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Volume 86 | Number 22
MARCH 30, 2017 |FREE
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NEWSTALK WANDA ADAMS why vote ‘yes’ on recapture
BLACK WOMEN IN POWER
P2 FEATURE DIANE WILKES-TRIBITT raising awareness of vitiligo
Houston professionals lead H PAGE 6
P4 HS ZONE CALEB JOLIVETTE burning up the track at Manvel
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Sanaa Lathan stars in new show
Justin Jackson heading to Final Four
The actress has reunited with her Love & Basketball director Gina PrinceBythewood for a new controversial series on Fox. “Shots Fired” looks at a Black cop who shoots a white man. Lathan plays an investigator.
The Tomball native is heading to the NCAA big game. In a stunning last-minute win against Kentucky, Jackson and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels secured their spot in the Final Four. Now, Jackson is hoping to go all the way.
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LaVincia Barnett Idlebird and Tondra Thompson shine at the Zeta’s 50 Shades of Blue event.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 30 | 2017
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newstalk
Trustees say vote ‘yes’ for recapture
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By ASWAD WALKER Defender
he battle between recapture and detachment wages on, in spite of the outcome of last November’s election which voters thought put the issue of Proposition 1 to bed. Several HISD board members who stood against recapture then are urging voters to support it during the May 6 special election. With recapture, property-rich districts – such as HISD – must send “recaptured” property tax revenue to Austin to be redistributed to property-poor districts in an attempt to create Wanda Adams more equity in educational opportunities. The Rhonda Skillern-Jones question put before voters is how should this Adams said the November election results obligation be paid. also caused the Texas Education Agency to With recapture, properties that would have improve recapture calculations, which lowered been removed from HISD tax rolls and given to HISD’s current payment to about $77.5 million, Aldine ISD under detachment, including the Galdown from $162 million. leria, Greenway Plaza, JPMorgan Chase Tower “Neither choice is a good choice, but the and others, will remain with HISD. worst choice is detachment because it’s permaBoard President Wanda Adams and Trustee nent,” said Adams, who encourages voters to vote Rhonda Skillern-Jones see supporting recapture “For” recapture on May 6, arguing that HISD will this go-round as a no-brainer. lose more money in the long run with detached The $77.5 million, however, is the recapture property values funneling millions of dollars payment for year-one only. Some reports sugaway from the district. She also places signifigest that over a four-year period, HISD would cant faith in Gov. Greg Abbott, who has not been pay $1.114 billion, a figure much higher than viewed by education advocates as an ally. projected payments made over the same period “If you look at Gov. Abbott’s budget he now if voters say “no” to recapture, and thus choose has education on it. He heard the November votdetachment. ers,” she said. “The ‘no’ vote in November did its job: it Last November, HISD voters said “no” to forced the state to have a conversation on school Proposition 1 that would have bound the district finance and recapture that otherwise would not to meet its state-mandated recapture obligation. have happened,” Adams said. “Now, they’re ready Those funds would then be redistributed to a to negotiate.” school district deemed property-poor – in this
case Aldine ISD. The vote against recapture was to have set in motion the district’s need to honor its obligation by way of detachment – the process of the state removing the most valuable non-residential, commercial properties from a property-rich district’s tax roll to be taxed and its resources used by an assigned poorer school district. Skillern-Jones said she opposed recapture in November because the $162 million payment was “too draconian” for HISD’s budget. “I am in favor of the $77 million because it has less impact than both the $162 million and the alternative which is to detach $8 billion in property wealth,” she added. Skillern-Jones said students are why she now supports recapture. “For me, this is mainly about the children in HISD. The budget impact is far greater and permanent if we allow detachment. It will cause significant loss in tax revenue adversely impacting our classrooms. In addition, taxpayers will ultimately absorb the cost in higher taxes.” Those who oppose recapture argue that Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are pushing HISD toward recapture in hopes of destroying the district and thereby opening the door for vouchers. Skillern-Jones, however, contends the two issues don’t intersect, and that voting for recapture “won’t affect the current voucher bill one way or the other.” “Once anyone takes the time to understand the data, this ‘yes’ vote is a no-brainer. We are already in recapture and we will either write the check and continue the fight, or we will have permanent detachment that will continue to snowball each year and devastate our children’s resources.”
