Houston Defender: January 14, 2021

MLK

With the chaos at the Capitol, we ask Houstonians

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? NEWS

NEWS

SHAWN THIERRY

KIRBYJON CALDWELL

The State Rep joins with other lawmakers and the community to stop a strip club from being built on OST.

The beloved pastor is sentenced in an investment scheme and his church family speaks out.

Volume 90, issue 11 January 14, 2021

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FIT & FINE Nneoma Anugwom Age: 24 Occupation: Fitness Model and Entrepreneur / CEO of Pressure Fit Inc. Education: University of Houston Major: Broadcast Journalism Motto: ”Apply Pressure. No matter what”.

“Stay consistent, be realistic, find a way to enjoy your workout”.

Message from the Managing Editor Tale of two covers

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into the Capitol, terrorize lawmakers, lead Kamala Harris has proven that she’s an insurgence, then go back home to their worthy of the VP title. That’s why when I normal, everyday lives. Nah, Fam. Actions, first saw that Vogue cover, I thought it was meet consequences. a joke. Yes, Kamala is known for making These domestic terrorists are distraught Chucks look good, as well as her casual, because their terrorist activities have landed laid-back appearance. And yes, I love the them on TSA’s No Fly list….or caused them fact that they tried to pay homage to our sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, to lose their job and Twitter followers….and Inc. with the pink and green. But Vogue just being ostracized from society. They really was out of order for that cover. It’s messy. thought they could participate in an insurThe lighting is unflattering. Known for it’s gence and suffer no consequences. And then fashion, it’s pretty un-Vogue. No glam. No ReShonda Tate that whack letter from Melania Trump. After glitz. No effort. “Disrespectful” was the Billingsley several days of silence, she acknowledged the word used most often on social media. violent Trump supporter who was shot to Black photographer Tyler Mitchell shot the pic, saying the death by Capitol police before acknowledging the officers who more informal image captured Vice President-elect Harris’ were killed. Then, she pulled out her victim card and started “authentic, approachable nature, a hallmark of the Biden/ whining about how unfair people are to her. Hey, Melania.

Harris administration.”

I really don’t care. Do you? #WhatDayIsTheUhaulComing?

Don’t get me wrong, Kamala looks just fine. But the other photo – the one Harris’ team thought would be on the cover Getting off the Trump train - has her in an executive power pose. She is about to become It only took four years but FINALLY folks are getting off the the second most powerful person in the country. And right Trump train. He has made history as the only president to be now, the country is in the midst of a crisis and deeply in impeached twice and people are bailing left and right. (You know need of authority and assurance. Kamala is making history it’s bad when your bank closes your account and returns your and the edition will be a collector’s item, a visual record of money because they don’t want anything to do with you). Twitwhere we are as a country. Vogue has a messy history with ter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest….have all Black women (remember Olympic gymnast Simone Biles’ shut him down for inciting violence. (UberEats, what you waitcringe-worthy cover?) That history, filtered through the lens ing on?) All I can say, it’s long overdue. And to those decrying of systemic racism in this country, had many calling for ‘First Amendment’….not only can Trump call a press conference Vogue to simply ‘Do better.’ and be heard whenever he wants, but First Amendment means Look, in the grand scheme of things, this is not a huge the GOVERNMENT can’t stifle your speech. Trump is the govdeal. But since we’re not monolithic and can care about ernment so….your argument is mute…Buh-bye. world affairs and who’s starring in this season of “The Bachelor” (well, not me, but somebody)….this is worthy of a side- IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER eye to the fashion magazine.

• In honor of MLK Day, we ask Houstonians, where do we go from here?

Cry me a river of white tears • Coronavirus is still here….why the mayor wants us to The fragile sea of white tears I’ve seen this past week has stay home been astounding. Like many, I watched the horror at the • Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell from Windsor Village United U.S. Capitol. And now, as the chickens come home to roost, Methodist Church is sentenced for his part in an investing and the FBI is taking folks into custody, it’s stunning to see scheme, but his supporters say things aren’t always what those rioters shocked that they couldn’t go to D.C., break they seem.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has re-introduced H.R. 40, a bill that would fund a committee to explore whether Blacks should receive reparations for slavery.

Texas’ sporadic vaccine rollout disrupts city ‘Mega Site’ plan Houston Public Media

Mayor Sylvester Turner’s announced plans to open a “mega site” to treat COVID-19 patients remains up in the air, thanks to uncertainty stemming from Texas’ sporadic vaccine rollout.

The city had hoped to officially open its site at Minute Maid Park on Jan. 8, but later announced it did not get its next shipment of doses in time. The stadium was instead set to be used as a one-day replacement for its standard site at Bayou City Event Center, which was booked for an unrelated event.

Then the Houston Health Department unexpectedly received 8,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine and the city quickly opened 1,000 new appointments. In total, nearly 4,000 people were vaccinated at Minute Maid Park.

It was a bit of good fortune, followed by more doses during the week.

Mary Benton, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said the city was providing doses

Texas Legislative session underway Texas Tribune

The 2021 session of the Texas Legislature has commence Tuesday under pervasive uncertainty.

And after a pro-Donald Trump mob rushed into the U.S. Capitol last week, leaving five people dead and leading to dozens of arrests, some Texas lawmakers are on edge about the potenTX LEGISLATURE tial for unrest in Austin.

LAWMAKERS The Texas Department of Public Safety is deploying additional resources and whites personnel to the state Capitol, and Gov. Greg Abbott Blacks promised that DPS will “continue to remain on top of ” safety at the building.

Hispanics Meanwhile, three clear top priorities have emerged Asians for the agenda: the budget, redistricting and the panTexas Tribune demic. But it remains to be seen how much space — or political appetite — there will be for more polarizing proposals, especially among Republicans coming off a successful November election.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner discussing the rising COVID numbers.

of the vaccine as qquickly as they arrive.

