August 29, 2024

Black Business Owners What they wished they knew before starting

NEWS

PROFILE

VOTERS REMOVED

ANNETTE ADDO-YOBO

Texas has purged one million voters from the rolls. How to make sure you’re registered.

Volume 93, issue 44 August 29, 2024

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DN To the POINT

Knowa De Baraso (12), is going viral for intellectually dunking on Trump apologist Mike Lindell, exposing Lindell’s baseless claims about the ‘Big Lie.’ Credit: Screenshot.

Associate Editor’s Message AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

mom will be able to lay their heads. Never Knowa De Baraso, a 12-year-old social mind the fact that the judge was presiding media content creator, exploded onto the over a homicide case that forced the sister national scene during the Democratic to “relive a traumatic event.” 36th District National Convention (DNC). Even before Court Judge Kenneth King, a brother, still the DNC, the young brother has built up chose to berate, belittle and demean this nearly 70K followers on X by discussing child… for falling asleep. King stands on his political views and battling misinforwhat he did despite national and intermation. During the DNC, Knowa had national backlash. The young lady and the opportunity to meet and/or interview her mother have filed a lawsuit against folks like the U.S. Secretary of TransportaKing. If it goes to court, King as a Black Aswad Walker tion Pete Buttigieg, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. man, might just experience that same Justin Pearson and the Democratic Party’s nominee for foul treatment he doled out. But because he’s a judge, he President, current Vice President Kamala Harris. But what probably won’t. really put Brother Knowa on the current national radar was when people learned that he (again, only 12) confronted DEED THEFT, THE NEW NATIONAL CRAZE and humiliated grown-a Mike Lindell (the MyPillow CEO), Recently, I mentioned deed theft in a sermon as an who was walking around the DNC undercover. Knowa example of how Black and Brown folk are experiencing checked Lindell for spreading sourceless misinformation modern-day land theft. I learned about this from a Black about the Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen. We media colleague who works for the New York Amsterdam should be absolutely celebrating this young brother’s intel- News. They reported that in New York City, unscrupulous ligence, charm, courage and political acumen. We should developers were finding ways to steal a property owner’s also be challenging ourselves as adults to be at least half as home title (deed), sell the property and get the real homefired up and informed about politics as Knowa; especially owner thrown out on the streets. These developers have since politics impacts every single aspect of our living. been targeting mainly elderly Black and Brown folk in NYC, and getting away with it until NY Attorney General BLACK CHILDREN NEED Letitia James made it possible for her office to prosecute PROTECTION, NOT ABUSE any lowlife who engages in this theft, which not only steals Recently, a Detroit-area 15-year-old Black girl was on a home but steals that property owner’s chance to pass a field trip to watch proceedings in a local courtroom. down generational wealth. Sadly, though, folk in NYC are During the experience, the young lady fell asleep, which, still attempting this “caucastic” crime. But, after my serFYI, is not a crime. The judge, however, treated it as if she mon, later that evening I saw a news flash saying folk are had been found guilty of murder. The judge ordered the now running that same scam here in Houston. So, appargirl taken into custody, handcuffed, jailed, then brought ently, deed theft is going national. And there needs to be back before him (wearing jail clothes), all the while berat- a national (and hyper-local) response to beat down these ing the young sister in front of her classmates, everyone suited-up corporate thugs who are bringing unsolicited in the courtroom and all who were tuning into the judge’s misery to folk just trying to live their lives – in their homes. livestream on his private Facebook page “King’s Corner.”

Never mind the fact that she signed up to plant trees, but ON THE WEB the group’s organizer changed plans and took the youth • Texas ranks 49th in gender equality. to the courthouse. Never mind the fact that the young • Five ways to get young people fired up about politics. lady is housing insecure, never certain where she and her • Cy Falls Eagles football, ready to soar in 2024.

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DN News

HUD, Harris Co. negotiate disaster funds

By Aswad Walker

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced recently that it has entered into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement/Conciliation Agreement to resolve allegations that Harris County discriminated on the basis of race and national origin in the design and operation of its Post-Disaster Relocation and Buyout Program.

The complaint alleges that the county operated a mandatory buyout program in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods while offering voluntary buyouts and other hazard mitigation alternatives to majority-white neighborhoods with comparable flood risk.

“Buyout programs are important tools that help families relocate from disaster-prone areas but cannot be used in a discriminatory way that adversely impacts vulnerable communities of color,” said HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Diane M. Shelby. “HUD remains committed to equitable disaster recovery and resilience, and to ensuring that disaster recovery funds provided by HUD are administered consistent with applicable civil rights laws.”

Area activist Jonathan Shipman said it would be a mistake for Houston-area Blacks to see this agreement as a purely Hispanic rights issue.

“Though this agreement helps our Brown brothers and sisters fight off race-based discrimination, it helps us African Americans too,” said Shipman. “When money is involved, they’ll try to take advantage of one group today and another group tomorrow.

“Hopefully, this agreement will stop or at least slowdown people who try to take

New agreement requires Harris Co. to notify persons targeted for a mandatory buyout program of their rights and requires HUD oversight of disaster recovery funds used. Credit: Screenshot/KHOU.

advantage of people of color, especially after a disaster.”

The agreement requires Harris County to provide remaining acquisition targets of its current mandatory buyout program with a “Notice of Rights,” including the right to appeal the county’s buyout of their home.

The notice, which will be provided in Spanish and English, also advises acquisition targets of their right to file a complaint of discrimination with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

The agreement also requires that Harris County submit for HUD review and approval any future proposal to use HUD disaster recovery funds to undertake a mandatory buyout. As part of its submission to HUD, Harris County must provide a discussion of steps it will take to ensure that the proposed buyout program does not result in discrimination.

The county denies the allegations of discrimination and HUD has made no findings of discrimination under the Act, Title VI, or Section 109. According to a statement, Harris

County entered the agreement solely as a means of satisfactorily resolving the dispute.

The agreement resolves the complaint filed against the county under the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 667-9777 or (800) 927-9275. Additional information is available at hud.gov/ fairhousing.

