03.26.2026_Defender-e-FULL

18th Congressional District Runoff

SENIORITY Valuable or Not Valuable Volume 95, issue 23 March 26, 2026

PROFILE

SPORTS

JONI ODUM

DONTAE HORNE

The Texas entrepreneur is building a legacy in haircare.

The PVAMU basketball player ends his rough ride.

facebook.com/defendernetwork twitter.com/defendernetwork

instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

FREE

2 | March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN To the POINT CONCERTS

THEATER

GOSPEL

The ICE deployment, which now spans 14 airports nationwide, comes amid the ongoing DHS partial shutdown that has left TSA agents working without pay for weeks, triggering mass call-outs, hourslong security lines, and mounting fear among immigrant communities and travelers of color about what enforcement at America’s airports truly means. Credit: AI

Message from the Reporter GALAS

Yeah, we have a calendar for Black Events.

check it out

Cover art credit: ChatGPT.

Administration loans, and now, airports in chaos.

Lately, I’ve had to console a few friends who are green card holders about their Democrats caved during the first shutfears of traveling domestically in the US. down. This time, standing firm is what they They did everything right to be here, but are doing to be taken seriously, but it also Trump’s policies have them canceling any comes at a cost. Republicans don’t care, plans they had of movement that will have regardless of whether it hurts their base. them coming face-to-face with ICE. Shutdowns rarely produce policy wins. They The Trump administration deployed just produce casualties. And as always, the Laura Onyeneho ICE agents across multiple airports communities with the least cushion feel the nationwide, all under the guise of helping fall the hardest. Both sides lost. overwhelmed TSA staff who haven’t received a paycheck in weeks due to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security MAGA supporters unhappy? Too bad shutdown.

There is a particular kind of irony in watching MAGA ICE agents are not trained to run security checkpoints. supporters grow restless in the very bed they made. Reports Critics, including the union representing TSA officers, have from late 2025 into 2026 confirm what many of us have been argued they lack the training necessary for security screen- saying all along: Trump’s economic agenda is hurting the very ings, with the union president calling the deployment a people who put him back in office. replacement of trained agents with “untrained, armed agents.”

The rising frustration over inflation, cost of living, and an After what we witnessed in Minnesota, where two U.S. economy that isn’t delivering on its promises is pissing people citizens were killed during ICE enforcement operations, the off. Tariffs meant to flex American muscle have instead trigfear is not irrational. I don’t blame people for canceling their gered what many are calling a global trade war, leaving retireflights. Until there are real answers and real accountability, ment accounts deflated and baby boomers genuinely worried the skies don’t feel very friendly right now. about their financial futures. Conservative voters who were promised prosperity are now watching their nest eggs shrink.

Is the government shutdown worth it?

I won’t pretend I want hardship for anyone. That’s not Trump has mastered the art of pointing the finger at Dem- who we are. But I also won’t pretend there isn’t a painful, ocrats for every poor decision he makes. When you control unavoidable lesson being learned right now. Policies have the White House and Congress, and the country still shuts consequences. Votes have consequences. When you chamdown, the blame game stops working. Between the 2025 and pion leaders who dismantle the systems that protect working 2026 government shutdowns, the economic toll is estimated people, everyone loses, even the people who cheered the at between $7 billion and $14 billion in permanent losses. loudest. The fruit of those ballots is ripening, and it doesn’t Approximately 800,000 federal employees, many of them taste as anyone promised..

Black and Brown workers who rely on those paychecks to keep families afloat, were furloughed or forced to work On The Web without pay. Back pay eventually comes, but rent doesn’t • Helping Hands nourishes the next generation of Houswait. Neither does the grocery bill nor childcare. And the ton youth. damage stretches beyond paychecks into stalled food safety • Five things movies made us think adult life would be like. inspections, shuttered national parks, frozen Small Business • OpEd: Let Michelle Obama live.

ICE agents deployed to airports

March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 3

DN News SCOTUS rejects Rodney Reed DNA appeal

By ReShonda Tate

Wait times are shown on an information board at Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on March 23, 2026 Credit: Antranik Tavitian/Getty

TSA crisis leaves travelers scrambling for alternatives

By ReShonda Tate

Travel in the United States has been a nightmare for the past two weeks, with some travelers waiting four to five hours just to make it through airport security.

And now, many Houstonians are asking a simple question: If flying isn’t reliable right now, what are the alternatives?

How we got here

The chaos stems from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has left thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers either furloughed or working without pay. Staffing shortages have slowed security screenings at airports nationwide, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport.

With fewer agents on hand and morale strained, wait times have ballooned, creating ripple effects across the entire travel system.

“I arrived at the Atlanta airport at 1:30 am for a 6:15 am flight to Houston. I barely made it to my gate in time. It was a complete and utter nightmare,” said Houstonian Renee Wooten.

For many travelers, the unpredictability is the biggest problem.

“You can’t plan for a five-hour security line,” said Kim Wright, who recently missed a flight despite arriving early. “At that point, you’re gambling.”

