March 9, 2023

TEA Takeover WHAT’S NEXT FOR HISD?

NEWS

PROFILE

TxDOT

GERRY MONROE

The multi-billion dollar project to revitalize I-45 is finally moving forward.

The local activist and talk show host discusses why he’s constantly fighting for Houston youth.

Volume 92, issue 17 March 9, 2023

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DN To the POINT

Actor Andre Pitre (left) talks about struggles as a Black man to the audience after the production of The Black Man, The Play at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston. Photo: Laura Onyeneho.

Reporter’s Message you call someone a B---h and what did she The expectation surrounding Black mascuexactly do to you to warrant this energy? He linity and mental health is a hot topic in the used the Oscars incident to secure the bag with Black community. The traditional ideas tied Netflix [not mad at that], and this was more to how society says Black men should move in of a venting session to me. He did make some the world have caused them to struggle with good points about selective outrage, and I had vulnerability and transparency about mental my share of laughs, so I’ll give him that. Black health challenges. I had the opportunity to Twitter roasted Will Smith and Jada before this, attend a play written by the iconic actress and Laura Onyeneho so the jokes didn’t hit as hard as they did on producer Charnele Brown [famously known the internet. I guess “Everybody Hates Chris.” for playing Kimberly Reese on the hit 80s sitcom “A Different World”] and created by her business partner Andre Tamron Hall is trending… and it’s not good.

Pitre called “The Black Man, The Play.” It delved into the I enjoy tuning in to the “Tamron Hall Show” [when the thoughts of Black men and how they navigate the world. opportunity presents itself] for the interviews, the news It is not only informative but emotional. The audience was updates and the fashion. Recently, the internet has been in moved to tears, and it revealed a painful truth men suffer an uproar about her tough interviewing style, with former with on a daily basis. The play was timely considering the co-host of The Breakfast Club Angela Ye and former “Real genius press run by actors Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Housewives of Atlanta” star Portia Goubadia. One thing Majors with the movie “Creed III” and the vulnerability Hall is going to do is question you like a proper journalist and brotherhood each of them displayed leading up to the and she asks questions that most may not be comfortable premiere. The images of Black men as overly masculine, saying out loud. If a PR team gives a celebrity the green hypersexual, aggressive, and strong is shifting, and I’m glad light to go on the show, the star better be prepared because to see positive examples of this. baby girl does NOT play. Can you imagine this energy with Oprah, Diane Sawyer or Barbara Walters? If you want Chris Rock Netflix comedy softball questions, there are other places to interview. I’ve special takes low blows seen these interviews, and yes, it is a tough pill to swallow, Have you all seen that Chris Rock Netflix special “Selec- but that’s Tamron’s MO. Tamron’s style cuts through the BS tive Outrage”? Chris is still riding that Oscars slap wave; and asks those uncomfortable questions, with that southern let me tell you, it was an ear full. Comedy has been on the charm. Ultimately, all this attention equates to ratings, so chopping block in the cancel culture era. No longer are it’s a win for the Tamron Hall team. the days when comedians can get away with outlandish jokes without the harsh backlash of the auntie and uncles ON THE WEB of the internet. Rock didn’t care what people would think • Why a local pastor is saying yes to a TEA Takeover. about people’s reactions, even though many thought his • Five steps to an effective reparation plan. attack on Jada was of poor taste. How many times will • AGL brings Esports Initiative to Jack Yates HS. Black Men and Masculinity

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DN News

I-45 project finally moving forward

By ReShonda Tate

After months of back and forth, the Texas Department of Transportation is moving forward with a multi-billion dollar project to revitalize I-45. This comes after federal officials announced the signing of a Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) resolving the investigation of the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) and lifting the pause on the project, which has been under fire from critics worried about the project’s impact on minority communities.

Harris County sued TxDOT behind the proposal in 2021 – that’s the same time the Federal Highway Administration began an ongoing investigation into environmental and civil rights concerns about the project.

Critics were partly concerned because it would displace more than 1,000 residences and businesses in low-income communities of color. The county asked a judge to compel TxDOT to work more closely with Houston-area stakeholders and give greater consideration to their concerns, which also include the potential for increased pollution and traffic congestion.

The federal government paused the project, which would widen and reroute Interstate 45 near and north of downtown. Their investigation, completed this week, found TxDOT followed guidelines.

The VRA is designed to address the project’s impact to the community and provides clear enforceable timelines that will be monitored by the federal government, including detailed design, stakeholder engagement, affordable housing initiatives, right-of-way acquisition, flood mitigation and construction activities.

“Through this agreement the community will have a greater voice in the design and throughout the project’s life cycle,” said

Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “We have lifted the pause, and with FHWA oversight, TXDOT may proceed with design and construction.”

The $9 billion NHHIP is expected to take more than 10 years and will ultimately reconstruct I-45 North between Houston’s downtown and the North Sam Houston Tollway to bring the roadway up to federal safety standards and enhance mobility.