BERYL RELIEF DEADLINE APPROACHING Defender News Service

The deadline to apply for property tax relief for Harris County residents impacted by recent disasters is quickly approaching.

Residents have until October 21 to apply for relief if their property was damaged by Hurricane Beryl in July. The deadline for damage from the May derecho, which swept through Harris County with 100 mph winds, caused widespread damage, shattering highrise windows downtown and damaging homes and businesses, is Sept. 3.

Governor Greg Abbott’s declaration of Harris County as a disaster area means that property owners whose homes or businesses were damaged may qualify for temporary property tax relief. However, they must apply to receive it, emphasized Jack Barnett, spokesperson for the Harris Central Appraisal District.

The relief is available to property owners whose structures sustained damage amounting to at least 15 percent of the property’s value, as per a 2019 state law. This includes damage to buildings as well as personal

Residents assess a fallen tree in their in their neighborhood after Hurricane Beryl swept through the area on July 08, 2024.

property used in income production, such as equipment or furniture.

Harris County has faced three declared disasters this year—Hurricane Beryl, the May

derecho, and the San Jacinto River flooding in early May. State law allows residents 105 days from the disaster declaration date to apply for tax relief.

To apply, residents need to complete a two-page application and mail it to the Harris Central Appraisal District. It’s important to include copies of any insurance claim information and photos of the property damage.

Only damage to structures on the property qualifies for relief; for example, if a tree falls on a structure and causes damage, it qualifies, but if it falls without damaging property, it does not.

The appraisal district will review applications and use a formula to calculate a reduced tax bill based on the extent of the damage.

Property owners who qualify will receive a lower tax bill at the end of the year. If a tax bill is issued before the application is processed, residents should pay the full amount and will receive a refund if their application is approved.

Visit hcad.org for more information.

4 | August 29, 2024 |

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DN Vote 2024 VOTING

What you need to know

A supporter holds a sign at a a news conference where officials with the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, protested voting tactics from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

By Amaka Watson

As the 2024 election approaches, Black voters in Texas have a critical opportunity to make their voices heard. Yet, navigating the registration and voting process can be daunting, especially with the state’s stringent voting laws. This guide aims to demystify the process, ensuring young Black Texans are fully equipped to participate in this pivotal election.

Voters under attack?

Texas removes 1M from rolls

By ReShonda Tate

meaning the county is unaware of the voter’s current address. Abbott’s office said of the over 6,500 noncitizens removed from the voter rolls, about 1,930 have a “voter history” and their records will be sent to the attorney general’s office to investigate and potentially take legal action. Last year, Abbott signed House Bill 1243 into law, which raised the penalty for illegal voting to a felony. Over 6,000 of the voters removed from rolls have a felony conviction.

Critics argue it disproportionately affects voters of color and voters with disabilities.

In what they’re calling an “election integrity” fight, Texas lawmakers have removed more than one million people from the voter rolls since Republican legislators passed a sweeping voter suppression law three years ago. Governor Greg Abbott recently made the announcement that the state has removed the voters, including those who moved out of Texas, are deceased or are noncitizens.

Abbott said the removals represent an effort to “protect the right to vote and to crackdown on illegal voting.”

“That removal process has been, and will continue to be, ongoing,” Every vote counts Abbott’s office said. “The Secretary Election officials urge people to of State and county voter registrars check their status now because every have an ongoing legal requirement vote really does matter. to review the voter rolls, remove “Closeness matters,” said Bob ineligible voters, Stein, a political and refer any science professor Check your potential illegal at Rice Univervoting status voting to the sity who has been www.votetexas.gov Attorney Genstudying elections eral’s Office and for decades and local authorities for investigation served as an expert witness in the and prosecution.” state’s election audit. “Think of it The removal effort is part of a like a baseball game: If the score is sweeping package of voting restric- 10-0 and the umpire makes a bad tions the Texas Legislature passed call, you’ll likely walk away saying, after the 2020 presidential election. ‘My team wasn’t very good.’ But if it’s At the time, Abbott said the law a close game, 0-0, and a bad call is would make it “easier to vote and made, then you’ll blame the umpire harder to cheat” in the Lone Star instead of the team.”

State.

Stein’s expertise offers insight into According to a press release, the the latest claims by Abbott, who cite highest portion of voters removed the new state laws for ineligible votfrom the rolls — over 463,000 ers being removed from Texas voter — were on the “suspense list,” rolls.

“There are two sides to this: reinforcing voters’ confidence that elections are conducted fairly, and serving notice to those who might try to vote illegally that they will be prosecuted,” Stein explained. “It’s up to others to judge who benefits from this, but the timing and proximity to the upcoming election seem somewhat concerning.”

Clearing voter rolls isn’t new in Texas. “I don’t consider a million names removed unusual,” Stein said. “It’s likely that as many as half a million people have died, moved, or changed addresses.”

Data from the Texas Secretary of State shows that voter roll removals have not increased significantly in recent years. In 2020, 1.25 million people were removed from the rolls, while in 2019, 683,000 were taken off. The governor’s office did not respond to questions regarding the numbers.

Voter turnout is key

Voter turnout remains critical for both parties. “If voters no longer believe elections—or anything else like gambling in Las Vegas or baseball games—are fair, they won’t participate,” Stein noted.

For those planning to vote in November, the deadline to register is Oct. 7. “It’s really important to check your voter registration,” said Dallana Camargo with the League of Women Voters. “If you haven’t voted in two consecutive federal elections, you might have been removed and need to re-register. Or you may have moved since you last voted.”

Important Dates • Last Day to Register to Vote: Oct. 7, 2024 • First Day of Early Voting: Oct. 21, 2024 • Last Day of Early Voting: Nov. 1, 2024 • Last Day to Apply for a Mail-in Ballot: Oct. 25, 2024 • Deadline for Returning Mail-in Ballots: Nov. 5, 2024 (or Nov. 6, if postmarked

by Election Day) • Election Day: Nov. 5, 2024 Understanding the Importance of Voting

Voters, particularly those between 18 and 24, represent nearly 15% of Texas’ adult population, according to 2023 census data. However, voter turnout among this group has historically lagged, with only 49% of registered young voters participating in the 2022 midterms. For comparison, 86% of voters aged 65 and older cast their ballots during the same period.

