03.19.2026_Defender-e-FULL

Vouchers

Will they help Black families in Houston?

NEWS

SPORTS

CHRIS HOLLINS

KEVIN GRANGER

The Houston Comptroller says rising electricity rates could affect city budget.

The Texas Southern University athletic director has officially been fired.

Volume 95, issue 22 March 19, 2026

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DN To the POINT

RodeoHouston’s carnival became ground zero for Spring Break mayhem, raising serious questions about crowd control, security, and the future of the city’s most beloved event. Credit: Ai

Reporter’s Message single non-gendered Oscar category. Ludwig The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Göransson also took home Best Original closed earlier than planned recently after Score, and the film’s live performance of “I guests began fleeing amid fights in the carLied to You,” led by Miles Caton and Raphael nival area. Videos spread across social media Saadiq, was nothing short of a full juke almost instantly, and just like that, one of the joint revival on the stage. This team stayed most beloved traditions in our city became a authentically themselves from day one. No headline for all the wrong reasons. compromises, and no code-switching. They The fights at the Rodeo carnival grounds were more than worthy. are nothing new. Unaccompanied teens, crowded midways, and minimal security Gas prices are hitting Laura Onyeneho have always been a recipe for tension. But your wallets hard if RodeoHouston doesn’t get serious about enforcement, Pull up to any gas station in Houston right now and brace age restrictions, increased security presence, and chaperone yourself. policies for minors, families will stop showing up. And it’s Since the start of the war with Iran, gas prices across the supposed to be a fun and family-oriented event. Houston is United States have surged nearly 74 cents a gallon, pushing already watching what Miami has become under heavy Spring the national average to just under $3.72, the highest since Break restrictions. While carnival chaos made headlines, I’d October 2023. Gas has now climbed above $3 a gallon in rather focus on all the good that the Spring Break madness is every single state, driven by the ongoing disruption to the bringing to Black businesses. Black-owned venues like Sekai Strait of Hormuz caused by the conflict.

Night and Day in EaDo had lines wrapped around the block.

For those of us in a car-dependent city like Houston, there Sekai is known for its premier 26,000-square-foot, is no opting out. You need gas to get to work, to drop the kids indoor-outdoor, upscale nightclub and dayclub and massive off, to chase a gig. And speaking of gigs, drivers for Uber and dance floor and swimming pool. I don’t know if I have the Lyft are already doing the math differently, skipping shorter, patience to stand in a long line for hours in heat, so I have low-paying trips in favor of longer fares that actually make the to give props to businesses that are doing their best to keep fuel costs worth it. That’s a double-edged sword for everyone. people entertained during this time.

Twenty dollars used to mean something at the pump, at least for me. Now it gets me to about half a tank. And econoSinners makes history mists are warning this is just the beginning — with oil prices Sinners entered the 98th Academy Awards with a elevated, the cost to transport goods is rising too, meaning record-breaking 16 nominations, and the film delivered groceries, household items, and more are all poised to follow. where it counted most. Ryan Coogler took home Best Orig- In times like these, I ask myself about which recession-proof inal Screenplay, his first Oscar, while Michael B. Jordan won industries I should invest in. Because somebody is always getBest Actor for playing twins Smoke and Stack in the vampire ting paid, no matter what, and if I’m spending all this money, thriller. With that win, Jordan became just the sixth Black I’d better get a return somehow. man to claim Best Actor, joining a legacy that includes Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, On the Web and Will Smith.

• The Second Yes: Black women rewrite the rules of Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman, as well remarriage. as the first Black person and first Filipina, to win Best Cine• We’d best prepare now for the coming Black ICE storm. matography. With her win, a woman has now claimed every • Houstonians rethink Spring Break amid rising costs.

Spring Break madness

March 19, 2026 |

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| 3

DN News Local electricity costs may surge 40% Hollins added. “The system that Governor [Greg] Abbott and the state legislature allowed to be in place that holds no one accountable and when disaster strikes, passes those risks and those failures and those costs down to customers, including our residents and including us here at the city of Houston, that is the problem.”

By Tannistha Sinha

Houston is confronting a sharp rise in electricity costs that is reshaping the city’s budget outlook, per City Controller Chris Hollins.

During a March city council meeting, Hollins said electricity spending is projected to reach about $131 million in fiscal year 2026, an increase of more than 40% compared with previous years, which reflects structural changes in Texas’ electricity market following the 2021 Winter Storm Uri disaster.

“This isn’t a routine fluctuation,” Hollins said. “This is a material and a substantial shift in our cost structure that’s going to stick moving forward.”

Energy burdens are Hollins the highest in southern and western counties, where summer bills can exceed 11% of household income, according to a study by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University. Low-income, minority and rural communities are most affected, largely due to older housing and limited financial flexibility, among other reasons. Urban households, on the other hand, benefit from more efficient housing and higher average incomes, the report found.

Additionally, nearly 45% of households pay over $200 a month on average for summer electricity, and about one in three Texans spend 7% or more of their income on energy, surpassing

Houston’s electricity spending is projected to reach about $131 million in fiscal year 2026. Getty Images

the high energy burden threshold of 6%.

Electricity spending rising sharply According to the city’s electricity market analysis presented to the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, Houston’s annual electricity budget is about $140 million, with more than 60% of that spending coming from enterprise funds, and the rest from the general fund and other special funds.

Those costs have climbed quickly over the past several years, Hollins said.

