08.14.2025_Defender-e-FULL

From indictment to remorse and renewal

Kirbyjon Caldwell NEWS

REDISTRICTING CONTINUES The comparison in voter make-up shows the shift in the current and proposed maps.

Volume 94, issue 43 August 14, 2025

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GOSPEL Advocates fear Trump’s plans after directive for transparent college admissions data. Credit: Getty Images

Message from the Reporter GALAS Trump’s university data demand threatens equality

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tell how people are emboldened to make such decisions. You can’t separate Robert E. Lee from what he stood for during the Civil War. Bringing back that name signals, whether intended or not, that the pain tied to our history matters less than nostalgia.

Schools are more than buildings. Their names tell young people what a community values. For Black students, seeing the name of a Confederate leader over the front door could feel like being told their history and their worth don’t matter as much.

President Donald Trump recently signed an order forcing colleges to hand over their admissions data. On paper, it’s about “fairness.” In reality, this could seriously threaten diversity in higher education.

Affirmative action was created to help level the playing field for students who have faced generations of discrimination, especially Black, Latino and Indigenous Laura Onyeneho students. Without it, the admissions game often favors wealthier white applicants through legacy status, when a student’s family ties to a school boost their chances, Supreme Court faces same-sex marriage crossroads or expensive test prep courses.

Trump’s plan doesn’t clearly say how the government will Ten years after Obergefell v. Hodges guaranteed marriage decide if a school is breaking the rules, which leaves plenty rights to same-sex couples, the Supreme Court may now of room for politics to play a role. Supporters claim this is consider dismantling it. The case stems from Kim Davis, the about transparency. But honestly, when you only shine the former Kentucky clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses spotlight on programs meant to help underrepresented stu- to gay couples on religious grounds. She now argues that her dents, while ignoring the ones that give advantages to the First Amendment rights should shield her from liability and privileged, you’re not leveling the field. You’re tilting it. that Obergefell was “egregiously wrong.”

If this order stands, we could see fewer students of color Davis’s petition arrives amid a wave of anti-LBGTQ meaon college campuses, and that’s not “fair” for anyone who sures across at least nine states, many explicitly urging the believes in equal opportunity.

Court to reverse Obergefell.

Overturning marriage equality would not just strip legal Midland school Confederate name debate recognition from millions of couples; it would signal that divides town rights once granted can be revoked when political winds shift.

Five years ago, the Midland Independent School Board This would undermine the very principle of equal protection in West Texas voted to drop the name “Robert E. Lee High under the law.

School” because it honored a Confederate general who fought And once the country extends rights equally, the just meato keep slavery alive. The school became Legacy High and sure of justice is to keep them. many in the community, especially Black families, felt proud of the change.

ON THE WEB Now, a new school board wants to bring the Lee name • Chef Joseph Boudreaux opens East End burger shop. back. They say it’s about school pride and tradition, not • City of Houston seeks input on MWSBE program. the Confederacy. With President Trump in office, you can • Texas school cellphone ban sparks parent outrage.

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DN News

Texas redistricting saga continues

Racial demographic shifts in Texas’ minority-majority congressional districts under proposed redistricting plan. Notes: Only the voting-age population (VAP) was considered for the charts. All numbers have been rounded off. A small variance may apply in some cases. Data source: DistrictViewer (Texas. gov) Chart credit: Tannistha Sinha

By Tannistha Sinha

Texas is in the middle of a political battle over a middecade congressional redistricting plan that GOP leaders argue is necessary to reflect population shifts, but critics say is a blatant attempt to rig elections.

In July, Texas House Republicans unveiled a new congressional map aimed at gaining five additional Republicanleaning seats for the 2026 House races, a move Democrat leaders perceive as responding to pressure from President Donald Trump.

The draft map zooms in on Democratic incumbents in four minority-majority congressional districts, which Democratic politicians claim dilutes the power of majority-minority districts.

Republicans currently hold 25 of 38 congressional seats, with Trump carrying 27 districts in 2024. The new map would raise GOP-leaning districts to 30, increase white citizen-voting majority districts from 22 to 24, majority-Hispanic districts to eight and create two majority-Black districts, including the 18th in Houston.

