Houston Defender: February 27, 2020

RODEO BOUND

BLACK COWBOYS NEWS

NEWS

FAYE BRYANT

Houston remembers HISD legend and former AKA president.

Volume 89, issue 18 February 27, 2020

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ANTHONY SNIPES The city manager of Missouri City is terminated by city council.

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE Mia Wright Age: 54 Occupation: Co-Pastor, The Fountain of Praise/ Exec. Dir. – Metamorphosis Conference, Inc. Motto: “Life is full of changes – ignite them, embrace them and live them!”

The Defender is distributed to hundreds of locations in the Houston area.

Message from the Publisher Jensen; Mrs. McLaughlin, director of the Kender College Day Care Center at 7426 Curry Street; Ms. Blanca, assistant manager of the Chelsea Senior community and Glynn Berry, owner of the Sunday Morning Barbershop at 6600 Laura Kopppe who support us with words of encouragement and share our publicaSonny Messiah Jiles tion with their clients. We want to personally thank you and all our other locations for carrying the Defender in your stores, shops, offices, and businesses. This is a team effort to keep the We are where you are Black community informed and we appreciate your efThe Defender is distributed in more locations than forts in making this a reality. all the other Black publications put together and we have an extraordinary distribution team. Recently, we It’s Rodeo time held our annual lunch with our top distributors LarThe horses, wagons, parade, cook-off, carnival and ry Davis, Ron Scurry and Robert Sanders, who make more are ready to go as the Houston Livestock Show sure you get the printed edition of the Defender at over and Rodeo season gets underway. But do you know 300 locations across town. In the southwest part of the about the Black trail riders? Have you heard their county, Ron and the Defender want to give a shout- stories? Read our centerfold story and go online at out to Donna Raven, manager of the Shipley Donuts Defendernetwork.com for more. Black Cowboys were at 1701 Texas Parkway in Missouri City; Brenda John- REAL in the past and are still REAL TODAY. son, the receptionist at Brentwood Baptist Church; and Evelyn Everett and Keshonna Hines at Soul Food On the Web

by Catherine, who all give us a big smile and warm Headlines to look for on defendernetwork.com: welcome every Thursday. On the northside, Larry HBCU presidents’ high turnover rate, TV personality and the Defender recognize Keely Bryant, owner of and Snoop Dog explains why he lashed out at Gayle I ware Oils in the House of Brown Barbershop, 9420 King and more...

GO VOTE, NOW

I LOVE… people and the positive energy they can give.

IG: @miawright Twitter: miawright Facebook: @miakwright YT: speakermiawright Read more on Friday about Pastor Mia at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: fitnfine@defendernetwork.com

The No. 1 priority is to VOTE! Early voting ends on Friday, Feb. 28 and Super Tuesday is March 3. All elections are important but this one has significance beyond all understanding, focusing on issues such as redistricting, judicial justice, allocation of federal funds and who could be our next president. After the last four years, we have to stop complaining and do something about it: VOTE.

The Defender top distributors enjoy our annual lunch and discuss strategies for improving our circulation. Back row (l. to r.), Robert Sanders and Ron Scurry. Front row (l to r) Sonny Messiah Jiles and Larry Davis.

February 27, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Texas gets grant to protect kids from lead Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to be used for identification and remediation of lead in drinking water in schools or childcare facilities.

“Lead poisoning in young children continues to be a serious and life-threatening issue, especially in low-income communities of color,” Jackson Lee said.

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control found that half a million children have blood lead levels of 5 μg/dL or greater. Lead poisoning at these levels can have lifelong

consequences, such as lower IQs, delayed growth, hearing loss, severe neurological damage in the way of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, and even death. A USA Today investigation revealed that 2,000 water systems across the U.S. have been identified as possessing excessive levels of lead contamination, and 350 of these systems were installed in elementary schools or daycare centers.

“In 2018, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that 5,431 children under the age of 5 tested positive for elevated blood lead levels,” Jackson Lee said.

“In Harris County alone, that same number

was 818 children. Pediatric exposure to lead has been linked to contaminated water fountains, faucets, and pipes in schools, homes and childcare facilities.”

Noting that residents of Flint, Mich. have been battling the issue of lead-contaminated water for years, Jackson Lee said a repeat is unwanted in Texas.

“I commend the EPA for providing the state of Texas with this additional funding, so that our communities can improve and expand our current screening programs in order to eliminate childhood lead exposure,” she said.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

TSU looks to future after Lane contract buyout Remembering HISD legend Faye B. Bryant Faye B. Bryant, a longtime HISD administrator who became the district’s first African American female deputy superintendent for School Administration, died on Feb. 20 at age 82. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 29 at Fountain of Praise Church, 13950 Hillcroft.

She was also international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. from 1982 to 1986. Bryant, a Houston native, was initiated into the Alpha Chapter of the sorority at Howard University in 1955. She received her M.A. degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Houston.

