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SUPREME COURT WON’T HEAR CASE ABOUT PAYING COLLEGE ATHLETES P14
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Volume 85 | Number 49 OCTOBER 6, 2016 |FREE
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NEWSTALK QUANELL X under fire from clients
RE-BIRTH OF A NATION
P2 NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA shares five key events
P4
Controversial Movie: Then & Now
LOCAL DAVE MOSS receives McDonald’s award
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P5 TOP EVENTS
Anthony Wills, Dana Hogan and Donald Bowers at Rice University Black Alumni gala
P15
Yolanda Adams returns to radio
Gospel music superstar Yolanda Adams, a native Houstonian, has returned to radio with her morning show. Read about her new venue, Amazing 102.5 FM. Meet the men behind the station and learn about their commitment to community.
Nneka Ogwumike stars in WNBA Former Cy-Fair High School basketball star Nneka Ogwumike is a standout with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. See why her impressive skills and stats earned her an MVP title this season. Hear why she says triumph doesn’t grow on trees.
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PV student in blackface ignites controversy realized what she’d done,” her teammate Braelah McGinnis said. “She disrespected the community. She disrePrairie View A&M University President George C. Wright is working to reassure students and faculty spected our team. And she disrespected Prairie View after a viral post of a white Hispanic student in black- A&M University,” McGinnis said. Wright said Merino’s family asked him to read face put the university in the national spotlight. the letter publicly at the Wright announced forum. that PVAMU soccer “Being here, I have player Brooke Merino felt what it is like to be a has returned home to her minority, and I have felt unfamily in California, at comfortable,” she wrote. “I least temporarily. have felt out of place. But, Merino sparked I knew that was going to be outrage among her teampart of this journey of going mates and across campus to an HBCU as a white Hiswhen she posted the panic student,” she wrote. picture on Snapchat. Stu“I will admit that I was dents said they weren’t ignorant in my post. I was only upset with the black stupid for posting it without tape on her face, but with thinking more clearly about the caption “When you the consequences. But I’m just tryna fit in at your not racist.” HBCU.” Wright said the chalAt a forum to discuss lenge now is where the the issue, Wright read university goes from here. an apologetic letter from “As a result of what’s Merino to the student happened, and of everyone body in which she said saying these things, it might her post was a joke and prevent something like this she had no idea what the from happening again or term blackface meant bea recurrence of something fore her post went viral. Prairie View A&M student Brooke Merino posted a photo with similar,” he said. “I’m not condoning black tape on her face. Any discipline is in the her actions, but none of you were there when the picture went viral, and she hands of the Student Code of Conduct Board. It is unknown when they will make a decision. was shaking in fear and anxiety because she had Defender News Services
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Group wants class action lawsuit against Quanell X Defender News Service
A group in Beaumont is asking for a federal investigation of Houston-based activist Quanell X. The group plans to file a class action lawsuit, claiming Quanell X took thousands of dollars for legal help then failed to provide promised help with legal cases. Harold Roberts said he paid Quanell X $3,500 for help in his friend’s criminal case, and got nothing in return. “When he finally returned my Quanell X call, I said, ‘Man, I need my money back, because you’re not doing nothing,’” Roberts said. “He refused to give me my money back. He said, ‘Mr. Roberts, I’m busy right now. I’ll talk to you later.’” Roberts said he soon found others with similar tales and contracts with QX Advisors, Inc. They plan to file a class action lawsuit. Quanell X issued a statement in response to the claims. “We welcome any member of the human family to come to us for help, but please tell us the truth and the whole story,” the statement said. “Often people come to us for help saying it’s a race issue that caused the problem but when we investigate we find out race had nothing to do with it. Just because you retained my office to work for you that doesn’t mean we will lie for you.”
localbriefs BLACK STUDENT ENROLLMENT at the University of Houston has declined. The number of Black undergraduates at UH is down significantly this decade. From the 2009-10 school year to 2015-16, Black undergraduate enrollment declined by 745 students to 3,644, according to university numbers. That’s a 17 percent drop in Black students at a time when there is an 18 percent rise in students overall, a troubling trend to some in the historically Black neighborhood that UH calls home. Total undergraduate enrollment has gone the other direction, climbing by more than 5,400 to 34,716…….TEXAS OFFICIALS want money to investigate student-teacher relationships.
The call came from the Texas Education Agency, which is grappling with growing reports of improper student-teacher relationships. The agency wants state lawmakers to provide an extra $400,000 to hire two more investigators and one administrator for its educator investigations unit, which has seen a surge in cases of educators engaging in inappropriate relationships with students. Officials also hope Texas lawmakers pass legislation to help curb such cases, including requiring school districts to immediately revoke the teaching licenses of sex offenders, subjecting superintendents to criminal penalties if they fail to report improper relationships and giving the TEA authority to compel
witnesses to testify……..A METRO OFFICER HAS RESIGNED after video was released showing him beating a homeless man. In the video from an incident earlier this month, Officer Jairus Warren was seen striking the victim, Darrell Giles, repeatedly with his police-issued baton. Earlier in that same day, Warren had confronted Giles at the rail platform and the homeless man appeared to cooperate. However, Metro Police Chief Vera Bumpers claimed Giles had been difficult and uncooperative with officers. Still, Bumpers said no officer should use excessive force in such instances. The Metro review agreed, saying Officer Warren did use excessive force.
