04.23.2026_Defender-e-FULL

New study shows rise in harmful chemicals in synthetic & human hair.

TOXIC

y t u a e B NEWS

PROFILE

COCODY CONTROVERSY Y

MARTINE DESMOLIERES S

Cocody owners Edwin and Edith Bosso stand on dress code enforcement amid social media stir.

Volume 95, issue 27 April 23, 2026

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The domestic violence survivor uses non-profit to empower girls to avoid being abused.

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DN To the POINT Prairie View A&M University raised nearly $1.1 million at its Presidential Gala, with university leadership emphasizing the impact donor investment will have on student potential.

Credit: PVAMU.

Black people deserve a food system that works for us.

We're conducting a national survey to understand what Black people across America think about food.

SCAN TO TAKE OUR SURVEY

Message from the Reporter theater departments, the night aimed to show where that money would be going.

The Houston Independent School In a conversation with the Defender, District is expanding its New Education PVAMU President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande System (NES), with nine additional eleframed the university’s funding sources as mentary school campuses opting into the a way to remove barriers for students and model for the next school year. A school invest in their talents. district spokesperson announced that the “See, when you invest, you get a return decision came directly from principals who on your investment, right?” she said. “We’re are choosing to join, largely because of the providing impact reports so people know “added support, staffing, and instructional how their funding is impacting our students. resources” that come with it.

Tannistha Sinha When a student gets a scholarship from the The nine schools include: Barrick Eleinstitution or from a donor, it says you believe mentary, Bastian Elementary, Benbrook Elementary, Burnet in them. It says that you believe that they are capable and Elementary, Carrillo Elementary, White Elementary, Foster that you’re investing in them.”

Elementary, Garcia Elementary, and Law Elementary.

Currently, HISD has 130 schools under its NES model.

Black Houston(s) Symposium reimagines “Now, this decision reflects the strong work happening sports as lived experience across our campuses and the shared focus on what will best The stories shared at this year’s Black Houston(s) Symsupport students every day,” said HISD spokesperson Trey posium started in arenas and small towns across Texas.

Serna. “Now, we’re seeing progress in schools across the dis- Hosted by Rice University, the two-day event brought trict…They see what’s happening at other NES campuses together athletes, scholars, artists, and community voices to across the district. They know that the NES model comes rethink sports. with a strategic amount of resources that principals and One of the most powerful moments came from four Black teachers want to benefit from.” rodeo cowboys, Myrtis Dightman, Harold Cash, Freddie The NES curriculum comprises time-dependent instruc- “Skeet” Gordon, and James Boone, who spoke about navtion during classes and test-based evaluations, following a igating segregation and hostile crowds, delving into their centralized schedule, pre-planned lessons, quizzes, and hardships and connections. follow-up teaching. Teachers at NES schools also receive a Panels explored food systems that affect athletic perforhigher salary than teachers at non-NES campuses. mance and how coaching strategies can shape classroom HISD campuses saw gains in the Texas Education Agency’s teaching.

A-F accountability ratings, with no campuses receiving an F “As a fan and as someone who both played and worked rating in 2025. The number of A and B schools has more than in sports, this year’s theme, A League of Our Own: Sports doubled in the same period, from 93 in 2023 to 197 in 2025. and Embodiment, was super special to me,” said Erika On the other hand, HISD parents and teachers have Thompson, associate director of the Center for African and expressed concerns with the NES curriculum through pro- African American Studies (CAAAS), who also worked with tests and speeches at board meetings, citing rigorous student Black Houston(s) before. “What I love most about Black and teacher evaluations and the closure of libraries as a few Houston(s) is seeing the array of community members, stuof the issues NES campuses face. dents, faculty and staff come together to share and learn from one another. It’s a magical time, one I look forward to PVAMU Gala raises $1.1 million for student every year.”

Houston ISD NES expansion continues

scholarships

It was a big night for Prairie View A&M University.

At this year’s Presidential Scholarship Gala, the university raised nearly $1.1 million in support of student scholarships.

The theme was “Investing in Brilliance.” From student testimonials to performances by the university’s music and

On the web

• How redistricting is reshaping Black political power in 18th Congressional District.

• DeQuina Moore brings Broadway to Houston.

• Why Trump’s war matters to us Blackfolk.

April 23, 2026 |

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| 3

DN News VIRAL VIDEO

Cocody owners respond after dress code controversy

By ReShonda Tate

What began as a birthday dinner turned into a viral flashpoint over dress codes, respectability, and who gets to define “appropriate” in upscale spaces.

Now, the owners of Cocody, a luxury French restaurant in River Oaks, are speaking out.

The controversy erupted after a TikTok video posted by user Roszzemary amassed more than 3.6 million views, showing a group of Black women denied entry to the restaurant over what they were told did not meet dress code standards. In the video, the women display their outfits — short dresses and a sheer look — while questioning why they were turned away.

The restaurant’s website states that guests are expected to wear “Smart Wear, Business Casual, or Professional Attire,” and notes that entry may be denied for “athletic wear, sleepwear, slippers, excessively revealing clothing, or exposed undergarments.”

“One of the women had on a sheer, seethrough dress and the other had on flip flops, both of which violate the dress code,” said co-owner Edith Bosso.

Owners say incident was ‘taken out of context’

In an exclusive interview with The Defender, Edith Bosso and her husband, Edwin Bosso said the viral video does not accurately reflect what happened that night.

“The interaction was completely taken out of context,” Edwin Bosso said. “The young lady that did the video was not the person who was refused access to the restaurant.”

According to Bosso, two members of the

group were denied entry — not the woman who filmed the video — a distinction he says was lost as the video spread online.

“I think that was misleading to a lot of people watching it,” he said.

Bosso said he was surprised by how quickly the situation escalated and described the backlash as both “sad” and “scary,” particularly as assumptions about the restaurant and its ownership circulated online.

