EMANCIPATION PARK SEEKS TO EMPOWER WOMEN FINANCIALLY P8
FEATURE
facebook.com/DefenderNetwork
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 85 | Number 44 SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 | FREE
www.defendernetwork.com
twitter.com/DefenderNetwork
NEWSTALK JUDSON ROBINSON III participates in NUL conference
P2 ENTERTAINMENT DAVID BANNER makes Houston appearance
Taraji P. Henson
P5 HS ZONE JULUIS GREENE scores for Furr High School
FALL TV SEASON BLACKS TO WATCH H PAGE 6
P11 TOP EVENTS
Bert Jennings, Reco Caston and Kenneth Robinson at 100 Black Men open house
P12
Sanaa Lathan
Marlon Wayans
Colin Kaepernick
Willie Simmons
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is receiving attention for taking a stand, but his actions on the field have nothing to do with throwing a football. See why he will continue to sit during the National Anthem.
Prairie View A&M University head football coach Willie Simmons has high hopes for his team, which had an impressive 8-2 record last season. Find out about the Panthers’ explosive offense and meet the team’s talented playmakers.
takes a stand
prepares PVAMU
H PAGE 3
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
H PAGE 10
2
DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
newstalk
School closures, police, impact Blacks elsewhere. Rice’s report, however, reports that impacted students are usually sent to other With two local reports showing low-performing schools. school closures and run-ins with school “We must look for other options police disproportionately impacting Black because closing schools affects our students and communities, many are asking communities,” HISD Trustee Wanda with increased frequency whether HISD is Adams said. “We must have programs in making decisions and enacting policies that place to encourage students to attend their are in Blacks’ best interests. home schools. When programs are not A report from Rice University’s available enrollment decreases.” Kinder Institute for Urban Research finds Adams believes keeping schools from Trustee Wanda Adams that school closures disproportionately becoming low-performing and programaffect Black and poor students. The argument for closing poor depends upon state legislators increasing school schools has been it is better for students attending underfunding, not taking $160 million from HISD because it performing and/or under-enrolled schools to send them is designated a wealthy district, providing students with By ASWAD WALKER Defender
more support services, including social workers, mental health services, and non-profit collaborations, and parental engagement. “Closing schools will affect our communities if we do not provide economic and community support for our schools,” Adams added. Along with school closures, Black students have significantly more run-ins with school police. According to a Channel 13 Ted Oberg Investigates analysis of 2014-2016 data, Black students make up 24 percent of HISD’s student body but 55 percent of HISD police suspects; numbers consistent with national trends. HISD Police Chief Robert Mock said in a statement that improvements have been made to his force, including cultural diversity and ethics training for all officers at least once every two years.
Racial bias impacts death penalty cases Defender News Services
Members of Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals won awards at the National Urban League convention.
Local Urban League wins awards Defender News Services
The Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), an affiliate of the National Urban League (NUL), won three national “I am Empowered-Champion Awards” for outstanding work in education and youth development, entrepreneurship and business development, and housing and community development in front of a packed room at the NUL conference in Baltimore. In addition, HAUL CEO Judson Robinson III served on the plenary session on criminal justice reform with other national thought leaders to share best practice solutions. The Houston Area Young Professionals (HAUL YP) received the award as the Southern Region Chapter of
Excellence out of 25 YP chapters in the South, as well as individual recognitions. With 61 YP chapters across the country, outgoing Houston YP President Ray Shackleford Jr. tied for the YP Chapter of Year President Award. Incoming Houston YP President Jasmin Turner won the YP Distinguished Member Award and Cherrelle Duncan won a NULYP Honors Award. “I was thrilled when we received our first award, but I was overwhelmed with joy as the subsequent I am EmpoweredChampion Awards were announced,” Robinson said. “I felt like our HAUL team had won the Olympic gold medal because each major area of HAUL’s work was recognized and awarded by the National Urban League at the national conference.”
