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Volume 87 | Number 9 JANUARY 4, 2018 |FREE
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NEWSTALK WILLIAM HARMON former HCC campus president dies
P2 NATIONAL DANA GRESHAM named chief of staff for Sen. Doug Jones
P2 H.S. ZONE MALIK HORNSBY among players to watch
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to watch in 2018
P11 TOP EVENTS
Chadwick Boseman in ‘Black Panther’
Deshaun Watson
Fans all across the country are waiting on Boseman’s “Black Panther.” The Black all-star movie is one of the highly anticipated films of 2018. Take a look at other movies/shows to watch in 2018.
A healthy Deshaun Watson is key to the Texans success in 2018, and just one of the sports figures to keep an eye on in the new year. Get the Defender forecast on the Astros, the Rockets, and sports biggest news.
key to success
Misty Starks and CleRenda McGrady at the Walker’s Legacy Awards.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 4 | 2018
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Educator and activist Nellye Punch mourned
In memoriam
Late lawyer Clara Meek remembered Clara Meek, a pioneering lawyer with one of Houston’s largest law firms, died on Dec. 23 at age 68. She was a retired partner with Vinson & Elkins and became the firm’s first African-American partner in 1994 leading business litigation. She worked on complex antitrust cases and served as chair of the committee that oversaw the election of new partners. “Clara was an outstanding lawyer,” said Harry Reasoner, a well-known V&E partner. “She played great roles in our billion-dollar win against the Santa Fe Railroad, and for Shell in an eight-month long arbitration in Washington, D.C., where we won several hundred million. Illness ended her career as a great lawyer.”
She supported numerous organizations, and served on the boards of the United Negro College Fund, DePelchin Children’s Center, Jazz Education, Inc., the Bakari Fund and the W. J. Durham Legal Society. She founded Women for (Sylvester) Turner in 1991. She was a longtime member of Loyal Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include her sister, Doris Meek Rowl. An endowed scholarship is being established in her name, and donations may be mailed to: African American Studies Program, University of Houston, Dr. James L. Conyers Jr., Director, Agnes Arnold Hall 628, Houston, TX 77204-3047. Online donations may be made to www.uh.edu/class/aas/supportus/
Nellye J. Punch, a teacher, education advocate and noted Fifth Ward volunteer, died on Dec. 25 at age 96. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, 4913 Market St. Mrs. Punch taught thousands of students during her 36 years with HISD, and was chair of the Science Department at E.O Smith Jr. High School. She was a past president of the Wheatley Alumni Association and Houston Classroom Teachers Association. She was a dedicated member of Pinecrest and the first African-American and first woman to serve as moderator of the Brazos Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of the United States. Mrs. Punch was a precinct judge and served on the Lyons Avenue Health Clinic Advisory Board, where she pioneered the “Baby Buddy” prenatal health care program. Linda K. Brown, CEO of Advantage Communications Group, grew up next door to Mrs. Punch and said she was a “phenomenal woman” who cared deeply for her family and community. “She was gifted with a tenacity to pursue every possible recourse to be an effective change agent for the betterment of Fifth Ward and others who weren’t able to fight to improve their quality of life,” Brown said. Mrs. Punch majored in home economics at Prairie View College. She later received her Master’s in Education from Texas Southern University. She was actively involved with Friends of the Library of TSU and served on numerous boards. Survivors include her daughters, Sheila A. Lockhart and Delores Christine Browne, three grandsons and three great grandchildren.
Former HCC campus president Harmon dies Dr. William Harmon, who served as president of Houston Community College’s Central campus for more than 11 years, died Dec. 26. He was 76. Harmon served in top-level positions at the University of Virginia, the University of Pittsburgh, Wichita State and the University of Medicine and Dentistry before becoming president of HCC Central in 2005. At HCC, he provided administrative support for the Centers of Excellence, assisted with
registration and advising services, and developed student orientation. Harmon helped develop the HCC Honors’ College, expanded the Learning Emporium at Central College, initiated a district-wide tutoring center, successfully kicked off the Black History Gala and played a vital role in expanding the Fashion & Interior Design and Culinary Programs and supporting the VAST program. He retired from HCC in 2016. Harmon, a native of Charlotte, N.C.,
earned a bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University, a master’s degree from Seton Hall University and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; daughter, Hilary; grandson, Christopher; one brother and two sisters. Donations in Harmon’s memory may be directed to the Houston Community College System Scholarship Fund, 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77004.
