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NEWSTALK TURKEY LEG HUT fights back against lawsuit
P2 FEATURE MICKEY LELAND honored in new book
Volume 89 | Number 6 NOVEMBER 28, 2019 |FREE
Brothers in Arms Quarterback LEGENDS join forces H PAGE 8
P6
SPORTS COLIN KAEPERNICK still at odds with NFL
Warren Moon
Andre Ware
Vince Young
Deshaun Watson
P14 TOP EVENTS
Kim Coles and Carol Guess at Greater Houston Black Chamber Women in Business Conference.
P16
Melina Matsoukas talks 'Queen & Slim'
The award-winning director hopes her new movie will build on her vision of identity, race and injustice, invoking today’s Black Lives Matter movement, the historic underground railroad leading slaves to freedom and police brutality.
Rubin Jones
shows versatility The Yates senior point forward has a unique set of skills that have been on full display at the start of the early basketball season. In the season opener, Jones set himself apart when he racked up 27 points, 10 rebounds and nine steals. Find out more about the talented athlete.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2019
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Turkey Leg Hut will fight lawsuit Defender News Services
A Dec. 6 hearing on a temporary restraining order may decide the fate of the popular Turkey Leg Hut in Third Ward. The hearing is a result of a lawsuit filed by nearby residents that alleges the restaurant’s smokers operate outside of city regulations and cause serious problems for its residential neighbors. Owner Nakia Price described the claims made in the lawsuit as “purely speculative” and “defamatory.” “This lawsuit was filed by a handful of people who want to vilify the Turkey Leg Hut as a nuisance to the community,” Price said. “It is difficult to not presume that they Third Ward's popular Turkey Leg Hut restaurant is being sued over its smokers. just don’t want us here.” between the restaurant and its neighbors. Price also said that this past September, The Turkey Let Hut held a meeting on Nov. 13 the restaurant obtained a permit from the City of and only a handful of neighbors attending at that Houston to build a “ventilated, fully-enclosed smokmeeting opposed the construction of the pit ening area” that they hoped would solve any disputes
closure that would solve the very issue the lawsuit is founded on. The lawsuit claims that the Turkey Leg Hut’s “noxious” smoke is pouring into homes near the restaurant, along with a laundry list of complaints against the restaurant that ranges from noise complaints to allegations that its customers park illegally in the neighborhood. A judge recently issued a temporary restraining order barring the restaurant from operating its smokers between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. “This is one of Houston’s most successful restaurants, if not the most successful restaurant,” said restaurant attorney Jeremy Pinckney. “Living here is busy, and I understand people want some privacy, but unfortunately you live right next to a restaurant. It’s mixed use, it’s Houston. Welcome to Houston.” The plaintiffs’ attorney said they filed the lawsuit because they were tired of waiting on the city to take action.
District B residents want runoff for Council seat is challenging Bailey’s candidacy because she is a convicted felon. State law says that convicted felons cannot Some District B residents are upset that the Dec. 14 run for public office, but Bailey is challenging that runoff election for the seat is being postponed. However, law, claiming she is not prohibited from running for current Houston City Councilman Jerry Davis said he office by the city’s charter and the so-called “home will not abandon his district until the matter is resolved. rule” should take precedence. While other races in the runoff will proceed, mem“I'm prepared whatever comes my way because bers of the Texas Organizing Project took their protests to I believe what's for me is for me,” said Bailey. “I City Hall to demand that the race for District B move forpaid my debt to society, I'm a qualified citizen and ward as planned. The County Clerk postponed District voter.” B’s runoff race because of a legal challenge involving Cynthia Bailey Tarsha Jackson Renee Jefferson-Smith A hearing on the legal challenge to Bailey’s candidate Cynthia Bailey. the Texas Constitution will allow him to remain in the seat if the candidacy has not yet been scheduled. “They're upset, very upset,” said Davis. “They want Jefferson-Smith and her attorney have criticized the city representation in that office and I will do my best to be there for matter is not resolved by the beginning of next year. Bailey was set to face Tarsha Jackson in the runoff, but for not removing Bailey from the ballot prior to the Nov. 5 them until the new councilmember-elect comes in.” the third-place finisher in the race, Renee Jefferson-Smith, election. Davis is leaving office because of term limits, but he said Defender News Services
localbriefs EARLY VOTING FOR THE DEC. 14 RUNOFF election halted for the Thanksgiving break and resumes Dec. 2-10. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sunday, Dec. 8, when they will open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) is Dec. 3…….A FEDERAL JUDGE SIGNED OFF ON the historic bail reform agreement for Harris County, setting in place new protections for people accused of minor offenses in the country’s third largest criminal justice system. The sweeping agreement and consent decree seeks to level the playing field for the thousands of people
arrested each year on misdemeanor charges. For years, judges jailed poor people by default while they awaited trial, while those with money to cover bail could walk free and return to their families and livelihoods…….. TWO FORMER HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS ARE FACING federal charges in a January drug raid that left two people dead and several officers injured. Authorities say Gerald Goines lied to obtain a search warrant, saying a confidential informant admitted to buying heroin at a home. Goines later acknowledged there was no informant and that he bought the drugs himself. Prosecutors say the false statements led to the
death of a couple at the home and injuries to officers. Former officer Steven Bryant is charged with falsely claiming he had identified heroin as a substance that was bought at the home before the raid. Both men plan to fight the charges……..THE DEFENDER IS LOOKING FOR WRITERS for “Sister Wisdom,” an inspiring collection of short stories which focus on “The Power of Us” or “Sister Wisdom.” The deadline is Saturday, Nov. 30. The book will be published in conjunction with the State of Black Women Summit Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Visit Defendernetwork.com for details to submit your entry.
