NATIONAL
LYNCHING MEMORIAL IN ALABAMA BRINGING LOTS OF EMOTIONS, TEARS P3
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Volume 87 | Number 27 MAY 3, 2018 |FREE
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NEWSTALK KOFI TAHARKA calls on community to help rebuild NBUF
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Black colleges in
FEATURE
JEOPARDY?
10 ways
BILL COSBY conviction sparks mixed feelings among Blacks
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P5 H.S. ZONE
TO MAKE
BRYSON STUBBLEFIELD Marshall sprinter explodes on Region 5A scene
Mother’s Day SPECIAL H PAGE 6
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Laz Alonso
Justin Reid
The talented actor normally plays characters who are likeable. But in “Traffik,” his latest film, Alonzo is excited about tackling the serious issue of human trafficking and talks about what its like stepping out of the box.
The 2018 NFL draft has come and gone and while the Texans had to wait until the third round to pick, selecting safety Justin Reid (6feet-1, 207 pounds) from Stanford. Team officials say he’s the perfect blend of skill and need.
A different side
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Texans bound
TOP EVENTS
TSU President Dr. Austin Lane and his wife, Loren Lane at the Maroon & Gray Affair.
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DEFENDER | MAY 3 | 2018
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NBUF seeks help rebuilding after fire By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
Hurricane Harvey took a toll on the Houston area, and advocacy groups say Texas is poised to unfairly distribute $5 billion in federal funding for housing repairs.
Harvey funds may prioritize wealthy Associated Press
Advocacy groups are concerned that Texas is poised to unfairly distribute billions in federal funding provided for housing repairs following Hurricane Harvey’s devastation, prioritizing wealthy homeowners over poorer victims in ways that could constitute racial discrimination. At issue is a draft state rebuilding plan that says homeowners may only be eligible for federal assistance, regardless of income, if they suffered $8,000 in property damages. The renters’ threshold is $2,000. HUD has allocated more than $5 billion to rebuild Texas homes. But a coalition led by the Austin-based nonprofit Texas Housers said damage assessments to determine eligibility are based on data from FEMA inspections that calculate property losses rather than the full human toll of major natural disasters, making it more
difficult for victims who live in lower-income areas to meet damage thresholds. Texas Housers said low- and middle-income households could miss out on more than $1 billion in repair aid. “Whether you’re living in a $500,000 home or a $50,000 home, a foot of water inside of it, or your roof blowing off, is going to have the same effect,” said Charlie Duncan, Texas Housers’ research director. “It’s going to render that home unlivable and you’re going to need assistance.” Duncan said Harvey victims who rented and owned homes in 20 largely minority areas in Houston and other coastal communities are most likely to be excluded. Brittany Eck, a spokeswoman for Texas’ General Land Office, which is overseeing housing recovery and rebuilding efforts, said federal officials – not the state – set damage eligibility thresholds.
The National Black United Front’s (NBUF) Houston chapter is asking for community support after a fire caused extensive damage to its headquarters. The Third Ward structure, also known as the “Black House,” is located at 2428 Southmore. Kofi Taharka, NBUF national chairman, said the building was ravaged by fire, smoke and water damage on April 17, and they were “blessed” that no one was injured. Items damaged or destroyed included furniture, computer equipment, a television and office supplies. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. As part of its rebuilding process, NBUF has started a Mighty Cause online campaign for financial contributions. In addition, NBUF recently held a two-day community salvage and clean-up. “We’re still trying to determine what’s good and what isn’t,” Taharka said. He added that the building was insured, “and that’s a whole process you have to go through.” Taharka is unsure when the building will be inhabitable again. NBUF is currently holding its regular weekly meetings at 7 p.m. on Mondays at SHAPE Community Center, 3903 Almeda. NBUF Houston is part of a 38-year-old national organization comprised of individuals and organizations working together for the benefit of people of African descent. Taharka was been involved with NBUF for more than 25 years and has served as national chair for nine years. In 1995 the Houston chapter acquired and began renovating its current headquarters, which was a former dilapidated “crack house.” The headquarters opened in 1997. “The organization is not the building,” Taharka said, “but the building has enabled us to raise our level of advocacy and social justice.” NBUF programs include African-Centered Education, Feed the Hood, Sankofa Study Circle, Acoli/ Sankofa Community Garden, Buy Black initiatives and the annual Sankofa Caravan to the Ancestors. To make a donation visit www.mightycause.com/ story/Nbuf-Recovery-Campaign.
localbriefs MORE THAN 200 HISD TEACHERS will soon be out of work after officials confirmed layoffs are beginning for teachers for the 2018-19 school year, as the district tries to make cuts for a $115 million budget shortfall. Teachers have already begun receiving notifications. While officials won’t confirm an exact number of employees affected, the jobs impacted are district-wide and the Houston Federation of Teachers said 200 to 250 teachers will lose their jobs. The reduction in force will impact teachers, campus-based employees and staff at the central office. The expected budget shortcoming is due to a number of factors, including the impact of Hurricane Harvey on funding……..
