06.19.2025_Defender-e-FULL

Game Changers Meet the Black men leaving their mark in Houston.

NEWS

PROFILE

RODNEY ELLIS

The Harris County Commissioner reflects on 41 years of public service.

Volume 94, issue 35 June 19, 2025

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JAMAIL JOHNSON

The advocate champions health equity for Black men.

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DN To the POINT

Once anti-mammograms, former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis advocated for the procedure before succumbing to breast cancer recently at age 52. Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images.

Message from the Associate Editor with neither “pot nor window,” as my dad For us Gen Xers, Ananda Lewis was one used to say. Enter the Atlanta HBCU, Morris of the faces of our generation. An MTV VJ, Brown College. MBC’s president, Dr. Kevin she was a celebrity figure in the center of James—who once taught at Job Corps—is the 1980s and 90s media universe. She was personally inviting displaced students to later diagnosed with breast cancer, which apply and find a new academic home at the is a diagnosis that too often proves fatal for historic HBCU, giving these young folk a Black women. Lewis, however, very publicly vehicle to continue their journeys. rejected mammograms and other actions associated with dealing with or preventing Ignorance is killing us breast cancer. However, she made a very There’s no getting around it: “We the PeoAswad Walker public about-face, and strongly advocated ple” have got to get smarter. There was an that women, especially Black women, get checked immedi- actual “debate” online about whether or not Harriet Tubman ately and often for breast cancer. Lewis recently died at age really existed. We rely on the U.S. government to define “ter52 from the disease, but not without issuing that wake-up rorism” for us when the KKK has been around for 160 years call loud and clear—sisters, get checked. and is still listed as a tax-exempt religious organization. Mainstream media is no better, refusing to label a “terrorist” that No Kings statement Trump-supporting, police-impersonating dude who assassiOn a day when this country could have cowered in fear at nated a Minnesota House Speaker and their spouse. An entire the rise of a wanna-be king and the military parade he threw federal department was created (Dept. of Govt. Efficiency) for himself and his birthday, 12.1 million people protested to “root out rampant waste.” But one of its members, Sahil in a stand for democracy. That day (June 14) is being called Lavingia, said, “I personally was pretty surprised, actually, the largest national protest in U.S. history. And there are a at how efficient the government was,” basically revealing lot of different angles to take when discussing it. But just the DOGE’s entire mission was a Ponzi scheme. Lavingia was fact that 12.1 million voices chose to speak out in unison then immediately fired. And a NY judge recently ordered a against threats to democracy, civil liberties, due process, etc., full hand recount of 2024 ballots, which had ZERO votes for is encouraging.

Kamala Harris in four out of five towns in predominantly Democratic-voting Rockland County (an impossibility, sugShout out to Morris Brown College gesting folk who fear our votes taking extreme measures to For those who don’t know, Job Corps is an entity that block our votes… yet, some of us still argue voting doesn’t thousands of young people turn to for a second chance at matter). We can complain about devious things others are making a life for themselves. These young people, who for doing, but if we’re not getting civically smarter, the forces of various reasons found themselves facing serial unemploy- injustice have already won. ment, incarceration and/or homelessness, chose to invest in themselves and their futures. And Job Corps has turned On the web around the lives of tens of thousands. But being on brand, the • Celebrate Black excellence with the Defender’s Best of current federal administration defunded and closed scores Black Houston. of Job Corps centers nationally; centers that house, feed and • Should Black students choose college or trade school? train folk. That move left untold numbers of kids seeking the • Actor Marlon Wayans opens up about accepting trans chance to become productive citizens, out on the streets, son.

Ananda Lewis’ wakeup call

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DN News BOARD SHAKEUP

HISD passes $2.1B budget

in teacher pay raises ($11.7 million), pre-K expansion ($5 million), special education staffing ($13 million), and security ($3.2 million).

Miles emphasized the bipartisan effort in the state legislature to secure funding. “I went up there a couple of times…nobody paid for the advocacy. I’m not a politician, but both sides of the aisle…worked hard to get public education the money that you see on the screen,” he said.

By Tannistha Sinha

Houston ISD’s state-appointed Board of Managers unanimously approved a $2.1 billion budget for the 2025–2026 school year, navigating a landscape of financial recovery, shifting leadership and public concern over resource equity. Superintendent Mike Miles praised the budget as “essentially balanced,” highlighting the district’s progress in reducing a $246 million deficit to $14 million.

Board President Ric Campo echoed that sentiment, noting the district started with a $100 million shortfall before adjusting expenses and incorporating updated state funding projections.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Campo said. “We have better revenue, but also reasonable expense management. It is critical to have a balanced budget and to have a strong fund balance…

It’s not easy to do in this environment.”