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NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER
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Impeachment process continues process that could take up the first two weeks of December. The articles of impeachment are expected to mostly focus on Ukraine, though discussions continue. Democrats are considering an overall “abuse of power” article against Trump, which could be broken into categories like bribery or extortion. The article would center on the Democrats’ assertion, based on witness testimony, that Trump used his office to pressure Ukraine into politically motivated investigations. Additional articles of impeachment could include obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice. The latter could incorporate evidence from Mueller’s report.
Associated Press
Democrats are moving “expeditiously” with the impeachment process in what could be a busy December. At some point in the coming weeks, the House intelligence panel will submit a report to the Judiciary panel, and then Democrats will consider drafting articles of impeachment on President Donald Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and the administration’s attempts to block the investigation. The articles could cover matters beyond Trump’s efforts to push Ukraine to investigate Democrats, including special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, but no decisions have been made. There could be several steps along the way, including a Judiciary committee vote, a House floor vote and, finally, a Senate trial. What’s next in impeachment:
Congressman William Hurd of Texas, the only Black Republican in the House, listened to testimony before the Intelligence Committee during public impeachment hearings.
HOUSE FLOOR VOTE
The Judiciary panel could take several days to debate the articles and then vote on them –sending impeachment to the House floor, where they could immediately be called up for consideration. Debate on impeachment would be handled similarly to any other bill or resolution. If articles of impeachment reach the House floor, Democrats will be looking to peel off Republicans to make the vote bipartisan. So far, however, it appears few, if any, Republicans will break ranks. Not a single Republican backed the resolution launching the impeachment hearings. Once an impeachment vote is done, Democrats would appoint impeachment managers for a Senate trial.
provide testimony or documents on Trump’s orders. Democrats have said they don’t want to get tied Democrats on the House intelligence committee up in lengthy court battles to force those witnesses to believe they have enough evidence to write a report and cooperate with subpoenas. But they could still hear move forward. But it’s still unclear whether they will testimony if one of them changed their mind, or if hear any last-minute testimony. other key witnesses emerged. Several potentially key witnesses – former “We've heard and seen compelling evidence National Security Adviser John Bolton, acting that the president committed serious wrongdoing,” White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Energy says Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, a member of the Secretary Rick Perry and Secretary of State Mike intelligence panel. “There are other witnesses, Pompeo, among others – have so far declined to including some principal witnesses that we would have liked to have heard from, but the evidence has been pretty damning that the president committed an impeachable act.” SENATE TRIAL Time is running short if the House is to vote House Democrats are hoping to be finished with on impeachment by Christmas, which Democrats an impeachment vote by Christmas, sending articles VOLUME 89 • NUMBER 6 privately say is the goal. The intelligence panel is to the Republican-controlled Senate for a trial in NOVEMBER 28, 2019 expected to spend the Thanksgiving week writing, 2020. Unless political dynamics change, Trump is Editors This Ad Prepared By UniWorld Group, Inc. Publisher and maybe even completing, a report of evidence expected to have the backing of majority Republicans Sonceria Messiah-Jiles ReShonda Tate Billingsley gathered through more than six weeks of closed-door in that chamber to be acquitted. Ad/Client Relations Marilyn Marshall Pamelahow Veliz / Pamela Job # None Last Modified 11-1-2019 5:03 PM It’s Studio Filename FORD_YESE_9.75”x2”_Mechanical1.indd depositions and public hearings. stillArtist unclear longVeliza trial would last, Selma Dodson Tyler Contributing Writer Location Fonts OncePage the4/Creport is done, the panel could vote to what it would look like or what witnesses might be None Strategic Alliance Size Fold Color Print Client Manager Ford Antenna Cond (Regular, Bold; OpenType), Ford Antenna (Bold; OpenType) Aswad Walker UWGDBcreativedesktop passIssue it onNone to the House Judiciary Committee. That Clyde Jiles Name None None called. Top White House officials met recently with Ad/Project Sports could happen Art Director Republican senators to discuss strategy but made no None as soon as the first week of December, Scale To Appear In None Terrance Harris Inks Placed Graphics Tony Fernandez-Davila when lawmakers break. decisions about the length of a trial other Pamela Veliz return from the Thanksgiving Art Director Bleed 10” x 2.25” None Cyantactics, two Jodie B. Jiles Photographers Copy Writer N/A Trim 9.75” x 2” people familiar with the session said. Magenta JUDICIARY TAKES CHARGE Yellow Engagement Manager Ray Carrington III Black more Production Mgr. None Safety 9.5” x 1.75” Participants in the meeting expressed Pelosi has instructed the intelligence panel, Margo Williams Hubbard Jimmie Aggison Traffic None Scale None interest in voting as soon as they have the 51 votes along with other committees that have investigated needed to acquit Trump than in setting a specific The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender Trump, to submit evidence to the House Judiciary is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ timetable for the proceedings, according to one Committee. That panel is then subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein B:10” expected to hold Senate GOP aide. may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher). hearings and vote on articles of impeachment – a T:9.75” CONTENT
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NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER
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Melina Matsoukas talks 'Queen & Slim'
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Defender News Services
