The mayor is speaking out after a popular Houston pastor calls the city dangerous. TURNERSYLVESTERNEWS Volume 91, issue 41 twitter.com/defendernetworkfacebook.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.cominstagram.com/defendernetwork FREE The Defender gets answers to your questions about the student loan forgiveness plan. DEBTSTUDENTNEWS September 1, 2022 PresidentsHBCUClassic Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University leaders discuss pressing issues.
moved to cancel up to $10,000 for borrowers who made less than $125,000 who didn’t receive a Pell Grant and up to $20,000 if they did. But the question every one had on their minds was when would the plan show up in accounts? If the Dept. of Education has your info on fle, your can cellation will be automatic. Otherwise, look for the application process to open up soon.
Lizzo ate and lef no crumbs at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards on Aug 28. Te “Truth Hurts” singer isn’t new to trolling and unwarranted comments on the internet. However, she made sure to send a special message to hat ers who spoke negatively about her (and her weight) as she accepted the Video for Good Award during the ceremony. “Tey are like, ‘Lizzo, why don’t you clap back?’ Cuz b**** I’m winning.” Te Detroit born, Houston-bred baddie’s clap back was timely as fans defended her on social media afer
DN 2 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
ON THE WEB
Pell Grant recipients or students from families who made less than $60,000 a year can visit studentaid.gov to check their federal student aid history. It’s crucial to know that once you complete your application, expect relief within four to six weeks if approved. If you fll out the application before Nov. 15, you can expect relief before loan payments resume in January 2023. So, as much as I love Black folk, y’all can’t move on no CP time. It might not be $50,000 or widespread cancellations, but it’s something.
• Read about Houston education advocates’ fght to com bat the college enrollment crisis
To the POINT
President Biden finally revealed his unprecedented student loan forgiveness plan.He
Laura Onyeneho
Student loan forgiveness: When will it start?
• Catch the Defender recap and full video of the HBCU Presidents Classic
Lizzo performs onstage during the 2022 BET Awards at Microsof Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET
Lizzo’s response to the haters
comedian Aries Spears made disrespectful comments about her physical appearance.
• Check out the Defender channels: Black Women, Under 40 and Community Central.
Te moment was indeed a life lesson that even I had to take note of. You control how you react to what life throws at you. Keep winning, keep it cute and keep moving. Te haters will always keep watching.
Quiet quitting: A new workforce trend
Have you heard of the new workforce trend going viral across social media called “quiet quitting?” First, COVID-19 opened the doors for conversation about the “great resignation,” or the mass exodus of employees who volun tarily resigned from their jobs due to layofs, child care, health and wellness needs, job insecurity, etc. Now, quiet quitting isn’t the same as leaving your job, but it refers to simply doing the bare minimum and not going above and beyond. It means reducing the hustle culture mentality that promotes consistent overperforming and exceeding expec tations to the detriment of one’s health. Finding a work-life balance and setting boundaries around both contribute to the rise. Only time will tell how far this “trend” can go. But in the meantime, plan to talk with your employer about ways to improve the workplace culture or start looking for a better position that excites you and meets your needs.
Reporter’s Message
“Despite what some may say, even from the pulpit, Houston is not the murder cap ital in this country,” Turner said, referring to a comment by Second Baptist Church Pastor Ed Young, who recently used his sermon to blast Houston’s crime prob lems, which he said was caused by “lefwing progressives in ofce.”
Harris County provides free COVID-19 testing
NPR reports that the White House frst began sending out the kits in January. By last May, the
By Raquel Rogers
Harris County division director Jennifer Kiger said the county appreciates the support the at home tests provided to the community. It also provided some trafc relief at testing sites.
“In addition schools are back in session and busi nesses are coming back to full capacity.”
Local leaders address violence
But Harris County ofcials say they will continue free COVID testing for anyone who needs it. Te county has six locations that will be open daily, and they will continue to ofer the free services for as long as they can.
Mayor Sylvester Turner is speaking out afer a local pastor claims Houston is the most dangerous city in America.
“If Houston and Harris County is to survive, we had better throw those bums out of ofce, they are not doing the job that we called them to,” Young said during his“Tatsermon.isfactually not true and people should not be saying it to gain some polit ical beneft. Facts from the pulpit should still matter,” Turner replied.”I was disap pointed when a faith-based leader from the pulpit talks about we’re not doing our jobs and calling people bums.”
Te mayor made his comments at a Vi olence Prevention Conference hosted at NRG Center this week. He says despite the high rate of crime, Houston is not the “murder capital” of the United States.
Turner said a total of $2.5 million has been used for the implementation of the
“Do we want to provide support to our police? Yes, and are we doing that? Yes. But at the same time, let’s be very clear that we are dealing with a public health crisis,” Turner said. “And if we don’t re spond accordingly, we are not going to make our city safer.”
“We did see our volume decrease even though we had an increase in cases,” Kiger said. “What that says to us is that people were utilizing those tests at home and knowing their status before they exposed others in the community.”
Kiger adds that although the home testing kits’ numbers weren’t always reported to the health de partment, the county was able to lean on wastewa ter numbers to determine the county’s risk.
“We’ve been working very closely with Houston Health Department and Rice University and other departments who have been conducting wastewater treatments,” Kigler. “So even though we didn’t have good information on who was testing positive, be cause the at-home tests are not always reported to the health department… We did know generally speak ing the status of our community based on wastewater surveillance to determine the risk to our community.”
| 3 NewsDN September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Te federal government is giving people until Sept. 2 to order free at-home COVID-19 testing kits.“Ordering through this program will be suspend ed on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the na tion’s stockpile of tests,” the COVID.gov site states.
