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Mike Miles Discusses TEA ratings & HISD reforms

NEWS

PROFILE

CHRISTIAN MENEFEE

HOWARD JEFFERSON

The Harris County attorney fights for the people.

Volume 94, issue 44 August 21, 2025

The local leader shares his wisdom on how to impact people, society.

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DN To the POINT CONCERTS

THEATER

Spike Lee’s latest film Highest 2 Lowest premieres on Apple TV+ September 5. Credit: A24 via/ Instagram

GOSPEL

GALAS

Message from the Reporter Spike Lee and Denzel Washington collaborate on a new film

Yeah, we have a calendar for Black Events.

check it out

family members take on this responsibility my entire life.

Many immigrants already manage to pay their bills in America while helping their families survive overseas. Now, they’re being asked to carry an extra burden. And this tax isn’t alone. It comes alongside visa restrictions, cuts to African aid programs and possible changes to AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act). Put together, it feels like America is building a wall between itself and Africa.

I’m excited to see Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s newest film, Highest 2 Lowest. When these two get together, you know it’s about to be a conversation starter.

The story follows two Black men, a wealthy music executive, David King (Denzel) and Paul Christopher, King’s chauffeur (Jeffrey Laura Onyeneho Wright). King is leveraging his assets to buy out his company before it’s taken over.

However, he discovers his son’s best friend, Christopher’s son, has been kidnapped and the kidnapper demands a $17 Brandy & Monica’s reunion tour million ransom.

When Brandy and Monica announced their first-ever Spike Lee has always made films that challenge America reunion tour, the internet exploded. For years, fans thought to face its truths. With Highest 2 Lowest, he reminds us that it would never happen. The two singers were often painted as being Black in America has many stories, shaped by class, rivals, their 1998 hit The Boy Is Mine turning into a symbol money and survival. of conflict instead of collaboration. But now, decades later, His work is characterized by its directness, uncompro- they will be standing on stage together. And that means more mising nature and willingness to confront uncomfortable than just good music. truths about American society. These are the types of films Brandy and Monica were the soundtrack of many Black we need, especially in this day and age. women’s lives. Their songs carried people through heartbreak, friendships and finding themselves. They show that 1% tax on remittances reconciliation is possible, even after years of distance and hurts Black immigrant families misunderstanding.

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, a new 1% federal excise tax will be This tour celebrates Black womanhood, resilience and imposed on certain remittance transfers sent from the United unity. In a culture that profits off drama and division, Brandy States to other countries. This would highly impact Black and Monica’s choice of peace is powerful. It’s proof that joy immigrants(U.S. citizens, green card holders and non-citizens) can win, that healing can be public and that Black women’s who send funds back home to take care of family and business. stories can shine in harmony instead of rivalry.

According to the World Bank, people in the U.S. sent $669 billion abroad in 2023. Now, the U.S. government wants to ON THE WEB tax those transfers by 1%. At first, that may not sound like • Get the latest on the redistricting vote. much. But if you send $500, that’s $5 less your family gets.

• Things you don’t say to a Black Mama…Unless you’re Over time and across millions of people, it adds up to billions ready to die. lost. I can only imagine the burden, considering I’ve watched • Is Houston’s nightlife scene the new political hot topic?

August 21, 2025 |

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DN News SECOND SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION

House Democrats return, Abbott renews redistricting fight round-the-clock DPS surveillance is akin to “modern-day slave patrols.”

“I’m not gonna submit myself, give permission to be taken back to a plantation, to be forced to vote on maps that are gonna disenfranchise congressional districts,” Jones told the Defender. “It is 2025, not 1825. I am free. I was not born on a plantation…I’m standing on my freedom.”

By Tannistha Sinha

Texas is once again at the center of a political storm. Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session at the Texas Legislature on Aug. 15 in another attempt to pass a mid-decade redistricting plan.

President Donald Trump urged Republican leaders in Texas to secure five GOP-leaning U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Abbott called the first special session in early July to discuss 18 agenda items, including the redistricting plan. On Aug. 15, both chambers voted to adjourn without a specific date to return, failing to pass the maps when House Democrats fled Texas to break the quorum.

“We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire 2026 landscape,” said Rep. Gene Wu of Houston, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, in a statement.

With many lawmakers now back in Austin under the watchful eye of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), quorum has been restored, paving the way for Republicans to advance their maps.

The second Special Session will include bills

State Rep. Lauren Simmons (left) warns the new maps will dilute Black and Latino representation. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Houston Defender

on congressional redistricting plans, youth camp safety, warning systems in flood-prone areas, elimination of the STAAR test, THC regulation and abortion, among others.

