January 18, 2023

HOUSTON BLACK PROFESSIONALS

BREAKING HAIR BARRIERS NEWS

SPORTS

JUDICIAL RACE

CRIS DISHMAN

Are white incumbents using lawsuits to discredit Black candidates?

Volume 93, issue 12 January 18, 2024

After a lot of controversy, Texas Southern University named a new coach.

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DN To the POINT Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks during a worship service at the Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta.

(Miguel Martinez/ Atlanta JournalConstitution via AP)

Message from the Managing Editor Fani fans some flames

number of really active white nationalist and Anyone who knows anything about forneo-Nazi groups, such as the Patriot Front mer president Donald Trump’s time in office, and the Aryan Freedom Network. That’s why has seen some of everything. No respect for it was no surprise to hear about the small laws, decency, ethics, morals....I could go on group displaying Nazi symbols recently on and on. Watching 45, even to this day, one a bridge above Interstate 45 near downtown might think that politicians/leaders can do and City Hall in Houston. The group also whatever they want. And that may be the held a banner that read, “make America case - except when it comes to Black women. white again” alongside one red and one black Black women face a unique challenge where Nazi flag. The group also was seen outside there is no room for error; they are held to a ReShonda Tate Houston’s City Hall, where video shows one higher standard. member with a megaphone and a Nazi symGeorgia’s Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis bol on his sleeve. Another man in the group could be seen is finding that out right now. She’s in a precarious position holding a sign reading, “End Jewish supremacy today.” if reports are accurate that she hired her romantic partner, The Houston Police Department was made aware of the Nathan Wade, to help take down Trump and his associates. banner and flags through at least one call, and one or two While Trump, being an old, wealthy white man, could nav- officers responded to the scene, but say the group would igate such situations without significant consequences, the have been within its rights to demonstrate at city hall as it is rules don’t apply for Willis. To take on the likes of Trump, public property. As long as a group is not causing physical Willis has ZERO room for error. Sad, but true. The allega- harm, it would be acting within its right to freedom of speech. tions that she failed to disclose her romantic involvement Bottom line is crazies are gonna crazy. And they’re itching with Wade, has given Trump and his team fodder to make for a reaction from us. Let’s not give it to them. this case about anything other than their crimes. And they’re doing a darn good job at shifting the discussion. Willis’ per- #EmmysSoBlack sonal life is truly no one’s business. But reports that Wade On a very fitting Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black excelearned over $650,000 from the case, raises concerns about lence took center stage at the 75th annual Emmys. Winners the investigation’s independence and even has Trump’s team like Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Trevor Noah, RuPaul, asking for his case to be dismissed. Willis is one together and Niecy Nash-Betts took home the gold and made history sister. But despite her previous recognition and success, her in their own way. Specifically, Brunson and Edebiri made decision-making has now put her career at risk, illustrating history being the only two Black women to take home the the constant pressure on Black professionals to excel and awards in the comedy category in the same year. Brunson avoid any missteps. also cemented her name in the history books as the second While Willis advocates for a world where personal rela- Black actress to win in that category and the first one in tionships and skin color shouldn’t dictate judgment, the real- more than 40 years (the first and only actress to ever do ity, especially for Black women, is often different. The social so was Isabel Sanford in 1981). As for Edebiri, she became media oversexualization of Willis adds to the challenges she the third Black woman to win for her category—previous faces. The hope is that her decisions won’t jeopardize her winners include Jackee Harry (1987) and Sheryl Lee Ralph career or allow Trump’s associates to evade accountability in (2022). We love to see it! a society where successful Black figures are held to a stringent standard.

On the Web • Associate Editor Aswad Walker pens a powerful Nazis in Houston OpEd on how Blacks have always known America is a According to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been Nazi nation an 89% increase in antisemitic incidents in Texas over the • Top 10 habits to make your 2024 your best year ever past few years. Texas also saw an increase in the frequency • Top 10 reasons Nikki Haley was wrong about America of propaganda distribution and has become homebase for a not being a racist country

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DN News EXCLUSIVE

Is there a campaign to discredit Black Judicial Candidates?

By ReShonda Tate

try and “find” a witness “after the primary use it in the campaign. If she wins, they’re “Forging signatures is a felony offense,” A new Texas law is being used to weapon- election is over.” trying to have the seat taken so Governor Hughes said. “I’ve served the country, in the ize the city’s judicial races, that’s according “Schaffer’s weaponization of his frivolous Abbott can appoint somebody (other than Army. I served as a US immigration judge to several African-American women who lawsuit is nothing but a sneaky attempt to a Black woman) to take that seat.” and we’ve exhausted resources, time and are running in the upcoming March pri- cast doubt in the public’s mind about Ms. Added Francis, “These same sitting judges money fighting these claims. We remain mary. Takasha Francis, Erica Hughes and Francis’s qualifications to be a Judge,” have had people challenge them before. on the ballot, but the fights that we’ve had Amber Boyd-Cora all overcame efforts to Kelley said.

