To the POINT DN
Managing Editor’s Message
All skinfolk ain’t kinfolk
Te Republican National Convention is underway in Milwaukee, and we’re getting a strong reminder that all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk. Let me be clear. I’m all for varied thought processes. Black people are not monolithic. Tere are a number of issues for both parties, so I get Black folks deciding to be Republican or Independent. What I don’t get are the Black GOPers who peddle white supremacist rhetoric as a way of being accepted into the Republican fold. Case in point, some of the Black speakers at the convention. Tere was Amber Rose, the infuencer, model, video vixen and former girlfriend of Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa. Saying she felt “protected by Donald Trump,” Rose said she’s a proud Republican. It was obvious organizers touted her out in order to reach a young, Black demographic. Te problem with that is Rose will tell anyone who will listen how “she isn’t Black.” So if you’re going afer Black culture, it might seem more ftting to choose someone who is proud of their Black culture. But hey, that’s just me. Or not. Before Rose, John James, Michigan’s frst Black Republican congressman, had me wanting to throw something at my TV. James once compared abortion to genocide and in 2023 voted against congressional eforts to codify abortion rights into law. He also called the Republican Party the party of “emancipation” and “the Civil Rights movement.” Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt and South Carolina’s Tim Scott talked about how racism doesn’t exist, eliciting applause from the 90% white crowd (that’s my unofcial tally). My issue is where are the regular Black folks? Te ones who don’t have to remind the crowd how they’re the descendants of slaves, how they’ve “overcome” and since their life is great, all Black lives are great. Te ones who may agree with Republican policies but don’t have to spew anti-Black talking points??? With controversial North Carolina lawmaker Mark Robinson and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson slated to speak, I won’t hold my breath.
Project 2025
Trump has nothing to do with the 900-plus page document. Technically, the “Conservative Promise” is the brainchild of the Heritage Foundation, a 50-year-old think tank led by a pro-Trump culture warrior whose only goal is “institutionalizing Trumpism.” To achieve his objective, he assembled policymakers and MAGA extremists from the frst Trump administration. Look, you may not read the full 900 pages but watch some videos, read the highlights, check out the Defender’s ongoing coverage of this issue. Black people CANNOT aford to dismiss this life-changing plan. If we do, in the words of the great Black columnist Michael Harriot, we will defnitely “F-around and fnd out.”
Missouri City lawsuit
Well, we knew this was coming. A lawsuit has been fled on behalf of a man found in the back of a Missouri City police cruiser hours afer a crash last month. While responding to a robbery, ofcer Blademir Viveros crashed into a 2005 Toyota Corolla, killing its driver, 16-year-old, Mason Stewart, and his mother, Angela Stewart. Missouri City resident Michael Hawkins was in the backseat of the police cruiser when the crash took place. According to the lawsuit, Hawkins has been partially paralyzed as a result of the crash. He is reportedly still in the hospital. Te lawsuit, which was fled last week, names Missouri City and its police department as defendants. It is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Viveros was driving on Cartwright Road in Missouri City around 8:45 p.m. on June 20 when he crashed into the Toyota Corolla. Te Texas Department of Public Safety said that Stewart did not yield the right-of-way when pulling out of a parking lot. However, DPS also found that Viveros had not activated his emergency lights and was driving above the speed limit. Not to mention that ofcers are not supposed to respond to calls when someone is in the back of their vehicles. Viveros has been relieved of his duties. As he should be.
While attention is being placed on the RNC and Donald Trump’s Vice-Presidential pick of JD Vance (Trump’s Mini-Me), let’s not lose sight of Project 2025, which is Trump’s blueprint for how to make the conservative culture wars a permanent part of the federal government. Ofcially,
On the Web
• More Hurricane Beryl recovery coverage
• Blacks keep it ‘one hunnit’ in response to Trump ‘assassination’ attempt
• Highly educated graduates can’t fnd work. Why?
Amber Rose has jumped on the Trump bandwagon, securing a speaking spot at the RNC Convention.
Credit: Getty
ReShonda Tate
Leaders demand accountability on slow Hurricane Beryl response
By Aswad Walker
Community and faith leaders joined North Houston residents under the banner of The Metropolitan Organization (TMO) announcing they are in the process of scheduling a meeting with Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire “to discuss the [power] outage, the response to the outage and to look at future activities that need to happen to be proactive so that we can prevent this [in the future].”
