Issuu

Free Brittney Imprisoned in Russia, where is the American outrage?

NEWS

VANESSA GILMORE

AMANDA EDWARDS

The retired judge weighs in on the conﬁrmation hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The former Houston city council member announces her run for mayor of Houston.

Volume 90, Issue 20 March 24, 2022

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Juwan Howard on left consoles Tennessee player Kennedy Chandler after a recent NCAA March Madness game. Screenshot.

Message from the Associate Editor

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LET’S CELEBRATE JUWAN

our Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown JackAfter a recent NCAA March Madness victory son. Because her confirmation is about not just for the University of Michigan over Tennessee, her, but all the sisters she represents. UM’s men’s head coach and former NBA all-star Juwan Howard was photographed consoling one A HARD GLOBAL LESSON of the Tennessee players who was overcome with Brittney Griner’s Russian imprisonment. emotion after his team’s loss. Several social meUkrainians sending Blackfolk to the back of dia posts and ESPN mentions celebrated Howthe bus amid war. China kicking Africans out Aswad Walker ard’s powerful show of humanity and compasof their country at the height of the COVID-19 sion for the young brother. And that’s cool. But pandemic. Ukrainian refugees receiving global I, like many others, need to see national media give as much sympathy while Haitian refugees were criminalized and deenergy to Juwan’s most recent spotlight moment as they did nied U.S. entrance. I could go on with the examples of global when Howard responded to being grabbed by an opposing hate and disrespect shot in Blackfolk’s direction. But hopecoach during the post-game handshake. Howard was called fully, you get the point. It’s a fact of history that only groups everything but a child of God for his response to being phys- who live, think and operate as a group, as a people, and ically grabbed by a coach he wasn’t trying to talk to. Yet, the work for their empowerment unashamedly, receive humane energy given to roasting Howard was on maximum. If no treatment from global citizens. That’s why Marcus Garvey one else is going to do it, we need to lift up that powerful declared “Up ye mighty race; accomplish what you will,” to moment of Howard being there for a young brother in need. stir up that sense of oneness (Umoja) and power all people need if they hope to be treated with respect. Garvey issued this call roughly 100 years ago. Prayerfully, sometime soon, BROTHERS, LET’S REPRESENT FOR KETANJI Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee has sent a let- we’ll listen and respond accordingly. ter signed by nearly 300 Black attorneys licensed to practice in Texas in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s con- IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER firmation to the Supreme Court of the United States, and • Our ON SOCIAL is on fire. Check it out. urging the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary • Read the latest social media gist about the CROWN ACT. to make it happen. Menefee and crew join several individu• Read what High School Sports Editor Jodie B. Jiles has als and organizations offering similar endorsements of Ms. to say about Shadow Creek point guard Cameron AmJackson. But as a Black man, I am making a special plea to boree. my brothers. If you and/or your organization, frat, congregation, barber shop, sports bar, hustle, side hustle, etc. hav- ON THE WEB • Houston teen stuns American Idol judges. en’t already done so, add your name and your voice to those • Check the Defender’s mini-publishers: Black Women, declaring support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and callUnder 40 & Community Central. ing for her confirmation. Bruhs, let’s not be silent on this. In• Peep the pics from award-winning photographer Jimmie stead, let’s shout from the mountaintops our support for our Aggison in “Jimmie’s Journey sister, our cousin, our daughter, our auntie, our big mama,

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DN News National Black lawyers convene in Houston By Aswad Walker

The National Bar Association (NBA), the nation’s oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges (founded 1925), is holding its 42nd MidYear Conference here in the Bayou City, March 23 – 27. The Defender spoke with the NBA’s 79th president, Carlos Moore, about the focus of the gathering.

