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WHY WOMEN OF COLOR AREN’T REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT P11
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Volume 87 | Number 4
NEWSTALK LATOYA CANTRELL first Black female mayor of New Orleans
P2 NATIONAL
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JESSE JACKSON vows to fight Parkinson’s disease
non-traditional things we’re thankful for
Jenifer Lewis memoir tells all
The Mother of Black Hollywood is leaving no stone unturned in her new memoir. Lewis talks about her roller coaster life in and out of show business and opens up about everything from losing legendary roles, sexual trysts and her struggle with mental illness. H PAGE 6
P3 FEATURE SIMONE BILES criticizes Gabby Douglas
H PAGE 8
Andre Johnson gets inducted
P14 TOP EVENTS
The former Houston Texans star has become the first player ever inducted into the Texans’ new Ring of Honor. One of the top NFL wide receivers of his generation, the quiet superstar was the third player selected in the first round of the 2003 draft, the second year of franchise existence. H PAGE 12
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U.S. Rep. Al Green, Sarah Guidry and State Rep. Senfronia Thompson at the Earl Carl Institute’s 25th anniversary
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017
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Blue Triangle upset over two home tours By ASWAD WALKER Defender
For more than half a century, the Blue Triangle Garden Club (BTGC) has spread holiday cheer with its annual Christmas Tour of Homes. That tradition is under attack according to club president Bola Patrick, because of a new, competing home tour created for a different purpose. This year’s BTGC event on Dec. 10 from 1-5 p.m. will be its 56th, again raising funds to support the Blue Triangle Community Center. Proceeds will go toward restoring Bola Patrick the center’s John Biggers mural that was damaged during Hurricane Harvey. But Patrick and other BTGC members see another home tour event on Dec. 3, sponsored by the Historic Riverside Terrace Civic Association, as undermining their traditions. “This new home tour, which seems to be more about selling houses than showcasing and serving our community, is creating a lot of confusion and impacting ticket sales,” Patrick said. “Hurricane Harvey severely damaged the Blue Triangle Community Center and the Biggers mural. We need a strong turnout for our tour so we can raise money for the mural restoration and building repairs.” According to Damali Hill, Historic Riverside’s event is disrespectful and unethical. “Their event is masquerading as a home tour when it is really an open house attempt to sell homes; an open house that they are charging admission to,” Hill said. “Three of the [five] tour homes are for sale with two of those three properties represented by listing agents serving on the board of the new civic group.” “What essentially they’re doing is charging people to attend an open house. Realtor friends told me it’s unethical but not illegal. I’ve never heard of a realtor charging a fee,” added Patrick, who first learned of the HRTCA event from a friend who saw it posted on Eventbrite and mistook it for BTGC’s annual affair. HRTCA registered as a state nonprofit in March by Rachel Paxton, a real estate agent and home remodeler. Paxton, according to Patrick, attended last year’s BTGC home tour and invited BTGC members to an open house for a home she remodeled to sell tickets for last year’s event. Patrick appreciated the gesture, but not the response from the HRTCA when she requested they cancel their Dec. 3 event
Holiday decorations are a hallmark of the Blue Triangle Garden Club annual Christmas Tour of Homes
Monica Davis of HRCTA
or reschedule it so as not to compete with theirs. According to HRTCA president Monica Davis, BTGC was especially contentious during a HRTCA board meeting, painting a “heinous picture” of the HRTCA, and rejecting all efforts to come to a compromise. “We offered to merge the two tours, which would give them greater revenue,” said Davis. “They rejected that. We originally offered to gift them 100 percent of the proceeds of our tour. They rejected that. We offered to back out from the event as long as they showcased our homes, and we would be an event sponsor. They rejected that as well.” Patrick confirmed BTGC received several options from Davis but said they were rejected because BTGC felt they were being used to legitimize the newer association, and that they never show homes that they know are for sale. Patrick charges the HRTCA’s name is misleading because Riverside Terrace has not been declared a historic district by the City. She also says though HRTCA’s president is Black, it’s really run by white realtors Paxton and Veso Kossev. Davis claims BTGC used a “cease and desist petition” as a Super Neighborhood meeting sign-in sheet, a claim Patrick denies. Davis vehemently denies the Black face/white leadership
claim. HRTCA’s board is comprised of five whites and four African-Americans. “We have two realtors on the board of nine board members,” Davis added. “Their voice counts as two of the nine. I don’t know how that constitutes them running it.” Davis noted HRTCA’s upcoming board elections on Dec.7 at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 7 p.m. as an example of the group’s openness to the community. As it stands, both groups are moving forward with their home tour events. “We started organizing for our event in September,” Davis said. “Had we known there was a conflict, we would have chosen another date. We did indicate to Bola, even though our tour is going forward, we will never have this conflict again. “We pledged we would not schedule anything close to their events moving forward. But this year, with our commitment to our home owners, vendors, sponsors and people who have already bought tickets, we are hard-pressed to cancel our tour.” Though Davis attributes the scheduling conflict to the errors of a newly formed organization that has apologized repeatedly, Patrick sees the HRTCA home tour as an example of gentrification and is urging the community to proactively support BTGC’s event by getting the word out, and remembering “the Blue Triangle tour is always the second Sunday in December.” Formed in 1937, the non-profit BTGC was originally an affiliate of the Blue Triangle YWCA, and is the oldest AfricanAmerican garden club in the state. For more information visit www.blustrianglegardenclub.org.
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U.S.briefs PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP IS NOT HAPPY about the response for helping three UCLA basketball players arrested in China for shoplifting. After demanding – and receiving –thanks from the players for his help, Trump said he wishes he had left them in jail. That tweet came because LaVar Ball, the controversial father of one of the players, belittled Trump’s role in the students’ release. Days after Trump touted his involvement, Ball suggested the President had little to do with the matter, which of course infuriated Trump……. ADDITIONAL REMAINS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED of Sgt. La David Johnson who was killed in the October 4 ambush by ISIS fighters in Niger, according to a US official. The remains were recovered by a US military and FBI team that traveled to the area. Johnson’s family has been notified. An armed forces medical examiner confirmed the remains were Johnson’s. The remains were discovered at the site where Johnson’s body was recovered. There has been no public disclosure about whether these additional remains will provide any clues about Johnson’s death or what happened to his body during the 48 hours he was missing. …..A DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OFFICIAL HAS RESIGNED after it was revealed that he made derogatory comments about Black people and Muslims on conservative talk radio. Rev. Jamie Johnson was on “The Right Balance” radio show in 2008 explaining why “a lot of Blacks are antiSemitic.” Johnson responded by saying that “it’s an indictment of America’s Black community that has turned America’s major cities into slums because of laziness, drug use and sexual promiscuity.”
