Houston Defender: July 16, 2020

HOUSTON HOMICIDES

UP 50% COVID-19 causes crime rate to soar as illegal drug supply dwindles in Bayou City

SPORTS

RALPH COOPER

Iconic local sports journalist is one of 20 Texans who will be inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in November.

Volume 89, issue 38 July 16, 2020

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NEWS

EARL CAMPBELL The University of Texas at Austin renames the football ďŹ eld after the legendary football player.

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE Olivia Turner Age: 28 Occupation: Sr. Cyber Engineering Analyst, Deloitte Education: Texas Southern University Major: B.S. Mathematics Motto: “Start somewhere and enjoy it all.”

A Houston man leaves a convenience store while wearing a required face mask. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Message from the People Editor I LOVE… Challenges, and fitness is a daily competition to better my performance.

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

relaunch before it starts, or at least the Rockets’ COVID-19 is tearing most of America a chances at a title (see Russell Westbrook and new one. While former hotspot New York COVID-19), we are still fighting for a better celebrates its first day of no new COVID-reday. lated deaths since March, cases are spiking like Black folk locally are raising their voices crazy in Texas, Florida, Georgia and other red and ballots, warning the Texas Democratic states. Hospitals are at capacity or near-capacParty this is not the year to take Black voters ity, deaths are rising, and demands for tests for granted. The National Black United Front Aswad Walker are outpaced by the exponential rise in cases. recently held its virtual national convention, Even President Trump’s ex-Chief-of-Staff organizing for Black Power. The University of Mick Mulvaney, who once called COVID-19 a hoax, is Texas is making some long-overdue changes as a result of now complaining because his son had to wait a week for Black student-athlete activism. And even closer to home, results, and his daughter was told she didn’t meet the cri- renowned journalist and Defender alum Roland Martin teria for testing. has been added to iHeart Radio’s recently launched Black Still, Trump and crew are pushing to open schools in the Information Network. fall, threatening to withhold education funding for states And still we rise. that don’t comply. Never mind the child who rides the bus with 40 other kids, goes to seven classes with 25-35 students IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER in each and passes by hundreds in the hallways.

• Check out the July 2020 runoff election recap We’ve already seen cases of parents dropping off their • Let the people be heard! Check out what H-town thinks known COVID-positive children at daycare because they had about today’s big issues. to get to work or risk losing their jobs. Multiply that by tens of • In sports, Terrance Harris shows how the exodus of thousands when fall school bells ring, and you can understand athletes from PWIs to HBCUs impacts TSU. why Texas teachers are creating wills at a record pace.

• The Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund is But what is beyond comprehension is why Florida giving up to $25,000 in grants to businesses negatively amusement parks are reopening, folk are still protesting impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. mask-wearing and some are holding COVID parties with cash prizes for the first one to get sick. But Education Sec- ON THE WEB retary Betsy DeVos, Trump and his cronies aren’t worried • Bump Trump. Ft. Bend starting school year 100% because their children have never even been in the same online, and in line with common sense. universe much less same zip codes as ours.

• Thousands of service industry workers declared essential but not paid that way, are striking for Black lives.

AND STILL WE RISE • Black Twitter drags Vogue over Simone Biles’ “out-ofEven as COVID-19 attempts to derail the NBA season’s focus” pics.

COVID-19 GONE WILD

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DN News Royce West

MJ Hegar

Hegar wins U.S. Senate primary over West Defender News Service

MJ Hegar won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in a primary runoff that was postponed over fears of the coronavirus, only to be held as the outbreak is worse than ever.

But it was far from a resounding victory over Dallas State Sen. Royce West, who would have been Texas’ first Black senator if elected in November.

Hegar’s victory is a win for national Democratic groups that backed her campaign — as did former presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren — believing the former Air Force helicopter pilot has a centrist appeal that gives the party the best shot at an upset in America’s biggest red state.

Hegar will be an underdog against Republican Sen. John Cornyn, and Democrats nationally do not view the race as competitive as their chances of flipping Senate seats in Arizona, Colorado and Maine.

Hegar said, however, that it’s a race she can win. “The grassroots energy that has jelled behind this campaign, and my ability to connect with people because I am a regular working Texas mom has really pushed us to this point.

In another closely watched race, incumbent Democratic State Rep. for District 142, Harold Dutton, narrowly defeated City Councilmember Jerry Davis.

HOUSTON HOMICIDES INCREASE 50%

Defender News Service

The city of Houston is reporting a rise in homicide cases since the coronavirus pandemic and shutdown.

According to newly released data, about a dozen more homicides have been reported in April and again in May compared to 2019.

It raises the question of whether the stress of living in lockdown with the pandemic is contributing to the violence.

While investigators are still trying to determine a cause for the spike in killings, one being considered is a reduced illegal drug supply due to the coronavirus pandemic, said Houston police spokeswoman Jodi Silva.

There have been 121 homicides in Houston so far this year, a 49% increase on the 81 during the same period in 2019, Silva said.

“The same buses, trains, planes that transport people, transport drugs. There’s less movement, so there’s less movement of the supply of drugs,” Assistant Chief Troy Finner said. “You see drug dealers fighting over territory and the drugs, the supply.”

Law enforcement officials say the lockdowns related to stopping the spread of the virus have disrupted the drug trade worldwide.

The reduced drug supply has apparently

prompted some drug transactions to turn deadly as those involved try to rob one another, Finner said.

