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Volume 79 Number 42 August 12 – 18, 2010 | FREE

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Harry AlfordWill President Obama Snub orLead Africa?

By Kam WilliamsCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Terry Crews has not only oneof the most recognizable faces around, but maybe one of themost recognizable physiques as well. The handsome hunk iscurrently one of the busiest actors in Hollywood, having a trioof flicks released in August alone, namely, “TheExpendables,” “Lottery Ticket” and “Middle Men.” He’s alsostarring in “Are We There Yet,” the hit, new TV sitcom airingon the TBS Network.

Prior to entering showbiz, Terry attended Western MichiganUniversity, where he blossomed into a football phenom as awalk-on. Senior year, he was drafted by the San DiegoChargers, and then went on to enjoy a six-year career in theNFL.

Since retiring from pro football, Terry has already compiledover 40 screen credits, including memorable performances

mostly flexing his pecs in “Training Day,” “TerminatorSalvation,” “Street Kings,” “Get Smart,” “Idiocracy,” “Ballsof Fury,” “Gamer,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “The Longest Yard,”“Deliver Us from Eva,” “Friday after Next,” “White Chicks,”“Malibu’s Most Wanted,” “Click” and “The Benchwarmers.”And on TV, he’s appeared on “The District,” “My Wife andKids,” “CSI: Miami,” “All of Us” and “Everybody HatesChris.”

Terry and his wife, Rebecca, a former beauty queen andChristian recording artist, recently celebrated their 20th wed-ding anniversary. The couple lives in L.A. where they areraising their five children.

Kam Williams: Hey, Terry, thanks again for some time.Terry Crews: Oh, you got it, my man, how’re you doin’?KW: Very well, thanks. Gee, your career has really taken off

since the last time we spoke. TC: Brother, I’m hustling!

Crews enjoys the limelight

By Bill Quigley, Davida Finger and Lance Hill

NNPA SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS

NEW ORLEANS (NNPA) - It will be five yearssince Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans onAugust 29. The impact remains quite painful formany. This article looks at what has happenedsince Katrina - not from the perspective of thehigher ups looking down from their offices, butfrom the street level view of the people – a viewwhich looks at the impact on the elderly, the renter,people of color, the disabled, the working and non-working poor. So, while one commentator mayhappily say that the median income in NewOrleans has risen since Katrina, a street level per-spective recognizes that is because large numbersof the poorest people have not been able to return.

By Zenitha PrinceSPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM

THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Black farmerswere again denied a $1.25 billion settlement in aracial bias case against the federal government,when Senate Republicans on August 5 failed tosupport a unanimous consent on the measure.With Congress now in recess, those farmershave been put on hold again after waiting formore than a decade.

“The Black farmers simply do not have timeto waste waiting for justice,” said John Boyd Jr.,founder and president of the National BlackFarmers Association, in a statement promising tocontinue agitating “every day until Congressacts.”

While the House has twice approved the bill,the Senate has proven slower to act. The moneyis the second round of funds dispersed from the1999 settlement of a class action lawsuit thatclaimed widespread discrimination in the gov-ernment’s award of loans to farmers. The suit isknown as the Pigford case, after TimothyPigford, a Black farmer from North Carolinawho was an original plaintiff.

Roughly $1 billion has been paid to about

16,000 farmers, with most getting payments ofabout $50,000. The new money would go to anestimated 70,000 or 80,000 more farmers whowere denied earlier payments because theymissed deadlines for filing. The amount ofmoney each would get depends on how manyclaims are successfully filed.

In his statement, Boyd outlined the long

process farmers have faced in trying to claim thefunds. “Seemingly obstacle after obstacle isplaced before the Black farmers:

• When the case was settled, the farmers weretold, `Go to Congress;’

• When the House of Representatives passed

★BLACK FARMERS, Page 2

★KATRINA, Page 3

★CREWS, Page 2

New UH deanhas big plans

By Aswad Walker

On July 1st, Dr. John W. Roberts began histenure as Dean of the University of Houston’sCollege of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences(CLASS). Before making his way toHouston, Roberts served as the Dean of Artsand Humanities and a professor of English atOhio State University, where he earned hisPh.D.

A product of Dillon, SC, Roberts earnedhis undergraduate degree from a small, liberalarts school in Tennessee—TusculumCollege—before going on to earn his Mastersdegree from Columbia University. Along witha wealth of administrative experience andscholarly achievement, Roberts brings a com-mitment to provide CLASS students and fac-ulty with an inclusive and diverse environ-ment that provides the international expo-sures necessary to compete in today’s globaleconomy.

Recently, the Defender had the opportunityto speak with Dean Roberts about his plansfor CLASS.

Defender: What are your priorities forCLASS? What do you see as CLASS’s biggestchallenges and areas for growth?

Dr. John W. Roberts: Increasing student suc-cess, which means looking at all things thatimpact upon that success—class size, deliv-ery of subject matter. As aligned with the pri-orities of our president, we are focused onincreasing the number of students who aresuccessful in attaining their educational aspi-rations.

Defender: It is said that throughout yourcareer you have been engaged in activitiesand initiatives designed to support an inclu-sive educational and work environment. Whatis your plan for making such an environmentmore of a reality for CLASS, and for attractingmore minority students and faculty?

Roberts: We have to really put a focus ontaking advantage of opportunities to diversify

★ROBERTS, Page 7

Black farmers dealt another blow

John W. Roberts

John Boyd, Jr. is leading the fight to help black farmers in their racial bias suit againstthe federal government.

A SPECIAL REPORT

Director Spike Lee returns toNew Orleans with a four-hourdocumentary, “If God is willingand da creek dont rise.” The filmdebuts in two parts on Mon.,Aug. 23rd (8pm CT) and Tues.,Aug. 24 (8pm CT) on HBO.

KatrinaHurricane pain level high after five years

Photo: Charley Varlie/HBO

2 AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

the legislation, twice, the farm-ers were told,` Go to theSenate;’

• When the Senate placed thefunding in the FEMA supple-mental, the farmers were told,`Go find offsets;’

• When offsets were identi-fied, the farmers were told,‘Those are not the ‘right’ off-sets, go find others;’

• When the farmers wereplaced in a stand-alone meas-ure, the farmers were told, ̀ Youneed 100% of the Senate tosupport it;’

• When the Senate placed thefunding in the War supplemen-tal, the farmers were told, `‘Noton this bill;’ and most recently

• When the Senate failed topass several unanimous con-sent measures, the farmerswere told, `Later.’”

Senate Majority LeaderHarry Reid (D-Nev.), intro-duced the Black farmers’ casealong with legislation to fundthe $3.4 billion class action set-tlement for Native Americansthat suffered losses from mis-handling of Indian Trust fundaccounts at the Department ofInterior. The legislation wasintroduced as a joint, stand-alone measure after appealsfrom the farmers who believedthat righting such injusticesshould not be a “partisan”issue.

