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NATIONAL ATTY. GEN. ERIC HOLDER
targets Texas voting actions
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Volume 82 | Number 40
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ENTERTAINMENT CRYSTAL DICKINSON stars in Shakespeare production
P5 SPORTS OPINION JONATHAN BENDER finds success after NBA
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Visit faces
Jean Caldwell will be missed
Sybrina Fulton reflects on Trayvon
The late educator Jean Hines Caldwell is being remembered by her family, friends, church members and students. Discover why those who knew Mrs. Caldwell will miss her. Read about her connection to Wheatley High School. See how she made a difference.
Sybrina Fulton, the mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, wants an end to the deadly violence plaguing America. Learn about a parent’s worst nightmare. Hear her thoughts on regrets and purpose. Discover what she has to say about George Zimmerman.
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 1 | 2013
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Legislators address pressing issues By SENORA HARRIS Defender
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embers of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TLBC) addressed issues ranging from stand your ground laws to the Voting Rights Act during a recent town hall meeting at Texas Southern University. “One of the reasons we wanted to have this meeting is because it’s important for people within our community and outside our community to see us coming together in a collective, unified fashion,” said State Rep. Sylvester Turner, TLBC chairman.
Turner emphasized the impact that voting can have on issues of importance to minorities. “When you hear a lot of discussion about stand your ground, please bear in mind that those laws were voted in by people,” Turner said. “When we start voting at [in higher numbers], then I think we can start looking at some other tools. But we’re not utilizing the tools that we presently have. When we do that, things will happen,” Turner said. State Rep. Senfronia Thompson discussed such legislative topics as equal pay for women. “Even today when a woman retires, Continued on Page 8
State Rep. Sylvester Turner leads the discussion at a town hall meeting. Other legislators present included State Sen. Rodney Ellis and State Rep. Harold Dutton. (Photo by Senora Harris)
Educator Jean Hines Caldwell dies Defender News Services
Jean Hines Caldwell, a veteran educator and the mother of Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, died July 28 at the age of 83. Mrs. Caldwell began her career as an audiologist with HISD. She spent 38 years as a teacher and guidance counselor at Phillis Wheatley High School, her alma mater. In 2005, HISD named a new elementary school in her honor. After retirement, she continued to serve as a mentor, and was affectionately known as “Mom” Caldwell. Her former students remember her compassion and wisdom. Marsherria Wilson, president of Paradise Funeral Home, said Mrs. Caldwell continued to play a role in her life after she left Wheatley.
“I referred to her as ‘Mom C.’ She was very much a mentor who provided advice and direction,” Wilson said. “I could talk to her about everything. She was there to support, uplift, guide and direct.” Mrs. Caldwell also had an impact on Jodie Jiles, a business developer in commercial real estate. “I have two memories of Mrs. Caldwell,” Jiles said. “One is as an outstanding counselor at Wheatley. My Christian experience is that she was a mother to all in the church, checking on our children, advising them. She was clearly a woman of God and a first-class lady of distinction who set an example for all of us to follow.” Mrs. Caldwell grew up in Fifth Ward. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University, where she met her husband, Booker T. Caldwell. They were married for 59 years. Mr. Caldwell, a well-known business owner, died in 2011. In addition to her son, Mrs. Caldwell is survived by her daughter, Dorothea Pickens, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Windsor Village. It was requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jean Hines Caldwell Elementary School at 5515 W. Orem Dr., Houston, TX 77085, and the National Parkinson Foundation, P. O. Box 5018, Hagertown, MD 21741 or parkinson.org.
