Houston Defender: September 24, 2020

Census

2020 Learn what’s at stake in our communities and the importance of being counted

IN FOCUS

FEATURE

KID’S MENTAL HEALTH Tips, tools and resources to help parents deal with their kids’ mental health during COVID.

Volume 89, issue 48 September 24, 2020

TARA PAIGE How the entrepreneur has Black women sharing their love of outdoor living spaces on Facebook.

facebook.com/defendernetwork twitter.com/defendernetwork

instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

FREE

2 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN On the web

FIT & FINE Antoine Howard Age: 37 Occupation: Founder of Lift’ed LLC, Master Trainer and Mindset Architect Motto: “Live life with purpose.”

I LOVE… Serving others. Being selfless has become a daily habit for me.

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

Breonna Taylor, here in December, is being remembered as a caring person who loved her job in health care and enjoyed playing cards with her aunts. Courtesy of the Taylor Family

Message from the Managing Editor Justice was not served

those in the struggle for civil rights and equality for more than a generation.

After six long months, ONE of the officers But a lot of people don’t know that the first Black has been charged in the Breonna Taylor case. woman elected to Congress in 1968, blazed another But NOT for her death. Louisville Police Officer civil rights trail, too. Two years after she was elected Brett Hankison has been charged with 3 felony to Congress, she chose the uncommon move to becounts of wanton endangerment for the bullets come a census-taker in New York City because she that went into other apartments. No other offiknew that the census is about money, power, and cers are being charged and the KY attorney genReShonda Tate respect for all of our communities — especially eral said their shootings were justified.

Billingsley those that have been historically undercounted.

FRUSTRATED doesn’t even begin to deDespite the fact that the census was (and rescribe our feeling. We’re tired of a system that overlooks us. That callously takes Black lives. There is some mains) the very foundation of how the federal government comfort in the words from MSNBC anchor, Joy Reid: “Stop allocated many millions of dollars ($1.5 trillion today) for eduexpecting justice from this system. Vote in better political cation, healthcare, housing, jobs, infrastructure, and transporleaders and change the system. As it stands now, the right tation across the country — and the very basis on which seats to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is not held even in Congress were (and still are) allocated state by state — Black close to equally by every American. The only way to change communities across the country had either been long undercounted by or chose not to participate in the census. that is to change who governs us.”

Today, the need for a complete count is just as, if not If we take the emotions out of this, that sums up the problem.

The reality is most law enforcement officials would’ve been hard- more, important, to ensure an equitable recovery from the pressed to bring manslaughter charges against the officers be- COVID-19 pandemic. Without a complete and accurate cause...Kentucky law. The law is the problem. It’s the reason the count, we will be forgoing the money and political representwo officers could fire six bullets into Breonna’s home, killing her, tation that is rightfully ours, and at a time when such a loss and walk away. The only way we are going to change this narra- cannot be afforded. Make sure you’re counted. tive is to change the law. That applies everywhere. It’s time for us to take emotions out of it, and do what’s necessary to change the IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER This week is stocked with news you can use. Check laws that systemically oppress us. Voting is how we start. out the final part of our three-part series on Education & An unbelievable milestone COVID. This week, we’re talking to parents about the chalWhen Donald Trump stood before an audience in 2016 lenges of dealing with their children’s’ mental health. and told African Americans “what do you have to lose” We also have a great story on Tara Paige. She turned her time when it came to voting for him, most of us had no idea the into quarantine into a thriving Facebook called Black Women answer could be – “our lives.” In fact, I’d bet even the most Who Love Outdoor Living. The 200,000 Black women in the ardent Trump critic never imagined things would be this group love it and collectively are showing the world their buybad. Yet, here we are. 200,000 Americans dead from a global ing power, while exchanging creative ideas. Oh, and you won’t pandemic, and Trump STILL standing before his loyal sup- believe how she’s parlaying that into a blockbuster business. porters saying “It affects virtually nobody.”

Also, make sure you get all the details about our State of Our country is burning, and Trump is standing over it Black. With the national political scene shining bright, the with a gas can, fanning the flames with his callous indiffer- Defender thought it fitting to turn the focus on the home ence and ineffective leadership. From false comments about front—Houston, Harris County and the state—and have a the virus, to downplaying the seriousness, he has prioritized series of conversations with top lawmakers via the State of the economy over human lives.

Black series.

Don’t let Trump, or anyone else for that matter, downplay the magnitude of this crisis. I’m not suggesting we live in ON THE WEB fear. But we cannot, nor can we allow anyone else, to dismiss • See before and after photos from the Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living this crisis. 200,000 families deserve better.

• Good news from Texas Southern University and Prairie Have you been counted?

View A&M University I’ve always loved Shirley Chisholm. She was an icon for • And an AARP poll reveals top concerns for voters 50 and older

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 3

DN News Earlie Hudnall, Jr. was recently featured in the Let Freedom Ring virtual event celebrating International Day of Peace. The acclaimed photographer shared insights into his body of work.

Dr. Creshema Murray, an accomplished professor, author and researcher, has been named Special Assistant to the Office of the UHD President.

Former official accused of kickback scheme Defender News Service

Federal prosecutors are accusing a former high-ranking Houston ISD official of taking kickbacks from a district contractor, according to a newly filed court document in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

A federal civil asset forfeiture complaint alleges t hat HISD COO Brian Busby conspired to pay an Brian Busby unidentified landscaping contractor for services at the school district that were never performed.

According to the complaint, the contractor was tasked with providing lawn and landscaping services for HISD, such as renovating athletic playing fields. But Busby allegedly approved payments for no-show work, in exchange for secret cash payments. The work was sometimes instead performed by HISD employees, often at over time rates, according to the complaint.

As part of the alleged

Federal agents enter the HISD administration building in Feb. Houston Public Media

scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s O f f i c e for t he S out h e r n District of Texas said the cont rac tor wrote checks from his business account to subcontractors and other people, only to have them cash the checks and give the money right back.

So far, nobody has been charged with a crime, but “in order to share the criminal pro ceeds t he cont rac tor

obtained from the fraud, the contractor paid kickbacks to C.O.O. Busby, including cash kickbacks,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson wrote in the court filing.

The filing sheds light on a Feb. seizure by federal agents, where they took more than $90,150 in cash from Busby’s home in Cypress and another $95,874 in cash from the contractor.

B u s by ’s ro l e at H I SD included overseeing an annual operating budget of more than $260 million. He was not offered a contract for the 2020-2021 school year, but was employed through Aug. 31, according to HISD. In an email, HISD officials said the district was not a party to the civil litigation, but that the district was cooperating with federal law enforcement.

Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program still has $10M Commissioners are urging the public to take advantage of $10m remaining in the Harris County Emergency Rental Assistant Program fund.

Of the $40M approved by Commissioners Court earlier this summer, $10M remains in the Rental Assistance Program. There are 6,000 landlords with 13,000 different properties registered in the program that’s administered by BakerRipley. The application process will remain open until funds are expended.

