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Volume 83 | Number 10
JANUARY 9, 2014 |FREE
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2014
DR. JOHN RUDLEY recruits students for TSU
H Page 8 P2 OPINION JULIANNE MALVEAUX lists New Year wishes
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CHAG’S PLACE OPINION
Gabrielle Union stars in drama
Charlie Strong makes UT history
Gabrielle Union can be seen in the new series “Being Mary Jane” on BET. She portrays an ambitious cable news anchor who appears to have it all. Learn why everything isn’t perfect in her character’s world. See which accomplished actors and actresses co-star on the show.
The University of Texas football team is going through changes. Mack Brown is out after 15 years as head coach, and former Louisville coach Charlie Strong is taking charge. Find out why Strong is making history in Austin. Read about his background and plans for the future.
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Dr. Mattelia Grays, Faye Bryant, Gwendolyn Brinkley and Dr. Polly Turner at AKA event
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Dave Wilson election still in question
Texas Southern University President Dr. John Rudley talks to potential students during a recruiting tour.
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Rudley recruits during TSU bus tour Defender News Services
The race to recruit, secure and enroll some of Texas’ most academically talented high school seniors for the 2014 fall semester is underway statewide. To ensure that Texas Southern University lands its share of these seniors, President Dr. John Rudley and key members of his administration have embarked upon on an aggressive student recruitment presidential bus tour. Since last October, Rudley and several faculty and staff members, along with academic deans, have traveled throughout the state to promote TSU’s unique programs and enrollment services, offering scholarships on the spot. Visits have been made to high schools in Dallas, Fort Worth, Cedar Hill, Desoto, Arlington, Austin, San Antonio, Beaumont, Port Arthur and the Houston area. A total of 36 scholarships totaling close to $60,000 have been offered to students. “We are introducing TSU to this generation of students,” Rudley said. “The bus tour gives us
a chance to tell the story of TSU all over Texas. I want students to hear that story and receive an invitation to join us in Houston directly from the president.” Rudley has learned some things on the tour, finding that students are familiar with TSU’s law and pharmacy schools, its high-profile graduates and its diverse student population. During the visits, TSU officials met with over 1,000 high school seniors and recruited over 350 students. Plans are being made to visit Lufkin, Marshall and Tyler and other areas of Houston as part of the 2014 tour. “My ultimate goal with this initiative is not just to encourage all students to attend Texas Southern,” Rudley said. “My hope is that top students consider Texas Southern University this year and their friends consider it next year, and it becomes an institution of first-choice for top Texas students.” Even though students may enroll in any of TSU’s 120 degree programs, the tour raises the
awareness of some unique program offerings at the university. The team is asking students to take a look at careers of the future, such as: aviation science management, a program that trains students to become pilots and airport managers; and maritime transportation, logistics and management, a collaborative effort with the Port of Houston Authority that prepares students to manage operations at port cities. TSU also offers entertainment and recording management, a program taught by musical icon Matthew Knowles; and the sports management program, where students will graduate ready for middle management sports positions as well as senior and executive athletic director positions. A new degree in emergency management and homeland security prepares students to deal with public response to disasters such as the hurricanes and floods that have plagued this region. For a full listing of degree programs, admission requirements and the application process, visit tsu.edu/admissions or call 713-313- 7071.
A state district judge has ordered Dave Wilson to refrain from taking an oath of office to serve as trustee of Houston Community College System District II until a court can determine the issue of his residency. Judge Elaine Palmer granted the application filed by Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan asking that Wilson be prohibited from being sworn in until a court can hear evidence about where Wilson actually resides. Ryan filed suit in the 151st District Court questioning whether Wilson was a resident of HCC District II at the time he was elected. Ryan said it is unclear if Wilson resides at 5600 West 34th Street, which is the address he used to be eligible to run for the HCC position. Wilson’s attorney, Keith Gross, said Wilson lives in an apartment inside the building, has the address on his driver’s license and receives his mail there. Wilson defeated longtime HCC incumbent Bruce Austin by 26 votes in the November election. Austin accused Wilson of deceiving voters into thinking he was Black.
localbriefs THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY has identified six open-enrollment charter schools that meet the legislative criteria for mandatory cancellation of their charters effective June 30 under Senate Bill 2. Three of the schools are in the Houston area – Jamie’s House Charter School, Koinonia Community Learning Academy and Richard Milburn Academy. Passed during the 83rd legislative session, Senate Bill 2 requires mandatory revocation of a charter if it has failed to meet academic or financial accountability performance ratings for the three preceding school years……..HISD POLICE CHIEF Jimmy Dotson has retired. Dotson took charge of the
HISD police department in 2009. He previously served as executive assistant chief of police for the Houston Police Department. Dotson is being replaced by Robert Mock, who has served as assistant HISD chief since 2008. HISD’s police department responds to more than 81,000 calls per year, and covers more than 300 square miles in the Houston area. HISD boasts the only accredited public school district police department in the nation. ……..VETERANS who need legal advice or assistance can get free help at a legal clinic on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic, 800 Riverwood Ct., Suite 100, in Conroe. The clinic is co-sponsored
by the Montgomery County Bar Association, The Woodlands Bar Association and the Houston Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Initiative…….. METRO is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the city’s first rail line, which opened to passengers on New Year’s Day in 2004. “The success of the Main Street Line validates the importance rail plays in the city’s transportation landscape,” said Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia. “It has been and continues to be a reliable means for customers to get to work, school, medical care, museums, sporting events and conferences, and our city’s world famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and more.”
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U.S.briefs THE WHITE HOUSE announced two new executive actions to help strengthen the federal background check system and prevent guns from falling into the hands of the dangerously mentally ill. The Department of Justice is proposing a regulation to clarify who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law for reasons related to mental health. The Department of Health and Human Services is issuing a proposed regulation to address barriers preventing states from submitting limited information on those persons to the federal background check system. “Too many Americans have been severely injured or lost their lives as a result of gun violence. While the vast majority of Americans who experience a mental illness are not violent, in some cases when persons with a mental illness do not receive the treatment they need, the result can be tragedies such as homicide or suicide,” the White House said……..MITT ROMNEY has accepted MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry’s on-air apology. Harris-Perry apologized to the former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate for comments made on her show. During the show, Harris-Perry showed the Romney family Christmas card photo, which included an African-American child adopted by one of Romney’s sons. Harris-Perry and her guests joked that the photo was Romney’s “token” attempt at diversity. “Showing the photo in that context, that segment, was poor judgment,” Harris-Perry said…….. HOMELESSNESS is on the rise across the country. A 25-city survey conducted by the United States Conference of Mayors found that more than 20 percent of homeless people that needed help over the past year did not receive it. Seventy-one percent of the survey cities reported that their emergency shelters, stretched to capacity, had to turn homeless families with children away. A majority of the cities surveyed reported that unemployment, rising housing costs, and substance abuse contributed to higher homelessness rates.
