07.09.2026_Defender-e-FULL

The Black Bottom Line In the Trump Era

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN To the POINT CONCERTS

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The Defender is on break… and bringing you the blueprint to navigate, counter, and thrive in the new political era. Credit: Getty Images.

Managing Editor Message At the Defender, this is always a deeply political strategy, civil rights, and systemic sacred week for two distinct reasons. First, accountability. We know that the current it marks our annual “Rest Revolution.” political landscape is a major source of stress We firmly believe that building a strong, for many in our community. From attacks effective community—and a resilient on voting rights to shifts in global standworkforce—requires more than just talings, far too many Black families are forced ent and endless hustle; it requires intento navigate a system that feels increasingly tion, balance, and radical rest. In today’s stacked against them. nonstop grind culture, pausing is an act of But we also know the power of informaresistance. That is why every July, we shut tion. True freedom starts with knowledge. down our newsroom to give our team a The threats we face today—from the ReShonda Tate well-deserved mental health break. erosion of local voting access to the weapBut we never leave you empty-handed. onization of political rhetoric against Black We use this intentional pause to bring you a special print public figures—aren’t just headlines. They are warning signs. and digital edition designed to inform, empower, and And they are a direct call to action. inspire.

That’s why the Black Bottom Line is all about helping Which brings me to the second reason this week is so you make strategic moves that protect our collective future. vital: This year, we are handing you a playbook.

Whether you’re looking for ways to protect the Black vote here in Texas, trying to identify the organizations fighting for Welcome to the Black Bottom Line our right to know, or analyzing how shifting federal policies in the Trump Era impact everything from your grocery bill to our global standLet’s be clear—this isn’t a Trump-bashing session, though ing, we have curated this edition specifically for you. Inside, we certainly could fill an entire edition on that alone. Instead, you’ll find sharp policy analysis, grassroots mobilization this is a clear-eyed, strategic playbook on how our commu- strategies, and real stories from people in our community nity can navigate, counter, and thrive despite the shifting pol- who are standing on the frontlines. icies impacting Black Americans. We are living in a political We have put a full-court press on this initiative both in climate where the “Make America Great” machinery often print and online. I encourage you to visit DefenderNetwork. feels explicitly focused on the economic and social demise com to dig deeper into our digital trackers, voter guides, of Black people. During these challenging times, our focus small-business spotlights, and critical political commentary. at the Defender remains squarely on you, our readers, and Our annual newsroom break is a reminder that taking care equipping you with the armor of actionable information. of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Protecting your peace Last year, our special edition focused on our collective is part of the strategy. Take this week to rest, to read, and to well-being. This year, we are shifting our lens entirely to build your plan for the road ahead.

DIG DEEPER Check out exclusive digital features online: • The new era of protecting the Black vote in Texas • Organizations that fight for Black rights to know • Blackfolk, is it past time for an exit strategy?

• 5 side hustles that can help you beat rising costs • Here is how to increase Black voter turnout • Under Trump, how does America rank globally?

• Black farmers are struggling. Your grocery bill is proof

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DN InFocus

Local leaders say federal policy decisions increasingly shape what Houston can fund, build, and protect. Credit: Samuel Schroth/Unsplash.

Houston leaders navigate federal cuts, policy shifts

By Tannistha Sinha

The decisions made in Washington on federal spending, immigration enforcement, disaster relief, and housing programs can trickle down to Houston, affecting local funding for projects that impact residents’ lives.

For every one of those decisions, Houston’s leaders navigate laws and policies that could potentially bring in federal dollars for key projects.

But, as local leaders pointed out, they are not always easy to navigate.

“It is very challenging, the restrictions that come down, not just from the federal government, but from the state as well,” said Houston City Council Member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. “It puts us in a position where we’re playing politics.”

What changed?

Recent decisions by Congress have triggered a wave of federal spending freezes and agency rollbacks that have affected Harris County and Houston in several ways.

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones said that when the Trump Administration cut nearly $600 million in federal grants, the county’s financial security came “under attack.”

“From refugee healthcare to food assistance for families and seniors, disaster preparation and relief organizations, and legal services for immigrants, the fallout from losing these funds creates ripples through our community,” Briones said. “Federal cuts, combined with unfunded state mandates, have increased county costs and strained the system.”

Meanwhile, the administration’s proposed FY2027 federal budget would eliminate both the Community Development Block Grant Program, funded at $3.3 billion nationally in fiscal year 2025, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which provided $1.125 billion to local governments for affordable housing.

For Houston, which City Council Member Tiffany Thomas describes as an “entitlement city” receiving roughly $50 million in annual CDBG and HOME allocations, these programs are essential for affordable housing and homelessness services.

“The demand on those limited funds is impacted,” Thomas said. “Constituents throughout the city want services for homelessness. They want apartments, rehab for their home, services for youth aging out of foster care.”

Houston: By the numbers The city’s health department, which Council Member Mario Castillo noted is “mostly grant-funded,” faces similar uncertainty. Programs like “See to Succeed,” which provide vision assessments and glasses to schoolchildren, depend on federal dollars.

“It’s tough when you see grants eliminated or when you see just broad swaths of funding go away,” Castillo said.

On environmental justice, the U.S. Department of Justice is retreating from its monitoring of illegal dumping in Houston’s Black and Latino neighborhoods in 2025, part of a broader dismantling of environmental justice initiatives.

