Issuu

FEATURE

WHY ARE BLACK MILLENNIALS LEAVING THE CHURCH? P9

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Volume 87 | Number 6

DECEMBER 7, 2017 |FREE

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork www.defendernetwork.com

FEATURE JOHN CONYERS announces retirement from Congress

P6 SPORTS BLACK PLAYERS criticized for NFL deal

Jay-Z

P10 H.S. ZONE JACOBY ALLEN displays leadership at North Shore

P11

Bruno Mars

Cardi B

#GrammysSoBlack

BLACKS LEAD NOMINATIONS H PAGE 5

DECEMBER

TOP EVENTS

Yoli Ouiya, Laz Alonso and Mali Hunter at the Toyota Green Initiative.

P12

Sheila Jackson Lee

hosts economic summit The Congresswoman is bringing together local and national leaders, along with the Congressional Black Caucus for a panel on economic lessons learned after Hurricane Harvey and the role of business in national disaster relief efforts.

H PAGE 2

EDU SPEC

twork.com defenderne

NDER

7 | 2017 | DEFE

IAL

college paring for

Pre niors cho ol ju s h ig h t ow Wha hould kn seniors s Exclusive

Defender uating whil sed on grad ge. t to stay focu g for colle It’s importan n preparin busy time. know whe school is a ors should years in high 10 things seni The last two for college. Here are ing plans

e mak-

ahead. ths, s and plan Set goal inventory of your streng tions. Begin to take s and aspira you s, experience explore what weaknesse about and you Start to think mployment options tion/e and educa do, to life. in like to pursue later may want ion. in mot about Put a plan l counselor your schoo weighing Speak with e and start an going to colleg your freshm ns beginning scholarly your optio of a potential g colleges/pro school. Think year of high st and start researchin nue to work or career intere want to pursue. Conti an year to your may freshm grams you from your counselor your with e senior year. and mak ges colle Research options (ina list. s, us college Look at vario f-state). Review major ia, state and out-o admissions criter ays, ns ship pathw options, as admissio intern arship and college or career and schol Share Submit ior/seni colleges. financial aid ork (jun as well as of potential lines. orpaperw e/make a list ns, student meet dead you choos arship optio at their instiearly admis year) and counselor. ial and schol ties, and meet all and with your offered, financ well as student activi and additional ol Be aware of for the fall , as ures high scho deadlines ganizations as well as ripts, exam Build your to obtain broch ines, transc sure sted. es deadl . sion includ ial patutions. Make school, if intere schedule and working with sters. This and financ from each st spring seme ation, shot records, ng information Start seeki you may reque as ule courses tours and scoring inform is very important, as elor to sched s, courses, honors, le campus your couns rk. This Schedu for scholarship ced placement, perwo ete um advan ges. , to comp and lment the minim visit colle es. date and time and financial aid (i.e. dual enrol in order to complete priate for your – schedule a am opportuniti year, Prepare to to help you e and appro making A’s ol well as progr etc.) each You e campuses es for colleg by high scho visit colleg the school first-hand. Earn your GED. required cours Strive to perform well us of camp feel a or nt. tised adver ts – get e, a diploma developme courses scheduled. us life. your paren during the re for colleg all ience camp to plan visits As you prepa and B’s in and/or may want sters to exper junior year, as your l diploma r fall seme and aring for s. atory high schoo events and/o between sophomore times ) is a mand Start prep and/or ACT exam ers convenient cate (GED T that The summ r year, are tion certifi Make sure PSAT/SA an exam for as red admissions r and senio graduate educa college admission. is typically it on your submit requi well as junio The PSAT t for s may take is printed decisions, sophomore requiremen ation date GPA, the SAT to make final meet deadlines. juniors, but with your school gradu ration for your high ript, along ck this help with prepa ver and address paperwork, and transc l le-che can schoo PSAT s. Doub ) ce. final high t early to discos are assessment well. The percentage transcript(s experien assessmen tion, the more r class size/rank and the official Gain exam educa itting ACT Start by taking the and to your students. before subm . open up caree s. The SAT In addition prospective information weaknesse rsities you gain may future, upon es use to rank g your skills by takingto es and unive experience the of testin exams colleg y- to colleg es to you in you are ready rsity Office exams and opportuniti include emplo s, studying for s to help prepare, until Southern Unive riences may nship Source: Texas r search. Expe es, internships/exter nt practice exam exam. your caree tuniti l itment and/or stude teer oppor t ties, Recru volun take the actua mee nt activi ment, fairs and ams, stude es. college summer progr leadership opportuniti ves. Start Attend nal esentati e organizatio with repr speaking with colleg ams attending and about degree progr tives representa

1 2

College advice special edition A college education is a key to success, and the Defender provides valuable information in its annual EDU Special Edition. See what high school students should know. Find out about the 10 top-paying careers.

85 years defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80

H PAGE

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

CBCF Summit focuses on Harvey By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

It has been just over three months since Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Houston area, and for many, the rebuilding process is far from over. That’s why Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation are bringing “After Hurricane Harvey: Economic Lessons Learned and the Role of Business in National Disaster Relief Efforts” to town. While the CBCF Summit series typically focuses on mapping minorSheila Jackson Lee ity access to capital with business leaders and others in the financial services sector, this year will also focus on those in communities impacted by Harvey. “I want the CBCF board to know that people are still hurting and work still needs to be done. We can’t give up,” said Jackson Lee, who chairs the foundation. She also wants lawmakers to see firsthand the progress

CBCF Town Hall

Relief Efforts for African-Americans… Monday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Invitation only www.CBCfinc.org that has been made along with the work that has to be done. “I want to put a focus on the idea of Houston’s resilience and highlight all of those engaged in working to bring us back,” she said. “I am proud to bring national leaders here to ascertain the resolve and resistance of Houstonians and to highlight the positive things we’re doing.” According to FEMA, Texas has received $1.065 billion in individual and household assistance spanning 15 member districts, including districts served by Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green. In addition to Texas, areas of Georgia, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered as a result of the

destruction and damage caused by hurricanes. The Houston summit will feature a town hall forum on the role of business and other relevant organizations in assisting African-American communities with disaster relief. Other CBC members representing districts impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are being invited to discuss specific challenges Black communities encounter when natural disasters occur. The summit will provide a platform to discuss the disproportionate impact because of income, employment, poverty and limited access to resources, human capital and information. CBC members will offer observations and perspective on federal recovery efforts and strategies. Additionally, the Summit will explore how Houston businesses can leverage their capital and other resources to assist African-Americans with strategies for immediate and long-term pathways to financial recovery. Speakers will also offer practical tips and strategies, and local service organization relief providers will be invited to share guidance and direction on next steps. To attend the invitation-only summit, apply through a CBCF application link at https://www.cbcfinc.org/economicsummithou/

Mayor Turner urges Congress to save CHIP, kids Defender News Services

Mayor Sylvester Turner is urging the U.S. Congress to take action now to save the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or 450,000 Texas children could be at risk of losing health care. That number includes 78,000 children on CHIP in Harris County and nearly 10,000 Harris County expectant mothers on CHIP’s perinatal program, In an essay published by TribTalk, a publication of the Texas Tribune, Turner noted that Congress al-

lowed the deadline for CHIP reauthorization to pass without action and authorization expired this past September. “This is a problem with a solution,” Turner said. “In fact, the solution is rather simple: A bipartisan bill to fund CHIP through 2022 is currently before Congress. “However, its renewal has been caught up in a political tug-of-war and used as collateral for other political agendas.” Turner said the Texas program will run out of

funds on Jan. 31. “The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has requested $90 million from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – at best a stopgap measure that will extend the program through February,” he said. “…Even if funding is extended, those families may be receiving cancellation notices in February. “In either scenario, more than 450,000 children in Texas will lose their health care in early 2018 if Congress fails to act,” Turner said.

experts have been telling us for years, and what Texasbased research confirms: large facilities in remote areas cause more harm than good.” A 2015 report revealed that youth who are committed to TJJD facilities are 21 percent more likely to be rearrested than those who are placed under supervision closer to home……..THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Graduate College of Social Work has received a $5 million grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to establish a coordinating center to enhance HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in five states along the Gulf Coast with the highest HIV rates in the South – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The UH center will boost HIV/AIDS prevention efforts by incorporating attention to the roles

of wellness, trauma, mental health and substance use, especially opioid use……..SEVERAL TEXAS STATE SENATORS EXPRESSED SUPPORT for the closure of at least some of the state’s remaining youth lockups. The lawmakers’ comments, made at a Senate Finance Committee hearing, came as the Texas Juvenile Justice Department is entangled in a sexual abuse scandal that has led to a 10-year prison sentence for one guard and the arrest of three women at the Gainesville State School. The senators sharply criticized the department’s director, who said in the hearing that his department is so understaffed that security cameras aren’t constantly monitored and youth are sometimes left alone with guards.

localbriefs JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM ADVOCATES sent a letter to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus calling for moving youth in state juvenile facilities to local juvenile probation, community programs, and small rehabilitative facilities closer to youths’ families. They also urged legislators to develop a plan to close down all state secure juvenile facilities. The request follows allegations of sexual misconduct at a Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) facility in Gainesville, Texas earlier this month. “This is the third time in the last 10 years that we’ve seen a crisis emerge in TJJD’s facilities,” said Deborah Fowler, executive director for Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit justice organization. “This highlights what

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

Hilary Knight U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team

Winning gold is hard.

Getting the best in TV and Internet with Xfinity is easy. Xfinity X1 gives you a fast and easy way to find all of your favorites, even Netflix and YouTube, with the X1 Voice Remote. Plus, streaming top networks and live sports has never been easier with the Xfinity Stream app and the best WiFi in and out of the home.

Get started with TV & Internet

each a month/ 2 FULL YEARS

when you bundle both with 2-year agreement

Includes your choice of HBO® or SHOWTIME®

Includes speed upgrade to 100 Mbps for 2 years

X1 DVR™ service included for 2 years

Equipment, taxes and other charges extra, and subj. to change. See details below.

Bill will reflect bundled rate for X1 Internet Plus Choice at $59.99/mo. for 24 mos. with speed upgrade of $10 more/mo. for 24 mos.

