06.18.2026_Defender-e-FULL

Black Dads

Challenge myths with powerful presence TO THE POINT

SPORTS

GREEN & MENEFEE E

DOMINQUE E DAWES

A unified front can be a national gamechanger.

Former gymnast finds inspiration from personal pain.

Volume 95, issue 35 June 18, 2026

facebook.com/defendernetwork twitter.com/defendernetwork

instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

FREE

2 | June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN To the POINT

Message from the Reporter rewrite the script.

Imagine the cosmic shift that would occur across Black World if these two brothers chose to sit down, publicly or privately, for a series of intentional “pass the torch” sessions. What if Green intentionally poured decades of political wisdom into Menefee while Menefee simultaneously honored Green’s years of sacrifice and service, ready to build upon that foundation? What if Black America witnessed not generational warfare, but generational partnership? That would be revolutionary.

They can show that succession is not so much an end to something as it is an entry into new ways of serving the community for both parties involved. It would model something desperately needed throughout Black communities nationwide: elders and younger leaders respecting each other’s roles rather than competing for space.

By Aswad Walker Green, Menefee can create gamechanging new playbook

For years now, Black people have been having an important conversation about “passing the torch” to younger generations. Whether in churches, civil rights organizations, political offices, family businesses, or community institutions, more and more people are acknowledging an uncomfortable truth: Too many leaders hold onto positions until death or physical decline forces them out.

And by then, the next generation often receives the torch far too late.

Both sides of the generational aisle have their stances. Older folk say younger people aren’t serious enough, and need to step up and take initiative. Those on the younger side, complain that older members of our community are addicted to their titles and positions like drug addicts, and refuse to kick the habit.

Far too many Black institutions suffer from poor succession planning. Younger leaders spend decades waiting on the sidelines, watching elders cling to titles and authority into their 80s and 90s, while the community loses precious opportunities to cultivate leadership experience in people during their most energetic and innovative years.

That reality must change.

But there’s another side of this conversation that rarely gets discussed.

If we are going to ask elders to release positions and authority earlier, then we must also build a culture where elders are still honored, valued, protected, and seen as essential after they step aside.

And that requires a deep spiritual and cultural shift away from Western ideas of human worth.

The Western sickness around ‘value’

In the Western worldview, a person’s worth is often tied almost entirely to productivity and profit generation.

What job do you have? How much money do you make? What title do you hold? What can you produce?

Once a person retires, slows down physically, or is no longer economically “useful,” society subtly — and sometimes openly — begins treating them as disposable.

Under that mindset, it becomes understandable why so many people hold onto leadership positions until death. If society teaches you that your worth disappears the moment you stop producing, then stepping down can feel like stepping into irrelevance.

That’s a sickness that Blackfolk, like others, have absorbed and internalized through generations of Western indoctrination.

But African ways of knowing offer something far healthier and far more humane.

Blueprint for generational shift

To end poor succession planning, Black communities must adopt Africancentered values, honoring elders as “living libraries” for younger generations.

Credit: U.S. Congress offices of Al Green and Christian Menefee.

those coming behind them. To refuse that In traditional African societies, human responsibility is viewed as a failure of duty worth is inherent and independent of a bal- — not merely to oneself, but to the entire ance sheet. Aging does not signal a decline in community. value; instead, it marks an elevation in status.

That understanding changes everything. It While elders may no longer means passing the torch is possess the physical stamina not individual surrender, to labor in the fields or lecture but rather societal salvafor hours, they assume roles tion. It’s one of the highthat are more sacred. They est callings an elder can become the “living libraries,” achieve. the spiritual anchors, and the When our community ultimate arbiters of peace. mimics other communiConsider the Akan provties and devalues elders, we erb: “An elder is a person hamper our “living librarwho has sat on a stool and ies” and their ability to fill listened to the elders before one of their most sacred him.” duties. And younger generAswad Walker This ancient perspective ations are paying the price. views aging not as a loss of utility, but as an accumulation of wisdom necessary for com- Texas opportunity, munity survival. In this ecosystem, the youth national implications respect the elders for their guidance, and That’s why what recently happened in the elders respect the youth for their energy Houston carries such symbolic importance. and innovation. Because elders are secure We now have a real-time opportunity to witin their elevated cultural status, they feel no ness this ancient paradigm in modern Amerneed to hoard titles. They know their ultimate ican politics. accountability lies in how well they pour into Congressman Christian Menefee, 38, the next generation. defeated Congressman Al Green, 78, in the race for Congressional District 18. The race The elder assignment was contentious, emotional, and politically In many African traditions, elderhood itself charged. Republicans who delight in division is earned. It’s not simply something granted among Black leadership circles are likely celbecause a person survived to old age. ebrating the tension.

An elder is expected to pour wisdom into But Menefee and Green have a chance to Reclaiming the ‘living libraries’

But this transformation cannot rest solely on their shoulders alone. All of us have work to do.

If Black communities truly want healthier leadership transitions, then we must intentionally rebuild African-centered ways of understanding value, aging, responsibility, and community.

Here are some things to do: • Re-establish mentorship as sacred work: Elders must intentionally train suc-

cessors long before retirement or death becomes imminent.

• Publicly honor elders beyond titles:

Communities must celebrate elders for wisdom, guidance, and teaching — not merely for positions held.

