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WHITNEY HOUSTON invitation only funeral
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BLACK HISTORY OPINION
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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 81 | Number 16 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16, 2012 | FREE
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African-American History Month
Anthony Chase
leads Greater Houston Partnership H Page 10
H.S. ZONE
GREG WISE guides Yates Lions
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Jose and Kathryn Grinan at Mardi Gras Gala
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Kelsey-Seybold
Tyler Perry
partners with Defender
discusses success
In an effort to promote better health awareness, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – which has 20 locations in the Houston area – is partnering with the Defender in a series of articles written by health care professionals. Obstetrician/ gynecologist Dr. Earl Lombard introduces the series with an article on health and Black women.
Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry has achieved amazing success in show business. Though born in poverty and subjected to abuse, he found the faith and strength to persevere. Perry talks about his triumphs and the importance of positive thinking. He also discusses his new movie, “Good Deeds,” which features a star-studded cast. H Page
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Earl Lombard, M.D.
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Facebook Question What’s your favorite Whitney Houston song?
Book TALK She lost her husband and daughter in a terrible train wreck. Now, Houston resident Bernice Dickey details how she picked up the pieces and put her life back together in her new book, “My #1 is still my #1.” On DefenderNetwork.com.
Celebs
Friends, fans and family say goodbye to Whitney
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At HCC, our faculty knows the theory yet applies the practice of real-world experience in the very same classroom. We are preparing students to be the next generation of thinkers and doers.
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English Professor Encore Theatre Founder Harold Haynes
This February, Channel 13 honors those who have dedicated their lives to the progress and enrichment of African-American culture and heritage in our community.
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HISD to offer innovative career programs
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About $1.5 million of the cost would be covered by federal funds specifirecently approved cally designated for vocational education Houston Indeprograms. The schools would eventually pendent School serve a combined total of 1,200 students District plan is a year at a cost of roughly $135,000 per designed to draw school. students back into In addition to taking standard core six neighborhood high schools with courses required of all high school stustrong career and technical education dents, HILZ students will take courses programs. taught by college professors using a blend Beginning this summer, students of face-to-face and online instruction. at Furr, Kashmere, Long, Scarborough, Each HILZ school will offer a techSterling, and Booker T. Washington nology-rich college atmosphere. Schools high schools will be able to enroll in will pursue partnerships with businesses the newly-created Houston Innovative that match their instructional themes. Learning Zone (HILZ) programs. The six HILZ schools are: By the time the students graduate 1.The School of Electronic EngineerBooker T. Washington High School will be part of a new HISD program beginning this from high school, they will have earned summer. Above, a student works with a classroom project. ing at Furr, providing knowledge and abila college associate’s degree and career ity for a career in electronics and informacertifications to help them land jobs in tion technology. The HILZ programs will be located at high some of the region’s most in-demand professions. 2.The School for Process Technology at Kashschools that have substantial building space availThe programs are tailored to meet the current mere, providing training for high-skill, high-wage able for neighborhood students who have chosen and future needs of industries that include the jobs needed in the manufacturing industry. to attend other HISD schools by taking advantage fields of medicine, shipping, energy, manufactur3.The School for Pharmacy Technology of the district’s open enrollment policies. ing and computer technology. at Long, providing clinical and business skills Nearly 1,600 students live in neighborhoods “These HILZ programs take traditional voneeded to work with pharmacists and physicians. served by the six HILZ campuses, but currently cational education to a higher level,” said HISD 4.The School for Network and Computer attend schools elsewhere. Superintendent Terry Grier. “HILZ graduates will Administration at Scarborough, preparing students “HISD’s strength lies in school choice and leave our high schools with certifications that for career opportunities that design, install and competition,” Grier said. “But for true choice to Houston employers seek when filling high-paying support computer networks. exist, students and their parents must trust that all job vacancies. 5.The School of Logistics and Global Supply neighborhood schools offer the same level of rigor “HILZ graduates will also have 45 to 60 hours at Sterling, providing knowledge and ability to as other HISD schools. of college credit from our Houston Community pursue a career in areas such as exporting/import“This necessary investment in our neighborCollege partner. These credits will transfer to ing, global transportation and warehouse, and hood high schools shows that HISD is committed articulated programs at Texas universities, posidistribution center management. to ensuring that students don’t have to catch a bus tioning HILZ graduates for success in a four-year 6. The School of Manufacturing Technology across town to get a good education.” college if they choose to forego an immediate at Booker T. Washington, preparing students for The program calls for nearly $5 million in career.” real world manufacturing techniques. startup funds, spread over a four-year period. Defender News Services
localbriefs HOMELESS VETERANS will have a new place to call home. A groundbreaking was recently held for the Travis Street Plaza, an $18 million Midtown project that will include 192 housing units. Members of Houston’s veteran community were joined at the groundbreaking by city and state officials and representatives of Amegy Bank, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, the Supportive Housing National Equity Fund and the Houston Housing Authority……..HISD’S BOARD OF EDUCATION EXTENDED the contract of Superintendent Terry Grier through June 2014. Trustees Paula Harris, Greg Meyers, Manuel Rodriguez Jr., Larry Marshall, and Harvin Moore
voted for the extension. President Michael Lunceford and trustees Juliet Stipeche and Rhonda SkillernJones abstained. Trustee Anna Eastman voted against the measure. Harris cited “huge jumps” in student achievement during Dr. Grier’s tenure…….. PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS will benefit from increased funding from the Department of Housing and Urban. Texas will receive $72.5 million in federal funds to improve public housing as part of a nationwide grant from HUD. The grant was awarded through a program which allows authorities to build, repair, renovate, and modernize public housing in their communities. Locally, HUD awarded $250,000 to the Houston Housing
Authority to address emergency, safety, and security needs at its public housing properties, including measures to fight crime and drug activities…….. CONSTABLE MAY WALKER has been cleared of alleged campaign finance improprieties by a Harris County grand jury. Walker was the subject of an investigation by the County District Attorney’s Office. “Prosecutors and investigators exhaustively gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses,” said D.A. Pat Lykos. “I commend them for their diligence and professionalism. Our system of justice involves many checks and balances. We respect the integrity of the process and the decisions made by grand jurors.”
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national
Maryland case
puts HBCUs in spotlight
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Defender News Services
much-publicized trial to determine whether Maryland’s four historically Black colleges and universities have been discriminated against has drawn attention to HBCUs. A ruling in the case is expected by this summer. The institutions – Morgan State University, Bowie State University, Coppin State University and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore – filed a $2.1 billion suit against the state, claiming injustice in the funding process and segregated practices. The suit wants to compel Maryland to make its four HBCUs “comparable and competitive.” It was filed against the Maryland Higher Education Commission by the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education, a consortium of students and alumni of the HBCUs who share a frustration with the state’s continuous neglect of Black colleges and the education of African-American students.
Morgan State University students Jasmine Wicks, Hakeem Hooker, Alvin Hill and Brian Stewart show support for their HBCU.
While neglecting to adequately fund the four Black universities, the suit contends, white state institutions of higher education were provided resources that gave them significant advantages over HBCUs. According to witnesses and court documents, the state of Maryland’s higher education system has a long history of racial segregation. “Throughout its history, Maryland has systematically engaged in policies and practices that established and perpetuated
a racially segregated system of higher education,” the suit asserts. “Maryland first instituted its system of public higher education in 1807 by establishing the University of Maryland at Baltimore. This was a White-only institution. “Maryland subsequently established four other Whiteonly, public institutions of higher education…” The case is being monitored by other public universities around the country.
