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NAOMI’S HOUSE GIVES FEMALE EX-OFFENDERS A FRESH START, P2

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Volume 85 | Number 6

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA disrespected by news commentators

P4 SPORTS TOM HERMANN leads UH to Peach Bowl

Congressman Al Green

HS ZONE

YEARS IN THE HOUSE

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Ron Reynolds

Patti LaBelle

What’s next for Missouri City State Rep. Ron Reynolds now that he has been sentenced to a year in jail? See why he says justice will prevail in his case. Learn why he distrusts the Montgomery County legal system. Read about his political plans.

Singer Patti LaBelle loves cooking as much as she does performing, and her sweet potato pies have recently gained a lot of attention. See how she’s sharing her baking skills with viewers during the holidays. Find out about her special television guest.

looks ahead

KIESTON ROACH confident at North Shore

TOP EVENTS

wins baking pies

Michael Strahan returns to Houston for book-signing

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 10 | 2015

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Reynolds seeks justice, claims bias American population of 4.3 percent. “In 2015, it’s a crying shame that discrimination still takes place,” ReynState Rep. Ron Reynolds of olds said. “I have never made my career Missouri City said he is confident about race until this case. Dr. Martin justice will prevail in his misdemeanor Luther King Jr. once eloquently stated, barratry conviction and hopes to be ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice re-elected to the Texas House. He also everywhere.’ I experienced a gross injussaid he experienced a “gross injustice” tice in Montgomery County, one of the which exemplifies racial bias in the most conservative counties in Texas.” legal system. Reynolds said his case is on appeal A Montgomery County jury sento the 9th Circuit Court in Beaumont. tenced Reynolds to a year in jail and a “My attorneys and I are very confifine of several thousand dollars after he dent that my sentence will be overturned was convicted of illegal solicitation of on appeal because there was no evidence State Rep. Ron Reynolds legal clients. to support it,” Reynolds said. “MoreReynolds said Montgomery County has a history over, I won’t ever have to serve another day in jail. I’m of wrongfully convicting African-Americans, including prayerful and confident that justice will prevail and I Clarence Brandley, who was wrongly convicted of rape give God all the praise, honor and glory! and murder in 1981. He said the county is 80 percent “I will continue to fight for criminal justice reforms Republican, 84 percent Anglo and has an Africanso that what happened to me will not happen to another By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

innocent person accused of committing a crime that they didn’t commit!” Professionally, Reynolds is appealing the judge’s decision that he cannot practice law during the time his case is on appeal. “My attorneys have advised me that the judge didn’t have the authority to prohibit me from practicing law,” Reynolds said. “Only the State Bar of Texas has the authority to do that. We are very confident that I will prevail and move forward with my successful law practice.” In response to his ordeal, “friends” of Reynolds have set up a gofundme account for “a non tax-deductible gift during these trying times.” The account has raised nearly $3,000. Reynolds continues to focus on re-election in 2016, and said he has the support of every Democratic elected official in Fort Bend County. He is being challenged in the March primary by Steve Brown, a former Fort Bend Democratic Party chairman and Texas Railroad Commission candidate.

Female ex-offenders get help Naomi’s House, a Houston transitional home mentoring female ex-offenders for entrepreneurship, recently hosted its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10555 Envoy. The home culminated its last phase of preparation before receiving its first group of residents from Lockhart Correctional Facility and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) area prisons in January. The newly renovated 2,010 square-foot home located in Houston’s northeast end community is designed to give women exiting the

correctional facility tools towards an entrepreneurial venture and reentry resources to reacclimate back into society as self-sustaining citizens. Through a local partnership with employers, all of the women have found jobs. “Women who have been incarcerated in our community are disenfranchised and need to discover ways where they can earn a legitimate living where they are self-sufficient and in a position to provide for their children,” said Michelle Harden, director and founder of Naomi’s House.

Participants in the grand opening of Naomi’s House include (l. to r.) JoAnn Woods, Erica Harris, Michelle Harden and Cassie Levy.

localbriefs OBAMACARE OPEN ENROLLMENT continues through Jan. 31, and the nonprofit Enroll America is unveiling an improved version of the Get Covered Connector, an online scheduling tool that allows Texans to schedule a free appointment with an in-person assister in their community to get help with health coverage. Consumers enter their ZIP code, select a convenient appointment time and location, and the appointment is reserved. They can receive email and text message reminders of their appointment. Assisters can help consumers who have already enrolled in a plan and want to renew their coverage, change their plan, or need to reenroll in Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance

Program (CHIP). For information visit www.getcoveredamerica.org/connector........DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE is available for workers in 15 Texas counties, including Harris, who were affected by severe weather from Oct. 22-31. The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration for workers and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs due to storms, tornadoes, winds or flooding. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 6. For information call 800-939-6631……..METRO IS OFFERING FREE RIDES to the polls for the runoff election on Saturday, Dec. 12. Riders can present a valid voter registration card

on any local bus or rail line to get the free trip. Find your polling location at HarrisVotes.com……..THE PLEASANTVILLE AREA is getting a new community center at Judson Robinson Sr. Park, 1422 Ledwicke. City officials recently joined residents to break ground for the 12,800-square foot facility. It will include a gym, large classroom, lobby, kitchen and computer room. Site work improvements will include grading, drainage, detention, sidewalks, parking lot, refurbishment of the basketball pavilion, a new playground, landscaping and irrigation, and a football field. Once completed, the existing community center will be demolished and more parking added. Final completion is scheduled for 2017.

