Houston Defender: March 25, 2021

SUPPRESS OR DESTROY? Jim Crow is on the move as Republican State legislators introduce bills to restrict voter access...

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

TROY FINNER

LIZZO

Find out some interesting facts about our new top cop, who is a native Houstonian.

The Grammy-award winning singer is looking for “Big Girls” for her new Amazon series.

Volume 90, issue 21 March 25, 2021

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DN On Point

FIT & FINE

Star Samkus, who works at the King Soopers grocery store and knew three of the victims of a mass shooting at the store, cries while kneeling in front of crosses placed in honor of the victims of the mass shooting Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. -AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Michael Otule Age: 32 Occupation: Sr. Business Analyst Education: University of Houston Victoria Major: MBA- Management Motto: To be freed to live my own life.

“Don’t give up, keep the complaints to a minimum, and just do it.”

Message from the Managing Editor

many described as “disheveled” and “reluctant.”

The world has opened back up and The others...too much to fit in this column. Jaxn that means the craziness has ensued is a 31-year-old YouTuber who has made a name once again. Yet another mass shooting has for himself since 2012 by promoting “healthy claimed the lives of innocent Americans. It begs relationships” on his social media platforms. His the question, are we tired yet? We weren’t after content consists of videos, mostly made from schools were shot up, after Walmarts, festivals, his car, which often address modern relationbusinesses were blasted by some maniac with ship problems and holds men “accountable” for a gun. And now that our grocery stores aren’t issues like cheating. Neither of them should be even safe, Are. We. Tired? We should be. We vilified for choosing to work on their marriage, don’t need more thoughts and prayers. We need but let’s not normalize gaslighting your partner action. As an advocate of free speech, I say and then having them go on TV to make YOU ReShonda Tate with all certainty, the average Joe doesn’t need look good. Let’s normalize not cheating in the Billingsley a frigging machine gun. My second amendfirst place. Let’s protect Black women. And for ment rights don’t allow me to buy a military the love of God, let’s stop putting these “social tank because there’s no real reason for me to have one. Just media experts” on pedestals, including self-described image conlike there’s no real reason for anyone to have an assault rifle. sultant Kevin Samuels, who recently called out a woman who It’s ridiculous that this is even still an issue in 2021. Hopefully dared to question the topic of Why Men Cheat on his YouTube President Joe Biden will lead the way with legislation. If not, show, saying she had no business doing so because she was built we can rest assured that the next mass shooting is on the way. like an NFL running back. I don’t believe in cancel culture, these degrading-women ‘shock-jocks’ just go away? Please?

Are we tired yet?

40 Acres and a Mule

IG: @otulefitness, Twitter: @motule, Website: Coming Soon Read more on Friday about Michael Otule at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine Direct Message our Instagram page @DefenderNetwork

The City of Evanstan, IL has taken a monumental step, approving reparations for select Black residents in the form of $25,000 in housing assistance. As expected, Conservatives are in an uproar. I recently had a debate with one who threw out all the GOP talking points…you know, “Lincoln freed the slaves, we had a Black president, we have Affirmative Action…yada, yada.” None of that does anything to address the fact that there has been a racial divide across the country, which includes historic oppression, exclusion and divestment in the Black housing community. No, I don’t agree with just handing out checks to Black folks, but this is an important FIRST step in addressing systemic inequalities.

Hopefully, other cities will follow suit.

Enough with these “Experts”

I’m not one to get into people’s marital business, because most marriages have issues. But self-described relationship “expert,” Derrick Jaxn, has been flooding timelines all week after being outed for cheating on his wife, Da’Naia. The couple then filmed a video that became a trending topic on social media for several reasons. One being Da’Naia’s appearance, which

Before we go….

My 13-year-old son called me the other day asking if he could get the COVID-19 vaccine. I was proud that he wanted to do his part to ensure his safety. He quickly said it was because Krispy Kreme is offering free doughnuts through the end of the year for everyone with a valid COVID-19 vaccination card. After I gave him the side-eye, I had to tip my hat to Krispy Kreme.

We all want to get COVID-19 behind us as fast as possible and anyone who is trying support everyone doing their part to make the country safe by getting vaccinated deserves applause. Let’s see more companies follow suit. Now, I’m heading to get my original glazed….my son, however, will have to wait….

In this week’s paper

• We’re excited about our new police chief. Check out some interesting facts about Houstonian Troy Finner.

• Reporter Von Jiles tackles voter suppression in Pollyticks.

• Sports reporters Terrance Harris gives us the latest on Deshaun Watson as the sexual assault claims grow.

On the web

• Watch Kenneth Huewitt discuss his first year leading TSU. • Well-known Burt’s Meat Market closing after 75 years in business.

• HBCU Legacy Bowl to spotlight Black college players for NFL scouts.

March 25, 2021 |

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DN News NEW HOUSTON POLICE CHIEF

Who is Troy Finner?

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

City Council has unanimously approved the appointment of native Houstonian Troy Finner to head the 5,200-member Houston Police Department. Many are lauding the decision by Mayor Sylvester Turner to select Finner, who served as executive assistant chief for the department, because of his strong roots in the city.

Finner is taking over for HPD Chief Art Acevedo, who is leaving to head the Miami Police Department.

Here are some facts about Finner, who officially begins the job on April 5.

• Born in Fifth Ward, raised in Hiram Clarke.

• Graduated from Madison High School in 1985.

• Earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State, master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston Clear Lake.

• Found a love for law enforcement while taking a serial murder class at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

• Graduated at the top of his class, the first college graduate in his family.

• Joined HPD in 1990.

• Oversaw field operations for HPD. Duties include acting as a liaison - and at times, as acting police chief -

with city officials as designated by the chief.

• Married to Sharon Finner, five children, youngest is 10.

• One of six children, lost his oldest sister to Lupus in 2004.

• Lost two nephews to gun violence.

• Worked as a patrol officer for 12 years; promoted to sergeant in 2002. He spent five years in that role before becoming a lieutenant; promoted directly to assistant chief in 2014.

