Houston Defender: June 23, 2022

Black Music Month BEYONCE’ CHOOSES JUNE TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE ABOUT SURVIVAL.

NEWS

FEATURE

ASWAD WALKER

KAMALA HARRIS

The Vice President meets with NNPA to discuss voting rights, racism.

Volume 91, issue 32 June 23, 2022

Defender Community Central Channel publisher hosts area faith leaders during Juneteenth.

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DN To the POINT

Juneteenth 2022 festivities in Los Angeles. AP/Damian Dovarganes.

Associate Editor’s Message

JUNETEENTH EXPLOSION

Black woman election worker to terrorize Did y’all catch that Juneteenth explosion and threaten her and her mom on Jan. 4, this year? That dramatic rise in energy, telling her she had 48 hours (till Jan. 6) to appreciation and participation in the admit she knew of election fraud, or she many different Juneteenth festivities and and her family members were going to jail. happenings this year? I’m sure you did, Trump & Giuliani & Fox News ran because all over Houston, all over Texas, video of the woman and her mom doing all over the nation, people were “not just typical election worker stuff, but told knee deep, they were totally deep” into viewers the video was proof of fraud.

Juneteenth. But that wasn’t even the real Trump even blasted their names pubJuneteenth explosion. The one I’m referlicly, which literally put targets on their ring to has been years in the making, and backs. So much so, they had to go into Aswad Walker was initiated by the University of Houston’s hiding at the advice of the FBI. It’s time own Dr. Gerald Horne, a globally-recognized professor of for the American criminal justice system to put up or history. His latest book, “The Counter-Revolution of 1836: shut up. Because if these thugs can get away with murTexas Slavery & Jim Crow and the Roots of American Fas- der and terrorism in an attempt to overthrow a democism,” destroys the myth of June 19, 1865 that says Gen. cratic U.S. election, while we’re thrown under the jail Gordon Granger’s reading of General Order No. 3 was a for breathing while Black, then there is no rule of law “white savior moment” that opened the doors of freedom anyone in America is bound to respect. for enslaved Blacks. No. Horne reveals that Granger’s troops were roughly 75% BLACK MUSIC MONTH Black Union soldiers who had to engage in bloody battle On a lighter note, it’s still Black Music Month, which as they went from plantation to plantation freeing their means there’s still time for you and yours to enjoy your own people. Horne even talks about another “Juneteenth,” favorite artist from today or those from way back in the June 19, 1867, when Blacks literally saved the U.S. from an day. There’s still time to support local artists. There’s still overthrow attempt out of Texas and Mexico by Confederate time to go out and enjoy live music and read about how forces fully committed to re-establishing slavery. Yes, you our music has always been part of every facet of our lives read that right. Juneteenth, both of them, are celebrations and our story. In fact, there’s still time for us to join forces of Black self-determination. and start a movement to bring real music back. You know, real musicians playing real instruments and real singers PUT UP OR SHUT UP singing real notes. We can covenant together to increase our To say these Jan. 6 insurrection/coup hearings have been support of our people at all levels of the music industry, and compelling is an understatement. They’ve already made inspire our children, our creatives to push for more control painfully clear for anyone who doubted, that the GOP’s and ownership of what we produce. attempted overthrow of U.S. democracy was amazing in its multi-layered insidiousness. These agents of evil worked ON THE WEB on every level of government and society, knowing full well • Top 5 Houston nightlife spots. their actions were illegal and unconstitutional. These insidi- • Former teacher shares why she left the classroom. ous actors even sent agents to the home of a Fulton County • 3 takeaways from this year’s Texas GOP convention.

June 23, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News

Bishop James Dixon has been named chairman of the board of Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation.

BETO VS. ABBOTT POLL SHOWS GOVERNOR’S RACE TIGHTENING TEXAS VOTERS March 2022 48% - Abbott 43% - O’Rourke December 2021 52% - Abbott 37% - O’Rourke

Other findings:

38%

approve of Abbott’s handling of gun violence

51%

believe stricter gun laws would decrease mass shootings (up from 42% in June 2021)

58%

support stricter gun measures.

Democratic candidate for governor Beto O’Rourke speaks to reporters outside Uvalde HIgh School. AP Houston Public Media

A

new Quinnipiac University poll shows the Texas gubernatorial race has tightened between Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic nominee Beto O’Rourke in the wake of the mass shooting in a Uvalde elementary school where 19 children and two adults were killed.

The poll is the first to come out since the May 24 shooting.

“The race tightens,” Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy said. “Abbott, considered strong on leadership, slips. O’Rourke, considered long on empathy, rides the momentum of support from women and young Texans in the horse race to Austin.”

In December, 60% of voters polled said

Gov. Greg Abbott visits a memorial at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 29. AP

Abbott would do a better job of managing gun policy issues and 33% said O’Rourke would do a better job on the issue.