“But that’s exactly whatRepublicans have made it byblocking the long overdue set-tlement of lawsuits for minorityfarmers and Native Americantrust account holders which isfully paid for ... for the sixthtime this year .”

He added, “I challenge myRepublican colleagues to riseabove their petty political cal-culations and think about thoseAmericans who have sufferedinjustices for far too long.”

Boyd said most of the objec-tions, including that ofWyoming Sen. John Barrasso,who questioned the compensa-tion of lawyers involved in thecase, seem directed toward theNative Americans’ case andurged that Pigford be consid-ered on its own.

“These cases deal with dis-crimination involving two sep-arate government departments,two separate issues, and dealwith very different groups ofvictims,” Boyd said. “Whilethey both deserve to beresolved immediately, there isno reason why the Black farm-ers need to wait for a resolutionof disputes over [the NativeAmerican bill] within theSenate when we have broadsupport for the Black farmerssettlement funding.”

Black farmerscontinued from page 1

The Houston Defender Newspaper publishedby The Houston Defender Inc. Company (713) 663-6996. The Defender audited by

Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For sub-scriptions, send $60.00 — 1 year, to:

Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288.Payment must accompany subscriptionrequest. All materials covered by 2009copyright... (No material herein may be

reproduced without the written permission

VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 42 AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010

PublisherSonceria Messiah-Jiles

EditorVon Jiles

Associate EditorReShonda Billingsley

Art DirectorCale Carter

Columnist Yvette Chargois

Sports EditorsMax EdisonDarrell K. Ardison

ContributingWritersAswad Walker

KW: Well, you deserve all the suc-cess that’s been coming your way.It’s especially great to see you get achance to exhibit your range playinga lead in your very own sitcom afterbeing typecast in a lot of beefcakeroles.

TC: Thank you. It feels kind ofweird, because I feel like I’ve gotthis market all to myself right now,at least until some bigger dudecomes along who’s funnier. Theydon’t even have a big, buff whiteguy with his own sitcom right now.

KW: Do you feel a little funny play-ing Nick on “Are We There Yet?”,given that the role was originated bythe show’s executive producer, IceCube, who is also in the cast?

TC: Yeah, at first, I felt a littlefunny when I got the call sayingthey wanted me to play Nick who Cube played,because a lot of people liked that movie and I justdidn’t want to be the one to mess it up. But the factis, Cube has been validating me by letting me knowthat, “We want you to be you, just be Terry Crewsand do what you do.” And the bonus of having himacting in the series kind of validates it and gives theshow his stamp of approval.

KW: So, you’re not intimidated by the presence onthe set of the actor who originated the role?

TC: No, no, never, never. The only thing intimi-dating about Cube is that he’s the father of gangsta’rap. You just worry about getting your lines right, orhe might shoot you. [Laughs]

KW: How’s it working opposite Essence Atkinswho plays your wife?

TC: Let me tell you, I always wanted to work withEssence ever since seeing the way she was doingcomedy in “Dance Flick.” She’s so gorgeous, youhad to wonder whether she’s willing to get a littleugly and whether I was getting a person I couldreally bounce off of. But she’s been great! And Ijust really feel blessed to be working with this entirecast and crew, it’s been like a family.

KW: Well, one of your three movies opening thismonth is “The Expendables,” co-starring SylvesterStallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mickey Rourke,Jason Statham, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Jet Li, DolphLundgren, Bruce Willis and Randy Couture. I’ve never

seen so much beefcake in one movie. TC: I’m telling everybody, “Bring your deodorant

to the theater, because it’s going to be funky fromall those dudes in there.” [Laughs]

KW: Was it a nightmare on the set with so manybig egos to juggle?

TC: No, it was awesome! Look, there are egoseverywhere. There was definitely a pecking order,and when Stallone walked in, we were like, “Allhail!” He came in with his big forearms, pointingand telling everybody where he wanted the cameraswith his big cigar ablazing, and you just go, “This isStallone!” with admiration, because none of uswould be here without this guy. That’s the thing, hechanged movies forever. And remember how hewrote the first “Rocky” in a few days, and wouldn’tsell the script even though he was starving, becausethey wanted to put somebody else in the lead role.To see what he’s accomplished, dog, that’s what it’sall about.

KW: Did you learn anything from working withhim?

TC: Yeah, he took me under his wing, and showedme a lot of what being a star is all about. It’s reallyabout humility. He works the hardest. Like they say,“To be king of all, you must be servant of all.” Hewas out there doing everything.

KW: How was it making “Lottery Ticket?” TC: I have the greatest appreciation for [produc-

ers] Matt Alvarez and Ice Cube. Theyput me in “Friday after Next,” andnow this, which I hope is just the startof a long, wonderful relationship. Ilove the urban comedies, because theykeep you famous, keep you havingfun, and keep you in love with thebusiness. Those are my roots. I’llalways love doing those.

KW: Is there any question no oneever asks you, that you wish someonewould?

TC: Wow! I think I’ve been askedalmost everything. [LOL]KW: When you look in the mirror, whatdo you see?

TC: I see a wrinkled head! [Giggles]KW: If you could have one wish

instantly granted, what would that befor?

TC: Wow! That we would all be inHeaven. KW: What advice do you have for any-one who wants to follow in your foot-

steps?TC: Have resolve! Just be resilient, and never,

ever, ever stop!KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?TC: Buffalo rib-eye steaks, on the grill, is my

favorite meal, seriously. It has less fat, more vita-mins and more protein than beef. It is wonderful.Look, it was what the Indians ate, and they werevery healthy. It’s very good meat.

KW: What do you consider your biggest accom-plishment?

TC: My family. When I look at my family, that’sall life means, right there.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?TC: Dessert. [LOL]

KW: How can your fans help you?TC: By just being respectful and cool.

KW: What was the biggest obstacle you had to over-come in life?

TC: Coming out of Flint, Michigan. I went backthere recently to visit my parents. The city’s stilldeteriorating, which is very, very sad to see.

KW: How do you want to be remembered? TC: As a great father. KW: Thanks again for the interview, Terry, and

best of luck with all your many endeavors. TC: Thank you, Kam, it was nice speaking with

you again. Take care.

Crewscontinued from page 1

Photo:David Lee

Brandon T. Jackson, Bow Wow, Terry Crews and Keith David in WarnerBros. Pictures' Lottery Ticket (2010).

Five years after Katrina, tens of thousandsof homes in New Orleans remain vacant orblighted. Tens of thousands of African-American children who were in the publicschools have not made it back, nor have theirparents. New Orleans has lost at least100,000 people. Thousands of elderly anddisabled people have not made it back.Affordable housing is not readily availableso tens of thousands pay rents that are out ofproportion to their wages. Race and genderremain excellent indicators of who is under-paid, who is a renter, who is in public schooland who is low income.

In short, the challenges facing NewOrleans after Katrina are the same ones fac-ing millions of people of color, women, theelderly and disabled and their children acrossthe U.S. Katrina just made these challengesclearer in New Orleans than in many otherplaces. Here is where we are five years later:Overall population

Five years after Katrina, the most liberalestimates are that 141,000 fewer people livein the metro New Orleans area. The actualpopulation changes will not be clear untilofficial Census Bureau findings are releasedin November, but it is safe to say that over100,000 fewer live in the City of NewOrleans.

The New Orleans metro area is made up ofseveral parishes, primarily Orleans,Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St.Tammany. Orleans had 455,000 peoplebefore Katrina. Now they have 354,000.Jefferson had 451,000 before Katrina; now443,000. Plaquemines had 28,000 beforeKatrina; now 20,000. St. Bernard had 64,000before Katrina; now 40,000.Displaced People

Louisiana residents are located in morethan 5,500 cities across the nation, the largestconcentrations in Houston, Dallas, Atlantaand San Antonio. A majority of displacedresidents are women – 59 percent, comparedto 41 percent men. A third earn less than$20,000 a year. Lost Housing

More than one in four residential address-es in New Orleans is vacant or blighted – byfar the highest rate in the U.S. Though thenumbers have been reduced somewhat in thelast three years, 50,100 residential propertiesin New Orleans remain blighted or have nostructure on them.

About 58 percent of city renters and 45percent of suburban renters pay more than 35percent of their pre-tax household income forhousing. Households should spend less than

30 percent of income on housing. Anythingover 30 percent means that housing is notreally affordable for that family and they arelikely to cut back on other necessities.

Over 5,000 families are on the waiting listfor traditional public housing and another28,960 families are on the waiting list forhousing vouchers – more than double what itwas before Katrina and the governmentdestruction of thousands of public housingapartments. Since the post-Katrina bulldoz-ing of several major public housing develop-ments, there has been more than a 75 percentreduction in the number of public housingapartments available. Rebuilding

Under Louisiana’s “Road Home” programto rebuild storm-damaged housing, rebuild-ing grants for homeowners on average fellabout $35,000 short. The shortfall hit highlyflooded, historically African-American com-munities particularly hard. The Greater NewOrleans Fair Housing Action Center filedsuit in 2008 against state and federal agen-cies charging that the grant policy was racial-ly discriminatory and that Black homeown-ers received far smaller grants than Whitehomeowners.

The judge in that case has opined that “onaverage, African-American homeownersreceived awards that fell farther short of thecost of repairing their homes than did Whiterecipients.” The judge also found it “regret-

table that this effort” to rebuild New Orleans“appears to have proceeded in a manner thatdisadvantaged African-American homeown-ers who wish to repair their homes.”

At least 19,746 applications for rebuildinghomes that are eligible for funding have notreceived any money from the Road HomeProgram grants.Economic Health

The metro area has 95,000 fewer jobs thanbefore Katrina, down about 16 percent.

Black and Latino households earn incomesthat are $26,000 (44 percent) and $15,000(25 percent) lower than Whites. Whitehousehold income is $56,000, Latino house-hold income is $41,000 and African-American household income is $35,000 inthe metro New Orleans area.

New Orleans has a poverty rate of 23 per-cent more than double the national averageof 11 percent. But because of the loss of peo-ple in New Orleans, there are now more poorpeople living in the surrounding suburbanparishes than in the city.

Within New Orleans the majority of house-holds are lower-income.Public and Private Education

The number of students in public schoolsin New Orleans, which are over 90 percentAfrican-American, has declined by 43 per-cent since Katrina.

But an average increase of 5 percent a yearin enrollment for the last two years (35,976

to 38,051 from 2008-2009 alone) indicatesthat people whose children attend publicschools continue to return as housing andemployment opportunities allow.

In 2008, 85 percent of White students inNew Orleans attended private schools, one ofthe highest percentages in a major city in theU.S.

New Orleans now has more charterschools than any other public school systemin the country. Of the 89 public schools inNew Orleans, 48, more than half, are charterschools. In other words, sixty percent of stu-dents now attend privately managed but pub-licly funded schools. The Metro area hasrecovered 79 percent of public and privateschool enrollment.People Receiving Public Assistance

More than one-third of Social Securityrecipients who lived in New Orleans havenot returned. There were 74,535 in 2004 and47,000 in December 2009.

Medicaid recipients have declined by 31percent: pre-Katrina enrollment in Medicaidin New Orleans was 134,249. December2009 enrollment was 93,310.

Supplemental Security Income recipientsare down from pre-Katrina 26,654 to 16,514– a 38 percent decline.Public Transportation

Total ridership has declined to 65.7 percent– from over 33 million in 2004 to about 13million projected for 2010.Crime

Violent crimes and property crimes haverisen in New Orleans since Katrina andremain well above national rates.

The challenges of post-Katrina NewOrleans reflect the problems of many urbanand suburban areas of the US – insufficientaffordable rents, racially segregated schoolswith falling populations, great disparities inincome by color of households, serious pol-lution from corporations, and reductions inthe public services like transportation.Katrina made these more visible five yearsago and continues to make a great illustrationof America’s failures to treat all citizens withdignity and its failure to achieve our promiseof liberty and justice for all.Bill Quigley is legal director of the Center for

Constitutional Rights and a law professor at Loyola

University New Orleans; Davida Finger is also a law

professor at Loyola University New Orleans; Lance

Hill is executive director of the Southern Institute for

Education and Research at Tulane University. They

can be reached at quigley77@gmail.com;

dfinger@loyno.edu; and lhill@tulane.edu respectively.

AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER 3

Katrinacontinued from page 1

Photo: Harold Baquet

While New Orleans has successfully begun its rebuilding project, five years later,African-Americans are still struggling twice as hard as Whites.

When the word came down the pikethat I would be test-driving a Volkswagenproduct for the next seven days, severalkey words came to mind.

Safety, reliability and quality were atthe top of the list.

I share some history withVolkswagen. It was a VolkswagenBeetle that took me through fouryears of college, nearly 250 milesfrom home back in the day.

Those were the good old days- no fears, no worries and noproblems.

When the 2010 VolkswagenGolf arrived on the scene, itwas like deja’ vu.

My daughter Kimberly washome for the weekend and shewanted to hang out with her dad.So back and forth across this greatcity of ours we drove, and drove,and drove some more.

Being the sportsman that I am,we had to take in a few games. Herfriends were lighting up the cellphone so we had to make a fewstops. The Golf was more than up tothe task.

Equipped with a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower, five-cylinder enginematched with a six-speed automatictransmission, the Golf had more thanenough firepower to meet our needs.Kim asked if it was an eight-cylin-der, because she knew it had waymore power than her four-cylinderDodge.

With its low stance, the Golf has a niceride accented by electro-mechanical powersteering and independent front and rear sus-pension.

Standard features include cruise control,multifunction trip computer and compass

with outside temperature display, powerheated outside mirrors, height-adjustablesteering wheel column, remote keylessentry, dual illuminated front visor vanitymirrors, front and rear reading lights andpower windows with pinch protection.

Safety features include driver and front

passenger air bag supplementalrestraint system (SRS), driver and frontpassenger side air bag (SRS), side cur-tain protection head impact air bags,head restraints for all seating positions,side protection door beams, tire pres-sure monitoring system and anti-theftalarm with immobilizer theft deterrentsystem.

A driver care option package added apower sunroof and heated front seats. Mydaughter figured if it had heated seats, itshould have also had steering wheel mount-ed controls for the stereo. That’s about theonly minus we could come up with.

Speaking of the audio system with in-dashsingle CD player with MP3 format capabili-

ty and surround sound, it’s as if you’re sit-ting in the middle of the band. You get toyour destination and just sit in the car untilthe song concludes.

That’s what I’m talking about!The 2010 Golf has earned five-star gov-

ernment safety ratings from the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) in the side front seat and crashrear seat categories. Four stars were award-ed in the frontal driver, crash passenger androllover divisions.All this at a base price a little over $19,000.

This should come as no surprise. It is aVolkswagen.

AUTO NEWSBy Darrell K. Ardison

2010 Volkswagen Golf

GOLF: HIGHLIGHTS

MSRP base price$19,190 (as tested-$21,165)

Engine2.5-liter V5

TransmissionSix-speed automatic

Fuel economy23 miles per gallon (city),30 mpg (highway)

Combined fuel economy26 miles per gallon

4 AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Although Houston Yatessuffered key losses to gradua-tion from an offense that aver-aged more than 37 points pergame in 2009, seven startersback on defense has headcoach Ronald Miller brimmingwith confidence entering the2010 season.

Three of the secondary’sfour starters are back, includ-ing Carlos Brown and TerrellStafford. That tandem com-bined for four interceptionslast season. Running the ballagainst the Lions doesn’tpromise to be any easier withnose tackle Rickey Jackson,defensive end JamespaulBryant and linebacker MalcomHoward leading the charge.

Miller hopes his defense cankeep opponents’ scoring at aminimum until the offense canget some seasoning.Sharpstown, district newcomerHouston Sterling and Waltripfigure to be the top contendersfor the district’s four playoffberths.

Even with some questionmarks, Texas FootballMagazine lists Yates as thehands-down favorite to winthe District 21-4A title.

The 2009 season left a badtaste in the mouths of manyWheatley High School faithfulafter an ineligible player costthe Wildcats a first-roundplayoff victory. A 7-4 or betterseason would have tied for theschool’s best finish since1980.

Yet second-year head coachCornelius McFarland has

HOF Ceremony DeliversThere are very few sports

events that consistently delivera “must see TV” event, year inand year out. Right off the bat,nothing competes with theMarch Madness NCAA tour-nament for sheer excitementevery year. Now they havesome competition - the NFLHall of Fame induction cere-mony.

This past weekend the NFLinducted the 2010 class intothe shrine in Canton, Ohio.Dick LeBeau, Rickey Jackson,Russ Grimm, John Randle,Floyd Little, Jerry Rice andEmmitt Smith all receivedtheir bronze busts.

Smith, the NFL’s All-Timeleading rusher, was over-whelmed at the honor.

“Most people only dream,”Smith said. “I not only had mychildhood dream, I did every-thing I could to fulfill it.”

Former Mississippi ValleyAll-American Jerry Rice alsoacknowledged the significanceof the honor.

“I can honestly say this isthe greatest team I have everbelonged to,” Rice said.

Former Detroit Lion cor-nerback and current PittsburghSteeler defensive coordinatorDick LeBeau, was the oldestinductee.

“I am being inducted as aplayer and believe me, thatmakes me most proud,” saidLeBeau, at 73, the oldest coor-dinator in the NFL. “I did thatfor 14 years, but for the last 38years, I have been a footballcoach.”

Former Viking defensiveend John Randle, a native ofMumford, Texas and anundrafted free agent fromTexas A&I, it was the ultimatehonor.

“I am so humbled by this

★ARDISON, Page 7

★EDISON, Page 6

AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER 5SPORTS

Max Edisonon

Sports

Darrell Ardison

on H.S.Sports

By Max EdisonDEFENDER

The 2009 season was a season toremember for the HoustonCougar football faithful. The

Coogs finished the season with a 10-4record, going 6-2 in conference play,claiming the CUSA Western Divisioncrown. Head coach Kevin Sumlin sawhis troops rise as high as number 12 inthe national polls. The Cougarsbecame the only BCS non-AutomaticQualifier team to defeat three BCS AQteams, defeating number fiveOklahoma State in Stillwater, as wellas Texas Tech at home and MississippiState on the road.

The team got a record setting per-formance from quarterback CaseKeenum, who led the nation in totaloffense for the second straight season,averaging more than 400 yards pergame. He posted a school-record5,671 passing yards with 44 touch-downs.

With his passing yardage, hebecame only the second player inNCAA Division I Football BowlSubdivision history with multiple5,000-yard passing seasons during hiscareer. He enters the 2010 season onthe cusp of setting many NCAADivision I-FBS passing and totaloffense career records.

For all the success the team enjoyedin 2009, it ended on a bittersweet noteas they finished the season with con-secutive losses; to East Carolina in the

CUSA Championship, 38-32 and toAir Force in the Bell HelicopterArmed Forces Bowl, 47-20.

For the 2010 campaign the Cougarsreturn seven starters on offense andseven starters on defense. The Cougarsare a very talented team that learned avaluable lesson on how to handle suc-cess in 2009.

“I said last year we were talentedenough to win every game, but it washow we were going to handle it thatwould make the difference. We werein a situation where it was unchartedwater for us,” Sumlin recounted.“We’ve got coaches who have beenthrough a lot, but players that had notbeen through what they had beenthrough last year. They hadn’t seennational media, phone calls and peoplepatting you on the back and all kindsof stuff.

“Sometimes dealing with success ismore difficult than dealing with fail-ure,” he continued. “My grandfatherhad a saying ‘let him find out for him-self, then he’ll be easy to tell’. You cantell somebody what’s gonna’ happenand how to deal with stuff all youwant, but it’s a heck of a lot easieronce they’ve been through it. Themajority of those guys are back andthey have learned from those mis-takes.”