These “drug disputes are really pushing the homicides in our city,” Finner said.

Other crimes have also increased in Houston during the pandemic, including aggravated assault, domestic violence and burglaries, even as some crimes have dropped off in other parts of the world under lockdown.

Experts question if the pressure of the COVID-19 lockdown, the loss of jobs, loss of security and the loss of hope, may be

playing a part in the uptick.

Criminologist Kevin Buckler, with the University of Houston Downtown, said it’s reasonable to assume tough times have an effect.

“Economic strain can put stresses on people and there’s got to be economic strain going on with this,” Buckler said. “We’re seeing a decline in the industry, we’re seeing a decline in people’s work schedules, people being laid off. So that’s got to create some economic stress. It completely makes sense that you would have an increase in terms of domestic-related assaults and homicides.”

President Trump says police kill ‘more white people’ Defender News Service

President Donald Trump has a response to Black Americans who are being killed at the hands of the police, and it is that white people are, too.

The president made his comments during a reccent interview with CBSNews.

He was asked about the death of George Floyd, which he said was “terrible.”

However, it was his answer to why African Americans are “still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country,” that has drawn controversy. When asked why, Trump pivoted to “whataboutism.”

“And so are white people, so are white

Deaths by police

Percentage of population 31 Blacks per million 13 Whites per million

people. What a terrible question to ask. So are white people. More white people, by the way. More white people,” Trump responded.

According to a Washington Post analysis, half of people killed by police are white, but Black Americans are shot at a disproportionate rate. They account for less than 13 percent of the U.S. population

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 38 - JULY 16, 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.

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(whites account for 76 percent) but Blacks are killed by police at over twice the rate of white Americans.

It is the staggering figures and Floyd’s death while in Minneapolis police custody in May that revitalized that Black Lives Matter movement. Since Floyd’s death, there have been nationwide protests. Many Confederate statues have come down as it is felt that those who fought to preserve slavery should not be honored.

Trump took a different view over the Confederate statue and flag, saying it was a matter of free speech that he wanted to defend.

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

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Earl Campbell

Ricky Williams

Nicknamed the Tyler Rose, Earl Campbell was an NFL running back for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. “The symbolism of this honor transcends the recognition of the Heisman Trophies we received,” Campbell said. “It extends to all students, but specifically Black athletes, who continue to work to define our collective motto ‘Winning with Integrity.’ Ricky and I are humbled by this honor.”

Errick “Ricky” Williams Jr., also a running back, played with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens, and one season in the Canadian Football League. “We recognize the naming of Campbell/Williams Field is a historic moment and we urge our nation’s universities to continue to reflect and review the history, symbolism and identities that we place on monuments, public institutions, and sports organizations.”

Reflection of Race & UT 1883 The University of Texas opens 1911 George Washington Littlefield, former Confederate officer, appointed as regent and was UT's largest single financial supporter for years 1920 Littlefield's death 1932 Littlefield Fountain unveiled 1946 Heman Marion Sweatt denied entry to UT Law School

UT makes changes, honors Black students Defender News Service

The University of Texas has announced a series of steps intended to address the social injustices raised by Black students.

Last month, student athletes at the school said they would forgo recruiting and donor events if campus and athletic leaders failed to implement their demands, which were aimed at supporting students of color. Demands included removing Hogg’s statue, doing away with “The Eyes of Texas” and renaming campus buildings named after Texans who were proponents of segregation or held other racist views.

The university detailed a plan to increase Black student recruitment and enrollment, while addressing concerns posed by students about some of the university’s names and symbols in a letter shared recently from interim President Jay Hartzell co-signed by several administrators. Black students comprise about 5.1% of UT-Austin's student body.

In lieu of renaming, UT-Austin will attempt to educate visitors and students on the “history and context of many of the names that remain,” which include the Littlefield Fountain, the statue of Gov. Jim Hogg, the Belo Center and the pedestals on which a series of statues stood until 2017.

UT announced the allocation of a “multimillion-dollar investment,” erection of several statues honoring Black figures in the university’s history, and renaming of two campus structures.

Hartzell said the university will keep its fight song in its current form and work to “reclaim and redefine” the song,

which has ties to minstrel shows and was created during segregation.

Additionally, the athletes asked the university to donate 0.5% of the athletic department's annual earnings to the Black Lives Matter movement and Black organizations, establish a permanent Black athletic history exhibit in the Athletics Hall of Fame and rename parts of the football stadium after Julius Whittier, the first Black football letterman at UT-Austin. The university pledged to erect a statue of Whittier in the football stadium instead of renaming parts of the stadium.

OTHER ACTIONS Renaming of Robert L. Moore Building

The building, named for a former math professor who was a segregationist and refused to teach Black students, was renamed as the Physics, Math and Astronomy Building.

Honoring Heman M. Sweatt, UT’s first Black student

Sweatt, a Black man, won the 1950 case that allowed him and other Black students to attend the university. Sweatt will be honored in a variety of ways.

Renaming Joe Jamail Field

At the request of his family, the Joe Jamail Field at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium will be renamed in honor of Black former Longhorns Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams, both Heisman Trophy winners. Jamail was a wealthy UT alum and generous donor.

