December 22, 2022

To the POINT DN

As 2022 began, I was hopeful that things were about to turn around. After all, we’d just come off two of the hardest years of most of our lifetime with the pandemic. We had to adjust to our new normal. And that’s just what we did. There is a reason the front mirror is bigger than the rear view mirror. Because while we need to be cognizant of what’s behind us, our true vision lies in what’s ahead.

One thing I know, is that we grew stronger through this challenging time. We dug deep inside ourselves and uncovered that hidden wellspring of resilience — that ability to rise in the face of an obstacle. To find meaning in a year of challenge and change, it is important to pause and reflect on the lessons we have learned and how we have grown. Take this time to do just that and you’ll be amazed at what you uncover.

Hopefully, 2023 brings a better, brighter and less-politically divisive year for us all. Let’s look forward, and know that no matter what lies ahead in the new year, it’s in our DNA to persevere.

In 2008, when then-candidate Barack Obama first won the US presidency, a mentor/friend of mine said that as the US continues to experience its demographic shift (getting darker, younger and more progressive by the day with Black and Brown numbers increasing and white numbers decreasing) folk who believe in the myth of white supremacy will lose their minds and do absolutely anything and everything to maintain power. For me, 2022 showed that prediction to be absolute fact.

The Jan. 6 Insurrection Hearings showed the world the lengths those forces went to protect their power—throw out Black votes, overturn a presidential election, storm the US Capitol and kill police. But they didn’t stop there. They criminalized Black history and Black voices by painting critical race theory as some bogeyman coming to eat the souls of white children. They also ran the largest lineup of crazies nationwide for every conceivable political office, especially those with the power to oversee elections.

And just like that we have concluded 2022. It felt like ages ago when we were all impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Two year later, we are adapting to our new normal, harvesting the seeds we’ve planted for our dreams and goals in 2020. All while conquering the challenges 2022 has brought us from inflation, student debt crisis, mass layoffs, and many more. On a positive note, this isn’t anything that we haven’t passed through before. No matter the situation, we still manage to rebound, remain optimistic, and stand ten toes down. Remember, there is no testimony without the TEST. That is the energy I hope we all continue to bring as we usher into the new year.

And yes, “The Slap” was huge. Surely, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and imprisonment of Brittney Griner were colossal. Certainly, Uvadle and the ongoing killing of unarmed Blackfolk were tragic. And without a doubt, the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the SCOTUS and the end of Roe v. Wade were monumental. But I was struck by how many different ways the worshippers of the myth of white supremacy showed their azz in 2022. Trump stole US security secrets and called for an end to the US Constitution, and they were cool with that; signaling more madness to come. But our resolve to fight back and overcome allowed us to rise in spite of. And it’s that spirit of resistance we carry in our DNA that will allow us to make 2023 our year. Amandla (Power)!

Managing Editor Associate Editor

Reporter

ReShonda Tate

Aswad Walker

Laura Onyeneho

2022 Review DN

TOP LOCAL & STATE STORIES

By Aswad Walker

ough 2022 had the promise of moving us past the COVID19 pandemic and insurrectionists hell-bent on further suppressing Black votes, those realities remained with us, along with many more that showed themselves in the year’s big stories, city and statewide.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AT THE FOREFRONT

Again in 2022, there were far too many unarmed Blacks gunned down by local law enforcement, including Jalen Randle (April 27) and Roderick Brooks (July 8). Baytown officer Juan Manuel Delacruz, who shot and killed the grandmother Pamela Turner (May 2019) was tried this year, but to the dismay of Turner’s kin, found not guilty of first-degree aggravated assault. In the backdrop of these current cases remained Darius Elam, imprisoned for nearly 40 years, still fighting for his freedom. is happened as the paid HPD informant whose testimony against Elam was the deciding factor in his conviction of aggravated robbery recanted and said his testimony was a lie. Also, DNA evidence deletes Elam as a suspect. Still, the Honey Brown Hope Foundation and others are fighting simply to bring this case to the public’s attention.

FEW CHANGES IN POLITICS

While the predicted “Red Wave” didn’t go down as planned nationally, it kinda did statewide, with incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott defeating challenger Beto O’Rourke and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick maintaining his seat. However, the O’Rourke influence helped facilitate positive election results for Democrats in Harris County, with Judge Lina Hidalgo fending off her Trump-supporting opponent. Additionally, State Rep. Ron Reynolds was named chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Jolanda Jones won the state rep. seat (District 147) occupied by Garnet Coleman since 1991 and Clifford Tatum came on to oversee Harris County elections. Still, during the November midterms, voters in Harris and surrounding counties encountered “issues” including voting machine failures and polling places opening up late.

NEW LEADERS ON COLLEGE SCENE

ere were several big happenings for area colleges and universities. Rice University, which was founded on the premise that no Blacks could enroll, welcomed its first Black and immigrant president, Dr. Reginald DesRoches. He was given the reigns of Rice, which had been dealing with the accusation that the school conspired to limit financial aid. Prairie View A&M University also welcomed a new president, Dr. Tomikia LeGrande, who is following in the footsteps of the incomparable Dr. Ruth Simmons. Before LeGrande started her tenure, Simmons represented PVAMU during the Defender’s premier HBCU Presidents Classic, a community conversation with Simmons and Texas Southern University President Lesia Crumpton-Young, facilitated by

AP photo

Darius Elam. Photo by Aswad Walker.

Defender Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho.

Dr. Reginald DesRoches

Dr. Tomikia LeGrande

2022 Review DN

HOMICIDE RATES RISE AND FALL

In January, cries were heard over skyrocketing homicides in Houston, followed by the Mayor’s One Safe Houston plan to curb crime. By late May/early June Mayor Sylvester Turner and HPD were celebrating a dramatic decline in area homicides. However, road rage cases rose, as evidenced by the killing of Rev. Ronald K. Mouton Sr., pastor of East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Tough stats showed crime (including homicides) decreasing, high-profle crimes like the Galleria shooting, the murder of rapper Takeof and even the Dallas-area shooting death of youth football coach Michael Hickmon kept the issue of “local” violence as the hot topic. Even eforts to curb violence, like the successful Houston Gun Buy Back events, were debated as either helping to reduce crime or hampering eforts to solve cases.

K-12 EDUCATION: GOOD AND BAD NEWS

Across the state, 2022 witnessed a mass exodus of teachers from the classroom. Teachers gave various reasons for the move, including the stress of an increased workload, less support from administrators and parents and unrealistic expectations in the wake of lost student learning due to COVID. Racism reared its ugly head during Klein’s cheerleading tryouts. Also, student reading and math scores took a pandemic-related dive. But there was good news as well. HSPVA’s Black Alumni hosted a Homecoming extravaganza celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary, with guest artist Wynton Marsalis. And several area students shone in their own way, including Claughton Middle School’s Nia Dyer who garnered the national gymnastics spotlight for her skills.

UVALDE TRAGEDY

Te May 24 Uvalde school massacre was a tragedy of immense proportions, and for several reasons. First, was the mind-numbing loss of life—19 elementary school children and two teachers. Ten there was the epic fail of local law enforcement that saw nearly 400 ofcers stand around for over an hour while the shooter remained in the building with children who were continuing to call 911. Te shooting also shined a light on Gov. Greg Abbott for 1) initially giving false information about the police response to the shooting and 2) his moves to make accessing military-grade weapons even easier for Texans.

COMMUNITIES MAKE HEADLINES

In community news, Emancipation Park celebrated its 150th anniversary. Right across the street from the park, Project Row Houses is leading renovations of the iconic Eldorado Ballroom. Also, the Pleasantville Apartments, a space that specifcally housed seniors for decades, had new ownership that moved to kick those seniors out. However, public pressure helped them remain housed. Another victory came as Freedmen’s Town won its battle to stay in 4th Ward. And St. John’s Downtown celebrated the 30th anniversary of Dr. Rudy and Juanita Rasmus’s powerful ministry. Yet, the struggle continues, as Fifh Ward residents are still fghting to get polluters to clean up their act. And though Houston’s Black maternity crisis persists, the Shades of Blue Project remains on the frontlines to provide solutions.

BUSINESS HIGHS AND LOWS

In business, the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) received the largest infusion of funds in its history when philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gifed the organization $4.2 million to support its many economic-related programs. And Black businesses need all the support they can get, especially with the fact that Black businesses were totally excluded from Harris Health System contracts. Tis “Blackout” is similar to the lack of contracts for Black businesses via Metro and the Port of Houston in 2021. It’s one thing to brag about Houston as the most diverse city in the nation. But to do so without diversifcation of contract dollars should be considered criminal.

GLO GUILTY OF FLOOD RELIEF FUNDING DISCRIMINATION

The U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that the Texas General Land Ofce discriminated against Houston/Harris County regarding the distribution of food relief funding. Tough Houston/Harris County sufered the bulk of the damage from Hurricane Harvey ($125B), the Texas agency led by George P. Bush, initially gave Harris County $175K and Houston received $0. Te GLO funneled the lion’s share of the $2 billion to rural (read white) counties that barely sufered any Harvey-related damage at all.

Wynton Marsalis with Defender Associate Editor Aswad Walker. Photo by Council member Tifany Thomas.

Pastors Dr. Rudy (l) and Juanita Rasmus (r) with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (center) during 30th Anniversary celebration at St. John’s Downtown. Photo by Aswad Walker.

Another boost in the fight against hunger

Bank of America proudly continues to support our employees’ health and safety while addressing food insecurity in our local communities, which typically spikes during the winter months. Our employees are taking action to support the important work of our local food banks. For those who let us know they’ve received a coronavirus booster and/or a flu shot, we’ll donate $50 for each to a local hunger relief organization. In addition, employees can double the impact of their personal donations to fight hunger with our matching gifts program. Through these efforts, we’ll donate more than $8 million to address food insecurity in our local communities.

The team here in Houston recently presented Houston Food Bank with a check for $100,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston

2022 Review DN

TOP NATIONAL STORIES

By ReShonda Tate

The biggest national stories of 2022 were all about living our new normal, politics and pervasive anxiety over the climate and economy. From learning to live with COVID-19 to to historic nominations, 2022 was full of big stories. Here are the top national stories.

COVID IS STILL HERE

COVID-19 has been upending daily life in the United States for almost three years as SARS-CoV-2, the virus spreading the disease, has caused surges in infections across the country. In some ways, the virus is under better control since the first cases were identified in January 2020. But COVID-19 is still a threat—no one can predict when a new strain might surface, and many questions remain. In late 2022, cases began to rise again with the Omicron subvariants driving infections. The number of people who have died from the disease in the U.S. passed one million in 2022. By late August of this year, the number of people who have been infected with the virus here had surpassed 98 million. Covid vaccines prevented an estimated 3.2 million deaths and 18.5 million hospitalizations from their introduction in December 2020 to November 30, 2022.

STUDENT LOAN RELIEF

After months of intense debate, President Joe Biden announced his plans for forgiving student debt for borrowers, which included forgiving $10,000 for borrowers who make less than $125,000 per year and extending the payment freeze until the end of the year. Borrowers who had Pell Grants while in college received $20,000 in student loan forgiveness. Many were happy about the campaign promises to address student debt, but others criticized the fact that it fell short of the $50,000 debt relief that several of Biden’s fellow Democrats were pushing for. The administration has canceled nearly $32 billion in outstanding federal student debt by expanding existing forgiveness programs for disabled borrowers, public sector workers, and students who were defrauded by for-profit colleges. Lawsuits filed by the right, led to court rulings that paused the relief. And as the year came to a close, anxious borrowers were waiting for a ruling from the Supreme Court.

ROE V. WADE OVERTURNED

On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark piece of legislation that made access to an abortion a federal right in the United States. Lawmakers and reproductive rights advocates say the ban will disproportionately affect women of color, particularly Black women, who already face higher risks of health complications or death related to pregnancy or childbirth. The decision dismantled 50 years of legal protection and paved the way for individual states to curtail or outright ban abortion rights. Because of trigger laws put in place before the ruling, abortion was immediately outlawed in many states automatically or through state action following the decision.

APPOINTMENT

Of the 115 justices who’ve served on the bench prior to Ketanji Brown Jackson, 108 have been white men. Her historic appointment to replace Associate Justice Stephen Breyer followed an explosive and sometimes emotional confirmation hearing. Jackson was grilled on her record on crime, especially her sentencing in child pornography cases (Senate Republicans said she was too lenient, though experts said she was in line with norms) and divisive issues such as race, gender identity and abortion. Ultimately, three Republicans—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney—joined the full Democratic caucus to confirm Jackson, 53-47, maintaining a 6-3 conservative majority. Jackson, a mother of two girls, said during her hearing that she got “so many notes and letters and photos from little girls” who were happy to see someone who looked like them ascend to the highest court in the land.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SHANQUELLA ROBINSON?

The case of a young woman killed while vacationing with friends garnered attention nationwide. Police said Shanquella Robinson was alive when medical help first arrived at the villa where she was staying with a group of people in Cabo, Mexico. After an investigation, authorities discovered a doctor from a local hospital was with Robinson and others in the house for close to three hours before she was pronounced dead. The death certificate from Mexican authorities did not mention Robinson’s physical injuries, which family members have said existed on her body prior to her burial. Grave injuries to her back and neck were determined to be the cause of death after an autopsy by officials in Mexico. The police report says she also suffered cardiac arrest. Since her death, and after a video of one of her friends fighting her went viral, the FBI and Mexican police authorities launched investigations into how she died. The lack of conclusive evidence and conflicting explanations has led to her story going viral, invoking global outcry with countless people closely following Robinson’s death. The hashtag #JusticeForShanquella trended on Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. No arrests have been made so far.

KETANJI BROWN JACKSON RECEIVES HISTORIC SUPREME COURT

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Continued from Page 6

A white gunman massacred 10 Black shoppers and workers at a Buffalo supermarket in May and pleaded guilty to murder and hate-motivated terrorism charges, guaranteeing he will spend the rest of his life in prison. Payton Gendron, 19, entered the plea in a courthouse roughly two miles from the grocery store where he used a semiautomatic rifle and body armor to carry out a racist assault he hoped would help preserve white power in the U.S. In Virginia, three Black football players from the University of Virginia were shot and killed as they returned to campus from a field trip, setting off panic and a 12-hour lockdown at the school until the suspect was captured. Christopher Darnell Jones Jr, 22, was arrested. Police still don’t have a motive in the shooting. All across America, guns continued to be in high debate as the number of gun-violence crimes soared.

RACISM SEEN AS ROOT OF WATER CRISIS IN MISSISSIPPI

CAPITAL

The U.S. Justice Department won a federal judge’s approval to carry out a rare intervention to improve the precarious water system in Mississippi’s capital city. e move authorized the appointment of a third-party manager to oversee reforms to Jackson’s water system, which nearly collapsed in late summer and continues to struggle. For days in August, people waited in lines for water to drink, bathe, cook and flush toilets in Mississippi’s capital as some businesses were temporarily forced to close for lack of potable water. e partial failure of the water system that month followed flooding on the nearby Pearl River, which exacerbated longstanding problems in one of Jackson’s two water-treatment plants.

JAN. 6 COMMITTEE

A er months of investigation, the Jan. 6 committee issued criminal referrals for former President Donald Trump to the Justice Department. Otherwise, lawmakers would have undercut their own votes to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection in January 2021, one week before he le office. In the article adopted then on a 232-197 vote, the House found that “Donald John Trump engaged in high Crimes and Misdemeanors by inciting violence against the Government of the United States.” Additionally, the article made the specific allegation that Trump obstructed government proceedings, namely the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. e implicit mission of the Jan. 6 committee was to find and publicize evidence that supported claims that Trump acted illegally in his effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election and remain in power. e lawmakers argued that they found that evidence and it requires the Justice Department to act.

HAKEEM JEFFRIES

TAKES THE REINS

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives elected New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as their party leader. e congressman, who once quoted the late Notorious B.I.G. during one of former President Donald Trump’s impeachment hearings and has maintained a vow to oppose Republican extremism, becomes the first Black American to lead a major political party in Congress. Jeffries said he hopes to find common ground with the G.O.P. where possible. He takes over the reins from long-time Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). e 52-year-old leads a changing of the guard for Democrats, a party long headed by its most senior members, including Pelosi, 82, and South Carolina’s James Clyburn.

KAREN BASS BECOMES

MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES

Rep. Karen Bass became the first woman elected mayor of Los Angeles, defeating billionaire developer Rick Caruso who waged the most expensive campaign in the city’s history. e six-term congresswoman and former state lawmaker overcame Caruso’s 10-to-1 spending advantage to win a close contest between two Democrats. She will lead a city simmering with anger over homelessness and the rising cost of living as well as recent displays of corruption and racism at City Hall.

Members of the Mississippi National Guard hand out bottled water at Thomas Cardozo Middle School in response to the water crisis on September 01, 2022 in Jackson, Mississippi.

MURDER ACROSS AMERICA

2022 Review DN

TOP ENTERTAINMENT STORIES

By Laura Onyeneho

Black artists continued to break barriers and create space for others who are underrepresented in television, film and music. At the same time, we’ve had a few disappointments, but nothing that the culture can’t bounce back from.

BUN B MAKES HISTORY AT HOUSTON RODEO

Houston resident and Port Arthur native Bun B of the legendary rap duo UGK made history as the first Black man from Houston to headline a concert at the Livestock Show and Rodeo. He brought hip-hop in the way no one had ever seen before. The show introduced a star-studded lineup featuring H-Town’s finest -- Geto Boys rap legend Willie D, Paul Wall, Slim ug, H-Town, Baby Bash, Z Ro, Destiny’s Child original member LeToya Luckett, Frankie J, Chamillionaire, at Girl Lay Lay and Tobe Nwigwe.

From Beyoncé’s record-breaking streak in music to the return of “Black Panther,” let’s just say that we have a lot to be proud about. Here were the top 10 trending topics in Black entertainment in 2022.

MEGAN THEE STALLION GRACES COVER OF FORBES

Megan ee Stallion gave her fans “Real Hot Girl Sh*t” when she became the first Black woman to appear on Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 issue. e 27-year-old earned an estimated $13 million in 2022. Along with her lucrative deals with companies including Cash App, Popeyes, Revlon, Nike and Frito Lay, she has sold out concert arenas all over the country. Time Inc. will pay her $3 million to produce a documentary on her life.

e “Her” rapper told Forbes that she has no plans to slow down.

BEYONCE’S ‘RENAISSANCE’ ALBUM BREAKS RECORDS

Beyoncé is always finding ways to raise the bar, including the debut of her album, “Renaissance,” which broke records in July. e album secured first position on the Billboard 200, becoming Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day by a female artist in 2022 and set a record of 332,000 copies sold in the first week. “Renaissance” was Beyoncé’s first solo full-length release since 2016’s “Lemonade.” In November, Queen Bey set another record a er leading with nine nominations for the 2023 Grammy Awards, tying with her husband Jay-Z for an all-time total of 88 nods.

‘THE WOMAN KING’ EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis starred in the box office hit “ e Woman King” and it produced positive numbers on the domestic box office charts. It earned $19 million during its opening weekend. e film tells the story of an all-female warrior unit called the Agojie, who were the protectors of the West African kingdom of Dahomey from the 17th to 19th centuries. “ e Woman King” was a years-long fight for Black women yearning to see themselves on the big screen and shi ing the narrative in storytelling in Hollywood.

‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ RULES BOX OFFICE

The success of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” made Ryan Coogler the first director in history to have two movies with a five-week run at No. 1. e original “Black Panther” movie released in 2018 had the same success at the time. It netted over $733 million at the global box office and became the highest-grossing film in the fall. e film paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who played the main character T’Challa in the original film. Boseman died from colon cancer in 2020.

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WILL SMITH AND THE OSCAR SLAP OF CHRIS ROCK

In March, actor Will Smith went on the Oscar stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock a er he joked about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock called her “G.I. Jane” and made fun of her closely cropped hair, which is due to the autoimmune disorder alopecia. Smith, who won an Oscar that night for “King Richard,” has since been on somewhat of an apology tour. Smith received a lot of criticism and Rock, though he hasn’t been as vocal as Smith about the incident, said that he is not a victim. e Academy banned Smith from its events and programs for 10 years. e actor resigned from the organization prior to the ban announcement.

RIHANNA RETURNS TO MUSIC WITH SUPER BOWL

Rihanna hasn’t released new music for years and many of her fans weren’t sure when she would ever return after having her first child and flourishing in the makeup and fashion industry with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. But RiRi finally broke her silence on Instagram when the singer shared a simple photograph of herself holding a football. The NFL logo gave her fans a preview of her Super Bowl LVII Hal ime Show performance. Fans will anticipate an amazing experience at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Feb. 12, 2023 starring the nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist.

SOLANGE 2ND BLACK WOMAN TO COMPOSE FOR NYC BALLET

Beyoncé isn’t the only person in the Knowles family raising the bar. Her sister Solange solidified her own standing and became the second Black women to debut an original composition for the New York City Ballet. e first was Lido Pimienta, the Afro-Colombian Canadian musician and songwriter in 2021. e NYC Ballet celebrated its 10th anniversary of its annual Fashion Gala. Her original score debuted on Sept. 28 and was performed by the City Ballet Orchestra.

SHERYL LEE RALPH STEALS SPOTLIGHT AT EMMY AWARDS

Black Girl Magic was in full effect at the 2022 Emmy Awards when Sheryl Lee Ralph became the second Black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Jackee Harry won for the show “227” in 1987. Ralph’s scene-stealing acceptance speech went viral when she burst out in song, singing a verse from jazz singer Diane Reeves’ 1993 tune “Endangered Species.” It was Ralph’s first Emmy nomination and first win in her three decades as a professional.

KANYE WEST HAS YEARLONG MELTDOWN

2022 was a rough year for Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West. His controversial anti-Semitic comments resulted in Ye being dropped from his label and talent agency and losing deals with major collaborators like Gap and Adidas. With his “White Lives Matter” T-shirt designs hitting the runways during Paris Fashion Week, declaring his desire to go “Defcon 3” on adversaries who happened to be Jewish, or his outbursts about his relationship with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and their children, Ye’s reputation and billion-dollar status came crashing down.

CENTERFOLDS OF 2022

At the Defender, we pride ourselves on bringing the public thought-provoking, well-researched solutions-driven original stories to educate, engage and entertain. Our goal is to arm our readers with information to improve their daily lives. One of the ways we do that is through our centerfolds. Here are some of the best centerfold stories that we brought to you in 2022.

In fash, the ordinariness of their day was broken at Tops Friendly Market in Bufalo, where in and around the supermarket’s aisles, a symbol of the mundane was transformed into a scene of mass murder.

Carts lay abandoned. Bodies littered the tile foor. Police radios crackled with calls for help.

Investigators will try, for days to come, to piece together the massacre that killed 10 people, all Black and apparently hunted for the color of their skin. Tose who loved them are lef with their memories of the lost, who sufered death amid the simple task of buying groceries.

“Tese people were just shopping,” said Steve Carlson, 29, mourning his 72-year-old neighbor Katherine Massey, who checked in ofen, giving him gifs on his birthday and at Christmas, and pressing money into his hand when he helped with yardwork. “Tey went to go get food to feed their families.”

One came from volunteering at food bank.

Another had been tending to her husband at his nursing home. Most were in their 50s and beyond, and were destined for more, even if just the dinner they planned to make.

Shonnell Harris, a manager at the store, was stocking shelves when she heard the frst of what she fgured must have been more than 70 shots. She ran for the back door, stumbling a few times along the way. She wondered where her daughter, grocery clerk, was, and went around to the front of the store.

Te grisly scene was broadcast online by the gunman, video notable not just for the cold-bloodedness of the killings, but how fast they unfolded. In the deafening rat-a-tat of gunfre, 10 voices were silenced, their stories lef for others to recite.

Of woman whose niece swore she was “the apple of God’s eye.”Of longtime policeman

who became guard at the store and whose son knew he died a hero. Of an ace baker who’d give you the shirt of her back.

Garnell Whitfeld Jr., whose 86-year-old mother Ruth Whitfeld was killed in the attack, said she had come to Tops afer her daily ritual of visiting her husband of 68 years in his nursing home. In so many ways, for so many years, Whitfeld Jr. said his mother had devoted her life to those she loved.

“Tat day was like every other day for my mom,” he said as he pondered how to break the news to his father.

Heyward Patterson, 67-year-old deacon at State Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, was similarly doing the things he’d long been known for. He had just come from helping at his church’s soup kitchen and now was at Tops,

volunteering

Pastor

“Anywhere he was, he was encouraging people to be the best that they could be,” Bell said.

As customers arrived at Tops ahead of the shooting, their purpose was clear.

Roberta Drury, 32, was in search of something for dinner. Andre Mackneil, 53, came

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DEFENDER EVENTS

By ReShonda Tate

e Defender Network has had a busy year! We hosted a number of events that were designed to educate, engage and entertain our community. Photos

by Jimmie Aggison

THE STATE OF BLACK WOMEN

Our second State of Black Women Health Forum took place at HISD’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy on May 18, 2022. The popular event is two-fold, with student assemblies in the morning and an adult program beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and a program at 6:30 p.m. Health questions from the audience were answered by Black medical professionals who commonly address the health care needs unique to Black women. A host of sponsors, including H-E-B, Texas Children’s Hospital, e University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, JP Morgan Chase, City of Houston Health Dept., Hillday Public Relations and e Steve Fund, helped make this event a resounding success!

FAITH LEADERS BREAKFAST

Our inaugural Juneteenth Faith Leaders’ Breakfast on June 16, 2022, sponsored by KelseyCare Advantage, was well-received and attended by faith leaders from all over the city. e event was designed to introduce the new Defender Community Central Channel and other digital products while focusing on the benefits of KelseyCare Advantage.

MLK DAY AT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

We teamed up with e Children’s Museum Houston to honor civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the Museum’s 26th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on Jan. 15, 2022. Brought to you by Rep. Garnet Coleman, the event commemorates Dr. King’s legacy and his powerful call for equality, justice, and the fight to end racism in America during the civil rights movement.

Karl Minor (The Church of Grace Fellowship) and Wendi Turner (Hope Over Hurt) attend the Houston Defender Faith Leaders Breakfast held at Davis Street on June 16, 2022 in Houston, Texas.

Tiffany Chandler (St. John’s United Methodist Downtown) talks with Dr. Michael Bowie (SBC21) during the Houston Defender Faith Leaders Breakfast held at Davis Street on June 16, 2022 in Houston, Texas.

State of Black Women 2nd Health Forum panelists with student moderators.

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Continued from Page 18

HBCU PRESIDENTS CLASSIC

Our “HBCU Presidents Classic,” spotlighted Black excellence, HBCU pride and the stellar leadership of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) and Texas Southern University (TSU) presidents, Dr. Ruth Simmons and Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young. Taking place in advance of the annual Labor Day Classic, the gridiron battle between TSU and PVAMU, the event, sponsored by Amegy Bank, welcomed more than 200 attendees who were informed and inspired by the captivating conversation between PVAMU’s Simmons and TSU’s Crumpton-Young, and moderated by Defender Network Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho.

EARLY VOTING RALLY

e Early Voting Rally held Oct. 22, 2022 at Houston’s historic Emancipation Park, spearheaded by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Houston, the Houston Defender Network and Texas Children’s Hospital, was all about encouraging the community to exercise the highest civic privilege–voting. e event was also sponsored by the Wheeler Avenue Social Justice Ministry, Black Women of Greater Houston PAC, Greater Houston Black Chamber, Houston Area Urban League, Metro, NAACP Houston Branch, Top Ladies of Distinction, Houston Metropolitan Baptist Ministers Conference, City of Houston and the student government associations of Texas Southern University and the University of Houston.

THE WOMAN KING MOVIE PREMIERE

More than 300 people were in attendance on Sept. 15, 2022 for our State of Black Women (SOBW) exclusive movie premiere of “ e Woman King.” Many enjoyed themselves and le the theater raving about this must-see flick. Texas Children’s Hospital and Hillday Public Relations were sponsors of the premiere screening, which served as the kickoff of the Defender’s SOBW “Power of Our Vote” rally.

SMART MARKETING OPEN HOUSE

On December 6, 2022 in both morning and a ernoon sessions, the Defender hosted a Smart Marketing event. In the morning, major advertisers learned ways to get their story told in the Defender. In the evening, entrepreneurs gathered to learn digital techniques, gain insight into the Black audience and find out how the Defender can help them get more customers in 2023.

Annie Benefield speaks at the Early Voting Rally.

2022 Review

IN MEMORIAM: DEATHS IN 2022

Defender News Service

In 2022 we said “Goodbye” to individuals who played important roles on the local, state and national levels. They included activists, athletes, ministers, educators and entertainers. Though they came from different backgrounds they all made an impact in one way or another.

STEPHEN “TWITCH” BOSS

The longtime dancing DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” died Dec. 13 at age 40. The Los Angeles coroner ruled his death a suicide. He started his tenure on DeGeneres’ show in 2014 and was promoted to co-executive producer in 2020. He was a runner-up on “So You Think You Can Dance” and later judged season 17. He appeared in the films “Step Up: All In” and “Magic Mike XXL.” He posted dance videos on TikTok with his wife, also a professional dancer.

COOLIO

KEN BURROUGH

The former Houston Oilers receiver died Feb. 24 at age 73. Burrough spent 11 seasons in Houston, where he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1975 and 1977. Burrough led the NFL in receiving yards in 1975 with a careerhigh 1,063. He piled up 6,906 yards receiving and 47 touchdowns with the Oilers, helping lead them during their Luv Ya Blue period where they twice reached the AFC championship game. He played football and ran track at Texas Southern University.

MATTELIA BENNETT GRAYS

The longtime Houston educator and administrator and the 18th international president of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc., died Nov. 3 at age 91. In 1968 she became the youngest person ever elected AKA president and led the sorority from 1970 to 1974. Her accomplishments included leading the sorority’s effort to purchase the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition to teaching in Houston public schools, she served as principal of Rogers Educational Enrichment Center and HISD District III superintendent.

CHERYL HICKMON

The 27th national president of Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc., died Jan. 20 at age 60. Hickmon had been a devoted member of the sorority since 1982 and served in various capacities at the chapter, regional and national levels. She was elected national president and chair of the National Board of Directors in 2021. Hickmon was a licensed clinical laboratory technologist at an institute for reproductive medicine and health in Hartsdale, N.Y. and supervised the invitro fertilization laboratories for andrology and endocrinology.

BARBARA JACKET

The Prairie View A&M University women’s track and field pioneer and coach of the 1992 U.S.

Women’s Olympic team died Jan. 6 at age 87. Jacket, a Port Arthur native, attended Tuskegee Institute, where she was a thrower. After graduation, Jacket earned a master’s degree at PVAMU, and started the women’s track and field program in 1965. Her teams won 10 NAIA national titles, nine SWAC indoor titles and five outdoor crowns. She was named PVAMU athletic director in 1990.

DOROTHY PITMAN HUGHES

The rapper who was among hip-hop’s biggest names in the 1990s died Sept. 28 at age 59. He won a Grammy for best solo rap performance for “Gangsta’s Paradise,” the 1995 hit from the soundtrack of the film “Dangerous Minds.” His career first took off with the 1994 release of his debut album on Tommy Boy Records, “It Takes a Thief.” Its opening track, “Fantastic Voyage,” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. His real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr.

LAMONT DOZIER

The songwriter-producer and member of Motown’s celebrated Holland-Dozier-Holland team died Aug. 8 at age 81. The trio wrote and produced dozens of hits for the Supremes, Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas and Marvin Gaye, including “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “Heat Wave.” From 1963-67 Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland crafted more than 25 top 10 songs and mastered the blend of pop and R&B. Dozier later found success in the music industry on his own.

CLARENCE GILYARD

The co-star of the hit TV series “Matlock” and “Walker, Texas Ranger” died Nov. 28 at age 66. His death was announced by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he taught stage and screen acting. His career began in the 1980s with appearances on “Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life.” He appeared in two of the biggest movies of the decade, “Top Gun” and “Die Hard.” His other credits included “The Karate Kid: Part II” and a stage production of “Driving Miss Daisy.”

The pioneering Black feminist, child welfare advocate and activist died Dec. 1 at age 84. Hughes toured the country speaking with Gloria Steinem in the 1970s but her work was always rooted in community activism. She organized the first shelter for battered women in New York City and co-founded the New York City Agency for Child Development to broaden childcare services in the city. She established a community center on Manhattan’s West Side offering day care and job and advocacy training.

