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Black and missing in Houston

NEWS

PROFILE

J’MAINE CHUBB

JULI McSHAY

The new CFO at TSU is ready to turn financial challenges around.

Works to empower the community through civic education.

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Volume 95, issue 41 July 30, 2026

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A car remains lodged on the northbound Southwest Freeway at Beltway 8 West after plunging from an elevated HOV lane on July 22, 2026, one of two dramatic Houston highway crashes during TxDOT’s Operation Slowdown enforcement period. Courtesy: Iesha Jones/ Instagram.

Message from the Reporter nation that was never colonized, built with Two vehicles went airborne over Housactors from across the diaspora, because ton freeways on back-to-back days last that is the point. Letitia Wright is Britweek, and both incidents occurred during ish. Winston Duke is Trinidadian. Lupita TxDOT’s own campaign to stop it. “OperaNyong’o is Kenyan-Mexican. Coogler has tion Slowdown,” the state’s annual speed-enalways cast globally because Blackness forcement push, runs July 18 through Aug. 2 is not limited to a single nationality. Secthis year, adding extra patrols after speeding ond-guessing his decision after two films contributed to 1,247 deaths and more than that reshaped what a superhero movie could 150,000 crashes across Texas in 2025 alone. be is giving secondhand embarrassment.

On July 22, a driver lost control on the Ryan Coogler knows what he is doing, and Laura Onyeneho elevated HOV lane along northbound Interhe hasn’t disappointed us so far. state 69 at Beltway 8 West, struck the barrier, and fell onto the main lanes below. Three women were hospitalized and are Trump joked about a fourth term. expected to survive, thanks in part to bystanders who used It was not that funny. sledgehammers and their bare hands to pull them from the At the recent rescheduled White House Correspondents’ wreckage. Less than 24 hours later, two 18-wheelers collided Association dinner, President Donald Trump pulled a red on eastbound Interstate 10 at the Grand Parkway interchange. “Trump 2028” hat from behind the podium and announced, One truck’s trailer was left dangling off the overpass while as a bit, his “intention to run for a fourth term.” The room, by the cab crashed onto the feeder road below, spilling fuel and most accounts, went quiet. The Constitution’s 22nd Amendsending two people to the hospital. ment limits any president to two elected terms, and Trump Both crashes shut down major freeways for hours during has previously suggested that his count should include his rush periods. That should tell us something. A themed cam- disputed 2020 loss. paign and a few more patrol cars are not going to fix a culture Historians and legal scholars continue cataloging what where cutting across three lanes at 85 mph feels normal. they call the unprecedented erosion of democratic norms Houston needs engineering fixes and real consequences. under this administration, from two impeachments to a felBecause after the campaign is over, then what? ony conviction to open questioning of the peaceful transfer of power. Supporters call it Trump being Trump. Critics see Ryan Coogler chooses the next Black Panther a president who keeps testing how far a bit can go before it Marvel finally answered its biggest lingering question at stops being one.

Comic-Con. Who takes up the mantle after Chadwick BoseThe oath to preserve and protect the Constitution is not a man? Director Ryan Coogler introduced David Jonsson, punchline. Using the power of the federal government against known for HBO’s “Industry,” “Alien: Romulus” and “The critics is not a punchline. A hat is not just a hat when the man Long Walk,” as the actor who will play an adult T’Challa II wearing it has spent a decade blurring the line between perin “Black Panther 3,” set for Dec. 15, 2028. Jonsson called it formance and intent. There are many unprecedented things “an honor and a privilege” to join the franchise. The casting happening in his presidency. A fourth term isn’t what I ever news should have been a celebration. Instead, a slice of social want to see. media turned it into a referendum on Jonsson’s nationality, questioning why a British actor was chosen to carry on a story On The Web built around Boseman, an American who died in 2020 after • Trump shell game biggest grift in world history. a private battle with colon cancer.

• Why ignorance of Black-Asian alliances matters.

Wakanda is fiction. It is Coogler’s vision of an African • Top 5 reasons “The Polygamist” is must-see TV. Is Operation Slowdown effective?

July 30, 2026 |

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| 3

DN News

Black homeownership Sees record high decline in Harris County

By Tannistha Sinha

Harris County experienced its sharpest one-year pullback from homeownership in a decade in 2024. The decline landed disproportionately on Black families, according to the Kinder Institute for Urban Research’s newly released State of Housing in Harris County and Houston report.

Roughly 19,000 fewer county households owned their homes in 2024 than the year before, while nearly 30,000 more became renters. That drove the county’s Courtney homeowner-occupied Johnson Rose rate down from 55.2% to 53.8%, the steepest single-year decline since 2014, and the biggest loss of owner-occupied households since 2010.

Courtney Johnson Rose, the former president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and a real estate broker, said the decline in Black homeownership in Harris County reflects a combination of rising housing costs, economic pressures, income disparities, and the burden of student loan debt on younger Black buyers.

“All of these things going up make the cost of being a homeowner even higher,” Rose said. “In addition to that, most of our housing stock is older homes. The cost of maintenance is higher for owning a home because you’re dealing with an older property. The cost of gas and food goes up, but your income has not gone up at that same pace.”

Black homeownership on the decline Black and Hispanic residents bore the brunt of the shift.

• Harris County had 7,750 fewer Black households and 7,100 fewer Hispanic households living in an owner-occupied property.

• Houston lost 11,300 Black owner-occupied households, with modest gains elsewhere in the county.

