February 15, 2024

HOUSTON BLACK BUSINESS DISTRICTS Where have they gone?

EDUCATION

FEATURE

HISD

CHANDLER HUGHES

Students in the embattled school district give their feedback on the state takeover.

Volume 93, issue 16 February 15, 2024

The six-year-old Imani School student has joined Mensa for his phenomenal IQ.

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DN To the POINT

Usher, left, and Alicia Keys perform during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. AP

Associate Editor’s Message I’m On Key With Alicia

Patrol.” “What happened to Jadarrius can The morning after the Super Bowl, and never be remedied,” said Rose’s attorney more to the point, the Usher Super Bowl Kenneth Abbarno. “This has permanently halftime show, I was shocked to discover altered how he’s going to encounter law the number of perfect people who exist in enforcement for the rest of his life.” the world. And those people had a field day flaunting their perfection while going Simply Beautiful all the way in on Alicia Keys’ supposed off The legendary singer Al Green has more notes during her duet with Mr. RA-YMtimeless classics than I have space to list: OND. Since I’m not perfect I don’t know “Let’s Stay Together,” “Love and Happiness,” the rules. But apparently, perfectionists are “For the Good Times,” etc. But my all-time Aswad Walker duty-bound to magnify any moments they favorite cut by Green is “Simply Beautiful.” deem as less-than-perfect given to the world by imperfect That song gets me every single time I hear it. I mean, even beings. Perfect people, I’m learning, possess a special kind the name of the song is… simply beautiful. But what hapof courage that emboldens them to say anything – online pened about a week-and-a-half ago in D.C., when a U.S. – to belittle, humble, and/or castigate individuals foolish congressman from Texas, ironically named Al Green, got enough to give their imperfect efforts to the world, i.e. a up out of his hospital bed, after going through abdominal teacher’s lecture, a pastor’s sermon, a parent’s child-rear- surgery, rushed over to the U.S. Capitol, and cast what was ing decision, etc. You may roll with the perfect people, but basically the deciding vote to kill GOP efforts to impeach given the choice, I’m hanging with other imperfect souls like U.S. Rep. Mayorkas for failing to detain (imprison) a sufmyself: folk who need a little grace and mercy every now ficient number of immigrants. The Republican Speaker of and then, folk who give their best but sometimes fall short, the House, Mike Johnson, said afterwards he called for the yet they keep on keeping on. vote because he knew Green was in the hospital. But with the votes tied (215 – 215), and time running out, in comes No Justice, Just Us Green, basically in his hospital gown, to cast the deciding Last year, trucker driver Jadarrius Rose surrendered to vote. Even more beautiful, Green said “I didn’t come assumpolice after a supposed chase. Yet, while on his knees with ing that my vote was going to make a difference, I came his hands up, a K-9 officer (Ryan Speakman) sicced his dog because it was personal.” We all need to exhibit that kind of on Rose even while state troopers shouted for Speakman to simply beautiful commitment to doing good, whether it’s restrain the animal. The attack recalled scenes from slav- voting, keeping our communities clean, teaching “our story,” ery when “Slave Patrols,” precursors to modern-day police or fighting the powers that be. departments, allowed dogs to literally mangle and eat Blacks seeking freedom. Circleville, Ohio settled with Rose (24) for ON THE WEB $225K, yet those emotional scars will stay with him for life, • Houston-based creative Ashley Lazarre makes activism especially when he recalls that the police encountered him look good. for committing the “violent crime” of driving while missing • Tommie Cole gives a first-person account of the criminal a mudflap. Even worse, Speakman will get paid too ($40K), injustice system. and get a “neutral” reference letter from Circleville PD so he • Terrance Harris previews the Rockets’ second half of the can continue patrolling Blacks, just with a different “Slave season.

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DN News

Barbers Hill, Darryl George hair saga heads to court

By Aswad Walker

conservative-leaning state, Texas is one of 24 states to pass a version of the CROWN Act, an acronym for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The law, which protects students and employees at state-funded institutions from discrimination based on hairstyles such as Afros, Bantu knots, braids, locs, and twists, is extremely relevant in the Lone Star State as it is home to more Blacks than any other state in the nation.

In spite of the CROWN Act being signed into law in Texas last year for the specific purpose of protecting people, especially Black people, from hair discrimination, Barbers Hill ISD student Darryl George (18) faced multiple disciplinary actions for wearing his hair the way it was designed to naturally grow out of his head.

George and family will have their day in court as a Houston-area judge, Judge Chap B. Cain III, scheduled a bench trial for Feb. 22 to hear arguments about whether Barbers Hill ISD is violating the CROWN Act that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in public schools.

THE BACKSTORY George, an 18-year-old Black student at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, had refused to cut his dreadlocks in spite of being suspended, sent to an alternative school, and upon return to his campus, was suspended again.

School district officials claim George is violating a hair-length policy they say is not covered by the CROWN Act, which took effect Sept. 1, 2023. The Barbers Hill ISD superintendent, Greg Poole, even invested money in purchasing a full-page ad in the Jan. 14, 2024 edition of the Houston Chronicle in a move some view as an attempt to bully George and family into submission.

In the article, Poole stated, “Being an American requires conformity.” However, George and family are asserting that Poole and Barbers Hill ISD officials are refusing to “conform” to Texas law.

Darryl George, an 18-year-old high school junior, and his mother, Darresha George, will have their day in court to determine whether George can continue being punished by Barbers Hill ISD for refusing to change a hairstyle which should be protected by the CROWN Act. AP

CROWN ACT PROTECTIONS Moreover, the two state legislators who jointly authored the law say it was passed to protect students such as George and hairstyles such as his, which he keeps twisted up in a short length that does not hang below his neck. Still, George has been reprimanded for breaking this dress code rule even though, by the Barbers Hill metrics, he is not breaking it at all.

“I wrote the CROWN Act, I filed it, to

stop exactly the kind of discrimination that we are seeing right here in Barbers Hill ISD,” State Rep. Rhetta Bowers, a Democrat from the Dallas area, said during a news conference outside a Chambers County courthouse. “Barbers Hill ISD is punishing Darryl George for one reason: his choice to wear his hair in a protective style, which harms no one and causes no distraction in the classroom.”

Though known nationally for being a

CURRENT SITUATION George, who is currently serving an in-school suspension for a “failure to comply,” has been in either in-school suspension or a disciplinary alternative education program since Aug. 31 – spending over 80% of his junior year outside of his normal classroom.

The junior year is when students traditionally take the SAT or ACT and engage in other college prep activities, like gathering teacher/ administrator recommendations to submit with their applications for college.

“They have many people out here on drugs, doing God knows what, but then you have a child that actually wants to do right, and y’all still pick with him over hair,” Darresha George said of the school district. “Then y’all tell me, ‘Oh, just cut it. Take him out of school.’ Why? That’s my question. Why? For what? This is him. This is his identity. Why take that from him?”

More on the lawsuits

Houston’s children face double national average in uninsured rates challenge

By Amaka Watson

A recent study conducted by Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy reveals a concerning reality for Houston’s youth. Despite improvements in the uninsured rate for children during the COVID-19 pandemic, a staggering 11.6% of children in Houston are living without insurance, more than double the national average. This poses a significant challenge to the well-being of Black families in the area.

While the uninsured rate for children across the United States has seen a dip, Texas stands out with the highest uninsured rate, sitting at 10.9% compared to the national average of 5.1%. The Lone Star State, known for its opposition to a statewide expansion of Medicaid programs, accounts for a substantial 22% of all uninsured children in the nation.

Texas lawmakers’ resistance to Medicaid expansion becomes even more critical when considering the 854,000 uninsured children within the state. Based on data from the

U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Study, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare access for the Black community in Houston.

Despite federal measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the continuous enrollment program in Medicaid insurance, the study warns that gains in reducing the number of uninsured children are unlikely to be sustained. As Texas aims to return to normal eligibility operations, the state’s marginalized families face increased challenges in securing essential healthcare for their children.

The disparities are further pronounced when examining specific metro areas in Texas. North of Dallas, the Sherman-Denison Metro boasts the highest uninsured rate for children in the state at 13.9%. The federal health data released earlier this month indicates that over one in nine Texas residents are covered by government-subsidized health plans under the Affordable Care Act in 2024, representing a 37% increase from the previous year.

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DN News Historic bill tackles surging obesity rates nationwide NNPA

Fed up!

Fifth Ward residents want more transparency Defender News Service

contamination near the Union While the City of Houston has Pacific Rail Yard. However, conapproved a $5 million voluntary fusion surrounding the city’s relocation program to help Fifth relocation plan has deterred some Ward residents affected by con- residents from moving forward. tamination in the area, many resThe disclosure about building idents who live near the Union permits coincided with the HousPacific Rail Yard have been reluc- ton City Council’s approval of tant to move because of confusion $2 million for the Houston Land about the city’s relocation plan.

Bank, tasked with managing the Community members resid- relocation process for residents ing near the contaminated Union who opt to relocate. Since January Pacific Rail Yard in Fifth Ward 2019, the city has approved 88 perexpress their dismay over what mits for single-family homes and they perceive as 17 for multifamily a lack of transunits in the area, a parency from the practice halted by City of Houston.

Whitmire approxiMayor John Whitmately a month ago. mire’s administra- Why would Fifth Ward activtion revealed that ist Sandra Edwards, I move and building permits founder of IMPACT were still being they’re coming Justice, expressed issued in the Fifth in and I’m frustration, stating, Ward until late going out; that “How are you going last year, despite to relocate me, but doesn’t look ongoing efforts to next door I got a relocate residents right.” permit to build? from what they Why would I move SANDRA EDWARDS assert is a con- FIFTH WARD and they’re coming taminated and ACTIVIST, FOUNDER in and I’m going purportedly can- OF IMPACT JUSTICE out; that doesn’t cer-clustered area. look right.” Edwards, Last Sepresiding on Lavtember, the City of Houston ender Street across from the rail greenlit a $5 million voluntary yard, emphasized her desire for relocation program aimed at genuine community engagement assisting long-standing residents in decision-making. in their struggle to address the “Let me help you make a

decision on my future,” Edwards insisted. “I see myself being okay staying here. Whatever contamination, it’s already here, why would I leave now and go down the road to get sick and die over there... this is where it’s going to end right here (Fifth Ward) for me.”

Edwards acknowledged the city’s efforts but criticized Union Pacific for not actively participating in resolving the issue.

“They created this problem, didn’t nobody ask for all this,” she asserted. “They brought it over here and tried to leave it here and act like it didn’t happen.”

Amid ongoing redevelopment efforts, including new homes and infrastructure improvements, community member Cookie Wickerstraughter voiced concerns over conflicting information and the erosion of trust between residents and the city. “The hope and the trust has been broken and you (the City of Houston) need to fix it and stop ignoring us as if we don’t exist,” Wickerstraughter emphasized.

Despite the challenges posed by contamination, residents emphasized the rich history and cultural significance of Fifth Ward, underscoring its vibrant past as a thriving community with notable musicians such as B.B. King and Sam Cooke contributing to its legacy.

In response to a relentless surge in obesity rates nationwide, a powerful alliance of leading consumer advocates, aging experts, and public health groups have introduced the groundbreaking Obesity Bill of Rights for Americans. The initiative, with the National Consumers League (NCL) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) at its forefront, aims to transform obesity care by enacting significant changes in federal, state, and employer policies.

“Our aim with the Obesity Bill of Rights is to designate quality obesity care as the inherent right of all adults, empowering those with the disease to demand unbiased treatment, regardless of their size or weight,” Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League, said in a news release.

Developed in collaboration with leading obesity specialists and backed by nearly 40 national obesity and chronic disease organizations, the Obesity Bill of Rights establishes eight fundamental rights. These rights are designed to ensure

that individuals with obesity undergo screening, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment according to medical guidelines, eradicating pervasive weight bias and ageism within the healthcare system.

The staggering statistics surrounding obesity underscore the critical need for this initiative.

• 30 million out of an estimated 108 million adults living with obesity have been diagnosed.

• 2% of those eligible for anti-obesity medications have received these treatments.

• Approximately 400,000 premature deaths annually • An estimated $1.72 trillion in direct and indirect costs to the U.S. economy.

“These rights collectively ensure that adults with obesity have reliable, accurate information about their disease, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from medical professionals, and insurance that provides access to all treatments deemed appropriate by their health providers,” stated Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. Visit www.right2obesitycare. org for more information.

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 16 - FEBRUARY 15, 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 Education

RODEOHOUSTON ENTERTAINER LINEUP

HISD students passionately discuss concerns about the New Education System during a panel at Third Ward. Credit: Jimmie Aggison

HISD students discuss takeover

By Amaka Watson

Students from various Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools recently gathered at the Third Ward Multicultural Cultural Center to shed light on the impact of the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) takeover and the implementation of the controversial New Education System (NES). The panel, comprising students from Yates, Carnegie, Sterling, Wheatley, Worthing, Austin, and DeBakey, aimed to provide a platform for open dialogue, free from the constraints often faced in formal school board settings.

Fear and apprehension have gripped many educators within the HISD community, particularly those hesitant to voice their concerns against Superintendent Mike Miles. The panel discussion emerged as an alternative forum for these students to express their thoughts without fearing reprisal.

The discussion becomes even more pertinent as up to 40 additional HISD schools are slated to transition to the NES system in the 2024-2025 school year.

The Defender had the opportunity to speak with a few participants in the panel, including Ashlyn Morton, a junior at Lamar High School; Jose Cantu, a senior at Austin High School; Analiah Espinoza, a freshman at DeBakey High School; and Hira Malik, a junior at Carnegie High School. These students bravely shared their perspectives on the current state of their education.

DEFENDER: What changes have you experienced since the state takeover of HISD? Morton: The main challenges I’ve faced

are the lack of personalization. We have the cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach. We are being taught the same way, which doesn’t work for us. And the anxiety. Having board members stalk our classroom, stand there, and watch over our shoulders to make sure we are as smart as we should be and putting our thinking on a time limit is really damaging. I like to interact with my teachers. I like to come up with hypotheticals, and without that, I’m feeling kind of empty.

Cantu: This year has changed tremendously, with our seniors being different. Not having the time to have these senior activities that most seniors did last year. Now we’re focused mostly on testing, grades, scholarships, applications for FAFSA (college funding), and other things you must worry about. It’s difficult because you just want to have a fun time. My first challenge was losing some teachers at our school, and the second was losing some resources. The way that we’re coping is to get with other schools, talk, and get help, as well as with their counselors.

Espinoza: I don’t attend an NES school, but some of those initiatives are in our school. It hasn’t been the best experience, especially as a freshman. I have ADHD, so I have accommodations; however, other students immediately have to put down their pencils and turn in their work as it is.

That’s why I’m so concerned for my friends in these schools. I feel like I’m the lucky one.

It feels unfair that other people don’t get that [support].

Malik: One of the challenges is the censorship of the curriculum and the classroom environment. I’m currently taking AP United States History. In that class, we’ve simply brushed over Jim Crow laws, segregation, LGBTQ+ policies like the Stonewall Uprising, and things of that nature that tend to be more “left-leaning.” Being a non-NESAligned school means I’m speaking from a place of privilege, coming from the number one school in the district. I would love to see a classroom where educators and students are learning about different topics side by side and are both as engaged in their learning. If I saw Mike Miles, I would say that we are the primary stakeholders of this takeover. We are not afraid to use our voices to defend our education that is fair and equitable for all students in this majority-minority district.

Read more of their interview

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DN InFocus

Dowling St. Eldorado Ballroom. Courtesy Eldorado Ballroom.

The annual Lyons Avenue Festival seeks to revitalize the historic Fifth Ward business hub. Seen here is Deshara Goss attending the 9th Annual Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival. Photo by Aswad Walker.

HOUSTON BLACK BUSINESS DISTRICTS Where have they gone?

I

By Aswad Walker

f you’ve ever been Black for any period in your life, you’ve probably heard the complaint, “Every group of people has their own business districts; Chinatown, Germantown, Little Italy, etc. Why can’t we have a Blacktown?”

Quite as it’s kept, we’ve had those – in cities across the country. Some even argue we still have Black business districts. To some extent.

And though the Defender spotlighted past pockets of national Black economic excellence – including the Greenwood Section of Tulsa, OK; Jackson Ward of Richmond, VA; the Hayti District of Durham, NC; Chicago’s Bronzeville; and more – elsewhere, here, we went back in time to look at Houston’s former Black business pockets.

We also inquired if such areas exist today and, if so, where are they and what must we do to revive, rebuild, and/or support them to

make these Black business areas what we as a collective both want and need them to be.

HOUSTON HISTORIC BLACK BUSINESS DISTRICTS Lyons Avenue, Fifth Ward, Houston

During its heyday in the 1940s and ’50s, Fifth Ward was dubbed the “Harlem of the South” for its vibrant musical heritage and bustling Black-owned businesses.

The stretch of Lyons between Gregg and nearby Denver Harbor became one of the most vibrant Black neighborhoods of that era, and included many businesses like the Monte Carlo Night Club, Poor Man Café, Huckle-Buckle Inn, Harlem Shine Parlor, the Peacock Record Shop, the Congo Beer Bar, Silver Shoe Barbecue & Hot Links, and Rochelle’s Market.

A vendor interacts with a customer at the Buy Black Marketplace on MLK Blvd.

Photo by Aswad Walker.

Lyons Ave Juneteenth Parade. Courtesy www.curioushistorian.com.

Dowling Street, Third Ward, Houston

Lyons, many would argue it deserves to be mentioned.

Between 1910 and 1930, Third Ward’s “J. Vance Lewis lived in Freedmen’s Town.

Black population nearly tripled from His law practice and his business was 22,929 to 66,357. The result – an on Milam Street, right across from explosion of Black-owned busiMarket Square. Ned Pullum, who nesses, especially along the area’s owned a brickyard, a pharmacy, main drag, Dowling Street (curwas part of the original creation rently Emancipation Ave.). of Union Hospital, owned a shoe Some described the strip as repair store. One of those two phar“Black Vegas” because of the many macies was The People’s Pharmacy entertainment venues that lined the Carol Guess located near downtown on Milam street, including blues clubs and the Eldorado Street,” said Zion Escobar, former executive Ballroom attracting any and every big name director, Freedmen’s Town Conservancy and and local Black entertainer in the business – current founder of the Freedmen’s Town like Ray Charles, B.B. King, James Brown, Illi- Community Investment Project. nois Jacquet, Arnett Cobb, Jewel Brown, etc.

“Judson Robinson Sr.’s Pleasantville neighAnd those performers were said to get bor Andrew Brooks was the only Black club suits at the Slack Rack and then head across owner downtown,” said Pleasantville resident the street to Wolf ’s for the extras – jewelry, Margaret Chachere, “[Brooks] used to have shoes, and hats. his club on Milam. That was the street for Dowling also offered sock hops at the the Blacks. That’s where all kinds of shops YWCA, churches aplenty, summer days at and stores for Blacks were located back then.” the neighborhood pool, and a headquarters for civil rights organizing by the likes CURRENT HOUSTON of Eldrewey Stearns, George Washington, BLACK BUSINESS DISTRICTS Jr., Hamah King, and others. Wesley Chapel Many Black Houstonians, like Blacks AME Church (2209 Dowling Street) was across the country, lament the loss of local designed by one of the country’s first Black Black business districts. However, Carol architects, William Sidney Pittman.

Guess, former interim president of the Greater Houston Black Chamber, shared her Milam Street insights on areas where local Black businesses Though most don’t think of Milam Street are congregated; areas that should be conas a bustling Black Business district on sidered modern-day Black business districts. the level of back-in-the-day Dowling and “These days, I would say the Black business

National Night Out 2022 at Emancipation Park. Photo by Aswad Walker.

Fifth Annual Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival event attendees. Photo by Aswad Walker.

FIND OUT STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING AND GROWING BLACK BUSINESS DISTRICTS TODAY

corridors, especially from my time serving in leadership at the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, were typically the Third Ward area, with the Emancipation Corridor, which is coming back. There’s more investment there along Emancipation Avenue with the Eldorado Ballroom, Project Row Houses revitalization, and then across the street with the Community Center,” said Guess, who now serves as the vice chair of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce. “And there are several other Black businesses around that area that are popping up.”

Guess also identified the Martin Luther King/South Park area, Griggs between OST

and MLK, and OST from Hwy 288 to Cullen. Additionally, Guess pointed out today’s Lyons Ave in Fifth Ward.

“My mom was born and raised there. She let me know that the correct pronunciation of the word Lyons is LEE-YONES.” “And then in southwest Houston, the Hiram Clarke area has several Black-owned businesses. During my service at the Chamber, most of our businesses at the GHBC were located on the southwest side of Houston, extending up to I-10 West.”

Guess added that during her GHBC tenure, “There were more and more businesses popping up on the north side, in the spring area.”

Judson Robinson III, president and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), agrees with Guess’s assessment but added an additional candidate.

“I’d include the Almeda Corridor that includes multi-story buildings, high rises, parks, and residential,” he said.

DO WE NEED PHYSICAL BLACK BUSINESS DISTRICTS?

Still, many contend the aforementioned areas don’t operate on the level of Chinatowns across the nation. And in 2024, with so much business taking place online, are in-person, geographic Black business districts even feasible these days?

Guess says it’s not only feasible but needed.

“I think we would benefit from more than one area of concentration of Black businesses, north, south, east, and west. It’s important we recognize that place is important. There are many retail businesses doing their bidding online as well, which is not a bad thing. But I do think that businesses would benefit from touching their customers in person. I think when there is personal interaction between a business owner and a customer, you can develop more brand loyalty, and, in the long run, sell more because they will be repeat customers based on the feelings they experienced by meeting you in person. I don’t think the storefront should be completely abandoned.”

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DN Feature

Tax tips to save money, reduce stress

By Aswad Walker

retirement account where contributions are Though it seems like holiday season 2023 taxed, but future withdrawals are tax-free. This was just yesterday, we are already in the midst strategy allows money to grow with interest of tax season 2024, which officially began Jan. without incurring taxes upon withdrawal.

29. And, sure, countless people wait until the Additionally, you have until Tax Day to make last minute to file their taxes, with many even IRA contributions for the prior year allowing filing for extensions. However, it has been you to contribute toward your 2023 tax year proven that early preparation can save you limit of $6,000 until April 15, 2024. money and alleviate stress before the April CD Savings: Explore Certificate of filing deadline.

Deposit (CD) accounts, offering higher Jassmine Francis, CAA, founder and CEO interest rates compared to regular savof Houston’s Platinum Tax Service, is one of ings accounts. With CDs, interest is earned, those people who actively encourages indi- and when funds are withdrawn after the term, viduals and businesses to take proactive steps no taxes are incurred. Rates can range from now, while it’s still early in the tax prep game, 4-6% depending on the bank and term chosen. to ensure a smoother and more cost-effective Business Taxes: Knowing the type tax season. of business you have can save you a Francis, a seven-year tax expert, shares the lot of headaches, mistakes, and time. following tips to help navigate the upcoming Everyone should know the difference between tax-filing season with ease, efficiency, and an LLC, S-corp, and C-corp. options to put a little more money in the bank: Limited Liability Company/LLC: It is a busiEarned Income Credit (EIC): EIC ness entity created by filing articles allowed by changes went into effect on January 24, the state statue in the U.S. operated by mem2024. Filers should be aware of the max- bers/owners that protects them from personal imum Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), invest- responsibility, debts, and liabilities. LLC can ment income, and credit amounts for the be filed as an S corporation or C corporation. tax year 2023. The following are the income S Corporation/ S Corp: Shareholders of thresholds based on the number of children S corporations report the flow-through of or relatives claimed: income and losses on their personal tax returns Investment income limit: $11,000 or less and are assessed tax at their individual income Maximum Credit Amounts: tax rates. This allows S corporations to avoid No qualifying children: $600 1 qualifying double taxation on the corporate income. child: $3,995 2 qualifying children: $6,604 3 C Corporation/C Corp: A corporate or more qualifying children: $7,430 income tax is first paid by a C-corp with Self-Employment a federal return (Form 1120S) Expenses: Self-employed required by the IRS. Shareholders and small business owners must then pay taxes on personal should start gathering and orgaincome at the individual level for nizing necessary documents now any gains from dividends or stock including bank statements, cash sale. This arrangement is referred receipts, and canceled checks to to as “double taxation” because of claim expenses. the taxes levied on dividends at MORE ON ROTH IRA: Consider both the corporate and individual BUSINESS opening a ROTH IRA levels.

TAXES – a special individual (Source: Platinum Tax Service)

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R YAN W HITE P LANNING C OUNCIL M EETINGS FOR 2024 February 8 May 9 August 8 November 14 March 14 June 13 September 12 December 12 April 11 July 11 October 10 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 in a hybrid format - in person and on Zoom - 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 physical location/Zoom link (as applicable) are posted on the calendar about one week prior to each meeting.

CLASSIFIED REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ENGINEERING AND DESIGN CONSULTANTS FOR MAIN STREET PROMENADE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN DOWNTOWN, HOUSTON FOR THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / TIRZ NO.3 The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) will receive Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from engineering and design consultants for the preparation and issuance of engineered construction and bidding documents for capital improvements to be constructed on Main Street in Downtown Houston, Texas. Statements of Qualifications will be received until 2:00 P.M., local time on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, by Allen Douglas, Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, Texas 77010. Qualifications received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning Wednesday, January 31, 2024, this project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be reviewed and downloaded as an electronic file from the Organization’s website: https://www.downtownhouston.org/do-business/procurement-rfp Only queries or requests for information submitted via email will be addressed by the Authority. Please submit written queries or requests for information directly to the Director of Planning & Economic Development Cassie Hoeprich at cassie.hoeprich@downtownhouston.org on or before 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Please note that telephone or mail queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Authority.

Additionally, a qualifications pre-submittal conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, to be held at the Authority’s offices at 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, Texas 77010.

Based on the Qualifications submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify up to three qualifying consultants for a second-stage interview to be held in mid-March. The Authority will award the contract to the selected consultant based on the qualifications and interview performance.

CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT

“You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of thirty (30) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.

In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with the Clerk. Find out more at TexasLawHelp.org.”

TO: JESUS TERRAZAS, III, Individually, and as TRUSTEE OF THE CDA CORTE 1581 401K PLAN, Defendant You are hereby commanded to appear and answer before the Honorable Patricia Baca of the 346 th Judicial District Court of El Paso County, Texas, at the Courthouse of said county in El Paso, Texas, at the Courthouse of said county in El Paso County, at or before 10 o’clock a.m. of the Monday next, after the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of service of this citation then and there to answer the Plaintiff’s Original Petition for Judicial Foreclosure and Declaratory Judgment filed in said Court by Attorney, James Kirby Read, 615 E. Schuster, Bldg. 6, El Paso, Texas 79902 on the 23 rd day of January, 2019 against JESUS TERRAZAS, III, Individually and as Trustee of the CDA Corte 1581 401K Plan, Defendant, and said suit being number 2019DCV3196 on the docket of said court and entitled: CORTE REINA ISABEL LA CATOLICA NO. 1581 OF THE CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA, INC., Plaintiff vs. JESUS TERRAZAS, III, Individually, and as TRUSTEE OF THE CDA CORTE 1581 401K PLAN, Defendant.

A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows: to wit: Plaintiff’s Original Petition for Judicial Foreclosure and Declaratory Judgment . This proceeding concerns the Foreclosure of a Lien on the following real property and improvements commonly known as 801 Magoffin Ave., situated in El Paso County, Texas.

This officer executing this writ shall promptly serve the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due return as the law directs.

Issued and given under my hand and Seal of said Court at the offices in El Paso, Texas, this 13 th day of January, 2024 .

JAMES KIRBY READ, Esq. Attorney at Law 615 E. Schuster, Bldg. 6 El Paso, Texas 79902 (915) 533-3697

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February 15, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Feature 6-YEAR-OLD

CHANDLER HUGHES Joins Mensa’s elite High IQ society

By Laura Onyeneho

The school day ends, and students rush through the hallways of The Imani School to meet their parents at the main office.

Six-year-old Chandler Hughes sits with a bright smile, dressed in formal attire, with a pep in his step.

In the eyes of his classmates and teachers, he’s just your average child, but to the world, he has already etched his name into the annals of intellectual brilliance as one of the youngest members to join the prestigious high-IQ society, Mensa.

Hughes is part of a community of the brightest minds worldwide who have scored at the 98th percentile or higher on approved intelligence tests.

His parents witnessed his exceptional abilities at just 1 year and 9 months old, as he effortlessly mastered the art of reading. As he transitioned into formal education, Hughes exhibited remarkable academic acumen, completing pre-kindergarten with a reading level equivalent to second grade and demonstrating proficiency in second-grade mathematics.

“I love math and reading. The experience in first grade teaches me stuff that I know and stuff that I don’t know,” he said. “This school teaches

me so much.”

David Hughes, Chandler’s father, said he didn’t know that his child was academically gifted initially, but he fostered a positive environment before Chandler was born.

“We started off making sure that we had a good pregnancy, playing classical music, started reading to him at an early age, and being intentional about the environments that I put him in,” said David. “I wanted him to be with people who he looked like, who share the same values, and around teachers who would help him excel and about him.”

As a parent, David learned that when having a gifted child, you must be on your “Ps and Qs” to keep up with their inquisitiveness. I took Chandler to explore places, enjoy different hobbies, sing in the church choir, and put him in an environment where he doesn’t feel out of place, including the Mensa program.

“Once you get in, essentially, they provide resources for gifted students. There’s not that many young people. They have monthly or bi-monthly meet-ups, they provide you with different material, games, magazines, books, scholarships.”

Despite Chandler’s age, he said he wants to use his gift to “motivate and inspire” other children to succeed and aspires to be a doctor to help others in need.

Nkiru Vance, Chandler’s firstgrade teacher, played a crucial role in Chandler’s learning. The Imani School, where Chandler currently attends, is not just an educational institution; it’s a supportive environment where teachers and peers rally behind him.

“When I get a student like Chandler, it’s very refreshing.

He is so excited to learn and gain new knowledge,” she said. “You can see his eye light up [learning] something new.”

Classroom activities are taught in a way that benefits each student’s learning style.

“It’s just a blessing to be here educating our children and encouraging them and building their confidence,” she said.

Asking for help from trusted family or friends is a sign you're ready to become a happier, healthier you.

And if you need more options to manage your mental health struggles or substance use concerns, there are resources and organizations nearby ready to help.

Explore where to turn to

For more resources and support, visit TurnToSupportsTX.org

10 | February 15, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texas Southern senior sprinter Shelby Brooks clocked a 55.78 in the 400 meters race at the Howie Ryan Invitational.

Sports Briefs

Nneke Ogwumike leaves L.A. for Seattle Storm

Former WNBA MVP and Cy-Fair standout NneKe Ogwumike has left the Los Angeles Sparks to join the Seattle Storm this offseaNNeke son. Ogwumike went Ogwumike on a free agent tour this offseason where she met with the Chicago Sky, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Atlanta Dream and the Storm. It apparently came down between the Liberty and Storm. Ogwumike, who averaged 19.1 points and 8.8 rebounds last season, is a former No.1 overall pick in 2012 and was an eight-time WNBA All-Star in her 12 seasons in Los Angeles.

Rockets don’t land deal for Jae’Sean Tate

Rockets veteran swingman Jae’Sean Tate was one of the players the team expected to move ahead of last week’s NBA trade deadline.

Jae’Sean According to reports, Tate the Dallas Mavericks had strong interest in acquiring a deal with the Rockets, but nothing could be reached.

Tate is a big-time defensive wing player for the Rockets, but he sometimes gets lost in the Rockets crowded wing rotation.

TSU football inks 15 on National Signing Day

New Texas Southern coach Cris Dishman may have gotten a late start to recruiting, but he was able to convince 15 recruits to sign Cris with the Tigers on Dishman National Signing Day last week. Dishman added 11 true freshmen and four transfers. The Tigers added 6-foot4 quarterback Carter Barnes, who was one of the top prep quarterbacks in Pennsylvania. Out of the Houston area, Dishman signed George Ranch offensive lineman Braden Cain, Shadow Creek linebacker Aaron Kizzee, Summer Creek tight end Kordell Rodgers and La Marque defensive back Dylan Thomas.

University of Houston senior forward J’Wan Roberts scored a game-high 20 points and had the game-sealing dunk during the fifth-ranked Cougars 67-62 win against Cincinnati.

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS SOUTHERN Baseball coaches kick off season in Cactus Jack HBCU Classic

By Terrance Harris

It didn’t take a lot of discussion and convincing when Prairie View baseball coach Auntwan Riggins first heard about the planned Cactus Jack HBCU Classic baseball tournament that would feature Black college teams at Minute Maid Park.

Riggins couldn’t sign the Panthers’ program up fast enough.

“My initial thought was hey, let’s do it,” Riggins said. “Anytime anyone wants to showcase us, I’m down for it. Anytime anyone wants to put us into a situation that we really can’t put ourselves, then I’m down for it.”

That was prior to the inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic last year. Riggins and the Panthers are back again this year for the second annual three-day round-robin tournament that will officially kick off the college baseball season on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The six-team baseball tournament, which features SWAC schools Grambling State, Jackson State, Southern, Texas Southern, Alcorn State, and Prairie View, is sponsored by Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation and is supported by the Astros.

Riggins is looking forward to the tournament because it gives his team its first taste of competition for the season and it also provides an experience they wouldn’t ordinarily have.

“We’re playing in a major league park and that is probably every kid’s dream to have an opportunity to play in a major league park,” said Riggins, whose team has been picked to finish second in SWAC West in the preseason poll. “From that standpoint, it’s great for them.

It’s great for the kids.

“That venue allows us to showcase our conference and our kids in a bigger light. They had all of the games streamed last year.

“A lot of it is to showcase our kids and to showcase our universities,” he continued. “So it benefits us as a program because it allows us to recruit off of it, as well. Then it allows people to get a chance to see what HBCU baseball is all about.”

Texas Southern coach Michael Robertson agrees.

“It’s a great event and an opportunity for the kids to showcase their talents,” Robertson said. “Anytime you have an opportunity to be associated with MLB baseball, that’s a big plus for myself, the student-athletes and everybody that is involved.

“I think we need to continue to do as much as we can to promote Black historical colleges.”

The tournament, which will see three games played each day over three days, is a chance for fans in the city and surrounding area to experience Black college baseball in ways they don’t ordinarily have a chance.

“A lot of people don’t value HBCU baseball like they value other conferences,” Riggins said.

“It shows the world that we can compete at any level. The Cactus Jack Classic, the MLB venue that we play in, it gives us the opportunity to show the world that we can compete with anybody.”

Daryl Wade and Duane Stelly, who run the Astros Youth Academy, are credited with coming up with the idea of the nation’s first HBCU Classic that would rival College Classic that features the University of Texas, University of Houston, LSU and Vanderbilt at Minute Maid.

They ran the idea by Paula Harris who is the executive director of the Astros Foundation and the senior vice president of community affairs, and she presented the idea of the HBCU Classic to Astros owner Jim Crain.

“Daryl Wade and Duane Stelly kind of had this as a dream to do something like this,” Harris said. “They just needed some support from the top and Jim is very supportive and I was ecstatic to do it. So we kind of take over the Minute Maid Park for three days, for a HBCU Classic.

“Unlike the College Classic or unlike any of the other traditional baseball tournaments, of course, we have to make it like a Homecoming.”

What Harris means is that the event, which kicks off Thursday with Travis Scott’s HBCU Celebrity Softball Tournament, will also encompass a high school college fair, gospel breakfast, an `Old School’ Party, and the Divine 9/HBCU Alumni Happy Hour during the weekend.

“I’m grateful for Travis Scott, Cactus Jack, and the Astros for putting this on for us,” Riggins said. “I think it’s needed, and not to sound ungrateful, but it’s past due.

“So my initial thought was let’s do it. I’m excited. Whatever you need me to do, I will do it.”

