Houston Defender: May 27, 2021.

rae TTha Truth Houston entertainer honored at Billboard Awards

NEWS

MILLARD HOUSE II

The HISD board named Millard House II as permanent superintendent, a role that has been in flux over the last three years.

Volume 90, issue 30 May 27, 2021

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NEWS

RON REYNOLDS

As the 2021 Texas Legislative Session comes to an end, the State Rep. wants to let Texans know exactly what game-changing legislation GOP members blocked.

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2 | May 27, 2021 |

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DN To the POINT

FIT & FINE Antoine Howard Age: 37 Occupation: Founder of Lift’ed LLC., Master Trainer and Mindset Architect Motto: Live life with Purpose.

“Being selfless has become a daily habit for me.”

Simone Biles competes on the beam during the 2021 GK U.S. Classic gymnastics competition at the Indiana Convention Center. Getty Images

Message from the Managing Editor

the United States. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 25% of Americans, including 53% of Republicans, I’m going to lead this To the Point with some good simply do not accept the legitimacy of the presidennews and give Houstonian, top-notch gymnast and tial election. I know, for four years, many folks proall around bad-azz, Simone Biles, her flowers now. claimed that Donald Trump was “not my president.”

This woman is simply spectacular. While appearing But no matter how many people proclaimed that, in her first gymnastics meet since October 2019, most knew that he REALLY was president. He may the defending world champion gymnast completed have been an unliked, lying, racist, sexist, xenophobic a notoriously difficult move—the Yurchenko douReShonda Tate narcissist, who had help from Russia in a disinformable pike. She’s the first woman in history to do this tion campaign, but he still beat Hillary Clinton. These move in a competition. I don’t even know what a Yurchenko double pike is, but Sis mastered it. (For the record, “Trump is still president” folks truly believe the lies that Trump it’s described as “a roundoff onto the springboard, followed by a tells anyone who will listen. Even though there is not an iota of back handspring onto the vaulting table, and ending with a piked proof even four months later, even though not a single judge (indouble backflip into the air to landing.”) And she Simoned it by cluding Trump-appointed judges) sided with this madness, they adding two extra hops at the end. Basically, some move I couldn’t still think some magical unicorn is going to blow some fairy dust and the day after ‘the cavalry trumps the moon and the declaraattempt in my wildest dreams. You go, Girl! tion of 1776 manifests itself on the westward coyote,’ Trump will Texas GOP doesn’t want you learning about Negroes emerge as the true president. Sound’s crazy right? That’s because If you don’t talk about bad stuff, it didn’t happen. That seems it is but that’s the kind of stuff you’ll find in Trumpland. to be the mindset of the GOP in Texas. You may know they are at war against Critical Race Theory, but let’s be real, their fight isn’t Before I go.... actually about CRT—because they don’t have the first clue what Look, I know 2024 seems like a long way away....but it’s CRT even is. They are trying to sell the narrative that CRT teach- really not. And I’m imploring you to wake up your neighbor, es that white people are inherently racist and that some races are your parents, sister, auntie, cousin, boyfriend’s baby mama, superior to others. Of course, anyone who has actually turned everybody you know and make sure they’re registered to the channel from FOX News, knows that CRT is essentially a way vote. It’s an all-out assault to make voting hard for people of studying law and other political and social structures through of color. So we need to load up and get ready to fight every the lens of race. So Republicans are prioritizing their feelings over obstacle they’re throwing our way. Because it’s coming.... facts and those feelings are becoming the basis for the bills they are pushing and signing into law. Texas’ state Senate passed a bill In this week’s paper in the dead of night that not only bans CRT from being taught in • The pandemic isn’t over, but we have some summer actipublic schools and open-enrollment charter schools, it essentially vites for kids. limits how Black history can be taught so as not to hurt the feel- • Trae Tha Truth continues to make us proud! Check him out ings of fragile white people. Cry me a river of white tears. You had as he was awarded the 2021 Billboard Changemaker award. no problem teaching that bogus Columbus discovered America • Sports reporter Terrance Harris profiles a popular coach theory, you should have no problem expanding young minds to who’s heading to the Texans. examine issues through different lenses.

Simone is one bad chick....

IG: @antoine_howard Twitter: @Iamlifted_ Read more on Friday about Antoine Howard at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine Direct Message our Instagram page @DefenderNetwork

25% of America is crazy

I really hate using the term crazy when it comes to mentally ill folks, but I don’t know any other way to describe the one-fourth of the country who says Donald Trump is the “true president” of

On the web

• Byron Allen networks file $10 bil lawsuit against McDonald’s, alleging racial discrimination in food chain’s advertising.

• Dispelling retirement myths when it comes to the pandemic.

• Oprah and Prince Harry talk mental health. .

May 27, 2021 |

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DN News Position 6, Precinct 1 trustee Danyahel (Danny) Norris, was unanimously elected president of the Harris County Department of Education.