“A lot of people were expressing an opinion without knowing anything about the subject,” he said.

A vision of ‘elegance’ — and the tension around it

Cocody, which has been open for just over two years, was intentionally designed to offer what the owners describe as an elevated dining experience in Houston.

“We’ve talked a lot about elegance, we’ve talked a lot about upscale,” Bosso said.

The dress code is a dress code...

You are welcome anytime… with the dress code.”

EDITH BOSSO

“There’s a big difference between being rich and being elegant.”

For Bosso and his wife, Edith, the dress code is part of that experience — not about exclusion, but about maintaining a certain atmosphere.

“We create something beautiful, elegant, chic,” said Edith Bosso. “We love to dress up… to have a good time.”

Still, her comments also reflect the tension fueling the backlash.

“It hurts me,” she said of the criticism.

“Those ladies are young and beautiful… they should do better.”

Social media, perception, and a larger conversation

The incident has sparked broader questions beyond one restaurant.

Online, reactions have been sharply divided. Some users defended Cocody’s right to enforce its dress code, d argu uing that fine dining establishments o often require a cerrtain level of atttire. Others questioned whether such policies are ap pplied consisttently — or if theey disproportion nately impact Blaack women.

Fo or the Bossos, w o are Black, the who

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Shirley Alfred Johnson HOUSTON, TX — The Houston community prepares to bid a final farewell to Shirley Alfred Johnson, a woman whose life was defined by trailblazing service and an unforgettable personality. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held this Thursday, April 30, at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Mrs. Johnson was a pillar of her congregation and a devoted member of the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As a member

of Houston’s largest AKA chapter, she was cherished by her sorority sisters and fellow parishioners alike for her welcoming smile and a trademark sharp candor.

Her professional journey was as diverse as it was distinguished. Mrs. Johnson broke barriers in law enforcement and public safety, serving as a Harris County Deputy Sheriff and an Arson Investigator. Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to establish her own private investigation company.

She was the beloved wife of the late Rev.

W. Van Johnson, who served with distinction as a chaplain and professor at Prairie View A&M University.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486) or online at http://mdanderson.org/gifts. Friends and family are invited to gather at Wheeler Avenue to celebrate a life lived with immense purpose, faith, and grit.

viral moment highlights the power — and danger — of social media.

“With one moment… you can create a lot of stress to other people,” he said.

He also noted that the controversy appeared to gain traction in part due to assumptions about the restaurant’s ownership and race.

“It was reinforcing a rhetoric,” he said. “I think the whole white/Black thing for me is irrelevant.”

Dress codes and discretion

At the heart of the debate is a familiar issue: discretion.

Terms like “excessively revealing” leave room for interpretation, and that interpretation can vary depending on who is enforcing the rules.

Edith Bosso framed the policy in simpler terms.

“The dress code is a dress code,” she said.

“You are welcome anytime… with the dress code.”

She compared it to respecting a host’s house rules — a perspective some agree with, and others challenge.

What happens next

Despite the backlash, the owners say they remain committed to their vision for Cocody — one rooted in elegance, experience, and presentation.

“We’re trying to create something special for the city of Houston,” Edwin Bosso said.

In the days following the controversy, they say some diners have come in specifically to ask questions and see the space for themselves.

4 | April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News

Homeless youth get lifeline

By Tannistha Sinha

The Houston City Council approved an extension of its agreement with Covenant House Texas, directing $545,534 in federal and state grant funding to the organization through March 31, 2027.

The fund draws from three funding streams: • $344,284 in Homeless Housing and Services Program Youth funds • $175,000 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds • $26,250 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the administration The additional dollars will ensure the continuation of emergency shelter operations for 125 unaccompanied, homeless young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, according to city documents.

Under the agreement, youth will receive shelter and individualized case management services focused on stabilization, including basic needs such as meals, clothing, and mental health support, as well as long-term housing solutions.

The measure was recommended by the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) and presented to the Quality of Life Committee in February.

Who needs housing in Houston?

According to regional counts conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, 3,325 people were homeless as of the night of Jan. 27, 2025, in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties, an increase of 45 people from the prior year’s count.

Covenant House Texas has been a key node within The Way Home,

The funding will serve 125 young adults by providing housing, healthcare, and pathways to long-term stability at Covenant House. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender

Houston’s local homeless response system, which is a network of over 100 partners, including nonprofits and local governments, working to make homelessness rare.

Located near Downtown Houston, Covenant House serves young people ages 18 to 24, including parents with children up to age 5. Nearly 70% of its visitors and residents are African American, per staff.

The organization recently completed a $55 million facility build-out designed specifically to

prioritize youth.

The renewed city funding will support Covenant House’s multi-stage model, which begins at its Youth Engagement Center, a low-barrier, no-prerequisite drop-in space, and can extend through transitional housing and eventually, independent apartment living.

Felicia Broussard, chief philanthropy officer, said Mayor John Whitmire toured the new facility.

“Covenant House Texas is exceptionally grateful for the

continued support of the City of Houston,” Broussard told the Defender. “He [Whitmire] also fell in love with the idea of answering homelessness experienced by youth in a very special way. And he can now envision an even better solution to solving or ending homelessness in this city, as we’re addressing 18 to 24-year-olds.”

FELICIA BROUSSARD Chief Philanthropy Officer Credit: Covenant House

A long-term agreement

Covenant House has received funding from the City of Houston since 2009.

The new funds come as part of a third amendment to an agreement, building on a pattern of successive city investments in the organization.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 27 - APRIL 23, 2026 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

The funding strengthens Covenant House’s ability to address youth homelessness through holistic care and long-term stability”

The grant arrives as Covenant House aims to amass its annual revenue budget of $9.5 million.

Next year, per Broussard, the budget is expected to reach nearly $11 million.

“Addressing mental health and physical health in the medical clinic, that’s one huge way in which funding will be used. Then they’re able to work on career and education goals,” she said.