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DECEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 10 | 2015

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national

U.S.briefs

Justice Department to investigate Chicago police Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “And regardless of the findings announced that the Justice Departin this investigation, we will seek to ment has opened an investigation work with local officials, residents, into the Chicago Police Department and law enforcement officers alike (CPD), pursuant to the Violent Crime to ensure that the people of Chicago Control and Law Enforcement Act of have the world-class police depart1994. ment they deserve.” The department’s investigation The DOJ investigation comes will seek to determine whether there on the heels of a video released by are systemic violations of the ConCPD showing a Black teen, Laquan stitution or federal law by officers of McDonald, being shot 16 times by CPD. The investigation will focus Officer Jake Van Dyke. McDonald’s on CPD’s use of force, including death resulted in protests and the racial, ethnic and other disparities in firing of Police Superintendent Garry use of force, and its systems of acMcCarthy. Attorney General Loretta Lynch countability. Van Dyke was charged with first“Building trust between law degree murder and was released on a enforcement officers and the communities they serve is $1.5 million bond. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has one of my highest priorities as attorney general,” Lynch come under fire for the handling of the case.

Obama on terrorism President Obama delivered an Oval Office address following the Dec. 2 terrorist attack in San Bernardino that killed 14 people and injured 21. The victims were shot at a Department of Public Health holiday party. The shooters were Syed Rizwan Farook, an employee, and his wife Tashfeen Malik. Farook was an American-born citizen and his wife was of Pakistani descent. Both were killed by police. Obama reiterated his plan for combating ISIS. He said the U.S. will:

• Continue to hunt down terrorist plotters in any country. • Continue to provide training and equipment to Iraqi and Syrian forces on the ground and deploy Special Operations Forces. • Work with friends and allies to stop ISIS’s operations by disrupting plots, cutting off their financing and preventing them from recruiting more fighters. • Lead the international community in establishing a process and timeline to pursue ceasefires and a political resolution to the Syrian war.

Obama disrespected by two Fox News analysts The disrespect that has plagued President Obama since he took office resurfaced as two Fox News commentators used profanity on television to describe Obama’s strategy for dealing with terrorism in the aftermath of shootings in San Bernardino, CA. The commentators, Black actress Stacey Dash and Lt. Col. Ralph Peters, were suspended for two weeks because of their remarks. Dash, who is best known for her role in the 1995 movie “Clueless,” said Obama “didn’t give a s--- about terrorism. Peters, an author and retired Army officer, called Obama “a total p----y.” “Look, Mr. President, we’re not afraid,” Peters said. “We’re angry. We’re pissed off. We’re furious.

We want to see you react. We want you to do something.” Fox executive Bill Shine said the comments were unacceptable. “Earlier today, Fox contributors Lt. Col. Ralph Peters and Stacey Dash made comments on different programs that were completely inappropriate and unacceptable for our air,” Shine said. “Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel do not condone the use of such language, and have suspended both Peters and Dash for two weeks.” Following his suspension, Peters tweeted that he would “be back.” Dash tweeted, “Consequences. Some of us have to pay them. Gladly.”

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION praised action by the House of Representatives to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act, a bipartisan bill to fix No Child Left Behind, and is calling on the Senate to take swift action on the legislation so that it can be signed into law before the end of the year. The bill rejects the overuse of standardized tests and ensures that the education system will prepare every child to graduate from high school ready for college and careers, and provides more children access to high-quality state preschool programs. “Educators and leaders throughout this country have been clear in the need for an updated law, and we have joined them in that call for half a decade,” said Education Secretary Arne Duncan ……..THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE has partnered with MasterCard to promote financial literacy in underserved communities. The Master Your Card initiative will reinforce existing financial education activities at the NUL. Since its inception, the program has worked with community leaders to identify the challenges facing the underserved and create solutions that enable them to enter the financial mainstream. “Economic empowerment requires a thorough understanding of financial transactions,” said NUL President Marc Morial. He noted that fewer than 50 percent of Black families own their own homes, more than half have no investments and only about a third have savings accounts…….. MALIA OBAMA has reportedly narrowed her college choices to two New York schools. The 17-year-old has whittled down her list of prospective schools to Barnard College and New York University. The list supposedly also named Wesleyan, Yale, Tufts, Brown and Stanford universities, as well as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California at Berkeley as frontrunners. Malia’s choice is likely guided by her interest in filmmaking. NYU has produced filmmaking giants such as directors Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 6 DECEMBER 10, 2015

