Riverside Hospital Re-emerges as health hub
NEWS
SPORTS
VOTER TURNOUT
VAN MALONE
Record turnout in the March primaries reveal Black political power.
The Houston native is ea ager to lead Hampton’s football team.
Volume 95, issue 21 March 12, 2026
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DN To the POINT Mama Tina’s gumbo, which launched at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, has drawn criticism for its $25 price. However, supporters contend that the price reflects the dish’s laborintensive preparation, high quality, and authenticity. Credit: Tina Knowles/via Instagram
Reporter’s Message Is Mama Tina’s gumbo at the Houston Rodeo really too expensive?
a gathering rooted in love and legacy. Plus, Trump wasn’t in attendance, so that would also be a big reason. Compare it to the last time all five living U.S. presidents shared the same room during President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9, 2025, at Washington National Cathedral. That gathering was described as polite but visibly strained, a rare and awkward convergence of political rivals.
Beyoncé and Solange fans are flocking to the Houston Rodeo, eager to taste Tina Knowles’ seafood gumbo, and the reactions are as mixed as a good roux. Some are walking away raving. Others have walked away with their wallets feeling lighter and their expectations unmet, frustrated after paying about $25 for a cup. Laura Onyeneho Mama Tina has been perfecting this recipe Federal workers impacted by for 40 years. Now she’s introducing it at one of the largest rodeos government shutdown…again! in the world, an event that draws millions of people across an For generations, federal employment has been one of the entire month. Scaling a beloved family recipe to feed those most reliable pathways to the Black middle class, stable pay, crowds is no small feat, and the pricing reflects that reality. benefits, and a measure of security that the private sector too A standard turkey leg at the rodeo runs between $20 and often denied. But as another government shutdown drags on, $24. There are so many other delicacies at the Rodeo to choose that lifeline is fraying in real time. from that are around that same price or more. Before the criFunding for the Department of Homeland Security has tiques go viral, apply some critical thinking. Mama Tina’s expired, and Democrats say they won’t support renewed gumbo deserves the same grace we give every other vendor appropriations until restrictions are placed on federal immion the fairgrounds. gration operations, a push that gained urgency following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis Former Presidents bring decorum to Rev. Jesse Jack- in January. son’s homegoing Meanwhile, federal workers are caught in the crossfire… When the nation gathered to say farewell to the Reverend again. Many are still recovering from the last shutdown. TSA Jesse Jackson, what unfolded at the House of Hope, a 10,000- workers, who keep our airports functioning, are increasingly seat sanctuary in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood, was noth- calling in sick or stopping reporting altogether as missed ing short of a celebration of Black excellence and political paychecks made it impossible to cover rent, groceries, and dignity. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and childcare. Washington needs to end this standoff before more Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former families pay the price. first ladies Hillary Clinton and Jill Biden joined thousands of mourners for a five-hour public homegoing service at 752 E. On the web 114th Street. • Is co-buying a good idea? Leaders waving and shaking hands with everyday people, • Honoring Houston’s Black Trail Riders: the air filled with joy and reverence. The essence of the serA legacy that rides on. vice felt deeply nostalgic, full of grace, decorum, and genuine • Defender Book Corner: Must-read historical fiction celebration. It wasn’t tense. It wasn’t political theater. It was novels about Black women.
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DN News
Record March primaries Turnout reveals Black political power in Houston
By Tannistha Sinha
The March 3 primary elections in Texas saw unusually high turnout in Harris County, signaling strong voter engagement and underscoring the continued influence of Black voters in shaping Houston’s political landscape. According to Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, the county saw a “record-breaking” voter turnout in the non-presidential primary election cycle, with more than 565,000 voters participating. Out of these, almost 366,000 ballots were cast in the Democratic primary, while a little under 200,000 voters participated in the Republican primary. “This election cycle, we did not get the par- Hudspeth ties to agree to a joint primary,” Hudspeth told the Defender. “That brings a whole other aspect for logistical purposes for our operations behind the scenes…we probably doubled the work in this election cycle than we typically see in a spring primary.” Adams Beyond the raw numbers, the results underscored the continuing power of the Black vote in key races, particularly in historically significant districts such as Texas’ 18th Congressional District. A pivotal race in a historic district For many political observers, the race in Congressional District 18 was among the most closely watched. The district, which has long served as a political anchor for Houston’s Black community, saw
More than 346,000 voters cast ballots during early voting in Harris County’s March primaries. Credit: Getty Images
a competitive Democratic primary that ultimately led to a May runoff, with no candidate topping 50% in the race. Christian Menefee, currently serving TX-18 after winning the January runoffs against Amanda Edwards, led with 46%, compared to 44% for longtime Congressman Al Green. The remaining 10% of the vote was split between two other Democratic candidates, Edwards and Gretchen Brown. Michael Adams, a professor of public affairs at Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, said the district’s race reflects broader political dynamics shaping Houston and other urban areas in Texas. “The district that probably has the most focus for Black Americans in the Houston area is the historic 18th Congressional District,” Adams
