April 6, 2023

Eldorado Ballroom returns Historic cultural gym is back.

OBITS

NEWS

POLLY SPARKS TURNER

JOLANDA JONES

The beloved AKA, TSU alum and community member dies at 84.

Volume 92, issue 21 April 6, 2023

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The state Rep. is under fire after her senior staff quit amid allegations of a hostile work environment. instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

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DN To the POINT

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese using the hand gesture that garnered different reactions.

Reporter’s Message TEA ‘We want to hear from you’ facade

women. The disrespect that Black women have to face on a regular basis reminds me of the line from the great Sophia in “The Color Purple”: “All my life I had to fight....”

Big ups to Clark, though, who didn’t join in the vitriol against Reese and instead, gave her her props. By the way, check out the full story on page 13, especially that foolishness with Jill Biden, because chile......

Like many residents concerned about HISD’s TEA takeover, I’ve been tuned in to all the community forums, especially the ones hosted by TEA. Sadly, they seem to be nothing more than an opportunity for folks to come out, complain and fuss to other folks complaining and fussing. Don’t get me wrong, they’re upset because they want answers, Trump reality show ReShonda Tate which the forums were supposed to For the first time in history, a former give. However, that hasn’t been the case. president has been arrested. Donald Trump The man that everyone wants to hear from, TEA Com- surrendered to authorities at the courthouse in Manhatmissioner Mike Morath, was nowhere to be found. And tan. The media did OJ-Bronco coverage of his arrival his poor surrogates were left to bear the brunt of upset and departure. A solemn and stone-faced Trump was constituents. Morath has done good about making his indicted on dozens of counts related to document fraud, rounds with the media - though the Defender is still wait- but because the indictment against him was under seal, the ing for our interview. But if TEA is serious about making charges were unknown. When he was arraigned, they were people believe that their input matters, they need to do finally unsealed and made public. He pleaded not guilty to more than host forum facades. By the way, the Board of 34 counts of falsifying business records and conspiracy for Managers application process has closed. We’ll definitely his alleged role in hush money payments to two women be watching to see who TEA appoints. toward the end of his 2016 presidential campaign.

While there are some ecstatic to see Trump finally be Double standard for Black female athletes held accountable for his wrongdoing, others call it a misIf you ever wanted to see proof of...it’s okay for them, carriage of justice. There’s also disagreement on what this but not for us....look no further than the situation between means for the 2024 presidential contender. Some say it LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa star Caitlin Clark. Reese is will hurt him with Independents, which he needs to win catching flack for her on-court antics during her team’s back the presidency. Others say its going to embolden his title NCAA game win over Iowa. Reese, a Black woman, people. The thing with the latter is, his people are voting is being attacked online for taunting Clark, who is white. for him regardless. And they only have one vote. Just like Clark regularly used WWE wrestler John Cena’s signature everyone else. So as long as EVERYONEw gets out and hand gesture “you can’t see me” to her opponents. When votes, we don’t have to worry about having a criminal in Reese served up the same move to Iowa guard Clark — and the White House. also pointed at her ring finger to signify a championship — the anti-Black crowd rushed to Twitter to express their ON THE WEB fury. Many Twitter users noted that when Clark uses the • Black female athletes who have faced unfair racist move, she is labeled “competitive” but a Black player doing backlash. it gets called “ghetto.” White folks worked overtime to • Check out our staple of videos highlighting the Black humble Reese for taunting Clark and her Hawkeyes. This experience. outrage wasn’t present when Clark was the one throwing • Jimmie Aggison highlights how Ebuka Okafor is makshots, but as we know America loves to humble Black ing his mark at Alief Taylor.

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DN News

TEA responds to NAACP

By Laura Onyeneho

NAACP Houston is applying more pressure on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding its takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

A Houston coalition of local and national advocacy groups, including Houston Federation of Teachers, ACLU, Texas state representatives and Black Voters Matter, united to update the community on strategic plans to “get the schools back” at The Community of Faith Church on April 2.

Many of the community members in attendance were frustrated with how poorly organized the TEA community forums were and why Governor Abbott or TEA Commissioner Mike Morath were absent during these sessions.

The president of NAACP Houston, Dr. James Dixon, said that even though the commissioner hasn’t attended any community forums in the past couple of weeks, he respectfully extended the invitation to the following forum the local chapter will host on April 10.

“We have a letter back from him, and we are thankful that he responded,” Dixon said. “He professionally and cordially expressed his thanks for being invited, his appreciation for the work we are seeking to do to improve schools for children, and expressed his regret that he couldn’t be with us today on Palm Sunday. Be he did say he looks forward to being invited on a different day so that he could come.”

Dixon further explained that trust could only be built when communication is involved. If the commissioner honors the invitation, there will be a list

State representatives, community advocates, parents, and educators pray during the Houston NAACP’s second community forum regarding the TEA takeover. Photo: Laura Onyeneho

of questions prepared by the community; questions that have been asked multiple times over the last few weeks.

The ACLU, NAACP Houston and other civil rights groups filed a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding TEA’s plan to remove locally elected officials, claiming the takeover violates the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution.

“We also believe there is an equal protection issue discriminating against this district which has over 90% people of color,” said Dominique Calhoun, president-elect of the National Bar Association. “We’ve assembled a team, and we are continuing to add to that team.”

Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Ronald Reynolds said the coalition is hoping for a possible federal intervention and is looking at all avenues to stop the takeover.

Reynolds mentioned the proposed House Bill 3780 that would provide an alternative way to roll back the takeover.

The bill would amend the law to allow TEA to choose a less “hostile” option besides taking over a district or closing campuses.

“With the board of managers they are appointed by the TEA Commissioner who answers to Governor Abbott. He doesn’t answer to us. He doesn’t have to come here. That’s why they have an empty chair,”

said Reynolds. “They want to take away local control. They don’t like the fact that Harris County is run by Black and Brown folks.”

June 1 is when the state plans to take control of HISD. Superintendent Millard House II and the nine elected school board members will be replaced with an appointed board of managers.