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon

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

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DECEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Patti LaBelle

brings holiday pies to TV Acclaimed singer Patti LaBelle is serious about food. She sells her own line of sauces, has written four cookbooks and hosts cooking specials on television. LaBelle’s baking skills recently made headlines, after a fan’s video went viral. In the video, which has been viewed more than 4 million times, James Wright Chanel sings praises of LaBelle’s sweet potato pie. The pie, which sells for $3.48 at WalMart, has sold out across the country, and is selling for up to $40 on eBay. LaBelle and Chanel have teamed up to sing and cook on “Patti LaBelle’s Holiday Pies,” which premieres Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on the Cooking Channel. It will also air on the Food Network on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. The menu includes Apple-Peach Cobbler, Holiday Brisket Pot-Pie and the headliner, Sweet Potato Pie. LaBelle, who contacted Chanel after he became a YouTube sensation, said the two hit if off once they met. “He’s such a larger-than-life person himself,” LaBelle said. “He’s like my new son. It’s just a blessing when people come into your life like this and you’re not expecting anything.” Chanel echoed LaBelle’s sentiments. “When she first called, it was like we’d known each other forever,” he said. “We talked like we were best friends. I told her, ‘I have to tell my mom that Patti is my new momma too.’ I said, ‘Patti, you my momma!’ ”

Patti LaBelle and YouTube sensation James Wright Chanel cook together.

At a glance Patti LaBelle • Began her career as part of the Ordettes in 1959; became the Bluebelles in 1961 and later changed their name to LaBelle • Released the album “Nightbirds” in 1974, featuring the hit single “Lady Marmalade.” • Began a successful solo career in 1976, recording such hits as “You Are My Friend,” “If Only You Knew,” “New

Attitude” and “Stir It Up” • Made her Broadway debut with Al Green in 1982 in “Your Arm’s Too Short To Box With God” • Had a No. 1 hit, “On My Own,” with Michael MacDonald • Won two Grammy Awards and seven NAACP Image Awards • Divorced with one biological son and four adopted children

what’sup The Grammy Award nominees were announced, and KENDRICK LAMAR received multiple nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Rap Song. D’ANGELO & THE VANGUARD were nominated for Record of the Year and Best R&B Album. Other nominees include THE WEEKND, WIZ KHALIFA, LEON BRIDGES, CHARLIE WILSON, TAMAR BRAXTON, JAZMINE SULLIVAN and DRAKE. The awards show will air on Feb. 15……. KANYE WEST, also a 2016 Grammy nominee, recently welcomed a son, Saint, with his wife KIM KARDASHIAN. They have a 2-year-old daughter, North……..CICELY TYSON joined five other honorees at the 38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors

in Washington, D.C. The 90-year-old actress began her career nearly 60 years ago, and is known for her stage and screen roles in such productions as “Sounder,” “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “The Trip to Bountiful.” Stars paying tribute to Tyson included VIOLA DAVIS, KERRY WASHINGTON, TYLER PERRY and CECE WINANS. President BARACK OBAMA and First Lady MICHELLE OBAMA were also in attendance. The show will air on CBS on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m……..Executives with Radio One and REACH Media said news reports circulating that TOM JOYNER, 65, will be forced into early retirement next year are untrue. “Any stories that suggest major changes to the

‘Tom Joyner Morning Show’ are inaccurate,” said Melody Talkington, vice president of Reach MEDIA, which owns and distributes Joyner’s show……..The THELONIOUS MONK Institute awarded QUINCY JONES with the HERBIE HANCOCK Humanitarian Award during its annual gala in Hollywood. “There is no truer humanitarian on the planet than Quincy ‘Q’ Jones,” said Hancock. “[He] has demonstrated his concern and caring for countless people worldwide through a broad range of musical, educational, and relief initiatives.” Stars in attendance included PATTI AUSTIN, GEORGE BENSON, AL JARREAU, HUBERT LAWS, LEDISI and BILLY DEE WILLIAMS.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 10 | 2015

Houston Congressman Al Green visited with students from the Presbyterian School.

cente

Green has been honored to stand with President Obama on pressing issues.

Green has been an ad

Congressman Al

YEARS

IN THE HOUSE

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

his year marked the 10th year that Congressman Al Green has served in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights advocate, Green said he continues to fight “for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard.” Green represents the 9th Congressional District, which includes Harris and Fort Bend Counties, and the cities of Houston, Missouri City and Stafford. He has been a popular candidate with voters, winning more than 70 percent of the vote during every election in which he had an opponent. In 2014, he won with more than 90 percent of the vote. In Congress, Green serves on the Financial Services Committee. He sits on two subcommittees, Housing and Insurance and Oversight and Investigations, where he holds the position of ranking member. He is assistant whip in the Democratic Party. In a Q&A with the Defender, Green discussed what he has achieved and what he hopes to accomplish, among other things. Defender: Looking back, what have been your top accomplishments in Congress? Green: I would say some of my top accomplishments are: • Protecting and maintaining the diverse character of the Ninth Congressional District. • Getting three federal judges appointed (for life), two of who are Black: The Honorable Al Bennett and the Honorable George Hanks to the Southern District of Texas. The third judge, the Honorable Gregg Costa, now sits on the Fifth Circuit.