Go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-XFINITY or visit your local Xfinity Store today

Offer ends 12/21/17. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to X1 Internet Plus Choice with Limited Basic TV, choice of HBO or Showtime plus upgrade to Performance Pro 100 Mbps Internet. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services (except XFINITY Mobile) are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $8.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After 24 months, regular rates apply to DVR service (including HD Technology Fee). After applicable promo, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s monthly service charge for X1 Internet Plus Choice ranges based on area from $72.95 to $75.95, HD Technology Fee is $10.00, and DVR service is $9.95, and for upgrading from Performance Plus to Performance Pro Internet service is $15.00 more per month (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Access to Netflix on XFINITY X1 requires an eligible X1 set-top box with XFINITY TV and Internet service. Netflix requires streaming membership. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. The use of Olympic Marks, Terminology and Imagery is authorized by the U.S. Olympic Committee pursuant to Title 36 U.S. Code Section 220506. NPA210669-0001

124276_NPA210669-0001 Olympics ad_HoustonDefender_9.75x13.indd 1

11/21/17 3:51 PM

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

Jasmine Simon, shown with her daughter, is concerned about the GOP tax plan which recently passed the U.S. Senate. (Courtesy Make It Work)

GOP tax plan could hurt generations of Blacks Defender News Services

To make ends meet, Jasmine Simon, 26, a single mother living in Las Vegas, has to work three jobs while juggling classes as a political science major at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. “As women of color,” she told NBC News, “We do that.” That is why she has some concerns about the Republican-sponsored tax overhaul bill. If passed, it would end the alternative minimum tax, reduce or repeal the estate tax, and cut taxes for pass-through entities. The Tax Policy Center reports that the proposed plan would also reduce federal revenue, raising federal debt over the next decade. “If we just look at the proposed childcare tax credit alone, it does not help people like me; people who look like me,” Simon said. “Each month I pay anywhere between $950 and $1,100 a month in childcare. To just give me a credit of $1,000 a year? That is not enough. It just does not help people who look like me.” During the Obama Administration, laws such as the Affordable Care Act were touted as benefits to African-Americans. According to a White House statement released in October of last year, the permanent expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, during the Obama years provided relief for about 2 million African-American working families. Simon is just one of several within the African-American community expressing their concerns over the Republican-proposed bill. It is marketed as a fix to the ills of the middle class. Julie Kashen, policy director at Make It Work,

points out that cuts like childcare assistance is in no way friendly to true middle class members. “The GOP has proposed a tax bill that is a trillion dollar gift to the wealthiest Americans at the expense of working families,” Kashen said in a statement. “Families need a bold, comprehensive solution. For working families to do better, our policies must do better.” Josh Hoxie, director of the Project on Opportunity and Tax at the Institute for Policy Studies, said the proposed bill would have devastating impacts on communities of color. “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention,” he told NBC News. “It is an enormous gift to the ultra-wealthy and pretty exclusively benefits the ultra-wealthy.” Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, D-N.Y., agrees. “The GOP tax plan is nothing more than a massive transfer of wealth to the richest Americans at the expense of working families and underserved communities,” she said. “The bill cuts taxes for major corporations who already pay far less than their fair share and reflects Republican values: billionaires first, everybody else second.” The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program is just one of the eliminations from the proposed plan that concerns Clarke. The program incentivizes investment in underserved communities. “Over the years, this program has pumped billions of dollars into African-American communities – money that was matched by the private sector – and created good-paying jobs and spurred economic development,” she said. “Massive spending cuts coupled with a repeal of economic development incentive programs like NMTC will devastate African-American communities for generations to come.”

ALABAMA DEMOCRAT DOUG JONES is trying to shore up support among Black voters in the U.S. Senate race against embattled Republican Roy Moore by appealing for an end to divisiveness in state politics. Speaking at an event held at a predominantly Black church, Jones said he hopes the Dec. 12 special election will be historic for the state. His remarks came on the anniversary of the arrest of Rosa Parks in 1955 for her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott……..A FEDERAL JUDGE IS SET TO DECIDE the fate of a former North Charleston police officer caught on video fatally shooting an unarmed Black man. A U.S. judge has begun hearing evidence in the case against ex-officer Michael Slager, who pleaded guilty in May of violating the civil rights of 50-year-old Walter Scott when he killed him during a traffic stop in 2015, according to Reuters. Slager, who is white, could spend the rest of his life behind bars for the shooting. Convictions of U.S. officers in deadly on-duty shootings are rare, however. Due to a plea bargain, prosecutors have already dropped two federal charges, and a state murder charge against Slager. His state trial last year ended with a hung jury……. CHICAGO POLICE ARE CITING A 14 PERCENT DROP in homicides so far this year compared with an exceptionally bloody 2016, saying staffing investments and other strategies are reducing violence that left some neighborhoods in despair. Still, the number of killings in the nation’s third largest city in 2017 remains higher than in almost any other year of the past decade, and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said his officers know there’s more to do. The city’s homicide total so far this year is 609, down from 771 homicides last year.

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 6 DECEMBER 7, 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).

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Blacks shine with Grammy nominations

Defender News Services

or the first time in the history of the Grammy Awards, all of the lead artists nominated for Record of the Year are people of color. In the Album of the Year category, four out of the five albums nominated are by artists of color – the most in more than a decade and a tie for the most in Grammy history. Jay-Z leads with eight nominations and will face off against Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars for Record and Album of the Year. Jay-Z will also go head-to-head with Mars for Song of the Year. SZA, who earned five nominations, and Khalid will go toe-to-toe for Best New Artist. Childish Gambino, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar are all nominated for their most recent releases. The only white artist up for that trophy is Lorde, who is nominated for her sophomore album “Melodrama.” With two nominations, Cardi B is shaking up the rap category. Her hit song, “Bodak Yellow,” earned nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. She faces off against Lamar and Jay-Z in both as well as Migos and Big Sean for Best Rap Performance. It will be a tight race. Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” was a summer hit, dethroning Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” and making Cardi B the first rapper to top the Billboard 100 Jay-Z since Lauryn Hill.

Both Jay-Z and Lamar released acclaimed music. Jay’s the pop charts fairly closely, and since the rise of streaming, Black people and other people of color have been taking back the pop 4:44 is arguably one of his most personal albums, where he goes charts. into detail about his infidelity, examines race, and talks about his Last year, after an apologetic Adele beat out Beyoncé and relationship with Kanye West. Kendrick Lamar’s “Damn” is no slouch. The album debuted others to sweep the top categories of Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, Slate at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and all 14 music critic Carl Wilson noted that this has songs charted. Grammy Awards become “the Grammy’s current pattern: The other two “Big Four” categories, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 use Black performers to draw viewers but Song of the Year and Best New Artist, are CBS, 6:30 p.m. bypass them for the main awards.” similarly dominated by people of color. Black Lamar has been nominated for rappers and singers Lil Uzi Vert, Khalid, and Album of the Year twice before with two SZA are all up for best new artist, where they instant-classic, game-changing albums, only to lose out to Daft will go up against Alessia Cara and Julia Michaels. Punk in 2014 and Taylor Swift in 2016. It’s possible that, in that Some have questioned if the nominations are a response category in particular, something similar could happen once again: to #GrammysSoWhite, a hashtag that trended on social media. Fans of R&B and hip-hop could split their votes between Childish But music critics say the Grammy nominations tend to follow Gambino, Jay-Z, Lamar and Bruno Mars, leaving Lorde to run away with the night’s final award. But in at least one of this year’s biggest categories, that won’t be possible. No matter what happens on “music’s biggest night,” there’s one sure thing: An artist of color will win Record of the Year.

Cardi B

Bruno Mars

SZA

what’sup Rapper DMX faces five years in prison after reportedly pleading guilty to tax evasion charges. He has been avoiding paying $1.7 million in taxes since 2005. The “Party Up” rapper didn’t file taxes between 2010 and 2015 and claimed he only earned $10,000 in 2013. He reportedly did not want to cough up the back tax money, so he paid bills from other people’s bank accounts and received payments for performances in cash. His royalty payments were deposited in his managers’ accounts. When he participated in VH1’s “Celebrity Couples Therapy,” he gave producers a hard time until they agreed to pay him his

checks without withholding taxes…….A Mississippi sheriff’s deputy is suing R. KELLY for breaking up his marriage. Kelly has responded to the lawsuit, arguing that the deputy himself has had affairs, along with a love child. Hinds County sheriff deputy Kenny Bryant sued Kelly in April, accusing him of having an affair with his wife and ruining not only his marriage but his life. Mississippi is one of the only states that allows a person to sue another for breaking up their marriage. Bryant married Asia Childress on July 15, 2012, and says Kelly gave his wife a STD. Kelly denies all the allegations. Bryant is seeking damages

for Kelly ruining his marriage and depriving him of his spouse, love, support and conjugal affection…….. Princeton University honored author TONI MORRISON by naming one of their campus buildings after her. Morrison delivered a keynote speech at the Princeton and Slavery Project Symposium and afterward the West College building on campus was dedicated to the Nobel Prize winner and renamed Morrison Hall..…..Pop star RIHANNA had Westbury New Road, the St. Michael street in Barbados where she grew up, renamed after her. Fans took to Twitter to declare their support of the move.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

Rep. Conyers announces his retirement Associated Press

U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Michigan – beset with allegations of sexual harassment by former staff members – announced his retirement, bringing to an end a more than five-decade run in the House. The 88-year-old Conyers made the announcement while speaking with Detroit radio talk show host Mildred Gaddis. Conyers also endorsed his son, John Conyers III, to replace him in office. “I’m in the process of putting my retirement plans together,” he said from a hospital. “I am retiring today.” Shadawn ReddickU.S. Rep. John Conyers Smith, Conyers’ spokeswoman, confirmed the retirement. “My legacy can’t be compromised or diminished in any way by what we’re going through now,” Conyers said. “This too shall pass. My legacy will continue through my children.” Michigan State Sen. Ian Conyers, a grandson of John Conyers’ brother, told the New York Times that he plans to run for the 13th District congressional seat. John Conyers, who was first elected in 1964, easily won re-election last year in the heavily Democratic district. But following the mounting allegations of sexual harassment, he has faced growing calls to resign from colleagues in the House, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. John Conyers’ attorney, Arnold Reed, has said Conyers’ health would be the paramount consideration in whether he decides to step down from his House seat. He has already stepped aside from his position as ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, who replaced Conyers as acting ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said he was saddened by news of the retirement, but “there can be no tolerance for behavior that subjects women to the kind of conduct that has been alleged.” The House Ethics Committee has been reviewing the harassment allegations against Conyers. A woman who said she worked for him for more than a decade said he slid his hand up her skirt and rubbed her thighs while she was sitting next to him in a church.