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S Maroon and Gray Affair raised a record $1 million for TSU students. More than 1,500 patrons were in attendance. “Our stakeholders and friends have partnered with TSU to meet our mission of standing as a comprehensive academic institution to guide our students in obtaining their degree of choice,” said President Dr. Austin Lane.……..DURING HIS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Mayor Sylvester Turner says the city is only stronger after surviving Hurricane Harvey. He urged the federal government to give the city more funding to protect itself from the next natural disaster. He also spoke about how the city is reforming construction rules,
not to prevent development but so we build in a more responsible way. The mayor also addressed the budget reductions he plans to introduce in the next few days…. HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE designated May 6-12, 2018 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Early predictions for 2018 call for another aboveaverage hurricane season. According to forecasters 12 to 14 tropical storms could develop between June 1 and November 30, six to eight of which may become hurricanes. HCOHSEM’s ReadyHarris app (available online) sends emergency alerts, offers survival tip sheets, maps evacuation routes and more. Residents can sign up to receive emergency alerts at www.readyharris.org
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U.S.briefs EMBATTLED MSNBC HOST JOY REID APOLOGIZED for blog posts that included homophobic references. Reid has been under fire for the posts that date back to around 2000. Reid said she hired cyber security experts to see if her now-defunct site was hacked, but they were unable to prove hacking. “I genuinely do not believe that I wrote those hateful things because they are completely alien to me. But I can definitely understand, based on things I have tweeted and have written in the past, why some people don’t believe me,” Reid said...… .AMERICAN AIRLINES IS UNDER FIRE for refusing to land after a Black woman became ill and suffered an embolism, which resulted in her death two years ago. The family of 25-year-old Brittany Oswell is now suing the airline, after reports indicate she went into cardiac arrest on a flight from Hawaii to Texas and died. When a doctor who was onboard rushed to help her, the pilots was urged to divert the plane because of Oswell’s critical condition. Pilots kept flying to Texas despite the urgent pleas…….. THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE will not file charges against two police officers in the death of 22-year-old Adam Trammell. “This is a nightmare,” said his father, Larry Trammell. “I can’t believe this. I think those people should resign, the D.A. and the chief of that police department.” The two officers responded to a call after a neighbor was concerned that Trammell was experiencing a psychotic episode. The police broke down Trammell’s door and found him naked, taking a shower. Bodycam footage showed Trammell confused but calm when confronted. The officers used a Taser 15 times over a 30-minute period after he struggled to prevent them from taking him out of the shower. Trammell ultimately lost consciousness, and the officers handcuffed him. He had a history of mental illness.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 27 MAY 3, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer
Jodie B. Jiles
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Alabama lynching museum and memorial draws crowds, tears Associated Press
Tears and expressions of grief met the opening of the nation’s first memorial to the victims of lynching recently in Alabama. Hundreds lined up in the rain to get a first look at the memorial and museum in Montgomery. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice commemorates 4,400 Black people who were slain in lynchings and other racial killings between 1877 and 1950. Their names, where known, are engraved on 800 dark, rectangular steel columns, one for each U.S. county where lynchings The memorial honors thousands of people killed in racist lynchings. occurred. what you saw,” she said. A related museum, called the As for her own reaction, DuVernay said, “This Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarplace has scratched a scab. It’s really open for me ceration, is opening in Montgomery. right now.” Visitors shed tears and stared intently at the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activcommemorative columns, many of which are susist, told reporters after visiting the memorial that it pended in the air from above. would help to dispel America’s silence on lynching. Toni Battle drove from San Francisco to attend. “Whites wouldn’t talk about it because of “I’m a descendant of three lynching victims,” Battle shame. Blacks wouldn’t talk about it because of said, her face wet with tears. “I wanted to come fear,” he said. and honor them and also those in my family that The crowd included white and Black visitors. couldn’t be here.” Mary Ann Braubach, who is white, came from Los Ava DuVernay, the Oscar-nominated film direcAngeles to attend. “As an American, I feel this is a tor, told several thousand people at a conference past we have to confront,” she said, choking back marking the memorial launch to “to be evangelists tears. and say what you saw and what you experienced DuVernay, Jackson, playwright Anna Deavere here. Smith, the singing group Sweet Honey in the Rock, “Every American who believes in justice and Congressman John Lewis and others spoke and perdignity must come here...Don’t just leave feeling formed at the opening ceremony. like, ‘That was amazing. I cried.’ Go out and tell
Black voters could impact Trump re-election Defender News Services
A significant number of Black voters could challenge President Donald Trump’s re-election aspirations in 2020, a new bipartisan report revealed. The States of Change report was authored by several groups, including the Center for American Progress and the Bipartisan Policy Center. Here’s how Black voters could challenge Trump: Pay attention to demographics – Voting blocs, including African-Americans, Latinos and Asians, will have more of a share of the total eligible vote by 2020. As the voter segments expand, the percentage of eligible “white without a college degree”
voters will drop by 2 points, from 46 percent to 44. Trump was largely reliant on that voting group in 2016. Push turnout and support – Black turnout and the Democrats’ margin of support with AfricanAmericans dropped by a significant amount in 2016 when Trump was elected. If more Black Americans voted, the election results could be different. Educate others – Trump has proven to be a divisive figure, and his current approval ratings are low. How those substandard ratings could influence the election may be hard to determine now, but as 2020 gets closer, it will likely be easier to see what effect the numbers may have on the race.