She taught at Booker T. Washington High School and served as a counselor at Bellaire High School. In addition, she served as director of Magnet Schools for HISD. In 2002, she retired as executive deputy superintendent after 42 years of service.

Texas Southern University’s former president is moving on after the Board of Regents bought out his contract to the tune of $879,000. Some alumni say the war may be over, but the battle is just beginning.

Dr. Austin Lane has not unveiled his next steps but in a written statement said, “TSU will always be the Heart & Soul of Houston and will forever have a special place in our hearts. We are moving on with our heads held high knowing we did our best and that it’s confirmed and on record that we did nothing wrong.”

The drama over the board’s decision to fire Lane has had TSU alumni, students, faculty and staff at odds for weeks. During a regularly scheduled board meeting, regents voted to part ways with Lane without any claim of wrongdoing on his part, a change from the process they began earlier in the month, when they announced his termination because of “ failure to act on or inform the board about fraud allegations involving a former law school official.” That claim was one Lane refused to take lightly. After a 13-hour mediation, the two sides were able to come to terms, with the board agreeing to buy out the remainder of Lane’s contract and acknowledge that he had done nothing wrong.

A settlement agreement released by TSU shows a lump sum payment of $560,000, plus unpaid vacation time, deferred compensation and the cash value of his life insurance policy.

The three-page document shows that Lane waived his right to sue TSU, and both parties agreed to part ways without disparaging each other publicly.

“I wish the best for Dr. Lane and his family, but it’s time to move on. We need to do the business of this university,” said board member Albert Myres.

The decision was met with disdain from alumni who changed their #IStandWithLane social media campaign to a “Remove the Regents” campaign.

“This is very disheartening. But we’re not through with our fight,” said alumnus Karla Brown. “We’ll change Dr. Austin Lane our goal now to get rid of the board. I think we need to get a new board, then reinstate our president.”

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News B. SMITH

KATHERINE JOHNSON

TV personality, author, model and business owner dead at 70.

NASA mathematician dies at 101, portrayed in “Hidden Figures.” 1918 - 2020

Super Tuesday turns to minority voters On Super Tuesday — March 3 — Texas and 13 other states will hold presidential primaries. There are 228 delegates at stake in Texas.

By the end of Super Tuesday, more than a third of all convention delegates will have been pledged nationally. Two-thirds will have been chosen by the end of March.

After two contests in states with overwhelmingly white electorates, the Democratic presidential primaries are rushing into a broader and more diverse landscape where African American and Latino voters play a potentially decisive role — and are up for grabs.

Black and Latino voters will be big influencers in the outcome as the candidates compete. All of the contenders, who are white, boast a spotty record on race or have demonstrated other weaknesses that pose steep challenges as they seek to appeal to a powerful and skeptical electorate.

Nonwhite voters have been left to evaluate past actions and future promises as the candidates try to ingratiate themselves by tweaking applause lines, translating

Most of the Democrats seeking their party’s presidential nomination march in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

59%

increase in eligible women of color voters since 2000 * Center for American Progress

campaign themes into Spanish, and filling the airwaves with images of themselves working alongside the

first Black president.

“You’re now seeing voters of color, who are the backbone of the Democratic Party, particularly Black women, flex their electoral muscle,” said Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state legislator and influential Democrat looking at their primary on Sat. Feb 29. “My mom and her friends will decide who the nominee is and who goes toe-to-toe against Donald Trump.”

City manager fired in Mo. City Anthony Snipes, the city manager of Missouri City, is out of a job after a contentious debate that has left some area residents frustrated with what they call a politically motivated move.

Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford and the city council voted 4-3 to terminate the contract of Snipes at a special meeting on Feb. 25.

Ford alleged previous employment review issues and potential misuse of city funds as the reason to vote to fire Snipes. The motion to terminate his employment was made

by Councilmember Vashaundra Edwards and supported

by Ford and Councilmembers Chris Preston and Cheryl Sterling. Councilmembers Jeffrey Boney, Floyd Emery and Anthony Maroulis voted against the motion.

“This decision isn’t based on race, gender, personal beliefs or popularity, it’s based on the facts and fact alone,” Edwards said.

Others say it was because Snipes stood up to council members.

“They want to get rid of our city manager and the reason is they want to get somebody in here that is a ‘yes’ man,” Emery said, drawing cheers and applause from the packed room.

After the meeting Snipes said, “Sometimes leadership decides to go in another direction and in the end, I have to respect that.”

Snipes served as city manager for a little more than four years. According to the terms of his contract, city officials agreed to pay 12 months salary ($213,200) in the event of early termination.