“Because we know this is just the frst hurricane, early in the season, and we’ve got a long way to go,” said Linda Hollins a TMO leader and member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
But TMO members didn’t wait for the yet solidifed meeting date with Whitmire to voice their frustrations over the slow, and in many cases still non-existent, restoration of power to the 180,000 citizens across Houston and Harris County still in the dark, and more specifcally residents of the Kashmere Gardens/Fifth Ward community where their press conference convened at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (5102 Dabney St., 77026).
Tis untenable situation amid a typical Houston scorcher of a summer is having an outsized negative impact on Blacks and other members of the global majority, as well as many seniors, one of whom, 94-year-old Enola Zenon, attended the recent press conference accompanied by her daughter, Mary St. Julian.
“My mother is 94 years old and stays with me,” said Julian, “and seniors should not have to go through this.”
A TMO member who was assisting with Zenon highlighted one source of community resident frustration – some have electricity, while others don’t.
“And what’s so killing is, right on the other side of Cavalcade, there’s power. Tis side, there’s not. And it’s been a week today [without power].”
Charles Turner, pastor of New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and TMO member, made plain TMO’s message to elected ofcials and energy company leaders.
“In the wake of this tremendous weather event that has impacted each of us… we are here today calling on our elected ofcials, on the leadership of CenterPoint and all other responsible parties to do better,” said Turner. “We’re here today advocating frst and foremost for those who we have surveyed and many others that we have discovered that while many people are still having their electricity restored and coming back online, there are still several thousands that remain without power, that continue to struggle to fnd resources to recover, that have lost food, that have lost wages and are sufering from medical conditions, and the like. So, we’re advocating for those who haven’t been able to get to the food lines; those who have been struggling even before this hurricane to get their basic necessities and needs met. Tis is just another storm
on top of the persistent storms they have been experiencing. Tis is another storm, another recovery, that for many is their daily reality.”
More specifically, Turner said TMO seeks accountability, more aggressive outreach and transparency so the general public knows what’s going on and collaboration so Harris County residents aren’t running around like chickens with our heads cut of” seeking much-needed resources like food, water and medicine.
“Many people simply don’t know what the plan is. We suspect that there simply is no plan,” he added.
Turner was asked if he agreed with the common refrain from Black Houstonians: that under Mayor Sylvester Turner’s tenure, there was constant public communication and transparent coordination regarding city and county eforts to deal
HERE ARE SOME FINDINGS:
70%
Didn’t have home electricity
39%
Didn’t have access to a place with electricity
25%
Families had no food or money since they weren’t able to return to work
13%
Had a person in their home with a medical device but no access to power
49%
Assessed their overall situation as either dire or of extreme concern
with storms and their afermath, which is visibly absent regarding Mayor John Whitmire’s team.
“I don’t know. I can’t speak to that. I just know what I’m experiencing right now. It seems very uncoordinated,” stated Turner, no relation to Houston’s former mayor.
Hollins spoke to TMO’s 330-page survey of over 1,000 persons impacted by the storm, saying it “really shows us the pain and the impact of this outage and storm on our community.”
Pastor Charles Turner, at podium, spoke on behalf of TMO community and faith leaders, demanding accountability for the slow response to Hurricane Beryl, highlighting the impact on citizens still without power. Photo by Aswad Walker.
Elderly Black residents struggle in Beryl aftermath
By Laura Onyeneho
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the storm’s lingering efects lef many in the community struggling to cope. As the city slowly rebuilds, these residents struggle to recover, feeling isolated and forgotten in their community.
Among those hit were the elderly residents of Gala at Texas Parkway senior home care facility in Missouri City. Tough their power was restored six days afer the storm, many say the disaster exposed serious inequities.
“We’ve been through storms before, but this one felt diferent,” said resident Dennis Jackson. “Tis feels like life or death right now, and honestly, this experience makes me feel like we are the abandoned demographic.”
Jackson lives on the second foor of the facility. He lives with a physical disability and several health-related ailments. When the power outage occurred, he could not transport himself out of the building. Te elevator no longer functions, and the stairs weren’t an option. He remained seated on his porch for days, grasping for cool air during the heat advisory, hoping to get the proper care he needed.
“I’m in a wheelchair. I got one leg. I can’t stand or walk. I’m diabetic. I take insulin fve times a day. I can’t take it because it has to be cold and it’s no good afer it gets hot. I also got a tumor on my brain. It caused me to go blind or have a stroke,” he said. “We are senior citizens,
and it’s almost like we’ve been thrown to the side.”