A Harvard Law School study reports that racial bias, overly aggressive prosecutions and inadequate representation for poor defendants negatively impacts the handling of Harris County’s death penalty cases. Harris County juries have imposed the death penalty more than any other county in the U.S. since the 1976 reinstatement of the death penalty. The study also revealed that 41 percent of the death sentences were given to Black defendants and 69 percent to minorities overall. Since 2004, all of the defendants condemned in Harris County are minorities. “There’s a pattern of overzealous prosecution that dates back for decades but is still present in the time period for the study, and is matched by under-zealous [defense] representation in cases,” said Rob Smith, one of the project researchers. “When we seek death, it’s because we have a solid guilt/innocence case and a very strong punishment case,” said Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson in defense of the current reality. “The death penalty is only appropriate for the worst of the worst.” Anderson also said she doesn’t know the race of a defendant or victim when she and top staff members meet to discuss whether to seek the death penalty.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
defendernetwork.com
SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016 | DEFENDER
national
U.S.briefs BISHOP DESMOND TUTU, long-time anti-apartheid activist, has been hospitalized again, admitting himself to a Cape Town hospital for treatment of a recurring infection. The 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner is expected to remain in the hospital for a week or two. Tutu was hospitalized several times last year for the same issue. Tutu became the first Black archbishop of Cape Town and was an outspoken opponent of South Africa’s harsh system of racial discrimination. He continues to advocate for social justice and equality........U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE Julie Robinson ordered Kansas to register tens of thousands of purged voters, saying “the risk of disenfranchising thousands of qualified voters” outweighs the state’s unfounded fear of voter fraud. Kansas appealed the ruling. Efforts to block people in Kansas from voting could suppress up to 50,000 otherwise eligible voters. The efforts have been headed by Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach citing potential voter fraud, despite the fact only three non-citizens have voted in Kansas in the past two decades, out of tens of millions of ballots cast.…….. SPELMAN COLLEGE is considering changing its policies to allow the admittance of transgender students to its all-women’s campus. President Mary Schmidt Campbell announced the formation of a task force to study the issue in a welcome-back letter to the campus community. The task force is expected to report its recommendations by the end of the academic year. Spelman is the latest prestigious women’s college to ponder the enrollment of transgender students. Members of the Seven Sisters, an association of historical women’s institutions in the northeast, have already enacted those policies. In May, the Obama administration released guidance for schools regarding their obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which mandates that schools receiving federal money may not discriminate based on a student’s sex, including a student’s transgender status.
3
Kaepernick stands for Black lives by sitting Defender News Services
Despite the expected backlash from his decision to protest police violence against Blacks by remaining seated during the playing of the national anthem, San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick plans to continue taking his stance until Blacks receive justice. "I'll continue to sit,” he said. “I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change, and when there's significant change – and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way it's supposed to – I'll stand." Colin Kaepernick Kaepernick has remained seated during “The Star Spangled Banner” for each of the Niners' preseason games so far. His act of defiance comes after the passing of Muhammad Ali, who faced jail and was stripped of his world heavyweight title for his stance against the Vietnam War. Kaepernick has joined the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwayne
Wade, who have spoken out against violence against Blacks, whether by police or others. Wade recently lost his cousin, a 32-year-old mother of four, to senseless gun violence. "There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust," Kaepernick said. "People aren’t being held accountable for. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now." Kaepernick says the possible loss of endorsements and even a roster spot on an NFL team pale in comparison to doing what's right. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” he added. The 49ers said in a statement that, "In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem." Kaepernick is biracial and was adopted by white parents.
Ferguson school district violated voting rights VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 44 SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby
Editors Aswad Walker Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers ReShonda Billingsley Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
Defender News Services
The St. Louis area Ferguson-Florissant School District can no longer conduct school board elections until the current system, ruled to violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965, is replaced and a new one implemented. U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel ruled that the district’s electoral system limited the voting power of area Blacks. Sippel said the district “deprives AfricanAmerican voters of an equal opportunity to elect representatives of their choice in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.” “The ongoing effects of racial discrimination
that have long plagued the region, and the district in particular, have affected the ability of AfricanAmericans to participate equally in the political process,” Sippel wrote. “The District continues to believe that the current at-large electoral system is best for AfricanAmerican representation,” wrote Cindy Ormsby, a lawyer for the school district. Black voters, however, disagreed and had the American Civil Liberties Union file a lawsuit in federal court on their behalf in 2014 seeking change. The shooting and killing of Michael Brown by a white police officer in 2014 and the resulting protests sparked deeper scrutiny of the area’s institutional mistreatment of Blacks.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
4
DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016
TSU makes three changes in personnel Texas Southern University announced personnel changes in two academic areas and one university leadership positon. Dr. James Douglas has been appointed interim dean of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL), Dr. Michael Adams will serve as interim dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and Dr. Bobby Wilson will serve as interim provost/ vice president for academic affairs. Douglas, a TSU stalwart who served as Dr. James Douglas president from 1995 to 1998, served most recently as a distinguished professor of law at TMSL. He is currently president of the Houston NAACP. Douglas’ background includes serving as dean and professor Dr. Michael Adams of TMSL. Wilson, another TSU stalwart, is a nationally regarded research chemist and a professor of chemistry and environmental toxicology in TSU’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology. He serves as the L. Dr. Bobby Wilson Lloyd Woods distinguished professor of chemistry and Shell Oil endowed chaired professor of environmental toxicology. Wilson has been honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his efforts to increase the number of African-Americans with Ph.D. degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Adams, a TSU academician since 1983, served most recently as the director of MPA and online eMPA program and professor of public affairs at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. A noted political expert, Adams is an avid scholar in the public affairs arena. He has co-authored several books and has been published in such publications as the Journal of Service Science and the Encyclopedia of African American History. TSU is in the process of launching a national search to permanently fill the positions.
defendernetwork.com
NOW-MON, SEPT. 5
LABOR
DAY
SALE WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND OFF SUMMER & WELCOME FALL!