But that number tightened dramatically in the new poll, with 47% of voters polled now saying Abbott would handle gun issues better, versus 43% for O’Rourke.

Since the shooting, Abbott has called on multiple state agencies to improve school safety. He tasked the Texas School Safety Center with performing random safety audits of school buildings, called on the Legislature to convene committees to discuss legislative solutions, called for active-shooter training for school districts, and directed the Texas Education Agency to create a new school safety and security position.

But he hasn’t suggested potential solutions that would restrict access to firearms.

“Texans take a hard look at a harrowing series of mass killings and signal it’s time to put more teeth into gun laws. Though when it comes to assault weapons, there is a near even split on whether to outlaw their ownership,” Malloy said.

While border policies and the economy remain some of the top most important issues to Texas voters, gun policy has been rising. In Quinnipiac’s December poll, abortion was the third most important issue for voters, after the border and the economy. In this latest poll, gun policies edged out abortion as the third-most urgent issue.

93%

support background checks for all gun buyers

73%

support raising the minimum legal age to buy any gun nationwide

47%

support a nationwide ban on assault weapons

Opinion of Abbott

45% 46% unfavorable

favorable

Opinion of O’Rourke

38% 43% favorable

unfavorable

HBU basketball star killed in NYC shooting Associated Press

Houston Baptist guard Darius Lee (23) jumps for a layup during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State, Nov. 29, 2020, in Tempe, Ariz. AP

A Houston Baptist University college basketball player was killed and eight other people were wounded in an early-morning shooting at a Juneteenth gathering in Harlem.

Darius Lee, a 21-year-old senior at Houston Baptist, who grew up in Harlem, was back home for summer break when he was gunned down. Six other males and two females were also wounded.

The investigation is ongoing and police don’t have many details about the gathering, possible suspects or what may have led to the shooting. A gun was recovered from the scene, police said.

The New York Daily News reported that the gathering was a cookout organized by Harlem rapper Rich Rhymer, who posted invitations on his Instagram account. He noted that his two prior cookouts had been free of violence and wrote: “LETS GO FOR A 3PEAT.” Lee, a guard and forward, played basketball at a community college in New York’s Sullivan County before enrolling at Houston Baptist University. He was scheduled to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in sports management, the university said.

Lee was recently named the university’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year.

He led the team in scoring and rebounding last season, and finished sixth in the nation in steals per game, earning a second team All-Southland Conference selection.

Houston Baptist Coach Ron Cottrell described Lee as a “remarkable young man” and a “joy to coach.”

“We are in shock and cannot wrap our heads around this news,” Cottrell said in a statement posted on the university’s website. “My heart breaks for his mom, his sister and his entire family, and for our basketball team… As great of a basketball player as he was, he was an even better person.”

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News

We must remind people of what they get when they vote; that’s the reality we face, but we must speak up and keep fighting.”

- Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris talked exclusively with NNPA about issues affecting Black Americans.

VP Kamala Harris talks voting rights, racism NNPA

Vice President Kamala Harris held an exclusive discussion with publishers from the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents the Black Press of America, to discuss various issues from voting rights to Roe v. Wade and racism in the United States.

“The Black Press has been very special,” Harris told the publishers in a 30-minute conversation moderated by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “[The administration] doesn’t expect special treatment, just fair treatment to cover the accomplishments because they are significant and will have, in many cases, a generational impact on families and communities,” Harris said.

With a record number of women of color representing the administration in various capacities, Harris said that “when people who hold office reflect those impacted, we can effect change.”

“At the top, as vice president, I am humbled and honored to hold this position,” she said. “I’ll say that I think this administration and President Joe Biden have been exceptional. For example, I recently gave a speech in South Carolina, and it was in South Carolina that President Biden, then a candidate, said he was going to put a Black woman on the United States Supreme Court.”

In April, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson earned Senate confirmation as the first Black woman to the nation’s high court.

“This president, our administration, has appointed more Black women to the federal court than, I believe, any administration in the history of this country,” Harris said.

Also, she noted the appointment of former Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia Fudge as secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

“One of the big issues affecting our country right now is affordable housing, and one of the accomplishments of our administration is the work we’ve been doing on home appraisals and how Black families’ homes get appraised for less than white people,” Harris said.

“We have confronted that issue of biased appraisals,” she added.

Harris said the administration understands the vital issue of voting rights, despite the Senate failing to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the suppression laws that Republican-led states have adopted.

She acknowledged how the large voter turnout in the 2020 election and the special Senate election in Georgia in January 2021 helped catapult Democrats to the White House and control both chambers of Congress.

“We need to pass legislation. But, short of that, we’re going to have to keep uplifting states that are doing good work around the right to vote every election cycle,” Harris said.

“If we help people to understand when they turned out in record numbers in 2020, what we were able to accomplish. We must remind people of what they get when they vote; that’s the reality we face, but we must speak up and keep fighting.”

The vice president noted that many states with voter suppression laws also have statutes restricting other rights.

