Houston Defender: February 10, 2022.

Black male suicides rising faster than any other racial group.

NO WAY

OUT? NEWS

SPORTS

LOVIE SMITH

CHRIS HOLLINS

Former Harris Co. Clerk announces run for Houston mayor.

Volume 91, issue 14 February 10, 2022

facebook.com/defendernetwork twitter.com/defendernetwork

The Texans have officially given the new top job to the former defensive coach.

instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

FREE

2 | February 10, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN To The POINT Defender

INSTAGRAM! Join Us...

India.Arie attends Black Girls Rock 2019 Hosted By Niecy Nash at NJPAC on August 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Message from the Reporter greatest soccer players who play in the English PreWhat’s Black History Month without a little conmier League, the most-watched league in the world troversy, right? Recently, comedian, UFC commenand they are Blickity-BLACKKKKK!!! Many of the tator and Spotify podcaster Joe Rogan came under players who migrated to Europe see this as a way fire for his repeated use of the n-word and reportto pay homage to the country their ancestors came edly comparing a Black neighborhood to a “Planet from. It’s the only time (in my opinion) outside the of the Apes” movie. News spread after Grammy Olympics where Black nations come together for Award-winning singer India Arie posted a video of the love of this sport. So, shout out to my Senegalese Laura Onyeneho more than 20 clips showing Rogan using the racial people, the originators of the legendary Jollof rice. slur on his podcast called “The Joe Rogan Experience”. Rogan eventually apologized saying it was the “most Comedian addressing her “Blaccent” controversy regretful and shameful thing” he’s had to address and those were sparks Black-lash said more than a decade ago. One thing about the internet -- it Remember when I said Black History Month couldn’t be a will never forget, even if you have moved on. month without some type of drama? Well, here we go again.

Now, there is a growing list of those who’ve removed their This time we are focused on “linguistic acculturation.” Comecontent from Spotify. In addition, Spotify deleted more than dian and actress Awkwafina (Nora Lum) is also on the chop100 episodes of Rogan’s podcast; the reason is unknown even ping block after years of pushback about her appropriation of though many speculate it was due to the controversy. Rogan African American Vernacular English (ebonics) and using a said in a video apology that there wasn’t anything he could do to “blaccent” to top it off. The Queens-born Asian American star take it back, it was taken out of context and the incident could recently issued a lengthy statement on Twitter without an actual be a teachable moment. Everyone is entitled to free speech, but apology. She said, “As a non-black POC, I stand by the fact that be prepared when your speech starts to impact your pockets. If I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history Rogan can boldly say this on a public platform, can you imagine and context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backward what he has said off air? toward the progress of any and every marginalized group.”

After the statement she announced she was leaving Twitter.

Senegal wins first African Cup of Nations Just like that. I think we’ve learned over time that non-Black championship people love being Black until it’s time to be Black. Awkwafina Soccer might not be the most popular sport in the U.S., but benefited from the exact community she has mocked over the best believe Africans in the diaspora were glued to their televi- years. To be honest, I wouldn’t have known who she was if not sion sets as they proudly watched their countries battle it out for her role in the movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” mimicking the during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) this year. The same accent that has put her under fire today. This won’t be the hype around this is equivalent to America and its obsession first or last time we will hear something like this. It’s just sad with the Super Bowl. It’s a biennial international men’s soccer that it is still a topic of discussion. tournament that was hosted in Cameroon, West Africa. The defending champion lost its bid to repeat, and in the end Senegal ON THE WEB beat Egypt 4-2 on penalty kicks.

• Though the Texans aren’t in the Super Bowl, several This is the first time Senegal has won. You might be saying, Houstonians are. We’ve got the list.

“And so what?” I’m here to tell you that the AFCON is the • A look at the alarming rise in suicides among Black men. third largest continental championship in the world behind • Read how a Texas millennial paid-off six figures in student Europe and South America and includes some of the world’s debt in five years.

@defendernetwork

Joe Rogan on the chopping block

February 10, 2022 |

| 3

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News EXCLUSIVE

Chris Hollins

Former county clerk runs for mayor

By Aswad Walker

Chris Hollins, the former Harris County Clerk who was lauded nationally for facilitating record-breaking turnout in the November, 2020 election, has announced he’s running to become Houston’s next mayor.

The Defender got an exclusive interview with Hollins to find out why he is seeking the mayorship, the challenges he believes face Houston and his plan for meeting those challenges and taking Houston boldly into the future.

DEFENDER: After your stint as Har-

ris County Clerk, many people wondered about your next political move. Of all the options, why mayor?

CHRIS HOLLINS: I’m running for mayor because I love the city of Houston, plain and simple. This is the city that raised me. It’s the city that I live and breathe. And most importantly, it’s the city that my wife Morgan and I chose to raise our young family in. But Houston is

at a defining moment right now. The pandemic transformed our lives overnight and we, as the city, have to deal with that change.

We can’t go back. The city that I love, the city of Houston that I know, always moves forward.

DEFENDER: What will be the main

tasks for Houston’s next mayor?

HOLLINS: Our next mayor is going to have a tall task ahead. We are going to have to keep Houston safe, whether that’s from crime or from the natural disasters that are becoming more and more frequent.

We’re going to have to make sure that this continues to be a city of opportunity. One that has good jobs, quality education for our kids, and one where it’s easy to start a business and add to our economy. But we’re also going to have to ensure that both now and in the future, Houston is the best city in America to live, to work and to raise a family. And I know that’s a big job, but I know that we can achieve great things if we work together, if we have new ideas, if we have new energy and if we have proven leadership. So, I’m excited to be in this race.