hen director Melina Matsoukas, along with writer Lena Waithe, set out to make “Queen & Slim,” they had one goal – build their vision of identity, race and injustice, invoking today’s Black Lives Matter movement and the historic underground railroad leading slaves to freedom. Matsoukas, 38, known for helming music videos for top talent like Beyoncé, said one of her reasons for directing the film was because of Sandra Bland, the African American woman who became a symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement after she was pulled over during a traffic stop and died The film stars Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya as a couple on the run. in a Waller County jail three days later. Her moment, I called my mother because I was so upset mysterious death was ruled a suicide. The $20 million drama stars Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel with this cop. She was very fearful. Many Black mothers fear for their children's lives every time they step out the Kaluuya as a couple who are forced to go on the run after a door in the world that we live in. police officer is shot in an act of self-defense. Q. How did that experience inform your decision to Here Matsoukas talks about the film, which opens in direct this film? theaters Nov. 27. A. That experience came to mind, and very much Q. What do you think of the comparison that your film is Sandra Bland's experience. I watched so much footage a modern-day “Bonnie and Clyde?” of Black people being pulled over by cops, and Sandra A. It's a diminishing way to describe our film, and a lazy Bland was one that I watched repeatedly. I saw so much way to understand it. I don't like basing Black films on any white archetype. Bonnie and Clyde were criminals; Queen and of myself in her experience. Like me, she could be any Black woman on any day. She was standing up for Slim are very much not. They are two people that are brought herself and she was furious at the time. [The officer] was together by this shared experience and they are fighting for blinded by her Blackness and couldn't stand for that. their lives. And they fall in love throughout the story. It is a Q. What is it like to be a Black woman directing in very singular experience. Hollywood in 2019? Q. Was this based on a personal experience? A. We're kicking the doors down and we're making A. I was home visiting my family in New Jersey and was people pay attention. I think everybody wants to be a in a nice car that had out-of-state plates. I was pulled over part of pushing the culture forward and creating change. because I was profiled. It's a terrifying experience that many We're making strides and supporting each other. We're people of color can relate to. It's also an energizing one when making it difficult for people to ignore us. A big part you know you're in the right. I stuck up for who I was. In that
of the problem is that the conversation of diversity only comes up when it is people like me. It's unfair to put that burden on other people of color. It needs to be a pattern that takes place within every studio and every crew and every film set and every TV set. It shouldn't only be on people of color to hire people of color.
Melina Matsoukas directed “Queen & Slim.”
what’sup TYLER PERRY will make his Netflix debut on Jan. 17. The director-producer will release “A Fall From Grace,” his first feature film for the streaming service. Starring CRYSTAL FOX, PHYLICIA RASHAD, BRESHA WEBB and MECHAD BROOKS, along with CICELY TYSON and Perry, the movie follows a woman heartbroken by her ex-husband’s affair who finally finds new romance only for it to be jeopardized by secrets and violence. The project is the mogul’s first movie entirely filmed and released from Tyler Perry Studios, which celebrated its grand opening last month……..A MICHAEL JACKSON movie may
be coming to a screen near you sooner rather than later. Producer GRAHAM KING has secured the rights from Jackson’s estate to make a feature film about the late singer’s life. The estate also agreed to give him Jackson’s music rights for the film. King is the producer who brought to life the awardwinning movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which detailed the success of rock band Queen. The movie is expected to span Jackson’s journey from child star to global icon that ended when he died in 2009 weeks before a planned comeback concert.…… JOYCELYN SAVAGE is reportedly detailing her life with R. KELLY through her channel on
the crowdfunding membership platform Patreon. Her presence on the platform is causing a divide with her family on whether the person behind the stories is even the real Savage. She announced that she would post daily chapters of her story. The 24-year-old said she met Kelly when she was 19 and he lavished her with gifts and offered to help her pursue a singing and modeling career. Kelly soon made her call him “Daddy” and “Master.” She detailed physical abuses and said had two abortions. This past March, Savage vehemently defended Kelly along with his other live-in girlfriend Azriel Clary on “CBS This Morning.”
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 defendernetwork.com
Benjamin Talton
Author celebrates Mickey Leland’s legacy By ASWAD WALKER Defender
“I
n This Land of Plenty: Mickey Leland and Africa in American Politics,” is the latest book by Benjamin Talton, a professor of African history at Temple University. The book focuses on the late Houston Congressman Mickey Leland and how his work in Africa impacted the power and influence of Black politicians in the United States. Talton writes about cultures and politics in Africa and the African diaspora. He earned his B.A. in History from Howard University and doctorate in history from the University of Chicago. He has been a visiting lecturer and scholar-in-residence at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He is also the author of “The Politics of Social Change in Ghana: The Konkomba Struggle for Political Equality” and “Black Subjects in Africa and its Diasporas: Race and Gender in Research and Writing.” Talton visited Houston recently for a book signing. The Defender spoke with the author about Leland, the inspiration for his book. Benjamin Talton Defender: What are some things about Mickey Leland and his generation of politicians that people may not know? Talton: What makes his generation of politicians unique is they bring that Black Power ethos with them into Congress. It’s a brief moment, but an impactful moment; a very important moment. They’re standing in solidarity with other global-style movements…in southern Africa, in southeast Asia… Also, Leland rejected electoral politics at first. He considers himself a revolutionary, and if you go into electoral politics you were endorsing this regime of
The late Mickey Leland was vocal in his support for Africa. He died in a plane crash on Aug. 7, 1989 during a humanitarian trip to Ethiopia.
the United States. So, he wrestled with that. One of the many arguments I’m making [in the book] is that Leland picked up the torch from Charles Diggs who was a [Detroit] congressman from 1955 to 1980 [and focused on] coalition building with activists on the streets; leading delegations to Africa to raise Africa’s profile; famine relief; and rejecting the Cold War as foreign policy. These are all things that Leland takes up in the 80s…The difference: Leland has a large group of like-minded legislators in Congress with him when he enters in 1979. Defender: While spotlighting Leland you also spotlight the decade of the 1980s. Why so? Talton: I feel that the ‘80s is overlooked. People talk about Reagan and Jesse Jackson’s campaigns [but] we don’t have a good book on TransAfrica…a major force in how [the U.S.] responded to South Africa.