“We are planning for when these tests are no lon ger available, we could see an increase,” Kiger said.
Each year, the conference aims to help leaders examine the issue of violence and identify the root causes with evi dence-based policy and public health ap proaches.
Mayor Sylvester Turner speaking about violence. Credit: Twitter.
Tere are 1,015,417 confrmed cases of COVID-19 in the past two and a half years in Har ris County and more than 387,000 individuals have been fully vaccinated at Harris County sites.
White House said 350 million tests had been given away to 70 million households, more than half of the households in the U.S.
Cure Violence Program in targeted com munities. In addition, the mayor said the city helped the youth with the Hire Hous ton Youth program by providing 14,000 job opportunities for youth ages 16-24 this summer. Te goal is to take that num ber up to 20,000.
spond to violence and victims. Attend ees included ofcials who work in public policy, social justice, law enforcement, public health, academia, community and non-proft organizations.
READ MORE ABOUT PASTOR ED YOUNG’S DISPARAGING SERMON.
Te conference brought together local leaders, professionals and practitioners from a broad spectrum of disciplines working to address violence in their com munities. In addition, leaders discussed best practices to implement and evaluate sustainable prevention programs to re
Houston Public Media
It
$9606 per student and has a median income of $71,983, while San Vincente ranked last with $71,214 per student.
So, what does that mean?
4 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK NewsDN
Texas at odds over fl ood relief discrimination claim
e Texas General Land Office, or GLO, which is in charge of distributing the funding, says its actions were not unlawful. In a letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, Gov. Greg Abbott said he did not plan to force the GLO to enter into any agreement because HUD had not proven that the state agency had discriminated based on race or national“HUDorigin.should close this case without following through on the threats made in your letter, which would only slow funding for Texans who truly need disaster mitigation,” AbbottHUDsaid.has threatened to refer the matter to the Justice Department for possible legal action.
Overall, WalletHub says Texas has the 24th most equitable school districts in the U.S.
By Laura Onyeneho
Mal Moses
Out of 1,016 school districts, the study showed more affluent school districts received more funding than the poorerGarlanddistricts.ISDspends
“I wasn’t shocked that it was being done because I experienced it firsthand growing up,” said Moses, who ultimately received help from local nonprofit West Street Recovery to repair his home.
Low-income students have endured the greatest loss particularly due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows how crucial targeted funds can be used to provided resources to help close the achievement gap. Accessing adequate access to internet, combatting learning loss, and reducing student-to-teacher ratios are just a few benefits equitable funding can bring.
e faded and weathered construction permits still taped to Houston resident Mal Moses’ front door are reminders of the difficulties he faced in trying to get his mold-infested walls and leaky roof repaired a er Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
“States that provide equitable funding to all school districts can help prevent poor students from having lower graduation rates, lower rates of pursuing higher education and smaller future incomes than their wealthy peers, the study reads. “ e difference is dramatic: College graduates have $154 - $1,115 higher median weekly earnings than people with a high school diploma and no college experience, depending on the degree.”
But living in his neighborhood of Trinity-Houston Gardens has always been hard, Moses said. His family endured racial slurs and harassment as some of the first Black residents to move in during the late 1960s. When white residents le , he said, it seemed resources such as consistent trash collection or a properly working drainage system fled as well.
Many Houston-area residents and officials were outraged when they learned the land office’s initial distribution of $1 billion didn’t include one cent for their hard-hit communities.Aerbipartisan criticism of the lack of funding for the Houston area, the land office awarded $750 million to Harris County, home to the nation’s fourth-largest city, but still nothing for Houston.
Associated Press
Texas had faced a Friday deadline to enter into a voluntary agreement to address an investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that in March found the state had violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by causing there “to be disproportionately less funding available to benefit minority residents than was available to benefit white residents” in how it distributed more than $2 billion to fund flood mitigation projects after Harvey. at deadline passed without any resolution to the dispute.
VOLUME 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box Houston, Tx 77288
HISD ranked 547 with expenditures of $10,283 with the median income of $55,177.
91 - NUMBER 41 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Creative Director Michael Grant Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles Photographers Jimmie Aggison 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 2020 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.
A new WalletHub study ranks Garland ISD as the most equitable school district in Texas. Highland Park and San Vincent ISD, however, ranked among the least.
e study shows that Texas districts are ranked by comparing the household income of their students’ families to how much each district spent per student annually. Districts where household incomes were low but expenditures [expenses] per student was high were considered moreEquitableequitable.funding means students should be provided with the resources that allows for their achievement of students of color to be equal across the schools and district.
In an April letter to HUD, the land office’s attorneys defended how the funds were awarded, saying of the 108 projects that received money, 59% served minority-majority populations and of the 1.5 million Texans benefiting from the projects, more than 1 million were Hispanic.
e personal finance website released its report on the “Most and Least Equitable School Districts” in the state, to find out where school funding is distributed most fairly.
e deadline passed amid the five-year anniversary of Harvey, which inundated the Houston area with torrential rain for days, flooding more than 150,000 homes and 300,000 vehicles. e storm killed 68 people and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage in Texas. Many residents still have not recovered.