“There’s an overlap that I think we should be aware of,” Harris said.

Additionally, Harris offered concern about racism within politics.

“I’m very concerned about elected officials around the country who won’t put a name on white supremacists,” Harris said.

She said part of the solution lies in communities.

“One of the strongest tools is to build coalitions around communities that are targeted, to speak up and be informed so that nobody would be made to stand alone,” Harris said.

“We know we have more in common than what separates us, but part of this has to do with people spewing online and other places the things that are not facts.”

Harris continued: “I believe in many ways [students] are entering an

increasingly unsettled world. The things we took for granted as being settled are not settled.

“Foreign policy, the concept of the sovereignty of a nation and its territorial integrity, the right to not be invaded by force … and you see what’s happened in Ukraine. For 70 years, Europe went without war, and now there is war.

“Domestically, 70 years ago, we thought voting rights was settled. Shelby v. Holder gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013, and now we’re seeing laws sprout up all over the country denying people the ability to receive food and water if they are standing in line to vote. Unsettled is the woman’s ability to decide about her own body.

“We’re not asking anyone to change their beliefs; just let everybody have what they believe and not have the government tell them what to do.”

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 32 - JUNE 23, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Administrative Asst.

Stacey Palmer

Photographer Jimmie Aggison

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

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

June 23, 2022 |

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DN InFocus

Black Music Month CELEBRATING

By ReShonda Tate BEYONCE’ DROPS NEW MUSIC

When it comes to being calculated with her career, superstar Beyonce’ strategically dropped “Break My Soul,” the first single from her upcoming seventh studio album, “Renaissance.” Forgoing the usual Friday drop day for new music, the 40-year-old decided to release “Break My Soul” at midnight on the observed Juneteenth holiday, and right in the midst of Black Music Month.

“Break My Soul” is a dance anthem for anyone who has ever felt broken down by society but yet still is a survivor. “Renaissance” is Beyoncé’s first solo studio album since 2016’s “Lemonade.” “Break My Soul” is her first new song since 2021’s “Be Alive.”

Queen Bey strategically chose June, a month that is set aside to celebrate the contributions and influence of Black Americans in music.

By Aswad Walker

Black Music Month, or African American Music Appreciation Month, has been around in some capacity since 1979.

But truth be told, we weren’t waiting around for someone else to give us permission to love and appreciate our own, and the musical masterpieces and genres we created and/or gave new life to. Just as we’ve been at the vanguard of creating music, the “soundtrack of our lives,” we too have been at the forefront of celebrating Black music.

From blues to jazz to R&B to rock & roll and hip-hop, and everything in between, all Motherland-infused, by the way, we’ve shown our love for those songs and the WHO’S ones who created YOUR FAV? them in countLet us know on Facebook or IG less ways over the decades. And the Defender continues this time-honored tradition by sharing some of the musician favorites shared with us by you, our faithful and beloved readers.

Here are the past and present musicians that you said hold a special place in your hearts.

“Marvin Gaye.

His music is social activism in the artistic form of R&R music. It spoke truth to power then and now. It’s timeless.

Sadly, it’s becoming more relevant each day as our rights [are] going in reverse.”

Jolanda Jones

“Bob Marley. I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries around the world and EVERYWHERE I’ve been I’ve heard his music being played in public. One love!”

Reginal Charles Adams Renowned Visual Artist

“Anita Baker. Felt like someone from your family was teaching you about love.”

Kam Thomas Teacher

“John P. Kee. His music reminds me of childhood and all the fun I had singing in choirs. His music is upbeat, joyful and encouraging.”

Vannessa Wade PR Maven & Entrepreneur

“Prince. From the first time I heard ‘Soft & Wet’ in 1978 to his transition...he has been the very definition of an artist...the most prolific artist of our time and it’s not even close...a man who created at least one song every day for decades...Miles Davis said that he’s the baddest MF he’s ever seen...and with the amount of music that is still being released from his vault of sound he will continue to resonate with us for years to come.’

Seyoum Osaze

“Smokey Robinson and all the Motown artists. It would be early Saturday morning and my dad seemed to have a whole playlist and we knew we were cleaning! Greatest memory was going to a Smokey Robinson concert in Detroit with my dad and we are both singing ‘Cruisin’ and ‘Tracks of My Tears.’ I would give anything to go back to that moment.”

Maria Carlos

HR director

Educator

“Doug Carn. Because of his jazz organ, his wife Jean Carn’s voice and his revolutionary message!”

Brian Kefing Moore entrepreneur

President Jimmy Carter first designated June as Black Music Month in 1979, and celebrated the decree with a White House concert, seen here with Chuck Berry. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage.”

During a celebration for Black musicians at the White House in 1979, Carter, said at the time, “If we had had the Black Music Association organized 203 years ago, so that Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson and George Washington could have just heard some of this music at the very beginning, our country could’ve avoided a lot of trouble, a lot of heartache, and a lot of struggle, and a lot of suffering and a

lot of division, and would be even greater than it is now.”