1950 Sweatt v. Painter: Supreme Court rules UT must admit qualified African- American students 1954 Brown v. Board of Education: Supreme Court rules that public schools must be desegregated 1999 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue unveiled on campus 2003 MLK Jr. statue defaced (and again in 2004) 2004 Then-UT President Larry Faulkner's Task Force on Racial Respect and Fairness releases its report 2006 UT President Bill Powers convenes a panel to produce recommendations for Confederate statues 2007 Cesar Chavez statue unveiled 2009 Barbara Jordan statue unveiled 2010 Simkins Hall, named after Confederate soldier and Florida Klan founder William Stewart Simkins, renamed Creekside Residence Hall 2015 Student government passes resolution to remove Jefferson Davis statue

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06/20

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DN News

Coronavirus Things to Know ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Mayor, others renew calls for shutdown The troubling trend of increasing coronavirus cases has Houston leaders -- who are at the mercy of Gov. Greg Abbott and cannot issue a stay-home order like the one issued at the beginning of the pandemic — calling for another shutdown.

“I do believe that we need a twoweek shutdown, at the minimum of two weeks, and I have proposed this to the Governor so we can help blunt #COVID19 progression,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a recent Twitter post.

“If we cannot have a shutdown, then at least step back to state’s Phase I. This will allow us to reset and reassess.”

Cases of the coronavirus have surged in Texas since Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, one month after Abbott allowed a phased reopening of businesses. Abbott hasn’t ruled out a shutdown but says it’s a last resort.

COVID-19 crushing Houston healthcare system The continued rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations is creating a harsh new reality for Houston’s healthcare system. Some hospitals are stocking up on refrigerated trailers for temporary storage as their morgues fill up while other hospitals are forced to leave crowds of people waiting for upwards of 24 hours in emergency rooms due to lack of space from COVID-19 patients.

A specialty unit of 85 doctors, nurses and other personnel from the U.S. Army are working to open a new COVID-19 care unit at United Memorial Medical Center in Acres Homes, a community that has been significantly impacted by the virus. Doctors also warn of shortages of an antiviral drug that shows promise for treating COVID-19 patients. And epidemiologists say the state’s hospitals may be in for a longer, harder ride than places like New York, where hospitals were stretched to capacity in the spring and some parked refrigerated trailers outside to store bodies of people who died from COVID-19.

Pos i t i ve ca ses soa r i n g i n young people One in three young adults is at risk for severe COVID-19, and smoking plays a big part in that risk, according to new research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Researchers at the University of California, San

The emergency center at Memorial Hermann Hospital. May-Ying Lam for the Texas Tribune

Francisco, looked at more than 8,000 participants ages 18 to 25 who had participated in the National Health Interview Survey to see what their medical vulnerability to severe COVID-19 was in relation to risk indicators that had been set out by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including health conditions and smoking habits.

The researchers found that 32% of the total study population was medically vulnerable for severe COVID-19.

However, when the group of participants who smoked cigarettes or e-cigarettes were taken out of the analysis, the medically vulnerable percentage decreased by half, to 16%.

HISD, FBISD will begin academic year online All schools in Houston ISD and Fort Bend ISD will start the 2020-2021 academic year with virtual learning, the district announced. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases have increased drastically in Southeast Texas, hitting daily records. The district said the move to distance learning will “give students, parents and staff an opportunity to adjust to online learning and safety procedures.”

The first day of school is Aug. 12, and no in-person extracurricular activities will occur during the period of virtual learning. Other districts are expected to make their fall announcements soon.

Goose Creek ISD delayed its start until after Labor Day. Alief ISD and other area districts have not yet released their plans.

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Inaction is not an option.

Complete the 2020 Census to shape the next ten years for your community.

The power to change your community is in your hands. We can help inform funding every year for the next ten years for public services like healthcare, childcare programs, public transportation, schools, and job assistance. And our responses determine how many seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. But time is running out, so complete the census today online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census today at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

2019_Census_Community_DM_Size I.indd 1

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB PollyTicks

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION

By Von Jiles

COUNTY HARRIS COUNTY TO GET ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR It is official! Harris County will put in place an election administrator effective November 18, 2020 after county commissioners voted to create the position which will handle voter registration and the election process.

Previously, the two responsibilities were divided among the Tax Assessor Ann Bennett (voter registration) and the County Clerk Chris Hollins (election process). Between now and November the County will study the budget, facilities, equipment and personnel needs, select an administrator-designee and observe the November 2020 election process prior to opening the Office of Election for operation. Commissioners Court still has to vote on approval of the report and plan before proceeding. We will keep our eye on this one....

NOTE: If you ever wondered why the tax assessor-collector handles voter registration, it dates back to when people had to pay voting poll taxes (a payment which was a precondition to voting in an election) and was used to disenfranchise impoverished and minority voters.

HARRIS COUNTY EXPOSED The Harris County Disparity Study blew the lid off the county’s claims that they were doing better than the City of Houston as it related to MWBE contracts. With only .5% of county contracts going to African-Americans, the county should have its butt kicked. The other contract numbers don’t look much better: 4.6 percent Hispanic-owned businesses, 3.4% white women-owned and .6% Asian American-owned businesses. Thank you, Rodney Ellis, for pushing this issue until it was completed. Now let’s see how long it takes to

get a REAL MWBE PROGRAM in place and contract dollars flowing to minority-owned companies. And don’t forget, the Port of Houston and METRO disparity studies are still pending. Wonder what their numbers will report.

Thank You, Commissioner Rodney Ellis for your leadership.