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

EDU SPECIAL

Preparing for college

What high school juniors, seniors should know Defender Exclusive

The last two years in high school is a busy time. It’s important to stay focused on graduating while making plans for college. Here are 10 things seniors should know when preparing for college.

1 2

Set goals and plan ahead. Begin to take inventory of your strengths, weaknesses, experiences and aspirations. Start to think about and explore what you like to do, and education/employment options you may want to pursue later in life. Put a plan in motion. Speak with your school counselor about going to college and start weighing your options beginning your freshman year of high school. Think of a potential scholarly or career interest and start researching colleges/programs you may want to pursue. Continue to work with your counselor from your freshman year to your senior year.

Research colleges and make a list. Look at various college options (instate and out-of-state). Review majors, career and internship pathways, admissions criteria, as well as financial aid and scholarship options, as you choose/make a list of potential colleges. Share with your counselor.

Build your high school schedule. Start seeking and working with your counselor to schedule courses (i.e. dual enrollment, advanced placement, honors, etc.) each year, in order to complete the minimum required courses for college and appropriate for your development. Strive to perform well by making A’s and B’s in all courses scheduled.

Start preparing for your PSAT/SAT and/or ACT exams. The PSAT is typically an exam for juniors, but sophomores may take it as well. The PSAT can help with preparation for the SAT by taking the assessment early to discover and address weaknesses. The SAT and ACT exams are assessment exams colleges use to rank prospective students. Start studying for exams and testing your skills by taking practice exams to help prepare, until you are ready to take the actual exam.

Attend college fairs and meet with representatives. Start attending and speaking with college representatives about degree programs

offered, financial and scholarship options, student organizations, as well as student activities, at their institutions. Make sure to obtain brochures and additional information from each school, if interested.

Schedule campus tours and visit colleges. Prepare to schedule a date and time to visit college campuses to help you – and your parents – get a feel of the school first-hand. You may want to plan visits during the advertised campus events and/or fall semesters to experience campus life. The summers between sophomore and junior year, as well as junior and senior year, are convenient times to make final decisions, submit required admissions paperwork, and meet deadlines.

Gain experience. In addition to your education, the more experience you gain may open up career opportunities to you in the future, upon your career search. Experiences may include employment, volunteer opportunities, internships/externships, summer programs, student activities, and/or student organizational leadership opportunities.

Submit college admissions paperwork (junior/senior year) and meet deadlines. Be aware of and meet all early admission deadlines, as well as deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. This includes transcripts, exam scoring information, shot records, and financial paperwork. This is very important, as you may request financial aid and compete for scholarships, courses, as well as program opportunities.

Earn your high school diploma or GED. As you prepare for college, a high school diploma and/or graduate education certificate (GED) is a mandatory requirement for college admission. Make sure that your high school graduation date is printed on your final high school transcript, along with your GPA, class size/rank and percentages. Double-check this information before submitting the official transcript(s) to colleges and universities. Source: Texas Southern University Office of Recruitment

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

EDU SPECIAL

Choosing the right college

U.S. Department of Education

hile getting the right education and training will help you get a better-paying job, going to college or career school is a big investment in time, money and effort. Make sure to take your time and research your options. Here is some advice: • There is a wide array of schools available for higher education. Options include two- and four-year colleges and universities, career schools, online schools and graduate schools. Understanding your career goals and options (and their earning potential) will help you find a school that meets your needs. • The U.S. Department of Education’s college search tool, College Navigator, helps find schools that may fit your needs. You can search for schools by location, degrees offered, programs/majors, tuition and fees, setting, size and more. Visit nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/. • A number of factors can help you decide what schools are right for you. They include costs, financial aid, academics, accreditation, admission requirements, work flexibility, reputation and school location, size and campus life. • The cost of your school should be reasonable compared to earning potential in your future career. In other words, make sure that you can earn enough money to cover any student loan payments you may need to make, along with living expenses,

after you graduate. • Does the school offer the major or program you’d like to pursue? Does the program have a good reputation? Talk to professionals in the field you’d like to pursue, do a web search, and talk to students who are enrolled in that program. • Choosing an accredited school helps ensure the training or education you get meets employer standards in a specific field. If you attend a school that isn’t accredited, you might not be able to obtain financial aid. The Department of Education requires that schools participating in its federal student aid programs be accredited. • Consider a school’s location, size, and activities when researching colleges. Some students want to stay close to their families and others like the opportunity to go away to school to live on their own. Do you want to go to school in a big city or a small town? Do you want a small, intimate setting, a school that’s big enough to be a city by itself or something in between? Keep in mind that the location of a school and housing options can impact your overall cost. • Statistics count, and certain numbers can help you evaluate schools. The graduation rate is the percentage of a school’s first-time, first-year undergraduate students who complete their program within 150 percent of the standard time for the program. The retention rate is the percentage of a school’s first-time, first-year undergraduate students who continue at that school the next year. • The loan default rate is the percentage of a school’s federal student loan borrowers who enter repayment during a particular federal fiscal year, Oct.1 to Sept. 30, and default within a certain time frame. You might not be able to receive aid from some federal programs at a school that has a high default rate.

Message from the Publisher

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Having a plan is an important element of success, regardless of the ultimate goal. Planning helps you stay focused and motivated, gives you more control and leaves you better prepared if the unexpected occurs. Like other aspects of life, developing a plan for obtaining a higher education is essential. Choosing a college or university is one of the most important decisions a young person will make, and will impact his or her career and quality of life. The Defender is pleased to provide our readers with another EDU special edition and much of the focus is on planning. We begin with what juniors and seniors should know about preparing for college. We provide

advice on selecting a college and answer questions about another important topic, financing a higher education. Our article on the highest paying jobs for college grads should be required reading for those who are planning to get ahead. In addition, we offer valuable insight from our partners – Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin and Wells Fargo. If you’re a student or the parent of a student, we encourage you to plan carefully for college. You’ll discover that the sky is the limit.

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

EDU SPECIAL

College costs: Frequently asked questions

College Board

ne of the biggest question marks about attending college is how to pay for it. Here are frequently asked questions and the answers. Q. How much can I expect to pay for tuition? A. There is a wide range of prices, but you should know that half of all full-time undergraduate students at public and private nonprofit fouryear colleges attend institutions that charge tuition and fees of $11,814 or less. The average yearly tuition and fees is: • Public two-year college (in-district students) – $3,440 • Public four-year college (in-state students) – $9,410 • Public four-year college (out-of-state students) – $23,890 • Private four-year college – $32,410 Q. What other expenses will I have? A. Besides tuition and fees, students have to pay for housing, food, books and supplies. They also have to cover any additional college fees and other living expenses, such as transportation costs. Q. How can I get help paying for college? A. Most college students receive financial aid. Students often use a combination of financial aid options to pay their college expenses. Forms of aid include: • Grants and scholarships – money you do not have to repay • Loans – money you do have to repay • Work-study – a program that allows you to work part-time to earn money for college expenses Q. Do I qualify for aid even if I don’t get straight A’s? A. It’s true that many scholarships reward student performance in high school, but most government aid is based on financial need. Remember, if you do receive need-based aid, you must remain in good academic standing to

renew your aid annually. Q. Does applying for financial aid hurt my chances of being admitted? A. Not usually. You are generally admitted based on your academic performance and the qualities you bring to the campus community. Colleges want to admit a diverse group of students and often use financial aid to achieve that goal. It is very important to apply for financial aid early in the application process, before all of a college’s funds are allocated. Q. Is my family’s income too high to qualify for aid? A. Financial aid is intended to make college available to students from many different financial situations. College financial aid officers consider family income, the number of family members in college, medical expenses and many other factors when reviewing your financial aid application. So, even if you think your family income is too high for you to qualify for aid, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after Oct. 1. This form determines your eligibility for federal and state student grants, work-study and federal loans. (Visit www. fafsa.ed.gov).

The best way to get an estimate of how much financial aid a college will offer you – and therefore how much you’ll really pay to go to that college – is to use the college’s net price calculator. Most colleges have these tools on their websites. Net price calculators give you an estimate of your net price for a particular college – that is, the cost of attendance minus the gift aid you might get. Q. Should I work while I’m attending college? A. Students who attempt to juggle fulltime work and full-time studies may have difficulty completing their academic programs. However, students who choose to work a moderate amount often do better academically. You may find that working in campus jobs related to your career goals may be a good way to manage college costs, get experience and create new ties with the university. Q. Is college worth the cost? A. College graduates earn more money and are more likely to hold a job than those who don’t graduate from college. People with a bachelor’s degree who work full-time earn $21,100 more, on average, than full-time workers with only a high school diploma.

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

EDU SPECIAL

We are Texas.

And so are you. By THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Texas is a feeling. Texas is a family. Texas is an experience, and an education, that will help define you for the rest of your life. Are you curious, ambitious, open-minded and ready to be challenged? Then start here.

Find your purpose - and get to work

policy will do for the economy, and how it’s going to affect people in their day-to-day lives,” she explains. Now in her second year, she has completed an internship as a policy assistant at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and is now a Heinz Fellow on the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity and Leadership Initiative. Jones already has her eye on her next step – a Ph.D. – and credits her UT Austin education as the foundation for her current experiences. “Social work helped me figure out what it is that I’m truly passionate about.”

