Houston Defender: February 23, 2022

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JALENE MACK

BLACKS ON THE BALLOT

The Defender lists some of the Blacks running in the March 1st primary so you can cast an informed vote.

Volume 91, issue 16 February 24, 2022

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Singer Keke Wyatt performs onstage during the 2019 Black Music Honors at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Black Music Honors

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Message from the Reporter Critical race theory threat to academic freedom

acter committed instead of viewing him a predator.

Romance fraud involves a level of grooming and manipulation and psychological harm that will cause the victim to make rash decisions in a distorted reality they believed to be real. Is it easy for the victim to pack and go? The hazard signs are blaring but why do they chose to stay? You can never consider something like this won’t happen to you until it does. It can happen to anyone -- friends, family or acquaintances.

I’ll never be fully able to wrap my head around how the concept of “critical race theory (CRT)” has all of a sudden become a threat to right-wing politicians.

Growing up, learning about where and when America has failed to live up to its creed of “all Laura Onyeneho men are created equal” and how racism is deeply embedded within this country’s history and way of life, was certainly a part of the curriculum.

It helped students, including white students, gain an un- Keke Wyatt and Black maternity health derstanding of their unconscious biases and learn about the A few months ago I had a conversation with a Black woman experiences of marginalized people in society and how they who worked in healthcare and was planning to have a child. can use their privilege to solve the complex issues that young She was 38 and had struggled to conceive. She kept her propeople will face in the future. cess under wraps because the constant disappointment was too Not one time did my classmates feel threatened about un- unbearable for her and because of pressure to have children by derstanding the inequitable status quo that impacts Black a certain age. She told me she still had faith in the process bepeople on a daily basis. cause of women like R&B singer Keke Wyatt. Recently, Wyatt In Texas, we are watching in real time how the lieutenant announced that she’ll be having her 11th child at the age of 39. governor’s push to ban CRT is now impacting tenured profes- For years, womb watchers have criticized the singer for having sors. What happened to freedom of speech? Why is it okay to too many children when it should be a blessing to have the abilconsider infringing on an educator’s academic freedom? Why ity to carry healthy children with no medical alternatives like is our history so threatening to these folks?

IVF or surrogacy. Wyatt’s baby announcement is just another reminder about the challenges of Black maternity health and ‘Tinder Swindler:’ Treatment of romance scam victims the disturbing double standards that exist within our culture.

Countless people are coming off of their high on Valentine’s Day, especially after the Netflix hit documentary “Tinder Swindler.”

ON THE WEB Social media didn’t waste time giving its two cents about how • Check out our DN+ channels featuring stories for Black it feels about the victims of romance scams on the documentawomen, Community Central, and Under 40. ry. Some comments insulted their intelligence, called them gold • Sports Reporter Terrence Harris has an up close and perdiggers, and went as far to say that they deserved everything for sonal interview with new Texans coach Lovie Smith. their lack of common sense in the situation. Much of the chat • Read what Gen Zs are saying about issues that mean the on social media seems to dismiss the fraud that the main charmost to them.

February 24, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News The killing of

Arlene Alvarez

WIFE OF SUSPECT: ‘MY HUSBAND IS ALSO A VICTIM’ Defender News Service Mayor Sylvester Turner speaking at recent #NoMoreCrime press conference held at Good Hope UMC. Screen grab from ABC13 video.

Third Ward residents demand action against crime, violence

By Aswad Walker

Spurred on by the recent shooting of five people involved in a fight that spilled into the streets of Blodgett and Ennis from Spivey’s Uptown nightclub, the MacGregor Super Neighborhood, Riverside Civic Association and a host of residents are banning together to express outrage at increasing crime in the Third Ward community, and demand city, county and state action.

Sharon Evans Brooks, one of the organizers of the #NoMoreCrime movement, listed four demands residents want met by lawmakers.

• City of Houston should suspend occupancy permits to bars, clubs and City convenience stores immediately after a violent offense until an investigation is completed by authorities.

• City of Houston should deny occupancy permits to bars and clubs that heavily rely upon shared parking, excluding neighborhood street parking, to meet city requirements.

• City of Houston should adopt a zero-tolerance policy for violations of the city’s noise ordinance.

• State legislation requiring that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) end the practice of liquor licenses for a

location in perpetuity so that the license can’t be used by the next bar or club at the same address.

Regarding demand number four, Brooks said the current “perpetuity” practice “sets up our neighborhood as a perpetual slum.”

“People pay too much for these houses, have worked their lives to get over here,” said Brooks. “We need our elected officials to do better. We deserve better.”

Tomara Bell, former board chair of the Super Neighborhood Alliance, said of resident fear, “You can’t walk your dog. You can’t take your baby in a stroller. That’s not Houston. Yes, we want to rise above Chicago in population, but hell no to crime. We don’t want to be number one in crime.”

“We’re not first in crime, and we don’t intend to be first in crime,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner, who was in attendance.

“We will be aggressive in saying to businesses and others, you have a responsibility to make sure you protect your patrons and your neighbors and the people that are around you. And if you do not, we’ll take whatever steps we need to take to shut you down.”

Turner cited examples of how the city’s One Safe Houston Plan

is moving to address community concerns, and issues legally outside of city control requiring state legislatures and entities like the TABC to act to meet community demands.

“With respect to the permitting of businesses that sell alcohol, that does not fall within the city of Houston. But it doesn’t prevent us from joining in with community groups and others that are seeking to prevent those,” said Turner.

Since that Feb. 21st press conference, Turner kept his promise to attendees as the city filed an action against Spivey’s this week.

In the Riverside Terrace area alone, a single-family residential community with little parking or security, there are nearly 10 bar establishments. Community members say that while some bars are good neighbors, others are a hotbed of crime, where any given night, rapid gunfire can be heard.

“We recognize that we are in a crisis situation beyond COVID,” said Dr. D.Z. Cofield, pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, site of the press conference. “We thank all of the community-based organizations and our political leaders for coming together, because this problem will not be solved unless we come together to solve it.”

According to Hines, she was in The wife of the man charged the driver’s seat while at the ATM in the shooting death of a when a robber placed a gun to 9-year-old girl said her her head and demanded husband opened fire money. While the in self-defense, suspect was fleeing returning shots at on foot, Earls is the robber who accused of pullfired at them first. ing out a gun and “ We w e r e shooting. Housrobbed at gunton police said he point. We didn’t aimed at a pickup know if we were truck, which he Arlene Alvarez going to get thought the suspect out of that situation alive,” had gotten into.The truck, however, said DeYonna Hines, wife of was not involved in the robbery Tony Earls. and was occupied by five members Brennen Dunn is represent- of the Alvarez family. Arlene Alvaing 41-year-old Tony Earls, who rez was killed during the shooting. has been charged with aggravated “We didn’t know if we’d get out assault with severe bodily injury alive. My husband did what he in connection with Arlene Alva- could. Without this man trying rez’s death. Earls has since posted a to rob us, we wouldn’t be in this $100,000 bond and has been released position,” she said. from jail.

Hines said she and Earls are parents to six children and are grieving along with the Alvarez family over the shooting. Hines said she understands the Alvarez family’s pursuit of justice and also understands their pain. But The lives of she added, her husband is a victwo families tim, too. have been Dunn said the robber shot forever at the couple, even though they complied with his demands. In altered by self-defense, he said, Earls shot the poor back. Earls has been charged decision of with aggravated assault, but a man who those charges could be upgraded to murder. Dunn said the robber is still on the is the one who should be charged streets.” with anything, including murder.

- DeYonna “We are hopeful that HPD will Hines make this a top priority for them to find the person who is the real demon in this situation,” he said.

Rick Ramos, the attorney representing the Alvarez family, responds to the self defense claims

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DN News

Ahmaud Arbery killers convicted of hate crimes Associated Press

The three white men convicted of murder in Ahmaud Arbery’s fatal shooting were found guilty of federal hate crimes Tuesday, validating the declarations of family members and civil rights activists who said they had no doubt the unarmed man was chased and killed because he was Black.

The verdict — handed down one day before the second anniversary of Arbery’s death on Feb. 23, 2020 — was symbolic, coming just months after all three defendants were convicted of murder in a Georgia state court and sentenced to life in prison.

But family and community members viewed the hate crimes trial as an important statement. The case also became part of a larger national reckoning on racial injustice after graphic video of Arbery’s killing leaked online.

“Ahmaud will continue to rest in peace.

But he will now begin to rest in power,” Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, told reporters outside the courthouse.

Arbery’s father, Marcus Arbery Sr., bowed his head and shook his fists in

The family and attorneys of the Ahmaud Aubery raise their arms in victory after all three men were found guilty of hates crimes at the federal courthouse in Brunswick, Ga. AP

quiet celebration as the guilty verdicts were read in the courtroom. He then pressed his hands together in front of his face as

if saying a silent prayer. But Cooper-Jones did not describe the outcome as a victory.

“We as a family will never get victory

because Ahmaud is gone forever,” she said.

Defendants Greg and Travis McMichael sat stoically at the defense table as the guilty verdicts were read. When called one-at-atime before the judge to discuss next steps in their cases, the father and son answered with hushed voices.

The McMichaels and their neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, were also found guilty of attempted kidnapping, and the McMichaels were also convicted of the use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime.

Weeks prior to the trial, the McMichaels had both agreed to enter guilty pleas to the hate crimes in exchange for being able to serve their sentences in federal, rather than state prison. Judge Lisa Godbey Wood rejected the deal, however, saying it would tie her hands at sentencing, and after Arbery’s family vehemently opposed it.

“What we got today, we wouldn’t have gotten if it wasn’t for the fight by the family for Ahmaud,” Cooper-Jones said, reiterating her anger at Justice Department prosecutors, who she said “chose to ignore the family’s cry.”

Supreme Court could end Affirmative Action at universities NNPA

The Supreme Court said it will reconsider race-based affirmative action in college admissions.

The January 24 announcement could eliminate campus practices that have widely benefitted African American and

Hispanic students.

Policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina are at the heart of the issue that the court has agreed to consider.

A student’s race counts among the criteria used to decide who enters class at those institutions.

The Department of Justice urged the justices to reject the case against Harvard.

“The filing from the office of US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar emphasized that lower US courts had extensively reviewed Harvard’s racial admissions practices and found them sufficiently limited to meet Supreme Court precedent as they

furthered the school’s interest in campus diversity,” CNN reported.

Admissions practices that take a students’ race into account were first upheld in a 1978 Supreme Court decision and reaffirmed in 2003. Such practices have reportedly boosted the admission of Black and Latino students for decades.

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 16 - FEBRUARY 24, 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 24, 2022 |

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How we’re boosting the fight against hunger Bank of America is proudly supporting our employees’ health and safety and addressing one of our local community’s most critical needs.

Each day, millions of Americans suffer from food insecurity, which typically spikes during the winter months. For every employee who lets us know they’ve received a booster shot, Bank of America is donating $100 to local hunger-relief organizations. This is a direct investment in the health of our teammates, and in the well-being of the communities where we work and live.

Through this effort, our team in Houston recently presented Houston Food Bank with a check for $125,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/houston

Donations in each market reflect $100 per employee who has recorded their booster and an additional company contribution. Vaccination boosters and vaccination reporting are voluntary.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News BLACKS ON THE BALLOT

WHO’S WHO IN THE MARCH 1ST PRIMARY Defender News Service

Voters go to the polls on Tuesday, March 1 to choose Democratic and Republican candidates for the November general election. The ultimate winners will impact voters’ lives for years to come, from the decisions they make to the laws they pass.

The following are Black candidates with opposition in the state and local primary elections. The Defender has included their websites and social media sites so readers can learn about their qualifications and platforms.

For a complete list of candidates, including judicial candidates, visit: www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov/ www.fortbendcountytx.gov www.harrisvotes.com

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE Martin Etwop (R) U.S. Rep. District 2 www.martinetwop.com

Benson Gitau (R) U.S. Rep. District 7 www.facebook.com/ibensongitau Eugene Howard (D) U.S. Rep. District 14 www.facebook.com/PresidenHoward Jerry Ford (R) U.S. Rep. District 38 www.jerryfordfortexas.com Wesley Hunt (R) U.S. Rep. District 38 https://wesleyfortexas.com Centrell Reed (D) U.S. Rep. District 38 www.creedforcongress.com

STATE

Michael Cooper (D) Governor www.cooper2022.com Allen West (R) Governor www.west4texas.com Carla Brailey (D) Lt. Governor www.carlafortexas.com

Tim Westley (R) Commissioner Land www.texans4tim.com James White (R) Commissioner Agriculture www.jameswhitefortexas.com Theldon Branch (D) State Board Edu. Dist. 4 www.branchfortexas.com Staci Childs (D) State Board Edu. Dist. 4 www.stacifortexas.com Marvin Johnson (D) State Board Edu. Dist. 4 www.facebook.com/reecemej Coretta Mallet-Fontenot (D) State Board Edu. Dist. 4 www.corettaforsboe4.com/ Larry McKinzie (D) State Board Edu. Dist. 4 www.facebook.com/MMAK52779 Abolaji Ayobami (R) State Board Edu. Dist. 7 www.aayobami.com

STATE SENATOR/ REPRESENTATIVE

Robin Armstrong (R) State Sen. District 11 www.robinarmstrongfortexas.com

Getty Images

VOTE

Tuesday, March 1 James Burnett (D) State Rep. District 76 www.burnettfortexas.com L. Sarah DeMerchant (D) State Rep. District 76 www.democratdemerchant.com Vanesia Johnson (D) State Rep. District 76 www.facebook.com/vanesiarjohnson Charles Cunningham (R) State Rep. District 127 www.charlescunninghamtx.com Alma Allen (D) State Rep. District 131 www.facebook.com/RepAllenHD131

Mike Fields (D) Attorney General www.mikefieldsforag.com

Lawrence Allen Jr. (D) State Rep. District 26 www.lallenjr26.com

Crystal Dillard (D) State Rep. District 131 https://crystal-dillard-4-texas.ueniweb.com/

Lee Merritt (D) Attorney General www.leemerritt4texas.com

Ron Reynolds (D) State Rep. District 27 www.ronaldreynolds.org

James Guillory (D) State Rep. District 131 www.jamesfortexas.org/

Cameron Campbell (D) State Rep. District 132 www.votecoachcam.com Harold Dutton (D) State Rep. District 142 www.facebook.com/harold.dutton.7 Candis Houston (D) State Rep. District 142 www.candishouston.com Danielle Keys Bess (D) State Rep. District 147 www.bessforhouston.com Reagan Flowers (D) State Rep. District 147 www.reaganflowers.com Akwete Hines (D) State Rep. District 147 www.votehines.com Somtoochukwu Ik-Ejiofor (D) State Rep. District 147 www.somtoo.org Jolanda Jones (D) State Rep. District 147 www.jolandajones.com Aurelia Wagner (D) State Rep. District 147 www.aureliawagnerfortexas.com

February 24, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD:

What issues matter to Gen-Z

By Laura Onyeneho

Generation Z is between the ages of 10 and 25. This is a particularly important group of people. They are the most diverse, socially conscious, less politically bound to party labels and digitally connected generation in the country.

A large percentage of their formative years have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, financial uncertainty, mass shootings, Donald Trump’s presidency, and countless videos of racial injustices and police violence.

With election season underway, we asked Gen-Z’s voters what issues matter most to them.

Implementation of advanced academic programs in public schools, relief programs for college students with a certain amount of debt, more family planning and recreation centers.

In my opinion, I believe that the issues that should be of high priority for the upcoming elections and in general should be student loan debt, universal healthcare, and improving education in the inner cities. Student debt and health care affects most of the American population, and better education can be shown to decrease crime rate.

Alex O, 23

Regarding the millennials, Gen-Z, and the generation after us, there has been a cause of concern for who will be in office and who can actually plan to execute the solutions to our nation’s problems. As a Gen-Z I want more focus on lowering deductibles for Medicaid and other private insurance, or let’s have universal healthcare. The forgiveness to student loans is important. The government clearly has the funds to bail the country out and they are playing Russian roulette with people’s livelihood all in the name of politics. Free public university and college education along with reparations for the Black community. Defunding the police to create resources for underserved communities. I want to one day buy home and afford to take care of a family.

I’m not as invested in elections when I’m too busy surviving while the government brushes our needs under the rug.

Stephanie J, 24

Daynasia M, 22

Climate Change, universal healthcare (like other first world countries), animal preservation, and immigration policies that give more education opportunities and financial assistance to youth from other countries. Less punitive punishments and more rehabilitative practices.

Rocio T, 23

BLACKS ON THE BALLOT CONT’D FORT BEND COUNTY

Geneane R. Hughes (D) Ft. Bend. Co. Commissioner Pct. 2 www.geneanehughesforpct2commissioner.com/

Toni V. Smith (D) Ft. Bend Co. Clerk www.facebook.com/people/Vote-Toni-V-Smith-For-Fort-Bend-CountyClerk/100075795627482/

Grady Prestage (D) Ft. Bend. Co. Commissioner Pct. 2 www.facebook.com/grady.prestage

Ferrel Bonner (D) Ft. Bend Co. Judge www.facebook.com/ferrelbonner1

Steve Okoroha (D) Ft. Bend Co. Clerk www.facebook.com/SteveOCampaign/ Albert Tibbs (D) Ft. Bend Co. Treasurer www.facebook.com/alberttibbsfortreasurer Larry Blackmon (D) Ft. Bend. Co. Commissioner Pct. 2 www.facebook.com/votelarryblackmon

Melissa Wilson-Williams (R) Ft. Bend. Co. Commissioner Pct. 2 www.melissamechelle.org

Tyra McCollum (D) Ft. Bend County Judge #2 www.tyraforjudge.com Oscar Telfair III (D) Ft. Bend County Judge #2 https://telfairforjudge.com

HARRIS COUNTY

Martina Lemond Dixon (R) Harris Co. Judge www.voteformartina.com

Gary Harrison (D) Harris Co. Commissioner Pct. 2 www.voteharrison.net/

Dexter L. McCoy (D) Ft. Bend. Co. Commissioner Pct. 4 www.dextermccoy.com

Georgia Provost (D) Harris Co. Judge www.georgiaprovost.com/

JaPaula Kemp (D) Ft. Bend County Judge #1 https://www.japaulakemp4judge.com

Erica Davis (D) Harris Co. Judge www.ericadavis.org/

Clarence Miller (D) Harris Co. Commissioner Pct. 4 www.facebook.com/millerforcommissioner

Lewis White (D) Ft. Bend County Judge #1 https://ballotpedia.org/Lewis

Carla Wyatt (D) Harris Co. Treasurer www.drwyattforharriscounty.com/

Ann Williams (D) Harris Co. Commissioner Pct. 4 www.annwilliamscampaign.net/

For a complete list, including District judges, visit your county website.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

ADVANCING DEMOCRACY Texas: Ground zero for demise of democracy

By Aswad Walker

This is the fifth of several Defender Network articles that are part of Solutions Journalism Network’s Advancing Democracy initiative. Solutions Journalism provides readers with research on solutions to current problems, where they are being enacted, the challenges and opportunities those solutions provide and how readers can be part of those solutions. The initiative calls on participating media outlets to produce articles focused on issues that are threats to U.S. democracy and provide readers with initiatives aimed at “advancing” democracy.

Solutions

By definition, democracy is a form of government in which the people of a city, state or nation have the authority, equal opportunity, and right to deliberate and decide legislation and laws that govern society, or to choose elected representatives to do so.

But what happens when certain individuals or groups no longer have equal access to the process? In such a reality many contend democracy is dying or, at the very least, under serious attack.

That’s the diagnosis many elected officials, social scientists and activists give Texas — a state they consider “ground zero” for the demise of democracy. Here are the reasons for their assessment.

• End qualified immunity which allows police officers guilty of wrong-doing to avoid accountability.

• End cash bail. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill in 2021 that makes Illinois the first state in the country to abolish cash bail payments for jail release for people who have been arrested and are waiting for their case to be heard. There have been other efforts to eliminate cash bail.

However, bail reforms in New York and Alaska were rolled back or amended and voters in California opted to keep cash bail intact. Harris County got rid of cash bail in 2019. However, part of it was rolled back in 2021 when Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bail bill into law requiring people accused of violent crimes to pay cash to get out of jail.

• Establish a civilian review board which allows individuals outside of law enforcement to review incidents of reported misconduct, so police aren’t left to police themselves.

VOTER SUPPRESSION

SB1, known by some as Texas’ “voter supState Rep. pression” law, was viewed as so blatant in its inSenfronia Thompson tent to disenfranchise Black and Latinx voters that the U.S. Justice Department sued the state.

“Texas is ground zero for voter suppression,” said Texas Democratic Party chairman, Gilberto Hinojosa, an assessment voiced by many, including State Rep. Senfronia Thompson.

“One of the most fundamental aspects of our democracy is the right to vote and it remains the most frequently attacked in legislatures across our nation,” said Thompson. “The Carroll 87th Legislative Session was filled with a numRobinson ber of bills that disenfranchised Texans of color and were the most egregious, blatant and retrogressive our nation has seen since the freedom to vote was secured.”

Thompson added the voting measures Harris County put in place in 2020 helped Houstonians cast their ballots in a safe and secure manner during the height of the global pandemic. The voter suppression bill filed by Republican lawmakers was a direct attack on Harris County’s efforts to expand access to the ballot box by banning drive-thru voting and 24-hour voting.

Dr. Michael O. Adams, a political science professor at Texas Southern University, was even more blunt.

“Voter suppression and what we’ve seen from the Republican party, both nationally and in Texas, is designed to destroy democracy as we have come to know it in terms of democratic principles and in terms of voting as a civil right,” Adams said.

GERRYMANDERING

State redistricting, the drawing of new congressional maps, is done every decade incorporating the latest data from the U.S. census. At least, that’s the theory. The Texas reality? Not so much, according to Thompson and State Rep. Ron Reynolds.

“African Americans, we’re at the wrong end of the disparities in our criminal justice system. Again, same crime, longer sentences, more racial profiling, more likely to have a negative encounter with police. Sandra Bland wasn’t an anomaly,” said Reynolds.

These inequities also include a cash bail system many dub “poor people’s tax” and make it better, in the opinion of some, to be rich and guilty than poor and innocent.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds at an event in Missouri City, TX. Photo by Aswad Walker.

“Redistricting was yet another blatant attack on the true representation of our democracy. The state of Texas has never completed a redistricting cycle without violating the federal Voting Rights Act and subsequently facing legal challenges by the United States Department of Justice,” said Thompson.

“There is a growing shift in our demographics over the last 10 years based on U.S. Census data that shows 95% of the growth in Texas was because of African Americans, Hispanics and Asians. Ninety-five percent,” said Reynolds.

“Many Republicans see that as a threat to their power if these minorities, who are more likely to vote Democrat, are able to vote. That’s why I and many of my Texas House colleagues broke quorum and went to D.C. advocating for federal voting rights legislation.”

Solutions

• Vote in the midterm elections.

• Vote and encourage others to do the same. “I have encouraged people to double down and use voter suppression efforts as motivation to be more determined to vote, not less, and to vote your values.” (Reynolds) Limitations

• Successful voter suppression and gerrymandered redistricting maps in place that severely silence the voice and votes of Black and Latinx communities; also, see limitations to voter suppression.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE INEQUITIES

Though criminal justice inequities regularly make local, state and national news, they are rarely discussed in terms of their impact on the health of American democracy, even though scores of elected officials and community activists connect the dots.

Limitations

• There’s a current lack of political will to remove qualified immunity.

• The few cities and counties that have eliminated cash bail had to roll back parts of the changes. There has also been vehement criticism of the elimination, with detractors pointing to repeat offenders who were released from jail.

• Civilian review boards nationally and locally have been criticized for their lack of subpoena power, investigative power and overall ability to hold officers accountable.

INSIGHTS: WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Stay vigilant. “The struggle continues and we have to struggle every day. I come out of a civil rights mode and recognize the importance of staying vigilant in commitment to the political process. Don’t lose hope. Continue the fight.” (Adams) • Contact your local, state and federal representatives and voice your concerns. Personal advocacy has more impact than most believe. Phone calls, according to staff of lawmakers, have more impact than emails.

• “I do think democracy is under attack, but I think people have to come together and build the power necessary to fight that. To fight back, join an organization because there is strength in numbers. Get engaged with your community. Stay abreast of current events. Know what is going on politically, socially, economically in your community, definitely in your state. (Regina Gardner, executive director, Reclaim the Village Project) READ ABOUT ADDITIONAL ATTACKS ON DEMOCRACY AND ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROTECT IT.

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DN Feature

HMAAC adds Robbie Tolan to ‘Stairwell of Memory’

By Aswad Walker

Robbie Tolan has joined the Stairwell of Memory at the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). Tolan survived a horrific case of police brutality when he was shot three times while lying on the ground by Bellaire police officer Jeffrey Cotton on Dec. 31, 2008.

The other members of the HMAAC’s Stairwell of Memory, Sandra Bland and George Floyd, lost their lives. But as program organizers pointed out, it’s important for the health of society that survivors of police violence and misconduct are remembered, as well.

“In that stairwell we have a picture of George Floyd, a picture of Sandra Bland, and we thought it would be extra special to put Robbie Tolan up, because sometimes those who survive are easily forgotten,” said Davina Reed, the HMAAC’s chief operating officer. “And we want everyone to remember

what went on with him that night.”

To help people remember, the HMAAC recently held a special dedication of its stairwell and hosted its inaugural Bland/Floyd/ Tolan Lecture, an event that featured an interview with Tolan by ABC13’s Melanie Lawson, along with a spoken word performance and the showing of a short documentary featuring Tolan and his mother recounting the events of Dec. 31, 2008 and the aftermath.

“We are all blessed to celebrate Robbie Tolan, ‘The Survivor,’ as the last portrait for HMAAC’s Stairwell of Memory,” said HMAAC CEO John Guess. “Robbie joins Sandy and Big Floyd, all subjected to police brutality that we must never forget. The Bland/Floyd/Tolan Lectures will help us learn from what happened to them as we improve the criminal justice system.”

Additionally, Tolan signed copies of his book, “No Justice: One White

Police Officer, One Black Family.” Lezley McSpadden-Head, mother of police brutality victim Michael Brown, was in attendance as a special guest, as were the artists of two of the three paintings adorning the Stairwell of Memory.

“John Guess commissioned me to paint the portrait of Robbie to be part of this commemoration,” said artist Cedric Ingram, a huge baseball fan who fashioned the portrait to resemble a baseball card.

On New Years Eve 13 years ago, Cotton, who is white, shot a 23-year-old, unarmed Tolan who was just beginning his professional baseball career, in the driveway of the home where he lived with his parents, Marian and Bobby Tolan, who came outside in their pajamas and tried to explain that the car was theirs and that they lived in the house.

Tolan had been ordered to the ground

at gunpoint, and was shot as he started to get up protesting the treatment of his mother who was being pushed toward a garage door by one of the officers on the scene. Cotton said he thought Tolan was reaching for a gun in his waistband. Cotton was indicted on a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant but was found not guilty and continued to work.

Asked by Lawson why he continues to reach out to parents of police brutality victims instead of simply “washing his hands of his experience and moving on,” Tolan responded, “I won’t lie. For a while I just wanted to wash my hands of it, don’t be bothered with it and move on. My mom is the one who really kept the fight going.

And I came out of that place of selfishness and realized that it’s just not about me. It’s bigger than me.”

CLASSIFIED A3/B3 WALL DEMOLITION

Houston First Corporation requests bids from qualified general contractors for the demolition and preparation of work at the existing folding partition and wall between Exhibit Halls A3 and B3 located on the 3rd floor of the north end of the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston Texas. Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for complete details.

LYNN WYATT SQUARE FOOD-AND-BEVERAGE

Houston First Corporation requests expressions of interest from established restauranteurs who are interested in operating a new food-and-beverage venue being constructed as part of Lynn Wyatt Square in downtown Houston, Texas. Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for complete details.

BROWN THEATER DIMMING RACK REPLACEMENT

Houston First Corporation requests bids from qualified contractors expressions for phase two of a dimming rack replacement project at the Brown Theater located in Wortham Center in downtown Houston, Texas.

Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for complete details.

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

RFP No. 4022000048: Maintenance, Installation, and Integration Services for Metro’s Intelligent Transportation System. Solicitation will be available on or about 02/21/2022

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

PROVISION OF RETAIL ELECTRIC SERVICES

Artist Cedric Ingram poses in front of his portrait of Robbie Tolan. Feb 19, 2022. Aswad Walker.

Read more from the Lawson/Tolan interview and the artists of the Stairwell of Memory at DefenderNetwork.com.

Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7116 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning Monday, February 28, 2022. Questions regarding the RFP will be answered by and no later than Thursday, March 10, 2022. Solicitation documents must be submitted to Jim A. Eggebrecht, 1000 Goode Drive, College Station, TX. 77840, by 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in a sealed envelope marked “THE HARRIS CENTER PROPOSAL FOR ELECTRICITY PURCHASE” - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022 AT 10:00 A.M. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Jim A. Eggebrecht, or E-mail questions to jegge@tamu.edu. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses, are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

February 24, 2022 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

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2/15/22 2:44 PM

12 | February 24, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Business

Photo courtesy of Metro

WHO’S HIRING IN HOUSTON

By Aswad Walker

Metro Houston added 20,400 jobs in December, according to the most recent data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Those numbers rank as Houston’s best December for job growth on record. November 2021 also set a record

for job growth. According to the Greater Houston Partnership and TWC data, fall 2021 (October, November and December) saw 80,800 jobs come to the Houston area, making it the fastest pace of job growth for any quarter on record, and the entire year of 2021 “the best year for employment growth in Houston’s history” with

the region creating 151,800 jobs. That’s a 5.1% increase over 2020.

2021 will go down as the best year for employment growth in Houston’s history. The region created 151,800 jobs, a 5.1 percent increase over ’20.

The Defender compiled a partial list of companies currently hiring.

VOODOO DONUTS MONTROSE • 1214 Westheimer, Houston • Overnight kitchen, bakers, cashiers ($12-$14/hr) • Full-time & part-time • www.toasttab.com/voodoo-donuts • 346-355-7666

CHILDCARE CAREERS • 720 N. Post Oak Road, Suite 612, Houston (four locations) • Preschool teachers, assistant teachers ($12-$16/hr) • 877-222-6070

THE WAFFLE BUS HEIGHTS • 1835 N. Shepherd Dr., Suite A, Houston

PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE DOWNTOWN • 1200 McKinney St., Houston

• Cooks, cashiers, runners, dish prep, shift leaders ($11-$18/hr)

• Dishwashers ($13-$16/hr)

• Full-time, part-time • www.thewafflebus.com • 832-582-5842

• Customer service ($14-$18/hr) • https://www.flexjobs.com/ remote-jobs/company/nrg_energy

• www.pappasbros.com • 713-658-1995

CENTURION SELECTION • Houston

INTELLATUTOR • Houston, (Atlanta-based company)

METRO • Houston

• Associate recruiter, entry level ($45,000-$60,000/yr)

• Tutors – all subjects ($18-$25/hr)

• Operators, mechanics, other positions (up to $26.88/hr, plus incentive pay once hired of $4,000-$8,000)

• www.centurionselection.com • 346-353-8528

HISD, MANDARIN IMMERSION MAGNET SCHOOL • 5445 W. Alabama, Houston

KROGER • Houston (Cincinnati-based company)

• Associate teacher ($14/hr)

• Various positions ($15/hr-$37,400/yr)

• www.houstonisd.org/careers.com

• Part-time

NRG REMOTE • Houston (three Locations)

• https://www.indeed.com/qKroger-l-Houston,-TX-jobs. ml?vjk=87e96fe2ce5619be

• www.IntellaTutor.com • 404-905-5360

• www.jobs.ridemetro.org

TYPHOON TEXAS • 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • 1,000 seasonal openings, water safety, food & beverage, front gate, other • www.typhoontexas.com

CITY OF HOUSTON • www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ houston.com

T:9.75"

February 24, 2022 |

| 13

DEFENDER NETWORK

T:13"

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With our Open For Business Fund, we’re donating roughly $420MM through nonprofits, to provide small businesses in cities across America with valuable equity and resources.

Learn more at wellsfargo.com/impact ©2022 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

1

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14 | February 24, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Rockets rookie guard Jaylen Green, despite a disastrous slum dunk contest showing, scored a game-high 20 points during NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars tournament.

Texas Southern thrower Phylan Perkins won her first SWAC Indoor Championship in the weight throw (60-2 feet) to lead the Lady Tigers women’s track and field team.

Sports Briefs

Lovie Smith speaks to the media as he is introduced as the Houston Texans new head coach during a news conference in Houston.

Smith is the fifth head coach in franchise history.

Brian Flores employed

by Steelers

Former Miami Dolphins coach and the one-time leading candidate to take over the Texans Brian Flores was hired over the weekend as a defensive assistant coach by Mike Tomlin Brian Flores and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hiring of Flores was a bit of a surprise considering he has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Dolphins and the NFL. Most thought his career as an NFL coach was over after filing the lawsuit.

Flores, who was a known finalist for the Texans job, has said he did not get the Houston post due to his lawsuit, which he plans to continue pursuing while employed by the Steelers.

Daytona 500 featured 4 Black team owners

In a dramatic shift in stock car racing, NASCAR’s signature race Daytona 500 started this past weekend with four of the 40 teams owned by Black owners.

The owners were NBA legend and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan (23XI Racing), former NBA center Michael Brad Daugherty Jordan (JTG Daugherty, boxing great Floyd Mayweather (The Money Racing Team) and entrepreneur John Cohen (NY Racing). Driver Bubba Wallace, who drives Jordan’s No.23 car, finished second at the Daytona 500.

Tigers participate in Legacy Bowl

TSU was well-represented in the inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl game that was organized to give players who aren’t invited to the NFL Combine an extra look for scouts and coaches.

Representing TSU in New Orleans were defensive ends Michael Michael Badejo, Tim Badejo Walton Jr., offensive lineman Nate Hines and wide receiver Ke’Lenn Davis. All played on Team Robinson, which is named after legendary Grambling State head coach Eddie Robinson.

Texans coach Lovie Smith gets rare third NFL chance

By Terrance Harris

Lovie Smith can’t help but feel like life and football are coming full circle for him these days.

Smith, 63, the man from little Big Sandy, returned to reside in his home state last year for the first time in over 40 years when he left as a high school coach and now he is the head coach of the Texans.

It became official earlier this month when after a lot of interviewing and a released list of finalists not named Lovie Smith, general manager Nick Caserio and the McNair family turned to the most experienced and decorated man in the building.

Smith, who is now coaching his third NFL team and has been a head coach on either the professional or college level since 2004, became reflective when talking about the journey that has led him to the helm of the Texans.

“I wanted to be a coach all my life, and a lot of that is based on what I had in a coach growing up,” Smith said. “Think about this also. My seventh-grade basketball coach still coaches football here, my high school football coach is here in the city of Houston.

My first college coach lives here in this great town. So, I’m really pumped up about it.”

One of the most respected defensive minds in coaching, Smith has been a coveted commodity for years. He and Tony Dungy made history during Super Bowl XLI in 2006 when they became the first Black coaches in the biggest championship. What made it even more of a celebration is they were on opposite sidelines which guaranteed that the NFL would have its first Black championship coach.

Dungy’s Indianapolis Colts defeated Smith’s Chicago Bears that night.

That was certainly the pinnacle of Smith’s career as he has had some difficult times in the years after with the Bears and in subsequent stints as head coach of Tampa Bay and University of Illinois.

It seemed Smith had run out of head coaching options after five

seasons at Illinois that ended with his firing. Some might call it out of desperation or a need to bring stability to the organization, but the Texans turned to Smith, who was hired onto David Culley’s staff last year as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

Culley was unceremoniously fired last month after just one season, and Caserio’s second coaching search was turning into a mess after his top candidate Brian Flores filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL along with the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Denver Broncos.

Seemingly out of nowhere Smith was presented with his third NFL head coaching opportunity, which until then had been unheard of for a Black man.

“It’s not often you get a chance to lead three professional football teams. I don’t know if there’s a guy that looks like me that’s had the opportunity to do that,” Smith said. “So, that’s pretty special, but just what I know about the organization and the potential. You know, as you look at players, you’re always talking about the potential, what you see in an athlete. Just to lead a program like this, I know the potential and what we can do and we can start the process this year.”

While Smith has been mindful of putting the best spin on his appointment, he understands the challenges facing Black coaches in the NFL. Despite the Rooney Rule, which was supposed to help give Black head coaches shots at jobs, the NFL has been slow to move.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been the only Black man to experience longevity and for a while this offseason he was the only one before Smith was hired along with Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who is bi-racial.

“I realize the amount of Black head coaches there are in the National Football League,” said Smith, who promoted Pep Hamilton as the Texans offensive coordinator and play caller. “There’s Mike Tomlin and then there’s me. I don’t know of many more. So, there’s a problem. It’s obvious for us.”

February 24, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports RIDGE POINT PG

T.J. FORD JR. Like father, like son

By Jodie B. Jiles

Ridge Point High School point guard Terrence “T.J” Ford Jr. has made strides as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 16.6 points a game through a battle-tested regular season.

Ford’s quick step, ball handling and passing abilities open the game up for him while pushing the ball up the court. When Ford drives to the basket he uses a box of go-to-moves at the rim that make his game stand out. As a shooter, he has the range from three-point land.

Ridge Point finished the season with a 21-12 overall record, going into the playoffs with the second seed in Class 6A Region III District 20, arguably one of the toughest basketball divisions in Houston this year.

Ridge Point coach Darren Johnson admires Ford’s growth this season, along with “his

ABOUT T.J. FORD JR.

STYLE OF PLAY

HIS HOOP LEGEND FATHER, T.J. FORD SR.

“Just getting out running. Making sure that I am ahead of the ball, making the right reads, getting my shot and getting to the lane.”

PLAYMAKING

“My job on the team is to make everyone better and put everyone in perfect situations to make sure our team can succeed.

I can do that with my passing ability by breaking guys down and hitting my guys when they are open.”

Instagram: @therealtjford Current offer: University of Texas Arlington Players he studies: Steph Curry, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul Favorite artist: Lil Durk and Big Scarr Shout-outs: “My dad, my mom and my family.”

competitive nature and how he goes about preparing every day. He practices hard and works on his craft. He has come a long way since August.”

The Defender spoke with Ford. Jr to discuss his style of play, playmaking abilities and more.

“I [want to] do it my own way, with my own style and my own flow. I [need to get to the NBA] and get it done. I really don’t hide from the shadow [of my father]. I embrace it. He is who I am, he is a part of me.”

PLAYOFF PUSH

“Getting ready for the playoffs, I am working on taking care of my body because this season has taken a little toll...just get right for the playoffs and be 100% healthy.”

| 15

16 | February 24, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

JALENE MACK

Working hard to bring Hollywood to Houston

By ReShonda Tate

For local entertainment attorney Jalene Mack, there’s no limit to what she can do. A trained actress, lawyer, movie producer, author and founder of the non-profit arts group, MPAC (Mack Performing Arts Collective), Mack is making her mark in the entertainment industry. From representing high profile clients like Steve Harvey and Wendy Raquel Robinson, to building the next generation of entertainers, Mack is a woman on the move.

As evidenced by the fact that she has four feature films dropping this month.

The multi-hyphenated, multi-talented New Orleans-raised woman is also working hard to bring Hollywood to Houston, a place she’s called home since 1990. Mack talked to the Defender about what she has going on, and how she’s hoping to help put Houston on the map.

DEFENDER: Tell us about your upcoming projects.

JALENE MACK: One is called “Love

and Coffee.” Jonathan Milton is the director/writer/producer on that one. It’s available now for streaming on Tubi. I have one coming out called “Friend Zone,” written/ directed by Justin Milton. I’m an executive producer on that one as well, along with my producing partner, Jonathan Stevens. I have one coming out on AllBlack Network, which is “Staycation.” I’m an executive producer on that. The amazing Aaron and Ali Abdin are the writers/directors on that one.

It stars Houston actor Shelton Jolivette, Amelia Jefferies and Jennifer Freeman. And the big, big one, “North of the 10,” which is streaming on BET+.

We’ve been working on that one for the past two years. It’s been a very heavy lift for us, but I’m so excited that it’s finally released for the world to see. Rhyan Lamar is our director, my producing partner on that one is Bishop Garnes. It’s about all these different influencers that struggle to become who they are today on the verge of MySpace folding, and the emergence of Facebook and Instagram and all these other social platform. It’s based on a true story. I’m excited about all of the projects. I get to make a cameo in all of these movies, so I get to wear all of my hats.

Defender: We hear all the time that you have to move to New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta if you want to have any success in the entertainment industry. Not only are you proving that to be false, but you have worked tirelessly to bring more film projects to Houston. Is that a concerted effort on your part?

MACK: I’ve been acting since I was a kid. I was an actress

before I was a lawyer. So I always had this drive for the arts. But living in Houston, our industry is not on the radar. We have to find ways to make it happen. We have to bring Hollywood to Houston. I’m hoping that when people recognize independent filmmakers out of Houston, it will help us get more prominence

VIDEO: MACK OFFERS ADVICE TO PEOPLE HOPING TO BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY, IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE SCENES.

ABOUT

Birthplace: Kansas City, MO Education: Xavier University (1990), Thurgood Marshall School of Law (1993) Family: Jermayn Mack (husband), Sydney and Justin (children)

in the entertainment industry that we well-deserve and that we’ve been waiting on to happen.

Defender: Is it easier to do more projects here now with all these streaming platforms?

MACK: Yes, it’s definitely easier to get

your content out, especially if you surround yourself with the right people. COVID also allowed everybody some down time to further develop a lot of their projects. And so now you have tons of content coming out.

Defender: Your list of occupations is inspiring: lawyer, actress, producer, head of a nonprofit, philanthropist, writer. And you’re proof that you can work your dreams at any age. How do you balance the wearing of so many hats?

MACK: I don’t live in a box. I am a multi-hyphenated

individual. These are the talents God gave me and I try to share them with the world. And those gifts allow me to wear all these different hats. And I just try to wear them well. It is just who I’ve always been.