Houston Defender: April 16, 2020

WHY? Doctors explain why more Blacks are being infected

by COVID-19

INFOCUS

CONSEQUENCES Explore options to use confronting COVID-19 emotional and physical impact.

Volume 89, issue 25 April 16, 2020

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NEWS

JOE BIDEN

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee considers VP selection and student loan forgiveness.

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE Michelle Fennick Age: 48 Occupation: Consultant, Author, Keynote Speaker Education: University of Houston (B.S.), Prairie View A&M University (M.Ed, PhD)

Message from the Publisher

Major: Educational Leadership Motto: “I am blessed beyond this life.”

LEARN… How Michelle is maintaining her joy amid COVID-19 quarantine.

IG, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube: @ TheDrMichelle

A nation in denial

Houston, but why take a As the coronavirus ravagchance. es the Black community, America is dismayed at Returning to work after COVID-19 why African Americans are hit hardest by this I’m for getting back to virus. First, there is finwork as soon as possible. ger-pointing by some that But with such a small Sonny Messiah Jiles number of folks tested, Blacks are to blame for their obesity, high blood we need to hear a plan pressure and heart disease because of action that protects us and does of their unhealthy eating habits. not heighten the advancement of the Granted, part of that is true. But read coronavirus. I’m willing to listen but the Defender and pull the covers everyone should use common sense back a little bit more on the systemand determine if they feel comfortatic environmental racism resulting able with whatever is unveiled as the in respiratory issues causing asthma, return-to-work plan. the food deserts or lack of quality neighborhood grocery stores in the Keep the Defender Strong campaign continues Black community limiting access to fresh fruits and vegetables, the lack Thank YOU, Thank YOU, Thank of parks or green space inhibiting YOU…for your support during the quality of life and the high numbers first week of the Houston Defender of uninsured among Blacks restrictCOVID-19 Local Media Fund. Coning access to healthcare. sidering the impact of the coronaviThere are other causes and effects rus on Blacks, the Defender is needed including the quality of education but more than ever. The coronavirus is you get the point. We need to fix the also impacting the Defender with root of the problem and not just the advertisers canceling ads, some staff symptoms. members being furloughed and Unfortunately, America is not the applying for government program only one in denial. Some African monies which are still pending.

Americans seem to ignore or reject the Recognizing YOU are the reason the recommendations to protect themDefender is 90 years old and only YOU can help us continue, I’m asking selves from the coronavirus instead of those of you who have enjoyed the putting themselves and others at risk.

Defender for years and want us to Houston Black restaurants deserve continue doing our job, please make as much business as they can handle a tax-deductible contribution. Go to: during these challenging times. But Bit.ly/defendercovid patrons need to protect themselves With YOU and the Good Lord, the and others by complying with social Defender will continue its legacy of distancing and wearing protective gear service. especially considering Black folks are Thank you in advance for your at higher risk. Granted we don’t know contribution. #defenderstrong if this virus will have a big impact in D O N AT E NOW

AFRICAN AMERICAN COVID-19 STATISTICS LOUISIANA

32.7%

population

70%

deaths

Source: Louisiana Dept of Health 4/8/20; U.S. Census 2018

MICHIGAN

14%

population

40% deaths

Source: Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services, 4/9/20

NORTH CAROLINA

22%

population

38%

deaths

Source: North Carolina Dept of Health & Human Services, 4/9/20; U.S. Census, 2015

CHICAGO

30%

population

70%

deaths

Source: Illinois Dept of Public Health 4/8/20; Chicago Dept of Public Health 4/9/20

MILWAUKEE COUNTY

27%

population

66%

deaths

Source: Milwaukee County, 4/9/20; U.S. Census, 2018

WASHINGTON D.C.

45.5%

population

63%

deaths

Source: Government of D.C., 4/8/20; U.S. Census, 2018

LOCAL NEWS FUND COVID-19

April 16, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News 230,000

TEXAS FAMILIES FILED FOR SNAP FOOD ASSISTANCE in March, doubling the normal amount

JAY ZEIDMAN resigns from

TSU Board of Regents. This resignation marks the third regent to step down from the TSU board in the last 45 days.

Local DA urged to investigate possible fake candidate

By Texas Tribune

Nearly the entire Harris County Democratic legislative delegation has asked the county attorney and district attorney to open a criminal investigation into the candidacy of a Texas House candidate whose existence was called into question after this year’s March election.

The candidate, one of four in the primary race for State Rep. Harold Dutton’s seat, received enough votes to help force Dutton, a longtime Houston Democrat, into a runoff.

“We are concerned that more than 2,500 Harris County voters may have been duped into voting for a non-existent candidate, a serious theft of those voters’ most important right, and three legitimate candidates were harmed by the crimes committed,” reads the March 18 letter, which was signed by every delegation member except Dutton.

“We request that your offices coordinate an immediate investigation into the events documented in the attached memo and take appropriate prosecutorial action at the earliest possible time.”

