Houston: Nigerian socialite sued for rape and battery

According to the petition, shortly after Plaintiff commenced employment at Kinghaven, “Defendant Olagundoye, subjected her to horrendous and repetitive incidents of sexual assault and torture as he repeatedly ordered her to report to his office to perform sexual acts on the floor of his office. — According to the petition, shortly after Plaintiff commenced employment at Kinghaven, “Defendant Olushegun Olagundoye in photo, subjected her to horrendous and repetitive incidents of sexual assault and torture as he repeatedly ordered her to report to his office to perform sexual acts on the floor of his office.

■ Olushegun Olagundoye, owner or President of Kinghaven Counseling Group is being sued for $1,000,000.00 by a former employee for sexual assault and battery – an allegation he totally denies in his own response.

International Guardian – Houston, TX – Documents recovered from the Harris County District Clerk (Cause No. 2016-33668 – EZENAGU, NKEOMA BRENDA vs. OLAGUNDOYE, OLUSHEGUN B -Court 151) reveal that a Houston socialite, and presumably the owner of Kinghaven Counseling Group, Olushegun Olagundoye has been sued for $1,000,000.00 by a former employee, Ezenagu, Nkeoma Brenda for sexual assault and battery. The petition shows three causes of action, namely; Assault Battery, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Violation of Texas Labor Code/Laws. In his responses, Olagundoye generally denies all of Plaintiff’s claims against him.
According to the petition, shortly after Plaintiff commenced employment at Kinghaven, “Defendant Olagundoye, subjected her to horrendous and repetitive incidents of sexual assault and torture as he repeatedly ordered her to report to his office to perform sexual acts on the floor of his office. When Plaintiff rebuffed Olgundoye’s advances and expressed her concerns over the acts, Olagundoye told Plaintiff that there was nothing to worry about as he had a procedure done to his penis that makes him unable to impregnate a woman.”
In conjunction with that, noted the petition, “Olagundoye not only increased Plaintiff’s job duties, he failed to match the increased job duties with a concomitant increase in pay. Significantly, Olagundoye failed to pay Plaintiff, all of her wages and violated Texas labor laws. Specifically, though Plaintiff was hired as a Billing Clerk, she was made to perform the duties of Eligibility Clerk and Authorization Clerk; and yet was not paid in full let alone paid for the increased job duties. 13. Times without number, Olagundoye ordered Plaintiff to report to his office and perform unwanted sexual acts on the floor of his office. Though Plaintiff would cry and beg Olagundoye to stop his reprehensible acts, he failed to heed or budge.”
In this original answer to the petition, Olagundoye denied all of Plaintiff’s claims against him, and asked the Court to enter a “take-nothing judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff Nkeoma Brenda Ezenagu.”
The unedited excerpts of the law suit and response are as follows:

PLAINTIFF’S ORIGINAL PETITION: IV. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

