Houston Defender: May 24, 2012

OPINION

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

NO JURY SERVICE, NO JUSTICE P11

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

Volume 81 | Number 30 WEEK OF MAY 24, 2012 | FREE

LOCAL

HOBBY AIRPORT will expansion benefit Blacks?

P3 ENTERTAINMENT OPINION

MARY J BLIGE performs at Essence Festival

P6 FEATURE RACES TO WATCH in May 29 primary

No justice, No peace

P1o

NAACP supports gay marriage

CHAG’S PLACE

Jennifer Holmes, Percy Creuzot III, Sheryl Creuzot, Gina Carroll at Hester House

P16

Benjamin Todd Jealous

The NAACP passed a controversial resolution supporting marriage equality, and President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous said it’s the organization’s legacy and responsibility.“Civil marriage, like all civil rights provided by the government, must be provided equally to all Americans,” Jealous said.

H Page 4

H Page 8

PV wins SWAC baseball title Prairie View A&M University defeated Mississippi Valley to win the SWAC baseball title. It’s the first title for head coach Waskyla Cullivan, who knew the Panthers’ aggressive style of play would give them a chance to capture the championship. “We have good athletes on the field who really run well,” he said.

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

Waskyla Cullivan H Page

14

2

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012

ontheweb

defendernetwork.com

Stay Connected! Experience the Defender on the world wide web.

Shopping while full-figured If you’re a plus-size woman, you might know all about getting frustrated when it’s time to shop. Check out how some full-figured women are dealing with shopping at

What to do this weekend

Anansa Sims, daughter of Beverly Johnson, is a plus-size model.

wwwdefendernetwork.com.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area. www.defendernetwork.com Keith Sweat headlines Fresh Music Festival at 8 p.m., May 26, at Reliant Arena.

Secrets behind ‘Jungle Fever’

Book TALK

It’s an all-time movie favorite but bet you don’t know the complete backstory behind what it took to bring “Jungle Fever” to the big screen.

Check it out at www.defendernetworkcom

Fiction’s finest: In Between Friends, author D.L. Sparks takes a look at what happens when two friends find themselves on the opposite side of the law. Will these former friends become deadly enemies? Check out the book at www.defendernetwork.com.

See more on: defendernetwork

To Better Serve You… Now You can pick up a Defender at Discover The Defender Pick up at these locations

• 5609 Uvalde Road • 3111 Woodridge Drive • 12035 Antoine • 2121 FM 2920 • 24224 Northwest Freeway • 5225 A Buffalo Speedway • 6102 Scott Street • 1701 W. Alabama Street • 22618 Aldine Westfield Road • 10100 Beechnut Street • 11815 Westheimer Road • 14498 Bellaire Boulevard • 8900 Highway 6 • 4724 Highway 6 • 12680 West Lake Houston Pkwy.

Defender

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

More time for summertime.

At HCC, we offer more classes with lots of flexibility so you can earn credits in less time and enjoy more summertime.

RegisteR todAy

hccs.edu/summer2012

Scan this code for more details

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk

3

Will Hobby expansion

benefit Blacks?

S

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

outhwest and United Airlines are each seeking to win over Houstonians to support their side of the proposed Hobby Airport expansion issue. The question is, how will such an expansion affect Houston’s Black community?

Andrew Burks, the first councilmember to endorse Southwest’s plan, believes the expansion will be good for Blacks and all Houstonians. A Houston Airport System (HAS) study favored the expansion saying it would create more than 10,000 jobs and put $1.6 billion into the local economy annually.

“There’s money going to be spent, and jobs to be won; maybe not 10,000 jobs as some are saying, but good jobs in hospitality, aircraft maintenance and other areas,” said Burks. “Any time there is an expansion and someone else is paying for it, it’s good for Houston.”

Houston’s City Council will have

investment, Southwest will the final say in the matter, have preferential scheduling with a likely May 30th vote to rights and pay no rent for its determine the fate of the issue. use of four of the five new Southwest seeks an international gates, and will international concourse to also pay no rent for its use of be built at Hobby in order the customs facility. to offer flights to Latin America. Mayor Annise For and against Parker recently announced “This will be financed her support for international with no city debt and no service, and released passenger facility charges,” details of a proposed explained Parker. “SWA will agreement under bear all the risk. “They will which Southwest also have to abide by our will cover all costs minority and small business related to the $100 contracting requirements and million expansion.

Hire Houston First policy.

The Councilmember Andrew Burks That helps guarantee our local Memorandum workers get a chance at the construction jobs. of Agreement requires Southwest to “From the beginning, I have said that my design and build five new gates and decision would be based not on what is best for a customs facility to the city’s one or another airline, but rather on what is best specifications. When for the city, the local business community and the finished, the city will traveling public. There is no question we have own the improvements done that,” Parker said. debt free.

The proposed MOA is subject to approval In return for its

by City Council and airline management.

Mayor Annise Parker

Continued on Page 13

localbriefs ALL HISD EMPLOYEES would receive pay increases ranging from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent in 20122013 under a budget proposal presented to the Board of Education for consideration. Superintendent Terry Grier asked the board to consider the pay increases in an effort to remain competitive with surrounding Houston-area school districts that have already proposed doing so. Under the proposal, teachers with 10 years or less of experience would receive a 2.25 percent pay raise. Teachers with more than 10 years of experience would receive a 1.75 percent pay raise……..LARRY GREEN RESIGNED as CEO of HoustonWorks USA. Green decided to return to the

practice of law and spend more time at City Hall where he serves as Councilmember for District K. “I have enjoyed being CEO of HoustonWorks for the last four years. It has been highly rewarding to put Houstonians to work during a time when unemployment was at an all-time high, and I appreciate having worked with such a dedicated staff whose commitment is to move families toward self-sufficiency,” Green said……..CITY OF HOUSTON POOLS will open in two phases. According to the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, 20 pools will open during phase one from May 26 through May 28. The pools will not operate during the week until the school term ends for the year and the

summer season begins. Phase two begins on June 5 when 18 additional pools open at the end of the school term. Visit www.houstonparks.org for more details……...RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY, nationally known author and Defender online editor, is making headlines with an unusual parenting technique. Billingsley’s daughter posted a picture of herself with a bottle of vodka on the photo sharing program Instagram. To teach her a lesson, Billingsley posted a photo of her daughter holding a sign which reads, “Since I want to take pictures holding liquor, I’m obviously not ready for social media and will be taking a hiatus until I learn what is and isn’t appropriate to post. Bye-bye.”

