Houston Defender: April 7, 2022

Black

Maternity Crisis Shades of Blue Project tackles issue impacting African American women.

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

JENNIFER CHAVIS

RESHONDA TATE

The decorated deputy is being remembered after she was killed by a drunk driver.

The bestselling author talks about her 53rd book and longevity in the literary business.

Volume 91, issue 22 April 7, 2022

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DN On Point Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks at a rally, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in Conroe, Texas. (On another note, check out the Black actors, we mean supporters in the background).

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LET’S TALK ABOUT WILL….YES, STILL

Y’all’s Lt. Governor is on one. I don’t know I know, I know. We are all tired of talking if he’s trying to be Trump on steroids or what. about the Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscar fiasco.

His latest quest – bringing Florida’s “Don’t But allow me this moment not to talk about Say Gay” bill to Texas. Patrick wants to pass the event itself but how one decision can be a bill limiting classroom discussions about life-changing. I don’t count people’s money LGBTQ people as a way to protect kids from but I’m sure Will’s pockets are fine enough hearing about adults’ “sex lives” at young to weather this storm. But Netflix, Apple and ages. (Because...you know teachers are havother companies have shelved his projects. ing these heated discussions with kindergartProducers, managers, agents are vowing not to ners…***insert eye roll***) Newsflash, Texas work with him again. His image is tarnished ReShonda Tate teachers don’t teach sex in K-3rd grade. But and millions of people are weighing in on his hey, what’s a fact when a Republican is on a love life. Right or wrong, no matter how you feel mission of misinformation. about “the slap,” this one decision has had a tremendous impact Patrick’s announcement comes on the heels of a Republi- on Will Smith’s life. His decision to walk on that stage, which he can-led spree to limit what can be taught in schools about race admits was an emotional one, has wiped out a dang-near squeaky and American history, restrict what books about race and sexu- clean lifetime as one of the country’s most beloved entertainers. ality appear on library shelves and criminalize gender-affirming I want that to serve as a cautionary tale for our young people health care for transgender children, even treatment medical (shoot, for all of us, really). We’ve seen all too often how one bad experts support. Texas Republicans (fresh off the heartbeat decision, often brought on by emotion, can mess up everything. law and dismantling of voting rights) are following a national So let’s talk about Will….not in a derogatory manner but how playbook of feeding off conservative parents’ fears that “critical it’s imperative to contain our emotions. And if you’re harboring race theory” is being taught in public schools and children are issues that can lead to a blow-up, which many think is what being exposed to obscene sexual content. Ted Cruz’s rant about happened with Will, talk about it with a therapist. Let’s remove the book “Anti-Racist Baby” during the Ketanji Brown Jackson the stigma of therapy and deal with our issues….so that we don’t hearing sent the book to number one on Amazon. Hey Ted, make life-altering decisions from one emotional act. my new book might make you uncomfortable and since you’re blasting books for no reason…..have at it. Sigh. Matter of fact, BEFORE I GO…. y’all get Ted, too.

While we’re talking about Will…and the Grammys….and Ukraine….can we make sure we also talk about Supreme GOVERNMENT MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO LYNCH SOME- Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife, Ginny, who basically ONE….AND IT ONLY TOOK 200 TRIES conspired with Jan. 6th terrorists to take down the governAfter more than 200 failed attempts, including a blocked ment? No? Okay….it’s just me thinking this is worthy of dismeasure as late as 2020, the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act cussion…..carry on.... has finally been signed into law by President Joe Biden. This is long overdue given the atrocities done to Emmett Till and others ON THE WEB throughout history. While this is a massive victory, don’t get it • Let the people be heard: Billboard recongizes Beyonce + Drake twisted, it’s just a pea in the sea concerning the fight for Black for Afrobeats rise. rights in America. It’s important that we continue to work to deal • It’s Black restaurant week and we’ve got all the details! with all the ways that anti-Black racism shows up, from police • Sports reporter Terrance Harris expands his sports reporting violence to the ways in which our votes and ability to express with must-read stories. ourselves in a democracy are being stolen. But glad for this one • Check out our DN+ channels featuring stories for Black step forward. Finally. women, Community Central and Under 40.

April 7, 2022 |

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DN News

Constable remembered after being killed by drunk driver Defender News Service

For Jennifer Chavis, going to work was something she enjoyed. Her pleasant demeanor was just one of the many things her coworkers say they’ll miss. Chavis, a Harris County Precinct 7 deputy constable, was killed April 2 after a vehicle driven by a man accused of driving drunk slammed into the back of her patrol vehicle.

The accident caused her car to go up in flames, killing the 32-year-old peace officer.

“It was just devastating,” Constable May Walker said.

“She was a tremendous officer.”