PVAMU Pres. Ruth J. Simmons receives the 2021 TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence in Higher Education, recognizing university presidents for outstanding leadership.

New HISD superintendent named Defender News Service

The Houston Independent School District has a new superintendent.

The school board unanimously appointed Millard House II to its permanent superintendent job, a role that has been in flux over the last three years. House is the current director of schools at the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System in Tennessee, a district that is five times smaller than HISD. House succeeds Dr. Grenita Lathan, who held on to the superintendent role on an interim basis for nearly three years. After being passed over for the permanent position, Lathan said she would take a job in Springfield, Missouri.

“I respect the decision that the board made to conduct a nationwide search. But I also respect who I am as a leader, and I know what my skills are. And so it was nothing personal. It was just ‘this is the right time to move ahead,’” Lathan said late last year.

Lathan, who had been with HISD since

2015, took over in 2018 for Richard Carranza, who had jumped for the New York Public Schools’ superintendent job, which he no longer holds.

Parents say they hope the Millard newly-appointed superinHouse II tendent takes into account what the district already has in place and builds off of it.

According to AASA, the School Superintendents Association, the average tenure of a superintendent is between five and six years. During the last six years, HISD has had three.

Still, the Texas Education Agency’s attempt to take over the district is hung up in court. The state wants to appoint a “board of managers” that would supersede the board of trustees.

The district has 196,943 students and a budget of $2.028 billion.

LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD

What the parents think about the change Dr. Lathan really did a good job. I don’t want to hold the board’s inept decision to not hire her permanently against him, so I wish him well. I hope he will take into account all that she already has in place and build off of it.”

-Clenita Blacknell If you come in with the idea that I am going to be the unsung hero, and I am going to change it for the better, then what have you said about all the progress and all the people and what they’ve done all these years?”

-Loretta Williams Gurnell

I hope he makes advocating in the state legislature a priority, as well as getting a bond issue on the ballot to build new schools.

Get to the table, and get us some money, because our students deserve to have great teachers who deserve to be paid well to get the best in there.”

-Traci Riley I hope he can bring the Board together, because this disunity is not good for our kids.”

-Louis Edwards

Winell Herron, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Stephanie Nellons-Page

Local leaders launch fund to support equity Defender News Service

George Floyd remembered on his anniversary

Members of George Floyd’s family, and others who lost loved ones to police encounters, joined activists and citizens in Minneapolis and across the country for a march that was one of several events planned nationwide to mark the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death. June 9 has been declared George Floyd Day in Houston. AP

Honorary Board Chair, Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with a group of Black Houston business executives and civic thought leaders, have announced the launch of the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity.

The newly created philanthropic organization is dedicated to addressing social and economic inequalities by investing resources in nonprofit organizations that empower and uplift Houston’s Black community. The fund “aims to enact transformational change to empower and uplift the Black community,” per a press release.

Turner was joined at the announcement by Thomas Jones, Board President; Stephanie Nellons-Paige, Interim Executive Director and Secretary; and Winell Herron, Treasurer.

For more information about the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity, or to make a donation, visit www.houstonequityfund.com.

4 | May 27, 2021 |

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DN News

Greene family outraged after video released Associated Press

Louisiana state troopers were captured on body camera video stunning, punching and dragging a Black man as he apologized for leading them on a high-speed chase -- footage of the man’s last moments alive that The Associated Press obtained after authorities refused to release it for two years.

“I’m your brother! I’m scared! I’m scared!” Ronald Greene can be heard telling the white troopers as the unarmed man is jolted repeatedly with a stun gun before he even gets out of his This image from video from Louisiana state police state trooper Dacar along a dark, rural road.

The 2019 arrest outside Monroe, kota DeMoss’ body-worn camera, shows trooper Kory York grabbing Louisiana, is the subject of a federal civ- the leg shackles and dragging Ronald Greene on his stomach on May il rights investigation. But unlike other 10, 2019, outside of Monroe, La. Louisiana State Police via AP in-custody deaths across the nation where body camera video was released The 46-minute clip shows one trooper appears again, limp, unresponsive and almost immediately, Greene’s case has wrestling Greene to the ground, putting bleeding from his head and face. He is been shrouded in secrecy and accusa- him in a chokehold and punching him then loaded onto an ambulance gurney, tions of a cover-up. in the face while another can be heard his arm cuffed to the bedrail.

Louisiana officials have rebuffed re- calling him a “stupid motherf---—.”

In many parts of the video, Greene is peated calls to release footage and deAnother trooper can be seen briefly not on screen, and the trooper appears tails about what caused the dragging the man facedown to cut the microphone off about halfway 49-year-old’s death. Troopers after his legs had been shack- through, making it difficult to piece toinitially told Greene’s famled and his hands cuffed be- gether exactly what was happening at all ily he died on impact after hind him. times. At least six troopers were on the crashing into a tree during Instead of rendering aid, scene of the arrest but not all had their the chase. Later, State Police the troopers leave the heavy- body cameras on. released a one-page stateset man unattended, face“They murdered him. It was set out, ment acknowledging only down and moaning for more it was planned,” Greene’s mother, Mona that Greene struggled with than nine minutes, as they Hardin, said. “He didn’t have a chance. troopers and died on his way use sanitizer wipes to wash Ronnie didn’t have a chance. He wasn’t Ronald Greene blood off their hands and going to live to tell about it.” to the hospital.