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DEFENDER | MAY 3 | 2018
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entertainment
Actor Laz Alonso shows different side to carry it off. “Honestly, we had been shooting for almost 20 hours that day and I had to catch a 7 a.m. flight to go to Boston to shoot ‘Detroit,’ which was Kathryn Bigelow’s film, so I’m tripping,” he said. “So, it was a combination of real-life exhaustion and real-life tension of having to fight to get the shot before the sun came up. Sometimes though, that’s where you get your best filmmaking; when you’re really, truly under the gun.”
By NADINE MATTHEWS Special to the Afro
It was a reunion of old friends for Laz Alonso and his co-stars in his new film “Traffik,” which is now playing in theaters. “I’ve known Roselyn Sanchez for over 10 years,” Alonso said. “I know Paula from “Jumping the Broom.” That was 10 years ago so Paula Patton and I actually worked together before. I knew Omar Epps before then and I’ve always since “Juice,” looked up to Omar. I’ve always wanted to work with Roslyn one day and you know, it was just a perfect combination.” The script called for them to act as if they were two couples who were also best friends with each other and the actors’ natural chemistry is palpable on-screen. Alonso, a Howard University grad, was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He was an only child who always dreamed of becom- Alonso can currently be seen in the thriller “Traffik” along with Roselyn Sanchez, Paula Patton and Omar Epps. In the film, two couples are tormented by a biker gang. ing an actor. He regrets not studying acting at the Darren is a character who is difficult to love. university, instead earning a degree in the more Alonso usually plays characters who are likeable prepractical area of marketing. cisely because they are realists who embrace themselves “If I could do it all over again, I would’ve at least and everyone around them for both their strengths as taken acting classes as my electives,” he said. “At the well as their flaws. As an African-American (of Cuban time, I really didn’t have anybody to explain how to get extraction), he has also played his share of roles as law into it. I just figured, you know, once I got out of school enforcement. and I got out of debt, I’d be able to pursue my dreams.” For all the fancy cars, homes, breathtaking SacraAlonso’s character Darren is a sports agent who mento scenery, and glamorous careers of the characters wishes he represented only female athletes because, in “Traffik,” it takes on the very heavy issue of human “When was the last time a Williams sister got arrested?” trafficking. When the characters in “Traffik” threaten to Darren puts his foot in his mouth so many times and get in the way of the ones who are doing the trafficking, shows his mean streak so often you have to wonder why things take a deadly serious turn. the other characters put up with him. Alonso is in one of the most suspenseful scenes in “Many of my friends are like that,” he said. “It the film. He revealed some behind-the-scenes, real-life Laz Alonso has appeared in such films as “Detroit,” “Fast and wasn’t a stretch because I’ve known a bunch of Darrens Furious 6” and “Jumping the Broom.” He co-starred in the NBC logistics that helped get him into the right mind frame in my life.” series “The Mysteries of Laura.”
what’sup R& B singer R. KELLY is speaking out about the recent allegations against him and he is denying everything. Kelly said, “I will not discuss details about these false allegations that have been made against me. I will say that I am infuriated, and I am heartbroken by the false claims against me. These accusations being perpetuated by the media is an attempt to distort my character and to destroy my legacy that I have worked so hard to build. These allegations have created a character of me that is not the truth of who I am nor what I am about. The women in my life are
consenting adults and they [are] with me on their free will. I am a God-fearing man, a son, a brother, and most importantly a father.” Kelly, who pointed out that he is not under any criminal investigation also said he also didn’t understand why his shows were being cancelled……..CARDI B is being sued by her former manager, SHAFT, who claims she owes him big bucks for her major successes in the music industry. Shaft claims he discovered Cardi B in 2015 and facilitated her relationship with Vh1, the network that put her on “Love & Hip Hop New York.” He’s also claiming that
he and his team of writers and producers were behind her hit single, “Bodak Yellow” and he wants Cardi to pay him $10 million…….. RUSSELL SIMMONS and an aspiring documentary filmmaker have agreed to dismiss her civil lawsuit claiming that Simmons raped her at his Los Angeles home in 2016. Jennifer Jarosik sued Simmons for millions of dollars, claiming he assaulted her. Several women have accused the 60-year-old Def Jam Records cofounder of sexual misconduct dating back to 1983, including four who said he raped them. Simmons has denied all of the accusations.