The letter was also signed by the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats — including

State Rep. Harold Dutton

Lawsuit contests Gov. Abbott jail release limits Defender News Service

A new lawsuit claims Gov. Greg Abbott unlawfully exceeded his constitutional authority by issuing an executive order that suspends the rights that individuals, who are presumed innocent, have while facing criminal prosecution.

The lawsuit, filed in the State District Court of Travis County, is on behalf of the misdemeanor magistrate judges of Harris County, three criminal defense non-profit organizations and the NAACP of Texas. It states that the governor’s March 29 order, GA-13, unlawfully attempts to remove discretion from judges about who can receive and be released on personal bonds, while the Texas Constitution clearly states that such decisions lie with the judiciary and Legislature.

Governor Abbott’s illegal executive order disproportionately keeps poor people, people of color, and in particular African Americans jailed and therefore at a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19.”

Arthur Ago, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The lawsuit argues that the Texas Disaster Act also does not grant the governor such authority.

The lawsuit also states that GA-13 creates an unconstitutional wealth-based system by banning the use of personal bonds for certain people, putting pre-trial freedom out of the reach of those unable to pay cash bail. Abbot’s office has not responded to the lawsuit.

its president, former Houston City Councilmember Carroll Robinson — and several other community leaders.

The issue at hand centers on the candidacy of Natasha Ruiz, one of four names on the ballot in the Democratic primary for House District 142, a seat Dutton has held since 1985.

Dutton, who received about 45% of the vote, was forced into a runoff with City Councilmember Jerry Davis, who garnered 25%. Ruiz, who was absent from the campaign trail, received about 20%, while Richard Bonton, who ran for the seat in 2018, received nearly 9%.

The day after the election, ABC13 in Houston said it called the phone number listed for Ruiz in her candidate filing. The woman who answered identified herself as “Natasha Demming” — a truck driver in Colorado who did not know why her name would have been used to sign up to run for the House seat.

The person at the listed number has not responded to multiple text messages and calls since the report first surfaced in March.

The District Attorney’s office is reviewing the request.

Census may be extended to Oct. 21 Defender News Service

A delay in census counting because of the coronavirus pandemic could push Texas redistricting into legislative overtime next summer.

Trump administration officials proposed delaying reapportionment counts and the distribution of redistricting data by four months, which would kick the delivery of data Texas lawmakers need to redraw political districts from March 2021 to July. That puts it past the end of the next scheduled legislative session.

The proposal must be approved by Congress. Under that plan, census counting would extend to Oct. 31.

The once-a-decade count of everyone living in the U.S. is used as a roadmap for the hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds Texas gets every year.

It also determines the political future of the state. State lawmakers use the detailed census data to redraw political districts to adjust for population growth so districts are roughly equal in size.

Typically, apportionment counts for congressional seats are delivered to the president in December, and more local data comes in by the end of March. But the U.S. Census Bureau has been forced to delay its field operations for the count, which began in Texas just as the coronavirus outbreak began to grow.

The Texas Legislature meets once every two years from January to late May. Under the bureau’s proposal, the redistricting data would come “no later than July 31,” meaning Gov. Greg Abbott may have to call lawmakers back for a special legislative session to redraw congressional maps.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News No one should be forced to choose between their right to vote and their right to stay healthy.”

The former president Barack Obama has

- Obama in response to Wisconsin holding election Conavirus pandemic

officially endorsed Joe Biden for president.

BIDEN PREPARES TO CHOOSE RUNNING MATE Defender News Service

Joe Biden faces the most important decision of his five-decade political career: choosing a vice president.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee expects to name a committee to vet potential running mates soon.

A former vice president himself, Biden has committed to picking a woman and told donors recently that his team has discussed naming a choice well ahead of the Democratic convention in August.

Selecting a running mate is always critical for a presidential candidate. But it’s an especially urgent calculation for the 77-year-old Biden, who, if he wins, would be the oldest American president in history. The decision carries added weight amid the coronavirus pandemic, which, beyond its death toll, threatens to devastate the world economy and define a prospective Biden administration.

“We’re still going to be in crisis or recovery, and you want a vice president who can manage that,” said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who worked for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. The vice president is “always important,” Finney added. But she pointed to Biden’s role in the

Joe Biden and Campaign Press Secretary Symone Sanders.

Obama administration’s 2009-10 recovery efforts as evidence that a crisis makes the choice of a running mate an even “more important decision than usual.”

Biden faces pressure on multiple fronts.

He must consider the demands of his racially, ethnically and ideologically diverse

Biden proposes student loan forgiveness, targets HBCUs Now that he’s all but garnered the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, former Vice President Joe Biden hopes to lead the fight to forgive student loans after beefing up his policy proposals for the matter in the wake of firebrand Sen. Bernie Sanders‘ exit from the primary race.

