FEATURE
WHY OPIOID ADDICTS GET COMPASSION BUT CRACK ADDICTS GOT MASS INCARCERATION P4
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Volume 87 | Number 1
NEWSTALK JAMES DIXON leading community concern over McNair comments
P2 ENTERTAINMENT ASHLEY SHAUNTE shines in “Akeelah and the Bee” stageplay
P8
THE POLITICS OF
H.S. ZONE
Hurricane Harvey H PAGE 6
Soledad O’Brien On Black athletes
J.J. Watt
The journalist weighed in on whether Black athletes have the option to stay on the sidelines in real life when it comes to social issues. In a speech lauding Arthur Ashe, she urged Black athletes to leverage their platforms.
The Texans superstar has revealed how he plans to distribute the $37 million that was raised for Hurricane Harvey relief through his foundation. The J.J. Watt Foundation will divide $30.15 million of the funds among four strategic partners.
H PAGE 9
distributing relief
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Aswad Walker and George Foreman at the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program luncheon
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 2 | 2017
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Community meeting produces demands for Bob McNair atonement Out of this I think we have to get [McNair] and the NFL to at least acknowledge this, and ultimately acknowledge how their policies affect Community leaders are issuing a call for action this crisis,” stated Richmond. in response to comments made by Texans’ owner Jackson Lee said Houston “can be the Robert McNair where he referred to NFL players as light that opens the NFL to a new day” while “inmates.” McNair was invited but did not attend due referencing the anti-Kaepernick individuals to health reasons, according to his representatives, to a who are boycotting the NFL. meeting at Community of Faith Church. The meeting “You may be losing money from a certain was an expansion of the conversation started by atsegment of the population, that does not read tendees of the press conference held immediately after the constitution, that has a very negative, hateMcNair’s initial statements came to light. ful attitude, but you’re not losing money by The theme from the press conference was a unithe future of America,” she said. “The largest fied rejection of the McNair statue due to be erected population in this country is millennials, and the in front of NRG Stadium. The community meeting millennials are the most adverse to discriminafocused mainly on next steps, including an outline of tion and racial distinction and racial disrespect. demands for redress. So I would offer to say to the NFL, your future “Most [NFL] players did not come from silver is with us in this room.” spoon backgrounds; they came from the hood,” said Other meeting attendees included U.S. Pastor James Dixon. “There must be a commitment Congressman Al Green, Commissioner Rodney by the Texans and the NFL to go back to these same Ellis, State Senator Borris Miles, State Reps. communities that produce these star athletes to make Local leaders attend an NAACP press conference held prior to a community meeting about Bob Senfronia Thompson and Ron Reynolds, Mo. sure that youth programs and educational programs are McNair’s comments. City councilmember-elect Jeffrey Boney, and well-funded.” Councilmember Jack Christie, who provided his Reverend E.A. Deckard called on McNair and the Texans thoughts on the genesis of McNair’s “inmates” comment. to sponsor little league football teams, after school programs “Any patient that undergoes chemo and radiation will have -Sponsorship of more community based programs with mentors and to join the fight to end mass incarceration. damage to the nervous system…Scientists know that cognitive -Eliminate plans for Bob McNair statue at NRG stadium “We must force the owner of the Texans to create sponthough processes are injured when you have chemicals in the -NFL acknowledge and work to address discrimination, sored programs to end mass incarceration…so young Black body,” said Christie. police misconduct and criminal justice reform. men, Brown men can put down their guns, pick up a computer, But whether medically induced or not, McNair’s compick up a book, pick up an iPad,” said Deckard. ments united meeting and press conference attendees against a Johnson. “When athletes are willing to take a stand against overSeveral persons unable to attend, called in to address McNair statue. aggressive policing we as a community need to stand with them.” attendees, including U.S Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, “One of the things you should consider doing is making it Richmond said the NFL has never recognized what the playCongressional Black Caucus chairman Cedric Richmond and clear to others that you do not desire to have the statue of yourself ers are standing or kneeling for. NAACP national president Derrick Johnson. placed before the stadium,” Green said during the press conference, “The NFL keeps talking about discrimination and criminal “The number one issue that’s confronting our communities directing his comments to McNair. “You can stop it. You have the justice reform but they will not utter the words police misconduct. today is our ability to truly raise our voices during this time,” said power.” By ASWAD WALKER Defender
Community Demands
localbriefs CURBSIDE RECYCLING IS SET TO RESUME... after a two-and-a-half-month suspension due to Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. The City’s Solid Waste Management Department will resume its curbside recycling collection schedule starting Monday, November 13. The resumption of service is as follows: “B Week” collection will begin the week of Monday, November 13. “A Week” collection will begin the week of Monday, November 20 ….. CREWS ARE REMOVING FLOOD DEBRIS left by Hurricane Harvey from the Buffalo Bayou. The Harris County Flood Control District is working with contractors to pull several barges into the bayou at the Willowend Drive boat ramp. Crews are scheduled to load the flood debris onto the
barges for disposal….BOOT CAMPS DESIGNED TO HELP HOUSTONIANS get out of debt will largely focus on the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. A free program offered by Capital One Bank and Windsor Village United Methodist Church will provide information including tenants’ rights, Federal Emergency Management Agency applications and appeals, flood insurance and mortgage relief. Sessions for the annual program, which also covers other personal finance topics, begin Nov. 18 at The Kingdom Builders’ Center located at 6011 W. Orem. Classes are held on the third Saturday of each month for seven months. Visit www. thekbc.com for more information…..PARENTS CAN NOW SEARCH, COMPARE CHILD CARE PRO-
VIDERS..... The local nonprofit organization Collaborative for Children has released a new and improved child care database and free online search application at www.FindChildCareNow.org. The online tool features state-of-the-art mapping and filtering functionality that allows parents to search for child care, filter results by a variety of criteria, and compare child care programs. All licensed or registered child care programs in the 13 counties of the Greater Houston region are included in the searchable database. Results for each child care program include detailed information on services provided, quality rating information and links to the state’s license report on the provider. Visit the website at www.collabforchildren.org.
