Houston Defender: April 28, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL

Civil rights leaders investigate claims of discrimination at Bellaire and Klein high schools.

NEWS

INFOCUS

CEDRIC RICHMOND

ANDRÉ DEDEAUX

The top aide to President Joe Biden is stepping down to work for the DNC.

Volume 91, issue 25 April 28, 2022

The baseball player is part of a growing trend, 55-and-up amateur leagues.

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DN On Point

Megan Thee Stallion’s interview with Gayle King aired on April 25, 2022. CBS

Message from the Managing Editor Megan speaks out

malpractice to turn down that money, even if Megan Thee Stallion’s interview with Gayle it grants unfettered control of one of the most King aired recently on CBS. She talked about popular digital properties in our present hisher childhood dreams of being a rapper and tory to a man with a questionable past. close relationship with her parents, but the Musk, the founder of a company that Calpart that has everyone buzzing is when she ifornia is suing for allegedly silencing thoutalked about the 2020 shooting incident besands of Black employees who complained tween her and Canadian rapper, Tory Lanez, about racism, is buying a company that which is set to go to trial in September. He has given millions of Black people a megahas pleaded not guilty. phone-like voice to complain about racism.

ReShonda Tate The interview was hard to watch. All And the billionaire insists he’s doing it all to across social media, people are blasting her for speaking protect free speech. Musk’s intentions for Twitter remained out when Tory has a gag order against him. Hellooooo.... unclear. But if his past commentary and the way he’s run Megan is the victim here. She’s not on trial, plus everything his other businesses are any indications, the platform will she said is a matter of public record. But the bottom line is welcome back misinformation, lies, racism and threats of she doesn’t even owe the public “her side.” violence with impunity, which often hit communities of To be fair, Megan said she created some of the drama by color the hardest. lying to the police and saying she stepped on glass after an So now the question remains, Black Twitter ‘what us gon’ argument with her friends. Megan said she didn’t want to do?’ For those that don’t know, #BlackTwitter is a combring any trouble to herself or her friends. And she didn’t munity of millions that figured out how to turn a social want Tory to get in trouble. She was trying to protect the media platform into an indispensable tool for real-world man who reportedly shot her. That’s what so many Black activism, political power and change. Whether the bulk of women do…try to protect Black men. So it’s really sad that Black Twitter lives on or morphs into existence elsewhere in the end, they still end up attacked. From the perpetrator. remains to be seen. After all, if there’s one thing Black folks From the public. From the press. While this story is clearly are good at, it’s the ability to find new places to congregate about Megan Thee Stallion, it’s also about Black women. If and new ways to be entertained. I do think that you will see people can’t believe a celebrity, just imagine the Black wom- Black people doing what we have always done. And that is en in their everyday lives. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in a bend communication and other technologies to our needs fair trial. I don’t want to crucify a Black man. But the proof and our will. And find ways to thrive in those various areas was in the blood....Megan was shot. And it’s a sad state of of the internet. We’re in wait and see mode. But our bags are the world, that she has to go on national television to con- packed and by the door. vince people that She. Was. Shot.

Black Twitter, what you gonna do?

People are packing their bags and bolting from Twitter, now that Elon Musk is purported to buy the social media platform for $44 billion dollars. For those mad at the Twitter board for selling for 38% more than its worth. Remember, they’re about that business and it would be financial

ON THE WEB

• Black Twitter weighs in on the Elon Musk move.

• President Joe Biden says student debt cancellation is still on the table.

• Sports reporter Terrance Harris profiles Brothers In Arms, who are raising money to help kids from single parent homes.

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DN News Racism at Houston area high schools?

NAACP investigates allegations of racism at Bellaire High School

Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner, president of the AAMA, speaking during the opening press conference of the organization’s 2022 annual gathering.

Turner leads Black Mayors conference in D.C., focus on transforming cities

By ReShonda Tate

The Houston NAACP is investigating claims of racism and racist remarks allegedly made last month by members of Bellaire High School’s baseball team, directed at Westbury High School’s baseball team.