• Create structured intergenerational dialogue: Churches, organizations, and

families should host regular conversations between elders and younger members focused on wisdom-sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

• Reject productivity-only definitions of worth: We must stop treating people as

products, valuable only when they generate money, labor, or status.

• Normalize leadership transitions: Passing leadership should be viewed as a revered rites of passage, honoring all involved.

• Relearn African-centered values: We don’t need to invent entirely new systems of communal care and generational balance. Those ancient African ways of knowing already exist inside of us, waiting to be tapped into.

Menefee and Green have an opportunity to light a fire. But keeping that flame burning will require all of us to embrace the ancestral wisdom which teaches that a community thrives when every generation understands its role and honors the roles of others.

June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 3

DN News CHRIS HOLLINS ANNOUNCES

Investigation of Mayor Whitmire advisor

By Tannistha Sinha

Houston City Controller Chris Hollins has announced a formal investigation into the employment of Chris Brown, Mayor John Whitmire’s senior adviser for financial integrity.

Hollins’ announcement comes shortly after a Houston Chronicle investigation found that Brown has rarely set foot in City Hall while drawing a six-figure taxpayer-funded salary.

“Taxpayers deserve to know what role, if any, Mr. Brown played in advising the administration through these challenges, what recommendations he provided, and whether the services that they paid for with their tax dollars were actually deliberate,” Hollis said. “The mayor has repeatedly said that his administration is committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. I agree with that objective wholeheartedly, but accountability cannot be selective.”

Whitmire defended Brown’s record, pointing to more than 20 years of service to Houston, including eight years as controller, during which Brown “ran a serious, competent Controller’s Office” and helped identify the city’s structural budget problem.

“This is exactly the experience I want on my team as we navigate complex city finances, reduce costs, and lay the foundation for long-term fiscal stability,” Whitmire said in the statement. “Controller Brown was a part of helping pass the FY27 budget with a 15-1 vote and continues to provide valuable public service. I don’t have time for politics.”

The report on Brown

Brown, who served as Houston’s elected controller from 2016 to 2023, now holds the title of senior adviser for financial

integrity, a position Whitmire allegedly created specifically for him after Brown left office due to term limits.

According to the report’s review of badge-swipe records, emails, and payroll data obtained under the Texas Public Information Act, Brown has entered city facilities 13 times since January 2024, a span covering nearly 600 workdays.

This includes eight times in 2024, three times in 2025, and twice in 2026. The newspaper also found that, as of early April, Brown had sent only about a dozen outgoing emails this year, none involving senior mayoral staff or appearing to relate to fiscal policy. The mayor’s office also told the Chronicle that Brown does not have an office at City Hall.

What the controller plans to do

At a news conference, Hollins said the findings “present questions that cannot Houston Controller Chris Hollins opened a formal investigation into Mayor John Whitmire’s senior adviser for financial integrity, Chris Brown. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/ Defender.

simply be ignored,” while emphasizing that they do not by themselves prove wrongdoing.

He framed the inquiry around whether the work taxpayers paid for was actually performed. Hollins said his office wants to know what advice Brown gave, what responsibilities he was assigned, what deliverables he produced, who supervised that work, and how his performance was evaluated over roughly 2.5 years.

Hollins argued those questions carry added weight given Brown’s background.

As controller, Brown built much of his public reputation warning against deficit spending and pushing for what he called a structurally balanced budget, one where revenue keeps pace with rising costs.

Yet during his time as a mayoral adviser, Hollins noted, Houston has recorded its two largest deficits in city history and is now imposing new fees on residents, including a $5 monthly charge for trash collection that was included in the budget City Council passed earlier in June.

The controller also called on Whitmire to immediately suspend Brown pending the outcome of the investigation.

Former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner faces 20 years in prison for arson Defender News Service

Former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner Lyndell “Lynn” Price faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced this September, following his guilty plea for orchestrating a retaliatory 2020 arson plot against a former business partner.

Price, 42, admitted to federal prosecutors that he hired multiple men to burn down Bar 5015, a popular Almeda Road nightlife venue. The sentencing is scheduled for Sept.

25, marking a definitive turning point in a legal saga that mirrored the collapse of his iconic Houston restaurant empire.

The retaliatory plot and explosion

According to court documents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the June 12, 2020, fire was sparked after Bar 5015 owner Steve Rogers, a former business partner of Price, refused to sell his financial interest in the Turkey Leg Hut.

• The Execution: Price paid Armani Williams and Miziah Shepherd, both 27, to douse the bar’s entrance ramp and deck in gasoline before igniting it.

• The Aftermath: The fire triggered a massive early-morning explosion that shook nearby homes, scattered debris across the neighborhood, and endangered local utility infrastructure.

• Additional Charges: Price also admitted to directing a separate incident involving the arson of a stolen 1975 Chevrolet Nova, assisted by another co-conspirator, John Lee Price.

Williams, Shepherd, and John Lee Price have all previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the crimes and await sentencing alongside Lyndell Price. In addition to

potential prison time, Price faces a fine of up to $250,000.

The fall of a Houston empire

At its peak, the Turkey Leg Hut in Houston’s Third Ward was a national cultural phenomenon, drawing celebrities and tourists alike as a premier example of successful Black-owned entrepreneurship.