Carter credited Black music with exemplifying the pursuit of happiness and as an “avenue for understanding and friendship that has been effective when politicians could not succeed.”

Thirty years later in 2009, President Barack Obama renamed it African American Music Appreciation Month but many still refer to it as Black Music Month.

When people hear the term “Black music,”

many assume it refers to hip-hop/R&B —currently the most popular genre in America, according to Billboard, with 28% of consumption, sales, and radio airplay. Black music, however, is not a genre, and one of Black Music Month’s goals is to communicate the breadth and history of Black artistry.

In his proclamation, Biden noted that “throughout the decades and across the country, Black music has fueled a myriad of genres – from rhythm and blues to jazz, gospel, country, rap and more.”

“Billy Preston. At the tail-end of his career, I remember seeing him on Arsenio performing “Will it Go Round in Circles.” That performance was legendary.”

Claudell Cannady Scout Leader, DJ, all-around cool guy

“Public Enemy. My social awareness wings were born outta PE. In the ‘90s they reached ALOT of white male hard rockers, like myself, with their collaborative efforts with bands like Anthrax. From there, the PE catalog lay in front of me and it was a great education.”

Travis Martin Teacher

The Temptations The Temptations’ ‘My Everything.’

Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin did their thing as always!”

Roderick Garner, Chief Deputy, Ft. Bend County Constable Precinct No. 2

DN ONLINE

Lizzo

digital radio show host & connoisseur of chili sauce

“Earth Wind & Fire. The beautiful melodies, the passion, the funky costumes and Afros, the familial unit with the White brothers and childhood friends, the musical mastery of live instruments and a FULL HORN SECTION, and a plethora of songs that touch every emotion imaginable! EWF reminds me of childhood, church, HBCU band material, and ‘Soul Train’ all wrapped in one!”

PW Way

Texas state rep.

‘PROFOUND AND POWERFUL’

“Perhaps no music has had as profound and powerful an impact in shaping America’s musical score as Black music,” said President Joe Biden, who recently issued a proclamation. “For generations, Black music has conveyed the hopes and struggles of a resilient people – spirituals mourning the original sin of slavery and later heralding freedom from bondage, hard truths told through jazz and the sounds of Motown during the civil rights movement, and hiphop and rhythm and blues that remind us of the work that still lies ahead.”

The National Museum of African American History and Culture credits then-President Jimmy Carter with creating the appreciation month in 1979, noting that it “celebrates the African American musical

A SALUTE TO THE ARTISTS YOU LOVE BEST

“Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire and Maze! Such a huge list from my youth! Too many, but 3 band’s music will always be the soundtrack makers to my life and always send me back like it was yesterday!

Mike Meade professional musician

“Queen Ida. Why? Because she is THE ‘Queen of Zydeco’ and I love her music... anytime, anywhere...the end. Period.

Angela CeZar

Megan Thee Stallion

“Stevie Wonder. His song ‘As’ reminds me of my parents’ true love for one another. ‘Isn’t she lovely’ takes me back to when my children were babies and the feeling you have as a new parent looking at the gift from God, your child, and how miraculous it is. ‘Happy Birthday.’ I remember the vote and time when Dr. Martin L. King’s [birthday] was not a holiday and it passed. And basically, standing between the driver’s seat and passenger seat as a child when seat belts weren’t mandatory driving down the coast with my parents bobbing my head to his now classics.”

Demethra Orion entrepreneur

entrepreneur, financial advisor

For the history of African-American Music Appreciation Month (including a timeline), visit NationalToday.com/african-american-music-appreciation-month

8 | June 23, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Defender Faith Leaders Breakfast a huge success

By Von Jiles

The Defender Network recently hosted its inaugural Juneteenth Faith Leaders’ Breakfast sponsored

by KelseyCare Advantage.

The event was designed to introduce the new Defender Community Central Channel and other digital products while focusing on the benefits of the Medicare program KelseyCare Advantage.

“This was an awesome time to come out with my colleagues and other pastors to celebrate Juneteenth and the Faith Leaders’ Breakfast put on by the Defender,” said Linda Davis, pastor of Boynton Chapel United Methodist Church. “The Defender does such excellent work in the community. They’re always available to share our stories.”

The breakfast was held at Davis Street at Hermann Park, an upscale, Black-owned restaurant headed by the renowned executive chef Mark Holley.

Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles, publisher and CEO of the Defender Network, listed three reasons for the event: Building a stronger relationship with the attendees to expand coverage of the faith community, showcasing the Defender’s digital products and introducing the KelseyCare Advantage Medicare program and how the community can benefit.

Dr. George Adesina, a cardiologist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, provided the harrowing statistics about Blacks and health care, laying out the evidence of the existing health care disparities, along with the critical need for Blacks and Latinx persons to access efficient and effective health insurance plans.

