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THE BEST FILMS OF 2019. DID YOUR FAVORITE MAKE THE LIST? P6

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Volume 89 | Number 9 DECEMBER 19, 2019 |FREE

NEWSTALK REGINALD DESROCHES named new Rice University provost

P2 NATIONAL BARACK OBAMA gives women props

What’s next for

HS SPORTS

TOM JOYNER H PAGE 7

Sylvester Turner

H PAGE 2

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TOP EVENTS

leads power shift

Houston’s mayor, who was re-elected to a second four-year term, leads a power shift in City Hall a result of the recent runoff. There are now six African American City Councilmembers and women will make up half of the 16-member governing body.

TYRIK ARMSTRONG has bigger presence at TSU

impacts 3rd Ward neighborhood With the unveiling of the new H-E-B MacGregor Market, located at the intersection of N. MacGregor Way and SH 288, the San Antonio-based company is making a new economic impact in the Third Ward area including jobs, doing business with minority businesses and philanthropy. H PAGE 8

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Kynetta Moore, Nikole HannahJones and Dr. Lucy Bremond at the Emancipation Conversations.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 19 | 2019

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Runoff results in City Hall power shift

Defender News Services

s a result of the Dec. 14 runoff election, more African Americans and women will wield power in City Hall. Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston’s second African American mayor, was re-elected as the city’s executive officer. Women will now make up half of the 16-member City Council and there are six African American councilmembers. The District B seat held by term-limited Councilmember Jerry Davis is still being contested. The power shift will take effect following the Jan. 2 inauguration, CITY COUNCIL time and location to Mike Knox, At-Large Position 1 be announced. Newly David Robinson, At-Large Position 2 elected officials are alMichael Kubosh, At-Large Position 3 ready accepting applicaLetitia Plummer, At-Large Position 4 tions for staff members. Sallie Alcorn, At-Large Position 5 Turner is moving Amy Peck, District A forward with his agenda Abbie Kamin, District C for the city after easCarolyn Evans-Shabazz, District D ily winning re-election Tiffany Thomas, District F against challenger Tony Karla Cisneros, District H Buzbee in a runoff that Edward Pollard, District J proved less dramatic than the first round HCC BOARD and affirmed the city's Monica Flores Richart, District 1 status as a Democratic Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District 2 stronghold, despite an 11th-hour intervention HISD BOARD tied to President Donald Kathy Blueford-Daniels, Position 2 Trump. Patricia Allen, Position 4 “It’s getting increasingly hard for a

Other runoff winners

The race was nonpartisan, though Turner, a former longtime Democratic state representative, harnessed the support of his party to beat back the boisterous Buzbee, who presented himself as an independent reformer. He refused campaign donations while self-funding his bid to the tune of over $10 million. Turner almost won reelection outright in the initial Nov. 5 election, getting 47% of the vote to Buzbee's 28% in a crowded field. The two had brawled throughout the fall, with Buzbee slamming Turner as a corrupt career politician and Turner hammering Buzbee over his past support for Trump. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who leads a minority power shift on City Council, The presidential factor addressed supporters at his election night party. (Photo by Texas Tribune) flared up again in the hours before polls opened as voters Republican candidate, particularly reported receiving texts with one that was linked very closely with messages from Trump urging them to vote for President Trump...to break through” Buzbee and "drain the swamp at Houston City in Houston, said Renee Cross, the Hall." The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., senior director of the Hobby School also did a last-minute robocall for Buzbee, acof Public Affairs at the University of cording to audio obtained by The Texas TriHouston. bune. Turner defeated Buzbee, a highWhile Buzbee had promised a "full-on profile lawyer, 57% to 43%, accordslugfest" the day after the November election, ing to unofficial returns. Turner will the runoff turned out to be more calm aside now serve a second four-year term from the final 24 hours. Buzbee toned down his leading Texas' largest city – and the attacks on Turner while seeking to put more of fourth most populous in the country. an emphasis on policy. Turner mostly ignored In seeking a second term, Turner Buzbee, and the two never met for a debate. touted guiding Houston through the While the race leading up to the Nov. 5 vote devastating floods of Hurricane Har- was full of bluster between Turner and Buzbee, vey in 2017 and reducing the city's the campaigning during the runoff was more huge pension debt as some of his subdued. accomplishments.

Carroll Parrott Blue dies

(SEHTA). She used story mapping to tell stories of Third Ward and Hurricane Carroll Parrott Blue, a Harvey. Blue, a Yates High scholar, producer, author and School graduate, received a filmmaker with an interest B.A. in English Literature in the history and revitalizafrom Boston University tion of Southeast Houston and MFA in Motion Picture neighborhoods, died Dec. Production from UCLA. She 12. Her background included linked Yates, UH and Ryan Rice University scholar-inMiddle School faculty and residence and University of students with design profesHouston research professor. Carroll Parrott Blue sionals as part of the Third She helped establish the Ward Arts Initiative. Southeast Houston Transformation Alliance Defender News Services

