Houston Defender: November 10, 2016

NATIONAL ANTHEM PROTEST ENDS BEAUMONT TEAM’S SEASON P13

FEATURE

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Volume 86 | Number 2

NOVEMBER 10, 2016 | FREE

LOCAL ANN BENNETT HARRIS first Black tax assessor

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FEATURE ALMA NEWSOM leaves lasting legacy

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OPINION SPORTS BRIANNA TURNER dominates Notre Dame basketball

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BLACK FRIDAY 2016

BUYING BLACK THE MOVEMENT FOR COMMUNITY WEALTH r PAGE 8

TOP EVENTS

Rev. Leslie Smith and Lonnie R. Mathews celebrate the Change Happens luncheon.

Trump

Black Movies

In a historic upset, Donald J. Trump swept the electoral college to become PresidentElect of the United States, soundly defeating Hillary Clinton. What role (or lack thereof ) did AfricanAmericans play in helping him win?

When it comes to the box office, African-Americans say they want one type of movie, but put their money behind another kind. What do Black movie-goers really want to see when it comes to deciding which films to support?

wins presidency

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raise questions

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

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Democratic candidates take local elections Defender News Service While Democrats may have lost on the national level, local races benefitted from the high Democratic turnout.

In a first for Harris County, a Black woman will become Tax Assessor-Collector after Ann Harris Bennett beat out Republican incumbent Mike Sullivan in his bid for reelection.

Bennett, a former court coordinator for many years, had called Sullivan a representative of the establishment and said she wanted to increase office efficiency.

Four years ago, Bennett lost to Sullivan by fewer than 2,400 votes.

Bennett, who will oversee property tax collections, voter rolls and vehicle registration, vowed to advocate for online voter registration. Sullivan last year helped block a bill that would have allowed online registration, arguing that the practice would only worsen existing challenges with the registration system.

In another hotly contested race, former Houston homicide investigator-turned-city councilman Ed Gonzalez edged out a victory in the race for Harris County sheriff in the race against incumbent Ron Hickman.

The 47-year-old former police officer now faces the challenge of bringing leadership to a department that has seen three different

bosses in less than two years, uniting a wary pool of employees and bringing operations at the jail back under control while conAnn Harris Bennett vincing county commissioners to devote more resources to the department.

In another hard-fought race, Democratic challenger Kim Kim Ogg Ogg ousted GOP incumbent Devon Anderson to take control of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Although the campaigns Ed Gonzalez sparred over policy—especially diversion programs for low-level drug offenses - the closing months focused on Anderson, who came under fire for missteps by prosecutors in her office.

Of several big changes expected when Ogg takes office Jan. 1, the most significant is likely to be the end of jailing suspects in low-level, nonviolent drug cases. Ogg plans to

implement what is essentially a “cite and release” program that would see police officers ticket offenders caught with small amounts of marijuana.

She also has campaigned on increasing transparency in police shootings and wants to ramp up prosecutions of burglars and whitecollar criminals, in a bid to combat cartels and human trafficking.

Voters also declined to authorize the Houston Independent School District to send local property taxes to the State of Texas, HISD leaders will continue working with lawmakers and the business community on a long-term solution for the Texas school finance system.

Under Texas law, school districts with property values above a certain amount per student cannot keep all of their local tax dollars. Because of rising property values, HISD owes the State $162 million of its local revenues this school year.

HISD conducted a state-mandated election asking voters how the payment would be made to the State.

Because voters rejected sending the $162 million payment, state law allows the Texas Education Commissioner to collect the money by detaching an estimated $18 billion worth of non-residential, commercial properties from HISD’s tax roll and reassigning those properties to other school districts for tax purposes.

Waller County re-elects controversial sheriff Glenn Smith Defender News Service

More than a year after Sandra Bland was pulled over here and later died in jail, voters turned out in high numbers to re-elect Republican Sheriff Glenn Smith. He won with 65 percent of the vote.

Democrats had hoped the recordhigh turnout — 16,400 ballots cast in the county for sheriff, compared to

15,700 four years ago — would favor their candidate, Cedric Watson, who aimed to be the county’s first Black sheriff. But Watson lost the election by nearly 5,000 votes.

“It just lets me know the people are satisfied with what [Smith] is doing,” said Watson, who had accused Smith of poorly running the jail where Bland died last year. He added that voters “weren’t misin-

formed – that’s for sure.”

Watson also said that despite apparently high turnout at Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black college where students waited in line for as long as three hours to vote on Election Day, there weren’t enough voters there to tip the balance toward him.

Smith has served as Waller County sheriff since 2009.

localbriefs TEXAS JUST ELECTED ITS FIRST BLACK FEMALE SHERIFF. Zena Stephens narrowly turned back the county’s strongest Republican challenger, Ray Beck. The race in Beaumont/Port Arthur was close throughout the night, but Stephens finished with 51.4 percent of the vote. Stephens ultimately won by 2,431 votes out of a total 86,701 ballots, completing a Democratic sweep of the county’s three competitive local races…..PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SHORTENED THE SENTENCES for six federal inmates from Texas as his administration granted clemency for 72 inmates around the country. The announcement was the second consecutive week in which Obama commuted sentences for several dozen people. In all, Obama has granted 944 people clemency since taking office….. HIRE HOUSTON YOUTH IS UNDERWAY. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Greater Houston Partnership kicked off the second year of the program with a breakfast at the new Partnership Tower adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Hire Houston Youth provides summer internships and jobs to youth ages 16 to 24. Youth are employed for a minimum of seven weeks and earn at least $8 an hour. The program placed more than 1,100 local youth in jobs last summer.