said. “So Black voter turnout shaped what we saw in early voting. That was historic. It was also good to see because the districts are so heavily slanted.” The influence of Black voters, he said, could also shape several down-ballot races and determine who advances to the next stage of the election cycle. “The power of the Black vote was on full display,” Adams said. Turnout driven by competitive races Political scientists say competitive races and national political tensions likely contributed to the strong turnout. Brandon Rottinghaus, a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston, said higher participation
is consistent with voter behavior when elections are perceived as particularly consequential. “Competitive races drive turnout,” Rottinghaus said. “So it definitely tracks with what we know about voter habits to see a big turnout in a year where these races have become nationalized. Many were reacting to the lackluster turnout in 2024 as a cause of many of their woes. This, for a lot of Democrats, was an opportunity to right that ship.” He added that many voters were motivated by broader political developments, including reactions to national leadership and policy debates. “This was a partial referendum on Donald Trump in his presidency,” Rottinghaus added. “Democrats reacting to the way the Trump administration has proceeded on policy, ideology, and the rhetoric, and it definitely has had them showing up in full force.” Looking ahead to runoffs and November Despite the high turnout in the primary, experts say voter participation could drop in the upcoming runoff elections. Mark Jones, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University, said the dynamics of runoff elections often lead to significantly lower turnout. That means campaigns will need to mobilize their supporters more aggressively. Jones also said that the high turnout in the primary was partly driven by enthusiasm for statewide candidates. “Turnout was so high…in large part due to the massive support for Jasmine Crockett within the African-American community,” Jones added. “Three-fifths of Democrat primary voters in [Congressional] District 18 are African-American, many of whom turned out to vote...because of the U.S. Senate race and their desire to support Jasmine Crockett.”
Houston targets worst apartment complexes By Tannistha Sinha
After months of delays and debate, Houston is considering a new apartment ordinance to identify the city’s worst-performing apartment complexes, this time with a deliberate push for broader community engagement before a final vote. Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas, chair of the Housing and Affordability Committee, and Mayor Pro Tem Martha CastexTatum, chair of the Economic Development Committee, are led two public meetings designed to gather feedback from tenants and property managers before bringing a revised proposal back to City Council.
Thomas
Castex-Tatum
The ordinance Under the ordinance, the properties designated as “high risk” would be placed on a registry and inspected. Landlords who fail to comply could be fined $250 to $2,500 per day, and in
extreme cases, they could lose their occupancy certificates. The ordinance, led by former at-large council member Letitia Plummer and commonly referred to as the Apartment Inspection Ordinance, has faced repeated postponements since late 2025 due to concerns about enforceability and insufficient public input. According to Thomas, earlier versions stalled because stakeholders said they were not fully involved in the process and because the administration was not prepared to move forward without broader engagement. “57 to 60% of Houstonians are leaseholders,” Thomas said in an interview, underscoring
the scale of residents potentially affected. She described the current strategy as “reverse engineering” the usual policy process by hosting community meetings first, then finalizing ordinance language. Castex-Tatum said the administration intentionally paired housing and economic development leadership to craft a more comprehensive approach. The goal, she said, is to produce something “beneficial for everyone” while ensuring meaningful community input. On an average day, Houston’s 311 system receives roughly 10 apartment-related complaints about issues such as broken heaters, sewage problems, busted pipes, and other issues.
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DN Education HISD leaders seek local control
By Tannistha Sinha
Several local and state leaders are now calling for stronger safeguards for students and educators at Houston ISD, as well as a clear pathway from the state takeover back to local control. At a recent Houston ISD board meeting, a slate of elected officials stepped to the podium to discuss the ongoing Texas Education Agency takeover of the school district. Some extended their support for HISD students who participated in a mass “sickout” in protest of the takeover and against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February. They also criticized the state’s crackdown on the student-led walkouts. Students
Representing U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia’s office, Gloria Moreno urged the district to protect immigrant students. “Schools have to be safe for every child, and there’s no exceptions to that,” Moreno said, adding that families are “afraid to come” and that students are “carrying that fear into classrooms”. Moreno called for a single, clear policy on
student protests applied consistently across campuses, arguing, “Free speech should not depend on your zip code.”
Transparency
Texas State Senator Molly Cook discussed the appointed board’s transparency. “For the past three years, this unelected board has struggled to be transparent or even obfuscate data from the public and parents about decision-making,” Cook said. She cited “shockingly high” teacher turnover, a high student enrollment decline, and “frequent reports of spending concerns.” City Council member Abbie Kamin said nearly 4,000 immigrant students, or about 22% of HISD, were not attending school out of fear. “Our public schools must be institutions of trust,” Kamin said. “We are seeing civic engagement even through student-led protests…Specifically, I’m being told that NES [New Education System] students who have protested appear to be disciplined more harshly than those at other schools. So, I respectfully request leniency for these students that are engaging in our society.”
Spending
Locally elected HISD trustee Dr. Maria Benzon focused on governance and spending. She recalled administrators authorizing $870 million in spending without required board approval, after which the spending threshold was raised to $1 million “without elected oversight”. “We’ve seen $100 million spent replacing nearly new furniture and technology, $2 million on a district-run news station, and a tripling of central office staff earning over $200,000, while vital supports for homeless students, wraparound services, and autism programs were reduced,” Benzon added. Benzon argued that HISD needs a bond but said the path forward requires restoring “local control with elected trustees.” Trustee Michael McDonough struck a more measured tone, acknowledging both progress and concern. “I don’t stand here with the singular focus that everything happening in HISD right now is bad,” McDonough said, noting that resources are going into neighborhoods previously overlooked. Still, he called for leadership rooted in listening and partnership.
What Miles said
Superintendent Mike Miles praised teachers and principals for improving student achievement, arguing that failing to celebrate strong test results undermines trust and disrespects educators’ work. While acknowledging that problems should be addressed, he said successes must also be applauded. “I hope teachers and principals are hearing me, because they get the credit they deserve Miles whether they’re certified or not,” Miles said. “We’re going to stick with that until people can really understand the real work that’s going on and applaud our successes. Criticize the bad things, yes, but if you can’t applaud the successes, I don’t know how that builds trust.” Miles highlighted positive feedback from families in a survey, noting that 84% of parents, based on 11,000 survey responses, said they would recommend their child’s school to others. He also pointed to steady academic gains.
HISD closures: Where do teachers go? By Tannistha Sinha
As the Houston Independent School District prepares to close 12 schools at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, district officials say teachers and staff from impacted campuses will remain employed by the district while students transition to nearby schools. HISD’s plan comes as officials attempt to balance declining enrollment and aging school facilities with long-term sustainability. District leaders say the closures are intended to consolidate students into campuses with stronger facilities while maintaining academic programs and support services. Will staff still be employed?
In a written response to questions from the Defender, HISD stated that it is working to ensure teachers from closed schools remain employed and are placed in available positions across the district.
HISD says teachers at the closed schools will be allowed to apply at other schools. Credit: Tannistha Sinha
“Staff from closing campuses will be considered first for any remaining available positions at receiving campuses for which they are qualified, and then for other campuses across the District. Certified employees (teachers, assistant principals, counselors) in good standing will continue to have a position within the District,” HISD’s email read. This means that staff “in good standing” from campuses slated for closure will first be considered for open positions at the receiving schools where students are expected to transfer. If no position is available there, employees will be considered for openings at other campuses across the district. During a Feb. 13 board meeting, HISD superintendent Mike Miles explained that the placements will depend on teacher evaluations. “We’re still evaluating people like we always do,” Miles said. “If you’re Progressing II and above at a closing school, you’ll still have a job as a teacher in this district next year. If you’re Progressing I and the principal wants to retain you, you will still have a job in this district next year. If you’re unsatisfactory, you don’t have a job anyway. If you’re Progressing I where the principal doesn’t want you back, you also will not be here. That’s the same rules we’ve used before. It has nothing to do with closing.” Employees will be notified of their placement by April 17, 2026. Staff who are not immediately placed at a receiving campus will be moved into the district’s “Priority Placement Pool,” where they will receive priority consideration for other open positions across the district, per HISD. “Placement efforts will continue until all eligible staff are placed,” HISD stated.
Once teachers accept a priority placement, they will still be eligible to apply for other posted jobs during the school district’s Open Transfer Period from April 27 to May 16.
Managing class sizes
To inform parents about the logistics of the school closures, HISD held 25 information sessions, with 700 people in attendance. During these meetings, parents expressed concerns about transportation to and from schools, special education services, facility readiness, school choice, staffing, principal selection, class sizes, student safety, and transparency.
VOLUME 95, NUMBER 21 - MARCH 12, 2026 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker
Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy
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 2026 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 Houston nonprofits warn of new SNAP work requirements By ReShonda Tate
New work requirements tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now taking effect in several states, putting food benefits at risk for hundreds of thousands of recipients, including tens of thousands in Texas. Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law by Donald Trump, federal lawmakers expanded employment requirements for certain SNAP recipients. The changes are already being enforced in Illinois, Texas, and Ohio, with more states expected to follow. SNAP provides monthly food assistance to low-income households, helping families supplement wages and stabilize their budgets. When eligibility rules change, the consequences can be immediate. Who is affected? The updated rules primarily impact “able-bodied adults without dependents”
(ABAWDs) — adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have children in their care and are considered physically able to work. Previously, work requirements applied only to adults up to age 54. The new law expands that upper age limit to 64, meaning adults ages 55 to 64 must now meet employment or training requirements to maintain benefits. Recipients must document at least 80 hours per month (roughly 20 hours per week) of work, job training, or approved volunteer service. Failure to meet that threshold triggers a strict time limit: Individuals can receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they comply with the work requirement. Recertification deadlines create confusion In Texas, benefit loss is tied to each household’s individual recertification date,
meaning families could lose assistance at different times throughout the year. “Different people hit their certification at different times,” said Katherine Byers, government relations officer at the Houston Food Bank. “If they do not respond within 10 calendar days, or don’t respond because the notice goes to the wrong address, they may be considered as failing to comply.” Byers said the changes could affect more than 60,000 older Texans. To help residents meet the new standards, the Houston Food Bank is encouraging SNAP recipients to update their mailing addresses and carefully monitor correspondence from Texas Health and Human Services. The organization is also offering volunteer opportunities that can count toward the required 80 monthly hours. “If you need to meet the 20-hour-aweek requirement through volunteering, the Houston Food Bank can provide that opportunity,” Byers said.
Caption needed here. Credit: Getty
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DN InFocus
Riverside Hospital
Riverside Hospital during Juneteenth 1926 grand opening. Courtesy Harris County Precinct One.
Re-emerges as health hub
J
By Aswad Walker
uneteenth 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Riverside Hospital’s founding. And though the city of Houston, especially its Black community, has every right to revel in nostalgia and pass down stories of Riverside’s past, the future may hold a story equally compelling. And important. On Juneteenth 1926, nearly 100 years ago, the hospital was dedicated as the Houston Negro Hospital. Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Elli noted that 100 years ago, Black physicians were barred from working in “white” hospitals and Black patients were regularly denied care or received grossly inadequate care within “Negro Wards” of Houston’s hospitals.
“[Riverside] became one of the few places where families could turn. It operated under segregation and with limited resources, but it provided health care and trained generations of medical professionals who served the city,” said Ellis. On June 19 of this year, the county will mark 100 years to the day that dedication took place. “Healthcare is a human right in my judgment,” Ellis said. “It should not depend on income, neighborhood, or race.” From shuttered hospital to health hub Buzz about Riverside’s renovation has been an on-again, off-again reality for years. Riverside closed in 2015 after serious financial challenges. “There were stops, and there were starts and real uncertainty about its future,” Ellis recalled.
Carlton Houston, author of Houston Negro Hospital: The Untold Legacy of Riverside General, holds a plaque with Commissioner Rodney Ellis during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. Credit: Aswad Walker.
In 2018, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved the acquisition of the campus so it could once again serve underserved communities. Before and after that acquisition, several plans for the property were floated, but none materialized until the current move to repurpose the space as a health hub. The project has drawn broad support. The Houston Endowment provided $7 million. The Qatar Harvey Fund contributed $2.5 million from the $30 million it committed to the region after Hurricane Harvey. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided $750,000 secured by the late Sheila Jackson Lee. “More than $40 million has already been invested in the restoration of this project,” Ellis said. “When complete, there will be over $200 million in the revitalization project.” The work will unfold in two phases. Phase one — set to be completed by late spring and open to the public on Juneteenth 2026 — restores Riverside’s three historic buildings: The hospital, nursing school, and utility building. The goal is to preserve the legacy while modernizing the structures to support healthcare services, community programs, and public health initiatives. Phase two, projected at roughly $160 million and slated for completion by December 2028, will construct a new four-story headquarters for Harris County Public Health (HCPH). But Riverside will not be a reopened Third Ward hospital. Instead, the complex has been dubbed the Riverside Health Hub — home to multiple Harris County Precinct One programs, health-related and beyond. “This site has always been about leadership, representation, and trust,” said Leah Barton, HCPH executive director. “I’m proud to say that these qualities will endure as these doors reopen to the community.”
Healthcare is a human right in my judgment. It should not depend on income, neighborhood, or race.” RODNEY ELLIS Harris County Commissioner, Precinct One
On the first floor, residents will have access to vaccinations, dental care, HIV and STI screenings, and warm handoffs to mental health services through HCPH’s Community Health and Wellness Division. The second floor will house a chronic disease prevention program focused on diabetes prevention and long-term wellness. “And on the third floor, our outreach team … will connect people to HCPH programs, services, and community resources,” Barton said. The team anticipates moving in by late spring, with services opening shortly thereafter. “Our presence here is not only about health services,” Barton added. “It’s about being a trusted partner and resource. It’s about breathing new life into a historic gem and ensuring that everyone in this county has the opportunity to achieve their full potential for health and well-being.”