TransAfrica was a very important institution for international relations in general, but also how African Americans engaged… The Congressional Black Caucus, that was their high-water mark – the 1980s. We often jump over the’ 80s as if Obama came out of nowhere…but I’m saying that the 1980s was its own period, and it was impactful culturally and politically. No other time before or after do you have African Americans, self-conscious as African Americans, with such political power…It’s a moment that deserves attention. Defender: What lessons does this book have for millennials and members of Gen Z? Talton: I think they should see what activism can achieve…Leland, [Ron] Dellums, Diggs, etc. come out of an activist tradition [and] bring all those strategies with them to the inside. We need to be reminded that it’s not just protest. We’re going to hold [a protest] but we’re also going to be in concert with legislators so they can get the bill; reach out to the press so we can shape the narrative and they can cover it the way we want them to; form a study group and get a five-point plan together so that after the protest we have XYZ lined up. So, we’re attacking it at multiple levels…I think we need to be reminded of that.
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White Democrats court Blacks, some find trouble Associated Press
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Coming out of their debate in a key center of Black America, the leading Democratic presidential contenders aimed for the party’s crucial Black and minority vote, with the scramble putting internal party tensions on display. From Black protesters disrupting Elizabeth Warren to the lone Black woman in the race chiding white, upstart Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the dynamics in Atlanta highlighted the push for crucial Black and other minority support with less than three months before primary voting begins. They further underscored some candidates’ vulnerabilities in trying to assemble the coalition necessary to win the nomination and defeat President Donald Trump in the general election. Warren electrified a raucous and racially diverse crowd in the Clark-Atlanta University gymnasium as she tried to expand her support beyond the white liberal base that boosted her in Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms the primary polls this summer. But the Massachusetts senator had to endure protests of a Black school-choice group that threatened to overshadow her message aimed squarely at Black women. Buttigieg, the South Bend, Ind., mayor who leads caucus polls in overwhelmingly white Iowa, was defending remarks relating his experience as a gay man to the systemic racism facing African Americans. Kamala Harris, the California senator and only Black woman in the race, blasted his approach as “naive.” Like Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders invoked his biography, as the child of an immigrant family U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley with casualties in the Holocaust, to connect with African Americans’ struggle against oppression and white supremacy. All those contenders are trying to catch Vice President Joe Biden, whose considerable lead among Black voters leaves him atop most national polls. Biden met with Black Southern mayors, led by Atlanta’s Keisha Lance Bottoms, one of his top campaign surrogates. But it wasn’t all smooth for Biden, as immigration activists interrupted him in South Carolina demanding he pledge to halt deportations on his first day in office. Biden refused. For those chasing Biden, Warren offered perhaps the strongest display. Before an energetic crowd at Clark-Atlanta, the senator called for a “full-blown national conversation about reparations” for slavery, and she praised Black women for helping build the country and advancing social and economic justice. Moments into her address, dozens of Black protesters from a school-choice group interrupted. They stood down only after Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley took the microphone from Warren. “The senator is here to talk about fighters like you,” said Pressley, who is Black. Read more of this story at www.DefenderNetwork.com
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2019
WARREN MOON
Age: 62 Houston ties: Houston Oilers Years in NFL: 16 College highlights: University of Washington (1975-77), led Huskies to Pac-8 title, Rose Bowl winner (1977) Pro highlights: Six years in CFL, led Edmonton Eskimos to five straight Grey Cup titles (1978-82), CFL Most Outstanding Player (1983); played for Oilers (1984-93), nine-time Pro Bowl (1988-95, 1997), First Team All-Pro (1990), NFL Man of the Year (1989), two-time NFL passing yards leader (1990, 1991), NFL passing touchdowns leader (1990), inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006), first African American QB and first undrafted player to receive HOF induction
Brothe in Arms Quarterback legends join forces for worthy cause By TERRANCE HARRIS Defender
ANDRE WARE
Age: 51 Houston ties: Dickinson High School, University of Houston (1987-1989) Years in NFL: Four College highlights: Heisman Trophy (1989), Davey O’Brien Award (1989), set 26 NCAA records, UPI Player of Year (1989), Consensus All-American (1989), threw for 4,699 yards and 44 touchdowns in single season (1989) Pro highlights: Drafted in first round (seventh overall) by Detroit Lions in 1990, played four seasons in NFL (1990-93), played three seasons in CFL (1995-97), Played one season in NFL Europe (1999)
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hat started out as a conversation became an idea that has blos somed into a reality. Four African American quarterback legends – Warren Moon, Andre Ware, Vince Young and Deshaun Watson – with Houston ties have joined to form Brothers in Arms and their p is to give college scholarships to area underprivileged minori students in partnership with Sports Authority Foundation. A conversation between Harris County-Houston Sports Authority VP of Public Re tions Patti Smith and Ware spawned the unique collaboration. It is their commonality a quarterbacks and as men who can relate to the potential recipients because all four wer raised by single mothers. “It’s pretty unique because first of all, you probably won’t see four African Americ quarterbacks who have all been pretty successful in our own right and all having some type of connection to the same town,” said Moon, a former Houston Oilers star. “That’s what makes this really special and then we all know each other and we all come from single-mom homes, which is unique.” While unique, it also just makes sense. Moon was initially approached by Ware, a at the University of Houston, and Smith about joining forces. Moon suggested Madison High School legend Young. Collectively, they all thought bringing current Texans quar