“Summer employment provides young people with an opportunity to gain workforce readiness skills, engages them in positive activities during the summer, and links them to long-term career opportunities,” said Mayor Turner……AN ELEMENTARY TEACHER HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH INJURY TO A CHILD after an investigation

by Alief ISD revealed she struck a student on Oct. 12. Police say Lisa Allison and the child were seen in the hallway while the child was getting his backpack. The child was apparently being disruptive and Allison is seen on surveillance video striking the student, then sitting on him. Officials say Allison said she was “just tired” of the little boy.

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U.S.briefs THE TRIAL OF A SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICER accused of shooting a Black man is underway – with a jury of 11 whites and 1 Black. Michael Slager, 34, is charged with murder in the April 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott, 50, who was running from a traffic stop in North Charleston when Slager shot him in the back five times. Of the pool of 75 qualified jurors, 55 were white, 16 were Black and the rest were other races. Attorneys for Slager used their strikes to dismiss nine potential jurors, seven of whom were minorities….... THE TRIAL OF DYLANN ROOF IS UNDERWAY. Roof, 22, has been federally indicted on 33 counts related to nine murders in the June 2015 killings, some of those charges drawing on hate crime laws. Authorities say he walked into a Wednesday night Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and opened fire. Roof had offered to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, a deal that was rejected by federal prosecutors who are seeking a death sentence…....

DONNA BRAZILE SAYS SHE HAS NO REGRETS for her contact with the Clinton team when she was working as a correspondent for CNN. The acting chair of the Democratic National Committee came under fire for sharing possible debate questions with Clinton’s team. None of the questions were ultimately used in the debate….....A MAN WHOSE GIRLFRIEND MURDERED THEIR TODDLER and texted him video of the child’s lifeless body, is now facing charges. Andrew Price, Jr. was charged with two felony counts for failing to alert authorities that his girlfriend, Christian Clark was threatening to kill their son before allegedly carrying out the deed. Clark reportedly sent a video to Price showing his 17-month-old son’s body as well as his daughter, who was still alive. Clark was upset because she thought Price was cheating on her.

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 2 NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Marshall A. Latimore Proofer Maia Shelby

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NOVEMBER 10 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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

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

In a historic upset, Donald J. Trump swept the electoral college to become President-Elect of the United States.

Trump wins presidency Defender News Services U.S. President Barack Obama is preparing for the transition in American leadership, as many AfricanAmericans were surprised to learn that billionaire Donald J. Trump will be America’s 45th President of the United States. Some described the results of the November 8th election as a political earthquake with Republicans taking total control of both the senate and house. The transition of power will occur on Jan. 20, 2017.

With a huge win in industrial swing states, Trump walked away with 279 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 228. In his victory speech, Trump said, “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; we have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country.”

Although the Trump campaign was labeled as divisive and racist, Trump did better among Black and Hispanic voters than Mitt Romney as the Republican nominee in 2012. Hispanics: Trump 29 percent to Romney 27 percent; Blacks: Trump 8 percent to Romney 6 percent.

The Democratic candidate for President Hillary Clinton in her concession speech said, “I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too…..

Our campaign was never about one person, or even one election. It was about the country we love and building an America that is hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted. We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we

Voter Percentages Across Subgroups CLINTON

TRUMP

African-Americans

88%

8%

Latinos

65%

29%

Ages 18-29

54%

37%

must accept this result and then look to the future.

Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power.”

According to the numbers, seven million fewer Democrats showed up for Clinton than Obama and this marks the second time (Al Gore) a Democratic nominee won the popular vote but loss the electoral vote. Clinton received 88 percent of the Black vote compared to Obama 93 percent in 2012.

Weighing in on the election results and commenting that we are “all rooting for his (Trump’s) success, President Obama stated, “Everyone is sad when their side loses in America…. We are Americans first …

We want what’s best for America…. We are all on the same team….. The country needs a sense of unity.”

Reflecting on his future plans Trump said, “We are going to fix our inner cities and rebuild our highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools, hospitals.

We’re going to rebuild our infrastructure, which will become, by the way, second to none. And we will put millions of our people to work as we rebuild it….

We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world.”

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

Wells Fargo pays $50M to homeowners Defender News Service

Wells Fargo has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a racketeering suit that accused the bank of overcharging thousands of homeowners who ordered informal appraisals after defaulting on their mortgage loans.

According to Reuters, the proposed settlement – which requires court approval – will resolve claims that the San Francisco-based company charged customers much more than it paid for third-party appraisals. The bank’s practices largely exploited borrowers who couldn’t afford the padded fees, pushing them further into default.

Under Wells Fargo’s current mortgage service agreement, the bank can require homeowners who default on their loans to provide an estimate of the home’s value, per the San Francisco Chronicle. Such appraisals are usually completed by a real estate broker.

However, in 2001, Wells Fargo began ordering “broker price opinions” through a thirdparty group called Premiere Asset Services.

According to an amended lawsuit filed in 2012, the group usually paid $50 for an appraisal, but charged homeowners between $95 and $125.

“Our complaint alleges that the note that people signed when they took out the loans said the lender could pass through the amounts they pay a third-party to value the property,” said Roland Tellis, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. “It was intended to be a pass-through.”

“Our first allegation was that they were not allowed to mark it up,” Tellis continued.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the plaintiffs also accused Wells Fargo of failing to disclose the appraisal fees on customers’ monthly statements. Many homeowners didn’t realize they were being cheated because the fees were simply shown as “other charges.”

While the racial backgrounds of the nearly 250,000 affected homeowners weren’t revealed, Wells Fargo has been known to push its unlawful practices on African-American borrowers, who were already disproportionately impacted by the housing crisis.

The banking institution is still struggling to recover from a scam last month in which employees were pressured to create fraudulent accounts in customers’ names.

Celebrate

Veterans Day FRIDAY, NOV. 11TH

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NOVEMBER 10 | 2016 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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THE BLACK BOX OFFICE DILEMMA

What Black do moviegoers want?