About Al Green

• Born in New Orleans • Attended Florida A&M University, Howard University and Tuskegee Institute • Earned Juris Doctor degree in 1973 from Thurgood Marshall School of Law • Co-founded and co-managed the law firm of Green, Wilson, Dewberry and Fitch • Served as justice of the peace in Harris County from 1977-2004 • Served as president of the Houston Branch of the NAACP for 10 years • Standing with President Obama to pass the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which helps provide healthcare insurance to millions of Americans who would not be covered. • Standing with President Obama to save the American auto industry. • Teaming up with the Honorable Maxine Waters to pass legislation establishing the current Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion to monitor as well as help facilitate contracting, hiring, and

the promotion of capable, competent, and qualified minorities and women within the financial regulators. • Working with my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, to bring home billions in tax dollars to benefit our hospital district, port, airports, infrastructure, housing, and healthcare. Defender: Looking ahead, what are your top priorities? Green: Some of my top priorities include but are not limited to: • Continuing the fight to end invidious discrimination in lending, housing, hiring, contracting, policing, and jurisprudence. • Passage of my Camera Authorization and MaintenanceTransparency in Policing (CAM-TIP) Act or similar legislation. The CAM-TIP Act would establish a grant program to assist local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to fund police bodyworn cameras. While passage of my resolution, H.Res 295, to support local law enforcement agencies’ use of body-worn cameras demonstrated support in Congress for police body-worn cameras, many local law enforcement agencies still need assistance with funding. • Continuing the bipartisan efforts to secure funding for the U.S. 90A Commuter Rail Line with Congressman John Culberson. The U.S. 90A Rail Line has bipartisan support both locally and nationally. It would expand the light-rail system with the goal of connecting Downtown Houston to some surrounding residential areas. • Continuing to work toward the signing into law of my legislation, H.R. 251, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2015. The House of Representatives has already overwhelmingly approved

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erfold

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dvocate for U.S. military personnel and veterans.

Green the legislation by a vote of 412 to 1. The legislation will require the placement of a person in HUD with the responsibility of monitoring the housing needs of low-income veterans as well as their families, and report annually to Congress. I believe it is an essential, bipartisan measure that should improve our government’s response to homelessness among our veterans. • Passage of H.R. 122, my Original Living American Wage Act (the Original LAW Act) of 2015. H.R. 122 indexes (links) the minimum wage to poverty such that anyone who works full-time will live above the poverty-line. • Additionally, I have a few other pieces of legislation to assist our veterans and working families, including: H.R. 127, the Transportation for Heroes Act of 2015, which would ensure that veterans are eligible for discounted fares on public transportation; H.R. 252, the Comprehensive Homes for Heroes Act of 2015, would expand the supply of supportive housing for very-low-income veteran families through a $200 million assistance program, while increasing funding for the successful HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. Also, H.R. 372, the Housing Fairness Act of 2015, inspired by the legacy of Dr. King and others who fought against invidious housing discrimination, authorizes $15 million annually over five years for HUD to administer a nationwide testing program to measure patterns of invidious discrimination in the housing market. My yet to be introduced Burial With Dignity for Heroes Act would seek to ensure that families of certain deceased veterans would receive the burial benefits that their loved ones earned through their courageous service.

uston area for over 80 years

Green marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Green met a mother and child during a trip to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.

Green joined Pastors Remus and Mia Wright and Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for a press conference on healthcare in Houston. Green and other activists were arrested at a Washington, D.C. immigration rally.

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Congressman Al Green answers these questions online

1. What is the most rewarding – and challenging – aspect of serving in Congress? 2. What is the greatest issue facing Black America today? 3. As an elected official, what personal sacrifices have you had to make? 4. If you had a “magic wand,” what would you change politically? 5. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? 6. What would the title of your autobiography be?