Since the city began its vaccinations, registrations have been filled so quickly that there are no new available appointments through January.

“We hope to receive additional vaccine (probably next week’s allotment) later this week to use at mega sites(s)

this weekend,” Benton wrote in an email.

The news comes after the city of Houston was named a “vaccination hub” by the Texas Department of State Health Services on Sunday. The city joins 27 other hubs across the state, and is expected to receive additional vaccine supply in the coming weeks.

Community fights planned OST strip club more than 1,200 people have signed a A coalition of Third Ward residents Change.org petition started by State Rep. and state lawmakers have joined forces Shawn Thierry, to stop the club. to stop the planned opening of a “They are not welcome here. strip club along the Old SpanThis is a real movement. We ish Trail corridor. today have over 11 civic clubs State Rep. Shawn Thierry that are on board to stop this,” and State Senator Borris Miles Thierry said. have teamed with Third Ward Concerns were first raised residents and multiple area Borris Miles

by Miles who, while driving civic clubs to build support for down OST in March 2020, their position that a strip club, noticed activity at the building Da Fox Trap, that would be scheduled to house the strip located in the 4100 block of club. Miles then pulled into OST, would irreparably harm the lot to inquire about the the neighborhood rejuvenation new business.

Shawn Theirry efforts of the past few years.

“They told me what they “This type of entity in our were going to do,” said Miles. community is not what we want,” said “I said, ‘That’s not going to be possible.

Lawrence Garvin, builder and developer The community is not going to allow of the newly developed 29-unit town- you to put that right smack dab in one home community, The Ritz at Macgre- of our main thoroughfares. It’s not going gor that sits just across the way from the to happen.” proposed strip club.

Miles said he later found out the club Garvin is worried about what a strip would be operated by the same family club would do to the pricing and value that once owned Foxxy’s, a southwest of the homes he’s trying to sell.

Houston strip club that neighbors in Garvin is far from alone. Reportedly, Westbury successfully shut down after Defender News Service

Dr. Trina Burkes-Jones, who has a total of 30 years of professional law enforcement experience, has been promoted to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s leadership team.

years of crime generated from the club.

“We can’t make sizeable investments to improve the neighborhood for the future of our kids and allow one bad entity to reverse our hard work,” Miles said.

Thierry concurred.

“We do not want an increase in human trafficking which is a very real prospect if this club is allowed to open,” she added.

Hayro Rico, general manager for the Heshmati family, which will own and operate the club, is on record saying the Heshmati family has changed their plans to have a strip club on the property. According to Rico, in response to the community’s outcry, the site will now be home to a sports bar.

Still, Thierry and Miles express skepticism about the reported business plan changes and plan to continue their fight.

“They’re calling me saying they’d like to put a sports bar there. Well, I know what kind of sports bar they’re planning, and that’s not going to be appropriate either. This is something we’re not going to allow in our community as a strip club or a sports bar,” Miles said.

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BIG-TICKET ITEMS

• State’s current two-year budget • Redrawing the state’s political maps • Ongoing pandemic, including public education funding and health care • Debates over police funding • The Texas Legislative Black Caucus’s George Floyd Act

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 11 - JANUARY 14, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Creative Director Michael Grant

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright.

No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Eugene Goodman is the Capitol Police officer being praised for quick thinking and bravely stopping rioters from entering the Senate chambers during the Capitol riots.

Yogananda Pittman becomes the first Black woman to head the Capitol police force, named acting police chief after Chief Steve Sund stepped down following the riots.

CHAOS AT THE CAPITOL CBC says law enforcement ‘complicit’ in Capitol attack Defender News Service

In this combination of photos, demonstrators, left, protest June 4, 2020, in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, over the death of George Floyd and on Jan. 6, 2021, supporters of President Donald Trump rally at same location. (AP Photos)

Race double standard clear in riots Associated Press

Black Lives Matter protests, 2020: Overwhelming force from law enforcement in dozens of cities. Chemical dispersants. Rubber bullets and hand-to-hand combat with largely peaceful crowds and some unruly vandals and looters. More than 14,000 arrests.

The U.S. Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021: Barely more than a few dozen arrests. Several weapons seized, improvised explosive devices found.

Members of a wilding mob escorted from the premises, some not even in handcuffs.

The key difference? The first set of protesters were overwhelmingly Black Americans and their allies. The second group was overwhelmingly white Americans who support outgoing President Donald Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud.

The violent breaching of the halls of power on Capitol Hill by the insurrectionist

“Had the mob been Black, we would have been laid out.”

- St. Louis Rep. Corie Bush

mob on Jan. 6, which left one woman dead of a police gunshot wound, represents one of the plainest displays of a racial double standard in both modern and recent history.

“When Black people protest for our lives, we are all too often met by National Guard troops or police equipped with assault rifles, shields, tear gas and battle helmets,” the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said in a statement.

“When white people attempt a coup, they are met by an underwhelming number of law enforcement personnel who act powerless to intervene, going so far as to pose for selfies with terrorists,” it said.

Broad and bipartisan condemnation of the insurrectionist mob came swiftly as they had a nearly unhindered, hours-long run of the Capitol building complex, the Senate chamber and the House speaker’s office. The ordeal drew expressions of bewilderment

and disbelief from some observers who believed such a display was impossible in a democracy as revered as America’s.

However, the response to the mayhem is consistent with a long pattern of society’s coddling of racists and downplaying the violent white supremacist ideology that routinely places the grievances of white people above those of their Black, often disenfranchised and downtrodden countrymen and women.