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Brothers Steve and Michael Roberts, owners of Roberts Broadcasting, are selling their remaining full-power TV stations, resulting in an end to Black-owned stations.
Last of Black-owned TV stations gone By JOSEPH TORRES and S. DEREK TURNER Special to NNPA from New America Media
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milestone has been reached in the history of U.S. media and for the most part has gone unnoticed. There are now zero Black-owned and operated fullpower TV stations in the country. Roberts Broadcasting, a Black-owned media company, just announced a deal to sell its three remaining full-power TV stations to ION Media Networks for nearly $8 million. Once considered a phenomenal success story in an
industry known for its lack of diversity, Roberts Broadcasting was forced to declare bankruptcy in 2011.This decline stemmed primarily from Viacom’s decision to shutter the UPN network, which Roberts had affiliated with due to UPN’s focus on programming featuring Blacks. (Black TV networks such as BET, which is owned by Viacom, and TV One, do not own TV stations). This state of affairs is the culmination of a trend that started in the late 1990s when Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed massive consolidation in the broadcasting industry. Continued on Page 11
Benefits for unemployed in Congress’ hands VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 10 JANUARY 9, 2014 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Cierra Duncan 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).
Defender News Services
The 1.3 million Americans whose unemployment benefits expired a few days after Christmas are hoping that Congress can come to an agreement. The U.S. Senate recently voted to move ahead with a measure to extend unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless. The vote, however, does not guarantee final passage in the Senate and the measure still must clear the Republican-controlled House. House Speaker John Boehner took a hard line on what it would take to pass the extension. Among the GOP’s possible demands are exemptions from President Obama’s health-care law.
Obama said legislation to extend unemployment insurance must be passed. “Right now, a bipartisan group in Congress is working on a three-month extension of unemployment insurance – and if they pass it, I will sign it,” Obama said. “For decades, Republicans and Democrats put partisanship and ideology aside to offer some security for job-seekers, even when the unemployment rate was lower than it is today. “Instead of punishing families who can least afford it, Republicans should make it their New Year’s resolution to do the right thing, and restore this vital economic security for their constituents right now,” Obama said.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 9 | 2014
opinion
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New Year wishes for a
better 2014
By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist
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Bill Day, Cagle Cartoons
appy New Year! As people return to their desks with focused energy, Post-its and scrawled notebook paper will trumpet “new” resolutions. Eat less, relax more, volunteer, tithe, save – all that good stuff. Some will even compose a bucket list of things they’d like to do before the end of their lives. Others will have a list of wants and wishes, both realistic and unrealistic. My wish list focuses on public policy, since better public policy means a better 2014. I want jobs, jobs, jobs for Black people. With the last reported official unemployment rate for African-Americans at 12.5 percent, and the unofficial rate exceeding 25 percent, I’d really like to see some more jobs in the AfricanAmerican community. Joblessness leads to poverty which leads to all kinds of maladies. While the stock market is soaring, is it too much to ask for a little job creation? Don’t Republicans also represent unemployed people? Help me, somebody. By the way, I’d like more jobs for everyone, but first things first. I want fairer and more equal wages. There is talk of raising the minimum wage to $10 or more by 2015, and some states are already moving to wage levels even higher. More than half of those now earning the minimum wage are raising children. If their employers don’t pay enough for them to live on, the government will end up subsidizing their employers’ (and them) with programs such as SNAP (food stamps) and Section 8. Oops! Those programs are
being cut as well. What is a poor person to do in a nation that is both hostile to poor people and also absolutely needs them? I want President Obama to say “Black” or “African-American” sometime other than Black History Month. And I’d like him to say it enthusiastically, not reluctantly. His December speech on poverty issues in Washington, D.C. went a long way toward addressing the concerns (education, housing, poverty) of the least and the left out, but his lips won’t be permanently puckered in a putrid position if he managed to give his most loyal constituency a shout-out. I guess I’ve been wishing for this for the past five years; I guess I’ll be wishing for the next few. (And don’t tell me that President Obama is president of everyone. He doesn’t cringe when saying Latino, women, or GBLT).
I want Congress to provide more dollars for education. HBCUs, especially, need more resources. Colleges that enroll fewer than 1,500 students with small endowments can use help. Many of these institutions are tuition-driven which means that cuts in financial aid, in Pell grants or Parent-Plus loans cut these colleges hard. Cutting education while suggesting the labor force should be more skills based is like eating your seed corn while hearing that food must be saved for less plentiful times. I want Congress to think outside the box. As soon as another program is mentioned, recalcitrant Republicans and blue dog Democrats start worrying about cost. Here’s a thought – cut everything related to military spending except pensions. And, what would happen if colleges such as Harvard and Yale (really, I’m not hating) got smaller grants or were required to partner with smaller schools when they get research grants, channeling a few dollars to those schools who really need them, and to the students who need ,ore research opportunities. I want Obamacare to work well. If affordable health care is part of the Obama legacy, then I want it to work, really work. It will take time for the president to live down the computer debacle, and heads should have rolled in response to the faulty rollout of the program. By the end of the first quarter of 2014, Obamacare should be working seamlessly, and people should really be able to see a difference because Obamacare exists. Bottom line – I’d like joy, peace, and economic justice by whatever means necessary. Happy New Year!
Invest in you and someone else The New Year represents a new beginning for all of us. We have a chance to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. While you’re concentrating on your New Year’s resolutions, why not resolve to invest in the community by investing in someone else. Across the Houston area there are individuals and organizations that desperately need your help, whether it’s in the form of your time,
money or other resources. There are so many ways you can help. You can read to a child, visit an elderly person in a nursing home, feed the homeless or volunteer at a hospital. You can comfort a battered woman, coach a Little League team, donate clothing to a shelter or help build a family a new home. The choice is yours and the possibilities are endless.
By volunteering to help someone else, you are investing in the community and yourself. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you have made a difference in someone else’s life. Volunteer today with a community organization or agency, your church or your child’s school. You might find 2014 will be your best year yet.
