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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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July 2021

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Ralph DeMar, MA, LPC Program Coordinator of DePelchin All Dads Succeed (DADS)

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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167TH Edition

DePelchin Children’s Center Expands With Program Helping All Dads Succeed

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INSIDE

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Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young Named as Next President of Texas Southern University

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HISD Board of Education Names Millard House II as Permanent Superintendent

24

Honoring Dr. Antonio D. Tillis Event

2 | July 2021

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July 2021 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the community, The uniqueness of DADS is that it is a program created by fathers, for publishing positive content and success stories promoting the advancement fathers. There is no guidebook on parenting, so this initiative’s valuable of our African American businesses and civic resources and tools available help fathers successfully and community leaders. maneuver parenting and co-parenting. Fathers working Last month celebrated Father’s Day, reon improving the relationship with their co-parent can minding us that fathers keep our families and invite them to participate as well, cultivating healthy “Above all, children need our communities strong. It is an undeniable fact co-parenting. This allows them to grow together, sustainthat active and loving fathers play an essential unconditional love — whether ing the changing dynamics of the family and parenting relationship. role in a child’s life, supporting their growth they succeed or make and development into well-rounded adults.

Program Coordinator Ralph DeMar leads and guides mistakes; when life is easy With the rising divorce rate and unmarried DADS and this program provides support to the mother, parents working through the challenges father, and child, making for a more cohesive family and when life is tough.” of co-parenting, the family dynamic has unit. DADS encourages father involvement, also fully supporting, promoting, and engaging fathers in a way changed. However, the need for fathers —President Obama, that meets them where they are and takes them where remains imperative.

44th U.S. President they desire to be as fathers.

Helping to keep our families and commuAs always, thank you for your continued support of nities solid through the strong foundation of fatherhood is the DePelchin Children’s d-mars.com, progressing our publication’s efforts to Center (DePelchin). And this month’s cover story shines the spotlight highlight the communities in which we serve, live, and work. Partnering on DePelchin’s All Dads Succeed (DADS), a program breaking the cycle together, we succeed in making positive things happen. of absentee fathers.

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

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CONTENTS 04 BUSINESS 04 Veteran Business Executive Forms Minority-Owned Professional Services and Corporate Advisory Holding Company 04 Black Business Registrations Increase During COVID Pandemic 06 How Small Businesses Can Overcome Common Cash Flow Challenges

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

06 COMMUNITY 06 d-mars.com Shines the Business Spotlight on Praying Apparel, a T-Shirt Line Founded on Prayer and Purpose

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Amber P. Jones

08 EDUCATION & CAREER 08 HISD Board of Education Names Millard House II as Permanent Superintendent 10 TSU Aviation Partners With the Air Force JROTC to Host Flight Program 22 Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young Named as Next President of Texas Southern University 22 TSU Taps New Ocean of Soul Band Director 24 24 Honoring Dr. Antonio D. Tillis Event

ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Erick Fontejon PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark A. Malveaux Stacy M. Brown d-mars.com

HISD

12, 21 CCOVER STORY 12, 21 DePelchin Children’s Center Expands With Program Helping All Dads Succeed 13-20 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 How One Nurse Anesthetist Is Working To Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare 15 AIDS Foundation Houston Launches “Rapid Start” HIV Treatment 16 Walking at Night? Tips To Protect Yourself From Situations That Feel Unsafe 18 State of the Nation’s Mental Health: Stress Is up, Treatment Is Not 18 Medical Debt: The Other Part of the Pandemic’s Fallout 26 How To Help Senior Loved Ones Protect Themselves From Financial Abuse

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4 | July 2021 BUSINESS

Veteran Business Executive Forms Minority-Owned Professional Services and Corporate Advisory Holding Company Minority-Owned Professional Services and Corporate Advisory Holding Company By d-mars.com News Provider

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n response to the growing market demand to provide integrated professional and business solutions, veteran business executive and CEO advisor Jarvis Stewart announced today the formation of Highland Poe. Stewart will serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at the holding company and Chief Strategist to each of the three portfolio companies – Cover Communications, Ian Reid, and HP Global Advisors.

Headquartered in Washington, DC with senior and strategic advisors across the United States, Dubai, and Guyana, Highland Poe’s portfolio companies offer professional services in strategic and diversity communications, federal government and regulatory affairs, and corporate advisory in environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) and capital markets consulting.

“As the U.S. and global economies continue to recover from the financial devastation of last year, CEOs and business leaders are in search of a professional, integrated services firm that understands their challenges and offers creative growth solutions rooted in experience and relationships,” said Jarvis Stewart, Chairman and CEO of Highland Poe. “We have assembled a diverse team of leaders with expertise in equity and inclusion, public policy, and global investment and corporate development.”

In addition to Stewart, the senior leadership of Highland Poe includes Vice Chairs and equity partners Matthew McGuire, Shawn Rochester, and Ja'Ron Smith. Appointed by former President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, McGuire is the former U.S. executive director of the World Bank Group and has more than 20 years of financial and investment experience. Rochester, a celebrated author and corporate

strategist, is credited with his advice and counsel to Fortune 100 companies on seamless ways to leverage their brand and incorporate equity and inclusion goals into their business verticals. Rochester also spent more than a decade as a senior M&A and corporate development manager at IBM, International Paper, and Amphenol. Smith brings extensive Executive and Legislative Branch experience to Highland Poe. He is the former Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and formerly served on the legislative team for U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina. Smith is also the executive director at the Center for Advancing Opportunities, a research and education project of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.

Other senior team members include MIT-educated economist Dr. Julianne Ma lve au x, a senior advisor at Cover C om mu n ic at ion s, former U. S. Senate Ba n k ing Subcommittee counsel Joi Sheffield, a senior advisor at Ia n Reid, Guyana-based business executive, Abbigale L o n c k e , a nd D a mu Winston, Dubai UAEba sed f int e c h e nt r e preneu r a nd

enterprise innovator. Former U.S. Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary, Daraka “Doc” Satcher will serve as general counsel at Highland Poe. For more information about Highland Poe, visit www.highlandpoe.com.

Source: NNPA

Photo Caption: Jarvis Stewart will serve as chairman and CEO of Highland Poe, overseeing client relations and operations for portfolio companies, Cover Communications, Ian Reid, and HP Global Advisors.

BUSINESS

Black Business Registrations Increase During COVID Pandemic

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Correspondent

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everal states have shown that the number of registered businesses has “more than doubled” according to analysis by the New York Times.

In the month after the CARES Act was passed by Congress in March 2020, business registrations increased by 60 percent. Though the economic downturn caused by the COVID pandemic is likely to damage entrepreneurship and put many small businesses in a financial hole or out of business

entirely, there are signs that many have turned to creating businesses after losing employment elsewhere.

Andre Perry, a Brookings Institution fellow, told the Times that some of the surge in Black business registrations could be a signal of personal

economic trouble.

“This is more about survival than it is about wealth creation. There’s lots of people who have lost their jobs and lost their businesses. People are starting to realize that side hustles are businesses,” Perry said.

Additionally, Google Trends data reported an “uptick in searches related to Black-owned businesses” in June of last year during the start of the pandemic. According to Google Trends data, searches for “How to find black owned businesses in your area” saw a 300% spike and searches for “Black owned restaurants near me” tripled.

An app that is a guide to Black owned restaurants, called

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EatOkra, witnessed a 4,450% increase in downloads of new users in May 2020.

