Houston Defender: April 14, 2022

Confirmed...

KETANJI BROWN JACKSON MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE.

PROFILE

NEWS

KEANDRE’ JORDAN

MARC MORIAL

The influencer is showcasing Black food one bite at a time.

Volume 91, issue 23 April 14, 2022

The Urban League releases its annual State of Black America, and it’s not good.

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2 | April 14, 2022 |

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DN On POINT

Chelsey Lucas (inset) cut the entire volleyball roster at Grambling State University, sparking a huge controversy.

Message from the Publisher Grambling drama

bully Hidalgo out of that coveted County Judge As a volleyball mom, I’ve been following the seat, they might want to think again. drama at Grambling State University. In case you hadn’t heard, the new volleyball coach cut all 19 For the love of a turkey leg of the team’s current players. That means they’ll Social media users are reacting to a new pollose their scholarships, and for some, their colicy at the popular Turkey Leg Hut. The Almeda lege career, following the unprecedented move.

Road establishment has gained a cult following Chelsey Lucas, who spent three years coaching for its stuffed turkey legs and soul food offerReShonda Tate at The University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff (UAPB), ings, as well as a notorious reputation for long made the drastic roster change just two months aflines and waits on weekends. The proprietors ter she was hired. Naturally, the girls, who say they were never have attempted to rein in wait times at the establishment given the opportunity to try out, were devastated. by offering reservations for guests, which for a party of two Lucas’ swift decision comes at a tough time for the players, requires a non-refundable $100 deposit paid through Cash who are now racing to secure another scholarship program App, as well as a signed contract ahead of your visit to the before the end of the 2022 season, a difficult feat since most restaurant. The policy is not new, according to the restauschools have already dispersed scholarships. rant’s publicist, but it did get the attention of Twitter. Social Grambling officials support Lucas, basically saying “Out media users debated the red tape surrounding Turkey Leg with the old, in with the new.” I get sports can be brutal. I get Hut’s reservation process, some arguing the deposit—which a coach being within her right to dismantle a whole team. is credited toward patrons’ total bill—is doing the most.

But I don’t get the callousness of this whole thing. Many of Others say they are willing to pay it to avoid those long lines. these girls can’t transfer without losing credits or they can’t I say….I’m just gonna get my turkey leg to go. What say you? stay at Grambling without money. If the school couldn’t find Let us know your opinion on social media. any other money, they could’ve at least acted like they care, released a remorseful statement, something. “Out with the Before I go.... old, in with the new.” Really???? The way the university hanYes, I’m still talking about Will. Do I believe he needed dled this situation sent a negative message to those players to have some repurcussions over his Oscars slap? Definitely. and anyone thinking about attending Grambling. We want But 10 years? Come on, son. Let me explain....From Woody to encourage our children to attend HBCUs, promising Allen to Kevin Spacey to a host of other white men who comthem safe havens and support. This is anything but support. mitted atrocious acts, none of them ever received a ban from #DoBetterGSU the Academy for any amount of time, let alone a decade. But the Black guy, Will Smith—never arrested, squeaky clean his Lina Hildago readies for a fight whole life, safe square Will Smith—is dangerous, out of conWhile three indicted senior staffers from Harris County trol, and has destroyed his career because of one mistake.

Judge Lina Hidalgo’s office were making their first court ap- He’s been put in the same category as Bill Cosby and Harvey pearances, Hidalgo was standing her ground, letting every- Weinstein. Make it make sense. one know she refused to play political games.

But you know what? I’m betting Will will be back...and it Alex Triantaphyllis, Wallis Nader and Aaron Dunn will be Black America who makes that possible. And once were indicted following an investigation into an $11 he’s bankable again, watch white America come back. million COVID vaccine outreach contract. On Twitter, Hildago said “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that unfair ON THE WEB accusations are being leveled against my team in the mid- • HISD offering $10K stipends to teachers who improve studle of my re-election campaign. I do not, and will not, dent achievement. cave to bullying or political dirty tricks. I have not seen • Survey: Minority renters pay more in application, security anything to suggest my staff did anything but work tiredeposit fees. lessly for the people of Harris County. They will remain • Sports reporter Terrance Harris expands his sports reporton my team.” ing with must-read stories.