Chelsea Jones has found that one question often leads to another. As a student at The University of Texas at Austin, Jones planned to produce a study on Excellence and inclusion the interactions of police ofJones’ experience illustrates ficers and youth in the juvenile both the academic and comjustice system. But as she began munity resources available to her research, Jones realized students of color at The Unithat there was not yet a reliversity of Texas at Austin. They able, comprehensive source of include: data on police violence against • The Longhorn Center for unarmed citizens. Academic Excellence, which She quickly revised her rehouses academic success and search project to focus on what leadership programs she termed “community-based • The Multicultural Engageliterature” – information crowdment Center, which provides sourced directly from affected advising and support and houses communities and families – and student agencies in the process, found a new • More than 1,000 sponsored direction for her life’s work. student organizations, including “I realized that my passion honors associations, clubs and really lies in social fraternities/sororities justice issues,” UT Austin freshmen also like criminal jusparticipate in special learning tice, civil rights, communities that help them housing policy, make a successful transition into education and Connect with our staff college, connect with professors poverty, Jones exat one of the university’s and meet other students. plains. “Not everyBeyond the freshman year, admissions centers around body’s quality of students benefit from ongoing suplife is the same.” the state. Our counselors port, no matter their needs. Each At UT Austin, work with students, families of the 13 undergraduate colleges A first-generation college student from Dallas, Chelsea Jones built on Jones explored her UT Austin education to pursue master’s work in public policy. and schools to provide and schools staffs its own career that idea through center to provide students with majormore information about UT study abroad expeAfter graduating from UT Austin and field-specific advice, while the university’s riences, including Austin and our admissions in December 2015, Jones continued Sanger Learning Center offers one-on-one support the Steve Hicks her social work in a legislative inand financial aid processes. to help students reach their academic potential. School of Social ternship hosted by the Congressional Visit admissions.utexas.edu/ That potential flourishes in The University Work’s program Black Caucus Foundation. She worked of Texas at Austin’s environment of academic contact. on community and on educational legislation and even got excellence. Competitively ranked programs, a social developan up-close view of the congressional world-class faculty and outstanding facilities offer ment in Ghana. hearings on the Flint water crisis. students the opportunity to participate in a rich She also completed almost 500 hours of fieldJones is now building on her social work history of world-changing scholarship at a univerwork as an equity specialist intern at Texas’ degree in the Master of Science in Public Policy sity named one of the top 30 in the world by U.S. Center for the Elimination of Disproportionality and Management program at Carnegie MelNews & World Report. and Disparities. lon University. “You need to know both what a

We’re here to help

defendernetwork.com

Do you think big, work hard and want to make a difference in the world? Then you just may be Texas.

admissions.utexas.edu Texas stands with students impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

admissions.utexas.edu/harvey

YOU ARE TEXAS

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

hen it comes to the toppaying careers, STEM majors – involving science, technology, engineering or math – are high on the list. In addition to paying well, STEM jobs are also in demand. According to the National Association for College and Employers’ list of academic majors, the top five highest percentage of student applicants who had at least one job offer by the time they graduated majored in computer science (68 percent), economics (61 percent), accounting, (61 percent) engineering (59 percent) and business administration (54 percent). Monica D. Thompson, the University of Houston’s executive director of career services, said there are numerous “high-skill, high-paying Monica Thompson jobs available for college graduates to get the ball rolling.” Below, Thompson shares with the Defender 10 top-paying careers for college grads that are on the rise, along with their average salary, areas of interests, why a career in the field is promising, and the attributes and skills it takes to succeed.

w APPLIED MATHEMATICIAN

Average salary: $54,300 to $96,500 Areas of interest: Actuary, systems biology and computational pharmacology, data mining and data privacy, computer animation and digital imaging, finance and economics, ecology, epidemiology, environment and climatology Why it’s promising: The demand for professionals with a deep mathematical knowledge is growing in many industries. Attributes/skills: • Problem-solving • Sharp analytic skills with the ability to listen effectively • Creativity and perseverance • Observational and investigative skills

w BUSINESS FINANCE

Average Salary: $56,000 Areas of interest: Financial and risk management analyst, underwriting manager, corporate and public finance, banking, insurance, personal financial planning, real estate, investment banking, money management, accounting and financial reporting. Why it’s promising: It takes money to make money, so the proverbial saying goes. Business finance careers are in demand because businesses have to consider their finances for many purposes, ranging from survival in bad times to bolstering the next success in good ones.

EDU SP HIGHE

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

Attributes/skills: • Quantitative skills • Strong computer skills including spreadsheets, databases and presentation software • Good interpersonal skills and an effective listener • Sharp analytical skills • Innate problemsolver

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Average salary: $58,000 Areas of interest: Network administration, database administration, web administration, systems development, technical support, education training and consulting Why it’s promising: As everevolving computers and technologies continue to change the way the world does business, the demand for careers in business management information systems continues to grow. Attributes/skills: • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills • Knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software and hardware • Stay abreast of the latest technologies • Excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with technical and non-technical colleagues and clients • Knowledge of industries, business areas or government agencies of interest • Excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills and patience

top-paying for colleg

By JASEMINE Defen

w COMPUTER SCIENCE

Average Salary: $60,000 Areas of Interest: Hardware and software development and design, programming, systems development, computer systems analyst and or engineer, computer programmer and web developer Why it’s promising: The field of computer science is used in every industry. Attributes/Skills: • Detailed-oriented • Logical • Works well under pressure • Strong interpersonal skills and able to communicates effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues

w CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Average salary: $54,000 to $89,000 Areas of interest: Commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural construction, heavy civil construction, field engineer, estimator, construction, project management,

budgeting, administration and management, engineering and technology, public safety and security Why it’s promising: As the nation’s existing infrastructure begins to disintegrate, and as regions all over the world continue to modernize, construction managers almost never have a shortage of work. Attributes/skills: • Excellent communication • Leadership and team management • Ability to negotiate, listen, think critically and solve problems • Ability to delegate tasks

w ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER/INDUSTRIAL/ SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Average salary: $68,000 to $125,000 Areas of interest: Electrical/computer power electronics, power systems, control systems, digital signal processing,

m e m

i a s

PECIAL ER ED

g careers ge grads

E KNOWLES nder

hazardous waste management, air quality management, water quality management, land and water conservation, fishery and wildlife management, parks and outdoor recreation, forestry, environmental education Why it’s promising: As we continue to tackle complex issues like climate change, toxic chemical cleanup and water conservation, the workforce will need an ever-growing staff of environmental scientists to lead the way. Attributes/skills: • Knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation and industry trends • Acute observational skills • Stay current on technology used in natural resource management including software, geographical information systems and global positioning systems • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Decision-making and problem-solving skills, diplomacy and the ability to work under pressure

w HEALTHCARE/NURSING

microelectronics, image processing & robotics, computer engineering, plasma engineering, energy systems, manufacturing, material science and mechanical design Why it’s promising: In the race to become more efficient, to increase innovation and create new and better products, engineers are vital. The world is always in need of engineers to create solutions to complex, global challenges. Attributes/skills: • STEM skills • Effective verbal and written communication skills • Ability to work within teams • Leadership and management • Capacity for details and analytical mindset

w ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Average salary: $58,000 Areas of interest: Soil science, solid waste management,

Average Salary: $56,000 to $124,000 Areas of interest: Nurse practitioner, registered nurse, dialysis, neonatal, emergency and trauma, surgical and pediatric nursing, staff nursing, community and public health Why it’s promising: Nurses are always in high demand. Technological advances, a greater focus on preventative care and the aging baby boomer population have triggered rapid growth in the healthcare field. Attributes/skills: • Emotional stability • Leadership and interpersonal skills • Flexibility and knowledge in management and decision-making • Learn to relate well with people from a variety of backgrounds • Curiosity, analytical thinking and attention to detail

w OPERATIONS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Average Salary: $51,300 to $88,900 Areas of Interest: Purchasing agent, procurement manager, operations manager, logistics analyst, supply chain manager, logistician, production, planning and expediting clerk, account specialist, customer service manager, storage and distribution manager, materials analyst and process engineer Why it’s promising: Supply chain managers

defendernetwork.com

have a tremendous impact on the success of an organization. They are engaged in every facet of the business process – planning, purchasing, production, transportation, storage and distribution, customer service, and more. They are the “glue” that connects different parts of a company. Attributes/skills • Technical savvy and ability to understand financial statements • Superior business skills • Understanding of cross-cultural and global issues • Project management

w STATISTICIAN/DATA ANALYSIS

Average salary: $60,000 to $103,100 Areas of Interest: Government, business and manufacturing, health and medicine, insurance, operations management, banking and finance, research Why it’s promising: With new technologies, big data is growing and so are jobs. Statistics involve understanding the world around us and statisticians are in demand to draw valuable insights into the way things are, like solving and understanding how health risks of climate change can affect different populations Attributes/Skills: • Strong background in computers and statistical applications • Strong analytical skills and a logical approach to problem solving • Skills in budgeting and cost management • Management of multiple situations and problems • Communicate effectively with different types of people in various functional areas

