May 7, 2020

WORK AFTER COVID-19 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Learn what employers and employees legally can and cannot do as Texas reopens

Queen Bey and Megan

BeyoncĂŠ

Megan Thee Stallion

The Defender applauds two of Houston’s celebrity home girls, who stepped up to help those in need.

Volume 89, issue 28 May 7, 2020

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM THE DEFENDER!

Aaron West Age: 34 Occupation: Certified fitness and nutrition lifestyle coach Motto: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

IG: @AroPerFit

Message from the Editor the Paycheck Protection Program loans.

To mask or not to mask It’s a sad testament to equitable distribuI’ve been watching the protests of the tion of COVID-19 funding. The stats, people demanding that the counwhich show the percentage of minority try open back up, particularly businesses not receiving PPP loans, are in Houston. It’s amazing how frightening: passionate people are about I LOVE… Black-owned: 95% Singing country their “rights being violated” music.

Latino-owned: 91% when someone is trying to Native Hawaiian/ “make” them do something.

Pacific Islander-owned: 91% But they’re made to wear seat ReShonda Tate Billingsley Asian-owned: 75% belts, drive the speed limit, etc.

Oh, and don’t even get me get started on the armed protesters. To my Black The world of sports brethren, don’t try that at home or you’ll be Members of our Defender sports team haven’t let the lack the lead story in next week’s paper. The bot- of basketball or baseball games keep them from keeping tom line, the masks are to help flatten the our readers informed. Terrance Harris, who covers pro and curve. If you don’t want to wear them for college sports, profiles Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Jodie B. Jiles, who covers high school sports, asks three local yourself, wear them for your neighbor. journalists for their opinions on sports post-coronavirus.

Know your rights As some Texas businesses begin to Join the discussion re-open, questions remain about One of the things we love to do is engage discussions on the rights of employees amid the our social media platforms. This week’s question of the coronavirus. Some employees may week is designed to inspire others. Head over to www. be concerned that their companies facebook.com/DefenderNetwork and tell us what have are opening too soon or have general you done during the quarantine. Did you redo your patio? questions about their health and safety at Show us pics. Did you take up a new hobby? Let us know. work. Defender Associate Editor Marilyn Or did you just get closer to your family? Tell us all about Marshall has an insightful article on your it. Maybe your accomplishments can help inspire others! rights as an employee and employer. You’ll want to print that out and save a copy as you head Happy Mother’s Day We’re in a new normal but we still want to celebrate our back to work. mothers. Make sure you check out our virtual Mother’s Day suggestions. We’re sure you’ll find something to make Minorities not receiving PPP loans I recently saw some statistics about minority businesses and your mother smile!

Read more on Friday about Aaron at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: fitnfine@defendernetwork.com

Celebrate Mother’s Day and remember all the good times.

May 7, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Eugene Foney, an art consultant and owner of artcetera who championed African American artists and culture, died April 7 at age 69.

MAPS SHOW WHERE KIDS FACE FOOD INSECURITY

Defender News Service

The coronavirus pandemic threatens to put a strain on children in already vulnerable populations when it comes to food security and education. An analysis from the advocacy group Children at Risk provides a glimpse of just how widespread of a problem that is in Houston.

Children at Risk president and CEO Bob Sanborn said that even when the economy is strong, many Texas children endure poverty and food insecurity.

“In the state of Texas, when we talk about school kids, over 60% of our kids are still coming from low-income families,” said Sanborn. “So even if you have a job, a lot of times in Texas that’s not enough to pay all the bills, and it means sometimes you’re food insecure.”

In putting together its food insecurity map, Children at Risk looked at factors such as household income and the number of kids who are eligible for free or reduced school lunches.

FINDINGS

22% 15%

OF TEXAS KIDS ARE FOOD INSECURE

OF ADULTS HAVE NO ACCESS TO A CAR

See the map at Defendernetwork.com

Volunteers prepare food kits at the Houston Food Bank. Macie Kelly/Houston Public Media

Former Rep. Al Edwards remembered Defender News Service

Former Houston State Rep. Al Edwards, who served in the Texas House of Representatives for nearly three decades, is being remembered for his tireless service to the city and state.