“I canceled my flight to Dallas and just drove,” added Marcus Ellison, a sales manager. “By the time you factor in getting there early, waiting in line, and delays, driving was actually faster.”

Until the federal standoff is resolved,

experts say delays could continue — pushing more people to consider alternatives.

So the Defender looked at some of those options.

Luxury bus travel (Vonlane)

For trips within Texas, Vonlane has emerged as a popular alternative. The Texas-based luxury motor coach service offers routes from Houston to Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, with amenities designed for business-class comfort, including spacious seating, Wi-Fi, and onboard attendants.

Unlike airports, Vonlane passengers typically arrive just 15–20 minutes before departure, avoiding long lines altogether.

For travelers headed to nearby major cities, the tradeoff in time may be worth the reduction in stress. And with the concierge attention and smooth ride, this has become a favorite of travelers. www.Vonlane.com Hit the road

Driving remains one of the most flexible options, even with rising gas prices.

For families or groups, splitting fuel costs can make road trips competitive with airfare. Plus, there are no baggage fees, no security lines, and no rigid boarding times.

Popular routes from Houston include: • Austin (about 2.5–3 hours) • San Antonio (about 3 hours) • Dallas (about 3.5–4 hours) Travel experts note that while gas prices are high, the ability to control your schedule, especially during uncertain travel conditions, is a major advantage.

Amtrak (Yes, Houston has trains)

Many people don’t realize this, but

Houston does have passenger rail service through Amtrak.

The city is served by the Sunset Limited line, which runs between Los Angeles and New Orleans, with stops in Houston.

From Houston, travelers can head east to New Orleans or west toward cities like San Antonio, Tucson, and beyond.

But there’s a catch. Riders are urged to read the fine print carefully, as some routes may include segments where train service switches to bus transportation due to track limitations or scheduling issues.

The Houston Amtrak station, located near downtown, offers a quieter, less chaotic alternative to the airport, though trips are typically longer than flying, with some taking up to 36 hours. www.Amtrak.com Intercity bus services

Beyond Vonlane, traditional bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus offer budget-friendly options to cities across Texas and beyond.

While not as luxurious, these services can be significantly cheaper than last-minute flights and don’t require TSA screening.

More than two decades after his conviction, and amid ongoing questions about evidence in his case, Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed has been denied another chance to seek DNA testing.

The U.S. Supreme Court on March 23 declined to hear Reed’s appeal in a 6-3 decision, leaving in place lower court rulings that blocked additional testing of key evidence. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.

Reed, 56, has spent over 25 years on death row after being convicted in the 1996 killing of Stacey Stites in Bastrop County. He was sentenced to death in 1998. At the center of the appeal was a belt used to strangle Stites, evidence Reed’s legal team says could still contain DNA pointing to the true killer.

In her dissent, Sotomayor wrote that testing the belt could help resolve lingering uncertainty in the case, noting that the person who used it likely left behind DNA. Lower courts denied the request, ruling the evidence had been contaminated after being handled by multiple people without proper precautions. Reed has consistently maintained his innocence, saying he and Stites were in a consensual relationship and pointing to her former fiancé, Jimmy Fennell, (a cop who Reed said was angry about the relationship) as a suspect.

Prosecutors originally charged Reed after his DNA was found in and on Stites’ body.

Reed’s efforts to obtain testing under Texas law were rejected in state court.

He later argued in federal court that the denial violated his constitutional right to due process, but those claims were dismissed — a decision the Supreme Court has now allowed to stand.

With the high court’s refusal to intervene, Reed’s legal options continue to narrow, even as questions about the case remain.

Rideshare and regional flights

For shorter distances, some travelers are turning to: • Rideshare splitting (coordinating with friends or online groups) • Regional airports with potentially shorter security lines • Private charter or semi-private flights, which are gaining popularity among business travelers Though more expensive, these options can provide time savings and predictability.

The Supreme Court rejects appeal from Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed. Credit: KEYE TV

4 | March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Ben Taub Hospital expands access

By Aswad Walker

The critical shortage of Level 1 trauma hospital beds in Harris County is set for relief following the Commissioners Court’s unanimous approval of Harris Health’s proposal to acquire nearly nine acres of land in Hermann Park. This acquisition clears the way for a major expansion of Ben Taub Hospital, one of only two adult Level 1 trauma centers serving the county’s five million residents.

Growing crisis in capacity

The expansion comes at a precarious time for regional healthcare. The Houston-Galveston Area Council projects the region will reach 10.7 million residents by 2050, an increase of 3.6 million. Currently, Houston’s trauma infrastructure lags significantly behind other major Texas hubs. For comparison, Dallas (populaPorsa tion 1.3 million) has five Level 1 trauma centers; Houston (population 2.43 million) has only two.

“For many years now, Ben Taub has struggled with capacity,” said Esmaeil Ellis Porsa, MD, president and CEO of Harris Health. “Sometimes patients wait more than 24 hours before they can actually get inside to see a physician. That is not right.”