Defender News Service

We’ve all heard the chatter about what Blacks want to see at the movies, but producers have found that often what Blacks say they want, doesn’t equate to what they’ll pay money to go see.

Heads are swiveling over the box-office beatdown that Boo! A Madea Halloween had (earning $27.6 million the week of its premiere) versus Birth of a Nation.

Some are wondering how yet another Madea film can win at the box office while films like Birth and Queen of Katwe, an inspirational story about a young, impoverished African girl working her way out of the slums of Uganda by playing chess, fail to make a dent at the box office (Queen of Katwe has earned $8.7 million worldwide, with a production budget of $15 million). Some argue that what Black audiences say they want as opposed to what they really support are two different things.

“Most films perform poorly at the box office. It is known that only 15 percent of all films made actually turn a profit at the box office,” says Brett Dismuke, a 20-year veteran of music, television and film distribution and the owner of SoChi Entertainment, an independent film company. “From the inside, it is more surprising when a film outperforms the theatrical projections as opposed to the reverse.”

Historically, studios and distributors make up for this shortfall with home-entertainment revenue or overseas distribution. Dismuke believes that studios also have to pay attention to what Black audiences have historically supported and rejected. There is an audience for every category of film, but the audience

The Queen of Katwe

The Birth of a Nation

Boo! A Madea Halloween

War Room

may not be large enough to justify continuing to make films in that category.

“If you want a film starring African-Americans to do well at the box office, the subject matter has to reflect what the larger segment of the African-American community and nonBlack America wants to see,” says Dismuke. If that doesn’t happen, then the likelihood of a film like Queen of Katwe performing well at the box office is slim to none.

Coupled with a television and onlinestreaming industry that is producing and distributing high-quality shows—many starring Black lead characters with fantastic storylines (Black-ish, Luke Cage, Queen Sugar, Atlanta, Insecure, Scandal, Empire, Power, Survivor’s Remorse, Being Mary Jane)—Black films really have to compel Black audiences to leave their homes and go to theaters.

“If a film seems more educational than dramatic or exciting, then it falls into the ‘have to see’ category, which makes it unappealing to audiences,” says Beretta Smith-Shomade, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Film and Media Studies at Emory University. “I can watch something that is good and educational and not leave my house and not pay $10 for a ticket and $40 for refreshments.”

What does it mean when films like Queen of Katwe—which are devoid of controversy as in Straight Outta Compton, and offer an inspirational story but don’t fit neatly into a genre category, like The Perfect Guy or War Room—fail at the box office?

Daryle Lockhart, vice president of the African American Film Critics Association, believes that while box-office receipts are important, they don’t tell the entire story.

what’sup GABRIELLE UNION assured “Being Mary Jane” fans that even though she is suing BET, filming for the show will continue. “I’m a pro and we all go to work and season four will air Jan. 10 on BET and hopefully in the meantime we can sort out some business that’s fair and reasonable and equitable to not just me, but to our whole cast and our writers and our crew,” Union said. As for why she is continuing with the suit over her contract for the show, Union said she deserves to get paid the same as the men on her show. BET has criticized Union for playing out the drama

in the media….T.I. is showing LIL WAYNE some tough love in response to Wayne’s troubling comments about Black people and racism. The two rap superstars have been close friends for over a decade, but T.I. didn’t let that stop him from calling out his fellow man for the highly questionable comments he’s been making about not believing racism exists. In a now-viral video clip taken from a tense interview with ABC’s Nightline last week, the Louisiana rapper is heard questioning the necessity of the Black Lives Matter organization, suggesting that him being a rich Black man in

America is proof enough that Black lives matter in the country…..Rapper KURTIS BLOW is crediting two Los Angeles police officers with saving his life. Officers Chris Vege, Calvin Hill and Pete Parra were responding to a call about an argument between the rapper, whose real name is Kurtis Walker, and his son. As officers talked to the pair, Walker collapsed. Para said Walker came to a few times and they were able to temporarily revive him. But he added that Walker passed out a few more times as they performed CPR on him. The officers said they were just doing their job.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

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Study: Black teachers feel ‘called’ to teach Defender News Service

Numerous studies have shown that Black teachers are effective at teaching AfricanAmerican students. But teachers of color represent just 18 percent of the workforce—about seven percent of them are African-American.

That’s a problem because this lack of teacher diversity exists at a time when minorities represent a majority of students in the nation’s public education system. A large part of the problem is retaining teachers of color.

The Education Trust, a nonprofit education research and advocacy group, recently released a study titled, “Through Our Eyes: Perspectives and Reflections From Black Teachers.” The study gives voice to African-American educators on the front-lines about the challenges that contribute to the retention crisis.

Ashley Griffin, the lead researcher who co-authored the study with Hilary Tackie, said the research team sat down with a representative group of 150 Black teachers from seven states. Those teachers were selected based on data from the 2012 Schools and Staffing Survey, compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Griffin, who serves as the

director of K-12 research at Education Trust, said many studies have quantified the retention problem and examined the impact of teachers of color in classrooms. This study, however, gives voice to Black teachers, and contributes qualitative findings.

“We’ve read many clips about the low number of African-American teachers and low recruitment figure,” she said.

“But no one is really talking about retention. So we set out to listen to African-American teachers, and have conversations about what’s happening across the nation.”

The research found amazing similarities and continuity. It paints a picture that explains why the teachers entered the profession, the value they bring to schools, and the obstacles they face.

Many of the teachers said they felt “called” to teaching.

They came to the profession with high expectations of their Black students and a desire to

enable them to succeed.

The teachers said they feel a special connection with their Black students. “We bring familiarity to our students,” one participant said. This connection, stemming mainly from common experiences, enables the teachers to empathize with the challenges their Black students encounter away from school.

However, there are negative consequences for this affinity with the students. These consequences diminish their chances of getting promoted and recognized for their skills.

