Houston Defender: June 30, 2022

Overturning Roe v. Wade

BLACK WOMEN HIT HARD BY SCOTUS RULING.

NEWS

REV. RONALD MOUTON SR.

After road rage shooting, community mourns beloved pastor of East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Volume 91, issue 33 June 30, 2022

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FEATURE

RAY CARRINGTON The popular Jack Yates High School photographer is retiring after nearly three decades.

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DN To the POINT

A sign with pictures of Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, and Neil Gorsuch, as demonstrators protest outside of the US supreme court, on Tuesday. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Associate Editor’s Message ‘SCOTUS GONE WILD’

Well, Democrats really are asleep at the A few years ago, holier-than-thou wheel, and have been for far too long. And Republicans deemed those “Girls Gone they’ve put us all in danger. They haven’t Wild” videos as immoral. But what’s even acted with the urgency these dangerous more obscene is “SCOTUS Gone Wild” times demand, choosing to focus and with the Supreme Court’s moves to undercampaign on “kitchen table issues.” But mine the will of the people: there won’t be a kitchen or a table if these • Easing gun access in New York, a ruling fools who want to overthrow democracy that could ease gun access nationally, even with violence on all levels aren’t stopped. as the majority of U.S. citizens of all races If Dems want to win elections and excite (Democrat and Republican; progrestheir base, they have to wake the hell up sive and conservatives) want more gun soon, or we’re all crashing.

Aswad Walker restrictions.

• Overturning Roe v. Wade even though over 75% of the VOTING: PLAYING THE LONG GAME nation believe in a woman’s choice, whatever it may be, That said, we (folk who stand against the dictatorial, to exercise authority over her own body. violent program of the modern-day GOP confederacy) • Excusing police from having to read you your Miranda have to play the long game. The overturning of Roe v. Wade Rights (“You have the right to remain silent. Anything is a prime example of folk who are anti-everyone who’s not you say can and will be used against you in a court of them, playing the long game. They’ve been talking about law”), freeing up police to inflict more abuse on us with overturning Roe v. Wade forever, and suffered setback after even less restrictions, even as the country demands police setback for decades. But they stayed true to their plan, even be held accountable for wrongdoings, just like we would voting for candidates they personally hated, but who were if we broke the law. committed to their same goal.

This is the most political SCOTUS ever, and it’s acting Now, they’ve won, and are looking to overturn everyconsistently with the Jan. 6 insurrectionists who sought to thing else on their list. In contrast, if we don’t see results replace democracy with minority (white, hyper-conserva- immediately from those we elect, we quit voting for good. tive) rule. And this SCOTUS isn’t done yet.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t expect results in exchange for our votes. We should. But we’ve also got to commit to DEMOCRATS: ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL fighting until the fight is won. That’s the long game.

For years, I led missionary trips for my church that meant long hours on the road wile a carload of fellow mis- ON THE WEB sionaries. As team leader, I did the bulk of the driving. But • More on the recent SCOTUS decisions. when I got tired, someone else would take over while I • Learn more about outcomes from the NNPA caught some ZZZs in the backseat. But on more that one (Black Press) Convention. occasion, while sleep in the backseat, I’d wake up in total • Check out the Defender channels: Black Women, terror thinking I had gone asleep at the wheel and put my Under 40 and Community Central. team in danger. The reality was, I hadn’t, but it felt real.

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DN News Pastor Ronald Mouton Sr. killed in road rage incident Defender News Service

A highly revered pastor and staple in the Houston community was killed during a possible road-rage incident on the Gulf Freeway at Gould Road.

Rev. Dr. Ronald K. Mouton Sr. of East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was shot and killed by another driver Rev. Ronald as he traveled on Mouton Sr. the feeder road around 4:19 p.m. on June 27.

Surveillance video shows what happened before Mouton crashed. Houston police say the suspected shooter was driving a black sedan.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has known the beloved Pastor Mouton for many years and said he was a man of love and service and had a generous spirit.