localbriefs FORMER YATES PRINCIPAL Marla McNealSheppard has been named an assistant superintendent with Fort Bend ISD. McNeal-Sheppard was the principal of Yates for seven years, and under her leadership, the school saw academic gains in every subject area. McNeal-Sheppard was named the HISD Secondary Principal of the year in 2010 and the Wheatley Feeder Pattern Secondary Principal of the Year in 2007 and 2009.…….. HISD, in partnership with Houston Community College and the University of Texas MD Anderson School of Health Professions, announced a new Futures Academy of Health Science Careers at Westside High School, 14201 Briar Forest
Drive. The program will create a direct pipeline for HISD students into MD Anderson and careers in the Texas Medical Center. Students will be exposed to such career fields as clinical laboratory science, diagnostic imaging, molecular genetic technology and radiation therapy. Students will also have an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree while in high school. The program begins this month with approximately 50 to 60 freshman students……... THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY is Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11. Texas shoppers can save money on certain items priced under $100 during the annual holiday. The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies
and backpacks. Shoppers will save an estimated $74.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the holiday……... THE ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR sponsored by Texas Children’s Health Plan is Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greenspoint Mall. School-age children will receive a free backpack with school supplies. Free glucose, BMI, blood pressure and other health screenings will be available along with free vaccines, and vaccination records are required. Texas Children’s Health Plan was founded by Texas Children’s Hospital, and is the nation’s first HMO created just for kids. For information visit texaschildrenshealthplan.org.
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AUGUST 1 | 2013 | DEFENDER
national
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Holder targets Texas voting procedures
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NNPA News Service
ulfilling a pledge to aggressively protect the voting rights of people of color, Attorney General Eric H. Holder said that the Justice Department will sue the state of Texas to compel it to preclear any planned changes in its voting procedures before they can go into effect. A sharply divided Supreme Court recently gutted Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the part of the law that describes the formula to be used to determine which states or political subdivisions are subjected to preclearance requirements. Holder called the court’s 5-4 vote “a deeply disappointing – and flawed – decision.” Speaking at the National Urban League’s convention in Philadelphia, Holder said, “Today I am announcing that the Justice Department will ask a federal court in Texas to subject the state to a preclearance regime similar to the one required by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act… “Based on the evidence of intentional racial discrimination that was presented last year in the redistricting case, Texas v. Holder – as well as the history of pervasive voting-related discrimination against Attorney General Eric Holder said Texas should be required to go through a preclearance process. racial minorities that the Supreme Court itself has recognized – we believe that the state of Texas should be required to month, the Supreme Court struck down the go through a preclearance process whenever it requirement that nine states, most of them in changes its voting laws and practices.” the Deep South, and portions of others had to In its Shelby County v. Holder ruling last obtain permission from the Justice Department
VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 40 AUGUST 1, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley Aswad Walker 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).
or a federal court before changing election procedures. Within two hours after the ruling, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced that he would restore a controversial Voter ID requirement that was frozen by the Justice Department. Abbott, who is running for governor next year to succeed Rick Perry, also announced that the state will implement a controversial redistricting plan that dilutes Black and Latino political clout. Texas appears to be an ideal target for the Justice Department because a federal court in Washington ruled last year that the state had intentionally discriminated against Latinos when it redrew its congressional districts. The court threw out the map saying both parties had “provided more evidence of discriminatory intent than we have space, or need, to address here.” Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis commended the Justice Department’s decision. “Anyone who thinks Texas doesn’t need continued oversight simply hasn’t been paying attention,” he said. Ellis added that the state has demonstrated a history of discrimination against minority voters. He cited the 2011 voter ID legislation that would make it significantly more difficult for approximately 1 million eligible Texans to vote. After Texas, the next likely showdown will be between the Justice Department and the state of North Carolina. The state legislature there had passed legislation that, if enacted, would cut early voting by a week, eliminate same-day registration and require strict voter ID.