Many believe that activism after the murder of George Floyd coupled with the COVID19 pandemic spurred manny to think about economic activism and Black owned businesses.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@ gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke Source: NNPA

July 2021 | 5

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6 | July 2021 BUSINESS

How Small Businesses

Can Overcome Common Cash Flow Challenges By d-mars.com News Provider

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new study reveals that the majority of small business owners and the self-employed share pressing money management struggles.

The 2021 State of Small Business Payments and Cash Flow report, released by Intuit QuickBooks, found that 75% of small businesses in the U.S. feel stressed about cash flow, and nearly a third aren’t using any tools to manage or forecast their cash flows. Not surprisingly, 56% of U.S. small business owners report having made a poor business decision due to concerns about insufficient cash flow.

“Small businesses face unique challenges in the management of their finances. Too often, they track and manage their money in more than one place, which can lead to increased fees, lack of visibility, and wasted time,” says Rob Daniel, director, product management, Intuit QuickBooks.

Part of the problem is that small business banking accounts often come with fees and minimum balance requirements, driving many small business owners to use personal checking accounts, even when a business checking account

provides the specific features small businesses need to run their business and pay their employees.

Small businesses can benefit greatly from one streamlined digital financial management solution that integrates all aspects of their business finances -- banking, bill pay, payroll, payments and more – end-to-end. Without this, small business owners can spend hours a week managing their cash flow. In fact, more than 60% of U.S. small businesses spend three hours or more a week managing money for their business.

Daniel says that all-in-one digital banking platforms can be a lifeline for small businesses, helping them holistically manage and plan their finances affordably and efficiently.

One example is QuickBooks Cash, a banking services solution aimed at helping drive small business efficiency through technology, which delivers what many other current business bank accounts don’t. It offers no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, planning and forecasting tools, and an overall banking experience that works seamlessly with QuickBooks’ additional offerings to

enable small businesses to accept payments and pay teams and vendors with automatic reconciliation for easy financial management. Additionally, the bank account’s Envelopes feature makes saving easy, allowing for high-yield interest buckets for routine expenses or long-term goals.

“This tool can also deliver faster money movement and help small businesses discover options for accessing capital.

By incorporating the availability of instant payments for eligible QuickBooks Payments transactions and personalized loan recommendations, we’re building a digital tool that helps accelerate the growth of small businesses,” says Daniel.

To learn more about new tools to help your business thrive or for more information about QuickBooks Cash (Intuit QuickBooks is not a bank, banking services provided by and the QuickBooks Visa Debit Card is issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc.), visit quickbooks.intuit.com.

Achieving a perfect balance of money in and money out can be a challenge for small businesses. Fortunately, new digital tools are helping small businesses find their footing in a challenging economy.

Source: StatePoint

COMMUNITY

d-mars.com Shines the Business Spotlight on Praying Apparel, a T-Shirt Line Founded on Prayer and Purpose Q&A with La’Torria Lemon:

By d-mars.com News Provider

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a’Torria Lemon is a familiar and well-respected name in the media world, as owner of Lemon-Lime Light Media, an award-winning full service PR, branding, consulting, marketing and event activation enterprise based in Houston and Atlanta. She has managed global publicity projects for OWN and celebrities like Tyler Perry. Lemon-Lime Light Media was also the driving force managing publicity and media for George Floyd’s funeral in Houston that brought in celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum, raising awareness on police brutality and systemic racism. But though you see her brand attached to celebrities, trust that the foundation of her life and favor is due to her being centered on Christ.

Her continued walk in prayer and purpose has now birthed Praying Apparel, tees that inspire the spirit and soul. This past year and a half has definitely brought its share of challenges, but as founder and CEO of Praying Apparel, La’Torria is spreading the message of prayer and purpose with tees that are specialized because of the style and most importantly, the scripture behind it.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 “I started working on Praying Apparel in late 2020. Oftentimes I would find myself

Photo Credit: Right Time Solutions

La’Torria Lemon, founder and CEO of Praying Apparel

praying through many situations within my career, so initially, I wanted to just create a personal t-shirt that said "I'm a Praying Publicist," but I realized that many of us have to pray our way through our careers and industries. I wanted to ultimately have a tee that could inspire professionals in various industries to keep going and pray through challenging circumstances that can arise in their careers,” said La’Torria. The scripture verse aligned with the brand and incorporated on each t-shirt’s message is Jeremiah 29:11, one of La’Torria’s favorite scriptures that prompts her to implement her faith in all situations. She said, “I don't always know what God is doing, but I trust that He has equipped me to be obedient, patient, humble, and press my way through.”

The d-mars.com team had a chance to chat with La’Torria about Praying Apparel.

D-MARS: You could have started a t-shirt line that just motivated people, but in a world where even some Christians are afraid to talk about God for fear of losing business or clients, talk about why it is especially important for God to be at the center of the messages with each tee. La’Torria: I work in an industry that can be dark at times. For me, I don’t hide my faith or my love for God. I have prayed with some of the biggest gangsters, non-believers, and those who have shifted away from God. I accept the assignments that I know God gives me. Though I am far from perfect, I know whose I am. I could never imagine hiding my beliefs just to appeal to a certain industry, client, or anyone else. I am who I am because of God, and He deserves the glory.

D-MARS: How has your prayer life been the foundation for your successful publicity company, Lemon-Lime Light Media? La’Torria: I truly believe prayer has brought me through in so many ways. Being a publicist can be a tough job, especially operating in multiple cities within multiple industries (entertainment, faith-based, nonprofit, fashion, etc.), and being a business owner could be just as tough. The two together can be a big task for anyone. There are days when I’m more than just a publicist to my clients. I’m often their go-to for MANY things in their professional and personal life. I pray with my clients very often and I often seek prayer from my prayer circle. My staff and I pray frequently with each other, for each other, and for our company. I know that prayer is essential. In April, I tragically lost one of my youngest clients, JaeRene to a drunk driver. It broke my heart and hurt me and my team so badly. We are still dealing with her loss as she was like family. Since her passing, we have released music from her upcoming project and I have had moments where I could barely hold it together. I pray so much for her, her family, her supporters, and all of the families involved.

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I loved Jae like a little sister and it is a situation where I’m open to say that I’m praying my way through it.

D-MARS: With a publicity and event company that has a proven track record and now with Praying Apparel, what advice do you have for those who want to start a business and have success as an entrepreneur? La’Torria: I would suggest to anyone who is seeking to start a business and be a successful entrepreneur to be grounded, find balance, and keep a good circle around you. I will be celebrating 10 years in business this August for Lemon-Lime Light Media.

I started this company at the age of 22 and I’m open to let people know that I made mistakes along the way just from lack of knowledge. So, I would advise people to do research and build a foundation that will allow them to flourish.

Also, know that it’s essential for you to plant seeds along your journey. When things get tough, please pray, but also don’t hesitate to have a therapist to express yourself along the way.

D-MARS: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers? La’Torria: I am so thankful for the support! I would love for your readers to know that it is possible to achieve your goals. It may not be easy at all times, but you must write out your plan and make it happen. Lastly, when a door opens for you, hold it open for someone else who you know and believe will hold it open for the next person.

An innovator and successful business woman, La’Torria has many short and longterm goals for Praying Apparel. Expect pop-ups, product placement, storefronts, and some other surprises.

For more information on product updates and new inventory releases, please visit www.prayingapparel.com.

July 2021 | 7

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8 | July 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER

HISD Board of Education Names Millard House II as Permanent Superintendent By d-mars.com News Provider

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he Houston ISD Board of Education voted unanimously to name Millard House II as permanent superintendent of the largest public school district in Texas.

Mr. House most recently served as superintendent of the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) in Tennessee. He is a 26-year educator who started as a physical education teacher then went on to hold positions as chief operating officer and superintendent.