“This was just an innocent man traveling on a road near his church where he worked all the time,” Jackson Lee said. “He loved ministry. He was just doing the work of a pastor.”

Members of East Bethel, pastors from around the Houston area, family and friends are now mourning the loss.

“Pastor Mouton was a loving father, husband and friend. A wonderful pastor, and a true man of God that lived and practiced what he preached,” said Pastor Lionel Flanagan.

“He was always eager to be doing more,” Jackson Lee added.

“I’m going to miss my friend but I know he is in heaven,” Flanagan said.

Mouton was the pastor of his church for the past 30 years, according to their website. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1981 with honors before attending Baylor University and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Mouton leaves behind his wife of nearly 40 years, Suzanne Pollard-Mouton, four children, 10 grandchildren, a twin brother along with other siblings and his church community.

Jackson Lee and Crime Stoppers of Houston have teamed up to offer a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department.

Residents protest the I-45 expansion.

Sheila Jackson Lee takes I-45 expansion fight to D.C.

By ReShonda Tate

Activists with Stop TxDOT I-45 are speaking out against TxDOT’s I-45 expansion project in downtown Houston. Among those joining the fight, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The controversial plan to widen I-45 is on pause while the Federal Highway Administration investigates the project’s impact on low-in- Congresswoman come and minority Shelia Jackson communities.

Despite the pause, TxDOT appeared to be moving forward on a major demolition

of an affordable housing complex in east downtown -- sparking backlash in the community.

“They were only supposed to take 165 units,” Jackson Lee said. “They’re taking 375.”

The congresswoman said she has asked the Federal Highway Administration to continue to investigate TxDOT’s I-45 design. She accused the company’s design of being discriminatory by not presenting any input from the impacted communities.

Lee wants to continue the pause until the investigation has been fully completed.

TxDOT released the following statement regarding the lofts at the ballpark: “Delaying demolition of the Lofts at the Ballpark presents significant public health and safety concerns and would require

resources to keep the buildings secured.”

Activists said there’s no need to demolish any buildings until after the feds conclude their investigation. They said it will prove the I-45 expansion project negatively and disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities.

Despite claims for the city to intervene, Mayor Sylvester Turner said their hands are tied.

“TxDOT has indicated it will not be seeking any further permits. State and federal properties are exempt from local building codes and do not require demolition permits. Assuming no objection by FHWA, and no demolition permit being requested by TXDOT, the city has no legal basis to stop the demolition.”

Brittney Griner given July 1 trial date

By Terrance Harris

WNBA star and Houston native Brittney Griner appears to be moving closer to learning her fate as she sits in a Russian prison on drug charges.

The former Nimitz and Baylor standout center was given a July 1 trial date during a court appearance in Moscow. Griner, who has been jailed in Russia since February, also had her detention extended another six months.

Griner was ordered to remain detained throughout the duration of her trial.

Griner, who plays basketball for a Russian team during the WNBA offseason, was arrested four months ago before boarding a flight to return home near Moscow after she was said to have attempted to travel with vape cartridges containing oils from cannabis.

Griner was held for weeks without anyone knowing her whereabouts and she has not

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 27, 2022. AP

been physically seen since.

That changed when cameras captured photos of the 6-foot-9 center being led into the

courtroom in handcuffs, wearing glasses and gray T-shirt while appearing disheveled.

It is widely believed that Griner’s imprisonment is more connected to Russian president Vladimir Putin’s disdain for the United States due to the country’s involvement in Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The State Department has declassified Griner as wrongfully detained.

Pressure has been mounting for the U.S. to gain Griner’s release in WNBA and NBA circles, elected government officials and local leaders in Houston.