Has Black leadership abandoned Roland Martin? By AFRO Staff
The furor over CNN contributor Roland Martin’s controversial Super Bowl tweets and his subsequent suspension by the network has, curiously, been devoid of comment by Black leadership. “I am very embarrassed at the silence within the Black leadership community,” Raynard Jackson, a Washington, D.C.-based political strategist and commentator, told the AFRO. In a related commentary sent to the AFRO, Jackson called out civil
rights leaders and Black lawmakers including Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Ben Jealous, Marc Morial and the Congressional Black Caucus. “These are the same people who would call Roland Martin and ask to come on his TV show when they need to promote an issue or when they need him to do a column that would advance their cause,” Jackson said. “But, now that he is in trouble, not one voice is to be heard supporting him.” Causing the uproar was Martin’s Super Bowl Twitter commentary, including opinions on an ad depict-
ing soccer star David Beckham in underwear. “If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad,” he wrote, “smack the ish out of him! ”He later wrote on Facebook, “Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass.” Gay rights watchdog group GLAAD immediately decried the posts, urging CNN to fire the political analyst. And, despite Martin’s explanaContinued on Page 5
U.S.briefs TWO MILLION WORKERS WILL BE TRAINED under a new $8 billion Community College to Career Fund announced by President Barack Obama. Co-administered by the Department of Labor and the Department of Education, the fund will help forge new partnerships between community colleges and businesses to train workers for goodpaying jobs in high-growth and high-demand industries. Those industries include health care, transportation and advanced manufacturing. The fund will also support paid internships for low-income community college students that will allow them to earn credit for workbased learning while gaining employment experience. States will also be able to seek funding to support employer efforts to upgrade the skills of their workforce……..FORMER NEW ORLEANS MAYOR RAY NAGIN is under investigation by federal authorities. The investigation includes whether Nagin received favors from city vendors in return for contracts they received while he served as mayor. Nagin told a New Orleans TV reporter that the allegations were not new. “They’re three years old, and they keep coming up,” he said. “I only want an opportunity to finally deal with them. Hopefully we can have an honest, open approach where truth and justice can prevail…” Nagin became nationally known in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated his city…….. THE PARENTS OF FLORIDA A&M hazing victim Robert Champion filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner and driver of the charter bus where the tragic ritual took place. The lawsuit alleges that company officials knew that band members held hazing rituals regularly on buses after football games but did nothing to stop them. When contacted, the owner of Fabulous Coach Lines said he needed time to prepare a statement. The suit also revealed new details about the night their son died. A pledge who was hazed with Champion said FAMU band members treated Champion more brutally than others. His death is being investigated as a homicide.
VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 16 WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Webmaster Corneleon Block
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender 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 2011 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Roland Martin... Continued from page 4 tion that his comments were not meant to be homophobic, followed by an apology and, later, a promise to meet with GLAAD, CNN decided to suspend the commentator. In cyberspace, both support for and criticism of Martin has been effusive. Responding to Martin’s comments that he would meet with GLAAD, Frances Marie wrote on Martin’s Facebook page: “Make sure you bring them a copy of ALL of your ‘Roland Rules’ and highlight all of the whipdatass comments made about heterosexuals and ask them why they didn’t have an issue with those.” Juan Richardson also wrote: “In no way shape or fashion did his comment mention sexual orientation or violence against gays. It is commonplace for Black folk to use the phrase ‘smack the ish out of...’ and know perfectly well that no harm is intended. The problem is that GLAAD, while purporting itself as an organization that defends the rights of the LGBT community (as a whole) is headed by hypersensitive ‘non-Blacks’ who don’t grasp Black lingo. This is a non-issue.” Others denounced CNN’s treatment of Martin as unfair, given its failure to punish other contributors who have made similarly controversial comments. For example, Dana Loesch recently cheered members of the United States Marine Corps for uriRoland Martin nating on the bodies of dead Afghans and suggested if she were there, she’d do the same. Loesch remains on the air and neither she nor CNN has apologized. “The clear difference between the two cases? A sense that CNN’s audience was offended,” and GLAAD’s well-established system for influencing public opinion, Alyssa RosenTom Joyner berg wrote in an article on ThinkProgress.org. She later added, “Loesch’s comments… offended human rights advocates and decent people everywhere. But that’s not the same as running afoul of an organization with a well-established plan to respond to these kinds of events and a well-worn path to media outlets who would cover and amplify their response.” More recently, syndicated radio host Tom Joyner called on Martin to give an apology, regardless of the context in which he wrote his comments. “Roland, we love you and need you full force to be able to do what you do—represent us and our views on CNN and other arenas,” Joyner wrote in an open letter to Martin posted on his blog. “In order to continue your role on that show, on the speaking circuit, etc., it’s time for you to make a sincere apology to GLAAD. When people are offended by something we say or do, it doesn’t matter what our intentions are. The job of the offender is simply to apologize and learn a lesson about what to say or do going forward,” Joyner said.
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entertainment Tyler Perry
discusses success, ‘Good Deeds’
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By Kam Williams Defender
yler Perry’s inspirational journey from the hard streets of New Orleans to the heights of Hollywood’s A-list is the stuff of American legend. Born into poverty and raised in a household scarred by abuse, Tyler fought from a young age to find the strength, faith and perseverance that would later form the foundations of his muchacclaimed plays, films, books and TV shows. It was a simple piece of advice from Oprah Winfrey that set Tyler’s career in motion. Encouraged to keep a diary of his daily thoughts and experiences, he began writing a series of soul-searching letters to himself. His writing inspired a musical, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” and in 1992 he gathered his life’s savings and set off for Atlanta in hopes of staging it for sold out crowds. He spent all the money but the people never came, and Perry once again came face to face with the poverty that had plagued his youth. He spent months sleeping in seedy motels and his car but his faith – in God and, in turn, himself – only got stronger. He forged a powerful relationship with the church, and kept writing. In 1998, his perseverance paid off and a promoter booked “I Know I’ve Been Changed” for a limited run at a local church-turned-theater. This time, the community came out in droves, and soon the musical moved to Atlanta’s prestigious Fox Theatre. And Tyler Perry never looked back. Thus began an incredible run of 13 plays in as many years. In the year 2000, “I Can Do Bad All by
Myself” marked the first appearance of the now-legendary Madea, a God-fearing, loud-mouthed grandmother played by Perry himself. Madea was such a resounding success she soon spawned a series of plays that set the stage for Tyler’s jump to the big screen. Perry expanded his reach to television with the TBS series “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns.” In 2008, Perry opened a 200,000 square-foot studio in Atlanta. Listen to Perry and you’ll hear a man who hasn’t forgotten where he came from or the folks who helped him. He has donated generously to charities that focus on helping the homeless, including Perry Place, a 20-home community that he built for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Here, he talks about his new film, “Good Deeds,” a relationship drama which he wrote, directed and stars in opposite an A-list cast which includes Thandie Newton, Gabrielle Union, Phylicia Rashad, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Beverly Johnson and Brian White. KW: “Good Deeds” is a unique film. How did you come up with the idea for the story? Perry: For me, it was a question of just reflecting at 40 that I was very grateful that I had followed my own voice. So, that led me to my own path and I listened to outside influences. “Good Deeds” is a story about a guy who had always done what he was told to do but never what he wanted to do until his defining moment arrives when someone comes along who helps open his eyes. I’ve had a few of those moments in my own life like when during a job interview I was told, Continued on Page 14
what’sup CHRIS BROWN remains one of the big Grammy Awards stories. Some observers wonder if the awards show went overboard welcoming back Brown, who in 2009, physically assaulted his then girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the awards show. This year, Brown performed twice on the telecast and took home an award for Best R&B Album for “F.A.M.E.” Other award-winners included CEE LO GREEN, co-winner for R&B Album Song; CORRINE BAILEY RAE, R&B Performance; KANYE WEST, Rap Album and Rap Song; Kanye and JAY-Z, Rap Performance, and RIHANNA, co-winner, Rap/ Song Collaboration........Music World Gospel
recording artist LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON won a Grammy for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for her single “Jesus.” She also performed on the Grammy pre-telecast ceremony…….. ROBERTA FLACK is back. She recently released “Let it Be Roberta,” her first recording in 13 years. She sings Beatles tunes on the 12-song disc. “I’ve been working the whole time,” said Flack, who just turned 75. “I’ve never been one of those an-album-or-two-albums-everytwo-years people. I’m a person who has to love a song, feel a song, want to do the song. That really explains the 13 years.” She added that she’s always admired the Beatles……..