The vote marked the first for four newly appointed board members: Edgar Colón, Lauren Gore, Marty Goossen and Marcos Rosales, who replaced Cassandra Bandy, Rolando Martinez, Audrey Momanaee and Adam Rivon. Three of the ousted members had previously voted against the budget, raising COMMUNITY MEMBERS WEIGH IN

The Houston ISD Board of Managers, including the newly appointed members, unanimously approved a $2.1 billion budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender

questions about whether the reorganization was intended to ensure unanimous support for HISD’s controversial reform efforts.

What’s in the budget?

Despite concerns over the sustainability of state funding and enrollment decline, the district is closing out its fiscal year stronger with a projected 4.2% revenue increase and a 2.5% decline in expenditures. The current fund balance stands at $800 million, down slightly due to mid-year amendments.

At the heart of the financial debate is Miles’ New Education System (NES), currently implemented in 130 schools. The NES model,

characterized by a centralized curriculum and test-driven accountability, has drawn criticism from parents and educators who say it creates funding inequities. According to HISD data, NES students receive $8,566 in base funding, compared to $6,133 for students in non-NES schools. Including districtwide services and special education, total per-student costs rose to $10,635 for NES students versus $7,103 for others.

Major spending allocations in the new budget include $1.24 billion for instruction, $225 million for school leadership, $200 million for facilities and operations and $60 million for administration. HISD is also investing

What’s getting cut?

To offset rising costs, the district is making targeted cuts, including $29 million from central office departments, $15 million from food services, $14 million from transportation, $14 million from non-NES campuses and $21.5 million from NES campuses. HISD also trimmed $44 million from its state recapture payment and eliminated $12.7 million in one-time expenses.

Property taxes will continue to fund the majority ($1.56 billion) of the general fund.

The district will maintain its combined tax rate of $0.859 per $100 of assessed value, staying below the voter-approval limit.

Due to increased home values, the average Houston homeowner’s tax bill will rise by $59.35, although HISD will continue to offer a 20% homestead exemption through at least 2027.

Harris County income program shut down

By ReShonda Tate

A guaranteed income program that aimed to provide monthly cash assistance to some of Harris County’s most vulnerable families has been permanently scrapped following a vote by the Harris County Commissioners Court.

The move comes after a prolonged legal battle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who repeatedly challenged the initiative’s legality.

Commissioners voted 3-1 to reallocate the program’s funds to other social service efforts, including rental assistance and homelessness initiatives. The decision marks the end of the Uplift Harris program—later renamed the Community Prosperity Program—which would have provided $500 monthly payments for 18 months to residents living in the 10 Harris County ZIP codes with the highest poverty rates.

“That $500 a month would not have made anyone rich, but it would have made a difference,” said Houston resident Aaliyah Monroe, a single mother of two who hoped to qualify for the program. “The state stepped in and shut it down not because it was failing, but because they did not like what it stood for: dignity, stability and fairness.”

A program cut short

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis championed the initiative to support low-income households struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, childcare and medication. “ This was about helping people

survive—people who are working hard and still not making enough,” Ellis said. “Unfortunately, in Texas, Attorney General Paxton misled the public and politicized this program.”

Paxton first sued Harris County in April 2024, arguing that using public funds for direct cash payments violated the Texas Constitution.

After the county revised the program to address those concerns, Paxton filed a second lawsuit in September. The legal uncertainty ultimately made the program’s implementation unworkable.

While Ellis and other supporters insisted the initiative was legally sound and morally necessary, critics, including state Republican leaders, labeled it “lottery socialism” and accused local officials of misusing taxpayer funds.

Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) introduced legislation earlier this year that would have prohibited any state or local government from funding or operating a guaranteed income program. Although the bill failed to pass, the lawsuits had already stalled the program’s rollout.

Funding redirected

The Uplift Harris program has been halted after a legal fight. Credit: Harris County

With the legal battles unresolved and the political pressure mounting, the Harris County Commissioners Court voted this week to redirect the $20.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that was earmarked for the program.

Ellis expressed disappointment but emphasized the county’s continued commitment to addressing poverty in other ways.

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DN News

Rodney Ellis HARRIS COUNTY LEADERS SERIES

Serves as commissioner, reflects on 41 years of public service

By Tannistha Sinha

For more than four decades, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis has channeled his Sunnyside upbringing into a career characterized by bold reforms and racial justice advocacy.

From the City Council to the Texas Senate and Commissioners Court, the policy wonk says he was inspired by his working-class parents and the neighborhood that raised him.

Ellis’ father was a yardman and orderly at the VA hospital and his mother was a maid and nursing assistant. Ellis was inspired after seeing his mother speak during a rally. She was a “working mom who was bold enough and learn the art of biting her tongue.” She led him to his first protest as a boy, where he saw her organize people and “make noise” about shutting down a Sunnyside dump where a child had drowned.

“That rubbed off on me,” he said.

“I also saw firsthand how communities like mine were often overlooked regarding investment and opportunity. I saw up close what systemic inequality looked like: underfunded schools, limited healthcare access and a lack of economic mobility.”