Currently, Covenant House relies on federal and state funding, as well as private investments from foundations and individuals.

Broussard added that city grant agreements like this one are a critical piece of its operating budget.

The services funded under the agreement span several areas. On the health side, the organization operates a no-cost clinic offering primary care, including physicals and STD testing, referrals for dental and vision care, and behavioral health support. Partnerships with Baylor help ensure access to therapy, and staff help youth enroll in public health programs so care can continue beyond their time at Covenant House.

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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 2026 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 5

DN News Harris County pushes homeowner exemptions

By Tannistha Sinha

The deadline to file regular residential homestead exemption applications is due on April 30, 2026. Harris County officials are urging homeowners to act before this deadline to reduce tax bills.

Per Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector

Annette Ramirez and Harris Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Adam Bogard, more than 150,000 homeowners, who qualify for homestead exemptions, have not applied.

“Right now, too many homeowners in Harris County are paying more than they need to,” Ramirez said. “We know families are feeling real financial pressure, and one of

Eligible homeowners could see significant reductions on their annual property tax bills, with savings ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on property value and qualifying factors such as age or disability status.”

ANNETTE RAMIREZ

Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector

the most immediate ways to lower costs is through property tax exemptions. But here’s the reality: Many homeowners who qualify haven’t applied.”

Ramirez emphasized that several eligible homeowners are not aware of the benefits available to them and are yet to complete the application process as the deadline approaches.

According to an analysis by Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), the largest gap in receiving homestead exemptions is found in low-income, majority-Black and Brown neighborhoods. Barriers include a lack of awareness, difficulty accessing appraisal district websites, and language access gaps.

Recent data from Ramirez’s office highlights the amount of money homeowners can save through exemptions: • A homeowner with a $250,000 property could reduce their tax liability from $5,313 to $3,020, or possibly eliminate their Harris County tax bill entirely for qualifying seniors or disabled residents • A homeowner with a $400,000 property could reduce their tax bill from $8,500 to $5,571, or as low as $1,321, depending on eligibility

“That’s real money back in people’s pockets,” Ramirez said.

Communities of color underrepresented in applications

Despite the financial relief available, Ramirez said communities of color remain underrepresented in taking advantage of exemptions and other ways to save on property taxes.

In response to this issue, the Harris Central Appraisal District aims to conduct targeted outreach.

“We are working on an initiative with the appraisal district to identify, those neighborhoods and to actually go knock on doors,” Ramirez told the Defender. “There’s a high probability that they could probably qualify for an exemption, so we’re going to start taking on initiatives that target specific areas and specific streets to see if we can get some folks to apply for those exemptions.”

Bogard said one of the biggest barriers is a lack of awareness.

For more information, call the Harris County Tax Office at 713-274-8000 or visit www.hctax.net/property/taxbreaks.

I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) YOU’RE INVITED TO A

PUBLIC MEETING

I-45 SEGMENT 3C-1 PROJECT LIMITS

I-45 NORTH HOUSTON HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (NHHIP) Join us to learn more about the I-45 NHHIP – a transformative project designed to reduce congestion, enhance safety, improve mobility, drive economic and community opportunities, and bolster flood resistance across the Houston region.

The meeting will provide updates on Segment 3 project activities, including proposed design changes for Segment 3C-1, seeking feedback from the public in an open-house format. Segment 3C-1 includes I-10 from Gregg Street to Waco Street, for a total length of approximately 0.75 miles. Since the Record of Decision (ROD) in 2021, the project team has continued to refine the design in Segment 3C-1 per discussions with the City of Houston (COH) and other stakeholders. The proposed changes include the addition of an outfall channel from I-10 to Buffalo Bayou to facilitate drainage, construction of a pump station, the addition of tie-back anchors to support deeper retaining walls, and the reconnection of Buck Street north of I-10.

These proposed design changes would require an additional 1.18 acres of new right of way (ROW), with one potential residential displacement, and approximately 3.0 acres of easement beyond the amount studied in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)/ROD.

SEGMENT 3C-1 PUBLIC MEETING

Julia C. Hester House 2020 Solo St., Recreation Building #4 Houston, TX 77020

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 5 - 7 p.m.

SEGMENT 3C-1

The public meeting will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation available. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English or Spanish is not your primary language, or have difficulty communicating effectively in English or Spanish, one will be provided to you free of charge. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or if you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the public meeting, please contact Gabriel Adame, Public Engagement Coordinator, at 713-802-5199 or Gabriel.Adame@txdot.gov, no later than 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the project team to arrange. Please note that for the in-person meeting, oversized bags will be checked in at registration and returned upon exiting the meeting.

French: Arabic: Somali: Swahili:

Kinyarwanda: /

‫أو إذا‬

.

Mandarin: Mandarin (traditional Chinese): Mandarin Vietnamese: Creole:

/

-

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS Feedback from the public regarding the project may be submitted in any language by mail to: TxDOT I-45 NHHIP Ombudsman, TxDOT Houston District P.O. Box 1386 Houston, Texas 77251-1386 Feedback may also be submitted by email to: nhhip.ombudsman@txdot.gov

All comments must be submitted or postmarked by Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

6 | April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 7

DN InFocus

Beauty TOXIC ?

New study shows rise in harmful chemicals in synthetic & human hair.

By ReShonda Tate

For generations, braids, wigs, and extensions have been more than beauty choices for Black women — they’ve been cultural expression, convenience, and, often, necessity. But new research is raising urgent questions about what may be woven into those styles.

A recent study by Consumer Reports found that synthetic braiding hair, wigs, and extensions — products disproportionately used by Black women — may contain harmful chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and respiratory illness.

The findings are not meant to spark panic, experts say, but to encourage awareness, accountability, and informed choices.

At the same time, the testing showed that safer options may be possible.

“During this testing effort, we identified products that had smaller amounts down to undetectable amounts of the heavy metals,” Rogers said. “This suggests that in the production of synthetic braiding hair, these products can be made without being contaminated with these potentially harmful chemicals.”

cosmetics compared to other consumer goods.