Only now in the footage faces.

An attorney for Greene’s family, Lee obtained by the AP from one troop“I hope this guy ain’t got f------ AIDS,” Merritt, said the footage “has some er’s body camera can the public see for one of the troopers can be heard saying. of the same hallmarks of the George the first time some of what happened After a several-minute stretch in Floyd video, the length of it, the sheer during the arrest. which Greene is not seen on camera, he brutality of it.”

A man faces the Minnesota State Troopers standing guard outside the Brooklyn Center Police Station after a police officer shot and killed 20-year-old Daunte Wright on April 12.

Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

POLL

Police violence remains high concern in U.S. A year after George Floyd’s murder sparked global protests and a racial reckoning, a majority of Americans say racism and police violence are serious problems facing the nation. Yet relatively few believe attention in the past year to the issues has led to positive change.

6 in 10 Blacks Derek Chauvin conviction has not changed their level of confidence in the criminal justice system POLICE VIOLENCE A

SERIOUS PROBLEM

77%

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS COMPLETE OVERHAUL

36%

Americans

Blacks

whites

NEWSBRIEFS HOUSTON FAMILY FILES LAWSUIT AFTER 3-YEAR-OLD SHOT IN HEAD The family of a 3-year-old child who was shot in the head by a stray bullet has filed a lawsuit against the north Houston apartment complex where the shooting occured. Helena Lane and her family filed the lawsuit against The Palms at Cypress Station. Lane was shot while sitting in her car seat in a car outside the apartment. Her mother and five-year-old sister witnessed the shooting. The child is currently in critical but stable condition. The attorneys argue the apartment “breached its duty” to the residents “by failing to use ordinary care to take reasonable and adequate precautions, provide reasonable safety, or to provide an adequate warning.” They arguing the owners “knew or should have known about” the crime in the apartment.

CHICAGO MAYOR ONLY GRANTING INTERVIEWS TO MINORITY REPORTERS Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced that she will grant one-on-one interviews to mark the two-year anniversary of her inauguration solely to journalists of color, saying she has been struck by the “overwhelmingly” white press corps in Chicago.While the move isn’t unprecedented in recent years, it drew fierce scrutiny among the city’s press corps and beyond with members of the media quickly taking Lightfoot to task for her decision. Lightfoot recalled being on the campaign trail and being struck “by the overwhelming whiteness and maleness of Chicago media outlets, editorial boards, the political press corps.”

She noted the nation’s reckoning on racism but said it didn’t appear “many of the media institutions in Chicago have caught on and truly have not embraced this moment.”

25%

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 30 - MAY 27, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

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

May 27, 2021 |

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DN News

State Rep. Reynolds’ ‘missed opportunities’ list With the 2021 Texas Legislative Session have bail bond reform as HB2077 never stood drawing to an end State Rep. Ron Reynolds a chance in committee. It’s 2021 and Texans (District 27) is on a mission to let Texans know still have to worry and stress about getting exactly which state elected officials are working arrested for small amounts of marijuana in their best interests and which because HB169 didn’t survive ones aren’t. committee vote. Criminal JusReynolds has taken the initiative tice didn’t matter much either as to inform the public of these realiHB137 got snagged in Committies, not with antagonizing rhetoric tee. Enhanced training for Police to stir up his base, but rather with officers also wasn’t a priority, as the actual receipts to back up his HB831 was ‘dead on arrival,’” said claims.

Reynolds.

Reynolds’ emails include listReynolds added that House ings of specific bills championed Republicans didn’t even consider State Rep. by various Texas legislators, listing bringing the “Crown Act” (the act Ron Reynolds the bills’ authors, focus and reasons that would prohibit employers behind the bills’ non-passage. from criminalizing Black hair) on the House Speaking about his email initiative, Reynolds Floor for debate. stated, “Every couple of days we will highlight Here is a sampling of those missed bills that would have made a definite impact on opportunities: the lives of Texans as a whole.

BILL | AUTHOR | RELATING TO… “Although we were able to get a few key bills HB 60, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Minimum wage passed, Republicans made sure we missed the increase HB 87, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Requiring cermark on our more imperative goals.”

Reynolds said bail reform, police reform, tain employers to provide paid sick leave the ‘Crown Act” and more were potentially to employees; providing administrative and game-changing legislation that GOP mem- civil penalties HB 104, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Electronic voter bers effectively killed.