Edwards died April 29 at age 83. Services will be virtually streamed online on Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. from the Community of Faith Church. Due to the social distancing, only immediate family will be able to attend the service. An internment ceremony will be Friday at Texas State Cemetery in Austin.

As a representative, Edwards initiated legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday. He was chair of the Rules and Resolutions Committee and chair of Budget and Oversight of the Ways and Means Committee.

He was also a board member of Operation PUSH and Texas state director of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns.

“The Honorable Al Edwards worked tirelessly for the people of House District 146 and the state of Texas,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “…In 1979, in

VOLUME 89 - ISSUE 28 - MAY 7, 2020

The late Al Edwards

the face of considerable opposition, Edwards passed legislation to recognize the abolition of slavery in Texas as an annual holiday, earning him the well-deserved nickname ‘Mr. Juneteenth.’”

Edwards was a graduate of Wheatley High School and Texas Southern University.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Juneteenth USA, 3355 West Alabama St., Suite 640, Houston, 77098. Services can be streamed at http:// www.thecommunityoffaith.org/mcms/cof/

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

4 | May 7, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News

Obama talks challenges of Black men in pandemic Defender News Service

Former President Barack Obama is among a chorus of influential voices warning of even more adverse effects of COVID-19 on African Americans and other communities of color as the pandemic drags on.

“The reason we’re here together is that these are not ordinary times,” Obama said on a recent conference call hosted by My Brother’s Keeper, or MBK, a national network he founded when he was in the White House to uplift and empower young men of color. “It’s fair to say that has been true throughout American history, when crises hit the country at large, you can be sure that it will be that much tougher on folks who were already struggling before the crisis hit.”

As the coronavirus pandemic disproportionally affects African Americans and other communities of color across every critical index, some are gauging how certain segments of society, such as youth, will be adversely affected socially, economically and educationally.

Some states and cities have already

eliminated or cut back on planned summer job and education programs because of projected budget shortfalls, and citywide recreational sports leagues are on hold, as officials grapple with the health care outcomes exposed

by COVID-19.

“There are difficult times ahead,” Obama added, “but this is not the time to abandon young people. In some communities you already had high unemployment, high rates of dropouts and disproportionate rates of violence.”

“And you can’t convene and bring people together right now. In some cases, financing your operations is going to be difficult as philanthropies are forced to shift resources … and schools are closed, which leaves a lot more time for young people to be alone and isolated and to lose some of the learning they acquired,” he added. “If they fall further behind, they will have that much more trouble finishing school, getting a foothold in this economy, and because of idleness may get shunted into the criminal justice system, and it’s going to be much harder for them to catch up.”

Warren top VP choice, Harris 2nd Defender News Service

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) ranks as Democratic voters’ top choice for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s vice presidential pick, a CBS News poll found.

Warren won the vote among white Democrats and liberals by big margins. For Black Democrats, she is among the top picks, although their votes are distributed between her, Abrams and Harris.

A total of 55 percent of Democratic voters think Biden should make a “bold” choice in his vice presidential pick, while 45 percent say he should go with the “safe” option. Biden has pledged to pick a woman as his running mate and said his vice presidential selection committee is vetting “more than a dozen women.”

DEMOCRATIC VOTERS VP CHOICE

Kamala Harris

50%

Amy Klobuchar

49%

ABOVE: Former Democratic Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., left and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. lead the VP choices, according to a new CBS poll. -David J. Phillip/AP

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May 7, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

10 VIRTUAL WAYS TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

The COVID-19 pandemic has many people taking a new approach to celebrating Mother’s Day. With increasing coronavirus cases, residents are still being advised to keep a safe distance from loved ones.

Fortunately, in the age of technology, there are ways that you can still send your mom (or wife or grandmother) a gift, spend some virtual time with her and make her feel special.