Carlos Moore, NBA president

DEFENDER: What is the focus of this week’s NBA gathering? CARLOS MOORE: This is our Mid-Year ConferSupreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson testifies during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. AP/Alex Brandon

KETANJI BROWN JACKSON

Houstonians witness historic confirmation hearing By ReShonda Tate

I just believe that when one rises all For Black women across the counof us rise,” she said. try, the confirmation hearings of Republicans aggressively pressed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson — who Jackson on the sentences she has is likely to become the country’s first handed down to sex offenders in her Black woman Supreme Court justice nine years as a federal judge, her ad— are a moment of pride, joy, inspivocacy on behalf of terror suspects ration and validation. At the start at Guantanamo Bay, her thoughts of the recent confirmation hearing, on critical race theory and even her many notable Houstonians were on religious views. At one point, Texas hand to witness Jackson’s historic Sen. Ted Cruz read from children’s journey to the most powerful bench books that he said are taught at her in the United States. teenage daughter’s school. “This is a historic moment and I do Several GOP senators grilled her not want to miss it. It’s such a moment on her child pornography sentencof pride, to see an African American es, arguing they were lighter than federal judge rise all the way to the federal guidelines recommend. Jacktop of the rank,” said former federal son said she based the sentences on judge Vanessa Gilmore who was in Vanessa Gilmore outside the many factors, not just the guidelines, confirmation hearing. Washington, D.C. for the hearings. and said some of the cases had given Gilmore said the moment is hisher nightmares. toric for a number of reasons. Gilmore says the attacks from Republican Senators like “We will finally have a court that looks like America. Not Ted Cruz, don’t surprise her. to mention the opportunity for this to provide encourage“It’s unfortunate. And it still hammers home that we ment for young women of color, to see that this is some have to be twice as good because she is beyond qualified. place that they can aspire to be, is incomparable. And not So to the extent that there was any pushback, the tone just for young women, but for aspiring lawyers, law stu- of the pushback was decidedly political. It wasn’t about dents and those of us who’ve really already peaked in our her personally. It wasn’t about her qualifications except careers, in the judiciary or in the C-suites. It’s a way for us for one senator at the end, who seemed to start attacking to be able to show one of our own has risen to the top. And her personally about her liking the 1619 project and her it gives all of us an opportunity to say we belong in the helping children at a kindergarten be proud of who they places where we are. We have the talent, we have the ability. were, no matter who they are.”

ence and Gertrude Rush Awards Dinner. We will focus on voting rights and reparations during the fourday conference. We’ll also honor several jurists and lawyers with the Heman Sweatt Award at a luncheon, as well as a black-tie dinner where we will be honoring the Gertrude Rush Award recipients. DEFENDER: Who was Gertrude Rush? MOORE: Gertrude Rush was our only lady found-

er of the National Bar Association. The award bearing her name is our second highest award. We will honor Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green, the mayor of Houston, distinguished judges, public servants and lawyers. It’s going to be an exciting time. DEFENDER: Can you summarize some of the work the NBA will do? MOORE: We’re going to take a deep dive into vot-

ing rights and see where we are and what we need to do to get across the finish line. I still support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. And hope springs eternal. We’re not going to rest until some version of that is passed by the U.S. Congress and Senate and signed by the president into law. We’re going to make the case for reparations. We’re supporting Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s bill form a reparations commission to study reparations and figure out a viable path forward. I think after 402 years of being over here building this country, it’s high time that we be paid. I don’t think there can be any true reconciliation without recompence, and reparations will be that recompence. I’m happy to be the first NBA president to convene a presidential showcase on reparations.

REGISTER NOW NBA Mid-Year Conference & Gertrude Rush Awards Dinner Board of Governors Meeting March 23-27, 2022 Marriott Marquis, Houston, TX

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DN News TSU eligible for federal funding over bomb threats Laura Onyeneho

Amanda Edwards joins the field of Texans hoping to be Houston’s next mayor.

FORMER CITY COUNCILMEMBER

AMANDA EDWARDS RUNS FOR MAYOR By ReShonda Tate

Former Houston City Councilmember, Amanda Edwards has announced she is stepping into the race for Houston mayor, a contest that is already garnering statewide attention despite being over a year away. The field already includes two names well-known in Texas politics: veteran State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, and Chris Hollins, the former Harris County clerk who oversaw election changes in 2020 that became a lightning rod for Republicans. They are competing to replace term-limited Mayor Sylvester Turner in the November 2023 election, which is nonpartisan. The Defender talked with Edwards, the 2020 Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, about why she is seeking the mayorship, the challenges she believes face Houston and her plans for meeting those challenges. DEFENDER: Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Houston? Amanda Edwards: I got into the race because I know