CAUSE NO. 2016-33668 – EZENAGU, NKEOMA BRENDA VS. OLAGUNDOYE, OLUSHEGUN B

8. Defendant Olagundoye, born around August of 1955 or of approximately 60 years of age, is the owner/founder, President, and Director or CEO of Kinghaven Counseling Group, and other business entities mentioned above. He operates his business in the State of Texas. Kinghaven Counseling Group is a facility where patients go to receive counseling for mental or emotional problems, among other things. The facility has hundreds of patients.
—– 9. Plaintiff, a female without work authorization, in her late twenties, met Defendant Olagundoye around August of 2015. At the time, Olagundoye offered Plaintiff a position at Kinghaven. Plaintiff informed him that she had no work permit. By agreement and/or arrangement involving Olagundoye, Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s sister, Plaintiff was to use her sister’s identification card and information to work for Olagundoye at Kinghaven Counseling Group. Thus, Kinghaven registered Plaintiff as its employee under her sister’s ID as Olagundoye informed Plaintiff and her sister that it was a violation of the law to hire someone without work authorization.
—– 10. Consequently, Plaintiff commenced her employment with Kinghaven on or about August of 2015. Though she informed Olagundoye that she had accounting background, Olagundoye informed Plaintiff that he already had an accountant or did not need one, but that he would hire Plaintiff, as a billing clerk. Plaintiff agreed. As a billing clerk, she performed her job diligently, conscientiously and without reproach.
—– 11. Shortly after Plaintiff commenced employment at Kinghaven, however, Defendant Olagundoye, subjected her to horrendous and repetitive incidents of sexual assault and torture as he repeatedly ordered her to report to his office to perform sexual acts on the floor of his office. When Plaintiff rebuffed Olgundoye’s advances and expressed her concerns over the acts, Olagundoye told Plaintiff that there was nothing to worry about as he had a procedure done to his penis that makes him unable to impregnate a woman.
—– 12. In conjunction with that, Olagundoye not only increased Plaintiff’s job duties, he failed to match the increased job duties with a concomitant increase in pay. Significantly, Olagundoye failed to pay Plaintiff, all of her wages and violated Texas labor laws. Specifically, though Plaintiff was hired as a Billing Clerk, she was made to perform the duties of Eligibility Clerk and Authorization Clerk; and yet was not paid in full let alone paid for the increased job duties.
—– 13. Times without number, Olagundoye ordered Plaintiff to report to his office and perform unwanted sexual acts on the floor of his office. Though Plaintiff would cry and beg Olagundoye to stop his reprehensible acts, he failed to heed or budge.
—– 14. On multiple occasions, Olagundoye raped the Plaintiff on the floor of his office. For example, on one of such occasions, Olagundoye twisted Plaintiff’s arms, knocked her onto the floor of his office where the sexual act was usually performed and injured Plaintiff’s arm.
—– 15. On another such occasion, Olagundoye used so much force that Plaintiff got injured and bruised her foot while she was trying to escape and bled. Yet on another such occasion, after Olagundoye had forced Plaintiff to perform sexual acts, he directed her to attend one occasion hosted by or involving Sheila Jackson Lee.
—– 16. A woman appearing to be Olagundoye’s wife attended the ceremony with him but Olagundoye told Plaintiff that she was his sister. On multiple occasions when Plaintiff would scream and state she would no longer report to Olagundoye’s office when so summoned, he threatened her either with reporting her immigration status to the authorities or discharge from employment.
—– 17. Olagundoye perpetuated the perpetration of unlawful, illegal and wrongful sexual acts on the Plaintiff.
—– 18. Around the first week of February 2016, however, when Plaintiff insisted that she was not going to perform sexual act, Olagundoye used undue or inordinate force on Plaintiff, knocked her to the floor of his office multiple times and caused her multiple internal injuries. Essentially, in order to have his way, Olagundoye mercilessly and ruthlessly injured the Plaintiff to the extent that Plaintiff felt that the next time she resisted Olagundoye’s sexual advances, he could kill her.
—– 19. As a result, rather than die at the hands of a rapist, Plaintiff left her employ for her life. Plaintiff’s resignation letter, inter alia reads: “I resigned because of the abuse and sexual slavery you have subjected me to, have become unbearable, and I am left with no other option. I have been reflecting each day, the damage you have been causing me, how traumatizing it has become for me. The way you took advantage of me each time you asked me to see you in your office, the way I had to be forced by you to have sex on the floor of your office – forcing me and twisting my arms to get your way so I can keep a job that I got from you. Sir, I cannot take this anymore and I feel horrible that I could be used in such dehumanizing manner. As I have always told you, if I was your daughter, or relation would you have treated me so horribly? I pray this does not happen to someone else.”
—– 20. Subsequent to Plaintiff’s forced departure from Kinghaven, Olagundoye contacted Plaintiff and told Plaintiff to not do anything stupid or she would regret doing so and that he would get everyone around him to speak against her. From that point on, Plaintiff’s colleagues, friends and superiors at Kinghaven stopped speaking to her. Those who used to call her stopped doing so.
—– 21. Because she was afraid of being deported, Plaintiff did not call the police or go to the authorities to file charges against Olagundoye. She became distraught, dejected and depressed. In conjunction with that, the injuries Olagundoye inflicted on the Plaintiff during the multiple times he raped her, caused Plaintiff to experience and endure severe and virtually unbearable pains.
—– 22. For lack of funds and/or insurance, she could not immediately undergo the necessary medical treatments needed outside of home remedies and over-the-counter medications. For the same reasons, she could not immediately receive professional counseling or therapeutic treatments needed, save from one of her Pastors, who prayed for her and with her over and over again.
—– 23. Essentially, Plaintiff has not only endured physical and psychological trauma but has essentially suffered substantial physical and mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of rape, a criminal activity, perpetrated by the Defendant, Olagundoye.
—– 24. Strangely or ironically, however, Kinghaven Counseling Group, owned and directed by Olagundoye, counsels people who are victims of sexual abuse, people who suffer physical and psychological trauma as well as people who are victims of inter alia, mental and physical abuse. Specifically, Olagundoye’s website inter alia, reads:
Kinghaven Counseling Group is made up of licensed therapists dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their maximum potential. Each therapist carries a master`s or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field and has several years of experience. Kinghaven provides a treatment team of specialists to each client served.
Programs and Specialties
Our programs and services provide each client with the appropriate help to reach their maximum potential. Our comprehensive treatment program includes a thorough assessment by a licensed psychologist and therapy by a licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker. …
Our Specialties Our team of trained professionals are experienced in treating a wide variety of issues including:
-Behavior Problems/ School Problems
-Family and Relationship Conflict
-Attention Deficit Disorder/
-Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
-Depression/Anxiety
-Play Therapy
-Life Transition
-Loss and Grief
-PTSD
-Anger Management/ Stress Management
-Pain/Injury/ Chronic illness
-Substance Abuse / Intervention / Prevention /Dual Diagnosis
-Medication Management
– Abuse/Neglect/Sexual Abuse

