To the POINT DN
Reporter’s Message
Kelly Rowland comes to Houston to eat at favorite joint
Kelly Rowland, one of Houston’s most beloved musicians, recently made headlines for a heartwarming return to her roots. The singer and actress was recently spotted dining at Houston This Is It Soul Food, a beloved Third Ward eatery that has long been a staple in the city’s culinary scene.
She visited the Third Ward restaurant as part of her collaboration with Pepsi’s Local Eats Better. This program highlights regional eateries nationwide to uncover the nation’s next “dine-star.” Through October, diners are encouraged to submit their favorite local restaurant and dish, with the “Dilemma” singer serving as the face of the ad.
Rowland’s choice to dine at this local Black-owned business is just one of many examples of her enduring love for Houston and her commitment to supporting the community that raised her.
The eatery’s decision to name a dish after Rowland is a fitting tribute to her contributions to the city.
The “Kelly Rowland Meal” allows fans to experience the same delicious flavors the singer enjoys while supporting a local business. Plus, you can try the meal until Sept 24 for $14. It’s a combo of pepper steak patties, and meatloaf served over rice and accompanied by a generous serving of brown gravy, green beans on the side, peach cobbler, and your preferred fountain drink. I might have to roll up myself.
These establishments play a vital role in the city’s culture and economy, and it’s essential that we continue to patronize them and show our support.
Another failed attempted assassination of Trump
The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is a chilling reminder of the dangerous times we live in. While some people seem to treat this attack as a joke, it’s a reflection of how desensitized we’ve become to violence in America. The idea that anyone could laugh at an attempt on a former president’s life, no matter their political views, shows how normalized violence, particularly gun violence, has become.
This incident also raises serious questions about gun control. How is it that a man could camp outside a golf course for
12 hours with a rifle, aiming to kill a former president? This country’s lax gun laws make it far too easy for people with malicious intent to get their hands on weapons.
The fact that there have been two attempts on Trump’s life in just a few months should alarm everyone, regardless of political stance. Violence shouldn’t be trivialized, and neither should the growing accessibility of guns in this country. How grave does the situation with guns need to get before gun control can be taken seriously? The gravity of these situations can’t continue to be treated as the new normal.
Can a young Black man save Red Lobster after Bankruptcy?
The recent appointment of Damola Adamolekun as CEO of RL Investor Holdings LLC, the company that owns Red Lobster, has sparked a national conversation about the future of the iconic seafood chain. As the company seeks to restructure and reinvent itself, many wonder if a young Black man can lead the way.
Adamolekun, a former CEO of P.F. Chang’s, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has a proven track record of success in the restaurant industry and is known for his innovative approach to business. However, the challenges facing Red Lobster are significant. The company’s bankruptcy filing was a major setback, and it faces stiff competition from other seafood chains.
Some critics have argued that Adamolekun’s appointment is merely a token gesture to appease public opinion. They point to the fact that Red Lobster has a history of racial discrimination and that the company’s bankruptcy was largely due to its own mismanagement.
The company’s bankruptcy was a complex issue with many contributing factors. It is also worth noting that Adamolekun has a history of success in the restaurant industry and is likely to bring a fresh perspective to the company. I wish him the best!
ON THE WEB
• Baylor med students empower Black, Brown communities.
• Deyjhon Pettaway leads Katy Paetow’s comeback season with leadership and skill.
• NCAA system stacked against Black student-athletes.
Kelly Rowland is seen at This Is It Soul Food as part of Local Eats Better with Pepsi campaign celebrating local restaurants in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Pepsi)
Laura Onyeneho
News
STATE OF THE CITY
Mayor Whitmire discusses challenges
By Tannistha Sinha
In a bid to share his administration’s priorities during his term, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said he plans on tackling Houston’s challenges with a team of experts during his first State of the City address since he took office in January.
“We have a great city, great people, but we have challenges just like all major cities do. The difference is Houston fixes its problems,” he said, to a crowd of more than 1,500 people at the Hilton Americas. “We need to do something bold for Houston.”
ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE
“You lock up people you’re afraid of, not those that you’re mad at. We can put more police on the street, which we’re going to do, but the courthouse has to process it.”
Whitmire believes in putting “very dangerous people behind bars for long periods of time” but with an approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction and providing mental health services. He also said inmates in Harris County Jail should be reintegrated into society with healthcare, apartments and jobs.
ON THE HOMELESS
Whitmire hopes to work alongside Mike Nichols, former president and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, and the City of Houston’s newly appointed director of the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). Whitmire also seeks to work with Larry Satterwhite, a former Houston Police Department assistant chief and commander who took over as police chief following Troy Finner’s retirement, whom he appointed last month to be
the next director of Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. “We’re gonna be innovative. That’s part of helping with the homeless issue.”
He plans to introduce navigation centers around the city in the next few months, and people will be “encouraged to get off the streets.”
ON COLLABORATION BETWEEN STATE, COUNTY, CITY
Whitmire said he would continue his work in Austin to undo the lack of communication between the county and state, stressing the collaboration among the city’s institutions, such as Houston First, the Greater Houston Partnership, the academic community, faithbased communities, Texas Medical Center, the Port of Houston, and NASA, among others.
The mayor lauded his administration’s preparedness for the recent storms that hit the city, Hurricane Beryl and the derecho, despite what he “inherited” from the previous government, but did not address any plans to raise taxes to offset damages following Hurricane Beryl.
“It became so personal between the elected officials of different parties, they wouldn’t talk, they wouldn’t collaborate,” he said. “Houston suffered. Harvey recovery money didn’t come to Houston because they called each other names. I’ll work with anyone if it’s improving people’s lives.”
He mentioned commissioners Adrian Garcia, Lesley Briones, and Tom Ramsey being “full-time partners” in multiple projects, including a new multi-service center in Memorial Park and his work with Ramsey on debris cleanup.
ON FINANCES
Whitmire reassured Houstonians he is not looking to raises property taxes until he has exhausted all means to eliminate “waste duplication” and corruption. While he did not give a concrete timeline for when he would release plans for the city’s finances, the deadline to make changes is coming up on Oct. 28.
He also expressed outrage against the $80 million emergency contracts related to the water department to questionable companies.
