State’s Attorney for Baltimore, Maryland, Marilyn J.
the
where Freddie Gray was arrested, on August 24, 2016 in Baltimore,
Getty Images for BET Networks)
Marilyn Mosby madness is maddening
Te fact that Marilyn Mosby, the fercely courageous, passionate and determined former Baltimore City state’s attorney, has now been reduced to asking, requesting, begging President Joe Biden for grace, mercy and justice in the form of a pardon is so sickening to me I have not the adequate words to illuminate my disgust. Mosby saw a grave injustice – the brutal murder of Freddie Gray at the hands of the police – and used her position to do something about it. And because Mosby had the audacity to attempt to hold Gray’s murderers accountable, a target was placed on her back, front and every other part of her. Tat target turned into a potential 40-year prison sentence for the brutal and gruesome “crime” of withdrawing funds from her own retirement savings to purchase a home. And though she “luckily” received a sentence of “time served,” the fact that she even potentially faced prison time for standing for justice for Black people speaks volumes about this country and its (in)justice system. Shout out to all who spoke out on Mosby’s behalf and to Mosby for continuing to fght to fully clear her name. But know that the silence from President Biden stinks to holy hell. I’m voting for him in November because I recognize Trump and Project 2025 adherents mean us absolute death and destruction. But the Biden “no response” to Mosby is opening the door wider to that dangerous democracy-ending clown Trump waltzing back into the White House.
told, there’s no Black (Pan-African) history without the history of our people in and of the Caribbean.
This Ain’t Ordinary
June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month and recognizing the contributions of these sisters and brothers to Pan-African progress is long past due. Caribbean American immigrants and residents of Caribbean U.S. territories have a long tradition of contributing to Black empowerment and self-determination. And ofen, they’ve done so without most Blackfolk even knowing it, is insane. W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Stokely Carmichael, Walter Rodney, Malcolm X, Gen. Colin Powell, James Weldon Johnson, Celia Cruz, Shirley Chisholm, Claude McKay, Estelle, Sidney Poiter and Michael Manley are just a few examples of millions of Pan-African game-changers with Caribbean roots. Truth be
According to the Christian calendar, we have already passed through the Lenten/ Easter season and the season of Pentecost. We’re months away from the other major Christian holy season – the Advent/Christmas season – which places us right now in what that calendar refers to as “Ordinary Times.” But yo, there’s absolutely nothing ordinary about these times. We’ve got a U.S. Supreme Court justice letting his insurrectionist freak fags fy (hello, Samuel Alito). Justice Clarence Tomas and wife, Karen, I mean Virginia, are openly in bed with insurrectionists. Tennessee ousting democratically-elected Democrats because they could. Multiple white enclaves in urban areas across America have seceded from their cities and formed their own white klan hoods. GOP members are targeting progressive DAs across the country who have the nerve to fght for justice for the people beyond just the white, wealthy and well-connected. White nationalists have taken over whole school boards, city councils and an entire political party. And they’ve gutted any and all forms of scholarships and programs in use for roughly 40-ish years to help Blacks who sufered under 400 years of uninterrupted afrmative action for white people. Tey’re even threatening to end HBCUs. And those who teach truth in K-college public schools have been criminalized in favor of preserving a white myth of America. I keep hearing people say, “We Blackfolk have been through this before.” Yeah, but no. Tis that we’re going through now, and potentially facing in the near future… this is diferent.
On the Web
• Black military service: fighting enemies foreign and domestic.
• Jimmie’s Journey: Madison HS’s 4th Annual Visual Art Showcase.
• Read Managing Editor ReShonda Tate’s OpEd, “I love God... and AKA” about the recent abundance of renouncing of D9 orgs.
A signifcant criminal justice reform bill, which has been stalled in legislative limbo for years, was reintroduced ahead of the fourth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder by police. Tis proposed law, named the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, was reintroduced by longtime Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
“Far too many lives have been lost or forever changed due to unacceptable incidents of police brutality throughout our nation,” Jackson Lee stated during a press conference with family members of Blacks killed by law enforcement. “We cannot allow another American to be deprived of their humanity, dignity, and constitutional rights without taking action.”
Among those in attendance were the family of George Floyd, who died afer Derek Chauvin applied deadly pressure to Floyd’s neck with his knee for over nine minutes on May 25, 2020. Floyd’s death, during which he repeatedly stated “I can’t breathe,” sparked the largest series of racial justice protests in modern U.S. history.
“My sincerest thanks to the family of George Floyd, family members of other victims of police violence, my fellow members of Congress, representatives of advocacy organizations, and others who came out today for the reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act,” Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee posted on X.
Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened three new disaster recovery centers in Harris, Liberty, and Trinity counties following severe weather in the Houston area earlier this month.
Te storms caused signifcant damage to buildings and trees and resulted in widespread power outages. FEMA staf will be available at a total of seven centers, operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, until all residents receive the assistance they need.
“Take advantage of us while we are here. Help us help you. Communicate with us, ask your questions, bring in your documentation if you’re unsure about what you need,” said FEMA spokesperson Lenisha Smith. Smith also noted that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is available on-site to assist residents who wish to apply for low-interest disaster loans.
“Some people may find going online or using the phone a bit challenging for the application process. Tey might have
the National Action Network, emphasized the importance of passing the bill. “Te George Floyd Justice in Policing Act fulflls a promise we made four years ago to his and every family of a Black man or woman killed by law enforcement,” Sharpton said in a statement.