—– 25. While Olagundoye operates a business counseling people who have been battered, emotionally and physically traumatized, he repeatedly sexually assaulted the Plaintiff, traumatizing, humiliating and dehumanizing her for approximately six months. Similarly, while operating a business counseling people who are depressed, Olagundoye relentlessly forcefully raped the Plaintiff causing her to be depressed, distressed and devastated.
—– 26. Upon information and belief, this particular occurrence involving Plaintiff, was not the first of its kind for Defendant, Olagundoye. He had previously been charged with sexual harassment on multiple occasions and had quietly resolved those matters.
—– 27. The instant harassment however was sufficiently severe and pervasive and is such as subjected the Plaintiff to not just a hostile work environment but an environment that was shockingly cruel to her being; and was based inter alia, on Plaintiff’s sex. Olagundoye improperly made the performance of forceful, unwanted sexual act, a condition of Plaintiff’s employment to the extent that, by his actions and words, he forced Plaintiff to remain his employee.
—– 28. Both Olagundoye and Plaintiff are originally from Africa and particularly from a culture where someone in the Plaintiff’s position must, of necessity, be fearfully subservient to someone in Olagundoye’s position. A culture where the Master instills fears in the heart of the servant, who can never question the authority or the dictates of the master, regardless of their illegality. Olagundoye’s words and actions in this instance instilled fear in the heart of the Plaintiff to the point that she felt forced to remain on the job or that she could not leave until she felt the next rape incident could result in her death.
—– 29. Specifically, the multiple rape incidents caused Plaintiff’s bones to be deformed as she had inter alia, three disc herniations, lumbar disc disorder, very deep sprain in her left shoulder, numbness in the forearm.
—– 30. Additionally, Olagundoye intentionally, not only knowingly or recklessly caused bodily injury to the Plaintiff; he also intentionally or knowingly threatened the Plaintiff with imminent bodily injury.
—– 31. Plaintiff alleges in the alternative that in Olagundoye’s dealings with and raping the Plaintiff, Olagundoye acted intentionally or recklessly. The emotional distress suffered by the plaintiff was severe. The defendant’s conduct was extreme and outrageous. Olagundoye’s conduct proximately caused the Plaintiff’s emotional distress. No alternative cause of action would provide a remedy for the severe emotional distress caused by the defendant’s conduct.
—– 32. Around March of 2016, when the Plaintiff’s complaint was brought to Olagundoye’s attention, he initially denied the allegations and stated that he and Plaintiff used to date each other and that they had spend nights together in hotels even before she commenced employment at Kinghaven; and that their relationship simply continued after commencement of Plaintiff’s employment at Kinghaven.
—– 33. When Olagundoye saw that his response was debunked, he switched gears and turned around to present a statement purportedly written by one of his friends who falsely stated inter alia, that Plaintiff told him she enjoyed the relationship with Olagundoye; that Plaintiff also told him that Olagundoye is a pleasant man; that the work at Kinghaven was overwhelming and that she decided to break up the relationship she had with Olagundoye.
—– 34. Notably, the particular friend who gave the statement on behalf of Olagundoye had himself been charged with raping another man’s wife. He actually settled the case after his confession but has not satisfied the conditions of settlement.
—– 35. As of the present date, Plaintiff still suffers from the injuries, pain and heartache that emanated from the harrowing experience Olagundoye put her through. Plaintiff did not do anything to contribute to those injuries, pain and heartache. Nor did she do anything to provoke Olagundoye to act the way he did. Plaintiff still needs and seeks treatments for her injuries.
—– 36. In his dealing with the Plaintiff, Olagundoye acted as the founder and/or was the President and Director of Kinghaven Counseling Group. Thus, Kinghaven is equally liable for the conduct of Olagundoye under the doctrine of Respondent Superior.