From video-chat dinner dates to virtual wine tastings, here are 10 creative ways to celebrate during these trying times on this upcoming Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10.

GIVE AT-HOME SPA TREATMENTS

If your mother is like many women, her nails and feet may be in dire need of some TLC! Set her up with some relaxing “me time” and gift her a couple spa treatments she can do at home, like an exfoliating body scrub and some essential oils. She will feel like a queen for the day, even if she has to spend it at home this year.

ENJOY A VIRTUAL WINE TASTING

If your mother enjoys an occasional glass of vino, have a variety of wine sent to her before Mother’s Day and then create a virtual tasting you can do together— include some of her favorites and some she might not otherwise try.

Then join her via video call for the tasting.

SEND AN E-GIFT CARD

Most retailers offer online gift card options that can be purchased and sent virtually. Mother’s Day during quarantine would be a great opportunity to take advantage of this option by checking the website of your mom’s favorite store to see if they offer e-gift cards. Better yet, find a Black business that sells something she like (i.e., candles, clothes, purses, etc.) and support those businesses while making mom happy.

MAKE A VIDEO MESSAGE

Although you may not be able to wish your mom a happy Mother’s Day in person, you can always record you and your family members saying a few nice words and send her a video. Mobile apps like iMovie, Wave and Filmora allow you to easily slice videos together on your phone and add graphics or music to customize the video even further. Or gather the whole family and make a TIk Tok video that will put a smile on her face.

SEND A PERSONALIZED MESSAGE FROM A CELEBRITY

If you think your mom would be enamored by a video message from you, imagine her reaction when she gets one from her favorite celebrity. Cameo is a digital company that lets fans book a personalized video message from a range of talent of

their choosing. From professional athletes like Dennis Rodman, to comedians like Cedric the Entertainer, to actors like Taye Diggs and Ernie Hudson....you can purchase a customized video from someone famous to wish your mom a Happy Mother’s Day.

CREATE AN E-CARD

If you want to save yourself the hassle of running into the store, armed with a mask, pacing up and down the greeting card aisle, you can always create your own Mother’s Day card online. Sites like Canva allow you to customize a virtual card that you can send to your mom by email or by phone. Blue Mountain also offers a range of greeting card templates.

HAVE A VIRTUAL DINNER DATE

There are plenty of ways to video chat with your mom on Mother’s Day (FaceTime, Zoom, Skype etc.), so why not set up a date for you both to enjoy? Since many restaurants are still offering

take-out only during the pandemic, order her favorite and have it delivered.

SEND A CARE PACKAGE

Gather up a bunch of self-care items together to send to your mom in DIY basket form.

Grab a bottle of wine, some bubble bath, her favorite snack, some comfortable PJs and her favorite scented candle to create a nice basket to be delivered to her front door.

DO A DRIVE-BY

Drive-bys are becoming common during the quarantine. Gather up all the grandkids, decorate the car and do a car parade celebrating your mother.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

There are over 30 museums, theme parks and zoos that are offering virtual tours during the pandemic. Set up a Mother’s Day date for you and your mom to visit the Louvre, the National Women’s History Museum or the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History through online exhibits.

6 | May 7, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN InFocus

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

Stay safe at work According to the CDC and OSHA, there are steps employees should follow to help prevent exposure to coronavirus: Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Do not shake hands and use other non-contact ways of greeting. Practice social distancing as much as possible.

DURING THE PANDEMIC

Avoid elevators with two or more people. Keep your distance and turn your face away from the other person.

Do not go to work if you are sick.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

BY Marilyn Marshall

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your work area, including tables, desks, keyboards, phones, handrails and doorknobs.

As some Texas businesses begin to re-open, questions remain about the rights of employees amid the coronavirus. Some employees may be concerned that their companies are opening too soon or have general questions about their health and safety at work.

For insight into some of the issues facing employees and their options on the job, the Defender turned to attorney David L. Barron, a member of Cozen O’Connor who is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the state of Texas.

