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NATIONAL

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA DELIVERS FAREWELL ADDRESS P3

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Volume 86 | Number 10

JANUARY 12, 2017 |FREE

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ENTERTAINMENT

MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

VIOLA DAVIS wins Golden Globe

P4 FEATURE JEANETTE EPPS first Black joins space station

THE MLK You don’t know H PAGE 1B

P8 SPORTS MITCHELL SERAILLE among bright stars at Yates

P11 TOP EVENTS

Bill Day - Cagle USA

Gabriel L. Silva

Jadeveon Clowney

Bullying led this Houston native to seek an outlet in acting. And it wasn’t long before his talent landed him in a starring role with Ben Affleck. He talks about his new movie, “Live By Night.”

The Texans have the league’s #1 rated defense and Clowney has been the key to their success. Find out why all eyes are on the spectacular play of the defensive end/linebacker.

on the big screen

Gwendolyn Brinkley, Diann Robinson, Faye Bryant attend AKA Hidden Figures screening.

P12

leads Texans defense

H PAGE 5

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017

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TSU gets $3.3 mil grant to address inequities

Defender News Services

he Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University was recently awarded a $3.3 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The grant will expand the HBCU Gulf Coast Equity Consortium, a collaborative project involving HBCUs and community-based organizations formed to address health equity, social inequality and the vulnerability of children and families in the Gulf Coast. “We are elated that the Kellogg Foundation has recognized the necessity of this critical research cooperative to improve the lives of people living in the region,” said TSU President Dr. Austin Lane. “It is in line with TSU’s mission as a specialpurpose institution dedicated to urban programming,

Robert Bullard

Beverly Wright

and highlights the academic depth and strength of our talented faculty member and researcher Dr. Robert Bullard and the entire HBCU consortium team.” Bullard, a distinguished professor at TSU’s School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Beverly Wright of the Dillard University Deep South Center for Envi-

ronmental Justice, serve as the project’s co-principal investigators. “We are excited that the Kellogg Foundation grant allows us to expand our HBCU communityuniversity equity network to address health and environmental issues in the Gulf Coast region using an equity and racial justice lens,” Bullard said. The project will focus on addressing social inequality, health equity and the well-being of children (prenatal to age 8) and families in five Gulf Coast states, with a special emphasis on Houston, New Orleans, Gulfport-Biloxi, Mobile and Pensacola. The Gulf Coast region ranked highest in poverty, food insecurity and food deserts, the uninsured and access to parks. In addition, the South (including Gulf Coast states) has a disproportionate share of the nation’s chemical plants, refineries, seaports and other dangerous polluting industries.

HPD reports Houston murder rate down Defender News Services

A preliminary count indicates Houston ended 2016 with 302 homicides. This is just under the 303 murders recorded in 2015, but far lower than what had been predicted for Houston based on trends recorded earlier in 2016. “We responded with an aggressive plan that involved an extra $2 million for overtime, the deployment of 175 officers from desk jobs to beat patrols, more park rangers and a new patrol division dedicated to the Central Business District,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “It is always hard to determine the specific

reasons murders and other crimes increase. Some say it is something we really have no control over. That may be true, but there are early indications the overtime and increased focus have helped, and for that, I am pleased.” In June, the local murder rate was running 5 percent ahead of 2015. By September, there had been another increase, and it looked as if Houston would end the year with 10 percent more murders than it had the year before. The increased focus on the problem included strategy sessions with HPD’s command staff and weekly updates to the mayor. Local hip hop artists, ministers, Houston Texans players and other

community leaders also stepped up to help lower the temperature in Houston neighborhoods where tensions were running high. City Council members dedicated portions of their district budgets toward police overtime and the City’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones provided additional funding for public safety needs. “There is a still a lot of work to do on decreasing all violent crimes, but getting a handle on murders is a good start,” Turner said. “I commend officers, commanders and support staff at HPD for this effort and hope we can work to maintain our goal of keeping our growing city as safe as we can.”

abuse and, if needed, places abused children in foster care. Lawmakers are already filing bills that they think will help fix the system. State Rep. Armando Walle, a Houston Democrat, said “There’s no bigger fight than the need to protect the lives of children.” He has proposed legislation that would address worker caseloads, which are often cited as a reason for high turnover…….THE BLACK TEENAGE GIRL who was slammed to the ground by a McKinney police officer during a rowdy pool party in 2015 has filed a federal suit against the former cop, the city and the police department. Dajerria Becton and her legal

guardian, Shashona Becton, allege that former Cpl. Eric Casebolt violated the girl’s constitutional rights by using excessive force and holding her without probable cause. The family also claims that the city and the police department are to blame for her injuries for not training officers adequately. Dajerria is seeking $5 million in damages. She was 15 when, wearing a bikini, she was filmed crying face down on the grass while Casebolt pinned her with his hands and knees. The video of the incident spread and brought national attention to McKinney and Craig Ranch, the upscale neighborhood where it happened.

localbriefs PASADENA VIOLATED VOTING RIGHTS, according to a U.S. district judge. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Latino voters in Pasadena accused Mayor Johnny Isbell and members of the City Council of manipulating the districting system in order to keep Latinos from gaining seats on the council. Latinos make up 62 percent of the population of Pasadena, a city of 150,000 outside Houston, but turnout lags behind white voters……..TEXAS LAWMAKERS LOOK to help the troubled child welfare system. Troubles have been mounting at the Department of Family and Protective Services, the state agency that investigates reports of child

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national

U.S.briefs BAIL WAS DENIED FOR FOUR SUSPECTS accused in the viral Facebook Live torture of a special needs Chicago teen. The 18-year-old victim, who suffers from schizophrenia and ADHD, was reported missing after relatives said they hadn’t heard from him in two days. He was reportedly picked up by Jordan Hill, 18, with whom he was supposed to spend New Year’s Eve. The teen was allegedly tied up, beaten, taunted and held captive for several days, police say. The victim escaped when a resident below the apartment complained about noise and threatened to alert the police. Hill, Tesfaye Cooper, 18, Brittany Covington, 18, and Tanishia Covington, 24, were all charged with hate crimes, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint and other charges. The four suspects are slated to return to court on Jan. 27.…….A BLACK ORLANDO POLICE OFFICER searching for a murder suspect was gunned down and a sheriff’s deputy looking for her killer died later. Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, a 17-year veteran and mother of two, died while approaching a murder suspect at a Walmart. The suspect was identified as Markeith Loyd, who is also wanted for the killing of a pregnant woman in December. A reward of up to $60,000 is offered for information leading to Loyd’s arrest…….A GROUP OF LAWMAKERS WANT TO REPEAL the death penalty. The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) passed its first-ever resolution supporting repeal of the death penalty in the United States. Legislators reviewed the evidence of race being a factor in use of the death penalty, including the facts that Blacks only make up 13.3 percent of the population but 34.6 percent of those executed since 1976 and Black jurors are three times more likely to be struck from a jury on a death penalty case with a Black defendant.