CHESLIE KRYST

MAX JULIEN

The star of the classic 1973 film “The Mack” died Jan. 1 at age 88. In it he played Goldie, an ambitious Oakland pimp. The film first screened in mostly Black markets, where it was a huge hit. Julien, a classically trained actor, began his career in off-Broadway theater. His other film credits included “Psych-Out” and “Getting Straight.” Julien co-wrote and co-produced another popular Black film, 1973’s “Cleopatra Jones.” He made guest appearances on such TV series as “The Mod Squad.”

The 2019 winner of the Miss USA pageant and a correspondent for the entertainment news program “Extra” died Jan. 30 at age 30. Her death was ruled a suicide and police said she died after jumping from a Manhattan apartment building. Her family said she “embodied love and served others,” whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice or with her entertainment career. Kryst, a former Division I athlete, competed in the Miss Universe pageant after winning the Miss USA title.

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Continued from Page 14

RAMSEY LEWIS

e renowned jazz pianist died Sept. 12 at age 87. Lewis’ career spanned more than 60 years, beginning with the Ramsey Lewis Trio. e trio’s first record was “Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing” in 1956. Lewis was revered in music circles for hits like “ e ‘In’ Crowd,” “Hang on Sloopy,” “Wade in the Water” and “Sun Goddess.” Lewis earned three Grammy awards and seven gold records. He performed with stars such as Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett and Al Jarreau.

ROGER E. MOSLEY

The actor best known as helicopter pilot T.C. in the 1980s TV series “Magnum, P.I” died Aug. 7 at age 83. He also guest-starred on episodes of the recent reboot. Mosley acted in dozens of movies and TV series, including “Sanford and Son,” “ e Love Boat” and “Roots: e Next Generations.” A er “Magnum, P.I.,” Mosley continued building his TV resume with recurring roles on such shows as “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper.” Mosley’s film credits included “A in Line Between Love and Hate.”

BILL RUSSELL

The 11-time NBA champion and the league’s first Black head coach died July 31 at age 88. Russell was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty in the ‘50s and ‘60s. He carried the team to the NBA Finals 12 times and won two titles as a player-coach. Russell was an extraordinary shot-blocker who revolutionized NBA defensive concepts. As a civil rights activist he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and supported Muhammad Ali’s opposition to being dra ed into the military.

ANDRE LEON

TALLEY

The towering figure in the fashion world died Jan. 18 at age 73. Talley was a former creative director and editor-at-large at Vogue Magazine and fashion editor at Ebony Magazine. He stood 6-feet-6 and o en dressed in sweeping capes and colorful ca ans. He was a regular in the front rows of fashion shows in New York and Europe. Talley served as a judge on “America’s Next Top Model” and appeared in cameos in the “Sex and the City” movie and on “Empire.”

e actress who broke Hollywood barriers as Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” TV series died July 30 at age 89. Her role in the 1966-69 series earned Nichols a lifelong position of honor with fans known as Trekkies. She also broke stereotypes that limited Black women to acting roles as servants. Nichols appeared in six big-screen “Star Trek” spinoffs and frequented fan conventions. She served for many years as a NASA recruiter, helping bring minorities and women into the astronaut corps.

EARNIE SHAVERS

e

hard-punching boxer who fought Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes died

Sept. 1 at age 78. Shavers fought from 1969 to 1995 and compiled a record of 74-14-1 with 68 knockouts. Shavers lost a unanimous decision to Ali in 1977 for the heavyweight title. In 1979 he beat Ken Norton in the first round in what was considered one of his finest victories. Shavers later faced Larry Holmes for the WBC heavyweight title in 1979. Holmes won the bout in the 11th round.

The former city and state official who was active in Houston politics and the Acres Homes community died Aug. 20 at age 81. Parker was assistant deputy director of the City of Houston Department of Planning & Development and retired in 2008. Earlier in his career he was a labor leader with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 15 Union, which led to his appointment by Gov. Mark White as commissioner with the Texas Department of Labor and Standards.

e groundbreaking actor who transformed how Black people were portrayed on screen died Jan. 6 at age 94. Poitier was the first Black actor to win an Oscar for best lead performance in 1964’s “Lilies of the Field.” In 1967 Poitier became the top box office draw with three popular movies, “To Sir With Love,” “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” and “In e Heat of the Night.” He directed and starred in such films as “Uptown Saturday Night” and “Buck and the Preacher.”

BERNARD SHAW

e former CNN anchor and a pioneering Black journalist died Sept. 7 at age 82. Shaw was CNN’s first chief anchor and was with the network when it launched in 1980. Shaw reported on some of the biggest stories of the time, including the Gulf War in 1991 and the 2000 presidential election. He retired from the network in 2001. His first TV job was with CBS where he covered the Watergate scandal. He later become ABC’s Latin America correspondent and bureau chief.

PAUL SILAS

e former NBA champion and coach, National Basketball Players Association president and father of Rockets coach Stephen Silas died Dec. 11 at age 79. Silas spent 16 years as a player, winning championships with the Celtics and Seattle SuperSonics. He coached with the San Diego Clippers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets. He led Charlotte to four playoff appearances, including two trips to the Eastern Conference finals. Silas coached the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003-2005 and was LeBron James’ first coach.

YVONNE WASHINGTON

The noted Houston singer died Feb. 23 at age 72. She could sing jazz, blues, gospel or pop music with ease, whether performing before presidents or at a piano bar. She sang internationally, sharing the stage with saxophonist Grady Gaines in the Netherlands and with her ensemble, Yvonne Washington and the Mix, in China. Her recordings included “Autumn in New York,” the title tune from the movie starring Richard Gere, “Trust Me” and a tribute to Billie Holiday.

JOSEPH “JOE” THOMAS

The wellknown Acres Homes barber, mentor and family man died Jan. 1 at

age 94. Generations of customers frequented his shop and Mayor Sylvester received his first haircut from Joe’s. omas began cutting hair on West Montgomery Road and later purchased property on Ferguson Way. e shop was a haven for many boys and young men in the area. Thomas was often honored for his community involvement and Turner said he “touched a lot of people’s lives along with their heads.”

MICHAEL P. WILLIAMS

e founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle and former pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Houston died March 4 at age 70. Williams was a third generation Baptist pastor. In 2011 Joy Tabernacle was rebranded e Genesis Church. Williams ministered on television and radio. In 1999 he was elected to the Houston Community College System Board of Trustees and twice served as board chair. He served on the faculties of the Houston Graduate School of eology and University of Houston.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

ALLEN PARKER

SIDNEY POITIER

Review

TOP PRO & COLLEGE SPORTS STORIES

By Terrance Harris

While the Texans and Rockets continued their downward trend in 2022, there was plenty to celebrate on the Houston sports scene.

Te Astros, of course, were the odds-on favorites to win the World Series and they delivered, winning their second world championship and giving longtime MLB manager Dusty Baker his frst World Series ring.

Here is a look at the top pro and college sports stories in Te Defender this year.

BRITTNEY GRINER COMES HOME

Afer 294 days of detainment in Russia, WNBA star and Houston native Brittney Griner was surprisingly freed on Dec. 8 as a result of a one-for-one prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia. It had been quite a year for Griner afer she was detained at an airport near Moscow on Feb. 18 afer less than a gram of marijuana concentrate was found in her luggage on her way home. Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison as a result. Her appeal of the sentence was denied and she began serving time in an oppressive penal colony in a remote part of Russia. All the while, there was plenty of support from the WNBA, NBA, family and friends and politicians to bring BG home. President Joe Biden and government agencies assured the public and Griner’s wife, Cherelle, that they were doing everything they could to get the U.S. Olympic gold medalist returned home and they made good on their promise.

DUSTY BAKER, ASTROS WIN WORLD SERIES

Astros manager Dusty Baker had come close to winning the World Series a few times during his illustrious career, but it fnally happened for him in October when he guided the Astros to their second World Series title. At 73, Baker became the oldest manager in Major League Baseball history to win a World Series. It was the perfect topper to what had already been a Hall of Fame managing career during his nearly 30 years of running clubs. Until this season, Baker had accomplished nearly everything but win a World Series title. Te Astros’ third-year manager became the frst African American manager to win 2,000 games. He is also the only manager to lead fve diferent clubs to the postseason, to win division titles with fve diferent teams and he is one of only two to achieve 1,800 hits as a player and win 1,800 games as a manager.

2022 Review DN

DEION SANDERS LEAVES SWAC

Deion “Prime Time” Sanders and Alabama State football coach Eddie Robinson Jr. made the debate national this season afer Robinson questioned the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s loyalty to the SWAC and his employer, Jackson State. It seems to many that Robinson was right because Sanders took the frst train out of Jackson, Miss., taking the $5 million a year deal to take over Power 5 bottom feeder Colorado. What made it troubling for some is that Sanders convinced his followers that his tenure at Jackson State was him answering God’s calling, but when push came to shove instead of celebrating the SWAC Championship Game win with his players, Sanders was busy trying to catch a fight out of town to Boulder, Colo. afer the game.

CYNTHIA COOPER-DYKE UNDER FIRE

Former Houston Comets star and basketball legend Cynthia Cooper-Dyke shocked everyone when she abruptly retired as the Texas Southern women’s basketball coach in March. A few weeks later, it would come out that Cooper-Dyke was being probed and under a Title IX investigation for her alleged mistreatment of players during her coaching stints at TSU, UNC-Wilmington and USC. It turns out that during the 2021-22 season, Cooper-Dyke was under a limited contact order, which kept her mostly away from her team. Te allegations against her claimed that she had been verbally abusive, vulgar and demeaning to her players, to the point some said it resulted in depression or quitting basketball.

ROCKETS DRAFT A TRIO

DESHAUN WATSON

MAKES DRAMATIC RETURN

There has probably never been more attention placed on two NFL teams facing each other than when the Browns and Texans met at NRG Stadium in early December. Tat had everything to do with the return of once-beloved Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Tere wasn’t much love this time around with the NFL conveniently setting up Watson’s 11-game suspension on sexual misconduct allegations from nearly two dozen massage therapists to end when his new team played the Texans in Houston. Te game was surrounded by plenty of drama with attorney Tony Buzbee vowing to bring some of the accusing women to the game and Houston fans booing the once beloved quarterback on every snap of the game. Watson, who hadn’t played football in nearly two years afer demanding a trade from the Texans, was rusty in his frst game with the Browns but his team escaped Houston with a 27-14 win.

As a result of subpar play on the basketball court and the trade of Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the Rockets drafed three potential stars during the frst round of June’s NBA Draf. Te Rockets went SEC strong when they took Jabari Smith with the No. 3 overall pick, then grabbed Tari Eason with the 17th overall and TyTy Washington with the 29th selection of the draf.

TEXANS MAKE THE TRADE

Afer more than a year of uncertainty about where and when to deal embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Texans hit the jackpot when they dealt him to the Cleveland Browns. Te Browns sent the Texans their frst-round picks in 2022 and 2023, a third-round pick in 2023 and a fourth-rounder in 2024 in the trade for Watson. It had been more than a year since the franchise quarterback made it known that he no longer wanted to play for the Texans afer chairman Cal McNair went back on his word to give Watson input in the head coach and general manager hires in 2021. Watson, who was embroiled in multiple lawsuits with massage therapists at the time, agreed to a fve-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Browns afer the trade.

LOVIE SMITH COACHES TEXANS

It seemed Lovie Smith’s NFL head coaching days were behind him when afer conducting a national search, the Texans turned to the man who was serving as their defensive coordinator to be their next head coach in February. Smith, 64, was the surprise replacement for David Culley. Smith, who is one of a few Black NFL head coaches, brought a lot of experience and success to the position afer having led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl during his tenure and having also coached the Tampa Buccaneers for a spell.

TSU FINDS NCAA TOURNEY SUCCESS

For the second straight year, the TSU men’s basketball team won their NCAA Tournament First Four play-in game by defeating Texas A&M Corpus Christi 76-67 during an in March. It was the second straight season that the Tigers won their play-in game as SWAC Champions to make it to the frst round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the third time in the last fve seasons that TSU made the Tournament.

DAVID CULLEY FIRED

It was a huge surprise when the Texans went of the grid and hired 65-year-old career assistant coach David Culley as the head coach in January 2021. It was an even bigger shock when the team fred Culley in January afer he went 4-13 in his one lone season as head coach. Culley was let go with three years remaining on

Review

TOP HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS STORIES

By Jodie B. Jiles

It has been an up-and-down year for high school sports in the the greater Houston area. We saw some phenomenal individual and team performances, prospects for new ground-breaking legislation that could change the face of high school sports and a scandal or two. e Defender breaks down some of the highs and lows of 2022.

LEGISLATURE TO ADDRESS

NIL BILL FOR HS ATHLETES

In light of nearby Louisiana passing a bill that permits high school athletes to receive proceeds for uses of their name, image and likeness (NIL), the Texas Legislature has announced a similar NIL bill will be put to a vote on the floor during the 2023 legislative session which begins on Jan. 10, 2023.

KASHMERE WRESTLER

SAMYRA THOMAS

4-TIME STATE QUALIFIER

Wrestler and basketballer Samyra omas qualified for the state tournament every single year she was in high school. omas has already made a name for herself on the college level at Jarvis Christian University with a top 20 national individual ranking as a freshman in her weight class.

KLEIN FOREST 4X200M RELAY SHOCKS THE STATE

The Klein Forest 4x200-meter relay team of Jacob Compton, Jaden Galloway, Parker Jenkins, Ahmir Robinson and not pictured: Kylan Stringer and Jelani Watkins finished second behind Duncanville the entire season until the 2022 state championship race where they finally upset their rivals from the north.

MARSHALL HURDLER TIARAH JOHNSON WINS BACK-TO-BACK GOLD

A er breezing through her junior year with a stellar gold medal performance at state, Fort Bend Marshall hurdler Tairah Johnson made it look even easier the second time around. Johnson looks to take her winning ways with her as she takes her talents to HBCU track contender North Carolina A&T.

BELLAIRE BASEBALL PLAYERS

ACCUSED OF RACISM

Players on the Bellaire High School baseball team were accused of making monkey sounds at Black opponents from Westbury High School during a game. HISD reassigned coach Nick Ozuna and assistant Robert Manuel while investigators looked into the incident.

e Houston NAACP held a town hall forum on the incident as some community activists and Bellaire parents demanded the firing of Ozuna and assistant coaches.

2022 Review DN

Continued from Page 18

KATY PAETOW COACH SCANDAL LEADS TO RESIGNATION

In his first year as head coach of Katy Paetow, head coach Lonnie Teagle resigned amid an investigation into an alleged improper relationship with a student. Teagle was replaced by interim coach David Hicks for the remainder of the season.

WESTFIELD’S PJ HATTER AND

When P.J. Hatter transferred from Klein Oak to Westfield, many expected great things to happen with the chemistry between Hatter and his childhood teammate, wide receiver Dajohn “DaeDae” Palomo. But who would have thought the two would connect for nearly 20 touchdowns in just 10 games. ey also closed out the year just one touchdown away from beating perennial powerhouse Duncanville in the Regional Championship.

NORTH SHORE QB KALEB BAILEY SUFFERS SEASONENDING INJURY

After quarterback Kaleb Bailey helped lead the North Shore Mustangs to a state title his freshman year, everyone and their mommas believed Bailey would bring home another title this season. Due to an early season-ending knee injury, however, Bailey saw his season cut short for 2022. Can’t wait to see this guy come back in 2023.

NORTH SHORE RETURNS TO STATE

Even with starting quarterback Kaleb Bailey going down in the fourth game of the regular season, the Galena Park North Shore Mustangs still managed to go undefeated until the State Championship game against Duncanville. e Mustangs efforts were led by senior wide receiver and converted back up quarterback David Amador and senior running back Rashaad Johnson.

FORMER ELKINS GUARD CHRIS JOHNSON SHINES IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Fort Bend Elkins guard Chris Johnson transferred to play with national contender Montverde Academy in Florida for his senior season and since has shined brighter than ever. In the Geico High School National Championships, Johnson was the cover boy, leading all-scorers and taking home the MVP honors for the tournament.

DAJOHN REUNITE

Review

DN+ CHANNELS BRING TAILORED NEWS TO READERS

Have you checked out our Defender Channels, featuring specialized stories for targeted audiences. Our investment in new digital products to help expand our reach and better connect with you, understanding our readers’ needs and interests.

Called DN+, the channels (on the Defender Network website) cater to Black Women, Community Central and those Under 40.

ree Defender staff members are at the helm as mini-publishers: Managing Editor ReShonda Tate, Associate Editor Aswad Walker and Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho. Visitors can expect engaging, enlightening and educational original sto-

Under

40

From finance and health to career and relationships, we’ll help you navigate it all.

Community Central

Where Blacks in the Houston area meet neighbors, learn about Black businesses and share experiences.

“DN+ allows the Defender to get one step closer to our audience in serving their needs and wants, and that is our ultimate goal,” said publisher/CEO Sonceria Messiah Jiles.

Read more about the channels, then check them out at www.defendernetwork.com.

The HARRIS CENTER For Mental Health and IDD (formally known as Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County) will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following:

Mobile Medical Vehicle (New, Stock, Preowned, or Refurbished)

Specifcations may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone: (713) 970-7351 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website www. theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Solicitation documents must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 17, 2023, via email or in a sealed envelope marked RFP FOR “Mobile Medical Vehicle (New, Stock, Preowned or Refurbished” DO NOT OPEN UNTIL –Tuesday, January 17, 2023, AT 11:00 A.M. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Rosalind Armstrong, Buyer II or E-mail questions to Rosalind.armstrong theharriscenter.org cc. Sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org., or via fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses, are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSULTANT FOR MORE SPACE:

MAIN STREET 2.0 FOR THE HOUSTON

DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive Proposals from urban planning and design consultants for the preparation and issuance of streetscape design guidelines for outdoor café dining and corridor activation within the 100-700 blocks of Main Street’s right-of-way, from Commerce Street to Rusk Street, in Downtown Houston. Hardcopy proposals will be received until 11:00 A.M., local time on Thursday, February 2, 2023, by Lonnie Hoogeboom, Director of Planning & Design, Houston Downtown Management District, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, Texas 77010. Proposals submitted after this time will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Downtown District.

Beginning Friday, December 16, 2022, this project’s Request for Proposal (RFP) may be downloaded from Downtown District’s website: http://www.downtowndistrict.org/procurement-rfp-opportunities/. A Proposal pre-submittal conference is scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 6, 2023, to be held at the Downtown District, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, Texas 77010. Following this conference, further queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Downtown District, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFP. Based on the Proposals submitted, an evaluation panel will identify and invite Proposers to an interview to be held on or before February 20, 2023. The Downtown District’s Board of Directors will award the contract to the highest-ranked Proposer based on the Proposal content and interview performance.

Proposers shall comply with City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Articles II, V, VI, and XI and the Mayor’s Executive Orders No.1-7 Pay or Play (POP) Program for Houston Public Works for the public procurement procedures of the City of Houston Offce of Business Opportunity (OBO) established in March 2008 and the entity responsible for the administration of the Minority/ Women-Owned (M/WBE), Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE), and Hire Houston First programs. The successful Proposer will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE and PDBE participation goal of twenty-fve percent (25%).

Medicare wants to remind you that flu and COVID vaccines are available at no cost to you and will help prevent you from getting seriously ill.

Get vaccinated today.