NEWSBRIEFS SUGAR LAND GROUP WANTS STREETS RENAMED

COURT: FLORIDA CAN’T DENY FELONS VOTE

HISTORY OF TULSA RACE MASSACRE TO BE TAUGHT

Sugar Land residents are petitioning to have two street names changed in the New Territory neighborhood. Ellis Creek Boulevard and Cunningham Creek Boulevard are named after L.A. Ellis and Ed H. Cunningham, two plantation owners from the 1800s who led the convict leasing program, according to resident Paul Matthews. The street names hold a controversial connection to the neighborhood, Matthews said. Matthews said he wants to rename the streets after meaningful figures in Black history: Walter Burton, the first African American sheriff in Fort Bend County and Garrett Gamble, a U.S. Marine and Fort Bend High School graduate who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

An appeals court has upheld a judge’s ruling that Florida’s felons cannot be denied the right to vote due to inability to pay court fees and fines. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s majority-Republican legislature added the requirement after voters approved Amendment 4, which granted felons the right to vote after they finished their sentences. Only convicted murders and sex offenders were excluded.

Supporters say the ruling affirms what Floridians intended when they passed Amendment 4, to restore to returning citizens their right to vote. A spokeswoman for the governor, said he would appeal the decision on the injunction.

Amendment 4 would affect over 1.4 million former Florida felons.

Oklahoma students will soon learn about a dark moment in the state’s history that has long gone unmentioned. Legislators approved an initiative that would feature the history of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre as part of the public school curriculum. Described as one of the worst instances of racial violence in American history, the massacre unfolded when an angry white mob besieged Tulsa’s Greenwood District, an affluent African-American community also known as “Black Wall Street.” The thriving neighborhood was looted and burned to the ground amid claims that a Black man had assaulted a white woman. An estimated 300 people were killed and hundreds of others unaccounted for.

VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 18 - FEBRUARY 27, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

People Editor Aswad Walker

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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

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

February 27, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

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6 | February 27, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Calendar

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION:

Tuesday, March 3.

BLACK HISTORY UPCOMING EVENTS

You can vote early now through Friday (February 28).

SATURDAY, FEB. 29 The Annual Acres Homes Legends: Student Essay Contest Ceremony and Program will be held at 10 a.m.

at Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, 8501 W Montgomery.

Info: houstonlibrary.org.

Visit: RodneyEllis.com to find your polling location or call: (844) TX-VOTES.

SHAPE Community Center hosts

a “Black Every Day” history program titled “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” at 11 a.m. at 3815 Live Oak. Lunch is $5.

Info: shape.org.

Houston Community College’s Black History Scholarship Gala

will be held at 6 p.m. at the Hilton-Americas Houston, 1600 Lamar.

Special guests will be actresses Lynn Whitfield and Robin Givens, who will speak on “The Empowerment of the Black Woman.” Info: hccs.edu.

Lynn Whitfield

Robin Givens

THIRD WARD CHESS PARK TRANSFORMED

A vacant lot in Third Ward has been transformed into a chess park thanks to a local developer and now, renowned artists are doing their part to improve the area even more.

The lot at McGowen and Live Oak streets had been an eyesore until Ciara Jarmon, a developer and realtor with Realinc LLC which specializes in Third Ward real estate, and the Cinque Project, a local nonprofit directed by Rich Johnson, decided to make it a safe green space for residents of all ages. Jarmon said she wanted to offer a fresh outlook to stakeholders of what community advocates are willing to bring to the area.

“I am doing what I can do to be a part of the solution to this major problem, not just for my family but for others as well,” said Jarmon, who lives in the area with her family.

“I am hoping to generate and bridge more collaboration between the public and private sectors and increase Black ownership and generational wealth in Third Ward.”

Artist Max Syron heard about the park

and recently created a “Star Bench,” a unique sculpted bench that provides both seating and a creative play structure. A collection of writings that highlight stars and astronomy adorn the bench.

Many years before the formalized park, local residents frequently came together to play games such as cards, dominoes and chess.

They meet regularly at the corner of Sauer and Tuam streets in a vacant lot under a tree with discarded tables and broken chairs, according to Ed Pettitt with the Mayor’s Third Ward Complete Communities program.

A new owner recently purchased the vacant lot where residents played. In recent years, developers have torn down shotgun and bungalow houses in Third Ward to make room for luxury townhomes, Pettitt said.

“The realization that this vacant lot may not be vacant much longer sparked an effort to identify a new space with better infrastructure to make a case for long-term investment,” he said.

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olitical act was p t rs fi y M . e d nnysi ith my mom.

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Pol. adv. Rodney Ellis Campaign

February 27, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

From the desk of

MIKE BLOOMBERG Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Greenwood Initiative.

As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would only have been possible in America — and that’s true. But I also know that because of the artificial barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white.

Building Generational Wealth for Black Families is Critical. That’s why I launched The Greenwood Initiative in Tulsa last month. I visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, where a white mob decimated the prosperous community of Greenwood.

It is to the memory of the lost lives and promise of Greenwood that we’ve dedicated The Greenwood Initiative: a plan to address the systematic bias that has kept Black Americans from building wealth.

