REV. JESSE JACKSON SPEAKS OUT ON VOTING RIGHTS, P11
OPINION
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Volume 83 | Number 40
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NEWSTALK DR. ROBERT BULLARD speaks at EPA hearing
P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA welcomes African leaders
TSU ALUM ENTERS HALL OF FAME H PAGE 6
P4 ENTERTAINMENT KEITH ROBINSON co-stars in biopic
P9 TOP EVENTS
Bernard and Shirley Kinsey with John Guess Jr. at exhibit opening
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N A H A R T S L E A H C Mickey Leland
remembered
The late Houston Congressman Mickey Leland died 25 years ago on a relief mission to Ethiopia. His death shocked and saddened the community. Read the editorial on page 11 to learn about his visionary leadership. H PAGE 2
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> PAGE 12
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 7 | 2014
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EPA holds Houston hearing By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender
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he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently held a public hearing in Galena Park on proposed updates to emissions standards for refineries to protect nearby neighborhoods and improve air quality. The projected provisions will result in a reduction of 5,600 tons per year of toxic air pollutants and 52,000 tons per year of volatile organic compounds. According to the EPA, exposure to toxic air pollutants can cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues, and can increase the risk of developing cancer. More than 40 speakers gave remarks at the hearing, including elected officials, residents and activists. The speakers included environmental expert Dr. Robert D. Bullard, dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. Bullard described Galena Park as a refinery community that typifies why the EPA proposed rule changes are desperately needed. “I have to ask, ‘What took you so long?’ That’s a rhetorical question. We all know the answer,” Bullard said. He also discussed environmental injustice. “Numerous studies, including some of my own, have documented that poor people and people of color in the United States are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards in their homes, schools, neighborhoods, and workplace,” he said.
EPA representatives (l. to r). Ruben Caso, Fred Thompson, Penny Lassiter and Brenda Shine listen to speakers.
“Refinery pollution poses special health threats to community residents that generally have higher concentration of uninsured – heightening their vulnerability.” Bullard said the affected communities living in close proximity to refineries are disproportionately Latino, African-American and low-income with higher percentages of children. “Many of these neighborhoods have schools, parks and playgrounds, and lowincome public housing next-door to these refineries, which pose potential health threats to our most vulnerable population – children,” he said. Theresa Landrum of the 48217 Community Environmental Health Organization also spoke. “People in communities that are inundated with industry are mostly African-
American,” she said. “The EPA always goes on technical rules but they have to understand that these communities are at risk of cancer, asthma, and other upper respiratory diseases and they have to take into consideration the long-term effect against human health,” Landrum added. The EPA estimates the capital cost of the proposed rule to be $240 million. Juan Parras, director of the Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, said: “The industry doesn’t get it. All they’re looking at is the cost factor and they don’t consider the cost factor on health issues related to their exposure to the community. “Clean up, that’s all we’re asking. For more information and updates on the proposal visit www.regulations.gov.
Defender remembers Mickey Leland Aug. 7 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Houston Congressman Mickey Leland, who died in 1989 at the age of 44. Leland was leading a relief mission to Ethiopia when his plane crashed into a mountainside, killing everyone on board, including his chief of staff Patrice Johnson and 13 others. As the representative of Houston’s 18th Congressional District, Leland focused on issues such as health care and hunger, and was chairman of the House Select Committee on Hunger. Leland grew up in Fifth Ward and graduated from Wheatley High School. He received a pharmacy degree from Texas Southern University and established an outreach campaign in low-income neighborhoods to inform residents of their medical options. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972 and elected congressman in 1978. He and his wife Alison had three sons, Jarrett David (1986) and twins Austin Mickey and Cameron George (1990) who were born after Leland’s death.
Next week:
A man ahead of his time.