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Pres. Obama speaking just before his State of The Union.
Obama reveals five days that shaped presidency
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hen President Barack Obama came into office, he admits that he thought because of the state of the nation, Republicans would feel obligated to work with him in an effort to dig the country out of the hole they’d helped dig. That hole, the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, saw housing prices drop 30 percent and the unemployment rate rise from five percent in December 2007 to 10 percent by December 2010. But like so much else during the next eight years, Republicans in the Senate and the House cut off those efforts even before they began. In fact, even before the President’s inauguration, Republicans had met on how best to bring him down. In a wide-ranging interview with New York magazine, Obama talks about the day he realized they had no intention of working with him and four other days that shaped his administration. “Probably the moment in which I realized that the Republican leadership intended to take a different track was actually as we were shaping the stimulus bill, and I vividly remember having prepared a basic proposal that had a variety of components,” the President said. That proposal had tax cuts, an infrastructure component and funding for states so that teachers and firefighters wouldn’t be laid off. It was an ambitious proposal that the president felt was necessary, and with negotiations, would get passed. But before the President could even meet with Republicans, he got word of their opposition. “On the drive up to meet with the House Republican Caucus, John Boehner released a press statement saying that they were opposed to the stimulus. At that
point we didn’t even actually have a stimulus bill drawn up, and we hadn’t meant to talk about it,” the president said. That was just the beginning of his constant and ever-growing GOP battle. In addition to the stimulus, the other four events that he believes will prove historically significant in his administration include: • The passage of the Affordable Care Act • The administration’s handling of the BP oil spill • Opening relations with Cuba • The use of drones in the war against terror Obama said it didn’t take long before it became clear that regardless of the policy he proposed or the action he took, Republicans in Congress would not cooperate with him unless it was entirely on their terms. “I think we realized at that point what proved to be the case in that first year and that second year was a calculation based on what turned out to be pretty smart politics but really bad for the country. If they cooperated with me, then that would validate our efforts. If they were able to maintain uniform opposition to whatever I proposed, that would send a signal to the public of gridlock, dysfunction, and that would help them win seats in the midterms,” he said. He added, “There were times that I would meet with Mitch McConnell and he would say to me very bluntly, ‘Look, I’m doing you a favor if I do any deal with you, so it should be entirely on my terms because it hurts me just being seen photographed with you.’ “During the health-care debate, you know, there was a point in time where, after having had multiple negotiations with [Iowa Senator Chuck] Grassley, who was the ranking member, and in exasperation I finally just said to Grassley, ‘Is there any form of health-care reform that you can support?’ and he shrugged and looked a little sheepish and said, ‘Probably not.’ ” Read the full story at www.NYMag.com.
RESIDENTS OF EL CAJON, CALIF. continue to demand answers after the fatal shooting of Alfred Olango, an unarmed Black man. Police released videos from a security camera and a bystander’s mobile phone showing police responding to Olango, 38, after his sister called for help because he was acting erratically. Officers confronted Olango, who they said refused multiple instructions to remove his hand from his pocket and pointed what they thought was a gun. No weapons were found on him……….THE FAMILY OF A MAN KILLED in July by Sacramento police after 911 callers reported he was waving a knife and acting erratically are demanding that two officers face murder charges after dash-cam video revealed they talked inside their police cruiser about running him down. He dodged the cruiser twice and was shot 14 times less than a minute later by the same two officers. The officers “behaved like big game hunters closing in on an animal,” said John Burris, a lawyer for the family of Joseph Mann, who was mentally unstable and homeless……… FLINT, MICH. RESIDENTS say aid is too little, too late, after the Republican-controlled House of Representatives moved to authorize up to $170 million in aid to address Flint’s ongoing water crisis. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Flint Mayor Karen Weaver both applauded the congressional compromise that thwarted the threat of a federal government shutdown. Some members of Congress similarly patted themselves on the back. Some residents call the plan outrageous, saying it falls $50 million short of the Senate’s proposed $220 million in aid, and negotiations to address that disparity won’t take place until after the election……..AN OFFCAMPUS PARTY TURNED VIOLENT in Greensboro, N.C. and two students at North Carolina A&T, an HBCU, ended up dead. In what was described as an altercation, students Alicia Dieudonne and Ahmad Campbell were shot and killed.
VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 49 OCTOBER 6, 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).
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McDonald’s owner receives recognition Local McDonald’s owner Dave Moss received a McDonald’s Pioneer Award, which is given by the corporation annually and recognizes an operator who has made significant contributions to the Houston region. Moss is an owner of seven McDonald’s restaurants throughout Houston and was specifically honored for his trailblazing efforts this year. Moss was the mastermind behind McDonald’s Houston involvement in the City of Houston’s Summer Job Fair which took place in four community center locations and resulted in 500 new hires for McDonald’s with additional hires at other quick service restaurants and convenience stores. “Dave is often the man behind the scenes making things Dave Moss happen and takes little credit for all the work he’s done,” said Shametrius James, field service manager. “He is passionate and committed to McDonald’s as well as helping others.” Moss was also integral in providing support and guidance to the Oliver family after the murder and attempted robbery of fellow McDonald’s operator Carroll Oliver earlier this year. Moss led the charge in raising a $50,000 Crime Stoppers reward in connection with the case. Moss began his McDonald’s career in 1984. His first location was at 9126 Cullen Blvd. His two sons, Jordan and Joseph, were also recently approved as McDonald’s owner-operators and will soon open their own locations.
TSU students win 1st in competition Texas Southern University’s Jesse H. Jones (JHJ) School of Business students L. Shannel Vaughn, Sydney Hoyle, Jordan Roberts, Ashtyn Duncan and Jada Rogers took first place in the Phillips 66 2016 Black Employee Network (BEN) College Enrichment Day Case Competition. TSU’s five-member team was challenged to assess and provide a recommendation on a web interface used by a hypothetical refining company. The team had to evaluate four options for enhancing or replacing the system and develop an implementation plan. The case competition tested their quantitative, systems and communication skills as they presented their analysis to recruiting managers. “They were an excellent team that worked very well together,” said JHJ Interim Dean Dr. John H. Williams.
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Amazing 102.5 FM informs, inspires By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender
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Radio station staff
ouston has felt a void in gospel music since Praise 92.1 closed its doors. But now, a new radio station – complete with one of the most popular figures from Praise, gospel superstar Yolanda Adams – hopes to give Houstonians an alternative to their daily worship, said Adams, host of “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show. Amazing 102.5 FM – its call letters are KMAZ – hit the airwaves last summer. Spearheaded by General Manager Emilian White and Pastor Rudy Rasmus of St. John’s United Methodist Church, the station was initially launched to support Bread of Life, Inc, an organization Rasmus created with his wife, Pastor Juanita Rasmus, in response to the hunger he witnessed among the poor and homeless in Houston. “The Bread of life has been feeding the homeless for over twenty-something years,” said White. “Through its Community-wide Food Fair and Senior Supplemental Food program, Bread of Life also distributes over 18 tons of fresh food each week in two locations within the city.” As a kid facing his own hardships in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, White has always had an affinity for helping the homeless. Amazing 102.5 FM helps him to continue his goal of serving. “Doing radio has allowed me to use a bigger voice to reach a lot of people,” said White, who has also worked as a general sales manager for KCOH-AM, and an account executive for KMJQ, MAJIC 102 FM.
• Program Director Pam Wells brings 30-plus years of experience and programming to KMAZ. She has served as a morning personality, music director and program director in several markets, including Chicago and Los Angeles. • Music Consultant TC Thompkins is an accomplished industry executive. He is founder of Thompkins Marketing, Thompkins’ Media Group and Plum Jam Music. He began his career at Stax Records and was vice president at Epic Records. • Marco Spoon, Houston’s “Voice of the Night,” is known for golden voice and smooth tone. He has been heard on national radio and TV commercials and has worked as an on-air personality, program and music director, operations manager and TV producer. “Our mission here at the station is to spread the word about the issues facing not just Houstonians, but people as a collective whole, while also playing good music that inspires and empowers people,” White said. Adams will be joined by comedian Marcus D. Wiley (who worked with Adams on her original show), as well as other personalities. White believes their talent and good spirit is just what the station needs. “Yolanda brings heart and soul and that’s something listeners have been longing for,” White said. “And with her popularity, and God-given talent, I know that she will make radio do what it’s supposed to do in the first place, and that’s to inform, encourage and serve people and the community.”
Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Yolanda Adams and Emilian White unite on Amazing 102.5 FM.
what’sup Netflix’s “Luke Cage” is a huge success. Just days after being released, it has become one of the moststreamed series and has fans asking for a second season. MIKE COLTER, who stars as Luke Cage, is Marvel’s first Black superhero, and the series focuses a lot on everyday issues plaguing the Black community. Colter’s character originally was designed to wear a yellow hoodie, but eventually his attire evolved into a dark hoodie, in a nod to Trayvon Martin……..JADA PINKETT SMITH has launched a tour called “Careers in Entertainment” to help youth in underserved areas and from diverse backgrounds achieve their dreams of
entering the film industry. The tour officially kicked off in Brooklyn, where hundreds of young people came out to learn more about how to break into the industry. Pinkett Smith said she hopes that by focusing on young and upcoming talent, she can help influence the future of the industry in a new and better direction…….. JAY Z has signed a two-year deal with the Weinstein Company for movies as well as both scripted and unscripted television, with a few projects already in the works expected to be announced shortly……..VIVICA FOX will play the president of the United States in the forthcoming film “Crossbreed.” The film’s plot involves
a group of retired military officials sent on a mission to retrieve an extraterrestrial being from an illegal medical facility using its DNA to manufacture weapons……..A litany of stars gathered recently for the Triumph Awards, a joint venture of the National Action Network and TV One to recognize distinguished individuals and corporations in the areas of civil rights, the arts and entertainment, education, business and sports who have made an impact on society. Actress TICHINA ARNOLD hosted the ceremony. Honorees included JOHN LEGEND, WANDA SYKES, TYRESE GIBSON and REV. DR. JOSEPH LOWERY.
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Birth of a filmmaker: Nate Parker speaks out will be able to see a bit of my heart and of what I’m striving to do with this film. KW: During the Michael Brown case Nate Parker, an actor and humanitarian in Ferguson, you spoke of “revolution” turned writer/director, first received critical and described yourself as an “actor-vist.” attention for his starring role in “The Great NP: I originally sought to make this Debaters.” He received an honorary doctorate film to create from Wiley College, the Texas school featured in solutions to defendernetwork.com the fact-based story. the systemic Read more about the making He’s also starred in “Beyond The Lights,” crisis we were of the film “Non-Stop,” “Red Tails,” “Pride” and “The dealing with Secret Life of Bees.” then. But Here, he talks about his writing and here we are, dealing with the same crisis. directorial debut with “The Birth of a Nation.” I believe that the more we recognize that Kam Williams: How long had this project we’re in crisis, the more we will realize been in the works? that there is a need for revolution. Because Nate Parker: I’m in my eighth year of the of our historical baggage, most people project now. With Nat Turner being my hero automatically assume that revolution from a social justice standpoint, he became the means Black people rising up against focus of my desires when it came to making a whites. But that’s not what I’m saying. film. I just wanted to create a hero that added to Anyone who is on the side of the the narrative of America who didn’t look like the oppressed needs to stand up, regardless of usual patriots. what they look like or where they come KW: I asked you in our first interview years from. And they should do so employing ago about the 1999 rape accusation when you their skills and their strengths, taking Nate Parker wrote and directed “The Birth of a Nation.” were a college student. I would be remiss in not advantage of their occupations. Nat raising it again, since it has resurfaced. What do possible, and I see this journey as just that, a journey. Turner only had broom handles and axes, you have to say about the incident? I set out to make this film because it was written and didn’t even have the right to assemble. Today, NP: I’m 36 years old, and my life has been a in my heart. And any obstacle that has come before we have journalism, technology and social media, series of obstacles and educating moments. As I said or after I will have to deal with accordingly, with my yet we fall silent when it comes to dealing with before, I’m trying to come as close to my faith as faith. I hope people will see this film for what it is, and injustice. FRO-16021-Choosing-A-Loan-HoustonDefender-9p75x6p5-NewTurquoise.pdf 1 9/15/16 3:26 PM By KAM WILLIAMS Contributing Writer
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cente
Then: The 1915 film focused on white anger at the slave revolt.
RE-BIRTH O
By ASWAD W Defend
Question: W
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Artwork from the 1915 movie poster.
ate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation” is promising to be one of the most talked about films of the decade—for several reasons. There’s the glowing reviews received at film festivals, as well as the negative press of Parker’s 1999 rape allegation, which has quieted much of the film’s initial Oscar buzz. “Nation” is one of those rare films that has both movie critics, politicians, and social activists anticipating its release. However, the biggest reason for the film’s buzz in some corners just might be its racially charged storyline, hitting audiences during one of the most racially-charged periods in recent history. What many don’t know is that a film of the same title was released 101 years ago (1915) with a racially charged story of its own—one that historians say led to mass violence against Blacks by whites. When comparing the two films’ themes, racially tense times, and the social impact of the original movie, some believe the new film could serve as a powder keg for more conflict.
Comparing the movies
“The earlier ‘Birth of a Nation’ was a cinematic defamation of AfricanAmericans, which led directly to physical assaults upon our people,” said University of Houston history professor Dr. Gerald Horne. The “Birth of a Nation” released in 1915, co-produced and directed by D.W. Griffith, was based off the novel and play “The Clansman.” While chronicling the relationship between two Civil War / Reconstruction era white families—one Northern, the other Southern—the film depicts recently
• Nat Turner (October 2, 1800 – November 11, 1831) was an enslaved African American minister who led a rebellion of free Blacks in Southhampton County, Virginia on August 21, 1831 • Turner’s rebellion is considered one of the most successful in that it resulted in the deaths of 55 to 65 whites. In retaliation, however, white militias and mobs killed more than 200 Black people in the freed Blacks as lazy and lust-filled, with designs to rape white women. As the two main families debate slavery and emancipation, Blacks go on a crime-filled rampage, only to be stopped by the heroes of the film—the Ku Klux Klan. The film was an immediate box office hit, and later (1992) was designated so “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” that the United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry, an honor reserved only for films deemed so important to the story of America that they should be preserved forever. In stark contrast, Parker’s “Nation” tells the story of the famous Nat Turner rebellion of 1831, which was so critical to U.S. history and race relations for decades to come afterward. Unlike the 1915 “Nation,” the 2016 version shows Blacks as God-fearing human beings and active participants in their own struggles for freedom and dignity. Eileen Morris, artistic director for the Ensemble Theatre, believes Parker’s choice for the film title is significant. “It is brilliant that the titles of these films are the same, as irony is an
course of • In Febru as a sign rebellion rebellion postpone • Turner’s gathering
attention grabber that opens a piece up that they present completely conflictin Morris argues the 1915 “Nation” the intention of perpetuating lies about “The 2016 film of the same title c of artists to present truths to situations sented. In this case art is being used to truth, and to keep this race informed,” Horne concurred, adding, “I salut this ugly history that has for too long c
Comparing the times
University of Texas professor Dr. that produced both “Nation” movies to ing Blacks achieving incredible gains w setbacks. Roberts says the first “Nation” wa The Progressive Era (1890 – 1920) wh
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Now: 2016 version focuses on Black anger during the slave revolt.
OF A NATION
WALKER der
Who is Nat Turner?
f putting down the rebellion. uary 1831, Turner interpreted a solar eclipse from God to begin preparations for a against slavery. He initially planned the to begin on July 4, Independence Day, but ed it because of illness. s forces went from plantation to plantation g horses and guns, and a few recruits from
p for dialogue, especially given the fact ng perspectives,” Morris stated. was created with hate and bias, with t Blacks and heightening divisiveness. comes as a result of the continued effort that have been continually misrepreo convey to those who are seekers of Morris said. te Nate Parker for seeking to rewrite characterized Hollywood.”
. Andrea Roberts finds the time periods o be strikingly similar, with each showwhile facing heightened violence and
as released during a period deemed hich was full of Black progress. With
those they freed from bondage. Turner’s vision of building a formidable army did not materialize, as most freed Blacks chose not to join his effort. • In the aftermath, Turner hid successfully for two months. When found, he was quickly tried, convicted, sentenced to death, and hanged. • Soon after Turner’s execution, Thomas Ruffin Gray published The Confessions of Nat Turner, consid-
Blacks entering politics, building schools, churches and entire settlements like Oklahoma’s “Black Wall Street.” In Texas in 1910, for example, 13 percent of all farm land was owned by Blacks. Roberts adds that this same time period is also called the “” (low point) for Blacks due to the increase in the KKK’s domestic terrorism, lynchings, and the enactment of laws restricting Black movement—physical, political and economic. “The fact that [1915 “Nation”] glorified the Ku Klux Klan yet was screened in the White House by President Woodrow Wilson is a testament to the abject hostility we faced then,” shared Horne. Many scholars speak of the election of the country’s first Black president coinciding with heightened racial tensions due to protests over the ever-growing list of Blacks killed by police, lack of police convictions for these deaths, the Confederate Flag debate, and the reported divisiveness of Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy. Parker’s “Nation” emerges out of this two-sided backdrop, seen most vividly through the experiences of Black women, who are both the most educated demographic in the U.S. and one of the most impover-
the Houston area for over 85 years
Artwork from the 2016 movie poster.
ished and under-insured. “Essentially, the Obama years were first another Reconstruction, followed by another of race relations in his second term. In 1916 and 2016, Blacks achieved much, but their mobility and sovereignty of place and self were frequently violated,” said Roberts.
Comparing the impact
Though it is impossible to compact the impact of both movies since Parker’s “Nation” just debuted on October 6, many believe the impact of the original movie provides clues for what can be expected. Many historians “credit” the animosity stirred up by the 1915 “Nation” with playing a major role in the Red Summer of 1919—the race riots that broke out all across the country in close to 40 cities. Whites terrorized and killed hundreds of Blacks, especially Black soldiers, to erase in their minds any ideas they may have had of social advancement after serving their country in war. Though the NAACP picketed theaters in attempts to get “Nation” 1915 banned, the movie played on, as did the growing violence against Blacks. Countless reports exist of individuals leaving the movie and directly attacking nearby Blacks. Though no such predictions of violence exist as a result of Parker’s movie, many do believe it will move people to action. Morris, for example believes the film will increase Black voter turnout in November. Some social critics hope Parker’s “Nation” spurs healing racial dialogue.
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Commentary
Get the facts about voter ID law By CARLOS CASCOS Texas Secretary of State
Voting helps determine the future of our cities, counties, state, and nation. As the Texas secretary of state, I am the state’s chief election officer charged with ensuring all eligible Texans know what they need to do to cast their ballots. My office has undertaken a statewide voter education campaign engaging voters and working to ensure that all qualified voters in Texas understand what they need to bring to the polls in order to vote in ongoing and upcoming elections. If a voter possesses a form of approved photo ID, the voter must use it to vote. Currently, there are seven forms of acceptable photo ID in Texas: • Texas driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Voter registration deadline: Oct. 11 Early voting: Oct. 24- Nov. 4 Election date: Tues. Nov 8 • Texas personal identification card issued by DPS • Texas License to Carry a Handgun issued by DPS • Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS • U.S. passport • U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph • U.S. military identification card containing the person’s photograph If the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID, the voter has additional options when casting their ballot in person. Voter may vote by (1) signing
a declaration at the polls explaining why the voter is reasonably unable to obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID, and (2) providing one of various forms of supporting documentation. Voters age 65 or older, those with a disability, or those who will be out of the county during both early voting and Election Day may vote by mail. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is Oct. 28. The General Election is Nov. 8. The last day to register for the election is Oct. 11. Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252VOTE.
PROTECT OUR LEGACY After the economy crashed, Barack Obama stood with us. We’ve created over 15 million new jobs since 2010, expanded health care to 20 million Americans, and defended our right to vote. Barack Obama accomplished a lot, but more needs to be done so we can keep moving forward. The Republicans have fought Barack Obama since Day One and have promised to destroy his legacy and move our country backwards. We’ve all fought too hard to let that happen. The next president will either build on Barack Obama’s legacy or tear it apart. On November 8th, vote for Democrats so we can keep this country moving forward.
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classified Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records Special Education records which have been collected by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of five years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at age 22, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of HISD’s intent to destroy the Special Education records of students who are no longer receiving Special Education services as of the end of the 2010-2011 school year. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but they may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request the records in writing or in person at the following address: HISD Records Management Department 4400 W. 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-556-6055 Fax: 713-556-7010 Requests for records must be received by December 16, 2016.
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OCTOBER 6 | 2016 | DEFENDER
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 6 | 2016
sports
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Cy-Fair’s Ogwumike becomes WNBA MVP
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By MAX EDISON Defender
ormally this time of the year sports fans in the greater Houston area are firmly entrenched in football, whether its high school, college, NFL or even peewee football for that matter. To that end, we want to deviate from the norm to highlight a local basketball star who is making Houston proud. Former Cy-Fair High School All-American Nneka Ogwumike was recently named WNBA MVP. For those of you who were so mad when Houston lost the Comets that you swore off the league all together, yes, it is still in business and doing quite well thanks to young dominant performers like Ogwumike. She was a high school state champion and Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year, an All-American at Stanford and the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2012 WNBA draft. She was the 2012 Rookie of the Year and is a three-time All-WNBA performer. A 6-foot-2 power forward, Ogwumike shot a WNBA-best 66.5 percent from the field this season, the second-highest mark of all time, and set league records for consecutive field goals made (23) and most field goals in a game without a miss (12, against the Dallas Wings on June 11). She also ranked third in the league in scoring (career-high 19.7 ppg) and rebounding (career-high 9.1 rpg) and recorded the second-most double-doubles (18). She also added career highs in assists (3.1 apg) and blocks (1.2 bpg) to go with 1.3 steals in 33 games. Her performance lead the Sparks to a 26-8 record, good enough for the No. 2 seed in the 2016 WNBA Playoffs where they are still competing. Ogwumike was elated with the honor. “As far as goals go, this honor has always been on a list I wrote down in the back of some journal years ago,” Ogwumike said. “Dreams don’t sprout overnight, and triumph doesn’t grow from trees. “My 2016 season is a reflection of years of being a student of the game, hours of grueling practice, memories favorable and unfavorable, of great teammates and heartbreaking losses on the court. My hindsight is 20/20 and what lies ahead of me may not be visible, but I’m certain is bright. As the WNBA 2016 MVP, I want to say thank you. I’m humbly honored and can’t wait for what’s next,” she said. “This is a well-deserved honor and award for
Nneka Ogwumike
Former Cy-Fair All-American Nneka Ogwumike is a powerhouse player on the court for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Nneka,” Sparks coach Brian Agler said. “She has had a season of extreme efficiency for the ages and Nneka has worked extremely hard to expand her game. “Not only has she been dominant at the offensive end, but also she has developed that defensive stopper mentality and is one of our key team leaders, and will be for the WNBA in the future.” Locally, women’s basketball authority Kris Gardner of the Houston Roundball Review is not surprised to see the success Ogwumike has enjoyed. “I remember seeing her hoop for the Cy-Fair Shock (AAU squad). College coaches were all over the gym to watch her play,” Gardner recalled. “Her choice to attend Stanford was great for her, the Houston area, and of course Stanford. She dominated college basketball. “Her work ethic and tenacity was second-to-none. Her quick jumping ability helped her excel when she was battling for rebounds on offense and defense. Plus, she has tremendous leg strength [volleyball background] which helps her hold her position in the low post.” “Nneka can beat opponents with her athleticism as well as her brain,” Gardner continued. “She capitalizes on an opponent’s weaknesses and her killer instinct adds to her complete package.”
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OCTOBER 6 | 2016 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Tigers on a roll
Yates on the rise to face old rivals
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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See the Defender’s midseason choices to win state championships
he Yates High School Lions are up to their old tricks. the improvement of sophomore quarterback Taj GregAll but given up for dead after missing ory. When an injury sidelined standout running back the playoffs last season for the first time in 38 years and beginning the 2016 season with Reginald Bryant for most of the second half against Wheatley, Gregory and his teammates had to shoulder a couple of lackluster performances, the Lions have more of the load. conjured up images of yesteryear while facing “When you lose a great player I had to some longtime rivals. trust in my teammates to get the job done,” The renaissance began when Yates consaid Gregory, who transferred in from quered Kashmere 38-0 to begin league play in Manvel High School. “We’ve been workDistrict 11-4A. It continued when Yates rallied ing hard in practice to get better and we’re from a 6-0 deficit to defeat Wheatley 30-6 in a starting to get there.” rivalry that dates back to 1927. With the score tied at 6-6 going into Another longtime rival awaits Yates when the third quarter against Wheatley, Gregory the Lions encounter Worthing on Oct. 7 at engineered a 74-yard, 11-play drive that he Barnett Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Worthcapped with a nine-yard touching was opened in the late 1950s down run that gave the 4-2 Lito relieve student enrollment at ons the lead for good. Senior Yates. It will be Third Ward Javar Brown, who replaced versus Sunnyside all over Bryant, added a two-point again. Both schools are 2-0 in conversion run that made district play. the score 14-6. First-year Yates head The Lions began adding coach Michael Watkins says points like the Yates of yesit’s an honor to represent Yates teryear. Alan-Michael Youngand go up against teams he blood returned an intercepfaced as a player wearing the tion 10 yards for a touchdown. crimson and gold. Gregory connected with Troy “Coach [Maurice] McRobins on the two-point converGowan used to tell us [players] sion pass and a 22-6 advantage. that it was unacceptable to play Sophomore receiver Jarless than your best whenever michael Cooper hauled in a you took the field,” Watkins 21-yard TD pass from Gregory said. “That’s what my staff in the fourth quarter. Gregory’s and I have tried to convey to two-point conversion run these players. completed the game’s scoring “It means a lot for me (30-6). to follow in the footsteps The Yates defense led by of former Yates coaches junior linebacker Sherman like Pat Patterson, Luther Richardson has given up only Booker and Maurice six points in the last eight McGowan. I plan to be quarters. the coach at Yates for a “The 18 seniors have About Taj Gregory long time. My wife and I bought in and the younger are both Yates graduates Favorite NFL player – Cam Newton guys have followed suit,” and live in the Third Ward Favorite subject – Math Watkins said. “We want to community. This is the bring the pride and tradition only job I ever wanted.” Possible college major – Psychology back to Yates and this was an A key figure in the Favorite meal – Spaghetti important win for us.” Yates turnaround has been
World problem to solve – Stop the killing of innocent Black people
Congratulations to head coach Mike Haywood and the Texas Southern University football team for winning a thrilling SWAC game. The Tigers defeated Alabama A&M 34-31 on the strength of a 51-yard field goal by placekicker Eric Medina as time expired. The win was their third straight conference win, the first time that’s happened since 2000. “Tonight’s game wasn’t pretty by any means,” Haywood said. “We have a lot of things we need to correct but we played hard for 60 minutes and gave ourselves an opportunity to win the football game at the end.” If there is a downside to the Tigers’ triumph it’s the fact that attendance was horrible. The official count was 4,282, but that was probably 2,000 more than who actually attended. TSU has a bye next and travels to Alcorn the following weekend.
Gordon at crossroads In what seems like an annual occurrence, the career of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is in serious jeopardy, again. The former Lamar High School standout and Baylor star recently decided to check into an inpatient rehabilitation facility, citing a need to “gain full control of my life.” Gordon was one game away from completing a four-game suspension for substance abuse. He has had multiple violations throughout his career and was suspended for the entire 2015 season. He was reinstated conditionally on July 25 by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Indications are the Browns are prepared to release Gordon.
Game tops marquee Unbeaten Atascocita (4-0) will host defending Class 6A Division I state champion North Shore (4-1) Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in perhaps the marquee matchup of the week seven high school football season. The winner will have the inside track to the District 21-6A championship. Atascocita is coming off a 52-0 victory over Channelview where quarterback Daveon Boyd threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score. Randall McCusker had TD receptions of 20 and 19 yards. North Shore cornerback Thomas Davis had a big game in the Mustangs’ 56-3 win over C.E. King. Davis returned the game’s opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. Later in the game he returned an interception 82 yards for a score. North Shore’s only loss (26-13) was to Manvel.