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Cosby verdict met with mixed emotions Associated Press
It is difficult to overstate the pride, admiration and sense of ownership many Black Americans felt watching Bill Cosby at the height of his career in the 1980s and ‘90s. As Dr. Cliff Huxtable, Cosby starred in a top-rated network sitcom about a loving, successful Black couple and their wholesome children. “The Cosby Show” shifted the paradigm for millions of viewers for what a Black family could look like. And it made Cosby an idol to many African-Americans in an era long before the country would see a Black family living in the White House. All of which explains why the comedian’s recent downfall was met with particular pain, disappointment and conflicted feelings in the Black community. For many Black people, news of Cosby’s sexual-assault conviction was hard to hear, even for fans who believed his accusers. “We have been split from day one about his innocence because of our need to have a hero that looks like us,” said Tarana Burke, the Black woman who created the #MeToo hashtag in 2006 and recalled growing up listening to albums of Cosby’s comedy routines and later watching him as “America’s dad.” She warned against confusing Cosby with the roles he played. “Cliff Huxtable was a good person, but that character doesn’t reflect the character of [Cosby’s] life,” Burke said. “Fat Albert is not a serial rapist. Bill Cosby is.” Cosby carefully crafted his persona over half a century in public life and on the big and small screen. In the 1960s, he became the first Black actor to star in a network show, “I Spy.” He later created the children’s cartoon program “Fat Albert,”
based on childhood friends, and then “The Cosby Show.” He would go on to win the 2002 Presidential Medal of Freedom and made it his role to admonish Blacks to take personal responsibility, his stinging commentary hitting home because of the man, husband and father many believed Cosby to be. When word of some of the allegations against Cosby broke in 2014, in part because of a stand-up routine by Black comedian Hannibal Buress, many African-Americans who had long admired the TV star were hurt. All told, more than 60 women would accuse Cosby of sexual assault. Some Black people who grew up watching shows like “The Cosby Show” and the Cosby-created spinoff “A Different World” were conflicted about continuing to watch. Rutgers University women’s studies professor Brittney Cooper said it’s time for Black people to drop their support for the entertainer and his work. “There’s an ongoing conversation about can we love the art and dismiss or disavow the artist,” said Cooper, author of the recent book “Eloquent Rage,” which explores the Cosby allegations. But “we have to stop deciding that art is a reasonable spoil of war, that we will ignore all the casualties. We can’t separate Cosby from his art.” For some, this is easier said than done. In a rare front-page essay, New York Times critic-at-large Wesley Morris laid bare his emotional strife over having to divorce himself from Cosby’s work in the wake of the verdict, and told of how the comedian was a formative influence in his life. Cosby was prosecuted after rumors of sexual assaults swirled
for years. He was protected, his detractors say, by power, money and racial loyalty. The #MeToo movement finally gave some African-Americans permission to hold their hero accountable. “It took away the heft of the narrative, in Black communities in particular, that this was some kind of grand conspiracy to take down a powerful Black man,” Cooper said. “It placed Cosby in conversation with folks like [Harvey] Weinstein, to say this is about the kinds of things that powerful men do when they feel like they can get away with it.”
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DEFENDER | MAY 3 | 2018
ways
TO MAKE
Mother’s Day SPECIAL
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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
other’s Day falls on Sunday, May 13, and many of us know that finding just the right gift for a special woman in your life can be kind of difficult. Whether you choose to get crafty and make something to showcase your artistic talents, or you are planning to go all out, the goal each May is always to make mom happy. That’s why the Defender compiled this list of Mother’s Day gifts that are bound to make the day special for your mother, wife, grandmother or any other wonderful woman in your life.
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Give her an ‘experience’ Instead of a traditional, physical gift this year, maybe you want to treat Mom to an incredible experience. Sites like LivingSocial and Groupon specialize in discounted events and experiences that are sure to please. Think spa days, multiple-course meals at top restaurants in your city, and even a sail around town.
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Spa day at home Maybe you’d rather bring the spa to Mom. If that’s the case, there’s a seemingly endless supply of luxury beauty gifts you can give this year that will make her feel as if she’s being treated to a five-star spa day in the comfort of her own home. Gifts like a collection of high-end cleansers, face masks and floral scents will all help her get some serious beauty R&R.
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Choose five or six (or more) items that you know your mom likes and put them all in a Mother’s Day gift box to celebrate how special she is each and every day. Just watch her face light up with surprise when she opens the box and realizes it’s filled with so many amazing things picked just for her.
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Give her a handmade gift And we’re not talking about one of those pictures you colored in first grade. With a little research on DIY (do it yourself) sites, you’d be amazed at some of the wonderful ideas you can come up with. And believe it or not, you might just enjoy making a beautiful gift for your mother, and who knows? It could spark a new passion for you, and you could very well decide to make Pinterest your homepage after trying out a homemade gift for mom. Try a family tree photo album (string some black and white photos together and hang them from a tree branch). Create a rose water spritz (homemade rose water can be used in a spray bottle either to set makeup or add a refreshing spritz to reinvigorate your day). Or, make a wine cork key holder. (If your mom both loses her keys a lot and loves wine, then this is the perfect gift for her. All you’ll need are wine corks, glue, and hooks.)
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Recreate a family photo If you have a family photo with the siblings, gather them together to recreate that picture. It will be a gift your mother will always cherish!