Democratic walkout: Did it help?

In the second week of August, House Democrats began to return to Texas, ending their two-week hiatus and granting Republicans the required quorum.

On Aug. 18, the House officially reconvened

and Republican lawmakers continued to work on the map. The redistricting committee once again advanced a proposal on new congressional maps with some changes from the originally proposed maps, which is expected to reach a full House vote soon.

Meanwhile, lawmakers now face tighter procedural rules. The roughly 25 lawmakers who returned had to accept escorts from the DPS. For Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston), the fight is deeply personal. She has refused to return to Austin, arguing that being under

National implications Texas’s redistricting saga catalyzed a national push: California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a proposal to redraw congressional maps, potentially giving Democrats five new seats. This move reflects a broader fight for the U.S. House.

Freshman lawmaker State Rep. Lauren Simmons (D-Houston) also broke quorum and called Abbott’s decision to prioritize redistricting over flood recovery and disaster relief a case of “party over people.”

“He [Abbott] could release flood relief and resources to the people of Texas if he so chooses to,” Simmons said. “But he’s not; he wants to give Trump five congressional seats. We did what we could as far as ensuring that this was lifted to a national conversation and now it has to play out on the House floor.”

CONGRESSIONAL RACE

18th District candidates forum set for Aug. 28

By Aswad Walker

The historic 18th Congressional District is one of the districts at the heart of Texas Republicans’ redistricting (gerrymandering) efforts, which have made national news.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, the general public will be able to hear from and question five of the nearly 20 candidates running for the District 18 seat as they square off during the “CD18 Can- Greg Groogan didates Forum: Ground Zero for Justice.”

“The five participants will be selected on Aug. 26 by the duly elected CD18 Precinct Chairs,” said Melanie Miles Bazil of the Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP). “These Sonny grassroots leaders have Messiah Jiles been interviewing candidates, attending forums and reviewing platforms for months. They will vote to identify the

five candidates they believe best represent the range of ideas and viability for CD18.

“The final slate will be announced at 8 a.m. on Aug. 27 on the CD18 Facebook page.”

The forum will be held at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (3826 Wheeler Ave, Houston, TX 77004) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“It is only fitting that [Wheeler] help provide a platform where the community can hear directly from candidates who aspire to carry forward the legacy of courageous, principled leadership that has always been synonymous with CD18,” said Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson, director of Wheeler’s social justice ministry.

Anderson referenced Wheeler’s “long legacy of advocacy and civic leadership,” led by Wheeler’s founding pastor, Rev. Dr. William Alexander Lawson, during the Civil Rights Movement.

“Today, under the leadership of Pastor Marcus D. Cosby, we continue that legacy by standing at the forefront of the fight against racist gerrymandering and all efforts to silence the voices of our community,” added Ravin-Anderson.

District 18 residents have been without representation since U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death on March 5. That will change in the Nov. 4 special election called by Texas Gov.

Greg Abbott. Turner won the seat vacated by the death of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who held it for 29 years.

The forum is sponsored by the Harris County Democratic Party, Black Women of Greater Houston PAC (BWGH) and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

“As Black women, we have always been at the forefront of civic engagement and advocacy, ensuring that our voices are heard in every space where policy is shaped,” said Argentina James, the BWGH VP of policy. “By hosting this forum, we are continuing that tradition, creating a platform where the community can hear directly from the candidates, ask the hard questions, and decide who will best carry forward a vision of equity, progress, and opportunity for all.”

The forum’s media sponsors include Fox 26 and the Defender Network.

“Since our founding in 1930, the Defender has amplified the community’s voices and civic participation,” said Defender Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha, who covers Politics. “The forum continues that legacy by putting the candidates for the historic 18th Congressional District directly in front of our readers, centering the issues that matter to Houston’s residents and providing clear,

District 18, shown on this map, has gone without political representation in Congress since the March death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner. Credit: Ballotpedia.

nonpartisan information ahead of the November election day.”

Fox 26 reporter Greg Groogan and the Defender Network’s publisher and owner Sonny Messiah Jiles will moderate the forum.

Video tribute for the Rev. William Lawson

4 | August 21, 2025 |

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DN News

Christian Menefee HARRIS COUNTY LEADER SERIES

County Attorney promises to fight for the underserved

By Tannistha Sinha

When Christian Menefee walks into a courtroom or steps to a podium, he carries the weight of a family history shaped by public service and a reliance on government services.

Menefee, Harris County’s first African American attorney and its youngest ever, elected when he was 32 years old, is quick to point out that his rise was never inevitable.

It was the result of a system that, at its best, worked exactly as it should.