HERE ARE THE MATCHUPS DAY 1 Game 1 - 11 a.m.

Alcorn State vs. Southern Game 2 - 3 p.m.

Jackson State vs.

Texas Southern Game 3 - 7 p.m.

Prairie View A&M vs.

Grambling State

DAY 2 Game 1 - 11 a.m.

Jackson State vs.

Alcorn State Game 2 - 3 p.m.

Grambling State vs. Southern Game 3 - 7 p.m.

Texas Southern vs.

Prairie View A&M

DAY 3 Game 1 - 11 a.m.

Grambling State vs. Jackson State Game 2 - 3 p.m.

Alcorn State vs.

Praire View A&M Game 3 - 7 p.m.

February 15, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

Kashmere’s football program had seven student/athletes sign letters of intent during HISD National Signing Day at Delmar Stadium. Credit Jimmie Aggison

SEVEN KASHMERE RAMS Sign on National Signing Day

By Jimmie Aggison

HISD recently held its National Signing Day at Delmar Stadium. As athletes from across the district came together and announced where they intended to play on the collegiate level, one school stood out from among the crowd, Kashmere High School.

On this day, Kashmere saw seven football signees commit to playing on the collegiate level.

Last season, the Kashmere Rams’ varsity football team finished middle of the pack in 4A-1 Region III District 11. At the beginning of the season, not many believed the team would do much, but this group of athletes was determined to prove everyone wrong, and show the world their bonds go far beyond the gridiron.

It was about brothers helping brothers and furthering their education once the final high school whistle blew.

“It’s a strong bond; the brotherhood is real love,” said Caleb Benton.

Along with Anthony Cook, Benton signed his letter of intent to play at Trinity Valley Junior College where he plans to study kinesiology.

“Unlike other schools who just emailed, Trinity Valley came to my coach personally and told him what they needed on their offense and he suggested my name. They showed interest and gave me an opportunity,” said Benton.

Nathan Crawford signed with Sul Ross State University and he echoed the deep brotherhood connection shared among the team.

“Real brotherhood,” said Crawford. “We’ve been knowing each other since we were little.

We shed tears together, a real family, nobody is left out.”

With plans to major in kinesiology and marketing, Crawford expressed it was the community connection at Sul Ross State that sealed the deal for him.

“I like the community and the environment,” said Crawford. “It’s away from home, so I get to experience different things. It has a good culture, and people coming together as one family. Real small town, everybody knows each other in the town.”

The brotherhood bond at Kashmere was built on hard work and dedication.

“Our student-athletes believed in the rigorous training that I provided for them and trusted the structure we had,” said head football coach Joshua Harris. “It was times in the summer when it was just me and 10 kids, or just two coaches and maybe 14 kids, not knowing our fate with the NES system. That bond was created and then trickled down to the rest of the team.”

Kamden Terry signed his letter to Howard Payne University, but his ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian.

“Driving around Wayside Drive I would see many animals in need, and growing up seeing that fueled my desire to want to help animals,” said Terry.

He reflects on words given to him by his little league coach, Coach Fred.

“He told me, ‘You only play as hard as you work, and the amount of determination determines how hard you play.’ “I took that with me and when I had an opportunity to work, I

wanted to work on both football and academics,” said Terry.

Michael Smith signed his letter to Henderson State University. It was words of wisdom from his father and grandmother that pushed him to want more in life.

“They encouraged me to expand and do something different from the norm,” said Smith. “My dad was an amazing track athlete for Kashmere High School, but he didn’t make it because of various circumstances in his life, so I wanted to be that one for the family.”

Smith, who also attends Barbara Jordan Career Center, has decided while in college he plans to study business administration as well as work with computers.

Kevin Mitchell Jr. and Robert Nash, both signed letters to play at Midwestern State University. Nash who has been playing football since he was five years old, credits the visit from the coach that sealed the deal for him.

“The Midwestern coach called me at 10 a.m. on the weekend and invited me to a restaurant so we could sit and talk about the school and what they had to offer. The next day he had me on an official visit,” said Nash. “It made me feel good because everybody wants to play college football, but not everybody gets the opportunity. So, when I got the opportunity, I had to take it.”

While Nash plans to major in business,

Mitchell plans to major in electrical engineering and credits the bond of the team at Midwestern to be similar to that he has experienced while at Kashmere.

“I liked their bond, how they came together as a team,” said Mitchell. “We met some of the players and the feeling was similar to my childhood, friends coming together like brothers.”

“This many signees is exceptional. These seven young men are being allowed to go to a level of higher learning and experience something outside of their neighborhood and community. It will allow them to see the bigger picture because there is a lot more in the world than what they’ve seen so far,” said Coach Harris.

Seeing how far they have come, the seven Kashmere signees encourage the next group of upcoming athletes to listen attentively to their coaches, as their guidance can take them far.

They challenge them to embrace moments of quiet reflection to absorb knowledge effectively and to remember that regardless of their current circumstances, to remain focused on their goals and continue to work diligently. While the facilities may not be the most lavish, dedication to improvement remains paramount.

Persevere through challenges, stay true to their path, and don’t allow external criticism to derail their progress. Stay committed, keep working hard, and success will follow.

SEE MORE SIGNEES ACROSS THE HOUSTON AREA

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12 | February 15, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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