DesRoches named new Rice provost

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in the New York City borough Queens, DesReginald DesRoches, Roches is a nationally recognized the dean of Rice University’s expert on earthquake resilience George R. Brown School of who has testified before U.S. Engineering, has been named House and Senate subcommitthe university’s new provost. tees. He has also participated in DesRoches will assume Washington, D.C., roundtables one of the university’s most for media and congressional important leadership posts. Tostaffers on topics ranging from gether with the deans and vice disaster preparedness to chalprovosts, the provost’s office lenges for African American men supports excellence in all of the Reginald DeRoches in the STEM fields — science, technology, university’s academic, research, scholarly engineering and mathematics. and creative activities. Defender News Service

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There are no limits to what you can accomplish. You have the power to redefine what’s possible. From being the first to graduate college to becoming the next big star in your field — you work relentlessly to knock down barriers and build a stronger legacy. We call that being empowerful. As you continue to create more financial stability for you and your family, Wells Fargo will be right by your side helping to make it happen. You’ve come this far. We can help you go further. Learn how at:

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U.S.briefs

Obama says women are ‘indisputably' better leaders Defender News Services

The world would be a better place if more women were in charge, former President Barack Obama said. Speaking at a recent event, Obama also said that many of the world's problems stem from "old people, usually old men, not getting out of the way." Obama made the remarks at a private event in Singapore, where several thousand people gathered to hear the former president discuss leadership and his life in the Oval Office. Ticket prices ranged from around $255 to $955 for the event, which was organized by Australian business events company, the Growth Faculty. The former president said that if women were put in charge of every country for the next two Former President Barack Obama said the years, the result would be world would benefit from more women in

gains "on just about everything," according to Singapore's Today. "There would be less war, kids would be better taken care of and there would be a general improvement in living standards and outcomes," Obama said. Obama said women aren't perfect, but are "indisputably better" than men. He also spoke about political polarization and the use of social media to spread falsehoods. When asked if he would ever consider going back into political leadership, he said he believed in leaders stepping aside when the time came. "If you look at the world and look at the problems it's usually old people, usually old men, not getting out of the way," he said. "It is important for political leaders to try and remind themselves that you are there to do a job, but you are not there for life, you are not there in order to prop up your own sense of self importance or your own power."

A NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER was fired after disturbing video surfaced and showed him repeatedly slamming a boy to the ground surfaced. The shocking incident was recorded at Vance County Middle School in North Carolina. The video shows the SRO bodyslamming the boy as he walks with him down a hallway. Moments later, the deputy picks him up and slams him to the ground again before dragging the child down the hall by his shirt collar. The sheriff said he was appalled at the video and has handed the case over to the State Bureau of Investigation for review. Meanwhile, the deputy in question, who remains unnamed, was initially placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. The lax punishment sparked a flood of angry reactions…...A WISCONSIN JUDGE ORDERED THE REMOVAL OF nearly 234,000 people from the state’s voter rolls because they may have moved, a controversial court decision that could influence the 2020 election in a state Donald Trump narrowly won in 2016. The Wisconsin Elections Commission previously warned nearly a quarter-million voters they would need to reregister their addresses to remain on the voter rolls because the commission believed they had moved. The letter didn’t give people a deadline to reregister. A lawsuit filed by a conservative group said the elections commission is required by law to purge anyone who received the letter from the voter rolls if they do not reregister within 30 days of receipt.

charge.

NAACP criticized for response to harassment claim

VOLUME 89 • NUMBER 9 Responding to a question about how can people be preDECEMBER 19, 2019 vented from speaking to the media, Johnson made it clear that This Ad Prepared By UniWorld Group, Inc. Editors Publisher he was unhappy with public criticism of the NAACP. The NAACP’s national president is accused of chastising Sonceria Messiah-Jiles ReShonda Tate Billingsley “This is the sad part,” he said, adding that he hoped no women who recently went public with a sexual harassment Ad/Client Relations Marilyn Marshall Pamela Veliz / Pamela Veliz Job # None Modified 11-1-2019 5:03 PM Filename Studio Artist one in the room would use the media as a tool,Last “because as we claim against a former North Carolina officer. FORD_YESE_9.75”x2”_Mechanical1.indd Selma Dodson Tyler Contributing Writer Location Fonts this, of us can easily seize the opportunity to NoneDerrick Johnson spoke in October Page outside 4/C Size Folddo Color Printothers NAACPClient President Strategic Alliance Manager Aswad Walker Ford Antenna Cond (Regular, Bold; OpenType), Ford Antenna (Bold; OpenType) UWGDBcreativedesktop None advance interest that’s against all of us. Issue anNone Name Noneafter a former employee accused her Clyde Jiles at the Ad/Project state convention, Sports Art Director Although None he called no one by name, women who Scale To Appear In None supervisor of sexual harassment. Terrance Harris Inks Placed Graphics Tony Fernandez-Davila 2.25” youth and college director Pamela the Veliz news conference andNone Art Director both attended the state JazmyneBleed Childs,10”a xformer Cyan Jodie B. Jiles Magenta Photographers Copy Writer N/A said Johnson’s comments were clearly Trim 9.75” convention for the state chapter, madex 2”a public statement saying she had Yellow Engagement Manager Ray Carrington III 9.5” x 1.75” Black None Production Mgr. at Safety physical directed them since no one else had criticized the endured unwanted contact and harassment starting Margo Williams Hubbard Jimmie Aggison None None Traffic publicly. Scale NAACP They said it was disappointing but shortly after her employment began in 2017. not surprising, given what they described as a miChilds’ news conference came days after another anThe Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ 110-year-old civil rights nouncement about the matter from the Elder Women of the NC sogynistic culture within the B:10” subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein organization. NAACP, group of older female leaders and members. may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher). CONTENT