Equal rights ordinance petition falls short By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
The petition to repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) adopted by City Council in May has fallen short of the City Charter and Texas Election Code requirements for a voter referendum and will not be reconsidered by City Council or placed on the November ballot. Some opponents of the ordinance, including local ministers, said they were against it because it would allow transgender women to use women’s restrooms. Mayor Annise Parker said there was no mention of restrooms in the ordinance. Dave Welch of the Houston Area Pastor Council, who
helped lead the repeal petition effort, vowed to fight the administration’s decision in court. “If the mayor’s so confident in her position on the vote, give the benefit to voters and let us have a voice,” he said. “I want to hear the voice of the voters,” added Rev. James Nash, “The mayor is running this city more like a dictator than a leader.” The petitioners submitted a total of 5,199 pages of signatures. Based on application of City Charter and state law requirements, only 2,449 pages qualified for consideration. As a result, the number of valid signatures totaled 15,249, which is short of the 17,269 signatures required by the Charter. “The charter requirements are in place to ensure a fair
and legal process, absent of fraud,” said City Attorney David Feldman. “In this instance, there are too many documents with irregularities and problems to overlook. The petition is simply invalid. There is no other conclusion.” Parker said she expects petitioners to head to the courthouse. “I’m confident that the courts will agree with the strict interpretation of the rules set out in the charter for the requirements and that the courts will protect the integrity of our petition process,” she said. “Since I do have expectation that there will be some legal action, I’m going to delay implementation of the [ordinance], not indefinitely but certainly to allow these issues to work their way out.”
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AUGUST 7 | 2014 | DEFENDER
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 7 | 2014
national Obama welcomes young African leaders
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NNPA News Service
bbigal Muleya, a young woman from Zimbabwe, traveled by bus for 18 hours just to apply for the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a rigorous, six-week program at some of the best universities in the United States. Muleya was one of 500 young people selected from 50,000 applicants for the fellowship. During a town hall with the young African leaders, President Obama pledged to double the number of Washington fellows from 500 to 1,000, to provide more grants for entrepreneurship, and to develop regional leadership centers. “I launched the Young African Leaders Initiative to make sure that we’re tapping into the incredible talent and creativity of young Africans like you,” Obama said. “Since then, we’ve partnered with thousands of young people across the continent – empowering them with the skills and the training and technology they need to start new businesses, to spark change in their communities, to promote education and health care and good governance.” Obama created the fellowship, renamed the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, to partner with young people on the continent, providing the tools and training to start businesses and to support educational opportunities, health services and civic engagement.
With 60 percent of Africa’s population under 35, the future success of African nations will depend on the leadership, skills, and ingenuity of this emerging generation of leaders and this public-private partnership is vital to helping better the continent for years to come, said White House officials. Obama said that he was inspired by the young leaders despite the enormous challenges facing Africa. “Because for all the difficulties, the world has made progress and Africa is making progress,” he said. “And it’s growing. And there are fewer conflicts and there’s less war. And there’s more opportunity, and there’s greater democracy, and there’s greater observance of human rights. “But the great thing about being young is you are not bound by the past, and you can shape the future,” he said.
Minority college graduation rates comparable A recent study reveals that minority students who attend historically Black or Hispanic colleges are just as likely to complete their undergraduate degree as similar minority students at traditional institutions. The report was co-authored by Toby Park, an assistant professor at Florida State University, and Stella Flores, associate professor at Vanderbilt University. The research challenges the previous notion that minority students who attend a minority-serving institution (MSI) will automatically face lower graduation rates than if they had attended a traditional college or university. After accounting for differences in the student populations and institutional resources, Flores and
Park found no difference in graduation rates between MSIs and traditional institutions. “Attending a minority-service institution does not appear to have the negative effect so often portrayed in the media,” Park said. “Given the fact that MSIs are historically underfunded, the fact that the student bodies — when matched with similar students at traditional institutions — graduate at equal rates is astonishing.” By comparing students who were similar in preparation and background at MSIs and traditional schools, Flores and Park were able to determine a true and fair comparison on the likelihood of degree completion for Black and Hispanic students.
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U.S.briefs AS THE EBOLA OUTBREAK worsens in West Africa, the Centers for Disease Control issued a warning for Americans to avoid nonessential travel to nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The level 3 travel warning is a reflection of the worsening Ebola outbreak in the region. “This is the biggest and most complex Ebola outbreak in history,” said CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden. “Far too many lives have been lost already. It will take many months, and it won’t be easy, but Ebola can be stopped.” Two Americans stricken with Ebola in West Africa have been transported to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta – Dr. Kent Brantly and missionary Nancy Writebol……..THE BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATE climbed from 10.7 percent in June to 11.4 percent in July, an increase attributed to more Blacks looking for work. “Building off the strength of the previous month, people have been encouraged to re-enter the labor force and search for work and that caused the unemployment rate to tick up slightly,” said Valerie Wilson, an economist with the Economic Policy Institute. The Labor Department reported that the national unemployment rate increased from 6.1 percent in June to 6.2 percent in July ……..REV. AL SHARPTON will lead a protest in New York City later this month in response to a medical examiner’s ruling that Eric Garner was the victim of a homicide on July 17 after police placed him in a chokehold. “Since the ME has made his determination, now is the time for the rubber to meet the road, and somebody to show where we go,” Sharpton said. A cell phone video showed a New York police officer placing Garner in a chokehold while trying to arrest him on suspicion of selling untaxed cigarettes. Garner’s chronic asthma, heart disease and obesity were contributing factors to his death.
VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 40 AUGUST 7, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Sports Editors Advertising/Client Relations Max Edison Selma Dodson Tyler Darrell K. Ardison Multimedia Coordinator Local Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Cierra Duncan Online Editor Interns ReShonda Billingsley Jazzi Black Art Director Michael Roman Tony Fernandez-Davila Velyjha Southern 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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AUGUST 7 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Study finds hepatitis C could become rarity
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ffective new drugs and screening would make hepatitis C a rare disease by 2036, according to a computer simulation conducted by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. The results are reported in the Aug, 5 edition of Annals of Internal Medicine. “Hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading cause of liver cancer and accounts for more than 15,000 deaths in the U.S. each year,” said Jagpreet Chhatwal, Ph.D., assistant professor of health services research at MD Anderson and corresponding author on the study. “If we can improve access to treatment and incorporate more aggressive screening guidelines, we can reduce the number of chronic HCV cases, prevent more cases of liver cancer and reduce liver-related deaths,” Chhatwal said. HCV – a virus transmitted through the blood – is spread by sharing of needles, the use of contaminated medical equipment, and by tattoo and piercing equipment that has not been fully sterilized. Those at the highest risk for exposure are baby boomers – people born between 1945 and 1965. Widespread screening of the U.S. blood supply for hepatitis C began in 1992. A majority of people were infected through blood transfusions or organ transplants
before 1992. Baby boomers account for 75 percent of the estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people infected in the United States. Half of people with the virus are not aware they are infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend a one-time HCV screening for this population group. In the study, Chhatwal and his collaborators used a mathematical model with information from several sources including more
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“Hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading cause of liver cancer and accounts for more than 15,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.” than 30 clinical trials to predict the impact of new therapies called “direct-acting antivirals” and the use of screening for chronic HCV cases. Researchers developed a computer model to analyze and predict disease trends from 2001 to 2050.
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Hospital collecting supplies Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital is partnering with the Vic Coppinger Family YMCA in Pearland to support Operation Backpack, an initiative to provide school supplies for children in need so they start the school years with necessary tools. Last year, Operation Backpack gathered more than 1,100 backpacks and 21,000 school supplies for the Pearland ISD. The supplies were used throughout the year by children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Both Memorial Hermann Southeast, located at 11800 Astoria Blvd., and the Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Pearland at 16100 South Freeway serve as Operation Backpack drop-off sites. Donations are being collected through Aug. 11.
The model was validated with historical data including a recently published national survey on HCV prevalence. Researchers predicted with new screening guidelines and therapies, HCV will only affect one in 1,500 people in the U.S. by 2036.
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 7 | 2014
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TSU ALUM ENTERS HALL OF FAME H PAGE 6
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By MAX EDISON Defender
ANTON, Ohio – Former Texas Southern University and New York Giants standout Michael Strahan headlined the 2014 NFL Hall of Fame class. In front of a large and at times boisterous crowd, the current TV star accepted his place in NFL immortality among the greatest players to ever play the game. The induction of Strahan, Claude Humphreys (Tennessee State University) and Aeneas Williams (Southern University) marked the first time the HOF has ever had a class that featured three of seven inductees from historically Black colleges and universities. Strahan was a second-round draft pick in 1993 (40th overall) by the Giants, an All-American performer and a dominant SWAC player. To those who were unfamiliar with his game he carried the same dominant skillset to the NFL. He enjoyed a distinguished 15-year pro career, retiring as the league’s fifth all-time sacker with 141.5 sacks. He holds the NFL record for sacks in a single season with 22.5. In addition, Strahan was a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first team All Pro. Strahan was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2001), SI NFL Player of the Year (2001), two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2001 and 2003) and was named to the NFL All Decade team for the 2000s. He ended his career as a Super Bowl champion in 2008. Strahan was honored in Canton before a large contingent of well-wishers who travelled from Houston, including the TSU Ocean of Soul marching band and the Westbury High School band. Strahan, an alumnus of both schools, acknowledged the influence TSU had on his personal and professional development.
