Houston Defender: November 01, 2012

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Volume 82 | Number 2 NOVEMBER 1, 2012 |FREE

ENTERTAINMENT ERYKAH BADU performs for TSU homecoming

The bond issueS Taxes for a better Houston H Page 10

P8 FEATURE ASWAD WALKER profiles leaders in book

P15 SPORTS OPINION

JAMES HARDEN traded to Rockets

P18

Naomie Harris

President Obama deserves votes

Accomplished young actress Naomie Harris plays the coveted role of a Bond girl in the new movie “Skyfall.” The London native has a lot to say about the film. Why was she intimidated at first? How grueling was her physical preparation for the part? What was it really like working with co-star Daniel Craig?

Is there a clear choice between President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney? One well-known activist and columnist says “yes.” Learn what he has to say about inclusion vs. exclusion.

Read his opinion on AfricanAmericans who have “fallen asleep.”

Find out how voters can make history on Nov. 6.

H Page 17

jumps into role

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CHAG’S PLACE

Yvette Chargois marks a milestone

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

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Stay Connected! Experience the Defender on the world wide web.

Set your homecoming out Historically Black Colleges and Universities are known for their homecomings. What is it that makes this a staple for HBCU alumni? The story at defendernetwork.

What to do this weekend Looking for something to do this weekend? The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area at defendernetwork.com.

Rock the Vote!

Book TALK In Mogul, author Terrance Dean writes a fascinating fast-paced unable-to-put-down book that gives readers an insider’s look into the down-low world of the “family” that makes up the music industry.

And, they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their family at the top at all costs. More at www.defendernetwork.com.

Jeffrey Osborne and Peabo Bryson perform at the Arena Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.

The election is right around the corner. Find out everything you need to know before you head to the polls. More at defendernetwork.com.

See more on: defendernetwork.com

Q: How do we keep Houston looking up?

A: Join Mayor Parker and

vote for all the propositions

down the ballot!

Vote FOR City of Houston Propositions A through E to bring jobs, parks, libraries and safety to Houston! www.JobsParksSafety.com Vote FOR the METRO Proposition to bring better roads, more buses and low taxes. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! www.KeepMetroMovingForward.com

Vote early through Friday, November 2 election day iS tueSday, noveMber 6

P o l . a dv. a n n i s e Pa r k e r C a m Pa i g n

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NOVEMBER 1 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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High cost of discipline impacts schools Defender News Services A new report has found that 11 Texas school districts – which educate a quarter of the state’s 4 million public school students – spend $227 million a year on disciplinary programs and school security.

The report, released by Texas Appleseed, documents the high price tag attached to the districts’ use of discretionary out-of-school suspension, expulsion, disciplinary alternative schools and school policing.

“We recognize that many Texas school districts are struggling as a result of the $5.4 billion cut in state funding for public education approved last year to help address a state budget shortfall,” said Texas Appleseed Deputy Director Deborah Fowler.

“We are releasing this report, not to point a finger at spending in the surveyed school districts, but to open a dialogue with schools about different approaches to student discipline that are more effec-

tive and less costly to implement.”

Surveyed districts include Houston ISD, Humble ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Bryan ISD, Conroe ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Northside ISD, Plano ISD and San Antonio ISD. The districts spent nearly $140 million in 2010-11 on out-ofschool suspensions, referrals to disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEPs), and discretionary expulsions to juvenile justice alternative education programs (JJAEPs).

They spent another $87 million on security, monitoring services and campus policing that school year.

Appleseed Staff Attorney Kathryn Freeman said that a substantial body of research shows that removing misbehaving students from school increases their risk of dropout, grade retention, and future juvenile justice system involvement.

Texas Appleseed is recommending that school districts consider:

1) Limiting out-of-school suspensions to misbehavior that impacts school and student safety, thereby increasing state funding reimbursements for average daily attendance 2) Amending student codes of conduct to limit the potential for a DAEP referral to only serious offenses where other forms of intervention have not proven successful or campus safety is at risk 3) Targeting school policing and security and monitoring services to campuses where they are truly needed 4) Providing additional training in effective classroom management to administration and staff at campuses with high numbers of out-of-school suspensions and DAEP and JJAEP referrals.

Texas Appleseed, which is headquartered in Austin, has a mission to promote social and economic justice by leveraging the skills and resources of volunteer lawyers and other professionals to identify practical solutions to difficult systemic problems.

School of the Woods hosts open house Defender News Services

Parents who have an interest in the Montessori Method of teaching will have the opportunity to learn more about it when School of the Woods hosts two open house programs in November.

The first program is Monday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. at Woods Middle School, 1321 Wirt Road. Faculty and students will present demonstrations of Montessori methods, and discuss how Montessori philosophy impacts 7th and 8th grade students.

The second program is Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at Woods High School, 7812 Bobbitt. Faculty and students will explain the college prep curriculum in the Montessori environment, and will discuss how tenets and fundamentals apply to the older student.

School of the Woods, an independent, nonprofit and nonsectarian school, is Houston’s oldest continuously operatAt School of the Woods, students dress up while studying ancient ing Montessori school, and serves students pre-K through 12th civilizations. grade. Located in Spring Branch, the school is celebrating its 50th “In early childhood, all ages are in the same classroom(s). In anniversary this year. lower elementary and upper elementary, all three ages are together.

Eloise Rochelle, the school’s advancement director, said For instance, students in grades 1, 2 and 3 are in the same classroom Montessori methods of teaching are vastly different from that of together for three years. Older students help teach younger ones, traditional public schools.

while younger students also contribute learning to older ones,” she said.

“Each year, grade 3 students progress to upper elementary level, while a new grade 1 group comes in from early childhood,” she continued.

“The same structure exists in upper elementary. All three grades, 4, 5 and 6, stay together for three years and rotate in the same way. Each of the first three levels – early childhood, lower elementary and upper elementary – are guided by teams of three to five teacher/guides.

Rochelle said another major difference is that students “do not sit at little desks for an entire day, but are free to move about the room, do their work on the floor, sit at big work tables, talk at will, and choose their own projects to work on.”

In addition, a letter-grading system is not used in Montessori until high school, and then only to facilitate college entry processes.

Rochelle said the school’s longevity and success are due to its strong founders, heads of school, staff and parents.

Three additional open house program evenings will be held in January for upper and lower elementary levels and for early childhood ages. For more information call 713.686.8811.

localbriefs BLACK HOUSTONIANS ARE NEEDED to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Men and women ages 30 to 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer and are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3. CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to 300,000 across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Nationally, Blacks are more likely to develop and die from cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Enrollment is at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave., on Sunday,

Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment visit cancerstudyTX.org……..STATE REP. SYLVESTER TURNER has been recognized as a “Champion for Children” by the Amerigroup Foundation for his efforts on behalf of Texas families. The foundation contributed $2,500 in Turner’s honor to the Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Houston. Turner has been an advocate for funding for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance programs. “There is nothing I would rather be known for

than as a champion for children,” Turner said……..A NEW DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN BLACK STUDIES will be offered by the University of Texas at Austin. The program was recently approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and will be a first of its kind in the Southwest. The Department of African and African Diaspora Studies will administer the new degree program, which will credential scholars with expertise in the discipline created by and about people of African descent. The curriculum will give students a strong foundation in Black studies, while exposing them to the theories and methods of disciplines in the arts,

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

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national

President Obama meets the press.

Mitt Romney speaks to voters.

Hurricane Sandy throws candidates off course

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Defender News Services

ne week before Election Day, President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney were blown off course by Hurricane Sandy.

The massive storm hammered the East Coast, where it caused some 20 deaths and left more than 7 million homes and businesses without power. It also forced Obama and Romney to switch gears in a presidential race that is too close to call.