CBC suggests Jackson Lee for homeland post Defender News Services
The Congressional Black Caucus is asking President Barack Obama to nominate Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as secretary of Homeland Security. CBC members want Jackson Lee to replace Janet Napolitano, who resigned to become president of the University of California. The homeland secretary oversees the third largest Cabinet department and leads efforts to secure the U.S. from various threats. Jackson Lee has served on the Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, and was chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection. In a letter to Obama dated July 24, CBC Chair Marcia Fudge said Jackson Lee understands the importance of maintaining security. “Representative Jackson Lee currently serves as the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, where she stands as a strong and honest ‘voice of reason,’ ” Fudge wrote. “Through her leadership, the subcommittee passed H.R. 1417, the bipartisan Border Security Results Act of 2013. For many years, Representative Jackson Lee has been a tenacious advocate for national security, border security and immigration reform. She has effectively advised the Congressional Black Caucus on these matters and on matters of civil rights and civil liberties.”
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 1 | 2013
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Trayvon’s mom says prevent tragedies By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Editor-in-Chief
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ith her voice laced with emotion, Sybrina Fulton, the soft-spoken mother of Trayvon Martin, urged delegates to the National Urban League convention in Philadelphia to use her personal tragedy to prevent the recurrence of unjustified youth killings in the future. Fulton’s seven-minute speech to the delegates came 13 days after a jury in Sanford, Fla. acquitted George Zimmerman, the acknowledged killer of the unarmed 17-yearold high school student, of second-degree murder charges. Fulton told a wildly cheering crowd, “My message to you is please use my story, please use my tragedy, please use my broken heart, to say to yourself, ‘We cannot let this happen to anybody else’s child.’ ” Delegates paid close attention to the mother who is still grieving her son’s death. “I speak to you as Trayvon’s mother,” she said. “I speak to you as a parent [receiving] the absolutely worst telephone call you can receive
as a parent – your son – you will never kiss again. I’m just asking you to wrap your mind around no prom for Trayvon. “No high school graduation for Trayvon. No college for Trayvon. No grandkids coming from Trayvon. All because of a law that has prevented the person who shot and killed my son [from being] held accountable and to pay for this awful crime.” The acquittal of Zimmerman touched off protests around the country and sparked a national movement to repeal stand your ground laws. “The verdict is not going to define who Trayvon Martin was,” his mother said. “We will define his legacy. We will define who he is and what he was all about.” Like Mamie Till Mobley, whose 14-year-old son, Emmett, was brutally murdered in 1955 near Money, Miss. for allegedly whistling at a white woman, Fulton sees her son’s death as serving a larger purpose. In 1995 Mobley said: “The Lord spoke to me and said that Emmett didn’t belong to me in the first place, that I had been chosen to be his mother while he was on earth and he came here with a specific purpose. He’s done what he came here to do.” Fulton expressed similar sentiment. “At times, I feel like I am a broken vessel,” she said. “At times, I don’t know if I’m going or coming. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is using me and God is using my family to make a change, to make a difference.”
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AUGUST 1 | 2013 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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Miller Outdoor Theatre presents
Shakespeare M Nickclette Izuegbu
Shunté Lofton
Michael Patterson
Defender News Services
iller Outdoor Theatre will once again be the site of the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival produced by the University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance. “Antony and Cleopatra,” directed by Leah C. Gardiner, will be presented at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. “As You Like It” directed by Marc Masterson, will be presented at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 3, 7, 9 and 11. Visiting actress Crystal Dickinson portrays Cleopatra in “Antony and Cleopatra” and Celia in “As You Like It.” In real life, she is married to actor Brandon Dirden, who portrays Octavius in “Antony and Cleopatra” and Duke Frederick/ Conin in “As You Like It.” Dickinson has appeared on TV’s “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and earned a Theater World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut for her role in “Clybourne Park.” Dirden has also appeared on “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and on Showtime’s “The Big C.” He earned an Obie award for his performance in “The Piano Lesson.” Seth Gilliam portrays Antony in “Antony and Cleopatra” and Jacques in “As You Like It.” He has appeared on such shows “The Wire,” “Oz” and “Homeland.” He is married to director Gardiner, whose credits include “Othello, the Moor of Venice,” “Sucker Punch” and “Fences.” Other actors featured in the Shakespeare Festival include Nickclette Izuegbu, Shunté Lofton and Michael Patterson. Free tickets are available at the Miller Theatre box office the day of the performance between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for assigned seating under the canopy. There is open seating on the hill. For information visit milleroutdoortheatre.com. The stars of “Antony and Cleopatra” include Crystal Dickinson, Brandon Dirden (standing, left) and Seth Gilliam.