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 10 | 2015 com

sports

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Cougars capture crown, heading to Peach Bowl

By MAX EDISON Defender

t has been a magical year for the University of Houston football team. It began last January when UH announced it had hired former Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman as the new head coach. With confetti still falling out of his hair, Herman headed south on I45 after capturing the national championship in Arlington. With Herman in charge, the Cougars recently secured their first American Athletic Conference championship, defeating Temple 24 -13 and earning a berth in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Peach Bowl in Atlanta. They will face Florida State on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. in the Georgia Dome. The Cougars finished the season12-1. Their record marks the second 12-win sea- University of Houston coach Tom Herman and Cougar players meet the press after winning the American Athletic Conference championship. son in program history and the first since the 2006 Conference USA Championship. Houston is currently ranked 14th nationally in the AP poll and 18th in the College Football Playoffs poll. Herman steps into elite coaching company, becoming just the fifth head coach in NCAA history to win his first 10 career games. Because of that success Herman recently agreed to terms to a contract amendment that will extend his original contract through the 2020 season (to Feb. 28, 2021) while raising the first-year head coach’s annual compensation to $2.8 million. Herman realizes the success that he and the Cougars have experienced this First-year coach Herman said he is thankful to UH season is a direct result of the team fully players for putting their trust in him. accepting his vision of what they could achieve. “Any time you set out to change a Bowl and represent the university and city culture you’ve got to have buy-in from the UH will play Florida State on Dec. 31 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl Peach Bowl in Atlanta. of Houston as we face a very strong test people that you’re leading,” Herman said. in Florida State,” he said. “This is someamount of buy-in and their leadership in the locker “Credit goes to the leaders on this team. These thing we’ve been looking toward. Our goal was room. You can’t go the places that we’ve gone guys completely handed us their hearts and said, to build a championship culture at the University with eight or 10 guys that have bought in. You ‘We’re in. We’re buying what you’re selling. We of Houston and we knew for our program to play need 30 to 40 guys.” trust you.’ in a game of this magnitude, we were going to Herman acknowledged the significance of the “At that point it was blind trust, but they were need to accomplish one of our goals and win the bowl opportunity. willing to do that,” Herman [conference title]. “We are exsaid. “None of this would “We know our season is not over and we look tremely honored to be have been possible without forward to reaching one more goal with a Peach selected for the Peach Nike signs LeBron James to those guys, their tremendous Bowl championship,” Herman said. lifetime contract

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DECEMBER 10 | 2015 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs TSU selects Haywood Texas Southern University recently introduced Michael Haywood as the next head football coach. Haywood, a local product who attended St. Thomas High School, has worked on coaching staffs with some of college football’s greatest mentors. He is Notre Dame alum and played football for Lou Holtz. He was an assistant coach at Notre Dame, Texas and LSU. Haywood served as head coach at Miami of Ohio, leading them to a MAC championship in his second season (2010). He was named the 2010 MidAmerican Conference football Coach of the Year. “We want to take the football program here at Texas Southern University to the next level,” Haywood said. “I want our football program to be structured around student-athletes who display outstanding character, a strong work ethic, and are disciplined so that we can send the message around the country of what a magnificent program and university we have here.”

North Shore’s Roach shows quiet confidence seven years. Senior Jacory Nichols returned punts 96 and 54 yards for touchdowns. The North Shore defense t takes confidence to survive on an island. That’s limited Dickinson to 194 yards offensively while where North Shore cornerback Kieston Roach registering eight quarterback sacks and forcing four often finds himself isolated against an opponents’ turnovers. best receiver. The 6-foot, 175-pound junior has Defensive lineman K’Lavon Chaisson and won so many of these battles that some games he linebacker Andrew Hyacinth finished with two sacks rarely gets tested. apiece. Chaisson added a fumble recovery. As a sophomore starter during the 2014 season The Mustangs’ offense generated a modest 220 Roach was targeted more frequently and recorded five yards with 13 first downs. Carl Guillory had rushing interceptions. This season he added touchdowns of 1 and 2 yards and finished with 112 two more. rushing yards on 16 In the Mustangs’ 45-14 carries. Senior running win over Dickinson that back Tyler Boudreaux thrust them into the Class is also counted on for Find out what player had biggest 6A Division I state semifitough yards between impact in Katy game nal matchup with Converse the tackles to move the Judson at NRG Stadium, the first-down sticks. ball seldom came his way. Next up is the perennial state power“It’s like that sometimes,” said Roach, whose house Converse Judson Rockets on Dec. older brother Kerwin is a University of Texas 12 at 5 p.m. in NRG Stadium. North freshman basketball player who was a starter on Shore will be seeking its first state a state championship basketball team at North championship game appearance since Shore and a two-time state gold medalist in the winning the title in 2004. triple jump. “In other games I get a little “I think we’re the best team in the more work.” state,” Roach said. “When we work hard Roach isn’t one to brag. He it doesn’t matter if we have one, wasn’t cut from the same cocky two or three losses. We just or conceded mold that seems come to play and look at infectious among many cornerthe scoreboard after the backs. Instead, Roach is quietly game to see who the betefficiently and convinced that ter team is.” he’s a product of his work ethic. “I run the 100- and 200-meter dashes in track and field, but football is really my sport,” he said. “I just work hard and do what the coaches ask me to do.” After a season-opening win followed by three consecutive Birth date – Nov. 25, 1998 losses to state-ranked opponents, North Shore has reeled Birth sign – Sagittarius off 10 consecutive victories, Favorite subject in school including Dickinson, a back– U.S. history to-back regional finalist, led by Rice University pledge Favorite music – Rap Jordan Myers. College preferences “We practice hard so we really didn’t have any – University of Texas, concerns coming into the University of Houston game,” Roach said. “We were just ready to play.” Roach and his North Shore teammates are now brimming with confidence in all facets of the game after a dominating performance in the regional final and advancing for the first time in