“The previous administration definitely took a lot more seriously the environmental concerns our community has, and this administration hasn’t shown any concern for that,”Council Member Tarsha Jackson said.

The local response “Harris County cannot replace every federal dollar, but we are using every local tool to protect services and invest in housing, health care, child care, workforce pathways,

flood resilience, and infrastructure,” said Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis.

Relationships, Council Member Mary Nun Huffman argues, are becoming as important as policy.

“Greg Abbott has been supportive of the city of Houston, and relationships do matter,” Huffman said. “Because Mayor Whitmire was the dean of the Senate and he’d been in Austin so long and he formed those relationships, politicians in Austin are trusting him to be financially responsible with the money that they give us.”

For Houston residents, Council Member Alejandra Salinas said they are trying to navigate federal policies on a city level, but there is more to the equation.

“We cannot just ever succumb to what the federal or state government wants because they give us funding,” Salinas said.

“We have to understand when it’s right to fight and when not to. When Houstonians’ constitutional rights are being affected, you have to stand up if something is truly wrong, but do so in a way that ensures that we still protect Houstonians and recognize that the state and federal government are our partners.”

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DN InFocus

Inside the bench Black Harris County judges drive reform

of what’s always been done,” Jones said.

She describes her work as fighting against deep-seated institutional momentum.

“If we’re just shuffling people through the system and we’re not really addressing the underlying needs, we’re not getting to the root, then the possibility for recidivism increases, especially in some of our most vulnerable and our younger population,” Jones explained. “You’re fighting against the way it’s always been. Trying to get people to understand a new way of doing things can sometimes be a challenge.”

By Tannistha Sinha

The loudest arguments about fairness in the American justice system tend to occur outside courthouses, at protests, or on social media. But some of the most consequential decisions shaping whether the system is actually fair happen inside it, including how a judge sets bail, reviews a plea agreement, schedules a docket, or builds a program from scratch.

In Harris County, a group of Black judges has spent the better part of a decade doing exactly that work, navigating the space between what the law allows and what their communities need.

Their experiences reveal that institutional change is slower and more constrained than advocacy from the outside. Often, it is invisible.

“While there is a lot of advocacy work Jones and work that can be done from the defense bar, it takes the judges and their role as the leaders to make those initial steps and take those initial risks,” said Tonya Jones, a Harris County Criminal Court Judge at Law No. 15. “These are things outside of the norm in addressing some of the systemic issues that we have dealt with.”

Representation without power is not enough When Judge Shannon Baldwin of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 4 ran for the bench in 2018, she was told by nearly everyone she spoke to not to bother.

Democrats did not win judicial elections in Texas, she was told. She ran anyway and swept into office alongside 15 like- Baldwin minded colleagues in what became a watershed moment for the county’s misdemeanor courts.

Harris County judges discuss the challenges of pursuing equity from inside the justice system. Credit: Getty.

But winning a seat, she quickly learned, is different from wielding power.

“For judges, our real power lies within the courtroom itself, meaning we can set policies and procedures where we can see the most change within our individual courts,” Baldwin said.

That courtroom-level influence turned out to be more consequential than it first appeared, Baldwin recalled. She referred to her colleagues’ success in negotiating a consent decree that became the foundation for Rule 9, a policy that makes pretrial detention in misdemeanor cases the exception rather than the rule.

“The jails are literally empty for misdemeanor courts,” Baldwin said. “We are a very small percentage of people having to fight their cases while they’re in custody.”

On the other hand, Jones, who was 32 when she was first elected, said that getting elected brought additional challenges.

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For judges, our real power lies within the courtroom itself, meaning we can set policies and procedures where we can see the most change within our individual courts.”

JUDGE SHANNON BALDWIN

“It is one thing to be the first African American in this seat, but it is an entirely different thing to address being in this position and doing something different outside

The work nobody sees Jones described how she scrutinizes plea agreements.

“I always inquire about what the offers are because I’m also ensuring that everybody is informed of what’s going on and that the offers that are being made are equitable, just, and fair,” she said.

Judge S e dr ick Walker of Criminal Court at Law No. 11 frames his discretion- Walker ary power similarly.

“If the law says the minimum punishment for a certain crime is 10 days, I cannot do less than 10 days,” he said. “But I certainly don’t have to go way above…I can’t exceed the maximum, but I don’t have to go all the way, even near the maximum.

I take into account that person’s backstory, life story, employment situation, family situation, any substance abuse or mental health issues. Within my discretion, I may be able to do a sentence or probation that is more productive for them to complete than just a high jail sentence.”

All three judges pointed to the Fresh Start program, a quarterly initiative run through the Bayou City Community Court and funded by the judges, that allows residents to have their criminal records sealed free of charge.

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Content Manager Terrance Harris

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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DN InFocus

Moves to make in Trump era Combats Black America defunding

By Aswad Walker

Media entrepreneur Roland Martin argues that Trump administration policies aligned with Project 2025 have accelerated the “defunding of Black America”— reducing support for education, housing, healthcare, civil rights, and economic opportunity.

For generations, Black communities relied on federal protections and civil rights enforcement to build pathways toward economic mobility. As those supports weaken, a pressing question emerges: What now?

Increasingly, Black leaders say the solution lies in rebuilding what Black communities have built before: our own systems.

Alternative financial ecosystems “Capital without education leads to misuse. Education without capital leads to frustration,” says Houston financial advisor Angela CeZar. CeZar argues that Black communities must build alternative financial ecosystems to generate and retain wealth internally.