4

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

NAACP supports

same-sex marriage

T

of Obama’s staunchest supporters and gay marriage’s most vocal opponents. he nation’s oldJealous addressed the timest and largest ing of the resolution. civil rights orga“So what has really nization joined changed and why this statethe gay marment now?” he asked. riage debate by “What has changed is recently releasing a resolution that this is the first time that supporting marriage equality. we have made a full stateThe NAACP’s board of ment on marriage directors passed the equality that goes resolution as a “conbeyond the circumtinuation of its hisstances of any one toric commitment” to proposed law or any equal protection under one state. We feel the law. it is important that “We make this everyone understand statement today be“The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our commitment to cause it is the legacy our objective to ensure the ‘political, educaequality under the and responsibility of tion, social and economic equality’ of all people.

Constitution and to the NAACP to speak Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will marriage equality up on the civil rights continue to oppose any national, state, local specifically.” issues of our times,” policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify The NAACP said President and discrimination or hatred into the law or to renoted that it has adCEO Benjamin Todd move the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens. dressed civil rights Jealous.

We support marriage equality consistent with with regard to mar“We are both equal protection under the law provided under riage since Loving proud of our histhe Fourteenth Amendment of the United States v. Virginia declared tory and challenged Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the anti-miscegenation by it – challenged to religious freedoms of all people as protected by laws unconstitutionnever allow threats to the First Amendment. al in 1967. In recent equality for all people years, the organizaunder the law to go tion has taken public uncontested.” positions against Roslyn M. Brock, state and federal chairman of the efforts to ban the NAACP board of rights and privileges directors, agreed with for LGBT citizens.

Jealous.

Those positions include “The mission strong opposition to Propoof the NAACP has sition 8 in California, the always been to Defense of Marriage Act, ensure political, and most recently, North social and ecoDefender News Services

nomic equality of all people,” she said. “We have and will oppose efforts to codify discrimination into law.”

The NAACP took the position after President Barack Obama announced his support of same-sex marriage. Much attention has been focused on the reaction of the Black church, which includes some

What the NAACP resolution says

NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous says civil marriage is a civil right.

Continued on Page 5

THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF SECTION 5 of the Voting Rights Act was recently upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In the case of Shelby County, Alabama vs. Holder, the court rejected an argument that did not support the reauthorization of the act. “The court properly found that this key provision of the Voting Rights Act is still needed to ensure that minorities can fully exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination,” said Barbara R. Arnwine, director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Originally enacted in 1965, Section 5 requires that states and localities with a history of voting discrimination submit any changes in their voting practices and procedures for federal review before putting them into effect........MORE THAN 2,000 PEOPLE FALSELY CONVICTED of serious crimes have been exonerated nationwide during the past 23 years. That discovery is found in the National Registry of Exonerations, a new joint project of the University of Michigan Law School and the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University School of Law. Texas is number three on the list of the 10 states with the most exonerations. “It used to be that almost all the exonerations we knew about were murder and rape cases. We’re finally beginning to see beyond that,” said Michigan Law professor Samuel Gross. The registry, available at exonerationregistry.org, will be updated on an ongoing basis……..CARJACKING VICTIM Rev. Marvin Winans said he was dismayed by the attack. “I’m just saddened that it has come to this,” Winans said. “This kind of nonsense just has to stop. It’s just the savageness of what’s happening in the street.” Winans, a popular Detroit pastor and member of the Winans gospel music family, was attacked and robbed while pumping gas in broad daylight. Three young men were later arraigned in the assault.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 30 WEEK OF MAY 24, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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

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

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | DEFENDER

NAACP...Continued from page 4 ....

Carolina’s Amendment 1, which changed the state constitution to prohibit same sex marriage.

Jealous discussed attempts to deny marriage equality.

“Civil marriage is a civil right and a matter of civil law,” he said. “The NAACP’s support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people.

“The well-funded right wing organizations who are attempting to split our communities are no friend to civil rights, and they will not succeed.”

Jealous called marriage equality one of the key civil rights struggles of our time.

“We at the NAACP understand that with all such struggles, there are conversations that happen at dinner tables, among families, and across our communities,” Jealous said.

“These conversations are between good people who are looking to their own hearts to figure out what to believe and how to act. We respect that this is how change is ultimately made. Indeed it is the context in which the NAACP has fought for civil rights throughout our history.

“Civil marriage, like all civil rights provided by the government, must be provided equally to all Americans. The NAACP has been making the case for equality for 103 years, and we will continue to do so throughout our Association’s second century,” Jealous said.

Black pastors disagree with NAACP Defender News Services

The Coalition of African American Pastors, an organization based in Memphis, announced that it does not agree with the NAACP’s decision to endorse the legalization of samesex marriage.

“The NAACP has abandoned its historic responsibility to speak for and safeguard the civil rights movement,” said CAAP Founder and President William Owens.

“We who marched with Rev. King did not march one inch or one mile to promote same-sex marriage.”

CAAP says it believes gay Americans should have equal civil rights, but that it does not believe there should be a right to legally marry someone of the same sex.

Enter for the chance to win* a Brasil fantasy trip for 4, courtesy of Delta Air Lines and Pestana Rio Atlantica Hotel! To enter, text BRASIL to 62297 or visit macys.com/brasilsweeps.

5

A MA G I C A L J O UR N E Y

*Standard data and text rates may apply; see below for details.

MEMORIAL DAY SALE 25%-5O% OFF STOREWIDE PLUS, TAKE AN EXTRA 15% OR 1O% OFF† WITH YOUR MACY’S CARD OR PASS †EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE PASS.

SPECTACULAR SPECIALS TODAY, THURSDAY, MAY 24 FREE ONLINE SHIPPING EVERY DAY + EXTRA 15% OR 1O% OFF! Free shipping with $99 purchase.

Use promo code: MEMDAY for extra savings; offer valid 5/23-5/28/2012.

Exclusions apply; see macys.com for details.

WOW! PASS EXTRA SAVINGS ON ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL!

(EXCEPT SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS)

EXTRA 15% OFF

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL FOR HIM, HER & KIDS, PLUS FINE & FASHION JEWELRY & INTIMATES EXTRA 1O% OFF ALL SALE & CLEARANCE WATCHES, SHOES, HANDBAGS, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES; SUIT SEPARATES & SPORTCOATS FOR HIM AND SELECT HOME ITEMS Excludes: Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, electrics/electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services, macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/ coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account.

EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. OR TEXT “CPN” TO MACYS (62297)

VALID 5/23-5/28/2012

MEMORIAL DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 5/23-5/28/12. ➤*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 48 United States (& DC) who are 18 and older. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 7/15/12. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit macys.com/brasilsweeps Sponsor: Macy’s Corporate Services, Inc. OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible. N2040190 N2040190S.indd 1

5/17/12 9:17 AM

6

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Essence Music Festival expands to 4 days

T

Defender News Services

he traditional three-day Essence Music Festival is now expanding to four days, and will be held July 5-8 in New Orleans.