“My family benefited from the WIC program. I was a free lunch kid in school,” Menefee, now 37, told the Defender. “We got our first home when I was in high school through a VA down payment assistance program with just $500 down. I went to college on a Pell Grant.”

He recalled his brother’s cancer diagnosis and treatment with their parents’ TRICARE military health insurance.

“My family is an example of when the government is doing its job, taking care of people, being thoughtful, helpful and compassionate, anybody can have a fair shot at the American Dream,” Menefee said.

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee has taken on powerful state leaders to protect voting rights and environmental justice.

Credit: Christian Menefee’s office

Behind the scenes

Menefee wants the county to know that the Harris County Attorney’s Office quietly touches almost every corner of county government.

“Ninety-nine percent of the office is behind the scenes,” he explained. “County government is very decentralized. The lawyers are involved in every single department because just about every single department has contracts that they’re gonna need to prove or has questions about whether a particular decision is legal under Texas law.”

Under his leadership, the office has grown to more than 300 employees, from career civil servants to recent graduates. Among the initiatives he’s proudest of is the Summer Legal Academy, a paid program that introduces high school students to the legal field.

Menefee’s tenure has also been defined by confrontation with state leaders. From lawsuits challenging voter suppression to blocking environmental rollbacks, he has built a reputation for punching above his weight.

Most recently, Menefee called out what he labeled “textbook gerrymandering” in the governor’s call for a special session to redraw Texas’ four majority-minority congressional districts: Three in Houston (the 9th, 18th, and 29th) and one in Dallas (33rd).

“They’re coming back to draw maps, not to ensure that they’re better representative of the people who live in our communities… but to further gerrymander them so they can send more Republicans to Congress,” he said. “It’s disgusting, it’s shameful. It’s not how our democracy should run.”

Menefee’s office also sued the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and filed a Title VI complaint, which triggered an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency. His legal team eventually forced changes to concrete batch plant permit requirements. But, he warns, enforcement is still hobbled.

“The Fifth Ward is an historically African American neighborhood that has a large Latino population as well. It is an

environmental justice community,” Menefee said. “There are higher rates of asthma, heart issues, lower life expectancy than many other places in the Harris County and Houston area…this is the quintessential environmental justice community that needs the government to step in and make sure that they’re not dying because these facilities pop up and do harm to their communities.”

Internal morale, external pressure

Since Menefee took office in 2021, he has faced backlash.

“I’ve gotten death threats.

I just don’t pay attention to it,” Menefee said. “There are people who scroll social media all day long and look at what everybody has to say about them. I just don’t do that…I got elected the first time with about 55% of the vote. That means about 45% of people didn’t want me for the job. And that’s okay.”

Whether it be Greg Abbott or Donald Trump or Ken Paxton, I would hope that my legacy would be fearlessly standing up to these folks.”

CHRISTIAN MENEFEE

Christian Menefee is Harris County’s first Black and youngest-ever County Attorney.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Houston Defender

The legacy he hopes to leave behind

Recalling an interac tion wit h an aged Houstonian, which he calls the “grandmama test,” Menefee said she asked him to “give them hell out in Austin.”

“I was incredibly proud of that,” he added.

“If that is what my legacy ends up being in public service, I’ll take that every single day of the week.”

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Content Manager Terrance Harris

Education Reporter Tannistha Sinha

VOLUME 94, NUMBER 44 - AUGUST 21, 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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Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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DN InFocus

Mike Miles talks TEA ratings, HISD reforms I

Houston ISD in June 2023, there have been 177 principal changes. About half of these principals have left the district, with some separating voluntarily and others being asked to resign or facing termination. Specifically, in June 2024, there were 76 principal departures, the most in a single month since the takeover began, according to Media Reports.

“We removed some principals and some teachers who were not as effective. As you can see, that strategy worked,” Miles explained.

“It’s putting kids first, not adults first.”

By Tannistha Sinha

t has been two years since the Texas Education Agency (TEA) intervened in Houston ISD. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announced that for the first time, no student, including the tens of thousands of Black children historically concentrated in failing schools, will return to an F-rated campus this fall. While Miles highlighted gains such as eliminating failing schools and doubling the number of A and B-rated campuses, he acknowledged the deeper challenge: Racial achievement gaps persist, trust remains fragile and the community is still watching closely.

Miles discussed the TEA accountability ratings for the 2024-2025 school year.

The ratings for the 2023-24 and 202425 school years were released at the same time. The Texas Fifteenth Court of Appeals recently ruled that the TEA can release 2024 A-F accountability ratings after a lawsuit from various districts blocked their release.

Ratings were halted for both the 2023 and 2024 school years as school districts challenged the state’s methodology for calculating performance metrics.

By the numbers

Texas’ largest school district now has 197 A and B-rated schools, up 35% from before the TEA intervened and appointed a Board of Managers and Miles. Their reforms have sparked controversy over the last two years.

This means nearly three out of four schools (74%) in HISD are now A and B-rated, more than doubling in number from the 93 schools the previous year.

The school district has also eliminated F-rated campuses, a dramatic decrease from 56 F-rated campuses in HISD at the start of the intervention. These include the 82 schools that were rated D or F in 2023.

Now, 18 D-rated schools remain in HISD. “We had a huge achievement gap and our Black and Brown kids were behind their peers,” Miles said. “There was a gap with their peers in Texas. In other words, a Black student in HISD was doing worse in math and language arts than Black students in the state of Texas by far. Two years later, we’ve narrowed the achievement gap significantly.

We’re above our peers.”

Accountability and instructional reform

Miles credits this improvement in ratings to a focus on instructional quality.

Miles’ controversial “New Education System” (NES) reforms mandate a centralized curriculum and a rigorous teaching regimen, which includes 90-minute classes. The NES

Equity in historically underserved campuses

Superintendent Mike Miles credits the gains to his controversial New Education System and instructional overhaul. Credit: HISD

model has been widely criticized by HISD parents and teachers alike. They say the curriculum weighs too heavily on tests and timed lessons, which impacts student and teacher morale.

Miles disagrees. He says in NES schools, the district provided everything from ready-made PowerPoint slides to answer keys, giving teachers more time to focus on

instruction.

“When they [teachers] leave 15 minutes after the bell rings, they’re done with work and they can enjoy their families and do other things,” Miles explained. “But when they’re at school, it’s about quality instruction.”

That philosophy extends to leadership, as well.

Since the beginning of the state takeover of

HISD’s transformation has had a profound impact on Black and Latino students, who have historically faced deep educational inequities. According to Miles, Black students in HISD were once performing significantly below their peers statewide. He assures HISD parents that the gap is narrowing and students will be better prepared to attend college and earn high-paying jobs once they graduate.

“When you attend an F school, it’s like you attend a school with an anchor,” he said. “Kids who attend an A school in the district are being lifted up…we’re changing that for the first time. And we’re doing it expeditiously.

It’s been only two years. But the gaps are closing and our kids are thriving.”

Board President Ric Campo agreed with Miles that the results demonstrated “Houston’s commitment to providing world-class education for all children.” Other board

HISD ACCOUNTABILITY RATINGS COMPARISON [2023-2025] 124 120

111

100 80

73 59

60 40

65 57

56

52 54 50

36

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles says the school district has eliminated all F-rated schools, marking a major milestone under state-appointed leadership. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender

members also weighed in.

“As a member of the Board of Managers, I’m proud to see excellence becoming the norm in every Houston community,” said Angela Lemond Flowers. “These ratings represent real opportunity for families who have waited too long for great neighborhood schools. Every child deserves access to quality education, and today’s results show we’re delivering on that promise.”

Challenges remain in trust and staffing

While the academic gains progress, questions linger over the sustainability and transparency of the reforms.

TEA’s accountability system, particularly the A-F rating scale, has come under scrutiny from educators and legal advocates for its methodology.

But Miles insists the system remains valid.

“The STAAR exam…is valid and reliable,” Miles said. “The accountability ratings is a reflection of the STAAR scores, our graduation rates, closing the achievement gap…the public can trust TEA. They’re not my scores,

30 18

20

11 0

A

B

C

In the context of HISD accountability ratings, “NR” stands for Not Rated.

Source: Houston ISD • Chart created by: Tannistha Sinha/Datawrapper

D

8

F 2022-23

9

9

NR 2023-24

2024-25

Critics say the reforms lack transparency and have triggered mass teacher and principal turnover. Credit: AP Photos

they’re not any one district’s scores, there’s TEA scores.”

When it comes to community engagement and feedback, Miles suggests that HISD parents and teachers use the Shared Decision-Making Committee and Teacher Advisory Committee and students rely on student councils for their input.

“We’re doing a lot to communicate, but that’s a never-ending battle,” Miles said. “We have to keep communicating, especially because there was so much change and we need to make sure that people really understand how we’re operating and why.”

Enrollment is also an issue at HISD. Since the state takeover began two years ago, NES campus enrollment has declined by about 6% yearly. In 2024 alone, HISD lost nearly 7,400 students.

However, trust, especially in communities impacted by state takeover and leadership upheaval, takes time to rebuild, as community members vocally discuss at school board meetings.

Teacher retention is another hurdle.

Despite the high staff turnover prompted by the reforms, HISD insists it’s keeping 85% of its proficient teachers and 89% of

exemplary teachers.

“We’re retaining the right teachers,” Miles said. “For new or uncertified hires, the district has ramped up training and coaching to bring them up to speed quickly.”

What’s next for HISD?

For the 2025-2026 school year, Miles said the district will stay the course, focusing on differentiated instruction to support struggling and advanced learners. He also plans to build out career and technical education (CTE) programs, including health sciences, cybersecurity, welding and augmented reality.

As for the future of the state intervention, which TEA Commissioner Mike Morath extended for at least two more years, the path ahead remains unclear regarding when the intervention will end.

“We have already shown and we will continue to show that we’re moving in the right direction and we will be out of D and F status here very soon,” Miles said. “He [TEA Commissioner Mike Morath] hasn’t shared this with me, but I suspect after the next two years he’ll start thinking about a transition to an elected board.”

8 | August 21, 2025 |

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DN Feature

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By Aswad Walker

Sleep on Houston at your own peril.

Black Houston offers something for everyone, with well-known places to get the best food, entertainment, culture, spirituality and nature fixes that you’re seeking.

Still, those Houston spots you may not have heard of just yet may offer the biggest bang for your buck, like these five underappreciated Houston-area Black gems.

Fresh Houwse Grocery

5039 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77033 (713) 419-9976 www.blackfarmerbox.com/ fresh-houwse-grocery

Fresh Houwse Grocery is a Black-owned grocer located in the heart of Sunnyside that offers organic fruits, vegetables and much more, all produced by Black farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs. It’s the love child of Jeremy Peaches and Ivy Walls, two entrepreneur-activists, who joined forces under the banner of their mutual love for their community and passion for fresh foods grown by Black farmers.

Sunshine’s Vegetarian Deli and Health Food Store 3102 Old Spanish Trail (OST), Houston, TX 77054 (713) 643-2884 www.sunshineshtx.com

For you vegans in the building, y’all already know the deal. Sunshine’s has a burger for you…

La Maison in Midtown

Alief Neighborhood Center grand opening. Credit: Office of Mayor Sylvester Turner.

and some garlic kale… and some vegan nachos, etc. And the food is loved not only by vegans, but folk who just like good food. Period. Using as much organically grown and local produce as possible, Sunshine’s has been creating deliciously innovative meals and unique vegetarian recipes for over 30 years!

bustling with positive, uplifting activities that, combined, create an energy that is nothing short of amazing.

Alief Neighborhood Center

What began as an online movement transformed a few years ago into a physical shop located in the shadows of Texas Southern

11903 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072 (281) 564-8130 alief@houstontx.gov

In January 2023, the City of Houston celebrated the grand opening of the new Alief Neighborhood Center with a community open house. And though the event was very well attended, this neighborhood center still ranks as a hidden gem. The structure itself sits on acreage, offering residents every kind of family-friendly activity possible. On any given weekday morning, afternoon or early evening, the Alief Neighborhood Center is

CLASS Bookstore

3803 Sampson, Suite C, Houston, TX 77004(346) 471-4957 www.classbookstore.com

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DN Profile

Howard Jefferson Shares wisdom on how to impact people, society

the importance of knowing “when to hold ’em and know[ing] when to fold ‘em… You’ve got to know when to walk away. If a situation is poisonous, and you can’t fix it, you’ve got to get out of that atmosphere. If you don’t, it’ll hurt you.”

By Aswad Walker

Howard Jefferson is, without a doubt, a Houston living legend. For decades, there’s scarcely been a movement to improve Black lives in Houston that he hasn’t influenced.

From his leadership at the NAACP Houston Branch to his extensive career in education, Jefferson’s impact resonates deeply. He was an award-winning teacher at Wheatley High School, an assistant principal at Bellaire High School and eventually an assistant superintendent, overseeing 120 schools.

This Columbia, Mississippi native has also served on numerous influential boards, including the YMCA and the National NAACP. As part of the Defender’s Elder Wisdom Warriors series, the 88-year-old Jefferson shared invaluable insights for those aspiring to live lives of impact.

Howard Jefferson has built a career of service, knowing how to always ‘be at the table’ where decisions are made.

He shares that skillset here. Credit: Clyde Jiles.

See the video interview.

Defining impact

For Jefferson, impact is synonymous with improving people’s lives and circumstances.

“When you say impact, to me, that means helping others. What have you done to help others?” he asks. “What kind of leadership have you offered? How much of yourself did you give up for others? How much did you do that you really didn’t want to do, but it was the right thing to do?”

He stresses the importance of “doing the right thing” with your impact, regardless of your role.

Character and influences

Jefferson credits his parents for instilling in him and his eight siblings a strong ethic of concern for others. Their upbringing emphasized mutual support and doing what was right, often guided by the question, “What would Christ do in this situation?”

He also highlights the profound influence of Reverend William A. “Bill” Lawson.

Relationships

“Talk about shaping lives, Reverend Power habits Lawson did a lot to shape my life,” JefferJefferson identifies several key habits for son shared. “To me, and I never met Jesus, an impactful life: Reverend Lawson was the greatest Being present: “You’ve got to be at man that I’ve ever met. He was the table if you’re going to effect smart in a lot of ways. His valand influence some change,” ues and his (system) were he advises. “Be at the table, so strong.” whether the food is served Their collaborative or not. You want to be at spirit inspired others. the table when decisions are Judson Robinson III, made.” head of the Houston Area Staying grounded: “You Urban League, noted, “[Jefcan’t forget where you came ferson] and Rev. Lawson used from,” he shared. “Even if you Reverend their unique personalities William A. Lawson didn’t come from there, you and leadership styles to move should not forget those who came mountains in Houston. They from an unfavorable situation. would attack problems, playing off the You’ve got to understand them. They may not strengths of one another to do good things do everything right, but they’re still human.” for the community.”

Analyzing situations: Jefferson stresses

Howard Jefferson (second from left). Credit: Aswad Walker.

Howard Jefferson (right) with Georgia Provost.

Credit: Aswad Walker.

Central to Jefferson’s effectiveness is his ability to build and maintain relationships.

“You need somebody whom you can follow and give you good advice,” Jefferson shared.

He emphasizes developing a strong support system. “Don’t be afraid to have people who can help you. Help you go down the right road instead of going down the other road.”

Marcia Johnson, a professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law and a member of Jefferson’s support circle, shared an anecdote that highlights his practical wisdom: “Once, when I was feeling bad about something someone had said or done, he advised me to ‘duck the fumb stuff.’ I have found frequent opportunities to use it.”

Memorable service

Jefferson often reflects on his work as president of NAACP Houston, underscoring the power of relationships.

“With Congressman Al Green and Reverend Bill Lawson on my side, we three did a lot together,” he recalled. “A lot of it was not publicized. People won’t talk about it. Reverend Lawson would always say, ‘Just do it.

Don’t worry about it. Just do the right thing.’”

One of the things Jefferson and Lawson did was save a man’s life who was scheduled to be executed after receiving grossly inadequate counsel.

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund called Jefferson late one Sunday evening about the situation, and Jefferson called Lawson. By the next morning, the duo, along with others, successfully saved a life. And Jefferson continues to save and shape lives to this day.

Howard Jefferson standing between Algenita Scott-Davis and Carolyn Scantlebury. Credit: Aswad Walker.

10 | August 21, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

PRAIRIE VIEW QUARTERBACKS In too-close-to-call race for top spot

Tevin Carter was a backup quarterback at Tennessee State last season, and did most of his damage on the ground with 127 yards and five touchdowns on 30 rushing attempts: Credit: Tennessee State

By Terrance Harris

Let Prairie View first-year head coach Tremaine Jackson tell it; competition is everywhere, and all positions are up for grabs.

That’s especially the case at quarterback, where senior Cameron Peters returns and Tevin Carter, a spring addition after transferring from Tennessee State, are involved in a tooclose-to-call competi- Carter tion for the No.1 spot.

Sophomore Tyler Nelson has been impressive enough to be in the conversation.

Jackson and his staff may already know who will run out with the first team in the Aug. 30 Peters season-opening Labor Day Classic against rival Texas Southern, but it remains a closely guarded secret to outsiders.

“They’re all competing at a high level,” Jackson said recently to the Defender. “Here soon, we are going to name a quarterback internally. We won’t say anything until we come off this hill on Aug. 30, but we’ve got

to give that guy, whoever it is, a chance to gel with the team and a week just ain’t enough.

We’ve got to give him a chance to set his leadership in place within the program. I have a lot of faith in all of these guys.”

Peters, a product of Stafford High School and a holdover from Bubba McDowell’s staff, seems to have an advantage in the race based on playing experience alone. Peters initially went to UT-San Antonio and then Kilgore College before landing at Prairie View, where he stepped into the starting role for much of last season after Lucas Coley went down with a season-ending injury in the season-opener against TSU. Peters only made a couple of starts but saw action in eight of the Panthers’ games, completing 68 of 132 passes for four touchdowns and four interceptions last season.

Carter, meanwhile, began his college career at the University of Memphis before transferring to Tennessee State last year to play for former Oilers’ running back Eddie George.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Carter served as a backup in 2024, completing just 2 of 5 passes for 14 yards and one interception while gaining 127 yards and scoring five touchdowns on 30 rushing attempts. George left after last season to take over at Bowling Green State, and Carter made the decision to jump into the transfer portal in March.

First-year Prairie View offensive

Quarterback Cam Peters was pressed into duty last season after Lucas Coley went down with a season-ending injury and held onto the starting job for two games. Credit: Taliyah Galindo

coordinator Christopher Buckner says he has been pleased with the effort of his entire quarterback room this fall camp, but admits that right now it’s a two-man race between Peters and Carter. Nelson still has a chance, and Timothy Barrington and Blake Murphy could factor in depending on how the season progresses.

“It’s neck and neck. Both of those guys go out there every day and do really good things,” Buckner said of Peters and Carter.

“It’s up and down, it’s a push and pull. One guy has a really good day one day and the other guy goes out and has a better day the next day. They are fighting back and forth and that’s what makes it a good competition.

That’s what makes it a battle.”

What was interesting this offseason is how dramatically Jackson changed over the roster pretty much across the board, but that wasn’t the case at quarterback during spring ball.

Peters, Coley and Barrington remained as holdovers from the previous coaching staff and were battling for the top spot throughout the spring, with Nelson, one of Jackson’s original recruits, also in the mix.

But after spring, Coley decided to leave the program, leaving Peters as the only quarterback who had previously started at Prairie View.

“This ain’t (Peters’) first camp,” said Jackson, who isn’t allowing his players to talk to

the media. “He’s been through it before at a couple of places. He knows how to play college football.

“What I’m really proud of about him is the way he has helped others. He has really helped the other guys, and that’s a maturity step for Cam. He wasn’t like that at first. Call a spade a spade. He’s come in and he made a decision to be one of us. I couldn’t be more proud of that decision. I look forward to watching him compete in the scrimmages, but he has to compete like everybody else.

Ain’t nothing going to be given to him because he’s the elder statesman.”

While Jackson wouldn’t reveal who might have the edge, he did give a clue about what he is looking for in a starting quarterback.

“The quarterback for the Prairie View Panthers is the guy who takes care of the football and wins the team,” Jackson said.

“I’m looking for that guy who is going to make the smart decision and a guy who ain’t soft. There are two people who go into every press conference around here after the game, and I ain’t going with nobody soft. I tell them all the time. I ain’t going with nobody who is weak-minded, can’t handle criticism or compliments.

“We are going to be made of what we are made of, and the guy who proves he can do that the best, takes care of the football and wins the team will be our quarterback.”

August 21, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

JARRAIL JACKSON Returns to Jack Yates to mentor the next generation

By Jimmie Aggison

When Jarrail Jackson stepped onto the Jack Yates High School field this summer, it wasn’t as a player or a hometown hero; it was as a mentor.

The Texas College head football coach and proud Yates alum returned to Houston to host a youth football camp designed to prepare the next generation for more than just game day. With a blend of drills, discipline and dialogue, Jackson’s camp focused on developing both athletic skills and character, because for Jackson, building great athletes starts with building great young men.

“Other schools had reached out before, but being able to bring a camp back to Jack Yates, the place that put me on the map, was special,” said Jackson.

A highly recruited high school athlete, Jackson helped lead the Yates Lions to a 39–8–2 record and three conference championships before earning a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma in 1995. Though he went undrafted in the 2000 NFL Draft, Jackson played several years in the Arena Football League before moving into coaching.

He now serves as head football coach at Texas College, a private HBCU in Tyler, Texas.

“Stepping back onto the field at Jack Yates High School brings back memories of playing for coach Maurice McGowan, running two miles on the track, watching Milton Powell (Big Pokey) finding a way to get it done,” said Jackson. “Hearing Coach McGowan yell out, ‘Say Mane, we gonna run 14.’ Every day with my brothers on that field.”

The Lions were known for their signature play, “14,” and weren’t shy about announcing it. They dared any opponent to stop it. Jackson hopes the campers bring that same confidence and purpose to every opportunity.

“Opportunities don’t come often; embrace every one that comes your way,” said Jackson.

Jack Yates’ head football coach Jason Lewis shared in Jackson’s vision.

“When the kids heard about the camp, they were excited,” said Lewis. “It’s a great opportunity to be seen by a college coach and receive honest feedback. Having someone like Coach Jackson who walked the same halls and now leads at the collegiate level is incredibly motivating.”