The Board of Education named House as superintendent after an extensive process of gathering stakeholder input, a nationwide search that included a diverse pool of applicants, and a comprehensive interview process of the top candidates. Trustees named Mr. House as their lone finalist on May 21, but state law requires a 21-day waiting period before signing a contract.

“I am so proud and so honored to say that we will be working as a team of ten,” said HISD Board of Education President Dr. Patricia Allen.

Mr. House says he was drawn to HISD because he saw a district working relentlessly to equitably educate the whole child and ensure every student graduates with the tools to reach their full potential.

Serving more than 196,000 students in 276 schools, HISD is the seventh largest district in the nation.

“I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity,” said Mr. House. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. This work will be difficult. There will be tough decisions, but it will be worth it for our children.”

Mr. House had been with CMCSS since 2017 and in May, he was named the Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year. He was appointed assistant principal of Anderson Elementary in Tulsa, Oklahoma at age 25 and was promoted to principal the following year. During his five years at the school, it went from being one of the

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lowest-performing Title I schools in the state to one of the highest. In 2003, he became the first African American to win the Tulsa Public Schools’ Principal of the Year Award. He was also named Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Tulsa Area Alliance of Black School Educators.

Mr. House earned his bachelor’s from the University of Montevallo in Alabama and his master’s in school administration from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. He also graduated from the Fisher School Leadership Program at the University of California, Berkeley’s Hass School of Business.

Source: HISD

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10 | July 2021

DePelchin Children’s Center

Keeping the Foundation of Father Strong for Families and the Comm By d-mars.com News Provider

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ccording to the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI), adolescent boys with absent fathers are more likely to engage in delinquency than those whose fathers are present.

NFI also reports that boys have fewer behavior problems and girls have fewer psychological problems when they have involved dads. And NFI information also highlights that fathers are not only beneficial for the child’s life, but for the mom’s as well, reducing moms’ parenting stress and their involvement during pregnancy positively influencing healthy outcomes for mom, the baby, and him.

It is an undeniable fact that active and loving fathers play an essential role in a child’s life, supporting their growth and development into well-rounded adults.

With the rising divorce rate and unmarried parents working through the challenges of co-parenting, the family dynamic has changed.

However, the need for fathers remains imperative. DePelchin Children’s Center (DePelchin) is helping to keep our families and communities solid through the strong foundation of fatherhood.

DePelchin, a nonprofit organization founded in 1892, has locations throughout Houston and across Texas with proven programs positively strengthening the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being. As an accredited foster care and adoption agency, DePelchin serves the most vulnerable children and families in Texas and remains diligent in breaking the cycles of abuse and neglect. And through DePelchin All Dads Succeed (DADS), the organization is breaking the cycle of absentee fathers.

Program Coordinator Ralph DeMar leads and guides DADS. “DePelchin has successfully provided parenting services for more than 25 years. The organization began its first Fatherhood Program in 2019 and DADS is an expansion of the services that are available for fathers in Houston and the surrounding communities. DADS encourages father involvement, also fully supporting, promoting, and engaging fathers in a way that meets them where they are and takes them where they desire to be as fathers,” said DeMar. The uniqueness of DADS is that it is a program created by fathers, for fathers. There is no guidebook on

parenting, so this initiative’s valuable resources and tools available help fathers successfully maneuver parenting and co-parenting. “The curricula used in facilitation of groups speaks to fathers in a way that is open, honest, and empowering to fathers. It addresses very difficult topics in parenting such as understanding a child’s development, communication, discipline, and co-parenting,” DeMar expressed. Fathers working on improving the relationship with their co-parent can invite them to participate as well, cultivating healthy co-parenting. This allows them to grow together, sustaining the

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changing dynamics of the family and parenting relationship.

DADS recognizes that each father may have their own individual needs. Group support and one-onone case management aids fathers in their personal growth and goal planning, addressing the common stressors that many fathers and families face.

rhood munity

July 2021 | 11

D-MARS: DePelchin has many programs, but what led you to start the DADS program?

DePelchin: DePelchin Children’s Center has provided general parenting services for over 25 years.

Over the last ten years, we have seen outstanding growth in father engagement in our counseling and parenting programs. Historically, these programs have been tailored to work with a primary parent or main parent contact, which is often listed as “the mother.” While the programs encourage father involvement, they have not been set up in a way to fully support, promote, and engage fathers in a way that meets them where they desire to be. DePelchin began its first Fatherhood Program in 2019 and the new DePelchin All Dads Succeed Program (DADS) is an expansion of the services that are now available to fathers in Houston and the surrounding communities.

D-MARS: What are the top challenges you see fathers face and how does DADS help them overcome these challenges?

DePelchin: As a culture, we often recognize the impact that mothers have on their children, but fathers do not always receive the same recognition. Research shows that fathers are just as important in helping children with emotion regulation, language development, social skills, and making healthy choices. Having an active, loving father can set children up for great success. Fathers want to be present and active in their child’s life, but there are often barriers that make this difficult. This could result from a difficult relationship with the child’s mother, limited access, financial difficulty, limited understanding around positive parenting, etc. DADS seeks to support fathers in these areas so they can focus on what matters most: understanding their child, supporting their development, and creating life-long positive relationships.

D-MARS: Talk about how DADS is for not only biological fathers, but bonus fathers as well, and any man who is in the father role.

DePelchin: Children can greatly benefit from a father-figure. This looks different for every family and DePelchin recognizes the impact that stepfathers, foster fathers, adoptive fathers, and other types of “fathers” can have on a child. The mission of DePelchin is to “strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.” All

children deserve to have a loving and supportive caregiver to strengthen their lives, and this includes anyone who identifies in a fatherfigure role.

D-MARS: How does DADS support a father co-parenting in peace, especially when there is conflict with the mother of the child?

DePelchin: DADS uses an evidencebased curriculum called “Supporting Father Involvement,” which addresses the importance of both father and co-parent, as each individual role supports one purpose: developing a child to reach their greatest potential. The curriculum provides strategies to help co-parents address communication and conflict, but also supports the individual perspectives and unique styles that both parents contribute to the parenting role.

D-MARS: Do you find fathers are now more open to talking about their challenges being a father?

DePelchin: When fathers join the group, they quickly learn that there are fathers just like them experiencing the same successes and challenges.

This opens the group up to a lot of discussions that are sometimes very difficult to understand unless you are a dad. They leave the group with a community of other dads who understand and support them, developing a support team for life.

D-MARS: Does DADS have a mental health component to this program for fathers as well?

DePelchin: All fathers and co-parents who are entering groups complete various assessments to provide information on supportive tools that can help them with a variety of needs. The program’s one-on-one case management services help guide the father in developing a plan for improving his overall potential and well-being not only as a father, but as an individual. If a father expresses concerns regarding his own mental health or his child’s, DePelchin offers counseling services.

D-MARS: Does DADS have a mentorship component to this program?

DePelchin: Some fathers who grew up without a father are doing the best they can to maneuver fatherhood.

DADS provides a mentorship component where graduates of the program can engage with other

participants to create a supportive, ongoing relationship. Mentors are invited to join the program’s Facebook group to maintain communication and are invited to future orientations to share their experiences and make connections.

D-MARS: What can the community do to uplift, encourage, and celebrate fathers as they do mothers?

DePelchin: The community can play a large role in supporting father involvement by looking at ways to improve their daily interactions with fathers in the community. This includes areas where fathers may not have reasonable equity such as the workplace, daycares/schools, medical facilities, places of worship, and courts and legal systems. As a community, we can identify ways to ensure that fathers feel welcome, have a voice, and are given the opportunity to provide support to their children and families.