“If a teacher or coach tolerates and accommodates racism they are perpetuating a problem,” said Bishop James Dixon, president of the NAACP Houston branch.

At the center of the calls for termination are Nick Ozuna, Bellaire High School’s head baseball coach, as well as his assistant coach Robert Manuel. Both are accused of not correcting their players’ alleged racist taunts.

Since the allegations were made earlier this month, HISD confirmed both coaches have been reassigned pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Those who demand HISD terminate both coaches said the re-assignment wasn’t good enough. They also accused Ozuna of previous racist remarks.

How HISD should react was the focus of a recent town hall meeting hosted by the NAACP, during which two Bellaire teachers spoke. They also said they were alums

NAACP President James Dixon speaks to people at a town hall on the Bellaire issue.

of the high school and urged attendees to let HISD’s investigation play out — instead of judging all of Bellaire High School.

“There’s a reason why we teach at Bellaire High School.

On some level everyone at Bellaire High School has been demonized,” said Tanya Andrews, a teacher at Bellaire High School.

HISD Superintendent Millard House II also attended the meeting but didn’t speak to the audience. Before the meeting commenced, House told reporters he wouldn’t make public comments, citing the ongoing investigation.

Bellaire High School is 41% Hispanic, 21% Black, and 23% white.

Christopher Tritico, the attorney representing Ozuna, denied allegations of racism, calling calls for his termination a “smear campaign.”

Klein HS parents charge racism for all-white cheerleader squad

By Aswad Walker

Parents of two Black Klein High School students who were members of the 2021-22 varsity cheerleading squad suspect foul play (racism), administrator incompetence, or some combination of the two, as the reason their daughters did not make Klein’s 2022-23 squad—a squad that is all-white.

Parents Allegra Cloud Jackson and Vickie Dowell have enlisted the support of local activists Quanell X (New Black Panther Nation) and Dr. Candice Matthews (Rainbow Push Coalition) to help give voice to their call for an investigation into the matter.

Here are some of the issues/charges these parents outlined: • The only two Black, veteran varsity cheerleaders were the only returning cheerleaders not selected.

• The 9th grade cheer coach shared tryout material (video of the routine) with a student (cheerleader) via text message in advance of the tryout clinic. That student shared the material electronically with certain other cheer candidates, giving them an unfair advantage.

DN

• Graduating senior cheerleaders who had the tryout material in advance of the tryout clinic, material paid for by Klein ISD, charged cheer candidates $25 per person to teach them the tryout routine, receiving profits from $25 to $725.

• Tryout score sheets were not properly authenticated, lacking appropriate signatures and containing scratch-outs and score changes. These score sheets also contained the cheer administrator’s initials, though she was not a judge.

• The tryout judges were neither diverse nor credentialed, lacking National Cheerleaders Association or Universal Cheerleaders Association certification and/ or membership.

• The first and only KHS Black cheer coach, who was out on family/medical leave during tryouts, informed school administrators of the tryout material leak and questioned the tryout results that left the two veteran Black cheerleaders off the squad. She resigned after her concerns about tryout results seemed to be ignored.

Klein officials have yet to reply to the allegations.

Read what the parents of the Black cheerleaders feel about this situation at DefenderNetwork.com

By Aswad Walker

This week, Black mayors from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the African American Mayors Association’s (AAMA) Annual Conference, “A Time for Transformation in Our Cities.”

The annual event connects Black mayors with thought-leaders, Administration officials, members of Congress, advocacy organizations and corporations to forge alliances, focus on unique local challenges, and exchange ideas that will foster safer and more prosperous communities for millions of Americans.

The gathering opened with a press conference led by AAMA president, Sylvester Turner, mayor of Houston.

“As laboratories for good governance, America’s cities are ground zero for the policy solutions our country needs to foster a society in which everyone can thrive and access opportunities to prosper,” said Turner. “It is no secret that communities of color have been disproportionately locked out of accessing opportunities to realize their full potential since the nation was founded.”