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

EDU SPECIAL

Aviation student determined to reach major league of flight By TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Tahchiona Smith is a junior aviation science major dedicated to becoming a professional pilot and captain of a major airline company. Smith, a Houston native, became fascinated with planes at an early age when she and her grandmother would spend time next to Hobby Airport and watch the airplanes take off and land. “I’ve always had a sense of adventure,” she said. “Growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian or a police officer or a firefighter – something exciting.” It was a chance encounter at Sterling Aviation High School with teacher Marvin Smith that brought back those beloved childhood memories at Hobby Airport. “When I arrived at Sterling and after I saw the airplane posters on the walls I decided to look into the private pilot course. Mr. Smith told me about a scholarship opportunity with the Black Pilots of America to fly for free for two weeks. That’s when I knew that becoming a pilot would be my career path.” Tahchiona Smith boarding a Cessna Smith has not been deterred from her goal since Tahchiona because she had to fly with busy that time, including being the first student traffic and communicate on the same radio in Sterling’s flight program’s class of 15 to with pilots from all the major airlines,” said take a solo flight when she was just 17. She Captain Roscoe Edwards, director of flight was named the top student in the summer operations at TSU. “Tough1 [Smith’s call program and elected pilot in the City of sign] is one of our outstanding students, Houston’s Aviation program. not only academically, but also with her Smith has continued to be a leader in ability to master the skills required to fly an her field since arriving at Texas Southern airplane.” University in the Spring 2017 semester Smith has logged a solo cross country on a full academic scholarship. She has flight in the University’s Cessna 172. She completed two of the flying requirements flew 50 nautical miles non-stop with three needed for graduation and to earn her full stop take-offs and landings, traveling to commercial piloting license. Beaumont, Galveston, Texas Gulf Regional She became TSU’s first student in the Airport in Angleton and back to Hobby. aviation science program to complete a Her final requirement before receiving her solo flight in a Cessna 150 without an private pilot’s license will be a check ride instructor out of Hobby Airport, a busy with Captain Edwards. Class B airspace. During that flight, she Smith said, “It made sense for me to encountered a maintenance problem with her come to TSU. Matthew Julien (Envoy airspeed indicator, but analyzed the problem Airlines first officer), Captain Edwards with steady airmanship and poise, and took (United Airlines, retired), Corey Sheppard pictures of the indicator to document the (United Airlines captain), and Mr. Smith issue. (Express Jet Airlines first officer) all saw “This was a major accomplishment for

Tahchiona Smith in flight

me perform at Sterling and know what I’m capable of. “They all have played a major role in my development and they are making sure that I stay on track to accomplish my goals. They are all TSU alumni with connections within the airlines so that was another added bonus for me to choose TSU.” She has her own connection at United Airlines. This summer, she was chosen from among more than 300 applicants as one of 20 students to participate in the United Airlines Summer Associates internship program, the first time United offered it in Houston. Smith was able to receive hands-on experience in all of the airline’s departments. She was singled out among the interns to star in a promotional video for the airline to share her journey in aviation and had the opportunity to meet and network with United CEO Oscar Munoz. She was also featured in a KPRC-TV news story covering the airline’s internship program. She is on track to becoming an airline pilot, but still has a long way to go. Pilots have to log 5,000 to 6,000 hours in an aircraft before they are hired. She is planning to become a certified flight instructor for TSU when she graduates and get all of the necessary licenses to build her required flight hours and help other students along the way. Smith plans to work for a regional airline before making the transition into jets and other large aircraft, then work her way up to being a first officer and assuming the left seat as the captain for a major airline. “Oh, no matter what it takes, this is it. Being a professional pilot is what I want to do,” she said.

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

The heart and soul of Houston

YEARS of

EXCELLENCE

10B 12B

DEFENDER DEFENDER || DECEMBER DECEMBER 77 || 2017 2016

defendernetwork.com defendernetwork.com

EDU SPECIAL

An important lesson for young adults before leaving home By DARRYL MONTGOMERY Wells Fargo

Young adults learn many things over the years, but there’s one lesson they shouldn’t forget before they head to college or they set off on their own – how to manage credit. We’ve all heard stories of young adults who get in way over their heads, and often the blame falls on credit card debt. They sometimes are lured by the ability to purchase coveted items, or even simply by the short-term prospect of living more comfortably. Conventional wisdom might tell you that young adults should avoid using credit cards altogether. But if used correctly, a credit card can help teach financial lessons, while helping them establish a good credit history. Whether you are a parent who is helping your children manage their first account or a responsible young adult who is considering getting a credit card, here are a few things to

consider before you get going: • Look for a card designed for someone new to credit that offers tools to learn about money management. While parents should teach their children about how a credit card works, card providers like Wells Fargo offer online credit

card education materials, as well as money management lessons at handsonbanking.org that are taught in classrooms and community centers across the United States. • Young adults need to understand that credit cards are loans that need to be paid back. A great introductory lesson for them as they learn to manage their card is to use it to buy books or another necessary purchase. • Parents may wish to schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins with their young adult to discuss how the card is being used. Once your children demonstrate responsible use, check-ins can become less frequent, eventually disappearing altogether with good credit behavior. Building credit history is one more step in the road to independence. Lenders, landlords and employers use credit reports, so a solid credit history will help when young adults need a loan to purchase a car, rent an apartment or even find a job. Learning how to manage credit wisely today will pay off tomorrow and well into the future. Darryl Montgomery Montgomery is is aa region region bank bank president president for for Darryl Wells Fargo in Houston. Houston. Wells Fargo in

21441

9.75x6.5 4c

Getting ready for college just got easier. Keep your college planning on track with better tools and financial advice from Wells Fargo. Your student will be starting college in the fall and the next few months will be busy planning for that big accomplishment. Your Wells Fargo banker can provide personalized financial advice to help ensure your family is ready for college this fall. Also, our Get College ReadySM site offers resources all in one place to help you stay on track, including the new Get College Ready Tracker that allows you to personalize your own checklist of to-dos. Visit wellsfargo.com/getcollegeready for financial tools and resources to help with paying for college, setting your child up to manage money away from home, and how to build credit responsibly. Speak with a banker to learn more.

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

11B

EDU SPECIAL

College education has proven

benefits

Defender News Services

ndividuals with higher education levels earn more, pay more taxes, and are more likely than others to be employed and to have job benefits such as retirement and health insurance. Adults with more education are also more likely to move up the socioeconomic ladder and less likely to rely on public assistance, according to the latest report from the College Board’s Trends in Higher Education series. Updated triennially since 2004, “Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society,” documents differences in the earnings and employment patterns of U.S. adults with different levels of education. The report also establishes a correlation between education and health outcomes, community involvement, and indicators of the well-being of the next generation. In addition to documenting median earnings by education level, the report also includes data on variation in earnings by different characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity, occupation, college major, and institutional sector. “Although obtaining a college degree can mean forgone wages during a time when they are also paying tuition, by age 34 the average bachelor’s degree recipient will have recouped those costs,” said Jennifer Ma, senior policy research scientist at the College Board and a coauthor of the report. “A college education is an investment that pays dividends over the course of a lifetime – even for students who accumulate some debt to obtain a

degree.” Although college enrollment rates continue to rise, the patterns are uneven across demographic groups. Among students with similar high school math test scores, those from wealthier families are much more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school, but the enrollment gaps by socioeconomic background are largest for those who are least academically prepared. Among those who enroll in college, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to begin at a public or private nonprofit four-year institution than others. “Given the high payoffs of postsecondary education to both individuals and society as a whole, it is important that we increase college opportunity for all who can benefit and also improve completion rates,” said Jessica Howell, executive director of policy research at the College Board. Key findings from the report include: • The gaps in college enrollment rates between Black and Hispanic recent high school graduates and their white peers were 11 percentage points in 2005. By 2015, these gaps had fallen to 8 percentage points for Black high school graduates and 5 percentage points for Hispanic high school graduates. • Median earnings of bachelor’s degree recipients age 25 and older with no advanced degree working full time were $24,600 (67 percent) higher than those of high school graduates in 2015. Bachelor’s degree recipients paid an estimated $6,900 (91 percent) more in taxes and took home $17,700 (61 percent) more in after-tax income than

high school graduates. • In 2015, when the unemployment rate for 25- to 34-year-olds with at least a bachelor’s degree was 2.6 percent, 8.1 percent of high school graduates in this age range were unemployed. • Four percent of bachelor’s degree recipients age 25 and older lived in poverty in 2015, compared with 13 percent of high school graduates. • The percentage of full-time year-round workers age 35 to 44 earning $100,000 or more ranged from 2 percent of those without a high school diploma and 5 percent of high school graduates to 25 percent of those whose highest attainment was a bachelor’s degree and 38 percent of advanced degree holders. • Between 2013 and 2014, median earnings for early career bachelor’s degree recipients ranged from $30,000 a year for early childhood education and psychology majors to $54,000 for computer science majors, a $24,000 range. By mid-career, the range in median earnings grew to $46,000 a year. • Smoking rates were 8 percent and 26 percent for four-year college graduates and high school graduates, respectively, in 2014. Within each education level, males are more likely to smoke than females. • Across every age group, adults with higher levels of education are more likely to vote than those with lower levels of education. • In the 2014 midterm election, the voting rate of 25- to 44-year-olds with at least a bachelor’s degree (45 percent) was more than twice as high as the voting rate of high school graduates (20 percent) in the same age group.

12B

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

EDU SPECIAL

Embracing the power of possibility in Houston By UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

Great universities are built by great communities. Faculty across UH have earned more than $10 That’s the mantra of University of Houston President million worth of research grants focused on communiRenu Khator. ty-based research. They are helping to improve health, In Houston, we are lucky. Students at UH have the increase financial literacy, strengthen public education opportunity to learn in the context of one of the nation’s and build partnerships in the arts. most ethnically diverse cities. They also have the power “We really are making a difference for our to pay it forward by helping improve the quality of life in students – and our community – through the work we the community. do in service learning,” said UH Provost Paula Myrick “I want to see the University add value to the neighShort, who helped develop and launch the ACES borhood where it sits,” Khator said. “It’s my passion.” Institute. UH’s Third Ward Initiative, launched in 2017, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a UH graduate, focuses on collaborating with the community to bolster praises the University’s partnership with the commueducational outcomes, to create and strengthen businity. nesses, to address medical disparities, and to celebrate the “Through its student body diversity and high-quality arts and culture of the historic neighborhood. educational opportunities, UH is a destination school for As part of the initiative, the UH College of Educabudding scholars who grew up locally or in other states tion has partnered with six campuses in the Houston Inand countries,” Turner said. UH students who major in teaching gain valuable experience during a yearlong dependent School District: Blackshear, Foster, Thompson internship at a school, helping them prepare to lead a classroom of their own. “It’s an engine that drives the future of Houston and Hartsfield elementary schools; Cullen Middle; and because it not only readies its students to enter our growing ference in the lives of children. Jack Yates High School. workforce, but also because it helps develop an enlightened “Preparing college students for a lifetime of service is a UH students serve as reading and math tutors as well as citizenry that is eager to interact with our community at large.” critical part of our mission,” said Robert McPherson, dean of mentors in the schools. The program allows teaching majors to Visit www.uh.edu to learn more about the University of the UH College of Education. gain real-world classroom experience while also making a difHouston.

THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY This will be your triumph. We provide direction and tools but you climb the mountain. You’re our kind of scholar.

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

Adams is TSU Winter Commencement speaker Defender News Services

Yolanda Adams, a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, will address graduates at Texas Southern University’s Winter Commencement. It will be held Saturday, Dec.16, at 9:30 a.m. at the Health & Physical Education Arena, 3100 Cleburne. “It is an honor and privilege to encourage our fall graduates on their special day,” Adams said. “To graduate from a university is an undertaking that Yolanda Adams requires skill, discipline and perseverance until the desired outcome is met. I am proud to officially speak hope and positivity into their dreams,”

Adams said. Adams has won five Grammy Awards and hosted the Stellar, Dove and NAACP Image awards during her 29year career. She also earned American Music and Soul Train Music awards. Adams has recorded numerous gospel hits, including “Be Blessed,” “Open My Heart,” “The Battle is the Lord’s,” “Hold On,” “Be Still” and “Continuous Praise.” Adams graduated from TSU in 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. She went on to serve as an elementary school teacher in her native Houston before starting an illustrious music career in 1988.

MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

NOTICE OF SCHOOL TRUSTEE RUN-OFF ELECTION FOR THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that a runoff election in HISD Geographic Districts I and III will be held between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on December 9, 2017, for the purpose of electing one trustee for a regular term to Geographic District I, and one trustee for the unexpired term to Geographic District III. Voting on December 9, 2017 shall be conducted at the polling locations designated in this notice. Early voting will be held at the locations designated in this notice from November 29, 2017 through December 5, 2017, excluding Sunday, December 3, 2017. Any eligible voter may vote at any one of the early voting locations. Questions regarding this election may be directed to HISD at 713 556-6121. NOTICE OF SCHOOL TRUSTEE RUN-OFF ELECTION STATE OF TEXAS

§ § COUNTY OF HARRIS § The Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District hereby gives notice that a runoff election in HISD Geographic Districts I and III will be held between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on December 9, 2017, for the purpose of electing one trustee for a regular term to Geographic District I, and one trustee for the unexpired term to Geographic District III. The Board of Education designates the following Harris County polling places in Harris County election precincts that contain territory from the district as polling locations for the election: Pct. 0001 0003 0004 0005 0046 0053 0057 0058 0059 0073 0075 0077 0078 0086 0105 0117 0153 0166 0167 0179 0184 0196 0206 0207 0261 0270 0313 0321 0323 0324 0326 0339 0341 0367 0424 0446 0448 0498 0501 0505 0543 0579 0637 0663 0677 0683 0736 0778 0779 0787 0795 0809 0833

Polling Place Location

District I Proctor Plaza Park Community Center Proctor Plaza Park Community Center Proctor Plaza Park Community Center Proctor Plaza Park Community Center John Marshall Middle School First Baptist Church Heights Fellowship Hall Heights High School Love Park Community Center Field Elementary School Durham Elementary School Helms Community Learning Center Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Harris County Department of Education Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel Clark Park Community Center Benbrook Elementary School Janowski Elementary School Saint Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church Looscan Elementary School Benbrook Elementary School Independence Hall Apartments Community Room Looscan Elementary School Proctor Plaza Park Community Center Saint Albans Episcopal Church Armandina Farias Early Childhood Center Clifton Middle School Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel Melrose Park Community Center Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel Durham Elementary School Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Looscan Elementary School To Be Determined Garden Oaks Baptist Church Benbrook Elementary School Benbrook Elementary School Wainwright Elementary Schoo Clifton Middle School Love Park Community Center Wainwright Elementary School Herrera Elementary School Rittenhouse Baptist Church William Booth Garden Apartments Garden Oaks Baptist Church Armandina Farias Early Childhood Center Armandina Farias Early Childhood Center John Marshall Middle School Herrera Elementary School Melrose Park Community Center Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Armandina Farias Early Childhood Center Benbrook Elementary School Looscan Elementary School

Address 803 West Temple St 803 West Temple St 803 West Temple St 803 West Temple St 1115 Noble St 201 East 9th St 413 East 13th St 1000 West 12th St 703 East 17th St 4803 Brinkman St 503 West 21st St 215 Rittenhouse St 6300 Irvington Blvd 3000 North Loop West Freeway 9718 Clark Road 4026 Bolin Road 7500 Bauman Road 2810 Link Road 3800 Robertson St 4026 Bolin Road 6 Burress St 3800 Robertson St 803 West Temple St 420 Woodard St 515 East Rittenhouse St 6001 Golden Forest Drive 3000 North Loop West Freeway 1001 Canino Road 3000 North Loop West Freeway 4803 Brinkman St 215 Rittenhouse St 3800 Robertson St 3206 North Sheperd Drive 4026 Bolin Road 4026 Bolin Road 5330 Milwee St 6001 Golden Forest Drive 1000 West 12th St 5330 Milwee St 525 Bennington St 513 West Rittenhouse St 808 Frawley St 3206 North Shepherd Drive 515 East Rittenhouse St 515 East Rittenhouse St 1115 Noble St 525 Bennington St 1001 Canino Road 215 Rittenhouse St 515 East Rittenhouse St 4026 Bolin Road 3800 Robertson St

0835 0844 0846 0909 0910 0917 0927 0928 0953 0978 0023 0036 0064 0065 0066 0067 0072 0094 0134 0142 0154 0172 0181 0203 0211 0221 0226 0231 0275 0285 0308 0329 0343 0379 0389 0526 0527 0530 0653 0749 0766 0774 0791 0798 0801 0815 0820 0843 0849 0850 0871 0921 0945 0946

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church John Marshall Middle School Looscan Elementary School Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Looscan Elementary School Garden Oaks Baptist Church Looscan Elementary School Looscan Elementary School Looscan Elementary School

District III Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Center Building B Daniel Ortiz Middle School Gallegos Elementary School DeZavala Park Community Center John R Harris Elementary School Brookline Elementary School Mason Park Community Center Charlton Park Recreation Center Daniel Ortiz Middle School Charlton Park Recreation Center HCC Southeast College Building C Parking Garage Golfcrest Elementary School Charlton Park a Center Houston Federation of Teachers Charlton Park Recreation Center Meadowcreek Village Park Community Center Ingrando Park Recreation Center Golfcrest Elementary School Glenbrook United Methodist Church J P Cornelius Elementary School Glenbrook United Methodist Church W I Stevenson Middle School Houston Federation of Teachers Bellfort Church of Christ University of Houston Recreation and Wellness Center Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Center Building B Charlton Park Recreation Center City of Houston Fire Station 20 To Be Determined Daniel Ortiz Middle School Golfcrest Elementary School To Be Determined Glenbrook United Methodist Church Daniel Ortiz Middle School To Be Determined Daniel Ortiz Middle School Daniel Ortiz Middle School To Be Determined To Be Determined Glenbrook United Methodist Church Houston Federation of Teachers J P Cornelius Elementary School Golfcrest Elementary School Golfcrest Elementary School

215 Rittenhouse St 1115 Noble St 3800 Robertson St 215 Rittenhouse St 215 Rittenhouse St 3800 Robertson St 3206 North Sheperd Drive 3800 Robertson St 3800 Robertson St 3800 Robertson St 2950 Broadway Blvd 6767 Telephone Road 7415 Harrisburg Blvd 907 76th St 801 Broadway St 6301 South Loop 610 East 541 South 75th St 8200 Park Place Blvd 6767 Telephone Road 8200 Park Place Blvd 6960 Rustic St 7414 Fairway Drive 8200 Park Place Blvd 2704 Sutherland St 8200 Park Place Blvd 5333 Berry Creek Drive 7302 Keller St 7414 Fairway Drive 8635 Glen Valley Drive 7475 Westover St 8635 Glen Valley Drive 9595 Winkler Drive 2704 Sutherland St 6606 Bellfort St 4500 University Dr 2950 Broadway Blvd 8200 Park Place Blvd 6902 Navigation Blvd 6767 Telephone Road 7414 Fairway Drive 8635 Glen Valley Drive 6767 Telephone Road 6767 Telephone Road 6767 Telephone Road 8635 Glen Valley Drive 2704 Sutherland St 7475 Westover St 7414 Fairway Drive 7414 Fairway Drive

The Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston Street, First Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 is designated as the main early voting place, and Mr. Stan Stanart, Harris County Clerk, is hereby appointed clerk for early voting in the runoff election. Requests for ballots by mail should be directed in writing to Stan Stanart, Harris County Clerk, Attn: Elections Division, P.O. Box 1148, Houston, Texas 77251-1148. Requests for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on November 28, 2017.

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE. Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home and greater access to what’s important to you. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or if you receive HUD housing assistance.

APPLY NOW AT InternetEssentials.com 1-855-8-INTERNET

© 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. Internet Essentials is a program to provide home Internet service for families. It is not a school program, and is not endorsed or required by your school. Your school is not responsible for Internet Essentials accounts.