ON MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Whitmire has acknowledged that minority and women-owned businesses face challenges while receiving their certification. Last month, the City of Houston changed its supply purchasing process to include more minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs), claiming it purchases supplies worth between $5 and $8 million currently. MWBE business had to purchase supplies from a prime vendor or wholesaler and sell them back to the business at a markup when they wanted to sell to the city, after which the city would purchase the goods from the prime vendor.
READ MORE ABOUT THE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Among other items in his agenda are storm recovery, public safety, water supply, public transportation, private sector, and infrastructure.
Houston issues incentives to recruit police
By Tannistha Sinha
Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced to a Houston Police Department cadet class they will receive a $10,000 raise and other incentives amidst a stafng shortage when they graduate in March 2026.
Whitmire, who recently appeared with HPD’s Chief of Police, J. Noe Diaz, said HPD will negotiate a new contract next year and that he will “be the same mayor at the negotiating table looking out” for them.
Te raise brings the cadets’ salary to $52,000 from $42,000. Te cadets will receive a $5,000 one-time incentive for completing the academy and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement certifcation. Tis would bring their compensation to $57,000 in the frst year, and afer the completion of the probationary period, it would go up to $62,574. Te fscal year 2025 budget accommodates funding for six police cadet classes.
“$42,000 is not much to ask someone to spend as much time away from their families,” he told the class. “You’re getting a $10,000 raise while you’re in the academy, you’ll get that $10,000 raise immediately. Tat is still not appropriate for your commitment to public service, to put your life on the line, but it is a start in the right direction to let men and
Mayor John Whitmire announced a $10,000 raise and other incentives for police cadets, raising their base pay to $57,000 in the first year.
women across the state, this nation, and this great city, know we want you to become a Houston police ofcer.”
While it is common for the mayor to attend police cadet graduations, this was the frst time Whitmire addressed cadets
during their training.
He requested that they help HPD recruit new ofcers. “I hope you recommend somebody else join this fne organization because the better days are in front of us, and someday, I hope one of you will aspire to be a commander or a chief,” said Whitmire.
He observed diversity in the classroom and said the department has undergone a transition that represents the diversity in the city. Whitmore said law enforcement across the country today are “afraid to do their job,” using the example of the Austin police department, which is understafed and under-resourced with a “very aggressive DA.”
Te “chatter” in Austin PD, per Whitmire, is that ofcers are held accountable despite doing their jobs and following the law and training and are encouraged not to get involved.
“Tat model doesn’t work, folks. Te model we want in Houston is law enforcement, protect the public, protect yourself, your family, and I’ll even go a step further. I’ve been wanting to say this to a group of ofcers and certainly cadets,” Whitmire continued. “It’s appropriate when you pull somebody over. I believe it’s your duty to treat that person like a family member.”
Whitmire plans on collaborating with Homeland Security to address homelessness in Houston. Credit: Defender/ Tannistha Sinha
News DN
Houston among top places for renters to
By Laura Onyeneho
For renters grappling with rising housing costs, finding an afordable place to live with ample space can feel like an impossible dream. However, a new study by Rent Cafe reveals that some cities ofer more bang for your buck than others. Houston, Texas, emerges as a standout among major metropolitan areas, providing renters with generous living spaces for a relatively modest monthly budget.
Our annual study analyzed rental data nationwide to determine where $1,500 stretches the farthest in terms of apartment size. Te results are clear: Houston ofers exceptional value for renters. With an average of 983 square feet for a monthly rent of $1,500, Bayou City surpasses the national average of 729 square feet by a signifcant margin. Tis translates to spacious one-bedroom or even two-bedroom apartments within reach for many renters.
Texas, as a whole, proves to be a renter-friendly state. While Houston shines as a standout, other cities within the Lone Star State also ofer attractive options. McAllen
takes the top spot in Texas for rental space, providing an average of 1,423 square feet for $1,500 –a figure that could comfortably accommodate a house rental. On the other end of the spectrum, Austin, Frisco, and Plano ofer the least square footage for the same budget within Texas.
Nationally, the rental market presents a stark contrast. While Southern and Midwestern cities like Houston and McAllen offer generous living spaces for $1,500, major coastal hubs force renters
OPERATION LONE STAR
Gov. Abbott plan criticized after Guardsmen deaths
By Gregory Stevenson
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star (OLS), founded in 2021 to, in Abbott’s words, deal with the border “crisis” ignored by Washington, has experienced the death of 17 OLS soldiers (Texas National Guardsmen), according to ofcials with the Texas Military Department (TMD).
NUMBERS MADE PUBLIC
TMD recently made the death toll of OLS soldiers public during a hearing of the Texas House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Afairs on Aug. 20. Tose 17 OLS soldiers died in multiple ways, including a drowning in an attempt to save migrants, negligent discharge of a personally owned weapon and suicides.
A statement from Gov. Abbott’s ofce read: “Te loss of life for any National Guard member is one too many, and our hearts are with the families and loved ones of these heroes.”
“Tere’s just a lot of concerns
about how these troops have been treated in Operation Lone Star, in addition to serious questions about the efectiveness of the whole operation,” said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, who has fought OLS since its inception, calling it a “rogue operation” and a “show horse” for Abbott.
Multiple Guardsmen have spoken to media outlets under the condition of anonymity about their personal OLS experiences. Complaints about their living conditions and lack of protective equipment were just two of several issues mentioned.
LACK OF FAMILY COMPENSATION
Afer Guardsman Bishop Evans drowned in the Rio Grande while attempting to save two migrants, and his family didn’t receive any compensation, an outcry led to the passing of the Bishop Evans Act. Tat act made National Guardsmen on state missions eligible for a $500,000 lump sum payment in the event of their death.
After the death of 17 Texas National Guardsmen working in Gov. Greg Abbott’s ‘Operation Lone Star,’ the initiative has come under scrutiny. Credit: Office of
to settle for significantly smaller apartments within the same budget.
These findings underscore the importance of considering location when searching for an afordable rental. For renters prioritizing space and afordability, Houston and other Texas cities offer compelling alternatives to the high-cost-of-living areas. By carefully considering factors like location, amenities, and neighborhood characteristics, renters can
Greg Abbott.
Education DN
HISD Board considers property sale, potential rule change
By Amaka Watson
HISD’s board is considering important decisions that could affect the district’s finances and how the community interacts with its administration. The state-appointed board will discuss a possible sale of district property and changes to how the district handles public information requests, which are part of a broader effort to manage ongoing financial and operational challenges. Here is what you need to know.