With rooms too small by modern hospital standards, Riverside is set for its second act as a healthcare hub. The former laundry room is being refitted to host community events. The first floor of the old nursing school will house a commercial kitchen. Its second floor will provide conference space and large meeting rooms, according to HCPH’s Dr. Kimberly Henderson. “This is a strategic investment to strengthen preventative care and reduce health disparities,” Ellis said. “We’re restoring history while building lasting public infrastructure. A ribbon-cutting marks progress, not completion.” The restoration was led by architecture firms Kirksey and Harrison Kornberg. Nicola Springer, partner and managing director of Kirksey’s PK-12 practice, called the project “a labor of love.” “When we got to these buildings, they were in great disrepair,” Springer said. “This is a huge part of the Third Ward, the Houston community, and African American history in the entire United States.” History reflecting forward In the 1910s and 1920s, Black death rates in Houston were double those of white residents, according to reporting by the Houston Informer. Black Houstonians paid taxes but could not fully use the city hospitals their dollars helped fund. “We had 50,000 Black residents at the time,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “They had very much subpar care in white hospitals, and for the most part would prefer to stay home rather than be treated the way they were treated there.” In 1918, oilman John S. Cullinan, founder of Texaco, donated $80,000 — about $1.7 million today — to build the original hospital. In his will, he left $524,496.57 in trust for maintenance, roughly $11.8 million today. Ellis said
Cullinan would have been the Ken Lay or the Kinder of his day. “He forced the city of Houston to donate the entire block to a not-for-profit to create this hospital,” Ellis said. “It makes a profound statement … that African-Americans had to struggle in this country for a very long time, but we didn’t get to where we got to alone.” Cullinan endured criticism from white peers but stood his ground. At its founding, Riverside had an all-Black board and staff during an era of intense racial discrimination. Beyond care, it became a training ground for generations of Black healthcare workers, detailed in Carlton Houston’s forthcoming book Houston Negro Hospital: The Untold Legacy of Riverside General. Houston’s grandfather, Dr. William M. Drake, was one of Riverside’s top surgeons. John Arcidiacono, Cullinan’s great-greatgrandson, said the family is proud of that legacy, but clear-eyed about the present. “That was 100 years ago,” Arcidiacono said. “The challenge is that today, there are still disparities in health. The Arcidiacono life expectancy difference in Houston is about 20 years, depending on what zip code you live in. That’s horrifying. Properties like this … are gonna hopefully help people in the neighborhood and reduce that disparity.” Collaborative resurrection Ann B. Stern, president and CEO of Houston Endowment, said the project succeeded because the community never gave up. “Riverside wasn’t just a building,” Stern said. “It was where people were born … where Black physicians were able to practice during
Houston’s historic Riverside Hospital is going through renovations and reinvention as it prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of its founding. Courtesy Harris County Precinct One.
segregation. And when the hospital closed, it left a significant hole — yes, a hole in access to care, but also a hole in the history and identity of this neighborhood.” “The work … wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t quick,” she added. “We listened first,
and then brought flexible resources … helping move Riverside out of bankruptcy and into Harris County’s very capable hands.” Riverside began in a time of exclusion. As Ellis put it: “Today it stands as a commitment to equity and access to generations to come.”
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Feature
American Cancer Society Study gives ‘Voices’ to Black women
Mary Tillman-Young, strategic director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for ACS’s South Region, emphasized the urgency. “At the ACS, equity in cancer care for all is at the heart of our mission,” she said. “It’s with this vision in mind that we launched a groundbreaking population cohort study – Voices of Black Women – underscoring our commitment to better understand how this community is impacted by cancer disparities.”
By Aswad Walker
It’s no secret that Black women face a higher risk of developing and dying from breast cancer compared to other racial groups. Black women have a 20% higher risk of developing breast cancer than their white counterparts, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Once diagnosed, the statistics grow even more alarming: Black women are twice as likely to die from breast cancer as white women. For years, the reasons behind those disparities have remained difficult to pinpoint, in part because Black women have rarely been included in cancer research — much less centered in it. That is, until now. A new ACS initiative, Voices of Black Women — known simply as Voices — aims to change that. The national study seeks to enroll 100,000 Black women ages 25-55 who have never been diagnosed with cancer (with limited exceptions for some skin cancers) and who reside in the U.S. Researchers hope to uncover the factors contributing to higher cancer death rates among Black women and ultimately save lives. How Voices works Shameka Dukes, an ACS board member and Voices ambassador, explained the process. “Participants essentially complete an online health and life survey at enrollment, updating the information twice a year,”
It is truly exploring emerging research areas, including social support, discrimination, racial disparity, and even generational wealth.” SHAMEKA DUKES ACS Board Member & Voices Ambassador
The absence of Black women from cancer studies has led to dire consequences. A new study, Voices, seeks to change that reality. Credit: voices.cancer.org.
Dukes said. “So, not only does [Voices] help identify and address cancer disparities among Black women, but it improves the overall health of Black women for generations to come.” Dukes said the study is designed to fully understand the “multilevel drivers” of cancer among Black women. “It is truly exploring emerging research areas, including social Dukes support, discrimination, racial disparity, and even generational wealth,” she added. Why representation matters The scale of the study is groundbreaking: 100,000 Black women focused on exclusively. “A large sample size provides statistical power in identifying patterns and correlations of health data that might be missed in smaller studies,” said Dukes. Black women have historically been underrepresented in cancer research due to systemic barriers, mistrust of the medical establishment, and recruitment failures.
The consequences have been devastating. “For a number of reasons, Blacks have been underrepresented in studies. And with that, the outcomes specifically to cancer have not been tailored … to impact positively Black women in the way that it has in others,” Dukes said. “Despite the advances that have happened in cancer research, Black women continue to have the highest death rates and the shortest survival rates for most cancers compared to any other racial or ethnic group in the US.” She also noted that Black women under 40 have higher breast cancer rates than any other group. “With statistics like that, we need research that’s geared to help with the outcomes of our treatment and prevention measures,” Dukes added.
A legacy project Dukes describes Voices as a “legacy project.” “The data collected will essentially help in effective interventions, treatments, and preventative measures specifically tailored towards the needs of Black women,” she said. “It will continue to have data input over the years … to improve the health outcomes of Black women for generations to come.” For Dukes, the mission is personal. Multiple family members, both older and younger, have been impacted by breast cancer. “While we have had some heavy losses over time, we’ve had some survivals,” she said. “So, while it may not impact those of us today who may end up with a diagnosis, I think about those who are to come after us.” Tillman-Young added, “Creating space for Black women to share their stories will help us better understand how their unique experiences can shape a path toward eliminating barriers so everyone has the same opportunity to be healthy and cancer-free.” How to participate To sign up, get more information, or become a Voices ambassador, visit voices. cancer.org, call 800-494-4113, or email thevoices@cancer.org. “The time to use your voice is now. Visit voices.cancer.org today,” urged Tillman-Young. “It only takes five minutes to check your eligibility and begin registering for the study. If you are not eligible, text the study website to three friends who may be eligible.”
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DN Profile
Krishaun Adair paved her own way in the rodeo world as both a competitor and host. Courtesy: Krishaun Adair
Krishaun Adair
Carries the legacy of the Black cowgirl forward By Laura Onyeneho
Krishaun Adair has paved her own way in the rodeo world as both a competitor and a rodeo host. Courtesy: Krishaun Adair
Krishaun Adair was riding horses and circling barrels at a young age. By age four, the Point Blank, Texas native was born into a world where riding horses was a part of her life. Her maternal and paternal grandfathers both kept horses and rode trails. Her parents took it further, competing in their early 20s, around the same time they had her. Adair simply continued the line. “I consider myself a third-generation cowgirl,” she says. “I just kept the legacy of my grandparents, and I think that they would be proud of me.” Now in her forties, Adair has spent decades refining a craft that most people never even knew Black women were competing in. She is a barrel racer, rodeo host, and clinician, co-founding the STAR Rodeo Association with her husband, a Black-owned organization focused on mentoring the next generation of riders in Houston. But beyond titles and trophies, Adair represents a Black cowgirl who has refused to be invisible.
Adair was a shy, introverted child who found her voice in the arena. In a sport where wins are measured in thousandths of a second, she compares barrel racing to the 100meter dash in its precision. She learned to be fiercely competitive while staying deeply rooted in the community. By her own count, it took her 40 years to get to where she is. Her most celebrated achievement occurred in 2020 during the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo’s inaugural nationally televised event on CBS, which was broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Adair won the barrel racing and the steer decorating, claiming the all-around title on one of the biggest stages Black rodeo had ever seen. More recently, she was awarded a $25,000 grant from Crown Royal to further her rodeo career, money she has channeled not into herself, but into her community. She uses the
funds to attend high-level clinics across the country, absorbing the science of genetics, breeding, and horsemanship, then bringing that knowledge back home at a price her community can afford. “I truly believe that if you take the heart that we have as Black women, and add the education, the knowledge, and the same quality of horses, then the sky’s the limit,” she says. “And that is not color specific.” That philosophy is embedded in the structure of the STAR Rodeo Association she and her husband founded. The organization is open to everyone but Black-owned at its core, offering youth competitors a structured pipeline from the Wrangler Barrels division (ages five through eight) up through Junior Barrels and into Open competition. The goal is to create a continuous development path that builds the next generation of Black cowgirl barrel racers from the ground up.
Learn how Adair is training up the next generation of riders.
10 | March 12, 2026 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Sports
Van Malone Eager to lead Hampton football
By Terrance Harris
It wasn’t even 24 hours after word circulated that Van Malone was being named head football coach of Hampton University that his text message box was filled with 3,000 messages. The task was challenging, but if you know Malone, you know that every one of those messages received a personal response. “I’m eating it up,” Malone said. “I have to wake at 4 o’clock in the morning sometimes just to respond to people’s messages that I just felt compelled to say, ‘Thank you for the congratulations,’ to say, ‘No, I don’t have a job,’ or whatever it might be. I always believe if somebody is reaching out to you, they are doing it for a reason. The least you can do is respond.”
The Houston native has shaken a lot of hands and made quite an impression on many people during an assistant college coaching career that spanned 23 years and nine schools, before the opportunity at Hampton presented itself and was too good to pass up. So for the first time, Malone is sitting in the seat he has long contemplated and now is genuinely excited to bring the leadership and football knowledge he has absorbed as a standout defensive back at the University of Texas, then in the NFL, and as a top assistant coach at places like Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, SMU and most recently as assistant head coach at Kansas State.
