LOCAL BRIEFS
THREE CLEVELAND, TEXAS TEENS ADMIT GUILT IN RAPE CASE P3
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source Volume 81 | Number 4
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U.S. BRIEFS:
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24, 2011 | FREE
Constable May Walker:
MYRLIE EVERS WILLIAMS
Her side of the story
christens ship honoring Medgar
P4 OPINIONUP WHAT’S
YOLANDA ADAMS performs here Dec. 8th
PAGE 6
P8 SPORTS
J.J. WATT lives up to expectations
P10 CHAG’S PLACE
Ruth Robbins, Michelle Barnes, Jackie Miller at Community Artists Collective fundraiser
P12
U.S. Rep. Al Green
educates voters
A controversial Texas voter ID law could impact minorities, and Congressman Al Green says it’s important to stay abreast of the legislation. Green held a town hall meeting on the law, which would require voters to show certain forms of ID. The Justice Department has put the law on hold until Texas comes up with some important information.
Wendy Williams is doin’ great
Talk show host Wendy Williams often asks, “How you doin’?” Williams, for one, is doing fine. Her syndicated show is seen around the world, and reflects her outgoing personality and sense of humor. Williams has a lot to say about her career, her background in radio and her family. She also talks about make-up and of course, her hair.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011
ontheweb
Stay Connected! Experience the Defender on the world wide web.
In The Book Corner
The Cartoon of the week
This Is Herman Cain: My Journey to the White House
News & Opinion
We must create jobs
by Herman Cain
“I didn’t grow up wanting to be president of the United States. I grew up po’, which is even worse than being poor. My American Dream entailed working hard and… I became a corporate CEO, a regional chairman of the Federal Reserve, a president of the Restaurant Association, an author, and a talk show host before retiring at 65.
Julianne Malveaux Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com
Question of the Week
Living
Is the state’s voter ID bill discriminatory?
Lovin’ Turkey Leftovers
Make sure you buy a big turkey this year, because you’ll want plenty left over to make this tasty postholiday recipe.
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Discover the New Look, New Size, New Content, New Attitude Designed for your convenience, the new Defender is packaged in an easy to handle tabloid size, with a colorful contemporary flair featuring more content as we celebrate 80 years of service to the African-American community. The new Defender logo with the large star reflects that “You Are the STAR.” Each week you are invited to share your opinions and comments on our stories and the issues confronting our city on the defendernetwork. com.. Let your voice be heard and invite others to join you. Look for the Defender at community locations, Krogers, Fiesta, Gerlands and soon CVS pharmacies.
And visit our website
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Notice of Public Hearing Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 5, 2011 at Noon to receive public comment about proposed changes including: Route Eliminations — 30 Clinton, 35, 39, 48, 49, 59, 60 Hardy, 286, and 313 routes
You may also fax your comments to (713) 652-7956 with a subject line referencing the January 2012 Service Change or may visit METRO’s website at www.RideMETRO.org to make comments. You may also telephone METRO’s Customer Service line at (713) 635-4000 with your comments. Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public Hearing.
Help for People with Disabilities Major Route Re-alignments — 18, 30 Cullen, For individuals with disabilities, assistive 37, 58, 67, 68, 70, 132, and 297 routes services or copies of public documents in an Schedule Changes — 3, 4, 11, 14, 29, 40 alternate format can be provided. Please call Pecore, 53, 65, 75, 78, 85, 86, 97, 98, 102, 137, (713) 750-4271 or (713) 635-6993 (for persons 163, 214, 217, 246, 257, and 298 routes with a hearing impairment) a minimum of 5 working days prior to the Public Hearing. Equipment Changes — 6, 9, 18, 37, 42, 58, 64, 78, 83, 98, and 426 routes Language Interpretation Any person who requires language interpretation The Public Hearing will be held in the METRO or special communication accommodations is Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main encouraged to contact METRO Community Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO Outreach at 713-739-4018 or via email at Routes 3, 9, 11, 15, 24, 30, 35, 44, 52, 56, 60, na01@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort 66, 70, 77, 78, 79, 88, 102, 108, 137, 249, and METRORail). The hearing will also be streamed will be made to accommodate your needs. live on www.RideMETRO.org. 1. This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Copies of proposed timetables and maps will be Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, available Monday, November 21, 2011 for public published May 1, 2010, page IV-13. review online at www.RideMETRO.org, or at METRO’s Office, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis 77002 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, of disability in the admission or access and at our three METRO Outreach offices to, or in treatment or employment in, its located in Las Palmas Shopping Center at services, programs, and activities. 6215 Harrisburg (served by Route 50), in Palm 3. METRO is committed to ensuring that Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by no person is excluded from participation Routes 5, 77), and at 2613 Fulton (served by in, or denied the benefits of its transit Routes 15, 78). services on the basis of race, color, or How to Comment about the Service Change national origin, as protected by Title VI of You may attend the Public Hearing or write the Civil Rights Act of 1964. to us at METRO, ATTN: January 2012 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.