“Republicans made sure Texans wouldn’t registration

HB 110, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Requirements to vote, including presenting proof of identification HB 120, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Allowing straight-party voting HB 123, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Prescribing low-THC cannabis under the Texas Compassionate Use Program HB 137, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, The authority of a court to terminate the sentence of certain persons released on parole HB 169, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, The criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of Penalty Group 1 controlled substances and marijuana HB 367, Rep. Carl Sherman Sr., The prosecution and reporting of certain offenses committed because of bias of prejudice; creating a criminal offense HB 392, Rep. Rhetta Bowers, Discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race HB 595, Rep. Carl Sherman Sr., Qualifications and registration of certain voters convicted of a felony HB 716, Rep. Gervin-Hawkins, A study on mold contamination in housing developments supported by financial assistance administered by the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs HB 1178, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Removing criminal penalties for the possession of

drug paraphernalia under the Texas Controlled Substances Act HB 1944, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Automatic expunction of arrest records and files for certain persons who are tried for an offense and subsequently acquitted HB 2077, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Bail proceedings and related duties of a magistrate in a criminal case HB 2542, Rep. Toni Rose, Considering criminal history in employment decisions; providing an administrative penalty HB 346, Rep. Toni Rose, Prohibiting the use of certain techniques when using force to make an arrest of search HB 140, Rep. Toni Rose, Applicability of the death penalty to a capital offense committed by a person with severe mental illness HB 45, Rep. Jarvis Johnson, Eligibility of certain criminal defendants for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information HB 1481, Rep. Jarvis Johnson, Contracts to provide appropriate residential housing to students in extended foster care who enroll at public institutions of higher education HB 584, Rep. Sheryl Cole, Automatic voter registration on issuance or change of a driver’s license or identification card by the Department of Public Safety

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS T

By ReShonda Tate

OUTDOORS

Because the Centers for Disease Control says outdoors is the best place for unvaccinated people, and children under 13 are still unvaccinated, many parents are looking for the best places to take their children outdoors this summer.

• Galveston beach is a great place to go hang out,

and have fun. And with the Pleasure Pier, families can enjoy the beach or take in the amusements on the boardwalk. The great thing is this is all outdoors, so no worries about a virus spreading.

Visit www.galveston.com

• Moody Gardens: The Galveston location is

ideal for families and groups alike. Delve into the oceans depths at the Aquarium Pyramid, explore the world of science at Discovery Museum, experience the action of MAX and enjoy gulf breezes aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. Visit www. moodygardens.com

• Kemah Boardwalk: This coastal getaway features themed restaurants, retail shops, and amusements for the whole family. This 35-acre carnival-like atmosphere has a 36-foot carousel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel and rides like the Aviator, the Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower. Visit www. kemahboardwalk.com • Market Square Park: Grab a blanket for any

number of fun (and free) activities at Market Square Park. Located in the center of Downtown Houston’s Historic District, the park features a play area for kids, performance area for events, and even a picturesque garden with seasonal flowers and a water fountain. The park also has a dog run with a water feature for your furry best friend.

Regular free events include movie screenings, concerts and even a little blanket bingo.

• Discovery Green: An 11.78-acre public park

that’s frequented by locals and visitors alike, Discovery Green has a little something for everybody! Enjoy free yoga classes, concerts, movie nights, storytime for toddlers, and open-air reading rooms. You can also rent games for use in the playground, or just laze about on the green— there’s free Wi-Fi too!

• Urban Harvest Farmers Market: Get your

fresh fruits and vegetables with a side of entertainment and education at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market. Besides selecting your favorite veggies,

• Old MacDonald’s Farm: This activity center features a

• The Mad Potter: This is where you head for all things

INDOOR

WATER FUN

range of fun things to do, from mini-train rides to pumpkin patches to swimming pools to a petting zoo. Pet a range of animals including cows, sheep, emus and llamas.

In addition to playgrounds and pony rides, there are slides for the young ones and a volleyball area for older kids.

he COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Houston children spend their summers. But with the world returning to a sense of normalcy, parents are looking for things to do in Houston this summer. From free outdoor concerts to story times for kids to waterpark splashing and more, there’s ample summer fun for the whole family. Here are the Defender’s picks for kid and family friendly activities in Houston this summer.

• Project Row Houses: Travel to one of the city’s oldest

you and the kids can also take virtual classes to learn about the many aspects of gardening. And if you’re really gung-ho, you can sign up for one of the certificate courses. Meat, coffee and other culinary products are also for sale. Check out the Urban Harvest calendar for their variety of event listings and food demonstrations.

African American neighborhoods to take in the art of Project Row Houses. Located in Northern Third Ward, Project Row Houses includes six blocks of 40 shotgun-style homes adorned with art, photography and literary projects. Visitors can learn about the history of the area and enjoy food from local vendors at its daily Project Food Trucks throughout the summer.

• Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours: Take a break from

• Space Center Houston:Kids can experience the rich

the hustle and bustle of the city with a private, relaxing ride along the Buffalo Bayou with a boat tour. The 90-minute ride takes you along the heart of Downtown, historic Buffalo Bayou past Allen’s Landing, Sesquicentennial Park and Sabine Promenade, McKee Street Bridge and the industrial side of the city. Due to COVID-19, only private charters are available, but the tour can accommodate up to 20 people and be scheduled at your convenience based on availability.

history and the awe of space at Space Center Houston.