LaToya Cantrell celebrates her victory in the New Orleans mayoral election.
New Orleans elects first Black female mayor Defender News Services
New Orleans has a new mayor. LaToya Cantrell won 60 percent of the vote against Desiree Charbonnet, who is also African-American, to become New Orleans’ first female mayor. “Almost 300 years, my friends, and New Orleans, we’re still making history,” Cantrell, a New Orleans City Councilmember, told a crowd of supporters after her victory was announced, according to the Times-Picayune. “Our history was two women making that runoff, and we both deserve to be proud of that.” Cantrell and Charbonnet, a former municipal judge, topped a field of 18 candidates in October, which led to the runoff election. It was a convincing victory, in which the mayor-elect led Charbonnet in most of the polls prior to the runoff election and was never behind in the vote count.
Cantrell crossed the finish line first despite Charbonnet attacking the councilwoman on an official audit of her spending while in office. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor is probing all City Council credit card spending that exceeded $400,000 over the past four years. For Cantrell, there are some unanswered questions about her international travel. Charbonnet conceded in a speech to her supporters and called to congratulate Cantrell. The former judge told the disappointed crowd that “we all do well” if Cantrell succeeds, adding that seeing New Orleans thrive is a goal that will require unity. Cantrell told her supporters that both women “deserve to be proud” of their accomplishments in the historic election. Cantrell will replace term-limited Democratic Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who leaves the city in a better economic situation than his predecessor Mayor Ray Nagin, who’s serving a federal prison sentence for corruption.
Jackson plans to fight Parkinson’s to the end physical therapy in hopes of slowing the disease’s progression.” The 76-year-old is a two-time Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Democratic presidential candidate. Jackson said his diagnosis with ParHighlights of his career include parkinson’s disease is not a death senticipating in civil rights demonstrations tence and he plans to fight to remain with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. strong. A neurological disorder with and negotiating successfully for the no cure, Parkinson’s can cause tremrelease of three U.S. soldiers who had ors, stiffness and difficulty balancing, been held in Yugoslavia. walking and coordinating movement. Parkinson’s often starts with a small “My family and I began to notice tremor in the hand or muscle stiffness changes about three years ago,” and progresses over time. About 15 to Jackson wrote in a statement. “After a 25 percent of Parkinson’s patients have battery of tests, my physicians identiRev. Jesse Jackson a family member with the disease. fied the issue as Parkinson’s disease, a “I am far from alone,” Jackson said in his statedisease that bested my father.” ment. “I want to thank my family and friends who Jackson added that “recognition of the effects of continue to care for me and support me. I will need this disease on me has been painful.” your prayers and graceful understanding as I undertake He also said he sees his diagnosis as “a signal that this new challenge.” I must make lifestyle changes and dedicate myself to Defender News services
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 4 NOVEMBER 23, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
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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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.
LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE.
Baking to bless
Local teens from Community of Faith Church are holding bake sales for Hurricane Harvey victims after church services. The teens, led by 13-year-old Victoria Dixon, wanted to help victims after doing a similar effort in 2010 to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake. (Pictured l to r) Ty Corbin, Alexandria Moffett, Ta Niah Corbin, Victoria Dixon, Sydeny Page, Aniya Robinson, Jada Mackey, Brielle Thibodeaux and Alyse Bush.
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25 percent of HBCU students non-Black
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Defender News Services
n 2014, the North Carolina Senate unanimously moved to remove a budget provision that would have given the state’s Board of Governors permission to study the closure of any school that had an enrollment decline of 20 percent between 2010 and 2013. The provision, designed specifically to give the state the power to close Elizabeth City State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), reflects a troubling reality for the nation’s Black schools. Despite a recent spike in Black enrollments due to a growing racial resentment that is being felt nationwide, many of the HBCUs are at the verge of financial collapse, with some – such as Wilberforce and South Carolina State University – facing the loss of accreditaTuskegee University students are shown during a speech by former First Lady Michelle Obama. tion due to persistent debt. Even among the more stable Bluefield lost its ability to of the HBCUs, the reality of draw Black students when this cash crunch is acutely felt. “Like any school or universiWest Virginia state authoriThere is another fact of ty, the ability to ‘solicit and ties closed the school’s dorms life at Black colleges – more following the 1968 bombing of than one in every four HBCU retain the support’ of any the gymnasium. The bombstudent is non-Black. alumni base, has a lot to do ing followed student protests Many Black schools – with the amount of wealth regarding the state’s replacing started during Reconstruction of Black faculty and staff with largely in the South – tradiand disposable income of less qualified white instructors. tionally represented the only its graduates. Most HBCUs The closing of the dorms opportunities that were availare primarily two or fouradded to the pressures of an able for African-Americans to increasingly combative attitude gain educational equity. year institutions, with few fueled by the school’s white Today, 11 percent of all master’s programs. There president who turned the once African-American college stuare even fewer doctoral predominately Black Bluefield dents attend HBCUs, despite into a predominately white HBCUs only making up only programs.” commuter school. 3 percent of the nation’s eduJerry Crawford II Due to a quirk in federal cational portfolio, with 20 perlaw, a school once recognized cent of all African-American as an HBCU will always be an undergraduate degree holders HBCU, regardless of current coming from HBCUs. student composition. Most HBCUs however, cannot This, however, does not sway the unsettling blame their lagging Black enrollments on such blareality that, today, many HBCUs may be historically tant racial animosity. Black, but not currently Black. Take, for example, Many states have used the HBCUs’ declining enBluefield State College. With a student body that is rollment levels as justification for unequal distribu82 percent white and with no Black faculty on staff, tion of resources among public schools. In 2016, for Bluefield still counts itself as an HBCU. example, North Carolina proposed cutting the tuition So does Lincoln University, which is 40 percent for three of the state’s public HBCUs – as well as African-American; St. Philip’s College at 13 percent (as of 2011); and Gadsden State Community College potentially renaming them – in order to increase enrollment numbers. The bill made no mention how at 21 percent. the lost tuition would be made up in the schools’ In the case of Bluefield, the road toward the loss budgets. of its Black identity was a convoluted but familiar The HBCUs’ biggest problem, however, is one. choice. When HBCUs were founded, there were Located in a predominately white community,
