Houston Defender: July 2, 2020

RACISM & CORONAVIRUS A COMMUNITY CRISIS Examining the connection and unprecedented socioeconomic impact on Blacks in America

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

BEYONCE’

RODNEY ELLIS

Beyonce’ receives Humanitarian honor at the BET Awards and makes an appeal to viewers.

Volume 89, issue 36 July 2, 2020

Harris County commissioner says 2020 disparity study reveals we have a big problem.

facebook.com/defendernetwork twitter.com/defendernetwork

instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

FREE

2 | July 2, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN On the web

FIT & FINE Shannon LaNier Age: 41 Occupation: News anchor After the COVID-19 quarantine, Shannon gained 9 pounds and lost muscle tone. Here are his Defender #CutUpCovidChallenge before and after photos.

CHECK OUT… How I reclaimed my 6-pack in 6 weeks.

Before

After

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

Workers prepare to remove a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from the state Capitol in Frankfort, Ken. Ryan C. Hermens/AP Photo

Message from the People Editor CHANNELING THIS ENERGY

UPLIFTING NEWS

If you have been on the front lines of, or Thank the Almighty that not all of the news supported in any way, the recent national coming our way is bad. The 2020 BET Awards and global protests to protect Black lives, were the most conscious and relevant in the take a bow. Your efforts, though not appreshow’s history, and H-town was more than ciated by all, have had a serious impact on well-represented. business as usual.

Lizzo and Megan Thee Stallion won awards, Police reform has become a movement. along with Queen Bey, who received the Confederate statues are being toppled left much-deserved Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Aswad Walker and right. Institutions, streets and even Additionally, Comcast celebrated its 2020 singing groups are divorcing themselves from names Leaders & Achievers Award Scholarship recipients, an inthat glorified racists of yesteryear. And even M-I-S-S- credible group of college-bound young people, set to change I-S-S-I-P-P-I has voted the remove the “Stars & Bars” the world. And the MFAH’s “Soul of a Nation” art exhibit from its state flag. is reminding us of the beauty of fighting the power in the Sure, some of these changes are symbolic, leaving a lot past, and right now. of work to be done, but let’s not play cheap the power of symbols. When sacred symbols begin to fall, the courage IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER needed to bring about foundational change rises in us all. • U.S. Senate candidates MJ Hegar and State Sen. Royce This positive energy has found other outlets, including West reach out to Black voters.

Black folk voting in crazy numbers despite the “trickera- • Read how COVID-19 has revealed for some and reminded tions” of those who don’t think Black lives matter at all. others that racism is everywhere.

Note to self: Early voting in Harris County runs through • Sports Editor Terrance Harris dares to ask the question, July 10. with COVID-19 spiking nationwide, should sports, even Channeling this progressive energy is essential, bebe played this year? Maybe! cause those who follow the racist dog whistles in the form of 45’s tweets coming from the White House “ain’t ON THE WEB no ways tired.”

• Find out the latest COVID-19 info and resources, includThis positive change energy is needed also to fix whating new testing sites. ever is broke in Harris County, which reported some • There’s critical information on voting, i.e. when and where absolutely unacceptable numbers regarding the dollars to get it done. not being spent with Black businesses.

• With the 4th of July upon us, learn of some social disMoreover, let’s channel some of this energy to stay protance-friendly things to do. tected from the coronavirus that has refused to disappear • Brace yourself, said Defender Engagement Editor, Margo simply because some folk thought they could ignore it Williams Hubbard, for the new body reveal of TV anchor away.

Shannon LaNier who worked to shed his quarantine weight.

July 2, 2020 |

| 3

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Larry Payne heads Mayor Turner’s police reform task force.

Early voting ends Friday, July 10 for primary runoff election.

Election day Tuesday, July 14

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE

West, Hegar face off in July 14 runoff ReShonda Tate Billingsley

In the Democratic runoff to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, State Sen. Royce West of Dallas is hoping to pull past MJ Hegar on the road to the Senate.

Hegar, a former Air Force helicopter pilot, has the backing of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, but West is increasingly seeking to gain his party’s attention on the opportunity his candidacy represents, especially now.

West said the “stars have aligned” for him in the runoff, playing to his profile as not only a Black man but also a seasoned legislator who has focused on criminal justice reform, authoring a 2015 state law that aimed to expand the use of body cameras by police in Texas, for example.

Hegar has also increased her focus on issues of race and policing, and recently held a virtual news conference with the family of Javier Ambler, a Black man who died last year in the custody of Williamson County sheriff ’s deputes. West and then Hegar called for the resignation of the sheriff, Robert Chody, after the circumstances of Ambler’s death came to light earlier this month.

The Defender asked both candidates why they’re most deserving of the Black vote.

STATE SEN. ROYCE WEST “I believe I am the best candidate for African Americans in this race for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, I have walked

Royce West, MJ Hegar. Texas Tribune

in their shoes. I’ve been stopped by the police, and wondered why. I’ve seen the horrors of discrimination, poverty, and lack of opportunity first hand. Second, I have the experience and a proven track record of getting things done for the community. From police dash cameras and police body cameras to increasing funding for historically Black colleges and universities, I have delivered for the African American community in Texas. We are at a critical moment in history. I am the best experienced and most knowledgeable candidate when it comes to the issues facing our nation today.

From a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted Black Americans to systemic racism that permeates every institution, Black Texans continue to face enormous

challenges. We can rise to solve those challenges and come out stronger as long as we elect leaders who have a demonstrated ability to take on the powerful forces in D.C. and challenge a system that is not working for all.”