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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24| 2011 | DEFENDER
newstalk
localbriefs NORTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Billy Foster is off the job after being found in a car with a prostitute in Southeast Houston. A Houston Police Department officer found the other occupant of the car with cocaine and marijuana. Amanda Jean Yeager, 22, was jailed on a felony count of cocaine possession. Foster was not arrested or charged. Yeager told the arresting officer that she was working as a prostitute that night and had been paid $60 for sex. She described Foster as a “regular” customer. North Shore is part of the Galena Park Independent School District……..HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, in partnership with University of St. Thomas, has been awarded a Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The $881,000 grant will fund the Astra STEM Project, which provides a systematic year-round study of math and science-focused academic programs and supportive activities for high-need students. The project will help minority women achieve STEM degrees and enter science and engineering careers. HCC is one of the country’s largest singlyaccredited, open-admission, community colleges. The University of St. Thomas is a private institution with a tradition of Catholic higher education.……... THREE SUSPECTS in the muchpublicized gang rape of an 11-year-old Cleveland girl by 20 boys and men have admitted guilt in the crime as part of plea agreements with a Liberty County judge. The three boys were ages 14 to 16 during the time of the assault. Judge Tommy Chambers approved plea deals for two of the boys, and is reviewing the third. The remaining suspects awaiting trial include 14 adults and three other juveniles. The case divided the small Texas town and gained national attention. The girl is Hispanic and the suspects are Black.
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Texas voter ID law in limbo By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
A
recent ruling on the state’s controversial voter ID legislation has put the law on hold. The U.S. Justice Department notified the Texas Secretary of State’s office that information it provided regarding the voter ID law is insufficient to determine whether it violates the Voting Rights Act. The Justice Department asked the state for demographic information about voters that Texas election officials say is almost impossible to provide. The law, which was supported by Republicans and opposed by minority and voting rights groups, is supposed
Houston Congressman Al Green
Houston State Rep. Garnet Coleman
to go into effect on Jan. 1. The Justice Department ruling, however, could delay its enforcement. Under the new law, voters would be required to show certain forms of ID before they could cast ballots. Those acceptable forms of ID include a Texas driver’s license, concealed handgun license, citizenship papers, a U.S. passport or U.S. military ID. Houston State Rep. Garnet Coleman was one of the Democrats against the bill. “I opposed and voted against this legislation when it was up for debate in the House, and I sent a letter to the DOJ outlining my objections to it and urging them to not grant the law preclearance,” Coleman said. “For now, the voter ID law is stuck in a holding pattern, and it won’t go into effect if it doesn’t receive
preclearance.” Houston Congressman Al Green said if he had been in the State Legislature, he would have opposed the law as well. Green is concerned about the impact the law could have on the minority vote, especially during a close election. He said Texas voters must stay abreast of the law, and recently held a town hall meeting on the subject. “I want to make sure my constituents are well informed and that every person who is qualified can exercise his or her right to do so,” Green said. “It is important for members of the community to know how these new rules can impact them.” Green emphasized that all identification documents must include a photo of the voter. Additionally, the new law establishes that acceptable identification documents will be those that have not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation. He said there is something else voters should know about the voter ID law. “According to the new law, a voter who fails to present the required identification may cast a provisional ballot,” Green said. “In such case, and not later than the sixth day after the date of the election, the voter must present the required form of identification to the voter registrar for examination.” In the meantime, once the Justice Department receives the requested information from state officials, it has 60 days to decide if the new law does indeed violate the Voting Rights Act.
15th Annual Scholarship Gala Benefiting TSU School of Communication Students
Live Music & Great Food • Sat. Dec. 17th • 8pm – 12am • George R. Brown Convention Center
presents
Choice Members $50.00-Non-Members $75.00 Reserve your tickets at 713.313.7291
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011
defendernetwork.com
national
Report shows high Black STD rates
T
Defender News Services
he Centers for Disease Control recently released its annual report on sexually transmitted diseases, and the news is not good for African Americans. Three treatable STDs – gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis – disproportionately affect the Black community. One particularly alarming statistic revealed that from 2006 to 2010, the number of reported syphilis cases in the U.S. rose 36%. However, among young, African-American males, the rate rose by 135%. What are the reasons behind the higher rates among African Americans? “People who struggle financially are often experiencing life circumstances that increase their risk for STDs,” said the report.
“Those who cannot afford basic necessities may have trouble accessing and affording quality sexual health services.” The report showed troubling trends.