People of color in the United States face heightened risks from climate-induced disasters. Te Environmental Protection Agency’s Ofce of Atmospheric Programs reported that Black people are 40% more likely than non-African-Americans to live in areas with the highest projected increases in mortality rates due to extreme weather and temperature changes. The lack of timely and adequate aid has
exacerbated the sufering. While relief eforts have been ongoing, many Black elderly residents report facing signifcant delays in receiving assistance. Bureaucratic hurdles, limited transportation options, and digital literacy challenges have created a barrier to accessing much-needed resources.
“I don’t want sympathy. I just want to be treated fairly,” said Gloria Alexander, another resident across from Jackson.” “I’m afraid to stay here at night, but I have nowhere else to go, and
there is no one here to take care of us right now.”
Alexander said she is also diabetic and usually has a nurse assisting her. She hasn’t taken proper medication in days, and with the extremely hot temperatures, it’s almost unbearable to breathe. She uses a breathing machine, but with no electricity, she’s discontinued her use.
“We’ve thrown out all of our food. We barely have enough clean water to drink. We’ve reported this, but nobody’s doing anything. Our families are doing what they can but are also impacted. Never in my 80 years of life have I ever experienced this.”
Houston artist William North IV ofen visits his grandmother, who also lives at Gala. When he eventually stopped by to check in on her, he was alarmed at the conditions of the other residents. Houston’s power utility, CenterPoint Energy, has been under fre from city leaders who wanted to know why it took so long to regain the light
“Maybe they didn’t think it would be that bad, but they underestimated the afermath. I’m sure this is a conversation our local ofcials are having,” North said. “Backup generators should be required for all senior facilities in the future. Afer all, my grandma has been in this place for four years. It’s a great place, but the storm has opened up a deeper conversation that we should be having about our elderly communities.”
Hurricane Beryl recovery fund established
By ReShonda Tate
Houston area residents hit hard by the recent hurricane, could soon get some much-needed relief. Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo recently joined with United Way of Greater Houston to announce the establishment of the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund. Tis fund aims to provide emergency fnancial assistance, home repairs, and other resources to low-to-moderate-income families, specifcally targeting the most vulnerable residents in Houston, as well as Harris, Waller, Montgomery, and Fort Bend Counties. Tose without home insurance will also be eligible for aid.
“When disaster strikes, we’re reminded that no one organization can do it all. It requires a collaborative and coordinated response from nonproft, for-proft, public sector, and philanthropic communities to ensure that the most vulnerable in our region get the help they need to start the recovery process,” said Bob Harvey of the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance.
Hidalgo highlighted the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl, noting that over 6,800 people in Harris County reported damage to their homes, with more than 140 homes completely destroyed. She described the ongoing struggles of afected residents, including structural damage, spoiled food, and debris, stressing the critical need for support. Hidalgo assured that the funds would be distributed by trusted
nonprofts, who will determine the recipients.
“Tis support in the Beryl fund is a big, big opportunity because we can never have enough. We can never make people whole with the federal aid and all the work we try to do with government,” she said.
Te Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, established just over a year ago, works alongside local leaders to maximize the impact of generous donations to recovery funds. Already, three signifcant donations have been made to the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund: $1 million from the Sarofm Foundation, $1 million from H-E-B, and $1 million from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation.
https://disasteralliance.org
BERYL RECOVERY FUND
Gloria Alexander (lef) and Dennis Jackson (right) sit in a room with no power in the Gala at Texas Parkway, a senior home care facility, waiting for assistance during the afermath of Hurricane Beryl. Credit: William North IV
Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor John Whitmire join members of the United Way to announce the establishment of the Beryl Recovery Fund. Credit: United Way
ACLU TX warns of dangers if SCOTUS ends 1st Amendment right to protest News
By Aswad Walker
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and the ACLU’s national office are asking the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to overturn the state criminal court convictions of three North Texas community organizers who were sentenced to incarceration in county jail for peacefully protesting a Confederate monument outside a county courthouse.
Upholding this unjust punishment could have horrendous implications on the Black community and anyone who organizes protests against what they see as systemic injustices –i.e. police brutality, environmental racism, public school inequalities, court rulings against a woman’s right to choose, the use of U.S. citizens’ tax dollars to fund atrocities in the Congo, Gaza, the Sudan and other places, etc.
GAINESVILLE INJUSTICE
On Aug. 30, 2020, Gainesville organizers Torrey Henderson, Amara Ridge and Justin Thompson marched calmly with approximately three dozen people on a route outside the county courthouse in Gainesville, Texas, a small town north of Dallas.