MJ HEGAR “I’m no stranger to tough fights, and as a decorated combat veteran and working mom, I am committed to listening to and fighting like hell to combat racial injustice, reform our broken criminal justice system, and end systemic racism across health care, housing, and the economy.

I know that I need to earn trust and give people a reason to vote if we want to win this election, and I promise you that Black leaders and activists across Texas will

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 36 - JULY 2, 2020 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

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

have a prominent role in helping me create bold and inclusive policies that leave no one behind. I am committed to running a coordinated campaign and lifting up down-ballot candidates, especially candidates of color like Kayla Alix (candidate for HD-129), Keke Williams (candidate for HD-54), and dozens of others. By raising over $5 million dollars from over 42,000 people, and with donations from over 190 counties in Texas, I have built the powerful grassroots campaign that will be able to help flip the Texas State House, deliver more Texas tough Democrats to the U.S. Congress, send Senator Cornyn packing, and deliver 38 electoral votes up to former Vice President Biden.”

The Texas Tribune contributed to this report.

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley Creative Director Michael Grant Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall

People Editor Aswad Walker Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

County to hold hearing on Lee Road name Harris County Commissioners Court voted to establish a public hearing on the renaming of Robert E. Lee Road. Lee was general of the Confederate army. The hearing is tentatively scheduled for July 14 or July 29.

“Confederate names do not belong on our street signs, at our schools, in our parks, on government property, or other public spaces because who and what we choose to honor publicly should reflect our shared values and provide us with an accurate portrayal of history,” Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. “It is past time to remove these vestiges of hate and bigotry from our public spaces.”

Precinct One has asked the Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) to rename Lee Road, which starts at John Ralston Road and ends just east of Van Hut Lane in unincorporated east Harris County. If Commissioners Court sets the public hearing, HCED will post a hearing notice and send letters to residents of the road, which will explain the name change process and provide the date that they may make a public comment.

Lee’s descendants, including his great-great grandson and great-great nephew, have supported removing statues and other tributes to Confederate leaders from publicly owned spaces.

CORRECTION Last week, the Defender inadvertantely printed the incorrect photo for Rev. Ricky Williams. We apologize for the error.

4 | July 2, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News

Mississippi surrenders symbol from flag Associated Press

Mississippi will retire the last state flag in the U.S. with the Confederate battle emblem, more than a century after white supremacist legislators adopted the design a generation after the South lost the Civil War. A broad coalition of lawmakers — Black and white, Democratic and Republican — voted for change as the state faced increasing pressure amid nationwide protests against racial injustice.

Mississippi has a 38% Black population, and critics have said for generations that it’s wrong to have a flag that prominently fea-

tures an emblem many condemn as racist.

Democratic Sen. David Jordan told his colleagues just before the vote that Mississippi needs a flag that unifies rather than divides.

“Let’s do this because it’s the right thing to do,” Jordan said.

The Senate voted 37-14 to retire the flag, hours after the House voted 91-23.

Cheers rang out in the state Capitol after the Senate vote. Some spectators wept. Legislators embraced each other, many hugging colleagues who were on the opposing side of an issue that has long divided the tradi-

tion-bound state. symbol is painful to him and other African Democratic Rep. Robert Johnson of Nat- Americans. chez choked back tears as he told reporters “They began to understand and feel the that he has seen white colleagues developT:4.79"same thing that I’ve been feeling for 61 years more empathy about how the Confederate of my life,” Johnson said.

LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: Game #

Game Name / Odds

$

Official Close of Game

End Validations Date

2104

Winning Millions - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.08

$50

7/16/20

1/12/21

Bonus 7 - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.39

$5

7/17/20

1/13/21

2187

Diamond Dollars - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.82

$10

7/18/20

1/14/21

2073

777 - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.25

$10

7/20/20

1/16/21

1828

Texas Loteria - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.96

$3

7/30/20

1/26/21

2200

Quick 7s - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.85

$1

8/19/20

2/15/21

2198

Hearts - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.65

$2

8/19/20

2/15/21

2201

$50,000 Poker - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.73

$5

8/19/20

2/15/21

2082

Super Crossword - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.82

$5

8/19/20

2/15/21

2074

Super Loteria - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.77

$5

8/19/20

2/15/21

2144

Million Dollar Loteria - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.31

$20

8/19/20

2/15/21

T:3.25"

2180

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

CLASSIFIED 1

W96476_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0702.indd

saved at

6-18-2020 5:36 PM

A Mississippi state flag waves adjacent to a flag change supporter’s sign job info that welcomes the state to “the right side of history,” outside the Capitol in job # W96476 Jackson, Miss.. AP PHOTO/ROGELIO V. SOLIS

HOW THEY STACK

client headline/tag trim bleed live color setup vendor/pub media type die cut

from

macbookpro

Notice by tommysalazar70 / Tommy Salazar

printed at

approvals Virtual Public Meeting fonts & images Gulf Freeway Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study None creative dir Fonts TEXAS LOTTERY Interstate 45 South from Interstate Neue LT (95 Black, 77 Bold Conden / US 59 (Downtown) toHelvetica Beltway 8Std South None art director 69 JUL EOG AD Condensed), Times (Regular) None copywriter 4.79" x 3.25" ACOSTA mgr MICAELAoutbreak, Given the unique circumstance ofaccount the COVID-19 along with our commitment to proNone Images tecting public health during this national emergency, the Texas Department None None of Transportation (TxDOT) Houston District is conducting this virtual public meeting to avoid in-person contact.