They’ve never gone to these lengths. So I to go through to get on the ballot and stay be removed from the ballot by The Defender spoke with probably wouldn’t take it personally if this on the ballot, we shouldn’t have to face those their judicial competition (all Schaffer’s attorney, John is just the order of how they operate. It’s challenges in 2024.” white males).

Raley, who says they filed the not a coincidence that their challengers EARLY “When you get a candisuit because as the Director of have been white men or either they’ve been Amber Boyd-Cora VOTING date that might beat you, you the City of Houston Depart- uncontested.”

Last month, Peter Kelly, incumbent Feb. 20, resort to desperate measures,” ment of Neighborhoods, Place 9 Justice at the First DisMarch 1, 2024. said Lloyd Kelley, who has Francis does not work as a Erica R. Hughes trict Court of Appeals asked represented all three women practicing lawyer, which is a In 2018, Judge Erica R. Hughes the Texas Supreme Court ELECTION and asserts that incumbents requirement. was elected to the Harris County to resolve whether a chalMarch 5, 2024 are using the new law to selec“Under the Texas Constitu- Criminal Court at Law No. lenger to his seat, Amber tively exclude challengers of tion, Ms. Francis is not eligi- 3, where she joined 17 other Boyd-Cora, can remain African-American origin. ble to run for District Judge women of color to form the largon the Democratic Party “I’m really offended by what they’re doing. because she has not been a practicing lawyer est group of African-Ameriprimary ballot.

What is it about a Black woman that you find or judge throughout the previous eight can female judges ever Peter Kelly alleges BoydAmber offensive when she runs for office? Can’t the years. Everything we found publicly assembled in Texas.

Cora failed to describe appellate Boyd-Cora people decide? You’re using a lawsuit as a available regarding Ms. Francis’s Hughes was chobriefs and/or oral arguments she campaign tool.” role since 2016 as Houston’s Direcsen by Attorney Gen- claimed to have made in the prior five years; In 2023, the Texas Legislature enacted tor of the Department of Neigheral Merrick Garland to has no board certified specialization, and H.B. 2384, which created a list of criteria borhoods does not describe her serve as an Immigration gave vague answers as to her alleged courtintended to establish professional qualifi- as practicing law. According to Judge and also worked in room experience. cations viewable to the public for any per- Houston’s City Ordinances, lawthe Harris County CrimiBoyd-Cora replied, “admitting she was son seeking elected office as a district court yers with the City Attorney’s office nal Court at Law No. 3 and not board certified, specifying that she had judge or appellate court justice. Kelley has represent the City of Houston in all Erica R. Hughes as a Harris County Veterans one jury verdict case, and describing her called H.B. 2384 the “Incumbent Protection legal matters,” Raley said.

Court judge, having pre- last appeal—an appeal from an eviction,” Act,” because incumbent judges are exempt Francis, who has worked in the legal field sided over both courts concurrently from according to a petition. from having to answer the new application for nearly 20 years, unequivocally denies that 2019 to 2021.

Peter Kelly’s attorney argued about qualifications. she is not a working attorney.

Despite her credenthat Boyd-Cora’s response was an “Part of her job is to analyze cases and tials, 151st District Court amendment to her application and TaKasha Francis decide who to prosecute for deed violations, Judge Mike Engelhart amendments are not allowed in the TaKasha Francis is runall that kind of stuff. She’s actually like has contested her eligibilElection Code and demanded the They are ning to replace 152nd Disa city prosecutor, handling legal stuff ity, arguing for Hughes’ Texas Democratic Party remove just trying to trict Court Judge Robert for the city,” said Kelley. “She also removal from the March Boyd-Cora from the primary balSchaffer, who alleges that has practiced law for her family and primary ballot for using lot. The party refused. weaponize Francis is not qualified her friends, which is allowed. She forged signatures to get “There is nothing wrong with these to be a judge. Kelley says swore under oath that she’s been on the ballot. The courts her qualifications, as set by the lawsuits to Schaffer dropped an earpracticing law. This was a bogus law- found no merit and Texas Constitution,” Lloyd Kelley cast doubt lier claim to have Francis suit, which they originally brought as ruled that Hughes could said, noting that Boyd-Cora is a removed from the March pri- TaKasha Francis a challenge that she had not filled out remain on the ballot, but licensed attorney and U.S. citizen in the voter’s mary ballot because he “has the blanks correctly. They dropped that, Hughes says it’s ridicuwho has been practicing commermind.” no evidence to support his claim but plans recast it, and are now suing on a declaratory lous that their character cial, real estate, construction and to re-file his lawsuit” and “use discovery” to judgment that she’s not qualified. So they can continues to be attacked. contract law throughout her career.

LLOYD KELLEY

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DN News

HISD sued for pay discrimination

By Tannistha Sinha

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued the Houston Independent School District (HISD), accusing the district of violating federal law by paying female senior Career and Technical Education program specialists lower wages than their male counterparts, since February 2019.

The staffers performed substantially equal work that required equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and under similar working conditions.

However, the female specialists were discriminated against based on their sex, EEOC wrote in its statement.

The Defender reached out to HISD for a comment on the ongoing matter. “HISD does not have a comment on the pending litigation,” was their response.

“Equal pay for equal work – it’s a simple premise and important legal obligation,” Rudy Sustaita, the EEOC’s regional attorney in Houston, said. “The EEOC will hold

employers accountable when they violate this obligation.”

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston.

EEOC had also attempted to reach a pre-litigation settlement through the conciliation process with HISD before filing the lawsuit.

What does the lawsuit say?

The EEOC lawsuit focuses on starting salaries. HISD’s compensation manual states a 2.5% pay increase over the starting salary for each year of related work experience. The lawsuit says HISD implemented a “stringent interpretation” of its manual for female senior CTE program specialists, which prohibited them from qualifying for a higher starting salary based on their previous work experience.

On the other hand, their male counterparts were paid higher salaries for all types of work experience and sometimes had the same

measures to prevent such forms of discrimination in the future.

“The EEOC is fully and absolutely committed to ensuring that gender is not factored into compensation and that employees receive equal pay for equal work,” EEOC District Director Rayford Irvin said.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accuses HISD of paying its female senior Career and Technical Education program specialists lower wages than their male counterparts.

or lesser work experience as the female staffers, the lawsuit alleges.

These conducts violate the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits pay discrimination based on sex.

“A person’s gender should not and must not - be a factor in determining her pay,” N. Joseph Unruh, a trial attorney for the Houston District Office, said.

Nearly 75% out of 25,000 of HISD’s staffers were female during the 2022-23 school year, with 500

employees working in its CTE department.

Currently, there are 274 schools under HISD, with more than 190,000 students, comprising a 90% minority enrollment, and 59.5% students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

What now?

The EEOC is seeking back pay, liquidated damages, the elimination of pay disparities, and other

Equal pay/compensation discrimination

The Equal Pay Act says men and women working in the same workplace should be given equal pay for “substantially equal” work, if not identical work. The content of the job determines if the job is “substantially equal.”

An individual, who might allege a violation of the EPA may go to a court and is not required to file an EEOC charge beforehand. However, there is a time limit — “within two years of the alleged unlawful compensation practice or, in the case of a willful violation, within three years.”

Hubs support people displaced by weather

By Aswad Walker

One of former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner’s last acts while in office involved joining northeast Houston residents and community partners to officially launch Houston’s first Resilience Hub at the Kashmere Gardens Multi-Service Center 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77026 – a first step in implementing the City’s Resilience Hub Network Master Plan. The Resilience Hub will support residents before, during, or after a disruption and in their daily lives.

According to the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability, Houston Resilience Hubs are “trusted community-serving facilities that work together to provide vital resources and services to residents during non-emergency “blue sky” days, as well as before and after major weather events, extended power outages, and other emergency scenarios.

“City-owned multi-service and community centers, as well as other community facilities such as churches and schools, function as a network to coordinate communication, distribute resources, and promote social equity while providing a safe haven for citizens to stay connected, recover from a crisis, or receive basic daily provisions.

The City of Houston’s Resilience

Houston Resilience Hubs are community-serving facilities that provide resources and services to residents before and after major weather events, and more. Pictured are attendees at the grand opening of the Kashmere Gardens hub.

Hub Master Plan supports the retrofit of existing City of Houston community centers and multi-service centers and the construction of new facilities to maximize Resilience Hub operations. Together, these facilities and the organizations they host create a safety net of resilience in Houston’s neighborhoods to meet the needs of residents – particularly those in areas that face a high level of everyday community stressors such as food insecurity and disaster shocks such as flooding or loss of power.

And Houstonians know a thing or two about floods. Hurricane Harvey alone inundated the Bayou City with 50-plus inches of rain in 2017 and impacted more than 300,000 housing units. More homes flooded in Houston during Hurricane Harvey than

in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina or New York City during Hurricane Sandy.

In April 2016, the Tax Day Flood brought 10-20 inches of rain down upon the north and west sides of the Houston metro area, inundating freeways, vehicles, homes and buildings.

More than 1,800 water rescues were performed, and the resulting damage cost $2.7 billion, according to NOAA. The year before, on Memorial Day 2015, most of Houston’s freeways flooded, along with many homes across the city. That event’s flooding was said to have been the worst Houston experienced since Tropical Storm Allison (2001).

And that’s just floods.

In February 2021, the state of Texas suffered a major power

crisis, which came about during three severe winter storms sweeping across the United States on February 10–11, 13–17, and 15–20. Known as “the Great Texas Freeze” and “Snovid 2021,” Winter Storm Uri (its “government name”) triggered the worst energy infrastructure failure in Texas state history, leading to shortages of water, food, and heat. More than 4.5 million homes and businesses were left without power, some for several days. Somewhere between 250 and 700 people were killed directly or

indirectly as a result of the crisis.

So, there’s no doubt a huge need for what these planned hubs can provide.

The City of Houston published its Resilience Hub Network Master Plan in 2023 and opened its first one, the Kashmere Gardens Resilience Hub, last month. The facility boasts a solar carport for energy resilience, a vegetated swale for flood resilience, and community gardens and refrigerators to expand the community center’s food pantry with fresh food and vegetables.

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

Digital Content Manager Terrance Harris Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2024 copyright.

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

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DN InFocus

Houston Black professionals

BREAKING HAIR BARRIERS

B

By Laura Onyeneho

ridgette Holden always stood firm in her self-expression as a professional through her fashion and natural hair. Growing up as an Army Brat, her parents encouraged her to embrace who she is, including her long sandy blonde strands of hair that she would soon realize people in normal civilian life wouldn’t be so accepting.

“I was taught I couldn’t cut my hair because it was a woman’s glory. In the military, I traveled worldwide and interacted with people from different cultures, so my hair wasn’t a big deal,” she said. “I had a culture shock when we moved to Beaumont, Texas, and most of the discrimination I faced was amongst my own people. It fed into some insecurities.”

Holden, who is now a successful publicist and owner of SHE Bridges PR, remembered when she first entered the workforce and felt she had to conform to wearing “long straight 30-inch weaves” working in the media space.

It wasn’t until an acquaintance told her that to move up in society. she “looked like every other Black girl in corIt wasn’t until the 1960s that more Black porate America,” that she started to reassess people reclaimed their identity and embraced her hair journey. new ideologies that resisted European aes“It was an unwritten rule. It really wasn’t thetics. While Black hair became a source of said verbatim, but you saw other people try- pride, many Black people in the community ing to rock their natural hair, still have a deep-rooted belief that but they [news leadership] “manageable hair” helps to blend used the word ‘distracting’ to in with the status quo. describe the hairstyles,” she As a reporter at Fox 26 Houston, said. “I’m a rule follower, but I Chelsea Edwards is no stranger to find that line where I can skim the public eye. Before she started it a little bit, and I’m someone her career, she decided to go natwho walks to the beat of her ural after college. She worked Let the own drum, so shortly after behind the scenes as an editor at a People that, I left to start my own PR television news station and noticed Be Heard: company.” there weren’t enough images of Readers Black women wearing their natushare their Hair representation ral hair because they all wore their hair stories.

Natural hair had no hair straight. When she decided to meaningful representation be an on-air reporter, she would in mainstream media during the 19th and shadow reporters on her off days. At that 20th centuries. Black hair did not conform time, she was told that she “had to straighten” to the Eurocentric definition of good hair. her hair if she wanted to be a reporter.

Many Black people ventured into chemical “This was coming from a Black reporter. options to straighten their hair as one way I was on the fence weighing in on whether I

Chelsea Edwards, Fox26 Houston news reporter.

Credit: Greg Shaw Photography

Bridgett Holden, publicist and owner of SHE Bridges PR. Credit: Bridgett Holden

Co-Founder and Director of Smart Media and Organizing with ImagiNoir/BLMHTX Secunda Joseph. Courtesy: Secunda Joseph

could see myself returning to a life of straightening my hair,” Edwards said. “My hair plays into my personality. I’m free. I can be myself.

I decided that if a station would ask me to straighten my hair, that probably wasn’t the station for me.”

Surprisingly, the news stations that contacted her never made her hair an issue. The only criticism came from Black people who felt she had to look a certain way to get ahead.