Ellis attended Grimes Elementary and Carter G. Woodson Middle School before graduating from Worthing High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Southern University, a master’s degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Political career

a reform-driven policymaker, from the city to the State Senate.

Ellis began his public service journey while still in law school, working as an aide to Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby and a law clerk to Chief Justice John C. Phillips. He was also chief of staff to U.S. Representative Mickey Leland.

In 1983, Ellis was elected to the Houston City Council and served three terms representing District D, followed by a 27-year tenure in the Texas Senate, where he passed more than 700 bills, including measures to reform criminal justice and expand access to higher education.

Reforms

At the county level, Ellis focused on reshaping how Harris County spends its flood mitigation dollars, referring to a $2.5 billion bond passed by voters in 2018 to fund flood control projects following Hurricane Harvey. Although he was initially the only Democrat and person of color on the court,

he secured enough support to pass flood equity guidelines and launch a disparity study on contracting trends for minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/ WBE).

“I wanted to use the leverage I had, knowing that to pass the bond issue, you’d have to come through Precinct One, African American and Hispanic neighborhoods, or maybe to put it another way, traditional democratic strongholds to get those votes,” Ellis said.

He also supported misdemeanor bail reform, backing a lawsuit against Harris County for detaining people solely because they couldn’t afford bail.

Although it drew

criticism from some colleagues, Ellis remained unapologetic.

Under Ellis’ leadership, Harris County launched the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART) program, a gun violence prevention program aimed at reducing shootings, which handled over 19,000 calls. He also stressed the importance of the Uplift Harris program that planned to give participating households

With every policy I support and every budget I vote on, I carry Sunnyside with me. I’m always asking: Who does this help? Who does it leave behind? How can we do better?”

$500 per month for 18 months. But, due to a lawsuit filed against Harris County by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Supreme Court of Texas ordered the county to pause payments.

Now, the commissioner wants to preserve the flood equity framework, protect MWBE programs from legal challenges and continue investing in community assets like the historic Hester House.

He also wants to focus on the Riverside Project, a wrap-around service in the heart of the Third Ward estimated to cost between $170M and $196M, and Hill at Sims, a regional park in Sunnyside.

“With every policy I support and every budget I vote on, I carry Sunnyside with me. I’m always asking: Who does this help? Who does it leave behind? How can we do better?” he said.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a former Democratic State Senator, poses for a photo at his Houston office in 2023.

Credit: AP Photos

Over the course of his political career, Ellis built his reputation as

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Content Manager Terrance Harris

Education Reporter Tannistha Sinha

VOLUME 94, 35 - JUNE 19, 2025

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender News- paper 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 2025 copyright.

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Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

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Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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DN News

Are we ready for hurricane season?

By Tannistha Sinha

CDBG-DR Program Allocations

The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially began on June 1 and will end on Nov. 30, 2025, is officially underway.

Houston is bracing for another stretch of unpredictable weather. For the city’s underserved neighborhoods, hurricane preparedness remains as much a question of equitable resources as infrastructure.

Mayor John Whitmire assured residents that Houston is prepared with plans to install 100 emergency generators at city facilities like fire stations and libraries before the end of his first term in 2027. However, the city has not yet disclosed the facilities.

“All of Houston’s been unprepared because it’s been neglected for years,” Whitmire told the Defender. “We didn’t have generators across Houston in our most sensitive location. “It’s not just the Black community, but Houston has suffered years of neglect, particularly the underserved community, which suffers from city neglect worse than anybody because they don’t have resources.”

This year, CenterPoint is using AI and advanced modeling to forecast storm damage better. The utility company, which came under fire for its handling of power outages

Source: HUD’s Unmet Need Justification Memo **Public Services allocation amount does not include the public service program under Mitigation. The total amount budgeted for Public Service activities exceeds the 15% cap, however, the City is seeking a waiver to allow for this based on guidance from HUD.

Mayor John Whitmire’s administration’s draft action plan for disaster recovery allocates $0 for housing and economic revitalization.

Credit: City of Houston

during Hurricane Beryl, said it has made improvements under its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, including: • Upgrading 26,000 storm-hardened poles • Installing 5,150 automated grid devices • Clearing vegetation from 6,000 miles of power lines • Moving over 400 miles of power lines underground

• Deploying 100 new weather monitoring stations The city’s pledge to install backup generators in all multi-service centers, a crucial step after last year’s Hurricane Beryl, which left several centers inoperable due to power outages, is pending. Residents noted installation in the Kashmere Gardens’ multi-service center, which received funding to install a permanent generator worth $899,000, but it has yet to receive the generator despite hurricane season already beginning.

A draft plan with $0 toward housing and small businesses

In response to the widespread devastation caused by the 2024 Derecho windstorm and Hurricane Beryl, Whitmire’s administration released a draft action plan outlining how it intends to spend $314.6 million in federal disaster recovery funds. The Houston City Council will vote on the plan on June 25.

The funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program to address Houston’s long-term recovery needs.

Houston’s action plan designates a majority

of the funds, totaling over $216 million, on infrastructure improvements. This includes $151 million on generators at facilities like fire and police stations, and multi-service centers, $56 million on purchasing new equipment like emergency communications systems, ambulances and police vehicles, and the remaining $8.8 million on FEMA’s Public Assistance program for short-term and long-term work done to recover from a major disaster.

However, the plan allocates $50 million for housing recovery, despite housing representing the single largest unmet need, with housing-related damages totaling $229 million.

Of this amount, $30 million would go into multi-family and the remaining $20 million into home repairs. The Whitmire administration amended the amount from $0 after taking into consideration public feedback. These include affordable housing units managed by the Houston Housing Authority. Small businesses also faced an estimated $186 million in losses, but no funding has been assigned to economic revitalization programs.

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DN InFocus

Game Changers

Houston we have no problem with the Black men serving as impactful, differencemaking gamechangers.

Credit: ChatGPT.

Meet the Black men leaving their mark in Houston

By Aswad Walker

Though many entities in society wrongfully demonize Black men, the Defender wanted to take a moment to celebrate brothers who are providing dynamic leadership for our communities.

Across Houston, Black men are sharing their unique gifts and passions, showcasing excellence and dedication in the areas of education, healthcare, the arts, business and more. With their mission-centered drive and commitment to social uplift, these brothers are proving “the devil is a lie,” crushing demeaning stereotypes while lifting others as they climb.

From turning the arts world on fire to providing a powerful presence in healthcare, these changemakers prove what our communities have known for generations – real Black men stand on business, and on the shoulders of our ancestors.

Here are some of Houston’s game-changing brothers deserving of celebration.

Robert Hodge

Dallas S. Jones

Joe Carmouche

Dr. Miles Simms

RaÚl Orlando Edwards

Devin Adams

Award-winning multi-platform artist

Entrepreneur, politico, activist

Musician extraordinaire and educator

Physician

Cultural Activist

Educational leader

Born in Houston and raised in Third Ward, Hodge knew he was destined to become an artist since kindergarten. Hodge’s journey took him from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts to the illustrious Pratt Institute in New York, followed by the Atlanta College of Art.

To say Dallas S. Jones is a mission-driven entrepreneur and forward-thinking political activist is an understatement.

As president and CEO of ELITE Change, Inc. and Saint Pope Media, and Managing Principal of Jones Group International, LLC, Jones has garnered recognition for his impact as a change agent.

Fifth Ward and Trinity Gardens product Joe Carmouche grew from listening to jazz records played at home by his father to becoming a globally respected jazz guitarist himself, just like one of his father’s favorite artists, Wes Montgomery.

Dr. Miles Simms, a graduate of the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), is currently working to complete his residency in Psychiatry at MSM in Atlanta, GA. But he proudly carries his Houston roots with him on every patient visit.

Carmouche is one of the key figures responsible for putting Houston’s live music scene on the map. But Carmouche not only wows people with his musical brilliance on stage and in the studio; he’s also a longtime educator. He served as musical instructor at MacGregor Elementary for 12 years and is going into his fifth year at St. John’s College Prep.

Interestingly, medicine wasn’t something Simms saw for himself when he left Houston bound for Morehouse as a college freshman. He simply hadn’t seen a lot of Black doctors.

Raúl Orlando Edwards has been featured by both local and national media (NBC Nightly News), for his work in Houston’s Afro-Latinx art scene. An immigrant of Panamanian-Jamaican heritage, since arriving in the U.S. 1992, Edwards has developed into a creative visionary actively engaged in producing, consulting and presenting innovative programs in multiple performing arts, community/social events and cuisine.

Though Devin Adams is an award-winning principal of Houston’s Fleming Middle School, he and his family are headed to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Adams, winner of the Campus Teacher of the Year, 1st year Principal of the Year and Prairie View A&M University Top 40 under 40 honor, is one of only 20 people nationally accepted into Harvard University’s highly competitive Doctor of Education Leadership program.

Hodge has allowed his H-Town light to shine globally via national and international exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as well as exhibitions in London, Paris, and Nairobi, Kenya to name a few.

Despite numerous awards, Hodge remains grounded.

“My artist statement is about honoring ancestors, people, places and things that shifted America through Black culture,” said Hodge. “Black Americans not only physically built this country, but also through innovation and creative energy, we built the whole system here in America, from the blues music to heart surgery. I honor our culture through art.

If you know a Black man making an impact in Houston, nominate him for next month’s spotlight at aswad@ DefenderNetwork.com.

Courtesy Robert Leroy Hodge.