• District 9 (Congressman Al Green) would shift east into eastern Harris County and form a Trump-leaning seat under new lines, reversing its current deep blue status • District 18 (No Congressperson) would be reshaped into a solidly Black-majority seat, increasing Democratic concentration • District 29 (Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia), would undergo voter redistribution

to pack Democrats into fewer districts while moving GOP voters into more competitive zones • District 33 (Congressman Marc Veasey) would reduce the Hispanic and Black population and would have no single racial or ethnic group to form a majority Racial gerrymandering

The redistricting is occurring outside the usual postcensus cycle. The U.S. Department of Justice raised concerns about racial gerrymandering in these districts, leading Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session in July to authorize the redraw.

Over 50 Democratic state representatives fled Texas in protest, denying Republicans

the quorum needed to pass the map. This prompted threats of arrest warrants from the GOP-controlled House when the leaders return to Texas and a daily $500 fee to bring absent legislators back.

Abbott also asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove state Rep. Gene Wu from office, calling him the “ringleader” of the walkout.

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and his political group, Powered by People, were sued

by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for fundraising to cover the expenses of absent Democrats. Soon after, a Tarrant County District Judge barred O’Rourke from raising funds. O’Rourke has since filed a countersuit against Paxton.

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DN News HARRIS COUNTY LEADER SERIES

Judge Lina Hidalgo Reflects on leadership, crisis response and reelection relationship and I’ve never wanted that. Certainly not the relationship that I had with Mayor Turner.”

She also defended her sometimes combative style on the Commissioners Court, saying she’s not guided by politics but by principle.

“I’m not prioritizing possible political outcomes. That’s where we clash sometimes,” Hidalgo added.

By Tannistha Sinha

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is no stranger to crises or controversy. Through it all, Hidalgo says her guiding light has been simple: follow the data, speak the truth and center the people’s needs.

Since taking office in 2019 as the first woman and Latina to lead Texas’ largest county, she has overseen disasters ranging from Hurricane Harvey recovery and the COVID-19 pandemic to the 2021 winter freeze and, most recently, a derecho that battered Southeast Texas.

Hidalgo opened up about her immigrant upbringing, the lessons she has learned managing emergencies and her most ambitious push yet: putting early childhood care on the ballot for Harris County voters this November, an effort that recently failed.

Emergency management

As Harris County’s emergency manager, Hidalgo has had to navigate the dual pressures of uncertainty and political blowback. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, she made the call to restrict in-person learning, a move she now concedes may have overlooked students with learning disabilities.

She has also faced criticism for her bold public warnings during events like the 2021 freeze, which she famously compared to a Category 5 hurricane. Some accused her of fear-mongering.

“If the reason I don’t get reelected is because I told people that there was going to be a hurricane that turned out to be a last-minute one, I’d rather that be the reason than find myself in a situation where I was scared to bring it up and then there was a loss of life or property,” Hidalgo explained.

Early childhood investment

Hidalgo has been pushing for a property tax increase to fund early childhood services, the Early REACH program, which provides child care support for working families. She wanted to give voters the choice to approve or reject the proposal on the November

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s latest initiative: asking voters to weigh in on a tax for early childhood care. Credit: Lina Hidalgo’s office

ballot, even amid the county’s budget deficit.

Other members of the court said they were blindsided by her initiative, which would cost $60 million and charge homeowners $10 more per year for every $100,000 of home evaluation. However, after a chaotic Commissioners Court meeting, the proposal did not pass and will not appear on the ballot, having missed a key deadline.

Navigating political tensions

Throughout her tenure, Hidalgo has butted heads with fellow commissioners and, more recently, with Houston Mayor John Whitmire over coordination during disasters. While she describes a “strained relationship” with the city, she says progress has been made.

“We [Whitmire and Hidalgo] still haven’t had a meeting, but we have gotten to the point where he will participate and take my calls and our staff will work together during emergencies,” she said. “The city and the county have historically had a strained

A decision on reelection

With political opponents already declaring campaigns for the 2026 election, Hidalgo is under growing pressure to announce whether she will seek a third term. She told the Defender she’ll decide “soon,” citing a ballooning budget shortfall and looming federal cuts to Harris Health as factors prompting her to reassess.

“We’re still early,” Hidalgo said.

“Some of the candidates are very, very early in announcing…I had 15 opponents in 2022. I don’t know if it would be possible or likely to break that record, but I know I can handle at least 15.”

Regardless of whether she runs, Hidalgo says she has unfinished business: expanding early childhood programs, investing in mental health and flood infrastructure and continuing her work on homelessness and public safety.

“I never signed up to be a wartime county judge, but we’ve done all of this in addition to managing pretty much any kind of disaster you can think of,” she said.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says her emergency management style prioritizes truth, transparency and action, even when it draws criticism.