OPRAH WINFREY’S television network is facing tough times, and now her magazine is in a similar bind. According to advertising and media magazine Adweek, the Audit Bureau of Circulations announced that sales of O magazine plunged 32 percent in the second half last year, after falling 8 percent in the first half……...THE LATE BERNIE MAC gets a tribute fit for a king when “I Ain’t Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac” debuts on Comedy Central Sunday, Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. The tribute follows the development of Mac’s unique performance style and his rise to fame. It features interviews with his colleagues, friends and family.
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This could be history in the making Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contributions and events made possible by African Americans. This history is our history, and part of the fabric of America. Today, history continues to be made through the achievements of children in our communities. We’re celebrating their future, and Randalls is proud to be part of the celebration.
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entertainment
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Whitney Houston’s family decides on private funeral Defender News Services
Beyoncé holds Blue Ivy Carter
Beyoncé, Jay-Z introduce Blue Ivy Defender News Services
New parents Beyoncé and Jay-Z introduced their infant daughter Blue Ivy Carter to the world via photos on two blogs. The photos include shots of Blue Ivy by herself with each parent,
and there’s also a photo of her tiny hand touching an adult’s fingertips. “We welcome you to share in our joy,” said a message from the couple. “Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives!! The Carter Family.”
Family and friends of Whitney Houston prepared to say goodbye to the entertainment superstar at an invitation-only funeral on Feb. 18, at the Newark, N.J., church where she first sang as a child. The owner of the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark said there would be no public service for Houston. “They have shared her for 30 some years with the city, with the state, with the world,” said Carolyn Whigham. “This is their time now for their farewell. The family thanks all the fans, the friends and the media, but this time is their private time,” she said. The 48-year-old Houston died Feb. 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, hours before she was set to perform at a pre-Grammy Awards party. Prescription drugs were found in her room and she had struggled for years with cocaine,
marijuana and pills. Officials said she was underwater and apparently unconscious when she was pulled from a bathtub. After performing an autopsy, authorities said there were no indications of foul play or signs of trauma. The coroner’s office said it could be weeks before it completes toxicology tests to establish the cause of death. A memorial for Houston was held during the Grammys, with Jennifer Hudson singing “I Will Always Love You.” Born in Newark, Houston was the daughter of noted gospel singer Cissy Houston and the cousin of Dionne Warwick. She became a best-selling artist from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, turning out such hits as “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” ‘’How Will I Know,” and ‘’The Greatest Love of All.” She starred in such films as “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” She leaves behind an 18-yearold daughter, Bobbi Kristina, from her marriage to singer Bobby Brown. The late, great Whitney Houston
defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012 | DEFENDER
African-American History Month
Ensemble brings Emmett Till story to life By ASWAD WALKER Defender
For Black History Month, the Ensemble Theatre and the Houston Museum of African-American Culture have collaborated to present the play, “The Ballad of Emmett Till.” The sold-out play, which runs through Feb. 26, seeks to not only enlighten a new generation to critical facts missed about this historic crime, but more importantly give voice to young Till’s life. Till was a 14-year-old Chicago teen brutally murdered in 1955 while visiting relatives in Mississippi. Accused of flirting with a white woman, he was beaten, shot and thrown in a river. His bloated, mutilated body was found three days later, and his death sparked an outcry in Black America. New York-based producer and actress Elizabeth Van Dyke cherishes her opportunity Joseph “Joe P” Palmore (left), who portrays Emmett Till, is joined by Kendrick Brown in the Ensemble play. to direct this moving piece of creative nonfiction. wonderful. You get to know Emmett Till, the boy “We know very little about Emmett Till, but when with friends and family; aspects you don’t normally you do your research you learn more not only about Till get to see. The play is not just about the event that hapbut about our history,” said Van Dyke. pened to him, but rather it’s about Emmett, which makes “And we’ve seen some horrific things, yet we overthe loss so much more profound,” added Van Dyke. come and thrive. I’ve always been astounded by how Bayeza views Till as the embodiment of the change resilient, dignified and amazing we are. That’s why I’m that took place in the 1950s and ‘60s. attracted to this play. If we know our history it embold“In all his innocence, Emmett put a direct challenge ens, empowers and inspires us.” to the status quo, and thereby began its crumbling,” said Van Dyke seeks to portray not only the horror of Bayeza. “Sharing Emmett’s voice and the life he lived, Till’s murder, but the enduring spirit of courage of Till’s it encourages young Black people to understand the curmother and the movement that was born. She also wants rency they have. Emmett symbolized the youth activism the audience to learn about Till’s life. of the movement.” “What [playwright] Ifa Baeza has done is quite The play has been performed in Los Angeles,
where it was extended three times, and at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, garnering the venue’s largest opening night ever. With sold-out shows and nightly standing ovations, Bayeza says the play allows young people to connect to our past, while serving as an acknowledgment of the work of the children of the Civil Rights Movement. “For seniors, it’s a cathartic experience, seeing how dramatically our country has changed, and that growth was possible. For white Americans and globally, it puts the Black struggle in a global context so folk see the Arab Spring as a descendant of Emmett’s summer in Mississippi. Showing Emmett’s life and courage takes the Black experience out of victimization and puts the life force back into it,” said Bayeza. “You always hear about the death, the death, the death, but playing him, you get to see who Emmett is; how he was sharp as a tack, a class clown, fun-loving, always clean, and loved clothes,” said Joseph “Joe P” Palmore, who plays the leading role in the production. “When we get to the end, with the horrible parts, I have to actually be in that moment. It stretches me as an actor more than any other role, and it’s taught me a lot about that period of our history,” he added. The Ensemble’s production of Till is the first time an African-American company has performed the work, and the first time it is being fully produced in a Southern venue. “It’s such a blessing that a city like Houston has a major African-American theater which can tell its stories from its own point of view, often using Black artists, casts, designers, directors to do it,” said Van Dyke.
