Last week, Rep. Waters met with retired Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, who was Commander of the Joint Task Force Katrina; former Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields; representatives from FEMA, HUD, and SBA; and Red Cross volunteers at the Baton Rouge River Center Shelter to see how they are helping Louisiana residents affected by the devastating flood find housing and getting businesses back up and running WASHINGTON — In the wake of historic flooding in the Baton Rouge, La., area, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services and long-time friend to the Louisiana area, visited the disaster-affected region. Rep. Waters met with local officials as well as affected residents to review the damage, assess the federal government’s response thus far, and understand key issues ahead of the need to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by September 30, 2017. “Seeing the devastation of this historic flooding first-hand was both humbling and upsetting. I saw streets that were still covered in debris and families that had lost everything. But just as I was 11 years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I am once again awed by the strength and resiliency of the people of Louisiana in the face of disaster. “While the local leaders and residents I spoke to told me they were pleased with FEMA’s swift response to the disaster so far, I remain very concerned about the number of residents who were wholly unprepared for this disaster through no fault of their own. Too many Americans receive outdated and incorrect signals from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee with jurisdiction over the NFIP, I will make sure that as we continue to think through its reauthorization that we take into consideration the inadequacy of our flood maps. “I must note that despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, the people of Louisiana came together to rebuild and I was proud to stand alongside them and to support them as they did so. In the aftermath of yet another disaster of historic proportions, I pledge my continued support for the people of Louisiana.” During her visit, Rep. Waters met with officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge to hear about their recovery efforts thus far. She also visited the Baton Rouge River Center Shelter — an emergency shelter where over 850 people are still stranded — as well as the New Hope Baptist Church, Disaster Recovery Center where disaster victims can go to apply for aid from FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA). This trip is reflective of Rep. Waters’ longstanding commitment to the Louisiana area. She was one of the first Members of Congress to visit the state following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and she authored legislation, “the Katrina bill” (H.R. 1227 in the 110th Congress), to help the Gulf Region recover from the storm. In the aftermath of Katrina, Rep. Waters also held multiple field hearings in the region, fought for disaster recovery funds and their fair use, and helped displaced residents return to their homes. Additionally, Rep. Waters has worked extensively on bipartisan efforts to improve the National Flood Insurance Program, playing a key role in the passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA), which was signed into law on March 21, 2014. The law made clear that addressing affordability was to be a top priority of the NFIP. The current authorization for the NFIP expires on September 30, 2017 and as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Waters is taking a lead role in preparing for the reauthorization of that program. After the recent flooding in Louisiana, Rep. Waters sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to do everything in his power to waive any cost-sharing requirements that would pose additional financial burdens on the state of Louisiana. She also joined with Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA) to send a letter to Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), calling on him to hold a field hearing in Baton Rouge to assess the federal government’s response and educate Committee Members about key issues in advance of the reauthorization of the NFIP. |
All posts by Dorris Ellis
Texas Southern University announces personnel changes
HOUSTON (August 29, 2016) – Texas Southern University announces personnel changes in two academic areas and one university leadership positon. Dr. James Douglas has been appointed to serve as Interim Dean of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law; Dr. Michael Adams to serve as Interim Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs; and Dr. Bobby Wilson to serve as Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Douglas, a TSU stalwart who served as Texas Southern University President from 1995 to 1998, served most recently as a Distinguished professor of Law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL). Currently the president Houston Chapter of the NAACP, Dr. Douglas has held positions as dean and professor of TMSL, Interim dean, Florida A&M University College of Law, Professor, Northeastern University School of Law, Assistant professor, associate dean, Syracuse University College of Law. He has been involved in the Minority Affairs Committee, Law Admissions Council, former American Bar Association education chair, Committee of Science & Technology. He is married to Tanya Smith Douglas and has three adult children. Dr. Douglas earned his B.A., in Mathematics from Texas Southern University; a J.D., from the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law; and his J.S.M., from Stanford University.
Dr. Wilson, another TSU stalwart, is a nationally regarded research chemist and a Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology in TSU’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET). He serves as the L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Shell Oil Endowed Chaired Professor of Environmental Toxicology at TSU. Dr. Wilson has been honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his extraordinary efforts to significantly increase the number of African Americans with Ph.D. degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). He has mentored 19 Ph.D.s from the United States who are from underrepresented groups in STEM, including eight African American males and 11 African American females.