A Liberty, Texas native, Chavis joined the U.S. Army after high school, and spent six years in uniform. She

studied criminal justice at the University of Houst on - D ow nt ow n , t h e n received a master’s degree from Texas Southern University. She joined Precinct 7 in November 2020, and was soon assigned to patrol the toll roads in south Harris County, where she spent nights looking out for speeders and drunk drivers and investigating road rage shootings. And frequently, she’d show up hours early to help run patrols looking for motorists with fraudulent paper plates.

Chavis, the mother of a 4-year-old son, had aspirations to be an investigator.

The night she died, Chavis was in her vehicle to the side of the road, waiting for

Jennifer Chavis

a reported drunk- to pass at the Beltway near Fondren.

Chavis pulled over, waiting for the motorist to drive by.

Instead, police say, 36-yearold Adolfo Serrano, veered out of his lane and slammed into her patrol vehicle,

setting the car ablaze.

Other deputies rushed to the scene, spotting the smoke plume from miles away, but it was too late by the time they arrived.

Chavis died at the scene.

She is survived by her husband, Quincey, and her son.

In a news release, Mayor Sylvester Turner urged motorists to be more careful on the roads.

“There are too many impaired drivers on our roads,” he said. “As a result, people are being seriously injured or killed. There is no excuse for endangering the lives of law enforcement and innocent motorists.”

Serrano is charged with felony intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer,

with bond set at $750,000.

Police said he’d crashed into a vehicle earlier in the day and fled, prompting motorists to call 911. He has previously been arrested for crimes including burglary, assault, drunk driving, and marijuana possession.

The killing has left Chavis’ relatives, and her coworkers, reeling. They grieved for a woman who was a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend, a woman who made the job a bit more pleasant and a bit kinder.

“Deputy Constable Jennifer Chavis paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “It saddens me to know how her life was senselessly cut short.”

Trae Tha Truth helps woman who was robbed at gunpoint at her home Defender News Service

A woman who police said was robbed by an armed man in front of her home in southwest Houston has been helped by rapper Trae Tha Truth.

The rapper took to Instagram recently to express his disapproval after seeing the robbery on video. Hours later, Trae posted a picture with the victim on his IG page and said in the caption, “I Made It To Her.” “I Made Sure She know That Real Ones Don’t Stand

By Or Approve What Happen To Her…. And Also Blessed Her,” the rapper wrote.

The aggravated robbery was reported on March 26 around 7:35 a.m. in the 4300 block of Boynton Drive.

Video shows the woman walking to her front door when a black four-door sedan suddenly stopped in front of her house. A man can be seen hopping out of the passenger seat of the vehicle, possibly a Hyundai Elantra, and running up to her while holding a handgun. The woman threw her items at the suspect as he demanded money.

Police said the suspect searched the woman’s pockets before he picked up her purse, ran back to the vehicle and fled the scene.

“I haven’t had no sleep,” said Tonya Robertson, the victim. “I haven’t been to work.”

She said she has never seen the suspect before but

has a message for him.

“I hate that you done this to me because I don’t harm nobody,” Robertson said.

“I’m not a violent person and I just want justice.”

HPD released surveillance video in hopes someone will identify the suspects involved.

Crime Stoppers is offering to pay up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call 713-222-8477.

See the video at www.DefenderNetwork.com.

4 | April 7, 2022 |

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DN News Obama returns to the White House to tout Obamacare Defender News Service

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. NNPA

Ketanji Brown Jackson on pace for confirmation NNPA

Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, said out loud what many may have thought about the Supreme Court nomination hearings where some say Republicans verbally lynched Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

“Judge Jackson is a better person than me,” Durbin said.

He praised the nominee’s restraint in the face of unhinged GOP senators who many suggested posed questions that bordered on being racist and obscene.

“She stayed calm and collected, showed dignity, grace and poise,” Durbin said. “It is unfortunate that some moments in our hearing came to that.

But if there’s one positive to take away from these attacks on her, it is that the nation saw the temperament of a good strong person ready to serve on the highest court in the land.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee split down the middle, voting 11-11 along party lines on Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination. Following the initial vote, Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) moved to dismantle the filibuster, allowing for a debate window of four hours.

Schumer appears to have the votes, with all 50 Democrats supporting Jackson and at least one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, also pledging a “yes” vote.

“I hope both sides can work together to advance her all but certain confirmation through the Senate without delay,” Schumer said, adding defiantly that she “will be confirmed.”

The most recent committee hearing appeared headed on a spiral toward earlier confirmation sessions when Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who three times had voted to confirm Jackson to other seats, spoke out.

From the moment of their unveiling at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in D.C. in Feb. 2018, the museum’s official portraits of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama have become iconic.

The Obama Portrait tour will be at MFAH through May. Jimmie Aggison

Former President Barack Obama recently returned to the White House for the first time in more than five years to savor the 12th anniversary of his signature health care law and give a boost to President Joe Biden’s efforts to expand it. The Affordable Care Act has survived repeated repeal attempts by Republicans.

Biden, who was Obama’s No. 2 when “Obamacare” became law in March 2010, wants to extend the law’s reach to even more than the current millions. He gave all the credit for the original law to the former president.