“Until cops know they can lose their job, their pension, or their house, they will continue to use excessive force and betray the public trust.”
Te George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
aims to end police brutality, hold officers accountable, enhance transparency in policing, and create signifcant structural changes in law enforcement practices. Initially introduced in June 2020, shortly after Floyd’s death, the bill seeks to address many issues highlighted by the ongoing police killings of unarmed Black individuals. It includes provisions to redefne legal terms that hinder the prosecution of ofcers who commit
violence, eliminate new federal funding for police departments, and establish a national registry for ofcers accused of misconduct to prevent them from being rehired by other departments.
Notable portions of the bill also mandate the use of body and dashboard cameras, ban chokeholds, and make lynching a federal crime, acknowledging both Floyd’s and Ahmaud Arbery’s deaths. Arbery’s mother is expected to stand with Jackson Lee during the bill’s reintroduction.
Despite President Joe Biden’s 2021 deadline to pass the bill by the frst anniversary of Floyd’s murder, it did not advance. Critics argue that police continue to evade accountability due to insufcient laws addressing brutality and excessive force. Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has been largely blamed for stalling the bill due to his support for qualifed immunity, which protects ofcers from civil liability for constitutional violations.
In 2022, Biden signed an executive order on policing, aiming to bring meaningful reform by creating a national database of police misconduct, strengthening investigations, mandating body camera policies, and banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants. While this order represents a step forward, civil rights groups insist that broader legislative eforts are needed for true accountability. Te executive order’s language aligns with the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which Senate Republicans have flibustered into legislative purgatory.
difculty understanding the questions,” she explained. “So, coming in and sitting down with someone makes it a lot easier for them to work through that process.”
Staf at the centers will guide residents through the application process, and interpreters and accommodations are available upon request.
Here is the full list of FEMA disaster recovery centers: HARRIS COUNTY
• Fonde Recreation Community Center, 110 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007
• Leon Z Grayson Community Center, 13828 Corpus Christi St., Houston, TX 77015
• Spring Branch
Family Development Center, 8575 Pitner Road, Houston, TX 77080
• Tomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Ln., Houston, TX 77084
LIBERTY COUNTY
• Jack Hartel Building, 318 San Jacinto St., Liberty, TX 77575
SAN JACINTO COUNTY
• Innovation Center, 250 Live Oak Coldspring, TX 77331 TRINITY COUNTY
• Trinity ISD Boardroom, 101 W. Jeferson St., Trinity, TX 75862
Despite endorsements and praise for former President Donald Trump from high-profle Blacks like Stephen A. Smith, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube, President Joe Biden continues to enjoy strong support within the Black community. A new Pew Research Center study, “An Early Look at Black Voters’ Views on Biden, Trump, and Election 2024,” highlighted this trend, showing that a majority of Black voters believe Biden possesses the qualities needed for another term.
Study highlights
77% prefer Biden over Trump
72% rate Trump’s presidency as poor or terrible
65% believe Trump broke the law in his alleged eforts to overturn the 2020 election
49% want a diferent candidate
*From Black registered voters
Top concerns
79% Improving education system
74% Financial stability of Social Security
73% Economy
72% Reducing healthcare costs
70% Addressing poverty
68% Reducing crime
65% Tackling racial issues
Te study revealed voters prefer Biden over Trump. However, researchers noted, “Biden’s advantage among this group is not as wide as it was four years ago,” an indication of a slight erosion of support.
Te study also revealed that 83% of Black registered voters identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, down from 88% in 2020. Te shif is evident across gender and age demographics, with younger Black voters showing a higher tendency to lean Republican compared to their older counterparts.
Other key issues include Biden’s job performance approval among Black Americans has seen some improvement. As of April 2024, 55% approve of his handling of
Clark wins, Johnson loses... by 74 votes
State Senator Molly Cook narrowly emerged victorious in the Democratic race for the Senate District 15 seat, defeating State Representative Jarvis Johnson. Cook clinched Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s former senate seat with approximately 50.07% of the vote, surpassing Johnson by a slim margin of about 74 votes, based on complete but unofcial results.
Te seat, representing a portion of Houston, became vacant this year for the frst time since 1978 when Whitmire was elected as mayor. Cook will now face the sole Republican candidate, Joseph L. Trahan, in the November general election.
heavily infuenced by support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The HD 146 contest was marked by Thierry’s controversial vote last spring to ban gender-transitioning care for children and her subsequent public comments. Thierry incensed Harris County progressives by referring to these treatments as “castration” and “genocide” against Black children. In contrast, Simmons argued that the focus on this issue detracted from more pressing concerns in the district, such as economic inequality and gun violence. Tierry maintained that her votes represented the will of her constituents.
the presidency, up from the neareven split in January 2024. This approval, however, is still below the 87% recorded early in his term.
Focus on 2024 election
55% Believe the outcome is crucial as Trump’s plans include a dictatorship and a complete erosion of rights for all people of color, according to his biggest supporters’ “Project 2025” plan.
77% lean toward voting for Biden
18% plan to support Trump, with younger Black voters more likely to support Trump compared to their older counterparts.
Confdence in Biden’s capabilities remains relatively high among Black voters, with 56% believing he respects democratic values and 50% confdent in his ethical conduct. Only a small fraction extends these beliefs to Trump, with no more than 8% attributing similar qualities to him.
