Houston Defender: August 18, 2022

Amanda Edwards

Chris Hollins

Lee Kaplan

Show me the money State Sen. John Whitmire

Robin Williams

Houston mayoral candidates talk fundraising.

FEATURE

SPORTS

ONES TO WATCH

BUN B The rapper is gaining national acclaim as he brings his award-winning Trill Burgers to Houston.

Volume 91, issue 39 August 18, 2022

The Defender lists high school football players expected to make an impact this year.

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DN To the POINT

Michael (Mike) Hickmon and screenshot of the video showing Hickmon being shot.

Message from the Associate Editor than any other demographic. By far. And My sister is a sports mom. Her two sons after the FBI’s subpoena-led “visit” to Mar(my nephews) have played all the sports, with a-Lago, violent threats and attacks against football being their favorite. And my sister is them are skyrocketing daily. And while local that sports parent who gets loud at the openand federal cops continued to portray crime ing kickoff, and only gets louder as the game as a Black thang, they had to finally admit the goes on. But she gets loud for her babies and number one threat of domestic terrorism and their team. She doesn’t do what she’s told me anti-police violence comes from whites angry Aswad Walker she’s seen far too much of—parents of comabout something or other. Why am I sharpeting teams going off on each, each othing this? In hopes of convincing those seven er’s kids, the refs and the coaches. For years, my sister Blackfolk in America who don’t already know the deal— has decried the vanishing sportsmanship and common that we aren’t the ones “them laws’ should be profiling. decency that once existed among parents at little league games, coupled with more verbal and physical altercations. So, when I heard about Michael Hickmon, that CRITICAL RACE PRACTICE Dallas-area coach of a 9-year-old football team, getting Last week, a Black parent filed a civil rights lawsuit shot and killed because pissed-off parents were fighting, against the Los Angeles United School District over an I was horrified but not surprised. Folk have been asking elementary school lesson. Dig this. The school’s social “why,” as in, “why such violence at a kid’s game” or “why justice teacher built an entire cotton field in front of the did Hickmon’s son have to witness this tragedy?” But the campus so students could pick cotton and gain “a real-life better question is, what the hell are we gonna do to get experience” of slavery. The child of the suing parent, who our collective minds and spirits right so this is the last was emotionally “shook” by the exercise, was afraid to tell such tragedy we have to hear about? her mom about the “assignment” for fear of retribution and bad grades from her teacher. It’s amazing but not LAW & ODOR amusing that the same folk who okay lessons that trauSomething stinks. Because despite all their “Blue Lives matize our children will fight to the death to keep their Matter” chants and slavish devotion to “law and order” kids from being exposed to any Black history beyond their politicians, conservatives have never fully believed in law white-washed version of enslavement. I don’t know about and order. Oh, they believe in “them laws” (the police) you, but I’m critical of that race practice. keeping your Black ass in order (in line, in our place). But the moment police hold conservatives accountable for liv- ON THE WEB ing within the laws of the land, they scream victim, break • Does “Art Apartheid” exist in Houston? all the laws attempting to overthrow a national election • See the Top 5 Tips to Avoid Social Media Burnout. and attack cops. According to U.S. crime statistics, for • Check out the Defender channels: Black Women, Under decades angry whites have shot and killed more police 40 and Community Central.

WHY?

August 18, 2022 |

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DN News NEWSBRIEFS

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rep. Al Green, and Rep. Sylvia Garcia speak on funding for area schools. HPM

Deadly little league game suspect in custody

The prime suspect in the fatal shooting of a youth football coach in Lancaster, Texas has turned himself in after more than 24 hours on the run. Yaqub Talib, the older brother of former NFL star Aqib Talib, surrendered a day after the altercation that left little league football coach Mike Hickmon dead.

Witnesses say Aqib Talib started the brawl by throwing the first punch at Hickmon because he was upset with the referees after losing the game. Graphic video from the shooting circulating on social media shows coaching staff arguing with referees before the fatal shooting in front of children, including Hickmon’s 9 year-old-son.

Park Conversations discuss Houston riots

Houstonians are invited to join an important discussion commemorating the anniversary of the Camp Logan Mutiny and Houston Riots of 1917, Tues., Aug. 23, from 7pm-9pm. Park Conversations – The Houston Mutiny and Riots: 105 Years Later will focus on the fight to secure clemency for the soldiers who were convicted without adequate representation nor the ability to appeal. This includes soldiers who were subsequently executed. In addition to an excerpt from the documentary Mutiny on the Bayou that explains the August 23, 1917 event, the evening will feature a panel discussion with legal experts leading today’s efforts for clemency for these soldiers, descendants of those involved in the 1917 event, and local community leaders. Visit https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org for more information.

Metro to receive $21 mil for electric buses

Houston Metro will receive $21.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration to aid in the organization’s transition from diesel buses to electric ones. The federal grant will help cover the cost of 20 electric buses, as well as electric charging equipment.

The new buses will bring the total number of full-sized electric battery METRO buses to 40 within the next year. Officials say federal funding will help the organization reach its goal of fully transitioning to zero-emission vehicles by 2030. This comes after Houston received $21 million earlier this week from U.S. Department of Transportation to help revamp a section of Telephone Road with wider sidewalks, bike lanes and accessible bus stops.

HISD SCHOOLS

94% passing 2022

82% passing 2019

TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

Accountability ratings released, HISD makes improvements

By Laura Onyeneho

The Texas Education Agency has released the 2021-2022 accountability ratings for school districts statewide.

This is the first time since 2019 that letter grades were announced during the COVID19 pandemic, and the challenges schools were facing.

Schools and districts are assigned grade letters A-F based on three categories: School Progress Student Achievement Closing the gaps Scores of 90-100 received an A, 80-89 for a B, and 70-79 for a C. Schools that received ratings below a 70 were classified as “not rated,” according to Senate Bill 1365, which passed in 2021 to give schools time to recover from their failing grade instead of being at risk for intervention.

TEA reported that 1,195 districts and 8,451 campuses were rated for the 2021-2022 school year. According to a news release, schools saw “significant gains” in student academic growth. Twenty-five percent of districts and 33% of campuses improved their letter grade from 2019.

Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in the state, received a B, as it did in 2019.

