311 HELP is working to increase responsiveness to constituents. Escalated Service Requests will be utilized to resolve cases where citizens are unsatisfied with the City’s initial response. “We are continuously improving the way we serve,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “If we don’t get it right the first time, we will continue to work on it until it meets constituent expectations. I am going to personally monitor these escalated cases to ensure departments are responding appropriately.” Departments will have three business days to make actual contact with the complainant. This is the latest in Mayor Turner’s continuous improvements that started with a promise to fill potholes faster. Since January, more than 4,000

potholes have been filled in response to 311 calls and 96 percent of them were repaired by the next business day.….TEXAS EDUCATION OFFICIALS HAVE REJECTED allegations of financial malfeasance and other misconduct raised by the Turkish government against Houston-based Harmony Public Schools, the nation’s second-largest charter network. TEA dismissed a complaint filed in May by lawyers working for the Republic of Turkey. They alleged that Harmony routinely discriminates against special-needs and bilingual students, pays Turkish-born teachers — including males — more than their American counterparts, misuses the H-1B visa program, violates competitive bidding laws and misuses state and federal funds. Harmony

officials have previously said the allegations — ones the charter network has faced before — are unsubstantiated. In the letter, the education agency said a complaint review found that an investigation wasn’t needed and that the matter is concluded….TEXAS ADDED 38,300 JOBS IN SEPTEMBER. The state has added jobs in 17 of the last 18 months. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.8 percent in September, up slightly from 4.7 percent in August, and remained below the national rate of 5.0 percent. “This continued growth in a diverse range of industries creates valuable opportunities for our state’s world-class workforce and builds on Texas’ continued success as a global economic leader,” said TWC Chairman Andres

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OCTOBER 27 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Moving forward to make things right. We are deeply committed to serving you and your financial needs. We know we did not live up to that commitment. We want you to know that we’re making things right and that we’re even more dedicated to serving you and making sure you know where you stand. There is nothing more important than for you to experience the very best from us. That’s why we’ve already taken action: Putting your interests first: We have eliminated product sales goals for our Retail Banking team members who serve customers in our bank branches and call centers. This means that their focus will be on meeting your financial needs, not meeting sales goals. Proactively communicating with you: We send a confirmation after you open a new consumer or small business checking, savings or credit card account so that you know what is happening and can tell us if anything we’ve confirmed is different than what you expected. Full transparency: You can always see your eligible accounts any time when enrolled in Wells Fargo Online.® Fixing what went wrong: We have provided full refunds to customers we have already identified and we’re broadening our scope of work to find customers we may have missed. If we have any doubt about whether one of your accounts was authorized, and any fees were incurred on that account, we will contact you and refund fees. If you have any concerns about your accounts or any aspect of your relationship with Wells Fargo, please come into a branch or call us on our dedicated hotline 24/7 at 1-877-924-8697. wellsfargo.com/commitment 1-877-924-8697

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The trust you place in us means everything and we will work hard every day to earn it back.

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016

national

Lawsuit seeks Black Lives Matter survelliance info Defender News Service

Human rights attorneys suspect that the government has violated the constitutional rights of demonstrators since the 2014 Ferguson protests. A group of human rights lawyers say they have documentation on local law enforcement agencies surveying members of the Movement for Black Lives. They now want federal agencies to reveal what information they’ve collected. A recent lawsuit by the Center for The Black Lives Matter Movement started after the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Constitutional Rights and Case Westsuppress our freedom—and yet for decades we’ve seen ern Reserve University School of Law our government engage in a number of illegal surveilagainst the FBI and Department of Homeland Security lance practices that do just that,” said Brandi Collins, complains that the agencies refuse to disclose docucampaign director at Color Of Change. ments about the their surveillance of activists. Collins added: “Despite their denials, it is clear the In July, Color of Change and the Center for ConDepartment of Homeland Security and FBI are constitutional Rights filed a Freedom of Information Act tinuing their disturbing legacy of employing secretive request to obtain the information from the federal agensurveillance tactics with murky legal parameters to chill cies. However, the organization said the agencies have the Movement for Black Lives, along the way targeting not responded. individuals in a number of terrifying ways.” Revelations that state and federal law enforcement The lawsuit alleges that the surveillance began with agencies used counter terrorism tactics against protesters the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson. Since came to light over the summer. The Intercept reported, then, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies based on a Freedom of Information Act request, that the have continued coordinated monitoring of the protesters. Department of Homeland Security had been monitoring This surveillance, the suit alleges, violates the protestprotesters since the Ferguson, Missouri, demonstrations ers’ constitutional rights and targets individuals because of 2014. of their race and political views. “Government is supposed to protect our rights, not

New National Museum ‘sold out’ director for external affairs. Tickets to the The museum did new National Muconduct a study prior to seum of Africanthe opening, and accordAmerican Hisingly expected 7,500 tory and Culture visitors daily. Instead, in Washington close to 30,000 people D.C. are “sold out” are pouring in most days. through March “Their desire to 2017. Though there Excitement over The African American National Museum has far come is overwhelming surpassed expectations. is no cost to get our ability to get them in the building,” Morganin the museum, you need a ticket with a date to en- Welch said. “There just isn’t enough space.” ter. The museum hopes to release next month the The museum, which opened September 24 next batch of passes, which run from April through with a lot of fanfare, came after years of planJune 2017. ning and delays. And everyone expected a lot of People are also spending more time than usual love and interest. But no one foresaw this level of at the museum, which has five floors, 12 exhibifrenzy. tions and 3,000 objects on display. In a typical “Did any of us think we were going to be the museum, visitors spend about two hours browsing. next Beyonce or Bruce Springsteen? No,” says But people are staying close to six hours at this Beverly Morgan-Welch, the museum’s associate museum, Morgan-Welch says.