DEFENDER: What does it mean to be

Houston’s next mayor and why are you the right person for the job?

HOLLINS: Most importantly, it means

being able to deliver results for the people of Houston. And as County Clerk, I had the privilege of being able to do just that in the most important election of our lives.

In the middle of a pandemic, we set the tone and we showed the country what local government is capable of achieving if we combine inspired leadership, if we combine new ideas with a real sense of purpose. We were able to successfully improve access and expand access. We were able to provide better services. And we were able to improve outcomes across the Houston area. Now today, as a member of the METRO board, I helped to guide a $1.3 billion budget, in addition to a $7 billion expansion plan. And I’m leading METRO’s transition of its entire fleet to renewable fuel sources by the year 2030, all while focusing on customer service and improving the experience of millions of riders each year.

I’ve been a problem-solver my entire career, whether that was pioneering strategies for government agencies or advising large companies on how to deliver better results for the people that they serve.

Read the full interview at DefenderNetwork.com

Dutton unfazed by attempts by progressive group to oust him Defender News Service

A new coalition that wants to install “better” Democrats in the Texas Legislature is endorsing primary opponents to two House members who were central in intraparty disputes last year, including Rep. Harold Dutton of Houston.

The Texans for Better Democrats Coalition, three progressive groups tied to organized labor, is throwing its weight behind Candis Houston, who is running against Dutton of Houston, and Rep. Claudia Ordaz Perez, who is competing against Rep. Art Fierro after she was drawn out of her El Paso district during redistricting.

“Texans need elected leaders who will stand with them, not ones who back down at the first sign of a fight,” Derrick Osobase, administrator director for CWA District 6, said in a statement.

Dutton is well known as an occasional outlier in his party. He irked fellow

Democrats last year when, as head of the House Public Education Committee, he helped revive legislation placing restrictions on transgender student athletes. He has long broken from some fellow Democrats when it comes to education — supporting more charter schools, for example.

Houston is the president of the Aldine chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. She has been endorsed by the statewide AFT, as well as the Texas AFL-CIO and Annie’s List, which works to elect Democratic women who support abortion rights to state office.

Dutton shrugged off the coalition’s endorsement.

“This organization is free to do as they wish and I expect to work with them again in the future,” he said in a statement, “but otherwise I will remain focused on getting things done to improve our neighborhood public schools, create more local jobs, expand access to healthcare, and ensure justice and voting rights for all.”

Rep. Harold Dutton, a Houston Democrat, has come under criticism for allowing controversial bills pushed by Republicans pass through his committee. Jordan Vonderhaar/Texas Tribune

4 | February 10, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Blacks seek to shape 2022 Texas Democratic platform

By Aswad Walker

Texas Dems’ to distribute 500K voter registration cards

By Aswad Walker

The Texas Democratic Party (TDP) is going all out to stop what they call an ongoing attempt to suppress Black and Latinx votes by the GOP. TDP has launched the “Let the People Register” program, an initiative that seeks to print half a million voter registration cards and distribute them to communities across the state.

“I think people are aware how important it is to get engaged and registered to vote, but we want to also make sure that they have access to the tools they need to make that happen,” said TDP Senior Communications Director Angelica Luna Kaufman.

“There has been a movement driven by the Republican Party, especially the extremism side of the Republican Party, which is all part of the ‘Big Lie’ that has been spread since the 2020 election, by Trump. As a result, last summer Texas passed one of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, aimed at silencing the voices of communities of color and making it harder for people to get out and vote,” Kaufman added.

“Texas is ground zero for voter suppression – and this year, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa. “The most powerful way to fight voter suppression is to give every eligible citizen the opportunity to use their voice at the ballot box.

The announcement by Texas’ secretary of state that there

was a voter registration application shortage merely reinvigorated the TDP and others, according to Kaufman.

“We’re going to print and release the first 150,000 registration cards the week after the primaries during a day of action. Unfortunately, we are living at a time when our state is a Republican-dominated state. We saw just from the rally Trump had here recently how the extremism has taken over our state. So, we are doing our part to make sure people are able to vote and they continue to have the kind of representation they need so we can protect our state. We’re fighting for the soul of our state here in Texas.”

Carroll Robinson, a professor in TSU’s Barbara Jordan/ Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, said there are a number of multiracial organizations lending their energy and resources to the “Let the People Register” program including the Texas Organizing Project, Black Voters Matter, The Collective and the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, which Robinson chairs.

“Since 2020 to earlier this year, about a million and a half new voters have been registered across the state. And because of that increased voter registration in 2020, 1.3 million Black voters voted in the state of Texas in that general election. That’s more Black Democratic votes in Texas than had occurred in 2008 when then Senator Obama ran for president of the United States for the first time,” added Robinson.

A political party’s platform serves as a statement of values and list of priorities for which they pledge to fight on behalf of their constituents. With the critically important 2022 mid-term elections fast approaching, a group of Texas Black Democrats are getting ahead of the game in their attempt to shape their party’s 2022 platform, which will be voted on during the party’s July 14-16 convention in Dallas.

The Texas Coalition of Black Democrats (TCBD) recently released its “Declaration of Values,” a 17-point priorities list to guide the state’s minority party in its quest to turn Texas blue, or at the very least, blueish-purple.

Carroll Carroll Robinson, chair of the Robinson Texas Organizing Project, says there are three top priorities in the Declaration.

“First, fully funding EDUCATION, meaning you are going to provide sufficient funds that we keep young people in school from pre-K all the way till they graduate from high school on time. And that we equip them with the academic content, the knowledge and critical thinking skills so that when they graduate from high school, they can go on to college and successfully complete an associate or four-year degree at the college level.

ECONOMICS, because if you get a good education and you have a good job, access to capital, you can build a business and it lifts you out of poverty. The third point is CRIMINAL JUSTICE. We’ve got to look at bringing much more fairness across the entire criminal justice system, from your interaction with the police, to the prosecutor’s office, to the diversity of judges on the bench and the laws that are applied, to incidents that are enforced,” Robinson said.

Exclusive interview with Robinson about the Democrats’ Platform

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 14 - FEBRUARY 10, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Administrative Asst.

Stacey Palmer

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

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

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

February 10, 2022 |

| 5

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment Houston photographer chronicles Black history through display

By Laura Onyeneho

Frame of Reference creator April Frazier

Houston-based documentary and lifestyle photographer April Frazier presents her latest project, Frame of Reference Installation, at the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) through March 5.

Frame of Reference takes viewers on a photographic journey of Frazier’s memories and experiences from her family history. The installation honors the foundation and growth of Black families’ accomplishments and survival. She includes 16 portraits from Black Chronicles on loan from Autograph, a London-based photographic art institution to correspond with images from her installation showing the universal power, beauty and dignity of Black people worldwide.

“I came from a very large family. My dad had 10 siblings, and my mom had three. During family gatherings I enjoyed learning about my relatives’ upbringing.

They always had photographs and I would take notes,” said Frazier. “I didn’t start researching until I was about 23. I began looking into documents and census records and recording the factual evidence of our existence and involuntary migration from Africa to the U.S.” Frazier said it took nearly 10 years to create Frame of Reference. The photographs date as far back as 1890 to present day. The photographs contribute to an “ongoing process of redressing structural absence within the historical record,” according to HMAAC. “This is a pictorial display of my roots.

Whether it’s the knowledge of assets, the land we had in the family, what generation was the first to attend college,” Frazier said. “The depiction of African Americans in the books I’ve read were negative, stating the worthlessness of Black people after enslavement and that their votes could be bought with a pint of beer. Frame of Reference refutes that. I know a different sto-

Honoring leaders giving back to their communities During Black History Month, AARP recognizes leaders taking action to give back and help build up their communities.

Raymond Jetson, President and CEO of MetroMorphosis, partners with change-lead organizations to give Baton Rouge communities access to resources that help them thrive.

AARP believes the efforts of one person can truly make an impact. But when our efforts drive change for the greater good, we thrive together.

ry and I have evidence that I want to share with the world.”

HMAAC CEO John Guess Jr. said, “We see Frazier’s installation as helping HMAAC to drive home to local individuals and institutions, particularly in neighborhoods of color, the need to see our communities as places worthy of having family histories, and by extension, the need to document neighborhood communities. This is of great interest to HMAAC.” Frame of Reference will be on display throughout Black History Month and Frazier said the goal for the installation is to “encourage people to take pride and invest time into learning about their own history and identity.” For more information visit hmaac.org.

Laura Onyeneho covers the city’s education system as it relates to Black children for the Defender Network as a Report For America Corps member. Email her at laura@defendernetwork.com

Raymond Jetson,

President & CEO MetroMorphosis Baton Rouge, LA

To learn more about this community leader and their journey, visit aarp.org/blackcommunity

6 | February 10, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 7

DN InFocus

NO WAY

OUT?

BLACK MALE SUICIDES RISING FASTER THAN ANY OTHER RACIAL GROUP.

By ReShonda Tate

Researchers are sounding the alarm about the number of young Black men who are dying by suicide.

From the 26-year-old son of award-winning actress and director Regina King to the former mayor of Newark, NJ, some in the African American community are speaking out to raise more awareness about suicide and mental health, especially when it comes to Black men.

“Unfortunately, Black men often suffer in silence,” said therapist Nettie Jones, MS, LPC. “They don’t seek the help that sometimes women will reach out to get. We’ll call our girlfriends, let them know that things are not okay. But unfortunately Black men tend not to do that. They hold things in, they self-medicate, they are workaholics. The kind of stuff that’s not very healthy.”

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Health and Wellness,” set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

The theme not only commemorates African Americans who made contributions to medicine but also highlights ongoing issues within the Black community, including mental health.

Jones said now, more than ever is the

opportunity to have discussions around Black what led him to do something so drastic. He men and suicide. had a new job. He had a girlfriend. As far as “I am hopeful that this will raise aware- we could tell, everything was fine.” ness for African American Had it not been for a men that they too suffer note he left, she would’ve from depression or times believed it was foul play.

SUICIDE BY where they really feel low.

“He just asked us not THE NUMBERS Hopefully this will start a to hate him and that he TH dialogue, a kitchen converwas just tired of the daysation that we feel comfortto-day struggle. I must’ve leading cause able talking about in our screamed at that note for of death in the U.S. communities,” Jones added. days, ‘what struggle???’ We later learned he had been Every HITTING HOME having bouts of depresWhile rates of suicide sion, but never told anysomeone dies and anxiety have risen one except his best friend,” sharply during the panJackson said.

Increased demic, a recent study from Jones says it’s not the journal JAMA finds uncommon for loved ones that suicide attempts have to miss the signs. from 1999 to 2018 been rising at an alarming “People know how to rate long before COVID-19. mask. Everybody knows how to put that mask The study found that Black males had the on. When you walk out, you put it on. When highest increase in suicide attempts com- you come home, for some men, you put it on. pared to any other race in the group, for And everything is fine until it’s not,” Jones said. example, increasing nearly 80%.

When Cheryl Jackson read the news of Ian SUFFERING IN SILENCE Alexander Jr.’s death, her heart sank. Not just The study authors said young Black men because she was a big fan of Regina King, but face financial hardship, among other stressors, because she was a mother. and may have untreated mental health needs.

“My son was 25 when he took his life. His “It’s an awful perfect storm of a number father and I had no idea he was struggling of factors,” Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, Ph.D. mentally. And to this day, we have no idea and founder of the AAKOMA project, said

10

11 minutes 35%

about the reasons behind the upward trend.

Breland-Noble pointed to the fact that young Black men are discriminated against in school and can often be perceived as older than they are.

There is also a lack of Black therapists to speak to young Black men about the hardships they face. No matter how well-meaning a non-Black psychologist is, Breland-Noble said, they can’t relate to the lived experiences of a young Black man.

“They don’t understand the concepts that your family has to deal with, the day-today stressors. They don’t understand racial trauma, they don’t understand racism-induced stress,” Breland-Noble said.

SILENCING THE STIGMA

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who suffer from mental health challenges are prevalent within the U.S. and can be particularly strong within the Black community.

“Other barriers to seeking help have been mistrust of the medical system and gatekeeping by the Black church,” said therapist Logan Wilson, who counsels young Black males.

“Many still believe that there’s no need to go and sit on a stranger’s couch when they can find what they need in the safety and comfort of a pew, or in prayer with the pastor. They grew up being told ‘Hand it over to Jesus. Well, Jesus created therapists for a reason.”

Jones said it’s imperative that we give Black men the forum to talk.

“The more we talk about it, the more we normalize the conversation,” she said.

Dispelling myths is also key.

“Asking someone if they are suicidal will not increase the risk that they will die by suicide,” said Wilson. Inquiring about potential self-harm in a compassionate way may instead provide an opportunity for the person to express their feelings and reach out for help.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

Though Jones said it’s not always easy to see the signs, there are some things to look for.

“Notice habits that change. Noticing hygiene, mood shifts, increased irritability or agitation or decrease in activity. Not wanting to go or do anything, sleeping more, just having a low mood. Sometimes you have to ask the hard questions and just not saying things like, are you okay?”

Experts say you should also point out celebrities, like Wayne Brady and Charlamagne tha God, who openly talk about their mental health problems, inspiring young Black men to open up.

“They’re able to see people who look like them who have said ‘Yeah, this is something I struggle with too.’ That in a tiny way decreases the stigma in terms of the conversation,” Breland-Noble said.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Suicide often leaves loved ones with burning questions. We asked experts to address some.

“Why did they do it?”

This is perhaps the most frustrating, confusing and heartbreaking inquiry of all. “We can never fully understand the intense sense of despair, emotional pain, aloneness or desperation that leads a person to die by suicide,” describes Pierre Arty, MD, Chief Psychiatric Officer at Housing Works. Not all people have a longstanding history of depression prior to the fatal act.

Jones adds that at times, suicide is planned, but at other times “it is an instant decision that could not have been clearly predicted by either loved ones or clinicians.”

RESOURCES National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273- TALK (8255) Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective www.beam.community Black Men Heal Blackmenheal.org Therapy for Black Girls therapyforblackgirls.com NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness nami.org

“Why didn’t I see the signs?”

Loved ones immediately second-guess their actions, or lack thereof.

Family, friends, coworkers and clinicians are often saddled with guilt, remorse and/or shame for not preventing the individual’s death. “We’re always trying to figure out how, what we could have done to prevent it,” Jones said. “When people are intentional about harming or killing themselves, you know, especially men, they’re very lethal and they will follow through. If I’m intentional about harming myself, I don’t want you to know that, because I don’t want you to interrupt that process. And even if you interrupt, if that person does not stay on top of things, they will find themselves back into that space. When I talk to client who have had suicidal thoughts or ideations, it’s usually not the first time.

“She/he had it all. Why would they kill themselves?”

When Miss USA Chelsie Kryst died, social media became ripe with comments like, ‘But she was so beautiful,’ ‘She had it all.’ The reality we often forget, however, is that celebrities are human beings, just like us. “Everybody has a story. Unfortunately we think money solves it all. Having fame, success should make a person happy.

But it’s the relationship we have with ourselves,” said Jones. “People who don’t suffer with depression, they don’t understand the internal turmoil that some people are in. So it’s not relatable when you feel there are no other options, when you want the pain to go away, when you want it to stop and you’ve talked and you’ve done all of these things and it continues to be there. So your thoughts are, I just want to end the pain. And so for someone who’s not been in that space, it is difficult to conceptualize or understand that.”

Dr. Rheeda Walker discusses the huge increase in Black suicides and steps we can take to change this trend.

8 | February 10, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

FEBRUARY

Spotlight on Black history, cancer prevention

By Laura Onyeneho

February is both Black History Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, which makes it a perfect time for providing insight into the high incidence of cancer among African Americans.

This month -- and every month -should raise awareness of the types of cancer that impact Black people the most as well as preventive measures and proper treatment.

For example, Black and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at the same rate, but Black women are 40% more likely to die from the disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As for Black men, they are two and a half times more likely to die of prostate cancer and two and a half times likely to die from stomach cancer as white men, according to the U.S. Office of Minority Health. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Black people.

The U.S has made strides against cancer in the last 20 years but Black America continues to be left behind.

Dr. Veronica B. Ajewole, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Southern University,

spoke with the Defender about recommendations for cancer prevention.

ally to where by the time the cancer is diagnosed, most patients are at an aggressive state or later stage of treatment.

Defender: Why is cancer Genetic disposition for exstill a major topic of disample; there is little informaparity among Black peotion that is known regarding ple compared to other the genetic makeup of AfriDr. Veronica B. Ajewole, can Americans or ethnic miraces in the U.S.? associate professor Ajewole: It’s unfortunate nority populations that can in the Department of help influence the developthat cancer still remains Pharmacy Practice a major topic of disparity ment of appropriate clinical at Texas Southern among ethnic minorities...I treatment options to address University think it’s very timely for us any genetic disposition that to shed some light on these can be targeted. trends of incidences [the number of new In cancer care, we are leaning toward cancers of a specific site/type occurring personalized medicine and the only way in a specified population during a year], to know if it will work, you’ll need to trends of mortality and unfavorable out- have enough information at the stage of comes...to see what we can do differently. medication development. And stages of Basically, the incidences and mortality of treatments (such as chemotherapy) are in multiple stages. cancer are multi-factorial.

When scientists go into the lab to devel[There are factors] that put ethnic miop these treatment options, tissues cell lines nority populations at a disadvantage globREAD WHAT MEASURES BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE FOR EARLY DETECTION

from Caucasians are more available compared to tissue cell lines for African American or ethnic minority women. If at the (developmental) stage we don’t have enough representation of tissue cell lines in the lab, then we can’t tell effectively what drug would work for this population.

When the drugs move from lab into clinical trials, the representation of ethnic minorities is way below what you consider acceptable (stats are reported in single digits or not reported at all). If a drug is not tested in a community that truly represents the population impacted by the diseases, then it makes it difficult to justify that the medication could work.

When we look at environmental factors, most ethnic populations tend to live in marginalized communities. We are all familiar with red lining? Those living close to a factory where a patient will be predisposed to exposure to environmental pollutants over time can lead to certain types of cancers.

[Lack of] trust is another issue. Look at the Tuskegee issue and the historical events that widened the gap of mistrust [in the healthcare system] that make it uncomfortable to seek care.

February 10, 2022 |

| 9

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

CLASSIFIED NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

IFB No. 4022000053: Rehabilitation of TWO (2) Curved Lanes at TMC Transit Center. Solicitation will be available on or about 02/08/2022. Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO’s website at https://www.ridemetro.org/procurement/ If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact Jamie Williams at (713) 739-3771.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

IFB No. 4022000045: Martin Luther King (MLK) at Griggs Sculpture Relocation Project. Solicitation will be available on or about Wednesday, February 2, 2022.

RFP No. 4022000044: Healthcare Benefits Broker/Consultant Services. Solicitation will be available on or about 02/04/2022. Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO’s website at https://www.ridemetro.org/procurement/ If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-7066 or email Contracts/Property Services.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Quinta Brunson (Center) plays main character Janine Teagues in ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary. Photo: Quinta Brunson Twitter

Houston educators reflect on hit show ‘Abbott Elementary’

By Laura Onyeneho

Comedian, actress and producer Quinta Brunson is the creative professional behind the ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary,” a sitcom that follows a group of passionate teachers who find themselves working together in a fictional West Philadelphia public school where despite the odds stacked against them, they’re determined to give their students a quality education.

The series gives public school teachers an on-screen spotlight and shows the flaws of the public school system in a comical way.

Teachers are often burnt out and overworked and Brunson provides these educators with that necessary comic relief.

“The show hits close to home. I see a lot of my myself in the younger characters on the show,” said Jamal Robinson, second-grade HISD teacher. “Everyone knows the overall spirit of the teachers are tired. We do a lot with less, but it doesn’t deter us from our passion to educate our kids. This show does a good job understanding the challenges of educators.”

Some educators observed that the lack of Black male educators on the show mirrors much of the challenges of schools that struggle with when it comes to recruiting qualified Black men. One Houston school administrator, who chose not to be mentioned by name, said she found it also disheartening to notice how incompetent “Abbott Elementary’s” principal is.

“As a Black women and new principal, its already hard getting a seat at the table.

Black women have to work twice as hard especially in roles of leadership, so it was interesting to see a Black leader on the show depicted in that manner when in reality it

is not like that.”

In an interview with Deadline, Brunson explained her vision behind the sitcom.

“We don’t want to create an environment where we say these issues are okay and shouldn’t be fixed, that’s not what we’re going to do. What we want to do is say, ‘Look at these people who do the job anyway – how can we support them further?’ How can we take a look at our school system and say it shouldn’t be this way any more,” she continued. “I think that’s what’s really important about this – giving people a behind-the-scenes look of what teachers really do through humor and heart and straight up comedy.”

From the very first episode, Brunson, who is a Philadelphia native, sets the scene in a scenario that is familiar with many challenges of public school -- the lack of funding in lower-income communities. Teachers are often tasked with educating students with tools that are out of date. The new sitcom put a large magnifying glass on a system that consistently fails educators in a mockumentary style reminiscent of “Modern Family”.

