Houston Defender: September 1, 2022

HBCU Presidents Classic Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University leaders discuss pressing issues.

NEWS

NEWS

SYLVESTER TURNER

STUDENT DEBT

The mayor is speaking out after a popular Houston pastor calls the city dangerous.

Volume 91, issue 41 September 1, 2022

The Defender gets answers to your questions about the student loan forgiveness plan.

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DN To the POINT

Lizzo performs onstage during the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET

Reporter’s Message Student loan forgiveness: When will it start?

comedian Aries Spears made disrespectful comments about her physical appearance.

The 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. The haters will always keep watching.

President Biden finally revealed his unprecedented student loan forgiveness plan.

He 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 everyQuiet quitting: A new workforce trend one had on their minds was when would the Have you heard of the new workforce plan show up in accounts? If the Dept. of trend going viral across social media called Laura Onyeneho Education has your info on file, your can“quiet quitting?” First, COVID-19 opened cellation will be automatic. Otherwise, look the doors for conversation about the “great for the application process to open up soon. resignation,” or the mass exodus of employees who volunPell Grant recipients or students from families who made tarily resigned from their jobs due to layoffs, child care, less than $60,000 a year can visit studentaid.gov to check health and wellness needs, job insecurity, etc. Now, quiet their federal student aid history. It’s crucial to know that quitting isn’t the same as leaving your job, but it refers to once you complete your application, expect relief within simply doing the bare minimum and not going above and four to six weeks if approved. If you fill out the application beyond. It means reducing the hustle culture mentality that before Nov. 15, you can expect relief before loan payments promotes consistent overperforming and exceeding expecresume in January 2023. So, as much as I love Black folk, tations to the detriment of one’s health. Finding a work-life y’all can’t move on no CP time. It might not be $50,000 or balance and setting boundaries around both contribute to widespread cancellations, but it’s something. the rise. Only time will tell how far this “trend” can go. But in the meantime, plan to talk with your employer about ways Lizzo’s response to the haters to improve the workplace culture or start looking for a better Lizzo ate and left no crumbs at the 2022 MTV Video position that excites you and meets your needs.

Music Awards on Aug 28. The “Truth Hurts” singer isn’t new to trolling and unwarranted comments on the internet. ON THE WEB However, she made sure to send a special message to hat• Catch the Defender recap and full video of the HBCU ers who spoke negatively about her (and her weight) as she Presidents Classic accepted the Video for Good Award during the ceremony.

• Read about Houston education advocates’ fight to com“They are like, ‘Lizzo, why don’t you clap back?’ Cuz b**** bat the college enrollment crisis I’m winning.” The Detroit born, Houston-bred baddie’s clap• Check out the Defender channels: Black Women, Under back was timely as fans defended her on social media after 40 and Community Central.

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DN News Local leaders address violence

By Raquel Rogers

Mayor Sylvester Turner is speaking out after a local pastor claims Houston is the most dangerous city in America.

“Despite what some may say, even from the pulpit, Houston is not the murder capital 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 problems, which he said was caused by “leftwing progressives in office.”

“If Houston and Harris County is to survive, we had better throw those bums out of office, they are not doing the job that we called them to,” Young said during his sermon.

“That is factually not true and people should not be saying it to gain some political benefit. Facts from the pulpit should still matter,” Turner replied.”I was disappointed when a faith-based leader from the pulpit talks about we’re not doing our jobs and calling people bums.”

The mayor made his comments at a Violence 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.

The conference brought together local leaders, professionals and practitioners from a broad spectrum of disciplines working to address violence in their communities. In addition, leaders discussed best practices to implement and evaluate sustainable prevention programs to re-

Mayor Sylvester Turner speaking about violence. Credit: Twitter.

spond to violence and victims. Attendees included officials who work in public policy, social justice, law enforcement, public health, academia, community and non-profit organizations.

Turner said a total of $2.5 million has been used for the implementation of the

Cure Violence Program in targeted communities. In addition, the mayor said the city helped the youth with the Hire Houston Youth program by providing 14,000 job opportunities for youth ages 16-24 this summer. The goal is to take that number up to 20,000.

READ MORE ABOUT PASTOR ED YOUNG’S DISPARAGING SERMON.

“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 respond accordingly, we are not going to make our city safer.”