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 10 JANUARY 12, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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).

President Obama got teary-eyed as he delivered his farewell speech in Chicago.

President Barack Obama bids America a heartfelt farewell

Defender News Service

n 2008, President Barack Obama inspired Americans to embrace political change with the mantra “Yes, we can.” He bade them farewell Jan. 10 after a historic, tumultuous presidency with the words “Yes, we did.” Obama revived the spirit and idealism of his 2008 campaign in a nostalgic, sometimes emotional final address to the nation from his hometown of Chicago, 10 days before he cedes power to Donald Trump, his antithesis in personality and politics. The President stood unbowed and unapologetic after eight tough years, an unrepentant champion of hope and change. Despite years of partisan gridlock, tarnished hopes that the nation’s first African-American president could represent a post-racial age, and the uncertainty of leaving his legacy in the hands of Republicans bent on destroying it, Obama defiantly defended his belief in the capacity of politics to empower transformational social and economic change. “If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history...,” Obama said. “If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran’s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11... If I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens -- you might have said our sights were set a little too high,” he continued. “But that’s what we did,” Obama said. “That’s what

you did. You were the change. You answered people’s hopes. And because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started.” In the speech, which many say will go down in history, the president essentially argued that America is as great as it has ever been, a beacon of democracy, equality and hope. That was a not-too-subtle contrast to Presidentelect Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan. Yet, when the crowd prepared to boo at the mention of Trump’s name, Obama quickly quieted them and urged them to focus on the positive. In many ways, Obama’s speech was a repudiation of those who said he raised unreasonable expectations with his hope-fueled campaign in 2008 and failed to change the tone of politics as he had promised. While its purpose was to say goodbye, Obama’s speech also felt more like the kind of campaign address he might deliver today, were he running for the White House for the first time. He spoke with the passion of a candidate, not a bowed lame duck president shuffling off into retirement. Obama became emotional when he paid tribute to his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha. “You took on a role you didn’t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor,” he told the First Lady. Obama ended his speech by asking Americans to realize their own political change had been validated over the course of his presidency. “You did change the world,” he said. “I am asking you to believe,” he continued. “Not in my ability to bring about change -- but in yours.”

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Blacks win big at Golden Globes Defender News Service

Black Hollywood won big at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, including “Blackish” star Tracee Ellis Ross’ historic win for Best Actress in a TV Comedy or Musical and “Moonlight” nabbing the coveted Best Motion Picture award. “This is for all the women of color and colorful people whose stories, ideas and thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important,” Ross said during her acceptance speech. “But I want you to know that I see you. We see you.” The 44-yearold actress became the first African-American woman to win the category in 35 years. The last Black woman to take the title was Debbie Allen in 1982 for her role in Fame. Ross shared her #BlackGirlMagic glory with Viola Davis, who raked up her Viola Davis golden statue for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her starring role in Fences, alongside Denzel Washington. The Emmywinning actress commended Paramount and executives for taking a chance by turning a stage play into a film. “Thank you (Denzel) for beTracee Ellis Ross ing an extraordinary leader. Great actor, great director,” Davis said to her co-star. “Thank you for saying trust me and remember the love. And my beautiful husband, my daughter Genesis, loves of my life.” She also dedicated the award to her father, who she called the original Troy (the film’s protagonist): “And to the original Troy, my father, Dan Davis. Born in 1936, groomed horses, had a fifth grade education, didn’t know how to read until he was 15. But you know what? He had a story. And it deserved to be told. And August Wilson told it. Thank you very much.” Other winners included “Atlanta” for best comedy, and Donald Glover for best male comedy lead.

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entertainment

Houston actor

Gabriel L. Silva heads to big screen GS: I would tell other kid actors that this is a hard business, e may be little but Gabriel L. Silva but at the end of the is about to make a big mark in the day, if it is something entertainment industry. The child actor/ that you want to do, model has been cast in the upcoming then go for it! You will mafia thriller, “Live By Night,” starring audition a lot and maybe Ben Affleck and Zoe Saldana. not get anything for a This is the first major motion picture for the year or more, but keep Houston native, who plays the son of Affleck and training and studying Saldana in the film. because it just takes that In his spare time, this energetic 11-year-old is a one yes to jumpstart your budding entrepreneur, starting his own clothing line, career. Believe in yourself, Take Action Apparel & Gear, to help bring awareness don’t get discouraged, and to bullying in a unique way. you can do anything no Here, he talks with the Defender about his busy matter what people say. schedule. Defender: When Defender: How long have you known you you’re not acting, what can wanted to be an actor? we find you doing? Gabriel L. Silva: I started acting classes at Page GS: When I am not Parkes Center for Modeling and Acting because I was acting, I love to play video being bullied. My mom put me in classes about three games, watch TV and years ago, when I was eight, to build up my selfmovies, spend time with Gabriel L. Silv a esteem. At first, I didn’t like it but then, a year or so my friends and family, and later, the more classes that I took, I started to have a play with my dog, Charlie. I also practice lot of fun and started to see it as something I can do as taekwondo and take piano lessons. a career. In addition to acting, I want to learn how to Defender: Why did you start your clothing line? Photo Credit: Adam Cope Photography direct. GS: When we went to pilot season last year, my Defender: How did you land your latest role? mom and I came back home and I found out that three GS: My agent, Kerri Glen, had me submit an accomplished so far. I never knew that this was of my friends had been bullied. I felt helpless to help audition tape and I was cast for the role from that. something that I could do. I am honored that all the them because I knew what they were going through. I I didn’t think that I had a chance to land a role this people that are helping me to get to the next level in my talked to my mom and we came up with an idea to give important but when I found out that I got it, I was super career believe in me. It’s a cool feeling. back to kids like me. I thought that creating clothing happy and grateful that they chose me. Defender: What would be your words of and apparel with positive messages that people could Defender: How do you feel about your success? encouragement for other young actors hoping to wear would be fun and help raise awareness and funds GS: I am very proud of myself for what I have follow in your footsteps? to help fight a serious problem. By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

