January 25, 2024

DRIVING WHILE BLACK Do African Americans have a target on their backs?

FEATURE

PROFILE

KHALIL KINSEY

RESHONDA TATE

The chief curator of the Kinsey collection reflects on his show in Houston.

Volume 93, issue 13 January 25, 2024

The national bestselling author highlights Hattie McDaniel in her new book, The Queen of Sugar Hill.

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2 | January 25, 2024 |

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DN To the POINT

Roda Osman claimed that she was assaulted by a man after she refused to give him her number (Image: Roda Osman)

Managing Editor’s Message Brick lady on the run

you’re engaged in criminal misconduct Y’all remember the Houston woman other than a Class C misdemeanor, your who went viral claiming that she had been self-defense claim won’t fly. I can’t stand a hit in the face with a brick? People rallied thief, but last time I checked, shoplifting behind Roda Osman after she showed a was not a capital offense in Texas. What’s video of her swollen face and detailed even sadder is both boys will have their how she’d been assaulted by a man who lives drastically altered as they make their hit her in the fact with a brick as her tried way through a trial, one that legal experts to kidnap her. Osman told police that she say will be a tough sell to a Harris County was walking on Schumacher Lane where jury. And all over a bag of chips. an unknown man threw a brick at her ReShonda Tate when she would not give him her phone Oscars Black snubs number. She also told officers she had ordered an Uber The nominees for the 96th annual Oscars have been and believed the brick-throwing suspect was the Uber unveiled, and some of our beloved Black talents from driver. Osman said she got into the car with him where he this awards season have rightfully earned their recognithen tried to kidnap her, according to documents. Osman tion. Shout out to: Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”), stated the suspect was involved in human trafficking and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), and “American had a large group of women in the car with him. The Fiction.” There were also pleasant surprises, including Ster33-year-old woman’s video showed her face fully swollen ling K. Brown (“American Fiction”) and Colman Domingo as she tearfully recapped the ordeal. She’d later rake in (“Rustin”). While we celebrate those who secured well-decash on GoFundMe from sympathetic people horrified served nominations, we are a little salty about the snub to by her ordeal.

Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, whose near erasure this awards Turns out it was all a lie. Court documents say Osman season is a significant oversight, considering it was anticraised more than $40,000, went on vacation, and then ipated to be her “Hollywood comeback.” Her portrayal when caught, failed to turn herself in on a felony warrant. of Celie’s plight in the film, coupled with her impressive She did turn herself in this week. This is sad for real vic- acting skills and fantastic vocals, makes it disheartening tims, and exactly why folks have started giving GoFundMe that she went unrecognized. We also think Ava Du’Verrequests the sideeye. nay’s “Orgin” and Teyana Taylor’s riveting performance in “A Thousand and One” deserved some type of attenMurder over chips. Was it self-defense? tion. Guess we have to wait on the NAACP Awards which This story makes me weep for our young Black males. rightfully celebrates all things Black.

The 17 and 18-year-olds went into the Sunoco gas station on Highway 59 in Humble, when one of them allegedly On the Web stole a bag of chips. The 42-year-old store clerk followed • Other Black Oscar snubs to note. the suspects outside, resulting in a deadly shooting. Amid • Under 40 Publisher Laura Onyenoho’s OpEd: Aren’t the gravity of the charges, both young men are assertwe tired of politicians playing in our faces? ing self-defense, contending that they believed the store • Sports Reporter Terrance Harris wraps the press conclerk was armed and pulled a gun on them. Not sure if ference with TSU’s new football coach. their self-defense claim will hold up as Texas law says if

January 25, 2024 |

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DN News Al Green seeks answers to ongoing mail delays

By ReShonda Tate

U.S. Rep. Al Green is conducting an investigation into substantial and widespread delays in mail delivery by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Green represents a portion of the Houston area that includes a Missouri City processing center experiencing parcel delays. He says his office has received over 70 complaints from constituents. Some have reported delivery delays exceeding two weeks.

Green has been collaborating with U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, a fellow Houston Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican serving an area stretching from Austin to College Station to the western part of Greater Houston.

“For it to be consistent and in the numbers that we’re seeing is unacceptable,” Green said.

“I hope we will get this resolved before the (March 5 primary) election, because mail-in ballots are very important pieces of mail.”

Nikki Johnson, a regional USPS spokesperson for the Houston area, explained that the postal service is undergoing a system-wide transition to modernize operations for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

She mentioned the establishment of a local

Congressman Al Green details the numerous mail delays that have left constituents in a bind.

processing center in Missouri City to complement the regional processing center in North Houston.

In a meeting with local USPS officials, Green learned that 21.4 million pieces of mail were handled between the two processing centers from Nov. 27-Dec. 27. Garcia corroborated the concerns about both distribution centers.

Addressing the disruptions, Johnson acknowledged the challenges of the transition and assured steps were being taken for quick and efficient processing. Matt Lanza

of Space City Weather expressed frustration with packages sitting in “postal purgatory” for 1-2 weeks after arriving in Houston.

Johnson encouraged impacted mail customers to contact USPS for resolution.

Green’s office is also assisting affected constituents, and plans are underway for Green and Garcia to tour both processing centers.