Porsa contends Briones that to truly meet the needs of the growing population, Harris County requires four to five Level 1 trauma centers.

Balancing healthcare & green space

The 8.9-acre parcel, acquired from the City of Houston via eminent domain from Hermann Park, sits adjacent to the existing hospital campus. Harris Health officials contend this location enables a seamless expansion of services, improved patient flow, and

Relief has come to Harris County hospital bed capacity’s critical condition. Commissioners Court recently approved Harris Health’s plans for Ben Taub Hospital bed capacity expansion granting it access to 8.9 acres of Hermann Park land for the expansion. Credit: HarrisHealth.org.

enhanced operational efficiency.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis (Precinct 1) emphasized that the plan respects the surrounding environment.

“This plan expands access to lifesaving healthcare while honoring and protecting one of the most treasured green spaces in the county,” Ellis stated.

Commissioner Lesley Briones (Precinct 4) echoed the urgency of the project.

“We are beyond capacity now,” said Briones. “We must ensure that we’re not just preparing for today but for the future.”

Commissioner Tom Ramsey (Precinct 3) praised the collaborative effort.

“Ben Taub can move forward with much-needed hospital improvements and

Hermann Park Conservancy will have parking needs addressed,” he said. “This is a win/ win for the area.”

Future vision and community impact

The expansion is funded by a $2.5 billion bond approved by Harris County voters in 2023. Early planning for the site includes: • Expanded inpatient capacity.

• Increased throughput for trauma and emergency care.

• A state-of-the-art facility designed for future replacement or further growth.

• Advanced flood mitigation and resiliency measures.

Dr. Andrea Caracostis, chair of the Harris

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 23 - MARCH 26, 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.

713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

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

Health Board of Trustees, noted that the project is also vital for education.

“The expanded capacity will play a critical role in training the next generation of urgently needed healthcare professionals,” she said.

Harris Health is now moving into the detailed planning and design phase. Moving forward, the organization has committed to ongoing engagement with the City of Houston, the Hermann Park Conservancy, and the Houston Zoo to ensure the new campus aligns with the area’s park-like aesthetic.

“Ben Taub Hospital is a lifeline for our community,” said Porsa. “This expansion ensures we can continue delivering lifesaving care for decades to come.”

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

March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 5

DN Feature

Garden Crawl

Grows food security, access across Houston

By Aswad Walker

In Harris County—the U.S. county with the highest level of child hunger—community members are refusing to let food deserts define their future. Over the past nine months, a growing movement of “change agents” has been traversing the city to strengthen urban gardens through an initiative called the Houston Garden Crawl.

From Harlem to Houston The project is the brainchild of Ron McFarlane, founder of Harlem River Farms.

While the name honors his parents’ roots in New York, his mission is firmly planted in Houston soil. The Garden Crawl gathers volunteers to lend muscle and expertise to local gardens, maximizing their ability to McFarlane provide fresh produce to Black and Brown communities.

“We’ve got a garden crawl right here on Ennis Street,” McFarlane said during a recent event in the Third Ward. “People are coming out to Selby volunteer... We’ve got gardens that need some attention.”

The concept intentionally mirrors a social outing but with a civic twist. “As opposed to a pub crawl where you’re going out drinking, we’re coming to the gardens to be able to do something very productive,” McFarlane explained.

The work in the dirt Participation has spiked since the initiative launched in June 2025. While typical

Participants of all ages have made Houston Garden Crawls a force that is supporting and strengthening urban gardens and neighborhoods that need access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Credit: Harlem River Farms.

events draw 50 to 60 people, some sessions now attract nearly 100 volunteers. The labor is intergenerational and varied: Adults: Rebuilding fallen raised beds and preparing soil. Children: Planting seeds and learning about the “biosphere.” Seasonal Prep: Planting tomatoes, peppers, squash, and sugar cane for the spring.

The impact extends directly to local youth. At Blackshear Elementary, plans are underway to transform a large plot into a farm servicing students from Cuney Homes.

“We’ll be able to give them some food, some recipes, take it home to their parents, and who knows where it goes from there,” said McFarlane.

Houston Garden Crawl members are busy working to strengthen the garden at the Third Ward Multiservice Center. Credit: Aswad Walker.

Building community roots Beyond the harvest of collards and spinach, the Garden Crawl cultivates social connection. Many participants join through corporate service groups, such as Dow’s Global African Affinity Network.

Volunteer Tiye Selby noted the importance of the work in areas like the Third Ward.

“We need to have as much healthy food and vegetables for the community as possible,” said Selby.

For fellow volunteer Terrence Hunter, the work is personal.

“I was a recipient of a lot of people in my life in a community that helped raise me,”

Hunter said. “So, this is an opportunity to give back.”

Even the youngest volunteers, like Irene and Mirna, see the broader picture, noting that the work helps the “animals, people, and plants so they can be healthy.”

For McFarlane, the ultimate goal is simple.

“Just come on in and get your hands in the dirt,” said McFarlane. “There’s always a good thing going on when you put your hands in the dirt.”

