Houston Defender: December 25, 2014

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Volume 84 | Number 4

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 25 | 2015

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in memoriam

Deaths in 2014 Maya Angelou, poet, writer and activist, died on May 28 at age 86. Angelou was also an actress, historian and filmmaker. Though she never attended college, she served as a professor at Wake Forest University. In the 1950s Angelou danced with Alvin Ailey, recorded an album and joined the Harlem Writers Guild. In the ‘60s she worked with the Civil Rights Movement. In 1970 her best-seller “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was published. In 1993 she recited the poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.

Marion Barry, who was elected mayor of Washington, D.C., four times, died Nov. 23 at age 78. His political career was tarnished in 1990 when he was videotaped smoking crack as part of a law enforcement sting. He was convicted of possession and served six months in prison. He began his political career on the D.C. school board and in 1974 was elected to city council. Barry returned to city council 20 years later following his release from prison. In 1994 he was re-elected mayor and served until 1999.

Theola Booker, a noted Houston gospel musician and the wife of Greater St. Matthew Pastor Gusta Booker, died April 19 at age 70. Dr. Booker was a pianist, teacher, composer, author, lecturer and entrepreneur. She served as minister of music at Greater St. Matthew. She composed and arranged music for the late James Cleveland and was affiliated with other gospel artists such as Albertina Walker and Dorothy Norwood.

She was a longtime educator with HISD and faculty member at the University of Houston Music Department.

Errol Brooks, a retired human resources professional and the husband of Sylvia Brooks, former CEO of the Houston Area Urban League, died March 11 at age 69. Brooks was director of personnel at Texas Akylls, an employment trainer with Aramark and employment services representative at the Texas Employment Commission. After retiring from TEC, Brooks served in an administrative position with the Harris County Justice of the Peace Court. He was known for his “cooking ministry,” and served Sunday dinner to friends, family and church members for 30 years.

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, the former boxer who was wrongly imprisoned for murder, died April 20 at age 76. Carter, a promising middleweight fighter in the ‘60s, compiled a record of 27-12-1 with 19 knockouts. He was wrongfully convicted of murdering three white people during a bar robbery in Paterson, N.J. He was convicted twice by all-white juries largely on the testimony of two thieves who later recanted their stories. He spent 19 years in prison. His convictions were later overturned. In 1999 Denzel Washington portrayed Carter in “The Hurricane.”

John Castillo, a former Houston City Councilmember and an early political leader in the Hispanic community, died June 15 at age 75. As a political strategist, Castillo worked to get other candidates elected. He worked on the campaigns of former officials Mario Gallegos, Ben Reyes and Leonel Castillo. He eventually became a candidate himself, running for controller, Harris County constable and winning the City Council election.

He was born in a family of 17 children and was the first in his family to attend college.

Alice Coachman, the first African-American woman to win a gold medal in the Olympics, died July 14 at age 90. Coachman won a gold medal in the high jump at the 1948 Olympics. In addition to her high jump skills she was a national champion in the 50 and 100-meter dash as well as the 400-meter relay. She won 34 national titles and was inducted into nine halls of fame. She became the first Black woman to endorse an international product when Coca-Cola signed her as a spokesperson in 1954.

J. California Cooper, an award-winning writer known for her Black female characters, died on Sept. 20 at age 82. Cooper began her writing career as a playwright and published her first book of fiction in her 50s. She won an American Book Award in 1989 for the second of her six story collections, “Homemade Love.” Her short story “Funny Valentines” was made into a 1999 television movie starring Alfre Woodard and Loretta Devine.

Comer Cottrell, a Dallas businessman and philanthropist, died Oct. 3 at age 82. Cottrell founded Pro-Line Corp., an ethnic hair-care business, in 1970. The company’s brands include Just for Me, the Curly Kit and Soft and Beautiful relaxers. In 2000, Cottrell sold Pro-Line to Alberto Culver for $80 million. Cottrell formed political friendships from City Hall to the White House. In 1990 he purchased the closed Bishop College campus for $1.5 million, persuaded Paul Quinn College to move to the site, and invested another $1.7 million.

Ruby Dee, an actress for seven decades, died June 11 at age 91.

Her film credits included “The Jackie Robinson Story” (1950), “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961), “Buck and the Preacher” (1972), “Do the Right Thing” (1989) and “American Gangster” (2007).

Dee and her late husband Ossie Davis were a force in the Civil Rights Movement as well as the performing arts community.

Early in her career she joined the American Negro Theater. She appeared on Broadway and made her film debut in “That Man of Mine” in 1946.

Thom Dickerson, a longtime member of the Channel 13 news team in Houston, died Oct. 1 at age 65. Dickerson began his career in radio at KCOH and KPRC. He began his TV career as a reporter in Oklahoma City. In 1975 he returned to Houston to work at Channel 13. He worked at the ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. from 1977-79 before returning to Houston again. Dickerson was known for his entertaining hunting and fishing stories. He later taught at Sharpstown High School and worked in the HISD media department.

Charles “Tex” Harrison, who played with the Harlem Globetrotters for 18 years before coming a coach and advisor, died Nov. 21 at age 81. Harrison did everything from playing alongside the immortal Wilt Chamberlin, to joining teammates on the “Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine,” a 1972 television variety series. Born in Gary, Ind., he grew up in Houston. He estimated he traveled to more than 100 countries during his long career with the Globetrotters.

Geoffrey Holder, a noted actor, choreographer, director, dancer, painter, costume designer and singer, died Oct. 5 at age 84.

Holder, 6-feet-6, had a larger than life presence on stage and screen. He won two Tony Awards for directing and costuming Broadway’s “The Wiz.” He appeared in 7-Up commercials in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and in such movies as “Doctor Dolittle” and “Live and Let Die.” Holder grew up in Trinidad and moved to New York with his own folk dance company. He was married to dancer Carmen de Lavallade.

Jodie Jiles of Houston died May 20 at age 88. He was the father of business and community leader Jodie Lee Jiles and father-inlaw of Defender CEO & Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles. Jiles was born in Huntsville. He retired from Gulf Supply as a truck driver of 18-wheelers.

Myles Munroe, an internationally known preacher and motivational speaker, died Nov. 9 in a plane crash in the Bahamas. He was 60. His wife Ruth Ann also died in the accident. Munroe was an author, lecturer, teacher, life coach and government consultant. He spent the last 30 years traveling the world and training leaders in business, education, government and religion. He led the Bahamas Faith Ministries International and Myles Munroe International.