One of the major topics the board will address is a resolution to update how HISD defines “business days” under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). The TPIA governs how public entities like school districts handle requests for information, which means when someone from the public asks for documents or data, the district has a set amount of time to respond.
The proposed resolution would redefine “business days” to include only weekdays (Monday through Friday) that are not national or state holidays. This change is tied to House Bill 3033, a new law that took effect on September 1, 2023. The bill allows school boards to designate up to 10 days each year as non-business days when district offices might be closed or running with limited staff. These days wouldn’t count as business days for handling information requests.
This change could impact how quickly the district responds to requests for public information, which might be especially important for community members,
days that are not national or state holidays. Credit:
parents, and other stakeholders looking to get answers or access to records. The district could temporarily delay responses by declaring certain days as non-business days, giving administrators more flexibility.
POTENTIAL PROPERTY SALE ON MESA DRIVE
The board will also discuss selling a small
property on Mesa Drive in northeast Houston. The property, less than an acre in size, is close to the district’s Education Learning Center and is situated between other pieces of land owned by the GC Community Development Corporation. The board may declare this property as “surplus,” meaning it’s no longer needed for district operations, and authorize its sale to an adjacent property owner.
UH/STUDY
While this sale might seem small, it’s part of a larger conversation about how the district manages its resources amid a $528 million budget shortfall. This financial gap comes from a combination of factors, including stagnant state funding, declining student enrollment, and the increased costs of operating Superintendent Mike Miles’ New Education System (NES). Schools in the NES program receive higher funding per student ($9,445 compared to $6,882 at non-NES schools), contributing to budget challenges.
In addition to discussing the sale of the Mesa Drive property, the board will also consider a new rule allowing the proceeds from property sales to go directly into the district’s general fund. This change could give HISD more flexibility to use money from property sales to address immediate budget concerns. However, this proposal has raised concerns among community members. Many worry that selling off district property to fill budget gaps is only a temporary solution and could hurt the district in the long run by reducing its asset base. Critics argue that HISD needs more sustainable financial strategies to address its budget issues rather than relying on selling land. With HISD facing financial pressures, many in the community are concerned about how the district’s decisions will impact students, teachers, and families. The $528 million shortfall is a major issue, especially as state funding has remained flat while costs continue to rise. The unequal funding between NES and non-NES schools has also sparked debate, with some feeling that resources are unevenly distributed.
ChatGPT boosts everyday creativity
By Laura Onyeneho
A new study from the University of Houston and Rice University reveals that ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence (AI) program developed by OpenAI, maybe more than just a tool for answering questions or assisting with research.
According to the fndings, ChatGPT can signifcantly enhance creativity in daily tasks, challenging the traditional belief that AI falls short in areas requiring emotional or creative thinking.
The research, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, conducted five experiments designed to test ChatGPT’s creative capabilities compared to human eforts and Google searches. Te ideas generated with the help of ChatGPT were consistently
rated higher in creativity than those generated by traditional brainstorming methods or Google searches.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EVERYDAY USERS?
Tis discovery has the potential to impact everyday tasks, making it easier to think outside the box when solving common problems. Whether you’re brainstorming creative gift ideas, repurposing items at home, or trying to approach a work task from a fresh perspective, ChatGPT could ofer innovative solutions.
This is great news for those managing multiple responsibilities. Whether you are a working parent trying to come up with new meal ideas or a small business owner looking
for ways to market your brand, ChatGPT can be a useful tool to generate new and creative approaches that save time and energy.
Te research by Byung Cheol Lee from UH’s Bauer College of Business and Jaeyeon Chung from Rice University highlights how ChatGPT generates “incrementally new” ideas. According to the researchers, while ChatGPT may not always invent radically new concepts, it does an exceptional job of reworking existing ideas into fresh, creative solutions. Tis could be particularly benefcial for people looking to make small but meaningful improvements in their everyday routines.
For example, ChatGPT can help generate unique gift ideas by considering the recipient’s interests and suggesting
combinations you might not have thought of. It can also assist with repurposing household items, turning that unused lamp into a stylish decoration, or offering creative ways to repurpose lefover ingredients from the kitchen.
One surprising element of the study was ChatGPT’s ability to perform tasks that typically require empathy or emotional understanding. Many people expect AI to struggle with tasks involving emotions or subtle human nuances, but the research shows that ChatGPT also exceeded expectations in this area. Tasks that would normally be expected to require empathy—such as writing a heartfelt apology letter or giving relationship advice—were handled surprisingly well by ChatGPT.
The law allows a school board to designate up to 10 days each calendar year as nonbusiness
HISD
GET THE LATEST ON THE HISD AGENDA ITEMS
Juanita Williams
102-year-old Wesley AME usher going strong
By Aswad Walker
At 102 years old, Juanita Williams is two years into working on her second century of service to God and community. Williams, who joined the historic Wesley Chapel AME Church in the early 1940s has been a member of that congregation’s Usher Board since 1956. Tat’s 68 years of helping to usher in the Holy Spirit.
And she’s still going strong, on duty ushering every frst and second Sunday.
“I like meeting people,” she said about her role. “You get to meet a lot of new people, friendly people.”
Born on June 10, 1922, in Bay City, the second of seven children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Fletcher Morgan, Sr., Williams moved to Houston in 1939 to attend Houston College for Negroes (now Texas Southern University) on a basketball scholarship. While there, Williams earned a B.S. degree in Home Economics.
Ushering Origins
During this time, Williams frst ventured into Wesley.
“When I came to Houston, I wasn’t going to church and I knew that wasn’t right because I’d been in church when I was growing up. So, I decided I would join something that would force me to go to church and that’s how I got with the Usher Board.”
Her commitment to her calling grew over the decades and showed in multiple ways. In the 1980s, Williams became active with the Tenth District of Texas Conference Ushers, Nurses and Greeters Organization (UNG). Her legacy for the Texas Conference UNG as a Meritorious Leader 2011 is always giving back.
Lord. Tat’s all I can say. Te Lord keeps me going.”
Recognitions
Described by loved ones as energetic, helpful, thoughtful, intelligent, and warm, Williams has been recognized and honored by the City of Houston and then Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Texas House of Representatives (via Dr. Alma A. Allen) for her work with the Pantry Women of Wesley A.M.E., and countless others. Tis includes a 2018 recognition bestowed upon her by the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, recognizing Williams as an Elnita McClain Women’s Center, Inc. honoree.
I have served under, I think it’s 11 bishops and I’m on my ffh pastor. But, I’ve enjoyed it. And every time I think I’m going to sit down something says, ‘No, you’ve got to keep going,’”
JUANITA WILLIAMS
Williams has served the greater Houston community in multiple ways, as well, but focuses ofen on her many fond memories of serving as an usher over the years.
“I’ve traveled quite a bit with Ushers and quite a bit over the 10th District. I have served under, I think it’s 11 bishops and I’m on my fifth pastor. But, I’ve enjoyed it. And every time I think I’m going to sit down something says, ‘No, you’ve got to keep going,’” shared the centenarian.
When asked what keeps her standing and ushering for the Lord, she responded, “Te
Williams, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and widow of 48 years, has a lot of life to look back on, including rewarding careers in academics and retail. Still, she continues to enjoy the present moments, walking two-plus miles a day, avidly playing Solitaire and Free Cell, and driving herself to her beloved Wesley for Bible Study on Wednesdays and Church School and Worship Service every Sunday.
Williams gladly shares pieces of advice for those younger than her who are beginning their journey as ushers.
“If you stay with it, you have to be serious about it. A lot of people don’t think ushering is that serious. But when you’re ushering, you’re doing it for God, not for yourself and not for the minister. You are ushering for God. Tat’s a promise you make to God, not to the minister.”
Centenarian Juanita Williams remains an active usher at Wesley AME Church, dedicating over six decades to her community and faith. Credit: Aswad Walker.
Juanita Williams in action ushering on the day she was honored at Wesley for turning 101-years-old. Courtesy Carl Davis.
Courtesy Carl Davis
Texas Can Really Turn ? Blue
Texas Democrats fight Republican stronghold
By ReShonda Tate
Texas, historically a Republican stronghold, has become a focal point of national political discourse as Democrats aim to flip the state in the upcoming presidential election. With its 38 electoral votes, Texas is a coveted prize, but is it realistic for Democrats to expect a victory in a state that hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since Jimmy Carter in 1976? Recent polling data, shifts in voter enthusiasm, and demographic changes suggest the race is closer than ever, raising questions about whether Texas could indeed turn blue.
COULD IT HAPPEN?
Depends on who you ask. The Lone Star State isn’t considered a swing state, having voted for a Republican candidate in the previous 11 elections, including for Trump in 2016 and 2020. President Joe Biden, however, did narrow the gap in Texas to just 5.6 points, the closest presidential race in the state since 1996.
Despite the long history of backing Republicans in presidential, senate and governor races, there have been continuing suggestions that Texas could be on the verge of an unprecedented switch in voter dynamic. Not only did Biden close the presidential gap in 2020, but former Texas Democratic Representative Beto O’Rourke was only narrowly beaten by incumbent Republican Ted Cruz in the 2018 Senate race.
Polls have also indicated that Cruz could have another tight reelection fight this year against Representative Colin Allred, who is hoping to be the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988.
HOW CLOSE IS IT?
The last presidential election in Texas saw former President Donald Trump winning the state by a margin of 52% to 46% over now-President Joe Biden. While this sixpoint gap may seem comfortable, it was one of the narrowest victories for a Republican presidential candidate in Texas in decades, hinting at a growing Democratic base in the state. This momentum is further highlighted by the results of a new statewide poll conducted by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.
According to the poll, which surveyed registered voters across Texas in late August, the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in a hypothetical head-tohead contest is tightening. Trump leads Harris by just five points, 49% to 44%, a slight improvement for Democrats from June when Biden trailed Trump 46% to 39%. These numbers signal that Democrats are gaining ground, but the question remains whether they can close the gap further before November.
DEMOCRAT ENTHUSIASM ON THE RISE
One of the key factors fueling optimism for Democrats is the surge in voter enthusiasm. The same Texas Politics Project poll shows a significant increase in Democratic enthusiasm compared to earlier in the summer. Nearly 80% of Democrats expressed enthusiasm about voting in the upcoming election, with 52% stating they are “extremely” enthusiastic and 27% “very” enthusiastic. This represents a marked increase from June when 61% of Democrats were enthusiastic, with 39% reporting they were “extremely” excited to vote.
where voter turnout has historically been lower than the national average, particularly among younger and minority voters who tend to lean Democratic.
extraordinary Black voter turnout in order to turn Texas blue and give Kamala Harris a victory.”
Early voting in Texas begins on Oct. 21, and Democrats are banking on a strong early voting turnout to gain an edge. The party has invested heavily in grassroots organizing and digital campaigns, particularly targeting young voters and communities of color. Meanwhile, Republicans are relying on their traditional base of older, rural, and suburban voters to maintain their grip on the state.
THE IMPACT OF THE LATINO VOTE
A recent Texas Trends survey from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University shows that Harris and Trump are nearly tied among Latino voters, with Trump carrying a slight edge. In the U.S. Senate race between Congressman Colin Allred and Sen. Ted Cruz, however, the same survey shows 46% of Latino voters intend to vote for Allred, compared to 40% for Cruz.
OCT. 7
In contrast, Republican enthusiasm has slightly waned. According to the poll, 73% of Republicans are enthusiastic about voting in November, down from 77% in June. Only 49% of GOP voters said they were “extremely” enthusiastic, compared to 55% earlier in the year. While Republican voters still outnumber Democrats in Texas, this enthusiasm gap could prove decisive if Democrats can mobilize their base and turn out voters in record numbers.
Mark Jones is one of the survey’s authors. He says it’s working class immigrants who have lived in the country for years and are registered to vote that are increasingly turning out for Trump.
“Historically, Republicans in Texas have won 35 to 40% of the Latino vote, but that’s been inching up where Republicans are increasingly deadlocked with Democrats for Latinos’ voter support,” Jones said. Joshua Blank, one of the researchers on the study, said the circumstances would have to align just right to turn the state blue.
“It’s not impossible to imagine Democrats winning an election here in Texas at some time in the not too distant future,” Blank said.