Get involved For more information about Harlem River Farms or the Houston Garden Crawl, visit HarlemRiverFarms.org or call 713-269-7726.

Houston Garden Crawl volunteers come in all ages. Credit: Aswad Walker.

6 | March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 7

DN InFocus 18th Congressional District Runoff

SENIORITY

Valuable or Not Valuable

As

State Rep. Jolanda Jones said experience often determines how effectively lawmakers can operate once elected.

“When you have seniority, you get good committe e assig nments, get to be a ranking member,” Jones explained. “When you’re a freshman…You’re not gonna have any power. Jones We need someone in Trump’s last two years in office to be able to distract him, discombobulate him, and destroy his agenda. Only experience can do that.”

State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons (District 146), who endorsed Simmons Menefee, argued that while seniority in Congress can matter for gaining influence and committee assignments, effectiveness and delivering tangible results for constituents are ultimately more important.

Drawing from her own experience as a freshman legislator, Simmons said that motivated leaders can achieve meaningful results regardless of tenure.

“People care very little about the committees you’re on if they can’t see tangible benefits and change in their everyday life,” she said.

“There’s aspects of seniority that are important, but I also think being able to do the job effectively does that pretty early on. Also, we have to allow people to build seniority.”

Mark Jones, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University, said one of the biggest advantages of seniority is familiarity.

By Tannistha Sinha

voters in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, a political powerhouse in Houston’s Black community, prepare for the upcoming runoff election, a debate on how much seniority in Congress really matters has taken center stage.

The seat has risen to prominence in national politics, following a cascade of political developments after the deaths of longtime Houston leaders U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, and redistricting efforts that changed the demographics of the district.

Turner’s death prompted a special election, which Gov. Greg Abbott scheduled in November 2025, resulting in a runoff between the new CD-18 Congressman Christian Menefee and former City Council Member Amanda Edwards.

Menefee won the runoff election in January.

C andidates were also competing in the March party primaries Menefee for the next full congressional term. That primary contest, held this month, has now produced another runoff, this time between Menefee, who is now serving the district, and longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green, one of the Green most senior members of Texas’ congressional delegation, having served CD-9 since 2005.

Political experts say seniority can carry real influence in Washington, but voters often weigh it against other factors such as new energy and the ability to build coalitions.

What seniority means in Congress In Congress, seniority generally refers to how long a member has served in office.

Lawmakers with more years of service often gain advantages in committee assignments and influence within their party.

Those institutional advantages are why seniority is often framed as an asset when voters evaluate candidates.

Seniority is being used as a bargaining chip.”

RAIN EATMON Credit: ChatGPT

CEO, Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group

“Al Green’s been a fixture in the political community for more than 20 years, so they knew him by name,” Jones said. “Green hasn’t had to actually campaign for over 20 years since he defeated Chris Bell [2004].

He was able to carry out a very robust campaign during the month of February, but he still ended up a little short behind Christian Menefee.”

Jones noted that turnout in the 18th District primary exceeded expectations but is likely to drop significantly in the runoff.

Voters weigh experience against new leadership Across the district, voters expressed mixed views about whether seniority should be the deciding factor. Some residents said experience in Congress matters because it allows lawmakers to navigate complex political systems and advocate effectively for their communities.

Mary Owens, 73, a longtime voter in the district, said experience can make a significant difference when confronting political challenges.

“Well, if you don’t know what you’re up against, if you’ve not been on the platform, if you’ve not been in the trenches, it makes a big difference,” Owens said. “Because that means you can’t go in and fight a fight when you don’t know where the fight started…I agree with getting somebody to follow up behind him [Green], train somebody to do the work. But right now, you need somebody to go in and make action speak for itself.”

Simultaneously, some voters like Rain Eatmon, founder and CEO of the Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group, say the emphasis on seniority can discourage new leadership and fresh perspectives.

“Seniority is being used as a bargaining chip for staying in power because those with seniority have a responsibility to mentor upcoming freshmen so that the vacuum of power is never threatening to leave,” Eatmon said. “We never talk about transitioning with our elected leaders. It’s unfortunate because they are all, at one point or another, going to have to leave from whatever positions they’re in, whether that’s naturally or unwillingly.

Nobody can stay in one particular position forever.”

More voters weigh in.

8 | March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Conrad Johnson Foundation Promotes youth empowerment through music

CJRYO participation are applicable to whatever educational and employment path the students eventually take.

“In the phrase ‘show business,’ the word ‘business’ is the most important part,” said Onayemi. “And that business mind that our students learn can benefit them in whatever course of study or profession they eventually desire.”

Armani Holmes, a 2025 graduate of HSPVA, is the perfect example.

Currently a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago, Holmes earned a full-ride scholarship based in large part on her mastery of the saxophone. Yet, she is majoring in communications and pre-law. She says a huge part of her growth as a musician and a person came from her three years as a member of the CJRYO. “The orchestra gave me my foundation,” said Holmes. “It taught me how to listen, how to blend, and how to take responsibility

for my role, which prepared me for the expectations of HSPVA. “That experience helped me move confidently into every musical space after that.”

