To the POINT DN
Travis Gamble, lef, Tye Love, center, and Chucky Aitch, right, spend time at Gallery Furniture, which is being used as a temporary shelter, to cool of, have a meal, and charge their phones, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Houston. The efects of Hurricane Beryl lef most in the area without power. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Managing Editor’s Message
Who’s to blame for Houston’s poor Hurricane response? It’s not just CenterPoint Energy
In the aftermath of the massive power outage that has left millions of customers in Houston in the dark for days, it’s tempting to point fingers solely at CenterPoint Energy. However, the reality is far more complex. The city’s response—or lack thereof—highlights a systemic failure that extends beyond one utility company. Emergency management and preparedness are the cornerstones of city governance. They are City Government 101. The role of city executives, including the mayor, is to ensure that their city is ready for emergencies. This involves proactive planning, constant communication, and the ability to mobilize resources quickly.
ReShonda Tate
Unfortunately, it seems we’ve fallen short in these critical areas. The derecho in May was devastating, yet it barely made the news. Now, with Beryl lingering in the Gulf for weeks, the lack of preparedness is glaring. If this had happened under former Mayor Sylvester Turner, we would have been hearing from him and other city leaders multiple times a day. This constant communication would have ensured that everyone, from citizens to utility companies, were better prepared.
The importance of competent local leadership cannot be overstated. When we look at the current administration’s response, we are reminded of the stark difference in leadership styles. While Whitmire is blaming the previous administration for current failures, Turner navigated multiple disasters with a level of competence and communication that is sorely missing now. It’s no one’s fault that the Hurricane passed through our city, but it’s hard not to wonder how different the current situation would be if Turner were still in office. Hopefully, Whitmire and his team are on it now....and ready for the next disaster, because according to hurricane models, it’s coming.
Kamala is a DEI hire?????
Are you freakin’ kidding me??
The New York Post recently called Kamala Harris a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hire....Yes, the same Kamala Harris, who is a graduate of Howard University, a public servant for almost two decades as an elected district attorney of San Francisco, California’s former attorney general, and
US senator. The same Harris that is more qualified to be POTUS than that convicted felon who already served as Commander-In-Chief. The incendiary op-ed by Fox Business senior correspondent Charles Gasparino entitled “America may soon be subjected to the country’s first DEI president: Kamala Harris,” was obviously meant to cause controversy and perpetuate the racist belief that people of color are inherently inferior to white people. Gasparino starts the piece by saying that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are “literally destroying businesses.” Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) also recently echoed this sentiment by implying that Vice President Kamala Harris was a diversity, equity and inclusion hire. Roy wishes he had half the credentials and competency of Harris. But something tells me this is only the beginning.
Cussin’ Busta
Busta Rhymes isn’t a fan of the way people today enjoy live performances, and he made sure everyone in the crowd during his show at the 2024 Essence Fest knew about it. A viral video shows the rapper getting frustrated with the crowd at the popular festival in New Orleans after he noticed that many of them were sitting and scrolling through their phones. Rhymes said, “New Orleans y’all look like y’all tired? You mothaf***ers ain’t ready. I don’t give a f**k how many seats is empty in this b***h. Everybody that’s here get the f**k up!” He later added, “Ay yo f ** k them camera phones too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans.” He ended his rant by saying, “Thirty-three years of doing this s**t, I ain’t used to n**gas sittin’ down at my show. The reason there will be zero tolerance for bulls**t energy in here is because this is my first time in New Orleans at the f**king 30-year anniversary of the ESSENCE Festival…Make me feel like we home!”
To no surprise, this led to some pushback from people on social media. I feel him, but sorry, Busta, these are the times...
On the Web
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. welcomes three honorary Texas women as members.
• Essence Fest was full of Black excellence.
• OpEd: The ‘Should Biden step aside” debate is tiring.”
News DN Housing Authority secures millions for residents, senior support
By Amaka Watson
Te Houston Housing Authority (HHA) just secured a major funding boost from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – a cool $6.25 million! Tis investment will launch two brand-new programs designed to empower residents and improve their quality of life.
The first program, the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Services program, is a $5 million initiative aimed at helping current HHA clients find better housing options. Tis program goes beyond just finding an apartment—it provides residents with the tools and support they need to move into high-opportunity neighborhoods.
These areas offer improved safety, access to quality schools, and better job prospects.
If you’re an HHA client struggling to make ends meet in an unsafe neighborhood with limited resources. This program will help you navigate the often-challenging search for a new apartment. It will connect you with landlords in desirable areas open to working with HHA clients.
HHA clients can attend information sessions about the program this summer at the HHA building at 2640 Fountain View Drive.
Thursday, July 25, 6 p.m
Saturday, July 27, 1 p.m.