Cook will represent the deeply Democratic Senate District 15 through the end of the year, or longer if the results are confrmed. Te winner of the runof is likely to prevail in the general election in November, given the district’s strong Democratic leaning.
Simmons wins, Thierry loses
State Representative Shawn Thierry lost her seat to labor organizer Lauren Ashley Simmons in the Democratic runof for House District 146, a race
Many frustrated Democratic House colleagues rallied behind Simmons, opposing Tierry. Initially, Thierry distanced herself from her controversial votes, but she later embraced them as part of her campaign afer nearly losing the March primary outright.
Other races
In House District 139, Charlene Ward Johnson defeated Angie Tibodeaux.
Te seat in heavily Democratic northwest Houston currently is held by Jarvis Johnson, but he will vacate it at the end of the year. Jarvis Johnson did not run for reelection because of his race for SD 15.
A federal program designed to ease the fnancial burden of internet access for American families may soon end, potentially leaving thousands without connectivity and widening the digital divide, particularly among Black and Brown households.
Te Afordable Connectivity Program (ACP), launched by the Biden-Harris Administration under the Investing in America agenda and facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is the largest internet afordability initiative in U.S. history. Te program, which has provided signifcant relief by reducing monthly internet bills by $30 to $75 for approximately 23 million households nationwide, is set to expire.
Bipartisan supporters of the ACP in Congress are exploring limited options to keep the program afoat. However, with the deadline fast approaching, it remains unclear whether they can secure the necessary votes to ensure its continuation.
Internet access needed for all
According to a study from Benenson Strategy Group in collaboration with Comcast, many people are worried about what will happen if the program no longer exists. Across demographics, there is widespread concern that loss of the ACP would mean job losses and losing access to health care. According to the survey:
65% fear losing their job or their household’s primary source of income.
75% fear losing access to important healthcare services, like online appointments or prescription medicine reflls. 81% of parents worry about their children falling behind in school.
In Texas, over 1.7 million households have benefted from the ACP, with the state receiving $877 million in total funding. Tis has translated into nearly $50 million in monthly savings for families. However, without action from Congress, the program faces termination this spring, potentially leaving millions unable to aford high-speed internet.
Te ACP has been operational for over two years, originally enacted as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to state ofcials, nearly 3
million Texas households lack broadband access.
“Twenty-three percent of Texans are unable to attend online classes, see a healthcare provider from their living room, fll out a job application online, start a business, or access online marketplaces from their kitchen table. Tese barriers negatively afect Texans’ quality of life and limit economic opportunities for people and the state overall,” said Glen Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
The digital divide — the gap between those who have technology resources like internet access and digital devices — is ofen seen as an obstacle to educational attainment and economic mobility. According to data consulting frm, McKinsey & Company, approximately 40% of Black American households—as opposed to 28% of White American households—don’t have high-speed, fxed broadband. About 70%
of Black and 60% of Hispanic respondents reported lacking digital skills, impacting their employment options. Tis divide is also evident in educational outcomes: during the pandemic, 33% of Black and 25% of Hispanic families in Houston reported lacking the technology for remote learning, compared to 10% of white and Asian families.
Te Biden-Harris Administration submitted a supplemental request of $6 billion to Congress in October 2023 to secure the program’s continuation, but Congress has yet to approve the necessary funding. Political dynamics, including the “Hastert Rule,” which prevents legislation from being voted on without majority support from the Republican caucus, further complicate the situation.
For families affected by the program’s potential end, alternatives like the Lifeline support program, which ofers up to $9.25 of monthly costs for phone, internet, or bundled services, may provide some relief.
However, the qualifcations for Lifeline are stringent, requiring participation in federal assistance programs or income below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Companies like Comcast are urging Congress and the White House to renew ACP funding, calling it essential to closing the digital divide. Te company has enrolled more than 10 million people in their low-income broadband adoption program, Internet Essentials, which has connected over 10 million low-income households for over 10 years to fast, reliable internet. good for online learning, working from home, video calling, and other essentials. Tey’ve also committed $1 billion to reach tens of millions of people with the comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity, ProjectUP. Local libraries and community centers have also extended their hours and resources, but these measures are only stopgaps. Te long-term solution, many argue, lies in a comprehensive policy approach that addresses the root causes of digital inequality.
Houston Independent School District
(HISD) is facing a firestorm of controversy as the one-year anniversary of the state takeover approaches.
Superintendent Mike Miles, appointed by the state, finds himself at the center of a growing wave of protests, teacher terminations and lingering discontent from parents and educators.
Recently, an estimated 600 HISD supporters gathered at City Hall demanding the resignation of Miles.
The protest is just the latest chapter in a saga of discontent that has unfolded under the state’s control. A series of terminations of principals and teachers deemed “low performing” by the district has sparked outrage.
Parents fear the loss of experienced educators who know their children and the community, while teachers worry about job security and the future of the district’s academic performance.
Eshalon Ngute is a parent to a Westbury High School student. Her son attended charter schools his entire life before coming to Westbury to attend its magnet program. She was surprised when she learned that the principal had been fired.
“She [the principal] is at every single event for these kids. Where most parents aren’t there, the principal is there,” she said. “Now, next year, she’s not going to be there… they already backstabbed her.”