School administrators often assign African-American educators to teach only Black students. As a result, White colleagues tend to view them as disciplinarians, but not skilled educators.

Many of the teachers said they spend nearly all their time playing the role of enforcer instead of developing their teaching skills and doing lesson planning.

Stereotyped as less educated, the Black teachers said they seldom get the opportunity to teach high-performing students and advanced courses, which

would give them recognition as subject matter experts.

Griffin said the Black teachers told her team that they have unique stressors. Much of it stems from a sense of obligation to underserved Black students, which goes beyond academics.

The takeaway from what the teachers said is that “recruiting Black teachers is not enough,” said Griffin. School district leaders and principals must “recognize and be mindful of the racial climate and how it affects teachers of color.”

Four Black women presidents fired from HBCUs in 2 months Defender News Service

B

lack women have been taking the helms of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for years. But in a matter of two months, four of those women have been fired from HBCU’s.

Alabama State University president Gwendolyn Boyd was the latest casualty. The Board of Trustees voted to suspend Gwendolyn Boyd as president, saying they had no confidence in her ability to lead the institution.

Boyd had been placed on administrative leave following the board’s declaration of “failure to maintain confidence.” Boyd was hired in January 2014 by unanimous vote. was known for amping up the schools STEM programs, but also battled ac-

creditation issues, credit drops and budget short falls.

“It’s disappointing. It definitely caught me off guard. It’s not good for the university, but they are the board and they do get to make that decision.”

The board appointed Provost Dr. Leon Wilson to serve as interim president. There will be a hearing on the matter on Nov. 14.

Boyd, a former national president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, is the fourth woman president of an HBCU to be out of a job in the past two months.

Former Jackson State University president Carolyn Meyers resigned in October amid concerns about the school’s finances.

Lady June Cole was fired from Allen University in September after three

Gwendolyn Boyd, Carolyn Meyers, Lady June Cole and Elmira Mangum were all dismissed from their positions at HBCUs across the southeast.

years with the university.

Elmira Mangum stepped down as president of Florida A&M University in

September. Mangum reportedly had strained relationships with members of the Board of Trustees.

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TV trailblazer Alma Newsom dead at 70 Defender News Service

Alma Newsom, one of the first Black female news anchors and TV executives in Houston, died Nov. 4 of natural causes. She was 70.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at Abiding Faith Baptist Church, 15376 Fondren in Missouri City. The viewing is at 10 a.m.

Newsom became the first fulltime community affairs director at KHOU-TV Channel 11 in 1973, and became a reporter and weekend anchor in 1975. She resumed her community affairs director role in 1978, serving as a talk show host and human resources advisor.

She was named KHOU’s assistant program manager in 1981 and program manager in 1982, and oversaw the day-to-day TV operations at a major CBS affiliate.

On her resume Newsom stated that she advised the general manager on recruitment, hiring and development of minorities and women.

“I hired an unprecedented number of women and minorities into broadcast operations positions,” she said. “Many of these hires are currently in broadcast positions from coast to coast.”

Defender CEO and Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles, a former TV talk show host who considered Newsom a mentor, said Newsom was a pioneer in Houston television.

“Alma was one of the first in community relations, which played a strategic role in building a relationship with her station and fighting to get the issues of Blacks and other minority communities covered fairly and with balance,” Messiah Jiles said.

“It was a hard-fought battle and Alma was a great warrior for people of color, constantly working to have positive stories covered instead of the negative images often portrayed.”

Newsom was a magna cum laude graduate of Texas Southern University, where she majored in English and

minored in history. Before joining Channel 11, she was managing editor of Hope Development/The Voice of Hope.

In 1984 Newsom formed AJ Newsom Enterprises, working as a communications and media consultant. She joined the faculty and staff of Texas Southern University in 1985, where she managed the closed circuit television system and served as an assistant professor in the Department of Communications.

In 1988 she became director of communications for Houston Congressman Mickey Leland, who died in a 1989 plane crash. She formed the Newsom Communications Group in 1990.

She was former president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists and a founding member of the National Broadcast Association for Community Affairs. She was the first executive director of WALIPP, the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity. Her survivors include six sisters and two brothers.

Alma Newsom

“...Alma was a great warrior for people of color, constantly working to have positive stories covered instead of the negative images often portrayed.”

— Sonny Messiah Jiles PUBLISHER, HOUSTON DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

BLACK FRIDAY 2016

BUYING BLACK Targeted spending and job opportunities

W

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

hile Black shoppers play a pivotal role in the success of Black Friday and its impact on the local and national economy, a movement is afoot to redirect Black consumer dollars away from traditional retailers and toward Black businesses.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year and kicks off the holiday season. This season is crucial for the economy because around 30 percent of annual retail sales occur between Black Friday and Christmas. For some retailers, this season accounts for 40 to 50 percent of all sales for the entire year.

For Blacks, the “Super Bowl of Shopping” has been a one-sided affair—being fully present as consumers, but nearly invisible as profiting business owners.

To change that dynamic, Cynthia “Nailah” Nelson, director of the Shrine Cultural and Events Center, offered the Buy Black Friday Marketplace (Marketplace) on Black Friday 2015.

“Black people have been taught to be 100 percent consumer, giving our money to those who don’t hire us, support us or stand up for us,” said Nelson. “We have to learn not to cooperate with our own oppression. We hope to begin to reverse this trend by gradually learning the importance of supporting our own first.”

The first Marketplace was held in 2014 but garnered little support. Still, Nelson decided to make it an annual affair. Last year’s success, however, led Nelson to expand it even further.

“In 2015, the Marketplace was so successful that we couldn’t let it be just a protest activity. We saw an opportunity to do something bigger; to do it monthly,” Nelson added.

Now, every first Saturday of the month Black shop-

per are connecting with Black entrepreneurs selling everything from clothing, jewelry, and food, to artwork, financial services and self-produced feature films.