little choices of where African-Americans could go to school. However, Brown vs. Board of Education and the desegregation of education on the basis of race in America made it possible for Black students to choose any educational institution they qualify for to attend. Some argue that HBCUs are still needed because the educational system in America is still segregated, but by economic status now instead of ethnicity. HBCUs traditionally accommodate more low-income students than non-HBCUs. “There are many reasons why there is a challenge to have more people of color, Blacks in this instance, attend HBCUs,” said Jerry Crawford II, associate professor of journalism at the University of Kansas and director of the Journalism Multicultural Scholars Program. “These range from the lack of state funding for these schools from legislatures, to the loss of federal assistance, such as Pell Grants, to the lack of consistent governance at these institutions. “Like any school or university, the ability to ‘solicit and retain the support’ of any alumni base, has a lot to do with the amount of wealth and disposable income of its graduates. Most HBCUs are primarily two or four-year institutions, with few master’s programs. There are even fewer doctoral programs.” Crawford pointed out that this increased degree of choice has led to HBCUs being denied assets that other schools can claim, like top-tier athletics. As HBCUs are not set up to attract star talent, they are also not posed to benefit from lucrative television deals or championship appearance fees. Additionally, most HBCUs, due to a lack of alumni financial mobility, cannot call on large endowments to cushion the lean times.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
entertainment
Jenifer Lewis tells all in new book
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Defender News Services
eteran actress Jenifer Lewis has a way with words – anyone who comes into contact with her can attest to that. For the better part of her nearly 40-year career on stage and in front of the camera, the scene-stealing powerhouse has gained a reputation for not only her acting talent but also for being a brassy diva with a heart of gold. In the literary form, Lewis is a fierce storyteller with a penchant for robust detail served up in a raw and often humorous fashion – which is on full display with her debut offering, the much-anticipated memoir, “The Mother of Black Hollywood.” In the page-turner, Lewis tells scores of stories about her roller-coaster life in and out of show business, such as being molested by her family’s preacher, once stopping a man from sexually assaulting her, and how she dodged true love, trading it in for sexual trysts with men (some famous, some not) around the world. Lewis, 60, opens up about everything from losing legendary roles (including in “Dreamgirls,” “Orange is the New Black” and “Getting On”), engaging in physical confrontations with fellow cast members, overcoming sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and her struggle with mental illness. “I ain’t trying to hurt nobody,” the Kinloch, Mo., native told NBC News about the warts-and-all walk down memory lane. “I don’t care who rolls up about anything I wrote. The one thing I did in that book was I told the truth. I was honest. This is my story. This is my song. This is how I saw it, felt it, tasted it, touched it.” Admitting the book was difficult to write – specifically revisiting solemn memories of her
many friends who perished from AIDS during the height of the pandemic in the 1980s – Lewis said she left no stone unturned. “It took me two years to write this b---h. It hurt. I had to relive my babies’ dying from that stupid disease, relive all those f---ing deaths… this book was hard,” she said. Lewis has lived up to the title of the book, racking up over a hundred film and televi-
sion acting credits — most notably in 1993’s “What’s Love Got to Do With it,” 1996’s “The Preacher’s Wife,” Lifetime’s 1999 cult favorite “Jackie’s Back,” and, most recently, ABC’s award-winning sitcom “Black-ish.” Before Hollywood finally came calling, Lewis recounted how she toiled on the theater circuit, performing in everything from camp comedy solo shows to acclaimed Broadway musicals and with national touring companies. Eleven days after graduating from college, she landed a role in a hit production on The Great White Way. She sang in the streets for money, performed vaudeville-style acts on bus and truck tours, and sang backup for Bette Midler (who has called her “the greatest Black entertainer who ever lived”). “I had to be a star,” Lewis said. “That’s what the whole book is about, baby. The book is about how I found my passion, found my dream because it was the dream that has sustained me.” The success of “Black-ish” isn’t the only reason Lewis has found popularity with newer audiences. A series of videos with Grammy-winning singer Brandy Norwood, Nicole Ari Parker, Lee Daniels, and others have become viral sensations. She said the platform is big and millennials love her – another reason she wrote the book. She hopes her book will encourage others and give them hope. “I always say when there’s a tattered copy of my book, after I’m long gone, in a war-torn country and a little girl is trying to make one more step in her life, and if she reads one thing in this book that will help her do that, my life would not have been in vain,” she said.
what’sup JENNIFER HUDSON and longtime fiancé DAVID OTUNGA have parted ways and Hudson has received a protective order against him. Hudson, 36, and Otunga, 37, a former pro wrestler, were a couple for about 10 years and were “in the process of ending their relationship for a number of months,” a rep for the singer and Oscar-winning actress said in a statement. An attorney for Otunga said that he “never abused or harassed Ms. Hudson or their son” David Jr., and that Hudson’s move was solely to win favor in a custody battle.…..There might be a chance that JANET JACKSON will make a return
to the Super Bowl halftime show in 2018 according to her father. The New York Daily News caught up with JOE JACKSON at the BET Soul Train Awards airing Nov. 26, where he told them his daughter will rise again at the 2018 halftime show. In 2001, Janet Jackson shared the halftime stage with singer JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE when she experienced a wardrobe malfunction in which her breast with a nipple pastie was exposed during a dance routine. The incident was immediately called “Nipplegate” and has followed the singers for years after. A few months back Timberlake confirmed his return to the
2018 Super Bowl. Joe believes that his daughter will receive closure if she returns..…..Actor EARLE HYMAN, who we all know as Grandpa Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died on Nov. 17 at the age of 91. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native had many credits outside of the family-friendly sitcom during his 60-year career. He was the voice of Panthera on the 1980s cartoon “Thundercats” and was also a Broadway and Tony-nominated actor. Hyman enjoyed an international theater career that spanned decades. He performed in several Shakespeare plays in the title roles of Othello and Hamlet.
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Houston civic leader
Yvette Calloway remembered Defender News Services
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Della Reese dead at 86 Defender News Services
Della Reese, a singer, actress and ordained minister, died on Nov. 19 at age 86. She was known to TV viewers as Tess, an angel supervisor on “Touched By an Angel,” which ran from 1994 to 2003. Other roles were in such as “Chico and the Della Reese Man,” “Charlie and Company” and “The Royal Family.” In 1969 she became the first Black woman to host a TV talk/variety show, titled “Della.”
She appeared in such films as “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” “Harlem Nights” and “Beauty Shop.” Born Delloreese Early in Detroit, she began singing in church at age 6 and by age 13 was singing with Mahalia Jackson’s gospel group. She began a recording career in the 1950s. Her biggest hit was “Don’t You Know,” released in 1959. Survivors include her husband, Franklin Lett, and four children.