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U.S.briefs AN ONLINE PETITION decrying the exclusion of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas from the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture has attracted thousands of signatures. “He has established himself as one of the brightest legal minds of his generation, yet the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture fails to include any mention of his numerous accolades,” the petition reads…A PREGNANT WASHINGTON WOMAN WAS SHOT and killed after a friend called deputies to check on her. Friends say Renee Davis, 23, who was five months pregnant, struggled with depression. Police say when they arrived Davis was suicidal and armed with a handgun. Deputies ended up firing multiple rounds, fatally hitting Davis. Two of her young children were in the home at the time of the shooting. Her five-year-old child was staying with friends. The two deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while detectives investigate the shooting….A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE is expected in healthcare costs in 2017. Despite the Obama administration’s mission to alleviate the health insurance market through the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” healthcare rates may rise up to nearly 35 percent in some parts of the U.S. Healthcare costs are slated to grow by 6.5 percent throughout next year. It has been a primary topic during the 2016 presidential election….A PHOTO OF DONALD TRUMP, MUHAMMAD ALI AND ROSA PARKS is being circulated by the Trump camp as evidence the Republican nominee won an “NAACP medal” for “helping America’s inner cities.”Photo has been called deceptive because Trump was NOT given the award by the NAACP. Rather, a business associate, who was upset that another awards ceremony honored immigrants only. He created the alternate ceremony to honor Trump, along with 79 others, most of whom were white.

Defender News Service

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 52 OCTOBER 27, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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OCTOBER 27 | 2016 | DEFENDER

More Black women die from breast cancer Defender News Service

Survival rates for all women with breast cancer are rising. In newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women were 43 percent more likely to die from the disease than white women. But the racial disparity between AfricanAmerican women’s survival rates and those of Caucasian women has been ongoing, in spite of breast cancer incidence rates that are now equal for both races. There are a number of factors contributing to this disparity, including that African-American women tend to be younger when they are diagnosed with breast cancer and often have a more aggressive form of the disease. “There is a more aggressive sub-type of breast cancer in the African-American population and the tumors tend to be larger,” says Dr. Julie Gralow, director of breast medical oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. “They have a higher stage, which is the size, and whether it has traveled to the lymph nodes and beyond at the time of diagnosis. Younger age, more aggressive biology, higher stage, all of those things come together to give a worse prognosis and a worse survival rate.” The study, conducted by Mark Hurlbert, at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and

Bijou Hunt, an epidemiologist at the Sinai Urban Health Institute, was conducted over the last decade and analyzed breast cancer mortality rates by race for the 50 most populous U.S. cities between 2010 and 2014. Their study found that in 1990, Black women were 17 percent more likely to die than white women, and that number rose to 35 percent by 2000. Between 2010 and 2014, the number was 43 percent. Hurlbert and Hunt also looked at which cities displayed statistically significant differences in mortality rates for Black women and white women. While racial disparities in breast cancer mortality are already acknowledged at the state

and national levels, this study provides data at the city level and changes in disparity over a 25-year period. The study notes differences in access to public health systems, mammography and treatment likely contribute to the problem. Biology is another factor, with Black women being diagnosed at earlier ages and being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease. Hurlbert says that he and Hunt conducted the studies to spur city and local officials and health departments to take notice and take action, and address the needs of their communities. Hurlbert said the findings of the study underscore that where a patient may live should not determine if she lives, no matter her race.

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016 ernetwork.com

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entertainment

Houstonian stars in reality show The Bravo network is bringing back its’ popular “Married to Medicine” reality show, and this time, it will be based in Houston and feature a prominent African -American dentist, Ashandra “Shan” Batiste. “Married to Medicine Houston” follows five women, four of whom are doctors and one who is married to a doctor. Batiste will join Monica Patel, Elly Pourasef, Rachel Suliburk, and Erika Sato, who juggle their careers while dating or being married. Batiste is a dental surgeon who the show touts as a woman who “will drill your teeth in six-inch heels.” Batiste graduated from The University of Texas at Austin before attending Howard University College of Dentistry, and now owns her own dental practice, Elite Dental Wellness. Recently married to a medical device sales representative, Batiste and her husband, Richard, truly are married to medicine. The two are parents to three-year-old Logan, and Batiste’s daughter Avery, 10, from her previous marriage. Batiste is also a member of the Houston Area Urban

League for Young Professionals, the Richard E. Wainerdi Wellness Institute and the American Dental Association. When she’s not serving on the PTO at her daughter’s school or sitting on dental committees, she enjoys working out, reading and painting the town red. Whether it’s flying first class, or upgrading her office decor, the network promises that nothing Batiste does is average; she knows how to enjoy life’s luxuries and look fabulous while doing it. All the women work through their careers and the Houston social scene, facing high stakes in both their social circle and the medical world. These doctors and wives of doctors appear to have it all: they are educated, attractive, and polished professionals, but beneath the surface, viewers will see major obstacles that threaten their upward momentum. After putting their lives on hold to be a physician or a dedicated wife, the ladies must navigate marriage, children, family, and Houston society. “Married to Medicine Houston” premieres Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. central time.