“Every piece of mail is important because you don’t know what the content of the mail is. You have to assume that every piece of mail could be something that could have a meaningful impact on someone’s

life,” Green said.

His efforts have led to some traction, but Green says he won’t rest until the issue is resolved.

“I have been informed by the local United States Postal Service that they have brought in 23 additional persons to help with the backlog as well as 10 additional plant managers,” he said. “It was indicated that they are working tirelessly to resolve mail delivery issues and to modernize mail processing for the Greater Houston area. I will be available for additional questions at 202-313-1595.”

Harris County will fight for guaranteed income pilot program Defender News Service

and let the chips fall where they may,” Harris County has received a stag- Ellis said. gering 59,431 applications for Uplift Uplift Harris aims to support just Harris, creating intense competition over 1,900 households in specific zip for fewer than 2,000 slots in the guar- codes, residing 200% below the federal anteed income pilot program. The poverty line, by providing a guaranteed application deadline is set for midnight income of $500 a month for 18 months. on Feb. 2.

Harris County Public Health states that Despite State Senator Paul Betten- this includes families of four with a court seeking an opinion from Texas yearly income of $60,000. Barring legal Attorney General Ken Paxton, chal- intervention, the initial payments are lenging the program’s constitutionality, expected to be disbursed in March. applications continue to flood in.

Commissioner Ellis didn’t mince Expressing his concerns, Harris words when addressing state RepubCounty Commissioner Rodney Ellis, lican officials, accusing them of a prominent advoactively harming cate for the proimpoverished APPLICATION gram, emphasized residents. He DEADLINE the Attorney Genpledged to conFeb. 2 eral’s opinion as tinue efforts to UpliftHarris.org significant but not address inequilegally binding. ties and oppres“It’s an opinion by the Attorney Gen- sion, directing a message to Senator eral. It does not carry the weight of law. Bettencourt, stating, “He ought to lead I’m prepared to go all the way to the on some of these issues, or he ought to Texas Supreme Court to make the case step aside.”

Rodney Ellis (pictured with Lina Hidalgo) discusses the Uplift Harris program.

4 | January 25, 2024 |

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DN News YOUNGEST SON OF MLK

Dexter King dies of cancer

By Aswad Walker

The recent death of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son and third child of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, has shined a new light on the issue of prostate cancer. The King Center announced that the 62-year-old died on Jan. 22 after a “valiant battle with prostate cancer.”

“He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu,” said his wife, Leah Weber King. “He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might.”

Born in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1961, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate. Dexter King was only seven years old when his father was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis.

Like his father, Dexter King was a Morehouse man and grew up in Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church where his father and grandfather pastored.

At the time of his death, Dexter served as both chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate. Becoming well versed in intellectual property law, and its management and licensing was the result of his dedication to the delegated task and the memory of both his father and mother.

Dexter’s mother, Coretta Scott King, died in 2006. His sister Yolanda Denise King died in 2007.

Reverend Ronald Galvin, a graduate of Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, and a global activist well-versed in MLK’s message and mission, had his own prostate cancer journey – one he thankfully survived. He shared words of advice for Black men ADVICE TO MEN • Get regular checkups • Get prostate checked at least once a year

Dexter King. Photo by Helen Comer/ Pool/The Jackson Sun, AP

THE FACTS • Black men are 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and twice as likely to die from the disease.

• Black men should be screened for prostate cancer more proactively.

• Black men are underrepresented in clinical trials that test new therapies — making up only 6.7% of patients.

who are most prone to suffer from prostate cancer.

“The first thing is get checked.

Brothers, we should be getting regular visits to the doctor anyway. Do not put it off. Matter of fact, we’re still in the wake of a global pandemic where everybody’s health has been

compromised,” said Galvin.

“Second thing; at least once a year, and if you have a history of cancer or prostate cancer in particular in your family, maybe more than once a year, please get your prostate checked,” he added.

Galvin suggests getting your prostate checked two ways. One is through the PSA which measures your blood level. The other is via a digital exam that checks to see if there are any lumps on the actual prostate.

“Brothers all get nervous about the digital exam. It takes three seconds. And three seconds could save your life and save your quality of life,” shared Galvin whose prostate condition was diagnosed early.

Galvin also shared words of encouragement.

“And then third, if you find that you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Be in solidarity and rally up with your partner and your family.

But there are also other brothers

and men at large who’ve done this, who have beautiful quality of lives and who would be wide open to be in community with you, walk with you, and talk to you. And I think that’s the most important thing. Find a community that can walk with you.”

MOST LIKELY TO GET PROSTATE CANCER IF • Age 45 or over - risk increases with age

• Father of brother has had it • Mother or sister has had breast cancer

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 13 - JANUARY 25, 2024 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

Digital Content Manager Terrance Harris Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

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 2024 copyright.

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

January 25, 2024 |

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DN Education HISD ELECTED TRUSTEE

Savant Moore talks education

By Laura Onyeneho

Savant Moore, a Houston native, father of three, and a devoted preacher, has stepped into a new role beyond the pulpit—as an elected HISD Board trustee.