I am grateful to Mayor Turner for this opportunity to lead the men and women of the Houston Police Department. I have spent my entire career preparing for this moment, and I will not let down the mayor or the people of Houston.”

Troy Finner

Troy Finner is not just from Houston, he is Houston. He has earned — and I underscore that — the trust and respect of people in every corner of our diverse community. He is strong, he is a decisive leader and he is someone people follow.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner

Houston leaders grapple with continued rise in violent crime Houston Public Media

Last year, 400 people were murdered in Houston, a 42% increase from 2019 and the most since the early 1990s. Other violent crime also went up, including aggravated assault and kidnappings. Some of that is part of an increase in domestic violence. And there’s no sign of a slowdown.

The sudden surge in crime has Houston-area leaders looking for answers. But in a pandemic year defined by tragedy, job loss and other stressors, those answers aren’t easy to come by.

As of March 12, Houston Police Department preliminary reports indicate at least 82 murders so far in 2021. That’s compared to 60 at this point last year.

While violent crime was already going up in early 2020, before the pandemic, it got worse after the coronavirus spurred shutdowns, according to Phillip Lyons, dean of the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University.

“During the pandemic, with all the psycho-social stresses that are associated with that, I think it’s not a big surprise that more people lose it,” he said.

Lyons added that he was less sure about how much the related economic recession plays into the crime rate, as crime hasn’t always gone up in past recessions. But he didn’t discount it.

“I think it is safe to say that as stresses mount, including economic stresses, we would expect to see more increases in crim-

Houston Police investigators photograph a vehicle at a crime scene. Bob Levey/Getty

inal behavior,” Lyons said.

Not all crime was on the rise in 2020.

Property crime, like theft and burglaries, dropped last year, a trend experts say was caused by more people staying home. Burglars generally prefer to strike empty homes.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said while much of the violent crime probably can be attributed to the pandemic stress, it’s important for the community to work with police to prevent crime.

“If you know people who are committing these crimes – I don’t care whether they’re

gang-related, whether or not they’re just crimes committed in general – if you know something, we desperately need the community to be an active player,” he said at a news conference last week.

The police department has increased presence, especially in crime hot spots, by putting more officers on patrol and adding shifts thanks to COVID-19 relief funds paying for overtime. It has also diverted funding to investigations and the homicide division.

And just last week, Turner announced he would look into using a new round of fed-

eral relief funding to add a new HPD cadet class next year.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo told reporters in January that rising crime was already a nationwide phenomenon.

“After many decades in the United States of historically low violent crime, including murders, we’re now into year two of a significant increase,” he said.

But on top of national trends, others are blaming Harris County judges for releasing people on low-cost bail, or without cash bail at all.

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DN News

Civil rights lawyer Lee Merritt announces plans to run for Texas Attorney General Houston Public Media

After years in the headlines for suing local law enforcement agencies for violating the civil rights of Black people, Lee Merritt has decided to try a new approach to justice: become the state’s top lawyer.

The civil rights lawyer said that the death of Marvin Scott III in the Collin County jail made it clear he needed to take a different approach to protect the civil rights of vulnerable Texans.

“I’ve decided that, this case being the line, that I’m running against Ken Paxton for attorney general in 2022,” Merritt said.

Paxton, who lives in the Collin County city of McKinney, was first elected attorney general in 2014.

“I’m tired, tired, tired of getting phone calls” from grieving families of people killed by law enforcement officers, Merritt said.

Merritt is representing Scott’s family.

Scott had a documented history of schizophrenia, and was undergoing a manic episode when he was arrested by the Allen Police Department on Sunday for allegedly possessing a marijuana joint, Merritt said.

The 26-year-old should have been taken to a mental health facility, Merritt said.

Instead, Scott was taken to a hospital and then booked into the Collin County Deten-

Attorney S. Lee Merritt testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on police use of force and community relations on on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, June 16, 2020 in Washington. AP

tion Center. Four hours later, officials say, he was dead, after corrections staff had pepper sprayed him, covered his head with a spit hood, and forcefully tied him down to a bed.

Merritt said it’s the latest of several cases of Black men being treated as criminals and dying when experiencing mental health crises.

It’s all the more personal, he said, because his

11-year-old son has autism, and he worries about how he’ll be perceived by police. These killings are civil rights issues, and Merritt said the attorney general has an obligation to ensure people with disabilities and Black people are treated equally under the law.

“Our community — and I don’t mean the Black community, I mean Texas — will die

from this,” Merritt said. “It will rip up this state if we don’t address this, because they’re going to keep killing us. Law enforcement will keep killing people suffering from mental health crises and it will cause additional trauma to the community.”

Merritt has represented a number of families whose Black relatives were killed by police officers, including the families of Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, both of whom were killed in their homes. He is also an attorney for the family of Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed in Georgia last year, allegedly by white vigilantes.

After handling a number of civil rights cases, Merritt said he decided to run for attorney general because Paxton and other Republican state leaders have failed to protect them.

“Never mind that they’re veterans, that they’re medical students like Atatiana Jefferson, that they’re accountants like Botham Jean. They’re Black and he just doesn’t see them,” Merritt said. “He doesn’t see them.”

Merritt did not indicate if he would run in the Democratic Party, and said he has only started the process of setting up a campaign. He doesn’t expect a formal announcement until May. The first day to file to run in the state is July 17.

Evanston, IL approves $10 mil reparations housing program Defender News Service

The Chicago suburb of Evanston has approved the first phase of a landmark $10 million reparations program that will give housing grants to Black residents targeted by discriminatory policies.

Fifth Ward Ald. Robin Rue Simmons approved a measure to create a $400,000 housing grant program that will award up to $25,000 to eligible applicants. Simmons, who first introduced the initiative, praised the move as a “first step.”

The program will be funded through the city’s 3% marijuana sales tax revenue as well as by doRobin Rue nations. The grants can be used for Simmons down payments, closing costs, home repairs and improvements, mortgage principal, interest payments or late penalties on Evanston property, according to the City Council’s guidelines.