The city currently operates under a fiveyear electricity supply agreement with Reliant Energy Solutions, valued at $640 million, which

began in July 2020 and can extend through June 2027. He warned that rising energy costs are consuming that contract capacity faster than expected.

Hollins told the council that about 86% of the contract’s spending capacity has already been used, leaving roughly $110 million remaining to cover electricity costs through the end of fiscal year 2027.

At current spending levels, officials say the remaining funds may not be enough to cover the full duration of the contract.

“I want to be clear here, the bad guy here isn’t anyone at the city of Houston, and it’s not NRG or Reliant who provide us with electricity,”

Market changes after Winter Storm Uri Much of the increase is tied to reforms enacted after Winter Storm Uri, when Texas’ power grid failed and more than 200 Texans died.

State lawmakers and regulators introduced several new reliability measures designed to stabilize the grid and prevent future outages. Those changes included new market mechanisms and financing programs to recover storm-related costs.

While those reforms were intended to improve grid reliability, Hollins noted the costs are passed directly through to customers, increasing electricity bills for the City and Houston residents.

“That tragedy prompted some substantial changes to the state’s electricity market…,” Hollins said. “Today, those structural changes are showing up in our operating budget. It’s important to recognize that roughly half of the city’s electricity costs are entirely out of operational control...Even with conservation efforts, significant portions of those costs remain fixed and will remain at those elevated levels.”

REPORT

Ft. Bend Black drivers stopped more

By ReShonda Tate

Black drivers in Fort Bend County were stopped and searched by sheriff ’s deputies at disproportionately higher rates last year, according to the county’s 2025 racial profiling report.

The report shows Black residents, who make up about 23% of the county’s population, accounted for 39% of all traffic stops conducted by the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office released its 2025 racial profiling report, indicating it conducted 12,816 motor vehicle stops during the reporting period. Credit: Fort Bend

Office in 2025.

The disparity widens when it comes to searches. Black drivers accounted for 43.6% of vehicle searches, the largest share among all racial groups.

While the numbers alone do not prove racial profiling, they highlight patterns that civil rights advocates say deserve closer scrutiny as the county continues to grow and diversify.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan said the department’s enforcement activity reflects routine policing and emphasized that the agency has policies in place prohibiting racial profiling.

“We have policies here that stop officers from engaging in racial profiling,” Fagan said.

“And if we suspect racial profiling, we have a policy where people can come in and file a complaint and we’ll conduct an investigation, because we strictly prohibit racial profiling.”

Fagan said deputies are expected to carry out their duties professionally and without bias.

“We’re doing the job — meaning that we’re not racial profiling,” Fagan said. “We’re carrying out our duties professionally, non-biased.”

At the same time, Fagan acknowledged that bias exists broadly in society but said law

enforcement policies are designed to prevent it from influencing policing decisions.

“Everyone has bias — that’s just human nature,” he said. “But in law enforcement, we have to be careful not to use that bias in conducting our work. That’s why we have policies in place to make sure that we’re not doing that.”

to track demographic information during traffic stops, including a driver’s perceived race, whether a search occurred and the outcome of the stop.

The goal is to provide transparency and enable communities to monitor potential racial profiling.

Where the stops occur According to the report, 41% of traffic stops occurred in unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County, which fall under the sheriff ’s office’s jurisdiction rather than city police departments.

Those areas often include major roadways, developing suburban corridors, and high-traffic zones where deputies frequently conduct enforcement patrols.

Fagan said many traffic stops originate from highway enforcement where officers cannot determine a driver’s race beforehand.

“There’s no way to see the race of that individual when a vehicle is moving 50 miles an hour down the highway,” Fagan said. “You can’t see the person who’s driving. Only once you make that stop do you find out.”

Texas law requires law enforcement agencies

No formal complaints filed Despite the disparities shown in the data, no formal racial profiling complaints were filed against the sheriff ’s office in 2025, according to the report. Fagan said the sheriff’s office has increased internal oversight measures designed to hold deputies accountable.

“We file more internal investigations on our employees than what the public does,” he said.

“Because we review the body cameras, and if we see something we don’t like, we file the complaint ourselves.”

Fagan also noted that body cameras were implemented during his administration to improve transparency.

“That was one reason I was hard on getting these body cameras,” he said. “It protects the officers as well as the public.”

4 | March 19, 2026 |

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DN News

Target protest still on

By ReShonda Tate

Despite recent headlines suggesting a nationwide boycott of Target has ended, organizers behind the original protest say the movement remains very much active.

Founders of the National Target Boycott recently gathered outside Target’s corporate headquarters in Minneapolis to reaffirm that the boycott - launched more than a year ago over the company’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives - is continuing nationwide.

The boycott began Feb. 1, 2025, organized by Minneapolis-based activists Dr. Nekima Levy Armstrong, Jaylani Hussein, and Monique Cullars-Doty, following weeks of organizing by Minnesota community leaders.

The grassroots campaign calls on consumers, churches, and institutions to stop shopping at Target until the company restores and strengthens its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Let’s be clear: the Target boycott is not over,” Levy Armstrong said during the Minneapolis press conference. “This is a grassroots movement led by communities demanding corporate accountability, and we will not stop until Target reverses its retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Confusion about the boycott’s status emerged after a separate press conference in Washington, D.C., where Atlanta pastor Rev. Jamal Bryant announced the conclusion of a 40-day fast tied to his criticism of Target’s DEI decisions.

Bryant framed the moment as a victory for economic activism.

“A whole generation has not seen an effective boycott,” Bryant said. “We are claiming victory … and I believe that our generation needs to Jamal Bryant see victory.”