The show of force by law enforcement at the Capitol bore little resemblance to the lines of National Guardsmen and other police forces that assembled last year to protect luxury brand retailers against looting, government buildings against breaching and highways against marching by demonstrators across the country.

Read more of this story at www.DefenderNetwork.com

“Anarchists, Agitators or Protestors who vandalize or damage our Federal Courthouse in Portland, or any Federal Buildings in any of our Cities or States, will be prosecuted under our recently re-enacted Statues and Monuments Act. MINIMUM TEN YEARS IN PRISON. Don’t do it!”

-Trump on protestors, July 27, 2020

Rep. André Carson and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), along with several others in the CBC, said they support an investigation into the events of Jan. 6 that found insurrectionists violently taking over the U.S. Capitol Building in support of outgoing President Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 Presidential Election was stolen.

Carson said the FBI should examine the video footage and determine which police officers were complicit in “aiding and abetting” the insurrectionists, and to identify and arrest everyone who broke into the Capitol. He added that the attempted coup reminded him of the hatred he experienced during a health care debate in 2010, when he and the late Rep. John Lewis were attacked with racial slurs.

Rep. Karen Bass, the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said those who broke into the Capitol “were the same people that scream about law and order when there are Black Lives Matter protests. The people that are attacking Capitol Police officers were the same people that say they stand with the police.”

Cleaver said the insurrectionists were treated with “velvet gloves,” a sentiment made apparent when most of the mob were allowed to leave the building without being beaten, shot or arrested.

“I know your pain, I know your hurt,” Trump said in a now-deleted video posted to his Twitter account. “You have to go home, now. … We love you.

You’re very special.”

-Trump on protestors, Jan. 6, 2021

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Kirbyjon Caldwell sentenced Windsor Village Church Family releases statement A Statement from the Windsor Village Lay Leadership

Visionary leader and former senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Kirbyjon Caldwell, personally appeared in the courtroom of Chief Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. in Shreveport, Louisiana, and was sentenced (to six years in prison, followed by 1 year supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,588,500 as well as a fine of $125,000.

He was ordered to report to prison on June 22, 2021). Caldwell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 11, 2020. He was indicted on March 29, 2018.

During today’s hearing, Caldwell expressed his profound remorse and accepted full responsibility for his actions.

The court found that Caldwell made full restitution to all of the victims. Notably, restitution began prior to indictment and was completed before sentencing.

See more about the Windsor Village Church Family on defendernetwork.com

Many victims were paid over and above the amount that they invested. Voluntary restitution is virtually unheard of and extremely rare in these kinds of cases.

Lay Preacher Caldwell, who is no longer an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, never stopped serving the community. As a direct result of this servant leadership, 980 part-time and full-time jobs were created, 258 acres of land have been developed and more than $168 million in economic value has been added to our community, a historically underserved community.

These contributions include 462 homes, a YMCA, nationally known franchise restaurants, health care providers, an in-

The State of BLACK Texas airs Thurs. Jan 28 The legislative issues of interest to Black Texans will be the center of discussion at the State of BLACK TEXAS airing Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 pm. Hosted by the Houston Defender Network, top legislators Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, State Senators Borris Miles (Houston) and Royce West (Dallas) will answer questions from community partners and program host Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles. The free, live stream event is expected to give insight into the state leaders’ plans for addressing issues such as COVID-19’s impact on health, jobs, businesses and education in addition to the issues of criminal justice and redistricting.

The program is the third installment of the State of BLACK series underwritten by title sponsor H-E-B, presenting sponsor Chevron, and V.I.P. sponsors Amegy Bank and Cadence Bank. The other two programs featured Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in the State of BLACK HOUSTON and County Judge Lina Hidalgo in the State of BLACK HARRIS COUNTY. Adding a new dimension of grassroots community involvement are the six organizations partnering with the Defender Network: NAACP Houston, Houston

Area Urban League, Top Ladies of Distinction, Greater Houston Black Chamber, Houston Baptist Ministers Alliance and the Pan Hellenic Council of Houston.

Each organization will submit pre-recorded questions for elected officials to answer.

Expanding the reach and joining in the promotion of the State of BLACK TEXAS is our media sponsor, Houston Public Media and their radio colleagues across the state, who will broadcast excerpts of the program at a date to be announced during the program.

“The State of BLACK TEXAS program reflects the collaboration of community, media, corporations, and lawmakers joining forces to better inform Black Texans while reinforcing accountability,” said Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles. “This event offers a unique opportunity to zero in on issues that matter to the Black community. We thank our corporate and media sponsors, and applaud the community partners for their involvement.”

The public is welcome to attend the free live stream event by going to the Defender website, defendernetwork.com, and logging in on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 pm.

No registration required.

dependent senior living facility and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to name a few.

Caldwell has expressed his deep remorse and has apologized on numerous occasions. According to Floyd LeBlanc, chairman of The Windsor Village Church Family Personnel Committee, The Windsor Village Lay Leadership has acknowledged Caldwell’s full restitution and accepted his apology. “We look forward to more lives being changed and more destinies being shaped as The Windsor Village Church Family continues to fulfill its God-given mission, in Jesus’s Name,” said LeBlanc. “The Kingdom Building continues!”

Elected officials are elected to speak to our concerns. Tuning into State of BLACK TEXAS gives NPHC Houston and our community partners an opportunity to make our voices heard. It is an important part of the process to create trust between elected officials and our community.

Wanda Anderson Pan-Hellenic Council of Houston President

Houston Public Media is proud to partner with The Defender Network, to expand the program’s reach from virtual platform to broadcast audience, following the January 28 live event. Together we can raise awareness and engagement about the most critical issues facing the state of Texas.”

Lisa Shumate Houston Public Media, Associate Vice President and General Manager

Our community needs to hear first-hand how our legislators are handling the most critical issues impacting our community.”

Carol Guess Greater Houston Black Chamber Interim President

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DEFENDER NETWORK

On this day when we honor Martin Luther King Jr., we remember his unwavering commitment to community.

By rallying others towards a just cause, he showed anything can be achieved when we come together towards a goal.

Celebrate with us at aarp.org/houston

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his I Have a Dream speech in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28, 1963. Photo by Washington Bureau, Getty Images

MLK’s truths keep marching on

By Aswad Walker

Though Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered over 50 years ago, his words still have something to say about the big issues of our times. Here are some of Dr. King’s own words that carry relevance in 2021.

Trump Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Social Action as an Expression of Faith Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them and the social conditions that cripple them is a spiritually moribund religion awaiting burial.

Progress Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

Black Power & Economics Black Power is a call for the pooling of Black financial resources to achieve economic security. …If Black Power means the development of this kind of strength within the Negro community, then it is a quest for basic, necessary, legitimate power. Finally, Black Power is a psychological call to manhood. (Where Do We Go From Here, 1967)

The Fierce Urgency of Now We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. (“I Have a Dream” speech, Washington D.C., August 28, 1963) Growing Wealth Gap Capitalism does not permit an even flow of economic resources. With this system, a small privileged few are rich beyond conscience, and almost all others are doomed to be poor at some level. That’s the way the system works. And since we know that the system will not change the rules, we are going to have to change the system.

Science and Spirituality Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.

Silent “Allies” In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

All quotes not attributed to a source were found at www.brainyquote.com

MLK’S BOOK: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Of the many books written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his last work, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community,” best represents his ideological growth from his earlier period as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. The book symbolizes where King was mentally in 1967, the year he reflected that his “Dream” had “turned into a nightmare” (May 8, 1967 interview, NBC News).

Though still foundationally optimistic, “Where Do We Go from Here” is tempered with what King described as “a solid realism that we still have a long way to go.”

The book was penned by King while on a rare vacation. In January and February of 1967, he rented a secluded house in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, absent of any phone.

It was one of the few times during his tenure as a leader, he was able to put the daily demands of the movement aside to focus specifically on his thoughts on that movement’s future.

According to Stanford University’s King Institute, “Where Do We Go from Here,” was King’s analysis of the state of American race relations and the movement after a decade of U.S. civil rights struggles.”

King viewed that moment as a transition from the first phase of the civil right movement ending (with Selma and the Voting Rights Act), and moving into a new phase with new challenges due to African American’s continued demands for and expectations of better employment, housing, education and political realities.

In the book, King’s 1967 warning reads as if he’s speaking to 2021 America, saying, “The persistence of racism in depth and the dawning awareness that Negro demands will necessitate structural changes in society have generated a new phase of white resistance in North and South.”

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DN InFocus SOCIAL Houstonians answer Dr. King’s still relevant question:

product of happenstance, but the result of an intentional and engineered plan to choose and elevate white over right, and it will never be abolished without calling it what it is and systematically deconstructing the principles and practices of white supremacy.

‘Where do we go from here?’

By Aswad Walker

With the title of his last book, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left us with a heart-piercing question that still begs an adequate response: “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” The Defender spoke with individuals from various segments of society to get their perspectives on where we go from here as a people in business, education, health and politics.

BUSINESS

Lyndsey Brantley, owner, Camellia Alise In order to truly change, we have to stop denying that there is a problem with systematic racism in the country and start having real conversations.

We also need to enact legislation that demands equality for minorities. In order to move forward in business, it’s no longer enough for our community to be the top consumers. We have to circulate the dollars back into our own communities and to support one another. We have to stop thinking of each other as competition and look at each other as partners. If we begin to rebuild that partnership mentality, Black businesses will be stronger than ever before.”

Health Butler, network partner, Mercury Fund For me, Dr. King’s legacy is about shaping public policy to create a rising tide that moves our community from high-poverty, economic survival cycles to upward-mobility based, economic impact cycles that enable full participation in the American Dream. As a community, and specifically for Black businesses, this basic concept continues to be a stretch goal for most people or business owners. To achieve our goal, we must increase our

commitment to support each other economically by increasing the dollars spent in the community and the time each dollar stays within the black community. We have recently seen the impact of our voting power. Our economic power can have 10 times the impact and further strengthen us politically, but it requires a commitment for each of us to educate, empower and enable each other…I am hopeful we will get to the promised land.

Denise Hamilton, owner, WatchHerWork I believe we have been shown the desperate need for the community Dr. King spoke about.

We are connected to each other in ways we never imagined 350,000 souls lost to Covid-19 bear witness to that. The power of the marginalized unleashed in the Georgia runoffs by Stacey Abrams showed us that. We are capable of great cruelty and breathtaking generosity of spirit. Each day we are faced with the choice of which will guide us.

My prayer is that we will choose community and choose to see America as a verb. Regarding where do we go in business, we rebuild. We are not defined by loss. We are defined by courage, tenacity and an irrational optimism that allows us to continually rise above our circumstances. We are warriors. Dr. King saw possibilities where others saw despair. We honor him by staying in the arena and believing in a future we can’t necessarily see today but must believe is possible.

POLITICS

Tiffany Thomas, Houston City Councilmember, District F When we look at Dr. King, from “I Have a Dream” to “Where Do We Go from Here,” looking at the Poor People’s Campaign and poverty, those things have not been actualized for Black people in whole… We have to have a reckoning with ourselves about the systems that have been in place since the Civil Rights era that were created to protect and support Black people, but yet we have not actualized the things that we need in terms of policy, going beyond speaking truth to power, but really dismantling these systems… We have some of the largest, bold, Black organizations…but even with Councilmember Greg Travis’ comments… I remember asking some Black organizations, “Y’all need to really key into this.” And they said, “We’ve decided not to get involved.” So, what’s the tipping point of justice?... When it’s time for us to speak, we have no words. We’re impotent… Where do we go from here?

We’ve got to start over, because without a paradigm shift, a critical thinking shift…for the next 15 years we’ll be having this same conversation.

EDUCATION

Norma Thomas, longstanding K-12 educator and school leader My initial response to Dr. King’s question, “Where do we go from here: chaos or community,” was a resounding community! Indeed, with the state of politics, race, etc., it seems quite obvious that, for Black people in particular, “community” is the answer.

Always has been. However, the question does not ask where should we go from here; it asks, where do we go. If the current state of Black America is any indication, that answer might not be “chaos,” but it is definitely not “community.” Even in the wake of the most extreme injustices perpetrated against Black people in the modern world, we remain very divided on the key components of community. While we seem to rally around specific causes like justice and equality, our differences of perspectives on how said justice and equality must be delivered, on religion, values, ethics, sentiments, even identity render us a non-people, a non-community. The ideological divide is real and we take our differences to heart. If first thing tomorrow morning, we awakened to “justice [rolling] down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream”, we would remain divided on the most important issue, our survival.

RELIGION

Dr. D.Z. Cofield, pastor, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church We must not only speak truth to power, but additionally we must radically deconstruct the Trumpian brand of authoritarianism that’s revealed the ugly, racist core of our country. We need to accept that what’s wrong with our society is not the

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -AP Photo/File

Ron Reynolds, State Representative, District 27 Racial and social determinants of inequity continue to cause huge disparities regarding access to healthcare, education and jobs. At the moment of his death, Dr. King was strategizing with workers in Memphis, Tennessee, to advocate for fair wages for low-income workers. This is the template that we should continue to use to press forward in the struggle. Dr King turned away from what was popular or politically expedient in his quest for spiritual and moral fulfillment. He urged us to remember to take an inventory and understand the steps that have been taken as well as the progress that we have made year over year. Once this assessment is made, we must define the narrative of what success looks like along with a strategy to achieve even more. As a servant-leader, I pledge to

continue to honor the memory of King’s courageous battle for change with consistent action in our communities.

Letitia Plummer, Houston City Councilmember, At-Large Position 4 In a discussion about Martin Luther King’s “Chaos and Community,” I am of the firm belief that are three important tenets to a just society: economic equity, racial equity and demilitarization. True justice can only be achieved when there is equitable distribution of power. When the balance is tipped in one direction, chaos ensues. Until there is equity in the housing system, in the health system, education system, banking system and criminal justice system, there will always be a struggle between chaos and community.

In chaos, Black institutions and Black elected officials need to hold inequitable systems accountable and form true coalitions that genuinely believe in changing systems for the better. The only way forward is to deconstruct the institutions we have so that there is equitable distribution of power.

HEALTH

Janice Beal, Beal Psychiatry What’s been interesting to me is the lack of empathy that I’ve seen when talking to people recently about the death of the young lady (Ashli Babbit) that was shot in the Capitol riots.

We’ve been able to visualize and see that over and over. And no one’s really feeling the same type of emotions that we felt with George Floyd.

That tells me that we’re almost desensitizing ourselves to actual death, and that’s not what we want to be. As a nation of people, we need to be able to still feel things that we watch that are traumatizing because if not, it then becomes a way of life for us. We have to be cognizant and aware of that as far as our mental health goes.

So in order for us to not become a desensitized community, we have to address untreated traumas, we need to talk about how we feel. We’ve got to be still have to be in touch with our feelings and emotions. I also suggest that as we move forward, we decrease the amount of input that comes in, because if we keep watching the news consistently, the riots, the state of the country, it’s just like putting fuel on the fire. In order to stay healthy, we need to minimize the amount of input of the news media that we allow to come into our homes and into our environment.

10 | January 14, 2021 |

DEFENDER T:4.65" NETWORK

Learn the history you may not have been taught.

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DN InFocus SOCIAL MLK’s writing ministry

By Aswad Walker

Over the past few years, there has been a rise in individuals promoting positions and legislation hostile to the interests of Black people, casually invoking Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s name as a seal of approval for their actions. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee sited King to justify his attack on Black Lives Matter. The outgoing vice president, Mike Pence, even compared impeached President Donald Trump’s historic impact to that of King’s. If only there were a written record of King’s stances on issues? Oh wait.

There is. One as aspect of King’s ministry that has been undervalued over the years is the written record of his thoughts as captured in books he authored. Here is a listing of those books, so you can read King’s thoughts for yourself, and then determine who does or does not honor King with the stances they push today.

Stride Toward Freedom (1958) “Stride Toward Freedom” is more than King’s memoir of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In his own words, it is “the chronicle of 50,000 Negroes who took to heart the principles of nonviolence, who learned to fight for their rights with the weapon of love, and who in the process, acquired a new estimate of their own human worth.”

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The Measure of a Man (1959) First published in 1959, “The Measure of a Man” is the text of two devotional speeches made by Dr. King at the National Conference on Christian Education of the United Church of Christ, held at Purdue University in the summer of 1958. In response to demands made by conference attendees, King allowed publication of the addresses. The speeches were praised by many who were inspired and enlightened by their clear message on how to live a complete life centered on oneself, others and God.

The first female self-made millionaire in America was Madam C. J. Walker, a Black woman.

Let’s build a better future by knowing more about our past.

In partnership with the DuSable Museum of African American History, we’re working together to shed light on untold stories of our country’s past.

©2021 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Strength to Love (1963) “Strength to Love” is described as the first volume of sermons by an African American preacher widely available to a white audience.

This collection of King’s sermons and meditations touches on themes several themes relevant today, including the importance of having “a tough mind and a tender heart,” working through fear and shattered dreams, and more. King also offers a strong rebuke of the Christian church regarding its failure to stand up for the marginalized and oppressed.

Why We Can’t Wait (1964) This work focuses on the nonviolent movement against U.S. racial segregation. More specifically, it spotlights the 1963 Birmingham campaign, and celebrates 1963 as a landmark year in the Civil Rights Movement.

King even refers to the struggles and successes of that year as the beginning of America’s “Negro Revolution.”

Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community (1967) In what some consider King’s last book, “Where Do We Go from Here” outlines King’s assessment of the first phase of the Civil Rights Movement, which he suggests closed after the victory of the Voting Rights Act and the Birmingham movement. He then spends time outlining the next phase of the movement, including the new challenges he sees on the horizon, and his thoughts on how to meet those challenges.

The Trumpet of Conscience (1968) In November and December 1967, King delivered five lectures for the renowned Massey Lecture Series of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The collection was immediately released as a book under the title “Conscience for Change,” leading some to content this was King’s final book. However, because it was a collection of lectures, and was republished as “The Trumpet of Conscience” after King’s assassination in 1968, other contend his previous work, “Where Do We Go from Here,” was King’s last official publication.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Business Unity Bank participates in second round of the Paycheck Protection Program Defender News Service

Unity National Bank of Houston, N.A has been authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a designated lender in round two of the Paycheck Protection Program.

On December 27, 2020, Congress extended the program to March 31, 2021, to help alleviate the financial burden put on small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unity will begin accepting applications starting January 11, 2021 from businesses that did not obtain a PPP loan in the first instance. In subsequent days, businesses that have already used 100% of their first draw PPP loan obtained in 2020 are eligible

to apply starting Wednesday, Jan. 13th.

Just as it did during the first distribution, Unity is once again ready to provide a lifeline to small business owners financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During round one of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, Unity served nearly 500 small businesses and saved about 4,000 jobs,” says Laurie Vignaud, Unity’s President and CEO. “We are ready for this next opportunity to support and ensure our small businesses receive vital access to capital and resources needed to sustain them so they don’t fall through the cracks during this unprecedented challenging time.”

To begin the application process, go to www.unitybanktexas.com.

James Beard Foundation offers $15K grants to food, beverage entrepreneurs Defender News Service

Prairie View A & M University students on campus pre-Covid. -Rena O. Productions

Halliburton gives PVAMU $1 million for scholarship fund Defender News Service

One of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry has donated $1 million to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) to produce new scholarships for students. The Halliburton Business and Engineering Scholarship Fund, created by Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), will go toward eligible juniors and seniors at PVAMU majoring in accounting, management information systems, finance, and engineering.

“This fund is an opportunity for Halliburton to support Prairie View A&M and deepen our diversity and inclusion mission while building our pipeline of future talent,” said Halliburton Chairman, President, and CEO Jeff Miller. “We are excited to support PVAMU and the outstanding students in the College of Business [COB] and [Roy G. Perry] College of Engineering, as well as building on our historical success with the Texas A&M University System.”

During the first year, eight PVAMU students will receive scholarships from the Houston-based company valued at $12,500 each. During the next four years, Halliburton will award 16 additional scholarships each year valued at the same amount. Students can renew the scholarship for two years (or up to four semesters), and they will have to participate in Halliburton’s RISE and summer intern programs.

“We are grateful for Halliburton’s commitment to the success of our engineering and business students. Their provision of scholarships, mentoring, and internships for Halliburton Scholars will greatly enhance these students’ prospects for successful careers,” said Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons.

Students can learn more about the Halliburton Business and Engineering Scholarship Fund and its criteria by visiting the PVAMU website. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2021.

The James Beard Foundation has announced that its food and beverage investment fund is now accepting applications for the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Investment Fund for Black and Indigenous Americans.

The new grant initiative will provide 18 grants for $15,000 to majority-owned Black and Indigenous food and beverage businesses, according to its website. The program is a part of the organization’s bigger initiative Open For Good Campaign that launched last year. Its goal was simple– to help the independent restaurant industry be in a better financial position after the pandemic.

“The new fund is part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to continually

lift up the Black and Indigenous business owners in its industry, not just in light of the pandemic, but for good,” said Colleen Vincent, the vice president of Community at the James Beard Foundation.

“Financial resource is that much more impactful when coupled with support from organizations and experts who make themselves available to provide guidance on professional skills like marketing, structuring business plans and negotiating contracts,” she continued.

“The foundation is creating new partnerships to deliver this value to its grant recipients in an effort to see these businesses thrive for the long term.”

The deadline to apply for the grant is Jan. 22. Apply at https://www.jamesbeard. org/investment-fund.

Nichelle Thurston at The James Beard Foundation Taste America, a tasting party in New York City celebrating sustainability and inclusivity with chefs from across the country

12 | January 14, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Events

UPCOMING VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON EVENTS

By Aswad Walker

equipment will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own, as well.

For more information, contact Cathryn Martinez at 713-754-7065 or Cathryn. martinez@careerandrecovery.org.

MLK Day Pop-Up Shop, Jan. 16, 12 noon – 4pm Kamani’s Krowned Kreations, a boutique store specializing in baby and children’s clothing, is hosting the outside event, MLK Day Pop-Up Shop. Taking place at 3730 S. Acres Dr. (77047), the event is hailed as one where all forms of businesses are welcomed.

The event is free and open to the public.

Empowerment Yoga Sundays, Jan. 17, 11am – 1pm Every Sunday at SHAPE Community Center’s Almeda location (3903 Almeda Rd, 77004), those seeking to align their chakras and invest in their mind/body/spirit health are encouraged to participate in Empowerment Yoga Sundays. Along with yoga, participants can enjoy African drumming, meditation and socially distanced fellowship. To register for the $10 classes, Venmo @Aisha-Shahid-1.

MLK Day of Service, Jan. 18., 10am – 2pm Career and Recovery Resources, Inc., along with sponsors United Way of Greater

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -AP Photo/File

Houston, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, City Councilmember Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (District D), are calling people of good will to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a day of service. Volunteers will gather at 3606 Anita St. (77004) and participate in a clean-up and beautification effort for the Third Ward community. Some

Black Docs Talk Shots, Jan. 18, 5:30pm – 7pm Black doctors from across the country are coming together virtually to clear up concerns and myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. These young, Black physicians will provide an update on the state of the coronavirus pandemic, offer an overview of the current management and therapeutics, participate in a discussion on COVID vaccines and engage in a live Q&A panel. To register, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/blackdocs-talk-shots-tickets-135934254013.

The Learning to Be Experience with Juanita Rasmus, Jan. 23, 11am The Learning To Be Experience is a results-based, virtual course that allows you to tune into two of the key tools for living your most expansive life. In the Learning

To Be Experience you will begin healing your “Who Am I?” story; recognize how your b e l i e f s are shaping your identity and others limiti ng n ot i ons and judgments have arrested you r d e s i re s and longings; and deepen your conscious awareness about the life longing to be lived in and through you. The facilitator, Juanita Campbell Rasmus, is committed to helping you spiral up and experience transformational growth and vibrant dynamic being so that you leave the experience with a clearer vision of the person you want to be in 2021! For registration and cost information, visit stjohnsdowntown.org/events/ learning-to-be-experience/.

JANUARY IS SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

Thank you!

Fort Bend ISD

Board of Trustees

The selfless service and support you generously dedicate for the good of all FBISD students, staff and community members is beyond measure. Your tireless efforts and countless volunteer hours are greatly valued and appreciated with immense gratitude.

Addie Heyliger President Position 6

Dave Rosenthal Vice President Position 7

fortbendisd.com

Grayle James Secretary Position 2

Dr. Shirley Gilliam Position 4

Angie Hanan Position 1

Jim Rice

Position 3

Denetta Williams

Stay up to date on social

Position 5

January 14, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Early detection critical for glaucoma and your eyesight Glaucoma often strikes earlier and worsens faster in African Americans, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans. You’re also at a higher risk if you:

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES Glaucoma is treated by lowering eye pressure. Depending on your situation, your options may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of these.

You can help prevent glaucoma and • Have a family member with glaucoma its complications by: • Are older than 60, although it’s also • Getting regular, comprehensive eye possible for even infants and children exams to have glaucoma

BY COURTNEY MORROW, O.D.

Glaucoma is a silent disease that can lead to permanent loss of vision and affects African Americans at much higher rates than other ethnicities. For instance, glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The exact cause remains unknown, but many cases are associated with elevated pressure within the eye.

A SLOW, PROGRESSIVE DISEASE Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and nearly half don’t know they have it. In fact, glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because of the slow, progressive nature of the disease and the absence of early symptoms. Because of this, it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year.

FROM THE DOC “After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans.”

Dr. Morrow is an optometrist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

• Have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or sickle cell anemia

• Exercising pressure

• Have been taking corticosteroid medications for a lengthy time

• Taking prescribed eye drops, even when symptoms aren’t present

The damage caused by glaucoma can't be reversed, but treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if the disease is caught in its early stages.

Be sure to review any risk factors you may have for glaucoma with your eye doctor. Based on that, he or she can recommend an exam schedule that’s right for you.

to

help

reduce

Now Scheduling VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON Appointments!

Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a longtime patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you.

Your health and safety are our top priority. We‘re screening patients upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms, checking temperatures, and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face protection while visiting our clinics.

Do you feel more comfortable visiting with a Kelsey-Seybold doctor from your home? We also offer virtual Video Visits for children and adults. Visit kelsey-seybold.com/virtual to find out more.

Our doctors and clinical teams are here for you now and in the future.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7/365 Berthelsen Main Campus 2727 West Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77025 24/7 Contact Center 713-442-0000 MyKelseyOnline (MKO) mykelseyonline.com MKO Help Line 713-442-6565 (7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

After-Hours Nurse Hotline 713-442-0000 Learn More About Virtual Visits kelsey-seybold.com/virtual

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and more than 50 HEALTH PLANS, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. Also accepting two Medicare Advantage plans, KelseyCare Advantage and WellCare TexanPlus.

eye

14 | January 14, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rockets star James Harden got his wish and has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team mega deal.

Deshaun Watson, Texans on brink of breakup?

By Terrance Harris

It’s abundantly clear: the Houston Texans have a quarterback problem.

While Deshaun Watson has been mostly silent since Texans’ CEO Cal McNair went way off the map last week and tabbed New England Patriots’ player personnel front man Nick Caserio as the new general manager, Watson’s silence has screamed volumes.

Months after signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension, Watson no longer believes in the vision and wants out. The belief is that Watson is upset that McNair did not seek out his input in hiring a general manager and head coach as promised when Bill O’Brien was fired early in the season.

McNair did little to dispel the speculation that Watson is at odds with the organization when he met with the media to formally introduce Caserio. Watson isn’t even returning McNair’s calls at this point.

“I’ve come to understand that it’s been reported that Deshaun (Watson) feels left out of the process, but he and I had several visits and I understood his point of view before meeting with candidates,” McNair said in his opening statement.

“I’ve reached out to Deshaun about Nick’s hire and I look forward to him getting back to me when he returns from his vacation.”

Now there are rumors that Watson wants out and that the Miami Dolphins could be a desired landing spot. But a trade is highly unlikely considering the hard-to-swallow, $21.6 million cap hit the Texans would face in trading him.

Keep in mind, Watson has been silent aside from a cryptic tweet shortly after the Caserio hire leaked, “Some things never change.”

Caserio chose his words carefully, but the message was clear: the Texans aren’t interested in dealing Watson.

“Yeah, he’s our quarterback, and again, once we have an opportunity, spend some time together, we’ll have further discussions,” Caserio said. “I can’t tell you how much respect and administration that I have for him, for who he is as a player and

what he means to this franchise.”

The admiration may be far from mutual. There is no secret that Watson coveted Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as the Texans’ next head coach, but Bieniemy wasn’t even interviewed and it’s unlikely the most sought after coordinator will talk to the Texans.

It is also believed that the Texans were all set to hire Pittsburgh Steelers’ vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan as the new GM based on the search firms recommendation before McNair went off the rails and grabbed Caserio out of nowhere.

Apparently, the Texans embattled executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby and his agent got into the ear of McNair and convinced him to go with Caserio, who comes from the same Bill Belichick tree that produced O’Brien. Easterby, who has no real experience in personnel, has been seen as a divisive figure in the Texans organizations, and his days were believed to be numbered until the Caserio hire.

“Jack is very gifted in a lot of different areas, and those areas would be things that Nick (Caserio) will need as he moves into his role as GM,” McNair said. “It won’t be roster. It won’t be free agency. Like I said before, those are the GM jobs that Nick is doing, and he will look to Jack to do some of these other things that Jack has done really well in the past.”

Texas Southern guard Ataiya Bridges, a senior on the women’s basketball team, leads the SWAC in scoring with 25 points per game.

Sports Briefs Tigers softball coach steps down TSU softball coach Worley Barker, the most successful softball coach in SWAC history, has stepped down effective immediately after 15 seasons at the helm. Houston Worley native Raven Barker Rodriguez will serve as the interim coach. Worley Barker guided the TSU Tigers to 10 straight SWAC Western Division championships, three SWAC titles and three NCAA Regional appearances since taking over the softball program in 2005. No reason was given for Barker’s sudden resignation.

UH lands local transfer Texas Tech wide receiver KeSean Carter has announced he is transferring to the University of Houston to play his final two years of eligibility.

Carter, a former KeSean standout at Carter The Woodlands High School, had 83 catches, 831 yards and seven touchdowns in his three seasons with the Red Raiders. He will be eligible to play for the Cougars next season.

Texans coaching search Look for veteran coach Jim Caldwell to emerge as a top candidate for the Texans job. Caldwell, who was the head coach of the Colts and Lions, interviewed with the Texans weeks Jim ago and is exCaldwell pected to meet with new general manager Nick Caserio soon.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Bellaire Combo Elijah Lawrence & Jacolb Cole Are

A Duo to Watch By: Jodie B. Jiles

In the last year’s basketball playoffs all eyes were on Bellaire High School after they ran through five rounds of the playoffs, ending their season just one game away from a trip to the state tournament after a 70-61 loss to Dickinson High School.

Yet, with three Cardinal starters returning from that Cinderella squad, this season is showing promise after Bellaire came out the gate with an 11-1 overall record (4-0 in district play).

Leading the way for the Cards is senior guard Elijah Lawrence, a Rice University commit, and sophomore utility forward Jacolb Cole.

Both Lawrence and Cole provide Bellaire with instant offense, as seen in their 61-51 victory over crosstown rival Lamar wherein they combined for 57 points.

The Defender spoke with Lawrence and Cole after Bellaire’s win over Lamar to discuss their playing styles, lessons from last season and what that energy will bring them moving forward into this year.

STYLE OF PLAY Lawrence: “Being a floor general, but I also get my points to help the team win.”

Cole: “Downhill type of style. I get to my spots and I get going at the free throw line.”

STREAKY SCORING Lawrence: “I’m just playing my game and doing whatever I can to help my team get the ‘W’.”

Cole: “It feels great being able to contribute for the team and keep the momentum going.”

LESSONS FROM LAST SEASON Cole: “Honestly, last year we will always remember that last game pushing us because that game hurt, and we just want to get back to that game.”

LEADERSHIP Lawrence: “Honestly, it has been challenging this year with some new guys that don’t have the same experience. But it is coming along. I am really trying to be more vocal on both ends of the floor, and eventually it is going to come along.”

INTERIOR DEFENSE Cole: “I am always just working constantly to get stronger so that I can bang with the big dudes inside.”

ABOUT JACOLB COLE Instagram: @thejacolbcole

ABOUT ELIJAH LAWRENCE Instagram: @elithepg Players he studies: Rajon Rondo, Kendric Davis (SMU) and Darius McNeil (Cal, Berkley) Hobbies: Reading the Bible, church and Youth Group Kingdom Next Favorite artist: Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Todd Tribbett and Lecrae

KEYS TO SUCCESS MOVING FORWARD Shoutouts: God and family.

Lawrence: “We just have to stay locked in on the court and off the court. I need to make sure that our mind is right. Last year, we went that far because we all had faith.”

Cole: “Keep the momentum high, keep getting up and down the court, and lock up on defense.”

Current offers: LSU, Texas Christian University and Ole Miss Players he studies: Kevin Durant and Paul George Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and playing NBA2k

16 | January 14, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

State of

BLACK TEXAS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 @ 6:30 PM

Dan Patrick

Texas Lt. Governor

Royce West

Texas Senator (Dallas)

The 87th Texas Legislature will address issues seriously impacting the Black community: health and economic issues of COVID-19, criminal justice, redistricting, education and more.

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Borris Miles

Texas Senator (Houston)

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