Turner outlined Black mayors’ priorities for recovering from the pandemic, criminal justice reform, combating crime in cities, affordable housing, attacks on our democracy and the subjugation of Black voters, and changing the culture and services of local government.

“As Black mayors, my colleagues and I understand the myriad odds stacked against these communities. We bring a commitment to fairness, equity and justice to our roles as city leaders, seeking to ensure race is no longer a determinant of how successful our residents can be. Equity is our north star in everything we do individually, and as a collective.”

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 25 - APRIL 28, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Administrative Asst.

Stacey Palmer

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

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

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

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DN News

White House adviser Cedric Richmond boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. AP

Cedric Richmond leaving Biden administration Associated Press

One of President Joe Biden’s closest aides is leaving the White House to take on a role as senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee, as the White House looks to bolster its political effort to help Democrats ahead of what is expected to be a challenging midterm election.

Cedric Richmond, a former Democratic member of Congress from Louisiana, served as co-chair of Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign before joining the White House as senior adviser and director of the Office of Public Engagement.

A Biden adviser said Richmond will take on a role similar to the one he served on Biden’s campaign, including fundraising, outreach and serving as a surrogate for the president and Democrats down the ticket.

“There are few people more capable of helping us continue to build on our successes and deliver our message as we head into the midterm elections,” said DNC chair Jaime Harrison in a statement.

“I’m thrilled that the President has entrusted me with helping boost the robust work already being done at the DNC to make sure that Democrats grow their majorities in the House and Senate, and increase the number of Democratic governors in state capitals around the country.”

Cedric Richmond

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris applaud Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Jackson speaks during an event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. AP

POLL

Jackson confirmation support high Associated Press

More Americans approve than disapprove of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court as its first Black female justice, a new poll finds, but that support is politically lopsided. And a majority of Black Americans — but fewer white and Hispanic Americans — approve of her confirmation.

Jackson’s nomination fulfilled a campaign promise by President Joe Biden to name a Black woman to the court if given the opportunity. The findings suggest the confirmation did more to energize Biden’s Democratic base than it did to energize Republicans in opposition, despite vocal resistance from some GOP lawmakers who were largely united in voting against her April 7 confirmation. Three

Republican senators broke with their party to confirm her with a 53-47 tally.

Jackson, 51, a federal appeals court judge in Washington, will join the court this summer when Breyer steps down. She will become the third Black person to sit on the court, following the late Justice Thurgood Marshall and current Justice Clarence Thomas.

The court will for the first time have four women members and two Black members while white men will make up a minority of the court.

“It has taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States,” Jackson said in remarks at the White House after her confirmation. “But we’ve made it. We’ve made it, all of us.”

APPROVE OF HOW BIDEN HANDLED JACKSON’S CONFIRMATION

48% APPROVE

19%

DISAPPROVE

80%

DEMOCRATS

32%

NO OPINION

18%

REPUBLICANS

BLACK AMERICANS

63% APPROVE

46% WHITES

18%

DISAPPROVE

41%

HISPANICS

*The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

5TH WARD MURAL HONORS KETANJI BROWN JACKSON

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis speaks in front of the new mural. Aswad Walker

To celebrate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation as the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and other leaders recently unveiled a mural of the justice in Fifth Ward. The 17-by-36foot mural, painted in a mere three days by Houston artist Anat Ronen, is on Precinct One’s Youth Education Town (YET) building at Finnigan Park, across the street from Wheatley High School. The neighborhood that is home to the mural is noted for other nationally recognized African Americans, including Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, both of whom served in Congress.

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

Play ball!

Fast pitch 55+ baseball league scores

By Aswad Walker

A

First, I’d ask do you love to play baseball? If you pril annually marks the start of the Major do, you’re wasting your time not being out here.