REFUSING TO RETURN

Barron was asked if an employee can be legally terminated for refusing to return to work.

“It depends on the reason, and there are two main concerns,” he said. “One is being terminated and the other concern would be losing unemployment.”

Barron said the Texas Workforce Commission has issued guidelines which allow an employee to refuse an offer of reinstatement under certain circumstances.

According to TWC, each UI [unemployment insurance] benefits case is currently evaluated on an individual basis. However, because of the COVID-19 emergency, the following are reasons benefits would be granted if the individual refused suitable work.

Reason for refusal:

At high risk – People 65 years or older are at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 (Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, DSHS) Household member at high risk – People 65 years or older are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 (Source: DSHS).

Diagnosed with COVID - The individuall has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered.

Family member with COVID – Anybody in the household has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered and 14 days have not yet passed.

Quarantined – Individual is currently in 14-day quarantine due to close contact exposure to COVID-19.

Child care – Child’s school or daycare closed and no alternatives are available.

Any other situation will be subject to a case-by-case review by the TWC based on individual circumstances.

“These reasons largely track the various legal protections from termination,” Barron said. “For example, it could be unlawful discrimination to terminate an older or disabled employee who had concerns that returning to work would pose a risk of harm.

DEALING WITH HIGH RISK

Barron expounded on the options available if an employee is at risk of getting the coronavirus.

“The CDC has continued to recommend that vulnerable employees shelter in place and avoid leaving the home as much as possible,” he said.

“If an employee is unemployed as a result of such concerns they are likely eligible for unemployment, including the extra $600 per week included in the CARES Act through July 31, 2020. Such an employee may also be protected from termination and entitled to an unpaid leave of absence, or even paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in certain circumstances.”

WORKING FROM HOME

Barron addressed whether employees legally have the option of working from home rather than going into the office.

“Generally, there is no legal right to work from home, but an employee with a medical condition that places the employee at risk of harm if he/ she returned to the workplace may be entitled to work from home as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” he said. “Obviously, not every job can be performed remotely and an employer may be able to deny the request if it posed an undue hardship.”

BEING PROTECTED AT WORK

Barron also addressed what an employer is obligated to do to help ensure an employee’s health and safety at work.

“Each employer has a general duty under the OSHA law to provide a safe workplace,” he said. “Obviously, that looks different in each workplace and OSHA has provided general guidelines on its website. Many states have issued specific guidelines for certain industries like restaurants or retail operations. If an employee contracts COVID-19 in the workplace, the employee may be eligible for workers compensation benefits.”

Avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect them before and after use.

RAISING CONCERNS ABOUT CO-WORKERS

Employees may wonder about their rights if they believe a co-worker is sick.

“In extreme circumstances, an employee may lawfully refuse to work under the OSHA law if there is a risk of imminent harm in the workplace that is not remedied by the employer,” Barron said. “These cases can be difficult because the employer must balance the privacy rights of coworkers and not every sickness is Covid-19. This is an area where cooperation and flexibility is important.”

EXPERIENCING A PAY CUT

Some employees have seen their salaries cut during the pandemic due to companies’ economic hardship. What are their rights?

“Absent an employment agreement or union contract, an employer may lawfully reduce pay due to economic hardship, as long as the employer pays the minimum wage and overtime to non-exempt employees and pay exempt employees above the minimum threshold,” Barron said. “In some circumstances, employees who receive a cut in pay may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits.”

RECEIVING FAIR TREATMENT

Barron addressed employees’ options in general if they believe they have been treated unfairly during this time.

“A company’s HR department is always the best place to start if there is a dispute,” he said. “Many concerns can be resolved at the HR level without the need to seek legal assistance. Many state and federal agencies have also issued guidelines and helpful information on their website, including the Department of Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

“Employees should also become familiar with the paid sick leave provisions under the recently passed Families First law, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. Employers with less than 500 employees should have a poster in the workplace explaining rights to leave under this newly passed federal law.”

