September 7, 2023

OnSocial We take a look at the social media stories that have everyone talking.

EDUCATION

PROFILE

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

TY GRANT BRIDGES

The Third Ward University has wiped out debt for hundreds of students.

Volume 92, issue 43 September 7, 2023

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How the social media star is making an impact through comedy.

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September 7, 2023 |

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DN To the POINT

| 3

Beyonce performs at a Get Out the Vote concert for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 4, 2016. AP

Reporter’s Message #BeyDay in Houston Countdown

step in to help. There were many people who Houston!!! We have a problem!!! Well, a have negative responses to this video due to the good problem that is. Beyoncé will be touchfact that she made a previous video about how ing down on the 23rd, and I have one question “men are not providers or protectors” because to ask you. Are you going or nah? These social they “only protect what they possess.” To be media algorithms are hard at work dishing out honest, in this case she made a point. Women her Renaissance World Tour visuals in every did step up to testify how they share their city. Bey recently celebrated her 42nd birthday numbers to men that they aren’t interested in in style in Los Angeles. The event was marked Laura Onyeneho with the fear that this might happen to them if by stunning performances and unforgettathey don’t. A Go Fund Me account has raised ble moments, featuring the iconic Kendrick Lamar and more than $33,000 for hospital bills, therapy, a childcare a surprise appearance by the legendary Diana Ross who expenses. serenaded Beyoncé with the Happy Birthday song. It was a moment for the culture many didn’t know they needed. Al Sharpton’s Challenge Two icons paying homage and respect to each other was Black supporters of Trump a sight to see at least from the clips I see on the internet. It Civil rights activist Al Sharpton has taken a bold stance leaves me to wonder who might perform with her on stage by calling out Black men and rappers who support former when she comes home? Maybe Meg Thee Stallion? Either President Donald Trump. On an episode of “The ReidOut”, way, Houston is about to show up all the other cities on this he joined a discussion to remind Trump’s supporters of the tour, and I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next. contentious history involving criminal injustice against the Black community. Sharpton, well-known for his activism in The Unsettling Reality: civil rights, particularly emphasized the case of the young Violence Against Black Women Black boys who were wrongly accused and charged with Unfortunately, even as we celebrate Black excellence, we sexually assaulting a white woman in Central Park in 1989, are confronted with the stark reality that Black women a case in which Trump played a prominent and controveroften find themselves in vulnerable positions. The recent sial role. He pointed out that Trump’s own history, includincident involving a young Black woman named Rho ing his mugshot and felony charges, ought to make him a Bashe, who was attacked in Houston with a brick for refus- less appealing figure to Black people, especially Black men ing to give her number to a man, is a painful reminder of who have historically been targets of systemic injustices. the challenges Black women face.

Sharpton said he plans to closely monitor the narrative This incident reflects a broader debate about the percep- surrounding Trump’s popularity among Black men in the tion that Black women are among the most unprotected lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. in our society, leaving them susceptible to violence and discrimination. It’s crucial for society to address these issues ON THE WEB and work towards creating a safer environment for all. She • Who fights for labor rights in 2023? immediate recorded the aftermath explaining how she was • Local artists you need to know attacked and the men who witnessed the attacked did not • 10 Habits you should do every day

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DN News

Ta’Kiya Young CALLS FOR JUSTICE AFTER OFFICER KILLS PREGNANT BLACK WOMAN Defender News Service

Ohio authorities have released bodycam video showing a police officer fatally shooting Ta’Kiya Young in her car in what her family denounced as a “gross misuse of power and authority” against the pregnant Black mother.

Sean Walton, an attorney representing Young’s family, said the video clearly shows that the Aug. 24 shooting of the 21-year-old woman was unjustified and he called for the officer to be fired and charged immediately. Walton also criticized police for not releasing the video footage for more than a week after the shooting.

“Ta’Kiya’s family is heartbroken,” Walton said in an interview with The Associated Press. “The video did nothing but confirm their fears that Ta’Kiya was murdered unjustifiably ... and it was just heartbreaking for them to see Ta’Kiya having her life taken away under such ridiculous circumstances.”

Young’s death follows a troubling series of fatal shootings of

Black adults and children by Ohio police and numerous occurrences of police brutality against Black people across the nation in recent years, events that have prompted widespread protests and demands for police reform.

The officer who shot Young is on paid administrative leave while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation examines the shooting, which is standard practice. A spokesman for the police union said calls to charge the officer before an investigation is complete are premature.

A second officer who was on the scene has returned to active duty.

Their names, races and ranks have not been released.