I don’t know who’s innocent or guilty on this one, but I’ll • Check out our DN+ channels featuring stories for Black be tuned in...I do know one thing, if anyone thinks they’ll women, Community Central and Under 40.

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DN News Councilmember Edward Pollard, Metro launch jobs resource

By Aswad Walker

Rose Stuckey Kirk, president of the Verizon Foundation

Verizon $300K grant bolsters Houston Equity Fund, TSU

By Aswad Walker

“This opportunity to be here, to enThe Houston Fund for Social Justice and sure that we can fund, and we can partEconomic Equity (Houston Equity Fund) ner with you to drive opportunity in this recently announced that it is a recipient “This investment community and in this city, in the fourth of a $300K grant from Verizon Founda- by Verizon and largest economy in the nation, was really tion. The Houston Equity Fund will utilize to the Fund will important to us at Verizon,” said Kirk. the grant to support diverse-owned small allow continued “So, our $300,000 is a thank you. It’s a businesses in the Houston area and youth opportunity thank you for what you do to ensure that empowerment and education efforts with- to support we can be a part of a growing and thrivin the entrepreneurship program at Texas organizations and ing community.”

Southern University (TSU).

The Houston Equity Fund and Vernon-profits as “We’re so proud to be the stewards of they seek to be izon Foundation will work in tandem that gift in working closely with Texas with Texas Southern University to supinnovative, expand Southern University on their programs,” port economic development as well as and evolve in a said Thomas Jones, president of the Housyouth empowerment activities at the ton Equity Fund. “The nonprofits that we way that meets Third Ward-based HBCU, to the delight are supporting through this contribution the needs of our of TSU’s president, Dr. Lesia Crumpare enacting great programs, which align community.” ton-Young, whose remarks reflected on with the pillars of our organization. The Mayor Sylvester her meetings with Kirk that helped faciliprograms support community building, Turner tate the celebrated support. economic development, youth empower“When I met Rose, we had a conversament, education, and social and racial justice.” tion about transforming lives,” said Crumpton-Young.

Several city officials, including Mayor Sylvester Turn- “And we had a conversation about Verizon continuer, were on hand to celebrate the grant. ing to be a partner in that transformation. And I’m so “Verizon, your contribution to the Houston Fund for thankful that today is an example of what true partnerSocial Justice and Economic Equity allows us to con- ship efforts can mean on a college campus.” tinue fueling traction towards economic development The TSU School of Business’s Gerald B. Smith Center for our communities by making an investment in Texas for Entrepreneurship will be the direct recipient of the Southern University’s programs which focus on small collaboration’s funding. Gerald Smith, for whom the businesses and financial literacy,” said Turner. center is named, was also on hand to show appreciation.

Rose Stuckey Kirk, president of the Verizon Founda“We look forward to making a difference in utilizing tion, and member of a five-generation family of HBCU these funds to make sure that entrepreneurship thrives graduates, was on hand representing the grantors. in a way that we all expect for it to,” said Smith.

Councilmember Edward Pollard and Metro officials recently announced the launch of DistrictJJobs.com, a website that offers tools to job seekers to find employment with local companies.

Pollard’s office has partnered with Metro to provide signage at each of the sheltered bus stops within District J, the most diverse and most densely populated area of the city. The signs will be adhered to the shelter and will include a QR code riders can scan to easily access the website and connect to businesses with available opportunities.

“Through a partnership with Metro, my office has created a website, www.DistrictJJobs.com, that will be an online platform that lists hundreds of job openings all over the Houston area,” said Pollard. “On the site, these jobs will be categorized by professions, such as administrative, arts and entertainment, education, government, hospitality, internships, medical, professional services, restaurants, skilled labor, technology and miscellaneous.

We will also prominently display job openings that are available at Metro.

“At each Metro bus stop in District J, a sticker will be attached to the shelter (bus stop), inquiring if riders need a job, with a QR code that a rider can hold their smart phone up to and access the DistrictJJobs.com website.”

As Houston begins to transition out of the pandemic, Pollard believes access to quality job opportunities is essential to the overall economic stability of families and the city at large. Houston has seen a spike in crime during the pandemic, which Pollard links to a lack of employment.