Her model includes community invest- CeZar ment trusts, investor education, micro-lending pools supported by civic organizations, and wealth-building academies.

“The goal is not just access to capital, but retention of capital. Not just financial literacy, but financial agency,” CeZar stresses.

Investing in Black spaces Nicklos also believes communities must prioritize preserving Black-owned public spaces. He suggests businesses adopt a philanthropy model similar to church tithing.

“The same way that ingrained idea of paying tithes and offerings... we need to be investing in the reclamation, the revitalization, the restoration, and the preservation of our historical assets, our cultural spaces, our safe spaces,” Nicklos states.

Rebuilding community For John Nicklos II, founder of Lead360 and chairman of Juneteenth Houston, the first step is simple: “Get to know your neighbors.”

Nicklos believes vital communal ties were lost during suburbanization.

“We’ve a lways been communal,” he says. “Black people do community really well.”

Nicklos II Strong neighborhoods create informal support networks to weather hardships like job losses or childcare challenges.

“When things happen on the top line that we can’t access, what we can do is support each other,” Nicklos says, recommending mutual aid circles and local resource-sharing groups.

Community self-determination Tamani Mwandani, founder of Black Gold Nation, believes the ultimate answer is self-determination.

“The solution for Black America, regardless of the ailment, is community,” Mwandani states, pointing to a history of surviving systemic exclusion through collective action.

Mwandani calls for a focused economic strategy he labels “Block Out, Buy Out, and Build Up.” “We must absolutely block these Mwandani businesses out of our communities, buy them out if possible, and/or build up what we need and replace them,” Mwandani adds, referring to a pointed boycott of Asian-owned businesses in the wake of

From neighborhood networks to community finance, leaders outline practical strategies for creating Blackcontrolled systems and sustainable futures. Credit: Filip Rankovic Grobgaard/Unsplash.

rising anti-Black sentiment voiced by several Asian-American social media users. “Billions are on the line, needed to develop our own housing, education system, healthcare, food production, and other critical systems.”

Tradition of institution-building This approach isn’t new. Historically, Black communities created mutual aid societies, insurance companies, business districts, and schools when mainstream institutions excluded them.

Organizations like the Free African Society, formed in 1787 by Richard Allen (who founded the AME Church in 1816) and Absalom Jones, pooled resources for healthcare. Black entrepreneurs established companies like North Carolina Mutual when traditional financial services were unavailable. Independent institution-building has always been a core survival tradition.

What needs to be built Many leaders believe significant infrastructure gaps remain. Key areas requiring greater Black-controlled development include: • Affordable housing and community land trusts • Cooperative grocery stores and agricultural cooperatives • Healthcare and mental health clinics • Credit unions and independent educational programs • Technology, media platforms, and • Community security initiatives

Several people contend that reconnecting with the community is foundational to creating the systems that will enable Black people to survive and thrive moving forward.

Credit: Taylor Turtle/Unsplash.

Construction over resistance In Houston, several organizations are already leading this work, including Project Row Houses, the Emancipation Economic Development Council, the Houston Area Urban League, and Bread of Life, Inc. The message from advocates is consistent: if traditional systems are disappearing, the response cannot simply be resistance. It must also be construction. Black America’s future may depend less on what gets restored and more on what gets birthed and built.

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DN InFocus

E

By Asward Walker

conomic mobility is about far more than income. The ability to buy a home, start a business, earn a degree, access healthcare, vote, and advocate for one’s interests all shape whether or not families can build wealth and pass opportunity to future generations.

That reality is why economists and civil rights scholars say policies emerging from President Donald Trump’s second administration could significantly affect Black economic mobility.

Supporters of Trump’s policies argue that deregulation and merit-based policies will spur economic growth for everyone. Critics contend those policies, which include cuts to diversity initiatives and civil rights protections, disproportionately affect Black communities that already face longstanding barriers to wealth.

Economic mobility: More than a paycheck Federal Reserve data continue to show that the median wealth of Black families remains well below that of white families. Black homeownership rates lag national averages, while Black entrepreneurs are more likely to be denied financing and less likely to receive venture capital.

Economist William Darity Jr. has long argued that where Americans begin life continues to shape their economic outcomes.

Recent employment trends have added new challenges. As corporations reduced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and federal agencies downsized, more than 300,000 Black women reportedly lost jobs, left the workforce, or were pushed out of employment during 2025. At the same time, the U.S. Bureau

of Labor Statistics reported that 567,000 Black men lost jobs between November 2025 and February 2026.

Because Black households are more likely to rely on dual incomes or single primary earners, policy changes affecting employment, housing, education, healthcare, business development, and voting rights can have broad economic consequences.

Michael O. Adams, a professor at Texas Southern University, believes that growing military expenditures, driven by the “war economy” produced by the nation’s current war with Iran, also divert resources from domestic priorities.

“We need more reinvestment into healthcare, education, and economic development,” Adams said.

Solutions • Build collective wealth through investment clubs, credit unions, and cooperative economics.

• Diversify income with investing, side businesses, and financial literacy.

Housing remains the foundation of wealth Homeownership remains the largest wealth-building asset for most American families. The Trump administration has opposed race-conscious housing and reparative housing initiatives, including challenging a housing reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. Supporters of those programs argue they address generations of discrimination, while opponents say housing assistance should be race-neutral.

