Houston Defender: July 30, 2020

Back school altered by COVID-19 to

School districts release plans for re-opening

NEWS

KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shows solidarity for their soror after she was sued by the GA governor.

Volume 89, issue 40 July 30, 2020

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SPORTS

LEBRON JAMES

Athletes are using their platforms to speak out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE Monique Saulter Age: 41 Occupation: Attorney Education: University of Houston Law Center Major: J.D. Motto: “Show up every day. Even if you do one rep., write one sentence, take one call or take one step. If that’s all you can do, do it, but whatever you do, don’t stop moving forward.”

IG: @monique4amam

The casket of Congressman John Lewis moves over the Edmund Pettus Bridge by horse-drawn carriage during a memorial service on July 26 in Selma, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Message from the People Editor warriors are continuing the struggle, taking Watching the late Congressman John up the justice torch and carrying it on.

Lewis cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge one We see this as Joy Reid’s new show, “The last time as part of his memorial service ReidOut,” breaks new ground in the caserves as a reminder that the strugble news world with a sister in prime time LEARN… gle continues. On that March 1965 speaking truth to power. We see this with About my weight loss “Bloody Sunday” when Lewis was beatKevin Hart using his fame and fortune to journey en within an inch of his life, no one invest in a Detroit sister’s business (Jamaican after having Aswad Walker could have foreseen that something Tea Company), and with Lebron James and children. inside so strong would allow him to heal others paying the fines of Florida’s formerly and continue putting his life on the line for justice and incarcerated, so they can vote this November. equality.

We see this with Major League Baseball’s return, and His courage and the stances of others inspired a genan entire league kneeling before the national anthem eration, including Carl Hampton, a young brother from endorsing Black Lives Matter. Symbolism? Yes. But Pleasantville who joined Houston’s version of the Black underneath, it’s an acknowledgment of the courage and Panthers. Like Lewis, Hampton was a shining light, inrighteousness of Colin Kaepernick’s stance—which conspiring others to take a stand against injustice. Hampton tinues, as well. stood tall, until he was struck down by an HPD bullet 50 We see this as the Wall of Moms and Wall of Vets in years ago this month.

Portland protect peaceful BLM protesters from Trump’s With white supremacists continuing their long legacy personal gangster squads. And we see it in the many of violence against those who speak up and out for juslocal sisters and brothers creating change. tice, as they did recently in Austin, taking the life of GarAnd, we will take up this torch in November as we vote rett Foster, we must remember — the struggle continues. in record numbers, a tangible tribute to our founding With mass evictions impacting thousands nationalfather, John Lewis. ly because of hardened hearts in Congress, and voter IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER Read more on Friday about Monique at defendernetwork.com suppression efforts still moving forward, we’re reminded • Learn why bipolar disorder is no joke. that the struggle continues. With “gazillionaire” Elon • Check out local reparations efforts nationwide.

If you are Fit & Fine email: Musk making billions off government subsidies (welfare) • The Karens and Brads are at it again, with a lawsuit against fitnfine@defendernetwork.com yet saying he’s against other folk receiving more COVID the University of Texas claiming reverse discrimination. financial relief, we know the struggle continues.

ON THE WEB And with news that an Alabama church’s decision to • The NNPA (Black Press of America) and Magic Johnson hold a revival amid a global pandemic facilitated 40 new team up to fund over $100 million in PPP loans.

COVID cases, we know that struggle continues, as well.

• BET and Black leaders declare Sept. 18 National Black TAKING THE TORCH Voter Day. With all the madness around us, weaker folk would • Black athletes donate $100K to pay debts of former felons despair. But our third eye reveals that many righteous in Florida so they can vote.

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

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DN News Stedman Graham is keynote speaker for the Annual Summit on Improving the Outcomes of African American and LatinX Male Youth at Prairie View A&M on Thursday, Aug. 6

Odis Jones named Missouri City’s eighth city manager. The city was in need of a new city manager after the tumultuous firing of Anthony Snipes from the position in February.

Residents demand District B runoff Defender News Service

Community leaders and residents of District B spoke before Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston City Councilmembers, demanding that action be taken to push forward with a scheduled runoff election date.