HISD District 2 Board of Trustee member Kathy Blueford-Daniels shared her testimonial before the crowd.

“We’ve done what was asked of us, but we’re not worthy. If we want to remain trustees, [we’ve] got to run again. Even though my tenure doesn’t end until December 2023,” she said. “When the board of managers comes in, it’s going to take them eight months to a year to learn the system, so how much further is it going to put them behind?”

They want to take away local control. They don’t like the fact that Harris County is run

by Black and Brown folks.”

State Rep. Ron Reynolds.

Senior staff of State Rep. Jolanda Jones resigns NNPA

Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones earned kudos for her advocacy in the LGBTQ community, her prowess as a track star, and her work as a criminal defense attorney. But other attributes stand out for those who have worked with and know the District 147 representative.

The former Houston City Council member finds herself Jones in hot water after her entire staff presented a resignation letter full of accusations of wrongdoing. The staff accused Jones of fostering a hostile workplace in a letter that Chief of Staff Kory Haywood, Legislative Director Catherine Mouer, and District Director Yesenia Wences

all signed. They also said that the outspoken Democrat made it easy for her son, Jiovanni Christian Teheran-Jones, to have an inappropriate relationship with an intern.

Jones, 57, did nothing to intercede or stop her son’s misconduct, the staffers allege. Jiovanni Jones, 31, and two other individuals were arrested in January on felony drug possession charges while at Guadalupe River State Park. Jones is currently free on a $20,000 bond.

“We, as a collective of senior staff, have repeatedly attempted to curb your behavior and address the type of work environment you have bred over the last month,” the four-page letter reads. “But, to no avail; we haven’t seen any success. You have continued to endorse, encourage, and create an abusive and hostile work environment in the workplace without accountability for you or your relatives’ actions.”

Among the myriad of charges in the letter, the employees said: • Jones abused the power of her office by manipulating Wences to falsely take the blame for finding out that her son’s affair was with a much younger intern.

• The younger Jones threatened to state false allegations to his mother that Wences conducted illegal business in the state office because he’s reportedly angry at her.

• Jones knew her son had a severe mental illness and yet decided to place Wences in harm’s way.

• Further, Jones had involved her staff in her personal and family affairs without regard for work-life boundaries and the scope of the staff ’s employment.

• Jones asked staff to assist in coordinating the terminal cancer treatment of her son’s father-in-law.

• Jones instructed her staff to involve themselves in her son’s legal issues and criminal charges.

• Jones called staff at all hours of the night and on weekends to discuss work and to drive her from place to place.

In 2018, Jones wrote the book, “Owning My S.H.I.T: Suffering Hardship and Internalizing Trauma.” When concluding their letter, Jones’ staff said, “It is time you own your SHIT.” Jones released a statement about her staff ’s resignation. “Working in the Texas Legislature is a stressful and demanding job, especially when you are in a daily fight to protect your constituents from attacks on their families, civil rights, schools and their ability to control their own bodies.” Jones wrote. “Some of my staff have decided this job is not for them.

I wish them good luck and success in their next endeavors.”

4 | April 6, 2023 |

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DN News

TX GOP wants to take over DAs, judges

By Aswad Walker

Several Texas Democrats and Independents are lamenting several pieces of legislation out of Austin, two of which (S.B. 823 and S.B. 1993) they contend, will allow Republicans to easily throw out of office any elected official they choose, specifically district attorneys and judges they deem “progressive.”

Senate Bill 823 gives the Secretary of State the authority to fire election administrators without just cause, while Senate Bill 1993 gives the Secretary of State the authority to overturn Harris County elections.

Democrats are calling foul, and view the bills as back door ways for the Texas GOP to control seats they were unable to win during the last election.

But few political analysts are shocked by moves some deem as “undemocratic” and bordering on fascism.

“Is there any surprise? This is a national Republican push that goes back to Richard Nixon’s law and order presidential campaign strategy. What is old is new again,” said Dr. Michael O. Adams, a Texas Southern University political science professor and head of TSU’s Executive MBA program. “People who care about what is happening now would be wise to go back and study Nixon and Reagan’s presidential campaigns. Where do you think ‘Make America Great Again’ came from? It’s Reagan’s campaign message theme.”

Texas Democratic Party Deputy Director of Voter Protection Brenda Cruz released a statement describing what some of her fellow party members are calling a GOP legislative “shock

SUMMARY OF STATE SENATE BILLS VIEWED BY DEMS AS PROBLEMATIC

Texas State Capitol

and awe” strategy to disenfranchise Texas voters.

“From suppressing voter turnout to undermining the authority of local election administrators, these Republican efforts to undermine Texas voters would erode the foundations of our very democracy in Texas,” said Cruz. “Instead of focusing on regressive and restrictive pieces of legislation, our lawmakers should be creating policies that can actually improve the lives of our communities – like expanding access to healthcare and ensuring a quality public education for all Texas children.”

Texas Democrats are also identifying other GOP-authored legislation as problematic. These include S.B. 220 which allows for the creation of a “partisan election police force” similar to what Florida Governor Ron DeSantis created in his state; and S.B. 1600 which creates what Democrats and many Independents describe as creating even more barriers to voter registration for eligible Texas voters than the barrier that already exists.

Senate Bill 823: The employment of the county elections administrator may be suspended, with or without pay, or terminated at any time for good and sufficient cause on the four-fifths vote of the county election commission and approval of that action by a majority vote of the commissioners court. Moreover, the secretary of state can suspend the employment of a county elections administrator at any time if an administrative election complaint is filed with the secretary of state and the secretary of state believes a recurring pattern of problems with election administration exists in the county.

Senate Bill 1993: In a county with a population of more than one million, the secretary of state has the power to order a new election if the secretary has good cause to believe that at least 2% of the total number of polling places in the county did not receive supplemental ballots for one or more hours after making a request for them. This bill would impact the five most Democrat-leaning counties in Texas: Travis County/ Austin (1.1 million), Bexar County/ San Antonio (1.8 million), Tarrant County/Ft. Worth (1.8 million), Dallas County/Dallas (2.4 million) and

Harris County/Houston (4.2 million).

Senate Bill 220: The secretary of state can take appropriate action to protect the voting rights of Texas citizens from abuse by the authorities administering the state’s elections. The secretary of state can order the administrator to correct the offending conduct, order a temporary restraining order or writ of injunction or mandamus obtained through the attorney general. The secretary of state can also appoint a state election marshal who can appoint election marshals statewide; licensed peace officers (by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) who can be “assigned” to each alleged voting/election violation.

Essentially, this is an election police force with the legal power “to prevent the violation from continuing or occurring.”

Senate Bill 1600: This bill requires a person seeking to register to vote to submit proof of citizenship to verify eligibility to vote in Texas. This additional step, is viewed by some as simply another hurdle to make it more difficult to register to vote and potentially discourage eligible citizens from going through the process of registering.

Harris County release $750 mil in federal Harvey relief funds Houston Public Media

Harris County has taken an important step towards unlocking federal Harvey relief money as part of an agreement with the Texas General Land Office (GLO).

Commissioners endorsed a plan for allocating $750 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The vote in favor of the plan was 4-to-0, with Judge Lina Hidalgo abstaining.

Under the plan, proposed by Commissioner Lesley

Recently removed flood-damaged debris sits outside a home Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Houston. AP

Briones, $502.5 million in HUD grant money would go toward projects approved under the 2018 flood control bond. Another $150 million would be split evenly between the four county precincts for precinct-led flood priorities, while the remaining $97.5 million would go toward administration.

“We all know that time is of the essence,” Briones said, “and we absolutely must spend 50% of this money by June 2025, and there are very stringent federal requirements.

And so, I know that we need to move on this and show that Harris County is poised for progress and success to show that we’re having the intended impact of these funds.”

Commissioner Adrian Garcia amended the plan to the effect that all precinct projects would have to be submitted to the county engineering department by June 14.

Several public speakers expressed concerns that the plan would not provide equitable funding to neighborhoods in the northeast of Harris County whose flood mitigation needs have been neglected in the past.

“It’s crucial to ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose, and vulnerable communities aren’t left behind,” said Stephany Valdez, water justice organizer for the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER).

“A hundred percent of the funds should go to

(low-to-moderate) income communities to correct the historical injustice of inequitable distribution, and shovel-ready projects should not take priority,” said Julia Orduña, regional director of Texas Housers.

VOLUME 92, NUMBER 21 - APRIL 6, 2023 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

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

Photographer Jimmie Aggison Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse Jordan Hockett

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2023 copyright.

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

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DN News Yellowstone schools renovated

By Laura Onyeneho

Yellowstone Schools is introducing a significant resource for PK-12 grade students in Houston’s Third Ward community.

The school hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration on its newly-remodeled 4-acre campus, which includes more than 50 classrooms, learning centers, playgrounds and greenspaces, two multipurpose centers, a library, music room, art studio and innovation hub.

According to Yellowstone, for the last 20 years, the school has served students impacted by generational poverty and lacking access to educational opportunities.

“What Third Ward is getting out of this is… that every student is born with a purpose and destined for success,” said Ryan Dolibois, executive director of the Yellowstone Schools.

“We are providing a place, both a private school and public charter school, where they can be loved, where they can be valued, where they can be exposed to the city, and where they can be held to very high expectations, to a standard of excellence for life beyond these four walls.”

Nicola Springer was the principal architect of the campus’ new construction. She said the building designs channel the community’s history and culture.

“This is—a reinvestment into Third Ward by adding this new campus. The building gains its inspiration from the original architectures of Third Ward,” Springer said.

“So whether it’s the row houses, the brick building, or red tile roofs, the art of famous artists like John Biggers, the building constantly reinforces the culture and quality [of the community].

Yellowstone Schools serves about 500 students a year. Many of its graduates have continued pursuing postsecondary opportunities and vocational certificates. In 2012, the school celebrated its first eighth-grade graduating class. Of that class, 92% graduated high school, and 80% pursued a college education.

Nick Jones is an alumnus of the graduating class of 2012. He graduated from Houston Baptist University and later returned to Yellowstone to work as a part-time student recruiter.

“I enjoy seeing teachers who are still here and the facility itself because I know what they’ve done for the kids and myself personally. The community also brought me back to connect with [youth], letting them know that you can graduate, go to high school and college, and do whatever you want to do.”

Yellowstone students attend campus ribbon cutting ceremony.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison.

NEWSBRIEFS NASA’s 1st moon crew in 50 years includes Black man

NASA has named the four astronauts who will fly to the moon by the end of next year.

They will be the first to fly NASA’s Orion capsule, launching atop a Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center no earlier than late 2024. They will not land or even go into lunar orbit, but rather fly around the moon and head straight back to Earth, a prelude to a lunar landing by two others a year later. The mission’s commander, Reid Wiseman, will be joined by Victor Glover, an African American naval aviator; Christina Koch, who holds the world record for the longest spaceflight by a woman; and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen. All are space veterans except Hansen.

Comptroller backs down on Harris County defunding police claims

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has backed down in his legal battle with Harris County over claims of defunding local law enforcement. The comptroller recently rescinded his finding that the county defunded law enforcement, which would have violated Texas law. Despite his ruling, Hegar said county leaders admitted they defunded law enforcement. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee said that’s not the case and claimed that the comptroller finally admitted that he was wrong. This

in Texas increased by 43% between 2016 and 2022, and half of renters are spending nearly 30% of their paychecks on housing, jeopardizing their household budgets for food, medicine, and other necessities.

Houston public libraries fine-free program results in 21,000 books returned

This combination of photos shows, from left, astronauts Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman.AP

comes after the county sued Hegar in February over his finding that the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office had funding reduced from $48 million down to $46 million. Hegar said the Comptroller’s Office will continue to monitor Harris County’s budget.