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Funeral services were recently held for Yvette Calloway, a wellknown civic leader who died on Nov. 7 at age 96. She was the mother of former City Councilmember Al Calloway. Mrs. Calloway registered record numbers of Black voters in Houston and was the first African-American president of the local League of Women Voters. Because of her civic involvement, Yvette Calloway a community park was renamed in her honor. She was a founding board member of the MacGregor Area Community Development Corporation, president of South MacGregor Civic Club, a precinct judge, and co-founder of Operation Voter Education & Registration (O.V.E.R.) with Rev. William Lawson, pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. “When we were least likely to vote, when we were not politically active, Yvette Calloway was responsible for a great deal of
Black people voting and people in general voting,” Lawson said. “She encouraged Black activism to get folks to support Black candidates…” Linda Cohn, president of League of Women Voters in Houston, said Mrs. Calloway saw civic engagement as a “joyful duty” that promoted a better future. “The changes that she saw in her long life are staggering,” she said. “And so much of that progress, well, she made it happen. The power of her example means that her legacy continues.” Willie Belle Boone, president of Southeast Precinct Judges Council, said Mrs. Calloway was eager to help others as a precinct judge. “She was just that type of person. She was faithful to the Democratic Party and when elections were going on, she was on the phone encouraging folks to get out and vote.” Other survivors include her sons, Kenneth and Troy Galloway, six grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017
non-traditional things we’re thankful for By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender News Services
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his time of year is always a great time to pause from the busyness of our lives and reflect on the things for which we are grateful. We are thankful for our families and friends, health, income, food, clothing and shelter, and the fact that God has allowed us to see another year. Here, the Defender has compiled a list of non-traditional things to give thanks for during this Thanksgiving season.
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The right to kneel It may seem as if we don’t have this right, based on the controversy surrounding the simple act sparked by former NFL quarterbackturned-activist Colin Kaepernick. But for all its flaws, you have to love the fact that we have the freedom to protest in this country – no matter who doesn’t like it. Obamacare The GOP may be trying to dismantle it, but we’re ecstatic about having health insurance. And we’re not alone. The deadline is Dec. 15, and already 17 million people have signed up for the Affordable Care Act. That’s more than the number of people who were with the ACA in 2017. Yes, there are some areas that need to be overhauled. But considering the alternative – sitting up in the free hospital, waiting 7,323 hours to see a doctor because we don’t have insurance – we’re grateful that health care is an option. Memories of the Obamas You might not have agreed with all the policies of former President Barack Obama, but this current administration makes us miss the stability, presidential temperament, and intelligence that the highest office in the land should hold (Shoot, at this point, we even miss George Bush). But more than anything, we miss Black love on display. Barack and Michelle were #lovegoals and we can’t help but be thankful that we have the memories of their bond. The ability to customize stuff Let’s keep it real. We love to customize some stuff. Even non-customizable stuff – it doesn’t matter. Cars, teeth, nails, hair, skin, our coffee – we will customize it. Not being allowed to walk into a Starbucks and order a “tallande* double-whip, no-foam mochaccino with unicorn sprinkles and elf tears, stirred with the ivory tusk of a baby elephant” will turn Black America upside down. *A tallande is where you cut a tall cup in half and staple it to the top of grande cup. And yes, it’s still smaller than a venti. Macy’s coupons We’re not trying to stereotype, but here comes some crazybig stereotyping: Black women love Macy’s. Some Black women
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Commentary would marry Macy’s if they could. Ninety-three-point-seven percent of Black women do their Christmas shopping at Macy’s (okay, so we made that statistic up but that’s what it feels like). As such, Black women live for the coupons that come in the mail online, and of course, in the Defender. And though they may not admit it, Black men love those coupons too, if for no other reason than to get their women out of the house on Sunday so they can secretly watch the football they are supposed to be boycotting. Dominoes and spades-playing abilities Ask any “dominologist” – it’s simply not possible to play dominoes without slamming them, just like it’s not possible to play spades without someone at some point pasting a big Joker on his or her forehead because the nature of both games, mixed with showboat ancestry, requires that both be done. We can’t even imagine a world where quiet dominoes are played and a big Joker isn’t treated with the respect it deserves. Direct deposit The fact that you can wake up on a predetermined morning and know that your money is there, in your account, waiting for you, can start your day off with a smile. What if you didn’t always know exactly when you’d get your check? Or every time you got your check you had to find a bank to make a deposit? The thought makes us shudder. No time clocks at work Did you know that people still punch in and punch out? That’s like…an actual thing that still happens in crevices of the world. If it isn’t happening to you and your 9 a.m. start time is usually, actually more like 9:18 every morning and no one seems to notice, then you’re working at the right place. You know that hour and a half lunch you took today? It wouldn’t be possible with that time clock on the wall. Now, take off your
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defendernetwork.com • Serving t
cartwheel. he little things We take stock of the numental moments – that work, spending another holioved ones – but what about es? There’s something to rare moments throughout ake you smile. Research ng gratitude can increase ell-being, from better o better sleep. That movie that always makes you laugh has been linked to ranging from a betstem to lower blood genuinely can’t me invested in the ngles or the drama. ychologically ached to fictional ecially those augh. contributed to
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the Houston area for over 85 years
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Create a new holiday tradition This season brings out traditions in families, but it’s never too late to start a new one. As long as you honor gratitude, togetherness and celebration, any annual Thanksgiving activity can become a lasting, time-honored tradition in your family.
Find a new place to celebrate
Most families relax around the house after
dinner, watching football or movies. Get up and out. And take the whole family to a bowling alley, skating, laser tag, or anything fun. It may not be the norm, but this Thanksgiving tradition can become a defining event in that family.
Start a griot conversation
Sit down with your family and reminisce about your childhood celebrations (let the eldest member of the family lead the conversation). You’d be amazing at how this storytelling tradition can be passed down between generations and allow your family’s legacy to live on.
Make a small booklet or mini scrapbook album
Write “five things I love about my family and friends” and keep it out on the table during your Thanksgiving celebration. Each guest can come and record thoughts and insights. Other great themes to try are “five things I’m thankful for” or “five wishes for my family and friends.” An even simpler approach would be to put one sheet of cardstock out for each year – and combine them together over the years in a Thanksgiving Gratitude Scrapbook.
Make a gratitude circle
Before the Thanksgiving meal, have everyone stand and holds hands in a circle. Guests each take a turn sharing what they are grateful for. Or – if your guests are on the shy side – ask everyone to write down their blessings on a piece of paper, which you can read before or after dinner.
Show your gratitude to an unsung hero
Get together with your family and decide on a person or a group in your community who could use an extra pat on the back – firefighters, soldiers, police officers all fit the bill. Put together a special plate of goodies and deliver it (or pack it up for shipping) as a family.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 defendernetwork.com HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM NOTICE OF RUNOFF TRUSTEE ELECTION
THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HARRIS HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
§
§ §
TO ALL THE DULY QUALIFIED, RESIDENT ELECTORS OF THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a runoff election will be held within and throughout the HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM on December 9, 2017, in accordance with the Texas Election Code, for the purpose of electing to the Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System one trustee for the position in geographic district IX of the Houston Community College System. The position in geographic distric IX is to be filled for a term of office commencing January 1, 2018 and continuing until December 31, 2023. The candidates for the position in geographic district IX are Eugene "Gene" Peck and Pretta VanDible Stallworth. On December 9, 2017, the polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. See Exhibit A attached hereto for Election Day Polling Places for the Houston Community College Board of Trustees Runoff Election The Harris County Elections Official, Stan Stanart, is hereby designated as the Early Voting Clerk fo perform those functions for the Houston Community College System voters who are qualified under state and federal law in Harris County. Applications for ballots to be voted by mail by Harris County residents should be mailed to: Stan Stanart Harris County Clerk Attn: Elections Division P. O. Box 1148 Houston, Texas 77251-1148 Applications to vote by mail must be received by the Early Voting Clerk by November 28, 2017. The Main early voting polling place is: The Harris County Administration Building 1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston, Texas 77002 See Exhibit B attached hereto for the times, dates and locations for early voting.
EXHIBIT A Election Day Polling Places
Harris County Polling Places
Polling places are subject to change up until election day. Please confirm polling place with Harris County prior to voting at www.harrisvotes.com or 713-755-6965. Due to the possible continued impact of flooding on polling places, Harris County urges voters to vote during Early Voting. City
Zip
Precinct
Dist.
Votes In
City
Zip
Houston
77025
0453
HCC9
0293
Andy Anderson Elementary School
5727 Ludington Drive
Houston
77035
Houston
77035
0458
HCC9
0318
Hobby Elementary School
4021 Woodmont Drive
Houston
77045
Houston
77047
0462
HCC9
0462
Kate Bell Elementary School
12323 Shaftsbury Dr.
Houston
77031
10960 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston
77048
0489
HCC9
0489
India House
8888 West Bellfort St.
Houston
77031
Reynolds Elementary School
9601 Rosehaven Dr.
Houston
77051
0490
HCC9
0490
Creekbend Gardens Apartments
8106 Creekbend Dr.
Houston
77071
0216
Montgomery Elementary School
4000 Simsbrook Dr.
Houston
77045
0506
HCC9
0506
Fondren Park Community Building
11802 Mclain Blvd.
Missouri City
77071
HCC9
0422
Crestmont Park Community Center
5200 Selinsky Rd.
Houston
77048
0525
HCC9
0525
Milne Elementary School
7800 Portal Dr.
Houston
77071
0271
HCC9
0355
James H Law Elementary School
12401 South Coast Dr.
Houston
77047
0541
HCC9
0541
Fiesta Mart, Inc.
8130 Kirby Dr.
Houston
77054
0286
HCC9
0286
Windsor Village Community Center
14441 Croquet Ln.
Houston
77085
0542
HCC9
0216
Montgomery Elementary School
4000 Simsbrook Drive
Houston
77045
0287
HCC9
0287
Willow Meadows Baptist Church
4300 West Bellfort St.
Houston
77035
0554
HCC9
0554
Braeswood Assembly of God
10611 Fondren Rd.
Houston
77096
0291
HCC9
0554
Braeswood Assembly of God
10611 Fondren Road
Houston
77096
0555
HCC9
0555
Westbrae Ct Retirement Comm Lone Star Living 10680 Westbrae Pkwy.
Houston
77031
0293
HCC9
0293
Andy Anderson Elementary School
5727 Ludington Dr.
Houston
77035
0638
HCC9
0022
Foerster Elementary School
14200 Fonmeadow Dr.
Houston
77035
0294
HCC9
0294
Southeast Community Church
10413 Ashville Dr.
Houston
77051
0652
HCC9
0652
Welch Middle School
11544 South Gessner Rd.
Houston
77071
0318
HCC9
0318
Hobby Elementary School
4021 Woodmont Dr.
Houston
77045
0754
HCC9
0754
Bethels Place Community Empowerment Center 12660 Sandpiper Dr.
Houston
77035
0319
HCC9
0319
Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center
3810 West Fuqua St.
Houston
77045
0332
HCC9
0286
Windsor Village Community Center
14441 Croquet Lane
Houston
77085
0869
HCC9
0490
Creekbend Gardens Apartments
8106 Creekbend Dr.
Houston
77071
0336
HCC9
0336
Residence Garage
1301 Vernage Rd.
Houston
77047
0893
HCC9
0506
Fondren Park Community Building
11802 Mclain Blvd.
Missouri City
77071
0947
HCC9
0287
Willow Meadows Baptist Church
4300 West Bellfort St.
Houston
77035
0337
HCC9
0337
Fondren Elementary School
12405 Carlsbad St.
Houston
77085
0948
HCC9
0287
Willow Meadows Baptist Church
4300 West Bellfort St.
Houston
77035
0355
HCC9
0355
James H Law Elementary School
12401 South Coast Dr.
Houston
77047
0949
HCC9
0287
Willow Meadows Baptist Church
4300 West Bellfort St.
Houston
77035
0359
HCC9
0359
Betty Roberts Best Elementary School
10000 Centre Pkwy.
Houston
77036
0969
HCC9
0422
Crestmont Park Community Center
5200 Selinsky Rd.
Houston
77048
0372
HCC9
0372
Southmeadow Property Owners Clubhouse 12002 Fairmeadow Dr.
Houston
77071
0985
HCC9
0490
Creekbend Gardens Apartments
8106 Creekbend Dr.
Houston
77071
0384
HCC9
0384
Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church
11539 South Gessner Rd.
Houston
77071
0986
HCC9
0490
Creekbend Gardens Apartments
8106 Creekbend Dr.
Houston
77071
0392
HCC9
0392
Living Faith Baptist Church
4310 Holloway Dr.
Houston
77047
0994
HCC9
0318
Hobby Elementary School
4021 Woodmont Dr.
Houston
77045
0402
HCC9
0402
Robert L Frost Elementary School
5002 Almeda Genoa Rd.
Houston
77048
0422
HCC9
0422
Crestmont Park Community Center
5200 Selinsky Rd.
Houston
77048
0995
HCC9
0216
Montgomery Elementary School
4000 Simbrook Drive
Houston
77045
Precinct
Dist.
Votes In
Location
Address
0017
HCC9
0017
Shearn Elementary School
9802 Stella Link Rd.
0022
HCC9
0022
Foerster Elementary School
14200 Fonmeadow Dr.
0131
HCC9
0131
Abiding Faith United Methodist Church
14300 Almeda School Rd.
0132
HCC9
0132
Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church
0158
HCC9
0158
0216
HCC9
0243
Location
EXHIBIT B December 9, 2017 Runoff Election—Early Voting Locations (indicates new location)
Location Harris County Administration Building
Address
City
Zip
1001 Preston, 1st Floor
Houston
77002
Moody Park Community Center
3725 Fulton Street
Houston
77009
H.C.C.S. Southeast College
6960 Rustic, Parking Garage
Houston
77087
Young Neighborhood Library*
5107 Griggs Rd.
Houston
77021
Fiesta Mart
8130 Kirby
Houston
77054
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
1475 W. Gray St.
Houston
77019
Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center
9314 Cullen Blvd.
Houston
77051
Hardy Senior Center
11901 W. Hardy Rd.
Houston
77076
Hiram Clarke Multi-Services Center
3810 W. Fuqua
Houston
77045
Dates and Times of Early Voting Wednesday - Friday, November 29 –December 1: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, December 4 –December 5: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Address
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NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 | DEFENDER
Fewer Black women report sexual misconduct
MACY’S
BLACK FRIDAY DOORBUSTERS
Defender News Services Why are stories of sexual harassment and assault told by women of color rarely corroborated by society? In the chorus of women who have recently come forward about abuse in Hollywood, the voices of Black, Latino and Asian women have not been raised above whispers. A demonizing pattern of social conditioning, based on racism, has tainted the images of women of color, especially Black females. “Well, I think it’s rooted in the oppression that we, that people of color face in this country,” Tarana Burke, a Black activist who created the #MeToo movement on Twitter in 2006 to raise awareness around sexual violence, said to PBS News Hour. “I also think it’s rooted in the way we’re socialized to think about Black girls and women of color, right? We’re socialized to not believe Black women. We’re socialized to believe that we are ‘fast’ and sexually promiscuous and things of that nature.” It is this damning socialization that first found roots in slavery. Black women’s bodies were used and abused without regard to any degree of humanity. “Historically, African-American women have been perceived as promiscuous,” Rutgers University historian Deborah Gray White, author of the book, “Ar’n’t I a Woman?: Female Slaves in the Plantation South,” told the Associated Press. “Black women’s bodies, from day one, have been available to all men.” In this harmful pattern, doubt has been cast on Black women who dare to say they have been victims of sexual exploitation. As to avoid condemnation from detractors, a silence has grown among females. But the condemnation can’t erase an elusive strength that comes from telling your truth. Lupita Nyong’o, who recently wrote about a disturbing encounter with Harvey Weinstein at his home in 2011, offered a message of hope for survivors despite feeling that she would be treated like a pariah for speaking up. “There is clearly power in numbers,” Nyong’o said. “…I speak up to make certain that this is not the kind of misconduct that deserves a second chance. I speak up to contribute to the end of the conspiracy of silence.”
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YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE ON SELECT SALE IN STORE AND SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ONLINE: CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS. USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS 11/22 3PM-CLOSING, 11/23 5PM-2AM, 11/24 6AM-1PM & 11/25 8AM-1PM. ONLINE ALL DAY MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: HURRY25 See macys.com/deals for online exclusions
YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE ON SELECT SALE IN STORE AND SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ONLINE: CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS. USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS 11/22 3PM-CLOSING, 11/23 5PM-2AM, 11/24 6AM-1PM, 11/25 8AM-1PM. ONLINE ALL DAY.
MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: HURRY50 See macys.com/deals for online exclusions EXCLUDES ALL: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, watches, cosmetics/fragrances, designer handbags, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, electrics/electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, select licensed depts., previous purchases, restaurants, rugs, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, toys, 3Doodler, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Brahmin, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Demeyere, Destination Maternity, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Judith Leiber, Karastan, kate spade new york, Kenneth Cole men’s shoes, Kiehl’s, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, littleBits, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Rimowa, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Shun, Spanx, Staub, Stuart Weitzman, S’well, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Theory, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Uttermost, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Purchase must be $25 or $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.
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BLACK FRIDAY PRICES IN EFFECT 11/22-11/25/17. Merchandise will be on sale at these & other sale prices through 1/2/2018, except as noted.
12
DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017
sports
defendernetwork.com
Johnson first inductee in Texans Ring of Honor By MAX EDISON Defender
Justin Verlander
The Houston Texans recently made Andre Johnson the first player ever inducted into their new Ring of Honor. One of the top NFL wide receivers of his generation, the quiet superstar was the third player selected in the first round of the 2003 draft, the second year of franchise existence. Johnson, a former Miami national champion and collegiate All-American, played 12 years for the Texans and was always a force to be reckoned with, despite never playing with a truly elite quarterback. He earned seven Pro Bowl berths with Houston and remains the team’s all-time leader in receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597) and receiving touchJohnson, a record-setting Texans receiver, downs is now in the team’s Ring of Honor. (64). Johnson is 11th all-time in NFL career receptions and 10th all-time in NFL receiving yards. He was the second-fastest NFL player to reach both 13,000 yards and 1,000 Cameron Maybin receptions, doing so in 160 and 168 games. For Johnson, the honor is an endorsement of his accomplishments as a player. “It’s kind of like confirmation on my career,” Johnson said. “To be the first player to go into the Ring of Honor, as a kid, you don’t think about stuff like that. I just wanted to be a good football player and just go out and do my best on the field. So to have that happen, I’m sure it will be an amazing feeling.” The enshrinement also acknowledges the mutual love affair between Johnson and the city of Houston. “I was in Miami my whole life, grew up there, went to college there and then I’d never really been out of Miami until I came to Houston,” Johnson said. “It was different at first, just getting to know the city and it was just something that grew on me. “I fell in love with the city. I always said I would never forget where I came from and if I was able to make it, I
Retired Texans star receiver Andre Johnson received a proclamation from the City of Houston.
Jose Altuve
wanted to help people. That’s what I tried to do. I tried to help as much as I can.” Johnson has worked hard in the community, donating time and money to numerous charities to help young people. Former teammate Vonta Leach, who played fullback for the Texans, was in town for the induction and shared his feelings about Johnson being honored. “I’m very excited for Andre to receive this moment,” Leach said. “He was the first and most consistent superstar that the Texans ever had. He did this year in and out without any big name QBs.” Despite Johnson’s low-key demeanor, Leach acknowledged his role as
a team leader. “Dre had a quiet leadership style,” Leach said. “He did not say much, but when he did, he meant business. He let his play speak for him and he led by example.” Leach witnessed Johnson make spectacular catches look routine. He recalled two of his favorite Johnson moments. “We were playing in D.C. and it was fourth and a mile. [Matt] Schaub threw up a prayer and Dre came down with it to win the game. The other would be the play where he whipped [Tennessee Titans cornerback] Courtland Finnegan’s a-- and didn’t get suspended. I remember later that night we went to the Rockets game and Dre got a standing ovation.” Current Texans star receiver DeAndre Hopkins said Johnson influenced his career. “The way I go about every day, I would say honestly is due to Andre Johnson – the way I wake up and the mindset I have that I’m going to work and this is going to be the best practice that I have,” Hopkins said. “Approaching every day like it’s my last day to do what I love – that’s how he approached every day he came to work when I saw him.”
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NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 | DEFENDER
h.s.zone
sportsbriefs Astros honored by MLB
Book review
Football at Black Texas high schools chronicled By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
It is the flipside to “Friday Night Lights,” the story of high school football at Odessa Permian High School and replicated at similar schools throughout the Lone Star State prior to integration. “Thursday Night Lights” tells the largely untold story of high school football at African-American high schools in Texas between 1920 and 1970. The book is written by Houston sportswriter and Worthing High School graduate Michael Hurd, who recognized the need for citing the accomplishments of Black players, coaches, schools and communities Author Michael Hurd under the direction of the Prairie View Interscholastic League (the counterpart to the University Interscholastic League). An excerpt from the book reads: “Black high school football flourished in a time when it seemed no one outside the Black media and its audiences cared about or was any way willing to acknowledge the abundance of talent bursting from the underfunded schools that competed under the PVIL banner.” Those schools included Texarkana Dunbar, Marshall Pemberton, Austin Anderson, Dallas Lincoln, Waco Moore, Galveston Central, San Antonio Wheatley, Beaumont Charlton-Pollard, Fort Worth Terrell and Port Arthur Lincoln. The Houston area was represented by Yates, Wheatley and Washington high schools in the PVIL’s original statewide grouping in 1940. The late Bud Johnson (Forward Times) and the late Lloyd “The Judge” Wells (Houston Informer) were local writers dedicated to covering the Black schools. At UIL schools, football legends were created on Friday nights in big cities and small farming communities. The all-Black PVIL games were played on Wednesday and Thursday nights in most towns with a handful of games on Tuesday or Saturday. PVIL’s most notable stars included “Mean” Joe Green (Temple Dunbar), Otis Taylor (Houston Worthing), Dick “Night Train” Lane (Austin Anderson), Kenny Houston (Lufkin Dunbar) and Bubba Smith (Beaumont CharltonPollard). Andrew “Pat” Patterson was a native of Gary, Ind. Yet he was a coaching legend at Houston Yates High School
Major League Baseball announced that the World Series champion Houston Astros have received the 2017 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. The club is being recognized for its “Houston Astros Community Leaders Program,” which since 2013 has positively affected more than 30,000 children throughout the greater Houston area through baseball and softball programming, education-based initiatives and volunteer opportunities. In 2013, the Astros established the Community Leaders Program as a way of making baseball and softball accessible to children of all ages. Since its inception, the program has improved conditions at 23 ballfields and provided tens of thousands of young people with free uniforms, equipment, tickets to Astros games and professional instruction.
Former receiver Glenn dies Terry Glenn, a former NFL wide receiver and Pro Bowler, died Nov. 20 from injuries sustained in a car crash in Irving, Texas. He was 43. Glenn played six years with the New England Patriots, five years with the Dallas Cowboys and one year with the Green Bay Packers. Dallas-area officials said Glenn’s car went out of its lane, hit a barricade and rolled over. Glenn was ejected from the car. His fiancé was a passenger in the car and is expected to survive. The exact cause of the crash is unknown. Glenn was a native of Columbus, Ohio and played college football for Ohio State University where he was an All-American. He was selected in the first round of the 1996 draft by New England. Hurd’s book takes a look at Black Texas football from 1920-1970.
from 1938 to 1968, where he guided teams to state championships in football, basketball and baseball. In 1982, Patterson became the first coach from the PVIL elected to the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. Other top PVIL coaches included Joe Washington Sr. (Port Arthur Lincoln), Raymond Hollie (Dallas Washington), Les Ritcherson (Waco Moore), Walter Day (Corsicana), Willie Ray Smith Sr. (Beaumont Charlton-Pollard), Ray T. Sheppard (Galveston Central), Ray Timmons (Austin Anderson) and Earvin “Cat” Garnett (Wichita Falls Washington). In “Thursday Night Lights,” find out why Earl Campbell says if it hadn’t been for segregation, he would have been known as the third best athlete in the family and his twin brothers the fourth and fifth best. Learn how Houston’s Jeppesen Stadium got its name from a former HISD school board president and failed mayoral candidate. Did you know the annual Turkey Day Classic between Houston schools Yates and Wheatley drew standing-roomonly crowds of up to 40,000, making it the largest prep school sports event in postwar America? Many of the PVIL’s records and accomplishments were discarded or undocumented. Hurd relied heavily on extensive research and interviews along with the work of the late Walter Day in his publication “Remembering the Past with Pride: Organized High School Football for Blacks in Texas.” There is so much information, stories and anecdotes in Hurd’s book. “Thursday Night Lights” is a must read for history buffs, sports fans and African-Americans who grew up in Texas.
Waltrip’s season ends Waltrip came into the high school football postseason bearing a boatload of accolades. The Rams finished the regular season unbeaten (8-0) for the first time in school history. Waltrip ended a 13-year district championship drought when they shared the crown with Kashmere in 2003. They won the district title outright for the first time since 1990 and liked their chances to win the school’s first playoff game in football since 1994. Texas City wasn’t impressed. The Stingarees scored the first 24 points of the contest and then held on for a 24-14 bi-district win at Delmar Stadium. “We made mistakes,” said Waltrip coach Todd Wright. “We turned the ball over and we had huge plays wide open and didn’t convert them. Part of that is Texas City being battle-tested and we don’t always get that.” Waltrip quarterback Cameron Howe had touchdown passes of seven yards to Jordan Washington and 57 yards to Orvis Fowler to get within 10 points in the third quarter.
