April 18, 2024

ON SOCIAL

WHAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

NEWS

NEWS

FREEDMEN’S TOWN

REV. FREDDIE HAYNES

Mayor Whitmire vows to support the revitalization of this iconic area.

Volume 93, issue 25 April 18, 2024

The renowned pastor abruptly resigns as president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

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2 | April 18, 2024 |

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DN To the POINT

A scene titled “Big Booty Judys” from the “Good Times” animated series is just one of many reasons people are speaking out against the show. Credit: Netflix

Message from the Managing Editor of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The As an artist, I hate bashing other artists.... group’s ultimate goal is to potentially revoke but I need help understanding what in the federal financial assistance to the university. entire ‘Dy-no-mite’ universe prompted execAlthough the Department of Education has utives to sign off on the Netflix animated yet to publicly respond, the implications show “Good Times?” I’ll admit, I tried not of such challenges are profound. Last year, to judge the show, which is based on the popthe Fearless Fund, aiding minority womular 70s show of the same name. But the first en-owned businesses, faced similar scrutiny. episode begins with a lead character singing Led by figures like Edward Blum, who played the original “Good Times” theme song in the a pivotal role in dismantling affirmative shower with a roach, so I quickly tapped out. action, these attacks on diversity initiatives ReShonda Tate I couldn’t process who thought this was good persist. While the George Floyd Memorial (And this from someone who loved “Boondocks”). I thought Scholarship remains intact for now, the broader pattern of it was just me. But not only did some of the stars of the orig- assault on programs supporting marginalized communities inal (John Amos and Bernadette Stanis) blast the show, but demands attention. It underscores the ongoing struggle for a coalition of civil rights and faith leaders held a protest this equitable access and opportunity, highlighting the imperaweek outside Netflix’s corporate offices. They say the series tive of defending initiatives crucial for fostering diversity and “promotes the worst negative stereotypical images of African inclusion in education.

Americans and our culture in the history of television. It makes a mockery of African Americans and depicts them as dumb Is the Oyster Hut over? buffoons, drug dealers, drug addicts, and gun-toting violent Amidst allegations of recipe theft and outstanding paygang members trying to kill each other.” An online petition ments, the collaborative venture between Turkey Leg Hut to ban the show, far surpassed the 1,500 signatures organizers and Tiger2Dozen has come to an abrupt halt. Royal Bellock were seeking. There is some amazing Black talent on board and his fiancée Jackquel Johnson have withdrawn from the with this project, and I’m not going to judge them....but I am oyster pop-up situated near the Third Ward restaurant, citside-eyeing this project as a whole and hoping there will be ing grievances against co-founder Lyndell “Lynn” Price. The something redemptive about the project....though y’all will dispute arose when Bellock and Johnson claimed that Price, have to tell me because I won’t be watching. who initially invited them to introduce their Tiger2Dozen concept to Houston, replicated their menu and recipes for Conservatives come for George Floyd Memorial the newly launched Oyster Hut. Additionally, they allege that Scholarship Price owes them close to $3,000. Price utilized his extensive In the wake of the Supreme Court’s blow to affirmative social media presence, boasting over 220,000 Instagram folaction in higher education, it was anticipated that conser- lowers, to promote the pop-up as a taste of New Orleans for vatives would amp up their efforts to undermine programs Houston residents. The inaugural weekend witnessed sigdesigned to assist marginalized groups. Now, the George nificant success, with Bellock serving nearly 1,200 oysters Floyd Memorial Scholarship, established to support Black to eager customers enduring lengthy queues of up to three students at North Central University in Minneapolis, faces a hours. Although there was no concrete plan for Tiger2Dozlegal challenge from the Legal Insurrection Foundation. This en’s return, the triumph prompted an informal agreement conservative group asserts that the scholarship violates the between Bellock and Price to collaborate on future pop-ups Civil Rights Act of 1964 by allegedly discriminating against and share profits. I don’t know about all the internal drama...I non-Black applicants. just know I’m sick that I missed out on those oysters.

The scholarship, founded in 2020 to empower a new generation of Black leaders, provides full tuition for four years On the Web to a deserving student annually. Yet, despite the Supreme • 5 Houston-area places with powerful senior programs.

Court’s silence on race-conscious scholarships in its previous • Study finds Houston third most expensive city to rent ruling, colleges have begun dismantling similar initiatives in for Gen Z. its aftermath. The complaint targets the school for “invidious • OpEd: America’s ‘Great white Hope’ obsession is played discrimination,” calling for an investigation by the Department out – and dangerous.

Not so ‘Good Times’

April 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 3

DN News

Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes steps down from Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition Defender News Service

Freedmen’s Town’s historic bricks. Credit Houston’s Freedmen’s Town Conservancy.

Freedmen’s Town restoration makes Mayor Whitmire’s to-do list

By Aswad Walker

Freedmen’s Town has an incredible history of birthing greatness not just for the neighborhood, but for all of Houston.

Freedmen’s Town also has a storied history of divestment, city and state neglect, sincere promises of development that failed to pan out and false promises of prosperity that failed residents and their hopes that this legendary patch of Houston real estate would finally receive the attention and investment worthy of its legacy.

