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BIDEN-HARRIS Kamala Harris makes history as the ďŹ rst Black woman to be selected as a VP candidate.

Volume 89, issue 42 August 13, 2020

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FIT & FINE Tia Alexander Age: 44 Occupation: Health & Wellness Coach – Grace & Grit Fitness, LLC Education: Texas Southern University | National Academy of Sports Medicine Major: MBA | Certiﬁed Personal Trainer and Senior Fitness Specialist Motto: “It’s possible.” I LOVE… When my body is cared for, because it produces amazing results in all aspects of my life.

Message from the Associate Editor of certain state and local jurisdictions in order to The upcoming 100th anniversary of the ratcrack down on voter suppression. ification of the 19th Amendment, which gave The Senate has yet to address the legislation American women the right to vote, reminds us and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there that obtaining voting rights has never been was “little tangible evidence of this whole voteasy for African Americans. er-suppression nonsense that the Democrats are Despite the 19th Amendment, and the promoting.” preceding 15th Amendment which in 1870 We know for a fact that voter suppression is Marilyn Marshall gave Black men the right to vote, Black real. We must also do our part to win the war. Americans still faced discriminatory voting practices after their passage. ONE, TWO, THREE Today, 55 years after the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Here are some steps to take: Black vote remains under attack, and our enemies will do 1) Register to vote. The deadline is Oct. 5. everything in their power to cause chaos and confusion on 2) Know the candidates. Go to their websites or social Election Day, which is less than three months away. media pages. Learn about their qualifications and what they Their goal is to hang on to the White House and U.S. Sen- will do for you. ate and control as many state and local governments and 3) Avoid Election Day drama. Vote early via mail-in ballot courts as possible. Their weapons include bogus voter ID or in person Oct. 13-30. Be on the lookout for a new Delaws, baseless claims of voter fraud and other voter suppres- fender campaign to encourage area residents to vote early sion tactics. and take another person to the polls with them. It’s called Their assault has already started. Instigator-in-chief Don- #rolltothepolls. ald Trump keeps calling the November election “rigged” and is trying to frighten and discourage voters by making HARRIS, A SHINING EXAMPLE false arguments against mail-in voting. The selection of Sen. Kamala Harris as Joe Biden’s running We cannot afford to let them sabotage our voting rights mate is a shining example of what can happen when Afriand political power. can Americans flex their political muscles. A Black woman as vice president was once unthinkable. Now, Black voters REMEMBER THE BRIDGE have the chance to help make history with their power at When Georgia Congressman John Lewis died last the polls. month, we saw over and over again how he and other brave men and women were bruised, beaten and blood- ON THE WEB ied on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. over the • ReShonda Tate Billingsley tells what’s happening each right to vote. week in NewsWrap. In honor of Lewis, the House of Representatives approved • In national news, see why police reform is still needed in a proposal to rename legislation meant to restore a key pro- America. vision of the Voting Rights Act. The John R. Lewis Voting • Need a COVID-19 test? The Defender gives updates on Rights Act would again give federal agencies oversight local testing sites. PROTECT YOUR POWER

IG: @tiagraceandgrit @gracegritfitness FB: @Tia Grace-Grit @gracegritfitness Read more on Friday about Tia at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: fitnfine@defendernetwork.com

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DN News Former TSU asst. dean accused of theft Defender News Service

An officer visits the George Floyd memorial in Houston. NAACP Crisis Magazine

George Floyd’s friends discuss next steps Defender News Service

Herbert Mouton

Vaughn Dickerson

Jonathan Veal

The tragic death of George Floyd has created a muchneeded dialogue around race in America. Floyd’s childhood friends Herbert Mouton, Vaughn Dickerson and Jonathan Veal of 88 Initiatives C.H.U.M.P.S. (Communities Helping Underprivileged Minorities Program) are working to make sure Floyd’s legacy serves as a catalyst for change in their communities. “For us, we feel like this is our mark we’re supposed to leave on our generation. To make it better for the next generation,” said Veal, one of three former high school classmates of Floyd who spoke to the NAACP’s The Crisis Magazine. Dickerson and Mouton are the other two classmates who joined in on the Facebook Live conversation about Floyd’s legacy. All three played football with Floyd at Jack Yates High School in Third Ward. “I’m still in disbelief,” Dickerson said. “He was not a troubled individual. He knew not to resist the police. He knew not to disrespect an officer or bring a counterfeit

bill, that’s not him.” The three lifelong friends, as well as other alumni, are working to launch the initiative. The organization’s goals are to increase and improve community dialogue with police, increase voting participation, and improve education and housing opportunities in their communities. “His death has challenged me, to not only stand up, but speak up, and be accountable,” Veal said. “He was a brother from another mother. It doesn’t really hit home until it’s at home. It was, and still is, hard for me to digest,” Mouton said. “...When we talk about police brutality, it’s always snippits – a piece of video here and there - but to actually see my friend, my teammate, my brother murdered on national TV was, and still is, painful.” Dickerson said as years passed, high school classmates went on to college, built careers and families and moved out of the old neighborhood. Floyd’s death has encouraged many of them to reengage in the community where they grew up and to make sure other kids are not left behind.

