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Volume 79 Number 27 May 2 – 8, 2010 | FREE

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Harry C. AlfordImmigration, Drugs and Race

By Kam WilliamsCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Born in Savannah, Georgia on January9, 1974, Omari Hardwick was the secondof four children, blessing the union ofClifford and Joyce Hardwick. The familymoved to Decatur, where Omari excelledin athletics and established himself as astandout, eventually earning himself a col-lege football scholarship.

Although he had demonstrated a certainflair for the dramatic early in life, it wasn’tuntil his junior year at the University ofGeorgia that Omari began his formal train-ing in acting. While there, he joined theAthens Theater Company and eventuallystarred in a number of plays, including

August Wilson’s “Fences.” Soon after graduation, a knee injury cut

short his plans for a pro football career.Omari then decided to focus on acting full-time and headed to New York City to honehis skills on the stage before making themove to Los Angeles.

After years of perseverance, Omarifinally landed a breakout role when SpikeLee cast him as Dante’ in “Sucker FreeCity.”

Omari’s showbiz career has benefittedfrom a steady rise ever since, with the ver-satile thespian exhibiting an enviable act-ing range in such films as “Miracle at St.Anna,” “Next Day Air,” “The GridironGang,” “The Guardian” and “BeautyShop.” And among his upcoming offeringsare “The A-Team,” “For Colored Girls,”

“Bolden” and “I Will Follow.” Meanwhile,he’s also appeared on TV shows like “CSI:Miami,” “Crossing Jordan” and “Saved,”and he currently co-stars opposite DylanMcDermott on TNT’s gritty, cop series“Dark Blue.”

Here, Omari talks about his controver-sial new movie, “Kick-Ass,” the adapta-tion of the Marvel Comics series, whichopened up in the #1 spot at the box office.

Kam Williams: Hey, Omari, nice to meetyou, and thanks for the time.

Omari Hardwick: Same here.KW: What interested you in doing “Kick-

Ass,” such a controversial film?OH: It was the controversy itself, which

interested me. I already was a fan of

Omari Hardwick has arrived!

By Nisa Islam MuhammadSPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE FINAL CALL

TRENTON, N.J. (NNPA) - What was promoted as a “Stop theViolence” rally at the First Baptist Church of Pennington to respond tothe alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl in a housing complex quicklybecame the largest recruitment of community men to join the PeaceKeepers, a neighborhood watch program to protect women and chil-dren.

“The reason we have the Peace Keepers is because there is a prob-lem across America with crime and violence. But crime and violenceis not everywhere. There’s no crime and violence in Crown Heights (asection of New York City). You won’t hear about a drive by or policecoming to beat up Jews in Crown Heights,” Peace Keepers founderDennis Muhammad told the standing room only crowd of several hun-dred people. “You can’t go into a community that loves itself and bru-talize it. You can only do it in a community that doesn’t love itself.”

After his rousing words, he quickly organized dozens of men from

SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE

MISSISSIPPI LINK

(NNPA) - Katie Washington, abiological sciencesmajor from Gary, Ind.,has been named valedic-torian of the 2010University of NotreDame graduating classand will present thevaledictory address dur-ing Commencementexercises on Sunday,May 16, in Notre Damestadium.

Washington, who earned a 4.0grade point average, has a minorin Catholic Social Teaching. Shehas conducted research on lungcancer at the Cold Spring Harborlabs and performed genetic stud-ies in the University’s Eck

Institute for Global Health on themosquito that carries dengue andyellow fever. She is the co-authorof a research paper with David

Severson, professor ofbiological sciences.

Washington directsthe Voices of FaithGospel Choir at NotreDame, is a mentor/tutorfor the Sister-to-Sisterprogram at South Bend’sWashington HighSchool and serves as thestudent coordinator ofthe Center for Social

Concerns’ “Lives in the Balance:Youth Violence and SocietySeminar.”

Upon graduation, Washingtonplans to pursue a joint M.D./Ph.Dprogram at Johns HopkinsUniversity .

★RAPE, Page 7

★HARDWICK, Page 2

★@ defendernetwork.comHow can you help the fight against the “Texas textbookmassacre?” Log on to defendernetwork.com to find out

Notre Dame’s firstBlack valedictorian

KatieWashington

Community rallies after rapeof 7 year old

By Aswad WalkerDEFENDER

The State Board of Education recently tookthe first step toward ratifying changes in theTexas social studies curriculum that will

radically alter public school textbooks with adecidedly conservative spin. Many are chargingthat the proposed changes will result in a white-washing of Texas and American history by down-playing some, and outright ignoring other, histori-cal contributions made by African Americans,Latinos and women. The NAACP, LULAC,Congressional Black Caucus and others are seek-ing to rally the public to take actions aimed atswaying the Board’s ratifying vote away from itscurrent course of action. The final vote, scheduledfor May 21, could enact curriculum changes likeerasing nearly the entire Civil Rights Movementfrom classroom conversations that could do anincredible disservice to generations of Texas publicschool students

Since January, a seven-member conservativebloc of Republicans on the 15-member Board havehelped pass over 100 amendments to Texas’ cur-riculum standards, affecting history, sociology andeconomics courses from elementary to high school,and infecting these areas with an unapologetically-conservative read of past events and present reali-ties.

Some of the changes that will affect childrenstatewide include teaching children that gains byracial and ethnic minorities were the result of thegood graces of whites rather than the heroic strug-

WhitewashingAmerican

History

★WHITEWASH, Page 7

Texas textbooksthreaten to rewriteethnic contributions

[director] Matthew Vaughn from his collabora-tions with Guy Ritchie on “Snatch and Lock,”“Stock,” and “Two Smoking Barrels.” I metwith him early on in the process and appreciat-ed his creative vision. My interest definitelyrevolved around how an 11-year-old girl wouldbe a superhero and potentially train my charac-ter in the sequel. So, of course, I salivated atthe opportunity. It was definitely a bold pick,but I had a lot of fun working with a younggenius in [co-star] Chloe Moretz. Plus, she’sfrom Georgia, I’m from Georgia, so everythinglined up.

KW: What was your main challenge in doingthis film, the action sequences?

OH: I wouldn’t say it was the physicality,having come to acting from the world of sports.The main challenge was just the scheduling,really, because my TV show, “Dark Blue” wastaking off at the same time, and this was beingshot in London for the most part, and then alsoin Toronto. There was a lot of travel involvedand scheduling conflicts, but I had to do it, so Ifigured a way to get it done.

KW: Were you surprised when the picturewas #1 at the box office? I loved it, and said inmy review that it’s the best comic book adapta-tion since The Dark Knight. It’s also the bestblockbuster I’ve seen this year so far.

OH: Man, that’s very humbling for me to hearyou say that, Kam. I knew that it would dowell, but I didn’t expect this kind of initialreaction. It’s definitely the “Pulp Fiction” of itsday, only with kids.

KW: Did you have any pre-conceived notionsabout what “Kick-Ass” would be like, and doesgoing into a project with ideas about it tend toprepare you or hinder you?

OH: That’s a great question. I’d have to sayit’s a little bit of both. For this kind of film,there was enough vagueness in the script that itleft me a little baffled about where I’d fit in andwhat I’d mean to the film. There were somechallenges for me in trying to figure out how toplay this guy because, honestly, my characterwas the only one that was quote-unquote“real.” The rest were sort of fantastical. Themajor challenge was in figuring out, how do Imaintain Marcus’ subtlety and realness whilesupporting the superhero theme of the movie?But of course, I jumped in full steam ahead.