Each year, the conference aims to help leaders examine the issue of violence and identify the root causes with evidence-based policy and public health approaches.

Harris County provides free COVID-19 testing Houston Public Media

The federal government is giving people until Sept. 2 to order free at-home COVID-19 testing kits.

“Ordering through this program will be suspended on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests,” the COVID.gov site states.

But Harris County officials say they will continue free COVID testing for anyone who needs it. The county has six locations that will be open daily, and they will continue to offer the free services for as long as they can.

Harris County division director Jennifer Kiger said the county appreciates the support the at home tests provided to the community. It also provided some traffic relief at testing sites.

“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.”

NPR reports that the White House first began sending out the kits in January. By last May, the

White House said 350 million tests had been given away to 70 million households, more than half of the households in the U.S. “We are planning for when these tests are no longer available, we could see an increase,” Kiger said.

“In addition schools are back in session and businesses are coming back to full capacity.”

Kiger adds that although the home testing kits’ numbers weren’t always reported to the health department, the county was able to lean on wastewater 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, because the at-home tests are not always reported to the health department… We did know generally speaking the status of our community based on wastewater surveillance to determine the risk to our community.”

There are 1,015,417 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past two and a half years in Harris County and more than 387,000 individuals have been fully vaccinated at Harris County sites.

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DN News

STUDY

North Texas ISD most equitable in state

By Laura Onyeneho

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)

Texas at odds over flood relief discrimination claim Associated Press

The Texas General Land Office, or GLO, which is in The faded and weathered construction permits still charge of distributing the funding, says its actions were taped to Houston resident Mal Moses’ front door are re- not unlawful. In a letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, minders of the difficulties he faced in trying to get his Gov. Greg Abbott said he did not plan to force the GLO to mold-infested walls and leaky roof repaired after Hurri- enter into any agreement because HUD had not proven cane Harvey in 2017. that the state agency had discriminated based on race or But living in his neighborhood of national origin.

Trinity-Houston Gardens has always “HUD should close this case withbeen hard, Moses said. His family out following through on the threats endured racial slurs and harassment made in your letter, which would as some of the first Black residents only slow funding for Texans who It was just to move in during the late 1960s. truly need disaster mitigation,” AbWhen white residents left, he said, it bott said. another seemed resources such as consistent HUD has threatened to refer the example of trash collection or a properly workmatter to the Justice Department for ing drainage system fled as well. possible legal action. discrimination So after Harvey, Moses, 65, expectThe deadline passed amid the for me.” ed to be denied government help. five-year anniversary of Harvey, Mal Moses And he certainly wasn’t surprised which inundated the Houston area by federal officials’ conclusion this with torrential rain for days, floodyear that the state had discriminated ing more than 150,000 homes and against minorities, particularly Black residents, in how it 300,000 vehicles. The storm killed 68 people and caused distributed flood relief money from the hurricane. an estimated $125 billion in damage in Texas. Many resi“I wasn’t shocked that it was being done because I ex- dents still have not recovered. perienced it firsthand growing up,” said Moses, who ulIn an April letter to HUD, the land office’s attorneys timately received help from local nonprofit West Street defended how the funds were awarded, saying of the 108 Recovery to repair his home. projects that received money, 59% served minority-maTexas had faced a Friday deadline to enter into a vol- jority populations and of the 1.5 million Texans benefituntary agreement to address an investigation by the U.S. ing from the projects, more than 1 million were Hispanic.

Department of Housing and Urban Development that in Many Houston-area residents and officials were outMarch found the state had violated the Civil Rights Act raged when they learned the land office’s initial distribuof 1964 by causing there “to be disproportionately less tion of $1 billion didn’t include one cent for their hard-hit funding available to benefit minority residents than was communities. available to benefit white residents” in how it distributed After bipartisan criticism of the lack of funding for the more than $2 billion to fund flood mitigation projects af- Houston area, the land office awarded $750 million to ter Harvey. That deadline passed without any resolution Harris County, home to the nation’s fourth-largest city, to the dispute. but still nothing for Houston.

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.

The 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.

So, what does that mean?

The 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 more equitable.

Equitable 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.

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.

Out of 1,016 school districts, the study showed more affluent school districts received more funding than the poorer districts.