Ruby Glass, a District B community leader who called in during the meeting, said, “We are embarking on a whole new situation with the pandemic; we need an advocate. We want to make sure that any information that is coming through the council is transmitted to us. We haven’t heard anything at all. We need someone who will stand for us and talk to us.”

Advocates say District B voters have been compromised since the November 2019 elections, when first-place finisher Tarsha Jackson and second-place finisher Cynthia Bailey were headed to a runoff.

The third-place finisher, Renee Jefferson Smith, delayed the runoff after contesting the results of the race, claiming that Bailey should not have been allowed on the November ballot due to a prior felony conviction.

After the trial court denied Jefferson Smith’s filing, she appealed the lower court’s ruling. She later appealed the Special Judge Grant Dorman’s decision in February to hold the runoff election in May of this year.

This stall tactic has left the District B runoff election in a state of uncertainty and the residents without rightful representation.

In a response to the community concerns, Turner said he would ensure that if a determination is made by the Court of Appeals, which next convenes on Aug. 6, the runoff will take place at the earliest possible date.

Sheila Jackson Lee

Local reparations efforts good, not enough

Defender News Service

Reparations for Black Americans are gaining traction among local governments, but advocates say federal restitution is needed for the multi-generational harm done by slavery and other forms of oppression.

Earlier this month, Asheville, N.C., City Councilmembers unanimously approved a measure supporting “community reparations” for Black residents. In Rhode Island, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza recently signed an executive order to begin examining the viability of a reparations program for residents of African or indigenous backgrounds. And in June, the California Assembly voted to establish a task force to study and propose recommendations on the issue.

Proponents of federal reparations argue that localized efforts at atonement, while

appreciated, do not go far enough. They also argue that nationwide protests and shifting views on Black Lives Matter could be fertile ground for a long-desired federal bill on reparations, with renewed calls for H.R. 40 — a House bill that would designate a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African-Americans — to finally get its day on the House floor.

“I am very pleased and thank them for their affirmation, but the country doesn’t run by local cities’ jurisdictions,” Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, said of local efforts at reparations.

“It’s run by the federal government.”

Jackson Lee is the lead sponsor of H.R. 40, named after the broken 1865 promise to redistribute Confederate land to former slaves — popularized as “40 acres and a mule” — and introduced by the late Rep. John Conyers during

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 40 - JULY 30, 2020 The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright.

No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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

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

every legislative session from 1989 to 2017.

H.R. 40 now has 140 co-sponsors, all Democrats, but there has been no action since a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in June of last year. A related bill was also introduced last year

by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., but hasn’t seen any movement in the GOP-controlled Senate.

“I am fully confident that we will see a floor action. I can’t tell you whether it will be in the early fall or late fall in actuality, but I do know we’re gaining more and more outside support,” Jackson Lee said.

Any form of reparations legislation may face an uphill battle in Congress. A Gallup poll in 2019 found that 67 percent of Americans were opposed to cash payments to descendants of slaves. Support among Republicans was particularly low, with 92 percent saying they would not support reparations.

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

AUGUST 7-9

Texas Sales Tax Holiday

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DN News

House honors Lewis with renaming of Voting Rights Act Defender News Service

Following the death of Congressman John Lewis, various events have been planned to memorialize his legacy. Now it’s being reported that House Democrats are also taking steps to rename a voting rights bill after the late civil rights leader.

South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, House majority whip and the third-ranking Democrat in Congress, submitted the request on July 27 to rename H.R. 4 the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act. The House passed the measure in

Jim Clyburn, John Lewis

December that would restore a key part of the historic Voting Rights Act that the Supreme Court struck down in 2013. Democrats have pushed the Republican-controlled

Senate to take up the legislation following the death of Lewis. The House approved the measure by Clyburn by unanimous consent.

Lewis represented Georgia’s 5th Congressional district for more than three decades but his work as an activist really pushed him onto the national stage.

He began his career alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He participated in lunch counter sit-ins, joined the Freedom Riders in challenging segregated buses, and at the age of 23, was a keynote speaker at the historic 1963 March on Washington.

A demonstrator shouts slogans using a bullhorn next to a group of military veterans during a Black Lives Matter protest in Portland, Ore. -AP/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Mayors seek limits on Trump sending secret police to cities Associated Press

The mayors of six U.S. cities appealed to Congress to make it illegal for the federal government to deploy militarized federal agents to cities that don’t want them, even as the Trump administration is considering sending more of them to Democratic-led cities.