DOWNLOAD/OPEN FULL PETITION, click >>>>

DEFENDANT OLUSHEGUN OLAGUNDOYE’S ORIGINAL ANSWER: GENERAL DENIAL

CAUSE NO. 2016-33668 – EZENAGU, NKEOMA BRENDA VS. OLAGUNDOYE, OLUSHEGUN B

TO THE HONORABLE COURT:
Defendant Olushegun Olagundoye ask the Court to enter a take-nothing judgment in his favor and against Plaintiff Nkeoma Brenda Ezenagu.
GENERAL DENIAL
1. Defendant generally denies all of Plaintiff’s claims against him. Tex. R. Civ. P. 92.

DOWNLOAD/OPEN FULL PETITION, click >>>>

Lowering the rhetoric – why activists must listen to Mayor Turner and soften their tongues

Figures still show a law enforcement structure and practice unfavorable to the African-American populace. For instance, it is evident that black people are still more heavily policed. This is to say that if a black person and a white person each commit a crime, the black person is more likely to be arrested. Similarly, when black people are arrested for a crime, they are convicted more often than white people arrested for the same offence; or even are more likely to be sentenced to incarceration compared to their white counterparts.

But such disturbing disparity in law enforcement remains more of a legislative challenge than an outmoded tit-for-tat business. On December 18, 2014, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The focus was to seek knowledge from stakeholders and public involvement to identify best practices in the police process. The Task Force submitted an initial report to the President on March 2, 2015 and released the final report on May 18, 2015.

In May 2016, the Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) of the United States Department of Justice launched the Advancing 21st Century Policing Initiative, which provided operational supports to a regiment of police agencies. This project has since produced supervisory resources for various police agencies to advance best practices.

In April, 2016, Houston launched a deployment of body cameras to police officers making it the largest city to deploy such device for police activities. About 4,100 body cams was projected to be deployed to patrol officers over a 12 to 18 months period. Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner said the cameras would protect the public and the officers. He was right.

These strides however do not totally eliminate numerous challenges various communities face with the law enforcement. Just recently, for example, the shooting deaths of two black men within days by police officers have again provoked a wave of such cases that have created numerous protests nationwide in recent months. A Minnesota officer fatally shot a 32-year-old man, Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, a St. Paul suburb. A day earlier, 37-year-old Alton Sterling was equally shot and killed during a confrontation with two police officers outside a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, convenience store where he was selling discs of music and movies. A cellphone video of Sterling’s shooting posted online by a community activist set off heated protests.

Among thousands of reactions from prominent persons over the recent feud between the members of the law enforcement and the community in different parts of the country, a plea by Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner stood out distinctively as what might actually create a neutral ground to again resume a peaceable discourse. At a press conference on Friday, Mayor Turner in a more conciliatory tone, appealed “Let’s lower the rhetoric and be mindful of what we post on social media. A house divided against itself cannot stand.” There is every reason why America should listen to this Mayor.

In downright retaliation, some individuals angered by the commotion and killings had turned the triggers against police officers in what has now turned the entire country into a horrifying enclave of insanity and bereavement. A sniper attack in Dallas left five officers dead and six more injured in what is believed to be the deadliest day in the history of the Dallas Police Department.

