Houston Defender: June 3, 2021

Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young Tapped to lead Texas Southern University

NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

AL GREEN

The Congressman has secured a commitment from JPMorgan Chase to address the bank’s history of owning enslaved persons.

Volume 90, issue 31 June 3, 2021

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DAVID LANDRY The musician, bookstore owner, and Jack of all trades talks with the Defender on how he balances it all.

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DN To the POINT

LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD

Controversial comedienne Mo’Nique is catching fire from fans who wanted to ‘cancel’ her based on her viral video where she blasts young Black women for wearing bonnets.

MO’NIQUE

“If you look like you don’t give a damn (by wearing bonnets), how you gonna be treated?”

Tangela Jackson “Mo out here being loud, grabbing her crotch, cursing, telling nasty jokes, but she’s gonna police young Black women for wearing bonnets???”

Lola Costic “If Kim Kardashian showed up to the airport in a bonnet, that s*it would be a trend by noon. It’s only ghetto and a problem because Black women are doing it.”

Yeye Joyce “The only people who agree with her are folk who have nothing else to do but worry about the clothes on someone else’s back....If I can mind my business, so can she.”

Zola Franklin “When I was younger, older women giving younger women advice was a teaching moment, this younger generation views it as chastising them.”

Tasha Long “Have some respect for representation. There is nothing wrong with looking together when you step out the house.”

Toni Rivera “If what Black women wear in the streets determines whether you respect them, then you never really respected them in the first place.”

This photo provided by the Department of Special Collections, McFarlin Library, The University of Tulsa shows an unidentified man standing alone amid the ruins of what is described as his home in Tulsa, Okla., in the aftermath of the June, 1, 1921, Tulsa Race Massacre. Department of Special Collections, McFarlin Library, The University of Tulsa via AP

Message From the Associate Editor TULSA RACE MASSACRE NOT A ONE-OFF

NAOMI OSAKA RECLAIMS HER TIME

The 100-year commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Speaking of power, Black women are doing it Race Massacre continues as people are still talking again. Doing what, you ask? Saving the world. about the gruesome slaughter of Black men, womThis time, it’s tennis phenom Naomi Osaka. She en and children; the burning and looting of their told French Open officials before the tournament homes and businesses; the $27 million (in 2021 began, that she wasn’t doing any press to safedollars) worth of insurance claims never paid to guard her own mental health. First came the hate Black Tulsans; the century-worth of generational and fines. British hater extraordinaire Piers MorAswad Walker wealth lost to murderous domestic terrorists (i.e. gan called Naomi an “arrogant spoiled brat” for the bakers, police, elected officials and clergy) who refusing to face press criticism. This is the same took Black lives and Black livelihoods in an act of state-sanc- Piers Morgan who bolted off the “Good Morning Britain” set tioned terrorism in plain sight. Against U.S. citizens! But let’s refusing to face criticism for his racist attacks upon Megan not forget, the destruction of Black Wall Street was just one Markle. But check this, since Naomi’s declaration, officials example of many violent attacks upon Black economic prog- from all four major tennis tourneys have bowed to her will ress. So, study Elaine, AR; Rosewood, FL; Seneca Village, NY; and wisdom to safeguard athlete mental health. And her vicWilmington, NC; etc. Invest in and/or join organizations pro- tory is bigger than sports. Because of Naomi, folk nationally viding solutions rather than simply rehashing the problems. are buzzing about the fact that employers can’t sleep on our And let’s organize to build some modern-day Black Wall mental health, whether we’re athletes, teachers, health proStreets by supporting Black businesses now. fessionals, etc. The number of people who will benefit from Naomi’s bold stance in incalculable. Thanks Naomi. #WhoTEXAS DEMS WALK OUT RunsTheWorld Texas House Democrats have emboldened an entire nation of change agents. Their heroic Capitol walk-out to kill the IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER racist, voter suppression bill (SB7), legislation President Joe • TSU has a new president: Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young.

Biden described as “an assault on democracy,” has inspired • Get the highlights from the Texas legislature with Managing folk in other states facing similar voter suppression legislation Editor ReShonda Tate. to fight back. Of the walk-out, State Rep. Ron Reynolds said, • DN High School Defendie Awards for Most Valuable Players.

