It’s presidential election season again, and we can expect some type of spectacle in politics every four years. A recent revelation surrounding AI-generated images depicting former President Donald Trump surrounded by smiling Black individuals has sparked concerns over the potential misuse of this technology in political campaigns, specifically in attempts to sway the Black vote. These fabricated images were uncovered in a BBC investigation; as Trump strategically aims to court Black voters, the deployment of lifelike images created by AI raises alarming questions about the ethical implications of using manipulated visuals to manipulate public perception.
This revelation is not merely an isolated incident but rather a glimpse into the future landscape of political campaigning. The absence of regulations around AI-generated content leaves the door open for political campaigns to exploit this technology, jeopardizing the integrity of our democratic processes. The erosion of trust in online visuals can have far-reaching consequences, affecting political landscapes and public perception of reality. We need to start investing in digital literacy and critical thinking skills as we progress further into the advancement of technology.
Did the Oscars improve on its diversity?
It’s been almost a decade since campaign finance lawyer April Reign created the hashtag #Oscarssowhite that went viral over the Academy’s lack of diversity in its award categories. This year, at least from my point of view, there has been some progress. The Academy made some big promises in 2020 to double the number of female members and triple their members of color. That’s all good, but honestly, I felt the gatekeepers were just doing enough to meet their racial and gender quotas.
Five Black actors were nominated for an Oscar for the first time this year. Da’Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actor in The Holdovers. And if you noticed, we’ve seen talents like Angela Bassett, Lil Gladstone, Whoopi Goldberg, Cicely Tyson, Angela Bassett, Cynthia Erivo, and others who have been nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role but fell short.
And it’s not like Black folk don’t come out and support films. We spend millions yearly, but we are still fighting to be valued on the small and big screens. We truly need to stop
lamenting these gatekeepers’ actions every year and try to uplift other award ceremonies that care about the talent in our communities. It’s a tall question because who wouldn’t want to win the Oscars? But with the cards stacked against you, what should we do to improve the situation?
#KeepTikTok: A Battle Cry for Creativity and Community
TikTok has become a global phenomenon, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and fostering creativity. Now, the very essence of this vibrant platform is under threat, and thousands of users are rallying to #KeepTikTok in response to potential bans fueled by legislative actions.
With over a billion monthly active users, TikTok has not only given rise to influencers but has become a livelihood for many. The recent legislative bill, the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” could force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a ban from U.S. app stores. The proposed legislation, if enacted, would empower the president to designate certain social media apps as national security threats, potentially leading to their ban from online app stores.
This impending threat has prompted a resurgence of the #KeepTikTok hashtag, with users passionately sharing stories of the positive impact TikTok has had on their lives. TikTok has become a platform where individuals, both influencers and everyday users, have found a voice, an audience, and a community. Whether launching successful career businesses or fostering global connections, TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon transcending borders.
At one point, we lived in a world without relying heavily on social media. After all, it’s a rented space, and it can go away in the blink of an eye. Focus on actually building your website or host platform where you can keep your work. Also, it makes sense to question if the government is looking out for the nation’s best interests or finding another way to control how people speak and make money on the app.
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• Here are a few ways to observe Women’s History Month.
Te Turkey Leg Hut, a staple in Houston’s Third Ward, just can’t seem to shake its troubles. Te popular eatery is facing yet another legal blow as a judge orders co-owner Lynndell “Lynn” Price and the establishment to shell out over $900,000. Tis comes afer a contentious few months that involved fre, pay disputes, owner issues and more.
This latest saga arises from a lawsuit initiated by former partner Steve Rogers in February 2023. Rogers alleges that co-owners Nakia Holmes and Price defaulted on a previous agreement to compensate him for his shares in the restaurant, falling short by $1.5 million. Despite paying $600,000 initially, the payments ceased in November 2022, prompting Rogers to seek legal recourse.
The courtroom drama adds to Turkey Leg Hut’s litany of troubles. In December 2022, US Foods lodged a lawsuit against Holmes and Price, alleging a staggering debt of $1.3 million. While Holmes contested the claim, arguing the fgures didn’t add up, the mounting financial strain painted a bleak picture for the establishment.
Tis recent ruling compounds the woes of a business already besieged by creditors and legal disputes. Tis
isn’t the frst legal skirmish involving Rogers and Turkey Leg Hut. A previous lawsuit in July 2020 accused Price of diverting funds from the restaurant for personal ventures, sparking a bitter legal feud.
Both lawsuits coincided with incidents of arson, raising eyebrows about possible connections. Before Rogers fled his suit, an explosion rocked his other establishment, Bar 5015, believed to be an act of arson. Similarly, shortly after the recent court ruling, a fre erupted at Turkey Leg Hut’s corporate ofces, the circumstances of which remain under investigation.
Meanwhile, amidst the legal turmoil, the restaurant grapples with internal strife stemming from the fractured relationship between Holmes and Price. Teir impending divorce casts a shadow over the business, with Holmes fling for separation in November 2023. Matters worsened when Holmes seemingly terminated Price from his role in the restaurant, citing fnancial irregularities. However, Price vehemently denies the rumors, asserting that he and Holmes remain partners – even though he opened an oyster pop-up directly across the street from the restaurant.
Family, classmates and football fans are mourning the death of a popular high school football star with a promising future who was recently gunned down outside a house party in Humble.