Savant Moore is the HISD District II
Trustee and father of two McReynolds Middle School students. Two years ago, he fought for McReynolds to be a magnet program, but when the state took over, they removed the program and turned it into an NES school. He said it’s hurtful to have gifted and talented children not have the same resources as someone on the more affluent side of town.
“[The Principal] was about to start a college preparatory system in our schools, and now we’re back to scratch. Miles has fired all the teachers,” he said. “There were only two VPs (Vice Presidents), the counselor, and the police officer left.”
While the district aims to send out teacher contracts by June 1, educators wait until close to the end of the school year to find out if they have a job next year. So far, only about 2,000 teachers have received contracts, which creates a lot of anxiety for teachers. Teacher contracts for the next year are normally renewed earlier in the school year.
The last few weeks of school have seen protests, including student walkouts across multiple schools.
At Herod Elementary, dozens of families gathered, claiming that at least 12 teachers, staff personnel and the principal received termination letters. During the May 24 public HISD board meeting, 200 speakers, many of whom were former educators, including
a Principal of the Year honoree, passionately argued against the terminations.
Several protesters believed that many of the principals who were fired come from non-NES schools and that this could be part of a bigger plan to expand the district under the NES model.
Brandie Horton is a parent of two sons who attend Westside and Westbury High Schools. Neither school is under the Mile’s New Education System (NES) model,
but Horton was compelled to support others impacted.
“I’m concerned if something is affecting one school; what makes you think if you’re doing this at those schools, it wouldn’t come to our?” she said. “I was under the impression from Mike Miles that if the school was performing well, which West Bar Middle School is currently, it was currently a B school, but Dr. Michelin (Principal) was forced to resign or be fired. Why is that happening?”
The Roots of Discontent
What is driving this escalating tension?
First, there’s the lingering suspicion surrounding the state takeover itself. Many in the HISD community view it as a power grab, a top-down approach that undermines local control and fails to address the district’s specific needs. This distrust fuels concerns that the current leadership is more interested in
imposing an agenda than collaborating with the people who know HISD best –its parents, teachers and students. Susan Espinoza is a 27-year HISD veteran educator and a teacher at Red Elementary. She has been outspoken about Miles and his decisions to cut support services and knew that she “would have a target” on her back at some point. She was eventually terminated. She received a “Conference for the Record,” which involved the area principal or director and a member of her union (Houston Federation of Teachers).
She was informed that she was being “recommended for termination,” voted by Miles and the Board of Managers.
“[That] was about a month ago. I knew it was coming,” she said.
“I expected to finish my teaching career in HISD. So, that has upended my life plan.
I’m obviously at the farther end of my teaching career, reaching retirement age… I’ve got to start all over again somewhere else… I still have to make a living.”
Next is the budget cuts. The district grapples with teacher shortages and aging infrastructure issues. Miles is implementing cuts across the district, focusing on schools experiencing declining enrollment. These cuts are a response to dwindling pandemic relief funds and a projected deficit of $250 million to $300 million.
The plan targets schools not enrolled in the NES, where principals have more control over budgets. These schools must reduce spending by 12% to align with their lower student populations.
HISD lost over 32,000 students in recent years, and the district has little choice but to adjust spending to reflect the changing student body. As schools grapple with reduced budgets, some may be forced to reduce personnel to stay afloat. This could lead to larger class sizes and decreased educational resources available to students.
Since the Texas Education Agency (TEA) took over the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in June 2023 and appointed Mike Miles as Superintendent, some key events have happened:
The New Education System: (NES) is a reform program implemented in Houston ISD (HISD) by Superintendent Mike Miles. It focuses on improving academic achievement, particularly for students in historically under-performing schools.
Performance-based pay
A teacher compensation system was implemented. This system ties a portion of teacher pay to performance metrics like student test scores and evaluations, similar to a program Miles instituted in his previous district.
Centralized Administration:
The elected HISD school board was replaced with a state-appointed board of managers. A central office reorganization also streamlined administration, with job cuts in some departments, including human resources and special education.
Conversion of Libraries: A controversial move involved removing librarians from most schools and converting libraries into “Team Centers.” These centers are overseen by learning coaches and intended for students who excel in lessons and need additional challenges.
Bond Proposal on the Horizon: HISD is considering a potential bond proposal of at least $4 billion to address aging facilities. If passed by voters, the bond would focus on security upgrades, replacing portable classrooms with permanent buildings, and improving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. A Community Advisory Committee is gathering public input on the proposal.
The Defender reached out to the district for more explanation about contract delays, and they stated that: “HISD works to issue contracts as quickly as possible, but we have said that it could take through the month of May for all teachers to receive their offers for the ‘24-25 school year.” explains HISD. “NonNES campuses just submitted their budgets on May 8, and those budgets directly affect each school’s staffing. We couldn’t begin the contracting process at these schools until the budgeting process was complete.”
The district also said they “use data and on-the-job observation to staff every school with a leader who will ensure consistent, high-quality instruction at their campus.”
They prioritize campuses with A or B ratings as indicators of strong leadership and investigate schools with lower ratings to ensure consistent high-quality instruction. While acknowledging the disruption caused by principal changes, HISD outlines a plan for community involvement in selecting new leaders. As far as budget cuts, HISD maintains that teaching positions weren’t directly cut as part of budget adjustments. Decisions to retain or release teachers at non-NES campuses are primarily made by principals based on data and performance evaluations.
Schools experiencing enrollment declines may have adjusted staffing accordingly.
“Employees who are not eligible to continue working in the NES but meet the requirements for non-NES positions in HISD are encouraged to apply for those available roles.”
Leadership Miles’ background as CEO of Third Future Schools, a network of charter schools, has drawn scrutiny. Some local lawmakers have called for an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety related to his previous role. Miles has denied any wrongdoing.
Principal evaluations and turnover Miles implemented a new performance evaluation system for principals, placing nearly half of them on notice for potential contract nonrenewal. This has led to significant leadership turnover in HISD schools.
Though Black women have mastered every field they have ever entered, their numbers, percentage-wise, are still small when it comes to piloting. That’s why it’s big news to learn that of the three Houston-area high school students chosen to participate in the elite U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy, one of them is a Black female.
Leanna Johnson, a student at Dayton High School in Dayton, TX, along with Vilius Bagdzevicius (Memorial Senior High School, Houston) and Andy Chang (Stephen F. Austin High School, Sugarland), are among just 28 students nationwide selected to attend the prestigious U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy.
Johnson and her cohorts will complete the intensive eight-week aviation program at Delaware State University from June 9 – Aug. 2. Each will achieve his/her FAA Private Pilot’s license upon completion of the training.
Again, Johnson’s presence in this program is a big deal considering that as of 2022, there were only 150 Black women professional pilots, which equates to 0.1% of all professional pilots in the country according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics and a Sisters of the Skies 2022 report.
More recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FAA (2024) shows that women make up 7% (or 33,531) of the nation’s active-rated pilots, 8% (11,224) of active certified flight instructors and 15% (49,286) of all student pilot certificate holders.
But in terms of Houston-area high schoolers, Johnson’s presence marks 33% for Black female representation.
Johnson, Bagdzevicius and Chang are three of just 28 high-performing 11th and 12th graders throughout the U.S. selected for the elite program, which was established in 2021 by the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) to increase exposure to Naval Aviation.
The Navy partners with select universities throughout the country to provide the flight training to the participating students. The cost of the program is approximately $28,000/student but is offered at zero cost to the student and with no obligations. Upon completion of the program, each student earns a private pilot certification/license and five college credits.
The Department of the Navy sponsors the Summer Flight Academy program for students participating in Navy and Marine
Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The program is a STEM initiative that was selected for funding by the Naval STEM Coordination Office – located at the Office of Naval Research – which oversees investments in STEM education, outreach and workforce initiatives.
“The goal of the scholarship program is to inspire and expose exceptional young talent from communities across the nation to a career path in Naval Aviation,” says Tamara Graham, deputy director, CNAF Flight Academy program manager. “Vilius Bagdzevicius, Andy Change and Leanna Johnson have demonstrated incredible potential, and the Navy is honored to play a part in their personal and professional journeys.”
During the eight-week Summer Flight Academy, each student will receive a minimum of 32 hours of classroom aviation academics and more than 40 hours of flight training in either a Vulcanair V.10 single-engine aircraft or Piper Warrior (PA28). As part of the certification process, each will be required to complete 17 hours of solo flights.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.
IFB No. 4024000148: Maintenance of Way Construction Project. Solicitation will be available on or about 05/21/2024. Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-6125 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org
Every traditional society recognizes the need to have regular, ongoing rites of passage (ROP) ceremonies as part of its life routines.
“As Black people, and really all people, we need these rites of passage, these markers of growth, to help us navigate life’s changes and challenges,” said the late Fana Vincent, noted Africana History teacher and community activist.
Rites of passage programs, whether in the Motherland or those here in the U.S. run by community centers, Black bookstores and various places of worship, are important to the overall well-being of individual participants and the communities to which they belong.
ROPs provide the structure and space for young people to explore who they are, where they come from, and what they value while also teaching them what it means to be part of a broader community and world.
But it is a mistake to think that only the young need ROPs.
“Life has many stages. And in the most advanced (spiritually, morally, and ethically advanced) societies, they ofer ROP ceremonies at each stage,” shared Vincent. “But for our communities to move to this level of understanding and appreciation for ROPs, they must frst become a regular part of the lives of our children.”
Here are some of the benefts of ROPs. Encourage Growth and Independence
ROPs are about recognizing the challenges and fears of growing out of one reality and entering into another (i.e. from adolescence to teenagerhood or from adult to elder) and the need for community support, guidance and direction/instruction in making that move. ROPs help our youth open up to the unknown aspects of growth and the newfound levels of independence that brings with it new opportunities and new responsibilities.
In African societies, growth is not solely equated with independence. Far from it. Real growth and maturity brings to a person’s consciousness their absolute need for community and connection. And where Western society views connection as a weakness, the rest of the universe realizes that it is a strength and a super power. ROPs hammer home this point –“I am because we are, and because we are, therefore I am.”
Te one thing that is constant in life is change. Yet, we all fear change on some level. ROPs equip participants with the wherewithal to face those moments of change with openness, courage, curiosity and wonder. And it helps with the maturity process – not removing the childish wonder from youth, but letting them know some childish behaviors are meant to stay in childhood, and not follow you where you’re going as you’re growing.
Ancient Africans believed that God gave each of us a divine assignment before we were even born; an assignment that only we can fulfll. It is the responsibility of each of us to discover that purpose. But it’s not our responsibility alone. Our family and community have a responsibility to help us discover and nurture that purpose so, as we get older we can walk in that purpose fully and boldly. Rites of Passage programs are part of the process of communities helping youth discover their divine purpose so they can walk in it rather than walk into the toils and snares society has set up for them. Check with your area places of worship or community center to see if they ofer a rites of passage program.