localbriefs THE TEENAGE CANCER PATIENT who recently connected with Beyoncé through Facebook has died. Ebony Banks, who was being treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center, died after losing her battle with stage 4 cancer. Banks’ classmates started a hashtag campaign, #EbobMeetsBeyonce, in order to grant their friend her wish to meet her idol, and they eventually succeeded. The young woman received a video chat call on FaceTime from Beyoncé, and the two exchanged “I love you’s.”…….TWENTY COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVES WILL RECEIVE $10 million in grant funds from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The money will be used to assist Texas veterans
and their families struggling with mental health issues…….THIRTY-SEVEN ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE grants from the city to support the development and presentation of new artistic works across the community. Since 1985, the city grant program has awarded more than $4.5 million through more than 780 Individual Artist Grants…….LONE STAR COLLEGE WAS SELECTED as a Voter Friendly Campus by national nonpartisan organizations Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The initiative held participating institutions accountable for planning and implementing practices that encourage their students to register and vote in
the 2016 general election. LSC was one of 83 campuses in 23 states chosen…..HISD WILL HOST THREE SPECIAL EDUCATION FORUMS where parents can ask questions and provide comments as part of a broader effort to reform special education services in the district. There are three opportunities to attend: April 5, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St.); April 19, 8:30-10 a.m. at the HISD East Field Office (1102 Telephone Road); May 17, 6-7:30 p.m. at the HISD South Field Office (4040 W. Fuqua St.) Parents can submit questions in advance to SpecialEducation@HoustonISD.org, or submit questions through an online form at HoustonISD.org/SpecialEducation.
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national
U.S.briefs D.C. MAYOR MURIEL E. BOWSER said the city will create a series of new initiatives including a task force to assist in finding missing children and teens in the District. The mayor’s message comes days after a heated town hall meeting about the city’s missing teens – primarily Black and Latino girls – as well as a flurry of national media attention. Bowser will increase the number of officers assigned to find missing children and establish a task force to determine what social services teenagers who run away need. The city would also allocate more money to organizations that work with vulnerable teens.……THE SELFPROCLAIMED WHITE SUPREMACIST who was charged with fatally stabbing a Black New York City man to death voiced regret that the victim was not a young, or more successful, older Black man. In an interview from jail, 28-year-old James Harris Jackson, says he stabbed 66-year-old Timothy Caughman to death but he would have rather killed “a young thug” or “a successful older Black man with blondes, people you see in Midtown,” or “these younger guys that put white girls on the wrong path.” Jackson, intended for the stabbing to be “a practice run” for his larger plan, but he apparently lost interest after the killing..…..A WHITE CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER accused of murder in the shooting death of a Black teenager has been charged with 16 new counts of aggravated battery, in a case that sparked national debate over police use of force against minorities. Video footage of 17-yearold Laquan McDonald being shot 16 times by Jason Van Dyke in October 2014 sparked protests and pushed the city into a national debate over police use of force, particularly in minority communities. The release of the video also led to the ouster of the police chief. Van Dyke pleaded not guilty to murder in 2015 and is awaiting trial.
VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 22 MARCH 30, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
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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Former President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010.
How Obama passed health care and Trump couldn’t
T gov.
Defender News Services
he Affordable Care Act overcame the Tea Party protests of 2009 and the Democrats losing their filibuster-proof Senate majority in 2010. It survived two challenges in front of the Supreme Court and the calamitous rollout of healthcare.
Now it has withstood the attempt to replace it with the American Health Care Act, also known as Trumpcare. Somehow, despite the intense political forces arrayed against it, and the mind-boggling policy problems it tries to solve, the 2010 health care law keeps defying efforts to wipe it out. That says something about the people who wrote it ― and what they have achieved. Obamacare has never been hugely popular, and it has never worked as well as its architects hoped. Millions of Americans don’t like it and, even now, there are parts of the country where the markets are struggling to survive. But the program has provided security and access to care for millions of others. More importantly, it has shifted the expectations of what government should do ― and of what a decent society looks like. The defeat of the Republican repeal effort shows just how hard it is to undo those changes. And it won’t get any easier. Trump and the Republicans in Congress had spent all of 63 days trying to pass their Obamacare repeal ― less than three weeks of which were spent actually debating the text of the AHCA. By contrast, it took former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid more than a year to pass Obamacare