Harris County deputies were called to an Airbnb rental property on Fieldwick Lane because of concerns about underage drinking.Tey arrived to fnd 18-year-old Jarvon Coles in the backyard having a seizure. While they performed CPR, they realized that he had been shot in the chest, KHOU reports. Coles, a star football player at North Shore High School, was rushed to a local hospital where he died shortly afer, say authorities. “It is believed that one or two shooters, about one block away, intentionally shot in the direction of the house party, striking the male,” HCSO Sherif Ed Gonzalez said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Coles, a standout two-time frst-team all-district linebacker at North Shore High School, lef behind a legacy both on and of the football feld. With a remarkable 4.2 GPA and acceptances to 15 colleges, including Lamar University where he intended to continue playing football, Coles was highly regarded by his family and peers.
His grandfather and guardian, Braxton Coles, emphasized the importance of parental vigilance in light of the tragedy. “Parents, please keep your kids close,” he urged, expressing his grief and the difculty of ensuring their safety.
Fellow teammates and friends remembered Coles fondly, describing him as a beacon of positivity and compassion. DaMeko Williams, a senior and teammate, lauded Coles for his kindness and unwavering support for those around him.
As the community mourns the loss of Jarvon Coles, law enforcement continues its investigation, appealing to the public for any information. Te scene has been secured, and authorities are actively seeking surveillance footage or witness accounts. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Harris County Sherif’s Ofce or Crime Stoppers.
In a statement, one of Coles’ coaches refected on his profound impact both on and of the feld, emphasizing the need for support for Coles’ family, peers, and the wider North Shore community during this difcult time.
“You cannot measure the impact he had on and of the feld in our program. Truly an incredible human being. Prayers needed for his family, our student athletes, our staf and the entire North Shore community. Rest easy Jarvon Coles,” said Coach Kyle Herridge.
Efforts to curtail violent crime and prostitution along the Bissonnet Corridor in Houston have shown significant progress, with a reported 22% decrease in violent crime and a 36% drop in robberies since the implementation of nightly road blockades by the police last year.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Houston Police Department, involved the installation of six permanent metal gates along the notorious stretch of Bissonnet Street, historically known as the Bissonnet Track, at a cost of $15,000. These measures aimed to disrupt the pervasive illicit
activities that have plagued the area for decades.
Officials say a shift in strategy, acknowledging that traditional law enforcement approaches alone were insufficient to address the complex issue. Instead, an environmental design approach was adopted, focusing on restricting access to certain sections of Bissonnet Street between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This tactic effectively impeded the flow of criminal activity, leading to a noticeable reduction in criminal incidents.
Local business owners and community members have lauded the positive impact of the barricades, citing a marked improvement in
safety and a decline in the presence of prostitutes and their clients. Remi Ellison, proprietor of WOW African Hair Braiding, expressed relief at the transformation of the once-troubled area, highlighting the enhanced sense of security for businesses and patrons alike.
The initiative has also yielded financial savings. The installation of the gates, funded entirely by Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, not only minimized construction expenses but also led to a substantial decrease in monthly overtime costs for the Houston Police Department, amounting to approximately $60,000.
NNPA
NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson has called on Black student-athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in Florida. The call comes in response to a new state policy preventing institutions from utilizing government funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a letter sent to current and prospective student-athletes of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recently, NBC News reported that Johnson urged them to “choose wisely” amidst the ongoing debate surrounding DEI funding in Florida. He emphasized the crucial role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes, noting that Black athletes’ value to large universities is unmatched.
The controversy stems from a bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year, restricting public colleges and universities from using state and federal funds for DEI programs. “If these
institutions are unable to completely invest in those athletes, it’s time they take their talents elsewhere,” Johnson declared, according to NBC News.
The University of Florida’s recent decision to eliminate all DEI positions, complying with the state rule, drew condemnation from NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, an alum of the school. Smith emphasized the need for minority athletes to be aware and vocal about such decisions.
The trend against DEI programs has heightened, with Republican politicians in more than 30 states introducing bills to restrict or regulate such efforts. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, for instance, signed a law last year ordering the closure of DEI offices at state-funded colleges and universities.
The NAACP’s call comes on the heels of a similar message from Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall Woodfin, who asserted that if his state passed a bill blocking funding for DEI in public colleges, he would encourage student-athletes to explore programs in other states.
By ReShonda Tate
A program designed to alleviate the financial burden of the internet for American families nationwide could be coming to an end and thousands could find themselves without internet. The Biden-Harris Administration launched the Affordable Connectivity Program under the Investing in America agenda earlier this year. This initiative, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, stands as the largest internet affordability program in U.S. history. It’s estimated to benefit 23 million households by reducing their monthly internet bills by $30-75.
In Texas alone, over 1,709,233 households have already benefited
from the program. The state has received a total funding of $877,514,220, leading to approximately $50 million in monthly savings for families. However, without
Congressional action, the program faces termination in April, potentially leaving millions of Americans unable to afford high-speed internet service.
Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) commitment to excellence, an overwhelming 96% of teachers intend to remain with the district for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. The findings stem from HISD’s annual survey, with a 93% participation rate.
The data breakdown further illuminates the depth of loyalty among HISD educators:
- 97% of teachers at New Education System (NES) campuses express a desire to stay within the NES environment.
- 90% of teachers at non-NES campuses transitioning to NES in the fall opt to remain at their current location.
- 14% of teachers at non-NES schools express an interest in transferring to an NES campus.
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles underscored the significance of these numbers, emphasizing the dedication of teachers to HISD’s transformative mission.
“Our teachers showcase unwavering commitment to their students and actively contribute to what we believe is the most crucial educational transformation effort in the nation,” Miles said. He attributed this overwhelming response to HISD’s Employee Value Proposition.