League Baseball season, with teams and their Because it’s very relaxed. There’s no pressure. You’re loyal fans dreaming of a late autumn World paying to play, so it’s not like you’re trying to fulfill a Series run. But there are some amateur ball players contract. And if you can play any kind of decent that are making a late run of a different ball, we need you. kind.

We’re talking about 55-and-over BILL MORELAND, 73 baseball leagues here in Houston When did you first start playing baseball? and across the country, made up of individuals from all walks of I played Little League and life, races and points of origin. one year in college. I played But what they all have in comat Wiley College in Marshall, mon is an undying love of the Texas. I started playing again game. in 1999.

The Defender caught up with So, you’re from Texas? four members of the Colts, who I’m from east Texas. play in one of Houston’s 55-andLaneville High over leagues. These senior stars readily School. I played baseshared their love of the diamond, and why ball at Wiley, but for Bill Moreland some are committed to playing until they (73) preparing only one year because literally have no game left. they abolished the to enter the game as catcher. scholarships. The ANDRÉ DEDEAUX, 56 only scholarships When did you first they kept were for start playing baseball? basketball. So that was it.

T-ball. Probably 6 years old.

What do you like most What excited you about baseball?

What brought you to the game?

Well, my dad used to play, and he thought, “Okay, well maybe you’ll like baseball.” Because I was kind of athletic as kid. So, he took me out. I liked it, and I started playing.

Did you play in high school?

Yes, and I played baseball ever since.

What high school?

Engineering at Booker T.

Did you play in college?

I didn’t play in college at UT Austin. I went for an architectural degree and I did not have time to do anything but architecture.

When did you find this league?

Andre Dedeaux warming up to pitch. Photos by Aswad Walker

about the game?

football. Baseball is like chess. You always have to think one play ahead. And I’ve been able to use it in my life and skills. I just love the game. I plan on playing until I’m 100.

You’ve preached a few sermons on baseball?

Oh, for sure.

Are you from Chicago?

I went to high school, grew up, played baseball, everything in Chicago. Moved to San Diego in 2015 and I played in the San Diego league for two years.

Then, moved here to Houston in 2017. Actually, I was part of the restoration process here after Hurricane Harvey, then decided to stay.

What is the name of your church?

Good Seed Church.

RON GARNER, 57 When did you start playing baseball?

At 8 years old.

What brought you to the game?

My dad’s love for the game and then my brothers and I followed him.

Your father played baseball in college.

Where did he play?

The camaraderie with the guys.

It’s fun. You’ll never get tired of playHe played at Blinn College and ing the game. Now, your time might go Southwest Texas state, which is now Texas Ron Garner. by you. At my age, there are a lot of things I State University. And he played for Texas can’t do that I used to do. And I almost gave Southern. it up this year, but my guys said, “Man, you What high school did you go to? can still play.” So, that’s why I’m here.

THE Willowridge High School.

What do you do professionally?

I have my own AC and heating company, Moreland AC & Heating.

GLENN BONE, 58 How long you been playing baseball?

I started playing baseball at the age of 5. I stopped playing I was about 35 years old, workafter my second year of college. ing for a residential design firm in So that was 19 years old. I started River Oaks and one of the co-owners playing again 13 years later. So, I’ve played baseball. We got to talking and been playing from 32 to 58. I’m also a he was like, “We have a league. You can Glenn Bone speak- senior pastor. So, I started pastoring a ing with Coach come play.” So, I came out, tried out, got church in Chicago, and played in two Audley Heath. picked on team. And I’ve been playing leagues in Chicago and moved to Housever since. ton in 2017, and found his league in 2017 What do you enjoy most about this league? and I’ve been playing ever since.

Just still playing baseball, getting out here. Throw- What do you get out of playing? ing the ball around, having fun, camaraderie with Because many people don’t even the guys and trying to knock the “crap” out the ball. know that this league exists.