The program will offer assistance with security deposits, a risk mitigation fund to ease landlord concerns, and pre-screening services to ensure a good fit for both tenant and landlord. This comprehensive approach takes the burden off your shoulders and increases your chances of finding a safe and secure home in a thriving neighborhood.
Thursday, August 1, 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, 1 p.m.
Helping Seniors Age in Place with Dignity
The second program, the Older Adult Home
Modifcation Program, is a $1.25 million initiative to support our city’s senior population. As we age, our needs change. Tis program recognizes that many older adults want to remain independent and live comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.
Te program will provide fnancial assistance for home improvements that can make a big diference for seniors. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, adding railings in hallways, or making small adjustments to kitchens can signifcantly improve safety and independence.
The two grants, combined with a $250,000 security grant the authority will allow HHA to help up to 4,000 residents.
Credit: Adobe Stock Images
Licensed occupational therapists will assess individual needs and recommend low-cost modifcations that allow seniors to “age in place” with dignity and comfort.
Combined with a recent $250,000 security deposit grant, this HUD funding represents nearly $7 million invested in Houston’s afordable housing sector. Tis is great news for our community! Tese programs ofer a helping hand to both young families and seniors, empowering them to fnd safe, secure, and accessible housing options.
Judge Lina Hidalgo wants end to jail injustices
By Aswad Walker
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is done with the seemingly never-ending tales of tragedies and injustices occurring in the Harris County Jail. She made her feelings known recently afer the Ofce of County Administration (OCA) identifed issues and inefciencies in the Harris County jail competency restoration process.
“Te deaths and the stories coming out of the Harris County Jail are tragic,” said Hidalgo in an issued statement. “We’ve been looking at what’s going on that’s causing us to have such problems with overcrowding, and one of the things we’ve learned is that people are staying too long in the jail because of inefciencies with competency restoration,”
Hidalgo pointed out a specifc example of an extreme case brought to her attention during a recent Commissioners Court meeting involving a gentleman who has been in the jail awaiting trial – for nearly 18 years.
Te cause given for this obvious miscarriage of justice – system inefciencies.
Te Harris County Jail transfers people to state hospitals when they are determined incompetent to stand trial. Under the current competency restoration process, individuals are booked with a new booking number when they come back to the jail afer a stay at the state hospital, which efectively ‘sets back the clock’ on their length of stay. Tat oversight can lead to situations
where individuals with competency restoration issues end up in the jail for excessively long periods of time, contributing to overcrowding.
It also contributes to the amount taxpayers pay to house individuals awaiting trial.
According to the most recent data provided (2016) by the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition available, the statewide average costs to taxpayers to house an individual in county jail is $59 per day per individual. Te
2016 average cost to Harris County taxpayers to incarcerate the entire pretrial population per day was $375,299. And that was before the massive overcrowding the Harris County Jail is currently experiencing.
At that $59 per day rate, the individual held in the HJC for over 18 years awaiting trial cost taxpayers over $387,000 alone. And that’s not adjusting for infation.
Distraught over that case and others, Hidalgo is hopeful change is coming.
“As much as that case and other cases like it break my heart, I am glad that we’ve found it now and are working toward solutions that will actually help us make things right at the jail,” she said.
At Hidalgo’s direction, OCA and Commissioners Court have made solving the issues at the Harris County Jail a priority. As part of this efort, OCA conducted a jail population analysis, which identifes priority populations driving jail overcrowding so Harris County can work toward solutions to reduce overcrowding. While conducting the jail population analysis, OCA identifed the individual who was in jail for nearly 18 years due to issues with the competency restoration process.
OCA presented initial recommendations for improving the competency restoration process at a recent Commissioners Court meeting and will bring more detailed recommendations at the next meeting.
Among their initial recommendations, OCA will look into maintaining and expanding the Jail Based Competency Restoration program, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan through this month. Harris County will also look into establishing a system or database to streamline and digitize the manual process of communication within the competency restoration process, as well as improve data collection and tracking of individuals with competency restoration issues.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wants to see inefciencies in the Harris County Jail cleaned up and ended. Credit: Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public Media.
BLACK IMPACT
SCOTUS criminalizes homelessness?
By Gregory Stevens
In many ways, the recent Supreme Court ruling that the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit cities from criminalizing sleeping outdoors is an attack on Black people.
Why?
Because the national crisis of homelessness is unfortunately and absolutely a “Black thang” that far too many of us understand far too well.
NATIONAL CRISIS, LOCAL PAIN
Homelessness is a massive problem in the U.S. And though the number of unhoused individuals and families held steady during the COVID-19 pandemic (in large part because of eviction moratoriums and temporary expanded public benefits), since 2022, homelessness numbers have again skyrocketed.
And last year, Black people made up 55% of people living in the Greater Houston area experiencing homelessness even though they comprised only 20% of the area’s population.
According to various sources, the number of homeless persons in Houston at any given moment in 2023 was roughly 3,300. This number may feel low to persons who frequently drive along Bayou City streets, feeder roads, and other areas where large numbers of the unhoused congregate.