One key aspect driving teacher retention is HISD’s competitive compensation packages, surpassing national averages. NES schools, in particular, offer some of the highest teacher remuneration packages in the country. The differentiation is based on subject, grade level, and rigorous evaluations, ensuring high school NES teachers receive salaries ranging from $82,816 for entry-level positions to $88,816 for those with five or more years of experience.
HISD’s emphasis on providing additional resources and a supportive staffing structure, particularly in NES campuses, contributes to a better work-life balance for teachers.
Chief Human Resources Officer Jessica Neyman appreciated the commitment of HISD’s teaching community, acknowledging teachers’ pivotal role in student success.
“Our teachers work tirelessly, and we are dedicated to providing the support they need to contribute to their students’ growth effectively,” Neyman said.
HISD is actively seeking to add talented educators and professionals to its team. Neyman extended an invitation, stating, “If you are an effective educator or ready to join a high-performance culture to advance your craft, we welcome you to be part of the HISD family.”
Houston
ISD superintendent Mike Milesput 120 principals, who represent 40% of campus leaders, on notice, warning them to improve their performance. Te decision came afer their mid-year profciency screenings.
Principals also have to take a second assessment in spring and perform better to retain their position as an HISD principal next year.
“Another 120 HISD principals learned that they are making good progress and that if they continue to work hard, focus on strong instructional leadership, and demonstrate their ability to support student success they will achieve the level of profciency necessary to return in the next school year,” according to statement from the district on the mid-year performance ratings.
“I want to make sure you clearly understand the next steps in the process to evaluate your performance and determine your eligibility for a principal position next year.”
These next steps include ensuring “high-quality instruction” on the principals’ campuses with six “rigorous” spot checks every week, participating in a second round of profciency screenings, and ensuring student achievements in exams like the end-of-year NWEA MAP Testing, AP and STAAR exams.
58 Principals resigned/ terminated since TEA takeover
Tese principals comprise both veterans and those appointed by Miles this year. Tey currently lead the district’s highest and lowest-performing schools.
“Your results demonstrate that you are working to be a profcient instructional leader and need to continue making progress toward that goal,” Miles said in an email to the principals.
“Team HISD has a lot to be proud of,” the statement further reads. “We are confdent most of our instructional leaders will meet our performance expectations and return to HISD in the 2024-2025 school year.”
Apart from the 28 NES (New Education System) and 57 NESaligned schools, 45 new schools will join Miles’ NES overhaul in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Last October, the board of managers at HISD approved a framework for the evaluation of principals, which included four areas of
assessment: student achievement outcomes on assessments such as STAAR and other exams; principal performance, including assessments on the quality of instruction; the principal’s scores on the Executive Leadership Rubric and the School Systems Review, school climate and culture survey; and the school action plan.
Principal performance, including assessments on the quality of instruction in the school by an independent review of the instruction in a school and the principal’s score on the Executive Leadership Rubric and on the School Systems Review (not applicable in the 2023-2024 school year), School climate and culture survey twice a year, and School action plan.
Miles had said in July that “people should be compensated for that — for the value that they bring.”
While HISD calls the evaluation system’s target distribution of ratings “an elegant solution to this problem of ensuring equal rigor across the system,” it also means that 10% of the principals with an “unsatisfactory rating will not have their contracts renewed. Moreover, 22% of principals will be placed on the second-last rung and may retain their role at the discretion of their feeder pattern’s executive director or their division superintendent. Tese principals
account for 32% of principals who will not be considered profcient in their job.
“Some of these principals don’t have a leg to stand on because only 40% are profcient 1 and only 8% of the principals are allowed to be exemplary,” explained Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association. Williams was removed from her position as a teacher at a HISD elementary school and was instructed to work at a bus depot, and now faces a possible termination over her online activity.
Te principals who did not get the “profcient I” rating or higher and must take a second screening will be assessed by district evaluators.
Isaac Yowman is a creative maven deeply revered in Houston’s hip-hop and film scenes. Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenated flmmaker and creative director is the owner of one of Houston’s top multimedia frms, IYO Agency.
Yowman’s journey started in Houston. He began with music creation, a passion that gripped him from his early years. A dual-degree holder in audio engineering and entertainment business from Full Sail University, Yowman’s trajectory shifed when he discovered an innate desire to explore flm, TV, and design.
His strategic acumen and boundless creativity have nurtured domestic and international emerging artists and garnered recognition from industry giants like Beyoncé, Trey Songz, Wale, and many others.
While earning accolades for his musical prowess, Yowman seamlessly transitioned into the visual realm, showcasing his prowess in flm, TV, and design with the success of an art house in the Fifh Ward Historic Cultural Arts District to help other creatives in the area reach that same level of success.
Expanding his creative ventures in Fifh Ward is a full-circle moment for him, considering his deep ties to the community. Not only did his grandparents grow up there, but he was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Time and time again, he continues to put Houston on the map. In 2021, Yowman directed the documentary, “‘Memory Builds Te Monument,’ inspired by Houston’s iconic Club Matinee in the historic Fifh Ward that welcomed historically legendary Black musicians such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown.
The film, which streamed on BET+ and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award, premiered as an ofcial selection at SXSW and has won nearly a dozen flm festivals worldwide. He is also the visionary behind the documentary “Chopped and Screwed: Te Final Mixtape,” honoring DJ Screw’s infuence on Houston hip-hop.
And his magic doesn’t stop there. He was also the director of the Defender’s frst commercial for its “Raising Black Voices” campaign in 2023 to advance the organization’s branding and promotional eforts.
“Being able to represent the city and tell our historical and cultural ethos is important to me,” he said. “I think it’s vital.”
Yowman’s journey is one of persistence and multifaceted skills. He attributes this to “Knowing how to play your position, knowing everybody didn’t look at me as a pure creative at one point until people started respecting what I was doing on the engineering side [of music].”
