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BASEBALL PREVIEW: BEST OF HISD BOYS OF SUMMER P11
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Volume 87 | Number 21 MARCH 22, 2018 |FREE
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NEWSTALK GARNET COLEMAN praises Riverside Hospital purchase
P2 NATIONAL WALTER KIMBROUGH thankful Dept. of Ed. forgives HBCU loans
OMEGA PSI PHI
A LEGACY OF
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LEADERSHIP
FEATURE COLIN KAEPERNICK faces Texans owner in deposition
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Mia Wright
pens new book The co-pastor and director of ministry at The Fountain of Praise is hoping her new book “Unthinkable” will challenge readers to push past the limitations placed on them by society, culture, and themselves to reach the next level of success in life.
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Tyrann Mathieu Texans bound
P9 TOP EVENTS
The Texans new general manager has been tasked with addressing the needs of the franchise during the NFL free agency period. Mathieu was signed for the secondary. Carla Lane and HISD Trustee Wanda Adams at the Project Prom Dress event
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DEFENDER | MARCH 22 | 2018
newstalk
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$42 million in flood relief grants largest ever Defender News Services
Historic Riverside Hospital is being bought by Harris County.
Riverside will become a mental health facility Defender News Services
Harris County will purchase Riverside General Hospital in Houston’s Third Ward and revive it as a mental health facility. County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to purchase Riverside out of federal bankruptcy. That’s the first step in what’s expected to be a seven-year process. Houston Endowment will help raise the $18 million the county will need to refurbish the building. In its new incarnation, Riverside will house a clinic for the underserved area. The hospital will be converted into an integrated primary and mental health care outpatient facility to re-establish access to health care for the historic Third Ward community. It will also let Harris County divert some mentally ill individuals out of the jail system. Judge Ed Emmett noted that this will do little to relieve the pressure on the jail, considered one of the largest mental health providers in Texas.
Riverside opened in 1927 as the Houston Negro Hospital. The hospital was plagued by mismanagement and scandal in its final years. Former Riverside president Earnest Gibson III, his son, and two of his colleagues were convicted of Medicare fraud in 2014. The hospital declared bankruptcy two years later, after an audit proved Riverside misused a $32 million Hurricane Ike recovery grant from FEMA. “The renovation of Riverside Hospital will continue the legacy that started in 1927 of serving Houstonians – particularly Black Houstonians,” said State Rep. Garnet Coleman. When Riverside [opened] it was Houston’s first non-profit hospital for Black patients. “With the approval of the Harris County’s Commissioner’s Court and the bankruptcy court, this is the beginning, not the end. Other state and local entities will also be involved in the operation of the integrated primary and mental health care outpatient facility to be announced later in this endeavor,” Coleman added.
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund is disbursing $42.3 million to 27 carefully vetted, local nonprofit organizations to provide additional aid and services to Hurricane Harvey flood victims in the Houston area. The fourth round of grants brings the total amount distributed by the fund to $108.8 million, fund co-founders Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said. This round of funding is its largest yet and seeks to support those who are still struggling to recover from the storm more than six months after it hit the Texas coast. Since last August, the fund
has supported 123 local nonprofit organizations that are focused on providing a wide-variety of support to those who were affected by Harvey. Grants complement federal and state funds, and the work of volunteers, to provide flood victims with much needed financial, health, legal and other support. “The effects of Hurricane Harvey will be felt for years, not just in the physical destruction, but also in the emotional and psychological suffering that comes with any natural disaster,” Turner said. “We’re thinking about the longer-term effects of Harvey while working to help those who are still picking up the pieces.” For more information on grant recipients visit www.ghcf.org.
HISD meetings address budget Members of the HISD Board of Education will continue their series of town hall meetings to discuss the district’s 2018-2019 budget and its impact on schools in their districts. The meetings may also address magnet recommendations and the district’s options regarding improvement required campuses, HB 1842, and SB 1882. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. The remaining schedule is: • Monday, March 26 – District VIII, Trustee Diana Dávila, Austin High School, 1700 Dumble • Wednesday, March 28 – District III – Trustee Sergio Lira, Ortiz Middle School, 6767 Telephone Road • Thursday, April 26, District II – Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Washington High School, 119 E. 39th Visit www.houstonisd.org for more information
localbriefs HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT ONE WILL PAY $30 MILLION to improve seven streets in the University of Houston-Texas Southern University corridor. The move comes as part of a joint agreement between Precinct One and the city. Dubbed “Complete Streets” project, the improvements dovetail with Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities program, which involves improving Third Ward and four other neighborhoods that have been under-resourced for many years. Precinct One is committing $15 million to improve infrastructure near TSU and another $15 million to projects around UH. The goal is to create streets that are attractive and a source of neighborhood pride, while improving safety and accessibility to
all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders……..MAYOR TURNER ANNOUNCED THE APPROVAL of $1.3 million in grants, awarded through Miller Theatre Advisory Board, for 31 local nonprofit organizations to present 95 performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre during the 2018 season. Celebrating the 95th year in Hermann Park, Miller is the only outdoor proscenium theater in the United States that offers, free of charge, an annual season of artistic and culturally diverse professional performances. The long-standing partnership between the city, Miller Theatre Advisory Board and the grantee organizations is also unique in the nation…….. CAPITAL ONE BANK IS ACCEPTING
APPLICATIONS for its Getting Down to Business small business development program in Houston. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, April 15. New sessions of the free, seven-month program begin April 26. The program addresses the core needs of a small business and offers qualified business owners an opportunity to grow their companies by increasing their knowledge of credit, budgeting, marketing, business growth plans, financing, accounting best practices, networking, insurance and much more. The program is limited to 15 participants selected through an application and interview process. For more info call 812-7775181. Applications are available online at https://tinyurl. com/2018GDTBHouston.
