FEATURE
BLACKS HIT HARD BY FOR-PROFIT COLLEGE DEBT P6
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NEWSTALK CARLECIA WRIGHT finding businesses to help rebuild Houston
P2 NATIONAL DONALD TRUMP takes credit for Black unemployment drop
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 87 | Number 10
JANUARY 11, 2018 |FREE
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MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL
LIFE & LEGACY
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. H PAGE 1B
P3 H.S. ZONE NIGEL HAWKINS readying for State repeat at CyFair
P9 Bill Day - Cagle USA
TOP EVENTS
Oprah Winfrey
Gerald Green
The media mogul’s impassioned call for “a brighter morning even in our darkest nights” at the Golden Globes has Democratic Party activists buzzing about the media superstar and whether she should throw her hat into the 2020 presidential race.
The Houston Rocket is living a dream after being unemployed then getting a call to come play for his hometown team. Green was brought in to be an energy guy off the bench and he’s not letting up.
president in 2020?
Regina Smith and Chauncy Glover at the Top Ladies event
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gets second chance
H PAGE 3
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 11 | 2018
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Businesses needed for Build Up Houston Defender News Services
The City of Houston is continuing the rebuilding process after Hurricane Harvey, and they’re calling on more local small businesses to help. Since its inception, Build Up Houston, an executive education program that supports construction companies operating in the Greater Houston Area, has had 23 construction related businesses go through the program. The most recent class has been awarded over $10MM in new contracts. While they don’t have an exact number of new businesses they will accept, the program is expanding to include architectural and engineering firms. The program is designed to combine the best of classroom learning with real-world case studies. Construction industry experts, business peers, and instructors providing insights, strategies, motivation, and accountability take part in an interactive format, where business owners get the tools, know-how, and confidence to take the next step. Build Up Houston will run from January 2018 until July 2018. Carlecia Wright Small businesses are encouraged to apply for the program, which is managed by the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity. The current businesses in the program have graduated from an intense seven-month program and have collectively been awarded millions in new contracts. “Houston has a long road to recovery after Harvey,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “More than ever, we need our local business community; especially our small businesses, to play a major role in our housing repairs and infrastructure.” Build Up Houston utilizes Interise’s award-winning Streetwise MBA curriculum and covers topics such as business development, strategic planning, access to capital, government contacts, financials, marketing and sales, and human resources. Classes will meet bi-weekly starting in February 2018 at the Houston Community College Central Campus. “As our city recovers from a historic hurricane and flood, we want to make sure our small, minority, and women-owned businesses are well prepared and positioned to participate on the upcoming disaster recovery focused contracts,” said Carlecia D. Wright, director of the Office of Business Opportunity. “Participating in Build Up Houston will help companies develop a strategy to scale their companies so that they can respond to the recovery efforts.” For more information or to apply visit www.houstontx. gov/builduphouston
Jack & Jill Beautillion Ball
The Missouri City-Sugar Land Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. presented 25 young men to Houston society at its 17th Biennial Beautillion Ball. More than 700 guests were in attendance at the culmination of the Beautillion experience. The young men, classified as high school juniors through college freshmen, were escorted by Belles. The 2017 Beaux class includes: (Sitting) Jared Wilson, Justin Wilson, Gabriel Hargrove, Leo Benford, Lethan Hampton, Langston Louis, Chandler Green, Clark Hudson, Joshua Chretien, Justin Price, Malik Harrison, and Noah McCollum (Standing) Joshua Webster, Gregory Foster, Jared Cyprian, Tate Toole, Alexander Williams, Lionel Russell IV, Erwin Portis, Cameron Hyde, Matthew Washington, Adam Myres, Jason Few, Ajani Smith Washington, and Mitchel Tilman. The 2017 Belles are: (Seated) Jasmine Burrell, Kennedy Harris, Kailyn Thibodeaux, Jillian Harris, Maysen Odom, Maronda Washington, Kennedy Lowe, Michalea Branch, Mesi Willson and Kaylie Kenebrew. (Standing) Chandler Rasberry, Naomi Broussard, Morgan Woods, Lauryn Wright, Gabrielle Lord, Jasmine Geyen, Taylor Wright, Shianne Knight, Brianna Middleton, Sundava Chinn, Blake Lanier, Sydney Burns, Maya Sims, Micah Eldridge and Reylon Robinson.
localbriefs FORMER HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEE Chris Oliver will spend nearly six years in federal prison for taking bribes in his position as a trustee. Oliver was accused of taking nearly $90,000 in bribes to influence his service as an HCC trustee, according to court records. He pled guilty to only one of two counts that alleged he accepted $12,000 in bribes. Oliver said that over time, the temptations became too much and he eventually gave in, adding he should have called it quits in 2011……. THE SBA HAS APPROVED MORE
THAN $3 BILLION in federal disaster loans for Texas businesses and residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey. SBA officials say they have approved 2,823 loans for $290,985,100 businesses and 35,582 loans for $2,713,637,800 for residents to help rebuild and recover from this terrible disaster. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Business owners may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan. sba.gov/ela.