As a flmmaker, Yowman champions the ofen-overlooked phases of pre-production and post-production, underscoring
the importance of meticulous planning. Balancing roles and maintaining relevance across music and flm industries remains a formidable challenge, yet his dedication to being a team player and an eternal student fuels his trajectory.
In revisiting career milestones, Yowman shares the profound moment of receiving his frst platinum plaque for collaborating with Beyoncé.
big.’ You know what I’m
Being able to represent the city and tell our historical and cultural ethos is important to me.”
ISAAC YOWMAN
saying?” he said.
For the aspiring creatives navigating their paths, Yowman imparts sage advice: “Just make sure you do your due diligence. Remaining patient. When it’s your time, it’s your time. Most importantly, believe in something because this world can become murky.”
Support the Defender and 90-plus years of serving the Black community
Every year, Black Press Week (March 11-16) is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the achievements of Black journalists and media professionals, and to discuss the challenges facing the industry. This year marks the 197th year of the Black Press of America, with the first Black newspaper being published in 1827 called Freedom’s Journal. During this year’s Black Press Week, the Defender unveils its new direction.
“For more than 90 years, the Defender has stood as a beacon of truth in the Black community,” said Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate. “We have shown that the legacy of the Black press endures, reminding us of the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the necessity of speaking truth to power. We are excited to be on the forefront of continuing to tell our stories.”
The Houston Defender story
When C.F. Richardson founded the Houston Defender in 1930, he made a commitment to use the paper to tell stories that would have otherwise gone untold. He published reports on the dehumanizing of Blacks in the familiar and militant style for which he was known. His writings drew attention locally and nationally, eventually making him and his family the victims of threats. Richardson was beaten by members of the Ku Klux Klan in response to his outspoken commentary. Still, the publication prevailed. His son, C.F. Richardson Jr., continued that legacy until 1981 when he sold the paper to Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles, who had
been working under him to learn the newspaper business. Richardson helped Messiah Jiles grow her awareness of the impact and historical value of the Black press.
From covering the battles of Black judges against attempts to remove them from ballots to exposing voter suppression tactics, the Defender has been instrumental in amplifying voices often marginalized by mainstream media.
For decades, The Defender’s primary source of information dissemination has been the newspaper. But with changing times came a change in how the news is delivered.
According to a Pew Research study, 86% of Americans get their news from smartphones, tablets or computers at least some of the time.
Additionally, Americans prefer to get their news from digital sources, with 58% choosing apps and websites over any other kind of news. Just 27% tap TV as their first pick and only 5% prefer print.
“We’ve looked at the data,” Messiah Jiles said, “and while we remain committed to our print customers, we had to shift our focus to the ever-expanding digital platforms where our audience is. We will continue to deliver a print product, but we are growing our digital presence to reach more readers who rely on mobile devices and laptops for news consumption.”
Messiah Jiles says this includes producing innovative videos, focusing on solution-oriented journalism, and delivering engaging, empowering and impactful news.
Running a business like the Defender Network hasn’t been easy. Like many businesses, there have been challenges. Issues like rebounding after COVID, declining capital, and keeping up with changes in the marketplace and technology have made progress a struggle. Still, the Defender has weathered many storms to not only survive but thrive.
Messiah Jiles thinks the Defender has continued to operate for a number of reasons. But she gives most of the credit to her staff. “Our staff is what makes the difference. They care about the community and the product we produce. Too often people try to pigeonhole the business into being all about the publisher/CEO. It’s so much more than that,” said Messiah Jiles. “I’ve worked diligently to assemble a top-notch staff that is committed to amplifying Black voices.”
As CEO/Publisher, Messiah Jiles leads a team that includes:
Audience Engagement Manager, Clyde Jiles - Jiles, the youngest son of Sonny and her husband, Jodie, has grown up immersed in all things Defender. Recently, he came on board as Audience Engagement Manager, overseeing the growth and development of the Defender Network.
Managing Editor, ReShonda Tate - A long-time journalist and former Houston television news reporter, Tate has been with the Defender in some capacity since graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 1991. A national bestselling author of more than 50 books, she oversees the editorial department, as well as writes solution-oriented, engaging
and informative stories.
Web Manager/Sports Reporter, Terrance Harris - A longtime journalist in the area, Harris has worked for the Defender since 2019. He started out giving our readers the latest on the Texans, Rockets, Texas Southern and Prairie View and much more. Recently, he has added Digital Manager to his duties, where he oversees the Defender’s website coverage and look each day.
Associate Editor, Aswad WalkerA journalist, minister, and college lecturer, Walker has been actively involved in all things Black since his college activist days at the University of Texas in the 80s. Walker has been with the Defender since 2006, serving in several capacities, including his current role as associate editor.
Reporter, Laura Onyeneho - A multimedia journalist covering Houston’s education system as it relates to the Black community, Onyeneho is a Report for America corps member who has reported on social, cultural, lifestyle, and community news for seven years and counting. She is also a traveling emcee who facilitates a diverse range of events from conventions to weddings nationwide.
Reporter, Tannistha Sinha - A special assignments reporter for the Defender and a Report for America corps member, Tannistha graduated with a master of science in journalism from the University of Southern California in 2022. Since her first news assignment in a renowned newsroom in 2015, Sinha’s works have been published
by American and Indian publications like BuzzFeed News, USC Annenberg Media, HousingWire, The Telegraph and The Hindu. Sports Reporter/Photographer, Jimmie Aggison - Since 2017 Jimmie has been capturing various events in the Black community on behalf of the Defender. Dedicated to professionalism with a unique level of creativity, he now oversees high school sports as he tells the stories of young athletes who are often overlooked.