Houston Housing Authority launches affordable Housing Houston website

The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has officially launched its Affordable Housing Houston website which provides the public and potential clients quick information about apartment options offered through the HHA’s

Public Facility Corporations (PFC) partnerships. In addition to affordable apartment listings, the website will provide valuable resources to those needing to quickly navigate through the housing process. The site includes information on how to apply for affordable housing, property locations, an FAQ section, and testimonials from clients who have benefited from this service. It also includes an Area Median Income (AMI) calculator that allows users to plug in their information to determine their eligibility for this housing program within seconds. Recent analysis shows that the cost of a new home

During its amnesty period in January-February, the Houston Public Libray system cleared accounts with balances as high as $1,000 and even received three books checked out from 1992. HPL became “fine free” earlier this year to encourage more residents to start utilizing library resources after seeing a decline in users, partly because of the financial barriers of overdue book fees.

Houston City Council voted unanimously in January to make the transition joining many other libraries across the country. HPL held an amnesty period January 18 – February 17 to allow users to return overdue books and materials, and start over with a clean account.

3,098 customers had their overdue fines wiped during the amnesty period returning a total of 21,245 items – with a value of $425,000 worth of books and other items being returned. 850 of the 3,098 customers who returned during the amnesty period are actively using the library again.

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DN InFocus

Eldorado Ballroom Returns Historic cultural gem reopens W

By Aswad Walker

we needed. The Kinder Foundation played a huge role in being our principal funder, as well as the Houston Endowment, the Brown Foundation, the Cullen Foundation, and the list of individual donors is so long that I probably would be remiss and leave someone out.”

David Bucek, who has extensive experience with historic buildings, and his team from Stern and Bucek Architects, oversaw the design. Forney Construction served as the general contractor. A team from Hines, led by Johnson and Bert Brown III, stewarded the building committee which has overseen the project as it has unfolded over more than five years.

ith the Grand Reopening of the historic Eldorado Ballroom now in the rearview mirror, it’s now time to get back to the institution’s primary business of being a Houston hub for entertainment, commerce and community.

The significance of the Eldorado’s resurrection is not lost on Eureka Gilkey, executive director of Project Row Houses (PRH), the current caretakers of the Eldorado, that Gilkey says is being “regifted” to the community.

“It’s important for us to recognize what this means to the community,” said Gilkey.

“So, when we say ‘re-gifting,’ we mean that we’re just the stewards of this space. We’re just lucky that it’s been bestowed upon us, and we have the privilege of managing it, but it’s really the communities. And it’s also a part of our work here as the management district entity for the Third World Cultural Arts District that we rehabilitate and protect spaces like this.”

PAST The Eldorado Ballroom, opened in 1939 by husband and wife entrepreneurs Clarence and Anna Johnson Dupree, served as the happening spot in Third Ward, and played host to all the big-name Black entertainers.

During Jim Crow, Blacks coveted the “Rado” as many called it, because they could see the best entertainment in the country with dignity during a time when Blacks could not enter white-owned establishments.

“Think of all the things that were going on at that time: people preparing to go to war overseas. If you were Black, you had to go pay your ticket and sit in the crow’s nest (segregated seating in “white” theaters).

Who wants to do that? So, they built a space that was based on Black Joy, celebration and revelry. Artists would come to town and play the mainstream institutions, but this is where the real party happened. So, the likes of everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Louis Armstrong to Houston’s finest, Jewel Brown, Horace Grigsby, Arnett Cobb, they all played here. This was the place to see and be seen, but also the place to play if you were anybody that was in the musical world,” shared Gilkey.

Kenneth McGowan, who oversaw the field supervision of the restoration said big stars, Black and white, hung out at the Eldorado.

“Many of the biggest names, including Elvis Pressley, hung out here after hours.

Anna and Clarence Dupree circa 1949. Photo courtesy of Project Row Houses.

But a lot of celebrities did when they came and performed here. They stayed in this place for those after-hours jam sessions. And not just big names. A lot of the local bands performed here too,” he said.

But the Eldorado wasn’t just a music venue.

“It was a community gathering spot, a place for our community to celebrate life milestones, baby showers, graduations, weddings, you name them. Just a place where people could come, let their hair down and experience a little joy, if only for a moment,” added Gilkey.

During the institution’s glory days it suffered two horrific fires, the first in 1941 and the second in the early 1950s. Still, it was able to not only survive, but thrive. However, with integration during the late 1960s and early 70s, the Eldorado fell on hard times and was sold shortly thereafter. Eventually, Hubert “Hub” Finkelstein acquired the property, saving it from demolition. And in 1999, he donated it to PRH.

PRH initiated patchwork repairs to make the space operable, until the decision was made to go all-out in bringing the institution back to its former glory.

PRESENT The current transformation was made possible by a successful $9.7 million capital campaign spearheaded by PRH board members and co-chairs of the Eldorado Capital Campaign, Anita Smith and Hasty Johnson.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Smith. “When we acquired the Eldorado Ballroom, we did amazing things with what we had, but… just to look around and see how we’ve come. I’m thrilled.”

Gilkey gives the lion’s share of the credit for the successful fundraising efforts to Smith and her co-chair Hasty Johnson, while making sure to shout out the major donors. “[Johnson and Smith] did a lot of the footwork in reaching out to donors and making sure that we had the capital that

FUTURE McGowan and crew worked many long days and nights, not only in preparation for the March 30 Grand Reopening, but also for the institution’s varied uses moving forward, including entertainment functions, community meetings, businesses and regular customers at the eatery located on the first floor.

Gilkey said Eldorado visitors will be treated to a modern facility with a fully refurbished ballroom with multiple green rooms for performers, meeting spaces, art gallery, private dining area, outside patio, a second-floor side deck, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and for the first time, an elevator.

Additionally, the space will feature a “fast casual place where customers can get fresh food.” And PRH will pass the property management reigns to Chris Williams and the Lucille’s 1913 hospitality group.

Gilkey sees all the individual upgrades as important, but views the Eldorado’s return as a viable institution as priceless.

“More than anything, they should understand that this cultural gem is back, back in the neighborhood, and it’s here to stay. Houston has this long, storied history of just tearing down something and putting up a marker like ‘Here lies…’ So, we are just so extremely proud that we can capture and re-gift this back to the community; that it exist into perpetuity, and that it continues to tell the story of Black joy, Black celebration and liberation for years to come.”