Gonorrhea
In 2010, 69% of all reported cases of gonorrhea occurred among Blacks. The rate of gonorrhea among Blacks in 2010 was 432.5 cases per 100,000 population, which was 18.7 times the rate among whites (23.1). This disparity has changed little in recent years, and was larger for Black men (22.2 times) than for Black women (16.2 times). As in 2009, the disparity in gonorrhea rates for Blacks in 2010 was larger in the Midwest and Northeast than in the West or the South
Chlamydia
In 2010, the overall rate among Blacks in the United States
was 1,167.5 cases per 100,000, a 4.0% increase from the 2009 rate of 1,122.2 cases per 100,000. The rate of chlamydia among Black women was over seven times the rate among white women (1,536.5 and 205.1 per 100,000 women, respectively). The chlamydia rate among Black men was almost 11 times the rate among white men (761.8 and 69.9 cases per 100,000 men, respectively).
Syphilis
The overall syphilis rate decreased for the first time in a decade, and is down 1.6 percent since 2009. However, the rate among young Black men has increased dramatically over the past five years. Other CDC data also show a significant increase in syphilis among young Black men who have sex with men.
Congress passes two Obama jobs measures Special to NNPA from the AfroAmerican Newspaper
Congress unanimously passed two provisions of the American Jobs Act recently, although the passing of those provisions may do
little to bring down the country’s high employment rate. Contractors will no longer have a tax-withholding requirement and corporations will receive tax incentives for hiring veterans. The measures were among the few parts of the president’s proposed jobs agenda, which has received bipartisan support in Congress. “I want to congratulate Republicans and Democrats in Congress for coming together to pass these tax credits that will encourage businesses to hire America’s veterans,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “No veteran who fought for our country should have to fight for a job when they come home.” GOP senators are asking Obama to invite Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), to the signing cer-
emony because Brown wrote the legislation on the withholding tax. “I would like to call on the president this morning to invite Sen. Brown down to the White House for the signing ceremony, which would show the American people that cooperation is indeed possible,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told The Hill. Obama has not indicated whether Brown will be invited, instead calling on Congress to pass the remaining measures of his American Jobs Act. “This is a good first step, but it is only a step,” Obama continued. “Congress needs to pass the rest of my American Jobs Act so that we can create jobs and put money in the pockets of the middle class.”
U.S.briefs Income plays bigger role in student achievement gap A university study has found that the achievement gap between children from high and low-income families is greater than the gap between Black and white students. Sean Reardon, a Stanford University professor of education and sociology, compiled the report. Reardon said the achievement gap between rich and poor children presents a “big problem that has to be attacked on many fronts.” The report found that among other things, high-income families increasingly “have greater socioeconomic and social resources that may benefit their children.” In addition, income inequality has led to more residential segregation by income level rather than race.
Navy vessel named for civil rights martyr Medgar Evers USNS Medgar Evers, a new Navy ship operated by Military Sealift Command, was christened during a recent ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of the ship’s namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow. The ship is scheduled for delivery to the sealift command in spring 2012. Designated T-AKE 13, the ship is named in honor of slain civil rights leader and Army veteran Evers, who is especially remembered for his efforts to end segregation at the University of Mississippi in the 1950s and for his opposition to Jim Crow laws in the 1960s.
New institute explores Black political participation The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a preeminent Black think tank, recently announced the formation of a Civic Engagement and Governance Institute. It will provide information, research and analysis on civic and political participation among people of color. “While America has made significant progress in racial equality in the four decades since the Joint Center was founded, and while African Americans have vastly increased their representation in elected and appointed positions across most levels of government, a closer look at life in communities of color still finds enduring disparities in areas such as housing, employment, health, income, criminal justice and voting rights,” the organization said.
VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 4 WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24, 2011
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender 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 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011 | DEFENDER
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011
coverpage
Constable M
Her side o By ASWAD WALKER Defender
I
n response to allegations of wrongdoing against Constable May Walker, the Harris County attorney’s office is investigating Walker and employees of Precinct 7 to see if they engaged in political work on county time. News reports alleged Walker forced employees to buy or sell tickets to her annual barbecue fundraiser, mandated that her officers patronize a particular gas station because the owner contributed to her campaign, and that she provided police badges to other big donors. Walker has vehemently maintained her innocence, denying any wrongdoing. Recently the Defender spoke with Walker to get her side of the story. Defender: ABC 13 Undercover’s Wayne Dolcefino accuses you of illegal activity – holding a raffle as a campaign fundraiser. Is this true or not, and how do you explain that your records were used to make a case? Walker: Not true. I had a raffle; not a campaign raffle but a Christmas raffle. Every year we have a Christmas party for staff and community people, and we have a raffle. I put the money from the raffle tickets in my campaign account but it wasn’t for my campaign. I put it in my records that this was money for the Christmas party. We raffled off some really nice prizes, including trips. I paid for those trips and the food for the party and food for the needy that we give away each year out of that money. The reason the money was put in my campaign account instead of in my personal account is because
Photos by: Michael Fontaine
people would have said I’m pocketing the funds for personal use. But I felt comfortable putting the money in my campaign account because any money put in there is recorded, and its open records, on the books for all to see. You have to understand that this is the month for TV ratings, and Wayne has been number one, and what he does is distort the truth. I answered all Wayne’s allegations in a letter to the ABC 13 general manager. They said they put it on their website, but people don’t go to the website – they listen to what’s on the news. One of the officers I terminated said she had to buy tickets rather than pay light bills. She was one of the main ones who came to the barbecue, ate the food and won a door prize. Defender: You are also accused of selling police ID
badges to people in exchange for big campaign contributions. Walker: Every constable, every sheriff has people they call liaisons, special deputies or advisors. These are people you can call on to sponsor programs and projects. Wayne focused on one of my former advisors, Jim Rutherford, who was a good advisor. One year, he sponsored the whole golf tournament held to raise money for college scholarships. Another year he brought 12 doctors for a health fair; taking blood pressure, testing for diabetes, giving flu shots…We do background checks on all of them. If you don’t pass that you can’t become an advisor. They don’t get a police badge, but one that says police advisor. So I ask, “Why are you targeting me and my advisors when others do it?” Defender: How do you
respond to allegations that you ordered your deputies to purchase gas at a specific station because the owner (Moses Mourad) is a contributor to your campaigns? Walker: That gas station we use was previously located right in front of my office. It’s now on Scott. I used that station because as county employees everything is purchased from Rusche stations – contracted stations that bid on the right to sell gas to county employees. [It was] asked why didn’t we use other stations closer to Precinct 7. Well, they’re not Rusche stations. And that Texaco [at 7140 Scott] is not the only station I chose. My officers are located at three different locations. I chose three different Rusche stations to use because a few years ago we had two officers that were filling up
at stations close to them, then going out further and filling up their own cars. I fired both of them, and chose only three stations my officers could use. I found it easier to keep up with three stations instead of all the stations in the city. Since then we’ve had no issues. Defender: How do you respond to the fact that some of these accusations reported came from your former employees? Walker: One of them decided to call all former employees – terminated at different times – to get together. One is running against me for constable. I know exactly who they are…There are certain community people – civic club members and others – who know that barbecues have been given by constables for 60 years. Everyone has a fish fry, wild game cook off or bar-
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
7
May Walker:
of the story
About May Walker • First woman and African-American woman ever to be elected Harris County constable (sworn in January, 2005). Won with over 82 percent of the vote. • Re-elected to a second term in 2008 • 24 years of service as a Houston Police Department officer • First woman HPD patrol officer • Spearheading landmark lawsuits that made hiring and promotion practices more equi table within HPD and the Houston Fire Department. • Author of “The History of the Black Police Officer in the Houston Police Department 1888-1988” • Former executive assistant to Mayor Lee P. Brown • Former President of African American Police Officers Association • Founder Women in Policing Conference • Co-founder Adopt A Black Child
If you see me doing something wrong, then air it; air the full story. As long as I’m here I will not be one of those persons to commit a crime or do something illegal.
he Houston area for over 80 years
Constable May Walker is surrounded by staff members Captain J.M. Phillips (right) and Chief Goree Anderson (left).
becue; every politician in the world does fundraisers. The barbecue is my only one; I do it once a year. [The allegations have] misrepresented the truth and deceived the public. Defender: What message do you want to give Houstonians about your side of the story? Walker: If you see me doing something wrong, then air it; air the full story. As long as I’m here I will not be one of those persons to commit a crime or do something illegal. I take my community very seriously; I’ve lived in it for over 40 years. I want a department you can feel good about. We’ve done that. Defender: What is your next move? Walker: I can’t get Channel 13 to air the full story. But I will make sure these former deputies answer for giving false information. And I’m going to prepare for my election in