A few days later, they were arrested for “obstructing a highway or other passageway,” a misdemeanor under Texas law, even though they had not caused an obstruction under the law or directed others to cause one. In 2022, they were convicted in county court based on
evidence about others at the march. In November 2023, the Seventh Court of Appeals in Amarillo upheld their convictions.
“We founded PRO Gainesville to speak out against injustice in our hometown and facing jail time for peacefully protesting shows how far
we have still to go,” said Gainesville community organizers Torrey Henderson, Amara Ridge and Justin Thompson. “We are not the first protesters to petition the highest court in the land to defend our most fundamental rights. The struggle for the right to protest, especially against racial injustice, has been passed down through generations. With the law on our side, we carry the resolve of our Black elders who marched before us to build a more equal society where our children and future generations are free to speak against injustices without losing their liberty.”
The petition asks SCOTUS to review the state appellate court decision and ultimately reverse the organizers’ convictions on the charge of obstructing a passageway. The organizers have also filed a stay application, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow them to remain free while the court reviews their petition.
The importance of the right to protest
ACLU Texas seeks SCOTUS to reverse ruling that could severely hamper U.S. citizens’ right to protest injustice and lessen democracy.
FOCUS DN SOCIAL VOTE 2024
By Laura Onyeneho
Asthis year’s presidential election season heads into its last few months, we are reminded that the role of Black voters has become increasingly critical, especially in determining key outcomes, including the U.S. presidency.
However, emerging trends suggest a troubling decline in voter engagement among young Black voters. According to a Harvard Youth Poll, fewer voters under age 30 plan to vote in the upcoming presidential election than did at this point in the 2020 election cycle.
Less than one-third of those identifying as independents definitely plan to participate. This potential decline in participation could significantly impact President Biden’s chances in a hypothetical rematch against former president Donald Trump, given Biden’s stronger support base among young voters.
Political scientist Jan Leighley advises caution, noting that for young voters, especially those aged 18 to 25, it’s still too early to be heavily focused on the election.
“The Democratic convention is a month away, but it’s really early before the election. They’re not paying attention to the campaign. They will be the last to make any decisions,” she says. “They have fewer experiences to anchor them, and they haven’t tuned in yet.”
She adds that for young Black voters, this election is a moment when the Civil Rights generation is aging out. Additionally, young white people often have more access to resources and support for major life changes, such as getting a job, getting married, and having children. This gives them a better chance at success. “It’s going to be the whites,” Leighley says. “So, in terms of the uncommitted, that’s an important part of those differences.”
Recently, there has been significant focus on Biden losing support among Black voters, who played a crucial role in his victory over former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. This concern extends to younger Black Americans, who seem unmotivated by the president’s message.
Black youth voter apathy Black youth voter apathy
It’s hard to trust what you see on billboards and in the news. The people who are voted in end up doing absolutely nothing, or they switch up on you when they get elected.”
Despite Blacks generally supporting Biden’s policies like student debt relief, gun control, and abortion access, the economy and inflation remain top concerns among younger adults. Even with Federal Reserve data showing significant improvements in these areas, the overall lack of commitment among young people in the U.S. News-Generation Lab poll may be tied to a general dissatisfaction with both Biden and Trump, raising questions about their participation in the election.
WHY THE APATHY?
To understand the root causes of this voter apathy, it is essential to delve into the attitudes of Black youth regarding their role in democracy and how these perceptions influence their political activities and ambitions. The Defender spoke with four young Houston based residents who share their thoughts around why they won’t be heading to the polls.
ATTITUDES TOWARD DEMOCRACY
For many Black youth, the promise of democracy has often felt unfulfilled. Historical disenfranchisement, systemic racism, and ongoing social injustices have fostered a sense of skepticism and disillusionment.
Carnell Mendoza, 18, is not registered to vote, and doesn’t plan to any time soon.
“I don’t see how my vote will change anything. It’s a scam,” he said. “The people running for office aren’t great candidates so I feel like it’s a waste of time.”
He graduated from KIPP Sunnyside High School and volunteers at SHAPE Community Center over the summer. Mendoza said that when it came down to learning about current events and understanding the political process, it wasn’t prioritized.
“They don’t really teach us that much about voting,” he said. “I feel like there needs to be more effort with helping young people understand the system better.”
The attitudes of Black youth toward
democracy significantly influence their political activities. While some remain disengaged, others have shifted their focus from traditional political participation to grassroots activism and community organizing.
Larrin Williams, 18, said his reason for not voting is religious reasons.
“God should really be the only person to think about and to guide us,” Williams said.