The program allows recipients to receive

$1,200. To be eligible, recipients must be 50% or lower of low- to moderate-income (LMI). Recipients are selected through a randomization process. Landlords must be registered in the program for a tenant to apply.

“The pandemic has left many families struggling to pay rent, and the expiration of federal protections for tenants has put our community in a looming eviction crisis. Now is the time for eligible tenants to take advantage of the remaining funds,” Commissioner Ellis said.

For more information, visit www.BakerRipley.org.

Rodney Ellis

NEWSBRIEFS HIGH-SPEED TRAIN GETS FEDERAL APPROVAL The high-speed train that promises to transport passengers between Dallas and Houston in 90 minutes has been approved by the Federal Railroad Administration. The high-speed train that promises to transport passengers between Dallas and Houston in 90 minutes has been approved by the Federal Railroad Administration, according to Texas Central Railroad, the company in charge of the project.

Texas Central expects to start construction in the first half of 2021.

MILLIONS IN DANGER OF MISSING VIRUS RELIEF PAYOUTS The Government Accountability Office, Congress’ auditing arm, said that possibly 8.7 million individuals who are eligible for the economic impact payments have yet to receive those payments because of inadequate IRS and Treasury Department records. GAO said that the IRS did implement several recommendations the GAO had made in a June report to make sure those eligible for the payments received them, such as extending the deadline for individuals who had not filed an income tax return to apply for the payments through Sept. 30.

MIKE BLOOMBERG HELPS FL FELONS PAY OFF FEES SO THEY CAN VOTE Just days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won a court victory to keep felons from voting until they’ve paid off fines, restitution and court fees, billionaire Mike Bloomberg has stepped in to help them pay off the debts. The former Democratic presidential Mike Bloomberg candidate has helped raise more than $20 million so that felons who completed their prison sentences can vote in the presidential election. Bloomberg also has pledged $100 million to help Joe Biden win Florida. The move could have broad implications for the November elections. Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are crucial to President Donald Trump’s hopes of staying in the White House.

4 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News BREONNA TAYLOR

OUTRAGE: Only one officer charged Defender News Service

A former Louisville police officer has been indicted by a grand jury on three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree in connection with the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor.

The long-awaited charges against the former officer, Brett Hankison, were immediately criticized by demonstrators who had demanded more serious counts and the arrests of the three officers involved in the March shooting.

The other two officers -- Sgt. John Mattingly and Det. Myles Cosgrove -were not charged following months of demonstrations.

The findings of the grand jury probe into the fatal police shooting were announced by Kentucky’s Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who called the Taylor’s death “a gut-wrenching emotional case” where “the pain is understandable.”

Demonstrators at a makeshift memorial to Taylor in downtown Louisville called for Cameron to step down after the charges were announced in court and the former detective’s bond was set at $15,000.

The charges come more than six months after Taylor, a 26-year-old Black EMT and aspiring nurse, was shot to death

by Louisville police officers in her home.

The officers broke down the door to her apartment while executing a late-night, “no-knock” warrant in a narcotics investigation on March 13.

“Justice has NOT been served,” tweeted Linda Sarsour of Until Freedom, a group that has pushed for charges in the case.

“Rise UP. All across this country. Everywhere. Rise up for #BreonnaTaylor.”

Trump blasts 1619 Project’s focus on Black history Defender News Service

A woman reacts to news that a grand jury indicted only one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. AP/Darron Cummings

A Republican, Cameron is the state’s first Black state attorney general and a protege of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who has been tagged by some as his heir apparent. His was also one of 20 names on President Donald Trump’s list to fill a future Supreme Court vacancy.

Before charges were brought, Hankison was fired from the city’s police department on June 23. A termination letter sent to him by interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said the white officer had violated procedures

by showing “extreme indifference to the value of human life” when he “wantonly and blindly” shot 10 rounds of gunfire into Taylor’s apartment in March.

On Sept. 15, the city settled a lawsuit against the three officers brought by Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, agreeing to pay her $12 million and enact police reforms.

Ben Crump, attorney for the family of Breonna Taylor, said the indictment was “not fully what we wanted,” but added “this brings us closer to justice” for Taylor.

Donald Trump is weighing in on history, blasting the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project, which reframes America’s history by focusing on the consequences of slavery and contributions of Black Americans, and at the same time announcing the creation of a new “1776 commission” to reinstate “patriotism” in American schools.

Some of America’s Founding Fathers, like George Washington, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, were slave owners and whose properties Nikole depended on slave labor.

Slavery was also enshrined Hannah-Jones in the Constitution with the Three-fifths Compromise, which said three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for the purpose of determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.

Trump also called “critical race theory” a “Marxist doctrine,” claiming that “teaching this horrible doctrine to our children is a form of child abuse in the truest sense of those words.” The president also announced that he’s launching a commission intended to reinstate patriotic education curriculum in America’s schools.

Trump signed an executive order “establishing a national commission to promote patriotic education,” saying it would be called the “1776 commission.”

The New York Times’ Nikole Hannah-Jones won a Pulitzer Prize for The 1619 Project in 2020. The name of the project comes from the year that Africans first arrived on slave ships.

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg Defender News Service

her impact,” she said. “A large reason why women have Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s career was devoted to achieved the rights we have is literally because of Ruth empowering and fighting for women. Both in and Bader Ginsburg.” outside of the Supreme Court, the late justice known Jones said one of the most notable aspects of Ginsburg’s career was her understanding that as the Notorious RBG fought against sex discrimination and for the right for all to celebrate their all women, not just cisgender white women, love in marriage. deserve equality. This, Jones said, is largely why Upon news of her death, millions of Ginsburg’s death has turned into a rallying cry women took to social media to express fear for people to vote, to keep the Supreme Court’s that Ginsburg’s legacy will be threatened — and conservative majority from rolling back equality harnessed that fear into creating a rallying cry Ruth Bader protections.

Ginsberg “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a bright for people to unite, fight and vote.

Imara Jones, creator and producer of light in our country and a fierce advocate for TransLash Media, said she is feeling “dread” following equality. She fought for women’s rights and for the Ginsburg’s death, which she said comes at a time where rights of all groups that have been disenfranchised. there is “so much division and pettiness.”

Her death is a heartbreaking loss to our country. Not “A dread for the common fight, a dread for the loss only was she a revered Supreme Court justice, but her of a strong voice in women’s rights. I mean, to say that entire life was also a testament to the American dream,” she was a strong voice in women’s rights understates added Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner.

VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 48 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Creative Director Michael Grant

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

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

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

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 5

Free Online Classes & Events for Houston Seniors We’re Bringing the Fun to YOU!

Virtual Tours

While COVID-19 has reduced our ability to gather

View our center tour so you can see what to

in groups, it hasn’t stopped Partners in Primary

expect as a patient!

Care from creating new ways to serve our community and help keep local Houston seniors

Virtual Health & Wellness Programs

active and connected.