“I’m extremely proud to say that HISD is moving in the right direction; the ship is turning,” said Superintendent Millard House II during an announcement of his reaction to the news.

He spoke of a few district risk campuses’ progress, including Wheatley High School.

After eight years of consistent low-performance ratings, Wheatley passed with a C.

HOW HISD SCHOOLS WERE GRADED

A: 39 Elementary, 31 Middle, 26 High B: 115 Elementary, 2 Middle C: 25 Elementary, 6 Middle, 12 High Not Rated: 10 Elementary, 2 Middle, 5 High

10 SCHOOLS NOT RATED FOR 2022

• B.C. Elemore Elementary • Highland Heights Elementary • Roland P. Harris Elementary • Woodson PK-5 Leadership Academy • Forest Brook Middle School • McReynolds Middle School • Paul Revere Middle School • Jack Yates High School • Kashmere High School • Community Services K-12

The most significant improvement came from Osborne Elementary, jumping from its failed score of 59 to an A rating of 96. Henry Middle School showed promise in its performance, from a D in 2019 to a C this year.

Although this is good news for the district, Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, says that it doesn’t change the fact the state itself is “flawed and “draconian.”

“Frankly, the use of test scores at all is still controversial with many people in the community. There are many parents that refuse to even allow their children to take the test anymore because they are tired of their children being pigeonholed or labeled based on an assessment one day a year,” Capo said. “These tests are not measures of a kid’s ability to do well.”

Capo says there needs to be more

authentic assessments that give students different ways to show what they have learned in school.

“Employers, for example, don’t look for how well you did on a test, but rather how well you work as a team player and can you implement the work they are paying you to do,” he said. “I think we do a disservice when we put so much emphasis on testing at the expense of real-life skills to help kids prepare for the real world.”

According to Houston ISD’s general fund budget, the district will get $190 million from the state for the 2022-2023 school year.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said state lawmakers will have around $27 billion extra to work with during the next session.

“Put it on the schools, put it on the children, put it on the teachers and the educators,” said Turner. “When 70% of your teachers are thinking about going elsewhere pay the teachers what they rightfully deserve.”

In addition to more funding, U.S. Rep. Al Green and other Democratic leaders called on the Texas Legislature to call a special session. Green says in the aftermath of the Uvalde massacre, lawmakers need to change the age of purchasing a gun to 21.

“It’s time to call a special session,” explained Green. “It’s also time to put away with the insane idea that teachers are supposed to be the defenders.”

A recent poll also shows 70% of Texas teachers want to quit their jobs, many fearing another school shooting and wanting more pay.

“Houston teachers are paid $7,500 below the national average,” said Turner. “That needs to change.”

4 | August 18, 2022 |

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DN News

Candidates clockwise starting upper left: Amanda Edwards, Chris Hollins, State Senator John Whitmire, Robin Williams and Lee Kaplan

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Houston mayoral candidates talk fundraising

By Aswad Walker

Houston City Councilmember; State Sen. Mayor Sylvester Turner has led the Bayou John Whitmire; attorney Lee Kaplan and City for the past seven and a half years, steering police officer Robin Williams.

Houston through countless storms, including Because the amount of money campaigns the Labor Day Flood (2015), Tax Day Flood can raise divides the pretenders from the (2016), Hurricane Harvey (2017), contenders, it is important to take a Independence Day Flood (2018) HOUSTON look at the campaign funding race. and Winter Storm Uri (2021).

“Money talks loudly in political MAYORAL Turner took office facing a differ- ELECTION campaigns,” said Sharon Watkins ent storm — an out-of-whack city Jones, longtime political strategist NOV 7, budget that stood to force hundreds and founder of Watkins Jones LLC, 2023 of city workers out of jobs. A storm a public affairs and legislative advoof a different kind swept the nation cacy firm.

—a racial reckoning — with the murder of “Money buys television and radio spots. It Houston-born George Floyd, and ongoing pays for digital and print materials. Money police killings of unarmed Blacks (Jalen Ran- purchases transportation and lodging for dle, for example). stump activities. Money pays for campaign The grades Turner receives, of course, staff, strategy and canvassing. If a political depend on who you talk to, even though tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, he’s revered nationally for the job he’s done it loses.” in H-town. But whether you give Turner an For context, in 2015, Turner started his A, F or “undecided,” incredibly, his time as mayoral run with $900,000. In 2019, attorney Houston’s mayor is coming to an end via term Tony Buzbee had $2 million in his campaign limits. coffers, though his campaign was self-funded.

Hence, in November 2023, Houston will But the fact that Buzbee made it to a run-off elect a new CEO. with the then incumbent Turner shows the Thus far, five individuals have announced impact and importance of a well-funded their candidacy: Chris Hollins, former Har- campaign. ris County clerk; Amanda Edwards, former That being said, Hollins, Kaplan and

MONEY RAISED CANDIDATE Chris Hollins

AMOUNT RAISED $1.12 million

Lee Kaplan

$800,000

Amanda Edwards

$789,000

John Whitmire Whitmire has a “war chest” of $9.7 million in his state account, though it is not yet clear how much of that he will be able to legally dedicate toward his campaign due to unclear city codes.

Robin Williams

No data available

Edwards, based solely on campaign fundraising, are basically in a dead heat. Thus, the wildcard in this race is Whitmire, and the amount of funds he will be able to bring to the table.

Edwards and Hollins feel good about where their fundraising numbers currently stand.

“I am so grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from the diverse Houston community and others supporting our campaign,” said Edwards. “This

enthusiastic and immediate response to our campaign will help ensure that Houston elects a mayor that has the experience and vision needed to ensure that we can live in a city where every Houstonian has the opportunity to thrive.”

“The fact that we have received more individual contributions than all our opponents combined is a reflection of the grassroots enthusiasm we’ve generated since launching our campaign,” said Hollins. “Houstonians are embracing our fresh ideas and approach in record numbers, and we look forward to continuing to share our message with voters across the city.”

Kaplan and Williams face the daunting task of raising campaign funds without the name recognition enjoyed by Whitmire, Edwards and Hollins, who made national news for his work to facilitate record-breaking voting during the November 2020 presidential election amid a pandemic.

But Kaplan sees his “outsider” positioning as an advantage.