Garland ISD spends $9606 per student and has a median income of $71,983, while San Vincente ranked last with $71,214 per student.

HISD ranked 547 with expenditures of $10,283 with the median income of $55,177.

“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. “The 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.”

Overall, WalletHub says Texas has the 24th most equitable school districts in the U.S.

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 41 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

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. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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DN News QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

STUDENT LOAN DEBT FORGIVENESS

By ReShonda Tate

While President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan has drawn mixed reactions, many agree that it’s something in the right direction.

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.

Who qualifies for debt forgiveness?

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.

How much of my student loan debt will be forgiven?

Up to $10,000, $20,000 if you received a Pell Grant.

What type of student loans qualify?

Only Federally-backed loans. All private loans (Sallie Mae, banks, etc) are excluded.

Are Parent PLUS and GRADPlus loans eligible for forgiveness?

Yes.

What do I need to do if I qualify?

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.

How will this affect your monthly payment?

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.

What’s the timeline for the student loan forgiveness application?

You will need to fill out a form with the Department of Education, which will be available before the pause on federal

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.

your student loans prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, you won’t receive a refund for those payments.

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.

Is there a website or phone number I can go to apply for my student loan forgiveness? If so, is there a deadline?

Which tax year is used to determine the income?

If you’re still in college, would you be covered for forgiveness?

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.

What if I paid off my loans? Do I get anything retroactively?

Do student loans in default qualify for forgiveness?

Yes, all defaulted borrowers are eligible for forgiveness.

Does it matter if you attended a public vs. private university?

No, it doesn’t matter.

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.

No, this is a one-time student loan cancellation plan. If you already paid off

MORE FAQ.

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DN NewsBriefs

FREE COVID VACCINATIONS

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 Saturday 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)

STUDY: Hurricane Harvey flooding caused by climate change

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston 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 published 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.

Battle of the Bands brings money, HBCU awareness to Houston

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 established and aspiring business owners.

Food distribution to the homeless community also took place. In 2021 NBOTB helped provide over $100,000 in revenue for minority-owned businesses in Houston by contracting with them for various products and services.

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ONLINE

Read more of the news briefs.

Missouri school reinstates spankings

A school district in southwestern 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 Cassville 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 superintendent’s permission. School officials say the decision came after an anonymous survey found that parents, students and school employees were concerned about student behavior and discipline.

HISD announces accelerated diploma program

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 accelerated 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 shortened school day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with accelerated learning to achieve positive outcomes. Visit www.eightmillionstories.org.

YOU ARE WELCOME AT THESE LOCATIONS Thurs, July 21, 2022 | 10am – 5pm Texas Southern University Nabrit Science Center Room 150 3100 Cleburne Street Houston, Texas 77004

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DN InFocus

HBCU Presidents Classic Highlights

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By Aswad Walker

he Defender Network recently held its annual “HBCU Presidents Classic,” 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.

Occurring in advance 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 moderated by Defender Network Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho.

The conversation covered many topics, including college funding, alumni engagement, new programs and initiatives and the future of both institutions. Below are excerpts from the dynamic dialogue.

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.”

Camellia Jackson, PVAMU alumna

I thought the event was very successful in that the presidents actually spoke from their experience and they were not just giving us what we wanted to hear. They actually made some very good points that we could take and kind of stayed with us.

BIGGEST PLANS FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR Crumpton-Young: As we

think about this upcoming year, our team has been focused on innovation, transformation 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. Certainly, our history book is titled “Born to Serve.” And we understand as an institution, we need to be responsive to the needs of individuals who haven’t always been served in higher education.

So, our new College of Transdisciplinary Studies has 12 new degree options: eight undergraduate degree programs, four master’s degree programs, and we will enhance that by adding doctoral programs, 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 opportunity to complete their degree.

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 excellence of our faculty, on the opportunities afforded our students. I had an email this morning from a young man who graduated recently, who talked about the

TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, PVAMU President Dr. Ruth J. Simmons and Defender Education Reporter and event moderator Laura Onyeneho. Photo by Aswad Walker.

experience that he had at Prairie View in a way that made me infinitely 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 off on a bus. I had barely been outside of Texas, but I went to Mexico to try to learn about a different culture. What we’re trying to do for our students is afford them an array of opportunities that they have not been afforded. 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. They deserve

to have exactly the same opportunities and we’re working hard to give them that.