what’sup The biographical drama “Hidden Figures” dominated the box office, grossing an estimated $21.8 million from 2,471 theaters, while Disney put “Rogue One’s” haul at $22 million from 4,157 locations. The movie stars TARAJI P. HENSON, OCTAVIA SPENCER and JANELLE MONAE as the real-life African-American mathematicians who helped NASA put the first men into space even while having to endure a segregated workplace. Their story, however, has been obscured for decades….….ANGIE STONE is suing BRUNO MARS, claiming he stole “Uptown Funk” from a song called “Funk You Up (Tear the Roof Off)” by

her former group, The Sequence. “We have been robbed, railroaded, overlooked and completely disrespected,” Stone said. “Everyone got paid but my group. The truth of the matter is no one on that suit deserves it more than The Sequence, because those lyrics are ours. ‘Funk You Up’ was ours. We branded it in 1979.”……..VIVICA FOX has sparked a bit of backlash after claiming that gay men would not be welcome at the strip club featured on her show “Black Magic,” including her business partner in the reality TV venture. Jean-Claude LaMarre, the director and executive producer of the show, says he’s finished with

Fox after her remarks. Fox had been asked why her dancers wouldn’t dance for gay men and replied, “Because there’s no need to, they dance for women. It’s called the ultimate girl’s night out for a reason.”……..While the residents of predominantly Black Flint, Mich. are still living without clean water, they have not been forgotten by all. Singer and actress CHER will star in a Lifetime movie about the water crisis that affected thousands of residents in the Flint area. Cher, who helped donate nearly 180,000 bottles of clean water to those affected, will play the lead in the drama.

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Be King. A new generation now holds the torch ignited by his dream. Comcast NBCUniversal celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by saluting him and all of those who work together to love and serve one another and the world.

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MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

THE PEOPLE in MLK’s Life

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Though the name Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known around the world, numerous people played an integral role in mentoring, supporting and working with King, many of them unknown. Here are a few of those individuals.

National Ministry Team

Some members of King’s national ministry team include C.T. Vivian, Joseph Lowry, James Bevel, James Lawson, and Dr. Leon Sullivan. Fred Shuttlesworth was another. Shuttlesworth, founder of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, pastored Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, and helped establish the organization King led – the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Shuttlesworth was a fearless champion of equality, refusing to stop working to overturn Birmingham’s segregation laws even after his home was bombed Christmas Day 1956, and the multiple personal physical attacks he endured.

Contemporaries

Many know of King’s inner circle, including Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Hosea Williams, James Bevel and Baynard Rustin. But there were others during that era who also dedicated their lives in pursuit of civil and human rights for Blacks, including James Forman, Stokely Carmichael, Ella Baker, Elijah Muhammad, Daisy Bates, Albert B. Cleage Jr., Malcolm X and Dr. Leon Sullivan. Sullivan is best known for introducing the economic strategy known as “Selective Patronage,” boycotting businesses that refused to hire Blacks. This strategy spread from Sullivan’s Philadelphia across the nation, with participants chanting the slogan “Don’t buy where you don’t work.”

Fred Shuttlesworth

Diane Nash

Leon Sullivan

Avenue Baptist Church, there were several key individuals who shaped his worldview on religion and social action. These include Morehouse professors Walter Richard Chivers and George Kelsey, leader of India’s independence movement Mohandas Gandhi, legendary theologian Howard Thurman and Morehouse President Benjamin Mays. A legendary educator and civil rights activist, Mays is considered by some to be one of the most influential and important individuals in Black history for whom many know little about. Mays mentored multiple generations of some of the most effective Black leaders in the nation.

Benjamin Mays

the Vietnam War; his mother Alberta “Mama” King who was assassinated in 1974; Amelia Boynton, a key figure in the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches; his secretary Maude Ballou; iconic civil rights figure Rosa Parks; and Diane Nash, a Freedom Rider, co-founder of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and key movement strategist.

Mentors and Influences Before King replaced social activist minister Vernon Johns as pastor of Montgomery’s Dexter

Women in MLK’s Life

King had several significant women in his life including his wife Coretta Scott King, who urged him to speak out against Bill Day - Cagle USA

2B DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017

MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

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KING’S WORDS

Dr. King was a powerful speaker and prolific writer. Here are some of his quotes on various topics:

America

“America is essentially a dream, a dream as yet unfulfilled. It is a dream of a land where men of all races, of all nationalities and of all creeds can live together as brothers.” – Speech, 1961

Anger

“You must be willing to suffer the anger of the opponent, and yet not return anger. No matter how emotional your opponents are, you must remain calm.” – “Stride Toward Freedom,” 1958

Crime

“I knew that I was a convicted criminal, but I was proud of my crime. It was a crime of joining my people in a nonviolent protest against injustice. It was the crime of seeking to instill within my

people a sense of dignity and self-respect. It was the crime of desiring for my people the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” – “Stride Toward Freedom,” 1958

Danger

“We have allowed our civilization to outrun our culture, and so we are in danger now of ending up with guided missiles in the hands of misguided men.” – Speech, 1961

Destiny

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny…As long as there is poverty in this world, no man can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant and millions of people cannot expect to live more than 20 or 30 years, no man can be totally healthy, even if he just got a clean bill of health from the finest clinic in America.” – Speech, 1961

God

“God has been profoundly real to me in recent years. In the midst of outer dangers, I have felt an inner calm. In the midst of lonely days and dreary nights I have heard an inner voice saying, ‘Lo I will be with you.’ ” – “Strength to Love,” 1963

Power

“There is nothing essentially wrong with power. The problem is American power is unequally distributed.” – “Where Do We Go From Here,” 1968

