NEWSTALK
HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMS COULD MISS OUT ON MILLIONS IN RECOVERY MONEY P2
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Volume 87 | Number 5 NOVEMBER 30, 2017 |FREE
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NATIONAL CYNTOIA BROWN teen who killed pimp gets celeb support
P3 OBITUARY WALTER DAVIS III business and civic leader remebered
P9 H.S. ZONE JALEN PRESTON wears many hats for Manvel
P11 TOP EVENTS
DENZEL
Like you’ve never seen him before H PAGE 5
Meghan Markle
DeAndre Hopkins
She’s a mixed-race, divorced, Catholic actress….and she’ll soon be a real life princess. Find out why the “Suits” actress’s recent engagement to Britain’s Prince Harry has everyone talking.
The Texans wide out continues to show that he is among the NFL’s elite. Hopkins, who in his fifth season, has created an identity throughout the NFL as a big play simply waiting to erupt.
soon to be princess
Elijah White, Diana WandixWhite and UNCF head Michael Lomax at the UNCF’s A Mind Is Gala
P12
part of an elite class
H PAGE 8
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 30 | 2017
newstalk
Hurricane Harvey recovery
Thousands could miss out on millions
laws or it’s difficult to get information from private insurance companies. Instead, agencies use data cobbled together from a number As the state undertakes what could be the biggest housing of sources to determine an estimate of what Texas homeowners recovery in American history after Hurricane Harvey, potentially and renters will need. And not all agencies use the same figures or thousands of Texas renters and homeowners trying to rebuild their formulas to reach their projection. lives are in danger of falling through the seams of a patchwork of “There is an effort right now to see if we can come up with an agencies. But no one knows how many Texans could get lost in the shuf- estimate that everybody agrees is probably the closest,” said Federal Emergency Management fle – or how much personal Agency spokeswoman Jackie wealth they stand to lose. Chandler. That’s because U.S. That entity is charged with disaster recovery efforts are providing funds for immediate split between a number of govneeds, like debris clean-up and ernment entities, so no single temporary housing. And several agency is tracking the full other agencies use the number extent of destruction the storm of aid applications FEMA wrought on Texas homes. That processes as the base figure leaves the Texas General Land upon which their own damage Office, which is charged with estimates are determined. overseeing the state’s housing Before FEMA will give recovery efforts, vying for any short-term money to Texlimited long-term relief funds James Wheeler Jr., right, works with a friend to help rebuild after Hurricane Harvey. ans, the agency requires aid appliwithout an exact price tag for cants to state how much damage their insurance provider will cover. damage to private property. It also requires Texans to apply for low-interest housing recovery Housing advocates say the lack of quantitative data could set loans through the Small Business Administration. countless residents up for financial ruin once federal funds, which So far, FEMA inspectors have conducted inspections on more officials also want to use on a wish list of public works projects, start than 570,000 homes damaged by Harvey. More than 5,000 are left trickling down through several layers of government. to be inspected. But that agency only handles short-term needs and “This is a limited amount of money that is made available to caps aid at $33,300. It doesn’t attach a price tag to damage that goes the state, and then the state has to pick winners and losers,” said beyond that threshold. John Henneberger, co-director of the Texas Low Income Housing So while more than 4,200 Texas families have hit that cap, Information Service. But as thousands remain in temporary housing heading into the it’s not known how much more money they would need to fully renovate or rebuild. Such needs generally fall to Housing and Urban holidays, government officials point out that federal disaster funds Development, which distributes long-term disaster relief funds. One Congress sends to storm-battered regions aren’t meant to replace of that agency’s chief responsibilities is to make sure limited federal everything that was washed away. dollars go to those who need it most, like low-income residents or Even if there was enough money for everyone, officials say people without flood insurance who don’t qualify for low-interest they can’t tally the complete housing destruction for a number of government loans. reasons: they aren’t required to, they are blocked by federal privacy Texas Tribune
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ADL launches #ExposeHate campaign Defender News Services
The FBI releases hate crime statistics every year, but they only tell part of the story. Hate crimes are underreported for a wide range of reasons: law enforcement officers may not recognize a crime as a hate crime; hate crime victims may not, either. A hate crime victim may be ashamed or unwilling to report something that happened to him because he does not trust law enforcement. It may not be acceptable in a victim’s culture to speak up in a public way. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is launching a new campaign, #ExposeHate, to highlight and expose the number of incidents that actually occur in communities. “We know that many people suffer as targets of hate, and don’t report what happened to them,” said Dayan Gross, ADL southwest regional director. “We’re asking people to stand up against hate and speak out against it. “ADL has been fighting hate for 104 years, and has tools that can help hate crime victims, and those who investigate and prosecute hate crimes bring the perpetrators to justice. Ultimately, that will encourage the targets of hate to report more, to #ExposeHate, and discourage the haters from their cowardly, destructive behavior.” If you have witnessed a hate incident or crime or have been the victim of one, after reporting to police, the ADL is asking you to also report it to ADL at http:// houston.adl.org, and click the button that reads “Report an Anti-Semitic, Bias, or Discriminatory Incident.”
localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY RECEIVED $100,000 from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). The money will be used for the Interdisciplinary Health Professions Simulation Center. Joel Cowley, HLSR president and chief executive officer, presented the check to TSU President Austin Lane, along with HLSR Vice President Terence Fontaine, HLSR Director and Houston City Councilmember Dwight Boykins, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The partnership will provide needed financial support to students seeking to better themselves through education……..THE HISD FOUNDATION IS ONE OF 90 LOCAL nonprofit organizations selected to split nearly $29 million in grants
from the Greater Houston Community Foundation. The GHCF awarded the HISD Foundation $600,000 to assist in the district’s ongoing Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. All money from the grant will be used to purchase uniforms and school supplies for students affected by Harvey. It will also fund after-school tutoring in the most-affected communities across the district. The GHCF oversees and administers the grant distribution process for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund set up by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. The fund has collected more than $102 million, and with the latest round of grants, has dispersed more than $36 million. The fund will continue to collect donations
through Dec. 31…….LANDRY’S PLANS TO HIRE 600 people at The Post Oak, a luxury hotel under construction in Uptown. Tilman Fertitta’s hospitality company is looking to fill management positions such as catering events manager, front desk manager, director of business travel, director of housekeeping, banquet manager and engineering coordinator. Other positions include accountants, front desk agents, food servers and sous chefs. Employees will receive training from Landry’s consultants and benefits. Interested candidates can apply online at ThePostOak.com, or attend career fairs taking place Dec. 9 and 10 at Landry’s corporate office, 1510 West Loop South.
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NOVEMBER 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs OBAMACARE SIGNUPS CONTINUE to surge in the first weeks of open enrollment. The uptick in signups is exactly what supporters of the healthcare law were hoping for but experts urge them to keep perspective because such an early surge does not always turn into a trend. This is the first open enrollment of the Trump administration and it has been quite robust, even considering the uncertainty that the many months of repeal attempts in Congress, insurer exits and rising premiums, have caused. In just under three weeks, almost 2.3 million people have signed up for Obamacare exchanges according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They say this year has exceeded the signups for the same period during Barack Obama’s presidency. The increase comes despite the Trump administration slashing advertising and cutting the open enrollment period in half, ending it Dec. 15…….DONALD TRUMP IS AFRAID OF BLACK PEOPLE ACCORDING TO his former ghostwriter Tony Schwartz, who dissected the president’s attack on the father of a college basketball player. The co-author of Trump’s 1987 book “The Art of the Deal” told CNN’s John Berman that POTUS’ feud with LaVar Ball stemmed from his perception of Black people and his standard reaction to being under threat. “First of all, [LaVar Ball] is a tall Black man, and I think Trump is half awed and half frightened by Black people, and his only way of dealing with them is to attack them,” Schwartz said…….U.S. REP JOHN CONYERS is stepping down as the ranking Democrat on the powerful House Judiciary Committee, leaving a spot the longtime civil rights legend and advocate for the disadvantaged has treasured and battled to keep. Citing recent allegations of sexual harassment, Conyers said he is stepping down but he denies the allegations and looks forward to vindicating himself.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 5 NOVEMBER 30, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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U.S. ending temporary permits for Haitians Associated Press
The Trump administration is moving forward with its decision to end a temporary residency permit program that has allowed almost 60,000 citizens from Haiti to live and work in the United States since a 2010 powerful earthquake shook the Caribbean nation. The Homeland Security Department said conditions in Haiti have improved significantly, so the benefit will be extended one last time – until July 2019 – to give Haitians time to prepare to return home. Immigration advocates rally to protest the decision from the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Temporary Protected Status for people from Haiti. “Since the 2010 earthquake, the number of displaced (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) people in Haiti has decreased status for us with TPS,” Ponthieux said. “This is antiby 97 percent,” the department said in a press release. immigrant policy.” “Haiti is able to safely receive traditional levels of Advocates for Haitians quickly criticized the returned citizens.” decision, arguing the conditions in the island nation Advocates and members of Congress from haven’t improved nearly enough for Haitians to be both parties asked the Trump administration for an deported. 18-month extension of the program, known as TemAmanda Baran, a policy consultant at the Immiporary Protected Status. Haitian President Jovenel grant Legal Resource Center, called the termination Moise’s government also requested the extension. of the status a “heartless decision” and said the Trump Rony Ponthieux, a 49-year-old Haitian nurse with administration has no plan in place for the U.S.-born temporary residency who has lived in Miami since children who may now lose their Haitian parents and 1999, said, “This isn’t over, this is time we get to fight caregivers to deportation. for renewal, not to pack our bags.” She has a daughter While Haiti has made advances spurred by inand a son born in the United States and another son in ternational aid since the quake, it remains one of the Port-au-Prince. poorest nations in the world. More than 2.5 million “We need to push Washington to provide a legal people, roughly a quarter of the population, live on