From the popular Build-A-Rocket to Mission Kidtrol, children will explore and learn the concepts of space. For a real behind-the-scenes look at NASA, take your kids on the exclusive Level Nine Tour. Visit www.spacecenter.org

• Children’s Museum of Houston: This museum has

quite the noble beginning—the founding members of the museum were parents who sought to improve childhood development in the community, back in 1980. Check out the range of interactive exhibits. The Market is a playarea-learning-center; there’s also another outdoor area with water pipes and toy boats for the tots to enjoy.

• Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark: If you enjoy

being active and adventure is on your to-do list, check out the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.

Located in Eleanor Tinsley Park, the state-ofthe-art venue is the first world-class, in-ground skatepark in the region. Whether you’re a novice or you’re ready to go pro, the public 30,000 square-foot area is perfect for beginning, intermediate and advanced skateboard classes for learners ages 6 to 17.

• The Chocolate Bar: This is as close to Willy Won-

ka’s Chocolate Factory as it gets; satisfy all those sweet cravings in this restaurant that pays tribute to all things chocolate. Dig into delicious cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream and the must-try ‘trompe l’oeil’ pizza, stock up at the traditional candy counter and enjoy live music and swing dancing on Thursdays.

• Miller Outdoor Theater is a tradition for

countless residents. Families can bring picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs. Visit www.

MillerOutdoorTheater.com

• Houston Arboretum and Nature Center:

If you’re wondering what to do in Houston with kids, the 155-acre center that protects the native flora and fauna and educates visitors is an excellent choice! Walk the five miles of trails, enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Room, shop at the Nature Shop, and explore The Wildlife Garden and the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden!

• Houston Area Live Steamers: Dedicated

to live steam modeling, the Houston Area Live Steamers is “the” organization for free rides aboard steam engine and diesel model trains, along a 4,700-foot track. Take the Cypress Creek and Southern Railroad track for a scenic ride through the Northwest Harris County park, replete with miniature bridges and windmills.

You can also picnic in Zube Park.

VISIT DEFENDERNETWORK.COM AND CHECK OUT THINGS TO DO FOR MEMORIAL DAY The Children’s Museum reopens on June 8.

pottery related; this fun studio offers a ton of fun kids activities that will leave tots spoilt for choice! Choose your vessel, paint it and take it home! The studio also organizes summer camps and painting parties for kids and adults (and for pets, too!).

• Schlitterbahn Water Park: One of the top fami-

ly-friendly hubs in the state, Schlitterbahn appeals to both the adrenaline junkies and the more sober of disposition, too. Ride the uphill Dragon Blaster water coaster, or catch lovely views of the park while riding the Soaring Eagle Zipline. You’ll have to navigate the park through its lazy river—quite a fun, unique feature! ·

• Splashtown: Located in far Northwest Houston,

Splashtown houses acres of water slides, tube rides and interactive children’s play areas. Beat the Texas heat by going tubing down a lazy river, splashing around in the wave pool, or sliding down a 7-story water slide.

Season passes and discounted group rates available.

There are countless ways to hit the water in SplashTown. Try the 75-foot drop into a ginormous pool of swirling water in The Tornado, or the 5-story Texas Freefall for a serious adrenaline rush! There are also many family rides, such as a lazy river and many kidfriendly eateries.

• Quillian Center Noah’s Ark and Pool: One of

the best pools in Houston, the Noah’s Ark pool is an ideal attraction for families with small children.

Shallow water and a variety of toddler-friendly slides and waterfalls make this a safe and enjoyable way for families to escape the heat. The Quillian Center also includes two full-size swimming pools, a basketball pavilion and an indoor climbing wall for older children. Facilities are available to rent for parties or other large-group gatherings.

8 | May 27, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education DURING THE PANDEMIC

Houston school discipline in Black and White

By Maya Pottiger and Aswad Walker

Even in a school year derailed by a pandemic, Black students were disciplined at higher rates than white students across the country.

Using statewide discipline data from the 2019/2020 school year, Word in Black analyzed which students in California, Georgia, Maryland, Texas and Washington state were facing higher rates of suspensions and expulsions.

In every state except Maryland, Black students are punished with in-school suspensions at much higher rates than white students. In California, Texas and Washington, Black students were given in-school suspensions at least twice the rate as white students. In Maryland, Black students are given in-school suspensions at a 0.2% higher rate.

Texas and Washington included data on expulsions. While, in both states, the expulsion rates for Black and white students are each under 1%, Black students are at least twice as likely to be expelled than their white peers.

In Maryland, the out-of-school suspensions and expulsions are grouped together. In this grouping, Black students are disciplined at a 6% rate, while white students are disciplined at a 2% rate.