2012 Urban Invitational
Jennifer Holliday, Ruben Studdard to perform Grammy and Tony Award-winning entertainer Jennifer Holliday and American Idol season-two winner Ruben Studdard will perform at the 2012 Urban Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Minute Maid Park. Their performances, and the games that follow, will air live on MLB Network and MLB.com. Studdard, an alumnus of HBCU Alabama A&M University, will sing the National Anthem before the first pitch of Saturday’s matchup at 3 p.m. Holliday, a Houston native and alumnus of Texas Southern University, will perform “America the Beautiful” before the final game of the day, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. In addition, MLB and the Houston Astros will host a battle of the bands competition between TSU’s
“Ocean of Soul” and Prairie View A&M University’s “Marching Storm.” The performances are scheduled for 6 p.m., also at Minute Maid Park. The Urban Invitational is an annual roundrobin collegiate baseball tournament designed to give HBCUs and their baseball programs national exposure. The 2012 tournament will feature five HBCUs: TSU, PV, Alabama State, Grambling State University and Southern University. NCAA Division-I school University of California, Irvine will also participate in the invitational. Tickets to the games and events at Minute Maid Park will be available to the general public for $5. Jennifer Holliday
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Anthony Chase leads Greater Houston Partnership
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By ASWAD WALKER Defender
ative son Anthony “Tony” Chase was recently named chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), the primary advocate of Houston’s business community. As chairman, Chase is responsible for charting the course for the economic prosperity of the Greater Houston area. He has chosen four areas of focus he believes provide Houston with its greatest challenges and opportunities – education, transportation, small business promotion and making Houston the natural gas capital of the world. Chase is chairman and CEO of ChaseSource, L.P. and ChaseSource Real Estate Services. He was formerly chairman and CEO of ChaseCom, L.P., which was sold in 2007 to AT&T. The son of John Chase, the first African-American licensed to practice architecture in the state of Texas, and Drucie Chase, an educator, Tony has blazed an incredible professional trail of his own, heading multiple companies and serving as a tenured faculty member for the University of Houston’s Law Center. With degrees in business, government, and law – all from Harvard –
and a resume full of successes, Chase’s experiences and expertise are now being tapped to guide Houston’s economic health for 2012. The Defender spoke with Chase, a former Eagle Scout, about his plans for the GHP. Defender: How does your agenda for the GHP relate to small businesses in general and minority businesses in particular? Chase: There are 90,000 small businesses in Houston employing 685,000 people. Enhancing the environment for small businesses is a top priority. One way we will do this is with the Small Business Resource Center, a virtual center on our website (www. houston.org) that will serve as a hub offering numerous resources to help them grow. At the federal level, we will lobby for regulations that support a small business friendly environment. To the extent we support small business, we help minority business. Defender: How will the GHP improve educational outcomes for Houston’s Black and Latino students?
About Anthony ‘Tony’ Chase Born March 17, 1955 Parents John Saunders Chase (architect) and Drucie Chase (teacher) Education Harvard University, B.A. in economics and government Harvard Business School, MBA Harvard Law School, J.D. Companies founded Chase Telecommunications (1994) ChaseCom (1998) Telecom Opportunity Institute (1998, co-founder) Chase Radio Partners (2000) ChaseSource (2001, co-founder). Other Tenured faculty, University of Houston Law Center Boards Cornell Companies (lead director)
Western Gas Partners, LP Texas Medical Center Northern Trust Bank of Texas Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (vice chairman) Awards Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Businessman of the Year Award, Business and Professional Men’s Club Lamont Godwin National Achievement Award, Rainbow PUSH Coalition Outstanding Young Businessman Award, Texas Business Magazine Bank of America’s Pinnacle Award Life Philosophy “I have a strong belief in God, and live by the servant leader philosophy. I’m honored to be in a position to lead; it’s a position of service.”
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Chase: Texas ranks near bottom of educational achievement in the U.S. That’s unacceptable. HISD is the largest school district in the state and we have to have improved educational outcomes. An educated workforce is necessary for Houston’s success. Part of the solution is resources. During the last legislative session there were big cuts to education spending. We will work with legislators to fund programs that have proven outcomes. We’ll also support math and science programs like STEM that focus particularly on Black and Latino students who make up over 75 percent of HISD today, and the Apollo 20 program, so we can identify strategies that work and then support them. Defender: What past professional experiences will you draw from the most in order to make your vision for the GHP and Houston a reality? Chase: My experiences in totality provide me with a broad perspective on the challenges I may confront, of which I’m sure there’ll be plenty. For instance, regarding transportation, Houston’s population will double in the next 20 years. Congestion will only increase. In education, we’re at the bottom of the heap, and we’re cutting funding. The challenges are pretty clear. Defender: What is the GHP’s vision of transportation repair? Chase: Houston’s transportation challenges and solutions are varied. They don’t rely on any one type of solution; we need them all. The Panama Canal is in the process of being widened and the Port of Houston’s traffic will be doubled. Houston’s airports need to be properly maintained to handle the increased traffic projected. Our task is to stay ahead of the curve. Defender: What do you hope to accomplish a chairman? Chase: I’m only chairman for a year, which is not a very long time. But at end of the year I want to see tangible improvement on each of the priorities that I’ve laid out. Houston is in pretty good shape comparatively – first in job, housing and population growth; the last city to enter into recession; the first and only city to come out of the recession. So Houston is arguably as healthy economically as any city in the country due in large part because of a long-term approach to Houston’s issues. I intend to take that same approach.
he Houston area for over 80 years
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GHP promotes economic prosperity
Partnership Chairman Anthony Chase, former Chairman Larry Kellner (center) and President and CEO Jeff Moseley present the gavel to the outgoing chair.
History
The Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) was founded in 1989 with the merger of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Economic Development Council and the Houston World Trade Association. Today, GHP is one of the nation’s most influential business organizations, representing the interests of the Houston region’s enterprises, from the local entrepreneur to the global Fortune 500.
Objective
The principal objective of the Partnership, which traces its roots back to Houston’s original Chamber of Commerce
founded in 1840, is to build regional economic prosperity. The Partnership facilitates relocations and expansions in the Houston area, international outreach initiatives such as business development missions outside the U.S. and receiving foreign trade delegation, and strategic planning. The 10-county Houston region encompasses Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller counties. The GHP is the primary advocate for local, regional, state and federal public policies that establish Houston as a top region in the U.S. for business. ASWAD WALKER
12 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012
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African-American History Month
Upcoming Black history events
T
he 16th annual Citywide AfricanAmerican Artists Exhibition continues through March 3 at the Community Artists’ Collective, 1413 Holman, and Heritage Plaza, 1111 Bagby. Sponsored by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston through Five-A (the African American Art Advisory Association at the MFAH), the exhibitions offer artists the opportunity to show their work to a broader public and the collecting community. Artists and curatorial talks are held each Thursday from noon-1 p.m. at Heritage Plaza and select Saturdays at the Community Artists’ Collective. Contact: thecollective.org/ citywide or 713-639-7587. “The Break of Day,” a play written by Dr. Elizabeth Brown-Guillory and directed by Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard will be presented by the Texas Southern University Department of Performing and Visual Arts Feb. 16-18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 and 26 at 4 p.m. in the Ollington Smith Playhouse on the TSU campus. The play addresses themes of healing and love as family members deal with the death of a loved one. Theater students make up the cast. Tickets are $5 general admission and can be purchased at the door. Contact: 713-313-7157 or melonconm@tsu.edu.
Branch Library will present an AfricanAmerican Read-In on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. in the meeting room, 1530 Texas Parkway. Guests can read aloud from their favorite works or from books provided by the library. Each reader will have a three-minute time limit. Contact: 281-238-2100. Author Daniel Black discusses his book, “Perfect Peace: A Novel,” on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.