Celebs rally around sex trafficking victim Defender News Services
Cyntoia Brown is making headlines again –13 years after she was sentenced to life in prison at age 16 for killing a man who picked her up for sex. There have been no significant changes in the case, but celebrities have renewed interest in it after posting about it on social media. Brown, now 29, is serving a Cyntoia Brown life sentence in Tennessee for killing 43-year-old Johnny Mitchell Allen after he solicited her for sex. She was convicted of first-
degree murder as an adult, but her attorneys and advocates believe she is a victim of sex trafficking and acted in self-defense. Rihanna has taken to Instagram to share Brown’s story. Lebron James, Snoop Dogg, T.I. and others soon followed. Kim Kardashian West revealed that she contacted her lawyers for help. A 2011 PBS documentary about Brown’s case detailed her life. It is possible that a recent airing of the movie put the case back into the spotlight, with the hashtag #FreeCyntoiaBrown.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 30 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
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This Is Us available on XFINITY Stream app
The best scene of all The best action, comedy, and drama happen when screens are down, devices are off and you’re tuned in to the ones you love. This holiday, connect with each other because with the X1 DVR, you can record up to six shows at once. Plus, enjoy instant access to the most free TV shows and movies with XFINITY On Demand — you’ll never miss a thing. Also, with XFINITY xFi, you get the speed, coverage, and control you need. XFINITY will change the way you celebrate the holidays.
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NOVEMBER 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’
Washington steps outside box in new role
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Defender News Services
enzel Washington is an award-winning actor, director and producer with a lengthy and varied resume of projects. He has received critical acclaim in biographical roles such as Steve Biko in “Cry Freedom,” Malcolm X in “Malcolm X,” and poet and educator Melvin B. Tolson in “The Great Debaters.” Now he is taking on the role of a fictional character in the legal drama, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” Israel is a highly skilled lawyer and a savant for memorizing cases, but he has almost no social skills and a debilitating need to say whatever’s on his mind, no matter the situation. Washington’s trademark charm and charisma is dialed back to the nth degree, replaced with nervous tics, wayward eyes and half-formed mumbles. It’s one of Washington’s finest performances. Here, Washington dishes on a role he says is unlike anything he’s ever played. Q: Director Dan Gilroy wrote this script with you in mind. What was it that attracted you to “Roman J. Israel, Esq.?” A: Just a good, really, unusual script. I hadn’t read anything like this. Characters like this don’t
ing passion? It was different. So different than “Fences.” I read it and knew I had to do it. So it’s no mystery why I took this role – Dan just wrote a good script. It was someplace I haven’t been before. It’s easy when it’s good. Q: The character has Asperger’s syndrome. How did you prepare for the role? A: Well, you know, you go online and there’s all kinds of videos and I just got into that world. Just kept going and one book led to another. I did a lot of research and what they call mimicking neurotypical behavior. Roman is brilliant but he lacks certain social skills. He’s awkward, but he’s human. That was actually motivating. Outstanding, inspiring, powerful people come in all shapes and sizes. They’re not all sexy and handsome and have their own reality show. I was inspired and I hope people are inspired by someone like Roman. Q: Roman is a social activist. During a recent speech you addressed whether the Black community should be optimistic Award-winning actor Denzel Washington plays a lawyer in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” about making change given the state of the world right now. come along often. I knew Dan’s A: That’s one of the things I also loved work from “Nightcrawler.” We about the script. Change starts in the home. If the father is had a two-hour meeting and I not in the home the boy will find a father in the streets. I said I’m in. I wanted to find saw it in my generation and every generation before me, out who this guy is and what and every one since. If the streets raise you, then the judge makes him tick, which led becomes your mother and prison becomes your home. I to a lot of the developremember when I was doing the movie “Malcolm X” and ment of the character, we were doing a speech up at Columbia, we had a bunch of and the hair, and the students from Columbia University. In between takes, we glasses and all of that. were talking about things and how tough the world is…And But not just what they’re like, “Oh, no no, we’re gonna change it.” I was like, makes him tick. I wanted “Oh, I’m the cynic.” So I pray that young people never lose to find out why does that fire. I don’t think they will. And needless to say there’s a he still have this burnlot for them to work on.