Performers include Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Charlie Wilson, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Trey Songz and Fantasia.

Gospel stars present will include Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, MaryMary, Fred Hammond, Kim Burrell, Tramaine Hawkins and Israel Houghton.

The festival kicks off Thursday, July 5, with an all-day youth empowerment experience at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and culminates with a youth concert that night at the Louisiana Superdome.

Young performers will include hip-hop’s Diggy Simmons, R&B pop group the OMG Girlz and New Orleans’ marching band the Roots of Music.

In addition, Doug E. Fresh will host a block party in Champions Square each night before the main stage concerts. The event is free to the public and will feature MC Lyte, DJ Spinderella and local acts Kourtney Heart, Dee I and F. Stokes.

“The Essence Music Festival has always been more than just music. It’s a forum to transform lives by the power of our voice to celebrate our community through music, entertainment and empowerment,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications.

“We are deepening our youth empowerment day to the festival to focus on the matters that are most critical to our next generation, and we are celebrating their voice with our first ever youth empowerment concert at the Superdome.

“We heard consistent feedback from our audience that they wanted more and we’re delivering in our festival expansion.”

Sponsored by Coca-Cola, My Black Is Beautiful, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, Verizon, Capital One and the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, the Youth Empowerment Experience will invite youngsters from the New Orleans area to participate in two programs: the Saving our Sons mentoring initiative and the Girl Up NOLA initiative.

Saving Our Sons is a call to action for the community to invest in the lives of young men to prevent violence and the high crime rate in New Orleans and other cities.

Girl Up NOLA furthers the personal growth of young women by building connections with positive

Mary J. Blige

Trey Songz

role models and increasing access to resources available within their communities.

Now in its 18th year, Essence festival drew a crowd of more than 422,000 attendees last year. It is the nation’s largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture.

Essence Communications is dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online.

For information on ticket sales and accommodations, and the latest news about the festival, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com.

MaryMary

What’sup THE LATE DONNA SUMMER’S funeral service was a private family affair. The Queen of Disco died May 17 of lung cancer at age 63 in Naples, Fla. She did not smoke. On the day of Summer’s death her record label, Universal Music, issued a statement which said: “Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy.” Summer released a string of dance hits in the 1970s, including “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls.” She was born in 1948 in Boston. Her first hit was “Love to

Love You.” She is survived by her husband, Bruce Sudano, their daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda, and her daughter from a previous marriage, Mimi…….

DONALD DRIVER took home the mirror ball trophy as the winner of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” He outlasted such celebrities as GLADYS KNIGHT, JALEEL WHITE and SHERRI SHEPHERD. Driver, a Green Bay Packers star receiver, is a Houston native and Milby High School graduate……..ARSENIO HALL beat out 17 other competitors to emerge as the winner on “Celebrity Apprentice,” the Donald Trump reality show on NBC. Hall and “American Idol” finalist Clay Aiken were

the last two celebrities standing. Hall won several hundred thousand dollars for his charity, the Magic Johnson Foundation. Hall is best known for his talk show which ran between 1989 and 1994. He hopes his new title will lead to another big gig.……...

RIHANNA fans might be disappointed to know that the big-budget film “Battleship” grossed a dismal $25.3 million during its opening weekend. The singer made her big-screen debut in the movie, which cost $209 million to produce. The superhero film “The Avengers” dominated the international box office for the third straight week. SAMUEL L. JACKSON portrays General Nick Fury in the hit movie.

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

T:9.75”

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | DEFENDER

7

Far away just got a little

With more cargo room, connectivity and 42 MPG 1 highway to get you closer to everything you love.

(1) EPA EstimAtEs. ChEvrolEt is A rEgistErEd trAdEmArk of gEnErAl motors. ©2011 gEnErAl motors. All rights rEsErvEd.

The Chevrolet Cruze Eco. Chevy Runs Deep.

(1) EPA EstimAtEs. ChEvrolEt is A rEgistErEd trAdEmArk of gEnErAl motors. ©2011 gEnErAl motors. All rights rEsErvEd.

T:13”

CLOSER

8

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

cover

A member of the New Black Panther Party expresses his opinion with a sign.

No jus

No pea

What’s next in the Ho

C

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

ommunity leaders, activists and concerned citizens are searching for answers and justice in the wake of the acquittal of former Houston police officer Andrew Blomberg.

Charged with official oppression, a misdemeanor, Blomberg was recently found not guilty by an allwhite jury even though he and other former HPD officers were videotaped beating and kicking then 15-year old Chad Holley, a burglary suspect who surrendered after being chased.

Statements denouncing the verdict along with meetings seeking justice strategies continue as the three other officers involved in the March 2010 beating – Drew Ryser, Philip Bryan and Raad Hassan – wait for their trial dates to be set.

Robert Muhammad, head minister of Muslim Mosque No. 45, said outraged citizens plan to organize the community for a protracted struggle to bring about real justice.

“Real justice means systemic change that will not ever allow police to beat suspects, or for there to be all-white juries, or for those who committed felonies to be charged with misdemeanors, or allow for the hopelessness and helplessness that leads to frustration which causes a breakdown in civility and social order,” said Muhammad.

Justice ‘is not blind’

Holley’s lawyer, former Houston City Attorney Benjamin Hall III, said in a statement after the trial that the Blomberg verdict reveals a flaw in the judicial system.

National Black United Fund Chairman Kofi Taharka speaks prior to being arrested for blocking the entrance to the DA’s office.

“Today’s ‘not guilty’ verdict in the Chad Holley case does not rectify a wrong that this entire city has witnessed over the last two years,” Hall said. “The verdict exposes a shortcoming in our judicial system when an out-of-control police officer is permitted to escape criminal consequences for his actions.

“The public loses respect for a system of justice that treats non-police officer suspects differently than police officer suspects. Justice is clearly not blind in Houston, Texas. She appears to wear a badge and

blue uniform while peeping behind her blindfold,” Hall said.

Hall further stated that the Holley family requested the U.S. Justice Department to intervene, in addition to Holley filling a federal civil rights suit against Blomberg and the three other officers involved.

Houston Congressman Al Green met with Justice Department officials requesting they investigate the case.

Comparing the Holley video to the 1991 video of the Rodney King arrest and beating, Green said: “Although I support the Houston Police Department, I do not support what I saw on the video of Chad Holley’s arrest…

Chad Holley and his family deserve a fair and just federal civil rights investigation.

“The Houston Police Department deserves a fair and just federal civil rights investigation. We must not allow the actions of some officers to become the image of the entire department,” Green said.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

9

rpage

Deloyd Parker, executive director of SHAPE Community Center, speaks in front of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

stice,

Photos

by Bob Levey

ace

olley police trial?

