3 minute read
Defender wins nine awards
By Aswad Walker
The Defender Network has once again done the Bayou City proud.
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During the recent National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) 2023 Convention in Nashville, the Defender took home an impressive nine awards for exceptional writing, creative layout and design, original and impactful advertising and more.
The NNPA is a trade association of the more than 200 African-American-owned community newspapers from around the U.S. Since its founding 75 years ago, the NNPA has consistently been the voice of the Black community, and has been true to the Black Press’s original mission as stated in 1827 by this nation’s first Black newspaper, the Freedom’s Journal: “We mean to plead our own cause… No longer shall others speak for us.”
Annually, the NNPA awards those publishers who have gone above and beyond this honorable call of duty. During this year’s convention, the Defender Network received the following awards:
1ST PLACE: Layout & Design (Tabloid)
1ST PLACE: Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle
2ND PLACE: Youth & Children
2ND PLACE: Sports
2ND PLACE: Newspaper Excellence
2ND PLACE:
3RD PLACE: Health
3RD PLACE: Education
3RD PLACE: Community Engagement
“I am both proud and humbled by overflow of recognitions received by the Defender family,” said Defender Network Publisher and CEO Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles. “And I say family with great intention, as our team is truly a family; one I would put up against any in the country.”
Award-winning author, movie producer and NAACP Image Award winner ReShonda Tate, serves as the Defender Network’s managing editor, assisting Jiles with orchestrating the ongoing production of the outlet’s recognition-worthy print and online articles.
“We consistently but out a quality product because we have quality people; writers, editors, social media mavens who take their jobs seriously, and put their heart and soul into providing our print and website readers in Houston and across the country with news they can use,” said Tate.
And according to Jiles, her team is far from satisfied.
“We’ve done an excellent job spotlighting local people on the move and organizations, businesses and happenings that deserve attention. We’ve also been at the forefront nationally in producing a game-changing website and social media presence, helping to bring the Black Press into the 21st century,” said a proud and determined Jiles. “But believe me, we’ve only scratched the surface of our potential.”
The Defender is spotlighting the Best of Black Houston - these are activities, businesses, events, ALL owned by Black folks. We know these lists are not all-inclusive so tell us your favs on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
SOCIAL
Top Cigar lounges
Top Happy Hour Spots
Top Sports Bars
Top Hookah Lounges
Top Clubs
FAMILY FUN
Top Black Museums and Exhibits
Top Houston Landmarks
Top Black Festivals
Top Black-owned Food Trucks
GOOD EATING
Top 'Best Vibes' Restaurants
Top Black-owned BBQ Restaurants
Top Soul Food Restaruants
Top Burger Spots
Top African Restaurants
ENTERTAINMENT
Top Comedy Shows
Top Concerts
Top Summer Plays
Top Summer Black Movies
Top Black Houston Muscians
SELF-CARE
Top Black Boutiques
Top Gyms
Top Masseuses
Top Barbers
Top Beauticians
FAITH
Top Baptist Churches
Top Catholic Churches
Top Methodist Churches
Top Non-Denominational Churches
Top Muslim Temples & Mosques
Legal Notice
Pursuant to the FY2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Continuum of Care (CoC), the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/ Harris County, as the Lead Agency to The Way Home CoC, invites applications for new permanent housing projects. These projects can be either Rapid Re-housing (RRH) or Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Please note that funding for new permanent housing projects in the 2023 CoC competition is currently unknown. However, any reallocated funds will be made available for new permanent housing (RRH or PSH).
It is mandatory for all interested applicants to attend a virtual grant conference, scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, from 2:00-3:30pm. Registration information and applications can be accessed at www.homelesshouston.org. Please be advised that applications for the local competition must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on August 25, 2023. The full Collaborative Application is due locally to HUD by September 25, 2023 and will be publicly posted for view. All interested parties must ensure compliance with prior deadline submissions. New PSH projects are required to serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Moreover, all permanent housing projects must adhere to the Housing First model, accept all admissions through the CoC’s Coordinated Access system, follow the CoC’s established priorities for admitting homeless individuals and families, and maximize the use of mainstream resources for supportive services. For any questions or additional information, please contact nofo@homelesshouston.org. Further details regarding the local competition can also be found at homelesshouston.org