Dr. Carol Cummings, an educator, is also owner of Project Black Butterfly, a creative outlet for cultural clothing designers. Cummings appreciates the Marketplace’s impact.

“For me the Buy Black Marketplace at the Shrine is like a homecoming, affirming my place and our place in the economic sphere as creators, and investors as well as beneficiaries, of an ancient practical economy,” said Cummings. “The sheer volume and quality of goods offered at the Marketplace, I think has changed the way Black consumers view Black-owned businesses. Black entrepreneurs are representing the best of the best in terms of customer service and product quality, making shopping elsewhere much less appealing than shopping with family and friends. And knowing your dollars are circulating through Black hands rather than leaving the

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“For me the Buy Black Marketplace at the Shrine is like a homecoming, affirming my place and our place in the economic sphere as creators, and investors as well as beneficiaries, of an ancient practical economy.

—Dr. Carol Cummings OWNER, PROJECT BLACK BUTTERFLY

community is very gratifying.”

Devon Bradley, a regular Marketplace customer, views the happening as more than an economic statement.

“There’s an energy of consciousness and empowerment that pervades the whole thing,” said Bradley.

“Building Black economic power is just a bonus.”

This year’s Buy Black Friday Marketplace will offer an entire weekend of entrepreneur/shopper interactions, running Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 at the Shrine Cultural and Events Center (5309 MLK Blvd., 77021).

This Black Friday’s Marketplace, however, will not have the added advantage of last year’s event, which came on the heels of national efforts by Black organizations to boycott shopping at traditional retailers.

Last October 2015, during the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, in response to the rising number of unarmed Blacks killed by police, Minister Louis Farrakhan challenged Blacks to boycott the holiday shopping season beginning with Black Friday.

“We choose not to spend dollars on Black Friday, Black Saturday, Black Sunday, Black Monday,” said Farrakhan to Roland Martin during a recent NewsOne interview. “We are not going to spend our money for the rest of that year with those companies that we have traditionally spent our money on.”

Farrakhan and other national figures echoed Nelson’s call to redirect their dollars towards Black businesses.

“The Black community has been challenged with some difficult issues in the past few years leaving people seeking an effective response, yet protest, demonstrations and rioting have proven to be non-productive,” said Nelson. “I sought to establish a positive, productive response that would have lasting tangible effects to improve conditions with our community.

While anger and frustration were at a high point after the acquittal of the officer that killed Michael Brown, people were looking to express themselves in some meaningful way. We offered Black people the opportunity to protest with their dollars while helping build Black businesses at the same time.”

he Houston area for over 85 years

Interestingly, Black Friday 2015 suffered unusual setbacks. That year, 74.2 million people shopped on Black Friday, the lowest level of Black Friday participation since 2011 according to the National Retail Federation. And those who did shop spent less per person. In 2015 Black Friday shoppers spent on average $299.60 compared to 2014 ($380.95) 2013 ($407.23) figures.

Macy’s sales fell 4.7 percent last November and December, and the retailer blamed abnormally warm weather. Other retailers who suffered similar losses blamed poor Black Friday performances on competi-

tion from lower-priced online and discount stores, less consumers using credit, general concerns over the health of the economy, and more stores opening on Thanksgiving.

However, considering that November 2012 Gallup poll numbers revealed nonwhites are almost twice as likely to shop on Black Friday than whites (27 percent v. 15 percent), it’s no stretch of the imagination to believe that efforts by Blacks to redirect Black consumer dollars to Black businesses has had a serious impact on Black Friday economics.

Black Friday hiring Defender News Service

The National Retail Federation reports that retailers are expected to hire between 640,000 and 690,000 seasonal workers this holiday season, which is in line with last year’s 675,300 holiday positions. Several companies started their seasonal hiring in October. Below is a list of ten companies and the number of positions they seek to fill: • • • • • • • •

UPS: 95,000 seasonal workers Macy’s, Inc.: 83,000 seasonal associates Target: 77,500 seasonal workers Kohl’s: 69,000 people FedEx: 50,000 people Party City: 35,000 workers.

JCPenney: 40,000 temporary workers Toy R Us: plans to hire thousands of temporary employees • Wal-Mart: has not announced hiring projections, but hired 60,000 seasonal employees last year.

• Amazon: has not announced how many temporary workers it plans to hire but hired 100,000 last year.

Sources: cheatsheet.com/money-career/seasonal-jobs and thebalance.com

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

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Seven tips for traveling during the holidays Keep 3-1-1 in mind

Defender News Service

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows each passenger one quart-size bag of liquids and gels, including toothpaste, gel deodorant, and lotions. Each item must be 3.4 ounces or less. Medication, infant formula and juices for infants or toddlers are exempt from the rule, but keep them separate from the items in your one-quart bag.

With the holidays closing in, this year is expected to be among some of the busiest due to low gas prices and a stronger economy. With all the people expected to travel this year, here are some tips to make your travel easier.

Leave early From traffic that may be heavier than usual and hard-to-find parking spots, to longer lines for security screenings, you’ll ease your stress if you give yourself extra wiggle room in your schedule, whether traveling by train, plane or automobile. Arrive at the airport 75 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours before international flights to extend your trip, or if there’s an emergency.

Bring digital and hard copies of identification cards and papers

It’s a good idea to have color photocopies and digital

copies of all important identification documents, including your passport, boarding passes, front and back of credit cards and health insurance information.

Check-in online Airlines generally allow passengers to check in online 24 hours in advance, with a cutoff a couple of hours before boarding time. So make sure you’ve checked in well before you’re set to head to the airport. Have your boarding pass, paper or digital version, within easy reach, along with your ID, to save time as you approach the security checkpoint.