― a politically tortuous period that many people later blamed for Democrats losing their House majority in 2010. At the time, every apparent error loomed large ― from taking on health care at all, to letting the process drag out for more than a year to cutting unpleasant deals with health care’s special interests. Like the Republicans this year, Democrats found consensus difficult to achieve ― among the outside groups, and within their own ranks as well. Liberals wanted a more generous program, and a public option. Moderates wanted to avoid too much government spending and too much meddling with the way independent businesses operate. But unlike the Republicans, the Democrats’ reaction was to work with the different groups and slowly bring them along ― most vividly, by negotiating with a handful of moderate Republicans, in the hopes that one or two (or maybe more) would sign onto the plan. It never happened, but the effort to woo those members helped secure moderate Democrats who needed to tell their constituents that, yes, they had tried to be bipartisan. One reason Democratic leaders were able to preserve legislative momentum was that they understood, at all times, where they were trying to go ― and they were fluent enough in the policy to handle direct negotiations on their own. One of the enduring images of Obama during the Affordable Care Act fight was his visit to a Republican Party policy retreat in Baltimore, where he fielded questions and parried criticisms from the assembled members for roughly 90 minutes. Trump, by contrast, seemed to lack anything beyond a superficial understanding of the bill, to the point where allies worried about letting him negotiate details. “Either doesn’t know, doesn’t care or both,” a Capitol Hill aide said about the president.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 30 | 2017
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Houstonian spreads vitiligo awareness I became uncomfortable in my skin,” Tribitt said. “I was teased a lot and called some horrible names – spot, bleach eyes, raccoon face, whitey…I hated my skin and many times, didn’t even want to go out of the house because I felt like everyone was staring at me and talking about me. “I think each stage of my life sent me through that uncomfortable phase again. I’m not fully comfortable yet but I’m in a much better place than I’ve ever been.” Those childhood memories and her daily struggle sparked Tribitt to share her story through YouTube videos of her applying make-up to cover her face. The videos got the attention of Perry Whaley of the non-profit Vitiligo Bond Inc. who reached out to her about being part of their upcoming 30-city tour to bring
By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
It’s a condition made famous by the late superstar Michael Jackson, but thousands of African-Americans live with it on a daily basis. Diane L. Tribitt, CEO/ founder of D’Lyric Inspired, hopes to help them and others love the skin they’re in. Tribitt will host the inaugural Houston Vitiligo Awareness Movement “Embrace Who You Are” on Saturday, April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Preston Theater, 2201 Preston St. Her hope is to educate the public about vitiligo, a condition in which a loss of cells that give color to the skin (melanocytes) results in smooth, white patches in the midst of normally pigmented skin. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but scientists say it may be due to Diane and her husband, Pat Tribitt an immune system disorder. Between 2-5 million people have been diagnosed with the awareness about vitiligo. condition in the U.S., and it shows up between the ages of 10 and The April 8 conference will bring in professionals who spe30 in about half the people who get it. Tribitt’s skin started chang- cialize in vitiligo, people who live with the condition and others ing when she was 9. who hope to get a better understanding. “I had been in private school and transferred to a public Tribitt said she leans on God to cope and “I often remind school,” she said. “There was a young girl sitting at the front of myself that He created me this way with purpose.” the class but I will never forget the look on her face when the For more information visit www.houstonvitiligoawareteacher introduced me. She looked horrified and at that moment, ness.eventbrite.com. FRO-17031-HoustonDefender-ThePerson-9p75x6p5.pdf
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Diane L. Tribitt
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MARCH 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
‘Shots Fired’
entertainment
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Creators talk about Fox drama of, and in the course of the 10 hours their relationship evolves and the optics of that are pretty striking,” PrinceBythewood said. The title of “Shots Fired” makes it clear the The chance for long-form storytelling made the pair new drama series is treading on contentious turf. reconsider their original desire to pursue the topic as a bigYes, a police shooting of an unarmed youth is at the screen film. But they were able to entice movie actors, includcenter of the story, paired with a previous death by guning Helen Hunt, who plays the state’s governor, and Richard fire. But it’s an African-American sheriff’s deputy who Dreyfuss, who portrays a real estate mogul. has killed a white college student and roiled the North Sanaa Lathan and Stephan James star, respectively, as Carolina town where the story is set. an investigator and a special prosecutor, with Stephen Moyer, Series creator and executive producers Gina PrinceWill Patton, Mack Wilds and Aisha Hinds as part of the Bythewood (“Beyond the Lights,” “The Secret Life ensemble. of Bees”) and her husband, Reggie Rock Bythewood “They came together because they believed in (“Notorious,” “New York Undercover”), are flipping the the vision,” Prince-Byexpected narrative – that the victim is Black, the deputy thewood said of the cast. white – as part of their effort to shift attitudes. But what the series “Just that alone, to be able to challenge people’s creators are asking of points of view just in the way you would look at the viewers is no small thing: story, that was compelling,” Bythewood said of the Fox step into another perdrama, that airs Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (CST). son’s shoes at a time of The other murder, the mostly ignored shooting of American political and a Black teenager, adds more layers to a mystery that’s social acrimony. Are they intended to entertain as well as illuminate. Bythewood optimistic their show can said he learned early that “you get audiences at the edge make even a dent? of their seats, and while they’re learning forward, hit “We certainly have them with the truth.” no optimism with the In an interview, the couple cited the 2012 killing of results that come from teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida by George Zimmerpeople staying in their man as an impetus for their approach. Although many Sanaa Lathan, Stephan James corners and yelling at people sympathized with Martin’s family and their loss, sider the sheer tragedy of a child’s people across the room, others “had no regard for Trayvon as a human being, a loss for a parent. and talking at each other child who was shot by a grown man,” Bythewood said. “Forget race for a second, as opposed to talking to Zimmerman, who argued the shooting was in selfjust connect with her as a mother,” each other,” Bythewood defense, was acquitted by a jury. Bythewood said. Or rather two said. “There’s nothing “What we thought is the people that did not identify moms, DeWanda Wise’s Shameeka good that comes from with people like Trayvon or other kids who were killed Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood Campbell and Jill Hennessy’s that. We hope [the drama] could easily be desensitized and say, ‘I already know what Alicia Carr. gives you a view from evthe story is, I already know what the case is,’ ” and ignore “Mothers from very different walks of life are sudery seat in the house and gives you empathy and insight the series, Bythewood said. denly members of a club nobody wants to be a member toward other people.” A crucial goal, the pair said, is to get viewers to conAssociated Press
what’sup “The T.D. JAKES Show” has been cancelled, after being on air only six months. Parent company Tegna opted not to renew the talk show due to low ratings.…….NIA LONG has threatened to sue the Fox hit series, “Empire,” after staffers complained that she was unprofessional and disrespectful on set. According to reports, while filming her guest role on the show Long had been at odds with TARAJI P. HENSON over claims the actress was “extremely rude” to hair and makeup staff. Long’s supposed attitude reportedly angered Henson, so much so that the two allegedly stopped speaking. Long’s rep denied the reports
and called it a ratings ploy……..JAY Z and Weinstein Company are partnering to make a film and documentary series about TRAYVON MARTIN. The project will include a six-part docu-series and feature film telling Martin’s story. Jay Z executive produced a similar docu-series, “The Kalief Browder Story,” which is currently airing on Spike..…..STEVIE WONDER reached a settlement with the wife of his late entertainment attorney, who accused the musician of cheating her out of millions in royalties. Susan Strack, the widow of Wonder’s late attorney Johanan Vigoda, said Vigoda represented Wonder for four decades and per
their deal, Wonder was to pay a 6 percent fee for all revenue brought in for his entire career, which was to transfer to his family when he passed. When Wonder ceased making royalty payments, Strack sued him for $7 million…….KEYSHIA COLE is returning to the world of reality TV, confirming that she has joined the cast of “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.” Cole said her storyline will only help enhance her image. Filming reportedly has already begun for the fourth season, which is expected to air in June on VH1. Cole’s exhusband, former NBA star Daniel “Booby” Gibson, is reportedly appearing on the show as well.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 30 | 2017
BLACK WOMEN IN POWER
Houston professionals lead By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
It’s no secret that Black women are at an immediate disadvantage in the workplace. When it comes to minority women in executive positions, the numbers are dismal. According to a study by the American Association of University Women, Black women represent just 8 percent of the private sector workforce and 1.5 percent of senior leadership. But here in Houston, Black women are working to change those bleak numbers, climbing the ranks to some of the top spots in the city. Here we feature some of the Black women in power that lead some of our city’s most prominent businesses, oversee million dollar budgets, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
PROFESSIONAL Michelle Riley Brown
Job Title: Executive Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital, President, Texas Children’s Hospital, The Woodlands Education: Tulane University of Washington School of Medicine Ultimate Career Goal: To continue to serve in leadership roles that have a positive impact.
Emelda Douglas
Job Title: Executive Director, Susan G. Komen Education: Stephen F. Austin University Ultimate Career Goal: I am living the dream professional life. Leading, learning and enabling women’s health equity. Twitter Handle: @edouglas4
Shauna Johnson Clark
Job Title: Head of Employment & Labor, U.S., Norton Rose Fulbright Education: Louisiana State University, Tulane Law School Ultimate Career Goal: To lead and serve with integrity and compassion. LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/ shaunajohnsonclark
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PROFESSIONAL Vanessa Gilmore
Job Title: U.S. District Judge, Southern District Education: Hampton University Ultimate Career Goal: To continue serving until my retirement, then work in an area utilizing my skills.
Tandra Jackson
Job Title: Office Managing Partner Education: Louisiana State University, University of Houston Ultimate Career Goal: Be a successful woman in business who makes a positive impact.
Myrtle Jones
Job Title: Senior Vice President, Tax, Haliburton Education: Mississippi State University, Certified Public Accountant in Texas Ultimate Career Goal: My success has already exceeded my wildest imagination but I hope to attain a position on a corporate board and/or go on the speaking circuit after I retire. Twitter Handle: @myrtle_l_jones
Dr. Valerea O. Lewis
Job Title: Professor/ Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center Education: Yale University; Harvard Medical School Ultimate Career Goal: To shape and improve the treatment and outcomes for patients with sarcoma while at the same time working to expand the opportunities for women and people of color in the field of Orthopaedic Surgery and Medicine in general. Twitter Handle: @drvaleraelewis
Dr. Alicia Monroe
Job Title: Provost, Baylor College of Medicine Education: Brown University; Indiana University School of Medicine Ultimate Career Goal: To flourish and to contribute for as long as I have the opportunity to serve. I just want to continue to do good things and make meaningful contributions. not to downshift into neutral.
