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Volume 84 | Number 18
APRIL 2, 2015 |FREE
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NEWSTALK
YOLANDA ADAMS talks purpose & sacrifice
DWIGHT BOYKINS focuses on crime prevention
P2 OPINION DR. CHARLES DUPRE discusses school discipline
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SPORTS LISA LESLIE supports green initiative
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Education matters
TOP EVENTS
Early Matters is a broad-based Houston coalition working to raise awareness about the importance of high-quality early education. Find out what Early Matters is doing to reach its goals. See what those involved in the coalition have to say about local challenges, the importance of vocabulary and breaking the cycle of poverty. Learn about the 30-million word gap and what’s being done about it. H PAGE 8
Ronda Robinson and Angela James at Covenant House gala
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Kennedy Heights crime causes concern other residents in the Kennedy Heights area on protecting themouston City selves without putting Councilmemthemselves in harm’s ber Dwight way,” Boykins said. Boykins said Boykins would crime is a problem in the also like to see more Kennedy Heights area HPD officers on the of Southeast Houston. streets. The problem escalated “The city of recently when a resident Houston has a mawas carjacked and shot jor shortage of law twice in the chest. enforcement officers,” “We have a lot of he said. “We are about new residents moving 3,500 officers shy of into our district, and with where we need to be, all of this new traffic where we have two Councilmember Dwight Boykins there’s more criminal patrol officers per car activity taking place in neighborhoods,” and up to 5,300 officers on the streets. Boykins said. “We have to address that issue,” he Kennedy Height’s boundaries include said. “People pay taxes and they need to Bellfort, Almeda Genoa and Cullen. feel safe in their homes and enjoy quality Boykins said there are about 10,000 of life.” residents in the area, many of them older Boykins said residents must take adults. There are some apartments, but individual safety precautions as well. the majority of residences are single“There are basic steps everyone family dwellings. should take,” he said. “Never leave your Residents’ complaints combined with door unlocked. Never leave your purse or the recent carjacking prompted Boykins other valuables visible in the car. Don’t to call a town hall meeting to address answer the door if you aren’t expecting crime. anyone. Consider getting a dog for the Guests included representatives of house. There are a lot of free dogs that HPD, the Harris County Constable’s Ofbark.” fice and the HISD police department. Boykins added that concerned resi“My goal is for those law enforcedents can call his office at 832-393-3001 ment agencies to coordinate efforts to ad- or visit the satellite office in the Sunnydress crime and give tips to seniors and side Multi-Service Center at 9314 Cullen. By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
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Illegal dumping plagues District D Legislation has been introduced to combat illegal dumping in District D. State Rep. Borris Miles and Councilmember Dwight Boykins have joined forces to address illegal dumping, which is described as “epidemic” in the area. House Bill 273 increases the minimum number of days an individual will spend in confinement for an offense of illegal dumping. For the most serious offenses, the bill proposes that an individual spend a minimum of 12 days in jail and face up to $4,000 in fines. Boykins said the bill is needed because the city’s current ordinance is “weak,” and carries a $300 fine. He said that perpetrators dump trash for convenience. “There are people who are paid to haul trash to landfills but they illegally dump it, often in other people’s yards,” Boykins said. “It’s a major environmental issue,” he added. “People dump sofas, tires, baby strollers, mattresses, bikes, motorcycles, car parts – I’ve seen all kind of stuff.”
localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY was victorious in federal court in defense of a gender discrimination lawsuit filed by graduate school employee Michelle Taylor. Jurors returned a unanimous verdict that TSU did not discriminate against Taylor and was not in violation of the Equal Pay Act. Taylor’s lawsuit said that all assistant deans employed by TSU should receive the same salary. “Dr. Taylor wanted to be paid the same as others with far greater duties and responsibilities and far superior performances,” TSU said in a statement. “The law does not require equal pay for unequal work. TSU has strong policies against discrimination and did
not discriminate against Dr. Taylor.” TSU said it was “very pleased” with the jury’s decision…….. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY has been recognized among the top 100 Best Bang for the Buck rankings of Southern universities, according to Washington Monthly magazine’s college guide. The rankings measure the schools that are the best value based on “net price,” which includes affordability and graduation rates. PVAMU ranked No. 21 on the list. Texas A&M University was ranked No. 2 on the list and the University of Texas at Austin was ranked no. 3…….. METRO IS SEEKING FEEDBACK on possibly changing the Metrolift
fare structure. Community meetings will take place to hear citizens’ thoughts. Metrolift is a complementary paratransit service. It provides transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot board, ride or disembark from a fixed-route bus, even if that bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp. Community meetings are: Monday, April 6, 1 p.m., Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet; Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m., Metro, 1900 Main St., 2nd floor; and Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (in Spanish), MHMRA Conference Center, 7011 Southwest Freeway. An online survey and more information are available at ridemetro.org.