Legally speaking

One area of frustration for those unhappy with the Blomberg verdict was the all-white jury that rendered it. According to Texas Southern University law professor Marcia Johnson, the time for challenging such a jury based on the “jury of your peers” has passed.

“There is a long standing rule that provides that jurors cannot be stricken solely on the basis of race. If, during the trial, one of the attorneys makes a challenge based on that rule [called a Batson challenge] they must argue that the opponent used its challenges to strike every prospective juror because of his or her race,” said Johnson.

“To my knowledge there was no Batson challenge made in the Blomberg case, so that if there was such an error, it has likely not been preserved for appeal. In other words, if you don’t make a timely challenge, it is waived and not available to the appellate court’s review.”

The day after the verdict,

protests erupted in front of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. After activists met with Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos to discuss what they deemed a systemic pattern of gross miscarriages of justice, some were arrested for obstructing the lobby of the DA’s office.

In a statement released by Lykos, she warned future protesters to stand down.

“Should anyone wish to meet with me, there is an appropriate manner in which to schedule it. I expect people to treat the dedicated professionals in my office with respect. I will not permit any group to occupy our office. I will not allow the administration of justice to be held hostage. I will not capitulate to threats,” said Lykos.

Regarding the Blomberg verdict affecting the three remaining trials, Johnson says, “The question is whether a Harris County jury can be impaneled that does not have preconceived biases about the pending cases.”

Organization needed

Since the initial shows of outrage, community members participated in a town hall meeting at SHAPE Center to discuss what’s next in their quest for the justice they assert was denied with Blomberg acquittal.

Muhammad is not optimistic about a different outcome for the three remaining former officer trials.

“The community’s feeling, reflective in comments I’ve heard, is ‘Here we go again. Justice will not be served. Who do you believe; the system or your lying eyes after seeing the video?’ ” Muhammad also shared his opinion on the role

Demonstrators such as Mama Denver seek justice in the Chad Holley case. Photos by Bob Levey

e Houston area for over 80 years

of police officers.

“The police were not invented to serve and protect,” Muhammad said. “Their historical founding was to catch runaway slaves, or to enforce the involuntary servitude clause in the 13th Amendment to either throw Blacks off or keep them on the sharecropping plantations because of debts owed to post-Civil War southern landowners.

“Then, their role moved to enforcing Jim Crow, carrying out the war on drugs which was a war on our communities, and the war on terror to stifle dissent of anyone gathered to express grievances with our government. The system is working as it was designed,” he said.

According to Muhammad, the meeting at SHAPE resembled a sausage factory, a process that was not pretty, but one that produced a favorable result.

“In the end a product came out that can be utilized by the community to redress our concerns and organize us towards real justice,” said Muhammad.

He would not give specifics, but said all involved were excited about the possibilities.

Meeting attendees urged concerned citizens to call D.A. Lykos’ office to demand that she reconvene a grand jury to charge Blomberg, Ryser, Bryan and Hassan with felonies rather than misdemeanors. Attendees also encouraged the public to visit SHAPE’s website (www. shape.org) for updates and to email suggestions for justice to shape@ shape.org.

“If we do all that we can to fix this system and it still doesn’t work, what then is our alternative?” asked Muhammad. “If not violent revolution, then perhaps we need to have a serious conversation about separation for Black people.”

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012

election

May 29th primary:

Races to watch Another interesting race pits AfricanAmerican lawyer Elaine Palmer against Anglo Judge Steven Kirkland for the 215th District judgeship. “Both are very qualified and the primary race would be one to watch,” Mitchell said.

Jones agreed. “The Kirkland/Palmer race will test the clout of the Democratic leadership in the Black community,” he said.

He added that Palmer is a political newcomer to watch. “Palmer has received the kind of coverage that has made her a household name,” Jones said. Her money and the high-profile endorsements for Kirkland heighten Palmer’s status.”

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

O

n Tuesday, May 29, Texans will go to the polls to vote in the Democratic and Republican primary elections.

The primary is occurring later than usual this year because of delays caused by the ongoing battle over the state’s redistricting maps. Voter turnout is predicted to be low due to the lateness of the primary and the fact that it takes place the day after a holiday.

In Harris County, there are 201 candidates vying for 99 offices on the Republican ballot, and 149 candidates running for 94 positions on the Democratic In addition ballot. The positions include Mitchell said the race federal, state, county and judicial for the Democratic Party chair offices. is another one to watch, and Numerous Africanfeatures incumbent Lane Lewis American incumbents are and challenger Keryl Douglas, State Rep. Alma Allen is running running unapposed in the for re-election. an attorney.

Democratic primary. They “May Walker, constable include Congressman Al Green, in Precinct 7, is the incumbent Congresswoman Sheila Jackson and is facing competition from Lee, County Commissioner El several other African-American Franco Lee, State Sen. Rodney candidates,” Mitchell said.

Ellis, and State Reps. Harold “Latonya Marie Allen, a Dutton, Senfronia Thompson and Prairie View alumna, is running Sylvester Turner. In Fort Bend for the justice of peace position County, State Rep. Ron Reynolds in Precinct 3. She’s an educator is also unopposed. and is running against the What are some of the races incumbent Mike Parrott.” to watch in which candidates face Mitchell said Erica Lee, Councilmember Wanda Adams is opposition? challenging Allen. the daughter of Sheila Jackson The Defender turned to two Lee, is another newcomer political analysts for the answer: Dr. Franklin to watch. Lee, a former teacher, is running for Jones, a professor and chair of political science at Democratic County School Trustee Position Texas Southern University, and Dr. Nathan Keith 6, Precinct 1. She is opposed by former City Mitchell, an assistant professor of political science Councilmember Jarvis Johnson and Dr. Reagan at Prairie View A&M University.

Flowers,CEO of CSTEM Teacher and Student

State Representative

Jones and Mitchell agree that one of the most intriguing races is in District 131, where State Rep. Alma Allen is being challenged by City Councilmember Wanda Adams. Jones said that of all the incumbents, “Alma Allen has the strongest challenger.”

In District 146, Jones said there appears to be “little drama in the biennial race” between State Rep. Borris Miles, the incumbent, and challenger Al Edwards, who held the seat before being defeated by Miles.

In District 147, incumbent State Rep. Garnet Coleman is opposed by Ray Hill.

District Judge

Support Services.

Jones said that outside of Houston, one of the most interesting races is that for the new congressional seat in the Metroplex.

“Fort Worth State Representative Marc Veasey is the major African-American candidate in a crowded Democratic primary,” Jones said.

“He was a leading critic of the Republican redistricting plans and favored a plan that created an African-American seat in the Metroplex. His top opposition is a more conservative Hispanic candidate.”

The Republican side

Though African Americans traditionally

defendernetwork.com

Tips for Texas voters Voters in the May 29 primary are encouraged to know the facts before casting their ballots. Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade is making every effort to spread the word.