Moore’s journey began about a year ago when he started attending school board meetings regularly. A concerned parent and a man of faith, he felt a calling to contribute actively to the dialogue about his children’s education.

As a preacher, Moore has been a steadfast presence in the community. His decision to run for the trustee position was fueled by a desire “to bridge the gap between the school board and the community,” ensuring that decisions align with the needs of the families they serve.

Moore’s unique perspective as a parent, preacher, and community leader positions him as a voice that resonates with the diverse constituents of District II. He acknowledges the work of his predecessor Kathy Blueford-Daniels and sees it as “a foundation to build upon.”

Moore understands that his journey won’t be without challenges. With the state’s takeover of HISD, he emphasized the need to focus on “collaboration and innovation initiatives that prioritize the needs and interests of the students.”

The Defender spoke with Moore to discuss his plans in his new role and what needs to be done to return power to the elected board members.

DEFENDER: Can you share details about your upbringing and early life experiences that influenced your views on education?

Savant Moore: I was adopted. I was

a foster child. I don’t know my biological parents. I was adopted by a former coach at Forest High School, and he was a pastor at Greater Star, where I’m at. I’m the current minister now as well. My mother was the first Black counselor in Northshore. She was over at the math department at Smiley High School, now North Forest High School. I’m grateful for my adoptive parents because I was able to attend Northshore. I graduated high school at the age of 16. I went to the United States Army. I became an Airborne Ranger. I served for seven years. I’ve been deployed multiple times. After my service, I went to Howard University and graduated in 2016. Um, then I moved to Boston. I ended up becoming a software engineer, and started a cleaning business. And then COVID happened. I moved back to Houston to be closer to family.

DEFENDER: What are your core beliefs about public education, and how do you envision contributing to improving the educational system?

Moore: My thing is to make sure that

people on my side of town have the same resources they have on the west side. How can we ensure that all the Black and Brown schools are like other affluent schools across the board? As far as public education goes, we’ve done so much for this country that it’s imperative that for all the hard work that our ancestors have done for us, we receive the quality education that our children deserve right now.

Why do some of our schools not have filtered water? Why hasn’t there been proper renovation of these schools since the eighties? That’s an issue. And then I know that they’re pushing for bonds, but we live in an

income challenge area. We don’t need to be taxed more. We just need to allocate the same funds you spread to Houston’s west side. You need to make it equitable for the northeast and the south side of Houston. I believe in public education.

We also have to remember that it’s not just about us. We have to advocate for those special needs parents and special needs children. I’m a minister at the Greater Morning Star Baptist Church in Sunnyside.

As a believer, I’m praying that in June 2025, Superintendent Miles will implement steps to transition us back onto the board. If he’s truly about our community, he’ll make that happen. Democracy was taken away from us. While in my tenure, I want to show that I wasn’t a talking head. I was a person who was behind the scenes and brought results.

DEFENDER: As a newly elected trustee for District II, what plans or initiatives do you have in mind to address the needs and challenges within your district?

Moore: I’ve spoken to

on behalf of the community. For example, these Dyad Programs. I’ve been using it on my own side of town to create two gardens because we live in a food desert. I’ll push for the reinstatement of Verizon because we live in a broadband desert.

DEFENDER: In stepping into this role, what insights or lessons have you gained from your predecessor, Kathy Bluford Daniels?

Moore: I’m appreciative of her. She

always spoke up for the Northeast side of Houston. Behind closed doors, she made sure people did the right thing. She taught me to know the rules and understand the policies. You have to know the system to diffuse the system. She’ll continue to be a mentor of mine even though she has transitioned out of her position.

many youths in the community. They have concerns about school instruction and the curriculum. I’ve encouraged people in my community to volunteer and help these students.

We need more people like you and me working in the school district. We need to be all hands on deck. We need to donate to our schools in need.

I’ll be meeting with Superintendent Miles speaking

READ HIS THOUGHTS ON HISD SUPERINTENDENT MIKE MILES INITIATIVES IN THE DISTRICT Savant Moore has children who attend schools in HISD. Credit: Savant Moore

6 | January 25, 2024 |

BLACK

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DN InFocus

DRIVING WHILE BLACK

W

By Aswad Walker

hat do Tyre Nichols, Patrick Lyoya, Daunte Wright, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Walter Scott, Samuel DuBose and countless others have in common? A police traffic stop ended in their death. Of the names listed, only Castile, a licensed gun owner, had a weapon; a fact that he informed the officer of when asked, yet less than 1.7 seconds later he was shot and killed.

Black people need not bungee jump or skydive to experience the “exhilaration” of danger. Driving While Black has become for African Americans.

TEXAS BLACK DRIVERS TARGETED And it all stems from police targeting Black drivers, stopping them at far greater rates than any others – stops that may not end in death, but account for the over-arresting of Blacks in proportion to their numbers.

A report from the Texas Civil Rights Project analyzed 2022 traffic stop data from the Houston Police Department and found that police pulled over 81,026 people specifically for non-moving traffic violations, like driving with an expired registration sticker.

According to the report, “Houston’s Black drivers accounted for nearly 42% of these stops — despite the fact that about 23% of Houston’s population is Black, according to census data.”