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entertainment

Diverse talent found in best films of 2019

NNPA Newswire

ook back on the most noteworthy films of 2019 and they all display a diverse array of superb talent – in front of and behind the camera. These movies entertained, educated and often inspired us. They challenged our opinions. They made us contemplate our fate and become more aware of the world around us. Here are the best films and the number of stars they received: “Booksmart” (***1/2) – Two coeds (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever), high school outcasts, find refuge in their close friendship. Animated performances. Funny and thoughtful dialogue. Astute comic direction by first-time filmmaker and noted actress Olivia Wilde. Who knew nerdy teen angst could be hilarious? “Dolemite Is My Name” (****) – The list of best films includes “Dolemite,” “Harriet” and “Queen & Slim.” King of comedy Eddie Murphy rises like a phoenix in this oh-so-hysterical ode to humanity and humanity of the 1800s. Cynthia Erivo comedian and pioneering indie filmmaker Rudy Ray (“Widows”) infuses Tubman’s spirit in every frame. Moore. Dream team cast includes Keegan-Michael Key, Terence Blanchard’s emotionally charged musical score Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Wesley Snipes, Mike is haunting. Epps and scene stealer Da’Vine “The Irishman” (****) -Joy Randolph. Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, “The Farewell” (***1/2) Joe Pesci and Al Pacino team up Houstonian Debra Chase was a – An Asian family handles the for an impressive crime/drama/ producer for the 2019 Harriet last-chapter-of-life process with thriller about a man who purTubman biopic film Harriet. charm to spare. Writer/director portedly murdered Jimmy Hoffa. Lulu Wang digs into her own exBrilliant performances. Strong periences in a premise and script direction, writing and editing. Ingenious use of CGI. filled with colorful kinfolk. Star turns by Awkwafina, The crowning achievement of Scorsese’s career. Shuzhen Zhao and Tzi Ma make the characters lifelike. “The Lighthouse” (****) – Two workers (Robert “Harriet” (***) – Depicting the legendary life of Pattinson and Willem Dafoe) and a bunch of seagulls the courageous abolitionist Harriet Tubman is a task few are engaged in a melodramatic relationship at a desolate are worthy of. Director Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou”) New England lighthouse, circa 1890s. Brutal allegory. is the chosen one. Her epic bio tale catalogs the inTotally engaging. Director/writer Robert Eggers and co-

Did you know?

writer Max Eggers make riveting cinema on a black and white canvas (cinematographer Jarin Blaschke). “Little Women” (****) – Actressturned-director Greta Gerwig gives the classic Louisa May Alcott Civil War novel her own feminist spin with relatable three-dimensional characters. Fiery relationships among sisters, parents and friends. Feels like you’re on a long buggy ride with lots of bumps in the road. Superb performances by Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet and Laura Dern. “Marriage Story” (****) -- Writer/director Noah Baumbach captures the angst of thirtysomethings (Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson) going through what should have been a friendly divorce that turns into a war of threats, betrayals and raw emotions. As primal in ways as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Full of life at its worst and people struggling to take their next

steps. “Queen & Slim” (****) – Easily the most talked about Black movie of the year. Director Melina Matsoukas (HBO’s “Insecure”) and screenwriter Lena Waithe (TV’s “Master of None”) weave a very modern crime tale and a poignant love story together. Hints of social relevance are threaded in the film. Lovers on the run are played by Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie TurnerSmith. So thoughtful. So cool. So romantic. “Uncut Gems” (****) -- A gregarious, Jewish NYC jeweler (Adam Sandler) is deep in debt to thugs. His schemes dig him into a deeper hole. Gritty, sewer-level urban drama written and directed by the very talented brothers Benny and Josh Safdie. Sandler deserves an Oscar nom. Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Julia Fox and LaKeith Stanfield round out a powerhouse cast.

what’sup RUSSELL SIMMONS and 50 CENT are blasting OPRAH WINFREY over her upcoming #MeToo documentary set to air next year. 50 called Oprah out for the upcoming doc and Simmons posted a picture and message to the media mogul saying it was “troubling that you choose me to single out in your recent documentary.” DREW DIXON, who formerly worked at Def Jam, will be featured in the documentary. Dixon, the daughter of former Washington, D.C. Mayor SHARON PRATT KELLY, said Simmons raped her in the mid-1990s. Simmons vehemently denies this allegation. Simmons, however,

does acknowledge his part in a number of “embarrassing” and “compromising situations” with women, but said he never crossed the line into misconduct…….An all-star cast was on tap for the live staging of “Good Times.” VIOLA DAVIS played Florida Evans and ANDRE BRAUGHER took on the role of James Evans in ABC’s recent show. TIFFANY HADDISH played Willona Woods, JAY PHAROAH was J.J. Evans, ASANTE BLACKK played Michael Evans and CORINNE FOXX was Thelma Evans. Earlier this year, the network broadcast live productions of two other classic shows, “The

