Houston Defender: June 28, 2012

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Texan Javonne Brooks-Grant the queen of Louisiana volleyball P14

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 81 | Number 35 WEEK OF JUNE 28, 2012 | FREE

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Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell

U.S. BRIEFS OPINION

CONDOLEEZZA RICE talks politics, presidency

P4 WHAT’S UP VIOLA DAVIS receiving Hollywood star

Facing the Future

P5 FEATURE

H Page 8

REV. ROBERT JEFFERSON

passes at age 70

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Obama warned of disconnect African-American newspapers have traditionally been some of President Barack Obama’s staunchest supporters but there is a disconnect in the relationship. Find out which organization is expressing its displeasure with Obama, why members are upset and what they want the administration to do.

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Támar Davis branches out Native Houstonian Támar Davis is enjoying a successful music career but she’s beginning to branch out into other areas that take her beyond the stage. Learn what’s new with the Grammy-nominated artist, see what she has to say about her famous musical mentor and find out about her next local performance.

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Michelle Barnes at Community Artists Collective event

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012

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Book TALK What happens when you find the woman of your dreams and it turns into a nightmare because of a secret she and her family have kept from you?

National bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley tackles the controversial topic of mental illness in her new book, The Secret She Kept. Find out more at www.defendernetwork.com.

What to do this weekend Looking for something to do this weekend? The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area at defendernetwork.com.

Secrets behind ‘School Daze’ It’s a cult classic, but there’s a whole lot you might not know behind the making of Spike Lee’s “School Daze.” The story at defendernetwork.com.

Bobby Womack performs at the Arena Theatre Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m.

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WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | DEFENDER

NAACP convention

newstalk

comes to Houston July 7-12

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

W

ith the 2012 presidential election serving as the backdrop, the NAACP will convene its 103rd Annual National Convention in Houston from Saturday, July 7 through Thursday, July 12 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Appropriately, this year’s convention theme is “NAACP: Your Power, Your Decision – Vote,” as the organization seeks to maximize voter participation in what some are calling one of the most important presidential elections in decades.

President Barack Obama is expected to accept an invitation to speak at the convention on July 12, the day after Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney addresses NAACP participants.

“We are excited to hold this year’s convention in Houston,” said Roslyn M. Brock, NAACP chairman. “In this election year it is especially important for us to come together and

discuss the challenges facing communities of color and the nation as a whole.”

With a slew of laws viewed by many as attempts at voter suppression, and other hotbutton issues such as Blacks and the criminal justice system, gay marriage, education, and healthcare, attendees look to come out of the convention on one accord, ready for November.

“This year’s convention will allow us to prepare for what we feel will be an all-out assault against the Black and Latino voting bloc in November,” said NAACP Texas State Conference President Gary Bledsoe.

“From voting rights attacks to institutionalized racial profiling programs to the gross disparities in the American classroom, we are in the midst of a coordinated attack on civil rights in this country,” said NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous.

“Our 103rd Annual Convention in Houston is an opportunity to set an agenda for how we fight back against these attacks and expand rights over the next 100 years.”

This year’s gathering will mark the fourth national convention held in Houston. The previous three were held in 1941, 1991, and 2002.

“The NAACP Houston Branch Executive Committee, executive director, our volunteers and the city of Houston are looking forward to hosting our….National Convention,” said Rev. Reginald Lillie, local branch president.

A schedule of events and

The Defender wins big at NNPA Each year, the National Newspaper Publisher Association recognizes Black newspapers across the country for their commitment, service and quality in delivering news to the African-American community. The Defender is honored to be recognized once again as one of the nation’s leading Black newspapers.

The A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards, sponsored by MillerCoors, acknowledged the Defender website as one of the top three Black newspaper websites in the country, along with the St. Louis American and the Los Angeles Our Weekly.

“The Messenger Awards are equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize of the Black Press, so this is the ultimate in recognition,” said Defender Media Group CEO Sonny Messiah-Jiles. “We have worked hard, studying what works, what doesn’t and how to best bring people the news in this ever-evolving digital era.”

“This is indeed an honor,” added Defender Online Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley. “We devote a lot of time, energy and effort into making sure that www.defendernetwork.com is up-to-date and allows the reader to get one-stop shopping in all aspects of news. To have recognition from NNPA is validation that we are on the right track.”

The Defender also won more NNPA Merit Awards than all the Black newspapers in the state of Texas combined. The five awards were: • First Place, Best Original Advertising – Twelve Taste of Christmas – KTSU-FM • First Place, Best Circulation Promotion • Second Place, Best Sports Section • Second Place, Best News Story – “Outraged” by ReShonda Tate Billingsley • Third Place, Best Feature Story – “Family Violence” by Marilyn Marshall The Defender’s print editor, Marshall said the recent recognition by NNPA is a continuation of excellence.

“The Defender is known throughout the industry for excellence in journalism,” Marshall said. “Under the leadership of Sonny Messiah-Jiles, we strive to uphold the rich tradition of the Black Press. Our readers look to us for timely and accurate information, and our dedicated staff is proud to deliver.”

“This achievement is the direct result of a team effort,” Messiah-Jiles added. “We especially want to recognize our Sports Editors Max Edison and Darrell Ardison along with ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Marilyn Marshall for their journalistic skills.

“Our overall staff’s dedication to consistently making the Defender a winner is the reason we’ve been able to stand as one of Houston’s leading information sources for the past 80-plus years.”

NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous Continued On Page 6

localbriefs THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE in the Texas primary runoff is Monday, July 2.

The runoff election is Tuesday, July 31. In order for residents to be eligible to vote, completed registration applications must be delivered to any tax office branch location before 4:30 p.m. on July 2, or mailed with a U.S. Postal Service postmark date of no later than July 2.

For more information contact 713-368-VOTE… …..SEVERAL HISTORICALLY BLACK HIGH SCHOOLS are among the 42 schools throughout Houston that would be rebuilt, renovated or renewed under a recommended bond package presented for the HISD Board of Education’s consideration. The board must

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decide by August whether to seek approval of the $1.89 billion proposal during the Nov. 6 general election. The bond package focuses heavily on high schools which were designed to meet the needs of students in the 1950s. The proposal calls for $1.67 billion to be spent on improvements. It would cover $577 million to completely replace eight high schools, including Madison, Sterling, Booker T. Washington and Yates. The proposal calls for $61 million to renovate or renew nine high schools, including Kashmere……..TWO PASTORS ACCUSED OF STEALING more than $400,000 from a Houston church where they once worked are free on bond. Charles Gilford and his wife,

Adriane, were freed after their bonds were lowered from $800,000 to $15,000 each. They were jailed after being charged with bilking Bethel Institutional Missionary Baptist Church out of more than $400,000. Prosecutors allege the Gilfords used church funds to gamble at the Coushatta Casino near Lake Charles……..THE SHOOTING OUTSIDE OF A NIGHTCLUB is still being investigated by police. Local rapper Trae Tha Truth was wounded during the violence in Southwest Houston. Three people were killed – Coy “Poppa C” Thompson, Erica Rochelle Diamond and Carlos Durell Dorsey.