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Get a photo albu These days, most Take some time, gath grandkids, or of spec and compile them in a photo al used to do in the old days), so set on the living room table an
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Memorialize her Whether your mom al chef or is only know a personalized recipe her favorite quotes, or some ty way, mom has something to pre
Convince her to Another out-of-th fit inside your Mothe coupon or gift card fo mom has always wanted to try. learning a new language, or ma your mom will love the though if you’re lucky, she might even
See more gift ideas at www.Defend defendernetwork.com • Serving t
um t of our photos are digital. her those photos of the cial moments in your life, lbum (you know, like we she’ll have something to d show off to her friends.
traditions m’s basically a professionwn for one edible dish, try plate, a photo frame with ype of decorative item. That eserve her family tradition.
try something new he-box gift — that will still er’s Day gift box — is a or lessons to that class your Whether it’s salsa dancing, astering Brazilian jiu jitsu, t you put into this gift. And n invite you to join her!
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Make a love note box from the special people in her life Have all of your siblings, other family members, and friends write special notes about what your mother means to you, or what type of impact she’s had on your life and gather them all together in a decorative box. Tell mom she is only to pull one note a day. What a great way for her to start each day!
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Get her a subscription box If your mother is like most people, she loves getting a gift in the mail! Consider a subscription box service that sends her a box of goodies every month. You can prepay for many of these up front, pay monthly, or just pay for a certain number of months. Companies like Brown Sugar and Cratejoy specialize in gift boxes for women. Or if she’s Greek, consider the Ivy Box or Delta Box, which will send her sorority items every month that will leave her with a huge smile on her face.
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DEFENDER | MAY 3 | 2018
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More millennials say goodbye to Democrats science professor at Columbia University in New York City. “They’re not as wedded to As Democrats attempt to one party,” Green said. “They’re devise a strategy to win Black easier to convince than, say, your voters before the midterm elec50- or 60-year-olds who don’t tions, the party has to deal with really change their minds very waning support among millennioften.” als. Though overall backing for Terry Hood, 34, an Africanthe party has dropped in the last American who works at a Dollar two years, white millennials have General store in Baton Rouge and turned away in droves compared took this year’s poll, said he voted to other races, a new Reuters poll for Democrat Hillary Clinton in revealed. the 2016 presidential election. More than 16,000 registered But Hood will consider a voters, whose ages ranged from Republican for Congress because 18 to 34, were polled during the he believes the party is making it first three months of this year and easier to find jobs and he applauds 2016. The surveyed millennials the recent Republican-led tax cut. had previously supported Demo“It sounds strange to me to crats, but their support dropped say this about the Republicans, by about 9 percentage points to but they’re helping with even the 46 percent during the last two small things,” Hood said. “They’re years. taking less taxes out of my payAlthough nearly two of three The Democratic Party must deal with waning support from millennials if it hopes for success during the 2018 check. I notice that.” young voters polled said they In an effort to win Congressional do not like Republican President midterm elections. seats, the Democratic National ComDonald Trump, their distaste for core constituency and will need all the loyalty they mittee launched an “IWillVote” initiative encouraghim does not necessarily extend to all Republicans can get to achieve a net gain of 23 seats to capture ing registered millennials to vote. The party also will or translate directly into votes for Democratic concontrol of the U.S. House of Representatives in post text and social media ads, and party members gressional candidates. November. will send buses to college campuses on election day That presents a potential problem for DemoYoung voters represent an opportunity and a to take students to the polls. crats, who have come to count on millennials as a risk for both parties, said Donald Green, a political Defender News Services
Court rules Texas voter ID law not racist Defender News Services
Political conservatives logged a legal victory recently when a federal appeals court upheld a much-debated Texas voter identification law that voter rights advocates say is racist. The three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans ruled that the Texas voter ID law, widely criticized by Democrats and advocates for marginalized groups, does not discriminate against Black and Latino voters. The 2-1 decision marked the first time a federal court upheld the controversial law. Critics maintain voter identification measures discriminate against the impoverished, seniors, people of color, the disabled and anyone else who might be less likely to have identification. Such laws affect the ability of people in such groups to cast ballots, critics have said. The original law passed by Texas’ Republican-controlled state legislature in 2011 required that voters show a driver’s license, passport or some other form of governmentissued photo identification if they wanted to
TOUCH is now enrolling for the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program! If you live in or near Greater Third Ward and you have prediabetes, diabetes runs in your family, a BMI of 25 or higher or your Hemoglobin A1c is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you may qualify for this free diabetes prevention program.
vote. The law took effect in 2013. Earlier, a federal appellate court found the law to have a discriminatory effect on Black and Latino voters. Last year, the Texas legislature loosened the law to allow would-be voters who lacked approved forms of identification to sign an affidavit explaining why and show an alternative form of ID, such as a bank statement. A federal judge struck down the amended measure but the courts allowed it to take effect while the judicial panel reviewed it. The panel that issued the ruling letting the law fly wrote that concerns about voter intimidation were “wholly speculative” and said the amended law successfully cured “all the flaws” of the original measure.
All who qualify and enroll receive 25 sessions with a healthy lifestyle coach and a FREE, one-year family membership to the YMCA! out if you qualify, or information on how/where to get screened: Visit: https://touch.healthuh.com/dpp Email: diabetes.prevention@ymcahouston.org Call: 713.743.3021
TOUCH: @HRITOUCH | https://TOUCH.HEALTHuh.com HRI: @HEALTHuh | https://www.uh.edu/health-research
TREATING OBESITY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN HOUSTON
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THAT’S MY
MOMMA!
n u f e h t Join Which TV Mom is most like your Mom?
Stephen Curry, shown with his wife Ayesha, continues to sign lucrative deals.
Curry lands deal for family-friendly films Defender News Services
NBA “Golden Boy” Stephen Curry is currently off the court and sorely missed by his fellow Golden State Warrior teammates while he recovers from MCL knee sprain and unfortunately missed the first round of playoff games. Though Curry might not be landing three-pointers while he’s sitting on the sidelines, he is landing business deals. The Hollywood Reporter recently announced that Curry landed a development deal with Sony, which will also unveil his newly formed production company, Unanimous Media. The brand is named as a reference to the point guard’s distinction in 2016 of becoming the first NBA player to sweep the Most Valuable Player Award’s 131 votes. The development deal extends to opportunities in partnerships, electronics, gaming and virtual reality and its production headquarters will be located on the Sony Pictures studio lot in Culver City. Curry, who is not shy about sharing his faith and religious beliefs and is known to tweet psalms from the Bible to his fans said that projects in the deal will focus on faith and family-friendly content, as well as sports-related issues: “I’ve been blessed to have this platform and I want to use it to affect the world positively. Partnering with Sony to share inspiring content with a global audience was a foregone conclusion,” he said.
Several companies have reportedly been courting Curry for some time for project deals that would carry him long after his athletic career. Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group chairman Tom Rothman said in a statement that the company is honored to be taking the next steps with Curry. “Steph is a transcendent figure in current culture. His wide-ranging content creation interests overlap well with our varied businesses and we have been equally impressed with his team,” Rothman said. “We are honored to have been drafted and now we know how lucky Golden State feels every day.” Sony Pictures Television co-president Chris Parnell will oversee TV projects in both the scripted and unscripted space and shared that Curry’s positive brand is what makes him so popular. “We’re thrilled to work alongside Steph to bring his positive, affirming brand to create content in the scripted and non-scripted television landscape. He’s tapping into his drive and creative energy on the court to expand to horizons off the court and we’re honored to be a part of it,” Parnell added. This latest deal will undoubtedly add to Curry’s net-worth, meaning his wife Ayesha (a celebrity chef who is currently pregnant with the couple’s third child) and daughters Riley and Ryan will be eating nicely for years to come. Curry’s endorsement deals, which include pacts with Under Armor and JPMorgan Chase, already pay him about $35 million annually, according to Forbes.
Claire Huxtable, The Cosby Show
Cookie Lyon, Empire
Florida Evans, Good Times
Hanna Young, The Haves and the Haves Nots
Jenifer Lewis, Mother of Black Hollywood
Louise ‘Weezie’ Jefferson, The Jeffersons
Madea, House of Payne
Rainbow Johnson, Black-ish
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DEFENDER | MAY 3 | 2018
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Justin Reid
Mission accomplished by Texans in 2018 draft By MAX EDISON Defender
The 2018 NFL draft has come and gone and for the Texans it was the cliché, “Hurry up and wait.” Because of the Deshaun Watson and Brock Osweilder deal with the Cleveland Browns last season, the Texans did not have a first- or second-round selection in 2018. Despite operating as spectators for the first day and a half of the draft, the Texans feel they did well when their number was finally called. First-year GM Brian Gaine was patient and prepared by the time the franchise used its first of three third-round selections. He described how odd it was to be an innocent bystander as the draft evolved before him and called it a “unique” circumstance. “Twenty years of doing this, and I’ve never had that experience before,” Gaine said. “In a way, after [the first Reid, a safety from Stanford, was the Texans’ first pick in the third round. day], it allowed us to kind of reposihas the versatility to do that tion ourselves and based on the composition of think about what’s our own roster right now.” already occurred, With their third pick in measure the supply the third round the Texans and demand at the selected Central Florida tight positions with 32 end Jordan Akins (6-feet-3, players already 249). gone. As the draft A former minor league evolved…we just baseball player, Adkins brings let the board talk to Offensive lineman Martinas Rankin of Mississippi State was the second a mature attitude along with pick. us about what our his skill set on the gridiron. decision should be.” “No. 2, he graded “I have experience on the Working without a first or second round Gaine was well in terms of producpro side and I know the game faced with an inevitable question: Would they draft a play- tion. No. 3 was the veras a business side,” Adkins er to fill a specific need or take the best player available? satility and interchangesaid. “I now have the oppor“The best selection is when the best player available able ability in terms of tunity to showcase my talent meets need, and perhaps that happened for us,” Gaine Tight end Jordan Akins of Central Florida was the third pick in the playing strong safety, on the gridiron rather than the said. free safety, ability to play third round. diamond.” The Texans officially joined the 2018 draft with the the run and ability to play Rounding out the Texans draft were: fourth pick in the third round (68th overall), selecting the pass. We feel like he’s a fully dimensional safety at the • Round four – 103rd overall, Texas Tech receiver safety Justin Reid (6-feet-1, 207 pounds) from Stanford. position.” Justin is the younger brother of former LSU and San With their second pick in the third round, 80th overall, KeKe Coutee (5-feet-10, 181). • Round six – 177th overall, Wake Forest defensive Francisco 49ers standout Eric Reid, a fact that was not the Texans picked Martinas Rankin (6-feet-4, 308) a versaend Duke Ejiofor (6-feet-3, 264); 211th overall, Missisoverlooked in the decision-making process for Gaine and tile offensive lineman from Mississippi State. sippi State tight end Jordan Thomas (6-feet-6, 265); 214th company. “Hopefully, the best five will play wherever that overall, Stanford linebacker Peter Kalambayi (6-feet-3, “That’s certainly something we’re aware of, the unravels here once he gets here,” Gaine said. “He was a football pedigree in the family,” Gaine said. “What I will starting left tackle in the SEC, so I hope he has the ability 252). • Round seven – 222nd overall, San Jose State defentell you about Justin is No. 1, [he has] the prototypical to do that, but we also believe that if he has to play guard, sive back Jermaine Kelly (6-feet-1, 195). body type, height, weight and speed for the position. right side, left side, wherever we need him, that this guy
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h.s.zone Marshall sprinter Stubblefield explodes on Region 5A scene By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
Stubblefield is a believer in self-motivation. “I told myself that I was going to state in the off-season,” he said. “After my freshman year, I told myself that I was going to state. But when I really started realizing I had a chance was at the area meet. “That’s when I knew I could win regionals and go to the state meet,” he said. Stubblefield was 6 years old when he first began running track and he continues to reach new milestones as a 10th grader. The 2018 UIL state high school track and field meet in Austin (May 10-12) promises to present new challenges.
When Fort Bend Marshall High School head boys’ track and field coach Lloyd Banks was searching for a key component among his options to supply points in the march for a state championship, he didn’t have to look far. Biding his time among a strong contingent of sprinters was sophomore Bryson Stubblefield, who answered the call in a big way despite not being on the radar screen in the season’s early stages. “Honestly, as a coach I’m not ashamed to say that when we first sat down and discussed the competition in our area and what we might expect moving forward to the district, regional and state meets, I didn’t initially have Bryson on the board,” Banks Birth date – Aug. 16, 2002 said. Birth sign – Leo “He got it done today. It started with a phenomenal Favorite subject – Chemistry [opening] leg on the 4x100 relay. Then it continued in the open Possible career – Physical therapist 100-meter dash. I’m not surprised, I’m proud of him,” Banks Favorite athlete to watch – Christian Coleman said. (60-meter dash indoor world record holder) Marshall opened the running finals at the Region III-5A/6A Favorite food – Pasta meet at Humble’s Turner Stadium with a gold medal time of 40.72 seconds to best both Humble High School (41.36) and Port Arthur Memorial (41.39). Devon Achane, Korey King and Sylvester Labome joined Stubblefield on Marshall’s 4x100 meter relay victory stand. Stubblefield’s banner day continued with a first-place finish in the Class 5A 100-meter dash when he soared across the finish line in 10.74 seconds. Z’Antyler Foster-Hooks of Corsicana (10.85) finished second and Crosby’s Craig Williams (10.87) placed third. “I didn’t really know what to expect Find out what 10th grader was a major coming into player in Cypress Springs girls title the meet,” Stubblefield said. “I just made sure I came in focused, ran my races with good form and came away with the gold.” Marshall swept all three relays and registered 96 team points to easily out distance runner-up College Station (51.50) and third place Port Arthur Memorial (49). King and Achane combined with Dalevon Campbell and Henry Thomas as Marshall won the 4x200 meter relay in a time of one minute, 24.78 seconds. Port Arthur Memorial (1:25.15) and Crosby (1:25.79) placed second and third. In the Class 5A boys’ mile relay, Marshall’s unit of Achane, King, Thomas and Dominick HoustonShepard crossed the finish line in a gold medal winning time of 3:15.27. College Station (3:16.15) and Shadow Creek (3:19.57) placed second and third. Houston-Shepard swept both hurdle races with times of 13.86 seconds and 37.09 seconds in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, respectively. Teammate Matthias Petterway (37.55) won a bronze medal in the 300-meter hurdles.
About Bryson Stubblefield
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MAY 3 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs TSU’s Fulmore honored Texas Southern University softball player Jasmin Fulmore was named the SWAC Pitcher of the Week after her performance during April 16-22. Fulmore pitched a two-hit shutout to lead the Lady Tigers to 1-0 win over Southern in the first of a three-game series. She struck out six batters while walking only three en route to her third shutout of the season. The senior from Federal Way, Wash., leads all starting pitchers in the SWAC with a 1.67 ERA. Opponents are batting only .210 against Fulmore, which ranks third in the conference, while her 51 strikeouts are the fifth-highest total in the league.