“We did it because we believe in democracy. We did it because we believe in the right to vote.” Now, folks nationally who be- ON THE WEB lieve in democracy are finding new ways to “Fight the Power!” • Gov. Abbott threatens to defund the State Legislature in retaliaThe lesson: Even when we’re outnumbered and outgunned tion for the Democrats walking out and killing SB7. #YouNeed(literally) by anti-democracy Republicans, instead of focusing ToRollOut on the power we don’t have, let’s find and use the power we do • Memorial Day weekend proved deadly for H-Town. have. For, as ancient African wisdom teaches, “When spider- • President Biden calls for closing the Black/white wealth gap in webs unite, they can take down a lion.”

Tulsa speech.

June 3, 2021 |

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DN News

NEW PRESIDENT

Texas Southern University taps Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young to lead Defender News Services

The Texas Southern University Board of Regents will meet on June 17, to confirm Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young as the new president.

Crumpton-Young started her career in academia as one of the first Black females to become a full professor in engineering.

She rose through the ranks, even starting a business and becoming a life coach, as she worked to diversify the workforce, especially in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

A confirmation vote by the Regents will occur at the next board meeting on June 17, 2021. The transition team will be led

by Regent Stephanie Nellons-Paige and Interim President Kenneth Huewitt.

“Dr. Crumpton-Young is an experienced university leader and tireless advocate for students. Her impeccable credentials made her standout among

ABOUT DR. CRUMPTON-YOUNG Education

• BS, MA - Texas A&M University • PhD - Texas A&M University • MBA - Tennessee State University

Work History

• Morgan State University: Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, • Tennessee State University: Vice President for Research and Institutional Advancement and Chief Research Officer; Associate Vice President of Academic

the candidates. She brings with her an exciting and bold vision for Texas Southern University that aligns with the goals

• Fellow, African Scientific Institute • U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, 2010.

Affairs for Research and Sponsored Programs and Chief Research Officer • Texas A&M University: Associate Provost of Undergraduate Studies • Mississippi State University: Program Director, Associate Dean of Engineering

set forth by the Board of Regents,” said TSU Board of Regents Chairman Albert H. Myres, Sr.

Myres thanked the Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Regent Marc Carter, who narrowed the list of candidates for president to three finalists who were invited to Houston for interviews. Crumpton-Young will replace TSU Interim President Kenneth Huewitt, who has served in the role since April 2020.

Not long after Huewitt assumed the role, the COVID-19 pandemic forced TSU and most other colleges to close campuses and go online. Crumpton-Young will have her work cut out for her, as TSU was among those to experience steep enrollment declines last fall.

“I’m honored to be considered by the full Texas Southern University Board of Regents as the sole finalist for the next president,” said Crumpton-Young. “TSU is a vibrant and treasured institution filled with legacy, excellence and promise. It will be an honor and privilege to serve.”

U.S. Rep. Al Green, JPMorgan Chase address bank’s history Defender News Service

Al Green

Congressman Al Green, chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, questioned JPMorgan Chase Bank CEO Jamie Dimon about the bank’s admitted history relating to the ownership of enslaved persons.

During a virtual hearing hosted by the U.S. House Financial Services Committee styled, “Holding Megabanks Accountable: An Update

on Banking Practices, Programs and Policies,” Chairman Green asked each bank’s Chief Executive whether their respective banks should materially and publicly atone if their bank had owned enslaved persons or accepted enslaved persons as collateral in the past.

Congressman Green referenced Mr. Dimon’s testimony in 2019 in which the CEO acknowledged that JPMorgan Chase had previously owned humans and had accepted human

beings as collateral for loans. In the course of their exchange during the hearing, Chairman Green agreed to meet with Mr. Dimon and work together regarding how JPMorgan Chase can atone for its past ownership of enslaved people.

“There can be no redemption without recompense, and I look forward to undertaking this meaningful reconciliation process. I appreciate Mr. Dimon’s willingness to determine a proper atonement process,” the Congressman said.

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DN News VP Harris to lead voting rights efforts Defender News Service

President Joe Biden delivers remarks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, at the Greenwood Cultural Center. AP/Evan Vucci

Pres. Biden plans to reduce racial wealth gap Defender News Service

President Joe Biden laid out his most comprehensive plan yet for shrinking the nation’s longstanding racial wealth gap, the latest step in his promise to infuse more equity in government policies and in the rebuilding of the economy after the coronavirus pandemic.

He can take on his own, but many of his proposals require congressional approval that could be very tough to secure.