However, the business quickly unraveled under a mountain of legal and financial troubles: • Jan. 2023: The restaurant was sued for $1.3 million by national distributor US Foods over unpaid fees.

• 2024: Following a lease termination, Turkey Leg Hut officially filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors permanently.

Lyndell Price will be sentenced in Sept. after pleading guilty to arson.

Credit: Oyster Hut IG.

4 | June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News

City leaders approved a budget they say stabilizes finances without raising property taxes. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Defender.

Houston City Council passes $7.5B budget

By Tannistha Sinha

The Houston City Council voted 15-1 to approve a $7.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, a spending plan that creates a new $5 monthly trash fee and restructures how the city funds solid waste operations.

It also includes a series of council-driven amendments totaling millions in redirected spending.

“Houston is a strong city. It got stronger today,” said Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference.

“It lays the foundation for Houston to be on a sound financial footing going forward. It certainly is not the final solution, but it certainly addresses our basic services, our finances, and our public safety.

You don’t raise property taxes when people are concerned about affordability. That’s been repeated as we travel across Houston, presenting this budget.”

Council Member Edward Pollard cast the lone dissenting vote, citing years of overspending and no evidence that the pattern would change, while Council Member Tiffany Thomas was absent.

“Over the last two fiscal years, our city has faced the largest budget deficits in the city’s history,” Pollard said. “When we asked the mayor after the first budget on how we were going to correct

the overspending problem, his response was, ‘Trust me.’...What’s the point of going through this entire process if we overspend by so much? Are we getting better streets, more affordable housing, less homelessness, better trash collection, stronger infrastructure?

The answer is no.”

The Houston People’s Budget coalition, which has been opposing the trash fee, walked out in protest when the budget passed.

Revenue breakdown The General Fund totals $3.2 billion and is anchored by two new revenue strategies projected to generate roughly $220 million in relief and reduce the projected deficit.

The first is the $5 monthly solid waste administrative fee per household, locked at that rate for FY2027 and FY2028, with a cap of $25, requiring council approval for any future increase. The fee will appear on August water bills. The second transfers a right-of-way rental fee from the Combined Utility System to the General Fund, capped at 5% of gross CUS revenues. It funnels $104 million into the general fund.

Opinions on the budget City Controller Chris Hollins, who had toured neighborhoods

opposing the budget, certified it, but clarified that it was not a “stamp of approval” but a mathematical calculation that means the City can pay its bills for the next 12 months.

“This budget deserves an ‘F’ for transparency and accountability,” Hollins said after the budget passed. “It’s disappointing that Council approved a budget that repeats deficit spending, pushes the City closer to minimum reserve thresholds, and shifts more costs onto working families.”

Whitmire pushed back, saying the budget represented hardwon cooperation among council members.

“They knew that no budget is perfect,” he said. “It’s easy to vote no on a budget. You can always find something you don’t like,” he said, noting the city had reduced the size of government by 2% this year and addressed excesses to balance the budget.

Several council members described their yes votes as difficult but necessary.

Council Member Amy Peck, whose amendment locked the trash fee at $5, said the safeguards built into the ordinance were what brought her around.

Council Member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said the

communities she represents need urgent attention.

“District D has waited too long for basic services, fair investment, and real delivery,” she said. “This budget is not perfect, but perfect cannot become the enemy of progress. For too long, communities like Sunnyside, South Park, South Union, Third Ward…and other neighborhoods across District D have been asked to be patient while problems around them got worse.”

Council members also reshaped significant portions of the budget through amendments.

Council Member Alejandra Salinas won unanimous approval to redirect $3 million from Houston Public Works management consulting to illegal dumping enforcement, including CCTV cameras at chronic dump sites, additional solid waste workers, and expanded legal disposal hours.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 35 - JUNE 18, 2026 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker

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

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2026 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 5

DN Education

HISD unveils $2B budget Arrives amid enrollment, revenue decline

By Tannistha Sinha

The Houston Independent School District unveiled a nearly $2 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27, projecting a $55 million drop in revenue, $46.7 million in spending cuts, and a loss of an estimated 4,000 students.

This is HISD’s challenging budget outlook, all while pledging to push more dollars than ever directly into classrooms.

Superintendent perspective

Superintendent Mike Miles opened the budget presentation by emphasizing that “every dollar” in the budget is intended to move the school district toward Miles’ “2035 vision”.

“We’re operating in a constrained environment, yes, with declining enrollment and revenue pressures, but we are making deliberate choices to protect classrooms, invest in our teachers and principals, and maintain long-term financial stability,” Miles said.

In 2023, 57% of the budget went to instruction and instructional leadership. In the coming year, that figure reaches 72%.

Teacher salaries reflect the same trend, Miles added. Average pay has risen from about $65,000 in 2023 to a projected $83,000 next year, an increase of roughly $15,000 in three years.

Revenue breakdown

HISD’s general fund budget sits at approximately $2 billion, drawn from three sources, including local funding (primarily property taxes, a portion of which might be recaptured by the state: 74%), state funding tied to student enrollment and attendance (14%), and federal grants such as Title I and IDEA for special education (12%).

The school district is projecting an overall revenue decline of about $55 million for FY27.