COVID-19 Employee | Employer

Resources

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) 800-514-03 01 ada.gov Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 800-232-4636 cdc.gov Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 800-6 69-40 00 eeoc.gov

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 800-321-6742 osha.gov Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) 800-939-6631 twc.texas.gov

8 | May 7, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL Employer frequently asked questions

Defender News Service

Employers throughout the state continue to face a myriad of issues due to the coronavirus pandemic, from whether they can afford to stay open or reopen to how to keep employees safe. Here are frequently asked questions and the answers from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Q:

I am concerned that my small shop might be ordered to close its doors to control the pandemic. Would I have to pay for unemployment benefits for my employees?

A: If a business shuts down due to a closure order from a governmental entity, Section 204.022(a)(1-2) of the Texas Labor Code may allow an employer to ask for chargeback protection. If that were to happen, you should include a copy of the shutdown order with your response to the unemployment claim and argue that the closure was mandated by a local or state order.

Q:

A: Yes – TWC’s Rapid Response Unit can help employers and affected employees access unemployment claim and reemployment services in a very streamlined and efficient manner. For information, see the TWC website at https://twc.texas.gov/businesses/ rapid-response.

Q:

What other alternatives exist to avoid mass layoffs?

A: TWC administers the Shared Work Program, which allows partial unemployment benefits for similarly-situated employees whose hours are reduced by a standard amount between 10 and 40 percent – information about that program is https://twc. texas.gov/businesses/shared-work.

Q:

Is an employer allowed to send an employee home if they are showing signs of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, or report that they have aches or chills?

A: Yes, in keeping with an employer’s general duty under OSHA to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for employees who appear to be sick may be asked to go home, but do so as politely and discreetly as possible.

However, the employer should be consistent and treat all employees who exhibit risky symptoms the same.

What if we know that an employee has been exposed to COVID-19, but they are showing no symptoms?

A: Generally, there is no Texas or federal law that would prohibit a company from telling employees to stay home if they have had a higher-than-normal degree of exposure to individuals actually infected with the disease.

As noted above, be consistent and do not base self-isolation orders on factors such as race or national origin.

There have been scattered reports of ethnic discrimination, particularly against people who look like they might have come from Asia. The EEOC is already warning employers that singling employees out based on ethnic or national origin concerns could trigger a discrimination charge.

Q:

Would the employer have to pay sick leave to that employee?

A: Yes, if the company offers such paid leave.

Paid leave policies should be followed. Failure to pay for leave owed under a written paid leave policy is a violation of the Texas Payday Law. A federal bill to require up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for full-time employees, H.R. 6201, has passed Congress and has been signed by the President as of March 18, 2020.

The text of that bill is online at: https://www. congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-/6201/ text/enr.

any way an employer Q: Iscanthere avoid the cost of unemployment benefits?

Employers can help ensure safety Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 by taking the following steps: • Select, implement and ensure workers use controls to prevent exposure, including physical barriers to control the spread of the virus, social distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment, hygiene and cleaning supplies.

• Schedule regular reminders by email for employees to avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes.

T:4.79" • Place hand sanitizers in multiple locations

to encourage hygiene.

• Implement flexible worksites (i.e. telework) and work hours (i.e. staggered shifts) • Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible.

• If videoconferencing is not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces.

• Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings.

• Assess the risks of business travel.

• Limit food sharing among employees.

Sources: CDC, OSHA

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Txlottery.org is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes. In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2020 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

CLASSIFIED

A: An employer may be eligible for protection from chargebacks from UI benefits if the evidence shows that the work separation was for medical W96476_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0507.indd 1 reasons.

The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD However, if the reason for the work None printed at 4-28-2020 2:20 PM macbookpro from by tommysalazar70 / Tommy Salazar saved at period separation was merely a cautionary (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION of time off to minimize potential exposure AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting request for approvals fonts & images job info of others to someone who might be infected, proposals for the following: None job # creative dir W96476 Fonts but might not be, chargebackclient protectionTEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Conden None art director PEST, TERMITE & BED BUG CONTROL SERVICES headline/tag MAY EOG AD Condensed), Times (Regular) None copywriter would most likely not be extended to the trim 4.79" x 3.25" MICAELA ACOSTA account mgr Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW employer. bleed None Images live color setup vendor/pub media type die cut

Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7116 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website None None www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning BW notes Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

A Non-Mandatory site visit with vendors will be held at 2627 Caroline St., Houston, HOUSTON DEFENDER Inks Black 18, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions NEWSPAPER Texas, 77004 on Monday, May DUE: 04/30 None to this RFP is Thursday, MayPUB: 21,05/07 2020. Solicitation documents must be submitted to Purchasing Services,

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9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10 A.M., Friday, June 5, 2020 in a sealed envelope marked "RFP FOR PEST, TERMINTE & BED BUG CONTROL SERVICES” - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, Buyer II or E-mail questions to james.blunt@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org., or via fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses, are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

May 7, 2020 |

| 9

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment Houston honors Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion Defender News Service

Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion are being recognized by their hometown. After the two stars collaborated for Meg’s “Savage Remix,” it caught the ears of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and he decided to honor the two with their own days.

“H-Town’s Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion dropped a remix that is just ‘Savage’,” Turner tweeted. “Because of both artists’ contributions to uplifting our communities, holding down H-Town, & for helping us remain Houston Strong, our city will present both artists with their own respective days.

What really struck Mayor Turner was that the proceeds from their remix will be donated to Bread of Life, a non-profit that feeds the homeless in Houston.

“It’s great to see proceeds from the single’s purchase will support Bread of Life. Let’s purchase & support this organization’s efforts. I look forward to connecting with both artists’ teams to find the appropriate time to make these requests a reality,” he said.

Meg was ecstatic about the news and

shared it via Instagram.

“Houston Hotties we’re getting a dayyyy.

Beyoncé and I decided to give all artist proceeds to “bread of life” and give back to our home town Houston Texas! So make sure y’all stream for a good cause!!!” Meg captioned the post.

Beyoncé has also been passionate about giving back to H-Town. She recently announced that she is donating $6 million through her BeyGOOD Foundation to community organizations that focus on mental health services and hunger to help with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” read Beyoncé’s website. “In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis.”

Beyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion

10 | May 7, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Nike’s top pitchman Michael Jordan revealed during the ESPN Docu-series The Last Dance that Adidas was his first choice for a shoe company. He has gone on to make over $1 billion with Nike.

TUNSIL RESETS MARKET WITH RECORD DEAL

By Terrance Harris

Laremy Tunsil wasn’t quite sure how to feel when he was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Texans just before the 2018 season began.

The Dolphins, the team that drafted Tunsil No.13 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, were all he knew. But it didn’t take long for Tunsil to make an impact as the Texans new left tackle and protector of Deshaun Watson’s blindside and for him to feel right at home.

As last month’s NFL Draft unfolded it was announced that Tunsil had signed an extension with the Texans, reaching a three-year, $66 million deal that makes him the NFL’s highest paid offensive lineman.

“It’s a blessing just to be the highest paid offensive lineman,” said Tunsil, who reached the deal that includes nearly $58 million in guaranteed money without using an agent. You always dream of times like this, and we got it done.”

While the deal was a win for both sides, there was clearly much more pressure on Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien to get the extension with Tunsil done, considering what the team gave up to get the star left tackle who would have been entering the final year of his rookie contract this upcoming season. O’Brien surrendered two first-round draft picks in the deal that also brought aboard wide receiver Kenny Stills.

Not getting a deal done would have been a huge blow to the Texans, who sat out the first round of this year’s draft and have given up first and second round picks in the 2021 draft as a result of the trade for Tunsil. It’s rare to see a team give up that many impact picks.