For more information visit ww
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VINCE YOUNG
Age: 36 Houston ties: Madison High School Years in NFL: Eight College highlights: University of Texas at Austin (2002-2005), won BCS national championship (2005), Maxwell Award (2005), Davey O’Brien Award (2005), Consensus All-American (2005), Manning Award (2005), Big 12 Offensive Player of Year (2005), Longhorn No. 10 jersey retired Pro highlights: Drafted in first round (No. 3 overall) by Tennessee Titans in 2006, played for Titans (2006-2010), two-time Pro Bowl (2006, 2009), NFL Offensive Rookie of Year (2006), NFL Comeback Player of Year (2009), played for Philadelphia Eagles (2011)
DESHAUN WATSON
back Watson into the fold was a great idea as well. All four men have an interest in helping minority students so the prevailing thought, was why not do something together? “We all have a link to the city of Houston and we wanted to do something as a group for the city,” said Moon. Young said he was only too happy to join the group because he is anxious to do what the late Houston Oiler and Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair did for him when he was star high school quarterback; not just to give kids money, but to be there for them when it really matters. “I know what Steve McNair did for me,” said Young. “He took time out of his schedule to come to my high school games and to be part of my life. He was a phone call away if I needed him. I think that is what made an impact for me to stay focused in order to obtain the goals and dreams I wanted in life. “Just being part of a brotherhood with Steve, Warren Moon and Andre means a lot. These guys opened up doors for younger quarterbacks as well as Watson and myself. So, we want to keep that chain going…and be more visible in those kids’ lives.” The scholarship recipients of the first class will be honored during the 2020 Houston Sports Awards on Jan. 21, 2020 at the Hilton Americas. The application deadline is Dec. 1.
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ng the Houston area for over 89 years
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Age: 24 Houston ties: Current Texans quarterback Years in NFL: Three College highlights: Clemson University (2014-2016), College Football Playoff championship (2016), two-time Davey O’Brien Award (2015, 2016), two-time Manning Award (2015, 2016), ACC Player of Year (2015), ACC Offensive Player of Year (2015), Consensus All-American (2015) Pro highlights: Drafted first round (No.12 overall) by Texans in 2017, Pro Bowl (2018), Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team (2017), two Player of the Month Awards, first player in NFL history to have at least 15 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns in team’s first eight games of a season
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 defendernetwork.com
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NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER
VOTE IN THE RUNOFF!
SYLVESTER
TURNER FOR MAYOR VOTE EARLY
Student Chloe White testifies in support of the addition of a public school African American studies course before the State Board of Education. (Photo by Texas Tribune)
Nov. 27 • Dec. 2–10!
Texas may approve Black studies in public schools
ELECTION DAY IS
Saturday, Dec. 14.
After years of bitter debate over whether ethnic studies courses are racially divisive, the Texas State Board of Education appears poised to approve its first African American studies course next year. The 15-member board, which is responsible for setting curriculum standards and adopting textbooks for Texas public schools, recently heard from dozens of students, educators and advocates at a public hearing, most who favored the new course. "We will be passing this," said board member Pat Hardy, a Fort Worth Republican. The board's seeming consensus marks a tremendous shift: In 2014, many Republicans voted down a proposal to create a Mexican American studies course, arguing it would divide instead of unite students. Hardy herself was a skeptic, saying: "We're not about Hispanic history; we're about American history." Over the next several months, the board will create curriculum standards for the course based on an existing class in the Dallas Independent School District, and is expected to take a final vote in April. It's the same process the board used to approve a Mexican American studies course last year, based on an existing course in Houston ISD. Hardy said that she has always been a proponent of ethnic studies. She said the timing in 2014 was not right for a Mexican American studies course because the board and its staff did not have time to build a set of requirements for it from scratch. Board member Ruben Cortez, the Brownsville Democrat who first proposed the Mexican American studies course in 2014, has a different theory for the change of heart: "After that long drawn-out five-year fight to get Mexican American studies approved, [Republicans] don't want to deal with it anymore." It's also possible that fiery debates could reignite when board members meet next January and April to discuss curriculum standards for the new course. Georgina Perez and Aicha Davis, both Democrats on the board, helped create the Dallas ISD class, which is a comprehensive survey of African American politics, culture, and history, beginning with pre-colonial African civilizations and ending in the modern era. At the public hearing, proponents of the course, most of them black and Hispanic, rattled off lists of the historical events and cultural leaders omitted from standard social studies and history courses. They said students of color who learn about their cultural history are more likely to be motivated in school, citing studies showing the academic and social benefits of ethnic studies classes.
Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign
Texas Tribune
VOTE ONE MORE TIME!