There has been some talk of a prisoner swap similar to what was done to free U.S. Marine Trevor Reed in February. Reed’s freedom was granted in exchange for a Russian pilot who was being held in the U.S. Griner could be looking at 10 years in prison if she is convicted of the drug charges.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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DN News

Harris County Sheriff withdraws from ICE top spot consideration Houston Public Media

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, who was previously tapped to lead the country’s immigration and customs enforcement agency, said that he was withdrawing himself from consideration for the role after his confirmation vote has stalled for months in Congress.

Gonzalez made the announcement via Twitter, noting that “more than a year has passed since the President nominated me for this important position.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, has not had a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017.

Gonzalez’s confirmation vote to lead ICE was expected earlier this year but was halted after an affidavit surfaced detailing a domestic violence dispute between Gonzalez and his wife, Melissa Gonzalez, former president of Houston Community College-Southeast.

Ed Gonzales

In the affidavit, a former Houston Community College police officer alleged that Melissa Gonzalez, who was then the school’s vice chancellor of workforce and economic development, wanted to file a complaint

against her husband because of “suggested violence she had experienced at her home at the hands of the sheriff.”

Both the sheriff and Melissa Gonzalez denied the allegations, and an inquiry into

the allegations obtained by the Houston Chronicle undermined the credibility of the claims. The White House stood by President Joe Biden’s ICE nominee.

It is unclear who Biden will nominate next to lead the agency, which is currently led by acting director Tae Johnson. The previous interim director, Jonathan Fahey, resigned last year after just two weeks on the job. The agency has shuffled through acting directors in recent years and hasn’t had a Senate-confirmed leader since the Obama administration.

Gonzalez was a vocal adversary of former President Donald Trump, who has previously endorsed Abbott, and his immigration policies, specifically on deportation. After becoming sheriff of Harris County, where more than 400,000 undocumented immigrants are estimated to live, Gonzalez ended a partnership with ICE that trained deputies to screen jailed individuals for their immigration status, among other efforts.

Justice Clarence Thomas fans the flames of racism NNPA

For many, the Supreme Court not only abolished abortion rights in America with its June 24, 2022, decision but also ended any semblance of racial tolerance in the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again cry proved an easy to read between-the-lines moniker, but even that was seen as nothing more than the typical dog whistle – until now.

After the high court’s ruling, the MAGA crowd has become more emboldened.

“President Trump, on behalf of Clarence Thomas all the Maga patriots in America, I want to thank you for the historic victory for white life in the Supreme Court [June 24],” Illinois Republican Mary Miller told a cheering crowd during a rally as she stood next to the former president.

Running for reelection in the 15th congressional district, Miller received an invite from Trump to speak.

Her camp attempted to deflect from her racist comment, stating that she misspoke and intended to say, “right to life.”

Responding to a tweet by the nation’s first African American president, Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn compared the decision to reverse Roe v. Wade to segregation.

“Now do Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education,” Cornyn tweeted at Obama following the 44th president writing that the court not only reversed nearly 50 years of precedent, “it relegated the most intensely personal decision someone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues – attacking the essential freedoms of millions of Americans.”

Cornyn echoed what many in the GOP and the high court’s conservative majority have always whispered: a desire to overturn Brown v. Board of Education and resurrect the 1800s doctrine of “separate but equal” to re-establish racial segregation laws that inherently imply that Black people are inferior.

“In future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a day before abolishing Roe. In the 1965 Griswold v. Connecticut case, the court voted 7-2 to strike down a law restricting married couples’ access to birth control. The cases of Lawrence and Obergefell respectively made same-sex activity and marriages legal.

Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in that landmark case, noted that Thomas specifically named same-sex and contraceptive rights, in his opinion, omitting interracial marriage.

If the court overturned that law, Thomas’ marriage to Ginni, who is white, would face peril.

Thomas also votied to strike down New York’s gun law, even after more than 277 mass shootings have occurred in 2022. The Black justice invoked the Dred Scott decision, where then-chief justice Roger Taney cautioned that African Americans would have the right to carry firearms in public if the court recognized them as U.S. citizens.

