August 22, 2024

KAMALA Democrats hit the road to campaign for Harris/Walz.

NEWS

IN FOCUS

BEN CRUMP

CHARLES O’NEAL

The noted attorney has filed two new lawsuits against the Harris County jail.

Volume 93, issue 43 August 22, 2024

The president of the Texas African American Chambers of Commerce talks about Black business.

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2 | August 22, 2024 |

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DN To the POINT

The U.S. Supreme Court is one of the biggest things at stake in the upcoming election. Credit: AP.

Associate Editor’s Message SUPREMELY IMPORTANT

in 2004 (“Weapons of Mass Distraction: The Defender staff has sounded the And Other Sermons for a New World alarm – writing 75.2 million articles about Order”) calling on Blacks to confront the importance of voting in general and white racists’ god-complex, thinking they casting your ballot this Nov. 5, in partichad the right to define Christianity for the ular. Still, there are folk talking about not world in their own warped terms. When voting, or Black people coming out against asked about these “new” 2024 voices doing VP Kamala Harris. For me, it’s simple; the same, he said, “About time.” But truth voting is a tool for survival, not our sole be told, there’s been a long “Black radical salvation. Do the Democrats seem slow tradition” within Christianity that’s been and wimpy about fighting to the death for calling out this white “Christian” racist Aswad Walker issues important to us? Probably. But the hypocrisy for generations. Good to know alternative is a Republican Party hell-bent more people are finally listening. on ending us. Voting for Harris and others who at least represent the lion’s share of our interests gives us the space and ONE-SIDED RELATIONSHIP opportunity needed to fight, organize and build. The other U.S. Congresspersons who are members of “The Squad” side wants to make shooting peaceful protesters standard are considered the most progressive (i.e. most pro-Black) operating procedure, jail teachers of Black history, divert members of Congress. AIPAC, the American Israel Pubour public tax dollars to pay for the private school education lic Affairs Committee, reportedly spent over $100 million of the wealthy, and more. If we don’t show out at the polls in recent elections, doing everything humanly and inhuanti-Black forces will lock down the U.S. Supreme Court manely possible to defeat these political representatives for the next 100 years, ready to destroy all civil and human who have a proven track record of fighting for the well-berights that impede their profits. Maybe we don’t think things ing of Blackfolk. If any other organization worked that hard can get that crazy, But honestly, they already have – banning to block Black progress we’d call them every kind of racist Black history, taking away women’s rights over their own enemy of Black people in the book. The problem is anyone bodies, etc. And that’s just the start. If these GOP mobsters who criticizes AIPAC or stands against any position they capture the Supreme Court, MAGA white nationalism will take (i.e. calling out the genocide of Palestinian humanbe the law of the land for the next century. It’s supremely ity), feels their wrath, like those Squad members, at least important that we vote for the party that will at least give two of which lost in the Democratic primaries, thanks in us a fighting chance to fight back. large part to AIPAC money spent to defeat them. If anyone dares call AIPAC anti-Black, they are either attacked by NAT TURNER LIVES the group economically, labeled anti-Semitic and/or beaten Recently, the spotlight has fallen on the noise being made over the head with the history of Civil Rights-era Black/ by a growing group of Black religionists who are fed up Jewish solidarity. But $100 million spent to defeat elected with hyper-white racist wolves masquerading in Christian officials with a history of fighting for Black people doesn’t evangelist’s clothing, audaciously “defining” what is and what feel like solidarity to me. isn’t “true” Christianity. There must be something in the air – or the DNA – because what’s happening this August could ON THE WEB be read as a continuation of another Black religionist who • What are we doing to raise up the next Sheila, Mickey called out whites for cloaking their racism in Christianity. and Barbara?

His name was Nat Turner, and he led a whole-A revolt in • Paul Griffin and Tiku Arrey inspire youth in aviation August of 1831 to end slavery and the white “Christians” technology. who ran the system. An author friend of mine wrote a book • Houston emerges as Texas’ mural capital for art.

August 22, 2024 |

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| 3

DN News INMATE ABUSES

Ben Crump files new Harris County lawsuits

By Aswad Walker

From the perspective of famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the dealings in the Harris County Jail can be summed up by the phrase, “New day, same stuff.”

Crump recently announced the filing of two new lawsuits against Harris County for the deaths and alleged abuse of eight inmates.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of D’Alessandro Chavez-Sandoval, Alan Kerber, Eric Russell, Kyle Ryker, Victoria Simon, Robert Terry, Michael Walker and Daevion Young.