This disparity highlights the need for young Black voters to

recognize their collective power.

By voting, you influence decisions on issues that directly impact your life—such as education, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice. The older generation’s priorities may not align with yours, making it even more vital that young people step up and vote.

Register to vote

Before you can vote, you must be registered. Texas has strict registration laws, so it’s important to understand the requirements and process.

Fill Out a Voter Registration Application

You can obtain a voter registration application from your county’s voter registrar’s office online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website or at many post offices, libraries, and government offices.

Submit the Application

You can submit your completed application at your county’s voter registrar’s office or mail it in. The application must be postmarked by Oct. 7, 2024, to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election.

Check Your Registration Status

After submitting your application, it is crucial to confirm that you are registered. You can verify your registration status online.

Get more info at HarrisVotes.org

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 44 - AUGUST 29, 2024 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Digital Content Manager Terrance Harris Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 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

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DN Education

Evolving teacher workforce presents challenges for students STRATEGIES TO TACKLE TEACHER SHORTAGE

By Aswad Walker

With the 2024-25 school year beginning, K-12 students across the state of Texas are being introduced to a slew of new faces as many of their teachers from previous years have left the state or the profession altogether.

Research from the University of Houston’s College of Education – titled the “2024 Texas Teacher Workforce Report” – found that over the last decade, overall teacher retention has been trending down, decreasing roughly 6.4 percentage points between the 2012-13 and the 2021-22 school years.

According to the UH findings, the post-pandemic reality has placed several hurdles before teachers that many veteran educators are not willing to clear. These include getting paid less while being instructed to teach more subjects.

In HISD, reasons for the mass teacher exodus included lack of trust in Superintendent Mike Miles, district-produced curriculums, a hostile work environment and ever-changing metrics for teacher and principal evaluation.

That means an influx of teachers across the state (not just HISD) are entering the classroom with no experience.

IMPACT ON BLACK STUDENTS

And in Texas, as it is nationally, schools with predominantly Black and Brown populations bear the brunt of this reality. On average, schools with higher percentages of Black students have 8% first-year teachers, while schools with lower percentages of Black students have 5%.

Black teachers are also more likely to be new to the classroom than all teachers. In 2022,

The UH report notes one of the strategies Texas has taken to tackle teacher shortages is to increase the number of pathways prospective teachers can take to get certified, including a Grow Your Own teacher certification program, which allows school districts to build teacher pipelines from within their respective communities.

This push, however, has decreased the percentage of public school teacher with a standard teaching certificate from 89.8% (2021-13) to 83.3% (2022-23), while uncertified teachers increased 6.7%.

With the Texas teacher workforce going through major changes, students may feel the negative brunt of this reality. Credit: Getty Images.

18% of Black teachers had been teaching for less than four years, compared to 14% of all teachers.

That reality has its good and bad points.

Less experienced teachers usually mean students are exposed to less experienced and nuanced instruction. However, traditionally, white teachers in public schools in Texas and the nation make up roughly 80% of teachers (Blacks, 7%). And with research showing Black students do better academically, behaviorally, scholarship-wise, attendance-wise, etc. when they have Black teachers, new teachers, if Black, may produce a net positive gain.

Still, Toni Templeton, senior research scientist at the University of Houston Education

Research Center, says the large turnover from experienced to new and inexperienced teachers could be detrimental to the growth of Texas students.

“We have seen trends that those who are uncertified leave the classroom at higher rates.

It’s creating this circular problem.” Templeton said. “As far as the students are concerned, we are unsure that teachers who are uncertified come to the classroom with a specific set of skills they need to best support students.”

TEACHING TWO OR MORE SUBJECTS

The report also reveals the number of educators overseeing at least two subjects has steadily increased across a decade.

During the 2012-13 school year, 75,282 teachers taught two subjects; a decade later, that number jumped to 87,477 – an increase of 16%. The number of teachers responsible for three subjects also rose, from 23,536 in the 2012-13 school year to 27,275 in the 2022-23 school year.

“Teaching more subjects contributes to a stressful working environment – asking more of teaching without increasing pay does not entice educators to stay in the field,” Templeton said.

See what the report said about teacher pay and potential reforms that can help students.

HISD state accountability ratings blocked again

By Amaka Watson

For the second year in a row, Texas school districts asked the courts to intervene over the state’s methods of grading their academics.

Houston Independent School District (HISD) will once again be put on hold as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) blocked them from releasing statewide school accountability ratings. This marks the second consecutive year that a legal challenge has halted the release of these crucial performance metrics.

The TEA’s decision to overhaul the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test and implement a new rating system in 2023 sparked controversy among school districts statewide. Over 100 districts, including HISD, filed a lawsuit challenging the methodology, arguing that it would unfairly penalize schools. A primary contention among districts is the reliability of the STAAR test itself, particularly the reading section, since the introduction of automated scoring this year. School leaders claim that the new grading system produces artificially low scores, unfairly reflecting students’ and teachers’ performance.

They argue that a third-party test review is necessary to ensure its accuracy and fairness.The A-F accountability system, determined by student performance on standardized tests, academic growth, and progress in closing achievement gaps, holds significant weight for schools and parents. These ratings serve as a crucial barometer for parents when selecting schools for their

children. A strong rating can attract families, boosting enrollment and, consequently, funding. Conversely, low ratings can lead to declining enrollment and reduced financial resources.

Despite the legal battle, HISD has been able to conduct its internal assessment using TEA-provided data and formulas.

Preliminary results indicate a significant improvement in campus performance compared to the previous year. According to HISD, over 100 schools that would have received a D or F rating in 2022 saw their grades rise. The district reported 11 F-rated and 30 D-rated schools for the 2023-2024 school year, starkly contrasting to the previous year’s projections.

These improved results have raised hopes within the district that it could potentially accelerate the timeline for regaining local control. HISD has been under state management since 2019 due to persistent academic underperformance at several campuses. To regain local control, the district must achieve zero failing schools for multiple consecutive years and meet other specific criteria.