“I think people are attracted to individuals from the private sector more than those from the public sector, i.e. somebody like me,” said Kaplan. “Many view us as bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to public office.

August 18, 2022 |

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DN Feature

Many Blacks reconsider future in Texas Texas Tribune

After the nation watched a Minneapolis police officer murder George Floyd two summers ago, Gov. Greg Abbott promised Floyd’s Houston relatives that his death would not be in vain — and signaled an openness to pursuing police reforms.

But even as millions of Americans protested excessive force, systemic racism and law enforcement’s treatment of people of color, Abbott quickly pivoted to defending police funding while remaining relatively quiet on overhauling public safety practices. Earlier this month, Abbott appointed an Austin police officer indicted for excessive force during the 2020 protests to the state agency that regulates law enforcement — which brought swift criticism for the message it sent to Black Texans.

Not that Chas Moore, an Austin activist who helped organize some of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, was surprised by the actions of the governor, who is white. After all, Texas is the birthplace of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people. And it is frequently a political harbinger in a country with a long history of racism, discrimination and oppression.

“There’s always been an attack on our very existence,” Moore said. “We’re not new to this, we’re true to this … it’s sad to say that we’re true to daily struggles of just existing as Black people.”

Floyd’s death and the massive demonstrations that followed it were part of a seemingly endless onslaught of upheaval, crises and emergencies that have trickled into every aspect of daily life — from the economy and health care to public

safety and education — for the past two years.

For Black people, deaths, illness, job loss and economic insecurity wrought by the coronavirus pandemic have compounded those traumas.

And in Texas, those seismic forces have been accompanied by a Republican-controlled state government that has limited how America’s history of racism is taught in public schools, restricted voting options heavily used by people of color and protected the GOP’s grip on power with new political maps that diminish

BLACKS IN TEXAS

3.8 mil 13%

of population the power of voters of color — who accounted for 95% of the state’s population boom between the last two censuses.

“What we’re dealing with now in Texas is not new,” said Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, a history professor at Texas Southern University. “It’s still about impacting the strength of the Black vote.”

Texas is home to more Black Americans than any other state. The state was founded by white men who were determined to expand slavery westward — the conflict that sparked the Civil War. Today, white men are overrepresented in the Legislature. At the start of the

2021 regular legislative session, there were 17 Black lawmakers in the 150-member Texas House — 16 Democrats and one Republican.

Only two Black senators, both Democrats, serve in the 31-member Texas Senate. A few Black Texans have held statewide office, but none have made it to the senior-most executive and legislative positions.

Black Texans’ experiences of the past two years — and how they’re looking ahead to the November midterm elections and next year’s legislative session — are as varied as the individuals themselves. Some Black Republicans, for instance, don’t think that everything should be viewed through a lens of race. Robin Armstrong, who recently made an unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination for a Texas Senate district that includes Galveston, said that people use the “offense of racism” to control Black Texans.

“If we see everything through that, then we’re always going to have an excuse to fail,” Armstrong said.

But nearly a dozen Black Texans who talked to The Texas Tribune see racism in state leaders’ actions. Some have wondered if remaining in the state makes sense for them. Others are determined to stay and advocate for a more equal and just government.

Some Black Texans draw strength from their ancestors’ resilience, while others point out that the constant fighting for survival is utterly exhausting.

“We’ve been through Jim Crow, we’ve been through the ‘war on drugs,’ we’ve been

through the ’90s crime bill,” Moore said.

“We’ve been through redlining with banks, we’ve been through work discrimination.

It’s just kind of what it is. We’ve always, in that same breath, been organizing and fighting for humanity and fighting for our rightful place in society as Americans.”

Ashton Woods, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Houston, plans to stay in place. He most recently organized ABOVE: Clockwise from top a demonstration left: Chas Moore, outside of the Karen KossRepublican Party ie-Chernyshev, of Texas’ state conNaomi Green, vention. He underFaith Anderson, stands that heading Ashton Woods, into the November Milton Harris, Ryan Douglas and midterm elections, there are fewer votX. ing options than in 2020. His message to the thousands of people who showed up to protest was simple: Hold elected officials accountable and hold your neighbors accountable.

“I love the whole idea of being able to vote at midnight; I did love the idea of being able to drive-thru. I liked all of that,” Woods said.

For him, a piece of the antidote is still casting ballots, despite attempts that make it less convenient.

“We’ve always adapted,” he said. “So we’re just gonna have to do what we gotta do to get people to the polls.”

Read more of this story at DefenderNetwork.com.

August 18, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education DEFENDER NETWORK HOST

HBCU Presidents Classic celebrates TSU, PVAMU

SOLD OUT

HBCU HBCU PRESIDENTS

Classic Classic Celebrate the

PRESIDENTS leadership ofthe these Celebrate two fine institutions leadership of these two fine institutions

By ReShonda Tate

“This is an exciting season for Texas Southern University, and Historically Black With the annual Labor Day Classic only Colleges and Universities altogether, for days away, the Defender Network is hosting this truly is our time,” said TSU president a sold-out signature Lesia L. Crumpevent to celebrate ton-Young. “Many the leadership of of our institutions Texas S outhern are experiencing Un ive r s it y an d tremendous growth Prairie View A & not only in enrollM University on ment, but also in Thursday, August the quantity and 25, 2022. quality of opporSponsored by tunities available Amegy Bank, the to them through fun, yet relevant new and expanded event will showcase p ar t ne rsh ip s . I a candid dialogue look forward to between Prairie the opportunity to View A&M Unishare more about versity President Dr. the great things ALERT Ruth J. Simmons happening at Texas Seating for the sold-out event and Texas Southern Southern Univeris available on a first come/ University President sity as we take the first seated basis. You can Dr. Lesia L. Crumpnext step toward also catch the event in its ton-Young. The two achieving unprecentirety on DefenderNetwork. presidents will share edented success com on Saturday, Aug. 27. their accomplishat an accelerated ments and plans for pace.” the upcoming school The HBCU year.