Dr. William Harmon
localbriefs DARIAN WARD, A SENIOR MEMBER of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s communications team, was recently suspended without pay for violating several City of Houston policies. Turner approved the 10-day suspension of Ward after officials said she misrepresented the results of a Texas Public Information Act request to a journalist and misinformed her superiors regarding that request. At issue was a request for Ward’s city email account related to her production company, Joy in Motion Productions. The documents state that Ward, who is Turner’s press secretary, located 30 emails relevant to the request. The city’s Office of Inspector General did
its own search and located more than 5,000 emails related to Ward’s private businesses and other noncity matters over the course of three years. The city stated: “The emails included proposals to, and signed agreements with, film and TV production companies for their consideration of your personal business ideas for ‘reality shows.’” The city added that Ward identified herself as a “board member of charity.” However, the charity does not have any affiliation with government functions…….A COURT ORDER THAT BLOCKS ENFORCEMENT of a city ban on homeless encampments has been dissolved. Mayor Turner expressed relief over the ruling saying the
city can now continue its “effort to strike a balance between preserving personal freedoms of every Houstonian and eliminating threats to public health that have developed at and near encampments on public property in the center of the city.” Those efforts have reduced homelessness in Houston by about 60 percent in the last six years…….DALLAS COUNTY HAS SWORN IN its first Black sheriff to lead the nation’s seventh-largest jail system after former Sheriff Lupe Valdez resigned to run for governor. Marian Brown has been with the department for three years and was Valdez’s recommended choice for a successor. She was named interim sheriff.
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national
U.S.briefs EDUCATION SECRETARY BETSY DeVOS IS CONSIDERING the rollback of a 2014 Obama-era directive that called on school officials to end the disproportionate discipline of students of color, which would remove federal pressure on school districts to turn off the school-to-prison pipeline. More than 40 school districts had committed to significant changes in their discipline policies through an Obama-era program called Rethink School Discipline. African-American students are three times more likely than white students to be expelled or suspended, according to an Obama-era resource guide for school superintendents........A REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER IN THE Indiana House of Representatives is proposing legislation that would require the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts to refund ticket prices to their fans if any players on the team kneel during the national anthem at home games. State Rep. Milo Smith’s bill would allow fans who feel disrespected by the kneeling to ask for a refund during the first quarter. Smith himself attended the Colts-vs.-the-Cleveland Browns game in September when Colts players knelt during the anthem, joining 200 other players across the league…..CHICAGO ENDED 2017 WITH FEWER HOMICIDES than the year before, but gang violence in the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods kept the total number of killings above the 600 mark for only the second time in more than a decade. The Chicago Police Department released statistics that show the number of homicides fell from 771 in 2016 to 650 last year. The number of shootings dropped from 3,550 to 2,785 during the same period. Although the drops were significant, the homicide total in a repeat of 2016 eclipsed the number of killings in New York City and Los Angeles combined.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 9 JANUARY 4, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Senator-Elect Jones hires Blacks for senior positions Defender News Services
Answering calls to bring more diversity to U.S. Senate staffing, Senator-Elect Doug Jones’ transition team announced the hiring of two Black senior officials, including a Black Birmingham native who has been selected as chief of staff. Jones was recently sworn in as the 49th Democratic member of the Senate. He defeated his Republican opponent, Roy Moore, during a hotly contested special election to fill Jeff Session’s Alabama seat. Dana Gresham has been tapped for Doug Jones won the Alabama Senate Dana Gresham race with the help of Black voters. the chief of staff position and has over graduate. She moved to D.C. in 22 years of government experience. 1979 to work for the late Sen. HowHe served as the assistant secretary ell Heflin. Since Heflin’s retirement, for governmental affairs in the Obama she has worked for other senators, administration. including Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Gresham also served 14 years on John Edwards, Tom Carper and as Capitol Hill, and during 11 of those years deputy chief of staff to Sen. Patrick he served in senior staff positions within Leahy. the Alabama congressional delegation. The Black vote in Alabama Gresham also worked as a consultant for was key to Jones’ Senate win, and Federal City Council, a nonprofit organithe appointment of Gresham and zation promoting economic development Bishop-Berry is seen as a victory in the Washington, D.C. area. for minority groups that urged Jones Gresham’s hiring makes Jones the to pick African-Americans for key only Democratic senator to have a Black roles. chief of staff. There are two Hispanic Seventeen organizations – inSonceria Ann Bishop-Berry women who hold the same title on the cluding the Joint Center for Political Democratic side. Two Republican senators have Black and Economic Studies, NAACP, National Association of chiefs of staff. Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the National Jones’ team hired Sonceria Ann Bishop-Berry, a Urban League – asked Jones to ensure that at least one of Black woman who is also from Birmingham, as transihis senior staffers was a minority. tional advisor. Berry is a University of North Alabama
Erica Garner dies; fought police brutality Associated Press
Erica Garner, the daughter of Black Lives Matter figure Eric Garner, died on Dec. 30 after a weeklong hospital stay following a heart attack. She was only 27. “She was a warrior to the end. She stood up for justice for her father,” Rev. Al Sharpton said in announcing the death of Garner. Garner’s official Twitter account, run by her family and friends since she became ill, asked that she be remembered as a mother, daughter, sister and aunt with a heart “bigger than the world.” In 2014, her father, Eric Garner, who was
Black, was stopped on Staten Island for selling untaxed cigarettes and died after a white police officer subdued him with a chokehold. A grand jury declined to indict the officer. The city agreed to pay a $6 million civil settlement. Garner’s last words, “I can’t breathe,” became a slogan for activists. Erica Garner became a voice for police accountability after his death, criticizing Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio over policing matters. In 2016, she campaigned on behalf of Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. Her mother, Esaw Snipes, said that Garner, who gave birth four months ago, learned during the pregnancy that she had heart problems.