• More Black (5,000) and Hispanic households shifted to renting, particularly Hispanic families (26,000) Rose identified Black millennials as a particularly affected group, noting that debtto-income ratios, rather than poor credit or lack of a down payment, are often the primary reason Black applicants are denied mortgages.

“When you look at loan debt amongst Black millennials, as the cost of housing increases with student loan debt, it makes

it that much harder to qualify to be able to purchase,” she added.

Years of rising costs finally catch up Although home prices themselves held fairly steady in 2024, researchers and real estate professionals point to an accumulation of expenses that has been building for years.

In five years (2019-2024), the county’s median home sale price climbed by almost $100,000, while 30-year mortgage rates jumped 3%.

Median residential property taxes also increased (from about $3,800 to $4,400) over this period.

Insurance and tax bills rose sharply as well, with median annual homeowners’ insurance premiums increasing.

The compounding costs have hit historically Black neighborhoods especially hard.

Communities such as Acres Homes, South Acres/Crestmont Park, and East Little York/Homestead, areas with large concentrations of Black homeowners, saw some of the fastest home-price growth in the county between 2020 and 2025, with typical increases of $75,000 to $125,000.

As property values in these neighborhoods rose, so did the tax bills tied to them.

Michael Davis, president of the Houston Black Real Estate Association and founder of Michael G. Davis & Associates, argues that declining Black homeownership is not a matter of choice for Black Harris County residents.

“There is not an institution designed to deal with the gaps that are preventing Black people from getting Michael Davis over the finish line, when it comes to sustainable homeownership,” Davis said.

Many Black families have missed out on the institutional knowledge about property taxes and insurance costs that have historically been passed down, Davis explained, also citing mistrust of existing financial institutions as a major barrier.

“What’s happening now economically and the political environments we’re dealing with, that’s impacting a lot of Black people,” Davis said.

A warning sign for wealth-building.

DRESS CODE DEBATE

Tuskegee U. bans du-rags, bonnets

By ReShonda Tate

A sweeping update to student behavioral standards at Tuskegee University has ignited a fiery debate across campus and online, as incoming and returning students react to new restrictions banning bonnets, du-rags, sleepwear, and revealing attire in public campus spaces.

The policy shift, announced ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year by Tuskegee President Dr. Mark A. Brown, outlines clear boundaries for student attire.

Under the updated guidelines, students are prohibited from wearing bedroom shoes, bonnets, and du-rags inside classrooms and dining facilities. Additionally, “revealing clothing” is banned in academic buildings, dining spaces, and official university functions such as Convocation.

The guidelines also require students to bring a business suit and professional footwear to campus, mandating professional dress for official university events, business meetings, and career development opportunities. Faculty members have been authorized to enforce the standards in their classrooms.

Workforce preparation vs. College autonomy In a message addressed to students and families, Brown framed the policy changes as a crucial step toward post-graduation success rather than an attempt to micromanage student life. The updates come as Tuskegee prepares to welcome its largest freshman class in over three decades, marked by what the administration calls a

“Renaissance Era” for the historic Historically Black University (HBCU).

“The goal here is not meant to restrict students from enjoying the Tuskegee Experience, but to prepare them with a solid foundation for the workforce they will enter once they leave Tuskegee,” Brown stated.

The policy updates extend beyond attire. The administration is also tightening classroom operations by implementing stricter attendance tracking and mandating that students keep mobile phones powered off during lectures unless explicitly permitted by faculty.

A divided response The announcement quickly sparked reaction across social media platforms and within the

wider HBCU community.

Supporters, including several alumni and educators, welcomed the policy as a return to traditional standards of discipline and professional pride. Many argued that learning how to present oneself in public spaces is a core element of the HBCU mission.

“I wholeheartedly support this idea,” wrote Ron Stewart, a 1979 Tuskegee graduate and professor, in a public comment. “Heaven knows it is long overdue!” Other proponents noted that setting expectations early helps prevent young graduates from facing implicit bias or unprofessionalism tags in competitive career fields.

Critics and current students raised concerns over equity, financial burden, and the evolving nature of workplace culture.

On TikTok and X (formerly

Twitter), several incoming freshmen expressed confusion, with some noting they had already completed back-to-school shopping prior to receiving the notification. Others pointed out the financial hardship of acquiring formal professional suits, urging the university to launch clothing closets or financial assistance programs to support students from lower-income backgrounds.

Cultural commentators and students also questioned the ban on protective hair gear like bonnets and du-rags. Critics argue that regulating hair protection during casual campus hours reflects outdated notions of “respectability politics,” particularly at a time when many modern corporate workplaces have shifted toward remote, hybrid, or business-casual environments.

4 | July 30, 2026 |

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DN News

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Supreme Court ruling puts Houston Black diaspora at risk

By Laura Onyeneho

A landmark Supreme Court ruling handed down on June 25 is sending shockwaves through Houston’s Haitian community, and advocates say the consequences will be felt far beyond that community.

In a 6-3 decision in Mullin v. Doe, the court’s conservative majority ruled that the president has virtually unchecked authority to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS), thereby eliminating judicial review of TPS terminations. The ruling clears the way for the Trump administration to immediately strip protections from approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals and 6,000 Syrians, and sets a legal precedent that threatens TPS holders from 13 countries, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Cameroon, and South Sudan, all of which have active Houston diaspora communities.

Texas has 147,080 TPS holders, the second-highest number in the nation, and the Houston metro area sits at the center of what advocates are calling a humanitarian crisis in the making.