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City officials begin new term with inauguration
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Mayor Annise Parker is sworn in by U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore as Parker’s partner, Kathy Hubbard, stands by.
Defender News Services
Mayor Annise Parker, 16 members of the Houston City Council and City Controller Ronald Green were recently sworn into office during a ceremony at the Wortham Center. The inaugural celebration included the Pledge of Allegiance by children from the Star of Hope Mission, and performances by singers Reginald Smith Jr. and Tamar Davis. Pastor Juanita Rasmus of St. John’s United Methodist Church gave the invocation, and Pastor Mia Wright of Fountain of Praise said the inaugural prayer. During her inaugural address, Parker thanked her constituents. “Thank you for trusting me to continue in what I believe is the best job in America,” she said. “To serve you is my greatest honor. I remain excited to go to work each and every day.” Parker said priorities in her final term include an end to chronic homelessness, storm protections for coastal communities, and “real progress in the street and drainage system improvements we’ve promised.” She also promoted passage of a comprehensive nondiscrimination ordinance “that adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the protections most Houstonians take for granted. It is time and we will do this.” Near the end of her speech, Parker made a plea to Houstonians. “Each time I have stood before you, I asked for your prayers,” she said. “I asked for your patience. And I asked for your perseverance. I ask this again, for all of us who serve you as your city workforce. We rise or fall together. We succeed or fail together.” There are six new faces on City Council: Brenda Stardig, District A; Dwight Boykins, District D; Richard Nguyen, District F; Robert Gallegos, District I; David Robinson, At Large Position 2, and Michael Kubosh, At Large District 3. Ed Gonzales of District H was named mayor pro tem and Jerry Davis of District B was chosen as vice mayor pro tem.
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Gabrielle Union
stars in BET drama ‘Being Mary Jane’
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t first glance, the character portrayed by Gabrielle Union in the TV drama “Being Mary Jane” seems to have it all. She’s a cable news anchor with a beautiful home, a fancy sports car and a closet full of designer shoes. Yet, she makes poor choices when it comes to men, and she can be angry and resentful toward the family members she helps to support. “I read the script and thought, ‘I can be good at this, this is in my wheelhouse,’ “ Union said. “The role challenged me in a way that I was ready for.” “Being Mary Jane” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on BET. It’s the network’s first one-hour scripted drama, and more than 6 million viewers tuned into its pilot last year. The network decided to hold the show’s debut for
six months to build anticipation. Union’s co-stars include Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery and Omari Hardwick and Stephen Bishop. Hardwick and Bishop portray two of Mary Jane’s former lovers vying for her attention. Meanwhile, professionally, changes are underway at Mary Jane’s cable network after an anchor is unceremoniously fired, leaving Mary Jane and several co-workers fearing the loss of their jobs. The show is created and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil, the creator of “Girlfriends” and “The Game.” Union said she is proud of it. “Every other series I’ve done has bombed and made me feel like I’d given birth and people thought my baby was ugly,” she told TV Guide. “Now I feel like I’m giving birth to Shaq. My kid’s pretty awesome! And this has Gabrielle Union portrays a news anchor in the TV series “Being Mary Jane.”
been such a long pregnancy. “We shot the movie almost two years ago. There are projects you do and hope they get shelved — things you don’t even want to show your mama — but I am very proud of this one. I can’t wait for people to get into this series” She also discussed Mary Jane’s poor choices in men. “Hey, I can relate,” she said. “When I was in my twenties, I was all about getting the ring. [Now] I’m divorced. Some of us put more work into choosing the right therapist than choosing the right guy. Nobody talks about the work — the really hard work — that goes into marriage.” Union said she modeled her broadcast persona after Soledad O’Brien, the former CNN anchor. “She’s the barometer for Black female journalists with integrity and compassion that are well respected,” she said. Union is a native of Omaha and grew up near San Francisco. She earned a sociology degree from UCLA and planned on attending law school. Her plans changed when she began modeling. She later acted in minor roles. In 2000 she was cast as a cheerleader in “Bring it On.” She went on to appear in such films as “Deliver Us From Eva,” “Bad Boys II,” “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Think Like a Man.” Union is engaged to Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade, who proposed with an 8.5-carat diamond ring in December.
what’sup The late JAMES AVERY is remembered as a father figure by his “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-stars. Avery died Dec. 31 from complications following open heart surgery. He was 68. Avery portrayed patriarch Philip Banks on the popular sitcom, which aired from 1990 to 1996. “Some of my greatest lessons in acting, living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery,” said WILL SMITH, whose career was launched on the show. “Every young man needs an Uncle Phil.” Avery grew up in Atlantic City. After serving in Vietnam in the Navy, he studied drama and literature at the University of California at San Diego. His other TV credits included “Grey’s Anatomy,” ‘’NYPD Blue” and “The Jamie Foxx Show.” He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and stepson, Kevin…….. Comedian SASHEER ZAMATA is the
new Black cast member of “Saturday Night Live.” She makes her debut on Jan. 18. Zamata currently stars in her own Internet comedy series, “Pursuit of Sexiness,” and performs with an improv comedy troupe. “SNL” came under criticism for its lack of female diversity after cast member KENAN THOMPSON said he would no longer portray Black women such as WHOOPI GOLDBERG and MAYA ANGELOU on the show……..”Good Morning America” anchor ROBIN ROBERTS shared a photo of her longtime girlfriend, Amber Laign, on a recent segment of the show. The photo was taken at the wedding of Roberts’ niece. Roberts, who battled a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome, said her girlfriend “really loved me through a difficult year.” Roberts revealed her same-sex relationship in a Facebook
post in December……..QUEEN LATIFAH’S daytime talk show has been renewed for a second season. “The Queen Latifah Show” ranks as the No. 1 new talk show, winning every week of the season in households and total viewers over other new shows…….. JOHN LEGEND is having a busy new year. First, he sang the national anthem at the recent BCS National Championship Game. On Jan. 26, Legend hopes to be a winner during the Grammy Awards, which air at 7 p.m. on CBS. He is nominated for Best R&B Album for “Love In The Future.” On Feb. 9, Legend and ALICIA KEYS are two of the stars performing in the CBS special “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles.” On March 2, Legend performs at the Governors Ball, the official Academy Award post-Oscar party.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 9 | 2014
cover
Get what yo
Make your resolutions come true Get a better job
Looking for a new job can easily become a job in itself. However, if you plan your career search carefully, you have a greater chance of finding a better job. CareerOneStop, an online resource for career success, provides a list of tips for job hunting success. They include: Be Positive. Finding a new job can be a stressful process. Have a positive attitude. Getting plenty of sleep, eating right, regular exercise and focusing on things you enjoy can also be helpful in dealing with the stresses of job hunting. Make a plan. A successful job search requires planning. If you have been laid off, your first need is to earn money and a temporary job may be the solution while you look for a long-term position. Check out job fairs. Network. Talking to former coworkers, relatives, and friends can help your job search. Networking websites such as Facebook and LinkedIn can also be a great way to job search and network with other professionals. Polish your resume. Make sure your resume reflects why you are right for the job for which you are applying. Focus on your accomplishments. Use action verbs such as “created,” “implemented” and “achieved.” Use correct grammar and avoid typos. Improve your interviews skills. Interviews are important because employers are looking for someone who is a good fit for their business. They are the perfect opportunity to sell yourself and your skills to potential employers.