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entertainment
Top 10 movies & TV shows in 2018 Defender News Services
There will be familiar and new faces on television and movie screens this new year. The Defender takes a look at shows and films to watch. Chadwick Boseman, “Black Panther”
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BLACK PANTHER Feb. 12 Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Basset, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong’o Black Panther (Boseman) springs into action when an old enemy threatens the fate of his nation and the world. What else do we need to tell you about this? Just pre-order your tickets now.
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BLACK LIGHTNING, CW Jan. 16, 9 p.m. Starring: Cress Williams, China Ann McClain, Nefessa Williams, Damon Gupton, Christine Adams, James Remar The DC Comics superhero gets new life in a reboot helmed by “Being Mary Jane” creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband Salim.
Yara Shahidi, “Grown-ish”
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GROWN-ISH, ABC Jan. 4, 8 p.m. Starring: Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Chloe & Halle Bailey, Deon Cole “Black-ish” co-star Yara Shahidi stars in this spinoff about college life.
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PROUD MARY Jan. 12 Starring: Taraji P. Henson Henson is playing a hitwoman and she’s one bad chick. Cookie ain’t got nothing on Mary.
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ACRIMONY March 30 Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Lyriq Bent, Tika Sumpter, Bresha Webb Henson and Tyler Perry team up for a movie where she plays the angry, betrayed wife of Bent’s character.
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DOWN FOR WHATEVER, TV One July 2018 Starring: Hosea Chanchez, LeToya Luckett, BreZ, Imani Hakeem A happily married woman who grew up in foster care finds her world turned upside down by her biological sisters.
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WRINKLE IN TIME March 9 Starring: Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Storm Reid Director Ava DuVernay. A classic children’s book. And it’s a sci-fi movie, the very first $100 million movie directed by a Black woman. Where could this go wrong?
Taraji P. Henson, “Proud Mary” & “Acrimony”
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Oprah Winfrey, “Wrinkle in Time”
TELL THEM WE ARE RISING: THE STORY OF BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, PBS
Feb. 19 Directed by Stanley Nelson, who also helmed the recent “Black Panthers” documentary, the story of the history of the nation’s HBCUs is in good hands.
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THE CHI, Showtime Jan. 7, 10 p.m. Starring: Jason Mitchell, Common, Jacob Latimore, Yolanda Ross Emmy winner Lena Waithe is behind this comingof-age drama set in Chicago, which should be good given its ensemble cast alone.
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THE BOBBY BROWN STORY Cast of “The Chi” BET Fall, 2018 Brown from “The New Edition Story” mini-series in this twoStarring: Woody McClain, who will reprise his role as Bobby parter. We’ve got our popcorn ready!