“Many of our residents, especially those who live in apartment complexes, are riders of our public transit bus system. There’s no doubt that the pandemic has had a devastating effect on families, due to the loss of employment or having to settle for under-employment. Our city has also seen a spike in crime, and I believe some of that can be attributed to lack of employment opportunities. As such, my office has been diligently working on an initiative that we believe will strengthen the overall economic stability of the city, and at the same time, bring quality job openings to those living in some of Houston’s most vulnerable and under-served communities,” said Pollard.

For more information visit www.DistrictJJobs.com.

Councilmember Edward Pollard scanning QR code at a District J Metro bus stop displaying jobs. Photo by Misty Starks.

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DN News National Urban League finds State of Black America is grim Median Black Household Income

$43,862 Black

$69,823 White

Other Findings: Black Women

59%

MORE LIKELY to die as a result of bearing a child Black Women

31%

MORE LIKELY to die of breast cancer Black Men

52%

MORE LIKELY to die of prostate cancer

Associated Press

The National Urban League has released its annual report on the State of Black America, and its findings are grim. This year’s Equality Index shows Black people still get only 73.9% of the American pie white people enjoy.

While Black people have made economic a n d h e a lt h g a i n s , they’ve slipped further behind white people in education, social justice and civic engagement Marc Morial since this index was launched in 2005. A compendium of average outcomes by race in many aspects of life, it shows just how hard it is for people of color to overcome systemic racism, the civil rights organization says.

“These numbers change so little and so slowly. What it tells me is that this institutional disparity based on race seems to be built into American society,” National Urban League President Marc Morial said in an interview.

The index shows that the median Black household income is 37% less than that of white people.

Black people also are less likely to benefit from home ownership, the engine of

A girl in a stroller plays with a squirt gun as a woman pushes her past a Black Lives Matter mural in the Shaw neighborhood in Washington, Monday, July 13, 2020. The National Urban League released its annual report on the State of Black America on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, and its findings are grim. This year’s Equality Index shows Black people still get only 73.9 percent of the American pie white people enjoy. AP

generational wealth in America. Census data shows Black couples are more than twice as likely as their white counterparts to be denied a mortgage or a home improvement loan, which leads to just 59% of the median home equity white households have, and just 13% of their wealth.

“In that area of wealth, we’ve seen almost no change, none, since the civil rights days,” Morial said. “The wealth disparity has gotten wider.”

Among dozens of health measures, one stands out: Life expectancy has declined slightly for African Americans, so a Black child born today can expect to live to 74.7, four years less than a white baby.

Overdoses afflict the races about equally,

while white people are 55% more likely to drink themselves to death through cirrhosis or chronic liver disease. Among people 15-24, white people are more than twice as likely to kill themselves, while Black men are nine times more likely to die by homicide.

Educational gaps abound: Black and white preschoolers are roughly equally prepared, but the classrooms they enter are starkly different. Schools with more minority students are more likely to have inexperienced, less trained and even uncertified teachers. Fewer of these students are enrolled in the STEM classes that can lead to higher-paying jobs. Black students are less likely to graduate from college.

VP Kamala Harris to announce medical debt reforms NNPA

One-in-three adults in the United States are saddled with medical debt, which now counts as the largest source of debt in collections – more than credit cards, utilities and auto loans combined. According to a White House fact sheet, Black and Hispanic households are more likely to hold medical debt than white households.

As part of the fight to help people contend with high costs, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to announce reforms to help ease the burden of medical debt. The White House said this should help provide more families with opportunities to thrive.

“Together, these actions will help hold medical providers and debt collectors accountable for harmful practices, reduce the role that medical debt plays in determining whether Americans can access credit – which will open up new opportunities for

people with medical actions build upon Presdebt to buy a home or ident Joe Biden’s April get a small business loan, 5th Executive Order on help over half a million strengthening access of low-income Amerto affordable, quality ican veterans get their health care coverage, medical debt forgiven which directed federal and inform consumers agencies to take action of their rights,” said the to reduce the burden of Vice President administration. medical debt.