CITY HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL LEARNING CURVE

SIX

MONTHS That is how long the new Houston City Council has been in office and there are some interesting dynamics. With seven new councilmembers out of 16, COVID-19 has had an impact on the chemistry of the council. In a normal year, the close working environment at City Hall provides a learning curve that benefits the whole. And it is normal for a few members to go “OFF” such as At-Large Councilmember Leticia Plummer calling herself a “Lone Wolf ” and Councilmembers Jerry Davis and Tiffany Thomas ranting on Twitter about Police Chief Art Acevedo and his request for police helmets.

DISTRICT B UPDATE On Feb. 4, a judgment was issued that there would be a runoff between Tarsha Jackson and Cynthia Bailey in District B scheduled in May 2020 (which would have been moved to July 14 due to COVID-19).

The case was appealed by Renee Jefferson on Feb. 10. The briefing of the appeal was completed on April 28. Houston has been waiting on the Court of Appeals to make a ruling since then…AND WE ARE STILL WAITING. This is ridiculous. Considering it will take at least two months to set up a runoff election, projections are the runoff may take place in November during the presidential elections and a year after the original election date.

HPD Chief Art Acevedo City Controller Chris Brown Texas State Sen. John Whitmire And more to come from City Council…

LESS MONEY IN=LESS MONEY OUT The City has passed a new budget and thank GOD for the CARES ACT which

SHARE: Tell the Black community what is the plan. Be transparent and be accountable. If the focus is on digital, how can we help? How will the party deal with voter suppression? We know it is coming.

On behalf of the people of District B, please get involved, take action and request the Court of Appeals to rule on this case.

LET US KNOW...

What does the Texas Democratic Party need to do to get Black folks out to vote in November? Go to: www.facebook.com/ defendernetwork.com

1,005,146

2,637,772

1,248,743

865,939

TARRANT Fort Worth, Pop.

ADDRESS: Fix the messaging to focus on the issues that impact the lives of everyday Black people. Don’t just focus on President Donald Trump.

As one reader put it, we don’t need to trade one old white man for another old white man. What are they offering us as Black people?

What are the issues Democrats will champion?

DEAR MAYOR TURNER & CITY ATTORNEY RON LEWIS:

COLLIN McKinney, Pop.

2,084,931

INVEST: Do business with Black businesses -- printers, apparel manufacturers, IT and computer technicians, Black media and more.

Mayor Sylvester Turner

BEXAR San Antonio, Pop.

*TRAVIS Austin, Pop

THINGS TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY SHOULD DO IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

HIRE: Employ Black folks, who are Texans and know their community.

HARRIS Houston Pop.

DALLAS Dallas, Pop.

where the disconnect is occurring. The party seems to be focused on the Hispanic, LGBT and white communities while taking the Black community for granted. THIS HAS TO STOP. Time for the party to “walk the talk.” It’s time to do things in a different way and not be bamboozled into believing any polls. Although the Houston Defender is an independent entity, here are five keys to success we would like to share.

ENGAGE: Black grass roots organizations -- faith leaders, elected officials, HBCUs, etc.

LARGEST COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS 1,986,049

The Texas Democratic Party is NOT hitting the mark when it comes to engaging the Black community in Texas and there is too much at risk. Granted, the top leadership in the Texas Democratic Party represents our communities, but the staff on the ground reflects too many young white liberals from out of town doing the heavy lifting that don’t know or understand Texas politics. That is

5

WHO MIGHT RUN FOR MAYOR? You probably are saying that Mayor Sylvester Turner just started his last four-year term in January but let’s just look at who folks are talking about so you can keep a lookout:

7

4,698,619

saved a lot of jobs. But with less money coming in due to COVID-19, there is less money to sustain city employees and city services. Let’s pray.

STATE

DID YOU KNOW...

HIDALGO Edinburg, Pop.

*Now only Travis County does not have an election administrator among largest texas counties.

Rodney Ellis

Texas State Sen. Borris Miles has the largest number of voting constituents in Democratic Senate District (13) in the state of Texas and the third-largest in the nation in previous years.

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DN Business

COUNTY GIVING GRANTS TO SMALL BUSINESSES Defender News Service

Harris County is giving up to $25,000 in grants to small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is possible due to the county’s Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund which is a $30 million grant program designed to help small business owners stay afloat as Texas continues to fight the coronavirus crisis.

The program is funded through the federal CARES Act, which means this money does not have to be repaid, however, funds are limited and only a few businesses will be randomly selected to receive grants through

the program. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.

• Businesses must show proof that it is still in business in order to receive the final 25% grant installment

REQUIREMENTS

• For profit and non-profit businesses with 30 or fewer employees • Businesses must be located in Harris County, the city of Houston and in Precinct One. • Businesses must have been in operation for the entire 2019 calendar year.

• Gambling businesses, residential builders, speculative real estate investors and sexually-oriented businesses are not eligible

WHAT’S NEEDED TO APPLY

• Funds can be used for wide range of operation costs.

• Funds will be dispersed in two installments: 75% upon arrival and 25% in November 2020

• Business tax return for 2018 or 2019 • Income and expenses for 3 months • Articles of incorporation, business license or DBA certificate • W-2 statement, pay stubs, or personal tax return The application process is open until July 24 at 3:30 p.m. Submit an application at https://www.harriscounty-sbrfund.org. Also call 713-845-2476 for more information.