“We had a choice to make there and we knew one way or the other, whether we did

Breaking down Tunsil’s contract extension

Length: 2021-2023 Worth: $66 million Guaranteed: $57.85 million Signing Bonus: $13 million Average pay per season: $22 million

the contract during the trade or post-trade like we did, we knew that Laremy Tunsil was going to get paid because we feel like he is the top left tackle in the National Football League,” O’Brien said.

While there can be debate about what the Texans gave up, Tunsil, 25, has certainly filled a critical need. He immediately strengthened an offensive line that had given up league-worst 62 sacks in 2018 and he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after allowing just three sacks last season.

“I just wanted to reset the market, become the highest paid offensive lineman just to show all the young players under me that anything is possible, you’ve just got to put your head towards it,” Tunsil said.

Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter @terranceharris

17 out of the 32 first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft are represented by African-American agents, including Houston native and Cowboys pick CeeDee Lamb.

Sports Briefs TSU women land top player Texas Southern women’s basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke has landed 6-foot-3 Ayanna Clark as part of the Tigers four-member recruiting class. Clark is a former 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American out of Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.

She averaged a double-double (18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds) at Central Arizona last season.

Rockets to start workouts Rockets CEO Tad Brown said the team plans to welcome back players to the Toyota Center next week to begin individual workouts for the first time since COVID-19 outbreak in March.

PV golf team inks four Prairie View head golf coach Kevin Jennings has added four stellar players to the women’s program, including Jalyn Robinson, Shani Waite, Gabrielle Lawrence and Taleah Washington.

May 7, 2020 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Q:

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

With no vaccine in sight, how should the UIL respond this Fall? Share your answers with us on twitter using #dnsports

A. Shut down all team sports

B. Allow team sports to continue in empty stadiums

C. Let teams play and fans to watch while social distancing

D. Other (post comments on social media)

HIGH SCHOOL

Sports post-coronavirus Jodie B. Jiles

With the recent shutdown of sports due to the spread of the coronavirus, one question mark is what high school sports will look like from this point forward.

In April, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) indefinitely suspended all sanctioned in-person activities before canceling the remainder of spring sports and championships.

However, according to news reports, the UIL’s Legislative Council has started making preparations for what is next, granting relaxed restrictions on coaching and workout access with student-athletes during the summer in light of spring activities being canceled.

In particular, word has yet to be announced about the fall football schedule. Could Texas high school sports miss out on its first season of football? Will football games go on without the traditional setting of fans, bands and cheerleaders?

To get some answers, the Defender spoke with three local sports journalists to get their perspectives on what they think high school sports will look like post-COVID-19.

Ralph Cooper KCOH Radio

“The picture is really unknown regarding how sports will be watched inside arenas and stadiums because of social distancing. I’m hoping and wondering if it will ever be like it was in the past where you had 100,000 people packed in a college stadium cheering for their perspective teams. Will we see high school games with social distancing? Right now, with no vaccine I would say, no.”

Adam Coleman Houston Chronicle

“I think eventually we’ll get back to normalcy in high school sports but everyone will be more conscious of their surroundings at games and events.

The images of people wearing masks and gloves aren’t going away anytime soon. The virus also could have some ripple effects on off-season programs and summer

conditioning. Coaches and student-athletes have missed a lot of training time between each other because of the virus so the UIL is considering relaxing restrictions on summer conditioning with hopes of making up for lost time at some point. Whatever those changes are, I could see them being permanent.”

Nate Griffin Fox 26 News

“I think the high s ch o ol pro g r ams are going to somewhat mirror the collegiate programs. However, because they’re dealing with a younger student-athlete, an extremely high level of care will need to be exercised to keep them safe. We’re really not sure if this pandemic will completely change the face of high school sports. But until a vaccine is created, I can see a scenario that limits the number of students allowed to participate in any one sport. There are still so many questions to be answered. Hard to imagine a contact-less sport.”

Getty Images

12 | May 7, 2020 |

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