March. We’re moving forward. Defender: What can the community do? Walker: The community must stand up for ourselves and fight. And don’t just take my word for it. We can show you better than we can tell you about the good work done at Precinct 7. We have an open door; come on down. We work for you. Defender: How do you see this situation playing itself out? Walker: Because I believe God has a master plan, if it’s for me to continue as constable, then it will be. This situation will make our department stronger. My employees are offended by the allegations. I just lead; they are on the front lines doing the work. But now they are worried about what’s being said about our precinct…We are going to keep on serving the people because that is what you elected me to do.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011
entertainment
Wendy Williams
says she’s doin’ great By KAM WILLIAMS Defender
B
orn in Asbury Park, N.J., in 1964, Wendy Joan Williams burst onto the TV landscape in July 2009 with the launch of her own nationally-syndicated talk show. “The Wendy Williams Show” is now in its third season and airs in 52 countries around the world. The show is a reflection of its host; with its vibrant colors and upbeat soundtrack matching Williams’ own personality and energetic sense of humor. And the show’s focus on entertainment reflects her passion for pop culture. By design, whenever she interviews celebrity guests, it’s from the perspective of a fan, as she asks the questions that her audience wants to hear. A lover of classic television, Williams’ style is inspired by her childhood idols like Dinah Shore and Merv
Griffin. Prior to making the transition to daytime television, Wendy built a devoted audience over the course of an enormously-successful 23-year run in radio. “The Wendy Williams Experience” was a top-rated, nationallysyndicated show that reached over 12 million people daily. In 2009, she was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame—one of only a handful of women to enjoy the honor. Wendy competed on Season 12 of ABC’s smash hit “Dancing with The Stars.” She is also the author of the New York Times best-seller “The Wendy Williams Experience,” as well as several novels. A child of a teacher and a college professor, Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in journalism at Northeastern University, and she remains a very
vocal education advocate. Wendy resides in Northern New Jersey with her husband, Kevin, and their 11 year-old son, Kevin Jr. Here, she talks about her life and career. KW: How hard is it juggling your career and being a mom? WW: It’s not easy. He’s in the sixth grade. KW: You were certainly no stranger to controversy when you had the radio show. Do you think that might have been because you were the first African-American host to push the envelope in terms of gossip? WW: Well, there were definitely elements of my rise in radio that had to do with my being Black. But going back as far as Walter Winchell, Army Archerd and Hedda Hopper, legendary wags would grab a radio microphone and talk about what Errol Flynn and other stars were up to. KW: What achievement are you most proud of, and what mountain do you still want to conquer? WW: I’m most proud of our son, having suffered several miscarriages before having him. As for the next mountain, it takes so much to maintain what’s already going on that I don’t have time to think about it. But I want some more seasons of the TV show, I’d like to write another book, and eventually, I’d like to retire and take vacations with my husband like my mom and dad do. KW: What was involved in making the transition from radio, where you aren’t seen, to TV, where visibility is so important? WW: Lipstick, foundation, a strip of lashes, and developing the ability to edit what I would normally say. I was always able to finish a thought on radio, Continued on Page 9
what’sup YOLANDA ADAMS will be featured during “Christmas with Yolanda Adams” on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Abundant Life Cathedral, 11230 Harwin. The event will honor Dr. Patricia Williams of the Imani School and DeLoyd Parker of SHAPE Community Center. Admission ranges from $15 for children under $12 to $60 for a VIP reception. Tickets are available at Fiesta locations, Abundant Life bookstore, the Imani School or www.livenation. com……..NICKI MINAJ won awards for best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Rap/ Hip-Hop Album at the American Music Awards. Beyonce was named Soul/R&B Female Artist, and Usher won in the category of Best Soul/R&B Male Artist. “Loud” by Rihanna was recognized as the top Soul/R&B Album……..WILL SMITH is looking for another big payday. Smith reportedly is asking for at least $50 million to star in two sequels to “Independence Day.” The original movie earned more than $800 million and grew in popularity long after its premiere. Smith played the role of a pilot in the film, which also featured Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman…….. TYLER PERRY is defending his casting of Kim Kardashian in his new movie, “The Marriage Counselor.” Perry explained his choice in a letter to fans. “After I finished writing this movie, I sat back and re-read it,” he wrote in the letter. “Halfway through my read, the gravity of what I had written hit me. I knew that this message was not only for my age group, but for all audiences, especially the youth. I wanted a younger cast.” He added that long before he knew of Kardashian’s marriage or divorce, “I was trying to finish up the casting. I said to one of my producers, ‘Who else is out there that young people are looking up to?’ One of my producers showed me pictures that his daughter had taken of several hundred kids lined up around the corner to get into a Kardashian store. They wanted to meet Kim. I thought, what better person! She literally has millions of young people following her…….. BEVERLY JOHNSON, the original super model, will star in a reality series on OWN. Johnson steps out of her role as a fashion icon and opens her home to her daughter Anansa, son-in-law David and their newborn baby, Ava, in an effort to reconnect with her daughter and to help her growing family get ahead financially.
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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011 | DEFENDER
Wendy Williams...Continued from page 8
MACY S BLACK FRIDAY
specials midnight
because I had four hours. A one-hour TV show is only 44 minutes of programming.