If there’s someone your age out The love of the game. I’ve always said baseball is there who’s thinking about playa thinking man’s game. Anybody can play basketing, what would you tell them? ball, run up and down the court. Anybody can play

Weren’t you all-state in football, but still played baseball, as well?

Yes. Made all-district four years in baseball.

After high school, did you keep playing ball?

Yes, I played baseball and football in college until I ended up getting knee surgery. And that was it.

What attracted you to this league?

Actually, a guy who went to Willowridge is the one that started and runs the league, Joe Manasic. And, after being in coaching a while, watching my kids play, I decided to go out and give it a try.

You coach baseball too?

I’ve been head coach at Hightower High School and Stafford High School, and been an assistant at Cy Ridge and Klein High School.

What do you appreciate most about these “old timers” out here playing ball?

The “want-to.” They want to come out and do it, wanting to stay busy, wanting to keep themselves in shape. And after coaching younger kids all the time, it’s good to be around a lot of guys who are very knowledgeable about the game. They may not be physically able to do some of the stuff, but very knowledgeable.

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB PollyTick

Political Wars in the Wards

5th Ward

On SATURDAY, MAY 7 (early voting started April 25), voters in Fifth Ward have to fill the Houston Community College Board of Trustee position, representing District II, vacated by Rhonda Skillern-Jones. The candidates running for the unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2025, are Y. Jayne McCullough, C h ar l e n e Ward Johns on, Kat hy “Lynch” Gunter and Terrance Hall. Political pundits say “no matter who wins in this race” HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado’s position may be in jeopTerrance Hall ardy. Based on the Kathy Lynch Gunter split endorsements of State Rep. Harold Dutton, State Sen. Borris Miles for both Johnson and Gunter along with former mayoral candidate Ben Hall’s supporting of Gunter, the race looks like it will boil down to John- Y. Jayne Charlene Ward McCullough Johnson son and Gunter.

May 7 election: What you need to know • There are two proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. The first would allow the state legislature to reduce the property tax limit on the homes of elderly or disabled residents. The second would increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $25,000 to $40,000.

• You can vote early at any designated early voting branch. Early voting runs through May 3 and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3rd Ward

Danielle Keys Bess. Inset: Sheila Jackson Lee

Jolanda Jones. Inset: Al Green.

Pastor with a purpose Dr. Michael Patrick Williams, who died last month, was an extraordinary man who merits our praise. When he arrived in Houston in 1984, the Defender profiled the new senior pastor of one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in Houston, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. From that interview blossomed a relationship that spanned almost four decades.

Williams later became pastor of Joy Tabernacle (rebranded the Genesis Church). In 2000 he stepped up to expand his pulpit beyond the church walls and served on the Houston Community Board of Trustees for 11 years.

He was a compassionate and passionate fighter for equity for people of color.

We loved him and miss him. We continue to pray for Donna and the family.

• You can check if you’re registered to vote at https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do

Michael P. Williams

Show me the money Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s slowdown of trucks at the Texas border cost the economy:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Disney revenge could cost state residents:

$1 billion

On TUESDAY, MAY 24 (early voting starts Monday, May 2), voters in Third Ward will go to the polls to fill the vacancy in District 147 resulting from the retirement of Texas State Rep. Garnet Coleman. Vying for the office are former City Councilmember/HISD Board Member Jolanda Jones and businesswoman Danielle Keys Bess with endorsements from members of Congress: Sheila Jackson Lee supporting Best and Al Green supporting Jones. Let’s see how they flex their muscles, especially with low voter turnout projected. The endorsement of Jones by Coleman is expected to have a big influence.

U.S. $9 billion Texas $4.23 billion

Neeta Sane

Dexter McCoy

Ft. Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4 candidates – WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Candidates Neeta Sane and Dexter McCoy are in a Tuesday, May 24 runoff race for Precinct 4 in Ft. Bend County covering Mission Bend, Rosenberg, Richmond, Beasley and Kendleton. But according to the appraisal records, Sane does not live in Precinct 4 but instead lives in Precinct 3. In the Texas Signal, McCoy stated, “We deserve someone who actually lives here, who knows the people here and understands the issues that we face.” The key to this race will be who can get the most voters out to the polls.