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“At TSU, I played under coach Walter Highsmith, coach J.W Harper, coach Conway Hayman and coach C.L. Whittington,” St han recalled. “[TSU] was perfect for me. I didn’t get swallowed I had coaches who cared about me and loved me. “The thing I learned most at Texas Southern was that I had t grow up,” he continued. “I could be a momma’s boy, but I had to be a momma’s boy when I was at home with my momma and the taught me that. They taught me at the perfect moment because I ended up going to the scariest city you could ever imagine, New York City.”
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(1) Michael Strahan and Fox colleague Jay Glazer ride in the annual TimkenSteel Grand Parade in downtown Canton, Ohio. Glazer, who is one of Strahan’s closest friends, presented him during the NFL Hall of Fame induction (2) Strahan, a defensive star with the New York Giants, takes a good look at his Hall of Fame bust. (3) Strahan is joined by family members during the Gold Jacket Presentation Dinner. (4) The TSU Ocean of Soul Marching band performs in downtown Canton. (5) Michael embraces his uncle Arthur Strahan, who encouraged him to attend TSU.
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Black college brethren
Former Giant linebacker and Hall of Fame member Harry Carson, a South Carolina State alum, was pleased to welcome three new HBCU brethren to Canton. “I’ve got a big smile on my face for several reasons,” Carson said. “First because I get to welcome another to the Hall of Fame. I’ve followed Michael’s entire career. I saw him develop as one of the very best to ever play his position. “I’m equally proud of Claude finally making it after so many years of patiently waiting,” Carson said. “I know how difficult that
he Houston area for over 80 years
process can be, especially when you know you belong. What more can you say about Aeneas Williams? As classy a guy off the field as he was great player on it. I’m very proud of this class overall, but particularly for my Black college guys. I know their struggle.” Claude Humphrey proved that patience is a virtue. He finally got the call to join the Hall after a 27-year wait. The third player selected in the first round of the 1968 draft out of Tennessee State, Humphrey was one of the most dominant defensive ends of his era, despite playing on one of the league’s most hapless teams, the Atlanta Falcons. Humphrey was the 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected to six Pro Bowls from 1970-77. He is credited with 122 sacks in his career, although it did not become an official statistic until after he retired in 1981. He concluded his career as a winner with the Philadelphia Eagles. Aeneas Williams was a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 1991 (59th overall). As a senior at Southern, he led the nation in interceptions. He quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, and finished his career with 55 interceptions, 23 fumble recoveries and 13 non-offensive touchdowns (fifth of all time). Williams was voted to eight Pro Bowls. Rounding out the 2014 Hall of Fame class are linebacker Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay), punter Ray Guy (Oakland), offensive tackle Walter Jones (Seattle) and receiver Andre Reed (Buffalo).
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 7 | 2014
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Delinquent property tax notices coming Harris County taxpayers who have delinquent taxes are encouraged to avoid a lawsuit by either paying their tax bill or signing up for a payment plan. “Last month, we sent notices to taxpayers who did not pay their property taxes,” said Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan. “These delinquent taxpayers were encouraged to either pay their bill or sign-up for a payment plan by June 30. In accordance to the law, on July 1, our office sent these accounts to collection attorneys, who added an additional 15-20 percent in attorney’s fees to the bill.” Harris County’s attorneys Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson recently sent approximately 60,000 notices to delinquent taxpayers. The notices contain additional details about the accounts and options to avoid legal action. Lawsuits filed will result in foreclosure and the delinquent property
Tax Assessor-Collector’s branch locations. Acceptable payment methods are cash, check or credit card (credit cards are subject to surcharges or processing fees). Delinquent taxpayers can sign-up for a payment plan by calling 713-844-3561. For general information call 713-368-2000 or email tax.office@ tax.hctx.net.
“Individuals may qualify for a tax deferral or exemption, which will delay payment or reduce the tax bill.”