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MARCH 22| 2018 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs A BLACK WORKER IS AMONG SIX VICTIMS of the deadly pedestrian bridge collapse at Florida International University in Miami. Navaro Brown, 37, worked for Structural Technologies VSL, a company that specializes in bridge cable tension and construction systems. Brown, who worked on-site when the 950-ton bridge failed a “stress adjustment” before it collapsed over cars on a highway, died after being caught under the rubble. The other five victims were pulled from crushed vehicles. The bridge was supposed to keep pedestrians safe on a busy street where a vehicle fatally struck an FIU student.……THE SALVATION ARMY AND THE CITY OF BALTIMORE have joined forces in efforts to make healthier food options accessible and affordable for individuals living in underserved communities. The organization opened a grocery store in Northeast Baltimore that sells fresh produce and meats. At the store, shoppers have the opportunity to learn more about healthy eating and create personalized meal plans with nutritionists who work with the city’s health department. Individuals who use food stamps will be able to take advantage of discounts. The store also plans on hosting cooking demonstrations by guest chefs and will provide food samplings…….A SHERIFF IN JACKSONVILLE, FLA. HAS ADMITTED to “implicit bias” toward Blacks. Sheriff Mike Williams admitted that police officers exhibited “implicit bias” and issued a disproportionate amount of pedestrian tickets to Black residents – more than any other race. ProPublica and the Florida Times-Union reported in the “Walking While Black” series that over a recent fiveyear period, 55 percent of pedestrian tickets were cited to Black people, who only make up 29 percent of the local population. Last year Williams denied that race played a part when those news agencies investigated the claim. Now he’s walking back on those words and accepted the possibility that prejudice played a significant part.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 21 MARCH 22, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Education Dept. forgives HBCU disaster loans Defender News Services The U.S. Department of Education is fully forgiving relief loans granted to four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the department has announced. Dillard University, Xavier University, Southern University at New Orleans and Tougaloo College had all taken out more than $360 million in loans in 2007 to recover from the damage caused by the hurricanes. Three of the institutions are located in New Orleans, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Tougaloo College is in Tougaloo, Miss. Dillard President Walter Kimbrough However, a measure included in a funding deal signed by President Donald Trump cleared that debt. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos formally forgave the loans. “This additional disaster relief will lift a huge burden and enable the four HBCUs to continue their focus on serving their students and communities,” DeVos said in a statement. “This relief provides one more step toward full recovery.”
Payments on the loans had been delayed in 2013 after Congress passed a provision to do so in a 2012 spending bill, according to the Louisiana Weekly. But the five-year delay was set to run out this year, which would have required the institutions to begin to pay back the loans. “The Dillard University community is grateful that the president, the administration, and the Congress provided total loan forgiveness to the HBCUs decimated by Hurricane Katrina,” Walter Kimbrough, the president of Dillard University, said in an Education Department statement. “Dillard had six feet of standing water inside of its buildings and was the most Xavier President C. Reynold Verret physically devastated institution of higher education.” Xavier University President C. Reynold Verret also thanked the department for wiping out the loans. “Forgiveness of the loans removes a great impediment to innovation and the delivery of superlative education to talented women and men who build and sustain our communities, cities and nations,” Verret said in the department release.
Museum explores HBCU evolution, influence Defender News Service
A new museum in Washington, D.C. delves into narratives that are a part of the history of historically Black colleges and universities. The HBCU Museum captures the essence of the evolution of HBCUs through artifacts, photos, and mementos donated by graduates of these institutions. The museum was founded by executive director Terrence Forte and his family. Forte’s parents were graduates of Howard University. The family believed that there was a need to highlight the importance of HBCUs so that individuals could understand that they are more than just higher learning institutions, they are places that drive culture.