“There’s no higher power than God.” Williams recalled a time when a friend who was registered to vote, participated in the process without proper research into the candidates and what they stood for. As a result, his friend voted for whoever was the trending candidate at the time.
KNOWLEDGE BARRIERS AND SYSTEMIC OBSTACLES
There is still a notable lack of representation of young Black individuals in political office or as candidates. The barriers to entry in politics—such as financial constraints, limited access to influential networks, and
systemic discrimination—discourage many from pursuing political careers. Without role models or visible pathways to leadership, the political ambitions of Black youth remain stifled and so do the voices of those who chose not to engage with politics.
Voting isn’t the first thing on Osahoar Rikondja’s mind. What matters to him is being able to relate with a candidate who aligns with his values and ideals. But politics to him is a game, and marginalized communities are losing.
“It’s hard to trust what you see on billboards and in the news,” he said. “The people who are voted in end up doing absolutely nothing, or they switch up on you when they get elected.”
His hope is that more young people consider running for office so that there are candidate’s that represents that demographic of potential voting registrants.One of the most significant barriers
to political engagement among Black youth is the lack of access to comprehensive civic education. Many young people are unaware of the importance of their vote, the workings of the political system, or how to engage effectively in the electoral process. Additionally, systemic obstacles such as voter suppression tactics—strict ID laws, purging of voter rolls, and limited polling stations—disproportionately affect Black voters. These barriers not only hinder their ability to vote but also contribute to a sense of disenfranchisement and powerlessness.
“I don’t like going to the polls. I hate waiting in line and I don’t understand how this process works,” said Gabriel James, 26 year-old Houston Community Col
From Left to right: Carnell Mendoza, Larrin Williams, Osahoar Rikondja and Gabriel James share their reasons why they chose not to register to vote. Credit: Shape Community Center
Feature DN
Ditch the screen, enjoy the green
By Laura Onyeneho
A recent study revealed that American kids spend a staggering seven hours a day glued to screens, ofen at the expense of outdoor play. While the convenience of technology is undeniable, this shif in playtime habits comes at a cost.
Black children, however, spend more time on electronics than their peers do, according to the Common Sense Media survey. Preschool-aged children use media for an average of fve hours and 55 minutes per day, while African American teens use it for an average of seven hours and 22 minutes per day.
Experts are urging parents to prioritize “green time” over screen time, highlighting the many benefts of letting children explore the wonders of the natural world.
“As a parent, the best way to encourage your children to be more active is to be more intentional about it. It might require you to add it to your daily schedule as a routine,” said Dr. Eboni Hollier, founder and chief medical advisor of DrEboniPEDS.com. “From a medical standpoint, certainly in communities of color, we see an increased incidence of medical conditions, issues like obesity and diabetes and heart disease. Increasing physical activity and outdoor time helps to reduce that risk in our children.”
BENEFITS OF PLAYING OUTDOORS
Beyond the simple enjoyment of playing outside, outdoor play profoundly impacts a child’s well-being. One crucial beneft lies in the development of executive function skills. Unlike the structured environment of screens, outdoor play allows for open-ended exploration. Children can make up their games, troubleshoot problems, negotiate with friends, and multitask – all essential skills for academic success and future endeavors. Tis unstructured play also fosters self-refection. As children experiment, they evaluate the successes and failures of their ideas, building valuable life lessons.
Hollier said there are efective ideas parents or guardians can use to encourage children to play outdoors. One must be mindful of how much social media is used in the home because children most likely model behavior based on what they see. She recalled when her then 2-year-old son was seeking her attention, but her phone played a role in her distraction.
“When parents are more available, they can pick up certain cues,” she said. “I encourage parents to consider using whatever is accessible to them. I ofen advise parents to use toys that don’t require batteries or a cord. Simple things, a jump rope, a ball, sidewalk talk,
building blocks. Tese are just very simple things. It’s less about the toy and more about the interaction.”
She also mentioned that playing outside teaches children how to approach and manage risk, a skill that translates to other aspects of life. Unlike screens, which primarily engage sight and hearing, the outdoors engages all fve senses.
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NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.
IFB No. 4024000128: Fallbrook Bus Operating Facility Replacement Chillers Solicitation will be available on or about 07/09/2024.Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difculty, please contact 713-739-6886 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org.
Healthy Vision Month Tips
By RANDY IGBINOBA, MD, MPH, MPA
July is Healthy Vision Month, an ideal time to focus on your eye health and ensure your vision stays clear and strong. At Kelsey-Seybold, we recognize the unique challenges our community faces with eye health, and we are here to offer practical advice to help you maintain healthy vision.