what’sup DEION SANDERS will star in a new reality show on OWN in 2014. The working title is “It’s Prime’s Time,” and will chronicle Sanders’ “crazy and chaotic” life. According to the network, “Deion faces the challenges of raising his five children in a household that also includes his mother, her foster children and his aunt and uncle, while guiding the future of Prime Prep Academy, the charter school he created.” Sanders’ girlfriend, TRACEY EDMONDS, is one of the show’s executive producers…….. R. KELLY issued an apology from his Twitter account after a delayed concert performance in Cincinnati prompted fans to leave in droves. Writing on social media, concertgoers said Kelly’s performance started more than two hours late with no explanation given. Kelly blamed the delay on technical problems…….. Nine-year-old actress QUVEN-
ZHANE WALLIS was honored as one of Variety‘s 2013 Youth of Power for her work with the American Heart Association. She is the organization’s ambassador for the Teaching Gardens, a program that combats childhood obesity by teaching kids healthy eating habits, such as adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets. Quvenzhane received an Academy Award Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of Hushpuppy in “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” She’s currently preparing for the lead role in a Broadway adaptation of “Annie,” produced by WILL SMITH and JAY Z……..TIA MOWRY-HARDRICT of Tia & Tamera fame stars in a new comedy series “Instant Mom” this fall. It will air on NickMom, a late-night programming block on the Nick Jr. channel. Mowry-Hardrict stars as Stephanie, a party girl who settles down and marries a man with three children.
MICHAEL BOATMAN portrays her husband and SHERYL LEE RALPH portrays her mother……..Fox Network is declining to comment on a lawsuit brought by 10 Black former contestants on “American Idol.” The lawsuit accuses the show’s producers of using criminal background checks to “systematically disqualify and publicly humiliate” Black contestants. Each former contestant is seeking $25 million in damages. They include JAERED ANDREWS, who was cut from the show following the discovery of an assault charge, and twins TERRELL and DERRELL BRITTENUM, who were disqualified because of identity theft charges. Four African-Americans have won the “American “Idol title during its 12 seasons on the air – RUBEN STUDDARD, FANTASIA, JORDIN SPARKS and CANDICE GLOVER.
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 1 | 2013
Fraternity hosts grand chapter meeting Aug. 6-11 By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
This is a busy time for Houstonian William “Randy” Bates Jr., who as Grand Polemarch is the national leader of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Some 15,000 members, supporters and guests will converge on Houston for the fraternity’s 81st Grand Chapter Meeting, which takes place Aug. 6-11 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It is hosted by the Houston Alumni Chapter. Numerous private and public events are planned, including health fairs, fitness walks, receptions, balls, banquets, workshops, a golf tournament, step show, business summit and comedy night. As an example of community involvement, members of the executive committee of Kappa The meeting theme Alpha Psi participate in the groundbreaking of a Habitat for Humanity home in Houston. is “Impacting Communicioeconomic norms of society, and behind in academic ties: Making a Difference for the Next 100 Years.” The achievement. fraternity has been in existence for 102 years, and was These conditions are often caused by the absence of founded in 1911 on the campus of Indiana University. male role models in the home, and the inability of many It began as Kappa Alpha Nu, and the name changed to mothers and female guardians to channel the positive Kappa Alpha Psi in 1915. energies of our male youth in directions that make them Bates said it is “an honor and privilege” to serve competitive in school as well as the marketplace. These the alumni and undergraduates who have made the negatives are compounded by the affect that negative fraternity what it is today. “Throughout our history, we peer pressure generally supersedes the positive guidance have been blessed with many great men who persevered given in the home. to enrich our future generations,” he said. Defender: What do you feel are the Bates was elected leader of the greatest challenges facing Greek organizaKappas in 2011. He is a partner with the tions? law firm of Bates & Coleman and served Bates: The greatest challenge for Greek as a trustee of the Lone College System organizations is to proactively take measures for two decades. He received his bachto countermand the inclination of some memelor’s degree from Ohio State University bers (too often nonfinancial members who are and juris doctorate from Texas Southern not in good standing with the organization) University’s Thurgood Marshall School to influence new initiates into thinking that of Law. their worth is diminished if they don’t submit He stresses that Kappa Alpha Psi themselves to illegal and intolerable activities. Grand Polemarch is more than a social organization, and While all Greek organizations have poliWilliam “Randy” is proud of the initiatives the fraternity has Bates Jr. cies in place to mitigate against illegal activities, in place to make a difference. In a Q&A, he they are still challenged when young initiates talked about issues facing young Black men and Greek believe that a phenomenon called “right to passage” is organizations. a noble way to go to be equal to members who have Defender: What do you feel are the greatest chalpreceded them. We are optimistic that this challenge is lenges facing young Black men today? being diminished and will in time be a thing of the past. Bates: Young Black men are products of their Defender: How do you respond to those who view environment, which too often leaves them behind the so- Greek organizations as “party” or social groups?
cover
Kappa Bates: Greek letter organizations in most instances have been founded to be social groups, but always with a grander purpose of being a conduit for college students to bond and network in their quests for upward mobility. Most of the historic Black fraternities and sororities were founded when racial segregation denied participation in white organizations. Because of racial segregation these Greek organizations have been a sanctuary for members to seek solace from discrimination and mistreatment by majority institutions and white students. All historic Black fraternities and sororities have made service to the community their primary objectives, and partying and trivial behavior has been minimized. It is noted that the historic Black Greek organizations have alumni chapters, who offer guidance to undergraduate members, which has a positive effect on students and encourages them to serve more and party less.
Visit 2013conclave.com
for a listing of meeting events.
Kapp
Members o various service grams making a Diamonds the academic, so men of color. “T awareness and ac arships and fund to have better ac Polemarch Willia locating $8 milli The Underg designed to incre nity, on campus o graduate student provinces, and 7 above 3.0,” Bate been offered inte The Achiev
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20 well-known Kappas
come to Houston
1. Bernie Bickerstaff, former NBA coach 2. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers quarterback 3. Congressman John Conyers, Michigan 4. Cedric the Entertainer, actor/comedian 5. Walter Fauntroy, former D.C. congressman 6. Edward Gardner, president, Soft Sheen Products 7. Anfernee Hardaway, former NBA player 8. Dr. Bernard Harris, astronaut 9. Congressman Alcee Hastings, Florida 10. Robert Johnson, founder of BET 11. Montell Jordan, recording artist 12. Oscar Robertson, NBA Hall of Famer 13. Bill Russell, NBA Hall of Famer 14. Gale Sayers, NFL Hall of Famer 15. John Singleton, director 16. Tavis Smiley, commentator/author 17. Louis Stokes, former Ohio congressman
Cedric the Entertainer
Dr. Bernard Harris
Tavis Smiley
Mike Tomlin
18. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers coach 19. Gen. Dennis L. Via, U. S. Army four-star general 20. Michael White, former Cleveland mayor
ppa programs reach out
of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity are involved in projects across the country. Here are five proa difference in the lives of young Black men: in the Rough is a national campaign to promote ocial and service based achievements of young The priority of this initiative has been to increase ccess to more than $1 million for potential scholding opportunities for Black males to enable them ccess to post-secondary institutions,” said Grand am “Randy” Bates Jr. “We exceeded our goal by ion dollars in scholarships...” graduate Leadership Institute (ULI) is ease undergraduates’ capacity to lead in the frateror in their communities. “ULI hosted 100 underts representing 77 universities and all 12 [Kappa] 70 percent had academic grade point averages es said. “Some graduates of this initiative have ernships and positions in corporate America.” vement Academy pairs undergraduates and recent
graduates with seasoned Kappa men who serve as mentors, guiding them toward the attainment of a graduate degree. “The academy has continued to be a viable force in assisting undergraduates to prepare for post-graduate professional schools,” Bates said. “Our goal is to increase our membership by 50 percent for both mentors and mentees.” The Kappa League is an integral part of the Guide Right National Program, an initiative for the educational and occupational guidance of youth. Fraternity members work with male students in grades 6 through 12 in such as areas personal development, academic achievement and college and career preparation. “Some have become members of the fraternity and attribute their success to their involvement in Kappa League,” Bates said. Kappa Kamp is a summer enrichment program that combines classroom learning with technology, character-building, field trips and physical activities. In 2012, the fraternity made a decision to move the program to a college campus. Paul Quinn College in Dallas was selected to host the 2013 program.