That includes pouring tens of billions of dollars into communities of color to improve transportation infrastructure, develop more neighborhood amenities, build and rehabilitate affordable housing and support small businesses. All of these proposals are contained in Biden’s massive infrastructure package, called the American Jobs Act. The massive wealth divide between Black and white families is currently in the spotlight because of the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst acts of racial violence in US history. The typical non-Hispanic white family had a net worth of $188,200 in 2019, while the typical non-Hispanic Black family’s wealth was $24,100, according to the most recent Federal Reserve Bank data.

There are many reasons for the gap, including a big difference in home ownership -- a key vehicle to building wealth.

About 74% of whites owned homes in the first quarter of 2021 versus 45% of Blacks, according to the US Census Bureau.

Biden has several actions he plans to take: Combating housing discrimination. The President

is charging Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge with leading a first-of-its-kind initiative to address inequity in home appraisals. To allow the more vigorous enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, the agency also will publish two rules aimed at combating practices that contribute to systemic inequality. The rules would reinstate the agency’s discriminatory effects standard and the requirement that municipalities that receive agency funding show that the money’s use does not further discrimination.

Directing federal contracts to small businesses.

Biden wants more federal purchasing to be made from small,

disadvantaged businesses, many of them minority-owned -though it could take years to have an impact. His goal is to increase the share of contracts going to them by 50% by 2026.

What Biden will need Congress to do: Create a $10 billion Community Revitalization Fund: To target economically under-served areas and sup-

port community-led civic infrastructure projects that develop neighborhood amenities, revitalize vacant land and buildings, spark new local economic activity, provide services, promote civic engagement and build community wealth.

Invest in transportation infrastructure: The President wants to establish grants totaling $15 billion that would target neighborhoods where people have been cut off from jobs, schools and businesses because of previous transportation investments. The funding would support planning, removing or retrofitting infrastructure that creates barriers to communities.

Increase affordable housing: Biden is calling for the creation of a Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit to attract private investment in the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income buyers and owners.

Expand housing choices: The President is asking lawmakers to establish a $5 billion grant program for jurisdictions that take concrete steps to eliminate land-use and zoning barriers to producing affordable housing and that expand housing choices for people with low or moderate incomes.

Invest $31 billion to support minority-owned small businesses: Biden wants to provide $30 billion to the Small

Business Administration to increase access to capital for the smallest companies, develop new loan products to support small manufacturers and businesses that invest in clean energy and launch a Small Business Investment Corporation to make early stage equity investments, placing a priority on small firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It would also establish a $1 billion grant program through the Minority Business Development Agency aimed at helping minority-owned manufacturers access private capital.

SEE WHAT ELSE BIDEN COULD DO. DEFENDERNETWORK.COM

President Joe Biden announced Vice President Kamala Harris will lead his administration’s efforts on voting rights.

The new role comes as the Biden administration condemns efforts by Republican-led state legislatures to pass restrictive laws the White House says make it harder for Americans to vote. Calling the state bills an “unprecedented assault on our democracy,” Biden recognized that he was handing Harris a tough job.

“I’m asking Vice President Harris to help these efforts, to lead them among her many other responsibilities. With her leadership and your support, we’re going V. P. Kamala Harris to overcome again -- I promise you. It’s going to take a hell of a lot of work,” Biden said.

In a statement, Harris said she will take her case to the American people to press the issue.

“In the days and weeks ahead, I will engage the American people, and I will work with voting rights organizations, community organizations, and the private sector to help strengthen and uplift efforts on voting rights nationwide,” Harris said. “And we will also work with members of Congress to help advance these bills. The work ahead of us is to make voting accessible to all American voters, and to make sure every vote is counted through a free, fair, and transparent process. This is the work of democracy,” Harris added.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 31 - JUNE 3, 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

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

Black issues from the Texas Legislature Instead of focusing on the power we don’t have, let’s find and use the power we do have.”

-Ron Reynolds

By ReShonda Tate

Houstonians weigh in on the Texas Legislative Session

Texas is in the national news for the wrong reasons. First, not being prepared for the winter February storm and now, for trying to pass one of the most restrictive voting bills in the country that also makes it easier to overturn an election. Not good for image or business.”

- Sylvester Turner, Mayor In walking out, we took one important step for Democracy.

We believe in Democracy and we believe in Texas and remain committed to fight for both because they are worth it.”

- Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City Whether you’re Black, white, or brown, Democrat, or Republican, those who would defend democracy understand that when the state of Texas, like others, would enact voter suppression laws, it puts all of our democracy at stake.”

- Houston NAACP President James Dixon.