“It’s because of you,” Biden said after good-naturedly introducing himself as Obama’s vice president. Biden said the law “shows hope leads to change,” a play on Obama’s “hope and change” campaign slogan.

Obama was last at the White House on Jan. 20, 2017, when he left to escort Donald Trump, the successor bent on overturning the law, to the Capitol to be inaugurated. He spent more than four hours meeting with Biden and greeting White House staff in what was hoped would be a morale boost for the administration.

“It’s good to be back in the White House. It’s been awhile,” he said after Vice President Kamala Harris introduced him in the East Room. Obama opened by referring to Biden as “vice president” before acknowledging that was a “set up” joke and embracing his former No. 2.

Pres. Barack Obama

Obama said he and Biden accomplished “a lot” in their eight years but “nothing made me prouder than providing better health care and more protections to millions of people across this country.”Biden called the Affordable Care Act the most consequential legislation since Medicare and Medicaid were created in 1965, and insisted it must be expanded to more people.

Biden and Obama marked the 12th anniversary of the law, which back in 2010 the then-vice president had memorably whispered to Obama was a “big (expletive) deal” -- words captured on an open microphone.

At the event, Biden signed an executive order directing federal agencies to look for ways to continue to expand the availability and quality of affordable health care. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to close a “family glitch” in implementation of the 2010 law that his administration believes will help 200,000 more people gain affordable coverage.

Read more about the bill at www.DefenderNetwork.com.

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 22 - APRIL 7, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Administrative Asst.

Stacey Palmer

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright.

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

April 7, 2022 |

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DN News Credit report agencies removing most medical debt Defender News Service

Dr. Karen Millender with a patient during grand opening. Photo by Aswad Walker.

CenterWell Senior Primary Care comes to Third Ward

By Aswad Walker

CenterWell Senior Primary Care recently hosted the grand opening of its newest senior-focused primary care facility, located in One Emancipation Center (3131 Emancipation Ave.), the new structure across the street from Emancipation Park. CenterWell hopes the new facility will be viewed by residents as a symbol of rebirth in the Third Ward.

On hand were a bevvy of CenterWell staff members, including Regional Manager Gail Venyah, Clinical Pharmacist Amy Kelleh and physician Dr. Karen Millender.

“The importance of the day is unveiling a clinic in the Third Ward community that’s underserved, that’s going to be available to seniors in the community to bridge that gap, and to bring quality healthcare,” said Millender.

Among the grand opening highlights were center tours, multiple raffle drawings to win prizes, food trucks, free boxes of non-perishable food from Target Hunger for the first 50 attendees and DJ Chilly Bill Smith from KTSU-Radio.

But the main attraction was the medical staff on hand to look out for all aspects of patient care.

“The differentiator for the clinic is that we try to address patients’ ho-

Three of the country’s largest credit reporting agencies are removing nearly 70% of medical debt from consumer credit reports, the companies announced in a joint statement.

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will eliminate billions of dollars from the accounts of consumers who faced unexpected medical bills that they were unable to pay. The three firms said they made the move after months of research.

“Medical collections debt often arises from unforeseen medical circumstances. These changes are another step we’re taking together to help people across the United States focus on their financial and personal well-being,” the companies said in a joint statement.

The announcement follows research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau showing that Americans racked up $88 billion in medical debt on consumer credit records as of June 2021. It’s the most common debt collection credit account on credit records, the CFPB said. Medical debt can be volatile and unpredictable, and can negatively affect many financially secure consumers. Black, Hispanic, young and low-income consumers are most likely to be impacted by medical debt, the bureau said.

Medical debt concerns have heightened since the COVID-19 pandemic hospitalized millions of people, and CFPB Director Rohit Chopra has been publicly critical of medical debt collections by credit reporting agencies.

Chopra said the CFPB will be “closely scrutinizing” the big three credit reporting agencies. “We expect them to take seriously their role as major actors in the credit reporting system -- a system whose integrity and accuracy can determine the financial futures of hundreds of millions of people,” Chopra said.

Starting July 1, paid medical collection debt will no longer be included on consumer credit reports. Millions of Americans had credit scores previously lowered because debts paid after being sent to collections could appear on credit reports for up to seven years.

More changes are expected. It will now take one year before unpaid medical collection debt appears on a consumer’s report, instead of six months, the previous standard.

The three companies also said that starting in the first half of 2023, medical collection debt less than $500 will no longer be included on credit reports.

CenterWell Regional Manager Gail Venyah, Dr. Karen Millender and Clinical Pharmacist Amy Kelleh. Photo by Aswad Walker.

listic needs, not just their medical needs,” said Kelleh. “We review for their social needs, as in any isolation or grief recently.”

Kelleh and Venyah noted that many of the patients they met are grandparents who might take care of their grandchildren, oftentimes on a limited income that’s stretched even more with their extended grandparenting duties.