Video Editor, Bryan Erdy - A journalist and video editor for over three decades, Bryan has been with the Defender since 2023. He is a four-time Emmy Award-winning producer who brings his talents and style to help the Defender impact the community through video. An Ohio native, he has worked in print, radio and television throughout his career.
Special Projects/Advertising, Jodie B. Jiles - Formerly the high school sports reporter and the oldest son of Sonny, Jodie has transitioned to client customer service handling advertising and building new coalitions and collaborations.
In an effort to continue amplifying Black voices, the Defender has a number of endeavors already in the works, with more on the way. Those include: Revamped Sports ProgrammingLed by Jimmie Aggison and Jodie B. Jiles, this combination of high quality photogra phy and videography has attracted national
attention and earned this dynamic duo acclaim for their coverage of local sports.
Channels - The Defender’s new concept called DN+ is a collection of channels entitled Black Women, Community Central and Under 40. Mini-publishers include Tate (Black Women’s Channel), Walker (Community Channel) and Onyeneho (Under 40 Channel). Visitors can expect engaging, enlightening and educational original stories geared toward those groups.
Top 5 Newsletter - Every morning, at 7 a.m., the Defender sends out a newsletter of the Top 5 Stories that readers need to be aware of. Sign up today.
Video, video and more video - The Defender is amping up our video strategy with the hiring of award-winning videographer Bryan Erdy.
More promotion - The Defender has launched the “Raising Black Voices’’ campaign, made possible by funding from the Google News Initiative, community donations, and the creative work of the agency Carlberg Branding and Advertising. This initiative will include billboards, commercials, and other efforts to further promote the Defender brand in 2024.
Partnerships - One of the things you can expect to see more of from the Defender
is partnerships and collaborations. Currently, the Defender has partnered with Fox26 and many Word in Black partners including Chaz Zuckerberg, Deloitte, Robert Woods Johnson and several others to produce content relevant to the Black community. The Defender has also established alliances with various organizations like Texas Children’s Hospital, JPMorgan Chase, Kelsey Seybold Clinic, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and more.
Forging ahead
Through the years, the Defender’s commitment to the Black community has paid off. The Houston Defender is the recipient of two prestigious A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards, numerous NNPA Merit Awards and named the “Best Black Newspaper Website” in America for 2022 and 2023 by Editor & Publisher, the industry trade publication. The Defender is one of the most widely distributed African-American newspapers in the Greater Houston area. With all that’s in store, readers can expect even greater things from the Defender.
“The Black press serves as a vehicle for economic empowerment, providing opportunities for Black journalists, editors and publishers to thrive in an industry historically dominated by white voices. By creating spaces for Black professionals to tell their own stories and shape their own narratives, the Black press fosters greater diversity and representation in media. The Houston Defender is proud to be a part of the Black press story,” said Defender Network Associate
INSPIRED
The Walker Brothers, a local Houston musical group and members of the Ernest Walker Band, are thrilled to announce the re-release of their beloved country song, “I Love Houston.”
Te move comes in the wake of the recent national excitement and controversy (i.e. racist backlash) surrounding Beyoncé’s new country song “Texas Hold’em,” which is currently topping the U.S. country music charts and is the lead single of her upcoming album “Act II.”
Te Walker’s iconic track, written, produced and performed by brothers Charles, Chris and Ernest Walker, pays homage to the vibrant spirit and diverse oferings of the fourth-largest city in the U.S.
Originally penned as a heartfelt tribute to Houston’s rich tapestry of cultures and achievements, the Walker Brothers say their song “celebrates the city’s iconic landmarks, educational institutions, innovation, creativity, corporate landscape, entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic endeavors and generous spirit and kindness displayed during challenging times.”
“We wanted to produce a song that refects the heart of Houston,” said Ernest Walker, who is also the general manager of KTSU 90.9 FM. “Te song also embodies the ‘Houston Strong’ resilience that has defned the city in the face of adversity.”
Te Walker Brothers’ song highlights and adds to Houston’s music and entertainment heritage while spotlighting the city’s legends, championship sports teams, and its ever-popular Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, an annual three-week event that appeals to all ages.
Te song also highlights the Bayou City’s unwavering generosity and kindness during storms, catastrophes and other trying times, which makes sense since the song was originally penned over three years ago during Hurricane Harvey, a storm that delivered record damage to Houston.
With Beyoncé’s recent foray into country music sparking renewed interest in the genre, the Walker Brothers felt compelled to bring back this special song.
“Our city is an internationally diverse city – a place where if you can dream it, if you can see it, then you can do it. Tat’s the heart of Houston. Te song’s catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics capture the essence of Houston’s unique charm and appeal, embodying the pride and love that residents hold for their city,” Walker added, who has annually produced some of the city’s biggest music events, including “Freedom Over Texas,” Houston’s annual Fourth of July celebration.
But at its heart, this move underscores the galactic impact of Queen Bey.
“We are thrilled to see Beyoncé embrace country music, and we are proud to share our own love for Houston through our song. Te city has so much to ofer, and we hope that our music continues to inspire others to appreciate its beauty and diversity. Tis genre of music really blends communities together, because this is not a norm. When you think of an international city, this song brings everybody together,” shared Walker.
To hear the song, visit www.walkerentertainment.com. To download a personal copy, visit www.walkerentertainmentgroup. com, email info@walkerentertainmentgroup.com or call 281-431-9393 for more information.
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.
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IFB No. 4023000211: Hiram Clarke Petroleum Storage Tanks Replacement. Solicitation will be available on or about 03/06/2024.
RFQ No. 4024000097: FTA/DOT Drug and Alcohol Collection Services. Solicitation will be available on or about 03/04/2024.
Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difculty, please contact 713-615-6125 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ ridemetro.org.
Public Notice
Draft 2024 Annual Action Plan and Spring Community Meetings
Please join the (City) of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) for two Spring Community Meetings to welcome input on the Draft 2024 Annual Action Plan. Approximately $53 million in federal grants will be available to improve Houston’s neighborhoods and the quality of life for low- and moderate-income families over the next year. These federal grants include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Staf will discuss the budget and goals included in the Draft 2024 Annual Action Plan.
Spring Community Meetings
The Spring Community Meetings will be held in-person on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:00 pm at the Magnolia Multi-Service Center (7037 Capitol Street, Houston, TX 77011) and virtually Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 3:00 pm online in English ( https://bit.ly/2024SPH and in Spanish ( https://bit.ly/2024SPHSpanish . The virtual meeting will also be viewable on Facebook Live @HoustonHCDD and on HTV. To access the virtual meeting by telephone for audio only, call US (Toll): 1-936-755-1521 and use code 256 006 227# for English and code 313 632 894# for Spanish.
Closed captioning will be provided. For additional information or to request special arrangements at these community meetings (interpreter or other), contact Ashley Lawson at 832-394-5438 or Ashley.Lawson@ houstontx.gov . You can view meeting materials and get involved at our website: https://houstontx.gov/ housing/public-hearing .
Comments on Draft 2024 Annual Action Plan
View the Draft 2024 Annual Action Plan at the following locations: Online at https://houstontx.gov/housing HCDD – 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 (Copies may also be obtained at this location)
The public may comment on the Draft 2024 Annual Action Plan during the 30-day comment period from Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to Thursday, April 11, 2024. Public comments may be submitted by email to: HCDPlanning@houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, Attn: Planning, 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 or leave a voicemail at 832-394-5400. Summaries of public comments and responses will be available in the fnal version of the 2024 Annual Action Plan.
For specifc questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations, please contact Yolanda Guess-Jefries at 832-394-6200 ext. 1. For any information about our Complaints and Appeals Process, please access: https://houstontx.gov/housing/complaints.html and https://houstontx.gov/housing/ appeals.html . For more information about HCDD and its programs, please access HCDD’s website at www.houstontx.gov/housing .
By ReShonda Tate
Some Missouri City young writers are proving you’re never too young to share your story. The writers - Zarya Smith, Alani Mathis, Kaylee Mitchell, Johenna Hamilton, Ava Rose George, and Aavyan Maniar are celebrating the release of their new book, Shades of Brilliance, Inspiring Stories by Young Authors Students in grades K-12 were invited by The Edison Arts Foundation to participate in the project. The authors were chosen from submissions in the Fort Bend area. Writing inspirational stories about family, friendship, culture, and heritage, the authors recently participated in a Red Carpet “Authors and Artists,” event
celebrating the importance of storytelling through the arts to our community.
“We wanted to engage our students in a literary opportunity that would introduce and propel them as young authors. So we teamed up with Brown Girls Books, a publishing company based in Missouri City, to publish an anthology,” said Charity Edison, founder of The Edison Arts Foundation. “We hope to promote literacy, as well as introduce and encourage young authors to publish their creative storytelling, and promote and participate in Black history as an American Cultural Celebration.”
The book is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
According to a Houston-born singer you might have heard of, girls run the world. And by some measures, the assertion seems on point. In terms of degrees earned, Black women are the most educated demographic in the nation. Moreover, Black women are using their skills and smarts, whether degreed or not, to found businesses at a faster clip than any others, regardless of race or gender.
But while there is much to celebrate regarding our sisters, there are reasons to be concerned. Black women are hit hardest by the lack of access to healthcare because, as the primary caregivers of children, they have to deal with, in real-time, the fact that Texas has the highest rate of uninsured youth in the country. And Black women have fewer resources to deal with their and/or their children’s issues, as they’re paid roughly 65 cents for every dollar earned by white men doing the same job.
Moreover, Black women represent the fastest-growing demographic entering prison. Black women are victims of more violent crimes (including murder) than any other group. Black girls from elementary to high school sufer from “adultifcation” – school ofcials, law enforcement ofcers,
and judges viewing Black girls as older and more “worldly” than they actually are, and giving them harsher punishments for the same infractions perpetrated by their white counterparts.
Black women and girls are also human trafcked at a higher percentage than others.
Te question concerned human beings must ask is what can we do to make for better life outcomes for Black women?
One group answers that question by dedicating themselves to empowering Black girls, and others, for success in the classroom, the workforce, and life, in general. Tat group is Nerdy Girl Success (NGS).
Houston native and self-described nerd girl, Christina Meade, is the founder and executive director of the nonproft born out of Meade’s education background, business experience and passion for women’s issues.
The mission of Nerdy Girl Success is to change the landscape of leadership by supporting and preparing high school-tocollege-aged young women to become the decision-makers of today and tomorrow.
“Trough career exploration and career prep, we empower young women to find
their voice and chart their path,” said Meade.
“We serve high school girls and young women into college, and our big, hairy, audacious goal is to get more women into decision-making positions, thus impacting the way society views women and our role in it,” said Meade. “We see our role in making that happen as supporting young women in their journey into those positions.”
One aspect of NGS involves career exploration, focusing not just on careers participants are interested in, but also introducing them to careers they don’t know exist or aren’t typically introduced to as girls.
“NGS also focuses on teaching participants the sof skills needed for long-term career success, including negotiation skills, deciphering and navigating company culture, and the art of connecting with a mentor.