Credit: Lina Hidalgo’s office

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Content Manager Terrance Harris

Education Reporter Tannistha Sinha

VOLUME 94, NUMBER 43 - AUGUST 14, 2025

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender News- paper 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 2025 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

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DN News Scams target Blacks communities

By Aswad Walker

Houston has several nicknames, including H-Town and Space City. Some Houstonians are old enough to remember when Houston became known nationwide as Clutch City (shout-out to the 1994-1995 Houston Rockets).

These days, however, Houston could very well be known as Scam City.

According to a study by All About Cookies, Houston ranks #26 out of the 100 cities surveyed regarding scam frequency. However, another study cited by Click2Houston states that Houston ranks second in the nation specifically for moving scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Houston ranked #7 for cities with the most credit card fraud in 2023.

Black and Brown communities hit hardest Black and Brown Houstonians are targeted for scams so frequently that in 2024, Houston Ethnic Media (now Houston Community Media) held a special briefing for reporters and community influencers to make them aware (and their readers and viewers) about specific scams targeting communities of color and immigrants.

Whether it’s check and bank fraud, romance

With scams on the rise in Houston, including online scams, the need for entities that seek to protect the general public is huge. Credit: Oguzhan Akdogan/Unsplash.

scams or phishing emails, Houston’s got you covered. And that’s not good. Just ask Sheroo Mukhtiar, executive director with SERJobs & Financial Empowerment Center.

“I was naive to think that nonprofits would be spared from scam and fraud because we do good work in the community. Of course, I was wrong with that because, if anything, we are seen as an easy target,” said Mukhtiar, executive director with SERJobs & Financial Empowerment Center. “I will say that, with the pandemic, I think the scams have become even more sophisticated.”

During the Houston Ethnic Media workshop,

Mukhtiar discussed an incident involving scammers impersonating her to target SERJobs employees.

This incident, however, had a happy ending.

Not only was the scam discovered in time to seriously reduce potential harm, SERJobs made information about such scam attempts part of its onboarding lessons.

Tariq Gladney, managing attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid (Ft. Bend), was a panelist during the workshop. He spoke on the devastating impact of some scams.

“Scams can lead to financial ruin and loss of homes, and if you think about the wealth

gap and more people falling into poverty, it is something that society as a whole should be concerned about,” said Gladney.

According to multiple consumer protection sources, nearly 40% of Black adults in the U.S. report being targeted by scams, and nearly 20% say they lost money as a result. Alarmingly, 60% of those who lost money say it happened more than once.

Older Black adults are particularly susceptible. Higher rates of Alzheimer’s, lower financial literacy, and systemic mistrust of law enforcement have made elder financial exploitation a quietly devastating epidemic. Experts say scammers often impersonate government officials (Social Security, IRS), target Black and Latino adults ages 18 to 39 heavily with fake job offers or romance schemes, or lure victims with promises of COVID-19 stimulus checks.

“We find that people aged 50 to 64 are contacted almost weekly by scammers,” said Kathy Stokes of AARP. “And the emotional toll can be just as bad as the financial loss. The stress adds up, especially when it happens more than once.”

Learn about most common scams.

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Kirbyjon Caldwell From indictment to remorse and renewal

K

By Von Jiles

irbyjon Caldwell shares the seven-year journey from head of a mega church, Windsor Village United Methodist Church, to an indictment for defrauding investors of $3.5 million, to a return as a lay pastor. The saga began when, in a historical move, Caldwell paid over $1 million in restitution plus $600,000 in investor fees before being indicted. He was later sentenced to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 11, 2020. On June 22, 2021, he reported to the Federal Correctional Institution, a low-security facility in Beaumont, TX. While Caldwell was released from prison in September 2024, that release was to home confinement.

He recently completed the entirety of his prison term on July 31, 2025.

The uniqueness of Caldwell’s conversation with the Defender reveals his innermost thoughts and feelings about The Past: Reflecting on his journey from indictment to serving time in prison; The Present: The Man Today, looking at the challenges he faces re-entering public life and The Future: The Road Ahead, revealing his new goals and initiatives.

The Past: Reflecting on his journey DEFENDER: What were you indicted for?

What’s the truth, in your own words?

Please walk us through the events that led to your conviction.

