How to make
LOVE LAST! ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURE
DEBRA CHASE
The former Houston attorney has a track record of success in Hollywood. Read about her impact.
Volume 89, issue 16 February 13, 2020
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DR. IRA BLAKE
As the leader of UH-Clear Lake, she has come a long way from being a sharecropper’s daughter.
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DN On the web
FIT & FINE Leon Spencer III Age: 30 Occupation: Category manager, Fuel Sales & Marketing, Motiva Enterprises LLC Education: TSU/UHD Degrees: B.S., Biology/Chemistry; MBA, Supply Chain Management Motto: “Hustle until you make it.”
LEARN… How ‘party hopping’ burns fat.
IG: @mrtsuturnup Read more on Leon at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: fitnfine@defendernetwork.com
Message from the Publisher On the web update Deltas walk the talk In an effort to better serve YOU, our We applaud the Houston Alumnae audience, The Defender Team is hard at Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, work learning new skills and techniques Inc. for establishing the Anna Pearl Barrett to empower and entertain our readers. Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Read about The Defender is excited to be a part of a the significance of their actions. pilot program called the Transformational How to make love last Digital Lab for African-American Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate newspapers. Recently, the Defender Web Sonny Messiah Jiles Billingsley has written over 50 books but this and Social Media team participated in a story had a life of its own and could have been Social Media Audit and we learned ways to improve a lot longer. See what the main points are in making love our social media conversation with our trainer last and work. By the way, Happy Valentine’s Day. Emilie Lutostanski. We would like to invite all of Debra Martin Chase making a difference our readers to join us on social media – Facebook, Armed with a mission of increasing diversity onscreen Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. When it comes to and offscreen in Hollywood, Martin Chase has not only the Houston-area Black community, the conversation achieved the goal but planted the seeds in others. She starts and stops at defendernetwork.com. also has a Houston connection. She is a “BAD” sister. In this week’s Defender... It’s on page 11. TSU saga: Alumni rally Carter twins create young millionaires If you think the termination of TSU President Houston’s own Sterling Carter and Stephen Levi Carter Austin Lane and his fight to reclaim his reputation are sharing their knowledge about how to make a is over, think again. A group of TSU alumni are million with their “Young Millionaires” series. It’s putting a plan together and are taking their concerns more to this than the money. It’s on page 12 to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Find out what’s on their Defender sports agenda. Defender Sports Editor Terrance Harris takes an The story of Dr. Ira Blake analytical look at the Houston Rockets’ small ball, I do not know the UH-Clear Lake president but after big problem and lets us in on the excitement around reading her story, I look forward to meeting her and the Houston XFL team’s debut game. Defender Sports learning more about her journey. Wow, you (Dr. Blake) Editor Jodie B. Jiles takes a different angle by letting have come a long way and your story is encouraging. the HISD signees share their advice with those who It’s on page 5. will follow in their footsteps. TSU-UH Corridor street construction Faces Yeah, they are going to improve Cleburne Street between Black folks are beautiful people, and every time I look at Ennis and Scott and five other streets in the TSU-UH Faces, it reaffirms the beauty of our race, the giving spirit corridor. This effort by Harris County Commissioner and the accomplishments of the past and present. Aswad Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is Walker captures the essence of our people which is so much needed especially since the construction goes much more than the stories on the 6 and 10 o’clock news. beyond just the streets. It’s on page 6. Love Ya! Defender Web & Social Media Team: Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles, Sports Editor Jodie B. Jiles, Local Media Association director of Local News Resource Center Emilie Lutostanski, Defender Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard and Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley focus on improving our social media presence.
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DN News Simone Hall, Kashmere Gardens Fine Arts Magnet Artistic Director, was named Teacher of the Year by the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators.
U.S. Congressman Al Green will receive the Legacy Award at the Fort Bend Houston Super Neighborhood 41 Gala on Friday, Feb. 28, at Quail Valley Country Club.
40 years in publication, the Final Call newspaper prepares to celebrate on Feb. 21 in Detroit
40
%
of American adults wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency charge. Source: Federal Reserve
TSU alumni mobilize for Lane, next stop Gov. Abbott Texas Southern University alumni aren’t sitting back and accepting the Board of Regents’ decision to fire TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane. In fact, they’re organizing and planning to take their concerns to the governor’s office. Texas Governor Greg Abbott may soon have a petition of thousands of TSU alumni. At the time of publication, more than 4,500 people had signed a petition to bring Lane back. And a Facebook group called #IStandWithDrLane has over 1,200 members and represents TSU graduates (but is not an official organization). “#IStandWithDrLane is a message that we will stand with the president that was entrusted to move Texas Southern University forward and not backward,” said group organizer Valerie Gray, a 1994 and 2013 graduate. “This message is not just about the man himself but about how we respond in the face of unmitigated and unyielding tyranny, and how those tyrannical forces, are seeking to demean, deride, encumber and obliterate the spirit, progress, and tangible gains that Dr. Lane has made and has imbued within the consciousness, hearts, minds, souls, and DNA, of the second-largest HBCU in this country. Texas Southern University has moved the needle and it has charted an unshakable course...” Organizers said the purpose of the group is to provide a strategic social media campaign to mobilize influencers to band together for a “very intentional goal-driven campaign and we hope that the TSU National Alumni Association will get behind us. We need the united effort more than ever,” Gray said. “Our plan of action is simple: gather the support to accomplish our goal!” Group organizers are not gathering just to vent. They’re planning to put action behind their effort. “We are in phase one, which is to mobilize,” said Gray, who was a one of the organizers of the social media campaign that led to the cancellation of the controversial
surrounding the decision. Lane supporters
TSU ALUMNI TOWN HALL MEETING
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. Pilgrim Congregational Church, 3115 Blodgett
GOALS
1. Removal of Regents- put pressure on the Governor to take action and get TSU board members to resign 2. Remove TSU Board chair - on grounds of violating Texas Code Gov 5551.074 3. Place TSU Grads as Regents Allow alums who earned their bachelor’s degrees from TSU to hold regent seats. 4. Reinstate Dr. Lane.