Supporters of the administration also argue that reducing regulations and expanding housing supply could improve affordability for all buyers. Whether those broader market benefits

BLACK UNEMPLOYMENT RATE INCREASED IN 2025

Average monthly Black and overall unemployment rates for 2024 and 2025

The Black Bottom Line In the Trump Era

6.9% 6.0%

4.3%

4.0%

outweigh the loss of targeted assistance remains a matter of debate among economists.

Solutions • Pursue available local down-payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs that have yet to be defunded or outlawed by the Trump administration.

• Consider multi-generational or co-buying arrangements to build equity sooner.

Black businesses face new challenges Black-owned businesses experienced record growth following the pandemic, thanks in large part to government contracts, supplier-diversity programs, and technical assistance. These avenues had been heavily funded by the government until Trump administration policies cut the vast majority of those funding sources.

Among the administration’s most significant actions were executive orders restricting DEI requirements in federal agencies and federal contracting, along with revoking Executive Order 11246 and parallel state-level rollbacks, which required federal (and state) contractors to pursue equal employment opportunity.

The administration says these changes restore merit-based opportunity. Many Black business advocates have already reported seeing reduced opportunities for minority-owned firms competing for public contracts. In Texas, state-level actions and legal challenges have already resulted in reduced access to government contracts. Economic models also demonstrate that ending affirmative action leads to severe downsizing and reduced participation for these businesses The Texas comptroller’s office restructured the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, decertifying approximately 15,000 MWBEs and severely limiting eligibility for billions of dollars in state contracts. While a state district judge temporarily blocked the changes, litigation regarding their impact remains active.

The City of Houston has faced ongoing federal lawsuits challenging its Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) programs.

Houston businesses also face higher operating costs tied to global instability and rising fuel prices.

“I’m not sure people realize the tight margins small businesses operate within,” said Judson Robinson, president and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League. “When the price of oil needlessly skyrockets, the burden on Black people increases exponentially… it erases profit margins and can put you out of business.”

Solutions • Expand into private-sector and business-to-business markets.

• Strengthen relationships through Black chambers of commerce and local business networks.

2024

2025 Black

Overall Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education and workforce development Higher education remains one of the strongest predictors of lifetime earnings. The Trump

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS GROWTH DASHBOARD (2025-26) Metric

January 2025

Mid-2026 Status

Growth/ Context

Total Employer Firms

~195,000 firms

>201,000 firms

Growth: 62% increase since 2017

Gross Revenue

$211.8 Billion

$249+ Billion

Growth: 66% jump overall since 2017

Federal Contracts

1.53% of total awards

1.23% of total awards

Lack of Growth: Drop in federal share

Micro-Firm Employment

High-Optimism (pre-tariffs)

62,000 jobs cut (since Jan 2025)

Lack of Growth: Negative impact on <20 employee firms

Population Parity

3.3% of U.S. employers

3.4% of U.S. employers

Growth (slow): Persistent gap with population (14.4%)

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

administration has highlighted support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and workforce development initiatives. At the same time, the Department of Education announced plans to eliminate roughly $350 million in discretionary funding for institutions serving large numbers of minority students, including HBCUs. Education advocates also argue that broader anti-DEI policies may reduce programs designed to recruit and support underrepresented students. Administration officials contend such programs conflict with equal-treatment principles.

So far, the impact on actual Black student enrollment numbers varies. Some Texas universities have experienced slight declines.

However, many others have maintained relatively steady numbers due to the state’s long-standing “Top 10% Percent Rule,” which guarantees admission to top high school graduates. Some schools are now using “color-blind” recruitment strategies, focusing on broader socioeconomic factors, geography, and general underserved high schools.

Solutions • Pursue technical certifications, apprenticeships, and high-demand skilled trades.

• Expand alumni giving and private mentoring to strengthen HBCUs. Healthcare affects economic security Good health is essential to economic mobility. Because Black Americans are more likely to rely on Medicaid and other public health programs, reductions in healthcare access can increase medical debt, reduce workforce

participation, and limit wealth-building opportunities.

Solutions • Use community health centers and preventive care whenever possible.

• Build emergency savings specifically for healthcare expenses.

Political power shapes economic opportunity Economic mobility is also tied to political representation. Voting influences decisions on education funding, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Civil-rights advocates argue that weakening federal voting protections could reduce Black political influence, while supporters of election-integrity measures say they strengthen public confidence in elections.

Whatever one’s perspective, political participation helps determine who controls public investment.

Solutions • Prioritize municipal and school board elections.

• Support or run for local offices that shape community investment decisions.

Bottom line For Black America, economic mobility has never depended solely on individual effort.

Public policy also shapes access to opportunity.

Decisions involving employment, housing, business development, education, healthcare, and voting rights will continue to influence whether Black families can narrow longstanding wealth gaps—or face greater obstacles to building wealth for future generations.

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DN InFocus

The Pivot

Black families rewrite stability in uncertain times

By ReShonda Tate

For generations, the blueprint for the American Dream was treated as a fixed asset: Climb the corporate ladder, secure a mortgage, and anchor your wealth in a home.

It was a linear path to stability — one that Black families fought hard to access against decades of redlining and systemic bias.

But in 2026, a quiet revolution is happening at kitchen tables across the country. Facing a combination of persistent inflation, a hyper-volatile housing market, and corporate restructuring, Black Americans are unilaterally rewriting the rules of economic security.