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2019
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Veteran dead three years, prompts questions searches at his previous addresses didn’t result in answers. “All [those] days, holidays, I just suffered. Because nobody wanted to help find him,” Stevens said. Various police departments expressed that because White was an adult and traveled extensively, they couldn’t pursue a missing person case. White was found because DeSoto police were investigating why it appeared tenants weren’t using water in multiple units. Some apartments were rented but empty. When authorities had to force the bolted door open at White’s apartment, they discovered him dead on
Defender News Services
A DeSoto, Texas man recently found dead in his apartment had been dead for approximately three years. Ronald White was a Navy veteran who traveled the world as a defense contractor. He would have been 51 years old at the time of his death. “My son would call me at least twice a month,” his mother Doris Stevens told WFAA. Ronald White of DeSoto had been dead three However, the phone calls years before his body was found. stopped about three years ago. Stevens, who lived in Long the kitchen floor. Island, N.Y., said she started getting suspicious when Police said White had a month-to-month lease her son couldn’t be reached on his birthday in April paid through an automatic withdrawal from an ac2017. count connected to his Navy retirement. There was no Stevens explained that her family didn’t have indication of foul play. enough money to hire a private investigator and
In memoriam:
Peter G. Brown Peter G. “Pete” Brown, a mechanical engineer and project manager primarily in the oil and gas industry, died Nov. 19. Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 at Spirit of Life Ministries, 485 Maxey Road. The viewing is at 11 a.m. and the homegoing celebration is at 1 p.m. Brown was an ordained elder at Spirit of Life and served wherever there was Peter G. Brown a need. He was a native Houstonian and Wheatley High School graduate. He attended Texas A&M University and later graduated from the University of Houston Downtown. Survivors include his wife, Sharon Conner Brown; sons, Cameron and Aaron; sister, Linda K. Brown; brother, Charles Brown; and grandsons, Osias and Kai Abel.
White’s pickup truck, a gray Ford F-150, also remained in the public parking area of the DeSoto Town Center parking garage. Toxicology exams are still being carried out to see if a cause of death can be determined.
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HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM NOTICE OF TRUSTEE RUNOFF ELECTION TO ALL THE DULY QUALIFIED, RESIDENT ELECTORS OF THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a runoff election will be held within and throughout the HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM (the “System”) on December 14, 2019 (“Election Day”), in accordance with the Texas Election Code and the Texas Education Code, for the purpose of electing to the Board of Trustees of the System one trustee for each of the positions in geographic districts I and II of the System. Positions in geographic districts I and II are to be filled for a term of office commencing January 1, 2020 and continuing until December 31, 2025. The candidates for the position in geographic district I are Monica Flores Richart and Dave Wilson. The candidates for the position in geographic district II are Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Kathy Lynch-Gunter. On Election Day, the polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. See Exhibit A attached hereto for Election Day polling place information. The Harris County Elections Official, Dr. Diane Trautman, is hereby designated as the Early Voting Clerk for Harris County to perform those functions for the System voters who are qualified under state and federal law in Harris County. Applications for ballots to be voted by mail by Harris County res idents should be mailed to the following address and must be received by the Early Voting Clerk by December 3, 2019: Dr. Diane Trautman, Harris County Clerk, Attn: Elections Division, P. O. Box 1148, Houston, Texas 77251-1148. The main early voting polling place for Harris County is: Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston, 1st Floor, Houston, Texas 77002. See Exhibit B attached hereto for the times, dates, and locations for early voting in Harris County.
EXHIBIT A - ELECTION DAY INFORMATION Harris County has not yet finalized polling places for Election Day. The System will publish a Notice of Election in the Hous ton Chronicle on or before December 4, 2019, which is expected to include polling place information for Election Day. Election Day polling place information will also be available online at www.harrisvotes.com or by calling 713-755-6965. Polling places are subject to change until Election Day. Please confirm polling places with Harris County prior to voting at www.harrisvotes.com or 713-755-6965. Harris County participates in the countywide polling place program. Voters may cast their votes at any polling place located within Harris County. EXHIBIT B - EARLY VOTING INFORMATION Dates and Times of Early Voting Dates: Wednesday, November 27, 2019 and Monday, December 2, 2019 through Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Times: 7:00am to 7:00pm (except Sunday, December 8, 2019 - 1:00pm to 6:00pm) Location County Attorney Conference Center Prairie View A&M University Northwest Atascocita Branch Library Kingwood Community Center Freeman Branch Library Harris County Scarsdale Annex Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center Raindrop Turkish House Nottingham Park Building Harris County Public Health Environmental Srvcs. Metropolitan MultiService Center HCC West Loop South Bayland Park Community Center Tracy Gee Community Center Katherine Tyra Branch Library Trini Mendenhall Community Center Acres Homes Multi Service Center Lone Star College Victory Center Hardy Street Senior Citizens Center Kashmere MultiService Center Neighborhood Centers Inc Ripley House Campus HCC Southeast College Building C Parking Garage Fiesta Mart Inc Sunnyside Multi Service Center Texas Southern University University of Houston The Grand Tuscany Hotel Moody Park Community Center SPJST Lodge Num 88 HCPL Octavia Fields Branch Library Alief ISD Administration Building
