Captain Teresa Claiborne’s recent retirement from American Airlines isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s the culmination of a groundbreaking journey that shattered racial and gender barriers in the aviation industry. Her story is about perseverance, defying stereotypes, and inspiring countless young girls to dream of soaring through the skies.
Te Virginia native grew up in the military and followed in her father’s footsteps. At just 22, she made history in 1982 by becoming the frst Black woman to fy in the US Air Force. She would later shatter even more stereotypes when she was appointed the frst female Black command pilot and instructor for the KC-135 mid-air refueling plane.
She became a commercial pilot in 1990 afer leaving the military and joining United Airlines. Claiborne became a United Airlines captain despite only being fve feet, two inches tall—two inches lower than the minimum height required for commercial aircraf pilots at other airlines.
She actively mentored aspiring young aviators, particularly Black women. Her dedication to mentorship paved the way for future generations, ensuring that the skies would no longer be a place solely for white men. I can’t wait to see who will be next in line to carry the torch. Trust in Black women to get the job done.
Speaking of fights, afer a white fight attendant complained about a passenger’s body odor, American Airlines was sued for racial discrimination for temporarily removing eight Black men from an aircraf.
According to the complaint, each man was approached by an American Airlines representative before takeof, who gave them the order to exit the aircraf. Complainants claim an airline representative ordered Black male passengers of the plane due to body order. Tey observed other passengers being removed, believing it was an efort to remove all Black
male passengers, as they were not seated together. To be cool, calm and collected afer a stunt like that is an understatement. I believe the lawsuit isn’t just about seeking personal compensation; it’s a call to action for airlines and all service providers to actively dismantle discriminatory practices and create a truly inclusive travel experience for all passengers. How can you comfortably collect their coins, but treat them like animals? Make it make sense.
News of the “A Different World” cast reuniting for a nationwide tour brings a wave of nostalgia for many, including myself. Tis groundbreaking sitcom, centered on the lives of Black college students at Hillman College, aired from 1987 to 1993.
Te show was more than just a sitcom; it was a cultural phenomenon. It broke new ground by positively portraying a predominantly Black cast, showcasing Black college life’s joys, challenges, and social dynamics. Te show tackled a wide range of social issues, from racial prejudice and colorism to teen pregnancy and economic disparities. Tese are still relevant to our society today. Plus, I’m happy to see the cast in good health touring the nation and connecting with today’s generation of Black HBCU students. Tey don’t make sitcoms like that any more.
Te characters were multifaceted, intelligent, and relatable, challenging stereotypes and inspiring young Black viewers to pursue higher education and break down barriers in their own lives.
• How to spot wellbeing red fags in the workplace.
• Let’s celebrate mental health victories like we celebrate sports.
• Communities grapple with end of free internet program.
Te dynamic between Lyndell “Lynn” Price and Te Turkey Leg Hut has been clouded with uncertainty for months. Even afer the ofcial announcement of Price’s departure from the restaurant, his presence lingered, maintaining a connection through various activities. However, recent legal actions have clarifed the situation.
A temporary restraining order, approved by a judge in bankruptcy court and initially reported by CW 39, now dictates that Price, along with his employees and afliates, must stay at least 1,000 feet away from Te Turkey Leg Hut and its operations. Tis order marks a signifcant step in delineating boundaries.
Despite a termination notice issued back in February, Price has persisted in rejecting any notion of being ousted from the establishment. His social media activity continues to feature promotions using Te Turkey Leg Hut branding, including imagery from his past with co-owner Nakia Holmes.
Te fate of Te Oyster Hut, Price’s venture across the street from his former stomping grounds, remains uncertain. Details about its next operating location in Houston are yet to be disclosed.
As Trill Burgers approaches its one-year milestone as a prominent smashburger joint in Houston, its founders fnd themselves embroiled in a contentious legal dispute. Last month, a Harris County judge issued a temporary injunction against the business and its co-owners, Bernard “Bun B” Freeman, Andy Nguyen, and Nick Scurfeld, mandating asset restrictions and prohibiting self-payments or equity transfers.
The injunction came at the behest of fellow co-founders Benson and Patsy Vivares, who were sued by Trill Burgers last year for alleged fund misappropriation. Te Vivares siblings counterclaimed, alleging asset misappropriation and attempted divestiture of their ownership.
Despite this legal tangle, Judge Tamika Craf-Demming’s ruling allows Trill Burgers to continue operations at its Shepherd Drive location. However, payments to Freeman, Nguyen, and Scurfeld, each drawing $5,000 monthly
salaries, are suspended, although staf, overhead costs, and rent payments can continue.