Similar attacks have also been reported in other parts of the country. Police say officers have been targeted in Tennessee, Georgia, and Missouri. The Tennessee attack occurred hours before the Dallas carnage. The reasons behind the ambush attacks of the police in Georgia and Missouri are still being investigated, but most likely to be connected with the same killing of civilians in Minnesota and Louisiana.

The increasing feud between the community and members of the law enforcement, without doubt, has taken a different dimension in recent years, even as different organizations and government agencies collaborate on solutions. Discussion forums and campaigns to explore avenues for a more conducive police-community environment linger, but facilitators have often played down on the power of rhetoric in the escalating tension. Some community forums rather than advocate a rapport, have focused on the people’s rights to stand their grounds against the law enforcement. To make it worse, some activists have selfishly injected persuasive catchphrases in the social media to escalate the existing tension, while they would turn around to enjoy the publicity generated out of fear and hot emotions they instigate.

Mckesson could be seen on news videos restfully posing for the cameras while he was held by the cops, and saying, “I’m under arrest, y'all!” It was obvious he was enjoying his arrest and excited about the fact that he would use the video clips for his social media self-gratifying campaign. — McKesson… He was be seen on news videos restfully posing for the cameras while he was held by the cops, and saying, “I’m under arrest, y’all!” It was obvious he was enjoying his arrest and excited about the fact that he would use the video clips for his social media self-gratifying campaign.

While community members who feel connected to these campaign catchwords are busy chanting their voices off on the streets, some activists seek other motives. For instance, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist, DeRay Mckesson, after he generated enough fund and popularity I his street activism, turned around and announced that he would run for mayor of Baltimore, his hometown. His decision angered critics and colleagues who accused him of double standard. Others accused him of using a charitable movement to selfishly seek a political career.

It is therefore not a surprise that Mckesson was among 100 others taken into custody Sunday in Baton Rouge, after protesters took to the streets to denounce the recent killings. Mckesson could be seen on news videos restfully posing for the cameras while he was held by the cops, and saying, “I’m under arrest, y’all!” It was obvious he was enjoying his arrest and excited about the fact that he would use the video clips for his social media self-gratifying campaign.

It is evident that black people are still more heavily policed. This is to say that if a black person and a white person each commit a crime, the black person is more likely to be arrested.

The truth is that the power of harsh rhetoric has a major influence on the deteriorating relationship between the community and the police, and some people out there are really taking advantage of these blood-spattered moments to build their political careers. Language has been known to be the most ancient persuasion tool. Noted Plato, the famous Classical Greek philosopher, “Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men.” The skillful manipulation of communal issues through bombastic slogans was big business in Elizabethan era where the power of words is invoked to deal with fundamental sociopolitical engagements. Today, the world has thoroughly changed to a diverse village where language is no longer used as a verbal ammunition, but are composed to build bridges across communities, the people, and their environment.

Respect and support for the law enforcement is not negotiable; respect means, simply, obeying the police while they are on duty, and support means providing them with necessary tools and training to effectively carry out their duties.

The role of the law enforcement in the community is evidently indispensable and could never be diminished through self-gratifying activism and street violence. It would be hypocritical for community activists and celebrities to post incisive phrases in the social media over the behaviors of a few bad officers, then turn around to sympathize with the police after their members are taken down by the same people they protect. How does the philosophy of “No justice! No peace” fit into a non-violent remonstration category? Where there is no peace, violence automatically rules.

The current war against the law enforcement would not work, but a dialogue on creating a structure to eliminate lapses in the enforcement system remains a sensible approach. Report from the National Emergency Number Association indicates that an estimated 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. each year. One cannot afford to be twitting hate words against the police on one hand and calling the 911 for help on another hand.

Respect and support for the law enforcement is not negotiable; respect means, simply, obeying the police while they are on duty, and support means providing them with necessary tools and training to effectively carry out their duties. The community activists who raise funds to instruct the community about their rights to challenge the law could as well educate them on simple ways to obey the police at traffic stops and other interrogatory circumstances. It might be right to teach a teenagers how to record police activities with smart phones, but it would also make sense to educate them on how not to wrestle or resist armed officers of the law.