Improvements also include increased modal options through four non-tolled managed lanes, bicycle and pedestrian features along frontage roads and cross streets, and trails parallel to bayous within the right of way. Detention ponds, pump stations and other flood mitigation tools are also included in the project. TxDOT officials say air quality will also benefit from less congested traffic and idling cars along with various project mitigations.

“This portion of I-45 was built in stages in the 1950s and 1960s and the design remained

This agreement moves forward an important project, responds to community concerns, and improves the North Houston Highway Improvement Project in ways that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt

essentially the same while the area population has doubled,” stated Marc Williams, TxDOT executive director.

Officials say because of the length and cost of the project, it was important that the public and local officials have input from design through construction. TxDOT has committed to holding public engagement meetings at least twice a year throughout the life of the project. During those meetings, they’ll provide the community with up-todate information regarding the project and

give an open forum for the community to provide feedback, raise issues or ask questions about not just the projects, but also TxDOT’s compliance with the agreement.

City officials say the VRA gives them confidence as the project moves forward.

With the VRA, stakeholders have the opportunity to remediate any improper activities or non-compliance with the terms of the agreement.

“The FHWA agreement announced today bolsters the county’s and city’s agreements with TxDOT from late last year. Many of the commitments TxDOT made to the county and the city are now subject to federal government monitoring and enforcement throughout the projects design and construction,” said Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee.

“I’m glad the federal government ratified and built on the work done by local government – this agreement ensures the county’s and city’s interests will be considered during the life of the project.”

Added Mayor Sylvester Turner, “After years of negotiations, the North Houston Highway Improvement Project can now be the project Houston deserves it to be; a project that addresses I-45’s repeated flooding while maximizing the opportunities for people to stay in their homes and neighborhoods. It is a project that helps people and goods travel through the region while encouraging people to travel between our neighborhoods without impacting them.

A project that can help knit back together our downtown and improve the air we all breathe. I thank the many project partners and stakeholders that have brought us to the point, including FHWA, TxDOT, Harris County, METRO and especially our residents.”

The breakfast klub sues over Bush airport location Defender News Service

The Houston-area has another “food fight” on its hands as the breakfast klub (tbk) sued longtime City Hall consultant Cindy Clifford, claiming “fraudulent inducement” to a contract along with additional issues.

Filed in December 2022 by tbk owner Marcus Davis, the lawsuit accuses Clifford and her partners of using the breakfast klub’s name and reputation to help secure the airport food and beverage contract and then cut tbk out of the deal once the bid was secured.

An excerpt from the lawsuit states: “Clifford and her partners used (the breakfast klub) to win the airport contract and are now taking steps to try to exclude (the breakfast klub) from the promised airport concessions agreement… Clifford is now evincing the real purpose of the fraud — i.e., to take over all the

operations so that Clifford and her partners can make all the profits to the exclusion of (the breakfast klub).”

Under the terms of the contract, tbk was to have two locations in George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) for a 10-year period. Since 2017, tbk operated two locations in IAH’s Terminal A: a full-service restaurant and an express

location, counter service. The lawsuit involves the express location, which Davis says was operated by Clifford and her partners but failed to meet tbk business standards.

The lawsuit alleges Clifford made several promises to secure tbk’s participation and then promptly broke them once the deal was signed. Among them: that the restaurant

would be in the airport for 10 years and that tbk’s food quality and customer service requirements would be honored at all times.

The restaurant, represented by former city attorney and two-time Houston mayoral candidate Ben Hall, is seeking at least $1 million in damages.

“I’m not trying to make a big stink of it,” Davis told another publication. “We put a lot of work into that. ... For an operation my size, I’m not a billion-dollar corporation, I can’t just put that effort in. To have the deal snatched out from under us, in the way and manner that it was snatched from us, I thought it was unfair and I thought it was unjust.”

MORE ON CINDY CLIFFORD

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News DEADLY MEXICO ABDUCTION

Survivors return to America Pappas voted out at Hobby Airport Defender News Service

Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown (inset) were attacked shortly after entering Matamoros, after drug cartel members mistook them for Haitian smugglers.

Associated Press

A road trip to Mexico for cosmetic surgery ended with two Americans dead — and two others found alive in a rural area near the Gulf coast — after a violent shootout and abduction that was captured on video.

The surviving Americans were back on U.S. soil after being sped to the border near Brownsville, the southernmost tip of Texas, in a convoy of ambulances and SUVs escorted by Mexican military Humvees and National Guard trucks with mounted machine guns.

A relative of one of the victims said that the four had traveled together from the Carolinas so one of them could get a tummy tuck surgery from a doctor in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, where the March 3 abduction took place.

Tamaulipas Gov. Américo Villarreal said the four were found in a wooden shack, where they were being guarded by a man who was arrested. Villarreal said the captive Americans had been moved around by their captors, and at one point were taken to a medical clinic “to create confusion and avoid efforts to rescue them.”