“So, we try to help them with the food insecurity, cost of medications, simplifying their regiment, making sure we individualize care based on what’s important to the patient and

based on what their medical goals are. That’s what makes us really different. We want to see our patients not just when they’re sick, but when they’re well, as well,” said Kelleh.

According to an official statement CenterWell offers “one-stop” healthcare with benefits that include longer visits with patients (up to 45 minutes); on-site labs; and access to pharmacists, mental health specialists and social workers to help with seniors’ behavioral, emotional, and social needs, such as food, transportation and community programs.

Credit report form on a desk with other paperwork. There are also a pen, glasses and a calculator on the desk. Hand is holding pen. Getty Images

April 7, 2022 |

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DN InFocus

Shades of

BLUE

Jasmine Boudah, Infact Loss Support Group Leader

Terhea Harris, Teen/Young Adult Support Group Leader

Sierra McClain Henry, Pregnancy and Post-Partum Support Group Leader

Matthews, founder of the Shades of Blue Project, graduated with a two-year degree in Early Childhood Development from North Harris College, and furthered her education in the mental health field by becoming a licensed community health worker. She has also received numerous awards from both her community and her peers, and sits on the boards of several national organizations. Additionally, Matthews is the author of the self-help journal, “365 Days to Recovery: Finding Your Way Out of The Darkness.”

Project confronts Black maternity crisis

By Aswad Walker

The fact that Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related issue than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has become well-known in the community. But maternal mortality not only speaks to the actual act of childbirth, but extends to the entire year afterward.

CDC.gov states, “Each year in the United States, about 700 people die during pregnancy or in the year after. Another 50,000 women each year experience severe pregnancy complications that can cause serious consequences for a woman’s health.” Because of variations in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism and implicit bias, Black women die or suffer pregnancy complications way more than their white counterparts.

Enter the Shades of Blue Project. The organization, founded by activist Kay Matthews, is “dedicated to helping women before, during and after child-birth with community resources, mental health advocacy, treatment and support,” according to the organization’s mission statement.

Shades of Blue envisions changing the way women, especially women of color, are currently being diagnosed and treated after giving birth and experiencing any adverse maternal mental health outcomes.

The Defender spoke with Matthews to learn more about the origins of Shades of Blue, and what it does to bring its vision into reality.

the way. I took it, literally like the recovery process, day by day, and I started to reach out to folks. I was already working in the community as an entrepreneur. I just took baby steps in creating a resource that would lead people back to getting what it is they need.

Defender: What is one of the biggest challenges you face in your work?

Matthews: There are no two birthing

experiences that are alike. Similar, but not alike. So, bringing folks to the awareness of acknowledging that outcomes of birth are not the same for everyone. We don’t encounter the same things. Our experiences are not the same. One person can say my birth was beautiful. Another may have a horror story.

Kay Mathews (left) with Shades of Blue Project participants.

Defender: What’s the focus of Shades of Blue, and where are your services offered?

Matthews: We are based here in Hous-

ton. Our focus is bridging the gaps that exist between maternal health and maternal mental health for folks of color. Our primary focus is bringing awareness and also offering social support service. We’re not just doing it here in Houston. We work on a national and international level as well.

Defender: What was the impetus behind founding Shades of Blue?

Matthews: My own birthing experi-

ence. It resulted in a stillbirth. My interactions with doctors, hospital systems and even any kind of care after that was so subpar, I felt no one deserved to not figure out what to do and how to move forward. As I worked through my own recovery and learning what life now would be going forward, I wanted to help others along

Defender: What is it about you that allowed you to go through such an experience and then turn around and try to help other people?

Matthews: I am a sympathetic and

empathetic type person. I know that something thinkable happened to me, but then I’m like, “What about when it happens to someone else; will they have the strength?”

Because it takes a lot of strength to move through your own thing, to help somebody else with that same thing, because you’ll be revisiting your pain, to be honest. You have to learn how to help someone, but not hurt yourself in the process. If I keep talking

ABOUT FOUNDER KAY MATTHEWS

Kay Mathews (center) with Shades of Blue Project participants.

about that I experienced a still birth, does that trigger something in me? So, I had to work on myself first before I could help someone else.

Defender: What needs to be changed about the way Black women are currently diagnosed and treated after giving birth?

Matthews: We actually need to get

diagnosed. That’s the thing; we’re so often overlooked. We have the superwoman strong complex, so we’re not even being asked questions like “Are you okay? How are you feeling? Is there anything that’s coming up that’s bothering you, that’s of concern?”

We don’t often get asked those questions to give responses that would warrant someone stopping. So, it’s about actually giving us the opportunity to be diagnosed.

And then once we are, once this red flag

DN

goes off, then giving us a resource, giving us some direction and guidance on where we go to get help… so we’re not running around trying to figure out things on our own. And then we end up giving up and just be like, “I’ll deal with it when I deal with it.”

And that’s so culturally embedded in us to just say, “We got it. We can do it. I’ll handle it.” But then mental health is pushed to the back… We try to equip folks with the tools to be okay with asking for help and then to be okay with receiving the very help that you ask for. It’s this process that we have to work through.