Gov. Greg Abbott
While we may be emotional about our university and driven by those emotions, we operate with strategy and based on the facts.”
Valerie Gray
“Sorority Sisters” reality show several years ago. “We are also looking for people to perform specific tasks: letter- writers, graphic designers, content developers for social media, fact-checkers, and researchers. And while we may be emotional about our university and driven by those
emotions, we operate with strategy and based on the facts. We may have opinions, but they are informed opinions.” Alumni have been seething since the Board of Regents placed Lane on paid leave and there are a lot of questions
point to increased enrollment and graduation rates under his guidance. They also said what’s happening now isn’t good for the school overall. “The university has been through some ups and downs and some turmoil, and we hate to have the name of the university stained with what is perceived as a scandal and it’s really not,” said TSU graduate Andrea Odom. Many think the board’s decision was personal. “It just feels like this is something board members personally feel toward Dr. Lane. It’s like they’ve lost sight of the overall goal – doing whatever is in the best interest of the university. And students and alumni are the university,” said TSU alumna Shera Jones. Some TSU alumni said if Lane hasn’t committed a major infraction, he should be reinstated because he has done great things for the university. “He has brought more life and re-engagement from alumni, from students,” Odom said. “[The homecoming game] is back on the yard this year for the first time in 12 years. There are so many positives, not to mention the foundation.”
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DN News Trump misled viewers about Black student
The Philadelphia fourth-grader who President Trump singled out during his State of the Union address as one of the thousands of students “trapped in failing government schools” actually attends a sought-after charter school. Janiyah Davis and her mother, Stephanie Davis, were seated in the House chamber for the president’s prime-time address. Trump said Janiyah was one of the thousands of students on a waiting list for private school scholarships, and he urged Congress to pass a federal tax break that would reward donations to these scholarship programs. In one of several made-for-TV moments, Trump then surprised Janiyah and her mother by announcing that a scholarship had become available. “Your long wait is over,” he said. “You will soon be headed to the school of your choice.” As it turns out, she already attends the school of her choice, the popular Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School III, (MaST III). Her mother told the
Janiyah, left, and Stephanie Davis of Philadelphia, listen as President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union. -AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Philadelphia Inquirer that she did not realize her daughter would be mentioned in the SOTU speech, but that she had been invited and told there was a possibility she would receive a scholarship. “I don’t view MaST as a school you want
to get out of at all. I view it as a great opportunity,” Davis said. White House officials did not answer directly when asked why Janiyah was chosen for the scholarship, given that she is happy with her current school.
Malcolm X murder investigation reopened A Netflix documentary series on the assassination of Malcolm X has raised enough questions that the case will be reinvestigated. The Manhattan district attorney’s office said it would review the case after new information came to light. It’s also working with the Innocence Project, a non-profit that works to exonerate the wrongly convicted. “District Attorney Vance has met with representatives from the Innocence Project and associated counsel regarding this matter,”
NEWSBRIEFS
Accused LA arsonist pleads guilty in church burnings Holden Matthews, the white son of a sheriff’s deputy, has pleaded guilty to federal charges over setting three historically Black churches on fire in Louisiana during a 10-day period last March and April. The religious institutions were completely destroyed. Matthews, 22, has stated that he committed the crimes in an attempt to break into the “black metal” music scene. According to court documents, he was attempting to raise his profile in that scene by copying church arson attacks in Norway in the 1990s.
Manhattan DA spokesman Danny Frost said in a statement. “He has determined that the district attorney’s office will begin a preliminary review of the matter, which will inform the office regarding what further investigative steps may be undertaken.” The district attorney’s comments came days after the release of the Netflix docuseries, “Who Killed Malcolm X?” The series features a historian who is looking for answers to the questions around
Malcolm X’s assassination more than five decades later, including whether the real perpetrators were caught. Not long after, shots were fired and the icon was dead. Three men were convicted in 1966 of the murder. Mujahid Abdul Halim (known as Talmadge Hayer and Thomas Hagan), Muhammad Abdul Aziz (known as Norman 3X Butler) and Khalil Islam (known as Thomas 15X Johnson) were sentenced to life in prison.
Maryland erects Black historical statues
Black unemployment on the rise
At a time when states are debating the removal of Confederate monuments, Maryland is adding bronze statues of two of the state’s famous Black historical figures to the Maryland State House. The statues of abolitionists Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass will be housed in the Old House Chamber, the room where slavery was abolished in Maryland in 1864. While the commissioning of the statues was put in motion several years ago, their arrival coincides with new leadership in the state legislature, including Maryland’s first Black and first female speaker of the House and the first new Senate president in more than three decades.