Be prepared to take laptops out and shoes off Double check your baggage

Overhead space will be at a premium during the holiday travel season, especially as people bring gifts for friends and family or return home with gifts they’ve received. So when preparing to pack your bags, it’s crucial to check in advance whether your luggage meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions for checked baggage and carry-ons.

IAH named among worst in the world Defender News Service Houston airports may have gotten a recent overhaul, but a new study says Bush Intercontinental Airport still ranks among the worst in North America.

Travelers voting in the Sleepinginairports.com study ranked the airport among the top 10 worst airports in North America. According to the results, IAH is only a problem when it comes to security or immigration transfers. Long lines due to too many passengers and not enough officers have led to missed flights and disgruntled passengers.

The lines may never get better, but you can always allot some extra time when doing a transfer or de-

parture just to make sure you make your flight.

But it wasn’t all bad news. Travelers agreed that everything else, like the food courts, free Wi-Fi, charging stations and waiting chairs are not so bad.

Also on the worst list: New York’s JFK Airport; Honolulu International Airport; Maui International Airport; Mexico City Airport; Miami International Airport; Newark Liberty Airport; Los Angeles International Airport; Kansas City International Airport; and topping the list, New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) was ranked among the best airports in the country for its variety of food, retailers and charging stations.

Keep valid identification on hand

Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion, but passengers age 18 and older must show valid ID at the airport security checkpoint. Since most ID, like a driver’s license, has an expiration date, double-check that your ID will not expire before your return trip home.

Laptop computers must be removed from their carrying cases and submitted separately for screening. (Small and portable itemslike smartphones, tablets and portable games, don’t need to be removed.) At many airports, you’ll have to place your shoes and belt in a plastic bin that goes through Xray screening. The only exceptions are for passengers 75 and older, children 12 and under, and travelers approved for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

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NOVEMBER 10 | 2016 | DEFENDER

11

How to choose your 2017 health plan

I

By VICTOR A. SIMMS, M.D., F.A.C.P. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

f you’re a federal employee, you’re probably aware that now is your only opportunity to make changes to your health insurance before the December 12 enrollment deadline.

But do you know your current plan may not offer KelseySeybold physicians in 2017?

The good news is, you can keep your doctors by simply changing your plan to one of the options offered by the government that include your Kelsey-Seybold doctors.

Nothing is more important than your health. Here are some tips to guide you in choosing the right health plan.

Consider health plan networks Your out-of-pocket costs are typically lower when you see an in-network doctor. If you have doctors you prefer, check each plan’s online provider directory for 2017 to make sure your doctors are included in that plan.

Consider your own unique healthcare needs and those of your family members. When you find a doctor you

like, who is familiar with your medical history and understands your needs, stick with him or her.

Most women are very selective when choosing an OB/GYN and the pediatrician who treats their children. If you are treated for a chronic condition, you’ll benefit from seeing a physician who is familiar with your medical history.

Compare costs Your total annual health insurance costs depend on how much care you use. Most plans provide preventive care, including pediatric checkups and vaccinations, well-woman visits and more, without a copay.

And most plans cover some services Dr. Victor Simms before you reach your deductible, like prescriptions, periodic physicals and services to help you manage chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.

ated costs.

4 tips for choosing the right plan Here are four tips for choosing the right health insurance plan: • Compare plan options side by side.

• Eliminate plans that don’t offer your doctors as part of the provider network.

• Make sure the plan you choose will pay for you and your family’s necessary care, like prescriptions and specialists.

• Determine the option you believe is your best choice for quality and value.

Evaluate your options

If you see Kelsey-Seybold doctors, I hope you’ll review your plan options carefully during the annual “Open Season” enrollment. Visit GetKelsey.com for more information. Or call us at 713442-3636 to speak with a health plan specialist. If you are a retiree or will be retiring in 2017, call 713-442-9066.

Evaluate your plan premiums, along with deductibles, prescription drug costs, copayments and coinsurance. Make your best estimate of your family’s healthcare needs and associ-

Dr. Victor A. Simms is a boardcertified physician who serves as Chief of the Department of Internal Medicine at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and see patients at the Pasadena Clinic.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

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opinion

POLITICAL CARTOONS

World responds to Trump victory

SCHOT, DE VOLKSKRANT, NETHERLANDS

PARESH NATH, THE KHALEEJ TIMES, UAE

STEVE SACK, THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

CRISTINA SAMPAIO, PORTUGAL, CAGLECARTOONS.COM

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13

National anthem protest sidelines Beaumont team Defender News Service

When the Beaumont Bulls, a little league football team, decided to take a knee at a Sept. 10 game, the response was swift — and vicious.

Hate mail poured in from people who were outraged that the all-Black team and its coaches had refused to rise during the national anthem. Some people called the 11- and 12-year-old players racial slurs and even threatened to have them lynched and burned.

In the face of all that, the Beaumont Bulls executive board stood behind them. So did the Bay Area Football League, which the team is part of.

Within a week, however, on the eve of the next game, things began to unravel. Tensions erupted between coaches, parents and league officials. Shortly after, players began to drop out.

Now, a little more than a month after the team’s protest, the league has canceled the team’s remaining games.

The reasons behind the decision are in dispute. The league’s athletic director said the season was cut short because too many players left. The head coach,

The Beaumont Bulls’ season came to an abrupt end after a protest of the national anthem.

however, has suggested that it all stemmed from the protest.

It’s the latest controversy to rattle an athletic club in the weeks since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during a preseason game in protest of racial injustice and fatal police shootings in the U.S. Athletes from professional teams all the way down to the junior level have joined him, igniting provincial battles over whether it’s offensive or improper for players to mimic his display.

The Beaumont Bulls’ decision to kneel during the anthem was not the work of just a couple wayward players. After mulling Kaepernick’s protest in September, the team’s players and coaches agreed that they would all take a knee at the Sept. 10 game, according to Bleacher Report, which spoke to the team.

