june 2006 houston business connections newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONSHouston

Published By Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C. Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998 • Email: [email protected] • JUNE 2006

HoustonBUSINESS CONNECTIONSCommunity News & Business ReportsCommunity News & Business Reports

CONNECTIONS

TO VIEW HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS ONLINE VISIT: www.houstonbusinessconnections.com

(Washington, DC) —Marriott International, Inc.(NYSE: MAR) received the2006 Ronald E. Harrison Award,by the International FranchiseAssociation (IFA), for its signifi-cant contributions to minoritiesin franchising.

“We are honored to be rec-ognized with the IFA’s highest award,” saidStephen P. Joyce, executive vice president of

Marriott Receives TopHonors for DiversityFranchising Initiatives

Johnson

Please see DIVERSITY, P.20

Please see CONSTITUTION, P.15

A Candid Conversationwith Tj Baker-Holm hostof “The Constitution”Political Talk Show

Houston Business Connections Reports

ecently Houston Business Connectionscaught up with Tj Baker-Holm for acandid conversation. Tj sat down todiscuss her passion, politics, and her

success with Houston Business Connections pub-lisher Aubrey R. Taylor. The following areexcerpts from their conversation...

IN GOOD COMPANY: Tj Baker-Holm (left) ispictured with Barbara Ann Radnofsky, candi-date for U.S. Senate who has appeared on“The Constitution” with Baker-Holm morethan once. Radnofsky is scheduled to faceoffagainst incumbent Kay Bailey Hutchison anda Libertarian party candidate in November.

R

Houston BusinessConnections Reports

A n g e l / M c I v e rInterests, a Conroe,Texas based land devel-opment firm has agreedto purchase the 104-acretract of land that used tohold AstroWorld. It isunsure at this time howthe land will be redevel-oped, but the process hastaken a step forward. Atthis time the company

has not released an offi-cial purchase price, butreports are that the tractis being sold for some-where around $77 million.

The sale is expectedto be finalized sometime during June. Whileit is unclear how the firmwill use the prime plot ofland, many feel theproperty will be bestserved by building high-rise condos or housing tosupport the medical center.

ASTROWORLD GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN:Johnson Space Center (JSC) offers college studentsaround the country the chance to work in paid, full-timepositions directly related to their field of study. Picturedabove are happy JSC Family Members enjoying a little restand relaxation at Six Flags AstroWorld during their 2005Spring Social.

Houston BusinessConnections Reports

ids not doinganything for thesummer? Hereis something

you may want to consid-er. Registration is nowopen for summer campsessions of two weekseach that run from May30 to Aug. 11 at the FirstMethodist Houston-Westchase QuillianRecreation Center.

A special camp forteens 13-14 will also beoffered.

First MethodistHouston-Westchase isone part of a two-campuscongregation of about10,000 diverse members.The church offers tradi-tional services Sundaysat 9 a.m. and a contem-porary worship at 11:12

a.m. weekly.T h i s d i v e r s e

church a l so has anextensive program ofmissions and Bible stud-ies. Its Wesley Academyprivate school serveschildren from three yearsold through eighth grade.Its Quillian RecreationCenter offers summerenrichment programs formore than 300 childrenand after-school pro-grams throughout the year.

For more informa-tion on the summercamp, please visit thechurch website atwww.fmhouston.com,then click on “Sports andRecreation,” or callQuillian Memorial Centerat 713-781-9195.

For information onFirst Methodist Houston,visit www.fmhouston.orgor call 832-668-1800.

First Methodist Houston-Westchase is diverse, traditional,contemporary, and hosting asummer youth camp for kids

Made Summer Plans Yet?

SUMMER CAMP: Kenneth Levingston (left), executivepastor of First Methodist Houston-Westchase, presents a20-inch bike to Coriyanna (front), Ledarius (rear) andLaWanda Payton during the church’s recentEggstravaganza as Tom Gaden, director of QuillianMemorial Center, watches. Registration is now open forsummer camp sessions of two weeks each that run fromMay 30 to August 11 at the center. A special camp forteens 13-14 will also be offered. For more information onthe summer camp, please visit the church website atwww.fmhouston.com , then click on “Sports and Recreation,”or call Quillian Memorial Center at 713-781-9195.

K

Nominations are now beingaccepted for the 2006 Women onthe Move® Awards. The annualawards ceremony, sponsored byTexas Executive Women (TEW)

continues to be dedicated to hon-oring Houston women who havemade a difference in their com-munity while excelling in theirwork environment. The dollars

raised from this event help fundprograms that reach out to under-served teenage girls.

TEW and its members arededicated to supporting programs

that recognize, develop and fundthe advancement of women andgirls in the community. Throughits diverse membership, theorganization works to inspire

young women to achieve theirgoals and give back to the com-

DO YOU KNOW A WOMAN ON THE MOVE?

Please see WOMAN, P.19

GONE!AstroWorld land sold to

Angel/McIver, deal scheduledto be closed sometime in Junefor a reported $77 million

s always, I would like to thank our loyal advertisers,readers, and supporters for their continued support.It is through their support that we are able to printHouston Business Connections.

One new supporter I would like to thank personally isGerald W. “Jerry” Lafleur a candidate seeking to fill the voidbeing left behind by State Rep. Al Edwards, who was recentlydefeated in the HD-146 Democratic runoff. Edwards’ losscame as a surprise to many – including Lafleur. Nevertheless, itdid not surprise our online readers and participants as 52 percentof them correctly predicted the outcome of the HD 146Democratic runoff held on April 11th.

Now the HD-146 race is going to get very interesting.While we will be switching our attention to the Gubernatorialrace, I assure you we will be keeping a watchful eye on theHD-146 contest between Lafleur and Borris L. Miles.

Moreover, if you look on the next page you will see thatGerald W. “Jerry” Lafleur is making a direct appeal to you foryour monetary support and your all important vote on electionday. I can’t tell you who to support or vote for in November.But, I can ask you to support our supporters because they helpus to produce this very important news and information source.

Until the next issue, I ask you to enjoy this one, and toshare it with a friend. I furthermore make a humble and sincererequest for you to support the candidates and the businesses you findon the pages of Houston Business Connections.

And remember to support those who support you!

Aubrey R. TaylorPublisherEmail: [email protected]

NEWS Publisher’s Message/Environment/Endorsement News

Aubrey R. Taylor, president and CEO of Houston HighlightsPublishing, L.L.C., publisher of Houston Business Connections.

2 • JUNE 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly • www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

We once worried that democracy could not survive if an undereducated populace knew too little. Now we worry if it can survive us knowing too much. — Robert Bianco

A

ENTREPRENEURS CREDOI do not choose to be a Common manIt is my right to be UNCOMMON… If I canI seek Opportunity - not SecurityI do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulledby having the state look after me.I want to take the “Calculated Risk” toDream and to Build,to fail and to SUCCEED.I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.I prefer the challenges of Life to the“Guaranteed existence”,the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.I will not trade FREEDOM for Beneficencenor my dignity for a handout.I will never cower before any master norbend to any threat.It is my heritage to stand erect,proud and unafraid,to think and act for myself,to enjoy the benefit of “MY CREATIONS” and to face the world boldly and say:“This with God’s help, I have done.All this is what it means to be a ENTREPRENEUR”

HHPHouston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.Mailing: 957 Nasa Parkway #251 Houston, TX 77058.

Send Opinions: [email protected]

hile conducting research upon com-pletion of his sociology Ph.D. inHouston in 1979, Dr. Robert Bullardnoticed that all the city's garbage

dumps were located in and around neighbor-hoods inhabited primarily by African-Americans,even though blacks only accounted for a quarterof the city's population. Bullard hypothesizedthat such discriminatory siting was no coinci-dence, especially since Houston had no zoninglaws to regulate land use. At the time, his find-ings helped a middle class African Americancommunity in the city prevent the building of anew dump facility in their neighborhood.

Fearful that the Houston situation was no

anomaly, Bullard cast his net wider to find moreexamples of what he called "environmentalracism." Indeed, he found not only dumps, butalso polluting factories and other industrial blem-ishes throughout the American Southeast – fromWest Virginia to Alabama to Texas to Louisianato Florida – located where poor and sometimesmiddle class African Americans lived. While dis-criminatory decision-making was no doubt a fac-tor, Bullard also theorized that such communities'lack of political experience also contributed totheir predicament. Such realizations gave birth to

Dear EarthTalk: How is it thatAfrican Americans are said to suf-fer the most in the U.S. from pollu-tion and other environmental ills?

– Jon Stein, Novato, CA

W

Please see EARTHTALK, P.17

EYE ON HOUSTON POLITICS

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS IS PUBLISHED ON A MONTHLY BASIS BY

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AFRICAN AMERICANSAND THEIR RIGHT

TO VOTE IN AMERICABy Ron Jackson, Political Consultant

Special to Houston Business Connections

he right to vote is one of the most cherished rights ofcitizens in the United States. But today, voting is aright that many adults over the age of 18 take forgranted. Many men and women protested,

fought, bled and died for this basic right. Until the mid1800’s, only white men in American had the right tovote....I recently picked up a Tip Sheet. The Tip Sheet isan information source about Blacks and Black OwnedBusinesses. I assumed the Publisher was disgustedwhen he wrote, “You embarrassed your children.You embarrassed yourself. You embarrassed theDistrict, Assembly 146. You embarrassed thewinning candidate. You embarrassed the losingcandidate. You insulted the thousands of Blackswho fought and died for you to have the Right toVote. 5,766 of you voted Tuesday, April 11, 2006out of approximately 85, 182 Registered Voters inAssembly District 146. You are right, your vote doesn’tcount because you didn’t put it in the ballot box!”

