Houston Defender: September 22, 2016 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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ANGLETON NATIVE EMMITT THOMAS PLAYED, COACHES FOR KANSAS CITY P10

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Volume 85 | Number 47 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 |FREE

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NEWSTALK MAYOR TURNER proposes pension reform

P2 NATIONAL DR. KING omitted from new museum

ONE-ON-ONE WITH

HISD SUPERINTENDENT

ENTERTAINMENT REGINA KING

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Sandra Bland’s mom

Donald Trump

Geneva Reed-Veal, the mother of Sandra Bland, is among family members continuing the fight for justice. Find out why despite a recent settlement, Bland’s survivors are joining other advocates in bringing attention to jail deaths.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appears to be reaching out to Black voters, but leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton accuse Trump of insulting their intelligence. See what other Trump critics and supporters have to say.

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wins Emmy Award

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Veronica Sneed and Deloyd Parker at SHAPE Community Center anniversary celebration

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016

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Bland family says battle continues With one major legal battle seemingly behind them, Sandra Bland’s survivors and advocates are gearing up for the next phase of their quest to wrest change from the 28-yearold Black woman’s death – taking their fight to the political and legislative arena. More than 800 people have died in jail in the year since Bland’s death in 2015, a recent Huffington Post analysis found. Many of the deaths were considered preventable. At least one-third of inmates died within three days of being arrested or booked in jail, and nearly one-third of the total deaths were suicides. The Bland family is hoping to bring attention to those disturbing statistics. Bland’s family reached a settlement in its wrongful death lawsuit against Waller County, several county employees and former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper

Brian Encinia, who arrested Bland during a traffic stop that quickly became heated. Three days later, she was found dead in her cell after being arrested for assaulting a public servant. Her death was ruled a suicide, and raised questions about the traffic stop itself and how local jails deal with mental health issues. The Bland family received a $1.9 million payout – $1.8 million from Waller County and $100,000 from DPS – and changes in jailing and law enforcement practices could have statewide implications. Since her death, Bland’s family, lawmakers, policy experts and activists have pushed for procedural changes in jails, and new laws that might lessen the chances of another death like hers.

The late Sandra Bland is shown with her mother Geneva Reed-Veal, who is still fighting for justice.

Mayor Turner proposes pension reform

Mayor Sylvester Turner

The City of Houston’s pension system for employees has been underfunded for years. Now, Mayor Sylvester Turner has unveiled a preliminary pension reform plan, which he hopes will pay off the estimated $7.7 billion the city owes its pension fund. Turner said the 30-year fixed plan will pay off out the next three decades and will require cutting yearly costs and full yearly contributions to police, fire and municipal employee pensions. All three of the city’s pensions have identified benefit changes to cut the unfunded liability immediately by $2.5 billion. “It does so in a cost-neutral fashion,” Turner said. “Your taxes are not being increased to reduce the $2.5 billion.” Turner’s plan includes changes in employee pension

benefits and the sale of a billion dollars in pension bonds. The multi-tiered restructuring has been conceptually agreed to by city and police pension boards, but not the firefighters’ board. David Keller, chairman of the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund, released a statement saying while his group continues working with the city, they have not reached an agreement on adjustments to the fund’s current plan. “We have discussed economic changes that would fit within the guidelines set forth by the Mayor,” Keller wrote. “We have also presented issues that are important to us. However, no resolution has been made.” A final plan will be presented to the three pension systems, City Council, and the state legislature for approval.

dead……..A HOUSTON ARTIST AND PROFESSOR will have his work on permanent display at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Floyd Newsum has taught art at the University of Houston Downtown for 40 years. His work can be seen throughout Houston, including several sculptures on display at Main Street Square in downtown. Now visitors from around the world will be able to see his work in Washington, D.C. Newsum’s painting titled “After the Storm CNN” is based on Hurricane Katrina……..A LOCAL FOOTBALL TEAM received a huge gift from a renowned rapper. Several weeks ago, all 110 members

of the Friendswood Beast Mode Junior Football team had their hopes for brand new team uniforms dashed after an unscrupulous uniform vendor from Georgia took $12,000 from the team with the promise of delivering new uniforms, but never delivered anything. Strong Arm Apparel, a company owned by international rap star Flo Rida gave them all new, free uniforms …….. HISD will accept applications for its magnet schools from Sept. 30 until Dec. 9. If there are more qualified applicants than space available, a school-specific lottery or audition shall be used to select students. Visit www.houstonisd.org for more information.