that our city right now is at a crossroads. We can either go backward or we can choose to go forward. And I feel very passionate about our city in terms of fixing and addressing some of our lingering challenges and having the skills to do that. But also I really want to see every Houstonian thrive. And so I thought about the opportunities that could be before us in terms of creating a Renaissance for our city. It definitely was part of my motivation to run. And so I’m very committed to the city. I have a passion and skill set, I think uniquely positions me to be effective for the city. DEFENDER: What are the biggest challenges you

believe the city is facing? Edwards: Our city is facing a number of challenges. If

you poll residents, they’ll tell you crime is an issue in our communities. People are concerned about flooding and roadways. They want quality schools and quality housing in our communities. I also know that you can’t do any of that until you address the city’s financial challenges. And so I think my background as a municipal finance lawyer really will bode well in assisting the city to move through a complicated financial time for our city. I also think in this job, you’ve got to deal with those difficult challenges that you’ll be faced with, but you also have to pursue opportunities. And so when I was a council member, I had the great fortune of creating the task force for teaching innovation in our city, which recommended that we create an innovation district. And so with that in mind, I think we’ve gotta be looking for opportunities to grow Houston. How do we bring more people in? DEFENDER: You’re entering a crowded field. Why are you the right person for the job? Edwards: I’ve got the commitment and skills necessary,

not only to have a bold vision for our city, but to actually execute a bold vision for our city to make sure that we reconnect to our roots of innovation and opportunity for all people. I also have the skills that are going to be required to navigate some of the really difficult challenges. I know city hall. I’ve been an at-large council member, so I’ve been elected before. So that, as well as having a background that understands the city’s finances is going to be really important in order to make sure that you have the resources necessary to address some of the other challenges we’ve discussed.

Find out Edwards’ plans to directly address issues that dissproptionately affect the Black community and how she plans to boldly move Houston into the future.

Following recent bomb threats against Black colleges across the nation, the U.S. Department of Education announced that HBCUs which have recently experienced disruption to the campus learning environment are eligible to apply for grant funds under the Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) program. According to the FBI, more than one-third of HBCUs were targeted with violent bomb threats. Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University were among them. TSU is also eligible to receive federal funding. Mary Young, chief of police at TSU and former Houston Police Department officer, will be the liaison working with other chiefs at HBCUs across the country. Young said the intent is to make sure HBCUs have an active voice in the conversation when it comes to receiving resources in a timely manner. “[TSU] is located in the heart and soul of Houston and the campus is surrounded by the community and we need to find out what’s going on in the environment that will make our students feel unsafe,” Young said. She hopes the funding will lead to better fencing, better lighting and other improvements. “We have an emergency operations center but we need to have it operated to have contact with our city, state, and national officials. Do we need to have our trees cut? Are our street signs visible or security officers? This funding is tremendous and it couldn’t have come at a better time.” In an official announcement, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the goal for Project SERV grants is to help “address students’ mental health needs, shore up campus security, and restore learning environments” to get students back on track. The department will provide HBCUs with a bomb threat resource guide to help with long-term improvements to emergency management planning and response. Project SERV provides short-term immediate funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) that have experienced a violent or traumatic incident to assist in restoring a safe environment conducive to learning. Funding for Project SERV is limited, and awards typically range from $50,000 to $150,000 per school. The Defender has not received a response from PVAMU regarding its application for funding.

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 20 - MARCH 24, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Administrative Asst. Stacey Palmer

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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DN OnSocial

Ye vs. Trevor By ReShonda Tate

Trevor Noah is coming to rapper Kanye West’s defense, saying he needs help, not attacks, after the rapper, 44, was banned for 24 hours from Instagram and then removed from a lineup of Grammy Awards performers at this year’s ceremony. West was under ﬁre for leaving a racial slur on Noah’s Instagram page, where he took aim at the Daily Show star after he commented at length on the Donda artist’s split from ex-wife Kim Kardashian, and how

the rapper has treated her amid their divorce. In his initial remarks, which aired on Comedy Central, Noah said, “... what she’s going through is terrifying to watch. And it shines a spotlight on what so many women go through when they choose to leave [toxic relationships].” Citing personal examples (his mother was in an abusive marriage), Noah added, “What we’re seeing here is one of the most powerful, one of the richest women in the world unable to get her ex to stop texting her, to stop chasing after her, to stop harassing her.”