In order for the team to improve in2010, they’ll need another record-set-ting performance from All-American

By Darrell K. ArdisonDEFENDER

When the conversation comes toconstants among Class 5A footballpowerhouses in the greater Houstonarea, two names almost always sur-face. Katy and North Shore willeventually make their presence felt.

With eight starters back from a2009 squad that finished 14-2 andearned a berth in the 5A Division IIstate title game, Katy head coachGary Joseph has several impressivestreaks that he’d like his Tigers tobuild on. Another double-digit winseason would make nine in a rowand 14 of the last 15.

The Tigers have been a model ofconsistency throughout the past 10years. Katy has advanced to thestate quarterfinals in 12 of the last13 seasons, including eight in a rowdating back to 2002.

Katy won four state divisiontitles from 2000 through 2009,tying Celina and Southlake Carrollfor the most in Texas. The Tigersled the way with six appearances inthe state semifinal round. For thedecade Katy compiled an outstand-ing 132-18 ledger for a .880 win-ning percentage. Only Celina(Class 3A) fared better with a 132-14 mark (.904).

Joseph’s teams always have twofactors in common – a punishingrushing game and a terrific defense.With running back DonovonnYoung back in the fold along withthe return of defensive stalwartsNick Narcisse (DE) and ColtAtwood (DB), Katy remains athreat for another regional title.

North Shore finally displayed

some chinks in the armor in 2009with two district losses (BeaumontWest Brook, Port Arthur Memorial)after going nearly a decade withoutone. Yet with the return of key play-ers like offensive lineman SedrickFlowers, cornerback MiketaviusJones, linebacker Derrick Mathewsand quarterback Keenon Gibsonalong with the coaching stabilitysupplied by head coach DavidAymond and his staff, the Mustangsonly figure to get better.

The 2010 edition of DaveCampbell’s Texas FootballMagazine has Katy ranked No. 3 inits preseason state 5A poll whileNorth Shore comes in at No. 9 andBeaumont West Brook is No. 10.

However, Katy’s main competi-tion may come from within its owndistrict (19-5A) where rival Cinco

Ranch is ranked No. 8 in the pre-season state poll. Head coach DonClayton has a dynamic runner inK.C. Nlemchi, who rushed fornearly 2,400 yards last season. Addthat to 10 other returning startersback along with an experienceddefense and you could have themakings of a state champion.

Cinco Ranch and Katy will meetin week 10 of the regular season todecide the district title and playoffseedings.

Other Houston area schools tomake the Texas Football Magazine5A Top 25 preseason poll includeThe Woodlands (No. 11), Lufkin(No. 14), Cypress Creek (No. 16),Clear Springs (No. 17) and FortBend Hightower (No. 20).

Cypress Creek is primed to put alot of points on the scoreboard dur-

ing the 2010 campaign. Head coachGreg McCaig is blessed with thelikes of running back JermichaelSelders and quarterback ChuckyKeeton. Selders rushed for morethan 1,400 yards and 21 touch-downs last season and McCaigdescribes the two-time all-districtperformer as a “fast and violentrunner with a great burst of speed.”

McCaig says that Keeton is elu-sive, athletic and one of the best inthe Houston area. Keeton rushedfor 1,145 yards and six touchdownsa year ago. Together , Selders andKeeton comprise one of the tophigh school backfields in Texas.Defensive lineman George Woodswill anchor the Cougars’ defense.

The Woodlands is led by star

★FOOTBALL Page 6

High school football players throughout greater Houston are getting ready for the 2010 season thatbegins in two weeks.

★COUGARS, Page 6

2010CougarsPoised to do Great Things

Is Houston ready for some HighSchool Football in 2010?

Case Keenum

James Cleveland

Tyrone Campbell

Matt Nicholson

running back Daniel Lasco anda defensive front seven thattakes a backseat to no one.Lufkin and The Woodlandswill vie for supremacy inDistrict 14-5A and contend forthe Region II-5A crown.Lufkin head coach JohnOutlaw has 10 starters backfrom an 8-3 squad thatadvanced to the bi-districtround of the playoffs.

Lufkin’s best returning play-ers include quarterbackDeauntre Smiley, defensiveend Darrell Kelly-Thomas andlinebacker Tommie Mark.Smiley has 17 TDs passing and17 TDs rushing last season.

Fort Bend Hightower hasexperienced some of the mostsuccess among Houston areaschools over the past decadewith more than 90 victories.

Yet with the opening of thenew Fort Bend Ridge PointHigh School this year (2010-2011), Hightower will soonlose some of its more produc-tive neighborhoods in the terri-torial rights.

Hightower already lost headcoach Shane Hallmark to KleinHigh School during the offsea-son and will have to replace 10defensive starters. BarryAbercrombie takes over ashead coach with an experi-enced offensive backfield ledby running back John Parrham,quarterback Bralon Addisonalong with junior JoshuaWilhite and sophomoreJaquinn Henderson.

Addison was the District 23-5A offensive sophomore of theyear in 2009. Yet Abercrombieand his staff will have to find anumber of answers across thefield if the two-time defendingdistrict champs are going tothree-peat.

In just three years, ClearSprings has turned itself intoone of the region’s elite pro-grams and head coach ClintHartman has 11 starters backfrom last year’s 11-3 5ADivision II regional finalist.Two-way performer TreveonRandle (LB/RB) and defensiveback Sam Richardson lead anexperienced group laden withcollege recruits.

Footballcontinued from page 5

6 AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDERSPORTS

incredible honor, which Inever thought was possible.I’m a small-town kid whosedream came true.”

Washington Redskin guardRuss Grimm, a three-timeSuper Bowl winner and col-lege teammate of fellowinductee Rickey Jackson atthe University of Pittsburgh,counted his career in pro foot-ball as a privilege.

“It’s a privilege to play inthe NFL,” said Grimm, nowthe assistant head coach of theArizona Cardinals. “It’s beena privilege to coach in theNFL. It’s an honor to beselected here in Canton.”

Former New Orleans Saintsand San Francisco 49er line-backer Rickey Jackson, fromtiny Pahokee, Florida, reaf-firmed his selection to theprestigious Hall.

“I think I deserve to be uphere,” Jackson said. “Footballalways has been my life. I seethat in these guys up here[onstage], how they carriedthemselves. They set the stan-dard.”

Running back Floyd Little,the Denver Bronco’s firstfranchise superstar, was liter-ally speechless with his induc-tion.

“There are no words todescribe the joy of experienc-ing this chapter, the highesthonor ... everything elsepales.”