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New Niger ambush details show how Sgt. La David Johnson died about what happened in Niger. The U.S. soldiers The late U.S. had on “no body armor soldier at the center of and were driving unara nasty dispute between mored 4x4s” and wore his widow, his congress“t-shirts and baseball woman and the presicaps,” said one Nigerien dent was killed after he soldier traveling with the tried to save fallen solconvoy. “I was surprised diers during an ambush that the Americans in West Africa earlier would go out into the this month, according zone with such a light to a new report citing convoy and no air cover, defense officials. no drones to keep watch Sgt. La David over them.” Sgt. La David Johnson Johnson returned to After more than the site in Niger where Islamic Statetwo weeks of not speaking publicly about linked militants ended up killing four the ambush, President Trump phoned U.S. commandos, including himself, the Johnson’s widow with a disrespectful conDaily Mail reported. dolence call, said Florida Rep. Frederica The selfless act exemplified JohnWilson, who received death threats for son, according to his widow, Myeshia her subsequent heated exchanges with Johnson, who called him “an awesome the president. Trump would deny telling soldier.” Johnson’s widow that her husband knew Although his fellow soldiers killed what he signed up for before the White and injured in the ambush were evacuHouse confirmed the president said it. The ated following the attack on October 4, episode devolved into the latest instance Johnson’s body was not retrieved for of the president showing little to no reabout 48 hours, prompting questions spect for Black women. Defender News Servi es
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 2 | 2017
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Opioid addicts get compassion, crack addicts incarcerated Defender News Services
Faced with a rising national wave of opioid addiction and its consequences, families, law enforcement and political leaders around the nation are uniting to save souls. But 30 years ago, when crack was ravaging Black neighborhoods, it was a different story. President Donald Trump has declared opioid addiction a public health emergency, which will allow resources for treatment. Opioid addiction is a crisis. With more than 64,000 people dying from it last year alone, there’s no disputing that fact. But many in the Black community remember when a different drug crisis seized cities, destroying lives and breaking up families. Unlike the heroin and prescription drug-addiction that today affects mostly suburban and rural whites, the crack cocaine rage of the 1980s and ‘90s ravaged the African-American community. Some observers say that while those who become addicted to prescription drugs are cradled, the solution for crack addicts mostly consisted of locking them up for as long as possible. In those days, the response wasn’t rehabilitation centers and overdose treatment but prison cells and “Just Say No.” The crack cocaine epidemic was treated as a war, not a public health crisis. Young Blacks caught up in the crack wave were swept up, prosecuted and sent away. “It shows the remarkable difference in how we are viewing this,” said Ekow Yankah, a Cardozo School of Law professor whose work focuses on questions of criminal theory and pun-
ishment. “There was no wave of national compassion. Some liberals and representatives of minority communities in particular were desperate for America to take a public health view of drug addiction in the 1980s and 1990s.” Yankah added that America’s willingness to embrace the drug epidemic’s newest addicts with compassion is a perfect example of racism. “Confronted by two people facing the exact same problem, one of whom looks like your child or your neighbor’s child: Is it fundamentally you?” he asked. “When it is a Black face, we don’t see the same humanity.” Yankah said that while the language from Trump and Republicans has been more humanizing and they have been less willing than politicians 30 years ago to see today’s addicts “as pathologically making bad decisions,” the president’s recipe of drug policies is simply rehashed, failed policies from that era. In the 1980s, “the response always was, ‘we can do a little of this and a little of that, but we can’t ignore the importance of personal responsibility; you are asking us to go soft on crime.’ ” Since the official beginning of the war on drugs in 1982, the number of people incarcerated for drug offenses in the U.S. skyrocketed from 40,900 in 1980 to 469,545 in 2015, according to the Sentencing Project, a prison sentencing reform group. “With this [opioid] epidemic, police departments are responding much differently, not by invoking war but by trying to save lives and get people into rehabilitation,” Yankah said.