Saad Aziz, representing the Vivares siblings, emphasized their desire to preserve Trill Burgers for Houstonians. Attorneys for Freeman, Nguyen, and Scurfeld plan to appeal the injunction, deeming it unusual and against Texas law. Tey also seek arbitration to resolve the dispute privately.
Te Vivares siblings assert their ownership rights, citing their contribution to Trill Burgers’ success, including the creation of its signature burger recipe. Craf-Demming’s order leans in their favor, suggesting the likelihood of success in their claims.
Te dispute centers on difering interpretations of the Vivares siblings’ departure agreement and their subsequent claim to ownership benefts. While the Vivares’ aim for a fair buyout, Trill Burgers owners are determined to sustain operations despite the injunction’s compensation restrictions.
In the interim, Trill Burgers vows to keep grilling smashburgers, ensuring continuity despite legal complexities.
By Raquel Rogers
Labor industry leaders are joining Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis to advocate for a significant wage increase for Harris County workers. Te ofcials are presenting a proposal to Commissioners Court that aims to establish a policy ensuring that county employees and
contractors receive a minimum wage of $15 per hour, a move supported by various stakeholders including grantfunded and temporary employees. Te initiative also seeks a structured plan to progressively elevate the minimum wage over time.
Key components of the agenda item include:
1. Development or revision of policies by the county administrator to enforce wage standards universally, irrespective of funding sources for positions.
2. Guaranteeing a living wage beyond the initial $15 minimum, without stagnation.
3. Extending wage standards to workers involved in contracts beyond vertical construction projects.
4. Enhancing transparency in wage determination and job classifcation. Ellis says this endeavor is part of their commitment to ensuring fair compensation for all county workers and contractors, aligning with broader eforts nationwide to address income inequality.
Donald Trump lambasted the guilty verdict of his hush money trial, inside the same Manhattan courthouse where fve Black and Latino youths were wrongly convicted 34 years ago in the beating and rape of a white female jogger. The former president famously took out a newspaper ad in New York City in the afermath of the 1989 attack calling for the execution of the accused in a case that roiled racial tensions locally and that many point to as evidence of a criminal justice system prejudiced against defendants of color. A day afer making history as the frst U.S. president convicted of felony crimes in a court of law, Trump
blasted that same criminal justice system as corrupt and rigged against him.
“Tis is a scam,” he said of the case brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Ofce led by Alvin Bragg, the frst Black person in the role, and overseen by Judge Juan Merchan, who is of Colombian descent. “Tis is a rigged trial. It shouldn’t have been in that venue. We shouldn’t have had that judge.”
Some Black Americans found irony in Trump railing against the injustice of his own conviction in a courthouse where fve Black and Latino teenagers were wrongly convicted in a case Trump supported so vociferously. The Central Park
This image shows the May 1, 1989, full-page newspaper ad that Donald Trump famously took out in the New York Daily News calling for the execution of fve Black and Latino youths, also known as the Central Park fve, wrongly convicted in a vicious attack on a white female jogger. The case roiled racial tensions locally and many point to it as evidence of a criminal justice system prejudiced against defendants of color. (New York Daily News via AP)
Five case was Trump’s first foray into tough-on-crime politics that preluded his full-throated populist political persona. To many, Trump employed dog whistles as well as overtly racist rhetoric in both chapters of his public life.
But lately, in his outreach to Black and Hispanic communities, Trump has adopted the language of criminal justice reform advocates. He claims Black Americans and Latinos can relate to him because prosecutors are out to get him like they have been out to get many men and boys in their communities.
“Donald Trump’s conviction is going to be a problem for him with many Black people because, guess what, many Black people do not like people who violate our criminal laws,” said Maya Wiley, a New York civil rights attorney and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
“Black people are disproportionately the victims of crime. It’s not that they just side with people who’ve been convicted of a crime.”
Wiley said the city’s Black and Hispanic residents also remember Trump’s comments about the Central Park jogger case. Tey haven’t forgotten the fact that Donald Trump took out a full-page ad suggesting the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who have been exonerated and were the victims of an abusive system.
Judith Browne Dianis, executive director of the Advancement Project Action Fund civil rights group, said Trump hasn’t been subject to the type of unfair treatment in the criminal justice system that Black and Hispanic communities know too well.
“He didn’t have a violent arrest by police, he didn’t stay a night in Rikers Island because he couldn’t aford bail, he didn’t even go to jail. He could pay a battery of lawyers to represent him and he can pay for an appeal,” Dianis said.