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JANUARY 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER
Chef Antonio Thomas and Chef Travis Dixon
Fleur de Licious wins Defender Chef Best Bites By MARGO WILLIAMS HUBBARD Defender
Their name is a nod to the iconic New Orleans fleur-de-lis symbol so it’s no wonder that the catering company Fleur de Licious won the Chef’s Best Bite contest for its bread pudding with praline sauce. The Defender held the contest during its recent Cheers: A Holiday Affair end-of-year party. Out of the guest cast, executive chef Travis Dixon took top honors. “Family is the inspiration between everything I do,” said Dixon, who said his popular bread-based dessert was derived from an old family recipe. Guests described it as “phenomenal” and “the best bread pudding” they have ever had. “The bread pudding has been passed down through generations. It really is made with love. My aunt and my mom made wonderful bread pudding, but they had fruit in it. Growing up, that’s one of the things I said I would change. So, I take family recipes and put my own spin on it, but still keeping that love in it,” Dixon said. A Houston-based catering company, Fleur de Licious has over 25 years of culinary and catering experience. “I like cooking off the grid. People think because I’m from New Orleans, I just do Cajun food. But the best chefs cook for their clients,” Dixon said. Dixon credits his Fleur de Licious team of Adriane Dixon and chef Antonio Thomas with the company’s success. Other featured chefs at the event were Shakti Baum (Etta’s), Mark Hawkins (Mark Anthony Private Culinary Services), Javani King (JKCO Catering + Events) and Clyde Jiles (Mertice Hospitality Group). Additional desserts were provided by Not Jus’ Donuts. The Defender co-sponsored Cheers: A Holiday Affair with Branwar Wine Distributing Co. The event was attended by more than 300 guests who enjoyed a unique holiday event experience that included a cuisine oasis from some of Houston’s top chefs, the best of Branwar’s wine portfolio, music of the Chase Jordan Quartet and DJ Donnie Houston, a surprise performance by gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson, and an art exhibit spotlighting artists Charles Washington, Gail Mebane, Robert Riojas III and Vivian Leflore Mora.
Apply to The Workshop at Macy’s today. If your woman or minority-owned company is ready to take the next steps toward success, then we invite you to apply for The Workshop at Macy’s – our free and exclusive vendor retail development program in New York City. Learn more and apply now at macysinc.com/workshop
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Mayor Sylvester Turner Of course, Houston’s mayor tops the list. In the third year of his four-year term, Mayor Turner received national praise for his leadership with Hurricane Harvey and revamping the city’s pension program. As the mayor told us during the Defender’s Coffee & Conversation, he’s just getting started. His plans for the future include continuing the fight for Houston flood recovery and workforce development. We’ll be watching as he leads the country’s seventh largest city.
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Beyoncé & Jay Z Our hometown girl is a natural for the ones to watch, but between her and her superstar husband you never know what these two have in store. Either one of them are bound to drop a blockbuster album with no promotion, unveil new business ventures, like Jay’s Tidal music streaming business, or Beyoncé’s Ivy Park and BeyGood Foundation. And now, as the proud parents of twins, Sir and Rumi, we know the world will be watching the whole Carter family.
By RESHONDA TAT Defen
The new year is here and all across big moves. Check out these ten to wa
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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee We can’t help but watch Congresswoman Lee. She spent the last 23 years taking the lead on issues that affect our community. And we have no doubt she won’t let up in 2018. Especially in light of the rollback of crucial programs from the Trump administration, we can count on Jackson Lee to keep up the fight.
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Congressman Al Green Fighting along with Lee is Congressman Al Green. He already went against the grain in leading the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. We have no doubt he’ll be leading the charge in 2018 to take back control of the House. Bishop James Dixon Members of Community of Faith Church know that Bishop Dixon has been a leader and activist to keep an eye on. His national presence is gaining momentum so keep an eye on this one.
Colin Kaepernick He’s been vilified by millions and locked out of the NFL—all because he took a knee to protest police brutality. But Colin Kaepernick’s determined stand puts him in rare company in sports history: Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson—athletes who risked everything to make a difference. Even though no NFL team will touch him, Kaepernick won’t be silenced and is continuing his work in disenfranchised communities. And we’re not even going to mention how we’d love to see him, Diddy and Stephen Curry get together and buy the Carolina Panthers as each has expressed
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interest in buying the team. Trae the Truth Trae is more than just a rapper. Already well known on Houston’s rap scene, he was catapulted to nationwide fame when he worked nonstop to rescue people during Hurricane Harvey. His work in the community had already garnered him his own day, but he was also presented with the key to the city. He continues to work in Houston’s community, most recently passing out Christmas toys to more than 200 families in need. While he assures his fans he’ll keep rapping, we’re looking
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forward to his continued community service. Shonda Rhimes If you take your eyes off Shonda Rhimes, you’re liable to miss the next blockbuster series. She already has “Grey’s Anatomy” and “How to Get Away With Murder” but with the last season of “Scandal” airing this year, we know the mega-producer has a blockbuster season in store. And of course, we know she has more great things up her sleeve.
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Ava Duvernay The big-time director is definitely one to watch. Between her success of “Queen Sugar” and Jay Z’s “Family Feud” music video, we’re already fans. But now that she will become the first woman to direct a $100 million budget movie with “A Wrinkle in Time” we know big things are in store.
the Houston area for over 85 years
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Tiffany Haddish She burst onto the scene with “Girl’s Trip,” making her a household name. But the talented comedian is just getting started. Now that the world knows her name, you can bet she’s riding the wave. She’s already released a book, a comedy special and has several movies in the works.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 4 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
Harvey relief efforts continue in 2018 By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
As 2017 came to an end, former Houston Rockets star Dikembe Mutombo presented Mayor Sylvester Turner with a $50,000 donation to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. At left is Councilmember Michael Kubosh.
Outreach Center to help businesses and residents affected by Harvey. The center is located at Messiah Lutheran Church, 11522 Telge Road in Cypress. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Though the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses and most private nonprofits have until May 25 to apply for an economic injury disaster loan. Call 800-659-2955. • HISD approved a plan to rebuild four
facilitate increased distribution of perishable items like meat, milk and produce to 19,000 people per month, especially to areas that continue to be the most impacted by Harvey. The food bank also provides information on disaster food distribution sites and help with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Call the helpline at 832369-9390. • The Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a T:4.79” new Disaster Loan
LEGAL NOTICE
These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon:
Game #
Game Name / Odds
$
Official Close of Game
1873
Triple 777 - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.12
$2
1/25/18
End Validations Date
7/24/18
2008
Season’s Greetings - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.45
$10
1/28/18
7/27/18
1808
Bonus Break the Bank - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.29
$5
2/1/18
7/31/18
1843
Instant Winnings - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.82
$1
2/21/18
8/20/18
1854
Lucky Symbols - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.84
$1
2/21/18
8/20/18
1839
Back to School Crossword - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.64
$3
2/21/18
8/20/18
1867
Mega Loteria - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.54
$10
2/21/18
8/20/18
1822
Winners Galore - Overall Odds are 1 in 1.00
$20
2/21/18
8/20/18
For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2017 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
elementary schools that sustained the most severe flood damage as a result of Harvey. Facilities assessments of the four schools – Braeburn, Scarborough, Kolter and Mitchell – found significant property damage, as well as a need to raise the elevation of the buildings to prevent potential future flood damage. The cost to replace the four schools is estimated at $126 million,
which will be funded by a combination of operations reserves and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) funds. In addition, Robinson Elementary School students will return to their home campus on Jan. 8 after relocating last September due to Hurricane Harvey. The students spent the fall semester split between Pleasantville Elementary School and neighboring Holland Middle School.
classified The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following: AGENCY WIDE MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7281, The HARRIS CENTER website www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Wednesday, January 10, 2018. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, TX 77074. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2018, AGENCY WIDE MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES". Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Frances Otto, Buyer II and Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Buyer III, via E-mail to frances.otto@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
T:3.25”
More than four months after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Houston, thousands of residents are still trying to recover from the storm. A December 2017 report released by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Episcopal Health Foundation found that nearly half (45 percent) of those who suffered losses in 24 Texas counties say they are not getting the help needed to recover. One in nine residents in the hardest-hit counties remain displaced from their homes. “The conventional wisdom that Texans hit by Hurricane Harvey have recovered is wrong,” said Drew Altman, president and CEO of the Kaiser Foundation. “The people in the hardesthit areas are telling us that they still face major hurdles before their lives return to normal.” Here is an update on local recovery efforts to help overcome some of those hurdles: • The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund is disbursing an additional $27.6 million to 28 local nonprofit organizations to provide relief to victims in Houston and Harris County. The latest action brings the total distribution by the fund to $64.4 million. The fund, which was founded by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, will distribute another $43 million or more in future rounds. The latest grants will provide direct financial aid and services to an estimated 12,470 households with 71,328 individuals. Call 2-1-1
to be connected with disaster assistance organizations. • Houston City Council accepted an allocation of up to $424.5 million in FEMA funds for direct housing assistance and approved an agreement with the Texas General Land Office, which is administering the funds at the state level. Locally, the Housing and Community Development Department will play a lead role in implementing the housing assistance programs, the first of which will be FEMA’s Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair (DALHR) program. The DALHR program will provide permanent repairs to homes with significant damage for homeowners who applied for FEMA funding prior to the deadline. FEMA will be responsible for determining eligibility for applicants on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing homeowners who have exhausted all other forms of housing assistance. For information visit www.houstonrecovers.org. • The Houston Food Bank received a donation from Chevron for two temperature-controlled mobile food pantries that will
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JANUARY 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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Cy-fair dedication reaps first state title By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
ARLINGTON – The dedication of the players and coaches at Cy-Fair High School received its just reward with the program’s first state football championship. The 15-0 Bobcats prevailed over Waco Midway 51-35 to win the Class 6A Division II state title at AT&T Stadium before a crowd of 23,712. It marked the school’s first state football championship since the doors opened in 1939. “I’m super proud of these kids,” said Cy-Fair head coach Ed Pustejovsky. The Cy-Fair High football team celebrates its 2017 Class 6A Division II championship. “They worked from day one. Waco Midway (15-1) outscored Cy-Fair 28-7 People don’t understand that in the fourth quarter to close within two scores we started this stuff in November of [2016]. It’s the off-season and spring ball and all the stuff they do during the summer. “It’s a huge commitment for these guys and I’m certainly happy for them because they made that commitment,” said Pustejovsky, who has been on the Bobcats’ coaching staff for 37 years. Cy-Fair jumped out in front on a Trenton Kennedy two-yard touchdown run en route to a 10-point first quarter and piled on 17 points in each of the next two stanzas to carry a 44-7 advantage into the fourth quarter. “We’ve been working at this for many, many years and finally got over the hump,” Pustejovsky said. “Our coaches do a nice job of putting the kids in positions to have success. It’s certainly nice to be a state champion.” The Cy-Fair coaching staff includes elder statesman and offensive coordinator Roy Smith • (38 years), running backs coach Jimmy Reese (33 years), defensive coordinator Robbie Legg (18 years), defensive backs coach Adam Chew (14 years) and receivers coach Tad Hammel (14 • years). Not only did Cy-Fair claim the school’s first state football title but also the first for Cy-Fair ISD. Cy-Falls and Cy-Ranch have also played in state title games. “This is exciting and we’re the first ones to do it,” said Kennedy, who was named the game’s offensive MVP after rushing for 110 yards on 23 carries and scoring three touchdowns. “We made this our goal in December of last year and to see it come true is great. “All that we’ve been through with Hurricane Harvey and having our schedule pushed back was tough,” Kennedy said. “To bring this championship back to our school and the district is fantastic.” Cy-Fair scored 24 points off four Midway fumbles. The Bobcats turned two of those fumbles into a 10-point swing at the end of the second quarter to take a 27-7 lead into intermission. Cody Cunningham recovered three Midway fumbles and was named the defensive MVP for his efforts. “This is probably the best game we’ve played all year,” he said. “This is special.”
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(16 points) with four minutes, 24 seconds left to play. However, Justin Uriarte’s 48-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at the 4:17 mark put the icing on the cake for the Bobcats. Cy-Fair’s previous best season was in 1985 when the Bobcats advanced to the state semifinals. Pustejovsky served as the offensive line Trenton Kennedy, offensive MVP coach back then. The Bobcats have experienced their share of success on the football field in the past, but never quite this much.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 4 | 2018
sports
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What to watch for in pro sports By MAX EDISON Defender
As 2018 begins, questions abound in professional sports. Can the Astros repeat their world championship season? How will the Texans and Rockets fare? What can we expect from two of sports biggest names? Here is the Defender’s forecast.
Texans’ shake-ups, signings
The Texans experienced their first losing season in four years. Was the season due to excessive injuries or mismanagement? It was clear that Tom Savage, the backup to DeShaun George Springer (right) and the Astros hope to repeat as champions. Watson, was woefully incompetent. Head coach Bill O’Brien is in the offs begin one can’t help but wonder what two teams fourth year of a five-year contract that has seen him will be left standing in Minneapolis the first Sungo 9-7 the previous three seasons. Does he deserve a day in February. Can Atlanta make it back again? contract extension? Will they be able to sign a quality Will unlikely MVP candidate Case Keenum of Minback-up QB as an insurance policy? The Texans have nesota (who played college ball at the University some critical personnel decisions to make this offseaof Houston) host and play at home for the Super son. In addition, the team is without a first- or secondA healthy DeShaun round selection in the 2018 draft due to the Watson Watson is key to the deal with Cleveland. The team does, however, have Texans’ success in 2018. a significant amount of money under the salary cap. They have urgent needs along the offensive line, secondary and receiver group. Stay tuned to the latest episode of “Who wants to be a Texan millionaire?”
Will Watson be as good as new?
All of Houston is dying to know the prognosis. Watson had major knee surgery (left knee) while at Clemson University and returned to lead the team to back-to- back national championship games. The current injury is to the right knee. It only took six games for fans to fall in love with the talented rookie. The Texans were leading the NFL in scoring and Watson was the league’s leader in TD’s passes before his injury. The key to the future success of the franchise is directly tied to Watson making a full and complete recovery.