T

he Texas Legislature has wrapped up its 140-day session, with several passages and failures that impact the Black community.

All eyes are now on Gov. Greg Abbott, who vowed to hold a special legislative session to try and address some of the issues that failed.

No word on when he’ll do it, but he has already expressed his intention to call lawmakers back in the fall to redraw legislative maps when the Census Bureau releases its population data for redistricting.

Here’s a rundown of some of the key legislative issues that impact the Black community: Voting/Senate Bill 7: Texas Democrats, who had been fighting the voting law, Senate Bill 7, found a way to stop the vote – even if only temporarily. Known as the “Election Integrity Bill,” SB7 would set uniform early voting hours, further empower partisan poll watchers, and put new criminal penalties on voting officials and assistants who break the rules.

It would ban 24-hour and drive-through voting, penalize election officials who send mail-in ballot applications to those who haven’t asked for them, and require some people who drive voters to the polls to hand over their personal information. Democrats decry it as voter suppression legislation that targets people of color. Republicans say it’s necessary to ensure secure elections and protect the integrity of the voting process.

Look for Abbott to end up in court if this is ever signed into law.

Criminal justice/policing: Though it initially received a lot support, the George Floyd Act did not gain traction in either chamber. Democratic lawmakers did opt to break the sweeping police reform bill into smaller pieces that did advance. Banning chokeholds, requiring police to render aid and stop colleagues from misusing deadly force were approved, but not curbs on qualified immunity, castle doctrine. The Bonton Farms Act aims at easing the burden on Texans who were recently released from jail or prison. Lawmakers did not approve a measure to require air conditioning to be installed in state-run jails and prisons, but the budget does include a mandate to begin logging indoor heat levels.

Education: The “Critical race theory” debate was huge as lawmakers fought against allowing educators to teach about how morally wrong white supremacy is. Districts also now have clarity on how they can use billions in federal aid aimed at helping students overcome learning loss caused by pandemic disruptions.

Abortion: Lawmakers passed two GOP priorities: SB 8, known as the “heartbeat” bill by abortion opponents, as well as a “trigger” bill that would prohibit abortion if, and to the extent, the United States Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. SB 8, which has already been signed by Abbott, bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. This can be as

LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD

I applaud Democratic lawmakers for taking a bold stand against voter suppression by walking out of the Texas legislature. This bill is damaging to our democracy, and although Governor Abbott has indicated that the bill will be placed on the agenda for the special session this fall, we must remain diligent in our efforts to combat this harmful legislation that directly intends to discourage participation among Black voters.”

- Shekira Dennis, Next Wave Strategic Consulting Group State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D - Missouri City, speaks at a news conference against Senate Bill 7, known as the Election Integrity Protection Act. AP

early as six weeks, before many people know they are pregnant, which is why it is seen as a near-complete ban. It also allows any private citizen to file lawsuits against abortion providers and anybody else who aids or abets the procedure in violation to the ban. This law goes into effect on Sept. 1, though abortion rights advocates vow to fight the law in court.

Bail reform: A Texas Republican priority bill that would have made it harder for people arrested to bond out of jail without cash was killed after the Democrats walked out of the chamber to block the passage of the GOP priority voting bill. HB 20

sought to clamp down on jail releases in several ways.

It would have banned release from jail on personal bonds — in which cash is not required upfront — for people accused of violent or sexual crimes. And, as it became more common for charitable organizations to bail out protesters arrested during the unrest after a police officer murdered George Floyd, HB 20 would have prevented such groups from posting bond for people accused — or ever previously convicted — of a violent crime. Any group could still have posted bail for up to three people every six months, and religious organizations were exempt from the restriction.

Vices: There will be no casino and sports gambling after those bills failed, but Texans can now buy beer and wine starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Boozeto-go is also here to stay. Texas’ medical marijuana program was slightly expanded to include all forms of PTSD and cancer, though advocates are disappointed that the THC cap was only bumped up from .5% to 1%. A bill aiming at reducing the penalty for cannabis concentrates from a felony to a Class B misdemeanor died in the final days.

Star Spangled Banner Act: In action stemming from a high profile dispute between Lt. Gov.

Dan Patrick and Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban, lawmakers approved a bill to mandate pro sports teams who have contracts with the state government to play the national anthem before the start of all games. The Mavericks temporarily halted playing the anthem earlier this year. Under the “Star-Spangled Banner Protection Act,” the state, cities, counties and other governmental entities can’t sign agreements to use taxpayer dollars with professional sports teams unless the contracts include a written agreement that the U.S. national anthem will be played at the beginning of each game.