As author, Thomas Sowell wrote, “Freedom has cost too much blood and agony to be relinquished at the cheap price of rhetoric.” Thus, those unscrupulous political activists, and social media snipers who amorally instigate or take advantage of awful bloody moments may listen to Houston’s Mayor Turner and levelheadedly lower down the rhetoric. This would clear the ground for an all-encompassing dialogue toward constructive solutions.

Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo is the Publisher of Houston’s International Guardian, and the author of “The Influence of Leadership” You may follow International Guardian on FB by clicking >>>>

One man dead after officer-involved shooting in SE Houston

Culled from KHOU.com

HOUSTON – Two Houston police officers shot and killed an African-American man who was armed in the middle of Cullen Boulevard near Idaho Street early Saturday morning on Houston’s southeast side.

Houston Police Department spokeswoman Jodi Silva said the two officers were on routine patrol just before 1 a.m. when they spotted the man, holding a gun.

Silva said when police approached him, the man was pointing the gun straight up in the air. She said they ordered him to drop it. She said a bystander did, too.

“Who is speaking with the suspect, telling him, ‘Put the weapon down. Put the weapon down,'” Silva said.

Instead, officers said, the man pointed his gun at them.

“Both officers discharged their duty weapons,” Silva said. “Immediately, we called for aid…however, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Someone called a woman to the scene who was seen sobbing. She said she was the man’s wife.

“I won’t see him no more, no more,” she said.

Some residents in the South Park neighborhood where the shooting happened said each day they feel more afraid of the police.

“It’s pitiful,” said resident Monica Penrice. “It’s crazy out here and I’m terrified especially for my Black men. I have four Black boys I’m raising and I’m terrified.”

Resident Bobby Wright became emotional when talking about the recent violence against civilians and police.

“I want to say that the first thing in life is prayer,” he said. “You have to pray to GOD, no matter what color, what race you are because we all bleed the same.”

Meanwhile, a couple of streets from the shooting scene, neighbors said the man police killed was in his 40s and has led a troubled life filled with drugs and violence. They said they do not feel his case is one of police brutality.

“No, no, no, I wouldn’t say that because he was just that type of person and he was full of that stuff,” said longtime neighbor Joyce Powell.

Neighbor Douglas Benjamin claimed the suspect once brutally attacked him.

“He got mad at me and took a shovel and beat my–and broke my arm,” Benjamin said.

A year ago, the dead man’s family saw another case of fatal violence. The man’s grandfather was shot and killed in the family’s driveway by an unknown gunman. Neighbors said since that happened, the man has walked the neighborhood with his gun, vowing to avenge his grandfather’s death. They said sometimes he would ride his horse through the streets with his gun in his waistband.

People in the neighborhood where the police fatally shot the man said regardless of who is responsible for acts of violence and bloodshed, it is time for it to stop.

“A lot of people in my life, they have shed tears and blood for me to be where I’m at,” Bobby Wright said. “So people quit talking about this and that and do something about it!”

The two officers who killed the man were riding double, as they normally do because they are part of the Gang Division, Silva said. One has 13 years of experience and the other has 10.

Silva said both are now on three day’s mandatory leave with pay, which is standard procedure. Silva said the officers must meet with a counselor during that time and they typically meet with their lawyers as well. She said three different investigations are now underway by HPD Homicide, HPD Internal Affairs and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which is also standard procedure.

HCC music business legend leaves lasting legacy

Photo: Dr. Aubrey Tucker (right), coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, transferred the copyright of the HCC Alma Mater, "Always Grateful", to Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor during the June Grand Opening of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence. — Photo: Dr. Aubrey Tucker (right), coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, transferred the copyright of the HCC Alma Mater, “Always Grateful”, to Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor during the June Grand Opening of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence.

Most gifts come wrapped in pretty packaging, but this one is special; because it symbolizes the past, present, and future of Houston Community College (HCC). No one can place a value on the institution’s song.

Dr. Aubrey Tucker, coordinator of the HCC Commercial Music program, and professor in the Division of Audio, Film, and Music Business, composed Always Grateful, which is played at the end of HCC graduation ceremonies. The recent grand opening of the Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence served as the perfect occasion for Dr. Tucker to gift HCC Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, full rights to the HCC Alma Mater.

