Page 6 ~ THE VILLAGER/February 24, 2017 DIASPORA www.theaustinvillager.com Johnson’s return made Jim Buss’ departure seem quite likely studying under Jerry West back woes. The Lakers are about this organization,” CONTINUED FROM and eventually succeeding still feeling the effects of Johnson said in a state- PAGE 1 him. Kupchak had been in that deal, which will cost ment. “I will do everything pulling in the same the Lakers’ front office for them their first-round pick I can to build a winning direction, the direction es- 30 years, including the last this summer if it isn’t in culture on and off the tablished by Earvin and 17 as general manager — the top three. court. We have a great myself,” Jeanie Buss said in the longest current stretch The Lakers finished coach in Luke Walton and a statement. “We are de- running a front office in 17-65 last season, a fran- good young players. We termined to get back to the NBA. chise low in the last year will work tirelessly to re- competing to win NBA Jim Buss had been in of Kobe Bryant’s two-de- turn our Los Angeles Lak- championships again.” the Lakers’ front office for cade run with the fran- ers to NBA champions.” Jeanie Buss made the 19 years, including 12 in chise. The departure of extraordinary moves two charge of basketball op- Johnson’s return Kupchak is even more dra- days before the trade erations alongside made Jim Buss’ departure matic: The former Lakers deadline. The Lakers have Kupchak. The former seem quite likely, particu- center had worked with the NBA’s third-worst horse trainer had final say larly given Jim Buss’ vow West and Jim Buss in rela- record at 19-39 this sea- on basketball decisions in several years ago to leave tive harmony for years son, plummeting out of recent years. the franchise if they with the tradition-bound contention after an en- But the Lakers have weren’t in contention for Lakers. Kupchak had been Jeanie Buss (Photo: Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports) couraging 10-10 start un- steadily declined from the a Western Conference title employed by the Lakers in der new coach Luke heights of back-to-back by this year or next. some capacity since Au- Walton, who got a strong championships in 2009 But Jeanie Buss still gust 1981. vote of confidence. and 2010. They are mired picked a dramatic way to The Lakers’ recent in- Jeanie Buss said she in the worst four-year end this family business’ eptitude didn’t hurt their “took a series of actions I stretch in franchise his- years of tradition. place as Los Angeles’ most believe will return the Lak- tory, missing the playoffs Johnson has never beloved sports franchise ers to the heights Dr. Jerry in three consecutive years been a decision-making and a worldwide brand, Buss demanded and our with their three worst NBA executive, but he has but Jeanie Buss finally fans rightly expect. Our records ever. been a successful busi- tired of the apparent lack search for a new general After an extraordi- nessman and investor of progress. The Lakers manager to work with nary trade for Pau Gasol since his playing career have a talented young Earvin and coach Luke propelled the Lakers to ended. He also briefly core with D’Angelo Russell, Walton is well underway, three straight NBA Finals coached the Lakers, but Julius Randle, Brandon and we hope to announce appearances, Kupchak dropped his ceremonial Ingram and Jordan a new general manager in and Jim Buss made a series title as a team vice presi- Clarkson, but haven’t been short order. Together, of high-profile personnel dent last June after his fre- able to translate that po- Earvin, Luke and our new moves that didn’t pan out. quent public criticisms of tential into wins despite general manager will es- They made a pricey Jim Buss and former playing an exciting style tablish the foundation for trade for Dwight Howard, coaches. He also sold his under Walton. the next generation of Los who fled the franchise af- ownership stake in 2010. The Lakers also Angeles Lakers greatness.” ter one year, and another “Since 1979, I’ve parted ways with longtime Kupchak had been deal for Steve Nash, who been a part of the Laker top public relations execu- Jim Buss the Lakers’ GM since 2000, barely played thanks to Nation, and I’m passionate tive John Black. (Photo: Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports) Diaspora Vote Community Forum for the Democratic Candidates by Tsoke some members of the community. For in- (Chuch) Adjavon | growing African popula- stance, Manuel Villager Columnist tion throughout Travis Jimenez who is a vet- County, especially in the eran and also retired as On February 18th, Texas House District 46. chief deputy for the all four Democrats run- At this event, it was Travis County Con- ning for the Texas House an opportunity for the stable Office was District 46 attended the attendees to ask the po- present at this event to Diaspora Vote Commu- tential candidates vari- speak about issues that nity Forum for the ous questions. The affect veterans. Ac- Democratic Candidates. question ranged from cording to Mr. Jimenez, This event was held at education, immigration, the Texas Government the Fabaceae African police and property office grant funding cut Restaurant which is in taxes. All the candi- have caused the Travis the heart of the growing dates agreed on the fact County Commissioner African Diaspora com- that the current Texas Court to cut the veteran munity. It was an oppor- Legislature has pro- court. Moreover, this Pictured left to right: Ana Cortez, Chito Vela, Mark, Sheryl Cole and Phillip tunity for Phillip duced legislation that court has helped out so Emiabata. Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon Emiabata, Sheryl Cole, seeks to limit the rights many veterans; conse- Vela and Ana Cortez to of Texans. However, all to lower the sentence for opportunity to hear tunity for the group to quently, cutting the pro- meet and take im- four candidates did the usage of Marijuana. from the candidates, hear about certain is- gram will drastically af- promptu questions from agree on a bill that seeks Not only was it an but, also was an oppor- sues occurring in the fect them. KAZI Book Club Features Jacob Groovey by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist cial guest of the KAZI Book Hays. Mr. Groovey first On February 18th, Jacob Groovey was the spe- Club, hosted by Hopeton started to write at an early age. He was offered the chance to write for a maga- zine, but as great as the op- portunity was, Jacob passed on it because he didn’t want any pressure to be associ- ated with his writing.” Af- ter passing this opportunity, “he vowed to never turn down another opportu- Jacob Groovey and Hopeton Hay. nity,” After a long period a young black girl who Groovey an opportunity for away from the “writing dreams of being a balle- numerous types of expo- pad” he has began to write rina, despite society’s sures. For instance, he was again in 2003. Since, then opinion that she’s cut from at the Texas Book Festival in he has gone to write numer- the wrong cloth. Elise’s which he had the opportu- ous books. For instance, he story is a microcosm of the nity to expose some of his has written the “Dance of adversity and negative works. Over the next years, the Broken”, “The Book of messages that plague the more and more people Jacob”, and “My World, My minds of millions of young within the Central Texas World”, “My Words”, and girls; leaving them with area and beyond will get to “The Confessions of a Clut- the belief that their know some of his works. In tered Mind”. “Dance of the dreams are out of reach.” addition to writing books, Broken Tells” is a poignant Being an Austin he also writes poetry and and inspirational story of based writer, gives Mr. blogs..