DADS is providing support to the mother, father, and child, making for a more cohesive family unit. DeMar expressed, “After completing the program, many fathers report that they have developed stronger relationships with their children and coparent. They have learned to communicate and connect with their children and partner in new ways. This benefits mothers as well, because parenting is now a shared role rather than an individual responsibility.”

Short-term goals for DADS include improved quality of father-child engagement and progress toward greater economic stability. Long-term goals include reduced poverty and reduced risk of child maltreatment. Through the project’s continuous efforts and commitment, the positive impact for fathers will heighten the safety and well-being of children that will be long-established.

For more information about the DePelchin Children’s Center and DePelchin All Dads Succeed, please visit www.depelchin.org.

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Source: National Fatherhood Initiative

12 | July 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER

Photo Caption: Air Force JROTC cadets with Texas Southern University leaders (Photo Source/Credit: Texas Southern University).

TSU AVIATION

Partners With the Air Force JROTC to Host Flight Program By d-mars.com News Provider

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he Texas Southern University (TSU) Department of Aviation is partnering with the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) to host a seven-week flight training program for AFJROTC cadets on the TSU campus.

The cadets, comprised of high school students from across the nation, are training for a Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot's License and will reside in the TSU dorms for the entirety of the seven-week program. Candidates will experience instruction similar to Air Force Academy flight training, including Ground School and flight lessons.

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the Air Force JROTC. Our aviation program is one of the best in the nation and the only program in a major

metropolitan area in Texas," said TSU Interim President Ken Huewitt. "This joint venture enhances and elevates the brand of the Aviation Program and will encourage others to look to TSU to provide first-class aviation training that leads to meaningful careers."

The University was selected as a host after an Air Force personnel visit last year determined that TSU was

the right fit for an Air Force JROTC program.

"With the need for over 400,000 commercial pilots by 2035, TSU is playing an integral role in training America's future aviators," said Dr. Terence H. Fontaine, Director of the Aviation Program. "We are the only public institution of higher learning in Texas that offers both a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Science Management and Aviation Science Management with a Professional Pilot Concentration."

TSU is one of 25 universities throughout the nation that has partnered with the U.S. Air Force to provide opportunities to JROTC cadets while also expediting flight training for future airmen and is one of only eight HBCUs in the country to offer a degree in aviation.

In July, Texas Southern will launch its Naval Cadet Flight Academy program in partnership with the United States Navy. Texas Southern University is an FAA-certified Part 141 Aviation Program.

For more information about the aviation program, please visit transportation.tsu. edu.

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Source: Texas Southern University

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July 2021 | 13

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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE

July 2021

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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18th Edition

AIDS Foundation Houston Launches “Rapid Start” HIV Treatment 15

INSIDE

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How One Nurse Anesthetist Is Working To Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare

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Walking at Night? Tips To Protect Yourself From Situations That Feel Unsafe

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State of the Nation’s Mental Health: Stress Is up, Treatment Is Not

14 | July 2021 HEALTH

How One Nurse Anesthetist Is Working To Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

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s an African American and a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Dr. Edwin Aroke has always been committed to equitable care for racial and ethnic minority patients. However, following years of providing anesthesia care in hospitals and teaching student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Aroke realized that even the most conscious healthcare providers can have biased impulses.

"One day, I received a report of a 21-year-old African American male with a gunshot wound coming to my room," said Aroke. "My immediate thought was that he must be a 'gangster.' I had to stop and consider that I knew nothing about this individual and he could have been a bystander, a suicide victim, anyone. Despite being an African American, the neurocircuits in my brain made a potentially harmful judgment."

Disparities in treatment for racial and ethnic minority patients stemming from implicit biases are distinctly present in pain care. Studies show that compared to white women, racial and ethnic minority women are less likely to receive an epidural for childbirth, and Black patients are less likely to receive pain medicines in emergency rooms than white patients. Unfortunately, research suggests that these treatment disparities may be a result of false beliefs about biological differences in pain tolerance between Black and white patients.

This issue is particularly important to Aroke, and the subject of his research program. He is also educating

Dr. Edwin Aroke

his students and colleagues, as well as moderating webinars alongside the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, to educate CRNAs and SRNAs across the country.

"As a CRNA, I provide multimodal, opioid-sparing and opioid-free anesthesia and pain management services, as well as safe opioid administration to prevent the risk of addiction," said Aroke. "Additionally, CRNAs are more likely than physician anesthesiologists to work in counties with lower median incomes and denser unemployed, uninsured and Medicaid-eligible populations."

Aroke shares advice with patients to help ensure they

receive equitable treatment. "The best care experience starts with good communication between the patient and their provider," he said. "You know your body best.

Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans and express any concerns with the quality of care you are receiving."

For healthcare providers like CRNAs, Aroke has additional recommended actions: • Learn more about minority community needs.

"I encourage all of my colleagues to better understand the communities they serve and whether resources are available to address their needs," said Aroke.

• Address health literacy and linguistic barriers.

Racial and ethnic minority patients are more likely to have less health literacy and English proficiency, which can impact their ability to obtain and understand health information and services.

• Incorporate training on implicit bias into practice.

"This education should be evidence-based and include recommendations on how to empower patients from disadvantaged backgrounds to understand their options for care and financial and social support," said Aroke.

Most importantly, healthcare providers and patients must advocate for systemic changes. "We cannot address healthcare disparities without understanding systemic racism and the structures that hold these biases in place," said Aroke. "'Not being a racist' isn't good enough CRNAs and other providers must fight discrimination and take active steps to promote health equity."

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Source: BPT

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AIDS Foundation Houston Launches “Rapid Start” HIV Treatment

The START Now Project links persons living with HIV to immediate treatment and care By d-mars.com News Provider

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eginning May 3, 2021, AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. (AFH), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, launched a rapid start anti-retroviral treatment project as a service to people diagnosed with HIV. START Now (Strategic, Targeted, AntiRetroviral Treatment Now) is designed to provide linkage to care and treatment medication to persons newly diagnosed with HIV within the first seven days of their diagnosis. The project will also assist persons with linkage to care who have a previous HIV diagnosis who either have never been in care or have not been in treatment and care in the past twelve months. START Now aims to support patients in achieving sustained viral suppression, which prevents the transfer of HIV to another person through sex.

“We are proud to be one of 15 organizations across the nation that are funded by HRSA in this Special Project of National Significance (SPNS) to support this activity that is directly linked to our mission to end the HIV epidemic in the greater Houston area,” said John Huckaby, CEO of AIDS Foundation Houston. “START Now allows us to assist people living with HIV to be linked to care and helps patients reach viral suppression as soon as possible, which is a key goal in the CDC’s Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America.”

Persons wanting to enroll in START Now should contact the Linkage Case Manager, Antonisha Alves, at 713-6236796 x 295. In addition, individuals can be referred to the program by other HIV prevention service organizations, Urgent Care facilities, Emergency Departments or other hospitals and clinics. The START Now team will ensure that patients get their treatment medication within 7 days of enrollment and schedule the patient for their first

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appointment with their long-term HIV treatment provider.

The Linkage Case Manager will also perform the following activities to support the patient: • Assist patient with enrollment into the Texas HIV Medication Program • Attend the first two medical appointments with the long-term HIV care provider • Help with understanding lab reports, with a specific focus on educating about viral load and viral suppression • Assist in getting patients linked to supportive services included but not limited to: housing, medical transportation, mental health services and food resources • After the first two medical appointments, meet with the patient at least once a month to discuss successes and challenges related to treatment and other services that help promote healthy living

Additionally, AFH now offers a number of services online, including HIV and STI testing, as well as consultations and prescriptions for PrEP, nPEP and START Now. AFH has also partnered with Mistr and Sistr to make PrEP more accessible. Patients can talk to a doctor virtually, handle the lab work at home, and get prescriptions delivered to their homes for free.