STUDY
8005,
Mal Moses looks over some of the remaining damage to his home from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in Houston. A local nonprofit, West Street Recovery, ultimately helped repair his home. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
North Texas ISD most equitable in state was fordiscriminationexampleanotherjustofme.”
So a er Harvey, Moses, 65, expected to be denied government help. And he certainly wasn’t surprised by federal officials’ conclusion this year that the state had discriminated against minorities, particularly Black residents, in how it distributed flood relief money from the hurricane.
Borrowers can expect the application to be available by early October. Once completed, borrowers can expect relief within four to six weeks if approved. If you fill out the application before Nov. 15, you will receive relief before payments resume in January. The Department of Education will keep the application open until the end of the year. DEBT
Yes. However, if a parent claims you as a dependent on their taxes, the Department of Education will use their income to decide if you qualify. Borrowers who received student loans after June 30, 2022 are not eligible for forgiveness.
No, it doesn’t matter.
Are Parent PLUS and GRADPlus loans eligible for forgiveness?
Up to $10,000, $20,000 if you received a Pell Grant.
No, this is a one-time student loan cancellation plan. If you already paid off
What’s the timeline for the student loan forgiveness application?
Do student loans in default qualify for forgiveness?
| 5September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK THAT’S WHY I HAVE THE ADVANTAGE! I have a lot of very important things to do. The freedom to see any doctor, comprehensive dental, plus pay $0 for monthly premiums, primary care copays, and drug deductible‡. That’s Medicare the way you want it. That’s KelseyCare Advantage. Call now to learn Monday713-442-7922more!(TTY:711)–Friday,8a.m.–8p.m.,Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Or visit KelseyCareAdvantage.com *https://health.usnews.com/medicare ‡No deductible for Tier 1 and 2 generic prescription drugs only. KelseyCare Advantage is offered by KS Plan Administrators, LLC, a Medicare Advantage HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in KelseyCare Advantage depends on contract renewal. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. ©2022 KelseyCare Advantage. All rights reserved. H0332_AANP1533_M NewsDN QUESTIONS & ANSWERS STUDENT LOAN
Yes.
Who qualifies for debt forgiveness?
What if I paid off my loans? Do I get anything retroactively?
Yes, all defaulted borrowers are eligible for forgiveness.
How will this affect your monthly payment?
your student loans prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, you won’t receive a refund for those payments.
Is there a website or phone number I can go to apply for my student loan forgiveness? If so, is there a deadline?
Student loan forgiveness will likely decrease your monthly payments or get rid of them entirely. Reportedly, 45% of borrowers, or almost 20 million people, would have their debt fully canceled, while 95% of borrowers would benefit from the plan in some way.
Does it matter if you attended a public vs. private university?
Either your 2020 or 2021 federal tax return. If your adjusted gross income was under $125,000 in either 2020 or 2021, you’re eligible.
Borrowers who make less than $125,000 per year qualify and married couples with a combined income of $250,000 or less qualify. If you didn’t finish college but have federal student loan debt and meet the income requirements, you qualify for forgiveness.
What type of student loans qualify?
student loan repayments ends on Dec. 31. If you want to receive a notification by the Department of Education when the application is open, you can sign up on its subscription page. It’s still unclear what kind of information the application will require, but it’ll likely require income information to see if you qualify for forgiveness. Which tax year is used to determine the income?
FORGIVENESSMOREFAQ.
Only Federally-backed loans. All private loans (Sallie Mae, banks, etc) are excluded.
Since there are more than 43 million borrowers of federal student loan debt, there are bound to be questions. The Defender went in search of answers.
The Department of Education has income data for nearly eight million borrowers, which means they may be eligible to receive relief automatically. But many people who qualify for forgiveness will need to provide their income information to the Department of Education, which will launch a “simple application” soon.
While President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan has drawn mixed reactions, many agree that it’s something in the right direction.
If you’re still in college, would you be covered for forgiveness?
By ReShonda Tate
You will need to fill out a form with the Department of Education, which will be available before the pause on federal
What do I need to do if I qualify?
How much of my student loan debt will be forgiven?
Battle of the Bands brings money, HBCU awareness to Houston
Supporters of St. Augustine High School including Byron Bernard, class of 1980, center, with “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” poster, demand the right of self-governance including a corporal punishment policy, march and cheer in front of the Archdiocese of New Orleans at Notre Dame Seminary Satur day March 26, 2011. Missouri and Louisiana are among 19 states that allow corporal punishment in schools. (Matthew Hinton,The Times-Picayune/ The New Orleans Advocate via AP)
When Hurricane Harvey hit Hous ton five years ago, more than one trillion gallons of water were dumped on the city, causing more than 35 flood-related deaths. Harvey marked the largest rain event in U.S. history, and it obviously would have caused a great deal of damage to the city no matter what. New research pub lished from Nature Communications asserts that without the effects of climate change, damage done by the infamous hurricane could have been much less severe. For example, flooding in as many as 30-50% of residential parcels was likely caused by climate change, per the study, meaning that as many as 50,000 homes could have avoided serious floods.
Over 55,000 fans packed NRG for the 2022 National Battle of the Bands to see eight of the best HBCU marching bands perform. The annual event hosted by the Harris County/ Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) serves as a yearly celebration of arts, education, and HBCU culture. NBOTB also included a conference for entrepreneurs. JP Morgan Chase leaders appeared in Fifth Ward to conduct a workshop with estab lished and aspiring business owners. Food distribution to the homeless community also took place. In 2021 NBOTB helped provide over $100,000 in revenue for minori ty-owned businesses in Houston by contracting with them for various products and services.