Segregation

“I felt as though a curtain had dropped on my selfhood. It was a bitter feeling going back to segregation. It was hard to understand why I could ride wherever I pleased on the train from New York to Washington and then had to change to a Jim Crow car at the nation’s capital in order to continue the trip to Atlanta.” – Article, 1957

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A better community starts with one person making a difference Great leaders leave a mark on the communities they serve. They are one person that focuses on bringing people together to make positive change. The small difference accomplished today can grow and last for generations.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., thank you for creating a lasting legacy of success. wellsfargo.com

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MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL Events in the life of Dr. King

Defender News Services

1929 – Born on Jan. 15 to Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King in Atlanta. 1944 – Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Began his studies at Morehouse College at age 15. 1948 – Ordained as a Baptist minister at age 19. Graduated from Morehouse and entered Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland, Penn. 1951 – Entered Boston University for graduate studies. 1953 – Married Coretta Scott. 1954 – Became pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. 1955 – Received Doctorate of Philosophy in systematic theology from Boston University. Elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association. Became official spokesman for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days. 1957 – Elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). 1958 – Published his first book, “Stride Toward Freedom.” 1959 – Visited India to study Mohandas Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence. Resigned from Dexter. Moved to Atlanta to devote more time to the SCLC. 1960 – Became co-pastor at his father’s church,

Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott were married in 1953.

Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta. Arrested during an Atlanta lunch counter sit-in. Released after intervention by presidential candidate John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. 1962 – Arrested and jailed in Albany, Ga. 1963 – Arrested and jailed in Birmingham, Ala., where he wrote “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington. 1964 – Named “Man of the Year” by Time Magazine. Met Malcolm X for the first and only time. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 1965 – Arrested in Selma, Ala., during a voting rights demonstration. 1966 – Moved to a Chicago slum to call attention to poverty. Joined a March Against Fear

King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 in Oslo, Norway.

through the South. 1967 – Announced a Poor People’s Campaign focusing on jobs and freedom. 1968 – Supported sanitation workers on strike in Memphis. Delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Assassinated on April 4 while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. A white man, James Earl Ray, was sentenced to 99 years in prison for King’s murder.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” D R . M A RT I N LU T H E R K I N G , J R .

POL. ADV. SYLVESTER TURNER CAMPAIGN

St re ng t h t o L ov e

s the era of America’s first African American president draws to a close, our nation faces many new challenges. Yet, our city is vibrant, our people are inspiring and we continue to work hard and value the essential humanity of every Houstonian. In Houston, if we can dream it, we can do it. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

M AYO R S Y LV E S T E R T U R N E R

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MLK HOLID

King on big issues T

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

hough Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is arguably the most well-known figure in AfricanAmerican history, some are unfamiliar with his positions on the big issues of his day beyond a general understanding that he advocated non-violent protest. Fewer still realize how the public’s response to King while he was alive was vastly different than it is today. Remarkably, some of those positions speak loudly to Dr. Gerald Horne Dr. Ronald Goodwin pressing issues in 2017. “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community,” was “King was a social democrat, a critic of capitalism,” even less popular with U.S. power brokers than his stance said Dr. Gerald Horne, professor of history at the Univeragainst the Vietnam War. sity of Houston. “He saw racism, militarism and economic “I’m now convinced that the simplest approach will inequality as functions of capitalism.” prove to be the most effective – the solution to poverty is to Horne contends that King’s critique of capitalism, abolish it directly by now widely discussed measure: the though central to everything King taught, is a King stance guaranteed income,” King wrote. that goes unrecognized by most today. Horne stated that a King’s critics labeled him a Communist for seeking a major turning point for King toward this position occurred “radical redistribution of economic power” and challenging a when he denounced the Vietnam War. profit motive lacking empathy for working people. “Though voiced opposition to the war hurt King’s “King believed that unless the American form of relationship with President [Lyndon] Johnson, King felt he capitalism changed, Blacks would continue to suffer in abject couldn’t be a consistent apostle of nonviolence unless he poverty in inadequate inner cities throughout the country,” spoke out.” said Prairie View A&M University history professor Dr. Horne believes King’s last act revealed even clearer his Ronald Goodwin. stance against capitalism, a position advocated loudly by a “This should not be seen as an endorsement of Comsizeable number of Black millennials today. “King linked all three – racism, militarism and econom- munism, but rather a rejection of the capitalistic system that ic inequality – during his last campaign in Memphis, showing profited for centuries from slave labor and the economic and political disenfranchisement of Blacks,” Goodwin said. support for striking sanitation workers,” Horne said. This ongoing disenfranchisement, even after years of King made this connection, according to Horne, while fighting for inclusion into the larger society, led many Blacks organizing for the Poor People’s March on Washington, to shift focus to efforts of self-determination and a call of which carried on after King’s assassination in 1968. Black Power. King’s own economic solution, as outlined in his book

Dr. Anthony Pinn

Dr. Marco Robinson

“King understood why some called for Black Power, yet he argued it didn’t undercut moral and ethical damage,” said Dr. Anthony Pinn, founding director of Rice University’s Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning. “Instead, he believed the call for Black Power simply replaced one mode of dominance with another. He also believed any strategy that included violence was doomed to fail,” Pinn said. In correspondence dated Oct. 1, 1966, King wrote that Black Power meant different things to different people, with some approving the use of violence for social change, while others used the slogan as a call to access political power and endorsed violence only as a means of self-defense. Still, King did not condemn Black Power, saying the mood that gave birth to it arose from “real, not imaginary causes.” “Millions of Negroes are frustrated and angered because extravagant promises made less than a year ago are a shattered mockery today…Many Negroes have given up faith in the white majority because ‘white power’ with total control has left them empty handed,” King said. Regarding self-defense and Second Amendment rights, Pinn said that King considered purchasing a gun to protect his

family, but decided again “King recognized th he argued those committe approach to social change Pinn said. Pinn added that rega not adequately address ge recognize the triple threat gender, class.” PVAMU history Pro however, said, “King is o supporting a woman’s rig Obviously, King sup inspiring pro-equality leg King would have been st such as Black Lives Matt protesters. Unknown to many, efforts, stating “We’ve go while calling for a Black the night before his assas Though universally criticized while living. “Part of King’s grea Horne said. “The 1963 M all over the world, from t “Still, he was critici by certain leaders of the N outside the lane of Black relationship with LBJ,” H Goodwin concurred every February as a “safe ism advocated by Malcol minimizes King’s confro the Vietnam War and inst 1963 March on Washingt

UNDER-TH

Beyond Dr. King’s now iconic “I H ership of the Montgomery Bus Boyco Peace Prize, there were many other p moments during his years as a “Drum few.