The newest city official to pledge change is Houston’s new mayor, John Whitmire.

The new mayor recently walked upon Freedmen’s Town’s historic bricks, touring the neighborhood with leaders from the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) and the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy (HFTC) and committing to support the area’s preservation and revitalization.

This is an effort to protect the remaining historical significance of Freedmen’s Town, All Houstonians ought to know about it. They ought to teach about Freedmen’s Town in schools.”

MAYOR JOHN WHITMIRE

Whitmire recently met with CAMH and HFTC members, who gave him an update on the “Rebirth in Action: Telling the Story of Freedom” project, the latest plan for the area’s revitalization.

Whitmire committed to providing the leadership necessary to see these plans through to completion, adding, “This is probably the last opportunity to protect the community, the bricks, the remaining residences, repair of the drainage.”

Whether Whitmire’s words regarding a sense of urgency are on point or not, Freedmen’s Town has been dangling on destruction’s edge for a while, with properties being leveled and gentrification efforts encroaching further and further into the heart of the community.

Yet, what has not faltered is the fight residents come with daily to protect what is theirs.

Freedmen’s Town became Houston’s first Heritage District during Sylvester Turner’s tenure as mayor in 2021 via a vote by City Council. The designation breathed life into residents and activists because it positioned the community to receive funds raised by nonprofits to restore historically significant features and develop cultural landmarks.

One of the offshoots of that designation was the Rebirth in Action project’s $1.25 million grant given by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts in 2023.

But that plan, like so many others before it, sparked a mix of both excitement and skepticism from community advocates who had been burnt countless times over the decades that saw Freedmen’s Town suffer from neglect even as it sits in the shadow of thriving Downtown Houston.

Still, Charonda Johnson, the engagement manager for the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy partnership, and whose family has resided in Freedmen’s Town for generations, was willing to give Whitmire the benefit of the dobt.

“Whitmire could’ve said, ‘I don’t want that project done. Take that off my books.’

And that would have been his right,” she said, alluding to his verbal commitment of support.

Whitmire offered enthusiastic words, saying “This just ought to be part of protecting our history. Everywhere you look there’s history, but obviously the development and gentrification is pretty widespread. So, this is an effort to protect the remaining historical significance of Freedmen’s Town. All Houstonians ought to know about it. They ought to teach about Freedmen’s Town in the schools.”

However, when the conversation focused on funding, a different tone was offered.

“The city’s broke,” Whitmire said. “If I had the money, I would just write a check, and we can start on this tomorrow.”

But event with decades of disinvestment, exclusionary policies, gentrification and broken promises, CAMH’s executive director, Hesse McGraw, remains hopeful.

“What’s clear is that with the change of any administration, there’s a need to really get community vision around preservation and celebration of the heritage in front of an incoming administration.

I think that we were able to do that successfully. Mayor Whitmire’s enthusiasm was exciting for all of us.”

Less than a year after the fanfare announcement that he will succeed the Rev. Jesse Jackson as leader of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III announced his resignation this week amid what insiders described as a painful financial situation.

Few details have been made available, but according to Dr. Haynes' “Public Resignation Statement,” he said the following as he resigned from the organization that announced him as Jackson’s successor last July and formally installed him Feb. 1: “After continued prayer and deliberation, I have Haynes decided to step down from the position of Chief Executive Officer and President of Rainbow Push Coalition (RPC), effective immediately. I remain committed to honoring the rich history of RPC and the legacy of its esteemed leader, the incomparable Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and, most significantly, to the calling and pursuit of social justice. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have expressed their support since my appointment in July of last year. Rest assured that my work in the fight for liberation and freedom continues. Yours in the struggle, Frederick D. Haynes III.” Neither Rev. Haynes nor Rev. Jackson, who has been ill with Parkinson's disease, could be reached for comment by deadline. Sources close to RPC said the organization has been stricken with insurmountable financial problems. Dr. Haynes still serves as the Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.

On its website, RPC describes itself by saying, “We protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.”

According to its written history, The Chicago-based organization, founded in 1971, “is the product of a social justice movement that grew out of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s (SCLC) Operation Breadbasket. Founded by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Operation Breadbasket sought to combine theology and social justice and to effect progressive economic, educational, and social policy in America. In 1966, Dr. King appointed Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. to serve as the first director of Operation Breadbasket in Chicago.”

According to a news release, Haynes’ sold-out installation event on Feb. 1 this year, “featured VIP program participants and attendees from all over the country, including Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN), Shavonne Arline-Bradley (NCNW), Dr. Michael Sorrell, Dr. Amos Brown, and Dr. Ron Daniels.”

-TriceEdneyWire.com

4 | April 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News ‘WE KEPT OUR PROMISES’

Biden seeks to energize Black voters Defender News Service

President Joe Biden recently addressed the Rev. Al Sharpton’s racial justice conference, telling a sympathetic crowd “we’ve kept our promises” as he ramps up efforts to energize Black voters who will be vital to his reelection bid this fall.