what’sup BEYONCÉ has been crowned the highest paid woman in music, according to Forbes. The talented Houstonian reportedly made $105 million before taxes between June 2016 and June 2017. Bey’s “Formation Tour” grossed $210 million in ticket sales last year, which helped land her in the No. 1 spot, along with “Lemonade” sales. ADELE comes in at the No. 2 spot with pretax earnings of $69 million while TAYLOR SWIFT came in at No. 3 with $44 million. Swift was in the top spot last year when she raked in $170 million. CELINE DION’S Las Vegas residency helped to put her at the No. 4
slot while JENNIFER LOPEZ rounded out the top five with $38 million. Beyoncé also placed on Forbes’ the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list, where she landed at No. 50. The cash will continue to roll in for the “Hold Up” singer in 2018 when she begins voicing Nala in “The Lion King” remake..…..MARIAH CAREY is postponing her Christmas tour after a doctor ordered her to focus on her health. Carey, who already cancelled the first set of shows due to an upper respiratory infection, announced the news on Instagram, saying she’s disappointed but her health takes priority…….
WILLOW SMITH is keeping it 100 about her experiences growing up with her famous parents WILL SMITH and JADA PINKETT-SMITH in the spotlight. She admits that “it’s absolutely horrible.” In an interview with the new digital magazine Girl Gaze, the 17-year-old said, “Growing up and trying to figure out your life…while people feel like they have some sort of entitlement to know what’s going on, is absolutely, excruciatingly terrible – and the only way to get over it, is to go into it.” She also realizes you can’t change who you are born to and have to make the most of it.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 30 | 2017
W
hile contracting HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as a death sentence in the United States, millions of people around the world continue to contract HIV and die of the last stage of the virus’ infection – acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. World AIDS Day, which is on Dec. 1, is designed to bring attention to the disease that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.1 million Americans over the age of 13 continue to live with. With the theme “Everyone Counts,” the World Health Organization will highlight the need for all 36.7 million people living with HIV and those who are vulnerable to help reach the goal of universal health coverage. Marlene McNeese-Ward, bureau chief of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services-HIV/ STD Prevention, said the public needs to be knowledgeable on HIV/ AIDS. “There are a lot of reasons why people need to know about HIV/ AIDS, from determining whether they are at risk themselves to even how to speak sensitively to someone who has the disease,” McNeeseWard said. The Houston area has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Texas, a reality with incalculable public health and social consequences, Ward said. “Although we have the medical and scientific know-how to end the epidemic, we must do more to fight the social factors that perpetuate the disease,” she said. Here are 10 facts you should know about HIV/AIDS from Ward and other medical experts.
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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HIV/AIDS By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
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Anyone can get HIV. When HIV and AIDS first appeared, it was called a “gay disease.” That title has since been abandoned because it’s now recognized that anyone can be infected with HIV. In the U.S., gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men continue to be at the greatest risk for HIV infection, but AIDS is also spread through heterosexual sex. The virus continues to be spread through sharing drug paraphernalia with people who are HIV-infected. AfricanAmericans make up only about 12 percent of the population but account for nearly half of the people in the country living with HIV, according to the CDC.
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The death toll from AIDS is astronomical. Since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in 1981, more than 70 million people worldwide have been infected with the virus, and approximately 675,000 people have died from AIDS in the US. Locally, an estimated 1 in 90 Houstonians is living with HIV/AIDS. Six out of every 10 diagnosed HIV infections in the Houston/Harris County are African American. Overall, however, the rate of new HIV infections and diagnoses is now dropping in the U.S., likely due to prevention efforts. But progress has been uneven. Certain groups, such
as Hispanic and Black gay and b numbers of infections and diagno
3
You can ha it. When som with HIV, the symptoms suc ache, sore thr within the first two to four week painful, swollen lymph nodes an or red bumps.) But many other people won’t all during this early (acute) stage ports, and they can spread the vi only way to know for sure wheth positive is to get tested. Late-sta AIDS – does cause symptoms, bu other ailments.
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HIV preve Because H exchange of b to prevent inf safe sex (used drug paraphe recommends that everyone betw
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me people are first infected ey can experience flu-like ch as fatigue, fever, headroat, and muscle and joint pain s. (Other symptoms include nd a skin rash with small pink
t experience any symptoms at e of infection, the CDC rerus without realizing it. The her you or your partner is HIV age HIV –before it becomes ut these can be confused with
ention is key. HIV is transmitted by the bodily fluids, the best way fection is to always practice d condoms) and avoid using ernalia like needles. The CDC ween the ages of 13 and 64 get
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have been exposed to HIV have options – if they act very quickly.
