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PVAMU RESEARCHERS DEVELOP NEW WAY TO TREAT CANCER CELLS P8

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Volume 88 | Number 6

NATIONAL EMANTIC ‘EJ’ BRADFORD

killed by police after being mistaken for mall gunman

P3 FEATURE BOB MCNAIR remembered by fans, friends

SEX REVOLUTION Diversity in identities H PAGE 6

Barack Obama visits Rice

Micheal B. Jordan shines in “Creed II”

The university hosted a rare conversation with the former President where they covered a wide range of topics, from foreign policy to partisan politics.

The Hollywood heavyweight returns to the beloved follow-up. He talks about how he pulled no punches getting in shape for the role, and how he uses that fighter’s mindset to make changes in front of and behind the camera.

H PAGE 2

H PAGE 5

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P9 H.S. SPORTS T.J. GOODWIN

does it all for Cy-Falls

P11 TOP EVENTS

Leslie Williams, Helen George and Councilmember Amanda Edwards at the Empowered You Houston Senior Citizens Conference.

P12

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 29 | 2018

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newstalk

Texas could face more Harvey-type weather

Texas Tribune

exas should brace for more – and worse – Hurricane Harveys, according to a major scientific report by the Trump administration. Based on the research of hundreds of government and academic scientists, including several in Texas, the 1,656-page appraisal warns that Harvey and other recent extreme weather events are harbingers of climate change. Absent swift action to slash carbon emissions, the report says, the warming trend will have an even more crippling impact on life in the United States – and Texas. The report is the second volume of the latest National Climate Assessment, which the federal government must produce every four years. The first volume, released a year ago, came to many of the same conclusions, but was less detailed and dire.

While both reports were released under the Trump administration, they stand in stark contrast to the president’s stance on climate change; he has repeatedly cast doubt on it. Indeed, environmental and other groups accused the administration of attempting to bury the report by releasing it the day after Thanksgiving.

The White House downplayed the findings of the report, saying in a statement that it was “largely based on the most extreme scenario.” But the report makes a compelling case for the reality of disastrous climate change impacts – in large part because they are already occurring. The report highlights Hurricane Harvey, wildfires in California and other recent extreme weather events, describing them as consistent with what might be expected as the planet warms. It also details the crippling impact a multi-year drought had on Texas agriculture from 2010 to 2015, thanks not only to less direct rainfall but to the reduction of water released to farmers for irrigation. Among the “key messages” in the report: Relative sea level rise along the Texas Gulf Coast will be twice that of the global average – one to four feet or more – between now and 2100. That will make communities more vulnerable to hurricane storm surge. Texas “is vulnerable to increasing temperature, extreme precipitation and continued sea level rise, particularly as infrastructure ages and populations shift to urban centers,” the report states.

Former President Obama visits Houston Defender News Services

Rice University hosted a rare conversation with former President Barack Obama. The 44th president was in town recently to take part in a conversation at Rice University with former Secretary of State and Baker Institute Honorary Chair James Baker. That conversation was moderated by historian Jon Meacham. The trio covered a wide range of topics, from foreign policy to partisan politics. Obama said he believes the media is playing a role in today’s acrid political environment. “Whether it was [Walter] Cronkite, [David] Brinkley, or what have you, there was a common set of facts, a baseline around which both parties had to respond to,” Obama said.

“By the time I take office, what we see is if you are a Fox News viewer, your reality is dramatically different than a New York Times reader.” Obama said he believed that regardless of the current political climate the United States still has an important role to play on the world stage. “We have a stake in making sure that we have our act together enough,” he said. “Because everybody else, whether they admit it or not, tends to follow our lead.” Obama told the invitation-only crowd he was especially proud of the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the fact that after eight years in the White House he and his family came out of it with their core values intact. The former president said the biggest challenge over the next 20 years may be a return to civil conversation. The gala raised more than $5 million for Rice University’s Baker Institute.