I concur with these statements. Was it poll taxesthat stopped you from voting? Was it the literacy testthat stopped you from voting? Was it the dogs andthe water hoses that stopped you from voting? Or,is it your lack of respect of your ancestor’s brutalstruggle for the right to vote, that you disregard yourRight to Vote! SEE COMMENTARY ON PAGE 12

T

Houston Business Connections Monthly • www.houstonbusinessconnections.com • 832.212.8735 • JUNE 2006 • 3

The highest measure of democracy is neither the ‘extent of freedom’ nor the ‘extent of equality’, but rather the highest measure of participation. — A. d. Benoist

Polit ical advertisement paid for by LaFleur for Texas 146, Jerrell I. Davis, Treasurer

I Want Your Support!“You can support my effort to becomeyour next State Rep. for District 146 bydonating to my campaign!”

– Gerald W. “Jerry” LafleurCandidate for State Rep. District 146

Name:___________________________________________Address:_________________________________________________________________Contact#:________________Amount Enclosed: $ _______

Make Check Payable To:LaFleur for Texas 1467920 Cullen Blvd. Houston, Texas 77051Jerrell I. Davis Treasurer

Cut along the dotted line and mail today!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Candidates Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

ANNOUNCEMENTS LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Bank of Texas Leadsfinancing; Texas Children’sJoins Development

234-acre master-planned develop-ment in SouthwestHouston marked two

milestones today: constructionstarted on Phase One of the450,000-square-foot KingdomBuilders’ Community Center(KBCC); and Texas Children'sPediatric Associates (TCPA), asubsidiary of Texas Children’sHospital, announced theirnewest pediatrics practice willbe built in the development.

Mayor Bill White cele-brated with business and com-munity leaders as dirt beganflying on a parcel of land thathas lain undeveloped through-out Houston’s recorded history.“Houston has become a greatcity of opportunity because its business leaderswere also philanthropists,” said Mayor White.

“Today, we celebrate the rebirth of a communitybecause visionary leaders care about their neigh-bors and understand that investing in Houstonfamilies is investing in our future.”

“This is an exciting day for the people ofHouston,” said Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, boardmember of KBC LLC, the Houston-based projectdeveloper team. “An extraordinary coalition ispartnering together in a history-making event tobring economic revitalization to an under servedarea of our city. Early estimates show more than3,000 contract jobs and 1,000 full-time jobs arebeing created in this community.”

Today’s event marks the official start of PhaseOne of the KBCC – the Family Life Center (FLC)– a 183,000-square-foot multi-use facility createdin response to the assessed needs of the surround-ing neighborhood. The FLC will be open to thecommunity on a daily basis and will featureamenities from gymnasiums and a book store toeducational and child care facilities.

The TCPA community pediatrics practice isthe latest component in a growing network of localand national organizations joining the develop-ment. “We are committed to creating access forfamilies and their children,” says TCPA PresidentAyse McCracken. “We build long-lasting relation-

Nonprofit DeveloperAnnounces $173 MillionProject for Southwest Houston

Kirbyjon

White

Please see DEVELOPER, P.9

Gov. PerryAppoints Wiseand Wilson ToUniversity ofHoustonSystem Boardof Regents

Gov. Rick Perry hasannounced the appointment ofJim Wise of Houston andWelcome W. Wilson Sr. ofHouston to the University of

Houston System Board ofRegents for terms to expire Aug.31, 2011.

Wise is a managing mem-ber of Haddington EnergyPartners III, a private equityfund that provides capital tomidstream natural gas compa-nies. He serves on the dean’sexecutive advisory board for theBauer College of BusinessAdministration at the University

of Houston and was named out-standing alumnus in 2001. Wiseis a member of the AmericanInstitute of Certified PublicAccountants, the AmericanPetroleum Institute, the HoustonChapter of the Texas Society ofCertified Public Accountantsand the Texas Society ofCertified Public Accountants.He also serves on the advisoryboard for the Salvation ArmyUSA, as a director of theSalvation Army of Houston, andfounder and advisory director ofthe Free Enterprise Foundation.Wise received a bachelor’sdegree in accounting from theUniversity of Houston.

Wilson is chairman of theboard and CEO of GSLIndustrial Holdings. He is alsoa real estate developer andowner of industrial facilities inTexas. Wilson serves as chair-man of the board of River OaksFinancial Group, Inc., and is amortgage banker. He is a pastrecipient of the University ofHouston’s DistinguishedAlumnus award and the univer-sity’s College of BusinessDistinguished Alumnus award.Wilson previously served asvice president of the university’salumni organization and asfounding chairman of the

Perry Wilson Wise

A

Please see REGENTS, P.19

BUSINESS EVENT HIGHLIGHT


Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. — Reinhold Niebuhr

Event IncludedPresentations to ChildAdvocates, DePelchinChildren's Center andCypress AssistanceMinistries; Remarksby Local Businessand GovernmentOfficials

ffice Depot (NYSE:ODP), aleading global provider ofoffice products and services,recently celebrated the opening

of its first store in Cypress. The store islocated at 25821 US Hwy. 290 in CypressTown Center.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony,Office Depot made $500 contributions tothree local non-profit organizations: ChildAdvocates, DePelchin Children's Centerand Cypress Assistance Ministries. Inaddition, Courtney Dennie, district aide toRep. Michael McCaul (R-10), and DarcyMingoia, president of the Cy-Fair HoustonChamber of Commerce, will offered wel-coming remarks.

The public was invited to attend theevent, which also featured demonstrationsby a number of Office Depot product man-ufacturers and suppliers.

Special guests who participated in theribbon-cutting included:

Non-Profit OrganizationRepresentatives:• Nolan Lehmann, Board Member, Child Advocates• Deborah Hirsch, Vice President ofDevelopment, DePelchin Children’s

Center• Margo Quiroz, Coordinator of ClientServices, and Lisa Bassett, AdministrativeSupport, Cypress Assistance Ministries

Federal Official:• Courtney Dennie, District Aide to Rep.Michael McCaul (R-10)

Local Government Official:• Judge Mike Rozell, Director of EconomicDevelopment in the office of County JudgeRobert Eckels

Chamber of CommerceRepresentative:• Darcy Mingoia, President, Cy-Fair HoustonChamber of Commerce

“Office Depot is strongly committedto enhancing the quality of life in the com-munities in which we conduct business,”said David Mattson, manager of the newOffice Depot store. “We are excited toopen our first store in Cypress and verypleased that we can assist these criticallyimportant non-profit organizations in theirefforts to make a meaningful difference inthe lives of children and families in this area.”

About the Office Depot Store inCypress According to Store ManagerDavid Mattson, the new Cypress store fea-tures Office Depot’s industry-leading M2retail format. The store layout offers cus-tomers the most enjoyable shopping expe-rience in the industry – in a format that isintuitive, logical and designed specificallyfor the way people make purchase decisions.

Products are grouped in highly visi-ble, strategically located “pods,” with coresupplies at the outer perimeter of the store– signed for optimal visibility and easy pur-chase – and furniture and technology at thecenter – to better support consultative sales.

The new store employs approximate-

Office Depot recently celebrated theopening of it’s first store in Cypress

MINGLING IN THE CROWD: Attendees at the Office Depot Ribbon-Cutting cer-emony. The new store is located at 25821 US Hwy. 290 in Cypress Town Center.

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS: Victor Varma, Chamber Ambassador, AllstateInsurance Agency, Marilyn Sander, Chamber Ambassador, Pro Action Careers,Ron Downing, Chamber Ambassador, Capital One Bank.

O

Please see OPENING, P.19

CUTTING THE RIBBON: Attendees at the Office Depot Ribbon-Cutting ceremony preparing to cut the ribbon at the Cypress store opening.


Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it’s something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles. — Abbie Hoffman

Please see LISTING, P.7

NEWS DIVERSITY HIGHLIGHT

Acres Home CitizenChamber Of Commerce(713) 692-70036130 Wheatley StHouston, TX 77091

Arab U.S. Chamber Of Commerce(281) 447-2563525 N Sam Houston Pkwy EHouston, TX 77060

Arab-us Chamber National(713) 963-46201330 Post Oak BlvdHouston, TX 77056

Asian Chamber OfCommerce(713) 782-72227457 Harwin DrHouston, TX 77036

Australian AmericanChamber Of Commerce(713) 467-214611935 Cobblestone DrHouston, TX 77024

C I S American ChamberOf Commerce(713) 464-48008707 Katy FwyHouston, TX 77024

Caribbean Chamber Of Commerce(713) 977-83087171 Harwin DrHouston, TX 77036

Chamber Of Commerce North(281) 872-870016825 Northchase DrHouston, TX 77060

Chamber Of CommerceNorth Channel Area(713) 450-3600P 9759 Ste Ste 100Houston, TX 77213

Clear Lake Area EconomicDevelopment Foundation(281) 486-55352525 Bay Area BlvdApollo, TX 77058

Clear Lake ShoresChamber Of Commerce(281) 488-76761201 Nasa Rd 1Apollo, TX 77058

Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce(281) 955-110011050 Fm 1960 Rd WHouston, TX 77065

Cy-fair Houston Chamber Of Commerce(281) 765-888811050 Fm 1960 Rd WHouston, TX 77065

French American Chamber Of Commerce5373 West Alabama, #209Houston, TX 77056(713) 960-0575

German AmericanChamber Of Commerce(713) 877-11145599 San Felipe StHouston, TX 77056

The following is a comprehensivelist of Houston area Chambers of Commerce-------------------------

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

Miller Boosts Roleof MulticulturalRelations

Miller Brewing Company haspromoted Larry Waters to the roleof senior director of multiculturalrelations, confirming its recognition

of the ever-increasing importance ofmulticultural audiences to its business.

In his new position, Watersreports directly to Michael Jones,general counsel and senior vicepresident, corporate social respon-sibility, ensuring that Miller’s mul-ticultural strategies and prioritiesare directly represented to Miller’sexecutive committee.

“Larry has played an integralrole in establishing productive part-nerships and programs with keymulticultural organizations andbusinesses in Milwaukee andthroughout the country,” said Millerpresident and CEO Norman Adami.

Larry Waters Named Miller SeniorDirector of Multicultural Relations

Waters Please see WATERS, P.18

EDITORIAL COMMUNITY OPINION


Justice will only exist where those not effected by injustice are filled with the same amount of indignation as those offended.— Plato

By Cleo Glen JohnsonSpecial to Houston Business Connections

n a recent editorial opinion sent toHouston Business Connections,long-time community activist CleoGlen Johnson shared her thoughts

on the plight facing Houston’s black com-munity. We must add that her opinions donot necessarily reflect those of HoustonHighlights Publishing, L.L.C., HoustonBusiness Connections.

Here are her comments:

As I look at the list of names that wereeither submitted, or just pulled together, Iam annoyed that we have no new nameson the list; just the same ones that havecontinued to be recycled for the last 25years. Have we not groomed any newleadership? What does this say about us asa people, either we don’t do our homeworkto find out that are others doing goodthings in Houston - or is it apathy?

When we have no new names - welimit ourselves to the same old behavior;no new ideas, no new visions, no newthoughts, and no new ways of doingthings. This means for our people, no newopportunities, and if you look at our com-munity we have lost everything becausewe continue to do the same old thing.Where are those in our community whoare from Africa, who have contributed a

great deal to the numbers of growing busi-nesses and employment in our community?

It is a fact that anything you recyclethe same way will give you the sameresults. Moreover, our community hasbeen devastated and stagnated for thesereasons. Can we not find all the others whoare doing good things and have con-tributed to our little growth - if there isany? Since there is power in words - thenwe should understand that we have givenlife to the death in our community. Whenwe talk and act as if this is all that there isfor our people - we are in a terrible

predicament. We are seriously limitingwho we are, and could be, when we decidethat only a select few have done the job.

Is it that we only respond to the nameswe remember, or is it that we just don’tknow? We must know that our territory ismuch bigger than what the media makes itout to be. In addition, because we allowthe media and others to define who is lead-ing, who is worthy, and who is palatable,then we have limited our possibilities andhindered God’s purpose for which Hecrafted us to be. However, when we speak,we limit ourselves, and the way we act

toward one another is limited as well.We don’t have the luxury to be divid-

ed by politics, community labels, jobs, ordegrees. And this must be erased.However, apathy in our community has ahold on us so strong, that we refuse tochange and allow the will of God to evenhave a place in the mix. We continue to actout without understanding. Therefore, thecommunity is misunderstood and mishan-dled. We are in these conditions becausewe take no responsibility as a whole, andthose who have been given these positionsare either hiding, taking sides, or doingnothing to change our conditions. We muststop just maintaining our community, wemust cultivate new possibilities – and wemust display sensibility, for there to beopportunities and growth. Our silenceallows others to define us, so when weare just spectators, and not participants,we give life to death in our community.

People, there are other participants inour community who are doing manygreat things, we must find them andsupport them.

Those of the past have their worth andhave had their time, but this is a new day;it is time to get new ideas, make thingsbetter, and breathe some new life into ourcommunity, let’s work together to findsome new names.

Thank you!

Time to Breathe New life intoHouston’s Black Community, Says

Long-time Community Activist

I

Cleo Glen Johnson

A New Day

EDITORIAL POLITICAL OPINION

With the recent announcement by U.S.Representative Tom DeLay that he wouldresign effective June 9th, Governor RickPerry has the opportunity to call a specialelection and allow the constituents of the22nd Congressional District the chance tochoose their representative to serve for theremainder of DeLay's term. However,Perry refuses to call an election, denyingthe district representation in Congress fornearly five months.

“Unfortunately, Rick Perry has joinedwith Tom DeLay to put partisan politicsahead of Texas voters,” said Texas

Democratic Party CommunicationsDirector Amber Moon. “Just as he did inthe 2003 redistricting scheme, GovernorPerry has once again chosen to accommo-date Tom DeLay’s desire to deny Texasvoters the right to choose their representa-tives to Congress.”

“By refusing to hold a special electionto replace DeLay, Perry is denying over ahalf million Houston area voters a voiceon important issues in Congress,” saidMoon. “At a time when Texas is havingtofight for federal reimbursements in thewake of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, it is

inexcusable to leave parts of Houston andGalveston without a representative whenthey were on the frontlines of the hurri-cane response.”

By not replacing DeLay until theNovember elections, Perry is forcing the22nd District to go at least 150 days with-out a Representative in Congress, fromJune 9, 2006 to November 7, 2006. This isthe longest vacancy in a CongressionalDistrict in 100 years. In 1905, after beingshot and killed, the Congressman for the8th District of Texas, John M. Pinckney,was succeeded by former State

Representative from Fort Bend CountyJohn M. Moore after a vacancy of 224days. (Source: Handbook of Texas Onlinehttp://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/PP/fpi24.html)

Since then, an election was held to filla congressional vacancy in less than 150days with most governors ensuring a newmember was elected quickly.

“Perry and DeLay clearly hold Texasvoters in disdain. They are setting ashameful record and leaving the entirestate of Texas short a critical vote inCongress,” added Moon.

PERRY AND DELAY PLACE CORRUPT POWER OVER PEOPLE District 22 Denied a Voice in Congress


Intellectual freedom is the only guarantee of a scientific - democratic approach to politics, economic development, and culture. — Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

7 2 5 0 G u l f F r e e w a y H o u s t o n , T e x a s 7 7 0 1 7

Dianoh Johnson-WillsFleet Manager

281.477.6767

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BANKING INDUSTRY

Houston Hispanic Chambers Of Commerce(713) 644-72152900 Woodridge DrHouston, TX 77087

Houston NorthwestChamber Of Commerce(281) 440-347614511 Falling Creek DrBammel, TX 77014

Houston NorthwestChamber Of Commerce(281) 440-416014511 Falling Creek DrHouston, TX 77014

Houston West Chamber Of Commerce(713) 785-492210777 Westheimer RdHouston, TX 77042

Houston West Chamber Of Commerce SpringBranch Division(713) 467-93308400 Long Point RdHouston, TX 77055

Indo American ChamberOf Commerce OfGreater Houston(713) 850-11441990 Post Oak BlvdHouston, TX 77056

Interamerican Chamber Of Commerce(713) 975-6171510 Bering DrHouston, TX 77057

Italy-america Chamber OfCommerce Of Texas Inc.(713) 626-93034605 Post Oak Place DrHouston, TX 77027

Japan Business Association Of Houston(281) 493-151214133 Memorial DrHouston, TX 77079

League City Chamber of Commerce(281) 554-5595 P.O. Box 977League City, Texas 77574

National U.S. Arab Chamber Of Commerce(713) 963-46201330 Post Oak BlvdHouston, TX 77056North Chamber OfCommerce(281) 872-870016825 Northchase DrHouston, TX 77060

North Channel AreaChamber Of Commerce(713) 450-360013301 E FwyHouston, TX 77015

North Houston Greenspoint Chamber Of Commerce(281) 872-870016825 Northchase DrHouston, TX 77060

Seabrook Chamber Of Commerce(281) 488-76761201 Nasa Rd 1Apollo, TX 77058

Listingcontinued from P.5

Convenience isthe Foundation ofCapital One’s ‘NoHassle Banking’

Capital One bank is nowoffering the convenience ofseven-day banking to all of itsbranches in the Dallas-FortWorth (DFW) metroplex, metro-

politan Houston and Austin. NowCapital One customers in Texashave access to the same full-serv-ice banking on Sundays as onany other day of the week mak-ing it even easier and more con-venient for customers to satisfytheir banking needs.

“Our seven-day-a-weekservice demonstrates CapitalOne’s commitment to the highestlevel of customer service,” saidRobert M. Kottler, Texas De

Novo Area Manager for theBanking segment of Capital One.“We understand that, for some ofour customers, regular bankinghours don’t always fit into theirbusy schedules. It's our goal tomake ‘No Hassle Banking’ thenew standard for service andconvenience.”

Capital One's 31 branches inmetropolitan Houston, 18branches in the DFW metroplexand one branch in Austin now

offer seven-day banking. Branchhours have also been extended onweekdays at the DFW, Houstonand Austin branches. The newlobby hours, which took effectMonday, April 24, are as follows:Monday through Friday 9 a.m.to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5p.m., and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.

The added convenience also

Capital One Offers 7-Day Bankingand Extended Hours in Texas

Please see BANKING P.17

(Austin) – State Bar of Texasofficials today announced thatGib Walton of Vinson & ElkinsLLP in Houston has been namedpresident-elect in a statewideelection of Texas attorneys. BillMiller of Texarkana has been electedpresident-elect of the Texas YoungLawyers Association (TYLA).

Walton, a partner withVinson & Elkins LLP since1982, served as president of theHouston Bar Association, andchair of the Houston BarFoundation and HoustonVolunteer Lawyers Program. Hehas served on the State BarBoard of Directors, theExecutive Committee, andchaired the Finance Committee.Walton led the Bar through a successfulSunset Review as chair of the SunsetReview Committee during the 2003 leg-islative session. A member of the ProBono College and College of the State

Bar, the Bar has recognized himwith the State Bar Presidents’Award, Judge Sam WilliamsLeadership Award, and Michael J.Crowley Award. Walton’s com-munity service includes servingon the board of directors of theTexas Equal Access to JusticeFoundation, Methodist Hospital,Brookwood Community and theSouth Texas College of Law. Heearned a B.A. from the Universityof Virginia, and a J.D. from theUniversity of Texas School ofLaw. Walton is board certified inCivil Trial Law, and is an elect-ed member of the AmericanBoard of Trial Advocates, theGarland Walker American Innof Court, and the International

Society of Barristers.He will serve a one-year term as pres-

ident-elect before assuming the presidencyin June 2007. Walton and his wife, Martha,have two children, Cole, 23, and Emily, 19.

Bill Miller, a partner in the Texarkanafirm of Greer, McCasland & Miller LLP,has been elected president-elect of theTexas Young Lawyers Association. Millercurrently serves as chair of the TYLABoard of Directors. He has been an advi-sor to and worked on 14 TYLA commit-

tees, received the TYLA President’sAward of Merit in 2002, and was namedOutstanding Director in 2003. He is afounding member of theTexarkana Young


Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. — Plato

Suit Claims DellRefused to Provide Creditto Individuals Based onEthnicBackgrounds

Thomas K. Equels, ManagingShareholder of the Holtzman Equels lawfirm, and attorney Benjamin R. Alvarezfiled a class action on behalf of Miami res-

ident Juan C. Arteaga against DellFinancial Services, LP. in United StatesDistrict Court for the Southern District ofFlorida (Case #06-21123). The complaintalleges the organization, a joint venturebetween Dell Inc., the world's leadingonline computer systems company, andCIT., violated the Equal CreditOpportunity Act by refusing to providecredit to individuals based on their ethnicbackgrounds.

“The exact number of people affected

by these discriminatory practices areunknown,” said Equels, “but we believethere are thousands of victims who simplydon't know that they were denied creditbased solely on their race or eth-nicity.”

Arteaga, a Hispanic busi-nessman and university profes-sor, said he placed an order andsubmitted a credit application tolease new computer equipmentfor his new company (GlobalInstitute of Higher ExtensionStudies, L.L.C.) in November2005.

The class action stated, “after Mr.Arteaga was approved, pursuant to DellFinancial’s instructions, Mr. Arteaga wiretransferred $4,063.54 to Dell Financial’sBank of America account as a down pay-ment for the leased computer equipment.Subsequently, Lynn Dickenson of DellFinancial confirmed that she had receivedthe application, that the down payment wasapplied and that the order was beingprocessed and would be ready soon.”

According to the complaint, “OnFebruary 11, 2005, the day after Dell hadconfirmed Global’s credit application andhad applied Mr. Arteaga’s down payment,Ms. Dickenson emailed Mrs. Castano atGlobal and informed her that the credit

application was being denied because ‘ourverification department seems to think thatJuan Carlos [Arteaga] can’t speak Englishand a non-English speaker can’t personal-

ly guarantee an account for fearthey may not understand the termsand conditions of the lease.’”

“Mr. Arteaga made severalattempts to obtain further expla-nation from Dell Financial for itsdecision to deny him and Globalcredit but his requests went unan-swered,” said Equels. “Eventhough Mr. Arteaga had exempla-ry credit, Dell would not extend

him credit because of his accent and eth-nic background. Dell’s refusal to providehim credit is a clear and direct violationof the Act.”

Equels said the class action seekspunitive damages that the court willdetermine based on the number ofplaintiffs, the extent of their individualclaims and the degree of Dell’s viola-tions of the Act.

Holtzman Equels, a Florida lawfirm with offices in Miami, Orlandoand Tallahassee, Fla., represents clientsin civil litigation, government rela-tions, appellate and personal injurymatters. Please visit our website:www.heqlaw.com

Holtzman Equels toRepresent victims inDiscrimination ClassAction against DellFinancial Services

Holtzman

(Houston) – Some of the auctions MorrisTaibel conducted were advertised as“estate sales.” They were held in largeexpensive homes and offered for saleexpensive antiques that were purportedlyowned by the occupants of those homes.

What Taibel didn’t tell buyers, how-ever, is that some of the property offeredfor sale was not from the estate and hadnever belonged to the homeowner. Some

items were obtained from wholesalers andbrought in for sale on consignment.

After an investigation of four of theseauctions by the Texas Department ofLicensing and Regulation (TDLR), Taibel,a Houston auctioneer, has agreed a $6,000penalty for misrepresenting advertiseditems to buyers. In addition, Taibel, whoowns Liquidators Group, 4142 W.Northhampton Place in Houston, agreed to

a two-year probated suspension of hislicense. During the probated period, Taibelmust report all auctions he conducts toTDLR and also submit all auction adver-tisements to TDLR for review.

Taibel conducted auctions at expen-sive homes in El Paso, Kyle, Pasadena andHighland Village in 2004 and 2005.Advertisements promoting the auctionsshowed pictures of large expensive homes

and contained lists of antiques that wouldbe sold at the auctions. The ads alsoimplied that all items offered for sale camefrom the estates of the individuals whoowned and occupied the homes.

Along with any actual estate items,however, Taibel also brought in and soldwholesale items that never belonged to theowners of the properties. Purchasers were nottold the items did not belong to the estate.

Houston Auctioneers Agrees to $6,000 PenaltyAdmits Misrepresenting Items Sold at “Estate Auctions”

Beaumont AttorneyRobert Black ElectedState Bar of TexasChair of the Board

(Austin) – Robert A. Black, a share-holder with Mehaffy Weber, P.C. inBeaumont, was elected chair of theboard of the State Bar of Texas duringthe organization’s quarterly board ofdirectors meeting in Brownsville, April

21. Black will assume the position duringthe State Bar’s Annual Meeting June 15-16 in Austin.

Black has served as president of theJefferson County Bar Association, andhas chaired State Bar committeesincluding Facilities & Equipment, andPolicy Manual. He has been active inBeaumont community and civic organi-zations including the Humane Society,Land Manor, Sabine Neches Bridge

State Bar of Texas Announces Gib Walton President-elect; Bill Miller to Lead TYLA

Miller

Walton

Please see TYLA P.16

Please see BEAUMONT P.17

LEGAL STATE HAPPENINGS

LEGAL NATIONAL HAPPENINGS


If liberty and equality are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost. — Aristotle

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

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ships between families and theirpediatricians, providing proac-tive well-child checkups, and wedo not base treatment on eco-nomics. Our comprehensive,accessible, family-centered prac-tices ensure that there are no dis-parities in health care.” TCPA isthe nation’s largest group of gen-eral pediatricians, with more than1,000 employees – of which 150are general pediatricians – and

one million patient visits a year.The new community practice, esti-mated at 6,000-sq-ft, is scheduledto open at the end of this year.

Pastor Caldwell says newjobs, new households, economicoutput and business taxes willhave a substantial ripple effect onthe economic well-being of thesurrounding community. “Thisunique development will literallytransform the social landscape ofSouthwest Houston,” saidCaldwell. A HISD elementaryschool has been open since fall of2005, a YMCA is starting con-

struction mid-May, Walgreen’sand CVS pharmacies are open forbusiness, and additional compa-nies are in negotiations with thedeveloper.

Randy Walker, HoustonChairman for the Bank of Texas,leads a consortium of banks pro-viding construction financing forthe project. “Community invest-ment and collaboration is a prior-ity for our bank,” said Walker.“The KBCC is a premier exam-ple of the kind of local projectthat excites us. The rewardsaren't just financial – the rewards

are seeing a healthy, revitalizedcommunity.”

“We believe in the benefit ofcreating places that help to createcommunity,” said Caldwell. “TheKBCC will be a safe and nurtur-ing environment that will offerhelp, health and hope for the citi-zens of our neighborhoods.”

The KBCC follows the suc-cess of The Power Center, alsoconceived and constructed byCaldwell’s group. The PowerCenter, which serves more than15,000 families each month, hasrevitalized a once vacant strip

center at S. Main and S. Post Oak. Phase One of the KBCC is sched-uled to open in Summer 2007.

An accompanying fact sheetcontains more information aboutthe master development.

The KBCC and the sur-rounding 234-acre master-planned community are beingdeveloped by KBC LLC. Forpress information about the 234-acre project and the developmentof the KBCC, and to scheduleinterviews with PastorCaldwell, contact Robin Paoliat 713.523.7900.

NEWS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Nonprofit Developer Announces $173 Million Project for Southwest Houston

Developercontinued from P.3

DowntownHouston will havesomething foreveryone duringthe summer of2006. Here aresome of the highlights scheduled forJune, July andAugust

Grand Opening of theSabine-to-Bagby Promenade(June 10): This key element inthe revitalization of BuffaloBayou will be officially present-ed to the public with a celebra-tion including live music, foodand drinks, fireworks and a float-ing movie screen. Come see thehike and bike trails, the lightingsystem that glows in shades fromblue to white and more.

Chevy’s Freedom OverTexas (July 4): Houston’sIndependence Day celebration,complete with fireworks present-ed by Shell, will offer everythingfrom live concerts on four out-door stages to displays of mili-tary artifacts and vehicles to avehicle test drive area completewith an obstacle course.Children will enjoy the AllAmerican Kid's Zone, while adultscan partake of the Freedom Marketand the Bud Zone.

ARTS:Don Quixote (June 8, 10-11,

16-18): The Houston Ballet tellsthe story in dance of Kitri andBasilio, two young loversbrought together by the match-making Don. Lavish costumes,colorful scenery and fancy foot-work will transport onlookers fromWortham Theater to sunny Spain.

ExxonMobil SummerChills2006: (June 30-July 16, July 21-August 6) The Alley Theatre willbe the site of two dark produc-tions – first, the mystery thriller“Wait Until Dark,” by FrederickKnott, and then, the amusingfarce “Black Comedy,” by PeterShaffer.

The Lion King (July 6-August 13): Broadway AcrossAmerica is bringing the smash-hit musical based on the popularDisney movie to the HobbyCenter. Children of all agesshould enjoy this visually stun-ning story of Simba the liongrowing into adulthood and hisrightful role.

Houston Symphony (July 8,14, 21): The Houston SymphonyOrchestra will help music loversbeat the heat with three distinc-tive summer concerts. On July 7,country music legend Wynonna

Judd will make her debut withthe Symphony, performing songssuch as “At Last” and “I Want toKnow What Love Is.” On July14, the Symphony will get technowith “Video Games Live,” mix-

ing performances of video gamemusic with synchronized lightsand footage from classics such asDonkey Kong and newer hitssuch as Final Fantasy. Then, onJuly 21, baseball lovers can cele-

brate the great American pastimewith music and footage in “TheBaseball Concert: FromCooperstown to Jones Hall.”

Theater District OpenHouse (August 26-27): This

annual event lets participantslearn more about the many andvaried performing arts options


Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.— Margaret Mead

CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies Who Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

“Lawyers You Can Trust”Brown & Hixon, PLLC is engaged in the practice of general civil law. With over more than thirty years of legal experience, we have built a legalpractice that has one central focus: we are

“Lawyers you can trust.”

Our strong belief that a good personal relationshipbetween client and attorney should exist, and our determination to get the best possible result for clients, has resulted in a tradition and reputation for caring, competent legal representation.

Brown & Hixon was established in June, 1985 by Eric C. Hixon and Ella Edwards Brown-McCoy, with a mission to provide professional, quality legal services to clients. Both licensedin 1975, the founding partners have combined legal experience of over 60 years.

Brown & Hixon has offices in the Astrodome area of Houston, which provides the firm with a very convenient location to serve its diverse array of clientele.

Brown & Hixon, PLLC2656 South Loop West, Ste. 680Houston, TX 77054Telephone: 713/661-2541Facsimile: 713/661-2583

Areas of Practice Include:• Serious Personal Injury• Wrongful Deaths• Bankruptcy• Family Law• Social Security Disability• Commercial Litigation• Insurance law• Contracts

Eric C. Hixon andElla Edwards Brown-McCoy

Founding partners ofBrown & Hixon with over 60 years

of combined legal experience

Eric C. Hixon andElla Edwards Brown-McCoy

Founding partners ofBrown & Hixon with over 60 years

of combined legal experience

SUMMER EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON

Please see EVENTS P.20


The well being of democracies regardless of their type and status is dependent on one small technical detail: The right to vote. Everything else is secondary.— Jose Ortega y Gasset

FINANCIAL WORLD SPOTLIGHT

The Ethiopian born Sauditycoon Sheik MohammedHussein Al Amoudi is the 77thrichest person in the world andthe top billionaire in Africa witha net worth of 6.9 billion USD,according to Forbes magazine.

In a recent special issue, thebusiness magazine reported thatthe year 2005 was great for thetycoon with his net worthincreasing by 4.4 billion USD,jumping to 77th rank from 243ththe previous year.

It said Al Amoudi is also therichest person in Africa and thefourth in the Middle East aswell as the richest black manon the planet.

Last year the City of Atlanta,Georgia, officially welcomedSheikh Mohammed Hussein Al-

Amoudi of Ethiopia to the Citywhere he was honored with aProclamation and a PhoenixAward, which is the highestaward given to a citizen of visit-ing dignitary by the City ofAtlanta. He was in Atlanta aspart of the 22nd AnnualEthiopian Sports Federation’sTournament that took place inJuly last year.He gave $200,000to the Ethiopian sport Federationin North America on July 9.

One of his greatest joys inlife is being able to stretch outthe hand of friendship and help thosein need, say people close to him.

A lot has been said about hisgenerosity when it comes to thedowntrodden and those in need.But his foresight and desire tohelp the younger generation to

plan and build for tomorrowoften takes a back seat.

People would be surprised atthe number of students attendingcolleges and universities here inAmerica on scholarships spon-sored by him. In 1996, Al-Amoudi paid all transportationexpenses for the EthiopianOlympic team when they traveledto America for the Atlanta Games.

Sheikh Al-Amoudi has beenpraised for playing a pivotal rolein improving the lives of thou-sands of marginalized people in asection of the Ethiopian society,through productive investments,and carefully targeted socialdevelopment programs.

Sheikh Mohammed Al-Amoudi was born in Ethiopiaand raised in Saudi Arabia.

He has helped a number offormer Ethiopian athletes both athome and abroad, in many waysincluding covering all the medicalexpenses for Ali Redi, the nationalsoccer team goalkeeper who wastreated for leukemia at a CapeTown hospital in South Africa.

He was born and spent hisyouth in Northern Ethiopia,before migrating to Saudi Arabia.

He migrated to Saudi Arabia.He started at the bottom andworked his way up the businessladder, according to reports.

The largest private investorin Ethiopia, he put money intodiverse assets as hotel, gold minesand a food processing plant.

His Svenshka Petroleum isengaged in oil and gas explo-ration from the Nordic shelf tothe Ivory Coast, it was learnt.

There are reportedly 793 bil-lionaires in the world, most ofthem Americans, and 78 women.

The Ethiopian Herald (AddisAbaba) Staff and wire reports.

Hussein 77th Richest person in theworld according to Forbes magazine

Forbes magazine namesHussein richest black inthe world at $6.9 billion

VERY RICH: Sheik Mohammed Hussein is richest black.

hef Ral Nwosu and his wife Rhonda Nwosu,Vice President of Marketing and Sales, wererecently awarded 2006 Caterer of The Yearat the GPC conference by The Port of

Houston Authority (POHA). Chef Nwosu was alsovoted Best Chef by H-Texas magazine; the result ofonline voting by Houstonians with the top profession-als representing 2-4% of all professionals workingwithin the named industry.

“Ral’s has been a model small business. Theyperform quality work, are very competitively pricedand their food is always very tasty”, says GildaRamirez, Small Business Development Director withPOHA. “We love doing business with them andenjoy the rich meals Chef Ral prepares.” Ral’s FineCatering was also ranked in the 2005 HoustonBusiness Journal Top 25 Caterers list.

Born in Nigeria, Chef Nwosu developed a lovefor cooking by watching his extended family preparelarge meals with great passion and care. At the age of17, he received a scholarship to attend a prestigious

culinary arts academy in Godollo, Hungary. Upongraduation, he worked in London and eventuallymoved to Houston where he worked at theRiver Oaks Country Club and a well knownHouston based restaurant chain.

In 2005, Chef Nwosu, along with hiswife Rhonda, opened Ral’s Café Bistro inthe Galleria area. With two concepts underthe same roof, Ral’s is both a casual caféwith a take-out menu and a bistro withexquisite meal selections and an elegantwhite tablecloth sit-down setting.

For more information on Ral’sFine Catering and Ral's CaféBistro, which is located at1330-D Wirt Road, Houston,Texas 77055, please visittheir website atRalsfinecatering.com or call 713-688-7257.

Ral’s Fine Catering and Café BistroReceives Two Distinguished AwardsHusband and wife team receive POHA Caterer of the Year Award and H-Texas Magazine Distinction

CChef Ral Nwosuand his wifeRhonda Nwosu.

BUSINESS LOCAL SPOTLIGHT


Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral. — Paulo Freire

The right to vote is one ofthe most cherished rights of citi-zens in the United States. Buttoday, voting is a right that manyadults over the age of 18 take forgranted. Many men and womenprotested, fought, bled and diedfor this basic right. Until the mid1800’s, only white men inAmerican had the right to vote.

The founding fathers of theConstitution stated in theDeclaration of Independence July4, 1776 “We hold these truths tobe self-evident, that all men arecreated equal.” Unfortunately,this did not apply to AfricanAmericans who were slaves andconsidered as property.

Slavery began to take onpolitical life in 1787. At theConstitutional Convention dele-gates were confronted with theissue of how to count the slave.Northerners regarded slaves asproperty that received no repre-sentation. Southerners demand-ed that slaves be counted withwhites so that the south wouldincrease its overall political sta-tus and electoral votes. July 17,1787 the Three-FifthCompromise was enacted. The“Three-Fifth Compromise”allowed a state to count three-fifths of each slave in determin-

ing political representation in theHouse of Representatives.Although slaves were countedthe law did nothing to stop theimportation of slaves in thesouth. It wasn’t until 21 yearslater in 1808, when the lawpassed that stopped the importa-tion of new slaves. Nevertheless,the south continued to accumu-late political power by breedingslaves illegally. The Three-FifthsCompromise would not be chal-lenged again until the Dred Scottcase in 1856.

In 1834 Dred Scott, a slavetraveling with his owner wastaken from Missouri a slave state,to Illinois a free state. In 1846Scott sued his owner’s widow forfreedom for himself and his family.

The case went before theSupreme Court where it ruledagainst Scott.

The Supreme Court statedAfrican American people areregarded “as so far inferior thatthey have no right which the whiteman was bound to respect.”

Abraham Lincoln becamePresident of the United States in 1861.

Lincoln did not agree with theexpansion of slavery. As a result,several southern states secededfrom the Union and formed theConfederacy. This issue was so

explosive that it divided the coun-try and started the Civil War.African Americans fought anddied in this war. The Union won.However, the cost was 500,000plus combined casualties.

In 1863 Abraham Lincolnsigned the EmancipationProclamation declaring that

all persons held as slaves inareas of rebellion against theUnited States would, hence-forth be free! However inTexas, slavery continued untilMajor General GordonGranger landed in Galveston,Tx. on June 19, 1865 with thenews that the war had ended

and the enslaved were nowfree. Thus began the era ofReconstruction.

During the period ofReconstruction many laws werepassed that were favorable toAfrican Americans. In 1865, the13th Amendment to theConstitution is ratified stating

that neither slavery nor involun-tary servitude shall exist in theUnited States. 1868 saw the rati-fication of the 14th Amendment,making African Americans fullcitizens of the United States. Theright to vote regardless of race orcolor was guaranteed by the15thAmendment in 1870. Alsoin 1870, Mrs. Louisa Swain of

Wyoming became the firstwoman to vote in the nation. OnMarch 31, 1870 only one monthafter the 15th Amendment,Thomas Mundy Peterson becamethe first African American to voteand hold office in the city ofPerth Amboy, New Jersey.

African American represen-tation in Texas flourished in the1870’s with 36 state representa-tives serving during the 12thLegislative Session. Between1869 and 1877, 14 AfricanAmericans served in the U.S.House of Representatives and 2served in the U.S. Senate.Unfortunately, Reconstructionlasted only a few years.

The government withdrewits troops from the south. Thesouth went to "State Rights", pass-ing laws that restricted the rightsand activities of AfricanAmericans. These laws becameknown as Jim Crow Laws.

One tactic used to make itdifficult for African Americans tovote was poll taxes. Poll taxeswere created to stop AfricanAmericans who had little or nomoney from voting. Literacy teststopped those who could not read

AFRICAN AMERICANSAND THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE IN AMERICA

By Ron Jackson, Political ConsultantSpecial to Houston Business Connections

POLITICS LOCAL/NATIONAL HAPPENINGS

A MOMENT IN OUR NATIONS HISTORY: Edmund Bridge onBloody Sunday was a prime example of the struggle AfricanAmericans faced during a troubled time in our Nations history.

POLITICS GUEST COMMENTARY

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: Congressman Bennie Thompson, Judge Fad Wilson and guest, and Congressman Al Green at a fundraiser for the highest rankingdemocrat on the Homeland Security Committee (Left). Congresssman Green being arrested (Middle). Green along with other Members of the Congressional BlackCaucus in front of the Sudanese Embassy (Right).

Congressman Al Green host-ed a fundraiser recently for thehighest ranking democrat on theHomeland Security Committee.Congressman Bennie Thompsonof Mississippi was the guest atthe law office of AttorneyBenjamin Hall.

Democrats are formulatingplans to take back the UnitedStates House of Representativesin the mid-term elections inNovember 2006. CongressmanGreen said “If we can win 15seats we will gain control of theHouse again from the

Republicans. In addition, severalAfrican-Americans will becomechairman’s of powerful commit-tees. Congressman Thompson willbecome chairman of HomelandSecurity where the budget is onlysecond to the Defense Dept. budget.”

Congressman Thompson 2ndCongressional District is about280 miles long in the lowerMississippi Delta. This district ismostly agricultural and lowerincome which makes it difficultto raise funds for elections.Congressman Thompson stated“I’m elated at the amount of sup-

port I have received from theHouston area and I look forwardto working with you all on yourissues and concerns.”

In attendance were electedofficials and businessmen andwomen of the community.Congresswoman Shelia JacksonLee welcomed the Congressmanto Houston and applauded hiswork in Washington D.C.

State Representative AlEdward spoke about his relation-ship with CongressmanThompson and the importance ofseniority and the power of chair-

manship. Others in attendancewere City Council Member SueLovell, State Representative DoraOlivo, Ft. Bend Constable ReubenDavis, State RepresentativeSylvester Turner, Chris Wilmontfrom the Greater HoustonPartnership and many members ofHouston’s business community.

Congresssman Green was alsoarrested along with other Membersof the Congressional BlackCaucus recently in front of theSudanese Embassy while protest-ing the government’s ambivalencetowards the genocide in Darfur and

highlight its importance in theAfrican American community.

This campaign underscoredthe need for action and the deter-mination of the CongressionalBlack Caucus to see that policiesmatch the gravity of the crimescommitted in Sudan. Cong. AlGreen and other CongressionalBlack Caucus Members weretaken to jail and released follow-ing processing and payment of a$50 fine at the 3rd DistrictMetropolitan Police department,located at 1620 V Street, NW, inWashington, DC.

Congressman Green, standing up for justice

Please see JACKSON P.13

Class ActionLawsuit FiledAgainst NationalSeafood Chain thatReserves Best PayingPositions for Whites

(San Francisco)– McCormick &Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants,Inc., a group of 61 upscalerestaurants across the nation,has been charged with violatingfederal and state laws against

race discrimination in employ-ment in a class action lawsuitfiled in U.S. District Court inSan Francisco.

Claiming that the restaurantchain fails to hire qualifiedAfrican Americans and insteadfavors white job applicants andemployees in an effort to presenta “white image” to the public,African American job applicantsand current employees ofMcCormick & Schmick’s filedWynne et al. v. McCormick &Schmick's Seafood Restaurants,Inc., represented by LieffCabraser Heimann & Bernstein,

LLP, the Lawyers’ Committeefor Civil Rights of the Bay Area,and several other law firms.

“McCormick & Schmick’sis making employment deci-sions based on skin color,” stat-ed attorney Diana C. Tate, headof the African-AmericanAgenda at the Lawyers’Committee. “Whites are hiredfor positions in the front of therestaurants as servers, host-esses/hosts, and bartenders.African Americans are either nothired or relegated to low paid,menial jobs where they do notinteract with the public. This

discrimination and segregationhas no place in twenty-first cen-tury America.”

“McCormick & Schmick’stouts ‘We are in the business ofPeople - our employees and ourguests.’ But the company failsto live up to the promise of treat-ing all employees equally andfairly,” said Bill Lann Lee, apartner at Lieff Cabraser, andformer Assistant AttorneyGeneral for Civil Rights in theU.S. Department of Justice.


Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them. — Frederick Douglass

WHY SETTLE FOR LESS THAN THE BEST?Mike Calvert Toyota opened for business in Houston over 20 years ago. The reputation of this dealership is built uponFairness, Honesty, and being there after the sale. Our hard work earned the President’s Award for Customer Satisfaction.Call Andre’ Walker at 866-684-3446 or come by our Dealership located at 2333 South Loop West for a pleasant buying experience. There’s always a great selection to choose from. Easy financing! Call or come by TODAY!

MIKE CALVERT TOYOTA2333 SOUTH LOOP WESTHOUSTON, TEXAS 77054

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Andre’ WalkerNew & Preowned Sales(713)558-8252 Direct(832)283-1660 CellEmail: [email protected]

African American Employees Charge McCormick & Schmick’sRestaurants with Job Discrimination in Federal Court

LEGAL NATIONAL HAPPENINGS

Please see SUIT P.20

from voting. Fraudulent elec-tions, violence and threats ofviolence kept AfricanAmericans from the polls. Withthese methods of operations itwas nearly impossible forAfrican Americans to be elect-ed. From the end ofReconstruction until the 1900’s,nearly 100 years, very fewAfrican Americans were elect-ed. By 1910 the same year theNAACP was formed, AfricanAmericans were prohibitedfrom voting by constitutionalprovisions in North Carolina,Alabama, Virginia, Georgia andOklahoma.

A period of lynching, beat-ings and protest began in 1955;14 year old Emmitt Till is beat-en, shot and lynched inMississippi. In Alabama, RosaParks refuses to give up herseat, creating the MontgomeryBus Boycott. In 1957, nineAfrican American studentsattempted to integrate LittleRock Central High School.Arkansas Governor predicts“Blood will run in the streets.”Over 250,000 March onWashington to hear Dr. King’s,“I Have a Dream” speech.Medgar Evers' NAACP fieldsecretary in Jackson,Mississippi is murdered June12, 1963. A BirminghamChurch is bombed on Sept.15th killing four AfricanAmerican girls attendingSunday school. Two whitestudents and an AfricanAmerican Civil Rights workerare murdered while register-ing voters in Mississippi.

Finally with effort and sac-rifice, the Civil Rights Act of1964 is passed prohibiting dis-criminating in public accom-modations. In 1965, the VotingRights Act is passed prohibitingdiscrimination in voting prac-tices and procedures because ofrace and color. It also prohibit-ed literacy test and poll taxeswhich brings us to, today.

I recently picked up a TipSheet. The Tip Sheet is aninformation source aboutBlacks and Black OwnedBusinesses. I assumed thePublisher was disgusted whenhe wrote, “You embarrassedyour children. You embarrassedyourself. You embarrassed theDistrict, Assembly 146. Youembarrassed the winning candi-date. You embarrassed the los-ing candidate. You insulted thethousands of Blacks who foughtand died for you to have theRight to Vote. 5,766 of youvoted Tuesday, April 11, 2006out of approximately 85, 182Registered Voters in AssemblyDistrict 146. You are right, yourvote doesn’t count because youdidn’t put it in the ballot box!”

I concur with these state-ments. Was it poll taxes thatstopped you from voting? Wasit the literacy test that stoppedyou from voting? Was it thedogs and the water hoses thatstopped you from voting? Or, isit your lack of respect of yourancestor’s brutal struggle for theright to vote, that you disregardyour Right to Vote!

Jacksoncontinued from P.12

By: Ella Edwards Brown and Eric C. Hixon

Brown & Hixon, Attorneys-at-LawPhone: 713.661.2541

sk someone who has experienced a divorce andthey may tell you that it was a very painful,emotional, and difficult experience. For some,the ability to “bounce back” after a divorcenever happens. Hurt feelings, extreme bitter-

ness, and an inability to communicate with their partnerare some of the reasons couples can’t resolve their mari-tal disputes. This inability often comes at a high price,both emotionally and economically. However, for somecouples considering divorce, there is a desire to set asidedifferences and to work together, to resolve the marriagein a less adversarial manner. You may ask “How can wemake a painful experience less painful for all partiesinvolved, especially the children?” One good answer isfound in Collaborative Law Procedures.

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law is a procedure used in divorce dis-solution proceedings that allows the parties and theirattorneys to use their best efforts, to end the marriage onan agreed basis. If the parties can agree on all issues,then the parties go to court for final approval of thedivorce agreement. Not all cases are appropriate forCollaborative Law, especially those cases where theparties are extremely bitter and are unable to set asidetheir differences.

Many couples see Collaborative Law as a resourcefulavenue that allows the parties to handle their divorce inthe best way possible for their particular circumstances.In many instances, contested divorces become very timeconsuming, and as a result, are a lot more expensive thanthose where the parties are able to reach an agreement.

For some couples, creating their own unique agreementcan go a long way toward helping the parties readjust theirlives and their life styles. For example, the couple maydecide to rotate living in one home rather than disrupt thechildren’s living and educational environment. Child sup-port may involve setting up a trust agreement for the chil-dren rather than paying monthly child support payments.

What Happens If You Decide to UseCollaborative Law Procedures WhenYou File For Divorce?

If the parties decide to use Collaborative Law Procedures,

• the parties must agree in writing to use CollaborativeLaw Procedures.

• each party agrees to a full and candid exchange of infor-mation between the parties and their attorneys, as neces-sary, to make a proper evaluation of the case. Intervention by the court is suspended while the partiesare using Collaborative Law Procedures.

• the parties jointly agree to all experts used in the pro-ceeding. Common experts may include FinancialPlanners, CPAs, Real Estate Appraisers, etc.

• if the Collaborative Law Procedure does not result in asettlement of the dispute, all attorneys involved in theCollaborative Law Procedure must withdraw. In thisinstance, the parties may continue the divorce proceedingusing the traditional route, with new attorneys. There aretime restraints that generally apply, that will be discussedwith you by your attorney.

• the agreement may include other provisions agreed to bythe parties that are consistent with a good faith effort tocollaboratively settle the divorce proceeding.

If you are considering divorce, explore Collaborative Lawas an option with your attorney. It may save you money,and as importantly, if not more importantly, it can alsopreserve the dignity and respect of all parties involved,allowing them move forward, in a productive way, mak-ing a painful experience less painful.

The information in this article is not intended as legaladvice but to provide a general understanding of the law.Readers with a legal problem, including those whoseproblems are addressed here, should consult an attorneyfor advice on their particular circumstances.

Copyright pending 2006Ella Edwards Brown, Eric C. Hixon


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HBC ~ Tj, how does it feel to bean African American female with asuccessful ongoing political show?

Tj ~ First of all, I am somewhatsurprised at the shows successbecause I’m following so manyAfrican American Women pio-neers who have done so much inmany different fields and therehave been hundreds of MinorityWomen who have opened doorsin every level of TV & Broadcastingfrom journalism to owning theirown networks. It is humbling tohave a successful ongoing (keyword being ongoing) political showwith some consistency and notevery three months or if some bigpolitical news breaks out a femalejournalist is sent to cover it. Mypolitical show, “The Constitution”,airs every other Thursday night atits new time 8:30PM, it is basedout of HMS/Houston MediaSource and every segment isabout politics...whether it's lit-tle news or big news.

HCB ~ What aspect of yourshow do you love the most?

Tj ~ Coming up with the seg-ment titles, I love that partbecause a title says a lot!Cumbersome at times, yetintriguing, I love having a vastarray of people on the panel thatengage the viewers while peak-ing their interest to stay tuned tosee what the show is about.Viewers are sometimes impa-tient, so my SupervisingProducer, Jennifer Jones w/Virtual Visual Concepts makessure that the segment title keepsflashing during the show. Forexample: Councilman Ronald C.Green (a very busy man and aneven busier man with the newaddition to his family, his firstson) honored me by being on myshow. The segment, which heappeared, was entitled “TheRenaissance Man” and I still gete-mails about re-airing that show.

Also, there was a show enti-tled “Taking Down the Giant”that featured Alfred “Al”Bennett, who ran in the recentDemocratic primary for District146 against Representative AlEdwards and Borris L. Miles.

Miles has also appeared on ashow entitled, “The Split Ticket”and was the candidate whodefeated Bennett in the primaryand then Edwards in the recentrunoff election. I loved this showand called it “The Split Ticket”for many reasons. Both Milesand Edwards are members ofAlpha Phi Alpha. They bothreceived their undergraduatedegrees right here in Houston,own successful businesses, andhave strong religious convic-

tions. As well as, play tennis andare very active in the Houstoncommunity.

Both Edwards and Milesalso know how to get whatthey’re seeking! And speaking ofgetting something, I hope Mr.Borris Miles comes back on myshow to share his plans forDistrict 146. Even though, hewill be facing Gerald W. “Jerry”LaFleur in November, I intend toendorse Mr. Miles again!

Last but not least, “Future2006 - Senator, Barbara AnnRadnofsky”, whom I alsoendorsed, has been on my politi-cal show twice. Radnofsky isseeking to unseat Senator Kay

Bailey Hutchinson in November. I’ve also done some outside

field reporting work like inter-viewing Tavis Smiley during theState of the Union (Black UnionAddress) and the past NewOrleans Mayor, Marc H. Morial.I will never forget our coverageof the Katrina Victim’s at theHouston Astrodome, and at theGeorge R. Brown Convention allin the same day.

HBC ~ Tj, there’s talk aroundtown that you are actuallyRepublican. Is this true?

Tj ~ Yes, I am a very proudAfrican American female

Republican. However, this is apolitical show, I cannot be toojudgmental nor do I bring mypersonal opinions or politicalviews into play.

HBC ~ That’s not really myquestion...you are a notedRepublican and yet you’veendorsed Councilman Green, Mr.Borris Miles and Barbara AnnRadnofsky, as well as JarvisJohnson, why is that?

Tj ~ My answer is a simple one.I love music. I love all kinds ofmusic. My favorite type of musicis Country and Opera, as well asTejano music. In my small col-

lection, I have all kinds of music.I pride myself on being versatile.I love variety. That is what poli-tics is all about, it takes everykinds of people to keep shapingAmerica for the better.

HBC ~ What church do youattend?

Tj ~ I’m glad that your assump-tion is correct. I am led under Dr.T.R. Williams at New FaithChurch, right here in Houston,and my family has been a part ofthis church for almost twenty years.


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INTERVIEW FOCUS ON POLITICS

A Candid Conversation with Tj Baker-Holmhost of “The Constitution” Political Talk ShowConstitutioncontinued from P.1

Please see BAKER-HOLM P.16

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TYLAcontinued from P.8

Baker-Holmcontinued from P.15

HBC ~ Is not your pastor aDemocrat and vocally admits it?

Tj ~ Yes, he does.

HBC ~ Doesn't that lend itself tosome personal confusion?

Tj ~ No, it doesn’t! Some of Dr.Williams' most powerful messagesare “don’t follow men and especial-ly don’t follow him!” You shouldfollow God, and so that is what Iam doing. However, when he doessays something negative aboutRepublicans in a humorous way - itstill makes me cringe.

HBC ~ What is your ultimate Goal?

Tj ~ To become a Poet Laureate forthe State of Texas. Then again, I’lleven take to becoming a Literatureof Chancellor for the state of Texas.

HBC ~ Does your show have spon-sors?

Tj ~ Yes, and we are always look-ing for more sponsors. Currently,Attorney Lawrence Maun, MaryKay Products, Palais Royal,Downtown Club, The HoustonSociety Club, and Gary Johnson ofthe Black Men In America are afew of my loyal supporters.

HBC ~ So Tj, is being a TVJournalist, a full-time job for you atthis point?

Tj ~ No Mr. Taylor, in the day time,I work for HPL - The HoustonPublic Library at the ReferenceDesk in one of their branches. Iwelcome your readers to come andcheck us out - we have some excit-ing new things going on - especiallywith the renovation of theDowntown Library!

HBC ~ Finally, Tj, what is yoursecret for success?

Tj ~ Now being a single parent to asecond Grader — Keith DouglasBaker II., who attends HISD’sRoberts Elementary School, lifegets frazzled every now and then.However, my secret lies within thewisdom my grandfather instilled inme. He would always say, “Even afull moon does not try to shineevery night, pick when and whatyou want to do, and hope it’s theright time, so that your charisma canbe appreciated, just like a full moon.”

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Political Advertisement Paid For By The Chad Khan For State Representative Campaign, Jenny Khan Treasurer.

ChadKHANFOR STATE REP. DISTRICT 126It is with great pride that I step forward as a Candidate in the Nov.,7, 2006 General Election for: Texas House of Representatives District 126

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Beaumontcontinued from P.8

League, Texas Bar Foundation andthe City of Beaumont Planning andZoning Commission.

Black earned a B.A. from theUniversity of Texas at El Paso and aJ.D. with highest honors from TexasTech University School of Law.

The State Bar of Texas is anadministrative agency of theSupreme Court of Texas that pro-vides educational programs for thelegal profession and the public,administers the minimum continuinglegal education program for attor-neys, and manages the attorney disci-pline system.

Bankingcontinued from P.7

an entire new political movement,and today thousands of activists inthe U.S. and elsewhere monitorpolicy making, lobby for new lawsand fight City Hall in the strugglefor "environmental justice."

In his seminal 1990 book,Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, andEnvironmental Quality, Dr. Bullardemphasizes that the kinds of prob-lems he uncovered in black commu-nities in the Southeast are not limitedto a particular region or ethnicity."People of color in all regions of thecountry bear a disproportionate shareof the nation's environmental prob-lems," he said. The book, now in itsthird edition, highlights some of thecases Bullard considered over twodecades, and makes a compellingcase for taking into account issues offairness when it comes to the sitingand remediation of hazardous facilitiesof anytype.

Bullard's pioneering work alsohelped shatter the myth that minoritycommunities didn't care about theenvironment. With financial helpfrom the Charles Stewart MottFoundation, Bullard convened thefirst National People of ColorEnvironmental Summit held inOctober 1991, and a year later pub-lished the first version of the Peopleof Color Environmental GroupsDirectory with listings for more than300 different groups in the U.S. alone.An expanded version of the directoryreleased in 2000 is available freeonline from the website of Bullard'sEnvironmental Justice ResourceCenter at Clark Atlanta University.

These days Bullard is mar-shalling all the resources he can tomonitor the "mother of all clean-ups"in post-Katrina New Orleans, and hasbeen highly critical of the slow paceof federal and state efforts.Acknowledging that funds are limited,Bullard wonders, "which neighbor-hoods will get cleaned up and whichones will be left contaminated." Nodoubt, though, residents are glad tohave Dr. Bullard and the thousands ofenvironmental justice activists heinspired on their side this time around.

EarthTalkcontinued from P.2

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Waterscontinued from P.5

“His appointment demonstratesMiller’s continuing commitment toadvancing diversity and signals thatwe clearly recognize the importanceof multicultural consumers to ourcommunities and the future of ourbusiness.”

Waters has held numerous keypositions within Miller since joiningthe company in 1979. Prior to hisprevious position as director of mul-ticultural relations, he served in anumber of sales and marketing roles,including sales communicationsgroup director, regional sales learningand development manager, regionalretail sales manager, chain accountmanager, sports marketing managerand field market planning manager.A native of Michigan, Waters earnedboth a bachelor’s and master’s degreefrom the University of Michigan.

Waters is a member of numerouscivic and business-related organiza-tions and boards, including theCongressional Black CaucusFoundation Corporate AdvisoryCouncil, Milwaukee Urban League,Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra,Hansberry-Sands Theatre Companyand the National United MerchantsBeverage Association CorporateAdvisory Panel. He also served asthe Welcome Committee Chair for the2005 Annual NAACP Convention.

