To the POINT DN
Message from the Managing Editor
Every vote counts—no, for real
If you ever needed proof that every single vote matters, look no further than Arcola, TX. The May 3 election in this small town near Missouri City ended in a dead tie—literally.
Fred Burton and Ebony Sanco each walked away with 50% of the vote, leaving the city in suspense over what happens next.
In case you missed the drama: Burton, a former Arcola mayor who lost his re-election bid last year by just 15 votes, is now battling for a city council seat against Sanco, a councilwoman he tried to oust last year. Their legal battle is still playing out in court, and tensions are high.
A runoff or other resolution is expected soon, but this shows us that ONE vote can make a difference.
Turkey Leg Hut co-founder ordered to stay behind bars
The drama of the Turkey Leg Hut continues. A federal judge has ordered former TLH co-owner Lyndell “Lynn” Price to remain behind bars while he awaits trial on federal arson charges. Price, 42, is accused of masterminding the June 2020 fire that gutted Bar 5015 in Third Ward.
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo ruled that Price poses both a flight risk and a danger to the community. In newly released court documents, the judge pointed to Price’s prior criminal history, his alleged crimes while on supervised release and the discovery of firearms in his home despite his conviction as a felon.
The judge also noted “overwhelming evidence” tying Price to the arson, which prosecutors say was sparked by revenge over a business dispute. Price is facing a threecount indictment and serious prison time if convicted.
I know we’re all quick with our comments—and yes, the drama is wild—but let’s not forget that behind all this mess are Price’s children. Count me out as one of the ones laughing at this downfall. Not to mention, I hate to see Black businesses fail.
Percival Everett wins
Pulitzer for ‘James’ Literary powerhouse Percival Everett has done it again. His novel James —a radical reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of the enslaved title character—has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. This caps off an incredible run for Everett, whose gripping work has won the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize and the Carnegie Medal, among others. Everett, long considered an under-theradar genius, is finally getting his flowers. His 2001 novel Erasure inspired the Oscar-nominated film “American Fiction,” and James has cemented his spot at the top of today’s literary game.
Houston entertainment icon
Scott Gertner dies
Houston is mourning the loss of entertainment legend Scott Gertner. The beloved musician and nightclub owner, known for bringing live music and big energy to the city, passed away unexpectedly on May 2.
Gertner was a three-time Grammy nominee and the visionary behind iconic venues like Scott Gertner’s Skybar & Grille, Sports Bar Live, Cody’s and the Rhythm Room on Memorial Drive.
His legacy in Houston’s nightlife scene is unmatched, and his impact will be felt for generations. According to his family, funeral details will be shared soon.
ON THE WEB
• Ryan Coogler’s new film “Sinners” is deeply rooted in Black history.
• Power Mapping - what is it and why you need to know about it.
• Check out the Defender Roundtable as we discuss whether Deion Sanders was to blame for his son’s draft status.
ReShonda Tate
Frank Burton and Ebony Sanco each received 50 percent of the vote. Credit: City of Arcola
Federal loan default collections resume
What borrowers need to know
By Laura Onyeneho
After a five-year pause, the federal government resumes debt collections for millions of borrowers who defaulted on their student loans.
The U.S. Department of Education began notifying borrowers in default that involuntary collections, such as wage garnishment, tax refund seizure and Social Security offsets, will resume. This is a wake-up call for borrowers in the Houston area, especially those who haven’t made any moves to get out of default.
“American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “The Biden Administration misled borrowers: the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear.”
Student loan default doesn’t just hurt your credit score. It can trigger snowballing debt from fees, and even limit job opportunities or access to housing, challenges already deeply felt in Black communities.
According to the Trump administration, 42.7 million borrowers owe more than $1.6 trillion in student debt, and over 5 million borrowers have not made a payment in over 360 days.
What should borrowers do now?