“This administration’s egregious use of federal force on cities over the objections of local authorities should never happen,” the mayors of Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque and Washington D.C. wrote to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate.

U.S. agents repeatedly fired what

appeared to be tear gas, flash bangs and pepper balls at protesters outside the federal courthouse in downtown Portland.

Some protesters had climbed over the fence surrounding the courthouse, while others shot fireworks, banged on the fence and projected lights on the building.

The Trump administration says the forces are needed in Portland to protect the courthouse and other federal buildings. But the mayors said the officers have patrolled areas distant from federal properties and arrested citizens without cause.

The mayors said they support legislative efforts to require notice and consultation with and consent from local authorities

before deployments, require visible identification at all times on federal agents and vehicles unless on an undercover mission authorized by the local U.S. attorney, and impose limitations on federal agents’ crowd control activities to protect federal property.

Demonstrations in support of racial justice and police reform in other cities around the U.S. were also hit with violence.

Protesters set fire to an Oakland courthouse; vehicles were set ablaze in Richmond, Va.; an armed protester was shot and killed in Austin, Texas, and two people were shot and wounded in Aurora, Colo. after a car drove through a protest.

Members of Delta Sigma Theta in front of the GA State Capitol.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority supports Atlanta mayor Defender News Service

While Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp was filing a lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over her citywide mask requirement, he may not have counted on the show of solidarity for Bottoms’ sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta.

Members of the organization recently converged on Kemp’s mansion, trying to meet with the governor. The group, which also included elected officials, was unsuccessful in meeting with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Kemp. However, they were met by press secretary Cody Hall, who nodded as protesters explained to him why they wanted Kemp to rescind his suit.

They said they had been trying for days to get a response to their request for a meeting.

The Democratic mayor and Republican governor are fighting over whether Bottoms has the authority to require masks in the city, while Kemp’s state-wide order blocks cities and counties from making laws more stringent than what the state has ordered.

Medical experts agree that masks are a sound way to reduce the spread of COVID19. While Kemp has encouraged Georgians to wear masks he has called such legal requirements “a bridge too far.”

Kemp filed a lawsuit July 13 targeting Bottoms’ choice to revert to “phase one” guidelines, adding that the city’s mask requirements are “void and unenforceable.”

The Georgia Municipal Association agreed with the city that Kemp is trying to “usurp local control and home rule authority” by blocking Atlanta and 100 other Georgia cities from taking additional steps beyond the governor’s order.

The initial hearing on Kemp’s lawsuit was pushed back after two judges assigned to the case recused themselves. A third judge ordered the case to mediation.

“It is not my desire as mayor of this city to have a very public fight with the governor of this state,” Bottoms said. “I would much rather spend my energy on leading our city through COVID-19.”

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DN News CORONAVIRUS

THINGS TO KNOW ReShonda Tate Billingsley

STARR test waived

Students enrolled in 5th grade and 8th grade are required to re-take a State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test late in the school year, and sometimes again in the summer if they don’t meet grade-level when taken during the spring. With a new waiver from Gov. Abbott, there will only be one administration of the STAAR test in grades 5 and 8 math and reading assessments for the 2020-21 school year. “

GOP unveils ‘HEALS’ Act with $1,200 checks

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Republicans’ next coronavirus stimulus package proposal would be called the “HEALS” (health, economic assistance, liability protection and schools) Act. The proposal would include another round of $1,200 direct payments to Americans.

The qualifications to receive a check would be the same as it was for the first round of payments from the CARES Act. That means American adults who make up to $75,000 would receive the full $1,200. One big change is that the HEALS Act would expand payments for certain dependents, providing an additional $500 to “taxpayers with dependents of any age.”

Gov. Abbott extends early voting

Gov. Greg Abbott extended the early voting period for the November election by six days, citing continued challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Early voting for the Nov. 3

Anti-racism bill fights COVID-19 impact on Blacks Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., during a news conference on on Capitol Hill in Washington to highlight their proposal for the next coronavirus stimulus bill. McConnell is joined by, from left, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah. AP/Susan Walsh

election will now begin Oct. 13 instead of Oct. 19. The end date remains Oct. 30. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins had asked Abbott to provide more detail about whether early voting would

be extended so that election officials could have enough time to prepare.