Consumer Reports is now advocating for stronger oversight, arguing that these products should fall under federal cosmetic regulations.

“We believe the FDA should take responsibility for these products,” Rogers said. “They are worn on the body and have the potential to impact health.”

Top Findings

All but one sample contained heavy metals.

Lead was detected in 29 of the 30 products we tested, and human hair was by far the worst offender.

One hundred percent of the products also contained VOCs, including acetone, a respiA deeper look at what’s in the hair ratory irritant, and low levels of carcinogens The study examined dozens of products (toxins that may be linked to cancer). commonly used for braiding and protective Brands that make claims about safety or styles, identifying 169 chemicals across 43 quality of ingredients contained contaminants, products. Among them were flame retardants, too, although at sometimes lower levels than pesticides, phthalates, and volatile organic many other products tested. compounds (VOCs). Researchers also detected It all highlights the question that several troubling levels of heavy metals, consumers posted: Is there a including lead, in some samples. braiding hair product on the “We did this study because conmarket that doesn’t include sumers asked us,” said Dr. James potentially harmful chemicals?

Rogers, director of product and “During this testing effort, food safety research and testing at we identified products that Consumer Reports. “They wanted had smaller amounts down to to know if there were safer options, undetectable amounts of the especially after earlier testing heavy metals. This suggests that showed high concentrations of in the production of synthetic lead in many synthetic braiding braiding hair, these products hair products.”

James. E. Rogers, can be made without being In a surprising twist, some PhD contaminated with these potenhuman hair products — often mar- Director tially harmful chemicals,” says keted as safer alternatives — con- Food Safety Rogers, who also highlighted tained even higher levels of lead.

Research and that in the 2025 report, seven “That was one of the biggest sur- Testing out of 10 products came back prises,” Rogers said. “Human hair Consumer Reports negative for benzene, a known had the highest levels of lead — Credit: Consumer carcinogen that can cause acute magnitudes higher than anything Reports myeloid leukemia. we tested.”

Follow-up testing in 2025 reinforced those A cumulative exposure risk concerns. Researchers found heavy metals in The concern isn’t just what’s in the hair — it’s nearly every product tested, with lead detected how often and how long it’s used. in 29 of 30 samples. VOCs were present in all Black women are among the highest-freproducts, including acetone and low levels of quency users of braiding hair and protective known carcinogens. styles, often wearing them for weeks at a time.

More than 169 chemicals were detected in a study on synthetic hair. Credit: Getty

Black women speak out.

“We know women wear braids for four to six weeks,” Rogers said. “That’s prolonged exposure, especially when the hair is in direct contact with the scalp.”

Heat application, tight braiding, and constant handling can increase the risk.

“If braids are too tight, they can cause microtears in the scalp,” Rogers explained.

“That can allow chemicals to enter the body more easily.”

There’s also concern about inhalation and ingestion.

“Braiding hair can be brittle,” he said. “Small particles can break off, and through hand-tomouth contact, they can enter the body.”

One of the reasons for choosing this pathway lies in the hair braiding salons. If you’ve ever gotten your hair braided, you may also be aware of how often braiders go from handling braiding hair to touching their face, wiping their mouth, or, putting “something in their stomachs,” aka eating a snack, between clients or while one is under the dryer. Although it’s unhygienic, some braiders sometimes also put the clients’ braids in their mouths to help hold up longer braids, enabling them to complete

the braid more easily.

The label problem

For many consumers, product labels are the first line of defense. But researchers warn that those labels can be misleading.

Products marketed as “safer” or even “organic” were not necessarily free of harmful chemicals.

“You can’t always trust the labels,” Rogers said. “Some products advertised as safer were just as bad as others.”

He added that terms like “organic” are often misused. “‘Organic’ really applies to how food is grown,” he said. “It doesn’t have a meaningful application to chemical-based hair products.”

Why regulation is limited

Part of the issue lies in a regulatory gray area.

Unlike food or drugs, many cosmetic and hair products — including synthetic extensions — are not required to fully disclose ingredients before hitting the market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has limited authority over

“We’re not anti-braid,” Rogers said. “We’re just trying to provide information so consumers can make informed decisions.”

Consumer Reports is also pushing for policy changes at both the federal and state levels, including petitions urging stricter oversight of the braiding hair industry.

For now, advocates say awareDavion “Mister A” ness is the first step.

Anderson Credit: For Black women, the ReShonda Tate issue isn’t just about hair Health implications — it’s about health, Exposure to certain chemicals identified in equity, and the right to safe the study has been linked to: products.

• High blood pressure • Hormonal disruption What consumers can do • Reproductive issues While regulation catches • Respiratory irritation up, experts recommend • Increased cancer risk practical steps to reduce • Lead exposure is particularly concerning. exposure: “There are no safe levels of lead,” Rogers • Research products said. “It’s associated with high blood pressure, using trusted testing cancer, and developmental issues in children.” sources • Avoid overly tight Beauty, access, and disparity braids to prevent For many Black women, synthetic hair is scalp damage not just a preference — it’s often the most • Shorten wear time affordable and accessible option. and give the scalp That reality sits at the intersection of beauty breaks standards, economic access, and health • Use well-vendisparities. tilated spaces Beauticians say they are increasingly aware during of the issue but also recognize the limited installation options available to clients.

• Wear gloves “We’re trying to do what’s best for our cliwhen handling ents, but we don’t always have full informabraiding hair tion about what’s in these products,” said stylist • Do a patch Davion Anderson, of Opulence Beauty. “A lot test before full of times, we’re going off what’s available and installation affordable for our clients.”

• Switch prodBut Anderson notes the growing concern ucts if irritaamong customers. tion occurs “Clients are asking more questions now,” he “Consumers said. “They want to know what they’re putting should vote with on their scalp, especially if they’ve had irrita- their dollars,” Rogtion before.” ers said. “If you’re Despite the findings, experts are clear: This concerned about is not a call to abandon braids or protective a product, choose styles. something else.”