Defender: Does Shades of Blue focus specifically on empowering women in the maternal experience?

Matthews: That’s part of it. We also do

work on policy and things like that. I work with hospital systems, training doctors

and nurses through a training method that we created— the I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Method. The delivery care system has to change if we want to see better outcomes. It’s okay for us to advocate for ourselves, but we shouldn’t be forced. If you didn’t go to school to be a doctor, why do you have to come in there with a whole rundown of what your doctor should be giving to you and you’re giving it to your doctor?

This is a twofold thing. For us, when we think about community, even from a community-based organization, hospital, clinic level, we should be building relationships. Folks who walk through our door are our clients. Those same clients are in a hospital system — the patients. We should have some type of working relationships so we are serving people wholeheartedly.

Learn about the Shades of Blue services, ways you can support them, and how Shades advocates for change from medical care providers, all at DefenderNetwork.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA Website: www.Shades OfBlueProject.org Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: Shades of Blue Project

10 | April 7, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Defender education reporter launches photo project with Yates HS students

By Laura Onyeneho

It was almost a year ago when I decided to pack my bags to embark on the next chapter of my journalism career as an education reporter for the Defender Network covering one of the largest school systems in the country.

For a long time, I had positioned my career around covering issues that impacted Black people and other marginalized communities and I was ready to take on the challenge of learning about Houston’s public school system and providing coverage that matters to the area.

As I continue to develop connections within the community, I realized the importance of showing up and being present in these spaces. I’m not here to be a parachute journalist, jumping into a community and then heading out when I’ve completed my assignment. I’ve had to build trust as an outsider looking in.

To be honest with you, the southern hospitality is strong.

Apart from my work as an education reporter, I’m also a Report for America (RFA) corps member. RFA is a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities.

There is a crisis in local journalism today. Many news organizations have had to cut jobs, pull back circulation or reduce coverage altogether. Millions of Americans are left without a vital source of local news. These outlets play an important role in informing the community about local government, elections, and other civic events.

Denise Tejada, RFA service project manager, continues to work diligently with corps members nationwide providing us with the resources and guidance we need to accomplish our project.

“These service projects allow corps members to connect with their community in a different way, Tejada said. “Immersing yourself in the neighborhoods you report in only enhances your experience. The people won’t feel a disconnect and the community will have exposure to a platform and journalists who care about their voices and needs.”

One of my responsibilities as a corps member is to volunteer my time on a youth media project to help young students produce stories about the world around them.

This year, I collaborated with iconic Jack Yates High School photography teacher Ray Carrington III and his students on a project titled The Essence of Black Houston Photo Essay Project.

Carrington is a beloved educator -- and former Defender photographer -- who has

Jake Yates High School photography students pose in front of The African American Library with Mr. Ray Carrington (left), and Defenser Education reporter Laura Onyeneho (second to left) Photo: Laura Onyeneho

Josiah Hughes taking photos. Photo: Laura Onyeneho

been teaching at the high school for almost 30 years. I remembered the first time I entered his classroom and was in awe about the quality of work his students produced.

The idea made perfect sense to me because with his wealth of experience, along with the talent of his students, these young folk will have the opportunity to get a front row seat to witness the contributions of generations of Black Houstonians. We owe it to our youth to carry that spirit into the future.

I worked with a few of Carrington’s brightest photography students focusing on telling stories of three key neighborhoods in the city through pictures: Third Ward,

Fourth Ward and Fifth Ward.

“As a teacher, I try to teach the kids things that...I needed and got at an early age that they may not have gotten yet,” Carrington said. “My students are understanding the power and value of a photograph. These photos will be a direct link to our past. The kids might not see that now, but they will years down the line.”

We took the students on a trip where they will apply all their photojournalism techniques in the field. We visited historical landmarks such as Emancipation Park, the African American Library and the DeLuxe Theatre. They had the opportunity to speak

with locals and learn about the developments and changes happening in the city.

“I like how I’m learning about new stuff while I’m taking pictures,” said freshman photography student Josiah Hughes. “All my life [I’ve] just been in Houston or Third Ward. I’ve never really been to Fifth Ward before or any of these places. I’ve learned a lot about the type of history Black people have that I never knew about.”

It never dawned on me that there are young people in the community who never considered exploring outside of their neighborhoods. The students lit up in excitement as we traveled into various parts of the city.

Alejandro Flores is a sophomore at Yates. He was raised in El Salvador and enjoyed learning about a culture he wasn’t too familiar with.

“My experience has been pretty great because before I used to take pictures and pictures for me made no sense,” Flores said.

“I learned about how to write good impressions [photo descriptions] and how to express my feelings through a [picture].

Overall, this was a great experience, and I look forward to when Black Houston will see the hard work of these dedicated students.