3O%75% OFF STOREWIDE TAKE AN EXTRA 1O%-2O% OFF
WITH YOUR MACY’S CARD OR PASS
EXTRA 2O% OFF
SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING PLUS JEWELRY EXTRA 15% OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE WATCHES, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, LINGERIE, SWIM FOR HER, MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS & HOME ITEMS EXTRA 10% OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ELECTRICS/ELECTRONICS Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, men’s store electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, super buys, Breville, Coach, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors Studio, Michele watches, Natori, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford, Wüsthof, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories; designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches/jewelry; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Brahmin, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA, Tommy Bahama, toys. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.
MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: DEALS EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM VALID 8/31-9/5/2016
FREE SHIPPING ONLINE AT $5O
VALID 8/31-9/5/2016. PLUS, FREE RETURNS. EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM/FREERETURNS
LABOR DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 8/31/169/5/16. 50817_N6080004M.indd 1
8/22/16 5:39 PM
defendernetwork.com
SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016 | DEFENDER
entertainment
5
Revolution Weekend promotes culture By ASWAD WALKER Defender
Grammy Award-winning musician and community activist David Banner is collaborating with legendary poet, singer, actor and activist Mutabaruka to headline a landmark community festival, labeled “Revolution Weekend,” that focuses on economic power, social justice and cultural awareness. It will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4. at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural & Event Center, 5309 Martin Luther King Blvd. According to organizers, the event seeks to “rekindle the Pan African spirit” through music, lectures and buying Black. “On Labor Day our habit is to give all our money to major retail chains though they rarely if ever invest in Black communities,” said Cynthia “Nailah” Barton, manager at the Shrine. “We want to encourage a new habit of supporting Black businesses during that holiday weekend.” In support of Black entrepreneurs, the event will
include a “Revolution Marketplace” that will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. both days and will feature art, books, clothing, jewelry, food, and other products, along with activities for children. The Cultural & Event Center’s Buy Black Marketplace that occurs every first Saturday of the month will open its doors at 10 a.m. and overlap and transition into the event’s own endeavor. Mutabaruka, star of the movie “Sankofa,” featured artist on Def Poetry Jam, and noted advocate of Black empowerment will give a lecture titled “Knowledge of Self.” Banner, a successful rapper, music producer and actor will speak on “The God Box,” a title that coincides with his upcoming album. “Mutabaruka and David Banner are artists who are using their platform for social justice, while representing two different generations which fortifies the intergenerational nature of our movement,” said NBUF national chairman Kofi Taharka. For tickets or more information visit eventbrite.com, groupon.com or call 832-934-4138 or 346-704-0036.
David Banner
Mutabaruka
‘Generation Found’ film premieres in Houston Sept. 1 Defender News Services
The film “Generation Found” tells the story of how visionary counselors, law school drop-outs, aspiring rock musicians, retired football players, oil industry executives and church leaders came together to build a unique peer-driven youth and family recovery community in Houston. The film’s premiere will take place on Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Stadium Theater , 3839 Weslayan. Filmmaker Greg Williams and two-time Emmy award-
winning editor Jeff Reilly spotlight a city faced with the reality of burying and locking up its young people at an alarming rate until the intervention of an eclectic group of individuals operating under the banner of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church and the leadership of Sasha Mclean created the Archway Academy. Archway is a private high school that caters to recovering teens, and offers them a peer-driven recovery program designed to save lives. “We want to give youth the courage to embrace who they are,” said an Archway graduate in the film. “They may
be afraid of what comes next or confused about what direction to go. We need to remind them that they are surrounded by a recovery community that will help them walk through that fear.” The film’s director knows first-hand what addicted youth are experiencing. “I’ve been in recovery for 15 years,” Williams said. “Do you know that my recovery as a young person is a $2 million cost-saving? That’s the long-term cost of incarceration, emergency room visits, and lost productivity when a high school student leaves school because of addiction.”