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 12:00 noon to receive public comment on the proposed September 2024 changes to METRO service. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person.
The public may also join the hearing and provide comments virtually on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84076507984 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 1-888-475-4499 (toll-free), meeting ID: 840 7650 7984. Additionally, if you do not want to provide comments during the public hearing, visit RideMETRO.org/LiveStream to view a livestream of the event.
A video recording of the meeting will also be archived on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org/Stream for review.
The proposed service changes may include:
Route changes and frequency updates to the 32 Renwick / San Felipe bus route, schedule changes to bus routes 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 25, 27, 40, 44, 48, 54, 65, 66, 76, 79, 80, 84, 85, 87, 153, 160, 162, 309, 310, 344, Park & Ride corridors serving Downtown / Texas Medical Center, and the METRORail Green Line; and the discontinuation of the 71 Cottage Grove. METRO will continue to make temporary service adjustments in response to changing ridership and workforce availability.
Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, for public review online and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore, located in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 12:00 noon in the 2nd floor Boardroom at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002 (served by bus routes 6, 11, 32, 44, 51, 52, 54, 82, 85, 102, 137, 160, 161, 162, and METRORail).
If you would like to make public comments in person or virtually, please register as a public speaker with the METRO Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing. Call 713-739-4834 or send an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org and provide your name, address and telephone number. As explained above, you may attend the public hearing in person or virtually on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, to provide comments. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time to make your comments.
You may also provide comments by:
• Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: September 2024 Service Changes, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "September 2024 Service Changes" to 713-652-7956
• Calling or texting METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000
• Submitting comments on the METRO website at RideMETRO.org
All comments should be submitted to METRO by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Individuals with impairments may call 713-750-4271 a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.
Our youth and our people in general can beneft from rites of passage programs that open us to growth, community connection and purpose.
Courtesy: YourQueens. com.
Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English, in accordance with its language assistance plan. Please call 713-739-4018 or email METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org to request language assistance or other accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.
1. This public hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration's Circular 9030.1E, published January 16, 2014, page VI-7.
2. METRO does not discriminate based on disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.
3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services based on race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
UH senior sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi will compete in the NCAA Championships in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes and the 4x100-meter relay.
ASTROS PITCHER RONEL BLANCO RETURNS FROM 10-GAME SUSPENSION
Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco returned from a 10-game suspension recently and promptly put the brakes on the Oakland A’s during a 5-2 win in his return. Blanco (5-0) struck out five of the first eight batters he faced and allowed just four hits in seven innings. He served the 10-game suspension after a foreign substance was found on his glove during a game against the A’s in Houston. “Just like he did not lose a beat,” manager Joe Espada said of Blanco. “We were trying to be smart about his pitches, but he was so efficient.”
A seismic shift in the world of college athletics took place late last week when the NCAA Board of Governors decided to settle an old name, image and likeness lawsuit for $2.8 billion and the really big change was the decision to now share revenue with its Division student-athletes.
Both announcements were huge for thousands of student-athletes who have been involved in a form of indentured servitude for decades. Student-athletes at Power Four schools and Notre Dame will now get to split $21 million annually beginning in the fall of 2025.
But the news may not be promising or lucrative for mid-major programs, FCS schools and definitely not for Historically Black College athletic programs.
student-athletes?
CLYDE DUNCAN ADDS WOMEN’S TRACK TO RESPONSIBILITIES
Texas Southern’s national search to replace Pauline Banks as the women’s track and field coach didn’t have to go far at all. In fact, the search didn’t go beyond campus.
Texas Southern University AD Kevin Granger announced longtime men’s track and field coach Clyde Duncan Jr. is also assuming control of the women’s track program. Banks and TSU parted ways after the season came to an end.
Former UH 4-Star QB Lucas Coley has committed to Prairie View A&M, according to his X post.
During his two seasons with the Cougars, Coley appeared in four games. Coley spent his freshman season at Arkansas, but did not see action. He was a national Top-50 quarterback coming out of Cornerstone Christian High School.
Just when the HBCUs were beginning to understand the NIL and NCAA transfer portal phenomena, these latest decisions could push the haves and have-nots light years apart.
“The college landscape is changing,” Prairie View athletic director Anton Goff said once the revenue-sharing model was announced last week. “You try to address one issue then two more pop up.
“I think we are all in the same spot of trying to figure out what it means to us because it just happened before the holiday weekend.”
This means major changes for most, if not all, HBCU athletic departments. The Power 4 conferences and Notre Dame will now divide $21 million of each school’s revenue among all student-athletes each year.
That isn’t realistic for lower Division I and FCS schools. It’s beyond possible for HBCU athletic programs like Prairie View and Texas Southern which exhaust all revenue in expenses each year.
So what is left to share with the
I think everybody is going to go back to their campuses, talk with their presidents, CFOs and figure out what it means for them individually.”
ANTON GOFF
PRAIRIE VIEW
DIRECTOR
“You look at some of the mid-majors, FCS and HBCUs, right now we are like what does that really mean for us?” Goff said. “What does a revenue share look like? If you are talking about a revenue share, what revenue do we generate? We’ve got to look at all of those things.”