NGS recognizes the power of representation: 80% of Black girls and 64% of Latinx girls scored higher on leadership scales when they have role models of their same race/ethnicity (Girls Leadership Study). Te organization seeks to end adolescent girls ruling out
occupations based on gender, social class, or “intellectual potential” (Gender-Role Stereotyping and Career Aspirations Study).
A recent survey revealed that young women are aware that they deserve equal opportunities and pay, yet remain hesitant to enter male-dominated careers like engineering (Girls’ Career Aspirations Study). NGS seeks to empower girls’ voices.
Since 2018, NGS has served over 600 young women with almost 500 hours of free programming.
“Trough career exploration, mentoring, and career and college prep, we empower and equip our young women to chart their own path to leadership,” shared Meade, who adds since NGS’s founding, its participants have been accepted into business mentorship programs; gone out for and accepted school leadership positions; started setting goals and creating action plans for meeting them; and are generally better prepared for interviews for college, jobs and scholarships.
“Reach out to us (www.nerdygirlsuccess. com) if you’d like the young women in your community to have access to our programs,” added Meade.
Important things you should know about colorectal cancer
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and here are three things to know about the disease:
1. Colorectal cancer is the secondleading cause of cancer-related deaths.
2. Among all racial and ethnic groups, African-Americans have the highest rate of death from this cancer.
3. It’s diagnosed in men and women at about the same rate.
Most colorectal cancers start as a polyp, a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. When the cells of this polyp burrow into the wall of the colon or rectum, it becomes cancer.
FROM THE DOC
“For years, the recommended age to begin screening the average-risk population was 50. However, 45 is the new recommendation.”
Dr. McGee is a Gastroenterology specialist at KelseySeybold Clinic.
In most cases, patients will not exhibit noticeable symptoms until the disease has advanced, so early detection and removal of these polyps is key to avoiding the disease.
The screening for preventing colorectal cancer
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic doctors recommend beginning with regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 or sooner if you have irritable bowel disease or family history of colorectal cancer.
The screening technique most preferred by the American College of Gastroenterology and Kelsey-Seybold gastroenterologists is a colonoscopy. This is an outpatient procedure where doctors will find and remove any dangerous polyps, preventing them from becoming cancerous.
If your doctor does not find any polyps, we usually recommend repeating the test every 10 years. But every individual is different, and a patient’s overall health and family history factor into how often they should be screened.
To decrease your chances of colorectal cancer, you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and include foods high in fiber in your diet 25 to 30 grams a day. While you can’t control all your risk factors for colorectal cancer, you do have the power to reduce your overall risk. And a big part reducing that risk includes scheduling a colorectal screening to prevent polyps from becoming cancerous.
Forappointments,call713-442-0000
Kelvin Sampson
The University of Houston Cougars men’s basketball team cleaned up in its first season in the Big 12. Not only did the No.1-ranked Cougars take home the regular-season conference championship, but they also took home the major hardware. Kelvin Sampson was named Big 12 Coach of the Year in his return to the conference and senior guard Jamal Shead garnered Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, while also making the All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team. Additionally, senior guard LJ Cryer was named to the second team and senior forward J’Wan Roberts made the All-Big 12 Third Team. Emanuel Sharp and Ja’Vier Francis were honorable mention and Joseph Tugler made the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.
It’s NFL free agency time, and for the Texans this period of the offseason has often been more about which star players are leaving than coming.
Beloved former Astros outfielder Michael Brantley has been offered and accepted an opportunity to come back to the club as an assistant coach to new manager Joe Espada.
Michael Brantly
Brantley announced in January that he was retiring from playing. “I asked him to come back again and put a uniform on and spend some time,” Espada said to MLB.com. “His presence is very valuable. The guys really ask him to come around and I ask him to come around. I’m happy to have him around.”
Jamal Shead Ryann Payne
The Prairie View women’s basketball team made this season’s SWAC Tournament as the eighth seed. The Lady Panthers, led by senior guard Ryann Payne, opened the tournament recently against No.1 seed and regular-season SWAC champion Jackson State.
But we could see a huge change in that this week as rumored free agent moves and informal agreements can become official. For the first time in a while, this could be an offseason of huge additions for Houston with several free agents making it known that they covet the Texans as a landing spot.
There had been heavy speculation New York Giants two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley would jump at the chance to line up in the Texans backfield before he ultimately remained in the NFC East and joined the Eagles this week. Miami Dolphins four-time Pro Bowl cornerback and Wheatley product Xavien Howard has made it no secret his desire to come home to finish up his career.
And though the Texans didn’t snag Barkley, they ended up trading with the Cincinnati Bengals for one of the toughest and most respected running backs in the league, Joe Mixon.
And the fun didn’t stop there, as prized defensive end and Houston native Danielle Hunter, who wreaked havoc on behalf of the Minnesota Vikings for nine seasons, is coming back to Texas and is now a prized chess piece on DeMeco Ryan’s board.
And the list of free agents targeting the Texans this offseason only keeps growing.
That’s what happens when a team has a young and innovative coach like DeMeco Ryans, a star quarterback in C.J. Stroud, who is coming off a record-breaking rookie season and a franchise that seemingly jumped the line this past season by winning the AFC South and then advanced to the second round of the playoffs just a season removed from winning just three games.
While Texans general manager Nick Caserio and Ryans seem pleased to have the attention of free agents in this market, they both vow this will be more an evaluation period than a beauty contest.