Beyoncé, NAACP support Black businesses

Frost opens new Houston locations

Superstar Beyoncé has continually used her platform and resources to uplift and empower marginalized communities. Her latest philanthropic initiative is focused on providing support for Black-owned businesses that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through her BeyGOOD Foundation, the Houston native teamed up with the NAACP for the creation of a grant campaign dubbed the Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund. Grants of $10,000 will be awarded to Black-owned businesses in Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and New York that are on the verge of shuttering due to the public health crisis.

“Over the last couple of months, the pandemic and outpours for justice throughout the Black community and across the country has been felt in every imaginable area of our lives, including in how our local businesses continue to operate,” read a statement released by the NAACP. “The challenges of Black business owners navigating in the climate cannot be understated, as the effects of uprisings across the nation have led to many businesses being placed in dire straits due to damages and other small business needs.

“The NAACP is delighted to administer

Defender News Services

a meaningful program in partnership with BeyGOOD’s Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund to assist our small business communities that have been directly impacted by the recent events across the country.”

Initiatives like the one being led by Beyoncé, the BeyGOOD Foundation and the NAACP are needed.

According to a report released by the University of California at Santa Cruz, 440,000

Black-owned businesses closed their doors for good due to the pandemic. Further research revealed that a mere 12% of Black and Latino business owners who applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans received the amount they asked for.

Ap p l i c a t i o n s u b m i s s i o n s are being accepted through July 18.

For details visit https://naacp.org/ black-owned-business-impact-fund/

The challenges of Black business owners navigating in the climate cannot be understated.”

– NAACP

Frost Bank has opened the Clay Crossing Financial Center, the 16th in the Houston region since announcing a 25-location regional expansion plan in 2018. The Clay Crossing Financial Center closely follows the recently opened Third Ward and Montrose financial centers, which opened earlier this month, and precedes the Stratford Financial Center, which is on track to open later in July as the pace of new financial center openings accelerates.

A 152-year old bank with deep Texas roots, Frost currently operates nearly 150 financial centers across Texas, including 48 in the Houston region. Frost plans to open nine more financial centers in the Houston region over the coming months.

Like the other locations in Frost’s Houston-area expansion, the new Clay Crossing Financial Center offers the latest in Frost’s innovative design that features a welcoming and interactive customer experience. “The new Clay Crossing Financial Center will help extend the award-winning Frost customer experience to new and existing customers in the Northwest Houston area,” said David LePori, Houston Region President for Frost.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health Health DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD A DEFENDER AND CLINIC ALLIANCE KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Heatstroke can steal Heatstroke can steal summertime health summertime health Avoid this heat-related health hazard

Avoid this heat-related health hazard unconsciousness and, without proper extra heatstroke precautions, including:

BY OLETHIA CHISOLM, M.D.

Sometimes called sunstroke, heatstroke is an insidious health hazard, especially Sometimes called sunstroke, heatstroke in hot, humid environments like Houston is an insidious health hazard, especially and Southeast Texas. Heatstroke occurs in hot, humid environments like Houston when you’re too hot and your body’s and Southeast Texas. Heatstroke occurs cooling mechanisms can’t return you to when you’re too hot and your body’s a normal temperature. Without prompt cooling mechanisms can’t return you to medical attention, heatstroke can cause a normal temperature. Without prompt serious health consequences and can even medical attention, heatstroke can cause prove fatal. serious health consequences and can even Some mistakenly believe heatstroke prove fatal. only happens while engaging in vigorous Some mistakenly believe heatstroke outdoor activities. Not true! Heatstroke can only happens while engaging in vigorous overtake you during routine yard work or outdoor activities. Not true! Heatstroke can playing golf on a hot day. overtake you during routine yard work or WATCH FOR playing golf on WARNING a hot day. SIGNS Though symptoms may vary, they WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS usually include headache, muscle cramps, Though symptoms may vary, they breathlessness, mental confusion, slurred usually include headache, muscle cramps, speech, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, mental confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,

BY OLETHIA CHISOLM, M.D.

treatment, death. unconsciousness and, without proper treatment, BE EXTRAdeath.

CAUTIOUS DURING AFTERNOONS BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS DURING It’s usually hottest between 2 p.m.

AFTERNOONS and 5 p.m. This is when infants and the It’s usually hottest between 2 p.m. elderly are particularly susceptible to and 5 p.m. This is when infants and the heat-related illnesses. Make sure they’re elderly are particularly susceptible to properly shaded, hydrated, and have heat-related illnesses. Make sure they’re access to air conditioning or electric fans. properly shaded, hydrated, and have People taking medications for chronic FROM THE DOC access to air conditioning or electric fans. heath conditions, such as asthma, “Heatstroke is a condition People taking medications for chronic FROM THE DOC diabetes, and hypertension, should be where your body becomes heath conditions, such as asthma, “Heatstroke is a condition extra cautious. overheated and can’t return diabetes, and hypertension, should be where your body becomes extra cautious. to a normal temperature.” overheated and can’t return STAY “HEAT SMART” WHILE WORKING OUTDOORS Dr. Chisolm is a boardto a normal temperature.”

STAY “HEAT SMART” WHILE certified Internal Medicine Parks and recreation workers, WORKING OUTDOORS Dr. Chisolm is a boardconstruction workers, roofers, physician at Kelseycertified Internal Medicine Parks and recreation workers, landscapers, and any occupation Seybold Clinic – construction workers, roofers, physician at Kelseyrequiring working outdoors should take Meyerland Plaza. landscapers, and any occupation Seybold Clinic – requiring working outdoors should take Meyerland Plaza.

