The rapper is gaining national acclaim as he brings his award-winning Trill Burgers to Houston.
Lee Kaplan
Amanda Edwards
Robin Williams
Chris Hollins
BUN B FEATURE Volume 91, issue 39 twitter.com/defendernetworkfacebook.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.cominstagram.com/defendernetwork FREE The Defender lists high school football players expected to make an impact this year. ONES WATCHTOSPORTS August 18, 2022 Show me the money Houston mayoral candidates talk fundraising.
State Sen. John Whitmire
Michael (Mike) Hickmon and screenshot of the video showing Hickmon being shot.
• Does “Art Apartheid” exist in Houston?
ON THE WEB
LAW & ODOR
Last week, a Black parent fled a civil rights lawsuit against the Los Angeles United School District over an elementary school lesson. Dig this. Te school’s social justice teacher built an entire cotton feld in front of the campus so students could pick cotton and gain “a real-life experience” of slavery. Te child of the suing parent, who was emotionally “shook” by the exercise, was afraid to tell her mom about the “assignment” for fear of retribution and bad grades from her teacher. It’s amazing but not amusing that the same folk who okay lessons that trau matize our children will fght to the death to keep their kids from being exposed to any Black history beyond their white-washed version of enslavement. I don’t know about you, but I’m critical of that race practice.
My sister is a sports mom. Her two sons (my nephews) have played all the sports, with football being their favorite. And my sister is that sports parent who gets loud at the open ing kickof, and only gets louder as the game goes on. But she gets loud for her babies and their team. She doesn’t do what she’s told me she’s seen far too much of—parents of com peting teams going of on each, each oth er’s kids, the refs and the coaches. For years, my sister has decried the vanishing sportsmanship and common decency that once existed among parents at little league games, coupled with more verbal and physical alterca tions. So, when I heard about Michael Hickmon, that Dallas-area coach of a 9-year-old football team, getting shot and killed because pissed-of parents were fghting, I was horrifed but not surprised. Folk have been asking “why,” as in, “why such violence at a kid’s game” or “why did Hickmon’s son have to witness this tragedy?” But the better question is, what the hell are we gonna do to get our collective minds and spirits right so this is the last such tragedy we have to hear about?
• Check out the Defender channels: Black Women, Under 40 and Community Central.
Message from the Associate Editor
Something stinks. Because despite all their “Blue Lives Matter” chants and slavish devotion to “law and order” politicians, conservatives have never fully believed in law and order. Oh, they believe in “them laws” (the police) keeping your Black ass in order (in line, in our place). But the moment police hold conservatives accountable for liv ing within the laws of the land, they scream victim, break all the laws attempting to overthrow a national election and attack cops. According to U.S. crime statistics, for decades angry whites have shot and killed more police
than any other demographic. By far. And afer the FBI’s subpoena-led “visit” to Mara-Lago, violent threats and attacks against them are skyrocketing daily. And while local and federal cops continued to portray crime as a Black thang, they had to fnally admit the number one threat of domestic terrorism and anti-police violence comes from whites angry about something or other. Why am I shar ing this? In hopes of convincing those seven Blackfolk in America who don’t already know the deal— that we aren’t the ones “them laws’ should be profling.
Aswad Walker
CRITICAL RACE PRACTICE
WHY?
2 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
• See the Top 5 Tips to Avoid Social Media Burnout.
To the POINTDN
is is the first time since 2019 that letter grades were announced during the COVID19 pandemic, and the challenges schools wereSchoolsfacing.and
He spoke of a few district risk campuses’ progress, including Wheatley High School. A er eight years of consistent low-performance ratings, Wheatley passed with a C.
• Roland P. Harris Elementary
• Paul Revere Middle School
HPM
The prime suspect in the fatal shooting of a youth football coach in Lancaster, Texas has turned himself in a er more than 24 hours on the run. Yaqub Talib, the older brother of former NFL star Aqib Talib, surrendered a day a er the altercation that le little league football coach Mike Hickmon dead. Witnesses say Aqib Talib started the brawl by throwing the first punch at Hickmon because he was upset with the referees a er losing the game. Graphic video from the shooting circulating on social media shows coaching staff arguing with referees before the fatal shooting in front of children, including Hickmon’s 9 year-old-son.
“It’s time to call a special session,” explained Green. “It’s also time to put away with the insane idea that teachers are supposed to be the defenders.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rep. Al Green, and Rep. Sylvia Garcia speak on funding for area schools.Deadly little league game suspect in custody
Houstonians are invited to join an important discussion commemorating the anniversary of the Camp Logan Mutiny and Houston Riots of 1917, Tues., Aug. 23, from 7pm-9pm. Park Conversations –The Houston Mutiny and Riots: 105 Years Later will focus on the fight to secure clemency for the soldiers who were convicted without adequate representation nor the ability to appeal. This includes soldiers who were subsequently executed. In addition to an excerpt from the documentary Mutiny on the Bayou that explains the August 23, 1917 event, the evening will feature a panel discussion with legal experts leading today’s efforts for clemency for these soldiers, descendants of those involved in the 1917 event, and local community leaders. servancy.orghttps://www.memorialparkcon-Visitformoreinformation.
Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in the state, received a B, as it did in 2019.
Elemore
Capo says there needs to be more
A: 39 Elementary, 31 Middle, 26 High B: 115 Elementary, 2 Middle C: 25 Elementary, 6 Middle, 12 High Not Rated: 10 Elementary, 2 Middle, 5 High
• Forest Brook Middle School
• Jack Yates High School
Houston Metro will receive $21.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration to aid in the organization’s transition from diesel buses to electric ones. The federal grant will help cover the cost of 20 electric buses, as well as electric charging equipment. The new buses will bring the total number of full-sized electric battery METRO buses to 40 within the next year. Officials say federal funding will help the organization reach its goal of fully transitioning to zero-emission vehicles by 2030. This comes a er Houston received $21 million earlier this week from U.S. Department of Transportation to help revamp a section of Telephone Road with wider sidewalks, bike lanes and accessible bus stops.
• Woodson LeadershipPK-5Academy
“Put it on the schools, put it on the children, put it on the teachers and the educators,” said Turner. “When 70% of your teachers are thinking about going elsewhere pay the teachers what they rightfully deserve.”Inaddition to more funding, U.S. Rep. Al Green and other Democratic leaders called on the Texas Legislature to call a special session. Green says in the a ermath of the Uvalde massacre, lawmakers need to change the age of purchasing a gun to 21.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said state lawmakers will have around $27 billion extra to work with during the next session.
Although this is good news for the district, Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, says that it doesn’t change the fact the state itself is “flawed and “draconian.”