Applicants must have been a Black resident of Evanston from 1919 to 1969, when the city banned housing discrimination, and must have “origins in any of the Black racial and ethnic groups of Africa,” according to the council.

Research by the city council’s subcommittee showed that Evanston historically limited Black residents to live in a triangle between North Shore Canal, Union Pacific railroad tracks and Church Street, and subjected them to

icans possessing less than 15% of the wealth that white Americans have, according to the Federal Reserve 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances.

The initiative could serve as a blueprint for other cities. On a national level, Congress has debated a bill called H.R. 40, which was introduced in 2019 and seeks to create a national commission to study potential reparations.

A man walks by a sign welcoming people to the city of in Evanston, Illinois. The Chicago suburb is set to become the first place in the United States to provide reparations to its Black residents, with a plan to distribute $10 million over the next decade. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

other discriminatory practices.

“It is, alone, not enough,” Simmons said on the initiative, per the Chicago Tribune. “We all know that the road to repair and justice in the Black community is going to be a generation of work. It’s going to be many programs and initiatives, and more funding.”

Today, white people in Evanston make nearly double the income and have double the home valuations of Black neighbors, according to the most recent U.S. Census. The racial wealth gap extends nationally, with Black Amer-

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 21 - MARCH 25, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

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

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

March 25, 2021 |

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DN News

Jurors selected for the trial of Derek Chauvin Associated Press

Fifteen jurors have been selected for the case against Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death.

Twelve jurors and two alternates will actually hear the evidence, but a 15th person was chosen in case one of the other panelists is unable to serve when opening statements begin March 29. That 15th person will be dismissed at the start of trial if the rest of the jury remains intact.

Here’s a look at the panel of six men and nine women (nine whites, four Blacks, two multiracial). The judge has ordered their names withheld until after the trial due to the high-profile nature of the case.

White man, 20s, Chemist

Visited George Floyd Square because Floyd’s arrest was such a “transformative event for that area.” The only juror on the panel who said he has never seen bystander video of Floyd’s arrest.

Multiracial woman, 20s

Said she only watched the bystander video once, and it gave her a “somewhat negative” impression of Chauvin.

White man, 30s, Auditor

Supports Black Lives Matter as a general concept but disagrees with some of the ways group members go about things. Has an unfavorable opinion of Blue Lives Matter.

Black man, 30s, IT Manager

Had a somewhat negative view of Chauvin, based on clips of bystander video he

saw on TV and talked with his wife “about how it could have been me, or anyone else.”

White woman, 50s, Nonprofit Executive

Saw only part of the bystander video and has empathy for both Floyd and Chauvin. Said she had a somewhat negative view of Chauvin and a neutral opinion of Floyd, saying he was not a model citizen but didn’t “deserve to die.”

Black man, 30s, Banker

Has neutral opinions on Chauvin and Floyd and says he has not seen the bystander video in its entirety but has seen clips of it two or three times. Has a very favorable view of Black Lives Matter.

White woman, 50s, Executive assistant

“Disturbed” by the bystander video and has a somewhat unfavorable view of Chauvin because she feels he could’ve handled the situation differently. She has a basic trust in police officers, and a somewhat unfavorable view of Black Lives Matter.

Black man, 40s, Management

Trusts police, but also feels it’s appropriate for jurors to evaluate an officer’s actions.

Teaches his son that when police stop him, he should cooperate because “cooperation is good. You help everybody.”

Multiracial woman, 40s, Consultant

Has a neutral view of Floyd and has a pretty strong faith in police, but they are human and can make mistakes. She said she would generally agree that if someone

Defense attorney Eric Nelson and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. AP

does not cooperate, he or she might have themselves to blame.

White woman, 50s, Registered nurse

Would draw upon her knowledge to evaluate medical testimony, but would refrain from using her knowledge in the jury room. Somewhat disagrees that it’s not right to second-guess decisions officers make.

Black woman, 60s, Retired

Watched the bystander video of Floyd’s arrest four or five minutes, then shut it off because “it just wasn’t something that I needed to see.” Had a very favorable view of Black Lives Matter and has a relative who is a police officer in Minneapolis.

White woman, 40s, Commercial insurance

Doesn’t agree that someone who uses drugs or doesn’t cooperate with police should be treated poorly. “If someone uses drugs, I don’t think there should be ramifications of violence for that,” she said.

White woman, 50s, Unemployed

Has seen clips of the video of Floyd’s arrest, wants to learn more about what happened beforehand. Has never personally seen police officers respond to Black people or minorities with more force than white people and believes a person has nothing to fear from police if they cooperate and comply with commands.

White woman, 20s, Social worker

Had conversations with others about police reform and thinks “there are things that should be changed.” Also described police and their jobs as important, and said she is “always looking at every side of things.”

White man, 20s, Accountant

Initially formed a somewhat negative opinion of Chauvin, saying the duration of his restraint on Floyd was longer than necessary. Respects police and views Black Lives Matter somewhat favorably, but believes some frustrations contributed to violent unrest in Minneapolis.

Former President Obama weighs in on mass shootings Defender News Service

Democrats say they are pushing toward a vote on expanded gun control measures as the nation reels from its second mass shooting in a week.

President Joe Biden said “we have to act,” but prospects for any major changes were dim, for now, in the closely dividFormer U.S. ed Congress. Even President still, former PresiBarack Obama dent Barack Obama is using his platform to speak out on the issue.

The former president released a statement after the Boulder, CO grocery store

shooting that left 10 people dead. Obama said while he and Michelle Obama were grieving for the victims and their families, they are also challengomg lawmakers to step up and enact stricter gun control and reform legislation to “make it harder for those with hate in their hearts to buy weapons of war.”

Noting that the recent spate of mass shootings — seven in the past seven days — coincided with states moving to relax COVID-19 guidelines, Obama suggested that a public health emergency shouldn’t be the only thing that prevents these types of public shootings that leave multiple people killed and injured.

“A one-in-a-lifetime pandemic cannot be the only thing that slows mass shootings in this country,” Obama said in his

Read Obama’s full statement at www.DefenderNetwork.com

statement. “We shouldn’t have to choose between one type of tragedy and another.