When visiting the HBCU museum, visitors will see historic photos taken on the campuses colleges as well as artifacts that illustrate different time periods like one of the first copies of Ebony Magazine. The museum is housed in a 638-square-foot space but Forte says he wants to expand. He wants to move the museum into a larger space in D.C. and plans on opening up a second location in Atlanta. “The planning for this has been going on for a long time,” Forte said. “But [the financial struggles] make it ever so much more important to have it now, so people understand exactly how important HBCUs are not just for the people attending them but for culture in general,” Forte told the Washington Business Journal.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 22 | 2018
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Symposium opens doors to music business industry Defender News Services
Aspiring and current musicians will have a chance to learn everything they can about the business as Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) presents its 2018 music symposium on Saturday, March 24. It is designed to create a platform where experts provide information on the business side of the music industry, hear problems and provide Jalene Mack solutions where possible, explain how attendees can make an economic impact in their communities and in the industry, and to connect people in the business in the Houston area. “I am delighted about this symposium because it was always one of my goals for MPAC to make an impact on the music industry, said attorney Jalene Mack, MPAC founder and artistic director. “We do just that when we connect music entertainment resources to those that do not have access otherwise, which creates opportunities to be successful in this industry.” The symposium will feature five panels with over 20 speakers discussing “A Great Artist Needs a Great Team,” “Building a Brand,” “Intellectual Property,” “Record Label Entrepreneurship,” and “Film/TV FRO-17031-HoustonDefender-ThePerson-9p75x6p5.pdf Placement/Distribution.”
It is a collaboration between MPAC and the Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law at the University of Houston Law Center, underwritten in part by the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation. “This symposium is really about knowledge and empowerment,” Mack said. “The entertainment business is a billion-dollar industry. Working successfully in the music business can be a means of constant and residual income, wealth and equity accumulation. “Because of social media and new technology, there are legions of people nationwide now trying to break into the entertainment business and the timing is right for us to help them given the explosive demand for content to fill all of the new distribution channels.”
MPAC Music Symposium
Saturday, March 24 10 a.m.-5 p.m. UH Central Law Center 4604 Calhoun Admission $20; $10 for college students; free for high school students
www.jalenemack.com
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Salvation Army honorees
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Houston celebrated its annual Youth of the Year Scholarship Awards Banquet. Maya Barnes (left) from the Boys & Girls Club Garden City Branch received the top prize, a $12,000 college scholarship. She is a ninth-grader at Cypress Springs High School. The 2018 Junior Youth of the Year winner is Caleb Smith (right) from Boys & Girls Clubs Irvington Branch. A seventh-grader at Hamilton Middle School, he won a $3,000 scholarship.
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MARCH 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER
Mia Wright
entertainment
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Touches lives with new book, ‘Unthinkable’ from the book? Wright: I want readers to really evaluate the areas of life Mia K. Wright’s life is now very where they feel stuck or they are different than her upbringing in a not experiencing their desired sucsingle-parent home on the “wrong side cess. When they read “Unthinkof town.” While she never imagined able” they will have a strategy for she’d beat the odds, once she changed consideration on what others have her thinking, her actions followed, and done to experience the extraorshe began to experience a new level of dinary. I believe that they will be life she never thought possible. inspired to think outside of their Wright is co-pastor and director box to trust God for things they of ministry at The Fountain of Praise, had never thought of before. a 20,000-member megachurch in There are 10 principles that Houston, and host of the popular MetaI share in the book to move you morphosis women’s conference. She to the next level of your life. I feel has appeared as a host on TBN’s Praise that three set the foundation for all the Lord and a guest on Daystar’s Joni others. They are: your beliefs in Table Talk and Celebration programs. yourself and in God, releasing the Wright earned a Bachelor of Arts baggage you carry with you, and degree from the University of Texas at positioning yourself for expansion. Austin and a Master of Divinity from Defender: What are some of Southwestern Baptist Theological the things that inspire you? Seminary. Wright: I am inspired by othHere she talks about her new ers who are living the life of their book, “Unthinkable,” in which she dreams. Their examples give hope challenges readers to push past the limi- The Fountain of Praise Co-pastor Mia K. Wright wants to encourage others with “Unthinkable.” to others that it is possible to do tations placed on them by society, culture, It is the fear associated with what is unfamiliar, coupled extraordinary things and achieve success. I’m also inspired by and themselves to reach the next level of success in life. with an increased level of commitment and work that keeps children. They see life in a simple but profound way. They fall Defender: Why did you decide to write this book? many people from achieving new successes. I have found that but get back up again without ever thinking “I can’t do this.” Mia K. Wright: To through my faith in God, what is They connect with others without regard to gender, ethnicity, remind women and men of familiar is no longer acceptable What’s her advice to aspiring writers? or financial status, things that separate and segregate us as the unlimited possibilities they because there is so much more Find out at adults. We can really learn a lot from little ones. have when they move beyond that He desires to do in, through www.DefenderNetwork.com Defender: What do you do for fun? self-imposed limitations to get and for me. It is this message Wright: First off, I love to have fun. As we are doing beyond their comfort zones. of the things it takes to move this article, I am on my way to Disneyland with my family. I’ve heard it said that failure is to new levels that I wanted to I love to travel, love to experience new cultures, foods, familiar, but success is strange. Our human tendency is to stay share with the world. dance and music. with what is familiar because we know what to expect. Defender: What do you hope readers take away Defender News Services