“Miller has a longstanding com-mitment to diversity and realizes theimportance it plays within the work-place, marketplace and our commu-nities,” said Virgis Colbert, Miller’srecently retired executive vice presi-dent of worldwide operations, whocontinues to contribute to Miller as aboard member and senior advisor.“Larry’s promotion and other recentkey appointments demonstrate thatwe continue to make progress inincreasing diversity within our seniormanagement ranks.”

A number of other high-levelpositions within Miller have recentlybeen filled by African Americans,including key positions in customermarketing, brand management andinformation services. The companyis currently recruiting candidates for itsopen director of diversity affairs position.

As one of America’s oldestbrewers, Miller Brewing Companycontinues the commitment of founderFrederick J. Miller to brew ‘con-foundedly good beers’ with ‘uncom-promising quality.’ Through morethan 150 years of innovation andbrewing excellence, Miller has built abroad portfolio of award-winningbeers that capture approximately18% of the U.S. beer market.Miller’s flagship brand, Miller Lite,is the great tasting, less filling beerthat defined the American light beercategory in 1975. The company alsobrews smooth, golden rich MillerGenuine Draft using a unique cold-filtering process Miller introduced in1985. Miller’s oldest brew is MillerHigh Life, the champagne of beers.Miller imports Peroni NastroAzzurro, Pilsner Urquell andFoster’s, and brews regional craftbeers Leinenkugel’s and HenryWeinhard's. Near-premium beersinclude Milwaukee’s Best Light,Olde English 800, Mickey’s MaltLiquor, Icehouse and Sharp's, a non-alcohol brew. Miller is a whollyowned subsidiary of SABMiller plc,the world’s second largest brewer.For more information, visitwww.MillerBrewing.com.


2600 South Loop West Ste. 610 Houston, Texas 77054Phone: (713)592-8982 • Fax: (713)456-2585

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YEMANE K. CLARKEA t t o r n e y & C o u n s e l o r a t L a w

Not Certified By The Texas BoardOf Legal Specialization


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The Good Shepherd Copiers

Serving Houston For Over 38 Years

If...the machine of government...is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.— Henry David Thoreau

ly 25 full- and part-time associates.It houses more than 7,500 technolo-gy, furniture and supply products aswell as Design, Print and Ship serv-ices in 18,000 square feet of cus-tomer space.

Store operating hours areMonday through Friday 7:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to9:00 p.m.; and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to7:00 p.m. The store’s telephonenumber is 281-304-1579.

Openingcontinued from P.4

munity. Funds raised from thisevent support the organizationsmentoring and scholarship programs.

Two-hundred ten women havebeen honored as Women on theMove® since the event’s inception.Past recipients include: GracielaMartinez, Nancy Levicki, SallyNelson, Suzannah Wong, NancyChang, Pauline Higgins, Mary AnnCollier, Ileana Blanco, Hon. BeverlyKaufman, Sonceria Messiah Jiles,Beth Wolff, Theresa Chang, SusanA. Lieberman, Judge Nancy Atlas,Cindy Crane Garbs, Dorothy Ables,Cathy Binstock, Ann Goldstein andPamela K. Triolo.

The public is encouraged tonominate local business and profes-sional leaders. Applications areavailable at any Encore Bank orRandalls location or online atwww.tewhouston.org and are dueby May 31, 2006.

Since TEW began its mentor-ing programs in 1993, it hastouched the lives of more than1,500 middle and high school girlsthroughout the greater Houston-area. The goal behind the TEWmentoring program is to create pos-sibilities for young women, providerole models, spark the desire for abetter life, and show them how tomake it happen for themselves.

For more information, visit theTEW website at www.tewhouston.org.

Womencontinued from P.1

University of Houston AlumniHeritage Society, of which he is cur-rently a board member. He serves onthe board of the Texas chapter of theAmerican Judicature Society andformerly served as chairman of theboard of Homestead Bank andColonial Savings Association inHouston. Wilson was as a federalofficial during the administrations ofDwight Eisenhower, John F.Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson andwas a naval officer during theKorean War. He is also one of theprevious owners of the HoustonAstros baseball team. Wilson is apast board member of the HoustonConvention and Tourist Bureau, theHouston March of Dimes, and theHouston Farm and Ranch Club. Hereceived a bachelor’s degree fromthe University of Houston and anassociate degree from TexasSouthmost College, where he wasnamed distinguished alumnus in 2005.

These appointments are subjectto senate confirmation during the2007 Regular Session.

Regentscontinued from P.3

Owner and Franchise Services and North American full-service development, Marriott International. “We areexcited about the success of Marriott’s DiversityOwnership Initiative and look forward to developingrelationships with more women and minority franchiseesand owners.”

Marriott launched the Diversity Ownership Initiativein 2005. Currently, there are over 300 Marriott hotels thatare now owned, operated or under development byminorities and women; with a goal of reaching 500 in thenext five years. Most recently, Marriott announced RLJDevelopment, owned by Black Entertainment Television(BET) founder Robert L. Johnson, expects to purchase 90Marriott International hotels from White LodgingServices Corporation by year end 2006. RLJDevelopment will become one of Marriott’s largest fran-chisees upon completion of the transaction.

Marriott’s Diversity Ownership Initiative identifiesand educates potential owners with significant businessexperience about the hospitality industry. Through work-shops, Marriott brings together experts from the lendingcommunity, along with Marriott’s development and opera-tions teams for ongoing support in preparation for opening.

Sixteen years ago, Marriott instituted a diversity pro-gram with a key component focusing on human resourcestraining, development and recruitment. The award-win-ning program has had many successes — nearly triplingthe number of women in executive positions and dou-bling the number of full-service women general man-

agers in the past six years.These achievements are reported to a subcommittee

of Marriott’s Board of Directors, known as the“Committee for Excellence,” which is focused on achiev-ing the highest levels of diversity in the lodging industry.The committee is chaired by board member GeorgeMunoz, principal of Munoz Investment Banking Group,LLC. Membership includes board members Debra L.Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks; Harry J.Pearce, chairman of Nortel Networks Corporation; andWilliam J. Shaw, president and chief operating officer of

Marriott International; as well as other senior executiveswho represent various disciplines throughout the company.

The International Franchise Association is theworld’s oldest and largest organization representing fran-chising with members of more than 75 industries and inmore than 100 countries. The award is named afterRonald E. Harrison, a retired PepsiCo Inc. senior vicepresident and IFA’s past chairman, for his positive role inimplementing programs to ensure diversity and inclusion.He is currently chairman of the IFA Diversity Instituteboard of directors.

LAND ACQUISITIONS AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROJECTSRenaissance Strip Center • HEB Grocery Store •Taco Bell • McDonald’s • Papa John’s Pizza • Houston Independent School District (Old

& New Locations) • Houston Community College System • Texas Southern University • Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

GUESS GROUP, INC.A REAL ESTATE SERVICES CO.

The Guess Group, Inc., is a full serviceCommercial Real Estate Firm, with theability to bridge the chasm between public and private sector interests. Withsuperior staff expertise in:

· Real Estate Development· Property Management· Valuation· Urban Planning · Marketing and Consulting

Services Offered By The Guess Group, Inc.Our mission is to assist clients, including individuals, public agencies,investors, and corporate decision-makers, in meeting their need toacquire, dispose, lease, or manage real estate assets in a changing eco-nomic environment. Our core services include acquisitions and disposi-tions, leasing, asset management, consulting and appraisal.

The Guess Group, Inc. will maximize your investment returns.

John L. Guess, IIIPresident

GUESS GROUP, INC.A REAL ESTATE SERVICES CO.

2626 South Loop West Suite 545 • Houston, TX 77054713.660.7003

Real Estate...At The Speed Of Life

20 • APRIL 2006 • Houston Business Connections Monthly • PUBLISHED BY HOUSTON HIGHLIGHTS PUBLISHING, L.L.C. • 832.212.8735

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Support Companies That Support Diversity! A message from Houston Highlights Publishing, L.L.C.

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. — Thomas Jefferson

Diversitycontinued from P.1

Marriott Receives Top Honors forDiversity Franchising Initiatives

“McCormick & Schmick’suses racial stereotypes to denyjob opportunities and promo-tions to thousands of qualifiedAfrican American applicantsand employees.”

A central allegation inthe lawsuit is thatMcCormick & Schmick’shas a nationwide corporatepolicy and practice of pre-ferring white employeesover African Americanemployees for “front-of-the-house” positions.These are the prominent,better-paying jobs, includ-ing server, hostess/host,and bartender. PlaintiffDante Byrd was not hiredas a bartender at McCormick& Schmick’s Berkeleyrestaurant despite having adiploma from bartendingschool and seven years expe-rience as a bartender.

The lawsuit also

charges that McCormick &Schmick managers throwaway applications fromAfrican American job seek-ers without seriously con-sidering them. In addition,the complaint alleges thatmanagers have beeninstructed by corporateheadquarters to “clean upthe restaurant,” meaning tohire fewer AfricanAmericans, to keep theAfrican American employ-ees away from front-of-the-house positions, and to sub-ject African Americanemployees to harsher disci-pline. While promotionsare preferentially given towhite workers withoutrequiring a formal applica-tion process, AfricanAmerican employees aredenied promotions to man-agement positions atMcCormick & Schmick’srestaurants throughout theUnited States, the suitalleges.

Suitcontinued from P.13

that can be found in theTheater District, as well asproviding a glimpse intowhat the upcoming seasonholds for major venues.

Tú Música en La Plaza(Tuesdays and Wednesdays):This popular concert series,now more than a decadeold, will take place onJones Plaza on eveningsthroughout the summer,

with a portion of the pro-ceeds benefiting the TexasHispanic Peace Officers’Association and the¡Adelante! U.S. EducationLeadership Fund. Tuesdayevents are dubbed the“Ultimate Tuesday NightParty,” and feature topTejano and regional hip-hop performers. Wednesdayevents are titled “Pure LatinMix Wednesdays,” and fea-ture international LatinBands, Latin DJ’s, reggae-ton, salsa and bachata.

Eventscontinued from P.10

june 2006 houston business connections newspaper

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