Kamala Harris The White House said “Vice President Harris medical debt isn’t just a is announcing reforms in financial issue – it can have negative four areas that will lessen the burden health effects. One study found that of medical debt, protect consumers, almost half of individuals with medical and open up new opportunities for debt intentionally avoided seeking care. Americans looking to buy a home “Getting sick or taking care of or start a small business,” the White loved ones should not mean finan- House said. cial hardship for American families,” The administration noted that the administration officials stated. “That federal government pays roughly $1.5 is why the Administration is taking trillion a year into the health care sysnew action to ease the burden of med- tem to provide patients with quality ical debt and protect consumers from care and services. Providers receiving predatory collection policies.” that funding should make it easy for The White House said the planned eligible patients to receive the financial

assistance they are entitled to and should not directly or indirectly subject patients to

illegal and harassing debt collection practices, the White House stated.

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 23 - APRIL 14, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Administrative Asst.

Stacey Palmer

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

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

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

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DN Education Houston media literacy non-profit hosts educator event

By Laura Onyeneho

Intellect U Well Inc. (IUW), a Houston based non-profit that promotes media literacy and digital citizenship, collaborates with national education organization News Literacy Project to bring the best practices of navigating media and news information into classrooms.

The virtual event titled IUW Development: Media Literacy Digital Citizenship for Educators sought to bring awareness to the history and cultural issues surrounding media literacy for K-12 educators and students.

In the era of “fake news,” the program was divided into different sessions on strengthening the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate and verify the quality of students’ news consumption. With the eroding trust in mainstream media and the increasingly politically polarized environment, navigating the information on the internet has become increasingly complex.

According to a study from the Common Sense Census: Media used by Tween and Teens: 19% of kids have their own smartphones by age 8

2. Explore what isn’t news. Help stu-

dents understand the differences between propaganda, opinion and editorial pieces, primary sources, entertainment, memes and advertising. How are these mediums used in the platforms they use?

3. Teach students to question what advertisements tell them. Give exam-

ples of popular films, music or news stories to illustrate what they might know and the accuracy of their knowledge.

4. Foster computer and critical thinking skills. Introduce traditional print

media to practice reading and comprehension skills and how to best search and factcheck on the internet.

5. Consume media with children.

53% of kids have their own smartphones

by age 11 69% have a smartphone by age 12 Educators teach some form of media literacy while incorporating creative ways to build activities into their academic lesson plans. There isn’t a national standard or curriculum to follow so organizations like IUW and News Literacy Project are created

to provide resources to educators.

Here are some key takeaways experts at the event shared to help teachers improve the quality of their media literacy activities in classrooms.

1. Meet students where they are. If you are interested in student engagement, you have to make concessions as to what you think is newsworthy to them.

Children often gather their information from friends and family they trust. Parents should filter through the kind of news that is being read and watched at home. Ask the child questions and have conversations around topics of the day, especially if there are certain values and beliefs a family has that impacts a child’s response to the information they receive (ex. LGBTQ rights, critical race theory in schools, atheism and the Pledge of Allegiance).

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

Ketanji Brown Jackson What her confirmation means for Black America

By ReShonda Tate

For many, the historic confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is a tribute to generations of Black Americans who she said paved the way for her elevation to the nation’s highest court.

“I have now achieved something far beyond anything my grandparents could have possibly ever imagined,” Jackson said, noting they had gained only grade-school educations before starting their family and later sending their children to racially segregated schools.

“The path was cleared for me, so that I might rise to this occasion,” she said. “And in the poetic words of Dr. Maya Angelou, I do so now.”

Quoting Angelou’s famous poem, “And Still I Rise,” Jackson added: “I am the dream and the hope of the slave.”

Jackson, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, said that she has been lucky on her path to the high court. Although her arrival breaks one of the remaining racial barriers in American democracy, many Black Americans still struggle to surmount systemic blocks.

She namechecked the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights icon, as well as Black federal judicial trailblazers such as Justice Thurgood Marshall and Judge Constance Baker Motley, thanking them for their leadership and role modeling.

“For all of the talk of this historic nomination and now confirmation, I think of them as the true path breakers,” Jackson said. “I’m just the very lucky first inheritor of the dream of liberty and justice for all.”

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris applaud Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Jackson speaks during an event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, April 8, 2022, celebrating the confirmation of Jackson as the first Black woman to reach the Supreme Court. Getty

Making America proud

Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable, watched Jackson’s speech from the White House lawn. With the sun shining through clouds over Washington, there was a palpable joy in the crowd over what Jackson symbolizes for the country, she said.