Malone, a product of Waltrip High School, takes over a Hampton program that has struggled to find its footing since its College Football Hall of Fame coach Joe Taylor departed in 2007, and the athletic department has changed conference affiliations a few times. The longtime defensive backs coach is still getting used to his new existence while making peace with the reality that his job isn’t to coach a position but to set the table for his coaching staff and the entire program. “I came to Hampton to do things that hadn’t been done before. That’s what I came here to do. That’s the track that I try to live on,” Malone said in a recent conversation with the Defender. “I couldn’t be more excited about number one, the staff that I have gathered to come here to Hampton with me, because who they are as men, who they are as coaches … I don’t get to coach anybody. Some days I want to, but I understand that my job is to provide resources to clear the path so they can coach.” Hampton athletic director Anthony Henderson set out late last year to find a new coach on the heels of a 2-10 season in which he fired Trent Boykins after one year as the Pirates’ full-time coach. Henderson, who played for Taylor, was looking for a coach with head-coaching experience, a proven leader, and respect in the game when he began the national search. Henderson thought about Malone, who had had him on his leadership podcast a few years ago, as he started looking for a new head coach. That led to the two having conversations, which in turn led to a meeting with school president Darrell K. Williams. It wasn’t long before Malone had won them both over with his personable demeanor, leadership skills, and knowledge of the game. Malone checked all the boxes except for having prior head-coaching experience. “When you look at Van, that was the only thing he was kind of missing,” said Henderson. “From my perspective, that wasn’t something that was going to keep me from hiring him.” While Malone has coached at Football Bowl Series (FBS) schools throughout
It’s kind of funny after you’ve walked through a pit of snakes that you feel like you’re an expert at walking through a pit of snakes. So when you sit in this seat, you realize the gravity of what’s happening in this seat.” VAN MALONE
his career, the 55-year-old veteran coach says he is excited to take on the challenges of coaching in the Football Championship Series (FCS) level at an HBCU where he has a chance to affect student-athletes and an alumni base that looks like him. Malone understands the resource challenges he faces, coming from PWI schools with large budgets, to a school where he will have to be on a first-name basis with the financial aid workers. Malone is already appealing to the alumni base, which shows up in force every year for Homecoming, to dig a little deeper to help support the program, whether it’s by improving facilities, adding more to the NIL coffers, or simply showing up regularly for games. “I’m always challenging us from a resource standpoint to take another step, to go to that next place,” Malone said. “But it’s football. I believe they understand that the fact that some of the universities that I have worked at or we as a staff have worked at, the fact that they have four golf carts and we have none, is not going to stop anybody from tackling on third down. That’s not going to stop somebody from catching that ball in a key situation on gameday. The resources make it easier for us, they do. “But at the end of the day, we tell our players: We’re all we’ve got. And we’re all we need.”
March 12, 2026 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
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DN Sports Houston’s best compete for
2026 Guy V. Lewis Award Full List of 25 Guy V. Lewis Award Finalists Reese Alston Junior, Second Baptist Anthony Avalos Senior, Madison Eric “Ej” Beard Sophomore, Heights Troynelle Belle Junior, Dickinson Ife Bolaji Senior, Cy Springs Adam Boyd Senior, Atascocita Devan Brown Senior, Pearland Bryson Campbell Sophomore, Angleton
Heights High School sophomore Eric “EJ” Beard (5) is ecstatic after hitting a last-second shot to close out the third quarter against Houston Westside. Credit Jimmie Aggison/Defender. By Jimmie Aggison
Each year, the prestigious Guy V. Lewis Award is presented to the top boys’ basketball player in the Houston area, honoring the legacy of legendary University of Houston coach Guy V. Lewis. Lewis, who led the Cougars from 1956 to 1986, was instrumental in elevating college basketball, coaching some of the game’s greatest players and bringing national attention to Houston’s basketball scene. Previous winners of the award include NBA stars and collegiate standouts such as Justise Winslow, De’Aaron Fox, Quentin Grimes, Tramon Mark, and Chris McDermott. In 2025, Bellaire’s Shelton Henderson won the honor before heading to the University of Miami. Henderson put together an outstanding senior campaign, averaging 22.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks per game while shooting 69% from the floor. He also led Bellaire to the 6A Division I state championship game, the school’s first appearance in the title game. For the 2026 season, 25 players have been nominated for the Guy V. Lewis Award. Defender High School Sports has followed four notable HISD contenders. Anthony Avalos Senior Forward, Madison A versatile 6-foot-6 forward, Anthony Avalos has helped Madison go unbeaten in 5A Region III District 21 as the team looks to extend its playoff run. With his long frame
and versatility, Avalos impacts the game both inside and out, using his ability to drive to the rim and knock down shots from long range. “It feels good when people know you around the city for something you love,” said Avalos. My game has grown tremendously over the years. I can shoot the three at a high percentage and get downhill whenever I want. I thank my mom for bringing me to workouts with Cris Garson and my coach, John Mouton, as I continue to elevate my game.” Eric “EJ” Beard Sophomore Guard, Heights An athletic 6-foot-2 point guard, Eric “EJ” Beard has already etched his name into Heights history, becoming one of the school’s few athletes to reach 2,000 career points. This season, Beard has been an offensive force, averaging 22.4 points and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 80% from the free-throw line. “I feel great about my name being among the city’s best,” said Beard. “I put in a lot of work every day. My game has grown a lot over the past years. I’ve been on the grind day and night, 24/7. I want to thank God and my high school coaches, trainers, AAU coaches, and my parents.” Aiden Mohammed Senior Forward, Yates An impactful 6-foot-4 forward, Aiden Mohammed has helped Yates to a 16-1 record in 4A Region III District 20. According to his Hudl account, Mohammed is averaging 15.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
“I feel honored to be recognized with such an award, given to players with great talent,” said Mohammed. “My game has grown so much over the years, from freshman to senior year. My hustle and drive to become a better player have improved each year. I thank God for putting me in this position, my Mom for always supporting me, and my high school head coach, Coach Wise, for pushing me to work even harder and become greater.” Braylon Pete Senior Guard, Washington A dynamic 6-foot-3 point guard, Braylon Pete is a hardworking leader who can shoot, defend, and play with poise and control. This season, according to MaxPreps, Pete is averaging 15 points, 4.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. Pete currently holds an offer from Southwest Community Christian College. “Being recognized among the city’s best is a blessing and a strong motivation,” said Pete. “My game has grown a lot over the years, especially mentally. I’m more confident now. I thank my coaches, family, and everyone who believed in me for pushing me to improve.” As the 2026 season unfolds, these standout athletes will continue building their case for one of Houston basketball’s most prestigious honors, the Guy V. Lewis Award. The award not only recognizes individual excellence but also highlights Houston’s deep basketball tradition and the next generation of talent poised to make an impact at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Jachai Cantave Senior, Atascocita Maddox Davis Junior, Kinkaid Josh Goodwin Senior, Cy Ranch Daniel Green Junior, Shadow Creek Madden Hill Sophomore, Clear Springs Yanni Ibikunle Senior, Randle Jayden Jones Senior, Marshall Damon Miles Junior, Clear Lake Aiden Mohammed Senior, Yates Alcin Mosely Junior, Crawford Alim Olajuwon Junior, Episcopal Je’caryous Oliver Senior, Lamarque Braylon Pete Senior, Washington Trey Pinkard Junior, Grand Oaks Nasir Price Senior, Seven Lakes Isaiah Santos Junior, Seven Lakes Landon Veal Junior, Houston Christian
12 | March 12, 2026 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Feature 5 Black Houston rodeo pioneers the National Finals Rodeo. Facing systemic exclusion, he co-founded the Prairie View Trail Riders Association in 1957. Their first ride into Houston required armed guards for protection. Today, Dightman is a Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, having proved that Black cowboys belong at the sport’s pinnacle.
By Amaka Watson
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest of its kind on the planet, draws more than two million visitors to NRG Stadium each year for three weeks of competitions, concerts, and Texas-sized entertainment. But there’s a story that doesn’t always make it into the spotlight: The undeniable role that Black cowboys and cowgirls have played in shaping the American West itself. Historians estimate that 20 to 25% of cowboys in the American West were African American, challenging the typical portrayal of the Wild West in popular films and literature, which often overlooks the diverse contributions of Black cowboys to the western frontier. As RodeoHouston continues in the midst of another unforgettable season, here are a few Black pioneers that you should know. Bill Pickett: The “Dusky Demon” Born in 1870 to formerly enslaved parents, Pickett revolutionized rodeo. Inspired by herding dogs, he invented “bulldogging”—leaping from a horse to wrestle a steer by biting its lip. This evolved into modern steer wrestling. In
Myrtis Dightman Jr. was influenced by his father, a rodeo legend, and learned horsemanship, along with the mission of preserving the legacy of the Black cowboy for future generations. Credit: Myrtis Dightman Jr.
1972, Pickett became the first Black inductee into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. Myrtis Dightman Sr.: The “Jackie Robinson of Rodeo” In the 1960s, Dightman became the first Black cowboy to qualify for
Keepers of tradition Myrtis Dightman Jr.: Trail Boss Placed on a horse before he could walk, Dightman Jr. carries his father’s torch. As Trail Boss of the Prairie View Trail Riders, he leads hundreds of riders on a week-long journey to Houston each February. Under his leadership, the group—Texas’s oldest Black trail-ride association—has earned the “Outstanding Trail Ride” honor at RodeoHouston. Verna Lee “Boots” Hightower: Barrel Racing Queen A fearless competitor, “Boots” honed her craft at the Diamond L Ranch, a historic hub for Houston’s Black rodeo community. In 1969, she made history as the first Black woman to compete in barrel racing at the Houston Astrodome. Alongside her son, she became the first African American listed as an official owner and trainer of livestock at the show.
Institutional architects Howard Middleton Sr.: Legacy Builder Recognizing that Black Houstonians were underrepresented in the rodeo’s massive economic and scholarship engines, Middleton fought for inclusion. In the early 1990s, he co-founded the Black Heritage C om m itte e. T h i s group established Black Heritage Day, an annual celebraMiddleton tion featuring HBCU bands and Greek organizations, ensuring the rodeo’s $600 million+ in educational commitment reaches the Black community. From the dust of the 19th-century cattle trails to the bright lights of NRG Stadium, these pioneers ensured the Black cowboy legacy isn’t just a footnote in history, but a central pillar of Texas culture.
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Read more about these pioneers.