And for good reason.
That number is dwarfed when considering that in 2021, more than 21,000 people in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties accessed some type of homeless service. And when those who sought homelessness prevention and other services (i.e. clothing or food assistance) are added, the number jumps to more than 52,000 people.
And homelessness isn’t just a condition
that happens to “other” people. With over 16% of Harris County residents living in poverty (a 2021 number that doesn’t include those teetering on the brink of poverty), homelessness for many could be just one missed check, one serious medical emergency, or one lost job away.
Case in point, last year 42% of unsheltered people were homeless for the first time — up from 40% in 2022.
ORIGINS OF CRIMINALIZATION OF HOMELESSNESS
The case, City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, kicked off the recent SCOTUS decision to criminalize homelessness. Grant Pass, a small city in Oregon with only one homeless shelter, began enforcing a local anti-camping law against people sleeping in public using a blanket or any other rudimentary protection against the elements – even if they had nowhere else to go.
SCOTUS confronted the question, “Is it unconstitutional to punish homeless people
for doing in public things that are necessary to survive, such as sleeping, when there is no option to do these acts in private” and came out on the side of heartlessness in the view of many.
The SCOTUS 6-3 decision written by Justice Neil Gorsuch rejected the claim that criminalizing sleeping in public by those with nowhere to go violates the Constitution’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
As many who disagree with the SCOTUS ruling point out, homelessness in the U.S. is a function of poverty, not criminality. Justice Sonia Sotomayor went in even deeper with her written dissent to the court’s ruling. Just eight words from her dissent say it all: “Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime.” Sotomayor was joined in her dissent by justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
“The homeless plaintiffs [in the Grant Pass case] did not challenge reasonable regulation of the time and place of outdoor sleeping, the city’s ability to limit the size
Attorney Ben Crump, Henrietta Lacks receive award
The Lacks family’s unwavering determination, supported by Attorney Ben Crump’s and his team’s legal efforts, resulted in a landmark settlement addressing the unethical exploitation of her cells. Credit: Jimmie Aggison
or location of homeless groups or encampments, or the legitimacy of punishing those who insist on remaining in public when shelter is available,” said University of Southern California Professor of the Practice of Law Clare Pastore. “But they argued that broad anti-camping laws inflicted overly harsh punishments for ‘wholly innocent, universally unavoidable behavior’ and that punishing people for ‘simply existing outside without access to shelter’ would not reduce this activity.
CRACKDOWNS ON THE HOMELESS
Pastore pointed out in an article in The Conversation that homelessness, especially its visible manifestations such as tent encampments, has increasingly frustrated city residents, businesses and policymakers across the U.S. and led to an increase in crackdowns against homeless people.
“Reports from the National Homelessness Law Center in 2019 and 2021 have tallied hundreds of laws restricting camping, sleeping, sitting, lying down, panhandling and loitering in public,” shared Pastore who also pointed out that under presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the federal government asserted that criminal sanctions are rarely useful. Instead, it has emphasized alternatives, such as supportive services, specialty courts and coordinated systems of care, along with increased housing supply.
“Some cities have had striking success with these measures. But not all communities are on board,” added Pastore.
PUSHING PEOPLE OUT
“I expect that this ruling will prompt some jurisdictions to continue or increase crackdowns on the homeless, despite the complete lack of evidence that such measures reduce homelessness.”
The recent SCOTUS decision to criminalize homelessness will be felt worse by Blacks. Credit: Adobe Stock.
Education DN
5
Things NOT to say to a
struggling student
By Tannistha Sinha
While some are more academically inclined and perform better than others, some students struggle with academics. We’re here to say that it is okay. A few words of encouragement can go a long way!
It is equally important to understand what not to say to these students, even when comments are spoken from a place of concern and good intentions.
Positive words “can alter the expression of genes, strengthening areas in our frontal lobes and promoting the brain’s cognitive functioning,” according to Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Waldman, the authors of “Words Can Change Your Brain.”
“A single negative word can increase the activity in our amygdala (the fear center of the brain). This releases dozens of stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters, which in turn interrupts our brains’ functioning,” per Newberg and Waldman.
Here are five things that should be avoided when interacting with students facing academic challenges:
1
“It’s not that hard, you’re just not trying hard enough.”
Such statements, while intended to motivate, can sound dismissive of a student’s struggles and trivialize their efforts. All students have different ways of learning, and constructive criticism can help them more than implying they are being lazy.
2
“You’re so smart, why are you struggling?”
Such a statement can pressurize a student
CHANGES FOR THE BETTER
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) invites you to the I-45 NHHIP Public Meeting, Thursday, July 18, 2024. The purpose of the meeting is to update the public on the overall project status, the upcoming construction schedule, design refinements and details regarding the Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA). The open house format allows you to come at any time during the two-hour event and receive the information you need.