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT 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.” The alums have agreed to keep their eyes on the paw. What that means for us is they’re going to work on enhancing internships, enhancing scholarships, enhancing mentorships and enhancing recruitment. And because they’re making a contribution throughout our city, our

state and our nation, we decided this year that we’re no longer “Tiger Land.” We are “Tiger Nation.”

Simmons: We have to be very demanding of the people who came through our institutions and benefited from them, and challenge them to do what is necessary 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, “The only way you should be parking that car outside

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 office that they hold. I’m an alumnus of Texas Southern University and a legacy. My grandfather graduated in one of the first classes of [TSU].

Thrushema Shannon, TSU alumna

Pearl Wright, TSU alumna TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, PVAMU President Dr. Ruth Simmons and Defender Education Reporter and event moderator Laura Onyeneho. Photo by Aswad Walker.

of this event is that if you have made a consistently major gift to Prairie View.”

RENAISSANCE IN CORPORATE FUNDING Simmons: I think that this is the

moment for HBCUs. For all of my career, I have not seen this kind of efflorescence 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

subservience that we have displayed for so long in regard to attracting funding. So, when I’m meeting with corporations today and they offer token support, I tell them, “No.” That if they can’t be serious, then we don’t need the token amount that they’re willing to give.

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.

DN

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 expectations, and we have to expect to receive the same types of funding that other institutions receive. We also need to make sure we have the advocacy that other institutions enjoy. So, we’re asking them for advocacy.

This 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 institution that’s produced outstanding results.

We are an excellent return on investment and we are contributing to the state’s mission of creating a talent-strong Texas. So, we deserve to be funded like all of the other institutions.

Read the presidents’ comments on campus research, addressing the K-12 teacher shortage and much more. Also, view the entire event at DefenderNetwork.com.

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

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DN News

Our doctors are ready to see you Ken Good, Letitia Quinones, Michelle Esquenazi and Dominique Calhoun.

Photo by Aswad Walker

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

TSU hosts Ben Crump, bail reform panel

By Aswad Walker

his clients represent the full spectrum of bail Renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin reform “sides,” including a woman whose Crump recently opened Equal Justice Now’s abusive husband was released from jail three National Bail Reform Panel held on the times via bail reform measures, and on the Texas Southern University campus, address- third time, he stabbed and murdered his ing the fact that discussions on the topic are pregnant wife. not easy, and must balance the rights of the Crump also represents Derrick Harris, accused with rights of the victims. a successful Black man falsely accused of Longtime national journalist Ed Gordon sexual assault and rape. served as the event’s moderator, a position “They put him in Rikers Island Prison that was sorely needed as several audience for four and a half years with no bail,” said members were not feeling the presence or Crump to attendees in TSU’s Granville Sawthe answers given by panelists Kim Ogg, yer Auditorium. “His family had to end up Harris County district attorney, and Art coming up with the money to pay for the Acevedo, the former HPD chief. rape kit to prove his innocence even though Other panelists included former Balti- the officials knew within the first three more Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, months [after the crime] that his DNA did NAACP Houston President Bishop James not match.”

Dixon, attorney Ken Good, Stix (founder, Much of the heated conversation Think Watts Foundation), attorney Leti- focused on the federal system that doesn’t tia Quinones, Judge Ronnisha Bowman, rely on bail versus state systems that do; Michelle Esquenazi (CEO, Victims Rights moving from bail reform theory to practice; Reform Council), attorney Dominique and the importance of voting, as we elect Calhoun and social media influencer and the district attorneys, judges and mayors community activist Mr. Checkpoint. who create the justice framework for their During Crump’s opening he shared thatT:4.79"respective cities.

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September 1, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

TRAVIS SCOTT Family, foundation, host teacher supply drive

By ReShonda Tate

A recent study showed that Texas teachers lead the nation when it comes to spending their own money on school supplies.

That 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.

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 gift 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.

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. (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

Jacques Webster Sr. and Wanda Webster.

The Scotts have a long history of participating in foundation community events in their native Houston.

“The Cactus Jack Foundation is committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of teachers and students across Houston

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.”