Road to the Super Bowl
Super Bowl LII is a month away and as the play-
Bowl? Can upstart Jacksonville be David to New England’s Goliath or is there a dark horse team out there? Regardless of any stigma associated with the national anthem protests or declining ratings, the NFL is still must-see TV.
Astros’ outlook, acquisitions
The Astros got off to a hot start last spring and rode it all the way to the World Series. Can lightning strike twice in 2018? The core pieces are all intact and GM Jeff Luhnow is looking to add just the right pieces. Could All-Star pitcher Yu Darvish soon be wearing Astros orange and blue? The hot stove period in MLB started with a bang when the Yankees traded to acquire NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton from the Florida Marlins. The Astros have countered by adding quality arms to their bullpen. The champs to date have signed right-handed relievers Hector Rondon and Joe Smith. Is there more to come?
Is this Rocket team the one?
The Rockets have the best record in the NBA and had a 14-game winning streak. Chris Paul has been as good as advertised. Clint Capela continues to improve, both offensively and defensively. P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute provide a needed blue-collar presence and James Harden continues to play like one of the top players in the NBA. If all of the key pieces of the puzzle can remain healthy, there’s no reason the Rockets can’t be in the conference finals. In addition, never under-estimate GM Daryl Morey’s ability to pull off a deal at the trade deadline.
Can Serena return to form?
2017 was a big year for Serena Williams. The tennis queen gave birth to a bouncing baby girl and recently married. Sources say she is training to resume competitive play in 2018. Word has it that Williams, 36, is planning to play in the Australian Open later in January. She won the open last year in the early months of her pregnancy.
What about Tiger?
Can Tiger Woods come back from a multitude of physical issues and addiction to pain killers? Woods recently had an encouraging showing at the Hero World Championship. He finished tied for ninth, 10 strokes off the winner Rickie Fowler. Expect Woods to be more visible in 2018.
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JANUARY 4 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs
10 High School football players to watch in 2018 By Darrell K. Ardison Defender
High school football reigns in Texas and 2018 will be no exception as talented players line the roster of teams all over the area. But there are some standouts to keep an eye on. Here are the Defender’s ten players to watch in 2018.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ladarius Owens
Ladarius Owens, RB, Manvel HS – One of the brightest stars on a team loaded with stars that came within an eyelash of winning the 2017 Class 5A Division I state football championship.
Reports out of Cleveland indicate that longtime Green Bay Packer scout Alonzo Highsmith will take a position as assistant GM for the Browns. He was promoted to senior personnel executive in 2012. Highsmith has been with the Packers for 20 years. Part of that tenure was spent working beside current Browns GM John Dorsey, who left the Packers in 2013 to become the Kansas City Chiefs GM. Dorsey was recently named Browns GM and Highsmith would be his first major hire. Highsmith was the third player selected in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He also spent time with the Cowboys and Buccaneers.
Deondrick Glass, RB, Katy HS – Rushed for more than 1,700 yards as the Tigers’ season ended in the state semifinals. Will have his sights set on the school’s ninth state football championship in his senior year.
West Orange reign ends Deondrick Glass
Frank Brown, RB, Sterling HS – Scoring five touchdowns in a game is the norm rather than the exception for this Ross Shaw Sterling Raider. He’ll have another year following this one. Demond Demas, WR, North Forest HS – He’s the go-to player on one of the Houston area’s most high-powered offenses.
Zach Evans, TB/QB, North Shore HS – Carried the load offensively along with freshman quarterback Dematrius Davis last season and more will be expected from him in 2018.
Malik Hornsby
Zane Knipe, WR, Lamar HS – One of the top receivers in the state will be a cornerstone of the Texans’ offense in 2018.
A two-year run of invincibility ended for the West Orange-Stark High School football team with a 41-21 loss to Texarkana Pleasant Grove in the Class 4A Division II state championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The 13-1 Mustangs trailed for all but 10 seconds in their fourth state title appearance in four years. While the two-time defending state champs saw their 40-game winning streak come to a halt, the Mustangs closed to within 28-21 in the game’s final minutes. Two late Pleasant Grove interceptions were returned for touchdowns to create the final margin. Hawks quarterback Ben Harmon connected on the first play of the game with T.J. Cole on a 75-yard touchdown pass. WOS closed within 7-6 on Kavyn Cooper’s three-yard run. Then Harmon and Cole struck again on a 34-yard TD pass. Pleasant Grove (16-0) went up 28-6 early in the fourth quarter before WOS mounted its comeback. Pleasant Grove outgained WOS 359-283. The loss for the Mustangs was their first since September of 2015 and the first in the playoffs since the 2014 state finals against Gilmer.