The Honorable Former Federal Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas Vanessa Gilmore gifted her papers to the University of Houston Libraries Special Collections. The collection debuted at the 25th Annual Table Talk Luncheon in March. After 27 years on the bench, Gilmore, appointed by President Bill Clinton, has an array of memorabilia and is the first UH Law Center graduate to be nominated for the federal bench.

Vanessa Gilmore

10 | April 28, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texas Southern softball pitcher Lailah Bell struck out three batters and only allowed one run during the Lady Tigers’ 11-1 run-rule win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena crushed a pitch from Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano 425 feet over the center field wall at Minute Maid Park for an 8-7 win in the series finale.

Sports Briefs TSU softball team wins 12th straight division title

North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu (79) prepares to guard during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker

TEXANS

Texans draft prognosis good

By Terrance Harris

A year ago, with the Texans void of their first and second draft picks thanks to the deal with Miami for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills, there wasn’t a lot of buzz around Houston going into the NFL Draft.

But this year, the Texans are sitting on a mountain of draft picks heading into the three-day NFL Draft that begins April 28.

The Texans have needs almost across the board after coming off back-to-back 4-win seasons and have an NFL-high 11 picks in this draft – two within the first 13 picks of the first round – to start the process of getting back on a winning track.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio spent much of last season trading away talented players for draft capital in preparation for the future, but the biggest payoff came last month when he was finally able to unload disgruntled and troubled quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns for their first round (13th overall) and fourth round (107th) draft picks this year and then some for the next two years.

Suddenly, the Texans’ draft prognosis is looking up.

What a difference a year has made.

But good luck getting Caserio and firstyear head coach Lovie Smith to show their hand heading into this year’s draft.

“I think the most important thing is just try to continue to build the team,” said Caserio, who has mastered the art of not answering direct questions about his draft priorities. “That’s the most important

thing, and to not get too caught up That player might come with in the short term, where a player the 13th pick, but most likely is picked, who the player is. will be selected in the second “The most important thing round. Look for names like for any new player that comes Drake London, Chris Olave Evan in our building, rookie, veteran, and Jameson Williams to fill Neal second-year player, is work hard, the void that Nicol Collins and be a good teammate, be selfless, put Chris Conley failed to consisthe team first and just try to make tently fill in 2021. progress and try to develop your At running back, veteran Rex individual skillset more imporBurkhead has filled in admirably, tantly than anything else.” but the Texans will need to adWhile Caserio is short on spedress one of its most glaring defiIkem cifics, the most glaring needs for ciencies the last two seasons likely Ekwonu the Texans are quite obvious. With in the third round where Georgia’s the decision to go forward with secJamal Cook could still be waiting. ond-year quarterback Davis Mills The Texans also need to fix as the franchise cornerstone, the the broken secondary if they priority has to be building around want to have success in Smith’s the second-best quarterback in Tampa 2 defensive scheme. the 2021 rookie class.

They lost their best secondary Jermaine And that starts up front where member this offseason when Johnson II the Texans desperately need a Justin Reid left for the Kansas right tackle to play opposite of City Chiefs.

Tunsil. Alabama’s Evan Neal and Ikem So, the Texans’ needs are vast and their Ekwonu of North Carolina State seem to draft opportunities are again robust. be the prime candidates to be taken with “There are good players at various levthe Texans’ No. 3 overall pick. els at most positions,” Caserio said. “You The expectation is the Texans will then have to be careful about quote-unquote use the No. 13 pick they inherited from what your needs are or what people perthe Browns to take a dominant edge rush- ceive your needs to be, and then just er like Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson II picking players based on your needs. to help improve a pass rush that ranked “Pick good football players that are 26th in quarterback pressures last season. going to enhance your overall team and Going back to the offensive side, the give yourself the opportunity to put toTexans could also use a big-time receiver gether a sustained team over the course to complement veteran Brandin Cooks. of however many years.”