• Staying hydrated! Drink fluids every extra heatstroke precautions, including: 15 to 20 minutes. Cool water is • Staying hydrated! Drink fluids every best, but some sports drinks with 15 to 20 minutes. Cool water is electrolytes can also help. Avoid best, but some sports drinks with caffeine: It can dehydrate you. electrolytes can also help. Avoid • Taking frequent breaks in the shade caffeine: It can dehydrate you. to cool off.

• Taking frequent breaks in the shade • Wearing appropriate clothing. Try to to cool off. wear loose-fitting clothing made of • Wearing appropriate clothing. Try to fabric that breathes. Wear a billedwear loose-fitting clothing made of cap or wide-brimmed hat. If work fabric that breathes. Wear a billedrequires wearing a hard-hat for safety, cap or wide-brimmed hat. If work keep a cool cloth on the back of your requires wearing a hard-hat for safety, neck and dampen it frequently. keep a cool cloth on the back of your Heatstroke is a true medical neck and dampen it frequently. emergency.

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We‘re screening patients upon arrival forPrevention COVID-19 guidelines. checking Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face for protection visiting our clinics. symptoms, temperatures, and following Centers Diseasewhile Control and Prevention

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Houston, TexasCenter 77025 24/7 Contact 713-442-0000 24/7 Contact Center 713-442-0000 MyKelseyOnline (MKO) mykelseyonline.com MyKelseyOnline (MKO) mykelseyonline.com MKO Help Line 713-442-6565 MKO Help Line (7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

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Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Also accepting two Medicare Advantage plans, KelseyCare Advantage and WellCare TexanPlus.

12 | July 16, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Obits

Former football player Earl Thomas dies Defender News Service

Earl Thomas, a former pro football player, entrepreneur and community volunteer, died July 4 at age 71. A mobile, drivethrough memorial tribute will be held Saturday, July 18, at 5 p.m. at the University of Houston Alumni Center.

Thomas played on three nationally-ranked UH teams. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1971 and spent six seasons as a receiver in the NFL. He also played with the St. Louis Cardinals (197475) and Houston Oilers (1976). His brothers Jimmy and Malcolm “Mike” Thomas also played in the NFL. After leaving football Thomas became owner and CEO of Gold Line Refining Company in Lake Charles, La., recognized

by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the top Black businesses in the nation. He later went into partnership to form WTM Investments, an affordable housing development and management company.

Thomas was part of the “kitchen cabinet” of the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity and spearheaded construction of the 50-unit WALIPP Senior Housing project. He also organized its annual fundraising golf tournaments.

He enjoyed working with young athletes and trained thousands of boys and girls as president of Track Houston track club.

He was named the first National Coach of

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The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) / TIRZ No. 3 will receive sealed bids for the Southern Downtown Park project, located in Downtown Houston, 1515 Fannin Street bounded by Bell, Fannin, Leeland, and San Jacinto Streets. Hardcopy bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Thursday, August 20, 2020 by the Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority. Hardcopy bids received after this time will not be accepted. Hardcopy bids are to be delivered to 1313 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002.

Beginning 9:00 AM, Thursday, July 23, 2020, Bidding Documents will be available at www.civcastusa.com.

Any Addenda will be distributed through www.civcastusa.com. Bidding Documents may also be viewed online at isqft.com.

An ONLINE MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. All bidders (general contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers) are invited to attend.

Due to COVID-19 and the Authority’s work safe protocol, all potential bidders who intend to participate in the pre-bid conference and submit bids are required to register their intention by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020 by email to Lonnie Hoogeboom, Director of Planning & Design at lonnie@downtowntirz.com. Potential bidders are to provide Company Name, Address, and Phone plus (two maximum) Representative Names & Titles, Representative Emails, and Cell Phones. All bidders who register in advance of the pre-bid conference will receive a calendar invitation providing access to the online meeting venue. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from an individual who did not attend the pre-bid conference.

Bidders shall comply with City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Articles II, V, VI, and XI and the Mayor’s Executive Orders No.1‑7 Pay or Play (POP) Program for Houston Public Works for the public procurement procedures of the City of Houston Office for Business Opportunity (OBO) established in March 2008 and the entity responsible for the administration of the Small/ Minority/ Women-Owned (S/M/WBE), Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE), and Hire Houston First programs. The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an S/M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

Beginning July 16, 2020, the Authority’s procurement for the general contract for this capital improvement project is advertised in the Houston Business Journal, the Houston Defender, the Southern Chinese Daily News, and the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum.

The late Earl Thomas

the Year by USA Track and Field. March 2, 2019 was proclaimed “Earl Thomas Day” in Houston by Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Thomas was a native of Greenville, Texas.

Survivors include his children, Connie Lovelace, Kirbi Thomas Smith, Christopher Thomas and Earl Thomas II, two sisters and four grandchildren.

Union leader John Bland dies Defender News Service

John Bland, a Houston union leader and civil rights activist, died July 9 at age 80.

Bland was administrative vice president of the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) until his retirement in 2017 and director of the Human and Civil Rights Department until late last year.