Laura Onyeneho covers the city’s education system as it relates to Black children for the Defender Network as a Report For America Corps member. Email her at laura@defendernetwork.com

T:9.75"

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T:13"

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12 | April 7, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Claughton Middle School student garners national gymnastics spotlight to fix it and I’m getting frustrated. I’ll talk Claughton Middle School gymnast Nia to them and ask my coaches for more help Dyer is a force to be reckoned with. so I can get better at it. My mom teaches at The 13-year-old garnered national atten- the school and she is amazing and helpful. tion by ranking within the top 100 vaulters If I ever need anything she’ll always have in the United States. In Dallas, she placed my back. in the top 10 in all four of her events, with a vault score of 9.725, ranking her at No. 30 Defender: What has gymnastics taught in the nation. you about yourself?

When she isn’t dabbling in art and pho- Nia: I’ve learned to take challenges head on tography or hanging out with her friends, but not put too much pressure on myself she is hitting the ground running practicing and have fun. Be present and focus on the her twists and turns 10 feet in the air and moment. mastering her landings. Athletics comes naturally to Dyer’s family. She has a big support Defender: How do you balance academics system, including her mother Kesha Dyer, a and gymnastics training five to six days a volleyball coach at Claughton. week?

Dyer’s journey began at the age of 3 and Nia: It has been a struggle, but I’ve learned she doesn’t plan on slowing down yet. The to get better at it. During volleyball at the Defender spoke beginning of the to Nia and Kesha school year I’ve Read why Nia doesn’t Dyer about how noticed that it’s eassee the Olympics in she balances ier to keep everyher future and what the Dyers say about achievement on thing in order. I Blacks in gymnastics. and off the floor. know I have to get my school work Defender: What interested you in done first before sports. Learning how to gymnastics? manage my time has been better when I Nia Dyer: When I was younger, I used to organize my priorities. copy people doing tricks. When I saw some- Kesha Dyer: She follows the rules. She one doing cartwheels, I would do the same works hard. There’s a lot of pressure on kids thing. My mom figured this would be a good [who are] in the same school with their paractivity for me to do, and I’ve been doing it ent, but its normal for her. She understands ever since. that education comes first. I teach her the importance of rest. Burnout is a real thing Defender: You come from an athletic fam- especially with a jam-packed schedule. She ily. How has your family’s support helped played on the volleyball team this year and you become a better athlete? practiced at six in the morning, went to Nia: Sometimes I’ll have challenges or school, and then gymnastics practice right struggles and they will help me. For exam- after for four hours every day during the ple, if I keep falling and I don’t know howT:4.79"week. It’s hard but it’s showing good results.

By Laura Onyeneho

LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: Game #

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$

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Texaslottery.com is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes. In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2022 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

Please join City of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) for one of our virtual Spring Community Meetings on March 31, 2022 at 3 pm and April 6, 2022 at 6 pm to give input on the Draft 2022 Annual Action Plan. Approximately $48 million in federal entitlement grants will be available to improve Houston’s neighborhoods and the quality of life for low- and moderate-income families over the next year. These federal grants include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Staff will discuss the budget and goals included in the 2022 Annual Action Plan.

Ways to Participate Live Microsoft Teams Link: bit.ly/2022SPH Call In US (Toll): 1-936-755-1521 English Participant Code: 588 312 814# Spanish Participant Code: 893 762 513# Facebook Live: @HoustonHCDD HTV For additional information or to request special arrangements for the live virtual meetings (interpreter or other), contact Ashley Lawson at (832) 394-5438 or Ashley.Lawson@houstontx.gov. For specific questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations, please contact Yolanda Jefferies at (832) 394-6200 ext. 5.

RFP FOR SOCIAL HOUSING PARTNER The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (“CFTH”) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a social housing partner to support, manage, and operate a 100+ unit residence known as the Navigation Center located at 2903 Jensen in Houston. The Center will provide approximately 100 semiprivate “bridge beds,” with an additional overflow bunk space for approximately 26 individuals. The Center will be open 24/7 and will operate 7 days a week, providing access to housing and employment programs as well as supportive services. We welcome proposals that include innovative operation and support models that improve the long-term stability of tenants and contribute to creating a balanced community of tenants within the building and in the area.

The focus will be on a low-barrier temporary residence for individuals experiencing homelessness, with the ultimate outcome of moving them out of the Navigation Center and into permanent housing.

This provider will bring the experience of running a large housing operation while supporting a very vulnerable population. The selected agency will work closely with leadership of CFTH and The Way Home Continuum of Care. The agency will be able to provide input while the Center is being built out, with the expectation of beginning operations in the Center by August 2022. The term for proposed services will be a two-year period, subject to negotiation of a final agreement.

This project is contingent upon funding. In addition to 2 CFR 200 rules, the selected partner is subject to compliance requirements (i.e., monitoring, insurance, etc.).If interested in applying, contact Sarah Holmes or Ryan Clay for a full version of this RFP at contracts@homelesshouston.org. All questions regarding any aspect of this RFP should follow the same process. Responses to this RFP should be submitted electronically to contracts@homelesshouston.org no later than 12PM CDT on April 11, 2022.