what’sup “Scandal” wrapped up production and the cast took to social media to say their final farewells. Fans were filled with sadness, and some were exuding excitement over the show’s finality. The gladiators, as fans are affectionately known, sent heartfelt messages to the show’s creator SHONDA RHIMES. KERRY WASHINGTON, who plays Olivia Pope posted a picture with cast member TONY GOLDWYN, her presidential boo. She simply captioned the pic: “You’re welcome.”……..Snapchat’s stock dipped nearly 4 percent and lost about $800 million from its market value after RIHANNA called out the social media platform for an
offensive promo it posted. The company issued an apology to the Bajan singer after removing an advert that asked users if they’d rather “slap Rihanna or punch CHRIS BROWN.” Rihanna later issued a statement on her Instagram account calling out Snapchat for the commercial and telling her 65 million followers to delete the app….…WENDY WILLIAMS recently took a three-week hiatus from her morning talk show to focus on her health as she battled Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism complications. The New Jersey native said that neglecting herself caused her health to worsen. Williams passed out live on the air in October 2017. The 53-year-
old said she is now going to be putting herself first……..NE-YO’s attempt to encourage men to be faithful went horribly wrong recently after fans flooded his comment section with allegations of hypocrisy. The crooner suggested that men being faithful is a trait that was celebrated in ‘90s era R&B and needs to be brought back. Twitter followers blasted him because of his history of alleged scandalous behavior. The worst was his decision with ex-fiancée MONYETTA SHAW to get her tubes tied following the birth of their second child. Ne-Yo called off their wedding two months before the ceremony and started a new family with another woman.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 22 | 2018
OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY
Continues legacy of leadership By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
W
hen Hurricane Harvey rolled through Houston causing massive destruction, the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity stepped up to the plate to help the community
rebuild. “We’re unique men who feel the need to help others. Our constant goal is to make sure mankind is doing better,” said Jeffery Williams, who serves as the Life Membership Board Regional Director for the Ninth District (Omega chapters in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas). Williams also leads the Houston coalition of area Omegas, which is hosting their regional convention in Houston on March 21-25. (More than 3,000 members are expected to attend the conference). The Coalition began as a way to work together on programs and activities mandated by the fraternity and consists of seven graduate chapters (Nu Phi-Houston, Theta Chi-Prairie View, Rho Beta Beta-Houston, and Rho Xi-Freeport, Rho Nu – Galveston, Alpha Mu Mu – College Station, and Mu Mu Nu – Conroe, TX) and five undergraduate chapters: Tau Epsilon (Texas Southern University), Omega Theta (University of Houston), Rho Theta (Prairie View A&M University), Eta Mu (Sam Houston State University) and Nu Delta Delta (Texas A&M University). Rho Nu (Galveston) joined the coalition to comprise 10 chapters. While many people know the “Ques” as they’re called for their ability to throw off-the-chain parties and step, Williams said service is really at the core of everything they do. “There is a lot more to it than that,” Williams said. “It’s about service. It’s all about helping men become better men.” “Yes, we have a good time, but what we do goes so much more deeper than that,” added Marvin Alexander Jr., Southwest Texas State Representative. “We have a Thanksgiving Meal on Wheels, Achievement Week, where we work with high school students, the Charles R. Drew Blood Drive, Real Men Read, where we partner with local schools to read to students, and that’s just a few of the things we do.” For Antonio Brown, a 15-year mem ber of the fraternity and basileus (president) of the Rho Beta Beta Chapter, joining Omega simply meant that he could continue the foundation his parents had
laid.
“The principles we stand for are right in line with everything I believe in,” Brown said. “The good things we do for our community are right in line with how I was raised. Our organization promotes ‘manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.’ That’s what we’re all about.” Brown said the organization is committed to future generations and leaving a legacy that uplifts the Black community. “This is important. We understand the village mentality,” Brown said. “If we know that we’re responsible for each person next to us, we tend to do better. We tend to make sure we’re doing the right thing in that person’s presence. And not just when we’re there but even when they’re not.”
Antonio Brown Rho Beta Beta
Bernard R. Clayton Jr. (Nu Phi Chapter), Jason Johnson (Rho Xi Chapter), Karlos Jackson (Nu Marvin Alexander (Southeast Texas state representative). Black Go-Western in the Greater Ho
HOUSTON AREA PR
Bernard Clayton, Jr. Nu Phi
Rodney Brown Rho Nu
Clifford Hodrick Theta Chi
Omega Signature Go Western Scholarship Dance
The dance, established in 1961, was generally held on the third Saturday of February. This Go-Western gala hosted by Nu Phi has been considered the oldest, longeststanding, Black Go-Western in the Greater Houston area. The proceeds generated from this affair are used to provide scholarships and to support the numerous community programs that the Chapter conducts and sponsors.
Annual Boat Ride
Boat Rides have been a part of Omega’s history for
a long time. The first Houston-area Omega B took place in 1987, “Moonlight Cruise with Nu Phi and Theta Chi jointly sponsor a Mem cruise, which leaves from Galveston, where loaded up at the San Jacinto Battleground to hour cruise and dinner. Rho Beta Beta spons Day event.