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

VOLUME 89 - NUMBER 42 - AUGUST 13, 2020 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

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley Creative Director Michael Grant Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall

A former Texas Southern University Law School assistant dean has been charged with theft after being accused of stealing from the university. Ac c ord i n g t o aut h or it i e s , 52-year-old Edward Wayne Rene is accused of awarding double tuition scholarships to at least two students and then making them return the extra money, which he allegedly took. Rene has been charged with theft by a public servant of $30,000 to $150,000, a second-degree felony. If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. “The former TSU Law School Dean of Admissions masterminded a variety of schemes to steal money from the school by diverting student scholarship funds to himself. He abused his power for personal profit and his actions hurt the school and the students,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. “It was the TSU Board of Regents who brought us the case following an internal investigation, and we applaud their swift actions to bring this thief to justice.” Anyone with information about possible wrongdoing in the case is urged to contact the DA’s Office Public Corruption Division or FBI’s Houston Division at 713-274-5911.

Edward Wayne Rene

People Editor Aswad Walker Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

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DN News

BIDEN PICKS KAMALA Democratic VP selection makes history

president, easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would center on two white men in their 70s. A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States. Two women have been nominated as running mates on major party tickets: Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008. Their parties lost in the general election. The vice presidential pick carries increased significance this year. If elected, Biden would be 78 when he’s inaugurated in January, the oldest man to ever assume the presidency. He’s spoken of himself as a transitional figure and hasn’t fully committed to seeking a second term in 2024. If he declines to do so, his running mate would likely become a front-runner for the nomination that year.

Associated Press

Joe Biden has named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate, making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party’s presidential ticket and acknowledging the vital role Black voters will play in his bid to defeat President Donald Trump. In choosing Harris, Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the unique rigor of a national campaign. Born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, the 55-year-old first-term senator is one of the party’s most prominent figures. She quickly became a top contender for the No. 2 spot after her own White House campaign ended. In a tweet, Biden called Harris a “fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants.” “Together, with you, we’re going to beat Trump,” he said. She joins Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of unprecedented national crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 160,000 people in the U.S., far more than the toll experienced in other countries. Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused severe economic problems. Unrest, meanwhile, has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality. After the announcement, Trump quickly tweeted a campaign ad that dismisses Harris as “phony” and says she and Biden “jointly embrace the radical left.” Trump’s uneven handling of the crises has given Biden an opening, and he enters the fall campaign in strong position against the president. In adding Harris to the ticket, he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as health care and her background in law enforcement in the nation’s largest state. Harris’ record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinized during the Democratic primary and turned away some liberals and younger Black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of racism in the legal system and police brutality. She tried to strike a balance on these issues, declaring herself a “progressive prosecutor” who backs law enforcement reforms. Biden, who spent eight years as President Barack Obama’s vice president, has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House. He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice

Five facts about Kamala 1. She started her political career as a district attorney. Harris was San Francisco’s district attorney from 2004 until she was elected California’s attorney general in 2010 and was the first woman of color to hold both positions. 2. She was elected to the Senate in 2016. Harris was elected by the state of California in 2016, carrying all but four counties. Following her election, she promised she would protect immigrants from the policies of then-President-elect Donald Trump.

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., listens during a gun safety forum. -AP/John Locher Former Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. shake hands Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, after a Democratic presidential primary debate at Texas Southern University in Houston. -AP/David J. Phillip

3. She was a target of the mail bombing attempts in October 2018. A suspicious package addressed to Harris was intercepted by law enforcement officials at a Sacramento postal facility on October 26, 2018. It was believed to be sent by Cesar Sayoc, who was taken in to custody and accused of sending at least 12 other suspicious devices to CNN, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, the Clintons, and other key Democrats. 4. In addition to immigration reform, Harris is a supporter of gun control, environmental justice and the decriminalization of marijuana. Harris is also an advocate for disaster relief, as she was one of eight senators to sign a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, charging the agency for neglecting displaced Puerto Ricans after the devastating hurricane. Additionally, she is against the death penalty and pro-choice. 5. Harris was born to an Indian mother and Jamaican father in Oakland, CA. Harris is a California native, born to a Tamil Indian mother and Jamaican father.

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District B runoﬀ to move forward Defender News Service

A long-delayed Houston runoff election could be on the ballot as early as October, after a Texas appeals court affirmed a lower court’s ruling to deny an election contest. The runoff election for the Houston City Council District B seat has been delayed since last November, when the third-place candidate, Renee Jefferson-Smith, contested the outcome of the general election. The ruling rejected Jefferson-Smith’s claim that Bailey wasn’t eligible to run because of a felony conviction on her record. More than a decade ago, Bailey was convicted of theft. The appellate ruling found that Jefferson-Smith did not sufficiently establish Bailey’s ineligibility, and now paves the way for the two top vote-getters from November, Tarsha Jackson and Cynthia Bailey, to be on the ballot. Jefferson-Smith’s lawsuit raised questions about Texas’s law on eligibility. The state election code says: “A finally convicted felon is not eligible to be a candidate

Tarsha Jackson, Cynthia Bailey and Renee Jeﬀerson Smith vied for Houston City Council District B.

for public elected office in this state unless they have been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities.” But what it means to be released from the “resulting disabilities” isn’t clearly defined, legal experts say. In November, District B residents rallied at Houston City Hall demanding the race be on the December runoff ballot. Jackson, along with her opponent Bailey and the current District B Council Member Jerry Davis, argued Bailey had a right to run. Jefferson-Smith can still appeal the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court. C

CMY

HISD tries to ﬁnd missing students K

Defender News Service

The Houston Independent School District’s number one obstacle since the coronavirus pandemic is trying to locate and contact more than 7,000 students, according to HISD Superintendent Grenita Lathan. The district switched to virtual learning in March, and since then, Lathan says they have lost contact and have been trying to locate about 7,600 students. Lathan said it was a major concern for the district as they prepare for the new school year. “When we switched to virtual learning in March, all of our students have a log-in based on ID, 7,600 (of) those students were not logging on so they were not actively

engaged. When we conducted home visits or phone calls to their families, they were not answering and so that was concerning,” she said. In eﬀorts to reach more students during the pandemic, HISD launched a campaign to help locate them. Lathan said HISD has about 209,000 students who are enrolled and scheduled to begin learning virtually when the district reopens on Sept. 8. “We do have a high mobility rate in our school district and we know a number of our students experience homelessness, so we’re trying to push our information. We’ve purchased billboards, radio ads, TV ads to try and locate those students and their families,” she said.