Walk to Freedom

Two months before the March on his “I Have a Dream” speech during t in Detroit, an event that actually had a D.C. protest. At the time, the Walk to largest civil rights demonstration in th kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu)

Children’s Crusade King after 1958 New York assassination attempt.

King avoiding

bricks thrown

at him

o rally. during a Chicag

King was roundly criticized by d porters for the decision to allow child marches during the SCLC’s Birmingh

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

DAY SPECIAL

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nst it. he legal right to possess a gun, but ed to the non-violent direct action e needed to avoid gun ownership,”

arding another big issue, King did ender inequalities, and “failed to t faced by Black women – race,

ofessor Dr. Marco Robinson, on record making several statements ght to choose (pro-choice).” pported social protest as a tool for gislation, leading scholars to suggest trongly supportive of current activists ter participants and Dakota Pipeline

King also supported “Buy Black” ot to strengthen Black institutions” “Bank-in” during his final speech ssination. y celebrated today, King was highly

atness was his wide support abroad,” March on Washington was duplicated the Congo to Paris.” ized strongly at home, including NAACP who felt he was veering leadership and jeopardizing his Horne said. d. “White society trots out King e” alternative to the Black Nationallm X,” he said. “However, history ontational nature and opposition to tead focuses on his work up to the ton.”

HE-RADAR

Have a Dream” speech, his leadott and acceptance of the Nobel pivotal, though lesser known m Major for Justice.” Here are a

n Washington, King delivered the Walk to Freedom march a larger attendance than the o Freedom was regarded as “the he nation’s history.” (Source:

detractors and even some supdren to participate in protest ham campaign (April 1963).

King participating in a Vietnam protest march.

MLK Moments The idea was presented by fellow SCLC activist James Bevel, and initially rejected by King, who later endorsed it as a way of keeping the Birmingham movement alive as adults feared losing their jobs if they continued protesting. (Source: kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu)

of segregation and denial that differed from what he encountered in the South. He recognized the need to more explicitly link issues of race and class.” (Source: Dr. Anthony Pinn, Rice)

NY Assassination Attempt

Freedom Way Magazine Event

“In February 1968, King gave a speech lauding W.E.B. DuBois at an event sponsored by Freedom Way Magazine, a progressive magazine aimed at Black leaders. In his speech, King denounced the nation’s anti-communism rhetoric and didn’t shrink from commenting on DuBois becoming a Communist before moving to Ghana.” (Dr. Gerald Horne, UH)

Beyond acknowledging it happened, little attention is paid to King being stabbed in Harlem by Izola Ware Curry in 1958. Ware lodged a letter opener into King’s chest near his heart during a book-signing. Doctors explained that if he had sneezed he would have bled to death. Although this event was not related to the movement, an alternate outcome would have had catastrophic effects on King and civil rights leadership.” (Dr. Marco Robinson, PVAMU)

Chicago Campaign

Opposition to Vietnam

“King’s time in Chicago, the Poor Peoples activism, was important not because he was successful; but it was important precisely because he failed. This pointed out to King the ways in which racial discrimination in the North differed. It required attention to [types]

the Houston area for over 85 years

“King’s opposition to the Vietnam War is seldom discussed historically. Conspiracy theorists have argued that his vocal opposition to the War ultimately led to his government-sponsored assassination because he was becoming a tangible threat.” (Dr. Ronald Goodwin, PVAMU)

6B DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017

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MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Facts about King By ASWAD WALKER Defender

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was originally named Michael King (born Jan 15, 1929). In 1934, however, his father, pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, traveled to Germany and became inspired by the Protestant reformation leader Martin Luther. Daddy King then changed his own name as well as that of his 5-year-old son. (Source: history. com) • On Dec. 8, 1999, a Memphis jury found the U.S. government guilty of conspiring to assassinate King. After four weeks of testimony and over 70 witnesses in a civil trial, 12 jurors reached a swift unanimous verdict. The King family, who filed the civil suit, was awarded $100. (Source: “MLK’s Family Feels Vindicated,” www.cbsnews.com) • “Although King espoused a non-violent philosophy, the Deacons of Defense (an armed self-defense group of Blacks that protected civil rights organizations in the south during the 1960s) in some instance provided security for him.” (Source: Dr. Marco Robinson, PVAMU) • “Jack O’Dell, who is still alive, was a key advisor to King and Jesse Jackson. He’s a legendary figure who has not received sufficient attention.” (Source: Dr. Gerald Horne, UH) • “At one point, King thought about securing a gun to protect his family. Key figures in the civil rights movement pointed out to King that his possession of a gun would do damage to their presentation of a non-violent movement.” (Source: Dr. Anthony Pinn, Rice) • “King travelled to Africa in 1957 to witness the establishment of

The King Family

the country of Ghana (first African country to gain its independence from European colonial rule). During a radio interview on this visit King stated, ‘This event, the birth of this new nation, will give impetus to oppressed peoples all over the world.’ King’s call for a global movement of oppressed people has received little discussion.” (Source: Dr. Marco Robinson, PVAMU) • FBI director J. Edgar Hoover declared King “the most dangerous Negro to the future of this nation from the standpoint of Communism, the Negro and national security.” (Source: “The History of the FBI’s Secret ‘Enemies’ List,” www.npr.org)

Dr. King’s funeral.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Monday, January 16 at Noon

Brought to you by State Rep. Garnet Coleman

Join us for our 21st Annual Peace March and all-day activities! Special admission $5 ALL DAY.

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JANUARY 12 | 2017 | DEFENDER

Calendar of events FRIDAY, JAN. 13

• Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay, presents the Gardere Houston MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at 10 a.m. It features compositions by elementary school students. Contact: www.ambchouston.org or 713-652-0738. • The Black Heritage Society MLK Jr. Mixer & Reception is 6 p.m. at CWA Hall, 1730 Jefferson. Contact: www.blackheritagesociety.org or 713-236-1700.