PVAMU’s Hernandez cited SWAC named Prairie View A&M’s University first baseman Laurisa Hernandez the Softball Hitter of the Week. This is the first time this season that Hernandez has earned SWAC honors. Hernandez ( junior, Freemont, Calif./Newark Memorial HS) recently hit .363 (4-for-11) against TSU as the Lady Panthers won the series at home. Hernandez scored three runs with three of the four hits extra bases – one triple, and two homeruns –with seven RBI to finish the weekend with a 1.091 slugging percentage. In the 8-2 win against TSU, she scored two runs, and had five RBI on a two-run triple and a three-run homer. On the season, Hernandez is batting .364 with 32 hits, four doubles, five home runs and 19 RBI. Hernandez has a slugging percentage of .625 and an on-base percentage of .429.
Marshall girls dominate The Fort Bend Marshall girls generated 75 points at the Region III-5A track and field meet to outdistance second place Shadow Creek (45) and secure four automatic qualifiers at the state championships in Austin on May 11. Senior Angel Johnson won the 200-meter dash in a time of 24.24 seconds to hold off Willowridge freshman Cynai-Ree Christopher (24.41). Marshall sophomore Alexandria Ruth (24.52) took home the bronze medal. Payton Wells placed second in the 400-meter dash in a time of 55.93 seconds. The Marshall quartet of Ruth, Johnson, Wells and sophomore Doneshia Johnson won the 4x100 meter relay with their best time of the season (46.42 seconds). Shadow Creek (46.99) and Port Arthur Memorial (47.00) settled for the silver and bronze. The Marshall mile relay of Ruth, Johnson, Wells and Makenli Rasperry also garnered a gold medal with a clocking of 3:47.73 to 3:51.64 for second place Manvel. Briana Creeks added points in the 800 and mile run. “Our motto at the beginning of the year was legends in the making,” said Marshall coach Benita Smith. “In order to be a legend in the making you have to work.”
Cypress Springs rules 6A For the fifth year in a row the Cypress Springs girls won the Region III-6A track and field team championship. Sophomore Wonders Oguejiofor won three gold medals in the high jump (5-6), 800-meter run (2:12.92) and ran the opening leg on the gold-medal winning mile relay (Rachel Hall, Mikayla Grauman, Vanessa Ugorji/3:41.27) that clinched the team title with 71 points.
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DEFENDER | MAY 3 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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EMPOWERING #USTOO…….City Councilmember Amanda Edwards Falayn Ferrell and Mark Martin welcomed attendees including Marc Furi, hosted Empowering #UsToo: Igniting Change in the Next Generation of Trudy Harris, Donnie Lee, Nikki Davis, Jackie Factor, Donnie Lancelin, Young Men and Women to Stop Sexual Assault, Harassment and Misconduct! Wesley Cooper, Ryalon Cooper, Jillian Simpson and many more……… TSU’S Participants engaged in dialogue with other young adults, students and featured 2018 MAROON & GRAY AFFAIR……..Texas Southern University President guests to explore the issues of sexual assault, harassment and misconduct in Austin Lane and First Lady Loren Lane recently hosted TSU’s 2nd Annual today’s culture as it relates to media, school, the workplace and more. Attendees Maroon & Gray Affair, the school’s signature fundraising event. Held at the Marriot included J Mac & Young Jas from 97.9 The Box, Chauncy Marquis Downtown, the event sought to raise over $1 million Glover (ABC 13), Kimberly Wolf, Dr. Dina Alsowayei, for student scholarships. Deborah Duncan (KHOU) and TSU Defender TOP EVENTS alum Billy Sorrells served as MCs, while noted broadcast Victoria Lara, Una Topps, LaToshia Norwood, Adrinika More photos on defendernetwork.com Atkinson, Baile Lewis, Hannah Rubin, Princeton Woods, journalist and Texas native Tamron Hall served as keynote Kaitlan Gray and others………. BLACK RESTAUARNT speaker. Two TSU students, Aaron Dallas II and Camille WEEK’S SOUNDBITES……..As part of Black Restaurant Week, organizers Mills, were recognized for their academic and civic accomplishments. Two alumni, hosted Soundbites Food Truck Park, featuring fun, food trucks and live music by Commissioner Rodney Ellis and State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, were honored, some of Houston’s hottest DJs. Taking place at Peggy Park, the event featured a as well. En Vogue provided live entertainment for attendees, who included U.S. live music stage, Kids Zone, Farmers Market Harambee Art Gallery and a full Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, Larry Williams, Andrea Breaux, beverage bar to go along with the many food trucks on hand. Event organizers Mathew Knowles, Gerald and Anita Smith, Jolanda Jones, and many more.
Carlos Aguilar, Councilmember Amanda Edwards, J Mac, Young Jas
Nikki Coker, Mark Martin, Falayn Ferrell
Loren Lane, Dr. Austin Lane
Victoria Lara, Stuwart Young, Shandenia Piper
Kelly King, Marc Furi
Tina Pradia, Milan Aron, Tiko Reynolds-Havsman
Baile Lewis, Hannah Rubin, Kaitlan Gray, Jahi Walker
Donnie Lee, Trudy Harris, Nikki Davis
Katrina Grant, Kernard Jones
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