The foundation is coming fresh off a yearend, two-day 25th anniversary affair titled “Holiday Joy: Bright Notes for Brighter Futures.” The celebration included a free master class by the award-winning Laws Family (Eloise, Ronnie, and Debra) and led by three-time Grammy nominee and National Endowment for the Arts lifetime achievement award winner, Hubert Laws.

The workshop was followed by a star-studded Scholarship Brunch and Concert, which included the Miola Laws Scholarship for Academic Achievement Award.

The concert featured the Laws Family, the CJRYO’s Artist-In-Residence, Joe Carmouhe, Kyle Turner, and the Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Ensemble, directed

by OluToyin Onayemi and assisted by Cliff Gordon.

Now, attention shifts to identifying the next cohort of young musicians who are ready to benefit from what the Foundation and Orchestra have to offer.

“As part of our 25 years of empowering Houston-area youth through education and music excellence, this is a rare opportunity for our students to receive additional tools, training, and discipline and gain experience as musicians and leaders from living legends,” said Onayemi.

To join or support the CJRYO, visit www. conradjohnsonfoundation.org, email foundation@conradjohnsonfoundation.org, or call 713-299-7106.

HSPVA alum and current DePaul University student Armani Holmes credits the Conrad O. Johnson Youth Orchestra for providing her with her musical foundation and confidence. Courtesy Armani Holmes.

Fresh off celebrating its 25th anniversary of musical impact, the Conrad O. Johnson Foundation is shifting its focus to recruiting the next generation of young musicians.

Courtesy: Armani Holmes.

Artie Onayemi looks forward to finding young, Houston-area musicians to join the Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra.

Credit: Aswad Walker.

By Aswad Walker

The Conrad O. Johnson Music & Fine Arts Foundation is celebrating 25 years of service to Houston-area youth. To mark the moment, the foundation is launching a recruiting campaign to provide interested and deserving students with a musical opportunity of a lifetime to become members of the Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra (CJRYO).

The CJRYO is comprised of some of the Houston area’s most promising high school musicians who have a penchant for jazz. The CJRYO has performed across the country and the world, and has a legion of alumni who are currently in college or have graduated.

Along with the priceless opportunities to grow as musicians and exposure to some of the most respected musicians on the local and national scene, receiving college scholarships is par for the course for CJRYO members.

Artie Onayemi, known by CJRYO participants as Ms. Artie, says the CJRYO is a powerful stepping stone to a future in music.

“The support provided by the Conrad Johnson Foundation is so important for the kids because in today’s climate, the music industry is a very competitive one,” said Onayemi. “They’re not getting the encouragement and inspiration to become successful in the music business. So, it’s important to engage directly with any young person pursuing a music career.”

Still, Onayemi knows most members won’t go on to become professional musicians. However, the lessons learned via

Conrad O. Johnson Youth Orchestra members and sponsors during a 2019 Cross-Cultural Concert and College Tour in Hawaii. Credit: Conrad O. Johnson Foundation.

March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

um Joni Odu

Leads 40-year legacy at Firstline Brands

By Laura Onyeneho

Before she ever stepped into a boardroom, before she took over a company now sold in stores across the world, Joni Odum was a kid in the warehouse.

Summers meant loading wig caps and do-rags into acrylic bags, sealing boxes, and running back and forth between the warehouse floor and the small administrative office where her father built one of the first Black-owned hair accessories companies in the country.

“I didn’t realize it then, but being in that space taught me who we were serving,” Odum says. “I saw the products. I saw the work. And I saw the purpose.”

Odum is the president and CEO of Firstline Brands, a Houston-based premier haircare company known as one of the first Black-owned brands that carved out a lane for natural hair products in 1986.

Her father, Robert A. Bowser, was the founder of Firstline Brands and a pioneer long before the textured hair market became a distinct category. National retailers didn’t carve out space for Black consumers. Multicultural hair accessories weren’t seen as a market worth investing in.

He ignored all that and stepped in anyway.

He secured national placement at retailers like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Sally Beauty decades before diversity on shelves was a buzzword.

Growing up watching what her father created shaped Odum’s understanding of her own hair and how little the world acknowledged its needs. She remembers the effort it took to keep her styles neat, the limited options, and the hours spent trying to make her hair “manageable” because beauty aisles weren’t designed for girls like her. Firstline Brands was a direct answer to the experience of Black consumers who didn’t see themselves represented.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Hampton University’s School of Business. Odum gained strategic and financial expertise at Johnson & Johnson’s Financial Leadership Development Program, where she supported global marketing initiatives and managed the brand budget for brands like Neutrogena and Tylenol.

Learning brand building from the inside out helped sharpen her skills.

But her father saw what she couldn’t yet see. She was preparing to lead.

“He saw an opportunity for me to bring in marketing, product development, and new distribution,” she says. “But he also knew culture mattered. He wanted someone who could build that internally.”