THE GREENWOOD PLAN WILL: • Create 1 million new Black homeowners • Double the number of new Black-owned businesses • Invest $70 billion in the country’s 100 most disadvantaged neighborhoods

Fixing the System for Black Families. When I was mayor of New York, I was proud to take on the systematic inequality that held back too many New Yorkers. We increased education funding, built 650 new schools and raised Black graduation rates to record highs. We led an ambitious effort to reduce poverty and managed the largest amount of affordable housing in the nation. And as President, I will work even more aggressively to combat inequality nationwide.

I understand that undoing generations of systematic discrimination won’t happen overnight, but we can make progress with a clear vision and a comprehensive plan. I’ve included a pamphlet along with this letter that lays out my plan. When I’m President, implementing The Greenwood Initiative: will be a top priority.

Join me in ending the systemic inequality that has held Black Americans back for too long!

Sincerely, Mike Bloomberg

For more information visit

PAID FOR BY MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020

State: & Publication

MikeForBlackAmerica.com

8 | February 27, 2020 |

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| 9

DN People

was over, I bought a horse.”

Immediately, Gray had her sights set on becoming a trail boss, unaware that such a plan would define her as a history-maker. In 2008, her dream became reality, leading her first of now 12 rides, with 2020 being lucky 13.

The Southwestern Trail Ride was officially chartered in 1974, and kicks off annually from the Stephen F. Austin monument in West Columbia.

The approximately 250 riders and 10 wagons for the 123-mile journey meet the Saturday before Rodeo events kick off at NRG Park.

Cook, the assistant trail boss, has been involved with the ride for 30 years.

“Rosetta and I complement each other well as she’s very firm, and I’m not as much,” Cook said.

RODEO BOUND

Black Cowboys

By Aswad Walker

W

hen the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hits Houston each year, the African American connection to the festivities and entertainment isn’t limited to Black Heritage Day. Black cowboys and cowgirls on horseback have long been an impressive site as they ride across Texas, Rodeo bound.

The Black western tradition is as old as cowboys themselves, and local Black trail rider associations that have been in existence since 1957 do their part annually — and all year long — to keep the legacy alive.

Part of that tradition has been enduring discrimination and persisting in spite of the obstacles, just like their Black cowboy brethren of decades past.

“Right after the Civil War, being a cowboy was one of the few jobs open to men of color who wanted to not serve as elevator operators or delivery boys or other similar occupations,” said William Loren Katz, a scholar of African-American history and the author of “The Black West.”

As a tribute to Black cowboys of the late 1880s and early 1900s, today’s riders participate in their journeys with pride, determination and purpose to make sure that African American contributions to the Wild West will be known and remembered.

Here’s a look at four associations:

Southwest TrailRiders Association Founded: 1993 (out of Rosenberg) Trail boss: Alex Prince Starting point: Rosenberg Distance: 38 miles

Though the Southwest TrailRiders Association is younger than the others, founded in 1993, it too takes perpetuating the heritage of the Black cowboy and cowgirl, stimulating interest of horse lovers and supporting youth, serious.

Like Bruno and Dightman Jr., Earnetta “Netta” Qualls was roped into the western lifestyle by family.

Founded when Qualls’s godfather, W.O. Ballard, and others left the Southwestern Trail Riders Association, the group has been representing ever since.

“I grew up around animals and rodeoing and trail riding (at 2 months old),” said Qualls. “It was something my godfather loved to do.”

Since Ballard’s passing, Qualls has kept the tradition alive, as she enjoys watching her nephew ride at rodeos and trail rides. And like the other associations, the SWTRA is busy year-round.

Along with the children-focused Saturday activities during the trail ride, Qualls’ group led by trail boss Alex Prince, sponsors school supply drives, scholarship banquets and Christmas activities for youth.

Moreover, whenever there’s a trail ride or rodeo nearby, chances are, Qualls and nephews will be there making sure the history and impact of Blacks to the western story is never forgotten.

started participating in the ride at age 2.

Not surprisingly, Dightman Jr. places much of his focus on youth participation. “[Youngsters] are very excited about the trail ride, starting as young as 4 and 5 years old,” he said. “The children are essential because they are being trained up to ride and take care of horses and lead this trail ride in the future.”

Prairie View Trail Riders Association

Founded: 1982 (out of North Forest) Trail boss: Anthony Bruno Starting point: Cheeks (16 miles west of Beaumont) Distance: 109 miles

Founded: 1957; first ride in 1958 (out of Hempstead) Starting point: Prairie View A&M University Distance: 87 miles

Bragging rights as the state’s first such group belong to the Prairie View Trail Riders Association, founded in 1957 by James Francis and Myrtis Dightman Sr., a pioneering Black bull rider and ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee.

The two led their first trail ride of two wagons and 20 riders in 1958, with experiences that mirrored the racial tensions of the day.

“You could hear folks in the background saying, ‘Them folks are crazy,’ Francis said during a 2018 interview with KHOU. For the first three years the PVTRA were not allowed to camp at Memorial Park with the other trail rides. When they were finally granted entrance, they were segregated.