The traditional markers of “making it” are being traded for two higher-value currencies: Flexibility and autonomy.

“The old contract is broken,” says Dr. Cheryl Harrison, an economic sociologist focusing on minority wealth trends. “Black families saw their parents give 30 years to corporate structures only to be downsized via an automated email. Simultaneously, the barrier to entry for homeownership has transformed from a milestone into an extreme financial burden. The pivot we are seeing today isn’t a retreat; it’s a sophisticated, strategic realignment.”

Shedding the golden handcuffs: The corporate exodus

With the national Black homeownership rate hovering around 44% amid high mortgage rates, some Black Americans are bypassing traditional home buying in favor of “rentvesting”—renting for flexibility while deploying capital into alternative, highly liquid investments.

Credit: Getty Images.

now creates luxury grazing experiences throughout the Houston area.

“What began as a hobby during one of the most uncertain seasons of my life has grown into a business built on creativity, hospitality, and community,” Jackson says. “Instead of focusing on what I lost, I decided to invest in what I could build.”

The rise of independent economic

When Patricia Jackson was let go from ecosystems her job in human resources, she Jackson’s pivot reflects a massive initially thought her world was macroeconomic trend. According coming to an end. For more to recent Brookings Institution than eight years, she had reports, the number of Blackclimbed the ranks at a healthowned employer businesses in care organization, doing the United States officially surwork she genuinely loved. passed 200,000 for the first time, Then, in October 2025, corfueled heavily by major metropolporate restructuring eliminated itan hubs. her entire department.

Patricia For many, leaving corporate America Rather than diving straight back Jackson isn’t just about chasing higher income— into a volatile job market, Jackson it is an escape from the hidden “racial chose to bet on herself. For years, she had tax” of corporate environments and a bid for been creating custom charcuterie boards for structural agility. family gatherings, holidays, and friends — “We are seeing a generational realization a creative outlet that had steadily grown in that true stability cannot be given to you demand. by an employer,” notes Harrison. “If your “I loved the artistry of it—the ability to income can be erased by a single boardbring people together around food, con- room decision, you aren’t stable—you are versation, and connection,” she explains. vulnerable.”

“As requests continued to grow, I kept asking myself, ‘What if this could become a Redefining shelter: Renting by business?’” choice, Investing by strategy Instead of focusing on what she had lost, The most visible fracture in the tradiJackson invested in what she could build. tional dream is the housing market. FedShe completed the required food safety and eral Reserve and U.S. Census Bureau data manager certifications, secured licenses, and show the national Black homeownership navigated local inspections. That leap of faith rate hovering at 44%. High mortgage interbecame Board Affairs Charcuterie, which est rates and stark generational wealth gaps

mean Black buyers are twice as likely to face mortgage rejections compared to other demographics.

In response, Black Gen Zers and Millennials are rejecting the emotional guilt of renting. Instead, they are embracing “rentvesting” — renting a primary residence for lifestyle flexibility while deploying their capital into alternative investments.

By separating where they live from how they build wealth, families are avoiding locking up their entire net worth in a single, illiquid piece of property during an unstable economic cycle.

The strategic blueprint: Building autonomy

If you and your family are navigating this shifting landscape, constructing a modern foundation requires a tactical approach to security.

1. Establish immediate action. The traditional

“three-month emergency fund” is insufficient in a fractional economy. Aim for a 6-to-9-month cash cushion held in a HighYield Savings Account (HYSA). Treat this cash not just as an emergency fund, but as pivot capital— giving you the leverage to walk away from toxic work environments or invest in immediate opportunities.

skills (project management, accounting, IT) into an independent LLC structure, allowing you to take on fractional contract work alongside or instead of standard W-2 employment.

3. Prioritize liquid wealth over fixed assets: Investment strategy. Avoid

stretching your debt-to-income ratio to the absolute maximum just to buy a house in an inflated market. Prioritize high-liquidity investments—such as low-cost index funds, Treasury bills, or community-based investment syndicates—that can be cashed out or borrowed against within 48 hours if economic conditions shift.

4. Protect your unit with legal infrastructure: Generational security. True

stability relies heavily on legal protections.

Establish an estate plan, draft a living will, and utilize corporate structures (like LLCs or family trusts) to shield personal assets from business liabilities. Do not leave your family’s financial legacy to the mercy of state probate courts.

The new definition of legacy

Ultimately, this shift is transforming how the Black community views the concept of a legacy. It is no longer about leaving behind a physKey ical house that descendants may or Resources for Modern may not want to live in; it is about Financial passing down a mindset of complete Strategy adaptability.

“Our wealth is becoming mobile,” says Harrison. “When you pass down a thriving digital business, a diversi2. De-risk your professional profile. fied portfolio, and the skills to navigate volDiversify your income streams so that no sin- atile markets, you give the next generation gle source controls more than 70% of your something far more valuable than a piece of household revenue. Convert your corporate property. You give them options.”

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DN Profile

Chaka Howard Builds successful business after corporate layoff

By Laura Onyeneho

The call came two months after Chaka Howard had been promised she was safe.

After nearly nine years in corporate marketing at Red Bull, surviving round after round of layoffs, Howard was let go along with several colleagues. The company replaced them with entry-level hires. It stung. But Howard, a Houston native who had started her career as a brand ambassador and worked her way up to field marketing manager for some of the nation’s biggest brands, did not stay down for long.