NewsBriefs
Missouri school reinstates spankings
A school district in southwest ern Missouri decided to bring back spanking as a form of discipline for students — if their parents agree — despite warnings from many public health experts that the practice is detrimental to students. The Cass ville School District approved bringing corporal punishment back to the 1,900-student district about 60 miles southwest of Springfield. The policy states that corporal punishment will be used only when other forms of discipline, such as suspensions, have failed and then only with the superin tendent’s permission. School officials say the decision came after an anony mous survey found that parents, students and school employees were concerned about student behavior and discipline.
HISD announces accelerated diploma program
6 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
DN FREE VACCINATIONSCOVIDYOUAREWELCOMEATTHESELOCATIONS Thurs, July 21, 2022 | 10am – 5pm Texas Southern University Nabrit Science Center Room 150 3100 Cleburne Street Houston, Texas 77004 No NoNoAppointmentInsuranceIDNoPaymentSat,July30|9am–3pmAlmeda Plaza Missionary Baptist Church 13924 Quention Dr. Houston, TX 77045 more information: bit.ly/FreeVaccinesHouston
STUDY: Hurricane Harvey flooding caused by climate change
DN Read more of the news briefs.ONLINE
HISD, in partnership with Eight Million Stories, Inc., will offer a new education option called HISD REAL, designed to support disconnected students in earning their high school diploma through re-engagement strategies and innovative ways of learning. Students must have at least 12 credits or be classified as 11th grade and zoned to one of the following high schools to participate: Chavez, Milby, Wheatley, Sterling, Worthing or Yates. Eligible students will receive accel erated credit recovery, internship opportunities, College and Career Readiness advising, full wraparound services and other services to bolster their academic and post-high school graduation success. Unlike traditional education options, students in the HISD Real program attend a short ened school day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with accelerated learning to achieve positive outcomes. Visit www.eightmillionstories.org.
HBCUs are more than a place for higher education
They are a legacy, a place you become your true self and where past generations uplif you to your destiny. It's your family's history and your community’s future. It's your HBCU.
Xfnity recognizes the legacy, harmony, necessity, and impact of HBCUs. And as the world changes, the more we must remain connected to the culture. Just say, "Black Experience," into your Xfnity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU. f nity.com/blackexperience to learn more.
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| 7September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
to have exactly the same opportunities and we’re working hard to give them that.
TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, PVAMU President Dr. Ruth J. Simmons and Defender Education Re porter and event moderator Laura Onyeneho. Photo by Aswad Walker.
Tis year, thanks to Dr. Simmons who has been my coach, we are asking in our legislative request for over $900 million. Because we clearly have been that institu tion that’s produced outstanding results. We are an excellent return on investment and we are contributing to the state’s mis sion of creating a talent-strong Texas. So, we deserve to be funded like all of the other institutions.
The most memorable part of tonight’s event was the honesty of both presidents. Their honesty, their passion, and their love and respect for the ofce that they hold. I’m an alumnus of Texas Southern University and a legacy. My grandfather graduated in one of the frst classes of [TSU].
I
Te conversation covered many topics, including college funding, alumni engage ment, new programs and initiatives and the future of both institutions. Below are excerpts from the dynamic dialogue.
| 9
BIGGEST PLANS FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR
Simmons: I think that this is the moment for HBCUs. For all of my career, I have not seen this kind of eforescence with regard to HBCUs. And because it is the moment for HBCUs, we have to really make good on it. HBCUs have been so accustomed to receiving less that we have fallen into an acceptance of it. I have been advocating that we must cease the
TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, PVAMU President Dr. Ruth Simmons and Defender Education Reporter and event moderator Laura Onyeneho. Photo by Aswad Walker.
So, our new College of Transdisci plinary Studies has 12 new degree options: eight undergraduate degree programs, four master’s degree programs, and we will enhance that by adding doctoral pro grams, as well. But what’s unique about our College of Transdisciplinary Studies is it is focused on serving individuals who have some college credit, relevant work experience, but they didn’t have an oppor tunity to complete their degree.
FUNDING
HBCU Presidents Classic Highlights
T
of this event is that if you have made a con sistently major gif to Prairie View.”
RENAISSANCE IN CORPORATE
Pearl Wright, TSU alumna
Simmons: At the heart of what we are doing at Prairie View is really trying to make our university stronger in every sense. And that means we focus on the quality of our programs, on the excel lence of our faculty, on the opportunities aforded our students. I had an email this morning from a young man who grad uated recently, who talked about the
Crumpton-Young: When I was at the National Science Foundation, I used to say to my HBCUs, you don’t have to be on sale.
By Aswad Walker
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
withoftakethatgoodsomeactuallyhear.wantedusnotandexperiencefromactuallypresidentsinsuccessfulwasthethoughteventverythatthespoketheirtheywerejustgivingwhatwetoTheymadeverypointswecouldandkindstayedus.
Crumpton-Young: As we think about this upcoming year, our team has been focused on innovation, transfor mation and disruption. And what we’re looking forward to this year is the plan to allow students to register and become part of our team and our new College of Transdisciplinary Studies. And let me say why that’s so important to us. Cer tainly, our history book is titled “Born to Serve.” And we understand as an insti tution, we need to be responsive to the needs of individuals who haven’t always been served in higher education.