what’sup PRINCE’S 65,000-square-foot private estate and studio complex, Paisley Park, located in a Minneapolis suburb, will open for daily public tours starting Oct. 6, according to the trust company overseeing his estate. “Opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on,” Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, said in the statement. “Only a few hundred people have had the rare opportunity to tour the estate during his lifetime. Now, fans from around the world will be able to experience Prince’s world for the first time as we open the doors to this incredible place,” she said.…….. Motion Picture Academy
president CHERYL BOONE ISAACS said “people need to see” the movie “Birth of a Nation” regardless of the history of filmmaker NATE PARKER. "I know just by the conversation that has gone on at Sundance that it's clearly a movie that filmgoers should go and see,” Isaacs added. In 1999, Parker and co-writer Jean Celestin were accused of rape by a female classmate. Parker was acquitted at trial. REV. AL SHARPTON suggests attacks on Parker seem aimed at convincing movie-goers not to support the movie depicting the 1831 slave rebellion led by Nat Turner…….. Singer and producer JOHN LEGEND is teaming
up with WGN America to bring the real life story of “Black Wall Street” to TV. The area was a wealthy Black neighborhood called Greenwood in Tulsa, Okla. that was attacked in 1921 by a mob of angry whites who burned it down and massacred hundreds of Black residents over two days. Legend produces the hit series “Underground” and the movie “Southside with You” about PRESIDENT and MRS. OBAMA’S first date.…….. Federal law enforcement agencies have opened an investigation into the alleged hacking of comedian LESLIE JONES’ website, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
6
DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016
cente
BLACK STARS TO WATCH
FALL TV SEASON T
By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender
he new fall television season is starting, and while some new shows feature familiar faces, there are a lot of newbies on the scene. Black actors and actresses appear on a variety of new shows this season. Some shows are already airing and others will premiere in late September, October and beyond. Here are stars to watch in alphabetical order. w Mahershala Ali, Mike Colter and Alfre Woodard star in Marvel's "Luke Cage," a show about a comic book superhero with unbreakable skin debuting Sept. 30 at midnight on Netflix. w Sterling K. Brown is one of the stars of “This Is Us,” an ensemble series which debuts Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. on NBC. w Kylie Bunbury stars in "Pitch" as Ginny Baker, the first female pitcher in Major League Baseball, who goes from relative unknown to a sports icon. It airs Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. on Fox. w Nicole Byer stars in "Loosely Exactly Nicole" a comedy inspired by her adventures as an actress in Hollywood. It premieres Sept. 5 at 9:30 p.m. on MTV. w Wyatt Cenac plays Ozzie, a journalist investigating a support group for alien abductees in “People of Earth,” debuting Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. on TBS. w Justin Cornwell plays Kyle Craig in "Training Day," a series based on the 2001 film under the same title, on CBS. Premiere date to be announced (TBA). w Laverne Cox headlines the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" as fictional character Dr. Frank N. Furter, debuting Oct. 20 on Fox at 7 p.m. w Donald Glover stars in "Atlanta," which centers around two cousins looking for success in Atlanta's competitive rap scene. It debuts Sept. 6 at 9 p.m. on FX. w Sanaa Lathan and Stephan James star in "Shots Fired," a police drama about two Black special investigators’ hunt for the truth after a Black cop kills an unarmed white kid. Premiere date TBA on FOX. w Lashana Lynch plays Rosaline in "Still Star-Crossed," a series produced by Shonda Rhimes that is a sequel to William Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet.” Debut date is TBA on ABC. w Issa Rae headlines "Insecure," an HBO comedy partially based on her popular web series, "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl." It premieres Oct. 9 at 9:30 p.m. on HBO. w Damon Wayans returns to television in the role of Roger Murtaugh, a veteran detective trying to clean up the crime-ridden streets of L.A. in "Lethal Weapon," which debuts Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. on Fox. w Marlon Wayans and Essence Atkins star in "Marlon," a family comedy series about a loving father who's a big kid at heart, learning to co-parent with his ex-wife. The premiere date is TBA on NBC. w In Ava Duvernay's "Queen Sugar," True Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe and Rutina Wesley star as the Bordelon siblings who must put their differences aside to run the family's sugarcane farm. It premieres Sept. 6 at 9 p.m. on OWN.
mes star in
and Stephan Ja Sanaa Lathan "Shots Fired."