Learn more about all services provided or make an appointment at www.AIDSHelp.org.

Source: AIDS Foundation Houston

16 | July 2021 HEALTH

Walking at Night?

Tips To Protect Yourself From Situations That Feel Unsafe By d-mars.com News Provider

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ccording to a new survey, routine activities are making people feel unsafe, including walking through a parking lot or garage or even taking a run.

Conducted by SABRE personal safety brand via Ipsos.Digital, a new survey revealed that over the past three years more than 80% of Americans have, at some point, felt unsafe in everyday situations.

Polling a nationally representative random sample of 1,000 people nationwide on their personal safety habits and attitudes, the survey provided several insights including just how common it is for Americans to feel unsafe and how people try to protect themselves. A few of the most notable findings include:

while 30% stated they have pretended to be on a phone call to protect themselves. These forms of protection may be instinctual to further defend yourself but are ineffective and can provide a false sense of security. According to Gabrielle Rubin, founder of self-defense course Female Awareness, the real problem with holding keys between your fingers is that your attacker is already too close. The ideal safety protection tools can protect you from a distance while requiring minimal engagement and force.

1 Unsafe in daily routines Four in every five Americans admitted to feeling unsafe in everyday situations over the past three years. Beyond this, many also shared they have been uncomfortable as they go about common day-to-day activities. Forty-two percent of people confessed that walking through an area that is not well lit made them feel unsafe.

And these anxieties are not limited to dimly lit areas, as 32% of people stated they felt unsafe walking through a parking lot or garage, nearly a quarter of those surveyed (22%) experienced similar feelings while in the stairwell of a building.

2) Uneasy during Uneasy during 2 recreational activities To many, spending time exploring a local forest preserve or running solo on a trail can be a way to relax and escape everyday stress, but for a large percentage of people, these types of activities and experiences have often left them feeling uncomfortable. Most notably, two-thirds of all women surveyed expressed that when spending time running, walking or hiking in isolated areas, they have felt uncomfortable at some point over the past three years.

Ineffective protection 3 3) Ineffective protection methods When presented with situations they felt were unsafe, an overwhelming majority (90%) admitted to taking steps to protect themselves. However, with only a split second to react, many of the cautionary measures being taken have been proven to be ineffective.

Among the most popular means of protection include 36% of people who have put keys between their fingers,

4) Increased confidence Increased confidence 4 with effective tools Ultimately, however, the majority of those surveyed (64%) stated they already own a personal safety device, and of those, the bulk (86%) admitted that carrying it with them provides an increased sense of confidence and security. Some of the most popular forms of protection are self-defense products such as pepper spray (30%) and personal alarms (17%).

Given the increased sense of confidence and security that effective personal safety tools can provide, it is a good idea to explore the options to find what device works best for your needs.

A tool such as Smart Pepper Spray is one solution for everyday use. Connected to your phone via Bluetooth, this product can share your GPS location whenever pepper spray is deployed, allowing loved ones to know your exact whereabouts the moment the product is used.

Meanwhile, a product like SABRE Runner Pepper Gel may be a better fit for those searching for on-the-go safety devices to bring along as they are out preparing for a 5K and hoping for some added confidence as they begin their running regiment this spring.

Ideally the right safety tools provide an added level of confidence for users, enabling them to continue to do everything from routine daily activities to adventurous travel excursions with assurance and ease.

Source: BPT

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July 2021 | 17

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18 | July 2021 HEALTH

State of the Nation’s Mental Health:

Stress Is up, Treatment Is Not By d-mars.com News Provider

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ur nation reported more mental health stress in 2020, but there was not a corresponding increase in people seeking mental health treatment, according to the inaugural State of the Nation's Mental Health report.

However, there were two conditions for which diagnosis and treatment grew in 2020: anxiety and PTSD for adults. These findings support the results of a recent study showing that four out of 10 U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2020, up from one in 10 in 2019.

The report's findings, based on behavioral health plan claims from 27 million people in the United States, reflect the pandemic disconnect between feeling stressed and depressed and being diagnosed and seeking treatment.

Two groups had the largest overall downturn: younger children and older adults. One possible reason for the drop in children's diagnoses is that they spent less time with teachers, coaches and other mentors during the pandemic. The Silent Generation people 75 and older - may not have used telehealth services as much as other groups and delayed getting healthcare appointments.

The State of the Nation's Mental Health report showed the following drops in 2020 rates for those treated for mental health diagnoses compared to those treated in 2019:

• 10 percent overall drop for young children • 5 percent overall drop for adolescents • 5 percent overall drop for adults older than 75 • 13 percent drop for young children diagnosed with ADHD • 8 percent drop for adolescents diagnosed with ADHD • 8 percent drop in adults older than 75 diagnosed with dementia • 3 percent drop for both Baby Boomers and adults older than 75 diagnosed for depression

The results of the study are supported by data from IngenioRx, a pharmacy benefits manager.

While the overall use for depression medications was up in 2020, much of that increase is due to existing users being better about taking their medications as prescribed, according to IngenioRx medication data. New users of these medications increased at the same rate as 2019.

"It's not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's mental health," commented Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD, Chief Medical Officer,

Behavioral Health, at Beacon Health Options, a leading behavioral health services company. "However, because people aren't seeking services at a rate we would expect them to, it's a reminder that we all need to understand what people are going through and do what we can to make sure they get care. We encourage people to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect their physical health.

Likewise, we need to encourage people to practice selfcare and get treatment to protect their mental health."

Many healthcare professionals think the pandemic will affect our nation's mental health for years to come.

Nearly three out of four mental health specialists and primary care doctors estimate that the mental health effects from the pandemic will last up to three years or longer, according to an Anthem Inc.-commissioned survey.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health for doctors and patients alike. Nine out of 10 of surveyed providers reported they are more aware of their patients' mental health challenges. Also, 70 percent said their patients have been more willing to bring up mental health issues during appointments.

"There is no doubt that 2020 was the most difficult of years," said Dr. Leibowitz. "However, the year presented us with an opportunity. This reported uptick in awareness shows promise that attitudes concerning mental health are changing. I don't think we have yet to see the end to mental health stigma, but assuming this data reflects a larger national trend, 2020 led us closer to an openness around discussing mental health."

Source: BPT

HEALTH

Medical Debt: The Other Part of the Pandemic’s Fallout By d-mars.com News Provider

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or Walter Coleman, an independent contractor in Washington, D.C., Samantha Robles, a hairstylist in Bethesda, Maryland, and Robin Pruitt, a loan officer who also lives in Bethesda, the coronavirus pandemic not only resulted in close calls, but the financial fallout may lead to bankruptcy.

Each says the medical bills resulting from their bouts with the virus have overwhelmed them.

In Coleman’s case, the more than $100,000 he owes to doctors, laboratories, and hospitals has him strongly considering a Chapter 7 filing.

“Don’t know what else to do,” Coleman remarked. “I did everything right. I didn’t want to get sick, and my health insurance didn’t cover a lot of things, but I guess even insurance companies were caught off guard by this pandemic,” he reasoned.

Robles and Pruitt said they have also considered their options in separate interviews, including borrowing from family

and friends or filing bankruptcy to retire mounting medical debt.

“I just worry about spending the next ten years trying to rebuild my credit,” Robles stated. “Before the pandemic, my credit score was 740, and now I don’t even want to look.”

Pruitt said family members have pitched in, but she’s wary of asking for more assistance.