Black unemployment had risen yet again for at least the third straight month, according to the latest monthly jobs report. Those figures stood in stark contrast to the bragging and boasting Donald Trump was doing at his State of the Union address when he resorted to his familiar refrain about how low the Black unemployment rate is. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black unemployment rose from 5.9 percent to 6 percent from December to January, which is nearly twice that of white people (3.1 percent) and well above the national average of 3.6 percent, the latter of which also rose from December.
Jackson State president resigns amid scandal Jackson State University will begin the search for a new president, after their current one resigned amid a prostitution scandal. William Bynum Jr. is accused of procuring services of a prostitute, false statement of identity and simple possession of marijuana. He was among 17 people arrested in the two-day prostitution sting at a hotel in Clinton, Miss. Bynum was released after posting a $3,000 bond. Bynum tendered his resignation shortly after his release to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, state education officials said. His resignation is effective immediately, officials said. Bynum was named president of Jackson State, located in Jackson, in May 2017.
VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 16 - FEBRUARY 13, 2020 Publisher | CEO Soncerta Messiah-Jiles
Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler
Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall
Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles
People Editor Aswad Walker
Creative Director Michael Grant
Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles
Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison
Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digitalsubscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288
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Feature UH-CLEAR LAKE PRESIDENT SHARES HER STORY
Dr. Ira K. Blake leads the University of HoustonClear Lake.
In just one generation, Dr. Ira K. Blake, Ph.D., grew from being the daughter of sharecroppers to becoming the fifth president of University of Houston-Clear Lake, the first woman and the first African American to serve in the role. For Blake, education was the key to transforming her life, and is a crucial part of her story. “I tell my story often as a way of encouraging students and staff to tell their own stories,” she said. “It’s important, because people sometimes hold negative stereotypes of underrepresented minorities, the working-class and women in certain roles. Who thinks a sharecropper’s daughter is going to become the president of a university?” Blake, who is one of nine children, grew up in a segregated community in Southern California. She said her parents only had elementary-level schooling, but they always stressed the importance of hard work and respect for others. “My parents expected me to apply T:9.75” my
full effort to everything I did,” she said. “I was told to be persistent and endure, but not forget where I came from. Higher education is the gateway to opportunity, even if there are many obstacles along the way. This is why it’s so important to tell your personal story.” As the nation observes Black History Month, Blake said it serves a reminder of our collective past, and celebrating it draws people of all ethnicities into the complex, diverse story of America. “We should celebrate the heritage of every group of people so we recognize each group’s contributions to humanity,” she said. “African Americans have contributed enormously to this country.” Blake said that in telling your personal story, select your words with meaning and intention. “Words can help or hurt. They can encourage and support, and I want us all to be mindful of the words we use and the consequences they can have,” she said. “As you tell your story, speak up for fairness, justice and opportunity. There’s nothing extraordinary about me; it’s always been about my relationships with other people. The overridingly important act is to care about others, develop healthy relationships, and help the world be inclusive of others...”
ABOUT BLAKE Became UH-Clear Lake’s fifth president in 2017 following extensive nationwide search. Guides university’s growth at UH-Clear Lake, UHCL Pearland and Texas Medical Center location. Saw record enrollment with approximately 9,000 students in fall 2018. White, 38%; Hispanic, 35%; Black, 10%; Asian, 8%; international, 6%; other, 3%. Instrumental in adding new undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Previously provost and senior vice president, Academic Affairs, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Bachelor’s degree, Psychology, George Washington University; master’s, Educational Psychology, San Francisco State University; master’s and doctorate, Developmental Psychology, Columbia University.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dr. Gladys West helped develop what became the Global Positioning System (GPS) orbit in 1978.
T:6.5”
A BLACK WOMAN DID THIS
This Black History Month, we celebrate unknown and unsung Black innovators, inventors and contributors who have helped shape, change and improve our world.
Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity
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Feature
DELTA SIGMA THETA GIVES $150K SCHOLARSHIP The Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented Texas Southern University with a $150,500 check for the Anna Pearl Barrett Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The TSU Foundation will match the donation creating a $301,000 endowment, one of the
university’s largest. Barrett, a graduate of TSU, was a multifaceted educator who had a passion for travel. She was the first exchange student from TSU to study in Spain. Funds from the endowment will financially assist students who desire to study abroad.
R YAN W HITE P LANNING C OUNCIL M EETINGS FOR 2020
Officials and community members break ground on the Cleburne project.