“I felt that I needed to formally gift it to the college,” said Dr. Tucker. “I wanted to make sure this song was outright owned by HCC and its students – where it belongs.”

The legal transfer of ownership rights to HCC was a parting token from Tucker, who after 31 years of being a teacher, mentor, and friend to students, colleagues, and business partners, is retiring from his day to day activities at the Spring Branch campus.

The accomplished musician came to HCC in 1985 after answering a newspaper ad to start a commercial music program. It opened to 200 students and today the program boasts nearly 2,000 students studying audio, video, film, music business, and academic music.

“He is an excellent professor. He connects with his students,” said Mathew Knowles, former student, current advisory board member, multi-platinum record producer, and father of superstar Beyoncé. “Dr. Tucker taught me that when you live your passion, you never work a day in your life.”

It is that passion, compassion, and dedication to his craft that resonates with everyone who knows Tucker, who plans to travel and continue teaching online for HCC.

“I am so grateful for all the experiences I’ve had at HCC. I really believe in the idea of community college. This place really reaches humanity and gives everyone a chance,” he said.

The music and audio programs are part of the HCC Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence. To learn more, visit hccs.edu/media.

White House honors City of Houston for creating a welcoming environment for new Americans

More than 50 municipal and county governments recognized for immigrant integration efforts

The White House has honored the City of Houston and more than 50 other U.S. cities and county governments for their innovative and proactive efforts to bring all residents into their communities’ cultural and economic fabric. Houston’s Office of International Communities was recognized for its successful community partnerships designed to serve the city’s burgeoning immigrant and refugee population through programs promoting civic engagement, citizenship application assistance and language access.

“The City of Houston is honored to be part of this growing movement which recognizes that welcoming all residents, including immigrants who have made this country their new home is the right thing to do, in line with the ideal of inclusiveness that we all value as Americans,” said Mayor Turner. “It is also smart economic policy for us to work as unified communities to build and maintain a strong economy and enhance our nation’s global competitive edge.”

The governmental entities honored are part of the Building Welcoming Communities Campaign, a partnership of The White House Task Force on New Americans, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization that encourages communities to engage in local immigrant integration efforts.

U.S. President Barack Obama has called on these communities to act on a set of principles to build inclusive, welcoming communities that allow all residents to thrive and advance integration efforts in three core areas: civic, economic, and linguistic integration.

For more about the Building Welcoming Communities Campaign, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration/new-americans

For more information about the Office of International Communities, a division of the Department of Neighborhoods, call 832.393.1010 or visit https://www.houstontx.gov.

City of Houston cracks down on illegal scrap tire operations

Photo culled from the Houston Chronicle shows tires discarded along Laura Koppe Road at Jensen Street, one of thousands of illegal dumps. — Photo culled from the *Houston Chronicle* shows tires discarded along Laura Koppe Road at Jensen Street, one of thousands of illegal dumps.

Effective July 1, 2016, the grace period for compliance with the City of Houston’s Scrap Tire Ordinance will expire and enforcement will begin in earnest. The ordinance, approved by City Council in 2015, requires scrap tire operations to register with the City and establishes regulations and procedures for the safe transportation, storage, recordkeeping and proper disposal of scrap tires

“More than 19,000 tires have been hauled away since February as the City works to clean up illegal dump sites that can serve as breeding grounds for the mosquito-born Zika Virus,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This is a huge problem in our neighborhoods and we have to attack it from every angle.”

All businesses that are involved in the used/scrap tire business will be required to register and/or obtain a permit annually with the City of Houston. Tire transporters must display a City issued decals on their trucks. Tire generators must allow inspection of their records annually. On Friday, inspectors will be visiting businesses to check for compliance. The cost to register is $93.93 for a business that generate scrap tires and $172 for entities that transport tires. Owners who refuse to register with the City will be ticketed. Fines are $250 per day, per offense.

Residents can help reduce scrap tire problems by purchasing retreaded tires and properly maintaining tires to extend their life and increase the chance that they can be retreaded. Keep tires inflated at the recommended inflation level. Under inflation can waste up to 5% of a car’s fuel. Repair punctures, maintain alignment, and rotate tires every 6,000 – 8,000 miles.