“Everyone is fighting it, going through a financial pitch,” Pruitt said. “I just refuse to become a burden on anyone.”

According to the personal finance and credit monitoring company Credit Karma, medical debt continues to soar.

Debt among those signed up at Credit Karma has skyrocketed by nearly $3 billion from May 2000 to March 2021.

The number of people with past-due medical debt rose during the same period to 21.4 million from 19.6 million.

“If you’re considering bankruptcy as a solution for medical debt, you’re not alone.

Unmanageable medical care debt and the hardships that often come along with it – like loss of work or reduced access to credit – can be a recipe for financial ruin,” Sarah C. Brady, a San Francisco-based financial

consultant, wrote for Credit Karma.

Brady warned that filing for bankruptcy isn’t always an ideal solution.

“Although bankruptcy can help you manage or eliminate medical debt, it’s not possible to limit your claim to only one kind of debt during the process,” she wrote.

“Plus, bankruptcy has a long-term negative impact on your credit and can put your assets in jeopardy.”

The personal finance website LendingTree.com revealed that 60 percent of Americans who participated in a study in March faced medical debt.

Approximately 53 percent reported the debt was more significant than $5,000, and 72 percent said it prevented them from pursuing key financial milestones, like buying a home or having a child.

The Lending Tree researchers reported that the coronavirus is responsible for one in every ten patients with medical debt.

Interestingly, even physicians and healthcare workers have fallen prey to medical debt because of the pandemic.

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Dr. Elliot Anavim, medical director at Rejuve Clinics in Sherman Oaks, Calif., said many healthcare workers live in debt.

“From physical therapists to dental hygienists, to someone like me, a naturopathic physician,” Anavim stated.

“Many of us spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to become professional healthcare workers, yet there are many cases in which we don’t have the means of paying off that debt because of how selective and limiting the field can be.”

Aside from the medical debt that stemmed from the coronavirus treatment, Coleman, Robles, and Pruitt each shared one other thing in common.

Each was adamant that they didn’t want their loved ones to shoulder their debt.

“I just can’t allow my parents to spend their retirement savings on paying my bills,” Pruitt said.

Source: NNPA

July 2021 | 19

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20 | July 2021

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July 2021 | 21

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22 | July 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER

Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young

Named as Next President of Texas Southern University By d-mars.com News Provider

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n June 17th, the Texas Southern University Board of Regents unanimously selected Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young as TSU’s 13th president following a vote of confirmation.

Dr. Crumpton-Young assumed her role at TSU on July 1st.

“Dr. Crumpton-Young is the leader TSU needs to usher in a new era of greatness. Her vision for TSU will shift our graduates forward on the path toward even greater academic excellence,” said Albert H. Myres, Sr., chairman of TSU’s Board of Regents.

very special time, and I’m reminded of something that my late mother said to me frequently as a child—'You were born to serve.’ As president of TSU, I am fully committed to working tirelessly with our regents, students, faculty, staff, alumni, elected officials and industry partners. Together, we will transform lives by providing an outstanding educational experience.”

Dr. Crumpton-Young has a distinguished career in higher education, including her most recent post as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. A native of Texas, Dr. Crumpton-Young’s academic career includes teaching and senior leadership posts at Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, Texas A&M University and Mississippi State University. She served as program director in the Education and Human Resource Directorate of the National Science Foundation and received the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) from President Barack Obama in 2010.

Dr. Crumpton-Young ushered in an new era at Morgan State University after instituting her three core principles: • Innovation – engineering strong, forward-looking academic pathways that give students every critical tool needed to excel.

• Disruption – interrupting the status quo to engage and uplift the university and the community at large.

• Transformation – increasing the velocity of learning and attainment with a focus on elevating the thirst for knowledge.

Her leadership at Morgan State led to an increase in cutting-edge reOn June 17th, the Texas Southern University Board of Regents unanimously selected search, scholarship and creative activDr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young as TSU’s 13th president ity. She initiated new hiring strategies to diversify faculty, introduced and broadened participation in high-demand academic Dr. Crumpton-Young – an established senior fields and led initiatives to obtain seven-figure transadministrator, executive and tireless advocate for formative gifts to support student and faculty success, students – was chosen as the sole finalist followand increased diversity, equity and inclusion. ing a nationwide search. She will succeed Kenneth Dr. Crumpton-Young earned a bachelor’s degree, Huewitt, who has served as TSU’s interim president master’s degree and a doctorate degree in industrial since April 2020.

“The Board of Regents wishes to thank Ken engineering from Texas A&M University, and a Huewitt for his outstanding service to the Master of Business Administration from Tennessee University. Ken was asked to step up during a crit- State University. She holds the distinction of being ical and difficult time at TSU. His steady presence the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. and leadership helped us navigate the pandemic, in engineering. reaccreditation and the legislative session. We For more information, please visit tsu.edu. look forward to Ken co-chairing our Presidential Transition Team with Regent Stephanie NellonsSource: Texas Southern University Paige,” Chairman Myres said.

After the vote, Dr. Crumpton-Young said, “This is a (Photo Source/Credit: Texas Southern University).

EDUCATION & CAREER

TSU Taps New

Ocean of Soul Band Director By d-mars.com News Provider

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exas Southern University has named Mr. Brian Simmons as the new director of The Ocean of Soul Marching Band and an instructor in the music department. He stepped into this new role earlier this month.

"It is an honor to join the TSU Family. Texas Southern has always been a respected rival of mine. I am excited to work with a program with so much history both in the band and HBCU world,” said Brian Simmons. "I look to honor the rich history and traditions of the Ocean of Soul while incorporating new and innovative ideas. Fans and alumni can expect to see what the band is known for as we rise to the next level. Ultimately, it will be the same Ocean, just a new wave!"

The TSU band was founded in 1945 by Mr. Allen E. Norton.

The Ocean of Soul, affectionately known as the 9th Wonder of the World, was founded by Mr. Benjamin J. Butler II in 1969.

The Ocean of Soul has performed at numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2013 NBA All-Star Game Pregame Concert, and the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Most recently, the Ocean was featured in the 2021 Netflix series High on the Hog. Notable parade performances include the 2014 NFL Hall of Fame Induction Parade, the 2017 Houston Astros World Series Victory Parade, the HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras Parade. In addition, the Ocean has performed with celebrities, award shows, movie premieres, and several musical performances for various NBA, MLB, and NFL teams. You can always catch the Ocean on select TSU televised home Photo Credit: TSU Mr. Brian Simmons, football and basketball games during the new director of school year. The band consists of more The Ocean of Soul than 200 students majoring in different Marching Band and disciplines, all of whom rehearse and an instructor in the perform as part of a year-round program. music department Mr. Simmons will be the 5th Director of The Ocean of Soul and succeeds Dr. Darryl Singleton.

"The College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences welcomes Mr. Simmons to TSU, to the Ocean of Soul, and to the Music Department. I would like to thank all members of the search committee for moving us to this point," Needha Boutte-Queen, Dean College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences. "We are thrilled that Mr. Simmons accepted this opportunity to lead the historic Ocean into the future. His talents are widely known and will help propel the Ocean of Soul to new heights."

A native of New Orleans, LA, Mr. Simmons earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Educational Leadership from Southern University. He also serves as an adjudicator and clinician to middle and high school bands nationwide.

In addition, Mr. Simmons is an exceptional euphonium and trombone player. He is also a prolific arranger and educator respected throughout the country. He has received many awards and critical acclaim for his performances and arrangements.