“Through voting Texans can make their mark on the future of our great state, so it’s vital that those who are eligible participate in our elections,” Andrade said. “That’s why my office is working so hard to educate Texas voters on the voting process and providing the resources and information necessary to vote.”

Andrade said retrieving that information is just a click away.

“Anyone with questions about voting or the elections process can find all the information they need at www.votetexas.gov, including whether they’re registered to vote, how to register to vote, their rights as a voter, what to bring with them to the polls and much more,” she said.

Andrade also has advice for Texans who might be confused about the voter ID issue.

“One of my most important messages during the May 2012 primary elections is photo identification requirements passed in Senate Bill 14 don’t apply in this election,” Andrade said.

“Current law applies, meaning voters only need to bring their voter registration card to the polls. Voters who don’t have their card handy can also present other forms of permissible identification, a list of which can be found at www.votetexas.gov.

“But I must reiterate, no photo ID is required in the May elections.”

In lieu of a voter registration card, voters should submit at least one of the following: • A driver’s license or personal identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Voters can also bring a similar document issued by an agency of another state, even if the license or card has expired • A form of identification that contains a voter’s photograph and establishes identity • A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes identity • United States citizenship papers • United States passport • Official mail addressed to a voter by a governmental entity • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows a voter’s name and address vote and run for office as Democrats, Mitchell and Jones said there are races of interest on the Republican ballot.

“The most interesting is probably Richard Johnson’s race for [Harris County Department of Education] trustee,” Jones said. Johnson, a local activist and educator, is running against incumbent Mike Wolfe.

Mitchell said that on the statewide level, the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Kaye Bailey Hutchinson is one to watch.

“The race between Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Thomas Leppert and Ted Cruz is particularly interesting due to the fact that there

are so many outside groups sending funding to the state,” Mitchell said.

He added that there are several judicial elections where conservative African Americans are running. “As Texas has a good track record in electing Black jurists to office, I hope that voters will look carefully at those races, particularly Frank Pierce who is running for the 129th District Court,” he said.

“Carl Pittman, an investigator in the Harris County Sheriff’s office, is an African American and running [for sheriff] under the Republican ticket,” Mitchell said. “He’s being endorsed by some highprofile politicians and law enforcement types.”

Keryl Douglas attempts to become the 1st African American to lead the Harris County Democratic Party Make History…Make Positive Change…Make Progress!!

Elect Keryl Douglas, the most qualified, capable candidate with a PROVEN track record in record voter registration, engagement, education, protection, and turnout. Douglas values the VOTE and the VOICE of ALL VOTERS. Keryl Douglas, a 30 year community organizing and empowerment advocate, has directly assisted in the election of Democrats from the Courthouse to the White House resulting in the election of more Democrats up and down the ballot; raised and managed significant project funding; hired and managed hundreds of employees; managed offices on the local and regional levels. Keryl is the mother of one son, James Matthew Douglas II, Former First Lady and alumnus of Texas Southern University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law; a member of Fountain of Praise Church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and an Attorney in Private Practice.

Pol Ad Paid for by Keryl Douglas Campaign, Dr. Anjanette Wyatt, Treasurer

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

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | DEFENDER

opinion

No jury service, no justice

By BILL FLETCHER JR. NNPA Columnist

I

Daryl Cagle Attribution Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com

Bible misused in gay rights debate

W

hen the verdict of not guilty was announced in the Andrew Blomberg trial regarding the beating of Chad Holley by police officers, the Black community was shocked, although many said it was consistent with the Harris County justice system.

Protesters took to the streets shouting “No justice, no peace!” The fact that we saw the videotape of the police officers beating and stomping this young man substantiated in our minds that an injustice had been perpetuated and the demand for justice appeared inevitable.

WRONG…the verdict was “Not Guilty.”

In anticipation of the other upcoming police officers’ cases, people are being encouraged to attend the trials and pack the courtroom. This action may be symbolic but how do we take action that will break the cycle of injustice Blacks and Hispanics continue to endure?

One simple solution to obtain justice is to increase the number of Blacks in the jury pool to serve on juries in Harris County.

Granted, prosecutors and defense attorneys will continue to remove some minorities using the legal process of “strike for cause.” But there is concern thattoo many Blacks remove themselves by failing to show up for jury duty – listing one excuse after another to get out of what some claim is a “waste of time.”

When you consider that jury duty is second only to military service in terms of service to our country, it is our duty to serve.

One law professor said this is a teaching moment, where the Black community should understand that more Blacks that show up for jury duty the more likely Blacks will be on the jury because only a few can be removed for cause under the law.

For those of you who have ever sat in a courtroom where relatives and friends were on trial and there were no minorities on the jury – you know the feeling.

Not that color is the only deciding factor but having somebody of color on the jury gives you a sense of comfort.

The Constitution says we are to be judged by a jury of our peers. Why were there no Blacks on the jury? Why were all Blacks in the jury pool disqualified?

The goal is to seek justice. One method of reaching that goal is to get more Blacks to show up for jury duty and serve.

In order to be called for jury duty, you must be registered to vote. No voter registration, no jury service, NO JUSTICE. Sounds too simple. It is simple. Let’s stop being reactive and take a proactive approach and pack the jury that makes the decision and not the courtroom audience awaiting the decision.

Register to vote, show up for jury duty, serve on the jury and seek justice.

No jury service, NO JUSTICE.

11

n the aftermath of President Obama’s statement in support of gay marriage there was a lengthy article in the Washington Post regarding the potential impact that this might have on his base.

The article included interviews with two African Americans, both of who had been Obama supporters in 2008. As a result of this announcement, one of them said that he is going to vote for Romney in order to be true to God. I found myself very perplexed by this statement. I want to make sure that I get it right.

This individual has decided that it is okay with God for him to vote for someone who wants to make the poor poorer, quite possibly take us into a war of aggression with Iran, and is, himself, a member of a religious sect that until not very long ago thought that Black folks had no place in their religion. Am I missing anything?

This character is illustrative of a much larger problem that needs to be addressed forthrightly. There is a very selective use of The Bible when it comes to addressing matters relative to women and gays/lesbians.

One such example that has been making the rounds on the Web has to do with Deuteronomy, and specifically, Chapter 22. If you are not up on Deuteronomy, among other

things it says that if a woman is not a virgin at the time of her marriage that she can be killed.

I found myself thinking about Deuteronomy in connection with the statement by the African American quoted in the Post. I asked myself, how selectively does this individual interpret The Bible?

Does this person, for instance, believe that we should currently implement that section of Deuteronomy? If not, why?

There is nothing new about selective interpretations of The Bible. Growing up, my father would regularly remind me that white supremacists claimed that Black people are the children of Ham and that we are Black because we are cursed.