AMERICAN AIRLINE’S CEO said he is looking forward to company representatives meeting with the NAACP to discuss the civil rights group’s charge that the carrier has a culture of racial insensitivity. The NAACP recently warned African-Americans flying on American that they may face discrimination or even safety issues. CEO Doug Parker described the airline as having “a diverse and open environment and organization.” Parker said he now sees a chance to improve the airline. Since the start of 2016, passengers flying on American have filed 29 complaints of racial discrimination with the federal government, the most against any U.S. carrier, followed by United Airlines with 17….….THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HAS RESCINDED $98,000 in funding for a seemingly green-lit project by a University of California Berkeley professor documenting the Black Panther Party. The project was to “memorialize a history that brought meaning to lives far beyond the San Francisco Bay Area” and was slated to run from Aug. 30, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2019. After pushback from conservative news outlets as well as the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Park Service quietly reneged, saying, in part, that the funds were never finalized……. SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK STATE ARE SEVERELY LACKING in diversity when it comes to their teachers, with one third of all New York schools devoid of any Latino or Black teachers. A study by the Education Trust-New York explored statewide data in a series of focus groups as well as around 100 interviews and suggested that there is a gap in representation for educators. It found that over 115,000 Latino and Black students, or 10 percent, attend schools where there is not a teacher of the same race or ethnicity. Another 80,000, or 7 percent, attend schools where there is only one teacher of the same race or ethnicity.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 1 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
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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NOVEMBER 2 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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#60 days after HARVEY
Join Conversations and Coffee with Mayor Sylvester Turner
“We are facing one of the biggest challenges our city will face It’s been a little over in the coming year, fol60 days since Hurricane lowing unprecedented Harvey devastated the flooding due to Harvey,” Houston area. At the helm Houston Mayor Turner of the rebuilding of the city said. “I look forward to is Mayor Sylvester Turner. sharing information on He has demonstrated how we will recover and decisiveness, leadership rebuild at the upcomand compassion as the city ing event hosted by the confronts the challenges Defender.” of today and strategically Defender Publisher plans for the future. and CEO Sonny MesIn an effort to give siah-Jiles added, “The the community first-hand Defender is excited to knowledge of “What’s have Mayor Turner as Next,” you are invited to our guest for ‘Conversaattend “Conversations & tions & Coffee’ at this Coffee” with Mayor Turner Mayor Sylvester Turner (far left) greeted President and Mrs. Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott and others in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Conversations & Coffee with Mayor Turner is free and wil be held this Sat., Nov. 4. pivotal time consideron Saturday, Nov. 4 from ing the city’s winning 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at process. attitude of focusing on opportunities for a better Kingdom Builders’ Center, Promenade Room, Considering Mayor Turner is approaching future while confronting the racial and financial 2nd Floor, 6011 W. Orem Drive. the two-year mark of his four-year term, the issues that must be addressed.” The Defender invites the community and our topics of discussion include “Hurricane Harvey To attend this FREE community event readers to join the mayor 60 days after Hurricane aftermath,” explaining the election ballot propoRSVP to www.conversationscoffee.eventbrite. Harvey to gain insight into what is being done sitions, racial issues in Houston and goals for FRO-17031-HoustonDefender-ThePerson-9p75x6p5.pdf 10:00 AM com by Friday, Nov. 3. today and how the community can help in the 1 3/27/17 next year. Defender News Services
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 2 | 2017
The politics of
#Houston
Hurricane Harvey City Councilmembers address recovery By ASWAD WALKER Defender
Though the gale-force winds, rain and flooding of Hurricane Harvey have long gone, another storm is currently in Houstonians’ midst – the politics of the post-Harvey rebuilding efforts. This storm deals with who receives services and when, the quality and comprehensiveness of those services, who gets left waiting, and who simply gets left out. The Defender reached out to members of Houston’s City Council about post-Harvey recovery. Eight councilmembers responded and answered two questions: 1. What is the No. 1 hurricane issue 2. How are you addressing this issue?
MIKE KNOX, At-Large Position 1
“I consider the number one priority at this time to be the removal of storm debris from the streets of Houston. I am urging the Mayor’s Office to use currently available financial resources to ramp up the availability of debris removal vehicles and to hire additional contractors to remove storm debris. Also, Council voted to allocate the $60 million we have received from the federal government toward this goal.”