Abbott and other Texas GOP leaders continue to resist a push by Democrats to expand mail-in voting.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) announced a new bill intended to address inequality in COVID 19 and the Black community, by introducing a $200 million anti-racism initiative aimed at medical professionals and health service providers. The COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act aims to deter racism in the medical profession and create accountability to prove that patients of color are receiving equal care. Harris said Blacks are not receiving the same kind of treatment that others receive.

School districts share re-opening plans Defender News Service

Now that the Texas Education Agency has updated its guidelines for reopening in the upcoming school year, area districts are rolling out revised plans.

Here are the plans revealed so far from some area school districts.

Plans continue to change as the school year draws closer.

HISD

Will start classes on Sept. 8 with six weeks of virtual learning that will run through Friday, Oct. 16. Face-to-face instruction for all students will begin on Monday, Oct. 19. Parents not comfortable with sending their children back to school will have the option to opt-out of face-to-face instruction entirely.

ALVIN

Will begin in a three-week,

virtual online format on Aug. 24. On Aug. 31, students will begin a staggered reintroduction to on-campus learning. From Aug. 31 to Sept. 14, Alvin ISD will implement a phased-in approach, slowly bringing back certain student groups that have chosen the face-to-face educational model. On Sept. 14, students that selected in-person instruction will resume full time on-campus learning.

KIPP TEXAS-HOUSTON

Will start the semester 100% virtual and classes will begin on Aug. 24 with campuses reopening Sept. 21 as conditions permit. They hope to return to in-person learning with a staggered, phased-in start beginning Oct. 12 for families who choose in-person learning for the second nine-week instructional cycle.

FORT BEND

We cannot talk about sending our children, teachers, and staff back to school when the virus is spreading uncontrollably in our community.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner

Will begin the upcoming school year with no in-person instruction or extra-curricular activities. Daily online engagement will be required and in-person instruction will be phased in with small groups. The first day of school is Aug. 17. No date has been set for in-class instruction.

KATY

Will offer only online learning for the first three weeks of school.

The first day of school will still be Aug. 19. The district hopes to launch its “Smart ReStart” plan by reopening campuses for families who choose in-person instruction on Sept. 8.

ALDINE

Students will learn virtually from home for at least the first three weeks of the 2020-

2021 school year. School begins Monday, Aug. 17. Teachers will report to campuses this fall, whether they are supporting traditional on-campus learning or virtual classes.

ALIEF

Students will have a virtual school start on Aug. 6. Following the virtual launch, parents will have the option to continue remote learning or switch to in-person instruction. The start date for in-person learning hasn’t been set.

PEARLAND

The first day of school is scheduled for Aug. 19 for both remote and in-person instruction.

Deadline for remote instruction selection must be completed by Aug. 5. See more plans at DefenderNetwork.com

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB OnSocial John Lewis becomes 1st Black congressman to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol

Another battle for the Turkey Leg Hut ReShonda Tate Billingsley Two partners in the wildly popular Third Ward restaurant, The Turkey Leg Hut, are accusing each other of theft, fraud, and more.

Business owner Steven Rogers is suing Nakia Price, the majority owner of the TLH Company, claiming breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing, fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Rogers is seeking at least $100,000 in damages.

In the countersuit, Price denied all allegations and seeks injunctive relief. She said Rogers’ suit follows weeks of “heated negotiations” for a buyout of his

The late civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis arrived to the U.S. Capitol one last time. Tens of thousands of people watched his funeral, then final processional across the Edmund Pettus bridge and they watched as mourners paid tribute to Lewis, who lay in state at the Capitol.

interest in the company. She said the lawsuit is a “desperate move to squeeze money out.”

Price also laid out Rogers’ missteps, which Price said included embezzlement, stealing money and equipment, and tarnishing Turkey Leg Hut’s good standing under its rental agreement. She filed a counterclaim for $100,000.

This is not the first time the TLH company has come under fire. In November 2019, neighbors claimed the restaurant operated illegally and was a public nuisance due to smoke.

See the full claim at www.DefenderNetwork.com

Sports support Black Lives Matter Players across most of the country’s professional sports leagues have shown their support for the Black Lives Matter movement by either kneeling or wearing movement-inspired warmups.