Investigators believe Thompson was the target of the deadly shooting.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

Black Press warns

Obama of disconnect

A

By AKEYA DICKSON NNPA News Service

panel discussion at the National Newspaper Publishers Association annual convention titled “Get Out the Vote” should have been renamed “Get Out the Anger,” as newspaper owners expressed their strong displeasure over the Obama administration’s failure to accommodate the needs of the Black Press.

“We don’t think the president

has ever spoken to us. He’s spoken to the Latino community and he’s been specific,” said Robert W. Bogle, publisher of the Philadelphia Tribune and a former NNPA president. “This is the first president since Franklin Roosevelt that has not invited the Black press to the White House [for an interview].”

Although President Obama has met several times with Black newspaper publishers at the White House, he has never addressed an NNPA convention. The NNPA News Service has made repeated requests for a one-on-one interview with the president, but those requests have been denied.

Other African-American media outlets have had similar experiences. Heart & Soul, a health and fitness magazine for women of color, offered to place Michelle Obama on the cover but they, too, were denied an interview with the first lady.

Black media executives, many of them strong supporters of Obama, are puzzled President Obama has never attended an NNPA convention or given the Black Press a one-on-one interview.

by President and Mrs. Obama’s frequent appearances on late-night comedy shows yet his staff can’t – or won’t – find time for them to be interviewed by the Black Press.

Dorothy Leavell, immediate past president of the NNPA Foundation, which operates the NNPA News Service, and BlackPressUSA.com, said the last time the NNPA was granted an interview with Obama was before he assumed office.

“I have made several requests that we be allowed to have an interview. All 200 of us cannot get an interview with the president; that’s unreasonable,” she said. “But for a national organization such as NNPA to not be allowed to interview the president, that’s unacceptable.”

Disillusionment with the president and his staff is not limited to the Black Press, and includes some in the community.

“They feel that they’re being taken for granted, they don’t feel included,” said Jaime Cain, publisher of the Times Weekly newspaper in Joliet, Ill. “I’m hearing, ‘So when President Obama loses…’

This is what I’m hearing in the community.”

Continued on Page 6

Contempt charges against Holder called unnecessary Defender News Services

Attorney General Eric Holder contends that the Republican-led House vote on whether to find him in contempt of Congress is uncalled for, and supporters agree.

Holder labeled the decision to hold the vote “an election-year tactic” and “an extraordinary, unprecedented and entirely unnecessary action, intended to provoke an avoidable conflict between Congress and the executive branch.”

The vote centers on charges that Holder ignored a subpoena for documents concerning Fast and Furious, the botched weapons sting operation. If the vote is against Holder, it would be the first time a sitting

Cabinet member has ever been held in contempt of Congress.

President Barack Obama asserted executive privilege on some documents in the dispute, preventing them from being turned over on grounds they include internal deliberations traditionally protected from outsiders.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has led the action against Holder.

Yet the committee’s top Democrat, AfricanAmerican Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland, accused Issa of setting an “impossible Attorney General Eric Holder

standard” for Holder by initially demanding documents he is legally prohibited from providing. Cummings said now, Issa has “no interest in resolving” the dispute with Holder.

The NAACP said the contempt charge is unwarranted.

“The politicians behind these charges are the same ones who tried to add riders to the Department of Justice’s appropriations bill that would restrict resources to fight racial profiling and enforce voting rights and labor rights,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.

“These unwarranted charges are a distraction to the Justice Department’s work of defending civil rights. Too much is at stake to allow justice to be delayed or denied for the sake of political posturing.”

MILLIONS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS can breathe a sigh of relief for at least a year.

The Senate reached an agreement on legislation to extend the lower interest rate on subsidized federal student loans, which were scheduled to double on July 1. The $6.7 billion agreement would extend the current 3.4 percent rate on Stafford loans for one year. “We’re pleased that the Senate has reached a deal to keep rates low and continue offering hard-working students a fair shot at an affordable education,” said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney……...

CONGRESSMAN CHARLES RANGEL of New York won a Democratic primary victory despite a stiff challenge from opponents. Rangel, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, had to contend with redistricting which changed the demographics of his district........

CONDOLEEZZA RICE made her political views known during a recent PAC fundraiser in Washington, D.C. The former secretary of state called the upcoming presidential election “truly consequential” and a possible turning point for the country. “We’re going to strengthen ourselves, our democracy at home, we’re going to strengthen our economy, we’re going to do it with great leadership like the people in this room and like Governor Mitt Romney, who will be a terrific president,” she said. Rice has been mentioned as a possible Republican vice presidential candidate…….. THE SUPREME COURT struck down mandatory sentencing of life in prison without parole for juveniles. By a 5 to 4 vote, the court declared that automatically sentencing someone so young to a lifetime behind bars is cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment. “This is a big step forward for the American justice system,” said Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP. “When it comes to juveniles, life sentences without possibility of parole indeed constitute cruel and unusual punishment.”

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 35 WEEK OF JUNE 28, 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).

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WEEK OF June 28 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Támar Davis:

entertainment

Taking the music industry by storm

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

I

n 1990, 30 young girls gathered in Houston to audition for an allgirls group. Three were chosen to make up the group, which was to be called Girl’s Tyme – Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Ashley Davis.

The group worked long hours to perfect their craft, even going on the popular talent competition, “Star Search.”They lost, Ashley left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by childhood friend LeToya Luckett. While LeToya, Beyonce and Kelly went on to form Destiny’s Child, Ashley changed her name to Támar and went on to carve her niche in the entertainment arena.

The talented singer was able to perform for Prince in 1994, and he told her that one day when she was older, he wanted to hear her again. Meanwhile, Támar graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and then enrolled in Támar Davis is a Grammy-nominated singer from Houston. the University of Southern California In honor of Black Music Month, the Defender caught to study music. up with Támar to talk about her musical journey and what A chance meeting would once again land her in front of she hopes lies ahead.

Prince, who decided to take her under his wing and mentor Defender: How long have you wanted to be a singer? her. She went on to sing with him, and the rest is history.

Davis: I honestly had no desire to be a professional

5

Támar sings at local July 4th celebration Houston’s Támar Davis will be the opening act for country music stars Billy Currington and Sara Evans on the main stage of Freedom Over Texas on Wednesday, July 4, at Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou. It begins at 4 p.m., and Támar will perform at 5 p.m.

The event, which is Houston’s official Independence Day celebration, features live music, family activities and a fireworks extravaganza.