For context, of HPD traffic stops, Hispanic drivers made up about 31% while white drivers accounted for about 25%.

Additionally, the report found that Black drivers made up nearly 60% of the 2,733 arrests that occurred after these stops while white and Hispanic drivers accounted for roughly 19% each.

BLACK DRIVERS TARGETED NATIONALLY And this disturbing reality is national.

Encounters with police during traffic stops, including minor infractions, disproportionately harm people of color, according to data collected by Mapping Police Violence, a non-profit research group, which argues that armed police should not be involved in many of these cases.

Per 2018 statistics, roughly 10% of the nearly 1,100 people killed by police each year involve traffic violations, the group found.

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity and WBEZ Chicago are launching a three-part investigation of the convergence of race and traffic stops in Illinois.

In 2003, Illinois passed a measure sponsored by then-state Sen. Barack Obama to gather details of every police stop in the state, including the driver’s race or ethnicity. On the 20th anniversary of that law’s passage, the Investigative Project and WBEZ assembled and analyzed 42.5 million records of traffic stop data that were collected under the law, covering more than 1,000 jurisdictions across Illinois.

Do African Americans have a target on their backs?

Our results indicate that police stops and search decisions suffer from persistent racial bias, and point to the value of policy interventions to mitigate these disparities.”

CHRISTOPHER RIVERA

OUTREACH COORDINATOR, TCRP’S CRIMINAL INJUSTICE PROGRAM

Here’s what they found: 1) In the last two years, stops involving Black drivers have topped 30% of all traffic stops statewide, up from 17.5% in 2004, the first year data was released; 2) In Chicago, where Black, white, and Latino populations* are roughly equal, traffic stops of Black drivers in 2022 were more than four times that of whites and more than twice that of Latinos; 3) Beyond Chicago’s city limits, traffic stops also disproportionately affect Black drivers.

Last year traffic stops involving Black drivers made up 21% of all traffic stops throughout Illinois (excluding Chicago); and 4) The percentage of Black drivers stopped by police continues to rise, unabated. A record number of law enforcement agencies are ignoring the law. And the state seems incapable of reversing the tide.

“Our analysis and reporting demonstrates that Illinois and the Chicago area are still grappling with the consequences of systemic racism,” said Laura Washington, a founding board member of the Investigative Project.

But Illinois is far from alone. This is a national issue.

According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 6% of Black and Hispanic Americans pulled over for traffic stops were searched or arrested, the most of any other groups. Americans in “all other” racial categories were searched or arrested 4% of the time.

EFFORTS TO REVERSE THIS REALITY In Houston, there’s a movement to pass laws to confront this inequity of racially targeted traffic stops.

The Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) report recommends city officials “pass an ordinance that prohibits police from conducting non-safety traffic stops,” and therefore focus on moving traffic violations like speeding and drunk driving.

“The ordinance would only allow police to focus on what causes road fatalities, to actually address what makes the road dangerous for all of us,” said Christopher Rivera, outreach coordinator for TCRP’s Criminal Injustice Program.

Video capture of Tyre Nichols being beaten to death by five police officers. City of Memphis/AP

For Blacks, beyond traffic stops all too often proving to be fatal or leading to arrest rates that far surpass arrest numbers for other races, there’s the outsized economic impact of highly racialized traffic stops.

In 2022, vehicle traffic violations in Houston amounted to over $19 million in fines and

fees, according to the TCRP report. Failure to display registration tags, the most collected fine, extracted payments of over $500,000.

“We oppose these types of fines and fees because we already know people are struggling because inflation has gone up so much.

Oftentimes, they just have to pay off these

| 7

Video capture of police shooting of Philando Castile. AP.

BY THE NUMBERS POLICE WARNINGS

47% Of Whites

36% Of Hispanics

Sandra Bland police stop. AP/Andy Alfaro.

fines and fees, they don’t get their car fixed, and this vicious cycle of poverty just continues,” said Rivera.

“Police are currently going out and patrolling to siphon wealth, to injure individual drivers, and increase our incarceration,” Rivera said, whose organization is pushing for a voucher program to help low-income drivers get their vehicles up to code.

One of the most exhaustive studies on the issue, led by Stanford University, found that after analyzing 95 million traffic stop records, filed by officers with 21 state patrol agencies and 35 municipal police forces from 2011 to 2018, researchers concluded that “police stops and search decisions suffer from persistent racial bias.” Their conclusion regarding reducing or deterring racially motivated police traffic stops was less a recommendation and more of an observed reality.

“Our results indicate that police stops and search decisions suffer from persistent racial bias, and point to the value of policy interventions to mitigate these disparities,” the researchers write in the May 4th issue of “Nature Human Behaviour.” But researchers concluded that Blacks’ best defense against being racially targeted for a traffic stop was to literally hide from police the fact that they are Black motorists.

“The largest-ever study of alleged racial profiling during traffic stops has found that Blacks, who are pulled over more frequently than whites by day, are much less likely to be stopped after sunset, when ‘a veil of darkness’ masks their race,” wrote Tom Aate for the Stanford News.