MICHAEL KUBOSH, At-Large Position 3
“Number one is to get the cash money that people have given to charity, somewhere around $89.3 million, and give it to the people in need. That $89.3 million is in the hands of charitable organizations. But the people who donated that money, gave hard cash. A lot of these people, both those who gave and those who stand in need, live paycheck-to-paycheck. And to date, I haven’t spoken to anybody who has received hard cash. If I was in charge, I would print out 89,000 thousand dollar checks, distribute them among the city councilmembers and say, “Here. It’s your job to make sure that this money gets into the hands of the people who need it.” But they’re trying to protect the greedy from getting the money and keeping it from the needy. I’ve been raising hell about this…Some are saying we’re giving all this money to non-profits so they can use it. But this money was given to be given to people in need. They need hard cash, not baby diapers or water or formula. These people who gave are expecting that money to be given. Just think, if $89.3 million was given out in one week, there would be an economic boom in this city. Putting the money into foundations to me is like protecting the greedy. I’ve been through these homes and apartments. I’ve seen the devastation. I see the people in need. People gave a lot through Rebuild Texas, J.J. Watt, Red Cross. I’m not being critical of these people but I don’t want to hear you bragging about how much you raised. I want to hear you bragging about how much you gave – to the people in need.”
Join us for Conversations & Coffee with Mayor Sylvester Turner 60 days after Harvey
AMANDA EDWARDS,
At-Large Position 4
Mayo
Mayor Sylvest the national spotlig vey and its afterma received rave revie Turner knows that handle the post-Ha play an even bigge legacy as Houston’ The Defender vision for the hurri Defender: Wh plans (the next 90 rebuild? Turner: I repe someone thinks I d two priorities are h ing and debris rem many people either
JERRY DAV
“Our primary challenges include making sure that comprehensive, accurate information is being disseminated to Houstonians all over our city, as well as connecting supplies and resources to the communities who need them most. We have mobilized volunteers to canvass areas in Northeast Houston that were flooded to ensure no Houston communities are being left behind in our rebuilding efforts (especially our seniors). We go door to door, disseminating hard copies of comprehensive packets of Hurricane Harvey Resources information; having supplies delivered to their homes; and connecting those homes that need help with “mucking out” their homes (special clean-out required because of flood) with volunteers to assist with this labor-intensive effort. With this effort, we equip residents (especially our seniors) with the tools they need to begin their full rebuilding process.”
We had several B residents whos affected by the fl dition some stud were also affecte supplies being lo being delayed. St be prepared for s succeed during t We have worke churches, neighb tions and the Red supplies to help r ery. We also wor and donations fo several elementa continuing to tak referring their inf to help.
JACK CHRISTIE,
DWIGHT B
At-Large Position 5
“The number one short-term issue is debris. The number one long-term issue is a complete drainage infrastructure overhaul. Regarding debris, on Sept. 27 City Council passed a $60 million contract expansion for increased funds for debris pick up. On Oct. 18 Council approved another $42 million award to contractors to remove storm debris. Regarding infrastructure overhaul, I will be working with city, county, state, and federal authorities and the city’s new Chief Recovery Officer Marvin Odum, and Mayor Turner, to promote a comprehensive response to shore up city and regional flooding mitigation, and prevention infrastructure. There will be lots of conversation and deliberation ahead on these matters.”
“Within Distric hardest. This are
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or Turner shares vision for rebuild
ter Turner found himself in ght during Hurricane Harath. Though his leadership ews across the country, how the city continues to arvey recovery efforts will er role in determining his ’s mayor. asked Turner to share his icane rebuild. hat are your short-term days) for the Harvey
eat this often in case don’t mean it. Our first housing, housing, housoval. Housing, because r had to evacuate from
flooding or need repairs to their homes. We have worked with the American Red Cross, FEMA and many other partners to provide short-term and then-long-term housing arrangements for evacuees. We are working with government agencies at all levels to secure funding for repairs. I am making sure that seniors and the disadvantaged will not be left behind in this recovery. I know residents will judge the city’s performance based on us getting the flood debris removed from their curbsides. FEMA says removing all 8.1 million cubic yards of debris might take six months. I want it done by Thanksgiving. People must be patient as we go from house to house collecting damaged drywall, couches and the like following the biggest rainfall in
AVIS, District B
l of our District se homes were flood waters in addents in our schools ed with their school ost and school year tudents need to school so they can the year. ed with a few borhood organizad Cross to distribute food and cleaning residents begin the process of recovrked with a non-profit to raise money or uniforms, and schools supplies for ary schools in our District. We are ke note of special circumstances and formation to volunteer groups willing
BOYKINS, District D
ct D, the Sagemont area was hit the ea typically does not flood and a high percentage of homeowners were without flood insurance. Hurricane Harvey has definitely left an imprint on this area that will last forever. I worked with Mayor Turner and his office in getting a hybrid station at Sagemont Park that will bring a temporary FEMA and Permitting Office to service this area. I have also been working with the local churches and community groups to assist the h rebuilding.”
American history. Defender: What are your long-term plans (over the next two years) for the Harvey rebuild? Turner: We won’t have a successful recovery without having taken measures to prevent the need for the next recovery. We need to take flooding mitigation plans off the shelf, fully fund the ones that were already underway before the storm, and consider new projects designed to prevent or minimize future floods. There will be another storm. We need to rebuild our city to be more ready for it. This will take billions of dollars from the federal and state government to accomplish. FEMA spent $14 billion in New Orleans to prevent another Katrina. We can do so here.