We host ongoing classes that help keep you healthy and informed:

We’re hosting safe, virtual online events just for

• Managing your health online classes

you! They’re free and safe, with nothing to

• Nutrition classes and cooking demos

download and you don’t even need a camera.

• Zoom BINGO

Invite your friends and join us through your

• Zoom Trivia

computer, tablet or mobile device just by clicking

• SilverSneakers® and Zumba

on a link!

• & more!

5 locations in the Houston area: Baytown | Downtown East | Gulfgate Jacinto City | Pasadena 7 locations opening in 2020: Beaumont | Conroe | Hiram Clarke | Humble Port Arthur | Sunnyside | Tidwell

Find fun virtual online events & activities at PartnersInPrimaryCare.com/events or call 713-547-4309 to learn more.

Partners in Primary Care 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：如果䓟使用繁體中文，䓟可以免費獲得語言援助 服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711).

GCHKU3PEN

6 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

+%&8V DUH PRUH WKDQ DQ HGXFDWLRQ 7KH\ DUH D OHJDF\ It's the place you become; where you're uplifted by past generations. It's your family's history and newfound family's future. It's your HBCU. That’s why XŜnity recognizes the legacy, community, and importance of HBCUs. And, now that gatherings are a little diŞerent, it's time to reconnect to the culture. Just say, "HBCU," into your XŜnity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU.

Visit 5Ŝ +&16C ,*c!&0 ,3"/*,/" to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires XŜnity TV with X1. © 2020 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 7

DN Feature Partners in Primary Care bringing Black doctors’ group forms task force to senior-focused care to Houston Defender News Service

Partners in Primary Care is hosting four grand opening celebrations between now and Oct.1 to debut their latest senior-focused primary care medical centers in Houston in the Sunnyside, Hiram Clarke, Humble and Tidwell areas.

Visitors to each online experience will have the opportunity to tour the center, meet the doctor and other members of the care team, ask questions and learn more about how Partners in Primary Care is different from any other health care facility.

Seniors will have the opportunity to learn the basics of Medicare, as well as how to become a patient and schedule an appointment. Each event will feature remarks beginning at 11 a.m., with ribbon-cutting of the new center afterward.

People interested in attending any of these virtual grand opening events should register online at www.SeniorFocusedHouston.com and find the location that is most convenient to them. Partners in Primary Care will also open a center in Port Arthur in October and centers in Beaumont and Conroe in December.

review virus vaccine Defender News Service

The National Medical Association, a group of Black physicians, has created a task force to independently vet COVID-19 drugs, vaccines and government regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s necessary to provide a trusted messenger of vetted information to the African American community,” Leon McDougle, a family physician and president of the NMA, told StatNews.

“There is a concern that some of the reLeon cent decisions by the Food and Drug McDougle Administration have been unduly influenced by politicians.”

McDougle explained that the group’s goal is to help address the suspicion in the Black community about a vaccine, given the community’s dark history of dangerous medical testing, like the infamous Tuskegee experiment.

“I think this will help to increase uptake in the African American community, if members of our task force give it the green light,” McDougle said. But he emphasized that their stamp of approval would come only if data shows that the vaccine is, in fact, effective and safe.

8 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature DEFENDER INTRODUCES

State of BLACK series

By Aswad Walker

With the national political scene shining bright, the Defender thought it fitting to turn the focus on the home front—Houston, Harris County and the state—and have a series of conversations with top lawmakers via the State of Black series.

Sponsored by the Defender Network, the State of Black Series will kick off this virtual experience with a oneon-one conversation with Mayor Sylvester Turner (State of Black Houston) Thurs., Oct. 1 at 2pm. The State of Black Harris County will feature Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo (Thurs., Oct. 8 at 2pm). Finally, the State of Black Texas will spotlight a conversation with Texas Governor Greg Abbott. That date and time is still pending.

“These virtual events are the first in a new adventure for the Defender Network - its LIVE Journalism,” said Defender Network CEO Sonceria Messiah Jiles. “Instead of writing the story, we are living the story and allowing our attendees to get engaged in the journey.”

Messiah Jiles said that after participating in the Texas

Tribune RevLab “Event Bootcamp,” her team gained realworld experience and knowledge from the masters of events in Texas, the Texas Tribune.

“Believe me, Defender teammates Clyde Jiles and Kim Wright also experienced the Bootcamp and will attest there was a lot of work but it was worth it to better serve our community. We are still learning but we invite the Houston community to come join us,” Messiah Jiles added.

During the events, each guest will be asked several questions, including, “What have you done for the Black community, and what are you planning to do?”

With the Coronavirus running rampant in the Black community as the death toll continues to rise and economic pains surpassing all understanding; social injustice and the killing of African Americans at the hands of police officers dominating national headlines; a generation-defining 2020 election looming large; and everything from healthcare and women’s rights to environmental protections and Black voting rights in the air with a Supreme

Court seat still vacant, there will be no shortage of topics that will be covered throughout the State of Black series.

The major sponsors for this virtual event series are Title Sponsor H-E-B, Presenting Sponsor Chevron, and VIP Sponsors Amegy Bank and Cadence Bank.

Messiah Jiles says she is “so appreciative of these corporate sponsors because their investment demonstrates they ‘walk the talk’ and understand the importance of the community getting answers during these trying times.

And I’m equally excited to get the support of six partners: NAACP Houston, Houston Area Urban League, Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, Top Ladies of Distinction, Houston Metropolitan Ministerial Alliance and Houston Pan-Hellenic Council who will assist in asking the questions during the program.”

To register for one or all three of the conversations, go to bit.ly/defenderstateofblack or visit Defendernetwork. com for more info. Once you have registered, you will receive instructions via email of how to tune in 24 hours prior to the event.

Children should be included on your 2020 Census form—and not just children related to you, but any kids living at your address most of the time. When babies and children are included, the programs that support them get the funding they need.

Count your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, foster kids, and the children of any friends or relatives staying with you, even if it’s only temporary. Babies count, too! Even if they’re still in the hospital, as long as they were born by April 1, 2020, make sure the person completing the Census for your address includes them on the form.

For more information about the 2020 Census, visit 2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020. | #2020Census #CountAllKids

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Feature

A voter, right, shows her identification to a Harris County election clerk. Ap/David J. Phillip

Texas still in need of poll workers Defender News Service

Amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19, census worker Jennifer Pope wears a mask as she prepares for a count.

Census deadline Sept. 30 Defender News Service

Texas is close to losing billions of federal dollars. The state is lagging behind the rest of the country, ranking 38th in the nation for response rates, as only 85.9% of Texans have completed the Census, a nine-question survey that can be completed by mail, by phone or online.

In Harris County, only 60% of households have responded to the Census, compared to neighboring U.S. households who have Fort Bend County responded to with a 72% response the Census rate. Houston’s household response rate is 55%. All are lower than the current national average of 64%.

Sasha-Joi Marshall Smith, a city planner who has been coordinating outreach efforts, attributed low participation to political interference, civil unrest and the coronavirus pandemic.