localbriefs BETO O’ROURKE ISN’T RULING OUT a potential 2020 presidential run. The three-term Democratic congressman lost by about three points in his race against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. But the loss was close enough in deep-red Texas to spark speculation he could try for the White House. O’Rourke said he’s focused on his family and representing his district until leaving the U.S. House on Jan. 3. After that, he and his wife will “think about what we can do next to contribute to the best of our ability to this community.” The shift is remarkably different from O’Rourke’s sentiment on the day before the election three weeks

ago……..HOUSTON ACTIVIST RAY HILL died of heart failure on Nov. 24 at the age of 78. A staunch defender of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights as well as a prison reform activist, Hill was one of the founders of what was then called the Houston Gay Political Caucus. He was known for his fight for equality and free speech……..TEXAS SCHOOLS WILL RECEVIE ABOUT $2.2 billion after the State Board of Education (SBOE) voted to increase the funding provided for school operations, instructional materials and technology. That’s an increase of $172 million over its preliminary spending rate decision. Funds distributed

through the SBOE are given a direct route to every classroom funding textbooks and technology…….. HOUSTON HAS ANOTHER DISTINCTION TO ADD to its list. The city was ranked among the top five most sinful cities in the country for a second straight year in an annual Wallethub study. Houston landed at No. 4 on the list, the same spot as last year. The study measured several factors including violent crimes per capita, drinking levels and adult entertainment businesses per capita. Factors were distilled into seven categories: anger and hatred, jealousy, excesses and vices, greed, lust, vanity and laziness.

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national

U.S.briefs INVESTIGATORS ARE TRYING TO FIND out who hung seven nooses in trees outside the Mississippi Capitol a day before a U.S. Senate runoff that has focused attention on the state’s history of racist violence. The nooses were accompanied by handwritten signs referring to the runoff election as well as to lynchings – most of them in the state’s turbulent past, but also one recent case that remains under investigation, of a Black man whose body was found hanging in central Mississippi. Incumbent Sen. Cindy HydeSmith, a Republican, has drawn fire for a lynching comment, which she said was an “exaggerated expression of regard,” but the remarks drew sharp criticism in a state with a 38 percent Black population. She apologized “to anyone that was offended.”……..A FORMER OHIO JUDGE WHO served time in prison for brutally attacking his then-wife was arrested recently after she was found stabbed to death. Lance Mason, 51 – who plead guilty to felonious assault in 2015 after punching Aisha Fraser repeatedly in front of their children – was taken into custody after his ex-wife was found dead in his driveway. When police arrived, Mason allegedly attempted suicide and then tried to flee, ramming his vehicle into a police cruiser in the process. He and an officer were taken to an area hospital……..THE SISTER OF AN UNARMED BLACK man who died last month after being repeatedly shocked with stun guns by San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies said unreleased video of the encounter refutes initial police accounts of what happened that day. Chinedu Okobi, 36, died Oct. 3 after a confrontation with police. Deputies reportedly approached Okobi as he ran in and out of traffic on a busy highway. Officers fired their stun gun multiple times. Okobi went into cardiac arrest and later died. His sister blamed his erratic behavior on mental illness.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER 29, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Max Edison Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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).

Questions remain in Alabama mall shooting Associated Press

The father of a Black man killed by a police officer during a shooting at an Alabama mall said his son had a permit to carry a gun for selfdefense, adding it was hurtful that police initially portrayed his son as the shooter. Emantic “E.J.” Bradford Jr., 21, was fatally shot by the officer responding to the Thanksgiving night shooting on Nov. 22 that wounded an 18-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl bystander. Hoover, Ala. police initially said they thought Bradford, who was carrying a handgun, was responsible but later retracted the statement. They subsequently said it was unlikely that Bradford had done the shooting. Bradford’s father, Emantic Bradford Sr., said the family wants to know if there is police body camera footage from the shooting. Police have not confirmed whether such footage exists. Hoover Police Captain Gregg Rector said investigators now believe that more than two people were involved in the initial fight ahead of the shooting, and that “at least one gunman” is still at large who could be responsible. Police said while Bradford Jr. “may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that wounded the 18-year-old victim.” Rector said police regret that their initial statement about Bradford was not accurate and added the shooting remains under investigation. About 200 demonstrators marched through the Riverchase Galleria mall in suburEmantic Bradford Jr. was fatally shot by a police officer responding to a ban Birmingham and held a moment of silence Thanksgiving night shooting outside Birmingham. for Bradford at the spot where he was killed. The slain man’s stepmother, Cynthia what happened at the mall but added, “They were so quick Bradford, described her stepson, who went by to rush to judgment…I knew my son didn’t do that. People E.J., as a respectful young man whose father worked at a rushed to judgment. They shouldn’t have done that.” jail for the Birmingham Police Department. She also said Carlos Chaverst, an activist in Birmingham who of the initial police account, “We knew that was false.” organized the protest, said that when authorities acknowlThe unanswered questions surrounding the shooting edged that the person killed was not the actual shooter, have stirred emotions in the suburb of the majority-Black “that sent us in an uproar.” city of Birmingham. He said more protests will be held in the future to Demonstrators included several relatives, and they hold officials accountable. chanted “E.J” and “No justice, no peace” as they marched “When we found out about this incident, there were past Christmas shoppers at the mall. questions from the jump. People were upset because a Family members described their horror of finding out man was shot and killed by police in our own backyard,” from social media that Bradford was dead. Video circulathe said. ed on social media show Bradford lying in a pool of blood The incident began with a fight and shooting at the on the mall floor. Riverchase Galleria, a mall crowded with Black Friday Bradford’s father called his son, “a good kid, a very bargain hunters, according to authorities. good kid.” The officer who shot Bradford was placed on adminBradford Sr. said his son had a permit to carry a istrative leave while authorities investigate the shooting. weapon in self-defense. He said he doesn’t know exactly

