RIHANNA NEEDS NO DEFENSE
Confession: I only half-watched the Super Bowl halftime show because I was working on Defender articles. But during one of my periodic glimpses at the Rihanna festivities, I noticed soul sister’s stomach. Ten I saw someone on social media ask “Is Ri pregnant.” Reading that, I was ready to go of. I’m thinking, “She just had a baby. Why are folk trippin’?”
Ten, I started thinking about how the media bombards us with these unrealistic body images that blind us all to those everyday body types humans actually possess. So, I was ready to go all in about how Rihanna performing proudly with her realistic, grown-A woman body, was something we should celebrate. And that because Rihanna is Rihanna, maybe folk will stop trippin’ and holding entertainers and each other to unrealistic image standards. And the thing I was really going to go of on was how folk could look at this sister, and because she had a little “extra” around the belly, they’d just assume she was pregnant. Ten I found out. She’s actually pregnant. So much for my tirade. Congrats, Ri.
Hip Hop is having a powerful moment during this year’s 50th anniversary of its founding–with the mind-blowing special Grammy’s performance, articles galore about the genre and the must-see documentary “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World.” But, Blackfolk are also having another kind of moment; one that deserves just as much, if not more, attention.
Recently, Trugoy the Dove aka Plug Two aka David Jude Jolicoeur of the legendary hip hop group De La Soul, made his transition into the ancestral realm. He was only 54 years old. Tink about that. At a time when
folk are saying 50 is the new 30, far too many Black men 50-ish and younger are dying. And no one seems to notice. Stephen “Twitch” Boss (40). Coolio (59). Kevin Samuels (57). Bernard Wright (58). Marion Barber III (38). Jak Knight (28). David A. Arnold (54). Jesse Powell (51). PnB Rock (30). Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson (50). Takeof (28). Just like we can write rhymes, we can write a new health reality for our brothers. Let’s resolve to get our brothers (and all Blackfolk) more rest, more peace and more power, so we can end this manufactured cycle of far too early deaths.
Can we shout-out Houston’s under-appreciated arts scene? More specifcally, can we show some love to one of Houston’s own who is doing it up big on the local, state, national and international stages? I’m talking about Reginald Adams, the artist with murals on the breakfast klub, Young Women’s College Prep, the famous “Juneteenth” mural in Galveston, and works at Discovery Green, Kashmere High School, IAH, and in cities and countries from here to Timbuktu. His latest work-in-progress at George Bush Intercontinental will open more international eyes to his brilliance. Let’s not let the world celebrate him while we ignore his genius. So, bruhman—here’s a well-deserved shout-out!
• See the Black love series videos of the couples featured in our Centerfold. Teir stories are so inspiring.
• Top Black shows to check out in 2023.
• High School Sports reporter Jimmie Aggison highlights Sterling’s dynamic guard Joemoriah Ben.
Black and Latino lawmakers decried Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent order to Texas universities and state agencies to strike down diversity, equity and inclusion policies from their hiring practices.
Lawmakers in the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, representatives with the Texas chapter of the NAACP and faith leaders across the state said the governor’s assertion that DEI policies are illegal is incorrect, a “lie” and a “diversion” from addressing the issues facing Texans.
Tey also called on the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the NCAA to not host championship games in the state until the governor rescinds his guidance to agencies and universities.
Lawmakers said Abbott’s values do not refect those of Texas and accused the governor of using people of color in a political fght with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the most “Trumpian” politician.
“We will not be complicit in his attempt to use minorities as pawns for his political game,” said state Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
In a memo sent to state agencies Feb. 6 and frst reported by Te Texas Tribune, Abbott’s chief of staf, Gardner Pate, said that diversity, equity and inclusion policies used to screen or vet job candidates are illegal and
state agency heads have a “duty” to follow the law. Since then, some labor and civil rights attorneys have said the governor’s ofce is mischaracterizing anti-discrimination laws.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also announced that eliminating “discriminatory diversity, equity
and inclusion policies in higher education” is one of his top legislative priorities.
Reynolds called these priorities misguided and an appeal to a far-right base in the Republican Party.
“Tey are code for anti-Black, anti-Asian,
anti-LGBTQ, the majority of the state,” Reynolds said. “Tey are slapping us in the face and saying you’re not welcome here anymore.”
Diversity, equity and inclusion policies are developed to provide guidance in workplaces, government ofces and college campuses on how to increase representation and foster an environment that emphasizes fair treatment to groups that have historically faced discrimination. DEI policies can include providing resources for underrepresented groups like people with disabilities, LGBTQ people and veterans. In hiring, they can include setting diversity goals or setting thresholds to ensure diverse candidate pools.
“These offices don’t exist to be racist against white people,” said state Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin. “Tey exist to foster, afrm, engage and strengthen diverse communities because ultimately our diversity is our strength.”
Earlier this month, the lawmakers introduced a bill by Rep. Jolanda Jones, D- Houston, would change that by requiring liability insurance for every working law enforcement officer. Jones’ proposed legislation states a law enforcement agency cannot hire a police ofcer “unless the peace ofcer obtains and continuously maintains liability insurance to cover damages resulting from any misconduct, including intentional, negligent, or willful acts, committed” by the ofcer while on duty.
Children At Risk recently released its annual school ranking for the 2021-2022 school year, and the top fve ranking high schools are all in Houston ISD.