President’s Clas“Creating and sic, hosted by the supporting opporDefender Network, tunities that allow Houston’s Leading members of our Black Information communities to Source, is an intisucceed is importmate affair for a ant to Amegy Bank. limited number of We are proud to guests. Defender share this dedicaEducation Reporter tion with Prairie Laura Onyeneho View A&M Uniwill moderate the versity and Texas discussion between Southern Univerthe two university sity, historically known for helping diverse presidents. students become engaged members of the “Texas Southern and Prairie View are community. We celebrate the accomplish- two premiere institutions in our area with ments of these two institutions and are a history of amazing contributions to our thrilled for the opportunities of sustained, community. We are excited to hear from positive impact in the years ahead. Thank these esteemed presidents about their plans you to the Houston Defender for providing for their beloved institutions,” said Sonny a platform to amplify these achievements,” Messiah Jiles, publisher and CEO of the said Steve Stephens, CEO, Amegy Bank.

Defender Network.

T U O D L O S Dr. Ruth Simmons President Prairie View A&M University

Dr. Lesia Crumpton Young President Texas Southern University

Thursday, August 25, 2022

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN WHY OTING RIGHTS ACT MUST BE REAUTHORIZED

By Aswad Walker

In this Monday, May 15, 2017 photo, Congressman Al Green speaks to media during a press conference in which he called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump at the Houston Congressional District Office in Houston.

The black Texas congressman said Saturday, May 20, that he’s been threatened with lynching by callers infuriated over him seeking impeachment of President Trump. (Godofredo A. Vasquez/ Houston Chronicle via AP)

This past June 24, coming off the heals of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the longstanding Roe v. Wade decision and Justice Clarence Thomas threatening to overturn other SCOTUS progressive rulings, Houston Congressman Al Green issued a proactive call to protect one of Congress’ most important pieces of legislation of the 20th century — the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Defender spoke with Green, the latest national lawmaker to issue the call for the Voting Rights Act to be reauthorized. Here is what he had to say on the matter.

Defender: Why do you contend the Voting Rights Act should be reauthorized?

Congressman Al Green: The Voting

Rights Act (VRA) needs to be reauthorized because it is one of the most impactful pieces of legislation for expanding voting access to have been passed by the United States since the passage of the 15th Amendment, which recognized the right of former slaves to vote. When the VRA passed in 1965, Congress only had four Asian members, four Latino members, six Black members, and 13 women members. Today, Congress has 21 Asian members, 52 Latino members, 61 Black members and 151 women members, much closer to a representative distribution than prior to the VRA. This change has occurred mainly because of the VRA. The VRA needs to be reauthorized because our country is not beyond the era where oversight of states’ voting practices is no longer needed. Oversight was once required for states with a history of attempting to disenfranchise voters. Federal overseers had to approve any voting change in these states, ensuring a fair system for everyone. But today, the VRA isn’t just in danger of being further damaged; it has already had a significant portion of its power destroyed.

In 2013, the Supreme Court held in Shelby County vs. Holder that the section of the VRA dictating which states had to undergo preclearance of their voting law changes was unconstitutional because the coverage formula was based on data that was more than 40 years old.

This means that currently no state is required to have its voting practices precleared. If the coverage formula were updated with new legislation, the VRA would return to its full pre Shelby County vs. Holder strength.

Congressman Green host Slavery Remembrance Day Breakfast @ Power Center on Sat. August 20 - 8:30 am - FREE

Defender: How does this reauthorization happen with the current D.C. gridlock and President Biden refusing to end the filibuster?

Green: President Biden cannot alone

First Black members of the U.S. Congress: Hiram R. Revels, Benjamin S. Turner, Robert Carlos De Large, Josiah T. Walls, Jefferson F. Long, Joseph H. Rainey and Robert B. Elliot.

Defender: Who authored the measure to repeal and not authorize the Voting Rights Act? Green: The primary threat to the

VRA comes from radicals in the Republican Party who want to see it eliminated.

During the 2022 Texas State Republican Convention, the Texas Republican Party voted to make repealing the VRA a part of their platform.

Defender: What are the potential ramifications if it is not reauthorized?

Green: Without the protection of the

VRA, communities of color would likely lose representation at all levels of government.

States with a history of invidious discrimination could easily create voting laws that would make it more difficult for people of color to vote.

The Voting Rights Act of 1865 It is important to distinguish the year (1965) when discussing the Voting Rights Act because Blacks were initially granted legal protections to vote not only via the 15th Amendment, but the Voting Rights Act of 1865, passed by the 39th Congress (1865–1867).

That’s right; 100 years before the Voting Rights Act 1965, the one that most people point to as the so-called origins of Black voting in America, existed the real frontrunner.

in the U.S. were citizens and that any state that denied or abridged the voting rights of men over the age of 21 would be subject to proportional reductions in its representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Voting Rights Act of 1865: This act opened the door for Black males to vote.

The act was part of a series of U.S. laws that paved the way for Blacks to go to the polls and exercise their rights as citizens to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice.

Enforcement Act of 1870: This law prohibited discrimination by state officials in voter registration on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude and established penalties for interfering with a person’s right to vote and gave federal courts the power to enforce the act.

It made it crystal clear, at least on paper, that Blacks were protected by law to vote in this country.

Civil Rights Act of 1866: Declared that all persons born or naturalized

Voting Rights Act of 1869 (which became known as the 15th Amendment): An amendment to the Constitution that placed Black voting in one of the nation’s founding documents.

Why a 1965 Voting Rights Act was needed

enact filibuster reform. Two members of his party have expressed that they are not interested in eliminating the filibuster. I am hopeful that we might get more individuals in Congress that are interested in pushing Democratic priorities, especially the reauthorization of the [VRA].

Defender: What actions can citizens take to make this happen?

Green: Legislation passed by the U.S.

House of Representatives is currently pending in the Senate to reauthorize the section of the VRA that the Supreme Court struck down. Passage of H.R.4 – John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 and H.R.5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act would accomplish this goal. To help get this legislation passed, citizens can organize and vote for candidates committed

President Lyndon Johnson shakes hands with civil rights activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., after signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Image courtesy the LBJ Presidential Library.

Between 1865 (the year the Civil War ended) and 1877 — a 12-year period of time known as the Reconstruction Era — more than 1,500 African American officeholders served at the state and federal levels. This is because when the laws were on the books allowing us to vote, we voted in percentages higher than white voters.