“It’s amazing to see an urban elementary school along with many leading characters of color in the national spotlight. It feels good to see certain aspects of my own career in some of the episodes,” said Ebony Cumby, an HISD principal.

“With the nation’s current climate this show came at the right time. You hear so many negative things on the news about the public education system and what ‘Abbott Elementary’ is showing the nation is our willingness to make things happen for our students regardless of the circumstances.

The show has a specific niche and I hope it gets picked up for multiple seasons.”

7KLV IUHH +RXVWRQ +,9 5HVRXUFH 'LUHFWRU\ FDQ EH PDLOHG WR \RX SLFNHG XS DW RXU RIILFH RU \RX FDQ GRZQORDG LW WR XVH RQ \RXU 3& WDEOHW RU SKRQH 7R UHTXHVW RQH E\ PDLO FDOO RU HPDLO \RXU PDLOLQJ DGGUHVV WR IHHGEDFN5:3&#KFW[ QHW 5<$1 :+,7( 3/$11,1* &281&,/ 2)),&( 2) 6833257 : /RRS 6RXWK 6XLWH +RXVWRQ 7; KWWS UZSF+RXVWRQ RUJ

Project LEAP (Learning, Empowerment, Advocacy, Participation) is a free 17 week training course for individuals living with or affected by HIV. The purpose of Project LEAP is to train people to become active participants on local HIV planning bodies.

Topics covered include history of HIV in the Houston area, local HIV trends, services for people living with HIV and much, much more!

Classes are 4 hours on Wednesdays starting at the end of July; Participants can choose the morning class or evening class: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. -or- 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A brief application and personal interview are required Depending on COVID restrictions, Project LEAP may be held virtually If you have questions about the program or would like to receive an application when they are released, please contact Diane Beck at 832 927-7926 or diane.beck@cjo.hctx.net RYAN WHITE PLANNING COUNCIL OFFICE OF SUPPORT

2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 Phone 832 927-7926 Fax 713 572-3724 http://rwpcHouston.org

R YAN W HITE P LANNING C OUNCIL M EETINGS FOR 2022 February 10 May 12 August 11 November 10 March 10 June 9 September 8 December 8 April 14 July 14 October 13 Council meetings are open to the public and although only Council members can vote, Public Comment is welcome at the beginning of every meeting. The Council currently meets virtually via Zoom Teleconference on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 12noon. Call the office for info about meetings or check our online calendar. Meeting materials and the Zoom link (or physical location if applicable) are posted on the calendar about one week prior to each meeting.  Attend a Meeting  Apply for Membership  Be a Participant 

The calendar of all Council and Committee meetings and a wealth of other information is available on our website. Check the calendar regularly for topics of specific interest to you. Request to join our E-List (feedbackRWPC@hctx.net) to receive info about Council and community events. We hope to see you soon!

HOUSTON RYAN WHITE PLANNING COUNCIL

Phone 8 3 2 9 2 7 - 7 9 2 6 http://rwpcHouston.org

Fax 7 1 3 5 7 2 - 3 7 4 0 feedbackRWPC@hctx.net

10 | February 10, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texas Southern senior forward Jada Perry came through with a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds during the Lady Tigers 74-57 win at Florida A&M.

University of Houston senior forward and former Dekaney standout Tatyana Hill recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds and added six blocked shots during a 60-55 win at SMU.

Sports Briefs LOVIE SMITH NAMED TEXANS COACH

After emerging out of nowhere as the top candidate for the Texans head coaching job, veteran NFL head coach Lovie Smith was officially named to the post late Monday night.

Smith, who has also Lovie Smith been the head coach of the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becomes just the second African American coach hired this offseason, bringing the number to the three African American head coaches in the NFL with Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin serving as the longest tenured. Smith replaces David Culley, who was fired by second-year general manager Nick Caserio after just one season. Smith’s hire comes at a time when the NFL is being heavily scrutinized for its lack of diversity in its head coaching ranks.

RISING STARS

Rockets rookies Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun along with second-year Jalen Green player Jae’Sean Tate have been selected to participate in the Rising Stars during NBA AllStar Weekend in Cleveland later this month. Tate and Sengun have been selected to compete for Team Barry, while Green was picked up by Team Worthy.

PVAMU BOWLING WINS FOURTH TITLE

The Prairie View A&M women’s bowling team secured its fourth straight SWAC regular-season title Asia Wren over the weekend. The Lady Panthers went 24-4 in the two SWAC sanctioned tournaments this season, which included winning the final games and going 13-1 this past weekend. PVAMU was led by the play of Crystal Cline and Asia Wren, who finished the weekend first and second, respectively. “I’m so proud of the team and how well they performed this weekend,” said PVAMU bowling coach Glenn White. “They really executed well in all phases of competition mentally and physically showing themselves to be true champions.”

TREY HOPKINS

Team: Bengals Position: Center High School: North Shore Potential Impact: After years of being in and out of the lineup and even temporarily off the team at times after signing as an undrafted player out of UT, Hopkins has become a mainstay as the Bengals starting center. Hopkins is the leader up front who has kept quarterback Joe Burrow upright and opened big holes for the Bengals’ explosive offense this season.

DAMION SQUARE

Team: Bengals Position: Defensive end High School: Yates Potential Impact: Square has made history during the playoffs, becoming the first player in NFL history to play for two different teams in the same postseason. Square played for the Raiders during their wildcard round loss to the Bengals then joined the Bengals last week to play in their divisional round upset of the Kansas City Chiefs. Others have been on two different rosters in the playoffs, but Square is the only one to log playing time.

Team: Bengals Position: Running back High School: CE King Potential Impact: Following a stellar career with the Texas A&M Aggies, Williams has been with the Bengals the past two seasons as a backup. Williams, who is listed behind Joe Mixon and Chris Evans, is averaging 3.4 yards per carry on 15 rushing attempts for 51 yards this season.

BRANDON WILSON

OBO OKORONKWO

Team: Rams Position: Linebacker High School: Alief Taylor Potential Impact: Okoronkwo serves primarily as a reserve at weakside linebacker behind Leonard Floyd, but the fourthyear player out of Oklahoma is productive when he gets his opportunities. He has seven solo tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles on the season.

TRAYVEON WILLIAMS

MICHAEL THOMAS

Team: Bengals Position: Safety High School: Nimitz Potential Impact: After spending the 2020 season in Houston, Thomas moved on to the Bengals this season where the former Pro Bowler has provided experience and depth to the secondary since joining the active roster during the season. Thomas was in on 18 tackles during the regular season.

Team: Bengals Position: Safety School: University of Houston Potential Impact: Wilson has been on injured reserve since suffering a torn ACL during Week 9, so he will not play in the game.

Houstonians playing in Super Bowl LVI

By Terrance Harris

H

ouston may not have a team in Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, but the city will certainly be well represented on the football field.

The Bengals will have four players on the football field with Houston ties, while the Rams will have one Houston product on their sidelines.

Starting Bengals center Trey Hopkins starred at North Shore while defensive

end Damion Square (Yates), safety Michael Thomas (Nimitz) and running back Trayveon Williams (CE King) will all play vital roles as Bengals’ reserves. Former University of Houston standout safety is on Cincinnati’s injured reserve list and will not see the field.

Linebacker Obo Okoronkwo, a former standout at Alief Taylor, is the only Rams player with Houston ties.

But the Houston connections don’t just end on the playing field. Bengals assistant coaches James Casey played for the Texans and Rice and also served as an assistant

coach for the Houston Cougars, while firstyear running backs coach Justin Hill played at Rice and secondary coach Steve Jackson went to Klein Forest and was also a former safety for the Houston Oilers.

On the Rams side, tight ends coach/passing game coordinator Wes Phillips is a native Houstonian and the son of former Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and grandson of legendary Oilers coach Bum Phillips.

Here is a more in-depth look at the players who will take the field in Sunday’s Bengals-Rams matchup.

February 10, 2022 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports WORTHING SF

DIJWUN MORGAN IS THE SPARK

By Jodie B. Jiles

Worthing senior small forward and cornerback/wide receiver Dijwun Morgan can do it all as a spark plug that has helped drive the program for the last three years.

Morgan has demonstrated his offensive attack and constant unconventional hustle. This element of Morgan’s game was seen throughout Worthing’s overtime victory over Kashmere where he scored a put-back basket that forced overtime and then made an impact offensively and defensively in OT. Worthing basketball coach Jason Lewis described Morgan’s character.

“He is a hard worker that is dedicated,” Lewis said. “He hasn’t missed a practice all season. He’s a football player that came straight off the football field to the basketball court. He fights through injuries. He has great grades and character.”

The Defender spoke with Morgan after the Kashmere win to discuss his style of play, among other things.

STYLE OF PLAY “My favorite thing is defense and playmaking. I love to make plays and do what I have to do to help my team get a win and play hard until the end.”

SHOT THAT FORCED OT “My team needed it. I know I came out in the first half kind of lackadaisical but I know my team really wanted to win so we can go to the playoffs.

So, I trusted them with the ball, he shot it, I got the rebound, put it back up and forced overtime.”

ABOUT DIJWUN MORGAN

IG: @m0ney.dj PLAYERS HE STUDIES: Ja Morant and Odell Beckham Jr. FAVORITE MUSICIAN: NBA YoungBoy

LEADERSHIP “I am big on discipline on my team. I get everybody to listen to coach even when we don’t listen very well I tell them what to do, we run our plays right and we execute.”

KEYS TO SUCCESS “Stay focused, work hard and you never know.”

PUSH FOR PLAYOFF SPOT “Discipline. Be coachable and we can go.”

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Pre-cal SHOUT-OUTS: “My coach. He got me here. I train with him and he has just been keeping me focused to stay disciplined and everything pays off.”

TOP 5 HS COMMITS TO WATCH ON COLLEGE LEVEL

By Jodie B. Jiles

After an action-packed National Signing Day, these are the top five commits from H-Town to watch out for on the collegiate level.

CHRIS MARSHALL

WIDE RECEIVER/ SHOOTING GUARD FT. BEND MARSHALL HS TEXAS A&M COMMIT

Since Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson played baseball and football professionally decades ago, the days of the dual-sport athlete have almost become a myth.