It’s very sad that election integrity was our number one priority for the Republican Party of Texas and also Gov. Abbott’s, but yet it didn’t get accomplished in the legislative session. We have to be vocal about it. I think you have a lot of the grass roots organizations here that are calling for those priorities to be addressed in a special session and they don’t want to see it pushed off until the fall.”

- Allen West, chair of the Republican Party of Texas.

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DN Education

HISD scholarship, entrepreneurship program focuses on leadership Defender News Service

The Houston ISD Foundation is partnering with Texas-based municipal investment bank Hilltop Securities Inc. and its parent company, Hilltop Holdings Inc., to fund programs and a new scholarship for HISD students. Hilltop is generously donating $333,000 to create the “Reach the Hilltop” Fund, the Hilltop Fellows Innovation Fund, and the HISD

by Design Program, and to provide additional operating support for the Houston ISD Foundation.

Of the donated funds, Houston ISD Foundation will use $90,000 to launch the “HISD by Design” program —a leadership and entrepreneurship program aimed at tapping into HISD’s pool of teachers and teacher leaders with the most promising ideas to best support students’ needs. The foundation will equip them with the business knowledge and acumen needed to bring their ideas from conception to execution, including crafting a complete business plan and pairing them with a mentor.

“We are grateful that Hilltop Holdings is supporting our students and staff during a financially difficult year,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “It speaks to the commitment of our partners and stakeholders in recognizing the impact they can make in our communities by helping us make opportunities available. By investing in the future of HISD students, Hilltop is

a partner in setting them on a path for success.”

Seventy thousand dollars in donation funds will be set aside for the “Reach the Hilltop” Last-Dollar Scholarship Fund and the “Reach the Hilltop” Career Readiness Fund. The scholarship fund will award up to $1,500 to students who have a gap between f i n an c i a l ai d and t he cost of attending a post-secondary institution. The career readiness fund will pay for the cost of student vocational certifications for students demonstrating financial need.

“Hilltop is committed to supporting the communities we serve across Texas and the nation,” said Hilltop Holdings President and CEO Jeremy Ford. “Investing in education is a priority for us, particularly for underserved students and the teachers who mentor them. We’re proud to partner with the Houston ISD Foundation to provide more opportunities for local students to reach their full potential.”

HISD educators will also have the opportunity to become Hilltop Fellows.

Carving out a portion of the established Houston ISD Foundation Innovation Fund with $123,000, the “Hilltop Fellows” Educator Grants program will provide grants to support projects and creative ideas that improve equitable outcomes for students from underserved demographic populations and to improve academic and life outcomes for students.

CLASSIFIED The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 • Project 21-05-04 RFP/ Brokers Services for General Liability, Auto Liability, and Professional Liability Coverage – with a deadline of 2:00 p.m. on July 6, 2021. The Pre-Proposal Conference will be Virtual via Teams, June 9, 2021 at 2:00 pm CST. To request a link email Constance.wright@houstonisd.org June 8, 2021 before 2:00 pm CST. The solicitation for bids is available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Directory, Purchasing Services, Solicitation of Bids. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

Defender News Service

Providing exemplary service all the way to the end of her tenture, Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan surprised 11 high school seniors with 2020-2021 HISD Superintendent Scholars Awards during visits to their campuses or their homes this month.

Handpicked by Dr. Lathan, the 11 winners were selected from HISD seniors nominated by their principals, school leadership teams. Two of the students were nominated specifically because of their perseverance through many COVID-19 challenges.

This is the fourth year the scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors who have exemplified great character and resilience in the face of adversity.

Rather than focusing solely on academic records, school administrators

Dr. Grenita Lathan

selected recipients based primarily on the qualities they have demonstrated and obstacles they have overcome that make them likely to succeed.

THE WINNERS OF THE 2020-2021 SUPERINTENDENT SCHOLARS AWARDS ARE: • Skye Williams, Heights High School • Leslee Cruz, Wisdom High School • Laiba Asif, Jane Long Academy • Marie Daniela Germain, Sharpstown International School • Yasmin Roland, Westbury High School • Auria Al-min-Vick, Jones Futures Academy • Dora Ysabelle Del Villar, Chavez High School • Natalia Alejandra Davis, Furr High School • Lizbeth Contreras Tovar, Wheatley High School • Ashley Quintero, East Early College High School • Chiagozie Uwalaka, Houston Academy for International Studies The scholarships were underwritten by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, which has been supporting HISD students for 19 years. The 11 seniors selected by Dr. Lathan will receive $2,500 scholarships. Another 35 awardees will each receive $1,000 scholarships.