he Houston area for over 80 years
Participants register for Kappa Kamp, a summer enrichment program
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 1 | 2013 defendernetwork.com
Young males summit set
Males ages 13 to 25 are invited to attend the 2013 Young Overcomers United Summit. It takes place Friday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. at New Light Church, 1535 Greensmark Drive. The free event is hosted by Bishop I.V. Hilliard. Event partners are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and State Rep. Sylvester Turner. Topics to be discussed include the Trayvon Martin case, anger and fear management, encountering law enforcement, the road map to kingdom success, violence and gangs. For registration information visit YouSummitUSA.org.
Event scheduled for back to school Macy’s in Memorial City Mall will hold a Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturday on Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy a showcase of the hottest fashions for fall, sweet treats and lively music while shopping their favorite brands. Those who spend $50 in the MStylelab department will receive a mini emergency kit while supplies last. Customers can also show off their fall style and enter for a chance to win a trip to New York City, including a shopping spree and a style consultation with a Teen Vogue style expert. For more information visit teenvogue.com/mstylelab.
Legislators...
Continued from page 2 how many years has she been cheated out of money that won’t be a part of that retirement?” Thompson asked. State Rep. Ron Reynolds talked about the bias associated with stand your ground laws, and said guilt or innocence is often determined by ethnicity. He also suggested that community members accept opportunities to perform their civic duties. “One of the things [that] we don’t do as a community is serve on juries,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure that we stop throwing the jury summons away and participate and serve on juries. That will help us get justice.” Toward the end of the meeting, legislators accepted questions from audience members. One young man asked what he could do to help eliminate stand your ground laws such as the one in Texas. State Rep. Harold Dutton encouraged him to initiate efforts. “Almost every movement that took place in this whole world that changed a nation started with students,” Dutton said. “I think the answer lies in you.”
Bishop I.V. Hilliard
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opinion
Finally, the Barack Obama I voted for
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By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist
or more than four years, I have said that I liked candidate Barack Obama better than I like President Obama. Candidate Obama addressed the question of race head-on when pressured to distance himself from Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Chicago pastor who led him to Christianity. But President Obama has been a different story. According to research conducted by Daniel Q. Gillion, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, in Obama’s first two years in office, the nation’s first Black president made fewer speeches and offered fewer executive policies on race than any Democratic president since 1961. Frederick C. Harris, director of the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University, noted that Obama’s 2011 State of the Union address was the first by any president since 1948 to not mention poverty or the poor. In the words of scholar Michael Eric Dyson, “This president runs from race like a Black man runs from a cop.” Obama’s first comment on Trayvon Martin was that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon. But he didn’t say what he would do to make sure Black male teenagers are not treated the way Trayvon was treated by George Zimmerman. Obama’s first words in the aftermath of Zimmerman’s acquittal were predictably insipid. In his written statement, Obama said: “The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.” To quote another president, I thought, “Well, there he goes again.” But recently, candidate Barack Obama and President Barack Obama finally became one. He spoke with passion, without the aid of a TelePrompTer or notes, about what it’s really like to be a Black man in America. “There are very few African-American men in this country who haven’t had the experience of being followed when they were shopping in a department store. That includes me,” he told reporters in the White House briefing room. “There are very few African-American men who haven’t had the experience of walking across
the street and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars. That happens to me — at least before I was a senator. There are very few African-Americans who haven’t had the experience of getting on an elevator and a woman clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath until she had a chance to get off. That happens often.” He explained: “And I don’t want to exaggerate this, but those sets of experiences inform how the African-American community interprets what happened one night in Florida. And it’s inescapable for people to bring those experiences to bear. The African-American community is also knowledgeable that there is a history of racial disparities in the application of our criminal laws – everything from the death penalty to enforcement of our drug laws. And that ends up having an impact in terms of how people interpret the case.” While being candid about how whites generally treat Blacks, Obama was equally frank when he said a Black person faces a greater likelihood of being killed by another African-African than by a White person. “I think the African American community is also not naïve in understanding that, statistically, somebody like Trayvon Martin was statistically more likely to be shot by a peer than he was by somebody else. So folks understand the challenges that exist for African American boys. But they get frustrated, I think, if they feel that there’s no context for it and that context is being denied. And that all contributes I think to a sense that if a White male teen was involved in the same kind of scenario, that, from top to bottom, both the outcome and the aftermath might have been different.” The president demonstrated real courage by addressing race in America without being forced to as was the case with Rev. Wright. Moreover, he challenged us not to let the last chapter of Trayvon’s life be marked a misguided not guilty verdict. “And for us to be able to gather together business leaders and local elected officials and clergy and celebrities and athletes, and figure out how are we doing a better job helping young African American men feel that they’re a full part of this society and that they’ve got pathways and avenues to succeed – I think that would be a pretty good outcome from what was obviously a tragic situation.”
Taylor Jones, Politicalcartoons.com
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 1 | 2013
sports
Jonathan Bender finds business success after NBA
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By MAX EDISON Defender
t’s the type of story we all love to see. A boy from a small town (Picayune, Miss.) goes directly from high school to the NBA to seek fame and fortune. That was the story of Jonathan Bender, a talented 7-footer with game like a small forward, whose life took an unexpected detour. Bender, who now lives in Houston, was the fifth player selected in the 1999 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers for Antonio Davis. After retiring from the NBA after seven seasons, Bender pursued a career as a business owner. He tried multiple business ventures with minimal success until he found his dream product, a wearable apparatus for joint pain called the JB Intensive Trainer. Preliminary revenues have been outstanding Looking back, Bender remembers the time in his basketball life when his potential meter went from fair to outstanding. “I had a big growth spurt, around five to six inches when I was 15 years old,” he recalled. “I went from 6’4 to around 6’10. I always had a decent handle and of course I retained that at my new height. “By my senior year I was a McDonald’s All-American. I committed to Mississippi State, but deep down I knew I wanted to go straight into the NBA and ultimately that’s what I did.” At the
“While most guys were going out of state to go to college, I was going out of state to go to work on a job.” age of 18, Bender was off to the NBA. The initial impression was eye-opening to say the least. “While most guys were going out of state to
Bender was drafted out of high school and played for Toronto and Indiana.