Regarding what stood out about the event, immediately, what comes to mind is Black excellence. We had two phenomenal women speakers, speaking on the history, the legacy of the importance, the impact of HBCUs. And for me, I always take an opportunity to sit at the heels of greatness to learn and to educate myself and others.”
Simmons: We have to be very demand ing of the people who came through our institutions and benefited from them, and challenge them to do what is neces sary to keep our institutions growing, to keep them strong. Now, I sometimes do it in very crude ways. I’ll give you some examples. I was at an alumni event and I noticed that there was an S550 parked outside. It’s an expensive Mercedes car. So, when I see that, I say to people, “Te only way you should be parking that car outside
subservience that we have displayed for so long in regard to attracting funding. So, when I’m meeting with corporations today and they ofer token support, I tell them, “No.” Tat if they can’t be serious, then we don’t need the token amount that they’re willing to give.
he Defender Network recently held its annual “HBCU Presidents Clas sic,” an event spotlighting Black excellence, HBCU pride and the stellar leadership given to Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University by their presidents, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons and Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young.Occurringinadvance of the annual Labor Day Classic, the gridiron battle between TSU and PVAMU, the event, sponsored by Amegy Bank, welcomed more than 200 attendees who were informed and inspired by the captivating conversation between PVAMU’s Simmons and TSU’s Crumpton-Young, and mod erated by Defender Network Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho.
InFocus
Camellia Jackson, PVAMU alumna
state and our nation, we decided this year that we’re no longer “Tiger Land.” We are “Tiger Nation.”
DN Read the presidents’ comments on campus research, addressing the K-12 teacher shortage and much more. Also, view the entire event at DefenderNetwork.com.
experience that he had at Prairie View in a way that made me infnitely proud of what we are doing for our students.
Steve [Stephens] and I were talking earlier about the fact when I was 17 years old, I set of on a bus. I had barely been outside of Texas, but I went to Mexico to try to learn about a diferent culture. What we’re trying to do for our students is aford them an array of opportunities that they have not been aforded. And I can tell you, coming from other universities that they have not had access to the same kinds of opportunities that are typical of college students across the country. Tey deserve
We would write proposals and we would ask for less money. It is something that we have to change about our culture. I had a conversation with my cabinet about that very topic. We have to have higher expec tations, and we have to expect to receive the same types of funding that other insti tutions receive. We also need to make sure we have the advocacy that other institutions enjoy. So, we’re asking them for advocacy.
Thrushema Shannon, TSU alumna
Crumpton-Young: Martin Luther King Jr. talked about “Keeping your eyes on the prize.” What we’ve developed on our campus is the saying “Keep your eyes on the paw.” Te alums have agreed to keep their eyes on the paw. What that means for us is they’re going to work on enhanc ing internships, enhancing scholarships, enhancing mentorships and enhancing recruitment. And because they’re making a contribution throughout our city, our
DN 8 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Longtime national journalist Ed Gordon served as the event’s moderator, a position that was sorely needed as several audience members were not feeling the presence or the answers given by panelists Kim Ogg, Harris County district attorney, and Art Acevedo, the former HPD chief.
NewsDN 10 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
By Aswad Walker
Renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump recently opened Equal Justice Now’s National Bail Reform Panel held on the Texas Southern University campus, address ing the fact that discussions on the topic are not easy, and must balance the rights of the accused with rights of the victims.
Other panelists included former Balti more Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, NAACP Houston President Bishop James Dixon, attorney Ken Good, Stix (founder, Tink Watts Foundation), attorney Leti tia Quinones, Judge Ronnisha Bowman, Michelle Esquenazi (CEO, Victims Rights Reform Council), attorney Dominique Calhoun and social media infuencer and community activist Mr. Checkpoint.
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Call now to schedule a tour SeniorFocusedHouston.com832-261-9586
During Crump’s opening he shared that
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Ken Good, Letitia Quinones, Michelle Esquenazi and Dominique Calhoun.
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TSU hosts Ben Crump, bail reform panel
Visit one of our 16 locations throughout Greater Houston & the
“Tey put him in Rikers Island Prison for four and a half years with no bail,” said Crump to attendees in TSU’s Granville Saw yer Auditorium. “His family had to end up coming up with the money to pay for the rape kit to prove his innocence even though the officials knew within the first three months [afer the crime] that his DNA did not Muchmatch.”of the heated conversation focused on the federal system that doesn’t rely on bail versus state systems that do; moving from bail reform theory to practice; and the importance of voting, as we elect the district attorneys, judges and mayors who create the justice framework for their respective cities.
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We accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Memorial Hermann and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans. Follow us @CenterWellPrimaryCare to learn about activities and events Plans accepted GCHLKT9EN CMYCYMYCMYMCK ai1658764022102_2022_CTW-30455_ROY_Print_Houston_The Defender_ENG_4.812x13_08-04-22_F.pdf 1 T:4.79" T:3.25" LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: Texaslottery.com is the offcial source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes. In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2022 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. Game # Game Name / Odds $ CloseOffcialofGame ValidationsEndDate 2310 $30,000 Jackpot - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.40 $2 10/19/22 4/17/23 2352 $200,000 Jackpot - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.05 $5 10/19/22 4/17/23 2382 Lucky - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.07 $5 10/19/22 4/17/23 2354 $1,000,000 Jackpot - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.44 $20 10/19/22 4/17/23 2293 Cash Celebration! - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.98 $30 10/19/22 4/17/23
his clients represent the full spectrum of bail reform “sides,” including a woman whose abusive husband was released from jail three times via bail reform measures, and on the third time, he stabbed and murdered his pregnantCrumpwife.also represents Derrick Harris, a successful Black man falsely accused of sexual assault and rape.