Right now it doesn’t look good for HBCUs from a revenue or competitive standpoint. In the past, HBCUs have benefited from a kid like Travis Hunter at Jackson State shunning a major program like Florida State for the Tigers. There was also the chance to lure a student-athlete who was unhappy with his playing time at his SEC or Big 12 school with the promise of increased exposure and playing opportunities at an HBCU.
But which sounds better now: Getting on the field or sitting on the end of a bench and collecting a six-figure salary and a free education? Let’s also keep in mind that the NCAA also plans to end scholarship limits.
“From an NIL perspective, a young man or young lady who is transferring from a Power 4 or a higher mid-major (program) then coming to the FCS, one of the first things they are asking about is what kind of NIL deal am I going to get?” Goff said. “These are things we are dealing with.
“Then there is the class difference. Obviously, there has been talk of the Power 4 breaking away and doing their own thing and then everybody else does something.”
These new guidelines could also cause a class difference between FCS schools like Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin, which Prairie View and Texas Southern compete against for student-athletes. It could also change things within the SWAC where Florida A&M and Jackson State may have more revenue to throw around.
“Is that going to hurt me competitively against my competitors in the conference, as well as in the area,” Goff said. “Obviously for us, we look at what all of the SWAC schools are doing but we also look at what all of the other FCS schools are doing in the state of Texas as well as Louisiana because we are recruiting against those individuals. Those are the decisions you have to make and analyze.
“I think everybody is going to go back to their campuses, talk with their presidents, CFOs and figure out what it means for them individually.”
But right now, there seem to be far more questions than answers coming out. There is the macro question of do these changes mean HBCUs and FCS schools don’t come close to generating a surplus in revenue. And on a micro level, what will these changes mean for non-revenue sports and Title IX, which mandates that women’s college sports be on equal footing as the men even though most don’t come close to generating the same revenue as football and men’s basketball?
“I’m in it every day and there is so much uncertainty,” Goff said. “I’ve been doing this for 29 years and I would say the last seven years has been a whirlwind because it is constantly changing. You look at the number of kids in the transfer portal, the NIL deals, the cost of attendance and now this, the revenue sharing.
“You have some people being proponents of student-athletes being actual employees. You get to the point where you don’t know where this is going.”
This should make for interesting conversations next month when the SWAC leadership gets together for its annual conference meetings.
The Wisdom High School football team had a winning season for the first time since 1987. The team finished the season 5-3 only losing to Waltrip, Sterling and unbeaten Galveston Ball. Because of the program’s historic performance, standout players were nominated to this year’s HISD All-Star game. One of those players was senior linebacker, Yohana Kariuki Kaniaru.
“I felt blessed and honored to represent my school and play in the HISD All-Star game. It was a great experience. I hope more kids from our school get selected next year,” said Kaniaru.
Kaniaru is remarkable on the field. His ability to fly to the ball and make tackles frustrates offenses. However, this defensive standout didn’t begin playing football until the seventh grade.
“I always wanted to play football when I was younger, but my mother wouldn’t allow me to because she felt it was too dangerous,” said Kaniaru.
Kaniaru was born in a house not too far from Wisdom High School. When he was three years old, he and his brother were sent to live with his grandparents in Kenya. When they came back to the United States, he attended Mission Bend Christian Academy for first grade and Emerson Elementary for second and third grade. His mother then moved to Sugar Land, and he attended Austin Parkway Elementary until fifth grade.
Kaniaru watched his first football game in 2017. It was the Super Bowl in Houston featuring the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons.
“Watching this game made me want to play the sport even more,” said Kaniaru.
After countless hours of convincing his mother, Kaniaru got his first taste of the sport while attending First Colony Middle School in the seventh grade. He played at Elkins High School during his freshman and sophomore years before moving to Wisdom High School.
“My sophomore year I was on the varsity team at Elkins,” said Kaniaru. “When my mom’s lease was up, we looked for better housing but couldn’t find any, so we moved back to the house I grew up in which was closer to Wisdom High School.”
A move from Fort Bend Elkins where the football program had a rich history of greatness to Wisdom High School where
Class: 2024
IG: @Dnd.kk_
Twitter: @k_kaniaru
Position: Linebacker/ Safety
Height & weight: 6-feet-3, 190 pounds
Players he studies: Harold Perkins (LSU), Jamal Adams (Seattle Seahawks)
Favorite artist: NBA YoungBoy
Status: Committed to Blinn College
Favorite subject: History
Shout-outs: Khari Mayuex, Jaylon Thomas, Felix Tuyisaba, family and coaches at Wisdom High School
the thought of a winning program was unthinkable was discouraging to say the least.
“When I found out we were moving back and I’d be attending Wisdom High School I was heartbroken,” said Kaniaru. “I looked at their football history and it made it 10 times worse. However, I didn’t have a choice and as the summer went on I had to accept my circumstances and make the best of them. I figured God had brought me there for a reason, I just had to trust him.”
While making the best of his situation, Kaniaru bought into the coaching and the message that a team is a unit, and if they move as a unit success will follow. The team also had a few other dedicated players move into the area like Khari Mayeux, who moved from New Orleans, La. He and his brother boosted the morale at the school and helped inspire the team to continue moving as one.
“My junior season gave us a glimpse of what we could accomplish next year if we bought into the program,” said Kaniaru. “Going 2-8 and winning the first district game in several years, helped us to buy into the program more. Once Coach Herrera became the head coach we began to work even harder during the off-season. We not only changed the stats, but we changed the mindset and culture that season.”