8 | April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Why Black male health matters in 2026

By Aswad Walker

John Bunchy Crear, 74, stands as a living testament to both survival and warning.

A longtime community activist and former member of the Black Panther Party, Crear admits he once avoided doctors altogether.

“I didn’t go to the doctor for probably two or three years,” Crear said. “When I did, I had a major problem—I had bladder cancer.

The only thing that made me go was blood in my urine.”

Even that life-altering diagnosis didn’t immediately shift his behavior. It took witnessing a comrade battle rectal cancer—and enjoy major cost savings through various Medicare programs—to change his mindset.

“That’s when I signed up… and I go for regular check-ups now,” he said.

Crear considers himself fortunate. Many Black men never make that appointment.

Many never detect an illness early. And too often, that delay becomes fatal.

In 2026, the stakes are even higher. Longstanding disparities are colliding with new economic and political realities, creating what can only be described as a deepening health crisis for Black men.

The numbers tell a troubling story

The data is stark and consistent. Black men in the United States continue to experience shorter life expectancy—roughly 70 to 72 years—compared to white men, who average closer to 76 to 78.

But statistics alone don’t capture the urgency. What matters is how widespread— and preventable—many of these conditions are.

Donnell Cooper, executive director of the African American Male Wellness Agency in Houston (AAMWA), points to alarming findings from recent national screenings.

“In 2025, we screened 10,000 Black men…

86% had high blood pressure,” Cooper said.

“That is a 911 activation for us.”

Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” sits at the center of a web of interconnected health issues. Black men are more likely to die from heart disease, face higher rates of diabetes, and are disproportionately impacted by prostate cancer.

Cooper emphasizes a simple but powerful intervention: awareness.

“We want to encourage men to know their numbers,” he said.

Yet awareness alone cannot overcome structural barriers.

Structural forces shaping health outcomes

Health disparities are not accidental. Structural racism, economic inequality, and environmental injustice, all the result of political policies, shape Black men’s health realities.

Access remains a central issue. Black men are significantly less likely to have health

Oftentimes, the difference between good health and disastrous health outcomes is the decision to see a medical professional and get needed screenings, as past AAMWA Black Men’s Wellness Day participants shown here did. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

4TH ANNUAL BLACK MEN'S WELLNESS DAY Sat., April 25, starting at 7 am

@ Community of Faith Church, 1024 Pinemont Dr. Houston 77018

insurance or a consistent primary care provider. Experiences of discrimination in medical settings deepen mistrust, discouraging engagement with healthcare systems.

There is also the issue of “invisibility.”

Researchers estimate that approximately 1.5 million Black men between ages 25 and 54 are missing from daily life due to premature death or incarceration—a sobering reflection of systemic neglect.

Even basic necessities like food quality matter. Maurice Blandon, a Gen Z urban gardener, highlights the deterioration of access to nutritious food.

“Everything’s worse,” Blandon said. “The food that’s available to us these days is horrible… We’re getting edible poison now.”

Diet, environment, and access are not separate issues. They’re interconnected forces shaping life outcomes.

2026: A turning point for better or worse

What makes this moment particularly urgent is the convergence of policy changes and economic strain.

Recent federal actions—including major Medicaid cuts and the rollback of Affordable Care Act supports—threaten to push millions out of coverage. For Black men, who already face barriers to care, this could mean fewer check-ups, delayed diagnoses, and worsening chronic conditions.

In Texas, the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public institutions has further consequences.

These programs have historically helped increase the number of culturally competent providers—an essential factor in improving trust and outcomes.

At the same time, cuts to safety-net

hospitals and health disparity research reduce both access and understanding. The result is a compounding effect: less coverage, fewer resources, and rising stress tied to economic instability.

This is not just a healthcare issue—it is a justice issue.

Gen Z member Maurice Blandon takes control of his health by gardening and eating what he grows, to avoid the many contaminants found in grocery store produce.

Credit: Aswad Walker/Defender

Community-based solutions

Despite these challenges, grassroots efforts are stepping in where systems fall short.

The AAMWA is one such example. Its 4th Annual Black Men’s Wellness Day in Houston (Sat., April 25, starting at 7 am at the Community of Faith Church, 1024 Pinemont Dr.) is designed to make healthcare accessible, culturally relevant, and community-centered.

The event, which includes a 5K Run & Walk, combines physical activity with medical screenings and consultations of all kinds.

“We’re empowering men to get their screenings—glucose, BMI, hypertension,” Cooper explained. “Then they can have a one-on-one dialogue with an African-American doctor.”

Pastor Jamail Johnson (left), vice president of the AAMWA, and Donnell Cooper, executive director of the Houston branch of the AAMWA take a moment during the 2025 event to pose for a picture. Credit: Aswad Walker/Defender.

CLASSIFIED LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a (G) Winery Permit by Infuse Wine Bar LLC dba Infuse Wine Bar LLC, to be located at 2103 Lyons Ave, 4101, Houston, Harris County, TX 77020. Officers of said corporation are Krystal Spencer-Owner.

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) AND Late Hours Certificate by Bonez Entertainment, LLC dba Bonez Draught House & Sports Grill , to be located at 18313 Egret Bay Blvd, Webster, 77058, Harris County , Texas. PARTNERS are Aline Wilson, Managing Member, and Thomas Wilson, Member.

April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

Martine Desmolieres Is all about ‘Going Out Divine’

“We talk about healthy relationships, boundaries, and red flags,” Desmolieres explained. “But we also give them the skills and the tool sets that they need to have strong futures.”

The impact is already visible.

“In Her League wasn’t just an event—it was an empowerment summit,” said Shan Greggs, CEO of Simply Scents Candle Company. “Houston teens showed up, asked bold questions, healed, and walked out confident.”

By Aswad Walker

Martine Desmolieres’ journey to purpose did not begin in a boardroom; it began in survival.

Having relocated to Houston from Connecticut by way of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Desmolieres spent more than two decades working in the oil and gas industry. She mastered the corporate world, building stability and professional credibility. But beneath that success was a calling rooted not in profit margins, but in liberation.

“I transitioned and decided to work for myself and start Going Out Divine (GOD)… a non-profit organization that focuses on domestic violence awareness, education, and teen prevention,” said Desmolieres.

Freedom forged through survival For her, this work is not abstract. It is lived experience—pain transformed into purpose.

“Unfortunately, when I was 17, I experienced domestic violence or teen dating violence at that time, which went into my early 20s. So, for me, this work is very personal,” she said.

Desmolieres’ story reflects a broader social crisis often hidden behind closed doors. Domestic violence, particularly among young people, remains underreported and misunderstood. In communities already navigating economic and social instability, abuse can become normalized.

“And not only was it something that I experienced, I grew up in a neighborhood that wasn’t the safest,” she explained.

“Whether I would hear it behind closed doors or see it happening on school grounds, I was always exposed to it.”

What ultimately shifted her trajectory was not just endurance, but awakening.

That moment came unexpectedly, sparked by a co-worker’s book recommendation.

Approximately 13% of 6th to 9th graders reported being stalked, with equal proportions of boys and girls affected.” @GOINGOUTDIVINE

Read the full story online.

Martine Desmolieres has embraced her mission to empower women and girls to fight back against domestic violence and/or to pick up the signs that allow them to avoid it altogether. Courtesy Martine Desmolieres.

She recalled reading a few pages of Living Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen while covering a colleague’s desk.

“It immediately captivated me,” she said.

Encouraged to buy a copy, she used money she could barely spare.

“I finished it within 48 hours… it made me realize that I was valuable, that I was worth it, and that there was more to life than just this.”

What followed was an act of courage that would redefine her life. With just $40 to her name, she changed the locks on her apartment, packed her abuser’s belongings, and forced a separation.

“I could see a dent in the door—he had tried to break it down. But that was what shifted everything… it unlocked something inside of me,” recalled Desmolieres.

That moment was not just an exit. It was a rebirth.

Building “Going Out Divine” Desmolieres founded Going Out Divine (GOD) with a clear mission: to ensure that other women and girls have access to the tools, knowledge, and support she had to fight to find.

“We have community outreach where we support local domestic violence shelters with essentials that they need, such as toiletries,” she said.

But the organization’s work goes far beyond material support. It addresses the deeper structural and cultural gaps that allow abuse to persist—particularly among young people.

One of GOD’s most impactful initiatives is In Her League, a teen empowerment program designed for middle and high school girls. The program deals with financial literacy, professional development, college readiness, and more.

Expanding the vision Desmolieres is not stopping with girls.

Recognizing that prevention must include boys and young men, GOD is developing a co-ed initiative called The League Academy, set to launch this fall.

“We are opening it up to not just teen girls but to teen boys as well,” she said. “The curriculum is extensive, and schools will have the opportunity to send their students.”

This expansion reflects a critical truth: addressing domestic violence requires transforming the socialization of all young people, not just those most visibly harmed by it.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Desmolieres has launched Voices Restored, a forprofit organization that extends her mission into institutional spaces.

“We partner with corporations, schools, and organizations to bring various workshops and training programs that deal with domestic violence education and awareness,” she said. “We also want to work with the schools… and connect with the parents so they can be involved.”

This dual model—nonprofit advocacy paired with professional training—positions her work at the intersection of community empowerment and systemic change.

Martine Desmolieres (center) with several In Her League event participants. Credit: @ goingoutdivine / IG.

10 | April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

TEXANS NFL DRAFT MISSION Need vs. Best Player Available

By Terrance Harris

If you have listened to Texans general manager Nick Caserio, then you are very If Georgia defensive tackle familiar with what BPA means.

Christen Miller is available Best Player Available. when the Texans pick in the And if you believe Caserio, as the sevfirst round of the NFL Draft, en-round NFL Draft kicks off, that is the he would be a valuable asset exact mission the Texans are on. Regardless next to Sheldon Rankins. of need, Caserio’s public stand is that the Credit: Getty Images Texans will draft the best player available based on the grading system.

“The draft is the draft. We’ll grade the players,” Caserio said. “Ultimately, we’ll take the best football players, regardless of the position. That’s what we’ve always done.

That’s not going to change this year relative to previous years. We’re a ‘BPA’ team.”

But for a Texans team that has glaring needs in the trenches of the defensive and offensive lines and depth in the secondary, what does that really mean?

The reality is that the Texans will likely draft the best available players at those positions, beginning with their first pick of the night at No. 28 in the first Emmanuel Pregnon acquisitions of tackle Braden round.

Smith, guard Wyatt Teller, and The only position the Texans aren’t center/guard Evan Brown. But playevaluating and are up front about ers like Proctor, Pregnon, and not caring about the BPA is Iheanachor help build depth at quarterback because they and plan for the future more recently picked up C.J. Stroud’s cost-effectively. fifth year and are intent on Along the defensive staying the course. line, Miller seems like he So the strong likelihood with would be a good catch to pair the Texans’ first pick is to think alongside Sheldon Rankins in Max Icheanachor the interior of the defensive offensive or defensive line.

Think Georgia defensive tackle line, with defensive ends Will Christen Miller. Think Alabama offensive Anderson and Danielle Hunter bringing the tackle Kaydn Proctor. Think Oregon guard heat from the outside. Miller seems more Emmanuel Pregnon. Think Arizona State sensible and is definitely more economioffensive tackle Max Iheanachor. cal than the recent rumors that the Texans These four players fit the Texans’ most might be in play for Giants defensive tackle glaring needs in the trenches along the Dexter Lawrence, who comes with a king’s offensive and defensive lines. ransom of player and draft equity, not to No doubt the Texans addressed their mention salary. offensive line needs in free agency with the But the Texans could also surprise

It’s trust the grades. There’s a reason that we put grades on a player. Again, we grade the players, we stack the board, we do it vertically and horizontally, and then you work across.”

NICK CASERIO Texans general manager

everyone and trade either up or down with the 28th overall pick. They have four picks in the first 100 picks, and they have eight overall picks in the three-day draft.

From there, look for the Texans to address depth needs in the secondary, particularly at cornerback, and also improve depth at tight end and maybe even linebacker.

“I think we’re prepared for anything,”

TEXANS DRAFT ORDER Round/Order/Overall 1 / 28 / 28 Houston Texans 2 / 6 / 38 Houston Texans from Washington Commanders 2 / 27 / 59 Houston Texans 3 / 5 / 69 Houston Texans from New York Giants 4 / 6 / 106 Houston Texans from Washington Commanders 5 / 1 / 141 Houston Texans from Las Vegas Raiders via Cleveland Browns 5 / 27 / 167 Houston Texans re-acquired via Philadelphia Eagles 7 / 27 / 243 Houston Texans from San Francisco 49ers

Caserio said. “I don’t know if there’s a, ‘Well we’re going to do this.’ We could go both ways. Again, it’s always who are you trading up for. How far are you going and what do you have to give up in return?

“If you get past a certain cohort of players, ‘What’s the next tier? Well, we’re comfortable with these five or six, or you know what, maybe we’d rather have this player as opposed to that player.’ Look, I’m not trying to be cute here. We could go either way, but again a lot of it is driven.”

But even if the Texans move up or down, it doesn’t seem like it will change the positions they will look to target in the first couple of rounds of the draft, where they enter with three early-round picks.

Caserio, however, says it’s all about the BPA and the grades in the Texans’ war room.

“I would say other than quarterback, there’s no position that we wouldn’t consider drafting if that’s what the board told us,” Caserio said. “That’s why we set the board.”

April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports FURR HIGH SCHOOL

KEVIN SALINAS

Eyes back-to-back 4A district discus championships

By Jimmie Aggison

Furr High School senior Kevin Salinas took a deep breath, stepped into the discus circle, and started his familiar spin that has become the key to his success. Moments later, the discus flew through the air and landed at 131-feet-5, earning him first place at the 2026 Dave Bethany Relays.

The throw not only added another win to Salinas’ senior season, but it also indicated that the defending district champion might be on his way to winning the 4A boys discus title for a second consecutive year. However, even as the distances grow, Salinas and his coach, Karen Waddell, believe his best throws are still to come.

“Before throwing at the Dave Bethany Relays, I was nervous and a little in my head,” said Salinas. “I always get nervous, but once I saw what everyone was throwing, I knew I had to settle down.”

Salinas threw 131-feet-5, to win first place, but even he felt it wasn’t his best effort.

“When I saw my throw reach 131-feet-5, I knew it would be top three, but I know it was far from my best, so I was not completely satisfied,” said Salinas, whose personal record this season is 147 feet. “The throw felt different. When I felt the release, I knew it was going to go far, but I just have to keep working.”

“Kevin’s hard work and determination paid off again this week,” said girls and boys throwing coach at Furr High School, Karen Waddell.

While Salinas is considered one of the top contenders in 4A boys discus this season, the path to another district title actually started months earlier during practice.

As a junior, Salinas was recovering from a broken arm he had suffered during his sophomore football season. It was during this period that he met Waddell, who encouraged him to try the shot put and the discus after his arm healed.

“I was not very good at shot put, so I stayed away from it and focused mainly on discus,” said Salinas. “After watching athletes compete in the sport at the Olympics, I wanted to give it a try. As a junior, I won the district, and it felt great. It was my first year throwing, so I didn’t expect to win, but that made me believe that nothing was impossible.”

Salinas now feels both motivation and pressure as he tries to defend his district title.

“As a senior, I’ve set two goals,” said Salinas. “My first goal was to throw 140 feet, and I accomplished that at the Houston Relays

with a PR of 147 feet, so I’ve now set that goal to throw 150 feet and qualify for the UIL 4A State track meet.”

Unlike during his junior season, when Salinas took some time to settle into the sport, he wasted no time starting his preparation as a senior. After football season ended, Salinas immediately began his discus workouts.

Success in the discus circle rarely relies on strength alone. For Salinas, most of his progress has come from refining the technical aspects of the event.

“The most important technical elements of a successful discus throw are a combination of spin mechanics, balance, footwork, and release timing,” said Waddell, who threw discus while attending Prairie View A&M University. “Kevin has improved many of those aspects while tremendously enhancing his control and release timing. The only thing he needs to continue fine-tuning is his footwork.”

“The hardest part about learning and mastering the spin technique was being patient because it takes a lot of practice to master it,” said Salinas.

In the beginning stages of learning the spin technique, Salinas would fall or get dizzy after finishing the spins.

“I wear glasses, but when I throw, I don’t wear them so early on; I would get dizzy, and my head would hurt,” said Salinas. “I would fall because I hadn’t completely mastered the technique, but I always got back up and kept trying.”

Now, with more experience, Salinas concentrates on balance and control during practice by slowing his movements and keeping the discus centered while maintaining proper body control.

“When everything clicks with balance and spin, the disc comes out smooth with no wobble, good height, and distance, it’s the best feeling ever,” said Salinas.

As the technical improvements have materialized, so have the results on the field, giving Salinas confidence that his distances can keep increasing.

“To win the district again, I need to focus in practice, lock in, and compete at meets,” said Salinas.

“With his hard work, Kevin has the potential to advance to and through the Regional finals,” said Waddell. “Continuous improvement and putting it all together at the right time will be his key to peak performance.”

While Salinas has made a name for himself as one of Furr’s top throwers, track and

Furr High School senior Kevin Salinas poses after winning first place in the discus with a throw of 131-feet-5 at the 2026 Dave Bethany Relays.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/ Defender

field isn’t the only sport shaping his future, as several schools, including Westgate Christian University and Clutch City College Prep, have already shown interest in him playing football.

“I would love an opportunity to compete in track and field at the collegiate level,” said Salinas. “If I get an offer from any school for tack, I’ll take it.”

For now, however, Salinas’ focus remains

on finishing his high school career the same way he started his rise in the event, inside the discus circle.

“Finishing my high school career with another district championship would be great, knowing I did my best in back-to-back seasons,” said Salinas.

“I want to be remembered as an athlete who played football but also tried another sport and found success,” said Salinas.

12 | April 23, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

CENTRELL REED Builds Houston entertainment ecosystem

By Laura Onyeneho

Centrell Reed remembers the moment she decided the move to Houston was worth the gamble. Her sister had been urging her to consider, but Reed was skeptical.

“I was like, why would I do that?” she recalls. “I mean, Houston’s got to figure out its life. You all have hazards, the zoning’s all over the place, there are too many people.”

But her sister planted a seed and told her that they “could do so many big things here.”

Over a decade later, that instinct proved prophetic. Reed, a New Orleans native who spent 14 years as a certified project manager in financial technology, now runs CReed Global Media, a full-service media company that provides streaming technology, video production, and distribution services to clients ranging from city governments to independent filmmakers.

She also founded and chairs the International Entertainment Partnership (IEP), an organization that brings together Houston’s entertainment community to compete with major markets such as Atlanta, a, Los os Angeles, ge es, and New York.

The unexpected turn

Reed’s biggest revelation came from an unexpected client: the government. Not as a contractor, but as a storyteller needing streaming infrastructure. There are approximately 5,000 public education and government channels designed to provide transparent information to citizens, and Reed’s company, with six years of streaming experience, had solutions most firms couldn’t touch.

Centrell Reed (far right) is a business owner, leader, action coach, speaker, “I thought streaming was gonna just be media figure and the founder & CEO of CReed Global Media Television for film and TV, looking at it honestly as Network and Studios. Credit: Centrell Reed a consumer,” she reflects. “Then I realized there’s a total difference in what it looks like She took her observations to then-Mayor e-sports, gaming, music, fashion, and pho- to manage and distribute content globally.”

Sylvester Turner. What she learned exposed tography. Its annual soiree brings together Now CGM serves city governments, generHouston’s entertainment crisis: higher edu- hundreds of creatives ating billions in revenue, building cation institutions teaching theory without who previously operated monetization strategies and distripractical application, no central organization in silos. bution channels they didn’t know connecting productions with locations, and Balancing corporate they needed. virtually nonexistent crews and distribution America with a growTexas secured $1.5 billion in channels for independent films. Thousands of ing media empire tested entertainment incentives for 2025.

Houston creatives were doing gig work Reed daily. The COVIDSenate Bill 22 proposes allocating in Atlanta, t a ta, Los os Angeles, ge es, aand d 199 pandemic pa de c wiped w ped tthat a amount in taxpayer funds over New York, then returning out 60% of small six x years to promote Texas as a hub Reed’s home because of fambusinesses nationfor r film, television, and video game secret to Growing Houston’s entertainment ily and better cost of wide. CGM surpro oduction.

But Austin and Dallas coordinating industry ecosystem living. vived through typ pically capture the lion’s share of Houston’s Reed’s work addresses a crittical gap: HousTurner asked grants and tho ose dollars. creatives. ton, the fourth-largest and mo ost diverse city Reed to bring being des“What I would like to see is that in America, has been losing iits creative tal- the community ignated an thee city of Houston starts to get a ent to other markets. When she s opened her together. The IEP essential worker. very healthyy share of those incentives,” Reed 4,000-square-foot studio in 2018, 2 it became now connects pro“It was just by grace that we says. “You haave to have projects that actually the largest in Houston, a shoccking reality for fessionals across didn’t close,” Reed says. “As a ask for the d dollars, and those projects need someone who had lived in Lo os Angeles and Houston’s nine business owner, the hardest to be filmed d in Houston, putting Houston Atlanta, where studios span 330,000, 50,000, entertainment secthing for me is when I have residents on n those projects.” and even 100,000 square feet. tors: TV, film, art, to let someone go who Warren W Winston, managing director CReed Global Media provid des clients with theater, does not see the of Winston Worldwide LLC, has watched everything they need to creaate content and vision. Every- Reed transfform Houston’s entertainment distribute it globally. Her stud dio offers space one doesn’t landscape siince they met in July 2017. He’s for sizzle reels, video producttion, podcasts, get to stay in seen the imp pact firsthand. and event hosting. But what sets it apart is the boat.”

“The realiity was the industry as a whole its streaming technology. Thee company diswas operatin ng in silos,” Winston explains. tributes content to 14 platforrms, including “Everybody was in their own little silo. What eight smart TVs (Vizio, LG, Saamsung, Sony), this whole p process is now, it’s more of a colreaching over 250 million households laborative eff ffort versus a silo.” worldwide. Clients can mon netize their Winston believes Houston has a geocontent through CGM’s parrtnerships graphic advvantage that no other city can with major streaming serviices and match. music distribution platforms.

“You can literally be in HousAs clients flooded in, ton and have all environments Reed observed someavailable, country setting, thing troubling. Producurban setting, city setting, tions would fly in all their beachfront setting, without equipment and crew from having h to bounce from place out of state, bypassing Centrell Reed launched CReed to place,” he says. “But the one local camera houses, prop Global Media in Houston to give thing that’s gonna be key is vendors, and lighting clients the resources they need to making sure we have the companies entirely. No move ahead in the entertainment tax incentives that could economic development. industry. Courtesy: Centrell Reed be provided to those in the No job creation. industry.”