Virtually addressing several hundred attendees at the annual National Action Network Convention in New York, Biden ticked through a long list of what he said were some of his administration’s key accomplishments for Black Americans. He detailed providing federal public works funding to reconnect city neighborhoods that were divided decades ago when highways were built, and also investing billions in historically Black colleges and universities.

“Together, we’ve kept our promises to make some of the most significant investments in the Black American community ever,” Biden

President Joe Biden speaks before the National Action Network. Credit: Getty

said. He also noted his pardoning thousands of inmates convicted

on federal marijuana charges, combating racial discrimination

in the real estate market and canceling student debts for millions of Americans.

He called that “transformational change” but said, “We know there’s much more work to do.” He said he still hoped to sign major legislation expanding voting rights and the George Floyd Act, a police reform package named for a Black man whose murder by Minneapolis police in 2020 sparked widespread racial justice protests and calls for federal legislation.

Biden is facing a November rematch with Republican former President Donald Trump, who has suggested that his four criminal indictments have boosted his standing with members of the key voting bloc because they see him as a victim of discrimination — comparing his legal jeopardy to the historic legacy of anti-Black prejudice in the U.S. legal system.

The former president has also

repeatedly compared himself to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, arguing that federal and state prosecutors have targeted him and his businesses for political reasons.

Although Biden historically enjoys high support and approval from Black Democrats, 45% of Black Americans said they disapprove of the way Biden is handling his job as president in March, according to polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Just over half said they approve.

Biden didn’t mention Trump by name in his speech, but referred to opposition by top Republicans to abortion rights and expanded access to the ballot box in stressing, “There are real threats we face.”

“There are more extreme voices out there who simply don’t want to see people of color in the future of our country,” the president said.

Chick-fil-A ‘lovefest’ staged

By Raquel Rogers

The images of Donald Trump receiving a warm welcome from a predominantly Black audience at an Atlanta Chick-fil-A recently seemed to signify a significant show of support for the former president. However, what many interpreted as a spontaneous display of Black backing was, in reality, a carefully orchestrated photo opportunity, arranged by a Black conservative activist and her allies.

The event was the result of a collaboration between the Trump campaign, local activists, and students from local HBCUs. While Trump and his supporters have sought to portray the event as evidence of his appeal to Black voters, critics have pointed to the staged nature of the gathering and the problematic messaging surrounding Trump’s outreach efforts.

Michaelah Montgomery, a conservative activist and founder of Conserve the Culture, played a key role in coordinating the event.

Drawing on her connections with students at Atlanta’s HBCU’s, Montgomery notified a group

chat of students about Trump’s impending visit to the Vine City neighborhood. Despite claims to the contrary, the gathering at Chick-fil-A was not a spontaneous affair but rather a carefully planned event, with students waiting for Trump’s arrival to pose for photos and videos.

“People find it so hard to believe that there are young Black people who would have loved the opportunity to meet Trump,” said Montgomery.

Montgomery’s involvement highlights the complexities of political outreach within the Black community, where differing perspectives and priorities often come into play. While some may view Trump’s visit as an opportunity for engagement, others see it as a cynical attempt to exploit Black support for political gain, calling it disingenuous and insulting to the intelligence of Black voters.

“Thinking Black voters relate to Donald Trump because he spent 20 minutes handing out freebies at a fast food restaurant is yet another insult to our intelligence – and a

Former President Donald Trump visits Chick-fil-a in Atlanta and is greeted by Black students after buying milkshakes for everyone.

perfect example of just how disingenuous Trump’s outreach to Black voters continues to be,” said Biden spokesperson, Jasmine Harris.

Despite the backlash, Montgomery remains steadfast in her support for Trump and her belief in the effectiveness of events like the Chick-fil-A visit. However, she acknowledges the challenges faced by students who participated in the event, many of whom have been subjected to criticism and backlash from their peers and the broader community.

“They are claiming that the students made a mockery of their institutions and saying that they are disrespecting their ancestors. It is really, really bad,” said Montgomery.

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 25 - APRIL 18, 2024 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

Digital Content Manager Terrance Harris Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

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 2024 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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| 7

DN OnSocial

WHAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

DOES MEGAN THEE STALLION/ GLORILLA TWERK CHALLENGE DEVALUE WOMEN? GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion’s new challenge has fans twerking up and down timelines everywhere. The twerk videos are heating up the Internet after Megan posted a video of herself dancing to her new collaboration with the Memphis rapper “Wanna Be.” The hypnotizing video encouraged a wave of women to join in on the “Wanna Be” challenge. The

B

By ReShonda Tate

lack people are not monolithic….meaning we can have an opinion on everything from the war in Israel to who’s getting kicked off “Real Housewives.” That’s why you can find an array of hot topics being highlighted, dissected and debated on social media. Here, we round up some of the most talked-about stories from the last few weeks.

OOPS, HE DID IT AGAIN!