Houston consumer law attorney David Fernandez recommends borrowers take these immediate steps:
“Verify the status of their loan(s)
Contact your loan servicer at studentaid.gov Call the Default Resolution Group: 1-800-621-3115
Learn more at myeddebt.ed.gov
If you believe your rights are being violated, file a complaint
Millions of borrowers face a significant financial shift due to paused payments and evolving forgiveness policies, which put renewed pressure on the federal government to manage a ballooning loan portfolio. Credit: Getty Images
by contacting your loan servicer,” he said. “If their loans are in default, they can contact the Default Resolution Group at myeddebt.ed.gov.”
Borrowers can explore two main options to exit default: Pay your debt off: It’s best to start immediately, but that’s unrealistic for 5 million people in default.
Loan Rehabilitation : Make a series of nine on-time monthly payments. Once completed, your loan is pulled out of default and the default status is removed from your credit report.
Loan Consolidation : Merge multiple loans into a new one and enroll in an income-driven repayment plan.
Apply for deferment: The Federal Student Aid site says these are available to students, cancer patients, those facing economic hardship, graduate fellowships, military service, Parent PLUS borrowers, rehabilitation training, and unemployed individuals.
Know your legal rights
Borrowers aren’t powerless when
Healthcare-poor Acres Homes struck gold in being chosen to serve as home to a new Legacy Community Health clinic. Artist rendering of the Legacy Acres Homes Clinic courtesy Legacy Community Health.
Acres Homes gets boost with new health clinic
By Aswad Walker
In Acres Homes, 46% of residents are classified as obese, 18% have diabetes, 42.5% suffer from high blood pressure, 20% wrestle with poor mental health and 12% live with asthma.
To say Acres Homes is in need of a serious healthcare upgrade is an understatement.
the government starts collection actions.
“If a borrower receives a notice of administrative wage garnishment, they typically have 30 days from the date on the notice to request an official hearing,” Fernandez said. “Filing this hearing request timely puts the garnishment on hold until the hearing.”
Borrowers may request a hearing on the administrative wage garnishment. Federal law limits the amount that can be garnished from your paycheck.
Watch for scams and misinformation
As collections restart, scammers target vulnerable borrowers with fake repayment plans or threats of arrest. Contact your loan servicer directly if you get a suspicious call or message. They can tell you what’s real and what’s not. Never share your personal information unless you’re sure who you’re speaking to.
You can also check your loan status at studentaid.gov and compare that to any message you’ve received.
Enter Legacy Community Health, which recently broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art clinic – the Legacy Acres Homes Clinic (LAHC) – in the historically Black and Latino neighborhood in north Houston that has long faced severe healthcare access gaps.
“We are so fortunate to be able to partner with Houston Methodist. They have granted us $51 million in order
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to be able to go into two areas (Pasadena and Acres Homes) where there isn’t the access to healthcare that we would expect or like to see in a city such as ours, the fourth largest city in the United States,” said the Chief Medical Officer of Acres Homes’ new clinic, Dr. Tamisha Jones. Legacy Community Health is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas. Legacy and Houston Methodist have had a long-standing relationship for over 25 years. The $51 million gift from Houston Methodist is the largest donation Legacy has received in its history and helps the two organizations come together to fill a significant gap in the Pasadena and Acres Homes communities.
Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston
Restrictions apply. Ends 6/23. Not available in all areas. Residential post-pay Xfnity Internet req. New customers only. Requires enrollment in and maintaining paperless billing and auto payments with stored bank account or monthly service charge increases by $10 (or $8 with credit or debit card). Limited to Connect More 400 Mbps internet. Installation, taxes and fees extra, and subj. to change during and after promo. After 12 months, rate increases to $70/mo. After 24 months, or if internet service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply to all internet services and devices (currently up to $104/mo). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other ofers. Mobile Discount: New Unlimited line must be activated within 90 days of internet order. Discount limited to value of one Unlimited line per account and will appear on mobile bill within 30 days of activation. Taxes and fees extra and subj. to change. After 12 months, or if internet or mobile service is canceled or downgraded, regular mobile rates apply. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors afecting speed, visit xfnity.com/network management. All devices must be returned when service ends. Mobile: Requires residential post-pay Xfnity or NOW Internet. After premium data allowance, data may be temporarily slower during congestion. After 30 GB of usage on an Unlimited line, speeds reduced to a max of 1.5 Mbps/750 Kbps on that line. Data thresholds may vary. Line limitations may apply. For Xfnity Mobile Broadband Disclosures, visit xfnity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures.