“The Democratic National Convention appears to have energized Democratic voters in Texas,” wrote pollsters James Henson and Joshua Blank. “These results represent an increase in both the degree and intensity of Democratic enthusiasm.” The uptick in Democratic engagement is crucial in a state
REALISTIC OR WISHFUL THINKING?
Turning Texas blue is no small feat, given its Republican dominance over the past three decades. No Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, and the state has consistently voted for Republican presidential candidates since 1980. However, demographic shifts, including a growing Hispanic population and an influx of younger, more liberal voters into urban areas, have gradually changed the state’s political landscape.
FIGHT TO THE END
It has to be an extraordinary Black voter turnout in order to turn Texas blue and give Kamala Harris a victory.”
One of the most significant challenges Democrats face in Texas is translating enthusiasm into votes. Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country, and despite growing Democratic support, many eligible voters remain unregistered or disengaged.
The last day to register to vote in Texas is Oct. 7, and Democrats will need to focus on voter registration efforts and turnout initiatives to have a chance at flipping the state.
“That’s going to be the key if Texas has any hope at all of flipping the state, says Texas Southern University Political Science professor Michael Adams. “It has to be an
While Democrats have reason to be optimistic, the road to flipping Texas is still an uphill battle, Adams says. Republican strongholds in rural and suburban areas continue to provide a reliable base of support for GOP candidates, and Trump’s popularity among Texas Republicans remains formidable. Additionally, Democrats will need to overcome significant structural challenges, including restrictive voting laws and gerrymandered districts that favor Republicans. Nevertheless, the latest poll numbers and enthusiasm surge among Texas Democrats suggest that the state is more competitive than it has been in decades. Whether this momentum can carry the party across the finish line remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Texas is no longer a guaranteed win for Republicans.
With early voting set to begin in just over a month, all eyes will be on Texas as Democrats push to flip the state, and Republicans fight to hold onto their stronghold. The outcome of the race could have far-reaching implications, not only for the state but for the future of American politics.
Turnout will be crucial in deciding if Texas will turn blue. Getty
Vote 2024 DN
COMMENTARY
Kamala Harris, for the Black people
By Keith Boykin, Word In Black “Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.
Certain Black people on the internet keep raising two questions about Kamala Harris. What is her Black agenda? And why didn’t she do it during the last four years?
First, if you want to know Kamala Harris’s Black agenda, look at what she’s already done. As vice president, Kamala Harris helped to pass the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, provided a record $16 billion in funding to HBCUs, $2.8 billion for Pell grants and need-based assistance, $2 billion to Black farmers, $2 billion to clean up pollution in communities of color, doubled the number of Black businesses in America, and brought us the lowest Black unemployment rate and the lowest Black poverty rate in history.
The Biden-Harris administration also expanded the child tax credit, which cut the Black child poverty rate in half, capped the cost of insulin at $35 for seniors, which is especially important for Black people who are disproportionately afected by diabetes, signed up 5 million more people for Obamacare, canceled $168.5 billion in student loan debt for 4.8 million people, pardoned thousands of marijuana charges, and on top of all that, even signed a law creating the frst new Black-related federal holiday in forty years — Juneteenth.
At the same time, they appointed more Black judges than any administration in history, and gave us the frst Black woman on the Supreme Court and the frst Black
vice president. And those federal judges have lifetime tenure, so they’ll be on the bench for decades to come.
BLACK VOTE
Trump was president for four years and he didn’t do any of those things. In fact, he was the first president since Richard Nixon 50 years ago to appoint no Black judges to the U.S. Courts of Appeals. And the judges he did appoint are the very ones striking down the laws and policies that help Black people.
BLACK POWER
People need to have realistic expectations about what a president can and cannot do.
Now, the second question. Why hasn’t Kamala Harris done whatever thing you think she should have done in the last four years? Te answer. She’s not the president. She’s the vice president, and that person’s job is to help the president. But even if she were president, people need to have realistic expectations about what a president can and cannot do.
The president leads one of our three co-equal branches of government. For those who missed “Schoolhouse Rock,” the three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial. Congress, the legislature, makes the laws. Te president, the executive, enforces the laws. And the judiciary, through the Supreme Court and lower courts, interprets the laws.
In the UK, the executive and legislature are combined in Parliament. Te prime minister comes from the legislature and has the
power to enact their own agenda. It makes it easier to get things done, but we don’t have that system in the U.S. Currently, we have a divided Congress, with a Republican House of Representatives and a Democratic Senate. Te House is gerrymandered, giving members no incentive to work with a president from the other party. And the Senate is constitutionally unrepresentative of the country.
Tat’s why the 1.6 million people in the mostly white and rural Dakotas get four U.S. senators, while the nearly 40 million people in the racially diverse state of California get only two U.S. senators. Tat means the people of South Dakota have 50 times more power than the people in California in the Senate. Te legislature is rigged against us.
And, unfortunately, so are the courts. Because of the antiquated electoral college system for picking presidents, we have an unrepresentative Supreme Court with six of the nine justices appointed by Republican presidents, despite the fact that Democrats have won the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections.
more pro-Black than Kamala Harris — was elected president, there’s very little that any president can do in our system of government that won’t be blocked by Republicans in Congress or overruled by the Republican-appointed judges on the federal courts. Tat’s why we can’t just vote once every four years in a presidential election and complain when things don’t work out. We have to vote in every election, every year, in primaries, runofs, and general elections, up and down the ballot, for city council, mayor, judge, school board member, county commissioner, state representative, governor, senator, vice president, and president.
But the choice is clear. If you want a president who has spent his life attacking Black people, from the Central Park Five to Barack Obama to Colin Kaepernick, Trump is your guy. If you want a president who won’t be able to accomplish everything we want but will move us in the right direction and has a record to prove it, Kamala Harris is the one.
And if you want a king or queen to be your leader, move to London.
Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and flm producer, and former CNN political commentator. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith served in the White House, cofounded the National Black Justice Coalition, cohosted the BET talk show
So, even if Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein, Cornel West — or any imaginary candidate you think might be more radical or
My Two Cents, and taught at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York. He’s a Lambda Literary Award-winning author and editor of seven books. He lives in Los Angeles.
Keith Boykin
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris poses for a photo with supporters at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Ga., before campaign events, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Vote 2024
Black Churches prepare for Election 2024
By Aswad Walker
With Election 2024 being billed as the most consequential one in our lifetime, what are Black faith communities doing to prepare members to participate?