Address 1019 Congress Avenue (Conference Room) 9449 Grant Road (Rooms 114 and 115) 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive (Meeting Room) 4102 Rustic Woods Drive (Meeting Room II) 16616 Diana Lane (Meeting Room) 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard 3810 West Fuqua Street 9301 West Bellfort Boulevard 926 Country Place Drive (Meeting Room) 2223 West Loop South Freeway (1st floor Conference Rm) 1475 West Gray Street (MMSL AR 2 3) 5601 West Loop South (Room C108) 6400 Bissonnet Street (Annex) 3599 Westcenter Drive (Art Room 1 and 2) 16719 Clay Road (Meeting Room) 1414 Wirt Road (Room 106) 6719 West Montgomery Road (Auditorium) 4141 Victory Drive (VC102) 11901 West Hardy Road (Auditorium) 4802 Lockwood Drive (Auditorium) 4410 Navigation Boulevard (Room 209) 6960 Rustic Street 8130 Kirby Drive (Dining Area) 9314 Cullen Boulevard (Auditorium #189) 3100 Cleburne Street (Robert J Terry Library) 4302 University Drive (E Cullen Building Room 18) 12801 Northwest Freeway (The Regency) 3725 Fulton Street (Main MultiPurpose Room) 1435 Beall Street (Annex in back of main building) 1503 South Houston Avenue (Meeting Room) 4250 Cook Road (Room 750)
City Houston Houston Humble Kingwood Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Humble Houston
Zip Code 77002 77070 77346 77345-1350 77062 77089 77045-6402 77031 77079 77027 77019-4926 77081 77074 77042 77084 77055-4917 77091 77088-7321 77076-1220 77026-2941 77011-1036 77087 77054-1706 77051 77004 77004 77040 77009 77008-3441 77338-4822 77072
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Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey launching 2020 wellness tour Defender News Services
Oprah Winfrey is hitting the road with an all-star lineup of celebrities early next year. Included in “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus” wellness tour will be former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, and Kate Hudson, according to USA Today. Winfrey will kick off the nine-city tour in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. with a sit-down interview with Gaga on Jan. 4, 2020. She will also visit St. Paul, Minn. and hold a conversation with Fey; Charlotte, N.C., where she will meet up with Schumer; Atlanta, to converse with Johnson; Brooklyn, where she will talk with Obama; Dallas, where she will have a conversation with Ellis Ross; San Francisco, Hudson; and in Los Angeles, Winfrey will converse with Lopez. The media mogul will conclude her tour on March 7 in Denver with her best friend, Gayle King. Winfrey is sponsoring the tour along with WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) and hopes to make next year “the year of transformation and triumph,” according to Parade Magazine. In a letter to O Magazine readers, Winfrey said the conference will help attendees “say goodbye to procrastination, denial, feeling stuck and wishing for a better life. This is going to be a day-long party for everyone, celebrating all that you are – and all that you’re meant to be.” She said attendees will be guided through self-reflection exercises and will put together their very own 2020 action plans. In addition to the celebrity sitdowns, the tour will include Winfrey discussing what she’s learned from her own wellness path with Weight Watchers, a choreographed dance exercise from Julianne Hough, and a discussion each leg of the tour with inspirational guest speakers. Winfrey will also introduce a Weight Watchers-customized box lunch.
NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER
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sports
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NFL, Kaepernick at odds on workout
D
Associated Press
ays after Colin Kaepernick’s NFL workout fell apart, disagreements and distrust about it remain on issues such as its timing, who was invited and who could film the quarterback. In conversations with The Associated Press, representatives from both sides blamed each other for what went wrong on Nov. 16. Kaepernick’s side said the NFL orchestrated a workout as a public relations stunt destined to fail, while the league said it gave him a real chance to show off his skills – and he didn’t show up. A total of 25 teams were supposed to attend the league’s workout run by two former head coaches at the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility. Instead, Kaepernick ditched that workout and ended up throwing passes in front of representatives from eight NFL teams at his own event at a site 60 miles away. Kaepernick, who led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl seven years ago, hasn’t played since 2016 when he sparked a wave of protests and divisive debate by kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. The league in February settled a collusion grievance filed by Kaepernick and Eric Reid. The AP reviewed both waivers from the event and talked to a person who was involved in the negotiations from Kaepernick’s side and two NFL officials with knowledge of the process, all speaking on condition of anonymity because the discussions between the two sides were private. Here's a look at some of the issues raised by both sides regarding the botched workout:
DEADLINE TO ACCEPT
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick participated in a workout at his own event.
ing game week to see a free agent. It also said general managers rely on their scouts to evaluate free agents. The league says it didn’t want to push the date back because it “did not want a circus.” The league pointed out that free agents are usually given a call one day before a
Kaepernick’s camp said the NFL gave him only two hours to accept an invitation four days ahead of the workout. They believe the NFL cared more about creating the impression it wanted to give Kaepernick a chance for a new job than actually giving him a legitimate opportunity. The NFL said it was Commissioner Roger Goodell’s idea to give Kaepernick a platform for an unprecedented workout. The league, which hasn’t arranged tryouts for other free agents, said Goodell felt it was right to give the exiled QB the chance to showcase his skills. Teams were expressing interest in knowing whether Kaepernick was serious about playing.
SATURDAY, NOT TUESDAY
Kaepernick’s side requested to move the workout to a Tuesday when most teams bring free agents in for tryouts. It was concerned that team “decision-makers” wouldn’t be present on a weekend. The NFL said coaches wouldn’t travel on a Tuesday or any other day dur-
Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49er, hasn’t played since 2016
workout, “don’t bring in their own receivers, dictate the order of the workout, bring in their own media crew or have media onsite.”
THE WAIVERS
Kaepernick’s representatives said the NFL “demanded” as a precondition for the workout that he sign an “unusual liability waiver” that addressed employment-related issues. They countered with a waiver from physical injury that the league rejected. The NFL said it sent Kaepernick a standard liability waiver based on the one used by National Invitational Camp at all NFL Combines and by teams when trying out free agents. Kaepernick signed a waiver with similar language before attending the combine in 2011. The NFL said it became concerned when Kaepernick's side wanted to know who would own commercial rights to the video, adding that such an issue is not part of a typical workout.
