INTERVIEW

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Volume 79 Number 32 June 6 – 12, 2010 | FREE

Weekend

Nicole C. LeeSpring Renewal

Weekend

HealthDo Black People Need Sunscreen?

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Marc MorialClass of 2010

By Kam WilliamsCONTRIBUTING WRITER

O’Shea Jackson was born on June 15, 1969, and adoptedthe cool alias, “Ice Cube” before founding N.W.A. in the late1980s. As the lyrical mastermind behind the legendary group’sStraight Outta Compton album, he literally launched the gang-ster rap revolution. And his subsequent solo material, includ-ing such early Nineties classic CDs as AmeriKKKa’s MostWanted and Death Certificate, solidified his place in the pan-theon of the genre’s more socially-aware artists.

Next, the versatile talent began his meteoric ascent inHollywood as the star in, producer of and catalyst for the“Friday,” “Are We There Yet?” and “Barbershop” film fran-chises. He established himself as one of the most bankableactors around, thanks to his charismatic turns in such box-office hits as “The Longshots,” “First Sunday,” “Anaconda,”“The Players Club,” “Three Kings,” “All About the

Benjamins,” “XXX2” and “Boyz ‘N the Hood.”In 2007, Ice Cube partnered with the prestigious McNally

Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota to establishThe Ice Cube Scholarship, a fellowship awarded annually forcreativity, talent and songwriting ability to a student in themusic technology department. Here, he reflects on his latestventure, producing and playing a support role on the new TVsitcom “Are We There Yet?”, which is based on his movie ofthe same name. The show premieres with back-to-backepisodes airing on TBS on Wednesday, June 2nd at 9:00 and9:30 PM.

Kam Williams: Hey, Ice Cube, thanks so much for the time.Ice Cube: Oh, no problem. KW: What inspired you to turn “Are We There Yet?” into a TV

sitcom?IC: It was really the idea of Executive Producer Joe Roth

who owned the property over at Revolution Studios and said

Chilling with Ice Cube

By Gordon JacksonSPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE DALLAS WEEKLY

AUSTIN, Texas – A week-long series of strong testi-monies, marches, rallies and cries of injustice by nationallyrenowned figures such as NAACPPresident and CEO Ben Jealous and for-mer U.S. Secretary of State Rod Paigecould not deter a bloc of hard-core ultra“Christian Conservatives” of the TexasState Board of Education (SBOE) frompassing 9-5 a controversial social studiescomponent of the Texas EssentialKnowledge and Skills (TEKS) curricu-lum in the late evening of May 21.

Unless other efforts are successful, thestructure of the social studies curriculumwill be implemented into Texas school-books, by law, for the next 10 years andtaught to over 4.7 million public schoolstudents. Further, with the state being thelargest supplier of schoolbooks in thecountry, up to 40 percent of the rest of thenation could adopt the same curriculumfor their school districts. The vote ended,at least for now, several months of heated debate andcharges of attempting to rewrite history in a way that woulddrastically diminish the credibility and contributions of

SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE

MISSISSIPPI LINK

NEW YORK -(NNPA) -National Urban League Presidentand CEO Marc H. Morial has cau-tioned that higher-than-expectedjob growth last month should notcloud the still-desperate employ-ment crisis among communities ofcolor.

“The need for direct job-cre-ation legislation is still very real,”Morial said. “The dangerously-high Black unemployment rate of

★JOBS CRISIS, Page 7

★ICE CUBE, Page 2

By Aswad WalkerDEFENDER

The Upper MLK Corridor, just southof MacGregor Park, has sufferedfrom decades of economic

divestment and under-development due tonumerous factors. For years, residentshave sought economic reinvestment withlittle or no success. However, at present,there are seven major development projects underway simultaneously onMLK Blvd, between Old Spanish Trail(OST) and Griggs Rd. Those projects represent a level of investment on the partof the City of Houston, Harris County,HISD, METRO and others unmatched inthe city’s history in terms of potential forthe community’s economic revitalization.In fact, such modern-day, multi-faceteddevelopments in predominantly AfricanAmerican neighborhoods, are

extremely rare. What is unique about these efforts,

which have been coined as the “UpperMLK Revitalization Project,” is that theprincipal development entities have beenacting as individual developers rather thanas a coordinated unit. The ShrineChristian Center, which is in the midst ofrenovating its church sanctuary fromdamage incurred during Hurricane Ike,seeks to bring these individual entitiestogether to provide a mutually beneficialapproach to development activities, bene-fiting each developer, their constituentsand the residents of the Upper MLKCorridor.

The Shrine is hosting a communityforum entitled The Upper MLKRevitalization Project, which will bringtogether all the key players in the numer-ous development initiatives affecting resi-

By Ken SmikleSPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM

TARGET MARKET NEWS

(NNPA) - President Obama recently issued amemorandum directing the heads ofall executive departments and agen-cies to develop more opportunitiesfor small businesses to participate inthe Recovery Act. The memo specif-ically calls for the participation ofbusinesses owned by minorities,women and economically disadvan-taged individuals in the $500 billionin federal purchases made annually.

“The Federal Government has notconsistently reached its small business con-tracting goals,” the Obama memo states,

adding “small business contracting shouldalways be a high priority in the procurementprocess.”

The memo establishes The Interagency TaskForce on Federal Contracting Opportunities for

Small Businesses, with the Secretaryof Commerce, the Director of theOffice of Management and Budget,and the Administrator of the SmallBusiness Administration serving asCo-Chairs of the Task Force.

“Obtaining tangible results willrequire an honest and accurateaccounting of our progress so that wecan have transparency and accounta-bility through Federal small business

★CONTRACTS, Page 7

Obama issues memo callingfor more Federal contracting

PRESIDENT OBAMA

Despite employment growth,Black jobs crisis prevails

Barack Obama

★MIS-EDUCATION, Page 2

Mis-Educationof a State?Texas board passesconservative textbook curriculum

★MLK, Page 7

Rod Paige

Ben Jealous

Photo: Paul Sancya/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Milini Williams, left, fills out an application while her sonGregory, 10, sleeps while attending a job fair.

Upper MLKRevitalization

forum

Saturday June 12, 2010

from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Shrine Cultral Center

5309 MLK Blvd.

2 JUNE 6 – 12, 2010 | DEFENDER

he was thinking about taking it to TV. Andafter he said that he already had [writer/direc-tor] Ali Leroi on board, and that he was goingafter Terry Crews, to me it was a no-brainer. Isaid, “Let’s put this together!”

KW: But didn’t you want to star in it, sinceyou had originated the role of Nick on the bigscreen?

IC: No, because I wanted to go in a differentdirection, artistically. But having somebodylike Terry in it was your ace in the hole. Thatmakes it very strong, so I definitely had tojump in with both feet.

KW: So, how heavily involved are you withthe production?

IC: While I had done the movies throughRevolution Studios, we own the sitcom. It wasa situation where, once the team was assem-bled, I knew we could create something really,really good.

KW: Did you have a debate about the title,since the movie sequel had been called “AreWe Done Yet?”

IC: No, “Are We There Yet?” was the perfecttitle, because it’s such a common saying. Andhaving made the movie with the same namekinda locks it all in.

KW: Do you think that the focus of the showon successful African-American professionalsmarrying and creating a blended family with astrong father figure will have a larger impacton the television-viewing public now that wehave an African-American President.

IC: I don’t know, but I hope so. [Chuckles] Ihope everything works in our favor. The showis cool. It’s family fare. We ain’t aiming at thecheap seats. Instead, we’re making somethingwith a broad appeal that people of any color orcreed and from all walks of life can enjoy andmaybe learn something from.