But before they did, they asked for permission from the league and the Beaumont Bulls executive board.

They got it.

When the hateful messages and death threats came in, team and league leaders backed them.

“It is our hope and desire to cultivate young men that will be leaders in our communities that will make a difference in this world,” the Beaumont Bulls executive board said in a statement a couple of days after the game.

“And though their stance was not seen by all as a sign of progress, we believe that it was and we will continue to support them.”

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

sports

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HOUSTON BOUND

Turner leads Lady Fighting Irish

By Max Edison | Defender

T

he Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women’s basketball team makes a rare appearance in Houston November 22 against the University of Louisiana Lafayette. One of the nation’s premier programs, the Irish were 33-2 last season and won both the ACC regular season and tournament championship for the third year in a row. The Notre Dame visit gives former Manvel (Texas) superstar Brianna Turner an opportunity to come home and play in the city that made her famous.

In case you don’t remember Turner, a 6-foot-3 power forward, was the 2014 Gatorade National High School Female Athlete of the Year and 2014 USA Today National High School Player of the Year, leading Manvel High to a 5A state championship.

In two seasons at Notre Dame, Turner has become one of the nation’s top performers. She earned All-America honors as a sophomore in 2016 and was named the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year. Brianna has ranked among the national leaders in field goal percentage each of her two years.

Turner, already a strong low-post defensive force has also worked tirelessly on extending her shooting range over the offseason as a part of her rehabilitation from offseason shoulder surgery.

Preparing to begin her junior season, Turner has set lofty goals for the team and herself.

“We want to go undefeated for the season,” Turner shared. “We want to really focus on the small details this year.

Whether it’s getting every box out or going in for offense boards, we want to focus and play hard for 40 minutes, play a complete game, not just half of a game.

Personally I just want to play hard, leave it all on the floor and don’t walk off the floor with any regrets.”

She certainly has had no regrets about her decision to attend Notre Dame. With the opportunity to attend any school in the country, Turner got the right “feel” in South Bend.

“I visited a lot of schools. I came up on a visit here (ND) and I just knew. I kind of had that feeling that this was the school for me,” Brianna recalled. “From the staff, to the players, to the entire environment, it was just where I could see myself for four years.

I really enjoy it here and I’m glad I made the decision to come here.”

Brianna Turner is the latest in a lineage of great women’s basketball players to hail

from the Houston area. From players like Brittney Griner, Nneka Ogwumike and even old school legends like Monica Lamb, HTown has long been a hotbed of high profile lady ballers. Turner offers her opinion.

“I think because the Houston area is so large with a wide pool of great girl basketball players,” Turner opined.

“The combination of public and private schools with so much talent in such a wide area. You’ve got a lot of girls playing summer basketball and AAU, always trying to get better. I like looking up to Nneka. I’m sure there’s some girls looking up to me. The Houston area is so competitive with the games it’s really exciting to see who comes out next.”

Noted local women’s basketball authority Kris Gardner of the Houston Roundball Review remembers the buzz surrounding a young Brianna Turner.

“I first heard of Brianna when she was in 8th or 9th grade,” Gardner recalled.

“Basketball folks I trust told me she was next great talent to hail from this area.

They were correct.”

“Brianna has proved worthy of the accolades,” Gardner continued. “She can do a bit of everything on the basketball court. Offense and defense. She’s battled injuries at Notre Dame; but, her skillset is exceptional.

Her presence on the court, especially on defense, makes ND a definite contender to reach the 2017 Final Four in Dallas.”

It goes without saying that Brianna is happy to be coming home to play in front of family and friends.

“I’m really excited,” Turner acknowledged. “My parents come to a lot of games here but not a lot of my extended family can make it out to games. I’m really excited to have my friends and family be able to come watch me play in college live.

Turner and the Irish will entertain Louisiana Lafayette at the Campbell Center, 1865 Aldine Bender Road, on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

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sportsbriefs Trouble in Cowboy paradise

The Dallas Cowboys are in 1st place in the NFC East (7-1), riding the wave of a seven game win streak. Offensively, that streak has been fueled by the sensational play of rookies Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott.

Now reports out of Dallas indicate not every offensive player is excited about the success of Prescott. Since Prescott has taken over, Dez Bryant has seen his numbers diminish. Prescott, unlike Tony Romo, has spread the ball around to more open targets, resisting the urge to force the ball to Bryant, who in most cases is facing double team coverage. Some say that privately Bryant is hoping that a healthy Romo will regain his starting job and Bryant will once again be his favorite receiver. Stay tuned, this could get interesting.

Josh Huff lands in Tampa

Houstonian and former Philadelphia Eagle Josh Huff has landed in Tampa Bay after being recently released by the Eagles. Huff, a third-round draft pick in 2014, will be placed on the Buc’s practice squad. Josh, an explosive wide receiver and return man, was arrested a week ago for DUI, possession of an unloaded 9 mm handgun without a permit, possession of hollow-point ammunition and a small amount of marijuana. “You live and you learn, man,” Huff explained. “Obviously I’m mad that I put myself in that situation. I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to get going and get used to my new teammates and new players around me and get used to the staff.” Josh is an Aldine Nimitz graduate.

Episcopal falls in title game

Episcopal advanced to the Southwest Preparatory Conference Class 4A state championship game with a 9-1 record.

The loss came late in the season to Fort Worth All Saints (44-34), the same team the Knight met two weeks later in the title game. Episcopal squandered a 27-10 first-half lead as All Saints prevailed by scoring 26 unanswered points to end the game 57-39. All Saints scored two touchdowns in the final minutes of the first half to close within 27-24 at halftime.

Jake Levrier’s touchdown put Episcopal up 33-31 with five minutes, 27 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The 9-2 Knights scored again after trailing 57-31.