While the district celebrates these preliminary gains, the ongoing legal battle overshadows the progress. The outcome of a hearing on the matter (which has yet to be released) will determine whether the TEA data can be released.

6 | August 29, 2024 |

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| 7

DN InFocus

O

By Tannistha Sinha

ne night, D’Andre Good craved home-style food, but all he could find was McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A. The best places were obscured within neighborhoods of color, and until you resided there, there was no way of knowing you were missing out on great food.

Overlooked?

Probably. Something needed to be done. In 2021, Good decided to start his own com-pany with his cousin — Urban Goodz, an D’Andre Good E-commerce marketplace delivery app for Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. From clothes and food to hair, the company promises to deliver to locations within 50 miles or an hour of placing the order.

Good took up the challenge to compete with the big names in the industry, relying on hard work and his community. This meant word-of-mouth recommendations and providing service at a fast pace. In the beginning, Good had to bootstrap the business, without a loan to fall back on. His advice: be confident in your own business to convince others to invest in the endeavor.

“Because I’ve gone through my own struggles in my lifetime, and made my mistakes, I just want to show kids who look like me that it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.

We have people that are successful in tech and medicine, there’s way more ways to be successful other than being a rapper or a ball player,” Good said. “It’s alright to be the smart kid.”

A significant reason that encouraged Good to start his own business was the racial reckoning that accompanied the Black Lives Matter movement, which highlighted Black-owned businesses. He felt that the Black community was exploited, riding on the BLM uproar, as companies benefited from the movement.

There’s a market for everything.

Find your people and create some value” LYSA MIDDLETON PHILLIPS

giving out business cards to promote her business to being on social media publicly. Her rule: the more people see you as a regular person, the more likely they are to do business with you.

“When you’re on social media and you’re a private person, that’s not conducive to business,” she told the Defender. “You have to have your personal Facebook page public. People need to see that you are a regular person just like them, that you have the same likes, dislikes, wants and preferences, they don’t want to feel sold to.”

Black Business Owners

TAP INTO YOUR COMMUNITY

Phillips (travel advisor) says the main challenge to Black-owned businesses today is the lack of support. Often, it is within the community that the support must be created, she says, and that supporting other businesses will garner you the same support in return.

“We have to be accountable. Are we supporting other businesses? Are we being accessible, amenable, nice?” she said. “A lot of times, we are known for being rude for poor customer service. When we’re not getting the support that we want or that we desire, it’s because we’re not giving that to other people in the tight-knit small business community.”

RESEARCH YOUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

A potential business owner should also identify an issue and propose solutions to them. While pitching to investors, one should be thorough in their research. “Don’t go into the room and let somebody be able to tell you more about your business than what you know or hire people to work for you.” Good said.

The preparation to bear rejections is also key, but it takes one yes to change the trajectory of a business, he added.

What they wished they knew before starting

Today, his goal is to pay it forward. “We don’t want to just take from our community.

We want to actually help build it,” he said.

Here are some things Good and other local small business owners wish they knew before starting out.

JUST START, DON’T WAIT FOR PERFECTION

Good says the first step to owning a business is to first start it, instead of waiting for perfection. “That’s the hardest part of starting a business,” he has observed.

FUND IT RIGHT: ACCELERATORS AND LOANS

Good applied to several accelerator programs, and graduated from the gBETA Accelerator under the mentorship of Muriel Foster, who invested “six figures” into his company

that helped him expand his business to Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama. He is now looking to expand to Memphis and Atlanta.

He noticed that most investors did not belong to a minority community, and felt the need to invest more into communities and in businesses that serve communities.

However, not many share this vision.

“The people who hold the purse strings don’t understand the needs of our communities.

They don’t understand why we look to keep recirculating dollars within our communities because the playing field isn’t level,” Good said . “They don’t understand the need for another Black Wall Street. You have all these companies and you’re gonna tell me that only 1% of minority owned businesses are good enough for this? Race plays a major part in it because that’s why the gap is so big.”

On the other hand, Good says people of color need to “be twice as good to do half as good as other people.”

The phenomenon can be quantified. The World Economic Forum suggested that the murder of George Floyd put Black startups in the spotlight. However, it was short-lived.

While in 2020, VC funding for Black businesses surged to between $850 million and $1.2 billion, it sharply fell by 45% in 2022.

The decline was felt even more strongly by Black women entrepreneurs, whose share of VC funding is disproportionately small, but in 2021 they received only 0.34% of the total venture capital spent in the country.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, Black Americans are historically underrepresented.

Only 1% of around $215.9 billion in venture capital investments are allocated to Black entrepreneurial ventures, which equates to

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES THROUGH RESEARCH

$2.3 billion, despite an increase in Black business ownership in recent years.

young children, schools and teachers.”

She also joined a lot of local groups for homeschool parents, who would express their USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO interest in her products for their children.

GENERATE LEADS: MARKETING Lysa Middleton Phillips, aka Lysa Tha KNOWS NO PLACE OR TIME Boss Lady, relied on social media when Before she had a physical product, she started her travel business ven venbusiness owner Markesha Wattree ture. She began as a travel advisor, utilized utilized social media to which she later transformed into generate leads for her email list, a travel agency. What started as creating free resources that could a hobby for traveling while earnbe downloaded. She stresses the ing an income, has now turned importance of social media and into a full-fledged business. She setting up a page that provides valualso teaches potential business own ownable content. When people signed Lysa Middleton ers on how to use social media for up, they organically showed intermarketing.

Phillips est in her products.

Phillips says she found most “I wasn’t selling anything. I just focused on clients on social media. Most of the time, she adding value and determining who my target posts pictures of food or in planes. This, too, audience was,” she said. “Mine were parents of was a transition from putting up fliers and

Wattree often did not know what she had to research when she first started out. She was an elementary school and ESL teacher who was interested in creating lessons that could boost engagement among her students through games. It finally morphed into a business.

She is now the founder of Juggle Learning LLC, an online business that sells play-based multi-sensory educational learning materials for children upon monitoring data trends in school districts. However, in the beginning, she spent days going around in circles, not sure what to do.