CIE_Consumer ad_Marcus_4.79x6.5.indd 1

7/7/17 3:23 PM

Early voting by personal appearance will be held on November 29, 2017, through December 5, 2017, excluding Sunday, December 3, 2017. Early voting by personal appearance shall take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on November 29, 2017, November 30, 2017, and December 1, 2017; and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 2, 2017, December 4, 2017, and December 5, 2017, and will be conducted at the following locations: Harris County Administration Building 1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston, Texas 77002

Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center 9314 Cullen Boulevard Houston, Texas 77051

Hardy Senior Center 11901 West Hard Road Houston, Texas 77076

Hiram Clark Multi-Service Center 3810 W Fuqua Street Houston, Texas 77045

Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton Street Houston, Texas 77009

Fiesta Mart 8130 Kirby Drive Houston, Texas 77054

Metropolitan Multi-Service Center 1475 West Gray Street Houston, Texas 77019

HCCS Southeast College 6960 Rustic Street, Parking Garage Houston, Texas 77087

Young Neighborhood Library 5107 Griggs Road Houston, Texas 77021

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

Is Atlanta in danger of losing its ‘Black Mecca’ status? Defender News Services

munities. Additionally, a 2013 Equality of Opportunity Project report concluded that children born into poverty in Atlanta face more barriers to moving into the middle or upper economic classes than in any other major urban region in the country. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Black city

In 1971, Ebony magazine declared Atlanta, Georgia, the “Black Mecca of the South.” In the ensuing decades, the city fully embraced the designation, becoming a bastion of Black success in politics and business. But that could change, some have said, pending the results of the upcoming mayoral election — a contentious runoff race that could end more than four decades of Black mayoral leadership. Other political observers say the racial tensions animating the contest have exposed the fact that some lower class Blacks feel like opportunities are out of reach. Maurice J. Hobson, assistant professor of African-American studies at Georgia State University, said that despite the city’s Black mayors, many Black Atlantans feel their needs in the Atlanta mayoral candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms will face Mary Norwood in a runoff. community aren’t being met. councilwoman from southwest Atlanta, was endorsed by “Voting always takes a second knee to political current mayor Kasim Reed. Independent Mary Norwood, power in the city,” he told NBC News. “What we’ve had a city councilwoman who hails from the affluent, preis puppet governments. The white elite will put a Black face out there, but they’re really controlling the policies.” dominantly white north side, boasts endorsements from influential members of the Black community, including A 2015 report by the Annie E. Casey FoundaAtlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and Attion concluded that despite the city’s reputation, deep lanta’s first Black woman mayor, Shirley Franklin. educational and economic disparities remain between Norwood’s cadre of Black supporters is viewed families of color that live on the poorer, Black south side by some as a backlash to Reed, who has been accused compared to those in the wealthier, whiter northern com-

Facebook launches Messenger app for kids Associated Press

Facebook is coming for your kids. The social media giant is launching a messaging app for children to chat with their parents and with friends approved by their parents. The free app is aimed at kids under 13, who can’t yet have their own accounts under Facebook’s rules, though they often do. Messenger Kids comes with a slew of controls for parents. The service won’t let children add their own friends or delete messages — only parents can do that. Kids don’t get a separate Facebook or Messenger account; rather, it’s an extension of a parent’s account. Messenger Kids is currently available as an app for Apple devices — the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Versions for Android and Amazon’s tablets are coming later.

A Kids-Focused Experience

While children do use messaging and social media apps designed for teenagers and adults, those services aren’t built for them, said Kristelle Lavallee, a children’s psychology expert who advised Facebook on designing the service. “The risk of exposure to things they were not developmentally prepared for is huge,” she said. Messenger Kids, meanwhile, “is a result of seeing what kids like,” which is images, emoji and the like. Face filters and playful masks can be distracting for adults, Lavallee said, but for kids who are just learning how to form relationships and stay in touch with parents digitally, they are ways to express themselves. Lavallee, who is content strategist at the Center on Media and Child Health at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard University, called Messenger Kids a “useful tool” that “makes parents the gatekeepers.” But she said that while Facebook made the app “with the best of intentions,” it’s not yet known how people will actually use it. As with other tools Facebook has released in the past, intentions and real-world use do not always match up. Facebook’s live video streaming feature, for example, has been used for plenty of

innocuous and useful things, but also to stream crimes and suicides.

Hooked on Facebook

Is Messenger Kids simply a way for Facebook to rope in the young ones? Stephen Balkam, CEO of the nonprofit Family Online Safety Institute, said “that train has left the station.” Federal law prohibits Internet companies from collecting personal information on kids under 13 without their parents’ permission and imposes restrictions on advertising to them. This is why Facebook and many other social media companies prohibit younger kids from joining. Even so, Balkam said millions of kids under 13 are already on Facebook, with or without their parents’ approval. He said Facebook is trying to deal with the situation pragmatically by steering young Facebook users to a service designed for them.

Marketing Matters

Facebook said Messenger Kids won’t show ads or collect data for marketing, though it will collect some data it says are necessary to run the service. Facebook also said it won’t automatically move users to the regular Messenger or Facebook when they get old enough, though the company might give them the option to move contacts to Messenger down the line. James Steyer, CEO of the kids-focused non-profit group Common Sense, said that while he liked the idea of a messaging app that requires parental sign-ups, many questions remain. Among them: Will it always remain ad-free, and will parents get ads based on the service? “Why should parents simply trust that Facebook is acting in the best interest of kids?” Steyer said in a statement. “We encourage Facebook to clarify their policies from the start so that it is perfectly clear what parents are signing up for.”

by some of yielding to the desires of the city’s powerful, white business community while ignoring the plight of communities of color and the poor. “When you have a Black mayor tearing down two historical Black churches to build [an Atlanta Falcons] football stadium and gentrification pushing folks out; people in the inner city feel like the Black leadership has walked away from them,” said Derrick Boazman, 51, a former Atlanta councilman and local Black talk radio host on WAOK 1380 AM. Boazman said Reed’s support of “downtown” interests without protections aimed at helping the disenfranchised with issues like affordable housing, gentrification, and homelessness is adversely impacting Lance Bottoms’ chances. For her to lose a race that is “hotter than fish grease,” he said, should be a “wake up call” to Black leadership in Atlanta and beyond. “The real question is, ‘Why is a white woman like Norwood a viable candidate at all, in a Black city like Atlanta?’” asked Boazman. He believes that Norwood’s dogged “responsiveness” to community members has fueled her political ascent. “It means that Black leadership has failed miserably; they’ve fallen asleep on the job. It would be a repudiation of Black leadership for turning their backs on their base. Black leaders everywhere [had] better take note,” he added.

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 | DEFENDER

Why are millennials leaving churches? Defender News Services

The Black church has long stood at the center of Black communities as a place of worship and social advocacy. The Civil Rights Moment saw religious leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young and Rev. Joseph Lowery on the front lines of marches, preaching and pushing policy reform while strengthening community morale through faith and fellowship. The front lines of modern racial justice movements find Black people less likely to religiously affiliate or emphasize a role for the Church in activism. Although still a backbone of community support, many feel the Church is not serving Black youth like it used to. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 19 percent of Blacks under 30 are unaffiliated with a religion, compared with just 7 percent of Blacks aged 65 and older. The statistic represents a growing divide between young people and Christianity and raises concerns about its importance in the future of Black liberation. “For Black millennials, relevant ministry is to resist and correct immoral policies and practices in over-policed neighborhoods; it’s to challenge police forces that lack diversity; to agitate policies set out to destroy us and to bring discomfort to people who refuse to see our humanity,” said Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker, preacher and founding curator of the Millennial Cafe. “Pulpits that are devoid of faith and politics

will result in pews devoid of Black millennials,” she said. Millennials want church leaders who use faith to imagine real solutions to social issues affecting Black people. It is troubling for millennials – the most degreed generation in American history – to divorce the realities of a racist, xenophobic, homophobic (or more accurately, genophobic) existence with a dwindling economic future. Black millennials do not want to engage conversations about building for the future and ignoring the complexities of being young and Black in America today. “Absent from many churches are lessons on how to cope and mobilize after witnessing the deaths of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Terence Crutcher and countless others,” said millennial writer Ryan Davis. Black people born between 1978 and 2000, with increased access to education, have had an edge in learning these systems, but still struggle

to find ways to dismantle them. “As social media allows us to receive, process and pass on information faster than generations before us, we seek out religious leaders that affirm and shape our ability to speak for ourselves rather than ones who speak on our behalves,” Davis added. Some millennials feel the Bible contains passages that condone sexist and homophobic thought, which they view as counter to collective Black empowerment. A recent study by the Center for American Progress found that 56.6 of Americans under 30 have progressive attitudes toward cultural and social values, compared with 50.1 percent over 30. The study also found that a larger margin of younger Americans do not view changes in the traditional family as a threat to society. Barbara Dianne Savage, professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania, theorizes that “the Black church,” as a concept, “has taken on a life of its own, implying the existence of a powerful entity with organized power.” Savage stresses the ways in which church and politics have historically been in conflict but managed to cooperate in resistance to systemic oppression. “The Black church must understand where spirituality and religion intersect and contradict. It must challenge its leaders to build individual agency in its congregation members. If the church hopes to maintain relevancy among millennials, its leaders and members must honor its social function while breathing modern life into its methods,” Davis said.

LaVar Ball pulls embattled son from UCLA Defender News Services

The college basketball player at the center of a shoplifting scandal in China last month has begun training to compete on the professional level after removing himself as a student at UCLA, according to a new report. There’s just one problem – LiAngelo Ball has never actually been projected to be drafted into the NBA. Ball’s controversial father, LaVar Ball, reportedly pulled his son from UCLA amid an indefinite suspension from the team following an admitted role in stealing sunglasses from a high-end retailer in China.