393-1313. Filmmaker Shukree Hassan Tilghman will attend the screening of his film “More Than a Month” on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at Rice Cinema, Entrance No. 8, University Boulevard at Stockton. His tongue-in-cheek journey to end Black History Month explores the complexity and contradictions of relegating an entire group’s history to one month in a so-called “post-racial” America. There will be Q&A session after the film. The event is co-sponsored by Houston PBS. Contact: houstonpbs.org or 713748-8888. Baba Alafia and the Magical Storytime, a program that incorporates stories and games involving African drums and percussive instruments, takes place Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. at Walter Neighborhood Library, 7660 Clarewood. Contact: www. houstonlibrary.org or 832393-1313.
Vera Greene of Greater St. Matthew Church will present Black Women in American History and Culture on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. in the Bayou Building, Garden Room, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. The Earthen Vessels: presentation is sponsored Sandra Organ Dance Company African Americans can research their roots at a Feb. 25 workshop hosted by the Friends of Emancipation Park. by the university’s Office (EVSODC) presents its 14th of Intercultural and Interannual Black History Month performance national Student Services. Contact: hernanat Central Library, 500 McKinney. It tells the Feb. 17-19 and 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. at the dezsu@uhcl.edu or 281-283-2565. story of a Southern family’s struggle with a Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex mother’s decision to raise a newborn son as a The Friends of Emancipation Park 2201 Preston (at Hutchins). The program, girl. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832host a workshop on African-American “Mothers of the Movement: Matriarchs and 393-1313. family research presented by the Red River Heroines of Black History,” tells stories and Sankofa Historical Society on Feb. 25 from pays homage to female pioneers of the Civil The work of children’s book 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Emancipation Park Rights Movement including Sojourner Truth, illustrator Floyd Cooper will be explored Feb. Community Center, 3018 Dowling Street. The Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks through 21 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Smith Neighborhood deadline to register is Feb. 18. The multimusic and dance. Other choreographic works Library, 3624 Scott St. Contact: www. media presentation will address challenges of take inspiration from well-known writers and houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-1313. African-American genealogical research and singers. Special guest is Yolanda Gibbs, a explain available resources. Participants can Lauren Anderson, the first Africanformer company member who originated many learn how to use Census records, bank and American principal dancer in the Houston of the roles. General admission is $18 and $12 military records, wills and other methods. The Ballet, will give a presentation on “The for students, seniors or groups of 10 or more. cost is $30. Registration at the door is $35.00. Nutcracker” Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. at Mancuso Contact: 713-225-0677 or www.evsdance.org. Contact: http://www.redriversankofa.org/ Neighborhood Library, 6767 Bellfort. index.html, 713-491-0971 or 281-350-5038. The Fort Bend County Missouri City Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-
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MY TV FADES TO BLACK, EVEN WHEN IT’S ON. I can add more color to my programming by just changing the station, and not adjusting the saturation. I can get more urban networks like TV One™ and Black Cinema On Demand. And my involvement in the Comcast Digital Connectors Program has helped me polish my digital skills and create videos that tell my side of the story. I’ve always dreamed big; now I dream even bigger.
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14 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012
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The breakfast klub offers waffle mix, seasoning products shaker and will retail for $7.50. Both products will be sold in the restauThe breakfast klub, a Houston dining rant, but will eventually be sold, along with institution famous for its “Wings & Waffles” other branded products on the breakfast klub and “Katfish & Grits,” is celebrating its 10th website and at retailers locally first, then will anniversary with the launch of two new roll out to the national market. branded products that capture the essence Inspired by a passion to provide of its signature dishes that have made it so Houstonians with good food served famous. in a soulful atmosphere, Davis The two new products, the breakfast established the breakfast klub in Klub Waffle & Pankake Mix and the break2001. Zagat-rated, it is a casual fast klub “Signature Seasoning – Soulful & family-style restaurant decorated Savory,” are the first of a line of products with modern art, lush plants and that the establishment plans to roll out in Waffle & Pankake wood tables. the months to come. Mix Located in Houston’s Mid“Over the years, many of our customers town, it has been recognized as one have asked me the secret to our world-famous waffles and of the “best breakfast restaurants wings,” said owner Marcus Davis. in the nation” by Good Morning “While you can’t box what makes the breakfast America, USA Today, Esquire and klub so special, I thought it was a good time to offer our Forbes Magazines. customers an opportunity to enjoy some of their favorites It has also been recognized by from the breakfast klub at home.” Signature Seasoning the Houston Press 2011 Readers Choice The waffle and pancake mix will be offered in a as best breakfast, 2011 My Table Culinary Award-winner two-pound, 12-serving sized package with easy-to-make for favorite breakfast and Best of Citysearch 2011 winner directions that only require adding water, and will retail in the breakfast category. for $5.99. The seasoning will be available in an 11-ounce
Classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Defender News Services
teaches strength, and that you can make it…So, it’s most important that you surround yourself with positivity always, and have it in your mind at all times. KW: When was the last time you had a good laugh? Perry: Listen, I’m in desperate need of one right now [because of Whitney Houston’s passing]. I try to have a good one at least every other day. KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? Perry: If you’re Black, you can’t just be ordinary. All successful Black people are extraordinary. If you are tremendously successful, and you’re Black, you are extraordinary, or you wouldn’t stand out in this world… KW: How do you get through the tough times?
Perry: Prayer. Lots of prayer.
Holder pays tribute to Barbara Jordan believer in the need for civic engagement – and in the ability of U.S. Attorney Americans to bridge General Eric Holder long-standing divipaid a visit to Wheatsions, to overcome ley High School in a history of injustice commemoration of and inequality, and Black History Month to build a future that and the late Conreflects this nation’s gresswoman Barbara founding ideals,” Jordan’s 75th birthHolder said. day. He also discussed Holder, who was the importance of the invited to Houston Voting Rights Act and by Congresswoman Wheatley High School welcomed (l. to r.) Congresswoman Sheila Jackson said all Americans Sheila Jackson Lee, Lee, Attorney General Eric Holder, Rosemary McGowan, sister of Barbara must value and support was joined by local Jordan, and State Rep. Harold Dutton, also a Wheatley alumnus. it. ministers, law enforce“Protecting this right, ensuring meaningful acment officials and other community leaders. He cess and combating discrimination in our election talked to students about the legacy of Jordan, who systems must not be viewed as issues to be settled by attended Wheatley. lawyers and politicians,” Holder said. “Throughout her life, Barbara Jordan was a firm Defender News Services
The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1
•
Project 12-02-04 – Athletic Uniforms, Equipment, Recreational Equipment, PE, Cheer, Dance, Drill, Color Guard Uniforms, Mascot/Accessories and Additional Services – with a deadline of 10 A.M. March 7, 2012. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 3C12 at the above stated address on February 20, 2012 at 10 A.M.
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Project 12-02-02 – RFP – Grease Trap Services – (Food Services) with a deadline of 10 A.M. March 7, 2012. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE51 at the above stated address on February 22, 2012 at 10A.M.
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Project 12-02-01 – RFP – Pest Control Services with a deadline of 10 A.M. March 7, 2012. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE51 at the above stated address on February 22, 2012 at 10A.M.
Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.
Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) Eastwood Academy High School
Tyler Perry... Continued from page 6 “You don’t complete anything. Your application isn’t even complete.” And right at that moment, I realized I had to become a finisher, and see every task through to completion. KW: What message do you want people to take away from the film? Perry: Just that life is but a moment. Life is so precious, such a gift, and that you have to live for you. Live your own truth, live the life that God has put you and nobody else on this Earth to live and not what somebody might be telling you to live. KW: How did you motivate yourself in your early days before others recognized your talent and saw your potential? Perry: I would always feed myself positivity, from the church to prayer to gospel music to the Bible. Even to this day, I turn to anything that teaches good, that
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Project Number: 12-02-03CS
Houston Independent School District (HISD) GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011, will receive bids or proposals from subcontractors for replacement of Eastwood Academy High School. The work includes renovation of existing building with safety and security improvement, mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades/repairs and ADA code compliance. There will also be a 32,000 sq. ft. addition to the existing building. Bids or proposals are due no later than 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the offices of GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., 2808 Joanel Street, Houston, Texas 77027, phone (713)963-0086, fax (713)963-0961 attention: Danny Struzick. The plans and specifications will be available beginning Monday, February 13, 2012, and may be obtained from A&E, The Graphics Complex, 713-579-1234 or www.aecomplex.com, upon refundable deposit of $250.00 for each set of printed plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A & E Graphics on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Requests for access to on-line documents and any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., phone (713)963-0086, fax (713)963-0961 attention: Danny Struzick. M/WBE documents as described below will be received until 4:00 PM on the due date. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. BIDS OR PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE. A pre-bid/proposal conference will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Gamma Construction Company, 2808 Joanel Street, Houston,TX 77027. For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Elvis Eaglin, at 713-556-9306, or eeaglin@houstonisd.org. Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at: GAMMA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., 2808 Joanel Street, Houston, Texas 77027, phone (713)963-0086, fax (713)963-0961, and the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, Texas 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201
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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012 | DEFENDER
A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance
health
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Prevention important for African-American women By Earl Lombard, M.D.
D
id you know that African-American women are at greatest risk when it comes to certain health conditions? The good news is that many of these can be prevented with the help of regular screenings and, in some cases, lifestyle changes. Make a pact with yourself to take control of your health in 2012 by making it a year of prevention. Part of this is making sure you regularly visit your OB/GYN, who is specially trained in women’s health needs for every stage of a woman’s life. There are a number of diseases and health problems that African-American women are at high risk for that can be improved through proactive measures. Here are some of the health conditions that pose the highest risks. Breast cancer. Although AfricanAmerican women don’t get breast cancer as often as Caucasian women, they are 35
this is one week after menses percent more likely than all ends. Every woman should other women to die from regularly perform self-breast it because they tend to exams. If you’re not sure how develop an aggressive form to do this, ask your doctor to that spreads more quickly. teach you. This makes screening and Uterine fibroids. early detection through African-American women are clinical breast exams and three times more likely to have mammograms especially fibroids than other women. important. A uterine fibroid is a nonStarting at age 40, or cancerous tumor that grows in possibly earlier if there is the wall of the uterus. It can be a family history of breast Earl Lombard, M.D., is a as small as the tip of a pen, as cancer, women should board certified obstetrics and have screening mammogynecology specialist at Kelsey- big as a grapefruit or in unusual cases even larger. grams at least once a year. If Seybold’s Woman’s Women with fibroids may you are at a higher risk, your Center and Main Campus. or may not experience sympdoctor may order a mamtoms, which can include heavy bleeding, a mogram more often. feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, Clinical breast exams are performed frequent urination and lower back pain. by your doctor, who will look and feel the In African-American women, uterine breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. For women fibroids tend to occur at a younger age and who are still menstruating, the best time to do grow more quickly. These benign tumors
are often found during routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. They constitute a problem only if they become large or cause excessive bleeding or pelvic pain. Your gynecologist will recommend the best course of treatment based on your personal situation. Cervical cancer. African-American women have the highest rate of death from the disease – nearly two times greater than for Caucasian women. The good news is that cervical cancer may be prevented. Through Pap tests, your doctor may even find and treat abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. Every woman should have a Pap test beginning at age 21 and then in subsequent years as recommended by their doctor who will take in consideration certain factors. Put the odds in your favor by paying special attention to preventive measures, including regular screenings and checkups. Schedule a well-woman exam with your OB/ GYN. If you’re not currently under the care of an OB/GYN, call 713-442-0000 to schedule an appointment with me.
WHERE YOU NEED US WHEN YOU NEED US For every stage of a woman’s life.
Comprehensive care AND a focus on women Whether you’re about to start a family or the next stage of your life, the OB/GYN physicians at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Woman’s Center offer convenient and comprehensive medical care to women of all ages. n n
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24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and 50 HEALTH PLANS
16 DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012
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Saluting
Original Emancipation Black Music, Dance & Art Proclamation on display Presented by
Defender
ing slavery throughout the nation. For tickets or more information visit www.hmns.org or call 713639-4629.
Saluting Black Music, Dance, and Art Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
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Jones JonesHall Hall
Accompanyingphotography photographyexhibition: exhibition: Accompanying PHOTO BY JAMES FRAHER
down Houston: documentinga aBlues BluesCommunity Community down inin Houston: documenting PHOTO BY JAMES FRAHER
The Emancipation Proclamation is coming to Houston for a rare public viewing. The original document will be on display from Feb.16-21 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive The Emancipation Proclamation is a landmark of American history. Daring and divisive, President Abraham Lincoln’s historical document was issued as the nation was consumed in a violent civil war. Issued on January 1, 1863, it declared that “all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery, it proclaimed the freedom of slaves in the 10 states in rebellion, placed the issue at the top of the wartime agenda, and was a significant milestone leading to the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution formally outlaw-
photographs by James Fraher and text by roger wood
photographs by James Fraher and text by roger wood the african american library at the gregory school
the african american library at the gregory school
opening January 28
opening January 28
Children’s Museum celebrates Black history
Masazumi Chaya AssociateMasazumi ArtisticChaya Director Associate Artistic Director
marchj o n e s2-h a4l l
march marchjones2-4 2-4hall
Kirven JAMes BoyD. Photo By AnDrew eCCles
Kirven James Boyd. Photo By andrew eccles
Ongoing activities will spotlight African-American scientists and inventors, jazz, tales derived from Ghana and African games. The museum is located at 1500 Binz. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 per person, $7 for seniors and military personnel, and free for children under one and museum members. Free Family Night is every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit www.cmhouston.org or call 713522-1138.
Masazumi Chaya Robert Battle Artistic Director Associate Artistic Director Artistic Director
Kirven JAMes BoyD. Photo By AnDrew eCCles
The Children’s Museum of Houston will pay tribute to the contributions of African Americans during Black History WonderWeek Feb. 23-29. The museum will highlight the Gullah residents of South Carolina and Georgia, who are known for preserving their African linguistic and cultural heritage. An exhibit titled “Cum Yah Gullah” opens Feb. 25. As part of the opening, at 2 p.m., Ebony Opera soprano Joan Hubert will lead the Texas Southern University Choir as they perform traditional Gullah music in the Brown Auditorium.
Robert Battle Artistic Director Robert Battle
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his storY inspired a nation. his Music inspires the world.
