Black
To the POINT DN
Associate Editor’s Message
Whoopi launches all-women sports network
Actress Whoopi Goldberg is on a mission to transform the women’s sports world recently, saying, “I’m launching the frst global women’s sports channel called AWSN (All Women’s Sports Network). It’ll be the home for live women’s sports from around the world. Everything from soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket, curling, you name it. If a woman is playing it, we’re showing it.” According to its website, AWSN will be available in 65 countries and dedicated exclusively to women’s sports featuring some of the world’s largest sports leagues, such as the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Te International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), and the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). Inspired by her childhood passion for sports, Goldberg partnered with CommonSpirit and Jungo TV to co-found the network, a venture that has been 16 years in the making. Not only is this a power move for women everywhere, Goldberg’s new venture stands as an example of what Black people must do more of as we move into our U.S. reality of shrinking resources and institutional support via the upcoming Trump’s administration.
Black Project 2025?
a community we just become that much more tight-knit.” And it seems, folk are getting information. Just four days afer the creator posted her original video, there is currently a waitlist to join the group as they look for a platform that can handle the overwhelming community response. Te group is also looking to fll positions with Black cyber security specialists, app developers and network and systems engineers as they build out their platform.
Sisters: No time for blue bracelets or white tears
With fears growing of the coming anti-Black, antiwomen, anti-immigrant onslaught of Project 2025, some Blackfolk aren’t sitting around waiting for destruction. Instead, they’re coming together and issuing the call for Blackfolk to create our own plan for the future, dubbed Black Project 2025. TikTok content creator @mediabuyingbestie got the online party started in a post suggesting Blacks collaborate on an agenda, recruit hyper-talented Black professionals to add their talents to the mix and get busy opening Black-owned banks, grocery stores and other businesses. She also urged buying Black, saying “Everything we use and consume on a daily basis, it is no longer purchased from these large corporations. It is purchased from one another.” She added, “Maybe there is a silver lining in Kamala not being able to get into ofce because as
TikTok has a new craze; white women making blue friendship bracelets as a symbolic show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris afer her election defeat to felon Donald Trump. Tese white-tears-turned-blue-bracelets are also supposed to signal to the general public, and Black women in particular, that being in company with the wearers of these solidarity arm charms is “a safe space” amid a racially hostile America. But, apparently, sisters online are paraphrasing the great Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise who said something approaching, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. But if you think you’re gonna fool me a third time, you must be white girl wasted.” And why wouldn’t sister be weary? Despite all the promises of solidarity, 53% of white women voted like they always do—for whiteness above anything and everything else. One Black woman, @SincerelyMaxxDotcom, responded to this new craze saying white women “would rather make bracelets instead of holding each other accountable for being racist.” One group of sisters posted on TikTok a to-the-point response. Still, some sisters view the bracelets as a positive, with one TikToker @vmjen saying, “In this red state, you need to know who’s safe and who’s not. Not only people of color need to know that. White women need to know that.”
ON THE WEB
• Acres Homes church burned down, arson suspected.
• Blackfolk, let’s plan for the next 100 years.
• If health is wealth, Black men are dead broke.
Famed actress and personality Whoopi Goldberg is set to launch the All Women’s Sports Network to feature a wide variety of women’s sports worldwide. Credit: Screenshot.
Aswad Walker
Major leadership shake-ups at HISD
Parents and teachers are concerned about the impact on students, teacher retention, and community trust
By Tannistha Sinha
It has been a week since more than 60% of voters said no to Houston ISD’s $4.4 billion bond proposal. Soon after, the district once again plunged into turmoil as HISD announced a series of shake-ups to school leadership.
More than 150 principals have reportedly been changed across 141 schools for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Community members, including parents and teachers, are expressing concerns about the impact of frequent leadership changes on students’ learning capabilities, teacher retention and morale, community trust, and campus stability.
So, what happened?
Martinez countered that HISD decided to install new leadership to “minimize the disruptions for students, teachers, and families during the academic year” and to ensure Harvard Elementary students receive a high-quality International Baccalaureate (IB) education.
“District leadership believes this change is in the fundamental best interest of Harvard Elementary students and your school community,” Martinez wrote.
Sharon Pe Benito was selected as the new principal but quit before the first day, citing “extensive bullying on social media,” and Molly Lashway as the new assistant principal. A new magnet coordinator has yet to be finalized.
According to a statement sent to Harvard ES’ parents by the district that circulated on social media, Stefanie Spencer, who has served as a principal for 18 years in Goose Creek CISD and Spring Branch ISD, was appointed as the interim principal for the remainder of this academic year.
Community reaction
Last week, HISD Central Division Superintendent Luz Martinez wrote to Harvard Elementary parents, informing them that principal Dr. Shelby Calabrese has been recommended for termination, and assistant principal Dr. Alejandra Perez and magnet coordinator Daisha Huntley were to be assigned to other campuses. The district earlier announced Calabrese was being investigated without specifying the reason.
HISD parents at Supporters of HISD Magnets and Budget Accountability described this as “a change that deeply upset two communities who had built strong bonds with these leaders.”
HISD wrote in its statement, “Dr. Spencer joins the team from the HISD Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Office where she had most recently served as campus support for schools throughout Houston ISD in the areas of high-quality instruction and systems. She is eager to work hand in hand with the parents of Harvard to support teachers and students to have a successful school year during this transitional period.”
At Pershing Middle School, interim principal Domiana Battah-Miari, and four assistant principals were also reassigned. This would be Pershing’s third principal of the year as River Oaks Elementary’s assistant principal Bryant Johnson joins Pershing MS as principal with Lanier MS’s assistant principal Stephanie Howard. Pershing AP Tyesha Beller was reassigned to Lanier.