Tickets are $8 and free for children under five. Reliant is offering free and discounted tickets through July 3 at www.FreedomOverTexas.org. singer until I was 22 when I began singing background for Tamia on the Verizon First Ladies Tour. Experiencing the behind-the-scenes productions and the intense rehearsals with Fatima Robinson gave me such inspiration. To perform for thousands of people per night was exhilarating. Being Continued on Page 7

What’sup VIOLA DAVIS’ next major movie role could be Oscarworthy. The drama is called “Won’t Back Down,” and tells the story of two women who join forces to improve an innercity public school. FOX Studios reportedly has so much faith in the film that it has pushed its premiere date up to September, a more Oscar-friendly release date……..Davis is also one of 24 honorees who will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013. Other honorees include STEVE HARVEY, JENNIFER HUDSON, USHER and the late LUTHER VANDROSS. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce made the announcement at the site of the star-lined sidewalk.……..MICHAEL JACKSON was remembered by fans on the third anniversary of his death on June 25. Fans gathered at his Glendale, Calif., burial site and

left thousands of long-stem roses, along with teddy bears, posters and notes. Mementos came from as far away as Japan, Italy and Russia…….. Four of Michael’s brothers are currently on tour through July 29. JACKIE, JERMAINE, MARLON and TITO JACKSON kicked off their Unity Tour in Canada. Other stops include the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, where the Jackson 5 won an amateur night in 1969 before rocketing to fame. Younger brother RANDY elected not to join the tour. “We have a certain magic,” said Jackie. “Once we get out here and run it down a couple times, it comes back to you. I’m not [moving] like I used to, but we still got it.” The brothers’ ages range from 55 to 61…….. Rapper 50 CENT was rushed to the hospital recently after suffering injuries in a car accident on New

York’s Long Island. According to his website, the 36-yearold rapper was riding in his bullet-proof SUV when a Mack truck rear-ended the vehicle and caused it to nearly flip over.

He was treated for neck and back injuries and released.

The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, is ranked the fifth richest figure in American hip-hop with a net worth estimated at $100 million……..MATHEW KNOWLES received an honorary doctorate degree from Cornerstone Christian Bible College in Fort Wayne, Ind., and delivered the commencement address on “The Ten Point Protocol for Success.” Knowles was recognized for his “immeasurable contributions in the fields of culture, public service and the fine arts that have impacted numerous lives in exponential ways.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

NAACP... Continued from page 3 more information can be found at www. naacp-houston.org. Convention highlights include the following: • Commerce & Industry Fair, Health Fair, Retail Expo, Author Pavilion, & HBCU Fair (July 7-10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

• First Public Mass Meeting – Keynote Speaker: Roslyn M. Brock, chairman, NAACP Board of Directors (Sunday, July 8, 6-8:30 p.m.)

• Concurrent Mini-Summits on Education, Economic Development, Criminal Justice, Health & Voting Rights (Monday, July 9, 2:30-5:30 p.m.)

• Legislative Sessions – 2012 Resolution (Tuesday, July 10, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 3-5 p.m.)

• Career Fair (Tuesday, July 10, noon8 p.m.)

• National Membership Luncheon – Keynote Speaker: Julian Bond, NAACP chairman emeritus (Tuesday, July 10, 1-2:30 p.m.)

• Special Plenary Session on Civic Engagement – Keynote Speaker: Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney (Wednesday, July 11, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

• Gospel Extravaganza Featuring Yolanda Adams (Wednesday, July 11, 6:30-9 p.m.)

• Invited Speaker: President Barack Obama (Thursday, July 12, 9:30 a.m.-noon) • Community Service (Thursday, July 12, 1-4:30 p.m.)

• Freedom Fund Banquet & Spingarn Awards Program (Thursday, July 12, 7:30 p.m.)

Rev. Robert Jefferson passes at age 70

L

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

ong-time champion for justice Rev. Robert Jefferson died June 21 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of progressive service to Houston’s downtrodden and voiceless.

Jefferson is probably most known for his work with Ministers Against Crime, a group he co-founded along with Rev. F.N. Williams, pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

“He was my legs. He was my voice.

He was a friend. I really lost a friend,” said Williams.

Funeral services for the Louisiana native will be held at Cullen Missionary Baptist Church, which he founded in 1977. On Friday, June 29, the viewing is from noon-9 p.m., open expressions are from 6-7 p.m., and the wake is 7-9 p.m. The homegoing is Saturday, June 30, at 11:30 a.m.

Jefferson, along with his MAC colleagues, fought for justice for countless individuals and communities, from Joe Campos Torres, a Vietnam veteran who drowned after being handcuffed and thrown into Buffalo Bayou by Houston police officers, to Chad Holley who was videotaped in 2010 being beaten by HPD. As founder

of Sunnyside Up, Inc., a community development project, Jefferson was directly involved in redeveloping the neighborhood in which his church resides, advocating for affordable housing, youth mentors and other services.

Jefferson also served as second vice president and the director of Religious Affairs of the NAACP Houston Branch.

“When I think about Reverend Jefferson, I first think about the role he played bringing together ministers in the community to get things done, and the relationships he had with elected officials, HPD and others; able to bring everyone to the table to have conversations,” said local educator and activist Edward Fana Vincent.

“Secondly, he was always willing to open his doors to HIV/AIDS awareness events, health fairs, and anything that would help the community, including going to ravaged neighborhood to bring kids to church to start a choir. Rev. Jefferson wasn’t afraid of anyone – drug dealers, politicians, anyone – when it came to working for the community.”

Rev. Lloyd H. Crosby, pastor of Mt. Corinth Baptist Church, had been friends with Jefferson since 1980 and worked with him on MAC and The late Rev. Robert Jefferson

on Crosby’s radio ministry.

“MAC was really the heart of his ministry the past few years, dealing with the issues that were hurting particularly the Black community. I was scheduled to have lunch with him last Friday; he passed that Thursday, and caught us all off guard,” said Crosby, who plans to re-air some of the shows the two taped for KTSU. Most recently, Jefferson joined other MAC members who turned in their cityissued HPD ID badges in response to a new group formed called the Police and Clergy Alliance (PACA). They disagreed with some of PACA’s policies, especially one which states that members “will not hold press conferences/media briefings where the purpose is to condemn City Administration or the Houston Police Department.”

Jefferson viewed the policies as an attempt to muzzle discontent.

“The beating of Chad Holley was wrong and we must be able to say that. We are preachers and we have to stand for what is right,” Jefferson told the Defender in May. Though he had a formidable history of fighting for justice no matter how big the opposition, Vincent contends it was the little things that made Jefferson unforgettable.

“Whenever you were around him he would always make you laugh and feel special and recognized; and he appreciated you more if you wanted to do some real work for justice,” he said.

Jefferson is survived by his wife, Myrtle, four daughters and five grandchildren.

Black Press... Continued from page 4 being effectively communicated.

Sonny Messiah Jiles, publisher of the Houston Defender, said: “We’re trying to give you feedback from the ground up, this is not an attack. We’re trying to educate you on how to shape our message because right now your message is not coming through to our readers or

to the community. And in some cases, some of us aren’t clear on what your message is.”

She wasn’t the only one unclear about the message. “…This is a public relations nightmare that you’re hearing in terms of communication,” said Jim Washington, T:4.79” publisher of the Dallas

Weekly.

Shelton, who said that he is on Capitol Hill and in the White House at least once a week, said that he has also witnessed a breakdown in communications.

Leavell said the problem has to be fixed from the inside.

“They need some of us in the campaign.