Visit DefenderNetwork.com For more Black Women in Power
Power Players Deavra Daughtry CEO, TWEF Myra Davis Sr. VP & CIO, Texas Children’s Hospital Donna Sims Wilson President, Smith & Graham Kimberly Phillips Asst. General Counsel, Shell Oil Iris Cross Exec. Director, BP Foundation Cheryl Creuzot President/CEO, Wealth Dev. Strategies
While the list of Black women in Power in Houston is extensive, here are just a few more power players and influencers in the Bayou City. See their complete profiles at www.DefenderNetwork.com.
Sharon Jones Political Strategist, ACLU Amber Newman CEO, Boys & Girls Club, Brazoria County Argentina James President and CEO of HillDay Public Relations, Inc. Jackie Pope City of Houston, Former National President, Top Ladies of Distinction Sharon Owens Retired VP, Centerpoint Energy/Co-Owner, La Maison
Pamela Ellis CEO, Smahrt Solutions Julie Griffith CEO, J. Griffith Public Relations Kachelle Kelly Author/Motivational Speaker Joy Sewing Fashion Editor, Houston Chronicle Crystal Washington Technology Strategist Andrea Joy Stephens District Manager, Kimberly Clark
We know there are many more Power Players in Houston. Let our readers know about them on our FB page at Facebook.com/DefenderNetwork
he Houston area for over 85 years
Winell Herron
Job Title: Group VP, Public Affairs & Diversity, HEB Education: University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio College of Business, University of Southern California Ultimate Career Goal: To make a positive difference in the lives of others…one community at a time! And remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others…meeting today’s needs and influencing the future.
Yolanda Green-Barnes
Job Title: Community Investment Director, Comcast Houston Region Education: Sam Houston State University Ultimate Career Goal: Regional VP of external affairs or corporate director of community investment. Twitter Handle: @YolandaGSpeaks
Paula McCann-Harris
Job Title: Schlumberger Director, Global Educational Programming and Community Engagement Education: Texas A&M University Ultimate Career Goal: After 30 years with Schlumberger, I am getting close to retirement. My goal is to leave a legacy of STEM learning around the world and helping to develop and mentor a pipeline of minorities and girls in STEM from 3rd grade coding clubs to serving on corporate boards. Twitter Handle: @pharris217
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DEFENDER | MARCH 30 | 2017
Bob Lee dead at age 74 Services were recently held for Robert E. “Bob” Lee III, a retired social worker and community organizer. Lee, who was often called the “Mayor of Fifth Ward,” died March 21 at age 74. He was the brother of the late Precinct One County Commissioner El Franco Lee. “I’m deeply saddened by the death of Bob Lee, a longtime friend,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who succeeded El Franco Lee. “My prayers are with his family at this difficult time.” Ellis said Lee was a well-respected community leader. “Even after retirement, he maintained a strong presence by helping people in the community the rest of his life,” Ellis said. “He collected clothes for people so they could go on job interviews. He also was concerned about children and people with debilitating diseases such as AIDS and cancer…We all mourn the loss of this kind, goodhearted man.” Lee attended Wheatley High School and received a track scholarship to Southern University. He was later accepted into Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) in San Francisco, which was created as part of the War on Poverty. He relocated to Chicago and was introduced to the Black Panther Party by Bobby Seale. Lee returned to Houston and served as a social worker. In addition to his community involvement, he had an interest in history, and co-edited the Texas Trailblazer Series with Patricia Smith Prather. Survivors include his wife, son and two brothers.
“after retirement, he maintained a strong presence by helping people in the community the rest of his life.”
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MARCH 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
Annual citywide family fun day set for April 8 park. This competition is open to all kids for the kids, along with facepainters. Anbetween the ages of 7 to 14. other new addition this year is the Houston New this year is an exhibition game Zoo’s Zoomobile with their “animal ambasbetween Eisenhower and Booker T. Washsadors.” ington High Schools. That game will begin For those young at heart, the senior at 1 p.m. on Field 2, also on the north end tent will provide a gathering spot for bingo of the park. and other games. Major League Baseball will bring back And come hungry. The mayor will their baseball skill games. Inflatable games,T:4.79” serve up turkey legs, hot dogs, nachos, a rockwall and a train will also be on hand popcorn and more.
Defender News Services
LEGAL NOTICE Game #
Game Name / Odds
$
Official Close of Game
End Validations Date
1811
$100,000 Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.11
$5
4/8/17
10/5/17
1815
Garland Riches - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.89
$5
4/21/17
10/18/17
1760
Word Games - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.08
$3
4/24/17
10/21/17
1809
Texas A&M University - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.70
$1
5/31/17
11/27/17
1810
The University of Texas - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.70
$1
5/31/17
11/27/17
1776
Cowboys - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.99
$5
5/31/17
11/27/17
1777
Houston Texans - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.99
$5
5/31/17
11/27/17
1813
Hit The Jackpot - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.70
$5
5/31/17
11/27/17
Aldine Carver students perform at Family Day at Sylvester Turner Park. The 10th annual event will take place April 8 from 2 to 6 p.m. with free entertainment, games, baseball and food.
ginning at 9 a.m. and running all day long. In addition, a pitch, hit and run competition will take place from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Field 1 on the north end of the
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424253-291 The Houston Defender
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Mayor Sylvester Turner has announced that the 10th Annual Family Day at Sylvester Turner Park on April 8 will be the biggest event ever, with more activities for everyone. “Family Day is a special time for fun and fellowship,” said Turner, “with plenty to enjoy for everyone of every age. I hope to see young and old out at the park April 8.” Family Day will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Sylvester Turner Park, 2800 West Little York. All activities, entertainment and food are free. J. Paul and the Zydeco Nubreeds will return with their special brand of music. Also performing will be Aldine Carver High School drama and dance students, the Eisenhower High School Jazz Band, the M.C. Williams Middle School Orchestra, Tiger Rock Martial Arts, a lion dance by the Teo Chew Temple, the Luna Llena mariachi band and more. The Urban Youth Academy, sponsored by the Houston Astros and Major League Baseball, will hold both boys and girls games in the Astros Junior RBI league, be-
3/17/17 4:52 PM
Creative Dir. Mark F.
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DEFENDER | MARCH 30 | 2017
sports
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March Madness:
Final Four set
I
By MAX EDISON Defender
t began with 68 teams two weeks ago, all pursuing the same goal – to become one of the last four teams playing in Phoenix. The field is now set in the sports world’s premiere spring event, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, which takes place April 1 and 3. The North Carolina Tar Heels, Oregon Ducks, Gonzaga Bulldogs and South Carolina Gamecocks have all received Sindarius Justin Jackson and the North Carolina Tar Heels are once again in the Final Four. Jackson is a native of Tomball. their invitation to the big dance. Thornwell Who will be the sole survivor? leads the the NCAA tournament as a seventh seed in the South Carolina long time ago, and It’s anyone’s guess at this point. Gamecocks, East Region. To say coach Frank Martin’s men I think everybody The four teams have defied the odds and they alone another one are peaking at the right time is an understatement. will be pretty will command center stage for all the world to witness of college Their path to the Final Four included an upset of basketball’s excited about on college basketball’s grandest stage. most No. 2 seed and perennial powerhouse Duke and the the opportunity The first of two semifinal games will feature a pair consistent demolition of No. 3 seed Baylor. to go to Phoenix of schools who have never reached the Final Four – teams. The Gamecocks are led by senior guard and play for a Gonzaga and South Carolina. Hear is a glimpse at all Sindarius Thornwell (21 ppg.), sophomore guard national title.” four teams. P.J. Dozier (13 ppg.), senior guard Duane Notice Altman’s • The Gonzaga Bulldogs have made 19 consecu(10 ppg.) and sophomore forward Chris Silva (10 team is known tive trips to the NCAA tournament but have never ppg.). for its explosive participated in the final weekend. Gonzaga was once Despite being a higher seed Thornwell just offense, but the Duck’s defense has dominated in the considered a nice little Cinderella story, happy to just wanted the Gamecocks to get their opportunity. NCAA tournament. Center Jordan Bell set the demake it to the dance and get lucky with an upset win. “All I was looking for was a chance,” he said. fensive tone throughout the Sweet 16 shutting down With their first trip to the Final Four the Bulldogs “Once we got a chance, I thought let’s just see the paint and protecting the rim. He was named the have cemented themselves as one college basketball’s what we can do. Let’s see if we can prove people region’s MVP. best and most consistent programs over the past two wrong.” • The North Carolina Tar Heels are syndecades. • The Oregon Ducks take on North Carolina onymous with college basketball and the team Coach Mark Few’s squad finished the season 32-1, in the second semifinal game .When you think of was runner-up in last year’s Final Four. This year once again dominating the West Coast Conference. Oregon athletics you normally think of high-flying marks the Tar Heels’ 20th appearance in the Final They entered the tournament as the No. 1 seeded team offensive football. Now the basketball team has Four. They have been champions five times and in the West Region and certainly lived up to the seed. moved into the spotlight. This isn’t the first time runners-up five times. They will arrive to the big The Zags feature five players who average double Oregon has been to the Final Four; it’s just been dance off the heels of the most exciting game of digits, led by guard Nigel Williams-Goss (16 ppg.) and a long time, 78 years to be exact. They won the the Sweet 16, a thrilling, buzzer-beating shot to Przemek Karnowski (12.6 ppg) national championship in 1939. defeat a very worthy Kentucky team 75-73. “The Final Four doesn’t validate or discredit a seaThis year the Ducks finished as the top team in The Tar Heels are led by Tomball native and son,” said junior forward Johnathan Williams. “It’s not a very competitive PAC 12 conference (33-5). They junior forward Justin Jackson (18 ppg.), junior an end-all, be-all. Gonzaga has been a great program entered the dance as a No. 3 seed and are now the guard Joel Berry II (14 ppg.) and senior forward and we’re just happy to keep carrying the torch.” champions of the Midwest Kennedy Meeks (12 ppg.). • The South Carolina Gamecocks are clearly the “I am so happy for our team, our staff, our Because of their experience, most experts Cinderella story of this year’s tournament. They university,” coach Dana Altman said. “1939 was a believe North Carolina will be the team to beat. finished fourth in the SEC (26-10) and entered
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h.s.zone Manvel standout Jolivette returns with a vengeance the best in the nation was an amazing experience,” Jolivette said. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. “The other meets have gone pretty well this year. I aleb Jolivette is back for the 2017 high had my [personal record] in the long jump this week and school track and field season with a venwe had our best time [1:25.58] and became No. 1 in the geance. U.S. in the 4X200 relay last week at the TSU Relays.” Not that the Manvel High School Manvel won the Class 6A boys’ team track and field senior all-purpose sprinter/jumper needed championship in 2015 and finished runner-up last year. any further motivation. Yet he’s the conThis year the Mavericks will compete in Class 5A along summate team player. with district rival and As fate would have it, two-time defending state Jolivette was dealt a bum hand by champion Fort Bend Find out which girl claimed a gold Mother Nature at the 2016 UIL Marshall. medal at the Lopez Classic state track and field meet when Jolivette will try rainy weather forced him to comto qualify for state in pete in the long jump after running the same four events as last year – open 100, long jump, the 100-meter dash and on two relays (4X100, 4X200). 4X100 and 4X200 relays. “He had to jump without any recovery time after run“Caleb can do it all for us on the track,” Crumning those races and he had nothing left,” said Kendrick edy said. “He’s so coachable and he’s unselfish. He Crumedy, head boys track coach at Manvel High School. wants to help bring the glory to his teammates.” “If he could have jumped that morning, it may have been a different story. “A third or a fourth in the long jump would have distanced us from DeSoto or in the worst-case scenario we would have tied and been co-champs,” Crumedy said. “As it worked out, we came up four points short and had to settle for second place.” It’s a fact that still doesn’t sit well with one of the state’s premiere performers. “I came in with the ninth best jump in the state and I was so ready to prove that I was better than that,” Jolivette said. “Then the bad weather stepped in and there were so many delays. I ended up having heavy legs when it was time to jump. “My coaches told me to try and enjoy the moment,” Caleb Jolivette Jolivette said. “I didn’t want to let my teammates down because I knew we needed those points to win. I’m coming back stronger this year because those field-event points can help us win another state title. I’m taking it personal.” Jolivette recently defeated a national field in the 60-meter dash at the New Balance Nationals Indoor Meet in New York. A time of 6.73 seconds earned him the gold medal. At the 2017 Victor Lopez Classic at Rice University last weekend, Jolivette jumped a personal record 24 feet, three inches to win the long jump. After mulling over scholarship offers from North Carolina, Michigan and Alabama among others, Jolivette chose Sam Houston State University in Huntsville because he’ll be allowed to play football and run track.
C
By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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MARCH 30 | 2017 | DEFENDER
11
sportsbriefs Raiders moving to Vegas It’s official; the Raiders are moving to Las Vegas. The team will still play in Oakland in 2017 and possibly longer. The Raiders will play in a 65,000-seat, $1.9 billion domed stadium to be shared with UNLV expected to open in2020. “My father always said, ‘The greatness of the Raiders is in its future,’ and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness,” owner Mark Davis said. The Raiders become the third team in the past two years to be granted approval to relocate. Previously, both the Rams and Chargers were allowed to relocate to Los Angeles from St. Louis and San Diego, respectively.