Volleyball teams at state Two of the Houston area’s premiere high school volleyball programs advanced to the state tournament in Garland. The Woodlands, which won back-to-back state titles in 2013-2014, represented Region II-6A while Seven Lakes was the Region III-6A winner. Two-time defending state champion Lewisville Hebron and Northside O’Connor completed the Class 6A field. The Woodlands was led by senior setter Sophie Walls with 1,943 assists, 278 digs and 101 kills going into the state tournament. Seven Lakes was paced by freshman outside hitter Allysa Batenhorst, who leads the team with 537 kills.
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
Gymnast Biles slams Douglas for comment Defender News Services
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles blasted Gabby Douglas, a fellow member of the 2016 U.S. gymnastics team, after Douglas criticized another teammate’s comments on sexual assault. The chain of tweets ended with an apology from Douglas. Biles, a native of the Houston suburb of Spring, recently tweeted that she stood with Aly Raisman, captain of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic teams, who has accused a former national gymnastics team doctor of sexually abusing her. Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles Raisman, 23, describes the abuse in her Douglas replied to Raisman’s tweet and apbook “Fierce,” which is out this month. She also peared to criticize her position in a post that has turned to Twitter to detail her stance on sexual since been deleted. assault. “However it is our responsibility as women “Just because a woman does a sexy phototo dress modestly and be classy,” wrote Dougshoot or wears a sexy outfit does not give a man las, 21, who competed alongside Raisman in the the right to shame her or not believe her when Olympics. “Dressing in a provocative/sexual way she comes forward about sexual abuse,” she entices the wrong crowd.” wrote. “What is wrong with some of you?” Biles, 20, jumped in to defend Raisman.
“Honestly seeing this brings me to tears bc as your teammate I expected more from you & to support her,” Biles tweeted. “I support you Aly & all the other women out there!” The same day, Douglas apologized. “I didn’t correctly word my reply & i am deeply sorry for coming off like i don’t stand alongside my teammates,” she tweeted. “Regardless of what you wear, abuse under any circumstance is never acceptable.” Douglas ended her post with the hashtag #metoo, which women and some men are using across social media platforms to share their experiences with sexual assault or harassment. Raisman became the latest gymnast to say she was sexually abused by Dr. Larry Nassar, who is awaiting trial on separate criminal sexual misconduct charges and has been sued by more than 125 women alleging sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty to the assault charges.
classified GREENLINK VEHICLE WRAP REPLACEMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP - 171204
Sealed proposals for vehicle wrap replacement services will be received by the Director of Marketing for the Houston Downtown Management District, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010, through Monday, December 4, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. Submittals by facsimile or e-mail will not be considered. Questions concerning proposals must be submitted in writing prior to 5:00 PM, Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Proposal documents can be accessed online at www.downtowndistrict.org/about-us/procurement.
on the challenges of Hurricane Harvey
the sowing of perseverance, the harvest of brotherly love and the resounding spirit of our great city
Defender network.com
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NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 D EFENDER
Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
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FT. BEND VALUES VETERANS’ DAY SERVICE…….State Rep. Ron protests. KHOU’s Len Cannon served as moderator of the discussion that Reynolds and U.S. Navy veteran Burt Levine hosted the Fourth Annual Fort touched on Colin Kaepernick’s protest of police violence, and the stances of others Bend Values Veterans Day Service saluting and celebrating American veterans like Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Attendees included Dr. James from all branches of military service. It was held at Houston Community College Conyers, Dr. Malachi Crawford, Carl Foster, LaRahia Smith, Dr. Antonio Tillis, Missouri City Campus. The Willowridge High School Junior ROTC performed Danielle Burns Wilson, Tanja Simmons and Dormese Senegal…….. EARL the presentation of colors for those in attendance, including Vanesia Johnson, CARL INSTITUTE’S 25th ANNIVERSARY & FUNDRAISER…….The Earl Regina Gardner, Judge Joel Clouser, Veronica Pina, Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy, Inc. celebrated 25 years Carmen Pina, Rosalind Gary, Larry Blackmon, Merel of pursuing and promoting policy changes for the betterment of the Defender TOP EVENTS urban community via programs like the ECI Juvenile Justice Project, King, Beverly Edwards, Darrah Edwards, Juli Mathew, More photos on defendernetwork.com Alyna Varghese, Missouri City NAACP Director Lynette the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Innocence Project and more. Reddix and more………GAME CHANGERS…….. Georgia Provost and Judge Bill Littlejohn served as event emcees, Iconic 1968 Mexico City Olympian Dr. John Carlos and former Texans great while words of greetings and appreciation were given by several guests including Arian Foster were featured panelists at the University of Houston’s Game Congressman Al Green, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, TSU Provost Dr. Bobby Changers: From Raised Fists to #TakeAKnee. It was sponsored by UH’s Valenti Wilson and NAACP Houston President Dr. James Douglas, who acknowledged the School of Communication and African American Studies Program. Panelists work of ECI founder Dr. Marcia Johnson. ECI director Sarah Guidry welcomed including UH Professor Dr. Gerald Horne and UH alumni and former NFL attendees like Naomi Andrews, who raised over $5,000 for the ECI, Dr. Docia Rudley, player Ed Thomas discussed the history of athletes’ participation in social Dr. Robert Ford, Dr. Charlette Milton, Tony Horton, Danny Norris and others.
Velinda Gates, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Merel King
Ed Thomas, Arian Foster, Dr. John Carlos, Len Cannon
U.S. Rep Al Green, Sarah Guidry, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson
Gunner Sgt. Deontre Jenkins, 1st Lt. Devine Rolling, 2nd Lt. Cecilia Ruiz, Gunner Sgt. Alejandro Castaneda
LaRahia Smith, Dr. Malachi Crawford
Judge Bill Littlejohn, Erica Littlejohn Burnett, Mercy Gagnon
Vanesia Johnson, Constable Gary Majors
Kaila Overton, Amari Wyatt
Araya Dixon, Kristal Scott
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DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 23 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
BUICK ENCLAVE & ENCORE
BLACK FRIDAY EVENT 2017 BUICK ENCLAVE PREMIUM
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11/16/17 3:22 PM