LEGAL NOTICE

I don’t see anybody from my community in Chicago involved in the campaign downtown,” said Leavell, publisher of the Crusader in Chicago and Gary, Ind. “You better get out there. You better get us involved. I’m going to

vote, because I understand the importance of it. I know the sacrifices that were made.

But our young people don’t know, and will not come out if they are not involved. You need to get on the case,” Leavell said.

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T:3.25”

Obama will certainly lose if he does not maintain a firm grip on the Black vote.

That much was conceded by Broderick Johnson, a campaign senior adviser to Obama; Hilary Shelton, director of the Washington Bureau of the NAACP, and Julie Greene, deputy political director for the AFL-CIO. “I also honestly won’t apologize for defending the president’s record,” Johnson said.” So I’m okay with people saying you’re being kind of defensive about his record because I want to defend his record, that’s my responsibility. And I hope that I’m conveying that there’s a lot that the president is doing that needs to be articulated with your help in ways that your readers and your communities hear and appreciate.

So I hear you.”

But some publishers said that record is not

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Támar Davis... Continued from page 5

7

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Támar received her big break in 2005 when she worked with Prince.

an entertainer was not something I always wanted to be, per se. My parents never placed music full-frontal before me as a child. My parents were just supportive of my imagination, which happen to be huge. I always wanted to be a teacher or dancer and at the age of nine, I was the only African-American dancer accepted in the Houston Ballet at the time. Singing was not an option until I became a part of Girl’s Tyme, now known as Destiny’s Child.

Defender: How did you get your first break?

Davis: I always felt like I have been blessed to have a “first break.” My first break was working with Prince in 2005 as we went on an 11-city tour titled “Tamar, featuring Prince.” I performed a high-energy 90-minute performance and Prince was my “guitar player,” as he stated. We performed on “Good Morning America”, highlighting my original rock song “Redhead Stepchild” with a follow-up performance on “Saturday Night Live” singing our co-written, Grammy-nominated duet “Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed.” This song, as well as singing on Prince’s album “3121” placed my gift in countries as far as Norway to Japan and became a silent success with no promotion. To this day, people write in and say how that song is their “alarm clock.”

Defender: What are some of the highlights of your career?

Davis: My career always has highlights because as I travel, my mind is always racing about how music should be and how music really affects the soul. My highlights are new every day. My schedule is always unpredictable but I initially have to say, I am constantly in awe when people recognize who I am and my gifts especially amongst the youth. To see their faces while I’m out with my nephew or getting on an airplane and people calling relatives on the phone so that they can prove they met me, is beyond a highlight.

Now working with Tyler Perry (in the stage play “Madea Gets a Job”), the highlights are always fun because he’s fun and I enjoy working with him as an actress and learning how to remain in character on-stage with him. Now that’s a highlight!

Defender: What is your ultimate goal for your career?

Davis: My ultimate goal is to continue to break the routine of music and change the face of the music business and an indie artist. I am now venturing into philanthropic projects and producing the first Teen Empowerment Summit on August 25 with influential leaders and celebrities for the youth. Since its inception, my passion has expanded to being a philanthropist. I am a singer/actress forever and ever, but my philanthropic work is where I desire to remain. I would love to kiss and constantly see my Grammys in my own home and continue to bring newness to the entertainment industry. I just signed with an acting agency in Los Angeles and they seem to be more excited to get me working than anyone I have met. So lookout TV and film, here I am...

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

coverp

Pastor Kirbyjon Cald Facing the Future

Caldwell: What’s next for the church is the manifestation and fulfillment of our Ephesians 3:20 Project and I’m not at liberty to give you the details yet. Just stay tuned. On a personal note, what is next for me is I’m striving to become fter 30 years at the helm of Windsor Village even more the honorable husband, the faithful father and the United Methodist Church, Pastor Kirbyjon productive pastor. I want to maintain a healthy balance between Hines Caldwell talks about what’s ahead. these three roles in that order.

When Caldwell was appointed senior Defender: What are the challenges you foresee personpastor of Windsor Village in 1982, the conally and professionally? gregation numbered 25.

Caldwell: Personally,the challenges are maintaining that Today, it is the largest United Methodist Church in the nabalance. Life is material, life is dynamic and it is real easy to tion with more than 17,000 members. The fruits of Caldwell’s labor have produced groundbreaking ministries and life-chang- get out of balance. One of the critical keys of life is maintaining balance. When you talk about Kirbyjon the professional, ing non-profit organizations. you are talking about Kirbyjon the pastor. Leading a congregaCaldwell believes that the church must take the sanctuary tion the size of ours with to the streets, while embracing all the ministries and all of theology, identifying societal the community based acproblems and delivering solutivities is a challenge and it tions holistically. stretches me. So being the In an exclusive interview, pastor of Windsor Village Caldwell shares his thoughts stretches my faith on a and plans for moving forward. regular basis. But I enjoy Defender: Tell us your Family: Married to Associate Pastor Suzette Caldwell; being stretched. I enjoy thoughts related to your past father of Turner, Nia and Alexander; son of the late being challenged. I think 30 years and what you have Booker T. Caldwell and Jean Hines Caldwell your reach should always learned?

Education: Kashmere High School ; bachelor’s deexceed your grasp. You Caldwell: My 30-year gree, economics, Carleton College; master’s degree, can change without growtenure as pastor of Windsor business administration, University of Pennsylvania ing but you surely cannot Village United Methodist Wharton School of Business; master’s degree, theolgrow without changing.

Church has been an absolute ogy, Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Defender: What joy. There have been ups and Theology opportunities lie ahead downs for sure but the ups Board member: NRG Energy, Amegy Bank of Texas, for you personally and have been a whole lot higher professionally?

National Children’s Defense Fund, American Church than the downs have been low.

Caldwell: Actually, I am extremely grateful both Mortgage Company thirty days from now I will to GOD and the church family Media: Author, “The Gospel of Good Success,” have a history-making anfor allowing me to do what I (recently revised as “Be in It to Win It!”); co-author, nouncement for you. love to do with the people I “Entrepreneurial Faith;” featured in such national pubDefender: Education love so much. lications as Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World has been a cornerstone of What I have learned is Report and Fortune your community developone reality with two parts. A, ment. Talk about educathe quality of your life is a tion today and your advice direct function of your fruitful prayer life. B, the quality of your life is also a direct function of for parents.

Caldwell: I am not a historian. I am however a shade the people with whom you choose to have in your life. More tree historian and based on my cryptic reading of history, it specifically you want to make sure those people have character is crashingly clear to me that when the majority group in any and have competencies, which compliment your strengths and society wanted to cripple a group of people, they just made weaknesses. certain that group of people were mis-educated, undereducated So at the end of the day, if you can develop a powerful or uneducated. prayer life and have the right people in your life then your valSo I think it is absolutely critical for parents to underleys will be higher and your crooked places will be straighter. stand the value of education; for parents to make certain that Defender: What’s next for Windsor Village and Pastor their children know that their parents value education and for Kirbyjon Caldwell?