KETANJI BROWN JACKSON

Houston rapper, Just Brittany riles up suburbanites Houston recording artist Just Brittany irritated a lot of people who don’t live inside the beltway recently, when she released a video for a song called “Not Houston Freestyle.” Basically, she bashes folks in Missouri City, Pearland, Sugar Land, Humble, etc. who claim H-Town. Brittany starts her version with, “Shout out to 713, 281, 832; I see they don’t like coming with facts because people be worried about clout ﬁrst; How you in interviews claiming you Houston, when you were raised on the outskirts.” Brittany, who has released seven albums, popped into the mainstream when she starred on Rick Ross’ competition show “Signed” on VH1 in 2017. Plenty of people on Twitter weighed in on their thoughts on the rap.

FOR ALL THE QUALIFIED BLACK WOMEN WHO HAVE TO PROVE THEIR TALENTS TO UNQUALIFIED WHITE MEN Folks were glued to the TV as Ketanji Brown Jackson, with her extensive list of qualiﬁcations, was grilled by white men. Ketanji is an example of brilliant Black women who had the talent and the qualiﬁcations — but not the opportunity — to reach the apex of American society. Jackson’s achievements

are a source of immense pride for anyone eager to see the country make the best use of all of its citizens. But the fact that it has taken this long for the ﬁrst African American woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court is another reminder of how racism and sexism have robbed us of greatness.

It’s Just Brittany saying “Galveston is NOT Houston” Girl we know our area code. @cayjuynspyce

SEE MORE COMMENTS.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CONFIRMATION HEARING...

“I said counsel Kanye not cancel Kanye.”

The committee was throwing questions left and right but she was on top of her game! Even though she’s highly qualiﬁed white folks always think they’re going to trip a Sister oﬀ guard! - Cynthia Cooper-Linebarger

Ted Cruz said he would not allow the hearings to be a circus, and he was a clown. - Natasha Alford, Political Analyst

– Trevor Noah, responding to Kanye West being barred from performing at the 2022 Grammys (which Noah is hosting),

Let us know your thoughts about the whole Kanye situation on FB and Instagram.

Ted Cruz spaced out over Abrams Texas Senator is losing his cool over Stacey Abrams. For the season four ﬁnale of Star Trek: Discovery, the Georgia governor hopeful guest starred as the President of the United Earth, which is no longer a member of the United Federation of Planets. In her scene, she arrives and discusses a plan for the

United Earth to join the alliance again. It’s a dream come true for Abrams, who is a big Star Trek fan. Once executive producer Michelle Paradise found out how much she loved the show, she was called to star in the season ﬁnale. Well, of course, that caused Cruz to tweet his displeasure because...you know, he has nothing better to do.

Cruz is an ass. But we know this! Sorry I have nothing deeper to add. He’s a total ass. That’s all I got. - Paulette Johnson

She is ready for him (Ted Cruz). Get her robe ready! - Lydia E. Brew

Source: Facebook

Stacey Abrams starred on the season ﬁnale of Star Trek:

Discovery.

2022 Oscars Nominations Denzel Washington and Will Smith will take center stage when the 94th Academy airs on ABC on March 27. The 2022 Oscars will be produced by Will Packer (Girls Trip, Think Like a Man), which will be his ﬁrst year involved. It seems we may need to

bring back #OscarsSoWhite as many Black ﬁlms and TV series were left oﬀ of this year’s list. What happened to The Harder They Fall, Passing, Swan Song? And can we talk about how the Power series KEEPS getting overlooked, despite it being one of the most popular franchises on TV? Still, we’re shouting out Best Actor nominees Will Smith (King Richard) and Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth) (We’re

predicting a win for Will). Aunjanue Ellis is expected to win Best Actress for King Richard and a Best Original Song nod for “Be Alive” (King Richard) by Beyoncé KnowlesCarter and Dixson.

Just Brittany is telling the truth. Those places are not Houston. @LadyTC

Just Brittany just mad she couldn’t perform at the Rodeo. Don’t make a wack ass Not Houston freestyle now. @brittniayee

Y’ll could’ve had anybody to make a “Not Houston” diss but y’all chose Just Brittany. She couldn’t kept that in the drafts. @_Cheyyennee

just Brittany basically said if you not from 3rd Ward you not from Houston. @_maganxpaige

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DN News Emancipation Park study needs public input By ReShonda Tate

The people weigh in on the CROWN Act

major 19th century seaport town of Galveston Time is running out for the public to weigh to the burgeoning community of Freedmen’s in on a proposed Emancipation National His- Town, located in the the Fourth Ward. toric Trail, which would highlight historic sites The Emancipation National Historic Trail from Galveston to Houston. The focus would (made possible by Sen. John Cornyn and Conbe on those central to the migration of formerly gresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee) would become enslaved individuals following news Public Input only the second trail in the NPS sysof their freedom. tem and would recognize the migraDeadline Freedmen’s Town in Houstion route of African Americans post March 31, ton’s Fourth Ward, which recently Juneteenth — June 19, 1865 — which 2022 became the City of Houston’s first is now a federal holiday and unique to heritage site, is one of them. Texas, but celebrated all over the world. The National Park Service (NPS) is looking “We are looking to get some stories people for public input for the Emancipation National might have of immigration from Galveston to Historic Trail Feasibility Study. The proposed Houston,” said National Park Service National Emancipation NHT extends approximately 51 Trails Office planner Jill Jensen, who is in miles from the Osterman Building and Reedy charge of the feasibility study for the EmanChapel in Galveston, along Texas State Highway cipation-focused trail. 3 and Interstate Highway 45 North, to FreedThe public is urged to take part and answer men’s Town, then to Independence Heights and several questions. Emancipation Park in Houston. • What can you tell us about emigration out of It follows the migration route taken by newly Galveston and into Houston after Emancipafreed (formerly enslaved) Blacks and other and tion? Do you have family or community stoother persons of African descent from the ries that help to explain this historical activity? Online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=95793

The U.S. House passed legislation that would ban hair-related discrimination in schools and workplaces. In the landmark decision, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, or CROWN Act, passed in a 235-189 vote, with just 14 Republicans supporting the legislation. The bill seeks to protect against bias based on protective styles and hair textures including afros, braids, twist, locks and Bantu knots. Democrats argued that Black people are often criminalized and dis-

criminated against and told that their hairstyles are too “unprofessional” in the workplace. Supporters of the act say that individuals are denied access to housing, jobs and public accommodation because society decided that their hair is not worthy of that access. Republicans who objected to the bill argued that federal law already covers such discrimination and that Democrats should focus on other important to the American people including inflation and high gas prices. The Defender took to social media to hear what others had to say about it.

With inflation, gas prices going sky high, war in the Ukraine and a general dissatisfaction with the current administration…This is what the [Democrats] are concerned about?” - Michael Birdwell

Can we do anything without being scrutinized or penalized just for being African Americans? If we stand up for ourselves that’s a problem. If we’re proud of our heritage, another problem until others start copying off of us then it’s okay but we don’t get credit for it.”- Wells Lois

Working construction in these refineries, in order to continue working you have to be clean shaven [in] not all but majority of the refineries. It’s not about being Black, white, Asian, Chinese, Japanese or any other race it’s mandatory and I hate shaving but not turning down 30-45hr over my beard.”- Robert White Jr.

Mixed emotions. Glad that its on the way to the Senate, but upset that we have to pass a law for someone to accept us as we are.” - Andrea Midget

How to avoid spinning your wheels when shopping for a used car Used cars have gotten more expensive during the pandemic. It pays to do some work upfront, so you’ll feel better driving out. In fact, start by researching the price of cars you’re interested in. Then, before you shop for the car, shop for financing. Check with banks, credit unions, and finance companies — you don’t have to finance a car through the dealer.

When you think you’ve found the car you want: ■ Call the dealer. Make sure the car is really on the lot and get the out-the-door price in writing, before you head to the dealership. ■ Get a vehicle history report and check the Buyer’s Guide. The report will tell you that car’s history, and the Guide will tell you if has a warranty or is being sold “as is.” ■ Discuss the out-the-door price first if you want to talk financing with the dealer. That means the total price, before financing, including taxes and fees. ■ It’s ok to say no to add-ons, or at least ask the price. Add-ons are extra things dealers offer along with the car, like extended warranties and service contracts. Make sure you know what they are, how much they cost, and how they’ll change your monthly payment. ■ Review the terms before you sign for the purchase and financing. Make sure everything you agreed to is in writing. Spoken promises are hard to enforce. To learn more, visit ftc.gov/usedcars. If you spot a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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We’re supporting small businesses to get them back to thriving Small businesses are the heart of our communities. At Wells Fargo, we’re working together with more than 3 million small businesses, helping to propel them to a brighter and more secure future. With our Open For Business Fund, we’re donating roughly $420MM through nonprofits, to provide small businesses in cities across America with valuable equity and resources. Learn more at wellsfargo.com/impact ©2022 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