Ashandra “Shan” Batiste

Mary J. Blige divorce reveals stunning demands

Mary J. Blige and Martin Kendu Isaacs

Mary J. Blige’s estranged husband is demanding $130,000 in monthly spousal support so that he can continue to live the ‘lavish’ lifestyle he enjoyed before she filed for divorce. Martin Kendu Isaacs, 49, provided the courts with a breakdown of why he needs such a large amount of cash and how he plans to allocate the funds. Many are calling Isaacs’ list of demands outrageous. They include: • $1,000 for clothing • $3,200 for a personal trainer • $5,000 per month for child sup-

port (for kids with another woman) • $5,000 per month for his parents • $7,000 in rent • $8,000 for a private chef • $21,677 for charities • $71,000 for mortgages on several properties • Additional costs for legal fees Total: $129,319 All of Isaac’s requests are based on the finding that as Mary’s former tour turned business manager/husband, he became accustomed to the lifestyle that they experienced during

their 13-year marriage. Blige, 45, filed for divorce from Issacs in July, citing irreconcilable differences. She also fired her husband as her personal manager prior to filing for divorce and left him with ‘no source of income’, Issacs argued. Issacs did sign a prenup, but now says it should not be considered valid or enforceable because Blige had legal representation at the time of the signing and he did not, and did not ‘understand the consequences of what he was about to sign’.

what’sup VIVICA A. FOX has inked a book deal with St. Martin’s Press. It will reportedly be “part memoir, part inspirational. The intention is to tell a story to inspire women . . . What she’s learned from her career, relationships.”…Also adding author to her resume, MICHEL’LE, whose recent Lifetime movie, Surviving «Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le,” garnered 10 million viewers. Michel’le announced that she isn’t finished making sure that her story is heard and that the world knows about the domestic assault allegations against DR. DRE. She says the book is designed to fill in the gaps

that the made-for-TV movie didn’t address…. MICHAEL B. JORDAN has just inked a deal that will give him full control to produce his own projects in both film and television. Jordan has set his first TV project under the Skydance deal: “Apollo Park,” a scripted drama that revolves around a young basketball player’s rapid rise to professional fame and the effects of his success on his family and community back in inner-city Detroit…KANYE WEST went on a rant against his former collaborator, JAY Z during the Seattle stop on his “The Life of Pablo” tour. Plenty of fans uploaded the tirade,

and in part, the rapper railed, “There will never be a Watch the Throne 2.” And then, “Our kids ain’t never even played together.” Not only did the producer note that Blue Ivy has never even been over to play with North and Saint, but also that Jay Z didn’t make a personal appearance at his home after news of West’s wife, KIM KARDASHIAN’S robbery in Paris dropped…. SOLANGE’S star just keeps rising. After hitting number one on Billboard, Saturday Night Live recently announced that the “Don’t Touch My Hair” chanteuse will be a musical guest for the first time ever on Nov. 5.

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OCTOBER 27 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Tyler Perry movie makes $27 million Defender News Service

Tyler Perry scored his fourth-best opening ever at the box office, with Boo! A Madea Halloween. His infamous Madea character took on another holiday, fighting a host of spooky characters and things while keeping an eye on a group of teens. Perry brings along regular, Cassi Davis, as well as Patrice Lovely, who plays Hattie Mae Love on Love Thy Neighbor. The film came in number one at the box office, earning $27.6 million. That’s almost four times the opening weekend tally from Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation’s, which brought in $7.1 million. This fact left lots of people upset at the thought of a Tyler Perry film besting a film that some say is so important to Black history. So, it came as no surprise when people started to compare the films against one another. Critics on the other end of the conversation have said everything from ‘Birth’ being historically inaccurate, and the outrage surrounding the director’s past, to expressing that ‘Madea’ and Perry films are genuinely funny. However, outside of Parker and Perry being two Black filmmakers, there is no comparison that needs to be made. The two films cannot even be considered in the same genre. It is also noteworthy to point out that Perry didn’t have a host of controversy swirling around him

currently or right before release. This makes for Perry’s fourth-best opening ever, after Madea Goes to Jail, Madea’s Family Reunion, and Why Did I Get Married Too? Like most of Perry’s movies, Madea Halloween was panned by critics, but it also has the distinction of attracting a more diverse audience than usual: Variety notes that, while most of Perry’s movies pull in a crowd that’s between 80 and 90 percent Black, Madea Halloween’s audience was only 60 percent Black, leading Lionsgate’s David Spitz to boast to the mag that the movie had “crossed over.”

Boo! A Madea Halloween is Tyler’s fourth best opening at the box office.

WE’RE WORKING HARD, CANDIDATES

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN Congress and the next president need to take action on Social Security, or future generations could lose up to $10,000 a year. Americans work hard and pay in to Social Security. It’s our money. And that means we deserve real answers. So to the candidates: Get to work. Take a Stand on Social Security.

/AARPTexas @AARPTX aarp.org/houston

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016

cente

MEDICAR OPEN EN

Know health c

By MAR

Deadline Dec. 7

This is an important time of the year for the 56 million Americans who receive Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. Medicare’s annual open enrollment recently began, and will end on Dec. 7. During this time, beneficiaries can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Beneficiaries who are in a Medicare plan are sent an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, or service area that will be effective in January. Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current coverage do not need to do anything because reenrollment will occur automatically. Andy Slavitt, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said beneficiaries must be informed about their choices. “Consumers should view open enrollments as the ultimate in consumer empowerment,” Slavitt said. “As Medicare consumers shop for what’s right for them, that causes benefits, quality and premiums to continue to improve.” He added that costs for health and drug plans can vary. “That’s why it’s important for people with Medicare to review their plan, shop and compare all their options.” Dr. Debra Whitman, AARP chief public policy officer, echoed Slavitt’s thoughts about comparing options. “The out-of-pocket co-pay amounts that people are paying for their prescription drugs are going up for many seniors because of rising drug prices,” Whitman said. “Medicare health and prescription drug cost-sharing can vary widely between plans for the same drug or service. During open enrollment, some people may be able to save hundreds of dollars on out-of-pocket costs just by changing to a different plan.” Medicare covers services (such as lab tests, surgeries and doctor visits) and supplies (such as wheelchairs and walkers) considered medically necessary to treat a disease or condition. One way beneficiaries can find out if Medicare covers what they need is to talk to their doctor or other health care