In Memoriam Byron M. Cleggett, 65 longtime resident of Missouri City, Texas (Native of New Orleans, La.) entered eternal rest surrounded by his loving wife Valerie and daughter, Hillary on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Public visitation will be held on August 15, 2020 from 9-11 a.m. at Sugar Land Mortuary, 1818 Eldridge, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. A private celebration of life will follow at 12:00 noon. Face coverings are required. Live streaming will be available. More details can be found at www.slmortuary.com.

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL Black women suffragists underappreciated

lack women political activists span generations on the local, state and national levels. For some, the historic victories of 19 African American judges in Harris County during the 2018 midterm elections, served as an introduction to the power of Black women in the political sphere. Long before that election, we witnessed the national rise of U.S. congresswomen like Maxine Waters and Sheila Jackson Lee and U.S. senators such as Kamala Harris. Even before their predecessors like the late Barbara Jordan and Shirley Chisholm, there were countless diﬀerence-making Black women who ﬂexed their political muscle.

Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954). She may be the

best known of the Black women suﬀragists, yet even she is far from a household name. A member of the National American Woman Suﬀrage Association, Terrell founded or co-founded several voting-related organizations, including the National Association of Colored Women in 1896. The NACW Mary Church was a federation of local clubs that Terrell viewed winning women the right to vote as a critical step in improving the lives of all Black people nationally. Her words, “Lifting as we climb,” became the NACW’s motto. Terrell not only fought against the roadblocks raised by white women, but also those of some Black men. “What could be more absurd than to see one group of human beings who are denied rights which they are trying to secure for themselves working to prevent another

group from obtaining the same rights,” said Terrell. “For the very arguments which are advanced against granting the right of suffrage to women are offered by those who have disenfranchised colored men.” Dr. Rosalyn Terborg-Penn, former professor of History at Morgan State University and an authority on Black women in the suffrage movement (www.suffragistmemorial.org), spotlights Terrell and others who laid the foundation for today’s political powerhouses. Sojourner Truth (1797?-1883).

According to Terborg-Penn, she was the ﬁrst known Black female suﬀragist. Born Isabella Baumfree, she was also an evangelist, abolitionist, author and former slave who escaped to Sojourner Truth freedom in 1826. Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931). The legendary anti-lynching crusader, newspaper editor, co-founder

THOUGHTS ON 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Nine African American women gather for the Banner State Woman’s National Baptist Convention in 1915 (Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA)

REFLECTIONS ON 100 YEARS OF SUFFRAGE

POLITICAL POWER OF

BLACK WOMEN

By Aswad Walker

The 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote after years of struggle was ratiﬁed on Aug. 18, 1920. As the nation draws closer to the 100th anniversary of this milestone in women ‘s suﬀrage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony will be paraded as the movement’s heroines. And why not? They wrote the six-volume book, “History of Women’s Suffrage,” chronicling the movement. The only problem is their story ignores the herculean efforts of Black women suffragists, and the racism practiced by their white counterparts that left Black women without the ability to fully cast their ballots for another 40plus years.

“Much of the narrative of Black women’s leadership – even our presence in the suffrage movement is hardly known,” said Gwen McKinney, president and founder of McKinney & Associates Public Relations in Washington, D.C. and director of a campaign titled Suffrage. Race. Power: Unerased Black Women. “’Herstory’ has been obscured, untold and erased,” McKinney said. “We can only address the erasures by telling our stories, highlighting our contributions and amplifying the voice of Black women.” Undeterred, Black women continued their path toward greater political power, and now stand as political difference-makers, demanding their long-overdue seat at the table.

Much of the narrative of Black women’s leadership – even our presence in the suﬀrage movement is hardly known.” Gwen McKinney, president and founder of McKinney & Associates Public Relations

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee: “This historic centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy and women’s commitment to change and equality. African American women began forming their own clubs in the 1880s and founded the National Association of Colored Women in Congresswoman 1896. Unlike predominantly white suffrage organizations, Sheila Jackson the NACW called for other reforms to address the ecoLee nomic, educational and social welfare of African American women and children, such as job training programs, fair wages and childcare. African American women have been at the forefront of fighting for equality issues prior to passage of the 19th Amendment... Today, as a result of the suffragist movement and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we have 127 women serving in Congress of which 22 are African American and 48 are women of color.” State Rep. Senfronia Thompson: “The 100th anniversary gives me an opportunity to thank all the Black State Rep. women of the past and present for the one power, the Senfronia opportunity to vote. It took courage and perseverance for Thompson Black women to continue to fight for the right to vote and endure the resistance of counter-attacks.”

POLITICAL GROWTH SEEN IN YOUR LIFETIME Councilmember Letitia Plummer: “I was born a few years after the Voting Rights Act was passed, and so I grew up hearing and seeing African American women running for office. One of the first women that I learned about was Shirley Chisholm…Growing up, she was everyone’s role model and hero. In Houston, I saw Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee become judge and then a Houston City Councilmember and Councilmember then finally congresswoman. It was just so exciting to follow Letitia Plummer that journey and see someone from our community achieve political greatness. Now we see more and more Black women running for office nationally. We even have four Black women on Houston City Council.

of NACW and founding member of the NAACP, also founded the Alpha Suffrage Club for Black women that published a newsletter to educate Blacks about issues and candidates on the ballot. When Wells-Barnett Ida B. was told to march in the back of the Wells-Barnett 1913 Suffrage Parade in Washington D.C., she refused, boldly marching in front. Sarah Parker Remond (1826-1887), a member of multiple abolitionist and suffragist organizations, and her brother Charles, were so highly regarded that they both spoke at the National Woman’s Rights Convention in New York (1858). However, the racism displayed by white women suffragists was the last straw for Remond who left the U.S. for Florence, Sarah Parker Italy where she studied medicine Remond and became a physician. Several powerful Black suffragists during the 18th and 19th centuries came from two families, including Charlotte Vandine Forten Sr., Harriet Forten Purvis, Margaretta Forten, Harriet “Hattie Purvis Jr., and noted playwright Angela Weld Grimke.

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE YOU POLITICALLY

ROLE IN NOVEMBER ELECTION

Gwen McKinney: “Septima Clark, a stalwart civil rights warrior who envisioned campaigns against the literacy tests, is hardly known. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a 19th century suﬀragist, was also a writer, poet and the ﬁrst Black woman author of a published short story. More Gwen McKinney contemporary activists like Diane Nash and scores of others made invaluable contributions to the advancement of Black Yanece people and Washington American democracy.” Yanece Washington, TSU student & Mayor’s Student Leadership Alliance member: “Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Obama and Beyoncé because they have shown time and time again that being a woman is a tool and not a curse. That being a Black woman is an enhancement and a way to reach the masses.”

Jackson Lee: “Black women drive turnout for the Black community and are one of the most progressive voting blocs in the country. We demonstrate high levels of support for progressive issues such as police reform, raising the minimum wage and protecting Social Security... Without Black women, President Obama would not have won the White House in 2012.” Washington: “Our informed way of thinking and emotionally spiritual way of connecting candidates to the needs of the people, will play a major role in the candidates that are pushed in the African American community, and drive overall voter turnout in the Black community. Plummer: “Black women vote, and Black women make sure their families vote. In the 2018 election, Black women were key to ﬂipping seats. It is the same this year too. The exciting thing is the number of women, especially Black women, running throughout the country. We are the most substantial voting bloc. We need to realize our power.”

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DN Entertainment Lizzo lands production deal with Amazon Studios to produce television and film.

Tina Knowles-Lawson debuts an Instagram live show, “Talks With Mama Tina,” to address social issues.

IS ‘WAP’ TOO RAUNCHY? CARDI B, MEGAN THEE STALLION CAUSE FRENZY Defender News Service

ega rap stars Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have teamed up on a track, “WAP,” and a steamy music video that has people all over the country talking, questioning if the song is too raunchy or just a sign of the times. In a live YouTube conversation before dropping the new visual, the pair discussed the making of the clip, gave each other kudos and expressed some anxiety about it coming out. Cardi referenced criticisms she had seen levied against her on social media for taking time between releases. The video, which Cardi described as being censored due to it having some “nasty a** sh*t,” is still plenty sensual. In the new visual, Cardi and Megan wander through a mansion, where lavish rooms are occupied by women, including some very recognizable cameos: Kylie Jenner, Normani and Rosalía, to name a few. In between, Cardi drops a verse in a leopard-printed room complete with an actual leopard, while Megan takes the vocal lead in a bathroom that includes white tigers. “I’m talking wap, wap, wap,” they rap on the chorus. “That’s some wet and gushy.” That’s the clean version. We’ll let your imagination fill in the lyrics for the explicit version. While the track was trending for days on social media, there are pockets of critiques that believe the song’s lyrics and video are hyper-sexualized, and not appropriate for the rapper’s young fan base. In fact, the rappers have received criticism from everyone from GOP leaders to Carole Baskins, the woman made popular from “The Tiger King,” who blasted the use of live tigers in the video.

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion

Let the People Be Heard Fans weigh in on their thoughts about the explicit lyrics and a racy video. “There were so many songs from back in the day that were raunchy and let’s be honest, if men had made a song like this then there wouldn’t be as much of an uproar.” – Krystle Alexander McDonald “I heard it on the radio and asked, ‘Are they really playing this during the day?’ I immediately knew I was old when I asked it!” – Demetria Randle West “Clutching my pearls.”

– Eartha S. Dunston

“Lil Kim was raw but I think because we didn’t have the videos like today back then, it didn’t seem that bad. My mouth was open when I looked at the video. But hey, it will appeal to their audience. It sho won’t be on my playlist tho.” – S. Lynn Scott

“Male rappers say things 10 times worse. I think people have a problem because these are women. I love that they’re in touch with their sexuality and aren’t ashamed to flaunt it!” – Deidre Johnson “Lil Kim was raw but still presented herself in a way that was still tasteful. These women like Cardi and Megan nowadays have absolutely no filter or a care in the world.” – Deanna Raenett Anderson “Horrible and I’m a Cardi B fan...some things are just too much. Call me old if ya like…the sad part is all the little girls who will know every word.” – Monique M. “Millie Jackson, 2 Live Crew, Too $hort and Lil Kim were all raw. It’s the same thing with a different package.” – Felicia Brooks “It’s disgusting on all fronts and then we wonder why our girls are oversexualized.” – Lisa Waters “I watched the video and didn’t notice the lyrics. Were they bad?:-)”

– Brian E.

*What are your thoughts? Weigh in on our FB page.

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DN DN Health Health

A DEFENDER AND A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE CLINIC ALLIANCE

People People of of color color at at risk risk for for skin skin cancer cancer

BY ISABELLA GYENING, M.D. BYWith ISABELLA GYENING,pandemic M.D. the coronavirus making

Withand the coronavirus pandemic close indoor contact with making others close and indoor contact with others a health risk, more of us are taking to a health risk, more of us are taking to the outdoors to socialize, exercise, and the outdoors to socialize, exercise, and de-stress. Maintaining a minimum of 6 de-stress. Maintaining a minimum of 6 feet of distance from others, avoiding large feet of distance from others, avoiding large groups, and wearing a cloth face covering as groups, and wearing a cloth faceprecautions covering as recommended are important recommended areI’d important precautions to keep in mind. add another – don’t to keep mind. I’d add another – don’t leave thein house without wearing sunscreen leave the houseclothing. without wearing sunscreen and protective and protective clothing. ANYONE CAN GET SKIN CANCER ANYONE CAN GET SKIN do CANCER While people of color get some While people of color do some natural UV protection due to theget melanin natural UV protection due to for thesunburns melanin in our skin, we’re still at risk in skin, we’reNo still at is risk for sunburns andour skin cancer. one immune to the and skincaused cancer.by Nothe one is immune to the damage sun. In fact, studies damage caused sun. fact,likely studies show that peoplebyofthe color areInmore to show thatskin people of color more likely to die from cancer due toare more aggressive die fromand skinlate cancer due to more aggressive cancers diagnosis. cancers and late diagnosis.

FROM THE DOC FROM “Signs ofTHE skinDOC cancer “Signs includeof a skin newcancer or changing include a new growth, a mole,ororchanging a sore growth, a mole, or a sore that doesn’t heal.” that doesn’t heal.” Dr. Gyening is a Dr. Gyening is at a Kelseydermatologist dermatologist at KelseySeybold’s Downtown Seybold’s Downtown at The Shops Clinic and at The Shops Clinic and Berthelsen Main Campus. Berthelsen Main Campus.

Using sunscreen not only helps protect Usingskin sunscreen notbut onlyithelps against cancer, alsoprotect helps against skin cancer, but it also helps manage the signs of aging (wrinkles and manage theassigns (wrinkles and sunspots), well of as aging hyperpigmentation sunspots),such as well as hyperpigmentation disorders as melasma. disorders such as melasma. PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT I tell myYOURSELF patients to reduce their tellgetting my patients to reduce riskI of skin cancer by doingtheir the risk of getting skin cancer by doing the following: following: • Seek shade whenever possible, • especially Seek shade whenever possible, between 10 a.m. and especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when sunlight is most intense. 4 p.m., when sunlight is most intense. • Wear clothing that protects your • skin Wearfrom clothing thatA wide-brimmed protects your the sun. skin from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat can shade your face and neck. hat can Bear in shade mind your that face the and feet neck. may Bear in mind that the feet may need to be protected with sunneed toorbe protectedfootwear, with sunscreen appropriate as screenareoraappropriate as they common sitefootwear, of skin cantheyforare a common cer people of color.site of skin cancer for people of color.

• Wear a broad-spectrum, water• Wear broad-spectrum, resistanta sunscreen with an SPFwaterof 30 resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. or greater. • Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes • Apply 15 to 30even minutes before sunscreen going outdoors, on before going outdoors, even cloudy days. You can avoid on a cloudy days. cast Youby can avoid for a chalky white searching chalky cast sheer by searching for brands white that offer or invisible brands that offer sheer or invisible protection. protection. • When outdoors, reapply sunscreen • When outdoors, sunscreen every two hours,reapply particularly after every two particularly after sweating or hours, swimming. sweating or swimming. SKIN CHECKS ARE KEY SKIN CHECKS monthly ARE KEY I recommend self-exams of I recommend of your skin, makingmonthly sure to self-exams include toes, your skin,ofmaking sure palms, to include toes, the soles your feet, toenails, the of yourOnce feet, apalms, toenails, and soles fingernails. year see your and fingernails. Once a year see dermatologist for a thorough your skin dermatologist cancer exam. for a thorough skin cancer exam.

Now Now Scheduling Scheduling Both Both VIRTUAL VIRTUAL and and IN-PERSON IN-PERSON Appointments! Appointments! Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a current patient, you have a choice of where Whether you’reget new to the family or aat current patient, you have a choice of where you can safely care. CallKelsey-Seybold our 24/7 Contact Center 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day you can safely get care. our Contact Centerillnesses, at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual VideoCall Visit or,24/7 for non-respiratory an in-person appointment at a or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you. Your health and safety are our top priority. We‘re screening patients upon arrival for COVID-19 Your health checking and safetytemperatures, are our top priority. We‘re screening patients upon arrival forPrevention COVID-19 symptoms, and following Centers for Disease Control and symptoms, temperatures, and following Centers Diseasewhile Control and Prevention guidelines. checking Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face for protection visiting our clinics. guidelines. Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face protection while visiting our clinics. Do you feel more comfortable visiting with a Kelsey-Seybold doctor from your home? We also offer Do youVideo feel more with Visit a Kelsey-Seybold doctor from your home? also offer virtual Visitscomfortable for childrenvisiting and adults. kelsey-seybold.com/virtual to find outWe more. virtual Video Visits for children and adults. Visit kelsey-seybold.com/virtual to find out more. Our doctors and clinical teams are here for you now and in the future. Our doctors and clinical teams are here for you now and in the future.

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Berthelsen Main Campus Berthelsen Main Campus 2727 West Holcombe Blvd. 2727 West Holcombe Houston, Texas 77025 Blvd. Houston, Texas 77025 24/7 Contact Center 24/7 Contact Center 713-442-0000 713-442-0000 MyKelseyOnline (MKO) MyKelseyOnline (MKO) mykelseyonline.com mykelseyonline.com MKO Help Line MKO Help Line 713-442-6565 713-442-6565 (7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.) (7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.) After-Hours Nurse Hotline After-Hours 713-442-0000Nurse Hotline 713-442-0000 Learn More About Virtual Visits Learn More About Virtual Visits kelsey-seybold.com/virtual kelsey-seybold.com/virtual

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and more than 50 HEALTH PLANS, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and more than 50 HEALTH PLANS, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Also accepting two Medicare Advantage plans, KelseyCare Advantage and WellCare TexanPlus. UnitedHealthcare. Also accepting two Medicare Advantage plans, KelseyCare Advantage and WellCare TexanPlus.

12 | August 13, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

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VACCINATION DECLINE CAUSES CONCERN Marilyn Marshall

The impact of COVID-19 on our health and well-being isn’t limited to actual cases of the virus. There has been a disturbing decline in the number of children receiving vaccinations and, in some instances, well-child checkups because of their parents’ fears of exposure to COVID-19. Medical experts warn that delaying children’s visits to the doctor can be hazardous to their health. Vaccines protect children from numerous infectious diseases, including chickenpox, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, polio and tetanus. As an example of parents’ concerns, Legacy Community Health in June released results of an online survey among parents and guardians of pediatric patients following Harris County’s stay-at-home orders. The results suggested that many parents decided to forego their children’s pediatric well-child checkups and scheduled vaccinations due to the pandemic. Of those who missed appointments, 53% cancelled due to the stay-at-home order. Only 17% of respondents attended pediatric visits as planned and 36% of respondents wanted to pursue future visits virtually. Other alarming trends include: • A report from Texas Vaccines for Children, part of the Texas Department of State Health S er vices (DSHS), showed a 44% percent drop in the number of doses administered during the early months of the pandemic. • A Centers for Disease report found a troubling drop in routine childhood

vaccinations as a result of families staying at home due to COVID-19. • The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recently warned of a decline in the number of children receiving life-saving vaccines around the world. Data for the first four months of 2020 showed a substantial drop in the number of children completing three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3). “Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in the history of public health, and more children are now being immunized than ever before,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. “But the pandemic has put those gains at risk.” The DSHS lists the following recommendations for providers, parents and patients: • Healthcare providers should continue modifying procedures to ensure that vaccination services are provided while minimizing potential spread of COVID-19. This includes modifying office practices to minimize contact between patients and families. • Children who have fallen behind should be vaccinated as soon as possible using published catch-up vaccination schedules. Reminder-recall systems may be useful to bring patients back into the clinic. • Parents are encouraged to call their pediatrician to schedule routine vaccinations while following all available COVID-19 precautions. For more information visit www.legacycommunityhealth.org or www.dshs.texas.gov

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

To gain more insight into kids’ health in the midst of a pandemic, the Defender spoke with Dr. Paula Wright, M.D., a general pediatrician with Texas Children’s Pediatrics Ripley House.

THE RISKS

Wright discussed the dangers if children do not receive vaccinations or pediatric check-ups as scheduled. “The risks can be great,” she said. “Starting with well-checks, this is the time we go over [kids’] overall health…If you delay this, it can lead to sickness and delays in diagnosis, delays in helping with any medical problems and delays in referrals if need be for appropriate care.” Wright said that foregoing immunizations can also lead to an increased risk of sickness and sometimes even death due to illnesses that are preventable, from measles to whooping cough to inﬂuenza. Dr. Paula Wright “Hospitals are already overburdened with cases of coronavirus,” she said. “Start adding sickness from preventable illnesses like what I just mentioned and it becomes an [added] burden on the health system. It’s just a rebound eﬀect.” She added that when in-person school starts, unvaccinated children put others at risk, including children who might be unable to be vaccinated because of cancer or other illnesses that suppress the immune system.

THE REASSURANCE

Wright said she can understand parents’ coronavirus fears, but “More than ever, this is the time to bring your child into the office for their well-check visits and vaccines. “I want to reassure parents that pediatrician offices are doing what they can to ensure the safety of everyone, patients and employees. A lot of us are doing temperature checks, checking patients and their families before they come into the office.” She said some doctors’ offices may have well-checks in the morning and other visits in the afternoon, and others are spacing out visits to decrease wait time. “A lot of times we may have patients wait in the car or wait outside and not sit in the lobby with other patients,” she said. “So, we’re doing as much as we can to make sure everyone is safe, including sterilizing and cleaning multiple times throughout the day so it is safe when you come in.” For information on vaccinations and schedules visit www.texaschildrens.org/departments/center-vaccine-awareness-and-research-cvar/ vaccines-age

August 13, 2020 |

| 13

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Houston parents face back-to-school dilemmas Defender News Service

With school underway or preparing to get underway for thousands of Houston-area students, many families are facing back-to-school dilemmas when it comes to educating their children, especially in light of the fact that in the last week, more than 100,000 children across the country have tested positive for the coronavirus. “My son doesn’t do well with online learning, but he also has asthma, so I can’t even imagine putting him in a classroom, especially when this seems to be a ﬁgure-this-out as we go situation,” said parent Jodi Williams. Just over half of families in HISD want to continue their children’s education with virtual learning this fall, according to a survey conducted earlier this summer. But another 47% of families said they agree with in-person instruction if class sizes are smaller. The coronavirus outbreak in greater Houston and much of Texas has made parents, state lawmakers, local health oﬃcials and representatives from teachers’ groups concerned about re-opening schools before the rate of infection has slowed. “The governor should prohibit any

FACT: 100,000 KIDS HAVE TESTED POSITIVE

school district from beginning classes, in-person or remotely, before Sept. 8,” said State Rep. Ron Reynolds. “After that date, districts should be allowed to reopen buildings to in-person instruction only after consultation with local health authorities, teachers, other school employees and parents and with strict safety standards enforced. Districts that choose to provide

only online instruction must not be penalized with a loss of state funding.” Gov. Greg Abbott has stressed that local school boards should decide how to reopen classrooms and says local health oﬃcials can close schools only after an outbreak. The Texas Education Agency also changed its stance on funding this summer, initially guaranteeing full funding for online

learning and then later saying schools wouldn’t get that full funding for virtual school after a certain time frame. Many area school districts won’t reopen brick-and-mortar classrooms until after Labor Day. Some districts have decided to teach remotely for weeks, including the Fort Bend and Houston independent school districts. Others will oﬀer face-toface instruction much sooner, starting with Humble ISD. “I believe that every parent has the right to choose for their own children,” said Ryan Cotten, who has three children enrolled in Humble public schools and who started a Facebook group to advocate for in-person learning. They recently rallied for the Humble school board to approve a return to the classroom this month. The board voted to allow in-person learning starting Aug. 24 for parents who choose that option. Other options parents are exploring include withdrawing from public school altogether and homeschooling, and organizing mini schools called learning pods. Houston Public Media contributed to this report.

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14 | August 13, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports NBA FOUNDATION COMMITS $300M TO BLACK GROWTH Defender News Service

America and Canada. The day the NBA announced the crePaul credited the players and league for ation of a $300 million fund for social working to put the plan together. justice matters focused on education, “We [have] a special league, the players job creation and career advancement, as well as the executive committee,” he Oklahoma City Thunder point guard said. “Over the course of this time, oband former Houston Rocket Chris Paul viously there’s been so much discussion spoke about the imabout the jerseys, portance of that fund. Black Lives Matter “I think getting that on the court, and money allocated to the work. The real the foundation, to the work...We’re excitOver the course fund, and for players to ed about the work of this time, have a say-so on where ahead.” obviously there’s that money is going is The foundation’s been so much huge. It’s huge,” said primary focus will Paul, who is the presbe on career growth discussion about ident of the National and advancement the jerseys, Black Basketball Player’s Asthrough increasing Lives Matter on sociation. access and training the court, and Paul said it is a “big opportunities. the work. The reason” players agreed Money will go toreal work...We’re to join the bubble and ward organizations excited about the finish the season. The around the country work ahead.” money will be disthat are centered persed in increments around education Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder point of $30 million doland employment guard and president lars a year over the from youth jobs and of the National next 10 years. Every internships through Basketball Player’s NBA team owner will career advanceAssociation contribute $1 million ments at older ages. annually to the newly The money will be formed NBA Founutilized in areas of dation, which will create a base of $300 education tied to historically Black colmillion throughout the lifetime of the leges and universities. Precedence will be agreement. afforded to specific areas such as STEM The money will specifically go to Black fields. Getting Black students into interncommunities. The NBA Board of Gover- ship programs and opportunities to be nors will work with the Players Associa- involved in shadow jobs and apprenticetion to define specifically where the mon- ships will also be a key focus area. ey will go. Every community with an NBA With the emphasis on education and team will be specifically affected positively employment, the foundation is designed as well as other communities throughout to work through a three-tier plan. For

youngsters coming directly out of high school, training and internships will have a greater emphasis. The charity will partner with sponsors and companies who will empower the Black community with career advancement offers as well as promotion and net-

working opportunities. “I am proud of our league and our players for their commitment to this longterm fight for equality and justice, and I know we will continue to find ways to keep pushing for meaningful institutional change,” said Paul.

CLASSIFIED Notice of Issuance for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) and the Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement (CCPPI) issued a RFQ inviting multi-family Affordable housing developers to submit qualifications for consideration to develop affordable housing on MRA owned sites. The RFQ is posted at www.ccppi.org. A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held on August 13, 2020 and responses are due on September 18, 2020.

Bids Wanted

2100 Memorial Senior Living Complex BLOCK Builders, LLC has been awarded 2100 Memorial, a Senior Living Complex located at 2100 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. This project is funded by the City of Houston and is subject to MWSBE, Section 3, Pay or Play and Davis-Bacon and Related Acts.1 building, 5-stories, podium over parking, 197 units of new construction. We are seeking bids from qualified contractors. City of Houston Certified MWSBE and Section 3 Business concerns are encouraged to submit proposals. The bid date is September 17, 2020 at 11:00AM. This is a City of Houston Project with DR requirements. A pre-bid conference will be held via video conference on August 20, 2020 at 10:00AM. Please contact Adrian Villarreal at avillarreal@blockcompanies.com

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 •

Project 20-05-03 – RFQ/ Charter School Operators – with a deadline of 12:00 p.m. on September 9, 2020. The Pre-Proposal Conference for this project will be via Zoom on August 19, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

The solicitation for bids is available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. To access, go to Directory, Purchasing Services, Solicitation of Bids. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 1313 MAIN STREET STANDBY GENERATOR The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the 1313 Main Street Standby Generator Project, located in Downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Thursday, September 17, 2020 by the Director of Construction, Downtown District. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids are to be delivered to 1313 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002. Beginning Tuesday, at 9:00am on August 18, 2020, Bid Documents will be available at www.civcastusa.com. Any Addenda will be distributed through www.civcastusa.com. Bid Documents may also be viewed online at isqft.com. An ONLINE MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. All bidders (general contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers) are invited to attend. Due to COVID-19 and the District’s work safe protocol, all potential bidders who intend to participate in the pre-bid conference and submit bids are required to register their intention by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2020 by email to Brett DeBord, Director of Construction at brett@downtowndistrict.org. Potential bidders are to provide Company Name, Address, and Phone plus (two maximum) Representative Names & Titles, Representative Emails, and Cell Phones. All bidders who register in advance of the pre-bid conference will receive a calendar invitation providing access to the online meeting venue. Bids will be ruled nonresponsive if received from an individual who did not attend the pre-bid conference. Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1-2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

Commissioner of the NBA Adam Silver (L) and NBA player Chris Paul of OKC Thunder. KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES

Beginning August 13, 2020, the District’s procurement for the general contract for this project is advertised in the Houston Business Journal, the Houston Defender, the Southern Chinese Daily News, and the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum.

August 13, 2020 |

| 15

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Austin Rivers became the fourth Rockets player this season to score 40 points in a game when he went for a career-best of 41 in win over Sacramento.

Sedrick Williams, UH defensive lineman, said after being diagnosed with COVID-19 this summer he has heart complications that make his football future uncertain.

VERSATILITY NAME OF TEXANS OFFENSIVE GAME

Terrance Harris

The Texans sent shock waves across the city and NFL this offseason when head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien unceremoniously traded go-to receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. When the Texans and QB Deshaun Watson needed to make a play the last few seasons, there was little question that the ball would end up in Hopkins’ hands. So how will the Texans replace that productivity this season? In a strange addition-by-subtraction formula the Texans offense could be even more explosive – and more unpredictable – in 2020. It starts with the primary acquisition in the Hopkins trade, running back David Johnson. What Johnson along with Duke Johnson give the Texans are two quality running backs who are also big-time receiving threats out the backfield. The presence of one or perhaps both on the field will create the ultimate chess quandary for opposing defensive coordinators who now must decide to leave a linebacker in the game or go with an extra defensive back in obvious

TEXANS BY THE NUMBERS

For the first time in Deshaun Watson’s career, the Texans will return all five starting offensive linemen from last season.

The overall rank of the Texans overall oﬀense in 2019, which averaged 362.0 yards per game.

1,070

The number of yards Carlos Hyde rushed for in his lone season with the Texans in 2019 before leaving in free agency.

passing situations. “We’re going to try to really expose their defense,” said David Johnson, who amassed 3,128 yards rushing and averaged 10.7 yards receiving in five seasons with the Cardinals. “Whatever David they give us, we’re Johnson going to definitely be able to use that as an advantage for us and we’re going to be able to really help out this offense and this Texans organization.” Watson is looking forward to having the versatility of both Johnsons coming out of the backfield, which should lessen the hits he has to take. “It’s been good to be able to Duke have two guys like that,” said WatJohnson son, who will have a new play caller this season with offensive coordinator/QB coach Tim Kelly assuming those duties from O’Brien. “I’ve never had that in my career, so it’s going to be fun to be able to play with both of them and see what we can do.” That versatility will also extend to the receivers. Watson may not have the lone playmaker he had in Hopkins but he now has several receiving options, including blazer Brandin Cooks, who was acquired from the Rams this offseason. Cooks, along with Kenny Stills and Brandin a healthy and improved Will Fuller Cooks V, should give Watson plenty of options down field. “Being on an offense where everyone can really take the top off – you look forward to it,” said Cooks, who has 5,730 yards and 34 touchdowns receiving in his career. “At the end of the day, it’s all about how we can help one another get open... and understanding that there are so many targets out there to go around that we’re all going to get ours.”

Sports Briefs High-scoring duo The Rockets backcourt tandem of James Harden and Russell Westbrook is averaging a combined 61.7 points per game, Harden/ which Westbrook makes them the top scoring duo in NBA history. Their average this season surpasses Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s combined average of 57.5 points set in 2002-03 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Texans’ moves The Texans have placed receiver Kenny Stills on the active/non-football injury list and announced that nose tackle Eddie Vanderdoes is the lone player to opt out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team has not conﬁrmed whether Stills’ absence is because he tested positive for the coronavirus and must now quarantine away from the team. PVAMU men’s tennis recognized The Panthers received the NCAA Public Recognition Award as a result of their success in the classroom. The honor recognizes programs that achieved an Academic Progress Rate (APR) that ranks within the top 10% of all teams in their respective sport. Prairie View A&M has posted a perfect score of 1000 in consecutive years, and this is the second straight year the Panthers have earned the NCAA Public Recognition Award.

16 | August 13, 2020 |

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