Memorial and Mark Twain elementary schools are other schools affected by the shake-up. Harvard and Pershing’s new principals are graduates of HISD superintendent Mike Miles’ 2024-2025 Principal Academy, a residency program that aims to prepare attendees to become future principals in the district.
“This ‘community-busting’ tactic aims to destabilize schools and weaken community voices, but we’re united and pushing back,” said Ruth Kravetz, the co-founder of the nonprofit Community Voices for Public Education in Houston. “Miles has been using community busting as a tool to harm our students since the takeover began. He was similarly disruptive at the 28 original NES schools last year.”
Kravetz noted that students of Pugh Elementary School started classes in August last year with only six of the 28 teachers from the previous year and that Miles reassigned the fourth-grade team, principal, and assistant principal at Atherton Elementary School.
Kravetz advised parents and teachers to communicate with each other, spread the word and continue to “push back against community busting this way.”
Harvard Elementary parent Quynhthy Bui believes the district’s frequent changes to leadership are a tactic to disengage the parents and cause a rift in the community.
“What did Dr. Perez do to get moved? I can’t think of a good reason why they would get moved other than to sever their ties to the community and cause disruption,” Bui said. “You have this disengagement from parents because what’s the point of getting to know them? The cynical part of me feels that this is part of the plan to weaken community bond. They’re just getting swapped in a musical chair exercise to disrupt six communities in one night.”
This “communitybusting” tactic aims to destabilize schools and weaken community voices, but we’re united and pushing back.”
RUTH KRAVETZ, CO-FOUNDER OF COMMUNITY VOICES FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN HOUSTON
A protester holds up a “thumbs down” sign as Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles presented a slideshow to the board during the HISD board meeting. AP
Ruth Kravetz
Sharon Pe Benito
Luz Martinez
DN DN Election 2024
Yes, Trump won Here’s what happens next. ONSOCIAL THE WEB
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.
Buckle up, folks. We’re in for a bumpy ride.
Election Day is over, so I want to answer six big questions. What happened? How did it happen? Why did it happen? What could we have done differently? What does this mean for the future? And what do we do next? So, here we go.
Question 1: What
happened?
Donald Trump won the presidential race. Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate. And we don’t know the outcome in the House yet.
Question
2: How did it happen?
The early exit polls show Trump’s three strongest groups were white men (59%), Hispanic men (54%), and white women (52%). In Georgia, it was even worse. One exit poll said that 69% of white women voted for Trump. Even after he took away their reproductive rights and was found liable for sexual assault, the majority of white women voters still chose patriarchy over their own liberation.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris’s three strongest groups were Black women, Black men, and Latino women. The final numbers will change when more data comes in, but the problem is that Harris’s base (Black women, Black men, and Latino men) are only 18% of the electorate. But Trump’s base (white men, white women, and Hispanic men) made up 77% of the electorate.
As for the Senate, Democrats held a narrow majority and faced a brutal map trying to win in red states like West Virginia, Texas, Ohio, and Montana. That’s
part of the reason Harris tried to stay away from controversies that might hurt the Senate candidates.
Question 3:
Why
did it happen?
This is a tricky question to answer before all the data is collected, so let me just say this.
Some people are blaming inflation and the economy for Trump’s success. I don’t buy that because Black voters are more negatively affected by inflation and the economy than white voters, and we voted overwhelmingly for Kamala Harris.
In fact, I don’t think it was about issues at all. If you look at policy alone, nearly all of Harris’s proposals got majority support, but only half of Trump’s did in a recent Washington Post survey. Missouri voters approved a measure to increase the minimum wage, which Harris supports, but still voted for Trump to be president. And the majority of Florida voters cast ballots to protect abortion and legalize marijuana, even though they didn’t reach the 60% threshold for a constitutional amendment.
Those are Democratic positions. Let’s be real. Trump doesn’t represent policy. He represents cultural resentment against a changing America. That’s what people voted for.
Question 4: What does this mean for the future?
First, he will be able to appoint a new attorney general who will fire Special Counsel Jack Smith and dismiss the criminal charges against Trump for the January 6 insurrection and stealing government documents.
Second, with a Republican Senate, Trump will be able to appoint several new Supreme Court justices, who will be young enough to give Republicans control of the Supreme Court for the next 20-25 years. That means if you wanted reparations, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, DEI, environmental protections, or any progressive policy, that won’t happen in your lifetime, no matter who succeeds Trump in office because the courts will
What could Harris have done differently?
strike it down.
Third, Trump will be able to appoint vaccine denier RFK Jr. to head up women’s health and vaccines. He’ll cut taxes for billionaires, which is why rich people like Musk support him. And he may be able to begin his promised mass deportation of immigrants through executive authority, and impose tariffs on foreign goods that will cause inflation to spike.
He also promised to abolish the Department of Education, bring back stop-and-frisk policing, and give law enforcement immunity from prosecution, so be ready for that too.
Question 5: What do we do next?
Hakeem Jeffries will now become the leader of the opposition in Congress. And there is some good news in the results. Josh Stein defeated “Black Nazi” Mark Robinson in North Carolina. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks won Senate seats in Delaware and Maryland. Those two Black women in the U.S. Senate will give us new soldiers in the fight.
But what happens next is up to us. A lot of people are hurting right now, and many more will be hurt more in the years to come if Trump implements his policies. I recommend selfcare. Do what you need to take care of yourself, and remember you are part of a broader community. We have to
be there for each other in these trying times.
As I said in my final video before the election, this is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. And no matter what happens in the days to come, I am clear and certain that we are on the right side of history. Don’t give up. Live to fight another day.
Keith Boykin is a New York Times–bestselling author, TV and film 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 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.
Though disappointed with a Trump win, there’s plenty of work to be done to protect our people, rights and communities. AP.
ONSOCIAL THE WEB DN DN Election 2024
By Laura Onyeneho
Donald Trump has won the presidency again, becoming only the second person in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms. His victory in the 2024 election reflects the deep divisions within the country. Millions of voters who felt alienated by the current system turned to the candidate promising radical change. Trump’s victory speech, delivered with his characteristic bravado, outlined key promises that suggest a drastic shift in how America will be governed.
“I will govern by a simple motto: promises made, promises kept,” Trump declared during his victory speech. These promises, however, signal a profound transformation in the nation’s democracy—one that many believe could dismantle the very system that has sustained it for centuries.
Trump’s 2024 campaign was fueled by dissatisfaction and fear, much of which he stoked during his rallies. He painted a bleak picture of the country, claiming the economy was in ruin and the border was a gateway for violent criminals despite evidence to the contrary. “This country is garbage,” he proclaimed during the campaign, drawing a sharp contrast between his vision of America and his opponents.
Vice President Kamala Harris was not spared from his verbal attacks. Trump referred to her as “stupid,” “a communist,” and even used derogatory slurs, appealing to the frustrations of voters who felt left behind. His message resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, many of whom were concerned about the state of democracy itself.
According to the AP VoteCast survey, a majority of voters expressed concern that Trump’s election could bring the U.S. closer to authoritarianism. Despite this, 1 in 10 of those concerned voters backed him anyway. Nearly 40% of Trump supporters indicated they wanted “complete upheaval” in how the country is run.
“We also think of voting from the executive level. We must focus on who our mayors are, our prosecutors, appeals courts and board of education,” said Houston voter Zeterra Washington, explaining where Black voters should channel their energy going forward. “That legislative and judicial branches are where you will feel the impact of your vote the most.”
RADICAL PROMISES, DIRE IMPLICATIONS
Throughout his campaign, Trump made numerous promises that would fundamentally alter the core practices of American democracy. He vowed to use presidential power to target his political adversaries and prosecute those who opposed him. His victory speech reaffirmed this stance, as he talked about cracking down on “the enemy from within” — a phrase he used
to describe Democrats and other political figures who stood in his way.
In his victory speech, Trump hinted at removing what he calls the “deep state” — the non-political civil servants who run the country’s day-to-day operations. This includes military leaders who “didn’t always heed him” during his first term, as well as members of the Justice Department who refused to indulge his baseless claims of election fraud in 2020. Even though over 85% of government workers currently work outside of the Washington, DC, area, Trump claims he would “drain the swamp” and relocate up to 100,000 jobs out of Washington. Entire departments would be abolished or dismantled under his plans.
However, perhaps one of his most radical promises was about the possibility of terminating parts of the U.S. Constitution. During his campaign, Trump shocked many by saying he would consider “the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” While his victory speech did not directly reference this controversial idea, it looms large over his promises to dismantle longstanding institutions.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump claimed a sweeping victory during the 2024 presidential elections. AP photo/Evan Vuci
Study confirms 5th ward soil is contaminated
By ReShonda Tate
A new Texas A&M study has revealed “significantly elevated levels of heavy metal contaminants” in soil samples from Houston’s Greater Fifth Ward, raising concerns about public health risks in a neighborhood already impacted by creosote, a toxic substance linked to cancer. Some of the soil samples showed extraordinary levels of lead, particularly in residential and play areas, where concentrations were found to be four times higher than the state average.
Union Pacific, which is currently conducting its own testing has faced scrutiny from residents concerned about ongoing health issues, including a higher-than-normal incidence of cancer and childhood leukemia. While the Texas A&M study did not assess creosote levels, it was designed to establish “a baseline that could aid the development of environmental protection programs.”
In collaboration with local community organizations and with extensive participation from Fifth Ward residents, the Texas A&M research team collected 193 soil samples from July to November 2021. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals, including arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, and silver. The results
were compared against benchmarks set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealing that lead levels in some areas far exceeded expected concentrations.
“Heavy metals and metalloids have been extensively studied and regulated over the past 50 years, but evidence is growing that contact is more prevalent than previously thought, especially in so-called cancer clusters like the Greater Fifth Ward, where most residents are socioeconomically disadvantaged racial and ethnic minorities,” said Dr. Garett Sansom of Texas A&M’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.
Union Pacific responded to the findings, saying recent background samples “collected from 20 city, county and school-owned properties located away from potential contamination associated with the former Houston Wood Preserving Works Site” do not present a human health risk.
“We recognize how important this testing is to the Fifth Ward, and we are focused on making the process and findings accessible and clear as we work with the EPA to share the results. The results will be key to the upcoming health risk assessment and guiding next steps in the neighborhood,” Union Pacific spokesperson Toni Harrison said.
Fifth Ward resident Sandra Edwards has been fighting for years to get contamination from a nearby railyard cleaned up.
Education DN
Harris County library program helps with FAFSA
By Amaka Watson
With the cost of higher education steadily rising, financial aid is more critical than ever for students hoping to attend college. Yet, recent data shows a troubling decline in the number of Houston-area students filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—a crucial step in securing federal financial aid for college. In response, the Harris County Public Library (HCPL) started the FutureU program, designed to provide much-needed guidance and resources to help students and families navigate the often-complex process of applying for college and financial aid.
In the 2023-24 academic year, the number of Houston high school seniors completing the FAFSA dropped by roughly 7,000 students compared to the previous year. This is a concerning trend, as FAFSA completion is essential for aspiring and current college students to access federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. According to the Education Data Initiative, 85% of new college students in the U.S. received some form of financial aid in the 2019-20 school year.
The decline in FAFSA applications can be attributed to several factors. First, many students and their families find the application
process confusing and intimidating, especially those unfamiliar with financial aid. This is particularly true for first-generation college students, who make up 54% of undergraduate students in the U.S., according to FirstGen Forward. Without parental guidance or knowledge of the college application process, these students often struggle to navigate the steps required to secure financial aid.
Delays and issues with the FAFSA system itself have exacerbated the problem. In 202324, many students experienced delays in receiving their financial aid packages, with some colleges sending award letters much later than usual. In some cases, students
were forced to decide where to attend college without knowing how much financial aid they would receive, which impacted their ability to afford higher education.
HCPL’s FutureU program is stepping in to help students and families navigate the FAFSA process and other college-related concerns. Approved by the Harris County Commissioner’s Court earlier this year, FutureU operates across all four county precincts and is designed to serve both students and adults looking to further their education.
The program offers a range of resources, including drop-in locations and events throughout the fall to assist with FAFSA, the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), and general college readiness. Whether answering questions about financial aid forms or providing guidance on the college application process, FutureU aims to ensure that students have the support they need to make informed decisions about their education.
By offering one-on-one assistance, workshops, and informational sessions, HCPL staff and volunteers are helping to demystify the FAFSA process and empower students to take control of their educational futures.
One key component of the FutureU program is helping students overcome common obstacles they face when completing the FAFSA. Many students and families struggle with understanding the application’s detailed questions about financial information, household income, and tax returns. Others may be unsure about deadlines or the documents needed to complete the application. These challenges can lead to incomplete applications, delays, or even students giving up on the process entirely.
FutureU provides personalized assistance to ensure students complete the FAFSA correctly and on time. By offering help at various locations across Harris County, the program makes it easy for students to access the support they need, regardless of where they live.
As the FAFSA process continues to evolve, the Department of Education has announced plans to roll out a new and improved FAFSA form in December 2024. This new version addresses some issues that have caused delays and confusion in recent years.
For more information, visit the college and careers section at https://hcpl.net/.
Adjovi Golo holds a laptop with her FAFSA application.
Unsung Black women in politics
By Aswad Walker
It’s impossible to spotlight all of the Black women locally and nationally, past and present, who have provided heroic service in the realm of politics without getting their just due.
Vice President Kamala Harris, for example, is one such sister. Though she only had roughly 100 days to organize a bid for the White House, Harris led an energized and nearly flawless campaign, heroically calling for Americans to choose between joy, hope, policies and job qualifications or anger, racism, misogyny and white privilege. Though the majority of voters chose hate, over 85% of Black voters cast ballots for Harris, whose impact on the body politic will reverberate for generations.
There are many Black women in the Houston area who deserve much more praise than they currently receive for their impact on politics. And here, we define politics in a much broader and truer sense; not just those who hold political office, but those who impact(ed) the quality of every aspect of our lives.
PAST
Literally every Black woman in Texas who has impacted politics deserves mention on this list, as historians rarely spotlight Black women from the Lone Star State. Names like Christia Adair, Julia C. Hester, Beulah Shepherd and Holly Hogrobrooks were all political giants in their own right. Those listed below dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others.
Lulu White
Lulu Belle Madison White was a civil rights activist in the 1940s and 1950s who devoted most of her adult life to the struggle against Jim Crow in Texas. She campaigned for the right to vote, equal pay for equal work, and desegregation of public facilities.
According to historian and TSU professor Dr. Merline Pitre, White was also the driving force behind the growth of the NAACP in Texas, the destruction of the allwhite state Democratic primary, and several game-changing, landmark court cases.
“If you’re from Houston, you hear a lot about Christia Adair… but it was Lulu White who was out there organizing branches, who was out there saying we got go to the Supreme Court, we’ve got to get this money to go. She and her husband funded all of the [Texas-all] white primary cases. Therefore, not only did she stop that, but she pushed Black people to run for office. She was the one who got Heman Sweatt to go to the University of Texas. She was tough,” shared Pitre.
It is important that people understand that their vote matters, that their voice is their vote. And we need for people to come out and elect just officials to legislate on behalf of our people.”
Josie Robinson
When people discuss the founding of Houston’s Pleasantville, the first master-planned community for middle-class Blacks in the United States, Judson Robinson Sr.’s critical role of marketing the new community of Blacks and selling homes is spotlighted. However, according to Mary Fontenot, president of the Pleasantville Historical Society, Robinson’s wife deserves much more credit than history has afforded her for her part in Pleasantville’s founding, growth and success. “Josie Robinson really had her hands in a lot of building and selling homes in Pleasantville, and a lot of people don’t know that,” stated Fontenot. “She was quiet, but she was a darn good businesswoman.”
Nellye Joyce Punch
A legend of Houston’s Fifth Ward, Punch was said to have elevated the consciousness and involvement that neighbor’s residents and organizations over several decades.
Punch, a dedicated educator and activist, taught science at E. O. Smith Jr. High School for 36 years, chaired the science department and worked as a consultant for HISD prior to her retirement. Some of the students Punch mentored include the late congresspersons Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, state legislators Harold Dutton and the late Al Edwards, along with Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, the first Black president of an Ivy League institution and former president of Prairie View A&M University. Outside of the classroom, Punch helped organize a new voting location where she served as precinct judge, and much more, earning the honorific title of the “unofficial congresswoman of Fifth Ward.”
PRESENT/FUTURE
The list of present/future unsung Black women can fill an entire Defender edition. Certainly, there are elected officials like State Rep. Jolanda Jones and Harris County Clerk
Teneshia Hudspeth, along with Houston City Councilmembers Martha Castex-Tatum, Dr. Tiffany Thomas and Letitia Plummer, whose accomplishments and dedication to making the Houston area better don’t garner enough kudos. Yet, each continues to make a difference for their constituents.
Below, are a few more Black women on the local level making big things happen in Houston/Harris County’s political scene.
Dr. Annie Johnson Benifield League of Women Voters President Dr. Annie Johnson Benifield is actively involved in getting people registered to vote, but says that’s only half the battle.
“Women have been determining who was going to win elections for quite some time now. We put a lot more energy in the registration effort than we do in the get-out-to-vote,” said Benifield, who is the first woman of color to lead the League, whose organization educates voters via their Voter’s Guide.
Tracy Yvette Scott Scott, president of the Black Women’s PAC, is a political force to be reckoned with. She, like Benifield, believes education is key. “We’ve got educate people as to who is on the ballot, what role they play and how it connects with your life specifically. If your cousin was arrested, who is the judge? Is that person on the ballot? How does that police chief come in play? The mayor, the city council member, take some time and ask, how does this affect my life? Who are these people? And are they on my ballot and then decide how you’re gonna vote,” Scott said.
Carla Brailey
Brailey is the vice chair of the Texas Democratic Party and a longtime professor at Texas Southern University. Along with impacting policy positions and statewide party agenda focuses, Brailey also trains up the next generation of political leaders,
Reverend Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson
Ravin-Anderson, director of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry, is on a mission to convert voter “fickleness” into voting fanaticism. “It is important
that people understand that their vote matters, that their voice is their vote. And we need for people to come out and elect just officials to legislate on behalf of our people,” she said.
Shekira Dennis
Dennis was a different kind of child who was fascinated by all things politics from her earliest memories. While a student at TSU, Dennis served as the Student Government Association president. But she created a company that allows her to do what she really loves – impacting politics behind the scenes, crafting political strategy and public engagement opportunities for individuals and organizations.
Sharon Watkins Jones
Watkins Jones runs Watkins Jones LLC, a consulting company specializing in political advocacy, with her husband Michael. She is also a leading voice of advocacy as the C@R’s chief equity officer for Children at Risk. She’s not an elected official. She makes her impact by challenging lawmakers to set a just and equitable legislative agenda for children and really all of society.
Annie Benifield.
Credit: Jimmie Aggison.
Tracy Yvette Scott Lulu White Carla Brailey
Sharon Watkins Jones on left. Credit: Aswad Walker.
Shekira Dennis. Courtesy Shekira Dennis.
REVEREND DR. ANGELA RAVIN-ANDERSON
Unsung Black women in politics, like Rev. Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson (seen here), are plentiful. Here are a few of many who deserve more appreciation for their significant contributions throughout history. Credit: Aswad Walker.
Read more on Black women and their impact on the national political stage.
Remembering Chauncy Glover Obits DN
By Amaka Watson
Chauncy Glover, an Emmy-winning TV, former ABC 13 Houston news anchor and a cherished mentor, passed away unexpectedly at 39. A celebrated journalist, Glover had recently marked just over a year at KCAL News in Los Angeles, where he was a beloved figure both on and off the screen. His sudden death has shocked many, and while the cause has not been made public, his impact on journalism and his community is deeply felt.
“We, Sherry and Robert Glover, along with Chauncy’s beloved family, are devastated by the unimaginable loss of our beloved Chauncy,” his family shared in a heartfelt statement to KCAL. “He was more than a son and brother—he was a beacon of light in our lives and a true hero to his community.”
Born and raised in Alabama, Glover’s career took him across the country, from Michigan to Florida, Georgia, Texas, and finally, California. His passion for journalism and commitment to telling meaningful stories in each state won him accolades, including three Emmy Awards. Before moving to Los Angeles, he spent eight years in Houston as KTRK’s first
Black male main evening anchor, where he quickly became a trusted voice in the community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Glover’s legacy will be remembered for his tireless work in uplifting young men through his nonprofit, The Chauncy Glover Project (CGP). Founded in 2013, the program aims to transform the lives of inner-city teenage boys, providing them with skills such as college readiness, public speaking and financial literacy. He was a role model and his mentorship touched many young men’s lives, helping them believe in themselves and their potential.
His decision to launch the organization was inspired by a traumatic event in Detroit, where he witnessed a high school student die after being shot while trying to rob his coach. This experience deeply affected him and solidified his resolve to make a difference in the lives of young Black and Latino men. The CGP has proudly sent more than 350 boys of color to college and has mentored more than 1,000 young men.
“Chauncy was part of our team for nearly 9 years before moving to California last year,” said ABC 13 in a caption on Instagram. “Chauncy dedicated his time outside of ABC13 to helping young men understand and achieve their potential with his non-profit, The Chauncy Glover Project.”
Chauncy’s compassion and dedication to helping others, especially through the Chauncy Glover Project, changed countless lives and inspired so many young men to pursue their dreams.”
Glover’s heroic nature extended beyond the news desk. In 2017, while reporting on Hurricane Harvey in Houston, he made headlines after helping to rescue a woman in labor and deliver her baby during the storm. His ability to act in the face of danger mirrored his career in journalism: always on the front lines, always willing to help.
Chauncy Glover’s bright smile, boundless energy, and commitment to the communities he served will be remembered for years. He leaves a legacy of excellence in journalism and a profound commitment to bettering the lives of others, particularly the youth he mentored and inspired. The world has lost an anchor, a true community leader, and a friend to all.
He is survived by his parents, Sherry and Robert Glover, and a legacy that will live on through the many lives he touched.
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Chauncy Glover was an Emmy-award-winning journalist and beloved news anchor at KCAL in Los Angeles. Credit: Chauncy Glover Facebook
Understand Prediabetes to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
By SHELDON GAINES, MD
Diabetes affects over 37 million Americans, and African Americans are nearly twice as likely to face diabetes and its severe complications, such as heart disease and kidney failure. By understanding prediabetes, you can reduce your risk and protect your health.
What is Prediabetes?
1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes. Prediabetes occurs when your cells become less efficient at using insulin, the hormone responsible for converting sugar from your blood into energy for your body. In response, your body produces more insulin to compensate.
Over time, your body may not be able to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This is when you may be diagnosed with prediabetes—a reversible condition where blood sugar is
Sheldon Gaines, MD is a board certified family medicine and primary care physician who cares for patients at KelseySeybold’s North Houston Campus.
Scan to view Dr. Gaines’ online profile.
consistently higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
What to Do if You’re Diagnosed or At Risk
Without lifestyle changes, 15-30% of people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. The good news is that simple adjustments can significantly lower your risk and even reverse prediabetes:
• Eat smarter: Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, help slow sugar absorption and stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Lose weight: Losing just 5-7% of your body weight can lower your risk of developing diabetes by up to 58%. Even modest weight loss makes a difference.
• Get active: Regular moderate exercise, ideally 150 minutes per week, can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by up to 46%.
• Get enough rest: Poor sleep can raise blood sugar levels, so aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Take the First Step
If you’re concerned about prediabetes or managing diabetes, Kelsey-Seybold’s team of specialists can help with personalized care and preventive strategies. Schedule a visit now to discuss your risk and get a blood test to check your blood sugar levels.
Call 713-442-7025 or visit Kelsey-Seybold.com to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better health.
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Houston announces lineup for holiday celebration
Defender News Service
The holiday season is officially kicking off in Houston with the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular. Set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Hermann Square at City Hall, this free annual celebration—now in its 105th year—is open to the public and promises a night filled with festive cheer.
Headlining this year’s event is Houston native and two-time Grammy Award winner LeToya Luckett, a founding member of Destiny’s Child. Country artist RaeLynn, a two-time nominee for the Academy of Country Music’s new female vocalist award, will join her as a co-headliner, bringing a diverse mix of musical talent to the stage.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire shared his excitement about the upcoming celebration. “Each year is special, but this one feels especially meaningful,” Whitmire said, noting the community’s resilience
through events like the Kingwood flooding and the recent election. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the success of this year and look forward to an even brighter 2025.”
The event, which is expected to draw around 15,000 attendees, will feature an array of family-friendly activities. Santa Claus will be on-site for photos, and visitors can enjoy a gingerbread village offering refreshments from local sponsors and vendors. The evening will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony, illuminating a 48-foot-tall tree with around 100,000 lights, alongside the surrounding oaks. A spectacular fireworks show will wrap up the night.
Susan Christian, director of special events for the mayor’s office, highlighted the holiday atmosphere, saying, “Our big 48-foot-tall tree will be lit, and the entire square will glow with holiday lights, making for a magical experience.”
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Performers at the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday at City Hall on Dec. 2, 2023.
Feature
KEITH LEE MOVES TO TEXAS Houston food influencers weigh in
By Laura Onyeneho
The famed TikTok food critic and mixed martial artist Keith Lee is bringing his taste buds to Texas.
In a recent viral TikTok video, Lee shared that he and his family have decided to move to the Lone Star State.
“It’s official. The cat is out the bag. We was gonna try to keep it a secret, but ... it ain’t a secret no more,” Lee said. “Me and my family live in Texas.”mLee didn’t immediately say which Texas city he moved to, but he expressed his gratitude for his work on his family’s life.
Known for his honest and down-to-earth food reviews, Lee has made a name for himself by visiting local restaurants around the country, tasting their dishes, and offering candid reviews rated on a 1-10 scale. His viral reviews have significantly impacted the businesses he features, with many restaurants experiencing a dramatic customer boost after his positive reviews.
Lee’s presence has already been felt in Texas, particularly in Houston, where he previously ranked the city as the second-best food city in the nation—even after visiting other major cities like Dallas. Not long ago, his reviews highlighted local Houston spots like Butter Funk Kitchen and The Puddery, leading to a surge in customers and bringing newfound attention to the city’s diverse culinary scene.
With Lee officially calling Texas home, Houston’s Black food community shares their thoughts about what this move could mean for the city’s culinary industry, especially for Black-owned restaurants and chefs looking to expand their reach.
KeAndre Jordan, widely known as My Southern Brand, has long been prominent in Houston’s Black food scene. The Black food connoisseur acknowledged the food critic’s massive reach but questioned whether it would significantly improve local Blackowned establishments in Houston.
“I don’t see no change, to be honest with you,” he said. “While Lee’s platform is huge on a global scale, it may not necessarily revolutionize Houston’s culinary landscape in the way some expect.”
For Jordan, the key to any significant change is collaboration. He noted that while Lee has a massive following, those who have been “boots to the ground” in Houston—like himself and other local influencers—are the ones who know the nuances of the city’s culinary culture. Jordan hopes that Lee will reach
out to local influencers who have already laid the groundwork. He witnessed local restaurants that were caught up with Lee’s popularity and disregarded the efforts of local influencers.
“It would be good if he could just come in and collaborate with us or get corners from us,” he said. “There is a need to put Black restaurants at the forefront. We can’t do it all. If we all come together and help the greater good of the people, we’ll be in a better state.”
Grundy ‘G-Mayniac’ Wiley, the founder of Bless Tha Belly Inc., sees Lee’s move as a significant opportunity to boost visibility for many smaller establishments across Texas. “I think it’s pretty great,” G-Mayniac said, acknowledging how many businesses—especially mom-and-pop shops—struggled during the pandemic and could benefit from Lee’s platform’s exposure.
“Social media is fairly new to a lot of businesses, and they don’t have time to really be on social media,” G-Mayniac explained. “Texas is huge. Keith Lee could provide much-needed exposure for these restaurants.”
TSU NEWCOMER
KAVION MCCLAIN
Ready
to take over point guard spot
By Terrance Harris
At times it’s been a difficult journey, but Texas Southern first-year point guard Kavion McClain has finally landed in a place and space that feels like home.
It’s not the path the 5-foot-10 senior anticipated when he first left home in Memphis to begin his college basketball journey. McClain spent his first three years in junior college then landed at Abilene Christian last year before TSU coach Johnny Jones offered him one last olive branch.
“It didn’t go as planned,” McClain said about his collegiate path in a recent interview with the Defender. “Abilene Christian really didn’t go as planned, but it was a learning journey. It was my first year in Division I, so it was a great learning experience.
“This time, I wanted to go somewhere I would be trusted and be allowed to play my game. Coach Jones has allowed me to do that at the highest chance I will get.”
So far, it’s been a perfect fit. The Tigers needed a dynamic point guard to fill the void left by All-SWAC performer PJ Henry, and McClain was in search of a program that would allow him to be him.
McClain, an extremely quick guard with excellent court vision and anticipation, has been exactly what the Tigers needed on both ends of the floor.
“Losing PJ was huge. That was a big loss for us at the end of the day,” Jones said. “Bringing Kavion in and for him to be able to step in and play the way he has played for us on both ends of the floor… He picks up defensively, plays with a great deal of pressure on people. Then on the offensive end, he executes at a high level, can really shoot the ball.”
McClain was instant energy and instant
TERRANCE’S TAKE
C.J. STROUD, TEXANS
scoring in his first two games with the Tigers. He came off the bench in his debut to lead the team with 21 points in a close 78-69 loss at Xavier in the season opener.
Then as a starter against Texas A&M-San Antonio, McClain sparked the Tigers to an 89-56 blowout win with a game-high 22 points, 8 assists, three steals and one turnover while shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range.
“He makes us a whole lot better,” said TSU power forward Kenny Hunter, who is the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
“He sees the play before it even happens as far as his passing ability. But he can also score, as well.”
McClain credits Jones with encouraging him to be himself and play his game and then allowing him to do so.
“I love it. I love Coach Jones,” McClain said.
Chiefs for AFC supremacy and yes, a legit shot at the Super Bowl.
After Sunday night’s 26-23 meltdown against the Detroit Lions, we now see that those lofty expectations were a bit premature. But we weren’t wrong to believe.
By Terrance Harris
Let’s just get it out there. We are all guilty. After last year’s dramatic seven-win turnaround, we thought the Texans were poised to skip some steps in the rebuilding process. Two years removed from a disastrous three-win season, and so many of us were sure the Texans were ready to contend with Baltimore, Buffalo and the reigning world champion Kansas City
TSU BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE
Head coach Johnny Jones
Years at TSU: 7th season
Last season record: 16-17 overall, 12-6 SWAC (T-3rd)
Key losses: PJ Henry and Jonathan Cisse
Key returners: Kenny Hunter, Grayson Carter and Kolby Granger.
Key newcomers: Kavion McClain (Abilene Christian), Jaylin Jackson-Posey (New Mexico State), Josh Farmer (UTSA) and Oumar Koureissi (Nicholls State).
“He trusted me and allowed me to be me. Then I’ve got a group of guys that trust me. They allow me to make them better, as well.”
McClain, who is one of seven newcomers on the roster this season, said the connection between him and his teammates was instant. McClain, along with New Mexico State transfer Jaylin Jackson-Posey and returners Grayson Carter, Kolby Granger and Hunter are already looking like a formidable starting five with a strong group coming off the bench behind them.
“I just feel like we just came in and changed the energy of the program,” McClain said. “We told these guys we are going to be good and we instilled that in their heads.
“We just wanted to go into non-conference winning some games because we knew we were good enough to win conference.”
Let’s get this straight: These Texans are good. They will win the pedestrian AFC South and they will make the playoffs.
DeMeco Ryans is still one of the brightest football minds in this game. Bobby Slowik is still a quality offensive coordinator. Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud is still on the verge of greatness.
But last year’s AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year ain’t there yet. Stroud, for all of his brilliance and beyond his age maturity is still learning.
He is still figuring out how to place and when to drill it into the endzone rather than lofting, as we saw in the two passes thrown in the direction of Tank Dell in the third quarter, which were intercepted both times by cornerback Carlton Davis.
The Texans desperately needed points in the second half, but Stroud and the offense couldn’t deliver. The Lions scored 19 unanswered points in that span to come away from NRG Stadium with a three-point victory. During the first half, the Texans looked on the verge of beating one of the NFL’s best teams this season. Stroud completed 14 of 20 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown, which led to a shortlived 23-7 halftime advantage.
“It’s not good enough turning the ball over in the red zone of coming out,” said Ryans,
Preseason honors: Team was picked to finish second in the SWAC; Hunter was picked to finish as the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year; Hunter and Grayson made All-SWAC second team.
Next up will be the SWAC season starting in the new year. Under Jones, the Tigers have become one of the top teams in the SWAC, playing in the last four SWAC Championship Games and winning three of them to advance to the NCAA Tournament.
TSU came up short in last season’s conference championship game and ended up in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament instead.
But McClain already has his sights on where he wants to lead the Tigers this season.
“I think this team has a pretty good chance of making a run in the Tournament,” he said. “That’s my goal. I want to get to the National Tournament.”
who has been cautious not to be overly critical of his young quarterback. “We talk about coming out and getting started in the second half, we talked about being better in the second half. But to come out and turn the ball over on the first play of the second half and then to get into the red zone where we have points and to turn the ball over is not winning football.”
The Texans' lack of second-half offensive production has become a consistent theme, and they must solve it. They haven’t scored a touchdown in the second half since the win over New England on Oct. 13.
“It seems like it’s different every week,” Stroud said to the Defender. “I feel like this game was on me definitely. You’ve got to make the play, you’ve got to make throws and can’t turn the ball over when in scoring position.
“I blame this one on me. I’ve got to be better.”
Senior point guard Kavion McClain has big shoes to fill as the replacement for All-SWAC guard PJ Henry. Credit: TSU Athletics Communications
Terrance Harris
Raises football at Cypress Lakes LANDON BRIDGES S
ince the age of seven, Landon Bridges has harbored a single, unwavering dream: to play football. This season, that dream nearly saw him lead Cypress Lakes High School to the playoffs for the first time in program history, a feat that would have been monumental for a team with fewer than 15 wins over the last decade.
But despite missing the playoffs by just one game, Bridges’ journey from underthe-radar athlete to standout running back speaks to his character and perseverance, shedding light on a player who is ready for more.
Lakes Spartans started their season stronger than ever, making a serious run for the playoffs. Unfortunately, in a nail-biting game that ended in a 44-37 loss to Cypress Springs, their playoff dreams slipped away, denying them the historical milestone they had fought so hard to achieve.
“That was a tough game. I can’t believe we let it slip away,” said Bridges.
“I showed that I am the person my teammates can lean on when things aren’t going well and that we have to keep pushing no matter what,” said Bridges.
Bridges’ football journey began with the Cypress Tigers, North Houston Gators, and later the Spring Seminoles—reputable programs that honed his skills from a young age. However, his path took a unique turn when he attended Cypress Lakes High School, a program known more for its struggles than its success.
“Going to Cypress Lakes, I didn’t see a record, I saw potential,” said Bridges. “I knew I could bring energy, talent and leadership to a program ready to rise. A winning program isn’t built solely on past stats but on heart, work, and the vision you bring to every practice and game. I went there to be a part of the change.”
At Cypress Lakes, victories were rare, and instability plagued the coaching staff, with three different coaches in three years. Top athletes rarely consider such programs, knowing the uphill battle to achieve recognition. But for Bridges, commitment meant staying loyal to the school, regardless of its history. Now a three-year varsity letterman, Bridges used his senior season as a platform to demonstrate just how far determination and dedication can take a player, even when the odds are stacked against them.
During the 2024 season, Cypress Lakes saw a glimmer of hope under new head coach Tyrone Carter, who was determined to instill a winning mindset and bring visibility to a struggling program. His presence marked a turning point, and the Cypress
What sets Bridges apart from other running backs in his class is his dedication both on and off the field. Known for his commitment to refining his craft, he studies the moves of top collegiate and NFL running backs, like Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara, picking apart their technique and incorporating their game strategies into his own.
“With Ashton Jeanty, I really like how determined he is to get the extra yards and how he bounces off defenders when he needs to,” said Bridges. “With Quinshon Judkins, I like how he doesn’t always have to juke people or run through someone. The guy has speed that people can’t keep up with. Both running backs excel in pass protection as well. With Alvin Kamara, I like how he reads the field and uses his patience. Instead of rushing to the hole, he sits back and lets everything develop so that he can get the first down that is needed. His balance is also excellent.”
In the offseason, Bridges worked closely with coach Harold Taylor to improve his agility, strength and speed. These traits allowed him to excel as a dynamic, versatile back capable of breaking through defenses.
“We worked on jumpcuts, getting lower than the defender, staying low, ball security, footwork, cutting off blocks, route running, and catching too,” said Bridges.
Despite his standout performances, Bridges has not yet committed to a college program. He remains hopeful and focused on finding a team with a strong culture, dedicated coaching, and a commitment to player development. His persistence and positive attitude have set him apart as an athlete with tremendous potential, and he remains open to an opportunity to prove himself at the next level.
ABOUT LANDON BRIDGES
Class: 2025
IG: @lowkey.land0
Twitter: @Landon_Bridges1
Position: Running back
Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 175 pounds
Favorite artist: Lil Baby
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Aquatic science
Shout-outs: My teammates
“I want a program that has good academics along with strong team culture and bonding all around with solid coaches invested in making their players better. I’d also like a place where it’s competitive so my teammates and I can push each other to the highest limit,” said Bridges.
While Cypress Lakes may not have a long history of success, players like Bridges are the foundation for a new era. His journey reminds us that grit, loyalty, and hard work are powerful and that even in the quietest programs, stars can emerge. As Cypress Lakes looks forward to building on this historic season, the school—and football fans—will remember the running back who inspired belief in what was once deemed impossible.
My dream?