Mr. Simmons was appointed Director of Bands and Director of Fine Arts at the Louisiana Leadership Institute (LLI) by Louisiana Senator Cleo Fields. In January 2021, Simmons led LLI as they were selected to participate in the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mr. Simmons was inducted into the Southern University Alumni Federation: 40 Under 40. He has also participated in the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium, Music Educators National Conference, and Louisiana Music Educators Association. He is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. For more information, please visit tsu.edu.

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Source: Texas Southern University

July 2021 | 23

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24 | July 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER

Honoring

Dr. Antonio D. Tillis Event Tillis to Become Chancellor of Rutgers University–Camden

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utgers University President Jonathan Holloway recently announced that Antonio D. Tillis will assume the post of chancellor of Rutgers University–Camden on July 1.

“Antonio Tillis is a brilliant scholar and gifted administrator whose commitment to the transformative power of higher education presents an exceptional opportunity for both Rutgers and New Jersey. We are proud that he will lead Rutgers University–Camden,” Holloway said.

“Rutgers is deeply invested in bringing opportunity and growth to Camden. Antonio Tillis will be a driving force in helping Rutgers University and the City of Camden reach new heights,” Holloway added.

Tillis, 55, will lead Rutgers University–Camden, the southernmost campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 39 undergraduate and 29 graduate programs. Nationally recognized for its commitment to access for first-generation students, as well as its innovative civic engagement programs, Rutgers–Camden recently achieved status as a Carnegie National R2 Research University.

Tillis recently served as interim president of the University of Houston– Downtown, a comprehensive urban institution offering more than 50 degree-granting programs and serving more than 15,000 students. In this capacity, he worked collaboratively to promote student and faculty development, engage the community, and advance the strategic vision for the second-largest campus in the University of Houston system.

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26 | July 2021 FINANCE

How To Help Senior Loved Ones Protect Themselves From Financial Abuse By d-mars.com News Provider

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n often-overlooked aspect of elder abuse is cybercrime - and it’s a problem that’s getting worse.

In 2020, the FBI reported a record amount of cybercrime complaints - nearly 800,000 - adding up to over $4.1 billion in losses. More than half of those losses were suffered by people aged 50 and older.

“The financial consequences are staggering,” said DJ Johnson, senior vice president of financial crimes risk management at Charles Schwab. “It’s something we all need to prioritize, dedicate resources to address and work closely on to prevent.”

The FBI data shows that, on average, Americans aged 50 and over lost nearly $5 million every single day, or nearly $3,500 per minute, to cybercriminals.

To protect your loved ones from financial cybercrime, the first step is awareness. What are the scams?

While fraud can come in many forms, some criminal schemes are targeted at the senior population, including: • Romance scam: Fraudsters present themselves as potential romantic partners online to exploit their targets’ desire for companionship - a desire that has grown for many who have felt isolated through the coronavirus pandemic - and eventually get access to their money.

• Person in need scam: Criminals pretend to be a loved one (e.g., a grandchild) in immediate trouble and need of money right away.

• Investment scam: Outreach with phony investment opportunities.

• Fraud investigation scam: Criminals pose as law enforcement officials, asking for personal information or even money to help with their investigation.

• Technology scam: Fraudsters appear to be a technology support team member or someone from a trusted financial institution asking for remote access to fix a fabricated technical or account issue.

• Designate trusted contacts. Make sure financial institution reps know who to contact on your loved one’s behalf in the event of suspected exploitation, fraud or health issues.

• Get organized. Locate and safely store important financial documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, account statements, insurance policies and beneficiary designations.

Who are the perpetrators?

Even after you put things in place for your loved ones, be vigilant: • Check in. Regularly review and update important financial documents.

• Listen. Pay attention to what your loved ones are saying and listen for worrying key phrases, such as “people are asking me for money,” “my bills are confusing to me” and “I don’t understand financial decisions that someone else is making for me.”

• Watch. Look out for red-flag behaviors, including unusual or unexplained financial activity, abrupt changes to documents, unpaid bills or mail piling up, new friends or sweethearts or confused behavior.

When we think of fraudsters, we tend to think of nameless, faceless people sitting in the dark, halfway around the world. In reality, a report by the Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans found that in 36% of cases, the personally. victim knows the perpetrator This is why caregiving should be a group effort. Bring other loved ones into the conversation, instead of leaving it in the hands of just one person. Lean on the financial institutions you keep your money with to be an extra set of eyes and ears for you. For instance, at Charles Schwab, we have teams dedicated to identifying and dealing with fraud attempts.

How can caregivers protect senior loved ones?

For caregivers, if you’re worried about your loved ones, start with this checklist to protect them: • Talk about it. Have a conversation about common scams.

Discuss your loved ones’ investment goals and attitudes toward money so that you can recognize irregular behavior.

For more information on ways to educate and protect yourself and senior family members from fraudsters, visit schwab.com/schwabsafe/ security-knowledge-center.

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Source: BPT

July 2021 | 27

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28 | July 2021 REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

To Sell Your Home Quickly, List It on a Thursday Before Labor Day By d-mars.com News Provider

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n today’s competitive housing market, the time it takes to sell a home is measured in days, not weeks. Homes listed on a Thursday sell faster on average and are more likely to sell above list price than those listed on any other day of the week, a new Zillow® analysis reveals. And while this spring selling season may not look so different from the rest of the year as the pandemic-fueled market has stayed red-hot through traditional slow periods, Zillow recommends listing your home before Labor Day based on historical market trends.

Why the day of the week matters for home listings Homes listed on a Thursday typically go pending faster than any other day of the week, all else equal. Those that are put up for sale on a Sunday tend to sit on the market longest, eight days longer than Thursdays. Saturday and Monday are only marginally better — homes listed on either of those days typically take seven days longer to sell than homes listed on Thursdays.[1] Jeff Knipe, president of Knipe Realty in Portland, Ore., always recommends his clients list homes on a Wednesday or Thursday. “Home shoppers I work with tend to be most active on Thursday and Friday as they plan their weekend tour schedules. With the market as competitive as it is today, this timing strategy gives sellers the best chance at seeing multiple offers on their home, from my experience,” Knipe said. “Think of selling a home as if you’re going fishing; the goal is for the most possible fish to see your home as it enters the pond.”

Thursday listings also are most likely to sell for more money. Zillow’s research shows that homes listed on a Thursday are more likely to sell above their asking price than those listed on any other day of the week, while homes listed on either Saturday or Sunday were the least likely to sell above list.

In today’s market where half of homes are selling within a week, a few days can make a difference. “A home sitting even for one week without a sale in this market can signal to buyers that they may be able to get a small discount,” Knipe adds. “A good strategy for buyers who want to avoid getting into a bidding war could be to target homes that have been on the market for a week or two, or even those listed over the weekend that are less likely to sell quickly.”

Sellers may have caught on already — nationally, 21% of homes are listed on a Thursday, which is more than any other day of the week.

The savviest sellers are in Seattle and Portland, Ore., where more than a third of homes are listed on a Thursday, the highest shares in the country among large markets. Only 13% of homes are listed on a weekend, which is less than any individual weekday.[2] Is spring still king?

Spring is typically the best time of year to list your home for sale, at least in years before the pandemic-fueled housing boom, when buyers tend to come out of winter hibernation and hit the market in droves. Homes listed during the weeks of March 11 and 18 had the fastest sales of 2019.

Labor Day is the traditional end to home shopping season, and a time when homes tend to sit on the market the longest as parents aim to be settled in their new home before their kids head back to school. The worst time to list for those looking for an above-list sale in 2019 were the weeks of October 14 and 21, when homes were least likely to sell above their asking price.

However, today’s housing market is anything but typical. Unrelenting buyer demand has pushed homes to sell at a breakneck pace even through what are typically slower months.

Homes typically take a few days longer to sell in the winter than at the height of the spring selling season, but that pattern was reversed last year.

The market has picked up the pace even more since then, and the share of sales happening above list price is more than double what it was pre-pandemic.

“The housing market has had its foot on the gas since last summer, never entering its usual winter hibernation,” said Zillow Group economist Nancy Wu. “It remains an open question whether 2021 will bring a return to normalcy in that sense, but it’s likely that seasonality in the housing market will remain in some form, even if the changes from season to season are less dramatic than in the past.”

In addition to steady demand and low inventory, the increased adoption of real estate technology likely has played a role in seasonal housing trends becoming less impactful. Buyers can more quickly narrow down their options rain or shine, freeing them from having to wait for the traditional weekend open house and potentially braving the elements to do so in the winter. A large majority (79%) of Americans say they’d like to use virtual tours, such as Zillow’s 3D Home tours, when they shop for a home. Sellers looking to sell quickly can take advantage of these tools as well — listings with a Zillow 3D Home tour sold, on average, 10% faster than listings without.[3] “Technology has made it easier for home shoppers to confidently say that a home on the market is the right fit for them or more quickly rule them out,” Knipe said. “Shoppers can get a clear picture of the home’s layout and neighborhood online to narrow down their options.

By the time shoppers look at a home in person, they’re usually already giving strong consideration to putting in an offer, which helps make the market more efficient.”

[1] Based on a Zillow analysis of 2019 home sales.

[2] Data on the frequency of listings by day of the week and hour of the day is based on for-sale homes listed on Zillow between September 9, 2020 and May 25, 2021.

[3] Based on data collected December 2019 – May 2020.

Source: NNPA

President Biden Seeks to Expand Access to Legal Counsel and Courts for Vulnerable Citizens

By Stacy M. Brown News Provider

P

resident Joe Biden directed the U.S. Attorney General to submit a plan within four months to expand the Department of Justice’s access to justice work.

The President also announced that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would re-establish the White House L e g a l A id Intera genc y Roundtable to prioritize civil legal aid and expand access to federal programs.

The directives are part of the administration’s efforts to expand access to legal representation and the courts.

“As President Biden knows from his experience as a public defender, timely and affordable access to the legal system can make all the difference in a person’s life – including by keeping an individual out of poverty, keeping an individual in his or her home, helping an unaccompanied child seek asylum, helping someone fight a consumer scam, or ensuring that an individual charged with a crime can mount a strong defense and receive a fair trial,” White House officials commented in a Fact Sheet.

“But low-income people have long struggled to secure quality access to the legal system. Those challenges have only increased during the public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the administration noted.

“At the same time, civil legal aid providers and public defenders have been under-resourced, understaffed, and unable to reach some of the people in greatest need of their services.”

During the prior administration, the Department of Justice’s access to justice work, formally launched as an initiative in 2010, was effectively shuttered.

According to a memorandum, to restore the Department of

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Justice’s leadership in this area, President Biden is directing Attorney General Merritt Garland to submit a report to the President within 120 days that outlines the Department’s plan to expand its access to justice work.

The President ordered the Justice Department to start this work immediately.

The administration also said it is re-committing to the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable mission, which was initially established in 2015 to raise federal agencies’ awareness of how civil legal aid could increase employment, family stability, housing security, consumer protection, and public safety.

According to the Fact Sheet, the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable will be co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Counsel to the President or their designees.

It will convene federal agencies to identify ways to address some of the most pressing legal services challenges that we face today—including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The federal government has a critical role to play in expanding access to the nation’s legal system and supporting the work of civil legal aid providers and public defenders,” administration officials remarked.

“President Biden’s executive action today will reinvigorate the federal government’s role in advancing access to justice and help ensure that the Administration’s policies and recovery efforts can reach as many individuals as possible.”

The Presidential Memorandum is the Biden-Harris Administration’s latest action to protect vulnerable Americans, reform the justice system, and advance racial equity, the White House said.

On his first day in office, they noted that the President issued an executive order establishing a government-wide initiative to put equity at the heart of each agency’s priorities and management plan.

“His discretionary budget request called for $1.5 billion in funding for grants to strengthen state and local criminal justice systems, including by investing in public defenders. Improving access to counsel in civil and criminal proceedings builds on each of these efforts,” the White House concluded.

Source: NNPA

July 2021 | 29

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30 | July 2021 REAL ESTATE

Understanding the Real Estate Counteroffer

By Marla Lewis President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association

M

any real estate transactions would never come to pass if not for counteroffers. Sure, some deals get done with an acceptance of the original offer, but the fact is that many offers to buy are met with a counteroffer – even when the price is right.

There often is a lot of negotiation before buyers and sellers agree to terms. But you can get through the counteroffer phase with your sanity intact. You just need to know what to expect.

What’s What’sinvolved involvedininaacounteroffer? counteroffer?

At its most basic, the buyer submits an offer with specifics on the purchase price, down payment amount, financing, timing, and other business details. After receiving the buyer’s offer, the seller sends it back with changes to one or more terms. Counteroffers are simply responses to original offers – whether it’s a change to the purchase price or a change of closing or possession dates.

Once a counteroffer has been made, the proverbial ball is in the other party’s court; they can accept the counter, make another counteroffer, or not respond at all. And so it goes.

So,how howdo doyou youknow knowififaacounteroffer counterofferisisaa So, goodthing? thing? good Much depends on what you want. For example, if you’re selling and you get an offer with an acceptable price but a closing date that isn’t, you can counter with

a closing date that suits you.

By the same token, if the offer is lower than you’d like, you can make a counteroffer with an amount that would make you happy. Once everyone agrees, you’re on your way to closing day.

Of course, this is a gross oversimplification of only one part of a real estate transaction; there are still plenty of details to take care of between an accepted offer and closing.

Problemswith withcounteroffers counteroffers Problems It sounds easy enough, but what if there are problems?

Many people don’t realize that any change to a contract that results in a counteroffer – even if it’s as minor as asking to keep the refrigerator – automatically voids previous offers, and the buyer (or seller) can completely ignore the new offer if he desires. In other words, if you submit an offer to purchase a home, the seller comes back with a counteroffer, you counter his counteroffer, and he rejects it, the deal is off. You can’t officially go back to his first counteroffer and accept it.

So, before you make one last counteroffer to try to keep the refrigerator, make sure that appliance is worth potentially losing the deal, because a counteroffer gives the other party the power over whether the transaction moves forward or comes to an end.

Some sellers will respond to a buyer’s offer not with a counteroffer but with an invitation for the buyer to submit a new offer. The invitation to submit a new offer typically spells out what terms will make a more favorable impression on the seller. This approach keeps the seller’s options open to continue to receive offers from other potential buyers.

If you find yourself in the offer-counteroffer stage, make sure you are reachable, so you don’t miss out on a house you want or, if you’re the seller, on a potential sale.

Finally, be sure to get everything in writing. Verbal offers and contracts aren’t binding, and, despite our increasing dependence on it, the same goes for email.

A contract must be signed to be enforceable. Having all communications in writing ensures that you have documentation should problems or questions arise.

Your realtor is obliged to convey a verbal offer or counteroffer or verbal acceptance to the other party, but a contract is not enforceable until it is in writing and signed by all parties. Once an offer is signed, it is much more difficult for either party to terminate without being penalized.

The bottom line is to communicate with your realtor and revisit all considerations before making or accepting any counteroffers.

For more information or to find a realtor, visit HAR.com. And please visit www.hbreahouston. org to find out more about the HBREA.

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