KARLA CISNEROS, District H
“The biggest challenge thus far has been getting help and support to the people who need it most. It is not enough to deliver desperately needed supplies to a central location where people can come get what they need. Those who can come will, but for a variety of reasons there are many who are unable to come. Some don’t have transportation; some are fearful that they may be asked about their legal status; some just don’t know that help is available. What I have done in District H that has really been helping us in heavily impacted areas is to recruit and mobilize neighborhood residents with pick-up trucks to make direct deliveries to homes devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Mobilizing the neighbors themselves to drive down affected streets, delivering cleaning supplies, bottled water, toiletries, paper goods, diapers and formula, is proving to be a very effective delivery system. It ensures that those without transportation or even knowledge of aid receive help from their own community members. I have found that people are eager to help and volunteer and I have taken measures to facilitate aid and maximize efforts.”
the Houston area for over 85 years
LARRY GREEN, District K
“Now that we know our residents are safe and most have surveyed the damage done by Hurricane Harvey, it is critical that we provide the needed resources to each family that has been affected. Hurricane Harvey’s emotional and economic impact has been different for each family, however it is our job to make sure residents know where to access the individualized help they need. Unfortunately for some residents in our district, this was not their first time experiencing flooding in their homes. However, we did add a number of properties to the first-time flooding list due to the record amount of rain that fell on our city. These families were not in flood zones and many do not have flood insurance, thus rebuilding their homes will be a struggle. Knowing what to do and who to contact can help ease this unexpected burden. On September 14, soon after the storm, our office convened a town hall meeting so residents could get their questions answered in one place…Making sure residents know where the disaster recovery and permitting centers are, matching seniors and disabled residents with volunteers to help muck out their homes and trying to expedite the debris collection as much as we can are immediate ways we can help our residents recover and rebuild. We don’t want residents to feel alone and just give up. The recovery from this hurricane will take many months, and we will be here to assist them in getting back to their lives. Simultaneously, we must also look at lessons learned and what we must do differently as a city moving forward. A big take-away for me personally was the need to have flood insurance in Houston. Harris County is a flood zone.”
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 2 | 2017
entertainment
Houstonian stars in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ play Defender News Services
The classic movie “Akeelah and the Bee” is coming to the Main Street Theater (MST) stage and its young Houston star is already getting rave reviews. Based on the screenplay by Doug Atchison and adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West, Saturday, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 3400 Main St. in Matchbox4 at the MATCH facility. The play is centered around Akeelah, a girl whose courage touches the hearts of her coach, her school and her neighborhood. She has a gift for words and a determined spirit. Despite the objections of her mother and the tough world around her, she enters spelling contests and earns a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The film starring Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett was released in 2006. It was positively received by critics and audiences and received several Black Reel Awards and NAACP Image Awards. In the Houston stage play, Ashley Shaunte stars as
Akeelah. She reflected on experiences from her childhood that parallel those of her stage character. “I grew up on the south side of Houston, attending two different elementary schools,” Shaunte said. “I did
Ashley Shaunte portrays spelling bee contestant Akeelah onstage.
the spelling bee myself. In elementary school I was reminded constantly that I’m a girl and can’t do certain things, including win the spelling bee. “Unfortunately, I allowed those words to take root. Girls would bully me about my hair [and] I begged my mom for a relaxer. I tried my best to conform to the norms of other people. I guess I connect with Akeelah because I understand that I’m not from the best part of the city but there’s a fight in me that reminds me I can keep going.” The play alludes to the importance of community as well as to problems people in predominantly minority neighborhoods face. “I love the fact that ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ teaches young people not to let their socioeconomic background, race or gender dictate what is possible in their lives,” said MST Theater for Youth Producing Director Vivienne M. St. John. “I love that this play depicts a middle school girl overcoming her background and the obstacles that challenge her – and she doesn’t allow any of it to defeat her. Akeelah reminds us all that if you work hard at something, you can do anything.” The play is recommended for children in fifth grade and older. Tickets are on sale via phone at 713-524-6706 or online at MainStreetTheater.com.
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Two entertainers dead The entertainment world recently said goodbye to an acclaimed actor and a legendary musical performer. Robert Guillaume, known for his role as a no-nonsense butler in the TV series “Soap” and its spin-off “Benson,” Robert Guillaume died Oct. 24 at the age of 89. He also voiced the mandrill Rafiki in “The Lion King.” He won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor Fats Domino in a Comedy in 1985. Antoine “Fats” Domino died on Oct. 25 at age 89. The pianist and singer-songwriter recorded such hits as “Blueberry Hill,” “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Walkin’ to New Orleans.” He was one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
what’sup After months of social media silence, CHRISETTE MICHELE is back and sharing how her life has collapsed after singing at President DONALD TRUMP’S inauguration. She revealed that she was dropped from her record label, battled with suicidal thoughts and suffered a miscarriage. Now she’s saying that she and fellow Trump supporter TINA CAMPBELL of MARY MARY are being “choice shamed” for supporting Trump. She wrote: “Adults do this thing I’d like to call “choice shaming.” It mimics what children do with bullying. It causes a silencing that mutes the people who have made great contributions. We can disagree without division,”
she said……..RIHANNA has always been the queen of killing it, and her Fenty Beauty line is no different. In terms of earned media value, her popular makeup line has been valued at $72 million in its first month! The figure represents the potential value the new brand would have raked in if exposure was paid for on social sites like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. But Rihanna didn’t have to pay as hundreds of beauty bloggers, influencers and everyday women revealed their own testimonials for free about the makeup. On YouTube, roughly 132 million people watched Fenty Beauty tutorials last month alone……..