The two dead will be turned over to U.S. authorities following forensic work at the Matamoros morgue in the coming hours, the governor said.

Villareal said the wounded American, Eric Williams, had been shot in the left leg and the wound was not life threatening. The survivors were taken to Valley Regional Medical Center with an FBI escort, the Brownsville Herald reported. A spokesperson for the hospital referred all inquiries to the FBI. “It’s quite a relief,” said Robert Williams, Eric’s brother, reached by phone in North Carolina. “I look forward to seeing him again and actually being able to talk to him.”

The U.S. citizens were found in a shack in rural area east of Matamoros called Ejido Tecolote on the way to the Gulf coast known as “Bagdad Beach,” according to Tamaulipas state chief

prosecutor Irving Barrios.

Shortly after entering Mexico Friday, the four were caught amid fighting between rival cartel groups in the city. Barrios said the hypothesis is “that it was confusion, not a direct attack.”

Video and photographs taken during and immediately after the abduction show the Americans’ white minivan sitting beside another vehicle, with at least one bullet hole in the driver’s side window. A witness said the two vehicles had collided. Almost immediately, several men in tactical vests and toting assault rifles arrived in another vehicle to surround the scene.

The gunmen walked one of the Americans into the bed of a white pickup, then dragged and loaded the three others.

Terrified civilian motorists sat silently in their cars, hoping not to draw their attention. Two of the victims appeared to be motionless.

Officials said a Mexican woman a block and a half away from the scene also died in Friday’s crossfire.

The shootings illustrate the terror that has prevailed for years in Matamoros, a city dominated by factions of the powerful Gulf drug cartel who often fight among themselves.

Amid the violence, thousands of Mexicans have disappeared in Tamaulipas state alone.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the people responsible would be punished. He referenced arrests made in the 2019 killings of nine U.S.-Mexican dual citizens in Sonora near the U.S. border.

He complained about the U.S. media’s coverage of the missing Americans, accusing them of sensationalism. “It’s not like that when they kill Mexicans in the United States, they (the media) go quiet like mummies.”

“It’s very unfortunate, they (the U.S. government) have the right to protest like they have,” López Obrador said. “We really regret that this happens in our country.”

The city of Houston awarded a lucrative Hobby Airport concessions contract to a new company, pushing out Pappas restaurant amidst controversy. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and 10 other council members voted “yes” in favor of awarding the contract, with six voting “no.”

Areas, a Miami-based company, defeated Pappas by a razor-thin margin in the original presentations, but the formal approval process has come under fire up until the moment council members made the final vote.

Pappas launched a public campaign to stay at Hobby, even launching an online petition that got tens of thousands of signatures.The mayor said a team evaluated all the bids and made a recommendation and that sticking with Pappas would not be the best and most profitable option for the city.

“This is a competitive process, not a popularity contest,” the mayor said. “Pappas chose not to go up. In fact, what Pappas is offering the city for the next 10 to 20 years is less than what they’re giving the city right now.”

Councilmembers who voted against pushing Pappas out argued the process was flawed.

“Hobby Airport is a five-star Airport and to bring somebody new like that when we just recently got the designation of a five-star airport is concerning,” said Councilmember Robert Gallegos.

A spokesperson for Pappas restaurants said they are disappointed in the city council’s decision.

He said all employees working at Hobby Airport will be offered jobs at other restaurant locations around the city.

VOLUME 92, NUMBER 17 - MARCH 9, 2023 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Digital Content Manager Get Current Studios Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Photographer Jimmie Aggison Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse Jordan Hockett

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 2023 copyright.

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

March 9, 2023 |

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| 5

DN News NEWSBRIEFS Food Not Bombs volunteer files lawsuit against city over anti-food sharing law An organization that feeds the homeless outside the downtown Houston library on McKinney Street is challenging the city’s Charitable Feeding Ordinance. Benjamin Franklin Craft-Rendon was given a citation by the city for distributing food outside the library and filed a federal lawsuit in response. The City of Houston issued an updated notice last week warning citizens that public feedings outside the library are prohibited and should instead be done at the city approved site located at 61 Riesner Street. Per the notice, anyone who violates the ordinance after February 24, would be subject to a fine, but the organization did not agree with the city’s orders to move. The city issued the directive after an increase in the number of threats and violent incidents directed at visitors and employees coming to the Houston Public Library downtown.

Food Not Bombs has been giving out healthy meals at least four nights a week outside the downtown library for almost two decades, and said they’ve never been cited.

The City of Houston passed the Charitable Feeding Ordinance in 2012, under former

Mayor Annise Parker’s administration, and volunteers said they don’t understand why the city is enforcing the law now – when Parker backed down against the group. The ordinance requires an individual or organization feeding more than five people to get approval by the property owner to distribute food. Volunteers with the organization say they will continue to distribute food downtown despite the city’s orders.

Cuney Homes Basketball

Court Reopening James Harden‘s Impact13 Foundation recently joined forces with the Houston Housing Authority to reinvigorate, recharge, and revive Cuney Homes’ basketball court.

As a beloved hub for recreation and community in the Third Ward, the court design not only boasts fresh coats of paint and state-of-the-art equipment, but also vivid artistry. Overlooking the space, a powerful mural by local artist Henry Agim depicts George Floyd in a “54” jersey—his high school number. The recent unveiling of the revitalized Cuney Homes’ basketball court was followed by festivities including basketball games, a sneaker giveaway, sno-cones and light bites.

METRORAPID UNIVERSITY CORRIDOR PUBLIC MEETINGS 2023 Join a public meeting and be a part of the METRORapid University Corridor project.

City of Houston launches Open Finance Initiative to boost financial transparency The City of Houston is enhancing the use of technology to engage citizens and increase financial transparency. Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the start of the third and final phase of the open finance initiative, “Open Checkbook,” which provides Houstonians access to detailed expenditure-level payment data to vendors and other recipients. Mayor Turner initially announced the open finance initiative to allow Houstonians to track how public funds are being utilized. This includes publishing relevant,

accessible datasets about the City’s budget, checkbook and payroll. It also provides simple data visualizations to help the public explore the City’s financial activities. Localities can benefit from data that helps measure policy efforts, increase government operational and process efficiency, provide deeper analytical insights, and increase citizen participation. Increased transparency through open data initiatives enhances the collaboration between residents and their elected leaders. These efforts empower residents to get involved and understand the City’s financial activities. Read more at https:// openfinance.houstontx.gov.

Cuney Homes Basketball Court

DATE

TIME

Thursday Mar-02-2023

5– 7 p.m.

Houston Community 1300 Holman Street Segment 2 College – Houston, TX 77004 Central Campus

Saturday Mar-04-2023

9:30 – 11 a.m.

Third Ward 3611 Ennis Street Multi-Service Center Houston, TX 77004

Segment 3

Tuesday Mar-07-2023

5:30 – Emancipation Park 7:30 p.m. Cultural Center

3018 Emancipation Avenue Houston, TX 77004

Segment 3

Wednesday Mar-08-2023

6– 8 p.m.

HCC Felix Fraga Campus

301 N. Drennan Street Houston, TX 77003

Segment 4

Thursday Mar-09-2023

6– 8 p.m.

Chinese Community Center

9800 Town Park Drive Houston, TX 77036

Segment 1

Get meeting updates and learn more about the project at:

VENUE

ADDRESS

SEGMENT #

RideMETRO.org/University

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DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN InFocus

TEA TAKEOVER: WHAT’S NEXT FOR HISD? TEA TAKEOVER TIMELINE Oct 2019 TEA expresses intent to takeover HISD

Jan 2020 Judge issues injunction halting takeover

including how HISD earned a ‘B’ grade rating overall and how 19 months ago, 50 campuses were rated “D or F,” and now “10” campuses remain in that status.

WHAT WILL HISD LOOK LIKE DURING A TAKEOVER? During a district takeover, the TEA would appoint a manager to oversee district operations and replace HISD’s nine-member elected board with a “board of managers.”

According to the TEA website, the agency would host a community meeting and open applications for manager roles. The commissioner gives the final review and approval of the managers.

Texas law states that a takeover can last a minimum of two years. The commission can extend it for another two years if they see more progress needed to improve the district’s academic or financial performance.

T

By Laura Onyeneho

he news surrounding Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the potential takeover by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is a significant challenge to the state’s public education system.

Texas’ largest school district has been locked in a legal battle to stop the takeover for years.

Recently, Mayor Sylvester Turner addressed

Photo by Aswad Walker

rumors about the state’s takeover that could happen at any day.

If this move happens, TEA will be responsible for all 300 campuses and more than 190,000 students; a decision Turner believes will be disruptive and confusing for those impacted.

“And now we have the state coming in and taking over the largest school district in the state and bringing in their managers,” Turner said during a city council meeting. “What parents have you talked to? What buy-in have you received?

What teachers have you talked to? What principals have you talked to?”

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said no final decision had been made after being questioned by Rep. Alma Allen over the reports during this month’s Public Education Committee meeting.

“We’re waiting to evaluate the Supreme Court’s ruling that has not yet been finalized,” Morath said. “What we’re going to do is going to be a mandatory action under state law, not a discretionary action.”

If the state moves forward with the takeover? What will that mean for Black parents, teachers, students and the community?

WHERE IT STARTED In 2015, state legislators passed a bill that permits the state to shut down schools or take them over if public schools fail the state standards for five or more years.

Wheatley High School was on the chopping block for repeated low academic performances at the time. This impending battle between HISD and the state began in 2019 due to alleged misconduct by certain HISD trustees and concerns about perpetually failing schools.

TEA announced a takeover, but HISD sued the state and was granted a temporary injunction. In January 2023, the Texas Supreme Court finally sided with TEA.

HISD Superintendent Millard House II joined in 2021, ready to address the historical issues in the school district. The Defender asked House in 2021 about his leadership teams’ relationship with the board. He stated that the commissioner was excited to see where the district was going and was very supportive of their work.

Recently, the HISD Foundation hosted its annual State of Schools luncheon, celebrating 100 years of educational success at HISD. House confidently listed the district’s achievements,

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT BLACK COMMUNITIES IN HOUSTON? Staci Childs is a District 4 Texas State Board of Education, member. In February, she hosted a community town hall discussing the state of education for Black students in Harris County.

She says right now is a crucial time for the community to get involved and to connect with city officials on the issue.

“A takeover would mean you’ll no longer have an elected board of trustees that [the people] put into office,” said Childs. “These are people who are supposed to know the community, they live [in Houston], and they’re supposed to know the educational space. These people are vetted.

“The concerns of many constituents are how will they build trust with a board they never voted in? And ways to help create awareness and take action within the means of their control.”

Arnetta Murray is a special education teacher at West Briar Middle School who joined several educators opposed to the decision at press conferences led by state representative Jarvis Johnson.

“What scares me is the possibility of losing

DN Hear why a local pastor says the TEA takover is necessary.

ONLINE

Dec 2020 Third court of appeals rules against TEA

Feb 2021 HISD appeals to supreme court

our job. Possibly our contracts will be null and void. We don’t know what they are going to do.

They aren’t talking to the teachers. Teachers are working under stress, and it’s unfair,” Murray said. “I’ve been an educator for 15 years. I love what I do. Enough is enough. You all want us to put our all into the schools and children, but want to keep from telling us what’s next?”

Linda Brown is a Wheatley High School alumna who says she plans to do everything in her power to help her alma mater from shutting down.

“My concern is for the students and parents; the fact that they are projecting to close the school down,” she said. “Wheatley is a monument in our community. I don’t know where the students will end up going. They’d have to be transported somewhere else. It’s an inconvenience and lack of serving the community.”

President of NAACP Houston Branch Bishop James W.E Dixon, had a few requests to demand from TEA during the press conference.

“Explain to us your rationale. You can’t convince us a B+ rating is still worthy of being taken over,” he said. “Until you can do that, we are asking you to stand down, issue a moratorium, delay the action until there can be accountability, because your action does not match the reality.”

Oct 2022 Supreme Court hearing

Jan 2023 Supreme Court vacates injunction

We’re waiting to evaluate the Supreme Court’s ruling that has not yet been finalized.

What we’re going to do is going to be a mandatory action under state law, not a discretionary action."

Mike Morath TEA Commissioner

Representative Jarvis Johnson stands with other local and state representatives to oppose a TEA takeover. Photo by Laura Onyeneho

8 | March 9, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature DISCOVERY GREEN HOSTS SPRING BREAK EVENTS Defender News Service

Discovery Green’s Spring Break returns with an exciting array of educational, interactive activities daily from Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17. Celebrate Spring Break week with Houston’s only outdoor roller-skating rink, Girlstart hands on STEM activities, Mad Science demonstrations, cultural performances, Black Panther movie character appearances, Jurassic Park World Dominion movie with Jurassic Extreme Houston dinosaurs, and more! Skating fees apply, while activities are FREE and open to the public.

Discovery Green’s Spring Break presented by EOG Resources, gives Houstonians a free line-up of programming that is not only educational but packed with excitement.

Visit discoverygreen.com/springbreak for more information.

MON., MARCH 13TH FRI., MARCH 17TH 9–11am: Special Needs Skaters Roller Rink: Non-motorized wheelchairs are always

allowed on the rink, but Special Skaters Days gives those with special needs the opportunity to enjoy the rink with a smaller crowd and their families right by their side. Best of all – special skaters skate or roll for free! Skate guardians and family members will need to purchase a ticket. Ticket booth opens at 8:30am.

11am–11pm: The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green: Skate and roll to your heart’s

delight with these extended spring break hours. Tickets are $12 plus tax and include skate rental. www.discoverygreen.com/therink to purchase tickets.

11am–4pm: EOG Resources Activities & Giveaways: Spring break sponsors will

be on site with hands on activities and giveaways such as books, tote bags and children’s or young adult books about energy, oil, and natural gas.

Two young skaters enjoy the Rink at Discovery Green.

11am–12pm: DaCamera Dinky Drums Workshop: Drummer and educator Sam

Dinkins III presents a free drumming workshop for people of all ages. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he is an accomplished performer and producer. This workshop is presented in partnership with DACAMERA. 12–4pm: Girlstart STEM – Girlstart guides visitors through fun and engaging hands-on activities designed to bring to life concepts in science, technology, engineering and math. School’s out, but brains are turned on!

12–12:45pm: Mad Science Demonstration – Spin, Pop, Boom! Discover how

much fun we can have with the fundamentals of physics and chemistry. Watch as we create our very own bungee jump and a spinning platform. Help us call out the Genie from its bottle and create beautiful music with a fiery reaction. Our foam factory is a must see.

1–1:30pm: Storytime with Costumed Characters – Enjoy a reading of a favorite

book, then meet the characters in real life!

4–7pm: DJ Mohawk Steve at The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green – Get

ready to roll at this party on wheels with music provided by DJ Mohawk Steve. Tickets are $12 plus tax and include skate rentals.

TUES., MARCH 14 AND WED., MARCH 15 12–4pm: Collab-lab – As the leading

resource for early childhood education,

Collaborative for Children is committed to shaping bold, innovative approaches that improve the learning opportunities for children in the first five years of life. Their mobile classroom brings critical, future-focused early childhood education directly to the community at no cost and will be onsite to support preschool-aged children and their families.

THURS., MARCH 16 12–2pm: Jurassic Extreme Houston Dinosaurs – Take a photo with some

cool, realistic looking dinosaurs provided by Jurassic Extreme Houston before the Bank of America Screen on the Green movie!

ANHEUSER-BUSCH STAGE PERFORMANCES AND MOVIES: 1:30–4PM Monday: REEL Abilities Performers

– Enjoy rap performances and live music from rapper Travis, piano/guitar duo Cesar & Miriam Tello, instrumentalists Cosmic Cats Duo and more!

Tuesday: Performances by Nueva Luna Ballet Folklorico, J Dance Company, Whitesburg Baptist Church High School Choir - Huntsville, Alabama and more!

Wednesday: Cultural performances

by Lee’s Golden Dragon, Dance of Asian America and more.

Thursday: Bank of America’s Screen on the Green: Jurassic World: Dominion – Four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, Biosyn operatives attempt to track down Maisie Lockwood, while Dr Ellie Sattler investigates a genetically engineered swarm of giant insects.

Friday: Bank of America’s Screen on the Green: Black Panther – T’Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.

CLASSIFIED MONTROSE BRIDGES DECORATIVE LIGHTING RFQ

Houston First Corporation requests statements of qualification from experienced architects, engineers,and lighting designers capable of creating an inspired, iconic, budget and maintenanceminded decorative exterior lighting design for six bridges spanning IH-69 in the Montrose area in Houston, Texas. Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for complete details.

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Wholesaler Permit by Virasri Chiu dba TMA Liquor Inc, to be located at 11155 Westpark Drive, Houston,Texas. Officer of said corporation is Virasri Chiu, CEO, CFO and Secretary.

March 9, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

Gerry Monroe

FIGHTS FOR HOUSTON CHILDREN

By ReShonda Tate

Ever since Gerry Monroe graduated from Jack Yates High School in Third Ward in 1986, he’s made Houston children his priority. The controversial activist makes no qualms about being a thorn in the side of officials, especially those who educate our children.

Monroe, who was instrumental in facilitating the recent return of Yates High School principal Tiffany Guillory, talked with the Defender about why passion fuels his fight for Houston area youth.

DEFENDER: You are super passionate about issues affecting students in our district. Where did that come from?

GERRY MONROE: That comes from

being one of those kids. I was a kid that wasn’t supposed to make it. When I got to Yates, I just had a bunch of good people, good teachers, administrators that wrapped their arms around me, and I was able to make it through high school. I went through some life-changing surgeries and I wasn’t supposed to make it. God told me, “I gave you an assignment, and if you don’t do it, then I’m gonna shorten your days.” My assignment is the youth. I just believe that these kids can be anything that they want to

be. But I also know that the school system is failing them across the country. So, I’m just doing what people say when they say it takes a village. I’m one of the villagers that believes in public education, and I believe that our kids are not getting a fair shot.

DEFENDER: You are known in the district as a hell-raiser. It’s a moniker that you proudly carry. Why is that?

MONROE: You know, in the Bible when

Jesus went into the temple and kicked over the tables? That was in reference to the thieves and the killers that were in there just messing over children and different things like that. So, education is my temple, and if I gotta come through and kick over the tables, then that’s what I’m gonna do.

I’m gonna take you to hell before I get you to heaven. I’m a guy that’s proactive. I can sit down and talk to people. We can make it make sense, we can rationalize it. Also know in business that you can’t get everything that you want. So, even though I may attack an issue, I may know in my heart I may want 10 things, but if I get three, I’m better than what I was when I wasn’t getting anything. I am not begging for what my tax money has already paid for, which is a quality education for these kids.

DEFENDER: You were instrumental in the fight to bring Yates principal Tiffany Guillory back to campus.

What was the driving force behind that effort?

MONROE: I was given an assignment by

two of my former coaches before they passed away; Coach Murphy and Coach McGowan.

They told me to do whatever I had to do to protect the legacy of this school. So, I have been working at Yates and I’ve seen the work that this lady does. I’ve seen what she puts into these children and her staff. And I’ve also seen HISD not giving her the financial support, not giving her the programs that she needs, and I was not just gonna sit back and let them do that to her. They’ve done it to other principals.

DEFENDER: Tell us about your show, “The War Zone,” which is in its fourth year.

MONROE: My purpose of my show

(which airs on Facebook, IG and Youtube) is just to bring awareness to issues, as well as uncover illegal activities. No matter if it’s in school, politics or the community, I’m all about exposing the truth. I get a lot of pushback, especially in the political world, that they don’t like it. Well, if you’re not doing anything illegal, then there’s nothing

Gerry Monroe, Yates Prinicipal Tiffany Guillory, Councilmember Carolyn Shabazz and Marcus Brooks.

for me to talk about. My show gives us an opportunity to look at things from a broader perspective. And then the things that I cover, a lot of times, mainstream media does not cover. It’s a nonpartisan show. So Republicans and Democrats can sit down and I ask the tough questions. If you are not willing to be asked a tough question, then don’t sit down with me.

10 | March 9, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texas Southern redshirt freshman infielder, Marissa Martinez, went 2-for-3 at the plate, which included a home run and 2 RBI, during the Lady Tigers’ home-opening 4-1 softball win over St. Thomas.

Sports Briefs Texans will draft a QB, add another in free agency

New Texans coach DeMeco Ryans met with the media during last week’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis and for the first time he discussed his vision for the quarterback position.

DeMeco Right now, third-year Ryans quarterback Davis Mills is the lone quarterback on the roster, and there is strong speculation the Texans will use their No.2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to take a quarterback. Ryans said that the team will definitely address the quarterback position this offseason, and the plan is to do so through both the draft and free agency. “We have to add two guys to our roster, so looking to find the best guys that we can have,” Ryans said. “There’s a good group of quarterbacks in free agency and in the draft.”

Texans a defendant in Brian Flores’ lawsuit

A federal judge has cleared the way for former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores to pursue a discrimination Brian lawsuit against the Texans, Flores Giants and Broncos.

Flores, of course, was considered the Texans’ top prospect in 2021. But that all changed once Flores filed a discrimination lawsuit against the New York Giants, the Dolphins and the NFL after he was passed over for the Giants’ job. The Texans went on to hire David Culley that offseason. His case against Miami must go through arbitration.

Marcus Sasser equals school’s 3-point record

University of Houston senior guard Marcus Sasser tied the school record for most 3-pointers made, equaling former guard’s Marcus Robert McKiver’s 261 Sasser on Senior Night against Wichita State. Sasser finished with 20 points, which included three 3-pointers made, on a night where chants of “Sasser” took over the Fertitta Center as the game ended. “Just all the love in Houston,” Sasser, who played his last home game on Senior Night.

“They’ve been giving me love since I was a freshman, and they are still doing it to this day. I just can’t thank the Houston community enough.”

University of Houston point guard Jamal Shead scored a career-best 25 points, which included going 10-of-17 from the field and 4-of-8 from 3-point range, during the No.1 Cougars home-finale win over Wichita State.

YAHUZA RASAS TSU TO PVAMU MOVE PAYS OFF

By Terrance Harris

At one point with the outcome still in question during the recent regular-season finale between Prairie View and Texas Southern, Yahuza Rasas gave Joirdon Karl Nicholas that we’ve-beenhere-before look.

They had been.

The only difference was, in the past the two were TSU teammates in this fierce rivalry battle. But that wasn’t the case this time. This time on The Hill, Rasas was playing for PVAMU and his job was to make sure the Tigers weren’t the winners.

Rasas made the unusual shift from TSU to neighboring HBCU PVAMU this season.

“I know everybody, from the coaching staff to the players to the administration,” said Rasas, whose team held on to win 78-74 thanks to big defensive plays by him. “It’s all love on both sides.”

As awkward as it might have been on the basketball court, Rasas’ decision last summer to make the unthinkable shift from Texas Southern to Prairie View was all business.

Rasas, whose aspiration is to go to veterinarian school, enrolled at Prairie View to take a needed Animal Science course, graduating from TSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science.

It wasn’t long before the 6-foot-7 forward thought, since he still had one more year of playing eligibility left, why not lace them up for the Panthers and head coach Byron Smith? The two sides were at least familiar with each other from a basketball point of view.

“It made sense, if I was going to stay in the area to go to school, I was going to be at PV anyway,” said Rasas, who grew up in St. Louis. “So, I might as well come play ball.”

It’s certainly not normally how this rivalry goes. But surprisingly it has worked out well for the player and Prairie View.

Rasas, who is one of 11 graduate transfers on the Panthers’ roster this season, has been one of Smith’s most consistent players throughout the campaign. And as the season shifts to the postseason, Rasas is their most proven player in March.

Rasas was a key member of the Tigers the last two seasons when they won back-to-back SWAC Tournament

Prairie View senior Yahuza Rasas has been the heart and soul of the Panthers this season, providing timely scoring and defense along with leadership. Photo credit: Kenneth Lee, PVAMU Sports Information Department.

championships, then won their NCAA Tournament First Four games in each of those years. The hope is that he will pass on some of that knowledge as the sixth-seeded Panthers take on No.3 Jackson State in the first round of the SWAC Tournament in Birmingham on Thursday.

“Just the knowledge of being at the SWAC Tournament, I’ve been at March Madness two years now, back-to-back,” Rasas said. “I know what it takes to get there. I know the trials and tribulations you will face getting there and when you are there.”

While Will Douglas has led Prairie View in scoring this season, Rasas has been the Panthers’ model of consistency and the ultimate glue guy who does all of the little things, and is always in the right place when the team needs him most.

That was the case during last weekend’s win over TSU when it was a steal underneath the basket and then a blocked shot that paved the way to victory.

Rasas, who has been a consistent double-double guy for the Panthers this season, is averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds while ranking fourth in the SWAC with 30 blocked shots on the season.

“Without Yahuza Rasas we are not in sixth place with a chance to go into the conference tournament with a chance to pull off some upsets,” said Smith. “He is definitely the heart and soul of our team.”

Rasas credits his close relationship with Smith for his tremendous growth

SWAC Tournament First-Round Schedule MEN March 8: No. 1 Alcorn State vs.

No.8 Texas Southern, 8:30 p.m.

March 9: No. 3 Jackson State vs.

No.6 Prairie View, 2 p.m.

WOMEN March 9: No. 4 Southern vs.

No.5 Prairie View, 5:30 p.m.

this season. Under Smith, Rasas’ role has expanded and he has started in 24 of the 25 games he has been active. To that end, Rasas leads the team in minutes, playing 29.6 minutes per night.

“Me and Coach Smith’s connection is amazing,” Rasas said. “I have a coach who I completely trust in, who completely loves me, who is completely there for me.

He is 100% in. I can easily bring 100 (percent) every day, just knowing he is going to push me, and he is going to bring it, too.”

That being said, Rasas has no regrets about his time at TSU. He says he still enjoys close relationships with former Tigers teammates and coaching staff.

“It’s easy to say I would have loved to have made this choice in the beginning, but going to TSU, I feel like that is all part of my story,” he said. “Winning there, that’s something … Who is to say if I had decided to come to PV that I would have won? I don’t know.”

March 9, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN Sports

RYLEE GRAYS ON A MISSION TO WIN

By Jimmie Aggison

Power forward RyLee Grays has continuously proven to be a phenomenal basketball player for Pearland High School. As a junior in 2021-22, Grays averaged 17.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.4 assists per game. Her senior year has been just as amazing.

Averaging 16.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists per game, Grays’ contributions to the team have led them to go undefeated in 6A Region III District 23, and a contender for the state title. Head varsity coach Jeré Adams said, “Riley has been awesome to have in our program this year. We are super excited about her future, watching her this year work hard, work on mentoring our young post players and just being an all-around good leader.”

Coming from a basketball family, Grays began her competitive basketball journey early. In third grade, she played with the Pearl Hawks. She would then go on to play with Texas Dynasty where she played until seventh grade.

After Texas Dynasty she joined Cy-Fair Elite. When asked why she dedicated herself to just 3 teams in her basketball journey as opposed to playing with a different team each summer Grays said, “Staying in the same organization was really important to me because I’m a relationship person, building those bonds with the girls and being able to play at a competitive level was really important to me.”

Playing with talents like Janiah Barker and Aaliyah Moore, who currently play for Texas A&M and the University of

ABOUT RYLEE GRAYS Class: 2023 IG: @rylee_grays22 Twitter: @DunkingBeauty Measurements: 6-feet-3, 190 pounds Players she studies: Janiah Barker (Texas A&M), Aaliyah Moore (University Of Texas), Candace Parker (Las Vegas Aces) Status: Committed to the University of North Carolina Favorite artists: Brent Faiyaz, Drake Favorite subject in school: Math Hobbies: Knitting & crocheting

Texas, respectively, Grays attributes playing AAU ball early to helping make her transition to the varsity ball easier.

“I didn’t have the kind of freshman panic as much. I felt like I’ve played at a high level before, so it wasn’t as nerve-wracking,” said Grays, a four-year varsity player. “I think the transition was a lot easier in the sense of varsity is really fast, but AAU is also really fast, so I don’t think it was that much of a jump.”

With Grays developing her game year after year, several major college programs have taken notice. But the University of North Carolina is Grays’ next basketball destination.

“I visited North Carolina and I just loved the state. It was beautiful up there; nice weather, great campus. I’m really excited about their programs. They have a really good communications program that I’m looking into going to,” she said.

When asked what direction she would like to take her communication degree, Grays mentioned broadcast journalism.

“I kind of want to stay with the sports side, I’m thinking just because it’s something that I’ve always grown up around and I really enjoy watching basketball and I feel like it’s something that I could enjoy doing forever.”

Grays is a player with a strong work ethic from a good family who has good energy and knows how to be a good teammate. When asked what is the University of North Carolina getting in a player like Grays, Coach Jeré said, “They’re getting a prize.”

12 | March 9, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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