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being sold at a public auction. There are additional options available to those who are over 65, disabled, disabled veterans or are serving in active military duty. “Those individuals may qualify for a tax deferral or exemption, which will delay payment or reduce the tax bill,” Sullivan said. Property tax payments can be processed through www.hctax.net, by phone at 713-368-2273 or at all
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AUGUST 7 | 2014 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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Keith Robinson co-stars in ‘Get on Up’
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By Kam Williams Special to the Defender
eith Robinson is a true triple threat. He has already mastered acting and songwriting and is now positioning himself in the music world with a velvety voice. Robinson, a Kentucky native, attended the University of Georgia. After arriving in Los Angeles, he had a chance meeting with a talent manager who jumpstarted his acting career. Since then, Robinson has landed 50-plus projects in television and film while continuing to pursue his musical career. Robinson may be best known for his role as C.C. White in the Academy Award-winning film “Dreamgirls.” His big solo in the musical was “Patience,” which he performed live at the Academy Awards. After “Dreamgirls,” he released his debut album, “Utopia.” He subsequently starred in “This Christmas,” “Dear John,” “35 and Ticking” and “Hopelessly in June.” Here, Robinson talks about the James Brown biopic “Get on Up,” in which he co-stars opposite Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd. KW: What interested you in “Get on Up?” KR: As a musician, I was heavily influenced by James Brown’s music. KW: What was it like working with director Tate Taylor and such a star-studded cast? KR: Tate is a really cool director because he has a clear vision of what he wants but still gives his actors freedom to collaborate in the process. That’s rare. Working with a cast where everyone is really talented puts you at ease, actually.
KW: How would you describe your character, Baby Roy? KR: Baby Roy is the young exuberant one who just really loves to perform and be on stage as much as possible. He’s the artist who still has those stars in his eyes and believes it’s all about the music and hasn’t been tainted yet. KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film? KR: That James Brown is the epitome of perseverance. You can never underestimate the magnetic power of self-belief. KW: What’s your favorite James Brown song? KR: “I’ll Go Crazy,” which I recently remade, and “It’s a Man’s World,” of course. KW: Your big break came when you landed the TV role as the Green Ranger on the “Power Rangers.” Did you have a martial arts background? KR: Not at all. I was just a good athlete and I had been in a few fights. KW: You were signed by Motown while you were still a student at the University of Georgia. What prompted your move from music to acting? KR: I never really made a “move” from one to the other. Acting came second once I moved to Hollywood on a chance audition for the “Power Rangers.” I’ve been doing both ever since. KW: Would you mind saying something controversial that would get this interview tweeted? KR: Reality shows disgust me. Specifically, the ones that make Black people look trifling and super melodramatic. You know who you are. KW: What key qualities do you believe all successful people share? KR: Consistency, discipline and self-belief.
what’sup The former loves of several famous men star in VH1’s new reality series “Atlanta Exes.” The women include TORREI HART, ex-wife of KEVIN HART; TAMEKA RAYMOND, ex-wife of USHER; CHRISTINA JOHNSON, ex-wife of CEELO GREEN and MONYETTA SHAW, ex-fiancé of NE-YO. The series is an extension of VH1’s “Hollywood Exes” franchise. The women are described as entrepreneurs, mothers and professionals who “rely on this unique sisterhood for support as they forge their own identities in the thriving music and entertainment capital of the South.” The series premieres Monday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m……..LL COOL J and hip-hop mogul RUSSELL SIMMONS had words of encouragement for young people serving jail time at Rikers Island juvenile detention center in New York. They were there to launch Simmons’ new
national anti-violence program, Keep the Peace. LL told the youth that growing up, he could have found himself in the same situation they were in if things hadn’t worked out differently. He encouraged them to believe in themselves. “You can absolutely without a doubt do anything you put your mind to,” he said. Simmons advised them to focus on what’s inside. “It’s your spirit you’ve got to work on,” he said……..Guardians of the Galaxy,” the new Marvel adventure starring CHRIS PRATT, ZOE SALDANA and VIN DIESEL, earned $94 million at the box office, the biggest opening for an August film in movie history. Earlier, at the movie’s premiere, Saldana showed off her bulging belly, but will neither confirm nor deny that she is pregnant. She is married to Italian artist MARCO PEREGO. The JAMES BROWN biopic “Get on Up” starring
CHADWICK BOSEMAN came in third place with $13.6 million……..ALICIA KEYS and husband SWIZZ BEATZ are expecting their second child. Keys made the announcement on Instagram, and it coincided with her fourth wedding anniversary. “Happy Anniversary to the love of my life…” she wrote. “And to make it even sweeter we’ve been blessed with another angel on the way!! You make me happier than I have ever known! Here’s to many more years of the best parts of life.” They have a 3-year-old son, Egypt…….. RICK LOWE, founder of Project Row Houses, and local philanthropist PHILAMENA BAIRD have been selected by MAYOR ANNISE PARKER to serve as co-chairs of an effort to create a new cultural plan for Houston. The plan is designed to position Houston as a leader and destination for arts and culture.