Edwards said she realized that her impact goes beyond wearing her natural hair on television.

“I think my ancestors would be proud of me. It all makes what I do worthwhile, Edwards said. “One of the compliments I get a lot from people is that I come off authentic.

That is a very important way to engage and connect with people.”

Hair politics With the recent case of Darryl George, the Barber Hill High School junior who was served more than a month of in-school suspension for wearing dreadlocks, he was sent to an alternative school program for “failure

to comply” with several classroom and campus regulations, according to a letter reviewed by the Associated Press.

In September, the family filed a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency

My hair plays into my personality.

I’m free. I can be myself.”

CHELSEA EDWARDS, FOX 26 HOUSTON NEWS REPORTER

and a federal civil lawsuit against the state’s governor and attorney general, alleging they failed to enforce a new law outlawing discrimination based on hairstyles, the CROWN Act, a new law intended to prohibit “discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race.

For culture workers and community organizers like Secunda Joseph, she operates in spaces where she can comfortably flex her big, bold, and beautiful afro, working for people who look just like her. As the Co-Founder and Director of Smart Media and Organizing with ImagiNoir/BLMHTX, she aims to educate, empower, and build coalitions that address issues adversely impacting Black lives in the city of Houston.

In the early 2000s, she decided to do the big chop. She cut all her hair when growing her relationship with God and wanted to be able to accept herself authentically. At the time, she said the process felt uncomfortable because she valued her hair.

“It felt like a sacrifice, and it sounds silly to say because why would it feel that way when it’s your own hair,” she said. “The sacrifice

The sacrifice to be who you are. To allow your hair to grow out of your head the way God made it, shouldn’t make me feel ashamed.”

SECUNDA JOSEPH, HUMANITARIAN AND CULTURE WORKER

to be who you are. To allow your hair to grow out of your head the way God made it

shouldn’t make me feel ashamed.”

She recalled a pivotal moment when she worked for the state as a University of Houston college student and often wore headwraps to work. Her new program manager at the time told her that it was “unacceptable” to wear it in the office, and she was asked not to wear it again. It was the first and only time she had anyone address her in that manner.

“She was a Black woman, and she wanted me to fit into this box,” Joseph said. “I wasn’t afraid to lose my job because I didn’t see where she had any right.”

One lesson Joseph learned from living authentically is that it comes with great sacrifice.

“With justice and equity work, I transform spaces to be equitable for all. Organizations call me to take the lead in these conversations,” she said. “But it costs financially because creating your own lane takes time to build a safety net versus working for corporate where you get a steady paycheck.

I hope the CROWN Act will eliminate the struggles of dealing with the repercussions of what society tells us we should look.”

8 | January 18, 2024 |

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DN Feature Fighting the Third Ward desert Urban gardener Dr. Kimberly Adams leads the charge

By Aswad Walker

As a child growing up in Clinton, Mississippi, Dr. Kimberly Adams hated gardening so much that whenever she got in trouble her parents’ go-to punishment was to send her outside on their five-acre plot to work that green thumb.

Fast-forward a few years, with a business marketing degree from Southern University (Baton Rouge) and master’s degree from Jackson State University in hand, Adams came to Houston where she earned her Ph.D. in urban planning and environmental policy from Texas Southern University. And lo and behold, she not only helped found the Blodgett Urban Garden in 2012, she’s also its executive director.

The Defender spoke with Adams to find out how she leads the Third Ward garden while also specializing in strategic planning for the company she owns, Quinn Development.

DEFENDER: How did you get involved with the garden?

ADAMS: The community garden started

as a research project. I was obtaining my Ph.D. at the time in the Urban Planning and Blodgett Urban Garden volunteers. Courtesy Blodgett Urban Garden.

Environmental Policy department, and we had a special topics class under Dr. Cherise CHECK OUT THE FULL INTERVIEW AT DEFENDERNETWORK.COM Smith. Initially, food insecurity wasn’t the topic, but there was an [unhoused] individual who came into our class and asked for food. We had junk food, candy, chips, the community garden, I wouldn’t have been those skillsets to organizations that are in you will start to feel the impact that you are things that were so unhealthy. We gave him able to feed my family.” And then students need. And if you can start from there, then able to make. It gives you a sense of pride what we had. I ran out into the hallway and coming out and saying how they have been you’ll start to see a significant impact, and and a sense of community. stopped him and said, “Hey, I’m going able to network with individuals on the to give you some money because corporate side, and saying, “It was we really didn’t have any food. through the garden that I got my And he would not take the internship” or “I got a job offer.” money, which really surprised me. He said, there’s nowhere DEFENDER: So, what are to go… But all of us students you doing when you’re not came back together to the table executive directing? and were like, “Wait a minute. If ADAMS: So, I specialize in an individual who is homeless strategic planning. I actually have Dr. Kimberly cannot access food at all, even if my own company called Quinn Adams they have funding, then there’s a Development. I assist jurisdictions Deloyd Parker, Dr. Munish Chawla, Dr. Kimberly Adams, Terry Garner, Dola bigger issue than we ever thought about. So, and other private companies in developing Young, Dr. Bandana Chawla and Sherra Aguirre. Photo by Aswad Walker. we immediately changed our research topic strategic plans, community development to food insecurity… We realized Third Ward plans, disaster recovery and budgeting and had been a food desert for decades. We also stuff like that. So, when I say well-versed in found there’s access to land and an oppor- community, I’m two feet in, in helping the tunity to create a greater use of the property community on either side. in Third Ward… I tell people it’s a research Certificate of Assumed Name: Minnesota Statutes,Chapter333; project gone wild.

DEFENDER: What advice do you have ASSUMED NAME:ALFRED MORELOS GARZA JR;

CLASSIFIED

DEFENDER: What’s your favorite part of this whole garden experience?

ADAMS: Hearing the stories from the

community… People who have come out and said, “During the pandemic, I lost my job. I didn’t have income, and if it wasn’t for

for those who are seeking to make an impact on their community?

ADAMS: Start with the resources that

you have available. Start with identifying and knowing who you are. Is it the time that you have, is it information that you have, is it access to funding that you have? Provide

registered at the Office of Minnesota Secretary of State; Work Item1446083800026; Original File Number1381539700020; FILED 01/06/2024 11:59 PM; Nameholder:Garza,Alfred Morelos; Active/In Good Standing.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of ALVINNEKKA FREEMONT last known address 12345 BOB WHITE DRIVE, APT 803, HOUSTON, TX 77035, please contact Attorney Kourtnee Jones at 318-801-2572.

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DN Sports

How far can C.J. Stroud take the Texans?

By Terrance Harris

It’s been clear for a while that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud isn’t your ordinary rookie.

This young man is special.

Now that he and the Texans have kicked in the AFC playoff door to make it to the divisional round, many are wondering just how good can Stroud be? If the Texans and their coaching staff have a say, that question isn’t close to being answered as the way-ahead-ofschedule Texans get set to take on the NO.1 seed Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs.

“C.J. is the reason why we’re in this position,” Texans first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans said proudly. Our whole team is leaning on him, and he has the shoulders to carry that weight, and he shows up week after week.”

That was certainly evident during the Texans’ 45-14 dismantling of the Cleveland Browns during their wild-card playoff game recently at NRG Stadium. Just two weeks earlier, that same Browns team roughed up the Texans to the tune of 36-22 on Christmas Eve.

rematch in the wild-card round, the Texans were not just a different team but a far more dominant one.

Stroud was out with a concussion during the first meeting against the Browns. But he was back and playing at another level when it counted most.

“He continues to improve week after week,” said Ryans, whose team won the AFC South with Stroud leading the way. “No moment is too big for him. When you have a young player who can shoulder the load of your team and the way the team is behind him, the confidence that he gives our entire team, it’s so cool to watch because he’s such a special player. I know he has a special season, and we’re looking forward to keep moving on.”

He was nothing short of impressive in his first playoff appearance, knowing exactly where to go with the ball as he kept his eyes down field and then using his legs to buy more time when it was necessary. The 22-year-old Stroud had passed for 274 yards and three touchdowns by the time day was

What was the biggest difference?

During Week 16, Stroud was not on the field. But with him in the game during the

This time of year can be tough on anyone’s mental health and wellbeing—making healthy outlets more important than ever.

Whether to a friend or a fresh page in your journal, express your feelings and begin your path toward healing.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud celebrates after their win against the Cleveland Browns. (AP Photo/ David J. Phillip)

over, becoming the youngest rookie quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game.

“I mean, more elusive,” Browns defensive end Myles Garrett said of the difference Stroud made in the Texans offense. “He was also -- just like I said, very composed, getting the ball out on time, just sliding into different parts of the pocket, moving away from

READ WHY STROUD HAS BELIEVED IN THE TEXANS FROM THE BEGINNING.

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Let it out.

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pressure, and just extending plays a little bit longer. He did a good job being where he needed to be and making the plays that he needed to.”

And the belief is Stroud has even more impressive performances in front of him as the Texans continue their improbable postseason run. Stroud, who was taken No.2 overall out of Ohio State in last spring’s NFL Draft, has been consistent in his poise and leadership in a season that was supposed to be just another step in rebuilding the Texans.

What’s perhaps been more impressive than his throws and decision-making on the field have been his maturity and humility in always giving credit for his success to a higher power.

“It’s a blessing,” Stroud said. “Like I always do and more than ever, just thank God, thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s been a blessing. It’s been a heck of a year.

“I thank God I can just go another week with my teammates. This a dream come true, as how close we are as a team. We’re really, really close. Offense, defense, special teams, we all blend well together. Just to have another week to go out with my brothers is a blessing. I’m super excited for this team and the city of Houston, and I’m blessed to be in the position I am.”

10 | January 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Prairie View power forward Brian Myles turned in a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds during the 71-60 win over Mississippi Valley State.

Texans cornerback Steven Nelson recorded five tackles, three passes defensed, and returned an interception 82 yards for a touchdown in the playoff win over Cleveland.

TSU hires former Oiler

CRIS DISHMAN As new football coach

By Terrance Harris

In a bit of an unexpected twist, the Texas Southern Board of Regents met on a new football coach and came away with the decision to hire former Houston Oilers Pro Bowl cornerback Cris Dishman to lead the Tigers’ program.

It took a month and some odd hesitations for the TSU Board of Regents before approving the hire of Dishman during a virtual meeting. He is now the second Oilers secondary member to become a head coach in the SWAC, joining Prairie View’s Bubba McDowell.

“I want everyone in Tigerland to know that we’re going to put together a good team, a good staff, and everyone has to do their job and be all in for TSU football,” Dishman said in a released statement.

The two-time Pro Bowler comes to TSU following a 13-year NFL career and 19 years of coaching experience at the college and professional levels. Dishman, a fifth-round pick of the Oilers out of Purdue in 1988, spent eight years in Houston, before playing for Washington, Kansas City and Minnesota to conclude his playing career.

“Cris Dishman is an experienced football coach whose accomplishments as a player and coach make him an excellent choice to lead our football program into the future,” said TSU athletic director Kevin Granger. “Even more important, he is a man of character who, in his own words, ‘seeks to make his players into better brothers, fathers, and husbands.’

I appreciate the Board of Regents’ bold, strategic approach to finding new opportunities to elevate Texas Southern University. I look forward to working with Coach Dishman to bring new levels of success to TSU Football.”

The hiring of Dishman ends weeks

of uncertainty about the program and in-fighting among the Board Regents, with members divided between former Alcorn State coach Fred McNair and former Texans Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson.

The math seemed to get a little simpler when Johnson withdrew his name from consideration, but instead of going with Granger’s original choice to replace Clarence McKinney, the Board of Regents approved the hiring of Dishman.

Dishman comes with an extensive coaching history. He spent the last two years as the XFL’s Las Vegas Vipers defensive coordinator. But he has also spent four seasons at the San Diego Chargers defensive backs coach and coached in the Baylor Bears secondary from 2015-16.

“The Board of Regents is thrilled to welcome Head Football Coach Cris Dishman to Texas Southern University,” said TSU Board of Regents Chairman Brandon L. Simmons. “Coach Dishman is an experienced coach, professional football player, and businessman. We are excited to see his leadership lead to wins and his mentorship contribute to student success. We appreciate Dr. Granger and Interim President Dr. Mary Evans Sias’ leadership of this deliberate process. This hire will be the first of many across our campus in 2024 that continue to improve the university’s ability to deliver education and economic opportunity for TSU students.”

Last month it appeared that McNair was Granger’s choice to be the head coach, but the Board of Regents could not come to a decision with at least two members fighting for Johnson, who has no coaching experience, to get the job.

The Board of Regents met once more prior to the holiday break but still could not make a decision other than the new coach will receive a five-year deal at $313,000 per year.

In the meantime, McNair was left in limbo after declining to come to terms with Alcorn State on a new contract.

Clearly McNair had assumed he and Granger had a deal.

Sports Briefs Ex-TSU QB Andrew Body transfers to Alabama State

Texas Southern quarterback Andrew Body has announced on social media that he is transferring to SWAC East opponent Alabama State to continue his collegiate career. Body entered into the transfer portal after Clarence McKinney’s contract wasn’t Andrew Body renewed and committed to Alabama State on the same day Cris Dishman was named as the Tigers’ new head football coach. Body, a three-year starter for the Tigers, played all but one game for TSU last season after re-injuring his shoulder.

The San Antonio native has two years of playing eligibility remaining.