A

By VON JILES Defender

About

Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell

Caldwell, shown preaching in an early photo, became pastor of Windsor Vi

the parents to put their children on a path whereby their children are challenged to grow academically and attitudinally and never allow mediocrity to become the status quo. More specifically what that looks like is, parents go to your child’s school get to know you child’s teachers, let the teachers know you are involved in that child’s life, encourage that child to do homework.

When the child does his or her best, reward the child. Every student is not an A or B student. So if your child is doing his or her best and they are making Cs and they are doing their best then I think we should reward them for making Cs and not be fixed on grades but making sure they are making their best effort.

At the end of the day you can make great grades in school and not learn squat. So the goal is to learn and not necessarily make As and Bs. When we go to the barbershop or beauty shop we want to make certain we look like the money we paid. And if we are dissatisfied with the barber or beautician’s efforts, we let them know. Meanwhile however, we pay a ton of money in taxes and too many parents could care less about what their children’s education looks like. So it makes no sense to place more value on your hair than you do on your child’s education. Know what’s going on in the child’s classroom and demand accountability.

Defender: The economics of our community and its development have been a central focus of yours. What’s ahead and what should the community be doing?

Caldwell: I think effective education and effective economic development go hand-in-hand. One of the first things GOD told Adam to do was till the ground and guard it. In other words, turn off the television, get off your humpty-dumpty, and not just go to work but go to work and add value. Go to work and make a difference, go to work and develop a real estate I

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

9

page

dwell

illage in 1982.

The Kingdom Builders’ Center features a 7,000-seat sanctuary and Family Life Center. It is part of the Power Connection, which includes the Imani School, the Pyramid CDC/Power Center, Corinthian Pointe Residential Subdivision, Corinthian Pointe Commercial Park and Corinthian Village Independent Living Facility.

have given you.

So I think one of the keys for our community and particularly one of the keys for America in general going forward is to develop an effective educational product and learn how to create jobs. We can rant and rave and picket until the cows come home about jobs going overseas but the reality is if countries overseas can manufacture products and deliver services more efficiently than America can, then that’s where the jobs are going.

So, we need to close that gap and we can do so by improving our education system and learning how to work more creatively in job production.

Defender: What should the church be about the business of doing in the 21st century?

Caldwell: I think the church should be about the business of doing three things in the 21st century. Number one, usher in the kingdom of GOD. Number two, usher in the kingdom of GOD on earth as it is in heaven. Number three, usher in the kingdom of GOD on earth as it is in heaven with purpose and passion. Jesus talked about the kingdom more than he talked about anything else. So if Jesus focused on the kingdom then the church should focus on the kingdom. I want to take the opportunity to salute and applaud all the churches that are doing their part to represent the kingdom right here on earth as it is already done in heaven.

Defender: Any closing comments?

Caldwell: I’ll just keep it personal. I will be 60 years old next year and during this particular season of my life my physical energy level in conjunction with my level of wisdom has never been higher. As a result, I am learning to lead forward while thinking reflectively. I want to encourage everyone in my age group to take advantage of this special season we are enjoying right now and do all we can to impact the world in which we live.

e Houston area for over 80 years

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

opinion

Mitt Romney

gets a free pass

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist

O

(NALEO), Obama said, “When I meet these young people, all throughout communities, I see myself. Who knows what they might achieve. I see my daughters, and my nieces, and my nephews. That’s the promise that draws so many talented, driven people to these shores. That’s the promise that drew my own father here,” said Obama, whose father was from Kenya.

Appearing before the same group a day earlier, Romney said, “I will put in place my own long-term solution that will replace and supersede the president’s temporary measure.”

And what is Romney’s long-term solution? We don’t know because he isn’t saying.

Romney, with the media acting as a

ne of the most remarkable things about Mitt Romney’s run for the White House is that the presumptive Republican nominee is allowed to attack President Obama on everything from saving the automobile industry to immigration.

Yet, the news media rarely points out that Romney is against many things, especially if proposed by President Obama, but is usually evasive on what he is for.

In a departure from the business-asusual coverage, Politico published a story under the headline: “Mitt Romney’s no-policy problem.”

It stated, “Vague, general or downright evasive policy prescriptions on some of the most important issues facing the country are becoming the rule for Romney. Hoping to make the campaign strictly a referendum on the incumbent, the hyper-cautious challenger is open about his determination to not give any fodder to Obama aides hungry to make the race as much about Romney as the president.”

The most recent example RJ Matson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch involves President Obama’s position on the Dream Act, an acronym for willing accomplice, has also lambasted Development, Relief, and Education for Obama on gasoline prices.

Alien Minors. After Congress failed to pass In an interview on FOX News, Roma bill sponsored by Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and ney said there is “no question” that Obama Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), President Obama was responsible for high gas prices. issued an executive order that incorporated But everyone knows that a sitting many of the provisions of the bill. president has about as much control over Under the executive order, people gasoline prices as a meteorologist has over younger than 30 who came to the United the weather.

States before they were six years old, pose The federal Energy Information Center no criminal or security threat, and were sucbreaks down the cost of a gallon of regular cessful students or served in the military can gasoline this way: the cost of crude oil acget a two-year deferral from deportation. counts for 76 percent, refining expenditures “This is not amnesty. This is not immu- and profits are responsible for another 6 nity. This is not a path to citizenship. It’s not percent; distribution marketing and retail a permanent fix,” Obama said upon signing costs add 6 percent and taxes contribute 12 the executive order. “This is a temporary percent. stopgap measure.”

That reality notwithstanding, RomSpeaking to the National Association ney was able to gain media coverage by of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials pretending that President Obama, not market

factors, dictates the price of gasoline.

The price of a gallon of regular gasoline peaked at $3.97 in April. But that figure has since fallen to $3.41, a decline of 56 cents per gallon, according to the AAA. If Obama was at fault for the steep increase in gasoline prices, shouldn’t he now get credit for tumbling prices? Romney can’t have it both ways.

Finally, I don’t think a candidate’s religion should be fair game in most instances.

That’s why I objected to the media trying to Velcro the outspoken Rev. Jeremiah Wright to candidate Barack Obama.

Similarly, I have advised against focusing on Romney’s Mormonism during this presidential election – he has so many positions that make him vulnerable in November.

The Obama camp should focus on his position – when Romney takes them – not his religion.

But if the media is going to hold Obama responsible for the statements of Rev. Wright, then in the interest of fairness, Romney should be asked what he did to repudiate the church’s former teachings.

Although there were two Black priests under Mormon founder Joseph Smith, his successor, Brigham Young, instituted a policy of excluding males of African descent from the priesthood. In 1949, he said, “What chance is there for the redemption of the Negro?

The Lord had cursed Cain’s seed with blackness and prohibited them the Priesthood.”

That policy remained in place until 1978.

Although religion is a deeply personal matter, you can bet your 2008 “Barack Obama for President” campaign button that Republicans will resurrect Jeremiah Wright’s comments this fall. And they will do it close to Election Day. Political maneuvering aside, journalists have a responsibility to press Romney to move past his carefully studied talking points. And they can do that by forcing him to share what he plans to do beyond criticizing President Obama.