Episcopal has two of the highest rated college recruits in the nation, including 6-foot-4, 329-pound defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive tackle Walker Little. Both are uncommitted.

15

North Forest hands reins over to Rashand Jones

By Darrell K. Ardison Defender The script for this story was preempted a year ago. Rashand Jones made sure the sequel was just as good, if not better.

For the second year in a row, North Forest High School warmed up for the playoffs by running roughshod through league play. The Bulldogs have won back-to-back district championships without a blemish on the record.

Jones and his teammates capped the 2016 title with a 36-0 victory over Worthing at Barnett Stadium. The North Forest senior quarterback accounted for 343 total yards and three touchdowns in the win as the Bulldogs finished the regular season 7-3 overall and 6-0 in District 11-4A. “Rashand did this year what we knew he was capable of doing,” said North Forest head coach Mike Ferrell. “With over 1,700 yards passing and more than 1,100 yards rushing, he’s a 2,900-yard guy this season.

“Last year he won the starting quarterback job coming out of camp and he broke his ankle in the first game of the season,” Ferrell said. “He had almost 225 yards in the first half against Dulles and he went down with the injury on the third play of the second half. His replacement came in and ended up being the MVP of the district.”

Jones got the scoring started against Worthing at the end of a 67-yard drive when he crossed the goal line from seven yards out with three minutes, eight seconds left in the first quarter. He finished with 84 yards on nine carries and a TD. The Bulldogs tallied again with 11:32 remaining in the second quarter as Jones connected with freshman receiver Demond Demas on a 56-yard touchdown pass. A Damond Wiggins two-yard scoring run later in the quarter enabled North Forest to take a 21-0 advantage into intermission.

“We were a little flat at first so we had to come out faster, harder and stronger than before,” Jones said. “At first, the expectations for this group weren’t that high. When district came around we picked it up and went undefeated.”

After opening the season with losses to Stafford, Bridge City and La Marque, North Forest has outscored the remaining opposition 368 to 24. The last time North Forest lost a district game was to Waltrip in 2014. Seventeen consecutive district wins have ensued.

North Forest will either draw West Columbia or Sealy in the first round of the playoffs this week.

“We’re in a great frame of mind right now,” Jones said. “We can go far in the playoffs with this team.”

An eight-yard TD run by Antonio Davis and a

About Rashand Jones School: North Forest High Birth date: Nov. 18, 1998 Birth sign: Scorpio Favorite subject in school: Math Favorite NFL player: Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks Possible college major: Sports medicine

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What other HISD H.S. school teams made the football playoffs?

41-yard touchdown pass from Jones to Demas closed out the scoring against playoff-bound Worthing.

Jones completed 11-of-18 passes for 259 yards and one interception with two TD passes.

“Rashand has accounted for 36 touchdowns this season,” Ferrell said. “He brings in charisma and leadership. He’s a special player with a great demeanor and fun to coach.

“He’s like trying to pick up mercury,” Ferrell said. “Worthing did a great job of corralling him rushing-wise to be honest.

“I like the way we’re playing right now. We’re on a pretty good run and I like our chances in the playoffs,” Ferrell said.

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 10 | 2016

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topevents

Happening in Houston

For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

THE TOYOTA SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP HOUSTON 2016……..is fast campaigns, teach the importance of voting and the power of their ballots. approaching and the SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp hosted a game Candidate for Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez visited students and preview and luncheon for local media at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. participated in the mock election. A total of 265 votes were cast; 1 for Gary The event featured a highlight video of last year’s event and discussions Johnson, 5 for Jill Stein, 14 for Donald Trump and 245 for Hillary Clinton. about the plans for this year’s game at NRG Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 3. In In attendance were the Head of School Patricia Hogan Williams, Yvette attendance were Toyota Executive Vonda Lee, Chuck Morrison, Houston Smith, Shawna Clay, James Dixon, Marley Harris, Londyn Howard, Defender College/Pro Sports Editor Max Edison, Ch 13 Sales Manager Lauren Brown, Dike Kalv and many more……..CHANGE HAPPENS! Win Frazier with colleague Luke Autry, KCOH12TH ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON…….. Change AM sportscaster Ralph Cooper, Radio One Rep Happens! hosted its annual fall luncheon at the Malcolm Inniss, Strike Marketing Rep Thomas Junior League of Houston to reflect on the lives More photos on defendernetwork.com that have been changed by the organization. The Goggins, Forward Times Publisher Karen Carter Richard with webmaster Brannon Nealy, Booker luncheon, which was also used to acknowledge Lynne Graves, Houston Style rep Lisa Valadez, their partner, honored Mayor Sylvester Turner iHeartMedia reps Kelly Scott and Michael Saunders, Ch 11 Sportscaster and David LePori, the Regional President of Frost Bank, with the Dorothy Matt Musil, SWAC team members Ed Bradley, Joe Pogge, James Gilmer Ables “Making Change Happen” Hero Award. Guests were treated to a video and Jasher Cox……..THE IMANI SCHOOL MOCK ELECTION…….. presentation and silent auction. In attendance were Change Happens!

Children in kindergarten through eighth grade cast their votes for the next CEO Reverend Leslie Smith, Dallas Jones, Angela Jones, Tom Brooks, president at The Imani School’s mock election in the school’s library. The Cynthia Dawson, Carl Kidd, Mason Williams, City Council member school organized the event to engage the students in state and national Dwight Boykins and a host of others.

Defender TOP EVENTS

Derek Webber, Vonda Lee and Chuck Morrison

Duer Sharp, Matt Musil

Win Frazier, Max Edison

Lauren Barrett, Dike Kalv

Yvette Smith, Patricia Williams, Shawna Clay

Ed Gonzalez, James Dixon

Rev. Leslie Smith, Lonnie R. Mathews

Ross Cullins, Dandy Cullins, Maurice Watkins

Cynthia Dawson, Tom Brooks

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