Organizers of the original boycott say Bryant’s action helped amplify attention to the issue but did not represent the leadership or direction of the national boycott effort.

“The facts are simple: Target has not reversed its decisions, it has not met the

Jaylani Hussein, Monique Cullars-Doty and Nekima Levy Armstrong who launched the national boycott of Target Corporation want to send a clear message: the boycott is still on. Credit: blckpress.com

demands of the boycott, and therefore the boycott continues,” said Hussein. “Communities across the country are still choosing not to shop at Target.”

Cullars-Doty echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the strength of the movement lies with everyday consumers.

“The power of this movement is in everyday consumers who are refusing to support a company that walked away from its commitments to equity,” she said. “Until those commitments are restored, the boycott continues.”

The boycott began after Target scaled back several diversity initiatives that had been expanded in the years following the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

In recent weeks, activists say pressure on the company has intensified, pointing to declining revenues, reduced store foot

traffic, layoffs affecting more than 2,000 workers, declining stock performance and leadership upheaval that included the departure of the company’s CEO. Target has also faced criticism from some activists who say the company has not adequately addressed the concerns that sparked the boycott.

Activist Tamika Mallory said she wants a public apology from Target CEO Michael Fiddelke.

“As a billion-dollar company, you cannot harm people in public and then apologize in private,” Mallory said.

Others say the damage to consumer trust may already be permanent.

“I am not encouraging people to go back and shop at Target,” said Nina Turner, a former Ohio state lawmaker, during the Washington news conference. “It really is a

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 22 - MARCH 19, 2026

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender News- paper 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 2025 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

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Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

sin and shame that it took them this long to get to this point.”

On social media, some consumers echoed that sentiment, saying their decision to stop shopping at the retailer has become permanent.

“We’ll never go back,” one Instagram user wrote. “It’s not a boycott — we’re just done.”

Target recently reiterated its commitment to a $2 billion pledge to Black-owned businesses, but some activists say the move may have come too late to win back customers lost during the boycott.

Target declined to comment.

Organizers say the boycott will continue until the company restores and strengthens its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

More information about the boycott can be found at NationalTargetBoycott.com.

Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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DN Feature

Helping Hands

Nourishes next generation of Houston youth

By Aswad Walker

In some of Houston’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, the school day doesn’t always end with a full stomach or a safe place to land. That’s where Alicia Rogers and Krystle Robinson step in.

The co-founders of Helping Hands For the People have spent the last three years feeding both the bodies and spirits of K–12 students across the city. Their mission is straightforward: go into low-income communities, provide nutritious meals, and offer the educational and emotional support many children lack.

Robinson, a native Houstonian educated at Foster Elementary, Lanier Middle School and Lamar High School, knows the landscape well. Her children now attend Yates High School, where she serves on the PTO. Rogers, originally from Oklahoma City, found common ground with Robinson in their shared upbringing and desire to serve.

“We, being a part of low-income areas, know how it feels,” Robinson said. “When I was growing up, some of the kids weren’t fortunate to have a lot. I always wanted an opportunity to give back.”

How Helping Hands works Helping Hands For the People feeds roughly 1,500 youth a day, Monday through Friday. The nonprofit operates five feeding sites from about 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Southlawn Palms in Third Ward; Sterlingshire near Tidwell and Mesa; Coke at Cleme Manor in Fifth Ward; PSAT near Bellaire and the Beltway; and Jarmese in South Park.

Students come from schools including

Alicia Rogers (right) prepares to serve a meal to young people.

Courtesy: Helping Hands For the People.

Foster, Thompson, Bastion and Whidby elementaries; Cullen Middle School; and Yates, Fleming, North Forest and Forest Brook high schools.

“We’re in apartments and schools, and we give them about an hour and 45 minutes a day,” Rogers said. “We provide a nutritious meal, help with homework, tutoring, mental health and hygiene tips.

We give them the love they need.”

Each site is staffed by volunteers.

“At each site we have two or three people — a server and someone focused on education,” Rogers said. “This is all volunteer work. We take people who need community service or those who simply want to help.”

Rogers and Robinson know that for many low-income students, school lunch may be their last guaranteed meal of the day.

“So, we come in and feed them a different meal Monday through Friday,” Rogers said.

And not just any meal.

“It’s a hot meal like grandma used to cook,” Robinson said. “Rice and gravy, something that will fill them up so they can focus on school.”

The relationships built along the way have become just as meaningful.

“They even call us auntie,” Robinson said.

“If they see us on the weekend, they’ll say, ‘That’s Auntie Krystle’ or ‘That’s Auntie Alicia.’ It’s the love we give the kids.”

Seeing a need and bringing solutions is what Helping Hands For the People founders Krystle Robinson (center) and Alicia Rogers (right) did by founding their non-profit that feeds Houston youth. Courtesy: Helping Hands For the People.

From concern to action The idea for Helping Hands grew from both memory and frustration.

“Growing up, schools had feeding programs,” Rogers said. “When they stopped, we asked, ‘Who’s feeding these kids now?’”

Instead of complaining, the pair contacted the Texas Department of Agriculture to learn how to launch their own program.

“They told us the steps to get it done,” Rogers said. “It was an idea together, and we decided we had to give something back to our community.”

Krystle Robinson (center) is on the job serving food to Houston-area youth.

Courtesy: Helping Hands For the People.

Beyond food Helping Hands fills what its founders see as a critical programming gap.