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10 DEFENDER | AUGUST 7 | 2014
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Jackson Lee says ACA benefits 18th District
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ongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee recently announced that a new analysis shows thousands of her constituents are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “Over the last four years since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, millions of Americans have been seeing the benefits of the law, including lower costs and better coverage,” Jackson Lee said. “This includes hundreds of thousands of people right here in the 18th Congressional District. Now, this year, the new Health Insurance Marketplaces established by the ACA have started operation – and tens of millions of Americans have also become newly eligible to sign up for quality, affordable coverage through private plans or Medicaid.” An analysis prepared by staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee shows that in the 18th District, the health care law has provided:
• Marketplace coverage for 254,500 individuals • Medicaid coverage for an additional 48,000 individuals • Coverage for 11,400 additional young adults • Prescription drug discounts for 31,100 seniors • Free preventive services for 71,000 seniors • Free preventive services for 179,000 individuals – including 31,000 children and 75,000 women – in private plans • Premium savings for 153,000 individuals
• Protection for up to 46,000 children with pre-existing conditions • Elimination of lifetime and annual limits on coverage for 153,000 individuals To date, more than 8 million Americans have signed up for private coverage through ACA marketplaces, 6.7 more Americans have enrolled in Medicaid and more than 3 million young adults gained coverage through their parents’ plans. “Republicans continue to call for the complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act,” Jackson Lee said. “Instead we should all be working together to successfully implement the health care law. “Due to the law, millions of Americans have gained new access to quality, affordable health care coverage and also have such critical protections as no discrimination for having a pre-existing condition,” Jackson Lee said. “I will keep fighting to fully implement the law and ensure that my constituents have the health security and economic security they deserve.”
HISD names chief high school officer This fall, Harrison A. Peters will rely on his more than 15 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator as he becomes HISD’s new chief high schools officer. Peters will oversee 51 campuses with a combined enrollment of nearly 50,000 students. He and a team of school support officers and principals will focus on increasing student outcomes, expanding academic rigor and connecting students to experiences that support their career and college goals.
“Harrison’s experience and leadership will help us continue raising academic achievement levels for students from all backgrounds,” said Chief School Support Officer Dr. Shonda Huery Hardman. “We must become goal-oriented and result-driven. It is the administrator who creates a great school, and he is the perfect person to lead our efforts to achieve success at every high school.” Prior to joining HISD, Peters managed a K-12 network of 37 schools on the south side of Chicago
as a chief of schools in the Chicago Public Schools system. He has also served as a middle school principal in Orlando and a high school principal in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. He began his career as an elementary teacher in Orange County Public Schools in Florida. Peters earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from University of West Florida and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Nova Southeastern University.
Bike riders stop, roll with Metro Bike riders are among the Houstonians who are becoming more receptive to the idea of riding the bus. Since Metro’s last fiscal year, the number of bikes boarded has doubled and has resulted in a new annual high for bicycles on buses. In June alone, 22,000 bikes were boarded onto Houston buses, nearly triple that of last year. One bike and bus rider, Charlie Darling, said convenience and exercise are his motives for taking his bike along with him. Three days a week, he leaves his north Houston home on his bike and catches a bus for his job as head cook at a Pearland cafeteria. “It’s a straight shot; I’m the first one on and the first one off the bus,” Darling said. “I’ve been using the bike the past four months. It’s great exercise.”
The bike-bus initiative was created in 2007 through a partnership with Metro and other agencies. Nearly 800,000 bikes have been carried on Houston buses since the program began. This year alone, more than 178,000 cyclists used buses to extend their trips. The idea is to connect Metro facilities to major bikeways and destinations for fast, frequent service. “By making efforts to become a more bicyclefriendly transit agency, Metro helps support a multimodal transportation system within its service area,” the agency said. “For many transit riders, the bicycle is crucial to making connections. By improving access, bicycle amenities, programs with targeted marketing and distribution of information to potential users, Metro services can appeal to a wider audience.”