KW: What was the biggest challenge you faced in making the move from radio to TV? WW: Finding the fine line between satisfying a daytime TV audience and an afternoon radio audience. That involved editing down my delivery to under an hour. I’ve been blessed to have great producers and a great staff to achieve that. I have a small team but they’re very efficient. KW: What’s the real Wendy like, minus the wigs, makeup and “How you doin’?” Given that you had a breast endowment, do you recommend this cosmetic surgery? WW: The real Wendy is a plain, regular girl with good skin. I do have hair…I have lots of witnesses to that. And I’m a homebody. When I get off the phone with you, Kam, I’m going to the grocery store, because our power was out for four days. As for breast augmentation, I do recommend it for women over 30 who have a couple of extra dollars. But it’s not for a nutty schoolgirl who might just be doing it for a guy. KW: Are you happy? WW: Yeaaaaahhhh! KW: When was the last time you had a good laugh? WW: A minute ago. I laugh all the time, loudly, with my mouth wide open, and all the way up to the tip of my wig. And I love just as hard. I only hope that people feel the passion when they watch my talk show. It comes from my soul. Kam, I can’t even describe to you what it feels like when I come through those double doors at 10 a.m. each morning. Sometimes, the emotions overwhelm me, and I start to cry. KW: Were you disappointed about your quick departure from Dancing with the Stars? WW: I was relieved! I’m not a dancer, and it was very time-consuming. But I met great people, and it was flattering to be asked to be on. You don’t understand how demanding that show is until you’re on the inside. That is real work. Real work! KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? WW: Beauty! I’m sitting here looking in the mirror right now pushing my wig up. Wow! I look really good to be going to the grocery store. I see beauty today. Tomorrow, it might be something different. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be? WW: For my groceries to just appear in the kitchen, so I can do what I love to do, which is turn on the TV and have myself a snack while watching the 5 o’clock news.
9
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011 defendernetwork.com
sports
Texan J.J. Watt
lives up to expectations
W
By MAX EDISON Defender
After 10 games Watt feels less like a rookie and more like a veteran. “Obviously there was a bit of awe initially with all the great players we have defensively,” he said. “Mario [Williams], [Brian] Cushing, DeMeco [Ryans] and Antonio [Smith], that’s a lot of talent to walk in to. Things have worked out. The guys have been a great help in helping me make the transition. We have tremendous talent on our defense and I’m glad to be a contributor in it. This is a long way from college.”
hen J.J. Watt was selected with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, there were some fans and media members shaking their heads. There were some “sexier” players on the board with more notoriety, but the Texans chose the 6’5” 290 lb. defensive end from Wisconsin. Here’s how Texan defensive coordinator Wade Phillips described Watt on draft day. “I think he’s just a really good football player,” Phillips said. “He led their team in sacks, caused fumbles, hurries and blocked kicks. He was second on their team in tackles and second on their team in passes defensed. Now passes defensed for a defensive lineman and tackles for a defensive lineman at that position are rare. This guy makes a lot of plays.” Now fast-forward to the 12th week of the season. The Texans are 7-3, leading the AFC South with a two-game lead over second place Tennessee. They have the NFL’s No. 1 defense with a certain rookie defensive end from Wisconsin that has started from day one. Seems like the understated Coach Phillips knew what he had in Watt. As a rookie, Watt has no real clue how bad the The addition of rookie J.J. Watt has solidified the Texan defensive front. Texan defense was in 2010. He does know how much fun he’s having this Now that the Texan defense has improved in a year and he hopes the fans can tell. major way, there are some opponents that claim the “I hope the fans are enjoying it, because we’re defense plays “dirty,” a label that Watt scoffs at. having fun playing it,” Watt said. “It’s fun when you “I watch the game film, so I don’t know what can come in and look at the rankings and see that the TV cameras catch and what they don’t catch. I your defense is playing so well. don’t think we’re dirty,” he said. “We have a good offense, a good defense and “I think we play hard. I think our team plays our special teams are playing well, so it’s a lot of fun extremely hard, and hey, it’s football. At the end when you’re playing for a team that’s clicking on all of the day, football is football, so stuff’s going to cylinders. We just need to keep it going.” happen.”
Watt has been a Texan starter from day one.
“I know a lot of people thought of the old Raiders as dirty,” he continued. “People can call us what they want, as long as they call us a good defense. That’s what we’re going to do; we’re just going to keep playing defense and we’ll let them judge as they may.” With success comes confidence, and Watt believes they have found the perfect formula and it’s not particularly complicated. “What we know is if we go out there and execute what the coaches’ give us all week, we’ll have success, and I think that’s the biggest part. We believe in the game plan, and as long as we execute it, we’ll have success.” No season is without its share of adversity. The defending champion Green Bay Packers had an unreal number of injuries en route to the Super Bowl. The Texans are now feeling the pain, having lost linebacker Mario Williams for the year and free safety Danieal Manning for six weeks on defense, and now quarterback Matt Schaub for the year. Like a true veteran Watt sums up the Texan mindset. “It’s all about overcoming adversity. That’s what you have to do, and obviously in the NFL, there’s plenty of adversity every single week. “We have a lot of adversity we’re facing right now and we can’t sit here and complain about it; we can’t sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. We need to go out there and perform.” Headed to his first division title and playoffs, J.J. Watt gets it and so far has lived up to the lofty expectations.
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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011 DEFENDER
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h.s.zone
sportsbriefs
La Porte faces familiar foe in playoffs
Whitely has surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season and has three interceptions on defense. “The Bush game was just an illustration of what we can do,” he said. “We played hard every snap and we go get it. “We’re looking forward to the Katy game,” Whitely said. “They are a good team and so are we. They are in our way for where we want to go, so we’re just going to battle it out on the field next Saturday at Tully and hope we come out on the winning end.”
By Darrell K. Ardison Defender
Jeff LaReau and his La Porte Bulldogs have been down this road before. Moments after posting a decisive 42-6 victory over Fort Bend Bush in a Class 5A Division II Region III area round playoff game at Clyde Abshier Stadium, LaReau was asked about playing the state’s top-ranked 5A team (Katy) in the regional semifinals. “We’ve run into [Katy] twice in the playoffs, once in the third round and another time in the fourth round,” LaReau said. “We know what they’re going to bring to the game. “They’re one of the top prep programs in the Houston area. We just have to step our game up and play. We can’t make mistakes against cats like that. It’s going to be the biggest ball game we’ve played all year,” La Reau said. La Porte (11-1) will take on unbeaten Katy (12-0) on Nov. 26 at Tully Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Katy fashions a bruising rushing attack led by freshman running back Rodney Anderson, who rushed for a seasonhigh 215 yards on 29 carries and touchdown runs of 12 and 32 yards in a 44-30 area round victory over Cypress Woods. The Tigers amassed 270 rushing yards in the contest. A week earlier, Anderson scored a season high four touchdowns as Katy scorched Madison 63-7 in a first-round playoff game. The Tigers grinded out 307 rushing yards against the Marlins. LaReau knows that Katy is far from being a one-dimensional team. Tigers quarterback Brooks Haack completed 14-of-18 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns against Cy Woods. “Katy can throw it pretty
well too,” he said. “You can’t take that away from them. But you have to stop the run and cover the play-action along with being perfect on special teams. Those are some of the things we have to do.” Cypress Woods may have exposed some chinks in the Katy armor. Katy had only allowed 58 points through its first 11 games of the 2011 season. Cy Woods tallied 30 points, including 16 in the first half. The Tigers did have three turnovers in the game, including an interception for the second week in a row after suffering no picks throughout the 10-game regular season. La Porte hasn’t lost since the third game of the season against Klein Forest. Nine consecutive victories have ensued following the Sept. 9 setback. Two-way standout Keith Whitely says the Bulldogs committed some crucial mistakes in the Klein Forest loss, but became a better team because of the experience. “After that loss and a couple of other close games, we decided to come together as one and make history this season,” Whitely said. “We knew coming into the season that we were going to be good. We just didn’t know how good.” In the Bulldogs’ 36-point verdict over Fort Bend Bush,
classifieds
La Porte running back/defensive back Keith Whitely will be a key figure in the Bulldogs’ third-round playoff game with top-ranked Katy.
Whitely scored on a 43-yard touchdown run and caught a 14-yard TD pass from quarterback Josh Vidales. Following La Porte’s 24-20 upset victory over stateranked Port Arthur Memorial in week nine of the regular season, Whitely was named the Class 5A Built Ford Tough Player of the Week. The junior rushed for 201 yards on 31 carries, including two touchdowns. He also returned an interception 29 yards for a score. A week later, Whitely had TD runs of 19, 20 and 30 yards in La Porte’s 38-20 victory over Beaumont West Brook that secured the school’s first outright football district championship in 18 years.
11
Cypress Falls’ bid for state title cut short Cypress Falls had not been to the girls’ state volleyball tournament since winning the Class 5A title in 2000. No other Houston area school has been able to bring home a state championship in the interim. Then Cy Falls upset District 17-5A nemesis Cypress Woods in the Region III-5A title match to earn its second visit to the state tournament and there were hopes the dry spell could be over. It has now been 12 years since the Houston area has experienced a girls’ state volleyball championship. Cy Falls’ title hopes were dashed by McKinney Boyd in the state semifinals as the Eagles could not hold on to leads in the second and fourth sets to eventually lose 25-18, 25-19, 20-25, 25-22.
Westfield shows up and revs it up at crunch time There was a time during this high school football season when you never knew which Spring Westfield team would show up. The Mustangs slipped up against Tomball and then won a shootout (45-42 OT) with Klein Oak, the eventual District 13-5A champion. Westfield lost to non-playoff qualifier Spring, then defeated 13-5A runner-up Dekaney. Since the playoffs began, Westfield ousted Lufkin (30-27), the Houston area’s No. 2 Class 5A school, and followed that with a 13-7 victory over Leander. Mustangs’ quarterback Kriegan Bridges led a fourthquarter comeback against Leander by tossing TD passes of 12 yards to Tevin Lewis and 47 yards to Dexter Garrett with no time left in regulation. Westfield faces Garland Rowlett in third-round action.