Hanq Neal, a well-known Houston gospel artist, died Feb. 27 at age 57. Neal served as minister of music at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. He previously served as minister of music at Windsor Village United Methodist Church. Neal received a Grammy nomination for his rendition of “If You Move Yourself.” He also released an album titled “Uniquely Hanq.” Neal performed at mayoral inaugurations, at the memorial service for Congressman Mickey Leland and for Queen Elizabeth II. Robert Newhouse, a former University of Houston and Dallas Cowboys running back, died July 22 at age 64.

Newhouse lettered at UH from 1969-1971. He served as team captain and set the Cougar single-season rushing record with 1,757 yards in 1971. He still holds several other Cougar records. Newhouse was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round in 1972 and played 12 seasons for the team. He played in three Super Bowls for the Cowboys in the 1970s.

A. Louis Patterson, pastor of Houston’s Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church and a nationally known preacher, died April 9 at age 80. Dr. Patterson led Mount Corinth for 44 years and was actively involved in the National Baptist Convention, USA. He was recognized by Ebony Magazine with an honorable mention as one of America’s greatest Black preachers and inducted into the Morehouse School of Religion’s Hall of Preachers.

Jewel Prestage, former dean of the Benjamin Banneker Honors College at Prairie View A&M University, died Aug. 1 at age 82. She was the mother of Ft. Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage. Dr. Prestage was a native of Alexandria, La. She graduated from Southern University at age 19. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Iowa Joe Sample, a Houston native who became a pioneering musician, died Sept. 12 at age 75. Sample, an accomplished pianist and composer, was a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, a group known for its unique jazz-funk-fusion sound. Sample studied at Texas Southern University and teamed up with the Crusaders. In 1961 the group released “Freedom Sound,” the first of numerous albums. The group reached its greatest commercial success with 1979’s “Street Life.”

Meshach Taylor, an Emmy-nominated actor, died June 28 at age 67. Taylor was best known for his role as Anthony on “Designing Women,” the sitcom that aired from 1986 to 1993. He co-starred for four seasons on another comedy, “Dave’s World.” He appeared on the NBC sitcom “Buffalo Bill” and the Nickelodeon sitcom “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. He appeared as a guest star on numerous other series, including “Criminal Minds.”

Evelyn Thornton, a long-time professor at PVAMU who served as head of the Department of Mathematics for 13 years, died July 15 at age 81. Dr. Thornton was known as an outstanding teacher and mentor who produced several hundred undergraduate math majors and directed more than 45 master’s theses. She was past president of the Missouri City Chapter of The Links. She was the mother of Dr. Wanda Mott-Russell.

Bobby Womack, a legendary soul singer, died June 27 at age 70. From 1970 to 1990 Womack placed 36 singles on the charts, including “That’s the Way I Feel About Cha,” “Woman’s Gotta Have It,” “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” “Daylight” and “Lookin’ for a Love.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2012 he released “The Bravest Man in the Universe,” his first album in more than 10 years.

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DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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Black Houston remembers

Bob Lanier F

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

ormer Houston Mayor Bob Lanier is being remembered as a progressive, courageous leader who made a significant difference in the Black community during his administration. Lanier, who served as mayor from 1992 to 1998, died Dec. 20 at age 89.

During his tenure, Lanier championed the city’s affirmative action program and focused attention on previously neglected neighborhoods. He also built affordable housing, lowered crime and laid the groundwork for downtown revitalization.

Councilmember C.O. Bradford, who served as police chief under Lanier, said Lanier made a point to gain input from variBorn: ous members of the Black community. He March 10, 1925, Baytown, Texas also recalled the diversity of Lanier’s executive Education: team.

University of Texas School of Law “Mayor Lanier offered opportunities to Careers: several up and coming Black professionals, many Law, banking and real estate of whom are serving in top public service posiPublic Service: tions today or leading successful private sector Texas Highway Commissioner ventures,” Bradford said.

METRO Chairman of the Board “As a public safety leader, my charge was to Founding Member, Houston be aggressive with criminal gang members and Community College all criminals regardless of their race, but deploy a Family: caring, gentle hand to law-abiding residents seeking assistance.

Wife, Elyse; seven children “Many minorities within the police department were promoted to upper level positions due to Mayor Lanier’s settlement of a longstanding lawsuit challenging the Houston Police Department’s promotional process.”

Attorney Ben Hall, who served as city attorney under Lanier, recalled Lanier’s commitment to affirmative action.

“Mayor Bob, as we affectionately called him, was committed to saving the city’s affirmative action program – not merely to redress past oppressive practices against African-Americans, but because he genuinely believed that the complete participation of all communities in the benefits and burdens of government was crucial to the development of a great city,” Hall said.

“It was this same conviction that guided his efforts to insist that sidewalk and road repairs be equally performed in Black and Brown communities as in the central business district. He settled the long-running racial discrimination suits filed by Black police officers on terms that improved the chances of more black officers being promoted within the department.

“His commitment to equal treatment across racial lines was genuine, and not political,” Hall said.

Attorney Gene Locke, who served as city attorney in the Lanier administration after Hall, said Houston is a better place because of the former mayor.

“Bob Lanier’s leadership on affirmative action helped to stem the tide of a regressive, conservative attack on civil rights,” Locke said. “He sought to ensure inclusion in city politics and demanded fairness in city operations.

‘He was as much concerned about the inner city and its progress as he was about suburban Houston. Mayor Lanier fought to make Houston truly a diverse city in all aspects. We are all much better off because of his leadership,” Locke said.

Rev. Bill Lawson, pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, said Lanier improved neighborhoods and improved relations with the police department. “He was someone who recognized that what you did for one segment of Houston you should do for all of Houston,” Lawson said.

“One of the best examples of his leadership was what he did while he was at the University of Texas Law School,” Lawson said. “When the Supreme Court ruled that Heman Sweatt had to be admitted to UT, they segregated Sweatt in the basement. Bob Lanier led a group of students who volunteered to help Heman Sweatt with his law studies when others did not want to be bothered.

This was a true test of [Lanier’s] commitment to fairness.”

Judson Robinson III, president and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League, served on City Council when Lanier was mayor. He recalled Lanier’s contributions.

“I believe the Black community benefited in many ways, but especially because of Mayor Lanier’s efforts to maintain the city’s affirmative action program,” Robinson said.

Lanier Facts:

Lanier and his wife Elyse joined Gene Locke and his wife Aubry during a fundraiser.

“This was especially important due to the timing of the many projects that were underway. We were building many sidewalks, repairing roads, expanding our airports and replacing infrastructure to entice development in midtown and other locations. Minority contractors and engineers were busier than anytime I can remember.”

Robinson added that Lanier was business savvy but at the same time he had a desire to see all people do well.

“He was a strong proponent of diversity and understood that if the minority community was doing well, it was good not just for that community but for the entire city,” Robinson said. “Just look around at the homelessness, poverty, divisiveness, and senseless crimes that we have today compared to the early ‘90s. He brought people together, that’s what any good leader does in my opinion.”

Bishop James W.E. Dixon II, pastor of The Community of Faith Church, said Lanier was a unique, powerful and personable leader.

“He stood tall for protecting affirmative action in Houston,” Dixon said. “When mayors across the nation capitulated to political pressure, Bob Lanier was inflexible on his belief that minority and women owned businesses were deserving of opportunities to compete but were grossly underrepresented in the city’s budget.”

Minister Robert Muhammad, Southwest regional representative of the Nation of Islam, also recalled Lanier’s leadership.

“We had some strong policy disagreements with Mayor Lanier. However, he was no fool nor was he a coward,” Muhammad said. “He always sought our counsel and valued our opinion no matter who didn’t like us.

“Under his administration’s policy of direct engagement, we avoided a potential bloodbath that could have resulted due to the unrelenting police harassment of the brothers selling The Final Call on the streets of Houston. We wish his family peace and comfort in this hour. We thank him for his service and humanity.”

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 25 | 2015

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newstalk

Top 10 local stories

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

Black Houstonians made their voices heard in 2014, whether they were fighting to save a neighborhood school or protesting police brutality. Here are the top 10 local stories in the order in which they occurred.

Post office stays open

who spearheaded the structure, said witnessing the unveiling was a proud moment after 40 years of persistence and civil rights work. “I am like a proud father watching his baby being born,” he said. “The baby has been delivered.”

Special guest Martin Luther King III said the statue, which shows his father with a Bible to his heart, was a good representation of his life and work.

He reminded the crowd that the civil rights leader’s dream is not complete until there is equality for all humankind. “We need to be recommitted, determined, focused and have a strategic plan to bring about change,” King said.

Residents of Third Ward rallied to save the Southmore Station Post Office located at 4110 Almeda. The facility was one of six post offices in Houston being considered for closure or relocation for financial reasons. Supporters insisted that closing it would inconvenience residents, especially the elderly and the disabled. The post office also has historical significance and was the site of Houston’s first sit-in in 1960.

Residents refused to back down. They wrote letters of support to postal executives. They held rallies, press conferences and a town hall meeting.

After strong opposition from the surrounding community, the U.S. Postal Service stopped its plan to close the post office. It was later announced that the facility would be renamed the George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Post Office.

TSU band goes to Canton

Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band had a goal of raising $150,000 in 30 Third Ward leaders and residents applauded the decision to keep the Southmore post office open. days. Their mission was to travel to Canton, Ohio to support alumnus Michael Strahan at his Pro Football injured by a police officer outside the Bellaire home he shared An HISD proposal to close or repurpose five Hall of Fame induction ceremony. After hearing that actor-comewith his parents. Police said they thought Tolan was armed and schools due to under enrollment angered many members of the dian Kevin Hart had donated $50,000 toward the effort, Strahan African-American community, and some called for the resignation had stolen a vehicle. Tolan was a minor league baseball player announced on ABC’s “Live with Kelly and Michael!” that he of Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier. Parents, students and other resi- who hoped to follow in the footsteps of his father, former Major would personally donate $100,000 to help the band reach its goal.

League player Robert Tolan. dents gave their thoughts on the proposal at community meetings In Canton, the TSU band participated in the TimkenSteel Jeffrey Cotton, the white officer who shot Tolan, was held at each of the five schools – Dodson, Nathaniel Q. Henderson Grand Parade that drew a quarter of a million spectators. The band indicted on a charge of aggravated assault and found not guilty at a and Port Houston elementary schools, Fleming Middle School also performed at the Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party, played 2010 trial. The Tolans filed a civil lawsuit against Cotton and city and Jones High School. Demonstrators even gathered outside of at the unveiling of the NFL statues and attended enshrinement officials. The suit alleged unconstitutional excessive force as well Grier’s home to protest the proposal. ceremonies to see their famous alum on one of the biggest stages as racial profiling, false arrests and racial harassment. In 2012, a Three of five schools proposed for closure by HISD – Henin football. “This is huge for our students,” said TSU band director federal judge dismissed the lawsuit. A September 2015 trial date derson, Port Houston and Fleming – were removed from considRichard Lee. “It gives them an experience of a lifetime.” has now been set for Tolan’s lawsuit against Bellaire police. He eration by Board President Juliet Stipeche. Trustees later voted is represented by Benjamin Crump, who represented Trayvon to close Dodson and repurpose Jones into a futures academy, a Martin’s family. specialty vocational school that will allow students to earn associHoustonians honored the life and legacy of Congressman ate degrees while earning their high school diploma. The U.S. Mickey Leland during a ceremony at the Leland Memorial Park Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights office launched in Fifth Ward. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee arranged the Hundreds of Houstonians gathered in MacGregor Park to an investigation into the school board’s decision. tribute, which featured Leland colleagues, friends, former staff witness the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue and members, community advocates and students. “Mickey went anyMemorial Plaza. The 8-foot-tall statue cast in silicon bronze is where that he could go to squash out injustice,” Jackson Lee said.

The U.S. Supreme Court reinstated a lawsuit filed by Robbie located on the corners of MLK Blvd. and Old Spanish Trail.

Ovide Duncantell, the founder of the Black Heritage Society Tolan, the young Black man who in 2008 was shot and seriously Continued on Page 18

HISD under fire

Mickey Leland remembered

MLK statue unveiled

Tolan lawsuit reinstated

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DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

national

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Top 10

national stories

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender \

For many, the year 2014 can be considered one of the most tumultuous since the Civil Rights era. The year was filled with big news stories on race, politics, privacy and much, much more. Here are the top 10 national stories.

Ferguson reacts

A Ferguson, Mo. grand jury decided that a white police officer would not be charged for fatally shooting unarmed Black teenage Michael Brown, who he confronted as the teen walked in the middle of the street. Wilson claims Brown attacked him, leaving him with no choice but to shoot him seven times.

Witnesses however said Brown was shot while his hands were up in the air. Despite criticism over the prosecutor’s handling of the case, the grand jury elected not to press charges against Darren Wilson, which prompted an outcry heard across the country.

Protests, which had somewhat quieted since the Aug. 9 shooting, ignited with a new fury from coast to coast.

Black Lives Matter

Eric Garner, a Staten Island, N.Y. man, was confronted by police while allegedly selling single cigarettes outside a local convenience store. Police officer Daniel Pantaleo ended up putting an asthmatic Garner into a chokehold. Garner, whose cries of “I can’t breathe” were ignored, died shortly after. After a grand jury declined to charge Pantaleo, massive protests erupted across the country. Citing the deaths of Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin and others and declaring that #Blacklivesmatter, Garner’s death became a rallying cry for injustice among thousands of protestors.

Ebola in America

It started with just a few cases in Guinea, and became the deadliest outbreak of Ebola on

Ferguson, Mo. was the site of demonstrations and arrests following the police killing of Michael Brown and a grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson.

record. The virus spread throughout West Africa, claiming more than 5,000 lives. In September, the first case of the disease in the United States was diagnosed at Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian citizen who had recently arrived in the United States, died of complications from Ebola. Two nurses

who treated him also contracted the virus but recovered. Duncan’s death raised serious questions about the capacity of U.S. hospitals to effectively treat the disease and to protect health care workers treating the infected.

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DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Top 10

entertainment stories

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

From scandals to hackers to elevator altercations, there was as much drama off camera as in front of it. The Defender looks back at the entertainment stories that had us talking for days.

Bill Cosby controversy

Bill Cosby dominated headlines for much of the end of 2014 as accusations of sexual assault piled up. More than 20 women, many of whom said he drugged them first, spoke out against the beloved

star. Their stories paint a starkly different picture of the man beloved by millions as Dr. Huxtable – the sweet, sweater-wearing father on the sitcom, “The Cosby Show.” The 77-year-old comedian denied some of the allegations and refused to discuss others.

He has never been prosecuted. Several colleges and universities distanced themselves from Cosby. His graduate alma mater, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, cut ties with him. Cosby resigned from a post at Temple University, his undergraduate alma ma-

ter. Berklee College of Music in Boston also removed his name from a scholarship award. Spelman College severed its ties, despite a $20 million donation from the Cosbys. Camille, his longtime wife, issued a statement standing by her man.

Shonda Rhimes rules

She’s the executive producer of the hospital drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” the political thriller “Scandal,” and the legal potboiler “How to Get Away With Murder,” which air in contiguous time slots on ABC. The network hasn’t packed three programs by a single executive producer into one night since 1982. All three Shonda Rhimes dramas, including the freshman “Murder” are popular hits, which is why ABC recently extended its deal with Rhimes’s production company, Shondaland, to keep her on the hook through mid-2018.

Black films find success

2014 was a good year for Black films in Hollywood. “12 Years a Slave” won Best Picture and Lupita Nyong’o won Best Supporting Actress at the 86th Academy Awards, capping off a momentous awards season. Directed by Steve McQueen, the critically acclaimed film also has been a commercial success, generating more than $50 million at the domestic box office and $140 million worldwide.

“No Good Deed,” the home invasion thriller starring Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson, earned $24.5

Bill Cosby was accused of sexual misconduct from 1965 to 2004 by 23 women.

Shonda Rhimes had another hit on her hands with “How to Get Away With Murder.”

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“12 Years a Slave” won the Oscar for Best Picture and Lupita Nyong’o was named Best Supporting Actress.

om The sitc sh” “Black-id to prove of be one V T the newon’s seas s. hit

Beyonce and Jay Z embarke d on their On the Run tour.

Top 10 Entertainment... Continued from page 7 million. That movie was the latest in a string of movies led by Black actors that have “overperformed” at the box office, any number of which should have put to rest the still-prevailing notion that films with all or primarily Black casts don’t do well.

Celebrity photos leaked

The Internet was abuzz after it was reported that hundreds of private photos of celebrities, mostly of women, had been stolen and posted on various websites. Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton were among those who confirmed the photos’ authenticity.

Hackers are believed to have conducted a sophisti-

cated and targeted attack on Apple’s iCloud service to obtain the material.

‘Sorority Sisters’ blasted

VH1’s controversial new show, “Sorority Sisters” which features nine women who are a part of different historically Black sororities, fired up people all over the country. The show features sorority sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. While the women claim to be actual sorority members of the different organizations, Greek life social media users slammed VH1 and the show’s producer, Mona Scott Young for airing a show which they claim misrepresents Divine 9 Greek life. Greek members

created petitions and targeted advertisers, prompting several advertisers to pull their ads from the show.

Knowles family drama

Houston’s favorite family stayed in the news. From paternity claims against Matthew Knowles, to the infamous videotaped elevator fight between Solange and her brother-in-law Jay Z (who let their bodyguard handle her) to Solange’s much-talked about beautiful wedding to an older man. There was also a large question mark surrounding the topic of Beyoncé and Jay Z’s marriage. The couple dispelled those rumors as they went on tour together.

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|DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

Top 10 Entertainment stories...

Continued from page 8

Sony hacked

Hackers infiltrated the computer network of Sony Pictures Entertainment. The attackers stole a huge number of confidential documents, which are now being downloaded from file-sharing networks (the hackers have been identified to be from North Korea). The hackers posted five Sony movies (four unreleased) to file-sharing networks. And they also leaked thousands of confidential documents — everything from private correspondence among Sony executives to salary and performance data about Sony employees. Among the things revealed were conflicts between Sony executives and Hollywood celebrities – one executive called actor Kevin Hart a “whore.”

Happy Kwanzaa

‘Black-ish’ debuts

ABC’s comedy “Black-ish” became the best-reviewed network sitcom of the new season, and viewers showed up in droves to check it out. The debut of the Kenya Barris co-creation drew an impressive 10.8 million viewers in its first outing, attracting virtually the same size audience as lead-in “Modern Family” (10.9 million). Among viewers under 50, “Black-ish” notched a 3.3 rating out of a 3.7 for “Modern Family.” Both numbers, but particularly the total viewer tally, represent a stunning reversal of fortune for ABC, which for years has watched as one comedy after another has dropped like a rock after “Modern Family.”

Kim, Kanye make news

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian received lots of attention when they got married in Italy in May, but they didn’t stop there. Months later, pictures of her butt were released in an effort to “break the Internet.” At least that was the headline associated with the images and a story about Kardashian in Paper magazine. Just when the buzz started to die down a second batch of photos was released. There was Kim, completely naked except for some pearls around her neck and her shins modestly covered by the gown she wasn’t wearing.

The pictures were just the latest in the publicity monsoon that surrounded the couple.

Celebrating our tradition, living the seven principles

Oprah on the move

The groundbreaking “Oprah Winfrey Show” went off the air in 2011, but its host remains the queen of conversation, whether it’s on her TV network or nationwide tour which came to Houston in October.

This fall on OWN, Winfrey returned with “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” Winfrey also portrays an Alabama activist in the acclaimed new civil rights drama “Selma” and is one of the producers. Winfrey received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

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

Beverly Harmon, Rev. Al Sharpton and Dr. William Harmon (HCC Black History Gala)

Warren Luckett, DJ Supastar, Dr. Sonya Sloan, Rev. William A. Lawson, Maggie Noel, and Deric Muhammad (Faces of Black Houston Reception)

Troopers Cleveland Burrell, James Shotwell and Sgt. Major James Williams (Buffalo Soldiers Gala)

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey and John Guess (Houston Museum of African American Culture Kinsey Collection Opening)

YEAR IN REVIEW……..2014 was a busy year for Houstonians, with activities galore. Here are 10 events that you read about in the Defender……..HCC BLACK HISTORY GALA……..“Tapestry of Triumphs: Our Call for Civil Rights Continues,” was the theme chosen by Houston Community College for its annual Black history scholarship gala. The keynote speaker was Rev. Al Sharpton, the celebrated civil rights activist, minister, author and talk show host. Other speakers included HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences student Olufunke Kuku and HCC Northwest College student Frank Msigna. Community leader Sylvia Brooks and Texas Southern University professor Dr. James Douglas received the Joyce M. Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Awards.……… BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM………The 14th annual gala honoring military judge advocate generals was hosted by the organization. Other special guests were keynote speaker Travis J. Sales, partner with Baker Botts LLP; Lisa M. Tatum, president of the Texas Bar Association, and the one and only, “Duke of Earl” Gene Chandler, who sang the national anthem.

Students from Langham Creek High School saluted our POWs/MIAs with a heartfelt presentation. The gala was held at the Bayou Center Event Center and was attended by over 600 folks……..UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON BLACK ALUMNI…..

More than 350 alumni, community leaders, students and university officials attended the University of Houston Black Alumni Association’s 24th Annual Scholarship and Awards gala. A distinguished group of five accomplished African-American alumni and two corporate supporters were recognized: Terence Fontaine, chief administrative

Chief Charles McClelland Jr., Crystle Stewa (University of Houston Black Alumni Gala)

Shonte Byrd, Loren Williams, Anita Smith Pink Angels Luncheon)

officer for Metro; Charles McClelland Jr.; chief of police, City of Houston; De Rose, manager of ancillary services, CHI St. Luke’s Health; Mary Page Prince, president/ CEO of both Rookie’s Cookies Inc. and Without Ceasing Inc. and Crystle Stewart, actress. Corporate supporter recipients Roderick Brown with UPS and Fred Hoyer of Bayway Auto Group were also honored…….. GOLDEN SPLENDOR…..Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) celebrated their 50th Anniversary Golden Splendor Gala with the theme “A Tradition of Leadership, Friendship and Impacting Service.” The majestic fanfare of trumpets introduced the TLOD presidents: Ladies Franchell Boswell, LaVerne Madlock, Faye Bryant, Vivian Crawley, Bobbie W. Moorehead, Jacquelyn Parker, More photos on defe Marie Stellos, Dorothy Chimney, Vivien Richard, Peggy See Events on KTRK C LeCompte, Jackie Pope and Audrie Lawton……..FACES with Melanie Lawson o OF BLACK HOUSTON……..Houstonians gathered at the Power Center for a reception honoring six unique personalities featured in the summer season of Faces of Black Houston, the Defender’s innovative multimedia series. The six honorees were: Rev. William “Bill” Lawson, a Houston champion of civil rights; Maggie Noel, a phenom blazing trails to more women in golf; Deric Muhammad, an activist leading the path to a better community; Dr. Sonya Sloan, a doctor on a mission to heal the body and the soul; Warren Luckett, a spirited entrepreneur who found a niche in wine distribution; and DJ Supastar, a female DJ breaking barriers on the turntables…….. OPRAH’S

Defender TO

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

11

vents

art and Brandon Wiggins )

and Dr. Inge Ford (Sisters Network

Top Ladies of Distinction presidents were recognized at the organization’s Golden Splendor Gala (TLOD 50th Anniversary)

Imani students and Sarah Collins Rudolph (Imani School Presentation)

THE LIFE YOU WANT WEEKEND was an inspiring and uplifting experience as women from far and near gathered to hear about the things that matter in life.

Attendees included Toyota National Manager of African American Business Strategy Alva Adams-Mason and Gulf States Toyota Exec. Vonda Lee along with her mom Brenda Vance, Ebony Editor-in-Chief Mitzi Miller, Atlanta Tribune Editor Pat Lottier, Precise Communications Senior VP Tracey Bowen, Spoil Latina Editorin-Chief Yvonne Guidry and Interactive One blogger Danielle Young. The local folks seen in the audience included Toni Williams, Pastor Mia Wright, Cheryl Thomas, Astros executive Marian Harper, twins Pam Whitaker and Paula Handy, Annette Cluff and endernetwork.com the Rasmus group: Morgan, Juanita and Dr. Ryan Rasmus Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Harris….HOUSTON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN on Sunday Morning CULTURE…..HMAAC presented African American Treasures from the Kinsey Collection. The exhibit was sponsored by Wells Fargo and H.E.B. The stunning collection assembled

by Los Angeles philanthropists and entrepreneurs Bernard and Shirley Kinsey included artifacts and works of art commemorating the artistic, historic and cultural contributions of African-Americans, reflecting on the progress made in civil rights and social justice. Joining the Kinsey family on opening day were museum CEO John Guess, Wells Fargo executive Cary Yates and his wife Judge Clarease Yates, Kase and Eileen Lawal, and many others……. THE IMANI SCHOOL was captivated

OP EVENTS

he Houston area for over 80 years

Frank Robinson, Brett Dolan and Bo Porter (Stacey and Bo Porter SELF Foundation Gala)

by the visit of the survivor of the 1963 Birmingham bombing that killed four little girls and shocked the country. Sarah Collins Rudolph, who was 12 years old at the time of the attack, shared her story of being “the fifth girl in the bathroom that day” and added, “I would have lost my life, too, if it hadn’t been for God.” Ms. Rudolph’s visit was underwritten by the Honey Brown Foundation and its founder Tammy Lang Campbell…….. PINK ANGELS.....Sisters Network Inc. rolled out its Pink Angel Awards Luncheon and Style Show with founder/ CEO Karen Jackson and honorary chairs Gerald and Anita Smith beaming over the full house. The honorees were: Majic 102’s Kandi Eastman, Comcast Cable’s Yolanda Green, HISD Trustee Paula Harris, philanthropist Arvia Few, Comerica Bank’s Vanessa Reed, PR guru Judy Foston, Methodist Hospital’s Dr. Angel Rodriguez, Congressman Al Green and Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine’s Beverly Vote. A surprise guest was California Congresswoman Maxine Waters..…..SELF FOUNDATION GALA………The Stacey and Bo Porter SELF Foundation Legacy Gala profiled some of the top athletes in the country from baseball, basketball and football, and included several Olympic stars. But the real star of the night was honoree Frank Robinson, Hall of Famer and MLB executive vice president of Baseball Development. Attendees included Marcy and Robert Duncan, board member Gracie Saenz and hubby Al Castillo, Monique Bickham, Carmen and Ricchard Carter, Merline and Lloyd Higgins, Diane and Bill Campbell, Natalie and Jeff Edwards, Brandon Denton and Ryan Terry. A special shout-out went to Hilton of America executive chef Ruffy Sulaiman.

12

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 25 | 2015 |

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| DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

sports

13

Top 10

pro & college sports stories

By MAX EDISON Defender

The 2014 sports year was eventful from start to finish, beginning with the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl. We also witnessed an ongoing reality series that could have been called “As the NFL Turns,” starring an ensemble cast of players. Here are the top 10 stories.

NFL players struggle off the field

Astros fire manager Bo Porter

Despite another record-breaking year on the field and the popularity of the league at an all- time high, the NFL found itself embroiled in a series of off-the-field incidents that created a typhoon of negative publicity. It began when Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punched his wife Janay in a casino elevator, knocking her unconscious. When video of the incident was made public, it created a firestorm of debate involving domestic abuse and the NFL’s response to it. Rice eventually won his appeal of an indefinite suspension and was reinstated into the league. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson avoided jail time in a plea agreement reached with prosecutors to resolve his child abuse case. Peterson had been indicted on a felony charge of injury to a child for whipping his 4-year-old son with a switch. Carolina Panther Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy was found guilty of assaulting a female and communicating threats. He is appealing the conviction.

Little League players win big

The Jackie Robinson West little league team from Chicago won the U.S. Little League World Series title defeating Nevada 7-5. The team avenged an 11-run loss to Nevada six days earlier. The team, compiled of all African-Americans, was the first team from Chicago since North Roseland in 1967 to qualify for the championship. Thirteen-yearold Mo’Ne Davis from Philadelphia made Little

With slightly less than a month left before completing his second season as Astros skipper, Bo Porter was fired. GM Jeff Luhnow said the ouster had less to do with the team’s 59-79 record and more to do with the need for “new direction” and a “united message throughout the entire organization.” Porter joined the Astros after working as a third-base coach for the Washington Nationals. The Astros had a franchise-worst 51-111 record in his first season for heir third straight 100-loss season Continued on Page 14

Bo Porter was fired as manager of the Astros.

Adrian Peterson and his wife Ashley traveled to court for his child abuse case.

League World Series history by becoming the first girl to pitch a winning game. She led the Taney Dragons to a 4-0 victory over Nashville. Armed with a 70- MPH fastball, she pitched six innings, struck out eight batters, and gave up two infield hits.

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 25 | 2015

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Mo’Ne Davis made history at the Little League World Series.

xans. d No. 1 by the Te ney was drafte ow Cl on ve de Ja

QB Russell W ilson and the Super Bowl.

Seahawks w on the

Simone Boles remained the world’s best gymnast.

Aaric Murray

ade terling m Donald S arks to his m racist re V. Stiviano. d girlfrien

and the TSU Tigers won th e SWAC title .

Top 10 Pro & College Sport stories ... Continued from page 13

MVP. Those in attendance were also treated to an outstanding post-game concert by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

SWAC football scores big at Texans select Jadeveon NRG Clowney No. 1 The SWAC continued to hit the jackpot since electing to move its football championship game to H-Town and NRG Stadium. In the second year of a three-year agreement, the game featured perennial power and defending champion Southern University vs. rising East division champ Alcorn State. A crowd of over 39,000 witness an exciting game that Alcorn won 38-24. Alcorn QB and Houstonian John Gibbs Jr. was named the game’s offensive

The only good thing that comes from a 2-14 record and the distinction of being the NFL’s worst team in 2013 is the No. 1 selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. With the first pick the Texans selected Jadeveon Clowney, 6-foot-6, 265-pound linebacker/defensive end from South Carolina. The consensus top athlete in the draft, Clowney endured an injury riddled rookie season that ended with micro-fracture surgery on his right knee, the same knee that he had surgery on after injuring it in

the season opener. The team expects Jadeveon to make a full recovery by the beginning of the 2015 season.

Spring’s Simone Biles wins again

It’s hard to imagine that at age 17 Simone Biles is only in her fourth year competing at the elite level and she’s the best gymnast in the world. At the world championships in Nanning, China, Biles won gold in the team event, the individual all-around title, the beam and the floor exercise apparatus. She also earned a silver medal in the vault. She is the sixth woman and first in 11 year, to win consecutive all-around titles at the World Gymnastics Championships.

Continued on page 15

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Seahawks win Super Bowl

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The Seattle Seahawks affirmed the cliché that “offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships” by dominating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII 43-8. The Seahawks defense, led by their heralded secondary, the Legend of Boom, completely devastated Peyton Manning and the high-powered Bronco offense. How dominant were the ‘Hawks, led by second year QB Russell Wilson?

They led 22-0 at the half, and then 36-0 before Denver scored their only touchdown on the last play of the third quarter.

Seahawk linebacker Malcolm Smith was named the game’s MVP.

With a clear motive of revenge, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in five games to capture the NBA crown. The win avenged the Spurs losing the 2013 title to the Heat in seven games.

It was the fifth championship for the franchise. Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard was named the Finals MVP, becoming the third youngest recipient of the award.

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PVAMU women, TSU men win SWAC The SWAC basketball tourney was held at the Toyota Center for the first time. Conference and area rivals Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University faced off in both the women’s and men’s finals. PVAMU won the women’s finals for the fourth consecutive year 63-58. Meanwhile the TSU men hung on to beat PVAMU 78-73.

Racist remarks cost Sterling team

L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling gained notoriety due to racist remarks he made to his girlfriend V. Stiviano. In an audiotape leaked to TMZ, Sterling told Stiviano not to bring Black people to Clippers games among other remarks.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the NBA for life, fined him $2.5 million and began efforts to force Sterling to sell the team. Sterling eventually agreed to sell the Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

15

AFTER CHRISTMAS

Top 10 Pro & College sports stories...

Spurs win NBA championship

DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | DECEMBER 25 | 2015

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h.s.zone

Top 10

high school sports stories

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

It was an atypical year in that the greater Houston area did not have a high school football state championship to ring in the New Year. Among the sports standouts, high school girls from the Houston area were terrific.

Here are the top 10 stories of 2014.

Manvel girls pull the unthinkable

Manvel girls became the 2014 state basketball champions.

To say that Duncanville was a prohibitive favorite to win a third consecutive Class 5A girls’ state basketball championship last March would have been an understatement. When the nation’s top-ranked Pantherettes jumped out to a 16-4 advantage and Manvel had yet to convert a field goal, it appeared the final score was all that remained.

Manvel senior guard Jonee Jones scored on consecutive baskets to show that Manvel still had a pulse while Brianna Turner, Rangie Bessard and Jordan Hosey played all 32 minutes of the contest. Duncanville’s Ariel Atkins scored 20 of her team’s 28 points at one juncture, but the senior fouled out with three minutes, 52 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the tide began to turn. Manvel took its first lead on a layup by Turner (52-51) at the 1:52 mark. Head coach Bryan Harris watched his team close out the game with an 8-2 run to win 58-53. Turner was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after finishing with 17 points and 17 rebounds.

Deer Park girls reign as softball champions For the second time in three years Deer Park claimed the Class 5A state softball championship. The Lady Deer defeated Lubbock Coronado (6-1) in the state semifinals to set up an all-Houston area final with The Woodlands. In both games Deer Park scored three first-inning runs and never looked back. Senior first baseman/pitcher Caitlin Plocheck clubbed home runs in both opening innings, accounting for five RBIs. Deer Park (39-6) put the title game away with a four-run third inning to take a 7-1 lead en route to an 8-2 final score. “The girls have played championship ball all season,” said head coach Carrie Austgen. “There were lots

ls Manvel gir er of rn Brianna Tu ed iv Manvel rece hy op the MVP tr yan. nR from Nola

Continued on Page 17

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DECEMBER 25 | 2015 DEFENDER

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Kendall Sheffield of Marshall was a state hurdles champion..

ball team was Yates’ basket and 2014 state titles.

13 awarded 20

North Shore won

the boys’ 20 14

Jarrey Foster of North Shor e accepted th e 5A MVP

Top 10 high school sports stories... Continued from page 16 of opportunities where we could have fallen apart but we always managed to bond together and that’s been a quality I’ve seen from day one.”

North Shore boys win first basketball title

How does an undersized team win a state championship in the large-school classification? It takes a commitment and that’s what head coach David Green received from the 35-3 Mustangs, including top player Kerwin Roach, state tournament MVP Jarrey Foster and his son Brandon Green. Facing top-ranked Converse Judson in the Class 5A title game, North Shore’s pressure defense set the tone early and worked to perfection as the Mustangs pulled away for a 57-45 victory before 10,432 fans at the Erwin Center in Austin. Although outrebounded 29-25, North Shore forced 18 turnovers while committing only four and registered seven steals to one for Judson. This was accomplished while defending 6-foot-9 David Wacker and 6-7 Tanner Leissner in the post.

The Woodlands girls win back-to-back volleyball titles How about this for an encore. A year after posting a 45-0 record, including a state title, a national championship and every team in the program going undefeated, the var-

state basket ball

title.

trophy.

ship. all champion strict volleyb di a on w s dy Lion The Yates La

sity squad wins another state Class 6A title in 2014. After enduring a 12-year drought in state volleyball titles, the Houston area is once again home to the repeat champion Lady Highlanders. In the first all-Houston area final in the large-school classification (now 6A), The Woodlands held off a strong effort from Clear Falls 25-22, 25-22, 21-25, 27-25 at the Culwell Center in Garland. The Woodlands (40-3) became the first Houston-area school to win consecutive state championships in the large-school classification since Clear Lake in 1983-84.

Yates boys win via forfeit The bad news was for the second year in a row Dallas Madison defeated Houston Yates in the Class 3A boys’ state championship game. This time the score was 82-70.

The good news is that the University Interscholastic League (UIL) later awarded Yates both state titles (2013 and 2014) due to Madison using the same ineligible player both seasons. Now the Lions have won four state titles in six years under head coach Greg Wise.

Sheffield shines at state track meet

Fort Bend Marshall hurdler Kendall Sheffield was a two-time gold medalist at the 2014 high school state track and field meet. Sheffield won the Class 4A 110-meter hurdles in a time of 13.63 seconds and came back later in the meet to win the 300-meter hurdle event with a clocking of 36.34 seconds.

17

Katy seeks eighth state football title

An early-season loss (24-7) to The Woodlands had the Tigers off the radar screen for a while and head coach Gary Joseph had no problem with less attention. Katy rolled into the state semifinals with a 45-17 victory over previously unbeaten Manvel in the regional title game.

Pearland/Atascocita advance

Both schools advanced to the Class 5A state baseball tournament and each lost in the state semifinals. For the first time since 2009, a Houston team didn’t advance to the 5A championship game.

Summer Creek’s 4x400 relay wins gold

The Summer Creek 4x400 relay team of Sydney Washington, Damian O’Neal, Dominique Lang and Aaron Sharp won a gold medal at the state track meet with a time of three minutes, 16.46 seconds. Sharp also won a silver medal in the 200-meter dash.

Yates win district in volleyball

Eight consecutive victories to open district play led the Lady Lions to a district championship.

The Yates varsity squad reeled off eight consecutive victories to begin the season and went through the first half of district play unbeaten.

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18

DEFENDER | DECEMBER 25 | 2015

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newstalk

Supporters fought to keep HISD from tearing down the Wheatley/ E.O. Smith school building.

Community members angered by HISD’s school closure proposal wanted the district to fire Superintendent Terry Grier.

Robbie Tolan continued his quest for justice after a Supreme Court ruling.

Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band performed in downtown Canton.

Top 10 Local Stories... Continued from page 4 Aug. 7 marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Leland, who died in 1989 at the age of 44. Leland was leading a relief mission to Ethiopia when his plane crashed into a mountainside, killing everyone on board. As the representative of Houston’s 18th Congressional District, Leland focused on issues such as health care and hunger, and was chairman of the House Select Committee on Hunger. Leland grew up in Fifth Ward and graduated from Wheatley High School. His legacy also lives on in the Kibbutzim Internship Program he co-founded.

Coalition fights for Wheatley

The Historic Wheatley/E.O. Smith Preservation Coalition fought to preserve a piece of Fifth Ward history located at 1700 Gregg Street. The coalition, which consists of school alumni and concerned citizens, opposed HISD’s decision to demolish the building that once housed Wheatley and E.O. Smith Middle School.

HISD planned to demolish the vacant structure and use the property as part of the new Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy campus. District officials said the building was no longer suitable for a 21st century education. Demolition of the building started and stopped after a temporary injunction preventing HISD from proceeding with demolition, a court-ordered

meditation and a lawsuit citing health concerns over asbestos.

HISD said that because of the delays, it would be unable to meet the construction schedule that would allow the academy to be built on the site.

Riverside Hospital struggles

Riverside Hospital continued to struggle with scandal and allegations of financial mismanagement. The hospital surrendered its substance abuse treatment license in August as part of a bid to stay in business in a severely reduced capacity. Losing its drug treatment license meant temporarily closing the Barbara Jordan Recovery Center on Lyons Avenue.

In October a federal jury in Houston convicted the former president of the hospital, his son, and two others for their participation in a $158 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false claims for mental health treatment. Earnest Gibson III, his son Earnest Gibson IV and Regina Askew, 49, a group home owner, were each convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to pay kickbacks, as well as related counts of paying and receiving illegal kickbacks. Robert Crane, 58, a patient recruiter, was convicted of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks.

All four are scheduled to be sentenced in February.

Texans elect new leaders

Texas Republicans continued their political dominance, winning all statewide offices in the Nov. 4 election. The Republican candidate for governor, Attorney General Greg Abbott, defeated Democratic State Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth with 59 percent of the vote. Abbott will replace Rick Perry, the longest-serving

Ovide Duncantell saw his dream of a statue honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. come true.

governor in Texas history, who has held the office for 14 years.

Abbott’s platform included ending Obamacare, defending voter ID laws and safeguarding Texas consumers.

Houston State Sen. Dan Patrick was elected lieutenant governor, defeating San Antonio State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte with 58 percent of the vote. George P. Bush, the nephew of former President George W. Bush, was elected land commissioner. Other statewide winners included U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Ken Paxton for attorney general, Glenn Hegar for comptroller, Sid Miller for agriculture commissioner and Ryan Sitton for railroad commissioner.

Houstonians call for solidarity

As part of a new Civil Rights Movement sweeping the country, Houston activists and community members called for solidarity in support of the fight against police brutality. Houstonians participated in vigils, marches and town hall meetings. They carried signs that read “I can’t breathe” and “Black lives matter.”

Young demonstrators held a protest at Texas Southern University, and came together on the campus to demand accountability. Students and supporters marched from the flagpole to TSU’s student center chanting, “Hands up, don’t shoot.” During a die-in, protesters lay on the ground as a symbol of solidarity for Eric Garner, Michael Brown and other unarmed Blacks who have been killed by police officers. Speakers emphasized action items such as signing petitions and continuing protests so that law enforcement is held accountable.

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DECEMBER 25 | 2015 | DEFENDER

national

Ebola was transmitted to America after the first U.S. case was confirmed in Dallas.

med e after an ar a major issu e m ca be y securit White House e it inside. ad m er ud intr

Immigration wa s at the forefro nt again after Pr executive orde esident Obam r. a’s

19

d by was commende ral Eric Holder tion. na sig re s hi Attorney Gene g cin a after announ am Ob t en id Pres

Top 10 National Stories... Continued from page 5

Obama issues immigration order

In November, President Obama announced sweeping changes to the immigration system via executive action. The most substantial change extends protection from deportation to about 4.3 million more unauthorized immigrants in the US. Immigrants will be eligible to apply for three years of relief from deportation, and work permits, if they arrived in the U.S. before 2010, and arrived in the U.S. under the age of 16; or arrived in the U.S. before 2010, and have at least one child who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident. As expected, the order was met with disdain from Republicans.

Midterm election results

President Obama wasn’t on any of the ballots, but the 2014 midterm elections turned into a referendum on his performance in office. Voters gave Republicans the Senate majority in a commanding sweep, as the GOP won nearly every contested race across the country, gaining governor’s mansions and adding to their majority in the House of Representatives.

White House security threatened

While the world’s focus was on security concerns in the Middle East, threats in the U.S. called attention to security concerns right at the White House doorstep and resulted in a Secret Service shake-up. Two of the security incidents happened in less than 24 hours. In the first incident, one man was carrying a weapon and made it into the doors of the White House. In the second incident, a man attempted to enter the White House by foot before he was arrested after driving up to a security barrier.

Eric Holder resigns

Attorney General Eric Holder announced that he was resigning after six years at the helm of the Justice Department. Holder agreed to remain in his post until the confirmation of his successor. President Obama praised the first African-American to serve as attorney general, who made civil rights and equal rights central components to his tenure at Justice. The president named a Black woman, New York Prosecutor Loretta Lynch, to be his successor. Lynch has yet to be confirmed.

ISIS crisis brews

It was a brutal year in Iraq and Syria, as the terrorist group from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), gained momentum and captured territory throughout the region, killing thousands along the way. The group posted online barbaric videos of beheadings. Two American journalists were among those executed. The U.S. continued to fight back through airstrikes on the group in Iraq and Syria.

Domestic violence at forefront

A viral video of NFL running back Ray Rice punching in the face his then fiancée, Janay, sparked a national conversation about domestic violence and brought the issue back to the forefront. But for many women it never left. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an estimated 1.3 million American women experience abuse each year. Janay Rice said all the media attention caused her family pain. She posted a message on her Instagram account calling the incident a nightmare. “…To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret every day is a horrible thing,” she said.

NAACP names new president

William Cornell Brooks was named president and CEO of the NAACP, replacing Ben Jealous. He became the 18th person to oversee operations at the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization in its 105-year history.

He said he looked forward to continuing the organization’s “important” work. “I am deeply humbled and honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead this historic organization,” he said. Brooks is an attorney, a longtime human rights activist and a fourth-generation ordained minister.

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

Project 14-11-10 RFP – Plumbing Supplies & Materials; Drinking Fountains - Parts & Repair Services with deadline of 10:00 A.M., January 15, 2015. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on January 8, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.



Project 14-12-11 – Project Title: RFP/Energy Management System – with a deadline of 1:00 p.m. January 14, 2015. There will be a pre-proposal meeting held January 7, 2015 @ 1:00 pm cst in conference room 2W26 in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. The address is listed above.



Project 14-11-09 RFP – Rental of Refrigerated Trucks, Bobtails, & Other Vehicles with deadline of 10:00 A.M., January 16, 2015. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on January 9, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSurplus.com.

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