BW notes HOUSTON DEFENDER Inks Black Environmental NEWSPAPER TxDOT’s Houston District DUE:is 06/25 conducting the Gulf Freeway Planning and None PUB: 07/02

Biden, Trump campaign diversity data

410 BAYLOR ST • ATX 78703 t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024

Prepared by THIRD EAR 2019. All rights reserved.

Linkages (PEL) Study that covers Interstate 45 (I-45) South from I-69 / US 59 (Downtown) to Beltway 8 South in Harris County. Through public and stakeholder engagement, the PEL study will focus on identifying existing and future transportation issues within the corridor and will propose viable solutions.

The virtual public meeting will be available on the TxDOT website beginning Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 5:30 P.M. through 11:59 P.M. on Friday, July 31, 2020. To participate in the meeting, go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/gulf-freeway-pel-study.html. The virtual meeting will consist of a narrated presentation by the study team, study exhibits, and an opportunity to comment. If you do not have internet access, you may call (713) 802-5260 to ask questions about the study and access study materials at any time during the study development process.

Formal comments may be provided by mail, online, or email, as explained below.

The purpose of the virtual public meeting is to introduce the Gulf Freeway PEL Study to the public and receive feedback. Additional Information about the Gulf Freeway PEL Study may be found online at https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/gulf-freeway-pel-study.html.

JOE BIDEN

35%

53%

DONALD TRUMP

25%

56%

full-time staff people of color

full-time staff are women

senior staff people of color

senior staff are women

senior staff people of color

senior staff are women

full-time staff are women

senior staff people of color (Undisclosed)

36%

58%

*Newly disclosed data does not indicate a full breakdown of staffers based on race and ethnicity.

52%

None

N/A

*A breakdown of people of color among full-time staff was not available

TxDOT makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. The virtual public meeting materials and exhibits will be in English. The narrated project presentation will be in English and Spanish. If you have a special communication accommodation or need for an interpreter, a request can be made. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can also be made to accommodate most needs. Please call TxDOT’s Public Information Office at (713) 802-5076 no later than Tuesday, July 14, 2020 for assistance needs. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Written comments from the public regarding the Gulf Freeway PEL Study are requested and may be submitted by mail to the TxDOT Houston District, Director of Advanced Project Development, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251. Written comments may also be submitted by email to hou-piowebmail@txdot.gov or online at https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/gulf-freeway-pel-study.html. All comments must be received by Friday, July 31, 2020. Responses to comments received will be available online at https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/gulf-freeway-pel-study.html in Fall 2020.

If you have any general questions or concerns regarding the Gulf Freeway PEL Study or the virtual public meeting, please contact Sofia Huang, project manager, at Sofia.Huang@txdot.gov or 713-802-5233.

July 2, 2020 |

| 5

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Business WHITE MEN GET 90% OF HARRIS COUNTY CONTRACTS

By Von Jiles

“We have a big problem,” is the way Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis described the 2020 Harris County disparity study, released by Colette Holt and Associates, revealing that only 9.1% of the county contracts go to minority and women-owned businesses while white male-owned businesses receive 90.9%.

Two years ago , Ellis, the Precinct One commissioner, pushed for the county to commission a disparity study to determine if MWBEs have access to government contracting and procurement. The study also gathered evidence of past and present discrimination as it relates to equal access to business capital, bonding, network suppliers, etc.

The four objectives of the study, which interviewed 99 stakeholders, were to: Provide a legal defense if programs are challenged (programs are subject to attacks); assist the county to meet its constitutional requirements; provide policy and program recommendations especially for a county that has not had a formal program and provide a document to educate policymakers, stakeholders and business owners.

According to the study, the weighted aggregated availability or capacity of minorities and women in Harris County is 28.4% and 71.6% for white men. Considering that fact, the county would need to triple the volume of contracts with minorities and women to meet that capacity.

An anonymous African-American taxpayer sarcastically said, “Those are our tax dollars at work. Compared to the

racial make up of Harris County, it is not 90.9% white!

Something has to change.”

RECOMMENDATIONS Implement race & gender-neutral measures Fully implement an electronic contracting data collection, monitoring, and notification system; create an Office of Economic Opportunity and Equity Department; increase vendor communication and outreach to MWBEs and small firms; focus on reducing barriers to MWBE prime contract awards; and consider partnering with other agencies and local organizations to provide bonding, financing, and technical assistance programs.

Adopt an MWBE program Adopt goals for a new program; set contract goals; establish program eligibility; adopt compliance and monitoring policies and procedures; implement a pilot mentor-protégé program; provide training for county staff with contracting or vendor interface responsibilities, and provide training for vendors on the new program.

Adopt performance measures for program success The County should develop quantitative performance measures for certified firms and the overall success of the program to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing the systemic barriers identified by the study.

HARRIS COUNTY MWBE-OWNED BUSINESSES CONTRACTS BY THE #S

4.6% Hispanic-owned

3.4%

White women-owned

0.6%

Asian American-owned

0.5%

African-American-owned

=9.1%

TOTAL MWBE CONTRACTS

Reactions to disparity study We can and will do better.

The disparity study is the first step. We have to examine how we as a county perpetuate inequities. The disparities in our government procurement affect and reflect the disparities in our county at large. If we are serious about equity and justice, we have to be proactive about righting these wrongs. We have to be proactive in dismantling the intentional racial oppression that has led to our disparities.”

The numbers are abysmal, especially for African Americans. In one of the largest and most diverse counties in the country, a .5% representation in contracting opportunities is embarrassing; however, we now have substantiated and documented evidence that supports what we knew all along -- that Harris County needs an MWBE program. The GHBC is ready to assist the county in establishing an equitable path forward.