Plenty.
“Like many of our churches, Blueridge Methodist put the message out to make sure that everybody knows they’re registered to vote, and make sure that their registration is actually current by going to TexasVoters.org just to double check,” said Pamela Walker. “Because there is some messaging out there that many voters’ registrations have been purged from inactivity and all these other things.”
Walker visited the website to ensure that the voter registrations for herself, her partner, and her 21-year-old son were current.
She also mentioned hearing of churches partnering with Divine Nine organizations and their voter empowerment efforts.
“I think churches collaborating with efforts of fraternities and sororities canvassing and walking the streets and making sure people are registered and informed, especially if the pastor is in a frat, it’s lovely to see that,” she added.
At Inspiration Church (16310 Chimney
Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77053), Pastor Carlos Jones II says his congregation is politically active all year.
“One of the things we do year-round is partner with elected officials to serve the community, which makes re-election easier,” said Jones. “Our standard is that if we haven’t worked with you during your term, then you don’t have a voice during campaign season.”
Still, Jones’ congregation is involved in special activities regarding the presidential election, including sharing websites to
END
candidate-shared fact-check statistics.
“I have instructed the congregation not to vote based on divisive topics, such as abortion and gun rights. Instead, we are focusing on what affects us and our daily lives. This is communicated through sermons, social media and other events.”
Jones hasn’t instructed anyone to vote for a specific candidate, but rather to vote according to their conscience and personal interests.
The Black Church has a long and storied history of mobilizing the Black community toward social and political action beginning immediately after emancipation. Though scholars debate on the level of overall participation of Black churches during the Civil Rights Movement, there is no denying that nationally several congregations and their pastors were at the forefront of galvanizing actions centered around securing voting rights, educating people on important issues and providing transportation and protection to the polls.
That tradition has remained intact. And though the very successful “Souls to the Polls” efforts have been attacked by conservation lawmakers nationally, Black faith communities make sure not to cross the legal line regarding “separation of church and state.”
FIND OUT WHAT OTHER FAITH CONGREGATIONS ARE DOING IN PREPARATION FOR ELECTION 2024
With more than half a million people over the age of 65 in Harris County, the
Souls to the Polls has been a traditional way churches encourage members to vote. Credit: AP.
Vote 2024 DN
Immigrants in Houston navigate civic education, engagement
By Laura Onyeneho
Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., is home to a vibrant immigrant community, including many Black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean. For these immigrants, adjusting to life in America involves more than just fnding jobs and learning English.
One of their integration’s most signifcant and ofen overlooked aspects is understanding civic education and engagement. Te journey toward becoming fully engaged citizens is layered, and for many, it is not just about fulflling legal requirements; it’s about understanding their rights and responsibilities in a new country.
For Black immigrants in Houston, civic engagement begins with education about the American political system, learning the importance of voting, and recognizing their role in shaping policies that directly afect their communities.
For immigrants like Dr. John Udo, a Nigerian-born retired certified public accountant, becoming a U.S. citizen is of great significance when discussing the topic of democracy and the voting process. “I come from a country where your vote doesn’t matter. A place where corruption is embedded in the nation’s ecosystem. Te lack of accountability and irresponsibility of Nigeria’s politicians has put its citizens in disarray,” he said. “Voting in the U.S. will be a diferent experience because you won’t feel like your life is in danger if you speak up against wrongdoing in politics or who you choose to vote for. Tis is a privilege that many overlook.”
Afer living in the U.S. for over 50 years, he became a citizen in July. Navigating civic education as an immigrant wasn’t as difcult for Udoh because he was an avid learner of history, acquired his college and post-education in Texas, and grew accustomed to the American way of life.
“I would say that I’ve been lucky, but many people who migrate here go through several challenges, and it’s important for people to connect with community resources to help guide them,” he said. “Many immigrants may not understand the citizenship requirements and the voting process, and they may face obstacles to naturalization. Fear and mistrust of the government can also deter immigrants from engaging in their civic duties.”
Various organizations are working to bridge the gap. Te Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee (HDPAC), for example, plays a key role in providing a voice for Haitian Americans in policy discussions on the federal level. Te organization works to amplify the political voice of the Haitian
Black immigrants are a growing share of the country’s population and make up 8% of all immigrants. Nearly half (47%) of Black immigrants in the U.S. are from the Caribbean, while about four in ten (43%) are from sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller shares coming from South America and Europe (3% from both regions). Credit Getty Images
American community, which, according to the U.S. Census, numbers over a million people—though many believe this fgure underrepresents the actual population.
Dorothy Dupuy, vice president of HDPAC, believes that many Haitian Americans, like other immigrant groups, have historically been underrepresented due to factors such as language barriers, lack of access to resources, and general unfamiliarity with the U.S. political system. The HDPAC partners with local organizations such as the Houston Haitian Union to target churches and other community events. She has also sent inquiries to the Harris County Clerk’s Ofce to fle a petition for voter registration forms to be more accessible for French or Creole speakers.
“We’re creating avenues for political participation that didn’t exist before, and inclusion in this process matters,” she said. “It’s about creating a seat at the table. We want every Haitian American to know their vote matters.”
Luanda Cruz, an Afro-Cuban immigrant who emigrated from Cape Verde in 2016, will be preparing for the journey toward becoming a frst-time voter in this year’s elections, which was a personal and powerful step toward shaping her life in the United States. Her journey to the U.S. was initially driven by economic struggles in Angola, where she lived and worked as a music teacher. In 2016, she and her husband
decided to move to the U.S., hoping to provide a better life for their family.
“It’s important to know why and what we’re voting for,” she said. “She believes that the policies immigrants vote for can change how they live and work in the U.S., particularly in areas like immigration law, visa restrictions, and family unifcation. “It
can change everything.”
Cruz credits local organizations for helping immigrants understand the impact of their civic participation, especially at the local level. “People always focus on presidential elections, but I learned that local elections have the most direct impact on my day-to-day life.”
CLASSIFIED
Prostate Cancer: Know the Facts and Get Screened
By RAMAN BAMIDELE, MD
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of understanding prostate cancer and taking steps to detect it early. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and early detection is key to successful treatment.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after 50.
• Race: African American men are more than twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease.
• Family History: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases your risk of being diagnosed, too.
Raman Bamidele, MD is a family medicine physician caring for patients at Pearland Clinic.