She came across the University of Houston Stimulating Urban Renewal Through Entrepreneurship (SURE) program, a course that allowed her to seek mentorship, develop a business plan, and work alongside other entrepreneurs.

Wattree also recommends SCORE Houston, a resource that offers business advice, business training, tools, and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and volunteers.

“There’s a market for everything. Find your people and create some value,” she told the Defender.

Moreover, setting up taxes is also of important, including hiring a public accountant or an online consultancy to help file taxes properly.

A BUSINESS PLAN

Wattree would plan thoroughly in the beginning, her business always in mind.

She would carry a notepad, and would write down every valuable piece of advice from people she met or networked with.

While she stresses on the importance of a plan, she suggests leaving room for adjustments: an advice she received from her mentor.

“It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out right now. You’re not going to,” she said. “It’s impossible for it to be perfect at the beginning, you’re gonna make some changes to it, run into situations.”

Wattree had her own process: she accepted that it’s impossible to know everything, but research can make up for the unknown, especially government websites.

Her priority was to set up her business properly, so she invested in a company that established her LLC with add-on resources.

BY THE NUMBERS How small businesses impact Houston’s economy

82%

have fewer than 20 employees

97%

have fewer than 500 employees

663,800

“non-employee businesses” (consultants, freelancers, self-employed)

35%

small businesses (less than 50 employees) are minority-owned, ranking fifth in the nation for minority entrepreneurship

9,200

new startups annually attracting $753 million in funding

WHY IGNORING BLACK BUSINESS IS BAD BUSINESS

8 | August 29, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus M/WBE report reveals slow progress

By Tannistha Sinha

Under the requirements of Chapter 15 of the City Code of Ordinances, the city of Houston must review its minority and women’s business enterprise (M/WBE) program at least every five years, which is essential to analyze the program’s effectiveness and the city’s contracting. While the last disparity study could not be published, a new study is being conducted on an April 2022 RFP from the city.

“We will continue to create opportunities for all small businesses, regardless of race or gender. This is especially important considering the stakes for our local businesses. While it has long been clear that small businesses, inclusive of M/WBEs, are the foundation of our local economy, the past 2+ years have driven home the need for equitable access to contracting opportunities,” reads a statement from the city’s Office of Business Opportunity.

In a different disparity study associated with Harris County and Port Houston, without an M/WBE program, minority and women-owned businesses are being excluded from contracting opportunities.

The disparity study analyzes minority groups and is expected to take around three years to complete.

The disparity study was necessitated in part by the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of the City of Richmond v.

J.A. Croson, which required jurisdictions to establish a “compelling interest” to support a minority and women’s business program. The disparity is calculated as an index, i.e., “a ratio of the percentage of utilization and the percentage of availability of M/WBE firms.”

I strongly believe in the Harris County Opportunity Fund’s potential to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create jobs within Harris County.”

-COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS

Around 53% of Black businesses fail to secure funding for their ventures, compared to 25% of white borrowers.

Credit: Getty

READ MORE OF THIS STORY AND SEE WHERE METRO STANDS WITH M/WBES

In other words, if the index is 100, the usage of M/WBEs will be equal to the number of M/WBEs available. However, if the ratio is lower, such contracts can be considered underutilized.

HOUSTON’S DISPARITY STUDY RESULTS

Over the years, the City of Houston conducted several disparity studies, including: • 2006: a study conducted by Mason Tillman that reviewed all city contract types from July 1, 2003 – June 30, 2006, and • 2012: a study conducted by NERA Consulting that reviewed city construction contracts from July 1, 2005 –Dec. 31, 2009.

These studies found that disparities existed within the city’s contracting regarding M/WBEs. WHERE DOES HOUSTON STAND?

Two years ago, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis proposed conducting a disparity study to determine whether minority—and women-owned businesses have fair access to government contracting opportunities.

Harris County was allotted 82.7% of total contract dollars and had a goal of 30% of that going to M/WBEs. According to the most recent numbers, from Oct. 2022 to Sept. 2023, the following percentages of contract dollars go to these businesses:

CONTRACTS

BY THE NUMBERS

$289.3m 4.97% 6.32% 11.69% 3.99%

M/WBE contracts awarded

Black

Asian

Latinx

White women

PRIME CONTRACTORS

• Asian and Hispanic-owned firms received 34.7% and 33.9% of contracts awarded to M/ WBE prime contracts, while Asian-owned M/ WBE firms were awarded the highest dollar amounts.

• Hispanic-owned firms topped the construction category.

• Black-owned M/WBE firms were awarded the third most overall (21.2%) and second-highest dollar amount related to goods & services contracts.

While Harris County disbursed $2B dollars to prime contractors during this time frame, only 9.8% were payments to M/WBE prime contractors.

Utilization for the 2023 fiscal year compared to 2022 increased for Hispanic and Asian-owned businesses, while Black-owned businesses retained the same percentage of awarded contracts.

SUBCONTRACTORS

Prime contractors awarded $194.7M to subcontractors (18.4% of the county’s total awarded contracts of $1.1B). Those include: • $72.5M to Hispanic-owned businesses • $30.3M to White-women businesses • $20.6M to Black-owned busineeses • $14.7M to Asian-owned businesses • $1M to Native American-owned businesses There are a number of M/WBEs that are not being utilized. According to the Small Business Administration, more than half (53%) of Black businesses fail to secure funding for their ventures, as compared to 25% of white borrowers.

“To increase economic opportunities, we have set a new wage floor for county employees and many contract workers; adopted a Fair Chance Hiring policy; set worker safety requirements on county projects; and created a program to advance equitable contracting opportunities with minority- and women-owned businesses,” Ellis said. “After three years of a long-overdue M/WBE program, the data proves that setting M/WBE goals makes County procurement more equitable.”

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August 29, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile NEWLY CROWNED MISS TEXAS 2024

Annette Addo-Yobo Makes history, breaks barriers

By Laura Onyeneho

Annette Addo-Yobo thought her dream to become the next Miss Texas was a distant one… until recently. She is now the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization’s first immigrant-born Ghanaian to win the title.

Born in Ghana and raised in Canada before moving to Texas as a teenager, her path to the crown was anything but typical. Growing up, Addo-Yobo did not fit the traditional pageant mold.