Terry was reported to have been dragged into a cell and beaten by officers, according to one of the lawsuits filed. The lawsuit further asserts that after Terry’s alleged beating, though he received some treatment by Harris County Jail medical staff, he was not evaluated for potential serious injuries, including head trauma or internal hemorrhaging, which it was later determined he had sustained during the beating, per the lawsuit details.

Though it is unclear the level of medical treatment Terry received, what is certain is that Terry was showing signs of serious medical distress, including throwing up,

Ben Crump addresses media members during a recent press conference announcing two new lawsuits against the Harris County Jail. Credit: Click2Houston Screenshot.

coughing up and defecating blood in the aftermath of the beating, according to the complaint.

It is also reported that Terry eventually

passed out, hit his head on the metal toilet and was found unresponsive, which resulted in his death.

The lawsuits allege that the inmates were

deprived of their constitutional rights and mistreated while being detained. The lawsuit also details Harris County’s persistent culture of maltreatment and lack of concern for the lives of detainees awaiting pre-trial, which ultimately led to the alleged constitutional violations.

For the past few years, the Harris County Jail has been in the news constantly for inmate abuse. A federal investigation even ensued and determined serious changes needed to be made at the facility. Yet, according to the recent pair of lawsuits filed by Crump, the abuses continue.

The second lawsuit details what has been described as the “deliberate indifference” that Crump and his team assert led to the deaths of Alan Kerber and Victoria Simon. This second lawsuit also brings to light claims on behalf of several others who contend they too were beaten ruthlessly by officers within the jail.

A few months ago, one of those reported beatings (of D’Alessandro Chavez-Sandoval) was caught on camera and released to the public.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has yet to offer public comments regarding these recent lawsuits.

4 | August 22, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

Michelle, Barack bring down the house

By ReShonda Tate

In a dramatic appeal for unity and vigilance, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the Democratic National Convention, urging the nation to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Their speeches were a blend of hope and stark warnings about the challenges ahead.

Michelle Obama boldly declared, “America, hope is making a comeback,” and delivered a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump. Her remarks marked a notable shift from her 2016 convention speech, where she famously said, “When they go low, we go high.” This time, she accused Trump of feeling threatened by the success of “two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black.”

Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, expressed confidence that America is ready to elect Harris, who would be the first female president with Jamaican and Indian heritage. He described Trump as “a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago,” adding that Trump’s grievances have only intensified as he faces the prospect of losing to Harris.

Michelle Obama directly confronted Trump’s racial rhetoric, referring to a comment he made in a June debate. “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs’?” she said. “It’s his same old con:

Former President Barack Obama hugs former first lady Michelle Obama as he is introduced during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better.”

The passionate messages from the Obamas underscored the critical nature of Harris’ campaign, as she seeks to build a diverse coalition to challenge Trump in the upcoming election. The Democratic convention, held in Chicago, focused on a “bold vision for America’s future,” with Harris drawing sup support from a wide array of figures,

including celebrities, left-leaning officials, and some Republicans.

While Harris spoke to an estimated 15,000 people in battleground Wisconsin, emphasizing a “people-powered campaign” and a vision for freedom and opportunity, the convention also featured lighter moments.

A symbolic roll call turned festive with a DJ playing state-specific songs, and Lil Jon

energized the crowd during Georgia’s turn with his hit “Turn Down for What.”

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff shared personal anecdotes about Harris, including their cooking habits and her distinct laugh, which has faced criticism from Trump supporters. “You know that laugh. I love that laugh!” Emhoff said, highlighting Harris’ empathy as her greatest strength.

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Former first lady Michelle Obama speaking during the Democratic National Convention. Credit: AP

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 43 - AUGUST 22, 2024 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 2024 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Digital Content Manager Terrance Harris

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho Tannistha Sinha

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

August 22, 2024 |

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DN Education HISD Test scores rise for whites, decline for Blacks THIRD-GRADERS WHO MET STAAR GRADE LEVEL IN MATH

By Tannistha Sinha

It looks like Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ plan to crack down on New Education System (NES) campuses may be working - at least for white and Asian students, while Black and Brown students are being left behind. Miles, along with the board of managers recently discussed the improvements in STAAR scores among NES schools, while highlighting the decline in test scores, particularly among Black and Brown students at non-NES campuses. Overall, NES schools showed improvement in all student groups, from 28% of all students meeting the third-grade math grade level in 2022-23 to 35% in 2023-24.