And because the event happened on the eve of Father’s Day, Adesina had a specific word for brothers.

“Men, we take better care of our cars than we do our bodies. But going to the doctor is like regular

Your Choice.

maintenance on your vehicle, to make sure all systems are in working order, and to check to see if anything needs service.”

Community Central Publisher Aswad Walker presented the Defender’s digital offerings including its Community Central, Black Women and Under 40 channels, along with the Defender’s e-edition and Top-5 newsletter.

He previewed an opportunity the Community Central Channel will offer in the fall.

“We know it costs big money for people to place wedding, anniversary, graduation and obituary announcements in local papers, so we are offering that service to you and your congregations for free beginning in the fall of 2022,” said Walker.

KelseyCare Advantage representatives Brian Ventre and Lloyd Wiles also made presentations about the benefits of joining their network.

Sonny Messiah Jiles (Houston Defender), John Fields (Community Tabernacle Church) and Deborah Fields (Community Tabernacle Church) attend the Houston Defender Faith Leaders Breakfast held at Davis Street on June 16, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jimmie Aggison/Houston Defender)

“I know that your congregation is having a lot of issues in regard to trying to navigate Medicare, and the reason why I’m here is to give some

solutions,” said Wiles. “It’s important for us to reach out and to give back to the community that serves us a lot.”

Their Future.

LEARN THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION FOR CHILDREN.

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.

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June 23, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Choose a physician who really listens

Better health begins with caring doctors

Shop Black City Tour. Photos by Jimmie Aggison

Black Business tour makes stop in Houston C

M

Y

CM

MY

By Laura Onyeneho

CY

CMY

Shop Black City Tour recently hit the Bayou City as it celebrated Houston’s Blackowned businesses by hosting over 50 food trucks, a DJ and various vendors.

“We provide direct selling opportunities for Black-owned businesses all around the country, said Greg Westbrook, co-founder of Shop Black City Tours. “The best way to create wealth in this country is through entrepreneurship. We’re just pushing our business owners to grow and scale and get better at what they do.”

Westbrook and his wife Tee both spent more than 20 years working in the banking, insurance, and sales industry before leaving their corporate jobs in 2019 to ultimately build three successful brands on their own.

In 2019 they founded Shop Black City Tour in Nashville as a way to serve Black communities. That was put to the test during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when Black-owned businesses were struggling to handle mandated closures, lack of resources, staff losses and revenue.

Among the local entrepreneurs highlighted was Jules of Luving Jules jewelry company.

“It’s really important to have these types of events so Black entrepreneurs can see like-minded people…and see businesses flourishing, he said. “So, it doesn’t matter if there are five other jewelry businesses. There is a great sense of community and we don’t need a crab-in-the-barrel mentality.”

Shop Black City Tour hosted over 50

K

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Visit our Sunnyside center located at 9609 Cullen Boulevard, plus 15 other locations throughout Greater Houston & the Golden Triangle.

Plans accepted virtual and in-person vendor events to help Black businesses increase their bottom line by focusing on core values such as marketing, customer service and sales.

“This allows me to show my product. It allows me to reach audiences who didn’t know me before,” said James Anthony.

CEO of the fashion brand James Anthony Co. “I’m from Cincinnati…Tapping into a new market, and seeing people who look just like me is exciting.”

We accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Memorial Hermann and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

Follow us @CenterWellPrimaryCare to learn about activities and events CenterWellTM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中 文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711).

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10 | June 23, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Rockets expect another impact player with No. 3 pick

By Terrance Harris

JABARI SMITH

T

he Rockets’ rebuild is beginning to come into focus.

Things should be even clearer on June 23 when their second-straight year in the NBA Lottery should add another franchise-player caliber addition to the roster. After taking shooting guard Jalen Green with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Rockets sit in the No. 3 slot for this year’s draft.

There doesn’t seem to be much doubt which direction the Rockets are leaning. After Orlando and Oklahoma take the anticipated top two players off the board – Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren – the Rockets are all about expected to take Duke’s 6-foot-10 power forward Paolo Banchero with the third overall selection in the draft.

Banchero, who many believe is the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft, will solidify the Rockets post where he will be paired with impressive second-year center Alperen Sengun for years to come. The Rockets have traded leading scorer Christian Wood to the Dallas Mavericks in order to give both young post players room to grow.

In addition to the third overall pick, the Rockets also have the No. 17 pick and likely the 26th selection (acquired from the Mavericks in the Wood trade), which will potentially bring even more young talent to the roster.

Here is a breakdown of the top four players in the draft the Rockets could have a chance to consider.

Power forward | Auburn | 6-feet-10

After an inconsistent freshman season at Auburn, there seem to be many questions about Smith’s immediate NBA readiness.

But what is for sure, Smith has lots of potential, and it starts with his impressive ability as a catch-and-shoot and dribbleand-shoot player. He averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2 assists per game while shooting 42% from 3-point range.