“I was a tomboy most of my life,” she recalls. “The idea of being in a dress, wearing makeup, and participating in a fitness competition was a little scary at first.”

It wasn’t until her senior year of college that she decided to step into the world of pageantry. Competing in the Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., she won on her first try and placed as first runner-up at the state level. But then, COVID-19 hit, and her pageant journey abruptly ended.

“I didn’t get to do anything with my title because I graduated two months after that,” she explains. However, her interest in pageantry was piqued, and the inspiration to continue came when she witnessed a historic moment in the world of beauty pageants. “Around that time, Nia Franklin had won Miss America, and she was a Black Miss America. We also had a Black Miss Universe, a Black Miss USA, and a Black Miss Teen USA, all at the same time. It was a big time for Black women.”

Addo-Yobo was born in Ghana but was raised in Canada and the U.S. She studied at the University of Texas at Dallas and in 2020, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Credit: Miss Texas Scholarship Organization

Annette Addo-Yobo is the first Ghanaian and immigrant-born woman to win the title.

However, a significant barrier was standing in her way—she wasn’t a U.S. citizen. “When I looked up the requirements for Miss America, I realized I had to be a U.S. citizen, and I wasn’t one at the time,” she says. The opportunity seemed out of reach. But fate had other plans.

In 2022, just one month after becoming a U.S. citizen, Addo-Yobo decided it was her time.

Inspired by her friend Averie Bishop, who had won Miss Texas in 2022, she took the leap and began her journey to the crown.

The road to Miss Texas was not an easy one. Addo-Yobo faced significant financial challenges, especially during her first competition for Miss Dallas. “I had less than $75 in my bank account, and the registration fee was about $75,” she recalls. She improvised with no evening gown, interview outfit, or money for professional hair styling. A friend paid for her registration fee, she ordered her gown from Shein, and she did her own hair.

Despite the odds, she won the title. “That just showed me that I didn’t have to have the expensive dress or the expensive hairstyle. I just had to come in authentically myself.”

As the first Ghanaian and the first immigrant to win Miss Texas, Addo-Yobo’s victory was celebrated far beyond the borders of Texas. “My dad was sending WhatsApp news articles and chats that were starting of random Ghanaian people from everywhere wanting to support somebody they didn’t even know,” she says, reflecting on the overwhelming support from the African community. “It just made me even more proud to be where I’m from.”

Her journey also highlighted the importance of cultural humility, which is deeply ingrained in her Ghanaian heritage. “In the Ghanaian culture, we’re always seen as very humble people. So having to go out and say, ‘Yeah, I won $40,000 plus in scholarships and look at all that I have accomplished,’ is weird to get in that mind space,” she admits. But she remains comforted by the knowledge that an entire community is rallying behind her as she prepares to compete in Miss America.

Beyond the pageant stage, Addo-Yobo’s passion lies in advocacy, particularly for autism awareness and safety. Inspired by her nonverbal autistic brother, she founded the Spark Project, a community service initiative dedicated to educating the public about autism.

“When my brother wandered out of school and into an intersection one day, we thought we almost lost him. The school nor law enforcement informed my father that he had left school. It showed me that this is not just a lack of information. This is a lack of training.

Something has to be done,” she explains.

Through the Spark Project, she aims to develop a law enforcement safety training program to better equip officers in handling situations involving children on the autism spectrum.

Looking to the future, Addo-Yobo is set on winning the Miss America crown. “We haven’t had a winner from Texas in 50 years, and we haven’t had an immigrant win the crown in 40 years,” she says. She would become only the second immigrant to win Miss America if she succeeded. But her ambitions don’t stop there.

After her reign, she plans to attend law school, become the first attorney in her family, and eventually run for public office.

“I think we need more representation in office and more females in office as well,” she says, adding that she wants to be a voice for those seeking common-sense reform and legislation.

Addo-Yobo offers simple yet profound advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps: “Be yourself and believe in your work. The reason I won was because I was authentically myself.”

10 | August 29, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texans cornerback Myles Bryant led the defense with nine total tackles (seven solo), including one stop for loss during the preseason game against Los Angeles.

Sports Briefs Prairie View names UH transfer Lucas Coley as starting QB

In a move that had been expected, Prairie View coach Bubba McDowell has announced that University of Houston transfer Lucas Coley will be the starting quarterback when the Panthers host TSU on Saturday Lucas Coley in the Labor Day Classic. Coley, who arrived this summer, beat out Cameron Peters and Jaden Johnson in a close race to replace Trazon Connley. “Lucas will start first thing on Saturday. He will be the guy,” McDowell said. “That’s not saying he is going to get all of the snaps. We have three guys who do a good job.” Coley, who graduated from UH, is a fifth-year senior after spending the last three years as a backup for the Cougars and he spent his true freshman year at Arkansas.

Texans wrap up preseason schedule, ready for season opener

The Texans wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams in a game where the starters rested. Running back Cam Akers led the offense against his former team with a team-high 53 yards and caught two Cam Akers passes for 13 yards. Most of the players who saw action were those who were trying to impress the coaches prior to the cutdown to the 53man roster. The Texans finished the preseason with a 3-1 record, which is the eighth time in franchise history that they’ve won at least three preseason games. They open the regular season on the road against AFC South rival Indianapolis on Sept. 8.

PV and TSU set to kick off season in Labor Day Classic

The Prairie View Panthers and Texas Southern Tigers kick off the regular season with the annual Labor Day Classic on Saturday at Panther Cris Dishman Stadium at 6 p.m. This is the debut of former Houston Oilers great Cris Dishman as the Tigers’ head football coach. Much of the conversation around this relationship will be the close friendship between PV coach Bubba McDowell and Dishman. They were teammates and secondary members with the Houston Oilers. The Panthers are coming off a SWAC West championship season and are again one of the top teams in the division.

TSU TRACK LEGEND

KAREN HAWKINS Crafts Hall of Fame-worthy career

By Terrance Harris

Karen Hawkins wasn’t quite sure what to expect when she arrived at Texas Southern University from St. Louis on a track and field scholarship in the mid-1970s.