Scan to view Dr. Bamidele’s online profile.
Screening and Early Detection
Regular screenings for prostate cancer are recommended at age 50, or earlier if you are at higher risk. In particular, African-American men should begin screening for prostate cancer as early as age 40. Men with average risk should ask their doctors about getting screened every two years, while those at higher risk might need annual screenings. Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are important.
There are two primary ways your doctor will screen for prostate cancer:
1. PSA Test: A blood test that measures the level of prostatespecific antigen (PSA) in your blood.
2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A
doctor will check the prostate by feeling it through the rectum, a quick and simple procedure that can provide crucial information about your prostate health.
“Discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor if you experience:
• Difficulty urinating, including pain and burning, and weak or interrupted flow.
• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Blood in urine or semen.
• Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.
When found early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. Regular screenings can catch cancer before it spreads, giving you more options for treatment and a better chance of a positive outcome.
Sports DN
defensive end
contributed
Sports Briefs
TEXANS DRAMATIC TURNAROUND CONTINUES WITH 2-0 START
It hasn’t necessarily been pretty, but the Texans have gone from an 0-2 start last year to 2-0 to begin the season for the first time since 2016. The Texans got past the Chicago Bears, 19-13, in the Sunday Night Football home opener. “0-2 is a lot worse than 2-0, so... I’m definitely grateful, definitely blessed to be playing this great game,” said Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. “But there’s definitely a lot of things we can clean up. Around the league, you can see that. A lot of sloppy ball. Some teams playing better than others. I definitely know that Texans football was not what we put on the field today. At least in the second half. We’ll definitely be better, for sure.” The Texans head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings on Sunday.
Texas Southern freshman and Elkins product Kennedi Walker was named SWAC Volleyball Setter of the Week after tallying 127 assists in a week.
PVAMU QB1
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON KELVIN SAMPSON TO HOST FREE COACHES’ CLINIC
Cameron Peters (3) will definitely face great pressure as the Prairie View Panthers’ first-year starter, but the Stafford product vows to be ready for whatever comes his way.
CAM PETERS
Uses patience, growth to land top spot
By Terrance Harris
Prairie View quarterback Cameron Peters would probably be the first to tell you that life, and even the play, doesn’t always work out the way it was drawn up.
teammates.
University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson will hold a free clinic for high school, middle school and AAU coaches at the Fertitta Center on Oct. 12. Sampson and his assistant coaches will lead the clinic with skills development and then attendees will be able to watch and listen to Sampson conduct a practice with the Cougars as they prepare for the 202425 season. After the practice, Sampson will answer questions and offer insights. Space is limited and coaches interested in attending are encouraged to register early by submitting a registration form at uhcougars.com/ mbbcoachesclinic.
TSU ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATOR PUBLISHES BOOK ABOUT CANCER FIGHT
But somehow it always seems to work out the way it was meant to be.
That was the case when UTSA, his first choice of schools coming out of Stafford, didn’t pan out, so he transferred to Kilgore College before landing with the program that had been recruiting him all of the time.
And after an impressive showing during Prairie View’s spring ball, Peters returned this summer only to lose out on the starting job to UH transfer Lucas Coley.
“I’ve been here since the spring so you can say, it’s kind of my team,” he said to the Defender. “Altogether, I’m a leader of the team, so that’s ultimately what it’s about is being a leader.”
However, Coley’s unfortunate injury in the season opener placed the job in Peters’s capable hands.
It’s been quite the journey but it’s one Peters wouldn’t change.
Having such awareness and understanding weren’t always the most visible traits of Peters’s game. They’ve come with a lot of growth and maturity. There was a time when Peters wanted it all right now, and when that didn’t happen it showed in his demeanor. Panthers coach Bubba McDowell was particularly impressed with how Peters handled not winning the starting job coming out fall camp.
completed 18-of-33 passes for 280 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Week 2 win.
After not scoring a touchdown in the season opener, the Panthers scored four touchdowns while converting 10 of 20 third downs and winning the time of possession battle by nearly 15 minutes.
“(That) was pretty cool. It was a good experience,” said Peters, who ranks seventh in the SWAC in passing with 37 of 70 completions for 514 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions following the loss at Michigan State. “We didn’t really perform how we should have but we did put out a pretty good showing.
“We had some turnovers that I should have cleaned up on, but altogether, we are going in the right direction.”
Texas Southern assistant athletic director/ senior women’s administrator Dr. Dwalah Fisher recently published her memoirs detailing her fight with breast cancer several years ago called “Coached by Cancer: The MVP Was Me.” Fisher, a SWAC Hall of Famer and soon-to-be-inducted Texas Southern Sports Hall of Famer, details in her book how her battle with cancer taught her the important principles of life, resilience and the importance of remembrance. Fisher was an accomplished volleyball player and coach at TSU.
“It’s a blessing,” Peters said prior to Saturday’s loss to Michigan State. “I don’t have any regrets about anything. I’m super blessed.
“My support system, I wouldn’t be here without them. I wouldn’t be here without the coaches who recruited me. I’m just blessed.”
Peters, a junior, has played in all three of the Panther games so far, starting the last two. And that status may not change soon with Coley expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.
But don’t expect to hear any declarations from Peters about this being his team now or his job to lose. His focus is on being there for his coaches and
“I think he bounced back really well considering,” said McDowell, whose team is the defending SWAC West champion. “How he would react to previous or past experience, he would kind of go in the gutter and shutdown. But this time, he did just the opposite.
“There were times when he had his ups and downs when things didn’t go his way, but that’s what camp is about, learning from your mistakes, especially at that position. Now it’s about being able to carry that throughout the season.”
While his performances so far have been far from perfect, Peters has certainly been a spark for the Panthers offense’ since he took over in the second half of the 27-9 season-opening loss to Texas Southern.
Peters and his big arm bounced back the following week with a shocking 37-31 over FCS foe Northwestern State. Peters
Receiver Shemar Savage, who was the recipient of six passes for 133 yards and one touchdown from Peters against Northwestern State, was glad to see Peters get to show what he can do in a game.
“I think he handled it well,” Savage said. “He took full responsibility of everything as a quarterback. He has always been my QB1. I think he did good.”
McDowell was also impressed with Peters’ performance in that game, especially with the way he was able to overcome some early mistakes.