Source: Houston Public Media, news.stanford.edu

34% Of Blacks

POLICE TICKETING

50% Hispanics

45% Blacks

40% Whites

THREAT OR USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE BY POLICE

63% Blacks

54% Hispanics

44% Whites

(however, their definition of “excessive force” often included merely being pulled over by police)

Source: usafacts.org

8 | January 25, 2024 |

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DN Profile

Leticia Gutierrez Crusades for environmental justice

By Aswad Walker

Leticia Gutierrez is a bona fide environmental justice warrior, but one who never imagined the activist life would become her life’s work. Far from it. This first-generation college grad (University of St. Thomas) was making big money working in the securities and banking industries when, as they say, life happened.

Realizing that the health issues befalling her son were mainly due to the zip code in which Gutierrez and her extended family live, one flooded with Port of Houston industries known for their penchant for polluting the air, land, and water, she became a crusader for environmental justice.

When a position became available at Air Alliance Houston, a local organization dedicated to confronting polluters and cleaning up Houston’s air, Gutierrez took it and hasn’t

looked back – much to the chagrin of countless elected officials and industry fat cats comfortable with Houston’s status quo as the nation’s leading air polluter. Why? Because Gutierrez is not to be trifled with on issues of environmental justice, immigration, and other social justice issues.

The Defender spoke with Gutierrez about her work as the Government Relations and Community Outreach Director for Air Alliance Houston, including her experiences with Black/Hispanic collaborations in these efforts.

DEFENDER: What most frustrates you about the fight against air pollution?

HEAR GUTIERREZ’S POWERFUL FAMILY IMMIGRANT STORY AND ENTRY INTO AIR ALLIANCE HOUSTON

Leticia Gutierrez. Courtesy Air Alliance Houston.

GUTIERREZ: I get asked that a lot, and it varies from time to time. My frustration lies right now with our elected officials. At the end of the day, nobody forces anyone to want to be a representative of their community. I see other representatives in different states that mirror what we have going on [massive air pollution, etc.], they’re taking a stand, they’re having walkouts, they’re having rallies. They’re having huge protests against a lot of the bills that bleed into our work. So, my frustration lies with our leaders, our elected representatives. I feel that they’re constantly reaching over to the other side [industry polluters] to get what they want, but we don’t get anything in return.

And that’s very frustrating.

DEFENDER: What gives you hope?

GUTIERREZ: My hope, my only hope

right now, and this is why I am very happy that AAH undertakes the task of hiring interns, is our youth. I feel like our youth right now are very engaged. I love this. I’m not a social media person. I barely have Facebook, but they’re very engaged on social media, and I love a lot of the platforms and their work and the way that they’re able to communicate to the masses and how they’re being a lot more purposeful, not just in how they’re communicating, but how they’re buying, how they’re spending, how they’re

wanting to interact. So, that gives me hope that they are going to be able to take this huge undertaking and hopefully turn it around.

DEFENDER: You do extensive justice work in Black and Hispanic communities. What’s been your experience regarding Black/Brown relations in Houston?

GUTIERREZ: I’m one of those people

that, I don’t like to reinvent the wheel. And, I’ve seen what some of our elders and community civil rights activists like Johnny Mata, Ben Reyes, Craig Washington, and even the late Mickey Leland did. All of them together, back in the 70s had a very close-knit relationship that I feel has been somewhat disintegrated purposely and kind of dwindled down.

Johnny Mata has taught me a lot about how to be able to bridge a lot of these gaps. And a lot of those gaps come from fear… My parents, who were immigrants, whenever they see on TV Black community members being tortured by law enforcement or government officials, they tell me, “If they’re doing that to them, and they’re from here, what do you think they’re gonna do to us?” So, they see what’s happening out there, but there’s just a lot of fear in terms of the immigrant community… I feel that there’s still a lot of unity that needs to happen.

CLASSIFIED Certificate of Assumed Name: Minnesota Statutes,Chapter333; ASSUMED NAME:ALFRED MORELOS GARZA JR; registered at the Office of Minnesota Secretary of State; Work Item1446083800026; Original File Number1381539700020; FILED 01/06/2024 11:59 PM; Nameholder:Garza,Alfred Morelos; Active/In Good Standing.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of ALVINNEKKA FREEMONT last known address 12345 BOB WHITE DRIVE, APT 803, HOUSTON, TX 77035, please contact Attorney Kourtnee Jones at 318-801-2572.

January 25, 2024 |

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| 9

DN Profile

ReShonda Tate

celebrates legendary actress Hattie McDaniel in ‘The Queen of Sugar Hill’

By Aswad Walker

Fifty-three books published. Multiple books and screenplays made into movies.

Acting and producer credits. Inductee into two state literary halls of fame (Arkansas and Texas). Winner of numerous literary awards, including an NAACP Image Award. Award-winning managing editor of one the nation’s premier Black media companies. Any one of the aforementioned accolades would make for an accomplished individual.

It turns out, however, that they all apply to one person – ReShonda Tate – whose fifty-fourth book may just be her biggest hit yet.

“The Queen of Sugar Hill,” a work of historical fiction about Hattie McDaniel, the first Black to win an Academy Award, is Tate’s latest work, and it is already generating award and potential movie buzz.