KW: How did you make the transition fromrapper to actor to producer.

IC: Well, for the transition from rapper toactor, I was fortunate that director JohnSingleton pursued me for about two years tobe in Boyz ‘N the Hood. I really wasn’t eventhinking about acting at the time, since I wassingularly focused on being the best rapper inthe world. So, that was really a blessing,because I wasn’t really taking him seriously.Therefore, I can’t really attribute my successonscreen to any formula and suggest you “do

this or that” to make it as an actor. However,as far as producing, once we started shooting,I soon realized where the critical decisionsabout the movies were really being made, andit wasn’t on the set. They were being made inthe production meetings. That’s where produc-ing a movie happens. And that’s where I want-ed to be. I didn’t just want to be a piece, apawn being played. I wanted to take part inthe creative process, and that’s how I sort ofgot introduced to the idea.

KW: You are a performer who seems to havefigured out show business rather than showbusiness figuring you out. So many rappers arehere today and gone tomorrow? When did theinsights of how the business really works hityou? What advice can you offer young peopleabout how to be successful in the real busi-ness of show business and have a career likeyours?

IC: When I was in N.W.A. and didn’t getpaid all the money I was owed, that’s whenthe business side of showbiz hit me. I thought,“Half of this is workin’. I’m famous, but nowI need to be famous with some money.” Thatgot my brain started at trying to figure out thebusiness end. And once I figured out the busi-ness side, I next came to understand that suc-cess really comes down to the product, not tome, my personality, or what club I’m seengoing into or coming out of. None of that mat-ters. What’s important is whether or not peoplefeel like they wasted their time or moneywhen they pay for a movie or a CD. Once Iappreciated that, it became all about the proj-ect. It ain’t about me.

KW: Are you going to be doing anotherFriday film?

IC: I get that question a lot. I’ve vowed notto do another one, unless Chris Tucker was init. He still hasn’t accepted the offer, so…Ican’t say. I don’t know whether we should, ifwe can’t really do the movie that people havebeen waiting for.

KW: How about another Barbershop movie?IC: Yeah, I would hope to do another one. If

a third one comes together, I’ll jump on it. Orare we already on the fourth one? I’ve lostcount.

KW: It would be the third. Is there any ques-tion no one ever asks you, that you wish some-one would.

IC: No, not really. I could do an interview orjust as well not do one. It’s not like I’m look-ing for extra publicity. So, the questions thatare asked are cool. And so are the one’s that’snot asked. KW: Are you happy?

IC: I’m always happy. I’ve just got a meanface. [Laughs]

KW: What music are you listening to? IC: I’m working on a record, so I don’t listen

to nothing while I’m in the studio, because Idon’t want to be influenced by anybody else.

KW: Can you reveal what type of albumyou’re working on?

IC: To me, it’s a California summer record.KW: What advice do you have for anyone

who wants to follow in your footsteps?IC: It’s all about the work. Don’t worry

about being a star, worry about doing goodwork, and all that will come to you.

KW: Thanks again for the interview Cube,and best of luck with everything.

IC: Thank you.

Ice Cubecontinued from page 1

Photo:Williams & Hirakawa

Coy Stewart, Essence Atkins, Terry Crews, Teala Dunn and Ice Cube star in the TBS show“Are We There Yet?”

African Americans and Hispanics.“I am ashamed of what we’ve done to

the teachers and the students in this state, Iwill not support this travesty of a docu-ment,” said trustee Mavis Knight (D-Dallas), one of the five Democratic boardmembers who have been fighting losingbattles to prevent the adoption of the con-servative curriculum.

“We might as well say Hispanics don’texist,” said board member Mary HelenBerlanga (D-Corpus Christi). “We havehidden information; we have tried to coverup a lot of information. I guess there arepeople that have a difficult time with thetruth. I feel that I have let down the stu-dents in our state.”

Much of the debate came to a head dur-ing the public hearing session on May 19,before overflowing crowds at the SBOEboardroom, where a total of 206 citizenssigned to speak. The board was forced toturn away over half of that number as thetestimonies ran into the late night hours.Jealous however was one of the first tospeak and stated his case as to why theboard should the delay the vote.

“We are entitled to our own opinion butwe are not entitled to our own facts. Wehave to make sure our kids are taught whatactually happened not what the schoolboard wishes,” Jealous told the board.“We are concerned about quality, not quo-tas. We are concerned about our childrenlearning the whole truth, not half of it.”

Jealous commented on one example,where the Atlantic slave trade would berenamed the “Atlantic Triangular Trade.”Also that speeches by ConfederatePresident Jefferson Davis, also a slave-owner, should be taught in equal valuewith Abraham Lincoln. “They will talkabout the civil rights movement but notabout the struggle,” Jealous said. “It mini-mizes the role of the civil rights move-ment. The civil rights movement movedour country and you got to talk about thefacts. They will be learning somethingother than the truth. They will not be able

Mis-educationcontinued from page 1

★MIS-EDUCATION, Page 4

It had to be deja’ vu with abetter ending for formerAstros All-Star second base-man Craig Biggio.

Back in 2005, the Astrosgot off to a horrendous 15-30start before righting the shipand advancing to the WorldSeries for the only time infranchise history. Of course,the Chicago White Sox sweptthe Astros in four games andso much for a fairytale end-ing.

Now in his second seasonas head coach at St. ThomasHigh School, Biggio watchedhis Eagles finish third inrugged TAPPS District 3-5A.Houston Christian came infirst place and St. Pius wasrunnerup. All three schoolsadvanced into the postseason.

When the dust settled,those same three schoolsqualified for the state semifi-nal round along with AddisonTrinity Christian. St. Thomasdefeated St. Pius 2-1 toadvance to the title game.Awaiting them was theirnemesis Houston Christian,who had beaten them threetimes earlier this season.

Hundreds of St. Thomasfans made the journey toBelton, where they werejoined by Astros ownerDrayton McLane. When thegame was over and St.Thomas had put the finishingtouches on a 7-5 victory,Eagles players stormed thefield and piled on pitcherJack Cordova while the fansroared their approval.

Texan OTA UpdateNormally I wouldn’t do

this, but since the Astros are17 games below .500 and oneof the worst teams in MLB,coupled with the fact that theRockets have watched theentire playoffs the same wayyou have, from the sofa, Ihave to do something!

The mighty Texans havejust finished their secondweek of OTA’s (organizedteam activities). ImagineOTA’s as very large, rich menbeing involved in a veryrough game of “two-below”touch football, with helmetsand shorts, minus pads. Theyare designed to give playerstheir first layer of insight intowhat they can expect in train-ing camp (mid July). Newplayers are introduced to thebasic offensive and defensiveformations as well as thepace of practice. Veteransknock off the off-season dustand get ready for another sea-son of work. Coaches checkto see if guys are in shapeand if new guys have theaptitude to pick up on whatthe Texans want done.

Wide receiver Jacoby Jonesis one veteran whose play hascaught the eye of the headcoach.

“He’s had an excellentOTA. He got some greatwork when (WR) Andre(Johnson) wasn’t here, andhad some really good days.He looks like a better playerthan he was last year,”Kubiak shared. “I think heshould be pushing (WR)Kevin (Walter) for a job. He’spushing Kevin and pushing(WR) David (Anderson). Hecould be a very good player,but there’s another level forhim to go reach. Hopefully,we’re heading there.”