Charlo title fight set Unbeaten WBC super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo will defend his world title against No. 1-rated challenger Charles Hatley on Saturday, April 22, live on Showtime from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. An Alief product, Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) will face mandatory challenger Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) after winning the vacant world title with a sensational eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in May, 2016. “I’m once again ready to get in the ring and continue to build my legacy,” Charlo said. “I’ve been training hard, I’m focused and I’m even hungrier now that I have my belt. Charles Hatley has never been in the ring with someone like me and I’m going to do what’s necessary to get that win.”
Baseball teams excel
George Ranch is the No. 1-ranked Class 6A baseball team in Texas following a 9-3 victory over Brazoswood on March 24. The Longhorns improved to 18-1 on the season and 3-0 in District 23-6A after moving up from Class 5A this season.....Kempner has opened district play (20-6A) with victories over Ridge Point (6-1), Fort Bend Austin (4-2) and Fort Bend Bush (5-1) to rank No. 6 in the Houston area among Class 6A schools. The 13-2-3 Cougars are led by pitcher Simeon Woods-Richardson and shortstop Alec Carr who are both committed to the University of Texas. Other standouts include left-handed pitcher Noah Huerta (Texas Tech) and outfielder Jeremiah McCollum (Florida A&M)…..The Woodlands is showing signs of life following a 14-4 rain-soaked victory over College Park in a battle of unbeatens in District 12-6A. Ace pitcher Devin Fontenot registered 20 strikeouts in district wins over Montgomery (8-4) and Conroe (3-1). Steven Beard tossed a complete-game fourhit shutout over Oak Ridge (1-0) for the No. 10 Highlanders…..Other area-ranked schools include Travis (3), Deer Park (4), Cypress Ranch (5) and Atascocita (8).
Softball teams ranked Katy won a Class 6A state softball championship in 2015 and the Tigers are making noise once again in 2017. In the latest Texas Girls Coaches Association’s Class 6A state poll, Katy is ranked No. 3 with a 19-3 overall record. Atascocita is No. 4, MacArthur is No. 5 and Kingwood is sixth. Spring (7) is also in the Top 10. Foster (17-1) is the top-ranked 5A school in Texas.
“To compete in New York against
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12
DEFENDER | MARCH 30 | 2017
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT THE MUSEUM……..The Houston Museum for the festivities, including president Tondra Thompson, Gwen Owens, of African American Culture (HMAAC) recently hosted Girls Night Out LaVincia Barnett Idlebird, Deborah Sanders, Robin Evans, Cheryl Lewis, at the Museum, an evening of cocktails, karaoke, refreshments, giveaways, Shonda Easmond, Javette Murphy, Charles Ndel, Jacqueline McGaskey, and a pop-up marketplace highlighting women-owned businesses. Attendees Marcus Compton, Gabrielle Noel, Mary Ann Smith and many more…….. were encouraged to sip, shop and show out, and they did while also taking HOUSTON VIP POETRY SLAM……...The Houston VIP Poetry Slam in the words of featured speaker Shemetre Richmond of Save Your recently hosted its monthly night of dynamic spoken word competition at Properties. Event organizers Davinia Reed and Jessika Davidson welcomed Warehouse Live. Houston VIP Poetry Slam is the highest nationally-ranked Sarai Coleman, Ashley Reed, Kristina Reed, Sonia poetry slam team in Houston, and the second-highest in the Eram, Tracie James, Renee Hamilton, Kedrienne state. Besides hosting monthly competitions they also offer Defender TOP EVENTS writing workshops. This month’s event served as a fundraiser Day, Sharvon Nelson, Lindsay Sillas, Rhashedah More photos on defendernetwork.com Ekeodury and many others……..50 SHADES OF to send the team to compete at nationals again this year with BLUE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER…….. Zeta the hopes of taking the top prize. Event organizer and poet Phi Beta Sorority, Omega Delta Zeta Chapter, hosted its Stacey Bension and event MC Jeremy Eugene welcomed several poets and guests including Datha Gary, Lorna Taylor, Jordan fourth annual 50 Shades of Blue Scholarship Fundraiser recently at Belvedere. Entertainment for the event was provided by Blame the Comic and Adrian Simpson, Marcell Murphy, Quiet Storm, Dani Beale, Stephanie Bension, B & ADRINaline Rush as funds were raised to support Bay Area collegeTangie Cooper, Kayla Pete, LaToya Pommier and Chandler Corbett, among others. bound high school seniors. Chapter officers and invited guests were on hand
Davinia Reed, Jessika Davidson
Sharai Wiley, Lady BG
LaVincia Barnett Idlebird, Tondra Thompson
Stacey Bension, Stephanie Bension
Gabrielle Noel, Mary Ann Smith, Cheryl Lewis
Davi Banks, Cameron Lee
Antonio Wilson, Angel Charles, Ashton Charles
Re’Elisama Richardson, Katina Hampton
Kayla Pete, LaToya Pommier, Saajidah Abdul-Hameem
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