My father would point out that it did not matter to them that The Bible does not say that. The white supremacists wanted to believe this and they would find a way to connect that with their interpretation of God and God’s word.

I find it very disturbing that people continue to hide behind The Bible in order to

justify their own set of prejudices and demons. Even otherwise very good people will offer a selective use of The Bible and I continue to find it very perplexing.

Consider, for a moment, the amount of time that The Bible places on the question of injustice and the plight of the poor. I may be wrong but I do not remember Jesus focusing a great deal of attention on who was marrying whom but it is clear that Jesus was very concerned about the poor and sick. He was very concerned about the money changers. And he was very concerned about the Romans who were oppressing the Hebrews.

What are we to make of those who have decided that gay marriage is the once and forever dividing line but can turn a blind eye to the forces in this society that ravage the poor and promote war?

What are we to make of those who have decided that gay marriage is against God’s word but are silent on Deuteronomy?

Just asking.

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

12 DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Miss TSU crowned Olivia Denise Turner was recently crowned Miss Texas Southern University at the 2012 scholarship pageant held on campus. Turner, a native of Fort Hood, grew up in California, and is junior majoring in mathematics with a minor in computer science in the College of Science and Technology.

She hopes to earn an MBA and become a mathematical operations researcher. She is a member of the Society of Urban Mathematicians, Habitat for Humanity, National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, Tiger Yearbook, Collegiate 100 Black Women and the National Society for Black Engineers.

BEST SEATS FOR $39.50 on Opening Night

Wells Fargo names chief compliance officer Defender News Services

Yvette Hollingsworth has been named chief compliance officer at Wells Fargo & Company. She will begin her new role on June 1, and succeeds Tim Marrinan, who announced his retirement last year.

Hollingsworth will be based in San Francisco. She most recently served as a managing director with Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank.

“We are delighted to welcome Yvette to our corporate risk team at Wells Fargo,” said Mike Loughlin, head of corporate risk. “Given the intensity of the current regulatory environment, it’s absolutely critical that we maintain a strong compliance team, and Yvette has demonstrated that she has the values, depth of knowledge and experience to effectively lead regulatory compliance for our company.”

Hollingsworth will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the company meet compliance management responsibilities and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. She has extensive experience in compliance and risk management, having spent some 10 years as a regulator with the Federal Reserve System.

She also previously served on the Supervisory Committee of the Federal Reserve Credit Union and as a board

member of the New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

She currently serves as a board member and vice chairman of INROADS New York/New Jersey Region.

Hollingsworth earned an MBA from Syracuse University and a B.S. from the State University of New York Institute of Technology.

Wells Fargo is a nationwide financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. It was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations.

Yvette Hollingsworth

JUNE 5-10 JONES HALL

TICKETS STARTING AT $35

Sponsored by

Follow us

713.227.4772 www.spahouston.org Presented by

Defender

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 | DEFENDER

13

Hobby Expansion... Continued from page 3 “Again, this is not about one airline over another,” said Parker.

“My goal is to ensure the millions of international travelers who pass through Houston receive adequate customs services no matter which airport they use.”

United officials counter that such an expansion would not only be detrimental to Bush Intercontinental Airport, but also to Houston’s ability to compete against other major cities for international flight traffic.

“It’s a policy change with the city of Houston to split the international traffic between two airports,” said Mary Clark, spokesperson for United. “It’s not about United and Southwest; it’s about the policy.

When you split the air

service, that makes Houston compete with itself rather than competing with Dallas and Atlanta.”

Southwest contends the expansion would benefit Houston in multiple ways, in part because of the city’s current successful airports.

“Perhaps more than any other city, Houston has been the beneficiary of a successful, competitive, and complimentary air service system,” said Southwest spokesman Paul Flanagan.

He cited Hobby’s location as convenient to the metro area’s burgeoning Hispanic population, making it a convenient gateway for persons wishing to travel to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central or South America.

disagrees.

“This isn’t about United competing with Southwest. We do that well and we do that every day, said Smisek.

“There’s plenty of room at Intercontinental, and the hub will lose a lot more service than Southwest could possibly bring.”

United recently released a report which contradicts the HAS study, concluding that dividing Houston’s international air service between Intercontinental and Hobby will result in a loss of 3,700 local jobs and $295 million annually.

Burks believes the only potential drawback to Hobby’s expansion could be Blacks’ inability to take advantage of the coming jobs.

“We may have a problem not being

Weighing information

Unlike Burks, Councilmembers Wanda Adams and Larry Green have yet to decide where they stand on the proposal.

Each stated they were still weighing the information presented from both sides, as is Councilman C.O. Bradford whose recent memo to Mayor Parker and Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz sought answers to infrastructure costs and other city obligations if the proposal passes.

Southwest officials charge that United’s main contention with the Hobby expansion proposal is having to compete with another international carrier.

However, United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek

offense,” said Burks.

Councilmember Melissa Noriega, chair of the Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee, said Houstonians have one last opportunity to voice their concerns on the issue by attending the City Council public session on Tuesday, May 29 at City Hall.

Noriega suggested those who wish to make public comments during the session should call the city ssecretary at 838-393-1100.

skilled enough to get the jobs. That’s my concern,” Burks said.

“Along with the potential airport jobs, the city has Rebuild Houston coming in January 2013 to replace and repair Houston’s 624 square miles of streets with construction work.

“So we know the jobs are coming but we’ve got to be skilled and ready, and take advantage of programs at HCC and other places to get ready if we’re not. A good defense is a great

Motown revue returns to Miller Outdoor Theatre Defender News Services

The 17th annual Dancin’ in the Street Motown & More Revue – a Memorial Day Weekend tradition at Miller Outdoor Theatre – takes place at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, May 24 through Sunday, May 27 at Hermann Park.

This year’s soul music spectacular pays homage to musical legends Etta James, Whitney Houston, Don Cornelius, Ashford & Simpson and more.

Performers include Anzeo David, Kai Hicks, Shawn Taylor, Phil Wade and Andrew Hayward.

Free tickets for the revue are available on the day of each show at the Miller box office between 10:30 a.m.

and 1 p.m. on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Patrons 16 and older can obtain four tickets per person.

For information call 713-483-0724 or 832487-4107.

MEDICAID AD RESIZE 4.79” X 3.25” Surprised? $50 or less covers all your children for one year.

CHIP covers prescriptions, dentist visits, eyeglasses, and more. See if you may qualify. Apply online or call 1-877-543-7669.

Family Size (Adults + Kids) Yearly Family Income Before Taxes

1

$

Up to 22,340

2

Up to 30,260

$

3

Up to 38,180

$

4

$

Up to 46,100

5

Up to 54,020

$

6

Up to 61,940

$

7

Up to 69,860

$

classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

8

Up to 77,780

$

www.CHIPmedicaid.org | 1-877-KIDS-NOW

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 # 12-04-16 –RFP/Identity Management System – with a deadline of 1:00 p.m.