However, in a land founded upon the erroneous notion of white supremacy, it is no surprise that putting an end to Black voting was a priority. That came with the end of Reconstruction. Thanks to the Compromise of 1877, the informal agreement between southern Democrats and allies of the Republican Rutherford Hayes to settle the result of the 1876 presidential election, Hayes removed Union troops from the south and reinstated

members of the Confederacy (traitors who went to war against the U.S.) to power. This meant white domestic terrorism was unleashed on Blacks without restraint. The result? Blacks did not gain access to the polls again until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

With this history of Black voting power being steadily attacked, even when the rights were encoded in law, it’s not hard to see why there have been calls over the past few years, especially during the four years preceding the Biden/Harris administration, for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to be reauthorized.

The recent SCOTUS Roe v. Wade decision, for some, served as a wake-up call and reminder of other “rights” that were tenuously given and can very realistically be taken away.

ai1658764022102_2022_CTW-30455_ROY_Print_Houston_The Defender_ENG_4.812x13_08-04-22_F.pdf

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Our doctors are ready to see you Bun B With Mayor Sylvester at Trill Burgers Pop up event at 8th Wonder Brewery to raise money to support Astroworld victims (Credit: Marco Torres)

Bun B brings award-winning Trill Burgers to Houston

Take a tour and learn about a more personal approach to primary care

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By Laura Onyeneho

Following the rapper’s win on “Good Morning America” as his burger brand was dubbed the best in the nation, local legend Bun B returns to the city to introduce his sought-after Trill Burgers at a pop-up location: Houston City Hall, Sunday, Aug. 28 from 3-7 p.m.

The pop-up will offer a full menu, including OG Trill Burger, Grilled Onion Burger, Vegan Smashburger and seasoned fries, with burgers for sale on a first-come, first-served basis.

To Bun B’s surprise, his award-winning burgers attracted lines that wrapped around a few blocks from a previous pop-up in scorching heat, a testament to the appreciation the city has for the rapper.

“Even with our craziest pop-up before ‘Good Morning America,’ the lines never really got more than like say 70 people and it was somewhat manageable. Right now, we’ve got to have at least 400 people,” Bun B said.

“It makes me feel good to have the demand, but I don’t want people to have to stand in line and sweating...we want to provide as comfortable a process as possible.”

Bun B said the process to launch the business took about 14 months. Trill Burger has garnered a lot of attention in a short span of time, and he has worked diligently with his team along with co-owners Andy Nguyen and Nick Scurfield to sustain it.

“I went to see Bun B at Rodeo Houston and saw the Trill Burger there but the lines

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Seniors switch to CenterWell Senior Primary Care™ for the convenience of easy scheduling, same-day appointments, TeleHealth visits and 24/7 access to their Care Team. Choose a doctor who can see you sooner and help you make the most of every appointment, with on-site labs, a clinical pharmacist and more.

Call now to schedule a tour

832-261-9586

SeniorFocusedHouston.com Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Visit one of our 16 locations throughout Greater Houston & the Golden Triangle.

Bun B and Trill Burgers coming off an epic victory on ABC’s “Good Morning America”

were long, so I said I had to come to the pop-up this time around and finally try it,” said Houston resident Lyndaja Virjil. “This is a very chill and welcoming vibe. I mean Bun B is walking around talking to people like a regular person and that is amazing. If you don’t go you are missing out.”

After the pop-ups, Trill Burgers’ next plan is to open a brick and mortar location in Houston with a date to be determined.

For more information visit www.trillburgers.com

Plans accepted We accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Memorial Hermann and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

Follow us @CenterWellPrimaryCare to learn about activities and events CenterWell does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語 GCHLKT9EN 言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711).

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August 18, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

August Is National Immunizations Month 3. Hepatitis A and B vaccines for adults who have immune deficiencies, occupational or lifestyle exposure risks, or travel abroad.

By JAMISE CROOMS, M.D.

It’s back-to-school time. Parents are getting children immunized with required vaccines, however, keeping current with their own immunizations is sometimes overlooked. Many adults are unaware that vaccinations they had as children may no longer protect them against avoidable diseases – or that we now have newer, more effective vaccines available.

My recommendations preventable illnesses:

for

4. Gardasil 9 vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended for males and females aged 9 through 26 years – and selected adults up to age 45.

vaccine-

1. COVID vaccine. Adults should have had two primary doses and a booster in 2022. If immunocompromised or over age 65, you should have a total of four doses by now.

2. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine with a booster shot every 10 years.

FROM THE DOC “Immunizations are a primary component of your health and longterm wellbeing.”

Jamise Crooms is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician at Tanglewood Clinic.

5. Measles (MMR) shots (two doses) if born after 1957.

6. Pneumonia shots are especially important for smokers, those with chronic health problems such as diabetes or asthma, and anyone older than 65.

7. Shingrix, the newer, more effective shingles vaccine, is recommended for healthy adults

aged 50 and older, even those who have received Zostavax in the past.

8. Seasonal flu shot every year.

A word about your kids’ immunizations Did you know that many children aren’t current on their vaccinations due to the COVID pandemic – or haven’t completed their initial COVID vaccinations? If your child hasn’t had a checkup in the past year, schedule one now before the new school year starts, and get them current on vaccinations.

We have COVID vaccines available at most Kelsey-Seybold locations for children aged 6 months and older.

Dr. Crooms welcomes new patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Tanglewood Clinic.

Get KelseyConnected

SM

Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, you have an entire healthcare team that can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you.

Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations.

24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends.

MyKelseyOnline. Email your doctor’s office, make appointments, refill prescriptions, view test results, and more.

Appointments today! Book a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics appointment online at kelsey-seybold.com/NOW.

24-hour Appointment Scheduling:

713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com

12 | August 18, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Classifieds LEGAL NOTICE

Harmony House, Inc. has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Navigation Center, a 100+ unit residence serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Center is operated by Harmony House and is a key component of the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP). The Center’s population are adults who are experiencing mental health illnesses, trauma, and/or substance abuse.

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit services from interested and qualified Food Service Providers who can produce and distribute three meals per day to 100+ clients at the Center, including at least one hot meal.

The full text of the RFP is available at: https://www.homelesshouston.org/funding-v2#FundingLocal.

Interested vendors should submit their proposal electronically to Harmony House at the following email address: accounts@harmonyhouse.org.