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You can’t get HIV/AIDS from just any kind of contact. Myths still abound about HIV/AIDS. For example, you can’t get HIV from insect bites or stings, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing toilets or dishes, according to the CDC. You also can’t get infected from a closed-mouth kiss or contact with an infected person’s sweat or tears. You can’t get it by simply working or hanging out with someone who has AIDS or is HIV positive, either. HIV transmission from one woman to another woman through sexual contact is also rare, the CDC says.
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It’s not just a man’s disease. Approximately one-quarter of people with HIV in the U.S. are female, the CDC reports, and most were exposed to the virus through heterosexual sex. A woman who is pregnant and has HIV/AIDS can pass HIV to her unborn children during pregnancy; she can also transmit the virus during childbirth and when breast-feeding, the CDC says. There is more than one different type of HIV. Some sources often refer to HIV as if it were just one entity, but there are in fact two strains of the virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Most of the HIV infections in the U.S. and around the world are HIV-1. If it’s not treated, HIV-1 causes AIDS, the CDC notes. The other type of HIV – HIV-2 – is found mostly in West Africa. It’s rare in the U.S. and is also less likely to lead to AIDS. tested at least once for HIV, and as often as every six months if you have multiple sexual partners, have unprotected sex, or use needles to inject drugs. If you’re at a very high risk for getting infected taking a medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, may help keep you safe, says the CDC. This preventive treatment lowers your chances of being infected by stopping the virus from getting a foothold in your body. PrEP, however, has to be taken consistently and exactly as your doctor prescribes it. The CDC says this regimen can lower your risk of getting HIV from sex by 90 percent and cut the risk of transmission among injection drug users by more than 70 percent.
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There is a treatment that’s working. Before 1996, contracting the HIV was basically a death sentence. But then, over the course of the next two decades, a regimen of drugs known as antiretroviral therapy (ART) evolved and came into use. This drug regimen helps prevent the virus from replicating and can help keep the infection from causing AIDS, transforming a fatal disease into a manageable one. “These drugs have been an amazing scientific advancement,” Ward said. “Most of the people who die nowadays are those who are unaware they have [AIDS] until symptoms become severe.” Even people who think they may
the Houston area for over 85 years
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Several at-home HIV tests for HIV in the privacy of your own home. Several at-home HIV tests have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and can be bought online or at a drugstore for anywhere from $30 to $200. Many of these tests ask consumers to prick their finger with a needle, place a few drops of blood on a blotter pad, and then mail the sample to a lab. Of course, you can also see your doctor for a conventional blood test or visit almost any public health center for a blood or saliva test (usually free). These centers also offer confidential on-site counseling. The CDC notes that if you get a positive result from any at-home test, you’ll have to get other testing to confirm the results. Locally, you can find testing sights at www.aidshelp.org.
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HIV/AIDS is still a huge (and sometimes overlooked) problem. More than 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States today, but a staggering number of them – an estimated one in seven – don’t know they’re infected, Ward said.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 30 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
Prince, Markle engagement groundbreaking Defender News Service
N
1. Markle is a woman of color
The announcement represents a more inclusive royal family. As Harry is fifth in line to the throne, Queen Elizabeth would have had to give permission to the marriage, which she did. Britain’s right-wing tabloids made Markle’s race a talking point and were criticized for dog-whistle racism in their coverage of her. This included a 2016 Daily Mail article that described Markle’s mother’s neighborhood as being “famous for gangs” as it detailed the number of crimes that happened in the vicinity of her home. In a statement issued by Kensington Palace last November, the prince issued a rare salvo against the press as he defended his mixed-race relationship and criticized the “racial undertones” from the tabloids.
2. She was raised as a Catholic. Far more serious from a historical perspective would have been Markle’s faith. Until 2015, Prince Harry would have been forbidden from marrying a Catholic under royal succession rules, as his grandmother is head of the Protestant Church of England. The
3. She is American.
The 36-year-old, who grew up in California, also wins the title of the first American to be officially engaged to a British royal, and come the expected spring 2018 wedding, Markle may become the first American to be given the title of her royal highness. An American has married a British royal before, but under very different circumstances.
4. She is divorced.
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Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged to be married after an 18-month romance.
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ot too long ago, it would have been difficult to imagine Prince Harry becoming engaged to marry Meghan Markle. Given that she is a mixed-race Catholic divorcee from the United States, royal protocol would have forbidden the match. But these are changed times and Markle, who was born to an African-American mother and white father, captured the world’s imagination in late 2016 when it was revealed that the “Suits” and “Fringe” actress and philanthropist had won Prince Harry’s heart. And now, as the couple announces their engagement, here are five reasons why their union will truly break new ground:
regulations were eased as part of a broader shift to remove male bias and religious discrimination in the royal order.