During a press conference at Carnegie Vanguard High School, the education advocacy and research nonproft announced the Greater Houston Area’s top fve high, middle and elementary schools along with its top fve Gold Ribbon sub-lists highlighting high-performing, high poverty schools that are traditional neighborhood campuses.
For nearly 20 years, Children At Risk has ranked Texas public high schools across four main areas, while elementary and middles schools are ranked across three areas, which include:
Student Achievement
How students do on state standardized tests (STAAR)
Campus Performance
How a school compares in test scores to schools with similar levels of poverty
Student Growth
How students improve on their STAAR tests in a school year College Readiness (High schools only)
How many high school students are graduating on time and participating in other college readiness activities
After Prairie View A&M University president Dr. Ruth J. Simmons’ abrupt announcement of her early resignation, Rice University announced she will be joining them as a President’s Distinguished Fellow.
“Ruth brings with her a myriad of insights from her career as a faculty member, university president and national leader in higher education leaders of this generation, and one of the most important and compelling local and national leaders, Ruth has served numerous universities corporations and nonproft organizations in an advisory capacity. I am grateful and excited that she will continue her broad and impactful outreach from her position at Rice,” said Rice president, Reginald DesRoches.
According to an official statement by Rice, Simmons “will work with a variety of programs across campus and advise the president’s office on various matters, in addition to collaborating with faculty and staff to build out programs for students to develop future leaders at Rice.”
She will begin her role on April 1st.
Simmons was set to resign in June 2023, but shocked alumni and students when she announced she was leaving early.
Te abrupt resignation appears to be over a diference with Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp over hiring during the rest of Simmons’ term as president. In a letter to the campus, Simmons said she was informed that “she could only continue as president with limited presidential authority.”
Opal Lee, left, who helped make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, poses with her portrait after it was unveiled in the Texas Senate Chamber in Austin, Texas. Lee became only the second African American woman to have a portrait in the Capital. Barbara Jordan is the other. AP
“My immediate response was that I could not and would not agree to being president in name only,” she stated. “No enduring
good can arise from subservience to low standards and expectations.”
Sources say just months before her resignation, Simmons began hiring department heads, which Texas A&M Controller John Sharp says is against policy.
“When presidents in Te Texas A&M University System announce they are leaving, they cannot hire senior staf or deans except on an interim basis, so that the new President can choose the leadership team he or she will be working with during their term. Tis decade-long policy applies to all of our Presidents‚” Sharp said in response to her statement. “I informed Dr. Simmons that we will not make exceptions to this policy and she chose to resign. I am sorry she chose this path, but I am forever grateful for her service at Prairie View A&M
University and look forward to even greater things in the future.”
Simmons announced last March that she would step down as president of PVAMU, where she has served since 2017. The Houston native, who came out of retirement for the job, has been a leading voice in higher education for decades and previously worked as president at Smith College in Massachusetts and Brown University, where she was the frst Black woman to lead an Ivy League school.Under her leadership, Prairie View grew its endowment by 40%, increased fundraising and boosted fnancial aid. In 2020, billionaire MacKenzie Scott donated $50 million to the university.
Simmons was supposed to serve until the incoming president, Tomikia LeGrande, took over June 1. LeGrande is the current vice president for strategy, enrollment management and student success at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Simmons had agreed to continue at the university as a professor and continue to help with university fundraising and leadership development. With the early departure, it looks like that is of the table, though Simmons pledged to continue advocating for historically Black colleges and universities.
“I will support the eforts of faculty, staf and students who seek the best for themselves and their university,” she wrote.
Simmons served as a Rice trustee emerita that served on the board from 2014 to 2018. She will work with a variety of programs across campus and advise the president’s office, in addition to collaborating with faculty and staff to build out programs for students to develop future leaders at Rice, according to the university.
The Texas A&M System said it will appoint an interim president to serve before LeGrande starts in June.
VOLUME 92, NUMBER 14 - FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Publisher | CEO
Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
Strategic Alllance
Clyde Jiles
Digital Content Manager Michael Grant
Managing Editor
ReShonda Tate
Associate Editor
Aswad Walker
Education Reporter
Laura Onyeneho
Sports Terrance Harris
Jodie B. Jiles
Photographer
Jimmie Aggison
Social Media Manager
Tia Alphonse Intern
Alania Bookman
We must not be held hostage to how others choose to see us or treat us, but, instead, continue to chart our own path demonstrating the pride, commitment and integrity that defnes us."
Dr Ruth J. Simmons
NNPA
As 2022 closed, Black Americans saw gains with historic candidates and timely legislation. President Joe Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act and later, the Respect for Marriage Act, which protected interracial marriages.
A slim majority in Congress prevented other significant bills from reaching the president’s desk. As Black History Month begins, there remains key issues upon which African Americans want to see action.
A December poll of Black voters revealed that African Americans want the government to do more to fight white supremacy. e FBI helped underscore that need when it issued a report noting that hate crimes disproportionately target African Americans. Here are some other findings:
• Gun control - With mass shootings
continuing at a record pace, gun control remains a hot-button issue for Black America
• Voting rights package - Strong desire for a comprehensive voting rights package, whether that’s in the form of the Freedom to Vote Act or the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would expand mail-in, early voting and automatic voter registration, as well as restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• George Floyd Justice in Police Act - Passage of the bill, which has twice passed the House, but stalled in the Senate despite a Democrat majority there.