Biden recently released a student loan forgiveness plan, which also includes language specifically for people who attended HBCUs. “Senator Sanders and his supporters can take pride in their work in laying the groundwork for these ideas, and I’m proud to adopt them as part of my campaign at this critical moment in responding to the coronavirus crisis,” Biden said.

Student loan plan

• Forgive federal student tuition-based debt for low-income and middle-class people that attended public institutions.

(Private loans are not included in the policy proposal).

• Private HBCUs would still be eligible.

• Directed to individuals who bring home less than $125k a year.

• Individuals making less than $25k a year would not make monthly payments on public loans.

• To be paid for by repealing an “excess business losses” tax cut that was part of the CARES Act. The Associated Press contributed to these reports.

party, especially the Black women who propelled his nomination. He must balance those concerns with his stated desire for a “simpatico” partner who is “ready to be president on a moment’s notice.”

Some Biden advisers said the campaign has heard from many Democrats

who want a woman of color. Black women helped rescue Biden’s campaign after an embarrassing start in predominately white Iowa and New Hampshire. Yet there’s no firm agreement that Biden must go that route.

“The best thing you can do for all segments of the population is to win,” said Biden’s campaign co-chairman Cedric Richmond, a Louisiana congressman and former Congressional Black Caucus chairman. “He has shown a commitment to diversity from the beginning. But this has to be based on, like the VP says, who he trusts.”

Biden has given no indication of who he’ll choose, but names being floated around include: • California Sen. Kamala Harris • Former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer • New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham • Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto • Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth • Florida Rep. Val Demings • Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar • Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren Read more about prospective candidates at www.DefenderNetwork.com

VOLUME 89 - ISSUE 25 - APRIL 16, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

People Editor Aswad Walker

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

April 16, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL BLACK MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE COVID-19 COVID-19African AfricanAmerican/Black American/Black Fact FactSheet Sheet

Pre-ExistingConditions: Conditions: Doctors Pre-Existing Examine ‘Why’ Virus Impacts Blacks Higher Higher Risk Risk forforAfrican AfricanAmericans Americans due due to pre-existing pre-existingconditions. conditions.

By Aswad Walker

• African • African Americans Americansare aremore morevulnerable vulnerable to to the severity severityofofCOVID-19.

COVID-19.

• Older • Older African African Americans Americansare aremore morelikely likely to suffer sufferfrom frompre-existing pre-existingillnesses illnesses that that seem seem to result to result in negative in negative outcomes. outcomes. of African Americans Percentage Percentage of African Americans

WHERE TO GO IF YOU Houston, like so many other major U.S. Ages 50-64 with the Following Ages 65 & up with the Following HAVE NO INSURANCE Percentage Percentage of of African AfricanAmericans AmericansAges Ages 50-64 50-64 Percentage Percentage of of African African Americans Americans AgesAges 65 &65 up& up cities, is experiencing the coronavirus Chronic byConditions Race by Chronic Conditions by Race with with theConditions the Following FollowingChronic Chronic Conditions

by Race with with thethe Following Following Chronic Chronic Conditions Conditions

by Race

by Race Avenue 360 Health & Wellness pandemic’s disparate impact upon Blacks.

77% 77% Seven Locations 61% 61% High High Blood Blood Pressure Pressure High Blood Pressure High Blood Pressure According to Texas Medical Center offi60%60% 41% 41% 713-426-0027 35%35% 23% 23% Diabetes Diabetes cials, though Blacks comprise roughly 23% Diabetes Diabetes 21% 21% 14% 14% Avenue360.org 9.5% 9.5% of the city’s population, they reflect about 11% 11% Asthma Asthma 8%8% Asthma Asthma 9% 9% Freeclinics.com 66% of local COVID-19 deaths.

9.6% 9.6% 7% 7% Stroke Stroke Listing of free and low-cost healthcare Stroke Stroke 4% 7%7% 4% “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 panclinics demic is impacting Black communities African African Americans Americans Caucasians Caucasians African AfricanAmericans Americans Caucasians Caucasians Harris County disproportionately,” said Dr. Charlene Source: Source: CDC, CDC, Behavioral Behavioral RiskRisk Factor Factor Surveillance Surveillance Survey, Survey,US, US,2015 2015 Risk Factor Survellience Survey, US, 2015 Free drive-thru testing sites regardless Source: CDC, Behavorial Flash, a nationally recognized infecof symptoms. Call 832-393-4220 for a tious disease physician and CEO unique code and instructions on where African African Americans Americansharder face facecost cost burdens for regular regularand and emergency health care. care. has impacted of Avenue 360 health system. toburdens social distance. foremergency diabetes, health and COVID-19 to go.

• 1.5 • 1.5 times times more more likely likelyto tobebe health health uninsured uninsured versus versus Whites.

Whites.

(Source: (Source: Henry Henry J. Kaiser J. Kaiser Family Family Foundation, Foundation, 2018 data,data, reportreport Flash and Memorial HerSo too can jobs with no that population and those2018 with chronic HOPE Clinic published published 3/5/2020) 3/5/2020) mann Hospital infectious private offi ce disease, ”year said Ekaney.

“But Four Locations • 18% • 18% of African of African Americans Americans report reportthat thatthey they or could couldwith not notsee seeaalung doctor doctorin inthe the past past year duedue to cost. to cost.

(Source: (Source: CDC, lack CDC, of Behavioral Behavioral RiskRisk Factor Factor Surveillance Surveillance Survey, US, US,2015) 2015) 713-773-0803 disease specialist Dr. Irene closeSurvey, quarters. income, insurance and healthcare folHopechc.org Ekaney believe that systemic “For many without low-up play a part as well. inequalities, i.e. housing and the financial reserves, the “This doesn’t mean Blacks are any more Kelsey-Seybold Clinic-Meyerland Plaza Caregiving: Caregiving: 560 Meyerland Plaza Mall healthcare discrimination and decision to are quarantine at risk than the general population of being • 1• out 1 out of 5ofAfrican-American 5 African-American adults adults are caregivers. caregivers. or 713-442-3222 African African Americans Americans being being cared cared for for at at home home are are less less likely likely to to benefit benefit from from social social distancing distancing Black/white wealth gap, are facnot becomes one of survival,” infected. The impact is about the severity of Kelsey-seybold.com Dr. Irene Ekaney advantages advantages as as their their family family caretakers caretakers are more more likely likely to to also also work work away away from from home. home. tors that can’t be ignored when Flash said. “Do I quarantine infection when Blacks acquire it.”

• African-American • African-American caregivers are areyounger younger more likely likelytotobe be employed employed full or or part-time. part-time.

Lone Star Circle of Care at UH discussing the racial disparity and orcaregivers do I make moneyand somore I can Flash saidfullthe Houston-area region suf4849 Calhoun • AA • AA caregiver caregiveraverage averageage ageisis44.2 44.2 vs. White White average averageage ageisis52.5.

52.5.[Sources: [Sources: National National Alliance Alliance for Caregiving for Caregiving and and COVID-19. eat and pay my bills?” fers a severe shortage of coronavirus tests, AARP. AARP. (2015).

(2015).

Caregiving Caregivingininthe theU.S.] U.S.] 877-800-5722 “The ability to social disEkaneycaregivers said that making the virus more difficult to diag• 66% • 66% ofof African-American African-American caregivers are arelack employed employed full fullororpart-time. part-time.

Lonestarcares.org • 80% • 80% ofof African African Americans areand unable unable to to work workfrom from home home (vs. (vs.70% 70% of of total total population) population) during the the tance is fraught with privofAmericans incomeare healthnose and treat.

Th ough sheduring readily agrees Next Level Urgent Care-Sugar Land COVID-19 COVID-19pandemic. pandemic.

Many Manyof ofhelp these these create make makeup upthose those on onthe thefront front lines lines during during thisthis pandemic pandemic [medical [medical ilege,” Flash said. “Having care access Blacks have higher rates of obesity, high 16902 Southwest Freeway community community(nurses, (nurses,physician physician and and nursing nursing aides, aides,cafeteria cafeteriaand and custodian custodian staff, staff, receptionists, receptionists, etc.)etc.) multi-generational families the preexisting condiblood pressure store store clerks, clerks,truck truckdrivers, drivers,etc.]. etc.]. [Source: [Source: Economic EconomicPolicy Policy Institute, Institute, 3/19/20] 3/19/20] and diabetes, all of which 281-783-8162 residing together in sometionsare that havelikely made worsen the and impact • African-American • African-American caregivers caregivers are also alsomore more likely to to reside residecan with withthe thecare care recipient recipient and spend spend anofaverage anCOVID-19, average of of Nextlevelurgentcare.com 20.6 20.6 hours hours perper week weekBlacks providing providingbigger care. care.[Source: [Source: National Nationalfor Alliance Alliancefor forCaregiving Caregiving and and AARP. AARP. (2015).

(2015).

Caregiving in the inU.S.] the U.S.] times small apartments or targets Flash cites the lack ofCaregiving a having a primary Sunnyside Health Center • Individual • Individual being being cared caredfor forfalls fallsininthe theheightened heightened caution cautionage agefor forCOVID-19; COVID-19; average average ageage is 66.3 is 66.3 years years old. old. having extended nuclear famicoronavirus deaths. care doctor where one can access testing 4605 Wilmington African-American African-American caregivers are are more more financially financially burdened and andatat greater greater riskrisk forfor Flash caregivers lies residing together can make it Dr. Charlene “Blacks are more at risk burdened as a challenge.

832-395-0206 unemployment unemploymentininthis thisenvironment. environment.

• •African-American African-Americancaregivers caregiversdevote devotemore more than 34% 34%of oftheir theirannual annualincome income to to expenses expenses associated associated withwith providing providing care, care, compared comparedwith with14% 14%for for white white caregivers. caregivers.

• •Overall, Overall, coronavirus coronaviruslayoffs layoffsdisproportionately disproportionately hurt hurtBlack Blackworkers. workers.(USA (USA Today, Today, 3/24/20) 3/24/20) • •Fear Fear of of jobjob security securitycauses causesadditional additional stress: stress: 38% 38% of ofAAs AAsare arevery veryworried worried about about their their jobsjobs duedue to the to the effect effect of coronavirus of coronavirus (vs. (vs.29% 29%ofofNon-Hispanic Non-Hispanic Whites).

Whites). (Source: (Source:KantarFutures, KantarFutures, COVID-19 COVID-19 Survey, Survey, 3/2020) 3/2020)

‘My20’ donates airtime to teach area students

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

When the coronavirus pandemic caused Fox 26/My20 President and General Manager D’Artagnan Bebel’s twins to return home from college, he watched as they dove into online learning. While they were able to do it with ease, he couldn’t help but wonder about all the area students who didn’t have the capabilities for online learning. So when his former colleague and evening anchor, Melinda Spaulding, pitched the idea of a one-hour educational initiative, Bebel took the unprecedented move to give area districts free on-air program time.

Tysheka Harris teaches “Classes at Home” for Aldine ISD.

“There are a lot of students in our school system Spaulding said they hope to see more that don’t necessarily have access to a laptop, a districts come on board. desktop, iPad, or access to the Internet and that “I’m hoping all of us who are volunisn’t fair,” Bebel said. “So I decided to donate the teering on this project can do our part time and we began soliciting different school to help children get the access to educasystems to have classes on television since most tion that they need and deserve, regardpeople have TVs.” less of income,” she said. “I also hope “Classes At Home” airs daily from 11am-noon that we can continue to use educational on My20. Every day, a different district airs classcontent on television for lifelong learning. room instruction. The districts set their own pro- D’Artagnan Bebel Higher ed would be a great next phase.” gramming and targeted grade levels. Currently, HousBebel also recently made another unton, Aldine, Alvin, and Stafford school districts are precedented move – donating more than taking part. The Children’s Museum and iWrite 10 hours of airtime to local churches on Classes also have educational programs.

Easter.

Spaulding said her goal in developing the “As we came up on Easter Sunday, I program was to make sure that no child in the began to think, similar to the education district is left behind. program, there are a lot of people who “As a mom, a TV journalist and someone aren’t able to go to services and if you who now works in education, I was so touched think about the demographics of some by the technology gap for online learning because Melinda Spaulding of the older churches, they may not be as of COVID 19,” added Spaulding, a mother of two. technologically savvy. The idea was to be “I also understand and respect the power of television. I inclusive and provide something that would be uplifting was really moved to write and produce the pitch. Sending for the community. In this time of a desperate situation, it to D’Art was my first thought. He had the commitment it calls for decisions that are atypical,” Bebel said, adding to the community, influence and resources to make it hap- that he will continue to donate air time to local church pen... and he did.” services during the pandemic.

6 | April 16, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

CORONAVIRUS CONSEQUENCES Know the challenges & options

Mental/emotional strains CHALLENGE

By Marilyn Marshall and Aswad Walker

T

he coronavirus pandemic continues to take an emotional and physical toll on our lives, as we cope with fears for our health, financial difficulties, social distancing, stay-athome orders and in some instances, the illnesses and deaths of friends and loved ones.

Here, the Defender explores three societal challenges confronting countless families – domestic violence, child abuse and mental/emotional strains – and steps we can take to try and overcome them.

Domestic violence CHALLENGE

Law enforcement offices across America are reporting increases in domestic violence as more victims and abusers are confined to their homes during the pandemic.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that domestic calls were up 6% in Houston during March.

Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton said, “We are observing an increase in emergency calls for domestic violence here at home, the media is reporting more hate incidents across the nation, and there is a concern that child abuse is being underreported.”

Emilee Whitehurst, president & CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC), said the stress in their clients’ lives are already extreme, “and they need our help now in ways that we could not have anticipated…”

OPTIONS

Get help in Houston – At HAWC, the residential cam-

pus housing women and children is open. Face-to-face walk-ins, intakes and individual and group counseling have been moved to virtual appointments. Support by phone is available for safe harbor hotel emergency assistance, 24/7 hotlines, hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy, children’s court services, housing and case management.

Get help in Ft. Bend – At Fort Bend Women’s Center, the shelter is open but with limitations. Resident families are staying within the grounds. No visitors, volunteers or donations are being accepted at the site.

A skeleton crew is serving clients on a rotating basis.

The Counseling and Children’s Centers are closed, and survivors are being served remotely.

Play it safe – HAWC says identify your partner’s use and level of force so that you can assess the risk of physical danger before it occurs. Identify safe areas of the home where there are no weapons and there are ways to escape. If arguments occur, try to move to those areas. Don’t run to where your children are, as your partner may hurt them as well.

Stay in touch – If possible, have a phone accessible at all times and know what numbers to call for help. If your life is in danger, call the police. Let trusted friends and neighbors know of your situation and develop a plan and visual signal for when you need help.

Instruct children – Teach your children how to get help. Instruct them not to get involved in the violence between you and your partner. Plan a code word to signal to them that they should get help or leave the house. Tell them that violence is never right, even when someone they love is being violent. Tell them that neither you, nor they, are at fault or are the cause of the violence.

RESOURCES

Child abuse CHALLENGE

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and awareness of the issue has been heightened as more families isolate at home due to the pandemic.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline reports a 20% increase in calls compared to the same time last year.

“There is no doubt that the strain and stress on families during the COVID-19 crisis, and any crisis for that matter, puts children at an increased risk of negative outcomes, including that of child abuse and neglect,” said Sophie Phillips, CEO of the Texas Association for the Protection of Children (TexProtects).

“But it’s important to recognize that child abuse and trauma is not a new risk. It has been a longstanding public health crisis and epidemic, with more than 60,000 confirmed cases in Texas alone each year.

There are four common types of abuse: Physical, such as hitting, kicking or shaking; emotional, such as name-calling, shaming, rejection, and threatening; neglect, the failure to meet basic physical and emotional needs; and sexual, such as fondling, penetration and exposing a child to other sexual activities.

OPTIONS

According to a new poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half the people in the United States feel the coronavirus crisis is adversely impacting their mental health. The survey revealed 45% of adults say their mental health has been negatively affected by the pandemic, while 19% describe the impact as “major.”

Some are referring to the impact as a nationwide psychological trauma, which is hitting Blacks, Latinos and women hardest.

Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller, owner of Ashar Counseling and Psychological Services, said along with the disproportionate death rates, people of color also face stress related to underlying health conditions, poverty and education.

“We are also affected as frontline service providers, which places us at increased risk. We are impacted by job loss, lockdowns, the stress of homeschooling and lack of childcare, poverty, no access to resources, etc.”

Miller said such conditions increase acute and chronic stress, leading to greater risk for mental health conditions. Lack of access to mental health services adds even more stress.

“Further, the need for mental health services is often looked down upon within many minority groups, which decreases intention to seek help and increases the likelihood of unmet mental health needs,” she said.

Report suspected abuse – Texas law says any-

one who thinks a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to the Department of Family and Protective Services. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential.

You can also contact the police if you suspect abuse.

Be a nurturing parent – Children need to know that they are special and loved. Encourage your child and praise his or her achievements and talents. Never discipline your child when your anger is out of control and learn nonphysical options for discipline. If you feel overwhelmed, take time out; don’t take it out on your child. Listen to your child’s concerns.

Talk to someone. Ask for help if you need it. Tell a friend or relative about what you are experiencing.

Check out online resources. Join a support group for parents.

Keep your child safe – Provide a safe and secure environment. Protect your child from sexual abuse.

Teach them that body parts are private. Tell them that no one should ever take pictures of their private parts.

Teach them how to get out of scary or uncomfortable situations. Tell them that body secrets are never okay and to always tell you if someone tries to make them keep such a secret.

Watch what they watch – Monitor your child’s TV/ Internet viewing and video games. Beware of violent or adult-only images or programs.

OPTIONS

Miller offers these options for addressing mental/ emotional strains Seek professional help – Seek help when your emotions are impacting your functioning. During crises, I recommend that we seek help sooner rather than later. Don’t minimize or underestimate your need. These are difficult times and many times the stress levels are much higher than we realize and if not addressed, can kill (e.g. heart attacks, strokes, etc).

Pay attention to stress signs – If you find yourself unable to sleep, eat, engage in pleasurable activities, complete tasks, finish job assignments or even get out of bed or bathe, its time to seek help. Observe your body. Is your neck tight? Do you have headaches or stomach issues? Tune into your body and learn ways to begin to release the stress and grief physically via breathwork, meditation, stretching or yoga.

Take a holistic approach – I recommend an approach where we continue to seek support from traditional healers in our communities, including pastors, friends, families, neighbors, etc. Also, engage healthy coping strategies. Exercise, meditate, journal, listen to music, disconnect from media, watch comedy, take a hot bath, and seek professional mental health support as necessary.

Increase/decrease participation in spiritual services – If your spiritual life is a source

of strength, comfort and support, don’t neglect to take time for this area in your life. Engage in spiritual or religious activities like prayer, worship and rituals. Stay connected with your spiritual or religious community. If your spiritual practices are a source of pain, give yourself permission to be human and don’t push it. If you’d like, ask others to pray for you. Reach out to your pastor or other spiritual leaders for support.