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NOVEMBER 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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Walter Davis remembered The late Walter Davis III is being remembered as a pioneering Houston accountant who was active in the community. He died on Nov. 20 at age 66. He was a founding partner of Davis, Graves and Livingston, PC and later established the Walter D. Davis, CPA Accounting Firm. He was a charter member and president of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), a recipient of NABA Houston Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award and chairman of the Houston Association of Minority CPA Firms. Davis was the first African-American to serve on the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and first AfricanAmerican appointee to the Texas Workers Compensation Insurance Fund Board. “Walter was a trailblazer,” said Lamont Waddell, Walter Davis III who knew Davis for more than 30 years and is tax manager at his firm. “He headed one of the largest Black accounting firms back in the ‘80s with Graves and Livingston, and they became the biggest employer of Black accountants.” Waddell said Davis was a “committed individual” who was dedicated to his family, church and community. Davis was a native Houstonian and an honor student and basketball player at San Jacinto High School. He was one of the first Black students at Baylor University, where he earned a BBA in Accounting and later served as a National Alumni Association board member. He was a board member and officer of numerous other organizations. His involvement included secretary/treasurer, OST/ Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority-TIRZ #7; board president, Houston Area Urban League; executive committee member, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants; and board member, Sam Houston Area Boy Scouts. Davis was a deacon and treasurer at South Union Baptist Church, and served as superintendent of the Young Adult Sunday School Department and a youth leader. He established a scholarship fund and the South Union Community Development Corporation. Survivors include his daughters, Michelle Williams and Geniece Sergeant, four grandchildren, one sister and one brother.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 30 | 2017
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sports
Texans DeAndre Hopkins part of elite receiving class
I
By MAX EDISON Defender
n a league filled with exceptional receiving talent, Texans wide out DeAndre Hopkins continues to show that he is among the NFL’s elite. Hopkins, who in his fifth season from Clemson, shows that lightning can strike twice for a franchise that recently inducted receiver Andre Johnson as the initial player into its Ring of Honor. As Johnson’s successor at the receiver position, Hopkins has created an identity throughout the NFL as a big play simply waiting to erupt. Hopkins was rewarded with a new contract at the beginning of the season that includes $49 million in guaranteed money. The deal makes him the highest paid wide out in the league. Unlike some NFL receivers who preen for the cameras with outlandish gimmicks, Hopkins is a quiet, confident, low-key sort who believes action speaks louder than words. “I try and let my play speak for itself,” he said. “I want to be the best, I feel I am the best. I try to prove it every day on the field. I try to be consistent, no matter the circumstances around me. That’s the way I play the game.” One of the things that gives testament to Hopkins’s ascent is his ability to remain productive in the wake of a revolving door at quarterback in his five years with the Texans. He has caught passes from no fewer than 10 different QBs in his career. Undeterred, Hopkins has made them all look good. “We’re professional athletes,” Hopkins said. “Speaking for the receivers, that’s our job, no matter who’s at quarterback. We catch the football and don’t really make excuses about who’s back there.” Hopkins takes a cerebral approach to his craft, knowing there are many elements that go into making a reception. “It’s not about just going out there and telling the quarterback to get you the ball,” he said. “It’s the little things that go with the timing, knowing the whole play, the concept of everything, and just the little things that go into getting open, not just throwing the football up.” Hopkins’s nine touchdown receptions lead the NFL. His eight receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks is among the most productive outings of the season and was also the most ever by a player in a road game at Seattle. Head coach Bill O’Brien has come to expect big num-
DeAndre Hopkins
bers from No. 10. “He’s on track for big numbers and that’s what you expect from him,” O’Brien said. “He’s got great hands, he’s a great route-runner and he’s got an incredible ability on the sideline, which is huge for us. We definitely move him around because of his intelligence and his ability to know all the positions.” O’Brien also has also seen the influence playing with a future Hall of Famer like Andre Johnson has had on Hopkins’ game. “DeAndre is always out at practice running the routes the way we ask him to,” O’Brien said. “Are they different in some of their skill sets and some of the things they do? Yeah, but there are similarities in their size and their hands and their toughness and things like that...When you’re in the same meeting room and practice field with a Hall of Fame receiver, that’s a good thing for you.” Quarterback Tom Savage has observed Hopkins take his game to another level. “I think he’s taken a huge step forward this year and that’s saying a lot from where he’s been in the past,” Savage said. “He’s the ultimate competitor; he wants the ball. I can’t say enough about him. He makes my job so much easier. Throw it up to him and let him make a play.”