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entertainment

Michael B. Jordan

Hollywood heavyweight returns in ‘Creed II’ Associated Press

If Michael B. Jordan’s path to this moment was condensed and edited, it might look, appropriately, like a training montage. Images of Jordan cutting his teeth on the Baltimore streets of “The Wire” and the Texas football fields of “Friday Night Lights,” followed by hints of a soaring talent (“Red Tails,” ‘’Chronicle”), shattering breakthroughs (“Fruitvale Station”) and setbacks (“Fantastic Four”) before reaching, with a pair of haymakers (“Creed,” ‘’Black Panther”), heavyweight status. Parallel to Jordan’s steady rise has been the 31-year-old’s expanding sway behind the scenes in Hollywood. His production company, Outlier Society Productions, was among the first to embrace the while still having to fight for what he believes inclusion rider, adopting in. As Steven Caple Jr.’s boxing drama the pledge to seek diverse prepared to open in theaters, Jordan went casts and crews. Jordan was door-to-door in Georgia urging people to vote also influential on a similar in the midterm elections. agreement by WarnerMedia, “You’ve been doing one thing for 20 making Warner Bros. the years. Constantly working at it, trying to sole major studio thus far to grow and become successful, or whatever sign up. your version of success is. And then you have “He’s always been a a moment in time where everything seems to big-idea guy,” said Ryan be coming together at the same time…But Coogler, who directed Joryou live in a society, in a world that’s kind of Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone star in “Creed dan in “Fruitvale Station,” II.” going to s---. So to be able to use one to help ‘’Creed” and “Black Panthe other, is something. To try to find your voice.” ther.” ‘’He’s always been conscious of his own responsibility.” He added that, “Honestly, there’s a lot going on right now “Creed II,” which is now in theaters, finds Jordan’s charand I’m trying to find my place in all of it, professionally and acter, Adonis Creed – like the actor, himself – adjusting to his personally.” newfound prominence: reaching the pinnacle of his profession

A big part of Jordan’s quest was “Black Panther,” in which he played Erik Killmonger, a wounded, fatherless warrior bent on reparations through violence. The performance has made Jordan one of this year’s leading supporting actor contenders for the Academy Awards. Coogler praised his friend’s vulnerability in a complicated role. “He was one of the few AfricanAmerican characters and he was carrying the weight of that cultural representation,” says Coogler. “Mike brings a lot of the empathy with him, as a person and as a performer. That’s one of the things that makes him special. Almost as soon as you see him, you empathize with him.” Just as “Creed II” is opening in theaters, “Black Panther” is returning to them. On Nov. 27, it screens for free in arthouse theaters nationwide, a few months after wrapping up its $1.35 billion run worldwide. A sequel to the acclaimed 2015 spinoff (it grossed $173.6 million worldwide on a $35 million budget), “Creed II” was fasttracked by MGM in part to capitalize on the success of “Black Panther” and Jordan’s growing profile. Caple preserved and expanded upon Coogler’s naturalistic approach, and the film’s best scenes unlock raw intimacies outside the ring. Especially notable is the chemistry between Jordan and Tessa Thompson, who plays Adonis’ girlfriend, and the surprising pathos of the father-son relationship between Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) and Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu). In an echo of “Rocky IV,” the younger Drago is Adonis’ foe this time. Caple credits Jordan for the film’s emotional authenticity. “He’s genuine. Then you meet him in person and you realize he’s the same way in real life. You can’t act that or fake that. He used that as a vehicle to get where he is today,” Caple said.