Along these lines, the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity is a welcomed, and hopefully effective, addition. “

In our view, there is ample statistical and quantitative evidence to support the conclusion that you can have a race and genderbased program to ensure that barriers on the base of race, ethnicity, or gender do not impede the ability of firms to compete for your prime and subcontracts. We found large and significant disparities through the greater Houston economy.”

RODNEY ELLIS Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 1

CAROL GUESS Greater Houston Black Chamber President

COLETTE HOLT Colette Holt & Associates, Principal

6 | July 2, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 7

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

RACISM & COVID-19

Pandemic exposes socioeconomic disparities Aswad Walker

HEALTH CARE

ECONOMICS

GENERAL RACISM

America’s rapidly worsening coronavirus pandemic has exposed for some and confirmed for others this nation’s founding social disease, racism, which has damaged Black lives for centuries.

Not only has racism been on display in many ways during the current COVID-19 reality, but also the critical need for solutions.

Here are three socioeconomic areas where racism is prevalent and experts offer solutions to the problem.

Blacks continue to get sick and die of COVID-19 at higher rates than whites.

“COVID-19 exposed on a national level the underlying health conditions that frequently plague the Black community [asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity] are all a direct result of how environmental racism, food deserts, gentrification, red-lining, and poverty all lead to healthcare disparities,” said Dr. Dr. Creshema Murray Creshema Murray, a University of Houston-Downtown Center for Critical Race Studies Fellow and associate professor.

Murray added that unwarranted suspicion by police and other factors further endanger Black health.

“Health care access is deeper than not being able to receive equality with patient care but should be examined at how Dr. Marlon Black bodies are cared for at the basic Smith level in their own communities,” she said.

Dr. Marlon Smith, founder and CEO at Black Greeks Speak Social Justice and Human Rights Council, added environmental racism to the list of culprits.

“While underlying health issues such as diabetes and heart disease exacerbate the death toll among Blacks, it is also necessary to look at environmental issues such as water and air pollution, which leads to a higher rate of asthma and other health challenges,” he said.

Additionally, when Blacks do access healthcare, disparate treatment, often awaits.

A study published in ScienceMagazine in 2019 showed that an algorithm widely used in U.S. hospitals to allocate health care to patients has been systematically discriminating against Black people by referring them for care far less often than equally sick whites.

COVID-19 also peeled back layers of economic racism.

“One-fourth of Black and Brown people are employed in essential service positions [e.g., medical assistants, certified nurse assistants, grocery workers, delivery personnel, bus drivers, postal workers],” Murray said.

“When the country shut down, [millions of] people lost employment but many people in essential occupations Dr. Tammy continued to work. The health and Smithers well-being of the U.S,. much like chattel slavery, is on the backs of Black people,” said Murray, who sees the “essential worker” designation as a double-edged sword.

“Black people are having to choose between economics and health. Black employees are least likely to work in jobs that provide healthcare, forcing them to Nailah Nelson not get checked for illnesses.”

Murray added that Blacks often work in industries that have not technically laid them off, thus they cannot file for unemployment benefits. Or they work for themselves in positions of sole-proprietorships, and having no employees makes it harder to access Payroll Protection Program assistance.

Dr. Tammy Smithers, a visiting scholar in Rutgers University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity, and Justice, sees a connection between the current pandemic and the Great Recession of 2008, when Blacks took the harshest economic hits.

“For Blacks, the unemployment rate was the highest at 14.8% as compared to 12.1% for Latinos, and 8.7 percent for whites. Medical practitioners reported a sharp decline in employer-paid health insurance among racial and ethnic workers as compared to white workers. This decline in health insurance coverage contributes to the access and the affordability of preventive health services today,” said Smithers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, blatant racist acts have surfaced, including the N-word-laced tweet received by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms when she stood against the Georgia governor’s reopen orders.

Many Americans were shocked to see angry armed white men enter the Michigan statehouse to demand the state’s reopening.

Bishop “With blatant disregard for the unKimathi Nelson precedented pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 125,000 individuals in the U.S., right-wing, Confederate flag-waving, gun-toting protestors of stay-at-home orders, chose to stage protests [while] another group exercised their constitutional right by protesting the hundreds of Black bodies Kofi being tortured, stomped, shot, huntTaharka ed, and murdered without a second thought,” said Smithers, highlighting how the differing responses to those two groups, from law enforcement and the White House, revealed the explicit biases of a radically racialized society.

Smithers also contends that COVID-19 also helped spotlight the country’s digital divide, wealth gap, history of housing discrimination and criminal justice system inequities.

In Texas, Blacks make up 13% of state residents but 33% of the prison population. Over a two-week period in April, the number of Texas jail inmates testing positive for COVID-19 increased by 340%.

Solutions

Murray said the health care issue can be addressed through education and advocacy at the federal, state and local levels.

Others suggested paying more attention to social determinants of health, confronting and punishing displays of internal bias of healthcare professionals, and hiring chief equity officers to police such issues. Additionally, some are pushing for “interpreters” to translate the seriousness of Black patient concerns to health care workers.

Smith, however, contends there will not be any real solutions to the health care disparity or other inequities until reparations is part of the political discussion.

“We’ve had over 100 years of conversations, studies, focus groups, panel discussions, and policy debates on racism in the USA and the political, social, economic impact on the lived experience of Black people…Reparations is now the only way to build social, political and economic racial equity, and even then it won’t address the latent trauma that African Americans hold in our bodies and our psyche,” Smith said.