This public meeting will be in-person only and will primarily focus on Segment 3, specifically Segment 3B-1, which includes the construction of a drainage project along St. Emanuel Street, scheduled to begin this fall.
to push themselves beyond their capabilities, and create unrealistic expectations. Test scores do not dictate a child’s talents and struggling to perform well in some subjects are quite normal. Instead, they should be encouraged to try their best and seek the help they need.
3
“I never had trouble with learning when I was your age,”, or “Just pay attention.”
This can make a child feel isolated in their struggles. Moreover, comparing them to other students with completely different surroundings and cognitive abilities, those who are not facing similar difficulties, can be discouraging and may prevent the student from speaking up about their needs.
4
“You should focus more on your studies and less on extracurricular activities.”
While it is important to teach a child time management while they are growing up is important, implying that the student’s interests or activities are solely responsible for their academic difficulties is unfair and can be discouraging. Balancing academics with other interests can provide a holistic approach toward learning and can instead, boost their learning abilities.
5
“Just try harder”
This oversimplifies the complexity of academic struggles and makes the student feel unsupported in their immediate environment. It can also be interpreted as a dismissal of their efforts, and lead them to feel frustrated and disengaged. Acknowledgement of their efforts and providing guidance or additional resources can help them develop effective student habits.
A child who is struggling academically requires empathy and support. Choosing words of affirmation and creating a culture of understanding can make a profound difference in their academic performance.
To help inculcate these practices, parents and teachers can:
• Evaluate for lack of interest or lack of accommodation,
• Test for learning differences,
• Accommodate learning methods by working alongside teachers and staff,
• Broaden their ideas of academic success,
• Encourage accomplishments in other spheres of life and their interests, and
• Look out for signs that the student might be struggling, including refusing to discuss school or displaying a change in attitude or physical symptoms, spending excessive time on homework, low grades and changes in their behavior.
InFocus DN
Where to get help in rebuilding after Beryl Hurricane Recovery
By ReShonda Tate
The soaring heat in Houston has deepened the misery for thousands of people still without power after Hurricane Beryl crashed into Texas and left residents in search of places to cool off and fuel up as the extended outages strained one of the nation’s largest cities. Now as thousands await the return of their power, recovery and relief efforts are underway, and the blame game begins.
Beryl, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, has been blamed for at least seven U.S. deaths ff one in Louisiana and six in Texas ff and at least 11 in the Caribbean. For many millions it was a miserable repeat after storms in May killed eight people and left nearly one million without power amid ff ooded streets.
MASSIVE OUTAGES
Frustration mounted with many because Houston appeared to buckle under a storm less powerful than previous ones. State offcials faced questions over whether Houston’s power utility had suff ciently prepared.
Power outages peaked at 2.7 million customers after the storm made landfall in Texas, according to PowerOutage.us.
Brad Tutunjian, the CenterPoint vice president for regulatory policy who faced pointed questions from the City Council, defended the company’s response. He said more than one million customers have had their power.
“To me, I think that’s a monumental number right there,ff Tutunjian said.
Initial forecasts had the storm blowing ashore much farther south along the Gulf Coast, near the Texas-Mexico border, before heading toward Houston.
ffe company would not ask third-party workers from other companies and municipalities to pre-position and “ride outff the storm, “because that is not safe,ff Tutunjian said. Instead, they are asked to be as close as possible to respond after the storm moves through.
RESTORING SERVICE
It could take days or longer to fully restore power to the Houston area after Hurricane Beryl slammed into Texas, leaving millions of residents in the dark and without air conditioning in searing summer heat.
The slow pace of restoring power in America’s fourth-largest city has put CenterPoint Energy, Houston’s utility provider, under mounting scrutiny over whether it was suff ciently prepared before the storm and was working fast enough to get the lights back on.
CenterPoint Energy has defended its preparation for the storm and said that it had brought in about 12,000 additional workers from outside Houston since landfall to expedite power restoration.
Under sometimes sharp questioning from Houston city councilmembers about the utility’s handling of the storm, Brad Tutunjian, vice president for regulatory policy for CenterPoint Energy, said it wouldn’t have been safe to pre-position outside crews to “ride outff the storm.
He said the extensive damage to trees and power poles has hampered the ability to restore power quickly.
“When we have storms such as this, with the tree completely coming down … taking out our lines and our poles, that’s where all the time comes in to do the restoration work,ff he said.
But council members pressed the executive about why the company, which has been the Houston area for about 100 years, hasn’t been more aggressive in trimming trees during calm weather or putting more of its power lines underground. ffe company has been putting new lines underground in residential areas for decades, Tutunjian responded.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is serving as acting governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is oveseas, said nursing homes and assisted living centers were the highest priority. Sixteen hospitals were running on generator power according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
BLAME GAME
Mayor John Whitmire expressed a lot of anger throughout Houston’s ff rst city council meeting since Hurricane Beryl’s landfall. Whitmire blamed the storm issues on previous administrations, saying they “neglectedff the city’s ability to function during severe weather. He said 10 fire stations, several multi-service centers, and the George R. Brown Convention Center weren’t operational due to a lack of generators.