T:3.25"

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Nia Dyer Photo: Ray E. Canales

April 7, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

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3/28/22 5:22 PM

14 | April 7, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rockets rookie guard Josh Christopher had a career night against Minnesota, scoring a careerhigh 30 points, which included 19 points in the fourth quarter of an eventual 139-132 loss.

Prairie View outfielder Brayden Johnson had 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI in Game 3 to help the Panthers to a three-game sweep over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and put them in first place in the SWAC West.

Sports Briefs Gresham, Daniels play in HBCU All-Star Game Texas Southern’s Brison Gresham and Prairie View’s Jawaun Daniels both participated in Brison the inaugural Gresham HBCU Men’s Basketball AllStar Game in New Orleans last weekend. The intent of the game is to bring attention to HBCU basketball and some of the players who may get overlooked.

Gresham and Daniels both played on Team Gaines which lost to Team McLendon 79-75.

TSU leadoff batter Johnathon Thomas doing what he does better than anyone else in the nation, stealing base.

Nation’s stolen base leader Johnathon Thomas has blast at TSU

By Terrance Harris

Overall, college baseball hasn’t always lived up to what Johnathon Thomas thought it would be when he decided to pursue baseball full-time after a multi-sports high school career at Kincaid.

But you wouldn’t know there have been difficult times when the junior center fielder talks about what he has learned as a player over the last four years, first at University of Houston and now Texas Southern. He flashes a huge smile before any words come out.

“The bottom line is you have to have fun,” Thomas said. “You have to enjoy the game to be good at it, you can’t always be stressed. You are going to fail and you are going to learn off your failures.”

His baseball career didn’t go quite as planned at UH, but Thomas is certainly having a blast in the Tigers program and with his teammates in his first season at TSU. He is establishing new

life-long friendships and having a huge impact on the Tigers on the baseball field.

As the speedy leadoff hitter, Thomas leads Division I baseball in steals with 36. The next player in the nation closest to him has 24 stolen bases and that’s his teammate, Justin Cooper – who bats second in the order.

“I really have to thank my 2-hole, Justin Cooper, a lot because he takes a lot of strikes for me to steal,” Thomas said.

“Sometimes he even takes two strikes and he is down 0-2 [in the pitching count], but I’m at third but he still has two strikes. So I have to thank him a lot.”

While being impressed with Thomas in all facets, TSU coach Michael Robertson simply is blown away by the multitude of ways Thomas can collect stolen bases.

He can steal bases on strikes, passed balls and wild pitches.

But it all starts with his ability to

get on base.

Thomas is top 7 in the SWAC in batting average, ranks fourth in on base percentage (0.491), is second in runs scored (39) and slugging percentage (.703), third in walks (9) and for good measure leads the conference in home runs (6).

“I always tell kids, your tool is your speed and you can’t use it if you are not putting the ball into play,” Robertson said. “So Johnathon is putting the ball in play really well this year.”

As far as Robertson is concerned, Thomas is doing everything well.

He is close to a 4.0 student in the classroom, is a good young man overall, works extremely hard on his craft and has a strong desire to really learn the game.

Robertson, who discovered Thomas in the NCAA transfer portal last year, believes Thomas will not only continue to lead the nation in stolen bases but will

shatter the NCAA record in the process.

“He is one of those kids that may come around once every 20 years or so in terms of his make up,” said Robertson, whose Tigers fell out of first place in the SWAC after dropping all three games at Southern over the weekend. “His make up is very sound and he is just a phenomenal kid. He wants to learn more about the game of baseball. He is a very well-mannered kid. He has a really solid foundation, you can tell from his environment at home.”

Thomas was born into an athletic family. His mother ran track at Rice and his father was a twosport athlete at Baylor (football and track). So athletics has always been a big thing around his home.

“It was really fun growing up because you make everything a competition or you are always around any kind of sporting events,” Thomas said. “The lingo we talk is mostly sports so it’s really fun, it’s like a competitive family sort of thing we have going on.”

And who is the best athlete in the family? Thomas burst into laughter before delivering his answer.

“Not to toot my own horn, but I would say that I am,” he said.

Dawn Staley leads South Carolina to second national title Former Houston Comet guard Dawn Staley won her second NCAA Women’s Dawn Basketball Staley national title with South Carolina. Her No. 1-ranked Gamecocks defeated perennial power UConn 64-49 in Minneapolis.

Staley is now the first African American coach in both men’s and women’s Division I basketball to win multiple national titles.

Kelvin Sampson named Coach of Year University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has been named CBS Coach of the Year. Sampson Kelvin led the CouSampson gars, who were missing two key players much of the year, to an AAC title and their second-straight Elite Eight appearance.

April 7, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports SHARPSTOWN SOCCER PLAYERS

SEMI MWISENEZA & ALLAN NSENGIYUNVA SHINE

By Jodie B. Jiles

Sharpstown High School Ugandan graduating senior midfielder Semi Mwiseneza and forward Allan Nsengiyunva have upheld the Apollos tradition of winning soccer games this season going a perfect 6-0 in district play.

Mwiseneza is considered a natural scorer who can shoot and position himself to create opportunities on goal.

Coming off of an injury in seasons past, Nsengiyunva finished his senior year healthy and played a significant role as a key leader on Sharpstown’s roster.

The Defender spoke with the duo to discuss their style of play, leadership and advice to other first-generation African players looking to play American soccer on the high school level.

STYLE OF PLAY Nsengiyunva: “We stay positive. We defend, stay disciplined and respect our opponents.”

LEADERSHIP Mwiseneza: “We push our team and tell them to never give up. Everything is possible.”

Nsengiyunva: “We keep pushing ourselves and we stay disciplined. If somebody messes up we pick them up and we tell them it is OK. The next play you got it.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS Nsengiyunva: “Make sure you work hard and believe in yourself. Because once you get to high school you have to make a choice if they want to play on the big teams.”

Mwiseneza: “Try to respect the coaches and be coachable.”

ABOUT SEMI MWISENEZA IG: @simeon Favorite player: ABOUT ALLAN Cristiano NSENGIYUNVA Ronaldo IG: @a__llen Favorite player: Cristiano Ronaldo Shout-outs: “My coach and our school.”

16 | April 7, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

ReShonda Tate Author dishes on her new book ‘Miss Pearly’s Girls’, movies and more.

By Aswad Walker

ReShonda Tate is an award-winning, best-selling author, screenwriter and movie producer with a large and dedicated fan base.

Yet, this Arkansas-bred, Houston-raised force has managed to remain firmly grounded even as her sales and stature continue to rise.

The Defender spoke with Tate, who doubles as the Defender Network’s managing editor, about her latest book, multiple talents, writing process and future projects.

Defender: “Miss Pearly’s Girls” is your 53rd book. What is it about?

ReShonda Tate: I’m originally from a

ABOUT RESHONDA Education: Madison High School, University of Texas at Austin Hobbies: Reading, watching “Law & Order” Favorite book: Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” Little known fact: “I wanted to drop out of school and be a rapper, but my mom said no.”

Website: www.ReshondaTateBillingsley.com FB & IG: /reshondatatebillingsley Twitter: @ReshondaT

small town in Arkansas called Smackover. The story takes place there and it’s about a mother whose daughters are estranged. She falls ill and summons them home, hoping to get them to come clean from secrets and heal from the fallout. It shows how secrets and lies can fester and ruin families. I don’t believe in staying in toxic relationships, but I do believe in healing and that’s what this family is faced with.

Defender: Your fans know you have a gift for writing but you’re also an award-winning poet and a captivating public speaker. Of all these different ways of communicating, which one is your favorite, which one comes most naturally and which one is the most challenging?

Tate: I love doing them

faith-based, fiction writer, but that’s because I am a Christian who writes fiction. So, my faith is going to resonate in all my stories.

But I write reality, the good, bad and ugly. The themes of family, healing, forgiveness, are common in many of my novels. My books resonate with people because I write about real issues that people are going through. I’ve been doing this for more than 20 years and I think that’s one of the reasons for my longevity in this business.

Defender: What’s next for you?

Tate: I’m really excited about the next book

Defender: What parts of your works really speak to your audience?

Tate: I’ve been called a

Defender: You have all these books, you travel the country speaking, you write and produce movies, you’re a mother of three. How do you balance it all?

Tate: I believe every minute you spend

talking about what you don’t have time to do could be spent doing it. You won’t find me just sitting idly around. When I’m in my car stuck in Houston traffic, I’ll dictate a chapter. I utilize every spare moment. I’ve never been one to be confined to a box. I believe I can accomplish my dreams -- all of them.

all. A lot of people don’t know this about me, but I used to be deathly shy. Like, hide-behind-my-mother’sleg, shy. I went to Madison High School and in the ninth grade, they made me the morning announcer.

And once they put that microphone in front of me, I just lit up and have been going strong ever since.

It’s like I found my calling.

So, to me, they all go hand in hand. I love storytelling.

I love writing. And then I absolutely love getting in front of people and speaking.

that I’m working on. It is called “The Queen of Sugar Hill.” It is a biographical novel about actress Hattie McDaniel. A lot of people know that she won an Oscar for playing Mammy in “Gone With the Wind,” but her story is so much deeper than that. And I’m getting lost in all of the research to write this story. I don’t think that I’ve ever enjoyed the process of writing a book as much as I do this. I’m also preparing to film my first movie that I wrote and produced later this year. I’m working on another screenplay that I hope we can film in Houston. My story never ends, I just begin new chapters.

Photo By Jimmie Aggison

Read ReShonda’s advice for aspiring writers and journalists, details on her movies, & more.