Today, Howard is the owner of Indigo Event Marketing, a full-service event production, brand staffing, and experiential marketing agency operating in every major U.S. market with more than 200 contract employees. Clients include Foot Locker, Anheuser-Busch, White Claw, and the Houston launch of Travis Scott’s Cacti beverage brand.

“One hundred percent of my business has been referrals,” Howard said. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Howard grew up in Houston and graduated from the University of Houston. Her corporate career spanned some of the most recognizable brands in the consumer goods space, including Red Bull, Coca-Cola, and Vita Coco. But even as she excelled, she watched Black colleagues absorb a disproportionate share of budget cuts and workforce reductions.

“Being in marketing, whenever people cut budgets, marketing is the first to go,” she said.

“And being a minority, I was always one of the first ones to go, or it was another peer who was just excellent at what they did.”

Chaka Howard, owner of Indigo Event Marketing, built her Houstonbased agency after a corporate layoff.

Courtesy Chaka Howard.

Pick and choose your hard. Make a list of your pros and cons on both and go from there. And be grateful, for where you are, for what you’ve built, for what you survived.”

CHAKA HOWARD

Howard saw the writing on the wall before the layoff came. A new vice president arrived, flew the team in for a major training, and told everyone in the room they were safe. Two days later, a wave of terminations rolled through. Two months after that, Howard got the call.

“There can be a promise, there can be anything, and there’s just no guarantee,” she said.

“That is one thing that made my skin tougher.”

She had already begun building Indigo on the side while working a contract position after Red Bull. She kept it quiet until she slipped and mentioned it to the wrong person. She was let go from that job, but this time, she had clients waiting.

“I would have stayed there forever if that didn’t happen,” Howard said. “That gave me the chance to say, I have all the tools that I need. I have clients. Let me do this 100% on my own.”

Lauren Suggs, a veterinary technician who met Howard in 2016 when she was hired onto Howard’s brand marketing team for Purina, said the hustle was always there.

For the past 15 years, Chaka Howard has been a key contributor to developing marketing strategies for brands nationwide. Courtesy: Chaka Howard.

“That woman is so motivated, she’s definitely got fire within her,” Suggs said. “I always knew no matter what, she’s going to be okay.”

Suggs recalled the early days of Indigo as a steep learning curve for everyone involved.

Howard was hands-on in every detail, making calls to stores, managing staff, and filling gaps herself when needed.

“She built it from the ground up,” Suggs said. “She was not one of those business owners who’s hands off. She did not have a problem making phone calls to stores when it was needed.”

That commitment to quality runs through every layer of the agency. Howard pays her brand ambassadors weekly, while many competing agencies delay payments by a month or more. She invests in team-building and ambassador recognition programs.

“If something happens, they’re not going to put it back on that brand ambassador,” she said.

“It’s going to come straight back to me.”

As the current political climate has accelerated corporate DEI rollbacks, with brands like Walmart, Meta, and Foot Locker scaling back diversity investments and marketing budgets, Howard says she is watching the shift closely.

She holds a minority-owned business certification, though she acknowledges she has not

yet fully leveraged it. More immediately, she is feeling the tightening of client budgets across several of her major accounts.

“A lot of things that we did last year, we didn’t do this year,” Howard said. “Budget has been a big thing lately. But as times change, we have to change.”

Her response has been to diversify her client base and lean into collaboration, including partnering with other Houston-based entrepreneurs to build new revenue streams outside her traditional beverage and retail verticals. She also has a sharper understanding now of when to say no. Early in Indigo’s growth, she said yes to last-minute activations to avoid losing clients, even when her team was not positioned to deliver at full capacity. That lesson cost her.

“They hired you to be the expert,” Howard said. “They’d rather you say no than take on something you can’t handle and embarrass them and embarrass yourself even more.”

Owning a business is hard in ways that are not always visible from the outside, including the reality that some months, her staff gets paid before she does.

“Pick and choose your hard,” she said. “Make a list of your pros and cons on both and go from there. And be grateful, for where you are, for what you’ve built, for what you survived.”

10 | July 9, 2026 |

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DN Sports

CANCEL CULTURE Activism and Black athletes, a tricky proposition.

By Terrance Harris

Black athletes have always had to tread lightly when speaking up politically or for the culture.

The Black community expects them to speak up. The other side has often pushed back with rhetoric like “Shut Up and Dribble!”

As challenging as activism has been in past years and decades, speaking out now in this high-stakes world of sports has become increasingly difficult for Black athletes in the current political environment they are navigating.

“I think it’s more so heightened in this political climate where we have these individuals who are very sensitive and possessive, to put it politely,” said University of Houston Sociology professor Dr. Billy Hawkins. “They don’t take kindly to criticism, questioning, or any of that.”

Black athletes who take a political stand, like former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and former Chicago Bulls point guard Craig Hodges, have found themselves blackballed out of their profession. Today, the backlash when speaking up can almost feel like the world is crashing down on you.

In May, New York Giants second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced racially polarizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a rally. In the NFL, where the players are overwhelmingly Black, there were likely hundreds of players around the league and in his own locker room who took issue with Dart’s outward support of Trump.

We always tell them to steer clear of the trap questions. “When we are getting ready or the postgame we keep everything about the team, about the game and never about our opponent and never about anything political.”

TREMAINE JACKSON Prairie View football coach

NBA players like LeBron James have not been shy about their activism in a league that has given them space to express themselves without repercussions. Credit: Getty Images.