Dr. Adams, a dedicated TSU academician since 1983 served most recently as the Director of MPA and online eMPA program and Professor of Public Affairs at the Barbra Jordan- Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. A noted political expert, Adams is an avid scholar in the Public Affairs arena, he has co-authored several books including Readings in American Political Issues and Public Administration both published by Kendall-Hunt Press. Dr. Adams also has been published in the Journal of Service Science; the Encyclopedia of African America History; International Journal of Education Research and the European Journal of Social Sciences.
Texas Southern University is currently in the process of launching a national search to fill the positions permanently.
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Duncantell, local living legend and warrior
Angel ChappleHOU—On January 11, 2016, Living legend Ovide Duncantell sat with me and discussed politics, community
HOU—On January 11, 2016, Living legend Ovide Duncantell sat with me and discussed politics, community activism and leadership.
Ovide Duncantell, born August 7, 1936 in Natchitoches, LA, moved to Houston, Texas and became active by creating opportunities for African Americans through community leadership and organization. He earned his Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Sociology and Minor in Government from Texas Southern University and created th
e Black Heritage Society, Inc., as Founder and Executive Director.
Many have come to recognize Duncantell for his driving forces behind the renaming of a major street to Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd and the establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Statue. But there are several other contributions in addition to the above mentioned that make him an Icon within the black community.
In the early 60s, he recalled the time during which barriers were set up against Black Houstonians to prevent them from running in elections, such as property ownership and a large filing fee. Duncantell took it upon himself to challenge what was proposed as law, overcome and it was declared unconstitutional. Because of his assertiveness, he opened the door for other blacks to come behind him and become councilmembers without grief. He stated, “Someone had to do it. I had to test the waters.”
After that, Duncantell ran for city council and gained 22,000 district votes but lost because his incumbent had 80,000 total votes. He too was responsible for the change which applies today that the votes from the district are what counts for the running candidate within that district. He also collaborated with Harris County Commissioner Tom Bass whom he instructed on creating a black district for the city of Houston, where only a black person could win.
One night after leaving a campaign rally, Duncantell was pulled over by police and was beaten by nearly 40 policeofficers. He stated that the only thing that saved him that night was a Presbyterian preacher who witnessed the incident and threatened to identify those involved if he ended up dead. He was bloodied and beaten, but he survived and continued his fight for equality and justice.
Duncantell was involved in an organization in which one of his young men had been shot in the back by police. He was outraged and stood fearless before City Hall and threatened to kill ten pigs if another one of his men were shot and killed. No one else was murdered by police within his organization, after that.
His mentors were Mose LeRoy and George T. Nelson. Duncantell stated, “These men didn’t just talk politics 24/7 but they made moves.” (City of Houston parks have been named in honor of both men). He worked alongside and with them in order to bring change of policy in regards to the betterment of the black community. Establishing food stamps was one of them at a time when people were only receiving commodities for 250 people, leaving 750 without and unfed.
Duncantell’s fearlessness, intelligence, dedication and service for the equality of the black community is immeasurable. The sacrifices that he made years ago would never enter the mind of today’s leaders as a thought. “I believe anything that you want, you have to fight for it,” he stated. His life contributions are equal to the things in which he not only spoke about, but also stood for. Herein, is why he has been selected as a feature for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. issue because his legacy as Dr. King’s is an example for all to recognize and follow.
Angel Chapple is a Houston Sun intern from Prairie View A&M University.
Lady Panthers SWAC Round Up
Women’s Tennis | | PVAMU Sports Information
Special From PVAMU Sports
Lady Panthers defeat Alabama A&M to conclude first weekend of SWAC Roundup
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers tennis team split the second day of the first Southwestern Athletic Conference roundup Saturday.
The Lady Panthers defeated Alabama A&M 5-2 after falling to Alcorn State by the same scoreline.
Playing against a short-handed Lady Bulldogs squad, Prairie View A&M had little trouble getting the necessary four points to claim victory over Alabama A&M. Sydney Thomas and Maria Lackey‘s 6-2 win over Orianna Rodriguez and Shrarre Smith in flight two was enough to take the doubles point, as the Lady Bulldogs did not have a third duo.
With forfeit wins guaranteed in singles play, it put the Lady Panthers in a comfortable position heading into singles play, as they needed to win only one of the four matches contested. Thomas and Shaddae Findley (pictured) insured the PVAMU win with victories in flights two and four. Thomas won her flight two match over Rodriguez by a score of 6-3, 6-1.
In flight four, Findley took down Smith by a score of 6-4, 6-1.