The Defender spoke with Tate about making the move from her writing sweet spot (mainstream fiction) to this new genre, and the national book tour which kicks off this week.

DEFENDER: With all your previous success, why take on a new genre and write about Hattie McDaniel?

Tate: I’ve done mainstream fiction for

the longest. And I really did enjoy it. But I felt like I wanted to grow as an author. And I thought, “How can I do that?” I love historical fiction. I’ve never really wanted to go that route because it felt too much like my day job because you do have to do a whole lot of research. But then I fell in love with Hattie’s story and I realized that gave me the best of both worlds. My journalism background allowed me to get the research and the facts to make the foundation of this story. And

then the novelist side of me was able to come in and craft a total story. So, it’s a merging of both worlds.

DEFENDER: What was it about Hattie McDaniel that spoke to you and had you saying, “I have to write this book”?

Tate: The first time I saw Hattie McDan-

iel was in “Gone With the Wind” when I was young. I was watching it with my grandmother, and I was disgusted by the way she was acting and the fact that she was a maid. My grandmother loved the movie and reminded me that she, too, was a maid who had given us a good life.

Then she asked me what roles did I think Hattie should play in 1940. Cary Grant’s love interest? Wonder Woman?

She reminded me that Hattie was only playing the roles that she was allowed. I’ve always been fascinated with her over the years, especially since I wanted to be an actor. Then, I got to a point in my career where I wanted to learn more about her. Once I started peeling back the layers, I was shocked by all that I did NOT know. I said, “The world does not know Hattie McDaniel.”

DEFENDER: Hattie McDaniel holds this interesting place in Black history: celebrated for her Oscar first, but also criticized for the roles she played. What did you learn about how she dealt with those highs and those lows?

Tate: It really was challenging for her.

She struggled because white people didn’t like her; they felt “Mammy” was too sassy.

Black people didn’t like her because they didn’t like “Mammy.” And all Hattie wanted

to do was work. She would always say, and it DEFENDER: Tell us about holds true today, white actors can do and be the book tour. whatever, and it’s not an indictment on the Tate: I’m kicking off a 17-city book tour whole race. But the minute Black actors do on Jan. 28 in Winston-Salem. I’m really something that people deem stereotypical, excited about my huge book launch here in then it’s an indictment Houston at the historic on the whole race, and Eldorado Ballroom on it makes the whole Feb. 1. I’ll be in Austin, The Queen of race look bad. But furRaleigh, Richmond, ther to that point, she DC, Oklahoma City, Sugar Hill was like, “What else Atlanta, Charlotte, www.ReShondaTate.com can I do? These are the Columbia, Charleston, only jobs they’re giving Little Rock, St. Paul, me.” She has a famous MN and Atlanta....and quote: “I’d rather play a maid for $700 than that’s just the first six weeks. I can’t wait to be a maid for $7.” That’s the attitude she took, help people look at Hattie in a new light. but it still bothered her, especially when the Even if you thought you knew her, you don’t.

NAACP began a campaign that targeted her.

She was unlucky in love, fought against neighbors who tried to kick her out of her home because she was Black, and worked tirelessly for the military. All these things took a toll on her.

When I took off the 21st Century lens through which I was viewing Hattie McDaniel, I saw her in a whole new light and knew her legendary story needed to be shared with the world.”

RESHONDA TATE

VIDEO: MORE ON HATTIE’S INCREDIBLE LIFE

10 | January 25, 2024 |

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DN Sports UH guard Jamal Shead was named Big 12 Player of the Week after averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 assists and three steals in wins over Texas Tech and UCF.

Texas Southern sophomore track and field star Alexis Wilson won the triple jump at the Samford Open with a mark of 38-2.75 feet.

Sports Briefs Rockets may bring Quentin Grimes home

According to NBA Insider Ian Begley, the Rockets are interested in acquiring New York Knicks guard Quentin Grime ahead of Quentin the Feb. 8 NBA trade Grimes deadline. But the Rockets are expected to have some competition for the former star of the University of Houston Cougars and The Woodlands College Park.

The Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and Rockets are all interested in trading for the 2021 first-round pick.

Texas QB coach Jerrod Johnson being pursued by teams

It’s no surprise the Texans could lose offensive coordiJerrod nator Bobby Slowik Johnson as he is one of the hottest assistant coaches for head coaching jobs during this hiring cycle. But the Texans could be in heavy competition to retain quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson who is drawing for offensive coordinator positions with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. A native of Houston and the former Texas A&M quarterback, Johnson could likely be in play as offensive coordinator with the Texans should Slowik be hired for a head coaching job. Keeping the continuity for C.J. Stroud would seem ideal.

Rockets Jabari Smith sidelined with ankle injury

Rockets second-year power forward Jabari Smith Jr. was kept out of the lineup this past weekend with a left ankle sprain.

Jabari He missed Sunday’s Smith game against the Boston Celtics after injuring his ankle during the win over the Utah Jazz the night before. “I’m alright.

I just went up and got the rebound, and I think I came down on somebody’s ankle and just landed wrong. I think I just rolled my ankle,” Jabari told reporters.