“I’m not in the business of grading. I’m in the business of saying, ‘Let’s get it done,’ff Whitmire said. “We demand that they do better.ff ffere was a lot of discussion about what the company can do to prevent this from happening in the future.
Tutunjian said CenterPoint has drafted a multi-billion dollar resiliency plan to improve things over a three-year period. It would cost more than $2 billion and is currently being reviewed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
A vehicle is left abandoned in floodwater on a highway after Hurricane Beryl swept through the area on July 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Tropical Storm Beryl developed into a Category 1 hurricane as it hit the Texas coast late last night.
resident Ashley Doyle and her children, Kaysen and Jayce, spend time at Gallery Furniture, which is being used as a temporary shelter, to cool off and and have a meal, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Houston. The effects of Hurricane Beryl left most in the area without power. (AP
RECOVERY
Houstonians whose homes were ravaged by Hurricane Beryl should already be thinking about ff ling insurance claims for the damages they sustained, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.
“You need to get your claim started as soon as possible,ff Insurance Commissioner Cassie Brown said in a statement, adding that the state agency could help anyone who runs into trouble contacting or understanding their provider. ffe state helpline for residents can be reached at 800-252-3439.
President Joe Biden has declared the area a federal disaster, making residents eligible for additional grants and loans to help people repair home damages. As of press time, the FEMA application for disaster assistance has not opened up. But residents are urged to continually monitor www.disasteraid.gov.
In the meantime, the Texas Division of Emergency Management also asked residents to submit online damage reports of home destruction through their Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/)
Hook Jefferson assesses damages after a tree fell on his neighbor’s home after Hurricane Beryl hit the Texas coast, Monday, July 8, 2024, in Bay City, Texas. (AP Photo/ Eric Gay)
The damage left by Hurricane Beryl in Texas and requests for federal help has opened a rift between the White House and the state’s GOP leaders.
President Joe Biden said he tried tracking down Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ff who has been in Asia on a trade mission since last week ff to get the state to formally request a major disaster declaration that unlocks federal aid. Biden also said he tried reaching Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has served as acting governor since Beryl made landfall, before they eventually connected the next day.
RESOURCES
If you were affected by Beryl, here are some things to know:
ASSESS THE DAMAGE
• Before removing limbs or trees take photos and video of the damage done.
• Don’t throw anything away.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Cover broken windows and roof damage to keep rain out.
• Keep a list of the repairs and save receipts.
• Don’t make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster sees the damage.
• Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage.
COOLING CENTERS
The following cooling centers are open to help you take refuge from these high temperatures:
Abbott, in an interview from Japan with an Austin television station, said Biden has reached him multiple times on the same number following previous disasters in Texas but that the president this time never called that phone during Beryl.
“I know for an absolute 100% certainty, the only person to drop the ball is Joe Biden by making up some bizarre lie,ff Abbott told the station. “And why he would do that? I have no idea.ff
Patrick has said the state needed to ff rst determine its needs before making a formal ask. Texas has previously requested federal help before hurricanes have made landfall,
Both Texas leaders have sharply pushed back on Biden’s version of events in the middle of a hurricane recovery that has left some coastal residents facing the possibility of days or weeks without electricity.
including before Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017.
FEMA typically positions responders and aid before a hurricane makes landfall, said Beverly Cigler, a public policy professor at Penn State who specializes in intergovernmental relations and emergency management.
Once the disaster hits, an initial damage assessment is usually completed. If it reaches the threshold for an emergency declaration, the governor sends that assessment to the White House for review, she said.
“Everything is done well ahead of time,ff Cigler said. “But a president has to wait to have a disaster request from the state to really get aid going in a big way.ff
Houston
Photo/Eric Gay)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/ Getty Images)
Breaking the stigma of obesity, HIV Donnell Walker
By Laura Onyeneho
Many of us know the feeling of needing a fresh start. But for Donnell Walker, 59, that feeling came in 2006, and it wasn’t a gentle nudge. It was a full-on shove that came with a life-changing diagnosis of HIV. Walker was already battling a whole other set of challenges. He was overweight and struggling with multiple health issues (hypertension, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes) and bouts of depression. It’s easy to see how someone could feel overwhelmed by such a tidal
but a wake-up call. It forced him to confront his health head-on, and that’s exactly what he did. With the help of Houston’s Legacy Community Health and the guidance of his nutrition coach, Sean Barrett, he made extreme physical, emotional, and mental strides.
diagnosis? Howdidyou manageyour weightandoverallhealthatthattime?