But don’t rule out the determination and skill sets of 6-foot-4 wide receiver and shooting guard Chris Marshall. “At Texas A&M

I intend on doing both [sports], playing football at the beginning of my semester and ending it off with playing basketball,” Marshall said. “I am more than ready for that challenge. I have been told so many times you can’t do that but I am ready for the challenge.”

the tunes of Louisiana artist Choppa’s “Choppa Style” banged in the background. Fans can look forward to seeing “Big Perk” make a huge impact on the LSU defense early and often for the next three years in the SEC.

most recent 17-10 state championship win over Duncanville, there was also the big hit Harris, a cornerback, made on Duncanville’s star running back who was having a field day on the night. Harris is a gamer; no doubt about it.

academic and athletic development at Princeton University,” Marshall said on social media. “I would like to thank my parents, teachers, coaches, family and friends, and anyone else who didn’t give me a crazy look when I spoke of my dreams!”

HAROLD PERKINS

DENVER HARRIS

CORNERBACK GALENA PARK NORTH SHORE HS TEXAS A&M COMMIT

MAKENNA MARSHALL

SAMAYRA THOMAS

Harris wasn’t seen as much as expected this season due to a lingering knee injury. However, this does not hide the fact Harris is a shutdown corner that can make hit-stick tackles. While most people remember the game-winning touchdown from North Shore’s

It will be interesting to see what’s in store for two-time all-state shotput and discus recruit Makenna Marshall after she received an opportunity to study and compete at an Ivy League school. “With the utmost gratitude, I am proud to announce that I am committed to continuing my

Samayra Thomas also intends to participate in two sports on the collegiate level. In high school, Thomas made her presence felt on the basketball court leading Kashmere to a district championship as a junior and then qualified for the state tournament in wrestling with a top 10 finish.

EDGE LINEBACKER CYPRESS PARK HS LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY COMMIT

The most highly recruited football player in the city is coming back home after linebacker and running back Harold Perkins committed to his native state selecting Louisiana State University while

TRACK & FIELD LANGHAM CREEK HS PRINCETON COMMIT

FORWARD/WRESTLER KASHMERE HS PAUL QUINN COMMIT

DEFENDER NETWORK

Inaugural Endorsement Announcements 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION

Al Green

Sheila Jackson Lee

Beto O’Rourke

Mike Collier

U.S. Representative, District 9

U.S. Representative, District 18

Govenor

Lieutenant Govenor

Carol Alvarado

Borris L. Miles

John Whitmire

Alma A. Allen

Jarvis D. Johnson

State Senator, District 6

State Senator, District 13

State Senator, District 15

State Representative, District 131

State Representative, District 139

Senfronia Thompson

Harold V. Dutton, Jr.

Shawn Nicole Thierry

Danielle Keys Bess

State Representative, District 142

State Representative, District 146

State Representative, District 147

Kyle Carter

State Representative, District 141

Gemayel L. Haynes

Katherine “Kat” Thomas

Andrea Beall

S. “Dolli” Dollinger

District Judge, 183rd Judicial District

District Judge, 184th Judicial District

District Judge, 185th Judicial District

District Judge, 189th Judicial District

Samuel “Sam” Milledge II

Chris Morton

Hilary Unger

Melissa Marie Morris

District Judge, 228th Judicial District

District Judge, 230th Judicial District

District Judge, 248th Judicial District

District Judge, 263rd Judicial District

District Judge, 482nd Judicial District

Damiane “Dianne” Curvey Clinton “Chip” Wells

Glenda Duru

Leah Shapiro

David M. Patronella

Family District Judge, 280th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 312th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District

Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4

Porsha Brown

David Fleischer

Kelly Andrews

Andrew A. Wright

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7

Erika Ramirez

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 2

HISTORIC BLACK GIRL MAGIC JUDGES Proven Judicial Experience High Judicial Standards Excellent Judicial Temperament

Shannon B. Baldwin HC Criminal Court at Law No. 4

Ronnisha K. Bowman HC Criminal Court at Law No. 2

Dedra Davis

Genesis E. Draper

HC 270th Civil District Court

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 12

Linda M. Dunson

Toria J. Finch

Endorsements

Harris County

12 | February 10, 2022 |

Kimberly “Kim” McTorry District Judge, 208th Judicial District

Veronica Monique Nelson

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8

HC 309th Family District Court

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 9

Lori Chambers Gray

Angela L. GravesHarrington

HC 262nd Criminal District Court

HC 246th Family District Court

Tonya Jones

Audrie Lawton-Evans

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 15

HC Civil Court at Law No. 1

Michelle Moore

Latosha Lewis Payne

HC 314th Juvenile District Court

HC 55th Civil District Court

Qualifications Experience and Skills Needed for the Office Sought

Campaign/Electoral Viability Knowledge and Commitment to Issues Impacting the Black Community

Sandra Peake

Juanita Jackson

Je’Rell A. Rogers

Pamela Medina

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14

Judge, County Probate Court No. 2

Lina Hidalgo

Marilyn Burgess

Carla Wyatt

Adrian Garcia

Lesley Briones

Germaine Tanner

LaShawn Williams

Harris County Judge

Harris County District Clerk

Harris County Treasurer

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 2

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 4

HC 311th Family District Court

HC Civil Court at Law No. 3

Endorsements

Fort Bend County

BWGH-PAC proudly endorses candidates based on:

HC 257th Family District Court

Note: No endorsements for: - U.S. Representative, District 38 race - Texas State Board of Education Member, District 4 race Ron Reynolds

JaPaula Kemp

Oscar Telfair

Monica Rawlins

Albert Tibbs

State Representative, District 27

Judge, County Court At Law No. 1

Judge, County Court At Law No. 2

Judge, 328th District Court

Ft. Bend County Treasurer

Published February 4, 2022