Responses to this RFP must be submitted by 5:00 PM CDT on August 26, 2022.

LEGAL NOTICE

Harmony House, Inc. has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Navigation Center, a 100+ unit residence serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Center is operated by Harmony House and is a key component of the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP). The Center’s population are adults who are experiencing mental health illnesses, trauma, and/or substance abuse.

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit services from interested and qualified Security Service Providers, to include mobile patrol, armed and unarmed security guards, and fire watch. Preferred qualifications include compassionate staff and experience providing security services to a low-barrier homeless services facility.

The full text of the RFP is available at: https://www.homelesshouston.org/funding-v2#FundingLocal.

Interested vendors should submit their proposal electronically to Harmony House at the following email address: accounts@harmonyhouse.org.

Responses to this RFP must be submitted by 5:00 PM CDT on August 26, 2022.

LEGAL NOTICE

Harmony House, Inc. has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Navigation Center, a 100+ unit residence serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The Center is operated by Harmony House and is a key component of the Community COVID Housing Program (CCHP). The Center’s population are adults who are experiencing mental health illnesses, trauma, and/or substance abuse.

The purpose of this RFP is to solicit services from interested and qualified Custodial Service Providers who have commercial cleaning experience. The provider will bring the experience of running a reliable, commercial cleaning company with quality services.

The full text of the RFP is available at: https://www.homelesshouston.org/funding-v2#FundingLocal.

Interested vendors should submit their proposal electronically to Harmony House at the following email address: accounts@harmonyhouse.org.

Responses to this RFP must be submitted by 5:00 PM CDT on August 26, 2022.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF RIVER CONSTRUCTION INC., AS OWNER AND OPERATOR OF THE RC-100 FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, CIVIL ACTION NO. 4:22-CV-02413 NOTICE is hereby given that River Construction Inc., as the owner and operator of the crane barge RC-100 (“Petitioner”), has filed a Complaint pursuant to Title 46 U.S.C. §§ 30501¬–30512 as amended, claiming the right to exoneration from, or limitation of liability of all claims for any loss, damage, injury, or destruction, arising out of the alleged events involving the RC-100 occurring on or about April 7, 2020 and ending on or about August 13, 2020 while performing work at Contanda Terminals, LLC’s property located at 16335 Peninsula Street, Houston, Texas 77015 (the “Project”), and Petitioner’s activities related thereto, all as is more fully set forth in the Complaint.

All persons, firms, or corporations asserting claims with respect to which the Complaint seeks exoneration from or limitation of liability are admonished to file their respective claims, under oath, as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Nathan Ochsner, at P. O. Box 61010, Houston, Texas 77208, and must serve a copy thereof on counsel for Petitioners on or before the 9th day of September, 2022 or be defaulted.

Any claimant desiring to contest either the right to exoneration from, or the right to limitation of liability, shall file and serve an Answer to the Complaint, unless his or her claim is included in Answer, all as is required

by Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or be barred from bringing such action.

Houston, Texas, this 27th day of July, 2022. /s/Nathan Ochsner CLERK OF COURT Respectfully submitted, /s/Aaron B. Greenbaum _ Aaron B. Greenbaum, T.A. (SDTX - Federal ID No. 2023921, TX #24110938) Salvador J. Pusateri (SDTX – Federal ID No. 438301, TX #24072867) Rowen F. Asprodites (SDTX – Federal ID No. 3760102, LA #33135) PUSATERI, JOHNSTON, GUILLOT & GREENBAUM 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 2250 New Orleans, LA 70163 Telephone: (504) 620-2500 Facsimile: (504) 620-2510 Aaron.Greenbaum@pjgglaw.com Salvador.Pusateri@pjgglaw.com Rowen.Asprodites@pjgglaw.com ATTORNEYS FOR PETITIONER-IN-LIMITATION RIVER CONSTRUCTION INC.

Public Notice The City of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) anticipates $30,296,000 in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE (CDBG DR-21) Funds. The following table shows the estimated budgeted activities for CDBG The City of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) anticipates $30,296,000 in Community Development Block DR-21 funds.

Grant-Disaster Recovery 2021 (CDBG DR-21) Funds. The following table shows the estimated budgeted activities for CDBG DR-21 funds.

Proposed CDBG DR-21 Budget Winter Storm Homeowner Reimbursement Program Winter Storm Home Repair Program Renter Housing Counseling Neighborhood Facilities Resilience Program Planning Administration TOTAL

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,656,978.00 22,222,222.00 550,000.00 4,152,000.00 200,000.00 1,514,800.00 30,296,000.00

5.5% 73.4% 1.8% 13.7% 0.6% 5.0% 100.0%

PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD Public Review and Comment Period

View the Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm at the following locations: Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm at the following locations: • View Online atthe https://houstontx.gov/housing/ Online at https://houstontx.gov/housing/ • HCD •– 2100 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002 (Copies• mayHCD also be–obtained this location) 2100atTravis Street, Houston, TX 77002 The public may commentmay on thealso Draft be Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm (Draft Plan) during the 30-day comment (Copies obtained at this location) period extending from Friday, August 5, 2022, to Sunday, September 4, 2022. These long-term disaster recovery funds will be available to address the 2021 Winter Storm’s impacts on Houston communities and residents and to enhance the resilience of Houstonians during The public may comment on the Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm future disaster events.

(Draft Plan)may during the 30-day comment period extending Friday, August 2022, Public comments be submitted by email to: HCDDPlanning@houstontx.gov or byfrom mail: HCDD, ATTN: Planning,5, 2100 Travisto Street, Sunday, September 2022.

These long-termSummaries disaster recovery funds will be will available 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 or4, leave a voicemail at 832-394-5400. of public comments and responses be availabletoin the address the 2021 Winter Storm’s impacts on Houston communities and residents and to final version of the Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Winter Storm. enhance the resilience of Houstonians during future events.

For specific questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations,disaster please contact Yolanda Jefferies at (832) 394-6200 ext. 5.

Public comments may be submitted by email to: HCDDPlanning@houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Planning, 2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 or leave a voicemail at 832-394-5400. Summaries of public comments and responses will be available in the final REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF Winter QUALIFICATIONS version of the Action Plan for Disaster Recovery – 2021 Storm.