The Texas Southern softball team continued its dominance over the SWAC West.

The Lady Tigers defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff Tevanae 11-1 by virtue of Tate run-rule this weekend to win their 12th straight division title.

Tevanae Tate had a two-run homer in the third inning that put the Tigers on top 5-0.

PVAMU tennis players receive honors

Prairie View women’s tennis players Gabrielle Leslie and Victoria Castillo were recently recognized for their outstanding SWAC seasons. Leslie Gabrielle was named Leslie SWAC Freshman of the Year and earned No. 1 singles all-conference placement after going 6-0 Victoria in league play Castillo this year. Castillo was named SWAC Player of the Year and No. 2 singles all-conference first team.

Jalen Green finishes fourth

Rockets rookie guard and No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green came in fourth in the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting. Green did not receive any first-place votes and just one second-place Jalen vote. ToronGreem to’s Scottie Barnes beat out Cleveland’s Evan Mobley for first place and last year’s No. 1 overall pick by Detroit, Cade Cunningham, finished third in the voting.

April 28, 2022 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports How to bridge the top levels of

ESPORTS COMPETITION

Tens of Thousands crowd NRG Stadium.

By Jodie B. Jiles

Riot Games League of Legends Championship Series took the city of Houston by storm reeling in tens of thousands of competitive computer gaming fans to NRG Stadium this past weekend to witness the best players in the world compete.

To the surprise of many, Evil Geniuses, an American-based team out of Seattle, dominated the weekend, sweeping both Team Liquid and 100 Thieves with convincing 3-0 victories in best-of-five matches.

In a sport primarily run by players of Korean and European descent, the fact that two North American teenagers Kyle “Danny” Sakamaki (age 18) and Joseph “JoJo” Pyun (age 17) were the standout performers makes one think there may be a chance for these two players to change the tune of esports.

However, seeing that there was no representation from Black or Brown communities on the stage, the Defender spoke with fans, experts and executives within the industry to discover ways people of color can raise trophies in LOL Championships.

CHRIS GREELEY Head of North American Esports at Riot Games

“Getting kids to sit down and try a bunch of different games primarily with their friends because the social experience is really the dynamic that changes everything. If you go sit and play League of Legends by yourself for 10 hours it is a vastly different experience than when four friends sit down.”

BARENTO “RAZ” MOHAMMED League of Legends coach & personality

“For me, growing up, I really clung to community center events that were like high school clubs. I had a university club for myself but for me it was always grassroots, and hopefully the community can invest into stuff like that because they do that for community basketball, soccer and sports and I do believe the future is with games like League of Legends...

For me I found friendship, connection and myself through community centers.”

TRAVIS GAFFORD esports journalist & personality

“I think there is a really big opportunity for cities to develop PC gaming areas where people can go and play [at] a very low cost or preferably free way. If you look at Korea, which is fantastic and amazing at esports, they’ve been able to do that in part because they have a huge culture there of PC gaming cafes where it is very affordable for people who want to play those games to go do so.”

Evil Geniuses CEO Nicole LaPointe Jameson (R) congratulates her youngsters Danny (center) and JoJo (left) after mopping the competition.

DN

We might have one professional contract that is below $100,000 these days and the maximum is seven figures.”

Chris Greeley,

Head of North American Esports at Riot Games

RANDINI THE GENIE League of Legends gamer & organizer

“I think it is really just a lack of exposure for Black people...We do play games at the same rate as other demographics but I just think we never thought about going to the heights of being a pro.”