DR. DEBORAH MUNIRAH WILSON ON MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES & CARE OPTIONS VISIT DEFENDERNETWORK.COM

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

Fort Bend Women’s Center 281-342-4357, www.fbwc.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), ww.thehotline.org

Childhelp 1-800-422-4453, www.childhelp.org

Prevent Child Abuse 312-663-3520, www.preventchildabuse.org

Asher Counseling & Psychological Services 340-777-7735

Harris Center for Mental Health 833-986-1919, theharriscenter.org

Houston Area Women’s Center (713) 528-2121, www.hawc.org

Texas Council on Family Violence 512-794-1133, www.tcfv.org

Parent Helpline 1-800-CHILDREN

Texas Dept. of Family & Protective Services 1-800-252-5400, www.dfps.state.tx.us

Coalition of Urban Resource Experts drxynabell.com

National Institute of Mental Health 1-866-615-6464, www.nimh.nih.gov

8 | April 16, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

CORONAVIRUS THINGS TO KNOW

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley Stimulus payments on the way

The first wave of coronavirus-spurred stimulus payments have been directly deposited into Americans’ bank accounts, and more are expected to arrive daily. The IRS is making 60 million payments to Americans via direct deposit, using bank information provided on 2018 and 2019 tax returns. The second run of payments are expected to go out approximately 10 days after the first wave. Those payments will primarily focus on Social Security beneficiaries who did not file taxes in 2018 and 2019 and receive their benefits through direct deposit.

The third wave of stimulus payments will be directed toward those who do not have direct deposit information on file by that time. Those payments will go out via paper checks on or around the week of May 4. If banking information isn’t currently on file with the IRS, taxpayers are also able to update their information with the IRS or see where their payment is using the IRS portal at www. irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.

Houston Health Department expands test sites

The Houston Health Department’s two COVID-19 drive-thru sites have broadened testing to anyone wanting to get a test, doubling their daily testing capacity to 1,000. The tests are free to the public. People can call the department’s COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to receive a unique identification code and instructions on where to go for testing and how to obtain their test results. The community sites only accept people with the identification code obtained through the department’s COVID-19 call center. People showing up at the test sites without an identification code will not get tested. The testing sites will continue operating until further notice.

TO BE TESTED 1. Call 832-393-4220 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

2. Must get unique identification code and instructions on where to go

owners navigate the process.

To date, the bank is helping dozens of small business who have applied for the program through Unity. Unity’s goal is to make sure no small business that is impacted by the crisis falls through the cracks. To begin the application process visit www.unitybanktexas.com.

Lockdowns bring drivers insurance discounts

Interstates and city streets are empty and cars are quarantined in their owners’ garages, so consumer advocates argue that it only makes sense for auto insurance rates to reflect that. Since many states are reporting similar declines in traffic and crashes, consumer advocates are calling on insurance companies to cut premiums or give refunds by a like amount. Some, like State Farm, the country’s largest auto insurer, are giving credits starting in June that amount to a 25% reduction in bills from March 20 through May 31. That’s about $20 per month per vehicle, the company says. Others are offering only 15% discounts and one, Geico, won’t get the money to customers until their policies are renewed. Many smaller insurers aren’t offering any discounts or credits, especially those that target lower-income or minority drivers.

While numerous companies are terminating employees because of the coronavirus pandemic, others have jobs available, including grocery stores, law enforcement and banks. Here is a list of companies that are hiring.

Ace Hardware (9 listings) https://www.acehardware.com/careers Amazon (80 listings) https://tinyurl.com/whgstco Bank of America (48 listings) https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us Clear Creek ISD (79 listings) https://tinyurl.com/stjy33b Costco (40+ listings) https://www.costco.com/jobs.html CVS Pharmacy (700+ listings) https://tinyurl.com/tqqvonv Dollar General (200+ listings) https://careers.dollargeneral.com/ Domino’s (10 listings) https://jobs.dominos.com/dominos-careers/ Fiesta Mart (1000+ listings) https://www.fiestamart.com/careers/ H-E-B https://careers.heb.com/ Houston Police Department http://www.hpdcareer.com/ Instacart https://shoppers.instacart.com/ Kroger (150+ listings) bit.ly/kroger_jobs Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores (22 listings) https://jobs.loves.com/

Unity Bank assists small businesses with program

Unity National Bank has been authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a designated lender of the Paycheck Protection Program in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the program began April 3, Unity was ready to assist small business

HOUSTON COMPANIES HIRING

Many applaud Turkey Hut, a popular restaurant in Third Ward, for its successful take-out business but patrons should practice social distancing to protect themselves and others, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 on Black people.

Lowe’s (45+ listings) https://jobs.lowes.com/search-jobs/Houston Metro Houston (79 listings) https://jobs.ridemetro.org/ Papa John’s Pizza (24 listings) https://jobs.papajohns.com/creative/restaurant Pizza Hut (50+ listings) bit.ly/pizza_hut_jobs Randall’s (25 listings) bit.ly/randallsjobs 7-Eleven (40+ listings) https://careers.7-eleven.com/careers/home Sprout’s Farmers Market (1 listing) https://about.sprouts.com/careers/ Walgreens (100+ listings) bit.ly/walgreens_jobs Walmart (65+ listings) https://careers.walmart.com/

Police in Pensacola, FL had to break up a large Easter party. Authorities say they continue to have problems with people practicing social distancing.

Whole Food Markets (8 listings) https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/global/en

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL State senators address coronavirus in Texas Marilyn Marshall Texans throughout the state have been impacted by the coronavirus epidemic, from health care workers to laid-off employees to home-schooled students. The state has seen more than 14,000 confirmed cases of the virus and more than 300 deaths.

To gain insight into plight of Texans, the Defender conducted a Q&A with the state’s two African American state senators, Borris Miles of Houston and Royce West of Dallas.

Defender: How is the coronavirus impacting the state of Texas, particularly African Americans?

Miles: The coronavirus has come down on

the African American community like a sledgehammer. African Americans are being killed by this disease more than any other race because the African American community suffers from more underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease and asthma. COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the historical disparity of healthcare in the African American community, the socioeconomic barriers that exist and the fact that the African American community has the highest number of uninsured.

I am working non-stop to bring the necessary resources to our community to address the problems not only caused Borris Miles by the pandemic but those that will still exist when we get through this. The healthcare disparity in the African American community will not end just because COVID-19 does. This fight will be ongoing.

Too many have lost their jobs or been furloughed. African American small businesses are suffering, and we will lose some of our mom-and-pop, generational businesses, and the ones that survive will struggle to stay open.

West: It is difficult to see an aspect of everyday life for Texans that has not been impacted by the novel coronavirus. When you take a look just at how we have been asked to limit how we come and go, nearly everyone has been impacted, including African Americans.

Two things immediately come to mind when we begin talking about COVID-19. They are the number of cases statewide, my home county

Dallas, included.

Dallas County has the highest number of coronavirus cases in North Texas and is second only to Harris County Royce West statewide. And as of April 13, cases of the virus have been reported in 178 of Texas’ 254 counties.

Then of course when you take a look at the number of cases, the greatest cause of concern for us all has to be with the loss of lives. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, about 11.2% of coronavirus patients are African American, which is roughly consistent with the percentage of Black Texans.

Defender: What resources are available through state government for people to access during the crisis?

Miles: The state has expanded unemployment

benefits to include those not normally eligible for unemployment benefits like the self-employed and others affected by the pandemic. Although the phone lines are busy right now, the Workforce Commission is now working seven days a week,

and I even volunteered some of my staff to help the effort. The state has implemented emergency SNAP benefits so that recipients will receive extra money on their Lone Star Card for April and May. West: The second coronavirus-affected area would be job loss and unemployment benefits. As many businesses have been forced to shut down and lay off workers, the impact on Texans, including African Americans, has been devastating.

Small businesses as defined by federal law can have hundreds of employees, but when we think about small businesses, we picture businesses like restaurants and barbers and beauticians. Then there are the retail outlets such as department and clothing stores that have been impacted.

Needless to say, Black people are employed by all of the above and have found themselves among those out of work. To say the Texas Workforce Commission has been overwhelmed is an understatement. In just a single day over the last few weeks, TWC reported receiving some 1.7 million calls. I’d dare to say that no state agency is prepared for that type onslaught. But they are aware of the problem and are taking steps to upgrade TWC’s technology as well has expand its own workforce.

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10 | April 16, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports K’LAVON CHAISSON Former North Shore High School football star expected to go in the first round in the NFL Draft on April 23, 2020.

XFL FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY

By Associated Press

The XFL has filed for bankruptcy, likely spelling the end of the second iteration of the league.

The filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware estimates the organization has between $10,000,001 and $50 million in both assets and liabilities.

Former coaches Bob Stoops and Marc Trestman are among the creditors with the largest unsecured claims.

The WWE-backed XFL canceled the rest of its return season last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It suspended operations and laid off its employees recently.

The league said in an emailed statement that it wasn’t insulated “from the harsh economic impacts and

RUSSELL WESTBROOK Houston Rocket star partners with the city to provide 650 computers to families with children.

D O N AT E NOW

To GIVE go to: bit.ly/defendercovid

uncertainties caused by the COVID19 crisis.”

“This is a heartbreaking time for many, including our passionate fans, players and staff, and we are thankful to them, our television partners, and the many Americans who rallied to the XFL for the love of football,” the league said.

The XFL had eight franchises this season and played five games out of a planned 10-game schedule. It drew decent TV ratings early on and had deals with ESPN and Fox. But spring football is a difficult challenge, as the Alliance of American Football found out in 2019, not lasting a full season. The XFL also played one season in 2001.

MY SKIN COLOR SHOULD NOT RESTRICT WHERE I CAN RENT. To learn more about fair housing contact the Fair Housing Hotline at 832.394.6200 or visit www.houstontx.gov/housing

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Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

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DEFENDER NETWORK

THANK YOU FOR GIVING Barbara Harris Curtis

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L. Lemon Anonymous Bernice Bright Dickey Senator Borris Miles TEAM JONES

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DEFENDER NETWORK

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