Land Acquisition Services For specific questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/tenant relations, please contact Surveying Professional Services Yolanda Jefferies at (832) 394-6200 ext. 5.

Environmental Consultant Professional Services Real Estate Appraisal Services Planning and Design Services Landscape Architecture Professional Services Civil Engineering Professional Services Architectural Professional Services Land Planning, Urban Design Graphic Design Construction Phase Services Construction Management Professional Services Materials Testing Professional Services GENERAL SCOPE Houston Parks Board (HPB) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for the following professional services associated with our future Land Acquisition Program, Capital Projects Program, and Conservation & Maintenance Program: Land Acquisition Services Surveying Environmental Consultant Real Estate Appraisal Services Planning and Design Services (Capital Projects and Conservation & Maintenance) Landscape Architecture Professional Services Civil Engineering Professional Services Architectural Professional Services Planning and Urban Design Services Graphic Design Construction Phase Services (Capital Projects and Conservation & Maintenance) Construction Management Professional Services Materials Testing Professional Services Consultants interested in providing Professional Services for a broad range of projects through HPB’s Beyond the Bayous initiative including Land Acquisition and Capital Projects and Bayou Greenways initiative including Conservation and Maintenance Projects are invited to submit their qualifications as outlined in this Request for Statements of Qualifications.

Houston Parks Board is committed to cultivating competitive and diverse contractors by promoting the success of small businesses, with a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

We encourage registered MWBE/SBE’s to request the SOQ package and guidelines and to submit qualifications.

GENERAL AND TECHNICAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS A pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 2-4pm. The meeting will be virtual and the link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82551125358. This meeting is mandatory however please limit your firm’s virtual log-in to one representative per firm, per discipline. As we will be providing breakout rooms per discipline within this meeting, your firm should be represented in each of the breakout rooms.

Full SOQ Package and Guidelines are available electronically by sending a request to Linda Zhou at the Houston Parks Board, lindazhou@houstonparksboard.org. Full SOQ Package and Guidelines will be available Friday, August 12, 2022 through Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL PLEASE NOTE SOQ REQUEST – DISCIPLINE – FIRM NAME. Provide the firm’s name, contact person with email and phone number in the request. If you are submitting for multiple disciplines, please provide us with separate email requests for each discipline.

SOQ SUBMITTAL PACKAGE Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted electronically to Linda Zhou, Capital Projects Administrator via e-mail to lindazhou@houstonparksboard.org by 11:00 AM CST on Friday September 9, 2022.

WHERE BUSINESSES & GOVERNMENTS FIND CONTRACTS & VENDORS

August 18, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

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BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMES TO HOUSTON

Defender News Service

The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands presented by Toyota (NBOTB) is heading back to Houston and its expected to provide over $100,000 in revenue for minority-owned businesses in Houston, Texas.

NBOTB contracted with nine minority-owned businesses for the 2021 edition of the annual marching band showcase, which generated a total of $106,290.56 in revenue for the small businesses. NBOTB is proud to support these local minority-owned businesses by contracting with them for various products and services including signage, apparel, catering, and marketing, among others. Partnerships with minority-owned businesses for the 2022 NBOTB event are already underway.

“The National Battle of the Bands takes great pride in supporting local and minority-owned businesses in the lead up to the competition and during the event,” said Derek Webber, executive producer, National Battle of the Bands. “We choose to pour back into the local economy as much as possible by working and partnering with minority business owners. The idea is to empower families to create more opportunities and to help narrow the widening wealth gap in America that disproportionately affects minorities and people of color.”

The Emerging Experience Entrepreneur Conference presented by JP Morgan Chase, one of the NBOTB official events, will take place on Friday, August 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at The Deluxe Theater as part of the NBOTB and JP Morgan Chase’s partnership focused on strengthening the commitment to closing the racial wealth gap by providing more opportunities to minority business owners. National and local bank leaders are coming to 5th Ward to conduct a workshop with community entrepreneurs to learn from, connect with, collaborate, impact, and inspire each other.

This official sponsorship from JPMorgan Chase will help thousands of HBCU students and families by providing more opportunities for homeownership, access to affordable housing, entrepreneurship assistance, and bolstering financial health in the brown and Black communities.

“Chase is inspired by the excellence of these young musicians, the committed support of their teachers and families - and by the deep soulfulness of this historic event.

They make us very proud,” Kisha Porch, the Houston-based leader of Chase Retail Banking Consumer and Small Business Customer Service and Online Support According to the U.S. Small Business

Administration (SBA), a substantial amount of family wealth lies in business ownership, so business ownership is now considered the “second solution” to building wealth. This is why NBOTB prioritizes contracts with local minority business owners. The goal is to both entertain and enrich the local community.

NBOTB’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians, and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $700,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. The competition is an iconic tradition, not only amongst HBCUs, but as a staple in American culture. NBOTB was created to be the nation’s best kick-off to the fall marching band season by showcasing new performances by the country’s top marching bands. It offers unmatched exposure to the marching bands of HBCUs, and has broad appeal among varying age groups and socio-economic demographic groups.

NBOTB will be supporting local minority-owned businesses once again this year in the lead up to the 2022 NBOTB, which takes place on Saturday, August 27 at NRG Stadium.

14 | August 18, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texans receiver Johnny Johnson III had two catches for 25 yards during the Texans’ 17-13 preseason-opening win over the Saints, including the game-winning reception from QB Jeff Driskel with 25 seconds left .

Texas Southern sophomore forward Hayden McMillan scored the Lady Tigers’ lone goal in their 1-0 women’s soccer exhibition win over Navarro.

BLINDSIDE

HEALTHY LAREMY TUNSIL KEY TO TEXANS QB DAVIS MILLS’ PROGRESS

By Terrance Harris

Laremy Tunsil isn’t a man who uses a lot of words to explain his thoughts.

Ask the Texans’ two-time Pro Bowl left tackle what will second-year quarterback Davis Mills bring to the team this season.

Tunsil: “Dog.” How do you define Laremy Tunsil?

Tunsil: “Dog.” What about emerging rookie running back Dameon Pierce?

Tunsil: “Dog.” What have you seen from rookie left guard Kenyon Green so far in camp?