A recent study showed that Texas teachers lead the nation when it comes to spending their own money on school supplies. at disturbing fact is just one of the many reasons the family of rapper Travis Scott recently hosted a school supply giveaway for 1,000 Houston teachers.
Family, foundation, host teacher supply drive
SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT.
Earlier this year, the foundation announced a million-dollar series of $10,000 scholarships to 100 HBCU seniors experiencing financial adversity at the end of their senior year. Completing the foundation’s mission, each senior graduated on time this past May.
On hand to give away supplies and meet with teachers were Scott’s sister, Jordan Webster, who oversees education initiatives at her brother’s foundation and is a Howard University recent graduate, as well as their brother, Josh Webster, and their parents,
Jacques Webster Sr. and Wanda Webster.
e Scotts have a long history of participating in foundation community events in their native Houston.
“ e Cactus Jack Foundation is committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of teachers and students across Houston
TRAVIS SCOTT
September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK FeatureDN
Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation hosted the drive at the Lakeshore Learning Store for HISD teachers ahead of the 202223 school year. Attendees received a free tote with classroom supplies and a $50 gi card to the store. Attendees had to pre-register, and spots maxed out within minutes in record time, indicating a high level of need as schools reopened.
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and around the country,” said Jordan Webster. “It breaks my heart that teachers are forced to dig into their own pockets to fund classrooms that will ensure a rich learning environment for every student. Hopefully, this effort, the first of many squarely focused on teachers, will provide some relief.”
Jacques Webster Sr. (Travis’ Dad), Jordan Webster (Travis’ sister), Mrs. Sealie Flood (Travis’ grandmother), Josh Webster (Travis’ brother), Wanda Webster (Travis’ mother) and Ms. Tina (Travis’ aunt) volunteer
In March, Scott launched Project HEAL, a multi-tier initiative dedicated to addressing challenges facing today’s youth, especially those from marginalized and at-risk communities in Texas. In conjunction with the Cactus Jack Foundation, Project HEAL unites initiatives ranging from HBCU scholarships, free mental health resources, a creative design center and career incubator, and a first-ever, tech-driven solution for event safety. e efforts, independently and collectively, aim to solve challenges and overcome issues impacting young people.
By ReShonda Tate
Any claimant desiring to contest either the right to exoneration from, or the right to limitation of liability, shall fle and serve an Answer to the Complaint, unless his or her claim is included in Answer, all as is required by Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or be barred from bringing such action. Houston, Texas, this 27th day of July, 2022.
Telephone: (504) 620-2500
TWILER PORTIS
She has dedicated her entrepreneurial career to teaching business owners how to tap into their potential, achieve freedom and exponential growth.
ATTORNEYSRowen.Asprodites@pjgglaw.comSalvador.Pusateri@pjgglaw.comAaron.Greenbaum@pjgglaw.com620-2510FORPETITIONER-IN-LIMITATION
PUSATERI, JOHNSTON, GUILLOT & GREENBAUM 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 2250 New Orleans, LA 70163
CLASSIFIED
The HARRIS CENTER For Mental Health and IDD (formally known as Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County) will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following: FURNITURE FOR THE NEURO PSYCHIATRIC CENTER (NPC)
/s/Nathan Ochsner
young people that he had leadership over. I watched him give unselfishly and do so many things and just live a full life. I learned that from him. Do what you want to do as long as you don’t hurt anybody along the way. en, when you are gone, your legacy lives on. When he passed away, 3,000 people showed up at his funeral. He lived a full life. He le everything out on the table.
LEGAL NOTICE
Portis: I was married for 27 years. I watched him build band programs in the inner city. He did that through personal growth and personal development with
(SDTX – Federal ID No. 438301, TX #24072867)
Facsimile: (504)
Defender: You live by the mantra, “Live full, die empty.” What does that mean?
Defender: You’ve had a successful corporate career. What made you ultimately want to leave that space?
places that don’t work because of fear. I’m glad to be a good example to those who want to make that pivot.
Houston continues to show why it’s o en called the culture capital of the South. It’s home to a vast array of sounds deeply rooted in Black history, storytelling and a strong sense of independence. Twiler Portis is channeling this energy through the launch of her music studio YellowlandPortisRecords.isaHouston entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and the first local Black women to own an independent record label. Her studio is located in River Oaks.
RIVER CONSTRUCTION INC.
e Defender spoke with Portis to talk about the Yellowland Records launch and the benefits it will bring to artists in the community.
Defender: Tell us about who you are and how Houston is connected to your success story?
Salvador J. Pusateri
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF RIVER CONSTRUCTION INC., AS OWNER AND OPERATOR OF THE RC-100 FOR EXONERATION FROM OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Leaves corporate America to launch recording studio
FeatureDN 12 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Specifcations may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7116 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning Wednesday, September 7 2022 . Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Solicitation documents must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 3, 2022, in a sealed envelope marked “RFP FOR FURNITURE FOR THE NEURO PSYCHIATRIC CENTER (NPC)”DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022, AT 11:00 A.M. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, Buyer II or E-mail questions to james.blunt@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org., or via fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses, are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
NOTICE is hereby given that River Construction Inc., as the owner and operator of the crane barge RC-100 (“Petitioner”), has fled a Complaint pursuant to Title 46 U.S.C. §§ 30501¬–30512 as amended, claiming the right to exoneration from, or limitation of liability of all claims for any loss, damage, injury, or destruction, arising out of the alleged events involving the RC-100 occurring on or about April 7, 2020 and ending on or about August 13, 2020 while performing work at Contanda Terminals, LLC’s property located at 16335 Peninsula Street, Houston, Texas 77015 (the “Project”), and Petitioner’s activities related thereto, all as is more fully set forth in the Complaint.