Earlier in the day, the Lady Panthers fought hard in a 5-2 loss to Alcorn State. Prairie View A&M got its two wins in flights five and six of singles play. Findley defeated Aakansksha Punj 6-4, 6-3 in flight five, while Timara Maxwell defeated Marlene Maier 6-4, 6-2.
In doubles play, Findley and Tatiana Ruhl edged Punj and Laura Arruda 7-6.
The Lady Panthers finished the first SWAC Roundup with a record of 2-2, having defeating Grambling and falling to host Southern on Friday.
PVAMU 5, Alabama A&M 2
SINGLES
1. Viraq Hollos (A&M) def. Neharika Rama (PVAMU) 6-1, 7-6 (7-5)
2. Sydney Thomas (PVAMU) def. Orianna Rodriguez (A&M) 6-3, 6-1
3. A. Sathe (A&M) def. Stacy Lackey (PVAMU) 6-1, 6-1
4. Shaddae Finley (PVAMU) def. Shrarre Smith (A&M) 6-4, 6-1
5. Timara Maxwell (PVAMU) wins by forfeit
6. Tatiana Ruhl (PVAMU) wins by forfeit
DOUBLES
1. Hollos/R. Khalid (A&M) def. Rama/Stacy Lackey (PVAMU) 6-4
2. Thomas/Maria Lackey (PVAMU) def. Rodriguez/Smith (A&M) 6-2
3. Maxwell/Trinity Randolph (PVAMU) win by forfeit
Alcorn State 5, PVAMU 2
SINGLES
1. Aida Kelic (Alcorn) def. Neharika Rama (PVAMU) 6-2, 6-4
2. Ivana Boberic (Alcorn) def. Sydney Thomas (PVAMU) 6-3, 1-6, 6-1
3. Siobhan Ryan-Bovey (Alcorn) def. Stacy Lackey (PVAMU) 6-3, 6-1
4. Ekaterina Potapova (Alcorn) def. Trinity Randolph (PVAMU) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2
5. Shaddae Findley (PVAMU) def. Aakansksha Punj (Alcorn) 6-4, 6-3
6. Timara Maxwell (PVAMU) def. Marlene Maier (Alcorn) 6-4, 6-2
DOUBLES
1. Ryan-Bovey/Potapova (Alcorn) def. Rama/Lackey (PVAMU) 6-3
2. Kelic/Boberic (Alcorn) def. Maxwell/Randolph (PVAMU) 6-2
3. Findley/Tatiana Ruhl (PVAMU) def. Punj/Laura Arruda (Alcorn) 7-6
TSU Tigers clinch share of SWAC
Special from TSU NEWS Service
HOUSTON- The Texas Southern University Tiger men’s basketball team beat the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs 77-54 on Saturday night. With the win, TSU improves to 15-12 on the season and continue their dominance at home as they are 8-0 in the HPE Arena.
The team also cushioned their lead in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings, moving to 14-1 in conference play. The victory ensures that the Tigers have snared at least a share of a regular season SWAC championship.
The Bulldogs did not make it easy on the Tigers in the first half as TSU went into the intermission down 31-29. TSU struggled some on offense in the first period, shooting just 40 percent from the field.
The second half was all Tigers, though, as they began to create separation and led by double-digits for much of the game after the intermission. After halftime, TSU shot a blistering 60.6 percent, including 5-8 from three-point range.
The Tigers had balanced scoring with four players scoring in double-digits and three posting double-doubles. Orlando Coleman led all scorers with 21 points and hit 5-8 from deep. He also grabbed 12 rebounds and two steals.
Derrick Griffin had double figures in points and boards, as well, chipping in 12 points and 10 rebounds. Griffin provided excellent defense to go with his impressive offensive game as he blocked two shots and added two steals.
Chris Thomas got his double-double via points and assists. He contributed 15 points and 10 assists for the Tigers and played the entire contest.
TSU also turned up the pressure in the second half on defense. The Tigers held the Bulldogs to just 34.8 percent from the field after halftime. TSU created 18 Bulldog turnovers, which the Tigers turned into 21 points on the offensive side of the court.
The Tigers look to take full ownership of a regular season SWAC championship as they welcome the Alabama State Hornets to the HPE Arena Monday night. Come cheer them on and help them finish the season undefeated at home.
The Bridge of Light Tour will be hosting a conference geared toward social change. It will take place at Communication Workers of America Building on 1730 Jefferson St Houston TX 77003 on February 21, 2016 at 6-10pm. It’s free for all to attend.