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Ashley Harris reads to young visitors at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
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Black cowboys, cowgirls host celebration In observance of Black History Month, H-E-B and the Black Professional Cowboys & Cowgirls Association (BPCCA) will host the 13th annual Heritage Day. It takes place on Saturday, Feb. 25, from noon to 10 p.m. at the Humble Civic Arena, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway. The family-friendly experience will feature the largest Black rodeo in the Houston area, entertainment and Southern cuisine. Proceeds from the event
will benefit the BPCCA Scholarship Fund. “We look forward to the Heritage Day celebration every year as one of the many ways we seek to support and recognize the contributions of the African-American community in Houston,” said Dwight Judge, president of BPCCA. “This event raises money for our scholarship fund, which supports future community leaders by aiding them in their pursuit of higher education while uniting the community in a fun and family-
TSU students produce Channel 2 Black history PSAs KPRC Local 2 has partnered with Texas Southern University on a unique Black History Month project where TSU film students have written, produced and edited public service announcements currently airing on the station. In 2011, KPRC approached TSU with the idea of a competition where film students would write, shoot and edit 25-second vignettes spotlighting various people, moments and movements in Houston’s African-American history. Students were given free reign and encouraged to challenge themselves on their selection and depiction of their subjects. The student submission showing the best technical and editorial promise would be awarded an internship, along with the opportunity to have their work air during February. “We’re excited about the project because celebrating Black history and helping local students grow are two things we truly believe in,” said KPRC Vice President and General Manager Jerry Martin. “Many of the students showed great promise in the vignettes they produced.” Three vignettes were selected to air, and were produced by TSU students Kenneth Ware, Jr., Ashlee Ivery and Kendall McCoy. The KPRC internship was offered to TSU students Vincent Powell and Mario Parks. The vignettes can be viewed at www.click2houston.com/community.
friendly environment.” The event includes performances by DJ Jamming J and Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band. A large kids’ zone complete with a petting zoo, Veggie Pals, bounce houses, games and rides will be available for children and families. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students (ages 12 and under), and parking is $5. For more information, go to www.bpcca.com or call 281425-8998.
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Sale merchandise may not be available at all stores and is not available at RxPress Pharmacies and Pharmacy only locations. Sale prices may also be limited to your local newspaper distribution. Rain checks are not available at stores that do not carry the advertised item. Sale prices offered for the dates listed on the front page unless otherwise specified in the ad or on the coupon. Right reserved to limit all quantities on all items. Coupons must be presented at time of purchase. Regular prices quoted may vary by store. Items may not be exactly as pictured. Availability at Walgreens.com may differ. *Items advertised with Register Rewards or rebates are subject to conditions and limits established by the mfr. See coupon or rebate form for details. Call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733) toll-free or visit www.walgreens.com/findastore for the location nearest you. While supplies last. ©WALGREEN CO., 2012, all rights reserved.
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012
sports Houston chosen to host
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2013 NBA All-Star Games
F
By MAX EDISON Defender
or the second time in seven years the city of Houston has been selected to host the NBA All-Star game. The 62nd game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at the Toyota Center. The game will feature the NBA’s top stars and a host of legends from the league’s past. The Toyota Center will also host the NBA Rising Stars Challenge and All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm. NBA All-Star Jam Session, the hugely successful interactive basketball celebration, will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Houston hosted the NCAA Final Four to record-setting attendance marks in 2011 and has the type of state-of-the art venues that make it a perfect location for events of this magnitude. Those venues plus an abundance of quality hotels and restaurants make Houston a prime location. “Houston is a spectacular sports city, and for one week it will be the basketball capital of the world,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “NBA All-Star is a magnificent celebration of our game, and I want to thank the city and the Rockets for welcoming us once again.” The 2013 game will mark the third NBA All-Star celebration in Houston (1989 and 2006), a fact that brings a smile to the face of Rockets owner Leslie Alexander. “I am thrilled the Rockets and the city of
Houston have once again brought NBA AllStar to Toyota Center,” Alexander said. “The All-Star Game showcases the best basketball players in the world and will allow our great Rockets fans and the entire community the opportunity to once again experience the best that our league has to offer. “The 2006 All-Star Game in Houston was a tremendous success and we plan to set the bar even higher in 2013. We take great pride in Toyota Center’s standing as one of the premier venues in the country and are honored to be the first arena in Texas to host the game for a second time.” Reports indicate that the All-Star game brings roughly $100 million dollars in revenue to the host city. Mayor Annise Parker is anxious to expose NBA fans to a heaping dose of Houston NBA Commissioner David Stern (center) is welcomed by Rockets hospitality. President Thad Brown (left) and Houston Mayor Annise Parker (right) “I want to thank the City with the commemorative 2013 jersey. staff, Houston Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander and the Houston/ stay in Houston.” Harris County Sports Authority for all the While many associate the All-Star game work that went into bringing this world with celebrities and parties, NBA Cares, the premier sporting event back to Houston,” said community outreach arm of the league, will be Parker. highly visible. “Houston knows how to show visitors NBA Cares will partner with schools, a good time and we can’t wait to pamper government, and local nonprofit organizations NBA fans with our southern hospitality and in Houston and surrounding areas to highlight charm. You could spend 365 days in our city the league’s grassroots and community and still not experience everything this town initiatives that reach millions of young people has to offer. We are alive with talent, rich in diversity and just downright full of fun. I wish and their parents while providing critical resources to community-based programs. the NBA and all of its fans an unforgettable
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012 DEFENDER
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h.s.zone
sportsbriefs
Yates Lions are right on schedule By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender There is a method to his planning. Greg Wise is in his fifth year as head boys’ varsity basketball coach at Jack Yates High School. During that time the Lions have won two state championships, a national title when they were crowned by all five national prep polls, and have yet to lose a district contest during Wise’s tenure on Sampson Street. When Yates opened the 2011-2012 season with three losses in the first four contests, Wise offered some strong advice for his players. “Don’t listen to the naysayers and the doubters. Those people jumping off the bandwagon right now don’t understand the overall goal.” “We lost to Flower Mound Marcus (80-67), Fort Bend Travis (77-69) and Westbury Christian (99-79), three state-ranked teams,” he said. “It was no disgrace to lose to those schools. I knew that playing them would make us better down the line. It also gave us time to improve and bind together as a team. “There are some schools in our own district that don’t give us much competition,” Wise said. “We played a tough non-district schedule to get us ready for what we’re going to face in the playoffs. I told them when we start blowing teams away later in the season, guard against those same people trying to jump back on the bandwagon.” A recent blowout victory over Houston Sterling improved Yates to 26-5 on the season and 13-0 in District 21-4A. The Lions have been state-ranked since winning the prestigious Houston Independent School District (HISD) Boys Basketball Tournament, a feat they never accomplished in the back-to-back state championship seasons (2008-09, 2009-10), and have yet to lose a district game.