Former teammate and current Yates assistant football coach Lloyd Banks also attended the camp.

“Jarrail’s always been supportive,” said Banks. “I was two years behind him in school and I remember him encouraging me, ‘Hey man, hop in there, get those reps,

you can do it.’ He was a super athlete, but an even better person.”

The camp was the only football camp held at Jack Yates this summer.

“He could have held this camp anywhere in Houston,” said Banks. “But doing it right here, inside the loop with our kids, that’s special. Our kids don’t always get these kinds of opportunities and he gave them that platform.”

The camp included position-specific breakout sessions for wide receivers, quarterbacks and linemen. Receivers worked on route running and staying low at the top of their breaks. Quarterbacks focused on footwork and ball placement, while linemen focused on hand-fighting and driving their legs.

Opportunities don’t come often; embrace every one that comes your way.”

JARRAIL JACKSON

“This isn’t a conditioning camp,” said Jackson. “We focus on fundamentals and respecting yourself both on and off the field.”

Brodrick Brown, a former Yates quarterback and current Texas College quarterback, assisted with the quarterbacks.

“I was focused on their footwork and how they threw on the move,” said Brown.

“We worked on accuracy, timing and understanding the importance of ball placement.”

Brown stressed the difference between high school and college football.

“In high school, natural talent can carry you. But in college, it’s all about timing, precision and technique,” said Brown. “Everything is faster and every detail counts.”

One of the quarterbacks in attendance, Trevin Berrod Jr. from Glenda Dawson High

School, was returning from a torn ACL that cut his junior season short. He welcomed the chance to improve his mechanics ahead of his senior season.

“My favorite part of the camp was the one-on-ones,” said Berrod. “I was able to show off my accuracy, ball placement and the power I generate from my lower body to zip the ball where it needed to go.”

Although labeled a football camp, the camp wasn’t just about football. Jackson made sure it emphasized life values such as discipline, accountability and self-worth.

“Today’s youth need all the guidance we can give,” said Jackson. “Football can take you far, but you also need respect for yourself and others. As men, we need to teach the next generation how to succeed both on and off the field.”

Former teammate Charles Barr brought his son Charles Jr. and nephew Jayrin Williams, both eighth graders, to the camp.

“Even though Jarrail was a star, he was always humble,” said Barr. “He scored often and was heavily recruited, but he never bragged. He was cool, calm and collected qualities I’d love for my son and nephew to learn.”

Jackson says this is only the beginning.

He hopes to make the camp an annual tradition at Jack Yates High School.

“We’re going to do this every year and make it bigger and better,” he said.

“I just want these young men to take full advantage of the resources in front of them.”

Coach Jarrail Jackson returns to Jack Yates, looking to inspire athletes through his first youth football camp held on the campus of Jack Yates High School.

Credit Jimmie Aggison/ Defender.

12 | August 21, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

XANDi

HOUSTON POP ARTIST

Breaks the mold with newest album

By Laura Onyeneho

Before she wrote a pop hook or shared a stage with Eric Benét, XANDi was a four-yearold who loved performing and dreamed big in Houston.

Now, with her latest album Pop It generating major buzz, the local singer-songwriter-producer is ready for her next act.

“I genuinely grew up listening to the artists that have shaped the Houston sound,” she says.

“It influenced everything, my voice, the beats I pick, even the producers I vibe with.”

A proud hometown girl, she’s quick to namecheck the city’s musical legacy, from Beyoncé to Megan Thee Stallion and Solange. Yet, when it comes to pop music, she’s carving her own lane.

Though her roots are in R&B and hip hop, Pop It marks a deliberate and joyful pivot.

“I got burnt out,” she says. “I’d been doing R&B my whole life. Performing covers, recording it all felt like a loop.”

Curiosity sparked change. She started experimenting with pop and rock beats, eventually landing on “Rewind,” a track that garnered early Grammy consideration and ignited a new creative fire.

“That record changed my perspective,” she says. “I realized, okay, I’m actually good at this.”

XANDi took the reins from there, locking in with her producers and refining the project’s sound, aesthetic and message.

“I put so much time and energy into the visuals, the tracklist, everything. I was intentional.”

That duality, exploration rooted in self-awareness, is a throughline in her life. As a Howard University alum, she’s not just a performer but a scholar of craft.

MORE ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT FOR XANDi.

XANDi’s album curated many hits, including “Pop It”, “ZZZ” and “How Would I Know”. XANDi’s sound has been described as “one-of-a-kind” and easy to relate to for all. Courtesy: XANDi