Ime Udoka said Celtics players lied about knowledge of ouster

When Rockets first-year coach Ime Udoka visited Boston for the first time, his messy departure after just one season with the Celtics was bound to come up. While few details have ever been confirmed other than he had an inappropriate relationship Ime with a staffer, all Celtics Udoka players at the time denied knowing anything about why Udoka was suddenly suspended prior to the 2022-23 season. Udoka told the media the players lied. “I would say they lied to you guys. They knew, or some of them knew. Obviously, if I had talked to them, they wouldn’t share stuff publicly. So, who needed to know knew,” Udoka said to The Athletic.

TSU hires new women’s soccer coach

Texas Southern University named Kendall Ayers as the school’s fifth women’s soccer head coach in program history. She replaces Lindsay Vera.

Ayers comes to TSU after Kendall spending the last two Ayers seasons at Louisiana Christian University, where she compiled an 18-10-4 record. The alltime winningest head coach in school history, Ayers guided the Wildcats to postseason play in both seasons as it marked two of three postseason tournament appearances for the program in over two decades.

January 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports KASHMERE HIGH SCHOOL

KEVIN MITCHELL Moves from childhood defeats to varsity

By Jimmie Aggison

ABOUT KEVIN MITCHELL JR. Class: 2024 IG: @baybay_pt2 Twitter: @KevinMitchelljr Position: Forward Height & weight: 6-feet-5, 165 pounds Players he studies: Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) Status: Uncommitted Favorite artists: Rod Wave, NBA YoungBoy Favorite subject: Algebra Shout-outs: God, Coach, teammates, mom

The Kashmere Rams have been absent from the UIL basketball playoffs since the 2015-16 season. Last year, they secured only two victories, landing them in eighth place in 4A Region III District 21. With the guidance of senior leader Kevin Mitchell, the Rams aim to turn things around this season.

“For us to turn things around, we need to play as one team, stay positive, and lock in,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell studied the game of Kevin Durant, a former University of Texas standout and NBA champion with great form and shooting ability from the elbow.

“I model my game after Kevin Durant because I love the Texas Longhorns and he is a great player,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell embarked on his basketball journey following a series of defeats against his childhood friend, Anyia Lazard. Their paths crossed in the third grade at Cook Elementary School, where Lazard, towering over the young Mitchell, possessed greater size and skill on the court.

“She used to always whoop me in basketball. I told her one day I was going beat her, and once I got taller than her, she could never beat me again,” said Mitchell.

After defeating his childhood opponent and building his confidence, Mitchell entered the sixth grade where he joined his first organized basketball team.

“Playing organized basketball was different than just playing in the neighborhood because you couldn’t just foul everybody. The refs called the fouls, so that was one thing I had to work on and that was a big challenge for me,” said Mitchell.

After becoming more disciplined around the ball and becoming more familiar with the game, Mitchell joined the Houston Hot Shots to play summer basketball and develop his skills.

“Playing with them was a good experience. We went to tournaments in Dallas.

It allowed me to meet new players and see different playing styles,” said Mitchell.

During his freshman year, Mitchell

was a student at Kashmere High School.

Although he had the chance to join the varsity team, this opportunity was abruptly curtailed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also prematurely concluded the basketball season.

Consequently, Mitchell had to wait until his sophomore year to finally make his debut on the varsity stage.

“At first I felt like I was too young to be on varsity. I wanted to play with my friends on JV, but my coach told me I was too big and too talented to not move up,” said Mitchell. “However, by my junior season, I felt more comfortable with both my teammates, my game, and the coaching staff.”

In his junior season, Mitchell exhibited significant progress in his game, a crucial factor for Kashmere’s program turnaround. Unfortunately, during the summer preceding his senior season, Mitchell faced a setback as he suffered an ankle injury, forcing him to be sidelined.

“We played a game at Davis High School and I rolled my ankle going up for a block. After the game, I was in tears because I didn’t think I would play basketball again, but I’m here right now. God blessed me with another day and now I’m here walking stronger,” said Mitchell.

For athletes who may struggle with motivation or confidence, Mitchell advises them to seek motivation from family or supportive friends who uplift and encourage them.

“Find something that motivates you.

If you don’t have that support at home, it’s okay to have a friend that will motivate you, because I have a lot of childhood friends that motivate me every day. They’ve been lifting me ever since the beginning,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell is not only working on his shot to improve his game, but he is also working to improve his attitude while playing the game he is so passionate about.

“Sportsmanship and shooting, if I work on that, it’s going to be great because I’ve been having ups and downs. Everybody gets frustrated, I just can’t let that get the best of me,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell isn’t committed to a college program but hopes to find a home where he can continue developing his skills on the court while also working to become an electrician.

12 | January 18, 2024 |

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