what’sup The mother of OPRAH WINFREY, VERNITA LEE, died at the age of 83. A spokesperson for Winfrey said the media mogul’s mother died on Nov. 22 and has already been laid to rest at a private funeral. Winfrey has admitted that her relationship with her mom was rocky because of a long separation and the fact that she was raised early on by her maternal grandmother. The relationship between Winfrey and her mom was eventually repaired…….. Grammy Award-winning artist LAURYN HILL issued a public apology for showing up late to her performances overseas. Hill

is currently on tour in Europe for the 20thanniversary celebration of her first and only album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The singer arrived two hours late to her show in Paris, then performed onstage for a total of 30 minutes which prompted “boos” from the crowd of fans. Prior to that, she showed up one hour and 40 minutes late for her performance in Belgium. Earlier this year, the megastar was late to several concerts in Canada and canceled performances in the U.S. due to “unforeseen circumstances.” She apologized via social media for her constant tardiness in Europe.

Still, she showed up late days later for her Scotland show……..The PRINCE estate has been notified of an impending lawsuit by a man who claims to be the son of the late music icon, and he has declared his plans to sue for a portion of the fortune. Ogeda Patrick claims the estate has “erroneously (habitually) omitted him as the true heir to the Prince Estate.” Patrick claims he “has been deprived from assuming ownership of the Prince Estate for nearly a year” and notes that “this delay of justice has cost Mr. Patrick over $100,000,000.00…..in possible revenue due to his inability to access the assets of the estate.”

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 29 | 2018

SE REVOL

he 1960s brought with it a revolution, where sexual attitudes and behavior drastically changed. The 21st century has taken that a step further, ushering in a “new sex revolution” that warrants a “reboot” of how we view relationship. Some equality advocates say it’s imperative to become well-versed at understanding the various aspects of sexuality and gender, so you can be prepared socially for people who identify as something other than lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ). “Understanding the diverse identities is so important,” said Lou Weaver, transgender programs coordinator with Equality Texas, a statewide political advocacy organization that advocates for LGBTQ rights. “It shows respect for other humans to use the language they are comfortable with. You don’t need to understand – or even agree with – their actions, but respecting their decisions is essential.” While deep-rooted religious beliefs can hamper tolerance of LGBTQ issues, acceptance is increasing in communities of faith. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, support for marriage equality increased from 23 percent to 38 percent among Black Protestants between 2015 and 2017. Though data from the institute shows African-Americans overall still lag in support of the LGBTQ community, acceptance is on the rise. For LGBTQ advocate Simone Waters, education is what led to tolerance in her family. “At first I was scared to talk to my aunt about my girlfriend because she’s so religious and she’s against homosexuality. I think even a few years ago, she might have disowned me. But now, she just asked a lot of questions and at the end of the day, I realized she’s going to be respectful toward me even though she disagrees with my life and it made a world of difference,” Waters said. Weaver acknowledged that understanding can prove challenging, especially when many equate LGBTQ to an individual’s sexual orientation. “A lot people don’t understand that it’s not about sex with us,” said Weaver, a transgender male. “Gender identity is who I go to bed as – in my case, a transgender male. My sexual orientation is who I want to go to bed with.” Texas is home to an estimated 770,000 LGBTQ adults and 158,500 LGBTQ youth.A survey from the J. Walter Thompson Innovation Group found that young Americans aged 13 to 20 years old (also known as “Generation Z”) found that they are far more open-minded and permissive than their See celebrities who a part of the new older millennial revolution counterparts when it comes to issues of gender and sexuality. In fact, only 48 percent of Gen Zs identify as exclusively you’re queer yourself or just want to be a better ally, heterosexual, compared to 65 percent of millennials aged it’s crucial to get your terminology straight,” said Waters, who 21 to 34. identifies as pansexual (attraction based on emotions). LGBTQ advocates urge people to move past ideology of “We’re just not monolithic anymore,” she said. “There are many of what a “normal” relationship is supposed to look like to better us whose emotional attraction is more important than sexual attraction. understand the changing landscape. In fact, a host of other That’s me. I don’t care about the sex part or what they identify as. If you categories have been added, broadening the scope of how people like me, I can like you. It’s not that complicated. Everyone wants to make identify themselves. In addition to lesbian, gay, bisexual and it about sex and it’s not.” transgender, there’s also pansexual, gender fluid, binary, non Waters said taking the time to understand can help stop jaded binary, asexual and intersex. mindsets and hurtful questions. LEARNING THE LANGUAGE “My biggest pet peeve is people acting like our decisions will cause “It’s important to learn the language in order to join the the human race to cease. There are straight people who choose not to discussion – the LGBTQ community has a long and sordid have children and no one questions them, but if you’re in a LGQBT history of people using language against them. Whether relationship, that’s the first thing people ask,” Waters said.