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national
U.S.briefs WITH THREE STRONG HURRICANES, wildfires, hail, flooding, tornadoes and drought, the United States tallied a record high bill last year for weather disasters: $306 billion. The U.S. had 16 disasters last year with damage exceeding a billion dollars, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. That ties 2011 for the number of billion-dollar disasters, but the total cost blew past the previous record of $215 billion in 2005. Three of the five most expensive hurricanes in U.S. history hit last year. Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in Texas, cost $125 billion, second only to 2005’s Katrina, while Maria’s damage in Puerto Rico cost $90 billion, ranking third, NOAA said. Irma was $50 billion, mainly in Florida, for the fifth most expensive hurricane…..H&M HAS APOLOGIZED AFTER SPARKING OUTRAGE on social media for posing a Black child model in a sweatshirt emblazoned with the words “Coolest Monkey In The Jungle.” The term “monkey” has a long history as an ethnic slur. Reacting to the photograph, many netizens skewered H&M for what they described as tasteless and racist imagery:…. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS rejected a decision to urge a lower court to hold another trial for Keith Tharpe, a Black death row inmate in Georgia who was sentenced in 1991 after a murder conviction. Tharpe’s execution was blocked in September after a white juror’s racist comments about him came to light, USA Today reported. The Supreme Court voted 6-3 for the death row prisoner to have another chance in court to prove that his death sentence ruling was tainted by racial hatred. Tharpe was convicted of the death of Jaquelin Freeman, a Black woman. Thomas, the court’s only Black justice, along with Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito, disagreed with the court’s reprieve.
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Is Oprah a candidate for president in 2020?
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Associated Press
prah Winfrey’s impassioned call for “a brighter morning even in our darkest nights” at the Golden Globes has Democratic Party activists buzzing about the media superstar and the 2020 presidential race – even if it’s only a fantasy. Even so, for Democrats in early voting states, and perhaps for a public that largely disapproves of President Donald Trump’s job performance, the notion of a popular media figure as a presidential candidate is not as strange as it once seemed, given the New York real estate mogul and reality TV star now in the White House. “Look, it’s ridiculous – and I get that,” said Brad Anderson, former President Barack Obama’s 2012 Iowa campaign director. While he supports the idea of Winfrey running, it would also punctuate how Trump’s candidacy has altered political norms. “At the same time, politics is ridiculous right now.” Winfrey’s speech as she accepted the Cecil B.
DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award touched on her humble upbringing and her civil rights heroes. But it was her exhortation of the legions of women who have called out sexual harassers –and her dream of a day “when nobody has to say ‘me too’ again” – that got some political operatives thinking Winfrey might be just what the Democrats need. “I think we need more role models like her that are speaking to young women and trying to restore some hope. The election of Donald Trump was a devastating setback for little girls,” said Liz Purdy, who led Hillary Clinton’s 2008 New Hampshire presidential primary campaign. Trump is the least popular first-year president on record. He has also been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, though he has vehemently denied the allegations. Winfrey, in September and October, publicly dismissed the notion of seeking the nation’s highest office, though she noted that Trump’s victory made her rethink the requirements of the office. Winfrey’s longtime partner, Stedman Graham, said that “it’s up to the people” whether she will be president, adding, “She would absolutely do it.” Other close associates of Winfrey say she is “actively” considering it.
Oprah Winfrey
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 10 JANUARY 11, 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).
Trump takes credit for unemployment rate President Donald Trump is taking credit for the historic low unemployment rate for African-Americans. The president also took the opportunity to slam the Democratic Party. “African-American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history,” he tweeted. “Dems did nothing for you but get your vote!” In December, Black unemployment hit its lowest rate since 1972. The Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking the rate for African-American workers over age 16
in 1972, and since that time, the rate has never fallen below 7 percent. That is, until December, when it was 6.8 percent. Last year, Black unemployment rose early in the year, reaching 8 percent in March. By the end of the year it took a dive below the 7 percent line for the first time ever. The white unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in December, and the overall unemployment rate was 4.1 percent. Job growth numbers, however, were down in that same month. According to the Labor Department, 148,000 jobs were created in December, compared to the 252,000 jobs created in November.