TEACHER, SON ARRESTED FOR RECRUITING STUDENTS FOR PROSTITUTION

HOUSTON PASTOR ED YOUNG UNDER FIRE FOR CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS Pastor Ed Young is no stranger to controversial comments, especially when it comes to pushing conservative talking points on migrants and LGBTQ rights from the stage of his megachurch. Young, who leads Second Baptist Church, once again used his religious service/ political gathering to blast President Joe Biden, calling him “godless” for allowing “countless millions” of migrants into the United States and for declaring Easter to now be Transgender Day of Visibility. (Hey, Pastor, do your research before spreading lies. The day was established in 2009, and JUST SO HAPPENED to fall on Easter this year).

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

“I don’t understand this hatred of the “other”. I cannot imagine Jesus referring to immigrants the way that Young did.

Horrible!” - JR

“I really thought churches were supposed to be non-political. How is it this man continues to get away with these kind of statements?” -MM

“You don’t have to agree with everything your pastor says and they can still be a good leader.” -LM

COMMENTATOR ON IG SPEAKING ON THE TWERK CHALLENGE

WHY SOCIAL MEDIA IS OBSESSED WITH CHARLES AND MRS. NETTA

A Klein ISD teacher and her son have been arrested and charged with three counts of trafficking a child and three counts of compelling prostitution on juveniles. Kedria Grisby, 42, and her son Roger Magee, 22, both face charges of child trafficking and compelling prostitution. Police say Grisby helped her son by recruiting troubled juveniles from the local high school by offering them a place to stay, which would be a hotel. The three victims, aged 15, 16, and 17 were reportedly students at the school Grisby taught at and FOUND ON were reportedly runaways.

TIKTOK

following day, Big Glo uploaded a video of Latto serving up plenty of eye-popping moves to Glo and Meg’s new song. The brief clip shows the “Sunday Service” spitta twerking from various angles in front of her mirror.

Glo also said Cardi B has her own version of the challenge coming soon.

But one IG commentator is going viral for saying the video devalues women. And social media is on fire debating if she has a point.

It’s giving tacky & classless…. challenge yourself to read a book.”

Among the great Black loves of our time— Will and Jada, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Barack and Michelle Obama—no couple has quite captivated Black audiences in such a uniquely puzzling manner than the way Mrs. Netta and Charles. Don’t ask anyone to explain it - chances are they can’t, but Mrs. Netta and Charles’ relationship has become the Black internet’s latest guilty pleasure—and their glow up from relatively unknown to making club appearances, marriage and cutting music demos has been extremely entertaining.

From what we can see—unlike the other aforementioned Black couples—Mrs. Netta and Charles have no clear talents to speak of beyond their admiration for each other. But in this day and age, sometimes that is all you need to go viral and build a brand that grabs

OJ SIMPSON REMEMBERED….

AND NOT ALL FONDLY Orenthal James (OJ) Simpson, who died recently at age 76 from prostate cancer, was arguably America’s most sensationalized human being. An NFL star for 11 seasons whose stardom was stained by his widely controversial trial on murder charges in connection to the death of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend, Ron Goldman. While his family and close friends are no doubt mourning their beloved, Black Twitter made no qualms about letting their feelings be known.

people’s attention.

Everyone’s first introduction to Mrs. Netta and Charles likely started with the now viral video of Mrs. Netta calling for Charles to come eat his lunch. Beyond the plate of food, which is usually packed, there was something about Mrs. Netta’s excitement over seeing her man eat that excites us. Mrs. Netta and Charles have harnessed their social media presence to fund a glow up. From product placements to offers for free plastic surgery, Mrs. Netta and Charles have cashed in—thanks to their more than 223K followers, and they have been documenting the process for their audience “I think that they are living their best life. They every step of are leaning into their star. They are making the way. their star do what it do for you.” - TL Madison

“Rest in hell, OJ.” - April Martin

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

“Black people didn’t celebrate OJ Simpson’s Not Guilty verdict bc they thought he was innocent; Black people felt like they got a lick back at white folk via the justice system after the Rodney King verdict that acquitted all the white officers that beat him on film.”

- JY

“OJ said he wasn’t Black. So he gets none of my tears.”

- Calvin Lewis

“Dying a slow death gives one time to repent and get right with God. I pray he did that.”

- Cynthia Wheeler

“Y’all raised $2 mil for Kyle Rittenhouse, $1 mil for George Zimmerman, $3 mil for Daniel Penny, and $1.5 mil for Derek Chauvin and have the caucacity to be outraged by people giving condolences on behalf of OJ Simpson.”

- Bishop Talbert Swan

“OJ Simpson died the comfortable death in old age that Nicole Brown should have had.”

- Lindsey Boylan

8 | April 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature HOUSTON INJURY HOTSPOTS

MOST DANGEROUS AREAS FOR CHILDREN

By Tannistha Sinha

A new study shows children who walk and ride bikes in certain areas may be more at risk of injury depending on where they live. The study by the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University shows how children may be a risk depending on their neighborhoods and how those injuries may contribute to their physical and mental health.

“In the Houston area, one of the biggest limiting factors for children using active transportation is the risk of motor vehicle injury, but work is already under way to improve their safety,” the study’s authors, Zoabe Hafeez and Shruti Natarajan, note.