Marlon W ay is joined b ans y Essence A tkins, Amir O'Ne il Notlim Ta and ylo “Marlon.” r in
Kylie Bunb "Pitch.”
awford star s and Clayne Cr Damon Wayan n.” po in “Lethal Wea
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
erfold
defendernetwork.com
25
RETURNING NETWORK STARS
w Anthony Anderson, “Black-ish,” ABC w Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Fox w Rocky Carroll, “NCIS,” CBS w Morris Chestnut, “Rosewood,” Fox w Terry Crews, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Fox w Viola Davis, “How to Get Away With Murder,” ABC w Laurence Fishburne, “Black-ish,” ABC w Shalita Grant, “NCIS New Orleans,” CBS w Taraji P. Henson, “Empire,” Fox w Djimon Hounsou, “Wayward Pines,” Fox w Terrence Howard, “Empire,” Fox w Ice-T, "Law & Order SVU," NBC w Harry Lennix, “The Blacklist,” NBC w LL Cool J, “NCIS L.A.,” CBS w S. Epatha Merkerson, “Chicago Med,” NBC w Daryl Chill Mitchell, “NCIS New Orleans,” CBS w Niecy Nash, “Scream Queens,” Fox w Keke Palmer, “Scream Queens,” Fox w CCH Pounder, “NCIS New Orleans,” CBS w Tracee Ellis Ross, “Black-ish,” ABC w Tamara Taylor, “Bones,” Fox w Gabrielle Union, “Being Mary Jane,” BET w Eamonn Walker, “Chicago Fire,” NBC w Kerry Washington, “Scandal,” ABC w Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC
bury stars in
he Houston area for over 85 years
on d Taraji P. Hens
ard an Terrence How pire.” return in “Em
Viola Dav is re With Murd turns in “How to G er.” et Away
7
8
DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
Emancipation Park seeks to empower women Defender News Services
With historic Emancipation Park set to officially re-open on Nov. 12, park officials are preparing to offer financial literacy programs to women thanks to a $100,000 grant received from the Coca-Cola Foundation. “We’re extremely excited about this grant because what’s unique about Emancipation Park is all of our programming is centric to the constituency that lives around the park,” said Ramon Manning, chairman of the Emancipation Park Conservancy Board of Directors. “One of the main A rendering shows renovation plans for Emancipation Park. needs of the Third Ward area, and all areas really, is Program classes will cover budgeting skills; financial empowerment.” college loans, home buying and retirement According to Linda W. Brigham, senior planning workshops; business consulting manager, Public Affairs and Communications workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs; and more. Classes will be offered free of charge at the for the Coca-Cola Company, the grant supports Emancipation Park Community Center. the Bridging the Gap program, an initiative that “We have developed some ambitious seeks to empower women in the areas of financial literacy, financial planning and business consulting. programming at Emancipation Park, and this
partnership with the CocaCola Foundation only reaffirms we are on the right track,” Manning said. Originally purchased in 1872 by four former slaves for $800, Emancipation Park served as a gathering place for African-Americans and was the site of Juneteenth celebrations. The effort to purchase the land was led by Rev. Jack Yates, a Baptist minister and former slave. Today, Emancipation Park, an 11.7 acre jewel located between Houston’s thriving central business district, and the world renowned Texas Medical Center, is pressing forward with a $33.6 million renovation and construction project. When the park re-opens it will serve as groundzero for a variety of programs serving all ages in the areas of education, wellness, fitness, and sports. In addition to the programming, Emancipation Park will also host seminars, town hall meetings, conferences, concerts, plays, exhibitions, festivals and the annual Juneteenth Festival.
Community efforts fight elder financial abuse The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a report that found that hundreds of counties around the country have developed coordinated community-based efforts to prevent, detect and respond to elder financial exploitation. The report also found that a strong collaboration among community stakeholders – such as financial institutions, adult protective services and law enforcement – can be effective in protecting older residents from financial exploitation. In addition, CFPB released a resource guide and best practices. “Hundreds of counties have developed a community-based approach to protect their seniors and retirees from financial exploitation,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “We’ve learned that an ‘all hands on deck’ strategy can be very effective to fight elder financial fraud.”
Older Americans are attractive targets for financial abuse because they may have significant assets or equity in their homes and usually have a regular source of income such as Social Security or a pension. They may be especially vulnerable due to isolation, cognitive decline, physical disability or other health problems. Recommendations to help community stakeholders enhance elder financial abuse response and prevention efforts include: • Bankers, lawyers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and social workers should create protection partnerships. • Partnerships should engage stakeholders that serve diverse populations, such as community-based groups and faith-based organizations. Visit www. consumerfinance.gov for more information.
Justin Vickrey – Vice President, Allegiance Bank & Johnny Hollins – JG Hollins Builders
A PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT. A FOUNDATION OF TRUST.
At Allegiance Bank, we don’t just serve our customers, we’re completely dedicated to their success. So it’s only natural homebuilder Johnny Hollins banks with us. He knows Allegiance is always there with everything he needs to build his business. If you’re looking for a bank that feels like home, give Allegiance a call.
281-894-3200 16 locations AllegianceBank.com/def ABTCO-139 Sept Defender Ad_MECH.indd 1
8/15/16 11:59 AM
defendernetwork.com
SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016 | DEFENDER
9
Rate of uninsured young adults in Texas drops The percentage of young adults ages 18 to 34 in Texas without health insurance has dropped by 35 percent since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, according to a report released by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Episcopal Health Foundation. The report found the uninsured rate among young adults in Texas dropped from 33 percent in September 2013 to 21 percent in March 2016. This age group is often called “young invincibles” by the health insurance industry because they don’t always purchase insurance since they believe they are too healthy to warrant the cost. Prior to the ACA going into effect, young invincibles had higher uninsured rates than older Texans. However, the report found this group of young Texans now has a lower uninsured rate than Texans ages 36 to 49. “We found a significant increase in young adults getting health insurance through employersponsored health plans,” said Vivian Ho, health economics chair at the Baker Institute and a
professor. “The ability of many young invincibles to remain on their parents’ plans likely explains a substantial part of the drop in the uninsured.” Under the ACA – also known as Obamacare – children up to age 26 can remain on their parents'
health plan. Researchers say the ACA provision requiring large employers to make affordable health insurance available to employees and the strong Texas economy may also have contributed to the rising rates of health coverage.
The report discovered Hispanics and young adults making less than $16,000 a year were the most likely young invincibles in Texas to remain uninsured. More than one-third of young Hispanics and 56 percent of low-income young adults in Texans still do not have health insurance. “For those young adults with the lowest incomes, the ACA coverage solution was an expanded Medicaid program,” said Elena Marks, Episcopal Health Foundation president and CEO. “Because Texas has not yet opted to use the federal Medicaid dollars to cover these individuals, it’s likely they’ll remain uninsured.” Marks said outreach and enrollment organizations should develop new approaches to reach young adults in Texas. “Another promising strategy is to encourage enrollment groups to assist young adults who are aging out of Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) and help transition them to ACA marketplace insurance plans or other coverage,” Marks said. “Youthfriendly e-outreach during the upcoming open enrollment period may also be effective.”
Get the flu shot that helps provide a lifesaving vaccine to a child in need. Stop by the pharmacy today.
sy. a e t a It ’s th From September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017, for every immunization administered, Walgreens will donate $0.22 to the United Nations Foundation, up to a maximum donation of $2,000,000. For more information, go to Walgreens.com/GetaShot. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health- related restrictions may apply. ©2016 Walgreen Co. All rights reserved. | 287443-491
10
DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
sports
PVAMU Panthers have huge expectations
T
By MAX EDISON Defender
here is an air of anticipation at Prairie View A&M University these days and a feeling that something special is about to go down this fall with Panther football. A brand new $61 million athletic complex, which features a state-of-the-art 15,000 seat stadium, will give you an extra bounce in your step. Having one of the most explosive FCS teams in the nation has something to do with it as well. The Panthers were 8-2 (8-1in SWAC) last season. Their only conference loss was to West Division champion Grambling and their season included road wins over Southern and eventual conference champion Alcorn State. For first-year head coach Willie Quarterback Trey Green Simmons, 2015 was a fantastic way to begin his career on “the Hill.” With expectations raised, will the Panthers be able to close the deal and win the tough West Division? Most experts have predicted PVAMU to be the team to beat in the West. Simmons reflected on what fueled the Panther turnaround. “When I took the job back in December of '14 and had our first team meeting in January of '15, I told the young men that we would win when everybody buys in,” Simmons recalled. “I didn’t make a promise as to when that might be, but that was my promise to them. When everybody buys in to what we’re building as a university and our vision for success, the wins will come. Those young men took that and ran with it.” When it comes to offense no one in the SWAC, for that matter the nation, was more prolific than the Panthers in 2015. They led the SWAC in scoring averaging an astounding 44.9 points per game, passing (278 yards per game), third down conversion (44.1%) and total offense Defensive tackle DeVohn Reed (487 yards per game). Seven starters are back from the 2015 season. He added 248 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, The engine that propels the Panther offense is Allincluding an 80-yard Conference quarterback Trey scamper against TSU in the Green. In his first full year as season opener. defendernetwork.com the PVAMU starter in 2015, In order for Green to Usher portrays Sugar Ray Leonard Green was dominant from the in boxing movie be effective, he must have outset. protection. He will rely He passed for 2,614 on preseason first- team yards and 21 touchdowns with only three interceptions. All-Conference selection Josiah Freeman (a senior) to keep
Coach Willie Simmons
Labor Day Classic PVAMU vs TSU @ PV Sunday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. his uniform clean. The PVAMU offensive line lost three starters. Expect Donovan Wheaton, Cleveland Sims Jr., Shawn Pierce, Gus Lopez and Chris Rose to join Freeman on the offensive line. The Panthers return all four starting wide receivers. Look for KhaDarel Hodge, Demarquo Lastrappe , Anthony Wiltz and Joshua Simmons to be among big-time playmakers. There is a void in experience at the running back position. The Panthers lost All-American Johnta Hebert and his two backups to graduation. Someone has to step up and give PVAMU some production in the rushing game. If there was a weakness for the Panthers last season it was defensively. The team had to outscore teams because in many cases it had difficulty stopping the opposition. The bright spot for PVAMU is that the defense played better in the last quarter of the season. With 10 starters on defense returning, expect last year’s weakness to be a strength in 2016. “Defensively, the thing about those young men is that they didn’t have the same coordinator for two consecutive years since they’ve been there,” Simmons said. “This will be the first year that these guys will have the same voice calling plays for two straight years. I think [they] will be a lot better. I think their numbers will be a lot more indicative of the unit that they are. I think we have the chance to be a dominant unit.” First team All-Conference defensive lineman DeVohn Reed anchors a stout defensive front along with James Harper and Ahkeem Barton. Shafique Neloms, Foster Brown III and Damond Jackson head a solid group of sure tackling linebackers. All-Conference selections Marquice O’Leary and Dominique Weaver along with Will Skinner will handle the chores in the secondary. The Panthers last won the SWAC crown in 2009 and this year’s squad is considered just as good. Only time will tell.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
defendernetwork.com
SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016 | DEFENDER
h.s.zone Furr football begins 2016 in grand fashion By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
I
t was a victory for the ages. Furr’s 26-6 win over Yates in the 2016 high school football season opener at Barnett Stadium brought a resounding halt to over 40 years of futility. “I know Furr had not beaten Yates on the football field during my lifetime and I was born in 1975,” said Furr head coach and former Brahmans’ player Cornell Gray. “This is my first time beating them as a coach. I’m 1-5 against them and right now that’s all I’m concerned about. “Nobody thought we could beat Yates. But we thought we had a shot,” Gray said. “We practiced hard through 7-onFurr coach Cornell Gray and receiver Juluis Greene know that hard work pays off. 7, weight-room sessions and the Brahmans’ defense. summer workouts. I just thought “Juluis Greene waited his turn and stepped up in a this was our opportunity to beat them.” big way,” Gray said. “He was a role player on offense The 1-0 Brahmans jumped ahead to stay last season, but he led our defense in interceptions. when junior receiver Juluis Greene caught first “Over the summer I told him he was going quarter touchdown passes of 50 and 38 yards from to be the man on offense this season,” Gray said. sophomore quarterback Anfernee Johnson. The same “Juluis never misses a workout. He’s an A-student duo would connect from 12 yards out in the third who put in the work and it paid off for him.” quarter to give Furr some breathing room (20-6). Johnson was “I kept telling my a middle school teammates to continue defendernetwork.com quarterback who started playing hard and don’t let See what was newsworthy during the as a freshman on the up just because we were first week of football Furr varsity squad at ahead,” Greene said. “The strong safety. game wasn’t over yet and “I told Anfernee last year I was going to let him we had to continue to fight. get accustomed to the speed of the game for one “To beat Yates means that all of the hard work year and then move him back to quarterback,” Gray we’re been putting is paying off,” Greene said. said. “His time has come and he made it look real “Coach Gray told me when I was a freshman that if easy.” I work hard, I’ll be a team leader. That’s what I’m Russell is a transfer student who struggled some doing now.” through recent practices and scrimmages. Yet Gray Ben Russell’s six-yard TD run in the waning called his number on six of the first seven plays moments of the third quarter completed the game’s to begin the second half against Yates and Russell scoring. finished with 69 yards on 25 carries. Other than Tra’Vonta Carpenter’s 17-yard TD “Big Ben asked me for a chance and we gave pass from Taj Gregory in the first quarter that sliced it to him,” Gray said.” He moved the ball running Yates’ deficit to 13-6, the Furr defense kept Yates out downhill. He made a difference in the game of the end zone for the remainder of the contest. tonight.” Deshawn Williams (fumble recovery, quarterback Furr’s next game is Sept. 2 against Kashmere sack), Lance Clark (interception) and Reginald at Jones-Cowart Stadium with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Robinson (interception) were stalwarts on the
11
Golf
sportsbriefs Cowboys start Prescott Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, a fourthround draft pick from Mississippi State, is now the starting QB for the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott gained the top spot when the oft-injured Tony Romo was knocked out of a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Romo broke a bone in his back and will be on the shelf between eight and 10 weeks. Predicted by many as the team to beat in the NFC East with Romo, the Cowboys were 1-11 last season when Romo was out due to a collarbone injury. “I'm just going to try to do my best to hold the fort down, I guess you could say,” Prescott said. “Give this team a great chance to succeed and win games each and every week.”