“Even Chief Justice Taney recognized that public carry was a component of the right to keep and bear arms – a right free Blacks were often denied in antebellum America,” Thomas said.

Thomas also compared abortion statistics to soldiers killed during the Civil War. “I join the opinion of the court because it correctly holds that there is no constitutional right to abortion,” Thomas wrote. “Abortion is not deeply rooted in this nation’s history and tradition. It’s not implicit in the concept of ordered liberty,” he said.

MoveOn activists call for the impeachment of Justice Clarence Thomas outside of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Getty Images

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 33 - JUNE 30, 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

Photographers 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

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

Overturning Roe v. Wade Black women hit hardest

By ReShonda Tate

N

ow that Roe v Wade has been overturned, the legal status of abortion is back in the hands of state lawmakers.

And many believe this will have especially damaging consequences for Black women, who often face life-threatening complications during pregnancy.

DISPARAGING NUMBERS

In many states, Black and Latino women receive abortions at higher rates than White women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects data from state health agencies.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade underscores the economic hardships and maternal health crisis Black and brown women face, with many advocates saying forced pregnancies would only worsen their outcomes. For example, Black women are three times more likely than white women to die of pregnancy-related complications, such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Abortion rights leaders also worry poor Black and Latino women will not have the money to travel out of state for an abortion.

The historical racism embedded within the American healthcare system accounts in large part for why birthing is so much deadlier for Black Americans. They are routinely dismissed, ignored and have their concerns denied while seeking medical care and intervention. Black women also fall behind in other social determinants of health including housing, employment and socioeconomic status, all of which can affect their capacity to have safe, healthy pregnancies and care for a child.

A 2021 study published in the journal Demography found that abortion bans put all women at greater risk of death, but “the additional mortality burden is estimated to be greatest among non-Hispanic Black women.”

TROUBLE IN TEXAS

Texas is one of more than a dozen states that have passed trigger laws that further restrict abortion in the aftermath of a Roe v. Wade reversal. Last year, Texas passed a law that stated if the Supreme Court overrules Roe v. Wade and abortion is no longer protected by the federal Constitution, then abortion will be completely illegal in the

Risk of death from abortion ban

21% 33% increase for all women

increase for Black women

*Source: Demography

How ruling impacts Black women, families

By Aswad Walker

U.S. senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) are claiming to have been had, duped, hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray and run amok by current SCOTUS members Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett for testifying under oath during their confirmation hearings that they would not vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, yet did so anyway. But Black America and others who believe in a women’s right to have agency over her own body were not surprised, and sounded the alarm long before Collins and Manchin cast key votes that allowed the trio onto the Supreme Court in the first place.

And their votes brought Roe v. Wade to an end. But what does this new reality mean for Black women, other women of color and their families and communities?

The Defender spoke with Lisa Mallory, Ph.D., executive director of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) out of Washington, DC to get her perspective on answers to those questions.

state of Texas.

That law, Texas House Bill 1280, makes it a second-degree felony “for a person who knowingly performs, induces, or attempts an abortion” according to the bill analysis. The penalty increases to a first-degree infraction “if the unborn child dies as a result of the offense.”

Seema Mohapatra, a visiting professor of law at Southern Methodist University, said that the Texas trigger law could have a disproportionate impact.

“Practically, people who are seeking an abortion in Texas will have very little options, especially if they are not able to travel to a far-away state,” she said. “It really does affect peoples’ lives, and when we look at the fact that forced pregnancy really has different outcomes depending on what race you are, we know that Black women are much more likely to die during pregnancy than other women. This has differential impact on people of color and poor people, and the court opinion really ignores that.”

FIGHTING BACK

Black-led social justice groups said the gutting of Roe v. Wade is just the latest example of lawmakers stripping their rights.