In addition to meals, the nonprofit offers tutoring, mentorship and classes. A mental health professional works with students, and partnerships provide hygiene supplies such as deodorant and feminine hygiene products.

The founders are also preparing youth for the future.

“We have someone coming in to teach them how to use AI because that’s the next wave,” Rogers said. “And we’ll teach accounting and money management, since we both have accounting backgrounds.”

Robinson believes the effort addresses needs often overlooked.

“It’s unfortunate that HISD doesn’t sponsor these kinds of positive programs,” Robinson said. “So we go into neighborhoods

because this is something kids need.”

To learn more about Helping Hands For the People, visit www.helpinghands4ppl. org or call 832-588-3812.

Lives changed by Helping Hands.

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DN InFocus

Vouchers: Will they help Black families in Houston?

By Tannistha Sinha

More than 200,000 Texas families have already applied for the state’s new $1 billion school voucher program (starting in the 2026-27 school year), exceeding what it can pay for.

Approved under Senate Bill 2 during the 89th legislative session, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts will allow eligible families to use up to $10,474 per child in taxpayer funds for private school tuition and other approved educational expenses.

As the program advances, Black families in Houston are asking a critical question: Will this expand opportunity or pull resources from the very schools that serve them most?

According to a University of Houston and Texas Southern University study, 70% of Black adults supported creating a school voucher program, and 72% supported school vouchers that only benefit low-income families.

However, Black adults were found to agree with arguments against school voucher legislation, like: “vouchers/ESAs funnel money away from already struggling public schools” and “vouchers/ESAs provide funding to private schools and individuals with only limited accountability for how the funds are used.”

The rollout of Texas Education Freedom Accounts marks one of the largest school choice expansions in the state’s history.

Credit: Getty Images

afford it, but the majority of us cannot.”

Transportation and additional costs of books and uniforms are other barriers, Alexander said.

“A lot of these schools are not placed in predominantly Black neighborhoods,” Alexander said. “Here in Houston, in areas where Black people live predominantly, there are a lot of people who do not have cars.”

UH Report

The University of Houston report states that several Houstonians “overestimate” the scope of vouchers and believe the funds would benefit higher-income families more.

The report goes on to demystify another misconception about who is eligible to receive subsidies.

The bill prioritizes students with disabilities from low- to middle-income families, followed by students from low- to lower-middle-income families, middle-income families, and, finally, higher-income families.

“To be clear, SB 2’s subsidies for private schooling will come at the expense of Texas public schools,” said Maria P. Pérez Argüelles, a report co-author and research assistant professor at the Hobby School.

“However, the modest scale of the program will limit the short-term budgetary impacts during the 2026-27 school year.”

Fear of draining neighborhood schools

For many families, one concern is what happens to schools with declining enrollment, spurred by the voucher program.

Education funding in “It’s not enough Texas is largely tied to to cover private student enrollment. school” Thus, when a stuChristian Alexandent leaves, they der, a Houston ISD parent, take with them said the voucher amount is their state-funded not enough to cover the full cost of allotment, even many private schools and does not though fixed costs, solve transportation challenges. like facilities and staff“I don’t think it’s going to expand ing, remain. opportunities for Black students just Christian Alexander, a “So you got less because the amount of money that Houston ISD parent, kids, you got less they have allocated for each student raised concerns about funds for the school isn’t enough to cover the cost of like transportation and to be able to operate, private school in the state of Texas,” costs associated with which is to put more Alexander said. “There are a good private schools. Credit: strain on the comnumber of Black people who can Christian Alexander munity,” Alexander

added. “In the historically Black communities, these families need these schools as a version of child care, as a version of counseling, ways to be able to make sure that their kids are able to eat adequately.”

Concerns about diversity and belonging

But he acknowledged that this model depends on time and capacity at home.

“In unique cases, it can be great for Black folks,” Browne said. “It’s not for everybody.”

Families who have applied

Margaux Rodgers, who has two daughters, Parent Stacy Moore said one in the eighth grade her hesitation about private and one in the fifth schools is not just financial, but grade, said she wanted to also social and psychological. apply for the vouchers “It’s just not fair, and I after observing that her Houston parent Stacy struggle with sending my neighborhood schools Moore raised concerns child to a class where they’re lacked the curricuabout diversity and going to be the only Black admissions policies, saying lar rigor in math, scistudent in their grade,” Moore ence, and English she public schools should said. “My kids go to pubexpected. better reflect Houston’s lic schools, they have Black Rodgers said that multicultural reality. teachers, they have other despite her older daughCredit: Stacy Moore Black, Hispanic, Asian stuter getting bullied in dents, and that to me is more. That’s what school, the issue was not addressed. our city looks like. That’s what our world “I didn’t want my younger daughter to looks like.” have to go through those same experiences,” She also noted that private schools can set she said, adding that it compelled her to their own admissions policies. research vouchers for her younger daughter “They can pick and choose,” Moore said. when she entered middle school.

“They can turn kids down.”

As a teacher for over a decade, she was skeptical at first.

A different experience: But the pros outweighed the cons.

“It’s a wonderful thing” “Knowing that schools will be losing Not all Black parents see vouchers as a money…that would also be hurting the threat. public schools, especially if my student and Sekou Browne, a Houston father whose my daughter stayed in it,” Rodgers explained. daughter attends a virtual STEM-focused “But I’m more concerned now about my private program called HomeSTEM Acad- child’s welfare and well-being moving foremy, said the voucher could be transforma- ward versus keeping her in public school just tive for families like his. so other public schools don’t suffer.”

“This school’s about a little under $9,000 for the full year,” Browne said, adding he is Choice for some, strain for others? a “big proponent” of the voucher program.

As Texas prepares to execute its voucher With a $10,000 voucher, “you won’t have to program in 2026-27, Black families in pay anything for tuition once the voucher Houston are balancing the appeal of flexsets in.” ibility and customized learning against For his family, two parents working in financial realities, transportation barritech with flexible schedules, a self-paced, ers, special education protections and home-based model works well. the risk of draining already underfunded “The cool thing about homeschool,” he neighborhood schools. said, is the ability to tailor learning and invest For some, the $10,474 allotment could in tutoring where needed. The voucher, he open doors to alternatives that better fit said, would allow them to “plug holes” and their children’s needs. For others, it falls prepare their daughter for early college short of soaring private tuition and rising coursework. ancillary costs.

8 | March 19, 2026 |

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DN Feature Black women share trail ride tails

By Aswad Walker

For generations, the American West has been portrayed as a white frontier, erasing the Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped shape it. In truth, the term “cowboy” originally described Black men skilled in herding cattle. While figures like Bass Reeves are gaining recognition, the legacy of Black cowgirls—from “Stagecoach Mary” Fields to individuals like Mollie Taylor Stevenson Jr., founder of the American Cowboy Museum (located at the historic Taylor-Stevenson Ranch) and Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee—remains less known.

Today, this history thrives in the trail-riding culture of Texas and Louisiana.

In Houston, these rides are vibrant traditions connected to zydeco music and rodeo season, where Black women are increasingly finding community and sisterhood.

Finding the trail Nicole Cook, a member of the Untouchable Riderz, discovered this world 17 years ago after moving from Cleveland, Ohio. Her introduction came through her mother, who had joined a group called the Outlaws.

“I literally thought she had lost her mind,” Cook recalled.

“I’m like, ‘She joined a gang, and they ride Nicole Cook horses.’”

Curiosity eventually led Cook to her first trail ride. Though she didn’t own a horse at

Della Holden says the trail riding community offers unity and community. Courtesy: Della Holden.

the time, the environment resonated with her.

“What I really liked about it was the family feel,” Cook said. “You could go from campsite to campsite, meeting people. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.”

Della Holden, founder of the Socialites Riding Network, entered the scene through community activism and music.

After attending the Zydeco, Blues, and Trail Ride Awards, she was hooked.

“I saw all these people dancing and having a good time... This was my first time seeing the Zydeco, trail ride, and blues culture all in one spot.”

Breaking stereotypes A common misconception is that trail riding is only for “country folks.” Cook notes that the community is incredibly professional and diverse.

“There are teachers, principals, professors, doctors, and pastors who come out and just enjoy the culture,” she said.

For Holden, entering the culture meant more than just performing music; she wanted to live the lifestyle.

“I didn’t want to be a gimmick,” she said.

“So that urged me to go ahead and buy me a horse.”

She eventually trained horses with the help of Cook’s husband, “Cowboy Ronnie,” noting it was a “deep dive into how the real cowboys get down in Houston.”

Sisterhood on the saddle Beyond the horses, both women emphasize that the heart of the movement is connection.

“Being a part of the trail ride community definitely brings sisterhood,” Holden said.

“When I joined, they welcomed me with open arms. There’s no judgment.”

This support extends to practical help on the road. Cook explains that the “no cowgirl left behind” mentality is real.

“If you’re stuck on the side of the freeway, they’re going to stop and help you.

These are total strangers who will feed your children if they’re hungry.”

A legacy continued For these women, the trail offers a rare sense of freedom and a way to preserve a long-standing tradition. Whether it’s the memory of driving a mule-drawn wagon or the simple joy of a campsite gathering, the experience is about reclaiming a space in Western history.

“Trail riding is about family, unity, and community,” Holden said. “People hear negative things sometimes, but that’s not what we’re about.”

By stepping into the stirrups, these riders ensure the story of the Black cowgirl continues—one mile at a time.

Della Holden (center) with Liz Cook (founder of the Liz Cook Trailride, the biggest Women’s trail ride in Texas), and Felicia of Heartless Divas.

Courtesy: Della Holden.

Your Safety Our Priority HCTRA toll roads are monitored around the clock and if you need help, we offer free roadside assistance.

Keep it moving – get an EZ TAG today!

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DN Profile

Dria Thornton Builds a powerhouse Hip-Hop, R&B career

By Laura Onyeneho

If you’ve streamed a major hip-hop or R&B track in the last decade, chances are you’ve heard Dria Thornton, even if her name wasn’t in the spotlight.

Her voice carries some of the genre’s impactful songs, but her journey to those records wasn’t simple. It came from years of creating opportunities when none were handed to her.

“My dad was a songwriter and singer,” she said. “My mom played everything from Lil’ Kim to Anita Baker. It was all over the board. So when I create now, I pull from everything.”

That range prompted her to pursue formal training early. At Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts in California, she studied musical theatre, chamber choir, chamber orchestra as a violinist, show choir, improv acting, and more. It built her discipline and an understanding of the craft.

Even with that foundation, her path forward was not linear. After high school, she moved to Houston to attend the University of Houston, where she majored in psychology. She tried following the traditional route while performing in a local girls’ group, j g ling studies, jug nightlife appearances, rehearsals, and recording sessions.

Eventually, that pace caught up with her.

She left school and returned to California in 2002, determined to build a solo career.

She wrote her own songs, produced her own work, and paid for her own studio time.

Independence became her default mode.