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entertainment
Rodeo Black Heritage Day under fire Garth Brooks
Defender News Services
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which runs Feb. 27-March 18, has announced its starstudded musical lineup, but not everyone is satisfied. Some big names will be joining headliner Garth Brooks at NRG Stadium this year, but some Black fans are not happy about the Black talent. Usually, Black Heritage Night brings in some of the biggest Black artists. Last year, it was Alicia Keys. This year, the night features Leon Bridges, a singer many have never heard of. “When it comes to the Black Heritage Night, it always seems like the ball is being dropped,” said 97.9 The Box radio personality Keisha Nicole. Bridges, a singer, songwriter and guitarist, will hit the stage of the Rodeo on Friday, March 2. He is often called a retro-soul artist who has prompted comparisons to R&B legends like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. He is best known for his song “Coming Home.” “Leon Bridges, no slide to him, great artist. I had a lot of people say they rock with his album, but if you’re asking just anyone, most people don’t know him as a household name,” said Nicole. “Never heard of Leon Bridges,” said Rodeo fan Jeffrey Young. “Very sad Black Heritage night. It’s like the night is an afterthought when it comes to Black fans.” It was a sentiment that was echoed by others who normally look forward to Black Heritage Night. Jason Kane, the managing director of entertainment for the
Leon Bridges
Alessia Cara
Blake Shelton
Rodeo lineup
Garth Brooks - Tuesday, Feb. 27 Little Big Town - Wednesday, Feb. 28 Blake Shelton - Thursday, March 1 Leon Bridges - Friday, March 2 Kelsea Ballerini - Saturday, March 3 Alessia Cara - Sunday, March 4 Rascal Flatts - Monday, March 5 Jason Aldean - Tuesday, March 6 Thomas Rhett - Wednesday, March 7 Luke Bryan - Thursday, March 8 Chris Young - Friday, March 9 Cody Johnson - Saturday, March 10 Calibre 50 - Sunday, March 11 Zac Brown Band - Monday, March 12 J Balvin - Tuesday, March 13 OneRepublic - Wednesday, March 14 Keith Urban - Thursday, March 15 Chris Stapleton - Friday, March 16 Brad Paisley - Saturday, March 17 Garth Brooks - Sunday, March 18
Livestock Show and Rodeo, said the organization is proud of all of its artists this season. “Leon Bridges is just a phenomenal guy, 28 years old, from Fort Worth, Texas, I think [he] represents what Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s all about,” said Kane. “Just because you never heard of this new Black artist, don’t immediately discredit him. Listen to his songs and go support him,” said Rodeo fan Bruce Allen. “That’s how artists start off – small and then get a big break. His big break is being able to perform in front of 70,000 people [in Houston]. There is a process that goes into getting artists to commit. A bunch decline due to scheduling, time constraints, etcetera, so we should cel-
ebrate those who choose to come.” Radio personalities at 97.9 The Box say if people give Bridges a chance, they might be pleasantly surprised. “From what I see, I like him, so it could work, but the people are disappointed right now,” said radio personality, J Mac. “But you know what? Maybe we should give him a chance. Give him a chance.” For ticket information visit rodeohouston.com.
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JANUARY 11 | 2018 | DEFENDER
MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL
DR. KING:
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His life and legacy
n the third Monday of every January, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was born Jan. 15, 1929 in Atlanta, and went on to lead the modern Civil Rights Movement for almost 13 years. Inspired by his Christian faith and the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, he was the 26-year-old-pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church when he became spokesman for the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. In 1957, he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. By 1963, he was internationally known as an advocate for justice and nonviolence. He led the March on Washington in 1963, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Partly because of the March on Washington, Congress passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965, a result of the Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights led by King. For the next three years, Dr. King shifted his focus toward economic justice. He also became an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. On Nov.2, 1983, the MLK Jr. National Holiday was signed into law, recognizing his birthday and unparalleled contributions. Sources: Defender news services, King Center MLK-AD-flat.pdf
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
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Calendar of events SATURDAY, JAN. 13
The MLK Parade Foundation Youth Parade originates at San Jacinto Street and Elgin at noon. Contact: www.mlkgrandeparade.org or 713-953-1633.
SUNDAY, JAN. 14
REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING 2018
The MLK Parade Foundation Battle of the Bands competition is 4 p.m. at W.W. Thorne Stadium, 1865 Aldine Bender. The Community Music Center of Houston presents its MLK Jr. Tribute Concert at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s United Methodist Church, 6731 Scott St. Admission is free; donations are welcome. Contact: cmchouston.org or 713-5239710.
LSC-North Harris is • Affordable • Close to home • Offers associate degrees and certifications
MONDAY, JAN. 15
The Greater Houston Frontiers Club Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Scholarship Breakfast is 8 a.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Drum Major Award will be presented to Rushion McDonald. Contact: ghfrontiers.com or 713-3310440. The Black Heritage Society Original MLK Jr. Birthday Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Minute Maid Park, Texas and Crawford. A Taste of Houston Festival is noon-7 p.m. Contact: www.blackheritagesociety.org or 713-236-1700. The MLK Parade Foundation Grande Parade begins at 10 a.m. at San Jacinto and Elgin. The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, hosts its MLK Jr. Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include a peace rally and “I Have a Dream” rendition. Admission is $5. Contact: www.cmhouston.org or 713-522-1138.
Honoring
#StartCloseGoFar Financial aid and scholarships available.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY On this day, we embody the Real Possibilities of making the world a better place for us all. We are committed to uplifting and empowering new generations.
Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP®
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What would King say about Trump? Here are some words of Dr. King that seem to speak to our country’s current president, Donald J. Trump. • “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” • “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” • “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” • “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in Dr. Matin Luther King, Jr the darkness of destructive selfishness.” • “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to President Donald Trump think.” • “Call it democracy, or call it democratic socialism, but there must be a better distribution of wealth within this country for all God’s children.” • “We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop…” • I have come to see more and more that one of the most decisive steps that the Negro can take is that little walk to the voting booth. That is an important step. We’ve got to gain the ballot, and through that gain, political power.”
JANUARY 11 | 2018 | DEFENDER
MACY’S JOINS
THE WORLD
IN HONORING
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
DR. MARTIN
LUTHER KING, JR.
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What Dr. King said about pressing issues By ASWAD WALKER Defender
Though Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered nearly 50 years ago, his words still have something to say about the big issues of our times. From Colin Kaepernick taking a knee to attempts to silence the media to nuclear threats, we can look to Dr. King for insight. Here are some of his own words speaking to our 2018 realities. w BLACK LIVES MATTER
• “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” • “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” • “The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.” • “There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.” • “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” • “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.” • “The time is always right to do what is right.” • “For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.” • “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable...Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” • “I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. • “The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to
Dr. Martin Luther King
call to manhood.” • “We have als America of the fier in the luxury of co of gradualism. Now democracy.”
King and his supporters marched for equality time and time again.
justice, peace and brotherhood.”
w BLACK POWER & PROGRESS
• “Black Power, in its broad and positive meaning, is a call to Black people to amass the political and economic strength to achieve their legitimate goals…The plantation and the ghetto were created by those who had power both to confine those who had no power and to perpetuate their powerlessness. The problem of transforming
the ghetto is, therefore, a problem of power – a confrontation between the forces of power demanding change and the forces of power dedicated to preserving the status quo.” • “Black Power is a call for the pooling of Black financial resources to achieve economic security…If Black Power means the development of this kind of strength within the Negro community, then it is a quest for basic, necessary, legitimate power. Finally, Black Power is a psychological
w CONSTITUTIO
• “All we say t paper.’ If I lived in country, maybe I c First Amendment p themselves to that dom of assembly. S Somewhere I read read that the greatn right.”
w MARGINALIZ
• “An individu
DAY SPECIAL
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King also marched alongside his wife Coretta Scott King.
g Jr. was an outspoken advocate of justice.
so come to this hallowed spot to remind rce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage oling off or to take the tranquilizing drug w is the time to make real the promises of
above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” • “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
w SILENT “ALLIES”
IONAL RIGHTS
w RELIGION
w WEALTH GAP
to America is, ‘Be true to what you said on n China or even Russia, or any totalitarian could understand the denial of certain basic privileges, because they hadn’t committed over there. But somewhere I read of the freeSomewhere I read of the freedom of speech. of the freedom of the press. Somewhere I ness of America is the right to protest for
ZED GROUPS
ual has not started living until he can rise
• “Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them and the social conditions that cripple them is a spiritually moribund religion awaiting burial.”
w SCIENCE & SPIRITUALITY
• “Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”
• “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” • “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”
• “The solution to poverty is to abolish it directly by the now widely discussed measure: the guaranteed income.” • Capitalism does not permit an even flow of economic resources. With this system, a small privileged few are rich beyond conscience, and almost all others are doomed to be poor at some level. That’s the way the system works. And since we know that the system will not change the rules, we are going to have to change the system.” Sources: Dr. King’s speeches, sermons & books, including “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” “Strength to Love,” “Stride Toward Freedom,” “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”
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MLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL 50 years ago:
The day Dr. King died The evening of April 4, King was preparing for dinner when he was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. This year marks the 50th anniversary Blacks across America took to the streets of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassinato express their anger and grief. While some tion on April 4, 1968. It was one of the protests were peaceful, riots occurred in such saddest days in African-American history cities as Baltimore, Chicago, Louisville, New as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement York City and Washington, D.C. was gunned down in Memphis. He was A 40-year-old white man, James Earl only 39. Ray, was suspected of shooting King from King and other members of the Southa window ledge. Ray fled after the murder, ern Christian Leadership Conference were setting off an international manhunt in Memphis to support a sanitation workFuneral services for Dr. King were held ers’ strike for better wages and benefits, on April 9 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in job safety and union recognition. Atlanta, and family and close friends attended. The night of April 3, King spoke at Thousands of people followed the casket as it Mason Temple Church in Memphis and was carried by two mules to Morehouse Coldelivered his prophetic “I’ve Been to the lege for a public service. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lies on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis as civil rights Mountaintop” speech. James Earl Ray was captured on June activists point in the direction of his assassin. King said in part: “Like anybody, I 8 in London and eventually sentenced to 99 “I may not get there with you. But I want you would like to live a long life – longevity years in prison. He later insisted that someone else was to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. involved in the crime and also suggested a government promised land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to conspiracy. Ray died on April 23, 1998 at age 70. go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve about anything, I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes Sources: Defender files, history.com, King Center, have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” seen the Promised Land. National Archives By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
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Carving out greatness through service to others.
Community builders. They honor his legacy every day. They’re the great people all around us who lift our neighborhoods up through daily acts of service. Let’s all be community builders. It’s one of the best ways to honor the memory of the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Watch inspiring stories of small business owners who are bringing positive change to their neighborhoods through service to others at wellsfargo.com/communitybuilders.
© 2018 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. IHA-21985
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JANUARY 11 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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Floogals available on Universal Kids on Xfinity Stream app
A limited-time offer on limitless entertainment Today we stream in more places than ever before. That’s why Xfinity delivers the fastest Internet, so you’ll have the speed you need to stream at home. Or watch on the go with easy access to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide. Plus, with the Xfinity Stream app, you can stream live sports and hit TV shows, or even download your favorites to watch when you’re offline. Right now, you can get a limited-time offer on Xfinity, with more download speed than ever, for two whole years — until January 2020! Xfinity delivers the speed and streaming experience you want, at a price you can’t miss.
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Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to X1 Saver Double Play with Digital Starter TV and Performance Pro 150 Mbps Internet. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services (except Xfinity Mobile) are cancelled during the agreement term. Equipment, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $8.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $6.50/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: Fastest Internet claim based on Xfinity’s fastest available download speed. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Xfinity WiFi hotspots included with Performance Internet and above. Performance Starter and below not eligible. Available in select areas. Compares Xfinity X1 Saver Double Play to DirecTV’s Select All Included package & AT&T’s Internet 50 as of 12/19/17. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 11 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
Blacks hit hard by for-profit college debt
Mounting student debt is a nagging problem for most families these days. As the cost of higher education rises, borrowing to cover those costs often becomes a family concern across multiple generations including the student, parents, and even grandparents or other relatives. Today’s 21st century jobs usually demand higher education and specialized skills to earn one’s way into the middle class. In households where educational loans are inevitable, it becomes an important family decision to determine which institutions are actually worth the debt incurred. Equally important is the institution’s likelihood of its students graduating. New research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) analyzed student debt on a state-bystate basis. Titled “The State of For-Profit Colleges,” the report concludes that investing in a for-profit education is almost always a risky proposition. Undergraduate borrowing by state showed that the percentage of students that borrow from the federal government generally ranged between 40 to 60 percent for public colleges, compared to 50 to 80 percent at for-profit institutions. Additionally, both public and private, not-forprofit institutions, on average, lead to better results at a lower cost of debt, better earnings following graduation, and the fewest loan defaults. “In many cases, for-profit students are nontraditional students, making sacrifices and struggling to manage family and work obligations to make better lives for their families,” noted Robin Howarth, a CRL senior researcher. “For-profit colleges target them with aggressive marketing, persuading them to invest heavily in futures that will never come to pass. CRL also found that women and Blacks suffer disparate impacts, particularly at for-profit institutions, where they are disproportionately enrolled in most states. For example, enrollment at Mississippi’s for-profit colleges was 78 percent female and nearly 66 percent Black. Focus group interviews further substantiated these figures, and recounted poignant, real life experiences. Brianna, a 31-year-old Black female completed a medical assistant (MA) certificate at the now-defunct Everest University. Once she completed her MA certificate and passed the certification test, she found she could only find a job in her field of study that paid $12 per hour, much less than the $35,000-$45,000 salary that Everest told her would be her starting salary as a medical assistant. She was also left with $21,000 in student debt. As a result, she has struggled since matriculation with low credit scores and cramped housing conditions for herself and three children. For her, public schools, according to Brianna, are “better in the long run” due to their lower cost despite having more requirements for attendance. In Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and North Carolina, median for-profit student debt levels at graduation in these five states was much higher than that of their public peers, ranging from $29,947 to $34,891 for for-profit students compared to $21,605 to $23,638 for public students. These disparate outcomes are even more grievous when one takes into account that for-profit colleges are primarily funded by taxpayers, receiving up to 90 percent of their revenues from federal financial aid such as Pell Grants and federal student loans.
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Hollywood women reveal anti-harassment plan Defender News Service
2017 was the year of women speaking out against sexual harassment and assault. Make no mistake, that was no trend – that movement has continued in 2018. Now, 300 prominent Hollywood women announced a campaign called “Time’s Up.” Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Halle Berry, Lupita Nyong’o and others stood in solidarity in an open letter to the New York Times that states, “The struggle for women to break in, to rise up the ranks and to simply be heard and acknowledged in male-dominated workplaces must end; time’s up on this impenetrable monopoly.” So, what’s different about this campaign and the #MeToo Movement? Time’s Up takes it farther. While #MeToo gave a voice to women who have been harassed or assaulted, Time’s Up is taking those voices across all industries and is donating money to a legal defense fund to help them fight back. This has the potential to especially help women of color. The inspiration to represent more women of color in the sexual harassment, assault and gender bias fight, particularly in lowerwage industries, came from a letter written
by Alianza Nacional de Campesinas (The National Farmworker Women’s Alliance). The open letter acknowledges their struggle to raise their voices in industries where the harassment doesn’t have as big of a voice as, let’s say, an Ashley Judd or Gwyneth Paltrow. “To the members of Alianza and farmworker women across the country, we see you, we thank you, and we acknowledge the heavy weight of our common experience of being preyed upon, harassed, and exploited by those who abuse their power and threaten our physical and economic security. We have similarly suppressed the violence and demeaning harassment for fear that we will be attacked and ruined in the process of speaking. We share your feelings of anger and shame.” So far, the fund has raised over $13 million. Although 300 women announced the campaign, over 1,000 women in film, TV and theater signed the New York Times’ open letter, and each has given money to support the legal defense fund. The best thing about the Time’s Up campaign is that each woman who signed that letter acknowledged their privilege in having a powerful platform to raise their voices, which gives them a better opportunity of not only telling their stories but of being believed.
Shonda Rhimes
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 11 | 2018
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Rocket Gerald Green makes the most of second chance By MAX EDISON Defender
If you see native Houstonian Gerald Green on the street, feel free to wish him well but just don’t pinch him. He might wake up and realize he’s been living a dream for the last three weeks. Green, who played last season for the Celtics and helped them make it to the Eastern Conference finals, was unemployed and chilling in Boston when the call came from GM Daryl Morey to come home and work out for the Rockets and possibly earn a 10day contract. Morey liked what he saw and signed Green. What’s happened next has been nothing short of magical. Green was brought in to be an energy guy off the bench, replacing forward Luc Mbah a Moute who has been slow recovering from a shoulder injury. All Green has done is average 16.5 points in seven games, including a 27-point performance against Orlando, followed by a 29-point performance against the defending champion Golden State Warriors. For Green, a 6-foot-7 guard-forward, this Guard-forward Gerald Green is enjoying another opportunity to play with the Rockets. is his second opportunity with his hometown team. Drafted 18th overall in the first round by said. “I’ve always been able to shoot, but you can only the Boston Celtics in 2005, straight out of Gulf Shores do so much when you don’t get the opportunity. You Academy, Green has played for eight NBA franchises. can’t hit shots on the bench.” He played one game for the Rockets in 2008. As a native Houstonian, Green said playing for the Brought in to provide a spark off the bench with Rockets remains a dream come true. the second unit, Green is giddy over his role. “I’m on cloud nine and I don’t ever want to come “I’ve just got to go out there and try and create down,” he said. “I’m living my dream. I remember energy on both ends of the floor,” he said. “Just go out as a kid, sitting in front of the TV with my Pops. I there and play within myself. Play Rockets basketball remember when [the Rockets] swept Orlando. He was and just try and keep up the pace.” walking around the whole house with a broom. Those Green is willing to do whatever it takes to help the type of moments will always be nostalgic to me.” Rockets win. Though the Rockets have gone through a rough “If the team needs me to go out and pass out towpatch dealing with injuries to key players and losses, els, I’ll pass out towels. Whatever they need me to do Green is confident about their future. for the team to be successful and win a ring, I’m will“We’ve got to overcome and persevere,” he said. ing to do that. I thank God for giving me the energy “We’ve got to take it to the next level. I think this and talent to go out there and do what I do.” [adversity] makes the team stronger. I know through “Thank goodness we got him,” said head coach every storm there’s sunshine. I know something great Mike D’Antoni. “He’s not just good…He’s been really is going to happen to us and I’m ready for it.” good.” Because of his stellar play the Rockets have Though Green wasn’t on an NBA roster, he’s not rewarded Green with a guaranteed contract for the surprised that he’s been able to contribute immediately remainder of the season. to the Rockets on the offensive side. “I’m just happy to still be in the NBA,” he said. “All I have been doing is shooting in my driveway “I’ve had a long journey, but it’s not over. I’m here for and playing one-on-one with my Rottweiler,” Green a reason. I know everything’s meant to be.”
Green played high school basketball at Gulf Shores Academy (which no longer exists) and was one of the nation’s toprated prospects.
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sportsbriefs Texans request blocked
Cy Falls boys on the road to repeating By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
It should have come as no surprise why the Cypress Falls High School boys’ varsity basketball team was ranked No. 3 in the first Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 6A state poll of 2018. The reigning Class 6A state champions returned all five starters from the squad that finished 35-3 and defeated San Antonio Wagner 63-57 in the championship game at the Alamodome. Perhaps the mystery was why Cy-Falls was ranked No. 6 three months ago in the first TABC poll of the 2017-2018 high school Last season, the Cypress Falls boys celebrated the 2017 state basketball championship. basketball season. Despite ending last season on the wings of a 25-game winning streak, a handful of teams were deemed better than the Eagles. Find out about other high school Cy Falls head coach Richard Flores utilized the TABC poll teams to watch in 2018 for motivation purposes. “I told the players there are five teams better than us that didn’t even get to San Antonio,” Flores said. “Apparently, we’ve sibility has been shouldered by 6-foot-5 forward Kendall Scott, 6-foot-7 forward Deshang Weaver, 5-foot-11 guard Andrew still got work to do.” Nguyen and 6-foot-3 guard Nigel Hawkins. Cy Falls is off to an 18-3 start with losses com“When we buy into the system and play together, we ing to Waxahachie, Austin Westlake and North Little can beat anybody,” Nguyen said. Rock (Arkansas). Just like last season the Eagles are Flores believed that being battle-tested last season still ruling the greater Houston area. was a major reason why the Eagles were able to win so That doesn’t mean that Region III-6A is theirs many close games. Cy Falls won its five playoff games prior to lose. Sam Houston, Westside, Fort Bend Bush, Katy to reaching the state tournament by an average of 6.4 Tompkins, Eisenhower, Dickinson and Clear points. Lake figure to have a say-so in which “We like going into a hostile environment school from this region earns a spot in and winning games,” said Hawkins, who is still the March state basketball tournament. having to prove he’s one of the top players in Spring Dekaney and Klein Forest Texas despite being selected the state title game will have to navigate the rugged road MVP last year. “That makes it fun and gets us through Region II-6A for a tournament more hyped,” he said. berth. Cy Falls spent the preseason playing in a January is the month the heat number of tournaments that included the Great turns up in district races across the American Shootout, the RCS Sports Showcase city. Cy Falls opened the month with and the Neosho a 74-42 road victory at Cypress Woods. Flores believes those opportunities proPoint guard Trajan Wesley is still on vided valuable experience for his team, but he’s the mend from an injury. It was his key glad January is finally here. free throws in the game’s waning moThe Eagles would like nothing better than to ments against San Antonio Wagner that hang another state championship banner in their clinched the title a year ago. Nigel Hawkins own gym. In Wesley’s absence, more respon-
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The New England Patriots flexed their significant muscles and denied the Texans the right to interview Pats director of player personnel Nick Caserio and director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort. The Texans had plans to interview both men for their vacant general manager job. The pair may be granted permission after the Patriots conclude their playoff run, which could last until February. Caserio has worked with Texans head coach Bill O’Brienwhen O’Brien was an assistant coach in New England. Current assistant GM Jimmie Raye III and former Willowridge and Rice standout Will Clay are also expected to interview for the position. Clay is currently vice president of personnel with the Dallas Cowboys.
Astros trophy on tour If you’re a diehard Houston Astros fan and wished you could take a photo with the Commissioner’s Trophy that was awarded to the team after the World Series, that opportunity could come to pass. The Astros unveiled a plan to send the trophy on tour. Astros president Reid Ryan and Mattress Firm president and CEO Ken Murphy, whose company is sponsoring the tour, announced it willl make over 100 stops throughout the greater Houston area and the state of Texas “Bringing the first World Series championship to Houston has been an incredible source of pride for the entire Astros organization,” said Astros president Reid Ryan. “We look forward to making the Commissioner’s Trophy available to Astros fans and reliving that historic experience.” For more info on tour stops visit www. astros.com/trophytour.
Family propels Dekaney The Peavy connection has Spring Dekaney High School riding high in boys’ basketball. Head coach David Peavy has two sons playing on the team – senior 6-foot-3 guard D.J. and sophomore 6-foot7 post Micah. The No. 4 Class 6A state-ranked Wildcats improved to 20-3 on the season and 3-0 in District 16-6A with a 97-72 victory at Spring High School on Jan. 5. D.J. Peavy drilled three consecutive 3-pointers to open the contest and give Dekaney a 9-0 edge it never relinquished. D.J. finished with 18 points and five 3-pointers, all in the first half. Micah Peavy chipped in with 25 points, nine rebounds and five rim-rattling dunks. Malcolm Epps returned from the Under Armour All-America football festivities in Florida to supply 23 points and 10 rebounds. Epps is a University of Texas football signee at tight end. The Wildcats utilized spurts of 11-0 and 14-0 in the first half to take a 55-29 advantage into halftime. “It’s really fun watching them grow up,” said David Peavy, who stands 6-foot-2.
Players at all-star games Sixteen Houston area high school football players participated in two recent national all-star games. Justin Mader (Magnolia), Seth Small (Katy), Malcolm Epps (Dekaney), D’Shawn Jamison (Lamar), Al’Vonte Woodard (Lamar), Jalen Preston (Manvel), Keondre Coburn (Westfield), Mustapha Muhammad (Ridge Point) and B.J. Foster (Angleton) played in the Under Armour All-America game in Orlando. Colten Blanton (Cy Ranch), Anthony Cook (Lamar), Brennan Eagles (Alief Taylor), Jalen Green (Heights), Luke Matthews (Elkins), Leon O’Neal (Cy Springs), and Jaylen Waddle (Episcopal) participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 11 | 2018
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topevents
TOP LADIES SPRING CYPRESS CHAPTER CHARTER……..The Top Melodrama Boutique amid music, food and wine, and plenty of supporters Ladies of Distinction, a 54-year-old national service organization, celebrated the including Pastor Mia Wright, Miss Black Houston Symone Pellerin, Eliza chartering of its newest chapter, the Spring-Cypress Chapter. Eighteen new ladies Boquin, Artemis Reign, Khaliah Guillory, Barry Barnes, Paula Wilder, were inducted into the organization, as well as 11 adolescents into Top Teens of Floyd Worsley Sr., Kahn Grice, Tracy Beavers, Lynn Clouser, Mark Holden, America. The new chapter was organized by Regina Dickson and is led by its Cheryl Cooks and others.……..MARDIS GRAS INDIAN CELEBRATION….. president Alexis Herron. The luncheon event was emceed Chauncy Glover The Houston Arts Alliance’s Folklife + Civic Engagement program and Houston (ABC13), and had a host of current Top Ladies and Top Teens from around the Museum of African American Culture presented A Mardi Gras Indian Celebration nation in attendance. Supporters included TLOD national recently at HMAAC. Folk Arts Fellowship grantee and president Drema Lee Woldman, Harnell Williams, Janice master artist Terrence Gasper and his apprentices, Keith Defender TOP EVENTS Scimmons, Monique Miles, Joshua Buxie, Lauran Green, Elisha Barnes and Jaylon Warner, have been More photos on defendernetwork.com Pierce, Yaa Ana Agyeman-Yeboah, Marcus Sanders, working together to study the fine points of Mardi Gras Indian Tarankala Frank, Madison Williams, Thomas Franklin tradition for the last nine months. They offered a short talk/ and more.……..CRYSTAL HADNOTT BOOKSIGNING…..Entrepreneur, demonstration on the Mardi Gras Indian tradition. Gasper, the big chief of the White Eagle tribe, brought his skills to Houston after fleeing Hurricane Katrina. marathoner, professional speaker and Ebony Magazine executive Crystal Hadnott can now add author to her resume. Hadnott enjoyed a booksigning Attendees included event organizers John Guess and Pat Jasper, Dominique celebrating her contribution to the Stacy Holden’s book “People of Memorial Mitchell, Rosyland Jeffries, Kenneth Pinkney, Danielle Smith, Arie White, Spencer Benford and many more. Park.” Hadnott, a Chevron Houston Marathon ambassador, held the event at
Alexis Herron, Tarankala Frank
Stacy Holden, Crystal Hadnott
Terrence Gasper, Keith Green
Thomas Franklin, Ashleigh Bell, Madison Williams, Christopher Williams
Eliza Boquin, Artemis Reign, Pastor Mia Wright
John Guess, Pat Jasper
Regina Dixon, Chauncy Glover
Floyd Worsley Sr., Kahn Grice
Kenneth Pinkney, Danielle Smith
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