The seeds of Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell As the month-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of Kirbyjon Caldwell as pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church comes to an end, it is important that we examine the uniqueness of this man and how he has planted seeds all around our community that exceed the boundaries of the church.

Granted, he has grown the congregation from 25 to 17,000 resulting in the largest United Methodist Church in the country, Black or white.

And yes, there have been other ministers who have built large congregations, opened schools, constructed housing and emphasized commercial development. But none in Houston have done ALL of these and on such a grand scale.

There are those who sum up Caldwell’s journey by focusing on the man, the ministry and the message, which works for the church celebration.

But from a community perspective, the work of Pastor Caldwell spans well beyond the walls of the church and touches the lives of so many who have no connection with Windsor Village or the Methodist denomination.

To capture the essence of his accomplishments, we give him credit for planting S.E.E.D.S., which is an acronym for the key components of Pastor Caldwell’s contributions to our city, state, nation and the world.

S.E.E.D.S. stands for spiritual and servant leadership, educational advancement, economic empowerment, development of community and self-determination.

S – Spiritual and Servant Leadership – Preaching and teaching the word of GOD has been at the forefront of Pastor Caldwell’s ministry. Using Philippians 4:13 as the centerpiece of his message, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

E – Educational Advancement – Having been raised by an educator, Pastor Caldwell has promoted the importance of education by creating institutions to help both children and adults secure the keys to unlock the chains of ignorance and poverty while opening the doors of opportunity.

E- Economic Empowerment – Armed with his Wharton School of Business MBA, Pastor Caldwell has utilized his financial acumen and planning skills creating neighborhoods of affordable housing and an economic engine with an impact worth $56 million.

D – Development of Community – Amassing the collective and corporate power of the people through prayer, planning and persistence, Pastor Caldwell has used these tools and many others in his arsenal to benefit the many and not the few.

S- Self Determination – Through his Gospel of Success, Pastor Caldwell proclaims as stated in the Bible that GOD has given each of us all we need to be successful. We just have to use it.

We are fortunate and blessed to have Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell as a part of this great city. And we Thank GOD for him.

Keep planting those S.E.E.D.S. Pastor Kirbyjon.

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

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Best Black Newspaper in Texas Defender Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

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One of the Top Three Black Newspaper Websites in the nation A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards

Pulitzer Prize® of the Black Press Sponsored by: MillerCoors

National Newspaper Publishers Association Merit Awards:

Academy Awards® of the Black Press The Voice of the Black Community n Best Original Advertising

First Place for Twelve Taste of Christmas Promotion with KTSU-FM n Circulation Promotion

First Place for Exceptional Distribution System n Best Sports Section

Second Place for Pro/College and High School Sports n Best News Story

Second Place for the story “OUTRAGED”

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Thank You Defender Staff for outstanding work that reflects your commitment and service to the Houston Area Community.

n Best Feature Story

Third Place for the story “Family Violence”

By Marilyn Marshall

Winning more awards than all the Black newspapers in the State of Texas combined.

We share these awards with our readers, advertisers and the community. Thank You.

11

12

DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

LegaL notice

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Economic and Property Damages Settlement Providing Money to Individuals and Businesses If you have economic loss or property damage because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you could get money from a class action settlement with BP Exploration & Production Inc. and BP America Production Company (“BP”). Go to DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com for more information, including information on how to file a claim.

Who is included in the economic & ProPerty damages settlement?

The Economic and Property Damages (“E&PD”) Settlement Class includes people, businesses, and other entities in the states of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, and certain counties in Texas and Florida, that were harmed by the oil spill.

The website DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com has detailed descriptions and maps to help you determine whether a geographic location may be included in the E&PD Settlement.

Additionally, you can call 1-866-992-6174 or e-mail questions@ DeepwaterHorizonEconomicSettlement.com to find out if a geographic location is included.

What does the economic & ProPerty damages settlement Provide?

The E&PD Settlement makes payments for the following types of claims: (1) Seafood Compensation, (2) Economic Damage, (3) Loss of Subsistence, (4) Vessel Physical Damage, (5) Vessels of Opportunity Charter Payment, (6) Coastal Real Property Damage, (7) Wetlands Real Property Damage, and (8) Real Property Sales Damage. There is no limit on the total dollar amount of the E&PD Settlement; all qualified claims will be paid.

hoW to get Benefits from the economic & ProPerty damages settlement You need to submit a Claim Form to request a payment.

You can get a copy of the various Claim Forms by visiting the website or by calling 1-866-992-6174.

Claims can be submitted online or by mail. If you have

questions about how to file your claim, you should call the toll-free number for assistance.

The deadline to submit most E&PD claims will be April 22, 2014 or six months after the E&PD Settlement becomes effective (that is, after the Court grants “final approval” and any appeals are resolved), whichever is later. There will be an earlier deadline to submit E&PD Seafood Compensation claims. The earlier deadline to submit Seafood Compensation claims will be 30 days after final approval of the Settlement by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (regardless of appeals). Actual claim filing deadlines will be posted on the website as they become available. Valid claims will be paid as they are approved, beginning shortly after the Court-Supervised Settlement Program commences. It is highly recommended that E&PD Settlement Class Members complete and submit their claim forms promptly. Please read the Medical Benefits Settlement notice because you may also be eligible for benefits from that settlement.

your other oPtions If you do not want to be legally bound by the E&PD Settlement, you must Opt Out or exclude yourself by October 1, 2012 or you won’t be able to sue BP over certain economic and property damage claims. If you stay in the E&PD Settlement, you may object to it by August 31, 2012. The Detailed Notice explains how to exclude yourself or object.

The Court will hold a hearing on November 8, 2012 to consider whether to approve the E&PD Settlement. You or your own lawyer may ask to appear and speak at the hearing at your own cost. The Court will also consider Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses including an interim payment of $75 million and additional awards equal to 6% of class claims and benefits paid. Class Counsel fees, costs and expenses under the Economic and Property Damages Settlement Agreement and the Medical Benefits Settlement Agreement jointly cannot exceed $600 million. Class members’ payments will not be reduced if the Court approves the payment of Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses because BP will separately pay these attorney fees, costs, and expenses.

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com



1-866-992-6174

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 | DEFENDER113 LegaL notice

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Medical Benefits Settlement Providing Benefits to Clean-Up Workers and Certain Gulf Coast Residents If you have a medical claim related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you could get benefits from a class action settlement with BP Exploration & Production Inc. and BP America Production Company (“BP”). Go to DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com for more information, including information on how to file a claim.

Who

included in the medical Benefits settlement? is

The Medical Class includes (1) clean-up workers and (2) certain people who resided in specific geographic areas in coastal and wetlands areas along the Gulf Coast during specific periods in 2010. The website DeepwaterHorizonSettlements. com has detailed descriptions and maps to help you determine whether a geographic location may be included in one of these zones. Additionally, you can call 1-866-992-6174 or e-mail info@DeepwaterHorizonMedicalSettlement.com to find out if a geographic location is included.