That grind lasted more than a decade.

“People don’t know that,” she said. “They see the plaques on the wall now, but it took 12 years of recording, learning, studying, and being behind the scenes.”

Her sound always traced back to the R&B and hip-hop she grew up with, but she refused to restrict herself.

“However it inspires you, that is how I want people to receive it,” she said.

Finding her footing in California California is where she met producer and artist Chris Thornton, who would become her husband and creative partner. They were raised in different regions of the hip-hop scene. He came of age on Bay Area music, while she carried a mix of LA and Houston influences. Those differences helped shape their early musical endeavors.

“We were doin ng a lot of Bay music,” C Chris said.

“She movved back to Housston, and we started doing more southern-bassed music becausee we were both r aised on southerrn music.”

Both h of them

Independent artist and musical force Dria Thornton is making waves in the music industry on her own terms. Credit: Jimmie Aggison.

paid close attention to the creative collectives dominating the industry at the time.

“We came up in the era where there were huge creative teams,” Chris said. “The Interns, The Strangers, The Renegades, The Runners, Cool and Dre. We are going to follow the same formula that those clicks used to get on.”

In 2008, they founded The Frontrunnaz, a songwriting and production team built on the discipline they saw in those crews. “We always prided ourselves on not competing with people around us,” Chris said. “We were always trying to compete with the people that were already established.”

Breaking into major rooms Their biggest early leap came when Thornton landed her first publishing deal.

That deal opened doors to studios where producers were creating records for artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, and others. It was the first time she felt she had truly made a breakthrough in her career.

“We were demoing records that were actually being sent to major artists,” she said. “Not through somebody who knew somebody. It was direct.”

Her voice became a signature behind the scenes. As an American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) vocalist, she appeared on Rick Ross’ “Money Dance” and “Lamborghini Doors,” Meek Mill’s “Shine,” and Young Thug’s “Wyclef Jean.”

She became a go-to creative partner for Logic, contributing vocals to five songs on his platinum album Everybody, including the

In 2017, Dria collaborated with Logic on his album Everybody, providing vocals for five tracks, including the Grammy-nominated hit “1-800-2738255.” The album is certified RIAA Platinum. Credit: JImmie Aggison

seven-times platinum Grammy-nominated single “1-800-273-8255.”

However, even as placements grew, she felt constrained by the publishing system.

“I am not a permission person,” she said.

“Independent artists run things now,” she said. “We can sell directly to people the way we want. It makes the landscape easier.”

If it were her music, she wanted control.

She studied copyright law during the pandemic and began to see a clearer path as an independent artist.

Learn how she is building her career on her own terms.

10 | March 19, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Kevin Granger fired Texas Southern athletic director let go

By Terrance Harris

After months of speculation about Texas Southern athletic director Kevin Granger’s employment status, the school confirmed that he has been fired.

Granger was informed of his termination on Feb. 13.

News broke last June that Granger had been accused of sexually assaulting a staffer and was facing litigation in civil court as a result. TSU immediately put Granger on administrative leave.

The school has said nothing about Granger or his job status until last week in response to why the school made the decision to remove his No.10 jersey from the rafters of the H&PE Arena prior to the regular-season finale basketball games.

The Defender had been requesting comment on the decision to remove Granger’s jersey, who had been a star basketball player for the Tigers in the 1990s. The school confirmed that President James W. Crawford made the decision to remove the No.10 banner.

But all of Granger’s accomplishments as a player, including being inducted into the TSU Sports Hall of Fame, remain intact.

Below is the school’s statement in its entirety.

In June 2025, Texas Southern University was formally notified of serious allegations made in a civil lawsuit against Dr. Kevin Granger, who was then serving as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director. Based on the seriousness of the allegations and the advice of legal counsel, the University immediately placed Dr. Granger on administrative leave status. Associated with this action, two independent administrative inquiries into this matter, fully external to the University, under Title VII and Title IX were directed.

These inquiries unfolded over several months during which time the University focused on ensuring that the rights and protections of the parties involved were observed. Following the completion of these inquiries, on February 13, 2026, the University issued a termination letter to Dr. Granger to discontinue his service as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director at Texas Southern University.

Consistent with pertinent law and university policy, the letter notified Dr. Granger that the effective date of termination would be March 16, 2026. After careful deliberation, on March 5, 2026, the president made the decision to remove Dr. Granger’s retired jersey banner from public display in the H&PE Arena.

Any suggestion that the University failed to act or acted without due consideration is

inaccurate. Texas Southern University followed a deliberate administrative process, assessing the facts, applicable law, and policy, over several months to ensure a fair and responsible review and determination.

Dr. Granger’s accomplishments as a student-athlete remain recognized through his inclusion in the Texas Southern University Sports Hall of Fame, where all inductees are selected through a vote of the Texas Southern University Sports Hall of Fame Committee.

Because the civil litigation remains ongoing, the University will refrain from further comment.

Granger, through his attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, denies all allegations and argues that the lack of criminal charges proves he did nothing wrong. He is only facing civil charges brought by the complainant through her attorney, Tony Buzbee.

Here is the statement Granger’s attorney sent to the Defender: Dr. Granger has and will consistently deny the allegations made against him. Texas Southern University’s own comprehensive investigation conducted under Title IX found the allegations of sexual assault and the other serious charges were not substantiated. Additionally, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office did not file any charges against Dr. Granger. In essence, the DA found there was not sufficient evidence to charge him with any crime.

It is disappointing and disheartening that after thirty years of devoting his time, toil, and talents to Texas Southern University, the University elected to exercise the harshest level of punishment and terminate his employment.

Over the years, Dr. Granger has broken many records, raised several million dollars for the University, formed partnerships and relationships with major league sports teams in Houston, and under his leadership, student athletes broke more records than in the school’s prior history.

Dr. Granger remains an incredibly well-respected part of the community, and he will always be proud of his work at the university as well as the opportunities he created for TSU and its students over the years. It is unfortunate that his stellar reputation has been tarnished by a financially motivated litigant, but he intends to challenge this complaint at every step of the judicial process.

In the end, it matters not if his jersey hangs in the rafters of the H&PE Arena. His legacy and footprint will inevitably be present.

Granger was a recruit of TSU coaching legend Robert Moreland and was a four-year star

from 1992-96. He led the NCAA in scoring in 1996 with a 27-point-per-game average. He was SWAC Freshman of the Year, a two-time Black College All-American, and when he left TSU, Granger was the fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,971 points.

Granger was also an assistant coach at TSU. He later became AD Charles McClelland’s trusted lieutenant before assuming control of the athletic department once McClelland left to run the SWAC. Granger was doing so well at his job that in 2024, the school extended his contract until 2029.

Longtime college administrator Paula Jackson was brought in last fall as the departme nt’s i nte r i m athletic director.

Jackson should be a top contender for the permanent job, but TSU is expected to conduct a national search for Granger’s replacement.

Kevin Granger, who had been Texas Southern’s athletic director since 2017, had been on administrative leave since last June after sexual assault allegations against a staffer came to light. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender

March 19, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

Chavez Wrestling Goes from afterthought to contender

By Jimmie Aggison

Not long ago, the wrestling room at Chavez High School was quiet, short on numbers, recognition, and postseason conversation.

Today, it hums with energy, purpose, and belief. Under the steady leadership of head coach Elvis Davis Jr., the Lobos have transformed a once-overlooked program into one of the fastest-rising wrestling teams in the region, making history with back-to-back regional qualifiers and laying a foundation that shows no signs of slowing.

When Davis first arrived at Chavez, he noticed the athletes were technically sound and understood the fundamentals, but lacked the cohesion needed to bring it all together.

“My focus was to build on that foundation through relentless effort, hard work, and a daily mindset that challenged the students,” said Davis. “Being good wasn’t good enough.

I wanted them to strive for excellence.”

With low numbers, limited resources, and low buy-in, that shift in mentality became the critical starting point for the program’s growth.

“Getting athletes to believe took time,” said Davis. “But once the culture began to change, everything else followed.”

Because the roster was initially small, Chavez didn’t have enough athletes to field a junior varsity team. That shortage forced inexperienced wrestlers to face more seasoned opponents earlier than expected.

“Not having a JV team forced our athletes to mature quickly,” said Davis. “Many of them had little to no wrestling experience and were competing against opponents who already had several matches under their belts.”

Those early challenges could have stalled the program altogether. Instead, they became the catalyst for a cultural shift that soon produced results Chavez had never seen before, beginning with Bayardo Arauz Jr.’s regional qualification in 2024.

“Bayardo qualifying for regionals in 2024 was a major turning point,” said Davis. “It showed our athletes that success was possible at Chavez. That moment changed beliefs not only for the wrestlers but also for the school and the community.”

The momentum carried into 2025, when Chavez sent back-to-back wrestlers to regionals for the first time in school history, with Carlos Castillo qualifying.

“Carlos qualifying in 2025 proved that Bayardo’s success wasn’t a one-time thing,” said Davis. “It showed consistency, and that’s when we knew we were building something sustainable, not just having a lucky season.”

Chavez High School varsity wrestling team pose before hosting a tournament against Westbury & North Forest.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender

For Chavez, senior wrestler and team captain Zachery Cooper, those achievements became tangible motivation.

“I felt, if they could go, why couldn’t we?” said Cooper. “Going further, we began to believe, and we gave our all until we couldn’t anymore.”

Soon after, the program grew from 21 athletes to more than 40 athletes in a single season.

“Establishing a JV pipeline was huge for our program,” said Davis. “It allowed athletes to develop fundamentals, gain valuable match experience, and build confidence without the immediate pressure of varsity competition. It also created depth and strengthened our varsity lineup because athletes came in prepared, not rushed.”

“More students began to have faith in Chavez wrestling because they saw the program we were trying to build and could see the courage it took to be a Chavez wrestler,” said senior wrestler and team captain Valerie Rivera. “We were bringing medals home, putting in the work, showing good sportsmanship, and bonding as a family.”

As numbers rose and competition intensified in the room, leadership began to emerge not only from the coaching staff but also from the athletes themselves.

“Younger wrestlers are nervous when they first try wrestling, but I try to encourage them because it’s a fun sport,” said Rivera. “It takes dedication, determination, and aggressiveness on the mat to win. You have to want the win more than the other person, no matter how good they are. We try to slowly push younger wrestlers not to be scared and drill more intensely with teammates, learn new techniques, and build confidence.”

Sophomore wrestler Aileen Rueda has felt the difference in a room that is becoming increasingly competitive.

“Every year, I am pleasantly surprised by the number of women in my weight class because the sport has become so popular, and that fills me with a sense of pride that I get to take part in something so empowering,” said Rueda.

That leadership has translated into confidence, and that confidence has shown early this season. Chavez has already brought home one gold medal and three bronze medals.

“Winning those medals shows we’re no longer just competing; we’re contending,” said Davis. “Those medals reflect discipline, buy-in, and consistency. They show the work is paying off and that Chavez’s wrestling program is moving toward competing with the best to achieve greatness.”

For Chavez wrestling, medals matter, but they aren’t the end goal.

“Our athletes wrestle with pride, toughness, and heart,” said Davis. “They represent resilience and growth. Every time they step on the mat, they represent their school, their families, and their community.”

“The community has been very supportive,” said Davis. “Recognition is growing.

We’re seeing students from our feeder-pattern schools, Stevenson Middle School and Ortiz Middle School, come to Chavez specifically to wrestle, and I’m now coaching younger brothers and sisters of former wrestlers, which speaks volumes. It shows that families trust the program and believe we’re doing the right things. That support motivates our athletes even more.”

As the Lobos continue to grow, one thing is clear: their story is only just beginning.

“Success goes far beyond wins and medals,” said Davis. “It’s about accountability, discipline, academic progress, and personal growth. It’s about building young men and women who are confident, respectful, and prepared for life after high school. I want these kids to become successful, intelligent individuals and well-rounded citizens who can positively contribute to their communities long after their wrestling careers are over.”

12 | March 19, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

New entreprenuer advice

By Laura Onyeneho

Many Gen Z and Millennial Individuals are hearing a consistent message on social media.

Quit the nine-to-five, start a business, and take control of your life.

Nearly 25% of Gen Z and millennial employees intend to leave their jobs within the next year to start their own businesses, according to a recent survey.

Those who walk away from traditional jobs discover the jump into entrepreneurship comes with gaps, hard lessons, and realities they did not expect.

Dr. Asheli S. Atkins, Dr. Atkins President and CEO of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, says the Chamber is seeing a clear shift.

“Workplace professionals are choosing entrepreneurship for many reasons,” she said. “Sometimes it is racism or discrimination. Sometimes it is a lack of fulfillment, identity issues, stalled career growth, or wanting more autonomy.”

Her insights come from her own research.

“I did a report for the Urban Institute on this topic. It focuses on women who leave the workplace to become entrepreneurs,” she said. “My research centered on Black women, but the pattern holds across groups.”

While many want the freedom entrepreneurship seems to promise, Atkins says the perception is not complete.

“There is this myth that you have to quit your job to be an entrepreneur. Most people do not,” she said. “Many of our members have full-time careers and full businesses running at the same time. And those businesses are thriving.”

The learning curve First-time business owners often enter entrepreneurship with excitement, but also with blind spots. Many find themselves navigating legal issues, finances, marketing, and certifications for the first time.

They step out motivated by purpose or driven by burnout, only to discover that the behind-the-scenes work is far more demanding than expected.

“People tend to think preparation starts and ends with a business plan,” Atkins said.

“A plan is great, but preparation is much bigger than that. Some come in without financial systems in place. Some have not filed taxes. Some do not separate personal and business expenses.”

She says gaps are not a reason to quit, but rather a reason to slow down and seek support.

“You can be a great florist and still struggle with finances or social media,” she

Credit: Getty

said. “That is where organizations like the Chamber come in. There is always time to get prepared.”

Attorney and entrepreneur Justin Martin has seen both the excitement and the pitfalls. His own journey into business began with an early interest in how companies work.

He is the co-founder of one of the state’s injury firms and has been in the business for 15 years. He never worked for a law firm, and he wanted to stare fear in the face while opening his firm because he didn’t like the promise of someone giving Martin him a paycheck every two weeks with no possibility of autonomy and increased earning potential.

“I realized early that failure did not hurt,” he said. “If it works, great. If not, you try again.”

But even with that mindset, he does not romanticize the path.

“Entrepreneurship is not glamorous,” he said. “People talk about passion. I do not think passion is enough. Passion fades.

Commitment does not.”

Martin stresses the importance of financial clarity before resigning from a job.

“You should know every one of your bills. Most people are a slave to an unknown master,” he said. “If I needed three thousand a month, then the question became, how many cases equal that? It is math. The numbers tell the truth.”

His advice to new entrepreneurs is to have patience and self-reflect on the reasons why you want to launch your business.

“A monkey will not let go of one vine until it has a hold of another,” he said. “Do not quit your job because you are frustrated. Make sure your business can support you. Or build it after work. Use your time wisely.”

How to sustain Derrick “D-Reck” Dixon is the founder of Wreck Shop Records, a Houston-based independent record label created to support southern hip-hop artists. During his time at Clark Atlanta, he earned a master’s degree in marketing with a concentration in systems operations. He utilized that training to establish Wreck Shop as a 30-year Houston institution.

“That was the best thing I ever did,” he said. “Anything I’m doing, I make it systematic. A mom-and-pop shop dies with the

person. A system can live forever.”

While most local labels in the 90s operated out of bedrooms or makeshift studios, Dixon invested heavily in staff, radio, retail, and street-team managers across regional markets, using revenue from early music success to build infrastructure.

“I could’ve been buying a car,” he said.

“But instead, I staffed up. It allowed me to Dixon put out three, four records a year, faster than anybody else.”

The success also brought hard lessons.

When a major distributor went bankrupt, Dixon lost $500,000 overnight.

“I had to get two U-Hauls to move all my CDs out of their warehouse,” he said.

“In hindsight, I should’ve slowed down. I shouldn’t have gotten so deep on credit.

Don’t be arrogant,” he said. “It’s better to have 50% of a mountain than 100% of a hand pile.”

Learn what you can do to prepare.