“Every 1 percent of the population that’s not counted means $250 million in federal funding that the city is entitled to will be directed to another city,” she said.

“I tell people, ‘It’s our federal tax dollars… God forbid it goes to Dallas,’” she said. “Whether you were born here or not, it’s our job to make sure people here have basic services.”

The impact from the Census count on our daily lives is huge and the results have the potential to reinforce or redress racial

60%

WHAT’S AT STAKE? • Schools (lunches, buildings, supplies, teacher pay)

• Political representation • Road repairs • Disaster relief funds • Hospitals/health clinics

GET COUNTED • Online www.2020census.gov • By phone, 1-844-330-2020 • Complete survey by mail • Speak with a census field worker when they knock on your door

and economic disparities.

“How they allocate disaster recovery funds is based on census data,” said Rebecca Briscoe with the U.S. Census Bureau. “Our infrastructure and roads that we missed out on being strengthened. It’s also our title one funds. When we think about our teachers... having enough salary, having enough teachers to teach students who have special needs.”

Briscoe said it’s estimated that Texas lost

out on billions of dollars after only 70% of Texas households responded in 2010.

The 2020 Census has been dogged with changes and controversies. After years of preparation and strategy by community organizations to reach harder-to-count communities, the pandemic hit, throwing all those plans into chaos. In-person outreach events had to be scrapped and moved online, a risky shift, given the persistent digital divide.

Census door-knocking was supposed to start in May but was delayed to July and August, and then the deadline for collecting responses was moved from July to September, and then to October, then back to September, and it may get kicked back to October this week.

Now, with a deadline of Sept. 30 looming, many continue to be left out. Renters, students, people of color, immigrants and folks who are essential workers. The undercount of people of color in the constitutionally mandated count, is part of the U.S. legacy of racial hierarchy.

The census creates the foundation for the next 10 years to determine how many schools we need, how many people need health care, and potentially where vaccines should be distributed.

In addition to deciding congressional representation, it can lead to a deficit in federal funding. The people who suffer from an undercount are the people who need resources the most.

Texas is preparing for a general election for which election officials are expecting unprecedented turnout — and unprecedented demand for election workers. The general election will require local election officials to hire more election clerks because of an extended early voting period, new cleaning and disinfection protocols and expectations that more people will use curbside voting and mail-in ballots.

Historically, elections have been staffed by older retirees, a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus.

A lack of people willing to work because of the pandemic caused some Texas counties to close down polling locations during the July primary runoffs. And some officials are concerned that could happen again this fall.

Poll workers do far more than just check IDs and assist with voter equipment. They work long hours setting up polling stations and securing them after closing each night.

Bilingual election clerks serve as translators for voters who need assistance. Election clerks also drive materials to and from polling locations; process ballots, equipment and paperwork; and answer questions voters might have.

Counties are also trying to provide more ways for voters to drop off mail-in ballots.

For this election, absentee voters can drop off their ballots in person at their county elections offices as soon as they’re completed.

And many counties are opening drive-thru ballot drop-offs. For both options, voters should be prepared to show their IDs. Harris County is planning to hire workers for more than 800 voting centers. Additionally, there are job openings available three weeks prior to the election for the early voting period, Oct. 13-30.

REQUIREMENTS • 16-years-old or older • Registered voter in Harris County • Have transportation to and from voting centers • Attend training • All of these positions are paid.

Apply at harrisvotes.com or call (713) 755-6965.

DEFENDER NETWORK

Back-to-school, what now?

With school re-openings in full swing, there’s a lot of uncertainty for high school and college students about what this next year will look like. Some students have returned to their campuses, only to be told their classes will be held online. Some are cooped up at home, separated from their usual cohort of teachers and friends. There is still no clear path forward about how this pandemic may proceed, and when life will resemble some version of “normal” again.

In the continuing stresses of COVID-19, concerns over mental health have taken a front seat in the new school year.

The pandemic has altered the way students have to interact and socialize, which experts say can impact mental health.

In fact, the nonprofit America’s Promise Alliance recently released survey results about increasing concerns for middle and high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report suggests those students are experiencing collective trauma, over the health of their family, finances and their own education during the pandemic.

It’s something Marilyn Wingate knows all too well. Like millions of children, her seven-year-old daughter left school in March and never returned. The magnitude of that, is taking its toll.

“My daughter started talking to herself/having conversations with herself since the summertime. She is virtual 100% now and has been home and I didn’t realize how bad the isolation was affecting her,” Wingate said. “She was dancing in the spring, too, but like everything else, that turned into a Zoom class. Zoom was an option this year for dance but I recognized that my daughter needed a physical, social interaction with her friends. I have now put her back in dancing school for in-studio learning. She will be there twice a week. She needs to physically see her friends and be around other people than just us. Her brother is 6 and doesn’t stimulate her at all.”

The effects of that social isolation is real. Research shows that extended periods of loneliness can deteriorate mental and physical health outcomes over time, leading to depression, musculoskeletal disorders, and even chronic disease.

The structure of life–-at least how life used to look-–vanished almost completely overnight. In March, most schools across the country were forced to shut their doors abruptly to mitigate the spread of the virus. That’s a huge day-to-day adjustment for students, notes Educational Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with Providence Health Services, Dr. Richelle Whittaker.

“We need to be more concerned about mental health,” Whittaker said, noting that while school is usually a good place for children to learn social skills, socializing is very different now than before the pandemic..

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

2020 has been a rough year for everyone, but teens and young adults are among those hit hardest by mental health concerns. A recent CDC report of 5,400 people found that 25% of respondents between the age of 18-24 had contemplated suicide in the previous 30 days.

Juliet Stipeche, who works as the Director of Education for the City of Houston, said there are a lot of organizations that like Mental Health America of Greater Houston and the Collaborative of Behavorial Health that are working with school leaders and other officials to help handle any mental health situations that might arise.

“These organizations worked with teachers and staff

https://houstoncovid19recovery.org/heal

http://www.houstontx.gov/education/

833-251-7544, available 24/7.

Harris County’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line:

800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

Texas Suicide Prevention:

877-9-NO-DRUG (877-966-3784)

Texas Substance Abuse Hotline:

888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666)

Alanon and Alateen:

800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

Texas Suicide Prevention Hotline:

800-989-6884 or text 512-872-5777

Texas Youth Hotline:

Talkspace, BetterHelp, Trusst

Talk or Text Therapy:

741741

Crisis Text Line:

1-800-273-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7):

RESOURCES

PARENTS TACKLE MENTAL HEALTH OF KIDS

COVID-19

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

10 | September 24, 2020 |

— Dr. Richelle Whitaker

“As a parent, follow your gut. If you feel like something might not be right, it’s better to talk with them or find someone for them to talk to before it might spiral into something more serious.

Opening up about mental health issues The first step in addressing any mental health challenges, is

members about recognizing mental health issues in children.

They developed a lot of rubrics after Hurricane Harvey. And those came in very handy now that we have this global pandemic,” Stipeche said. “The city is collaborating with Baylor College of Medicine to provide telemedicine and mental health support. Parents should not be afraid to ask schools about the resources that are available to them. It’s always good to have a good rapport with the school, especially now when information is so critical.”

to get your children talking, Whitaker says.

“Parents should engage their children in activities that usually help them open up about what’s going on in their lives and keeps them from feeling attacked. Let the conversation happen naturally,” Whittaker said.

If that isn’t working (and even if it is), Whittaker advises parents to consider therapy as an option, particularly as social media is making many children more comfortable with the idea of speaking to someone. But Whittaker points out that parents should be mindful that some therapists are overloaded, which means vigilance is necessary.

“Many therapists and psychologists aren’t taking new clients

-AdobeStock

Finding places of refuge Take concrete action. Don’t just offer up a list of counseling services. Ask questions to help your young adult explore the different ideas for where help can come from. Remember that what works for you may not work for them.

Show your appreciation Admire the courage it took to admit something so personal.

Youths seek validation When we hear that someone is struggling, our instinct is to start offering solutions. Instead, validate the other person’s experience. Instead of, “It could be so much worse!” say “I hear you and I understand.”

Warning signs It’s not always easy to recognize when someone is going through a mental health crisis, especially if they aren’t particularly forthcoming with their emotions. Dr. Whittaker encourages parents to pay attention to their child’s behavior.

She said that if they appear disengaged, unmotivated or acting out, parents should take those as warning signs.

“What families really want to look for is changes in behaviors, changes in personality,” Whittaker says. “If your child isn’t talking to you as much anymore, or spending a lot time by themselves,” that’s a red flag, especially if they’re not taking time to connect with their friends virtually. “Sometimes, it can be normal teen angst, but you still should be aware.”

You may also see a decrease in motivation, Whittaker notes, especially without the routine of in-person schooling. If your student is having a hard time getting out of bed, if they’re sleeping too little or if their appetite has changed, this may denote mental stress.

“As a parent, follow your gut,” Whittaker says. “If you feel like something might not be right, it’s better to talk with them or find someone for them to talk to before it might spiral into something more serious.”

In general, it helps just to be present and available. Active Minds, a nonprofit advocacy group supporting mental health education for students, found that the number one way parents can support students is simply by spending time with them.

“It doesn’t have to be productive time,” Chief Program Officer Laura Horne says. “Maybe you allow more time online than usual to let them connect with their friends. Maybe you incorporate morning walks or evening dinners into your daily routine. Whatever it is, this will help create the space necessary to dive in deeper.”

No clue how to start the conversation? Horne lays out a three-step tool from Active Minds to help people talk about mental health.

simply because of the volume of current clients. In that situation, don’t just give up. Ask for referrals, keep looking,” she said.

When Dionne Blacknell’s son first began complaining about being locked inside, she admits that she would dismiss his concerns and highlight how some people “had it so much worse.”

“I would also remind him of how many people died and how lucky we were. I didn’t realize that I was pushing aside his feelings. He was a senior and everything he had worked for – graduation, prom, college - had been upended. I had to give him room to grieve that,” she said.

There’s no comprehensive word to sum up the emotions of this moment. Dr. Whittaker describes it as a general sense of grief.

“When we hear the word ‘grief,’ we tend to think of the death of a loved one or somebody really close,” she says–a tragically frequent occurrence since COVID-19 began. “On top of that, there’s the grief of losing your sense of normalcy, routine and social connections. We have to allow our children room to grieve, even something that may not seem as important to us as adults.”

| 11

12 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

COVID-19 is sparing most kids’ bodies, but it’s not being so kind to their minds. Nobody is immune to the stress that comes with a pandemic and related quarantining. Children, however, may be at particular risk. The Defender talked with parents on how they’re navigating the treacherous terrain.

“I have four children: ages 10 (just started 6th grade), 7 (2nd grade) and my twins are in kindergarten. My oldest has always been a loner but even he is feeling the pain of missing his friends. He keeps in touch electronically but he is definitely missing the day-to-day interaction. Also, the virtual learning system has been a bit overwhelming at times. I’ve had to make him step away a few times since we’ve started. My 7-year-old is probably feeling it the hardest. He is very social and active. He misses his sports and his best friend who played with him. He’s acted out a bit but we’re working through it. I try to take them outside and give them opportunities to engage electronically with their friends. It’s rough though. I wish there was something I could do. I hate that they have to go through this.

— Nicole Bird-Faulkner

“My 10-year-old daughter had bad mood swings during the end of the previous school year. She’s quiet now but it’s hard to tell because she’s at that age. All of her friends are going face-to-face and she’s home doing virtual. I talk to her and let her know she can come to us about anything and give plenty of hugs and encouragement. I also try to make sure she goes out and feels the sun on her face. I also encourage her to FaceTime her friends to feel connected and it lifts her spirits.

– Winifred McCants-Zumbrun “My child talks with a counselor weekly. I figured if I wasn’t handling this well (we had to cancel bday parties and a few international trips), he probably wasn’t either, whether he said it or not.

— Brenda Ngozi Stallings

“My son is an only child, a kid business owner, etc. He is an extrovert. He hasn’t had interaction with a child his age since the pandemic started. I drove back to where we moved from today.

He was happy to see his dogs and can visit his uncle. He also uses video chatting to feel more connected. Another thing I’m doing is to allow him to embrace his interests through virtual classes and occasional field trips.

– Andrea Blackstone “This is by far the worst thing my child has had to endure. She was already struggling with isolation. I’m a healthcare worker, so I have to work a lot, so she’s been with an older aunt and I see things getting worse with her. My normally vibrant 10-year-old is withdrawn, moody and depressed. I’m ready to say COVID be damned and let her go hang out with her friends.

— Alisyn Lewis

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 13

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Keep cholesterol levels in check for your heart’s sake

BY SHELDON GAINES, M.D.

Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke are leading causes of death for African American men and women, but with a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring, you can help reduce your risk.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that resides in the cell membranes of your body. It comes from foods such as meat, dairy products, and eggs. Your body needs cholesterol to function properly.

TWO TYPES OF CHOLESTEROL There are two main types of cholesterol: • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) help your body by producing nutrients and hormones and aiding in digestion.

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) can float around in your blood, build up on

FROM THE DOC “There’s no question about it; maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for heart health.”

Dr. Gaines is a Family Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold’s Pasadena Clinic.

artery walls, and harden into plaque four to six years. This is a blood test that that restricts blood flow. This can lead typically includes: to peripheral artery disease, heart • Total cholesterol attacks, and strokes.

• LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) SCREENINGS ARE IMPORTANT • HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind) Too much cholesterol – good or bad – can be harmful to the heart. High blood • Triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) cholesterol can lead to “hardening of the arteries” and over time cause blood flow to and from the heart to slow down or COMMIT TO A HEALTHY become blocked, increasing the risk of LIFESTYLE developing heart disease or stroke.

Keeping cholesterol at healthy levels The only way to know if your can be challenging. The preferred cholesterol is unhealthy is to see your way is to commit to a healthy lifestyle. doctor and be screened. In the early This usually entails eating foods that stages, unhealthy cholesterol levels may are low in saturated fat, staying active, not cause any symptoms. Therefore, having regular medical checkups, and, all adults age 20 or older should have a if necessary, taking prescribed medicine fasting lipoprotein profile once every to lower cholesterol.

Now Scheduling Both VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON Appointments!

Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a current patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you.

Your health and safety are our top priority. We‘re screening patients upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms, checking temperatures, and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face protection while visiting our clinics.

Do you feel more comfortable visiting with a Kelsey-Seybold doctor from your home? We also offer virtual Video Visits for children and adults. Visit kelsey-seybold.com/virtual WR ƓQG RXW PRUH Our doctors and clinical teams are here for you now and in the future.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7/365 Berthelsen Main Campus 2727 West Holcombe Blvd.

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

After-Hours Nurse Hotline 713-442-0000 Learn More About Virtual Visits kelsey-seybold.com/virtual

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and more than 50 HEALTH PLANS, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Also accepting two Medicare Advantage plans, KelseyCare Advantage and WellCare TexanPlus.

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 15

DN Education UH-Downtown goal: More male minority teachers Defender News Service

A new initiative at the University of Houston-Downton is hoping to combat the lack of teacher diversity in America. The university will become the first Texas university to participate in the national initiative, Call me MISTER. Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) is a collaboration between UHD, Clemson University and Houston Independent School District, and is aimed at recruiting male high school students of color into the teaching field.

UHD hopes the program will close gaps by effectively preparing teachers to support at-risk and underserved student populations and prepare a more diverse teaching

force that is ready to serve school districts within the region.

Through UHD’s affiliation with Call Me MISTER, area high school students will receive mentoring and advising support from UHD faculty to ensure they meet University and College of Public Service admissions requirements. As a Call Me MISTER institution, UHD also will work hand in hand with HISD to identify and recruit possible candidates for the program.

“If you presently look at the physical location of UHD, it sits just across the street from the Harris County jail. Our goal is to place more men of color in our institution rather than the one across from us. Efforts like these help dispel the school-to-prison pipeline,

National Hockey League supports TSU research project Defender News Service

10% of public school teachers nationwide, Black male

the cradle-to-grave epidemic and decrease generational poverty of communities in Houston,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, College of Public Service assistant dean and director of the college’s advising, recruitment and retention, and a facilitator of the program.

UHD joins more than 20 other partnering Call Me MISTER institutions. The program began at Clemson University in 2000 and its name is a nod to Jim Crow-era laws prohibiting Black men from being called “mister.”

The C enter for Justice Research (CJR) at Texas Southern University has received a pledge of financial support from the National Hockey League (NHL) to work toward creating “a procedurally just criminal justice system.” The Center focuses on research in racial disparities within America’s criminal justice system.

“We are thrilled that an influential sports league such as the NHL recognizes and values the work our dedicated researchers are conducting,” said Dr. Howard Henderson, CJR’s founding director. “Our work is devoted to producing data-driven solutions to ensure our criminal justice system is equitable to everyone, especially people from

vulnerable communities.”

Dr. Henderson said that other critical components to CJR’s work includes training TSU students in criminal justice research and increasing the number of African-American criminologists.

The National Hockey League is a long-standing partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that provides funding for CJR. The League’s effort, in conjunction with the NHL Players’ Association, is part of its sweeping anti-racism initiative in which all players at training camp will have mandatory inclusion and diversity training. The NHL also plans to form inclusion committees to encourage diversity among executives, professional and youth players, and fans.

PAID FOR BY AARP

Texas

Your Vote. Your Voice.

Our Fight.

As our nation battles a pandemic and economic downturn, the health and financial security of voters over 50 are on the line.

That’s why AARP Texas is fighting for your voice to be heard.

AARP Texas wants to make sure that you know all of your voting options and that all Americans—from working parents to family caregivers to seniors in nursing homes—can vote safely whether they choose to vote from home or in-person.

Learn how you can vote safely and make your voice heard at aarp.org/TXVotes facebook.com/AARPTexas | @AARPTX | aarp.org/TX

14 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education HISD get $1 mil grant to close digital divide

Blackshear students access healthier eating

Defender News Service

Defender News Service

Students at Blackshear Elementary in Third Ward will soon have access to healthier eating thanks to a partnership with the Rice Management Company (RMC) and the Houston-based nonprofit Brighter Bites.

RMC, the developer of The Ion and Innovation District in Houston, along with Brighter Bites will be serving approximately 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to 375 underserved families during the school year.

Residents in the Third Ward have faced barriers to accessing high-quality, nutritious food for years. Currently, more than half of residents in the area

struggle with food insecurity, which is more than four times the national average of 11.8%.* “I am extremely excited about this partnership primarily because it supports the children in my district, and they are able to have access to produce that will help them receive the nutrition they need to grow and be healthy,” said Councilmember Carolyn EvansShabazz. “It also supports community-based organizations that are addressing food access in areas that are food insecure.”

Brighter Bites’ evidence-based program incorporates produce distribution,

nutrition education and fun food experiences to change eating behaviors and prevent obesity and to achieve long-term health. Over the 2019-2020 school year, 99% of parents reported their family ate more fruits and vegetables while participating in Brighter Bites, and 97% maintained increased consumption after the program ended.

“We all know that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential to health, but for far too many residents in the Third Ward the ability to maintain a healthy diet is hindered by barriers to accessing high-quality, nutritious food,” said Rich Dachman, Brighter Bites CEO.

The Houston Independent School District will receive $1 million from the Moody Foundation to help close the digital divide by purchasing computers for HISD’s Achieve 180 students on some of the district’s underperforming campuses.

The funds will be used to purchase more than 2,000 devices for pre-K through 5th-grade students at schools where the Achieve 180 program is in place. Achieve 180 is a research-based action plan to support, strengthen, empower and increase student achievement in underserved and underperforming HISD feeder pattern communities.

“Equipping all HISD students with technology is a significant step towards increasing education equity across the entire district,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said.

“The pandemic has only further magnified the digital divide,” Moody Foundation Trustee Ross Moody said.

“The Moody Foundation has a long history of supporting early childhood education to build opportunities for student success. Everyone deserves and should have the same level of access to education.”

HISD has provided nearly 100,000 devices to its students in need and about 20,000 hot spots for internet connectivity. Thanks in part to community partners like the Moody Foundation.

16 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

State of

BLACK HOUSTON

State of BLACK Three-part virtual event series

SPONSORED BY Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

Thursday, Oct. 1 @ 2 PM

State of

Title Sponsor YOU and our partners have an opportunity to ask questions of our

BLACK HARRIS COUNTY

top elected officials in Texas that touch our lives every day. Once you register you will receive login instructions 24 hours prior to the onehour event.

THE BLACK COMMUNITY WANTS ANSWERS…..

JOIN US!

Lina Hidalgo

Register: bit.ly/defenderstateofblack

Thursday, Oct. 8 @ 2 PM

Presenting Sponsors

County Judge

State of

BLACK TEXAS

PARTNERS

Other Sponsors

NAACP of Houston Houston Area Urban League Greater Houston Black Chamber Top Ladies of Distinction Houston Metropolitan Ministerial Alliance Houston Pan-Hellenic Council

Greg Abbott Governor

PENDING @ 2 PM

Defender Network.com

September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 17

DN Living Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living Tara Paige’s Facebook group inspires thousands

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

When the coronavirus hit, shutting down businesses and confining people to their homes, Tara Paige decided to find a way to keep herself busy, by tapping into her love of outdoors to redo her backyard.

“The pandemic made us all stop and look around at some of those things that, we’ve probably tapped into in our earlier years. And one of the things that I really always enjoyed doing was being on the patio, so I decided to focus on my patio.”

When she sought others to share creative ideas with, she couldn’t find anything that met her needs.

“I really wanted a space where Black women can get together and share creative ideas of being on the patio. But I couldn’t find anything. My mother always told me, ‘if you can’t find it, create it!’” she said.

So she created the Facebook group, ‘Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living Spaces,’ encouraging women to “make their outside a beautiful living space together.” Members focus on patios, balconies, porches, poolside and gardening projects - all things outdoors. In fact, many members have been inspired to completely makeover their bland backyards.

“I’ve had members tell me, ‘I’ve been in my house 14 years and I’ve never done anything with the outdoor space.’ It was like a blank little concrete space and now it’s this amazing space. I don’t think it was a focal point for many people before, and I think now more than ever we’re looking for ways to extend our home.”

The group has evolved into more than just an exchange of ideas. Women get shopping and decorating tips, advice, inspiration, and Paige’s favorite, love and support one another.

“The sisterhood is amazing. I love the positivity, the empowerment, the love,” she said. “In many cases, it’s even helping with mental health during these trying times by giving people a space to relax. It just makes all the difference to have your own space outside as an extension of your home.”

Paige started the group in March. And it has now grown to more than 200,000 members, reaching as far as Thailand, South Africa and beyond.

“I was shocked as the membership kept growing. Honestly, thought I was going to meet a few like-minded women, Black women who wanted to just be out on the patio and hang out and I’d never knew it would be this massive,” she said.

A retired teacher, business coach, and mother of eight, Paige not only started the group, when she saw its impact (stores would sell out of items within hours after someone posted about it), she tapped into a new business idea.

“I created The Patio Chic, an online platform where members can contribute their decor and design inspirations.I am now working on my first Patio Chic line, we will do a soft launch in 2021 with outdoor living accessories. I am working with a couple of retailers right now to carry those lines and then I’ll be working on a furniture line in the upcoming year. So I’m excited about that.”

Visit www.ThePatioChic.com or Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living groups on Facebook.

Tara Paige

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Tanisha Tate

Stephanie Johnson See before and after backyard photos from members at www.DefenderNetwork.com

18 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Bubba Wallace to drive for Michael Jordan Associated Press

Denny Hamlin has joined Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan to form a NASCAR team with Bubba Wallace as the driver, a high-profile pairing of a Black majority team owner and the only Black driver at NASCAR’s top level. “Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity and there have been few Black owners,� Jordan said in a statement announcing the endeavor. “The timing seemed perfect as NASCAR is evolving and embracing social change more and more.�

Jordan becomes the first Black principal owner of a full-time Cup team since Hall of Famer Wendell Scott drove his own race car in 495 races from 1961 to 1973. Scott’s 1964 victory at the Jacksonville 200 is the only win by a Black driver in Cup history.

The NBA great, who earlier this year pledged $100 million over 10 years for initiatives combating systemic racism, said the move into NASCAR is another step toward racial equality. “I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing,� Jordan said.

Jordan joins former NBA player Brad Daugherty, a partner at JTG Daugherty Racing, as the only Black owners at NASCAR’s elite Cup level. “Michael and Bubba can be a powerful voice together, not only in our sport, but also well beyond it,� Hamlin said.

Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and a top contender for this year’s Cup title, will be part of a single-car Toyota entry aligned with Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin has raced his entire career for Gibbs, a Hall of Fame NFL coach. “Eleven years ago I met Michael Jordan at a then-Charlotte Bobcats game and we became fast friends,� Hamlin wrote. “Not

Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan practices waving the green flag before the NASCAR All-Star auto race. -AP/Chuck Burton

long after, I joined Jordan Brand as their first NASCAR athlete. Our friendship has grown over the years and now we are ready to take it to the next level. “Deciding on the driver was easy — it had to be Bubba Wallace.�

Wallace is the only Black driver in the Cup Series and this season used his platform to push for racial equality. The 27-yearold successfully urged NASCAR to ban the display of the Confederate flag at its events. “Off the track, Bubba has been a loud voice for change in our sport and our country. MJ and I support him fully in those efforts and stand beside him,� Hamlin said.

Wallace, who has cobbled together about $18 million in sponsorship deals since he made racial equality his platform, had already announced he was parting with Petty. “This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career,� Wallace wrote. “I am grateful and humbled that they believe in me and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.�

CLASSIFIED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / PUBLIC SAFETY GUIDE

Bubba Wallace gets ready to enter his car for qualifying rounds before a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race. -AP/Brien Aho/File

CLASSIFIED REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2021 LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE The Houston Downtown Management District (the ³Downtown District´ will receive sealed bids for landscape maintenance services performed in Downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 10:00 AM, local time on Friday, October 30, 2020, by the Operations Administrator of the Downtown District. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids are to be delivered to 1313 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.

Beginning September 17, 2020 documents will be available at downtowndistrict.org. An ONLINE MANDATORY Pre-proposal Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on September 30, 2020. All bidders are invited to attend.

Due to COVID-19 and the DistrictÂśs safety protocol, all potential bidders who intend to participate in the pre-proposal conference and submit bids are required to register their intention by 10:00 AM on September 29, 2020 by email to Scott Finke, Operations Administrator at scott@downtowndistrict.org. Potential bidders are to provide Company Name, Address, and Phone plus two (maximum) Representative Names, Titles, Email Addresses and Cell Phone Numbers. All bidders who register in advance of the pre-proposal conference will receive a calendar invitation providing access to the online meeting venue. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a company who did not have a representative attend the pre-proposal conference.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95- 0DUFK DQG ([HF 2UGHU 1R -XQH 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business (QWHUSULVH 0 :%( 3URFHGXUHV -XQH 7KH VXFFHVVIXO %LGGHU ZLOO EH UHTXLUHG WR PDNH JRRG IDLWK efforts to achieve an M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2021 PAVER MAINTENANCE

The Houston Downtown Management District (the ³Downtown District´ will receive sealed bids for Cleaning & Maintenance / Public Safety Guide services performed in Downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 10:00 AM, local time on Friday, November 6, 2020, by the Operations Administrator of the Downtown District. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids are to be delivered to 1313 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.

The Houston Downtown Management District (the ³Downtown District´ will receive sealed bids for Paver Maintenance services performed in Downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Friday, November 6, 2020, by the Construction Manager of the Downtown District. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids are to be delivered to 1313 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.

Beginning September 24, 2020 documents will be available at downtowndistrict.org/procurement.

An ONLINE MANDATORY Pre-proposal Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on October 6, 2020. All bidders are invited to attend.

Beginning September 24, 2020 documents will be available at downtowndistrict.org/procurement.

An ONLINE MANDATORY Pre-proposal Conference will be held at 2:00 PM on October 7, 2020. All bidders are invited to attend.

Due to COVID-19 and the DistrictÂśs safety protocol, all potential bidders who intend to participate in the pre-proposal conference and submit bids are required to register their intention by 10:00 AM on October 5, 2020 by email to Scott Finke, Operations Administrator at scott@downtowndistrict.org. Potential bidders are to provide Company Name, Address, and Phone plus two (maximum) Representative Names, Titles, Email Addresses and Cell Phone Numbers. All bidders who register in advance of the pre-proposal conference will receive a calendar invitation providing access to the online meeting venue. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a company who did not have a representative attend the pre-proposal conference.

Due to COVID-19 and the DistrictÂśs safety protocol, all potential bidders who intend to participate in the pre-proposal conference and submit bids are required to register their intention by 2:00 PM on October 6, 2020 by email to Dusty McCartney, Construction Manager at dusty@downtowndistrict.org. Potential bidders are to provide Company Name, Address, and Phone plus two (maximum) Representative Names, Titles, Email Addresses and Cell Phone Numbers. All bidders who register in advance of the pre-proposal conference will receive a calendar invitation providing access to the online meeting venue. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a company who did not have a representative attend the pre-proposal conference.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95- 0DUFK DQG ([HF 2UGHU 1R -XQH 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business (QWHUSULVH 0 :%( 3URFHGXUHV -XQH 7KH VXFFHVVIXO %LGGHU ZLOO EH UHTXLUHG WR PDNH JRRG IDLWK efforts to achieve an M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1-2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

September 23, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 19

DN Sports Former Texans receiver and current Arizona Cardinal DeAndre Hopkins leads the NFL in receiving with 22 catches for 219 yards and one touchdown on 25 targets.

Rockets James Harden made the All-NBA First Team for the fourth straight year and now earned All-NBA recognition for the seventh time.

TEXANS LOOKING TO TURNAROUND

By Terrance Harris

T

he NFL scheduling brain trust certainly didn’t do the Texans any favors to start the season.

But as bad as the 0-2 beginning seems, things could get a little rougher before they get better with a re-energized Ben Roethlisberger and the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers are now on deck. Certainly this isn’t the beginning the Texans – a team with Super Bowl aspirations – envisioned but they know it’s something they have to turn around. Fast!

“Man, just, really, positivity. Just love and execution,” Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson said when asked by The Defender how do they turn this around. “We just got to stay positive through all the negative that’s going to come our way, through all the just bad, you know, things that’s coming our way.

“We got to continue to (push) forward. We can’t look at the record. We got to go, ‘Hey, this is a new week, this a new opportunity. We’re going on the road to a great Pittsburgh team.’”

The Steelers are strong again and Roethlisberger is looking as though he has fully bounced back from last year’s injury-shortened season. As if starting the season against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, and their MVP quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, weren’t enough, the Texans are headed on the road against another elite quarterback and dominant team.

But the Texans, themselves, have made no secret of Super Bowl aspirations. Yet, so far they are winless against the top two teams in the NFL and will again be the underdogs against a thirdstraight opponent. An 0-3 start would seem damaging to their aspirations, but in 2018 the Texans came back from three opening losses to make the

postseason. Also, in 2015 they made the postseason after starting 0-2.

The reality, however, is the Texans at some point must show they are capable of beating the best to be legitimately considered among the best.

“It’s the question that we have to answer,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. ”We’ve got to realize it’s a long season, but we also have to realize we have to play a lot better to be in that category. We’ve got to take it one day at a time, one week at a time.

“We’ve been in this situation before, unfortunately. Many times we’ve gotten out of this position but it’s a different year so we just have to improve in every area.”

The two biggest areas of concern seem to be stopping the run on defense and not getting behind early, both of which have been major problems so far. After allowing the Chiefs to rush for 166 yards in the season opener, the Ravens rushed for 230 yards and a touchdown while averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

“We got to play four quarters,” said defensive tackle Brandon Dunn. “I feel like we did a decent job first, second and third. The fourth quarter really hurt us. It was a bend, but don’t break, and we broke and we just got to look at t he f ilm and make the corrections.”

SportsBriefs Deion Sanders named the new football coach of Jackson State Sanders, one of the best cornerbacks in the history of the game and is known for his flash and style, has never been a college Deion coach before.

Sanders But his hiring is expected to have a huge impact on recruiting for the SWAC school. Sanders starred for the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. The former Florida State star also briefly played for the Falcons and Atlanta Braves at the same time as a rare two-sport athlete.

Miller backs Cassell and Hammon Not that Basketball Hall of Famer turned TNT analyst Reggie Miller has a vote for the Rockets’ next head coach, but if he did he would go with either L.A. Clippers assistant and former Rocket Sam Cassell or San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon.

“Why not push the boundaries?” Miller said of hiring Hammon during a recent conference call. “You pushed the boundaries when you went 6-foot-7 and below and brought in Harden and Westbrook to play iso ball.

Why not push it more and hire Becky Hammon?”

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.

Is Will Fuller injured again?

There seems to be a bit of a mystery surrounding Texans often-injured wide receiver Will Fuller.

He didn’t play much on Sunday and when he did, the Texans’ most explosive receiver had Will Fuller zero targets from Deshaun Watson, fueling speculation that he is again injured. But Texans coach Bill O’Brien said he wasn’t.

20 | September 24, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

Your wireless.

Your rules.

Only with Xfinity Mobile.

Switch to the most reliable network and save hundreds on your wireless bill.

Only Xfinity Mobile lets you choose shared data, Unlimited or a mix of each, all on one plan. Plus, change your data up or down anytime online so that you only pay for what you need. Switch today, and join the 2 million people with Xfinity Mobile, the carrier rated #1 in customer satisfaction.

1.800.xfinity

xfinitymobile.com

xfinity store

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity Mobile requires resi. post-pay Xfinity Internet. Line limitations may apply. 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. Actual speeds vary. Customer satisfaction and reliability based on comparison of all measured full-service providers in the 2020 American Customer Satisfaction IndexŽ (ACSI) survey of customers rating their own wireless service provider’s performance.

For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures, visit: www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. NPA233016-0002