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HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

HISD Supt. Lathan honors 11 students

June 3, 2021 |

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DN Sports

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO), will hold a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 12 p.m.

The Board invites the public to comment on its proposed August 2021 changes to METRO service. This public hearing will be held by telephone and video conference call on the Zoom virtual meeting platform.

The public may join the virtual hearing via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87455341414 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free), Meeting ID: 874-5534-1414.

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, reacts during her match against Maria Sakkari, of Greece, in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami Gardens, Fla. -AP/Lynne Sladky

Grand Slam leaders pledge to address Naomi Osaka’s concerns Associated Press

exceptional athlete and we look forward to The leaders of the four Grand Slam her return as soon as she deems appropritournaments are responding to tennis star ate,” a statement from those in charge of the Naomi Osaka’s stunning withdrawal from French Open, Wimbledon, U.S. Open and the French Open by promising to address Australian Open said. “Mental health is a players’ concerns about mental health. very challenging issue, which deserves our The pledge came in a statement signed utmost attention. It is both complex and by the same four tennis personal, as what affects administrators who threatone individual does not ened the possibility of disnecessarily affect another. qualification or suspension We commend Naomi for for Osaka if she continued sharing in her own words ...when the to skip news conferences. the pressures and anxieties The four-time major time is right she is feeling and we empachampion and No. 2-ranked thize with the unique presI really want player was fined $15,000 sures tennis players may when she didn’t speak to to work with face.” reporters after her first- the Tour to French tennis officials round victory at Roland discuss ways pledged to work with playGarros. The next day, Osaka ers, the tours and media pulled out of the tourna- we can make “to improve the player ment entirely, saying she things better experience at our tournaexperiences “huge waves for the playments” while making sure of anxiety” before meeting athletes all are on a “fair ers, press and the with the media and revealplaying field, regardless of ing she has “suffered long fans.” ranking or status.”

Naomi Osaka bouts of depression.”

In a separate statement, Osaka, a 23-year-old who International Tennis Fedwas born in Japan and moved with her fam- eration official Heather Bowler said the ily to the U.S. at age 3, said she would “take sport will “review what needs to evolve” some time away from the court now, but after Osaka “shone a light on mental health when the time is right I really want to work issues.” with the Tour to discuss ways we can make “It’s in all our interests to ensure that we things better for the players, press and fans.” continue to provide a respectful and qualTennis players are required to attend itative environment that enables all stakenews conferences if requested to do so; holders to do their job to their best ability, Grand Slam rules allow for fines up to without impacting their health, and for the $20,000 if they don’t show up. good of the sport,” Bowler wrote.

“On behalf of the Grand Slams, we Various tennis players, including Serena wish to offer Naomi Osaka our support Williams, offered support for Osaka and and assistance in any way possible as she praised her for being forthcoming in her takes time away from the court. She is an statement on social media.

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

The proposed August service changes include: Implementation of the Gulfton Circulator; Schedule Changes to Routes 2, 3, 5, 9, 23, 25, 30, 36, 38, 39, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 56, 58, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83, 84, 87, 97, 98,102, 108, 151, and all Downtown Park & Ride corridors, and METRORail Red, Green, and Purple lines. METRO will continue to make temporary schedule adjustments in response to social distancing and workforce availability.

Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be made available beginning on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, for public review on-line, and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building (located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002).

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

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

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

All comments should be submitted to METRO by 12 noon on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

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

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan.

Request forlanguage assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4018, or via e-mail at METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

OTHER

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

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

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

RideMETRO.org • 713.635.4000

10 | June 3, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texas Southern sophomore Chadrick Williams set a personal-best in the triple jump during last week’s Preliminary West Round Championships with a jump of 49-10 ½.

Prairie View senior high jumper Ja’Sha Sloan has qualified for the NCAA Women’s Track & Field Championships with a jump of 5-11.5-feet.

Sports Briefs

HEADED TO TRACK & FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

TSU long jumper Kenneth Pree nails spot in NCAA

By Terrance Harris

It might have been a most unnerving situation Texas Southern sophomore long jumper Kenneth Pree found himself in on his third and final jump during last week’s NCAA Preliminary West Round Championships in College Station.