$10.4M TSU-UH Cleburne Street corridor construction launched A groundbreaking was recently held for a $10.4 million Cleburne Street construction project that will improve safety, mobility and drainage in Third Ward. Also included will be lighting for safety and landscaping features to beautify the areas. On the Cleburne project, Precinct One will contribute a little over
$9.5 million and the city will pay $813,027. “Cleburne will be the official corridor because it connects TSU, UH, Metro rail on Scott and everything in between including Yates High School and Cuney Homes. This is a needed investment in Third Ward,” said County Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
February 13 May 14 August 13 November 12 March 12 June 11 September 10 December 10 April 9 July 9 October 8 Meetings are open to the general public; only Council members are allowed to vote but public comment is always welcome at the beginning of every meeting. The Council meets at Noon at our offices located in the Galleria area (near METRO bus route 82 on Westheimer and 32 on San Felipe). Call the office for info about meetings or check our online calendar. Meeting materials are posted on the calendar about one week prior to each meeting. Attend a Meeting Apply for Membership Be a Participant
The calendar of all Council and Committee meetings and a wealth of other information is available at www.rwpcHouston.org. Check the calendar regularly for topics of specific interest to you. We hope to see you soon! Houston Ryan White Planning Council 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 Phone 832 927-7926 TTY 713 572-2813 Fax 713 572-3740
KIM OGG
Harris County District Attorney
MAKE IT RIGHT!
Resolve Warrants, Legal Assistance, 2nd Chance Employment
Saturday, February 15, 2020 9:00 am – 3:00pm
George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, Tx 77010
With the Harris County District Attorney’s Office YOU CAN: w Resolve pending cases or old warrants w Get FREE legal assistance with expunctions and non-disclosure of criminal records w Join the workforce with 2nd Chance friendly employers Sponsored by
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For More Information: 713. 274 .0396 Or app.dao.hctx.net/Make-it-Right
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DN InFocus FOSO-
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How to make love last BY RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY
A
nyone who’s been in a relationship knows that in the beginning, it can be amazing. But as the years wear on, the things you used to love about your special someone may start to annoy you. The relationship doesn’t feel reciprocal anymore. What gets couples through the hard times is love, but how do you make love last when you’re angry, frustrated or upset with your significant other? In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are some tips on making love last, including advice from men and women who have been with their mates for years.
MAKE LOVE YOUR PRIORITY. When you put all your energy into your work, you see results. The same goes for your relationship. If you put it on the back burner and ignore it to focus on your friendships, career, or social life, you’ll feel the impact in your relationship. After taking care of yourself, your relationship should be your next priority. Just like your car needs constant tune-ups to run smoothly, so does your relationship. MAINTAIN YOUR IDENTITY. It’s easy to lose yourself in your relationship. But this only leads to resentment in the end. “Make time for yourself, have something that you just like to do by yourself and a couple of times a month do it, it helps you feel like you haven’t lost yourself,” said Moesha Spikes (23 years). Do things without your partner and focus on participating in things that make you happy. That happiness will spill
over into your relationship. If you expect your partner to provide all your happiness, you’ll end up disappointed. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. One of the hardest things in a relationship is keeping your mouth shut when your significant other does one of those million little things that drives you crazy. A relationship already has enough issues. Save your energy and annoyance for the big ones. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let go of the little things that bug you. “My aunt has been married 57 years and when I got married, I called her crying because my husband and I were arguing so much,” said Lena Sledge. She gave me the best advice; ‘Learn when to shut the hell up.’ Other advice she gave me, “Lena you do not have to always have the last word.” Twenty-five years later, I still use her advice.” DON’T BE AFRAID TO SEEK HELP. Part of nurturing a constructive and healthy relationship means that you don’t always have to go it alone. Yvonne Murray said that her 20-year marriage has benefited from some outside help. “Most people don’t know how to be a wife/
BY THE NUMBERS
2 out of 5
married couples are happy
3 out of 5
are somewhat satisfied or living with spouses in quiet desperation, experiencing little intimacy, passion, romance or sex
4
years before marriage quality starts to decline
20%
of marriages end within the first five years
Share your tips on how to make love last on defendernetwork facebook, twitter & instagram
husband and just like you learn how to be good at your job, a counselor can help you learn how to be a good mate. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to seek counseling. Do it in the beginning when everything is good and you’d be amazed at the difference it can make.” TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. When fights happen, immediately accept responsibility for what you did wrong. Neither of you are perfect and chances are likely you said a cutting comment or made a harsh judgement. A sincere apology goes a long way in mending any argument and will encourage your partner to reciprocate. Once apologies have been said, make an effort to forgive and let it go. And realize that not everything deserves a fight. “Pick your battles carefully. Every conflict does not require the same amount of energy,” said Jetola Anderson Blair (25 years). LOOK FOR THE GOOD THINGS. Some people go on a detective-like search for things that their partners do wrong, maybe because they want some ammo for the next time they have an issue to argue about, but telling your mate what he or she is doing right may well prevent that other issue from ever coming up. BOOST THE LOVE CHEMICALS. There are many brain chemicals that go into the feeling of love and attachment. Oxytocin is known as the bonding, trust and cuddle hormone. Oxytocin is enhanced by
watching romantic movies together, holding hands, cuddling, and long, loving eye contact. “We hold hands during good times and bad,” said Tracy Price Thompson, who has been married more than 30 years. “Reach for each other’s hand. While watching television, walking in and out of a store or restaurant, while chatting, while making love. It creates a physical bond and a strong sense of intimacy. It anchors you together as a unit and denotes emotional connectivity. Reach for that hand when talking and laughing, and also when annoyed, angry, or in the heat of an argument. It will remind you to fight fairly because it’s kinda hard to lob a grenade at someone when they’re holding your hand.” DO LITTLE THINGS. Little things can make a big difference, like leaving a love note. “When I reach into my pocket and find a piece of paper that says ‘Love you,’ it brightens my day, and can turn my day around,” said Amanda Lewis. SEX MATTERS. Learn what pleases your partner sexually. Make it clear that their pleasure is your pleasure, and you want to discover everything about what turns them on. Schedule sex if you have to. “We purposely schedule intimate time together as we are both busy professionals and it too easily gets overlooked. Invest in learning about your intimate relationship,” said Mark Andrews (32 years).