As the elder statesman guiding a group of young receivers, Hopkins now has the leadership role that Andre Johnson once held. “I’ve been a leader with the wide receiver group for two years now, three years,” Hopkins said. “I’ve kind of been vocal but I like to lead by example. Go out there and make plays. But when there’s things that we need to work on of course we’re going to work on them.” Wide out Bruce Ellington has witnessed Hopkins’ leadership by example “It starts at practice,” Ellington said. “[Hopkins] comes out every day working hard. The catches he makes in games we see every day in practice. He loves making plays and being a playmaker. Seeing him in practice motivates me. Eventually I want to be one of the best in the league like him.”
Hopkins has remained consistent despite playing with different quarterbacks.
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h.s.zone Preston wears many hats for Manvel High the last two drives before that. Then he returns the punt for a touchdown and that really sparked us. “I really believe that was the difference in the game,” The multi-talented Jalen Preston wears Martin said. “I don’t remember how many other touchdowns many hats for the state-ranked Manvel Mavhe had receiving but he blocked great and he’s a special kid. ericks. We’re sure going to miss him.” No. 5 might line up at wide Preston tacked on a 28-yard TD pass from receiver, slot receiver, running Martin at the 11:09 mark of the fourth quarter back, take direct snaps at as the Mavericks advanced to play Cedar quarterback or return kicks. Park this week in the Class 5A Division I Preston doesn’t have a regional semifinals in Waller. preference. “We went away from what was work“I have the most fun ing in the first half,” Preston said. “We winning on the football came back in the second half running and field,” said the Texas A&M pounding the ball along with throwing short University commit. “I like passes. The momentum came back to our receiving and having the ball team and we started scoring again.” in my hands. It doesn’t really Manvel has disposed of both Houston matter where I play.” Madison and Nederland through the first two In Manvel’s 51-26 rounds of the 2017 high school football playarea-round playoff victory over offs. Yet their sights are set much higher. Nederland at NRG Stadium, The 2016 season ended in the state semifiJalen Preston is Preston started the game’s scoring nal round. a playmaker with with a 33-yard touchdown pass from “We let our guard down a little bit after numerous talents on quarterback Kason the field. we got up by 21 points Martin. (against Nederland), Martin Before the said. “I felt like we had a game was over Preslull and we can’t do that. ton would cross the We have to keep pressing goal line two more and keep getting after it.” times, but it was Manvel is loaded with another facet of his playmakers on both offense game that concerned and defense. him afterwards. For In addition to Preston the first time this and quarterback Kason season he fumbled Martin, the coach’s son, twice in the same Terrence Norman Jr., Brian game. Johnson, Charles Reed, “I made a Kam Scott, Deneric Prince couple of mistakes and Depriest Taylor can today but it happens all make a key play for the to the best of us,” Mavericks. Preston said. “I have “We’ve got a really to take better care of good defense and we the football moving showed that at times toforward.” night,” Kirk Martin said. Even with “We’ve got an explosive the rare mistakes, offense too. We can run Preston proved to be the ball and we’ve got a difference maker in people we can throw the the contest. ball to. When Neder“I don’t know if we land crept within 28have one real strength 14 in the third quarter, Preston broke off a 65-yard punt return on this team,” Martin said. “We’re very balanced. for a touchdown to restore order. We’re good on special teams and we’re good on “That punt return stopped the bleeding for us,” said Manoffense and defense. We just have to keep it rolling, vel head coach Kirk Martin. “We had been anemic on offense stay healthy and keep getting better.” By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
NOVEMBER 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs A&M fires Sumlin After six seasons Kevin Sumlin is out as head football coach at Texas A&M. Sumlin was fired after the Aggies were defeated by LSU 45-21. The loss left the Aggies with a record of 7-5 overall. During his stint Sumlin compiled a record of 51-26, hardly a mark that should cause a coach to be fired. He had the second best record of any Aggie coach since 1950. So why is he unemployed? “Our expectations at A&M are very high,” athletic director Scott Woodward said. “We believe that we should compete for SEC championships on an annual basis and, at times, national championships. I believe that we need a new coach to take us there.” The Aggies owe Sumlin $10.4 million, paid in 60 days, per the terms of his buyout.
Astros win more awards Major League Baseball announced the winners of the 2017 Esurance MLB Awards, which included honors for Astros executives, personnel and fans. Among the winners were A.J. Hinch (Best Manager), Jeff Luhnow (Best Executive), Jose Altuve (Best Major Leaguer) and Alex Bregman (Best Postseason Moment). Additionally, Altuve and Justin Verlander split the award as the Best Major Leaguer, Postseason. A couple awards featured Astros games, including Best Call, TV/Radio and Best Fan Catch. The Esurance Awards annually honor MLB’s greatest achievements as part of an industry-wide balloting process that includes five groups: media, front-office personnel, retired MLB players, fans at MLB.com and Society for American Baseball Research members.