He nails the jump and its on to the NCAA Men’s Track & Field National Championships.

And if he doesn’t better his own personal record then it’s back home to start preparing for next season.

But Pree was the epitome of calm and collected as he smoothly made his way down the runway and made a jump of 25-1 3/4 -feet to claim the 12th and final spot for nationals.

If it wasn’t for TSU jumps coach Krishanda Brown’s excitement off to the side you would have thought nothing special and monumental had just taken place.

“What was going through my mind was just getting the jump,” Pree said. “There really wasn’t any pressure because I knew what I needed to do and I knew how I was going to do it. I just didn’t know how far I would jump when I got up there. When I saw I jumped 25.1 it was a (new personal best). I looked

over at my coach and she freaked out. I was just happy I got a good jump.”

Pree admitted last week that the fact he will be competing for long jump at the national championship June 9 in Eugene, Ore. hadn’t quite sunk in, but the Clear Brook product was keenly aware of how this could set him up for his bigger goals this year.

“I’ve been improving all season, so going to nationals is just another meet for me as I try to get where I want to be, which is hopefully Tokyo (Olympics) and a world championship or something,” Pree said. “I don’t stop at nationals. I feel like regionals is another meet and I treated it as such. The nationals will be the same.”

His matter-of-fact approach to nationals speaks directly to how Pree has built an impressive three-year college career. He began his collegiate career at the University of Houston where he was a standout in sprints and the long jump as a freshman and sophomore.

Pree left the Cougars program not due to any issues but because he felt TSU would allow him the opportunity to focus more on being the best track and field athlete he could be.

“I really didn’t know this would come out of it, but I’m glad it did,” Pree said.

The same could be said for TSU head track coach Clyde Duncan, Sr. and Brown. Pree sort of fell into their lap and they immediately went to work with giving him all of the coaching and tools necessary to be his best.

“One word comes to mind, and that is hard work,” Brown said. “One thing that Ken does is he works very hard. He takes correction well. He applies well the correction I give him, he applies those and works very hard at what he wants to accomplish.”

Now Pree is in a position to flirt with a little history while putting the Flying Tigers back on the national stage for the first time since 2012. It has been 23 years since a TSU athlete qualified in the long jump and Paul Emordi was the last TSU long jumper to win a national title when he made a 27-0 ¾-feet jump in 1987.

“He has made some history here and also for us,” said Duncan, who set three world records when he ran for TSU back in the 1960s. “I am very pleased and I think this is only going to help us as a team and a staff as we begin to bring in more Kenneth Prees.”

Culley mum on Watson First-year Texans coach David Culley has gone from saying embattled and M.I.A. quarterback Deshaun Watson to last week just having nothing to say about Watson when he met with the media. “We have nothing more David Culley to say,” Culley said. “We’ve talked about the Deshaun situation with [G.M.] Nick [Caserio] and I both, and with [owner] Cal [McNair] and nothing’s new on that.”

On if Watson has been at the facility working out, Culley offered, “I have nothing to say about that situation.”

Richards growing in WNBA New York Liberty rookie guard and former Baylor and Cypress Ranch standout Didi Richards is being introduced to the WNBA game and seeing the difference in level of competition.

Richards, who was a second-round Didi Richards pick of the Liberty in April, is averaging 2.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 9.6 minutes through the first seven games of her professional career.

Dawson playing well A name you might want to remember is Astros prospect Ronnie Dawson. He has been impressive so far for the Sugar Land Ronnie Skeeters, the Dawson Astros AAA affiliate. Dawson is batting .318 and has been walked 21 times in the first 18 games this season.

June 3, 2021 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

DN HIGH SCHOOL DEFENDIE AWARDS

By Jodie B. Jiles

As the 2020-21 High School Sports season comes to an end, the Houston Defender Network recognizes the standout players and teams with a DN “Defendie” Most Valuable Player award for their outstanding performance.