However, for Walker, that diagnosis became a turning point. It wasn’t a punishment
Black gay men living with HIV face a double threat to their health if they are overweight or obese. Excess weight can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and potentially leading to more complications from HIV. Obesity can also affect how the body processes HIV medications, reducing their effectiveness. Furthermore, people with obesity are more prone to health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, which can be more severe and progress faster in individuals with HIV.
The Defender spoke with Walker about maintaining a healthy weight while managing the virus and breaking the stigma.
DEFENDER: Can you elaborate on whatyourlifewaslikebeforeyourHIV
Donnell Walker: I wasn’t very healthy, but I wasn’t aware of how unhealthy I was until after I was diagnosed. I mean, morbidly obese. I knew I was heavy, but I wasn’t concerned because I was young. Coming from my community from my background, most Black men never went to the doctor for regular checkups or labs. I worked daily and had a good job with health insurance, but I never went to the doctor or had a physical after high school. I grew up as a twin. Back then, being a multiple birth was a big deal in the community and family. Everyone seemed to adore us being twins, and we were spoiled. So, how does that connect to my health? Well, I got whatever I liked to eat the most. My thing was Twinkies. I loved Twinkies. My brother had another favorite snack. And to get us to do
things, our parents would often give us our favorite treat. With that kind of upbringing, I didn’t take eating seriously. I just ate whatever I wanted.
DEFENDER: Was there an emotional triggerthatimpactedyoureatinghabits at the time?
LEARN HOW LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH
SAVED HIS LIFE
Walker: I lost my mother at a young age. But I began to realize that whenever I was depressed, I would eat to sleep, to relax, and to change my train of thought. I didn’t learn that until I started my health journey – that I had a behavior issue and an eating disorder. My eating disorder stemmed from my depression. I didn’t realize how sick I was until I was diagnosed with HIV. It’s kind of weird to say that because being diagnosed with an infectious disease isn’t usually seen as a positive thing, but it was how I began to save my own life.
Feature DN
Black Republicans & Black Voters
By Keith Boykin Word in Black
“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.
If you want to know why Black people don’t vote for Republicans, just look at the Black Republicans.
America’s top Black Republican, Tim Scott, claims that “woke supremacy is as bad as white supremacy.” What on earth is woke supremacy? Scott is so desperate for white approval that he voted against the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, even while three of his white Republican colleagues voted for her.
Then there’s Byron Donalds, who claimed that “the Black family was together” under Jim Crow. Donalds is one of 26 House Republicans who refused to sign a letter denouncing white supremacy. And he was one of only two Black members of Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 election results, which would have disenfranchised Black voters in Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta, and other cities.
And just in time for Juneteenth, three Black Republicans in the House of Representatives (Donalds, Burgess Owens, and Wesley Hunt) voted to restore a racist, Confederate monument at Arlington National Cemetery.
Republicans love Black people — who love white people.
Tim Scott and Byron Donalds have an excuse, but it’s not a good one. They are so desperate to be Trump’s running mate that they refuse to upset his base or hold him accountable even after he was convicted of 34 felonies. What Black man with 34 felony convictions gets a pass from Republicans?
But one of the most notorious Black Republicans today is North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. Robinson tells Black people, “Nobody owes you anything for slavery,” and invokes the history of Black abolitionists and civil rights leaders to
excuse white people from accountability. “If anybody owes, it’s you,” he says.
Robinson became popular in the GOP precisely because he loves to attack Black people. He called the Black Panther movie “trash” made by a “satanic marxist,” said that Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, and Issa Rae wear “whore dresses,” and repeatedly misgendered former first lady Michelle Obama as a man.
Then there’s Winsome Sears, the gun-toting Virginia lieutenant governor, who is upset because she thinks critical race theory is being taught in schools. It’s not.
Next up is Daniel Cameron, the former Kentucky Attorney General who said the police killing of Breonna Taylor was “justified” and declined to charge the officers responsible for her death. I guess Black lives really don’t matter to Republicans.
Or how about Larry Elder? The 72-yearold Black Republican lived through Jim Crow segregation, Rosa Parks’s arrest, and Dr. King’s assassination, but he told Fox News that Donald Trump’s indictment was “probably the most egregious thing I’ve ever seen in the history of our republic.” Was he kidding?
Or Ben Carson, the Trump appointee who thinks systemic racism ended with the civil rights movement, says Colin Kaepernick would never have been criticized if he had just said he loved America, and claims that Obamacare is the “worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery.” Really, Dr. Carson? Providing health care to Black people is worse than segregation, lynchings, and mass incarceration?
And we can’t forget Herschel Walker, the former football player who lied about being his high school valedictorian, lied about graduating from college, had no experience in government, and didn’t even live in Georgia when Republicans recruited him to run for the Georgia Senate seat against Raphael Warnock. Walker’s own son, Christian, admitted that his father was picked mainly “because he was the same skin color as his opponent.”
After years of Republicans weaponizing Dr. King’s line about judging people “by the content of their character,” when it came time to
pick a candidate to run against Rev. Warnock, the pastor of Dr. King’s church, they picked an inexperienced Black guy based on the color of his skin.
Last but not least is Clarence Thomas, the Harlan Crow-funded Black conservative who replaced the legendary Thurgood Marshall on the U.S. Supreme Court through affirmative action, and then joined five of his white colleagues to kill affirmative action for everyone else. Thomas also cast the decisive vote to gut the Voting Rights Act that protects Black people at the polls.
What these Black Republicans have in common is that none of them were chosen by Black people. They may have been born in Black communities decades ago, but none of them represent Black districts or interests. That means they have no accountability to the majority of Black Americans.
And that’s important because Black and white people, like Democrats and Republicans, see the world differently. A new study from the Pew Research Center found that nearly 80 % of Biden supporters say that white people benefit from racial advantages
in society, while only 22% of Trump supporters say this.
In order for Black Republicans to stay relevant with the base, they have to pretend — or in some cases, they may even believe — that racism is not an issue in America. But the majority of Black people know better. If Black Republicans spent more time in Black communities, they’d know it too.
Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and film producer, and former CNN political commentator. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith served in the White House, cofounded the National Black Justice Coalition, cohosted the BET talk show My Two Cents, and taught at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York. He’s a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and editor of seven books. He lives in Los Angeles.
The post WhyBlackRepublicans Aren’tPersuadingBlackVoters appeared first on Word In Black.
Sports DN
Houston gets Ice Cube BIG3 team
By Gregory Stevens
Recently, the BIG3 announced that energy executives Eric Mullins and Milton Carroll have purchased the rights to the third location-based BIG3 franchise with plans to base the team in Houston.
Carroll and Mullins will take ownership for the 2025 season, when all BIG3 teams will represent home markets. This announcement follows the purchase of rights to the LA and Miami-based BIG3 franchises earlier this year.
“I am so pleased to be bringing another BIG3 franchise to a state that has been so loyal to the BIG3 for so many years,” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube. “Eric and Milton have been at the top of their game for their entire careers, and I am confident that the Houston BIG3 team will be no diferent.”
Ice Cube expounded about the day Mullins and Carroll brought the BIG3 to H-town being “a good day.”
“Their combined experience mirrors that of the BIG3, Eric knows what it’s like to be a player, Milton knows what it’s like to be an owner, and both of them know how to
engineer long-term successful resources. Together, I know we will create the perfect environment for our third franchise,” said Ice Cube, with not a jacker in sight.
“Milton and I are thrilled to team up and take ownership of this exciting sports property,” said Mullins. “Not only is the
ABOUT BIG3
On Jan. 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born.
The frst-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jef Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation.
The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, defense is emphasized, fast-paced action, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.
on-the-court product captivating, but the way that Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz conduct their league off the court is something to be admired. They really care about the communities they visit and I’m honored to bring that dedication to Houston and am confident that with our combined sports experience, Milton, Ice Cube, Jeff, and I will make the Houston BIG3 team a long-term success.”
Mullins is an alumnus of the 1984 Houston Oilers. He currently is the chairman and CEO of Lime Rock Resources, a private equity firm focused on oil and gas. He also served on the boards of ConocoPhillips and Valero Energy Corporation. Mullins spent 15 years as a managing director at Goldman Sachs primarily as a banker in the Energy and Power Group.
“Eric and I could not be more excited to bring BIG3 basketball to Texas permanently,” said Carroll. “The BIG3 has a rabid fanbase across our state and we could not be more excited to create a home for those fans in Houston next season. Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have changed the face of basketball in a remarkable seven seasons, and
we are honored to join them for many more seasons to come.”
Carroll was most recently the executive chairman of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and is currently the executive chairman of the Board of Health Care Service Corporation. His service in leadership roles in these companies extends over 20 years. A lifelong leader, Carroll has served on the boards of numerous other energy companies as well as chaired the boards of the Houston Endowment and Texas Southern University. Carroll also holds a minority stake in the Houston Astros.
“I could not be happier to see Eric and Milton take the reins of the Houston BIG3 franchise,” said BIG3 Commissioner, Clyde Drexler. “Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have always surrounded themselves with the best of the best, and I know personally that there could be no better stewards of a Houston team than Eric and Milton. They have a demonstrated ability to build fantastic investments, and on top of that, they are strong leaders who are committed to giving back to their communities, and I can’t wait to see them bring that energy to this franchise next season.”
Ice Cube and Clyde Drexler pose for a photo following the celebrity game prior to the BIG3 Championship at State Farm Arena on August 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for BIG3)
Sports
Chooses next leg of his basketball journey CHIDI CHIAKWELU
By Jimmie Aggison
Chidi
Chiakwelu, who brings with him a towering presence at 6-feet-7, has made his longawaited college decision, marking a significant milestone in his basketball journey. Next season, he will play at Presbyterian College.