What is TPS and why it matters Congress created Temporary Protected Status in 1990 as a humanitarian lifeline for nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. It grants recipients the legal right to live and work in the United States for renewable 18-month periods.

For Haitians, TPS was first granted after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. In the 16 years since, many TPS holders have built careers, purchased homes, and raised U.S.born children.

The economic stakes are significant.

According to research by FWD.us and Princeton University, 200,000 Haitian TPS holders currently contribute an estimated $5.9 billion annually to the U.S. economy and pay more than $1.5 billion in combined federal, state, and local taxes.

The Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates that TPS workers across all nationalities generate $35.9 billion in annual GDP, with Texas accounting for $4.3 billion of that total.

Roughly 50,000 U.S. citizen children have at least one Haitian TPS parent; analysts project that 25,000 of those children would be pushed

The Supreme Court’s ruling eliminating judicial review for Temporary Protected Status terminations places hundreds of thousands of Black diaspora immigrants at risk of deportation. Credit: Getty Images.

into poverty if TPS protections are revoked.

Despite that, the Supreme Court’s majority, written by Justice Samuel Alito, held that TPS operates entirely at the president’s discretion and is not subject to judicial oversight. Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, argued the ruling violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Houston community responds The Defender Network held a roundtable discussion with three leaders of Houston Haitians United: Co-founder and Vice Chairman James Pierre, Community Affairs Advisor and Public Relations Specialist Dorothy Dupuy, and Board of Directors member Richard Alexandre, days after the ruling. The decision struck at the core of what Haitians have built in this country.

“We’re hearing a lot of rhetoric that is swarming around this issue, saying that Haitian people are James Pierre not contributing to this country, which is absolutely the wrong statement, that is very untrue,” Pierre said.

“Haitian migrants who come here have contributed. They are in the workforce. They are doing jobs that others would not want to do.”

Pierre, who was on the ground during the 2021 Del Rio migrant crisis and watched thousands of Haitian families make grueling journeys to reach the U.S., said the ruling will reverberate through Houston’s economy and the broader community that relied on TPS holders to fill critical Dorothy Dupuy labor gaps.

“It’s going to hit the business owners,” Pierre said. “It’s going to hit a lot of the communities that were probably failing until the TPS members would come to the U.S. and fill those jobs.”

Richard Alexandre has seen Alexandre the Haitian community grow and deepen its roots in Houston over the decades.

“To see that we are taking these steps backward. It’s painful,” Alexandre said. “People always say there’s no racism here, and racism is over, but look at the rhetoric we’re seeing right now.”

Dupuy urged the community to move

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Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

carefully and deliberately amid uncertainty.

She wants them to make level-headed decisions and to fact-check any news they consume on this issue.

For Haitian TPS holders, the 32-day window following recent court actions marked the final phase-out of legal protections and work authorizations, leading to expiration, risk of job loss, and exposure to deportation.

Dupuy also flagged legislative activity in other states. Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton has introduced the TPS Relief Act, which would restore judicial review and directly counter the Supreme Court’s decision.

Separately, the House passed H.R. 1689, which would extend TPS protections for Haitians through 2029, though the Senate has not yet acted on the measure.

What comes next?

Pierre said that Houston Haitians United is focused on ensuring that community members know their rights and the resources available to them. He called on Houston’s new city leadership to step up in concrete ways.

“I would challenge them to reach out to us, work with us, get in contact with us to see how we can help them combat what’s going on in Washington,” he said, “So that our neighbors and friends from TPS nations can stay here and contribute and become working benefits of the Houston community.”

Even if deportations proceed, Dupuy raised a logistical reality that has gone largely unaddressed in national coverage. There is currently no straightforward way to get there.

Commercial flights to Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital and most populous city, are banned.

The collapse of Spirit Airlines, the most affordable carrier serving Cap-Haïtien, the country’s second-largest city, has eliminated a critical, budget-friendly travel option that many in the diaspora relied on. The remaining domestic carrier in Haiti, Sunrise Airways, charges fares so prohibitive that some people are resorting to helicopters just to reach their home regions.

Alexandre closed with a message that cut to the heart of what is at stake.

“We want to contribute to our families and communities without fear,” he said. “We just want the leaders to do the right thing.”

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

July 30, 2026 |

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DN Education NEW TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

J’Maine Chubb

Focuses on institution’s financial health, future

By Tannistha Sinha

Texas Southern University’s new CFO, J’Maine Chubb, is pivoting the institution’s financial operations toward the long-term vision of the university’s Ascend 2030 plan.

While navigating the technical rebuild required to resolve recent audit findings, Chubb frames his tenure as a strategic mission. He wants to modernize the university’s fiscal health and ensure sustainable support for its ambitious growth and student-centered initiatives.

With a little over 60 days on the job, working with a team of 45, Chubb says, “We’re making the right informed decisions regarding the future. That means I need to put the past behind us.”

Pointing to two decades of airport and infrastructure CFO experience at Via Metropolitan Transit (San Antonio), TravelWifi, the Houston Airport System, and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, among others, Chubb said he feels comfortable tackling the challenges of the job.

“All of the concerns that I see within this organization are just related to excellence… excellence in what you do,” Chubb said. “I’m accustomed to performing in excellence.

And I’ve led organizations where we’ve been continually awarded for financial reporting.

We’ve had very strong procurement compliance within these organizations. And so I didn’t see something that was insurmountable. And I thought that I was the right person to come and fix it.”