It’s time for leaders everywhere to listen

to the American people when they say enough – because this is a normal we can no longer afford.”

CLASSIFIED BLOCK Builders, LLC has been awarded The Apartments on Caroline, 3300 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas.

This is a permanent supportive housing development. BLOCK will be accepting competitive sealed bids from qualified subcontractors for trades associated with the demolition of 3 buildings and construction of one 4-story building, consisting of 149 efficiency units, (approx. 90,722sf) shared common areas, parking and a courtyard. Submit stipulated sum sealed bids and related supplemental documentation, including verifiable references, and qualifications, no later than April 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. to BLOCK, via e-mail at CarolineEstimating@blockcompanies.com or at the office located at 4545 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 150, Houston TX 77027. A Pre-Bid Meeting has been scheduled for Friday, March 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The Meeting Link is https://blockcompanies.webex.com/blockcompanies/j. php?MTID=ma05a33dfd5bf3c6889274ddb3861432e or join by phone +1-408-418-9388, Access code: 187 678 6458. All bidders are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Meeting.

This is a City of Houston and Harris County Project with DR requirements. Plans and specifications, instructions to bidders and other bid documents are available at no cost for download via ISqFt.com, search for “The Apartments on Caroline”.

March 25, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

Where’s my money?

Defender News Service

If you’re still waiting on your third COVID-19 stimulus check, be on the lookout because another batch of $1,400 payments are being sent out this week.

Around 90 million payments were delivered during the first batch shortly after the American Rescue Plan was signed into law. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced direct deposits during this next round should be hitting bank accounts now.

However, the agencies noted that a large number of the payments going out now will also be mailed. So those who won’t see a direct deposit this week, should watch their mail carefully for a paper check or prepaid debit card.

Treasury and IRS said that additional batches of payments will be going out on a weekly basis moving forward.

“The IRS continues to send the third round of stimulus payments in record time,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Ret-

tig. “Since this new set of payments will include more mailed payments, we urge people to carefully watch their mail for a check or debit card in the coming weeks.”

The IRS also recently re-launched the “Get My Payment” tool on the IRS.gov website to help Americans track their own payments. Here’s some things to know:

erally receive the third payment the same way as their regular benefits.

The IRS said if someone did not file a tax return and they receive SSA, RRB, SSI or VA benefits and their benefits are currently deposited to a Direct Express card, then the 2021 Economic Impact Payment will be deposited to that card.

If you are getting “Payment Status Not Available” from the IRS stimulus check tracker, it could mean: You are not eligible for the payment; The payment has yet to be processed; or The IRS doesn’t have enough information to issue the payment to you. The agency said it will continue to issue the 2021 Economic Impact Payments throughout 2021.

The American Rescue Plan provides households with $1,400 for each adult, child and adult dependent, such as college students or elderly relatives. The payments start declining for an individual once adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 and go to zero once income hits $80,000. The payment starts declining for married couples when income exceeds $150,000 and goes to zero at $160,000. A qualifying family of four would receive $5,600.

‘Payment status not available’

When will SSI get their third stimulus check?

A date has yet to be set for when those receiving Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will get their money. Though the IRS has said those recipients will gen-

Am I eligible?

Do college students, adult dependents get the third stimulus check?

Unlike the first and second rounds of checks, payments for dependents in the

third round are not restricted to only children under 17. Eligible families will get a payment based on all of their qualifying dependents claimed on their return, including older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.” Now it’s important to note that if you’re a dependent, the check won’t go to you, it’ll go to whoever claims you as a dependent.

Can the $1,400 checks be seized by banks or creditors?

It depends on the type of debt that you have and who would be attempting to collect it. Like the previous rounds of stimulus checks, this aid can NOT be garnished by the federal government or the IRS. But it could be garnished from private companies.

KNOW PREDICT PREVENT

Offic e of Di s t r ict At tor n e y h a r r i s c o un t y, T X

Kim Ogg

H a r r i s Co u n t y DA . COM

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB PollyTicks JUDGE…. YE NOT!

ARE TEXAS REPUBLICANS SUPPRESSING

BLACK & BROWN VOTES?

By Von Jiles

In an effort to keep their jobs and continue their 20-plus years control of Texas, Republicans in the Legislature are filing bills to suppress the votes of Texans across the state. With serious concern for their shelflife, which appears to be dwindling a little each election, their strategy is to hide behind their fake concerns for “election integrity, uniformity and voter fraud” (Senate Bill 7).

Reportedly, after 22,000 hours of searching

for voter fraud, the result was not even worth mentioning. The ultimate goal is to turn off the ACCESS to voting by eliminating the 24-hour voting initiative (HB2293), outlawing drive-thru voting, limiting mailin-ballots and restricting the hours of polling places to daytime hours only.

Why are Republicans on this mission, especially when the state of Texas has some of the strictest, most racist, voting restrictions in the nation?

Based on the Harris County figures reported by the Texas Tribune, one in every 10 of the county’s in-person early voters cast their ballots at the county’s 10 drive-thru polling places. Black and Hispanic voters cast 47.5% of the total ballots in Harris County. Estimates are that over 300,000 voters came from drive-thru voting, mail-in ballots and voting after 7 pm.

The survival of Republicans in the State of Texas rests on them tightening voting rules

Federal Judge Vanessa Gilmore gave her notice of retirement on the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century and we wish her the best. Now the question becomes who will fill the position, and folks are jockeying for the plum of a job. Currently, there are 29 judges in the Southern District of Texas: 12 white men, five Hispanic men, five Hispanic women, three white women, three Black men and the ONE and ONLY Black woman – Judge Gilmore. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THIS POSITION IS FILLED

BY A BLACK WOMAN… Let’s keep our eye on the ball. Latest Development: Because of the overload of cases in the Valley, the decision has been made to move Judge Gilmore’s position to Laredo. This means we lose the position completely. For years the request for more judges in the Southern District has fallen on deaf ear.