Joni Odum and father Robert A. Bowser. Courtesy: Firstline Brands

The Firstline Brands’ signature brands are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of consumers with textured hair. Credit: Firstline Brands

Joni Odum is a Texas-born entrepreneur serving as CEO and president of Firstline Inc. Credit: Firstline Brands

Odum joined the company in 2002, assuming multiple roles including marketing, sales, distribution, and product development. She previously worked as an analyst at Johnson & Johnson and succeeded her father, who died in 2020.

That’s where she started. She focused on structure, leadership, communication, and establishing an internal tone that aligned with the mission. Odum brought new systems and new ideas. She modernized processes. She helped shape product development to meet the real needs of Black consumers whose routines were changing.

She helped expand Firstline’s reach across national and international retailers.

“Our portfolio is broader than it has ever been,” she says. “We have five main brands, and we’ve been in Walmart, Walgreens, and Sally Beauty for more than 20 years.”

When her father built the brand, he had a male-dominated portfolio of products, such as WavEnforcer Classic Du Rags.

However, through her leadership, she opened the doors for a variety of products tailored for women as well.

“When he got into the industry, Jheri Curls were a popular hairstyle. It was about locking in moisture. He was in tune with the needs of his customers at the time,” Odum said. “When I got involved, things shifted. There are so many styling needs for women. There is a story about the haircare journey.”

Today, the company’s signature products, such as Evolve, WavEnforcer, Camryn’s BFF, Dri Sweat, and Sleek, are recognized globally. But what makes Firstline stand out even now is ownership. Large corporations eventually acquire many Black-founded beauty brands.

Selling was never an option.

“We are 100% Black-owned,” she says plainly. “That’s intentional. That’s legacy.

That’s leadership. My father built this for

the community, and it’s my responsibility to protect that.”

Community partners see that commitment up close. Kevin Barnett, founder of CoolxDad, an organization dedicated to uplifting father figures, says Odum leads the way her father built from the heart, with purpose, and never from a distance.

“Joni shows up,” he says. “She listens.

She’s thoughtful. Her leadership aligns with the people she says she’s serving. You can feel that she’s carrying something bigger than a brand.”

Barnett is a community partner with Firstline Brands. He knew that Firstline’s legacy of a Black father building something for future generations was in alignment with CoolxDad’s mission to uplift fathers and support generational impact.

“It’s her ability to remove the corporate engine. She focuses on the human. She humanizes her intentions,” Barnett says.

“Despite operating in dozens of cities, managing large teams, and distributing global brands, Joni leads the way she grew up like a family business. That’s important to me.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought another shift. As people transitioned to remote work and their daily styling routines changed, Odum saw a new need emerging.

“Beauty became like a snack,” she says.

“Quick, easy. People wanted looks they could achieve in minutes, not hours.” Firstline moved quickly, developing accessories that provided customers with ease without sacrificing style or cultural expression.

As the company approaches its 40th anniversary, Odum is looking ahead with the same clarity her father had. The focus is still on quality, identity, and listening to the people who built the brand in the first place.

“My father created a lane where there wasn’t one,” she says. “My job is to take that lane, widen it, and make sure the community stays at the center.”

10 | March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rough road ends smoothly for

Dontae Horne at Prairie View

By Terrance Harris

Prairie View senior guard Dontae Horne delivered some masterful games for the Panthers this season.

There was the game when he dropped a Prairie View record 46 against Southern University. There was also that three-game stretch in which Horne scored 30 or more points against Jackson State, Alcorn, and Alabama State. Then there were the back-to-back weeks Horne was named SWAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.

Perhaps his biggest moment came in the regular-season finale against rival Texas Southern, in which Horne scored 26 points in an upset win on the Tigers’ home floor.

But as electrifying as Horne’s highlights have been for the Panthers’ fans and even his teammates, his internal take has been quite different.

“Honestly, I really don’t be impressed,” Horne said in a recent conversation with the Defender. “Like the game, I had 40, and we lost, it really didn’t click to me that I had that many points. I saw it, but I was more worried about the L. “I feel like I can always do better than I did. But that’s just me being hard on myself.”

This outlook has come after years of figuring it out and making it work when the good times didn’t last. The fifth-year senior from Memphis has bounced around from Eastern Oklahoma State College to Howard College, to Texas State, and then to Georgia Southern.

His college journey ends at Prairie View, where he has gone from averaging in single-digits scoring at his last two stops, to becoming one of the Panthers’ top scorers, an all-around player, and a counted upon

I’ve been to many places, dealt with many coaches, been in many different climates, environments.

You name it. All of those things have come together and molded me into the man I am today. I feell like if I hadn’t went though that adversity, I wouldn’t be playing how I am today.”

DONTAE HORNE

Dontae Horne (2) of Prairie View A&M University keeps his dribble alive as he assesses the Texas Southern defense at H&PE Arena on March 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Photo by Jimmie Aggison/Houston Defender

leader in his one-and-only season on the Hill.

Horne was the Panthers’ leading scorer and the third-leading scorer in the SWAC with 20.1 points per game. Horne and the Panthers finished the season on an incredible run, becoming the first 8th seed in the SWAC to win four games to claim the conference tournament title, and then made history again by winning their first NCAA Tournament game, defeating Lehigh in the First Four contest before suffering the season-ending loss to No.1 Florida in the opening round.

Horne was spectacular at times during the postseason run, scoring 30 points in the upset of No.1 Bethune-Cookman in the SWAC Tournament, and averaging 24.2 points during the Panthers’ five-game postseason winning streak.

Even Horne finds it hard to imagine the difference in how his college basketball career started out and how it is ending.

“I would have said, you are lying (if you told me it would end this way),” said Horne, who took home SWAC Tournament MVP honors.

“I wouldn’t have believed it.

“My journey was always different. In high school, I was a good player, small though.

Had coaches tell me they will look at me, and then they’d go away. I went to a prep school, which was a bad prep school, and had to go to

another prep school in Memphis, and actually got some looks JUCO-wise. Then it went up from there.

“I would have stayed at Eastern Oklahoma, but my coach retired,” he continued.

“I’ve been through a lot. But like I said, I’m grateful. It is what it is. Stuff happens. That’s how I look at it now.”

Horne wound up in the transfer portal last spring, looking for an opportunity and not NIL or revenue-sharing money. Prairie Assistant Coach Spencer Robertson vetted him and saw promise.

But Spencer admits Horne has been more than he bargained for.

“I didn’t see him being this good,” Spencer said. “I knew he would be good just because of the way we play and his ability to get downhill and stuff like that, and his ability to score. I knew he would be good, but I didn’t know he would be this good. He has been a big surprise.”

Horne and Tai’Reon Joseph – both fifthyear seniors playing collegiately at their fifth school – have given the Panthers and head coach Byron Smith the scoring punch the offense has needed. When one isn’t on, the other has been on fire, and then there have been the games where they both have been unstoppable.

Their high-volume scoring abilities are the reason the Panthers led the SWAC in scoring most of the season and finished the regular season as the No. 2 scoring team at 80.0 points per game.

The duo made the All-SWAC Team, with Horne earning a spot on the First Team after emerging as the most complete player in the conference. He made 26 of 29 regular-season starts, while shooting an efficient 45% from the field, adding 35 three-pointers, 82% from the free throw line, while finishing third in the conference in steals with 2.0 a game.

“He has gotten better from start to finish,” said Smith. “He was always talented, and he just took his time to fit in. And when Joseph got banged up, he just turned it on. I think he is the best scoring guard in the league.”

Horne credits Smith for allowing him to be himself and to play through his mistakes, considerations that weren’t afforded to him during his previous stops.

“Coach Smith has been a tough coach, but that’s the type of coach I needed,” said Horne, who graduated last year from Georgia Southern with a degree in business. “He is helping me push myself to my limits, even if I played good, he wants me to play great the next time.

If I play great, he wants me to play even better the next time.”

March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports Cypress Creek Center

Aubrey Hampton Balances brains, boards, books, box scores

By Jimmie Aggison

Aubrey Hampton owns the paint on most nights.

The 6-foot-3 Cypress Creek senior center crashes the glass with authority, hauling in rebound after rebound, finishing through contact, and shooting 58% from the field.

But long after the final buzzer sounds and the gym lights dim, Hampton is usually somewhere quieter, buried in Greek mythology, flipping through a Harry Potter book, or preparing for another exam.

With a 6.5 GPA on a 6.0 scale, on track to earn an Associate’s degree before high school graduation, and a Division I basketball future at Georgia State University, Hampton doesn’t fit neatly into one category.

She doesn’t try to.

“I’m really just a huge nerd who happened to be good at basketball,” said Hampton.

Balancing brains, boards, books, and box scores, Hampton is redefining what dominance looks like.

As a senior, Hampton is most proud of her growth as a leader for this year’s 14-0 6A Region III District 17 champions.

“Although I led in scoring during my sophomore season, I was too young to be considered a leader, so I gave up trying,” said Hampton. “During my junior year, I was hurt, so I did the best I could from the sidelines, but this year I’ve accepted the role.”

“Both of my parents played college basketball at Stetson University,” said Hampton. “They both played down low in the post, so I like to think it’s in my blood. My AAU coach, Errick Greene, always emphasizes the need for me to rebound because I may be on a team where guards have trouble throwing me the ball in the post, so I have to rebound to get my points.”

Success is nothing new for Cypress Creek, a program that has enjoyed sustained success over the years. During the 2019–2020 and 2020– 2021 seasons, the team made

back-to-back state championship appearances. Those players and teams are the source of Hampton’s motivation during postseason runs.

“I want our team to go far because I feel we deserve it,” said Hampton. “We’d be finishing what those other teams started. I think it would be great to continue their legacy.”

“Aubrey is extremely coachable and strives to be the best at her position,” said Cypress Creek head girls basketball coach Shay Arnick. “She loves and embraces her role, but she also doesn’t confine herself to just one thing. Her versatility stands out the most.

While everyone wants to score, Aubrey is willing to do the physical work, like rebounding, to help her team win.”

But as impressive as her stat line may be, Hampton’s dominance doesn’t end when she steps off the hardwood. In fact, her most remarkable numbers might not appear in a box score at all.

“My mom always emphasized academics because she didn’t want me to be one of those people whose life falls apart after basketball is no longer an option,” said Hampton. “Earning an associate’s degree before graduation helps me get more out of my scholarship, since I plan to get a master’s degree.”

At just three years old, Hampton’s KinderCare teacher, Mrs. Gracie, told her parents she had what it took to be placed in gifted classes.

“When she was 5 years old, we had her tested, and she qualified for admission to T.H. Rogers, a magnet program for grades K–8 with specialized programs for students with disabilities,” said Hampton’s mother, Eboni Hampton.

Cypress Creek senior Aubrey Hampton (32) questions a call during a first-round 57-34 playoff win over Lamar High School.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender

At a school known for academic rigor and strong performance rankings, Eboni quickly noticed her daughter’s love of reading and signed her up for a library card.

“She has always loved reading, but for some reason, she has always wanted to own her own books,” said Eboni. “She began asking me to buy books, and I was okay with that. Well, that backfired because she was reading books so fast that I was ordering multiple books per week.”

For Hampton, academics aren’t a backup plan; they’re part of her identity. And that self-described “nerd” label isn’t something she hides; it’s something she embraces because, when she’s not hooping, she’s reading.

“I’m a huge nerd who just happened to be good at basketball,” said Hampton. “There are a hundred different kinds of nerds, academic nerds, anime nerds, history nerds, theater nerds; it depends on the person and their specific interests. I don’t care what other people think. I am who I am.”

When she’s not reading Harry Potter, Hampton often turns to Greek mythology.

“I’ve liked Greek mythology since I was a little kid, starting with the Goddess Girls Series,” said Hampton. “I got a Greek mythology kids’ poem book at the book fair when I was in elementary school.”

“Aubrey is always reading, whether it’s in school or on the bus,” said teammate Mariyah Dickson. “I think she’s crazy for liking books so much.”

That intellectual curiosity is shaping more than her hobbies; it’s shaping her future. With a strong presence in both the classroom and on the court, Hampton has earned an athletic scholarship to Georgia State, where she plans to study sports psychology.

“I enjoy psychology, and I still want to be around sports when the ball stops bouncing,” said Hampton. “I talked with my school counselor about possible careers, and she suggested it to me, and I liked the idea.”

For Hampton, the connection between mind and body isn’t theoretical. It’s lived through early-morning practices, late-night study sessions, and the pressure of playoff basketball. In an era when athletes are often confined to a single identity, Aubrey Hampton refuses to choose just one lane.

“Aubrey embodies what a true student-athlete is. She is a high-character kid who never gets in trouble,” said Arnick. “She is someone all the girls look up to, and she leads by example every day. You never have to worry about Aubrey, and that speaks volumes.”

12 | March 26, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

By ANGELA MCGEE, MD

It’s easy to put off colorectal screening when you feel fine. Sometimes, life gets busy, and the prep feels like a hassle, or you worry about what results might show. While colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it continues to affect the Black community more than any other group. Black adults are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and at later stages of the disease, when treatment can be more challenging. The good news is that screening saves lives — and in many cases, it can prevent cancer before it ever starts.

Why Early Screening Is Especially Important For Black adults, colorectal cancer tends to occur earlier and more aggressively. That’s why national medical guidelines recommend 45, and beginning screening at age 45

sometimes earlier if you have a family history or certain risk factors.

Screening allows doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer or detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

procedure allows doctors to remove polyps during the exam, preventing cancer before it starts.

The most important thing is not which test you choose but that you get screened. screened

What Screening Looks Like Screening doesn’t look the same for everyone. For many people, screening can start with a simple at home stool test that checks for hidden blood or changes you can’t see. These tests are noninvasive and easy to complete.

If results are abnormal, follow up testing, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended.

A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening. It’s an outpatient procedure performed by a gastroenterologist using a small camera to examine the colon. Patients receive IV sedation to stay comfortable, and the

Talk to Your Doctor A doctor visit can help turn colorectal screening into an achievable plan. Your doctor will review your personal and family history, discuss your risk factors, and help you choose the screening option that’s right for you. Getting screened on time is what makes prevention possible. If you’re 45 or older, or younger with risk factors, talk with your doctor about your screening options.

Call 713-442-7025 or visit kelsey-seybold.com to schedule an appointment.

Get Care NOW! With Same Day, Next Day In-Person and Video Visit Primary Care Appointments.

24/7 SCHEDULING IS EASY Scan to schedule a primary care appointment or call

713-442-7025

Angela McGee, MD, Gastroenterology Angela McGee, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Campus.

Scan to view her online profile.