The NAACP released a statement with one leader saying the Supreme Court decision sets the country back to a “dangerous era where basic constitutional rights only exist for a select few.”

Portia White, policy and legislative affairs vice president for the NAACP, likened the abortion ruling to lawmakers suppressing the Black vote.

“They’ve stripped away our right to vote, and now women have lost their right to their own body. What’s next?” White said. “We cannot allow our future to rest in the hands of those determined to crush every bit of it.

We need to fight back.”

White said the NAACP will be mobilizing voters for the “most critical midterm election America has ever faced” in November.

Abortionrights demonstrators yell as they walk down Constitution Avenue during the Bans Off Our Bodies march . Getty Images

DEFENDER: What’s going to be the impact of this overturning on the reproductive health of Black women and women of color?

LISA MALLORY: A woman needs to

have the rights to her body to make her own healthcare decisions around her ability to reproduce. And only a woman and her medical professionals are able to have these discussions, and perhaps the father of a child, if there’s a child involved, or partner involved. But I think of more concern is, this is a personal issue for an individual and their healthcare providers. This is not a government issue. It’s certainly not

an issue for men to be addressing without consulting women. We already know that Black women in particular, and also other women of color, don’t have access to quality healthcare, don’t have access to health insurance, are disproportionately impacted by so many different diseases and health outcomes. So, to add this inability to choose onto the great burden that the Lisa Mallory women of this country have to carry is extremely disappointing. And it will have a tremendous impact. Duke University had a study that they published in December that said a complete abortion ban—and hopefully we won’t get to that place; but who knows— could increase Black maternal deaths by 33%.

DEFENDER: What can we do to fight this new reality?

LISA MALLORY: Our mandate is

to really educate. So, we educate around healthcare, and this is one of those issues that we want to educate the populace about because it is reproductive rights or human rights, and we believe strongly that this is a personal conversation for an individual in their healthcare professional. And at the end of the day, in addition to educating ourselves, the one most important thing now is for people to educate themselves about who is supporting these movements that are really impacting African Americans and people of color, and to vote accordingly.

Read about additional impacts the Roe v. Wade overturning will have on Black women, families and communities at DefenderNetwork.com An abortion-rights activist wears tape reading “2nd Class Citizen” on their mouth as they protest outside the Supreme Court.

ai165340913642_2022_CTW-30455_ROY_Print_Houston_The Defender_ENG_4.812x13_06-02-22_F.pdf

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DN Feature Choose a physician who really listens

Better health begins with caring doctors Mrs. Carrington and former Yates High School Student Kaylon Beck pose with Ray Carrington during Through A Cultural Lens Honoring Ray Carrington III held at Theory Studios on June 17, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Jimmie Aggison

Beloved Yates photographer announces retirement

I think the students [who] he has tutored over Jake Yates High School photography the years will still carry that foundation into teacher Ray Carrington III is saying farewell different parts of the community. Ray will forto his old stomping ground. ever be a part of this community especially He recently announced his retirement with the Third Ward.”

2021-2022 school year being his last year in Since 1995, Carrington has partnered with the program. the Museum of Fine Arts for the Eye on Third For the last 28 years, Carrington has been a Ward annual Exhibition showcasing photostrong pillar, mentor, father figure, and educa- graphs by students in the Magnet School of tor to many students and families in the com- Communications. His photography classes munity. He created opportunities for students focuses on Houston’s Third Ward neighto learn the art of photography along with borhood, a historically Black community the rich history and culture of Black Houston. with strong ties to many cultural, political, Beck&Call Hospitality in partnership with religious and educational organizations. He Gold Was Made Fa challenges his student Her hosted an event to be the historians of honoring Carrington the community.

Video-Through the Lens: A Salute at Theory Studios.