Achievement Week
Achievement Week is observed each Nov is designed to recognize those individuals at
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20 NOTABLE OMEGAS Countless Omega men are known for their contributions in such areas as business, politics, civil rights, science, education, the arts and sports. Here are some of them: DEPARTED
u Phi Chapter), Antonio Brown (Rho Beta Beta Chapter), Jeffery Williams (Houston Coalition president) and ouston area
RESIDENTS
Jason Johnson Rho Xi
Ceylon Frett Alpha Mu Mu
Jmal Stewart Sr. Mu Mu Nu
vember and t the local
and international levels who have contributed to community uplift. A High School Essay Contest is held in conjunction with Achievement Week.
Annual Golf Tournament
The Rho Xi Uplift and Building Foundation hosts an annual golf tournament. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at Quail Valley Golf Course. services. *Not a comprehensive list
Earl Graves Sr.
PRESENT
e Events
Boat Ride the Ques.” morial Day patrons o enjoy a five sors a Labor
1. Dr. Charles Drew Surgeon who perfected blood plasma use 2. Clarence “Big House” Gaines Legendary college basketball coach 3. Benjamin Hooks Former NAACP executive director 4. William DeHart Hubbar First Black to represent U.S. in Olympics 5. Langston Hughes Poet, playwright, novelist & lyricist 6. Dr. Benjamin Mays Morehouse College president emeritus & minister 7. Ronald McNair Astronaut killed in Challenger explosion 8. Robert Weaver Former HUD secretary 9. Roy Wilkins Former NAACP executive director 10. Carter G. Woodson Educator & “Father of Black History”
11. Charles Bolden Former astronaut & NASA administrator 12. Earl Graves Sr. Black Enterprise Magazine founder 13. Ernest Green Activist & Little Rock Nine member 14. Steve Harvey Comedian, talk show host & actor 15. Rev. Jesse Jackson Activist & Rainbow PUSH Coalition founder 16. Ed “Too Tall” Jones Former Dallas Cowboys star 17. Michael Jordan NBA team owner & former star player 18. Vernon Jordan Former National Urban League executive director 19. Tom Joyner Radio show host 20. Douglas Wilder Former Virginia governor Source: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Michael Jordan
Tom Joyner
Go to www. facebook.com/DefenderNetwork
to see Omegas showcasing their swag and like your favorite *Winners announced Sat., March 24
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DEFENDER | MARCH 22 | 2018
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CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
GHBC chair talks about opportunities, challenges By VON JILES Defender
As a woman familiar with leadership and service, Courtney Johnson Rose understands the opportunities and challenges facing women in business today. Rose, who is chair of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC), is comfortable sharing her experience and knowledge with other women, especially during Women’s History Month. “Women have a unique ability to multi-task and perform multiple jobs at once,” she said. “Think about any working mother, and the tasks that they juggle in any given day caring for children, taking care of their home and working. “Women can take that same skill set into their career and use it to execute in a way and with a poise that most men do not have,” she said. “The challenge I see for women in leadership is we see our outside of work responsibilities as a hindrance versus understanding that it is what makes us stronger and become grateful that those responsibilities have built our capacity.” The 39-year-old mother of two, who has been married for 14 years, knows about juggling day-to-day responsibilities of taking care of family and career. Rose’s resume reflects how she has established herself in the business arena and still takes time to serve the community. Besides her work with the GHBC, Rose’s real
job is principal broker for George E. Johnson Properties, a residential and commercial real estate firm. In addition, she serves on the board of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, is co-chair of the Economic Development Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Suburban Ft. Bend Chapter and is a commissioner with the Missouri City Planning and Zoning Commission. Preparation is key to Rose’s success and ability to multi-task. “I strongly believe that preparation brings confidence,” she said. “Personally, the more prepared I am for the challenge at hand, the more confidence I have to face it. “I recommend that women in business get prepared. Take public speaking classes, before you need to publicly speak. Obtain advanced degrees and certifications in your field. Strive to be the most knowledgeable in your area of expertise. Because when preparation meets opportunities, success is inevitable.” The fact she walks the talk is evident. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in Community Development from Prairie View A&M University. She is also a graduate of the Graduate Realtor Institute, a distinguished Certified Commercial and Investment Member and has successfully completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiatives
Bihms believes in community service By VON JILES Defender
The importance of giving back to the community and continuing to build your brand as a woman today are core issues emphasized by attorney Shari Bihms. Bihms’ philosophy of life explains the source of her service. “We can’t get too big, too important or too successful where we become too far removed from what’s too small or too real. Groundwork is needed during these times,” said Bihms. When asked about her “sheroes” or women she looks up to, Bihms Shari Bihms credits her mom Sharlyn Gentry and her grandmother Mackee Gentry for their independence, strength, sacrifice and resilience. Reflecting on how her grandmother impacted her life, Bihms said, “She was the first person who not only introduced me to my faith, God and Jesus Christ, but she modeled what it meant to be a faithful Christian.” Bihms, a native of Independence Heights in Houston, said, “Giving back is so important because this is the only way the world can continue to rotate. You receive, you give
back and the cycle repeats. I believe it’s my duty as a servant in the community to God’s people.” Armed with an undergraduate degree from Howard University, a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M and a law degree from Texas Southern University, Bihms founded the Lady League and Gents, Inc., an organization with a mission of building the character and confidence of underserved youth. The organization, founded in 2013, serves youth 13 and older and aims to create a loving atmosphere with high expectations of success. On the subject of challenges and obstacles facing women, Bihms admitted she has faced sexism in school, the workplace and in relationships. She still said it’s important for women to be in leadership roles. “It is viable for women to be in leadership roles to add balance to the positions that have been held by only men for ages,” Bihms said. “We are just as valuable to any setting and probably offer more skills than men in some aspects…We have progressively cultivated our powers and must assume positions rightfully owed.”