“Playing a tough schedule has kept us from panicking if we find ourselves down in a game,” said 6-foot-8 point forward Clyde Santee. “The senior leadership we have this season and our overall size and defensive pressure have made us better a better team than we were last year.” Santee says that despite being one of the tallest players on the team, Wise has enough confidence in his passing and ball-handling skills to give him the responsibilities of a point guard. “I’ve been with him four years and I know the type of things he wants us to get accomplished on the floor,” Santee said. “It all starts with our defense.” Forward Daymeon Dotson agreed with his teammate. “We’re not worrying about our offense. We’re concentrating on improving everyday on the defensive end. Our most important goal is getting better defensively,” Dotson said. “Last year we weren’t connected when it came down to our [defensive] rotations and many times we would find ourselves out of position and that would lead to easy baskets for our opponent. Today, every time we forced turnovers against Sterling, we got more and more confident as the game went on.” Dotson was asked about another area where the Lions have improved, even from the state-title seasons. “We shoot free throws in the morning, at lunch time and before practice,” he said. “We know that we can’t
Girls’ playoff basketball 5A preview
win in the playoffs without making free throws.” Wise says that shooting free throws in practice is the only time the team stops running and tweaking their pressure defense. “It’s a competition with the team,” he said. “The players that don’t shoot free throws well that particular day have to run more at the end of practice. I believe making them shoot free throws when they’re tired, builds up their concentration level.” The boys’ high school basketball playoffs begin next week and Wise says there are several Schools to watch in Region III-4A in addition to the Yates Lions. “Both Manvel and Pearland Dawson are good in District 24-4A along with Terry and Lamar Consolidated in 23-4A,” Wise said. Wheatley, Humble and Jones can also win some games in the playoffs. “A dark horse not a lot of people around here know about is Nederland,” Wise said. “They might not match up with us very well because of the pace that we play at and their lack of depth. But if you play a half-court game with them, they’ll be tough to beat. “They (Nederland) will be a handful for whoever they play,” Wise said. So will the latest version of the Yates Lions.
The girls’ high school basketball playoffs get into full swing with a wide open field in Region III. Among Class 5A participants, North Shore figures to be formidable opponent led by McDonald’s All-America guard Courtney Williams. The 6-foot-1 Williams can play either guard position and can dominate smaller defenders inside the paint. Other Region III-5A contenders include Cypress Falls, Clear Springs, Bellaire, Hightower and defending regional champion Alief Elsik. In Region II-5A, stateranked Dekaney carries a 34-game winning streak into the postseason, while The Woodlands has won 20 in a row.
Girls’ playoff basketball 4A preview Senior guard Diamonisha Sophus makes Wheatley a tough opponent in Region III-4A. She opened the season with a 39-point effort against Lamar and is averaging just under 30 points per game. Brianna Turner of Manvel is the leading scorer for the state’s seventh-ranked school. Beaumont Ozen is unbeaten and has the No. 1 ranking in the state among 4A schools. Other favorites include Barbers Hill, Foster, Magnolia, Dayton, Yates and Houston Reagan. Manvel, Barbers Hill, Foster, Magnolia and Dayton each finished the regular season with 24 wins or more.
Area girls’ softball preview Last season the Houston area brought home three state championship trophies from the girls’ state softball tournament as The Woodlands (5A), Santa Fe (4A) and Danbury (2A) rose to the challenge. All three schools should be strong again. The Woodlands will have to start the season without senior left-handed pitcher Paige McDuffee due to an injury. Santa Fe returns the talented pitching duo of Micaela Bouvier and Sierra Sunseri while Danbury has standout Kaylee Garner back in the circle. Keep an eye on Dobie, Fort Bend Travis, Tomball, Alvin, Katy, Pearland, Angleton, Manvel, Foster, Dobie, Bellaire and Brazoswood.
Texans selected for rodeo parade Clyde Santee
Coach Greg Wise
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Houston Texans football players Andre Johnson and J. J. Watt have been selected as the grand marshals of the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo downtown parade. “There is no better way to celebrate the kickoff of the show than to have two of Houston’s very own star athletes leading the way,” said Skip Wagner, president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “The show and the Texans share a very special relationship, and to have Andre and J. J. start the parade is definitely a testament to that partnership and each organization’s devotion to the city.” Texans president Jamey Rootes was pleased by the players’ selection. “We are thrilled to have Andre and J.J. represent the Texans in the Rodeo parade,” said Rootes. “The Rodeo has been a great partner since before we even started playing in 2002, and to have two of our stars lead the parade is truly an honor and a great way to cap off a fantastic season for us.”
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DEFENDER | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 16 | 2012
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For Event Coverage...visit
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chag’splace
SALUTING BLACK MUSIC, DANCE AND ART……. of Fountain of Praise along with writer, director, producer, and The Defender along with the Society for the Performing Arts, co-host, Bill Duke and Jackson and Associates Group, LLC, Andrews Kurth LLP and AmegyBank of Texas hosted “Saluting addressed an audience of over 2,000 on issues of self-hate Black Music, Dance and Art” at the Gregory School African within the African-American community through a screening American Library. This remarkable of the documentary “Dark Girls.” The exhibit was seen by Deborah Richard, film explores the issues that dark-skinned Join Yvette Chargois Allen Smith, Lloyd Cutter, Denise women face and a haunting insight into Leavell, Aileen Fox, Vicky DeJean, their struggles. A panel discussion followed Events of the Week Carolyn Scantlebury, Sylvia Brooks, and participants included Judge Vanessa More photos on defendernetwork.com Anna James, Renee’ Logans, Danielle Gilmore, Dr. Janice Beal, Christal Jackson See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Guerra and Howard Jefferson. Kudos and others. Attending the event were with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. to Sonceria Messiah Jiles, Defender Tamara and Benjamin Floyd, Christy Media Group CEO; Winston Labbe’, Staples, Roxann Chargois, Motion, vice president commercial banking with Connie Bodacious, D. J. Fanci, Val Wilson AmegyBank; attorney Brandy Buck, Andrews Kurth LLP; and Nzinga Rideaux, to name a few. Great documentary!..... June Christensen, SPA executive director and Danielle Burns, MARDI GRAS GALA…..The Friends of MHMRA held its curator, for a wonderful evening saluting African-American 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala at the Bayou City Event Center Houstonians. A must see exhibit!.......DARK GIRLS…..Mia with over 300 in attendance. The organization’s goal is to Wright, executive director of Metamorphosis Inc. and pastor provide comprehensive services that will allow persons with
Allen Smith and Deborah Richard
Sylvia Brooks and Anna James
Motion, Connie Bodacious, D. J. Fanci, Val Wilson and Nzinga Rideaux
Honoree Pastor Juanita Rasmus, Dr. Steven Schnee and Honoree Ellen Goudeau
Tamara and Benjamin Floyd
Program Chair Carson Easley and Gala Chair Marshenell Sells
severe mental illness or intellectual and development disabilities to become fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community. This year’s honorees included Pastor Rudy and Juanita Rasmus with St. John’s United Methodist Church and Bread of Life, Inc., and Ellen Goudeau, paralegal, public speaker and certified advocate for individuals with mental disabilities. Program participants included master of ceremonies, Jose Grinan, anchor with Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV, Rabbi David Lipper, attorney David Feldman, Alan Helfman, Georgia Provost, Lynne Cleveland, Rose Childs, Barbara Dawson and Ken Collins. Spotted at the event were Councilmember Wanda Adams, Judge Maria Jackson, Mildred Rasmus, Gerald Womack, Kathryn Grinan, Ray Mitchell, Debra McQueen and Stacy Vincent. We salute Dr. Steven Schnee, president of Friends of MHMRA of Harris County, gala chair Marshenell Sells, committee chairs Carson Easley, Geraldine Royal and Jose Ramirez, and all co-chairs and volunteers for a success event. Continued success!......From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!
Winston Labbe’, Brandy Buck, June Christensen and Sonceria Messiah Jiles
Pastor Mia Wright, Producer Bill Duke and Christal Jackson
Emcee Jose Grinan and Kathryn Grinan
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