With LiAngelo no longer enrolled in UCLA, LaVar Ball has now pulled two of his sons from their schools this year. LaMelo Ball, a 16-year-old junior, was yanked from his high school in October in favor of home schooling to allow more time to train for a future in the NBA. Shortly after the announcement, LiAngelo Ball’s name was nowhere to be found out of the top 100 players listed on NBADraft.net, a website that reliably predicts the NBA future of amateur basketball. LaVar Ball’s oldest son Lonzo is currently a rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers

LaVar Ball and LiAngelo

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

sports

Coalition of Black players reaches agreement with NFL By MAX EDISON Defender

In a unique move by a professional sports league, the NFL in partnership with a coalition of African-American players recently agreed to a proposal whereby the league would fund social justice efforts. While some players have reservations that the proposal is a payoff to end players’ on-the-field protest, most concur it’s an initial step in the right direction. The proposal reportedly will have the NFL commit at least $89 million over a seven-year period to national and local organizations and projects. Nationally, NFL owners this season would allocate $5 million, with their commitment growing annually and maxing out at $12 million per year from 2021 through 2023. At the local level, owners would put up $250,000 annually and expect players to match that amount, totaling $500,000 for each team. Players and owners are free to exceed the amount if they so choose, with no matching requirement. Funding would be allocated nationally to the United Negro College Fund (25 percent) and Dream Corps (25 percent). Fifty percent would go to the Players Coalition, which has created a 501(c) (3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit to sponsor their own projects. Most of the players involved in the coalition are already involved in their own local projects addressing social reform. Funds at both the national and local level would provide grants for nonprofit organizations foColin Kaepernick and Eric Reid cused on law enforcement NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and community relations, “When I started demonstrating, my whole motivacriminal justice reform and education reform. The tion was to draw awareness to disenfranchised people, coalition has hired the Hopewell Fund to oversee and communities of color, injustices around the country advise the group. and our criminal justice system,” Jenkins said. “I feel There is no language in the proposal that makes it like [the agreement with the NFL] has presented a conditional on the players discontinuing their national bigger and better platform to continue to raise that anthem protest. awareness.” Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, SeDespite the large numbers in the proposal, there attle wide receiver Doug Baldwin and retired receiver are players who are unhappy with it. San Francisco Anquan Bolden have been the lead front men for the 49er safety Eric Reid, one of the first players to protest coalition. They have met regularly with NFL Commis- with former Colin Kaepernick last season, had reservasioner Roger Goodell and VP of NFL Operations Troy tions about Jenkins’ role in the proposal. Vincent to craft out the proposal. “I feel like I’ve been misled,” Reid said. “I won’t

Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins, one of the coalition leaders, addresses the media with other players.

accuse Malcolm of directly lying to me, because I don’t think he’s that type of guy. But I will say he’s misled us. And shoot, if that’s what lying is, then that’s what it is.” Jenkins was quick to respond. “For this to now be less about the actual work and more about who wants to be in the forefront or be the leader is disappointing,” Jenkins said. “It’s especially disappointing for us to hear this in the media and now be put in a position where we have to answer all of these questions. All of these conversations could have been between us as players. It’s a little bit disappointing.” It will be interesting to see what the next coalition move will be. Finding a way to get Kaepernick back on an NFL roster should be next on the agenda. The complication with that move is it can’t be regulated by the league office. If that was the case it would be an obvious example of collusion. Supporters of Kaepernick hope that some NFL owner and general manager will have the guts to make an intelligent decision and give him the opportunity to play again.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Jacoby Allen displays leadership at North Shore

zone and wanting to celebrate with my teammates after the play,” Allen said. “We prepared for them (Lamar) the same way we prepare for A talented group of underclassmen helped everybody else. For us, it’s about playing North North Shore rebound from three early-season Shore football.” losses in the 2017 season. Yet it took senior Both North Shore (Division I) and Katy Jacoby Allen’s precision timing and keen leader- (Division II) won Class 6A state titles at NRG ship to guide the Mustangs back to the regional Stadium in 2015. finals for the third consecutive year. “Jacoby is a great leader. He’s been through With Lamar driving inside the North Shore these battles a few times already as a three-year 20 on the Texans’ opening possession of a Class varsity guy,” Kay said. “He’s a guy that under6A Division I Region III semifinal at Rice Stastands how we practice and how we prepare. He’s dium, Allen may been a great influhave supplied the ence on these young biggest single play kids.” Find out what previously unbeaten school of the game. North Shore led bit the dust in state playoffs. Allen’s pickLamar by as much six interception as 28-0 in the first from 86 yards out supplied the first score of the half before D’Shawn Jamison returned a kickoff game and North Shore never wavered in a 44-29 79 yards for a touchdown right before halftime. victory over Lamar that propelled the Mustangs The Texans (9-2) were limited to 89 yards in the into a Dec. 9 regional final against unbeaten first half. Katy at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. “I look forward to playing with my teammates “Jacoby’s play helped settle down some of one more time,” Allen said. “It’s what makes me our younger kids on offense,” said North Shore happy.” head coach Jon Kay. “We needed a play to be made at that time and it took the pressure off some of the other kids that felt like they had to shoulder the load. They were able to relax and get back into their game.” Moments later, Lamar fumbled the ensuing kickoff and North Shore recovered at the Texans’ 25-yard line. With the ice broken sophomore tailback/ quarterback Zach Evans and freshman quarterback Dematrius Davis began executing the North Shore game plan to near perfection. Four consecutive carries by Evans netted the first of his four touchdowns in the game, this one on a three-yard run. Less than six minutes into the game North Shore held a 14-0 advantage. Allen, who also recorded two quarterback sacks in the contest, had a simple explanation for the early dominance by the Mustangs. “We were just playing North Shore football, that’s it,” he said. “I was doing what I was told at the time. My coach told me to look for the ball and that’s what I did. “I was looking for the end By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

defendernetwork.com

DECEMBER 7 | 2017 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs PVAMU duo inducted A pair of Prairie View A&M University Panther legends were recently inducted in the SWAC Hall of Fame. Clifton Gilliard and Patricia Jackson are proud members of the class of 2017. The nine-member class included Alcorn State’s James Williams and Roynell Young, Alabama State’s Shameka Jackson, Mississippi Valley State’s William Brown (posthumous), Texas Southern University’s Dr. Dwalah Fisher, Southern’s Dr. David Ponton Jr., and Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Wallace Francis. Gilliard was a three-year football letterman and earned All-SWAC honors playing halfback on the third HBCU national championship team in school history under legendary coach William “Billy” Nicks. Jackson was a record-setting track and field athlete at PVAMU. She was a four-time conference champion and five-time All-America under SWAC and PVAMU Hall of Famer Barbara Jacket.

Kaepernick honored again Colin Kaepernick may not have played a game in the NFL this season, but he’s racking up the postseason honors. He was named recipient of 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. Each year SI and the Ali family honor a figure who embodies the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy and has used sports as a platform for changing the world. “I am proud to be able to present this to Colin for his passionate defense of social justice and civil rights for all people,” said Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow. “Like Muhammad, Colin is a man who stands on his convictions with confidence and courage, undaunted by the personal sacrifices he has had to make to have his message heard.”

Yates retires uniform Two-time high school state basketball champion and former Parade Magazine All-American Joseph Young had his No. 0 jersey retired at Houston’s Jack Yates High School. Young participated in the ceremony while his Indiana Pacers NBA team was in town to play the Houston Rockets. Yates won state basketball championships in both 2009 and 2010 with Young being a key member on both teams. He was Mr. Basketball in Texas for 2010 when the Lions finished 34-0 and established a national scoring record of 116.2 points per game. Between those two years Yates owned a 58-game winning streak, scored 100 points in 15 consecutive games and recorded 26 100-point games overall. While playing at the University of Oregon Young was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year. His dad Michael Young is a former NBA player and was a charter member of the University of Houston’s storied “Phi Slama Jama” teams that made three consecutive Final Four appearances.

Marshall perseveres Facing a 21-7 second-quarter deficit to once-beaten Hutto, Fort Bend Marshall could have packed it in. But that’s not in the DNA of the playoff-tested Buffalos. Marshall stormed back with 28-second half points and eliminated Hutto from the postseason with a 35-32 victory in the Class 5A Division II Region III semifinals. Marshall quarterback Jabari James had scoring runs of 2 and 34 yards while also completing a 64-yard TD pass to Henry Thomas. The 10-2 Buffs will take on 11-2 College Station Dec. 9 at Waller ISD Stadium with a 1 p.m. kickoff.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 7 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

TOYOTA GREEN INITIATIVE…….The Toyota Green Initiative teamed up well as medical school scholarship recipients Yakira Alford, Chinormso with actor Laz Alonso and others to put in work at the Blodgett Urban Garden at Diribe, Suzette Ikejiani and Alexis Milton. Attendees included U.S. Rep. Texas Southern University promoting the go-green lifestyle. TGI representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Emma Chambers, Dr. Kathy from across the country convened in Third Ward using their environmental Flanagan, Charles Fisher, Roberta Fisher and many more…….. BE THE stewardship platform to enlighten HBCU students and alumni about the benefits SOLUTION YOUTH & FAMILY IMMIGRATION TOWNHALL……. of adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Majic 102 FM live-casted the event as Councilmember Amanda Edwards hosted the Be the Solution Youth & Family attendees beautified the garden, including entertainment executive Mali Hunter, Immigration Townhall to provide the latest information on immigration policies actress Tsion Mitchell, Yoli Ouiya, Briana Hawkins, Kirk including Texas Senate Bill 4. Wisdom High School was the Jackson, Phyleshia Locke, Breanna Wiley, Taryn Clark, Defender TOP EVENTS site for the event that featured a panel of experts including Dr. Sheri Smith, Tamiah Robertson and many others…….. More photos on defendernetwork.com immigration lawyer Jose Perez Jr., HPD Chief Art Acevedo, HOUSTON MEDICAL FORUM 28th ANNUAL Juliet Stipeche and activists Norma Torres Mendoza, SCHOLARSHIP GALA….. The Houston Medical Forum, Joy Alessi and Jill Campbell (Baker Ripley). Edwards and an organization of African-American physicians united to address the medical Cynthia Cisneros (ABC13) served as moderators of the lively and informative needs of Black people, hosted “A Night Among the Stars,” it’s 28th Annual discussion. The diverse crowd hailed from Africa, Asia, Central and South Scholarship Gala. Dr. Garvin Davis, president of the 91-year-old organization, America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Attendees included Oscar along with event co-chairs Dr. Shiree Berry and Dr. Carolyn Ross Riley, Hernandez, Courtney White, Diana Chahrour, Antonio Duarte, Kim Topps, welcomed those present to honor Dr. Wanda Thornton Mott (Lifetime Marsha Penn, Candice Young, Christina Allen-Crowder and others. Achievement Award) and Dr. Kevin McKinney (Physician of the Year), as

Yoli Ouiya, Laz Alonso, Mali Hunter

Breanna Wiley, Tsion Mitchell, Bree Dotson

Dr. Garvin Davis, Mayor Sylvester Turner

Norma Torres Mendoza, Councilmember Amanda Edwards, Jill Campbell

Dr. Docia Rudley, Dr. John Rudley, Dr. Wanda Thornton Mott

Courtney White, Kim Topps, Christina Allen-Crowder

Zakiya Percy, Salene Stratham, Denese Roberson

Dr. Carolyn Ross Riley, Dr. Shiree Berry

Jonathan Rodriguez, Klelia Morado, Jada Combs

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years