As a student at Texas Southern University, Bland helped lead Houston’s first lunch counter sit-in at Weingarten’s in 1960. He was also a founding member of the Progressive Youth Association, which was instrumental in integrating Houston.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, who appointed Bland to his transition team Traffic and Transportation committee, described him as a “humble but fearless man who devoted nearly his entire life to making our community better for everyone.”

Bland joined the TWU when he began working as a bus operator at HouTran, now known as Metro. He held several leadership positions with the union and organized transportation workers in the Houston area and

CLASSIFIED

The late John Bland

beyond.

He was a vice president of the Texas State AFL-CIO and the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and president of the Houston chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.

Survivors include his wife Betty, daughters Dr. Debbie Bland-Nicholson and Fayetta Bland, and one grandchild.

LEGAL NOTICE METRO is a metropolitan rapid transit authority created and operating under Chapter 451 of the Texas Transportation Code.

METRO has implemented certain health and safety rules during the COVID-19 pandemic and any other public health threat, which require all persons who access its system and facilities, to the extent medically practicable, to wear facial coverings, maintain social distancing and submit to temperature and health screenings. Additionally, persons diagnosed with or displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or another infectious disease that endangers public health may not enter or use METRO’s services or property. Failure to comply with the rules may result in the denial of service and access to the transit system.

The health and safety rules were issued under Section 451.107 of the Texas Transportation Code. A complete copy of the health and safety rules is filed and available for review by any person at METRO’s Administration Building, 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002 and also at www.RideMETRO.org.

RideMETRO.org • 713-635-4000

July 16, 2020 |

| 13

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

Thousands view first NNPA Virtual Convention NNPA

The first virtual convention in the 80-year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) earned a thumbs-up from partners and sponsors.

The successful event’s website, vitualnnpa2020.com, generated more than 55,000 pageviews to conference attendees in only two days. Several hundred thousand additional impressions were generated by social media posts and livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. “The NNPA overall is pleased with the impact, the reach and the engagement across the United States and throughout the world for our first virtual convention,� NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., stated. “This represents a tremendous step

forward for the Black Press of America.

We note that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Press of America has been able to overcome many

of the obstacles that the pandemic continues to present. We plan to rebroadcast the virtual NNPA 2020 convention as soon as we conclude some post-production edits

and additions.�

Claudette Perry, the NNPA’s executive administrator, stated that she’s breathing a sigh of relief that the convention was well-received by so many viewers. “I was very delighted that many of the celebrities whose stories have been conveyed through the Black Press for decades showed their appreciation for our publishers with their congratulatory sentiments on our first virtual convention as well as their recognition of 193 years of the Black Press,� Perry said. “To the NNPA in-house production team, I say thank you for all the great content and design you brought to the convention virtual space. You are awesome. I thank also the young people on the technology panel who had great advice for us ‘beyond millennials.’�

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14 | July 16, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports The Washington Redskins will get a new name and logo after years of protests by Native Americans and recent threats of sponsors to pull out.

Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon installed an 85-inch TV in his Orlando hotel room since that would be his home for the next three months.

Westbrook tests positive for COVID-19 Terrance Harris

Kam Fields

PITCHER KAMRON FIELDS LEAVES UT FOR TSU

By Terrance Harris

represent something bigger than myself.”

In this day of renewed awareness, we are seeing a resurgence Fields isn’t the first student athlete to transfer from a Power 5 in African Americans supporting Black businesses and entities. program to an HBCU, but his reasoning for the switch is what This broadening of consciousness has even started to spill is groundbreaking. Most athletes make such a move when over into major college athletics. Earlier this month we saw something has gone drastically wrong, usually resulting in their 5-star basketball recruit Makur Maker do what was once removal from the program. thought to be unthinkable and commit to Howard University But Fields left UT in good standing after receiving his over the likes of power programs like UCLA, bachelor’s degree this spring. He made four Kentucky and Memphis. appearances on the mound for the LongThe Texas Southern Tigers baseball team has horns this season, even throwing a scoreAbout Fields become a beneficiary of this era of awakening less inning against Cal State Fullerton in Height: 6-feet-2 with University of Texas relief pitcher Kamron his final appearance before the season Weight: 198 pounds Fields announcing he is transferring to TSU was cut short due to the coronavirus Throwing hand: Righty to play his final year of eligibility as a graduate pandemic.

Fun facts: He was a three-star dual threat student with the Tigers, saying he is “excited During the last two seasons, Fields quarterback recruit to continue my journey at a historically Black made 35 appearances. He went 2-2 with out of high school and university.” a 3.27 ERA and had three saves in 39 had offers to play QB at While Fields’ decision won’t get the attention career appearances with the Longhorns.

Colorado State, Fresno of Maker’s, it’s still a move that sends a strong Now the former standout at LakevState, Indiana, Iowa and message of a rising consciousness among young iew Centennial in Garland, Texas heads Minnesota.

African Americans. Fields, who graduated after to the Third Ward campus where he will three years with a degree in corporate commupursue a master’s degree in his final year nications, spoke glowingly of his time at UT and of playing eligibility. how the program nurtured his desire to play pro“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything,” fessional baseball.

Fields wrote.

“But now, with racism, injustice and inequality continuing to TSU baseball coach Michael Robertson was unable to plague our society, I have found a new purpose,” Fields recently discuss Fields or even confirm he has transferred due to tweeted. “It’s time. It’s time for me to stand for my beliefs and NCAA guidelines.

Rockets star guard Russell Westbrook confirmed on Instagram that he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Neither James Harden nor Westbrook joined their team in Orlando for the beginning of the season restart, which fueled speculation. But per NBA guidelines on COVID19, the team could not say why both players have been absent for Russell Westbrook the beginning of the team’s time in the NBA bubble at Disney World.

Westbrook, however, broke the silence when he confirmed his results.

“I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my team’s departure to Orlando,” Westbrook wrote.

“I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. Thank you all for the well wishes and continued support. Please take this virus seriously.

Be safe. Mask up.”

There is no mention of Harden and the team only said they expected both stars to join the team soon in Orlando. Players who test positive for the coronavirus must have three negative tests before they are allowed to rejoin their teammates in the bubble.

The NBA has 22 teams in Orlando preparing to play an eight-game regular season starting at the end of the month before beginning the playoffs.

Sports Briefs: Justin Reid donating tablets to students A tweet exchange between Texans safety Justin Reid and H-E-B’s Scott McClelland has turned into a partnership in which area medical students will be awarded tablets to help further their educations during this time of increased online learning. The initial goal was to award 10 tablets to students, but after Reid reached out to Microsoft , the tech company matched Reid’s initial pledge to bring the total number of tablets given away to 20.

PVAMU Hall of Fame inductees The Prairie View Sports Hall of Fame will have seven new members, the school announced. The new inductees are Beverly Day Humphrey (women’s track & field), Evans White (men’s track & field), Matthew Teague (football), Victor Pegram (football), John T. Cochran (tennis), Glenn White (bowling) and Michael Robertson (baseball).

July 16, 2020 |

| 15

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports RALPH COOPER ENTERING RADIO HALL OF FAME

Who are some of the people who inspired you along the way?

By Marilyn Marshall

Houston-area sports fans have listened to the voice of Ralph Cooper for nearly 50 years. In recognition of his broadcasting talent, Cooper will be one of 20 Texans inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame during a virtual ceremony in November.

Cooper, who began his career with KYOK-Radio in 1971, joined KCOH-Radio in 1984 when it was 1430 AM on the dial. He’s now with KCOH 1230 AM, and still hosts his “Sports Rap” talk show from 5-7 p.m.

Monday-Friday.

In addition, he co-hosts a KTSU sports talk show with Devan Wade on Saturdays at 8 a.m., and co-hosts a BNET Internet show with Sonia Rivera on Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Cooper has long been one of the hardest-working men in media and never limited himself to radio.

He was the Defender sports editor from 1988 to 2008 and appeared on Bob Allen’s “Tell it Like It Is” TV talk show from 1992 to 2015 on Channel 13.

He has witnessed numerous changes in the industry over the years.

He recalls a time when he was the only African American journalist in the press box or at training camp and when women in the field were a rarity.

Now 72, Cooper has no plans to retire anytime soon. In an interview with the Defender, he talked about his long, distinguished career.

There have been many. I’ve always believed in myself but it was great to be inspired by others with dreams.

I owe a lot to Defender Publisher Sonny Messiah. I was also inspired by the late Anita Martini, who broke barriers for women in sports reporting.

I was blessed by men who mentored me, including Rick Roberts, who gave me my first job at KYOK, Skipper Lee Frazier, Lloyd Wells, Perry Caine, Professor Sam Andrews, Murray Goodman, Artice “CBoy” Vaughn, Varee Shields and coaches Robert Moore, Herbert Provost and Oliver Show Brown.

I’m grateful for the support and friendship of other KCOH colleagues past and present.

What has been the most unforgettable sports story you covered? Two immediately Ralph Cooper is honored to be inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

How has the current pandemic changed the way you cover sports?

COVID-19 has led me to rely more on my broadcasting skills than at any other time. I have to provide correct information, inspire and be entertaining. I have to be greater than I was in the past and I have to be better prepared. I feel as if God put me here knowing I can inform people in a time like no other.

ABOUT COOPER • Born in Jewett, Texas • Grew up in Houston’s Sunnyside community • Graduated from Worthing High School; attended South Texas Junior College, University of Houston Downtown, Houston Community College

Cooper interviewed legendary quarterback Doug Williams when he played at Grambling.

• Married with one daughter • Interviewed countless athletes, coaches and celebrities, including Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, James Brown, Earl Campbell, Roberto Clemente, Sammy Davis Jr., Clyde Drexler, George Foreman, Redd Foxx, Zina Garrison, James Harden, Elvin Hayes, Evander Holyfield, DeAndre Hopkins, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Carl Lewis, Satchel Paige, Walter Payton, Eddie Robinson, George Springer and more.

come to mind, both sad. One was in 1975 when Astros pitcher Don Wilson was found dead in his car inside his garage. The other was in 1980 when Astros pitcher J.R. Richard suffered a stroke that ended his Major League Baseball career.

LEFT: Cooper often spoke with the late Houston Astros star Jimmy Wynn.

RIGHT: Cooper and KCOH’s Michael Harris visited boxing champ George Foreman’s youth center.

How do you feel about being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame? I feel

honored being in the Hall of Fame with all the great broadcasting icons.

Just think, I would sit outside as a 20-year-old reading out loud after long hours of practice in a studio to further hone my skills. Many who saw me practice outside thought I was crazy. Years later they have said kind things to me. I will never forget James Brown calling me a Hall of Famer back in the 1970s. I guess he was a fortune teller.

16 | July 16, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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