Save more money
There is more to saving money than spending less money. Open a credit union or bank account so that you can save money easily and regularly. Once your savings account is established, you will be able to plan for life events and be prepared for emergencies. MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s financial education website, offers the following advice.
Pay yourself first. Each pay period, commit to putting money aside in a savings account. Consider arranging an automatic transfer to your savings account with your bank. Track your savings. Many banks have mobile apps and notifications that make keeping track of money much easier. Make short-term and long-term goals. For short-term, set a goal of how much you want to save within a certain time frame. For long-term goals like retirement, you will have to plan much more which usually means participating in a 401(k) plan or investing in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Build up emergency savings for unexpected events. Emergency savings accounts usually consist of money that you don’t have easy access to and of small, regular payments that build up over time.
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By CIERR Defe
For many, the New Year offers an opportunity to star However, research from the University of Scranton s Year’s resolutions only 8 percent manage to achieve thei Whether it’s losing weight, starting a business, or sav Instead of focusing on the final goal, having patience and to bring more success. Setting smaller goals to meet by a Resolutions and goals may seem like a distant hope i 2014 does not have to end in disappointment. Through c Here are five common resolutions and what you can
Find romance
A healthy, loving relationship can enhance many aspects of one’s life. However, finding someone you want to spend the rest of your life with can seem like a difficult task. Helpguide, a nonprofit resource for coping with challenges, provides tips on finding love. Keep things in perspective. Don’t make your search for a relationship the center of your life. As a single person, think of your status as a great opportunity to meet new people and expand your social circle. Learn to handle rejection gracefully. Accept that rejection is an inevitable part of the dating process. It is important to not spend too much time worrying about it. Watch for relationship red flags. It’s important to notice behaviors that may indicate a relationship is not going to be healthy. In these cases, it’s better to cut your losses early instead of investing time in a relationship that is not good for either party. Nurture a budding relationship. Nurturing a relationship requires time, effort, a genuine interest in the other person and open communication/ Be smart when dating online. Millions of people are
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you want in
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RA DUNCAN ender
rt with a clean slate and make resolutions for a better life. shows that while 40 percent of Americans make New ir goals. ving more money, resolutions require planning and work. d working toward the goal throughout the year have shown a certain date may also be helpful. in the beginning of the year but getting what you want in consistent work and planning any goal is achievable. do to achieve them.
he Houston area for over 80 years
looking for love online. According to match.com, guard your personal and online access information. Be careful about sharing your full name, phone number and address. Get to know a person before meeting him or her offline. Meet for the first time in a populated, public place. Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you’re going. Keep a clear mind and avoid doing anything that would impair your judgment. Be in control of your own transportation by driving yourself or taking a taxi.
Lose weight
It’s natural to want to lose weight quickly. However, healthy weight loss includes long- term changes in eating and exercise habits. Evidence shows that a person who loses weight gradually, about one to two pounds a week, is more likely to keep it off. Here are some tips from the CDC. Make a commitment. Losing weight requires a lifestyle change. Avoid diet plans or fads that promise rapid weight loss. Monitor what you eat and weigh yourself on a regular basis. Eat healthier. Consume five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, along with low-fat dairy, lean meats and whole grains. Limit starchy vegetables such as corn and potatoes. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar such as soda and juice. Limit fried foods and fatty meats. Always read nutrition labels. Reduce your portion size when consuming high-calorie foods and try a lower-calorie version of your favorite less healthy foods. Limit sodium intake. Drink lots of water. Exercise. Begin with moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes one or two days a week. Try walking, water aerobics, bike-riding, doubles tennis or pushing a lawn mower. Work your way up to jogging, running, swimming laps, singles tennis or basketball. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and park further away at the mall or grocery store. Make fitness a family affair. Obesity
now affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States. Serve your kids plenty of fruits and vegetables. Make sure they exercise. Avoid giving them junk food, sugary drinks and unhealthy fast food.
Start a business
Starting a business involves making major financial decisions, planning and a series of legal activities. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides steps that can help begin this process. Write a business plan. Business plans usually project the next three to five years of a firm’s activity. They usually include an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management, services, marketing and sales, funding requests and financial projections. Get assistance and training. Take advantage of free training and counseling services that can help you prepare a business plan and secure any needed financing. Choose a location. Get advice on selecting a customer-friendly location and complying with zoning laws. Finance your business. If needed, find governmentbacked loans or venture capital to help you get started. Determine the legal structure. Decide which type of ownership is best. Options include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. Get a tax ID number and register for taxes. You can learn the type of tax identification number your business needs from the IRS. You will also need to register for worker’s compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. Understand other responsibilities. Learn the legal steps needed to hire employees. These include obtaining an employer identification number and setting up records for withholding taxes. Obtain a list of federal, state, and local licenses and permits required for your business to operate.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 9 | 2014 defendernetwork.com
business
Consumer trends help businesses meet needs
O
kay, hopefully, we can all sit back and catch our breath. Our adrenaline levels should be getting back to normal. The gifts have been given and received; loved or returned. We know that African-Americans are powerful consumers; and, that consumers across-the-board fall into very specific categories. Even though we may not have consciously thought about it while making our lists and checking them twice in the stores or online, chances are we automatically classified our gift recipients into consumer groups, as was encouraged by consumer insights from research for Nielsen. Now, this might seem a little “after the fact,” but studying our trends as consumers helps businesses craft the messages and outreach strategies to engage us and better meet our needs (and their bottom line) down the road. This year’s gift By CHERYL PEARSON-McNEIL guide survey, focused on NNPA Columnist five consumer categories: working moms, sports fans, arts enthusiasts, connected consumers and status seekers. According to the survey, the working moms in your life typically buy and appreciate anything that helps to keep their lives organized and moving forward. For instance, working moms are more likely to thrive on all varieties of coffee, and enjoy specialty coffee packages.