Jones’s strategic work on a groundbreaking campaign featuring 19 Black women running for judicial seats played a pivotal role in helping shift Harris County from red/purple to blue for the first time in over 30 years.

Named one of the 40 power leaders under 40 by the NAACP, Jones’ work has been featured in the New York Times, Ebony and Essence.

When asked about advice he’d share with young brothers, Jones said: “Make sure you do something with what you’ve been given.

We all have talents. We all have gifts. Figure out what yours is, nurture it and watch it grow. Then watch others benefit from the fruit of your tree.”

Courtesy Dallas S. Jones.

But out of all the accolades Carmouche has received as an artist and educator, his most cherished one is way closer to home.

“The proudest moment of my life was the birth of my daughter and seeing her develop into a fine young woman, a woman of God, educated, good, hardworking and dedicated,” said Carmouche.

Courtesy Joe Carmouche.

But now, he’s on a mission to break mental health stigmas and create spaces for mental wellness in Black communities, while displaying the power of representation.

“It was behind the strength of other Black men and other Black people that encouraged me to make a decision I never saw for myself,” said Simms. “So, the legacy I want to continue is reaching back and encouraging more young students, Black, Brown, white, whatever, to really push the limits of their dreams and their goals, and not be bottlenecked by what society tells us you can be.”

Courtesy Dr. Miles Simms.

But Edwards might best be known for his impact in the world of dance. Founder of the Foundation for Latin American Arts, a non-profit that hosts an annual music festival and events, Edwards also founded Strictly Street Salsa, Houston’s first salsa studio.

Edwards gleefully embraces his role as cultural ambassador.

“The challenge I’ve placed on myself is to become a bridge between the U.S. Black and Afro-Latinx communities,” shared Edwards. “My new vision is to create programs where these communities can come together in understanding that we have more in common than that which separates us.”

Courtesy Raúl Orlando Edwards.

But this down-to-earth brother, who took Fleming from an F to a B rating, is not about to get the big head. He’s too busy setting and working towards enormous goals, including calling his shot to eventually become the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Until then, Adams pushes his Fifth Ward students, who may not see a future for themselves outside of their immediate surroundings, to dream big, as well.

“I tell my kids all the time that there is more; there’s a whole world out there.

There’s more for you out there,” Adams said. “That’s not to say that where you are currently, you have to leave. But you should have the opportunity to go out into the world.

Courtesy Devin Adams.

8 | June 19, 2025 |

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DN Feature Summertime myths that impact Black health

By Laura Onyeneho

When summer hits, the cookouts, beach days and long hours in the sun are part of the fun experience. However, for Black communities, some of the biggest health risks come not from the heat, but from the misinformation we’ve been told for ages.

From sunscreen to swimming, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Because believing these myths can cost more than comfort, it can cost lives.

Family physician and wellness expert Dr. Bernadette Anderson, co-owner of Faith Family Health, Dr. Nicole Swiner, Family Physician and advisor of Black Girl Vitamins and Family Physician Dr. Joyce B. Idehen have heard it all.

Here are five summer health myths that these experts advise individuals to retire.

Black people don’t need sunscreen

“Absolutely not true,” says Anderson.

“Melanin provides some protection, about SPF 13, but it doesn’t make us immune to sun damage.”

That means sunburn, sunspots,

premature aging and yes, skin cancer, are all on the table. And worse, when skin cancer does appear in Black patients, it’s often at a later, more dangerous stage.

Daily sunscreen isn’t optional; it’s essential. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. For those tired of that ghostly cast, go for mineral sunscreens or newer formulas labeled invisible, sheer, or for melanin-rich skin. As Anderson puts it, “Think of sunscreen as a daily prescription for preservation.”

“We think wearing less keeps us cooler, but if you’re out in the sun for hours, more coverage is safer,” Swiner said. “Long sleeves, light colors, and wide-brim hats can all protect vulnerable skin areas like the face, neck, and ears. She reminds us: “Don’t forget your nose and your ears; they burn too.”

MORE SUMMERTIME MYTHS.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

IFB No. Doc1606561928: Doghouse Equipment. Solicitation will be available on or about 06/16/2025.

Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-6125 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ ridemetro.org.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