KIRBYJON CALDWELL: Here’s the bottom

line. I made some mistakes. The primary mistake I made was not doing a sufficient job of vetting the product, the process, the people, and all of that. I don’t know if you recall, during the press conference I held….. I had in my right hand about 14 or 15 documents, and I said, I am not guilty because I have 16 contracts in my hand signed by individuals or institutions who have promised to buy the bonds. Little did I know that if a contract does not have a performance date in it, it is not an enforceable agreement. I had 16 agreements, none of which had enforceable contracts. In the court, I was going to plead not guilty up until about seven to 10 days prior to the

Here’s the bottom line. I made some mistakes. The primary mistake I made was not doing a sufficient job of vetting the product, the process, the people, and all of that.”

KIRBYJON CALDWELL

Watch the Interview

trial date. And then I found out that this is a very key word, key phrase - the prosecutors say, if you did not know it, you should have known it and that’s what they pinned on me. You should have known. You went to business school. You should have known. You’ve been doing money deals. You should have known. So, shame on me. I should have known that there were no performance or dates in those contracts. I did not know that. So here we are today.

DEFENDER: When you think of those harmed, emotionally or financially, what did you do to settle up, and what did you say to them?

CALDWELL: I accept full responsibility for my

actions. It was never my intent to hurt or harm

Caldwell describes his feelings when he heard the judge’s sentence, talks about his first night in prison and what ran through his mind and reflects on the evolution of his faith.

anyone; that was expressed specifically DEFENDER: What impact has this in the fact that I paid everybody back. chapter in your life had on your They called it restitution. I paid ‘em all family, especially your children? back. Before my indictment, I refunded CALDWELL: The most painful days slightly over $1 million to those who in Beaumont were missing the birthdays Caldwell requested their money back. And prior of my family members. Not my birthday, talks to sentencing, I paid full restitution to the about the their birthdays…You don’t get that back. legacy he investors/victims - my half of the restituThanksgivings, those are painful too. hopes to tion and my co-defendant’s portion of the But the Lord blessed me to see another leave and restitution. The government calls them his advice Thanksgiving. Graduations, you don’t get to his victims. I then paid investors slightly those back. My daughter made a stateyounger over $600,000. What does the $600,000 ment once while I was in Beaumont that self. represent? That represents the fees that seared my soul. She said, `Daddy, one of some investors incurred when they pulled the things that I regret most about you money out of their accounts to invest in being in Beaumont is that you are missing this deal. the opportunity to watch me become a young lady.’

I did all that because I thought it was the right You don’t get that back. So, as you can see that those thing to do. At the risk of sounding like a Christian, were the tough parts. which I am, I didn’t want that curse hanging over You know, one of my children is forging his way my children’s heads. It took every penny that I had as an entrepreneur. So, I wasn’t able to help him to do it, but I did it. I’ve had numerous persons, with that. Another was forging his way as a student, including attorneys, say to me, no way in the hell I having to change schools. Driving him to college would’ve paid those folk all that money back. And didn’t get a chance to do that. All because I didn’t I respect that. But I was glad to do it and I would know to look for the missing performance date and do it again. my attorney failed to catch the missing performance dates on the agreements as well. I want to repeat again, I should have known. I accept responsibility The Present: The man today for knowing, but I have to confess in my mind, it’s DEFENDER: What’s been the most a steep price to pay. surprising challenge or joy you’ve Pastor Suzette (Caldwell) has done a phenomenal encountered since re-entering public life? job, particularly considering all the headwinds. She CALDWELL: One comes to mind straight away. didn’t expect to pastor the church.

One of our local television affiliates, we all know it is ABC -KTRK Channel 13. Bless their hearts. They The Future: The road ahead reported on the $3.6 million fraud case. They did not report that I paid everybody back…But what I could DEFENDER: What’s next for Kirbyjon not wrap my mind around was why they wanted Caldwell? Are you returning to full-time to say, I stole money from elderly members of the ministry or exploring a new path? church. Now I understand they’ve since printed a CALDWELL: First of all, I’m working on a book retraction. But you know how that goes. Nine mil- – books actually. I think there are books inside lion people heard I stole money from elderly mem- of me. So, I’m excited about that. In terms of my bers, and five people read the retraction. involvement here in the city, I will be doing a lot of As this lie that I stole money from elderly mem- preaching and a lot of teaching. bers at Windsor Village soaked in -- I asked myself, As the lay pastor at Windsor Kirbyjon, why would you feel ashamed if you knew Village, I’m going to be very it wasn’t true? I felt ashamed, even though I knew it involved in the community. I’m wasn’t true. In my mind, I see somebody walking also working closely with the down the street and they say, `There’s that Cald- Kingdom Builder Center, the Caldwell well who stole money from elderly people who building – the KBC has a misshares were their members.’ You know, it’s the elderly sion in and of itself. I’m going other members of Windsor Village part that really got to work very closely with that comments from his me. My Achilles heel, my soft spot is for elderly organization. So, at the end of children and members. What kind of preacher would steal the day, we are going to do all and how from his members? Elderly? Man, that’s not me. we can to impact, in a positive regret and worry And it just hurt my heart. The folk who know me way, and uplift the community hounded came to my defense on social media, as you know. going forward as we have in the him.

Bless God for that. past.

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DN Business MONEY MOVES

Millennials, Gen Z use spending power to support values

By Laura Onyeneho

At a time when inflation strains wallets and social values clash with corporate policies, a growing number of young Black consumers are rewriting the rules of consumerism.

For them, spending isn’t just a transaction; it’s an act of resistance, self-care and community building.

This movement toward intentional and value-based spending is more than a budgeting trend. It’s a cultural shift grounded in financial awareness, health consciousness and moral clarity.

Whether choosing to support Black-owned businesses, investing in whole foods despite the price, or avoiding companies with harmful labor practices, young people are increasingly scrutinizing where their dollars go.

Sebastian Sanders, founder of The Sanders Hand Foundation, describes intentional spending as “spending with a purpose.”

Reflecting on his own journey, he says, “When I was younger, during my high school and college days, I’d get money, maybe from a summer job. I had no bills or responsibilities, so spending wasn’t intentional. It was usually on food, clothes or whatever caught my eye.”

Today, Sanders approaches money differently. “Intentional spending starts with behaviors and discipline. Every dollar that comes in has to work for me. I’m not working for it.” His recent purchases illustrate this mindset: “Buying my cap and gown for my master’s graduation felt meaningful and books are always good investments.”

He launched The YBC (Young Billionaires Club) Thrift Store, an experience that merges fashion, affordability and community engagement. “The YBC Thrift Store is a way of encouraging people to shop intentionally,” Sanders said. “It gives people access to affordable, stylish clothing while promoting sustainability and a way for us to reinvest in ourselves.”

The store doesn’t just resell clothes; it also creates space for education. “We pair the

Intentional spending is about making financial choices that are deliberate and reflective of one’s values and goals. Getty

thrift experience with information about supporting local brands, reducing waste and thinking long-term,” Sanders explained. “It’s about making intentionality tangible, giving people real options that are both ethical and accessible.”

Sanders described an evolution in his spending habits as an adult.

“I used to buy impulsively shoes, clothes, jewelry just for the dopamine rush. But now, I slow down. If I buy a $20 t-shirt, I think I can wait. Do I really need it? Sometimes I redirect that money to investments or my business.”

Young Black individuals are prioritizing value spending, aligning their purchases with personal values and seeking brands that reflect their identity and cultural heritage.

They are driven by a desire for authenticity, supporting businesses and building generational wealth.

Nicholas Williams, a 30-year-old with two jobs as a tech professional at a transitional living facility and a food service manager, embodies this shift toward intentionality.

He shared how a recent purchase of healthy food alternatives aligned more closely with his values.

“I’m used to buying processed foods… fast food, McDonald’s, or even some of the produce at Walmart, which is treated with pesticides. I decided to go to a local market to get fresher food,” he said. “Yes, it was more expensive, but I noticed a difference right away. I had more energy and wasn’t just eating to get full. Now I see why people are choosing healthier food—it’s better for your body.”

When deciding what to buy, Williams considers both price and principle. “First and foremost, it’s price, because I have a set amount in my head I plan to spend,” he explained. “But I also think about who manufactured it. If a company has strange political views or a bad reputation, even if they’re cheaper, I might pay more for something that aligns better with my values.”

The rising cost of living has forced him to prioritize needs over wants. “I’m trying to be more budget-conscious,” he said. “Rent and bills come first, then food and toiletries. If there’s something I want that’s not urgent, I have to decide if I can really afford it or if it’s better to save that money for next time.”

Prairie View A&M University finance professor Danny Harvey says this growing mindset is not only smart but emphasizes that value-based spending can be a tool for both personal wealth and collective power.

“When you support your own community, you’re not just buying something. You’re

helping keep dollars circulating, which builds local economies and creates generational impact,” he said.

“Young people need to be informed consumers. Know who owns the brands you support. Ask where their money goes, politically, socially and environmentally. Sometimes convenience costs more than we think.”

Har ve y s ays it’s important to be informed to make intentional spending work, even on a tight budget. The foundation of any intentional financial decision starts with goals.

“What do you want to accom accomplish? Is it wealth creation? Is it wealth with community impact?,” Williams said. “That’s where it begins. Once you define your goals, then you can map out how to spend your money in ways that align with them.”

Sebastian Sanders, founder of The Sanders Hand Foundation.

Credit: Sebastian Sanders

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DN Sports

KJ COOPER TEXAS SOUTHERN QUARTERBACK

Credits faith for comeback, leadership abilities

By Terrance Harris

Senior quarterback KJ Coopers has embraced his role as leader of the Texas Southern Tigers even though he only played in one game last season before suffering a year-ending leg injury. Credit: Tiffany Taylor

The Texas Southern football team had just wrapped up an early August fall camp practice in the unforgiving Houston heat when head coach Cris Disman announced there would be no practice the next day.

Smiles could be seen through the exhaustion and Friday night plans were probably being formed when the voice of reason called the team together at Durley Stadium.

“Let’s be smart,” the voice in the middle of the team huddle warned. “Let’s stay off our feet and don’t do anything stupid.”

TSU senior quarterback Kenneth “KJ” Cooper was the voice in the middle. He has fully embraced the idea and responsibilities of leadership. It’s what Cooper believes he has been called to do.

“I don’t think, I know that it’s a leadership quality that the Lord has blessed me with,” Cooper said to the Defender while sitting in the sweltering heat after practice. “I don’t think anybody can just wake up and have that leadership quality. You go through things, you go through trials and tribulations to become that leader.”

Dishman, entering his second season as Tigers head coach, appreciates the leadership qualities Cooper readily accepts.

“His best quality is that he is not afraid to be a leader,” Dishman said. “He is not afraid to stand alone and tell guys no, tell them they are doing wrong, whether it’s offense or defense.”

Life’s challenges have been a source of inspiration in Cooper’s path to leadership, and none has probably been bigger than last season, when as a transfer, he beat out the returning starter Jace Wilson in fall camp.

But the accomplishment was dimmed when Cooper suffered a lower leg injury in the season-opening Labor Day Classic against rival Prairie View that ended his season prematurely.

The disappointment hit Cooper hard, but his faith helped him through it.

“At the moment, it was frustrating because I wanted to be out there for my team,” said Cooper, who ultimately played a role in the 27-9 win that snapped the Tigers’ nine-game losing streak in the rivalry against the Panthers. “With the talent, the team and the transfers that we had and the determination that the guys had to win, it was kind of disheartening at the moment. But God doesn’t make mistakes.

“At the end of the day, I learned so much during that process, understanding patience and understanding life lessons not just on the football field but off the football field.”

He learned things like patience, perseverance and determination while staying in the moment with his teammates and rehabbing and strengthening his leg for this season. If his coaches didn’t fully understand how important football and being a good teammate were to Cooper before the injury, they certainly saw it as he remained a positive and encouraging influence on the sideline.

Passing game coordinator and co-quarterbacks coach Zerick Rollins also assigned Cooper tasks to ensure he felt a part of the team.

“I hated losing him after that one game last year,” Rollins said. “But I think him sitting back and watching from a coach’s perspective kind of helped raise his game, as well, and also kind of raised the level of hunger for him to prove, `I’m not just a one-game guy, I can take this team to the promised land.’”

Cooper has put in the work and is back on the practice field, but the landscape is very different. Wilson has graduated and departed, but Dishman and his staff have also added some new quarterbacks in the room in transfers Cameron McCalister, Khalib Johnson and Fort Bend Marshall product Jordan Davis, after sharing starting responsibilities with Wilson last season. After spending last season as a reserve at Kennesaw State, Johnson came over, but began his college journey at Louisville. McCalister, who played high school ball at Clear Brook, also previously played for McNeese State.

It’s anything but a given that Cooper will be the starter come the Aug. 30 Labor Day Classic against Prairie View.

“It’s definitely open because he only played one game for us last year,” Rollins said. “Like I told all the guys who came in, he played one game last year, so that position is open. I don’t want to start a guy who can win this team one game. We want to win the national championship, so I want the best guy behind center to do that.”

Instead of dwelling on winning the job, Cooper is zeroing in on just doing his job.

The rest will take care of itself.

“My mentality is just to be the best quarterback and best leader that I can be for my team and try to be the best quarterback in the country,” he said. “At the end of the day, the quarterback has a big role and I just want to be mentally as prepared as I am physically. It’s a big mental game, a big mental tool. So what’s important is me understanding what I’ve got to do with the ball, putting our team in smart positions, not turning the ball over and just constantly trying to move the ball and not putting our team in bad plays and bad positions.”

August 14, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

CANARY SIMMONS Grinds, gives back and builds future stars

By Jimmie Aggison

Canary Simmons knows what it means to be counted out. After graduating from Bellaire High School in 2021 with no scholarship offers, his dream of playing college football seemed like it might end before it began.

But the high school free safety refused to quit. He walked on to the Texas Southern football team, grinded through two seasons to earn a full scholarship, and now Simmons gives back through his second annual youth football camp.

For Simmons, it’s no longer just about football; it’s about reaching the next generation of athletes who remind him of the fight he once faced.

As a senior during the COVID-19 pandemic, Simmons faced more than the usual challenges.

“It felt like the clock was ticking and I was running out of options,” said Simmons. “Seeing my peers celebrate their college commitments and post their offers on social media was tough. I was happy for them, but it was hard not to feel overlooked or forgotten.”

Simmons stayed grounded through faith and hard work, believing his opportunity would come. Giving up was never on the table.

“Football wasn’t just a sport, it was an outlet,” said Simmons. “I knew if there was even the slightest opportunity to keep playing, I had to take it. I couldn’t let temporary circumstances define my future.”

He reminded himself often that ever yone’s journey is different.

“Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. Keep showing up, keep grinding and most importantly, stay ready,” said Simmons. “When that door opens, you want to be the one already standing at it, prepared to walk through.”

And Simmons stayed ready. As a freshman, he walked on at Texas Southern,

earning a partial football scholarship before his sophomore season, then a full scholarship heading into his junior season.

During that same year, his parents’ advice to always give back began to take root.

“The idea for the camp took shape during the spring semester of my junior year in 2024,” said Simmons. “By then, I had stepped into more of a leadership role on the team and started reflecting on how far I’d come. I knew there were young athletes out there who just needed a little guidance

like I once did.”

He remembered when he needed more tools, exposure and mentorship as a young athlete. So, he built those elements into his camp as preparation not just for football but also for life.

“Texas Southern felt like the natural home for the camp,” said Simmons. “It’s where my journey as a college athlete truly began and the university has supported me tremendously. I wanted the kids to feel the energy and culture of TSU and to know that this could one day be their home too.”

Simmons’s message to the athletes attend attending his camp is simple: never give up.

“Even when the odds seem stacked against you,” said Simmons, “hard work, consistency and faith will always take you further than you think. Football is a tempo temporary gift. Take every rep seriously and make the most of the time you have.”

While many youth camps today priori prioritize views and viral content, Simmons’ youth football camp allows athletes to go through

Canary Simmons poses at his second annual youth football camp held on the campus of Texas Southern University. Credit Jimmie Aggison/Defender.

drills that reflect what they’ll encounter at the collegiate level while also emphasizing academics, character and accountability.

“I keep it real with them,” said Simmons.

“Coaches are looking at who you are when nobody’s watching. It’s important to make the most of every opportunity, even when you’re not the starter. Being coachable can take you a long way. I want our camp to be a space where these athletes can not only improve their game but also ask questions, learn life skills and build relationships that last beyond the field.”

Simmons credits Mr. James Upton of the National Playmaker Academy (NPA) for being one of the earliest mentors to instill that mindset in him.

“He introduced me to the grind, the discipline and what it truly takes to play at the next level,” said Simmons. “He saw something in me that many didn’t.”

For 11-year-old camper Domini Martin and 6-year-old brother Kyng Martin, attending the camp for the second year has already made an impression.

“They love the drills and seeing college athletes on the same field,” said Dominique Martin, Domini and Kyng’s father.

“It’s important to expose them to different settings. They love football and it’s great to have players still playing the game, coaching players playing the game.”

Simmons hopes athletes leave camp with more than improved footwork or catching technique.

“I want them to feel motivated and confident,” said Simmons. “To know they have what it takes as long as they’re willing to put in the work.”

What started as a simple idea has grown into a vision Simmons sees lasting well beyond his playing days.

“I see the camp becoming a full weekend experience, maybe even a three-day event,” said Simmons. “Football, mentorship panels, workshops and college prep sessions. That’s where I want to take it.”

While football success is often measured in stats and highlight reels, Simmons has his own definition of winning.