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Former NBA player Jonathan Bender made the transition to the business world.
go to college. I was going out of state to go to work on a job,” he said. “The biggest adjustment was the travel and the fact that you had to mentally adjust to the fact that this was a job. “You had to keep your body in shape and work on your game; if not, somebody was going to take your job.” Bender was earning more money than a young man can possibly conceive. “That’s a dangerous position to be in,” he said. “You’re a young African-American, coming from a very small town, nobody with any wealth in the family. It was an adjustment. You end up with what I call the ‘big eyes.’ You can get anything you ever wanted and try to actually do it.” On the way to what seemed like NBA stardom Bender experienced adversity that eventually defined his brief career – knee problems. “I learned that [with] my growth spurt you’re not supposed to do any strenuous work during that period,” he said. “Well I worked constantly during that period, playing lots of basketball. “Ultimately this led to issues with my knees. I had my first surgery early in my career. After the surgery I was not quite the same player. My trademark athleticism was no longer there. I was bone on bone with no cartilage there to protect my knees. ” Bender resigned himself to the fact that he would not have a lengthy career and wondered what he would do next. A social event at the home of the Pacers owners motivated Bender and he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. “Having a history of knee problems and being creative, I was thinking about coming up with a product that could provide some type of relief,” Bender explained. “I created a product with material I bought from Wal-Mart and it worked well. I refined the product and had some studies performed by Purdue University. I also did years of research and the product was ultimately born.”
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AUGUST 1 | 2013 DEFENDER
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Darrell Ardison is on vacation
Make fitness a family affair
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simple as taking the little ones to the playground, or as challenging as an all-day hike with your teenager. 3.At family or holiday gatherings, turn off the TV and take a walk around the neighborhood or go for a short hike at a local park. Or get everyone outside for a game of catch. 4. Limit TV, video
game and computer time. These habits lead to a sedentary lifestyle and excessive snacking, which increase risks for obesity and cardiovascular disease. Also, keep TVs out of kids’ bedrooms. 5. Go for a 30-minute family walk after dinner instead of heading right for the television. 6. Track everyone’s T:4.79”
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mileage or steps with a pedometer, and try to add more distance every week. Use a family exercise log or colorful stickers to track your progress. Put your log or chart on the refrigerator as a reminder to keep up the good effort together. 7. Be a good role model. You don’t have to be perfect all the time, but if kids see you trying
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to eat right and getting physically active, they’ll take notice of your efforts. You’ll send a message that
classified Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of the following project no. Contract 802 on SH 249 from S of Willow Creek to N of FM 2920, bid date is August 19, 2013. Quotations may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed to (512) 707-0798 or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at: www.civcastusa.com. E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1
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ngaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Exercising can help control your weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your chances of living longer, improve your mental health, and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other illnesses. Physical activity is important for the entire family. Childhood obesity is at an all-time high, and inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition: • Only one in three children is physically active every day. • Children spend an average of more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen. • Less than 5 percent of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Here are some tips on making fitness a family affair from the American Heart Association, WebMd and PBS Parents. 1. Plan times for everyone to get moving together. Take walks, ride bikes, go swimming, garden, play hide-andseek outside or go skating. Play a team sport such as soccer, basketball or touch football. Promote fitness at your child’s birthday party by planning active games such as tag or relay races. 2. Plan at least one family activity every weekend. It can be as
Project 13-07-01CS - RFQ Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) for The 2012 HISD Facilities Capital Program with a deadline of 2:00P.M. August 22, 2013. The pre-bid conference for this project will be in the Board Auditorium at the above stated address on August 5, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.
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good health is impor¬tant to your family. 8. Keep things positive. Kids don’t like to hear what they can’t do; tell them what they can do instead. Keep it fun and positive. Everyone likes to be praised for a job well done. Celebrate successes and help children and teens develop a good self-image. 9. Encourage physical activities that they’ll really enjoy. Every child is unique. Let your child experiment with different activities until they find something that they really love doing. They’ll stick with it longer if they love it. 10. Don’t reward children with TV, video games, candy or snacks for a job well done. Find other ways to celebrate good behavior.
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Black Newspaper in the Nation
Winner: 2013 General Excellence Winner: Best Designed Black Newspaper Artist: Tony Fernandez-Davila
2013 Best Layout & Design Tabloid
Winner: Best Sports Editors Darrell Ardison & Max Edison 2013 Best Sports Section
NNPA: Black Press of America
Houston Leading Black Newspaper