Program.
Courtney Johnson Rose
classified Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of control no. 3538-01-045 on SH 242 at FM 1314 that bids on April 3, 2018. Mail, fax, or email quotations to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 fax: (512) 707-0798 email: bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: http://bit.do/dBJ5G E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.
The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following:
Foreign and Sign Language Translation Services Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7116 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Proposal documents must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in a sealed envelope marked "RFP FOR FOREIGN AND SIGN LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES” -DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018 AT 10:00 AM. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, Buyer II or E-mail questions to james.blunt@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org., or via fax at (713) 970-7682. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
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MARCH 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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Kaepernick, McNair face to face at deposition Defender News Services
Unemployed quarterback Colin Kaepernick has filed a grievance against NFL owners, alleging that they have colluded to keep him out of the league, and Kaepernick reportedly recently went face to face with one of those owners. According to Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, the Houston Texans’ Bob McNair was among the NFL owners who were deposed, and McNair’s deposition occured in Houston — with Kaepernick in attendance. The report indicated that McNair was unaware that Kaepernick would be at the deposition. It reportedly lasted around two hours, starting at 9 a.m. Colin Kaepernick Kaepernick had been seen nearby the day before working out and throwing on a field, although there were no NFL teams in attendance. It appears Kaepernick was just getting some football-related work in while he waits to see if any NFL team still might have interest in his services.
But the nature of Kaepernick’s grievance suggests that ship might have sailed. He reportedly has deposed other NFL owners, league officials and even coaches in the matter. The who’s who of people who could also be deposed includes Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, New England Patriots owner
TOUCH is now enrolling for the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program! If you live in or near Greater Third Ward and you have prediabetes, diabetes runs in your family, a BMI of 25 or higher or your Hemoglobin A1c is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you may qualify for this free diabetes prevention program. All who qualify and enroll receive 25 sessions with a healthy lifestyle coach and a FREE, one-year family membership to the YMCA! For more info about the program and to find out if you qualify, or information on how/where to get screened: Visit: www.touch.healthuh.com/dpp Email: diabetes.prevention@ymcahouston.org Call: 713.743.3021 TOUCH: @HRITOUCH | https://TOUCH.HEALTHuh.com HRI: @HEALTHuh | https://www.uh.edu/health-research
TREATING OBESITY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN HOUSTON
Robert Kraft, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. It now appears that anyone else deposed in the matter could also face off against Kaepernick in future hearings. Kaepernick took a knee during a 2016 preseason game as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, setting off a national debate on the matter. He lost the starting QB job at the outset of that season before winning it from Blaine Gabbert. Kaepernick opted out of his contract from the 49ers — although they would have released him — following that season and went unsigned all of 2017. He and his legal teams have asserted through this grievance that NFL teams were in collusion to keep him from signing with another team. Kaepernick made it clear in 2016 why he started his protest in the first place. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color,” he said in an interview. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.” He later won several awards for taking a risk to make a difference.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 22 | 2018
sports
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Texans address key needs in free agency
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By MAX EDISON Defender
he Brian Gaine era has officially begun. Gaine, the Texans’ new general manager, has been tasked with addressing the needs of the franchise without a first or secondround draft choice due to the Deshaun Watson trade. The Texans have multiple needs, starting with the offensive line, secondary, wide receiver and back-up quarterback position. The NFL free agency period has begun and to his credit, Gaine and the Texans have come out swinging. In the opening days of free agency, the Texanssigned three offensive linemen: Seantrel Henderson (T, 6-feet-7, 330 pounds), Zach Fulton (G, 6-feet-5, 315) and Senio Kelemete (G, 6-feet-3, 300). In addition, they signed three players for the secondary: Aaron Colvin (C, 6-feet,193), Johnson Bademosi (C, 6-feet, 205) and former Arizona Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu (S, 5-feet- 9, 186). During a recent press conference, Gaine discussed what criteria he was looking for when evaluating potential free agents. “Number one was each member that’s here today, each guy that’s here has playoff experience from the 2017 season,” Gaine said. “They know what winning football looks like and we’re bringing that into our locker room. “That’s an important element here that we want to add to our team. Number two was versatility and position flex. Each one of these guys has demonstrated that performance on Sundays – their ability to play other positions other than the position one that they’re coming here to play and to contribute for the Texans.” “We have a young quarterback that we feel has a promising future. We had to make a good, strong commitment to the offensive line,” Gaine continued. “The other thing was, with the return of the pass rush, we had to find another element that would help us in the secondary.” For Colvin, a former division foe from Jacksonville, the Texans’ potential to be a dominating defense is apparent.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu
“I’m very familiar with the defensive line, playing against them for my first four years,” Colvin said. “The work speaks for itself. You have guys like J.J. [Watt], [Jadeveon] Clowney and [Whitney] Mercilus. All those guys can play. It’s going to be an honor to be able to cover my guy so those guys can make plays Cornerback Aaron Colvin and get sacks. That’s just the goal. Rush and coverage always go together, and I truly believe that.” With so many new faces along the offensive line former Kansas City Chief Fulton discussed the need for group chemistry. “It’s pretty tough, but as an offensive line, you always want to build chemistry any way that’s possible whether it’s doing stuff off
the field or stuff in the community,” Fulton said. “It’s going to be pretty tough but I think once we get that down through the offseason program, we’re going to be pretty good.” Free agent lineman Senio Kelemete addressed the value of players who can play multiple positions. “I think it’s important to your game, if you’re trying to add tools to your game, because then not only do you know one spot, you know two or three or four other spots,” Kelemete said. “My spot is wherever they need me to be. I’m going to compete at whatever spot they put me at and we’re going to take it from there.” The Texans are making strides to improve and so far, they’re making solid strides in the right direction. With six weeks before the NFL draft, we’ll see what moves Brian Gaine comes up with next.
Guard Senio Kelemete
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MARCH 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER
sportsbriefs Aggies, Red Raiders dance The state of Texas started with seven teams in March Madness and after the first weekend only two teams remained at the big dance. The Texas A&M University Aggies and Texas Tech University Red Raiders survived the field of 64 and are now elite members of the Sweet 16. In the West Region the Aggies defeated Providence 73-69 in the opening game and then routed defending champion North Carolina 86-65 to make it to the second weekend. Playing in the East Region, Texas Tech defeated intrastate opponent Stephen F. Austin 70-60, then knocked off Florida 69-66 to land in the Sweet 16. Next up for the Aggies is Michigan, while Tech faces Purdue.
Francis arrested for PI
It’s time to play ball as the season starts in HISD.
Baseball preview: Best of HISD boys of summer later to bring the curtain down. Head coach Nick Ozuna is in his second year at the helm after succeeding the legendary Rocky P. Manuel. Knoblauch With a trace of spring already in the air, could the boys of Field at Butler Stadium is named after former longtime Bellaire summer be far behind? coach Ray Knoblauch. The Houston area high school baseball district races are The cupboard is hardly bare at Westside High School currently underway and District 18-6A is in full bloom with one either. The Wolves have qualified for the postseason every unmistakable favorite. year since the school opened in 2000. A year ago, the unthinkable occurred – the league chamMichael Barrow is in his sixth year as head baseball pion ran the table and finished with a perfect 14-0 mark. coach at Westside. That team hailed from Lamar High School and the Texans The Wolves improved to 2-0 in league play following a were the No.1-ranked Class 6A school in Texas at the conclusion recent 10-3 victory over Westbury. Westside seized control of the regular season before of the game with a four-run succumbing to Ridge Point in uprising in the top of the a hard-fought second-round first. three-game playoff series. Although the Huskies Other Class 6A schools to watch Gone is 18-6A pitching rallied to within 5-3 in the for the 2018 season. MVP Jacob Millender. Yet third the Wolves salted the head coach David Munoz has win away with a strong some experienced players finishing kick. returning in 2018 led by first-team all-district selections Chris Third baseman Ty Murray and first baseman Alex Binn Gutierrez, Will Reeves, Sam Frank and Will Fallon. Conor had two RBIs apiece. Franey and Ross Selvaggi were also first-team all-district. Alejandro Gomez came out of the bullpen in the secMunoz had 116 wins as a head coach coming into the 2018 ond inning with the bases loaded and no outs and retired the season and that number figures to rise. side without incident. Gomez closed the game with threeFor the better part of the past 18 years, Lamar, Bellaire and plus innings of solid relief. Westside have battled it out for playoff seeding with each spendOther Westside players to watch include Julian Garcia, ing time at the top of the mountain. Gerik Grabowski, Zarlan Forde and Gunner Thompson. Bellaire will be a factor again in 2018 with the likes of The fourth playoff berth in 18-6A is up for grabs with centerfielder Bryce Garrett, second baseman Chris Williams, Carnegie, Wisdom, Chavez, Heights, Westbury and Sam Sebastian Trinidad and Jordan Morris on board. Houston MSTC harboring postseason aspirations. The Cardinals began spring break with a 10-0 five-inning Top 18-6A remaining games to watch include: Westrun-rule win over Chavez at Butler Stadium. side vs. Bellaire, Delmar, March 23, 7 p.m.; Lamar vs. Garrett’s bases-clearing triple in the fifth inning was the Bellaire, Butler, March 24, 1 p.m.; Lamar vs. Westside, final nail in the coffin for the Lobos. Garrett scored moments Delmar, March 27, 7 p.m. By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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He was once known as the “Franchise.” Former NBA All-Star and Houston Rocket point guard Steve Francis was recently arrested in Burbank, Calif. for public intoxication. According to police documents, officers responded to a report of an unruly patron in a hotel bar. After observing him, they arrested Francis for public intoxication, saying they “determined he was under the influence to an extent that he posed a risk to his own safety and the safety of others.” Francis has admitted to bouts of alcohol abuse in the past. He was arrested, given a citation and released from jail the following morning. He played for the Rockets from 1999 to 2004.