“It just felt like the ancestors were dancing.”

“I can see myself, in now-Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson,” Campbell added. “(Jackson) understands the significance of this moment for Black women, for women, for the nation.

And it is a game changer.”

Others watching the speech also noted the diversity at the event and the image at the center — President Joe Biden flanked by the first Black female Supreme Court justice and the first Black and Asian American vice president.

Just before Vice President Kamala Harris introduced the president, she gushed over what Jackson’s confirmation will one day mean to her young, Black goddaughter.

“When I presided over the Senate confirmation vote yesterday, while I was sitting there, I drafted a note to my goddaughter,” Harris said. “I told her that I felt such a deep sense of pride and joy about what this moment means for our nation and for her future.”

Speaking directly to Jackson, Harris added: “And I will tell you, her braids are just a little longer than yours.”

Although the occasion will be noted in history books as a symbol of racial progress,many believe Jackson’s elevation to the Supreme Court should be celebrated by Americans of all races and creeds.

People celebrate the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to reach the Supreme Court during a rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Friday, April 8, 2022. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana A career of firsts

Throughout her career, Jackson has been one of just a few Black women. When she became a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in 1999, less than 2 percent of the high court’s clerks at the time were Black.

When she was appointed to be a U.S. district judge in 2013, Black women made up about 1 percent of all judges to ever sit on the federal bench.

Now, as the first Black woman to hold a Supreme Court seat, her presence is set to create the first all-women liberal wing of the court, whose dissenting opinions are expected

In my family, it took just one generation to go from segregation to the Supreme Court of the United States.”

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

to outline their vision for a more just country and possibly influence future Supreme Court rulings. Jackson’s position on the Supreme Court will also change the legal profession, giving Black women new representation at the highest levels.

In addition to Jackson’s title as the country’s first Black woman Supreme Court justice, she will also be the first justice in three decades with criminal defense experience. She was a federal public defender from 2005 to 2007, representing people who lacked the resources to hire an attorney. With eight years of experience in the U.S. district court, Jackson will also have more experience as a federal trial court judge than any other sitting justice.

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DN Feature Govt. offers student loan relief

By Laura Onyeneho

The U.S Department of Education announced a new round of federal student loan relief which includes not only another extension of the loan payment pause, but a new form of relief that will have a major impact on some borrowers.

The Biden Administration is offering to help millions of loan borrowers who were behind on their debt payments prior to the COVID-19 pandemic by marking defaulted accounts as current.

For the past two years, federal student loan payments and interest rates have been suspended along with collection efforts against defaulted payments of loan borrowers. After multiple extensions, the relief was set to end on May 1 but was extended to Aug. 31.

“The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that student loan borrowers have a smooth transition back to repayment,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement.

“This additional extension will allow borrowers to gain more financial security as the economy continues to improve and as the nation continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration to support students, families, and borrowers – especially those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

According to a report from the Education Data Initiative, one out of every 10 Americans has defaulted on a student loan and 7.8% of all student loan debt is defaulted.

STUDENT LOAN DEFAULT RATE

BY EDUCATION DATA INITIATIVE

15%

of student loans are in default at any given time on average.

11%

of new graduates default in the first 12 months of repayment.

$124.4 billion in student debt is in

defaulted student loans.

Over a million student loans enter default each year.

The department also said the extension will provide borrowers with additional time to plan for resumption of payments, reducing the risk of delinquency and defaults after restart. This will give a “fresh start” to borrowers by allowing them to re-enter in good standing.

The decision is important considering

how powerful the government collection tools are. They can allow federal lenders and debt collectors to garnish wages, block tax refunds and offset Social Security benefits.

Additional details or a timeline has not yet been released. The decision could help up to nine million borrowers.

9 million

borrowers and their families are affected by student loan default.

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 2:00 p.m. (CST) Friday, May 6, 2022, for the following solicitation: • RFP 22-03-12 Voluntary 457(b) Plans Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to submit will be found through a meeting link. This link is located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following:

WEBSITE HEALTHY MINDS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES Specifications may be secured from The Harris Center, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7281, The Harris Center website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2022 in a sealed envelope marked “PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 Website Healthy Minds Healthy Communities”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Frances Otto, CTCD, Buyer II and Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Purchasing Manager, via E-mail to frances.otto@theharriscenter. org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. The Harris Center reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

LEGAL NOTICE The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 2:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, May 12, 2022, for the following solicitation: • RFP 22-03-08 Benefits Consulting Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following:

PERIMETER FENCE INSTALL AT 6160 S LOOP EAST Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-3322, The HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, April 19, 2022. A Non-Mandatory Site Visit will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022 by appointment only. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Thursday, April 28, 2022. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in a sealed envelope marked “PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022, PERIMETER FENCE INSTALL AT 6160 S LOOP EAST”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Rolanda Wilkes, Procurement Data Analyst, and Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Purchasing Manager, via E-mail to rolanda.wilkes@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Hypertension is a ‘silent’ killer obesity and Type 2 diabetes within the Black community increase the risk for developing high blood pressure and resultant heart disease.

usually diagnose hypertension when blood pressure is above 130/80.

Medication is typically recommended at 140/90 or higher.

Dr. Cherice ConleyHarvey is a boardcertified Internal Medicine physician and associate medical director for care coordination and quality improvement at Kelsey-Seybold.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure, the force of blood pushing against vessel walls, is typically recorded as two numbers written as a ratio: Systolic, the top number, measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic, the bottom number, measures pressure when the heart is refilling with blood.

Of course, these measurements can vary from person to person and rise or fall in the same day due to changes in physical activity or emotional state.

With hypertension, however, blood pressure readings remain high.

What can you do?

To improve this condition, have regular physical exams, take doctorprescribed medications, and make lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, reducing salt intake, and committing to a sensible exercise routine you can stay with.

For appointments with Kelsey-Seybold physicians, call 713-442-0000.

What’s considered normal?

In general, for an otherwise healthy adult, an acceptable blood pressure reading is less than 120/80. Physicians

By CHERICE CONLEY-HARVEY, M.D.

In the earlier stages, having ongoing high blood pressure, medically referred to as hypertension, usually presents no obvious symptoms to indicate something unhealthy is happening.

Without noticeable symptoms, many don’t realize they have high blood pressure until it progresses into undeniable health complications – that’s why it’s often called a “silent” disease.

Left unmanaged, hypertension can weaken blood vessel walls and lead to a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems – and, alarmingly, a reduced life expectancy.

The prevalence of hypertension among African Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. The American Heart Association estimates that 55% of Black adults have chronically high blood pressures. Additional studies suggest that the disproportionate rates of

FROM THE DOC

A physician is your best source for determining a suitable blood pressure measurement.

– Cherice Conley-Harvey, M.D.

Now Scheduling VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON Appointments!

Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a longtime patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7/365

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Kelsey-Seybold welcomes new patients and accepts more than 50 health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and these Medicare Advantage plans: KelseyCare Advantage, WellCare Texan Plus, Aetna Medicare Advantage, and Humana Gold Plus.

10 | April 14, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Houston Baptist freshman long jumper Brianna Brand leaped a 5.49m/18-0.25 during the Texas A&M 44 Farms Team Invitation in College Station.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

YOUNG PLAYERS PROJECT OPTIMISM

By Terrance Harris

Rockets second-year coach Stephen Silas definitely doesn’t confuse words when discussing how challenging of a season the 2021-22 campaign was.

The Rockets are in rebuild mode, but he couldn’t have predicted an NBA-worst 20-62 finish.

Through all of the losing and disappointment, however, has come revelation that the rebuilding Rockets have found their young core which can soon move them back into NBA elite status. It starts with rookie guard Jalen Green, the No. 2 overall player selected in last summer’s NBA Draft.

But the excitement for the future is far from being about Green alone. Point As the final seconds tick away on their last game of the season, Housguard Kevin Porter Jr. has shown flashes ton Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) and Alperen Sengun, middle, hug on court as Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) looks on at the of brilliance and rookie center Alperen end of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Houston.

Sengun displayed signs of being that (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) uniquely put together big man who can dominate on the block as a scorer, shot Silas knows it won’t be any easier in move him because of his astronomical changer and passer.