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High court decides pollution standards impacting Blacks
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s fossil fuel companies and environmental groups fight over the future of American energy, people of color suffer the casualties. The latest battle is occurring in the Supreme Court with National Mining Association v. Environmental Protection Agency and its accompanying cases, in which coal mining companies and coal-fired power plants have sued the EPA over new regulations on the air pollution that overwhelmingly settles on communities of color. The NAACP is one of several groups backing the EPA in the suit. “Sixty-eight percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of these coal-fire power plants,” said Jacqui Patterson, director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program. “For us, it’s very much a civil rights issue if certain communities are being disproportionately impacted by the pollutants that come from these coal plants.” The high court heard arguments for the case during a
recent hearing. A decision is expected by summer. The suit focuses on the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards the EPA issued to coal- and oil-fueled power plants in 2011. It’s the first-ever federal rule to limit toxic air pollution from coal- and oil-fired power plants, which would be required to reduce emissions by upgrading their facilities to more public health-friendly systems. Very few power plants run on oil, but the United States relies on coal for nearly half of its electricity. Leading coal mining corporations assert that the EPA should not be allowed to issue such regulations without first considering the upgrade and compliance costs they impose. In other words, the plaintiffs want to continue manufacturing without the available community health safeguards, arguing that these regulations present an unfair financial burden and infringe on their ability to make profits. Coal-powered facilities spew tons of pollutants into the air each day. This cocktail of toxins can cause birth defects, cancer, chronic heart conditions and respiratory diseases ranging from asthma to lung cancer in the surrounding communities.
IN A VICTORY FOR PROTESTERS in Ferguson and their call to stop police abuse against peaceful demonstrations, the St. Louis city and county police departments, as well as the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reached an agreement with civil rights lawyers. The agreement limits the use of tear gas, smoke, pepper spray or other chemical agents against protesters without first giving a clear warning and a means of exit. The new policy, to be decreed by the law enforcement agencies by August 2015, also prohibits police from using chemical agents as a method for dispersing individuals engaged in peaceful protest, or for intimidating or punishing them for exercising their First Amendment rights…….. ON APRIL 7, VOTERS in Ferguson will go to the polls in a round of highly-anticipated elections for three out of the six city council seats. In the north St. Louis suburb that is nearly 70 percent Black, five of six city councilmembers are white and the mayor is a white Republican. The police force is almost 95 percent white. “We are in the process now of preparing people to go to polls so that we can turn the tide of the council, where the real power lies in Ferguson,” said Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor of Christ the King Church of Christ…….. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Secretary Julián Castro announced new changes to strengthen a federal program called Section 3, which directs jobs and training to lowincome workers and connects businesses that hire them with HUD-funded contracting opportunities. The initiative would increase opportunities for businesses that hire local public housing residents for HUD-funded projects. Castro also announced the launch of a searchable online database that local housing authorities, government agencies, and contractors can use to find firms that employ at least 30 percent public housing residents or low-income workers.
Hiring practices for ex-offenders addressed NNPA New Service
Lawmakers are joining ex-offenders and workers’ rights advocates to advance fair hiring practices for the 70 million adults in the U.S. with arrest or conviction records. A coalition of 181 groups wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to take executive action to address discrimination in hiring practices. The group was led by the National Employment Law Project (NELP), All of Us or None and the People Improving Communities through Organizing Network. “Almost one in three adults in the United States has a record that will show up on a rou-
tine criminal background check,” the letter said. “This creates a serious barrier to employment for millions of workers, especially in communities of color hardest hit by decades of over-criminalization.” Black men are over-represented in the criminal justice system and disparately impacted by discrimination in the labor market if convicted of a crime. A NELP report noted that Black men with a conviction are 40 percent less likely than whites with a conviction to receive a job callback. U.S. Senators Corey Booker and Rand Paul have introduced the REDEEM Act, which allows for the sealing and expungement of various federal juvenile and non-violent offenses.
VOLUME 84 • NUMBER 18 APRIL 2, 2015
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Print Editor Marilyn Marshall
Multimedia Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall 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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Proudly Caring for the City of Houston Rehab program helps breast cancer survivors NNPA News Service
In a new study that could help improve the day-to-day quality-of-life for women with breast cancer, UCLA researchers have developed a rehabilitation program to address post-cancer treatment cognitive changes, sometimes known as “chemo brain,” which can affect up to 35 percent of post-treatment breast cancer patients. An estimated one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, and post-treatment, the mental “fogginess” of “chemo brain,” can prevent them from staying organized and completing everyday activities, such as sticking to a schedule, planning a family gathering or remembering where they left their car keys. The study was led by breast cancer
research pioneer Dr. Patricia Ganz. “We invited the women to participate in a research study that assigned them to early or delayed treatment with a five-week, two-hour group training session, where a psychologist taught them strategies to help them with their memory and maintaining their ability to pay attention to things,” Ganz said. “These are activities we call executive function and planning, or the things all of us do in order to organize our day.” The intervention program also included homework and practice activities to improve memory. The next steps will allow other researchers to review and test the program in larger groups of patients, and to potentially develop strategies to provide intervention much earlier in the course of breast cancer treatment.
Digital storytelling project promotes HIV prevention The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released Positive Spin, a comprehensive digital educational tool that uses personal storytelling to promote the importance of getting people with HIV into treatment. The project was developed by AIDS.gov with input from federal agencies, health care professionals, persons living with HIV and communitybased HIV organizations. Positive Spin features the personal experiences of five HIV-positive, gay Black men who have successfully navigated the HIV care continuum, from diagnosis to treatment and, ultimately, to viral suppression, which helps those with HIV stay healthy, live longer and dramatically reduce their chances of passing the virus to others. “These compelling and emotionally engaging stories will serve as an important tool in helping to counter the misconceptions, stigma and discrimination that continue to create significant barriers to HIV testing and treatment for all populations,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. According to the CDC, Black men account for almost one-third of all new HIV infections in the United States, and young Black gay and bisexual men now account for more new infections than any other subgroup of gay and bisexual men by race/ethnicity and age. For information visit https://positivespin.hiv.gov.
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Adams talks about purpose, sacrifice By ANDREA YOUNG Special to the Afro
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ospel extraordinaire Yolanda Adams, a faith-filled songstress with a license to tell all according to the words of Jesus Christ, sat down with the Afro to discuss the benefits of sacrificial leadership and how it’s worth paying the price when you abide under the shadow of God. Adams said knowing the word of God and helping others to create solutions is the way to live an elevated life. She also discussed purpose and privilege. “When we are created, we come to this world with a purpose,” she said. “When we get older we learn what that purpose is all about. We learn what we are supposed to do on this earth and what we are designed for. When you don’t do what you are supposed to do, [I ask] biblically and in love, ‘Why are you living below your privilege?’ ” In a Q&A, Adams shared her thoughts on other subjects. Q: What do you believe in terms of the Lord using you on a global platform? A: That is the ultimate when you know Him. The ultimate is to be like Him, and in being like Him, you
need this when it comes to my business… my family … my relationship with God.’ Q: You have a powerful radio show – it’s funny, and it’s delightful. But you sometimes • Grew up in Houston; offer sharp criticism. How do you feel about that? oldest of six children A: You have to. If we say • Worked as school teacher we want to be like Jesus, we’ve • Was lead singer of Southeast got to do what Jesus did. Jesus Inspirational Choir was not happy with everybody, and He did not accept mediocri• Released first album ty. He didn’t accept low living, “Just As I Am” in 1988 living beneath your privilege. • Won four Grammy Awards, Anytime anybody met Jesus 16 Stellar Awards, four Dove they went higher. I can’t think of anybody who met Jesus and Awards, seven Image Awards and didn’t get lifted and didn’t go five BET Awards higher. It’s almost a contradic• Hosts “Yolanda Adams Morning tion if you don’t. Show” on radio Q: How much have you sacrificed for your own career • Has sold more than in Him? 8 million albums A: It’s been a lot [but] I • Divorced with one daughter, Taylor don’t ever talk about the sacrifice because the blessings are so much bigger than the sacrifice. Q: How do we know we are on the right track in change the atmosphere wherever you go, you have a sense Christ? of purpose, you also know that where He is taking you is A: I think that the Lord has these little surprises for a place where you are needed. That’s the whole point of us along the way in this journey, divine things He gives leadership. us along the way to say we are in the right track. So did I Q: What are leaders charged to do? sacrifice? Yes, I sacrificed a lot. Am I mad about the sacriA: You create, because that’s what Jesus was, He was fice? No, because what I gained is so much greater than the a creator and still is. You create situations where people sacrifice…because He doesn’t make it feel like it say, ‘Wow, I never thought about that,’ [or] ‘Oh OK, I was a sacrifice.
About Yolanda Adams
what’sup BEYONCÉ, KELLY ROWLAND and MICHELLE WILLIAMS surprised audience members with a Destiny’s Child reunion during the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. They appeared onstage for a rendition of “Say Yes,” a song off Williams’ fourth gospel album, “Journey to Freedom.” It was the first time the trio performed together since the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show……..“Home,” the animated feature starring RIHANNA, JIM PARSONS and JENNIFER LOPEZ, ruled the box office by debuting with $52 million in earnings. “Get Hard,” the comedy starring KEVIN HART and WILL FERRELL, came in second place with $33.8 million……..LUDACRIS is demonstrating
his versatility. He just released a new album titled “Ludaversal,” his first full-length record in five years. He resumed his movie career by appearing in the latest installment of “Furious 7.” He will also co-host the Billboard Music Awards on May 17………DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON, who co-stars in “Furious 7,” is among the highest paid actors in Hollywood, commanding up to $15 million per movie. He trails DENZEL WASHINGTON, who receives $20 million per movie……..LAURYN HILL’S acclaimed album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” has been inducted into the Library of Congress. Released in 1998, it sold more than 8 million copies and won five Grammys……..TARAJI P. HENSON’S popularity
is soaring due to the success of “Empire.” Henson will host NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on April 11…….. OPRAH WINFREY’S network is adding two new series to its prime-time lineup. “Evelyn,” scheduled to air in July, follows the life of EVELYN LOZADA of “Basketball Wives” fame. Lozada is engaged to CARL CRAWFORD, a native Houstonian and outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers……… Atlanta resident JAY WILLIAMS seeks to put his life and relationships in order in an untitled OWN series scheduled to air in September. Williams, who said he fathered 34 children by 17 different women, will work with spiritual life coach IYANLA VANZANT.
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Talk show host causes controversy South African comedian and TV host Trevor Noah, who was recently named the new host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, has come under fire for comments made in the past. Critics charged that tweets Noah sent more than a year ago – including comments about white women and Jews – were sexist and antiSemitic. Noah’s defenders, including Comedy Central, called the criticism “unfair.” Trevor Noah Noah said that reducing his views to a few tweets is neither a reflection of his character nor his comedic evolution. The premiere of Noah’s new show will be announced at a later date. Noah, 31, joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”
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Angelou stamp to be dedicated
in 2014 as a contributor. He made his American TV debut in 2012 on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Born in South Africa to a Black mother and a white father, Noah became one of the top comedians in Africa. He has hosted numerous TV shows, including his own titled “Tonight with Trevor Noah.” “It’s an honor to follow Jon Stewart,” Noah said. “He and the team at ‘The Daily Show’ have created an incredible show whose impact is felt all over the world. In my brief time with the show they’ve made me feel so welcome. I’m excited to get started and work with such a fantastic group of people.” “Trevor Noah is an enormous talent,” said Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless. “He has an insightful and unique point of view, and most importantly, is wickedly funny.