“I saw a lot of poise, mainly when he threw those two INTs,” said McDowell, whose team hosts SWAC West Southern on Saturday (6 p.m.). “Old Cam would have let that bother him, but this time he did not.
“That’s what we wanted to see, the maturity of him. He has to have that.”
Credit: Taliyah Galindo
Texans
Danielle Hunter
1.5 sacks of the seven sacks the team had on Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams.
C.J. Stroud
Kelvin Sampson
Cameron Peters
Dr. Dwalah Fisher
Sports DN
TIGHT-END | DEFENSIVE-END
JACORY THURMAN
Shines at Worthing High School
By Jimmie Aggison
Worthing High School may be a small 4A school in Houston, but its football program has gained major attention this season, largely due to the dominant play of senior tight end/defensive end Jacory Thurman, a 6-foot3, 225-pound University of Houston commit. Thurman’s domination has helped lead Worthing to a perfect 3-0 start this season.
“On offense, my main role is to be a decoy as I often draw three defenders covering me,” said Thurman. “This allows my other teammates to be open in the passing game. On defense, I use my speed to pressure the quarterback into making rushed decisions, which also helps our defensive secondary. I am only as good as my team makes me.”
Thurman’s versatility on both sides of the ball has been critical to the team’s early success. Through the first three games of the season, Worthing has scored an impressive 118 points while allowing just 7 points from opponents, showing its dominance in 4A-1 Region III District 11. This strong start builds on the team’s undefeated district title run last season, where the Colts finished with a perfect 7-0 record.
“People may overlook us because we’re a 4A school, but we’ve got talent here,” says Thurman. “It’s not the size of the school that matters; it’s what we do on the field.”
Despite being from a 4A school with an enrollment of fewer than 1,500 students, Thurman has attracted attention at the collegiate level. His strong play last season earned him First Team honors as both a tight end and defensive end, and Second Team recognition as a wide receiver. His recruitment by the University of Houston is a testament to his abilities on the field and his dedication in the classroom, where he excels academically.
“My mom, Ashley Sanchez, along with my coaches, have been the driving force behind my academics. They’ve always stressed that being a student comes first, even before football. My first offer was from Dartmouth, which shows how important my grades are to me,” said Thurman, who plans to study biochemistry or sports science at the University of Houston. “My mom has always made sure I stayed focused on school, and that’s played a huge role in getting me where I am today.”
Thurman hopes to continue his football journey at the University of Houston, where he is being recruited to play tight end. Thurman studies some of the game’s best tight ends, including Brock Bowers, Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Kyle Pitts, as he continues to hone his skills.
“I watch Brock Bowers because we kind of has the
same build. We are a little on the shorter side but quicker than traditional players at the position and we aren’t afraid to block,” said Thurman. “I like to watch Kelce, Kittle and Pitts because the way they are used in their offensive schemes is similar to how I’m used too.”
Thurman’s football journey began in the 7th grade at Attucks Middle School, where he first picked up the game at age 12. His high school career at Worthing had a rough start when an ankle injury sidelined him for most of his fresh man year. But after a heart-to-heart conversa tion with his coach, Brandon Ellis, Thurman returned stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever.
“Coach Ellis told me that it was time to grow up and become more serious about my craft. In doing so I could set myself up later in life to help take care of my family,” said Thurman.
Thurman is now a three-year varsity letter man and team captain.
With a bright future ahead at the University of Houston, Thurman is eager to represent his com munity and make an impact at the next level. As Worthing continues its strong season, the football world will be watching Thurman as he helps lead his team, aiming for another district title while preparing for the next chapter of his football career at the collegiate level.
ABOUT
JACORY THURMAN
Class: 2025
IG: @showtimee_.cory
Twitter: @JacoryThurman
Position: Tight end, defensive end
Height & weight: 6-feet-3, 225
pounds
Favorite artist: Lil Wayne
Status: Committed to the University of Houston
Favorite subject: Science (aquatic science)
Shout-outs: Va’shawn
Smith, Kwame Roy, Ernest Briscoe and Nathaniel Dillard
Houston mother turns grief into healing
By Laura Onyeneho
In Sept. 2020, life took a heartbreaking turn for Atinuke “Tinuke” Solanke and her family. Her 7-year-old son, Neil, who had been full of life and energy, suddenly fell ill, complaining of severe stomach pain. What initially seemed like a minor ailment led to a diagnosis that would shatter their world— rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer.
The diagnosis began a grueling journey for Tinuke, her husband Gbeke, and their family. Despite their efforts to seek treatment, first in Nigeria and then in the United States, the cancer returned with even greater ferocity after an initial period of remission.
Tinuke faced the unthinkable—watching her child suffer, unable to ease his pain, and finally, losing him to the disease in the fall of 2022. Neil passed away in Tinuke’s arms, a moment she describes as the most traumatic experience of her life.
In the wake of Neil’s death, Tinuke spiraled into deep despair. The grief and anger
consumed her, making it difficult to be present for her two other children and her husband. Despite being surrounded by friends and family, she felt isolated and struggled to find a reason to keep going.
“I was angry, lost, frustrated, and defeated,” she recalls. “I couldn’t get over the shock and despair of losing my child.”
Yet, even in her darkest moments, Tinuke’s resilience began to surface. She realized that to honor Neil’s memory, she needed to find a way to heal. With the support of professional therapists, spiritual mentors, and life coaches, she embarked on a journey of emotional recovery. Through therapy and coaching, she learned valuable tools that allowed her to begin processing her grief in a healthier way. These experiences became the foundation of her mission to help others.
In 2023, inspired by her own healing process, Tinuke launched NEIL Coaching—an organization named in honor of her son. The acronym NEIL stands for Navigate,
Empower, Inspire, Liberate, which encapsulates the core principles of her coaching philosophy. Tinuke’s goal is to support families and individuals facing life’s challenges, offering them the tools and strategies she learned during her healing journey.
Tinuke’s commitment to giving back to the community didn’t stop with the founding of NEIL Coaching.
“Through it all, I learned that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to rise once we can process the right way,” she says. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding purpose in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.
Tinuke hopes that by shar ing her story and the lessons she’s learned, she can inspire others to find their own paths to recovery. “So many people are dealing with things that they shouldn’t be dealing with,” she reflects. “With the right tools, we have the power to rise.