KW: You have an amazing acting range. Howdo you go back and forth from shooting a non-stop action film like this to the TV show andthen to making “For Colored Girls Who HaveConsidered Suicide” without getting whiplash.

OH: I appreciate the compliment. It’s veryhumbling to hear someone recognize the rangethat I have, but the whiplash definitely hap-pens. Travel in between work helps, and maybegetting away after a project’s done.

KW: Since you’re going to be in “A-Team,”what do you think of this resurgence of eightiesaction films and are there any you’d like to seethe dust blown off of and remade today?

OH: Like anybody who grew up in the eight-ies, I cringe at the thought of these moviesbeing remade, because of the corniness andcheesiness of the originals. I hope that in the21st Century, they’ll be able to eliminate thecheese factor when they redo them. If I couldremake any eighties project, it would be less anaction flick than a character-driven drama witha rich story to tell.

KW: What are your goals as an actor, andwhere do you want your career to go?

OH: Just to tell the truth in whatever role Ido, and not got lost or swallowed up by thescope when I’m in a blockbuster. And I want toavoid being typecast and any obvious compar-isons to other actors.

KW: You don’t want to get pigeonholed?

OH: Right. If I can just be thought of asOmari Hardwick who had a really, really solidcareer, and whose work is appreciated in itsown right, I think that would be a great legacyto leave behind.

KW: What were the factors and who were thepeople who made you who are?

OH: My mom and pop, and my four grand-parents who I’m blessed to still have. As anAfrican-American male born with a couple ofstrikes against you because of your skin color, Ithink it’s very, very important to have somepositive role models around, especially maleinfluences. Fortunately, for me, one was neverthat far away. I could always just turn to the leftor to the right, and I had positive grandparents,uncles and coaches. So, I was lucky that I did-n’t have to search far for my heroes.

KW: Yeah, when I interviewed LeBron James,who was raised by a single mom, he creditedhis coach for serving as an important maleinfluence in his life. Did you see his movie?

OH: LeBron actually invited me to the pre-miere to play in a celebrity game. We talkedand found out that we have a lot in common.That dude was going on 45 at 14 years of age.He’s a great guy and ridiculously mature.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asksyou, that you wish someone would?

OH: I thought of one the other day, but I can’tremember it now. It had to do with exposing

yourself as an actor, and then having to go backinto the world as myself.

KW: I recently asked Don Cheadle whetherthere were any parts of his psyche he had notyet explored on camera. And he responded, “Ifthere’s anything I haven’t revealed yet, it’s prob-ably best kept under wraps.”

OH: Wow! I’m not anywhere near Don’sstature, and haven’t put in that much time yet,so I’d say I have a lot more to share and toreveal. But I think Don Cheadle’s definitelyonto something. I would guess that there’s arisk of ending up feeling pained and lonelywhile walking in a world full of people. KW: Are you ever afraid?

OH: Yeah, I would say my biggest fear, sinceexperiencing a major tragedy in the family, isthat I count my days left on this Earth. I nowlook at life as fleeting, not a marathon. KW: Are you happy?

OH: Yeah, although I feel weighty and someinner turmoil at times. But overall, I’d say I’moptimistic, if not happy on a daily basis.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?OH: Salmon with caramelized crushed pecans

on top. I like fish a lot, but I’m addicted toapples.KW: When you look in the mirror, what do yousee?

OH: Someone who’s trying to grow. It’s rarefor artists to really stare deeply at themselves inthe mirror, literally, because there’s constantly amirror on you. But figuratively speaking, I’mreally into growth, so when I look in the mirror,I see somebody who’s just trying to get betterevery day.

KW: What is your earliest childhood memory? OH: [LOL] Being laughed at by my big

brother and his friends. I was wearing OshkoshB’gosh overalls while riding a duck tricyclevery fast down a hill in Nashville. At the time,my father was in law school at Vanderbilt.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?OH: Krispy Kreme donuts.

KW: How can your fans help you?OH: By staying interested. Their interest

alone humbles and flatters me. KW: What do you want to be remembered

for?OH: For my consistency. KW: Thanks again, Omari, and I look forward

to speaking to you again soon about some ofyour upcoming projects.

OH: That sounds good, man. Take care ofyourself and your family.

2 MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDER

Hardwickcontinued from page 1

Omari Hardwick is excited about his upcoming role in the film, “Kick Ass.”

The Houston area girlshigh school softball regularseason has come to a closewith the playoffs set to com-mence this week.

Bellaire will enter the post-season with a 30-4 overallrecord, including 12-0 inDistrict 20-5A, with a 10-0victory over rival Lamar. TheCardinals scored four runs inthe fifth inning and addedtwo additional scores in thesixth to secure the mercyrule.

Gabby Smith scattered fivehits and struck out nine torecord the shutout. Smith alsocontributed to the Cardinals’offense with an RBI in thefourth.

The rematch was a far cryfrom the schools firstencounter when Bellairesqueezed out a 3-2 verdict.Lamar committed five errorsin the fifth inning to hurt itscause.

Bellaire is ranked seventhin the state Class 5A poll.The Woodlands No. 1

In the latest coaches’ statesoftball poll, nine Houstonarea 5A schools are in theTop 25, including TheWoodlands in the No. 1 posi-tion.

Other top 10 schoolsinclude second-rankedClements, No. 2 Pearland andNo. 7 Bellaire.

Cinco Ranch jumped toNo. 11 after winning theDistrict 17-5A championshipoutright with a 3-0 victoryover Seven Lakes. Pitcher

Brooks Receives HonorWhile you’re sitting (lay-

ing) on your sofa, watchingthe NBA playoffs and lament-ing the fact that, for the firsttime in many years, theRockets are not in the mix;find consolation in this: pointguard Aaron Brooks wasnamed the NBA MostImproved Player for the ‘09-‘10 NBA season.

The annual award, spon-sored by Kia Motors, is givento a player who has made asignificant improvement fromthe previous season. Brooksbecomes the first Rocketsplayer to ever win this award.

Brooks (6-0, 161, Oregon)averaged career highs of 19.6points and 5.3 assists in 82starts this season topping theRockets in scoring 34 times(including ties) and leadingthe team in assists on 45occasions. Houston’s startingpoint guard made the biggestjump in points per game(+8.4) of any qualifying play-er in the NBA from 2008-09(11.2) to 2009-10 (19.6).Among players with at least70 games played or 400assists in each of the last twoseasons, Brooks (+2.3) stoodas one of just three players inthe NBA with an increase oftwo assists per game from2008-09 (3.0) to 2009-10(5.3). Brooks also had a team-high 39 20-point performanc-es and 10 outings of 30 ormore points this season. Hebecame the first Rocketspoint guard to reach at least20 points in 20 or moregames since Steve Francis’ 4220-point outings in 2002-03.He had 10 20-point outings inthe month of Decemberalone.

Another marked improve-ment for Brooks was his

★ARDISON, Page 4

★EDISON, Page 4

MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDER 3SPORTS

Max Edisonon

Sports

Darrell Ardison

on H.S.Sports

By Max EdisonDEFENDER

The 2010 NFL Draft has come and goneand the Texans have secured nine new play-ers to help them achieve their ultimate goalfor the upcoming season; making the play-offs. The team’s 9-7 record in 2009 was thefirst winning season in the franchise’s eight-year history.

Now the focus for 2010 is clearly defined,the team must take the next step forward bysecuring a playoff spot. The top playersselected in this draft will be expected tocome in and make an immediate change tothe bottom line, winning.