The Maya Angelou Forever stamp will be dedicated during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 7 at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. Postmaster General Megan Brennan will be joined by Oprah Winfrey, former Ambassador Andrew Young, Rev. Al Sharpton, poet Nikki Giovanni and other notables at the event. Political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry will serve as master of ceremonies. The stamp showcases an oil-on-canvas portrait of Angelou. It features Angelou’s quote, “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” As an author, poet, actress, and champion of civil rights, Angelou (1928-2014) was one of the most dynamic voices in 20th-century American literature. Her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” an autobiographical account of her childhood, gained wide acclaim for its vivid depiction of African-American life in the South.
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Educati
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• Become a reader volunteer • Contact your state legislator immediately • Mobilize your family, church, organization and friends • Sign up to participate in a working group • Talk about Early Matters with friends and colleagues
By VON J Defend
iving your child a successful lif on the foundati to age 5, and th nership wants t dation for children by breakin through education. “The way to break the c through education. It absolut said Scott McClelland, presid of the Partnership’s Education When there is a weak fou tive years, the numbers show direct connection to the dropo rate and grade repetition in ad dition to crime and unemploy ment rates. Understanding that fact, Partnership and a newly form organization Early Matters ar encouraging parents, educato legislators and the general pu lic to get on board to focus on early childhood development Early Matters’ goal is to children read at or above grad level by the end of third grade To accomplish the goal, the focus is on three key areas (ag groups) – 0-3, pre-K and K-3 Why is the Partnership in percent of new jobs will requ degree, a figure that has more two decades. Out of the 100 Houston ranks 94th in produc matches the needs of our kno 1 out of 10 students in Housto community will earn a colleg “There are so many good there or up-skilled jobs or job a four-year degree, McClellan get through high school, you “Unfortunately, what has ‘60s you could get out of high have a mid-income job or dro income job. That’s not the wa have to find a way to not just
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hopefully at least get through community college.” The challenges facing the Texas Gulf Coast region are clear. Not enough children are making it d an opportunity to have through the educational pipeline. A growing numfe is based significantly ber of children, especially those from low-income ion that is laid from birth families, are arriving at kindergarten unprepared for he Greater Houston Partschool. to ensure a stronger founThe facts tell the story: Letter identification, 60 ng the cycle of poverty percent not ready; writing name, 59 percent not ready; number recognition, 78 percent is not ready; counting, cycle of poverty is 62 percent not ready. tely is the way to do it,” Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Partnerdent of H-E-B and chair ship, said students “can’t learn to read if they don’t n Advisory Committee. have a vocabulary.” undation during formaThe importance of vocabulary was reinforced wa by a groundbreaking study that out found children from high-income When you consider dfamilies are exposed to 30 million that 90 percent of ymore words than children from families on welfare by age 3. brain development the Follow-up studies showed that occurs by age 5 med these differences in language and and only 5 percent re interaction experiences have lastors, ing effects on a child’s perforof public education ubmance later in life. dollars are spent n In addition, according to on early childhood t. Early Matters, there is only one see development, the need age-appropriate book available de for every 300 children in lowfor better funding is e. income area homes, and students obvious. not reading on grade level by ge third grade are four times more 3. likely to drop out of school. nterested? By 2018, 56 McClelland stressed the importance of talking uire some type of college to your kids. e than doubled in the past “I’m in supermarkets all the time obviously, largest cities in America, and you’ll see a baby or young child sitting in a cing a workforce that seat and you’ll see a mother on the cell phone as owledge economy. Only they go through,” McClelland said. “What a good on from a low-income opportunity…to talk about the different products ge degree. [in the store]. d middle skilled jobs out “Ever since I heard about this 30-million bs that would not require word gap, I have two young grandchildren and nd said. “But if you don’t I’m now trying to see how much I can I talk to can’t get the jobs. them because I feel like I have to get 30 million s happened is back in the words out. I talk to them more than I ever would h school and you could have with my own kids.” op out and still get a midEarly Matters is mobilizing efforts to promote ay it works today. You education on several other fronts, from passing get to high school but state legislation to funding early childhood devel-
JILES der
he Houston area for over 80 years
opment to raising teaching standards. When you consider that 90 percent of brain development occurs by age 5 and only 5 percent of public education dollars are spent on early childhood development, the need for better funding is obvious. “Today we have state-funded half day pre-K,” Harvey said. “But we have no quality requirements on that half-day program. So really what we’re getting is a lot of babysitting; half-day babysitting not half-day education. What we’re mandating is qualified teachers using one of a number of approved curriculums with a reasonable ratio of teachers to students. Early Matters chair Jim Postl said, “If you talk to school district superintendents they would acknowledge that their K-3 programs are inadequate. That’s why they have [joined] with us. “We have created a group that is bring-
ing their best and brightest reading and literacy people together to try and break down what the issues are and the strategies that we are going to put in place.” With the state Legislature in full session, Early Matters committee members stressed the importance of community members contacting their legislators to say early education is important and expand full-day, high-quality pre-K for eligible 4-year-olds. “Let us work on this legislative initiative and if we can bring enough power, enough pressure on the Legislature, then hopefully they will give us what we are asking for,” McClelland said. Postl summed up why early childhood development issues are relevant to all Houstonians. “It is a societal imperative but also an economic imperative if Houston is to continue to grow and prosper,” he said.