Year 2, especially on Green who showed contract. And that won’t be much easIt’s safe to say the future is definitely signs at the end of the season of being a ier this offseason considering Wall will bright for the Rockets. Silas reminded true star in the making. surely opt in to the final year of his deal his team as much following their sea“It’s harder in the second year because that will pay him north of $40 million son-ending loss at home to the play- teams are going to be preparing for next season. off-bound Atlanta Hawks after Green him next year,” Silas said. “They didn’t But the most tangible piece of the went for a career-high 41 prepare for him as much equation is the Rockets’ young core, points. until the end of the season which also includes Josh Christopher, “The season was defi- KEY DATES and they were doing some KJ Martin and streaky shooter Garrinitely disappointing,” Silas COMING UP things.” son Mathews. The Rockets believe they said to his team following the FOR ROCKETS: The Rockets also have can win with this group and the players season-finale loss to Atlanta. • NBA Lottery some interesting decisions believe so, too.

“But the growth we have seen selection on to make on some veteran “I would look at it as we didn’t have and I guess that I’ve felt all May 17 players, who could either the season we wanted to but we saw season, when we’re in posi- • NBA Draft on bring them additional draft glimpses and things like that of where tion where we’re knocking on June 23 picks or more young talent. we can be,” said Green, who has made a the door of the playoffs and Big man Christian Wood, 26, strong case for NBA Rookie of the Year winning playoff series and ultimately is the most interesting piece because he honors. “I would hope that all the fans winning it all, I want them to remem- is at a point where he can put a veteran and everyone around us has hope that ber this feeling.” team over the top or he could remain we are going to be great soon.”

Now the question is just how fast with the rebuilding Rockets.

There is plenty of evidence that is general manager Rafael Stone and Silas Veteran guard Eric Gordon, who has the case. want this to grow? It would seem that the seemed to enjoy his role as big brother, Green, who averaged 17.3 points this Rockets will need to take a major leap could also be moved to a team that is season and shot 48% from the field and next season. That would mean making ready to win now so as not to waste his 39% from 3-point land, is the youngest a strong push for the playoffs. They are last few productive years.

Rocket player to have recorded a 40-plus again back in the NBA Lottery, with the Then there is the John Wall issue that points game at 20 years and 60 days old. best chance of all to win it and are guar- is indeed the white elephant in the room Porter ended the season scoring 20-plus anteed another impact player between for the Rockets. Wall didn’t play at all this points in seven straight games after drafting 1 to 5 while also owning the past season to allow the young players never having a streak longer than two Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick. to grow but the Rockets were unable to games prior in his career.

University of Houston junior and former Stratford standout Christyan Sampy broke his own meet record in the men’s pole vault with a 5.41 height marking during LSU’s Joe May Invitational.

Sports Briefs Texans now named in Flores’ lawsuit

Two coaches – Steve Wilks and Ray Horton – have joined former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores’ racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and the Texans are Brian now named in the lawsuit. Flores’ Flores representatives said that the Texans retaliated against Flores for filing the lawsuit by taking him out of the running for their head coaching position.

Flores was believed to be the front-runner to replace David Culley prior to filing the lawsuit, but the team instead hired Lovie Smith.

Whitney Mercilus calls it a career

Former Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, 31, has announced he is retiring from football. Mercilus, a former first-round pick, spent the first 10 seasons of his caWhitney reer with the Texans before Mercilus being released and signing with the Packers last October. Mercilus played in 138 games for the Texans, recording 58 sacks during the 10-year span.

Ralph Cooper honored by Black Sports Hall of Fame

Pioneering Houston journalist and sports radio personality Ralph Cooper – a former Defender sports editor – was one of 15 inducted into the Ralph 25th Texas Black Sports Hall Cooper of Fame as part of its 2022 class over the weekend in Dallas. Joining Cooper in the class was legendary basketball coach Rob Evans, who starred at Lubbock Christian University. Evans was a standout basketball player, but he also was a standout in baseball and was drafted out of high school by the Houston Colt 45s, which later became the Astros. Pro Football Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboy great Michael Irvin was also part of the 2022 class.

Brandin Cooks, Texans agree to extension

After being the subject of much trade speculation this offseason, the Texans and wide receiver Brandin Cooks have agreed on a two-year Brandin contract extension. His curCooks rent deal, which began under the Los Angeles Rams, expires this year.

Cooks has recorded 1,000-yards receiving seasons in six of his eight years in the league.