Dickinson thriving The 2016 high school football season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Dickinson High School as nearly all the starters from back-toback appearances in the regional finals graduated. Yet the Gators are off to a 4-0 start following a 47-6 victory over Clear Lake in District 24-6A. Dickinson quarterback Jordan Grigg threw for three touchdowns on 13-of-20 passing for 240 yards. Ten different Gators caught at least one pass, including TD receptions from Tyler Jackson (50 yards), Montel Parker (33 yards) and Jalen Wydemyer (16 yards). Head coach Bo Snelson saw some signs of life during the summer 7-on-7 sessions when Dickinson qualified for the state 7-on-7 tournament in College Station. The Gators will host Clear Springs on Oct. 7. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 6 | 2016
Supreme Court won’t review athletes’ case Defender News Services
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the contentious issue of pay for college athletes, leaving in place a lower court’s decision finding that rules by the governing body for collegiate sports limiting compensation violate antitrust law. The justices declined to hear an appeal by the NCAA seeking to reverse a decision by the San Franciscobased 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That court ruled in September 2015 that the NCAA’s ban on compensating athletes for use of their names and images in TV broadcasts and video games constituted a restraint of trade under federal antitrust law. The high court also declined to hear a parallel appeal filed by a group of former college basketball and football players led by former UCLA basketball star Ed O’Bannon. The plaintiffs had objected to a part of the appeals court ruling that threw out an injunction that had allowed athletes to be paid up to $5,000 in deferred compensation per year, to be held in trust until after they leave college. The issue of pay for college athletes has gained momentum as the amount of money for television rights going to the NCAA and sports conferences like the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten has skyrocketed, with athletes frozen out of the riches. For example, the NCAA announced in April an eight-year, $8.8 billion extension of its TV rights with CBS and Turner for the annual March Madness men’s basketball tournament. Athletes receive scholarships to attend universities whose tuition often costs tens of thousands of dollars annually. But the NCAA prohibits pay to athletes even as individual universities often rake in millions of dollars for the lucrative sports of football and basketball. Critics say the NCAA’s scholarship policy short-changes athletes who risk injury and devote many hours to practice sessions, travel and competition. Most college athletes do not go on to play professionally. The NCAA has said it is defending amateurism in college sports.
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OCTOBER 6 | 2016 D EFENDER
Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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TOP LADIES HBCU GALA……..Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. held and take pictures. In attendance were Yolanda Adams, Marcus D. Wiley, its first annual HBCU Gala at the Power Center. Guests and supporters of Latyce McKenna, Kim Aitch, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Marcus Ecby, HBCUs were treated to a live concert by Regina Bell. The gala honored 10 Shawn Christopher, Michele and Rochele Thompkins, Nettie Jones and “laureates” – Joyce Jacquet, Tonya Adkism, Dr. Tophas Anderson III, many more……..RICE BLACK ALUMNI GALA……..The Association of John Peavy Jr., Ernest Collins, Argentina James, Janis Jefferson Benton, Rice University Black Alumni hosted its Blueprint for Excellence Gala at Dr. Justin Washington, Linda Brown and Calvin Wells. The laureates are The Bell Tower. The event celebrated 50 years of Black undergraduate life at distinguished Houstonians who have made significant Rice. Proceeds from the event are used to establish a legacy contributions to the community and are graduates of Defender TOP EVENTS endowment to promote diversity initiatives. Guests were HBCUs. In attendance were Thelma Johnson, Ron More photos on defendernetwork.com treated to a musical performance by Aruba Quartet. Honorees Johnson, Sheila Maddox, Fred Hoyer, Drema included Dr. Alex Byrd, Andrea Ehlers, Joseph Branch, Woldman, Ross Thompson, Brooke Thompson, Janis Scott, Rodrigo Barnes, Roland Smith and Jan West. Floretta Collins, Florene Moore, Gail McNeal, Tselane Shephard, In attendance were David Leebron, Donald Bowers, Akilah Mance, Angela Windsor Bell, Arline Shelby, Marsha Penn, Barbara Platt and Patricia Berry Roberson, Monique Shankle, Teddy Adams Jr., Tevelia Rose Barnes, Imgram……..MORNING SHOW MEET AND GREET………The Jeff Rose, Kevin Kirby, Marie Lynn Miranda, Linda Thrane, Darrow Yolanda Adams Morning Show Meet and Greet was held at Amazing Zeidenstein, Anthony Wills, Dana Hogan, Stephen Mcvea, Blessing Falade, 102.5 FM. The YAMS team conducted a panel discussion and Q&A about Kathryn Hoo, Emerson Zora Hamsa, Janis Hamsa, De’Anna Daniels and a the new elements of the show. Fans received a chance to meet the team host of university alumni and friends.
Lady Sheila Maddox, Lady Thelma Johnson
Latyce McKenna, Kim Aitch
Kathryn Hoo, Blessing Falade
Joyce Jacquet, Fred Hoyer, Drema Woldman
Arline Shelby, Marsha Penn, Barbara Platt, Patricia Imgram
Rudy Rasmus, Yolanda Adams
Marcus Ecby, Shawn Christopher
Stephan Mcvea, Angela B. Roberson, Jeff Rose
Anthony Wills, Dana Hogan, Donald Bowers
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 6 | 2016
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