One of the largest hits is the loss of disaster relief tax pennies, roughly $50 million in

Our superintendent cannot serve two masters. Houston’s children should not be the ones who pay the price.”

MARIA BENZON

one-time revenue that will not be renewed.

A projected enrollment drop of 4,000 students is expected to cost another $50 million.

Partially offsetting these losses are a $27.5 million Teacher Incentive Allotment and $25 million in anticipated property sales.

Federal funding adds another layer of uncertainty.

Miles noted that the district has been shorted more than $21 million in Title I funds mid-year, an aspect HISD had not budgeted for at the beginning of the school year.

Cutting and investing

On the expenditure side, the district plans to cut approximately $98 million while increasing spending by about $51 million in priority areas, resulting in a net decrease of roughly $46.75 million in total expenditures.

Central office cuts account for $35 million of those reductions. Twelve school consolidations save another $15 million.

Other cuts include $19 million in 1882 Partnership Schools, $29 million in NES (New Education System) decreases, $3 million in overtime and extra payments, $10 million in vacancies, and $6 million in onetime expenditures.

At the same time, the budget proposes new spending on the Future 2 Schools program ($4.5 million), Special Education improvements ($7 million), early childhood education ($4.25 million), health insurance ($4 million), and a $6 million raise for minimum-wage central office employees.

A budget with grievances

Elected trustee Maria Benzon challenged how district dollars are being allocated.

“Every dollar in this district belongs to the children of Houston, not to consultants, not to signed contracts…to our kids,” she said, referencing a Texas Observer article that revealed that Miles has been moonlighting as a paid consultant earning $190,000 for Third Future Schools, the Colorado-based charter network he founded.

“Our superintendent cannot serve two masters. Houston’s children should not be the ones who pay the price.”

Trustee Michael McDonough, who said he has built district budgets for two decades, raised a concern about the 4% cap on school budget increases.

“School budgets in HISD are a product of the number of students, their identifying characteristics, the associated weights, a unit allocation, and the campus attendance rate,” McDonough said. “Yet this year, campuses are subject to a 4% cap on budget increases over the prior year.”

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles presented the district’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget.

Credit: Houston ISD Foundation.

6 | June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 7

DN InFocus

Black Dads

Challenge myths with powerful presence The answer, according to many Black Every June, the jokes start flying right on fathers and community leaders, is both simschedule. Mother’s Day gets months of plan- ple and layered. Father’s Day is real. But the ning, overflowing brunch reservations, fuller story is whether Black fathers are flower deliveries, and social media truly seen, valued, and celebrated tributes long enough to qualify as the other 364 days of the year. memoirs.

Father’s Day? Brothers are Holiday-ish lucky if somebody remembers The roots of Father’s Day to grab a card from the gas stago back more than a century. tion before the cookout starts.

According to Dr. Charles Dads laugh about it all the Turner, senior pastor of time. “There’s only a handful New Pleasant Grove Misof Father’s Day sales, if that.” Dr. Charles Turner, senior sionary Baptist Church, the Or the classic observation pastor of New Pleasant first observance dates back that nobody has ever heard of Grove Baptist Church, to 1909, inspired by a daugh“CFE Christians”—the folks considers himself grateful ter who wanted to honor her who only come to church on to be a dad. Credit: father, a Civil War veteran Christmas, Father’s Day, and Aswad Walker/Defender. who raised his children. But Easter. Even the greeting-card Father’s Day did not become aisle seems to whisper, “We an official national holiday did our best.” until the early 1970s.

Still, beneath the humor sits a serious “So, regardless of whether we believe question: Is Father’s Day actually a real it’s a myth or whatever the case may be, holiday in the Black community, or is it it is something,” Turner said. more like a calendar suggestion people That “something” matters more than vaguely acknowledge between NBA many people realize.

Finals games and backyard barbecue Dr. Earle Fisher, senior pastor of Abyssmoke? sinian Baptist Church, views Father’s Day as a ritual of reflection and remembrance.

“Father’s Day is like every other holiday or holy-day,” Fisher said.

“It is as ‘real’ as we collectively decide it is.”

That perspective feels We should especially important in celebrate Black a society where Black Dr. Johné fatherhood is too often fathers by honoring Battle says discussed through stetheir presence, his most reotypes instead of truth. memorable Research consistently protecting their Father’s Day shows Black fathers are humanity, and moments deeply engaged in their came when children’s lives—often creating spaces he could more involved in daily where they can be see that his caregiving activities presence than fathers of other appreciated without mattered. racial groups. always having to Credit: Yet the old “missing Inclusion Black father” narrative prove their worth.”

Genius LLC. still hangs around like a DR. JOHNÉ BATTLE nagging hoop injury.

By Aswad Walker

Dr. Johné Battle, cultural and creative architect, believes Father’s Day provides an opportunity to push back against those falsehoods.

“Black fathers are present,” Battle said, about a reality that rarely becomes the headline. “Black fathers are praying, working, showing up at games, sitting in graduations, correcting homework, giving hard wisdom, loving through exhaustion, and often carrying emotional weight without applause.”

“Looking back, it’s clear I wasn’t creative in my gift giving,” Galvin joked. “Despite this, though, he always received what I gave him with grace.”

That grace, many fathers say, becomes one of the hidden languages of parenting itself.

For Fisher, Father’s Day memories are less about elaborate celebrations and more about meaningful acknowledgment. His relationship with his own father was complicated and marked by years of estrangement.

Yet today, affirming messages from family and intentional gestures The power of ordinary from loved ones carry deep fatherhood significance.

One reason Father’s Day “Over time, I’ve come to can feel understated is that appreciate the ordinary gestures fatherhood itself is often of acknowledgment as sacred,” built through quiet conFisher said. sistency rather than flashy Dr. Earle Fisher. Courtesy Battle echoed that sentiment. moments.a Dr. Earle Fisher.

“The most meaningful Seyoum Dorsey, host of experiences have come when @MusizmanRadio, views the holidays as I could see that my presence mattered,” he “a time to pay respect to my father, Taibika said. “Fatherhood is not a performance. It’s Fudail, and all fathers who have paved the a covenant.” way for us.”

That idea resonates deeply in Black comBrandon Cofield, head of the Harris munities, where fathers often carry responCounty Office of Public Probate Administra- sibilities that extend beyond their own tion, remembers his very first Father’s Day households. Many Black men serve as menvividly. His oldest child had been born only tors, coaches, pastors, protectors, teachers, weeks earlier. uncles, and neighborhood role models. They “It really kind of cemented that, hey, I’m show up for children who may not even share a part of the Dad’s Club now,” Cofield said. their last name.

“Having three generations of Cofield men And often, they do it without much public all in one place was something I’ll never recognition. forget.”

His newborn son wore a shirt More than barbecue and reading, “Just chillin’ with my neckties pops,” which honestly sounds Of course, nobody is saylike the kind of outfit capable ing Black fathers would reject of making even the toughest a good cookout plate or a brother “get something in his fresh pair of sneakers on eyes.”

Father’s Day. Let’s not get Other memories are more carried away. reflective.

Entrepreneur But Turner, like many Entrepreneur Ronald Galvin Ronald Galvin fathers, believes the remembers searching for gifts appreciates how celebration should go for his father while growing up. his father received deeper, and include three Like many children, he usually Galvin’s youthful elements: acknowledgment, defaulted to ties, wallets, cologne, Father’s Day gifts. accountability, and affirmation. and, at least once, “soap on a Courtesy Ronald “There’s already a lot of negrope.”

Galvin. ative stereotypes,” he said.

Brandon Cofield (right) sits with his two sons, Barry (top) and Calvin. Courtesy Brandon Cofield.

“Affirmation goes a long way. We have enough bashing in our world.”

Cofield agrees, adding that families should think more intentionally about what fathers actually enjoy.

“Maybe they just want to sit outside, smoke a cigar, or go fishing,” shared Cofield.

In other words, maybe Father’s Day should involve fewer emergency trips to crowded chain restaurants and more opportunities for brothers to breathe for a second.

Battle believes the best way to celebrate Black fathers in 2026 is to “telling the whole truth” about them, beyond stereotypes and punchlines.

“We should celebrate Black fathers by honoring their presence, protecting their humanity, and creating spaces where they can be appreciated without always having to prove their worth,” Battle stated.

Fisher added that meaningful celebration also involves creating conditions where Black fathers can thrive—living wages, healthcare access, educational opportunities, and mental health support.

Such a Father’s Day vision transforms it from a commercial holiday to a cultural commitment.

As Battle put it, “We are oftentimes standing on the shoulders of giants that the greater society either never sees or chooses not to acknowledge.”

Research shows that Black fathers are highly engaged and invested in their children and appreciate being seen and valued. Seen here are three generations of Cofield men: Dr. D.Z. Cofield (left) and son Brandon Cofield, holding Barry Cofield. Courtesy Brandon Cofield.

Along with cherishing his daughter, Niara (left), and son, Diop (not pictured), Seyoum Dorsey uses Father’s Day as an opportunity to honor his own father. Credit: Aswad Walker/Defender.

8 | June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Black fathers in Houston are challenging narratives of absence in child development and family stability.

Credit: CoolXDad.

BLACK FATHERS Dismiss absentee myth

By Laura Onyeneho

Popular culture, political rhetoric, and selective statistics have reinforced the idea that Black men are disengaged from their children’s lives.

Across Houston, Black fathers are actively challenging that narrative through consistent presence, emotional availability, and community leadership, shaping not only their families but the next generation of Black youth.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black fathers who live with their children are more likely than fathers of other racial groups to engage in daily caregiving tasks, including bathing, dressing, and helping children use the restroom.

Roughly 70% of Black fathers report doing so daily, compared to 60% of white fathers and 45% of Hispanic fathers. While Black fathers are statistically less likely to be married to their children’s mothers, a trend tied to longstanding structural inequities, research consistently shows they remain deeply involved regardless of household structure.

Dominique Calhoun, founding member at the law firm Calhoun Meredith PLLC and the father of a three-year-old son, said the idea that Black fathers are absent ignores lived reality.

He says the issue is not whether Black men value fatherhood, but whether society is willing to recognize their contributions.

“The biggest myth about Black fatherhood is absenteeism,” Calhoun said.

“There are plenty of us who grew up with our fathers, and there are plenty of us who didn’t and made a conscious decision to be present because of that.”

Calhoun’s own understanding of fatherhood was shaped by his relationship with

The biggest myth about Black fatherhood is absenteeism.

There are plenty of us who grew up with our fathers, and there are plenty of us who didn’t and made a conscious decision to be present because of that.

DOMINIQUE CALHOUN father of a three-yearold son

his father, an electrician and construction business owner who taught him the value of labor, responsibility, and service from a young age. Though his parents divorced when he was 11, Calhoun spent summers working alongside his father, learning both trade skills and life lessons.

“He taught me what it really takes to support a family and show up for your community,” Calhoun said. “A lot of what motivated me to become a lawyer came from watching him work and lead.”

Today, Calhoun describes fatherhood as a daily exercise in intentional presence. As a working professional, he says the challenge is not time, but prioritization.

“There’s a moment every day where you have to turn off the world and turn on [to] your child,” he said. “When your kid asks you to play, those five minutes matter more than anything else you think is urgent.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT BLACK FATHERS

June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

Corey Wilson

Leads Emanicipation Park Conservancy

By Aswad Walker

Corey Wilson, the newly announced president and CEO of the Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC), is already getting to work. With priorities including maximizing fundraising, strengthening the volunteer program, and expanding programming, Wilson aims to position the organization for broader recognition and impact.

Wilson joins EPC following a 13-year tenure with the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC). As superintendent, he managed a $115 million budget and over 175 parks.

Under his leadership, BREC received the 2022 National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal award for “Best Park System in the Country.”

Now, the Morehouse College and Harvard Law School alumnus brings that expertise to Houston’s historic Third Ward.

Wilson will guide EPC’s work across its core pillars: education, economic empowerment, health and wellness, and arts and culture.

Drawn by history and purpose

For Wilson, a New Orleans native, the opportunity stood apart from others in the field.

“It’s a very unique position. There aren’t that many seats like this in the country in terms of the history of the park,” Wilson said. “To work for a nonprofit with goals aligned with mine — supporting community while preserving history and culture — was very attractive.”

Corey Wilson says one aspect of the EPC position that attracted him was the history of Emancipation Park. Credit: Aswad Walker/Defender.

EPC Board Chair Ramon Manning noted that Wilson’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment as the organization advances an $18.5 million enhancement project. “Corey brings both a deep appreciation of Emancipation Park’s history and a clear vision for its future,” Manning said.

From courtrooms to community spaces

I fell in love with parks and recreation.

Realizing the impact parks had on me makes it a passion of mine to make sure everybody has those same opportunities.”

Wilson’s path to park leadership was unconventional. Originally pursuing a career in law, he transitioned after taking a job as an attorney for a large park system 15 years ago.

“I fell in love with parks and recreation,” Wilson said, reflecting on how parks shaped his own youth. “Realizing the impact parks had on me makes it a passion of mine to make sure everybody has those same opportunities.”

COREY WILSON

Renovations unveiling

One of Wilson’s most visible projects will culminate on Juneteenth 2026, when major upgrades will be unveiled.

• Permanent Performance Stage:

A state-of-the-art stage with professional sound and lighting to host concerts and festivals.

• Cultural Center Expansion:

The updated center will feature memorabilia and digital stories detailing the history of the Third Ward, Houston, and the nation.

• Educational Programming:

Expanded opportunities for both children and adults.

“Our whole purpose is to get as many people to the park as possible,” Wilson said.

Benefits beyond the park

Wilson believes that a strong EPC creates a ripple effect throughout the city. By securing private support for the park, the organization reduces the burden on municipal funds.

“The better we can become as an agency, the better we can support the park,” Wilson said. “By helping Emancipation Park, we’re helping all the parks and all the taxpayers in Houston. I’m very excited to be here and looking forward to the work ahead.”

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Houston Powder Coaters, Houston, TX seeks Accountant. Duties: Prep/examine financial records, statements & reports for accuracy/compliance; analyze budget/accounting data; prep tax returns; perform acct reconciliations & month-end closings; develop/document accounting processes & internal controls; use accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) for ledger entries, reporting & financial statements; process payroll; approve vendor payments/disbursements; resolve accounting discrepancies with management/ departments. Bachelor’s degree req’d. Min. 36 mos exp in job offered or in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Contact: MarieT@houstoncoaters.com

10 | June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Dominique Dawes

Launches Academy inspired by personal pain

By Terrance Harris

Before we got to know the grace and accomplishments of world-class gymnast Dominique Dawes, there was the pain she suffered at the hands of trusted trainers who often crossed the line.

Dawes, 49, remembers that trauma all too well. It has been one of the driving forces in the mother of four’s decision to develop Dominique Dawes Academies across the country.

“My whole career was full of abuse,” Dawes said to the Defender while sitting in her Jersey Village facility the day before its grand opening. “That’s why we are doing what we are doing. I don’t want my kids to go through what I went through, and I don’t want the thousands of kids out there and the parents out there for their kids to go through what I went through.”

Twenty years after her last Olympic appearance, the Olympic gold medalist opened the first of her academies in her home state of Maryland in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic. Her goal was to create a safe space for kids as young as 12 months through high school to discover and explore the sport of gymnastics.

No pressure. No expectations. And definitely no abuse.

“I want every boy or girl who walks through our door to recognize how important they are,” said Dawes, who has plans to open Houston-area locations in Spring and Katy. “That really starts with us building an amazing team of people. Each and every

I love the fact that now it’s such a diverse sport that every young kid of color will look at the sport of gymnastics and see this as an opportunity for them, not just to go to the Olympic Games but to have fun, to develop important fundamentals that will maybe help them in other sports.