Jeffersons” and “All in the Family”..…..Rumor has it “The Game” is set for a second revival at The CW, thirteen years after it originally helped launch the network. The network is reportedly developing a one-hour followup series to the 2006 half-hour comedy from original series creator MARA BROCK ALI and DEVON GREGGOR, co-creator of BET’s “American Soul.” The new version will mix original cast members with new members as out-of-touch oldtimers determined to help a bunch of knucklehead new-schoolers navigate the ruthless game of football on and off the field.

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Rickey Smiley (left) will replace Tom Joyner on his radio show.

Tom Joyner says goodbye to millions of listeners Defender News Services

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Tom Joyner may be gone from the airwaves, but he has no plans to stop his drive to help historically Black colleges and universities. Joyner has been the morning soundtrack in cars and homes for the last 25 years, but the 70-year-old radio legend recently bid farewell to the eight million listeners of his No. 1 syndicated urban morning show, the Tom Joyner Morning Show. But this won’t be the last we’re seeing of Joyner. Joyner spoke with CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan and said that he plans to continue supporting HBCUs amid his retirement. He has raised more than $60 million over the course of his radio career and Joyner says his efforts will not rest. The radio jock said that he will focus on “putting [money] in the hands of college students to help their tuition at historically black colleges. That’s my goal. All after 12 noon.” “Tom Joyner Morning Show” aired in more than 105 markets nationwide, reaching nearly 8 million listeners. Throughout Joyner’s career, he gained the nicknamed “The Fly Jock,” which stemmed from his daily travels to host a morning show in Dallas and an afternoon radio show in Chicago for eight years. When asked how he managed to “do that” for eight years, Joyner jokingly said, “greed.” The Tuskegee, Alabama native first hit the airwaves in 1994 with a radio show that was specifically for Black people. “We do a show for African-Americans. That’s what we do,” Joyner told “60 Minutes” during an interview in 1996. However, the story of Joyner’s break into radio is an interesting one. The legendary host told CBS News that it all started when he attended civil rights marches in his hometown. “I’m out there protesting the fact that our radio station in this all black town didn’t play any black music. And this guy who owned a radio station, which was inside a Ford dealership, came out and said I don’t need this, I’m trying to really sell some cars,” Joyner recounted. “Tell you what, it’s a sun-up sun-down station. Every Saturday, I’ll let one of you play all the Aretha and Temptations that you want.” Joyner will be succeeded by fellow Alabamian, Rickey Smiley, who is no stranger to Joyner’s faithful listeners. According to a press release, Smiley will be grabbing the baton along with co-hosts Eva Marcille and Gary Wit Da Tea. “We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose,” Joyner said in a brief statement following the announcement of his successor. “Yeah, we’ve done a lot but there’s still a lot left to be done. I’m confident that Rickey’s activism along with his love for radio, the community, and HBCUs, will pick up where we left off.” Despite Joyner bidding a bittersweet farewell, his listeners should have solace in knowing that his content was tailor-made for them. His desire to “super-serve” the black community was the key to his success. “Don’t worry about crossover. Just super serve, super serve, super serve. Anything that affects African Americans, that’s what you do,” he said. “Just worry about connecting to people and their needs.”