College Station slays giant
Devon Achane, RB, Fort Bend Marshall HS – Figures to be a workhorse in 2018 as the Buffalos try to advance past two consecutive failed efforts in the regional finals. Jordan Huffpower, RB, Yates HS – Fit nicely in the Lions’ offense as a complimentary back and should transition well to the role of featured back.
Houston Texans GM Rick Smith announced he was taking a leave of absence due to his wife’s medical condition. “Effective immediately, I have chosen to take an extended leave of absence to focus my attention and intention on my wife’s complete recovery from her recent diagnosis of breast cancer,” Smith said. “We are faithful and trust in God’s promise of healing and wholeness. I am eternally grateful to the [Bob] McNair family for their unwavering support during this trying time. This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make as I love this organization and every member of this team both on and off the field. I remain committed to our quest to bring a championship to the city of Houston, yet my family needs me now and they are my priority.”
Highsmith gets a shot
Tre’Von Mosley, DB, Cy-Fair HS – Had five tackles in the Bobcats’ 51-35 victory over Waco Midway in the 2017 Class 6A Division II state title game.
Malik Hornsby, QB, Austin HS – Led the Mustangs to the playoffs in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Now SFA is seeking success in the postseason.
Smith takes leave
The Cougars of College Station High School denied Aledo its eighth state football championship with a 20-19 victory in the Class 5A Division II title game. College Station has a state football title in only its fourth year of varsity football. The 14-2 Cougars got both of their touchdowns from running back DaDa Anderson, who rushed for 99 yards on 14 carries and was selected the offensive MVP in the game. Demond Demas
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 4 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
AFTER HARVEY ECONOMIC SUMMIT…….Houston hosted the Congressional is a growing global women in business collective founded to establish networks of Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) fifth economic summit, “After Hurricane Harvey: empowerment and access for women of color in business. Walker’s Legacy reps Vanessa Economic Lessons Learned.” CBCF leadership, including Cathy Hughes (Urban One), Wade and Rachel Hampton welcomed honorees who included Defender CEO Sonny U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and A. Shuanise Washington, chose Houston to bring the Messiah Jiles, Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Christina spotlight back on the city as it continues to deal with post-Harvey issues. Participants were Payne, Misty Starks, CleRenda McGrady, Karen Carter Richards, Ashley Small, addressed by Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Maria Rios, Pamela Ellis, Crystal Hadnott and more. Additional HFD Chief Samuel Pena, Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman, attendees included Miss Black Houston Symone Pellerin, Tiffany Carlecia Wright, Courtney Johnson Rose, State Rep. Defender TOP EVENTS Washington, Jaimi Canady, Trey Payne and others…….. CITYWIDE More photos on defendernetwork.com Senfronia Thompson and others. Attendees included Roland KWANZAA……..The Citywide Kwanzaa Committee hosted its annual Martin, Bishop James Dixon, Linda Lorelle, State Sen. Borris Kwanzaa festivities held at multiple locations in Houston and Galveston. Miles, Councilmember Amanda Edwards and a host of CBC With the nation’s tense social and political climate, Kwanzaa nationally members from across the country……..WALKER’S LEGACY RECEPTION……. has taken on added significance for African-Americans, as seen in this year’s attendance. Walker’s Legacy hosted its annual Power 25 Awards Reception honoring local women Attendees included Donna Kadirifu, Nailah Nelson, Rev. Sylvia Bradshaw, Felecia trailblazers who have strived to improve their business communities. Besides Houston, Garner, Deloyd Parker, Sonjia Solomon, Jeremiah Banks, Cavanaugh Nweze, Zinnijah receptions have been held in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta. The culminating Guadalupe, Jackie Bryant, Taylor August, Rashida Porche, Italo Johnson, Deloris Power 50 National Awards Reception will take place in New York. Walker’s Legacy Mitchell, Linda Jones, Amir Strong, Johnisha Smith and others.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cathy Hughes
Misty Starks, CleRenda McGrady
Donna Kadirifu, Rev. Sylvia Bradshaw
Courtney Johnson Rose, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Linda Lorelle, Carlecia Wright
Miss Black Houston Symone Pellerin, Tiffany A. Washington
Johnisha Smith, Amir Strong, Ayinde Bradshaw
Bishop James Dixon, State Sen. Borris Miles
ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Sonia White
Jackie Banks, Taylor August
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