University President J.W. Crawford III said Chubb’s private-sector experience will be valuable to the position.

“As you look at Mr. Chubb’s 20 years of deep experience in the corporate sector, he has demonstrated the ability to adapt himself to the mission,” Crawford said. “It is incumbent upon the University to operate like a business. He will bring a disciplined

And so I didn’t see something that was insurmountable. And I thought that I was the right person to come and fix it.”

J’MAINE CHUBB

J’Maine Chubb brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

financial mindset to the institution that I believe will be extremely valuable.”

Fixing state audit concerns TSU has been grappling with an audit since December 2025, when the Texas State Auditor’s Office released a report identifying “significant weaknesses” in TSU’s financial processes.

The report stated that TSU repeatedly bypassed procurement safeguards, had untraceable assets worth roughly $3.2 million, failed to provide timely and accurate financial information to the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, and submitted unaudited financial data to the state containing major errors, among other discrepancies.

The audit triggered increased scrutiny from state leaders. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick ordered restrictions on certain university spending, while state officials launched investigations into the university’s financial management practices.

University officials have acknowledged the audit’s findings and committed to implementing corrective measures. Crawford previously attributed many of the deficiencies

to long-standing staffing shortages, noting that more than 200 positions in critical areas such as procurement and information technology had been lost over the years.

TSU has since launched a broad remediation effort that includes reviewing financial policies, implementing new procurement systems, and strengthening internal controls.

The university says it is making progress through “Operation Tiger Reset,” a campus-wide initiative aimed at addressing audit findings and strengthening accountability and financial oversight.

As the institution continues working through audit recommendations and heightened state oversight, Chubb will play a central role in guiding TSU’s financial recovery.

Chubb says he wants to tackle the audit head-on as his top priority.

“When you look at the state audit, we’re feverishly working to make sure that we’re in compliance and we remain in compliance with that audit,” Chubb said.

Referring to his goals for the first 180 days, Chubb said staying in compliance with the state audit is only the starting point.

“I’m looking personally to move beyond

that,” he said, describing plans for a compliance framework built around continuous monitoring. “Some people will say real-time auditing.”

The future of TSU Chubb described himself repeatedly as a “strategic CFO,” someone whose focus is less on relitigating the past than on positioning TSU’s finance operations to support its longrange Ascend 2030 plan.

“You can’t talk about new buildings, new football stadiums, new soccer fields, and things like that without looking into the future,” Chubb said. “I want to make sure that we have the right capability in place to support our capital committee within the organization.”

To keep himself accountable, Chubb plans to create a “CFO scorecard” and believes the real test is whether the finance division supports student outcomes.

“If you look at Ascend 2030, it’s mostly about the projects that are contained there, the initiatives,” Chubb said. “They’re really all about student success. You can tie them back to student success one way or another.”

6 | July 30, 2026 |

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DN InFocus

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VIDEO

A

By Aswad Walker

Missing Persons Reported in 2025-2026

nthony Collier has an impressive educational and professional resume for someone his age.

A Houston-born political mover and shaker, the Texas Southern University (TSU) alum has served as the National Urban League’s director of criminal justice in New York and currently serves as the elections director for the Harris County Democratic Party.

But behind the degrees and professional accolades is a story that is silent, long-brewing, and eternally painful.

Collier is part of a family with a loved one who has simply vanished. His uncle, Michael Collier, has been missing since 2015.

Pivotal figure gone silent To Anthony, the elder Michael Collier was more than just a name on a missing person’s flyer; he was a foundational pillar.

“He played a pivotal role in my life,” Anthony recalls. “I’m a first-generation college student.

When I was a small child, he would take me to the library near Lakewood Park and encourage me to read. He would get comic books Anthony Collier and also the tapes, so we can listen along and learn how to read.”

Even during periods of Michael’s incarceration, he remained a present figure, signing up for programs to send bikes and books to his family. He was a man who saw more for his nephew than he did for himself.

The disappearance happened during the summer after Anthony’s freshman year at TSU. “From my understanding, it was a Sunday morning,” Anthony says. “He told his childhood friend, Big Mo, that he was going to the store. And then he just never came back, and nobody saw him again.”

The toll of the ‘Invisible’ The impact on the Collier family has been profound. Under Texas law, a person cannot be declared dead until they have been missing for seven consecutive years. However, when someone used Michael’s card in 2018, the legal clock reset, delaying any closure until 2025.

Beyond the legal hurdles, the family faced the crushing feeling that their loved one was invisible to the system.

“My family didn’t feel like they were being taken seriously,” Anthony explains. “They felt like no one really cared about my uncle because he didn’t have a college degree or a steady job. They felt like [the authorities] just saw him as just another unimportant Black man.”

This experience is backed by sobering data.

While Black people make up approximately 14% of the U.S. population, they comprise nearly 38% of missing persons cases. Despite this overrepresentation, media coverage is disproportionately scarce.

Inv sible Black and missing in Houston

Despite comprising 38% of cases, missing Black individuals get scarce media coverage. Learn why urgency is key and what experts say to avoid. Credit: Gemini AI.

Research shows that while white children make up 54% of missing cases, they receive 88% of media mentions. Conversely, Black children make up 35% of cases but receive only 7% of coverage.

“The implications of this are literally life and death,” said Kyle Pope, editor and publisher of the Columbia Journalism Review.

This phenomenon, often called “Missing White Woman Syndrome,” results in cases involving people of color being handled with less urgency and lower-quality media focus.