“I tried to inspire to Ray Carrington “I’m really kind of my students not with ONLINE shocked. I’ve been a professional job… in the business for a but with the fact that long time… since 1968, and even though I’ve you are capturing history, he said. “You may had some accomplishments, not to this level be the only one who captures the history. It’s where the people I care about…make it to the a historical value to the people who are here.” next level. They stop to give me something His impact in the community brought out [flowers],” said Carrington. “I’ve been blessed many students both former and current and over the years to have seen and dealt with stu- family members who expressed their favorite dents who are just phenomenal.” memories of him.

Carrington shared the spotlight alongside “Mr. Carrington is special to me because of Earlie Hudnall, Jr., a celebrated photographer the way he embraces his students and arts in best known for his gripping pictures high- the community. He always encourages us to lighting the overlooked aesthetics of daily life capture great images of the Third Ward comin Black communities in the south. Hudnall munity,” said Kaylon Beck, former photograand Carrington met at Texas Southern Uni- phy student. “We used to walk every day in versity as students in 1970. Carrington was class around the area. It was moments like that the senior editor of the school yearbook. He helped us embrace and realize what culture was a history major at the time and knew and what neighborhood we were uplifting.” nothing about photography. He heard of Hud“The thing that Jack Yates will miss when nall, who was a novice photographer in the art Ray Carrington retires is the ability to relate department and spoke to him about shooting to the students, said former student Chataria for the yearbook. That was the beginning of Geason. “The ability to meet us where we their long-lasting friendship. were… and bring us where we need to be.

“I feel that they [Jack Yates High School] The preparation that he gave us in order to be will miss the kind of discipline and the kind successful, the long days he had us walking of tutelage that he brought with the students through Third Ward where he would stop and especially in photography”, said Hudnall. “Ray point and tell us to tell him what an image will still be involved with the community, and mean to us.”

By Laura Onyeneho

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DN Feature Defender wins big at NNPA historic convention

By Raquel Rogers

The Defender took home top honors at the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) -- the Black Press of America trade association -- 2022 convention in New Orleans.

With three first-place awards, four second-place, and two third-place awards, the Defender led the pack among the 286 entries in the NNPA Fund Messenger Awards, which included the presentation of scholarships to underserved students.

Honors were given to the Defender for Website and Newsletter Excellence, Original Advertising, Layout and Design, Educational story, Video Campaign, Environmental story, Faith and Religion and Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle.

“We are ecstatic to be recognized by our peers for our hard work and commitment to delivering news to the Black community,” said Defender Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles. “We have a top-notch team and are constantly on a learning journey to improve our product and service to our readers. This honor is a culmination of our efforts.”

During the convention, Black Press publishers from across the country, along

with their staff members, tackled an array of issues.

Mark Thompson, a decorated journalist and host of the podcast “Make It Plain,” moderated one panel on, “Amplifying Voices of Generation Z and Millennials Through the Black Press of America.”

The panel discussed how young African Americans view the importance of the Black Press’s future, emphasizing the need for publishers to enhance their digital presence on platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram.

Erica Myles, the senior consultant and senior vice president of Diverse Segments, Representation, and Inclusion for Wells Fargo, discussed the topic, “Relationships and Resources: Tools to Move Blackowned Small Businesses from Surviving to Thriving.”

A General Motors contingent spoke with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. about “The Path to Inclusion is Electric: How GM is Building an All-Inclusive Workforce to Build an All-Electric Future.”

Representatives from GM and Wells Fargo also sat for a live interview on the NNPA’s national news program, “Let It Be Known,”

Your Choice.

Defender Managing Editor ReShonda Tate holds the nine awards the Defender received.

along with Defender Associate Editor Aswad Walker.

Munson Steed, the Rolling Out National Publications publisher, presented the topic: RIDE (Rolling Out Innovation Digital Entertainment) Lab for NNPA Publishers.

“I want NNPA Publishers to think digital,” Steed exhorted as he led a discussion, “Steps to lead to making money; criteria for hiring the right people, OTT (Over the Top), changing

the mindset to become a media mogul.”

Transformative Justice Coalition Founder Barbara Arnwine and board member Daryl Jones joined Dr. Chavis and members of the NNPA board to announce a “votercade” aimed at registering 10 million new African American voters. Arnwine told a captivated panel that their organization had recorded 72 voter suppression tactics to prevent a large population from casting ballots.

Dr. David Childs, a professor of Black Studies, Education, and History at Northern Kentucky University, led a discussion on the “Black Press and the Antidote to Racism in America” with the Defender’s ReShonda Tate and Walker.

Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry received the NNPA 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Friday night, Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry received the NNPA 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, while Rep. Maxine Waters and entertainer Stephanie Mills took home Legacy Awards at the gala.

The weekend culminated with a boat ride on Saturday. Many in attendance agreed the conference proved among the best in the NNPA’s 82-year history.

Their Future.

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DN Sports

Rockets Jabari Smith enters league with chip on shoulder

By Terrance Harris

NBA Draft Night wasn’t supposed to go this way for Jabari Smith.

The All-American power forward out of Auburn was slated to go No. 1 overall to the Orlando Magic. It had been set that way for months.

But a couple of days before the NBA Draft, word of a shift began to spread.

Maybe the Magic preferred the most NBAready player in the draft, Paolo Banchero.

Smith remained hopeful of hearing his name called first by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. But it wasn’t to be. Banchero went No. 1 and Chet Holmgren went second to Oklahoma City, leaving Smith the obvious pick of the Rockets.

That moment of disappointment quickly changed to excitement as Smith realized his dream of being a top NBA draft pick had been realized. He is just a little extra motivated now.

“Not necessarily slighted but it is what it is,” Smith said. “Those players that were selected before me, they are great players and great people. So it’s nothing about the teams or the people that were picked, but I will go in with that chip on my shoulder ready to prove to everybody.”

In many ways, the Rockets may have pulled off the steal of the 2022 NBA Draft. While the belief had been that Banchero would fall to them in the third spot, they ultimately ended up with a player who seems better suited for the young core that is already in place.

Smith is expected to form a nice inside-out combination with the Rockets’ young backcourt of last year’s No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. His perimeter shooting ability also figures to give second-year center Alperen Sengun more room to work on the block.

The 6-foot-10 Smith was easily the best shooting big man in the draft. He is a quality 3-point shooter and can defend both on the perimeter and interior. Smith averaged 16.9 points and 7.4

rebounds as a freshman last season while shooting an impressive 42% from 3-point range.

While many have compared Smith favorably to Kevin Durant, general manager Rafael Stone doesn’t see a spot-on comparison for his 19-year-old draft pick.

“I think Jabari is really interesting,” said Stone, who also added LSU’s Tari Eason and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington in the first round of the 2022 draft. “He is big and he does move exceptionally well. He moves his feet really well on the perimeter. He is doing it in college so I don’t know how that translates in the NBA but we are hoping it translates perfectly and quickly but we will see how that works out.

“But I don’t remember anybody at his size in college with his ability to stay in front and contain and contest on the perimeter and he is also good on the interior. He has some kind of unique skills there and we are excited about it.”

The Rockets fan base seems to share in Stone’s excitement. As soon as the Thunder selected Holmgren with the No. 2 pick, the Rockets fans attending the draft watch party er upted. The y

FILE - Auburn forward Jabari Smith (10) shoots a 3-pointer over Vanderbilt guard Jamaine Mann (23) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Feb. 16, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. Smith is one of the top forwards in the upcoming NBA draft . AP Photo/Butch Dill, File

knew that meant the Rockets had landed the most versatile big man in the draft.

The show of fan enthusiasm wasn’t lost on Smith.

“It means a lot,” he said. “It makes me feel like I’m wanted, being welcomed with open arms is good. They give me love so I’m going to give them that same love back and the same energy and effort every night. It made me kind of happy and put a smile on my face.”

Now the real work begins.