Is there more to Penn State than being reported? The alleged sexual assaults that occurred at Penn State have sickened the entire nation. Former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky has been charged with various counts of sexual assaults perpetuated against under-age boys. Now sources maintain that Sandusky targeted minority kids, especially AfricanAmerican boys. Our college football sources indicate that half of the boys in the grand jury indictment are Black. Sandusky ran the Second Mile, a charity designed to instill hope and give young boys a second chance. Why is mainstream media apprehensive to report this? Is this why none of the major officials at Penn State, including the venerable Joe Paterno, paid any attention to what was happening right under their noses? Is there a chance of an even greater scandal if this information proves to be true? Stay tuned.
Will Sumlin stay as coach of the Houston Cougars? With the unprecedented success the Cougar football team is having this season, how long will it be before some school attempts to steal head coach Kevin Sumlin? It’s not a popular subject among the Houston alums and fans, but they have been down this road before. In 2007 Coach Art Briles left the Coogs for Baylor and the Big 12 after five successful seasons. Sumlin in four years has the Cougars knocking on the door of a possible BCS berth. Like Briles before him, will some big-time program from a major conference like UCLA, Arizona or Ole Miss throw a dump truck load of money at Sumlin and make him an offer he can’t refuse? Houston has a grand plan to build a new stadium, but will that be enough to keep Sumlin?
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12
DEFENDER | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 | 2011
defendernetwork.com
For Event Coverage...visit
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Sue and Lionel Feazell, Angelee Rhyne and Honoree Kerry Briggs
Artist Coline Creuzot
Reginald Nims and David Cothran
chag’splace
Keith and Veronica Williams, Atty. Barbara Hudson and Coach Doug Williams
Ruth Robbins, Michelle Barnes and Jackie Miller
Helen Helaire, Lourdes Goodson and David Cothran Sr.
Debra Johnson and Dr. Kenoye K. Eke
Sonya Troullier and Dr. Sarah Trotty
Joe Guyton, Marcus Pitre and Jonathan Cooper
Foundation, event chairs, Veronica and Keith Williams, EDUATIONAL DREAM A REALITY.......The Douglas and raffle committee chairs, Cynthia and Azell Carter for L. Williams Alumni Chapter of Grambling University hosted their 6th Annual Scholarship and Charitable Foundation Black a job well done. Entertainment was provided by the Conrad Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra and Ms. Chag served & Gold Gala at the Marriott Houston Hobby Hotel. This as the mistress of ceremonies. Fabulous year’s theme was “Helping Us Make gala!.....CREATIVITY ON A SILVER An Educational Dream A Reality,” Join Yvette Chargois PLATTER......The Community Artists’ and they did just that, by awarding Events of the Week Collective launched their fundraising events scholarships to several students. Over More photos on defendernetwork.com for 2012 by hosting their first one titled, 250 guests attended and included See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads “Creativity On A Silver Platter” at the Grambling head coach Doug Williams, with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. Breakfast Klub. Featured artist was Coline Dr. Kenoye K. Eke, Debra Johnson, Sue and Lionel Feazell, Lynette and Creuzot who exhibited her beautiful art Willie Williams, Diane and John pieces. Community Artists’ Collective is Carter, Esther and Dr. James McHenry, Veronica and focused on enriching the lives of children and adults through Norris Honeycut, Shirley and Lester Howard, Rev. Lamon the development of creative, artistic and community-oriented Atkins Sr., Jackie Pope and Geri Walker, to name a few. programs and events. The community came out to support Kudos to Attorney Barbara Hudson, president of the DLW the organization, including founding members Michelle
and Barry Barnes and Dr. Sarah Trotty, Terry St. John, Marcus Davis, Byronne Hearn, Colleen Banks, Ruth Robbins, Jackie Miller, Linda Brown, Sonya Troullier, and Mary Holt Ashley. Happy silver anniversary!.......GIVING BACK.....David L. Cothran Sr. opened his fabulous home in League City to guests supporting his desire to make life better for someone in need. Attendees were asked to bring clothing that will be donated to the homeless and those in halfway houses. Additionally, a scholarship for post high school books was announced in the memory of his most beloved son, David L. Cothran Jr. Those spotted enjoying the fellowship included David’s grandson, Dalton Cothran, Reginald Nims, Helen Helaire, Lourdes Goodson, Joe Guyton, Marcus Pitre and Jonathan Cooper, to name a few. We salute David and wish him continued success!.......... From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!....... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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