A tale of two responses In 2024, Anthony attempted to use his professional standing to revisit his uncle’s case, but the leads had grown cold. However, when his cousin Vicky’s son, Noah, went missing, Anthony utilized his connections to reach then-HPD chief Troy Finner. The response was immediate, and Noah was reunited with his mother.

While grateful, the disparity haunts him.

“I just wish that at the time, there could have been more done to try to find my uncle back in 2015,” Anthony says. “I didn’t have the connections then... but it shouldn’t be like that. Everyone has value. Everyone’s life should matter, whether they have a Ph.D. or if they’ve been in and out of the criminal justice system.”

Michael Collier (left), who went missing in 2015, was a big part of Anthony Collier’s life. Courtesy Anthony Collier.

Expert advice: Act fast and smart For families facing a disappearance, local experts emphasize that speed is the most critical factor.

Sergeant Melissa Barajas of the Harris County Sheriff ’s Office (HCSO) Missing Persons Unit debunks a common myth: “I know there’s been a rumor that we need to wait 48 hours or 24 hours before reporting that a person is missing. No, do it as soon as possible.”

Ms. Mel Turnquist, CEO of the Texas Center for the Missing, agrees.

“There is no 24-hour waiting period in the state of Texas,” she says.

Turnquist notes that regarding missing per- Mel Turnquist sons cases, law enforcement is often overwhelmed.

“Our two largest agencies last year had over 11,000 missing persons cases with just 27 investigators. So, [share] anything to make your family member rise to a higher level of concern,” said Turnquist. “And I say that with great love and respect because everybody we care about, we believe is important, of course.

Ma’Kenzi Reshae Knowles (17): Last seen April 26, 2026, in Houston.

Hope [Last Name Unknown]: Last seen April 28, 2026, in Houston.

Kaleb [Last Name Unknown]: Last seen March 19, 2026, in Houston.

Danielle Jones (16): Last seen March 13, 2026, in Houston.

Jahvarri [Last Name Unknown]: Last seen January 6, 2026, in Houston.

Savontae Coleman (14): Last seen Jan 29, 2026, in Houston.

Debra “Dawn” Moore (14): Last seen July 20, 2025, near Clear

I know there’s been a rumor that we need to wait 48 hours or 24 hours before reporting that a person is missing. No, do it as soon as possible.”

SERGEANT MELISSA BARAJAS HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

“But when law enforcement is in a triage mode, they need to know: Is your loved one battling dementia? Is your loved one diagnosed with autism? Is your loved one battling depression? Has your loved one started a new medication? Are there any developmental disabilities of that individual? Have they had a brain injury? Do they have a problem with drugs or alcohol?”

Turnquist says each of those data points, which many believe are unimportant, may actually escalate the case’s priority.

The ‘Don’ts’ of missing person cases: Don’t create personal flyers: Experts strongly advise against putting personal phone numbers on flyers. “Bad actors will lie within 30 seconds of seeing a flyer, saying, ‘Pay me a ransom,’” Turnquist warns.

Don’t wait for “perfect” info: Provide whatever you have—current photos, medical diagnoses, or even social media handles—to help investigators build a profile.

Resources and hope Though the subject of families dealing with a missing loved one is heavy, Anthony Collier relishes the chance to share his uncle’s story.

“I want an opportunity to honor my Uncle Mike for the investment he put into me,” said Anthony. “And it’s important for us to get the

Lake Road in East Harris County.

Dionne Williams (35): Reported missing from Fifth Ward in August 2024; found deceased in 2025.

Malia Faye Ryan Clardy (17): Missing from Houston since February 23, 2026.

Kymarie: Last seen on March 9, 2026, in Houston Jazyah (15) and Lar’ry Daniels (12): Reported missing in March 2026 from the Houston area.

Jazyah was last seen on March 3 at Cypress Falls High School, and Lar’ry was last seen on March 19 on Copper Grove Boulevard.

Sources: HPD, HCSO, and Click2Houston

word out that Black people are going missing, and not enough is being done.”

For those currently searching, the message is clear: do not give up. Reach out to city council members, state representatives, and local organizations.

“You are not in this alone,” Anthony added.

Resources for families Texas Center for the Missing: centerforthemissing.org Harris County Sheriff ’s Office: 713-221-6000 (Non-emergency) / Project Lifesaver & Project Guardian National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: missingkids.org / 1-800-THE-LOST Anthony Collier (Advocate): Instagram, @praesescollier / LinkedIn: Anthony Collier

Learn more about individuals who are currently missing.

8 | July 30, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Emancipation Park

Unveils new performance stage completion

By Tannistha Sinha

A permanent home for Black cultural celebration has arrived in Houston’s Third Ward. After serving as the heartbeat of Houston’s Juneteenth traditions since 1872, Emancipation Park now has a new performance stage.

The Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) announced that construction of the stage is complete. It is situated at the southeast corner of the park near Elgin Street.

Formally dedicated during the park’s annual Juneteenth celebrations, community leaders hope it will anchor generations of cultural expression for years to come.

“The completion of this new stage marks an important milestone for Emancipation Park and the community we serve,” said Corey Wilson, president and CEO of EPC. “Emancipation Park is rooted in culture and community, and our responsibility as stewards is to honor that legacy while ensuring the park continues to thrive for generations to come. This new stage creates a permanent space for cultural expression and community celebration.”

The stage The stage, which is more than 5,000 square feet, is designed to serve the park’s growing role as a hub for arts and cultural programming.