IFB No. Doc1579683579: Asphalt and Concrete Paving Mobility Improvements Package 2 on an ‘As Needed Basis’. Solicitation will be available on or about 06/09/2025. Prospective bidders/ proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/ Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-739-6125 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD will be accepting proposals for the following: Community Psychiatric Hospital Beds for Individuals with IDD and Co-Occurring Mental Illness Specifications may be secured from The Harris Center website www.theharriscenter.org beginning Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The Harris Center utilizes Bonfire for their solicitations https://theharriscenter. bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities . Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Proposals must be submitted by 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. The Harris Center reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD will be accepting proposals for the following: PHARMACY REMOTE AFTER HOUR SERVICES Specifications may be secured from The Harris Center website www.theharriscenter.org beginning Monday, June 23, 2025. The Harris Center utilizes Bonfire for their solicitations https://theharriscenter. bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities . Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Monday, July 7, 2025. Proposals must be submitted by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. The Harris Center reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Houston Downtown Management District (HDMD) will receive responses to this Request for Proposal (RFP), for a vendor to provide turnkey decoration services for the 2025 holiday season. Proposals will be received until 5:00 PM (CST), Friday, July 11, 2025, by email submission to RFP@ DowntownHouston.org; subject line: 2025 Holiday Décor. Proposals submitted after the submission deadline will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone or mail queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the HDMD. Beginning Friday, June 13, 2025, this Request for Proposal (RFP) may be reviewed and downloaded as an electronic file from the HDMD’s website: http://www.downtowndistrict.org/procurement-rfp-opportunities/.

Based on the Proposals submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify the highest-ranked winning proposal. Staff will negotiate and recommend to the HDMD Board for authorization to contract with the selected vendor based on the evaluation criteria.

Proposers shall comply with City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Articles II, V, VI, and XI and the Mayor’s Executive Orders No.1-7 Pay or Play (POP) Program for Houston Public Works for the public procurement procedures of the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) established in March 2008 and the entity responsible for the administration of the Minority/ Women-Owned (M/WBE), Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE), and Hire Houston First programs. The successful Proposer will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE and PDBE participation goal of twenty percent (20%).

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June 19, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

Jamail Johnson Champions health equity, wellness for Black men

By Laura Onyeneho

For Jamail Johnson, health advocacy wasn’t a career choice but a calling born of loss and the urgent need for change.

It all began in the spring of 2023. Johnson was preparing Houston’s inaugural Black Men’s Wellness Day, an ambitious effort to bring health resources directly to a community long underserved. But as he juggled logistics, he received devastating news—his brother-in-law had passed away suddenly from a heart attack, a direct result of undiagnosed hypertension.

“He was only 45. He had so much life left to live,” Johnson said. “That moment made me realize just how dire the situation is for Black men. Too many of us are dying from things that are entirely preventable.”

Johnson’s connection to his community has always been a defining part of his identity. Raised in a family that prized education and service—his mother was a dedicated educator in North Forest ISD for 40 years—he grew up understanding the power of giving back. Yet health advocacy wasn’t initially on his radar.

“I wasn’t a doctor, and I didn’t have a background in public health,” Johnson admits. “But what I did have was a love for my people and a willingness to learn.”

That willingness led him to a pivotal encounter with John Gregory, founder of the National African American Male Wellness Agency (NAAMWA). Gregory’s passion for addressing health disparities in the Black community inspired Johnson to consider how he could bring the organization’s mission to Houston. He is the National Executive Director of the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA).

“I wasn’t sure if I was the right person for the job,” Johnson said. “But then I thought about my brother-in-law and all the other men like him. That was all the motivation I needed.”

In February 2023, Johnson partnered with NAAMWA to establish Houston’s Black Men’s Wellness Day. The event was designed to go beyond a 5K run, offering free health screenings, mental health workshops and fitness activities tailored to Black men’s needs.

The first event was a resounding success, drawing hundreds of participants from across the city. Johnson remembered a father of two who hadn’t seen a doctor in years. After getting a free blood pressure screening at the event, the man learned his levels were dangerously high.

Stories like that have become a common

Many of us don’t have this support at home.

We don’t speak on how to deal with our emotions, dating, or how to properly show up in a world that often breaks us down.”

JAMAIL JOHNSON

outcome of Johnson’s efforts. In just under two years, the initiative has provided critical health interventions to hundreds of men, many of whom might otherwise have gone undiagnosed.

Johnson’s approach is rooted in meeting Black men where they are—both physically and emotionally. Recognizing the cultural stigma surrounding health care, he’s worked tirelessly to create welcoming and nonjudgmental environments.

“Barbershops, churches, community centers—those are our hubs,” Johnson said. “If we want to reach Black men, we have to go to the places where they feel most comfortable.”

Building a legacy of wellness

Courtney Watson recently attended AAMWA’s Real Men Real Talk, a community conversation series that provides men with the opportunity to express their

feelings, be vulnerable, and talk about their family, well-being, family life, and lifestyle overall.

He wanted to be in an environment where he could be around experienced and wise Black men who could help him become well-rounded.

“Many of us don’t have this support at home. We don’t speak on how to deal with our emotions, dating, or how to properly show up in a world that often breaks us down,” he said. “I see myself contributing my efforts to what they have going on.”

As a financial professional, he hopes to educate his community about personal finance and encourage wealth building.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to go to college, get a degree, work in corporate America, and I want others to experience these opportunities too,” Watson said. “I really like what this organization is doing for young men like myself. I’ll come back for sure.”

The organization also hosts fatherhood initiatives where they create a fun experience for fathers to spend time with their children, as well as mentorship and a research program in partnership with Houston Methodist and Yale University focusing on hypertension in communities of color.

As the movement grows, so does Johnson’s vision. He’s now working to expand Black Men’s Wellness Day into a yearround initiative, complete with fitness challenges, nutritional education and mental health seminars.

His efforts have also garnered support from prominent leaders, including the late U.S. Representatives Sylvester Turner and Sheila Jackson Lee and other local officials.

However, Johnson remains focused on the grassroots impact.

“There’s no greater reward than seeing someone take control of their health,” Johnson said. “That’s what keeps me going.”

The impact of Johnson’s work is already being felt far beyond Houston. Inspired by his success, other cities in Texas are now exploring similar initiatives. Meanwhile, Johnson is leveraging his growing platform to advocate for systemic changes, from improving access to affordable health care to addressing food deserts in Black neighborhoods.

“We can’t just treat the symptoms; we have to address the root causes,” he said.

“Health equity is about so much more than doctor visits. It’s about creating environments where Black men can thrive.”

10 | June 19, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

ETORO BASSEY Prepares for national stage after record-breaking season

By Jimmie Aggison

Former Katy Tompkins’ elite high jumper Etoro Bassey awaits his turn to jump during a Regional track meet before breaking his own school record.

Credit Jimmie Aggison/ Defender.

Katy Tompkins graduate and UIL 6A state high jump champion Etoro Bassey is set to make his debut at the U20 Championships and Nike Outdoor Nationals this summer in Eugene, Oregon.

“Even though I qualified last season as a junior, I didn’t feel like I was ready for that level of competition,” Bassey said. “Now that I’ve proven I’m one of the best jumpers in the nation, I feel like I can definitely compete at the national level.”

Bassey’s rise has been steady and impressive. As a sophomore, he cleared 6-feet-4 and reached the Area meet. The following year, he improved to 6-feet-10 at Regionals. But it was his senior season that put him in elite territory. In his first meet of the year in Dickinson, Bassey shattered Tompkins’ high jump school record by clearing 7-feet, surpassing the 6-feet-11 mark set in 2017 by former state champion Mason Corbin.

“Breaking the school record early made me realize my potential,” Bassey said.

“Knowing that the previous record-holder was a state champion gave me extra motivation. I wanted to stay at the top.”

Bassey didn’t stop there—he cleared 7-feet-2 inches at Regionals, reclaiming his school record and securing the top high jump ranking in Texas. He followed that up with a 7-foot-1 jump at the UIL 6A State track meet to take home the gold.

“My only goal coming into senior year was to win state,” said Bassey. “I ended up accomplish accomplishing way more. Now, I’m excited to compete in Oregon and see how far I can push myself.”

Bassey’s first appearance at the U20 and Nike Outdoor Championships—two of the country’s most competitive youth track meets—will take place June 19–20 at the iconic Hayward Field.

To prepare, Bassey has focused on

ABOUT ETORO BASSEY

Class: 2025 IG: @etorobassey_ Twitter: @etorobassey2 Events: high jumper Height & weight: 6-feet-6, 195 pounds Favorite artist: Rod Wave Status: Committed to Texas A&M University Favorite subjects: Math Shout-outs: Coach Anthony Escamilla

The nation is set to see a confident, well-rounded individual who is capable of big things. Etoro jumps at his best under pressure, while staying humble and kind. The Bassey Way. His parents have raised a great young man.”

ANTHONY ESCAMILLA Tompkins’ head track coach

maintaining speed and explosiveness. Since school let out, he’s run the 100 meters and 200 meters at the Rice All-Comers track meet to stay sharp.

“I ran those sprints to keep my speed up,” said Bassey. “And I still high jump twice a week to keep my form locked in.”

In the weight room, Bassey focuses on explosive lifts like front squats, back squats and power cleans to get stronger.

“I lift twice a week now,” said Bassey. “It’s all about explosive movement.”

With his high school career winding down, Bassey hopes to cap it off on a high note in Oregon—both as a finale and a launchpad for what’s next.

“This is a big step for my confidence,” he said.

“It’s not just about ending high school strong— this is preparing me for the college level.”

This fall, Bassey will take his talents to Texas A&M, a decision driven by both academics and athletics.

“I want to study chemical engineering and A&M has a great program,” said Bassey. “Their coaching staff also has a long track record of developing champions. I believe they can help me reach my goals, both in college and when I turn pro. Plus, I love the campus and the facilities. They’re the best in the state.”

When it comes to studying elite high jumpers, Bassey looks up to someone close to home—Carter Bajoit, a recent Texas A&M graduate.

“He’s one of my favorites,” Bassey said. “He actually helped me with my college decision.