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

• The Black Heritage Society hosts several events. A Service Day is 8 a.m.noon at MacGregor Park, MLK at OST, and 1-4 p.m. at Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall. A Children’s Parade and Community Festival is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at MacGregor Park. A Community Town Hall Meeting is 6-9 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 7304 Homestead. • The MLK Parade Foundation Youth Parade originates at San Jacinto Street and Elgin at noon. Contact: www.mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633. • Black Greeks Speak and Neighborhood Centers host an MLK Empowerment Summit from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Baker Ripley Campus, 6500 Rookin. Highlights include empowerment zones, new Black leaders’ campaign forum, live music and youth step show. Contact: www.blackgreeksspeak.org.

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LIFE LEGACY AND LOVE

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

• The Black Heritage Society Church Services are 9-10 a.m. at He Heard My Cry Christian Fellowship Church, 1333 Judiway, and 6-9 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church. A Feed the Hungry Service Day is 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2019 Crawford. • The MLK Parade Foundation Battle of the Bands competition is 4-8 p.m. at W.W. Thorne Stadium, 1865 Aldine Bender.

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MONDAY, JAN. 16

• The North Houston Frontiers Club annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast is 8 a.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Guest speaker is Mayor Sylvester Turner. Contact: nhfrontiers.com or 713-331-0440. • The Black Heritage Society Original MLK Jr. Birthday Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park. A Taste of Houston Festival is noon-5:30 p.m. at Minute Maid Park, Lot C. • The MLK Parade Foundation Grande Parade begins at 10 a.m. at San Jacinto and Elgin. The grand marshals are Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson. • The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, hosts an MLK Jr. Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include a peace march, music and “I Have a Dream” speech rendition. Admission is $5 and free for children under 1 and museum members. Contact: www.cmhouston.org or 50855_N6120296M.indd 1

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8B DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017

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MLK Memorial a tribute to King

Defender News Services

he Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. signifies the first AfricanAmerican honored with a memorial on the National Mall and the fourth non-president to be remembered in such a way. The memorial’s official dedication date was originally Aug. 28, 2011, the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington. However, the ceremony was postponed until Oct. 16 due to Hurricane Irene. The concept became a reality in 1996, when Congress authorized Dr. King’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, to establish a memorial to him in D.C. The MLK National Memorial Project Foundation then held a design competition. A total of 906 entrants joined the competition and 23 finalists were chosen. In 2000, judges selected a plan for a stone with Dr. King’s image emerging from a mountain. Chinese artist Master Lei Yixin became the official sculptor in 2007. Each part of the memorial is significant, and the many entrances and approaches to it symbolize the openness of democracy.

Martin Luth er King III addr essed a crowd of spectators du ri a 2013 wreat ng h laying at th e memorial.

During , construction e’s the sculptur e er 159 blocks w ed, disassembl shipped and reassembled on-site.

The Washington, D.C. memorial to Dr. King was dedicated in 2011. (Photos courtesy National Park Service).

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Capital One Bank ® is committed to helping communities thrive. We’re empowering families

through financial literacy and affordable housing, helping individuals bridge the digital skills gap and showing small businesses how to harness technology to grow and compete.

Proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his lifelong commitment to civic action and community service.

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JANUARY 12 | 2017 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

Endometrial cancer deadlier for Black women

most common cancer in women: • Age: Most cases of endometrial conic PBS Newshour anchor cancer are detected in women who are Gwen Ifill died on Nov. 14 at past menopause. age 61 of endometrial cancer. • Obesity: Having a body mass The passing of this trailblazing index (BMI) of 25 or greater is a major journalist and role model risk. for many women and the African• Hormone levels: The amount of American community has shed light on estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s the importance of being vigilant about body can affect her risk. For example, well-woman exams and early detection women who take estrogen by itself Jagjit Khairah, D.O. of gynecologic conditions that are (without progesterone) for hormone treatable when diagnosed early on. replacement during menopause have a higher risk. The most common type of uterine cancer, • Genetics: A family history of uterine, colon or endometrial carcinoma strikes more than 60,000 U.S. ovarian cancer. women every year. It is treatable and even curable in • Take tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types many cases when caught early. I say “many cases” of breast cancer. because for unknown reasons Black women are more • Have never been pregnant, had trouble getting likely to die from endometrial cancer, regardless of the pregnant or have had fewer than five periods in a year stage of the cancer at the point of diagnosis. before starting menopause. All women are at risk for uterine cancer, but the There aren’t any reliable ways to test for uterine risk increases with age. Most uterine cancers are found cancer in women who do not have any signs or in women who are going through or who have gone symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for uterine through menopause. Several factors may increase the cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is chance of getting uterine cancer, which is the fourth cervical cancer. This makes it doubly important to By JAGJIT KHAIRAH, D.O.

recognize uterine cancer warning signs and consult with your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk. Most women with endometrial cancer have early symptoms, the most common of which is abnormal bleeding. For women who are premenopausal, this includes irregular menstrual bleeding, spotting and bleeding between menstrual periods. For women who are postmenopausal, any bleeding is abnormal. Symptoms of advanced endometrial cancer include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, feeling full quickly when eating and changes in bowel or bladder habits. Treatment of endometrial cancer usually includes surgery. The cervix and uterus are removed (a total hysterectomy), plus both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Depending on the stage of cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be necessary. There’s no known way to prevent uterine cancer. Ask your doctor about how often you should be checked for uterine cancer, and what you can do to decrease your risk. Dr. Jagjit Khairah is a board-certified OB/GYN specialist at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. To make an appointment with him, call 713-442-0000.