TINA KNOWLES LAWSON opened up about her new grandchildren and how her daughter BEYONCÉ is adjusting to having twins. “They’re doing great. They are absolutely beautiful and so much fun,” Tina said of RUMI & SIR CARTER, who were born in June. She also said that Blue Ivy is a “good” big sister. Tina and her husband, actor RICHARD LAWSON, are currently putting their love of art to work in a new gallery at the Where Art Can Occur Theater in Los Angeles. Profits from the art sold will go toward their mentorship program for underserved communities and emerging young artists.
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NOVEMBER 2 | 2017 | DEFENDER
Colin Kaepernick reportedly gets $1 million book deal
Tommie Smith (center) and John Carlos caused controversy with the Black power salute during the national anthem at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. (AP Photo)
nick has said little on the record. He has indicated that he would like to return to the NFL, having become a free agent in May, but no team has picked him up. The Colin Kaepernick story still has a few Kaepernick has filed a grievance against the chapters left in it, he will reportedly receive $1 milleague, alleging that owners have colluded to keep lion to share his story. him out. The quarterback’s legal team has begun the The New York Post says the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who was the first NFL player discovery process and plans to request email and cellphone records from teams and league executives. last year to stage protests during the national anthem Kaepernick is well on his way toward fulfilling will write a book to be published by One World, a his pledge of donating $1 million to a variety of Random House imprint. Even as the NFL protests community-focused organizations, and he runs an he inspired have continued in his absence, creating national headlines and provoking numerous critical T:4.79”initiative, Know Your Rights Camp, aimed at comments and tweets from President Trump, Kaeper- helping at-risk youth. Defender News Services
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Black athletes can’t opt out of social issues Defender News Services
Black athletes have been getting a lot of attention since pro quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee. Whether they speak out or stay silent on social justice issues, the world is looking to see where they stand. At the recent SportsBall 2017, a celebration of the legacy of the late
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tennis champion and activist Arthur Ashe, journalist and honoree Soledad O’Brien weighed in on whether Black athletes have the option to stay on the sidelines in real life. “I’m not sure African-American athletes just get to be athletes,” O’Brien said in an interview with theGrio. “Sometimes they are in such a rare rarified air, in such unusual positions, especially [like] Arthur Ashe, where they kind of have to leverage their platform and I think he did that incredibly well.” “[Ashe] took what was fantastic tennis
Recovery Architectural & Engineering Services RFQ
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The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following:
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Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7281, The HARRIS CENTER website www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this Request for Proposal is Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2017 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017, PHARMACY INVENTORY". Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Frances Otto, Buyer II or Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Buyer III, via E-mail to frances.otto@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
acumen and had this platform by which he brought everyone around to these other issues he cared about. And we’re seeing a lot of Black athletes do that today. I don’t think a lot of Black athletes just get to say ‘No man, I’m just going to be an athlete. I opt out.’ ” O’Brien said many of the issues aren’t new; a new generation has been taking the opportunity to speak up. “I think they’re living in America today, and obviously we are having a lot of challenging conversations about race, class, and opportunity, and white supremacy… So, I’m encouraged to see many using their platforms and jumping in to direct the discussion the way that they feel that it needs to go and to be a voice for people who really don’t get a platform very often.” The annual SportsBall 2017, a Black Tie & Sneakers Gala of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, honored individuals and organizations that are making significant contributions to urban communities in the areas of health, education, medical research, community service, and philanthropy. TheGrio.com contributed to this report.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 2 | 2017
sports
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Watt makes plans for $37 million funds
H
By MAX EDISON Defender
ouston Texan superstar All-Pro J.J. Watt revealed how he plans to distribute the $37 million that was raised for Hurricane Harvey relief through his foundation. The J.J. Watt Foundation will divide $30.15 million of the funds among four strategic partners – Americares, Feeding America, SBP and Save the Children. The funds will be deployed over the course of the next 18 to24 months. Funds will be used to rebuild homes, restore child-care centers, provide food and address health needs of those affected most by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and the surrounding areas. The remaining $7 million will be set aside for distribution in 2018 as the foundation continues to assess and analyze the evolving relief efforts. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is out for the season with a tibial plateau fracture. He recalled the circumstances that set the fund-raising drive in motion. “On August 27, I set out with a goal of raising $200,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts,” Watt said. “In the three weeks that followed, thanks to the unprecedented support and generosity of over 200,000 donors from across the country and around the world, we raised over $37 million. “With such incredible support like this comes tremendous responsibility. I have spent the greater part of the last month and a half doing my due diligence and meeting with and speaking to as many resources as possible.” “While I understand the total recovery from Hurricane Harvey could require upwards of $200 billion, and this $37 million will not be able to help every single person as I so badly wish it could, I have made it my mission to ensure this money makes as large of an impact as possible.” Here’s a glimpse at his foundation’s four partners: Americares has long-standing relationships with 26 community clinics in and around Houston. They work to provide medicine, supplies and other assistance. The funds provided to Americares will be used for medicine, mental health services, mobile medical services and medical supplies. Feeding America member food banks serve
J.J. Watt, who joined other Texans and community members during early Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, has since raised millions for victims.