localbriefs A DALLAS POLICE SERGEANT filed a federal lawsuit, claiming that the Black Lives Matter movement is inciting violence against police. Sgt. Demetrick Pennie, president of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation, filed the complaint not only against the Black Lives Matter movement but also Rev. Al Sharpton, Minister Louis Farrakhan, the New Black Panther Party, President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and others. The suit seeks damages of over $500 million, claiming that the defendants have encouraged people “to engage in threats and attacks” on police around the country and specifically cites the attack on Dallas police officers in July that left five officers

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SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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U.S.briefs ANOTHER UNARMED BLACK MAN has been killed by police. Forty-yearold Terence Crutcher can been seen on video walking with his hands up as a female officer points her gun behind him. Three officers then run up to the pair. Moments later, Crutcher, whose car had broken down, lowered his hands and was seen falling to the ground. A video from a police helicopter shows Crutcher with his hands up in the moments before the shooting. “That looks like a bad dude, too,” the helicopter pilot is heard saying. Crutcher’s family say they will not rest until justice is served….……..A GROUP OF 18 BLACK PILOTS is calling for federal officials to investigate their claims of racial discrimination at United Airlines. The group, called the United Coalition for Diversity, says that United has a pattern of discrimination in not only its hiring but its promotion policies, pointing to an “utter lack of diversity at the management level.” United says that the claims have no basis and that the group has already filed their accusations before, calling the new push “an attempt by the plaintiffs’ attorneys to try to put pressure on United to settle these meritless claims”……..A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER was indicted for shooting into a car full of Black teens, an act which was caught on a dash cam. Marco Proano, 41, was charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law for allegedly using unreasonable force with a dangerous weapon. In the nearly threeminute video, Proano arrived on the scene where a vehicle had been stopped by two other officers and was seen approaching the vehicle with his gun pointed sideways. When the driver of the vehicle backed away from the officers, Proano raised his gun and opened fire. Six Black teens were inside the vehicle and two were wounded.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 47 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker 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).

Trump accused of insulting Black voters’ intelligence By HAZEL TRICE EDNEY

epublican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s attempts to steer Black votes from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton has garnered the attention of national Black leaders, including his fellow New Yorker, the Rev. Al Sharpton, who said Trump’s tactics “insult the intelligence” of Black voters. “I think that to reach out to the Black community when you’re not discussing any details of the policies that you propose; and second, when you don’t put out your record with the Black community – which includes discrimination lawsuits on Donald Trump hired former “Apprentice” contestant Omarosa Manigault as his director of African-American outreach. housing – is to insult our intelligence ed, Manigault – a former contestant on to say we should try something “The Apprentice” which starred Trump – new,” Sharpton said in an interview sent a statement attacking Clinton and the with the Trice Edney News Wire. Democratic Party, generally stating that “He’s not new. He’s got decades of they have taken Black voters for granted. history that he can’t explain.” “We know our message is resonating Sharpton continued, “Since as Black voters see unemployment on the [Trump’s] running as a businessman, he rise and home ownership on the decline,” should also show us where his busiManigault said. ness is and how they have worked with “African-American youth feel that Blacks. Where are the contractors? the Dems have completely turned their Where are the subcontractors that he backs on them. Look at what’s happening dealt with in his business? Where are in Chicago, President Obamas’ hometown. the executives in the Trump organizaRev. Al Sharpton Nearly half of the young tion?” Black men are neither in Trump also garnered “Where are the contractors? school nor employed. For far attention when he finally adtoo long African-Americans Where are the subcontractors mitted that President Obama have been loyal to the Demowas born in the United States that he dealt with in his busicratic Party but unfortunately after five years of openly questioning Obama’s citizen- ness? Where are the executives the party has not been loyal to them!” she wrote. ship. in the Trump organization?” Despite the fact that the This summer, Trump Black unemployment rate skipped major national Black is still twice that of whites, conferences, including the NAACP, the National Urban it is not on the rise as Manigault states. According to the League and the National Association of Black Journalists. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Black unemployment rate Then he began appealing to Black voters while standing is at 8.1 percent, the lowest since President Obama took before vastly white audiences. Attempts to obtain clarity on Trump’s own economic office on Jan. 20, 2009 at which time the unemployment rate was 14.4 percent. and Black participation records in his multi-billion dollar While avoiding the questions about Trump’s record, corporation have gone unheeded. Two questions requestManigault insists that Trump is steering Black votes ing information on Trump’s Black hiring and contracting from Clinton. But while Trump’s Black support has risen records and why he declined to attend the major Black slightly from 1 percent in some recent independent polls, summer conferences went unanswered by Omarosa Manmost show Clinton still holding fast to more than 90 igault, Trump’s director of African American outreach. percent of the Black vote. In fact, instead of giving Trump’s record as request-

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016

entertainment

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Blacks win big at annual Emmy Awards Black star power was in full effect during the recent Emmy Awards. And “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” took home a boatload of Emmys. The FX series led the way with five wins in the miniseries categories, including lead acting for Courtney B. Vance, as well as in the supporting acting category for Sterling K. Brown. Vance and Brown delivered some of the most memorable speeches of the night when accepting their awards. Brown also became a trending topic when he quoted a line from Jay Z in referencing his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe. “I got the hottest chick in the game rocking my chain,” Brown said. Vance, who played the late lawyer Johnnie Cochran, on the other hand, not only thanked his wife, Angela Bassett, but also made it clear who he wants in the White House. “This one is for you, girl,” Vance said, and ended his speech with “Obama out, Hillary in!” Other great wins for the night came when Regina King won her second Emmy for outstanding supporting actress for “American Crime Story,” and she could hardly believe it. “This is fantastic! I’m so proud to be a part of this show and tell stories that provoke necessary conversation,” King said. “I stand here and I’m holding this for every cast and crew member from Austin to Los Angeles.”

Courtney B. Vanc e

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what’sup OPRAH WINFREY’S boost to Weight Watchers has tapered off drastically. Now, the company’s chief executive is stepping down. Shares of Weight Watchers declined from the initial high reached when Winfrey announced she was buying up shares in the company. Winfrey’s involvement on the board is through 2018, which will allow the new chief enough time to benefit from the “Oprah effect.” Last year, Winfrey purchased a 10-percent stake in the weight loss company, which was an investment of roughly $43 million……..SPIKE LEE’S “She’s Gotta Have It” is making a comeback, this time in the form of a Netflix television series. The streaming service giant has ordered a 10-episode

series based on Lee’s career-defining movie. Netflix said the series would be a “contemporary update” to the 1986 film……..Also coming to Netflix is “Barry,” a New York City-set drama about college-age BARACK OBAMA faced with questions about race, culture, and identity. Set in 1981, when Obama was a 20-year-old college student who moved to New York to transfer to Columbia University, the film is rooted in the murky, drifting, sleep-late-and-getstoned-and-do-whatever nature of college life that some critics say movies almost never get right. “Barry” began production a month after another Obama movie, “Southside With You,”

premiered at the Sundance Film Festival…….. BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN’S partner, NICK GORDON, has been found liable in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by her estate. The judge in the case said Gordon repeatedly failed to meet court deadlines and the conservator of her estate wins by default. The conservator, Bedelia Hargrove, filed a $10 million wrongful death civil suit alleging that Gordon physically abused Bobbi Kristina and stole money from her. The judge’s order says a jury trial will be set to determine how much Gordon will be required to pay in damages. Bobbi Kristina died of an overdose in 2015.

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SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Smokey Robinson comes to Houston Acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson will hit the stage of Jones Hall on Friday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m., in a special performance sponsored by the Society for the Performing Arts. His performance will be the kickoff in Jones Hall for SPA’s landmark 50th anniversary season. Often called “America’s greatest living poet,” Robinson has a legendary career that spans over four decades of chart-topping hits. Robinson has since been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Born and raised in Detroit, Robinson founded the group the Miracles while still in high school. The group was Berry Gordy’s first vocal group, and it was at Robinson’s suggestion that Gordy started the Motown Record dynasty. Their single of Robinson’s “Shop Around” became Motown’s first No. 1 hit on the R&B singles chart. Robinson also wrote such hits as “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “Tears of a Clown” (co-written with Stevie Wonder) and “I Second That Emotion.” During the course of his 50-year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his high tenor voice and profound sense of lyric. Tickets to the Oct. 7 show can be purchased online at www.spahouston. org or by phone at 713-227-4SPA.

Singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson first gained fame in 1960 as a member of the Miracles.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016

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ONE-ON-ONE WITH HISD SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD A. CARRANZA SHARES HIS VISION FOR DISTRICT improve low-performing schools? Carranza: There is no ISD’s new magic bullet. I also don’t superintendent call a school a failure. I call knew going in them historically underthat his work served because at some point was cut out in history, every one of those for him. From schools was doing exceedissues with low-performing ing well, by somebody’s schools, to dissention on the standard. So the question board, to a push toward charter becomes what has changed schools, Richard A. Carranza has so that the school went from forged full steam ahead since being considered a “good taking charge of the nation’s school” to a school that eighth largest school district in needs some improvement. August. A lot of that has to do New HISD Superintendent Richard A. Carranza interacted with students at One of Carranza’s biggest with how historically we’ve Law Elementary School. issues is the number of parents served and supported those whose children are leaving the schools as communities and district for charter schools. circumstances changed. Part “I think the vast majority of parents of my plan is to actually spend some • Native of Tucson, Ariz. who chose to leave HISD do so not time walking the hallways, visiting • Earned B.A. in Secondary Education, Uninecessarily seeking something better,” classrooms, talking with teachers, adversity of Arizona; M.Ed., Northern Arizona he said. “It’s that they’ve had a negative ministrators and community members. University; pursuing doctorate of educaexperience or they feel like they haven’t I was blown away with the alumni been served.” tion from Nova Southeastern University. association of Yates. On the very first In an interview with the Defender, • Served as bilingual classroom teacher, day of school there was a group of Carranza, who replaced Dr. Terry Grier, people, right in that cafeteria, welprincipal and senior-level administrator in discussed pressing issues facing the discoming people to Yates. How do we Las Vegas and Tucson. trict and how he plans to address them. harness that energy? That’s one piece • Served as Northwest Region superintenDefender: What’s your vision for of the puzzle. The second piece is dent for Clark County School District in the district, considering the average understanding challenges like poverty, Las Vegas. tenure of a superintendent is five to gentrification, lack of services. • Served as San Francisco Unified School seven years? Then there’s the question of District’s deputy superintendent of instrucCarranza: I think that the unifying whether zoning helps students at tion, innovation and social justice for three vision for HISD is to understand what schools like Yates. Does program years. Served as superintendent from it is that we want, and what do we want placement help? What about the facil2012-2016. our children to know and do when they ity? It’s understanding those dynamleave our system. That becomes a guid• Chairs board of directors for Council of ics, diagnosing the challenges, then ing North Star for us. Once we know collectively coming up with solutions. the Great City Schools what that is, then we can start crafting It may mean how we think about partour specific plans on how we can get nering with the faith-based community in Houston, where we’ve been. I need to that North Star from where we are. in a different way. to know that and hear the voices of our There is a sense of urgency, but I am One size doesn’t fit all, and my community as well. also respectful of what’s happened here concern has been that in my experiDefender: What is your plan to By VON JILES Defender

Bio

ence, in every state that I’ve worked in now my fourth district and fourth state th lived in) there is a propensity to want to t schools that have been historically unders with the same broad brush. There is a pre tion and we are going to implement it and de then it’s going to get fixed. It’s going to take VIDEO Su time and will require a very clear set of expectations. Defender: The environment on the s board is contentious right now. Knowing you’re dealing with, what’s your plan?

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Carranza: I’ve spent time meeting with board members, both collectively and individually. I truly don’t believe the narrative that they’re dysfunctional. They are all on the same page about wanting to do what’s best for kids. They just have very different points efendernetwork.com of view on how to Learn more about the new get there, and what upt. speaks about closing Black schools got us where we are. And they also have different communication styles. school We are not going to be nine individuals g what and the guy that you hired. It’s going to be a team of 10 and that’s going to require us to

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Listen & Learn tour The HISD Board of Education is hosting a series of town hall meetings with Superintendent Carranza to allow various school communities to meet him. All meetings are open to the public and are structured as open forums, allowing participants to ask questions and offer suggestions. Remaining meetings are: • Monday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m., Blackshear Elementary School, 2900 Holman • Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Austin High School, 1700 Dumble • Monday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m., Fleming Middle School, 4910 Collingsworth

• Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m., Forest Brook Middle School, 7525 Tidwell • Thursday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m., Westbury High School, 11911 Chimney Rock • Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Houston Community College, Willie Lee Gay Hall, 1990 Airport • Monday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m., Madison High School, 13719 White Heather • Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m., Parker Elementary School, 10626 Atwell Additional community meetings may be scheduled in the future. Visit www.houstonisd.org/listenandlearn for an up-to-date list.

During a visit to Yates High School, Carranza met school officials and students, and was joined by Trustee Jolanda Jones.

Photos by David Einsel, HISD

stay focused on what do we want to do for the students and how we are going to work together for the students. Defender: Fifty-eight percent of Black males drop out and do not graduate. Studies show that if you could address Black and Hispanic male issues, you’ll solve a sizeable amount of the problems that we have related to dropouts. What are your thoughts? Carranza: I’ve seen very specific cur-

riculum, one called the “Manhood” curriculum and it was taught by Black men working with young Black men. It focused on the historical significance of men in a Black family. This is very powerful, because once you can empower a student with a strong sense of who they are connected to their cultural identity, then that student is less susceptible to the streets. We also need to be very careful about who we chose to partner with.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016

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Black museum opens without King’s artifacts Memorabilia from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will not be featured in the new Smithsonian National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture.

As the new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture gears up for its grand opening on Sept. 24, museumgoers may notice a few things missing — memorabilia from the late Martin Luther King Jr. No major artifacts of King’s will be on display at the museum. That’s because the civil rights leader’s surviving children (Bernice King, Dexter Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. III) have yet to offer or loan any of their father’s prized possessions for exhibition. “It’s outrageous,” Clarence Jones, a former King attorney said. “This is the Smithsonian. This is one of the most important institutions now in the 21st century. And this is probably the greatest civil rights leader in the 20th century. I find it shameful and I’m sad.” Jones doesn’t blame the museum, but in-

stead points the finger at King’s three children. Some historians and filmmakers have called them “litigious” and accused them of charging excessive licensing fees to use their father’s words and likeness. The King children have sued each other as well. Their latest legal battle came when Dexter and Martin III took Bernice to court over which one of them had the authority to sell their father’s traveling Bible and Nobel Peace Prize. “Given the family’s behavior this last 20 years, they’re unlikely [to] have any interest in sharing [with the museum] without a large upfront payment,” said David G. Garrow, historian and author of “Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.”

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One heart. One dream. One spirit. One team. Diverse individuals with unique talents and skills, bonded together by one goal — to be an agent of positive change in the community. The McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards Honorees serve as a reminder that the power of one + one + one + one, can ultimately change the world. For more information on this year’s honorees, go to 365Black.com

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SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Poindexter Dental celebrates 60 years By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

Established during segregation, Poindexter Dental Inc. (PDI), a Blackowned dental practice, is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary of oral health care and community service. In celebration, the practice is hosting a voter registration rally in preparation for the upcoming presidential elections. “With the many racially charged happenings going on recently, if there was ever a point to understand how important our vote is, it’s now,” said Dr. Zeb F. Poindexter III, son and successor of the practice’s founder, the late Dr. Zeb Dr. Zeb F. Poindexter III remembers his later father, Dr. Zeb Poindexter and staff are observing the dental practice’s 60th anniversary. Poindexter Jr. Poindexter Jr. Poindexter III said PDI was founded and affordability in dental care.” to fill a void in the Black community. Poindexter III said this sentiment could be applied “When my father founded this family practice, it was to young people hoping to open any small business. Saturday, Oct. 1 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. because he wanted to [establish] a place for people who With the PDI voter registration rally coming up, he also 7703 Cullen Blvd. have dental needs, and have a problem in getting them hopes millennials will flex their political power. Voter registration, employment opportunities, readily solved in a manner that is affordable and practical,” In addition, Poindexter III is committed to keeping he said. free giveaways & more his father’s legacy alive. He added that PDI prides itself in staying up to date For more info visit www.poindexterdental.com or call 713-734-7611 “My father was a visionary and whenever there with technology. was a need in the community, he and my mother worked “I was raised at the dawn of integration and my father together to supply that need,” he said. always said to go out and get the white best education “With that being said, that is why here at Poindexter Dental, “Not only was my father a highly esteemed dentist, and bring it back to our community because they need it,” said we’ve always been at the cutting edge of technology that ideally he volunteered in public schools and helped raised children. He Poindexter III. suits our community patients needs in terms of implementation was a health care hero from the people for the people.”

PDI hosts voter rally

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 22| 2016

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Angleton native Thomas played, coaches for Chiefs

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Texans recently defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 19-12. The home game gave Chiefs defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas an opportunity to come within hollering distance of his hometown, Angleton, Texas, located approximately 40 miles from Houston. Long known in NFL circles as one of the classiest men in the business, Thomas has a resume that belies his humble, small town and smaller college beginnings. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl IV victor in 1970, a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, (with his No. 18 retired) and in 2008, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. After a 13-year career as a player, all with the Chiefs, Thomas has a coaching career that is just as impressive. He began his NFL coaching career in 1981 and has served as a positions coach (secondary), defensive coordinator, assistant head coach and interim head coach. Now an NFL lifer (48 years), Thomas Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. never dreamed of playing professional football. “Leaving Marshall High School in Angleton, I had no idea I’d ever play professional football,” Thomas recalled. “I thought it would have been baseball. I played baseball, football and ran track at Bishop College [in Dallas]. “Unfortunately, they didn’t have a great baseball program so I switched over to football and dedicated most of my time to that.” Thomas enjoyed an outstanding career at Bishop, primarily starring on the offensive side of the ball. After going undrafted in 1966, the thought of playing pro ball seemed out of the question. Fortunately for Thomas, the American Football League was open for business and starving for quality players, even those from Black colleges. Thomas signed a free agent contract with the Chiefs. “Coming out of the South back then there was total segregation,” Thomas said. “The Chiefs had a scout, Lloyd Wells, who came out of Texas Southern. He did all the scouting in the Black schools and convinced Coach [Hank] Stram and the Kansas City organization to draft some of us and sign some Thomas played of us.” cornerback for Thomas immediately became a part of NFL histhe Chiefs from

Emmitt Thomas is a defensive backs coach for Kansas City.

tory as a Chiefs rookie. “I was a backup at cornerback for the first Super Bowl,” Thomas recalled. “Willie Mitchell from San Antonio was one of the starting corners and ‘The Hammer,’ Fred Williamson, was the other starter. Myself and Fletcher Smith from Tennessee State were the two rookies that made the team that year. He backed up Williamson and I backed up Willie.” Thomas and his secondary mate, James Marsalis, were the innovators of bump and run coverage, featuring cornerbacks who could line up nose to nose with receivers and literally shadow them all over the field. Thomas attributes the skill to his experience in Black college football. “By most of us coming from predominately Black schools we didn’t play a lot of combination coverages. We played what’s called Cat Defense. You go cover that cat, I’ll cover this cat, that’s how we played. We played against some outstanding college athletes and that’s how you had to play to be successful. That really helped us cover so effectively as pros.” In 2008, Thomas received the call he never thought he would receive. He was chosen for induction into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. “The Hall of Fame, just like my career, was something I never would have anticipated,” Thomas said. “I was blessed to have some good coaches and a great cast of athletes as teammates. Buck Buchanan from Grambling, Bobby Bell from Minnesota, Willie Mitchell, Fred Williamson, Willie Lanier from Morgan State, Aaron Brown from Minnesota, originally from Port Arthur and so many more. I just kind of blended in. I learned and I grew and was fortunate enough to stay healthy.” Thomas had the good fortune to return to his beloved Kansas City in 2010 as a member of the Chiefs’ coaching staff. “Todd Haley was the head coach of the Chiefs at the time,” Thomas said. “His dad and I were great friends. The two of us, along with Ray Rhoades, used to travel around the country working out defensive backs. They told him, ‘Why don’t you go get Emmitt Thomas and let him help you out with your young DB’s.’ That’s how I got back to Kansas City and I plan to be here till they send me home.”

1966-1978.

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SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Kaepernick protest grows It has been about one month since 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick began his peaceful protest by refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem before NFL games. The move was designed to draw attention to the escalating incidents of police violence against African-Americans. It appears that other players are showing solidarity with Kaepernick’s cause. Five of Kaepernick’s teammates have joined with symbolic gestures. In Miami three players participated, including former Texan Arian Foster. Two members of the Tennessee Titans participated while Brandon Marshall was the lone Denver Bronco. The Rams and the Chargers each had two players join in with gestures as well.

Canelo triumphs again Karen Waddell coaches the Milby Buffs’ volleyball team.

Milby girls adjust to new volleyball roles

Pacheco (outside hitter) are key reserves. The victory over Sterling improves Milby to 2-3 in district play. aren Waddell received the ultimate salute “We’re playing together and starting to jell as a from her team. team,” Waddell said. “At first we weren’t communicating Not only did the Milby High School as a team. But the communication has become much more girls’ varsity volleyball team defeat effective now. Sterling 3-0 in District 24-5A action, “It’s tough on us right now. We’ve got three district but immediately following the contest, they serenaded losses but we’re getting better each game,” Waddell said. the head coach with a rather loud rendition of “Happy “We still have a lot of room for improvement, and by the Birthday” at Barnett Fieldhouse. second half of district play, all the teams will be improved. “We talked about it a little but I didn’t know what Yet I still think we can be a contender for a playoff spot.” they were going to do,” Waddell said. “They said they had Waddell lists Austin, Waltrip and Sharpstown as a little surprise for me, especially if we won. other contenders in the district race. Davis, Furr, Lee and “For them to burst out like that was very exciting,” Madison round out the eight-school district lineup. Waddell said. “They are Trying to coach a squad normally a quiet group so into the postseason wasn’t on defendernetwork.com I wasn’t expecting it.” the radar for Waddell following See what private school improved The out-of-character the 2015 season. She had to 4-0 in football demonstration by the contemplated taking a year off Milby girls is reminiscent from coaching for personal of the transformation the team is currently undergoing on reasons. Then an unforeseen opportunity came knocking the volleyball court. on her door. “I have a lot of girls that are new to the varsity “I teach at Jones High School and the Milby students level,” said Waddell, who is in her first year at Milby after are currently in the same building,” Waddell said. “I was coaching at Sterling last season. approached a couple of times and they said they really “It’s a different game from the sub-varsity level and needed a coach. I thought it might work so I took the they’re getting acclimated to new roles and new positions job.” on the court,” Waddell said. The Milby volleyball team is on the rise because of Outside hitter Samantha Tamez and setter Ashley that decision. McNeil are experienced returnees from last year’s squad. Upcoming Milby games include Davis (Sept. 23/ “Those two are really holding the team together,” Waddell Barnett/4 p.m.); Austin (Sept. 30/Barnett/5:45 p.m.); Lee said. (Oct 4/Butler, 7 p.m.); Sharpstown (Oct. 7/Butler/5:45 Aaliyah Valdez (outside hitter), Emily Saucedo, p.m.); Waltrip (Oct. 10/Barnett/4:30 p.m.); Sterling Precious Veliz (middle hitter) and Alexis Lopez (setter) (Oct. 14/Barnett/5:45 p.m.); Furr (Oct. 18/Pavilion/4:30 complete the Milby starting lineup. Evelyn Banks (middle p.m.); Madison (Oct. 21/Butler/7 p.m.); Davis (Oct. 25/ blocker), Melanie Vasquez (outside hitter) and Eydie Pavilion/7 p.m.).

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Canelo Alvarez hammered Englishman Liam Smith into a ninth round knockout to win a 154-pound world title recently before 51,240 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. “I told you I was going to give you a great fight and bring you the championship, and here it is,” Canelo said postfight. “I started controlling him, but in the second round I hurt my hand. I hurt my right hand, so I had to use my left more often. I only used sparingly my right hand, but that’s what happened.” After the fight Alvarez was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right thumb which will sideline him for the remainder of the year. The win also sets up a potential fight-of-the-year matchup sometime in 2017 between Canelo (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and Gennady Golovkin (36-0, 33 KOs).

Shadow Creek pays tribute Chase Lightfoot was a 17-year-old junior Shadow Creek football player who collapsed on the field during the Sharks’ game at San Antonio St. Mary’s Hall on Sept. 9 and died early the next morning. An autopsy report determined Lightfoot died from a rare heart condition that is difficult to detect. Shadow Creek played for the first time since the tragedy on Sept. 16 at Lutheran South. The Sharks ran on the field through a banner that read “Chase your dreams” with Lightfoot’s No. 65 on it. Balloons were sold at the stadium so fans could participate in a pregame balloon release to honor Lightfoot. Proceeds from the balloons went to the Lightfoot family. Shadow Creek defeated Lutheran South 33-10.

The Woodlands surges

Not only has The Woodlands opened the 2016 high school football season with four consecutive victories, but the Highlanders have knocked off two defending state champions in the process. The latest victim was George Ranch, the Class 5A Division I state champ last season. Eric Schmid threw six touchdown passes to lead the Highlanders past George Ranch 42-14. Schmid completed 13 of 17 passes for 272 yards. Kesean Carter was on the receiving end of four of those touchdown passes, including scores from 60, 62, 44 and 40 yards out. Carter finished with five catches for 204 yards. The Woodlands scored on the first three drives to begin each half and won going away. A week earlier, The Woodlands defeated reigning Class 6A Division II state champion Katy 26-3.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 22 | 2016

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

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BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL……..The 2nd Annual Houston Black Heritage people) through programs and activities, with emphasis on unity, self-determination, Music & Arts Festival was held at Discovery Green. R&B singer Monica was the collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. headliner on the Anheuser Busch Stage. The Black Heritage Festival aims to share and In attendance were Deloyd Parker, Veronica Sneed, Zoe Jackson, Sunshine, Marsha celebrate the arts and culture of Houston’s African-American population. Guests were Phillips, Sherryl Dewalt, Bobbi Blackwell, June Blackwell Hatcher, Nedzra Ward, treated to live performances. Several people, including Rodney Jones, Al Rucker, Pastor Maia Shelby, Cheryl Parker and a host of others……..HMAAC ART OF POST Terrance Johnson, Torsha Johnson and Sherry Browning were recognized by City KATRINA……..The Houston Museum of African American Culture showcased its Councilmember Robert Gallegos for their contributions to the festival. latest exhibit “The Art of Post Katrina New Orleans; Building Bridges Attendees included Cloe Montgomery, Kylie Rondeno, Shontell Rising Waters.” The show encompassed six different artists Defender TOP EVENTS over Rucker, Darrius Rucker, Damion Rucker, Miss Black and Natural including Charles Siler, Darryl Montana, Jerome Ford, Kenneth More photos on defendernetwork.com Tequila Lewis, Blushhh music, Brian Jack, Jazz Anderson, Scott, Richard Thomas, Terrance Osborne and Sheila Phipps. Coline Cruezot and many community members……..SHAPE 47TH Jason Lebeau and Dominic Clay curated the event. In addition to ANNIVERSARY……..SHAPE Community Center celebrated its 47th anniversary at guided tours of the exhibit, guests had the opportunity to purchase copies of the showcased the Ensemble Theatre. Guests were treated to food and live music. Performances included artwork and interact with the artists. They were also treated to Spike Lee’s “When the Tweed Smith and Cecil Shaw. There was also a silent auction fundraiser. Guests had Levees Broke.” In attendance were John Guess, Gayle Amos, Donna Rolland, Wanda the opportunity to view Celeste Bedford Walker’s romantic comedy stage play “Sassy Blackburn, Jayne Martin, Rebecca Parker, Katie Yancy, Felicia Richard, Angela Mamas.” SHAPE works to improve the quality of life for people of African descent (all Abbott and a host of other African-American art enthusiasts.

Terrance Johnson, Torsha Johnson

Veronica Sneed, Deloyd Parker

Dominic Clay, John Guess

Darrius Rucker, Al Rucker, Shontell Rucker, Damion Rucker

Bobbi Blackwell, June Blackwell-Hatcher

Gayle Amos, Jason Lebeau, Donna Rolland

Cloe Montgomery, Kylie Rondeno

Marsha Phillips, Sherryl Dewalt

Wanda Blackburn, Richard Thomas

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