2018 season memorable The Houston area came up empty in terms of boys’ or girls’ state high school basketball championships in 2018, but the Port Arthur Memorial and Silsbee boys won state titles as Region III champions (Gulf Coast and Houston area). The Wheatley girls advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals before falling to four-time defending state champs Argyle. Yates was the last HISD state girls champion in 1983. The Cypress Creek girls became the fifth different Cy-Fair ISD school since 2010 to qualify for the state basketball tournament.
Tournament tidbits High school basketball was first sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in the 1920-21 school year. The girls’ division followed in 1950-51. Many other states didn’t add girls’ basketball until the 1970s. An impressive list of players in both divisions graced the hardwood floor of the UIL state basketball tournament over the years. Shaquille O’Neal won a state championship at San Antonio Cole in 1989 before he became a four-time NBA champion. Sheryl Swoopes won a state title at Brownfield in 1988 before winning three Olympic gold medals. More than 170 former Texas high school boys’ basketball players have gone on to play at the highest professional level. Former Texas high school basketball coach Robert Hughes coached for 47 years and recorded more wins (1,333) than any other coach in the history of boys’ high school basketball. In 2017, Hughes was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame along with former Houston Rockets’ guard Tracy McGrady and Kansas head coach Bill Self.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 22 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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PROJECT PROM DRESS DRIVE……..This Woman’s Work and Carla Lane distributed free smoke detectors, adding to the event’s positive vibe. Attendees sponsored the 2nd Annual Project Prom Dress Drive benefitting the HISD Homeless included event coordinator Mary Ann Welch, Marion Bryant, Felicia Jackson, Education Project Prom. Co-host HISD Trustee Wanda Adams welcomed a Brandon Pittman, Venita Gatson, Katrina Cotton, Dr. Amya Mitchell, Dr. spirit-filled throng of individuals and families who dropped off prom dresses at Ngozi Ogbuehi, Ethelbert Davis, De’Quan Coleman, Nikita Davis, Dr. Padma One Delta Plaza to be donated so homeless students can attend their proms in Swamy, Kayla Nowlin and more.…….. 67th ANNUAL TSU RELAYS…….The style and in fashion. Attendees and donators included Tina Marie Jones-Green, 67th Annual Texas Southern University Relays took place recently featuring some Michelle Lewis, Dorita Hatchett, Karen Hauser, Karla of the top collegiate and high school track and field teams in the Fleming-Jones, Jasmine Harris, Tanisha Harris, Lisa country. Held at TSU’s Alexander Durley Stadium, the event Defender TOP EVENTS Jackson, David Barragato, Ilka Rosado, Tanisha Belvin, that is revered by track and field fans and athletes in Houston More photos on defendernetwork.com Alicia Nay, Nettie Jones, Kisha Hodges and many and beyond did not disappoint, with excitement and incredible more……..COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS performances given by athletes from all across the city and FAIR…….The Houston Area Urban League and Texas Children’s Hospital state and teams traveling from as far away as Chicago. Attendees included Morgan hosted a Community Health & Wellness Fair offering people an opportunity to Utsey-Williams, Alexis Horn, RaKayla Robertson, Jessica Phillips, Ikiyah spring into better health. The event provided an opportunity to learn about area Searcy, Mareon Lewis, Corey Payne, Cynthia Anderson, Rahem Alexander, health resources, take part in screenings, get vaccinated, and more. Car seats Nyah Berry, Shawm Gray, Charisma Hewitt, Carson Traylor, Jessilyn were given away and installed for parents and the Houston Fire Department Nicholas, Lanique Smith and countless others.
Carla Lane, Trustee Wanda Adams
Tina Marie Jones-Green, Erica Burley
Richard Miranda, Mary Ann Welch
Nikita Davis, Ashley Wilkens
Jessilyn Nicholas, Lanique Smith, Robyn Brooks, Alayshia Jones
Chris Royal, Renwick Johnson, Ben Wells
Jasmine Harris, Tanisha Harris
Richard Standifer, Ashton Remo, Dr. Amya Mitchell, Charles Sonnier
Shani Darkins, Jessica Phillips, Mykel Wheaton, Ikiyah Searcy
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