Hopefully, the Biden Administration will increase the much-needed number of judges.

Federal Judge Vanessa Gilmore

“TAKE OUR CITY BACK” EVOLVES INTO “TAKE OUR COUNTY BACK” IN FT. BEND COUNTY Who is Ft. Bend taking the county back from? Well, in the November elections, Ft. Bend County made history electing their first Black Sheriff, Eric Fagan; first Black Tax Assessor Collector, Carmen Turner; first Black County Attorney, Bridgette Smith-Lawson and not to mention

the judicial seats now held by Blacks.

You figure out the answer to the question. To see the strategy being used just look at the May 1 Ft. Bend School District races. First, understand that in these races whoever wins the most votes wins the election. There are no run-offs. So, the idea is to split the Black vote by having other Black candidates (backed by those ‘Take Back Forces’) resulting in a non-Black winning the race.

We don’t want to discourage any Blacks from running in any race, but just understand the “games people play” are not new.

METRO...

DID YOU MISS THE BUS? The disparity study for both Harris County and the Port of Houston have been completed. But where is the METRO disparity study? Why is this taking so long? We are waiting for METRO to get on the bus. By the way, where is the City of Houston disparity study that got a head start on everybody? The Black numbers are horrible for the County (0.5%) and Port, (3.62%) and the expectations are METRO will be more of the same. We want to get all three studies completed so we can explore the opportunities to share cost and achieve the ultimate goal of equity at all the entities…so Black contractors will get a fair share of our tax dollars.

Source: MSNBC

JIM CROW ON THE MOVE and rolling back access. However, they are gambling with energizing the emerging Texas voters who are young and voters of color. Creative methods were used this past election to expand access and allow us to exercise our “Right to Vote.” The question is, can we stop the red tide from stomping out Black and Brown access to the polls? If not, let’s come up with some more creative methods for the next election to ensure Texans of all colors, races and creeds get to vote.

Ft. Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan

Ft. Bend County Tax Assessor Collector Carmen Turner

THIS & THAT • Texas State Senator John Whitmire is definitely running for Houston Mayor with his $6 million war chest.

Ft. Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson

• HISD School Board is setting up shop to find another superintendent. Bets are the person will be Hispanic.

• LATEST: At the City of Houston the MWBE current policy contends that

As though he was not always there, the notorious Jim Crow is making an end run nationwide as legislators scramble to suppress the vote. MSNBC did a map of the states across the country who are busy at work. WOW!

Prime contractors who are Black cannot count themselves being “Black” to meet their MWBE goals, instead they must go and find other Black sub-contractors, BUT they can count them-

selves Black if they are a sub-contractor.

And that applies to any minority-owned business. The new proposed policy says you can count a portion. Are we returning to 3/5 of a citizen? WHAT?

10 | March 25, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health COVID-19

Racial disparities persist as TX expands vaccination eligibility

Texas opens COVID-19 vaccine to everyone 16 and older on March 29 Texas Tribune

A patient receives their vaccination against COVID-19. Texas Tribune Texas Tribune

The only racial or ethnic group being Black and Hispanic Texans, who have vaccinated at a higher rate than its popalready been disproportionately killed ulation share is Asian Texans, who make and hospitalized after being infected with up about 5% of the state’s population COVID-19, appear to be vastly underrep- and roughly 6% of those vaccinated. The resented among those getting shots across “other” category, which accounts for about the state, according to state health data 8% of those vaccinated, includes other that still paints an incomplete picture. races and those who identify as multiThe state health departracial, according to the ment’s limited demoTexas Department of State graphic data has clouded Health Services website.

VACCINATED the picture of the dispariDSHS has collected and TEXANS ties statewide — more than published race and ethnicone-sixth of the records ity data since late January, don’t include recipients’ more than a month into the race or ethnicity. nation’s vaccination proThe Texas Department cess. To better track which Blacks of State Health Services groups are being vaccinated recently expanded vaccine — and encourage providers access to Texans age 50 to enter race and ethnicity whites and older and now requires information — officials said providers to report racial they would start requiring Hispanics demographic information, it and making it easier for but local health officials and users to report. *Thru March 18th experts still say the people “We are getting much *TX Dept. of Health being vaccinated in Texas more complete race/ethnicdo not reflect the state’s demographics. ity data now,” DSHS spokesperson Chris White Texans are being vaccinated at Van Deusen said in a statement, adding nearly twice the rate of Hispanic Texans that the demographics of those who have and more than six times the rate of Black received first doses administered since Texans, according to state data.

Feb. 4 are “much closer to the state’s 16 and

5.86 MIL 6% 41% 21%

older population breakdown ... than we were able to see early on when we didn’t know the race or ethnicity of such a large percentage of people.”

The progress has been too slow for some elected officials.

During a March 10 Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting, state Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, expressed frustration with the low vaccination rate among communities of color.

“I feel kind of that you broke my heart and broke your promise to me,” Miles told Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, which makes recommendations for vaccine allocation strategies to the Texas Commissioner of Health.

Garcia acknowledged the state can “do better” to improve equity, but said local officials are responsible for the majority of vaccine distribution.

“At the end of the day, we can put vaccines in certain places, but it’s the locals that know their communities best,” Garcia told lawmakers during the hearing. “All we can do is give the vaccine. Where they put it, where they choose to move it, who they choose to vaccinate ... is on them.”

Everyone age 16 and older, regardless of occupation or health status, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas starting March 29.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is still asking providers to prioritize appointments for people who are 80 and older, and to prioritize walk-ins from anyone in that age group who shows up without an appointment. The vaccines are not limited to Texas residents, and citizenship is not a requirement for the vaccine.

“We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chair of the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel.

Until now, eligibility for the vaccine was mainly restricted to a few groups: health care workers, people ages 50 and older, those with certain underlying health conditions who are 16 or older, and employees of schools and day care centers. Texas began receiving vaccines in mid-December.

The vaccine is still in short supply as the announcement makes about 22 million people eligible. The state has been allocated more than 14 million doses since distribution began in December — far short of the supply needed to fully vaccinate everyone right away.