★ARDISON, Page 4

★EDISON, Page 4

JUNE 6 – 12, 2010 | DEFENDER 3SPORTS

Max Edisonon

Sports

Darrell Ardison

on H.S.Sports

Her name is synonymous with excel-lence in her sport. Her careerspanned over 25 years on the

“Hill” at Prairie View as head coach ofWomen’s Track and Field. She’s CoachBarbara Jacket, the illustrious for-mer coach at PV. This Saturday, agroup of her former student-ath-letes are honoring her in a tributebanquet, Paying Homage to aLegend.

From 1965-1991, CoachJacket’s Lady Panther’s Track andField teams accumulated anunprecedented string of champi-onships, both indoor and outdoor.To say Jacket’s reign was dominant is anunderstatement. Her Lady Panther’sclaimed eight National Association ofIntercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) outdoortitles and two indoor titles; won nationaltitles in the Association of IntercollegiateAthletics for Women and the U.S. Trackand Field Federation; won eightSouthwestern Athletic Conference(SWAC) cross country titles, nine indoortitles and five outdoor SWAC titles in trackand field. In total, the Lady Panther’s won23 SWAC championships.

Coach Barbara Jacket was named SWACCoach of the Year on 23 occasions andNAIA Coach of the Year five times andJacket tutored 57 All-Americans.

Her incredible success was not over-looked by her peers nationally. Shewas named head coach of the 1992U.S. Women’s Olympic TrackTeam during the Olympics, whichran from July 25-August 9 inBarcelona, Spain, the second Blackfemale to coach an Olympic team.Jacket’s team included: JackieJoyner-Kersee and sprinters GwenTorrance, Gail Devers, and EvelynAshford. The Women’s team won

overall: four Gold Medals, three SilverMedals, and three Bronze Medals - morethan any team since 1956.

Mary Young, a 14-year veteran of theHouston Police Department and a memberof the last group coach Jacket coached, isone of the event organizers. She explainswhy it was important to do something tosalute the coach.

“This program is something to pay trib-ute to Coach for the many roles she has ful-

By Darrell K. ArdisonDEFENDER

After guiding her team to theClass 5A softball state champi-onship game a year ago, Pearlandhead coach Laneigh Clark has theLady Oilers knocking on the dooragain.

The District 22-5A championsadvanced to the regional finals by

sweeping Katy(4-2, 6-4) in ab e s t - o f - t h r e eregional semifi-nal series. KatyTaylor sweptpast Elkins (1-0,3-0) in the otherregional semifi-nal. Taylor wasthe third-placeteam out ofDistrict 17-5A.

Junior pitcherJessica Bowdensurvived earlycontrol prob-lems and wentthe distance inthe series-clinching victo-ry for Pearland.

Bowden added two hits and herRBI single in the bottom of thefirst inning gave the Oilers’ a 1-0advantage.

Two blown assignments on sui-cide-bunt attempts and base-run-ning miscues hounded Katy’scomeback. Yet Pearland was fear-less on the basepaths and juniorLauren Langner escaped a run-down to score another run.

“Lauren is great at makingthings happen out on the bases andshe did that again today,” Clarksaid. “Just being real feisty andreal aggressive and hoping some-thing happens by putting the pres-sure on Katy. I thought my kidsdid a good job of that for a coupleof innings.”

Katy threatened to score innearly every inning except the lastone. Clark had junior BrookDubois warm up on a number ofoccasions, but stuck with theresourceful Bowden.

“I credit their coaching staff andteam for scouting Jessica verywell,” Clark said. “They made

some changes from yesterday’sgame to today’s game. Obviously,it’s hard to come out here andpitch two intense games back-to-back. Overall, I thought she did apretty good job. She fielded herposition well and she came upwith two hits.

“Yet I was pretty close to bring-ing Brooke in because she’s a dif-ferent type of pitcher,” Clark said.“She’ll keep the batters off-bal-anced by throwing off-speedpitches. But at the end (of thegame) I felt we had momentumgoing our way and I was going tostick with Jessica until they got afew more base runners. But I had

no problem going with Brooke atall.”

Clark reiterated that it felt greatto be in the regional finals.

“I’m going to tell the kids thesame thing I’ve been saying allyear long and that’s one game at atime, one game at a time,” Clarksaid. “That’s all we can do alongwith believe in one another andhopefully good things will hap-pen. What we do best is put theball in play and hope people makemistakes.”

Pearland, 34-6-1, defeatedBaytown Lee (1-0) in the first

★THE DIAMOND, Page 4

Brazoswood defeats Pearland in Region III-5A baseball quarterfinals.

★SPORTS, Page 4

The Boys and Girls of summeron the Diamond

JessicaBowden

Laneigh Clark

Salute toa legend

PV’s Barbara Jacket celebrated for her legacy

Barbara Jacket

■ PV Athletic Director from 1990-95, first female ADin the SWAC

■ Won national titles in the Association ofIntercollegiate Athletics for Women and the U.S.Track and Field Federation

■ Won 8 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)cross country titles

■ Nine indoor titles and five outdoor SWAC titles intrack and field

■ Lead the Lady Panther's won 23 SWAC championships

■ Named SWAC Coach of the Year on 23 occasions

■ NAIA Coach of the Year five times

■ Coach of the 1992 U.S. Women's Olympic TrackTeam, Barcelona, Spain

By Max EdisonDEFENDER

BARBARA JACKET: HIGHLIGHTS

swing (should) be narrower and lethistory speak for itself. What studentsare taught should not be the handmaid-en of political ideology.

“We have allowed ideology to driveand define the standards of our curricu-lum in Texas.”

Other items within the proposed cur-riculum included the lauding of conser-vative institutions such as the MoralMajority, the National Rifle Associationand the Contract with America with nocounterbalance from the progressiveperspective. Another states thatPresident Thomas Jefferson’s contribu-tion to the writing of the U.S.Constitution did not promote the con-cept of the Separation of Church andState, as believed before by many histo-rians.

The actions of 1950s Senator JosephMcCarty, whose anti-Communist cam-paign resulted in the blacklisting of sev-eral Americans – many of them AfricanAmericans - will be recorded as justi-fied, even though many of the blacklist-ing were deemed inaccurate andMcCarthy left the Senate in disgrace.

The “Double V Campaign” ofAfrican American World War II veter-ans promoting to fight for equality bothat home, as well as abroad, was “guttedfrom the current TEKS draft.”

Amendments have to be placed tokeep the curriculum from removing theworks of Thurgood Marshall, thenation’s first Black Supreme Court jus-tice and the lead attorney behind thelandmark Brown vs. Board ofEducation case and Caesar Chavez, thehighly heralded labor organizer and

Hispanic rights activist. The curriculumalso purports that the gains made in thewomen and civil rights movementswere more because of White-malebenevolence instead of the courageousand death-defying sacrifices made by itsleaders.

“Minimizing or misrepresentingAfrican-American and Latino cultureand history can lead to distorted beliefsregarding our fellow Americans,”Jealous said. “And it can lead studentsfrom those ethnic groups to have askewed picture of themselves and theirplace in the world. Studies of highschool dropout rates have shown thatstudents became disengaged with class-es because what they were learning did-n’t seem relevant to their lives.”

Another amendment revealed thatPresident Barack Obama’s full namewas previously absent from the highschool curriculum. Republican memberDavid Bradley motioned to furtherinclude Obama’s middle name“Hussein” into the amendment, forwhat Democratic trustees felt was for awrong motive of stirring up the samecontroversy Obama endured during hispresidential campaign. After debate,Bradley said: “I’ll put an end to thewhining. I’ll withdraw the motion.”

Constantly, throughout the last sever-al months, Democratic trustees Knightand Berlanga,” along with Rene Nunez(El Paso), Rick Agosto (San Antonio)and Lawrence Allen, Jr. (Houston) havebeen defeated in a string of 10-5 votesin their attempt to derail the conserva-tive measures, with one of the moderatetrustees occasionally siding with them,still resulting in 9-6 losing votes. Theboard considered the more that 20,000responses and worked on many of the

over 400 amendments that were recom-mended to tweak the curriculum, manyof them at the 11th hour before the May21 vote, which upset trustees.

“I don’t know of anyone that wouldbe accepting cut-and-paste materialnow,” Berlanga said. “I don’t think ateacher would accept that from a stu-dent.”

Allen made a motion to delay thevote until this July, with moderatetrustee Bob Craig (Lubbock) actuallyseconding the motion. Still, the motionwas defeated 8-6, followed by the con-servative side passing the curriculumfor elementary, middle school and highschool. The conservative board mem-bers held their positions throughout thedebate. Don McLeroy (R-CollegeStation) said the revisions, albeit last-minute, was proof that the curriculumwas valid, calling any diminishing ofminority representation as “clearlyfalse.”

“We have corrected the imbalanceand are heading straight in the rightdirection,” McLeroy said. “Childrenneed to know what makes the countryso great and unique.”

Cargill (R-The Woodlands) spokeabout the amendment that will teachhigh school students not the “effects” ofthe free enterprise market economy, butits “benefits” in world history, withoutany counter argument.

“This is one of the most importantthings we teach our students, to valuefree enterprise,” said Barbara Cargill(R), author of the contentious last-minute addition.

“By delaying this process we’redoing nothing but increasing theamount of disagreement,” said Cargill.“Because we’re never going to agree.”

REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE

SEALED PROPOSALSREQUEST FOR BIDS: Project Name:W.R. BanksFirst Floor Remodel, Project No. PV-0456 atPrairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX.Estimated project cost: $840,000.00. SCOPEOF WORK: Remodel the first floor to include,but not limited to:walls,carpentry,carpet,wall-paper,vct, lighting,electrical,HVAC,DATA,secu-rity, communication, etc.. RECEIPT OF BIDS:Sealed Proposals will be received by PrairieView A&M University, Procurement & ContractServices, W.R. Banks, Room 129 L.W. MinorStreet, or mailed to Procurement & ContractServices, Mail Stop #1311 P.O. Box 0519 PrairieView,Texas 77446. BIDS DUE: All bids are dueWednesday, July 7, 2010 between hours of12:00a.m.-2:00p.m., one hour before bids areto be read. PROPOSAL READING:Wednesday,July 7,2010 @ 3:00 p.m. publiclyopen and read aloud at Physical PlantAdministration Building Room 111 located onAnne Preston at Reda Bland Evans Street. PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Meeting will be heldWednesday, June 23, 2010 @ 10:00 a.m., inRoom 111, Physical Plant AdministrationBuilding, Anne Preston Street & Reda BlandEvans Street, Prairie View, TX 77446. Singleprime contract award. Non-mandatory atten-dance. INFORMATION AND BIDDING DOCU-MENTS: Studio Red Architects, 1320McGowen, Houston, Texas 77004,713.622.5333 phone, 713.255.8753 fax, DBREngineering Consultants, 9990 RichmondAvenue, South Building, Suite 300, Houston,Texas 77042,713.914.0888 phone,7139140886fax and Construction & Planning Office.Bidding documents obtained from PrairieView A&M University Physical PlantAdministration Building, Construction &Planning Office Rm 114. Non-RefundablePlan Deposit: $50.00 per set. Check orMoney Order Only for General Contractors &Subcontractors. Checks made payable to:Prairie View A&M University Construction &Planning Office. If you desire bids to be mailedto you , please include a fed-ex number forS&H. Mail to Channen McGary, Physical PlantAdministration Building Construction &Planning Office, Prairie View A&M University,Mail Stop #1411, P.O. Box 519, Prairie View,Texas 77446, 936.261.9170, e-mail:cmcgary@pvamu.edu It is the intent of theTexas A&M University System that HistoricallyUnderutilized Businesses be afforded everyopportunity to participate in its constructionprojects as prime contractors, subcontractorsand/or suppliers.

4 JUNE 6 – 12, 2010 | DEFENDERSPORTS

Biggio had a lot of great baseballmoments during his amazingcareer, and now he can add coach-ing a team to a state title to the list.

The state championship is theEagles’ fifth. They also won in2001, 2004, 2007 and 2008.

Biggio said he had heard theHouston area was a hotbed for highschool baseball. Yet now he gets tosee it first-hand.

“From The Woodlands toPearland to Katy to Sugar Land –Houston has a lot of really good(high school) baseball teams,” hesaid. “Now I get to see them and itreally is remarkable to see whatthese kids are doing. There is somuch talent here.”

Ardisoncontinued from page 3

Defensively, first round pickKareem Jackson has not disap-pointed.

“He’s been good. He’s beenway ahead of a lot of the guyswho come in here that areyoung,” Kubiak continued.“He’s been coached extremelywell, so he’s way ahead fromthat standpoint. A lot is beingasked of him, and he’s getting aton of reps and working with thefirst group, but our expectationsare very high of him.”

Bad News on Cullen Houston Cougar running back

Charles Sims has been ruledineligible for the 2010 season bythe NCAA, school officialsannounced earlier this week.Sims will remain a student at theUniversity but will not competein any games for the Cougars.When he returns, he will havetwo years of eligibility left.Sims, who was expected to chal-lenge for the starting spot,joined the Cougars out ofHouston’s Westbury HighSchool a year ago, as a truefreshman. He competed in 14games, rushing for 698 yardsand nine touchdowns.

Head coach Kevin Sumlinpraised Sims for his attitude dur-ing the situation and expectsSims to continue to have a posi-tive impact on his teammates.

Edisoncontinued from page 3

filled in the lives of so many student-athletes,”Young explained. “She’s been an Olympiccoach, an educator, a mother-figure and attimes, even a baby sitter. The program will belike a visual book of her accomplishments. Wewant to express what the student-athletes sawthat many in the public were not ordinarilyaware of. The many ways she helped developus, not just as track athletes, but people.”

Young counts herself as exhibit #1 of whatthe influence of Barbara Jacket can do to moti-vate one to achieve.

“I may have been the youngest athlete MissJacket ever had. I finished Madison (HighSchool) at 16 and I was 16 years old when Iarrived at PV in the fall of 1985,” OfficerYoung recalled. “I didn’t have a drivers license,social security card, didn’t have anything. Shetook a personal interest in me as a mother-fig-ure and literally took me in. I ran the 400meters and the 4x400 relay. Because of herinfluence, I got my undergrad degree, aMasters degree and now a PhD.”

For the success that Coach Jacket enjoyed, itwas tough sledding early in her career as headcoach. Carol Alford, a member of her secondteam in 1968 remembers those lean days.

“We didn’t win a lot in those early years.Texas Southern, Alcorn State, those were thebetter teams back then,” Alford recalled.“Remember, this was before Title 9, so most ofour athletes came directly from PE classes.Personally, I never ran track in high school(Texarkana). Frank Yepp, one of the financialaid advisers noticed me running to & fro acrosscampus and recommended me to Miss Jacket.As a result, I joined the team.”