“The free agency, it’s a process. Nothing is going to happen overnight” Caserio said. “I’d say we’ve had constructive conversations with a number of agents. Starting
with our players, we’ll have an opportunity to visit with the agents of some other players that may want to be Houston Texans. Whether or not there’s a mutual interest, we’ll find that out here as we go.
“I think it’s just finding the right people with the right mindset and the right mentality that fit the program that we’re trying to build. That’s the most important thing.”
This period will certainly be a different approach than the one Caserio implored the last few years where he favored shortterm free-agent deals while building the roster primarily through the NFL Draft. The Texans, of course, will still add quality young players through the upcoming draft, but with roughly $70 million in cap room to go free-agent shopping the Texans can immediately fill some glaring needs.
The most obvious free agent needs for the Texans are at the cornerback spot opposite young star Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans signed Jeff Okudah, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, to a one-year deal to compete for that position. The need for a dominant pass-rushing defensive end to play on the other side of second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was filled with the acquisition of Hunter.
A running back like Barkley would have been huge for Stroud and the offense, but with the current NFL trend to avoid overspending for a running back when so many are available, paid off for Houston as they landed Mixon for a reasonable number. Moreover, a quality young back can be found in the later rounds of the draft if they choose to add depth at that position.
The Texans also seemed interested in wide receivers Mike Evans and Jerry Jeudy,
but both were off the market before the free agency period officially got started.
While evaluating potential free agents, the Texans also have to weigh resigning their own free agents versus signing free agents from other teams who likely come with baggage. The Texans have already given extensions to two important free agents, tight end Dalton Schultz and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, but now must make decisions about players like offensive lineman Charlie Heck, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and linebacker Denzel Perryman.
The Perryman and Rankins resignings became that much more important after the Texans lost LB Blake Cashman and defensive end Jonathan Greenard to the Vikings. The Texans also will be without the services of running back Devin Singletary who signed with the New York Giants.
Greenard took a four-year $72 million deal this week to jump to the Vikings.
Ryans seems mindful of making sure the players he knows are kept versus just spending wildly.
“When you have that firsthand look of the guys who you’ve spent day after day with, you know them” Ryans said. “You know their strengths. You know their weaknesses. You know everything about the player. You know how they are when things get hot and heavy – like how do they handle it? So, I think there is an advantage to, ‘Man, I know exactly who this guy is, I know exactly how he will respond,’ as opposed to reaching for someone on another team that you may not have much information about. There’s a lot that goes into it.”
The Waltrip Rams have 10 seniors on their varsity baseball team this season. One of those seniors is stand-out shortstop, Alberto Ramirez.
“The biggest thing that Alberto brings to the table is his energy,” said Waltrip head baseball coach Richard Burriss. “He always brings high energy no matter what he is doing. He came to the program with a lot of energy and now not only is he going out with high energy, but he is also going out with the ability to lead by example.”
Ramirez has played for the Waltrip varsity baseball team for all four years he’s attended high school. He understands the importance of guidance and encouragement for the younger guys who will soon be taking over next season.
“This is the season we have to step up and get it done because next season we will be a lot younger and rebuilding. The senior group and I try to build up the younger kids because we know what’s ahead of them next season,” said Ramirez. “Baseball is a mental game and the more you play you realize it’s not about the errors you make on the field, but it’s how you stand up and pick it up after that.”
It’s this leadership and humbleness that Ramirez feels helped him transition to the varsity level when he was just a freshman, the year he led the team in hitting.
“Starting on the varsity team my freshman year was a big thing for me. I had to humble myself, stay mellow, and keep working hard because nothing was handed to me. I had to earn my spot,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez began playing t-ball at four years old at Heights-Norhill Little League. He continued his play with the league until he was 12 years old. Afterward, he focused on select ball with teams such as the Outlaws, Lynx and Raptors. However, he didn’t play travel baseball until he was 17 years old.
“I started travel ball later than most kids, but I just put in the work so I could lessen the curve and have results,” said Ramirez. “Playing with Marucci Elite humbled me. There were a lot of good players there, and we played many teams from around the world. It was amazing, a great experience. Playing there taught me to just keep working.”
Ramirez studies the playing styles of former Lamar High School graduate, Alex Lopez, and New York Mets shortstop, Francisco Lindor.
“Alex is very smooth. He’s a little lefty first baseman. It’s amazing watching him play on the field. I like how Francisco works with his hands at the shortstop position. Both players
are hard hardworking guys who put in the work,” said Ramirez.
Baseball brings out the kid in Ramirez.
“I enjoy playing the game. I love it. It’s something I’ve been doing since I was a kid and it’s always been a dream to play in the major leagues,” said Ramirez.
Playing in college and later making it to the major leagues is a dream many baseball players have, but for Ramirez having that dream come true could be life-changing for his family who has been through so much lately.
“It would help my mom a lot. We’ve been through a lot recently with my dad, Aurileo Ramirez, passing away unexpectedly in December,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez has yet to commit to a collegiate program but is looking for a good baseball family atmosphere to build around, filled with players who want to work and want to win.
While in school he is interested in studying sports medicine or sports science.
“If baseball doesn’t work out, I want to be a coach,” said Ramirez. “A coach that inspired me growing up was coach Javier Butron. He was my coach growing up from t-ball up till I was 15 years old. He was like my second dad. He helped me through a lot of things.”
Ramirez reflects on the advice given to him when he looks back to encourage the next generation of players.
“Don’t let the play make you, you make the play, and don’t ever put your head down. Keep striving,” said Ramirez.
Favorite artist: Big Scarr
Favorite subject: Science
Shout-outs: God, Mom, Family
year, nearly all in stock. This is the seventh consecutive year teammates received this award, totaling more than $4.8 billion.
Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston