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New MacGrego

made a conscious effort to do business with African American businesses. “One of the things H-E-B prides itself on is actually being in the ith the unveiling of the new MacGregor Market community and being a part of the community,” said James Harris, located at the intersection of N. MacGregor Way H-E-B director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity. “So and SH 288, H-E-B is making a new economic much so, we had a construction outreach program strategically lookimpact in the Third Ward area from providing ing for local content. jobs to doing business with minority companies “We found two minority contractors to help us build the store to making philanthropic investments. and we have a plethora of minority suppliers that actually have their When the first H-E-B store opened in Houston’s Black commuproducts on our shelves,” Harris said. “When you see the commernity in 1996 on Old Spanish Trail, it signaled that the San Antoniocials on television that say, ‘This is my H-E-B Wine Department or based company was confronting a real challenge in African American my H-E-B Meat Department,’ you can truly say for this store, this is neighborhoods, which had limited access to affordable and nutritious my H-E-B because I not only have products in the store but I helped food – called “food deserts” – while others were not willing to take build the store. I think it is something we all have to be proud of and the risk. certainly the suppliers, because now we are talking about economic Today, the area will enjoy a new impact.” 90,000-square foot store with state-ofThe two contractors that participated in the-art amenities, uniquely positioned the building of the MacGregor Market were between Third Ward, the Texas Medical Brown & Son Communication Wiring and Center, the Museum District and two After All Cleaning and Construction. Samuel universities. Thomas, owner of After All Cleaning and “This H-E-B store has been in the Construction, which has been in business almaking for some time now, and we are most five years, commented on his company’s thrilled to put our roots down on this role in the new H-E-B buildout. historic corner of Houston,” said Winell w Founded in 1905, H-E-B began “We did the commercial clean-up after Herron, H-E-B Group VP for Public with a $60 investment construction of both the building and parking Affairs, Diversity and Environmental w 400 stores, more than 116,000 lot. We served as a sub-contract and it was Affairs. “Thanks to the diligent work of Partners (employees) excellent working with H-E-B.” the City of Houston, the Houston Housing w Based in San Antonio, Texas In addition to the contractors who helped Finance Corporation, community supportw Annual sales of more than $26 build the store, Frenchy’s, the Jank BBQ ers and our H-E-B team, we are honored billion. Sauce, Savannah Rose Tea and Bee Sweet to be an even bigger and better part of this w Contributes more than $10 Lemonade are just a few of the diverse prodneighborhood.” million annually to educationucts and suppliers in the store. related programs. w Launched in 1986, the H-E-B GENERATING JOBS GIVING BACK TO THIRD WARD Tournament of Champions has “H-E-B has hired 420 partners As part of the MacGregor Market celeraised more than $118 million [employees] to staff MacGregor Market bration, H-E-B recognized four local nonproffor over 600 Texas non-profits and deliver world-class customer service its, each receiving $5,000 – Change Happens, focused on youth and education. to each and every shopper,” Herron said. The Rise School, SHAPE Community Center w During Hurricane Harvey, H-E“Many of the store’s partners are from the and Big Love Cancer. B’s total giving to disaster relief OST location. The majority were recruited The opening of the MacGregor store is efforts exceeded $5.8 million. from the local community and through job not the only investment H-E-B has made in the fairs at both TSU and UH.” neighborhood. Herron often says that H-E-B But it’s not just about the rank and file. Anika Wiley, an African does more than “checkbook philanthropy.” There have been numerous American woman and 22-year H-E-B veteran, will lead the store organizations and projects that have benefited from their contributions team that includes Jason Holsinger, Center Store leader and Isaac of money, volunteers and resources. Williams, Perishable leader. “Being a good neighbor is at the core of what we believe and how Wiley began her career as a deli clerk in Austin. While rising we do business,” Herron said. “Most recently, we sponsored the 2019 through the ranks in various management positions, including her Blue Triangle MacGregor Home Tour, Holiday in the Tre at Emancipamost recent post as Top Store Leader for H-E-B Beaumont 6, she tion Park and the Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party at Discovery gained an uncompromising strength for perpetuating H-E-B’s endurGreen. ing customer and community service. “The store team also provided welcome back-to-school snacks “I’m humbled to serve our community with a state-of-the-art to all the staff and teachers at six schools in the MacGregor area and store,” Wiley said. “What you can expect is a host of phenomenal ‘adopted’ two local fire stations through our Helping Heroes program, items with impeccable service. We don’t believe in making people cooking for the firefighters and assisting with fire station chores.” wait at MacGregor Market.” The MacGregor store recently held its grand opening, and as H-E-B celebrates its newest addition, it promises to provide shoppers with a unique experience, top-notch service and a wide CONTRACTING WITH MINORITY BUSINESSES selection of choices. The relationship with the area goes beyond jobs. H-E-B has

W Winell Herron

impacts Thi

By VON JILES Defender

at a glance

Anika Wiley

James Harris

Samuel Thomas

Sp M m in d

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or Market

ird Ward Community comments “The food desert they speak of, it was real. This was a collective effort; it wasn’t just one person. I think it is a blessing. We have to make sure they maintain equal opportunity with people who look like us and they are on the right track. – Deloyd Parker, SHAPE Community Center executive director “It’s the whole issue of having healthy food for this neighborhood, having additional resources like how to cook certain foods and most importantly, lower prices. – Sylvia Brooks, former Houston Area Urban League president

Store hours: 6 a.m.-midnight; Pharmacy hours, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Departments: Pharmacy, Meat, Deli, Seafood, Bakery, Floral, Healthy Living (1,500 organics op-tions), Scratch Bakery, Tortilleria and more

pecial products/services: H-E-B Meal Simple section, largest as-sortment of Texas-made products, Cookng Connection and Showtime Kitchen emos, curbside, home delivery

The MacGregor location prides itself on offering fresh and healthy food options.