The Black parenting shift
By ReShonda Tate
Black mothers have long carried the weight of a unique and complicated history when it comes to parenting.
For generations, the traditional “tough love” approach—marked by strict discipline and, often, corporal punishment/spanking—was seen as essential for raising children to survive in a world that persistently devalues Black lives. Rooted in protection and survival, these methods aimed to “harden” children against racism and injustice.
Yet today, as conversations around mental health, trauma and emotional intelligence expand, many Black mothers are rethinking these inherited practices. A growing number are embracing gentler, more intentional parenting styles—shifting away from the automatic use of spanking or harsh discipline and toward nurturing emotional safety, self-expression and psychological resilience.
A history rooted in survival
“People say, ‘I got spanked and I turned out fine,’” she said. “But if you really turned out fine, you’d be able to say, ‘That didn’t feel like love. That felt like fear.’”
The science behind the shift UTMB Director of Behavioral Health Dr. Jeremy Temple said the research is clear: corporal punishment has lasting negative effects.
a Black child is the whitest thing you can do.”
“We know that both in the short term and long term, experiencing corporal punishment is linked to detrimental mental health outcomes—depression, anxiety, PTSD and a host of other problems.
The origins of strict discipline in Black households are deeply intertwined with America’s racial history. From slavery through Jim Crow and beyond, Black parents often adopted a “no-nonsense” approach to parenting, not out of cruelty, but from a fierce love and a desire to shield their children from the world’s brutalities.
“The tough love approach functioned as a survival mechanism. If you got spanked, it was because your parents wanted to protect you from something worse out there,” said Dr. Stacey Patton, author of Spare the Kids: Why Whupping Children Won’t Save Black America. “But survival-based parenting doesn’t serve us anymore. It’s time to evolve.”
A Pew Research study found that Black parents are about twice as likely as white parents to use physical discipline. For many, it’s what they knew—and what they thought worked. But Patton argues that it’s not about what “worked.” It’s about what was normalized.
We’ve found that corporal punishment not only harms a child’s mental health but can damage their relationship with the person delivering it, especially if it’s someone they admire, like a parent,” he said. “In those cases, children are also more likely to emulate the behavior. What’s happening is that kids are learning to solve problems through aggression. I don’t blame parents—this is what they’ve been told,
generation after generation. They may have experienced corporal punishment themselves and remember it as something that corrected their behavior. But we have overwhelming evidence that it’s harmful and ineffective. There are much more effective ways to change behavior.”
Patton also points to overwhelming scientific evidence that shows physical punishment, no matter how mild, causes toxic stress in children.
“When a child is hit, the brain enters survival mode. Cortisol floods the body, the fight-or-flight response kicks in and the brain literally can’t learn in that moment,” she explained. “It rewires how a child processes emotion, regulates behavior and even how their immune system functions.”
She emphasizes that spanking, verbal degradation and other harsh tactics aren’t teaching tools—they are trauma responses.
“People parent the way they were parented,” Patton adds. “There’s a belief that hitting children teaches them lessons— but that’s not how the brain works. You’re not disciplining. You’re dysregulated. And your child learns that love is fear,
that power is pain.”
Patton is clear: spanking isn’t just ineffective, it’s harmful.
“People think, ‘If I don’t leave a mark, there’s no damage.’ But there are things happening under the skin you can’t see. The body is wired to go into fight-or-flight mode during a threat to survival,” Patton said. “That cortisol surge, that stress—it rewires the brain over time. It alters how children learn, process emotions, and even how their immune systems develop.”
Patton warns that while physical punishment may not leave visible scars, it can leave deep neurological wounds.
“The brain doesn’t differentiate between types of violence. Whether it’s spanking, abuse that leaves marks or even sexual abuse, they all trigger the same neurochemical response. All are toxic stress events.”
Letting go of parenting through fear
This awakening has inspired a growing number of Black parents to parent with greater intention, embracing gentler approaches that prioritize emotional intelligence, open communication and accountability without violence.
Trina Greene, the founder of the Black parenting website Parenting for Liberation, reflects on her internal struggle. Before having her son, Trina worked in anti-incarceration advocacy, championing the idea that Black youth deserve to be heard. But once she became a mother, she admits, “those values went out the window.” She found herself defaulting to authoritarian methods, barking orders and issuing ultimatums.
“I had to ask myself: Why am I doing this? Why am I trying to control every little thing my son does?”
Trina realized that fear—fear of racism, fear of judgment, fear of failure—was driving her parenting choices.
“I was trying to shape my son in ways that would protect him from racism, but in doing so, I was crushing his spirit,” she says.
The emotional toll became apparent.
“When I parented from a place of fear, my son mirrored that fear,” she said. “He became more timid, more anxious.”
A cultural turning point
Research supports what Trina and other parents are discovering: corporal punishment is linked to long-term negative outcomes, including increased aggression, anxiety and strained parent-child relationships. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, now strongly advises against spanking altogether, citing its harmful psychological effects.
For Black parents, this cultural shift represents a personal evolution and a broader reimagining of what liberation looks like within the home. It’s a quiet revolution rooted in love, healing and the belief that Black children deserve protection from harm and the complete freedom to grow into their most authentic selves.
As the discussion on mental health grows, more Black mothers are turning to gentle parenting—a style that focuses on patience, emotional validation and open communication rather than corporal punishment or harsh discipline. This approach encourages Black children to express their emotions, develop emotional intelligence, and learn through positive reinforcement rather than fear. Deidre Lawson, a Black mother and Houston child educator who practices gentle parenting, shares, “I embraced gentle parenting because I realized that I wanted my children
LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD
Parents weigh in on discipline.
“I watched the behavior decline to the point of down right barbaric acts from 1994 to 2018. We’ve lost the collective ability with most of our youth to discipline, demand respect, deliver consequences coupled with empathy, & sympathy, ie, “baby why you make me whip you?” Ted Irving
“I think we all had to shift not only because of the times but the LAW! I agree with sometimes a lick or two is not bad but brutality is a no. Electronics are a game changer because they all have phones, glasses that has internet, and too many apps to name!”
Tammy LeSure
“Whooping has been proven to only make kids more aggressive. did my share of spanking but retrospectively I’m not sure it had the same impact as when I punished or took away desired things. I see young boys getting whipped and they are not seeing it as a way to not do things.”
Angelia Vernon Menchan
“Nothing wrong with a spanking .... but it’s not the answer for everything.”
Ina Stovall
to feel safe expressing their feelings. Growing up, I was told to ‘toughen up’ and keep my emotions in check. But I saw how those feelings were suppressed and how I struggled as an adult. I didn’t want that for my children.”
While the shift to gentler methods empowers many families, it does not come without its challenges. Lawson explains, “At first, it was difficult because I was raised with strict discipline. I had to unlearn a lot of things I thought were necessary to raise good children. Now, I focus on listening to my kids, helping them understand their emotions and offering guidance rather than punishment.”
Concerns about leniency
While many Black mothers are embracing the benefits of gentle parenting, there is significant pushback within some parts of the community. Critics argue that abandoning corporal punishment and the “tough love” approach may make Black children less prepared for the challenges they will face in a still-racially charged world.
One mother who still believes in the value of tough love shares, “I think gentle parenting
is nice in theory, but when the world is already tough on our kids, they need to know how to handle discipline and authority. I don’t want them to grow up thinking the world owes them something.”
These concerns are valid, says Patton, but they miss the point that gentle parenting is not about eliminating discipline—it’s about balancing accountability with emotional support. It’s about teaching children how to navigate the world with emotional intelligence rather than fear of punishment.
“If hitting kids kept them out of prison, we wouldn’t be having conversations about mass incarceration or police brutality,” Patton said.
“Preparing our children for a tough world by toughening them up just recreates the same cycle of harm.”
She argues that true protection lies in equipping children with tools to regulate their emotions, set boundaries, and assert their power.
“Beating Black children is the whitest thing you can do. We owe our kids more than survival,” she said. “We owe them joy. We owe them wholeness.”
“It is WAY PAST Time to Make a Change. I’ve watched Little Black & Brown Boys who never healed from the trauma of being beaten Black & Blue Grow Up to do to their own children what their fathers did to them and beat their wives/girlfriends the same way their mothers beat them. And Besides Beating Black Boys has not prevented or protected them from police brutality.”
Patrick Lewis
“Two sets of kids. The oldest got spanking the two youngest didn’t. The oldest is more disciplined and always has been. What I wished is that was following the Bible and not my own thinking. Spare the rod, spoil the child.”
Candy Jackson
“THE JAILS ARE FULL OF PEOPLE WHO WERE SPANKED. IT DOESN’T WORK.” MORE EYE-OPENING WORDS FROM DR. STACEY PATTON.
Dr. Stacey Patton
Kelly Hodges Navigates dementia care with grace, grit and a village
By ReShonda Tate
When Kelly P. Hodges received a long, frantic text from her sister one afternoon in 2022, she never imagined it would signal the start of a life-altering journey.
“I was sitting in a meeting in New Orleans when my sister sent this long text listing all the strange things Mom was doing,” Hodges recalls. “I thought it was just normal aging. But when I read that list, I knew I needed to go home.”
That text marked the beginning of a new chapter for Hodges and her family — one defined by caregiving, difficult choices, small victories and deep wells of resilience. It also launched Hodges into the reality of dementia caregiving, an experience increasingly common in Black households across America.
The early signs
Looking back, Hodges realizes the signs were there all along. Her mother, a retired telecommunications administrator from Houston METRO, known for her meticulous nature, suddenly folds towels the wrong way, forgets how to address envelopes and struggles with a TV remote she once operated with ease.
“I should have known when she couldn’t fold towels right,” Hodges says, managing a bittersweet laugh. “That was our thing.”
When her mother went into the hospital in 2024 for an infection, things took a sharper turn.
“She walked into the hospital — and was wheeled out barely cognizant,” Hodges says. “It was like the switch flipped overnight.”
Soon after, her mother was diagnosed with dementia. Six months later, the family learned it was vascular dementia — a form that, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, disproportionately affects African Americans due to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The reality hit hard. Dementia was no longer a distant fear. It was now their everyday life.
The bigger picture: Dementia in the Black community
Hodges’ story is painfully familiar to many Black families. According to the Alzheimer’s Association:
• Black Americans are about twice as likely as whites to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• Only 20% of Black Americans believe they have access to culturally competent healthcare providers.
• Caregivers of Black dementia patients are more likely to report high levels of emotional,
financial and physical stress.
Despite these statistics, studies show that Black caregivers, like Hodges, are also more likely to view caregiving as a personal responsibility and source of pride.
“There’s a stigma in our community about mental health and aging,” Hodges explains. “You think, ‘they’re just getting old.’ But dementia is a disease, and it affects everything.”
Finding a new normal
Adjusting to her mother’s needs meant more than adapting schedules — it meant transforming her life. Hodges, an active community volunteer known as “Kelly KP”
on social media, has had to juggle caregiving with work, sorority commitments and her own personal ambitions.
“I can’t just grab my purse and go anymore,” she says. “Everything has to be coordinated — making sure someone is there if the provider isn’t.”
Initially, navigating home care was a nightmare.
“We went through three or four providers,” Hodges says. “Some people just don’t get it. It’s not just about showing up — it’s about respecting someone’s dignity.”
Today, she is grateful for a trusted care provider, her sister, her niece and a network of her mother’s loyal girlfriends who rotate visiting
This journey has changed everything. But what I know for sure is that love doesn’t disappear with dementia.”
KELLY HODGES
and sitting with her mom, giving the family moments to breathe.
Still, Hodges admits, self-care has taken a backseat.
“I bought a walking treadmill for my desk so I can exercise during the day,” she says. “And my patio — that’s my sanctuary. Sometimes I just sit outside, have a drink and take it all in.”
Lessons in grace and asking for help
If there’s one piece of advice Hodges would pass to others facing similar journeys, it’s this: “Give yourself grace,” she says without hesitation. “You’re going to mess up. You’re going to get tired. You’re going to have days when you’re late or forget things. And that’s okay.” She also stresses the importance of asking for help — something that didn’t come naturally to her.
“My mother raised us to be fiercely independent,” she says. “Two years ago, I would’ve just gone without a dentist appointment instead of asking someone to sit with my mom. Now? I send a group text. ‘Hey, I have an appointment. Can somebody come over?’”
She also encourages people to invest in long-term care insurance.
Today, Kelly Hodges continues to adapt to her “new normal” — a life filled with both heartbreak and unexpected moments of joy. A life built on love, duty and the unwavering spirit of family.
“This journey has changed everything,” she says. “But what I know for sure is that love doesn’t disappear with dementia. It’s still there — sometimes you just have to look harder to see it.”
Kelly Hodges with her sister, Donna Hodges Clay, have been navigating their new normal with their mother, Linda Burton. Courtesy: KP Hodges
Megan Thee Stallion opens her own Popeyes franchise
By ReShonda Tate
Megan Thee Stallion is once again proving she’s more than a hitmaker—she’s a powerhouse businesswoman. The Houston native announced that she’s officially opening her very own Popeyes restaurant, sharing a viral behind-the-scenes video that shows her transforming into “Meg Thee Builder” on the construction site.
In the clip, Megan struts through her soon-to-be Popeyes in true Hot Girl fashion—rocking a cropped white tee, low-rise jeans, and an orange hard hat. “Even Hot Girls need PPE on the job site,” she joked on Instagram, adding, “I just visited my location while she’s still just bones. This is abt to be THEE LITTEST Popeyes ever.”
With this move, Megan joins the small but growing list of celebrities stepping into franchise ownership with the iconic fast-food chain. Rick Ross, known for his Wingstop empire, has paved the way for artists eager to diversify their business portfolios—and Megan is taking notes.
This latest venture also marks a return of fan-favorite “Hottie Sauce,” Megan’s sweet-and-spicy creation that debuted in 2021 as part of her initial Popeyes collaboration. The sauce became a viral sensation, accompanied by exclusive merch and a philanthropic pledge—including a six-figure donation to Houston Random Acts of Kindness. That same year, Megan officially became a Popeyes franchisee. Now, three years later, she’s on the verge of opening the doors to her first location.
“Teaming up with Popeyes is such a milestone in my journey and evolution as an entrepreneur,” Megan shared when the partnership first launched. “I’ve always been a fan of the brand, and I’m thrilled to bring my vision to life, especially with the Megan Thee Stallion Hottie Sauce.”
Bruno Cardinali, Popeyes’ Chief Marketing Officer, said the collaboration was a natural fit. “We have a lot in common with Megan—from our Southern roots to our love of bold flavor and spice,” he noted.
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.
Home Loans
We offer home loan programs designed for every type of borrower. Our experienced loan officers are eager to work with you to find the right mortgage that fits your needs. We have mortgages for:
• New Construction
• Existing Homes
• Refinance of your current home Visit our website or give us a call today.
This meeting will focus on the proposed design changes in Segment 3C-2 and Segment 3C-3, seeking feedback from the public in an open house format. This I-45 NHHIP public meeting will focus on the proposed design changes for Segments 3C-2 and 3C-3, seeking feedback from the public in an open house format. The Segment 3C-2 project includes the I-10 at I-69 interchange and the project limits are eastbound (EB) to westbound (WB): I-10 from Bringhurst Street to Hardy Street, and southbound (SB) to northbound (NB): I-69 from Commerce Street to north of Lyons Avenue. Segment 3C-3 project limits are I-10 from McKee Street to White Oak Bayou. The meeting will also provide updates on Segment 3 overall, offering the latest updates on construction project activities, and how TxDOT is fulfilling its commitments to property owners, communities, and other stakeholders.
We look forward to your valuable participation!
SEGMENTS 3C-2 AND 3C-3 PUBLIC
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025
5 - 7 p.m. Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave. Houston, TX 77002
will be complimentary for attendees who park in Theater District Lot 6 (Texas Avenue) or Theater District Lot 8 (Prairie Street). Attendees must provide their parking ticket for validation.
Parking
Megan Thee Stallion
Sports DN
Sport brings family closer together Mom/Coach & baseball
By Terrance Harris
Just like many parents, Jamie Caro turned to sports when she started think ing about ways to keep her sons active and as a way to prevent them from getting into trouble.
But when Caro found baseball as an out let for her boys, it wasn’t enough for this single mom of three sons to cheer from the stands or serve as team mom. She decided to coach her sons first in T-ball and then Coach-Pitch.
Never mind that she didn’t grow up playing baseball or softball or knowing anything about the game’s intricacies.
“I had to YouTube and find out because I didn’t know anything about baseball,” Caro recalls as she laughs. “So they are the reason I started liking this sport.”
For Caro, it started in the Spring of 2019 when she and her then-husband signed up their two oldest sons, Janorri and Janorrian Johnson, for the Rec League at nearby Doss Park. Their youngest son, Janorris, was an infant in the stroller at the time.
Fast-forward to today, and all three sons are involved in baseball at varied levels. Janorri and Janorrian are now elevated to Select ball, and six-year-old Janorris is having a blast playing up on 7/8 Coach Pitch Baseball at Doss Park. In all, Caro’s three sons are playing on five different teams.
And Mom, taking a break from coaching this season, is in as many places as possible. And when Caro can’t be everywhere all at once, she has plenty of backup. There are her parents, Aunt Dede, Khayla and the boys’ coaches.
“My village. My baseball mom village, they help me out,” Caro said on this particular weekday game night at Doss Park, where Janorris was about to play a game while Janorrian and his Little League Reds team were headed to play elsewhere at about the same time.
“Like they are coming to pick my son up and take him over there to the rec game because I’ve got to be here. That’s just how it works.
“On the weekends, if they are split, one is going to go with his coach or another mom and I’m going to take the other one. That’s how it goes.”
What started as an outlet for the boys became a passion for the family and a source of bonding for Caro and her sons.
“I’m happy that she is supporting us,” said 11-year-old Janorri.
Janorris chimes in.
“It’s fun,” he said. “I get to catch pop-up balls and I can hit home runs into the park.”
Having baseball in common has allowed Caro to stay connected with her sons, who are 11, nine and six.
“I wouldn’t change it,” said Caro, who stands about 4 feet 9 inches. “I love being out here with my boys. I’m their motivation on the way here, I’m their critic, I’m the person at the end of the day telling them, you did a good job, telling them what they did good and what they did wrong. I’m also telling them what we can do to improve the next game.”
But the boys have learned not to expect special treatment just because Mom is running things from the dugout.
“I’m hard on them. I’m very hard on them as a mom,” Caro said. “I really love being a coach. I love a lot of these kids; kids who have passed through who were their age. It’s a really good feeling to be a coach.
“As a mom, I’m still hard. I don’t do mommy’s ball. My sons sit out, too,” she continued. “When they are messing up and not doing what they are supposed to do, they come out, too. Everybody gets treated the same way.”
The commitment to baseball has made for an interesting daily routine that starts with homework as soon as the boys get off the school bus. Depending on the day and who is practicing or playing where, dinner might consist of fast food, a Crockpot meal, sandwiches or nuggets.
But it’s a little easier because Caro’s work schedule—6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as a clinical research specialist in neurology—allows her to be free to attend or coach practices and games in the evenings.
Caro has found her passion in the process of it all.
I
don’t know what I’m going to do when they don’t want to play anymore. I love it. We are making memories and we’re having a good time. This is like my life. This is like a mental break for me. I love to be out here. Most people like to do other stuff. I like to be out here with the kids.”
JAMIE CARO
“I love coaching. I’m a coach. I’m a mom, but I’m still a coach,” she said. “They know at practice or wherever I am, I’m a coach. I love coaching. I just love the kids.
“I’ve been coaching since Spring 2019. So spring, summer, fall. Spring, summer, fall. Like, no break because the Northwest Baseball Association is year-round. This is the first season that I’m not a head coach.”
In the Rec League at Doss, it’s not uncommon to see other mothers coaching teams or serving as team pitchers. It’s just part of the culture of this league on the north side of Houston.
But Caro and her enthusiasm for her sons and all kids seem to make her stand out.
“She is good. She was my baby’s coach last season,” said Kayla Jones, who came up to give Caro a big hug outside of the baseball park. “She is a good coach. She is involved with the kids and everybody likes her.”
But Caro admits that it wasn’t always easy at first, especially when dealing with dads who weren’t used to dealing with a tough and sometimes intense mom coach.
“For a long time, when I was over on the T-ball field, we won a lot of championships,” she said. “All of the other coaches were male and I was the only female coach on the field, so I wasn’t really liked. But now we are all cool, we have a good time.
“Even now, the kids and coaches know, I don’t come to play. I come to win.”
Baseball has become a family thing for Jamie Caro and her sons (l-r) Janorrian, Janorri and Janorris Johnson. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender
Entertainment DN
Shelby Ruger
By Laura Onyeneho
Houston’s music scene has birthed legends across genres, and Shelby Ruger is carving out her space to be among them one day.
Ruger is an emerging R&B talent with a penchant for raw storytelling. She is on a trajectory that promises to reshape the soundscape of contemporary music.
With a style reminiscent of Frank Ocean and Don Toliver, she brings a deeply personal and soulful approach to her craft, blending themes of love, identity and self-discovery with the unmistakable energy of her hometown.
Ruger found her passion for music at eight years old through her family. Growing up in a Dominican-American household, she discovered that singing helped bridge the language gap between her and her grandparents.
“I never could connect with them through just talking,” she shared. “But when I sang, I felt that connection.” From performing for
her family during the holidays to distributing her own CD featuring a cover of Dance with My Father Again as a Christmas gift, her love for music was evident early on.
Writing became another creative outlet for Ruger. At Grady Middle School, she immersed herself in short stories and poetry, which naturally evolved into songwriting. When she reached Lamar High School, she began sharing snippets of her songs on social media. One of those early tracks, Deserve It, went viral on Twitter, marking the beginning of her rise in the industry.
With an associate degree in Sound Recording Technology from MediaTech Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Record Arts Technology from Texas State University, Ruger offers a comprehensive approach to her technical precision and artistic vision in audio production, videography and social media management.
“I’m going to school for film production. So I think in this landscape as a music artist,
you must know how to make content and tell stories with your content. And so I think the most important thing that I’ve learned is how to like and frame that in the video world,” Ruger said. “It’s actually something I have a lot of passion for because it’s just another way to be creative and have fun with the art that you’re creating.”
Social media has been a game-changer for Ruger. Her breakout single, Heartbreaker, which amassed over six million views, solidified her presence in the digital space and led to recognition from NPR’s Tiny Desk Tour and Apple Music Radio.
“Me and my friend were outside her apartment jumping up and down because we hit 5,000 likes. It was the first time I truly understood the power of social media.”
Despite Houston’s reputation
There’s
for fostering independent artists, Ruger says young musicians face challenges in making their mark.
“There’s a disconnect between the older generation and us,” she says. “We’re trying to figure out how to make our imprint as young Houstonians who love their city.”
She finds inspiration in tight-knit creative communities that merge music, fashion and visual arts, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM HER UPCOMING EP.
One of her most cherished moments as an artist was performing at Wonderlight Wonder, an intimate venue that doubles as a coffee shop and a creative sanctuary for artists.
“It was the first time I felt truly connected to the people I was singing to,” Ruger says. “It felt like a home away from home.”