When speaking with Kaniaru, it’s apparent that football inspires him.
“It gives me something to focus on and goals to strive to achieve. Football has taught me to not only be a better player, but a better human as I’ve learned many valuable lessons
while playing and working together with my team on the field,” said Kaniaru.
Next season Kaniaru will be playing at Blinn College while studying physical therapy.
“Blinn was an opportunity for me to continue chasing my dream of playing football. I felt a deep connection with the coaching staff
and they expressed they saw high potential in me,” said Kaniaru.
When looking back to inspire the next group of athletes, Kaniaru recalls the advice given to him by his head football coach, Tony Herrerra.
“If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail,” said Kaniaru.
Tis article is part of “Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black. It examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Cardi B explained why she won’t be voting in the November presidential election. “I don’t f*** with both of y’all n*****,” she said.
I love Cardi, but I hope she reconsiders her decision.
Te New York-born rapper and former Bernie Sanders supporter told the magazine that she’s concerned about high costs of living, low wages, and “endless wars.”
I am, too. Anyone with a conscience wants lower prices, higher wages, and fewer wars. But not voting is not the answer. It’s the problem.
Te reason why we face so many problems in America is because too many of us aren’t voting, and we’re letting other people who disagree with our values set the agenda. Although infation is down from its peak a few years ago and wages are up, Cardi is right that the federal minimum wage is stuck at $7.25 an hour because all 50 Republican senators and eight conservative Democrats voted to block an increase in 2021.
Te issue isn’t Cardi’s description of the problem; it’s her prescription. If you don’t vote, then what’s your strategy to create the change you want to see in America? Is it going to happen magically? Is the government going to see millions of Black people not voting and think, “Hey, let’s listen to the people who didn’t bother to vote”?
Tat’s not how it works. Tat’s not how any of this works. Te squeaky wheel gets the grease, and if we don’t speak up, we get less attention, not more.
Tis is why we can’t just show up once every four years for a presidential election and then complain when things go wrong. We have to vote in every election — for Senate, Congress, governors, state representatives, mayors, city councilors, prosecutors, judges, and school board members.
Tose are the people who make the majority of the decisions that afect our lives, not the president.
If voting didn’t matter, Republicans wouldn’t be trying so hard to stop you from doing it.
But voting, by itself, is not enough. We have to hold our leaders accountable even afer we vote for them. Te way to do that is to negotiate for your vote. That’s what people with power do. They don’t walk away and refuse to vote when they’re upset. They demand some specific deliverable in exchange for their vote. Tat’s what we should do, too — prioritize an issue and demand attention to it.
Voting is not just aspirational; it’s transactional. You’re not selecting a spouse for life. You’re hiring an employee for a specifc amount of time. You don’t have to fall in love with them. Tey just have to do the work. When anyone tells you it doesn’t matter who you vote for, you’re being played. If voting didn’t matter, Republicans wouldn’t be trying so hard to stop you from doing it. And, trust me, they’re not telling white people not to vote.
Voting is not about choosing the lesser of two evils. It’s about choosing among the available applicants for the job. Sure,
I would love to vote for a young, charismatic, powerful, progressive Black woman who refects all my values, but she didn’t apply for the job this year. So, I gotta choose between these two old white guys. And I don’t agree with Biden on several issues, but I don’t agree with Trump on any issues. Te most enduring impact the next president will have on the future is the appointment of judges. Donald Trump and George Bush already appointed the conservative Supreme Court justices and federal judges who eliminated afrmative action in college admissions, overturned Roe v. Wade, struck down a rescue plan for Black farmers, ordered the Minority Business Development Agency to serve white men, and declared a Black woman’s venture capital fund to be illegal.
Not voting in 2024 gives Donald Trump the chance to stack the Supreme Court and the federal bench with right-wing judges with lifetime tenure who will be able to block any progressive legislation that you support for the next 30 years. Not voting doesn’t help advance a pro-Black agenda. It stops it dead in its tracks.
I’ve worked on six political campaigns in my life, and I’ve learned that no candidate will agree with everything I believe in, unless I run myself. Tat means we need realistic expectations about what candidates can and cannot do.
Let’s say you’re in Atlanta and you have to choose between two cars to get to New York City to see your ailing grandmother. One car will take you all the way to Philadelphia,
while the other car will take you back to Biloxi, Mississippi. Neither one is going to take you exactly where you want to go, but at least one car is headed in the right direction. Sure, you could wait a few years until the perfect car is built that will speed you along to the Big Apple, but granny doesn’t have forever.
So, don’t believe the people who tell you that your vote doesn’t matter. Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton by just 79,000 votes spread out over three states — Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania — in 2016. You could ft them into the USC football stadium in Los Angeles.
George Bush won re-election by just 118,000 votes in Ohio in 2004. And Bush won his frst presidential election by only 537 votes in the state of Florida. Tat’s the size of my high school senior class.
Te lesson here is that every vote counts. Whether you’re a well-known rapper or a little-known restaurant worker, don’t throw yours away.
Keith Boykin
Keith Boykin, Word In Black’s Black Vote, Black Power Correspondent, is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and flm producer, and former CNN political commentator. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith served in the White House, cofounded the National Black Justice Coalition, cohosted the BET talk show “My Two Cents,” and taught at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York. He’s a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and editor of seven books. He lives in Los Angeles.