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

First Black joins Space Station Defender News Services

Jeanette Epps is making history, becoming the first Black American astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS). While NASA has sent 14 Black astronauts into space over the decades, none have ever stayed aboard the ISS as a crew member. Epps will be the first African-American and the 13th woman to call the ISS home since the space station was Epps will become the first Black crewmember on the ISS. founded in 1998. a former NASA Graduate Student Epps, who is from Researchers Project fellow, will be Syracuse, N.Y., will join astronaut one of among 200 astronauts who Andrew Feustel as a flight engineer have visited the ISS. on Expedition 56 in May 2018, ac“Each space station crew brings cording to NASA. She will also stay something different to the table, and on board for Expedition 57. Drew and Jeanette both have a lot Epps has a Ph.D. in aerospace to offer,” said Chris Cassidy, chief engineering and has served as an of the Astronaut Office at NASA’s astronaut since 2009. She spent seven Johnson Space Center in Houston. years as a technical intelligence of“The space station will benefit from ficer for the CIA. Epps, who is also

having them on board.” The timing of NASA’s announcement came mere days before the widespread release of “Hidden Figures,” which tells the story of three Black women who played pivotal roles in NASA’s successful attempt to put astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962. As Epps has expressed her support for the movie, NASA has dubbed her a “Modern Figure” for women in STEM. The idea is to highlight the stories of women who have made – and are still making – major contributions to the field. “Anything that you don’t know is going to be hard at first, but if you put the time and effort in, it will become seamless eventually,” she said in a video. “But you have to put the time and effort in. Just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean you can’t learn.”

Jeanette Epps

classified Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of ITB no. 17-14 on Brazoria County Expressway (SH 288) bids on January 24, 2017. Mail, fax, or email quotations to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 fax: (512) 707-0798 email: bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at Brazoria County Purchasing Department: http://bit.do/cYJLu E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.

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JANUARY 12 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017

sports

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Jadeveon Clowney propels Texans defense By MAX EDISON Defender

s the Texans head into the second round of the NFL playoffs after defeating the Oakland Raiders 27-14, their success can directly be attributed to the play of their defense. While the offense has struggled to score points, the Texans’ defense has kept them in games and propelled them to back-to-back AFC South titles. The Texans have the league’s No. 1 rated defense and the key to that defense has been the spectacular play of defensive end/linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. Many fans thought the Texans’ defense would crater when they lost three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. Little did they realize that in his third season in the league, Clowney would evolve into the type of defensive force everyone envisioned he would become when he was the No. 1 player selected in the 2014 NFL draft out of South Carolina. Clowney’s outstanding play earned him a spot on this year’s Pro Bowl roster. After missing virtually all of his rookie season to a knee injury that getting better, just to come back and prove to required micro-fracture surgery and a variety of in- them that what they were saying was wrong. I juries that plagued his sophomore season, Clowney still keep that in the back of my mind. has erupted in year three. “In this league, it’s up and down. One His play has been consistently dominant, minute they love you, one minute they hate whether it’s rushing the quarterback or defending you. I just do what I can do to go out there and the run. The amazing element of Clowney’s game help my teamis that he’s only scratched the surface of what his mates and game can become. help my Head coach Bill O’Brien acknowledged the team,” he obvious skill set of his star defender. said. “[Clowney] has had a good year for us,” Clowney’s O’Brien said. “He’s an active player. We line him hard-work approach to up in different spots. One thing about J.D., he goes this season is paying dividends. to the ball, if that makes any sense. He makes plays He was named to his first AFC Pro on the football. Even when he’s getting after the Bowl a few weeks ago. quarterback or tackling the running back, there’s a “I’m excited to be selected to my first chance he can get the ball out.” Pro Bowl,” Clowney said. “I want to thank Coach As the top player in the draft who was slated O’Brien, Coach Crennel, Coach Vrabel and Coach to play beside all-world teammate Watt, Clowney Weaver for believing in me and pushing me to get was expected to take the league by storm. When to this point. It’s an honor to be recognized with injuries sidelined him he began to hear rumors that the best players from around the NFL. I’m going to perhaps he was overrated. That criticism motivated continue to work to help my team win games.” him. Texan teammate Duane Brown has had a ring“All the criticism kind of built me up,” he said. side seat observing the evolution of Clowney and “It really helped me off the field with pushing and he’s not surprised at his success.

“Knowing what he has been through in his career, it is great to see him healthy, out there flying around, being disruptive and doing what everyone knew he could do when he got here. It’s a sight to watch,” Brown said. “He’s a very special talent with a lot of ability. He has fun with it. He’s a big kid out there when he’s playing. That’s what it’s all about. It’s good to see it.” Clowney missed last year’s playoff game against Kansas City due to injury. This year he’s got big plans for himself and his teammates. “We have a chance to do something great for this organization and for ourselves,” Clowney explained. “We can go as far as we can go and make history. So we’re going to try to do that, try to play as hard as we can.”

Jadeveon Clowney has emerged as a star defensive end/linebacker for the Texans.

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h.s.zone Bright future exists for Yates basketball

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

he future is bright for boys’ basketball at Jack Yates High School. When asked about the prospects of his varsity team moving forward following a recent 113-54 victory over longtime rival Worthing at Barnett Fieldhouse, head coach Greg Wise couldn’t conceal his enthusiasm. “We’ve got a really young group and we’re taking our time developing them so they can get everything right,” said Wise, who has guided Yates to four state championships during his nine-year tenure. “We’re getting better and better as the season goes along. By the end of the season we should be playing our best basketball,” Wise said. “With some of the young guys that we have, the future of JY basketball is really bright.” The 15-member Yates roster has a couple of talented freshmen along with a promising mix of sophomores and juniors to go along with a handful of seniors. The nucleus of this squad will return next season. The victory over Worthing improved Yates to 10-6 Mitchell Seraille, Jock Hughes and Jaquarius Valrie are among on the season and more importantly 3-0 in District key players on the Yates team. 24-4A with key games coming up against North Forest, Wise said. “We didn’t play well in the last two games Booker T. Washington, Wheatley and Kashmere. because of our style of play. “Any team in our district can beat you on a good “It’s hard to play four or five games in a two-day day. Worthing didn’t have the depth to stay with us this period when we’re pressing all the time,” Wise said. time,” Wise said. “We’re hoping to tip-toe through the “Yet it helps us in terms of conditioning.” first half of district play without a loss and let the other Sophomore Jaquarius Valrie scored a game-high teams beat up on each other.” 30 points against Worthing, including 11 consecuYates was ranked seventh in the latest Texas Astive points in the second sociation of Basketball quarter when the game Coaches (TABC) Class 4A was decided. Valrie, a 6-4 state poll while North Forforward, was 4-of-4 from See who won battle for No. 1 in est was No. 22. three-point range. District 18-6A The Lions are building “He’s really come on momentum behind 6-footlately and one to watch as 3 junior combination guard he matures and gets stronger,” Wise said. Jock Hughes, who exploded for 51 points earlier this “People think we’re just out there running around, season against Del Valle High School. but we run 10 different presses and the players have “Jock is one of the best kids I’ve ever had in terms to know what to do instinctively and not have to think of playing ability along with academics,” Wise said. about what they’re doing.” “He’s got a super attitude and is very coachable. Six-foot-7 junior Mitchell Seraille had 28 points, “I think he’s finally seen how good he can be,” 11 rebounds, five blocked shots and five assists in the Wise said. “He has that capability in him and it’s up to Worthing game. me to get that out of him on a consistent basis.” “His progression from his freshman to sophomore Yates advanced to the semifinals of the HISD boys’ year was about as big as I’ve seen in a player,” Wise basketball tournament before losing to eventual chamsaid. “It was nearly as big from last year to this year. pion Sam Houston. Mitchell has a chance to be a great player in the near “Playing against good competition is going to help future.” us get where we want to be at the end of the season,”