Working moms are 23 percent more likely than other consumer groups to visit the local pizza place, so it makes sense that a pizza stone and ingredients would have been a good gift. Other great presents would have been a tablet PC or any kind of home décor or decorative storage pieces. Sports fans for purposes of this survey, were defined as U.S. adults who say they’re interested in the MLB, NBA, NFL or NHL (Well, the sports fan in my house is not technically an adult yet, but, I think this applies to him, too). We know that sports fans (no matter the age) can never get enough sports stuff. These consumers are 36 percent more likely than others to shop at a sporting goods store for equipment or gear. They love tickets to any game and are nearly three times more likely to purchase sporting events tickets themselves (hint, hint for future gift-giving). Sports enthusiasts want to be able to enjoy their
games on multiple screens and are 34 percent more likely to purchase HDTVs and 38 percent more likely to spring for a tablet PC. Then, we’ve got our arts enthusiasts, who love all things fine art. Twelve percent of those surveyed who classified themselves as such, appreciate donating (or charitable donations made in their name) to arts organizations. These consumers are 48 percent more likely to do yoga/pilates (kinda artsy, I guess) and are 41 percent more likely to patronize art museums. The survey shows connected consumers, U.S. adults who own a laptop/notebook, computer, smartphone and tablet, to be more social and a bit more curious about exotic cultures (27 percent) and cuisine. Great gifts would have been coffee gift cards, as they are 66 percent more likely to visit a coffee house/bar. Fifty-four percent of this consumer group was more likely to buy a Blu-Ray player. They also have their eyes peeled for the latest restaurant ratings guide for their city. The final category in the survey was the status seekers. You know – the “hostess with the mostest.” They love to entertain and are nearly three times more likely to open their homes to guests. The status seekers are 50 percent more likely to plan to purchase a video game system, so that’s an awesome gift choice. And, interestingly, they are 43 percent more likely to have attended an R&B/Rap/ Hip Hop concert in the past 12 months. It has been my great pleasure to bring these kinds of consumer insights to you over the last four years. No matter what consumer preference category you or those you gifted fall into, I encourage you to always choose wisely. You’ve got the power.
Free taxpayer seminars offered During the month of January, the Texas Comptroller’s office will conduct 14 free taxpayer seminars across the state. At these seminars, taxpayers can learn how to properly fill out tax forms, and file and pay taxes electronically. Information about e-services will also be available to help taxpayers manage their accounts online. Comptroller representatives will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance to attendees.
Two seminars will take place in Houston. The first is Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Southwest Field Office, 7011 Harwin Drive, Suite 186 (713-783-1665). The second seminar is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at the Northwest Field Office, 1919 North Loop West, Suite 390 (713-426-8200). “We want to empower Texas business owners by making resources and information accessible.
Conducting these seminars and making our team of tax specialists available provides guidance for businesses,” said R.J. DeSilva, spokesperson for the Comptroller’s office. Those who are unable to attend the seminars can call the Comptroller’s tax assistance line at 1-800-252-5555. Tax forms and tax information can also be found on the Comptroller’s website, window.state.tx.us.
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TV stations...Continued from page 3 ....
This policy shift crowded out existing owners of color and ensured that it would be nearly impossible for new owners to access the public airwaves. When Free Press released its first report on the state of TV ownership in 2006, we found that there were only 18 African American-owned and operated full-power commercial TV stations – representing just 1.3 percent of all such stations. By December 2012, those 18 had shrunk to just five. And now they’re all gone. Roberts Broadcasting’s exit from the market comes on the heels of the departures of two other prominent Black owners. In late October, the Sinclair Broadcast Group continued its buying spree by acquiring a Fox affiliate in Portland, Maine, from a company helmed by Charles Glover, a funk musician turned broadcaster. That same month, Access.1 Communications agreed to sell its Atlantic City NBC station to Locus Point Networks. New Jersey residents are up in arms about the deal: Locus Point is expected to close the station and give up its license as the FCC takes broadcast stations off the air and auctions those airwaves to cellphone companies. Public interest and civil rights groups have warned the FCC that its policies allowing for greater media consolidation were going to push out the few remaining people of color who owned broadcast stations. Media consolidation has made it harder for people of color to own broadcast stations because it raises entry barriers for small owners. Concentration makes it harder for any small owner to compete, and the few non-white broadcast licensees we have are far more likely to be small owners who control just a handful of stations or a single broadcast outlet. For those few owners of color who have been able to acquire stations, consolidation has made it harder for them to compete against larger and better-financed media conglomerates. While owning a full-power TV station has been out of reach for most people of color, low-power TV has offered an opportunity to get into this otherwise closed industry. Low-power TV commercial stations serve smaller areas than their full-power counterparts, and often lack legal protections, including guaranteed carriage by cable and satellite providers. Consequently, they’re far cheaper to own. At the end of 2011, the FCC reported that people of color owned 15 percent of all low-power TV stations, compared to just 3 percent of full-power TV outlets. This small ray of hope is expected to dim as the prospect of an auction to cellphone companies could drive out the owners of these low-power TV stations too. The FCC is preparing to conduct that incentive auction in the next year or two. As a result, speculators have been buying up both low- and full-power TV stations in an effort to cash in. This speculation is creating a climate where many existing owners are forced to sell, with several full- and low-power owners of color exiting the market. The FCC has been criticized for failing to promote or preserve what little ownership diversity remains. Some observers hope this could change now that the agency has a new chairman. Critics contend that the new FCC has to acknowledge that its policies are responsible for the state of minority ownership and must take action to address the problem.
“I got an insider’s look and the knowledge I needed to be even more successful.” We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2O14 Workshop at Macy’s! If you are a woman or person of color and own your own business, we invite you to apply for the Workshop at Macy’s! You’ll gain insight from seasoned Macy’s pros and Macy’s partners, and get the tools you need to succeed and sustain growth in the retail industry. Apply today at macysinc.com/workshop PICTURED: Kim Roxie, LAMIK Beauty. Past participant of The Workshop at Macy’s.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 9 | 2014
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Want to stop smoking?
Here’s some advice Smokers often resolve to break the tobacco habit for the New Year. If you or someone you love desires to quit smoking, there are many reasons why it’s a smart move. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), cigarette smoking has been identified as the most important source of preventable disease and illness and premature death worldwide. Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 443,000 American lives each year, including those affected indirectly, such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of “secondhand” exposure to tobacco’s carcinogens. In addition: • Cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) deaths. • About 8.6 million people in the U.S. have at least one serious illness caused by smoking. • The list of other diseases caused by smoking includes coronary heart disease, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm,
acute myeloid leukemia, cataract, pneumonia, periodontitis, and bladder, esophageal, laryngeal, lung, oral, throat, cervical, kidney, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. • Smoking is also a major factor in disorders such as slowed healing of wounds, infertility and peptic ulcer disease. If this is your year to quit smoking, the ALA offers five tips to help you along the way: 1. Learn from past experiences. Most smokers have tried to quit in the past and sometimes people get discouraged thinking about previous attempts. Those experiences were necessary steps on the road to future success. Think about what helped you during those tries and what you’ll do differ-
mysolutionis…
to always
find
an open elliptical
ently in your next quit attempt. 2. You don’t have to quit alone. Telling friends that you’re trying to quit and enlisting their support will help ease the process. Expert help is available from the ALA and other groups. Friends who also smoke may even join you in trying to quit. 3. Medication can help, if you know what to do. The seven FDAapproved medications (like nicotine patches or gum) really do help smokers quit. Many people don’t use them correctly so be sure to follow
the directions. 4. It’s never too late to quit. While it’s best to quit smoking as early as possible, quitting smoking at any age will enhance the length and quality of your life. You’ll also save money and avoid the hassle of going outside in the cold or heat to smoke. 5. Every smoker can quit. Each person needs to find the right combination of techniques that will work for them, and above all, they need to keep trying. For more information, visit the ALA site quitterinyou.org.
It’s your future.
No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality. If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours. Your journey begins here.
By working an alternative schedule, I’m helping my community and I get to the gym when it’s less crowded. From saving fuel costs and avoiding traffic, there are so many reasons to try a Commute Solution for getting back and forth to work. From carpooling and vanpooling to teleworking, or from mass transit to biking, find the right Commute Solution for you.
Visit www.mysolutionis.com or call 1.877.512.7333.
Classes start January 13 Register today at hccs.edu
Learn about our logistics program, and many more at HCC.
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JANUARY 9 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Flo Anthony
is a woman of many talents By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
F
lo Anthony is a syndicated celebrity radio host and columnist. Her work currently appears in the New York Daily News, Resident Magazine, the New York Amsterdam News and other newspapers. Flo is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Black Noir Magazine, as well as a busy blogger. She has appeared on such TV shows as “Entertainment Tonight” and “Inside Edition.” A graduate of Howard University, Flo resides in the East Harlem section of New York City. Here, she talks about her new novel, “Deadly Stuff Players,” among other things. KW: You wear a lot of hats. How do you juggle so many interests? FA: I keep a very tight daily schedule. I provide live radio feeds to almost 30 stations from 7:35 a.m. until 5 p.m. From 9:30 to noon, I research and write two shows, “Gossip on the Go With Flo” and “Flo Anthony’s Big Apple Buzz” for the next day. At 12:10 pm, I record the shows. Then I start up live again at 2 p.m. In between feeds, I write my other columns and work on other projects. I was on a three-month deadline to write “Deadly
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health Defender Spe cial
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finances and mental health. besity is one “Obesity is of the most associated with serious health impacting African as diabetes, multiple poor problems cardiov -Americans health outcom today. Risks related associate profess ascular disease and es such cancer,” said to obesity range or at the Univer to infertility Lorna McNei Center. from sleep apnea sity of Texas to depression. ll, MD Anders up health insuran Obese people on Cancer McNeill said can drive ce costs and diet and exercis from employ face job discrim energy out” lazy. e are essenti ers who view of the body. ination ally “energy them as undisc “If in and you’re not iplined and Facts and figures tell the story: as you get older physically active as • The Center a young person and you gain s for Diseas activity or weight, you’re young adult, coupled with e at rates to compe not engagi a lack of physic Control (CDC) cites poor nsate for your Other health ventable death, nutrition al energy intake, ng in physical concer coming in secondactivity as the leading ns ” related coronary heart she said. cause of preto obesity include • The Office to tobacc disease, stroke, hyperte respiratory gallbladder African-Ameri of Minority Health reportso use. problems. disease, osteoar nsion, can women thritis and Poor health are overweight that four out of five • According can also reduce or obese. to 2010 data, more missed residents in worker perform 71.7 percen days from work the t ance, resultin and leading A CDC report weight or obese,Houston-Baytown-Sugarlandof African American to higher medica g in titled “Vital MSA areas lence Among Signs: State-S l costs. percent of whites compared to 77.8 percen were overAdults pecific Obesit t of Hispanics . $1,429 per person ,” found that people y Prevaand 62.5 Proper nutritio who are obese extra in medica normal weight incurred that if not proper n and physical health l costs compa . are fundamental red to people The report also well as detrim ly maintained can have of parts of life fatal health ental effects summed up weight: “Obesi consequences on other areas the conseq ty is a costly uences of being , as and of life, includi condition that increases the overng education, can reduce quality risk for many ture death.” serious chronic of life diseases and defendernetw prema-
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Stuff Players,” so I began work on it at 5 a.m. every morning, did my other work between the radio feeds, then resumed work on the novel at 3:30, then worked until around 7 p.m. every evening and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. KW: Which one do you enjoy doing the most? FA: I love it all, but my radio show is my baby. I can say whatever I want and I love interacting with the air personalities. It is not financially as rewarding as it should be, but the creative outlet rewards my soul. KW: What inspired you to write “Deadly Stuff Players,” a sequel to “Keeping Secrets, Telling Lies?” FA: I loved the characters Valerie and Rome, and wanted to bring them back. And, I kept coming up with all the other great characters. KW: What message do you think people will take away from it? FA: That good prevails over evil and that life can have a happy ending. KW: What was the last book you read? FA: I read several novels a week, but the last good one was “A Family Affair” by ReShonda Tate Billingsley. I’ve actually read it over and over. KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? FA: Most get very little sleep and are early risers.
Enjoy our 2013 digital Health Editions filled with information for the entire family on keeping healthy. Visit us online at: http://bit.ly/1fLLN0I for our June 20th, August 15th and November 21st editions.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 9 | 2014
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Texans name O’Brien as new head coach “The Houston Texans is a top-flight organization that does things the right way,” O’Brien said. “It’s rare enough to ccording to Texans have the chance to be a head coach at the owner Bob McNair, highest level of football. What makes this one of the advantages one opportunity special and put it over of firing head coach the top for myself and my family was the Gary Kubiak after chance to work for an owner like Bob week 14 of the season – aside from McNair. an 11-game loss streak – was to get “I see this as a chance to not only ahead of the competition on the best perform, but also grow personally, just possible head coach prospect. That from being associated so closely with a strategy apparently worked. man of his caliber. I’m a coach. My pasWith seven head coaching sion is coaching football and coaching the vacancies, the Texans were the first team,” O’Brien continued. team to hire a new coach. The team “I’m going to be a part of helping recently introduced former Penn put the team together. I feel like I’m State head coach and New England a pretty good teammate. I’m looking Patriots offensive coordinator Bill forward to working with Rick and putO’Brien as the third head coach in ting together a really good, competitive franchise history. football team for the city of Houston and O’Brien has 21 years of experi- New Texans coach Bill O’Brien (second from l.) is welcomed by (l. to r.) team Vice Chairman Cal McNair, GM Rick Mr. McNair. I can’t wait to get started on Smith and owner Bob McNair. (Photo courtesy Houston Texans). ence at the college and NFL levels. it, I can tell you that.” He was the Bear Bryant, Maxwell The immediate task for O’Brien is around. He did that at Penn State under very difficult circumFootball Club and ESPN National to assemble a coaching staff. Sources stances and did an outstanding job there. We know that he’s Coach of the Year in 2012. indicate that veteran defensive coordinator and former head going to come in here and we expect to see good things happen coach Romeo Crennel will be offered the defensive coordinator McNair was pleased to introduce O’Brien amid a pep immediately.” rally style press conference. position. Stan Hixon, the assistant head coach/receivers at Penn O’Brien shared why he thinks the Texan opportunity is the State and former Giant and Patriot player and coach Maurice “He’s a great leader,” McNair said. “He’s shown that he right one for him. has the ability to step into difficult situations and turn them Cauthon are also expected to be named to the staff. By MAX EDISON Defender
A
Commentary
UT picks Strong, makes history By MAX EDISON Defender
Once it became apparent that the University of Texas was going to force Mack Brown to retire, I wrote, tweeted and told anyone who wanted to have the conversation that the top candidate for the job should be Louisville’s Charlie Strong. Some said there was no way the Longhorns would hire a Black head football coach. Well call me Nostradamus because Texas shocked the football world by naming Strong as its head coach. He becomes the first African-American head coach of a major sport in
the school’s history. In four years at Louisville, Strong compiled a record of 37-15. He won two conference titles and was named Big East Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012. His Cardinals were 12-1 this season and defeated Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Last season they trounced No. 3 ranked Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Strong, a Batesville, Ark. native, served as defensive coordinator at the University of Florida for seven years and helped the team win a pair of national championships. UT President Bill Powers was elated with the selection of Strong. “What a hire we made,” UT coach Charlie Strong
Powers said. “There’s no question he’s a winner. His talents as a coach are truly evident.” Strong was quick to acknowledge the longstanding Texas football tradition and the great coaches who preceded him. “I’m so thrilled and fortunate to be the head coach here at the University of Texas, to continue the tradition built by so many great coaches including coach [Darrell] Royal and coach [Mack] Brown,” Strong said. “As a program that’s won four national titles, it’s time to put the program back on the national stage.” His approach will be basic and simple. “Just continue to build on the tradition,” Strong said. “One, get a degree and you will always have options in life. Two, let’s go win football games and championships. Three, let’s leave as a better person. You have to develop the right attitude.”
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h.s.zone Future looks bright for Houston football By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
ARLINGTON – Don’t expect the greater Houston area to take this lightly. Brenham, Pearland and defending Class 5A Division II champion Katy ventured into AT&T Stadium on the third day of the high school football “Championship Weekend” with aspirations of bringing home a state title only to come away empty-handed. A trend that began two days earlier continued as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex dominated, winning five of the state’s largest six classification titles, including Katy losing a 21-10 halftime lead before falling to Cedar Hill 34-24. “We’re very proud of the high school football we play in the Metroplex,” Members of the Katy team have high hopes next season after losing to Cedar Hill. said Cedar Hill head coach Joey McGuire, team in 2013 and the the Region IIIwho watched his team lose to Katy in the Mustangs advanced to 5A Division II 2012 5A Division II championship game. the area round of the title game against “We kind of ramped it up in the second playoffs before falling Katy, only to be half and took advantage of some of their to Stratford 34-7. The blown off the mistakes. Spartans dominated in field at Reliant “When things are going our way, we the trenches on both Stadium. Multiget up on our toes, it gets real loud on our sides of the ball and talented quarsideline, there’s music playing loud and controlled the game terback D’Eriq it’s simply chaotic,” McGuire said. with its rushing attack. King was a After trailing 10-0 in the second Freshman quarterone-man wreckquarter, Katy took advantage of two Ceing crew in the dar Hill fumbles in the final three minutes back Tyler Page, who scored the Mustangs playoffs scoring of the first half to take a 21-10 edge into only touchdown on a 20 touchdowns intermission. 75-yard run in the first in four games. Katy head coach Gary Joseph accepts Katy took a 24-16 advantage into the 2013 state runner-up trophy. quarter, will return with Like Katy, the fourth quarter, but uncharacteristically many of his weapons Manvel will have coughed up two fumbles of their own in intact. to replace key individuals in both the the final stanza and watched the LongKaty had eight sophomores starting offensive and defensive lines, but the skill horns outscored the previously unbeaten in 2013 when the Tigers were attempting position personnel will be in place. Tigers 18-0 to seal a 34-24 victory and to win the school’s eighth state football Perennial powerhouse Brenham will post the school’s second state football championship. Collin Wilder, JoVanni return quarterback Caleb Hill and top title. running back Earnest Patterson in 2014. Stewart, Garrett Doiron, Kyle Porter and The Metroplex swept the 5A and 4A junior tailback Rodney Anderson will After advancing to the Class 4A state titles in 2005 only to see La Marque, Katy remember the trash-talking they endured championship game in 2013, look for the and Lamar Consolidated win state crowns during the second half against Cedar Hill Cubs to be back in the mix next season. within the next two seasons. and utilize that memory as inspiration durGeorge Ranch advanced to the 2013 While the Metroplex won the latest ing off-season workouts. state quarterfinals after winning just five chapter of this storied rivalry, Houston Manvel was a year ahead of schedule games in 2012. Timon Nolan, Darius area schools are poised for success in 2013 when the Mavericks advanced to Anderson, Xavian Marks, Torin Marks and in 2014. Here’s a look at a few of the Kingsley Keke will be schools to watch for beginkey returnees. ning in late August. All of these schools Friendswood was have a score to settle. virtually a sophomore-led to find out Pearland head coach Tony Heath’s thoughts on the state title game.