As the national anthem was being played prior to the WNBA’s season-opening game between the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty, all players from both teams returned to their respective locker rooms as a sign of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Every member of all four teams playing on Major League Baseball’s Opening Day took a knee to protest racial inequality prior to the playing of the U.S. national anthem. And the NBA is allowing players to wear select statements on the backs of their jerseys instead of their last names.

LeBron James praised the Black Lives Matter “lifestyle” and doubled down on calls for justice for Breonna Taylor, a young Black medical worker who was fatally shot by plainclothes officers in her Louisville home in March.

63%

Americans support Black Lives Matter *ABC News/ Washington Post poll

Sen. Tom Cotton says slavery ‘necessary evil’

PEOPLE ARE BUZZING ABOUT...

“A lot of people say Black Lives Matter is a movement. It is not a movement.

It’s a lifestyle. We say how long will this movement last, don’t stop the movement…. This is a walk of life.

When you wake up and you are Black, that is what it is... it is not a movement.

Woman charged with arson after nearly blowing herself up A viral video that made its rounds on social media left many chuckling, but it was no laughing matter for Sydney Parham of Michigan. The 26-year-old was caught on video setting fire to a Jeep that belonged to someone she knew. After pouring gas into the car, she lit a match and threw it into the window, causing an explosion that knocked her to her feet. She was able to run away but was later arrested and charged with third degree arson.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING...

“I’m shocked she still has eyebrows and hair!!! That type of braiding hair is highly flammable, so the fact that it didn’t catch on fire is shocking for real.”

- Ann

“I’m really glad she got arrested because that is pure foolishness.”

- Stacie Andrews

“We’ve got to do better. Don’t let anyone push you to this point. It’s not worth it.”

- Valencia Raines

- LeBron James

Tom Cotton

bit.ly/lebron_BLM_lifestyle

“This makes me proud. It gives me hope that America truly has the potential to rise above the injustice and become a nation of humans who show the world how to live in peace. Of course we’re a long way away, but I have that dream...”

- Marion

“...I want to see real change. Then, I’ll be impressed.

Until then, it’s like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon of the latest trending thing.”

- Joshua Melvin

“Bravo. Until we deal with our unjust justice systemI hope this grows and continues.”

- Troy Tepley

“Don’t know what the national anthem has to do with BLM, but I appreciate their show of solidarity.”

- Teresa Skinnerbowers

The Arkansas Republican senator said the institution of slavery in America as “a necessary evil upon which the union was built.” He made the statement after championing a bill to stop federal support of a new and expansive curriculum on slavery that some school districts are considering using when training teachers.

Kanye struggles, Kim pleads for compassion Rapper Kanye West is working on making amends with Kim Kardashian. Recently, the rapper seemed to move into a better headspace, issuing a public apology to his wife of six years via Twitter. And while West’s behavior has been erratic over the last few years, a source close to the couple insists this apology is the real deal — he has sincere “regrets” over the things he said about Kardashian during his series of recent outbursts.

I would like to apologize to my wife Kim for going public with something that was a private matter. I did not cover her like she has covered me.”

– Kanye West

As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder.

Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”

– Kim Kardashian West

“This is a perfect example of the problem with America! White people want to cover up their real history!”

- Phillip Martin

“Tom Cotton is a racist sharing false history and racist beliefs.”

- Judith Davis

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education Kenneth Paxton, Texas Attorney General, says, “While local health authorities may possess some authority to close schools in limited circumstances, ... the decision rightfully remains with school system leaders.”

MacKenzie Scott, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s ex-wife, has donated nearly $1.7 billion of her fortune to a variety of organizations, including a reported $20 mil each to Howard, Hampton and Xavier Universities.

UT FACES LAWSUIT FROM WHITE STUDENTS Texas Tribune

A national organization has filed a lawsuit against the University of Texas at Austin on behalf of two white students who were denied admission, marking the third time the school has been sued by this group over an admissions policy they call “racially discriminatory.”

The group, Students for Fair Admissions, is a nonprofit of “more than 20,000 students, parents and others” who believe that racial classifications and preferences in college admissions are “unfair, unnecessary, and unconstitutional,” according to the group’s website. The lawsuit, which was first reported by the Austin-American Statesman, claims that at least two white students applied for admission to UT-Austin’s 2018 and 2019 freshmen classes and were denied based on their race.