“The H-E-B MacGregor site is a wonderful location. It is great to have it in the community where it can serve all incomes both to the east of the store as well as to the west. I think it is going to be exciting to shop in this 90,000-square foot store. – Algenita Scott Davis, community advocate “It provides jobs for the least of those who need good stable jobs and good benefits in an area where they live. So, this will be very convenient. It adds to the property value because in the real estate business people ask about schools and grocery stores. This adds so much value for those who had to drive across town to get their groceries. – Gerald Womack, CEO, Womack Development & Investment Realtors

The store offers one of H-E-B’s newest and most customer-friendly services, H-E-B Curbside.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 19 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

Celebrate seven days of Kwanzaa Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Defender News Services

The day after Christmas, countless African Americans will begin celebrating Kwanzaa, the Pan-African holiday held annually Dec. 26-Jan. 1. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, and was not created as an alternative to a religion or religious holiday. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a California professor of African Studies, activist and author. “As an African American and PanAfrican holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense,” Karenga said. Here is a schedule of area Kwanzaa events sponsored by various organizations along with the seven principles that reinforce basic values of African culture. THURSDAY, DEC. 26 – Umoja (Unity) – Greater Houston Kwanzaa Planning Committee, Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis. Kwanzaa Marketplace at 5 p.m.; Drum call at 6:30 p.m.; opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Contact: 713-521-0641 or 713-521-0629. FRIDAY, DEC. 27 – Kujichagulia (Self-determination) – National Black United Front, Shrine of the Black Madonna, 5309 Martin Luther King

DefenderNetwork.com 10 things to know about Kwanzaa Jr. Blvd. Kwanzaa Marketplace & Science Fair at 5 p.m.; drum call at 6:30 p.m.; Kwanzaa ceremony at 7 p.m. Contact: 832-671-1830. SATURDAY, DEC. 28 – Ujima (Collective work & responsibility) – Nia Cultural Center’s Kwanzaa Celebration, Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Avenue M in Galveston. Kwanzaa Marketplace

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at 4 p.m.; celebration at 5 p.m. Contact: 409-457-8955. Also, Nation of Islam Mosque 45, Muhammad Mosque 45/MUI/ Houston LOC, SHAPE Community Center, 3903 Almeda. Kwanzaa Marketplace at 5 p.m.; program at 7 p.m. Contact: 713-3982681. SUNDAY, DEC. 29 – Ujamaa (Cooperative economics) – Nia Cultural Center’s Kwanzaa Night of Poetry, Old Central Cultural Center, 2627 Ave. M in Galveston. Event beings at 6 p.m. Contact: 409-7657086. MONDAY, DEC. 30 – Nia (Purpose) – SEHAH Youth & Fitness Center, 5110 MLK Blvd. Kwanzaa Marketplace at 5 p.m.; ceremony is at 7 p.m. Contact: 713747-0271. TUESDAY, DEC. 31 – Kuumba (Creativity) – SHAPE Community Center, 3815 Live Oak. Ceremony at 8 p.m. Contact: 713-521-0641 or 713-521-0629. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1 – Imani (Faith) – 60 Street African Centered Selfcare, Exchange to Change, 3801 N. MacGregor Way. Day party at noon; Kwanzaa Ceremony & Fashion Show at 2 p.m. Contact: 281-771-7018. Also, Shrine of the Black Madonna, 5309 MLK Blvd. Kwanzaa Marketplace at 5 p.m.; ceremony at 7 p.m. Contact: 832-408-1071 or 713-876-8226. For more information visit www.shape.org.

16401 - E_PN_HP_Houston_TheDefender_11.21_4.79x13_F.pdf

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11/14/19

9:52 AM

DECEMBER 19 | 2019 | DEFENDER

Ben Crump writes about environmental racism

NNPA Newswire

Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump has written a new book that examines the troubling history of environmental racism in America. "Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People" is the top seller on Amazon.com in the category of civil rights law, and tackles how environmental racism pertains to the water crisis in Flint, Mich., and Newark, N.J. In the book, Crump explores how marginalized communities largely are overlooked by the institutions charged with protecting them. Crump also summarizes the state of civil and environmental rights in the U.S. As he prepared a return to Flint, Crump vowed to avoid distractions, including a recent $100 million lawsuit filed by George Zimmerman against the attorney and the parents of Trayvon Martin. "The parents of Trayvon Martin and I don't want to give any attention to this frivolous and unfounded lawsuit at all. We believe attention is what he's seeking," Crump said. "It's so asinine that the actions of the killer of their teenage son will continue to devastate them over and over again. Every year he comes up with something like the selling of the gun. It's just horrific what this individual does. We rather focus on something more important, like in Flint, and this guy is only a distraction," Crump noted. Crump's return to Flint, where he planned to hold rallies over two days to keep attention on the continued water crisis, comes nearly four years after he and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons went house-tohouse delivering water to families throughout the city. "We found out that not only was there a water crisis, but Flint was a food desert," Crump said. "So, we have to focus on this because it's important. We have children who have problems with brain development Ben Crump explores civil and environmental because they were poisoned by the governrights in his new book. ment wantonly." While Crump's book digs deeper into the Flint crisis, it also explores racism across the country. "You have to at least acknowledge the racism and discrimination in the institutions of governance. If you don't ever admit it, we can never solve the problem," he said. It took about three years for Crump to write "Open Season," and he called it one of the most challenging tasks he has undertaken. "You sit there and remember all those things that have happened to Black and Brown people in this country, and it just breaks your heart," Crump said. "Over and over again, no matter what the situation is, for people of color, we get the most injustice.”

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 19 | 2019

Meals offered to kids at no cost during break

defendernetwork.com

Bringing Healthy Change to our Communities – and the Families in Them.