Southeast Texas. Among those they serve are the Houston Food Bank, Coastal Bend Food Bank (Corpus Christi), Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (Victoria) and Southeast Texas Food Bank (Beaumont). Combined, these food banks serve people in need in 48 counties affected by Hurricane Harvey. SBP is a national leader in long-term Watt has been a defensive star for the Texans prior to this season. disaster recovery serving low-to-moderchild-care programs in the affected areas show that ate income residents with a particular focus an estimated 1,400 child-care and early-learning sites on the most vulnerable members of the community, have been damaged or destroyed. Save the Children including families with small children, the elderly, will use the donated funds to directly restore, rebuild physically-challenged persons, veterans and underinand provide support for these child-care centers and sured or uninsured individuals. other services that families depend on across HousSave the Children supports child care, early ton, Beaumont, Port Arthur and other areas affected by education and after-school program service restoraHurricane Harvey. tion. Early results from assessments on the 4,500
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h.s.zone QB Malik Hornsby naturally leads Austin High Mustangs started since the 2016 season. “It helps to have played varsity last year because now we can see the dayThese are good times for the Houslight,” Hornsby said. ton Austin High School varsity football With Hornsby calling the signals the team. Mustangs are a tough team to game-plan A hard-fought 6-0 victory over for, with multiple weapons across the Houston Sterling recently improved the field in Wright, Mata, Harper, Fisher Mustangs to 5-1 on the season and 4-1 and Wiser. in District 24-5A. Hornsby possesses the speed and The game was played in arm strength to make plays in both the windy conditions at Barrunning and passing game, nett Stadium that much like the NFL quarmade the passing terbacks he enjoys game nearly watching like Rusnon-existent. sell Wilson of the Top running Seattle Seahawks back Ty Wright and Deshaun Watwent down with son of the Houston an injury late in Texans. the contest and Off the field the Sterling deHornsby is a throwfense was playing back to yesteryear. lights out against the A hunting and fishMustangs’ offense. ing enthusiast, Hornsby Yet none of was taught the finer points that seem to deter of the great outdoors by Austin quarterback his father. Malik Hornsby, “I’ve been active in who completed a the outdoor life since 29-yard pass to I was about 10 years Emanual Fisher old,” he said. that helped set up Michael Hornsby describes Birth date – Nov. 7, 2000 Mata’s game-winning himself as a quiet person who Birth sign – Scorpio two-yard touchdown run plays his role and isn’t afraid Favorite school subject – Math with 5:33 left in the fourth to be a leader. “I’m not afraid Possible career – Mathematical engineer quarter. Mata finished to be myself and I’ve always Favorite meal – Shrimp fettuccine with 96 rushing yards on been responsible,” he said. World problem he would solve – 15 carries. With only one loss in Violence “There was a lot of district play and remaining stuff we had to overcome Quarterbacks he admires – games against Madison and today,” Hornsby said. “We Sharpstown, Austin is on the Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson went three-and-out on our road to a second consecutive first three series. trip to the postseason. “We came together on The Mustangs’ defense is the sideline and our coach asked us what we were a formidable unit led by Prentice Beasley. seeing out there,” Hornsby said. “We told him and “We always have the playoffs as a goal at then went out and made some plays.” the beginning of the season,” said Hornsby, who Hornsby is part of Austin’s strong freshman has drawn attention from several state universities class from last year including the University of that included receivHouston and University ers Donald Harper and of Texas. “Then we want Demarcus Wiser. All See what District 24-5A school kept its to have success in the three sophomores have playoff hopes alive playoffs.” By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
About Malik Hornsby
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NOVEMBER 2 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs D’Eriq King to the rescue Just when the University of Houston’s football season was teetering on the brink of mediocrity, Manvel High School alum D’Eriq King stepped in to save the day. As was mentioned in the “Go Sit Down” segment of the Defender’s multi-media series “Gimme a Minute,” the Cougars’ best chance for football success was King at quarterback. Somebody must have shown Cougar head coach Major Applewhite the clip. Applewhite plugged in King under center and the result was a Cougar upset of No. 17 University of South Florida on the road no less, 28-24. King rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns while passing for 137 yards and one score. King’s two rushing touchdowns came in the final 6:20 of the game including a game-winning 20-yard run with 11 seconds remaining in the game. For his efforts the talented sophomore was named American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
SWAC line-up announced The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its star-studded talent line-up for the 2017 Toyota SWAC Football Championship game. Headlining a post-game concert will be R&B soul sensation Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. TV/radio personalities Big Tigger and Traci Steele will serve as emcees. Singer Tamar Davis, a former contestant on “The Voice,” will perform “God Bless America” and Rotimi, as seen on “Power,” will perform the national anthem. Save the date: Dec. 2 at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.