As of Tuesday, Texas had administered more than 9.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. More than 6 million people have received at least one dose, and more than 3 million have been fully vaccinated, according to state health officials.

People wait in line for the COVID-19 vaccine.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

WE STAND BEHIND THE VACCINE Here’s why our experts support the COVID-19 vaccine:

TESTED

TRUSTED

EFFECTIVE

There has been thorough testing and rigorous external review. Previous research and new technology allowed the vaccine to be developed faster, yet still follow the standard FDA process for emergency review before approval.

Most side effects are minimal, like other vaccines — including sore arms, muscle aches and fever. These flu-like symptoms indicate that the vaccine is doing its job — helping your body develop immunity to the virus. Other side effects are rare.

Current evidence indicates the vaccine is safe and up to 95% effective. COVID-19 can be fatal or debilitating. The risks of experiencing serious symptoms or being hospitalized from the disease are far greater than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.

We encourage you to get the first vaccine available to you when it is your turn according to the state’s prioritization plan. Visit houstonmethodist.org/texas-vaccine-hub to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine waitlist. #ProtectedTogether

12 | March 25, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Events

UPCOMING VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON EVENTS

By Aswad Walker Unmasking the Realities: This is Our America, Mar. 31, 5pm

With the display of incivility at the Capitol in the early part of the year, many asked the question, “Is this who we are?”

Conditioned within the American social, political and economic systems are various forms of systemic violence and disruption of democracy. We continue to live in the fog of failed reconstruction and it’s critical for us to achieve a greater authentic understanding of what America has been and what it continues to be.

The social construct of race continues to be at the cornerstone of the national division and inequities. Join host, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, for a meaningful discussion with thought-leaders as we unpack the social realities confronting our communities. To register, visit https://zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_-Gmt8esOTl2cmWc5dBIwVQ. 2021 The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, Apr. 10 – 11, 9am – 6pm

Experience a colorful outdoor art gallery at the 16th annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (WWAF) over the weekend of April 10 & 11. Set to take place in Town Green Park and along the scenic banks of The Woodlands Waterway this year’s arts festival hopes to reconnect the community through art. The Festival offers early access for 60+ and VIP from 9am-10am and General access from 10am-6pm. Get your official tickets now at www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/festival and experience fine art from over 150 international, national and regional artists on display, including original work ranging from paintings to ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, photography, metal works and more. Enjoy live music, local food,

beer, wine and children’s art activities for a fun family experience.

Bluebonnet Festival, Apr. 10, 9am – 6pm; Apr 11, 10am – 5pm

The Bluebonnet Festival, declared the “Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas” by the Texas Legislature and voted #7 as “Most Popular Festival in Texas” by Texas Highways magazine, boasts hundreds of exhibitors (home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, etc.), delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community of Chappell Hill (between Brenham and Hempstead).

The event, sponsored by A Little Junk in My Trunk Mobile Boutique, offers free admission and parking for $10.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday, Apr. 13, 7pm – 8pm

Join us on the BE! Creative Arts Center page via Facebook Live as we dance for fun and fitness. Participate from wherever you are -- online, virtually. This is a FREE Dance Session offered @ 7pm every Tuesday via live stream from the @ becreativeartscenter Facebook page. No experience is necessary. Soul line dancing is for anyone and everyone. Share with family and friends. Invite everyone to join in. It’s a great way to party. It’s a fun way to be creative. If you are interested in participating via Zoom, visit our website at www.becreativeartscenter.com to register.

This session is FREE.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO), will hold a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 12 p.m. to receive public comment on its proposed June 2021 changes to METRO service. The public hearing will be held by telephone and video conference call on the Zoom virtual meeting platform.

The public may join the virtual hearing on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84898063394 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 1-888-475-4499 (Toll Free), Meeting ID: 848 9806 3394.

Participation on Zoom is only necessary if you want to provide comments during the public hearing. Otherwise, you may view a livestream of the virtual hearing online at RideMETRO.org/Pages/BoardStreamingVideo.aspx. A video recording of the hearing will also be archived on www.ridemetro.org.

Based on the current guidance from public health officials recommending the limitation of in-person public meetings to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, the public hearing will only be conducted virtually.

The proposed service changes include: Route Realignments to Routes 32, 45, & 46; Schedule Changes to Routes 4, 6, 8, 25, 32, 45, 46, 54, 80, 82, 88, 96, 209, 219, 229, 236, 249, 259, 269, 291 & 433. METRO will continue to make temporary schedule adjustments in response to social distancing and workforce availability.

Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 for public review on-line, and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building, located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGES It is recommended that anyone wanting to make public comments register as a public speaker with METRO’s Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to boardoffice@ridemetro.org, and providing their name, address and telephone number. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing.

Your name will be called at the appropriate time for you to make your comments. Alternatively, you may provide public comments after the pre-registered speakers by selecting the “Raise Hand” feature on the Zoom platform online or by pressing *9 if joining by telephone. Those calling in will automatically be placed on mute. After an unregistered speaker’s name or number is recognized, their microphone will be unmuted and they will be able to provide their comments.

You may also provide comments by: • Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: June 2021 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002; • Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "June 2021 Service Change" to (713) 652-7956; • Calling METRO's Customer Service at (713) 635-4000; • Submitting comments on METRO's website – www.RideMETRO.org.

All comments should be received by METRO by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Individuals with impairments may call (713) 750-4271 a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan. Request for language assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4018, or via e-mail at METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

OTHER 1. This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration's Circular 9030.1E, published January 16, 2014, page VI-7.

2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

RideMETRO.org • 713.635.4000 Participants of the 2018 Mo. City Juneteenth Celebration line dancing.

Photo by Aswad Walker

March 25, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature PVAMU launching Toni Morrison Writing Program Defender News Service

Morrison was also the Robert F. Goheen Professor of Creative Writing at Princeton Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) University when MacKenzie Scott was a President Ruth J. Simmons is launching student there.