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Alcorn wins SWAC again The Alcorn Braves used a relentless, record-setting rushing attack to defeat Grambling and capture their second consecutive SWAC championship by a score of 49-21. A crowd of 40,352 watched the defending champions rewrite the record books offensively, setting new SWAC Championship Game all-time highs in total yards of offense ( 613), rushing (411) and points scored (49). Alcorn senior running back Darryan Ragsdale rushed for a championship game record 191 yards on 16 carries, garnering the game’s offensive MVP honor. Braves defensive back Warren Gatewood intercepted a championship game record three passes, was the game’s defensive MVP. Alcorn now faces MEAC champ North Carolina A&T in the inaugural Celebration Bowl on Dec. 19 in the Georgia Dome.

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About Kieston Roach

George Ranch advances After back-to-back setbacks in the regional finals, 14-0 George Ranch avenged last year’s loss to Temple by defeating the Wildcats 59-46 in a Class 5A Division I Region III championship game at the Berry Center. George Ranch took advantage of an early Temple turnover and took a 7-0 lead with the game only 15 seconds old. The Longhorns scored 21 points in the second quarter and 24 points in the fourth quarter to hold off Temple. For the first time in school history, George Ranch advances to the

state semifinals and will play Cedar Park Vista Ridge.

classified REQUEST FOR BIDS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2016 Landscape Maintenance PROCUREMENT # 2015-831.257

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for landscape maintenance performed in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 10:00 AM, local time on January 7, 2016, at the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at 10:00 AM on December 17, 2015 at the office of the Downtown District, 909 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77010. Questions concerning bids must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on Thursday, December 31, 2015, by email to: glcook@downtowndistrict.org. Answers to questions will be sent to all contractors who picked up a bid package. Bid packages can be picked up at 909 Fannin, Suite 1650 beginning on December 4, 2015.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 

Project 15-11-14 – RFP/Customer Satisfaction Survey with a deadline of 3:00 PM; January 6, 2016. A pre-proposal conference will be held on December 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM in room 2NE32 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Departments> Procurement> Services> Bid Opportunities The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 10 | 2015 defendernetwork.com NOTICE OF RUN-OFF SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTION FOR THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT To the registered voters of the Houston Independent School District: Notice is hereby given that a run-off election will be held in geographic districts II and III of the Houston Independent School District on the 12 day of December, 2015 between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, for the purpose of electing a trustee from the following districts:  Geographic District II held by Rhonda Skillern-Jones  Geographic District III held by Manuel Rodriguez The polling locations for Districts II and III will be those designated in this Notice. Early voting will be held at the locations designated in this Notice and will take place from December 2, 2015 through December 8, 2015. Any eligible voter may vote at any one of the early voting locations. Questions regarding this election may be directed to Houston ISD telephone number 713-556-6121. NOTICE OF RUN-OFF TRUSTEE ELECTION STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HARRIS HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT The Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District hereby gives notice of a run-off election to be held on December 12, 2015 for the purpose of electing a trustee in geographic districts II and III. The polls for said election shall be open for voting from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 12, 2015. The Board of Education designates the following polling places for the election:

Geographic District II

Geographic District II Precinct No. 0007 0042,0373 0047,0900, 1059 0048 0107,0702, 0775 0122,1066 0138 0144, 0406 0145 0151, 0611 0152 0159, 0160,0924 0161,0412, 0865 0168,0583 0169 0171,0930 0185

0186,0201, 0854 0189 0192 0195 0197 0202,0929 0205

Run-Off Election Day Polling Location

Mount Zion M Church 9318 Homestead Rd. Houston, TX 77016 Kashmere Multi-Service Center 4802 Lockwood Dr. Houston, TX 77026 Payne Chapel A M E Church 2701 Lee St. Houston, TX 77026 J W Peavy Senior Center 3814 Market Houston, TX 77020 Berry Elementary School 2310 Berry Rd. Houston, TX 77093 John F. Kennedy Elementary School 400 Victoria Dr. Houston, TX 770222 New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 3221 Bain St. Houston, TX 77026 Harris County Annex #36 3815 Cavalcade Houston, TX 77026 Wesley United Methodist Church 7225 Homestead Road Houston, TX 77069 Shadydale Elementary School 5905 Tidwell Rd. Houston, TX 77016 Shady Lane Park Community Center 10220 Shady Ln. Houston, TX 77093 Bruce Elementary School 510 Jensen Dr. Houston, TX 77020 Julia C Hester House 2020 Solo St. Houston, TX 77020 Felix Cook Junior Elementary School 7115 Lockwood Dr. Houston, TX 77016 A B Anderson Academy 7401 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77088 Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church 8317 Curry Rd. Houston, TX 77093 Ralph G Goodman Elementary School 9325 Deer Trail Dr. Houston, TX 77088 Tuffly Park Recreation Center 3200 Russell St. Houston, TX 77026 Oak Forest Elementary School 1401 W 43rd St. Houston, TX 77018 B T Washington High School 119 E 39th St. Houston, TX 77018 Burrus Elementary School 701 E. 33rd St. Houston, TX 77022 Osborne Elementary School 800 Ringold Houston, TX 77088 Wheatley Senior High School 4801 Providence Houston, TX 77020 East Park Baptist Church 8602 Tidwell Rd. Houston, TX 77028