• Qualified immunity - End qualifi ed immunity, which many believe would greatly curtail the type of police behavior that led to the deaths of Nichols, Floyd and so many other African Americans.
In honor of Black History Month, Houstonians will see new artwork overlooking the downtown courthouse complex. e remembrance murals, showcased on Friday were inspired by Black women and signify social change. One of the murals honors State Representative Senfronia ompson, who is serving her 25th term in the Texas Legislature.
e murals were created by artist Victor Ash in partnership with Street Art for Mankind and Central Houston. Precinct One County Commissioner Rodney Ellis who represents Downtown is bringing a vision to the area with his “Big Art. Big Change,” a project to inspire social change through art.
Ellis saw a bigger vision for more murals downtown which brought upon the remembrance murals and also embracing the United Nations General Assembly’s sustainability resolutions.
“ ese murals are there to remind everyone that fair, equal and impartial justice is owed to everyone, no matter the color of their skin, how much money they have, who they are, or where they come from,” said Ellis.
e murals overlook Congress Plaza surrounding the downtown Houston courthouse complex. e Lady Justice mural represents peace, justice, and strong institutions. And the second mural, in honor of Senfronia ompson, represents a demand for justice for all.
Ellis said placing the murals on the downtown courthouse was very significant for the history of Harris County within that particular block.
“ e county attorney’s building is on one of the most popular slave auction trading blocks in Houston,” he said. “ at in part is why I thought that these two women, female features would be important to be on this building.”
e murals can be seen from the southside
of UHD’s One Main Building.
“I just can’t say just how beautiful not only the murals are, but they are the centerpiece for lots of conversations that have already occurred,” said UHD President Loren Blanchard.
Street Art for Mankind (SAM) is a nonprofit created in 2015 by curators ibault and Audrey Decker. e nonprofit creates large murals across the world to bring attention to social change and environmental issues.
“We were really honored here to highlight the history, the struggle, but also the strength and the resilience of communities and especially of the African American community, ” said Audrey Decker.
Senfronia Thompson, who represents Northeast Houston and Humble and is serving her 25th term, has been fighting for equality and justice since being elected. She’s the longest-serving woman and African-American in the Texas legislature’s history.
She said the murals hold a deeper message that everyone can take from.
“I thank you again for the murals, they mean so much, not just because my picture is there, but for what those things say and mean to us, and hopefully for generations to come,” she said.
ompson said with the 88th Texas Legislative Session underway, she will continue to fight to make sure Texans have equal opportunities.
“ is session is not going to be anything different than us fighting for a solution for the people trying to make sure that we have strong universities, strong educational institutions, health care, job opportunities, and an opportunity for people to enjoy the aesthetics of all of the things that we have in our environment,” she said.
e mural’s message is part of a bigger project that Harris County is working on called Remembrance Park, a memorial that will honor four African-American men lynched in Harris County during the Jim Crow era.
By ReShonda Tate
For the past 92 years, the Defender has been committed to inspiring, informing and educating the Black community. We do that with a focus on the digital dissemination of news via our website, DefenderNetwork. com, social media, and our widely-distributed newspaper. Now, a new partnership with KRIV, Fox 26 News, aims to take that effort a step further.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to expand our reach and this historic partnership allows us to do just that,” said Defender CEO and publisher, Sonny Messiah Jiles.
Members of the Defender’s editorial team will appear weekly in a segment called Top 3 Takeaways on Channel 26’s 5pm newscast.
ey’ll be highlighting the original, insightful stories they wrote on a variety of topics
that especially highlight Houston’s growing minority community, including health, education, lifestyle, business and racial disparity issues, as well as profiles of prominent citizens.
“We have always been committed to delivering community-oriented, solutions-driven journalism that you don’t typically see in mainstream media. e team at FOX 26 does an excellent job of bringing the daily news to the Houston community, as well as their special reports. is platform will allow us to inform the broader community of stories they may not typically see,” Messiah Jiles said.
“ is partnership gives FOX 26 News an opportunity to delve further into stories that are impacting our communities and offers our viewers an enhanced perspective on issues important to Houston,” said KRIV, FOX 26 News Director, Susan Schiller.
Defender Managing Editor, ReShonda Tate (a former Fox 26 news reporter), Associate Editor Aswad Walker and Education Reporter Laura Oneyeho will make up the team appearing on the Top 3 Takeaways. e segment will run on Tuesdays and ursdays on the 5pm newscast.
February is a month dedicated to love. Couples who have seen the peaks and valleys of a relationship know better than anyone what it takes to make it succeed. Whether they’re new to this, longtime, or second time, most can attest that maintaining a warm and loving relationship takes work. The Defender spoke with three Houston couples at diferent stages in their marriage to get their thoughts and advice on making love work.
Married: Six and a half years, Second marriage for both
For eight years, Karen and Hugh Tillman stood shoulder to shoulder, singing in the choir at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. She was an alto. He was a tenor. She was married. He was in a serious relationship, so they were strictly friends. Afer both of their relationships ended, Hugh knew he wanted to make a lifetime of music with Karen. So he returned to the same place they met – in the choir – to propose.
“I proposed in Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church afer a service,” Hugh said. “Te minister of music agreed to help me - then he forgot and service was over. When I reminded him, he stopped members from leaving. I gave a little speech talking about Proverbs 31 because Karen embodies what Proverbs 31 is. I got down on one knee right there in church and proposed.”