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY Accountability ratings released, HISD makes improvements
HISD94%SCHOOLS
10 SCHOOLS NOT RATED FOR 2022
Schools that received ratings below a 70 were classified as “not rated,” according to Senate Bill 1365, which passed in 2021 to give schools time to recover from their failing grade instead of being at risk for intervention.TEAreported that 1,195 districts and 8,451 campuses were rated for the 2021-2022 school year. According to a news release, schools saw “significant gains” in student academic growth. Twenty-five percent of districts and 33% of campuses improved their letter grade from 2019.
• Community Services K-12
districts are assigned grade letters A-F based on three categories: School
A recent poll also shows 70% of Texas teachers want to quit their jobs, many fearing another school shooting and wanting more“Houstonpay. teachers are paid $7,500 below the national average,” said Turner. “That needs to change.”
Park discussConversationsHoustonriots
NEWSBRIEFS
• Highland Heights Elementary
By Laura Onyeneho
| 3 NewsDN August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
HOW HISD SCHOOLS WERE GRADED
• B.C. Elementary
e Texas Education Agency has released the 2021-2022 accountability ratings for school districts statewide.
• McReynolds Middle School
• Kashmere High School
Metro to receive $21 mil for electric buses
an A, 80-89 for a B, and 70-79 for a C.
passing 2022 82% passing 2019
e most significant improvement came from Osborne Elementary, jumping from its failed score of 59 to an A rating of 96. Henry Middle School showed promise in its performance, from a D in 2019 to a C this year.
authentic assessments that give students different ways to show what they have learned in “Employers,school.
for example, don’t look for how well you did on a test, but rather how well you work as a team player and can you implement the work they are paying you to do,” he said. “I think we do a disservice when we put so much emphasis on testing at the expense of real-life skills to help kids prepare for the real Accordingworld.”toHouston ISD’s general fund budget, the district will get $190 million from the state for the 2022-2023 school year.
“Frankly, the use of test scores at all is still controversial with many people in the community. ere are many parents that refuse to even allow their children to take the test anymore because they are tired of their children being pigeonholed or labeled based on an assessment one day a year,” Capo said. “ ese tests are not measures of a kid’s ability to do well.”
“I’m extremely proud to say that HISD is moving in the right direction; the ship is turning,” said Superintendent Millard House II during an announcement of his reaction to the news.
ScoresClosingStudentProgressAchievementthegapsof90-100received
Williams No data available
But Kaplan sees his “outsider” positioning as an advantage.
“Money buys television and radio spots. It pays for digital and print materials. Money purchases transportation and lodging for stump activities. Money pays for campaign staf, strategy and canvassing. If a political tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, it loses.”Forcontext, in 2015, Turner started his mayoral run with $900,000. In 2019, attorney Tony Buzbee had $2 million in his campaign cofers, though his campaign was self-funded. But the fact that Buzbee made it to a run-of with the then incumbent Turner shows the impact and importance of a well-funded campaign.Thatbeing said, Hollins, Kaplan and
Edwards, based solely on campaign fund raising, are basically in a dead heat. Tus, the wildcard in this race is Whitmire, and the amount of funds he will be able to bring to theEdwardstable. and Hollins feel good about where their fundraising numbers currently stand.
“Money talks loudly in political campaigns,” said Sharon Watkins Jones, longtime political strategist and founder of Watkins Jones LLC, a public afairs and legislative advo cacy frm.
Kaplan and Williams face the daunting task of raising campaign funds without the name recognition enjoyed by Whitmire, Edwards and Hollins, who made national news for his work to facilitate record-breaking voting during the November 2020 presidential elec tion amid a pandemic.
Houston mayoral candidates talk fundraising
enthusiastic and immediate response to our campaign will help ensure that Hous ton elects a mayor that has the experience and vision needed to ensure that we can live in a city where every Houstonian has the opportunity to thrive.”
Robin
Houston City Councilmember; State Sen. John Whitmire; attorney Lee Kaplan and police ofcer Robin Williams.
Mayor Sylvester Turner has led the Bayou City for the past seven and a half years, steering Houston through countless storms, including the Labor Day Flood (2015), Tax Day Flood (2016), Hurricane Harvey (2017), Independence Day Flood (2018) and Winter Storm Uri (2021).
“I think people are attracted to individuals from the private sector more than those from the public sector, i.e. somebody like me,” said Kaplan. “Many
Whitmire
“Te fact that we have received more indi vidual contributions than all our opponents combined is a reflection of the grassroots enthusiasm we’ve generated since launching our campaign,” said Hollins. “Houstonians are embracing our fresh ideas and approach in record numbers, and we look forward to continuing to share our message with voters across the city.”
4 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK NewsDN
By Aswad Walker
Because the amount of money campaigns can raise divides the pretenders from the contenders, it is important to take a look at the campaign funding race.
Candidates clockwise starting upper lef: Amanda Edwards, Chris Hollins, State Senator John Whitmire, Robin Williams and Lee Kaplan
Tus far, fve individuals have announced their candidacy: Chris Hollins, former Har ris County clerk; Amanda Edwards, former
view us as bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to public ofce.
“I am so grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from the diverse Houston community and others support ing our campaign,” said Edwards. “Tis
Turner took ofce facing a difer ent storm — an out-of-whack city budget that stood to force hundreds of city workers out of jobs. A storm of a diferent kind swept the nation —a racial reckoning — with the murder of Houston-born George Floyd, and ongoing police killings of unarmed Blacks (Jalen Ran dle, for example).
The grades Turner receives, of course, depend on who you talk to, even though he’s revered nationally for the job he’s done in H-town. But whether you give Turner an A, F or “undecided,” incredibly, his time as Houston’s mayor is coming to an end via term limits.Hence, in November 2023, Houston will elect a new CEO.
SHOW ME THE MONEY HOUSTONMAYORALELECTION NOV20237, MONEY CANDIDATERAISEDAMOUNT RAISED Chris Hollins $1.12 million Lee Kaplan $800,000 Amanda Edwards $789,000 John Whitmire
has a “war chest” of $9.7 million in his state account, though it is not yet clear how much of that he will be able to legally dedicate toward his cam paign due to unclear city codes.