Kingwood overcomes The outset of the 2017 high school football season was disastrous for Kingwood High School. Extensive damage from Hurricane Harvey forced the student body to share a campus at Summer Creek High School. The football team had to wear mismatched helmets and equipment donated from other schools. Through it all the Mustangs finished fourth in District 21-6A and qualified to advance to the postseason. Now the Mustangs have defeated South Houston (28-21) in the bi-district round and knocked off Clear Lake (38-30) in the area round to earn a Class 6A Division II Region III semifinal berth against Langham (10-1) Dec. 2 at UH’s TDECU Stadium with a noon kickoff. It marks Kingwood’s first third-round playoff football game since 1990. Kingwood quarterback Matt Slayton had scoring runs of 34 and 52 yards while adding a 23-yard touchdown pass to Nolan Powell against Clear Lake. The 6-5 Mustangs take on the highscoring Lobos next.
Marshall alive in playoffs Fort Bend Marshall quarterback Jabari James tossed three touchdown passes and ran for another score as the Buffalos advanced to the third round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs by eliminating New Caney 62-35 in Deer Park. Dominic HoustonShepard caught a 32-yard TD pass from James to open the game’s scoring. James also hooked up with Devon Achane from 35 yards out and threw a 53-yard scoring strike to Henry Thomas. The 9-2 Buffalos take on 11-1 Hutto Dec. 1 at Cy-Fair’s FCU Stadium with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Hutto is coached by former Friendswood High School head football coach Steven Van Meter.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 30 | 2017
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
UNCF A MIND IS GALA…….The UNCF A Mind Is Gala, the highlight block party-style. Event emcees Wendi Turner and Melvin Gray along with of the UNCF Houston’s annual fundraising efforts, was held recently at the event coordinator Catherine Flowers facilitated the happenings amid beautiful Hilton Americas Hotel. One of Houston’s signature social events, the gala weather. Attendees included Councilmember Amanda Edwards, Erian garners support from corporate leadership, dignitaries, civic leaders, public Aquil, Barbie Andrews, Angela Aquil, Maria Smith, Arcenia Alridge, officials, alumni and others who support the UNCF mission of graduating Camile Scott, Wilbert Carter, Oscar Edwards, Vernell Keys, Kito Flex and HBCU students. Michael Lomax, national head of UNCF, was on hand, along more………NATURAL HAIR & THE LAW……..Tracy Sanders, author with honorary chair Melanie Gray, and chairs Elijah of “Natural Hair in the Workplace,” served as featured speaker and Diana Wandix-White, to celebrate the evening’s the session Natural Hair & the Law. Held at the Thurgood Defender TOP EVENTS for honorees Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Marshall School of Law, the event enlightened participants with More photos on defendernetwork.com Tarrynce Robinson and enjoy the event entertainment, an overview of federal and state employment discrimination Zapp. Attendees included Khambrel Marshall, Dr. laws in the U.S. and employee/employer rights and obligations Antonio Tillis, Cheryle Robinson, Lynda House-McPeters, Jeff Shaw, related to natural hair. Sanders added real-life examples which brought the Juana Collins, Dorinda Adams and Eric Adams……..BREAD OF LIFE topic alive to the energetic audience. Attendees included Toysha Martin, Theressa Ford, Jasmine Lewis, Christen Hill, Staci Childs, Keyona White, ROYAL EPICUREAN FEAST…….The Bread of Life Ministry hosted a Royal Epicurean Thanksgiving Feast benefitting persons impacted by Hurricane Ronda Harrison, Rickelle King, Jessica Jefferson, Mischa Montgomery, Harvey. Participants were treated to a five-star meal, special photos sessions and Tiffany Bangs, Stephanie Hay, Lisa Tola Johnson, Daniel Caldwell and others. live entertainment on the street bordering St. John’s United Methodist Church
Elijah White, Diana Wandix-White, Michael Lomax, Melanie Gray
Jerell Rogers, Yolanda Buckner, Jeffrey Wilson
Maria Smith, Councilmember Amanda Edwards, Arnecia Alridge
Catherine Flowers, Barbara Wiggins
Daniel Caldwell, Tracy Sanders, Toysha Martin
Jasmine Lewis, Christen Hill
Cheryle Robinson, Dr. Antonio Tillis
Vernell Keys, Kito Flex
Ronda Harrison, Rickelle King, Jessica Jefferson
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