ADVICE FROM COUPLES
Check out tips from our social media followers on making love last:
We live by this acronym KIS KIS -- Keep it silly, keep it sexy. Always laugh; laughter is so very necessary! And definitely keep it sexy! A look, a touch, his favorite outfit.”
Sharon Caples McDouglas
Keep well meaning people out of your relationship. Don’t keep score as to who does what and you must communicate and be willing to compromise. Liking is as important as love.” Karen Brown (23 years)
Being friends and actually making time for fun. Also being a de-escalator. Both spouses take turns with this. Have lines that you don’t ever cross.”
Tiffany Warren (22 years)
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Calendar BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS SATURDAY, FEB. 15 Fort Bend County Libraries present actress/storyteller Jean Donatto in “Sister Rosa Parks, the Bus Stops Here,” at 10:30 a.m. at Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. Info: www.fortbend.lib. tx.us or 281-633-4734. Fort Bend County’s George Memorial Library presents a special musical performance of “African Hand-Drumming” at 1 p.m. in the library Meeting Room, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Gregg “Jebada” Powell, founder and director of the Joy of Djembe Drumming Ensemble, will be featured. A free Culture Fest sponsored by Houston First and KTSU-FM is 3-8 p.m. at Avenida Houston. Performers include Milton Hopkins, Kathy Taylor, Kyle Turner, J. Paul & the Zydeco NuBreeds and the Ernest Walker Band. There will be vendors and dramatizations. “Love & Basketball” will be shown at 8 p.m. Info: houstonfirst.com. MONDAY, FEB. 17 Prairie View A&M University’s annual Art as Activism Lecture Series is 2 p.m. at the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Architecture Building. Professor Ann Johnson will discuss “the Black Vote.” Info: pvamu@edu.
TUESDAY, FEB. 18 PVAMU’s Coleman Library and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum present Melissa Waddy Thibodeaux as Harriet Tubman at noon at the Memorial Student Center Ballroom. Laurie Vignaud, president of Unity National Bank, will be a Hermann Park Rotary Club Black History Month speaker at 6 p.m. at the Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center, 2020 Hermann Drive. Info: 281-704-6655. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 The Houston Public Library presents a Spike Lee Movie Marathon throughout February. “Miracle at St. Anna” will be shown at 4 p.m. at Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, 8501 W Montgomery, and is for audiences 18 and older. There will be popcorn, candy and giveaways. Info: houstonlibrary.org. ONGOING The photographic work of Earlie Hudnall, Texas Commission on the Arts Visual Artist for 2020, is on exhibit through March 31 in the Partnership Tower Level 1 Lobby and Level 2 Garage Escalator Lobby, 701 Avenida De Las Americas. The exhibit, presented by Houston First, is free to the public. For more Black history events visit defendernetwork.com
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TEXAS-SIZED ENTERTAINMENT
MARCH 3 – 22, 2020 at NRG STADIUM NCT 127 MARCH 10
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Buy Tickets Today! rodeohouston.com
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DN Entertainment ENTERTAINMENT
BRIEFS
Debra Martin Chase stands strong in Hollywood
Terry Crews offered an apology to Gabrielle Union after being blasted because he didn’t come to Union’s defense when news leaked that she experienced a toxic work culture while a judge on “America’s Got Talent.” Crews’ actions came after many Black women, including Union, defended him when he revealed that he was sexually assaulted in 2016.
By Defender News Service
It has been 30 years since Debra Martin Chase left her job as an attorney here in Houston to head to Hollywood and pursue a career in the entertainment arena. Though she’d been educated at Harvard Law School, Martin Chase felt her biggest impact could be felt in diversifying images in Hollywood. “I had a mission to increase diversity onscreen and offscreen and I understood the impact that changing the images we see would have on people of color and on everyone. In those times that I felt like I was beating my head against the wall, I knew that if I was successful it would make a difference,” she said. Martin Chase has enjoyed a storied career in Hollywood -- producing films, including the Oscar-nominated “Harriet;” preparing for the release of the rebooted series “The Equalizer” starring Queen Latifah; and running Martin Chase Productions, the company she founded in 2000. “I’ve been in this business forever,” she said. “This is the best it has ever been for people of color in the business and we still have a way to go for sure. What it really boils down to is Hollywood finally realized that diverse stories and diverse images onscreen are good business. For years we have been saying it’s the right thing to do, but once they realized it’s good business, the doors opened and now the demand for content is so great.”
Mo’Nique is headed to Showtime for a new standup comedy special, her first in a decade. “Mo’Nique & Friends: Live from Atlanta” is currently playing on the network. In the special, Mo’Nique taunts Netflix, who she is currently suing for gender and racial discrimination. The comedian said Netflix lowballed her for a comedy special while paying other comedians much more. She also demanded a public apology from Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels and Tyler Perry for what she said is their mistreatment of her over the years. Sean “Diddy” Combs received a lot of praise for calling on the Recording Academy to treat hip-hop and Black music better. Now, his former Bad Boy music collaborator, Mason “Ma$e” Betha is asking the music mogul to take some of his own advice. Ma$e took to his Instagram to say that 24 years ago, Diddy only gave him $20,000 for his publishing rights, which has made him “never want to work” with him again because, “any artist wouldn’t after u know someone is robbing you & tarnishing your name when u don’t want to comply w/
FOUR FACTS ABOUT CHASE 1 First African American female producer to have a deal at a major studio with her own company. 2 Ran Denzel Washington’s production company, Mundy Lane Entertainment, for four years 3 Producing partner with Whitney Houston’s Brown House Productions 4 Other projects: “Hank Aaron,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” “Sparkle,” “Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” “The Princess Diaries,” “Lovestruck,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Just Wright,” “Lemonade Mouth”
IMDB
DID YOU KNOW? Shonda Rhimes credits Martin Chase for launching her career. “I was running Denzel’s company and I had one or two white interns from USC’s graduate program. I called somebody in the administration and said, ‘I know you must have a Black student in the program you can send me. I want your superstar’ and they sent me Shonda. I gave her the first paid writing job.” –- Debra Martin Chase
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DN Business
Twin brothers want to make ‘Young Millionaires’ S
terling Carter and Stephen Levi Carter, known as the Carter Brothers, have built a multi-million dollar business and are co-authors of the Amazon best-selling book, “Double Your Success: Principles to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business.” Now they’re hoping to teach others the secrets to their success with their “Young Millionaires Series,” a seminar designed to teach existing and aspiring entrepreneurs how to scale their businesses to millionaire status in an effort to build generational wealth. The seminar includes panels featuring top professionals from various industries, networking opportunities and one-on-one mentorship. “My brother and I hope to not only build the next generation of young millionaires through this series but also to model the necessity of mentorship and giving back, both of which are essential to building wealth in under-served communities,” Sterling said.
Young Millionaires Series Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Post Oak Hotel 1600 West Loop South Tickets: Pre-Sale $49 | Regular $89 www.youngmillionairesseries.com/
The brothers have made a name for themselves by addressing the economic inequality and wealth gap in urban communities across the United States. The Houston residents came from a modest upbringing, and consider their winding journey to success a testament to the importance of hard work, strategic planning and dedication. Together, they founded Sterling Staffing Solutions in 2011, which started with one person answering the phone in the back office of Sterling’s physical therapy practice. It has grown into an award-winning, multi-million-dollar company that specializes in providing medical staffing services to home health agencies, hospices, hospitals and rehab facilities. Collectively, they founded and currently operate several companies, including Sterling Physical Therapy & Wellness, White Orchid
Hospice, Carter Brothers Consulting and MyMedCred.com. Sterling Carter is a nationally recognized physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has also appeared on the popular “My 600-lb. Life.” Stephen Carter, who earned an MBA, has over two decades of experience in managerial and executive-level positions for a variety of industries, including medical insurance and the oil and gas industry. Both are military veterans and travel the country speaking about their business and the lessons they learned. “Our goal is to share the secrets to our success, the triumphs, as well as the trials, on our way to the top. In doing so, we offer the next generation a head-start into lucrative, sustainable business ventures,” Stephen said. The four-city tour stops in Houston on Feb. 22, Chicago on May 9, Washington D.C. on Aug. 29 and Atlanta on Oct. 24.
Our goal is to share the secrets to our success, the triumphs, as well as the trials, on our way to the top. In doing so, we offer the next generation a head-start into lucrative, sustainable business ventures."
Stephen Levi Carter
About Sterling • 20 years as a physical therapist • Decorated U.S. Army veteran • Earned rank of major before retiring • B.S. Biology/Physical Therapy, Langston Univ. • M.S., Physical Therapy Orthopedics, Texas Woman’s University • Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Simmons University
About Stephen • U.S. Army combat medic during Persian Gulf War • Awarded Army Commendation Medal for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Langston University • MBA in Change Management and Finance, University of HoustonClear Lake • Certified project management professional (PMP)
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DN Sports NFL hires first full-time black female coach as intern The NFL’s Washington team has hired its first Black full-time female coach. In her new role as an intern, Jennifer King will work primarily with the offensive staff and assist Randy Jordan, the team’s running back coach. During the 2017 season, King was an intern for the Carolina Panthers under Ron Rivera, now Washington’s head coach. “Jennifer is a bright young coach and will be a great addition to our staff,” Rivera said in a statement. “Her familiarity with my expectations as a coach and my first-hand knowledge of her work ethnic and preparation were big factors in bringing her to the Redskins.” King, who holds a master’s in sports administration from Liberty University, has also coached in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football and in college. Most recently, she was an offensive assistant at Dartmouth. In 2017, King was invited to attend a
forum hosted by the NFL during the Pro Bowl in Orlando. There, she met Rivera. “It was a great experience with a top-notch organization,” King told 4 Down Nation last year. “I learned a lot from the coaches and receivers and formed great bonds there.” King worked under Rivera with the Carolina Panthers in the summer of 2018 and 2019 and also holds a position as an assistant offensive coach on the Dartmouth football team. “I was kind of timid at first, but then I noticed some things I was seeing I would hear somebody else tell them later,” King said told the Panthers site during her first summer with the franchise. “I was like, ‘I guess I should have shared that with them.’ I think the relationship with the players has been great. Our receiver room is a bunch of guys who are really hard-working. I think they are going to surprise a bunch of people this year because I think every position has talent and can really do Jennifer King some things.”
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DN Sports 3x PVAMU claims season title The Prairie View A&M women’s bowling team won the SWAC regular-season title for the third time in the last four seasons.
Dorian Branch hits a plateau The 5-foot-10 University of Houston women’s basketball senior forward became the 27th Cougar to reach 1,000 career scoring points.
Roughnecks run roughshod in XFL debut
ROCKETS
By Terrance Harris
Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (10) and Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker (17) vie for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, in Houston. -AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith
SMALL BALL, BIG PROBLEMS By Terrance Harris
With the regular-season more than halfway over, it’s easy to find the Rockets sudden shift to the full-time small ball as a bit desperate. There was an expectation that the addition of Russell Westbrook to a team with James Harden would mean instant success, especially with the crumbling of the Great Wall in the West, otherwise known as the Golden State Warriors. But that has been anything but the case. Even with Westbrook and Harden conANALYSIS tinuing to be the dynamic scorers they have always been, the retooled lineup just hasn’t produced the dominance Daryl Morey and Mike D’Antonio envisioned when they made the blockbuster trade last summer. The analytics placed the blame on the supporting cast and the slower pace made necessary by the bigger players. So recently, the Rockets sent center Clint Capela packing and essentially got defensive specialist Robert Covington in return during a multiple-team deal just before the NBA trade deadline. The commitment to the full-time small ball was born. “The whole thing comes down to you are trying to maximize who you’ve got, the talents they have and whether they do well,” D’Antonio said. “If you have a great post-up player then you post him up.” The Rockets, led by Harden, can knock down 3-pointers at clip. Then you factor in Westbrook, who becomes a mismatch nightmare in the pick-and-roll and it all makes sense. We have seen the best-case scenario in the stunning road win over the Lakers in which Westbrook finished with a game-high 41 points. We saw the worst-case scenario the very next night when the Rockets fell flat without Westbrook, who does not play in back-to-back games.
Advantages of small ball • Mismatches with bigger defenders on smaller players • Spreading the floor for open shots • More room for Harden & company to shoot 3s • Open pick-and-roll opportunities for Westbrook Disadvantages of small ball • With no one over 6-foot-6, the Rockets are susceptible in the post Rebounding will be an issue • When shots aren’t falling, won’t be able to post up for easy baskets • Westbrook doesn’t play backto-back games The bottom line As much as D’Antoni tries to make it make sense, this shift will not work. Sure the idea is Rockets’ 3s will add up to more than the opposing teams’ 2s. it worked for the Warriors. But as good as Harden and company can be from 3-point land, they aren’t the Warriors. The Rockets will struggle, especially in the playoffs, when there is no Capela to throw the ball into the paint to when the 3s aren’t falling.
While the backdrop of the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks debut was at the University of Houston’s well-broken-in TDECU Stadium, the feeling of something new couldn’t be overlooked. Wrestling kingpin Vince McMahon brought the glitz for his re-imagined football league with the brand new turf complete with the XFL logo in the center of the field, cameras swinging across the field and drones dropping in to capture the crowd. Oh and the football was pretty impressive too, especially with the 37-17 win over the LA Wildcats in front of an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 18,000 at TDECU Stadium. It was a great coming-out party for the team and a league that promises excitement and fun. “[The crowd] came out and it was actually loud,” said Roughnecks running back and kickoff returner James Butler. “It was impressive. I was out there having fun and embracing the moment, just flying around. It was just amazing to go out there and actually play in a live football game.” Led by quarter P.J. Walker, the Roughnecks played an exciting brand of football that moved the ball through the air in June Jones’ Run-and-Shoot offense. The Roughnecks host the St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. at TDECU Stadium. Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter @ terranceharris.
GAME FACTORS Walker impresses Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker is the truth. The kid has a heck of an arm and when things break down, the Temple product can make things happen with his legs. You can see why the Indianapolis Colts have held onto him and you have to figure if he was taller than 5-foot-11 he would not be playing in the XFL. Faster than NFL The game is much faster due to the 25-second clock between plays. That may have mostly been noticeable to the players who had to get set up for next play a lot faster, which requires greater conditioning. Points after TDs One of the most noticeable differences between the NFL game and the XFL is the points after the touchdown. In the XFL there is no extra point kick; instead, teams have the option to go for one, two or three points.
Houston Roughnecks players including Blake Johnson (17) and Sammie Coates (10) enter the field during player intros before an XFL football game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in Houston. -AP Photo/Matt Patterson
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DN Sports QUESTION OF THE WEEK Weigh in on Twitter
Q:
Who is the Greatest HISD Athlete of All Time? Vince Young, Donald Driver, Carl Crawford, Zina Garrison, Joseph Addai, Michael Strahan and more.
KABORIS JOHNSON
BRINGS ENERGY TO NORTH FOREST By Jodie B. Jiles
KASHMERE SWIMMER GOES TO STATE MEET Senior Dustin Xavier Berry will be the only one representing HISD in the 100 butterfly at the UIL State swim meet on Feb. 14-15 in Austin.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Signees offer sound advice By JODIE B. JILES Defender
North Forest senior shooting guard Kaboris Johnson has exploded onto the scene this season after playing through an ankle injury his junior year. His unique ability to create his offense off the dribble using a quick first step have pushed the Bulldogs into the playoffs winning 10 out of 11 of their district games. North Forest will close out their regular season against Furr and Yates before the playoffs kick off. North Forest head coach Marco Whitfield had this to say about Johnson. “He brings a lot of energy and athleticism, which he had last year but he was hurt. He is an “A” student that has a lot of personality and is really been helping us out this year.” Defender One-On-One with Kaboris Johnson. Style of Play “I basically just help go out there to help my team by telling them the game is not over to boost their confidence up.” Leadership “I am a senior so I just have to go out there and keep on pushing ahead.” Upcoming Games “We just got to go out there and handle business. And take care of what we do in practice.”
ABOUT KABORIS JOHNSON
Commitment Status: Uncommitted Players You Study: Lebron James and Tyrese Maxie (Kentucky)
Other Hobbies: Football Favorite Food: Seafood Shoutouts: My cousin that passed away
HISD hosted its annual Signing Day for standout high school athletes from the 2020 class as they made it official with letters of intent to the colleges or universities of their choice. During the excitement, the Defender asked notable athletes what advice they would pass on to the next generation.
FRANK BROWN JR.
RUNNING BACK, STERLING (ARIZONA)
“Just keep working and it is going to pay off. Always believe in what your coaches are telling you and work hard. Giving the extra [effort] counts every day.”
FATOU SAMB
CENTER, WESTSIDE (CAL-BERKELEY)
“Be genuine during the recruiting process. Trust your gut. Your family is your biggest supporter and just play hard every single time you are out there because it is easy for the opportunity to be taken from you.”
JORDAN HUFFPOWER
RUNNING BACK, YATES (SUL ROSS STATE)
“Stay humble, grind and work every day. When everyone else is gone, stay there and do your work. And if you keep working somebody is going to come for you.”
KHALIFF ALLIM
SHOOTING GUARD, WESTBURY (AIR FORCE)
“Stay focused in the classroom and on the court. First and foremost handle your business in class and try to always stay focused on your goals. That is what I did.”
TIM MOORE JR.
POWER FORWARD, MADISON (UNDECIDED)
“Hold your head up because you may have to go through a lot of downfalls and a lot of other things. So always pray, keep your head up and you will succeed.”
ROBERT GREGORY
SPRINTER, WHEATLEY (TEXAS CHRISTIAN)
“Don’t give up. Just keep pushing and you will go wherever you are supposed to go.”
Photos By: Jimmie Aggison
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DN Faces
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7 SOUTHERN’S 45th ANNUAL MARDI GRAS SCHOLARSHIP GALA The Southern University Alumni Federation Houston Chapter recently played host to its 45th Annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala. The event helped provide scholarships to students in the greater Houston area who are pursuing higher education at one of the campuses in the Southern University and A&M College System. Attendees included Greg Burton, Lisa Chargois, Rosalind Erby, Jaslyn Perrodin, Shirley Demerson, Pat Bynum, Calandra & O’Neil Robinson and scores more. Photos: 1) Aaron Hammond, Keidra Powe 2) Ryan Bethune, Antonia Altemus, Kristen Bethune 3) Traci Greene, Adraon Greene. ‘BLACK IN SPACE’ WORLD PREMIERE Comcast and Smithsonian Channel partnered to present the world premiere of “Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier,” sharing the story of the world’s first Black astronauts. Afterward, KHOU’s Mia Gradney moderated a panel discussion featuring the film’s director/producer Laurens Grant, Dr. Cathleen Lewis and Edward Dwight, NASA’s first Black astronaut candidate. Attendees included Cheryl B. Moore (widow of astronaut Ron McNair), John and Dr. Lucy Bremond, Jacqueline Bostic, Loretta Wil-
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8 liams Gurnell, Bryce Kennard, Carolyn Kennard, Tommy and Wanda Cookie Clay, Dr. Annetra Piper, Sineria Ordonez, Angel Rosa, Ray Purser, Laura Mayorga, Aurelia Johnson, Misha McClure and countless others. Photos: 4) Mia Gradney, Laurens Grant, Dr. Cathleen Lewis, Edward Dwight 5) Brittnee Love, Meja Lang’o, 6) Deneige Broom, Erica Simon, Vannessa Wade. HMAAC’S 10th ANNIVERSARY GALA With its 10th Anniversary Gala, the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) celebrated a decade of engaging its diverse visitors with artwork of the African Diaspora. The gala doubled as an HMAAC fundraiser and non-stop party with gourmet food, live music, the introduction of HMAAC’s 2019-2020 art fellow, Marlon Hall, and new HMAAC leaders Seba Suber and Cindy Miles. Attendees included John Guess, Russell Guess, Denise Bates, Sharon Owens, Rev. William Lawson, An’Gelle Sylvester, Anthony Suber, Steve Artis, Sena Pierre and many more. Photos: 7) Winell Herron, Cheryl Lawson 8) Umeme Smith, Courtney Smith 9) Shannon LaNier, Seba Suber, Gina Carroll. By Aswad Walker
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