She had no idea of the greatness that was awaiting her.

“I was kind of sheltered a little bit,” Hawkins recalled during a recent conversation with the Defender. “It was the first time I had ever really been away from home.”

But it didn’t take long for Hawkins to feel at home and begin an unforgettable world-class career that lasted from Hawkins 1976-1980. The soft-spoken standout sprinter not only dominated the SWAC and women’s college athletics, but she became a force on the world stage while representing the Lady Tigers.

Hawkins was a three-time SWAC champion in the 100-and 200-meter sprints, a national champion in the 200 meters, and a member of the 1980 USA Olympic Team for the 200.

As a result of her rare prowess, she was inducted into the TSU Sports Hall of Fame this past spring.

She and 23 other former TSU standouts — including her track coach, the late Dave Bethany — will be officially inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 4. It’s the school’s first induction since 1996.

“I’m very thrilled because it’s been a long time coming,” Hawkins said. “I haven’t participated in track and field in a long time, so just to see this announcement is coming to me, I’m ecstatic, especially with this distinguished class that I’m going in with. I’m walking with my head high.”

Hawkins, who now serves as the head girls’ track and field coach at Alief Taylor, had no idea she was crafting a hall-offame-type career during her time at TSU. It was the furthest thing from her mind.

“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “Being a student-athlete, you just do the best that you can when you compete. The Hall of Fame was the furthest thing from my mind.

“But to be recognized, I felt that my peers saw something in me that I didn’t see, that I deserved to be in the Hall of Fame. You just try to be the best you can when you compete.”

Prairie View promotes women’s track coach

Prairie View assistant women’s track and field and cross country coach Erik Dixon has been promoted Erik Dixon to head coach. Dixon had served as the interim coach last season and he was named the SWAC Outdoor Coach of the Year. “We’re excited to have Coach Dixon move to becoming full-time as the head track coach,” said athletic director Anton Goff. “He’s been on staff for a number of years, and we’re looking forward to seeing where he’s going to take our track program.”

Texas Southern goalkeeper Alessandra Bastidas came up with 11 saves in 90 minutes during the Lady Tigers’ 2-0 road loss to North Texas.

Karen Hawkins in action.

Karen Hawkins (right) shakes the hand of President Jimmie Carter.

Porter Robinson, who was an assistant coach for the Tigers, says he and Bethany saw greatness in Hawkins from the start.

They knew her potential because of the St. Louis-to-TSU pipeline that was already in place.

In no time, Hawkins’ potential turned into dominance.

“She was an outstanding individual,” Robinson said. “She was always softspoken and and there were never any problems with her. She did everything that was expected of her.”

It wasn’t long before Hawkins began to gain national and international recognition. In addition to the training she received at TSU, Hawkins also spent a great deal of time receiving guidance at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

She was a member of the championship 4 x 100 relay team during the 1979 Pan American Games and won silver medals in the 100 and 200 meters at the 1979 Spartakiad Games in Moscow, Russia.

But a year later, after qualifying for the 1980 Olympic Games with a second-place finish in the 200 meters during the Olympic Trials, Hawkins was denied the opportunity to compete in the Moscow Games because President Jimmy Carter decided to boycott the Olympics in Russia.

Hawkins would never get the opportunity again.

“It was really rough because sometimes when you put all of your eggs in one basket and you fall on that crack and you don’t have any left,” she said. “It was heartbreaking.

“I tried to stay around for the next four, but to be honest, I started doing worldly things and wasn’t concentrating as much.”

But when Hawkins looks back now, she has no regrets. She appreciates her time at TSU and her many accomplishments collegiately, nationally and internationally while representing the Lady Tigers.

“My teammates and coaches were very supportive. It was a great four years. I met a lot of people from all of the United States, so it was a good round of friends.”

Texas Southern University will induct a star-studded 24 former student-athletes, coaches and contributors into its Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 4 in the Ballroom at Bayou Place at 6 p.m.

August 29, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports ELSIK HIGH SCHOOL

JAMYA FIELDS Shines as volleyball star and aspiring educator

By Jimmie Aggison

Jamya Fields, a senior at Elsik High School, is making her mark both on the volleyball court and in the classroom. Fields, one of the standout players for the Elsik Rams, was inspired to take up the sport after looking up to her older sister, Jayla Fields. Jayla also played at Elsik before graduating in 2018.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Jamya began her volleyball journey during her freshman year after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her from starting in eighth grade.

“I’ve always looked up to [Jayla] and seeing her play made me interested. Volleyball is my life and playing it releases my mind. I love volleyball, and anything volleyball-related brings me happiness,” said Fields.

Despite the delayed start, Fields quickly developed a passion for the sport. She currently plays club volleyball for First Triumph Volleyball Club, where she started in her sophomore year and has remained ever since.

For Fields, playing volleyball brings a sense of peace and purpose.

Fields knows that playing at the collegiate level requires hard work and dedication, and she is constantly striving to improve her game. To prepare, she concentrates on increasing her hitting power with guidance from Coach Rose, her club volleyball head coach.

ABOUT JAMYA FIELDS Class: 2025 IG: @jfields_volleyball Twitter: @jfields_vb Position: Middle Hitter/Blocker, OPP, OH, Middle Back, and Left Back Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 154 pounds Player she studies: Avery Skinner (United States women’s national volleyball team) Favorite artist: Kaash Paige Status: uncommitted Favorite subject: History and Science Shout Outs: God, Mom, Dad, Coach Rose, Coach Lantz, best friend Cacey and everyone who believes in me

“Although I’m consistent and my hits are good, I want to become more powerful with them and more aggressive,” said Fields. “I also want to improve on switching the direction of my hand when hitting different and difficult angles.”

As a senior, Fields plays a crucial role as a leader on the team, especially being one of only three returning starters from last year.

Her experience and leadership are vital to the development of this year’s squad.

“We only have three returning starters from last year’s team, five returning varsity total, so we’re building a whole new offense,” said Elsik head volleyball coach, Alyssa Lantz. “We have a few rookies that have never played varsity indoor volleyball and one player from Canada that transferred in, so it helps to have Jamya because she’s played a variety of positions and she knows how to move, play and adjust when we need her to.”