The applicants, who currently attend other universities in Texas, are “ready and able to apply to transfer to UT-Austin when it stops

discriminating against applicants on the basis of race and ethnicity,” the lawsuit said.

Several high-profile UT System officials are named as defendants in the suit, including Chancellor James B. Milliken and members of the Board of Regents, along with interim UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell.

Previous attempts to overturn the use of race in UT-Austin’s admissions policies have proven unsuccessful, including a 2018 lawsuit by the same group that was dropped earlier this month. Students for Fair Admissions was also behind the high-profile Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin case, which ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016 and culminated in a 4-3 ruling in favor of the university, with the court holding that UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy did not violate federal law.

The same group has sued administrators at Harvard University. A federal judge ruled in favor of Harvard last October, upholding

The statue of George Washington outside the University of Texas at Austin Main Building.

Credit: Allie Goulding/The Texas Tribune

the inclusion of race as a consideration in applications.

In 2018, about 75% of UT-Austin students received automatic admission to the school through the Top 10 Percent Rule, a state law that offers admission to Texas students near the top of their high school class. The university has factored race and ethnicity into its admissions decisions for the remaining applicants since 2003, when a different U.S. Supreme Court ruling

declared race-based affirmative action constitutional.

“The university is reviewing the new lawsuit from (Students for Fair Admissions),” said J.B. Bird, a UT-Austin spokesperson.

“We agreed with the judge’s decision to dismiss (Students for Fair Admissions’) previous lawsuit, and we remain confident in the lawfulness and constitutionality of UT Austin’s holistic admissions policy, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in 2016.”

KTSU introduces ‘The Vibe,’ welcomes new leadership Texas Southern University’s Division of University Advancement is excited to announce the continued expansion of KTSU 90.9 FM with a new digital station. The Vibe will be the digital and innovative urban alternative station, powered by KTSU. The new format will appeal to millennials and the Generation Z demographic, offering the latest in hip hop, R&B and neo-soul on the FM dial and through 24-hour online streaming.

The Vibe is set to begin broadcasting and streaming this fall.

The non-profit Corporation for Public Broadcasting awarded KTSU the grant to start The Vibe in the Houston market after the ratings success and growth of KTSU 90.9 FM, which is one of the top 25 public radio stations in the country and #1 public radio station in the country with African American listenership audience. The Choice, known for its format of jazz, blues, oldies and gospel, has always championed

Holly Charles

Ernest Walker

Mad Hatta

Nakia Cooper

other formats, which makes The Vibe a timely fit.

“KTSU 90.9 FM Radio was the first African American station to introduce hip hop to Houston listeners right here on the historic campus of Texas Southern University.

How appropriate is it for us to extend our reach in 2020 by going back to the basics by reaching a new generation of listeners,” said Ernest Walker, KTSU general manager.

KTSU Radio pulls out all the stops by selecting an all-star team of professionals

to ensure the station’s success. Madd Hatta, a Houston radio legend and former host of 97.9 The Box Madd Hatta Morning Show, joins KTSU The Vibe as its new content director, bringing decades of radio expertise and appeal as hometown hero. He is joined by Marketing and Community Engagement Director Holly Charles and News and Digital Media Coordinator Nakia Cooper, a TSU alumna.

“The Vibe is yet another platform created at Texas Southern University to

celebrate and showcase amazing talent while hiring our alumni and the best of Houston. It all began with The Choice, our legendary station. We recently added KTSU 2 The Voice, our student operated digital operation, and now we are proud to welcome The Vibe. This third outlet will provide even more internship and career opportunities for our students,” said Melinda Spaulding, vice president for University Advancement.

KTSU Radio, 90.9 has had a presence on the public radio spectrum for nearly 50 years and plans to raise its profile by filling a void in the Houston market with not only chart-topping music, but rising local and national artists, live and virtual performances and events, thoughtful programming, community outreach and an urban news perspective.

Details concerning information about programming and scheduling for The Vibe will be available on www.ktsuradio.com.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Thank YOU, Seniors Keep reaching higher!