FINAL WORDS
Kaepernick's side believes the NFL was using the workout as a PR stunt and wanted to avoid the NFL using the footage “for its marketing and propaganda since the NFL waiver included a clause granting it these rights.” The NFL said it accommodated all of Kaepernick’s football requests, but nonfootball issues derailed it. The league said it would have invited the NFL Network to broadcast the workout if it wanted publicity. Read more at www.DefenderNetwork.com
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NOVEMBER 28 | 2019 | DEFENDER
sports
15
Yates point forward
Rubin Jones a versatile playmaker
J
About Jones
Twitter: @rjcrossover11 Favorite NBA player: Jamal Crawford Favorite musical artist: Kodak Black, NoCap and Ralo Shout-outs: 2 Nans and Cool’s fam.
Rubin Jones searches for the open man as he takes the ball up court
By JODIE B. JILES Defender
ack Yates High School senior point forward Rubin Jones, a University of North Texas commit, has a unique set of skills that have been on full display at the start of the early basketball season. In Yates’ season opening 102-100 win over 6A playoff contender Katy Morton Ranch, which arguably has two of the most highly recruited ballers in the greater Houston area in point guard L.J. Cryer and big man Eddie Lampkin, Jones set himself apart when he racked up 27 points, 10 rebounds and nine steals. In Yates’ next matchup against 5A contender Madison, Jones led all scorers with 33 points in 113-99 victory over the Marlins. Yates head coach Greg Wise revealed what Jones adds to the program. “It is hard to point out one thing because he is so versatile – a 6-foot-5 point guard who sees the floor and passes the ball better than anybody I have ever had. At his height he can handle the ball, pass it and shoot it,” Wise said. “When we run small, you can put him at the five [center] on defense which again shows you how versatile he is.” The Defender spoke with Jones after his team defeated Madison to discuss his Jones makes a difficult layup in the 113-99 win over Madison. playing style, passing vision and how he made it to state last year and fell short and I don’t intends to cap off the season with a state championlike that feeling. We are going to make it this year ship. and we are going to win it. Defender: How Defender: How would you describe would you say your game your style of play? has grown since last For game and crowd photos visit Jones: I just play year’s state championIG: @DefenderHighSchoolSports any position where the ship run? coach needs me and I Jones: I know I am more make everyone better athletic and I study the as a playmaker. game more. I don’t really think about the next Defender: Walk us through your vision on move; it just comes to me naturally because of how the court? much I watch the game and study basketball. Jones: I don’t really think too much about it. Defender: What will it take for Yates to finish I see the open man and they are going to get the what you started last year and take home the state ball. I know everybody can make shots so I’m gotitle? ing to get everybody the ball. Jones: Last year we had a lot of injuries and that Defender: What have been your squad’s keys is really what made us fall short. This year everybody to success early on this season? is healthy, everybody is on the same page and we are Jones: We just play as hard as we can. We going to win it all.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 28 | 2019
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
GHBC WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE……..The Greater Houston the East Side of the North Pole in town to take photos with children and adults alike. Black Chamber recently held its 3rd Annual Women in Business Conference, an HMAAC staff members Davinia Reed, Charles Hunter, Teresa Doss and Dominic all-day affair that offered participants workshops, panel discussions and author Clay were on hand to welcome and assist event attendees including Denise Davisconversations on various topics including prioritizing self-care, leadership Moore, Sjonneke Jones, Vanessa Braithwaite, Todd Scott, Kevona Branch, development, discovering your destiny, international business and many more. Nakia Minix, Chris, Maddox & Tiera Wilson and many more………VEGAN Capping off the event held at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum was the keynote SOCIETY OF PEACE THANKS LIVING POTLUCK 2019……..Houston’s address by actress, comedian, entrepreneur and author Kim Coles. GHBC President Vegan Society of Peace hosted its 13th Annual Thanks Living Potluck, welcoming Carol Guess and event MC Sky Houston (KMQJ Majic 102.1 vegans and the vegan-curious alike to the India House for a plantFM) welcomed attendees including Kim Roxie, Holly Charles, based feast. The event featured a vegan vendor mini-marketplace, Defender TOP EVENTS a catered vegan appetizer and dessert bar, and a keynote address Misty Starks, Pastor Mia Wright, Juanita Hines, Ashley More photos on defendernetwork.com Dedmon, Jacquie Young-Hall, Moquita Quinan, Carlecia by physician Roxanne George, M.D. The event highlighted the Wright, Jessica Odom, Brittany Jones, Zina Broussard, mind/body/spirit advantages of a plant-based diet for individuals Karon L. Washington and countless others……….HMAAC as well as the planet. Attendees included Chefs Nadia Ahmed, HOLIDAY SIDEWALK ART SALE……..The Houston Museum of African Kai Wong and Sangamithra Narasimhan, Chris Whaley (Amazing 102.5 FM), American Culture (HMAAC) welcomed the 2019 holiday season with its Holiday Kristen Lee Ohanyan, Chelsea Williams, Shannon Cooper, Julius Fields, Amina Sidewalk Art Sale. Held at the museum, the event featured artist-entrepreneurs and Rivera, Madison Reece, Maria Rocha, Taylor Garcia and more. other vendors, holiday movies for the family, children’s games and Black Santa from
Sydney Whitman, Erica Hubbard, Robertine Jefferson
Kim Coles, Carol Guess
Davina Reed, Charles Hunter, Teresa Doss
Amiya Henderson, Taylor Spiller, Cache Washington, Cameron Jacquette
Chef Sangamithra Narasimhan, Chef Kai Wong, Chef Nadia Ahmed
Dr. Roxanne George, Kristen Lee Ohanyan
Jessica Odom, Sky Houston
Chris Wilson, Maddox Wilson, Tiera Wilson
Amina Rivera, Madison Reece
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