That’s what I love about gymnastics.”

DOMINIQUE DAWES

World-class and Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Dawes has opened one of her national Dominique Dawes Academies in Jersey Village. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

one of our coaches is passionate about working with kids.

“It’s not about developing the next Dominique Dawes or Simone Biles. It’s about planting seeds of inspiration and empowerment in every kid who walks through our doors.”

The Dominique Dawes Academy, which now has seven locations around the country after last month’s opening on the edge of Jersey Village, provides a fun environment for families to be exposed to gymnastics and to decide if the sport is right for them.

Dawes’ husband, Jeff Thompson, planted the seeds for the academies. He suggested for her to “be a part of the positive, forward-thinking way of the sport of gymnastics and pay it forward.”

From that conversation came the idea to create the first Dominique Dawes Academy with the goal that the three-time Olympian and first Black woman to win gold in gymnastics would eventually open up facilities across the country.

She enlisted Adam Zeitsiff to help bring her vision to life.

“She has been fantastic to work with because of her beliefs that kids should be happy, they should be healthy,” said Zeitsiff,

who is the CEO of the Dominique Dawes Academies. “We would love to say that a kid is going to become an Olympic gymnast, but that’s probably not going to happen here.

That’s not why we are here.

“She and I believe firmly that we want to develop healthy and happy kids, and there is not enough places you can do that without the pressure.”

Dawes wants her gyms to be welcoming to all, very diverse and inclusive, and to reflect the sport as it is today, with African American stars such as Gabby Douglas, Jordan Chiles, and Biles leading the pack. It wasn’t quite that way when she was coming up in the sport in the 1980s and 1990s.

Dawes remembers not always feeling embraced in the sport she first fell in love with at six.

“I felt embraced by the fans,” Dawes said in an exclusive conversation with the Defender.

“The audience was elated to see Dominique Dawes perform, I think, because I was unique, I was dynamic, I was something different on the scene.”

Still, she does feel conflicted by the sport that, in recent years, has generated more conversation about the abusive culture perpetrated by some of the coaches, trainers,

and medical staff than about the tremendous growth of gymnastics.

Dawes has gone to great lengths to ensure that culture never reaches her academies.

“It might be for some, but for most it’s not the right way to go down,” Dawes said of the culture that now exists in gymnastics. “At our facilities, we’re kind, we’re encouraging, we’re compassionate. We are going to get the most out of your kid; we want them to work hard, but we don’t want them to lose themselves.

We really don’t want them to lose their childhood in the process.”

It’s also important to her that her own children don’t get lost in the process and have the freedom to explore gymnastics and other sports. Dawes and Jeff have a 14-yearold daughter, a 10-year-old daughter, and 8-year-old twins.

“They took classes all the time. They loved it,” Dawes said of her children. “But I wanted them to break free from being in my shadow.

I wanted them to explore and play different sports. So they play soccer, they are baseball players, they love golf … or they are getting into golf. I’m not going to say they love it yet.

“So they are really having a fun time exploring and experiencing different sports than gymnastics.”

June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

Cayla Warner Moves from Shadow Creek to the University of Houston

By Jimmie Aggison

For four years, Cayla Warner has lifted her team, inspired belief, and consistently filled the stat sheet at Shadow Creek High School.

As her high school career came to a close, her story was defined by far more than numbers.

Her next step carries even greater significance. Warner is headed to the University of Houston, where she plans to compete at the collegiate level while pursuing her goal of becoming a dermatologist. That path demands the same discipline and consistency that defined her high school career.

“Playing at the collegiate level has always been a goal for me,” said Warner. “Ever since I started watching Paige Parker at the University of Oklahoma during the Women’s College World Series on TV, I believed that if I worked hard and stayed disciplined, I could reach that level as well.”

That belief only grew stronger as Warner continued to develop into one of the most consistent and disciplined players in the program, earning her coaches’ trust through her work ethic and steady improvement.

“I knew she had the ability to play Division I softball as early as her freshman year,” said Shadow Creek head softball coach Chelsea Guenther. “Even then, she showed a level of determination, coachability, and commitment to growth that you don’t often see. She wasn’t just trying to keep up; she was actively absorbing everything around her.”

Warner’s mindset and maturity were immediately apparent.

“Most freshmen are still figuring out who they are as athletes, but she carried herself with purpose and focus, making it clear she

The first thing that stood out to me at the University of Houston was the culture. I felt it the moment I stepped onto campus.”

CAYLA WARNER

was on a different trajectory. You could see it in the way she trained, competed, and responded to challenges,” said Guenther.

“From that point on, it wasn’t a matter of whether she could play at a place like the University of Houston; it was simply a matter of when the right program recognized what she brought to the table.”

That opportunity didn’t come by accident.

It was built through years of work beyond game days, grounded in development, discipline, and consistency.

“My routine consisted of early morning workouts, followed by evening sessions focused on hitting drills tailored to what I wanted to improve that day,” said Warner.

“I also made sure to throw regularly to keep my arm loose and ready.”

That preparation now serves as the foundation for the next chapter of her career at the University of Houston.

“The first thing that stood out to me at the University of Houston was the culture. I felt it the moment I stepped onto campus,” said Warner. “Second, the coaches truly see me as both a person and a player, and they’re committed to helping me become the best version of myself. Lastly, trusting God and listening to my heart gave me a strong sense that the University of Houston is where I’m meant to be.”

But for Warner, success at the next level goes beyond softball.

“Growing up, I spent a lot of time going back and forth to the dermatologist for my eczema,” said Warner. “During those visits, I noticed there were few dermatologists who looked like me. That inspired me to be someone patients can relate to and feel understood by, especially when they’re dealing with skin challenges.”

Balancing both paths will require the same mindset that defined her high school career.

“I plan to stay on top of my assignments as soon as I receive them and take advantage of tutoring whenever I need extra help. I’ll use all the resources available to me,” said Warner.

“Cayla showed that it takes true drive and love for the sport, like a burning passion that can’t be put out,” said senior second baseman Kailee Hudson.

The legacy Warner leaves at Shadow Creek has prepared her for what’s ahead.

“She set the standard for our program because she led with her heart and habits,”

Cayla Warner is ready to take her prolific hitting and winning attitude to the University of Houston this fall.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/ Defender.

said Guenther. “Her love for the game is evident in everything she does, from how she trains and competes to how she studies the sport. That passion is contagious.”

That influence extended far beyond her own performance, shaping the program’s culture and pushing those around her to raise their standards as well.

“Because she genuinely cares about the people around her, that accountability never feels harsh; it feels like leadership,” said Guenther. “That may be the most special thing about her, how much she wants everyone to get better. She celebrates other people’s success as much as her own. Because of all

that, her passion, accountability, work ethic, and heart, she didn’t just raise the standard.

She redefined it.”

Warner leaves Shadow Creek with six school records: single-season stolen bases (50), single-season triples (7), career hits (172), career triples (20), career runs scored (175), and career stolen bases (125).

For Cayla Warner, the numbers tell the story of where she’s been. What comes next will define where she’s headed.

“As I head into this next chapter, I’m pursuing a starting position at the University of Houston with the goal of breaking records there,” said Warner.

12 | June 18, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Houston artists discuss AI tech music

By Laura Onyeneho

A growing number of Houston artists and industry leaders are confronting a technology advancing faster than the legal infrastructure designed to protect them from it. At the heart of the discussion is whether AI tools that mimic voices and styles and generate music swiftly will empower independent artists or lead to their obsolescence.

By 2025, AI-generated music revenue had exceeded $6 billion globally, and streaming platform Deezer reported receiving approximately 75,000 AI-generated tracks every single day, 44% of all daily uploads, according to a 2026 industry forecast. Research also shows that 82% of listeners cannot distinguish between AI-composed and humanmade music.

For independent Black artists in Houston, building careers without major-label support or legal representation, the stakes are both cultural and economic.

‘It could be destroying our community.’

Dria Thornton, a member of Houston’s Music Advisory Board, does not speak about the music industry from the outside

looking in. The 16x RIAA Platinum-certified songwriter and vocalist has collaborated with several artists and companies.

Thornton’s position on AI is layered. She sees value for creatives who lack production resources, but is troubled by how convincing AI-generated music has become.

“When I listen to Spotify or Apple Music, and I hear an AI record mixed into a playlist, I feel tricked,” Thornton said. “I can hear the difference. There’s something sonically that tells me. But the rest of the world isn’t catching it.”

Her most acute concern involves sync licensing, the revenue stream generated when music is placed in film, television, and advertising.

Thornton said the Houston Music Advisory Board has not yet formally addressed AI but plans to raise it at a future town hall.

“Houston is a little antiquated compared to Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York,” Thornton said. “To have AI come in and take over when we haven’t even gotten our footing yet would actually be destroying our community.”

At the federal level, Thornton has engaged members of Congress as a Recording

Multi-platinum songwriter and City of Houston Music Advisory Board Treasurer Dria Thornton. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

Academy district advocate on AI copyright legislation, which is currently moving through the process.

“A lot of people use these programs and don’t understand that once they put their voice in the program, that company may have full reign to do whatever they want with your voice.”

‘Anyone can do it now.’

Tatianna Mott is an artist and songwriter.

She began experimenting with large language models in 2023 and discovered Suno, one of the most widely used AI music generation tools, in January 2024.

“I have all these songs in a songbook that will never see the light of day because the money wasn’t there,” she said.

Using Suno as a demo-making tool, she built production demos from hummed melodies she previously could not afford to develop, and performed original music live for the first time in years.

Access to online platforms can threaten traditional income streams for musicians, as AI tools like Suno allow anyone to create music for free, potentially undermining revenue from jingles and stock music.

“Right now, anything you post online is no longer yours,” Mott said. “These AI bots are scraping the internet. If you post it, just assume it’s going to show up somewhere else.”

We take care of the financing, so you can focus on growing.

There’s plenty to get done when running a small business. That’s why a Frost Business Loan includes more than just capital. From award-winning online banking tools to nationally recognized dedicated service, get all the banking solutions you need — and deserve.

Give us a call 24/7 at (800) 513-7678 or visit your nearest financial center to get started.

Exactly What You Unexpected

TM

FrostBank.com | Member FDIC

Legal actions artists demand.