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sportsbriefs Oliver named all-state Yzerick Oliver isn’t just your average wide receiver. The Worthing High School senior was a two-time first-team all-district selection as a receiver and defensive back following his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2013, Oliver took his performance to another level. This season, Oliver was a first-team all-District 23-3A selection as a receiver, cornerback and kick returner as Worthing claimed the district title with an undefeated 7-0 record. “I like all three phases of the game, but I really like returning kicks because it’s like me against their entire team,” Oliver said. In Worthing’s 54-44 loss to Sweeny in the first round of the playoffs, Oliver caught 19 passes for 419 yards, including TD receptions of 31, 31, 15 and seven yards. For the season Oliver averaged better than 24 yards per catch and was named a Class 3A first-team all-state selection.
Championships make history For the first time ever, all University Interscholastic League football state championships, including six-man and 11-man, were played at the same location (AT&T Stadium). It was the first time the six-man title game was played at an indoor facility. It was the first time all 10 title games were played in a three-day span. With the next UIL realignment and reclassification beginning in the 2014-15 school year, 2013 ended a 33-year tradition of Class 5A being the largest classification. Starting in August, schools with an enrollment of 2,100 or more students will be placed in Class 6A. The Pearland-Allen game set the all-time attendance record for a single state title game with 54,347.
Former UH player Rose dies Former University of Houston guard Cecile Rose, whose arrival at UH started a family connection that continues today, recently died at his Houston home. He was 60. A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Rose joined the Cougars for the 1974-75 seasons under legendary head basketball coach Guy V. Lewis. From 1974 to 1978, Rose helped lead the Cougars to an 87-37 record. Rose and his family have a long history at UH. His younger brother, Lynden Rose, played for the Cougars from 1980 to 1982 and also served as a member of the UH Board of Regents from 2004 to 2009. His nephew, L.J. Rose, is currently a sophomore point guard for the Cougars.
Johnson, Watt go to Pro Bowl Despite a 2-14 record and the NFL’s worst record, there is a silver lining for Texans Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt. They’re going to the Pro Bowl. Johnson will make his seventh trip to the Pro Bowl. He was second in the NFL with 103 receptions to go along with 1,358 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Watt returns to Hawaii for his secondstraight Pro Bowl appearance. He followed up his Associated Press 2012 Defensive Player of the Year campaign by totaling a career-high 108 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, a league-high 44 quarterback hits. Texans Duane Brown (T), Johnathan Joseph (CB) and Chris Myers (C) were named as alternates for the AFC squad.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 9 | 2014
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Carolyn House Stewart, Marianne Walker and Chelle Wilson
Clutch, Sania Blackmon and GiGi Scott
Jean Fowler and Betty Williams-Winfield
chag’splace
Melba Henry, Patricia Roberts and Dr. Evelyn Thornton
Leonard Scott, Clutch and GiGi Scott
Jean Dozier, Pervis Thomas and Faye Walker
This exceptional chapter continues to grow in Before Ms. Chag starts with 2014 events, she must number as well as supreme service to all mankind. tell you about some of 2013 holiday celebrations….. Congratulations!....ALDINE FAMILY HOPE ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER…..Alpha CENTER…..GiGi and Leonard Scott are humbled Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc./Alpha Kappa Omega by their family’s many blessings, Chapter celebrated their 85th Join Yvette Chargois so they decided to share their anniversary at the Westin Galleria blessings and love with 25 children, Hotel. A supreme salute to Events of the Week many of whom are being raised by this year’s honorees included More photos on defendernetwork.com their grandparents. They hosted past chapter presidents Dr. See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads a special Christmas party for these Mattelia Grays, Faye Bryant, with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. children who attend the Aldine Dr. Polly Turner, Gwendolyn Brinkley, Dr. Clarice Lowe, Family Hope Center. When Sylvia Bolling, director/founder of the center was contacted, Dr. Barbara Solomon, Ora Lean Williams she was overwhelmed with joy. With their personal Piper, Gervaisa Anglin, Charolette Bryant, contributions and donations from several of their Dr. Evelyn Thornton, Melba Henry, Patricia friends, every child received all of the gifts they Roberts, Regina Carrington, Tamara Cubit requested. As a special treat, the Houston Rockets and the current president Marianne Walker. It’s mascot, Clutch stopped by and took photos with noteworthy to mention that Mrs. Hazel Hainsworth the children and helped hand out the toys. A special Young was one of six chartered members in 1928 thanks to Sarah Joseph, community relations director and as the organization celebrated this milestone, with the Houston Rockets for making this possible. her daughter, Marianne is the chapter’s president.
Dr. Mattelia Grays, Faye Bryant, Gwendolyn Brinkley and Dr. Polly Turner
Ruby Rodriquez, Sylvia Bolling and Fabiola Bautista
Faye Stewart, Jean Fowler, Cora Hines and Brenda Baines
This act of kindness will always be remembered by each child who had their lives touched by the generosity of GiGi and Leonard. God Bless!.....TOM BASS LINE DANCE ORGANIZATION…..The organization celebrated their annual Christmas Gala at the Doubletree Hilton Hobby Hotel. The group was founded in 1998 by Elbert Winfield and these exciting and vibrant seniors, age 55 and above, use line dancing as a form of exercise and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to line dancing, they are involved in community service projects and have adopted a local nursing home and a women’s transitional living center. Everyone in attendance was on their feet including their president, Jean Fowler and lead instructor Betty Winfield. Others spotted on the dance floor were instructors Jean Dozier, Faye Walker and Pervis Thomas, Yvonne and Rod Newman, Faye Stewart, Cora Hines, Brenda Baines, Jackye Malone, Irene Broadnax, Pat Johnson and Ollie and Mitchell Duplechain. Great gala!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed New Year!
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