Scott studied with Morrison. the Toni Morrison Writing Program in Born Chloe Wofford on February 18, honor of the writer and her former stu1931, in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison was a dent, MacKenzie Scott. The philanthropist, prolifi c essayist and novelist. She who is also a writer, donated $50 was awarded the Presidential million to the University in OcMedal of Freedom, the National tober 2020; $3 million of her gift Humanities Medal, and the Puwill be designated to endow the litzer Prize for Fiction, and the Morrison Writing Program.

Nobel Prize in Literature.

The Writing Program will Emma Joahanne Thominclude a Toni Morrison Writas-Smith, Ed.D., PVAMU proer-in-Residence. Appointed anvost emerita, will oversee the nually, a different writer each Toni Morrison program.

With decades of exyear will have a one-year visiting perience in higher education, appointment at Prairie View, Th omas-Smith previously led the Univerwhere that individual will offer a seminar sity’s Honors Program and the Department in writing. The Writer-in-Residence will hold public readings of the writer’s work of English and Languages.

“Faculty and staff of both the University and that of other writers to bring visibility and area high schools will share in the acto the importance of writing and the legacy of African American writers, especially tivities of the program and benefit from the those educated at Historically Black Col- Writer-in-Residence and other artists repleges and Universities (HBCUs). Morrison resenting the full range of literary genres,” shared Thomas-Smith. was a graduate of Howard University.

VIRTUAL

IN-PERSON

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As a parent, you have to be involved in your child’s education to make sure he or she has everything they need to succeed.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.NNPA.ORG/EDUCATION © 2021 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

14 | March 25, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports University of Houston freshman Tramon Mark made the three-point play in the closing 24 seconds of the Rutgers game to advance the Cougars to the Sweet 16 against Syracuse.

Texas Southern guard Michael Weathers scored 24 points and grabbed four rebounds in the Tiger loss 82-66 to No. 1 seed Michigan in the NCAA Tournament.

DESHAUN WATSON UNDER FIRE SEXUAL ALLEGATIONS INCREASE AS MORE COME FORWARD

By Terrance Harris

As we went deeper into this NFL offseason, the biggest question seemed to be where would Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson end up playing next year.

Now there are much more ominous questions where Watson is concerned.

A week ago, controversial attorney and one-time Houston mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee announced on social media that he would be filing a lawsuit on behalf of a licensed massage therapist against Watson, alleging sexual misconduct. Tony Buzbee That number grew by midweek to 16 massage therapists alleging inappropriate conduct and sexual assault in the last year at the hands of the highly respected and beloved Texans quarterback.

These allegations go against everything we think we know about Watson. But the number of complaints and with allegations that range from Watson exposing to himself to sexually assaulting women made us have to look at this in a serious way.

This city has shown Watson nothing but love over these last four years and he has returned the love by being a winner on and off the football field.

But now these allegations come in the middle of a strained relationship between Watson and the Texans, specifically CEO and chairman Cal McNair. Watson has made it known he wants to be traded.

The Texans, meanwhile, have consistently vowed Watson isn’t up for a trade and that he will honor the four-year, $156 million contract extension he signed with the team in September.

With these serious allegations now at play, there seems to be many moving parts surrounding Watson. So we broke it down into three parts.

WHAT WE KNOW • Buzbee announced on social media last week that one massage therapist

therapists, but the exact claims in each one of the lawsuits that have been filed remains unclear.

• Since Watson’s initial tweet claiming his innocence and vowing to clear his name and the introductory press statement from prominent defense attorney Rusty Hardin, we haven’t heard a response from Watson or his camp on the other alleged victims.

• Several NFL teams has been jockeying for position to trade for Watson, offering the Texans a king’s ransom in return.

But his trade value is all but gone at this point because of the serious nature of the allegations and the optics of bringing about a franchise quarterback with such serious baggage.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) had filed a lawsuit against Watson claiming sexual misconduct.

• Within a few days, that number jumped from one to seven lawsuits Buzbee filed on behalf of massage therapists claiming inappropriate conduct and sexual misconduct and with the promise of more to come. Buzbee is now claiming that his law office is vetting as many as 22 potential lawsuits by massage therapists against Watson.

• Watson issued a response after the initial allegation, saying he has “never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect.” And claiming that Buzbee asked for a six-figure lawsuit settlement before

filing the lawsuit.

• As of Monday, the Houston Police Department had not launched a criminal investigation into the alleged crimes committed by Watson.

• The NFL has confirmed that it has begun an investigation into the allegations against Watson and reviewing whether or not any of his actions violate the league’s personal conduct code.

The Texans are deferring to the NFL. WHAT WE DON’T KNOW • There have been some allegations that Watson exposed himself, requested inappropriate touching and forced oral sex on at least one of the massage

WHAT CONCERNS US • These allegations go far beyond Watson being demanding or overbearing and they are flat troubling if true.

• Given Watson’s visibility and reputation as an all-around good guy, why is this now coming out just months after the franchise quarterback demanded a trade out of town?

• Buzbee claims to have no connection to the McNair family, which owns the Texans despite rumors of a long-standing friendship with deceased owner Bob McNair. Buzbee and the McNair family are River Oaks neighbors, yet the attorney claims to not even know what CEO and chairman Cal McNair looks like.

• All of the alleged victims filed lawsuits against Watson, but as of Wednesday none had filed any criminal charges.

• As an NFL player, Watson should have many masseuse options within the team, yet he chose to solicit massage therapists on Instagram.

Sports Briefs TUNSIL RESTRUCTURES CONTRACT Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil has agreed to restructure his money for this upcoming year to save the team $10.1 million in cap space.

Tunsil’s $16.15 million base is being converted into a $15.16 million signing bonus and his base for the season will be just $990,000.

PRAIRIE VIEW RESCHEDULES FOOTBALL GAMES The SWAC has announced makeup dates for the next two football games Prairie View will miss due to COVID-19 concerns. The Panthers will now host Alabama A&M on April 3 at 2 p.m. and will travel to Jackson State on April 24 at 1 p.m. Both games will be carried on an ESPN platform.