Smith hadn’t played organized basketball since his freshman season ended during March Madness. But that changes this week with workouts with the Rockets followed by his first pro action during the NBA Summer League next month.

“I’m real excited,” Smith said. “I haven’t played since the Miami game. I haven’t played in so long. So it will be good when I get home to get to play against the guys who are back and a couple of pros then get with my team for Summer League and just get to work.”

Sports Briefs John Wall, Rockets reach buyout deal

Veteran point guard John Wall and the Rockets have reached a buyout for the final year of his $47.7 million contract.

Wall, who recently opted into the final year, has agreed John Wall to take about a $7 million hit on the deal which he should be able to get when he signs with another team. Wall will be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer and is believed to be leaning toward signing with the L.A. Clippers once the buyout with the Rockets is complete.

Deshaun Watson’s discipline underway

The NFL has started discipline proceedings for former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been accused by more than two dozen massage therapists of sexual misconduct.

He recently settled 20 of 24 lawsuits against him. The Deshaun NFL is believed Watson to be seeking a one-year suspension for Watson, who is now with the Cleveland Browns. The NFL Players of Association is believed to be seeking no suspension at all.

The negotiations on punishment are projected to continue until right before training camp.

Astros hire 5 from TSU for summer internships

The recent Astros-Texas Southern partnership has led to five students in the athletic department receiving internships for the summer with the major league club. Tyrese Clayborne (baseball) is interning with baseball operations, Tyrese Adedeji IyyanuoluClayborn wa Adeyeye (men’s track and field), Kyira Porch (volleyball) and Zy’Riah Simmons (TSU Athletics) are in the community & foundation division and Isaiah Thornton (TSU Athletics) is in marketing & communications.

June 30, 2022 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

INDIA ALIX KLEIN HS JUMPER

on her way

By Jodie B. Jiles

After earning a silver medal in the triple jump with a 20-foot jump at the UIL State track meet, Klein High School junior India Alix has been on a roll this summer improving her stats with a 21¼-foot jump. And after Alix won gold at the USATF U20, she is now officially on the radar of Team USA at the age of 17.

The Defender spoke with Alix to discuss her keys to success and her lessons learned from the UIL silver medal performance.

KEYS TO SUCCESS “A lot of patience. Honestly once you learn patience you learn to work with people even the hard people to work with because there is a lot out there. Learn to work with yourself and what you are capable of mentally and physically.”

LESSONS FROM UIL STATE JUMP “Stay in your right state of mind and don’t let everyone else’s jump get in your head because you will throw your whole self off when you should know that you are capable of many things. And I know that I am capable of growing and getting better.”

ABOUT INDIA ALIX

Twitter: @indybendy1 Instagram: @india_alix_ Jumper she studies: Chris Carter (also trains with) Awards: 2022 triple jump silver medalist, USATF 2x All America triple jump, USATF U20 long jump Shout-outs: “My mom and my coaches.”

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN NBA PLAYER TODAY

By Jodie B. Jiles

The Defender spoke with the new first-round Houston Rockets rookies Jabari Smith Jr. (No. 3), Tari Eason (No. 17) and TyTy Washington Jr. (No. 29) to discuss their keys to becoming NBA players and mentalities going into the NBA.

TARI EASON

“Hard work is really all it is.

That is what got us all to this point. Hard work, dedication and being true to ourselves.

I think that is going to be the thing that helps us find success in this league.”

JABARI SMITH JR.

“Trust the work and what got you here. You have to just amp it up another level because with the dudes out here it’s a whole different ball game. So, just keep the same mindset of getting better and trust the work.”

TYTY WASHINGTON JR.

“I think it’s all about staying consistent. Hard work got us here -- staying dedicated to it and staying in the gym. Now it is a new level and we have to step up our level of work ethic and stuff like that. And pretty much build a schedule and stay consistent with it.”

12 | June 30, 2022 |

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