TEXANS ESTABLISHED SOLID FOUNDATION Now time to build on it

By Terrance Harris

The Texans are almost certainly in their heads still going through the what-if scenarios from last Saturday’s disheartening 34-10 AFC divisional playoff loss to Baltimore.

Maybe a completed pass here, an extra block to spring the running back there, or filling the lane to stuff one of Lamar Jackson’s scoring runs and just maybe the Texans’ ahead-of-schedule season could have continued into the AFC Championship Game week.

But we’ll never know.

What we do know, however, is the foundation has been installed for an exciting future for this era of the Houston Texans.

What was supposed to be another rebuilding year with a first-year head coach and rookie quarterback turned into a year of great achievement.

The Texans transitioned from a three-win team into a team that improved by eight wins while returning to the top of the AFC South. Now the key is to go about the business this offseason of building on what was accomplished this season.

“I feel like this was a stepping stone,” said Texans receiver Nico Collins. “We have seen what this team can do and what this team is about. I feel like it’s only the beginning, feel like it’s a lot of hungry people in this locker room, who are willing to leave it all out there. You know, it isn’t the way it ended, but it is what it is. [We’ve] got to get ready for next year.”

The Texans (11-8) seem to have a strong foundation, starting with first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, then extending to his rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who spent most of this season playing above the expectations of a first-year quarterback.

Stroud set new rookie standards, while not just leading the Texans into the playoffs as a rookie but actually winning a game in the wildcard round before losing to the Ravens.

But it’s not just Stroud and Ryans, it’s others like defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr., safety Jalen Pitre, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., left tackle Laremy Tunsil, rookie

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is at the center of the success for the future after putting together one of the most impressive rookie seasons in NFL history this season.

receiver Tank Dell and Collins who all serve as foundational pieces for the future.

Ryans, however, said while this season was impressive that growth is necessary for the Texans to reach where they ultimately want to go which is to compete for Super Bowls.

“We understand that, and in this league, nothing stays the same from year to year,” said Ryans, who is a strong possibility for NFL Coach of the Year honors after the turnaround job he led this season. “It’s a year-to-year league. Nothing stays the same.

Our guys knew that. They knew that we had our moment. This was our time.

“This team won’t be the same next year, whether it’s players or coaches, it won’t be the same. It’s always evolving, always changing.”

The Texans head into this season with some needs to fill either through the NFL Draft or free agency. The most glaring need will be at the running back position where the Texans will need to become more

consistent to take some pressure off Stroud.

It will also be important for the Texans to improve the depth along the defensive line and may need another lock-down cornerback opposite Stingley.

The Texans also head into this offseason needing to make some tough decisions about some free agents of their own, particularly tight end Dalton Schultz, cornerback Steven Nelson, defensive end Jonathan Greenard, and wide receiver Noah Brown.

There is also a good chance that offensive coordinator and Stroud whisperer Bobby Slowik will land a head coaching position which will be a huge hit.

“For me, each year is the same. You’ve got to go earn it again next year. We start over next year,” Ryans said. “It’s a new team, and we start over, and you have got to go earn it. You’ve got to go put the work in again.

Each year is a new year. Great job this year with the guys for getting to the Divisional Round. Now let’s see how we can build off of that and be better next year.”

January 25, 2024 |

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| 11

DN Sports

LAMONT ROBINS HOUSTON HEIGHTS HS

Excels in football, basketball

By Jimmie Aggison

In the competitive landscape of high school athletics, the Houston Heights Bulldogs find themselves in the shadow of powerhouse teams like Bellaire, Lamar, and Westside within the 6A Region III District 18 basketball standings. This season marks a rebuilding phase for the Bulldogs, as they only return one starter from last season’s starting lineup, Lamont Robins. Robins, renowned for his proficiency in steals and boasting the team’s highest free throw percentage is determined to lead his team comprised of younger and less experienced players towards success.

“It’s very challenging with a lot of younger guys who haven’t had the varsity level experience. I have to help encourage them to not turn the ball over and play their role. Not everyone has to be the number one guy, but everyone plays an important role on the team,” said Robins.

To better his game, Robins studies the basketball playing styles of both NBA All-Stars Chris Paul and Lebron James.

“Chris Paul is a student of the game. He does all the extra stuff to win. Lebron was the first big celebrity player I watched as a kid. He does everything. He can play positions 1-5,” said Robins.

Robins not only excels in basketball but shines on the football field as well. His football journey began when he was four years old with the Tennessee Titans in the Humble Area Youth Football League (HAYFL). At nine years old he crossed over to play with the Redstone Ravens in the Youth Federation Football League (YFF) and he finished his last season of youth football with the Westlake Ducks who were also a part of the Youth Federation Football League (YFF).

Football was life. Robins was talented, but at 12 years old while at Hamilton Middle School, Robins’ father encouraged him to explore other sports.

“During middle school, my dad told me, ‘Since you’re athletic don’t just focus on football, try new things and see what you’re good at,’ so I did,” said Robins.

Accepting the challenge, Robins ventured into basketball, joining the Shooting Stars AAU team before his freshman year at Heights High School.