Racial justice advocates are also using the historic moment to remind the public that Trump and his associates attempted to overturn the will of voters by challenging the 2020 presidential election results in heavily Black and Latino districts.
Chantemekki Fortson, mother of Roger Fortson, a U.S. Air Force senior airman, holds a photo of her son during a news conference with attorney Ben Crump.
A Florida Panhandle sherif has fred a deputy who fatally shot an airman at his home while holding a handgun pointed to the ground, saying the deputy’s life was never in danger and he should not have fred his weapon.
Okaloosa County Sherif Eric Aden fred Deputy Eddie Duran, who fatally shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 after responding to a domestic violence call and being directed to Fortson’s apartment.
Duran shot Fortson, 23, multiple times two seconds afer he opened his door. Fortson was holding his legally owned gun in his right hand, body camera video shows. It was pointed directly at the ground. Fortson was Black. Duran, 39, listed himself as Hispanic on his voter registration.
“Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputy’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable,” a department statement said. Outside law enforcement experts
have also said that an ofcer cannot shoot only because a possible suspect is holding a gun if there is no threat.
“This tragic incident should have never occurred,” Aden said in the statement. “Te objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual.”
No criminal charges have been fled, but an investigation is ongoing.
According to the internal afairs report, Duran told investigators that when Fortson opened the door, he saw aggression in the airman’s eyes. “I’m standing there thinking I’m about to get shot, I’m about to die. It is him or me at this point and I need to, I need to act as opposed to react,” he told investigators.
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Fortson’s family, said in a statement that Duran’s fring “is a step forward, but it is not full justice for Roger and his family.”
Te Houston chapter of the NAACP held a press conference demanding an end to the state takeover of HISD and calling for investigations into Superintendent Mike Miles’s actions.
Te press conference at the NAACP headquarters in Tird Ward brought together a diverse group of leaders, including NAACP chapter president James Dixon, Congressman Al Green, newly elected State Senator Molly Cook, Houston Federation of Teachers president Jacqueline Anderson, and others.
Speakers delivered scathing critiques of the state’s intervention in HISD, Miles’ negative leadership impact, and the potential misuse of public funds.
State Takeover and Lack of Accountability: Te speakers denounced the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) takeover of HISD and Miles’s non-elected appointment. Tey emphasized the lack of accountability and transparency under the current leadership.
Disruptive Actions and Fallout: Te press conference detailed a long list of concerns regarding Miles’ actions, including the dismissal of award-winning principals and teachers, the closure of school libraries, and subsequent layofs of librarians and custodians.
Issue: Leaders strongly opposed the proposed $4 billion bond issue being pushed by state-appointed HISD leaders. Tey argued that such a massive fnancial commitment is
not justifed under the current circumstances and demanded responsible governance before considering such a large expenditure. “We can all agree that Mike Miles has earned an F because he has failed our students,” said
State Rep. Ron Reynolds. “Tere is no bond as long as we have a rubber stamp board of managers at HISD with no accountability to the community.”
Calls for Investigations: Green and the NAACP called for investigations into potential wrongdoing within HISD. Green specifically requested a federal probe into Miles and the TEA’s takeover, citing concerns about funneling Texas education funds to charter schools in Colorado with ties to Miles. Green expressed outrage at the potential misuse of public funds, stating, “Te money is going to go to private schools, and we will fnd ourselves with a society where the haves will be in one segment, and the have-nots in the other.” He linked the push for vouchers to attempts to maintain segregation in the U.S.
Key takeaways include:
• Te NAACP and Green are actively pursuing investigations into the actions of Miles and the TEA.
• Te community is urged to resist the proposed $4 billion bond issue until responsible leadership is restored to HISD.
• The NAACP encourages community members to stay informed, voice their concerns, hold elected ofcials accountable, and vote.
HISD proposed a record-breaking $4.4 billion bond package to address aging facilities, upgrade technology, and expand early childhood education programs.
The funds would be secured through bonds, essentially loans from the community that HISD would repay with interest over time. Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the proposal. Here’s what you need to know.
Over 30% of the district’s 273 schools are over 50 years old, with many nearing capacity. District ofcials estimate a staggering $10 billion in overdue upgrades are needed. Te proposed bond package aims to tackle these issues head-on, allocating $2.05 billion for renovations, rebuilding, and modernizing school facilities.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the bond proposal prioritizes safety and technology advancements. $1.35 billion is earmarked for safety improvements, including upgrades to heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, enhanced perimeter security fencing, and improved classroom doors.
Te proposal also allocates $1 billion for district-wide technology upgrades. Tis includes expanding high-speed internet access across schools, providing students and teachers with modern devices, and investing in sofware programs that enhance learning.
A signifcant portion of the funding, approximately $1 billion, is dedicated to expanding pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) slots and enriching the quality of early childhood education programs.
MEETING: JUNE 10
investment in education is a worthwhile use of public funds.
Te district has formed a community advisory committee to gather feedback and address concerns. Additionally, a series of public meetings are being held throughout the frst half of June, allowing residents to learn more about the proposal’s details, ask questions, and express their opinions.
Forest Brook Middle School
7525 Tidwell Road
Houston, TX 77016
HISD officials state it won’t require a tax increase for Houston residents.
Houston voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the proposal, which will determine whether this
A bond has not existed for HISD since 2012. At the time, voters authorized spending $1.9 billion for the district’s general improvements, including the reconstruction of 28 high schools. Dallas ISD held the record for the largest bond in Texas when voters authorized over $3.5 billion in bonds in 2020. Voters in Propser ISD (near Dallas) approved a $2.7 billion bond in 2023, while those in the Austin ISD supported a $2.4 billion bond in 2022.
For more than four decades, U.S.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has fought tirelessly for groundbreaking legislation both locally and nationally. She now has found herself in the fight of her life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The 74-year-old Texas Democrat, made the announcement recently and said that she is being treated for the disease that is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. “I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year. I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease,” Jackson Lee said in a statement. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
Jackson Lee, whose 18th Congressional District includes Fifth Ward, Acres Homes, parts of Downtown, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and unincorporated parts of Harris County, said that it’s likely that she will be absent from Congress occasionally as she pursues treatment, but ensured that her office remains comitted to continuing to serve constituents. She said she will also work with congressional leadership to be present for votes.
A storied career
the Budget, and is the first female ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, a subcommittee she chaired during the 117th Congress.
Her legislative achievements are extensive and impactful. Jackson Lee has been recognized as one of the 50 most effective members of Congress by ‘Congressional Quarterly’ and among the ten most influential legislators in the House by ‘U.S. News and World Report,’ Jackson Lee’s influence extends beyond legislation. She is a founder, member, and chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Congressional Children’s Caucus, as well as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Energy Braintrust and co-chair of the Justice Reform Task Force.
FRIENDS OF SHEILA
“We Love You Sheila Prayer Praise Candlelight Vigil”
Tues., June 11 10am
Jackson Lee first took office locally as a member of Houston’s City Council in 1989. In 1995, she won her congressional seat, which she has held for 29 years. In March, she defeated challenger Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Councilwoman, in the most competitive primary of her congressional career. Prior to the March primary, Jackson Lee had only drawn four primary challengers, and she defeated all of them by significant margins. She is up for reelection in her congressional seat in November 2024. In November, 2023, she lost a hard-fought battle to become Houston’s mayor to Texas State Sen. John Whitmire. Now in her 15th term, Jackson Lee serves on the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and
Educationally, Jackson Lee holds a B.A. in Political Science from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She is married to Dr. Elwyn Lee, an administrator at the University of Houston. She has two children: Jason Lee, a Harvard graduate, and Erica Lee, a Duke graduate. She is also the proud grandmother of twins Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter III.
Previous battles
In 2012, she announced she was cancer-free after being diagnosed with breast cancer the year before. In a statement at the time, Jackson Lee said that she recently finished her last course of treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The treatment, she said, included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation “and other effects including loss of hair.”
“I look forward to having many more years to enjoy my family, friends and to serve our community and nation. I now intend to be an even more vigorous advocate and supporter for cancer research and improved care.”
Now, the congresswoman says she plans to approach this fight with the same vigor that she had in her breast cancer fight.
Despite a contentious mayoral race, Houston Mayor John Whitmire issued a statement after Jackson Lee released the news.
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee cares deeply about her 18th congressional district constituents, always fighting for federal programs and funding,” Whitmire said. “Recently, she
66,440
Americans expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024
58,000
Americans expected to die from pancreatic cancer
joined us at the Houston Emergency Center after the Derecho storm to update Houstonians on recovery efforts. As she undergoes treatment for pancreatic cancer, our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.”
“Some things are bigger than politics,”added the Harris County GOP in a statement on X. “Please join us in praying for Congresswoman Jackson Lee and her loved ones during this difficult time, as we wish her a speedy recovery.”
Forging ahead
Despite her diagnosis, Jackson Lee remains resolute in her commitment to her congressional duties. “I am committed to working with our Congressional leadership, including Leader Hakeem Jefferies and the Speaker of the House, to serve this nation and be present
for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people,” she said. “By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon.”
Texas Southern University political science professor, Michael O. Adams, openly warned any potential campaigners from thinking Jackson Lee is even close to dropping out.
“It would be particularly, politically miscalculation if someone were to even speculate openly or publicly about replacing Sheila Jackson Lee or trying to,” Adams said. “What I’m hearing, most people are praying for the Congresswoman at this point that she makes a full recovery.”
Jackson Lee says no matter how difficult her journey seems, no one should count her out.
“As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage,” Jackson Lee said.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar.
5 FACTS
• Born in Queens, New York
• B.A., Yale University, Political Science (w/honors in the first graduating class including females); J.D., University of Virginia Law School
• Served as a judge in Harris County
• Elected to serve as an at-large Houston City Council member in 1989
• Committee Member: Judiciary, Homeland Security and the Budget, Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a mix of these.
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer accounts for around 3% of all cancer cases and 7% of all cancer deaths. One in 56 men is at risk, while one in 60 women.
Doctors with the Baylor College of Medicine said more than 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.
“It is now the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. So, it is an aggressive type of cancer, but there are also many treatments,” said Dr. Shalini Makawita.
Patients who are diagnosed with one form of cancer may be susceptible to other types of cancer later in life.
“There are certain genetic, conditions that folks may have that can predispose them for a second type of cancer in the future,” Makawita said. “The only way to really cure pancreatic cancer at present is if somebody can make it to surgery and have it surgically removed.”
• Authored Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (creating the first new federal holiday in nearly four decades)
• Championed the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring its passage for the first time after a 10 year battle.
• Spearheaded the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, and the RAISE Act.
• Introduced crucial bills like the Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, and Kaleif’s Law.
• Fought for the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
• Championed outreach to minority- and womenowned businesses in the commercial space industry.
• Authored the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act.
The Afrobeats sound is not monolithic. It comes in so many subcategories! Houston is witnessing a new sound, and it’s coming from 24-year-old Ademofe Abiodun, more popularly known as ‘Mofe.’
This Nigerian-born, H-Town-based artist takes the world by storm with his unique blend of Afrobeats and alternative sounds. His hit song “Prince of Egypt” has become a viral sensation collaborating with TikTok sensation Hugo Hilaire, but Mofe’s rise is anything but ordinary.
Music has always been his birthright. Growing up, his family home was flled with the sounds of his gospel-singing mother and relatives who were talented musicians. But in Houston, where he moved at 13, Mofe truly discovered his voice. Here, the vibrant hip-hop scene collided with the Afrobeats infuences of his Nigerian childhood, creating a sound that defes easy categorization.
“I wouldn’t say I purely make Afrobeats,” says Mofe. “It’s more like Afrobeats with a hip-hop twist. Growing up in Houston, you know that rap infuence just seeped in.”
Mofe’s genre-bending approach is evident in his viral hit, “Prince of Egypt.” Te song started as a playful experiment on TikTok and has become a viral hit with fans doing dance challenges worldwide. “People were confused,” Mofe said. “Some said it wasn’t even Afrobeats! But that’s the beauty of it. I’m making music that feels good and blends the sounds I love.”
Mofe’s unique sound is one of many things catching attention. His infectious energy and passion are undeniable. Whether online or on stage, He connects with audiences in a way that transcends the genre.
“Prince of Egypt” may have made him a star, but Mofe isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds. “I make
music in the moment,” he says. “I can’t be boxed in. Tere’s so much more to come.”
Te Defender spoke with the rising star about his music and life as an independent artist in Houston.
DEFENDER: What are people’s thoughts about the work that you’re doing?
MOFE: People’s reactions to my work vary. People ask me about the type of music I make, and I’m never fully able to answer that question. Some hardcore Afrobeats fans feel that my music doesn’t ft the traditional mold of the genre, while others appreciate the evolution and diversity I bring to the table. Interestingly, I’ve found support from unexpected places, including within the Afrobeats community and among American listeners. Overall, it’s been a journey of mixed reactions, but I’m grateful to every person who takes the time to engage with my music. You listen to obscure hip-hop songs and combine them with Afrobeats or popular songs. I’ve done Afrobeats and Country. I’m not limited to what I can create. The people who you wouldn’t think like my music do. There is an Alté community that rocks with my sound. Tey understand the vision. Americans mess with my sound.
DEFENDER: Do you agree with artists who distance themselves from the label of “Afrobeats”?
MOFE: As an artist, I respect everyone’s right to defne their own artistry. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the roots and infuences of your music. While it’s understandable to avoid being pigeonholed into a specifc genre, paying homage to the origins of your sound is crucial. Afrobeats has a rich history and culture; as artists, we should embrace it while pushing boundaries and exploring new directions.
DEFENDER: How does it feel to have your music blow up
internationally from your base in Houston?
MOFE: Seeing my music resonate with audiences worldwide is surreal, especially since I am based in Houston. While the local scene may still need to fully recognize my presence, knowing that my music reaches listeners in places like Lagos, London, and beyond is incredibly humbling. I’m excited to continue representing Houston on the global stage and make an impact within the city’s music community as well.
DEFENDER: Any future projects coming up?
MOFE: I have several exciting projects in the works, including more singles and an EP slated for release later this year. Additionally, I’m looking forward to performing live shows in cities like Lagos, London, and, hopefully, Houston. My goal is to continue pushing boundaries with my music, collaborating with talented artists, and making a lasting impact on the global music scene. I hope to collaborate with Rema and some Alté, and UK Underground artists one day.
When Nimitz High School seniors crossed the stage during graduation cere monies recently at M.O. Campbell Center, it was a history-making event in students’ lives—but an even bigger moment for the school as they acknowledged their class valedictorian, Monique Thompson, who became Nimitz’s first Black female valedictorian in over a decade.
provided her with a blueprint for academic success.
“Being the first Black female valedictorian to represent Nimitz High School in over a decade feels so special. I feel God placed me in many positions this year that I could never imagine being in on my own,” said Thompson. “Society constantly paints Black females in a certain picture, but this accomplishment should encourage them to paint their own picture. We are more than our skin and hair, even though both are beautiful and wonderfully made.”
In 2024, one must wonder why more Black students are not represented in this space.
“The lack of interest that we as Black teens have portrayed holds us back,” said Thompson. “Sometimes, we allow our zip code to determine our destination and our environment tends to influence how we operate. As young Black teens, we are in the most crucial times of our lives. Other’s opinions can lead us to believe we cannot be in these spaces, but we are.”
Society constantly paints Black females in a certain picture, but this accomplishment should encourage them to paint their own picture. We are more than our skin and hair, even though both are beautiful and wonderfully made.”
MONIQUE THOMPSON
While many may believe valedictorians have it all figured out and have an easy road because they seem to always excel academically, they too have hurdles they have to overcome. Some face visible hurdles, while others face internal ones, battling them while no one knows.
Thompson faced several challenges entering her senior year but would not be detoured from achieving her goals.
“I have always been active, involved with various activities and working, so time management was the biggest internal battle I had to overcome,” said Thompson.
Due to miscommunication in scheduling, Thompson even struggled with imposter’s syndrome at the beginning of her senior year.
“The summer prior to my senior year, my counselor retired, and the counselor who took over noticed that I was short two required classes: Economics and Spanish,” said Thompson. “I thought I had taken all of my requirements, but I was short those two classes. After hearing the news, many thoughts ran through my head. How will this affect me graduating? The thought of losing everything I had worked so hard for was devastating.”
Thompson’s internal battle was met with sheer determination and hard work, backed by an unbelievable support system of family, friends and dedicated teachers.
Her brother, Trae Thompson, graduated from Nimitz in the top 5% of his class,
She learned the value of time management and hard work from her father, who stepped up when COVID-19 hit and many families faced challenges, taking on double duties. She also learned the importance of communication from her mother.
“All my friends call her ‘Momma Thompson.’ She is a dedicated woman known for making things happen and being a mother to all,” said Thompson. “Because of her, I know how to advocate for myself and get things done. Without the guidance I’ve been blessed with, my life could have taken another turn. I had to keep God in front of her and follow his path,” said Thompson.
Thompson is a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and graduated high school with her associate’s degree. This fall, she will attend Emory University to pursue a degree in nursing.
“I chose Emory University because I have family there (Atlanta), so I won’t have to worry about getting homesick and they are ranked second in the United States for their nursing program,” said Thompson.
Thompson has many family members who are in the nursing field. Her aunt, Deidre Mooring, is a retired registered nurse and played a key role in helping me narrow down her career options.
“My end goal is to be a traveling nurse practitioner for pediatrics and have my own practice,” said Thompson. “I love a hands-on experience, I love STEM, and I work with kids all the time, so I figured nursing would be my best career.”
As Thompson embarks on her next chapter at Emory, she carries with her the values and lessons imparted by her family, community, and experiences at Nimitz High School. Her valedictorian journey is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for others to defy societal expectations and pursue their dreams.
Thompson’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work and the power of a supportive community. As she steps into her future with aspirations of becoming a travel nurse practitioner, her path shines brightly, illuminating the possibilities for those who dare to follow in her footsteps. Thompson’s Nimitz legacy is not only one of academic excellence but also of breaking barriers and encouraging others to create their own success stories.
“I hope this accomplishment encourages other young Black females that they can do anything they put their mind to,” said Thompson.
UH senior pole vaulter Christyan Sampy qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships after recording a 5.42 meter mark during the West Preliminary Round.
Simone Biles won a record ninth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, earning the 27-year-old Houstonian an automatic berth in the U.S. Olympic trials ahead of the Paris Games. Biles, the 37-time world and Olympic medalist, also won national titles on all four apparatuses at the U.S. Championships. The top two finishers — Biles and Skye Blakely — automatically qualified for the Olympic trials, which will be June 27-30 in Minneapolis. The five gymnasts representing the U.S. at the Paris Olympics this summer will be named then.
Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud won the Pro Football Writers Association Good Guy Award for his professionalism in helping football writers do their jobs in his first year as a pro. Also, Texans receiver John Metchie III, who has fought back from being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia that sidelined him his entire rookie season, received the PFWA’s Halas Award. That award is given to a player, coach or staff member who has overcome the most adversity to succeed.
The SWAC has announced that Texas Southern won the C.D. Henry Award after accumulating 67.5 points in men’s sponsored sports. Jackson State (62.5 points) and Prairie View A&M (62.5 points) finished tied for second place overall.
the NCAA West Regional.
It seems like yesterday that Shaun Maswanganyi was making the journey from his homeland in South Africa to begin his track and field career at the University of Houston.
It’s all just gone so fast for the senior.
“It’s been a blur, but I’ve enjoyed the ride so far,” he said. “I just want to finish off my collegiate career with a bang.”
Maswanganyi will have the opportunity to do just that this week. The world-class sprinter has a chance to bring his collegiate career to an end in spectacular fashion. All Maswanganyi has to do is take care of some unfinished business in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x 100-meter relay events during the NCAA Outdoor Men’s Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.
His list of accomplishments and accolades already has him in the conversation as one of the best sprinters to ever compete for the Cougars. This week, Maswanganyi can cement his lane among UH world-class track and field legends Leroy Burrell, the late Cameron Burrell, and his coach, Carl Lewis.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about coming in first place,” Maswanganyi said to the Defender. “We go into these competitions as athletes and we all want to come out on top.
“So, it’s a no-brainer that I want to come out on top.”
This will mark his fourth straight year competing in the national meet. But this is the year when it seems that Maswanganyi is all set to do the most.
He comes into nationals, which began Wednesday, tied with Minnesota’s Devin Augustine for the best time in the 100 meters (10.02) this season. He is second fastest in the 200 meters (20.10), and the 4 x 100 meters relay team Maswanganyi anchors has posted the fastest time in the nation with a 38.44 clocking in early May at the Big 12 Championships.
“I really, really hope he gets this done. His senior year is set up for him to go out on top,” Lewis said. “He has already been the greatest sprinter that we’ve ever had and this is the school that had Cameron Burrell, Leroy Burrell and myself. He has done a lot more than we have.
University of Houston senior sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi has been spectacular on and off the track as one of the elite sprinters in the country while also getting it done in the classroom where he recently graduated with his degree in Economics. Credit: UH athletic department.
“The only thing he hasn’t done is win the individual championship. Everything else he has got the records, he has more medals, scored more points and everything. But he just hasn’t won that individual national championship and that’s the one thing left.”
It will be the culmination of a spectacular career that began with a phone call from Lewis and then UH track field coach Leroy Burrell. Lewis immediately saw from watching film the flair, showmanship and gifted speed that Maswanganyi displayed while competing for his boarding school in South Africa.
It’s likely Lewis saw a little of his younger
self in Maswanganyi.
“I watched his videos from high school, and I knew he had a little bit of showboat in him,” Lewis said. “And I don’t mean looking at people and things like that. I could tell he knew a lot about how to market himself because how he would do things and he was popular.
“So I thought that would be useful and very, very good for his career.”
It has turned out to be that and more for the young man who from the time he stepped on the track as a freshman he was not just the fastest sprinter on the UH team, but he was among the fastest in the nation.
Along the way, Maswanganyi and Lewis have developed a special relationship that goes beyond the coach-athlete relationship. Lewis motivates him in ways few other coaches have been able to.
To push Maswanganyi some days, all Lewis has to say is, “You don’t want to be great.”
“He knows that is going to fire me up and I’m going to kill that workout,” Maswanganyi said. “He just has ways of motivating me. He knows how to say the right thing to me at the right time to get me going.”
Lewis burst into laughter upon hearing Maswanganyi’s memory of his motivating words.
“Shaun is mature enough to understand, I’m kind of joking but I’m serious at the same time,” Lewis said. “He can handle that and understand where I’m coming from in that regard, and it makes him a lot easier to work with.”
As a world-class sprinter who has not only competed on a high level for the Cougars the last four years but also competes internationally as a member of the South African Olympic team, Maswanganyi has managed to balance it all while completing his bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in business administration last month.
“Structure, discipline and consistency are very important,” said Maswanganyi, who completed in the 100, 200 and 4 x 100 relay for South Africa during the Olympics in Tokyo a few years ago. “These virtues that are instilled within me at a young age are very important.”
Payton Pinkard and Alani Skinner have played on the same volleyball team since seventh grade. After playing in the end-of-season HISD all-star game, the once-inseparable duo must now prepare to embrace new life challenges at different colleges.
“Their dynamic work ethic on and off the court has set the expectation for the entire program,” said Houston Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy head coach Tala’Shandria Allen. “Leading by example both on the court and in the classroom, their leadership has become a standard for every rising player in our program.”
“It’s been a great experience playing with her because she brings a different energy level to the court and the team. We are more than just teammates, we are friends,” said Pinkard, about her running mate Skinner.
Pinkard and Skinner were the only two players selected to represent their school during HISD’s all-star volleyball game, which took place at Butler Stadium on May 18. As the duo took the court at Butler Stadium for the last time, Skinner expressed her joy in being able to represent her team alongside her friend.
“I felt honored that coach Allen believed in my performance and my ability to work on a team with other notable players from across the district,” said Skinner. “I enjoyed being a part of the team, playing with Payton and having teammates fill the stands in support one last time.”
As both players embarked on their volleyball journey, they shared goals of self-identify and self-esteem, which they hope to achieve through playing the sport.
Class: 2024
IG: @_payyytonnn._
Position: Middle Blocker
Height: 5-feet-11
Favorite artists: SZA, Smino, and SiR
Status: Committed to the University of Oklahoma
Favorite subject:
“Me on the court and me off the court are two different people,” said Pinkard. “The confidence I use when I play volleyball I’ve learned to translate into my everyday life.”
Pinkard began playing volleyball in elementary school, idolizing her cousin Ruth Ard, who played at North Shore Senior High School before finishing at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
“I tried several other sports but none of
them ever clicked with me. My mom and I would go to Ruth’s high school games and travel with her during club season. As a little girl, I wanted to be just like my cousin Ruth. She was talented and confident, so I begged my mom to put me in volleyball,” said Pinkard.
Skinner also began playing early, but becoming physically fit was her main goal.
“When I was younger, I was a heavy set child,” said Skinner. “I tried working out and dieting but nothing worked for me. After being allowed to participate in sports in my 7th-grade year, my mother encouraged me to try volleyball. I made the team, found that confidence I was searching for, and became more physically fit.”
The Duo battled together for four years on the varsity level at Houston Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy and during their senior year led their team to a perfect 16-0 record while securing a 4A Region III District 21 Championship status. Pinkard also captured the District 21-4A MVP award this past season.
Moving forward, both athletes have noted their volleyball dreams have come to an end, but have dedicated themselves to pursuing collegiate degrees and taking the lessons learned from volleyball to college with them.
In the fall, Skinner will attend Sam Houston State University and plans to major in forensic chemistry, while Payton will attend the University of Oklahoma and plans to major in electrical engineering with a minor in history or political science.
Giveon Committed to Sam Houston University
“I’ve always liked creating things from scratch and watching chemical reactions. With my major, I plan to work in the lab of a corporation or work in the lab for the FBI to help solve crimes,” said Skinner. While looking back, Pinkard hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes. She remembers the words of wisdom her mother, Teplah Toomey, gave her.
“Don’t let your current situation define what your future is going to look like,” said Pinkard.