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. 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. The efforts, independently and collectively, aim to solve challenges and overcome issues impacting young people.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT.

12 | September 1, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

TWILER PORTIS

Leaves corporate America to launch recording studio

By Laura Onyeneho

Houston continues to show why it’s often 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 Yellowland Records.

Portis is a Houston entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and the first local Black women to own an independent record label. Her studio is located in River Oaks.

She has dedicated her entrepreneurial career to teaching business owners how to tap into their potential, achieve freedom and exponential growth.

Now, she’s channeling that same spirit to help aspiring artists learn the ins and outs of the music business.

The 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

Twiler Portis, Owner Yellowland Records.

are and how Houston is connected to your success story?

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.

Defender: You’ve had a successful cor-

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LAUNCHING OF HER NEW RECORD STUDIO AND WHAT ROLE HER SON IS PLAYING.

porate career. What made you ultimately want to leave that space?

Portis: Corporate America was very good for me. I had a boss that was truly beyond being my boss, she was a great mentor. The reason I left 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. That came with my reference from my father. I didn’t like it anymore because of my surroundings and the energy in the office. I left corporate America and started my own business. A lot of people stay in

places that don’t work because of fear. I’m glad to be a good example to those who want to make that pivot.

Defender: You live by the mantra, “Live

full, die empty.” What does that mean?

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

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. Then, 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 left everything out on the table.

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) Specifications 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 1, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Obituary IN MEMORIAM

Former city official Allen Parker dead at 81, remembered

By Marilyn Marshall

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.

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.

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.

He was 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.

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.

“He and his wife turned their home in Acres Homes into a ponderosa in the heart of the 44,” Turner said. “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 left a lasting legacy.”

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-

Allen Parker

tion,” she said.

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.”

Parker’s survivors include his wife Dorothy, daughters Pam Mayo and Monique Parker, son Allen Jr. and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.stmonicahouston. com/online-giving.html or forwarded and made payable to St. Monica ”In Memory of Allen Parker for Youth Scholarships” or “Society of SVDP.” READ MORE ABOUT THE LATE ALLEN PARKER

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 left a lasting legacy.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner

14 | September 1, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports 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.

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.

Sports Briefs Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. talking extension

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 Kevin Porter Jr. season, according to reports.

Porter, 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.

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 Jason Jenkins become one of the most respected public relations leaders 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.

Local rappers partner to write, produce UH football intro

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 Bun B 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.

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

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY QUARTERBACK

TRAZON CONNLEY SHINES

By Terrance Harris

Prairie View A&M junior quarterback Trazon Connley wasn’t much different than most college freshmen when he arrived on The Hill in 2018. The Duncanville product, in his mind, was ready to start immediately. It didn’t quite work out that way.

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.

“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.

“I feel like now is the time for me to go get it done. There is no waiting, there are no second chances. The time is now.”

Indeed it is.

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.

This is the opportunity the ultra-competitive Connley has been waiting for.

“The 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.”

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 Pass.

Instead of 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.

“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.

“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. Then from J. Mo it was just being more precise.”

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.

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.

“So he has some experience,” Frederick said. “He just learned behind some guys and then [Pass] came in.

“Now he gets his shot. It’s his team.”

Not surprisingly, Frederick believes there is no ceiling on how good Connley can be.

“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.

“I like where he is right now.”

September 1, 2022 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

RYAN EISENHOWER WR

NIBLETT A Play Waiting to Happen

By Jodie B. Jiles

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 after 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.

The Defender spoke with this young phenom to discuss his style of play, playmaker abilities, the UT commitment and more.

STYLE OF PLAY “Speed. I’ve got a lot of speed so I describe it like Tyreek Hill.”

PLAYMAKING “When we need a fourth down I will get that fourth down for them.”

LOVE OF THE GAME “Competition. I love to compete against other people as good as [I am].”

KEYS TO SUCCESS “Staying humble and praying.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS “Stay humble, do what you love, and listen to your coaches because they know best.”

ABOUT RYAN NIBLETT Instagram: @ni3lett Height: 5-feet-11 Weight: 180 pounds G.P.A: 3.2 Athletes he studies: Tyreek Hill and Devante Adams Artist listening to: Polo G Shout-out: “My mom for giving me the opportunity to be here.”

16 | September 1, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK