Houston Defender: August 12, 2021.

DR. LESIA CRUMPTONYOUNG TALKS ABOUT HER PLANS FOR STUDENTS, THE COMMUNITY AND THE INSTITUTION.

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Volume 90, issue 41 August 12, 2021

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DN To the POINT

FIT & FINE Courtney Young Occupation: Operations Manager Education: University of North Texas Major: Business Administration

Motto: “Always Strive To Be A Better Version Of Yourself”

The relay runners representing Team Great Britain, Team Jamaica and Team United States celebrate winning their respective medals after the Women’s 4 x 100m Relay on day fourteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 06, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Message from the Associate Editor OLYMPICS BIG WINNER: PAN-AFRICA

“culture war” on educational truth and science.

Hence, the no mask, no vaccine brigade are the same folk who want no Black history taught in schools. But at what cost? These asinine positions put the lives of their own racist spouses, parents and children at risk. To paraphrase the Stone City prophet Rick James, “Racism is a helluva drug.”

Though the Olympics is long over, it still has lessons to teach us. For instance, who won the most medals in Tokyo? The U.S.? China?

The ROC (whatever the hell that is)? Naw. It was the country I’m calling Pan-Africa. Every time an announcer said Canada, Kenya, Italy, the Netherlands, U.S., Jamaica, Germany, Aswad Walker Puerto Rico, etc., won a track and field medal, I look up and see some brother or sister THAT’S NOT RAIN crossing the finish line to make it hapOne of my dad’s favorite sayings is, “Don’t piss in my pen. Why is this important? Most of us face and tell me it’s raining.” In other words, “Stop lying!” grew up with the idea that Blackfolk are When those not invited to the cookout say “There’s no systhe world’s superior athletes (the flipside temic racism,” just know, that’s not rain they’re throwing in of that assertion is the erroneous belief that your face. The Root’s Michael Harriot provided a not-soBlackfolk are behind everybody else intellectual- subtle example of systemic racism when recently tweeting ly). But even up to the 1960s many believed athletes with about two women charged with the same crime. The white Aryan (white) genes were superior. The Tokyo Olympics, woman committed more crimes, over a longer period of however, reminds us that Pan-Africa is literally #1. And time, stole way more money, had 21 more charges and was if we ever recognized our connection, look out world! facing over 55 more years in prison than the sister. Yet, Because it’s not just in athletics. We have gold medal in- Black woman received three years while her white countellectual, artistic and humanitarian abilities, as well. Be- terpart got probation. Lord knows, I much rather spend cause the math used to compute Olympic athlete times, time on uplifting stories like hometown hero Beyonce apthe architectural principles used to erect those stadiums, pearing on four Bazaar covers and introducing her new the mapping of the stars and planets used to create the rodeo-themed clothing line or celebrating the incredible calendars to let us know what day and time it is, and the season 4 of The Chi. But I also feel compelled to remind us gold that made those medals… all that came from the ge- of the reality we must overcome so we can build the reality nius of Pan-Africa. we deserve.

THE HUMAN COST OF RACISM

IG:@Mr_Extraordinar Twitter/ TikTok: Mr_Extraordinar Read more on Friday about Courtney at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: clyde@defendernetwork.com

COVID cases are skyrocketing, yet Donald Trump lapdogs, governors Greg Abbott (TX) and Ron DeSantis (FL), are doing everything possible to put children’s lives at risk by shunning mask mandates. DeSantis has even threatened teacher salaries and school funding if teachers make students mask up. The TEA joined in on the madness saying schools neither have to report when a child or teacher has COVID, nor conduct contact tracing to warn potentially exposed individuals. These unconscionable policies and procedures that put kids and their parents at risk, are born out of a hyper-racist belief that Black votes are not legitimate because in the eyes/minds of Trump cult members, Blackfolk aren’t real citizens. This racist logic demands a

IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER

• Exclusive one-on-one with TSU’s new president, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young • Tyrod Taylor proving to be a leader • Check out state-by-state comparison of mask mandates and impact on upcoming school year ON THE WEB

• Beyonce scores four Harper’s Bazaar covers while introducing her new rodeo-themed clothing line • The country is outraged by the unfair, unequal sentencing of Black Ohio woman • COVID-19’s 4th wave could be worst yet, according to some doctors

August 12, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Nicole Ledet will serve as the new Fort Bend County Director of Human Resources.

TSU is extending its campus COVID-19 vaccination services (open to all) for the next two months, Mon. - Fri. 9am - 4pm in TSU’s Nabrit Science Building.

Texas Democrats sue Gov. Abbott, claiming violation of their civil rights Former Congressman Craig Washington named as Democrats’ attorney Texas Tribune

A lawsuit has been filed in federal court in Austin by 22 Texas House Democrats suing Governor Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan and State Rep. James White for allegedly infringing on their constitutional rights to free speech and “retaliatory attacks, threats and attempts at coercion relating to the exercise of their First Amendment rights.” Craig Washington, a former Texas lawmaker, is the Democrats’ lawyer.

Abbott had called for the arrest of the more than 50 House Democrats who fled the state last month for Washington, D.C., to block the passage of an elections bill they said would restrict voting rights in the state.

Their departure left the House without a quorum, the number of present members needed to pass bills, stalling the chamber’s operations. Phelan put the chamber under a “call” in an effort to regain quorum and signed a civil warrant for Rep. Philip Cortez, D-San Antonio, after he returned to the Texas House only to depart for the nation’s capital again a few days later.

It’s unclear why White was listed as a defendant. White said he was not aware he’d been sued or why he was named as a defendant.

The plaintiffs listed in the case are state Reps. Senfronia Thompson, Trey Martinez Fischer, Gene Wu, Vikki Goodwin, Ron Reynolds, Eddie Rodriguez, Jon Rosenthal, Jasmine Crockett, Mary Ann Perez, Alma Allen, Christina Morales, Nicole Collier, Celia Israel, Ana-Maria Ramos, Barbara

Response to Second Special Session

Texas state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, dean of the Texas House of Representatives, speaks as Democratic members of the Texas legislature hold a news conference at the Capitol in Washington. J. Scott Applewhite / AP

Craig Washington

Governor Greg Abbott

Gervin-Hawkins, Terry Meza, Donna Howard, Jarvis Johnson, Ray Lopez, Shawn Thierry, Elizabeth Campos and Gina Hinojosa.

State Reps. Thierry and Collier stated they did not request, review or authorize the filing.

Because of the defendant’s actions,

State House Speaker Dade Phelan

State Rep James White

the complaint alleges, the plaintiffs have been “deprived of liberty for substantial periods of time, suffered much anxiety and distress over separation from their families, and much discomfort and embarrassment.”

Today, on this first day of Governor Abbott’s second suppression session, Texas House Democrats again broke quorum to protect the freedom to vote. Texas Republicans can only succeed in their nationally coordinated assault on our democracy if Democrats are present at the state capitol.

We are not there. We refuse to be party to the Republican plan to strip away the voting rights of the citizens we took a solemn oath to protect... Our challenge has never been greater. The basic freedom to vote for our constituents and all Texans is under threat. This is part of a nationally coordinated plan by Republicans to silence the voice of Americans and hold power by any means necessary.

What they could not do on January 6, 2021, they are attempting state-by-state through voter suppression legislation. We need a national, federal response to protect the voting rights of Texans and all Americans. Texas House Democrats will continue to resist, and hold the line, by any legal means necessary.”

Texas State Reps.

Texas Supreme Court allows for arrest of Democrats who don’t show up Texas Tribune

House Democrats who refuse to show up for the Legislature could soon be detained by law enforcement and brought back to the state Capitol, after the Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday voided a state district judge’s temporary restraining order barring their arrest.

The all-Republican high court’s order came at the request of Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan, also both Republicans, who petitioned the court on Monday to overturn a recent ruling by a Tra-

vis County district judge that blocked them from ordering the arrest of quorum-busting Democrats, who were in Washington, D.C., for about a month. The House Democrats in the suit have until Thursday at 4 p.m. to respond to the court.

“The Supreme Court of Texas swiftly rejected this dangerous attempt by Texas Democrats to undermine our Constitution and avoid doing the job they were elected to do,” said Renae Eze, an Abbott spokeswoman.

“We look forward to the Supreme Court upholding the rule of law and stopping another

stall tactic by the Texas Democrats.”

In a joint statement, Democratic State Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, Gina Hinojosa of Austin and Jasmine Crockett of Dallas, said they would continue to fight for a temporary injunction at the district court level.

“It is no surprise that Republican Governor Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan want to arrest their political opponents.

Thankfully, this is still the United States of America. We will defend the freedom to vote, and we look forward to our temporary

injunction hearing on August 20th.”

The Democrats fled the state in July to block the passage of a Republican elections bill they say would restrict voting rights in the state. They successfully thwarted the bill during a 30-day specially called session that ended Friday, but Abbott immediately called for a second special session that began Saturday. Although some House Democrats have returned, many have stayed away from the Capitol to prevent the chamber from having enough members present to conduct business.

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DN News Jury selection begins in R.Kelly sex trafficking case Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington.

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Senate Dems unveil $3.5T budget for social, climate efforts Associated Press

Senate Democrats unveiled a budget resolution that maps $3.5 trillion in spending boosts and tax breaks aimed at strengthening social and environmental programs, setting up an autumn battle royal over President Joe Biden’s top domestic policy ambitions.

The measure lays the groundwork for separate legislation later this year that over a decade would pour mountains of federal resources into Democrats’ top priorities. Included would be more money for health care, education, family services and environmental programs and tax breaks for families, with much of it paid for with tax increases on the rich and corporations.

While Democratic leaders’ have asserted that the measure will be fully paid for, the budget does not require that. The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, which control tax legislation, have been given flexibility to raise as much money as they want to offset the bill’s costs, and a memorandum summarizing the budget says those savings will be “substantial.”

The budget’s introduction marks the start of a long legislative trek through Congress that Democrats hope will result this fall in a progressive reshaping of government. To succeed, they’ll have to overcome likely

unanimous Republican opposition and find the sweet spot between the demands of their own often antagonist progressive and moderate factions.

That will be a fraught task in a Congress they control by a hair.

They’ll need the support of every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote, and will be able to lose only three Democrats in the House and still prevail — margins that give every Democrat tons of leverage.

“At its core, this legislation is about restoring the middle class in the 21st Century and giving more Americans the opportunity to get there,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a letter to his colleagues that unveiled the plan.

The resolution calls for creating free pre-Kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds and two years of free community college, extending tax breaks for children and some low-income workers, and establishing paid family and sick leave.

Medicare coverage would be expanded to cover dental, hearing and vision benefits, and the program’s eligibility age would be lowered from its current 65. There would be an extension of federal subsidies for people buying health insurance through former President Barack Obama’s

2010 health care law and money for states that haven’t yet expanded Medicaid coverage.

Spending would also increase for housing, home health care and job training, and new resources would go to efforts encouraging a faster transition to clean energy.

To pay for the plans, taxes would be raised on wealthy people and large corporations, without any increases on people earning under $400,000 a year, a key Biden campaign pledge.

The budget also calls for reducing the prices the federal government pays for pharmaceuticals it buys for Medicare recipients, a long-time goal of Democrats who want the government to be allowed to negotiate those prices. Savings would also come from strengthening IRS enforcement so it can collect more unpaid taxes.

The budget also calls for giving legal status to millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, and — in a step aimed at winning support from moderate Democrats — spending money to strengthen border security. But that language will have to be approved by the Senate parliamentarian, who enforces rules that bar provisions that are too policy-driven and not primarily related to the budget.

The measure has no provision raising or suspending the federal debt limit, the ceiling on federal borrowing that has already expired.

After several delays, the first phase of the sex trafficking trial of R&B hitmaker R. Kelly will begin with jury selection in New York City.

A judge in federal court in Brooklyn will question potential jurors about whether they can keep an open mind about Kelly two years after he was charged with abusing women and girls for nearly two decades. The proceeding will occur amid coronavirus pandemic precautions restricting the press and the public to overflow courtrooms with video feeds.

Kelly, 54, has been locked up since he was indicted, mostly housed in a federal jail in Chicago. He was moved last month to the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to face trial in a case that’s further diminished his superstar status.

Last week, defense attorney Devereaux Cannick told a judge that Kelly needs to be measured for new clothing because he’s gained so much weight in jail. And he asked that court transcripts be provided at no cost because Kelly has been unable to work for two years, saying: “His funds are depleted.”

The Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling singer has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of leading an enterprise of managers, bodyguards and other employees who helped him recruit women and girls for sex. Federal prosecutors say the group selected victims at concerts and other venues and arranged for them to travel to see Kelly.

Defense lawyers have said Kelly’s alleged victims were groupies who turned up at his shows and made it known they “were dying to be with him.” They only started accusing him of abuse years later when public sentiment shifted in the #MeToo era, they said.

The trial had been expected to start earlier in the year.

But opening statements were moved to Aug. 18 after Kelly fired his original defense team.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 41 - AUGUST 12, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Creative Director Michael Grant

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

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

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

August 12, 2021 |

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DN News Fake COVID-19 vaccination cards worry colleges Associated Press

As the Delta variant of the coronavirus sweeps across the United States, a growing number of colleges and universities are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students to attend in-person classes. But the mandatory requirement has opened the door for those opposed to getting the vaccine to cheat the system, according to interviews with students, education and law enforcement officials.

Both faculty and students at dozens of schools interviewed by The Associated Press say they are concerned about how easy it is to get fake vaccine cards.

Across the internet, a cottage industry has sprung up to accommodate people who say they won’t get vaccinated for either personal or religious reasons.

According to a tally by The Chronicle of Higher Education, at least 664 colleges and universities now require proof of COVID-19 inoculations. The process to confirm vaccination at many schools can be as simple as uploading a picture of the vaccine card to the student’s portal.

In Nashville, Vanderbilt University places a hold on a student’s course registration

University of Houston students on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017.

Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

until their vaccine record has been verified unless they have an approved medical accommodation or religious exemption.

The University of Michigan says it has a system in place to confirm employee and student vaccinations. A spokesman for the college told the AP the school has not encountered any problems so far with students forging their COVID-19 vaccination record cards.

But Benjamin Mason Meier, a global health policy professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, questions how institutions can verify those records.

“The United States, unlike most countries which have electronic systems in place, is basing its vaccination on a flimsy paper card,” he said.

“There needs to be policies in place for

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accountability to make sure that every student is operating in the collective interest of the entire campus,” he said.

In a statement to the AP, UNC said the institution conducts periodic verification of documents and that lying about vaccination status or falsifying documents is a violation of the university’s COVID-19 community standards and may result in disciplinary action.

“It’s important to note that UNC-Chapel Hill has not found any instances of a student uploading a fake vaccine card. Those claims are simply hearsay at this point,” the school said.

But other university staff and faculty have expressed their concern over the alleged forgery of vaccine cards. Rebecca Williams, a research associate at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, said while she is concerned by these claims, she isn’t surprised.

“This is why I think the development of a reliable national digital vaccine passport app is very important for the sake of all the organizations and businesses that want to require proof of vaccination for employees, students, or business patrons,” Williams said.

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DN Education MILES AHEAD FORGING WEEK SCHOLARS

Young high school men of color access academic tools

By Laura Onyeneho

A year felt like an eternity for senior Wheatley High School student Jokary Johnson, as he waved at his classmates who he hadn’t seen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Johnson, along with 59 others, united for the Houston Independent School District Miles Ahead Forging Week Scholars program (MAS), a free, week-long summer experience that provides high school students from three traditionally lower-rated HISD schools (Wheatly, Kashmere and Worthing) the chance to “learn, connect, motivate and inspire.”

The program began in October 2019, to address some of the difficulties associated with access to top colleges and universities in the U.S. The MAS program’s goal is to equip young men of color with college readiness skills, rigorous reading and writing resources, mentors and instructional specialists ahead of the academic school year.

With the support from state Sen. Borris Miles and about $2 million in grant funding, MAS has successfully ushered Black and Hispanic students into some of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate institutions.

The scholars sat socially distanced in the host campus, Texas Southern University’s School of

Miles Ahead Scholars (L-R) Jakory Johnson and Austin Larry with Senior Manager Haskel Harvey

Public Affairs auditorium. Sen. Borris Miles joined in on a Zoom call from Washington D.C. to welcome the returning upperclassmen and incoming 9th graders. He briefed students about his work at the Capitol and his commitment to the students of the program. He then posed a question to the scholars, “Tell me what you are here for?”

Austin Larry, an incoming 9th grade Kashmere High School student stood up and responded “I’m here to further my future.”

This is Larry’s first time in the program

and was elated to have mentors like Johnson to show him the ropes as he prepares for his entry into high school. “The only thing I’m struggling with is writing. My peers help me a lot and made things easier for me,” he said. “I like the size of the group and it would be nice to have more people join to become successful through this program.”

According to a report conducted by HISD’s Research and Accountability Department, there was a positive academic and socioemotional impact MAS had on the 2019-2020 scholars. It

Let’s

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Report abuse or suspected abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400

stated that the “events and activities provided real world and character-building experiences, prepared them for college, taught them how to give back to their communities, and to build networks while developing social skills.”

“A lot of these schools aren’t getting the resources and don’t have access to support the highest performing students, so they end up leaving and going a different district, or charter school to find what they need,” said Peter Uwalaka, program coordinator for Suttle Freeman, LLC, one of the major partners of the MAS program. Uwalaka said the program will have an additional academic component for mathematics, writing, and life skills. “This particular program is retaining these Black and Brown boys in the HISD school district and assisting them with additional resources and funding to be successful while preparing them for college.”

Johnson says his future goal is to invest in real estate and stocks and hopes to be an executive that leads his team down the right path, just like he does with his role as the MAS program team leader. “Before Miles Ahead, I didn’t know where I was going. I only focused on sports and so I didn’t have a sense of what I was going to do in life,” he explained. “This is a brotherhood.”

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education Lone star state refuses to order school mask mandates

By Maya Pottiger and Aswad Walker

The Delta variant is feeding new surges in COVID-19 cases around the country weeks before school starts. On top of that, the majority of students in K-12 education are still not eligible for vaccines.

Ev e n t h o u g h t h e C D C released guidelines earlier this month easing mask policies in schools, nothing was binding. As with most masking and vaccination policies, states have been left to set their own rules, putting superintendents of school districts in a tricky spot.

Except in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott has refused to re-issue a mask mandate, leaving parents, teachers and students of Texas schools in a difficult situation with COVID cases reaching February levels in Houston.

“The governor is being completely irresponsible for not considering the rise in COVID-19 cases, including the new Delta variant,” said Pamela Walker, mother of a Ft. Bend ISD 7th grader, Matthew. “In order to defeat this pandemic we must be wise and vigilant to stop the spread, especially amongst our young people and our educators.”

However, Walker is not the only parent who believes Abbott is being wreckless and far from wise.

“I’m happy that school will resume in-person learning,” shared Adrianne Walker whose youngest child, Amari, will be going into his 8th grade year at Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy. “However, I strongly disagree with not issuing a mask mandate.”

Only two other states (Utah and Vermont) have joined Texas in refusing to require their citizens to mask up. Only California and the District of Columbia require all residents to wear masks in public places.

Though most states lack Texas’ ban on mask mandates, operating without such a ban still has its own challenges.

In R ho d e Isl and, s ome

Students in the Bronx, New York wear protective masks as they arrive for classes in 2020.

AP photo.

superintendents wish there was a state-level requirement so they didn’t have to be stuck in the middle of parents’ conflicting views.

Other states fall on opposite ends of the extremes. In California, all students and teachers are required to wear masks.

The state of Vermont is an interesting case because, having reached an 80% vaccination

status, schools can no longer require masking for any student, even the unvaccinated ones.

However, the U.S. Department of Transportation said masking is universally mandatory on school buses, yet South Carolina’s Department of Education said students riding stateowned buses will no longer be required to mask up.

Created with mapchart.net

Confused yet? You’re not alone. And it’s this lack of clarity, or in some cases parents viewing the clarity (mask mandates, or the lack thereof) as problematic, that has the fast-approaching K-12 school year being viewed with apprehension.

But many parents of college-aged children are just as worried.

Both Pamela Walker and Adrianne Walker, sisters-in-law, have children, Marshall Reynolds and Anana Walker, respectively, who will be freshmen this fall at the University of Houston.

Adrianne has another daughter, Maisha, at UH who is entering her senior year.

All three will be in dorms this fall, a reality that slightly terrifies Adrianne due to youth summer activities nationally.

Chicago’s Lollapalooza 2021, for example, had nearly 400,000 attendees from all over the world, and few were masked up. Several health officials viewed the mega-concert as a potential super-spreader event.

And though only those with a vaccination card or proof that they tested negative for COVID just days before the concert were allowed in, few believe those safeguards were enough to prevent any COVID spread.

Like Chicago, Houston has been busy with large gathering concerts thus far this summer, with even more planned. And with international travel picking up, health officials say the possibility of new COVID variants making their way to the U.S. is almost a certainty.

“All the athletes and teams who are participating in the Olympics will be returning to their home countries with new variants of COVID as schools are re-opening,” Adrianne said.

“As necessary as in-person learning is for all our children, I definitely see all kinds of potential COVID issues coming this fall,” Adrianne added.

“Without a smart plan in place, I can only predict a school year that may be full of issues and adjustments,” said Pamela, referring to last year’s last-minute switch, for some ISDs, to a virtual model.

“This causes more hardship on families who work outside the home and cannot stay home with young students.”

Here’s a look at how schools across the country are handling masks for the upcoming 2021/2022 school year:

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DN InFocus EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TSU PRESIDENT

Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young

By Laura Onyeneho

Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, the new president of Texas Southern University (TSU), is entering into a space that isn’t unfamiliar territory. She is a long-time top official at multiple historically Black collaeges and adds TSU on the list of career accomplishments.

Dr. Crumpton-Young rose though the ranks of academia, diversifying the science, technology, engineering and math industries and carries that same spirit into her new role as TSU’s thirteenth president.

The former Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Morgan State University joins TSU at a very critical time.

In her month on the job she has hit the ground running addressing past challenges around funding, admission scandals allegations, improving economic and community partnerships and enhancing the quality of education for under-served communities.

Dr. Crumption-Young spoke with the Defender about her presidential priorities, approach to tackling the issues of underfunding, and lessons she’s learned from her past leadership roles that she will implement at TSU. What are the top priorities of the University and the community in general?

We are one of the 11 HBCUs in the nation that is classified as an R2 research institution. I think there’s an opportunity for us to become one of the first R1 research HBCUs in the nation. I’m sure you’ve heard over the years, many institutions describe their research focused on rural America. Our research is going to be focused on helping urban America. We’re going to address issues of public health, health disparities, climate, poverty, the wealth gap, housing situations, all of the social determinants of health and wellness. This leads into my third priority, which is strengthen our partnerships with the community. We’re going to lead economic and community development. We’re going to look at issues of being in a food desert, issues of having retail, restaurants and other types of housing and other types of services available. And then we’re going to have some fun. We’re going to be an institution that focuses on good school spirit, and all

DR. YOUNG’S PERSPECTIVE

The President was asked to give one word answers.

TSU Students: Fantastic

and future jobs.

Talk about what interaction you have had with the students and some your plans for students.

The biggest concerns I’ve heard were about students who’ve been TSU Alumni: Supportive adversely affected by the pandemic and who TSU Board of may not financially be Regents: able to return to camPassionate of the student satisfacpus. I was told about tion measures that are students who have good Philosophy of Life: Carpe Diem (seize associated with being a grades, but they might the day; enjoy life strong HBCU. not be able to afford while you can) coming back to camYou recently pus. So, after meeting Favorite Hobby: said that you with them and listening Conversation will “focus to them, we decided to Favorite Food: on preparing help clear some of the Lobster students for balances that some of current and future our students may have Favorite Color: jobs— and will that may be preventing Pink and Green serve them in them from returning ways they’ve never to campus. They’ve Greatest Rapper(s) of All Times: been served.” also given me a list of Run DMC What are the the different programs plans to strength and activities they’d like Dislikes: job-readiness to do. I announced in a Pigs Feet initiatives for press conference that incoming and I was going to create What do you love?

People alumni? something called the One of the things I President’s Leadership think is very important Council. This is a group Watch is to make sure our stuthat will be comprised Interview with dents have the internship of the presidents of each more insight. opportunities, the externof the student organizaship opportunities and tions, and I’m going to other experiential learning opportunities. meet with them quarterly so that they can We’re also going to work on what I’m call- talk to me about what their specific needs ing distinguished professorship interaction and concerns are, but also the successes that opportunities. I had a conversation about they’re having and the wins that they’re havhaving executives in residence, or corporate ing in their organizations so we can ensure individuals on our campus interacting with that there’s an open line of communication our students, be it in person, which is what between the presidents of the organizations we hope. But if the pandemic doesn’t sub- and the president of the university. side, or if the variant spreads they’ll be able to interact with them virtually as well. They’ll TSU has dealt with an admission get an opportunity to hear about how others scandal, wild Board of Regents have put it in practice, and that will become meeting and the alleged part of their repertoire of knowledge. We’re disbursement of $2 million of aid also going to usher in some leadership devel- to unqualified students. How do opment and professional development pro- you plan to rebuild the trust in the grams and other initiatives.

Black community?

This is my sixth institution of higher You recently said that you will focus education. There is no institution of higher on preparing students for current education that hasn’t had some challenges,

some issues of what we will describe as scandals. The first is this issue with the board of regents. The composition of the board is significantly different. It has changed in terms of who serves on our board. I have seen a board of regents that is supportive, passionate, committed, hard-working, and most importantly, above reproach. There has been no inappropriate behavior. Individuals that were involved in the alleged admissions issue, they’re no longer part of Texas Southern. We’ve put in place a new compliance unit to make sure that we’re being proactive and identifying any instances where our processes, procedures or personnel may be out of compliance. Also, the board has put in place a president that has a significant amount of experience and knowledge in higher education, but who has not been part of anything, whose reputation and brand is beyond reproach.

Tell us one lesson you learned from each of the higher education institutions that you have worked at that you plan to implement at TSU?

At Morgan State University, I learned about the importance of seizing the moment to implement good academic programs. At Tennessee University, I learned the importance of strengthening good relations with the alumni. When I was at the National Science Foundation as a program officer, I learned about developing good research initiatives and writing competitive proposals. We started the idea of a student success center. At Texas A&M University, I learned how to implement good student support mechanisms. In fact, we’ve already identified the location for our new Student Success Center that we’ll be working on over the next few months. Prior to that I was at the University of Central Florida, working with undergraduate and graduate [engineer] students to innovate and create projects. We did things with NASA, Disney and Lay’s potato chips. At Mississippi State, there was a big feeling of family. We’re already a family at TSU. I’m planning to make sure that we’re incorporating good family values and we take a moment to care about the human and not just the task that needs to be done. Most importantly, we’ve going to have some good school spirit!

Laura Onyeneho is the Defender Network Education Reporter and a Report For America Corps member. Email her at laura@defendernetwork.com

PRESIDENT’S TOP PRIORITIES

1 2 3 4 5 6

Prepare students for the competitive job market Student success programs and graduation rates Turn TSU into a top research institution focused on urban America Strengthen community partnerships Improve workforce needs for TSU corporate partners Improve student satisfaction and HBCU experience

TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young with students

TSU President Lesia Crumpton-Young standing between two former TSU presidents (now faculty members) Dr. John Rudley (left) and Prof. James Douglas (right)

10 | August 12, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

ANDERSON OBIAGWU

Taking African music, entertainment to new levels

By Laura Onyeneho

Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy. These are just a few notable African artists whose songs have successfully crossed into the U.S mainstream music industry. When you visit Houston’s Black nightclubs and lounges, listen to the radio, or go on TikTok to see your favorite dance challenges, most likely you will hear trending African music.

This is a dream come true for the CEO of Big A Entertainment and Founder of AFRIMMA Awards (African Muzik Magazine Awards), Anderson Obiagwu. For more than 20 years, “Big A”, as many in the entertainment industry call him, has cemented himself to be one of the most respected and reputable figures in African diaspora entertainment. If you’ve heard of a popular African artist performing in Texas, there is a high possibility that Obiagwu is responsible for that vision becoming a reality.

Obiagwu, a native of Nigeria, also owns Aso Rock Restaurant & Lounge in Dallas and Ebony Food & Music Restaurant in Houston. This entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, husband and father of three shares with the Defender his journey to creating thriving businesses in entertainment and nightlife, and the impact that African entertainment has had on the city and world.

Who is the man behind Big A Entertainment? How has your upbringing shaped who you are today?

I was born and raised in Nigeria and came to the U.S. by the age of 25. I grew up in an environment full of industrious and hardworking people. You had to be tough and fend for yourself. I came to the U.S. in pursuit of a medical career, but I soon realized that it wasn’t my calling. I was a therapist for 12 years at the time. I’ve always wanted to be the person that created a niche for myself. I love challenges. I like to dream and find a way to make it a reality.

What moment in time influenced your decision to carve a niche for yourself in the African music entertainment industry?

When I came to America in 1998 and moved to Dallas. Afrobeats wasn’t really popular. Every year I would travel back to Nigeria to visit my family during Christmas, I would observe what kind of music was playing in the area. It was always a great experience going to the clubs and lounges to hear what’s trending. When I returned to the U.S, I told myself that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to invest in African music and bring African artists to the U.S. And since Texas already has a large Nigerian population, I wanted to launch a business.

You have cultivated the careers of many artists and give opportunities to young Africans in the diaspora to thrive in entertainment, as well. Talk about the launch of the AFRIMMA Awards and the African Muzik Magazine.

I created the African Muzik Magazine for people to learn more about what is happening in the African music industry, what the biggest artists are up to, and what the trending songs are. I remember watching the BET Awards and saw some of our African artists accepted their awards backstage before the actual event began. So, I told my team that we have to create a platform to recognize the contributions of our African artists and that was how AFRIMMA was born.

What new projects should Houstonians be prepared for?

This year AFRIMMA will host a live watch party at Ebony. We also want to take Ebony across America, not just in Houston. I don’t only work with musicians. I work with actors and comedians as well. We want to give everybody in America the opportunity to experience what we have here in Dallas and Houston.

Photo Credit: Anderson Obiagwu Instagram Learn more about Anderson Obiagwu and his music empire at DefenderNetwork.com

August 12, 2021 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

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12 | August 12, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

WE’RE HIRING Bus Operators and Mechanics

DN Feature Federal student loan moratorium extended Defender News Service

The Department of Education has issued what it says will be the final extension to a student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic.

Under the action, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through Jan. 31, 2022. Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic but were set to expire Sept. 30.

In announcing the decision, President Joe Biden said the economy is recovering “at a record rate.” But he said the road to recovery will be longer for some Americans, especially those with student loans.

“This will give the Department of Education and borrowers more time and more certainty as they prepare to restart student loan payments,” Biden said in a statement.

“It will also ensure a smoother transition that

minimizes loan defaults and delinquencies that hurt families and undermine our economic recovery.”

The policy applies to more than 36 million Americans who have student loans that are held by the federal government. Their collective debt totals more than $1.3 trillion, according to the latest Education Department data.

Sen. Chuck Schumer joined Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley in calling for the extension as a stopgap on the way to canceling student loan debt outright.

Biden previously directed Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to draft a memo exploring the president’s authority to discharge student loan debt. After several months, there still has been no word on the status of the memo.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that Black students have an estimated $25,000 more in student loan debt than their white counterparts.

CLASSIFIED LEGAL NOTICE

EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES Bus Operators up to $4,000* Bus Mechanics up to $8,000*

APPLY NOW Scan here or visit WorkforMETRO.org Call 713-739-4953 for additional information.

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The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 2:00 p.m. (CST) Tuesday, September 21, 2021, for the following solicitation: • RFP 22-07-19 Benefits Administration Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

LEGAL NOTICE The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Friday, December 10, 2021 for the following solicitation: • RFP 21-06-02 Instructional Curriculum Materials, Supplies, & Digital Resources • RFP 21-06-03 Students Services, Enrichment Tutorials, Mentoring Services, and Alcohol & Drug Counseling • RFP 21-06-04 Leadership, Teacher, and Staff Development • RFP 21-06-05 College and Career Readiness Materials and Services Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with these RFP’s. Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following:

MEDICATION COURIER SERVICES Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7281, The HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2021 in a sealed envelope marked “PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021, MEDICATION COURIER SERVICES”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Frances Otto, CTCD, Buyer II and Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Purchasing Manager, via E-mail to frances.otto@ theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

August 12, 2021 |

| 13

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature BLACK WOMEN HEED BILES’ OLYMPIC EXAMPLE Associated Press

Naomi Osaka. Simone Biles. Both are prominent young Black women under the pressure of a global Olympic spotlight that few human beings ever know.

Both have faced major career crossroads at the Tokyo Games. Both cited pressure and mental health.

The glare is even hotter for these Black women given that, after years of sacrifice and preparation, they are expected to perform, to be strong, to push through. They must work harder for the recognition and often are judged more harshly than others when they don’t meet the public’s expectations.

So when New York city resident Natelegé Whaley heard that Black women athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics were asserting their right to take care of their mental health, over the pressure to perform a world away, she took special notice.

“This is powerful,” said Whaley, who is Black. “They are leading the way and changing the way we look at athletes as humans, and also Black women as humans.”

Being a young Black woman — which, in American life, comes with its own built-in pressure to perform — entails much more than meets the eye, according to several Black women and advocates who spoke to The Associated Press.

The Tokyo Games show signs of signaling the end of an era — one in which Black women on the world stage give so much of themselves that they have little to nothing left, said Patrisse Cullors, an activist and author who co-founded the Black Lives Matter movement eight years ago.

“Black women are not going to die (for public acceptance). We’re not going to be martyrs anymore,” said Cullors, who resigned her role as director of a BLM nonprofit foundation in May. “A gold medal is not worth someone losing their minds. I’m listening to Simone and hearing her say, ‘I’m more important than this competition.’”

She added: “Activism and organizing is just one contribution that I’ve given.

And we all need to know when enough is enough for us.”

Biles’ message also resonated with Whaley.

“It’s like, (Black women) know not because we’re some sort of special humans who are supernatural,” Whaley said. “It’s

Simone Biles, of the United States, watches gymnasts perform after she exited the team final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, in Tokyo. AP/Ashley Landis

We all need to know when enough is enough for us.”

Patrice Cullors, Black Lives Matter

because we live at those intersections where we have no choice but to know.”

The world’s greatest living Olympian, swimmer Michael Phelps, has been credited with elevating a conversation about sports and mental health. But when Phelps hung up his goggles five years ago, he was less likely to be burdened by the chronic health disparities, sexual violence, police brutality and workplace discrimination that Black women, famous or not, endure daily.

Still, the Black women Olympic athletes, echoed by many of their sisters in the U.S. and around the world, stepped forward and said they need to protect their men-

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, wears a protective mask due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, featuring the name “George Floyd”, while arriving on court to face Shelby Rogers, of the United States, during the quarterfinal round of the US Open tennis championships, in New York. AP/ Frank Franklin II

tal health. They didn’t ask for sympathy or permission. They demanded people respect their decisions and let them be.

“I say put mental health first because if you don’t, then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed

as much as you want to,” Biles, 24, said after pulling out of the women’s team gymnastics final on July 27. Before the Tokyo Games, she was already the most decorated American gymnast in modern times.

Prioritizing mental wellness “shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are, rather than just battle through it,” she said.

Biles went on to win a bronze medal in the balance beam competition.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, 23, first raised concerns about her mental health in June when she avoided speaking to the press during the French Open, and ultimately pulled herself out of the competition until the Tokyo Games.

Although Osaka was eliminated from Olympic medal competition, she reiterated her concern for her own well-being.

“I definitely feel like there was a lot of pressure for this,” Osaka said after the Olympic defeat. Weeks earlier, she had written an op-ed for Time magazine in which she said: “It’s OK to not be OK, and it’s OK to talk about it.”

Some of these attitudes might be about age. Many young people feel empowered to speak about mental health in a way previous generations have not.

READ MORE ABOUT HOW BLACK WOMEN ARE FACING EVEN MORE CHALLENGES

14 | August 12, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rookie guard Jalen Green, the Rockets’ No.2 overall pick, has signed a contract with the team for an undisclosed amount.

Miami Heat guard Jimmy Butler, a Houston native and former standout at Tomball High School, has signed a four-year, $184 million contract extension.

Sports Briefs

Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws the ball during NFL football practice Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston.

AP Photo/Justin Rex

TYROD TAYLOR

ASSUMING CONTROL OF TEXANS OFFENSE

By Terrance Harris

While most of the headlines during the Texans training camp have been about quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contentious standing with the franchise, Tyrod Taylor has simply gone about his business as the team’s new starter and offensive leader.

The situation – with Watson not wanting to be there but being present and relegated to essentially the ignored fourth-team quarterback -- would seem to be too much noise to deal with. But that hasn’t been the case for a 10-year NFL veteran like Taylor, who understands the business of football better than most after stops in Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland and Los Angeles prior to arriving here in the offseason.

He’s laser focused on the task at hand.

“I always say each year is a learning opportunity,” Taylor said. “I think the 10 years prior in professional football has definitely prepared me for the moment I have here, the opportunity I have here, but also the years of playing football as a youth. As a kid, high school, college, you go through so many things. You don’t lose memory of them. You just allow them to better yourself moving forward.”

Taylor’s anticipated role with the Texans has evolved immensely since he came aboard earlier in the offseason. The new regime of general manager Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley brought Taylor in with the hope of being Watson’s backup but also with the idea he could be a one-year insurance policy in the event that Watson couldn’t be convinced to back off his trade demands.

Things, of course, have gotten a lot trickier since with the sexual misconduct claims of 22 massage therapists against Watson. Under ordinary circumstances, the Texans would have traded Watson this offseason and started anew with Taylor as the quarterback placeholder while rookie Davis Mills develops.

Instead, it’s been one awkward show with Watson being forced to be

around due to contractional obligations and him no longer being part of the franchise’s plans. Caught in the middle has been Taylor and the rest of the Texans players.

Being part of the still small NFL African-American quarterback club, Watson and Taylor not only know each other but they are also friends in real life.

“We’ve known each other for a number of years now,” Taylor said.

“We’ve had conversations on the field, off the field, about football, about life. Everything has been a positive conversation, and it will continue to be that way.”

In the meantime, Taylor has gone about the business of being the veteran leader of the offense and the team, in general. He has easily won over the Texans locker room, even if some are understandably torn.

“Couldn’t be a better guy just to take on that role right now, especially with everything going on,” Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus said of Taylor. “With Deshaun, that’s my guy. Love him to death. Hate what’s happened to him. Just bring it for him every day honestly. Man, everything will sort itself out. God got it. I know that for a fact. He’s my guy at the end of the day.”

From the outside looking in, Taylor does seem like the right quarterback during this less-than-ideal time for the Texans. Taylor knows the game having been a starter in the NFL for a number of years now and he still has more than enough ability to be a stabilizer and playmaker for the rebuilding Texans.

“He’s been there and he’s done that,” said Culley, who coached Taylor in Buffalo. “He’s one of our guys right now, he’s been doing a nice job, he’s got a lot of experience. He’s been a starter in his league, he’s taken teams to playoffs in this league and right now with the competition that we are having, he’s right in the mix and doing his thing.”

ROCKETS STRIKE DEAL FOR CENTER The Rockets have acquired center Daniel Theis in a sign-andtrade from Chicago in exchange for cash considerations.

Theis (6-8, Daniel Theis 245) spent his first three and a half seasons with Boston prior to being acquired by Chicago as part of a threeteam trade with Washington in March. He has played in 259 games with 120 starts while averaging 7.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 19.3 minutes per game.

JOSH AND SENGUN SIGN CONTRACTS The Rockets have agreed to contracts with recent draft picks Alperen Josh Christopher Sengun and Josh Christopher. Sengun, a 6-foot-8 power forward/ center from Turkey, was the 16th pick in last month’s NBA Draft. Christopher, a 6-foot5 guard out of Arizona State, was taken with the 24th overall pick.

GARZA NAMED TO HBCU ALL-AMERICAN TEAM Prairie View senior offensive lineman Danny Garza has been named to the BOXTOROW HBCU AllDanny Garza American Team. Garza has been one of the anchors of the top offensive line in the SWAC. BOXTOROW has administered the AllAmerica team since 2007 and the voters are comprised of media members from around the nation that cover HBCU football.

August 12, 2021 |

| 15

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

H.S. SPORTS EDITOR JODIE B. JILES IS ON VACATION.

RUNNING BACK

KEITH ‘BK’ JACKSON TAKES TALENTS FROM RIDGE POINT TO NORTH TEXAS

By ReShonda Tate

It was in second grade, playing flag football, that Keith ‘BK’ Jackson’s love of football was cemented. That love carried him through little league, a state championship playing for Ridge Point High School and now, settling in as a running back for the University of North Texas.

Rated among the top 100 running backs in the class of 2021 in Texas, Jackson tallied an impressive 192 carries for 1,179 yards and 18 touchdowns during his senior season in 11 appearances, helping Ridge Point to the 6A Division 1 state quarterfinal.

As Jackson prepares for the season with the “Mean Green,” he talked with the Defender about his past and his very bright future.

Keith is a running back at UNT. ourselves that we could win, even after losing the first two games of our regular season. I think this year’s team will carry on the legacy. We set the tone and I have no doubt they’ll do even better this year.

DEFENDER: At Ridge Point, you garnered a lot of attention, even being named Offensive Player of the Game during the championship against North Shore. How did you determine what position was best for you?

KEITH: I moved around from position to position throughout my football career. I mostly played defense, but by my eighth grade year, I really was a true running back. And I played that since, all the way up to now.

DEFENDER: Though you’re just in training mode, what would you say is the biggest difference between college and high school football?

KEITH: It’s more fast-paced. It’s more intense from high school ball.

DEFENDER: What advice would you give to other young players hoping to be recruited?

KEITH: Keep grinding, keep working, don’t give up, stay focused and locked in with everything you do. Always focus on getting better in the individual position you want to play.

DEFENDER: How would you describe your style of play?

KEITH: I’m a physical, all-purpose back. I get downfield and I’m able to make plays. I also consider myself a leader. I lead by my actions and words.

DEFENDER: Ridge Point shocked football fans with making it all the way to state. That’s something not many players can boast. How did that achievement make you feel?

KEITH: I felt great. I felt awesome. It was a great achievement coming from a new coaching staff, a first-year head coach and just during this pandemic. I’m glad we got to do that and make history for my school. We’d never gotten that far since 2015.

DEFENDER: What do you think made the team so good? And what is your prediction for this year’s team?

KEITH: We just never backed down from the challenge. We never blamed others when we didn’t do well. We stayed true to ourselves and believed in

DEFENDER: What are you doing when you’re not playing football?

KEITH: When I’m not playing football, I’m usually on Netflix watching movies or I’m on my laptop, working.

ABOUT KEITH JACKSON Height: 6’0” Weight: 205 Other offers: Ole Miss, Tennessee, Utah State, Colorado State, Boise State, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Western Kentucky and Sam Houston State IG: @OnlyKJackso Players he studies: Alvin Kamara and other great running backs

DEFENDER: You credit your parents, Angie and Keith Jackson, Sr. with a lot of your success. How important was their support of your love of football?

KEITH: Very important. They’ve been there. They’ve been supporting me when I didn’t want to support myself, but they gave me confidence to know I can do this, to be a better teammate and help my team win. I did feel confident about myself and they told me to control what I control and be a good team player.

16 | August 12, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

Bob Harris Cancer Survivor

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