“The head coach personally reached out and showed interest in me and set out a plan for me that connected to my goals,” said Chiakwelu. “Along with playing basketball, I plan to major in biology. Biology is one of the fields Presbyterian specializes in. It’s also a Christian school and that meant a lot to me.”
“Throughout my high school career, I didn’t shoot enough jumpers because I wasn’t confident in my shot. My jump shot wasn’t really apparent until my senior year when I began shooing more in the games. After noticing I needed work on it, I worked consistently with Coach Frank to improve that aspect of my game,” said Chiakwelu.
Chiakwelu’s basketball journey began later than most. He didn’t pick up a basketball until the 7th grade during physical education class while at Reading Junior High School. Before that, soccer was Chiakwelu’s passion.
Chiakwelu’s junior season, however, did not reflect the continuous improvement he had hoped for. As a result, Houston Hoops began to recruit new players, leading to Chiakwelu spending much of his time on the bench. Determined not to let this setback define him, Chiakwelu sought opportunities elsewhere, eventually finishing the summer with TJ Ford Academy on the Adidas circuit. Despite this period of uncertainty, he remained focused on his development.
Before making his decision, fans wondered why Chiakwelu was still uncommitted and why more schools weren’t recruiting him. Despite standing 6-foot-7, Chiakwelu believed his shooting ability was one factor that hindered his recruitment. However, his dedication to improvement and perseverance have brought him to this pivotal moment.
His classmates and teachers noticed his height and encouraged him to try basketball. Heeding their advice, Chiakwelu tried out for the basketball team but failed to make the cut in his first attempt.
In his senior year, Chiakwelu had his best season yet, averaging 14.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and five blocks per game. This stellar performance reignited interest from Division I programs, but Chiakwelu was meticulous in his college search. He wanted a program that valued his development both on and off the court while offering a strong academic foundation.
“I was devastated and stopped playing for a while after that,” said Chiakwelu.
ABOUT CHIDI CHIAKWELU
Class: 2024
After not making the 7th grade team, Chiakwelu tried out again in his 8th grade year and successfully made the team. It was during this time that Coach Burton introduced him to Hakeem Olajuwon’s AAU team, Dream Elite. This opportunity marked the beginning of Chiakwelu’s serious commitment to basketball.
“Of course, there was pressure in not picking a school early. I was asked every day, ‘Where are you going to school?’ Or ‘Why haven’t you committed already?’ It’s good to have your school finalized as early as possible, but everyone has to run their own race,” said Chiakwelu. “I want to major in Biology and start a healthcare profession once basketball is over, as I’ve always liked science and my mom is a nurse.”
@c_chiakwelu
Twitter: @c_chiakwelu
Position: Forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-7, 200 pounds
Players he studies: Solomon Washington (Texas A&M), Ogugua "OG" Anunoby Jr. (New York Knicks)
While looking back and hoping to inspire the next group of upcoming athletes Chiakwelu recalls the advice the assistant coach at George Ranch High School gave him.
Favorite artist: Lil Baby
Status: Committed to Presbyterian College
As a freshman, Chiakwelu played on the freshman A team and continued to develop his skills with Dream Elite. His hard work paid off when he entered his sophomore year as the best player on the varsity team, ranking in the top three nationally for blocked shots. That year, he also competed on the EYBL circuit with Houston Hoops, further honing his abilities.
Favorite subject: Biology
“Nobody cares, keep working,” said Chiakwelu.
Shout-outs: Coach Frank, Coach Black, Coach
Richardson, and Coach Tim and TJ Ford
“I had a good sophomore summer with the Houston Hoops. Most of the games I played were 16U but I also played some 17U as well,” said Chiakwelu.
Chidu’s journey from a soccer-loving athlete to a promising basketball player is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. As he embarks on this new chapter, Chiakwelu’s story will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their dreams with the same unwavering determination.
Xfnity Internet + StreamSaver™
Internet: Restrictions apply. Ends 9/21/24. Not available in all areas. New Xfnity Internet residential customers only. Ofer requires enrollment in both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently canceled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Limited to Connect 150 Mbps internet only for 12 months. All other installation, equipment, taxes & fees extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After 12 months, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular charges apply to internet service and devices (Currently $54/mo). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other ofers. Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors afecting speed visit www.xfnity.com/networkmanagement. Call for restrictions and complete details, or visit xfnity.com. All devices must be returned when service ends. Xfnity StreamSaver: Requires Xfnity post-paid Internet or Xfnity TV. Includes Netfix Standard with ads, Apple TV+, and Peacock Premium (with ads). Price includes all applicable discounts. Taxes and fees extra. Pricing and programming subject to change. To access Netfix, Apple TV+, and Peacock, activation of an account for each service required. Subject to terms of use of each streaming service.