June 13, 2012.

The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2E26 on May 30, 2012 beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Proposals are available www.houstonisd.org.

on

the

HISD

web-site

at

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.PublicSuprlus.com.

HHSC-0369_HoustonDefender_5n36x4.indd 1

4/11/12 4:08 PM

14

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

sports

Prairie View A&M Coach Waskyla Cullivan was named Coach of the Year.

PV captures SWAC

baseball championship

F

By Max Edison Defender

or the third time in university history, Prairie View A&M is the king of the SWAC baseball hill. The Panthers recently defeated Mississippi Valley 7-4 in the championship game at the tourney in Baton Rouge. It was the first time the Panthers have captured the title since 2007.

Fourth year Panther head coach Waskyla Cullivan captured his first title. PV senior catcher Evan Richard, who was 5-for-13 in the SWAC tournament with three RBIs, three runs scored and six base on balls and a 1-for-3 in the championship game, was named the tournament MVP. “It feels good to bring back another championship to Prairie View baseball,” Cullivan said. “We won championships in ’06 and ’07, but it just feels good to win another one.”

The Panthers finished second in the conference’s West Division, one game behind first place Southern. Cullivan knew that the Panthers aggressive style of play would give them a great shot to capture the championship.

“Pitching and defense wins championships in baseball,” he said. “We play small ball. We have good athletes on the field who really run well. We bunt runners over using that speed. We play team ball. We work a lot more on our onbase percentage as opposed to just batting average. We want to get on base by any means necessary.”

Having a quality pitching staff is always a plus for a team’s defense and the Panthers’ pitching has been outstanding.

“We have great pitching and great pitching depth,” Cullivan said. “We have good quality starters and relievers.

Derrick Mitchell is my number one starter and Daniel Castillo is our number one reliever. Castillo is a senior and in four years here he’s undefeated, which is absolutely incredible.

“That’s a big source of confidence for us because we know that if we have the lead late in the ballgame, Daniel will come in and either get the save or a win for us.

We were 20-0 this year in games that we were leading after six innings. We are fundamentally sound defensively. We have good speed in the outfield and infield and good range as well.”

Offensively the Panthers rely on Richard, the senior from Willowridge.

“Evan, a four-year starter, is our catcher,” Cullivan said.

“He does an outstanding job for us handling the pitchers.

He also hits in the middle of the line up and has one of the highest batting averages in the conference at around .450.”

The Panthers landed four players on the AllTournament team. In addition to .Richard, they include Castillo, Stef Hernandez (DH/pitcher) and James Fontenot (SS).

Coach Cullivan is proud to be a part of what has become an outstanding baseball program at Prairie View. He recalls with pride his relationship with former top cat Mike Robertson, the current head coach at rival Texas Southern.

“Mike Robertson gave me my first coaching opportunity in 2001 at Forrest Brook

High School,” Cullivan recalled. “We were there two years.

The second year we took that team – a predominantly Black team – to the state tournament.

[Robertson] went to PV in 2003 and I was the number one assistant and the recruiting coordinator for him there.

We had great success, going to the SWAC championship game four straight times…

“Coach Robertson accepted a new challenge moving to Texas Southern and I was able to get promoted to the new head coach,” Cullivan continued. “We have what I call a good rivalry with Coach and TSU. The first two years Michael Robertson and TSU beat Prairie View. The last two years we’ve beaten them. I think our record against each other is about .500 in the rivalry or series. He was a good mentor for me and I learned a lot from him and we’re both doing well.”

Cullivan has also learned well. He was named SWAC Coach of the Year.

The Panthers must now wait a week before they find out what region they will be invited to as they pursue a national championship.

Reliever Daniel Castillo has been “Mr. Reliable” for the Panthers.

Evan Richard (No. 20) was named tourney MVP.

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

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Pearland Lady Oilers quickly maturing “The energy level when we got on the bus was much better than before game one,” Clark said. “I don’t know if it was a school night versus a Friday night but I thought we had the proper mindset.”

Freshman Samantha Show tossed a complete-game shutout for the Lady Oilers although she wasn’t notified of her assignment until moments before game time. Haley Beam, 25-3, was the game one winning pitcher.

“In order to have our best chances at getting where we want to be, we’re going to need both of them,” Clark said. “Haley was men-

series by scoring in the bottom of the seventh in game three to take a 2-1 victory. The game-winning play took he Pearland High School place with the bases loaded and two Lady Oilers softball team outs. Alena Moreno hit a grounder will be making their fourth to Brazoswood first baseman Allison consecutive appearance Grier, who opted to throw home. in the Region III-5A championship Grier could have taken the series with a chance to make a fourth easy out at first, but instead opted straight trip to the state tournament. to throw home. Her throw was too Deer Park stands between Pearland late to get a sliding Kristen Cuyos, and a state tournament semifinal whose run broke a 2-2 tie and sent berth in Austin. the Pearland faithful into bedlam.

Pearland, 37-5, began the season “I think that’s just being in the with a young and largely inexpemoment,” Clark said. “[Grier] saw rienced squad that few if any gave Kristen break from third and the inconsideration to challenging for a stinct is to throw home. Fortunately, state championship. The it worked in our Lady Oilers won a state favor. There have title in 2010. been times when Head coach it’s worked against Laneigh Clark believes us.” the team’s success this There were season stems from the other key plays that group’s ability to mature extended the Pearlat an accelerated rate. and season against “Our young people Brazoswood. Cenhave matured and our terfielder Courtney older people have taken Sams, who made on mentoring roles to a lunging catch become great leaders for the final out in for our younger people game two with a and pick them up when runner in scoring Coach Laneigh Clark encourages the Pearland High School girls’ softball things happen,” Clark position, threw two team. said. “More than anyrunners out at the thing our maturity and plate in game three. our faith and belief in one another is tally exhausted and tired so I thought Freshman catcher Sydney what has improved the most through- if we put Sam out there it might give McKay absorbed two collisions out the season.” her some confidence as well as our at home plate and held on to the The Lady Oilers advanced to the team some confidence.” ball both times for outs. Pearland regional finals by sweeping its bestPearland jumped out to 3-0 recorded three outs at home plate in of-three regional semifinal series 2-0 first-inning lead thanks in part to a deciding game three. against Bellaire. Pearland defeated two-run home run by Show. “Being Beam was the winning pitcher Bellaire in the regional semifinals in a part of getting that lead enabled in both halves of the doubleheader 2009 and 2011. her to relax and not worry about any- sweep. In the seventh inning of the Yet despite winning game one thing other than making her pitches,” final game, she survived a basesby a score of 2-1, Clark wasn’t happy Clark said. loaded, none-out situation by coaxwith her team’s approach to the game Another example of Pearland’s ing Kellye Kincannon to hit into a and let them know about it. advanced maturity occurred in the 1-2-3 double play and retiring Sara “We have to realize that every regional quarterfinals when the Lady DeCarolis on a pop fly to shortstop team that advances this far is a qualOilers faced District 24-5A nemesis to end the threat. ity opponent and prepare ourselves Brazoswood in a best-of-three series “We owe it to the people in our accordingly,” Clark said. and survived two elimination games own district for us getting this far,” Following Pearland’s 7-0 vicafter losing game one 1-0.