Defender News Services

School may be out soon for winter break, but cafeterias will be open at three HISD high schools, where Nutrition Services will offer meals free of charge for all children ages 1 to 18. Booker T. Washington, Chavez and Madison high schools will serve breakfast and lunch during winter break. Children ages 1 to 18 can enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge, while adults can purchase breakfast for $2.75 and lunch for $4. “We know our students can’t learn and thrive without healthy food to fuel them – and that need does not stop just because schools close for the winter break,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “Ensuring student health, safety, and well-being is one of our strategic priorities and this program takes us one step closer to that goal.” “For some students, time off from school means they experience a lack of food,” Nutrition Services Officer Betti Wiggins said. “By serving no-cost meals during winter break, we’re ensuring that students and their families have a place to go to get a nutritious meal to keep them going while school is out.” Children do not have to be enrolled in school to participate in the program, and no paperwork, such as registration or proof of income, is required. Serving days and times vary from campus to campus. Parents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm serving times. For details visit http://www.houstonisd.org/wintermeals.

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DECEMBER 19 | 2019 | DEFENDER

CBC addresses HBCUs, impeachment NNPA Newswire

Shortly after the House Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to impeach President Donald Trump on Dec. 13, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) held a conference call with publishers of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). While CBC members addressed the impeachment proceedings, the call was a reminder that Congress continues to work on other pressing issues. The call included CBC Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.), and Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee (DTexas), Val Demings (D-Fla.), Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), and Bobby Scott (D-Virginia). The members discussed the passage of the FUTURE Act, legislation that provides needed funding to HBCUs and other educational institutions. "Historically Black colleges and universities, tribally controlled colleges or universities and other minority-serving institutions [MSIs] play a significant role in expanding access to higher education for low-income students and students of color," said Scott, the chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

"Unfortunately, despite their outsized role in serving our nation's most underserved students, these schools have historically been under-resourced compared to other institutions of higher education," Scott stated. "The FUTURE Act won't only guarantee at least $250 million per year for HBCUs and MSIs; it will simplify the Free Application for Student Aid [FASFA] and makes it easier for students to access student aid and repay their loans," Scott said. The FUTURE Act, which stands for Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education, unanimously passed the Senate. The bill has been

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11/11/19 2:27 PM

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 19 | 2019

defendernetwork.com

sports

TSU point guard

Tyrik Armstrong embraces bigger presence

By TERRANCE HARRIS Defender

Tyrick Armstrong

exas Southern University senior point guard Tyrik Armstrong is thriving in his role this season as the floor general. But it wasn’t always that way for the Elkins High School product, who a year ago was struggling to find his footing with the Tigers after transferring in from Weatherford College. At times Armstrong didn’t quite know what was expected of him. Coming off the bench and not getting as many minutes as he wanted only added to the frustration. “It was rough in the beginning but it taught me lessons like you just have to work hard and believe in God and know that He is always watching you,” Armstrong said. “Then you have to have tunnel vision because sometimes people on the outside don’t really understand what’s going on. You know more than anybody else so I had to just keep my faith in God and stay focused.” At mid-way through last season, it started to click and not only did Armstrong become a bigger part of the Tigers’ identity but he worked his way into the starting rotation. That momentum has carried over into this season where Armstrong is now TSU’s unquestioned leader and go-to player on the floor. “He has done a good job at the beginning of the season,” said TSU coach Johnny Jones, whose team is in the midst of a character-building four-game road swing the next two weeks in which they play at Nevada, Oregon, Arizona State and Texas A&M before opening up SWAC play on Jan. 4. “He is the main part of the opposing Armstrong is now TSU’s go-to leader on the floor and leads the team in scoring. team’s scouting report. They try to take him away about his points but how he sees and creates opportunities for from us and he has done a pretty good job of other guys on the floor and he has been able to do a better job managing it, but he is still growing in that position which is of that.” good for us.” Armstrong embraces the leadership role and now Jones said it all changed for the 5-foot-10 Armstrong once understands the early disappointments last season were he accepted that being successful meant he needed to be good preparation for the position he is in now. at more than just scoring. “I know that God put me in this position for a reason “His ability to score and his knack for scoring was always and so I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be at and I there but he had to get the understanding that really good know that I can lead my team,” he said. players make other guys better,” Jones said. “So, it’s not just

Armstrong, who is from the Houston area, played high school ball at Fort Bend Elkins. (Photos by Mikol Kindle)

Although only four players returned from the Tigers squad that fell a little short in the SWAC Championship game and then advanced to the semi-finals of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) last season, Armstrong believes the team can rebound and build on what the 2018-19 squad accomplished. “We can be good, like great,” said Williams, who leads the team averaging 13.2 points, 3.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 48 percent from 3-point range. “We just have to listen to coach when he talks, we’ve got to get outside of ourselves, remain a team and remain one through the ups and the downs. I feel like we’ve done that so far. Nobody has lost their spirit and that’s the most important thing. “That’s why I say I will go compete with these guys every day because they are ready next time.”