ends. Subscriptions required to access Peacock, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Netflix, and HBO Max™. © 2022 Comcast. All rights reserved. Individual programs and marks are the property of their respective owners. Viewing will count against any Xfinity data plan. Mobile: Xfinity Mobile requires residential post-pay Xfinity Internet. Line limitations may apply. Equip., intl. and roaming charges, taxes and fees, including reg. recovery fees, and other charges extra, and subj. to change. Pricing subject to change. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. After 20 GB monthly data use, speeds reduced to a maximum of 1.5 Mbps download/750 Kbps upload. No rollover data. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures visit: www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. Call for restrictions and complete details, or visit xfinity.com. NPA242195-0002 The new Supersonic Bundle. It’s kind of a big deal. Get Unlimited Internet with Gig speed and supersonic WiFi with a two-year Internet rate guarantee. Plus, no annual contract and no equipment fees. You’ll even get a free Flex 4K streaming box. And if that’s not incredible enough, it’s all just $50 a month when you add Xfnity Mobile with Unlimited data. Kaboom. 1-800-xfnity xfnity.com/gig Visit a store today Free Flex streaming4Kbox plus equipmentWiFiincluded 2-year Internet rate guarantee Nocontractannualwhen$50/mo.youaddXfnityMobilewithUnlimiteddata. No annual contract required. Regular rates apply for Xfnity Mobile plans. Gig-speed Internet 143587_NPA242195-0002 Supersonic ad 9.75x13 HoustonDefender.indd 1 7/6/22 1:51 AM
| 5August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New Xfinity Internet residential customers only. Advertised price requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing ($10/mo. more without). Automatic payment and paperless billing discount effective within 45 days of enrolling. Limited to Gig Internet with xFi modem for 24 months plus a Flex device. All other equipment, installation, taxes & fees extra, and subj. to change during and after promo. After 24 months, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular charges apply to all services and devices. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Xfinity Mobile Discount: New Xfinity Mobile Unlimited customers only. Limited to 24 months. Must activate Xfinity Mobile Unlimited within 90 days of Internet order and maintain the line to receive discount. Discount effective within 30 days of Xfinity Mobile activation. If Gig Internet is cancelled or downgraded, or Xfinity Mobile Unlimited is changed to By the Gig, you will no longer receive the advertised Xfinity Mobile discount. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Flex: Not available to current Xfinity TV customers. Requires post-pay subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Limited to 3 devices. 1 device included, additional devices $5/mo. per device (subj. to change). All devices must be returned when service
“I love the whole idea of being able to vote at midnight; I did love the idea of being able to drive-thru. I liked all of that,” Woods said.
Black Texans’ experiences of the past two years — and how they’re looking ahead to the November midterm elections and next year’s legislative session — are as varied as the indi viduals themselves. Some Black Republicans, for instance, don’t think that everything should be viewed through a lens of race. Robin Arm strong, who recently made an unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination for a Texas Senate district that includes Galveston, said that peo ple use the “ofense of racism” to control Black Texans.“Ifwe see everything through that, then we’re always going to have an excuse to fail,” Armstrong said.
through the ’90s crime bill,” Moore said. “We’ve been through redlining with banks, we’ve been through work discrimination. It’s just kind of what it is. We’ve always, in that same breath, been organizing and fghting for humanity and fghting for our rightful place in society as Americans.”
the power of voters of color — who accounted for 95% of the state’s population boom between the last two censuses.
2020. His message to the thousands of peo ple who showed up to protest was simple: Hold elected ofcials accountable and hold your neighbors accountable.
safety and education — for the past two years.
Texas is home to more Black Americans than any other state. Te state was founded by white men who were determined to expand slavery westward — the confict that sparked the Civil War. Today, white men are overrep resented in the Legislature. At the start of the
After the nation watched a Minneapolis police ofcer murder George Floyd two sum mers ago, Gov. Greg Abbott promised Floyd’s Houston relatives that his death would not be in vain — and signaled an openness to pursuing policeButreforms.evenas millions of Americans pro tested excessive force, systemic racism and law enforcement’s treatment of people of color, Abbott quickly pivoted to defending police funding while remaining relatively quiet on overhauling public safety practices. Earlier this month, Abbott appointed an Austin police of cer indicted for excessive force during the 2020 protests to the state agency that regulates law enforcement — which brought swif criticism for the message it sent to Black Texans.
For him, a piece of the antidote is still cast ing ballots, despite attempts that make it less convenient.“We’vealways adapted,” he said. “So we’re just gonna have to do what we gotta do to get people to the polls.”
ABOVE: Clock wise from top lef: Chas Moore, Karen
X.RyanMiltonAshtonFaithNaomiie-Chernyshev,KossGreen,Anderson,Woods,Harris,DouglasandBLACKS IN TEXAS 3.813%mil of population
And in Texas, those seismic forces have been accompanied by a Republican-controlled state government that has limited how America’s history of racism is taught in public schools, restricted voting options heavily used by peo ple of color and protected the GOP’s grip on power with new political maps that diminish
Texas Tribune
Ashton Woods, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Houston, plans to stay in place. He most recently organized a ingtheremidtermintostandsvention.ofRepublicanoutsidedemonstrationofthePartyTexas’stateconHeunderthatheadingtheNovemberelections,arefewervotoptionsthanin
Floyd’s death and the massive demonstrations that followed it were part of a seemingly endless onslaught of upheaval, crises and emergencies that have trickled into every aspect of daily life — from the economy and health care to public
“What we’re dealing with now in Texas is not new,” said Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, a history professor at Texas Southern University. “It’s still about impacting the strength of the Black vote.”
2021 regular legislative session, there were 17 Black lawmakers in the 150-member Texas House — 16 Democrats and one Republican. Only two Black senators, both Democrats, serve in the 31-member Texas Senate. A few Black Texans have held statewide ofce, but none have made it to the senior-most execu tive and legislative positions.
Many Blacks reconsider future in Texas
For Black people, deaths, illness, job loss and economic insecurity wrought by the coronavirus pandemic have compounded those traumas.
Not that Chas Moore, an Austin activist who helped organize some of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, was surprised by the actions of the governor, who is white. Afer all, Texas is the birthplace of Juneteenth, the holiday commemo rating the emancipation of enslaved people. And it is frequently a political harbinger in a country with a long history of racism, discrimination and oppression.“Tere’salways been an attack on our very existence,” Moore said. “We’re not new to this, we’re true to this … it’s sad to say that we’re true to daily struggles of just existing as Black people.”
But nearly a dozen Black Texans who talked to The Texas Tribune see racism in state leaders’ actions. Some have won dered if remaining in the state makes sense for them. Others are determined to stay and advocate for a more equal and just government.SomeBlack Texans draw strength from their ancestors’ resilience, while others point out that the constant fighting for survival is utterly exhausting.