VOLLEYBALL Co-Offensive MVPs

Bria Woodard

Defensive MVP

Cimone Woodard Episcopal HS

De’Maya Robinson Bellaire HS

FOOTBALL Defensive MVP

Co-Offensive MVPs

Dematrius Davis Quarterback GP North Shore HS

Jalen Milroe Quarterback Katy Tompkins HS

Dynasty McClennon Summer Creek HS

Defendie MVP High School Award 2020-21

Malick Sylla Defensive End, Katy HS

TRACK Girl’s MVP

DN

BASKETBALL Boy’s MVP

Keshaun Cooper Owens

Demontray Callis 4x100m Relay Alief Taylor HS

Defensive MVP

Offensive MVP

Chuks Isitua Center Jack Yates HS

Ramon Walker Forward, Shadow Creek HS

Defensive MVP

Offensive MVP

Tierra Simon Center Heights HS

Kyndall Hunter Guard Cy Creek HS

Tyler King

12 | June 3, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Spotlight

DAVID LANDRY

Musician, Bookstore Owner, Sneakerhead DEFENDER: Tell us about Class Bookstore.

By Aswad Walker

What do you get when you combine a sneakerhead musician with a book-loving scholarship hound? The answer: David Landry, co-owner of Class Bookstore, University of Houston-Downtown student financial aid counselor, acoustic guitarist and creative consultant, among other things.

The Defender caught up with this multiple hat-wearing brother to get a handle on his diverse dealings, the business he runs with wife Dara, and the experiences that opened him to his present path.

LANDRY: First things first. I always wanted to have my own shop. My mom was an entrepreneur. She was a hairstylist for all of my life. My father was an entrepreneur; 40-plus years in the tax industry.

And my aunts and uncles, for the most part, we’re all either entrepreneurs outright or they had some kind of side job that they use to supplement their income. I always wanted to start a shop, streetwear with sneakers, t-shirts, jeans. My wife was like, “I always wanted to do a bookstore.” So, we sort of had a meeting of the minds.

DEFENDER: How do you define yourself?

DAVID LANDRY: I would consider myself as a multi-disciplinary collaborator and jack of all trades. When I work with people, I try to partner with people who possess certain skills that I don’t have because I want to see cool people do cool things.

DEFENDER: How did your musical collaborations begin?

LANDRY: When I began on my creative journey in 2007, I was partnering with my longtime friend Tominique Roots who at the time was in a music group. He was rapping and I was playing acoustic guitar.

I told him I wanted to do a rap project. So, we partnered. At first it was supposed to be a one-off thing where we do the project and then go our separate ways. But the reaction we got sort of spurred us on. And 10-plus years later, we’re still doing our thing. Still doing music as the group Dirty & Nasty (www.DirtyKnowsNasty.com) We’re on Spotify.

DEFENDER: How does your inner sneakerhead express itself?

LANDRY: I have a platform on Insta-

gram (IG) called Fit Fridays I started during the inception of the pandemic lockdown in Houston. I hop on IG, talk about what I’m wearing, a hat, t-shirt or a jacket, if it’s cold, some slacks or pants, jeans, and then whatever shoes I’m wearing. Because that’s really what people want to see, the sneakers.

My wife and I are very fortunate to have a modest collection. So, we show our shoes off every Friday; if we’re going out, the shoes we’ll be wearing with the outfit. If I have a guest, they give their five favorite sneakers from their collection.

Dara and David Landry

DEFENDER: How are you making your mark on the culture?

SOCIAL MEDIA Websites: www.classbookstore.com and www.dirtyknowsnasty.com Instagram: @Classbookstore and @dirtyknowsnasty Facebook: Classbookstore Email: classbookstore@gmail.com and dirtyknowsnasty@gmail.com DEFENDER: What inspired Fit Fridays?

LANDRY: During the pandemic lockdown, I wanted a way to reach out to my friends and associates, because I knew many of them live by themselves. I’m married.

So, I always have somebody to talk to, even when she probably doesn’t want to hear

me talk. Many of my friends and associates don’t have that. They live alone; in a different state or different country separated from family, and it’s hard for them. So, I said, “Hey, I’m off on Fridays. What better way for me to hop on IG for one hour and just reach people where they’re at.” May 25 will be the first-year anniversary of Fit Fridays.

LANDRY: Author Neely Fuller Jr. said we should strive to create justice in every area of activity. Justice is defined as two things: making sure no one is being mistreated and guaranteeing that the people who need the most help receive the most help. In an economic sense, we feel Class Bookstore is doing our level best to create justice by providing a platform for local and regional authors to sell their books.

But more importantly, giving the opportunity for those who need the most constructive help to receive it. Since we don’t have a brick and mortar right now, we do pop-ups all over the city. Those pop-ups give people an opportunity to visit with us, talk to us about the books, and if they want to patronize, great.

LEARN ABOUT LANDRY’S 5TH WARD ROOTS AN MORE ON DEFENDERNETWORK.COM