Not only was Karen shocked because Hugh had done everything, even picking out an outfit for an engagement photo shoot, but she was ecstatic about starting over with someone she considered a friend. Te two found common ground in their love of Christ, laughter and a healthy and ft lifestyle.
“I really cherish and value most, frst and foremost our friendship. Tat’s the foundation of our relationship and that it’s rooted in Christ. He is a God-fearing man and he truly is my best friend,” Karen said.
“I also love the way he loves on me and our family and is fercely protective of me. I
call him my Superman. I don’t ever have to worry about being afraid of anything or anyone because I know he’s got me.
Te couple both brought children to the marriage, so it was important that they devote time to blending their families.
“When we started dating, it was like, ‘we’re a package deal. You’re not just dating me. You’re dating them too’,” said Karen, who had two children, Christian and Faith.
And Hugh, the father of a son, Mitchel, was grateful to blend the families. “We would do things together. We would have outings together. Our dates would be together at times in advance of us ofcially being blended as a family in marriage. Tat made it much easier, more organic and natural once we did get married.”
No matter how great things are going, the Tillmans make it a point to do regular marriage check-ups and go to marriage counseling at least every six months.
“When you think about marriage in terms of your body, you can’t build muscle in your body without working out and without putting the right things in your body. And you have to be consistent with it. If you do not work out, your muscles will atrophy, right? You get weak. I think about marriage the same way. If you’re not putting that work in, that marriage is going to get weak. And so we really work at it. We have daily devotion in the morning. We attend Wheeler’s Marriage Ministry and we see a counselor at least every six months. You’ve got to work. But the fnal product is an amazing thing,” Hugh said.
Lindbergh and Kim Williams have been at this Black Love thing as a married couple for nearly a decade. And for the majority of that time, they’ve also been business partners, creating and selling Jinka, a turmeric-based all-natural anti-infammatory product with a wide array of health benefts, which can be found at over 40 H-E-Bs.
Tis pair is not short on energy, as they bounce conversation and answers of each other in a way that is playful, hilarious and beautiful, all in one.
“Te connection was easy,” Lindbergh said. “Communicating was easy. Loving was easy. And to me, the added force and push she brought was like, Okay. We can do something diferent. Tere’s more out there that we can reach for. And that was intriguing. Tat was really what I needed.”
No matter their busy schedules, the pair works at keeping the spark going.
“I’m naturally adventurous and I wanna try new things at all times. So, we’ve never really had a problem entertaining ourselves and creating fun,” Kim said. “And we can do that on a daily basis. But, since we’ve been together now for nine years, our spark comes diferently because we work so hard with Jinka. One of our favorite things to do together is go to the spa and relax,” added Lindbergh.
Te couple admits that they have to be
intentuous in making time for each other, especially while running a business.
“We are completely in, 24/7, and it drives me crazy. Tere’s always time for a meeting,” Lindbergh said.
Added Kim, “Now, I will say, “Is it an okay time for a meeting right now?” But we’ve merged it. We have two kids, so we’re consciously putting them in the process of what we’re doing. So, they know H-E-B. They know the product. Tey know the steps and the things, the meetings, and they’re part of all of that. So, it’s balance for us because we’ve put it all in one.”
Advice for couples
• Make sure you know who you are individually. So, when you come to the table with a partner you can communicate that stuf and then it doesn’t turn into bad stuff. Before you even hook up, there should be a level of self-awareness.
• Be comfortable with yourself despite it all. No matter what you’ve been through, if you’re comfortable with yourself, you know yourself.
• Be clear with each other when it comes to communication.
• Be strong when your partner is weak and vice versa. Fill in the gap for each other.
• You cannot have a strong marriage without having God as your foundation.
• You both have to be equally yoked, believe in the same God and pray together.
• Regularly work your marriage muscle to keep it strong.
• Take at least 20 minutes a day (no matter what) to talk to your spouse. Be very intentional where there’s no distractions.
• Be present. If you go places and someone says “I didn’t know you were married, that’s a problem.”
Have you ever been in a situation where you see or meet someone for the frst time and instantly believe it’s “love at frst sight?” It might sound cliché, but for Olaniyi Modupe, when he frst saw his wife Lola on a dating app, he knew he had found the love of his life.
Olaniyi is a Nigerian-born Houston millennial who had his share of heartbreaks in the dating scene. He knew he was ready for the commitment, but struggled to fnd his “missing rib.”
On March 2022, he fgured he’d try his luck on a Muslim dating app called Salams; and the rest was history.
“Immediately, I saw her on the app, I said, this is it,” Olaniyi said. “It was her picture for me. From there, I asked her some questions to see the kind of person she was.”
Lola got acquainted with him and eventually the two started dating. During the process, Lola better understood what kind of person
Olaniyi was. And bingo; he checked all the boxes regarding her expectations of an ideal partner. However, Lola says she engaged in self-sabotage of the pair’s potential because she believed Olaniyi’s actions toward her were too good to be true.
“[I] went through that ‘Men aint s—t’ type of phase. Every guy [before her husband] was trash. I gave up on men [at one point], and said ‘I’m going to marry myself,’” Lola confessed. “My friend kept saying, ‘Manifest…it worked for Ciara’. But I ain’t rich, so that was two diferent things. I prayed, cried and nothing worked until I got on the app and met him.
“I kept self-sabotaging every situation, but I think the moment for me was when I was sick, he picked me up and took me to the Emergency Room. He came with a bouquet of roses,” Lola said. “At that time, we weren’t together, and it wasn’t Valentine’s Day. I felt so special. I never had a guy who prays for my family, who prays over me when I’m sleeping. It was diferent.”
Afer a few months of dating, in January
2023, they had an intimate court wedding and are planning their extravagant Nigerian wedding ceremony in November 2023.
“I still feel like we are still dating [as a married couple]. I cook for her, I clean for her, I tell her we need to pray,” said Olaniyi. “It has been wonderful. It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had.”
Advice for couples
• Be friends frst.
• Men need to learn how to put the toilet seat down.
• Learn to tune your mind out during arguments.
• Don’t give up on love. It takes time.
• God’s time is the best time.
• Love yourself frst.
• Notice your [behavioral] patterns.
• Normalize girls’ nights. Spend time with friends
When it comes to Black love, our team at the Defender loves to love. Their supportive mates are part of the Defender family. Here, we celebrate and recognize them.
ReShonda Tate (Caradine) is the Managing Editor for the Defender.
Time together: 4 years (Dating 2019, Married 2021)
How they met: Blackpeoplemeet.com:-). Both of us divorced afer more than 20 years of marriage and had NO desire whatsoever to ever marry again. My cousin decided it was time for me to get back in the dating pool and set up a profle on the dating site. She started pretending to be me and swiped right on Jefrey and began a conversation (as me). Te only thing was….Jef had no desire to be on a dating site either. His co-workers set up a profle for him and were communicating as him, trying to fnd him a date. Even though he was in Oklahoma and I was in Houston, afer a few weeks of talking online, my cousin said, “I think I found a good one for you.” His coworkers told him the same thing, so we both stepped in and revealed the truth. We had a good laugh, talked for a while, then agreed to meet up in Dallas at the TSU-Southern game. And the rest is history. (Don’t worry, I got copies of his license and all pertinent info frst).
Advice to couples: Life is too short to be unhappy. If you get upset at each other, take time, then come back and talk about it. Communication is key but always ask yourself “Is this argument worth it?” Most of the time, the answer to that will be no. Some days you will give more than you get. And vice-versa. It’s a balance. It’s so easy to give up but remember anything worth having takes work. And above all else, keep God in the center of your relationship.
Jimmie Aggison is the Defender’s photojournalist and high school sports editor.
Time together: 21 years (Dating, June 2002, Married 2006)
How they met: College at the University of Kansas in Sept. 2001. She was waiting at the bus stop. I had just gotten out of Biology class and saw her standing there, and then I saw her tattoo on her leg. It was a killer clown and at the top of it read, ‘Who can you trust?’ So out of curiosity I had to ask her, ‘Why did you get that?’ Maybe I ofended her because she looked at me, stood up, and walked of. Saw her around campus alot afer that and we fnally exchanged numbers. At frst, I didn’t want to call because it was long distance and I didn’t want to use my minutes. But I’m glad I did.
Advice to other couples: Keep God frst and live in a way pleasing unto Him because the commitment was to Him frst. Marriage is work. Hard work. Do the work if you want to stay married, fnd other married couples you can hang with as they can understand what you are going through or will go through when you’re going through it. Single couples aren’t married, therefore can’t really relate to marriage problems. Remember it’s okay to be upset, it’s okay to be angry, but if that person died in two hours would it change the anger you currently feel? If it would, then that anger is a waste of time.
Aswad Walker is the Defender’s Associate Editor.
Time together: 24 years (Dating 1999; Married 2001)
How they met: At church in Detroit. We were introduced by my wife’s brother-in-law.
Advice for couples: Advice for couples? Hell! I need advice!!!! A relationship, no matter how many or how few years you’ve been together is always a work in progress. I guess my advice is realizing that, and then being willing to do the work to make the thing work. It’s equally important to be able to initiate those hard/uncomfortable conversations as it is to be on the “receiving end” of those “We need to talk” moments. Te willingness to work through the “stuf” that we each bring, makes for stronger bonds.
Laura Onyeneho is the Defender Education Reporter.
Time together: 2 years (Dating 2020, Engaged June 2022)
How they met: Let’s just say it all started in the DM in 2019. From there we built a strong rapport for each other before we decided to seriously court in 2020. Te rest was history. Like Beyonce’ said “If you like it then you should have put a ring on it,” and that’s what he did;).
Advice to couples: I just started so I’m no expert, but what I’ve learned so far is to stay present, be intentional about each other, and don’t allow those social media relationships fool you because it will end in premium tears if you start comparing your life to theirs.
love most about their mate
As many of you know, on Jan. 2, Bufalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, age 24, went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on the feld during a game with the Cincinnati Bengals. On Jan. 12, Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ daughter, died at age 54 after going into cardiac arrest and being rushed to a hospital.
February is American Heart Health Month, making this an opportune time to learn more about cardiovascular events and how you can help lower your risk from experiencing one.
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrent results from electrical disturbances that cause the heart to suddenly stop beating the way it should. This sudden, unexpected loss of heart function results in a sudden loss of breathing and consciousness. Death can result quickly if steps aren’t taken right away. It can sometimes be reversed if CPR is performed and a defbrillator shocks the
FROM THE DOC
“Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women in the United States.”
Dr. Adesina is a renowned cardiologist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. Forappointments,call 713-442-0000
heart to restore a normal heart rhythm within a few minutes. Otherwise, the outcome can be tragic.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack is a circulation problem. When circulation is blocked or cut of in some way and sufcient blood is no longer supplied to the heart muscle, this can damage the heart. This is commonly described as a heart attack. Blockages are mostly caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque forms when cholesterol combines with fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood. Combined, these elements harden into plaque, which can rupture and cause a blood clot to form. Large clots can completely block the fow of blood through an artery.
Do your part for better health.
To help lower your risks:
• Get regular – but sensible – exercise
most day of the week. (Please check with a doctor before starting an exercise regimen.)
• Avoid tobacco usage in any form.
• Reduce salt intake, commit to a high-fber diet, and manage your weight.
• Have regular medical evaluations that include checking blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and, if the physician feels the need, glucose levels. If so indicated, a cardiologist can perform additional tests to further assess your cardiovascular condition.
I’ll close with this sobering message: Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women in the United States.
Dr. Adesina cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Berthelsen Main Campus, Clear Lake Clinic, and Pearland Clinic.
Kelsey-Seybold welcomes new patients and accepts more than 50 health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and many more.
We have 35 convenient locations close to home and work –and still growing!
Te Astros Foundation is set to host the inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, at Minute Maid Park Feb 17-19. Te historic inaugural event is a round-robin collegiate baseball tournament highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs, on opening weekend of Division I college baseball.
“Te Cactus Jack HBCU Classic is my baby,” said Astros Foundation President Paula McCann Harris. “I’m very excited about this event which will bring thousands of people here and allow our players the opportunity to showcase their skills on a Major League baseball feld.”
Te six schools participating in the inaugural event include Texas Southern University(Houston, TX), Prairie View A&M (Prairie View, Texas), Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana), Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi), and Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Mississippi).
A highlight of the tournament will be traditional HBCU in-state rivalry games between Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M, Southern University and Grambling State, and Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State, on Saturday, Feb. 18.
The Cactus Jack HBCU Classic will include other events at Minute Maid Park throughout the weekend aside from the nine games. A college fair, featuring over 100 colleges and universities, will be hosted by the Astros Youth Academy on Saturday, Feb. 18. On Sunday, Feb. 19, the Astros Foundation will host a Gospel Breakfast, featuring food, gospel music and entertainment. For more information on the college fair and the Gospel Breakfast, please visit Astros.com/ HBCUClassic.
All three of Saturday’s games will be televised on AT&T SportsNet SW and available on the channel in the entirety of the Astros fve-state viewing area. Te games will also be streamed on Astros.com and on the Astros Twitter and Facebook social channels. Gerald Sanchez and Butch Alsandor will be on the call for the frst game on Saturday, with Todd Kalas and Michael Bourn calling those fnal two games of the day.
Outside of the Astros viewing area, MLB Network will air live the 11 a.m. CT Saturday game between Mississippi Valley St. and Jackson St. MLB Network will also air the other two games on tape delay at a later time.
The partnership with the Cactus Jack Foundation for the tournament supports the Astros’ longstanding commitment to raising money and providing scholarship opportunities for students to attend HBCUs.
It is a cause that is important to Travis Scott, founder of the Cactus Jack Foundation, given his family’s longtime legacy supporting HBCUs.
To celebrate the Cactus Jack Foundation’s involvement in the tournament, the Astros Foundation will be distributing Travis Scott Exclusive Bobbleheads each day of the tournament to 2,500 ticketed fans in attendance.
Single day tickets and three-day tournament packages are on sale now at Astros. com/HBCUClassic.
HBCU
Friday, February 17, 2023
11:05 a.m. Prairie View vs. Grambling St.
3:05 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Mississippi Valley St.
7:05 p.m. Southern University vs. Jackson St.
Saturday, February 18, 2023
(In-State Rivalry Games)
11:05 a.m. Mississippi Valley St. vs. Jackson St.
3:05 p.m. Southern University vs. Grambling St.
7:05 p.m. Prairie View vs. Texas Southern
Sunday, February 19, 2023
11:05 a.m. Grambling St. vs. Mississippi Valley St.
3:05 p.m. Jackson St. vs. Prairie View
7:05 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Southern University
*Game times are subject to change; home teams are listed second
College Fair – Saturday, February 18
Hosted by the Astros Foundation and Youth Academy College Fair
Minute Maid Park 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free for high school students in 9th to 12th grade and their parents. Features over 100 colleges, universities, and military recruiters. Each participating student will receive a ticket to attend the tournament on the day of the event. Registration is required.
Gospel Breakfast –Sunday, February 19 9 am - 10:30 am
Minute Maid Park - Diamond Club
$25/per person (includes admission to all Sunday HBCU Classic games)
R YAN W HITE P LANNING C OUNCIL M EETINGS FOR 2023
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Council meetings are open to the public and although only Counc il members can vote, Public Comment is welcome at the beginning of every meeting. The Council currently meets virtually via Zoom Teleconference on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 12noon. Call the office for info about meetings or check our online calendar. Meeting materials and the Zoom link (or physical location if applicable) are posted on the calendar about one week prior to each meeting
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The calendar of all Council and Committee meetings and a wealth of other information is available on our website. Check the calendar regularly for topics of specific interest to you. Send an email to join our E-List to receive info about Council and community events. We hope to see you soon!
H OUSTON R YAN W HITE P LANNING C OUNCIL Phone 832 927-7926 Fax 713 572-3740 http://rwpcHouston.org f eedbackRWPC@harriscountytx.go v
is a free 17 week training course for individuals living with or affected by HIV. The purpose of the program is to train people to effectively participate on local HIV planning bodies. Topics covered include the history of HIV in the Houston area, local HIV trends, services for people living with HIV and much, much more!
Depending on COVID, Project LEAP may be held virtually or
If you have questions about the program or would like to receive an application, please contact Diane Beck at 832 927-7926 or diane.beck@harriscountytx.gov
RYAN WHITE PLANNING COUNCIL OFFICE OF SUPPORT 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 Phone 832 927-7926 Fax 713 572-3724 http://rwpcHouston.org
Establishing proper health and wellness habits are important for your overall well-being. Maintaining a balanced diet, getting proper sleep and exercising regularly are all good things do. But, have you considered adding your dental health to the list?
Dr. Mikenah Joy Vega is a cosmetic dentist practicing at Smile Design Studios, a Black- owned and women-run practice in Missouri City. Vega, a Boston native, earned her dental degree from Tufs University School of Dental Medicine and relocated to Houston in 2018.
When she isn’t in the feld of dentistry, she is a health and wellness coach and creates content that encourages everyone to live life full of “joy” and positivity.
Te Defender had a one-on-one conversation with Vega to fnd out what you can do to improve your oral health this year.
DEFENDER: You are a Boston transplant.What made you decide to move to Houston?
DR. MIKENAH JOY VEGA: I grew up in Boston. I went to private school my whole life. I was always the only Black woman in every room and I was tired. Afer dental school, I made a big decision to move. I came to Houston to visit my aunt who moved here 15 years ago and has lived a great life so I packed my bags and lef in 2018. It’s been fve years now. I worked and networked a lot. I put myself out there. I love Houston because if you’re authentic people open doors for you.
In 2019, I met my now business partner Dr. Simone Ellis. She had been a dentist here in the community for about 10 years at that point. I wanted to work with her so bad. I showed up at her ofce once a week. I didn’t know her sphere of infuence. She is a top Black doctor in this area and I wanted to connected with her because I like her for who she is and her practice. I jumped through hoops to show her how committed I was about this work.
In 2020, during the pandemic, she moved her ofce into a bigger space. She invited me to come along and be her co-doctor. It didn’t take long before I went viral on Twitter. We are all about giving the Black luxury experience. We don’t have a lot of places for us that not only give you good service, but give you a good time. One of my patients went through that experience and she posted it on Twitter and before you knew it, we had all of Houston trying to get into the ofce. I do a lot of cosmetics, veneers, Invisalign, but I do everything.
DEFENDER: How does oral health impact our overall health?
VEGA: You have to realize that if you are not flossing, brushing and going to
the dentist [eventually] you’ll have really nasty bacteria that builds underneath your gums. When you have that infammation in your mouth, it triggers to other parts
of the body. We have to realize that our mouths are a whole microbiome and we have to take good care of it. If you have a cavity lef untreated it will afect you and eventually fester. Once you lose teeth, how can you eat your vegetables? How can you eat meat?
All of a sudden you are having undernutrition because you don’t have healthy teeth to chew your food. Tat’s what’s happening to a lot of elderly people. Also, if you don’t like your teeth, you tend to shy away. You don’t laugh or smile, and look stern. Tey are blocking their blessings because they don’t want to show their teeth. Tat could impact self-esteem and could lead to depression and other mental health problems.
DEFENDER: Black dentist make up 3.8% of the dental workforce in the U.S. What does that mean to you as a Black health care professional?
VEGA: I feel so privileged. It gives me the sense of duty. I want to be one of the best dentists who just so happens to be Black. I do a lot of mentorships and trying to get more people into the feld. When there is not enough of us to take care of our people, our people sufer. Ofentimes I’ve had to re-educate and get rid of the trauma that people have had because they went to the dentist. A lot of what I do is therapy work.
DEFENDER: What are some barriers that Black people face when trying to access proper oral care?
VEGA: It’s education. A lot of people don’t know that your baby should start going [to the dentist] at six months. A lot of people don’t know that we need to get cleaning twice a year and the dangers of gum disease and things like that. We wait until something hurts instead of taking preventative measures.
Maybe our parents didn’t have insurance, so we didn’t grow up going to the dentist on a regular basis and not making it a priority. Not having those white-collar jobs that provide good insurance is another issue. Some people feel that if they don’t have insurance they can’t aford to go to the dentist. In Texas, you can have dental care, even if you don’t have insurance.
Newly hired Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has been busy putting together his staff and former Humble and Texas A&M standout quarterback
Jerrod Johnson has been hired as the team’s new quarterback coach. Johnson had most recently been with the Minnesota Vikings’ coaching staff and had recently interviewed for the San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator job.
After sounding like GM Rafael Stone was willing to kick the tires on recently acquired veteran swingman
Danny Green, the Rockets have waived Green and guard John Wall. Both Green and Wall were part of the three-team trade that ultimately sent Eric Gordon to the Los Angeles Clippers prior to the NBA’s trade deadline. Green quickly caught on with the Cavaliers after reaching his buyout deal with the Rockets.
Texans receiver great Andre Johnson was passed over by the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters for the second year in a row. The 2023 HOF Class was announced prior to the Super Bowl.
These past few seasons for Texas Southern junior guard Andriana Avent have been nothing like she envisioned when she began this journey from Sacramento, Calif. Her first college stop at the University of New Mexico didn’t work out. She landed at TSU prior to the 2021-22 academic year and she found refuge and a coach in Cynthia Cooper-Dykes, who had the patience and knowledge to teach her the game.
But Cooper-Dykes abruptly retired at the end of last season and soon details of her menacing behavior toward some of her players emerged. So now, Avent is adjusting to new Lady Tigers’ coach Vernette Skeete while having a lot of individual success, but the team is struggling with just one win all season.
“It’s been ups and downs, but I can say that I’m more than blessed more than anything,” Avent said. “No matter what, I feel like I can’t give up.”
Despite the Lady Tigers’ 1-22 recording coming out of last weekend, the 5-foot-11 Avent is having an impressive season. She currently ranks second in the SWAC in scoring (16.7 points) and second in 3-pointers made per game (2.3).
In her second season at TSU, she has clearly established herself as one of the elite players in the SWAC. Avent was named SWAC Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks during a stretch in January.
Skeete has been impressed with Avent, but she still knows there is much more to unlock in her game.
“She has been growing along with all of the other players on the team,” Skeete said. “She has been exploring, trying to find a way and grow her game, work on some things we’ve seen that need improvement so that we can get her to the next level.”
The Defender sat down with Avent to discuss her journey, her motivation, and hopes for her team.
DEFENDER: How is the season going foryou?
AVENT: It’s been a challenge, but more so for the good because we do have a young team, just building a new program. I feel like it has been a good ride, but it’s been hard, too. Just like the work is a little different. The team chemistry, just getting to know new individuals being that half the team is fairly
new. Besides that, everything else has been pretty good.
DEFENDER: Howhaveyoucontinued to be you within the context of all that has transpired this past year?
AVENT: It’s more so just knowing my role as being the captain of the team. I’m learning how to be more open, showing that I am more committed, having my teammates’ backs as we go through what we go through.
DEFENDER: How has reality matched with what yourvision was when you transferred toTSU from New Mexico?
AVENT: At times, it is a lot different than what was expected. We do have a new coaching staff, so it’s like going through building trust all over again; having the same confidence as you did before being that the system isn’t the same. It’s a whole different style of play.
DEFENDER: What was it like foryou last year dealing with the coach who recruited you suddenly retiring and then the abuse allegations that followed?
AVENT: It was a little complicated being
that I did build a relationship with the coach. I felt like she did know what she was doing as far as X’s and O’s. The outside stuff, I really didn’t know too much about because I was just into basketball. I wasn’t into nothing else.
DEFENDER: What was last season like foryou?
AVENT: It helped me gain my confidence. I finally had a coach who believed in me and actually took the time to show me where I went wrong and how to critique my skills into getting better. Also, she let me play and wasn’t so uptight with everything. I was able to make mistakes and then learn from them throughout the process.
DEFENDER: What has it been like adjusting to coach Skeete and her staff?
AVENT: I’m normally just a quiet person, so it takes me a while to open up and to gain trust in other people. But I feel like I do have trust in her, her process and where she is going as far as the program. I just feel like I haven’t come out of my shell all the way because at times I am a little nervous to make mistakes because I’m not too sure how her coaching is all the way. But that’s the only thing.
Basketball is a game of runs. When you’re hot, you’re hot, but when you’re cold you better heat up soon.
In the game of hoops, possessions are critical. Blocked shots, defensive stops and relentless rebounding could turn a one-score game into a 20-point blowout quickly. It is always a special piece for a team to possess a player with all three of these abilities. For the Worthing Colts girls’ varsity basketball team this season, those abilities can be found in a 4-year varsity player by the name of Fallon Green.
Originally from Arizona, Green has been playing basketball since the 4th grade.
“I played with club ball in Arizona and then Houston Hoops when I got to Texas,” said Green.
Not only do you have to be special to play varsity all four years, but you have to be ready to play. And it’s almost as if Green was born ready. Or at least close to it.
When asked about the transition from middle school basketball to the varsity level, Green said, “It was definitely harder. e pace was much faster than any other game I’ve played before.”
Playing varsity early allowed Green the opportunity to see what it took to play at a higher level. Not only does she lead her team in rebounds, but she also leads the team in blocked shots.
“My style is very competitive. I’m eager for a rebound and I’m definitely going to put the shot back up and make it. On defense, I’m always making sure that my feet stay on the ground because that’s the most important part. And I can kind of tell when the shot’s going to go up. So, that’s when I jump fast to make the block.”
On the court, Green is very consistent, disciplined, coachable and hard-working. ese same attributes have followed her in the classroom. Next year, she plans to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge where she will major in nursing.
“I would like to major in nursing because my mom is a nurse and she’s my biggest example. And I’m the oldest out of my siblings, so I’m naturally the caretaker in my family,” said Green.
When asked what advice would she give to others who would like to share in some of the same successes she’s seen over the four years, Green freely shared the gems that helped her elevate her game.
“Work on your game as much as you can. If you’re outside, get a ball, work on your handles. If you’re on the court, just shooting around, work on your shot. Take your game seriously. e work you put in will definitely show on the court.”
ABOUT FALLON GREEN
Class: 2023
IG: @official_fallon
Twitter: @official4fallon
Hobbies: Cooking / Baking
Player she studies: Shanice Ferguson (Madison HS)
Favorite Subject in School: English
Favorite Artist: Lil Baby
Take your game seriously. The work you put in will definitely show on the court.”
Fallon Green