The features include an outdoor performance area, green room facilities, climate-controlled storage, and an audiovisual technology room for lighting and sound management.

The Kinder Foundation, a Houston-based philanthropic organization that supports projects across the Greater Houston area, provided $7.5 million for the stage. The foundation gifted a $2 million grant in 2012 to renovate the park’s pool house and shade structures and, in 2017, committed another $1 million to the park’s conservancy, matching a $250,000 challenge grant by H-E-B. It represents a part of an $18.5 million renovation project that will also include upgrades to the park’s 11,000-square-foot Cultural Center, which will be remodeled into an exhibition space.

“Emancipation Park is one of Houston’s most significant parks, and Kinder Foundation is proud to continue investing in its future,” said Nancy Kinder, president and CEO of the Kinder Foundation. “This new stage honors the park’s powerful legacy while creating new opportunities for arts, culture, and community gatherings.”

Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Kenneth Allen emphasizes the critical role private investment plays in

Houston’s oldest Black public park added a permanent stage for arts and community celebrations. Credit: Darryl Howard.

sustaining public spaces.

“Emancipation Park is a treasured asset in Houston’s park system and a place deeply loved by generations of Houstonians,” said Kenneth Allen, director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “Private investment in public parks is essential to helping these spaces thrive, and this support reflects the shared commitment to preserving Emancipation Park’s legacy and strengthening its role as one of the city’s most meaningful public spaces.”

Significance of the park The new stage is the latest enhancement to a park with a storied history.

Emancipation Park was established in 1872 by formerly enslaved individuals who purchased a 10-acre plot of land for $800, making it the oldest public park in Texas.

John “Jack” Henry Yates (1828-1897) was a key leader in the endeavor.

Yates created the public park for Black people to gather and mark “the jubilation of the end of slavery in the Confederacy.”

It served as the only public park and swimming pool in Houston open to African Americans until the 1950s.

After years of underfunding led to significant disrepair, the park underwent a $33.6 million renovation completed in 2017 that restored its landscape and modernized its facilities.

The new stage is part of EPC’s broader aim to cement the park’s role within the city’s historic Third Ward.

“Bringing this project to fruition has been a tremendous honor and a defining milestone for Emancipation Park Conservancy,” said Ramon Manning, who is EPC board

chair. “This stage reflects years of planning, partnership, and investment in the future of one of Houston’s most historically significant green spaces.”

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July 30, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

WATCH

VIDEO

Juli McShay

Empowers community through civic ed

By Aswad Walker

For Juli McShay, civic education goes beyond elections and government. It’s about giving people the knowledge and confidence to help shape their communities.

The Lakeland, Florida, native has spent decades preparing for that mission. A graduate of Piney Woods Country Life School, Talladega College, Miles Law School, and Texas Southern University, McShay has built a career in law, public service, and education.

Since returning to Houston in 2015, the self-described “southern socialite” and professor has become a leading voice for civic engagement. As founder and executive director of the Houston Civics and Leadership Campaign School, she’s working to ensure more Black Houstonians understand not only how government works, but how to influence it.

Professionally, I’m a professor. But at my core, I’m a servant leader.

I believe our strength is not for our status but for service.”

JULI McSHAY

Service over status McShay describes herself first as a woman of the people.

“Professionally, I’m a professor. But at my core, I’m a servant leader,” said McShay. “I believe our strength is not for our status but for service.”

She brings that philosophy into the classroom and onto social media.

“I’m the pretty professor of Pretty Petty Politics,” she said. “While I’m going off, I’m educating.”

Built on a foundation of service McShay credits her parents, Yvonne and the late Aubrey McShay, for instilling her values. A big part of their impact was being open to teenager Juli McShay when she requested to attend Piney Woods Country Life School, considered the nation’s premier Black boarding school.

“My parents gave me that foundation,” she said. “Piney Woods was that next brick.”

She later earned degrees in public administration and law while gaining experience in county and municipal government, education, and public policy.

“I know government from the inside out,” she said. “When the law isn’t working, we have to change the law.”

Looking ahead McShay continues expanding the school’s work through civic education, voter engagement, and leadership development. On Aug. 1, the organization will host the It’s On Us Summit at Texas Southern University’s School of Public Affairs. Inspired by the Karmelo Anthony case, the event will bring together parents and students in grades 5-12 to explore how elections, public policy, and the criminal justice system intersect.

“It’s on us to educate our community,” McShay said.

She encourages residents to support civic education organizations, build stronger coalitions, and make voting a source of neighborhood pride.

“Let’s compete,” she said. “Let’s see which area can turn out the most voters.”

Preparing tomorrow’s leaders McShay launched the Houston Civics and Leadership Campaign School after the death of former Houston Mayor and U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner.

“We have to do something so we have people ready to run for office,” she recalled telling Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha CastexTatum during Turner’s repass.

Founded in November 2025, the school trains future candidates, campaign workers, and residents seeking a better understanding of politics, voting, and government.

“Our mission is to equip our community with leaders,” McShay said. “My favorite part is doing civics in the community.”

Its first cohort has already seen success, with Brandon Taylor and Justin Boyd elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee.

“We don’t endorse candidates,” McShay said, “but we’re very proud of those two.”

Lessons from the South Having lived throughout the South, McShay says the experience reinforced her faith in Black communities.

“It’s taught me the resilience... the endurance

of our people,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of the Black vote.

“More Black Americans live in the South than anywhere else,” she said.