What

medical Benefits settlement Provide? does the

The benefits of the Medical Benefits Settlement include: (1) payments to qualifying people for certain acute (short-term) and chronic (ongoing) medical conditions occurring after exposure to oil or chemical dispersants; (2) provision of periodic medical examinations to qualifying people; and (3) creation of a Gulf Region Health Outreach Program, consisting of projects to strengthen the healthcare system. Benefits (1) and (2) will be provided only after the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved. hoW to get Benefits from the medical Benefits settlement

You need to submit a Claim Form to request benefits. You can get a copy of the Claim Form by visiting the website or by calling 1-866-9926174. Claims can be submitted by mail. If you

have questions about how to file your claim, you should call the toll-free number for assistance.

The deadline for filing a Claim Form is one year after the Medical Benefits Settlement becomes effective (that is, after the Court grants “final approval” and any appeals are resolved). The exact date of the claim filing deadline will be posted on the website. It is highly recommended that Medical Class Members complete and submit their claim forms promptly. Please read the Economic and Property Damages Settlement notice because you may also be eligible for a payment from that settlement. your other oPtions

If you do not want to be legally bound by the Medical Benefits Settlement, you must Opt Out or exclude yourself by October 1, 2012 or you won’t be able to sue BP over certain medical claims.

If you stay in the Medical Benefits Settlement, you may object to it by August 31, 2012. The Detailed Notice explains how to exclude yourself or object.

The Court will hold a hearing on November 8, 2012 to consider whether to approve the Medical Benefits Settlement. You or your own lawyer may ask to appear and speak at the hearing at your own cost. Class Counsel will ask the Court to consider an award of fees, costs, and expenses of 6% of the value of the benefits actually provided under the Medical Benefits Settlement Agreement.

Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses under the Medical Benefits Settlement Agreement and the Economic and Property Damages Settlement Agreement jointly cannot exceed $600 million. Class members’ payments will not be reduced if the Court approves the payment of Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses because BP will separately pay these attorney fees, costs, and expenses.

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com



1-866-992-6174

14

DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012

sports

Javonne Brooks-Grant

defendernetwork.com

Javonne Brooks-Grant, shown at right in an early photo and below left with Sugar Bowl President Lance Africk, is the first volleyball player inducted into the Allstate Sugar Bowl Greater New Orleans Hall of Fame.

Louisiana volleyball queen

By MAX EDISON Defender

Big Easy?

Brooks-Grant recalls the process. recently attended the National “The coach that Association of Black Journalrecruited me was from my ists convention in New Orleans. town,” she said. “He actually Among the workshops and used to referee our volleyball events was their Sports Task games. He moved to New Orleans Force salute to Sports Pioneers recepand became the assistant coach at tion. Much to my surprise the greatest UNO. When the head coach left, volleyball player in New Orleans/ he got the job and remembered Louisiana history is from all places, me. I went on a visit and the city Texas. sold me. I guess coming from a Javonne Brooks-Grant hails small town, seeing all that excitefrom the tiny town of Boiling, ment and the school was great, Texas (think suburban Wharton). that pretty much sold me.”

She attended the University of New An All-State performer and a Orleans from 1988-1992. One tremendous competitor, Brookscould easily make the Grant wanted a chance to play case for her being one of immediately as a freshman and the most dominant female UNO afforded her that opportunity. athletes in recent years in “The University of Texas was the state of Louisiana and recruiting me, but I would have had to during her tenure at UNO, redshirt the first year and I did not want one of the nation’s top volto redshirt, I wanted to play.” leyball players.

She describes herself as a natural Her statistics are simply athlete, but credits her dad with incredible. She held the developing her passion and skills as NCAA Division I career kills an athlete. record until 1995 (and still “Growing up I was the scrawny ranks second all-time with little kid that nobody wanted to pick 2,932); she ranks second all-time to be on their team,” she recalled. in NCAA single-season kills “My dad taught me how to work with 878 (1992); and she is third hard. He really worked with me on all-time nationally in kills per set things like developing my fundawith an average of 6.1 in 1992. mentals, improving my vertical, Brooks-Grant holds six UNO making me play against boys to career records: career kills, career at the r e y la improve my game and toughen p t dominan kills per set, career hitting percentnt was a ra .

G 2 s9 me up. Later when I got to high k 9 o xan Bro m 1988-1 age, career service aces, career Native Te f New Orleans fro school and grew up (5-feet-10) I yo Universit blocks, and career blocks per game. was more than ready to compete.”

She was selected Louisiana Player After a decorated college career, Brooks-Grant had of the Year three times (1989, 1990 and 1992) and lucrative offers to play pro volleyball in Europe, but a series of was a first-team member of the All-Louisiana team for each injuries – a torn ACL and a broken ankle – limited that stint to of the four years she played at UNO. two years.

A 26-member media panel selected her as the Sun Belt With pro sports in the rear view mirror, she returned to Conference’s top all-time volleyball player as part of the UNO and obtained her undergrad degree in general studies. conference’s 30th anniversary celebration.

In addition she now holds a master’s degree in education With game that immense, the question begs to be asked, administration. how did a small-town girl from a 2A school wind up in the She worked various professional jobs in New Orleans until

I

a dream opportunity fell into her lap, the chance to coach on the collegiate level as head volleyball coach at Dillard University (2000).

“I loved my job at Dillard. I would have probably retired there,” Brooks-Grant said. “Bringing in young Black girls and perfecting them into college athletes and then becoming successful young ladies was really important to me. My teams took on my personality. “[They covered] things like how to be classy, how to dress and carry yourself and even the type of men to date and marry; I was real with them and we had a high level of mutual respect.

My graduation rate was in the 90 percent-area. I believed in my athletes getting their education.”

After a five-year stint at Dillard, Hurricane Katrina caused a significant shift in Brooks-Grant’s career path.

“We were just getting our season started about to take team pictures and we get notice that the storm was getting close,” she recalled. “I put everybody on buses and cars and got them out of there. I left New Orleans coming home to Texas; little did I know I would not be back.

“After some months passed, in January of 2006, Dillard let us go. They really didn’t know which way they would go with athletics when the school reopened. I had to make a decision at that point, to go back to nothing in New Orleans or stay here in Texas. I decided to stay here.”

Today Javonne and husband James Grant reside in Kendleton. She is employed in the Lamar Consolidated School District at Navarro Middle School where she directs the PASS program that deals with students with emotional disabilities.

Her coaching duties are now focused on developing her 13-year-old daughter, Brionne who is a chip off the block as a young volleyball talent.

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

WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012 DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Experts offer advice

on cycling

Bike riders are encouraged to change their body positions to avoid cramps and stressing specific muscles.

W

Family Features

hen the weather is warm, bikers everywhere hear the trails calling their name. Wellknown endurance sports coach Chris Carmichael and awardwinning professional cyclist George Hincapie share nine tips to help you gear up for your ride.

Whether you’re hitting the pavement, dirt trails or rugged terrain, these two cycling experts promise to help you cycle further, longer and safer this summer.

Build strength: In between rides, build strength in your legs, arms and back. Bulking up these muscle groups will prevent injury and increase endurance every time you get back on your ride.

Go the distance: Perseverance is half the battle when it comes to cycling, so with every ride, tell yourself you’ll go a little farther. Every extra mile will add up to give you muchneeded endurance, which will come in handy whether you’re exploring a new trail or taking on your first triathlon.

Get loose: Relax your arms and keep your elbows unlocked. Keeping your body loose while riding helps you better absorb the shock from bumps in the road.

Gear up: When it comes to tracking your goals, today’s technology offers a variety of ways to measure your progress, making it easier than ever to reach your peak and go beyond it.

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More issues at Texas Southern There is smoke coming from the athletic department at Texas Southern University. Sources reveal that head basketball coach Tony Harvey is being forced to step down in the wake of growing concern over possible NCAA rule violations. In four seasons Harvey’s record is 58-72, 46-26 in SWAC competition. In 2010-11 he led the Tigers to an NIT postseason berth. Assuming Harvey does step down it is widely believed that an interim head coach could be named for the upcoming season, similar to the situation that occurred when football coach Johnnie Cole was relieved of duty and defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey assumed the head coach title for a year. The athletic department has been under NCAA scrutiny for several years and one has to wonder at what point the investigation will be over. Attempts to contact TSU athletic director Dr. Charles McClelland were unsuccessful. The football team was recently hit with NCAA sanctions due to poor academic performance. On a positive note, as we reported earlier, the cross-country team was cited for its academic progress.

Rogers’ dominance continues Kinkaid High School and Wings Track Club phenom Raevyn Rogers continued her dominance by recently winning the 800 meters at the National Scholastic Sports Foundation New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, N.C. Rogers’ winning time of 2 minutes, 5.5 seconds was more than three seconds better than the runner-up. Rogers recently concluded another outstanding high school track season, winning gold at different meets in the 200, 400, 800 and 1,600. She won the 400 and 800 at the SPC Championships, also winning the 800 at the TSU Relays and Victor Lopez Classic among other meets. Next up for Rogers is the AAU Junior Olympics in mid-July in Humble.

Astros salute ‘little’ Joe

Stay seated: Trying to scale an incline? It will be harder if you’re standing up. When biking uphill, resist the urge to stand and pedal, and instead shift your gears down and conserve energy by staying in your seat.

Hydrate: The more you cycle the more your body craves fluids in order to replace what you lose in sweat. During the summer, it’s particularly important to stay hydrated throughout the duration of your ride.

Release the power of your playlist: Your playlist is more than just songs to workout to; they’re songs that push you to work – up

a hill, during that last mile, on a sweltering day. Before hitting the trail, create your ultimate getmoving playlist to ensure you stay pedaling hard your whole ride.

Switch it up: Change up your body position while riding to avoid cramps and stressing specific muscles.

Remember, while it’s great to test your boundaries and achieve your goals, be sure to put your health and safety first. Armed with the right mentality and tips, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Visit www.motoactv.com for more cycling advice from the experts.

The Houston Astros recently saluted former Colt .45s/Astros All-Star second baseman Joe Morgan with induction into the team’s Walk of Fame, which is located outside of Minute Maid Park on the Texas Avenue sidewalk. Morgan played parts of his first nine Major League seasons with the Colt .45s (196364) and Astros (1965-71) in what would ultimately be a Hall of Fame career lasting from 1963-84. He was the Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1965 and was a two-time All-Star while with Houston (1966, 1970), holding the distinction of being the first position player All-Star in franchise history, in 1966. As a member of the Cincinnati Reds, whom he played for from 1972-79, Morgan was a two-time NL MVP (1975-76) and played in four World Series and eight All-Star Games. Morgan would return to Houston in 1980 and was a member of that N.L. Western Division Championship club, which was the first playoff team in franchise history. He also won five Gold Gloves in his career. Upon his retirement, Morgan’s 268 career home runs were a Major League record for second basemen.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JUNE 28 | 2012

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chag’splace

vice president; Autumn Bean, luncheon chair, and POWER OF ENERGY…..The theme this year for all corporate scholarship sponsors for a job well the 5th Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon hosted by the Houston Chapter of the American Association done. Congratulations!.....THE COLLECTIVE….. of Blacks in Energy (AABE) was “Power of Energy: The Community Artists’ Collective was founded by Winning Our Future Through Education.” They Michelle Barnes, artist, art educator and director awarded several scholarships to of Barnes-Blackman Galleries students in hopes of planting the and Dr. Sarah Trotty, artist and Join Yvette Chargois seed and enable them to aspire to art educator at Texas Southern Events of the Week become tomorrow’s energy industry University. The COLLECTIVE More photos on defendernetwork.com champions. The Houston Chapter was organized to meet the needs of See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads of AABE challenged each recipient the professional African American with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. to “Power Up” for academic artists and with a special sensitivity success at whatever university to African American women artists. they have chosen. The 2012 scholarship recipients They recently celebrated 25 years of serving the arts included Erin Reed, Kirk L. Ward II, Khadijah community at their Midtown Art Center Tea Room Ray, Shantayvia Hart, Amanda Cruz, Breanna gallery located at Holman at La Branch. Friends Bradshaw, Alexa Pete, Alexis Kyle, Victoria Nicole stopped by throughout the evening to fellowship Ontiveros and Shelby Thomas. Elijah White Jr., and congratulate them. Art lovers spotted included vice president of Africa, ExxonMobil Exploration Carole Pinkett, Denise Bates, Nambawani, Company, was the keynote speaker. Kudos to Terry Vonetta and Jahima Jenkins, Joel Hall, Justin Stinger, chapter president; Christopher Odom, Ransburg, Annette Taylor, Tim Walker, Zinsule

Bonner, Michon Benson, Courtnie Conyers and Kiara Hadnot, to name a few. Continued success!.....BLACK AND WHITE GALA…….

When the Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity hosted their annual Black and White Gala, guests were treated to an evening of elegance that included a wine and cheese cocktail reception, a lavish dinner buffet and the awarding of scholarships to several deserving students. No formal program for these frat brothers, just plain fun, fellowship and stressing the importance of education to the youth receiving assistance. The scholarship recipients attending the gala included Weston Breaux, Dorvionne Lindsay and Fred Galloway. Once this important task was done, the crowd danced the night away to the live music of the Brotherhood Band and deejay music. Polemarch Clayton Whitaker and Michael Adkinson, president of the scholarship foundation, are to be commended for a fantastic evening. Fabulous gala!......From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Recipients Khadijah Ray, Jonathan Landry and Alexis Kyle

Recipients Shelby Thomas, Shantayvia Hart and Victoria Ontiveros

Christopher Odom, Terry Stinger, Autumn Bean and Elijah White, Jr.

Nambawani, Vonetta and Jahima Jenkins

Zinsule Bonner, Michon Benson, Courtnie Conyers and Kiara Hadnot

Artist and Founder Michelle Barnes

Foundation President Michael Adkinson and Polemarch Clayton Whitaker

Kaye Walker and Keith Collins

Scholarship Recipients Weston Breaux, Dorvionne Lindsay and Fred Galloway

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