College Graduates

High School Graduates Desiree Acevedo Jaime Adams Montra Adams Marley Arnaud Rebecca Averitt Kirsten Baker Isabella Balderas Jaron Batiste Mark Beauchamp Taresa Ben Dee Biggs Morgan Billingsley Haley Bingham Anita Bishop Kloee Bogany Tamika Bolden Kenneth Booker Tyrell Bright Chandra Brooks Kalle Brown James Bryant III Maria Cardenas Carrie Carmouche Lovous Carter Christion Chancellor Joshua Childs Patrick Chizer Ashley Cook Brenda Cooper Regina Cooper Kailynn Cravey Kennedi Cunningham Debra Davis Monica Davis Madison Davis Kendle Deese

Marisela Torres Christopher Turknett Jarius Turner Autumn Turner Gloria Varela Julia Venable Tyrealle Vigne Morgan Villarreal Sarah Villegas Carmen Walker Shalonda White Katrina Whitten Xontianyah Williams Nicole Williams-Hall Ja Kobe Wilson Stacey Wilson Kimberlin Wilson George Tee Young Lisandra Zuniga Rodrina Delaney Monica Diaz Sha’drian Eiland Daion Epps Carlencia Flakes Aegeda Fountaine-Hall Gwendolyn Fowler Isabella Gaona Emily Garcia Patricia Gardner Kenice Garner Latisha George Gwendolyn Gilford-Conaway Lorraine Gonez Marcenia Grace Trinitynya Gray Ashlee Green

Veronica Guerrero Alaysia Guillory Gracie Gutierrez Angella Harris Alicia Harris Mariah Harris Tabitha Harris Keshawn Hawkins Terry Henderson Travion Hernandez Ashlea Hill Jonathan Hill Caleb Hill Poetry Holden Iva Hopkins Ahmad Howard Terii Howse Madison Hubbard Kathryn Hunter Makerra Hunter Noah Jackson Anaiya Jackson Samuriel Jackson Kammie Jammer Taylor Jerrilynn Alexia Johnson Martinyul Johnson Lauryn Johnson Andrea Jones Nettie Jones Temika Jones Michael J Jordan Haley Jutson Camren Kimble Carmen Kimble Stacy LaGrone

Sponsored by

Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University

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10 | July 30, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health BIPOLAR DISORDER

What Blacks should know Marilyn Marshall

Concerns over the mental health of rapper Kanye West have prompted questions about bipolar disorder. Estimates of how many Americans have the condition vary, from 2 million to 5 million.

While the rate of bipolar disorder is the same among Black Americans, according to the community-based non-profit Mental Health America (MHA), Blacks are less likely to receive a diagnosis and therefore treatment.

Reasons for the disparity include a mistrust of health professionals, cultural barriers between doctors and patients, limited access to medical and mental health care and misunderstanding and stigma about mental illness.

West, who revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with the disorder, acted erratically during a recent presidential campaign rally in Charleston, S.C., where he rambled and broke down in tears.

His wife, Kim Kardashian, asked the public for compassion and said in part, “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand…”

Here are some things to know about the disorder from MHA and the National Institute of Mental Health.

WHAT IT IS Bipolar disorder is a chronic or episodic mental disorder. It can cause unusual and often extreme changes in mood, energy, activity, concentration or focus. People with bipolar disorder cannot handle it alone and may be at risk for suicide if they do not receive treatment. The exact cause of the disorder is unknown and there is no single cause. Factors that may contribute to the disorder include genetics, brain chemistry, disturbing events or drug and alcohol abuse.

SYMPTOMS Symptoms can vary and a person with the disorder may have manic episodes, depressive episodes or “mixed” episodes.

Symptoms of a manic episode might include feeling very up or extremely irritable or touchy, a decreased need for sleep or feelings of unusual importance or power. Symptoms of a depressive episode might include feeling very sad or anxious, feeling hopeless or worthless, trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much, or thoughts of death or suicide.

TREATMENT Treatment includes medication,

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psychotherapy or other forms of counseling, electroconvulsive therapy (a brain stimulation procedure), peer support and complementary care such as exercise and stress reduction classes.