Precinct No.

Run-Off Election Day Polling Location

Precinct No.

0212,0571, 0591

Ernest F Mendel Elementary School 3735 Topping St. Houston, TX 77093 New Mount Carmel Baptist Church 4301 Weaver Rd. Houston, TX 77016 Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 10505 Bainbridge Houston, TX 77016 Little Union Missionary Baptist Church 6609 Letcher Dr. Houston, TX 77028 Pleasantville Elementary School 1431 Gellhorn Dr. Houston, TX 77029 Melrose Park Community Center 1001 Canino Rd. Houston, TX 77076 Laguna Townhomes Clubhouse 5911 Sunforest Drive Houston, TX 77092 High School Ahead Academy 5320 Yale St. Houston, TX 77022 Wesley Elementary School 800 Dillard St. Houston, TX 77091 TBD

0585

0230,0574 0252

0253 0259 0320,0321 0322 0325 0327 0344,0754 0365 0396 0401 0448 0450 0454

0455,0562 0544,0852 0576 0578 0580 0581

0582

Saint Pius the Tenth High School 811 W Donovan St. Houston, TX 77091 Scenic Woods Regional Library 10677 Homestead Rd. Houston, TX 77016 Lakewood Park Community Center 8811 Feland Houston, TX 77028 Black Middle School 1575 Chantilly Ln. Houston, TX 77018 Josie Ruth Smith Academy 5815 W Little York Rd. Houston, TX 77091 Beebe Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal 7210 Langley Rd. Houston, TX 77016 Isaacs Elementary School 3830 Pickfair St. Houston, TX 77026 Ross Elementary School 2819 Bay Street Houston, TX 77026 Saint Pauls Missionary Baptist Church 2516 Paul Quinn St Houston, TX 77091 Candlelight Park Community Center 1520 Candlelight Ln. Houston, TX 77018 New Mount Calvary Baptist Church 4711 Kelley St. Houston, TX 77026 Bethany Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 7402 Homestead Rd Houston, TX 77028 Hobart Taylor Community Center 8100 Kenton St. Houston, TX 77028

Geographic District III

Geographic District II Run-Off Election Day Polling Location

North Forest High School 10725 Mesa Dr. Houston, TX 77078 Key Middle School 4000 Kelley St. Houston, TX 77026 Hardy Street Senior Citizens Center 11901 W Hardy Rd. Houston, TX 77076 Greater Parkhill Church of God in Christ 7809 Winship St. Houston, TX 77028 Scroggins Elementary School 400 Boyles St. Houston, TX 77020 Settegast Park Community Center 3000 Garrow Houston, TX 77003 Leonel J Castillo Community Center 2101 South St. Houston, TX 77009 TBD

0606 0714,0779 0784

0812 0856 0867 0927,0974 0953 0954,0973,0975, 1004 1067, 1068

Clifton Middle School 6001 Golden Forest Dr. Houston, TX 77092 Wainwright Elementary School 5330 Milwee St. Houston, TX 77092 American Legion Post #586 708 E. Parker Rd. Houston, TX 77076

Geographic District III

Precinct No.

Run-Off Election Day Polling Location

0142,0211

Park Place Regional Library 8145 Park Place Boulevard Houston TX 77017 HCC Southeast College Building C Parking Garage 6960 Rustic St. Houston, TX 77087 Golfcrest Elementary School 7414 Fairway Dr. Houston, TX 77087-3623 Juan Seguin Elementary School 5905 Waltrip Houston, TX 77087 Meadowcreek Village Park Community Center 5333 Berry Creek Dr. Houston, TX 77017-6254 Ingrando Park Recreation Center 7302 Keller St. Houston, TX 77012-3518 Glenbrook United Methodist Church 8635 Glen Valley Dr. Houston, TX 77061-2339 J P Cornelius Elementary School 7475 Westover St. Houston, TX 77087-6113 Courtyard by Marriott Houston Hobby 9190 Gulf Freeway Houston, TX 77017 W I Stevenson Middle School 9595 Winkler Dr. Houston, TX 77017-5921 Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trade 2704 Sutherland St. Houston, TX 77023-5399 Bellfort Church of Christ 6606 Bellfort St Houston, TX 77087-6410 Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3202 Trulley Street Houston, TX 77004 City of Houston Fire Station 20 6902 Navigation Blvd. Houston, TX 77011-1455 J C Mitchell Elementary School 10900 Gulfdale Dr. Houston, TX 77075-4608 Mountain Top Ministries 8420 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston, TX 77075

0154

0172,0231 0203,0766, 0945, 0946 0221

0226 0275,0850, 1039 0285,1046 0308 0329 0343,0871

Precinct No.