HISD trio title bound HISD has a trio of schools threatening to win district football championships with unbeaten records. Lamar is the frontrunner in District 18-6A with a 4-0 mark following a 63-6 win over Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center. Roderic Burns led the way with a 72yard touchdown run and a 9-yard TD pass from Ty Holden. The Texans have remaining league games against Bellaire (Nov. 4) and Westbury (Nov. 9). Waltrip is steamrolling toward the District 24-5A title following a 56-6 win over Northside to improve to 7-0 in the district. The Rams have already clinched a ninth consecutive playoff appearance and are in line for their first outright district title since 1990. North Forest moved to 6-0 in District 11-4A Division I after holding back Kashmere 32-20. The Bulldogs are in quest of their fourth league title in six years.
Sports by the numbers Brazosport High School hadn’t experienced much success on the football field over the past three seasons. The Exporters won four games while losing 26 from 2014 through 2016. In 2017 Brazosport is 6-2 under first-year head coach Mike Ferrell (formerly at North Forest) following a 28-22 triumph over Bay City…….. Jersey Village halted a five-game losing streak with a 24-23 win over Cypress Falls. Falcons’ receiver Jordan Jones had 10 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown in the contest…….. Dick’s Sporting Goods made a $65,000 donation to Humble ISD during the Summer CreekKingwood game. Hurricane Harvey’s damage to Kingwood High School has forced the two student bodies to share a campus at Summer Creek.
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12
DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 2 | 2017
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
FIFTH WARD ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 16th ANNUAL FALL Healthcare, and more. Panelists included Mayor Sylvester Turner, State Rep. LUNCHEON….. The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program celebrated its 16th Annual Senfronia Thompson, Asst. Police Chief Henry Gaw and others. Attendees Fall Luncheon honoring two-time former heavyweight champion of the world included Radio One’s Dr. J. Thomas Smith (moderator), Marcia Penn, Kim George Foreman with the Ernest McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award for stellar Topps, LaTosha Clayton, Dr. Anthony Rodriguez, Laura Allen, State Rep. Jarvis community service. The event also served as a fundraiser for FWEP programs. FWEP Johnson, Lisa Brooks, Deshara Gross, Michala Padgett, Mary Benton and founder Ernest McMillan was in attendance along with MC Gina Gaston (ABC 13), many others..…….. ANNUAL FINANCIAL AID / COLLEGE READINESS event co-chairs Shawntell & Keith McWilliams, FWEP SEMINAR….. The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha alumni Terrance Lovelady, FWEP Executive Director Psi Fraternity and Education & Charities Foundation of Houston Defender TOP EVENTS Charles Savage, Lereca Monik, Ray Seals, Erik Lyons, teamed up to sponsor their Annual Financial Aid / College More photos on defendernetwork.com Joe Carmouche, Artie Onayemi, Champ Warren, Readiness Seminar. Students from various area high schools Councilmember Amanda Edwards and others…….. convened at Yates to hear speakers and participate in workshops INVOLVED CITIZENS OF HOUSTON COMMUNITY FORUM….. Alpha geared toward ensuring their college readiness. Students were provided scholarship Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. along with the TSU School of Public Affairs and UH application, FAFSA and college application checklists, as well as college prep Master of Public Administration Program hosted the Involved Citizens of Houston plans of action tailored to their grade level. Attendees included event organizer Ray Community Forum. The event’s aim—to educate participants, especially millennials, Brown, speaker and Lone Star College Trustee Dr. Alton Smith, presenters Marty about their responsibility to be active community voices. Topics covered included McCain, Diallo Smith and Keith Cornelius, Troi’Nay Williams, Tahaja Landry, Police Interactions & Race/Community Relations, 2017 Voting Updates, Immigration, Mike Adkinson, Bruce Lemmie, Romeo Clark, Michael Garner, and many more.
Aswad Walker, George Foreman
Ernest McMillan, Fred Graney, Terrance Lovelady
Deshara Gross, Kim Topps, Michala Padgett
Tajaha Landry, Ray Brown, Amyia Landry
Mayor Sylvester Turner
Champ Warren, Shawntell McWilliams, Lereca Monik
Latosha Lewis Payne, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson
Andrew Wooten, Troi’Nay Williams, Jonathan Ross
Mike Adkinson, Dr. Alton Smith, Michael Garner
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