Diversity in

By RESHONDA TA Defe

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“And by the way, there are millions of kid who we can adopt. Straight people aren’t goin to understand and respect, neither are we.” Texas’ legal landscape and social climate con which LGBTQ people are at risk of experiencing according to a study by the Williams Institute at U “State laws in Texas do not protect LGBTQ based on their sexual orientation or gender identit less than one-fifth of Texas residents from such di Mallory, state and local policy director and Anna Williams Institute and co-author of the report. “Additionally, Texas ranks in the bottom q of social support for LGBTQ people, although time.”

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EX LUTION

n identities

ATE BILLINGSLEY ender

ds in the foster care system ng anywhere, but people need

ntribute to an environment in stigma and discrimination, UCLA School of Law. people from discrimination ty, and local ordinances protect iscrimination,” said Christy M. Curren Fellow at the

quarter of states in terms support is increasing over

The study documents the prevalence and impact of several forms of stigma and-criminati-inst LGBTQ individuals in the state, including harassment and discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations; harassment and bullying in schools; and family rejection. “Stigma and discrimination can negatively impact LGBTQ individuals’ health and wellbeing,” said Brad Sears, executive director and Roberta A. Conroy Scholar of Law and Policy at the Williams Institute and co-author of the report. “Research shows that these experiences can lead to economic instability and poorer health for LGBTQ people”. That’s why Waters says it’s important to have allies, and the way to get there is through understanding. “Many people, especially parents, have a tendency to call this new sex revolution a phase. It’s not. It’s who we are. We’re tired of hiding who we are just because people don’t understand.”

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Know the lingo:

Sexual, gender-related terms

Orientation – Also sexual orie ntation – describes who you are romantically attracted to. Gender – Though they’re ofte n misunderstood to mean the same thing, there’s a big difference between gender and sexual orientation . Gender identity is how one perceives themselves such as male, female, non-binary, etc . Heterosexual -- A person attr acted to the opposite gender. Also referred to as stra ight. Gay – Traditionally refers to men who are attracted to other men, but also has an um brella definition to describe anyone who dates their same gender. Lesbian – A woman who dat es and is attracted to other women.

Queer – Once a slur, and now reclaimed by the LGBTQQ community, and becaus e of this, there’s a sense of belonging tied to the term. LGBTQQ – An acronym for the broader queer community. It stands for lesb ian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer. Sometimes the “Q” also represents “question” (those questioning their sexuality). Bisexual – The capacity for attraction to your own gender, as well as genders tha t aren’t your own. Pansexual – The attraction to people regardless of their gender identity. For pan sexuals, gender is not a determining point in who they are interested in. Gender binary – Assumes tha t someone is either “male” or “female,” and reli es on the gender assigned at birth, based on genitals. As the gender revolution grows and more is understood about soc ialized gender roles, the more many people understand the mselves and those around the m as not just “male” or “female,” but somewhere in between. That could mean both male and female, trans, or both non binary and trans. Non-Binary – Someone wh o doesn’t identify on the gender binary (male and fem ale), or solely as one of those two genders. Non-binary is an umbrella term – the pronoun someone uses and the way the y describe their gender varies from person to person. Genderfluid – Someone wh ose gender fluctuates and has different gender identities at different times. Like nonbinary people, how a gender fluid person describes themselves and the pronouns that they use vary from person to person. They may feel more male one day and more fem ale the other, both male and fem ale at the same time, non-bin ary and female at the same time, all at the same time, etc. Trans – Short for transgende r, refers to someone whose gender assigned at birt h by a doctor does not match their gender identity. Intersex – A general term use d for a variety of conditions in which someone is bor n with reproductive anatomy that doesn’t match the traditio nal definitions of female or male. This can refer both to genitals and chromosomes doc tors use to mark gender. Asexual – When a person is not sexually attracted to others. Asexuality is different than celibacy – making an intentional decision to not hav e sex with others. Hypersexual – The ability to be attracted to someone based on looks alone, withou t knowing them personally.