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Free tax preparation offered Neighborhood Centers offers free tax preparation services to Houstonarea families and individuals that earn up to $58,000. Services are offered on a walk-in basis at 15 locations and a mobile site. Required documentation includes: • Official form of identification • Social Security number • Account and routing numbers if refunds are deposited in a bank account • W2 or 1099 for those with employers • List of earnings and expenses for those who are self-employed • 10950A form for those who obtained health insurance through the marketplace • Amount paid in interest for a student loan, books and tuition for parents which children in college (most universities/colleges will send a 1098-T form) For information and locations call 2-1-1 or visit www.freetaxcenters.org.
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Follow tax tips on charitable contributions When you give a gift to charity you may be able to claim the gift as a deduction and lower your tax. Here are eight tax tips from the IRS. 1. You must donate to a qualified charity if you want to deduct the gift. You can’t deduct gifts to individuals, political organizations or candidates. 2. To deduct your contributions, you must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions. File Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, with your federal tax return. 3. If you get a benefit in return for your donation, your deduction is limited. You can only deduct the amount of your gift that is more than the value of what you got in return. 4. If you gave property instead of cash, the deduction is usually that item’s fair market value, which is the price you would get if you sold the property on the open market. 5. Used clothing and household items must be in at least good condition to be deductible in most cases. Special rules apply to cars, boats and other types of property donations. See Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. 6. You must file Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, if your deduction for
all noncash gifts is more than $500 for the year. 7. You must keep records to prove the amount of the contributions you made during the year. For more about what records to keep refer to Publication 526. 8. To claim a deduction for donated cash or goods of $250 or more, you must have a written statement from the charity showing the amount of the donation and a description. For more information visit irs.gov.
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Predatory lending
Steps taken to protect consumers NNPA News Service
In the aftermath of a letter signed by 500 consumer advocates from all 50 states, an unprecedented push for reining in abusive smalldollar, high-cost loans has engaged the White House and Capitol Hill. If advocates prevail, a range of consumer loans, including payday and car title, high-cost installment loans, deposit advance products and open-end lines of credit, will all be affected. One major development was the announcement of a draft proposal from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The proposal endorses a strong ability to repay principle. When lenders assess ability to repay, they would be expected to determine the borrower can repay without defaulting or re-borrowing. Lenders would begin verifying consumer income and major financial obligations as part of determining the ability to cover their basic living expenses and the loan. In Birmingham, Ala., President Obama spoke to a largely student audience at Lawson State Community College about his concerns about payday lending. “As Americans, we believe there’s nothing wrong with making a profit,” said President Obama. “But if you’re making that profit by trapping hard-working Americans in a vicious cycle of debt, then you need to find a new way of doing business.” Senators and members of the House of Representatives concurrently filed legislation to crack down on predatory lending practices. Championing a 36 percent cap for all consumer credit transactions were Senators Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Dick Durbin (Ill.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI). On the House side, a companion bill was filed by Representatives Steve Cohen (Tenn.) and Matt Cartwright (Penn). “It is unconscionable that these companies are preying on Americans who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Boxer. “This legislation will protect working families by capping the interest rates and fees that lenders can charge consumers.”
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DEFENDER | APRIL 2 | 2015
defendernetwork.com
opinion
Criminal justice system needs urgent reform
I
By BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR. NNPA Columnist
know from firsthand experience that the criminal justice system today in the United States is in serious and urgent need of reform, repair and restructuring. Millions of families have been devastated by the “over criminalization” of people in America. Black American families in particular have suffered and continue to suffer disproportionately as a result of an unjust system of justice. When I was unjustly incarcerated in the 1970s as a member of the famed Wilmington Ten civil rights case, I personally witnessed how the massive warehousing of prison inmates in overcrowded prison cells led to unspeakable dehumanization and self-destruction. In fact, the inhumanity and senselessness of the prison system itself directly contributed to the increase in violence and prison recidivism. The dysfunction of the criminal justice system is not only a matter of national and global disgrace; it has become a multi-billion dollar counterproductive alba-
tross around the neck of the nation. According to the NAACP, during the last four decades the prison population in the U.S. “quadrupledfrom roughly 500,000 to 2.3 million people.” There are nearly 1 million Black Americans in jails and prisons
across the country. The recent public outcries about allegations of police brutality, prosecutorial misconduct, and unfair targeting of judicial sanctions based on race and socioeconomic status are all symptoms of a much larger systemic problem. The problems of inequalities within the criminal justice system are structural and institutional. While the U.S. is only 5 percent of the world’s population, 25 percent of the world’s prisoners are being held in the U.S. The calls for reform of the criminal justice system are not revolutionary or misplaced. Both conservatives and liberals seem to agree that some fundamental changes need to be put in place when it comes to the nation’s courts, sentencing, jails and prisons. What is missing is a sense of urgency to get reform actions and policies established. We all should find ways and means to tackle the reformation of the criminal justice system as a top priority.
School environment should be positive, fair By DR. CHARLES DUPRE
Fort Bend ISD’s rich cultural diversity is a source of pride and a model for other districts in Texas. Every day, our teachers, administrators, and students work hard to inspire and equip our students with the tools to succeed in life. As superintendent, I am proud of our efforts to educate the leaders of tomorrow. I am also aware of the educational challenges facing our district and our state. As an educator and African-American male with two sons, I share concerns about the number of African-American and Hispanic students who are subject to disciplinary actions in Fort Bend ISD and across the state. I am equally concerned about the number of these students who receive truancy complaints. Because equitable treatment is important to me, immediately after joining Fort Bend ISD nearly two years ago, I initiated a comprehensive review of the district’s disciplinary policies, procedures, and practices, including our response to truancy. I am proud to say that our administration has taken steps to ensure that all students are disciplined in a fair and consistent manner. In the 2013-2014 school year, we established the Department of Student Affairs to make sure student-related policies are applied consistently across our district. We are already seeing positive results.
Despite growing by almost 400 students at the highschool level, the incidents of disciplinary action removing students from the classroom for in-school or out-of-school suspensions decreased by 24 percent during the fall of 2014 as compared to the fall of 2013. Several of our secondary campuses have seen a significant decrease in the number of disciplinary actions removing African-American students from the classroom. We are also training staff in a restorative discipline model designed to provide students with problem-solving skills that will enable them to self-regulate their own behavior. Restorative discipline includes collaboration between students, parents, and school staff to create a positive environment by focusing on students’ needs and causes of behavior, not just dispensing consequences for misbehavior. It should be noted while some student disciplinary actions are subject to the discretion of campus and district administrators, other student disciplinary actions are mandatory, such as mandatory DAEP (District Alternative Education Program) for any offense that is punishable as a felony. Other offenses are subject to mandatory expulsion, such as a student bringing a firearm to school or committing crimes such as aggravated assault or aggravated sexual assault. We are obligated to abide by our state’s compulsory school attendance laws. Our district’s truancy prevention efforts attempt to provide support and accountability for
students and their families. Our systems are working. Since the implementation of an automated truancy system in 2007, truancy warning letters and valid truancy complaints dropped by 58 percent between 2008 and 2013. Our teachers and students must have a safe and secure learning environment, and our students must be in the classroom. We will treat all of our students in a fair and transparent manner and provide them equal access to a great education, but we can’t do it alone. Encouraging student attendance and positive behavior at school includes the active engagement of parents and families, as well as the greater community. It is important for us to discuss the data regarding the critical issues of student discipline and truancy, but we cannot forget that each data point represents a student with a name and a story. That is why we will be looking to implement restorative discipline and identifying new ways to more effectively engage parents and the FBISD community as we attempt to learn and respond to each story. Details about community meetings to discuss these important topics will be shared soon. Together, we will strive to deliver on our promise to every FBISD student: to inspire and equip them to pursue futures beyond their imagination. Charles Dupre is superintendent of the Fort Bend Independent School District.
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APRIl 2 | 2015 | DEFENDER
13
Girl Scout’s initiative provides eye exams
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school, low testing scores and inability to excel in sports or extracurricular activities.” Through Hawkins’s initiative, approximately 90 middle and high school students completed eye exams to help identify undiagnosed and uncorrected vision during last year’s World Site Day. Twelve students failed the screening and were referred to eye doctors for further assistance. They were also given access to vouchers that partially or completely subsidized costs for vision care services, including eyeglasses. In addition to the screening, Hawkins held an eyeglasses recycling drive which she called the Gift of Sight. The drive collected more than 320 used pairs of glasses that were donated to organizations providing vision services overseas. Hawkins has been in Girl Scouts since first grade. After graduating from high school in 2016, she will attend Howard University and major in business marketing with a focus in brand management and chemistry.
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ccording to the American Optometric Association, approximately 12 percent of teenagers have undetected or untreated vision problems. To address this issue, Houston Girl Scout Kianna Hawkins launched EyeCare4TeenVision, an initiative that provides teens ages 12-19 access to basic eye care services by partnering with visionadvocate organizations that provide resources for vision screenings, eye exams and glasses. The initiative earned Hawkins a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive. “Vision care is not a component of the high school health curriculum and in most cases the only exposure teens have to eye care comes from vision screenings given during physical exams,” said Hawkins, a junior at Lamar High School. “So teens who don’t have access to healthcare or don’t receive regular exams have no way of knowing that their vision may be the reason behind their poor performance in
Kianna Hawkins receives the Girl Scout Gold Award from her advisor Thea Fabio.
For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. © 2015 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
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DEFENDER | APRIL 2 | 2015
sports
defendernetwork.com
Toyota, SWAC initiative promotes day of service
S
By MAX EDISON Defender
ince 2009, the Toyota Green Initiative (TGI) has enlightened students, faculty and alumni of historically Black colleges and universities about the community benefits of sustainable
living. Working in conjunction with SWAC, TGI brought its environmental stewardship program to Houston during the conference’s post-season basketball tournament. The value of environmental awareness was manifested in the heart of Houston’s Fifth Ward during a day of service at the Boys & Girls Club in Finnigan Park. “We’re proud to partner with SWAC while providing resources that help promote sustainable living,” said Jim Colon, vice president of African-American Business Strategy for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Our commitment to environmental progress extends throughout HBCU campuses and the surrounding communities.” Clearly there is a reciprocal respect. SWAC recently awarded Toyota its Corporate Champion award based on the automaker’s contribution to the overall mission of staging elite championships for its students and commitment to providing innovative partnerships and grassroots opportunities. “Toyota has been a first-class partner for all of the SWAC schools,” said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp. “In addition to being our title partner for both the SWAC football and basketball championships, Toyota’s commitment to incorporating green technology into the campuses has been outstanding.” A day of service includes neighborhood youth getting hands-on information about how the green initiative affects their daily lives. Proper nutritional choices, recycling, care for the environment, selecting environmentally conscious hygiene products were just a sample of topics covered. Headlined by former WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie, local hip hop star DJ Supa Star and scores of local volunteers, the day of service at Finnigan Park was a resounding success.
ie About Lisa Led,slCa lif. high school
• Led her Inglewoo championships team to two state ersity c-10 leader at Univ • Was all-time Pa ints, nia, leading in po of Southern Califor ked shots rebounds and bloc ng ing career by signi el • Launched a mod cy en Ag us Wilhelmina with the prestigio A draft 97 inaugural WNB • Picked in the 19 r first les Sparks to thei • Led the Los Ange ed in ship in 2001; retir WNBA champion 11 20 in r co-owne 2009; became team c pi m s with U.S. Oly • Won gold medal 08 00, 2004 and 20 teams in 1996, 20 ABC, entator for ESPN, • Served as comm Net and NBC Turner, Fox Sports d; has Michael Lockwoo • Married to pilot two children
Leslie, a self -professed eco mom, described how she was motivated to join the movement. “It started with a phone call,” Leslie recalled. “We were looking to buy a new car and my husband was doing some research. We ended up buying a Toyota Prius. I’m 6-5 and my husband is 6-7, and we both fit perfectly in the car. “About 10 days later I asked him, ‘When are we supposed to put gas in this car?’ It cost us about $49 to fill up the tank [California prices] and I thought this is amazing; more people need to know about this.
Former basketball star Lisa Leslie is flanked by other participants during a day of service at Finnigan Park. (Photo courtesy Soul Brother).
“I thought Toyota needed to target the African American community and educate them more about it,” Leslie said. “I called Toyota and found out there was a green initiative with a coalition traveling around educating people.” Leslie promotes “going green” to the minority community. “We’re trying to help people understand the importance of recycling and the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “We all know someone who has had cancer or diabetes, so we try to educate about healthy eating and how it affects our health. We talk about consuming fresher vegetables, even growing our vegetables in a community garden.” She said joining the initiative was a no-brainer. “People feel like African-Americans are not participating,” she said. “I think that’s false. We’re very educated people, but we need to know more. We need to understand how the whole green initiative affects us socially. “Our communities are targets for fast food outlets that provide us with poor [nutritional] choices. That’s why it’s important for us to talk about these things and other areas that will help us.”
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h.s.zone Wheatley duo takes unconventional route By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
T
he route to success for some individuals isn’t always the conventional one. In the game of baseball, many begin at the lowest stage of youth baseball and come up through the ranks – t-ball, Little League, Pony League, high school, college and professional. That would be the conventional route. Forgive the Wheatley High School duo of Qualond Fogle and Dequan Rice if they prefer to take a few shortcuts. In Wheatley’s 18-5 victory over Sterling, the right-handed Fogle pitched a complete-game one-hitter with seven strikeouts in a contest reduced to five innings due to the 10-run rule. The sophomore helped Dequan Rice and Qualond Fogle of Wheatley High School have excelled in baseball as newcomers himself out offensively to the sport. with two hits, a walk and “Either way is fine,” he said. “The quicker the better.” two RBIs. Rice said he never watches baseball and only beRice was the Wildcats’ starting leftfielder and he came interested in the game when his best friend Zach recorded three hits, including a baseball rarity two tossed him a glove and told him to come outside and triples in the same game. play catch. Wheatley head coach Paul Richard said Fogle “We started tossing the ball back and forth and played baseball for the first time last year and that Rice it was like I found my niche,” Rice said. “I’ve never is a newcomer to the game this season. He added that watched the game on television. I just like to play.” both are strong students in the classroom. To learn the nuances of the game, Rice said he Fogle says he watches baseball on television every trusts in his coaches and his teammates. chance he gets. “I use that as inspiration because I want Both Fogle and Rice credit Richard and volunteer to eventually get to the big leagues,” said Fogle, who coach Larry Booker with their development. possesses a 3.9 grade-point average and scored over “When I was pitching today I found my spot,” 4,000 on his STARR state-mandated test. “With my Fogle said. “When I couldn’t find my spot, my coaches grades I’m pretty sure I can get there but I want to get were there to tell me what I was doing wrong. there with my bat and strikeouts too.” “I was able to work my way back into it and get His favorite professional baseball players are New some strikeouts,” he said. “I was able to change the York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and inning around by getting some key outs and overall it Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. “I like was a good game.” Tulowitzki because I play shortstop when I’m not on Rice believes the improvement in his hitting is a the mound,” Fogle said. direct result of input from the coaching staff. With two years remaining in his high school “Coach B helps me out,” Rice said. “He takes me career, Fogle is still undecided whether he wants to go to the batting cages almost every Saturday. He’s a professional following high school or after college ball. great coach.”
APRIL 2 | 2015 DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Peterson coming or going? In what has become a virtual showdown, the Minnesota Vikings remain adamant that they will not trade All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson. The Palestine native, who now resides in The Woodlands, is under contract to the Vikings next season to the tune of $13 million in salary and bonuses. The Peterson camp reportedly wants to leave Minnesota in the wake of the team’s actions concerning his child abuse case. “I’m not gonna speculate on what he wants or doesn’t want,” Viking head coach Mike Zimmer said. “But, you know, Adrian is under contract for three more years. And that’s why you sign contracts and why you get these big bonuses.” Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault for whipping his 4-yearold son and avoided jail time.
Clowney confident Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick who underwent season-ending micro-fracture knee surgery, is optimistic about his comeback. “I’m very confident about that,” Clowney said. “This rehab’s going to help me a lot to get back toward playing.” Clowney had the surgery last December and had to stay off his feet for six or seven weeks. He is now engaged in four to five hours of daily rehab. “[It’s a lot] tougher than playing,” Clowney said. “You have to be in there earlier than everybody and you have to leave later than everybody.”
Soccer playoffs underway The Cinco Ranch boys’ soccer team accomplished the same thing in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs that they managed during the entire regular season. Cinco Ranch defeated Bellaire 4-1 to improve to 19-0-4 on the season. Head coach Mason Whitfield is in his first season succeeding John Crow, who started the school’s soccer program in 1999 and led the team to the state tournament in 2008. Top players include senior defender Chris Stamm and junior goalkeeper Patrick Hillyard, along with midfielders Luis Plata and Aarstein Halderaker. Other teams to watch include Alief Elsik, Pasadena Dobie and defending regional champion Clements. In the girls’ division, look for Klein to make some noise after claiming the District 15-6A title outright for the first time in seven years with a perfect 14-0 ledger. The Bearkats didn’t allow a goal in league play until the regularseason finale against Klein Oak. Klein won 3-2. Other schools to watch include The Woodlands, Kingwood, Cinco Ranch and George Ranch.
Jeff Davis unbeaten Adam Rodriguez tossed a complete-game twohitter as the Davis Panthers improved to 4-0 in league play with a 7-4 victory over Madison. Rodriguez, a sophomore who his coach says has been the heart and soul of the team since joining the program as a freshman, kept Madison batters off balance with a combination of well-placed sliders and fastballs. Rodriguez bats in the middle of the lineup and plays catcher when he is not on the mound. Jeff Davis is on a collision course with Waltrip for the outright District 20-5A baseball championship.
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16
DEFENDER | APRIL 2 | 2015
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
COVENANT HOUSE GALA……..Covenant House Texas hosted its booths, music and educational activities. The fair also served as opening annual spring gala at the Hilton Americas-Downtown. The circus carnivale day for the South Central Sportz youth baseball games. Those in attendance themed event showcased a live juggler, open bars, silent auctions and music included chapter president Irene Johnson, vice president Mary Auzenne, entertainment by the band Password. KHOU-TV Channel 11 News anchor Rhonda Arnold, Dr. Sandra Moore, Dr. Karen Malveux, Elneita Hutchins, David Paul emceed the ceremony. Those in attendance included executive Kim Montalvo, Prudence Smith, Marsha Griggs, Nakeisha Stanley, director Ronda G. Robinson, board chair John Sarvadi, board members Dr. Barbara Allen, Vanya Gamble and Congressman Al Green……..100 Angela James and Judeene Edison, Defender sports BLACK MEN MIXER……..The 100 Black Men of Houston editor Max Edison, Carolyn Gerrard, Linda Bell, hosted a networking Mixer at Mo’s: A Place for Steaks to Defender TOP EVENTS Jackie Fair, Mike Blockson, Rhonda Collins, Charles invite interested potential members to learn more about the More photos on defendernetwork.com Washington and Crystal Lovings. The night featured an organization. “Hanging with the 100” provided guests the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ honorary service award and video presentation in memory opportunity to eat, drink and network, as well as preview their with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. of Eleanor Hall “Puddie” Pitcock. Iris and Lloyd plans for the 100 Black Men of America’s annual conference Webre Foundation trustees were also honored........LINKS in Houston this June. Those in attendance included president Reco Caston, vice chairman Marvin Dickerson, Texas Southern University FAIR & CARNIVAL……..Sunnyside Park was the site of the 10th annual Port City Chapter of the Links, Inc. Health, Education, Science Fair and President Dr. John Rudley, Brian Pauling, Stanley Savage, Ollie Reed Carnival. Families and community members had the opportunity to participate III, Wilson Dunn, Michael Smith, John Gilmore III, John Preston, Karif Carroll, Louis Latimer and Reginald Williams. in youth baseball, face painting, moonwalks, rock climbing, health screening
Ronda Robinson and Angela James
Carolyn Gerrard, Judeene Edison and Max Edison
Prudence Smith, Rhonda Arnold, Congressman Al Green, Irene Johnson and Mary Auzenne
Kevin Patterson, Stanley Savage, Reco Caston (back row), Marvin Dickerson, Dr. John Rudley and Brian L. Pauling (front row)
Dr. Sandra Moore, Dr. Karen Malveux, Elneita Hutchins and Kim Montalvo
Reginald Williams and Louis A. Latimer
Mike Blockson and Rhonda Collins
Kim Montalvo, Vanya Gamble, Terrence Grandison and Energized for Excellence Academy Band
Reco Caston, James H. Lang and Ollie Reed III
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