Beware of these streets

The study recorded 629 incidents of such injuries and fatalities to children between 2018-2023, of which, 21 were fatal and 159 were serious.

With the geospatial data collected from 454 incidents, these areas were identified as hotspots for injuries: two in southwest Houston and the third in the Sunnyside neighborhood.

Beechnut Street near Wilcrest Drive, Alief: The intersection of Beech-

nut and Wilcrest, five to seven lanes wide at each crossing, is a commercial hub in the Alief neighborhood. It has four strip malls, including an African goods store, two Viet-Cajun restaurants, and a beauty college.

What makes this intersection dangerous is its 30 driveways without signals that open into streets.

Two children died in this intersection last year, and two serious injuries occurred in this area.

Glenmont Drive from Renwick Drive to Royalton Street, Gulfton: Gulfton, a

predominantly Hispanic neighborhood has a dense population. Here, four children were injured at Glenmont Drive.

The Sunnyside Square Mile, Sunnyside: The Black-majority Sunnyside has four

schools and reported 12 incidents. Among these, one was fatal. The injuries occurred on various road types, such as the intersection of Bellfort and Cullen, midblock crossings of fast-moving roads, and slow-moving neighborhood streets, per the report.

According to TxDOT’s Crash Record Information System, the rate of severe transportation injuries within Harris County’s Black population was 196 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Among the general population, this number is 135 per 100,000 residents. The report attributes this number to several reasons — underinvestments in infrastructure in historically marginalized communities, disparities in medical access and response,

and drunk driving due to a higher number of liquor stores situated in communities of color.

Hillcroft Avenue, Gulfton: Both Houston’s “Safe Street Initiative” and Baker Institute for Public Policy’s study identified a stretch of Hillcroft Avenue as an injury hotspot. The report lists a redesigned version in 2021, keeping in mind the safety of all users: wider sidewalks, shared-use bikeways, improved intersections for pedestrian access, improved bus stop access, and a reduction of motor vehicle lanes from eight to six.

Vehicle speeds were also reduced by 5-10 miles per hour in two major intersections with a high number of active transportation users. As a result, it reduced the likelihood of pedestrians and bicyclists encountering cars in unsignalized intersections and could travel at higher speeds.

The city of Houston has begun to improve the conditions where a large number of active transportation-related injuries take place to curb deaths and serious injuries.

For this work, comprising four projects, the Department of Transportation awarded Houston $10.1 million.

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DN Section Feature

Okin arms youth with financial literacy

By Laura Onyeneho

Candace Okin wouldn’t let a corporate layoff in 2019 define her. Instead, she turned it into a springboard for a remarkable journey that’s now equipping the younger generation for financial success.

Okin saw an opportunity to teach her son valuable financial literacy concepts that helped her during her unemployment. The result? She wrote “Mason Makes Money,” a children’s book that breaks down fundamental entrepreneurial and money management tips in a way kids can understand.

Her passion didn’t stop there. In 2020, she furthered her mission by launching a non-profit organization, Mason Make Money Fund, dedicated to nurturing young “kidpreneurs.”

She is hosting several in-person and virtual events throughout the month, including a weekly “Business Basics and Money Management Series” with Harris County Public Library’s La Porte Branch and a weekly financial segment on the organization’s Mason Makes Money Radio in partnership with All Real Radio.

MMMF will also host Kids Konnect, a free

online event featuring financial professional Mia James. There is a gap in the traditional school system; Okin said the organization is at work to fill it.

“I remember learning about economics and money on the national scale for one semester in school, but there was no real emphasis on personal finance,” she said. “Society throws the phrase ‘make money’ in our kids’ faces, but making money isn’t really the issue. It’s management that will help you keep your money. Our schools need to teach the basics earlier.”

Her six-year-old son, Mason, is learning valuable lessons about earning, saving, and budgeting

through age-appropriate methods.

The key to the method is relatability.

Okin uses toys and their prices in catalogs to introduce concepts like cost and saving.

Earning a smiley face at school translates to a dollar or two added towards a desired toy, like a bubble machine.

This system keeps Mason motivated and reinforces the idea of delayed gratification.

She also co-leads family meetings where finances are addressed calmly and productively.

“I encourage other parents not to hide their failures from their kids because it can be used as a lesson,” she said. “I feel some parents and caregivers, they don’t, they don’t feel equipped to teach their kids, but that shouldn’t stop you guiding them.”

Mason Makes Money Fund was established in 2020 to help invest in the entrepreneurial efforts of youth ages 7-13.

Credit: Candice Okins

These tips, applicable to children and adults, can be incorporated into daily life to foster healthy financial habits.

Budgeting Basics: The first step is creating a realistic budget. This involves tracking monthly income and expenses to understand your financial landscape.

Spend With Awareness: Developing a system to track spending allows you to stay within your budget and identify areas for potential savings.

Debt Management: Limiting unnecessary debt is crucial. When borrowing is necessary, ensure the repayments fit comfortably within your budget.

Saving for the Future: Make saving a priority by setting aside monthly money.

This can be used for emergencies, special occasions, and long-term goals.

Live Within Your Means: Carefully consider your income when making purchases. Avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on smart buying decisions.

Finding Balance: Financial responsibility requires a balanced approach. Allocate funds for necessities, savings goals, and some well-deserved fun.

Start breathing. Stay present.

Check in with yourself.

Small steps can make a big difference when it comes to your mental health.

Try this simple breathing exercise if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stressed.

1

FOUR STEPS FOR BOX BREATHING:

Start by placing one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.

2

Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, feeling your stomach expand.

3

Hold that breath in for 4 seconds.

Repeat steps 2-4 until you feel more relaxed.

4

FOR MORE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT, VISIT TURNTOSUPPORTSTX.ORG

Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.

10 | April 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rockets rookie guard Amen Thompson recorded a career-first triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the season finale.

Sports Briefs Simone Biles set to kick off Olympic season in May

World-class gymnast and Houstonian Simone Biles is set to begin her 2024 Olympic season next month during the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Conn. The U.S. Classic is May 17 and May 18. The 27-yearold seven-time Olympic medalist made a triumphant return to Simone competition last year, Biles winning an eighth individual title in the U.S. before winning a sixth all-around championship a few weeks later. The world’s most decorated gymnast is set to lead the U.S. gymnastics team this summer in the Paris Olympics.

Rockets make it .500 for the season

The Rockets wrapped up their 2023-24 campaign on a positive note, defeating the resting Los Angeles Clippers Ime 116-105 during the Udeka season-finale. The win got the Rockets to 41-41 for the season, which is a huge jump from 22 wins last season. But the Rockets have missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season and will again be a NBA Lottery team in the upcoming Draft.

Prairie View loses out on quarterback prospect

The Prairie View football team went through a wild ride with former Montana quarterback and Spring native Clifton McDowell. McClifton Dowell, who jumped McDowell into the transfer portal this offseason after leading the Grizzlies to the FCS National Championship Game, attended the Panthers’ spring practice on Wednesday and left giving the coaching staff his non-binding verbal agreement. But, McDowell announced on his Twitter page that he will be playing his last year of college eligibility at McNeese State. McDowell will be attending his sixth school in his collegiate career after starting out with Louisiana before going to Kilgore College and Central Arkansas before landing at Montana where he got his first consistent playing time. This offseason, transferred to Temple but left after a couple of weeks.

Texas Southern senior catcher Michael Goudeau went 9-for-14 at the plate with 7 RBI and a grand slam during the three-game sweep over UAPB.

ROUGHNECKS RIDE AGAIN

Newly formed UFL brings back team

By Terrance Harris

Jarrett Guarantano has bounced around for a couple of years, hoping to live out his dreams as an NFL quarterback There have been stints on NFL practice squads, but nothing Guarantano can really hang his helmet on.

That is until now.

Guarantano, who went undrafted in 2022 after playing collegiately at Tennessee and Washington State, has finally been given the opportunity in professional football to have a team that’s his. He is the quarterback of the upstart Houston Roughnecks and he couldn’t be more pleased.

“I was grateful from jump street,” Guarantano said following the Roughnecks and United Football League (UFL) debut on Easter Sunday. “I was tearing up a little bit when they were playing the national anthem. It’s been a long time since I played ball, just being the guy.

It’s just a different feeling and I’m grateful for this league giving me the opportunity to get my tape, play with these guys and try to win ballgames.

“All-and-all, I’m just so happy I get to play ball again and be the guy.”

That sentiment is shared by every player, every coach and across all eight teams in this merged XFL and USFL league now known as the UFL. For some, this is a league that is allowing players to continue doing what they love, but for most this is a chance to put something on tape that just might get the attention of the NFL. Fans have had to keep track of players and some known-name coaches toiling in both the XFL and USFL. But now they are all under the UFL umbrella in what appears to be a much less watered-down minor-league spring football action.

It’s also legitimized by the television partnership of football-content-starved Fox and ESPN networks which are carrying all eight of the teams’ 10 regular-season games.

“I just think this league has grown significantly and you can see the players, a lot of the players came from the NFL and they are trying to get tape and they are playing their butts off,” said Guarantano, who spent last season in Denver. “I think the speed of the game is definitely a little higher, the players are definitely better. So, all around I think it’s better football.”

Houston, which was one of the markets with overlapping teams in the XFL and USFL, is now home to the rebranded Houston Gamblers franchise of the defunct USFL. The UFL was wise to adopt the Roughnecks brand

T.J. Pledger IV #5 of the Houston Roughnecks runs the ball against the Michigan Panthers during the first quarter in the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images for UFL

because of the great connection the team had with the city in 2020 when Vince McMahon resurrected the XFL and planted a team here in Houston. The Roughnecks were wildly popular and regularly packed University of Houston TDECU Stadium before COVID-19 shut down the league. That was also seen as a place where players like Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker got the chance to put together game footage after hanging around the NFL for years as a practice squad player.

Only time will tell if this reincarnation of the Roughnecks will captivate the city like they once did, but general manager Lionel Vital seems optimistic.

“It’s really exciting whenever you are putting something together from the ground floor, from the bottom,” said Vital, who is a longtime NFL scout for franchises like the Cleveland Brown, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and most recently the Dallas Cowboys.

“You are building it from scratch almost.

“I know Houston has had football with the XFL and USFL, so they’ve had a team there for the past couple of years. You’ve had football, but it’s great to add to it and that’s what we’ve done.”

A big difference between the original Roughnecks is that the franchise is based in Arlington with the other seven franchises and is only in Houston on gameday Sundays. Also, they play home games in the much larger and older Rice Stadium. It’s a formula that both the XFL and USC adopted over the last couple of years to reduce costs and the UFL has continued the business strategy.

The UFL is currently owned by a consortium from XFL and USL, which includes former WWE wrestler and current actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“It’s something that the league is going to have to help to merge,” Vital said of the lack of connection between the teams and their home cities. “Right now, this whole thing is run by the league and not individual owners.

Dwayne “The “But I think the Rock” Johnson league is on a good pace. The trajectory is good. That can happen the next year or the year after. We just want to get a good foundation before we move teams to cities, from what I’ve gathered.”

There were only 9,157 fans who showed up for the season-opening 18-12 loss to the Memphis Showboats, which appeared rather underwhelming in a 70,000-seat stadium. But the Roughnecks, who are now 0-3, were grateful for those who showed up.

“I loved it. I thought they were good for an Easter Sunday,” said Roughnecks coach C.J. Johnson, whose team next plays at Rice Stadium against the Arlington Renegades on April 21 at 1 p.m. “The fans were excellent.

I wish we could have shown them a little bit better game.

“The next time we play here, we will show them a lot better game.”

April 18, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports MADISON HS TRACK STAR

DAMIEN DUCKWORTH Heads to regionals

By Jimmie Aggison

Damien Duckworth is more than just a first-team All-District football player. He is also a proven track athlete participating in the 4x100-meter relay, 4x200-meter relay, 300-meter hurdles, long jump and triple jump for the Madison Marlins.

“Damien Duckworth is a good kid, very skilled. Last season he qualified for the area meet in the 300-meter hurdles,” said Madison track coach Kevin Simon.

With no summer track experience, Duckworth decided to continue his football conditioning in track and field and grew to love the sport. As a freshman, he participated in the triple jump and succeeded with a PR of 39 feet.

“Freshman year I focused on races and triple jump and didn’t long jump, but this year I added long jump to the list,” said Duckworth.

As a sophomore, Duckworth jumped 44 feet at the HISD district meet at Barnett Stadium. That jump set his PR for the season

and also broke the Madison High School record for triple jump.

“It felt good to get the record after working hard,” said Duckworth.

At the area meet, Duckworth’s final jump came with a bit of controversy as his jump was marked at 39 feet, well short of what he believed his mark should have been.

“I knew it wasn’t a 39 because the previous jump was further than that, so I knew it wasn’t a 39,” said Duckworth.

A jump at 39 feet placed Duckworth in sixth place and kept him from moving on to regionals. Duckworth and his coach challenged the measurement and after remeasuring with a measuring tape, Duckworth’s jump was marked at 43 feet, putting him in second place.

Although Duckworth and his team fell short of advancing to regionals in the other races, Duckworth recalls the important advice echoed by his father and grandfather when looking to stay motivated and inspire the next generation of athletes.

“Anything is possible and money never makes a man,” said Duckworth.

ABOUT DAMIEN DUCKWORTH Class: 2026 IG: @certified_.duck Twitter: @DamienDuck08 Races: 4x100-meter relay, 4x200-meter relay, 300-meter hurdles, long jump, triple jump Height & weight: 5-feet-9, 150 pounds Status: Uncommitted Favorite artist: M Huncho, Z-Ro, Propain Favorite subject: Algebra Shout-outs: Mom, Dad, Coach Simon

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature AWARENESS MONTH

Communities in Schools Houston prioritizes Mental Health

By Aswad Walker

While many individuals and organizations commemorate national monthly themes (i.e. Financial Literacy Month, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, etc.) with commemorations or proclamations, Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), an educational nonprofit, is planning to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month (May) with tangible, student-serving actions.

As part of a national campaign by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), CIS will engage in actions to better meet the healthcare needs of students in its orbit centered around the campaign theme “Take the Moment.”

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. In May, CIS team members will be raising awareness across campuses about the importance of good mental health, including coordinated activities, encouraging students to “take a moment” daily to prioritize their mental health.

CIS, which celebrates 13 years since the launch of its Mental Health Initiative (MHI), is the largest provider of school mental health services in the Harris County area.

With the MHI, CIS has been able to implement targeted efforts to collectively address the growing mental health needs on CIS campuses.

CIS serves 163 school campuses in six school districts across Greater Houston.

At least one full-time CIS staff member (Student Support Specialist) on each partner campus ensures basic needs are met, delivering direct services, providing mental health services, and connecting students and families with much-needed community resources.