Clark said. “Even the lower-tier tory over Bellaire in game two, Clark The Lady Oilers won a tense teams are better than some of the felt like her team was back on track. game two, 3-2, and then captured the teams that make the playoffs.”

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

T

WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012 DEFENDER

15

sportsbriefs Cy-Fair ISD achieves rare feat For the first time in the history of Cy-Fair ISD sports, four schools advanced to the third round of the state high school baseball playoffs. Langham Creek, Cypress Woods, Cy Ranch and Cy Creek accomplished the feat and gave their communities an occasion to savor. The foursome had to square off in two all Cy-Fair ISD playoff series with Cy Creek and Cypress Ranch advancing to the regional semifinals. Cy Creek swept Cy Woods 9-3 and 4-3 while Cy Ranch disposed of Langham Creek 5-4 and 4-0. Cypress Creek will take on Kempner and Clements will face Cypress Ranch. Fort Bend ISD had Clements, Kempner and Dulles advance to the third round of the state playoffs.

Deer Park 4-0 in series Deer Park was the beneficiary of four Katy errors and took advantage of the mistakes to pull out a 2-1 victory over the Tigers in a one-game regional semifinal playoff at the University of Houston. The Deer is 4-0 in one-game series during the current postseason. The hard infield at UH played tricks on both teams leading to a combined seven errors in the contest. Alexis Garcia opened the seventh inning with a single and eventually scored the winning run on Lindsey Warburton’s line drive off the pitcher.

Softball teams still playing In addition to Pearland and Deer Park, other Houston area high school softball teams in action include The Woodlands, Klein Collins, Montgomery, Little Cypress-Mauriceville and Danbury. Klein Collins and The Woodlands will tangle in a Region II-5A regional final.

Texans season begins with OTA The NFL pre-season begins on Aug. 11 and the regular season on Sept. 9, but the quest for success and a run toward the Super Bowl starts earlier for the Texans as they begin organized team activities (OTA). The entire team has come together for weeks of non-contact drills and practices. Coach Gary Kubiak is glad to return.“It’s just nice to get back,” Kubiak said. “We’ve had three weeks since we’ve been back where we had some field work, but we finally had a chance to come out here and put our helmets on and throw the ball around, that type of stuff. It’s good to get to work.” The biggest concern in OTA was the well being of quarterback Matt Schaub. “Matt is fine,” Kubiak said. “To be honest with you, Matt could probably do individuals, could do 7-on-7, but we’re just being smart with him.

When you haven’t passed a physical, you’re not going to step on the field. That’s where we are right now.” Finding depth at receiver will be a top priority.

Andre Johnson likes what he sees from the younger players.“I think they all have a lot of talent,” said. I think they all will be given a great chance and the coaches will decide who the best guys are, and they will be able to come in and help the team.”

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

16

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 24 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

Jennifer Holmes, Charles McCloud and Carol McCloud

Gwen and Dr. David Scott

Shareen Larmond, Dr. Mark Ryan and Daphne Bernicker

Alma and Dr. Vernus Swisher

Estella Wilkins, James Boykins and Marsha Williams

chag’splace

Gloria Dennis and David Benson

Jennifer Holmes, Percy Creuzot, III, Sheryl Creuzot and Gina Carroll

2012 Barrier Breaker Honorees Jeff and De Rose

Delsie Stoute, Thomas Meloncon and Otha Barnes

Kandyace Mayberry, Jonathan Joseph, Mildred and THE HEART OF FIFTH WARD…..Percy Creuzot III Billy Bright, Sheryl Creuzot, Gina Carroll and Carol hosted a cocktail reception at La Maison in Midtown and McCloud. We salute executive director Jennifer Holmes, invited some of Houston’s community leaders to join him board chair Charles McCloud and the entire board of and learn more about the Julia C. Hester House, located in the heart of Fifth Ward, Texas. Most Houstonians are quite directors for a successful event. Continued success!..... aware of the community center, but BREAKING BARRIERS…..Career this was an occasion to let everyone and Recovery Resources Inc. presented Join Yvette Chargois know about the latest and exciting the 2012 Barrier Breaker Award Events of the Week things going on. The organization Honorees, Jeff and De Rose, at a VIP More photos on defendernetwork.com has been serving the area since reception held at the Hilton Americas See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads 1943 and its mission is to enhance Hotel. This dynamic duo was chosen with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. the quality of life in Fifth Ward and because of their inspirational leadership surrounding community through in helping others overcome significant programs and services providing self-empowerment. Some barriers. Jeff is a managing director with Alverez of the attendees included David Benson, Helen Burger, and Marsal Financial Industry Regulatory Advisory Shareen Larmond, Dr. Mark Ryan, Daphne Bernicker, Services and De is the ancillary support manager with Jodie Jiles, Ron Hamilton, Kevin Hardman, Willie St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. The agency empowers Lotson, Rev. Harvey Clemons Jr., Marcella Foreman, job seekers with job readiness training, career guidance, Midge Claiborne, Willie Jordan, Charic Daniels, Denise job placement assistance, job retention counseling and Larmond, Sadie Rucker, Kathy Flanagan-Payton, employment-related supportive services. In the mix

were Alma Swisher, Sharmagne and Charles Taylor, Yvette and Brent Gilmore, Debra Washington, Louis McKinney, Sam Golden, Gwen and David Scott, Debra McGaughey, Arcasia Grant, Sherri Collison, Matt Musil, Bobbie Arrington, Jeff Berry, Beverly Harmon, C. Isidienv, Ian Sage, Eunice Cooks and Vesta Autry, to name a few. Kudos to Vern Swisher, CEO, and Dr. William Harmon, board chair. Congrats!.....TEA IN THE PARK…..Harris County Precinct One hosted their 2012 Spring Tea honoring our seniors. The annual event was held in the Mickey Leland Memorial Park and was attended by over 150 seniors from various community centers. Guests included Estella Wilkins, James Boykins, Marsha Williams, Thomas Melonson, Gloria Dennis, Otha Barnes, Delsie Stoute, Ruby DeLeon and many more. The seniors wore their fancy hats and brought their unique tea cups in hopes of winning the contest. Lunch was catered and entertainment was provided. Great party!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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