Eye Health in the Black Community
Black Americans are at a higher risk for eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. If left undetected and untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss and even blindness. Seeing an eye care professional regularly can help you avoid that fate.
Understanding These Eye Conditions
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial because glaucoma often has no early symptoms.
Randy Igbinoba,
Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. This is a common complication of diabetes, for which Black Americans are also at higher risk. Managing blood sugar levels can help prevent this condition. Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy, leading to decreased vision. Cataracts are more common as you age, and they may require surgery to restore your vision.
• Get Regular Eye Exams: Early detection of eye conditions could save your eyesight. If you have not had an eye exam in over a year, you’re due for one.
• Manage Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your vision, especially if left untreated or poorly managed. Keeping these
Care
conditions under control with the help of your healthcare provider can protect your eyes.
• Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Too much sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions, so choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to eye or vision problems.
Prioritize your eye health this month and remember you do not need to wait forsymptomstoappeartotakethefirst step toward preserving your vision. Call 713-442-7025 (24/7 appointment scheduling) to make an appointment!
MD, MPH, MPA is an Ophthalmologist caring for patients at Memorial Villages Campus and Cypress Clinic.
Sports DN
Rockets second-year forward Cam Whitmore had 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists during
Sports Briefs
TEXANS C.J. STROUD DEEMED AN ELITE QUARTERBACK
According to a recent ESPN report, several surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts believe Texans’ secondyear quarterback is knocking on “elite” status that could land him as an MVP Award candidate soon. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is listed as the seventh-best quarterback heading into training camp after leading the Texans to their first AFC South title since 2019.
PV SOFTBALL COACH PRO FASTPITCH ASSISTANT
Prairie View softball coach
Vernon Bland has been named the Texas Smoke women’s professional fastpitch assistant coach. The Smoke are one of four teams in the Women’s Fastpitch League. Bland is in his 13th season leading the Lady Panthers and has elevated the program to a power in the SWAC.
ROCKETS GM DISMISSES SENGUN TRADE TALKS
Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is making it clear that forward Alperen Sengun is not on the trade market. There have been rumors the New York Knicks want to acquire Sengun, who is a cornerstone of the team’s young core. “Alpie’s going to be with us next year. We get calls on all of our young guys … We have no interest in moving him,” Stone said to Sirius XM.
THINGS TO WATCH at the TEXANS Training Camp 5
By Terrance Harris
It’s hard not to notice the different feel and buzz surrounding the Texans as they head into training camp this week.
And for good reason.
For the first time in a long while, there are high expectations surrounding the franchise that is coming off winning 11 games, claiming the AFC South, and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs.
We all want to know what the Texans will do for an encore.
The key components of last season’s surprising resurgence are back, starting with head coach DeMeco Ryans, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, second-year defensive end Will Anderson Jr., and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
But the Texans and general manager Nick Caserio didn’t rest on their accomplishments, landing some key offseason acquisitions through trade and free agency like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, edge rusher Danielle Hunter and running back Joe Mixon.
Now the question is what will it all mean for the 2024 season?
It all starts to come together in training camp this week. Here are five things to watch for as the Texans embark on the 2024 campaign.
1
How will the team and organization deal with the expectations?
The Texans are coming off an 11-win season, which matched their total wins for the previous four seasons, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Last season, they snuck up on a lot of teams to win the AFC South. That won’t be the case this season. The Texans, a legit Super Bowl contender, will again be among the best in the AFC which means they will get every opponent’s best shot. That means they must change their mindset from being the hunters to one of the hunted. Ryans and his coaching staff have to be even sharper and cutting-edge than they were a year ago. The players, including Stroud and Anderson, will have to dig even deeper this time around.
3 Which offseason acquisition will help the most?
This is a tough question because in their own way Danielle Hunter, Stephon Diggs and Joe Mixon will be substantial additions. But Mixon and the threat of a rushing attack will be huge for Stroud and the offense. The Texans ranked 30th in rushing last season, which made them predictable. But the addition of Mixon gives the offense diversity with a workhorse running back who is coming off his fourth 1,000-yard season with the Cincinnati Bengals. With teams now having to respect the Texans’ rushing attack will take some of the pressure off Stroud and the passing attack.
4
Which of the rookies will have the biggest impact?
2
What can Stroud do to top last season?
Stroud, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, was nothing short of spectacular last season. Some say it may have been the best rookie campaign of any quarterback in NFL history. His elevation as a Pro Bowler in his first season lends some support to that. But now comes the hard part, and that is improving on a season in which he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. NFL defensive coordinators have undoubtedly spent the offseason combing through every snap Stroud took last season in search of tendencies and weaknesses in his game. The book has been written. Like his team, Stroud won’t sneak up on any opponent this time around. Stroud will have to be better, at identifying coverages and weaknesses in defenses quicker this season. The Texans have definitely taken steps to help his continued development this offseason with the additions of a running game with running back Joe Mixon and another receiving threat in Stefon Diggs to go with Nico Collins and speedster Tank Dell.
Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter was the Texans’ first pick of the 2024 draft (second round), but look for safety Calen Bullock to have the biggest impact of them all. The Texans’ third-round (78th overall) pick out of USC could even be the steal of their draft. He is highly instinctive and will give the secondary another ball-hawk to pair with Derek Stingley Jr. But also look for Lassiter to have his moments opposite Stingley. The Texans definitely addressed their biggest weakness with these two.
5 How much better will Will Anderson Jr. be this season?
The short answer here is substantial. Anderson had an impressive rookie campaign, which allowed the third pick overall to be named the Defensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl. Once Anderson adjusted to the speed of the game and the strength of NFL offensive tackles, you could see his promise. He finished his rookie season with 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 67 pressures and 7.0 sacks. The Texans gave him a huge assist this offseason by adding edge rusher Danielle Hunter. This should eliminate the double teams and the focus Anderson would have otherwise received this season. Look for his numbers and production to improve.
Will Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans reacts after a sack during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
C.J. Stroud
Vernon Bland
Alperen Sengun
the Summer League opening win over the Lakers.
Space Cowboys centerfielder Quincy Hamilton has 42 runs, 58 hits, 13 home runs, and 37 RBI while batting .223 this season.
JADA COOPER Sports DN
By Jimmie Aggison
Since she was four years old, Jada Cooper has shown an extraordinary talent for softball. Known for her dedication and humility, Cooper has consistently produced outstanding results on the field. As she approaches the end of her travel softball career with Diamond Legacy CTX-Warnecke, she is set to embark on a new journey at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
“I love the game. Softball has always been a part of my life; it brings me joy and fulfillment and playing summer ball keeps my passion for the game alive,” said Cooper. “After committing to play softball at GCU, I decided to continue and play summer ball because I wanted to maintain and improve my skills. Softball is a sport that requires constant practice and dedication and playing in the summer allows me to stay sharp and ready for the upcoming season.”
Cooper believes in teamwork and feels that playing with her teammates over the summer helps build strong bonds and communication on the field.
“It’s the team chemistry overall. Summer ball has more competitive players that challenge me to push my limits and grow as an athlete. Facing different teams and players helps me adapt to different playing styles and strategies that I will face playing at the collegiate level and is very important to my development,” said Cooper.
This past spring, GCU achieved a record-breaking season with over 50 single wins and secured the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship for the third consecutive year. This winning culture was one of the draws for Cooper to select Grand Canyon as her next home.
“I believe in coach Shanon Hays and her coaching staff and their goals for me in the program. I really liked the school and the environment around it, and I enjoyed meeting the team; they were nice and very welcoming,” said Cooper.
Cooper’s junior season at Westside High School was extraordinary. Over 96 at-bats, she achieved a batting average of .448 and an on-base percentage of .518. Her slugging percentage reached an impressive 1.031. She tallied 42 hits, including 16 home runs, and drove in 61 runs. Her performance with runners in scoring position was equally remarkable, boasting a batting average of .439. Cooper’s dominance continued into her senior season, where she led her team in home runs, slugging percentage, and runs batted in.
“Being depended upon to continuously
Defines dedicated incredible softball journey
produce dominant numbers while batting can sometimes feel overwhelming, but being the person my team can trust to make some thing happen gives me more confidence when I’m up to bat,” said Cooper.
As Jada Cooper prepares to join Grand Canyon University, her journey of relentless effort and remarkable talent continues to inspire. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication and the impact of humility in achieving greatness.
Along with the Astros Senior Softball team in the Astros Youth Academy, Coo per’s summer season with Diamond Legacy CTX-Warnecke showed her performance remained stellar. In her first 2023-24 sea son showcase, she had nine at-bats with a .667 batting average, an on-base percentage of .636, and a slugging percentage of 2.111. Her on-base plus slugging percentage was an astonishing 2.747. She tallied one single, one double, four home runs, and eight runs batted in, with a .600 batting average with runners in scoring position. Cooper’s consistent and impressive offen sive numbers garnered significant attention. Jennie Finch, a world-class softball pitcher who helped Team USA win an Olympic gold medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and won a College World Series at the University of Arizona in 2001, rec ognized Cooper’s talent. In 2023, Finch awarded Cooper, along with Ana Gonzalez from Midlothian, TX, Karley Clark from Fairfield, Ohio, and Kristin White from Gambrills, Maryland, the prestigious Arm & Hammer Jennie Finch Empowerment Award. This award is given annually to four young female athletes to honor their excep tional achievements in leadership, motiva tion, commitment, dedication, humility, and integrity.
aca-
“I was incredibly grateful and honored to receive the award and grateful to know that this would help me achieve my aca demic and athletic goals at the next level,” said Cooper.
ABOUT JADA COOPER
Class: 2024
IG: @jjadacooper
Twitter: @jada_cooper
Position: 1st base, 3rd base, catcher
Favorite artist: PartyNextDoor
Status: Committed to Grand Canyon University
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: My travel ball team/Astros team, Mom, Dad, Coach Brittany, Coach Kiani, Coach Hays and Coach Megan
Sports DN
FROM SIMONE TO SHA’CARRI
Paris Olympics: Blacks shine
By ReShonda Tate
The 2024 Paris Olympics are a grand stage for Black athletes, whose talent, resilience, and dedication are set to inspire millions. From gymnastics to sprinting, these athletes bring unmatched flair and prowess, representing not only their sports but also the spirit of hope and perseverance.
Standout stars to watch:
Simone Biles (Gymnastics) Dubbed the greatest of all time, Simone Biles returns to the Olympic stage. With her gravity-defying routines and unmatched skill level, she’s set to continue her legacy of excellence and inspire millions. Biles is back in action after prioritizing her mental health in Tokyo.
Sha’Carri Richardson (Track and Field, Sprinting) Sha’Carri Richardson’s vibrant personality and blazing speed have captured the world’s attention. After overcoming personal and professional hurdles, she’s ready to shine in Paris. Richardson’s journey, including her suspension from
Tokyo 2021, sparked intense debate and highlighted issues of fairness in sports.
Jordan Chiles (Gymnastics) Jordan Chiles, known for her resilience and dedication, has risen to become a key member of Team USA’s gymnastics squad. Her performances in Paris are expected to be nothing short of spectacular.
Noah Lyles (TrackandField,Sprinting) Noah Lyles, known for his charisma and speed, aims to captivate the world with his performances. His love for anime and flamboyant celebrations make him a fan favorite, and he’s determined to clinch gold in Paris.
Simone Biles and the U.S. women celebrate as the 2024 team is named at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Track and Field, Hurdles) Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, a prodigy in hurdles, combines grace and power, constantly pushing the limits. She’s poised to break records and showcase her exceptional talent on the Olympic stage.
Sophia Smith (Women’sSoccer,Forward) Forward Sophia Smith brings her sharp instincts and scoring prowess to the soccer field. With her talent and finesse, she’s ready to lead Team USA to victory in Paris.
Jaida Ross (Track and Field, Shot Put) Jaida Ross embodies strength and
determination. Her journey to the Olympics is a testament to her relentless work ethic, and she’s prepared to make a powerful impact in shot put.
Kenny Bednarek (Track and Field, Sprinting) Known for his explosive starts and strong finishes, Kenny Bednarek’s focus and drive have earned him a spot among the elite. He’s a sprinter to watch at the Paris Olympics.
Fred Richard (Gymnastics) Fred Richard, a rising star in gymnastics, brings dynamic routines and infectious enthusiasm to Team USA. His youthful ambition and talent make him a promising athlete to follow in Paris.
Star power on the court
On the basketball court, legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant lead their teams. The men’s and women’s squads, brimming with talent, are heavy favorites to bring home the gold. James, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry join forces for a potential fifth straight Olympic title. A’ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi headline the women’s team, aiming for an eighth consecutive gold medal.
Olympic Entertainers
NBC has enlisted celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Leslie Jones to provide commentary and make appearances. Snoop Dogg, in particular, has brought a unique and lovable perspective to the coverage, adding to the excitement and celebration of the games. The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be a spectacular showcase of Black talent, resilience, and excellence, inspiring the world with their performances and stories.
Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)
Sha’Carri Richardson, of the United States, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the final of the Women’s 100-meters during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/ Petr David Josek, File)
Fred Richard Noah Lyles
Sophia Smith
Jordan Chiles
Jaida Ross
Kenny Bednarek
Sydney McLaughlin Levrone