Now, she’s channeling that same spirit to help aspiring artists learn the ins and outs of the music business.
Twiler Portis: I grew up here in Houston and went to public schools. I had a burning desire to become an entrepreneur. My father was an entrepreneur. I started my career in business back in 1998. I knew success would be mine. Once I got there, I would share my knowledge and the things I’ve learned along the way with my community. I grew up in Sunnyside and went to Worthing High School. My late husband, Erwin Portis, was a high school director at Madison High School and Worthing. I have a love for giving back. At 54 years old, I feel the next generation could really learn from my experiences and the things that I’ve been blessed with.
Corporate America was very good for me. I had a boss that was truly beyond being my boss, she was a great mentor. e reason I le was she retired. I got a new boss that I just didn’t get along with. I was just grateful I wasn’t afraid to take the leap of faith. at came with my reference from my father. I didn’t like it anymore because of my surroundings and the energy in the office. I le corporate America and started my own business. A lot of people stay in
CLERK OF (SDTXAaron/s/AaronRespectfullyCOURTsubmitted,B.GreenbaumB.Greenbaum,T.A.-FederalIDNo.2023921, TX #24110938)
By Laura Onyeneho
All persons, frms, or corporations asserting claims with respect to which the Complaint seeks exoneration from or limitation of liability are admonished to fle their respective claims, under oath, as provided in Rule F of the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, with the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Nathan Ochsner, at P. O. Box 61010, Houston, Texas 77208, and must serve a copy thereof on counsel for Petitioners on or before the 9th day of September, 2022 or be defaulted.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, CIVIL ACTION NO. 4:22-CV-02413
Rowen F. Asprodites (SDTX – Federal ID No. 3760102, LA #33135)
“He and his wife turned their home in Acres Homes into a ponderosa in the heart of the 44,” Turner said. “ ey could have moved but chose to stay. In part that inspired me to do the same. Allen Parker was an incredible mentor and supporter who le a lasting legacy.”
Parker was assistant deputy director of the City of Houston Department of Planning & Development and retired in 2008. Earlier in his career he was a labor leader with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 15 Union, which led to his appointment by Gov. Mark White as commissioner with the Texas Department of Labor and Standards.Hewas a longtime member of St. Monica in Acres Homes and instrumental in the development of the church food pantry, which provides food for over 150 families each week.
ObituaryDN | 13September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK IN MEMORIAM
Janice Weaver, director of Community Relations and advisor, AARP Age Friendly/Livable Community Partners in the Mayor’s Office, knew Parker all of her life and recalled how he helped raise funds for golf tournaments, youth baseball and “for one of the former priests at St. Monica that needed a kidney.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner
Mayor Sylvester Turner knew Parker most of his life and said he was one of the “pillars” of Acres Homes who was involved in various political campaigns. Turner admired Parker’s commitment to his family and community.
Parker’s survivors include his wife Dorothy, daughters Pam Mayo and Monique Parker, son Allen Jr. and three grandchildren.In
He and his wife turned their home in Acres Homes into a ponderosa in the heart of the 44. They could have moved but chose to stay. In part that inspired me to do the same. Allen Parker was an incredible mentor and supporter who le a lasting legacy.”
By Marilyn Marshall
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Societyofmadecom/online-giving.htmlhttps://www.stmonicahouston.orforwardedandpayabletoSt.Monica”InMemoryAllenParkerforYouthScholarships”orofSVDP.”
Allen R. Parker Sr., a former city and state official who was active in the Acres Homes community, is being remembered as a dedicated public servant with a passion for politics and for helping others. He died Aug. 20 at age 81.
READ PARKERLATEABOUTMORETHEALLEN
Former city offi cial Allen Parker dead at 81, remembered
Services will be held Friday, Sept. 9 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 8421 W. Montgomery Road (Houston, 77088). Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the funeral mass is at 11 a.m.
Allen Parker
tion,” she said.
Marilyn Adams, parish secretary at St. Monica, knew Parker for over 40 years. “When he caught a vision of a worthwhile cause or project, he pursued it with all he had until he saw it through to full frui-
Jason Jenkins
Jason Jenkins dies at 47 Former Texas Southern associate athletic director and Houston native Jason Jenkins passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 27. He was 47 years old. Jenkins had ascended to become one of the most publicrespectedrelationsleaders in the NFL, working most recently as the Miami Dolphins senior vice president for communications. Jenkins leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.
Connley will at long last take the field as the true starter when the Panthers take on rival Texas Southern in the Labor Day Classic at Blackshear Field on Saturday. Across from him will be the Tigers’ heralded sophomore quarterback Andrew Body, who did get a chance to prove himself as a starter as a true freshman last season.
“So he has some experience,” Frederick said. “He just learned behind some guys and then [Pass] came in.
Texans running back Dameon Pierce rushed for 37 yards on six carries and scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the final preseason game.
“I feel like now is the time for me to go get it done. ere is no waiting, there are no second chances. e time is now.”
is is the opportunity the ultra-competitive Connley has been waiting for.