CHET HOLMGREN Center | Gonzaga | 7-feet

What you hear a lot when it comes to Holmgren is a generational player. And when you look at his production in college it’s easy to understand how so many can see Holmgren as a rare player. The skinny kid can get up and down the court with the best of them and his shooting touch and court vision are off the charts for a guy his size and what is probably most exciting for NBA front-office types is Holmgren’s prowess as a rim protector.

The only real question is how does his game translate to the NBA?

PAOLO BANCHERO

Power forward | Duke | 6-feet-10

While the ceiling could be a little higher for Smith and Holmgren, Banchero appears to be the most NBA-ready of the top three prospects. Banchero is a versatile scorer who has a mid-range game, can play with his back to the basket, can blow by defenders off the dribble and he also has a strong pick-and-roll game. He averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting nearly 34% from 3-point land. There is a reason why he was an All-American as a freshman at Duke.

JADEN IVEY

Shooting guard | Purdue| 6-feet-4

Ivey could easily be the most exciting player in the draft. He has explosiveness and speed that will allow him to blow past most defenders in isolation. And once he is near the rim, he is a definite finisher. He also has good court vision which will allow him to play either guard position.

If there is a concern about Ivey it’s his need to develop a jumper, which should come in time. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a sophomore last season for the Boilermakers.

Leroy Burrell leaving UH to coach Auburn track team Leroy Burrell, a name that has been synonymous with University of Houston track and field for decades as a standout athlete and later as the head coach, has announced he is leaving the program. Burrell is taking over as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers after 23 years coaching at his alma mater.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be the coach, and I appreciate the

tremendous commitment and effort to bring the University of Houston Track and Field program to the level of excellence it has reached,” Burrell said.

A former 100-meter world record holder, Burrell took over at UH in 1999 and produced 11 Olympians, 15 NCAA champions, 254 All-Americans and 353 individual conference champions. He guided the team to a combined 44 conference championship titles while

being a 37-time Conference Coach of the Year and saw 46 school records fall.

“Leroy leaves Houston with an incredible legacy and one upon which we will build,” Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. “We couldn’t be more thankful to him, Michelle and their family for everything they have done for our University and community. He will leave as one of our most decorated coaches in

the history of our department, leading the Track and Field team to 44 conference titles as well as many accolades on the national stage. He elevated the success of the team, coaching numerous All-Americans and national champions in his 23 years. We wish Coach Burrell and his family the very best as they begin the next chapter of life and know he will always be a part of the University of Houston.”

Sprinter Leroy Burrell answers a question during a news conference before being inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Waco, Texas. Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP

June 23, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

SYDNEY ELKINS DISCUS THROWER

FREEMAN leaves mark at state

By Jodie B. Jiles

The crazy thing about high school sports is that you never know what to expect. I went to the discus event to see one senior star athlete moving on to the collegiate level and discovered a sophomore who could someday be a record holder in the event her senior year.

Elkins sophomore Sydney Freeman was no joke when it came to throwing the discus at state. While her 147-½ foot throw didn’t secure a podium finish in the event, it did put her in the discussion as a frontrunner for next year’s competition.

Elkins discus coach Taylor Pulido noted what makes Freeman so special.

“She’s got a great work ethic,” Pulido said. “She always wants to work and always wants to train to the point there are times where I have to tell her, ‘That is enough for the day.’ She is strong in the weight room and has a great personality.”

The Defender spoke with Freeman after her event at the UIL State Track meet to discuss her approach to the event, how she got started, advice to others and more.

APPROACH TO DISCUS “Just be calm and believe in yourself. And always have a good team around you to support you with everything.”

START IN DISCUS “I was actually playing volleyball and my middle school volleyball coach asked, ‘Why don’t you tryout?’...So when I came to high school I just fell in love with the sport.”

UNDERCLASSMAN COMPETING AT STATE “It is the amount of practice you put in and the consistent amount of work. You have to be constant in the amount of work you put in.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS “Just keep working. Times are going to be tough because this is a sport that uses strength. So the people that are above you are going to be stronger than you but if you keep going at it you will be able to reach heights maybe even farther than they were able to reach.”

ABOUT SYDNEY FREEMAN

Twitter: @sydneythrows Thrower she studies: Michelle Carter Favorite subject: Geometry Hobbies: Singing, playing instruments and helping others Shout-outs: “My teammate Kaylen, God and my coaches.”

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12 | June 23, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Deshaun Watson reaches settlement with all but four accusers

By Terrance Harris

Former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson appears to have taken another step in moving past the legal troubles that have dogged him and left his NFL career up in the air.

Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represents 24 massage therapists suing Watson for sexual misconduct, announced Tuesday that the quarterback and all but four of his clients have reached an out-of-court settlement. The details of the settlements were not released.

“Today, I announce that all cases against Deshaun Watson, with the exception of four, have settled,” Buzbee said in a released statement. “We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements. Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed. The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won’t comment

further on the settlements or those cases.”

The settlement comes amid daily headlines about more lawsuits coming from massage therapists who treated Watson and also as speculation mounts about the length of a suspension Watson could be facing from the NFL. Watson has been traded to the Cleveland Browns and signed an NFL-record $230 million guaranteed deal with his new team.

But Watson’s legal issues are not over.

There are four lawsuits pending, including the original plaintiff, Ashley Solis. Two grand juries, however, declined to indict Watson on any criminal charges.

“Ashley Solis is one of the heroes of this story,” Buzbee said in his statement. “Her case has not settled and thus her story and that of the other three brave women will continue,” said Buzbee. “I look forward to trying these cases in due course, consistent

NOTICE VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING WITH IN-PERSON OPTION GULF FREEWAY (I-45S) PEL STUDY FROM I-69 / US 59 (DOWNTOWN) TO BELTWAY 8 SOUTH CSJ: 0500-03-633 HARRIS COUNTY, Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is conducting the Gulf Freeway Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study that covers Interstate 45 (I-45) South from I-69 / US 59 (Downtown) to Beltway (BW) 8 South in Harris County, Texas. This notice advises the public that the study team will be conducting an on-line virtual public meeting with two in-person options. The virtual public meeting will be available on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 5 p.m. through Friday, July 29, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. To log onto the virtual public meeting, go to the following web address at the date and time indicated above: www.txdot.gov, and type “Gulf Freeway PEL Study” in the search box.

The virtual public meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation and will include both audio and visual components. Please note that the presentation will not be available on the website until the time and date listed above. If you do not have internet access, you may call 713-802-5262 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process.

Formal comments may be provided by mail or email as explained below.

Additionally, TxDOT is providing two in-person options for individuals who would like to participate in person. Inperson attendees will be able to view the same presentation delivered in the online public meeting, review hard copies of study materials, ask questions and submit written comments. The in-person options will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Houston Texans YMCA at 5202 Griggs Road, Houston, Texas 77021, and Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sagemont Church, Annex Building, 11600 Hughes Road, Houston, Texas 77089.

The purpose of the Gulf Freeway PEL Study is to explore transportation alternatives to address the growing safety, mobility, multimodal, and infrastructure needs along the corridor due to the projected population and employment growth in the Houston metropolitan area. This will be accomplished by building on previously completed planning studies, evaluating existing conditions, projecting future conditions, and assessing how various alternatives can address issues related to growth, congestion, mobility, safety, connectivity, freight, and asset management in the study corridor. The study corridor has been identified as a 14-mile stretch of I-45 South from I-69 / US 59 in Downtown Houston to BW 8 South. No changes will be made to the existing roadway at this time.

Any documentation or studies, maps and exhibits showing the study location, and other information regarding the study are on file and available for review, by appointment, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the TxDOT Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007. Study materials are also available online at www.txdot.gov, keyword search “Gulf Freeway PEL Study”. Please contact Kaitlyn Cantu, project manager, at 713-802-5272 or by email at Kaitlyn.Cantu@txdot.gov to make an appointment to review the study material.

The public meeting will be conducted in English and Spanish. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English or Spanish is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English or Spanish, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting, please contact Tunisia Smith, Environmental Coordinator, at 713-802-5560 no later than 4 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the study team to arrange.

Written comments from the public regarding the Gulf Freeway PEL Study are requested and may be submitted by mail to the TxDOT Houston District Office, Advanced Project Development Director, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386. Written comments may also be submitted by email to HOU-PIOwebmail@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Friday, July 29, 2022. The public meeting documentation will be available online at www.txdot.gov, keyword search “Gulf Freeway PEL Study”, once it has been prepared.

If you have any general questions or concerns regarding this study or the virtual public meeting, please contact Kaitlyn Cantu, project manager, at 713-802-5272 or by email at Kaitlyn.Cantu@txdot.gov.

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson runs drills with the team during NFL football practice Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Houston.

(AP Photo/Justin Rex)

with other docket obligations and the court’s schedule.”

In addition to the pending lawsuits, Watson is awaiting the punishment to be leveled by the league and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. There has been speculation Watson, who sat out all last season with the Texans, could be looking at a year suspension before

the start of the Browns’ training camp.

Watson, who has steadfastly professed his innocence and vowed to clear his name, is alleged to have solicited sex from several massage therapists over a span of 17 months.

A recent New York Times article reported Watson saw 66 massage therapists during that time.