Solutions

Solutions offered include unionizing workers, supporting the Essential Worker Bill of Rights put forth by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and others, fighting for student loan forgiveness, worker rights education, greater investment in k-college education, entrepreneurship and voting for individuals with Black economic interests at heart.

“We, as an African American community, must, as citizens and builders of this country, exercise our rights to vote,” said Nailah Nelson, creator of the Shrine’s Buy Black Marketplace.

“We must also, however, vote with our dollars, and support Black businesses, not just once every blue moon, but on a consistent basis. Withholding our dollars from businesses that disregard Black lives is one of the most effective forms of protest available while also building up our businesses.”

Solutions

Kimathi Nelson, presiding bishop of the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church, believes the right people in office can make way for the right policies.

“Black people must first vote to put into office people that can be held accountable. Black people must also organize to build consensus on a single agenda and work collectively to attain specific goals, policies and laws,” he said. “ Black people must give commitment to careers in public service so that our public officials are people from the community who have our interests at heart.”

Nelson feels the the rules of engagement should be set daily.

“There is a saying, ‘We train people how to treat us.’ Doing nothing to people that mistreat us is training them that it is accepted. There must be consequences when we are victims of unjust violence and callous mistreatment. We all have to demand justice, every day and all the time.”

Kofi Taharka, national chairman of the Black United Front, suggests people connect with organizations that are independent and consistently doing work in our communities.

“And if those don’t exist, then create the organizations that meet the needs and create the change we need to see.”

8 | July 2, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

July 2, 2020 |

| 9

DEFENDER NETWORK ELECTION DAY POLLS — All Election Day polling locations are open to all eligible voters in Harris County.

CHRIS HOLLINS, Harris County Clerk — www.HarrisVotes.com Location 001. Acres Homes Multi Service Center, Auditorium - 6719 West Montgomery Road, Houston 002. Alief ISD Administration Building, Room 750 4250 Cook Road, Houston 003. Alvin D Baggett Community Center, Conference Room 2 - 1302 Keene Street, Galena Park 004. Anclamars W Reception Hall, Hall A - 10330 Eastex Freeway, Houston 005. Atascocita High School, Cafeteria - 13300 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble 006. Ault Elementary School, Cafeteria - 21010 Maple Village Drive, Cypress 007. Baker Ripley Cleveland Ripley Neighborhood Center, Gym - 720 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena 008. BakerRipley East Aldine Campus, Welcome Center - 3000 Aldine Mail Route Road, Houston 009. Bayland Park Community Center, Early Voting Annex - 6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston 010. Big Stone Lodge, Grand Hall - 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring 011. Black Elementary School, Cafeteria - 14155 Grant Road, Cypress 012. Bunker Hill Elementary School, Gym - 11950 Taylorcrest, Houston 013. Burbank Middle School, Gym - 315 Berry Road, Houston 014. Charlton Park Recreation Center, Main Room 8200 Park Place Boulevard, Houston 015. City Jersey Village Municipal Government Center, Civic Center Auditorium - 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey Village 016. City of Bellaire Civic Center, Meeting Room 7008 South Rice Avenue, Bellaire 017. Clear Lake Recreation Center Pavilion, Pavilion - 16511 Diana Lane, Houston 018. Coady Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall - 5606 Wade Road, Baytown 019. County Attorney Conference Center, Conference Room - 1019 Congress Avenue, Houston 020. Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria Area, Cypress Room - 7611 Katy Freeway, Houston 021. Deer Park Community Center, Room 6 - 610 East San Augustine Street, Deer Park 022. Deussen Park Senior Center, Auditorium 12303 Sonnier Street, Houston 023. Encourager Church, Gym - 10950 Katy Freeway, Houston 024. Fall Creek Elementary School, Cafeteria 14435 Mesa Drive, Humble 025. Fallbrook Church, Foyer - 12512 Walters Road, Houston 026. Field Elementary School, Gym/Multipurpose/ Cafeteria - 703 East 17th Street, Houston 027. First Congregational Church, Assembly Room 10840 Beinhorn Road, Houston 028. Frank Elementary School, Gym - 9225 Crescent Clover Drive, Spring 029. GW Robinson Elementary School, Gym - 451 Kirby Drive, Seabrook 030. Hardy Street Senior Citizens Center, Auditorium - 11901 West Hardy Road, Houston 031. Harris County MUD 81 Building, Great Room 805 Hidden Canyon Road, Katy 032. Harris County Scarsdale Annex, Room D 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard, Houston 033. Harvest Time Church Community Center, Library - 17770 Imperial Valley Drive, Houston 034. HCC Southeast College Learning Hub Building, Multipurpose Room - 6815 Rustic Street, Houston 035. HCC West Loop South, Auditorium - 5601 West Loop S, Houston 036. HCPL Barbara Bush Branch, Multi-Purpose Room - 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring 037. Heritage Park Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall - 2732 FM 528 Road, Webster 038. Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center, Auditorium - 3810 West Fuqua Street, Houston

Location 039. Hockley Community Center, Room A - 28515 Old Washington Road, Hockley 040. Hogg Middle School, Gym - 1100 Merrill Street, Houston 041. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Houston NW Hwy 290 Cypress, Meeting Room - 10520 Huffmeister Road, Houston 042. Holiday Inn Houston NRG Med Center Area, Meeting Room - 8111 Kirby Drive, Houston 043. Hosanna Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall Room 5 - 16526 Ella Boulevard, Houston 044. Houston Community College Alief Center, Room 157 - 13803 Bissonnet Street, Houston 045. Humble Civic Center, Ballrooms 2 and 3 - 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble 046. Humble Middle School, Cafeteria - 11207 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble 047. Iglesia Bautista Libre, Fellowship Hall - 10331 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston 048. J J Roberson Family Life Center, Gym - 4810 Red Bud Street, Houston 049. Jacinto City Town Center Community Center, Large Room - 1025 Oates Road, Jacinto City 050. James DeAnda Elementary School, Gym/ Multipurpose/Cafeteria - 7980 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston 051. Jennie Reid Elementary School, Cafeteria 10001 West Fairmont Parkway, Laporte 052. John Knox Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall - 2525 Gessner Road, Houston 053. John Phelps Courthouse, Training Room - 101 South Richey Street, Pasadena 054. Juergens Hall Community Center, Dance Hall 26026 Hempstead Highway, Cypress 055. Kaiser Elementary School, Cafeteria - 13430 Bammel North Houston Road, Houston 056. Kashmere MultiService Center, Back half of auditorium - 4802 Lockwood Drive, Houston 057. Katy City Hall, Council Chambers - 901 Avenue C, Katy 058. Kingwood Community Center, Half Auditorium - 4102 Rustic Woods Drive, Kingwood 059. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 5077, Ballroom - 5309 Oates Road, Houston 060. Lansdale Park Community Center, Main Room 8201 Roos Road, Houston 061. Lee College Gymnasium, Gym - 200 Lee Drive, Baytown 062. Lone Star College Creekside, Room 116 - 8747 West New Harmony Trail, Tomball 063. Lone Star College Cypress Center, Rooms 105 106 107 - 19710 Clay Road, Katy 064. Lone Star College Victory Center, VC102 and VC 120 - 4141 Victory Drive, Houston 065. Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, Gym 5445 W Alabama Street, Houston 066. Martin Flukinger Community Center, Assembly Hall - 16003 Lorenzo Street, Channelview 067. Memorial Elementary School, Gym/ Multipurpose/Cafeteria - 6401 Arnot Street, Houston 068. Metropolitan MultiService Center, Gymnasium 1475 West Gray Street, Houston 069. Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men, Gym - 1700 Gregg Street, Houston 070. Mildred Jenkins Elementary School, Gym 4615 Reynaldo Drive, Spring 071. Moody Park Community Center, Main MultiPurpose Room - 3725 Fulton Street, Houston 072. Morton Ranch High School, 9th Grade Cafeteria - 21000 Franz Road, Katy 073. Neighborhood Centers Inc Ripley House Campus, Room 135 and Room 143 - 4410 Navigation Boulevard, Houston 074. Newport Elementary School, Gym - 430 North Diamondhead Boulevard, Crosby 075. Northeast Multi Service Center, Auditorium 9720 Spaulding Street, Houston

Location 076. Platou Community Center, Main Room - 11655 Chimney Rock Road, Houston 077. Pleasantville Elementary School, Cafeteria 1431 Gellhorn Drive, Houston 078. Poe Elementary School, Gym - 5100 Hazard Street, Houston 079. Prairie View A&M University Northwest, Rooms 107 114 and 115 - 9449 Grant Road, Houston 080. Raindrop Turkish House, Turkistan Room 9301 West Bellfort Boulevard, Houston 081. Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, Activity Building - 2025 West 11th Street, Houston 082. Revival House, Fellowship Hall - 2560 Old Louetta Loop, Spring 083. Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church Multipurpose Building, Multi Purpose Room 11231 South Gessner Road, Houston 084. Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center, Room 300 - 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress 085. Ronnie Truitt Middle School, PE Gym - 6600 Addicks Satsuma Road, Houston 086. Rosehill Elementary School, Gym Hallway 17950 Waller Tomball Road, Tomball 087. Saint Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, Fellowship Hall - 1100 Eldridge Parkway, Houston 088. Saint Marys Catholic Church, Gym - 3006 Rosedale Street, Houston 089. San Jacinto Community Center, Large Room 604 Highland Woods Drive, Highlands 090. SBISD Technology Training Center, Open area near kitchenette - 14330 Memorial Drive, Houston 091. Sheldon ISD Administration Building Network Operations Center, Rooms 150 and 151 11411B CE King Parkway, Houston 092. Shrine of The Black Madonna Cultural and Event Center, Main Floor - 5309 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston 093. South Early College High School, Multi Purpose Room - 1930 Airport Boulevard, Houston 094. Strack Intermediate School, Gym - 18027 South Kuykendahl Road, Spring 095. Sunnyside Multi Service Center, Gym - 9314 Cullen Boulevard, Houston 096. T H Rogers Middle School, Gym - 5840 San Felipe Street, Houston 097. Texas Southern University, Campus Recreation Center - 3201 Wheeler Avenue, Houston 098. The Grand Tuscany Hotel, The Regency 12801 Northwest Freeway, Houston 099. Third Ward Multi-Service Center, Auditorium 3611 Ennis Street, Houston 100. Thomas M Danish Elementary School, Cafeteria - 11850 Fallbrook Drive, Houston 101. Tomball Public Works Building, Training Room - 501B James Street, Tomball 102. Tracy Gee Community Center, Art Room 1 and 2 - 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston 103. Trini Mendenhall Community Center, Auditorium - 1414 Wirt Road, Houston 104. Trinity Episcopal Church, Fellowship Hall 1015 Holman Street, Houston 105. Trinity Lutheran Church Downtown, Gymnasium - 800 Houston Avenue, Houston 106. Waltrip High School, Gym - 1900 West 34th Street, Houston 107. West Campus Gym, Gym - 24403 East Lake Houston Parkway, Huffman 108. Willow Meadows Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall - 4300 West Bellfort Boulevard, Houston 109. Zwink Elementary School, Gym - 22200 Frassati Way, Klein

10 | July 2, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

2020 grads shine in Defender Senior Spotlight We at Texas A&M University are honored to celebrate the Houston area’s 2020 high school and college graduates” Dr. Carol A. Fierke

Von Jiles

Graduation is a milestone that marks a major accomplishment whether on the high school or college level. The coronavirus has altered the normal course of families gathering to watch graduates march down the aisle to get their diploma.

The Class of 2020 has been given another course to travel of virtual graduations, televised celebrities giving words of wisdom and proud parents dealing with the graduates’ sense of loss because they have been deprived of the fanfare and celebration.

With the top priority of showcasing these graduates, the Defender Senior Spotlight sponsored by Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University was conceived.

“We at Texas A&M University are honored to celebrate the Houston area’s 2020 high school and college graduates,” said Dr. Carol A. Fierke, provost and executive vice president.

“We celebrate your scholastic and extracurricular accomplishments, and we acknowledge the unique resiliency and selflessness that you have shown this Spring. Your actions to complete your studies in new and different ways helped ensure the health of our communities. We look forward to all that you will accomplish in the years to come.

On behalf of the entire Prairie View A&M University community, I congratulate the phenomenal class of 2020” Dr. James M. Palmer

“This collaboration with the Defender Network and Prairie View A&M University allows us all to salute you and the promise that you hold for our shared future.”

Considering the challenges our society is facing, these graduates have established themselves as a new breed.

“On behalf of the entire Prairie View A&M University community, I congratulate the phenomenal class of 2020,” said Dr. James M. Palmer, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

“Even in the midst of this global health crisis, these future leaders have shown the world that they have the perseverance, grit and grace to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve immeasurable success.”

The Senior Spotlight project introduces a new technology that salutes the graduates and allows for more community engagement.

Defender CEO Sonny Messiah applauded its collegiate partners for their support of the Class of 2020 and for making the project a reality.

“While universities across the country re-align their plans for the upcoming semesters, Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M took the time to acknowledge those graduates who greatly deserved to be celebrated and we thank them,” she said.

The Senior Spotlight will end July 10. Graduates are encouraged to post a picture, share their motto and tell us a little about themselves and their future plans.

To post information go to: bit.ly/defenderseniorspotlight2020

“Why graduation is important to me.”

HIGH SCHOOL KaDelyn Sanders Ridgepoint

“Graduation is important to me because it symbolizes an end to a very long chapter. As students, we spend 12 long years to receive the basic education that will set us up for our future. That is 12 long years of serious growth and maturity. After all that time, graduation is like the final stage of being a teenager before you enter a new chapter in your life. It is needed and well-deserved for all of our hard work and perseverance.”

Kendle Deese Lamar

Graduating high school allows me to further my education, and will provide me with more opportunities. Nelson Mandela said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

COLLEGE Tori R. Burton

Houston Baptist University “My parents have always taught me that education is power. I believe this to be true. I am the first and oldest of three children in my family to graduate from college. My Business Marketing degree will position me to build my own company focused on accelerating the growth of small businesses.”

Nicole Edison

University of Arkansas @ Little Rock “The experience of going to college and graduating was important to me because college lays down a foundation to many avenues of life. As a freshman in college I understood college, but by my senior year seeing so many people get lost throughout the years, I understood the importance of finishing and excelling while you are there.”

July 2, 2020 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports HARDEN SPOTTED

After months of isolation, Rockets star James Harden was spotted recently cruising around town in a Lamborghini with Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby.

HATS OFF TO NEGRO LEAGUES

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey joined a long list of people on social media in tipping his hat to the 100-year anniversary of baseball’s Negro Leagues.

COMMENTARY

SHOULD SPORTS EVEN BE IN PLAY?

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grabs Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) after a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Houston. AP Photo/Michael Wyke Terrance Harris

A

s a dreaded resurgence of the coronavirus forces much of the nation to press pause again, the sports world is showing no signs of slowing down.

It seem to be start the season at all costs.

The NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, MLS, NHL, NASCAR, PGA and even major college football are showing by their movements that pumping breaks on their seasons is no longer an option. But should it be?

With states like Texas, Florida and California seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases after attempting to open up there just seems there are more important concerns before attempting to put live sports back into our mix. It’s not safe to walk into a grocery store right now without wearing a mask, but the message seems to be that it’s okay for James Harden and LeBron James to go head up on the basketball court.

The NBA is ready to resume its season at the end of next month in a “bubble” in a state where the virus is spreading faster than ever, while MLB and the NFL are also

bent on starting their seasons despite warning signs flashing everywhere for them all to slow down.

There have been several cases of the coronavirus in spreading among college athletes, including at the University of Houston, after the NCAA opened the door for voluntary workouts earlier this month. Several Texans players and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks.

ESPN reported that 16 of 302 NBA players tested positive for the coronavirus during a round of mandatory testing ahead of the July 6 reporting date for the 22 selected teams to resume the season in Orlando.

What’s driving these potentially dangerous decisions? Astros owner Jim Crane may have given the most honest answer when he said that he fully expects fans to be in Minute Maid Park this season because that is the only way to make up for all of the revenue he has lost due to the delay and ultimately shortening of the season.

Crane told reporters that he wanted fans

at his stadium so that they can buy merchandise and beer and “whatever they’d like to have.”

Most players seem fine with the risk that they are being asked to take because like most of us, they need their livelihoods to provide for their families. But it has been interesting to see some NBA and WNBA players opt out of the 2020 season.

The Hall of Fame preseason game between Dallas and Pittsburgh in August was canceled and the enshrinement ceremony was postponed until next year, which served as the first complete cancellation for the NFL during this COVID-19 pandemic.

But there has been no serious discussion by the NFL to delay the start of their season which is set to kickoff Sept. 10 when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs take on the Texans.

The good thing is there is still time better plans to be made for all of the sports seasons.

Follow Terrance Harris on Twitter @ terranceharris

Sports Briefs: Romeo recognized Former Texans defensive coordinator and current associate head coach Romeo Crennel has been honored with the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award for his lifetime achievement as an assistant coach.

Crennel, who was once head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Romeo Crennel is set to start his 38th year of coaching in the NFL. He has spent the last seven with the Texans. The Zimmerman Award is presented by the Pro Football Writers of America.

PVAMU, TSU athletes recognized Texas Southern has 156 students athletes and Prairie View has nearly 180 who are receiving the SWAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll recognition for the 2019-2020 academic school year.

In order to make the commissioner’s honor roll, the student-athletes must have earned a Alicia Pete 3.0 or better during the academic year.

“The department as a whole is proud to see so many of our student-athletes recognized by the league office for their dedication in the classroom,” said PVAMU Interim Athletics Director Alicia Pete. “...Our men and women have certainly seen their hard work rewarded.”

UH launches diversity plan The University of Houston athletics department announced a series of initiatives that focus on diversity, inclusion, social responsibility and ending systemic racism. The athletics department’s diversity and inclusion counKelvin cil – Coogs’ All-In Sampson – made up of 10 staff members and student-athletes, will lead the implementation effort during the 2020-21 academic year and continue to look to expand initiatives in the future.

12 | July 2, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment Beyoncé among standouts at BET Awards

In this video grab, Beyoncé accepts the humanitarian award during the BET Awards.

(BET via AP)

Associated Press

Beyoncé used her platform while accepting the BET Humanitarian Award to relay a direct appeal to viewers: Go vote.

“Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain,” said the superstar singer at the BET Awards, which celebrated its 20 years of highlighting excellence in Black-led entertainment. But the ceremony, filmed virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, kept much of its focus on topics such as systematic racism and equal rights.

Beyoncé was honored for her philanthropic work and relief efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. She said voting in

STIRRING OPENING

It didn’t take long for host Amanda Seales to touch on equal rights for African Americans.

In a stirring monologue, Seales said she was chosen to host the show because she’s been “telling y’all everybody’s racist.”

She touched on several topics including the death of Breonna Taylor, racial equality and took a jab at actor Terry Crews who faced recent backlash for his “Black supremacy” comment.

Seales joked she would rather talk about issues other than race, but “racism always beats me to it.”

Her monologue came after an all-star performance of Public Enemy’s 1989 anthem “Fight the Power.” The performance featured group members Chuck D and Flavor Flav along with Nas, Black Thought, Rapsody and YG — who added lyrics to the song and name-dropped Taylor.

During the performance, video clips were shown of the national protests over the deaths of unarmed Black people including Floyd, Arbery and Taylor.

The 12-year-old sensation Keedron Bryant also performed in a cappella “I Just Wanna Live,” a song about being a young Black man that earned him a record deal.

the upcoming election was the way to end a “racist and unequal system” in America.

“I’m encouraging you to take action,” she said following an introduction by former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The singer dedicated her award to the Black Lives Matter movement, and encouraged activists to continue to push forward.

“We have to vote like our lives depend on it, because it does,” she said.

Here are some additional highlights from the three-hour show broadcast on CBS, BET and BET Her:

DaBABY’S MESSAGE

Rapper DaBaby lay on the pavement while an actor playing a police officer pressed his knee on the rapper’s neck. The reenactment at the beginning of the multi-platinum rapper’s performance offered a glimpse into the last moments of the life of George Floyd, killed by Minneapolis police last month.

DaBaby rapped a verse from the Black Lives Matter remix of his hit song “Rockstar” with Roddy Ricch at the awards.

While holding a baseball bat, DaBaby then stood on a stage behind a group of people who had their fists raised high while others held “Black Lives Matter” signs.

Rapper DaBaby performs “Rockstar” as an actor playing a police officer presses his knee on DaBaby’s neck, replicating the last few moments of George Floyd’s life. (BET via AP)

Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama introduces humanitarian award winner Beyonce. (BET via AP)

WEEZY HONORS KOBE

On a virtual stage, Lil Wayne honored the late Kobe Bryant with a performance of his song “Kobe Bryant,” highlighting the NBA icon’s biggest moments. He paid tribute to Bryant who died in a helicopter crash in January that killed eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Wayne weaved in new lyrics as Bryant’s No. 8 and 24 flashed behind him. His performance showed video clips of the Los Angeles Lakers star dunking on Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, hitting game-winning shots and highlights from his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.

“I call him King Bryant,” Wayne rapped. “Now let the crown show.”

MAD STALLION

Megan Thee Stallion took to the desert in a performance themed after the “Mad Max” films.

Sporting a feathered crop top, she danced and twerked alongside her dancers who wore masks and maintained social distance amid the coronavirus pandemic. She performed her Beyoncé-assisted hit “Savage Remix” and “Girls in the Hood,” a revamp of Easy E’s 1987 song “Boyz-N-The Hood.”

In the post-apocalyptic setting, she and her dancers rode through the desert landscape on dusty ATVs. The rapper closed out her performance after jumping on a silver-spike vehicle. Megan Thee Stallion’s performance came after she won Best Female Hip-hop Artist.

Megan Thee Stallion, center, performs.

(BET via AP)