Tunsil: “Dog.” The thing is the Texans didn’t make Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL because of his expressiveness. It was all about this ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and to keep him upright, and when healthy, Tunsil is without question one of the best in the NFL. For first-year coach Lovie Smith’s money – figuratively and literally – Tunsil’s superior athletic ability and the way he plays the most important position on the offensive line are the attributes that make him stand out against other veteran tackles in the league.

“We could talk a while about what separates Laremy,” Smith said. “There’s a reason we pay him more than anybody else on our football team. He’s not a good player, he’s a special player, a special man, his presence around.”

Hearing his coach’s thoughts about him made Tunsil open up a little bit more and show his humorous side in the process.

“That sounds good to me. I’m going to get another bag, right? I’m just joking,” Tunsil said as he laughed. “I mean, it’s great, just getting praise like that from a head coach like Lovie Smith who led a team to the Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears, so it feels great.”

The Texans showed their belief in Tunsil this offseason when there was much speculation that the team might pursue a trade for the coveted left tackle following a season in which he missed most of with

season-ending thumb surgery last October.

But the team made the decision to bring back Tunsil, who is due to make $17.7 million this season and $18.5 million in 2023.

The thought process is simple: a healthy Tunsil is the key to Mills’ success.

Tunsil, meanwhile, has returned to a new offense installed by Pep Hamilton and a new energy around the team. Hamilton pledged that the running game will be improved which could take some pressure off Mills and the offensive line this season.

“We went and got Pep Hamilton,” said Tunsil, who came over from Miami in 2019 in a blockbuster deal that cost the Texans first-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021.

“We’re ‘finna’ get this rolling.”

Tu n s i l , w h o says his hand and thumb are 100%, is having fun with the new offense, although there have been no signs of where he jokingly envisions the offense might go this season.

“I like the creativity,” said Tunsil, who was held out of last week’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints. “You know, put L.T. [Tunsil] at quarLaremy terback. I can get a Tunsil little pass down the field. We can switch it up, but I do like the creativity.”

Tunsil also likes what he is seeing from his teammates under the new

leadership of Smith, who is big on player accountability.

“In the offseason program, I think the attendance was 90-plus,” Tunsil said. “So that speaks for itself right there. [Smith] preaches that all the time, follow his direction as he leads. We’re going to follow him.

Ninety-plus [percentage] for offseason attendance is pretty special. I was there too.”

Sports Briefs

Astros announce Michael Brantley done for season Astros outfielder Michael Brantley has undergone shoulder surgery to repair an arthroscopic labral and will miss the remainder of the Michael 2022 season.

Brantley Brantley had not played since June 26 and had been on the injured list on June 27. He had sought a second opinion.

TSU takes home SWAC Academic Success Award

The Texas Southern athletic department has won the SWAC Academic Success Award. It’s based on the collective ranking of the highest four-year APR average, highest single-payer APR average and the highest Graduate Success Rate.

Rockets announce preseason schedule

The Rockets have announced the preseason schedule. They will open the preseason by hosting San Stephen Antonio on Silas Oct. 2 followed by another home game vs. Toronto on Oct. 7. They close the preseason at Miami on Oct. 10 and at Indiana on Oct. 14. The NBA has not yet released the regular-season schedule.

PVAMU hires new women’s soccer coach

With the soccer season set to start soon, Prairie View A&M has announced the hiring of Christiane Lessa as the new women’s soccer coach.

Lessa has college coaching experience, but she was most recently the director and head coach of FC Austin Elite, which is a team affiliated with United Women’s Soccer.

August 18, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

Hightower junior Running Back Jeremy Payne has burst onto college recruiting boards of schools across the country due to his breakaway speed. Jimmie Agisson

North Shore Safety Jayven Anderson was a ballhawk last season scooping and scoring a 100-yard fumble return against Spring Westfield. Jimmie Agisson

Junior Guard Nate Kibble has been a force on one of the most prolific offensive lines since he was a freshman. Jimmie Agisson

Sophomore Kaleb Bailey led the Mustangs to a state title his freshman year.

Jimmie Agisson

C.E. King transfer edge rusher had 20+ sacks for Jack Yates in season’s past.

Jimmie Agisson

Defender 2022-23 HS football players to watch

By Jodie B. Jiles

Once you’ve inhaled the smell of fresh cut grass and heard coaches’ whistles amid the sounds of on-the-field collisions, you know football is back.

For this upcoming 2022-23 high school football season, the Defender has listed the most notable players we expect to have impact this year. And the players to watch are….

QUARTERBACKS Preston “PJ” Hatter, Spring Westfield Kaleb Bailey, GP North Shore DJ Lagway, Willis

TIGHT ENDS Chico Holt, Strake Jesuit Reid Mikeska, Bridgeland Pierce Leverett, St. John’s School

RUNNING BACKS Seth Davis, Katy Jeremy Payne, Hightower Parker Jenkins, Klein Oak Chase Devaughn, Madison

OFFENSIVE LINE Cayden Bowie, Port Arthur Memorial Nate Kibble, Atascocita Ray’Quan Bell, Spring Westfield Dramodd Odoms, Houston Lamar Black Ivy, Clear Springs

WIDE RECEIVERS Ja’koby Banks, FB Marshall Jaquaize Pettaway, Lanham Creek Jonah Wilson, Spring Dekaney Ryan Niblett, Aldine Eisenhower Jelani Watkins, Klein Forest David Amador, GP North Shore Dajohn Palomo, Spring Westfield Cameron Heard, Furr

DEFENSIVE LINE David “DJ” Hicks, Katy Paetow Dylan Spencer, C.E. King Samu Taumanupepe, Atascocita Zachary Chapman, FB Marshall

EDGE RUSHERS Braylan Spencer, Friendswood Kam Bizor, C.E. King Trent Thomas, FB Marshall Daymion Sanford, Katy Paetow INSIDE LINEBACKERS Christian Braithwaite, Cy Ranch Johnathan Hall, Katy Alex Kilgore, Katy Paetow Dylan Rodgers, Cy Woods DEFENSIVE BACKS Micah Bell, Kinkaid School Jayven Anderson, GP North Shore Maurice Williams, Alvin Shadow Creek Tay’shawn Wilson, Mayde Creek Jacoby Davis, GP North Shore Michael Patterson, FB Marshall

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DEFENDER NETWORK