These trends aren’t new. In an analysis of federal data from the 2015-2016 school year released last year, the Center for Civil Rights Remedies at the UCLA Civil Rights Project and the Learning Policy Institute found Black students were disciplined at higher rates than white students.

A key finding in analysis found that while Black students lost 103 days per 100 students enrolled due to out-of-school suspensions, their white peers lost only 21 days. That equates to 82 more days in school, or nearly four months, for white students compared to their Black counterparts.

“These stark disparities in lost instruction explain why we cannot close the achievement gap if we do not close the discipline gap,” Dan Losen, director of the Center for Civil Right Remedies and lead researcher on the report told U.S. News. He added, “With all the instructional loss students have had due to COVID-19, educators should have to provide very sound justification for each additional day they prohibit access to instruction.”

Breaking those numbers down by gender reveals that Black boys lost 132 days per 100 students enrolled, while Black girls lost 77 days, numbers that are seven times the rate of their white peers.

And though Black girls lost fewer days than Black boys, all is not well with our

Even amid a global pandemic Black youth in K-12 schools received the same level of unequal (harsher) discipline than their white and Latino counterparts. AP/Eric Gay

DISCIPLINARY RATES IN HOUSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Black students in Houston face disciplinary actions at much higher rates than their peers.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

RACE

2018/2019

2019/2020

Out of School Suspension

Black

22

13

Out of School Suspension

Hispanic

8

6

Out of School Suspension

White

4

3

In School Supspension

Black

42

28

In School Supspension

Hispanic

23

16

In School Supspension

White

16

11

Table by Maya Pottiger, Source: Texas Education Agency

daughters, nieces and granddaughters in K-12 classrooms.

For, the documentary, PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools that debuted on PBS March 16, 2020, exposed the alarming numbers of African-American girls facing unfair and inequitable treatment in schools across the country.

Based on two books by Dr. Monique W. Morris, social justice scholar and founder and president of the National Black Women’s Justice Institute (NBWJI), PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools and Sing

a Rhythm, Dance a Blues, the documentary exposed the nation’s new educational trend: African-American girls as the fastest-growing population in the juvenile justice system and the only group of girls disproportionately experiencing harsh discipline at every educational level.

Locally, in HISD, 60% of girls suspended from school are Black even though Black girls only comprise 23% of HISD’s female population.

“While we spend a considerable amount of time and resources focusing on the challenges

of Black male youth, we tend to not have such targeted strategies related to our female youth,” said Sherea McKenzie, director of special projects for Commissioner Precinct 1.

The report found that Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students came in second with 63 days lost, and Native American students lost an average 54 days.

In every category (ISS, OSS, expulsion), Black students in the Houston area had higher discipline rates. In both the 2018/19 and 2019/20 school years, Black students were roughly five times more likely to face out-ofschool suspensions than their white peers, and a little more than twice as likely for in-school suspensions according to regional discipline data from the Texas Education Agency and analyzed by Word in Black.

Moreover, while rates of in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions and expulsion actions all fell from the 2018/2019 school year to the 2019/2020 school year, Black students continued to face the highest rate of disciplinary actions. Using regional discipline data from the Texas Education Agency, Word in Black analyzed trends from the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 school years, which were the two most recent years with data available.

“When a white child acts inappropriately, it is often considered because of their age,” said Sarah Guidry, director of Texas Southern University’s Earl Carl Institute.

“But when a Black child does the same act, it is more likely to be considered criminal and treated much more harshly.”

Word in Black is an innovative news collaborative of Black-owned press members that seeks solutions to systemic, racial and social injustices.

May 27, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Business Federal initiative wants to help more minorities get bank accounts Houston Public Media

According to the latest survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, more than 10% of households in Houston don’t have bank accounts, significantly higher than the national average of about 5%.

Among some minority communities, the numbers are even higher: More than 20% of Latino and nearly 15% of Black Houstonians are unbanked.

Leonard Chanin, deputy to the chairman of the FDIC, said trust is one of the main reasons people mention for not getting a bank account.

“People use different words but basically it comes down to: many consumers just don’t trust banks,” he said.

Another reason is that the minimum balance that has to be in an account at all times is too high for people to afford. There are also unexpected fees, like overdraft fees.

Many banks will allow customers to overdraw from an account, but may charge around $30 for each overdraft.

That means for people already short on cash, the only options are payday lenders and check-cashing businesses, which can charge substantial fees.

The Brookings Institution has estimated that a fulltime worker could lose up to $40,000 over their lifetime without a low-cost checking account.

To reach more Latino and Black communities, the FDIC has started an awareness campaign in Atlanta and Houston, called Get Banked. Chanin said the FDIC has been working with communities for years, but the pandemic brought a new urgency.

“What particularly brought this home was when the government started ... providing stimulus funds for consumers,” he said.

Many of those who don’t have bank accounts received stimulus checks weeks or even months later, Chanin said. And then they would have to find a place to cash the check, which could be challenging during the pandemic. That’s on top of having to pay a fee.

The campaign is also relevant to those

More than 20% of Latino and nearly 15% of Black Houstonians are unbanked, according to the FDIC.

receiving the federal government’s new child tax credit. Starting July 15, as part of Congress’ coronavirus relief bill, families with children will receive monthly benefit payments.

As part of the two-city pilot Get Banked campaign, the FDIC is using internet and radio ads in English and Spanish to promote the benefits of having a bank account.

The agency is also directing people to so-called Bank On accounts — accounts that meet certain affordability standards, developed by the nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, and are offered by a number of banks, including some community banks and national institutions like Bank of America, Chase or Wells Fargo.

For example, those accounts need to have low minimum balance requirements, no more than a $5 a month account fee and no overdrafts.

Outside of the FDIC campaign, community banks play a role in getting low-income and communities of color access to bank accounts.

But Alexander Lara, head of the University of Houston’s commercial banking program, said community banks could do a better job educating potential clients on banking. The key is financial education early on, she said.

“When they are trying to do it, they’re not doing it at the middle school level or high school level or even at the junior college level,” he said. “They’re doing it at the UH level.”

CLASSIFIED The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formally known as Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County) will be accepting Proposals for the following:

Agency Wide Clinical Laboratory Services Specifications may be secured from THE HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7279 and/or via THE HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning Thursday, June 3, 2021. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Thursday, June 10, 2021. Solicitation documents must be submitted to the Purchasing Department, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 24, 2021 in a sealed envelope marked “RFP FOR AGENCY WIDE CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES” - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 AT 10:00 A.M. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Sharon Brauner, Purchasing Manager or E-mail questions to sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org cc: nina.cook@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

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10 | May 27, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Houston native and Dallas Wings No.1 pick Charli Collier produced a doubledouble (11 points and 10 rebounds) during her WNBA debut against the L.A. Sparks.

Texas Southern pitcher Kam Fields was named to the All-SWAC second-team after throwing a team-leading 73 strikeouts – which was third in the league – this season.

Sports Briefs WATSON STILL WANTS OUT Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s season sits in limbo while he goes through the legal process after being accused by Deshaun 22 massage Watson therapists of sexual misconduct. What isn’t unclear is that Watson apparently still has no desire to play for the Texans. According to a report by NLF.com, Watson still wants to be traded and has no plans to report for OTAs.

Former Illinois head coach Lovie Smith is preparing the new Texans defense for the coming season. AP Photo/Jim Young

LOVIE SMITH

NEW COACH EXCITED TO RUN TEXANS DEFENSE

By Terrance Harris

Lovie Smith was still trying to process the last five years of his career and how things ended at University of Illinois earlier this offseason when his phone rang.

Texans newly hired head coach David Culley was on the other end of the line with an offer Smith, one of the game’s great defensive minds, couldn’t refuse. Culley wanted the Gladwater and Big Sandy High School product to join him as the Texans new associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

There really wasn’t a lot of conversation that needed to take place before Culley had his answer.

“I’ve known David Culley for a long period of time,” said Smith, who brings significant head coaching experience having been at the helm of the Bears and Buccaneers before taking over the Illni.

“Knew what kind of man he was, what type of coach he has been, and I know the influence that he would have on the organization, so that was easy ... wasn’t really a big sell job that David had to do.

I thought it was an honor to be a part of his first staff.”

Smith takes over a defense that was among the worst in the NFL last season, finishing 32nd in rushing yards allowed, 30th in yards per game allowed and 27th in points allowed. But Smith is accustomed to turnarounds, having transformed the Bears from a losing team when he took over into a Super Bowl contender that finished second in the first Super Bowl matchup that featured two African American head coaches.

The Texans are shifting from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a more

flexible 4-3 defense under Smith.

In order to facilitate the change in scheme and philosophy the Texans and first-year general manager Nick Caserio have done a significant overhaul on the defensive side of the football.

“I love all of the free agency moves that we’ve made because some of the positions we’re going to play with a little bit different guy,” Smith said. “Our linebackers are more space guys, run, speed as a premium with it. Having a four-man front now, we have to kind of adjust that a little bit, but I feel like we’ve done that.”

One of the biggest defensive departures, of course, letting go perennial All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt. For years, the team, the defense and pretty much the city strongly identified with Watt, who is now playing for the Arizona Cardinals. Smith recognizes the void, but he believes the new crop of players are ready to step up where Watt left off.

“Change brings about a lot of different things, and now it’s that next group,” Smith said. “It’s their time. Who’s the next J.J. Watt coming up? That’s what I’m excited about. That next person who’s going to step up and be able to perform like J.J. did consistently.”

New Texans players like Christian Kirksey are ready to step up to the challenge and look forward to playing under a defensive coordinator with Smith’s reputation.

“First, it means a lot to play with Lovie Smith,” said Kirksey, who signed with the Texans as a free agent in April. “I know a lot about him and heard a lot about him just growing up in the football world.

I’m excited to play in his defense.”