The departure of starting cornerbackDunta Robinson to free agency has left agaping hole in the Texan secondary. To rem-edy this problem the Texans selected

Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson (5’10”196 lbs.) with the 20th pick of the firstround. Jackson, who entered the draft afterhis junior year, was a three-year starter withthe Crimson Tide, playing in the SEC, col-lege football’s most competitive conference.He was coached by ‘Bama head coach NickSaban, who was a former NFL secondarycoach and prepares his troops for the NFLstyle of play. For added measure, he brings achampion’s pedigree, having won this year’sCollege Football National Championship.

It goes without saying, Jackson was elatedto be a first-round draft pick and a memberof the Houston Texans.

“I’m very excited right now,” Jacksonconfessed. “I couldn’t be part of a betterfamily than the Houston Texans. I have a guyI played with in college, (Texans C) AntoineCaldwell, who told me it’s a great organiza-

tion to be with. I’m very excited and I’mready to come in and help any way I can.”

He goes on to describe what fans canexpect from his style of play.

“I’m going to be real feisty out there,” KJintimated. “I’m going to be real physical.Receivers are going to know I’m there. I’mgoing to do whatever it takes to make playsout there.”

Jackson was also quick to acknowledgethe role his college coach, Nick Saban, hadin his development.

“It helped me out a whole lot. My threeyears in college with Coach Saban helpedme so much at that position. He taught me topay attention to the little things. It helped meout a whole lot with us running a NFL-typedefense, being able to be in situations to

By Darrell K. ArdisonDEFENDER

It was only a matter of time.After spending time in a myriad

of sports ranging from football,basketball, baseball and evenhockey, Addison H. found a wayback to his roots.

While spending some qualitytime with his mother (KimberlyH.) during a family walk,Addison’s mind reverted to a timewhen he began playing novicetennis at the age of five or six.

“We were walking along thebayou and I suggested going bythe tennis courts to see if any ofthe players were still there,” hesaid. “They were still practicingand we were able to say hello andvisit a little bit.

“Two days later, I showed upfor practice and I’ve been trainingever since,” Addison said.

The tennis courts are located atMacGregor Park’s Homer FordTennis Center, home of the ZinaGarrison All Court Youth TennisAcademy. That’s where Addisonbegan constructing his tennisgame and where he is currentlyhoning his skills. His mom is bestfriends with Zina Garrison.

Since resuming full-time train-ing in May of 2009, the 16-year-old honors student with a 3.6grade-point-average at Houston’sJack Yates High School hasexcelled on the tennis court.

He won the District 21-4A boyssingles title and was undefeatedon the season before his seasoncame to an end at regionals.

“Although I had a good year, Ihave lots of room for improve-ment,” Addison said. “I plan towork my tail off this summer toimprove my ground strokes andwith emphasis on my serve.”

Addison says his strength as atennis player is to be able to chan-nel the passion in his game intohis strokes.

“I’m an emotional player and Ihate losing,” he said. “My dislike

for losing helps me concentrate onmy shots. I’m at my best creatingshots on the run.”

With the current success sur-rounding the Yates sports teams,Addison H. admits that it is a funtime to be attending the school.The Yates football team was min-utes away from an undefeated reg-ular season and finished 10-2overall.

Both the Yates boys and girls

basketball teams were undefeatedduring the regular season and theboys’ team won a second consecu-tive state title and finished as theNo. 1-ranked prep team in thenation.

Addison anchored the Yates ten-nis team and the track and fieldteam qualified several competitorsfor the regional meet.

“It’s fun being a part of a win-ning atmosphere,” he said. “Thefact that we have student-athletesearning scholarships to collegeinspires me. It’s likely that I’llneed a scholarship to attend col-lege, so the success we’re experi-encing right now serves as moti-vation for me.

“I see highlights of our teams onESPN and the Fox Sports HoustonNetwork and it’s hard to keepfrom being excited. I worked as anequipment manager for theUniversity of Houston footballteam last season and I’m happythat two Yates players will begoing there next fall,” he said.

Addison H. has a solid supportgroup that includes his mom anddad (Reginald H). “ M ymom pushes me when I don’twant to be pushed and it alwaysseems to work out in the end,” hesaid.

“My dad lives across town now,but I hear from him everyday,”Addison said. “He knows that Itend to beat up on myself whenI’m having a tough time and he’salways there to lend helpfuladvice.”

★ADDISON, Page 4

Addison H. has dominated on the tennis courts.

★TEXANS DRAFT, Page 4

Yates’ Addison H. has memorable year in tennis

Texans Draft 2010The Future is Now

Photo: Houston Texans

Kareem Jackson (pictured with family) is happy to be playing with the Texans.

4 MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDERSPORTS

Kristen Rumley tossed a per-fect game and had 12 strike-outs in the victory.

Brazoswood (No. 19) andLamar (No. 24) made the listwhile Tomball and ClearCreek tied for the final slot(No. 25).

In the 4A poll, Angleton isthe area’s highest-rankedschool at No. 6. Montgomeryis No. 11 and Manvel is No.16 while Brenham (No. 19)and Magnolia (No. 22) closeout the poll.Morton Ranch makes base-ball playoffs

For the first time since theschool began competing invarsity baseball (2007),Morton Ranch is playoffbound.

With a 9-4 win over SevenLakes, the Mavericksimproved to 13-12 on the

season after finishing 4-23 ayear ago.Willowridge wins District 23-5a boys track

Led by four gold medalsfrom sprinter/hurdler LavonCollins, Willowridge tallied127 points to edge second-place Hightower by 16points.

Collins won the long jumpand 300-meter hurdles alongwith running legs on thegold-medal winning 400- and1,600-meter relays.Etc.

Ronald Patton has beennamed new football coachand campus coordinator atLamar Consolidated HighSchool … Mark Rosenblaumwas named the successor toDoug Lechtenberger as thehead girls’ basketball coachat Dulles High School.Lechtenberger was 560-241at Dulles and won the region-al title five times.

Ardisoncontinued from page 3

prowess from downtown, where he setthe franchise single-season record forthree-pointers made with 209 on 525attempts (.398 3FG%), which stood firstin the NBA in three-pointers made.Brooks actually became just the sixthplayer in NBA history to make at least200 three-pointers (209) and dish out400 or more assists (434) in the sameseason.

“When I was drafted I was getting

beat up by Rafer (Alston) and Mike(James) in practice every day,” Brooksrecalled. “I was sent to the “D” (devel-opment) League my first year. I workedmy way back up and gained a littlerespect in this league. This year, theopportunity presented itself and hardwork paid off and I won this incredibleaward.”

With center Yao Ming out this pastseason, Brooks was a consistent pres-ence throughout the season, a fact thatwas not lost on Rocket owner LeslieAlexander.

“This is a great achievement thatunderscores the hard work and dedica-tion Aaron has put in over the past twoseasons to elevate all aspects of hisgame,” Alexander said. “This season,Aaron stepped up to the challenge ofaccepting increased responsibility as ourteam’s primary playmaker and scorer,and it’s great to see those efforts reward-ed with this honor. Our entire organiza-tion is proud of Aaron’s accomplishmentand we look forward to seeing him con-tinue his rapid improvement as one ofthe NBA’s up and coming stars.”

Edisoncontinued from page 3

make great plays helped. That’s a greatcoaching staff there. I owe a lot of credit tothem. They made me the player I am.”

For Texan Defensive Coordinator FrankBush there is one characteristic that stood outto him when evaluating Kareem Jackson.

“His toughness, the thing we’re trying toget here and become on defense is tough. Andthat kid is tough. We know that he’s tough.He showed it on tape. He’s been that waythroughout his career at Alabama and we justwant him to bring some of that to our build-ing.”

In the second round, (58th overall) theTexans selected a running back that is veryfamiliar with Kareem Jackson, intra-staterival, Auburn’s Ben Tate (5’10” 214 lbs.).Tate should come in and start immediatelyand form an effective tandem with SteveSlaton.

Texan new Offensive Coordinator RickDennison was all smiles with the selection ofTate.

“We were very excited about selecting BenTate in the second round,” Dennison shared.“We feel like he is an explosive player, hasgood size, good speed, and has good runningskills, good hands. I think he fits with whatwe do. He is a player that we look forward toworking with in the future next year.”

For those not familiar with the resurgenceof Auburn football and the ability of BenTate, this is how Tate describes himself.

“I think I’m the total package,” Tateexpressed. “I think I can bring it all. I’mgoing to do whatever the Houston Texansneed for me to do. Hopefully I can make animpact this year.”

The Texans employ a zone-blockingscheme in their offensive line, a system Tatehad success with at Auburn.

“When I first came to Auburn, that’s what Iran in and that was one of the reasons why Iwent to Auburn,” Ben explained. There’s noreal reason why I was comfortable. It’s just

when you’re a running back, when you gotthe ball in your hands, you’re comfortable,period. That’s my style of running, youknow? Inside zone, you get me downhill,that’s what I do best. I’m going to make peo-ple pay.”

The Texans selected a local product in thethird round (81st overall), former Northshorestandout, Arizona defensive tackle, EarlMitchell (6’1” 296 lbs.).

Mitchell, a defensive co-captain in 2009,played in 49 games with 37 starts forArizona, starting 12 of 24 games at tightend/H-back. He was converted to the oppo-site side of the ball as a Jr. started 25 gamesat defensive tackle. He was named All-Pac 10second team as a Sr.

Having played offense and now defense isa key that Mitchell believes will make himsuccessful.

“I bring a lot of versatility and athleticism.I just have a lot of knowledge because Iplayed offense. I just bring a lot of things tothe table just because of my knowledge of thegame. I come here to produce. This is a pass-first league. I’m going to come in and try tolearn from those guys (veterans) on becomingbetter as a pass rusher and develop my gameon being a professional.”

Of course, playing in his hometown is anadded bonus.

“Being able to play here is a fulfilleddream,” Mitchell said. “I grew up as an Oilersfan. Houston has been a big part of my life.Just being a part of something that hasHouston on it is just a great experience for meand my family I really didn’t have it plannedout, but it’s the best thing that happened tome.”

Overall Texan G.M. Rick Smith waspleased with the results of the 2010 Draft.

“Obviously, our portion of the 2010 NFLDraft is done and I feel extremely proud ofour group. They (scouts and coaches) did anoutstanding job of evaluating the class and Ithink we got a good group. I’m excited aboutthem and our football team is better and that’sthe ultimate goal of the weekend.”

Texans Draftcontinued from page 3

Another pillar in the family supportgroup is Addison’s grandmother (CleoThomas). “She’s the treasurer of theYates PTO and she knows a lot of impor-tant people. She’s got a black book withall their phone numbers,” Addison said.

“She’s the backbone of the entire fam-ily and she picks me up from schoolevery Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wealways go to Whataburger together andwhenever I need something, she’s thefirst person there,” he said.

Other influential family members andsupporters include George Thomas (gen-eral manager of radio station KTSU),Larry Thomas, Patrick Augbon, CalvinMurphy, Raymond Martinez and Ray

Carrington.Standing 5-foot-7, Addison wants to

add a little weight and strength prior tonext tennis season. Yet he wants to con-tinue his current tactical approach to thegame.

“I have a serve-and-volley game and Ijust want to improve the quality of myshots,” he said. “I’d like nothing betterthan to meet my opponent at the regionalmeet again next year. I’m sure he’ll beback and I plan to be as well.”

Addisoncontinued from page 3 CLASSIFIED

NOTICESpawGlass Construction Corp., General Contractor, issoliciting for subcontractor and vendor bids from qualifiedcompanies including Small Business and Minority BusinessEnterprises, for the construction of the New Fondren PoliceStation-District 17, for The City of Houston, located at 8605Westplace Drive Houston,TX. Bids will be received until 2:00pm on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. The Project will attemptLEED Certification. Please direct all inquiries to KanPhaobunjong or David Kaiser at 281-970-5300 or fax 281-517-8282. Plans, specifications, bonding and insurancerequirements are available for review at the SpawGlass planroom at 13800 West Road,Houston,TX and will be uploadedinto ISQFT. Plans are also available for viewing at the AMTEK,ABC, AGC and FW Dodge Plan Rooms in the Houston area.

SPAWGLASS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONSRFQ 10-14A&E SERVICES

FOR RESTORATION OF FIRE DAMAGED HOUSE AT 1518 ANDREWS STREET, HOUSTON.TX 77019

The Houston Housing Authority hereby solicits qualification state-ments from qualified professional firms to provide architectural andengineering services for the restoration of fire damaged house locatedat 1518 Andrews Street as specified in RFQ No. 10-14.

Interested offerors may obtain the Request for Qualifications packageby contacting:

ANNA SIMOTASPURCHASING OFFICER

HOUSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY2640 FOUNTAINVIEW, SUITE 408

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057(713) 260-0554 FAX: (713) 260-0556

The Request for Qualifications will be available on the Internet atwww.housingforhouston.com on April 27, 2010.

The submittals must reach the Houston Housing Authority no laterthan 4:00 P.M. (CDT) on May 12, 2010. Submittals received after thedeadline will be rejected unless the conditions allowed for late submit-tals exist for consideration as specified in the RFQ.

A Fair Housing and Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. For assistance:Individuals with disabilities may contact the 504/ADA Administrator at 713-260-0528,

TTY 713-260-0547 or 504_ADA@housingforhouston.com.

RD COLLEGE POS PICK

1 Kareem Jackson Alabama Cb 20

2 Ben Tate Auburn Rb 58

3 Earl Mitchell Arizona Dt 81

4 Darryl Sharpton Miami (Fla.) Lb 102

4 Garrett Graham Wisconsin Te 118

5 Sherrick Mcmanis Northwestern Cb 144

6 Shelley Smith Colorado State G 187

6 Trindon Holliday LSU Wr 197

7 Dorin Dickerson Pittsburgh Wr 227

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OFHARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Request for Qualification

for the following:

EMAIL ENCRYPTION SOFTWARESpecifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074 and/or via MHMRA websitewww.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, May 03, 2010.The Request for Proposal (RFP) must besubmitted to Purchasing Department, Room 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074by, Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 10:00 a.m. in a sealed envelope marked "RFP - DO NOT OPENUNTIL – WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010, 10 A.M – “EMAIL ENCRYPTION SOFTWARE”. Any ques-tions pertaining to this RFP should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba, Buyer II / SharonBrauner, Buyer III via fax (713) 970-7682 or email questions to joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org, cc:sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all offers itdeems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitteddocuments and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

Subject in school – English

Book – “Seven seconds or less” (about

2005-06 season of Phoenix Suns)

Movie – “The Blind Side”

Meal – Steak with wild rice

and broccoli

Activity – Video games

Career – Wildlife Biologist

Possible colleges – Kent State, Cal-

Berkeley, Duke, Clemson, Texas

Birth sign – Capricorn

Birth date – Jan. 5, 1994

ADDISON H. | HIGHLIGHTS

Photo: Houston Texans

Texans 2nd pic (58th overall), former Auburn running back, Ben Tate.

TEXAN | DRAFT PICKS

MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDER 5OUR HEALTH

About Texas Children’s Hospital Texas Children’s Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest

pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and

breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s is ranked in the top

ten best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

For more information on Texas Children’s Hospital, visit www.texaschildrens.org.

A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

Though food allergies are often over-diagnosed, about five percent of childrenhave true allergic reactions to food. Whendealing with food allergies, it’s important toknow the basics so that you can help yourchild live a healthy life. Here’s what youneed to know.What are food allergies?

Food allergies occurwhen the body’simmune system rejectscertain foods as harmful. Your childmay have a food allergy if he or she hasany of the followingallergic symptomswithin two hours ofeating certain foods:• lips, tongue or

mouth swelling• diarrhea or vomiting• hives• itchy red skin (espe-

cially if a childalready has eczema)Rarely, some chil-

dren have a severeallergic reaction (calledan “anaphylactic reac-tion”) that may be life-threatening. Symptoms of such a reactionare sudden difficulty breathing, sudden dif-ficulty swallowing, weakness from a sud-den fall in blood pressure (shock) or con-fused thinking. Never let your child try thefood again if he or she had a severe or ana-phylactic reaction to it.

Children who have other allergic condi-tions, such as eczema, asthma or hay feverare more likely to have food allergies thanchildren who do not have other allergies.

What causes food allergies?Allergic children produce antibodies

against certain foods. When these antibodies come in contact with the foodthat causes the allergy, there is a reactionbetween the antibodies and the food.

This reaction releaseschemicals, such as hista-mines, that cause theallergy symptoms.

Food allergies also areinherited. If one parenthas allergies, each childhas about a 40 percentchance of developingallergies. If both parentshave allergies, thechance of food allergyrises to about 75 percentfor each child.Will my child outgrow afood allergy?

At least half of thechildren who develop afood allergy during thefirst year of life outgrowit by the time they aretwo or three years old.Milk and soy allergiesare more often outgrownthan others. Althoughthree percent to four per-

cent of all babies have a cow’s milk allergy,less than one percent of them are allergic tomilk for the rest of their lives. Allergies totree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish oftendo last a lifetime, however.How do I treat a food allergy?

Avoid eating the food that causes theallergy. This should keep your child free ofsymptoms. If your child is breast-feeding

Validating children’s needs, feelings, ideas and interests can help elevate his self-confidence.

To keep them safe, make sure your children use playground equipment that is age andsize appropriate.

★FOOD ALLERGIES, Page 6

Children develop beliefs aboutthemselves through their rela-tionships with parents and other

relatives, teachers and peers. Parentsplay a fundamental role in this process,and early efforts to build a child’s self-confidence can pay off later in a betterrelationship (and more parental influ-ence) during adolescence.Catch your child being good to promotepositive behaviors• Provide specific and accurate

praise to demonstrate that you appreciate and value initiative, effortor persistence.

• Provide encouragement and thenmake it safe to learn from mistakes.

• Avoid excessive praise and flattery.This raises self-doubts and sets unrealistic expectations, which might undermine your child’s coping efforts.

Validate your child’s needs, feelings,ideas and interests• Tell your child that his or her needs

and feelings are important.• Help your child find acceptable

means to express his or her feelingsand opinions.

• Empathize and show interest in yourchild’s views and opinions. Youdon’t have to agree!

• Express appreciation for your child’s

ideas and for the effort it took tothink through a situation.

• Avoid teasing or mocking what youconsider to be “silly” ideas.

• Attend events or join your childrenin activities that they enjoy.

Maintain realistic expectations• Match your expectations to your

child’s developmental abilities. Forexample, not all five-year-olds cantie their shoes.

• Re-evaluate expectations if you findyourself frequently feeling “letdown” or believe that your children“should” be doing things that theyare not doing. Consider whether theproblem is a “can’t” or a “won’t.”

• When disabilities exist, avoid usinglanguage that labels the disability asunchangeable. For instance, insteadof saying “You’re just not good atreading,” say something like“Sounding out those words wasHard.” Then work with your child tohelp build reading skills.

Encourage activities that promote feelings of mastery• Give your children real

responsibilities appropriate to theirage and allow them to make choices.For instance, encourage your

★SELF-CONFIDENCE, Page 6

Elevate your child’s self-confidence

With the end of the school year approaching,parents are beginning to make summer plans.Families will soon be heading outside to enjoysummer activities. Texas Children’s Hospitaloffers some important tips on keeping familiessafe wherever they go this summer.Sun safety

The first and best line of defense against thesun is covering up.• Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill

facing forward.• Use sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent

of UV rays.• Wear cotton clothing with a light weave.• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor

(SPF) of 15 or greater whenever your child isin the sun.

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes beforegoing outside.

• Re-apply sunscreen every two to three hoursand after your child has been sweating orswimming.

• Apply waterproof sunscreen if your child willbe around water or will go swimming.Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80minutes in the water. Re-apply when yourchild comes out of the water.

• You should avoid sun exposure during peakhours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.Playground safety• Playground equipment is usually separated

for younger and older children. Keep yourchild on the equipment that is right for his orher age and height.

• Make sure equipment is dry. Wet surfaces canmake your child slip and fall.

• Have your child wear shoes on the play-ground and make sure they are tied.

• Don’t let children play barefoot on the play-ground. They could get a splinter or a cut.

• Only one person should be on the slide at one time.

Adults play a keyrole in children’sself-perceptions

Staying safe duringsummer activitiesParents should be

aware of food allergies

Most common foodallergies in childrenThe following foods causemore than 95 percent of allfood reactions:

• Peanuts (and peanut butter)• Eggs• Cow’s milk products• Soybeans(and soy for-mula)• Wheat• Fish• Shellfish• Tree nuts

Celery and peanut butter is apopular snack for many chil-dren, but some kids are allergicto peanut products.

6 MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDEROUR HEALTH

four-year-old to participate in decision-making aboutdressing herself by giving her the choice of two orthree outfits (rather than directing her to choose fromthe whole closet).

• View challenges as opportunities for your children todevelop their problem-solving and decision-makingskills. Be available to coach, but allow children towork out their own solutions.

• Avoid being overprotective as this undermines yourchild’s confidence and keeps him or her from learningproblem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Demonstrate faith in your child’s abilities, includingthe ability to handle disappointments. For example, saysomething like, “Uggg! That didn’t work out like youexpected. What are you going to do?” Then listen welland be encouraging.

• Expect positive outcomes while also sending the message that it is okay to try something and fail. Whennecessary, help your child cope with defeat by providing unconditional love and support.

Self-confidencecontinued from page 5

and is allergic to a food that you are eating,do not eat this food until your child stopsbreast-feeding.

Consider avoiding other foods in thesame food group. Some children are aller-gic to two or more foods. This happensmost often to children who are allergic toragweed pollen. These children often reactto watermelon, cantaloupe, muskmelon,honeydew melon and other foods in thegourd family. Children allergic to peanutsmay react to soybeans, peas or other beans.

Join the Food Allergy and AnaphylaxisNetwork. This national organization canhelp with any food allergy questions youmight have.

Provide a substitute for any vitamins or minerals your child is not consuming due toallergies. Eliminating single foods from thediet usually does not cause any nutritionproblems. If you eliminate a major foodgroup, however, you will need to make sureyour child gets all the nutrients he or sheneeds from other sources. For example, ifyou eliminate dairy products, your childwill need to get calcium and vitamin Dfrom other foods or supplements. Talk toyour health care provider or a nutritionistabout dietary supplements like vitamins.

Visit your health care provider. If yoususpect your child may have a food allergy,your pediatrician can help diagnose theallergy with a skin prick test or blood test.Call 911 immediately if your child developsserious symptoms including wheezing,croupy cough, trouble breathing, lighthead-edness or tightness in the chest or throat.

Food Allergiescontinued from page 5

As the school year comes to a close, many students are prepar-ing to take final exams. If your child sweats, chews pencils andfeels butterflies in his stomach as the teacher hands out a test,he’s not alone! A lot of people (adults included) get nervouswhen it’s time to take a test.

It’s natural to feel some stress about taking tests. In fact, some-times a little adrenaline (a hormone made by the body duringtimes of excitement or stress) is a good thing to jump-start you.

Here are some tips to share with your student when it comes totaking tests:• First, be sure you’ve studied well. If you’ve studied for the test,

you’ll have less reason to be worried.• Get enough sleep the night before the test. Your memory recall

will be much better if you’ve had enough rest.• Listen closely to any instructions. As the teacher hands out the

test, be sure you know what’s expected of you.• Read the test first. Once you have the test paper in front of you,

read over the entire test. This will allow you to guess howmuch time you have for each section and ask the teacher anyquestions. If something seems unclear before you start, don’tpanic – ask.

• Focus on answering each question individually. As you takethe test, if you don’t know an answer, don’t obsess over it.Instead, answer the best way you can or skip over the questionand come back to it after you’ve answered other questions.

• Relax. If you’re so nervous that you blank out, you might needa mini-break. Of course you can’t get up and move around themiddle of a test, but you can wiggle your fingers and toes, takefour or five deep breaths or picture yourself on a beach or someother calm place.

• Finished already? Although most teachers will let you hand ina test early, it’s usually a good idea to spend extra time check-ing over your work.These tips should help your child but if test anxiety persists,

talk to a parent, teacher or counselor.Source: www.kidshealth.org

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Do you andyour family know what to do in case of a hurricane?

Before hurricane season, make sure you have all the supplies on hand thatyou’ll need in an emergency. Prepare your disaster supply kit and check yourstock of non-perishable food,drinking water, batteries, dia-pers and formula for babies, andpet food.

If you are asked to evacuate,plan where you will go and howyou will get there. Evacuationroute maps are available online.

Make sure to fill up yourvehicle with gas before youevacuate. You may be on theroad for hours, and gas may notbe available along evacuationroutes.

If you are not told to evacuate, secure your home by closing and boardingwindows. Tape is not enough to protect your windows in strong winds. Secureoutdoor objects that may be blown away or uprooted. During the storm, stayin an interior room on the lowest floor.

After the storm, do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary. Stay awayfrom riverbanks, bayous, streams, flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Donot allow children to play in floodwaters. Poisonous snakes, fire ants andother animals may have been swept into the water. Water also may be con-taminated with raw sewage.

Test taking tipsBe prepared for the2010 hurricane season

• Portable battery-poweredradio or TV

• Flashlights• Batteries• First-aid kit• Credit cards and cash• Personal identification• Drinking water• Three-day supply of

canned food• Manual can opener• Personal hygiene items

• Prescription medications and other special needs, likeformula and diapers

• Pet supplies and identification• Important papers

Store a week’s supply of non-perishable food at home.Keep at least a gallon of waterper person per day for three dayson hand. Also, fill bathtubs andsinks with water to use to washand flush toilets.

Disaster supply kit

gles and sacrifices of partici-pants in the Civil RightsMovement; affirmative actionand the Great Society werefilled with failed and faultypolicies and results; and theConfederacy is something tobe celebrated and its heroescanonized. In addition, thechanges call for limitedinstruction on founding fatherThomas Jefferson, due to hisbelief in the separation ofchurch and state, the omissionof many important AfricanAmerican and Latino leaders inTexas history, and even thebelittling of the impact of for-mer President and Texas nativeLyndon Baines Johnson.

Another Texas native, thelate historian and universityprofessor, Dr. Asa Hilliard, leda lifelong effort to infuseAfrican and African-Americancontent into school curricu-lums nationally, enduringvicious battles just to allow ourstory to be potentially part ofthe national conversation.Incredibly, the battle now ismerely to keep the woefullyinadequate mentions ofAfrican-American, Latino andfemale contributions to societyfrom being removed.

Heading this fight is presi-dent of the Texas NAACP,attorney Gary Bledsoe.

Bledsoe, who has a lengthytrack record of service with theNAACP, views the Board’sproposed changes as putting asmiling face on slavery, JimCrow, ethnocentrism andracism, by destroying criticalknowledge of the past.

“It appears that there is adesire to not have an honestdiscussion of America and itshistory of race,” said Bledsoe,“A desire not to address theissue of slavery directly and toportray African-Americans as

an afterthought.”At the Board’s March 10-12

meetings Bledsoe, along withNAACP representatives fromacross the state, provided testi-mony calling for the Board’sconservative faction to leavepolitical machinations out oftextbook and curriculumchanges. The seven membersof this conservative bloc areroutinely joined by one of theother three Board Republicanson certain votes. The Marchvote to sanction the proposedchanges fell along party lines,with 10 for and five againstvotes.

“The five African Americanand Latino members of theTexas Education Agency(TEA) have done a tremendousjob in trying to prevent this.However, there are sevenmembers of the Board whoseem intent to follow throughwith this come hell or highwater, and the conservativemovement is such that thethree other Board members arethreatened with politicalreprisals if they do the rightthing,” shared Bledsoe.

The Board, whose membersare elected, has influencebeyond the state because Texasis one of the largest customersfor textbooks in the nation.Curriculum standards arereviewed every decade and laythe content foundation for text-book publishers because theymust come before the board withdrafts of their books. If textbookpublishers want to sell theirproduct to one of their largestcustomers, the books must con-tain Board approved informa-tion, regardless of that informa-tion’s historical accuracy.

As was reported by a recentNew York Times article enti-tled, “Texas ConservativesWin Curriculum Change,” nohistorians, sociologists oreconomists were consulted atthe Board’s March meetings,where numerous changes weremade in the TEA-approvedcurriculum that called intoquestion such things as theseparation of church and state,the secular nature of the

American Revolution, and therelevance of Civil RightsMovement participants.

Amendments to the curricu-lum proposed by the Board’sminority members such asMavis B. Knight, a Democratfrom Dallas, and Latina MaryHelen Berlanga have been rou-tinely defeated by party-linevotes, leaving Knight to chargethe Board’s conservative mem-bers with perverting accuratehistory to promote their ownagenda. Berlanga’s failedattempts to increase the num-ber of Latino role models in thestate curriculum Latino led her,according to the New YorkTimes, to storm out of theBoard’s March 12 meeting,saying, “They can just pretendthis is a white America andHispanics don’t exist. They arerewriting history, not only ofTexas but of the United Statesand the world.”

Bledsoe and others contendthat as the nation’s oldest andlargest Civil Rights group, theNAACP has earned a place inthe public school conversationand curriculum on social stud-ies and history.

A March 10 letter to theBoard signed by Bledsoe andother state NAACP membersas well as representatives ofLULAC, the National AllianceFor Education, and theAmerican G.I. Forum, NAFE,urged the Board to adopt cur-riculum standards that present

a historically accurate andcomplete account of the strug-gle for civil rights in ournation’s history while avoidinga curriculum “polluted bypolitical efforts to whitewashAmerican civil rights historyand downplay the determinedefforts of various ethnic groupsto achieve basic liberties.”

The letter went on to say, “Itwould be an insult to thoseAmericans who sacrificed somuch – in some cases, theirlives – for the cause of civilrights to present this skewedview of history in our publicschool classrooms. Doing sowould also be a terrible dis-service to the next generationof Texas students of all racesand ethnicities.”

Board-proposed omissionsfrom the curriculum that are ofparticular concern to Bledsoeare those of the legendarySupreme Court Justice,Thurgood Marshall and theadvocacy groups the NAACPand LULAC.

“At one point in our history,African-Americans could notvote in the Democratic Partyprimary. Thurgood Marshallcaused that to change. At onepoint African Americans couldnot attend the University ofTexas. Thurgood Marshallchanged that. And it was thedecision in Brown II, also aMarshall case, that led to thedesegregation of undergradu-ate education at UT and Texas

A&M. And when the statesought to shut down theNAACP in Texas, in steppedMarshall. So you can see hehad a great impact on our stateas have the NAACP in generaland LULAC,” stated Bledsoe.

Yannis Banks, legislativeliaison of the Texas NAACPvehemently disagrees with theBoard’s assertion that gainsmade during the Civil RightsMovement were giftsbestowed by a generous major-ity population rather thanincremental progress earned bystruggle and sacrifice.

“If those rights were justgranted, then the events onMarch 7, 1965, known asBloody Sunday would not havehappened,” stated Banks. “Ifthose rights were just grantedThurgood Marshall would nothave had to argue before theSupreme Court that ‘Separatebut Equal’ was a violation ofthe 14th Amendment. If thoserights were just granted,NAACP Field SecretaryMedgar Evers would not havebeen assassinated because hewas trying to desegregateschools. If those rights werejust granted, Montgomery, ALNAACP Secretary Rosa Parkswould never have been arrest-ed and the Montgomery BusBoycott would have neverbeen necessary just for AfricanAmericans to ride the bus. Ifthose rights were just grantedthere wouldn’t have been suchstrong opposition in Congressto pass the Civil Rights Act of1964.”

LaChanda Jenkins, Directorof Special Events at TexasSouthern University andHoward University graduate,believes the Board’s actionsfollow an historical trend.

“This move by the Board todistort history and relegate thecontributions of people ofcolor and women to the back-ground is just more of thesame,” said Jenkins. “It is whatwe have historically experi-enced when it comes to ourcontributions to history. Thisoutright denial of historic factis a tactic that has been used

against people of color, womenand the poor to continue theirdisenfranchisement. The dan-ger we face is that if we don’tlearn our history, we aredoomed to repeat it.”

This historic tactic stands todamage new, young mindsaccording to Alicia Hawkins-Balark, a teacher at HISD’sCodwell Elementary.“Children today really do notunderstand their history as it is.Many don’t know what a slaveis, and simply don’t grasp theimportance of a free educationor understand where we camefrom,” said Hawkins-Balark.“They have no clue about theCivil Rights Movement; noclue that years ago it was ille-gal for Blacks to read.”

Hawkins-Balark believes theBoard’s proposed changes willmake a bad situation worse. “Ifyou never heard about thestruggle, you will have no con-sciousness about the effort ittakes for you to get what youwant in life, and the sacrificesand hard work required. Andjust as bad, they won’t feel likethey have to make any contri-butions back to the community.And as the parents get youngerthey know less and less aboutour history. Taking our contri-butions out of the textbooks istruly a scary proposition.”

In order to pass an amend-ment in May eight votes arerequired. Bledsoe and theNAACP are asking that con-cerned citizens take action bywriting and faxing the Board oftheir disapproval of the pro-posed curriculum changes, par-ticipating in a rally and forumscheduled for May 19 inAustin, the same day the Boardbegins its public hearing, or byattending the public hearings.

“It would be both a travestyand an abdication of duty forthe State Board of Education torecommend textbooks that donot allow students to receive abalanced and fair portrait of thehistorical contributions of thepeople and events that havehelped to shape this country,”said Banks.

MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDER 7

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VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 27MAY 2 – 8, 2010

PublisherSonceria Messiah-Jiles

EditorVon Jiles

Associate EditorReShonda Billingsley

Art DirectorCale Carter

Columnist Yvette Chargois

Sports EditorsMax EdisonDarrell K. Ardison

ContributingWritersAswad Walker

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Trenton and surrounding areas to marchout of the church and into the neighbor-hood where the alleged rape occurred.

“I think it’s a good beginning,”Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer toldreporters as he and hip hop legend andbusinessman Russell Simmonsmarched alongside the men—whichincluded a contingent of the Nation ofIslam’s Fruit of Islam. Thrilled resi-dents watched and waved from theirhomes.

“The proof will be if we can get moremen together in this and other sustain-ing activities,” said the mayor, regard-ing follow up efforts.

The mayor was initially reluctant tocome to the rally but changed his mindwhen the Peace Keepers got involved.

“I’m sick and tired of marches anddidn’t want to participate in anotherone. I prayed on it this week. I believethat this time it will be different. Thewhole world is watching. I’ve gottencalls from all over the world from peo-ple saying ‘how can I help,’” saidMayor Palmer, when he spoke at therally. “Folks, I believe it will be differ-ent because people are working togeth-er. The blame game is over. We’regoing to work together. I’ve been in

constant contact with this family on adaily basis. This is a family crisis. Theyare going through hell. Pray for thisseven-year-old. She’s a baby.”

It was a rally reminiscent of a sum-mer church revival full of spirit, rousingsongs from a choir and speakers thathad the crowd stomping and standingon their feet.

New York radio legend Bob Lawsaid, “We can’t deny the conditions thatcontribute to the violence in our com-munities but how can the governmentdeclare a war on violence and theydon’t declare war against the conditionsof poverty that produce the violence?”he asked.

Connie Watson, wife of communityactivist, rally organizer and mayoralcandidate Shahid Watson, said it wasimportant to teach women and girlshow to dress themselves and respectthemselves. “We have to march ourchildren out of the foolishness they’reinto today,” she said.

According to police, a 15-year-oldgirl took her 7-year-old stepsister to aparty and had sex with men for money.For more money she allowed the mento touch her sister. That touching led togang rape, police said.

The Rowan Towers high-rise com-munity just blocks from the church isall too familiar with crime and violence

associated with inner city life—but thealleged gang rape, which took place ina vacant apartment, has motivated resi-dents to demand change.

The rally and demand for action was“way overdue for this community. ThePeace Keepers give order and structureto our community. Their coming out ofNew York was very uplifting andinspiring. It gives us hope that if it canhappen in New York it can happen here.We are happy to have them,” said Rev.Melvin Brown, president of the TrentonYouth Crusade.

Organizers say the Peace Keepershave had success records in NewOrleans, New York, Houston andWilmington, Del. Mr. Simmons wasinstrumental in bringing the group toQueens, New York.

“We sit back sometimes and allowjust a few bad eggs in our community toscare us off our own corners,” Mr.Simmons said. He told the audiencesome of his history. “I stood on the cor-ner. I sold drugs. But I went back andsaw what it felt like when we launchedour Queens Peace Keepers movement.

“We must show that we love ourcommunity. The eyes of the world areon Trenton and how this movementprogresses. We can inspire other com-munities around the world,” he said.“Trenton’s going to make a huge state-

ment. It’s a shame we had such a terri-ble event to bring us together.”

The Peace Keepers come into com-munities with a rally, recruitment, train-ing and then a street corner Hour ofPower, which started last February inNew Orleans.

“A four year old had just been mur-dered by his dad because he didn’t wantto pay child support,” said WillieMuhammad, who runs the program inNew Orleans. “That crime motivated usto do something. We brought the PeaceKeepers and began patrolling. Thingshave changed since then.”

“We started with one Hour of Powerbut our goal is to keep increasing it. Weoffer more than just neighborhoodpatrols. We connect residents to GEDprograms and let them know about jobs.The program is beneficial to the resi-dents but it also helps the men whowalk. They have a better sense aboutthe neighborhood.”

Rowan Towers housing manage-ment, Interstate Realty, met with resi-dents April 7 and promised greatersecurity. The alleged gang rape, whichpolice say involved some seven menand boys, was reported on March 28.Four minors, including the seven-year-old’s step sister, and two adults hadbeen charged in the case at Final Callpresstime.

Rapecontinued from page 1

SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM

THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS

(NNPA) - African-American employees at aTurner Industries plant in Paris, Texas were thesubject of racial discrimination and were target-ed by management if they complained, the EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission has con-firmed.

According to an April 14 EEOC letter, Blackemployees at the plant “were subjected tounwelcome racial slurs, comments and intimida-tion, racial graffiti, nooses in the workplace andother symbols of discrimination.” The EEOC

also said Blacks weren’t given equal employ-ment and advancement and that those who com-plained about their treatment were subject toreprisals.

“I’ve been called colored boy, coon, monkey,”Dontrail Mathis, 33, a painter’s helper, told theDallas Morning News. “When Obama won, theywent off. My superiors said, ‘If he ain’t white, itain’t right. I saw nooses, swastikas on the wall.It was horrible.”

Turner Industries, an industrial constructionand maintenance company based in BatonRouge, La., has issued statements to bothemployees and clients.

In his letter to employees, chairman and CEORoland Toups said, “As you may be aware, theEEOC has issued a statement that certainemployees in our Paris, Texas fabrication plantwere harassed or were victims of retaliation. Iwant you to understand that we strongly disagreewith the EEOC’s findings, and we are defendingour employment practices at that facility, as wellas any job site that may be mentioned.”

Toups also wrote, “Because of the personaland professional relationships we have forgedwith you, we are concerned that you might bemisguided by any negative inferences or por-trayals in the media ... We are committed to pro-

viding you with as much information as yourequire that will assist you in sorting through theinformation being disseminated.”

The NAACP has also been involved in thecase. Kenneth Rogers, senior pastor at St. PaulBaptist Church in Paris, Texas and spokesmanfor the local chapter of the NAACP said greaterracial diversity among Turner managementwould help.

“Turner is a big fish in a small pond,” he toldthe Wall Street Journal. “We want jobs here inParis but we want it to be a favorable place towork.”

EEOC finds racism at Turner Industries Texas plant

Whitewashcontinued from page 1 This outright denial of his-

toric fact is a tactic that has

been used against people of

color, women and the poor

to continue their disenfran-

chisement. The danger we

face is that if we don’t learn

our history, we are doomed

to repeat it.”

— LaChanda Jenkins

Barbara Seymour and Ralph and Wanda Holmes Merele Yarborough, Aabba Brown, and Wayne and Judy McConnell

Valarie Jackson and Larry Payne Violinist Damien and Tourie Escobar

Honorees Annella Metoyer andDelores Hadnott

Shannon McGilbra and Shawn Crutcher

NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ……..Two-time Emmy award winning urban rockviolinist, Tourie and Damien Escobarare the creative geniuses behind the inno-vative group Nuttin’ But Stringz.Having studied at the acclaimed JulliardSchool in New York City, they learned totranscend their classical training to incor-porate pop, rock and hip-hop, creatingtheir own unique sound. This dynamicduo truly dazzled the crowd as theyentertained a packed house during the2010 Power to End Stroke, Power ofLegacy Soiree held at Hobby Center forthe Performing Arts. In 2006, theAmerican Stroke Association, a divisionof the American Heart Association,launched Power to End Stroke toempower individuals through educationand awareness of their risk of stroke andthe choice they have in preventing thisdevastating disease. MereleYarborough served as the event chairand Aetna, Grammy award-winninggospel artist, Kirk Franklin and Judyand Wayne McConnell were honoredbecause of their continued supportthrough the years. Deborah Duncan,KHOU Channel 11, Great Day Houstonserved as emcee. Spotted at the eventwere Aabba Brown, Wanda and RalphHolmes, Audrey and WardellGilbreath, Connie and JonathanGregory, Carole Pinkett, LillianLockett, Barbara Seymour, Anita andGerald Smith, Kelly Hodges, ChandraBrooks, Larry Payne and ValarieJackson. Great Event!..........REMEM-BERING OUR PAST & STYLINGOUR FUTURE…….That’s the themechosen for the 29th Annual ScholarshipLuncheon and Fashion Show hosted bythe Ivy Educational and CharitableFoundation of Houston, Inc. The organi-zation continues to provide financialassistance for deserving high school sen-iors and college students as well as dis-tribute funds for charitable, educationaland scientific projects. Over 1,000 styl-ishly dressed ladies attended this event.Oh, there were some well-dressed menthere also. The 2010 honorees includedDr. Larraine E. Breckenridge-Sterling,Lois Bullock, Tracy Carmen-Jones,Delores Hadnott, William J. Hill, Dr.Rhea Brown Lawson, AnnellaMetoyer, Rep. Boris Miles and BrendaPeters-Chase. We salute ReginaCarrington, Chapter President,Honorary Chairmen Congressman AlGreen, Gene and Dr. JacquelineHorton-Cobbin and Bill White and theevent’s General Chairs, Joyce Warnerand Tracy Warner. ContinuedSuccess!..........BLACKS IN ENERGY…….The American Association of Blacks inEnergy-Houston Chapter and theNational Society of Black Engineerspartnered again to recognize the hardwork and pursuit of excellence ofHouston area youth by awarding severalstudents with scholarships. This year’srecipients included Luz Rocha, EboniAxel, Jessica Rhone, DavidCarmichael, Clifton Boudreaux,Dannie Perkins, Jr., Michelle RobinsonLiving, Thierry Espassa and ChelleLeonard. These students are also eligi-ble to compete for additional regionaland national scholarships. The successof this program can be attributed toTerry Stinger, President of AABE-Houston Chapter, Rejanah Steward,Scholarship Chair, Nicole Sherrod,Stephanie Sigers, Erica Freeman,Andrea Thomas and Dr. AhmadShaheed. Carla Powers Herron, GroupLitigation with Shell Oil Company wasthe keynote speaker and Senator RodneyEllis served at the Honorary Chairman.Congratulations!........CONDOLENCES……..Our prayers are with the family ofOscar Rauls who recently celebrated hishomegoing. Think of it this way, Mr.Rauls has a new position, he’s now yourguardian angel appointed by God to lookafter you. God saw the road was gettingrough, the hills were hard to climb, so Hegently closed his loving eyes and whis-pered, “Peace Be Thines.” GodBless!........ Have a great week andremember to watch CROSSROADS onChannel 13 Sunday morning withMelanie Lawson for your event coveredby Ms. Chag. Also check out our web-site at defendernetwork.com to view the“Event of the Week.”…..From Chag’sPlace to your place, Ciao Darling!

8 MAY 2 – 8, 2010 | DEFENDER

Carole Pinkett and Lillian Lockett

Honorees Lois Bullock and Dr. Rhea Brown-Lawson

Wardell and Audrey Gilbreath

Honorary Chairs Dr. Jacqueline Cobbin and Gene CobbinHonorary Chairmen Congressman Al Green and Bill White

Honorees Brenda Peters-Chase, Tracy Carmen-Jones, WilliamHill and Dr. Lorraine Bredkenridge-Sterling

Andrea Thomas and Terry Stinger

Luz Rocha, Danny Perkins, Jr. and Eboni AxelDavid Carmichael, Jessica Rhone and Clifton Boudreaux

Judge Hilary Green, Staci Fullmighter and Regina Carrington

Ahmad Shaheed, Carla Powers Herron and Paschal Eleanya James Harrison, Rejanah Steward, Nichole Sherrodand Omar Higgs