“We’ve been through Jim Crow, we’ve been through the ‘war on drugs,’ we’ve been
Read more of this story at DefenderNetwork.com. FeatureDN
6 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
ALERT
With the annual Labor Day Classic only days away, the Defender Network is hosting a sold-out signature event to celebrate the leadership of Texas
sity,SouthernversityViewtionshareWeantyear.thementstheirpresidentston-Young.Dr.UniversityandRuthversityViewbetweenaevent25,Thursday,MPrairieUniversitySouthernandViewA&UniversityonAugust2022.SponsoredbyAmegyBank,thefun,yetrelevantwillshowcasecandiddialoguePrairieA&MUni-PresidentDr.J.SimmonsTexasSouthernPresidentLesiaL.Crump-etwowillshareaccomplish-andplansforupcomingschool“Creatingandsupportingoppor-tunitiesthatallowmembersofourcommunitiestosucceedisimport-toAmegyBank.areproudtothisdedica-withPrairieA&MUni-andTexasUniver-historicallyknown
Dr. Ruth Simmons View Young
President Texas Southern University Thursday, August 25, 2022 Classic PRESIHBCUDENTS Amegy Bank Tower Walter Johnson Conference Center 1717 W. Loop South 77027 5:30 pm Reception 6:30 pm Program SOLD OUT Watch event on Defendernetwork.com Saturday SOLD OUT EducationDN HBCU TSU,ClassicPresidentscelebratesPVAMU
DEFENDER NETWORK HOST Celebrate the leadership of these two fne institutions Classic PRESIHBCUDENTS Amegy Bank Tower Walter Johnson Conference Center 1717 W. Loop South 77027 5:30 pm Reception 6:30 pm Program Watch event Defendernetwork.comonSaturday SOLD OUT
Seating for the sold-out event is available on a first come/ first seated basis. You can also catch the event in its entirety on DefenderNetwork. com on Saturday, Aug. 27.
for helping diverse students become engaged members of the community. We celebrate the accomplishments of these two institutions and are thrilled for the opportunities of sustained, positive impact in the years ahead. ank you to the Houston Defender for providing a platform to amplify these achievements,” said Steve Stephens, CEO, Amegy Bank.
| 7August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK Celebrate the leadership of these two fne institutions
“This is an exciting season for Texas Southern University, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities altogether, for this truly is our time,” said TSU president Lesia L.
President Prairie
thediscussionwillLauraEducationguests.limitedmateSource,BlackHouston’sDefendersharethelookpartnerships.newtotunitiesqualitythement,nottremendousareofton-Young.Crump-“Manyourinstitutionsexperiencinggrowthonlyinenroll-butalsoinquantityandofoppor-availablethemthroughandexpandedIforwardtoopportunitytomoreaboutthegreatthingshappeningatTexasSouthernUniver-sityaswetakethenextsteptowardachievingunprec-edentedsuccessatanacceleratedpace.”TheHBCUPresident’sClas-sic,hostedbytheNetwork,LeadingInformationisaninti-affairforanumberofDefenderReporterOnyenehomoderatethebetweentwouniversity
presidents.“TexasSouthern and Prairie View are two premiere institutions in our area with a history of amazing contributions to our community. We are excited to hear from these esteemed presidents about their plans for their beloved institutions,” said Sonny Messiah Jiles, publisher and CEO of the Defender Network.
By ReShonda Tate
A&M University Dr. Lesia Crumpton
is past June 24, coming off the heals of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the longstanding Roe v. Wade decision and Justice Clarence omas threatening to overturn other SCOTUS progressive rulings, Houston Congressman Al Green issued a proactive call to protect one of Congress’ most important pieces of legislation of the 20th century — the Voting Rights Act of 1965. e Defender spoke with Green, the latest national lawmaker to issue the call for the Voting Rights Act to be reauthorized. Here is what he had to say on the matter.
Defender: How does this reauthorization happen with the current D.C. gridlockandPresidentBidenrefusingtoendthefilibuster?Green:
Enforcement Act of 1870: This law prohibited discrimination by state officials in voter registration on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude and established penalties for interfering with a person’s right to vote and gave federal courts the power to enforce the act. It made it crystal clear, at least on paper, that Blacks were protected by law to vote in this country.
By Aswad Walker
The Voting Rights Act of 1865
President Lyndon Johnson shakes hands with civil rights activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a er signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Image courtesy the LBJ Presidential Library.
Green: The primary threat to the VRA comes from radicals in the Republican Party who want to see it eliminated.
members of the Confederacy (traitors who went to war against the U.S.) to power. is meant white domestic terrorism was unleashed on Blacks without restraint. e result? Blacks did not gain access to the polls again until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Why a 1965 Voting Rights Act was needed
Congressman
FOCUS SOCIAL InFocus
Civil Rights Act of 1866: Declared that all persons born or naturalized
8 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK | 9
In 2013, the Supreme Court held in Shelby County vs. Holder that the section of the VRA dictating which states had to undergo preclearance of their voting law changes was unconstitutional because the coverage formula was based on data that was more than 40 years old. This means that currently no state is required to have its voting practices precleared. If the coverage formula were updated with new legislation, the VRA would return to its full pre Shelby County vs. Holder strength.
President Biden cannot alone enact filibuster reform. Two members of his party have expressed that they are not interested in eliminating the filibuster. I am hopeful that we might get more individuals in Congress that are interested in pushing Democratic priorities, especially the reauthorization of the [VRA].
First Black members of the U.S. Congress: Hiram R. Revels, Benjamin S. Turner, Robert Carlos De Large, Josiah T. Walls, Jefferson F. Long, Joseph H. Rainey and Robert B. Elliot.
Voting Rights Act of 1869 (which became known as the 15th Amendment): An amendment to the Constitution that placed Black voting in one of the nation’s founding documents.
in the U.S. were citizens and that any state that denied or abridged the voting rights of men over the age of 21 would be subject to proportional reductions in its representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Al Green: e Voting Rights Act (VRA) needs to be reauthorized because it is one of the most impactful pieces of legislation for expanding voting access to have been passed by the United States since the passage of the 15th Amendment, which recognized the right of former slaves to vote. When the VRA passed in 1965, Congress only had four Asian members, four Latino members, six Black members, and 13 women members. Today, Congress has 21 Asian members, 52 Latino members, 61 Black members and 151 women members, much closer to a representative distribution than prior to the VRA. is change has occurred mainly because of the VRA. The VRA needs to be reauthorized because our country is not beyond the era where oversight of states’ voting practices is no longer needed. Oversight was once required for states with a history of attempting to disenfranchise voters. Federal overseers had to approve any voting change in these states, ensuring a fair system for everyone. But today, the VRA isn’t just in danger of being further damaged; it has already had a significant portion of its power destroyed.
Green host Slavery Remembrance Day Breakfast @ Power Center on Sat. August 20 - 8:30 am - FREE
With this history of Black voting power being steadily attacked, even when the rights were encoded in law, it’s not hard to see why there have been calls over the past few years, especially during the four years preceding the Biden/Harris administration, for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to be reauthorized.
States with a history of invidious discrimination could easily create voting laws that would make it more difficult for people of color to vote.
Defender: Why do you contend the Voting Rights Act should be reauthorized?Congressman
Defender: Who authored the measure to repeal and not authorize the Voting Rights Act?
It is important to distinguish the year (1965) when discussing the Voting Rights Act because Blacks were initially granted legal protections to vote not only via the 15th Amendment, but the Voting Rights Act of 1865, passed by the 39th Congress (1865–1867).at’sright; 100 years before the Voting Rights Act 1965, the one that most people point to as the so-called origins of Black voting in America, existed the real frontrunner.
Voting Rights Act of 1865: This act opened the door for Black males to vote. e act was part of a series of U.S. laws that paved the way for Blacks to go to the polls and exercise their rights as citizens to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice.
DN
During the 2022 Texas State Republican Convention, the Texas Republican Party voted to make repealing the VRA a part of their platform.
DN
Defender: What are the potential ramifications if it is not reauthorized?Green:Without the protection of the VRA, communities of color would likely lose representation at all levels of government.
Between 1865 (the year the Civil War ended) and 1877 — a 12-year period of time known as the Reconstruction Era — more than 1,500 African American officeholders served at the state and federal levels. is is because when the laws were on the books allowing us to vote, we voted in percentages higher than white voters.However, in a land founded upon the erroneous notion of white supremacy, it is no surprise that putting an end to Black voting was a priority. at came with the end of Reconstruction. anks to the Compromise of 1877, the informal agreement between southern Democrats and allies of the Republican Rutherford Hayes to settle the result of the 1876 presidential election, Hayes removed Union troops from the south and reinstated
WHY OTING RIGHTS ACT MUST BE REAUTHORIZED CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN
Green: Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives is currently pending in the Senate to reauthorize the section of the VRA that the Supreme Court struck down. Passage of H.R.4 – John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 and H.R.5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act would accomplish this goal. To help get this legislation passed, citizens can organize and vote for candidates committed
Defender:Whatactionscancitizens take to make this happen?
e recent SCOTUS Roe v. Wade decision, for some, served as a wake-up call and reminder of other “rights” that were tenuously given and can very realistically be taken away.
In this Monday, May 15, 2017 photo, Congressman Al Green speaks to media during a press conference in which he called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump at the Houston Congressional District Office in Houston. The black Trump.mentseekinginfuriatedlynchingthreatened20,Saturday,congressmanTexassaidMaythathe’sbeenwithbycallersoverhimimpeach-ofPresident (Godofredo A. cleHoustonVasquez/Chroni-viaAP)
Following the rapper’s win on “Good Morning America” as his burger brand was dubbed the best in the nation, local legend Bun B returns to the city to introduce his sought-afer Trill Burgers at a pop-up loca tion: Houston City Hall, Sunday, Aug. 28 from 3-7 p.m.
By Laura Onyeneho
Seniors switch to CenterWell Senior Primary Care™ for the convenience of easy scheduling, same-day appointments, TeleHealth visits and 24/7 access to their Care Team. Choose a doctor who can see you sooner and help you make the most of every appointment, with on-site labs, a clinical pharmacist and more.
Bun B and Trill Burgers coming of an epic victory on ABC’s “Good Morning America”
Bun B’s surprise, his award-winning burgers attracted lines that wrapped around a few blocks from a previous pop-up in scorching heat, a testament to the appreci ation the city has for the rapper.
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
CenterWell does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711).
注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語 言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). We accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Memorial Hermann and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans. Follow us @CenterWellPrimaryCare to learn about activities and events Plans accepted GCHLKT9EN CMYCYMYCMYMCK ai1658764022102_2022_CTW-30455_ROY_Print_Houston_The Defender_ENG_4.812x13_08-04-22_F.pdf 1
Bun award-winningbrings Trill Burgers to Houston
Call now to schedule a tour SeniorFocusedHouston.com832-261-9586
Our doctors are ready to see you
Take a tour and learn about a more primaryapproachpersonaltocare
Te pop-up will ofer a full menu, includ ing OG Trill Burger, Grilled Onion Burger, Vegan Smashburger and seasoned fries, with burgers for sale on a frst-come, frst-served basis.To
Bun B With Mayor Sylvester at Trill Burgers Pop up event at 8th Wonder Brew ery to raise money to support Astroworld victims (Credit: Marco Torres)
“Even with our craziest pop-up before ‘Good Morning America,’ the lines never really got more than like say 70 people and it was somewhat manageable. Right now, we’ve got to have at least 400 people,” Bun B said. “It makes me feel good to have the demand, but I don’t want people to have to stand in line and sweating...we want to provide as comfortable a process as possible.”
Visit one of our 16 locations throughout Greater Houston & the Golden Triangle.
B
“I went to see Bun B at Rodeo Houston and saw the Trill Burger there but the lines
Bun B said the process to launch the busi ness took about 14 months. Trill Burger has garnered a lot of attention in a short span of time, and he has worked diligently with his team along with co-owners Andy Nguyen and Nick Scurfeld to sustain it.
were long, so I said I had to come to the pop-up this time around and fnally try it,” said Houston resident Lyndaja Virjil. “Tis is a very chill and welcoming vibe. I mean Bun B is walking around talking to people like a regular person and that is amazing. If you don’t go you are missing out.”
10 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK FeatureDN
Afer the pop-ups, Trill Burgers’ next plan is to open a brick and mortar location in Houston with a date to be determined. For more information visit www.trillburg ers.com
DN Health
7. Shingrix, the newer, more efective shingles vaccine, is recommended for healthy adults
Did you know that many children aren’t current on their vaccinations due to the COVID pandemic – or haven’t completed their initial COVID vaccinations? If your child hasn’t had a checkup in the past year, schedule one now before the new school year starts, and get them current on vaccinations. We have COVID vaccines available at most Kelsey-Seybold locations for children aged 6 months and older.
| 11August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
By JAMISE CROOMS, M.D.
aged 50 and older, even those who have received Zostavax in the past.
Dr. Crooms welcomes new patients at Kelsey-Seybold’sTanglewoodClinic.
“Immunizations are a primary component of your health and longterm wellbeing.”
is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a
patient, you have an entire healthcare team that can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for Beingyou.KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: 24-hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations 24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends. MyKelseyOnline. Email your doctor’s offce, make appointments, refll prescriptions, view test results, and more. Appointments today! Book a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics appointment online at kelsey-seybold.com/NOW. Get KelseyConnectedSM Healthcare that Revolves Around You.
5. Measles (MMR) shots (two doses) if born after 1957.
It’s back-to-school time. Parents are getting children immunized with required vaccines, however, keeping current with their own immunizations is sometimes overlooked. Many adults are unaware that vaccinations they had as children may no longer protect them against avoidable diseases – or that we now have newer, more efective vaccines available.
My recommendations for vaccinepreventable illnesses:
3. Hepatitis A and B vaccines for adults who have immune defciencies, occupational or lifestyle exposure risks, or travel abroad.
Jamise Crooms is a board-certifed Internal Medicine physician at Tanglewood Clinic.
8. Seasonal fu shot every year.
A DEFENDER KELSEY-SEYBOLDANDCLINICALLIANCE
FROM THE DOC
August Is ImmunizationsNationalMonth
6. Pneumonia shots are especially important for smokers, those with chronic health problems such as diabetes or asthma, and anyone older than 65.
1. COVID vaccine. Adults should have had two primary doses and a booster in 2022. If immunocompromised or over age 65, you should have a total of four doses by now.
4. Gardasil 9 vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended for males and females aged 9 through 26 years –and selected adults up to age 45.
KelseyConnected Kelsey-Seybold
2. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine with a booster shot every 10 years.
A word about your kids’ immunizations
Materials Testing Professional Services
LEGAL NOTICE
Rowen F. Asprodites (SDTX – Federal ID No. 3760102, LA #33135)
Any claimant desiring to contest either the right to exoneration from, or the right to limitation of liability, shall fle and serve an Answer to the Complaint, unless his or her claim is included in Answer, all as is required by Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or be barred from bringing such action.
CLERK OF (SDTXAaron/s/AaronRespectfullyCOURTsubmitted,B.GreenbaumB.Greenbaum,T.A.-FederalIDNo.2023921, TX #24110938)
The full text of the RFP is available at: https://www.homelesshouston.org/funding-v2#FundingLocal.
The purpose of this RFP is to solicit services from interested and qualifed Custodial Service Providers who have commercial cleaning experience. The provider will bring the experience of running a reliable, commercial cleaning company with quality services.
1100 Poydras Street, Suite 2250 New Orleans, LA 70163
Construction Management Professional Services Materials Testing Professional Services
Land Acquisition Services
LEGAL NOTICE
Houston Parks Board is committed to cultivating competitive and diverse contractors by promoting the success of small businesses, with a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals. We encourage registered MWBE/SBE’s to request the SOQ package and guidelines and to submit qualifcations.
Graphic ConstructionDesignPhase
RIVER CONSTRUCTION INC.
For specifc questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations, please contact Yolanda Jefferies at (832) 394-6200 ext. 5.
A pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 2-4pm. The meeting will be virtual and the link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82551125358. This meeting is mandatory however please limit your frm’s virtual log-in to one representative per frm, per discipline. As we will be providing breakout rooms per discipline within this meeting, your frm should be represented in each of the breakout rooms.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, CIVIL ACTION NO. 4:22-CV-02413
The purpose of this RFP is to solicit services from interested and qualifed Security Service Providers, to include mobile patrol, armed and unarmed security guards, and fre watch. Preferred qualifcations include compassionate staff and experience providing security services to a low-barrier homeless services facility.
Proposed CDBG DR 21 Budget
Telephone: (504) 620-2500
GENERAL AND TECHNICAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Interested vendors should submit their proposal electronically to Harmony House at the following email address: accounts@harmonyhouse.org.
Harmony House, Inc. has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Navigation Center, a 100+ unit residence serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Center is operated by Harmony House and is a key component of the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP). The Center’s population are adults who are experiencing mental health illnesses, trauma, and/or substance abuse.
Landscape Architecture Professional Services
Landscape Architecture Professional Services
The purpose of this RFP is to solicit services from interested and qualifed Food Service Providers who can produce and distribute three meals per day to 100+ clients at the Center, including at least one hot meal.
Public Review and Comment Period
Architectural Professional Services
The public may comment on the Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm (Draft Plan) during the 30-day comment period extending from Friday, August 5, 2022, to Sunday, September 4, 2022. These long-term disaster recovery funds will be available to address the 2021 Winter Storm’s impacts on Houston communities and residents and to enhance the resilience of Houstonians during future disaster events.
Renter Housing Counseling $ 550,000.00 1.8% Neighborhood Facilities Resilience Program $ 4,152,000.00 13.7%
Planning and Design Services
Public Notice
The full text of the RFP is available at: https://www.homelesshouston.org/funding-v2#FundingLocal.
IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL PLEASE NOTE SOQ REQUEST – DISCIPLINE – FIRM NAME. Provide the frm’s name, contact person with email and phone number in the request. If you are submitting for multiple disciplines, please provide us with separate email requests for each discipline.
ATTORNEYSRowen.Asprodites@pjgglaw.comSalvador.Pusateri@pjgglaw.comAaron.Greenbaum@pjgglaw.com620-2510FORPETITIONER-IN-LIMITATION
LEGAL NOTICE
Surveying Professional Services
Real Estate Appraisal Services
EnvironmentalSurveying Consultant
The public may comment on the Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery 2021 Winter Storm (Draft Plan) during the 30 day comment period extending from Friday, August 5, 2022, to Sunday, September 4, 2022. These long term disaster recovery funds will be available to address the 2021 Winter Storm’s impacts on Houston communities and residents and to enhance the resilience of Houstonians during future disaster events.
The full text of the RFP is available at: https://www.homelesshouston.org/funding-v2#FundingLocal.
Responses to this RFP must be submitted by 5:00 PM CDT on August 26, 2022.
PUSATERI, JOHNSTON, GUILLOT & GREENBAUM
Public comments may be submitted by email to: HCDDPlanning@houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Planning, 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 or leave a voicemail at 832-394-5400. Summaries of public comments and responses will be available in the fnal version of the Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm.
Facsimile: (504)
Salvador J. Pusateri
Planning $ 200,000.00 0.6% Administration $ 1,514,800.00 5.0%
Construction Management Professional Services
Real Estate Appraisal Services
Civil Engineering Professional Services
Services (Capital Projects and Conservation & Maintenance)
Land Planning, Urban Design Graphic
Responses to this RFP must be submitted by 5:00 PM CDT on August 26, 2022.
Architectural Professional Services
Interested vendors should submit their proposal electronically to Harmony House at the following email address: accounts@harmonyhouse.org.
Responses to this RFP must be submitted by 5:00 PM CDT on August 26, 2022.
Winter Storm Homeowner Reimbursement Program $ 1,656,978.00 5.5% Winter Storm Home Repair Program $ 22,222,222.00 73.4%
Houston, Texas, this 27th day of July, 2022.
TOTAL $ 30,296,000.00 100.0%
Public comments may be submitted by email to: HCDDPlanning@houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Planning, 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 or leave a voicemail at 832 394 5400. Summaries of public comments and responses will be available in the final version of the Action Plan for Disaster Recovery 2021 Winter Storm.
All persons, frms, or corporations asserting claims with respect to which the Complaint seeks exoneration from or limitation of liability are admonished to fle their respective claims, under oath, as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Nathan Ochsner, at P. O. Box 61010, Houston, Texas 77208, and must serve a copy thereof on counsel for Petitioners on or before the 9th day of September, 2022 or be defaulted.
Consultants interested in providing Professional Services for a broad range of projects through HPB’s Beyond the Bayous initiative including Land Acquisition and Capital Projects and Bayou Greenways initiative including Conservation and Maintenance Projects are invited to submit their qualifcations as outlined in this Request for Statements of Qualifcations.
The City of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) anticipates $30,296,000 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery 2021 (CDBG DR 21) Funds The following table shows the estimated budgeted activities for CDBG DR 21 funds
NOTICE is hereby given that River Construction Inc., as the owner and operator of the crane barge RC-100 (“Petitioner”), has fled a Complaint pursuant to Title 46 U.S.C. §§ 30501¬–30512 as amended, claiming the right to exoneration from, or limitation of liability of all claims for any loss, damage, injury, or destruction, arising out of the alleged events involving the RC-100 occurring on or about April 7, 2020 and ending on or about August 13, 2020 while performing work at Contanda Terminals, LLC’s property located at 16335 Peninsula Street, Houston, Texas 77015 (the “Project”), and Petitioner’s activities related thereto, all as is more fully set forth in the Complaint.
GENERAL SCOPE
(SDTX – Federal ID No. 438301, TX #24072867)
Harmony House, Inc. has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Navigation Center, a 100+ unit residence serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Center is operated by Harmony House and is a key component of the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP). The Center’s population are adults who are experiencing mental health illnesses, trauma, and/or substance abuse.
/s/Nathan Ochsner
Civil Engineering Professional Services
CONTRACTS & VENDORS
PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD
ConstructionDesignPhase Services
Planning and Urban Design Services
SOQ SUBMITTAL PACKAGE Statements of Qualifcations (SOQ) must be submitted electronically to Linda Zhou, Capital Projects Administrator via e-mail to lindazhou@houstonparksboard.org by 11:00 AM CST on Friday September 9, 2022.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Classifeds
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF RIVER CONSTRUCTION INC., AS OWNER AND OPERATOR OF THE RC-100 FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Harmony House, Inc. has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Navigation Center, a 100+ unit residence serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Center is operated by Harmony House and is a key component of the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP). The Center’s population are adults who are experiencing mental health illnesses, trauma, and/or substance abuse.
LEGAL NOTICE
The City of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) anticipates $30,296,000 in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery 2021 (CDBG DR-21) Funds. The following table shows the estimated budgeted activities for CDBG DR-21 funds.
Environmental Consultant Professional Services
Houston Parks Board (HPB) is soliciting Statements of Qualifcations (SOQs) for the following professional services associated with our future Land Acquisition Program, Capital Projects Program, and Conservation & Maintenance Program:
Full SOQ Package and Guidelines are available electronically by sending a request to Linda Zhou at the Houston Parks Board, lindazhou@houstonparksboard.org. Full SOQ Package and Guidelines will be available Friday, August 12, 2022 through Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
WHERE FIND
Land Acquisition Services
DN 12 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
For specific questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations, please contact Yolanda Jefferies at (832) 394 6200 ext. 5.
View the Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery 2021 Winter Storm at the following locations: • Online at https://houstontx.gov/housing/ • HCD 2100 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002 (Copies may also be obtained at this location)
BUSINESSES & GOVERNMENTS
View the Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm at the following locations: • Online at https://houstontx.gov/housing/ • HCD – 2100 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002 (Copies may also be obtained at this location)
Planning and Design Services (Capital Projects and Conservation & Maintenance)
Interested vendors should submit their proposal electronically to Harmony House at the following email address: accounts@harmonyhouse.org.
NBOTB will be supporting local mi nority-owned businesses once again this year in the lead up to the 2022 NBOTB, which takes place on Saturday, August 27 at NRG Stadium.
Tis ofcial sponsorship from JPMor gan Chase will help thousands of HBCU students and families by providing more opportunities for homeownership, access to afordable housing, entrepreneurship assistance, and bolstering fnancial health in the brown and Black communities.
“Chase is inspired by the excellence of these young musicians, the committed sup port of their teachers and families - and by the deep soulfulness of this historic event. Tey make us very proud,” Kisha Porch, the Houston-based leader of Chase Retail Bank ing Consumer and Small Business Custom er Service and Online Support
“Te National Battle of the Bands takes great pride in supporting local and minori ty-owned businesses in the lead up to the competition and during the event,” said Derek Webber, executive producer, Na tional Battle of the Bands. “We choose to pour back into the local economy as much as possible by working and partnering with minority business owners. Te idea is to em power families to create more opportunities and to help narrow the widening wealth gap in America that disproportionately afects minorities and people of color.”
According to the U.S. Small Business
Defender News Service
NBOTB’s mission is to enhance the ex posure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating as piring musicians, and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $700,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. Te competition is an iconic tradition, not only amongst HBCUs, but as a staple in Amer ican culture. NBOTB was created to be the nation’s best kick-of to the fall march ing band season by showcasing new per formances by the country’s top marching bands. It ofers unmatched exposure to the marching bands of HBCUs, and has broad appeal among varying age groups and so cio-economic demographic groups.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMES TO HOUSTON
Te Pepsi National Battle of the Bands presented by Toyota (NBOTB) is heading back to Houston and its expected to pro vide over $100,000 in revenue for minori ty-owned businesses in Houston, Texas. NBOTB contracted with nine minori ty-owned businesses for the 2021 edition of the annual marching band showcase, which generated a total of $106,290.56 in revenue for the small businesses. NBOTB is proud to support these local minori ty-owned businesses by contracting with them for various products and services including signage, apparel, catering, and marketing, among others. Partnerships with minority-owned businesses for the 2022 NBOTB event are already underway.
Te Emerging Experience Entrepreneur Conference presented by JP Morgan Chase, one of the NBOTB ofcial events, will take place on Friday, August 26 from 9:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. at Te Deluxe Teater as part of the NBOTB and JP Morgan Chase’s part nership focused on strengthening the com mitment to closing the racial wealth gap by providing more opportunities to minority business owners. National and local bank leaders are coming to 5th Ward to conduct a workshop with community entrepreneurs to learn from, connect with, collaborate, im pact, and inspire each other.
| 13 FeatureDN August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Administration (SBA), a substantial amount of family wealth lies in business ownership, so business ownership is now considered the “second solution” to build ing wealth. Tis is why NBOTB prioritiz es contracts with local minority business owners. Te goal is to both entertain and enrich the local community.
What have you seen from rookie left guard Kenyon Green so far in camp?
Sports Briefs
on Oct. 7. They close the preseason at Miami on Oct. 10 and at Indiana on Oct. 14. The NBA has not yet released the regular-season schedule.
Rockets announce preseason schedule The byOct.Antoniohostingpreseasonwillschedule.thehaveRocketsannouncedpreseasonTheyopenthebySanon2followedanotherhomegamevs.Toronto
How do you define Laremy Tunsil?
“ at sounds good to me. I’m going to get another bag, right? I’m just joking,” Tunsil said as he laughed. “I mean, it’s great, just getting praise like that from a head coach like Lovie Smith who led a team to the Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears, so it feels great.”
Tunsil: “Dog.”
Texans receiver Johnny Johnson III had two catches for 25 yards during the Texans’ 17-13 preseason-opening win over the Saints, including the game-winning reception from QB Jeff Driskel with 25 seconds le .
Ask the Texans’ two-time Pro Bowl le tackle what will second-year quarterback Davis Mills bring to the team this season.
Tunsil: “Dog.”
what he is seeing from his teammates under the new
“We went and got Pep Hamilton,” said Tunsil, who came over from Miami in 2019 in a blockbuster deal that cost the Texans first-round dra picks in 2020 and 2021.
TunsilLaremy
Astros announce Michael Brantley done for season Astros outfielder Michael Brantley has undergone shoulder surgery to repair sincenotBrantley2022maindermisslabralarthroscopicanandwillthere-oftheseason.hadplayedJune26and
Tunsil: “Dog.”
season-ending thumb surgery last October. But the team made the decision to bring back Tunsil, who is due to make $17.7 million this season and $18.5 million in 2023.
With the soccer season set to start soon, Prairie View A&M has announced the hiring of Christiane Lessa as the new women’s soccer coach. Lessa has college coaching experience, but she was most recently the director and head coach of FC Austin Elite, which is a team affiliated with United Women’s Soccer.
By Terrance Harris
The Texas Southern athletic department has won the SWAC Academic Success Award. It’s based on the collective ranking of the highest four-year APR average, highest single-payer APR average and the highest Graduate Success Rate.
14 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Texas Southern sophomore forward Hayden McMillan scored the Lady Tigers’ lone goal in their 1-0 women’s soccer exhibition win over Navarro.
TSU takes home SWAC Academic Success Award
Tunsil: “Dog.”
For first-year coach Lovie Smith’s money – figuratively and literally – Tunsil’s superior athletic ability and the way he plays the most important position on the offensive line are the attributes that make him stand out against other veteran tackles in the“Weleague.could talk a while about what separates Laremy,” Smith said. “ ere’s a reason we pay him more than anybody else on our football team. He’s not a good player, he’s a special player, a special man, his presence around.”Hearing his coach’s thoughts about him made Tunsil open up a little bit more and show his humorous side in the process.
Tunsil, meanwhile, has returned to a new offense installed by Pep Hamilton and a new energy around the team. Hamilton pledged that the running game will be improved which could take some pressure off Mills and the offensive line this season.
BLINDSIDE
leadership of Smith, who is big on player accountability.“Intheoffseason program, I think the attendance was 90-plus,” Tunsil said. “So that speaks for itself right there. [Smith] preaches that all the time, follow his direction as he leads. We’re going to follow him. Ninety-plus [percentage] for offseason attendance is pretty special. I was there too.”
Laremy Tunsil isn’t a man who uses a lot of words to explain his thoughts.
e thing is the Texans didn’t make Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL because of his expressiveness. It was all about this ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and to keep him upright, and when healthy, Tunsil is without question one of the best in the NFL.
“I like the creativity,” said Tunsil, who was held out of last week’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints. “You know, put L.T. [Tunsil] at quarterback. I can get a little pass down the field. We can switch it up, but I do like alsoity.”creativ-theTunsillikes
What about emerging rookie running back Dameon Pierce?
“We’re ‘finna’ get thisTunsil,rolling.” who says his hand and thumb are 100%, is having fun with the new offense, although there have been no signs of where he jokingly envisions the offense might go this season.
SportsDN
e thought process is simple: a healthy Tunsil is the key to Mills’ success.
had been on the injured list on June 27. He had sought a second opinion.
e Texans showed their belief in Tunsil this offseason when there was much speculation that the team might pursue a trade for the coveted le tackle following a season in which he missed most of with
PVAMU hires new women’s soccer coach
StephenBrantleyMichaelSilas
HEALTHY LAREMY TUNSIL KEY TO TEXANS QB DAVIS MILLS’ PROGRESS
Jeremy Payne, Hightower Parker Jenkins, Klein Oak Chase Devaughn, Madison
DJ Lagway, Willis
Seth Davis, Katy
Jelani Watkins, Klein Forest David Amador, GP North Shore
Christian Braithwaite, Cy Ranch
EDGE RUSHERS
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Trent Thomas, FB Marshall Daymion Sanford, Katy Paetow
Once you’ve inhaled the smell of fresh cut grass and heard coaches’ whistles amid the sounds of on-the-feld collisions, you know football is back.
Ja’koby Banks, FB Marshall
OFFENSIVE LINE
Dramodd Odoms, Houston Lamar Black Ivy, Clear Springs
Sophomore Kaleb Bailey led the Mustangs to a state title his freshman year. Jimmie Agisson
Chico Holt, Strake Jesuit Reid Mikeska, Bridgeland Pierce Leverett, St. John’s School
HS football players to watch
Nate Kibble, Atascocita
For this upcoming 2022-23 high school football season, the Defender has listed the most notable players we expect to have impact this year. And the players to watch are….
Cayden Bowie, Port Arthur Memorial
North Shore Safety Jayven Anderson was a ballhawk last season scooping and scoring a 100-yard fumble return against Spring West feld. Jimmie Agisson
WIDE RECEIVERS
Braylan Spencer, Friendswood Kam Bizor, C.E. King
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Dylan Rodgers, Cy Woods
Tay’shawn Wilson, Mayde Creek
Cameron Heard, Furr
TIGHT ENDS
C.E. King transfer edge rusher had 20+ sacks for Jack Yates in season’s past. Jimmie Agisson
Michael Patterson, FB Marshall
DEFENSIVE LINE
Jacoby Davis, GP North Shore
Jaquaize Pettaway, Lanham Creek Jonah Wilson, Spring Dekaney Ryan Niblett, Aldine Eisenhower
Dylan Spencer, C.E. King
Micah Bell, Kinkaid School
Dajohn Palomo, Spring Westfeld
Jayven Anderson, GP North Shore
Samu Taumanupepe, Atascocita Zachary Chapman, FB Marshall
By Jodie B. Jiles
Maurice Williams, Alvin Shadow Creek
QUARTERBACKS
Preston “PJ” Hatter, Spring Westfeld Kaleb Bailey, GP North Shore
RUNNING BACKS
David “DJ” Hicks, Katy Paetow
Defender 2022-23
Johnathan Hall, Katy Alex Kilgore, Katy Paetow
Hightower junior Running Back Jeremy Payne has burst onto college recruiting boards of schools across the country due to his breakaway speed. Jimmie Agisson
Ray’Quan Bell, Spring Westfeld
Junior Guard Nate Kibble has been a force on one of the most prolifc ofensive lines since he was a fresh man. Jimmie Agisson
| 15 SportsDN August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
16 | August 18, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