His teammate, linebacker Abdul Carter, spoke up, saying on social media, “Thought this shit was AI, what we doing man.”

Suddenly, the story was much less about Dart’s controversial support of Trump and more about Carter’s stand. Carter, who was drafted by the Giants third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Dart were taken 22 spots later in that same draft, also said that it was “bigger than football” and that the two had talked and smoothed things out.

But that hasn’t stopped others, like former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason, from criticizing Carter for taking a stand.

“That’s the other thing when you talk about the ability to construct a narrative and the counter-narrative to control all of those moving parts,” Hawkins said. “Even in this case, when it’s negative, it’s often reconfigured to work in their favor. That’s one of the challenges we have, especially when we talk about the power of technology and the media.”

That power is so alluring and, at the same time, can be detrimental to the Black athlete and the team that franchises and college programs have invested millions of dollars in training athletes and coaches to

communicate with the media and to know which subjects it’s best to avoid.

Prairie View coach Tremaine Jackson, who is outspoken, has advised his players not to speak to the media about anything other than the game they are about to play or have played.

“We always tell them to steer clear of the trap questions,” Jackson said. “When we are getting ready for the postgame, we keep everything about the team, about the game, and never about our opponent and never about anything political.”

University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson takes a slightly different approach. He is much less concerned about them speaking up and more concerned about them being politically aware and educated before speaking out.

“Over the course of time, things come up.

I will advise them, and I usually advise them with the factual evidence,” Sampson said. “I will pull something up just to make sure they are aware of it.

“I don’t ever tell them what to say. This is America. You form your own thoughts, but you need to know certain things.”

What has made speaking up in the name of activism, particularly at the collegiate

level, so problematic is that, in doing so, student-athletes can jeopardize lucrative and life-changing money that those at the highest level of college athletics can receive from NIL and revenue-sharing deals.

“It’s a tough one because you can be canceled in a minute,” Hawkins said. “Financially or whatever the case may be, that’s a big ask, especially when you are talking about individuals at the start of their careers.”

At the professional level, the backlash has been evident toward some Black athletes who speak up, while there seems to be greater tolerance for athletes like NBA stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who have been outspoken about the actions in this current political climate. Players in the WNBA have also not been afraid to express their political views, sometimes wearing messages on their warm-up shirts to support their activism.

But there is no doubt that the cancel culture still exists.

“They see that, and they recognize how easy it is, regardless of your level of talent, you can be silenced,” Hawkins said. “Whenever you step up or stand out of line, say the wrong thing, support the wrong cause, they see that as an example.”

July 9, 2026 |

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| 11

DN InFocus TRUMP & POLITICS

College Student Perspective

By Jimmie Aggison

Eight Texas Southern University students shared differing views on how President Donald Trump’s presidency has influenced young people’s interest in politics and government. While opinions varied, many said the current political climate has become increasingly polarized, leaving some young people discouraged or feeling unheard. Others said heightened attention to politics and social media has motivated more people to stay informed and participate in civic discussions. Several students emphasized the importance of voting, staying informed about political issues, and paying closer attention to local government, while others expressed concerns about the economy, employment opportunities, and the influence of social media on political perspectives.

I don’t really try to focus on the presidency too much since politics is really crazy nowaday.

But I feel like President Trump is a good businessman. Politically, I haven’t seen much lately. I don’t get into that that much, but he’s doing pretty good in my opinion.”

ANANIAS RAY

a sophomore majoring in Administration of Justice and plans to attend law school and, one day, become a criminal defense lawyer. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

I feel like Donald Trump’s presidency has changed young people’s view on the presidency a lot in a negative way. It’s ridiculous, and it’s almost childish. If we were still back in 2014 - 2016, there would be none of this when Barack Obama was still president.

When Barack Obama was president, everybody was trying to vote because he knew what it meant to be president. He knew how to step up and take care of this country. When people needed things done, he got them done. He took care of the country and took care not only of the people who were in need but people who said something and used their voice.”

JORDAN SANDERS

is a junior majoring in music. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

It’s changed it to where they feel like now it’s really no room for change. I feel like they feel at this point it’s just whatever Trump wants to do. Whatever we feel is an injustice, it doesn’t really get anywhere because we don’t have anyone to really listen to us or really care about how we feel.”

BRIAN PAYNE

a senior majoring in radio, television, and film. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

I think that a lot of people are actually affected by social media more and that interloops with Trump and his homies like Elon Musk because they’ve started to control how the algorithms work in social media.

So, now you want engagement on social media because it’s ad-driven revenue. Since you want engagement, you need polarizing algorithms. A lot of people are getting shown content that is very polarizing, making people swing one way or the other in an extraordinary fashion. So, I think with young people, we’re trying to figure out what the actual truth of it all is now instead of just getting swirled around by the algorithm.”

KEYSHON WILLIAMS

is a graduate student studying professional communications and digital media. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

I feel like it’s pulling away from people. People my age, yeah, we’re interested in politics, but while this crazy man is in office, what really discourages us is the changes that are not being made. Having Trump in office, it’s kind of making a joke out of us if you really want to be honest. For me, voting is important. If you really want to make a change, vote. That’s all you need to do: vote, educate yourself, and make a change.”

Personally, I just feel like they feel like it’s trash now. They feel like maybe they don’t even need college anymore because it’s harder to get a job even with a degree like a masters.”

CHRISTIAN YANCY

I actually think that over time we’ve been able to see people make their dreams come true.