“The District saw overall significant improvement on the STAAR assessment. This improvement was achieved at the same time the State and almost all other large districts declined overall. These results during the first year of enormous transformation suggest that the instructional approach is sound and that we should stay the course,” read the superintendent’s evaluation report for the school district’s performance.

During a recent board meeting, district officials talked about ways to continue improving test scores.

TEST SCORE DATA While NES elementary schools showed improvements — one of the primary reasons why they were instructed to follow a centralized curriculum and test-based evaluations, non-NES elementary schools did not show the same results. Forty-two percent of third-graders met/exceeded grade level in reading.

However, HISD’s percentage dropped from 41% to 40%, while the state’s dropped 2 percentage points. Overall, NES schools showed improvement in all student groups,

HISD targeted 42% of students meeting or exceeding grade level in the third grade STAAR reading exam. Data suggests 40% of students met the grade level, 1% down from last year

80 69%

60

72%

39%

38%

20

26%

25%

2022-23

2023-24

All Students

African American

from 31% of all students meeting the third-grade grade level in reading in 2022-23 to 34% in 2023-24.

“The growth in STAAR [scores] overall was the largest increase compared to the state in reading and math and NES schools probably in the Texas history of the exams. Undeniable growth,” Miles said.

78%

74%

69%

35%

71%

40%

35%

35%

33%

20

2022-23 All Students

2023-24 African American

Hispanic

White

Asian

Chart: Tannistha Sinha • Source: Houston Independent School District • Created with Datawrapper

80

41%

73%

37%

34%

HISD data suggests 39% of the third grade met or exceeded the grade level in Math

40

70%

40

THIRD-GRADERS WHO MET STAAR GRADE LEVEL IN READING

60

| 5

Hispanic

White

Asian

Chart: Tannistha Sinha • Source: Houston Independent School District • Created with Datawrapper

OTHER ISSUES HISD parents, teachers, students, and community members also brought up several issues that the students faced during the first week of school. These included unassigned bus routes and air conditioning in their classrooms and buses. Parents also took to social media to discuss the decrease in the number of bus routes.

One parent said their child has to sit in a bus for around two hours in the morning with additional issues such as waiting on an empty street and a three-hour ride back home in the afternoon.

Her child’s bus also did not have adequate AC, and the windows were sealed shut.

HISD said the district reduced the number of bus routes from 508 to about 423 this school year to save $3 million in light of a budget deficit of $528 million.

Several speakers at the meeting also criticized Miles’ overhaul of the school district and expressed distrust in the $4.4 billion bond proposal to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, which the board members unanimously approved. The shutdown of libraries and the firing of librarians from HISD schools continues to be a point of tension and debate among speakers, along with the lack of AC in several schools.

6 | August 22, 2024 |

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DN InFocus

Charles O’Neal Black Chambers are all about business

I

By Aswad Walker

The State of Black business in Texas

By ReShonda Tate

As Houston continues to evolve, the landscape of Black-owned businesses in the city reflects both vibrant success and persistent challenges. After COVID decimated several businesses, the city has witnessed a resurgence in Black entrepreneurship, with a wave of new businesses enriching Houston’s economic and cultural tapestry. Yet, despite this progress, Black-owned businesses still face significant hurdles.

The past decade has seen a remarkable rise in Black-owned businesses in Houston. According to data from the Houston Minority Business Council, Black-owned businesses now represent approximately 20% of the city’s total small businesses.

This growth is particularly evident in sectors such as technology, retail, and service industries.

“Black-owned businesses are seeing year-over-year growth, but there are still wide divides across numerous metrics, from revenue and debt to business size and market access,” said Imani Augustus, director of The Alliance for

Entrepreneurial Equity, which recently published “The State of Black Business.”

Challenges and barriers Black-owned businesses in Houston are not without their challenges. Access to capital remains a significant barrier. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank indicates that Black entrepreneurs are more likely to experience difficulties securing loans compared to their white counterparts.

Three-quarters of white-owned businesses are considered a low credit risk, compared with 30% of Black-owned businesses.

“Black-owned businesses are denied financing far more than anyone else.

Four in 10 Black-owned businesses are completely denied loans, lines of credit, and cash advances,” the State of Black Business report concluded, citing Federal Reserve banking data. “Only 32% are fully approved. Compare that to white-owned businesses: only 18% are denied while 56% are fully approved.”