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JANUARY 12 | 2017 DEFENDER

sportsbriefs Texans sign TSU punter The Houston Texans signed former Texas Southern University punter Cory Carter to a reserve-future contract. Carter is a Mississippi native and was a four-year stand-out as a member of the Tigers’ football program. During his senior campaign Carter was an All-American selection for the Tigers. Carter ranked third in the NCAA during his final collegiate campaign (2015) and also ranked first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference averaging 45.7 yards per punt.

Cougars hire Johnson University of Houston head football coach Major Applewhite announced he has hired Brian Johnson as his new offensive coordinator. Johnson, a Baytown native, comes to UH after three seasons as quarterbacks coach at Mississippi State where he helped develop this season’s NFL Rookie of the Year favorite and MVP candidate Dak Prescott, and led the Bulldogs to three consecutive bowl games. “He was unbelievable and I’m very thankful to have him as a coach,” said Prescott, now with the Cowboys. “Once I got the offense down, he took me to another level and his knowledge of the game was invaluable. It meant a lot to have someone who has played at such a high level be able to teach you. You look at the success he had with his undefeated season at Utah and you know he can back up what he is teaching. He’s also a great guy who pushes you to be a better person in the community and academically.”

Williams wins award James Williams of Fort Bend Marshall High School is the Houston Defender high school football Coach of the Year for the 2016 season. Williams guided the Buffalos to an 11-3 record and a berth in the Class 5A state quarterfinals for the first time since 2012. “I am very honored to receive the Coach of the Year recognition. It’s truly humbling,” Williams said. “The credit should really go to our outstanding players, my coaching staff and our very supportive administrators.” Over the course of the season Williams was also recognized as a Houston Texans Coach of the Week, the Be a Champion Leadership Award and the Dave Campbell Week 14 Army 5A Coach of the Week. “We are so proud of the 2016 football team and what they were able to accomplish,” said Williams, a member of the coaching profession for 19 years and currently in his seventh year as athletic coordinator and head football coach at Marshall.

Collier leads girls It was a typical performance from one of the top high school girls’ basketball players in Texas. Barbers Hill standout Charli Collier amassed 31 points and 16 rebounds in a 72-58 victory over Dayton in a key District 21-5A showdown. The state’s fifth-ranked Class 5A team improved to 20-4 on the season and 9-0 in district play. The 6-foot-5 junior was 14-of-28 from the field with three steals and two blocks. “Charli is a phenomenal talent and one of the best players in the state,” said Barbers Hill coach Tri Danley. “I’m glad she’s on my team.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

DEFENDER | JANUARY 12 | 2017

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

topevents

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST……..The Northeast Family the Reader’s Choice Award for the Houston Press Music Awards. In attendance were YMCA hosted its 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast at the DoubleTree by David Rhee, Tevie Son, Jack Murphy, Keyshawn Williams, Jayden Wright, Trin Hilton Houston Intercontinental Airport. The breakfast was held to benefit the YMCA Nguyen, Johnny Fonte, Bryce Saucier, Daniel Porter, Nick Ford, Frank Nacho annual campaign to help guarantee that everyone can benefit from YMCA programs, and many more……..AKA SALUTE TO HIDDEN FIGURES……..Houston regardless of circumstance or ability to pay. Guests were treated to live entertainment Metropolitan Area Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted AKA by the Best Kept Secret. A former YMCA student, Imani Davenport, also performed. Day at the Movies a Salute to Hidden Figures of Space at AMC First Colony 24. The In attendance were Dorris Mcneil, Pinky Barlow, Carla event kicked off their Founders Day Week. Almost 400 AKAs Burris, Hellen Verdun, Rose Grant, Kimberly Hatter, and friends from across Houston watched “Hidden Figures” in Defender TOP EVENTS Ray Purvis, Paul McEntire, Genevieve Brown, Abner the Sugar Land theater. Following the movie there was a panel More photos on defendernetwork.com Brown, Melody Douglas, Brenda Scott, Sue Ann Nichols, discussion with NASA astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps, NASA Gary Nichols and a host of others……..HIP-HOP FOR aerospace engineer Macresia Alibaruho and former Texas HOUSTON……..City Promotions and Brodie’s Fault hosted a Hip-Hop for Houston Southern University STEM professor Dr. Polly Sparks Turner. Moderating the artist showcase at Warehouse Live. The showcase brought together local artists in the panel was Houston Chronicle reporter Cindy George. The panel focused on uplifting city to break in the New Year. The event also collected donations of toys, clothes and African-American youth and the need to recognize the hidden figures making a difference in the community. In attendance were Faye Bryant, Diann Robinson, canned goods for the under privileged in the community. The line-up included Genesis Iver, 1CJosh, Jon Black, Corbin Dallas and Blaze x Black, who previously received Gwendolyn Brinkley, Lesa Spivey, Evett Turner and many more.

Golden Creeks, Victoria Creeks

Brenda Scott, Melody Douglas

Bryce Saucier, 1CJosh

Daniel Porter, Corbin Dallas

Cindy George, Dr. Polly Turner, Dr. Jeanette Epps, Macresia Alibaruho

Patricia Roberts, Bianca Anderson

Abner Brown, Genevieve Brown

Official X, Genesis Iver

Gwendolyn Brinkley, Diann Robinson, Faye Bryant

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