OBAMA PREDICTS TIGERS WIN President Barack Obama, who is known for filling out an NCAA bracket every year, picked Texas Southern to win against Mt. Saint Mary’s in the First Four round and then face No.1 seed Michigan in the first round.

The Tigers, of course, did win against Mount Saint Mary’s before being eliminated by the Wolverines.

March 25, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports SUMMER CREEK SPRINTER

DYNASTY MCCLENNON IS GOLDEN

By Jodie B. Jiles

In 2019, Summer Creek’s Dynasty McClennon made a name for herself in Austin as a sophomore winning a gold medal in the 400meter dash and helping Summer Creek’s 4x100 meter relay team finish with a silver medal.

In 2020, fans missed out on McClennon’s progress since her junior season was cut short due to a UIL COVID-19 cancellation of the track season.

At the return of the 69th annual TSU relays, senior Dynasty McClennon, a University of Kentucky commit, showed off her polished, power running talents capturing championships in the 100meter dash with a top 5 national record finish and a 4x100 meter relay win with a national record time. In the 4x100m victory McClennon carried her team back coming from behind against a higher ranked Desoto squad.

The Defender spoke with Dynasty at the TSU relays to discuss her running style, come from behind mentality, Kentucky commitment and more.

RUNNING STYLE “I would say I am more of a power runner and I believe my power is where I am better than most people.”

MENTALITY WHEN COMING FROM BEHIND “It is a big motivation for me when someone is in front of me because I want to win and I want to win for my team.”

KENTUCKY COMMITMENT “Just their resume with good sprinters like myself, and the coaches are going to be great mentors for me as well.”

MOVING FORWARD “I plan on doing really well at this state meet and breaking a couple of records.”

ABOUT DYNASTY MCCLENNON INSTAGRAM: @track.dynasty

SPRINTERS SHE STUDIES: Sanya RichardsRoss, Shaunae Miller, Allyson Felix

WORLD PROBLEM YOU WOULD SOLVE: World Debt

FAVORITE ARTIST: Lil Durk, Tory Lanez and Drake

SHOUTOUTS: My coaches, dad, mom, brothers and sisters

16 | March 25, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment LIZZO LOOKING FOR ‘BIG GIRLS’ FOR NEW AMAZON SERIES

Defender News Service

If you’re a full-figured woman with twerk skills on legendary, then Lizzo is looking for you!

The “Cuz I Love You” singer and Amazon Studios are teaming up for an all new unscripted series, titled The Untitled Lizzo Project. The series, which comes under Lizzo’s first-look deal with the studio, will follow her on her quest to find fabulously talented, full-figured dancers and models who have what it takes to shake it on tour and strut it on the runway. Sporting yellow swim attire, Lizzo hilariously made the announcement via social media: “I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!,” the “Truth Hurts” singer captioned a post on Instagram. “Are you a full figured dancer or model? Have you felt underrepresented and under appreciated? THEN I’M LOOKIN FOR YOU! It’s time to find my dream team of beautifully talented big grrrls and Amazon Studios is helping ya grrrl on this journey! We are casting NOW so head to BigGrrrls.com to apply.

Amazon Prime Video—it’s time to change the game!”

The “Tempo” singer has remained outspoken when it comes to positives and negatives of body-positivity and the role she feels she plays when it comes to continuing the conversation, telling Vogue Magazine: “I think it’s lazy for me to just say I’m body positive at this point,” the singer

she said. “I would like to be body-normative. I want to normalize my body.

And not just be like, ‘Ooh, look at this cool movement. Being fat is body positive.’ No, being fat is normal. I think now, I owe it to the people who started this to not just stop here. We have to make people uncomfortable again, so that we can continue to change. Change is always uncomfortable, right?”

She later added, “I think it’s important that I take full responsibility for the way the world perceives me because that is the way they’re gonna perceive someone who looks like me in the future. Maybe, hopefully, that would give some young girl someone to look up to and take away the opportunity for someone to weaponize her uniqueness against her. I had to travel the world and I had to meet peo-

ple and read DMs and look into their eyes and really hear their stories to believe that I was making an impact in a positive way.

And now that I believe in myself in that way, I’m gonna continue to just push that conversation by being a better me every single day.”

If you think you got what it takes, shoot your shot and head on over to BigGrrrls. com to apply now.

Houston rapper ‘That Girl Lay Lay’ stars in new Nickelodeon comedy series Defender News Service

Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High

Thirteen-year-old social media star and hip-hop artist Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High is getting into business with Nickleodeon, signing an overall deal with the network. The self-titled “That Girl Lay Lay” will consist of 13 episodes, and will launch this summer.

The network’s strategy for Lay Lay includes developing content for all Nickelodeon platforms, supporting her music career and an exclusive line of consumer products with merchandising agreements spanning categories such as fashion, accessories, publishing and more.

The show was created by David A. Arnold, a writer-producer on Netflix’s “Fuller House.” The new series follows Lay Lay,

an avatar from an affirmation app that comes to life and helps her best friend Sadie navigate through the world.

“We’re so excited to have That Girl Lay Lay star in a series that’s just as fierce and funny as she is. At its heart, the show David A. Arnold created is about staying true to yourself, and with the immensely talented Will Packer producing, we just know that viewers are going to immediately fall in love with this series,” Zach Olin, senior vice president at Live Action and Nickelodeon, said in a statement.

A Houston native, Lay Lay has taken the world by storm with her energy and sharp rhymes. With millions of views across her social media channels, Lay Lay has been writing, producing, rapping and

singing since the age of five, dazzling fans like Nick Cannon and Le’Veon Bell with her viral freestyle raps.

At age 11, Lay Lay became the youngest female rapper to sign a recording deal via her own Fresh Rebel Muzik/Empire imprint. In September 2018, Lay Lay released her debut project Tha Cheat Code following a performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The following year, she released the deluxe version of Tha Cheat Code Reloaded featuring smash hits “Mama” and “Supersize XL” that have together amassed close to 60 million views on YouTube. In addition to TV appearances, the young artist also has national ad campaigns and book deals under her belt.