“They wouldn’t let us stay with the white trail riders,” said Dightman Sr. “They set us over on another hill. Then, when they started that morning, the whites would start out and we would come behind them.”

“They had to have armed guards go in with them to Memorial Park,” said PVTRA’s current trail boss, Myrtis Dightman Jr., who

Northeastern Trail Riders Association

Southwestern Trail Riders Association Founded: 1974 (out of West Columbia) Trail boss: Rosetta Gray Starting point: West Columbia Distance: 123 miles

Of Houston’s 12 trail rides, only one has the distinction of being led by a woman. Rosetta Gray is in charge of the Southwestern Trail Ride. Her assistant trail boss, Elizabeth Cook, is also female.

Gray has been involved with the Southwestern Trail Ride since 1981.

“I moved here from Mississippi, met a guy who rode on a trail ride, and he invited me to go,” she said. “The first year, I rode in one of the wagons but as soon as the ride

The PVTRA, which won Outstanding Trail Ride in 2016, is not the only group keeping the Black western tradition alive.

“My dad, Joseph Bruno, is one of the founders of the Northeastern Trail Riders Association,” said current NTRA trail boss Anthony Bruno. “We use to ride with Prairie View, but my dad and others wanted to change the start point and bring it to our North Forest community.”

Like the PVTRA, Bruno’s group is a family affair.

“The 13 friends and family who founded our trail ride did so to represent the area where we live and came from, Louisiana and Northeast Houston, to support our kids getting in the FFA and to bring a Black Cowboys’ western heritage and let folk know we do exist,” added Bruno.

Bruno contends Blacks helped found America, have been involved in agribusiness and agriculture and working cattle from day one, and were an intricate part of western heritage.

“Our trail ride is a spiritual journey where you get in touch with your heritage and culture. The whole thing is rolling history.”

10 | February 27, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Scholar follows in family footsteps Brya Curtis, a University of Houston-Downtown student, credits a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) Scholarship for opening the doors for her to follow in her family’s footsteps.

“When I learned I received this scholarship, it was a huge relief,” she said. “It felt good to know that my mother wasn’t going to be burdened financially and that I would not be worried about debt following graduation.”

As her college career got underway, Curtis in her sophomore year, decided to look to her family’s alma mater, UHD, as the institution that will prepare her for a career as a teacher just as it had done for her mother and older sisters.

“The faculty are very helpful,” she said.

“They care about your success. Students are regularly asked if they’re doing okay and how professors can help them. That means a lot to us.”

Having teachers who care is particularly meaningful for an aspiring educator like Curtis, and she knows a thing or two about teachers. Her mother Alynthia Pugh is an assistant principal and sisters Bryanna and Bryshanna Curtis are both teachers. All three work at Atherton Elementary School, where Curtis attended.

Her family is particularly close, and Curtis credits her mother for instilling independence and self-discipline in her and her sisters.

“She was a single mother after my father passed away, so she had to insist that we do our best in and out of school,” Curtis said.

“We weren’t coddled at all, and she still holds us to high standards. That’s helped all of us become more self-reliant.”

Curtis advises any high school student to look into HLSR scholarships. She said that the application process is indeed intensive, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

ABOUT BRYA

Campus leadership: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, UHD chapter president

High school: Kashmere High School College: University of Houston-Downtown Major: Interdisciplinary studies major in the College of Public Service

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They care about your success.

Students are regularly asked if they’re doing okay and how professors can help them.

That means a lot to us.

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February 27, 2020 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

JAERENE TAKES MUSIC WORLD BY STORM

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Singing has been a passion of JaeRene since she was a three-year-old belting out Mary J. Blige. Now, the 17-year old former Miss Teen Texas is living her dream, working with Houston legends and hearing her music blasted over the radio.

Her singles “Poppin” and “Like you Do” have amassed over three million views on YouTube. Her diverse sound has has been featured on one of Houston’s most requested radio hits, “H-Town For Real “(remix), which features artists such as Paul Wall, Kiotti, Lil Flip, ZRo and more.

The high school senior talked with the Defender about some of her challenges and triumphs.

On what inspires her...

“The young girls who are sitting in their room dreaming of being a force one day. I never had a older sister to look up to in my house. I hope to be what I didn’t have growing up for other girls. I want to be a role model with a clear message that, ‘There are no limitations worth stopping the hustle.’ Whether that be age, race, gender etc., be proud of who you are and what you do. Carry yourself with grace and confidence and I usually find that the rest works itself out.”

On her biggest challenge...

“Not letting my age define my abilities. Being 17 years old in such a big and broad industry could definitely be intimidating. I used to look at my age as one of my weaknesses, but once I started to embrace the power behind youth alone, my accomplishments had greater impact.”

On giving up...

“There has never been one moment where I felt like it couldn’t get better than that moment. I do have moments where I am like, ‘Whoa Jae...it’s quite a lot going on’ but never have I let my mind get to a place where I believe it can’t get better.

Someone told me God

pushes you to test how bad you really want it, so I take that with me everywhere I go.”

On what’s next...

“Completing and releasing my first album.

I’m very excited to write and work alongside an amazing team of producers, vocal producers and more. I’m also looking forward to mastering an instrument this year.”

On her other loves....

“If I wasn’t an artist, I would most likely be a cosmetologist. I’ve always loved makeup and doing hair. At one point, I even considered going to a career and technology high school that had an amazing cosmetology program. I never sent my enrollment letter... not a regret of mine, but I often wonder how my life would differ if I had.”

Advice to aspiring artists...

“Be confident in your craft. Don’t be scared to

be different or original. Anybody who’s made impact has not made it to where they are blending into the crowd.”

Life motto....

“You have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé.”

IG: @jaerene.music FB: JaeReneMusic

Stars honored at NAACP Image Awards The NAACP celebrated a year of achievement with the 51st NAACP Image Awards broadcast live on BET. The big winners of the evening included Lizzo as Entertainer of the Year and Jamie Foxx as Outstanding Support Actor in a Motion Picture for “Just Mercy.”Additional winners for the evening included Angela Bassett as Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her work in “9-1-1.” Lupita Nyong’o won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance in “Us.” Marsai Martin won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for “Little” and her TV mom Tracee Ellis Ross won for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in “black-ish.” “Just Mercy was named Outstanding Motion Picture.”Rihanna was presented with the President’s Award by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson for her philanthropic efforts and community service. The evening also featured a tribute to Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven additional people who were killed in a helicopter crash. At just 8-years-old Blue Ivy Carter can say she is an award-winner after “Brown Skin Girl” won the award for Outstanding Duo, Group of Collaboration. Blue Ivy appeared on the song next to her mother Beyonce, Saint JHN and Wizkid. U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis (D-GA) was recognized during the evening with the NAACP Chairman’s Award and sent a video accepting the award.

Rihanna, Lizzo, Jamie Foxx

12 | February 27, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

Your

VOTE Matters

Get out and vote!

Early voting: Now – February 28th Election Day: March 3rd Yo u a r e p a r t o f t h e P r o b l e m o r p a r t o f t h e S o l u t i o n .

Defender Network

February 27, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports WILDER: WANTS REMATCH Tyson Fury, left , of England, fights Deontay Wilder during a WBC heavyweight championship boxing match Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Deontay Wilder is reportedly looking to get back into the ring again with Tyson Fury.

According to the Athletic, Wilder plans to exercise his rematch clause against Fury even though he was soundly defeated by technical knockout in the Feb. 24 heavyweight showdown.

His reason for wanting a rematch? He said the 45-pound costume he wore on his way into the ring weakened his legs and impacted his fighting ability. And he wants another chance to defeat Fury.

“He didn’t hurt me at all, but the simple fact is...my uniform was way too heavy for me,” Wilder said. “I didn’t have legs from the beginning of the fight. In the third round, my legs were just shot all the way through.

But I’m a warrior and people know that I’m

Vanessa Bryant during celebration of husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna.

Wilder blamed his 45-pound costume for weakening his legs.

a warrior. It could easily be told that I didn’t have legs or anything. A lot of people were telling me, ‘It looked like something was wrong with you.’

Something was, but when you’re in the ring, you have to bluff a lot of things. I tried my best to do so. I knew I didn’t have the legs because of my uniform.

“I was only able to put it on [for the first time] the night before, but I didn’t think it was going to be that heavy,” he added. “It weighed 40-some pounds with the helmet and all the batteries. I wanted my tribute to be great for Black History Month. I wanted it to be good and I guess I put that before anything.”

Not only did his walkout gear weigh 45 pounds, but it set him back $40,000.

Fury was clearly the better boxer during

Saturday’s fight, and the match ended when Wilder’s side threw in the towel.

Wilder was clearly not pleased with the decision to do so.

“I’d rather die in the ring than have the towel thrown in,” he said while revealing he will re-evaluate whether he will keep assistant trainer Mark Breland.

Despite Wilder’s assertion that the officiating was unfair, the fight was never truly in doubt. Fury was aggressive from the outset and unleashed a flurry of punches, dropping his opponent multiple times before the technical knockout win.

A third fight would reportedly happen by the end of July.

KOBE’S WIDOW SUES HELICOPTER OPERATOR FOR DEATHS The widow of Kobe Bryant has sued the owner of the helicopter that crashed in fog and killed her husband and her 13-yearold daughter last month.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Vanessa Bryant in Los Angeles says the pilot was careless and negligent by flying in cloudy conditions

Jan. 26 and should have aborted the flight.

Pilot Ara Zobayan was among the nine people killed in the crash.

The lawsuit was filed as a public memorial service for Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and all the victims was being held at the arena where Bryant played most of his career.