He’s super consistent and was really welcoming when I met him. Seeing his success shows how strong the program and culture are at A&M.” “Etoro’s journey is just getting started and Texas A&M snagged the best in the state & nation,” said Tompkins’ head track coach Anthony Escamilla. “The nation is set to see a confident, well-rounded individual who is capable of big things. Etoro jumps at his best under pressure, while staying humble and kind.

The Bassey Way. His parents have raised a great young man.”

June 19, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports HOUSTON TEEN

CARLY HATHORN Swings her way to the top of junior golf

14-year-old Carly Hathorn clinched the Southern Texas Professional Golfers’ Association of America Junior Spring Championship title, soaring to the #1 ranking in the Girls 13–14 division. Courtesy: Jeannie Jacob

By Laura Onyeneho

Carly Hathorn isn’t your average eighth grader.

The 14-year-old honor student from The Kinkaid School clinched the Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) Junior Spring Championship, rising to the No. 1 rank in the Girls 13–14 division.

Golf is more than just a game for Hathorn.

It’s a legacy, a discipline and a way of life.

“My grandpa got me into golf just before kindergarten,” Hathorn said. “He served in the Vietnam War and golf was his outlet during that time. None of his kids really picked it up seriously, but when he asked me to try it, I really wanted to play like he did.”

That introduction to the game began in her grandfather’s yard with a small set of clubs, hitting balls under his car. Nearly a decade later, she’s chasing collegiate competition and national tournaments with laser focus.

Her grandfather, Joe Houston, remains a guiding influence. “Even now, when he’s been sick and can’t get out much, he still checks in — asking how school is, how golf is going,” Hathorn said.

Hathorn’s first tournament was at Sweetwater Country Club when she was seven, where she won first place and made a lifelong friend.

“That’s when I really decided I wanted to play at the high school and college level,” she said. “That moment changed everything for me.”

With a powerful drive and deep discipline, Hathorn describes golf as a mirror of life: “You’re going to have good days and bad days.

It all comes down to how you carry yourself — your patience, emotional maturity and ability to stay focused.”

Her mental game is what she says separates a good athlete from a great one.

“At the STPGA Championship, I shot a 75 the first day — I was strong mentally,

Carly Hathorn is an eighth-grade honors student at The Kinkaid School.

Credit: Tamil Welch

confident,” she said. “The next day I felt off and even though my swing was still good, I scored eight strokes worse. That showed me how much mindset matters.”

On a typical day, she finishes school at 4 p.m., heads to practice for two to three hours, then tackles homework and gets to bed by 9:30 p.m. Her weekly training includes putting drills, working on her long shots and chipping skills, an area she says she’s actively working to improve.

“I probably hit around 200 balls per session,” she said. “I always start with putting it sets the tone.”

When she isn’t on the course, Carly loves reading, cooking French desserts with her mom and spending time with friends. She’s also eyeing a future in either criminology or software engineering.

“I’ve been watching FBI shows and I’m really into crime documentaries,” she said.

“But I also love coding and math.”

With ambitions to play collegiate golf, preferably at UCLA or Stanford, Carly also dreams of competing in top amateur tournaments like the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

“My dad keeps me grounded with life lessons and always gets me where I need to be,” Carly said. “My mom runs my social media, packs my snacks for tournaments — she does everything to make sure I’m ready.”

It’s a labor of love for Carly’s parents.

“At one point, my husband and I were working full time,” said her mother, Dr. Jeannie Jacobs. “We had to come up with a system.

Grandparents lived nearby and helped with transportation. We hired a nanny. We built a team to make sure Carly had what she needed to succeed and we’ve done the same for our other child. It takes intention.”

But Jacobs quickly points out that it wasn’t about forcing a path but following Hathron’s lead.

“A lot of parents get so wrapped up in the child’s sport that they start driving the dream,” she said. “We’ve always let Carly drive. She tells us what she wants six tournaments in two months and we sit down as a family to figure out what’s realistic. If it’s too much, we adjust. The key is letting her cultivate her own path.”

That approach has paid off not just in wins but also in well-being. Hathorn balances 2–3 hours of practice daily with homework, family time and hobbies like baking, reading and shopping with friends. She’s even considering careers in criminology or software engineering.

“She wants a hundred-plus on every grade,” Jacobs said. “But we’ve had to remind her: life isn’t just about numbers or titles. We make sure she’s social, balanced and feels like she has a full life, not just a golf life. We want her to be someone who can relate, connect and contribute far beyond the course.”

That sense of balance was essential during the STPGA Championship, thanks to mental toughness, which she and her parents value as much as physical skill.

“I just want her to realize she can do anything,” Jacobs said. “Golf is a mental sport.

You’re competing against yourself more than anyone else. So I tell her to focus on who you are, know your purpose and move through life with intention. The rest will follow.”

Her advice for young girls considering the sport is clear: “Keep pushing. Don’t give up.

Surround yourself with good people who lift you. Be ambitious and always aim higher than your goal, that’s how more opportunities open up.”

12 | June 19, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK