UNMASKED Governor opens Texas for business Lone Star State removes mask mandate, local leaders upset.
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The brother of George Floyd is lending his talents to a upcoming album of protest anthems inspired by the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Volume 90, issue 18 March 4, 2021
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BEULAH SHEPARD
As part of Women’s History Month, the Defender is spotlighting some local history-making women for their heroism and service. instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com
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FIT & FINE Noel Comrie Age: 42 Occupation: Strength Coach Education: Tulane University Major: Mechanical Engineering Motto: Movement is life!
“I prioritize time to rejuvenate and always listen to my body.”
The battle against Covid isn’t over. A doctor, right, assists nurses as they treat a patient delivered by emergency medical personnel for Covid symptoms. AP/John Minchillo
Message from the Managing Editor band members protested and took action. Our governor is crazy. I don’t know if he The Texas marching band refused to play it during the Longhorns’ final two home truly believes that we are out of the woods when it comes to the Coronavirus, if he’s games. Now, not only is the school respondtrying to jump on the Trump derailed ing by blasting it over the loudspeakers… train, or if he wants us to be talking but wealthy donors are threatening to stop about anything other than his abysdonating if the school gets rid of the fight mal performance in the recent song. The school is being flooded with hunstorms. What I do know is he dreds of emails moaning about “cancel culis playing a dangerous game ture” and demanding that the school take with Texans’ lives. Returning a stand in support of the fight song or else. the businesses to normal, I get. ReShonda Tate Billingsley Sounds about white. I get it, its steeped in Livelihoods are at stake. Getting history. And I hate to admit, I even sang it rid of a mask mandate makes no sense. Lives are at back in the day, not realizing its racist undertones. But when stake. What harm is it to continue the enforcement of you know better, you do better. UT, do better. masks for a little while longer? Oh…people are complaining about their rights being infringed upon because you make Blame the Blacks them wear masks? I guess we should cancel the seat belt law Did you catch FBI Director Chris Wray’s testimony where as well. he debunked conspiracy theories promoted by right-wing supporters of former President Donald Trump? Since the Jan. Y’all do what you wanna do. I’m vaccinated and STILL, as 6 insurrection, those supporters have tried to blame Antifa, for me and my house…we’re wearing masks. Black Lives Matter, and other leftist extremists, saying they disguised themselves as Trump supporters to storm the U.S. Speaking of vaccines Capitol. Wray told lawmakers this narrative was false, addHave you gotten yours? If you’re not in the 1A or 1B cate- ing that a number of the rioters belong to far-right militia gory, don’t worry, relief is on the way. Texas health officials movements, were motivated by racial ideologies - but none say the guidance around who will be included in group 1C, to date appear to belong to any left-wing groups. It was like the next group eligible to be vaccinated, will be finalized and four Black people in that whole mob, but yeah, let’s blame shared this month. Our vote is for educators and grocery store the Blacks (insert eye roll). workers. We’re happy to hear Harris County is getting 12,000 doses of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Bring on more! In this week’s paper • Aswad Walker kicks off Women’s History Month with a All eyes on Texas feature on Houston Black Women History-Makers. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, so the • Some families STILL don’t have water after the winter storm. school is near and dear to my heart. But come on, Longhorns. • Sports reporters Terrance Harris and Jodie Jiles share the It’s long past time to hang up the fight song. “The Eyes of latest in the world of high school, college and pro sports. Texas” became a hot-button topic in the aftermath of the officer-related death of George Floyd. Students at UT took On the web issue with the song’s origins—it was inspired by Confederate • Houston woman goes on a $3.5 mil shopping spree with general Robert E. Lee and made its debut in 1903 during CARES Act money. a campus minstrel show performed by white students in • Watch Dr. Ruth Simmons video on racial equity blackface—and soon after, both student-athletes and school • “Coming 2 America” is coming to your screens. It isn’t over….
@noelcom_fit www.noelcomfit.com Read more on Friday about Noel Comrie at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine Direct Message our Instagram page @DefenderNetwork
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DN News What I see here, is a premature and misguided decision that is putting the community at risk, and that is unnecessary because we’re headed to where we need to go. This is just not the time to give up.”
-Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
A pedestrian in a face covering walks past the sign plastered on the windows of a restaurant to announce that it is open. -AP
Local leaders blast opening of Texas
Gov. Abbott removes mask mandate, lifts capacity limits
-Mayor Sylvester Turner
Masks still required
Don’t throw away that mask so fast. There are still places where people will be required to wear a mask even after Abbott’s order takes effect. Businesses Businesses can still use coronavirus-mitigation measures, such as limiting capacity and requiring masks to be worn by customers. It can be equated to a typical “no shoes, no shirt, no service” policy.
Defender News Service
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo slammed Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to reopen the economy with no restrictions and end the statewide mask mandate, calling the move “political.” In making the decision to end the statewide mask mandate and allow all businesses to operate at full capacity, starting Wednesday, March 10, Abbott pointed to a drop in both COVID-19 testing positivity rates and hospitalizations. But in a statement, Hidalgo said the two actions run the risk of slowing down the recovery and reversing the gains that have been made. There is a provision in Abbott’s executive order that allows county judges to take their own actions if COVID19 hospitalizations in their area rise above 15% of the hospital bed capacity for seven straight days. Still, even then, local leaders aren’t allowed to implement penalties for not wearing face masks and businesses must still be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Hidalgo said changing behaviors once hospitals are already at that point is too late. “El Paso crossed that threshold, took steps, and yet their hospitals were overwhelmed,” she said. “Fifteen percent is not a magical number that you can guarantee hospitals won’t be overwhelmed.” Hidalgo also accused Abbott of distracting Texans from the “failures of state oversight on our power grid,” a sentiment that was echoed by Houston Mayor Sylvester
I’m very disappointed in the Governor’s announcement. To put it in stark terms, it makes no sense.”
Tasha Arevalo, right, laughs with Joseph Butler while eating at Moe’s Irish Pub in Houston. -AP/ David J. Phillip
Turner. “It’s a step in the wrong direction, unless the governor is trying to deflect what happened a little more than two weeks ago with the winter storm,” said Turner. Turner said masks will still be required for city employees and on city property. “Until people can get their vaccine, what is the protection? In large part, it’s the mask,” Turner said. Melissa Stewart, executive director of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association, praised the decision, saying restaurant owners are relieved about the ability to open back up to 100% capacity. “That is gonna be tremendous, and very, very necessary for our industry,” Stewart said. “Just being able to open up and really accommodate all of the folks who like to be there would be wonderful for our industry.”
Schools Public schools can operate under the minimum health protocols issued by the Texas Education Agency. Private schools and higher education institutions are encouraged to follow similar standards. The TEA said that updated guidance is expected to be issued this week. Federal property According to an executive order signed by President Joe Biden on Jan. 20, masks are required to be worn by members of the federal workforce, on-site federal contractors and other people in federal buildings and on federal lands. Planes, trains, buses and more Another order signed by Biden on Jan. 21, requires people using public transit and at ports of entry to the county to wear masks. That includes airports, commercial aircraft, trains, ferries, intercity bus services and all forms of public transportation.
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DN News Trooper kicked, dragged Black man who died in custody Associated Press
President Joe Biden arrives to speak at a FEMA COVID-19 mass vaccination site at NRG Stadium. AP
Biden surveys Texas weather damage, encourages virus shots By ReShonda Tate Billingsley
During President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Texas, he heard firsthand from victims of the recent winter storm and pledged to stick with them “for the long haul” as he made his first trip to a major disaster area since he took office. Biden was briefed by emergency officials and thanked workers for doing “God’s work.” He promised the federal government will be there for Texans as they try to recover, not just from the historic storm but also the public health and economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. With tens of thousands of Houston area residents without safe water, local officials told Biden that many are still struggling. First Lady Jill Biden also joined an assembly line of volunteers packing boxes of quick oats, juice and other food at the Houston Food Bank. Biden arrived there later. Texas was hit particularly hard by the Valentine’s weekend storm that battered multiple states. Unusually frigid conditions led to widespread power outages and frozen pipes that burst and flooded homes. Millions of residents lost heat and running water. “The president has made very clear to us that in crises like this, it is our duty to organize prompt and competent federal support to American citizens, and we have to ensure that bureaucracy and politics do not stand in the way,” said Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall, who accompanied Biden to Houston. Biden was joined for much of his visit by Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. John Cornyn, both Republicans, four Democratic Houston-area members of Congress and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. The president also stopped by a mass coronavirus vaccination center at NRG Stadium that is run by the federal government. Democrat Biden suggested that he
A Louisiana State Police trooper has been suspended without pay for kicking and dragging a handcuffed Black man whose in-custody death remains unexplained and the subject of a federal civil rights investigation. Body camera footage shows Master Trooper Kory York dragging Ronald Greene “on his stomach by the leg shackles” following a violent arrest and high-speed pursuit, according Ronald Greene to internal State Police records obtained by The Associated Press. The records are the first public acknowledgement by State Police that Greene was mistreated, and they confirm details provided last year by an attorney for Greene’s family who viewed graphic body camera footage of the May 2019 arrest and likened it the police killing of George Floyd. The video shows troopers choking and beating the man, repeatedly jolting him with stun guns and dragging him face-down across the pavement, the attorney told AP. State Police have repeatedly refused to publicly release the body camera footage. The agency has been tightlipped about Greene’s death and initially blamed the man’s fatal injuries on a car crash outside Monroe, La. York, who turned his own body camera off on his way to the scene, is seen on other body-cam footage yanking Greene’s shackles and repeatedly using profanity toward Greene before he died in custody. “You’re gonna lay on your f****** belly like I told you!” the trooper says at one point, according to the police records. York was suspended without pay for 50 hours following an internal investigation that also led to the termination of another trooper, Chris Hollingsworth, who died in a single-car crash after learning he had been fired over his role in the incident.
Several dignitaries were on hand for Biden’s visit.
When a crisis hits our states, like the one that hit Texas, it’s not a Republican or Democrat that’s hurting, it’s our fellow Americans that are hurting and it’s our job to help everyone in need.”
-President Biden
and Republicans Abbott and Cornyn could find common cause in getting Americans vaccinated as quickly as possible. “We disagree on plenty of things,” Biden said. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are plenty of things we can work on together. And one of them is represented right here today, the effort to speed up vaccinations.”
VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 18 - MARCH 4, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler
Associate Editor Aswad Walker
Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles
Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles
Creative Director Michael Grant
Photographers Ray Carrington III 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
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DN News Prairie View A&M University victimized in Cyber Attack By ReShonda Tate Billingsley
A major cyberattack against Prairie View A&M University in early February forced the university to close its campus, cancel classes and shut down online classes. “On Feb. 4, PVAMU IT and Ellucian personnel noticed unusual activity associated with ransomware in the Prairie View environment. Shortly after, the TAMUS Cyber Response Team (CRT) was deployed to lead on-site incident response efforts,” Prairie View A&M spokesperson Candice Johnson said in a statement. The attack immobilized the university’s major network systems, which impacted its ability to access day-to-day operational systems. Classes were able to resume Feb. 11 because course rigor and meeting course learning outcomes are fundamental to instruction, degree and professional success, course contact hours must be made up, according to the university. The school said students who are enrolled in the first eight-week session courses will have their last day of class on March 16 with final exams on March 17. Due to the cybersecurity event, the university canceled Spring Break. Courses will continue
according to their regular mode of delivery Monday, March 15 through Wednesday, March 17, but all courses will have virtual instruction days from Thursday, March 18 through Saturday, March 20.
University officials say students, parents, faculty and staff can rest assured that student’s security is a top priority. “At this time, we cannot release additional details due to the ongoing investigation,”
Johnson said. “However, we can tell you that security measures were immediately put into place during the containment and restoration process to mitigate future cyberattacks.”
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DN Feature AFTER THE STORM
SOME IN HOUSTON STILL WITHOUT WATER Defender News Service
Almost two weeks after a winter storm that knocked out power for more than four million Texans and left more than eight million under a boil water notice, some Houstonians are still in dire need of clean drinking water. Houston and most of Harris County were placed under a boil water advisory when freezing and busted pipes lowered water pressure under safe limits set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. That notice was lifted after samples sent to the TCEQ came back clean. But some communities have been able to bounce Wilbert Thomas back sooner than others. Fifth Ward resident Wilbert Thomas, 58, was one of many residents in need of supplies. Sitting in a motorized chair, he patiently made his way to pick up food and water at a Fifth Ward distribution site. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he believes the number of tenants and homeowners struggling is likely in the thousands. Coaquies Davis, who lives at the Sterlingshire apartments in northeast Houston, said she’s been without water for about 11 days. “I feel so frustrated. It’s hard on us and our kids. I’ve been keeping them inside because you can’t get too dirty if you can’t bathe,” Davis said. The water issue at the Villas Del Paseo apartment complex in southwest Houston is too much for some residents, many of whom suffered significant water damage due to busted pipes, which left them with no running water. Dozens of residents gathered as part of a demonstration re-
Donated water is unloaded at a distribution site in Houston. AP
cently alongside Houston Tenants Union to protest the complex’s response. “The tenants have unanimously decided that they’re not going to pay rent until they fix the water,” said Dominica, a volunteer for the Houston Tenants Union. Turner did not comment on the issues of each individual complex but said some of the issues are being caused by a shortage in supplies. “Plumbers are being stretched thin,” he said.
Wrongful death lawsuits increase after winter storm Defender News Service
DeMarco Wheaton Boles was 31. His family buried him on Saturday. Harvey Robinson lived in Galveston. He was a former barber who loved his grandchildren. And Florence Jones. She was beloved in her south Houston neighborhood. Boles, Robinson and Jones weren’t connected in life but, according to their attorneys, have something in common when it comes to their deaths. “I don’t know if anything compares to loss of life in this magnitude,” said Houston attorney Chris Leavitt of the Buzbee Law Firm. “What happened was not a mistake. It was a series of really poor decisions that put money over people’s safety.” Leavitt said his firm has filed more than 30 wrongful death lawsuits against the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and power companies across
Florence Jones (left), Harvey Robinson, DeMarco Wheaton Boles are among the more than 30 wrongful death lawsuits filed against Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and power companies across Texas. Credit
Texas that center on decisions made leading up to last month’s winter storm. “The local utility provider decided who to shut off and for how long, and on top of that they told everyone it would be a rolling or temporary blackout, and
as we all know now it was anything but,” Leavitt said. “They were warned many times. They had a lot of notice this could potentially happen. It had happened in the past, yet they did nothing,” Leavitt said.
Texas schools still tallying storm costs, and some won’t reopen soon Defender News Service
The winter storm left students in Texas homebound for nearly two weeks. But some schools may not be able to open for weeks. Fast-plummeting frigid temperatures and power outages froze sprinkler systems, destroyed flooring and disrupted crucial services to school buildings, temporarily preventing some from providing students with food and shelter. School leaders are still surveying the damage and calculating their losses. Some schools might not be able to reopen for in-person learning at all this school year, adding instability to an academic year already complicated by a pandemic. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told lawmakers that damage to school facilities is likely “extensive” and that he will have more data in the next month. School districts must look to insurance and federal emergency relief agencies to fund repairs and losses, with the state as a final resort. Those costs could be significant, especially as districts are already paying extra to educate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. District leaders asked teachers to list all the school-owned items they lost in the storm so they can help them replace crucial supplies, said Superintendent Jamie Wilson. Denton County is included in the federal disaster declaration, meaning some teachers may also be able to submit personal reimbursement requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Wilson said. “Frankly, one of the areas that a lot of our employees live in had upward of 40 hours of [power] outage. If you had that many hours, you’re going to have some fallout from that,” he said.
Get financial help from Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund
$1.65 million in grants to people who need financial assistance to repair their homes.
Text “HOUSTONFREEZE” to 898211 to get information about the application process. Donations are also still being accepted at winterstormrelieffund.org.
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DN InFocus
HOUSTON’S HISTORY-MAKING BLACK WOMEN By Aswad Walker
Simmons in a statement. “Her example pushed thousands to aspire and achieve beyond their wildest dreams.”
“Epistemic violence” is the term used to describe the act of purposefully removing or erasing a group’s contributions to history from textbooks, lesson plans and other educational vehicles. It is because of the long legacy of epistemic violence that both Black History Month and Women’s History Month were formed—to attempt to right this wrong. And Black women have been wronged and erased twice-over. Thus Defender seeks to spotlight some local history-making sisters in hopes of continuing a movement that allows them to receive their just due for their heroism and service. Here are a few of many.
The Houston Defender is looking for local women to Watch for an upcoming feature. If you have a woman making an impact in her business or community, let us know by emailing ReShonda@DefenderNetwork.com
CHRISTIA ADAIR
(1893 – 1989) SUNNYSIDE Christia Adair, for whom Adair Park was named in 1977, was a NAACP leader and local champion of civil rights during the 1950s. Adair worked for women’s suffrage, only to find that Black women were still excluded from Texas primary elections. Adair, a longtime Sunnyside resident, continued to work for full suffrage and was one of the first Black women to vote in a Democratic primary after the Supreme Court struck down Texas’ white primary law in 1944. As executive secretary of the Houston NAACP for 12 years, she and others desegregated the Houston
JOSIE ROBINSON
PLEASANTVILLE When people discuss the founding of Houston’s Pleasantville, the first master-planned community for middle class Blacks in the United States, Judson Robinson Sr.’s critical role of marketing the new community of Blacks and selling homes is spotlighted. However, according to Mary Fontenot, president of the Pleasantville Historical Society, Robinson’s wife deserves much more credit than history has afforded her for her part in Pleasantville’s founding, growth and success. “Josie Robinson really had her hands in a lot of building and selling homes in Pleasantville, and a lot of people don’t know that,” stated Fontenot. “She was quiet but she was a darn good business woman.” Josie Bell McCullough graduated from Prairie View State Normal School (now Prairie View A&M University) in 1929, the same year she married Judson Robinson Sr. The couple not only had three children, but came to be known as the “first family” of Pleasantville for their role as pillars and anchors of that historic community.
BEULAH SHEPARD Holly Hogrobrooks -Photo by Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle.
airport, public libraries, city buses and department store dressing rooms. Despite official harassment, Adair and others rebuilt the Houston NAACP chapter, which grew to 10,000 members.
JULIA C. HESTER
(ca.1881 – 1940) 5th WARD Born in Dublin, Georgia, Julia Thomas married Alexander Z. Hester in 1892. Sometime between then and 1900, the couple moved to Houston where Julia worked as a school teacher. But that was not the only work she did. She dedicated her life to both education and helping others. Hester was a state leader of Hero-
ines of Jericho, a woman’s auxiliary to the Negro Free and Accepted Masons of Texas; chairwoman of the Advisory Committee in Colored Girls’ Work during World War I; and member of the Emancipation Park advisory committee. During their more than 40 years living in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Hester and her husband were leaders in the community and provided their home as a safe environment for adolescents to keep them off the streets. The couple were also active members of Houston’s Payne Chapel African Methodists Episcopal Church. In 1943 the Houston Community Chest and Council established a neighborhood community center in the Fifth Ward, naming it the “Julia C. Hester House” to honor the life work of its namesake.
HOLLY HOGROBROOKS
(1940 – 2016) 3rd WARD Hogrobrooks, was an alumna of Texas Southern University and a journalism professor until her retirement in 2000. More than a half a century earlier, Hogrobrooks, along with several other TSU students led a sit-in movement that changed Houston forever. As a founding member of the Progressive Youth Association, which was started by students on TSU’s campus in the 60s, Hogrobrooks, along with Eldrewey Stearns, John Bland, Pete Hogrobrooks, Otis King, Deanna Lot Burrell, Halcyon Sadberry Watkins and others helped organize Houston’s first sit-in on March 4, 1960. Her efforts helped pave the path to end segregation in Houston making her a bonafide civil rights pioneer. “Holly was fearless, opinionated and
strong because our parents taught us to stand up to injustice,” said her sister Enid Hogrobrooks.
NELLYE JOYCE PUNCH
(1921 – 2018) 5th WARD A legend of Houston’s Fifth Ward, Punch was said to have elevated the consciousness and involvement of Fifth Ward residents and organizations over several decades. Punch, a dedicated educator and activist, taught science at E. O. Smith Jr. High School for 36 years, chaired the science department and worked as a consultant for HISD prior to her retirement. Some of the students Punch mentored include the late congresspersons
Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, state legislators Harold Dutton and the late Al Edwards, and Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, the first Black president of an Ivy League institution and current president of Prairie View A&M University. Outside of the classroom, Punch helped organize a new voting location where she served as precinct judge, became a history-making lay leader in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of Target Hunger’s first board of directors. Punch more than earned her title, the “unofficial congresswoman of Fifth Ward.” “To live one’s life in a way that instructs without having to use a lesson plan or give a test is evidence aplenty of the extraordinary presence of Mrs. Punch, who became for so many a lodestar in a firmament of stars,” said
(1921 – 2010) ACRES HOMES Born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, Shepard grew to become known for her “plain-dealing” and getting things done for the Acres Homes community. Shepard worked with many Democratic city, county, state and national campaigns for more than 50 years and never missed the opportunity to vote. While holding various jobs over the years, including serving as constituent liaison for veteran Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner, E.A. “Squatty” Lyons, Shepard spearheaded countless voter registration drives and persistently fought for political and civic equality for Blacks, earning her local and national admiration. So much so, she received invitations from the White House and met presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Carter and Clinton. Shepard earned the moniker “Mayor of Acres Homes” as she was instrumental in lobbying and securing a swimming pool, library, better roads
and parks, and many other infrastructure improvements for the underserved community. Shepard also helped organize the Acres Homes Health Council, and pushed for the construction of a neighborhood police station in 1996. Shepard was a member of the Harris County Council of Organizations, board member on the Acres Homes Charter Schools and founding member of the Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce. She was chosen Acres Homes Community “Woman of the Year,” and given the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats’ “Texas Living Legend Award” in 1987. In 2004 the Acres Homes Center for Business and Economic Development was named in her honor. In 2012 the city of Houston officially named the Beulah Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library in her honor.
LULU WHITE
(1900 – 1957) 3rd WARD According to BlackPast.org, Lulu Belle Madison White was a civil rights activist in the 1940s and 1950s who devoted most of her adult life to the struggle against Jim Crow in Texas by campaigning for the right to vote, for equal pay for equal work, and for desegregation of public facilities. According to historian and TSU professor Dr. Merline Pitre, White was also the driving force behind the growth of the NAACP in Texas, the destruction of the all-white state democratic primary and several game-changing, landmark court cases. Pitre, authored “In Struggle Against Jim Crow: Lulu B. White and the NAACP 1900 -1957” in part because she said so little was ever said of Blacks in Texas, particularly Black women, during the Civil Rights Movements of the 1940s and 60s. “If you’re from Houston, you hear a lot about Christia Adair… but it was Lulu White who was out there organizing branches, who was out there saying we’ve got go to the Supreme Court, we’ve got to get this money to go. She and her husband funded all of the [Texas all-] white primary cases. Therefore, not only did she stop that, but she pushed Black people to run for office. She was the one who got Heman Sweatt to go to the University of Texas. She was tough,” shared Pitre.
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Feature
Vice President Kamala Harris original paintings to be given away Defender News Service
Amber Mostyn and Mostyn Law have commissioned original works from a number of local artists, inviting them to share their personal interpretations of the image of Vice President Kamala Harris. These works, created by Linda Simien Kelly, Rico Edwards and Kaima Marie, among others, will be awarded in an online consumer sweepstakes with Majic 102 (KMJQ-FM⁄Houston), in support of Mostyn Law’s 1-800-TRUCKWRECK initiatives.
“We’re celebrating an unprecedented achievement in the pursuit of equality, opportunity and social change,” observes Mostyn. “Kamala Harris bears many distinctions. She is the first African American vice president. She is the first vice president of South Asian descent. And she is the highest ranking female elected official in our nation. Kamala’s record-breaking achievements deserve endless tribute. At Mostyn Law, we want to share our salute with Houston, as the world witnesses a renewal of the soul of our nation.”
The Mostyn Law “Soul of the Nation Salute” is now underway. Houston-area residents may register to win these paintings at www.1800TruckWreck.com⁄win, the same online platform used by Mostyn Law to award $10,000 in local restaurant gift cards last fall. The deadline for entries is March 13, 2021, followed by the announcement of four randomly selected winners, who will each receive one of the four commissioned pieces. Official rules for the giveaway are available at www.1800truckwreck.com⁄win.
Artist Linda Simien Kelly’s portrait, titled “The Identity of Change.” Tawana Cox
Civil Rights Icon Vernon Jordan Dies at 85 NNPA
Mr. Jordan fought for the advancement of Vernon Jordan, the former National civil rights in this country. His contribuUrban League president and civil tions – first challenging segregation rights leader, has died at 85. and discrimination as an activist Vickee Jordan Adams, the in the 1960s and later continuing icon’s daughter, confirmed the fight in the leadership of his death saying, “My father the NAACP, the United Negro passed away last night at College Fund and then as Presaround 10 p.m. surrounded ident of the National Urban by loved ones, his wife and League – benefited us all.” daughter, by his side.” The congresswoman NAACP President Derrick continued: Vernon Johnson said the world lost an As Chair of the Congressional Jordan influential figure in the fight for Black Caucus, I had the absolute civil rights and American politics. humbled honor of meeting with Mr. Jordan “An icon to the world and a lifelong friend multiple times to discuss the challenges of to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our time, but also our hope and optimism our society toward justice is unparalleled,” for the future. While Mr. Jordan is no longer Johnson declared. with us, we continue this fight surrounded “In 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s by thousands inspired by his work and his Spingarn Medal for a lifetime of social jus- leadership. My thoughts are with the family tice activism. His exemplary life will shine of Mr. Jordan and the many friends that join as a guiding light for all that seek truth and me in mourning his loss.” justice for all people.” A lawyer and Washington power broker, Added Congressional Black Caucus Jordan was born in Atlanta on August 15, 1935. Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.): “For decades,T:4.812" He attended the DePauw University in
Greencastle, Indiana, where he was the only African American student in his class. According to his biography posted by The HistoryMakers, Jordan participated in the student senate at DePauw and won statewide honors in speaking competitions. He played basketball and graduated in
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1957. In 1960, he earned a J.D. from the Howard University School of Law. Jordan returned to Atlanta, starting his legal career working with the civil rights movement.
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DEFENDER NETWORK
WE STAND BEHIND THE VACCINE Here’s why our experts support the COVID-19 vaccine:
TESTED
TRUSTED
EFFECTIVE
There has been thorough testing and rigorous external review. Previous research and new technology allowed the vaccine to be developed faster, yet still follow the standard FDA process for emergency review before approval.
Most side effects are minimal, like other vaccines — including sore arms, muscle aches and fever. These flu-like symptoms indicate that the vaccine is doing its job — helping your body develop immunity to the virus. Other side effects are rare.
Current evidence indicates the vaccine is safe and up to 95% effective. COVID-19 can be fatal or debilitating. The risks of experiencing serious symptoms or being hospitalized from the disease are far greater than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.
Many different organizations across Greater Houston are providing vaccines as quickly as they can get them. We encourage you to get the first vaccine available to you when it is your turn according to the state’s prioritization plan. Visit houstonmethodist.org/vaccine for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines. #ProtectedTogether
12 | March 4, 2021 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Events
UPCOMING VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON EVENTS By Aswad Walker
A Kick in the Belly: Women, Slavery and Resistance with Stella Dadzie, Mar. 10, 1pm Join Stella Dadzie as she discusses her new book “A Kick in the Belly: Women, Slavery and Resistance.” Dadzie’s book provides evidence that West Indian women played a distinctly dynamic and central role in the development of a culture of slave resistance. From the coffle-line to the Great House, enslaved women found ways of fighting back. “A Kick in the Belly” makes clear that their subtle acts of insubordination and their conscious acts of rebellion came to undermine the very fabric and survival of West Indian slavery. The event is part of Lambeth Libraries International Women’s Day celebrations and organized by the Friends of South Lambeth Library. See Eventbrite for more information. The OMG Food Fest, Mar. 13, 2pm – 10pm Green Light Events wants to welcome you to the World’s First Hip-Hop Food Festival, the OMG Food Fest. Organizers say the event is so named because they are not allowing any food in the event that doesn’t make customers say OH MY GOD! In addition to delicious food coming from all directions, the city’s best DJs and bands will be on hand playing Hip-Hop, Rap, Old School and everything else that will keep attendees moving. Tacos, boudin, turkey legs, BBQ and more will be on hand. For event and vender info, email greenlighteventshouston@gmail.com. Get Jazz Smart: Freedom Now! Jazz and Civil Rights in the 60s, Mar. 9, 8:30pm – 9:30pm Throughout its history, jazz has been in dialogue with Black freedom struggles in the United States more broadly and arguably especially so during the 1950s and 1960s. Using Max Roach, Oscar Brown, and Abbie Lincoln et. al.’s landmark extended-length work “We Insist!: Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite” as a central point of focus, The Nash and Christi Jay Wells will explore the various dimensions of jazz music as a form of activism and jazz musicians’ roles as activists and advocates throughout this critical period in the Civil Rights Movement. This class is a “pay what you can” event. For information, visit https://thenash.org/get-jazz-smart/.
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 w Project 21-01-01 - RFP/ Employee Life, Disability, and Personal Legal Voluntary Insurance Plans – with a deadline of 2:00 p.m. CST on April 13, 2021. The PreProposal Conference for this project will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. CST. Email constance.wright@houstonisd.org by 3:00 p.m. CST on Monday, March 8, 2021 to request a meeting link. w Project 21-12-01 RFP/Pet Supplies and Aquarium Maintenance Services and Related Items – with a deadline of 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. The Pre-Proposal Conference for this project will be held via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 2:00 P.M. The solicitation for bids is available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org To access, go to Directory, Purchasing Services, Solicitation of Bids. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas
NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE STATE PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF METRO’S FISCAL YEARS 2016 THROUGH 2019 The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is holding a virtual public hearing to receive public comments on its State Performance Audit for Fiscal Years 2016 through 2019. The audit will be presented during the public hearing held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2021 by telephone and video conference call on the Zoom virtual meeting platform. The public may join the virtual hearing on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85198217272 Meeting ID: 851 9821 7272 or by dialing the Toll Free Telephone: 346-248-7799 or 1-888-475-4499 (Toll Free). Participation on Zoom is only necessary if you want to provide comments during the public hearing. Otherwise, you may view a livestream of the virtual hearing online at https://www.RideMETRO.org/Pages/BoardStreamingVideo.aspx. A video recording of the hearing will also be archived on RideMETRO.org. A copy of the State Performance Audit and METRO management responses will be available for review by the public beginning on February 3, 2021 on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building, located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Based on the current guidance from public health officials recommending the limitation of in-person public meetings to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, the public hearing will only be conducted virtually. PROCESS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS It is recommended that anyone wanting to make public comments register as a public speaker with METRO’s Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to boardoffice@RideMETRO.org, and providing their name, address and telephone number. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time for you to make your comments. Alternatively, you may provide public comments after the pre-registered speakers by selecting the “Raise Hand” feature on the Zoom platform online or by pressing *9 if joining by telephone. Those calling in will automatically be placed on mute. After an unregistered speaker’s name or number is recognized, the operator will prompt the speaker to press *6 to be unmuted, and they will be able to provide their comments. The public may also provide comments by calling METRO’s Customer Care Center at 713-635-4000 in advance of the public hearing. LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE, ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan. METRO’s public hearings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for language assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4834 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.
RideMETRO.org • 713-635-4000. All METRO vehicles are 100% accessible.
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Business LARGEST HOUSTON BUSINESS GROUP PURSUES RACIAL EQUITY By Von Jiles
The Greater Houston Partnership, representing over 1,000 companies, has launched an initiative to advance racial equity in the Houston business community with the unveiling of eight principles. In a unified call-to-action the GHP has secured pledges from over 117 Houston-area companies committed to demonstrate the racial equity principles within their organizations. Shortly after the death of George Floyd, the GHP began a quest that nine months later has resulted in One Houston Together, a program modeled after the Greater Cleveland Partnership program. One Houston Together is the commitment to leverage the power of the business community to address racial inequity in our region. According to the GHP press release, the partnership believes the business community has an opportunity to lead the way in reforming broken systems, partnering with communities, offering support and removing barriers. The Racial Equity Committee cochaired by Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Prairie View A&M University, and Gretchen Watkins, President of Shell Oil Co. unveiled the eight racial equity principles: The principles, broad in scope, are heavy on keywords but soft on accountability. However, indications are there will be measurable goals and specific policies/procedures to achieve racial equity. The regional study conducted by the GHP reveals the initiative will require heavy lifting with almost 50% of Houston-area companies respondents stating they have no formal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan, and 60% adding there are no spending goals for diverse supplier contracting. Make sure you pick up the Defender next week for an In Focus, one-on-one interview with Dr. Simmons.
GHP RESPONDENTS SURVEYED
50%
No formal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan
60%
No spending goal for diverse suppliers contracting
94%
Have started DEI work within their organization
Ruth Simmons, President of Prairie View A&M University, serves as the cochair of the GHP One Houston Together “Racial Equity Committee”. She talked to Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles in a virtual interview about the initiative’s direction and the role the community can play. Watch the Interview this weekend on: defendernetwork.com
EIGHT RACIAL EQUITY PRINCIPALS • We will institute policies and procedures that promote acceptance, respect and opportunity for all human beings.
own institutions.
communities to deepen our understanding of the inequities experienced and seek lasting solutions.
• We will acknowledge missteps and correct course when warranted.
• We will practice and encourage behaviors that build trust and understanding rather than resentment and bias. • We will set measurable goals and practice rigorous accountability in our diversity, inclusion and outreach efforts and within our
• We will support advancing equity in the communities in which we live and operate, understanding that our longterm success depends on our shared progress. • We will regularly engage with and listen to under-served
• We will identify specific and concrete ways to foster the advancement and success of underrepresented groups, institutions, and individuals. • We will promote the application of these principles within our spheres of influence.
The Partnership has a responsibility to help ensure our region is a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We have to be more than just the most diverse city in the country—we must work to be the most inclusive city. By launching One Houston Together and forming our Racial Equity Committee, we now have a pathway to lead the business community on these important issues and realize meaningful change.”
Bob Harvey, president and CEO of One Houston Together
JUNE
Launched Black Community Listening Tour
AUGUST
CHRONOLOGY
90%
Have active recruitment efforts to attract minority job candidates
SEPTEMBER Hosted conversation series featuring experts on understanding racism, health and racial inequity and developing equitable communities.
Established Racial Equity Committee cochaired by Ruth Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M University, and Gretchen Watkins, president of Shell Oil Co.
NOVEMBER Conducted first regional partnership member and non-member companies.
Bob Harvey
DECEMBER Approved Racial Equity Principles by unanimous vote of the partnership board. Member companies asked to commit to principles within their own organization.
DECEMBER Hired LaTanya Flix as Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
14 | March 4, 2021 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Sports Memphis forward and Houston native Justise Winslow scored a game-high 20 points during the Grizzlies 133-84 win over the Rockets.
Texas Southern forward and Pearland product Karl Nicholas has been named SWAC Impact Player of the Week after averaging 15 points and 9.3 rebounds in consecutive wins.
Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a basket ahead of Sterling Brown #0 of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of a game at the Toyota Center on February 22, 2021. -Getty Images
ROCKETS STRUGGLING WITH NO END IN SIGHT By Terrance Harris
ROCKETS BY THE NUMBERS
6
The most wins in a row they’ve had this season
20
The number of points John Wall is averaging
43.8
Rockets field goal shooting percentage
112.6
Average points opponents are scoring
Just about a month ago, the Rockets were playing above their talent and seeming to benefit from being freed of the James Harden drama. Now, reality has set in. The Rockets are a team without a legit superstar or two on the roster, and in the NBA that is the equivalent of trying to play basketball without a ball. It doesn’t work, and as a consequence the Rockets were riding an 11-game losing streak following Sunday’s 133-84 loss to Memphis. Ironically, the last team the Rockets beat before starting their win-less streak Memphis on Feb. 4, a victory that capped a stretch in which they won 7 of 8 games. While the Rockets fans are up in arms now – especially during the franchise’s longest losing streak since dropping 15-straight games during the 2000-01 season – the team is doing its best to hold it together. “With a 12-game losing streak (as of Monday’s loss to Cleveland) it’s easy to point the finger and all of those things, but we’ve just got to figure out a way to win, point blank, period,” said guard Victor Oladipo. “It’s no other way to talk about it, there is no other way to fix it but that. We’ve just got to figure out a way to win.” Figuring out how to win, however, is closely tied to figuring out what’s wrong with the Rockets. On the surface, it’s the departures of superstars Russell Westbrook and Harden, two players who not only make big shots but make players better around them just by their presence.
The Rockets now lack that dynamic ability which is evident in the long scoring lulls they often have gone through in this recent run. There are stretches where the team can’t buy as basket. It doesn’t help that emerging star center Christian Wood has been out with an ankle injury and the Rockets hadn’t won since. Oladipo has been bothered by a nagging foot injury which has rendered him unavailable for back-to-back games. The Rockets didn’t play with the same starting lineup in consecutive games for the month of February until the final two games. Point guard John Wall has been the most consistent player on the roster, but his play alone hasn’t been nearly enough. “We’re on a losing streak right now, nobody in the locker room is happy about it,” said forward Sterling Brown. “We are going to bounce back.” The question is when? First-year coach Stephen Silas is working hard to figure that out, but he’s also fighting the reality of the sense of urgency to win versus the need to trust the process while not being as concerned about wins and losses. “It’s my job to highlight the positive, to show the negative, fix the negative and try to keep, as hard as it can be in this situation, an even keel,” Silas said. “When we are on a six-game winning streak you are through the roof and now we are on a losing streak you are down in the dumps.
Sports Briefs Oladipo declines Rockets extension offer Rockets guard Victor Oladipo turned down a two-year, $45.2 million max contract Victor Oladipo extension from the team, according to an ESPN report. Oladipo, who has been subject of trade rumors due to his expiring contract, is believed to desire a long-term deal, but the Rockets offered the max they are allowed to offer prior to the upcoming offseason. Oladipo joined the Rockets as part of the Harden trade. Former Texans player found dead Texans ex-defensive lineman and Notre Dame product Louis Nix III was found dead Sunday in Louis Nix III Jacksonville, Fla. Nix was a thirdround pick of the Texans in 2014, but he never took the field for the team after having knee surgery. He went on to play for a couple of years in Washington and Jacksonville before retiring in 2017. Texans purging continues The Texans continue their unloading of once valued players. The team released running back Duke Duke Johnson Johnson and starting center Nick Martin in cost-cutting moves.
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Sports HEIGHTS FORWARD
TIERRA SIMON HAS NO QUIT By Jodie B. Jiles
Heights senior forward Tierra Simon has a catch-andshoot game that was on full display in the Heights Lady Bulldogs’ Regional quarterfinal loss to #1 Texas ranked, reigning state champion Cy Creek. Throughout the game Simon’s intangible effort granted her the ability to get loose balls and add the points that don’t show up on the stat sheets. When Heights head coach Kerrick Arrington was asked what makes Tierra special, he stated, “She has an attitude of not wanting to quit and not wanting to settle for less. She always wants more and when she gets to the next level she will be a whole different person, and that is what makes her what she is.” The Defender spoke with Simon after the Bulldogs were eliminated by Cy Creek to discuss her determination and keys to success this season.
STYLE OF PLAY
“I like to shoot the mid-range and around the free throw line. I don’t really put my back to the basket because I like to play like a stretch four.”
MID-RANGE GAME
“I would say it is really nice. When I’m on my own I just feel like I am ready to shoot that because I’m prepared for it.”
DEFENSIVE GAME
“Talking on defense is a very important thing and I would say I am the most talkative one on the court. I really don’t get in any foul trouble playing straight up and not letting anyone back me down.”
DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
“To get to that point it took togetherness and working hard. We didn’t give up against Cy Creek and I believe we somewhat showed that because it is just a matter of basketball and heart when you have a smaller team like we do.”
CY CREEK GAME LESSONS
“I definitely need to work on dribbling a lot more and being able to get myself open in more than just the mid-range.”
ABOUT TIERRA SIMON
Twitter: Tierra_0 Players She Likes: Kevin Durant, Joel Embid, Nikola Jokic Hobbies: Babysitting because I love kids, working out and sleeping Shoutouts: My family, team, coach and especially my point guard Gracelynn Alvarez
Simon spots up from the free throw line. -Jimmie Agisson
Simon alters a shot without fouling against #1 ranked Cy Creek. -Jimmie Aggison
16 | March 4, 2021 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Entertainment Terrence Floyd joins protest album in honor of his brother
Associated Press
Before a late night rehearsal in December, Terrence Floyd couldn’t remember the last time he squatted on a drum throne, sticks in hand and ready to perform. Surely, he said, it had not happened since his brother, George Floyd, died at the hands of police in Minneapolis last May, sparking a global reckoning over systemic racism and police brutality. Now, Terrence is lending a talent he honed as a youngster in a church band to help produce and promote a forthcoming album of protest anthems inspired by the Black Lives Matter demonstrations prompted in part by his brother’s death. “I want to pay my respects to my brother any way I can, whether it’s a march, whether it’s just talking to somebody about him, or whether it’s doing what I do and playing the drums,” Terrence told The Associated Press. “His heartbeat is not beating no more,” he said, “but I can beat for him.” The untitled project, set for release one year after George Floyd’s death, follows a long history of racial justice messages and protest slogans crossing over into American popular music and culture. In particular, music has been a vehicle for building awareness of grassroots movements, often carrying desperate pleas or enraged battle cries across the airwaves. Terrence was recruited for the project by the Rev. Kevin McCall, a civil rights activist
Terrence Floyd, brother of George Floyd, plays the drums with other artists during a recording session for an album of protest songs with Rev. Kevin McCall. -AP
who said he believes an album of street-inspired protest anthems does not yet exist. “These protest chants that were created have been monumental,” said McCall. “It created a movement and not a moment.” Some songs make bold declarations, like the protest anthem album’s lead single, “No Justice No Peace.” The well-known
protest refrain, popularized in the U.S. in the 1980s, is something that millennials grew up hearing before they joined the front lines of their generation’s civil rights movement, McCall said. The song is currently available for purchase and streaming on iTunes, Amazon Music and YouTube.
Godfather Records, a label run and owned by David Wright, pastor of Grace Tabernacle Christian Center, plans to put out the seven-song album. His late father, Timothy Wright, is considered the “Godfather of gospel music.” “We’re mixing gospel music with social justice, to reach the masses,” Wright said. “We have always been strengthened through songs, like ‘We Shall Overcome’ and ‘Wade in the Water.’ I want to put a new twist on it.” There is a history of interplay between music and Black protest. The 1991 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers — as well as the contemporary “war on drugs” — amplified NWA’s 1988 anthem, “F(asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk) tha Police,” and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” released in 1989. More recently, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” Beyoncé’s “Freedom” featuring Lamar, and YG’s “FDT” provided a soundtrack for many BLM protests. Terrence Floyd said the protest anthem project feels like a fitting way to honor his brother’s memory. Many years before his death, George Floyd dabbled in music — he was occasionally invited to rap on mixtapes produced by DJ Screw, a fixture of the local hip-hop scene in Houston. “If his music couldn’t make it out of Houston, I’m using my Floyd musical ability to reach people in his name,” Terrence said.
Blacks take home wins at Golden Globes An
dr a
Da y
Defender News Service
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association may be under heat for not having any Black members, however it didn’t stop these Black actors and creatives from winning awards during the 78th Annual Golden Globes. Although Black Hollywood has zero representation behind-the-scenes in the HFPA, they were front-and-center as presenters at the event. Stars included: Ava DuVernay, Tracy Morgan, Sterling K. Brown, Cynthia Erivo, Tiffany Haddish. Spike and Tonya Lee’s children, Satchel and Jackson, Lee are the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Here are the Black actors and creatives who were awarded for their exemplary achievement on screen and behind-the-scenes: Andra Day For her breakout leading role
Chadwick Boseman
John Boyega
Jon Bastise
in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Andra Day wins Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama. Chadwick Boseman Posthumously Chadwick Boseman wins Best Actor in a Movie Drama for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. John Boyega For his performance in Small Axe‘s Red, White and Blue, John Boyega wins Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.
Kemp Powers
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel Kaluuya As Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah, Daniel Kaluuya wins for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture. Jon Batiste Jon Batiste, along with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, win for Best Original Score, Motion Picture. Kemp Powers When Soul won Best Motion Picture, Animated, Kemp Powers secured a Golden Globe for screenwriting.