This issue is compounded by a lack of financial education and resources available to many prospective business owners.

Another challenge is navigating the city’s complex regulatory environment.

Many Black business owners report difficulties in understanding and complying with the various local, state, and federal regulations, which can be particularly burdensome for small businesses with limited resources.

Community and support Efforts to address these challenges are underway. Organizations like the Houston Black Chamber of Commerce are actively working to provide resources and support for Black entrepreneurs. Through mentorship programs, financial workshops, and networking events, these organizations aim to bridge the gap and foster an environment where black-owned businesses can thrive.

Additionally, initiatives such as the “Houston Forward Fund” have been established to provide grants and low-interest loans specifically for Black-owned businesses. These programs are designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures and help businesses grow.

t doesn’t take long for a conversation with Charles O’Neal to reveal he is all about the business of Black business, especially during August, which is Black Business Month. So, too, are the 175 chambers in 42 states that are members of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., an umbrella organization of local Black chambers of commerce for which O’Neal serves as chair of the board of directors.

O’Neal, who is the president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC), is so passionate about supporting Black business that leadership in just one major Black business-focused organization wasn’t enough. In Texas, the TAAACC has led the nation in the rate of business formation among Black women for nearly two decades.

It is with the experience of wearing those two hats, along with his many years as an entrepreneur and owner of a Black media entity, that O’Neal answers questions about the state of Black business with both ease and edge.

Ease from knowing his stuff and edge from the down-in-the-bones commitment O’Neal has for supporting Black business.

“I was literally in the newspaper business, and I did a non-scientific survey of how money failed to flow in our communities,” O’Neal recalled. “What we discovered was that there was a clear and malicious intent for money to not flow in our communities. And I sincerely believe that business ownership or thriving profitable businesses are the linchpin to changing that dynamic.”

STATE OF BLACK BUSINESS That discovery and his personal passion led O’Neal to chamber participation, which has given him a first-hand look at the state of Black business across the state and nation.

“I’m not one of those, ‘Glass half full, glass half empty’ people. I’m like, if we don’t own the glass it doesn’t make a difference. I’m trying to own the glass, man.”

That was O’Neal’s colorful and charismatic was of making the point that the state of Black business is “always tenuous when it can be controlled by somebody else’s actions.”

“So, to the extent that we can, we inform not just business owners, but their consuming base, on how critical it is that we support the very businesses that have grown from our community,” added O’Neal.

Regarding Black businesses, he said being competitive amid a global economy, the TAAACC and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

have for the last decade reiterated the message that solo entrepreneurism alone is probably not going to get the Black job done. The chambers have, instead, encouraged business owners to at least explore or be open to mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures that allow for business risk to be spread out while also enlarging that enterprise creating opportunities to scale up and be seen in the marketplace.

CHALLENGES Along with those seemingly “race-neutral” policies that have an outsized negative impact on Black and Brown business owners, O’Neal said various regulations at the city, county and state levels that define who can and can’t do business serve as another barrier barring access to Black entrepreneurs. These, according to O’Neal’s informed opinion, were “designed expressly for that purpose.”

That said, O’Neal still contends that “the unfailing number one, two, three, four, five, six and seven, most affirmed challenge to Black-owned business is access to capital.”

WHAT DO CHAMBERS DO? Beyond general advice sharing, chambers serve as both hammer and shield for Black businesses, according to O’Neal.

“Without the business owner, him or OPPORTUNITIES herself, creating an enemy by going in and Moreover, Texas’ Black population (15%) beating up on municipal or county or state receives only a shameful 1% of the state governments, a Black Chamber, an advocacy spending, a reality O’Neal calls “criminal” organization can, in their stead, go in and and “taxation without representation.” make these points that this is the experience O’Neal still sees opportunities. of the people that I represent.”

“If, in fact, we are given an equitable Texas, which has a dismal record of spend- shot at a reasonable return on our taxpayer ing money with Black-owned businesses, has investment, then we ourselves can begin to a policy that gives five preference points to face those social and societal challenges that any business that has done business with the we face. Lack of access to healthcare, lack of state of Texas before. Because most Black- access to education, criminal justice, injusowned businesses have not had such dealings, tice, all those things that take money to fix. it’s nearly impossible to beat out companies When we’ve got money, and it’s not somebody with long legacies or else’s money. It’s our tax dollars. even recent ones of havWhen we’ve got our money ing those state business returned to us at the same rate TEXAS relationships. at which other communities are ASSOCIATION “It’s those kinds of getting a return, we fix stuff,” OF AFRICAN seemingly innocuous regO’Neal said, pointing to the AMERICAN ulations that have impeded long history of Black ChamCHAMBERS OF Black economic progress, ber members serving as “wellCOMMERCE and they’re mirrored at the springs of civic engagement.”

ANNUAL municipal level. The state’s CONFERENCE counties are notorious for BENEFITS OF Date: Sept 18 – 20 failing the people that they CHAMBER Location: Sugar represent. So, that’s 254 MEMBERSHIP Land Marriott Town opportunities that Black That potential return on our Center (16090 folk have been denied tax investment can multiply City Walk, Sugar access to via county govwhen paired with chamber Land, TX 77479) ernments,” said O’Neal. membership benefits, one of Theme: We’re “I always invite folk to which is the opportunity to Pro-DEI (Doing come to Austin and see share space with fellow business Everything for yourself, the things travelers.

Intentionally) that are done with your “Just sitting in the room next money against you. It’s to someone who is either going heart-wrenching on one level, but it’s crimi- through or has been through what you have nal on the other. So, the Chambers of Com- experienced as a business owner is beneficial. merce, in their best iteration, are that entry The exchange of ideas, success stories, failure point for that kind of advocacy on behalf of stories, whatever that is, a chamber is a place now 400,000 Black-owned businesses in a that folk in business can get together and figstate that has the largest Black population.” ure out how we skin this monkey.”

Moreover, O’Neal contends there’s a

Charles O’Neal.

Credit: US Black Chambers.

“magic” in the kind of information chambers have historically provided and the relationships forged.

Since TAAACC’s last conference, the group has solidified a relationship with a Blackowned and operated nationwide community development financial institution, allowing the chamber to offer a loan application portal

on its website (www.taaacc.org).

“Use this portal to see if you can qualify for the kind of funding that’s not available to you in your marketplace. Clearly, everybody won’t get financed, but, you’ve got a shot at something you did not have access to prior to your experience with your Black chamber in your community.”

8 | August 22, 2024 |

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DN Obits Bruce Austin FORMER HCC TRUSTEE DIES

Defender News Service

Bruce Austin, a longtime Houston Community College trustee and retired Harris County official, died Aug. 13 at age 71. Services will be held Friday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, 4000 Sumpter.

Austin was first elected to the HCC Board of Trustees in 1989. He served as chair from 1990 to 1992 and again from 2000 to 2002. He was director at-large and a regional director of the Association of Community College Trustees. His board service ended in 2013.

He had a long association with Harris County, serving as special assistant with Precinct One under the leadership of the late Commissioner El Franco Lee and director of Housing and Community Development.

Austin was an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He received a B.A. in Political Science, MPA in Public Administration and Juris Doctorate from TSU. Other post-education studies included the Cambridge Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

He was past president of the Houston Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration and a member of Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, a nominee for Sailor of the Year and the recipient of a Presidential Management Internship with the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.

Floyd Newsum ACCLAIMED HOUSTON ARTIST DIES

Defender News Service

Houston’s creative communit y is mou r ni ng t he loss of Floyd Newsum, a noted artist, art professor and co-founder of Project Row Houses. He died Aug. 14 at the age of 74.

Newsum’s career spanned more than 50 years and included more than 100 solo and group exhibitions worldwide. His works can be found in permanent collections at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and other museums.

He was a founder of Project Row Houses (PRH) in Third Ward. The historic site encompasses five city blocks

and houses 39 structures that serve as a home base to a variety of community-enriching initiatives, art programs and neighborhood development activities.

Newsu m enjoyed mentoring younger artists. He was a professor of art at the University of Houston-Downtown and received the UHD Scholarship/Creativity Award in 2003. He joined PRH in leading a group of Third Ward high school students on an art-filled trip to Washington, D.C., and PRH named its Summer Studios program for him.

Newsum was a native of Memphis. He received a BFA from Memphis College of Art and MFA from Temple University.

Survivors include his wife Janice and two children.

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August 22, 2024 |

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DN Health

ADDRESSING PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE A Call to Action for Houston’s Black and Hispanic Communities

Sponsored by

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious and often underdiagnosed cardiovascular condition that affects up to 12 million Americans.1,2 PAD is especially alarming for Black and Hispanic communities.3,4 Black Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD compared to other Americans4 and are less likely to have access to quality cardiovascular care,5 putting them at a greater risk for delays in care.6 About 1 in 40 Hispanic individuals in the US have PAD, which may be due, in part, to risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure that are more common in Hispanic communities.7 PAD occurs when arteries carrying blood, particularly to the limbs, become clogged with plaque.4 If left untreated, PAD can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and amputation.4 JaBaris Swain, MD, Medical Executive, Health Systems Integration at Johnson & Johnson

Empowering Change

Save Legs. Change Lives. ™ is a multiyear initiative aimed

Houston man at Save Legs. Change Lives.™ screening event

at creating urgency and action to address the hidden threat of PAD-related amputation through research, collaboration, education, and screening. Through this program, a team of experts from across Johnson & Johnson travels the country to provide free education and PAD screening events in communities with higher levels of health inequities.

“Knowledge is prevention, or in Spanish, el conocimiento es prevención,”

References 1. Afzal N, Sohn S, Scott CG, et al. Surveillance of peripheral arterial disease cases using natural language processing of clinical notes. AMIA Jt Summits Transl Sci Proc. 2017;2017:2836.

2. Gornik H, Aronow H, Goodney P, et al. 2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/ SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS guideline for the management of lower extremity peripheral artery disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on clinical practice guidelines. Circulation. 2024;149(24):e1313-e1410. doi: 10.1161/ CIR.0000000000001251 3. Kalbaugh CA, Witrick B, Sivaraj LB, et al. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients have worse outcomes than white patients with similar stages of peripheral artery disease. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2022;11:e023396. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.023396 4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Facts about peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) for African Americans. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/factsabout-peripheral-artery-disease-pad-african-americans 5. Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation: Office of Health Policy. Health insurance coverage and access to care among Black Americans: recent trends and key challenges. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/4fc0ddbcee8d583d57e399dad6201536/aspe-coverage-access-blackamericans-ib.pdf 6. Creager MA, Matsushita K, Arya S, et al. Reducing nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations by 20% by 2030: time to get to our feet: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circ. 2021;143(17):e875-e891. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000967 7. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Facts about peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) for Hispanics/Latinos. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ publications/28470_NHLBI_PAD_FactSheet_HispanicAudience_v16_RELEASE_508.pdf 8. Mayo Clinic. Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Symptoms and causes. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/ symptoms-causes/syc-20350557

© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2024 08/24 cp-452197v1

emphasizes JaBaris Swain, MD, Medical Executive, Health Systems Integration at Johnson & Johnson. “By offering comprehensive educational resources and conducting screenings, we can empower individuals to understand their risk factors for PAD. This knowledge enables them to take proactive steps in seeking appropriate care, thereby reducing their risk of PAD and its potentially devastating consequences, such as amputation.”

Know Your Risk and Take Action

Some factors that may elevate your risk for PAD include: increasing age, family history of heart disease or stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking.8 Empower yourself with knowledge to ignite conversations about PAD with your loved ones, and talk to your doctor if you think you or a family member may be at risk. Learn more at: SaveLegsChangeLives.com.

10 | August 22, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texans cornerback Derek Stingley led the team with three passes defended and one interception during the preseason 2810 win over the Giants.

Sports Briefs UH GUARD TERRANCE ARCENEAUX RECEIVES HARDSHIP WAIVER

University of Houston guard Terrance Arceneaux has been granted an NCAA hardship waiver appeal Terrance for the 2023-24 Arceneaux season after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in December. The 6-foot-5 guard had averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds as a key part of the Cougars rotation in the first 11 games prior to the injury. Arceneaux will compete this upcoming season as a sophomore and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

EX-TSU BASKETBALL PLAYERS PLAN ROBERT MORELAND SCHOLARSHIP A group of former Texas Southern basketball players have initiated steps to establish an endowed scholarship Robert in the name of Hall Moreland of Fame basketball coach Robert Moreland. The scholarship will benefit the student-athletes and the needs of the TSU basketball program. Former Tigers’ basketball players are being asked to donate at least $100 towards the scholarship, and donations from others are also being accepted.

Moreland passed away in July.

UH HIRES EDDIE NUNEZ AS NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

The University of Houston has announced that Eddie Nunez has been hired as the school’s new Eddie athletic director.

Nunez Nunez, who is leaving his post as University of New Mexico’s athletic director, signed a five-year contract to help the Cougars navigate the new Big 12. Nunez played basketball at the University of Florida under Billy Donovan.

Prairie View junior midfielder Emily Apodaca scored the game-winning goal during the Lady Panthers’ season opener 2-1 win over North American.

PRAIRIE VIEW DE

CJ PRESSLEY Tackles increased expectations

By Terrance Harris

In a physical sense, Prairie View defensive lineman CJ Pressley is a long way from home.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pressley began his collegiate career at nearby Villanova but he made the decision to move on after earning his bachelor’s degree. The decision to enter the transfer portal and an email from Prairie View defensive line coach Jonas Jackson two minutes later landed him on The Hill.

Now the sixth-year senior feels quite at home.

“It was a blessing being that close to home.

My family got to come to every game,” Pressley said of his time at Villanova. “But it’s been an even better blessing to come out here.

I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person.

“It’s been hard being away from my family, but this program is built on our bond, so it’s made it easy. I’ve got my family here.”

In just three seasons, Pressley has gone from East Coast transfer to one of the Panthers most counted leaders. The spotlight figures to be brighter on him this season perhaps more than ever before.

Pressley is coming off a breakout 2023 season in which he logged 50 tackles, 26 solo stops, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble during the Panthers’ SWAC West title campaign. His numbers were impressive enough to earn him Preseason All-SWAC First Team recognition ahead of the 2024 season.

But don’t expect the increased expectations to change Pressley’s approach to the season. It’s still about the team for him.

“I’ve always leaned on my coaches, I’ve always leaned on my teammates, so it really does not change for me at all,” Pressley said.

“Do I recognize it? Yes. But it’s a team sport, so everybody has got to do their one-eleven.

I’m just part of that 11.

“I’m always going to make sure I do my part, I’m going to make sure they do their part and they are going to make sure they do their part. Everybody is going to hold each other accountable.”

Prairie View head coach Bubba McDowell challenged Pressley going into the offseason to get stronger, work on his moves and to watch film of NFL defensive linemen.

Pressley did just that and McDowell has seen the improvement during training camp.

“He can be very dominant. It has to do

ABOUT C.J. PRESSLEY

It’s been a blessing to be able to have six years of free school. I’m truly blessed to say that I’ve had that, to be able to take that stress off my family. They don’t have to worry about any of that financially.”

C.J. PRESSLEY

with strength,” McDowell said. “As I told him, you have to get stronger and you have to learn some moves. I wanted him to watch tapes of the NFL guys, see what they do and try to incorporate that and he can be very dominant.”

While certainly committed to do his part this season, Pressley is keenly aware that for the Panthers get over that hump, which involves winning the SWAC Championship this season, it will require a total team effort.

His job is to make sure his teammates see him doing his part, which will then make it easier for them to want to follow.

“I’m a vet, I’m a sixth-year guy so I know as an older guy I need to bring a certain amount of leadership to this team,” said Pressley, who received his master’s degree in Sociology from PV this past December.

“I know that certain guys are going to look up to me as an older guy in the locker room and off the field, across campus.

“So I try to lead by example so that when

Age: 25 Class: Graduate student Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 260 pounds 2023 Stats: 50 tackles, 26 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble Hometown: Philadelphia Degrees: Bachelor’s: Criminology (Villanova); Master’s: Sociology (Prairie View) Accolades: Preseason AllSWAC First Team (2024); Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (2021); CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

you speak on the field, they are going to take it the right way.”

Pressley credits his coaches at both Villanova and Prairie View for helping hone his leadership skills. He also credits Texans defensive end Malik Fisher, who was one of the older guys at Villanova, who took him under his wing.

“Being under guys like that, having great leaders within that program and being there through COVID, allowed me to see how they lead,” said Pressley. “Once I got here and I’m in a leadership position, I’m taking the tools that they gave me and combining them with my tools to be the best I can for my team out here.

“The guys make it easy for me because we have a great group of guys who really respond well when you are speaking to them. We can really have that constructive criticism of one another.”

As a result, Pressley believes big things are ahead for the Panthers this season.

“We are going to be as dominant as our weakest link and right now I couldn’t tell you who that is,” he said. “We are so deep, we have something really special going on right now. We’ve got three to four deep at every position right now. It’s really special.

“Like I said, we are as strong as our weakest link and I can’t say that we have one. We are going to show everybody something, starting with TSU.”

August 22, 2024 |

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DN Sports

TARAH BATISTE, LAILA MORRISON

Lead Willowridge volleyball resurgence

By Jimmie Aggison

As the new volleyball season dawns, the Willowridge High School varsity girls’ volleyball team is ready to defy expectations. Competing in the highly competitive 5A Region III District 20, the Eagles enter the season with little fanfare, especially after finishing seventh last year with a 1-12 record. However, two determined seniors, Tarah Batiste and Laila Morrison, aim to rewrite the Willowridge narrative.

“Tarah Batiste is our middle blocker. She is also an outside hitter,” said head volleyball coach Georgia Olumoko. “She’s our big power. Last year she led the team in blocks. Laila Morrison is a big lefty. She can jump out the gym. She’s only 5-feet-4, but she plays 5-feet-10. She’s a leader, our team captain and has great hands.”

Batiste and Morrison have been inseparable on the volleyball court since their days at McAuliffe Middle School. Their chemistry, forged over years of practice and competition, has become the backbone of the Eagles’ roster. Both seniors have dedicated countless hours to improving their skills, even spending time together on the Houston Outlaws volleyball club team.

At 5-foot-11, Batiste is an imposing presence at the net as the Eagles’ middle blocker. Her journey into volleyball began in the 5th grade

ABOUT TARAH BATISTE

Class: 2025 IG: @its.tarahhh Twitter: @BatisteVp Position: Middle hitter Height & weight: 5-feet-11, 148 pounds Player she studies: Asjia O’Neal Favorite artist: Megan Thee Stallion Status: uncommitted Favorite subject: Algebra

ABOUT LAILA MORRISON Class: 2025 IG: @laithagorg_ Twitter: @LailaM_07 Position: Setter Height & weight: 5-feet-4, 128 pounds Player she studies: Ella Swindle (University of Texas) Favorite artist: Partynextdoor Status: uncommitted Favorite subject: Chemistry

when her elementary coach noticed her height and encouraged her to try various sports. However, it wasn’t until her junior year, under the guidance of Olumoko, that Batiste began to see her potential to play at the next level. A standout season followed, earning her Second Team All-District 20-5A honors and the title of Defensive Player of the Year.

Morrison is the team’s captain and setter. Her love for the game was sparked by watching her sister, De’Onsha Butcher, who also played at Willowridge before graduating in 2019. Morrison’s leadership on the court is matched by her dedication off it, having been awarded last season for her commitment and academic excellence.

“Seeing my sister light up while playing volleyball made me want to experience that same excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it motivated me to try volleyball hoping to find the same love for the game that she had,” said Morrison.

Both Batiste and Morrison are two-year varsity lettermen, and their passion for volleyball extends beyond the high school gym. They frequently study the games of current and former University of Texas volleyball stars to refine their own techniques. Batiste draws inspiration from Asjia O’Neal, a two-time NCAA champion, while Morrison admires Ella Swindle, who led the Longhorns to a national championship as a freshman.

“I like how Asjia O’Neal is aggressive in her approach,” said Batiste. “I also like how she blocks. She plays confidently on the back row even though she’s a middle blocker.”

“Ella Swindle from the University of Texas inspires me as a setter because of her exceptional ability to read the court and communicate with her hitters,” said Morrison. “Watching her play amazes me how she anticipates the game and makes split-second decisions that set her team up for success. Her clear and effective communication ensures that her hitters are always in sync with her, creating a powerful offense. Ella’s skill and leadership on the court motivate me to improve my own game and strive to reach her level of excellence.”

Despite their impressive achievements, neither Batiste nor Morrison have committed to a collegiate program yet. They’re seeking a college

environment where strong academics and a competitive, fun culture around volleyball coexist.

“It’s important to be surrounded by teammates and coaches who share that passion,” said Morrison. “I’m hoping to find an environment where people have positive attitudes and avoid negativity while balancing dedication and positivity to make a successful program.”

As Batiste and Morrison lead Willowridge into the 2024 season, Batiste and Morrison offer advice for younger athletes.

“Stay focused on your goals, work hard, and play hard. Remain positive and block out all

negativity,” said Batiste.

Morrison echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

“Never give up. Every play depends on your team, so always work as a whole. Never exclude yourself from the team because, on the court, you all are one. Encourage your teammates and yourself, and remember that unity and support are key to success.”

With Batiste and Morrison at the helm, the Willowridge Eagles are poised to challenge the doubters and make their mark in District 20 this season.

12 | August 22, 2024 |

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