“We didn’t have a lot of team success backthen. I ran and placed in the 100 (yds.), 440(yds.) and 440 relay,” Alford continued.“Nineteen-seventy was when our team reallybegan to take off. That team was: CharleneFoster (Hillsboro, TX.), Charlene Branch(Brookshire, TX.), Debra Sapenter (Turkey),

Mary Wallace (Centerville, TX.), CarolCummings (Jamaica), Willie Franklin (VanVleck, TX.), and Brookshanell Jackson(LaGrange, TX.) and myself. We won theTexas Relays that year. That was the beginningof big things for Coach Jacket and our team.”

Alford, a coach and educator for over 35years, believes Jacket’s strong sense of familyand hard-driving work ethic were the keys tothe coach’s success and the success of the team.

“Coach Jacket is an outstanding family-ori-ented person, an outstanding daughter and sis-ter. She had no children of her own, but shehelped with her brother’s children and I thinkin many ways, she considered us her children.She always talked to us about how to properlycarry ourselves as young ladies. Remember,most of our girls were from small towns andthis was our first time in many instances beingaway from home. She believed in hard workand education. If you check the record, wellover 90 percent of her girls graduated from

Prairie View.”For All-American Debra Melrose, Coach

Jacket and Prairie View were the naturalchoice.

“I was fortunate enough to go to the 1976Olympics in Montreal, Canada as a guest rep-resentative,” Melrose explained. “Being fromAustin, I had seen Prairie View and DebraSapenter run in the Texas Relays on manyoccasions. When I saw Debra run and medal(silver) in Montreal, I knew Prairie View wasthe place for me. My high school coach had leftand took over as the head coach at theUniversity of Texas, so everyone assumed Iwould follow them, but PV was the place forme.”

Melrose and her class welcomed the nextwave of talent for Coach Jacket to mold.

“I was a member of the class that includedEssie Kelly and Pat Jackson. I was a member ofthe 4 x 100 relay, the 4 x 200 relay, the 4 x 400relay, I long-jumped, did the 100 hurdles and

the 400 hurdles, which was one of my strongestevents. There was a lot of pressure coming infollowing the group that included Sapenter,Mary Airs, Shirley Williams and Cookie. Theseladies were awesome athletes, American recordholders. It was phenomenal that our class wasable to set the world indoor record in the milerelay. We set a lot of American records. Most ofus were ranked around the country in our indi-vidual events. Some of us, like Essie andmyself, were ranked in more than one event.We continued the tradition and Coach Jacketwas instrumental in that.”

For Melrose as well, Jacket was more thanjust a coach.

“I came from Austin, a family of fifteen. Mydream was to come to Prairie View and run forMiss Jacket. I was a brainiac with athletic abil-ity, but I was very self- conscious and intimi-dated because I had a stuttering problem.Coach Jacket was very instrumental in helpingme overcome those feelings. Her ability inbeing able to see the best in us and make us seeit, both on the track and in life is truly a bless-ing. She was like our mom away from home.She was hard on us, she expected a lot from usand she always made all of us believe we werewinners. She would always remind us,“Nobody remembers second place”.

Even though Barbara Jacket is finally retir-ing, Melrose is sure her legacy will live onindefinitely.

“It’s amazing that so many of Coach Jacket’sformer athletes have emulated her and goneinto education and coaching and are very goodcoaches,” Melrose said. “Coach used to alwayssay ‘be careful what you do now because it willaffect your life later.’ I’ve gotten a Mastersdegree and I’ve been teaching and coaching for30 years. Now, it’s so positive because peoplelike myself and other former athletes are send-ing young people back to Prairie View. I’m inmiddle school now and my babies are compet-ing and I’m telling them about Coach Jacket.She has set a great legacy for us to follow. I’mglad she’s finally totally retiring. Her impactwill last on and on!”

Sportscontinued from page 3

round of the playoffs, Clements in the area round(4-0, 4-2) and Deer Park (1-0) in the regionalquarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Katy Taylor’s run to the regionalfinals has been fueled by senior Callie Lazarine.

In the regional quarterfinals against District17-5A champion Cinco Ranch, a team that hadbeaten Taylor twice during the regular season,Lazarine provided two run-scoring doubles asthe Mustangs prevailed 2-1 in a one-game play-off.

“It’s always good to see your senior leadercome through,” said Taylor coach Billie Powell.“She’s the one they look up to anyway. To see hercome through like that is fun to watch.”

Facing Elkins in game one of the Class 5ARegion III semifinal series at Foster HighSchool, Lazarine led off the bottom of the secondinning with a home run. The Mustangs made thatone tally hold up in a 1-0 victory with their

defense taking center stage.Each time Elkins threatened to score, Taylor

came up with a big out.Left fielder Aisha Graham made a diving catch

in the top of the second to rob Donielle Breaux ofa hit. Catcher andi Stallard threw out runnersattempting to steal in the fourth and fifth innings.

Graham and Stallard combined on the biggestdefensive play of the game in the top of the sev-enth inning. With D.J. Hooks on second base,Breaux singled to left. Graham fielded the balland made the throw home where Stallard taggedout Hooks to end the game.

“Defense has been our forte,” Powell said.“And through the playoffs, it has been differentplayers making those big plays.”

The next day Taylor clinched the series with a3-0 victory.

In boys baseball, nationally-ranked Bellaireran into a buzzsaw against Memorial in theRegion III-5A quarterfinals.

Lefthanded pitcher Mike Cotton provided 61/3 innings of scoreless relief in the first game of

a best-of-three series as the Mustangs defeatedthe Cardinals 6-3.

Memorial coach Jeremy York called on Cottonjust eight batters into the first inning after starterNick Bergmann walked four and allowed threeruns. The 5-foot-7 Cotton got the final out of theinning, then proceeded to pitch three-hit baseballon a season-high 78 pitches the rest of the way tokeep the Cardinals off the scoreboard.

“I knew I had to throw strikes. That’s what wepreach and I kept reminding myself of thatbetween innings,” Cotton said.

Cotton struck out four and walked one, hit abatter and allowed one runner past second basein the final six innings.

“He has accepted his role and good things hap-pen to good people when they accept that role,”York said.

In other boys action, the big bats ofBrazoswood bombarded Pearland (14-0, 10-2) tosecure a berth in the regional semifinals againstMemorial.

The Diamondcontinued from page 3

CLASSIFIED

Coach Jacket receives another award for her many achievements.

Mis-educationcontinued from page 2

Cooking with your child can be fun. Your childcan help you and learn at the same time. The moreyour child gets to help in the kitchen, the more likelyyour child will want to continue to help in the kitchenas they get older.

Here are a few tips to help make cooking fun foryou and your child.

Make it easy for your child to help in the kitchen.Let your child stand on a stool or chair to reach thecounter or move the work to a lower table.

Dress the part. Tie a small apron or big towelaround your child or dress your child in an old shirt.This will keep your child clean.

Make food your child likes to eat. Preparing foodyour child likes to eat makes cooking in the kitchenfun. Easy recipes include lemonade, cookies, brown-ies, cakes, scrambled eggs, pancakes and dips.

Show them how to measure. Even if your child

can’t fill a measuring spoon or cup on his or her own,you can show your child how it’s done and let yourchild do the pouring into the bowl or pot.

Give them the fun tasks. Let your child squeezelemons, sprinkle in cheese or spices, spread icing orcrack eggs.

Let your child set up the table for meals. There aremany things your child can do such as set placemats,carry plates and fold and place napkins on the table.

Make cleanup fun. Your child can help wash orrinse dishes, dry pots with a towel, load the dishwasher or sponge down a counter. Let your childsweep up with a short-handled broom and dustpan.This also teaches that cleaning up is part of the cooking process.

Manage your kitchen. You should handle using theknives or cooking the food on the stove or in the oven.

.

JUNE 6 – 12, 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

With children home for the summer, many will be spending timeonline. Make sure your children follow these important rules to helpkeep them safe on the Internet.

• Never give out personal information in a chat room, bulletinboard, interactive game or public site. Personal information includesyour name, your family or friends’ names, your address, your school,

your sports teams oractivities or your tele-phone number.

• Never send a pic-ture of yourself tosomeone you chat withon the computer withouta parent’s permission.

• Do not meet some-one or have them visityou without the permis-sion of your parent.

• If you get an e-mailor a message fromsomeone that you don’tknow, don’t open it andtell an adult.

• Remember thatpeople online may notbe who they say they

are or how old they say they are. If you only know a person online,then they are a stranger to you. Even if you talk to them a lot and youthink you know them, you don’t. You can’t trust them the way youcan a friend from school or from your neighborhood.

• Inform your parents right away if you read anything on theInternet that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Source: www.fbi.gov

Help your kids staysafe while surfingthe Internet

Even small children enjoy helping to prepare healthy meals in the kitchen.

Although it is fun to spend more time outside during the sum-mer months, the threat of bug bites increases during thistime of year.

You can avoid getting bitten by:• Avoiding the outside during dawn, dusk and in the evening.• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats when outside.

Tuck in your shirt.• Using a bug spray that contains DEET on your skin, clothes, shoes

and outdoor gear.• Getting rid of things around your house that collect water, such as

empty flowerpots, so the bugs won’t be attracted.If you or your child gets a bug bite:• Wash your hands and your child’s hands.• Wash the bite and surrounding area with soap and water.• Do not scratch the bite.• Use anti-itch cream to help soothe the itching.• Call your child’s doctor if you think the bite is infected. Skin

infections may cause tenderness, pain and swelling at the site ofthe infected bite. The infection can spread and cause your child tohave fever and chills. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourchild, call your child’s pediatrician or nurse.

Source: eMedicine Health

Cooking with your child

Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats can help protect your child from bug bites.

Preventing cellulitis in childrenCellulitis is an infection at the deepest

layer of the skin. The infection is caused bybacteria which can get into your body throughbroken skin such as a cut,scratch, animal bite or a bugbite if you scratch it.

Usually, when you scratchor get a bug bite, just the toplayer of the skin is affected andit will clear up on its own. Butif the infection goes deeper, itbecomes cellulitis and all threelayers of the skin can becomered, swollen and tender.Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body,most often on the legs, face or arms.

Some symptoms of cellulitis include ten-derness, pain, swelling and redness at the site

of infection. If the infection spreads, you mayhave fever and chills along with swollenlymph nodes. If you notice any of these symp-

toms in your child, call yourchild’s pediatrician or nurse.

It is important to take pre-cautions while outside. Use bugrepellent if your child will beplaying outdoors. Try to pre-vent your child from picking atold scabs and scratching theareas that have been bitten bymosquitoes or insects. Wash theareas with soap and water and

use an antibiotic or an anti-itch cream orlotion. Cut your child’s fingernails so thatgerms and bacteria can’t be carried to otherparts of the body.

It is important for parents to supervisechildren while they are using a computer.

FACTCellulitis can

occur anywhereon the body, mostoften on the legs,

face or arms.

6 JUNE 6 – 12, 2010 | DEFENDEROUR HEALTH

Although many cities – including Houston – do not allowindividuals to set off their own fireworks, many families traveloutside of the city to celebrate the Fourth of July. To help youcelebrate safely this Independence Day, the Consumer ProductSafety Commission and the National Council of FireworksSafety offer the following safety tips:

• Have an adult present.• Buy from reliable sources.• Use outdoors only.• Always have water or a fire extinguisher handy.• Light only one firework at a time.• Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and

then soak it in a bucket of water).• Never give fireworks to small children.• Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and then

disposing of them in your trashcan.• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Remember, fireworks are not allowed in some areas andduring burn bans. Make sure you know and obey the laws wher-ever you go.

Source: National Council on Fireworks Safety

If your child has not had a well-childcheckup this year, summer is a goodtime for this important visit. A well visitis not the same as a sick visit or sports physical.

During a well-child checkup, the doctor will:• Ask questions about the child’s health• Measure the child’s height, weight

and blood pressure• Perform a physical exam

and screenings• Check to see if immunizations are up

to date

• Ask about the child’s developmentand eating habits

• Give you information about nutritionand safetyWell-child visits play an important

part in keeping a child healthy. Theygive parents a chance to ask questions,and they also help your doctor get toknow your child’s needs.

Call to schedule a well-child checkupbefore the start of the new school year.And don’t forget to make annual dentaland vision appointments for your childas well.

Tips for summer safetyon wheels

Riding on skateboards, scooters and in-lineskates can be a lot of fun, but children need tobe careful so they do not get hurt. Ensure chil-dren follow the safety tips below so they canhave fun and be safe at the same time:• Always wear safety gear including a helmet,

knee, elbow pads and wrist guards.• Make sure that skateboards, scooters and in-

line skates are safe. Parents should checkthem before allowing children to ride.

• Ride or skate only on smooth, dry surfaces.Avoid riding or skating on sand, dirt,gravel or other bumpy surfaces or on oily orwet surfaces.

• Learn how to control speed, turn and stop.• Wear bright clothing so others can see you.• Do not skate at night.• Do not ride or skate in the street or on

busy sidewalks.• Always ride or skate on the right-hand side

of sidewalks, bike paths and trails.• Always pass people on the left and

remember to say, “passing on the left,”before passing.

• Be careful going downhill. If a hill is steep,walk to the bottom carrying your skatesor skateboard.

• Obey local signs and laws and skate or rideonly where those activities are allowed.

Experts offer tips forsafe use of fireworks

Ensure your child is wearing appropriate safety gear before theyplay on bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards.

Summer is a good time for well-child visits

Schedule your child’s well-child visitduring the summer break so they willbe ready for the new school year.

procurement data. Additionally, wemust expand outreach strategies toalert small firms to Federal contractingopportunities.”

The Obama memo addresses manyof the issues on which Black mediaowners have been seeking action fromthe White House. It includes directivesthat were addressed in ExecutiveOrder 13170 issued by President BillClinton in October 2000. That execu-tive order required all executivebranch agencies, including the mili-tary, to engage in affirmative action toinclude minority-owned businesses inthe procurement of advertising.

Groups, including the NationalAssociation of Black OwnedBroadcasters and the NationalNewspaper Publishers Association, inApril called for enforcement of theClinton executive order in the alloca-tion of hundreds of millions of dollarsin Federal advertising.

The Obama directive also calls forthe creation of a Website within 90days that will monitor the progress ofthe Task Force and “that illustrates theparticipation of small businesses,including those owned by women,minorities, socially and economicallydisadvantaged individuals, and serv-ice-disabled veterans of our ArmedForces, in Federal contracting.”

For full text of the presidential memo, please

go to www.Targetmarketnews.com. Ken Smikle

is president and founder of Target Market News.

JUNE 6 – 12, 2010 | DEFENDER 7

The Houston Defender Newspaper published by The Houston Defender Inc. Company (713) 663-6996. The Defender audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscriptions,

send $60.00 — 1 year, to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288. Payment must accompanysubscription request. All materials covered by 2010copyright...

(No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

VOLUME 79 • NUMBER 32JUNE 6 – 12, 2010

PublisherSonceria Messiah-Jiles

EditorVon Jiles

Associate EditorReShonda Billingsley

Art DirectorCale Carter

Columnist Yvette Chargois

Sports EditorsMax EdisonDarrell K. Ardison

Contributing WritersAswad Walker

WebmasterCorneleon Block

dents along the Upper MLK Corridor.The forum will be held on Saturday, June12 from 2-4pm at the Shrine CulturalCenter and Bookstore located at 5309MLK Blvd, Houston, TX 77021. Forumparticipants include representatives fromMETRO, KIPP Inc., the Houston TexansYMCA, the Houston Public Library,HISD’s Peck Elementary, Oasis Intown,the Greater Southeast ManagementDistrict and the Shrine.

“The Upper MLK RevitalizationProject is something that we haveworked on and others, including TIRZ#7, the Greater Southeast ManagementDistrict, and numerous very active areacivic clubs, in terms of its componentparts,” said Reverend Don KimathiNelson, presiding bishop of the ShrineChristian Center’s national constellationof churches. “What we’re trying to do iscreate an identity for the convergence ofprojects and give it greater meaning and signifi-cance than the significance of the individual proj-ects. It’s really redefining an area. It’s not just alibrary, a school, and a light rail. If you build abuilding, that’s not necessarily lifting the spirits ofpeople. If you start a business, that’s not necessaryuplifting the community. What we’re interested inis the community effect. We’re in the people build-ing business and we’re trying to uplift people.”

Part of that community uplift involves meetingtangible needs, such as transportation and econom-ic revitalization issues. Donna Lane, METRO’sstakeholder affairs representative, believes light railexpansion down MLK Blvd. will go a long waytoward facilitating both.

“With the implementation of the METROSolutions plan and the construction of new light raillines, METRO is a partner in the revitalization ofHouston and, more specifically, the communityalong MLK Blvd.,” said Lane. “This partnershipincludes improvements METRO is bringing to thearea including: the Southeast light rail line,improved bus service, and improved infrastructure– all of which bring other benefits to the area.”

The new Southeast light rail line will provideoverall mobility and connectivity to some of themajor activity centers in Southeast Houston. It willbe 6.6 miles long, traveling between Palm Centerand Downtown. Ten light rail stations will provideaccess to important destinations such as KIPPHouston’s Bob Lanier Campus, University ofHouston, Texas Southern University, the Shrine,MacGregor Park, and Downtown.

The construction of the Southeast light rail line,along with improved bus service to the Southeastarea, includes approximately $70 million dollars ofinfrastructure improvements—new traffic lights,paved streets, sidewalks and crosswalks—METROis making to the Southeast community.

METRO has also invited Houston’s small busi-nesses to participate in construction by committingto 35 percent small business goal for eligible con-struction contracts, providing a minimum of $300million in contracts for small businesses.

Joining METRO in the revitalization of the areais the YMCA and their partnership effort with theHouston Texans.

“We at the YMCA wanted to stay in the commu-nity, and the corner of MLK and Griggs wasviewed as a prime location,” said Priscilla Graham,executive director of the Houston Texans YMCA.“Several partners, including former mayor BillWhite were instrumental in choosing that location.”

With a new, state-of-the-art facility scheduled toopen in December 2010, the YMCA along withtheir NFL partners the Texans, hope to be viewed asa valued community fixture.

“Though we are a membership organization weneed the community to support us to be successful.Our programs offer Judeo-Christian ethics in prac-tice, seeking to develop the mind, body and spirit—the whole person,” said Graham. “Too often itseems we’ve lost a sense of community, but we

offer a place where people can feel like theybelong.”

The development projects along MLK Blvd.between OST and Griggs Rd. include the total ren-ovation of Peck Elementary, which was originallyscheduled for closure, and the building of KIPPLiberation’s Bob Lanier Campus. Construction ofthe KIPP school offers the community its first newschool construction in over 30 years.

Educational upgrades, however, are not the onlythings taking place along the Upper MLK corridorthat hold the potential of having a direct impact onarea businesses as well as neighborhood residents.

Ed Taravella, president of TARACORP and 2005recipient of the Greater Houston BuildersAssociation’s “Developer of the Year” award, is co-founder of the Oasis Intown gated community, asight rarely seen in urban areas.

“I had some business partners originally from theMLK Blvd. area who informed me that youngerBlack urban professionals who had a desire tomove back to the neighborhoods where they grewup but sought luxury homes were under-servedbecause there were really no alternatives,” saidTaravella. “We offer a product no one is reallyoffering, single family homes, not condos, not townhomes, with the amenities and a big back yardyoung professionals are looking for. We offerdetached, two-story homes with lots of space, and aprivate park that adds to the overall quality of theliving experience.”

The boon in area development, many believe,played a role in HISD’s decision to renovate Peckrather than close it down. This same area invest-ment may have helped convince members of theHouston Public Library to choose the lot diagonal-ly to the Houston Texans YMCA as the site for therelocation of the Alice M. Young Library.

Even amid recent cutbacks, the Houston PublicLibrary (HPL) has committed to relocating itsYoung branch in the space once owned by recentlydeceased community icon, Adell Maxie, who, foryears, ran Maxie’s Barbershop. HPL and the Cityof Houston are in the process of designing areplacement facility for the Young NeighborhoodLibrary, which will contribute to the revitalizationof the area and complement other neighborhooddevelopment.

The new Young Neighborhood Library, expectedto open fall 2012, will be approximately 20,000square feet, 12,000 square feet bigger than the cur-rent Young Library facility in Palm Center, and willbe comparable to the largest neighborhood librariesin the HPL system. In fact, it will exceed the size ofthree of HPL’s regional libraries. The new facilitywill have more meeting space than any other neigh-borhood library, more public computers than anyother HPL location except the Central Library, sep-arate adult, children’s, and teen areas, and a largemeeting room for 200 people with a projector andscreen, as well as a small meeting room for 25 peo-ple.

Adding to the growth of the area is a proposeddevelopment planned for construction right around

the corner in the 4600 block of OST.ACTION CDC Inc., founded byMinister Robert Muhammad, is pro-posing a new mixed-use developmentto be constructed on a partially wood-ed, 2.3 acre tract of land nearMacgregor Park. The developmentseeks to provide much needed low tomoderate income housing in theGreater Third Ward Community, aswell as to provide commercial leasespace on the emerging redevelopmentof the OST thoroughfare.

The June 12 forum is being organ-ized by the Shrine Christian Center toprovide community residents withinformation regarding the present andfuture benefits of the numerous UpperMLK projects. In addition, Nelsonseeks to promote the multiple develop-ment projects as a model for neighbor-hood revitalization in urban areasacross the country.

“Our communities suffer from a lackof a viable model. For us that model is

the role that a church can play in dealing with themodern problems that confront our communities.A lot of the models of how churches are to operatein a community are antiquated and don’t reallytouch on the human need today. So we’re trying toestablish the viable model of how a church can helprevitalize a community in the hope that that modelcan be understood, repeated and magnified in com-munities nationally. We ourselves have churchesacross the country that will try to repeat this model,but it’s not just about our church,” said Nelson, whooversees the Shrine’s churches in Houston, Atlanta,Detroit and Calhoun Falls, SC.

“In the 50s, the Shrine created a model of theol-ogy. Now, we’re trying to create a model of min-istry in a time of difficulty and despair where peo-ple are squandering, trying to survive.Economically, our collective wealth has dwindled.Psychologically we’re staving off depression.Children are growing up thinking they can’tachieve. So revitalization is something we need ina dramatic way. Educationally, our children arestill dropping out of high school when that is total-ly unacceptable; going to prison in record numbers.We have to revitalize people if they want to live ameaningful and productive life. Any hope we haveas a people must first come in the form of hope tothe individual person,” said Nelson, who believesthe Upper MLK revitalization efforts offer just that.