Residents with tire swings or dock tire bumpers are urged to puncture holes in the tires so they won’t hold water. This will help deter mosquito breeding grounds and prevent water accumulation in tires.

Houston – New partnership increases glass recycling drop off locations

Through a new partnership with Strategic Materials Inc., North America’s largest glass recycler, the City of Houston is able to offer residents a more convenient way to recycle glass.

“Since the removal of glass from the City’s single stream recycling program earlier this year, we have been working to find ways for residents to conveniently continue to recycle glass,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I want to thank Strategic Materials for stepping up to plate to provide a workable solution.”

Strategic Materials is working with industry partners and local communities to cover the cost of glass recycling drop off boxes at a total of ten locations throughout Houston with the goal of continuing to expand the program. The first two locations will open this weekend at:

Sharpstown Park – 6600 Harbor Town Drive, accessible during park hours
Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center – 2208 Washington Ave, accessible 24 hours

“We are fortunate to be supported by the Mayor and the City in the pursuit to further support glass recycling,” said Strategic Materials, Inc. CEO Denis Suggs. “We hope to identify additional partners within the community and our customer base to grow the recycling locations in the upcoming weeks and months. Our innate desire to preserve our environment and keep our city clean brings us together in a meaningful way to support glass recycling in Houston.”

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department will send out notices as the other eight locations are added to this pilot program. The locations and progress of the program will also be available on the Strategic Materials company website. These new drop off locations sponsored by SMI and partners are in addition to the nine existing City of Houston neighborhood depositories where residents are able to recycle glass and other items.

Due to cost concerns, glass was removed from the City’s curbside recycling program last March. Information about this pilot project, curbside recycling and other topics is available at www.houstonsolidwaste.org. Individuals are also reminded to empty and rinse all glass containers, and remove all corks, caps and lids before dropping them off.

After 15 years as ex-students, couple reflect on HCC’s academic experience and success

LeMarcus and Amber Newman on graduation day.

Leo LeMarcus Newman graduated from Houston Community College (HCC) 15 years ago, but still credits HCC for helping him be the person he is today. “My advice for students is to get to know your advisor on a personal level. That way your advisor knows everything that’s going on in your life and then he or she will be able to guide you in obtaining your degree,” Newman said.

Both Newman and his wife Amber recently graduated with master’s degrees in public administration from Texas Southern University. To this day, he still feels a connection to the faculty and staff at HCC. He recognizes that took they took the time to get to know him first as a person and then as a student.

Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 13 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the country’s largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

“Houston Community College has instilled in me hardworking values,” said Newman. “I had an opportunity to learn about different cultures and that has helped get me to where I am today.”

Newman’s past life experience paved the way for academic success. At one point, he played for the San Francisco 49ers and served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a government contractor. Nevertheless, his years at Houston Community College were the foundation to tackle the hardest thing he and his wife have faced.

“The biggest challenge was time management. During the time we were getting our degrees, we really didn’t have any time for us. We were in school and raising the kids, who are 7, 9 and 21. We were stretched thin.”

To keep each other motivated the coupled achieved their academic goals through loving competition.

“My husband is really competitive so we would turn in our papers and then he would wait to see how he made out. If I got a higher grade than him, then he would set as a goal to do better next time,” said Amber Newman.

While she cooked for the family, he helped the kids with homework. While he studied, she got the kids ready for bed.

The Newman family schedule is filled with school, work, and extracurricular activities.

“Our 9 year old is actually really good at organizing. She essentially has mapped her whole life out. She has a vision board of what type of house she wants, what school she wants to go to. She’ll come and look at the calendar to see what things they need to do,” said the proud mom.

The couple is now set to pursue their doctorates in public administration next spring.

■ Olushegun Olagundoye, owner or President of Kinghaven Counseling Group is being sued for $1,000,000.00 by a former employee for sexual assault and battery – an allegation he totally denies in his own response.

PLAINTIFF’S ORIGINAL PETITION: IV. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

DEFENDANT OLUSHEGUN OLAGUNDOYE’S ORIGINAL ANSWER: GENERAL DENIAL

More than 50 municipal and county governments recognized for immigrant integration efforts

Like Us On Facebook