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DECEMBER 19 | 2019 | DEFENDER

h.s. sports

Westfield defensive lineman

Nick Booker-Brown headed to the next level By JODIE B. JILES Defender

estfield High School senior edge rusher Nick Booker-Brown, a Boise State commit, is primed and ready for the next level. With 11 sacks and 28 tackles for loss this season, BookerBrown made a home for himself behind the line of scrimmage, leading Westfield’s No. 1 area- ranked defense that only allowed 134.4 yards of total offense a game. Westfield head coach Matt Meekins is impressed by Booker-Brown and his teammates. “He is a competitor who has wreaked havoc all season and made big plays,” Meekins said. “Those guys behind him on defense feed off of him and made plays as well.” The Defender spoke with Booker-Brown after Westfield was eliminated by Denton Guyer in the Class 6A state semifinals to discuss his style of play, the culture set on Westfield’s elite defense and his future with Boise State. Defender: How would you describe your style of play as a D-Lineman? Booker-Brown: I’m a three-technique [lineman] who is physical and uses both speed and strength. Defender: What were the keys to success for your defense that carried this team to the final four? Booker-Brown: I just want to thank Coach Blum for coaching me. In terms of the defensive play, practice made perfect every time. The coaches really did a good job and the players just executed the gameplan. Defender: What were your lessons learned in the state semifinal game against Denton Guyer? Booker-Brown: I learned I need to work more on my

About Booker-Brown Booker-Brown maneuvers through the line of scrimmage to make a play in the Class 6A state semifinals.

technique so that when the next person is put in front of me I give it all I got.” Defender: Why is Boise State the perfect fit for you and your skill set? Booker-Brown: “I think that is the only school that fit me. Plus, my brother goes there and it is just a good program.”

Booker-Brown establishes his position against a North Shore offensive lineman

Twitter: @Nick_booker16 Instagram: @yfn_booker NFL players he studies: Ed Oliver, Aaron Donald Favorite musical artist: Taylor Swift Shout-outs: “Coach Bradford, Coach Blum and everyone who has been supporting me”

Booker-Brown relies on speed and strength on the field. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 19 | 2019

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

topevents

EMANCIPATION CONVERSATIONS: AN EVENING WITH NIKOLE Terry Parker and The Two Brothers. SHAPE leaders Deloyd Parker and Nedzra HANNAH-JONES……..The Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) Ward played host to community members as the event served as SHAPE’s way of recently launched its inaugural Emancipation Conversations lecture series by saying thanks for the community’s support this year and during its entire 50-year history. featuring Nikole Hannah-Jones, the award-winning journalist and creator of the New Attendees included Debra Riley, Rita Houston, Phyllis Washington, Jennifer Chavis, York Times’ 1619 Project. The EPC’s new lecture series is a forum for transformative Shelton Sparks, Andrea and Corwin Bennett, Mama Obama, Brother Mike, Said conversations surrounding the Black experience through interactive lectures. ABC13’s Gasaway and many more……..BLACKSHEAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Melanie Lawson served as the moderator of the event. Attendees included Dr. Lucy ANNUAL OPERATION LOVE……..Ken Rodgers and Howard Thomas, in Bremond (EPC executive director), Dr. Needha Boutte-Queen, partnership with the Houston Area Urban League, sponsored the Dr. Rockell Brown-Burton, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Iris third Annual Operation Love, an event where volunteers gave out Defender TOP EVENTS toys, clothes, books, coats, food and more to Blackshear students Garcia, Kynetta Moore, Ramon Manning, Jacqueline Bostic, More photos on defendernetwork.com Patrina Johnson, Iman Garrett-Price, Frazier Wilson, Dr. and family and anyone else who attended. Along with booths Alvia Wardlaw, Deborah Wilkins-Buford, Gordon Buford, providing health information, free haircuts and manicures were Kim Williams, Sylvia Brooks, John Bremond, Tracie Jae, Shannon Buggs, Secunda also available. There was also non-stop entertainment and countless organizations Joseph, Ernest Walker and countless others…….. SHAPE’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY providing volunteers. Attendees included Alicia Lewis (Blackshear principal), Dolores FAMILY BRUNCH……..SHAPE Community Center opened the doors of its Live Rodgers, Kirk Jackson, Andret Rayford, Ta’Shay Jones, Shaila Guillory, Oak location for it’s Annual Holiday Family Brunch, a free and open-to-the-public Felecia Daniels, Eryka Daniels, Jasmine Mercier, Jason and Jackson event featuring top notch food and fellowship, along with entertainment provided by Hyman and numerous others.

Kynetta Moore, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Dr. Lucy Bremond

Shelton Sparks, Nedzra Ward

Ken Rodgers, Erron Williams

Secunda Joseph, Josie Pickens

Jennifer Chavis, Ashton Arboleda

Miesha King, Aninah King, Avid Jackson

Deborah Wilkins-Buford, Frazier Wilson, Mayor Sylvester Turner

Andrea Bennett, Corwin Bennett

Ward Westray, DeMarcus Foster, Jackson Hyman, Jason Hyman

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 89 years