Serena prepares for Open The U.S. Open runs through Sept. 11 in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Tennis queen Serena Williams is looking for her seventh title in New York, which would allow her to surpass Chris Evert for most U.S. Open titles won in the Open era. It would be her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, which would pass Steffi Graf for the most in the Open era. Williams rewrote tennis history at Wimbledon by winning her 22nd Grand Slam singles title, tying Graf at the top of the all-time list in the Open era. A shoulder injury limited her to just one tournament since Wimbledon. She was defeated in the third round in Rio at the Summer Olympic Games.
Rain impacts games Inclement weather impacted many high school football games across the Houston area during week one. Rain and lightning were the main culprits. A number of games had short delays with some extending past the two-hour mark. Katy Taylor and Foster were delayed due to a lightning strike nearby. UIL rules state teams must leave the field when lightning strikes in the area and must wait 30 minutes to resume activities. If another lightning strike is reported in the area then another 30 minutes must be waited out. Foster and Katy Taylor finally were allowed to return to the field at 9:30 p.m. Foster won the game 28-17.
Manvel comes out firing Manvel wanted to make a statement. In their first game after stepping down from Class 6A to Class 5A, the Mavericks hosted perennial 5A powerhouse Crosby in the 2016 season opener at Alvin Memorial Stadium. Threatening weather pushed the starting time of the contest back an hour. Trailing 14-7 to begin the second quarter, Manvel scored 28 unanswered points before halftime to win going away 35-14. Jalen Preston began the Manvel surge by converting an 85-yard catch-and-run into a touchdown. Preston’s 11-yard TD run on the following drive gave Manvel a 19-14 advantage with 7:55 left in the second stanza. New Manvel starting quarterback Kason Martin (son of head coach Kirk Martin) completed 13 of 25 passes for 223 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Mavericks will next visit defending Class 6A Division I state champion North Shore.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
12
DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 1 | 2016
defendernetwork.com
Happening in Houston
For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
100 BLACK MEN OPEN HOUSE……..The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston Taylor moderated the discussion. Panelists included Chavonte Wright, Brandon Kimmins held a parent and student orientation session for its 2016-2017 mentoring program at Texas and Biko Gray. Topics discussed included gentrification, the prison pipeline system and Southern University’s Science Building. The program helps develop young men through education. Guests were treated to catering by Chef Tubbs and live music. Tasha Dennings education, health and wellness, mentorship and economic empowerment. The mentoring performed a spoken word piece. Attendees were Alexzandria Chill, Kira Tookes, Stevens program is open to young men in the 6th through 12th grades. The organization has given over Drozco, Maceo Willis and a host of supporting community members……..‘HOUSTON $150,000 in scholarships to local youth. Currently the program GOT TALENT’ HIP HOP AND SOUL EDITION……..Urban has over 75 participating mentees. The organization also has a Houston Network hosted the second session of “Houston Got Talent” collegiate chapter at TSU. In attendance were Bert Jennings, at Taylor’s. Over 30 local rappers and R&B singers competed live Defender TOP EVENTS More photos on defendernetwork.com Kenneth Robinson, Reco Caston, Roy Carr, Roy Carter, on camera for a chance to win a televised interview with campaign See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Mathew Stevens, Fabian McConnell, Jakwan Bush, Dylan promotion. Contestants performed both original and cover songs. There with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. Prophet, Devin Prophet, Colby Prince, Grant Prince and a were also a couple of dance performances. Nessa Cary was the judge. number of organization members and potential mentees…….. For the Hip Hop and Soul Edition, third place went to Zhanai Johnson, REIMAGINE SUNNYSIDE……..Project College Counseling second place went to Gwendolyn Shorts and first place went to Zack the Tyrant. The winners of the competition will also perform in the “Houston Got Talent” hosted a Reimagine Sunnyside panel discussion at Sunnyside Park Community Center. The event was organized to start a dialogue between residents in hopes of reversing what some see finale. In attendance were Crystal Holmes, DJ Wiz, Trenetra Mayo, Chassidy Mayo, Deon as a negative image of Sunnyside and viewing it as a canvas for developing leaders. Jarvis Williams and many more.
Jakwan Bush, Dylan Prophet, Devin Prophet
Alexzandria Chill, Kira Tookes
Chassidy Mayo, Trenetra Mayo
Bert Jennings, Reco Caston, Kenneth Robinson
Biko Gray, Chavonte Wright, Brandon Kimmins, Jarvis Taylor
Zhanai Johnson, Jaleah Davis, Gwendolyn Shorts, Zack the Tyrant
Grant Prince, Colby Prince
Wilma Shaw, Tasha Dennings
Tyrone Griffin, Shaka Davis, George Mcdowell, Dawayne Woods
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years