April 14, 2022 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports JALEN GREEN & KEVIN PORTER JR.

GIVE ADVICE TO NEXT GEN

By Jodie B. Jiles

After the All-Star break, the Rockets showed flashes of making a name for themselves as not just a highlight factory but possibly a contender with the addition of a player or two in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Throughout this season Jalen Green has matured into a legit 30 a night scorer at the highest level of play and closed the year off with a season-high 41-pointer. When Green was asked who he’d like teaming up with next season from the incoming draft class, he mentioned high school competitor Jayden Ivey and Team USA teammate Chet Holmgren before adding Duke phenom Paolo Banchero to the mix.

At point guard during this season, Kevin Porter Jr. seems to have figured out his role as a scorer and facilitating decision-maker for the young roster. Last season Porter demonstrated an ability to overcome adversity from critics and from within.

The Defender spoke with Green and Porter about advice they have for the next generation of student athletes.

JALEN GREEN “I would just say take your time. It’s not a race.

Obviously you want to achieve a lot. You want to have high standards for yourself, but you have to go through some flaws to get to the top where you want to be. So, just take your time, stay in the gym, and don’t let anything distract you while continuing to put the work in.”

KEVIN PORTER JR. “It’s tough. Life is tough and is never easy. You just have to learn how to balance every emotion in the right ways when it is hard to do so. And it might not even be in the right way but having balance and not trying to take everything in at one time and put all your pennies in a basket trying to make things make sense.

Because it is just going to make things worse.

So just taking a break and breathing sometimes before doing so while trying to tackle everything at once is definitely a good mechanism.”

Jalen Green

Kevin Porter Jr.

12 | April 14, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

KEANDRE’ JORDAN Showcasing Black food one bite at a time Laura Onyeneho

KeAndre’ Jordan is one of Houston’s most influential Black food connoisseurs. You may have seen his posts showcasing Black-owned brunch, wine and dine, and mom-and-pop spots and events in the city. Foodies know him as My Southern Brand on social media.

Whether you are looking for the best seafood, fried chicken, desserts, loaded French fries, or wing joint, Jordan is your go-to guy.

With more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, the former oil and gas engineer and Eutaw, Ala. native discovered his passion for food and helping others by elevating Black restaurants through his marketing and branding strategy.

The essence of Jordan’s brand was inspired by his southern roots and Christian values, and he carries that experience with all his followers. His brand launched in 2019 and has seen exponential growth through his consistency and appreciation for Houston’s Black culture, history and food.

The Defender spoke with Jordan about his journey as an influencer and what he has learned about the local food industry through his various partnerships with Black restaurants.

Defender: How did you end up in Houston?

KeAndre’ Jordan: I’m

and do something to put a positive light on the Black community.

KeAndre’ Jordan

from the great state of Alabama.

I moved down here in June 2014 after graduating from Alabama A&M with a degree in civil engineering. I came to Houston to work for Chevron as a health environment and safety specialist. In 2015, the company went through layoffs because the oil and gas industry tanked. So within five to six years, I had five to six jobs. I had to figure out something to do. I had always wanted to own a business

Defender: Is that where your motto “Engineering My Way through Life” came from? What does that mean?

Jordan: I did pretty much

that. I was navigating through life trying to figure out what I was put on this earth to do. In the Black community, we are told to go to school, but we weren’t taught about the racism and systemic oppression in corporate America. I fell victim to that. I lost my job, so it caused me more abandonment issues that I already had while experiencing so many deaths in the last decade. I became depressed. I’m in Houston, how am I going to pay my bills? Would I have

to move back to Alabama? So I tried to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Defender: Where were you in your career at that point?

Jordan: Still navigating. I was in a

GroupMe chat for young Black Houston professionals in 2015. Everyone who had moved to Houston was on this platform. There was this guy [on the platform] who said I should start a food blog at the time because I eat crawfish a lot and encouraged me to talk about my experiences. So, in August 2018, I had just got laid off of my fourth job and I started My Southern Brand on Square Space. I started blogging about all restaurants I went to and this lady asked why I couldn’t just focus on Black-owned establishments. At that moment I shifted all of my focus on that niche because there was a need to have our own stuff.

READ ABOUT JACKSON’S IMPACT ON HOUSTON’S BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS

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