MAXWELL WANTS TO REPLACE WORRELL It appears that former Houston Rocket Vernon Maxwell wants a job with his old team. Maxwell took to Twitter this week to let be known he would like to take the place of Vernon Maxwell retiring longtime Rockets announcer Bill Worrell. “Not saying I could ever do what he does but I would definitely bring something different to the broadcast.”

PV PLAYERS HONORED Prairie View baseball players Andrew Garcia (second base) and Xavier JefferAndrew son earned Garcia All-SWAC second-team honors. Garcia batted a team-leading .333 and started 21 of 28 games this season. Jefferson was second on the team in batting with a .329 average.

May 27, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports PEARLAND PITCHER

MARK ZAPATA NEVER QUITS

By Jodie B. Jiles

Pearland High School junior lefty pitcher Mark Zapata, a Texas State University commit, threw a heck of a game in a 3-2 closeout victory over North Shore High School in the Regional Quarterfinals.

At 6’4 180 lbs. Zapata has the frame to make a name for himself. His pitch velocity is just under 90mph with an average spin rate of 2,161.

In a multi-rain delayed win over North Shore, Zapata displayed his ability to maintain control of his pitches in and out of the strike zone when he left North Shore scoreless throughout the first six innings.

When Pearland head baseball coach David Rodgers was asked about his ace pitcher, Rodgers stated, “He just battles ABOUT MARK and never quits.”

The Defender spoke with Zapata after the Regional Quar- ZAPATA terfinals to discuss his style of play, the game against North Twitter: Shore and keys to success moving forward in the playoffs. @ZapataMark21 STYLE OF PLAY

“Honestly I just try to go after them, not be picky with any of my pitches, and make them earn it if they are going to get a run.”

REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL “W”

“Without my team we wouldn’t be here.

They helped me by picking my spirit up.

And after going into the game confident I feel like we earned it.”

OVERCOMING RAIN DELAYS

“It ruined the vibe a little bit, but the only thing you can do is play with heart and stick through the game working hard.”

Travel Team: Houston C2 Players He Studies: Yu Darvish, Trevor Bauer and Adonis Chapman World Problem He Would Solve: Homelessness Shoutouts: “My dad and mom, because without them I would not be here right now.”

TEAM CULTURE

“Since day one we have had the best team chemistry in Texas. Our friendships and the way we play with our heart, and our passion for baseball is unbelievable.”

MOVING FORWARD

“We just need to keep doing everything we are doing right now, working hard as a team.”

Zapata throws a shutout game through six innings a 3-2 Regional Quarterfinals win over North Shore. -Jimmie Agisson

12 | May 27, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

TRAE THA TRUTH A 2021 Billboard Changemaker

Tina Knowles-Lawson and Trae Tha Truth, winner of the Billboard Change Maker Award, pose backstage for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards -RICH FURY/ Getty

Defender News Service

Houston was in full-effect at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards when Tina Knowles-Lawson took the stage to honor rapper and activist Trae Tha Truth with the second annual change maker award, first awarded to Killer Mike in 2020.

“Trae Tha Truth is a modern-day superhero. He just doesn’t wear the cape,” Tina said while introducing the star, who has become a hometown hero in Houston, leading voter-registration drives, organizing demonstrations against police brutality, and standing up for those in need. “Trae Tha Truth is a legend in Houston with a heart as big as Texas. He’s a talented rapper, a voice for social change, and a true humanitarian whose work touches cities across the country. His name is so fitting because Trae really is the truth.”

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Trae began the Relief Gang, a volunteer group founded to distribute supplies and provide shelter for those affected by the hurricane. In 2008, Trae founded Angel By Nature, a Houston-based organization dedicated to helping underserved youth and those affected by hardship.

Following the death of his friend George Floyd, Trae also organized a protest attended by more than 60,000 people. As a result of his advocacy and commitment to helping his community, Trae is honored by his friends and family in Houston every July 22, aka Trae Day. “Coming from where I come from, nothing was ever promised,” Trae said during his acceptance speech. “I said if I ever got a position, I’d be there for those in need, whether it be assisting the little homies in music, whether it be assisting people who are in need of relief, or whether it’s just fighting on the frontline for those who can’t fight for themselves ...I’m one of the ones who represents the struggle and the less fortunate.”

Trae added that giving up is not an option, and in order to see change, we must make it happen.

“When it comes to change, it’s important. That’s why this award’s so important to me, man,” he said.

“It’s important to change people’s lives. It’s important to change the thoughts of those who give “It’s time for up at times, and it’s important us to change to change things that wasn’t the narrative designed for our best interest and take . . . It’s about stepping up, not taking no for an answer, and if control of our you know me, you know I never own story right give up.” about now.”

At the end of his speech, Trae Trae Tha Truth thanked Tina and Beyoncé for their unwavering faith in him, saying, “There’s times when other people wouldn’t stand for me, they always stood, when others decided to overlook [me].” True to his cause, Trae closed out the speech by demanding justice for Breonna Taylor.