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DN Sports UH senior guard Kyler Edwards hit a clutch 3-pointer as Illinois threatened late in their secondround game, ﬁnishing with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists to spark the Cougars’ win.

Sports Briefs Watson headed to Cleveland Browns

The yearlong saga with quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Texans is over. More than a year since Watson made it known he no longer wanted to play for the Texans, the team dealt him to the Cleveland Browns. Watson okayed the trade to Cleveland because the Browns made his $230 million contract fully guaranteed, which is a first in the NFL. Deshaun In return, the Texans Watson received three firstround picks, a third and fourth while having to send a fifth-round pick to the Browns along with Watson. Watson’s trade stock went up when two weeks ago, a grand jury in Houston declined to go forward with sexual assault and sexual misconduct charges against the quarterback. He still is facing 22 civil lawsuits from female massage therapists.

Carlos Correa joins Minnesota

While the hope of shortstop Carlos Correa re-signing with the Astros seemed to be ﬂeeting, it all but disappeared when the fan-favorite Carlos Correa signed a free-agent deal with the Minnesota Twins. They signed MLB’s top free agent to a three-year, $105.3 million deal.

UH returning to Sweet 16

The University of Houston men’s basketball team is headed back to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. The ﬁfth-seeded Cougars pulled oﬀ a 68Kelvin Sampson 53 win over Illinois during the second round. A shirtless Kelvin Sampson was captured celebrating with his team in the postgame locker room. UH, which advanced to the Final Four last season, will face Arizona at the AT&T Center in San Antonio in the Sweet 16 round.

Texas Southern forward John Walker III was the only Tiger to score in double ﬁgures (13 points) during their 83-56 loss to No. 1 Kansas during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

COMMENTARY

FREE BRITTNEY

WHERE IS THE AMERICAN OUTRAGE? By Terrance Harris

country. Where is the outrage? It has been a month now since WNBA Sure, the U.S. Department of Justice star and Houston native Brittney Griner was Department says it’s working to try to get detained by the Russians as she attempted Griner, 31, released or for someone to at least to leave Moscow to return home. Moreover, see her. There are reports and updates with it’s been a few weeks since the world learned little depth on the seven-time WNBA Allabout it. Star with the Phoenix Mercury and There have been reports, of course, two-time U.S. Olympian. about Griner’s detainment and You have to wonder how many conversations about what the news cycle might look may be going on with her and different had this been when she will be released since players Sue Bird, Diana a bland message was sent out Taurasi or Breanna from the Russians that they Stewart being detained had detained an American in Russia, instead of a basketball player. We 6-foot-9 openly lesbian learned late last week Black woman? that Griner’s deten“I myself have been havtion on alleged drug ing mixed emotions about smuggling charges it on diﬀerent fronts,” said was extended until Dr. Billy Hawkins, a proMay 19. fessor in the Department But what does of Health and Human that mean? What Performance at the happens then? University of Houston. That’s just it, “One, because here we we don’t know have a Black woman, a because Russia lesbian Black woman. isn’t talking. And There are some things it’s not like the that are sort of strikes iron-clad nation against us. is about to let Gri“There has never been ner tell us, or her the case where we see loved ones, anyAmerica coming to the thing. Not even an aid of Black people unless official word she there is some type of interis okay emotionest convergence… ally and mentally Former first lady and as she deals with Secretary of State Hillary an unimaginable Clinton shared an article ordeal that is about the former Nimitz further compliand Baylor standout with cated because of the caption “Free Brittney” in a Twitter post. And there the even colder-than-usual-rehave been other small lations between eﬀorts, but nothing that the U.S. and Russia, will pressure the Biden given our stance against administration to say the Russian president and do more. Vladimir Putin invading What’s absent are the Ukraine last month. anger and disgust and What’s most concerndemonstrations that ing right now, is America will keep the pressure isn’t doing what America on our government does when our people are to keep fighting for Brittney Griner held hostage by an enemy Griner to come home.