Teens dancing during the Benny Joseph Teen Hop at the Eldorado Ballroom in 1964. Photo courtesy Project Row Houses.

We’re just the stewards of this space. We’re just lucky that it’s been bestowed upon us, and we have the privilege of managing it, but it’s really the communities."

Eureka Gilkey, Executive Director

Eureka Gilkey

Hasty Johnson

Anita Smith

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SAN JACINTO COLLEGE

To view current bid opportunities at San Jacinto College, go to www.sanjac.edu/purchasing – Bidding Opportunities for a list of current and previous bids. Register as a supplier in the College’s electronic bidding and supplier system to receive notice of future bid opportunities.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PEDESTRIAN COUNTING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Polly Sparks Turner

IN MEMORIAM

Polly Sparks Turner dies at age 84 Defender News Service

at the TSU College of Pharmacy, chair of the Health Sciences Department and assistant vice president of Alumni Affairs.

She became the first African American director of Pharmacy Services at Beaumont City Hospital, Houston’s Twelve Oaks Hospital and Doctors Hospital, and the first African American bureau chief for the City of Houston Health and Human Services Department as director of Office of Evaluation Services and Health Center Administration.

She was an active member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and affiliated with the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston; The Links, Inc.; Girl Friends, Inc. and Top Ladies of Distinction. She was an accomplished fundraiser, and her efforts included the “Three of Us” galas and five endowed scholarship funds at TSU and the UT Health Science Center. She received numerous awards and honors for community service.

Survivors include her brother, James Weldon Sparks, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Hundreds of friends, family members and sorority sisters recently gathered to pay their last respects to Polly Sparks Turner, Ph.D., M.P.H. A health and pharmacy pioneer, former academic, community volunteer and regional director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Turner died March 30 at age 84. She is remembered as a caring role model, mentor and leader who touched countless lives.

“We join the hearts and hands of our sisters around the globe as we remember our 20th South Central Regional Director Dr. Polly Sparks Turner,” said an AKA statement. “Please pray for her family, friends and the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter.

The Wheatley High School graduate attended Texas Southern University and earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She received her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Her higher education background included serving as an associate professor

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive Proposals for pedestrian counting technology to be used in Downtown Houston. Hardcopy proposals will be received until 5:00 P.M., local time on Friday, April 28, 2023, by Varun Cidambi, Research & Economic Development Specialist, Houston Downtown Management District, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, Texas 77010. Proposals submitted after this time will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Downtown District.

Beginning Friday, March 31, 2023, this project’s Request for Proposal (RFP) may be downloaded from Downtown District’s website: http://www.downtowndistrict.org/procurement-rfp-opportunities/ . Further queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Downtown District, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFP. Based on the Proposals submitted, an evaluation panel will rank Proposals based on their content. The Downtown District’s Board of Directors will award the contract to the highest-ranked Proposer.

Proposers shall comply with City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Articles II, V, VI, and XI and the Mayor’s Executive Orders No.1-7 Pay or Play (POP) Program for Houston Public Works for the public procurement procedures of the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) established in March 2008 and the entity responsible for the administration of the Minority/ Women-Owned (M/WBE), Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE), and Hire Houston First programs. The successful Proposer will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE and PDBE participation goal of twenty-five percent (25%).

April 6, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Feature

AKAs, Sigmas collect jeans for teens

(Left to right) Derrick Lacey, Nichelle Walker, Tiffany Brailey, Monica Green, Laura Collins, Brittany Nunn, Brit Bell.

By ReShonda Tate

‘Walk to Save Black Men’s Lives’ on April 15

By Aswad Walker

We all know the dire statistics—Black men have the worst health outcomes of any demographic in America for just about every health condition. And we’ve all heard—or know personally—that Black men have a serious aversion to going to the doctor. These two related realities equate to Black men having the lowest life expectancy of any demographic, which is not good news for Black couples, families and communities.

Enter the African American Male Wellness Agency Houston (AAMWA), an organization on a mission to move Black men to prioritize their health and create a support community of like-minded brothers.

The Defender recently spoke with Donnell Cooper, the AAMWA’s logistics director, about the organization’s recent arrival in Houston, its mission and programs and its upcoming event this Saturday, April 15, “The Walk to Save Black Men’s Lives.”

DEFENDER: What’s the story behind the AAMWA? COOPER: Twenty years ago, the

AAMWA was established in Columbus, Ohio focusing on African American males not prone to going to the doctor.

Statistics show that African American men as a population, we’re leaving Earth almost 12 years earlier than our counterparts. They started an African-American 5K Walk; actually a screening walk. It’s called the best day that African-American males will have ever going to the doctor

in life. There are 18 cities that are doing the walk currently. From 7a.m. – 9a.m. we’ll have every screening known to man; anything from BMI (body mass index), blood pressure, glucose. Then at 9a.m. we start the 5K walk. This year, April 15, we’re bringing the walk to Houston for the first time.

DEFENDER: How did the Columbus-Houston connection happen?

COOPER: Pastor Jamail Johnson of

the Word Church and I saw this article saying that 30,000 men were showing up on one day for a walk, and it just sounded unrealistic. We took a chance, and went out to witness it. And 30,000 could have been a low estimate. It was definitely 30,000-plus men there on one day; men showing up, having all the screenings that are known to mankind, doing the 5K walk there in the city. We said, ‘We want to bring this to Houston.’

And upon the Columbus, Ohio team starting to visit the Houston area, they really thought with the resources we have here that Houston could be just as big, if not better, than what they’re doing in Columbus, even though it’s been in existence 20 years now. So, we started off last year, we’re planning for a walk, and then in January of this year, the Columbus team decided this would be a prime time to found their second agency

branch in the country. February 1, we opened up the AAMWA Houston office.

Pastor Johnson is the executive director.

DEFENDER: So, when is the Houston 5K “Walk to Save Black Men’s Lives”?

COOPER: On April 15, we’re bringing

the walk to Houston. It’s gonna be housed at Texas Southern University and happen right there in the heart of Third Ward.

The walk will start and end at TSU. Right now, we have over 30 vendors and over 30 screening companies will be there, as well. And we wanna let everybody know this is a family event. It was designed for African-American males, but we just recently kicked off the ‘her’ version. So, we are embracing women to get tested, as well. We’ll have some testing elements out there on April 15 for women, as well. We’ll have a designated area for our seniors, and we’ll have a designated area for our kids. Mayor Sylvester Turner will be our honorary chair.

DEFENDER: Are you expecting to match Columbus’s numbers this first year?

COOPER: We know we’re not gonna

have 30,000, but we’re at least in position to have a good 2,500.

For more information, visit www. aawellness.org.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION’S OTHER DN LEARN GAME-CHANGING INITIATIVE, “REAL MEN, REAL TALK.” ONLINE

The Mu Kappa Omega Chapter (MKO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and their charitable arm, Julia F. Thompson Inc., recently partnered with the Eta Rho Sigma, Zeta Xi Sigma, and Epsilon Kappa Sigma Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to hold a “Jeans for Teens: Party with a Purpose” at Southside Sporting Club.

Over 150 ΜΚO members and guests attended the event where adult-sized jeans for males and females in foster care were collected.

Over 431 pairs of jeans were collected onsite and $4,060 in monetary donations will be presented to BEAR (Be A Resource), a non-profit organization that provides hope and help to children and youth.

“Older teens in foster care find themselves facing a daily challenge of finding clothes that fit their growing frames. For the past eight years, we have worked to provide hundreds of pairs of jeans to Be A Resource for CPS Kids, also known as B.E.A.R. I’m thrilled to once again partner with the local chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated for this worthy cause,” said MKO President Monica Green.

The event falls under the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ‘Uplift Our Local Community’ Initiative which promotes collaboration to combine resources and efforts to maximize the impact on the community. Our aim is to support the BEAR Necessities Program for Be A Resource for CPS Kids, a 501(c)(3) organization working with Harris County Resources for Children and Adults and the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. DeAnna Nwankwo served as General Chairman for Uplift Our Local Community, along with Brittany Nunn and Nichelle Walker, who served as Chairman and Co-Chairman for the event.

Brittany Nunn and Nichelle Walker.

12 | April 6, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

Phyllis Burton

Leads foundation caring for the needy

By ReShonda Tate

As a child, Phyllis Burton would accompany her father, Varn O. Burton, as he served the homeless in Trinity Gardens.

It’s that spirit of giving that stuck with her throughout her adult life and prompted her to continue her father’s legacy to give back to those in need.

Burton recently hosted a “Give Back Event At The Salvation Army Jones Residence Center,” a facility to house women and children who are experiencing homelessness. Care packages were given to the ladies and backpacks with essential and fun items were given to the children.

As the CEO and founder of the V.O. Burton Foundation Inc., Burton says their mission is to build a better tomorrow, today. The Defender spoke with the registered nurse about how she’s working to bring global awareness to the needs of the homeless and low socioeconomic communities.

DEFENDER: What made you decide to start this foundation?

PHYLLIS BURTON: I created this foun-

dation in honor of my late father Varn O. Burton. He served on missions, in the community, and was an agent of change on various platforms. My father was a pillar in the community and a landlord for over 30 years in Trinity Garden. He gave back to those in need. And he took me along while he was giving back. He never told me this is what I should do, but I just witnessed him giving to others as they transitioned from being his tenants to going to nursing homes, into hospital settings. With that being instilled within me, my best friend and I started the VO Burton Foundation.

We started out using our allowances to give to the homeless community. From there, we built a foundation. My daughter has a nonprofit, as well (Sock Out Poverty Inc.) So, we are three generations of service providers.

DEFENDER: What types of things are you doing?

BURTON: We give care packages to those

that are in need. We provide hot meals along with clothing items. We also give scholarships to seniors that are transitioning from high school to college. One of the most overlooked items in the community and among those that are experiencing homelessness are care packages with toiletries. That’s not only happening here in Houston, but worldwide. We have a need here in Houston and we want to do our part.

DEFENDER: What is your ultimate goal for your organization?

BURTON: One day I was riding with my

father and he showed me an apartment complex that he wanted to turn into a place for those that needed living arrangements. And that is my ultimate goal; to build a community, a home setting, not just in Houston, but around the world.

And not only to house, but provide programs that will give them a total 360 turnaround. We want to provide permanent jobs and daycare and education and any spiritual needs and mental needs that they may need at that time.

DEFENDER: How can the public help you?

BURTON: We can

always use donations and volunteers. Anytime we’re helping the community, the more hands on deck, the better, especially when it comes to preparing the care packages. We have different charity events throughout the year. A lot of homeless people don’t “look homeless.” There are children involved in their schools that you wouldn’t even expect to be homeless. We had women that had jobs but didn’t have enough to make rent payments. So the things that they need, it may look like they don’t need ‘em on the outside. But actually, the toiletries, the care package, the offering of assistance of whether it’s to pay a bill or to help with rental assistance, whatever those needs are. It’s just important to bring awareness, then others can get on board with however they wanna be supportive, whether it’s to volunteer or to give a donation to help restore lives and rebuild our communities.”

Visit Online

www.voburtonfoundation.org Check out our Video interview about Burton’s global goals.

Members of the V.O. Burton Foundation at their March Madness Give Back Event At The Salvation Army Jones Residence Center. Photo courtesy Phyllis Burton.

April 6, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 13

DN Sports

‘WE NOT COMING. PERIOD.’ LSU MVP Angel Reese responds to White House

By ReShonda Tate

Winners of major sports championships have traditionally received invitations to the White House. That’s why it was no surprise when First Lady Jill Biden, who attended Sunday’s nail biter of a women’s NCAA championship game, extended an invitation to the Lady Tigers for their victory.

What WAS a surprise was her offer for the losing team, the mostly white Iowa Hawkeyes to come, too.

“So I know we’ll have the champions come to the White House, we always do. So, we hope LSU will come but, you know, I’m going to tell Joe (Biden) I think Iowa should come, too, because they played such a good game,” the First Lady said.