We have to keep in mind that Trump was an outsider, and he was a celebrity, a huge celebrity that just happened to have access to people who had the type of money to finance his cause. Because he’s an outsider, he can say things and make executive orders, and he doesn’t feel the gravitas of his decisions.

He just knows that they’re well within his rights, and he knows which rules to break and which rules he can bend. One thing I can say is that it really shines a light on local government, which a lot of people don’t pay as much attention to. They don’t feel the effects of the presidency like they would because the offices are in Washington DC. But in local government, you have to look for the people who represent your causes.”

a graduate student pursuing his MBA. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

I don’t really appreciate any of the atrocities that are happening overseas. I can guarantee you that a lot of the younger people around my generation also feel the same. I don’t think anything that he’s done within this year has benefited the economy socially or globally, and I also don’t believe that running for a third term is legal.”

ELI HARRISON

a senior majoring in political science with plans to go into campaign management. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

MEKLET ASSEFA

a graduate student who is studying health science. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

WINSTON CASHIN

a senior. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/ Defender.

12 | July 9, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature POLITICAL STORM DEFENSE MOVES

Protect your peace

By ReShonda Tate

Between the 24-hour breaking news cycle, endless social media outrage loops, economic anxieties, and heated family group chats, the collective blood pressure of Black America is being pushed to its limits.

It feels like we are living in a permanent state of high alert.

But dealing with this emotional stress doesn’t just mean “going to lie down” or “turning off the TV.” True mental preservation isn’t about checking out of reality—it’s about surviving it with your sanity intact.

In fact, sometimes the best way to combat the anxiety of a chaotic political climate is to shift from a reactive, doomscrolling state to a proactive, intentional state.

Here is a guide to recognizing political burnout and implementing culturally relevant strategies to protect your peace without sacrificing your civic duty.

Recognizing the signs of political exhaustion Before you can fix the fatigue, you have to recognize it. Emotional depletion doesn’t always look like sadness; in highstress environments, it often masks itself as everyday frustration.

• The doomscroll loop: Checking your phone first thing in the morning and right before bed, feeling your chest tighten with every notification.

• Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on guard or waiting for the next “breaking news” disaster to drop.

• The low-key irritability: Getting unusually angry over a minor social media comment or a family member’s political take.

• Physical burnout: Unexplained headaches, jaw-clenching, tension in the shoulders, or disrupted sleep patterns.

• Validation Check: If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not weak. Experiencing emotional exhaustion during periods of intense political and racial tension is a completely valid, normal response to an abnormal amount of stress.

10 PRACTICAL STRATEGIES TO PROTECT YOUR PEACE 1. Implement the “Two-Strike” media rule You don’t need to watch the same tragedy or political debate on a loop. Once you have seen a news story twice to grasp the facts, change the station. Turn off the TV, close the app, and let your nervous system reset.

Constant exposure to breaking news can contribute to stress and anxiety. Experts say intentional media consumption is one way to protect emotional well-being during turbulent times. Credit: Gemini AI.

2. Shift from reactive to proactive engagement Channeling your anxiety into localized action can actually alleviate feelings of helplessness. Instead of shouting into the void of the internet, channel that energy into a tangible impact: • Volunteer for a local campaign.

• Attend a neighborhood civic meeting to understand why things are happening.

• Join a grassroots organization focused on a single issue you care about (e.g., literacy, food insecurity, voting rights).

5. Do NOT argue with folks on social media You will not change someone’s mind in 280 characters, nor will you find nuance in a thread fueled by algorithms that profit off your anger. Engaging with trolls and badfaith actors drains your battery and yields zero return on investment. If a post triggers the urge to clap back, close the app, take a deep breath, and put your phone face down.

Your energy is a currency—stop spending it on strangers who are committed to misunderstanding you.

3. Establish a “No-Fly Zone” for content Protect the transitions of your day. Create strict boundaries around your technology: No news or social media within the first 30 minutes of waking up, and no screens 40 minutes before bed. Fill those spaces with prayer, journaling, or silence.

6. Lean into culturally centered community support We don’t have to carry this alone. Healing happens in community. Look for spaces where you can unpack your feelings safely— whether that is a Black-led therapy circle, a local yoga class, a church prayer group, or a simple Sunday brunch with friends where politics are strictly off the table.

4. Curate your digital block list Protecting your peace means realizing you do not owe anyone a debate in the comment section. Mute keywords that trigger anxiety, unfollow accounts that trade exclusively in outrage, and utilize the “block” button liberally.

7. Prioritize radical joy as resistance In a world that often capitalizes on Black pain, choosing joy is a revolutionary act. Prioritize activities that make you laugh, feel safe, and feel grounded, whether it’s listening to an old-school playlist, cooking a comforting

meal, or sitting in the sun. Joy is essential fuel for the journey.

8. Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique When a news alert hits, and you feel your anxiety spiking, pause. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for eight seconds. This resets your nervous system from “fight or flight” back to calm.

9. Substitute consumption with creation When the world feels too loud, turn down the volume by creating something. Write in a journal, plant something in a garden, paint, knit, or work with your hands. Creating something tangible gives you a sense of agency when the outside world feels uncontrollable.

10. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt Rest is not something you have to earn after you are completely depleted; it is a requirement to prevent depletion in the first place. Taking a weekend off from the news does not mean you don’t care about Black liberation—it means you intend to be alive and well to see it.