Where is the outrage from Black and LGBTQ communities? Where are the protests? What about the Brittney’s Life Matters demonstration from her WNBA contemporaries? Apparently her family, the WNBA and those close to her have been asked to say little at this point, but that seems oﬀ. We can’t allow Griner to become a forgotten captive in Russia like Americans Trevor Reed and Paul Whelan, who’ve been in custody in Russia for over two years. This isn’t the U.S. where there is a level of transparency when one is jailed. If detained, you are guaranteed a phone call, legal representation and a chance to be heard in a reasonable amount of time. But how it works in Russia isn’t all that above board. What we’ve learned is that under Russian law, defendants can be held up to 12 months before trial and that can go as long as 18 months in extraordinary cases, according to former U.S. Department of Justice legal advisor to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow Tom Firestone. But do we really believe Griner has been detained because the Russian Federal Customs Services claims they found vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage? Or do we think this is a ploy or a message being sent to America for leading the world sanctions against Russia in an attempt to end the invasion of Ukraine? Is Griner simply a political pawn who could be facing up to 10 years in prison for a crime that is minor at best? “We are not talking about those serious types of charges with Brittney Griner,” Hawkins said. “She is a political pawn who is being used by the Putin regime to make a statement. Unfortunately, if it was anyone else, if it were a white female I don’t think we would have this. I know the U.S. has sort of asked for visitation, but I think it would have been a little bit more serious about this engagement in order to get this citizen back into this country.” Ironically, Griner has entertained the Russians for years now as a member of the women’s basketball team UMMC Ekaterinburg. Griner has played over there during the WNBA offseason to supplement her WNBA income. What’s sad is in some circles, Griner’s ordeal has sparked outrage because WNBA players make so little money in the country that they have to play elsewhere to enjoy plush living. That is certainly an issue. Just not now.

March 24, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports SHADOW CREEK PG

CAMERON AMBOREE IS UNPREDICTABLE

Jodie B. Jiles

Shadow Creek senior and Oral Roberts commit, is a 6-foot-3 point guard who can make difficult plays look easy attacking the basket and “applying” pressure on the defense intercepting passes. Before being eliminated from contention by Atascocita in the Regional Finals, Amboree helped lead the Sharks on a playoff run, defeating powerhouses like Bellaire and Dickinson High School. In the Regional Semifinal game against Dickinson, Amboree took over the fourth quarter in a back and forth game. He led all scorers in the game with 19 points, 13 of them coming in the final quarter. Amboree has steadily improved his shot from long distance and once his percentages go up he is expected to become an even more dominant threat on the next level. Shadow Creek head coach David President thinks highly of Amboree. “He fights hard every day. He competes and does everything you can ask for as a coach,” President said. “I love that dude.” The Defender spoke with Amboree about his style of play, attacking the basket, fourth-quarter mentality and recent playoff run. STYLE OF PLAY

“I would describe my style of play as unpredictable. I want to shoot the ball but I also want to get to the hole and get my teammates involved. So, you never really know what I’m going to do.”

ATTACKING THE BASKET

“My main thing is just trying to get the bucket if they foul me or not. I just get the bucket regardless if they hit me on my head, arm or my body.”

Amboree nails a 3-pointer in the Regional Tournament against Dickinson

FOURTH-QUARTER MENTALITY

“We just try to listen to coach President. We make sure we defend, rebound and execute on oﬀense. Some balls may not fall the way we want them to but we still have to ﬁght and keep rolling.”

RECENT PLAYOFF RUN

“We were basically doing what we have been doing which is rebounding, defending and hitting shots. Because the main thing is scoring more points than our opponents.”

ABOUT CAMERON AMBOREE

Twitter: @CamromAmboree IG: @cameronamboree30 Players he studies: Steph Curry and Trey Young Favorite musician: NBA YoungBoy Favorite subject: Biology Other oﬀers: Ohio, Cal State Fullerton, Georgia Southern and McNeese State Awards: District 23-6A MVP, District 23-6A First Team All-District Shout-outs: “Mom, Dad, coach President, Shawn Jones, and my team for getting us this far.”

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3/8/22

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