Run-Off Election Day Polling Location

0379

0023,0526

Raul Yzaguirre School For Success Tejano Center, Building B 2950 Broadway Blvd. Houston, TX 77017 Daniel Ortiz Middle School 6767 Telephone Rd. Houston, TX 77061

0389

0064

Gallegos Elementary School

0774,1050, 1058

0065

7415 Harrisburg Blvd. Houston, TX 77011 DeZavala Elementary School 7521 Avenue H Houston, TX 77012

0036,0749

0066,0527

John R. Harris Elementary School 801 Broadway St Houston, TX 77012

0067

Brookline Elementary School 6301 S. Loop E Fwy Houston, TX 77087

0072

Mason Park Community Center 541 S 75th St. Houston, TX 77023-2701

0094,0181

Pearl Rucker Elementary School 5201 Vinett St Houston, TX 77017-4958

0134,0798,0815, 0820,0825,0831

Garden Villas Park Community Center 6720 S Haywood Dr. Houston, TX 77061

0530

0801,0849

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 December 1, 2015.

Vote on Saturday, Dec. 12

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DEFENDER 10 | 2015 D EFENDER

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

topevents

WORLD AIDS DAY LUNCHEON……..AIDS Foundation Houston Inc. great turned morning television host. TSU represented as students and staff came held the 2015 World AIDS Day Luncheon presented by Chevron at the Hilton out to show Strahan love. Attendees included TSU President Dr. John Rudley, Houston Hotel Post Oak. The theme of the event centered around “Great Victories Eva Pickens, Dominique Calhoun, Crystal Edwards, Derrick Mitchell, Dr. Require Great Allies” as guests enjoyed a VIP champagne reception followed Devon Powell, Keshia Powell-Byerly, Sandra Strahan, Lynette Reddix, James by award presentations and a keynote address by actress Pam Grier. Luncheon Williams, Valeria Madison and Robin Jackson........HOUSTON MEDICAL co-chairs Bill Baldwin and Ernie Manouse presented the FORUM GALA……..The Houston Medical Forum held Houston Bar Association AIDS Outreach Committee with Defender TOP EVENTS its 26th Annual Scholarship Gala at the Hilton Houston Post the 2015 Shelby Hodge Vision Award. Those in attendance Oak. The night’s theme was moonlight and mistletoe as they More photos on defendernetwork.com included Richard Ray, Joni Baird, Kelly Young, Peta Gay honored future shining stars in medicine. Melanie Lawson See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Ledbetter, Steve Yocom, Nick Williams, Ashton Woods, emceed the event and entertainment was provided by Luv with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning Gunn. Dr. William Fleming was presented with the Lifetime Travis Torrence, James Young, Sam Dike, Frances Dyess, Achievement award. Those in attendance included Dr. Kathy Councilmember Jerry Davis, Remmington Belford, Valerie Flanagan, Dr. Vickie Shannon, Dr. Gregory Burton, Councilmen Larry Green Jones, Tristen Beeler, Madeline Nassif, Nike Blue, Van Lessig, Carolyn Farb and a host of others……..MICHAEL STRAHAN BOOK SIGNING……..Texas and Dwight Boykins, Dr. Melvyn Harrington, Dr. Edward Mazique, Dr. Kevin Smith and Dr. Garvin Davis. Scholarship recipients included Victoria Adeseye, Southern University alumnus Michael Strahan appeared at Barnes & Noble Candance Bailey, Kimberley Brown, Joniqua Ceasar, Morgan Deal, Ikenna in River Oaks to sign copies of his new book, “Wake Up Happy.” Fans and supporters came in droves to get photos and books signed by the former football Kingsley Emelogu, Shavonia Gants, Danielle White and Agnes Usoro.

Pam Grier

State Sen. Silvia Garcia, Councilman Jerry Davis, Carolyn Farb

Dominique Calhoun, Dr. John Rudley, Crystal Edwards, Michael Strahan, Derrick Mitchell

Dr. William Fleming, Denise Joshua

Van Lessig, Nike Blue, Tristan Beeler, Madeline Nassif, Remmington Belford, John Nicklos, Valerie Jones

Dr. Devon Powell, Keshia Powell-Byerly, Sandra Strahan, Lynette Reddix

Dr. Tamyra Comeaux, Kit Lewis

Valerie Madison, Robin Jackson

Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Councilman Larry Green

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DEFENDER | DEFENDER 10 | 2015 defendernetwork.com