NOTICIA Audiencia Pública Virtual con Opción Presencial AUTOPISTA DEL GOLFO (I-45S) ESTUDIO PEL DESDE LA I-69 / US 59 (CENTRO) HASTA EL BELTWAY 8 SUR CSJ: 0500-03-633 CONDADO DE HARRIS, Texas

El Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDOT) está realizando el Estudio de Vínculos Ambientales y Planificación de la Autopista del Golfo (PEL) que cubre la carretera Interestatal 45 (I-45) sur desde la I-69/US 59 (Centro) hasta el Beltway (BW) 8 sur en el condado de Harris, Texas. Este aviso informa al público que el equipo de estudio llevará a cabo una audiencia pública virtual en línea con dos opciones presenciales. La audiencia pública virtual estará disponible el martes 12 de julio de 2022 a las 5:00 p.m. hasta el viernes 29 de julio de 2022 a las 11:59 p.m. Para iniciar sesión en la audiencia pública virtual, vaya a la siguiente dirección web en la fecha y hora indicadas anteriormente: www.txdot.gov, y escriba “Gulf Freeway PEL Study” en el cuadro de búsqueda.

La audiencia pública virtual consistirá en una presentación de video pregrabada e incluirá componentes de audio y visuales.

Tenga en cuenta que la presentación no estará disponible en el sitio web hasta la hora y la fecha indicadas anteriormente. Si no tiene acceso a internet, puede llamar al 713-802-5262 entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., de lunes a viernes, para hacer preguntas y acceder a los materiales del proyecto durante el proceso de desarrollo del proyecto. Comentarios formales se pueden enviar por correo o correo electrónico, como se explica a continuación.

Además, TxDOT ofrece dos opciones presenciales para los individuos que deseen participar en persona. Los asistentes en persona podrán ver la misma presentación presentada en la audiencia pública en línea, revisar copias impresas de los materiales de estudio, hacer preguntas y enviar comentarios por escrito. Las opciones presenciales se realizarán el martes 12 de julio de 2022, de 5:00 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. en el Houston Texans YMCA en la 5202 Griggs Road, Houston, Texas 77021, y el jueves 14 de julio de 2022, de 5:00 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. en la Iglesia Sagemont, Edificio Anexo, 11600 Hughes Road, Houston, Texas 77089.

El propósito del Estudio PELde laAutopista del Golfo es explorar alternativas de transporte para abordar las crecientes necesidades de seguridad, movilidad, multimodal e infraestructura a lo largo del corredor debido al crecimiento proyectado de la población y el empleo en el área metropolitana de Houston. Esto se logrará basándose en estudios de planificación previamente completados, evaluando las condiciones existentes, proyectando las condiciones futuras y evaluando, cómo varias alternativas pueden abordar los problemas relacionados con el crecimiento, la congestión, la movilidad, la seguridad, la conectividad, el transporte y la gestión de activos en el corredor de estudio. El corredor de estudio ha sido identificado como un tramo de 14 millas de la I-45 sur desde la I-69/US 59 en el Centro de Houston hasta el BW 8 sur. No se realizarán cambios a la carretera existente en este momento.

Cualquier documentación o estudios, mapas y exhibiciones que muestren la ubicación del estudio y otra información relacionada con el estudio están archivados y disponibles para su revisión, con cita previa, de lunes a viernes entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. en TxDOT Oficina del Distrito de Houston, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007. Los materiales de estudio también están disponibles en línea en www.txdot.gov, busque la palabra clave “Gulf Freeway PEL Study”. Comuníquese con Kaitlyn Cantu, gerente del proyecto, al 713-802-5272 o por correo electrónico a Kaitlyn.Cantu@txdot.gov para hacer una cita para revisar el material de estudio.

La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo en inglés y español. Si necesita un intérprete o traductor de documentos porque el inglés o el español no es su idioma principal o tiene dificultades para comunicarse de manera efectiva en inglés o español, se le proporcionará uno. Si tiene una discapacidad y necesita asistencia, se pueden hacer arreglos especiales para satisfacer la mayoría de las necesidades. Si necesita servicios de interpretación o traducción o es una persona con una discapacidad que requiere adaptaciones para asistir y participar en la audiencia pública virtual, comuníquese con Tunisia Smith, Coordinadora Ambiental, al 713-802-5560 a más tardar a las 4:00 p.m., el jueves, 7 de julio del 2022. Tenga en cuenta que se requiere notificación previa, ya que algunos servicios y adaptaciones pueden requerir tiempo para que el equipo de estudio los organice.

Se solicitan comentarios por escrito del público sobre el Estudio PEL de la Autopista del Golfo y se pueden enviar por correo a TxDOT Houston District Office, Advanced Project Development Director, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386.

Comentarios escritos también pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a HOU-PIOwebmail@txdot.gov. Todos los comentarios deben recibirse el viernes 29 de julio de 2022 o antes. La documentación de la audiencia pública estará disponible en línea en www.txdot.gov, busque la palabra clave “Gulf Freeway PEL Study”, una vez que se haya preparado.

Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud general con respecto a este estudio o la reunión pública virtual, comuníquese con Kaitlyn Cantu, gerente del proyecto, al 713-802-5272 o por correo electrónico a Kaitlyn.Cantu@txdot.gov.