Instead of traveling across the country in search of votes, Obama returned to Washington, D.C. to direct relief operations. He said he is not worried about the storm’s impact on the election.

“I’m worried about the impact on families,” Obama said. “I’m worried about the impact on our first-responders. I’m worried about the impact on our economy, and on

transportation.

“The election will take care of itself next week,” he added. “Right now our number one priority is to make sure that we are saving lives, that search and rescue teams are going to be in place, that people are going to get the food, the water, the shelter they need in case of emergency and that we respond as quickly as possible to get the economy back on track.”

Both the Obama and Romney campaigns suspended fundraising e-mails in states affected by the storm. In New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, the Romney camp collected supplies at campaign offices for storm victims.

Romney also issued a message to those in areas impacted by the storm.

“For safety’s sake, as you and your family prepare for the storm, please be sure to bring any yard signs inside. In high winds they can be dangerous, and cause damage to

homes and property,” his message said.

“I’m never prouder of America than when I see how we pull together in a crisis.

There’s nothing that we can’t handle when we stand together.”

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 2 NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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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2012

FOR

AGAINST

NOVEMBER 1 | 2012 | DEFENDER

General Mobility Program Referendum

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

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Black voter turnout expected to remain high

More significantly, Bositis said, “the rac- President Obama a one-term president and ism that has appeared in the Republican Party their stymieing of his legislative agenda to will make African-Americans vote, even if that purpose; to the entire “birther” movement they aren’t enthusiastic.” and the unchecked racist elements of the Tea From the president’s first day in office, Party Movement among other insults big and he has been the object of racist attacks. small.

From Rep. Joe Wilson shouting “You lie” All of that could spur Black voters, during his first State of the Union speech; experts said, to stand in solidarity with the to Republican leaders’ priority of making T:4.79”president.

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hen Americans go to the polls on Nov. 6, support for President Obama will remain virtually unchanged among Black voters, some experts predict.

“I think Black support for Obama would be the same,” said David Bositis, senior analyst at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. “In terms of turnout, 2008 was a record year. But if there’s going to be a difference this year, it’s going to be small.”

The prediction is puzzling to some given the dramatically different voting climates of 2008 and this year.

“There’s no comparison. The climate was much more uplifting in 2008,” Bositis said.

Back then, most Americans were willing to take a chance on a then-unknown candidate who sold them on his vision of hope and change. African-Americans were buoyed by racial pride in the nation’s first viable Black candidate.

The general optimism translated into unprecedented civic participation: campaign volunteerism and individual campaign donations increased, voter registration and turnout spiked, particularly among African Americans.

According to a Pew Research Center report, the Black turnout rate increased 4.9 percentage points, from 60.3 percent in 2004 to 65.3 percent – a 2 million voter increase – in 2008, nearly matching the voter turnout rate of white eligible voters (66.1 percent).

In 2012, the voting climate is a much bleaker one, particularly for Black voters.

Campaigns operate in much dirtier and rougher political waters, driven by the Supreme Court decision in the Citizens’ United, which has allowed corporations to pour millions of dollars into anti-Obama campaign advertising and lobbying.

Economically, the fortunes of the Black community have plunged. In 2004, half of

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African-Americans have also led in jobThe Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2012 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. lessness, which reached as high as 16 percent.

In September 2012, 13.4 percent or 2.44 million Black workers couldn’t find work—and that does not count those who were underemployed or who gave up and stopped looking.

Those dire straits have shaken the faith 1 TX6358_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_1101.indd of many in the Black community, who saw Obama as a potentialSaved savior. at Michael Jones, 3:23 PM Printed At 10-25-2012 from EJACOBSON-MacPro

by Eddie Jacobson / Tommy Salazar an undecided Black voter who questioned Job info Approvals Fonts & Images the president at the recent presidential debate JobHempstead, # Creative Dir None Fonts TX6358 at Hofstra University in N.Y., Client Art Director None Helvetica (Black), Helvetica Neue (Medium, TEXAS LOTTERY exemplified those concerns.

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For Blacks, the path to the ballot box has also been muddied by a steady barrage of Republican-led voter suppression tactics, 206 E. 9th Street • Austin, TX 78701 Tel 512.479.6200 Fax 512.479.6024 including restrictive voter ID laws; and plans Prepared by LatinWorks Marketing, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved. to intimidate Blacks and other traditionallyDemocratic voting blocs.

Still, African-American support for the enroll today at president remains resolute. An NBC News/ hccs.edu Wall Street Journal poll put Black support at 94-0 percent for Obama, which is on trend with his 2008 figures, and that was even after the president announced his support for gay marriage.

Bositis said African-American voters still believe President Obama will advance their interests more than Republican candidate Mitt The reasons people choose HCC are as diverse as the Romney.

Houstonians we serve. And no institution does more to get “The president has done a lot to help students where they’re going faster than HCC. We keep African-Americans, including the health care bill,” he said. “African-Americans, in terms Houston working with affordable tuition, innovative courses, of politics, are very mature. They don’t need and convenient locations. their hands held or their heads patted…They know what’s best for them.”

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NOVEMBER 1 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Naomie Harris

entertainment

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New ‘Bond girl’ jumps into role

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

aomie Harris was born in 1976 in London, where she was reared as an only child by a single mom and TV scriptwriter of Jamaican heritage.

The accomplished young actress has already made a name for herself in film, television and theater, and just completed production on “A Long Walk to Freedom,” a biopic in which she portrayed Nelson Mandela’s wife Winnie.

She recently starred at the National Theater in London in Danny Boyle’s production of “Frankenstein,” and was last seen on the big screen playing a grammar schoolteacher who fights for the right of an 84 year-old Kenyan to be educated in “The First Grader.”

Naomie’s breakthrough performance was in the 2002 film “28 Days Later” and she went on to receive further acclaim for her role as Tia Dalma in “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End.” Her other major feature film credits include “Miami Vice” and “Street Kings.” On television she’s starred in several BBC productions.

Naomie graduated with honors from Cambridge University with a degree in social and political science prior to training at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Here, she talks about her latest outing as a Bond girl opposite Daniel Craig as 007 in “Skyfall.”

KW: What’s it like to be a part of such a storied, classic franchise? Were you at all intimidated?

NH: It was intimidating in the beginning, for sure. I was really nervous, because I was certain it was going to be bigger than anything I’d ever done before. But I was relieved when I actually discovered that there was a family atmosphere on the set, with a brother-sister team, Barbara [Broccoli] and Michael [Wilson] running it all.

They’re incredibly down-to-earth and really warm, so it was like making a little independent movie most of the time. That was quite surprising to me, because I’d expected it to feel huge.

But it didn’t at all. It felt quite intimate.

KW: I loved you in “Ninja Assassin,” which was an action-adventure that might have served as a preparation for “Skyfall.”

NH: In some ways, except that in that movie I was mostly

Naomie Harris joined Daniel Craig at the premiere of “Skyfall.”

screaming and running away from the bad guys, whereas in this one I’m generally jumping into the action and fighting with them. So, yeah, it was somewhat similar, but also very different.

KW: What was the audition process like for such a physically demanding role?

NH: [Director Sam Mendes] did say the role would involve a lot of action, and asked if I was okay with that. Of course, I said, “Yes!” because you’d say “Yes!” to anything auditioning for a Bond film. But I didn’t realize just how much physicality was going to be required of me.

KW: How demanding did it turn out to be?

NH: I did more physical preparation for this, than I’d ever done for any role. I trained for a couple months. I was out on the shooting range twice a week. I worked out with a personal trainer for two hours a day, five days a week. So, it was quite demanding.

KW: What was it like working with Daniel Craig?

NH: I really enjoyed working with Daniel, because he’s a brilliant actor at the top of his game. That gave me an opportunity to learn from the best, which is what you’re always Continued on Page 8

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Naomie...Continued from page 7 looking for as a performer in order to grow and get better at your craft.

It was also great because he was so nice and incredibly supportive, because it really was an intimidating experience for me. He sort of held my hand and said, “We’re in this together and we’ll get through it together.” And he did look after me.

KW: Growing up in London, did you ever think you would be a secret agent in a Bond film?

NH: I never ever thought that I would be in a Bond film, ever, which is weird because I grew up loving these amazing movies. But I never thought of it as a possibility, because there aren’t very many Black Bond women. So, it never occurred to me. But I absolutely love being part of it, and that not only am I a Bond girl, but I get to be an agent as well.

KW: How do expect being a Bond girl to affect your career?

NH: I definitely think it will affect it positively, because it means that now I’m much more visible to a wider audience. Directors and studios in particular are a lot more interested. So, I expect it’s going to have a very positive impact on my career.

Badu headlines concert Erykah Badu headlines a homecoming concert sponsored by Texas Southern University on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. in the H&PE Arena on campus. Hip-hop recording artist Kendrick Lamar will also perform.

Badu, a native of Dallas, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts and attended Grambling State University. Her acclaimed first album, “Baduizm,” was released in 1997 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts.

Often called the “Queen of NeoSoul,” she has won four Grammy Awards, three Soul Train Music Awards and two NAACP Image Awards.

Tickets for the concert are $40. For more information visit www.tsu.edu.

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What’sup ZOE SALDANA is wearing a prosthetic nose and dark make-up in an effort to look more like jazz singer NINA SIMONE in a movie currently shooting in Los Angeles. Saldana raised eyebrows when she was first cast to portray Simone, who was curvier and dark-skinned. Simone’s own daughter even spoke out against the casting choice. “My mother was raised at a time when she was told her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark,” Lisa Simone Kelly said in an interview with the New York Times.

“Appearance-wise this is not the best choice.” MIKE EPPS is playing legendary comedian RICHARD PRYOR in the film. Pryor opened for Simone during their rise to fame in the early 1960s. In her biography, Simone revealed that she consoled Pryor before his performances because he had stage fright……..

EDDIE MURPHY will be honored by some of Hollywood’s biggest – and funniest – stars during “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only,” a televised tribute.

The celebrity lineup features CHRIS ROCK, TRACY MORGAN, ARSENIO HALL and MARTIN LAWRENCE, among others. The show tapes Nov.

3 in L.A. and premieres Nov. 14 on Spike TV. “There is no better time than the present to honor a man who has for three decades touched the hearts of millions through laughter,” said Vernon Lynch, Murphy’s brother and executive producer……..MARY MARY earned nine nominations for the 28th annual Stellar Awards, which take place Jan. 19 in Nashville.

Gospel music newcomer CHARLES JENKINS received eight nominations, while MARVIN SAPP and FRED HAMMOND each received six. ……..

VIOLA DAVIS was honored with the Woman of the Year Award by Friendly House, a Los Angeles organization that helps women recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. Davis is a longtime supporter of the nonprofit……..QUEEN LATIFAH’S daily syndicated talk show will debut in fall 2013 on CBS affiliates, reports Deadline.com. The show will feature celebrity interviews, human interest stories, comedy, pop culture and musical performances. Latifah is executive producer of the show, along with WILL & JADA PINKETT SMITH.

NOVEMEBR 1 | 2012 | DEFENDER

The rise of America’s mass affluents

By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

I found information in Nielsen’s newest report, Affluence in America: A Financial View of the Mass Affluent, so interesting that I thought you might too.

Mass affluents are defined as households with income producing assets (IPAs) of $250,000 to $1 million (not including real estate), reporting actual average annual income of $105,000.

Mass affluents are 11.1 percent of the population or 13,000,000 households. And we, as Blacks, are represented in these numbers.

According to Nielsen’s in-depth report, African-American Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing, developed through our collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), 10 percent of African-American households earn $100,000 or more.

Mass affluents are not celebrities or jet-setters from “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” that early 1990s forerunner to many of today’s over-the-top reality shows based on the most obscene excesses money can buy.

According to the affluence report, mass affluents work for the money – heading everyday to white collar jobs in management, business Continued on Page 14

Election Day is Nov. 6, 2012

FOR!

Election Day is Nov. 6, 2012

FOR!

Thethe HCC bond will fuel job growth and keep Vote FOR Houston’s economy strong by developing Vote FOR the Houston’s economy strong by developing our workforce to our workforce HCC Bond HCC to Bond Building classrooms for energy and technology strengthen Building classrooms for energy and technology strengthen professionals and healthcare providers like nurses professionals and healthcare providers like nurses For every tax dollar we invest in HCC we get back Houston’sHouston’s For every tax dollar we invest in HCC we get back $2.60 in savings and services $2.60 in savings and services economy. economy.

The impact for a home valued at $150,000 would The HCC bond will fuel job growth and keep

The impact for a home valued at $150,000 would be an increase of $30.92 per year be an increase of $30.92 per year

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Learn more at

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Paid Political Ad by Citizens for Educational Excellence – Kelly Frels Treasurer Paid Political Ad by Citizens for Educational Excellence – Kelly Frels Treasurer

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

City of Houston Mayor Annise Parker is banking on Houston voters to approve her $410 million public improvement bond package that designates money for public safety needs, repairs to city-owned buildings, affordable housing, libraries and park upgrades.

Opponents of the bond identify the economic downturn as the reason they believe now is the wrong time for such a bond.

However, Parker has a different take.

Amount: “I know that families $410 million across Houston have cut back and are doing more with less,” Where money will go Voter approval would provide Parker said. “Cities must live funding for city public within their means, too. That’s improvements for the next why this bond measure is the five years. The bond package smallest in more than 30 years. includes $144 million for “We’re doing more projpublic safety needs; $63 million for health, sanitation/ ects on a pay-as-you-go basis recycling, and general so we can borrow less. And government improvements this bond measure is the most at city facilities not included fiscally responsible plan – we in the other categories (i.e. are asking only for what we renovation of the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center); $15 need, and there will be no tax million for demolition of increase,” she said. blighted properties to make In addition to being the way for new affordable smallest bond referendum in housing; $28 million for 30 years, the mayor’s proposal libraries; and $160 million for parks, including the Bayou is approximately $135 to $350 Greenways Project and million less than the three improvements to swimming previous bond referendums pools, pavilions and ball Houston voters have considfields. ered in the last 15 years.

This is due to ReBuild Outcome: Houston’s pay-as-you-go Houstonians would see projected improvements over approach, which provides apthe next five years, beginning proximately $125 million of immediately. debt-free street and drainage improvements annually. In the absence of ReBuild Houston, the bond request would be larger.

“The [city bonds] will provide the funds to improve our parks and make them safer, rebuild aging libraries, repair health clinics, improve neighborhood fire and police stations and tear down dangerous buildings to make way for new affordable housing,” Parker said.

“And all these projects will, together with the city’s Hire Houston First program, create thousands of good, local jobs.”

Parker believes that in general, a “yes” vote for the bond will mean an improved quality of life for Houston residents.

The bond

Taxes for a be

By ASWAD Defen

Harris County residents will cast their ballots for or ag Voters are being asked to approve millions of dollars in funding for the School District and the Metropolitan Transit Authority. The D

HCC

Amount:

$425 million

Where money will go:

If Houston Community College’s $425 million bond proposal passes on Nov. 6, funds will be allocated for new facilities, improvements and acquisitions needed to prepare for the future economic prosperity of the greater Houston area.

Specifically, money will be spent on expanded healthcare facilities, workforce centers, STEM facilities, and early college high school offerings.

According to HCC officials the bond referendum takes into account the current and long-term academic success and workforce readiness essential to the economic growth of the Houston region.

“Voters should pass this bond because of the return on investment it offers,” said Carroll Robinson, District IV trustee for HCC. There has been little to no organized opposition to the bond, inferring that many Houstonians agree that the demand for services far outpace HCC’s current infrastructure and resources.

Since 2007, the college has grown by 40 percent, and is currently operating at 92 percent capacity. Most of HCC’s facilities are either near capacity or have exceeded capacity as well.

HCC’s Coleman College for Health Sciences, for example, was originally built to accommodate 1,500 students, but now serves 3,500, with some students having to schedule their lab hours past midnight.

Healthcare facilities, workforce centers, STEM facilities, and early college high school facilities

Outcome:

HCC will start putting requests for architects and other key personnel in 2013. HCC officials state that facilities will start being built in early 2014, and open for use by the end of that same year.

With the average cost of a house in Houston at $150,000, residents can expect to pay an additional $30.92 a year if the bond passes, depending upon the fluctuation in property valuation.

The measure being proposed includes a tax rate increase of 2 cents over a 30-year period. Even with this increase, HCC’s tax rate is lower than other taxing districts in the region and one of the lowest in the state.

“Houston is fortunate that we have enjoyed a strong economy all along with the Texas Medical Center and Port of Houston serving as economic engines,” Robinson said. “So we can sustain the additional strain of the bond, especially with the housing market recovering.

“But we still have people that need additional training to get back to work. Thus, now is the best time to do it. Education is the cornerstone for economic growth; we can’t wait for the economy to get better,” Robinson said.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

11

page

d issues

etter Houston

D WALKER nder

gainst four important referendums in the general election. e City of Houston, Houston Community College, the Houston Independent Defender takes a look at the referendums and what’s at stake.

HISD

The Houston Independent School District’s bond proposal seeks funds to modernize outdated high school buildings and build new schools to meet students’ needs across the district.

The proposal would provide funding for new campuses for 20 high schools, and also go toward partially replacing four high schools and renovating four others.

“HISD high schools are, on average, 50 years old,” said Sue Davis, spokesperson for Citizens for Better schools, a group that is urging voters to support the proposal.

“Studies have shown that it is harder for children to learn in inadequate school facilities, resulting in performing poorly on tests, having lower attendance and greater drop-out rates. We need to show our children how valuable they are and that we are committed to their success,” Davis said.

“Some of Houston’s historically African-American high schools would be completely rebuilt from the ground up,” added HISD spokesman Jason Spencer. “Schools that would be demolished and replaced with modern campuses include Yates, Booker T. Wash-

Amount:

$1.89 billion

Where money will go:

In addition to high school replacement and renovation, the proposal would convert five elementary schools into K-8 campuses, build three new elementary schools and replace/complete two new middle school campuses. Funds are also earmarked for: $100 million for technology improvements; $44.7 million to replace regional field houses and improve athletic facilities; $35 million to renovate middle school restrooms; and $17.3 million for safety and security improvements.

Outcome:

Design and planning work for the construction and renovation projects would begin in 2013.

Construction on many projects would begin in 2014. HISD officials expect the entire building program to take six to eight years.

ington, Sterling, Worthing, and Barbara Jordan High School for Careers.

“Jones and Kashmere high schools would undergo renovations. Dowling Middle School would be demolished and replaced,” Spencer said.

The contention some have with the bond is the same reservation others have with the other bond and referendums on the November ballot – asking for money during tough economic times.

Spencer said Houston’s economy is strong, and quality schools play a critical role in the city’s ability to maintain its economic strength over the long run.

“Schools are the backbone of our neighborhoods,” Davis said. “When there is a good school in a community, parents want their kids to attend the local school, people move into that area, churches open up, property values increase and everyone benefits.”

e Houston area for over 80 years

Metro The Metro General Mobility Program (GMP) referendum will also be on the ballot. The proposal would continue the GMP in its current form, allocating a quarter of its one-cent sales tax to its 16-member jurisdictions.

However, allocations will be fixed at the 2014 levels with any growth in revenues beyond the quarter of the sales tax being split 50-50 between Metro and the other jurisdictions from October 2014 through December 2025. This allocation change is targeted to result in an additional $400 million for the transit agency.

“This proposal will focus on two things – increased ridership and fiscal responsibility,” said Gilbert Garcia, Metro’s chairAmount: man. $400 million “The transit agency will be able to enhance our bus service Where money will go: and reduce short-term debt on Funds would go toward the balance sheet. Throughout building ridership and making improvements to the public discussions and meetexisting system. This would ings, I have always tried to include expanding local find some type of compromise bus service and facilities, between the parties who wanted providing new park & ride to continue GMP as it is, or services, and installing more bus shelters. Funds would end the program. This measure also be used to pay down works toward that goal.”

Metro’s commercial paper Keep Houston Moving debt. None of the additional Forward PAC is one of the long funding would be used for list of entities and individuals the rail. supporting the METRO referendum. Citizens Transportation Outcome: Officials say that in 2015, the Coalition and Houston Tomorfirst year referendum funds row are two groups who oppose would be used, $5-8 million the referendum. would be applied toward Blazek Crossley, a member the shelter program. The of Houston Tomorrow, believes agency foresees having its short-term debt paid off by Houstonians can have better 2019. transportation options than the ones that will be funded by the referendum. A vote “against” the proposition means that the GMP will end in September 2014 and all sales tax revenues will remain with METRO. “We think our job is to reach out to Houstonians, talk about transit, and make people understand that we can have a much better transit future,” said Crossley.

Judge Dwight Jefferson, a Metro board member, supports the referendum.

“In the long run, the referendum will provide financial sustainability to complete the rail lines, and for Houstonians who live in some of the outlying areas, improved commuter services,” Jefferson said.

12

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

health

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A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

High blood pressure: Another adult disease invades children’s health According to the Centers for Disease Control, 67 million Americans have high blood pressure. Often nicknamed the silent killer, high blood pressure often has no real symptoms but is a major contributor to heart attack and stroke. Historically, high blood pressure is viewed as an adult disease. The global pediatric obesity epidemic has changed the direction of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure. Several major scientific studies have shown that the prevalence of high blood pressure in children tracks along with increasing body weight. High blood pressure during childhood also has been shown to be a strong risk factor for hypertension in adulthood and to be associated with early markers of cardiovascular disease.

Other than weight, increasing fruits and vegetables and physical activity play an important role in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.

Remember that the potassium in fruits and vegetables helps to neutralize the higher sodium intake. Recent studies have refocused our attention on reducing sodium as an important public health strategy. The latest USDA recommendation is to limit sodium to 2,300 mg. The American

Heart Association recommends a more stringent limit with the recommendation of no more than 1,500 mg for all Americans.

Unfortunately, our children are over the limit. In a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, a survey of more than 6,000 children between the ages of 8 and 18 consumed almost 3,400 mg of sodium per day. In this study, the combination of increased sodium and weight was most problematic. Overweight children with high sodium intakes had a 3.5 times the risk of high blood pressure. For overweight children,

and lunch meats can exceed 1,000 mg per serving and are the major contributors to the sodium intake of the American diet.

Roberta Anding, director of sports nutrition at Texas Children’s

losing some weight and reducing sodium intake helps to control high blood pressure.

Although the salt shaker is a logical guess, more sodium comes from packaged and convenience foods. In fact, the American Heart Association has estimated that 75 percent of our sodium intake comes from processed and prepared foods.

Foods such as prepared dinners, soups

Hospital suggests adding more vegetables and fruits to meals as they are naturally low in sodium and when eating out, particularly at fast food restaurants, chose wisely as the sodium content is often over the daily limit.

Use MyPlate as a guide and you can quickly reduce the sodium content of your children’s meal – and most importantly help protect their health!

healthnotes Protect babies from whooping cough Doctors know the sound – the distinctive “whoop” a child makes when trying to breathe after a coughing fit, which is why it is known as “whooping cough.” It is a highly contagious disease, and infants younger than 6 months, who are most likely to be hospitalized from the illness, are too young to be fully vaccinated against it.

That’s why it is up to parents, siblings and other caregivers to receive their Tdap booster vaccine so that they cannot pass whooping cough, also known as pertussis, to the young infant. Referred to as “cocooning,” this strategy of vaccinating loved ones and anyone who will be in close contact with the baby is an essential part of the strategy recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect babies from whooping cough.

“The other part of this strategy recommends that expectant mothers receive their Tdap booster vaccine during the last part of their pregnancy so that the mother’s antibodies will pass to the baby before birth and offer some protection in the baby’s first few months,” said Dr. Mary Healy, director of vaccinology and maternal immunization for the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children’s Hospital. “If mothers do not receive Tdap during pregnancy, then they should receive it before they are discharged from the hospital after the baby is born.”

Nearly 75 percent of infants who contract whooping cough are infected by someone in their household, and two-thirds of infected infants under 6 months are hospitalized.

Since babies can’t start their whooping cough vaccination series until they are 2 months old, and they are not fully protected until after their third dose at 6 months of age, it’s up to the parents to make sure their little one is protected from this potentially deadly disease.

Sleep for young children All parents run across sleep dilemmas with their child at some point. The good news is, for the vast majority of people, healthy sleep is just a habit away. Dr. Marni Axelrad, a clinical child and adolescent psychologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, provides tips to help parents with babies 9 months and older.

What is enough sleep?

While it varies, on average: • 1 to 2-year-olds need 11 to 12.5 hours of sleep per night.

• 3 to 5-year-olds need 10.5 to 11.5 hours.

• 6 to 7-year-olds need about 10.5 hours.

• 7 to 13-year-olds need about 10 hours.

• Even 18-year-olds need about nine hours of sleep each night.

This may seem impossible because by the time parents arrive home from work, eat dinner, do homework, maybe go to soccer – it is already too late for bedtime. Life happens, but try to structure your routine in a way that would get your children the amount of sleep they will thrive on most of the time. For

instance, if your child will sleep an hour later on a weekend, see if you can get on a soccer team on Fridays.

When should my child give up her nap?

Most 4-year-olds are no longer napping, but some still are. The amount of time a child needs to sleep is spread over a 24-hour period.

For this reason, your 4-year-old may go to sleep earlier than your 2-year-old. If your 4-year-old still naps, good for you, but understand that when they are in school this will no longer happen, and bedtime will need to be adjusted.

Dr. Marni Axelrad

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NOVEMBER 1| 2012 | DEFENDER

13

Texas Children’s Health Plan covers children from newborns to teenagers. We even cover adults and pregnant moms through STAR Medicaid. Families with children who qualify for CHIP pay $50 or less a year. Those who qualify for Medicaid pay nothing.

CHIP and STAR Medicaid offer a wide range of benefits including checkups and shots, dental services, medications, and more.

With Texas Children’s Health Plan you also get: ■

Over 2,100 doctors.

■

A 24-hour nurse hotline.

■

Free transportation to doctor visits.

■

Pregnancy support program and classes.

■

Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.

■

Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.

■

Fun, free member events!

For more information, to receive an application, or to

MK-1208-007

find an event in your area, visit us online or call today.

14

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

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The Rise...Continued from page 9 ....

or finance; or own their own business(es).

Mass affluent households are broken down into distinct segments, based loosely on differences in age, income and family makeup by Nielsen P$YCLE, a household segmentation system. I’ll bet we’ll see ourselves or someone we know.

First, there are the Globetrotters. These are empty-nesters over 65, who have or had sixfigure incomes, have paid their dues, are comfortable financially and are spending their free time traveling.

Business Class is defined as 50-something childless or empty-nest couples who are kind of “chi-chi-lala,” as Oprah used to say.

You know, the country club lifestyle with an extravagant spending style, scoring high for business and pleasure travel and high-end catalog shopping.

Power Couples are described as well-educated, mostly 45 to 54-yearolds with six-figure incomes, no children, de-

signer homes, diversified investment portfolios and love shopping at stores like Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor.

Civic Spirits are over 65-year-old retired couples who are anything but retired. These are the activists in our communities – the people who write the letters to the editor and their political representatives. They are also the more cautious investors, ranking high for buying long-term care insurance and residential insurance for their condos.

And, the kids are gone.

The Family Fortunes are described as collegeeducated 45 to 64-yearold suburbanites with more children than any other segment, high incomes, expensive homes, multiple investments and an energetic lifestyle who enjoy “pricey” sports like skiing and tennis.

Capital

Accumulators are 45 to 64-year-old empty nest suburbanites who pay a great amount of attention to their real estate investments, IRAs and 401(k) retirement accounts.

These smart cookies have parlayed upper middleclass income into serious income-producing assets and tend to lead very active lifestyles.

Lastly, we have the Savvy Savers. These are well-invested retirees who have raised their children and enjoy low-key lifestyles – like watching sports like golf on TV and are active in their social clubs. Even though they have invested cautiously and carefully with sizable nest eggs, Savvy savers take full advantage of senior discounts, coupons and value-oriented travel options.

Once upon a time, those considered welloff typically congregated in monied pockets in big cities or in posh, sunny golf communities. As that demographic has expanded and diversified, mass affluents are increasingly found in the suburbs and exurbs, which are small, prosperous areas beyond suburbs, of the nations’ big cities all

over the country.

However, data shows that mass affluents are more than twice as likely to live near the San Francisco area, followed by: Washington, D.C, Hartford and New Haven, Conn., Boston, New York, Honolulu, Baltimore, Monterey-Salinas, Calif., San Diego and Santa Barbara.

Consistent with Nielsen’s report on African-American consumers, the top five designated market areas (DMA) for African-Americans with $100K-plus household income are: Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta, Norfolk, Va. and New

York.

Analysis of the consumer habits of mass affluents also describe this consumer segment as engaged – going online multiple times each day; and as being adopters of high-end technology like digital recorders, tablet devices (31 percent) and smartphones (59 percent).

In closing, let’s congratulate our sisters and brothers who have achieved such financial success. If that happens to be you, my message, as always, continues to be the same as my message is for all Black consumers: Be sure you’re using your power for good.

classified OPPORTUNITIES IN VISION CARE Berkeley Eye Center is currently accepting resumes for employment opportunities within our practice.

Opportunities are available for experienced medical front desk receptionists, opticians and Ophthalmic Assistants at our offices located throughout the Greater Houston Area.

We value team-players who are friendly, flexible people of integrity.

Berkeley Eye Center is Houston’s only vision care practice to be recognized in the Houston Chronicle as a 2011 Top Workplace. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes health, dental and life insurance as well as free vision care, paid time off and holidays.

If you would like to be considered for a position within Berkeley Eye Center please email your resume to: resumes@berkeleyeye.com.

For more information on Berkeley Eye Center we invite you to go to our website berkeleyeye.com.

CEO / Executive Director The Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA) www.hchatexas.org located in Houston, Texas, is currently soliciting qualified applicants to fill the position of CEO/Executive Director. HCHA’s mission is to promote innovative housing communities and encourage clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

This position plans and directs all aspects of the organization’s policies, objectives, and initiatives and is responsible for the short and long-term profitability and growth of the Authority. The CEO/Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for implementation of agency policies as well as organizing and directing all operations within the Authority.

The new CEO/Executive Director will lead a staff of over thirty-five (35) employees and oversee operations and programs including eight (8) affordable housing communities, and approximately 4,000 housing choice vouchers. The Executive Director position mandates a strong working knowledge of HUD, section 8 and local housing regulations and procedures. All candidates must have: (i) knowledge of the processes and procedures for the design and development of affordable housing, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, single-family subdivision development, In-fill development, and affordable housing financing; (ii) three (3) or more years of management experience in public housing or a similar organization, (iii) strong working knowledge of the fiscal management of a Housing Authority; (iv) the ability to comprehend complex government regulations, reports, contract and guidelines; and (v) act as a liaison between FHA and HUD and respond to HUD directives as required.

Additionally, a qualified applicant must possess knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a graduate degree, or higher, in a course of study related to the occupational field.

Applicants will be graded according to their experience, ability to work well with others, leadership, management and purchasing skills. A competitive compensation package will be offered; applications will be accepted beginning October 29, 2012 through November 16, 2012. Candidate must possess a valid Driver’s License and must pass a drug screening, criminal and credit check. The Authority will not incur the expense to relocate or cover travel to interview an applicant for the position.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest together with a detailed resume including salary history and demand as well as three (3) professional references that can attest to leadership and work history within two (2) weeks to the attention of: Angela Sklavos, Director of Human Resources, Harris County Housing Authority, 8933 Interchange Drive, Houston, TX 77054.

defendernetwork.com

OCTOBER 25 | 2012 | DEFENDER

15

Author Aswad Walker profiles two Black leaders

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

A

s a writer, pastor, educator and activist, Aswad Walker is immersed in the Black experience. He shares his knowledge in his new book, “Princes Shall Come Out of Egypt: A Comparative Study of the Theological and Ecclesiological Views of Marcus Garvey and Rev. Albert B. Cleage Jr.” He said the book celebrates the “incredible contributions” of two illustrious men of color.

“Garvey and Cleage are two leaders who have had a profound national and global impact upon Black people, yet neither has received their just due in terms of accolades or acknowledgement from Black people,” Walker said.

Walker wears many hats in the Houston community. He is a contributing writer with the Defender, a senior writer/editor at Texas Southern University and a lecturer with the University of Houston African American Studies Program.

He is pastor of the Shrine Christian Center of Houston of the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church, the very church founded by Cleage.

A native of Cincinnati, Walker earned a master’s degree in divinity from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University Aswad Walker spreads of Texas at Austin. the word.

While at UT he was a member of the Steve Biko CommitImprovement Association, an organization that tee, an organization that fought boasted upwards of six million members in the for divestment in apartheid South Africa. He was 1920s and 1930s. No Black organization before also one of the principle coordinators of the Milor since had such a far-reaching impact as the lion Youth Movement in Atlanta in 1998.

UNIA, with chapters on nearly every continent.

Walker is married and the father of six chilGarvey’s message of “Africa for the Afridren. He is the author of another book, “Weapons cans” resonated like no other with a global Pan of Mass Distraction: And Other Sermons for a African population, but has erroneously been New World Order,” published in 2004. reduced to three misleading words: “Back to Here, he talks about his latest effort.

Africa.”

Yet there has been no Black progressive Defender: There are numerous Africanmovement or Black leader on the planet that was American leaders/activists you could have chosen not inspired by the philosophy and ideology of to profile. Why Marcus Garvey and Rev. Cleage?

Garvey.

Walker: Garvey headed the Universal Negro

Cleage is considered by many to be the “Father of Black Liberation Theology” thanks in large part to his first book, “The Black Messiah (1968).” Cleage worked to make the Black church relevant to the 1960s struggle for Black empowerment.

In so doing, Cleage inspired the birth of the liberation theology movements in Latin America, the Pacific Rim, and many parts of Africa. During his career, he worked with Paul Robeson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and countless others.

His work energizing the Black church for participation in the political process, and in social justice movements paved the way for new realities and opportunities for Blacks across the country.

Defender: How and why did you choose your book title?

Walker: I view Garvey as one of the most under-appreciated theologians in this nation’s history. He had more writings about his belief about God, Jesus, humanity, salvation and the role of the church than most of the so-called great theologians celebrated in divinity schools across the country.

And though Garvey did not have an official UNIA church, the organizaContinued on Page 16

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1| 2012

defendernetwork.com

autoreview

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

This is the old-school Jeep.

With all due respect to the Jeep Liberty and Cherokees on the road, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4 appeals to the hardcore loyalists.

Some of us remember that military-looking rig that can navigate the most challenging terrain while equally adept on the local toll road.

Jeep has preserved the rugged Jeep spirit of yesteryear. For example, the latest Wrangler Sahara still sports exposed door and hood hinges, removable doors, exterior hood latches and tail lamps that aren’t faired into the body shell.

Yet there is a wide array of comforting amenities to the former World War II all-purpose vehicle that was once called “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare.” Power windows and door locks, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and a colorful navigation system are just a few of the updates.

There’s also an optional five-speed automatic transmission available. But if you’re any kind of retro roughneck, the manual transmission and a manual shifter for the four-wheel drive transfer case is the obvious choice.

Naturally, this 2012 Wrangler Sahara 4X4 test vehicle was equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission and command Trac shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive. Besides a heavy-duty feel and positive engagements that refuse to be hurried, this gearbox has a couple of interesting distinctions.

For instance, the gearbox is exclusive to this particular vehicle. You won’t find it in any other Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep product. Another distinction is that this set-up is the only way to get a stick shift paired with Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Penstar V-6 engine

that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pounds-per-foot of torque.

What you get with the combination of a V-6 engine and a manual transmission is a 0-to-60 miles per hour sprint in 6.8 seconds. However, thrust diminishes significantly as the speedometer needle climbs. In fact, acceleration is nearly non-existent in sixth gear that basically serves as an overdrive mode.

The serious off-road buff will love the bucking bronco ride. The elements that make the Wrangler a champion in the outback is also what makes it feel a bit clumsy on pavement.

Standard equipment includes a top-notch seven-speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer, temperature and compass gauge, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a rear fold-and-tumble seat.

Safety features include advanced multistage front air bags, electronic stability control, hill start assist and tire pressure monitoring system with warning lamp.

I’d say kudos for old-school.

SPECS

MSRP base price – $27,970 (as tested - $32,805) Engine – 3.6-liter V6 Transmission – Six-speed manual Fuel economy – 17 miles per gallon (city), 21 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost - $3,086

Walker...Continued from page 15 ....

tion’s meetings and structure resembled church life and reflected his incredible respect for his Christian faith. The motto of the UNIA, for example, was “One God, One Aim, One Destiny.”

During a 1924 UNIA Convention, Garvey boldly declared Mary as “the Black Madonna,” and Jesus as the “Black Man of Sorrows,” as well as calling Jesus “the greatest radical the world has ever known.” Everything Garvey did was inspired by his religious convictions.

For those who know Cleage’s legacy, most celebrate him for his social, educational and political impact. But Cleage said that everything he did in his life was out of his call to be a Christian.

I thought Garvey’s most oft quoted scripture, Psalms 68:31—“Princes shall come out of

Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God”— summed up how both men’s commitment to their faith moved them to not waste the Holy Spirit, but use it outside of the walls of the church to make the world a better place.

Defender: What message do you hope readers of your book will come away with?

Walker: I want readers to be inspired to do their own research on Garvey and Cleage, and to have the spiritual courage to wrestle with or at least consider how their theological positions challenge us today to shun hopelessness for a self-determining, can-do spirit, capable of charting our own course, with the Lord as our guide.

“Princes Shall Come Out of Egypt” is published by Kendall Hunt Publishing and available at www.kendallhunt.com or by calling 800228-0810.

“Garvey headed the Universal Negro Improvement Association, an organization that boasted upward of 6 million members in the 1920s and 1930s.”

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NOVEMBER 1 | 2012 | DEFENDER

opinion

17

President Barack Obama

By BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR. NNPA Columnist

Aislin, The Montreal Gazette

deserves our vote

In just a few days, millions of Americans will vote in the November 6 national elections. In those states where there is early voting, millions have already voted.

There is a clear choice between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. At the end of the day it is reduced to the question of “going forward” or “retreating backward” in clear terms of the social, economic, and political empowerment of people who historically have been marginalized and discriminated against because of race, ethnicity or class.

It is about the politics of inclusion versus the politics of exclusion. This election is more than a political struggle between the 99 percent and the 1 percent on the quest for wealth and economic control. The consequential future of America and the world is at stake.

For millions of African Americans, the importance of reelecting President Obama cannot be overstated. Given the state of Black America in 2012, the thought of going backward in our society should not even be an option.

We have come too far and made too much sacrifice and progress to turn around now because of what appears to be formidable opposition to our interests and future.

There is still time to reawaken those of us who have fallen asleep or who have become apathetic at this is another critical moment in our long struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment.

We have to ensure that we mobilize our family members and everyone in our communities about the importance of making sure that every eligible person will actually vote between now and November 6.

Every hour of every day now needs to be focused on getting out the vote (GOTV). It is time to pool all our organizational resources to stage the largest grassroots voter turnout in history. The African-American church community should be at the forefront of our GOTV nonpartisan work.

I am expressing my own personal views about this election in hopes to raise the level of awareness

and consciousness of others who may be mistakenly taking this election for granted. It does matter who wins. Not voting is an unforgivable sin.

On September 22, President Obama reminded us of the 150-year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation document that President Lincoln issued in 1862 to take effect on January 1, 1863.

Why is this an important reminder today in 2012?

It is important not to ever forget the history of slavery, Jim Crow and systematic denials of equal justice and freedom not only to African people, but also all people who have had to struggle to make advancement and progress against formidable odds and historical circumstances.

President Obama emphasized: “One hundred and fifty years after that historic even, we recognize an important milestone in the American story and reflect on the progress we have made toward realizing our nation’s founding promise of liberty and justice for all.

“Though it would take decades of struggle before African Americans were granted equal treatment and

protection under the law, the Emancipation Proclamation marked a courageous step forward in fulfilling that essential task,” he said.

“It affirmed that the Civil War was a war fought not only for the preservation of our union, but for freedom itself.

The Emancipation Proclamation stands among the documents of human freedom. As we commemorate this 150th anniversary, let us rededicate ourselves to the timeless principles it championed and celebrate the millions of Americans who have fought for liberty and equality in the generations since,” he said.

Each generation has to rise to its particular challenge of history. Today, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to keep pushing forward.

For Black Americans, voting is sacred and we dare not take this election lightly.

For all of those who have become cynical instead of being vibrant, enthusiastic and active, we have to remind them of the past and of the present.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have spent to suppress our vote and on negative deceptive television and radio ads, all designed to confuse, confound, and to immobilize people in our communities.

The worst form of suppression, however, is self-suppression and a sense of hopelessness. I am optimistic but know we still have a lot of work to do over the next days ahead.

Mitt Romney, in my view, represents the exclusive views and the ideology of the past. President Barack Obama is not only the hope for the future, but also he is doing a good job in the present in the face of fierce opposition and huge wealth stacked against him.

This is exactly the moment that our ancestors prayed for and gave of their sacrifice and blood. Let’s stand up together in this moment of decision. Let’s have a record turnout in every precinct in every state.

Let’s defy the odds once again. Let’s vote for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment of all.

Let’s re-elect President Barack H. Obama.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

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sports

2012 Rockets

Ready or not here they come

By MAX EDISON Defender

Less than a week before the NBA season begins, the Rockets have pulled of a blockbuster trade that has given them the one thing that they didn’t have on their roster – a legitimate NBA superstar.

The Rockets acquired Oklahoma City’s James Harden, an All-Star and Olympian, along with forwards Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward as well as center Cole Aldrich.

The Rockets will give the Thunder guard Kevin Martin, first-round James Harden, a pick Jerformer Oklahoma City emy Lamb, a Thunder star, is now a second-round Rocket. selection and two first-round selections.

Harden, 23, was the third player drafted in the 2009 NBA draft. He’s considered among the best young players in the league. He earned a gold medal in the London Olympics this summer and lost to LeBron James and the Heat in NBA Finals.

The trade to the Rockets was a shock for Harden – like going from the penthouse to the outhouse – but like a true professional, he put on a good face, beard and all.

“I feel like I’m in a great position, with a great team and some great young guys who are willing to work hard,” Harden said. “Obviously not starting and having this much attention on me, It’s going to take some time, but I think I’m ready for it.”

Head coach Kevin McHale is elated to have a player of Harden’s pedigree.

“I like the way he plays,” McHale said. “He’s got a pace to his game that I like. I think he plays at a speed where he can repeat things over and over again. He’s not playing at a warp speed. He’s a really sophisticated player.

“When I was working for TNT Chris Webber and I would say he plays an ‘old man’ game.

He really takes his time, and goes when he wants to go, starts, stops. He’s just a very good player.”

Second-year small forward Chandler Parsons also endorses the move to acquire a player of Harden’s skill set.

“He’s an elite player in this league. I think he’s a top three shooting guard,” Parsons

said. “I think he’s going to help us be deadly in the pick and roll. He can really shoot the ball.”

Make that endorsement ditto for Harden’s new backcourt mate, point guard Jeremy Lin. “He’s always been an efficient, easy player to play with,” Lin said. “The way he plays, the style he plays is very in tune with what we’re trying to do.”

The Rockets have now added one elite player to shepherd a flock of youngsters.

Their front line of center Omer Asik and a plethora of power forwards including Patrick Patterson, Terrence Jones, Greg Smith and Donatas Motiejunas are all talented, but extremely inexperienced.

The backcourt now has an element of stability with Harden and Lin, but the bench is shaky. Sean Livingston is a quality back-up with tremendous size and experience. Everybody else? Let’s just say they’re a work in progress.

Parsons showed great potential as a rookie at the small forward position and will be the opening day starter. Rookie Royce White has a unique skill set, but he’s still a rookie.

Last year’s first round selection Marcus Morris has been a major disappointment and could be on the trading block.

Regardless of what other moves GM Daryl Morey has up his sleeve, the NBA season is about to start.

For better or worse, ready or not, the Rockets have to start as well. Where they’ll finish, well that’s anybody’s guess.

Jeremy Lin, along with Harden, gives the backcourt more stability.

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Chandler Parsons showed great potential as a rookie small forward.

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h.s.zone Booker/Bryant Classic

reason to celebrate

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

There was a two-fold agenda at the annual Luther M. Booker/James “Bear” Bryant Memorial Classic football game between longtime rivals Jack Yates and Booker T. Washington High Schools at Barnett Stadium.

The commemorative game honoring the two successful head coaches, Booker at Yates and Bryant at Washington, began in 2005 when King Arthur Prayther submitted the idea to the Houston Independent School District athletic department for approval. The Yates-Washington football rivalry dates back to the late 1920s.

“Both of those coaches made local and state history and I thought it was significant to bring attention to what they accomplished on a yearly basis,” Prayther said. “Fortunately there were some other people in important places who agreed with me.”

“Bear” Bryant was the first African-American coach to guide his team to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state football semifinals following integration in 1967,” Prayther said. “Washington was also the first allBlack school to advance that far in 1968 with players like the late J.V. Cain and Larry Foster.”

Of the 33 players on the 1968 Washington varsity football team, 18 went on to play Division I college football and six played professional football.

A playoff game against Galveston Ball that season attracted a record 59,000 fans to Rice Stadium.

Booker guided the 1985 Yates Lions to the Class 5A state championship. Yates became the first Black school to win a state football title in the UIL’s largest classification. It was the first year of no pass, no play, and the Lions suffered no grade casualties and were the first school to finish with a perfect 16-0 record.

“Many people believe Luther Booker was an ex-football player, but his sport of choice in high school was swimming,” Prayther said. “He was a three-time swimming champion at

NOVEMBER 1 | 2012 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs UIL news The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has approved adding a fourth playoff qualifier from each district in all Class 3A and 2A team sports beginning in the 2013-14 school year. Eight Houston ISD schools that dropped from Class 4A to 3A this year to create District 23-3A will only have three playoff qualifiers in each team sport during the 2012-13 school year. The UIL also changed the language to allow television broadcasts of all playoff football games, effective immediately, if both schools agree to terms. The major non-football change was the UIL’s cutting back one tournament for all sports beginning next year. For example, in basketball, a team or individual can play no more than two tournaments plus 21 regular-season games prior to the playoffs. Cross country, golf, swimming, tennis, track and wrestling are now allowed seven meets before the district, regional and state meets. Two games may be substituted for a tournament in basketball, soccer and volleyball, three games in baseball and softball.

New classification coming

Former Yates coach Maurice McGowan is joined by 1992 players and others.

Wheatley High School.

When it came to football, he was a student of the game.

His knowledge of football was extraordinary.”

Booker compiled an overall record of 169-16-6 in 17 years at Yates.

This year, Yates won the 2012 edition of the Booker/Bryant Classic by a score of 13-3, with Yates quarterback Joshua Simmons scoring the game’s only two touchdowns and being named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Yates improved to Mrs. Clairene Booker and King Arthur Prayther 6-2 in the classic series.

Clairene Booker and Mrs. Charlotte Washington won the 2011 Bryant, were honored at the game. game 14-13 as War Eagles’ quarterback Another reason to celebrate at John Gibbs was selected MVP. Gibbs is the 2012 Booker/Bryant Classic was it currently at Alcorn State University and marked the 20th anniversary of HISD’s recently passed for 300 yards against last school to advance to a state chamPrairie View A&M. pionship football game. The 1992 Yates Former Yates quarterback Orie Lions coached by Maurice McGowan Lemon was the classic’s first MVP in and led by running back Gerald Moore 2005. Lemon was just activated from and middle linebacker Oscar Smallwood the Dallas Cowboys practice squad and lost 38-20 to Temple in the 5A title played special teams in last Sunday’s game. game against the defending Super Bowl Moore rushed for more than 2,000 champion New York Giants at Cowboys yards during the 1992 season, including Stadium.

1,140 yards in The widows of both coaches, Mrs.

The UIL school classifications will be renamed beginning in the 2014-16 realignment. The sixman category will become Class A, the current Class A becomes Class 2A and so on. That means Class 5A will become 6A, the state’s largest school classification category. The UIL made a similar move before the 1980-81 school year when it created Class 5A, which essentially turned Class B into Class A. Also starting in 2014, there will be a third classification in soccer and team tennis.

Current 3A soccer teams play in 4A, some facing opponents with significantly larger enrollments.

Panthers make a move After PV steamrolled Alcorn to win their homecoming the statement was made here that the Panthers still had a chance to win SWAC’s West title. They simply needed to win all of their remaining games. Last week they defeated Southern on the road 49-29 behind the phenomenal effort of sophomore QB De’Aundre Smiley to win their third consecutive game. The southpaw from Lufkin for threw four touchdowns, rushed for 170 yards and passed for 398 yards. Smiley was named conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week. For the third straight week, the Panthers surpassed the 500yard mark on offense as they finished with 645 (398 passing, 247 running) total offensive yards.

PV dominates preseason SWAC basketball The SWAC preseason basketball predictions are out and the PV Panthers are picked to finish first in both the men’s and women’s polls. The Panther men return all five starters from last year’s squad which finished third overall in the SWAC standings. Coach Byron Rimm’s squad is experienced and deep with very athletic talent.

Meanwhile Coach Toyelle Wilson’s Lady Panthers were picked atop the women’s preseason poll.

They have won the last two post season conference tournaments. They also boast the preseason Player of the Year, senior forward Latia Williams.

She averaged 14.2 ppg. and 8 rebounds last season as a junior.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 1 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

George and Angelee Rhyne and Sue and Lionel Feazell

Veronica and Keith Williams

Pamela Davis and Denise Malloy

Stephanie Paige, K’Netha Jones and Rod Paige

The Chargois family, Chris, Lisa, Ms. Chag, Dana and John

Ms. Chag

BLACK AND GOLD GALA…….The Douglas L. organization for a successful event. Ms. Chag served Williams Scholarship and Charitable Foundation, as mistress of ceremonies and about 200 supporters Inc. hosted their 7th Annual Black and Gold Gala attended, including Cecile and Clifton Lemelle, and chose the theme, “Empowerment Through Oliver Bonner, Sue and Lionel Feazell, Angelle Education.” The Foundation was and George Rhyne, and Janna Join Yvette Chargois implemented in July, 2006 to and Kurte Shephard. Continued provide worthwhile scholarships success!........POLO ANYONE?....

Events of the Week to academically eligible Houston The clouds gave way to a sunny day More photos on defendernetwork.com area students attending Grambling at the Houston Polo club recently See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads State University. Scholarships are for “Links, Chapeaus and Polo,” with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. awarded annually and the Black the signature fundraiser of the and Gold Gala is the signature Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of fundraiser event. Their goals include helping to the Links, Inc. The Links celebrates 65 years as a enhance moral and ethical values, encouraging women’s volunteer service organization committed students to achieve college degrees and become to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the cultural and successful graduates, who will in turn, commit to economic survival of African-Americans, improving giving back to the university, “The place where the quality of life for individuals, families and everybody is somebody.” We salute DLW Foundation communities. Many of the ladies wore beautiful hats president attorney Barbara Hudson, gala chairs while men enjoyed fine cigars and complementary Keith and Veronica Johnson Williams and the entire shoe shines in their “Just for Men” tent. Chapter

Oliver and Attorney Barbara Hudson-Bonner and Cecile and Clifton Lemelle, Sr.

Angela Veale Joubert, Josie Daniels and Sharon Murphy

Christian, Ashley, Brittney, Ms. Chag, Blaire, Yvette and Chazton

president Angela Veale Joubert, event chair Josie Daniels and event co-chair Sharon Murphy were all smiles as they greeted over 300 guests, including Anna James, Irene and Ron Johnson, Argentina James, Telisa Toliver, Jesse Tyson, Brenda and John Chase Jr., Drucie Chase, Pamela and Baley Davis and Denise Malloy, to name a few. Proceeds from the event will help close the education gap through college scholarships, and educational enrichment programs for youth and seniors in Acres Homes. Continued success to you also!......

BIRTHDAY BASH…..Ms. Chag celebrated her 70th birthday with her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, other family members and friends.

Time flies by when you’re having fun. Celebrating her 75th birthday was Emily Rose Watkins, while Gilda Thibodeaux celebrated her 98th birthday and Jacques Pierre Broussard celebrated his 1st birthday. Happy Birthday all!......From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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