“On and off the court I try my best to uplift my teammates even when I’m hard on myself,” said Fields. “I tell them to shake it off, we got the next one or make up the mistake with a pass or a hit. Overall, I try to help them get out of their head because I know from personal experience that once you’re in your head, it’s hard to get out of it.”

Fields has drawn inspiration from several sources. Although she does not follow a particular collegiate volleyball team religiously, her love for the game drives her to watch various college volleyball matches. During the 2024 Olympics, she was particularly captivated by Avery Skinner, an outside hitter for Team USA and the professional Italian Series A1 team Chieri.

“I love how aggressive she is and how she always does her best to hustle for the ball,” said Fields.

With a few collegiate recruitment looks under her belt, Fields has yet to commit to a college. She is searching for a program that offers a supportive environment, a hardworking atmosphere, and a strong focus on player development.

If a volleyball career doesn’t pan out, Fields has a solid backup plan. After graduating, she aims to pursue a degree in education and become a middle or high school history or science teacher. Inspired by her

m o t h e r, Ta m ny Fields, w ho has been an educator since Jamya was born, Fields is eager to make an impact in students’ lives during their formative years.

While most might shy away from teaching middle school, Fields believes it’s the most important time to influence a student’s life.

“Those are the times that a lot of kids need people in their life to steer them the right way, and if I can be that person, then I know that I’m fulfilling my purpose in life,” said Fields.

Fields is supported by a strong network of family and friends who encourage her to stay positive and persistent, no matter the challenges she faces.

“They’ve always encouraged me to keep my head held high, keep pushing no matter what I go through, and no matter how hard it may become, keep going.

I never know who’s watching. All the hard work will pay off. Keep fighting for what I want, pray, and give all my problems to God. Everything will work out in the end if I just stay cool, calm, and collected,” said Fields.

12 | August 29, 2024 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Houston: Texas mural capital for art

By Laura Onyeneho

Houston is rapidly becoming a major player in the world of street art. It boasts over 850 murals that vividly depict the city’s evolving cultural landscape. Houston now stands toeto-toe alongside other reputable cities with deep mural art histories, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia.

At the forefront of this movement is local muralist Daniel Anguilu, whose work transcends mere aesthetics and delves into the heart of identity, community, and challenging historical narratives. He is one of BIPOC Arts Network and Fund’s (BANF) 2023 Artist Awardees, whose art can be found throughout the city and worldwide.

Anguilu’s artistic journey began in graffiti, a movement fueled by a desire for self-expression rather than artistic recognition. “I come from graffiti, so it wasn’t, there was no future in it, but just to do it for some time and see what happens,” he explains. The label “artist” itself feels restrictive to Anguilu. “I think being an artist already kind of puts a label that even limits you of who you are. When you paint graffiti, sometimes we call ourselves writers because you write on things, but you never call yourself an artist.”

When you paint graffiti, sometimes we call ourselves writers because you write on things, but you never call yourself an artist.”

DANIEL ANGUILU

His approach to public art is deeply rooted in his formative years in Mexico, where murals served as educational tools, fostering a sense of collective identity. “Living in Mexico, murals were more about educational value, telling the story of who we are as people,” he says. “That understanding of public art is something I want to keep alive.”

Looking at Houston’s growing mural scene, Anguilu sees an opportunity to bridge the gap between established art movements and the city’s rich underground graffiti culture. “Houston is really missing out on the 30 years plus that we’ve had this type of movement,” he said.

“We want these big murals, but no one’s looking at how these other kids here from Houston, the ones who were arrested for spray painting these public buildings, were being treated.”

Graffiti, for Anguilu and his generation, was more than just an artistic medium; it was a necessity, a voice for marginalized communities. “Spray paint was the perfect tool for us,” he explains. “It was accessible in certain neighborhoods, and you didn’t have to have an art school degree to learn how to use it. You just had to know someone who had used it before.”

He emphasizes the cultural significance of the art form: “For us, it was a necessity. It wasn’t about art school; it was about expressing ourselves. The spray painting process wasn’t just about the tool—it was about the cultural connection.”

Anguilu’s vision for the future is one of reconciliation and empowerment. He aspires for his work to challenge the mistreatment of young artists and celebrate the power of self-expression. “There’s never been a proper apology for mistreating minority kids for expressing themselves,” he said. “I’ve seen the mistreatment of creative young adults who just wanted to express themselves in public.

I would love for my work to tell the story of how they were wrong about mistreating kids in the neighborhoods for expressions.”

Dr. Siddiqui, executive director of Culture

Houston artist Daniel Anguila’s mural masterpiece. Credit: Daniel Anguilu.

This vast array of street art places Houston among the top cities in the country, alongside Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Chicago. Credit: Daniel Anguilu

of Health Advancing Together (CHAT), echoes Anguilu’s sentiments about the transformative power of mural art. The organization is also a major supporter of Anguilu’s work. “Murals...not only make a community, like a neighborhood, beautiful; they tell that community’s story and narrative. They tell the stories of the people who live in that community,” she said.

CHAT has been instrumental in using art to improve the health and well-being of immigrants and refugees in Houston, particularly in communities like Gulfton, where many of Anguilu’s murals can be found. According to Siddiqui, murals create a sense of belonging.

“The people in the community see themselves there and say, okay, they belong. It’s like their home. It’s where they live, and this area tells their story.” This is particularly significant in a city as diverse as Houston, where representation and cultural expression are vital to social integration.

The organization has used murals to address social issues and promote community health. “We could also deliver those messages through murals...for advocacy, voting rights, or census, for COVID vaccine,” she added.

For Anguilu, art is not about personal fame or recognition. He rarely signs his work, choosing instead to let it exist independently within the community. “I want my work to be outside that...to respect public space. I can’t be an advertisement,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Anguilu hopes his work will inspire a deeper understanding of the cultural expressions that have long been a part of Houston’s identity. “Things are happening around us that we’re not paying attention to...because the people telling us how to think about expressions do not understand us.” His work is a call to action, urging the community to recognize and cultivate the creative voices that have been overlooked or suppressed.