Associated Press

14 | February 27, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports TIGERS RECEIVE RECORD GIFT

Texas Southern University’s athletics department received a video board from the Harris County Sports Authority, BBVA Stadium and the Houston Dynamo valued at $540,000, which is the largest single gift in the department’s history.

CLUTCH PICKS

For the second straight game, the Roughnecks’ defense came up with a timely interception to seal a 3-0 record as they prepare to face the Dallas Renegades.

DID YOU KNOW...

James Harden and Russell Westbrook have scored 30+ points for the seventh time, four more than last season.

COLLEGE GOLF

PVAMU women’s golf team gets star recruit

By TERRANCE HARRIS

Photo: Courtesy of Prairie View A&M Unversity

Jalyn Robinson admits when she first started looking at colleges to continue her golf career, HBCUs weren’t part of the mix.

In her mind, most didn’t measure up to the power conference schools that were offering her full-ride college scholarships to play golf. Then she met Prairie View A&M University coach Kevin Jennings, listened to his vision for the Lady Panthers program and saw who else he was recruiting.

Suddenly, things changed for the 17-year-old from Fairfield, Calif. She recently signed to play with the Lady Panthers starting this fall.

“What really first drew me was I saw the girls he was recruiting,” said Robinson, ABOUT JALYN who had 10 scholarship offers and picked ROBINSON PVAMU over Clemson. “These are High school: girls I played with before and they Rodriguez are on the same level as I am and High School even some of the girls on GPA: the team now.

3.7 “I was excited to see Intended college the team and was like, major: `Oh, he is really trying English/Pre-law to do something.’ It’s Biggest golf influence: one thing to try to draw Deceased instructor in those players but it’s Ron Beverly another thing to see him getting them to come. He is really trying to make this happen.”

Jennings, who is in his fourth season leading both the PVAMU men’s and women’s golf teams, is attempting to resurrect both programs. He has made significant progress with the men, who rank among the best in the SWAC. He has the same plan for the women and Robinson is a cornerstone piece.

Jennings is quick to add that Robinson is just the beginning as he has commitments from other top players in California, Louisiana and Dallas who will all also be part of the 2020-21 class.

“We are going to shake some things in the next few years,” Jennings said.

Robinson, who began playing golf in sixth grade and has emerged as one of the top players in northern California, recently visited the PVAMU campus with her entire immediate family, including her grandmother.

“Jalyn exemplifies so many great things,” Jennings said. “She is going to be a wonderful representative of her family, the women’s golf program at Prairie View A&M and the institution as a whole. She is going to be a wonderful ambassador and alum in the future.”

Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter @terranceharris.

February 27, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports KHALIF ALLIM Star guard is nothing but net

By JODIE B. JILES Defender

Westbury senior shooting guard Khalif Allim, an Air Force commit, has a smooth touch that sometimes leaves spectators wondering if the basketball even went in the hoop with his flawless shot trajectory and stroke.

With the playoffs kicking off, Allim is looking forward to bouncing his team back for a Cinderella run after the Huskies experienced a tough loss to Heights in their final game of the season. Westbury had already secured the fourth and final playoff spot prior to tip-off.

Westbury head coach Robert Maxey described his pinpoint shooter as a team player.

“He likes to get his team active so that they can find him in the open spots. He likes to play away from the rim even though we encourage him to get by it,” Maxey said.

Here is the Defender’s oneon-one with Allim.

ABOUT ALLIM Instagram: @khalif1of1 NBA player he studies: Kevin Durant

KALEB COLLINS brings the energy at Lamar

As Lamar High School heads to the playoffs, there is a new kind of “energy” which is attributed to point guard Kaleb Collins.

“Kaleb is a great kid and we are looking forward to the playoffs with him leading us,” said Lamar head coach Jerry Van Dusen.

Here is the one-on-one with Collins: Style of play “I’m crafty. I move around a lot, get everybody involved and play my role.”

Team energy “We all have to have that chemistry. That is where our energy comes from, whether it’s picking a player up when he’s down or whatever. We had a lot of people down today [against Bellaire], but we just had to keep focused.”

Victory against Bellaire “In the first match, we didn’t go out and get the 50/50 balls. But we worked on it and it showed in practice. I am just glad we got the win.”

Upcoming playoffs “We have to keep focusing and grind hard every day.”

ABOUT COLLINS Class: 2020

Instagram: @kalloo._ NBA Players You Study: Kyrie Irving Jayson Tatum Trey Young Favorite subject: Math Shout-out: “My Paw Paw”

Style of play “I like to think of myself as a high-level shooter. When there is an open shot my teammates expect me to knock em’ down. I can get to the basket if needed and I can be strong inside.”

3-point stroke “It’s just focus. It started out in the gym working out. Then when I come to the games I just find my spots, follow through and make the shots.”

Lessons from Heights loss “No matter what, keep fighting, playing and believe in your teammates the whole way through.”