“We’re not going to be dismissed because everybody depends on Black voters.”

Candidates, she added, must earn Black support.

“You have to show us who you are, not just who your opponent is.”

At TSU’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

info@hclcampaignschool.com www.hclcampaignschool.com

Eyes on McShay Houston civic leaders praise McShay’s impact.

“Juli McShay exemplifies the highest standards of civic leadership,” said Annie Johnson Benifield, founder of Houston Voting Initiative. “She has consistently used her platform to inform the public and elevate communities too often overlooked.”

10 | July 30, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Houston Texans predictions

By Terrance Harris

With the Texans training camp under way and with the regular season just around the corner, it’s naturally about that time to start looking at the 2026 schedule and gauging how the home team might fare this season.

Having solidified the defense while adding needed pieces on the offensive line, this feels like the season the Texans could finally break through their second-round playoff ceiling and, dare we say, reach the Super Bowl.

But before we go too far, let’s break down the regular season, which includes four prime-time games, a Week 6 matchup in London, and a treacherous late-season stretch where they will play four late-season cold-weather games. So, it could be interesting.

Here is a look at the Texans’ regular-season schedule and a prediction of how they will come out. I have them going 13-4, winning the AFC South, and earning a firstround playoff bye. How do you see the season going for the Texans?

GAME 1

All eyes will be trained on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud as he navigates the team through a tough 2026 schedule and into a fourth-straight postseason. Credit: Getty Images.

GAME 5

Texans vs Buffalo Bills When: Sun, Sept. 13, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: Josh Allen and the Bills are always a tough opponent, especially out the gate.

Tennessee Titans vs. Texans When: Sun, Oct. 11, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: The Titans will eventually become a force in the AFC South, but this isn’t the year

GAME 2

Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars When: Sun, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m.

Where: London Win or loss: LOSS Briefly speaking: This one will be tough for both teams, playing what is essentially an early morning game in this venture across the pond.

Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals When: Sun, Sept. 20, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: The Texans’ defense will wreak havoc on Joe Burrow and the offense, and C.J. Stroud and the offense will take another step forward in this win.

GAME 3

Indianapolis Colts vs. Texans When: Sun, Sept. 27, noon Where: Indianapolis Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: Daniel Jones got off to a fast start with the Colts last season but that won’t be the case against the Texans’ defense this season.

GAME 4

Texans vs Dallas Cowboys When: Sun, Oct. 4, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: This is the showdown all of Houston looks forward to.

GAME 6

GAME 7

Texans vs. New York Giants When: Sun, Oct. 25, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: The Texans have to be careful not to already be in bye-week mode with the week off coming up.

GAME 8

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Texans When: Sun, Nov. 8, 3:05 p.m.

Where: Los Angeles Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: Coming off the bye week should invigorate the Texans, but going against the Chargers on the road is a tough task.

GAME 9

Cleveland Browns vs. Texans When: Sun, Nov. 15, noon

Where: Cleveland Win or loss: LOSS Briefly speaking: Deshaun Watson will get another crack at his former team and this time it will be more friendly and understanding confines

GAME 10

Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts When: Thu, Nov. 19, 7:15 p.m.

Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: Returning home for the first time in almost a month will be exactly what the Texans need.

GAME 11

Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens When: Sun, Nov. 29, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: Look for C.J. Stroud and the Texans to change their fortunes against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

GAME 12

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Texans When: Sun, Oct. Dec. 6, 7:20 p.m.

Where: Pittsburgh Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers will be looking for payback from last season’s playoff letdown to the Texans.

GAME 13

Washington Commanders vs. Texans When: Sun, Dec. 12, noon Where: Washington, DC Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: In a grueling

season-ending schedule in potentially cold weather, this is a must-win for the Texans.

GAME 14

Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars When: Sun, Dec. 20, noon Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: In a game that is full of huge AFC South implications, the Texans will hold on to win this showdown

GAME 15

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Texans When: Thurs, Dec. 24, 7:15 p.m.

Where: Philadelphia Win or loss: LOSS Briefly speaking: The Texans will face Channel View product Jalen Hurts, but don’t expect Hurts to given any hometown favors.

GAME 16

Green Bay Packers vs. Texans When: Mon, Jan. 4, 7:15 p.m.

Where: Green Bay Win or loss: LOSS Briefly speaking: At a frozen Lambeau Field, this will be nearly impossible for the Texans in front of an MNF audience.

GAME 17

Texans vs. Tennessee Titans When: TBD (Flex Game) Where: NRG Win or loss: WIN Briefly speaking: Don’t expect the Texans to rest their starters in this critical regular-season finale.

July 30, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Charles Trey Brown Embraces Aldine High School Challenge

By Jimmie Aggison

Most coaches spend their careers seeking programs built to win. Charles Trey Brown has spent his time seeking programs that many have given up on.

After helping end a nearly 100-game district losing streak at Sam Houston High School, Brown earned recognition as one of Texas’ top young coaches on Dave Campbell Texas Football’s 40 Under 40 list.

Now, he’s accepted perhaps his toughest challenge yet: Taking over an Aldine program that’s been seeking its first district victory in nearly a decade. For Brown, building isn’t a risk; it’s the assignment.

“Anybody can inherit success,” said Brown.

“I want to help create it. Building something that lasts will always mean more to me than maintaining what’s already established.”

While struggling programs are often overlooked, Brown doesn’t see records; he sees potential instead.