“Success is who you are when things get hard. It’s how you treat people. It’s whether you’re making a positive impact in your community,” said Simmons. “I’ve walked in these kids’ shoes. I know what it’s like to be overlooked, to want more and to chase a dream. Now, to be someone they can look up to, talk to and learn from is an honor I don’t take lightly.”

12 | August 14, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

Dr. Charlee King

Rewrites breastfeeding narrative for Black women

By Laura Onyeneho

When Dr. Charlee King walked into a hospital to give birth to her daughter in 2015, she didn’t expect the experience to change her life’s direction.

But after a traumatic delivery marked by severe pain, being ignored by her physician and a last-minute emergency C-section that saved both her and her child, King emerged with a new mission to fight for maternal health equity for Black women.

“I was in unbearable pain and my doctor wouldn’t listen,” said King, a Houston-based public health scientist, maternal health advocate and founder of Mommy Sweet Treats & Company.

“The only reason my daughter and I are alive today is because my doctor left early for her birthday, another doctor came in and immediately rushed me to surgery.”

That near-death experience fueled her transition from nursing to public health.

Today, King is the creator of The Breastfeeding Blueprint, a culturally grounded guide that addresses the unique challenges Black mothers face when breastfeeding, from lack of access and misinformation to deeply rooted cultural stigma.

Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25–31) shines a light on a crisis rooted not just in health care but in history. A 2023 report revealed Black mothers were the least likely to initiate breastfeeding in 2020 and 2021, trailing all other racial groups.

Filling the gaps in breastfeeding support

To understand breastfeeding disparities, King says we have to go back generations, to slavery. Black women were forced to nurse white children during slavery, while being denied the right to feed their own.

Historians call this wet-nursing, a brutal form of reproductive labor. These historical violations, combined with aggressive formula marketing to Black communities and workplace barriers, have left many Black mothers disconnected from breastfeeding.

Today, Black women are more likely to return to work sooner, often in jobs with rigid hours and no breastfeeding accommodations. Many also lack access to lactation consultants and culturally relevant education.

King’s struggles didn’t end with childbirth. Despite knowing she wanted to breastfeed, hospital staff lacked the proper training to help her.

“The lactation-trained nurses are mostly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

They’re not even on the regular floor with the mothers,” she said.

This gap inspired King to create solutions.

First came her lactation cookie business, developed after hearing a Black nurse confess she had no idea certain foods could help with milk production. King worked with a chemist to create effective and palatable cookies.

Then came The Breastfeeding Blueprint, which addresses myths, techniques, mental health, milk storage and even baby belly size, a crucial detail many new mothers misunderstand.

“Black women’s breast milk is in high demand at milk banks,” she said. “It’s powerful. But culturally, we’ve been discouraged or embarrassed to breastfeed due to generations of trauma and misinformation.”

One of King’s most impactful initiatives is the Mommy Room Lactation Suites, safe, private breastfeeding spaces she’s helped establish at her alma mater, Texas Southern University, Memorial Hermann and community organizations like BakerRipley.

Jasmine Robinson is the founder of Collegiate Moms, a nonprofit that supports student parents in higher education.

“I had my daughter as a teen while in college. I wasn’t taught about breastfeeding.

They just put my baby on Similac and sent

me home,” Robinson said. “It wasn’t until later that I realized how much I didn’t know and was never told.”

She also experienced postpartum depression and felt isolated. “There were no resources, no spaces, no encouragement.

People around me, even family, didn’t support the idea of being a mother and a student. You’re made to feel like you have to choose one.”

Through her work, Robinson connected with King at community events and the two women began collaborating on projects, including efforts to bring lactation suites to Prairie View A&M University.

“When student moms walk into a campus building and see a Mommy Room, it tells them they belong,” Robinson said. “They’re not invisible.”

As Black Breastfeeding Week approaches, King wants mothers to know they aren’t alone.

“I wish I had been more intentional about when I got pregnant, who I had a child with and how to prepare mentally,” she said. “Your mental health affects everything, even your milk supply.”

I wish I had been more intentional about when I got pregnant, who I had a child with and how to prepare mentally. Your mental health affects everything, even your milk supply.”

DR. CHARLEE KING

Dr. Charlee King, a Texas Southern University alumna, is a dedicated healthcare professional, entrepreneur and advocate for maternal health, exemplifying the voices of Black women in Labor. Credit: Dr. Charlee King

Dr. Charlee King is also the author of The Breastfeeding Blueprint. This culturally grounded and easy-tounderstand manual provides real tools and guidance for new and expecting moms, especially Black mothers. Credit: Dr. Charlee King