Angel Reese, MVP of the LSU-Iowa game was not pleased with the dual invitation. She tweeted a link to the story which included Biden’s comments, calling it “A JOKE” along with three rolling-on-floor-laughing emojis.

In a comment on an Instagram post from ‘The Shade Ro om’ which included So this is for Reese’s tweet, the recently crowned the girls that NCAA chamlook like me. pion said: “WE For those that NOT COMING. period.” want to speak Reese’s teamup for what they mate Alexis Morris asked if believe in. It’s they could celeunapologetically brate elsewhere, specifically at a you.” former first lady’s Angel Reese house. “Michelle OBAMA can we (LSU NATIONAL CHAMPS) come celebrate our win at your house?” Reese replied to Morris’ tweet saying: “THAT’S THE TWEET.” Press secretary to the first lady, Vanessa Valdivia sought to clarify Biden’s comments, saying in a tweet that they “were intended to applaud the historic game and all women athletes. She looks forward to celebrating the LSU Tigers on their championship win at the White House.”

The 20-year-old Reese played a key role in the Tigers’ 10285 victory over the Hawkeyes to win the first national title in program history on Sunday. She was named the women’s NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player as a result of her standout performances.

The national championship drew a record-breaking average of 9.9 million viewers, according to sports broadcaster ESPN. The game, which peaked at 12.6 million viewers, was the most-viewed NCAA Division I women’s college basketball game on record across all networks.

Reese has been in the headlines following LSU’s victory, in particular as she called out the double standard in the reaction to her gesture towards Iowa guard Caitlin Clark.

Reese could be seen approaching Clark before moving her open hand in front of her face – popularized by WWE star John Cena to mean “you can’t see me” – before pointing to her ring finger in a gesture some interpreted as a reference to the place her newly-acquired championship ring might sit.

Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers reacts towards Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on April 02, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

First Lady Jill Biden (green jacket) with Billie Jean King (blue jacket) prior to the game between the LSU Lady Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game.Getty Images

Clark made a similar gesture to another player earlier in the tournament.

The gesture sparked much debate, especially on social media. Some criticized Reese, while others defended her actions, highlighting how there was no public outrage in response to Clark’s gesture earlier in the tournament.

In the press conference after the victory, Reese referenced the difference in reaction she received as a result of her gesture as compared to the one Clark received.

“All year, I was critiqued for who I was. I don’t fit the narrative,” Reese said. “I don’t fit the box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto. Y’all told me that all

Angel Reese #10 and Alexis Morris #45 of the LSU Lady Tigers speak during a press conference after the LSU Lady Tigers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 10285 during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center. Getty Images

year. But when other people do it, and y’all don’t say nothing.

“So this is for the girls that look like me. For those that want to speak up for what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you. And that’s what I did it for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. And Twitter is going to go into a rage every time.”

The double standard DN OpEd: for Black women.

ONLINE

14 | April 6, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez went 3-for-5 at the plate, scoring two runs and recording one RBI during a 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Sports Briefs Rockets in the mix to win NBA Lottery

With another disappointing season winding down, the Rockets are at least in the mix to win the upcoming NBA Lottery.

And what that means is a chance Stephen to win the rights Silas to take 7-foot-4 French phenom Victor Wembanyama should they secure the No.1 overall pick. The Rockets, who have picked in the Top 3 of the last two Drafts, have 14 percent odds of winning June’s draft along with San Antonio and Detroit. The worst four teams are entered into a drawing to determine the Top 4 picks and Rockets are assured of being among the worst four no matter how they finish this season.

Tramon Mark set to leave UH basketball team

University of Houston guard Tramon Mark announced he is declaring for the NBA Draft and he is entering the transfer portal.

Tramon Mark, who started Mark all 37 games for the Cougars this season, averaged 10.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals.

His departure creates a bigger void in the Cougars 2023-24 roster with Marcus Sasser and freshman Jarace Walker headed to the NBA Draft and point guard Jamal Shead declaring for the Draft.

San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee represented Houston in Final Four

The state of Texas may not have had a team in this year’s Final Four, but Houston did have some representation.

Jaedon San Diego State LeDee center Jaedon LeDee was a former four-year standout at Kinkaid. This was his first season with the Aztecs after he started his collegiate career at Ohio State and then TCU.

Point guard Kevin Porter Jr. scored 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting, which included seven 3-pointers, during the Rockets 121-115 win over Detroit.

TEXANS’ BUSY OFFSEASON ABOUT TO HEAT UP

By Terrance Harris

It’s been quite an active offseason for the Texans since NFL free agency opened last month.

The Texans have acquired instant impact players wide receiver Robert Woods, safety Jimmie Ward and offensive lineman Shaq Mason, while losing a few like high-performing wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who forced his way out of town via a trade with the Cowboys.

With the NFL Draft looming later this month, and the Texans holding a handful of draft picks, it’s likely the activity will only heat up between now and the start of the Draft on April 27. The Texans have five picks in the first three rounds, so look for teams to be anxious to convince them to give up some of those picks to acquire veteran talent.

Expect to hear some intriguing rumors like the Texans looking to enter the expensive Lamar Jackson or Jimmy Garoppolo quarterback trade market. There is even Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2021, speculation the Texans might be willing seems like the likely choice of the Texans should they use their No.2 overall to part ways with the No.12 overall pick -- pick during the upcoming NFL Draft to take a rookie quarterback. acquired from the Cleveland Browns in the Deshaun Watson deal -- for the Command- will be Alabama’s Bryce Young heading to “For a quarterback, I think the most ers’ third-year edge rusher Chase Young.

Houston. But maybe the Texans are tired of important attribute I look for, it’s that how What could happen the slow rebuild after three is his leadership style,” Ryans said. “How seems to be anyone’s guess FREE AGENTS straight losing seasons and are those other 10 guys looking – can they at this point.

ACQUIRED could opt to go for one of look at you in a huddle and know, we can But what is for sure right WR Robert Woods the proven veteran quarter- count on this guy to make a play. We believe S Jimmie Ward now is the Texans own the backs, which would likely in you.”

No.2, No.12, No. 33, No. 65 cost them one of the first Whatever direction the Texans decide to RB Devin Singletary and 73rd overall picks in TE Dalton Schultz round draft picks and then go at quarterback, they have already spent DT Sheldon Rankins the first three rounds of the some. the offseason making sure he will have upcoming Draft. So there Jackson, who is unhappy something to work with on both sides of OL Shaq Mason are plenty of options.

QB Case Keenum in Baltimore over a contract the ball. Woods comes in from Tennessee FB-TE Andrew Beck The Texans are posidispute, is believed to favor as easily the most accomplished receiver tioned well to select a young a trade to Houston. on the Texans roster, while running back RB Mike Boone quarterback of the future WR Noah Brown While careful not to fan Devin Singletary and tight end Dalton among the top three prosthe flames of tampering, Schultz should provide some other receivpects in CJ Stroud, Bryce Ryans didn’t dispel rumors ing targets. And Mason should help bolster Young and Anthony RichFREE AGENTS of a mutual interest in the offensive line. ardson with the No.2 pick.

KEPT Jackson.

They’ve also added some intriguing The Carolina Panthers, who LS Jon Weeks “We look at all options defensive pieces like defensive linemen made a trade with Chicago OL Scott Quessenberry for our team,” Ryans said Sheldon Rankins and Hassan Ridgeway, to move into the No.1 slot, recently to reporters. “That along with safety Ward.

DE Derek Rivers will have their pick of the falls into that category, as And it doesn’t sound like the Texans are three and then Texans genwell.” done adding free agents. eral manager Nick Caserio KEY OFFSEASON Ryans, who is careful not “We’re always looking to add to our and head coach DeMeco LOSSES to show the Texans’ hand team, whether (or not) it’s by free agency,” Ryans can decide between WR Brandin Cooks when it comes to who they Ryans said. “I think that’s an ongoing proTE Jordan Akins the other two. want to fill their signal caller cess that’s never ending, so we’re always The overwhelming belief void, does know the char- looking to see where we can get better, QB Kyle Allen is if the Texans do decide to acteristics he is looking for add more depth to our team, so that doesn’t build around a rookie that it in a franchise quarterback. change.”

April 6, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 15

DN Sports ELKINS HS

KENNEDI WILLIAMS Overcomes obstacles and finds herself

By Jimmie Aggison

ABOUT KENNEDI WILLIAMS

Class: 2023 IG: @kennediiii. raigannnn Position: Left wing Height & weight: 5-feet-3, 148 pounds Players she studies: Mikayla Cram (Ft. Bend Elkins), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC) Status: PVAMU Favorite artists: Jhené Aiko, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Drake Shout-outs: Lindsay, Alex, McKayla, Coach Haase, Coach Holmes, family

Kennedi Williams has been a star for a long time. Since childhood, she dreamed of playing soccer on the collegiate level, but her senior year forced her to overcome obstacles and find herself outside of her favorite sport.

The multi-talented Williams began playing soccer early, but once those other sports began to demand more of her soccer time, it was time to cut them loose.

“I started playing soccer at four years old. I did dance, gymnastics, swimming and track, but soccer just stuck. Swimming and track helped me with stamina.

They gave me natural body muscles where you don’t understand how many muscles you’re using until you’re using them. They were fun, but it was definitely soccer over everything.” said Williams.

For Williams, soccer was more than just a game, it was father-daughter bonding time.

“It was a thing with my dad, we did all the time. He played [soccer] growing up and so I started playing and it stuck. I started with Fun Fair Positive Soccer, then moved to Eclipse. I played recreational with them for two years, then I broke my ankle. Once I healed, my first day back I pulled my meniscus.

After being bitten by the injury bug a few times, Williams adopted a different approach.

“I took some time off, then went back to Eclipse for their select team. Once the organization switched to RISE, I stopped playing select soccer and began focusing on training to prevent injuries. In high school, I returned to play and trained seven days a week,” said Williams.

After training hard and becoming injury free, Williams would face another hurdle in life; the passing of her father.

“He passed away my freshman year. I felt like quitting and just focusing on academics. I took seven months off but then I realized this is not what he wanted for

me and it’s not what I want for myself, so I started working harder to make him proud,” said Williams.

Senior year came and Williams was getting looks from Texas State, Grambling State University and the University of North Texas, but the same injury she suffered early in her youth would come back to find her again.

“I suffered an ACL injury with a deep bone bruise. The only fix is surgery. So I won’t be able to play college soccer,” said Williams.

This injury forced Williams to look within and focus on her other talents she had been equipped with.

“It hurts when you work for something your whole life just for it to go down the drain, but not playing soccer brought out a different side of me that I never knew I had.

It gave me time to do different things, where in the past I didn’t have time because I was always training for soccer,” said Williams.

Williams will be graduating from Elkins High School with 30 college credits and attending Prairie View A&M University where she plans to study biology with a premed track.

“I’ve always wanted to play soccer and do something in the medical field. Growing up, I was hurt a lot. I knew I couldn’t fully let go of sports, but my last injury forced me to think outside the box. Once I started going to my orthopedic sports surgeon, I realized, this is what I want to do. I did an internship last year with MD Anderson and it was fun.

I loved it,” said Williams.

While attending Prairie View, Williams hopes to partake in the undergraduate medical academy, a program that accepts 10 applicants and prepares them for the MCAT. “You take special classes and it pushes you to go to med school. Applying for the undergraduate medical academy gave me more hope to open up to my future versus holding on to my present. Soccer was my present and I know orthopedic sports surgery will be my future,” said Williams.

B:10" T:9.75"

16 | April 6, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

S:9.25"

The next generation network got game

1-800-xfinity

xfinity.com/10G Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas.

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T:13"

Introducing the Xfinity 10G Network. The future starts now.

B:13.25"

S:12.5"

Young ballers are more connected at home than ever. Unlike last season’s crew, this generation has it easy thanks to the Xfinity 10G Network. Now, today’s players are scoring reliable connections from every yard line, running at faster speeds, and using the most cutting-edge WiFi to soar their imagination.