For those fans of the NFLand fans of talented person’swho exemplify the Americanideal of hard work, family,success and teamwork, veryfew events are equal to theNFL’s HOF production.

Edisoncontinued from page 5

QB Case Keenum. After the success thatKeenum has had during his career, Sumlin stilladmires his passion to improve.

“He’s made strides every year he’s beenhere. He’s the first one in the door at the end ofthe year, wanting to know how he can get bet-ter. I don’t think there’s anybody who worksharder than him in the off season. Not only onthe field and in the weight room, but alsowatching video. Physically, he’s better and as aleader he’s grown from a lead-by-example guyto a more vocal leader. Our team respects himas much as a man as they do as a player. That’sthe best compliment I can give any player I’veever coached. I don’t know how much betteryou can be than leading the country. I don’tthink there’s a better statistic!”

Keenum is blessed to have a talented trio ofreceivers at his disposal. The trio of JamesCleveland, Patrick Edwards and Tyron Carrieris the only receiving trio in school history torecord 1,000-yard seasons in the same year.Baytown product Cleveland, an All-Americanproduct, led the team in receptions (104),receiving yardage (1214) and touchdownreceptions (14). The transfer from TrinityValley C. C. immediately became Case’sfavorite target. A relationship they developedfrom extensive summer workouts.

“It all started last summer when I enrolled insummer classes last June,” Cleveland recalled.“We started spending a lot of time together,

working on individual routes,seven-on-seven and that actual-ly paid off last season. This sea-son it’s going to be the exactsame, if not better.”

For all the accolades in 2009,2010’s goals are clearly definedfor J.C.

“We didn’t win the confer-ence last year. We won theWest, but that wasn’t enough.We want to win the West againthis year, but this time bring theconference championshiphome.”

While offense has been the hallmark of theCougars success, in order for the team to havea big year, they must make significantimprovement on defense. To that end, Sumlinhas tabbed Brian Stewart, a highly respectedformer NFL defensive coordinator (Cowboys)to redirect the team’s defensive efforts.Stewart has installed the 3-4 defense andbrought a defensive philosophy that Sumlinrespects.

“I like what Coach Stewart is doing, disguis-ing coverages and not just sitting there,”Sumlin explained. “We’re not going to be abend, but don’t break defense. We tried thatand it really didn’t work too well. Let’s trysomething else, we couldn’t be much worse.”

Of course the fact that Stewart has NFLpedigree is definitely an attention getter for hisyoung troops.

“I think when he comes into the room its

instant credibility. I like theenergy he has our guys playingwith, I like the scheme,” CoachSumlin said. “The collegiategame is very different from thepro game, especially when youcome in as a coordinator prac-ticing against our offense. It’s alittle bit different than saywhen you’re lining up againstthe Philadelphia Eagles. I thinkfor the first time since we’vebeen here my philosophy haschanged, instead of scoring a

bunch of points and trying to keep people infront of us, I think we now have three phasesof aggressive football. We’re aggressive onoffense, we’ve been aggressive on specialteams, I think we’ve blocked 11-12 kicks(punts) in the last two years and now I thinkwe’ve got a defense that fulfills all three phas-es.”

For the 3-4 defense to be successful, thefoundation is a big strong defensive frontthree. Coach Sumlin feels they now have theprerequisite size up front to make a difference.

“I think our three defensive line startersright now are legitimate guys,” Sumlin said.“David Hunter is 295 lbs. (DT, 6’2”), Tyrone

Campbell is 299 lbs. (DT, 6’1”) and Tonga(Matangi, DT) is 294 lbs., so we’re headed inthe right direction. We’re on the right path andwe’ll get more linebackers on the field withtheir speed.”

If the front 3 of the 3-4 are the foundationof the defense, the linebackers are the stars ofthe show. They create havoc and make playsall over the field. A concept that has returninginside ‘backer, starter Matt Nicholson excited.

“We’ve got lots of talented linebackers, sothat plays to our strength,” Nicholsonacknowledged. “In that sense the transitionwas better for the players we have. It’s reallygoing to open things up for us, people reallyaren’t going to know what we’re doing andwhen we’re going to do it. That will definitelyplay to our advantage.”

Since Nicholson is a three-year lettermanand two-year starter, he takes a very practicalapproach to the team’s 2010 prospects.

“We can’t get too ahead of ourselves. We’vegot to stay focused, be mature. We’ve got towin the first game on the schedule before wecan worry about any of the rest of them.”

Truer words were never spoken and theCougars seemed poised to take the next stepforward.

Cougarscontinued from page 5

CLASSIFIED

Bid Notice for Demolition of FormerPilgrim Elementary School

Houston Independent School District (HISD)The Houston Independent School District will receive bids from contractors for demolition of theformer Pilgrim Elementary School. The work includes abatement, demolition and site work. Bidsare due no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at 4400 West 18th Street,Office of Board Services, Level 1, Houston, Texas 77092. Former Pilgrim Elementary School islocated at 3315 Barrington Road, Houston, Texas 77056.

The bid package, which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday,August 16, 2010, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Avenue,Houston, Texas 77027, telephone (713) 621-0022. All information will be available electronicallyupon request to vault@aecomplex.com. Documents are also available from A&E on disk in pdfformat or printed for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Anyquestions regarding bid documents are to be addressed to Carol Vick Architect, LLC, attn: JoeFong, e-mail: jfong@vickarchitect.com, 2000 N Loop W, Suite 240, Houston, Texas 77018, office713-316-9210, fax 713-316-0893.

The Competitive Bid process will be utilized as authorized in Senate Bill 669, Section 44.040 ofthe Texas Education Code.

Bids will be opened and the amounts read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on the due date. M/WBE forms,schedules and statements, as required by the project manual and in accordance with the Officeof Business Assistance, will be received at 2:00 p.m., on the due date at 4400 West 18th Street,Office of Board Services, Level 1, Houston, Texas 77092. Proposals submitted without M/WBEForms, properly completed, will be considered non-compliant.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at former PilgrimElementary School, 3315 Barrington Road, Houston, Texas 77056.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Elvis Eaglin, at 713-556-6526, or eeaglin@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at the Reed Construction Data Electronic PlanRoom and the following Houston locations:

Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700

McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Plan Room, 10106 Hempstead Rd., Ste.110, (713) 316 9411

Associated Builders & Contractors, 3910 Kirby, #131, (713) 523-6222

Revive Houston Plan Room, Roland W. Smith Bldg., Rm. 122, 5555 Community College Dr,Houston 77013, (281) 704-9269

NOTICE AND INFORMATION FOR BIDDERSThe Houston Independent School District will receive lump sum bids from Contractors until 2:00p.m., Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at the Board Services Office, 4400 West 18th Street, 1C,Houston, Texas 77092 for the SPARK Park at Travis Elementary School. The work on this projectconsists of site clearing, grading, construction of a raised viewing platform and other siteimprovements, furnishings and associated site work. Forms, schedules and statements requiredby the District’s Business Development and Assistance Program will be received until 2:00 p.m.,Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Bids will be opened and read aloud at that time. Pre-bid con-ference attendance is MANDATORY. The Pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday,August 18, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at Travis Elementary School, 3311 Beauchamp, Houston, Texas77009-6613. Bid documents will be available on line Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at theHISD web site, www.houston.org. Click on “Doing Business with HISD. Once on theMaterials Management page select “Procurement Services’ then ‘ Proposal Solicitation.For additional information contact LaJuan A. Harris at (713) 676-9272.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOLDISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational SupportCenter at 4400 West 18th Street Houston,Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated dateand time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 ‘

• Project 10-08-02 – RFP/Partnership Based Fine Arts Residencies, Performances, Field TripsAnd/Or Staff Development in Art, Music, Theater or Dance – with a deadline of 10 A.M.; August25, 2010.The pre-proposal conference for this project will be held in room 2W26 on August 18,2010 at 10 A.M.

• Project 10-08-03 – E-Rate Consulting Service. The opening date and time for this project isAugust 25, 2010 @ 2:00 PM. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C01on August 18, 2010 starting at 1:00 pm.

• Project 10-08-04 –RFP– Workers Compensation Health Care Group – with a deadline of 11 A.M.September 8, 2010. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at theabove stated address on August 19, 2010 at 11 A.M.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the

proposal that is most advantageous to the District.The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

Scwyana Smith

Kevin Sumlin

AUGUST 12 –18, 2010 | DEFENDER 7

the student body and facultyand staff. Diversity must bepart of the design, and over-all program. When we havethe opportunity to hire out-standing African-Americanfaculty, we need to do it. Weall need to make sure that wehave an environment that iswelcoming to a diverse facul-ty and student population.There has to be sufficientsupport systems in place suchas the African-AmericanStudies Program, theWomen’s Studies Program,and others. Moreover, wemust make sure that we havemore social activities avail-able that reflect the interestsand meet the needs of adiverse and internationalcampus community.

Defender: What programsor initiatives do you plan toimplement to provide CLASSstudents and faculty witheven more global experi-ences, and why is this so crit-ical for today’s and tomor-row’s graduates?

Roberts: Currently, I’m try-ing to figure out just what weare doing to internationalizethe campus. I am hearing thatwe (UH) have a very diversecampus as this has been apriority for the university forquite some time. Still, wemust make sure that all ourstudents have an internationalexperience, such as moreopportunities for studyabroad programs. And notjust to the usual destinations,but offering many moreopportunities to travel to andstudy in Asia and Africa.These types of experiencesand exposures are critical tomaking sure our students areequipped to enter the globalmarketplace. With a globaleconomy, a reality the worldour students will enterdemands that they are able tomaneuver successfully insuch an environment.

Defender: What person(s)or past experiences influ-

enced you to pursue educa-tion as a career?

Roberts: Growing up inDillon, SC, near MyrtleBeach, I experienced segre-gated schools for most of mylife. In fact, I did not havemy first white teacher until Iattended college. But myteachers were excellent aboutencouraging students whoevidenced intellectual prom-ise to go forward in pursuitof higher education, and notjust for the student’s personalbenefit but also for the bene-fit of the Black community.My teachers were my realrole models through whatthey taught and the valuesthey lived.

Defender: Do you have amentor(s); if so, who?

Roberts: My grandfatherwas my greatest mentor. Hehad no formal education, andwas a sharecropper. My daddied when I was a child, so Iwas raised by my grandfa-ther. And he would alwayssay, “Boy, you get your edu-cation. It can take youplaces.” Everyone around mesaw me following in my

grandfather’s footstepsexcept him. He encouragedme constantly to get my edu-cation. And it has taken meplaces. I could never haveimagined then that one day Iwould be sitting here as adean at the University ofHouston.

Defender: What word ofadvice do you have specifi-cally for Black males who arefacing challenges nationallyregarding the importance ofpursuing an education?

Roberts: I would tell themthat education is a passport towherever you want to go inlife. I would tell young broth-ers, especially thosewrestling with challengingsituations and hard decisionsthat an education will pro-vide them with a path towardwhatever goal they have fortheir lives and their futures.

Defender: What is the mostsatisfying aspect of your jobas an educator/administra-tor?

Roberts: Being able to getthings done that make a realdifference in the lives of fac-ulty and students. As a facul-ty member you can directlyaffect the lives of students.As an administrator you canaffect the total environmentin which students learn andin which faculty memberswork. I enjoy that thorough-ly; being able to make a dif-ference in the lives of somany people.

Defender: How will UH’spursuit of Tier One statushelp or hinder UH’s recruit-ment of more AfricanAmerican and Latino stu-dents?

Roberts: It will certainlyhelp because Tier One statusgoes directly towardstrengthening our reputationas an institution. Tier Onestatus broadens opportunitiesfor everyone—students, fac-ulty and staff. It allows us theopportunity to educate morestudents at the undergraduateand graduate levels. Andemployers today are lookingfor students who are highlyeducated, not just slightly

educated. Tier One statusallows us the opportunity tograduate more highly educat-ed students.

Defender: What plans doyou have to increase thenumber of minority faculty inCLASS? Is being aware of theopportunities for diversityenough?

Roberts: Being aware ofthose opportunities is stepnumber one. Having a com-mitment to diversity is steptwo. And for some, theirapproach to diversity ismonolithic, meaning the onlytime they consider hiring anAfrican American facultymember is when the subjectmatter is inherently AfricanAmerican focused such asAfrican American Studies.We have to realize that thereare African American schol-ars out there who bring withthem an expertise in econom-ics, quantum physics andother disciplines. We have toview every faculty openingas an opportunity to increasefaculty diversity.

Robertscontinued from page 1

HOMETOWNDillon, SC

EDUCATIONOhio State University, Ph.D.Columbia University, MastersTusculum College, Undergraduate degree

BOOK AND ARTICLES PUBLISHEDFrom Trickster to Badman: The Black Folk Hero in Slavery and FreedomFrom Hucklebuck to Hip Hop: Social Dance in the African AmericanCommunity in PhiladelphiaAfrican American Folklore in a Discourse of Folkness (in progress)Numerous articles, book reviews, and papers on African-American liter-ature and American folklore

DR. JOHN W. ROBERTS:HIGHLIGHTS

some positions to fill followingkey losses at the skill posi-tions. Center Wayne Blount IIIwill have to lead an offensiveline that must create room forinexperienced skill players.