Though fellow development participants maynot have goals as grand and far-reaching asNelson’s they are all invested in the success of theirventures, the community, and the upcoming forum.

The YMCA’s Graham wants forum participantsto leave more informed about what the YMCAactually does.

“There seems to be a lot of misconceptions aboutwhat we do,” shared Graham. “I want people toknow we offer holistic programs and a sense ofcommunity.”

Taravella and Lane want forum participants toview their respective projects as area enhance-ments.

“The forum is a good opportunity for the com-munity to get a vision for what light rail can be,what it will look like, and the possibilities andopportunities it will afford,” said Lane.

The Saturday forum is free and open to the pub-lic and is part of the Shrine’s Restoration Weekendfeaturing the grand re-opening of its sanctuary onSunday, June 13 beginning at 11am. The ShrineChristian Center sanctuary is located at 5313 MLKBlvd.

“We’re trying to show there are things that can bedone to give people options and hope to overturnour circumstances. Most people, when they hearMLK revitalization think of infrastructure. We’rethinking about that also, but even more so we’refocused on the revitalization of people and thecommunity,” added Nelson.

MLKcontinued from page 1

Contractscontinued from page 1

16.5 percent remains unchanged, andunemployment among Black womenis rising while the rate for teenagersremains elevated.”

Morial noted that the percentage oflong-term unemployed - 27 weeks orlonger - rose to 45.9 percent of thetotal unemployed.

“The level of long-term unem-ployed is unprecedented and points toa core group who are being left out ofthe growth in jobs,” he said.

The real unemployment rate - theofficially unemployed plus the under-employed and those no longer lookingfor work - is 17.1 percent.

Morial said President Obama’sleadership, particularly with regard tothe Recovery Act, has begun to lift thecountry out of the crisis, but moreneeds to be done if every segment ofsociety is to share in the recovery.

“The need for legislation could notbe more clear, and a cost-benefitanalysis shows the legislation wouldgrow the economy and even trim thefederal deficit through a combinationof savings and increased revenue,” hesaid.

The analysis is available on theNational Urban League’s new State ofUrban Jobs website, atwww.nul.org/content/state-urban-jobs.

Morial said the National UrbanLeague launched the website to bringthe jobs crisis into sharper focus, high-light the League’s Plan for JobCreation, and provide a forum for theunemployed. In addition to analysisand data, the site includes a jobs bankand help for job seekers.

Jobs crisiscontinued from page 1

The Oasis Intown is hoping to lure young black professionals tothe area.

Carl Davis and Patricia Prather Dorothy Edwards, Allen Square and Wanda Wilson

Former JCHH Board MembersPatricia Roberts, Dr. Albert Lemonsand Ms. Chag

JCHH Board Chair Bruce Austin, Ex. Dir. Jennifer Holmes

and State Rep. Harold Dutton

After School StudentCailen Easley

Charles Savage, Ben White and Charles McCloud

A NEW HOUSE IN GREATERFIFTH WARD…….The Julia C. HesterHouse has served as a beacon of hope andcommunity leadership for thousands offamilies and youth for almost 70 years.Recently, the board of directors held ahistoric ground breaking ceremony fornew facilities, to be completed in fivephases. The new house and facilities willcontinue its legacy of service by expand-ing its educational and service programsfor youth and families. The $5 millioninvestment is a combination of contribu-tions from the private and public sectors,including The Houston Endowment, vari-ous foundations and the state. It will alsoinclude a new wellness and fitness center,gymnasium, additional space for currentand new programs and a family park – incollaboration with Harris County and theCity of Houston. Attending this historicevent included State RepresentativeHarold Dutton, Board Chair, BruceAustin, Vice Chair Joy Kaplan, formerBoard Chair Patricia Roberts, formerboard members Ms. Chag and Dr. AlbertLemons, Executive Director JenniferHolmes, Dorothy Edward, AllenSquare, Wanda Wilson, Alvin Major,Carl Davis Patricia Prather, CharlesSavage, Charles McCloud, Ella Toliverand Ardener Franshaw, to name a few.We salute the Julia C. HesterHouse!........PATH TO PROSPERI-TY……..Over 1,500 folks attended the2010 Women’s Business EnterpriseAlliance (WBEA) Expo at Reliant Center.They rolled out the “Path to Prosperity”green carpet for this year’s conferencewhich is the largest event for womenbusiness owners in Texas. The day-longevent was open to the public and featuredover 150 exhibitors, one-on-one sessionswith potential MBE suppliers and corpo-rate buyers and an awards luncheon thatrecognized women businesses for theiraccomplishments. A special salute toPhyllis Bailey, President of 3B ResourceGroup on her nomination for the WBEAdvocate of the Year award and JoiBeasley, President of GOGO BusinessServices on her nomination as Supplier ofthe Year for under $1 million in annualsales. Some of the attendees includedBoard of Director Hubert Jones, WBECorporate Vice President and Director ofSupplier Diversity with ConocoPhillips,Wanda Lockhart, Joel Clary, CrystalMartin, Donovan Casanave, MartanyaBlair-Hyde, Kimberly Phillips andAngela Senegal. Great Expo!...........B-DAY CELEBRATION…….GiGi Scottcelebrated her big day with a crawfishboil and all the trimmings with family andfriends. The beautiful backyard, includ-ing a private lake was the setting wherehundreds of crawfish were consumed byguests including Meaghan Jackson,Jonathan Scott, Milton and Yava Scott,Roxanne Chargois, Michelle Peterson,Steven Peterson, Glenda Thibeaux,Cheryl Fleming and Gaye Patterson.This finger-licking dish was prepared byhubby, Leonard Scott and the more youate, the more you enjoyed it. Happy B-Day!........A BOUNTIFUL HAR-VEST…….The Aldine Y.O.U.T.H.recently celebrated their 20th Anniversaryat the Hilton Houston North Hotel. Theorganization was formed to assist a low-income community that had no accessibleprograms and services needed by theyouth and families. Several years ago,after receiving a large grant from HoustonEndowment they were able to move intoa facility on Aldine Mail Route, wherewithin a two mile radius there are 11schools, five low-income apartment com-plexes and five sub-divisions. By recre-ating the village concept and partneringwith schools, churches, businesses, agen-cies and talented volunteers, they nowhave over 25 much needed programs andstill growing. Their future goals are toexpand on these programs and helpempower other low-income communitiesto replicate this valuable and effectivemodel. Continued success!.........Have agreat week and remember to watchCROSSROADS on Channel 13 Sundaymorning with Melanie Lawson for yourevent covered by Ms. Chag. Also checkout our website at defendernetwork.comto view the “Event of the Week.”…..FromChag’s Place to your place, Ciao Darling!

8 JUNE 6 – 12, 2010 | DEFENDER

Alvin Major and Albert Lemons

Martanya Blair-Hyde, Kimberly Phillips and Angela Senegal

Ella Toliver and Ardener Franshaw

Wanda Lockhart, Joel Clary and Crystal MartinMuriel Funches and Kim Davis

Jennifer Holmes and Board Member Joy Kaplan

B-Day Girl GiGi Scott and Leonard Scott Michelle Peterson and Steven Peterson

Glenda Thibeaux, Cheryl Fleming and Gaye PattersonWBEA Board Member Hubert Jones and Donovan Casanave