GETTING HELP If you think that you or someone you know has bipolar disorder start with your primary care physician for help. Other local and national resources include: • B l a c k Me nt a l He a lt h A l l i a n c e , blackmentalhealth.com • Harris Health Behavioral Health Program, harrishealth.org • Harris Center/MHMRA HelpLine, 713-970-7000 • Mental Health America, mhanational.org • Mental Health America of Greater Houston, mhahouston.org • National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org • United Way of Greater Houston, unitedwayhouston.org

CLASSIFIED HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 •

Project 20-05-03 – RFQ/ Charter School Operators – with a deadline of 12:00 p.m. on August 26, 2020. The Pre-Proposal Conference for this project will be via Zoom on August 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

The solicitation for bids is available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Directory, Purchasing Services, Solicitation of Bids. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 •

Project 21-07-01 – RFP / Furniture District-wide – with a deadline of 12:00 p.m. on August 25, 2020.

The Pre-Proposal Conference for this project will be via Zoom Meeting on August 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

The solicitation for bids is available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Directory, Purchasing Services, Solicitation of Bids. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

July 30, 2020 |

| 11

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DN Sports Designers of Madden NFL 21 — for unexplained reasons — gave Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson one of the worst QB ratings for this season’s video game.

Marquez Stevenson, University of Houston senior receiver Marquez Stevenson has been selected to the watch list for the 84th annual Maxwell Award, presented to the college player of the year.

TSU, PVAMU READY FOR SPRING SHIFT

Terrance Harris

A couple of weeks ago the concern was real about whether there will be a SWAC football season in 2020.

But now that we know there will be a season after SWAC commissioner Charles McClelland and the member presidents decided to postpone the fall schedule until the spring, the concern now is in the logistics.

Football, along with volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s and women’s cross country, will effectively join the slate of winter/spring sports for 2021 in hopes things are under better control with COVID-19 pandemic.

An already busy sports calendar will be even more jam-packed.

“It obviously puts a strain on us because you are talking about playing all of our sports at the exact same time,” said Texas Southern University athletic director Kevin Granger. “You are talking about a logistical nightmare for buses, for our transportation, and a lot of our training staff work with multiple sports. Obviously now we will have to make some adjustments there.”

For football in particular, there will be adjustments galore after being given the chance to play six conference games in the spring along with an optional seventh, provided the nation has a better handle on the spread of the coronavirus.

It will be a total reversal of schedules with this fall serving as the spring practices that were missed and then the spring season will begin in January with an eightweek training period followed by the six or seven-week season.

“My approach now is we have to flip-flop each season,” said Prairie View A&M University coach Eric Dooley. “Now we have to make the spring our fall and the fall our spring.”

It obviously puts a strain on us because you are talking about playing all of our sports at the exact same time.”

Kevin Granger, Texas Southern University athletic director

Prairie View defeated Texas Southern during a game at BBVA Stadium in 2019. (Ralph Parrott/Sui Generis Photograph)

Exactly how that will look remains a little in the air because the NCAA has not said if it will allow the SWAC some extra practice time this fall to help make up for the time missed this past spring.

The coaches have not been able to work with their players in person for nearly five months, and are limited to video conferencing and Zoom meetings while everyone is away from campus.

But the chance for a season overrides many of the logistical concerns, which also include how shifting to the spring will affect the 2021 fall season that will be fast approaching.

“It’s different but we are excited that we have an opportunity to play a season,” said TSU coach Clarence McKinney. “Our guys have something to look forward to and all of their hard work won’t be in vain. They will work hard leading up to the season and play a season and play for a championship.”

Sports Briefs Moute had COVID-19 Recently acquired Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute confirmed that his delay in joining the team in the NBA bubble in Orlando was because he tested positive for the COVID-19. The 33-year-old Moute said he suffered from body aches, fever and chills during his bout with the virus.

Luc Mbah a Moute

Texans, TSU form partnership Texas Southern and the Texans are forming a unique partnership, the school announced.

Some Texans players, including Laremy Tunsil QB Deshaun Watson, receiver Kenny Stills and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil will serve as mentors to TSU student-athletes.

Texans extend lineman Offensive guard Senio Kelemete has received a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through Senio Kelemete 2021. Kelemete started last season at left guard before a shoulder injury put him on the injured reserve list.

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12 | July 30, 2020 |

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T:13"

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Visit xfinity.com/discovermore to learn more.

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