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RE NROLLMENT

care options, plans

RILYN MARSHALL Defender

r about certain services or supplies. ccording to Medicare, there are two main ways to coverage: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or care Advantage Plan (Part C). Some people get adcoverage, such as Medicare prescription drug coverrt D) or Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap). ere are four different parts of Medicare that cover services: rt A (Hospital Insurance) – Part A covers inpatient

defendernetwork.com Medicare do’s and don’ts

stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care me home health care. rt B (Medical Insurance) – Part B covers two types ces: (1) Medically necessary services or supplies e needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition t meet accepted standards of medical practice. (2) ive services are those that prevent illness (such as or detect it at an early stage, when treatment is most o work best. general, Part B covers things like clinical research, nce services, durable medical equipment, mental getting a second opinion before surgery and limited

outpatient prescription drugs. Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) – Part C is a health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide all Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), private fee-for-service plans, special needs plans, and Medicare medical savings account (MSA) plans. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, most Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) – Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare cost plans, some Medicare private-fee-for-service plans and MSAs. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare prescription drug plans. Each Medicare prescription drug plan has its own list of covered drugs (called a formulary). Many drug plans place drugs into different “tiers” on their formularies. Drugs in each tier have a different cost. A drug in a lower tier will generally cost less than a drug in a higher tier. Overall, the cost of Medicare coverage each month depends on a beneficiary’s work history. Most people with Medicare get their hospital insurance (Part A) premium free. Those who do not have enough work history and have not paid enough quarters of Medicare taxes must pay a monthly premium for Part A. Everyone has to pay a monthly premium for their medical insurance (Part B). If you get Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board or Office of Personnel Management benefits, your Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your benefit payment. If not, you will receive a bill. Costs for Part C and Part D premiums vary by plan. For more information visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.

he Houston area for over 85 years

Choosing or changing coverage? Questions to ask If you are choosing or changing coverage during this year’s open enrollment, here are questions to ask from Medicare: • Coverage: How well does the plan cover the services you need? • Other coverage: If you have other types of health or prescription drug coverage, make sure you understand how that coverage works with Medicare. If you have employment-related coverage, talk to your benefits administrator or insurer before making any changes. • Costs: How much are your premiums, deductibles and other costs? How much do you pay for services like hospital stays or doctor visits? Is there a yearly limit on what you could pay out-of-pocket for medical services? Make sure you understand any coverage rules that may affect your costs. • Doctor and hospital choice: Do your doctors accept the coverage? Are the doctors you want to see accepting new patients? Do you have to choose your hospital and health care providers from a network ? Do you need to get referrals? • Prescription drugs: Do you need to join a Medicare prescription drug plan? Do you already have creditable prescription drug coverage? Will you pay a penalty if you join a drug plan later? What’s the plan’s overall star rating? What will your prescription drugs cost under each plan? Are your drugs covered under the plan’s formulary? Are there any coverage rules that apply to your prescriptions? Are you eligible for a free medication therapy management program? • Quality of care: Are you satisfied with your medical care? The quality of care and services offered by plans and other health care providers can vary. How have Medicare and other people with Medicare rated your health and drug plan’s care and services? Get help comparing plans and providers. • Convenience: Where are the doctor’s offices? What are their hours? Which pharmacies can you use? Can you get your prescriptions by mail? Do the doctors use electronic health records or E-prescribe? Can you get an electronic copy of your information by email or to store in a personal health record? Which pharmacies can you use? Is the pharmacy you use in the plan’s network? Does your pharmacy offer preferred cost sharing which may mean paying less for some drugs? Can you get your prescriptions by mail? • Travel: Will the plan cover you if you travel to another state or outside the U.S.?

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016

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opinion

Policing: Increasing transparency, building trust By MARC H. MORIAL

ollowing an explosive succession of high-profile police killings – many of them of unarmed African-American men – the Justice Department is poised to spearhead an ambitious, nationwide initiative to track all incidents of the use of force by police officers, including all police shootings, whether they are fatal or not. As a participating organization on the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, the National Urban League submitted its “10 Point Justice Plan,” outlining recommendations for comprehensive police reform and accountability, including increased, mandatory law enforcement participation in data gathering and amending existing legislation to include tracking encounters where non-lethal police force is used. We are encouraged that the Justice Department is moving toward comprehensive national data collection that goes beyond police-involved deaths to include data collection on the non-lethal use of force by law enforcement, but there are pressing concerns that must be assessed and addressed. The first is pace. The FBI will issue its plans to begin the pilot data collection program in early 2017. This initiative will inevitably fall to the next presidential administration, and its agenda, to implement. In the meantime, communities will remain divided over their distrust of law enforcement, and countless lives may be lost. Enforcement of the newly expanded national use-of-force data collection remains a concern. In 2014, Congress re-enacted the Death in Custody Reporting Act (DICRA). The act required local police departments to report only the police encounters where individuals died to the attorney general’s office. The Justice Department is now calling for police departments to also report on non-lethal uses of force – voluntarily. It has always been the position of the National Urban League that reporting should be mandatory, and if that will not be the case, there must be clear consequences baked into the act that punishes law enforcement agencies for failing to report this critical, much-needed data. Past voluntary reporting programs on policecommunity encounters have failed. Reportedly, in 2014, only 224 of the more than 18,000 law

Dave Granlund, Politicalcartoons.com

enforcement agencies nationwide reported fatal shooting deaths at the hands of their officers. Penalties, including any financial penalties, for non-reporting police departments must be included in the act if the Justice Department expects to enforce its expanded collection initiative and effectively collect data. Under DICRA, the attorney general’s office can withhold 10 percent of federal grant money that provides criminal justice funding from non-compliant, non-reporting agencies. The Justice Department needs to be clear on its plans to use financial penalties, as authorized by DICRA or otherwise, to enforce its data collection proposals. It should consider making data reporting a pre-condition for agencies to receive federal funding, and it should examine if proposed financial penalties are enough to compel compliance. In the absence of facts, all manner of myths, suspicions and anecdotal evidence rushes in. As Attorney General Loretta Lynch has noted, “accurate and comprehensive data on the use of force by law enforcement is essential to an informed and productive discussion about community-police relations.” Without these facts, without a complete-picture,

national database that can be accessed by government agencies and the public, we cannot fix the problem of police violence in our communities, and we cannot build the kind of transparency that has the power to inspire trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. As we await the final iteration of this expanded data collection plan, we are encouraged that, at the highest levels of government, the cries and protests in the streets and on college campuses, and the nationwide demand for change and accountability has been heard. The National Urban League will continue to advocate for all of the recommendations from our “10 Point Justice Plan,” including expanding data collection at local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. We urge all members of law enforcement – at all levels – to employ every strategy and statistic available to put an end to a national conversation about police violence that has been marred by division and to, most importantly and urgently, put an end to these senseless deaths. Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

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OCTOBER 27 | 2016 | DEFENDER

111

Black radio drives “Souls to the Polls” Defender News Service

On election day, November 8, Black, urban, old school and hip hop radio will come together in a singular act of unity for “A Day of Black Radio Solidarity - Driving Souls To The Polls,” a one-day national non-partisan “get-out-andSheryl Underwood vote” campaign that includes a five-point call-to-actio“I called my brothers and sisters in radio and personally invited them to join me in this day of Black radio solidarity. It is our duty to unify and effectuate the plan,” said Sheryl Underwood, entertainer, co-host of THE TALK on CBS television and namesake of Sheryl Underwood Radio, Steve Harvey heard on 63 radio affiliates, with a reach of over 4.2 million listeners. A number of well-known radio personalities are taking part in the campaign, including Underwood; Tom Joyner - The Tom Joyner Morning Show; Steve Harvey - The Steve Harvey Morning Show; Big Boy - Big Boy’s Neighborhood; Russ Parr - The Russ Parr Show; Sway-Sway In The Morning; Michael Colyar - The Afternoon Rush; J. Anthony Brown - J.

Anthony Brown; Sam Sylk - The Sam Sylk Show; CAFÉ MOCHA SHO; Dede Mcguire “Dede in the Morning,” and a host of local personalities across the country. More personalities are being added daily. The campaign includes a five-point Call Tom Joyner To Action: Vote Early! Get An Absentee Ballot, complete it and return it to your local Board Of Elections. Go 5 Deep: Call a neighbor. Call a friend and let’s transport them to the polls. Volunteer: Lawyers, fraternities, sororities and community leaders Russ Parr are asked to volunteer as an observer to ensure the integrity of the voting process. Know Your Rights: Study the sample ballots. Learn about the candidates. Vote! On November 8, 2016, Don’t complain, just vote. The day will end when the president-elect delivers their acceptance speech. Underwood says the T:9.75”

goal is to use the collective media voice of Black Radio to increase the number of African-American, Latino and disenfranchised voters in this year’s election. Visit blackradiosolidarityday.com for more information and links to participating radio outlets.

classifieds NOTICE TO BIDDERS Hire Houston First Program – These procurements are subject to the Hire Houston First Program, which gives a preference to certain local bidders in award of the procurements. For more information go to: http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/hirehoustonfirst.html Request for Proposal – Proposals will be received in the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall Annex, Public Level, 900 Bagby, until 2:00 P.M., on the proposal due date. All interested parties are encouraged to attend any scheduled pre-bid and/or pre-proposal conference(s). Unless otherwise specified, all conference(s) will be held at 901 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002 in the basement of City Hall. It is the interested party’s responsibility to ensure they have secured and thoroughly reviewed all solicitation documents prior to any scheduled conference(s). Interested parties can download all forms, and specifications from the Internet at https://purchasing.houstontx.gov/. Downloading these documents will ensure all interested parties will automatically receive any updates via e-mail. Interested parties can call (832) 393-0209 for additional information. PROPOSALS DUE – November 17, 2016 Single Stream Recycling Processing Services for The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department, S74-T25967 – 11% MWBE Goal - Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 1:30 PM at 901 Bagby St., SPD Conference Room 1.

T:6.5”

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016 defendernetwork.com

Wages growing among Blacks Defender News Service More than seven years after the recession ended, Black workers’ earnings are accelerating sharply. Median usual weekly earnings for full-time Black workers rose 9.8 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, the fastest rate of growth on records back to 2000, according to recently released data from the Labor Department. The recent gains mean the increase in earnings for Blacks since the recession ended in mid-2009, 15.7 percent, is now outpacing the gain for whites, 13.3 percent, and Latinos, 15.5 percent. But bulk of the improvement for Blacks and Latinos has occurred in the past two years. Wage Gains by Race Despite recent gains, the pay gap between races is wide. Median weekly pay for Blacks in the third quarter of 2016 was $685, versus $854 for whites and $632 for Hispanics. The data is consistent with the argument put forth by some economists that wage gains for minority groups tend to be most pronounced when the economy is near full employment. The unemployment rate, five last month, has held near that historically low mark for the past year. The wage gains come alongside lower levels of unemployment and stronger labor-force participation among Blacks.

The emerging wage improvement could have implications for Federal Reserve policy makers considering whether the economy is strong enough to absorb an increase. “The Fed should perhaps hold off on an interest-rate increase because the groups that benefit most late in a

recovery are just now starting to see those gains materialize,” said Valerie Wilson, an economist at the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute think tank. “We need to allow these types of gains to continue as long as possible so people can experience a full recovery.”

Study reveals Blacks don’t have wills Defender News Service

New research from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance (MassMutual) found that nearly seven in 10 African Americans aged 45-60 currently do not have a will. Furthermore, nearly two in five surveyed revealed they have not documented important financial information. Despite not having adequate planning in place, nearly half (49 percent) of the individuals surveyed said they want to leave a positive life legacy as a great mom, dad, son and/or daughter. “Black families are very concerned with making sure their families will be taken care of financially in the event of their death,” said Evan Taylor, African American Market Director, MassMutual. “Without end-of-life planning, children and family members may be faced with unnecessary difficulties.” Nearly 34 percent of African-Americans who say that they have documented their important financial information selected their spouse or

significant other and 16 percent selected their brother or sister as a trusted contact that has access to their important financial information in the event of an emergency. MassMutual offers the following tips to plan now for your financial future: w Document financial information. w Update beneficiary information and review it annually for necessary updates.

w Draft a will. The consequences of not having a will could become troubling and expensive for loved ones. w As retirement nears, get up to speed on Social Security. In a separate survey commissioned by MassMutual last year, nearly half (46 percent) of African-American respondents failed a true/false quiz when asked basic questions about Social Security retirement benefits. w Contact a financial professional. Professional guidance would be helpful when starting conversations with your loved ones. “Taking the time now to plan is an important step in securing your family’s financial future,” said Taylor. “Knowing you’re not leaving your loved ones with a burden provides peace of mind and enables you to appreciate life’s most important moments and be more confident in the future of your loved ones and the memories you leave.”

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OCTOBER 27 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Student in METRO ad gets TSU scholarship

Zachery Johnson made news in a METRO ad, talking about his dream of attending Texas Southern University and how METRO was going to get him there. Johnson, 18, a drum major for Kashmere High School’s Thunder Soul Marching Band hoped to join the Ocean Soul band after graduation. TSU just made his dreams come true, presenting him with a $30,000 four-year scholarship. Johnson said he wants to major in education and minor in entertainment.

Notice of Public Hearing Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 31, 2016, at 11:00 AM to receive public comment regarding proposed February 2017 service changes. The proposed service changes include: Route changes to Green Line, Routes 50, 70, and 76; schedule changes to routes 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 20, 26, 47, 50, 52, 63, 65, 68, 73, 76, 85, 99, 102, 152, 217, 222, 228, 246, 265, and 298.

Zachary T:4.79” Johnson will attend TSU on a $30-thousand scholarship.

LEGAL NOTICE

These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon:

Game #

Game Name / Odds

Official Close of Game

End Validations Date

1749

Money Bags - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.70

11/4/16

5/3/17

1785

Back to School Crossword - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.64

11/6/16

5/5/17

1761

Triple Winning 7’s - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.03

11/7/16

5/6/17

$100,000 Cashword-O-Rama - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.80

11/21/16

5/20/17

50X Fast Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.25

11/26/16

5/25/17

1689

Lucky Bucks - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.68

12/28/16

6/26/17

1738

Hit $5,000 - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.78

12/28/16

6/26/17

1762

Spicy 9’s - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.68

12/28/16

6/26/17

1754

Cats vs. Dogs – Dogs vs. Cats - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.40

12/28/16

6/26/17

1725

Jungle Gold - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.88

12/28/16

6/26/17

Copies of proposed route maps and timetables will be available Wednesday, October 26, 2016, for public review online and at the following location: METRO Administration Building - 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays T:3.25”

1715 1766

(METRO)

The public hearing will be held in the 2nd floor Board Room at 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX (served by METRO routes 6, 11, 32, 44, 51, 52, 54, 82, 85, 102, 137, 160, 161, 162, 249, and METRORail). HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGES • Attend the public hearing on October 31, 2016 • Write us at METRO, Attn: February 2017 Service Change, 1900 Main St., Houston, TX 77002

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2016 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

• Fax comments with a subject line referencing “Service Changes” to 713-652-7956 • Submit comments at METRO’s website - RideMETRO.org Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the public hearing.

3838_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_1027.indd 10-18-2016 11:31 AM

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W63838 TEXAS LOTTERY NOV EOG AD 4.79” x 3.25” None None BW HOUSTON DEFENDER NEWSPAPER None

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HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please fonts & images Fonts call 713-750-4271 or 713-635-6993 (for persons with a hearing Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 57 Condensed, 97 Black impairment) a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public Condensed, 87 Heavy Condensed, 77 Bold Condensed), Times (Regular) hearing. printed at

Tommy Salazar / Eddie Jacobson

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LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-4018, or via email at tm10@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs. 1.This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, published May 1, 2010, page IV-13. 2.METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities. 3.METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016

sports

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Rockets begin season with questions

By Max Edison Defender

he Rockets begin their 50th anniversary as an NBA franchise with the season opener this week. The franchise has experienced many highs and lows over the years, including back-to-back championships in ‘94 and ’95. This Golden Anniversary season begins a year of uncertainty. The Rockets will feature a new head coach in Mike D’Antoni, a new point in James Harden, and a collection of new players. How successful will the team be? Only time will tell. D’Antoni becomes the13th head coach in the history of the franchise and the fifth since Leslie Alexander took over ownership in 1993. The 2004-05 NBA Coach of the Year while at Phoenix, D’Antoni’s teams traditionally have been known for lots of offense and minimal defense. The Rockets have fortified their team with scorers this off-season. Stretch power forward Ryan Anderson and combo guard Eric Gordon add instant offense. Anderson has averaged 16 points per game for the past five seasons. He has also averaged 37.5 percent from three point land. Gordon has averaged 16.6 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.06 steals during his eight-year career and can handle either backcourt position. D’Antoni believes in his team’s ability to put points on the scoreboard. “I think we should be the best offensive team in the league and if we can do that with good defense, we’re going to be a tough out. I expect us to be really good,” D’Antoni opined. D’Antoni could be correct, but he certainly didn’t get any help from the NBA schedule makers. The Rockets play seven of their first 10 games of the season on the road. This includes two games against Dallas and San Antonio and a visit to Cleveland to face LeBron and the world champion Cavaliers. Last season Kevin McHale was fired after 11 games. D’Antoni won’t be fired, but as a new coach you’d like to get off to a fast start. “What concerns me is the fact that everybody would like to have a great start,” Coach D’Antoni said. “We have a hard start, but I think our character and our culture and guys know that we’re going to hang in there no matter what. If we get off to a slow start, we don’t want to, we don’t anticipate that, but we will deal with whatever we have to deal with. We got a hard schedule so we have to be ready and I think we are.” With a collection of new players including center NeNe Hilario, forward Kyle Wiltjer, point guard Tyler Ennis and forward P. J. Hairston chemistry can be an issue. Newcomer Ryan Anderson reports that so far all has

Ryan Anderson will be counted on to balance the offensive attack.

Eric Gordon will team with Harden to form a potent backcourt.

James Harden will conduct the offense from the point.

gone well with chemistry. Of course when you’ve got a superstar like James Harden, it makes coming together easy. “We’ve got a great group that really understands each other; understands our strengths and weaknesses. Obviously it’s built around James.” Of course, the success or failure of The Rockets’ season will depend on their best player, All-Star James Harden.

With all the changes on and off the court, “The Beard” is pleased with the team’s direction. “We’re moving in the right direction…” on both ends of the court. We’ve got a really good nucleus from top to bottom.” Under D’Antoni, Harden will see more time at the point guard position,. a facilitator role that he embraces. “The playmaker is the point guard. My job is to go out and create. My teammates trust me to make the right decisions,” Harden explained. “We have a lot of guys who can create and knock down shots. Guys will get a lot of open looks to knock down shots. We’re a versatile team. We’ve got guys who can play different positions. We have a lot of shooters. The floor will be spread. Guys get into the lane and create, finishing for themselves or corners where they can spot 3’s. It’s going to be a lot of fun playing for the Rockets this year.” With an assorted collection of offensive stars and a new coach known for running a potent offensive attack, the Rockets should be exciting. If they can stay healthy and play defense they should be an interesting team to watch.

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OCTOBER 27 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs

Yates’ Bryant has love for the game

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender

eginald Bryant possesses a key intangible that every successful football player must have. The Yates High School junior running back wasn’t blessed with ideal size or speed. Yet when the Lions take the field every week, he’s the one individual every opponent has to take into account. “Reginald’s got a lot of heart. We call him pocket Hercules,” said Yates head coach Michael Watkins. “He’s only 125 pounds. Yet he plays like a 225-pound back. He has an undying heart for the game of football that you won’t find in many other players.” Yates secured its sixth win of the season and improved to 4-1 in District 11-4A with a 60-0 victory over Scarborough. It was another typical performance for Bryant with 118 yards on nine carries and scoring runs of 18 and three yards. “When I was growing up I loved watching the sport so naturally I wanted to play,” Bryant said. “I came to Jack Yates because that was my favorite team to watch growing up. I want to be a part of the team that brings a championship back to Yates.” Bryant has been called the heart and soul of the Jack Yates Lions varsity football team. For the past two seasons he’s been the leading ground gainer despite his diminutive stature. In the first half against Wheatley, Bryant suffered a leg injury and only played one play in the second half. The next week he was back in action as the Lions celebrated homecoming with an important 8-7 league win over rival Worthing. “I just stayed focused on trying to make my leg better,” Bryant said. “My health coach helped me out. “I don’t mind taking the contact. Getting hit is a part of the game. I love to run and I wanted to get back on the field so I could help my team win,” Bryant said. Watkins believes Bryant’s quick recovery from a potentially season-wrecking injury is a testimony to his player’s mindset. “He came in hobbling on crutches early in the week,” Watkins said. “We got him in to see the doctors and trainers and they were able to nurse him back to health. “The weight-room regimen that we’ve implemented here has worked wonders for the confidence of the kids. “I’m excited to see how this young man will grow once we get a year of off-season conditioning on his body,” Watkins said. “He might be vertically challenged but he’s not challenged in his heart.” After missing the playoffs for the first time in three decades last season, Yates has already clinched a playoff berth in 2016 with one regular-season game remaining against Booker T. Washington (Oct. 29/Delmar Stadium/6 p.m.).

World Series begins Just in case you were so preoccupied with football that you forgot, the World Series begins this week. The Cleveland Indians will represent the American League and the Chicago Cubs will represent the National League. For the Cubs it will be their first appearance in the World Series since 1945. Cubs GM Theo Epstein has acquired the players and manager Joe Maddon has pressed all the right buttons in a magical season for the loveable losers. Meanwhile in Cleveland, the Indians seem to have followed the game plan as their NBA stablemate the Cavaliers, making a bid to bring back-to-back titles to the Cleveland area. Indian manager Terry Francona has won a Series as skipper of the Boston Red Sox and hopes to utilize that in this series. Stay tuned, this Series should be one for the ages.

Is Dez ready to return? Reports out of Dallas indicate that All-Pro wide out Dez Bryant is ready to return to action this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Lufkin native has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury. The Cowboys have won all three of those games due to the productivity of their talented rookie duo of quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott. They are currently in 1st place in the NFC Eastern division. Coming off a bye week Bryant is chopping at the bit to get back on the field and make a contribution.

Top-ranked Episcopal falls

About Reginald Bryant Birth date – May 7, 1999 Favorite meal – Hot wings Favorite subject in school – Math Favorite NFL football player – LeGarrette Blount, New England Patriots How he relaxes – Exercise workout

defendernetwork.com See what schools have already clinched football playoff

The Lions will have a bye on the final week of the regular season and will be rested heading into the postseason. “My goal coming into the season was to win state,” Bryant said. “That will always be my goal.”

Episcopal had been the No. 1 ranked private school in the Houston area since the first preseason polls were released. The Knights won eight consecutive games to start the 2016 season and were 4-0 in Southwest Preparatory Conference games before succumbing to Fort Worth All Saints 44-34. Episcopal led 14-0 before All Saints scored 16 unanswered points to lead 16-14 at intermission. The Knights took a 21-16 lead early in the third quarter but All Saints regained the lead for good on pick six interceptions by Trent Barron and D.Q. McKinney. Fort Worth All Saints improved to 7-2 on the season and 6-0 in league play. Episcopal quarterback Gavin Geib completed 16 of 28 passes for 185 yards. Camden Miller rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown. Episcopal, 8-1 and 4-1, travels to Houston Christian Oct. 28 with a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Area All-Star selections Hezekiah Jones, K’Lavon Chaisson and Marvin Wilson shared an honor last week. Each received his Under Armour All-America jersey after accepting an invitation to play in the 2017 Under Armour All-America high school football all-star game Jan. 1, 2017 in Orlando, Fla. Jones is a senior receiver from Stafford High School that has committed to Texas A&M. Wilson is a defensive tackle from Episcopal High School and Chaisson is a defensive end from North Shore. Both Wilson and Chaisson are uncommitted. “This is exciting. I’m looking forward to playing against that high level of competition,” Jones said. “I see this game as where the big-time recruits go.” The game will be televised live by ESPN.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 27 | 2016

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

MINI FILM FESTIVAL ….The Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) rolled by other congressional leaders, elected officials, community leaders and TSU out the red carpet at the University of Houston Student Life Center for Houston’s students to speak on the importance of voting. In attendance were Dr. Austin Lane, aspiring actors, screenwriters and filmmakers. Jalene Mack hosted the event, which HISD representative Jolanda Jones, HCC board member Dr. Carolyn Shabazz, featured three movie screenings and a panel of top television and film executives Sherridan Schwartz, Vandetta Levingston, Rev. Bill Lawson, Dr. Robert who shared their wealth of knowledge. Actress Kim Fields was the celebrity guest E. Childress, Dr. Bobby E. Mills and a host of others……..22ND PINNACLE along with D’Angela Proctor, Ricky Anderson, Alfred Cervantes, Kim Gagne, AWARDS ……..The Greater Houston Black Chamber recently held the 22nd Yake Smith, Duval Mitchell, Trish Avery, T.J. Jones, Jerri Moore, Tyrone D. Pinnacle Awards at The Power Center. The event honored the excellence, tenacity Dixon, All D. Freeman, Bobby James, Sara Sara, Greg and dedication of African-American businesses. Hosting the Carter and Billy D. Washington……..RESPONSIBLE were KHOU 11 News anchors Mia Gradney and Len Defender TOP EVENTS event GUN SAFETY/GET OUT THE VOTE RALLY…….. Cannon. Award winners were Mayor Sylvester Turner, More photos on defendernetwork.com Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, with civil rights Courtney Johnson-Rose, James Donatto, Joi Beasley, Mr. and leader and Congressman John Lewis of Georgia held a Mrs. George E. Johnson, Carl McGowan, Niles Dillard, Paul Congressional Discussion on Responsible Gun Safety and A Get Out the Vote Rally Cannings, LaMetrice Dopson, Carol Guess, Warren Luckett, Carla Lane, Che’ at Texas Southern University. During the discussion, mothers whose children were McFerrin, Latoya Bullard-Franklin and Donovan Casanave. Upstart Finalists victims of gun violence spoke out. Among them included Calandrian Simpson were Robert Allen, Dr. Khalilah McAfee, Brian Taylor, Michelle Bonton, Kemp and Tara Nicolas. Following the discussion, there was a Q & A period for Charity Carter, Stephen Carter, Tammy Harris, Latoshia Norwood, Joyce the audience. Next, Jackson and Lewis held the vote rally where they were joined Owens, Hiram Smith, Tristen Sutton, Kelly Kaluza and Tiffany Williams.

Ricky Anderson, Jalene Mack, Alfred Cervantes

Tyrone Dixon, Kim Fields

Calandrian Simpson Kemp, Tara Nicolas

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman John Lewis

Relinda Lumpkins, Hiram Smith

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Marsha Murray

D’Angela Proctor and family

Dr. Austin Lane, Sherridan Schwartz

Nia Benjamin, Calicia Johnson, Dr. Cece Cook, Aaron Cain

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