Despite financial constraints limiting his time in AAU, Robins showed true determination in the sport.

“Travel basketball was fun because you travel to different places and play with different people. It’s exciting when you don’t have a scouting report on someone, you just go into the game with your mind focused and ready to play,” said Robins.

ABOUT LAMONT ROBINS Class: 2024 IG: @rollinwit_Lj Twitter: @Lj2k05 Position: Guard Height & weight: 6-feet-0, 180 pounds Players he studies: Chris Paul (Golden State Warriors), Lebron (Los Angeles Lakers) Status: Uncommitted Favorite Music: Gospel Favorite subject: US Government Shout-outs: Dad, Mom, Coach Dixon, Coach Stevens

The COVID-19 pandemic affected Robins’ freshman year at Heights High School, but by his sophomore year, he excelled in football. Starting as a JV receiver, he progressed to the varsity team by junior year, mirroring his basketball journey where he worked from JV to varsity, demonstrating a commitment to excellence.

Robins sees basketball as an additional brotherhood complementing the camaraderie he finds in football.

“Football is everything. It’s my love. It gives me another will to live,” said Robins.

Robins has not decided where he will play next season or if he will play both sports rather than only focusing on one, but he desires a program that aligns with his educational aspirations and offers the opportunity to contribute to the team. While in college, Robins plans to study kinesiology.

“I want to major in kinesiology so I can become a physical therapist. I want to stay somewhere near sports,” said Robins.

For young athletes facing similar dilemmas, torn between multiple sports, Robins’ advice resonates profoundly.

“I’d tell them to do all the sports they can until they get old enough to know which sports they want to continue doing and work as hard as they can in them,” said Robins.

It’s a journey of discovery, hard work, and unwavering dedication—a journey exemplified by a young athlete balancing football and basketball with grace and determination.

12 | January 25, 2024 |

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DN Feature

THE KINSEY COLLECTION

Chief Curator Khalil Kinsey reflects on the exhibit Khalil Kinsey curates the massive collection of African-American art, artifacts, and history. Credit: Jimmie Aggison

By Laura Onyeneho

is a testament to their love for travel, Black Bernard and Shirley Kinsey are seen as the history, and the arts. faces of the world-renowned Kinsey CollecFor Khalil, being part of this journey tion, showcasing a growing display of Black is not just a professional endeavor but an artifacts, art, and history, but their son Khalil honor and a privilege. It’s an extension of is the glue that keeps the values they instilled the collection together growing up, where his as the Chief Curator parents championed and General Manager information, turning for the exhibitions. their home into a space I’m looking for For the next six where people gathered months, the Kinsey what’s missing, and not to showcase posCollection will be dissessions but to share I’m looking to kind played at the Holocaust knowledge.

Museum, where art “It’s an extension of of bend and break lovers can explore the the home that I grew the rules wherever artistry of Black Amerup in, where my paricans from the 16th ents championed inforpossible, in all of century through the mation,” he said. “They the right ways.” slavery and civil rights were showing pieces of era all the way to the the collection, not from KHALIL KINSEY present day. a place of, ‘Look what Born into a famwe have,’ but more so, ily deeply rooted in ‘You should know this.’” the appreciation of art and history, Khalil Before donning a curator’s hat, Khalil venreflects on his role as a son witnessing the tured into fashion and music. His eclectic evolution of the Kinsey Collection. The col- interests continue to shape his identity and lection, initiated by his parents in the 1970s, approach to curating. Today, he is not only

a curator but also a business owner, running a wine bar and a gallery. His involvement in the fashion and music worlds, from his upbringing in Los Angeles, has positioned him uniquely in the art landscape.

Khalil emphasizes his hip-hop roots and outside cultural influences. Coming from left-of-center cultures that have significantly impacted mainstream trends, Khalil approaches his work with an unconventional lens.

He looks for what’s missing and aims to challenge the norms. His upbringing and passions have cultivated instincts that navigate the rigid structures often associated with the art world.

“It’s always growing. It’s always morphing and changing and evolving. I suppose I don’t really look at things from a place of pros and cons, more so opportunities.”

He acknowledges the challenges of managing such a vast and dynamic exhibit. The collection is not static; it’s a living entity, evolving and growing. Collaborating with historian Larry Earl, Khalil emphasizes the importance of working as a team. It’s about keeping their arms around the collection correctly and ensuring it remains an

evolving narrative.

According to Khalil, the decision to bring the Kinsey Collection to Houston is rooted in the city’s diversity. Houston, being the most diverse city in the country, aligns with the collection’s mission to reach as many people as possible.

Khalil emphasizes that they always go where they’re invited, partnering with institutions that share a similar vision and understanding of the value the collection brings. Houston, with its vibrant cultures and communities, became a natural choice.

Reflecting on the purpose of the exhibition, Khalil simplifies it to three words: learn, use, and teach. He wants visitors to leave with a newfound understanding, prompting them to look at things differently, ask questions, and delve deeper into research. The collection serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging people to utilize the knowledge gained and share it with others.

He urges people to recognize the interconnectedness of everything.

“We want people to walk out of here to realize something in history that they didn’t know,” he said. “The African-American story is the greatest story ever.”