Harrison A. Peters
classified NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority will be received at 410 Pierce Street, Suite 355 Houston, TX 77002, until 2:00 pm, August 21st, 2014. Bids will be publicly opened at 2:00 p.m. and read at 2:15 PM on Thursday, August 21st, 2014, for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals, as required, for the construction of Fourth Ward Street Reconstruction Project, WBS No. T-14090-0001-3, in Houston, Texas. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations: (1) Associated General Contractors, 2400 Augusta, Suite 305, Houston, TX; (2) Virtual Builders Exchange, 7035 W. Tidwell, Bldg J, Suite 112, Houston, TX; and (3) AMTEK, 4001 Sherwood Lane, Houston, TX; The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained at the offices of ESPA CORP, 7120 Grand Blvd, Suite #100, Houston, Texas 77054 (713-680-0080) for a nonrefundable fee of $60.00 per set. Make checks payable to Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority. A pre-bid conference will be held at ESPA CORP, 7120 Grand Blvd, Suite 100, Houston, TX on Thursday August 14, 2014 at 2:00 pm. It is requested and strongly recommended, but not mandatory, that each bidder be represented at the pre-bid conference.
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AUGUST 7 | 2014 | DEFENDER
opinion
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Voting rights under attack By REV. JESSE L. JACKSON SR. NNPA Columnist
O
ne of the greatest weeks in progressive political history started on July 30, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid bills into law. It ended on Aug. 6, when LBJ penned his signature on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, an act that he described as “a triumph for freedom as huge as any victory won on any battlefield.” We should take a moment to remember that wonderful week, 49 years ago. Progressive victories like those do not come along very often. Our victories did not start in Randall Enos, Cagle Cartoons LBJ’s White House, of course. You could say that we began to walk supervision of its (often unfair) voting procedures. the freedom road toward the Voting But public sentiment in favor of expanded voting Rights Act on the day that Rosa Parks sat down on since Dr. King’s death has remained strong enough the bus in Montgomery, Ala., and refused to to withstand most of their attacks. give it up. Then came the backlash election of 2010, when Or, you could point to the day in Greensboro, Tea Party voters who claimed to be upset about the N.C. more than half a century ago, when four brave deficit – a deficit brought on by President George W. North Carolina A&T University students sat down Bush, but ignored until the first African-American at the lunch counter, and refused to move. Or, you president took office – turned out in big numbers could give great credit to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and moved the House of Representatives and many Those progressive landmarks are now under state legislatures solidly to the right. attack. Conservatives have never liked Medicare This led to an immediate attack on the voting or Medicaid. (Conservative icon Ronald Reagan rights gains we made 49 years ago, with a rollderided Medicare as “socialized medicine” years back of voting rights in dozens of GOP-controlled before he was even elected governor of California.) statehouses across the nation, including reducing Nor have right-wingers ever liked the Votearly voting, and increasing requirements for voter ing Rights Act. The neo-Confederate wing of the verification using ID cards that far too many poor GOP in particular has always chafed under federal
and minority voters do not have. On top of that, progressives were hit hard by the most ideological, corporate, activist and conservative Supreme Court in modern times – a court that last year gutted the Voting Rights Act, by only a 5-4 margin. We, the people, need to get back in motion. We, the people, need to provide an answer to this attack. Civil rights groups are working hard right now to try to salvage a compromise that can keep the Voting Rights Act in play, but given the electoral benefits that the GOP reaps from unfair voting laws, our immediate chances to retain a fair, unbiased voting system all across the country are not great. We need a guaranteed right to vote. And to counteract our states’ rights system of voting, with a different set of restrictions in each of the 50 states plus D.C., we need a federal voting system. We need one set of rules for everyone, with a level playing field for all voters everywhere, North and South, urban and rural. At the National Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, we are organizing support for HJRes 44, a constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to vote, introduced by Representatives Mark Pocan and Keith Ellison (To find out more about HJRes 44, go to http://www. fairvote.org/reforms/right-to-vote-amendment). This is a long-term fight, but since the right to vote is held up as one of the greatest things about being an American, it should be a fight we can mobilize around, build a large and strong grassroots movement, and eventually win. Keep hope alive!
Mickey Leland: A visionary leader focused on the people It is hard to believe that it has been 25 years since the death of U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland. His death sent shockwaves throughout the entire Houston community, the state of Texas, the nation and the world as word of the Aug. 7, 1989 plane crash was reported. We lost a man who was only 44, a man who spoke for the voiceless: the poor, the downtrodden, the underprivileged and the unrepresented…. For those of us who knew him well, he was a special kind of man with personality plus, a swagger in his walk and a smile that was welcoming. From his dashiki-wearing and big Afro days to his tailored suits he wore in Congress,
Mickey was not pretentious. He knew who he was –a brother from Fifth Ward, Texas, a product of Wheatley High School, and a pharmacy grad from Texas Southern University. But he was so much more. Here was a man who promoted the importance of public health and whose ideas of a prescription drug program for the elderly formed one of the cornerstones of what we know today as Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act. Here was a man who understood the need to focus on hunger both in the United States and in Africa. Here was a man who realized how environmental is-
sues impacted the health of our community and demanded change. Here was a man who resided in the energy capital of the world yet applied pressure for big oil to hire more minorities. Here was a man who demonstrated the importance of Blacks and Browns combining our political resources to address the common goals we share. Many of today’s generation have no clue of the contributions Mickey Leland made. It is the responsibility of those who knew him to share his ideals and encourage our young people to fight for the goals he set forth.
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 7 | 2014
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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HOUSTON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE…..HMAAC presents International Jazz Festival activities and raises funds to support the children’s music education African American Treasures from the Kinsey Collection, now on display. The exhibit is sponprograms. Bubbha Thomas, whose vision and leadership resulted in both the festival and the sored by Wells Fargo and H.E.B. and was recently unveiled during an opening day celebration. brunch was on hand, along with master of ceremonies Fox 26 anchor Jose Grinan, KTSU’s The stunning collection assembled by Los Angeles philanthropists and entrepreneurs Bernard Donna Franklin and Sheldon T. Nunn, Georgia Provost, William Paul Thomas, Keith and Shirley Kinsey celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. It includes artifacts Wade, Al Campbell, Craig Green, George Thomas, Pat Prather, Helen George and the and works of art commemorating the artistic, historic and Summer Jazz Workshop All-Stars to name a few. Visit the photo gallery to see the mayor’s staff have a little fun…..LOOK WHAT JESUS cultural contributions of African-Americans, reflecting on the DID…..LWJD held its first annual Binding and Loosening Breast Cancer progress made in civil rights and social justice. Museum CEO More photos on defendernetwork.com Balloon Release at the Bayou City Event Center. Three chosen survivors John Guess is excited about the exhibit and encourages everyone See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ were honored: Dischunara (Dee) Brown, P. Diane Roberts and Anita to see it before it ends Oct. 26. Joining the Kinsey family during with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 a.m. Pittman. Majic 102 personality Kandi Eastman made a grand entrance opening day were Wells Fargo executive Cary Yates and his with the help of the Steel Heels Women’s Motorcycle Club dressed in wife Judge Clarease Yates, Kase and Eileen Lawal, Winell pink as she shared her testimony encouraging all women to get regular and William Herron, Pastor D.Z. Cofield, Judson and Cora mammograms. Jonia Milburn-Jones, founder of the group, did an outstanding job putting Robinson along with daughter Cortney, Arthur and Philamena Baird, Lloyd Gite, Shana great program together in partnership with The Rose. Others in attendance were Jonia’s non Buggs, Drucie Chase and many others….. SCHOLARSHIP JAZZ BRUNCH….. husband Kevin Jones, Irene Thomas, Toni Randolph, Sharon Phillips, J.J. Woods, Dr. Jazz Education Inc. and Mayor Annise Parker presented the 2014 scholarship recipients Sharon Billins, Ken Nettles, Robert Price and a host of others. at the Mayors Scholarship Jazz Brunch at the Wortham. The brunch is a part of Houston
Defender TOP EVENTS
Cary Yates, Judge Clarease Yates, Shirley and Bernard Kinsey
Bubbha Thomas and Mayor Annise Parker
The Steel Heels Women’s Motorcycle Club
John Guess Jr. and Winell Herron
Al Campbell, Bubbha Thomas and Craig Green
Eileen (left) and Kase Lawal (right) with Shirley and Bernard Kinsey
KTSU’s Sheldon T. Nunn and Donna Franklin with Queen Jones
Irene Thomas, Shawana Aycock and Toni Randolph
Sharon Phillips, Jonia Milburn and J. J. Woods
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