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 29 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

PVAMU researchers develop new cancer cells treatment Defender News Services

A medical breakthrough is under development on the campus of Prairie View A&M University. PVAMU scientists are collaborating on a project that once completed, will result in a new way to deliver medicine to cancer cells. Drs. Aderemi Oki and Laura Carson from the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Chemistry and the Cooperative Agriculture Research Center, respectively, are Left to right are: Dr. Aderemi Oki, Department Head, Chemistry, leading the project. and scientist; Tony Green, undergraduate student researcher; Dr. A graduate student Subhani Bandara, research specialist III and Dr. Laura Carson, assistant director for Compliance, Undergraduate Research and began investigating potential bone regener- Student Success, research scientist. ation polymeric materiIn certain conditions, it is positively als about six years ago. charged and is naturally attracted to the Since then, more graduate and undernegatively charged cell membrane. Due to graduate students have been working on the presence of other reactive groups, chitosan the project under the leadership Carson can be modified to enable the preparation of a and Oki, along with biology professor Dr. drug delivery system with required characterGloria Regisford. Over the years, students have studied istics. The other two components of this using biodegradable polymer systems as system play essential roles in support of drug delivery systems in cancer therapies. chitosan. Folic acid targets cancer cells with Nanometer-sized drug delivery systems are good candidates to deliver therapeutic material minimum interaction with healthy cells as specific cancer cells are known to overexpress to cancer cells because of its ability to penfolic acid receptors. Zinc and its insertion etrate the cell membrane surrounding defecinto a non-positively charged copper sulfide tive cells. The new system was composed of are known as effective therapeutic agents in three major components: chitosan, folic acid, cancer therapy. and zinc. These materials take in radiation in low Chitosan is a sugar extracted from the energy environments and provide means of outer skeleton of shellfish such as lobster destructing the targeted cells, specifically and crab that’s usually accumulated on the the defective cancer cell. The wavelength of ocean floor. In this system, chitosan serves as energy is fine-tuned depending on the amount a vehicle to transport to the drug because it is zinc substituted in the Zn-Cu-S system. not toxic to humans.

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Texans owner Bob McNair dead at age 81 Defender News Services

Bob McNair, the businessman who brought NFL football back to Houston in 2002, died Nov. 23 at age 81. The Texans’ founder and CEO battled multiple types of cancer in recent years. McNair’s Texans won their first AFC South title in 2011 and gave Houston its first NFL playoff game in nearly 18 years. His influence and leadership brought two Super Bowls to Houston’s NRG Stadium: Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI in 2017. Mayor Sylvester Turner acknowledged McNair’s contributions. “After the Oilers left Houston for Tennessee, Bob and his family brought NFL football back to Houston, where it certainly belongs,” Turner said. “Bob was also instrumental in the construction of NRG Stadium and was the force that brought the 2017 Super Bowl to our city… “But football was not the only good thing Bob McNair gave to Houston. He and his family were very generous to many community and local philanthropic causes. He was a bold and visionary Houstonian who will long be remembered here. We extend our prayers to his wife Janice and family, and we lift them up at this time.” Two minorities, who are limited Texan partners, shared their comments. Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell said, “Bob McNair built his life around four pillars: faith, family, philanthropy and football. Speaking of philanthropy, I’m told that he and his foundation gave in excess of $500 million dollars. He will obviously be sorely missed. While GOD only made one Bob McNair, we need a lot more people to be like him.” Javier Loya said, “He meant so much to the community and to me personally. He was just an iconic Texas legend.” Joseph Benson, a 12-year employee at NRG, said,“Mr. McNair was a great human being and a great person.” McNair was born in Tampa, Fla., and raised in Forest City, N.C. He graduated from the University of South Carolina. He eventually founded Cogen Technologies, which became the largest privately-owned cogeneration company in the world. In 1999, the NFL awarded him the 32nd league franchise. McNair paid $700 million for the team to replace the Oilers, who moved to Tennessee. He came under fire in 2017 after saying at an NFL owners meeting, “We can’t have the inmates running

the prison,” referring to NFL players’ demonstrations during the national anthem. McNair later apologized, saying his comments were about the “relationship between the league office and team owners” and not the players themselves.

When asked about McNair’s comment, one African-American Texans fan said, “We all make mistakes. One mistake surely should not define your life particularly when you have such a profound body of work like Bob McNair.”

Bob McNair

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 29 | 2018

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sports

The arena formerly known as Hofheinz Pavilion will seat 7,100 fans.

Renderings show what’s in store at the Fertitta Center. It is named after University of Houston System Board of Regents Chair Tillman J. Fertitta, who donated $20 million toward the project.

UH opens Fertitta Center Dec. 1 By MAX EDISON Defender

Former Cougar All-American and NBA standout Otis Birdsong has vivid memories of the former Hofheinz Pavilion. “I was a freshman in 1973, the first-year freshman could play varsity ball and Hofheinz Pavilion was an unbelievable place to play,” Birdsong recalled. “It was a beautiful, intimate place. It was loud and gave us an automatic homecourt advantage. We were independent then, so we took on all comers. We always believed no matter who we played that Hoffeinz gave us a definite advantage.”

All good things must come to an end and as one era ends, another begins. The University of Houston proudly unveils its brand new basketball palace, the Fertitta Center, with a game on Saturday, Dec. 1. The beginning of the Fertitta Center officially closes the chapter on the building formerly known as Hofheinz Pavilion. The Cougars men’s basketball team will play their first game at 8 p.m. in the Fertitta Center against the 2017 PAC-12 regular season champions, the Oregon Ducks. The first women’s game will be on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. against Texas A&M University. Originally constructed in 1969 and named for former Harris County Judge, Houston mayor and Astrodome visionary Roy Hofheinz, Hofheinz Pavilion was once the mecca for local basketball. When the NBA Rockets moved to Houston from San Diego, they initially played games in Hofheinz Pavilion. It was the site for high school regional basketball Basketball fans can get a close-up look at the center when it opens on Dec. 1. playoffs for years. The road to Austin for the state high school basketball tourney was always The arena has received a $60 million-dollar total renovation, through Hofheinz. with $20 million donated as a gift from billionaire alum Tillman In the early ‘80s Hofheinz Pavilion was the home court for Fertitta. It was the largest donation ever by an individual to the Phi Slama Jama, Texas’ tallest fraternity. Fans filled the arena to athletic department. witness the high-flying antics of Clyde Drexler, Bennie Anders, With a 7,100-seat capacity, the Fertitta Center will feature a Michael Young and Hakeem Olajuwon. premium club area and a courtside club. The reconfigured bowl

will move mid-court seating locations closer to game action with floor-level seating opposite the team benches for UH students. Renovations include a new audio system, sports lighting and video boards as well as new concession stands and expanded restrooms. It will feature new locker rooms, media rooms and a tunnel that will light up red as players march through to the court. Last season, the Cougars played their home games at the Texas Southern University H&PE Arena and posted an undefeated home record. Cougar head coach Kelvin Sampson is anxious to move his troops back on campus, an advantage that UH students will love. “The most important entity that fills up a basketball arena or football stadium is the students,” Sampson said. “We can count on them, and we’ve got to get our students in the habit of coming here to watch our basketball team.” With a 40- seat student section in the front row opposite the team benches and another section on the end line next to the entrance tunnel, the layout is designed to create a home court advantage. “Bringing students down close to the court, that energy translates to the court, to our kids and helps create a significant home court advantage,” said Chris Pezman, director of operations.

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NOVEMBER 29 | 2018 | DEFENDER

HS sports

Goodwin led the Cy Falls Eagles to victory against Westside.

T.J. Goodwin said members of the Cypress Falls Eagles football team must be “on the same page to win.”

Cy Falls QB

T.J. Goodwin a natural born leader By JODIE B. JILES Defender

back? Goodwin: I would say that I am a pro style but people like to call me a mobile pro style because I can move around a little bit. But I like to sit in the pocket and really throw. Defender: Why do you love the game of football? Goodwin: It’s just being able to go out there and play with my best friends, and we all have to be on the same page to win. It’s not like basketball where you have five guys. It has to be 22 guys on every side of the ball for us to come out with

ypress Falls High School quarterback T.J. Goodwin, a University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) commit, is a 6-foot-6 pro style field general who is a leader among men on the gridiron. Goodwin helped the Eagles early in the season before being sidelined by an injury for the final four Goodwin gives an interview to sportswriter Jodie Jiles. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison) weeks. Cy Falls managed to maintain their playoff spot throughout the end of the season. a victory. Goodwin returned from injury leading his team past the first round, Defender: How were you able to overcome the mid-season defeating Westside before taking an “L” in the second round to injury and bounce back? Katy Thompkins. Goodwin: With my teammates Cy Falls head coach Chris Brister around me just really staying positive. DefenderNetwork.com is impressed by Goodwin’s competiThey knew I was going to come back and See playoff game highlights tiveness and skills. I knew I had to work to come back. The “He is one of the most comteam really picked it up at the end of the petitive individuals I have ever been season when I wasn’t there, which made around and his will to win is second to none,” Brister said. “He it really easier on me to know that I could take my time and didn’t has battled back from an injury and has been able to contribute and have to rush to be back for the playoffs. start again in practice and the playoffs. He has some physical skills Defender: What inspired your decision to commit to that are hard to beat and he’s a leader.” UTEP? The Defender spoke with the quarterback about his style of Goodwin: The coaches showed genuine love and knew that I play, overcoming of a mid-season injury and reason for commithave what it takes to push them over the edge, so I really liked that. ting to UTEP. They also gave me the idea that I could come in and try to play, Defender: How would you describe your style as quartercompete for a spot and play early.

About Goodwin

Classification: Senior Twitter: TjGoodWin_ Favorite subject: Culinary Dream job after football: Mechanical engineer Favorite food: Likes everything NFL players he likes to watch: Quarterbacks Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers

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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 29 | 2018

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

topevents

EMPOWERED YOU HOUSTON SENIOR CITIZENS CONFERENCE…….. dollars to steer money away from traditional stores and into Black businesses. A The Empowered You Houston Senior Citizens Conference was a “Seniors 101” record number of vendors were on hand for the two-day event, with customers session offering a one-stop shop event providing resources and information to commenting on the high quality of goods as well as the positive, family-friendly, help seniors thrive. Rawle Andrews, regional vice president of AARP and Jane holiday vibe. Attendees included Nailah Nelson, Ashanti Suzie Hughes, Bavineau, vice president of Sheltering Arms Seniors Services, were just a few Earnest and Nana Goodrich, Chef Talivu Kelly, Corliss and Gregory Stokes, of the speakers on hand, with some leading informative workshops. Moreover, Alexandria Hodge, Furaha Collins, Ayinde Bradshaw and scores more…….. community resources were made available along with fun ASTROWORLD DAY IN HONOR OF HOUSTON’S TRAVIS activities ranging from cooking classes to line dancing. SCOTT……..The City of Houston honored artist/musician/ Defender TOP EVENTS Attendees included event sponsor Councilmember producer Jacques “Travis Scott” Webster II and the debut of his More photos on defendernetwork.com Amanda Edwards, Isabel Longoria, Helen George, successful Astroworld Festival at NRG Park, by declaring Nov. 18 DeEtte Sauer, Isabella Edwards, Carl Davis, Ramona as “Astroworld Day.” Mayor Sylvester Turner heaped praise upon Tolliver, Leslie Williams, Rogene Calvert and hundreds more……..BUY Scott for being one of Houston’s ambassadors for art, education and youth initiatives. BLACK FRIDAY MARKETPLACE……..The Buy Black Friday Marketplace at Scott pledged to continue in that role by supporting several of Turner’s communitythe Shrine Cultural & Events Center celebrated its fifth anniversary of providing focused initiatives. Along with students from Texas Southern University and several an opportunity for entrepreneurs and consumers to gather together to support local high schools, attendees at the City Hall event included First Daughter Ashley and celebrate Black businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Turner, Lil Jesse, Isiah Carey, Janice Weaver, Marvalette Hunter, Amir Pink and United under the goal of community empowerment, participants voted with their many others.

Leslie Williams, Helen George, Councilmember Amanda Edwards

Sheryl Johnson, Alexandria Hodge, Karen Lindsey

Travis Scott and fans

Carl Davis, Isabella Edwards

Michael Pittman, Reneisha Pittman, Thomas White Jr.

Travis Scott, Mayor Sylvester Turner

Rawle Andrews

Yolanda Petillo, Faith Petillo, Ethel Kirvee

Isiah Carey, Janice Weaver, Attendee

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