During the 2022-2023 school year, CIS mental health professionals served 7,569 students and CIS mental health partners served 642 students on 100 campuses, totaling 25,740 hours of mental health support for CIS students.

“Based on current research, mental health issues continue to increase among students in Harris County, Texas and across the nation,” says Shubhra Endley, LCSW-S, CIS of Houston’s director of mental health & wellness. “Possible factors that contribute to

this may include the intersection of adverse childhood experiences with the social determinants of health such as lack of community resources, academic pressures, loss of a loved one and bullying at school and on social media.”

“CIS mental health staff and our mental health partners step in to bridge the gap with students and their families by developing strategies for good mental health,” Endley continues. She notes that CIS of Houston has made it a priority to ensure all campus-based staff members are trained in trauma-informed practices, Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention strategies every year.

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute estimates nearly 310,000 children and youth in Harris County suffer from some form of mental health disorder annually, with just under 250,000 with mild to moderate needs and just under 65,000 with severe needs. Of those children with severe needs, 35,000 live in poverty and 4,000 are at high risk of out-of-home or out-of-school placement. Systemic barriers to access result in too many children experiencing their first care in a juvenile justice facility or an emergency room.

Early intervention and use of mental health services, from elementary school through college, is the key to success in getting students on a healthy track mentally, physically and emotionally.

“Students with unmet mental health needs risk school failure, social isolation and dropping out unless their problems are addressed by caring adults,” Endley says.

“Our mental health professionals use evidence-based interventions to help students develop coping skills to manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Additionally, these professionals are trained in supporting students in their grief journeys after the loss of a loved one.”

According to the Texas Education Agency, school is the primary space where mental illness and social-emotional challenges are identified and addressed, outside of a student’s home. Nearly 70% of students who receive mental health interventions access these services at school.

For more information or to donate to CIS’s efforts, visit https://www.cishouston. org/mental-health-initiative.

Communities In Schools of Houston worker is seen here meeting with students. Credit: CIS.

CLASSIFIED Notice to Proposers The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 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 10:00 a.m. (CST) Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for the following solicitation: RFP 24-04-05 Real Estate Professional Services 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.

NOTICE TO DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OWNERS Ragnar Benson, LLC, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking certified DBE for subcontracting and vendor opportunities for the following project: Port Houston – Construction of Container Yd 6 & 7 at BCT to work on the following areas: Aggregates • Cement Stabilized Sand • Cement Treated Base (CTB) • Communications • Concrete: Cast-In-Place, Coring, Housekeeping Pads, Pavements (Pavement Jointed Reinforced), Ready-Mix, Sawing & Sealing • Demolition: Buildings, Concrete Foundations, Sanitary, Water, Electrical • Drainage • Drilled Shafts • Electrical: Concrete Encased Duct Banks & High Mast Lights • Erosion Control • Erosion Control – Monitoring • Fence – Security & Temporary • Guardrail • Fiber Optic • Fuels • Geotextiles • Pavement Markings – Painted • Precast – Barriers, Pipe, Prestress Piles, Structures – Drainage & Structures – Electrical • Reinforcing Steel • Roller Compacted Concrete • Roll-Off Dumpsters • Sanitary Sewer • Soil Mixing (Lime/Cement Stabilization) • Surveying/Layout • Traffic Control – Signs • Trench Drains • Trucking – Aggregates, Cement Stabilized Sand, Cement Treated Base & Spoils • Water. The utmost consideration will be given to dividing total requirements into smaller activities or quantities, which will permit maximum participation where feasible. Subcontracts will be awarded based on price and ability to perform work. For questions or assistance with obtaining plans, bonds, lines of credit, insurance, equipment, materials, or general information about the project contact bids@rbic.com . All negotiations must be completed prior to the BID OPENING DATE of April 24, 2024.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DOWNTOWN HOUSTON PLACEMAKING & CONNECTIVITY PLAN FOR THE HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive Proposals for the preparation and issuance of a placemaking and connectivity plan for Downtown Houston, Texas.

Proposals will be received until 2:00 P.M. CST, on Monday, May 13, 2024, by Cassie Hoeprich, Director of Planning & Economic Development, at cassie.hoeprich@downtownhouston.org per instructions outlined in this project’s RFP document. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning Friday, April 12, 2024, this project’s Request for Proposal (RFP) may be reviewed and downloaded from the Organization’s website: https://downtownhouston.org/do-business/procurement-rfp Only queries or requests for information submitted via email will be addressed by the Downtown District.

Please submit written queries or requests for information directly to the Director of Planning & Economic Development Cassie Hoeprich at cassie.hoeprich@downtownhouston.org on or before 2:00 P.M. CST, Friday, May 3, 2024. Please note that telephone or mail queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Downtown District.

Additionally, a proposal pre-submittal conference via Zoom is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. CST, Friday, April 26, 2024. The link to the conference will be available on the Organization’s website: https://downtownhouston.org/do-business/procurement-rfp Based on the Proposals submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify up to three qualifying consultants for a second-stage interview to be held in late-May. The Downtown District will award the contract to the selected consultant based on the qualifications and interview performance.