Defensive back DevontePotier registered five intercep-tion in 2009 and McFarlandconsiders him to be a leaderalong with sophomore defen-sive lineman De’XavierLancaster.

Furr, Worthing, Jones andWashington figure to be thetop contenders for the remain-ing three playoff berths inDistrict 22-4A. Jones andWashington will have first-year head coaches whileWorthing head coach BrandonEllis has a four-year starter inquarterback Kyle McDonald.

In District 20-5A, Lamarand Madison have been play-off mainstays forever. YetWestside, Chavez, Westburyand Bellaire harbor playoffaspirations as well.

Lamar may have the edge inoverall talent with the return ofquarterback Bram Kohlhausen,running back Darren Ervin,offensive tackle KourtlandtAtkins, defensive end AlonzoMitchell and defensive backEarl Foster. Kohlhausen,Foster and Atkins have alreadypledged to the University ofHouston while Ervin has com-mitted to the University ofCalifornia-Berkeley. Headcoach Tom Nolen is 21 victo-ries shy of the 300-plateau.

Madison head coach RaySeals has nine starters backfrom a 6-4 squad thatadvanced to the playoffs.

Westside, Chavez andWestbury have seven startersback apiece from playoffsquads in 2009.

Ardisoncontinued from page 5

Actress and Director Kim Fields Artists Ms. Chag and Reginald Adams

Honorees James Harris and Jewel Smith Loretta Gurnell and Karen Franklin

Carolyn Scantleburyand Sandra Strachan

Honoree Sue Habib and Damali Keith

STILL STANDING…….After a trying andchallenging year, many women-owned entre-preneurs had to balance major lifestylechanges, health issues, motherhood and evenworking a full-time job while growing theirbusiness, but they’re “Still Standing.” That iswhy the 2010 One Woman NationalBusiness Conference chose this as theirtheme. The conference was hosted by theTexas Business Alliance and held at theOmni Hotel. No one could be prouder thatit’s Founder/CEO, Jeffrey L. Boney aswomen registered by the hundreds to attendthis magnificent event. Each attendee wastreated to a wealth of knowledge, empower-ing sessions and major connections to sur-vive and thrive in today’s economy. Someof the workshop participants included Dr.Michael P. Williams, Dr. Letitia Plummer,Judge Clarease Rankin Yates, Je’CaryousJohnson, Denise Malone, Marilyn Logan,Dr. Donetta Pool Goodall, Jasmine Green,Christal Jackson and Dr. Wendy Johnson,to name a few. In addition to being a speak-er, Artist Reginald Adams conducted a livepainting experience. Gloves on and handsdipped in vibrant colors, attendees were ableto create a beautiful canvas titled “A Creationin the Vortex,” that was later auctioned.During the conference, awards were present-ed to several individuals. Chairman/CEO ofCAMAC International Corporation and Portof Houston Authority, Commissioner KaseL. Lawal was honored with the SoaringEagle Award and Sue Habib, CEO, LexisFlorist, Inc. received the Still StandingAward. Other award recipients includedCheryl Linville, Small Business LiaisonOfficer, United Space Alliance, JamesHarris, Director, Supplier Diversity, H-E-B,Eva Milko, Director, Procurement,MillerCoors LLC, Michelle SourieRobinson, Director, Supplier Diversity, TheHome Depot and Jewel Smith, Manager,Supplier Diversity, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.received the Soaring Heights Award. Beforea panel of judges, several women were askedto give a one-minute presentation about theirbusiness. When all was said and done,Marilyn Harris, who started a business toassist women veterans was awarded with theShark Tank Award. Actress and Director,Kim Fields was one of the luncheon speak-ers and Damali Keith, Fox 26 Anchor andReporter was the mistress of ceremonies.Great Conference!.........WHERE IS IT?..........Houston’s historic “This Is It”Restaurant moved to 2712 Blodgett in theheart of Third Ward, formerly known as theFamily Café. The rich legacy began in 1959by the late Frank and Mattie Jones andcontinues under the management of theJones’ grandson, Craig Joseph, Sr. and hiswife Georgette. The Joseph’s hosted theirofficial “Grand Re-Opening” by hosting aVIP Reception in their stylishly renovatedrestaurant. In the mix were CongresswomanSheila Jackson Lee, Kathy Hubbard, StateRep. Alma Allen, Controller Ronald Green,Chief Rick Flanagan, Ruby Side, GladysJackson, Carolyn Scantlebury, SandraStrachan, Dr. James Douglas, LouisMarshall, Claudette Sims, Percy Creuzot,Carol Guess and Kathryn Griffin. Theentertainment was provided by JoeCarmouche. See ya at This IsIt!........YOUTH BASKETBALLCLINIC…….The National BasketballRetired Players Association-Houston Chapterhosted their Legends of Basketball YouthBasketball Clinic 2010. The chapter part-nered with Wells Fargo, State Farm and otherlocal business in an effort to give back to thecommunity by providing its youth an oppor-tunity to learn the fundamentals of basketballfrom some of basketballs’ legends, as wellas, to learn invaluable lessons that can direct-ly be applied in their everyday lives.Coaching and facilitating the clinic over afour-day period included Moses Malone,David Lattin, Robert Reid, Major Jones,John Egan, Allen Leavell, RodneyMcCray, Ollie Taylor and Howard Smith.Oh, WNBA star player, Phyllis Dallas alsocoached. Spotted on the floor were KarenLowe, Jarel Francis, Cary Yates,Kimberly Barnett, Boyce Catchings,Kamren Cohen, Bridgett Joe, JordanJones, Andrew Nguyen, Jaymin Jones,Luke Weinzierl, Gabriela Lowe, CalebLand and Kevin Lorder. Keep up thegood work!......... Have a great week andremember to watch CROSSROADS onChannel 13 Sunday morning with MelanieLawson for your event covered by Ms.Chag. Also check out our website atdefendernetwork.com to view the “Event ofthe Week.”…..From Chag’s Place to yourplace, Ciao Darling!

8 AUGUST 12 – 18, 2010 | DEFENDER

Honoree Michelle Sourie Robinson

Craig Joseph, Sr. and Georgette Joseph

Zawadi Bryant and CouncilmemberWanda Adams

Kathy Hubbard and Craig Joseph

State Rep. Alma Allen and Joe Carmouche

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ruby Side, Craig and GeorgetteJoseph and Controller Ronald Green

Jordan Jones, Jaymin Jones, Andrew Nguyen, Cary Yates, Luke Weinzierl,Gabriella Lowe and Bryce Catchings

Mike Jones, Karen Lowe and Major Jones

Bridgett Joe, Kamren Cohen and Robert Reid

Phyllis Dallas, Caleb Lang and Kevin Loder