JOHNATHAN AKA “MERO WEST” League of Legends gamer fan

“...The computers I grew up with were kind of like hand-me-downs that primarily run XP Windows or something, but I feel like [it would help] if you had a lot of community centers and maybe even school groups that would actually incorporate more computers and teaching kids and parents other things to do like we see with the NBA. A lot of kids like to play video games but don’t have access…”

For extended coverage and video interviews from the League of Legends Spring Championships Series visit www.defendernetwork.com

12 | April 28, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education

HCC unveils $30 mil flood, disaster resiliency program

with floating debris, downed powerlines, and submerged vehicles. The street scape also includes mock training buildings, swift water rescue channels, and lakes with

Laura Onyeneho

Houston Community College (HCC) announced its plans for the city’s program designed to reduce the impact of catastrophic events and other unexpected disasters.

HCC hosted its State of the College event at the Hilton Americas-Houston focusing on the 2022 theme of Resiliency

by Design: A Bold Response to Houston to unveil its initiative which includes a $30 million Resiliency Operations Center to train first responders, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical staff, business owners, and community members how to properly prepare for such disasters using simulation exercises and technology.

This initiative comes at the cusp of several federally declared natural disasters including the novel coronavirus pandemic that has impacted the city’s economic, social, and environmental infrastructures.

HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado said the first cohort will begin this fall and will take non-credit courses. He said the roll out of the campaign will be marketed across the region including the most vulnerable and underserved communities.

shallow and deep water areas. The ROC center will also include trainings for pandemics, chemical spills and leaks, winter freezes, and fires.

CLASSIFIED THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL

6168 SOUTH LOOP EAST APARTMENTS

Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, HCC Board of Trustee (Left) and HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado (Right) at press conference to discuss new resiliency program. Laura Onyeneho

“Our objective is to protect the wellbeing of our citizens in our communities and increase economic stability,” Maldonado said. “We will leverage HCC’s existing footprint and its 14 centers of excellence and educate a wide variety of disciplines critical to disaster preparedness.”

The centerpiece is the Resiliency Operations Center (ROC), a 5-acre training space located on HCC’s northeast campus. Officials said students will train in simulations of flooded residential areas

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is requesting Competitive Sealed Proposals pursuant to Chapter 2269 of the Texas Government Code and 2 CFR Part 200 from qualified construction firms for construction of an apartment complex for consumers served by The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. Federal labor standards provisions including but not limited to HUD Section 3, Davis Bacon and Related Acts, and City of Houston’s MWBE and Pay or Play will be enforced. The site will be 6168 S. Loop East, Houston, 77087, Project Number: PUR-FY22-0208.

Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7116, The HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, April 22, 2022. A mandatory in-person Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this CSP is 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. CSP responses must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 23, 2022, in a sealed envelope marked “CSP - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – 11:00 A.M. on MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 “6168 South Loop East Apartments”. A public opening of the proposals will occur immediately following the proposal submission deadline at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, C.P.M James.Blunt@theharriscenter.org, Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Purchasing Manager and Nina Cook, MBA, CTPM, Director of Purchasing.

E-mail questions to James.Blunt@theharriscenter.org, Sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org cc: Nina.cook@theharriscenter.org or fax to (713) 970-7682. Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all right to postpone, accept or reject any and/or all proposals as it to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests and waive formalities and reasonable irregularities. is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

This solicitation (CSP) is subject to addenda, including but not limited to, an extension of the submission deadline, communicated through www.theharriscenter.org.

HAUL IS HIRING COMMUNITY HEALTH NAVIGATORS! Help the community learn about the COVID-19 vaccine and resources. Pays $17/hour up to 35 hours per week M-F, 8 am - 7 pm.

To apply, visit haul.org/job-board or call 713-393-8700

READY TO GET YOUR COVID - 19 VACCINE? HAUL CAN HELP YOU! We are currently providing COVID-19 vaccines and incentives!

To learn more, call 713-393-8700 or visit haul.org.

Learn how you can do your part this summer. Get the latest facts about the COVID -19 vaccine, resources, and vaccine locations at www.ImAll-In.org. #AllInAgainstCovid

1301 Texas Street, Houston, TX 77002| www.haul.org