But now Connley is ready to make a name for himself, too. He has always had the confidence that he can make plays, but the opportunity to shine was limited to starts here and there and sporadic playing opportunities as he sat behind Jalen Morton, TJ Starks and Jawon
expressing disappointment in having to wait his turn, Connley prefers to focus on what he has learned from all three and
what he ultimately will take into this starting opportunity. From Morton, he learned more about the passing game, he saw how Starks utilized his running ability to keep defenses on their heels and from Pass, who transferred in last summer from Louisville, Connley picked up his leadership ability.
“Now he gets his shot. It’s his team.”
Prairie View A&M junior quarterback Trazon Connley wasn’t much different than most college freshmen when he arrived on e Hill in 2018. e Duncanville product, in his mind, was ready to start immediately. It didn’t quite work out that way.
Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. talking extension
“I’ve been waiting for so long, for so long,” said Connley, who is now a graduate student. “It’s a narrative on me that I’ve got to go change. It’s a lot of everything and there is a lot on my shoulders that I feel like I have to go change.
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY QUARTERBACK TRAZON CONNLEY SHINES
“ e buildup is good because they do have a good quarterback,” he said. “It’s a competition there because they have a good quarterback who has been tearing up the SWAC a little bit and he has a little bit of buzz going on.”
SportsDN 14 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
Texas Southern sophomore middle blocker Chenise Cook had a total of 10 kills, 4 blocks and an ace for the Lady Tigers volleyball team in two games against Houston Baptist.
InsteadPass.of
It’s all helped to transform Connley into the quarterback the defending SWAC West champs can be excited about this season. Head coach Eric Dooley has moved over to Southern, but new PVAMU coach Bubba McDowell retained most of the staff including offensive coordinator Mark Frederick, who has watched Connley progress since his freshman season.
“A lot of people probably think I’m more of a runner, but I’m actually not a runner, not a runner at all. If I have to, I have to. en from J. Mo it was just being more precise.”
“So I was like, `Okay, cool. Let me take all of these different aspects in,’” said Connley. “Now I’m a better leader. When I do get out in space, I do know how to use my legs.
In fact, it has taken four years, a coaching change, an undergraduate degree and sitting behind three different starters before Connley is finally getting his chance to be the Panthers’ season-opening starter.
Not surprisingly, Frederick believes there is no ceiling on how good Connley can be.
By Terrance Harris
“I tell him all of the time, you can make yourself some money if you continue to grow and do things that you are doing,” Frederick said. “He has had a great camp; very, very efficient with the ball. I grade them hard, I’m real tough on the quarterbacks and he is grading out above average and that is tough to do with me.
Prairie View junior quarterback Trazon Connley (14) has seen sporadic playing time since 2018, but he will lead the Panthers as the fulltime starter this season. Photo courtesy of Prairie View’s athletic department
“I like where he is right now.”
Local rappers partner to write, produce UH football intro
Apparently, there is mutual interest between the Rockets and point guard Kevin Porter Jr. in getting a contract extension done prior to the start of the season, according to Porter,reports.who the Rockets acquired in a trade with Cleveland two seasons ago, is in the fourth year of his NBA career and set to become a restricted free agent next summer.
Sports Briefs
Indeed it is.
KevinBunJr.PorterB
Connley started the final three games of the 2019 season when Morton got hurt. He also made three starts during the COVID spring season in 2020. And last season the coaching staff made the decision to bring him in in hopes of generating a spark during the SWAC Championship loss to Jackson State.
The University of Houston football program and the athletic department have announced a partnership with Houston artists Bun B, Paul Wall and XO to write and produce the song “Red Alert” which will serve as the music for the football team’s intro video for the upcoming 2022 season. The song was unveiled recently as part of a live performance at Cage Rage, Houston Athletics’ annual pep rally and celebration event for UH students, signifying the kick off to the college football season.
as
LOVE OF THE GAME
KEYS TO SUCCESS humble and praying.”
Artist listening to: Polo G
“Staying
ADVICE TO OTHERS
Athletes he studies: Tyreek Hill and Devante Adams
By Jodie B. Jiles
RYAN NIBLETT
ABOUT RYAN NIBLETT
PLAYMAKING
Aldine-Eisenhower four-star wide receiver and special teamer Ryan Niblett, a University of Texas commit, is a 4.4-speed guy who can take a slant or screen and go yard anytime in a game. At the start of his senior campaign, Niblett was more than ready to go a er running a 65-yard sprint to the end zone on the first offensive play of the season. Niblett later matched that touchdown with a TD off a slant in the red zone against Katy Morton Ranch. In track and field, Niblett is among the top 30 wide receivers in the Rivals rankings, placing second in the 100 meters, third in the 200 meters and third in the long jump.
STYLE OF PLAY
Shout-out: “My mom for giving me the opportunity to be here.”
G.P.A: 3.2
“Competition. I love to compete against other people as good
Instagram: @ni3lett
September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
“Speed. I’ve got a lot of speed so I describe it like Tyreek Hill.”
SportsDN | 15
“When we need a fourth down I will get that fourth down for them.”
Height: 5-feet-11
Weight: 180 pounds
“Stay humble, do what you love, and listen to your coaches because they know best.”
EISENHOWER WR
A Play Waiting to Happen
e Defender spoke with this young phenom to discuss his style of play, playmaker abilities, the UT commitment and more.
16 | September 1, 2022 | DEFENDER NETWORK