Air Force commitment “They had a vision and expectation of the type of player they see [me as] in the future. They knew my style and didn’t want to change anything. I felt that the coaching staff really looked at me throughout my entire recruiting process. So, I really fell in love with it and made a relationship. I trust them and my family does, which is a great gift for me.”

Favorite artists: Drake NBA Youngboy Lil Uzi Vert Shout-outs: “School, teammates, God, my family and everyone that helped me get to this point.”

Bo Porter Camp scholarships available Parents and kids, if you are looking for stuff to do this summer, former Major League Baseball player, coach and manager Bo Porter may have the answer.

Through Bo Porter Charities, 25 children in single-parent homes will receive a scholarship to attend the 2020 Future All-Stars Sports (FASS) Development Academy Summer Camp.

The camp, located at The Imani School, will run June 1 through Aug. 14 and the winning scholars will have the opportunity to train in a plethora of sports, including baseball, basketball and golf.

Having grown up in a single-parent home, Porter understands the struggles that can exist and aims to alleviate the cost of summer camp for some local families.

Additionally, he hopes to provide an outlet for students to learn the physical skills related to a number of sports as well as the discipline and social skills that carry over into business and daily life because he knows that for some, the outlet would otherwise be out of reach.

BASKETBALL PLAYOFF GAMES TO WATCH BOYS

Area Finals 2nd Round 6A • Ft. Bend Bush (24-12) vs.

Bellaire (26-6) • Katy Morton Ranch (25-8) vs. Sam Houston (24-8) Thurs 2/27 @ Delmar 7:00 pm 5A • Crosby (25-10) vs.

Northside (23-11) • Texas City (25-10) vs. Madison (1913) Thus. 2/27 Pearland Dawson HS 7pm 4A • Hardin-Jefferson (20-10) vs Yates (22-3) Thurs. 2/27 Kingwood Park HS 6pm

GIRLS

Regional Finals

6A • Ridge Point (29-7) vs.

Clear Springs (30-7) Fri. 2/28 Ridge Point HS 6pm • Cy Creek vs. Summer Creek Fri. 2/28 Merrell Center 7:30pm 5A • Shadow Creek (32-4) vs. College Station (23-7) Fri 2/28 Aldine Campbell Center 6pm 4A • Yates (24-5) vs. Fairfield (31-4) Fri 2/28 Bernard Johnson Coliseum (Huntsville, TX) 6:15pm Girl Team winners go to State Tournament.

16 | February 27, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Faces

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7 ANNUAL COH CHAMPIONS OF DIVERSITY AWARDS 2020 The City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) Advisory Board hosted its 7th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event kicked off with a pre-reception featuring Mayor Sylvester Turner, followed by the awards ceremony under the theme “Celebrating a City of Economic Opportunity & Prosperity.” Attendees included Alicia B. Jimerson, ReShane Dawn-Fowler, Will & LaToshia Norwood, Yesi Anabel Carceor, Todd Bolden, Brandi Bass, Byronne Hearn, Michelle French, Eva Alcaia, Karen Franklin, Taylisha Clark and countless more. Photos: 1) Sidney Lacey, Angelique Bartholomew, Vicky Pink, Will Norwood 2) Sabrina Franklin, Brian Courtney Wilson, Kymberly Willis 3) Marlon Mitchell, Alexandre Wood, Eugene Wood.

ANNUAL CITY CONTROLLER’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM City Controller Chris Brown recently hosted the 11th Annual Black History Month Program featuring individuals who have impacted the Houston area in various ways. Honorees included Jesse and Willie Bell Boone, Dr. Teddy McDavid, Carl Davis, Flo Cooper, Edna Griggs, Thelma Scott, Jacqueline Pierce and Clara Caldwell. Other attendees

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8 included Councilmember Robert Gallegos, Shannan Nobles, Janice Weaver, Tophas Anderson, Charisse Mosely, Diane Lyles, Evelyn Peters Dean and scores more. Photos: 4) Jackie Pope, Chris Brown, Courtney Smith 5) Judson Robinson III, Shannon Buggs 6) TaKasha Francis, Carl Davis.

NBMBAA’s ANNUAL LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET The Houston Chapter of the National Black MBA Association presented its 20th Annual Leadership Empowerment Scholarship Banquet recently at the Power Center, bringing together members and corporate and community partners to recognize various Houstonians and highlight the Leaders of Tomorrow high school mentoring program. Attendees included Khambrel Marshall (MC), Dr. Gail Taylor, Doric Clinton, Holly Charles, Eric Lyons, Loren McCray, Tami & Marcus Debose, Tanieka Young, Halston Lilly, Tessa Betterway, Raymond Hayes, Jesse Sims, Sydney Cooper, Zach Taylor, David & Alana Anderson and many others. Photos: 7) Garrette Smith, Shani Johnson, Jessica Colbert, Andrea Guillory 8) Misty Starks, Deanea LeFlore, Phyllis Bailey 9) R. Leigh Johnson, T.K. Morgan, Zewuze Lidzekpo.

By Aswad Walker

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