“I see people, kids waiting for someone to believe in them, coaches looking for direction, and communities wanting something to rally behind,” said Brown. “Every program has a heartbeat. Sometimes it just needs someone willing to help bring it back to life.”

Brown’s approach didn’t begin at Aldine.

It was shaped at Sam Houston High School, where he led the program to its first district football victory after nearly 100 consecutive district losses.

“The biggest opponent wasn’t the team

We aren’t here to repeat history. We’re here to write a new one. Everything we want starts with the work we choose to do today.”

CHARLES TREY BROWN

across the field. It was a belief,” Brown said.

“Too many people had accepted losing as normal. Before we could change results, we had to change our expectations.”

Culture, accountability, relationships, and standards all had to change. Brown knew his players had fully embraced the program’s

direction when they kept fighting through adversity.

“When things got hard, and they kept responding the right way instead of folding, I knew belief had taken root,” said Brown.

“Breaking that long district losing streak gave people hope. It showed those kids that hard work pays off and gave that school something to celebrate together.”

What Brown accomplished at Sam Houston established him as a program builder.

Rather than immediately pursuing another head coaching role, he chose to continue developing as an assistant at Mayde Creek High School in Katy ISD. “Stepping into an assistant role at Mayde Creek was important to me because I understood that growth requires humility,” said Brown. “I wanted to learn from another successful head coach, sharpen my leadership, and become an even better version of myself.”

Working under Mayde Creek head coach Mike Arogbonlo, Brown gained a deeper appreciation for patience, perspective, and leadership without always being the final voice.

“I learned how important alignment is from the top down,” said Brown.

“Great programs aren’t built by one person. They’re built by great teams.

Early on, I thought culture created wins. Now I know culture creates people, and people create wins. Football became less about schemes and more about developing disciplined, accountable young men.”

“Coach Brown is an outstanding football coach and an even better mentor for young men,” said Arogbonlo. “What stood out most during his time on our staff was his ability to build genuine relationships with players while holding them to a high standard of accountability. His unique ability to earn his players’ trust, develop their confidence, and create a culture in which they wanted to work hard and compete was evident in his success in improving programs.”

Those experiences now position Brown among the Houston area’s younger head coaches.

“You earn trust quickly when you enter a new program by being consistent,” said Brown. “I show up, listen, and care. I tell people exactly what I expect, and I hold myself to the same standards. Trust isn’t built through speeches. It’s built through daily actions.”

Now Brown applies everything he has learned to what may be his biggest building challenge yet: an Aldine program that has not

Aldine High School’s new head coach Charles Trey Brown is ready to turn around the Aldine High School football program as the 2026-2027 season approaches. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

won a game since the 2015-16 season and has finished at the bottom of the district standings year after year.

“The past doesn’t define what’s next,” said Brown. “We aren’t here to repeat history.

We’re here to write a new one. Everything we want starts with the work we choose to do today. Winning starts long before kickoff.

It starts with discipline, effort, and accountability, and with believing we’re capable of becoming something special.”

Brown’s message is already resonating with his players, who say the culture has begun to shift long before the first kickoff.

“Coach Brown has a win-now attitude and is working with the seniors to bring in more players,” said senior wide receiver Rigoberto Moya.

For Brown, building has never been about

football alone. He believes the wins will follow if the locker room is united, attendance improves, grades rise, parents believe again, alumni return, and students are proud to wear Aldine across their chest.

“Building people is more important than building football programs because football eventually ends, but the lessons don’t,” said Brown. “Championships fade, but character lasts forever. If our players become great fathers, husbands, leaders, and citizens, then we’ve already won the most important game.”

Wins define seasons. Belief defines programs.

For Brown, every stop has been about proving that even the toughest rebuilds are worth taking on because what is built in people lasts far longer than anything recorded on a scoreboard.

12 | July 30, 2026 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Healthy Vision Starts With Routine Eye Care

By ALEXIS RENÉE PASCOE, MD

Vision often changes over time, and staying connected to regular care can make those changes easier to recognize and manage early.

July is Healthy Vision Month, a reminder that changes in eyesight may not always be obvious. Many adults adapt to small shifts without realizing it, especially when daily routines remain manageable.

Over time, these changes can begin to affect activities like reading and driving, often before they are recognized as a vision problem. Paying attention to vision as part of routine health care can help identify these changes earlier and support long-term eye health.

Vision Changes Can Be Subtle Vision does not always change suddenly. Eyes may adjust to lighting, distance, or focus over time, making

early changes easy to overlook. Some common health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, can also affect vision over time. Regular visits can help identify concerns before they begin to interfere with daily activities or safety.

Vision and Overall Health Eye health is closely connected to overall health. Changes seen during an eye exam may reflect broader health issues, even when vision symptoms are not noticeable. Monitoring vision alongside other aspects of health helps provide a more complete picture and supports informed decisions over time.

Routine Exams Matter Many vision concerns are easier to manage when identified early. Routine eye exams allow changes to be tracked,

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prescriptions to be updated when needed, and questions about eye comfort or strain to be addressed.

About 93 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only about half see an eye doctor each year.¹ These visits are part of preventive care, not only a response to vision problems.

Where to Begin Scheduling a routine eye exam or discussing any changes in vision with an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or primary care clinician can provide a clear starting point for ongoing care, helping track changes over time and making it easier to address concerns early.

Sources 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Vision loss facts https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/ data-research/vision-loss-facts/index.html

Alexis Renée Pascoe, MD Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Ophthalmology

Springwoods Village Campus Scan to view her online profile.