While viewing the video, the family felt “a lot of anger, a lot of frustration,” Walton told the AP. “More than anything, there was ... a sense of just devastation, to know that this power system, these police officers, could stop her and so quickly take her life for no justifiable reason.”

The video shows an officer at the

Friends comfort each other at a private candlelight vigil for Ta’Kiya Young. AP

This still image from bodycam video released by the Blendon Township Police shows an officer pointing his gun at Ta’Kiya Young moments before shooting her through the windshield outside a grocery store.

driver’s side window telling Young she has been accused of theft and repeatedly demanding that she get out of the car. A second officer is standing in front of the car.

Young protests, and the first officer repeats his demand. Then both officers yell at her to get out. At that point, Young can be heard asking them, “Are you going to shoot me?” seconds before she turns the steering wheel to the right and the car moves toward the officer standing in front of it. The officer fires his gun through the windshield and Young’s sedan drifts into the grocery store’s brick wall.

Officers then break the driver’s side window, which Belford said was to get Young out of the car and render medical aid, though footage of medical assistance was not provided.

Walton denied that Young had stolen anything from the grocery store. He said his firm found a witness who saw Young put down bottles of alcohol as she left the store.

“The bottles were left in the store,” he said. “So when she’s in her car denying that, that’s accurate. She did not commit any theft, and so these officers were not even within their right to place her under arrest, let alone take her life.”

Responding to criticism of the delay in releasing the video, Belford said it took time for his small staff to process it and properly redact certain footage, such as officers’ faces and badge numbers,

in accordance with Ohio law. He said the officers’ names cannot be released at this point because they are being treated as assault victims. He said one of the officer’s arms was still partially in the driver’s side window and a second officer was still standing in front of the car when Young moved the car forward.

Young was expected to give birth to a daughter in November.

Family and friends held a private vigil a day after Young was killed, releasing balloons and lighting candles spelling out “RIP Kiya.”

An online effort to pay her funeral expenses has raised over $7,000.

Ta’Kiya’s siblings, cousins, grandmother and father have

rallied around her sons, 6-year-old Ja’Kobie and 3-year-old Ja’Kenlie, who don’t yet understand the magnitude of what happened to their mother, Walton said.

“It’s a large family and Ta’Kiya has been snatched away from them,” Walton said. “I think the entire family is still in shock.”

Young’s grandmother, Nadine Young, described her granddaughter as a family-oriented prankster who was a loving older sister and mother.

“She has her two little boys, but she was so fired up to have this girl. She is going to be so missed,” her grandmother said. “I’m a mess because it’s just tragic, but it should have never, ever, ever happened.”

VOLUME 92, NUMBER 43 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Digital Content Manager Get Current Studios Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Photographer Jimmie Aggison Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse Jordan Hockett

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In thousands of communities across the country, Bank of America employees like Scott have volunteered to teach financial literacy over the last 10 years, helping millions of people achieve their financial goals.

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6 | September 7, 2023 |

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DN Education HARRIS COUNTY

Judge blocks HISD new evaluation system

By Laura Onyeneho

A Harris County Judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in response to a legal filing by the Houston Federation of Teachers..

The union, representing educators from across the city, alleged that HISD proceeded to implement a new teacher evaluation system without obtaining proper approval from teachers and stakeholders.

“This affects their livelihoods. It affects their ability to know that when they’re being evaluated. It’s not about whether or not Wheatley High School has a B grade or a D grade,” said Chris Tritico, general counsel of the Houston Federation of Teachers. “It’s about whether or not these employees can pay their bills, take care of their families, have a job next year.”

He referenced HISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ reasoning for the evaluations and said that his appraisal system will impact whether or not a teacher will get a raise or keep a job.

“Teachers in HISD don’t have a problem with being evaluated. I want to make that clear,” said Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers. “We just want to know that we are going to be evaluated by a system where we know what the expectations are and what the criteria is.”

The union’s lawsuit contends that under the Texas Education Code, the district must consult Shared Decision

Chris Tritico, general counsel of the Houston Federation of Teachers (Left) and Jackie Anderson, President of the Houston Federation of Teachers (Right). Credit: Jimmie Aggison

Making Committees before implementing a new system. A hearing on Sept. 11 will decide if the new system can be used or if the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) should be followed, which the union claims has been in use for years.

Anderson is hoping the Board of Managers holds Mike Miles accountable just as he holds the teachers accountable.

“We worked nearly two years with the previous administration developing

T-TESS, the state’s assessment,” Anderson told the Defender. “Teachers and administration spent countless hours of training and development leading to implementation. We left thinking that we were going to be evaluated under T-TESS. Miles came in and mandates his system without following the law. The SDMC was not utilized as they were on vacation. It is a clear violation.”

HISD has not commented on the lawsuit.

TSU clears outstanding debt for students Defender News Service

The administration of Texas Southern University (TSU) announced the balances owed to the university were forgiven for more than 2,000 students.

More than 900 students who had begun registering for the fall 2023 semester are now able to continue their matriculation without financial holds.

The University discharged outstanding balances for an additional 879, thus removing any financial barriers to their registration for the fall semester.

The student debt was cancelled due to funding remaining from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF). The total investment into students was $2.3 million.

“For many students from traditionally underrepresented groups, one of

TSU graduates without outstanding bills will have their debts cleared as well. TSU

the major reasons they don’t progress in their educational journey is finances,” said TSU Provost Dr. Carl Goodman.

“This administrative action means a lot,

especially for those students who were in their freshman, sophomore or junior year of study. Too often, if the students are living on campus, they must incur loans. The balance correction affords our students the opportunity to continue with their education and hopefully remain on track to graduate in four years.

This dispensation applied to students with outstanding balances for the fall 2022, spring 2023, and summer 2023 semesters.

In addition to current students whose balances were discharged, more than 200 completed coursework during the past academic year. Eliminating their balances allows them to now receive their diplomas and official transcripts.

Katy ISD passes gender identity policy

By Amaka Watson

Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) Board of Education has approved a set of gender identity policies that have ignited impassioned debates within the community in a 4-3 vote. The policies state that all Katy ISD staff members must inform parents if a student requests pronouns different from their assigned birth gender and prohibit discussions about gender fluidity within the classroom.

The board meeting was full of many teachers, students and parents expressing various viewpoints. The newly adopted policy mandates transgender students to use restrooms corresponding to their sex at birth, and it necessitates teachers to notify parents if a student chooses to use pronouns that do not align with their birth-assigned gender.

Jared Burton, a junior at Tompkins High School, testified during the meeting. He said that this policy only creates distrust among students who need the support and will “physically and mentally harm queer children.”

“In the most tender years of their lives, teenagers need a safe space and a trusted adult to confide in.

Unfortunately, not every kid has that at home,” Burton said. “Sometimes a teacher or a counselor is the closest a student can get to someone who will listen to them without fear or repercussion, isolation, violence.”

One speaker, retired Katy ISD librarian Lynette Alidon, argued that the policy “distracts from real issues such as teacher shortages and student performance.”

“As a former educator, I believe that schools must be a safe haven for all students,” she said. “It could foster an environment of bullying and harassment, not only for LGBTQ students, but also for those who may be perceived as part of this community.”Thomas McKay is a resident of the district who said he was in support of the policy. He believes many churches would support it, as well.

“But unfortunately, they tend to be silent because they’re more interested in being politically correct than biblically correct,” he said. “If some kid wants to use a different pronoun, then so be it. But forcing kids to call that kid by a pronoun not matching the biological gender will cause confusion when it goes against common sense.”

Ethan Michelle Ganz, a trans-nonbinary activist, felt that many people in the community needed a history lesson on where the root of gender binary came from.

“It was European colonization that brought the gender binary here [in the U.S],” Ganz said. “Gender, just like race, is a social construct. It is not connected at all to biology. When you are taking the two and putting them together like this, what you are doing is upholding white supremacy.”

Kia Sebino, a senior at Raines Academy, said as a brown trans individual this is a step in the wrong direction.

“I feel like the interest you have is to hold your own political beliefs… which doesn’t belong in a classroom,” Sebino said. “You shouldn’t have to make policies regarding how we decide to express ourselves.”

September 7, 2023 |

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| 7

Some call us pioneers.

Others call us surgeons. Nurses. Paramedics.

Saving lives in the middle of the night at a nationally renowned trauma center.

Delivering at-risk babies against all odds, from all across the county.

Year after year, training the majority of the doctors who practice in the most famous medical center in the world.

And, day after day, providing essential care and vital resources to those who need it most in every one of our communities.

You might not know our name.

And that’s okay.

YOU’LL KNOW US BY THE WORK WE DO.

8 | September 7, 2023 |

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| 9

DN OnSocial

WHAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING...

HOUSTON’S HELLISH SUMMER

Johnny Bouldin, 62, sits outside of his home during a heatwave on July 21, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Excessive heat warnings have been issued across Texas with a predicted high of 102 degrees in Houston.

(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

This summer has been hell – literally. With 65 days of above 100 degree temperatures, the summer of 2023 officially became the hottest summer on record in Houston. The suffocating heat pushed Texas’ energy grid to unprecedented limits and destroyed multiple decades-old all-time heat records. Good news, though, it may be coming to an end in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, you can find everybody weighing in on social media about this unbelievable heat.

DEION BROUGHT RECEIPTS. Whether you’re a football fan or not, one topic that had everybody talking was Deion Sanders’ unbelievable Colorado win. Well, unbelievable to everyone but Deion.

After posting a 27-6 record at Jackson State, Coach Prime is the talk of college football following his debut with Colorado.

The Buffaloes, who finished 1-11 last season, defeated No. 17 TCU, 45-42, on the road Sept 2. Never one for modesty, Sanders barked back at anyone bearing a resemblance to a naysayer afterward.

Colorado’s massive gamble on Sanders is now paying off. The Buffs signed a huge five-year $29,000,000 deal with him in December 2022. The interesting part is that Colorado’s athletic director Rick George, at that time admitted to not having the money to pay for it. But it turned out to be a genius move by the Buffs who believed in the Prime Effect. They are now 1-0 after beating the National Championship contenders of last season, and it is only going to get better. Colorado saw this coming from a mile away, which is why they decided to believe in Coach Prime’s program which was then followed by loads of donations and support from the community creating a historic feat.

Knock, knock….it’s COVID Yes, COVID is back and a new variant is getting a lot of attention.

BA.2.86 is what health officials say is a “remix” of mutations common in other variants, meaning immunity gained through vaccination or previous infection will likely offer some protection. It’s already been spotted in Houston, so it might be time to go back to taking some health precautions like washing your hands constantly, wearing a mask, etc. That’s for those of you that even stopped….

“A lot of you didn’t believe in us. It’s crazy because you just got to understand our coach, Coach Prime, my dad, everywhere he went, he was a winner. Every game, every opportunity, he took advantage of.”

- SHEDEUR SANDER

We’re going to continuously be questioned because we do things that have never been done. And that makes people uncomfortable. When you see a confident Black man sitting up here and talking his talk, walking his walk, coaching 75 percent African Americans in a locker room, that’s kind of threatening. Oh, they don’t like that. But guess what? We’re going to consistently do what we do because I’m here and I ain’t going nowhere. I’m about to get comfortable in a minute.”

-DEION SANDERS

Travis says no to Houston

Houston rapper Travis Scott has been under local scrutiny since 10 people died while attending his Astroworld Festival concert in 2021. So it should come as no surprise that when he released the dates for his upcoming UtopiaCircus Maximus tour, Houston was nowhere on the list. Scott is hitting up 28 cities in the United States and Canada from Oct. 11-Dec. 29, including Dallas and Austin. Though he hasn’t released an official statement, he appears to be saying ‘I’m good on my hometown.’

‘NOT GUILTY’ Yes, we’re still talking about the Montgomery Boat Brawl. That’s because five people charged in the Alabama riverfront brawl that drew national attention as white boaters fought with Black riverboat crew members have pleaded not guilty to assault and disorderly conduct charges. Four white boaters, who police said were filmed hitting or shoving a Black riverboat captain in Montgomery, pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault charges.

The brother who police said was filmed swinging a folding chair and hitting people in the subsequent melee, pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor FOUND ON disorderly conduct charges.

TIKTOK

‘THE GHETTO OF IT ALL’ Speaking of brawls, there’s a new fight video making the rounds on social media that took place at a country music concert in Pittsburgh, and this one was wild. It was ratchet. It was ghetto.

It was gross. And it was white folks. Not only were these white girls brawling, they did it inside a frigging porta-potty. The whole thing took place recently at a country music concert in Pittsburgh. The white girl who did the most molly-whopping said she was just defending her mother, who had been attacked by the ‘molly-whopped.’ All we know is we hope white folks see that ghetto is a state of mind…..

50 UNDER FIRE

Houston transplant, rapper 50 Cent is denying purposely injuring a fan after a video of him throwing a microphone into the crowd at his Los Angeles concert went viral. While performing on stage at Cryto.com Arena recently, the rapper tossed a microphone off the stage after it reportedly continued malfunctioning. It hit Power 106 radio host Bryhana Monegain in the head. She went to the hospital with a laceration on her head and later filed a police report saying 50 looked directly at her before throwing the mic. Of course, he denies intentionally trying to hurt anyone.

10 | September 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health ‘COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE HEALTH CRISIS’

Dangers, deaths plague Black pregnancies Texas Tribune

medical coverage. She was not yet approved Despite a vast array of health resources, for Medicaid, the state-federal program for Black infants in Harris County are about people with low incomes or disabilities. twice as likely to die before their first birthTexas had the lowest percentage of mothday as those from other racial groups. ers receiving early prenatal care in the nation Tonjanic Hill was overjoyed in 2017 in 2020, according to the state’s 2021 Healthy when she learned she was 14 weeks pregTexas Mothers and Babies Databook, and nant. Despite a history of uterine fibroids, non-Hispanic Black moms and babies were she never lost faith that she would someday less likely to receive first-trimester care than have a child. But, just five weeks after conother racial and firming her pregnancy, and the day after a ethnic groups. gender-reveal party where she announced Babies born with- UNINSURED IN TEXAS she was having a girl, she seemed unable to out prenatal care (younger stop urinating. She didn’t realize her amniwere three times than 65) otic fluid was leaking. Then came the excruas likely to have a ciating pain. low birth weight “I ended up going to the emergency and five times Whites room,” said Hill, now 35. “That’s where I as likely to die had the most traumatic, horrible experias those whose ence ever.” mothers had care.

An ultrasound showed she had lost 90% If Hill’s miscarof her amniotic fluid. Yet, over the angry riage reflects how Blacks protestations of her nurse, Hill said, the the system failed attending doctor insisted Hill be discharged her, the birth of and see her own OB-GYN the next day. The her twins two doctor brushed off her concerns, she said. years later demonThe next morning, her OB-GYN’s office strates how approHispanic rushed her back to the hospital. But she lost priate support has her baby, Tabitha Winnie Denkins. the potential to Black women are less likely than women change outcomes. from other racial groups to carry a pregWith Medicaid nancy to term — and in Harris County, coverage from the beginning of her second where Houston is located, when they do, pregnancy, Hill saw a high-risk pregnancy their infants are about twice as likely to die specialist. Diagnosed early with what’s called before their first birthday as those from Tonjanic Hill lost a 2017 pregnancy at 19 weeks. Two years later, she was pregnant an incompetent cervix, Hill was consistently other racial groups. Black fetal and infant again with twins. This time, she was on bed rest for months and had to have an seen, monitored, and treated. She also was deaths are part of a continuum of systemic emergency cesarean section at 34 weeks. The twins, though premature, are now put on bed rest for her entire pregnancy. failures that contribute to disproportionately preschoolers. Credit: Brandon Thibodeaux for KFF Health News She had an emergency cesarean section at high Black maternal mortality rates.

34 weeks, and both babies spent two weeks “This is a public health crisis as it relates even in communities that otherwise appear a study of 1.8 million hospital births span- in neonatal intensive care. Today, her preto Black moms and babies that is com- to have vast health resources. In Harris ning 23 years in Florida found that the gap mature twins are 3 years old. pletely preventable,” said Barbie Robin- County, for example, home to two public in mortality rates between Black and white “I believe God — and the high-risk doctor son, who took over as executive director hospitals and the Texas Medical Center — newborns were halved for Black babies when — saved my twins,” she said. of Harris County Public Health in March the largest medical complex in the world, Black physicians cared for them.

KFF Health News, formerly known as 2021. “When you look at the breakdown with more than 54 medical-related instiFor Hill, not having insurance was also Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national demographically — who’s disproportion- tutions and 21 hospitals — mortality rates likely a factor. While pregnant, Hill said, she newsroom that produces in-depth journalately impacted by the lack of access — we were 11.1 per 1,000 births for Black infants had had just a single visit at a community ism about health issues and is one of the core have a situation where we from 2014 through 2019, health center before her miscarriage. She operating programs at KFF — the indepencan expect these horrible according to the March of was working multiple jobs as a college stu- dent source for health policy research, polling, EXCESS BLACK outcomes.”

Dimes, compared with 4.7 dent and did not have employer-provided and journalism.

INFANT DEATHS No known genetic reafor white infants.

1. Cook County, Chicago sons exist for Black infants The abundance of pro2. Wayne County, Detroit to die at higher rates than viders in Harris County 3. Harris County, Houston white infants. Such deaths hasn’t reassured pregnant are often called “deaths of Black patients that they disparity” because they are likely attributable can find care that is timely, appropriate, or NOTICE TO BIDDERS to systemic racial disparities. Regardless of culturally competent — care that acknowlThe Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the economic status or educational attainment, edges a person’s heritage, beliefs, and values procurement documents listed in this advertisement. RFQ No. 4023000202: Pre-Authorization the stress from experiencing persistent sys- during treatment.

Workers’ Compensation Medical Services. Solicitation will be available on or about 08/28/2023. temic racism leads to adverse health conseRegardless of income or insurance staProspective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements quences for Black women and their babies, tus, studies show, medical providers often according to a study published in the journal dismiss Black women’s questions and conIf you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-6125 or Women’s Health Issues. cerns, minimize their physical complaints, email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org.

These miscarriages and deaths can occur and fail to offer appropriate care. By contrast,

20% 17%

12%

CLASSIFIED

September 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment Holocaust Museum Houston unveils Green Book Houston history lecture

By Aswad Walker

In tandem with The Negro Motorist Green Book exhibition on view at Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH; 5401 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77004) Sept. 1 – Nov. 26, 2023, the Museum will host two free public lectures highlighting Houston’s connection to the indispensable resource for Black travelers in mid-century America.

On Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Lindsay Gary, author of The New Red Book: A Guide to 50 of Houston’s Black Historical and Cultural Sites, will discuss the research methods and practices used to create The New Red Book, in addition to challenges that were faced and the impact of the publication.

She will highlight its connection to The Red Book of 1915 and the role texts have played in the past and can play in the future in preserving the legacy of Black historical and cultural sites.

“I saw Dr. Gary speak a couple of times before; she’s dynamic,” said Assata Newsome. “I’ll be bringing my entire crew with me to hear her break down our history at the HMH. I’m telling all my peeps to do the same.”

This follows a Sept. 7 lecture from historians Leslie from historians Leslie Wolfenden and Daniele Rose Dixon, who

recently presented their research into African American Travel Guide Sites in Texas including hotels, restaurants, barber shops and other businesses that welcomed Black travelers during an era of segregation and Jim Crow laws and violence.

The program spotlighted sites primarily in and around Houston, and their historical impact on the Black experience of South-East Texas.

Through their research, 115 former Black travel sites have been identified in Houston, with 13 sites “still standing” and eight of those noted in The Green Book.

“Watching ‘Lovecraft Country’ was my first exposure to sundown towns,” said Alfred Barnaby, who was inspired to attend the event by a TV series. “That’s when it hit me just how important the Green Book was to Black people’s survival back in the day.”

On view at the HMH, The Negro Motorist Green Book includes artifacts, images and firsthand accounts to convey not only the danger faced by Black travelers but also the resilience and innovation of Blacks refusing to let fear win. The Negro Motorist Green Book was created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with Candacy Taylor and made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil.

Learn more about the exhibit and the speakers at hmh.org/ Roadmap, hmh.org/RedBook and/or hmh.org/tickets.

Source: Holocaust Museum Houston

Dr. Lindsay Gary

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12 | September 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

AJ Crabill EDUCATION REFORM ADVOCATE

Talks steps to school board effectiveness The landscape of education reform has its twists and turns. And with the recent state intervention of HISD, widespread questions about the future of education and how to navigate these changes have proven to be a challenge.

But there are steadfast advocates like AJ Crabill who stands as a guiding light for school boards and education leaders facing pivotal challenges. He brings to the forefront a wealth of expertise garnered throughout the years of dedicated service.

The school board coach is the author of the thought-provoking book “Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective.” In it, he addresses the pressing concerns shared by education leaders and advocates alike, particularly in the wake of significant changes within HISD. Drawing from his extensive experience in guiding school systems towards improvement, his deep understanding of the intricacies of education governance equips him to offer an insightful perspective on the factors that lead to ineffective school boards and the strategies that can foster positive transformations.

With his background as the conservator at DeSoto ISD (TX) and a former deputy commissioner at the Texas Education Agency, Crabill’s influence is well-established within the educational landscape.

Notably, his experience extends beyond Texas. He has also held the role of board chair for Kansas City, Missouri’s public schools and has collaborated with numerous boards in his capacity as the national director of governance at the Council of the Great City Schools.

The Defender spoke to Crabill to talk about his book and strategies to improve student outcomes in schools.

DEFENDER: Why did you feel it was the right time to publish the book?

AJ CRABILL: This book is a love letter

to everybody who’s ever wondered how the school board worked, is thinking about running for the school board, or is currently serving on the school board, and is trying to figure out how to make a difference for the children.

I had no idea what I was doing when I joined the school board. So, for folks who find themselves in the position I was in -- where there’s a desire to make a difference but there is this gap in my knowledge on how I make a difference in this unique role -- this book is for them. Being a school board member is different than being a superintendent, principal,

surrounding the building. They should be proactive and go out and check in with the neighborhood associations, visit with families, and figure out what can be done to bring some of our non-profit partners together to supportthe families we serve. Schools need to bridge the gap when there are unmet needs for families. It’s still community engagement, but it looks different at each level.

DEFENDER: Are these expectations the same if there is a third-party intervention?

CRABILL: The first thing that you’ve got

Education Reform Activist AJ Crabill. Courtesy: AJ Crabill

teacher or parent. I gave people access to what I wish I knew when I joined my school board.

That’s what a lot of this book is about for me.

DEFENDER: “School systems don’t exist for adult outcomes; they exist to improve student outcomes.” What does that mean?

CRABILL : My aspiration in this work

is to accelerate the transition from an adult input-focused world to a student outcome-focused world. I understand how we got here.

I understand why we wind up so focused on adults’ interests and desires because that tends to be the more tangible. Talking about the books, buses, meals, and all of these tangible things is much clearer to folks than talking about student outcomes. If we serve children, our orientation must be to know whether or not littleAJ is learning. Then, secondarily, what are the things we must now do differently as adults to give little AJ full access to that learning? The other reality is that children don’t vote. We’ve set up a system where schools serve children, but for the most part, those children have no voice or formal authority to speak for themselves or to ask

what works for them. If we aren’t intentional as school board members [and] educators to create a system that’s actively listening to the students, then it gets easy to focus on the interests of adults in the system.

DEFENDER: What should the Black communities expect from their school board?

CRABILL: Let’s think about leaders in

terms of building level and leaders at the district level. At the district level, we have school board members and the superintendent. They need to create a space for the entire community to participate in a conversation around the vision for the school system and around the non-negotiable values that need to be honored. I speak about this extensively in my book, about the obligations of the board and, in partnership with the superintendent, to go out and engage in intentional and fairly extensive listening to harvest the community’s vision.

At the building level, it’s different. Staff should hone in on the micro-community, the group of learners, their families, and the immediate geographic community

to understand for this to make sense is why school systems exist. School systems don’t exist to employ bus drivers, to have great books, facilities, athletic teams, or to feed children. School systems don’t exist to have balanced budgets. None of these are why the school system exists. It exists for one reason only, and that’s to cause improvements in what our students know and can do. But which students’ outcomes will we focus on, especially in a community as large as ours? The next step is to hire some folks who will carry our vision and values on our behalf. They are the school board. They exist to represent the vision and values of the community. It doesn’t matter if they’re elected at large, single member or dual member districts; it doesn’t matter if the mayor or the governor appoints them. Their place of origin is independent of the fact that their job remains the same: to represent the community’s vision and values. The challenge some people recognize is that how people get into the role often impacts their success in different aspects of the position.

For a board to be effective, they need to have a shared understanding and work as a unit on behalf of the people instead of working as nine individual independent actors going in different directions. What I’m going to describe is a generalization. It’s only sometimes valid, but I’ve worked with elected and appointed boards nationwide. I’ve observed that elected boards tend to have a stronger attunement to listening to the community but a weaker attunement to coming together as a team. Appointed board members tend to have weaker attunement to what is happening in the community but tend to have a stronger sense of cohesion among themselves.

DN ONLINE

See more at DefenderNetwork.com

September 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN Profile

Ty Grant Bridges Uses laughter, comedy for impact

By Laura Onyeneho

Ty Grant is a dynamic comedian and entertainer who has carved out a unique space for herself in the world of comedy, using their distinctive blend of humor and relatability to connect with audiences far and wide.

Grant’s journey from Alabama to Houston to pursue her dreams as an internet sensation has been nothing short of remarkable. With more than 144,000 followers on Instagram, and thousands more on Facebook, her skits bring back memories of the good old days.

The Defender dived into the trajectory of Grant’s rise to success, exploring the influences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her captivating journey as a Houston-based entertainer.

DEFENDER: Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in the world of comedy and social media?

TY GRANT: My journey with entertainment has been tasteful. In life you’re going to have ups and down period in any career you want to go into. I started this back in high school. I was a junior at the time, but I wasn’t as consistent as I am now. I had brain farts. It wasn’t until I went to college at Prairie View A&M University that I started getting a lot of traction within the campus. I had traction in high school, but college was a different format. I got bored with my classes. I would literally take a pen and paper and start drafting how I can make content because that’s where I was driving into. Last year was my senior year and I wanted to leave to do what I want fully. I took the leap of faith. I dreamed of this but I didn’t think things would move so fast. People think that when they get their first viral video, they’re going to be on top.

I have a 48 rule. T.I gave me this idea. He said nobody cares after 48 hours. That’s why I try to stay present with how I connect with people, because the internet is fake.

DEFENDER: What was a defining moment for you?

GRANT: I had one more semester to go before I made the decision to drop out of college. It was a decision I never regretted. When I left Prairie View, so many doors opened for me. For me school went downhill. I was probably supposed to be there, but I wanted more. I was able

Ty Grant, Comedian, Host and Entertainer.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison.

to make a lot of money doing what I love to do. I would describe my content as nostalgic. My content unlocks memories and experiences people have in their everyday lives. One day, this person came to me and told me that my content helped them through depression. I thought that was sweet. It’s the reason I keep going because I want to create a safe place for people. I started when I was going through depression. [Content creation] got me out of my groove.

DEFENDER: What is your content creation process like?

GRANT: Everybody’s process is different. Inspiration comes from my conversations with people. I like to jot things down that sound funny and create content around that. When it’s time to create content videos I want to do, I will find the

clothes. Sometimes, I go to my mother’s house to find outfits, then I pick out the days for shooting material and that’s it.

I just let the creative process flow. That’s when the best stuff comes out.

DEFENDER: What are your future goals? What do you hope to accomplish years from now?

GRANT: My main goal, and I have many of them… but the one I feel like I’m very attached to is being on the news. I feel like I could touch my dreams now. Building a team is another one, and I’m working on that right now. I want to host events and of course be hospitable. I was looking at creators like DC Young Fly and Pretty Vee. They started where I’m at. As you keep growing you notice how attainable their life is. I want to be a household name.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Prairie View senior quarterback Trazon Connely passed for 275 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 37-34 come-from-behind win over Texas Southern.

Sports Briefs OG Kenyon Green placed on IR

The Texans placed second-year offensive guard and former Texans A&M and Atascocita standout Kenyon Green on Kenyon injured reserve due to Green a knee injury, which means he will not play this season.

“Kenyon did a really great job of just rehabbing his knee, trying to work it back (rehab) his shoulder,” head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He had things going on and I think the credit goes to Kenyon because he put the work in this offseason to be available for training camp. He went out everyday and gave it his all, everyday at training camp and pushed through a lot of things.”

Bo Porter Academy names new athletic director

Bo Porter Academy has named Olympian and former Prairie View A&M track and field coach Angela Williams as its new vice Angela president and athletic Williams director while also naming former Boston Red Sox infielder Bryant Nelson as the associate head coach and hitting coordinator. Williams, who served for 15 seasons as Prairie View A&M’s head women’s track and field and cross-country coach, is also a Seton Hall Hall of Fame inductee. “This is the best job for me because of my experience as a professional athlete, K-12 teacher and coach, and collegiate educator. And coaching experience has prepared me to provide the expertise, guidance and leadership needed to execute the mission and vision of Bo Porter Academy,” Williams said.

Rockets Kids Club registration open

Registration is now open for the 2023-24 Rockets Kids Club. Kids night will officially begin on Nov. 4 when the Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings. The Kids Club season package includes two tickets to a Rockets home game, a Rockets backpack, Rockets T-shirt, Rockets hat and more. Parents can register their children here at www. nba.com/rockets/kids-club.

Texas Southern senior forward Hajar Benjoud was named SWAC Soccer Offensive Player of the Week after scoring four goals over two matches.

TEXANS PLAYERS EVALUATE

DEMECO RYANS

By Terrance Harris

There is a different, more upbeat, energy around the Texans camp these days.

And it has everything to do with their new energetic and encouraging head coach DeMeco Ryans – the franchise’s third in the last three seasons. The energy and perspective Ryans brings as a coach who has literally walked in the very cleats of his players as a former Texans’ star linebacker, is being felt and appreciated.

The 39-year-old Ryans gets it from a need to turn the franchise around and from the perspective of a player who is grinding to be part of the resurgence. His unusual compassion was on display on final cutdown day last month when most coaches turn their focus to the players who have made the 53-man roster.

But Ryans’ thoughts were with the players whose hard work and sacrifice had not paid off. He encouraged his players to reach out to the men they had gone to battle with since OTAs who weren’t so lucky.

“I just make sure that guys who are on our team realize, still, we need you to reach out to our other brothers, and make sure we’re connecting, make sure you’re checking on the guys, making sure they’re okay,” said Ryans, who makes his NFL head coaching debut Sunday when the Texans open the season at Baltimore. “We’ll have some guys come back eventually for the practice squad, but make sure those guys feel that you care about them because of the special bond that you guys have built throughout OTAs and training camp.”

Make no mistake, the guy with the disarming smile and down-the-earth demeanor wants to win as badly as anyone connected to the Texans franchise, but he also cares about the people surrounding him, especially his players. Nobody on the practice field is pulling harder for the third-string linebacker than the man under the visor who is jumping, high-fiving and chest bumping as enthusiastically as the players.

Ryans is African American like his two predecessors, David Culley and Lovie Smith, but that is where the comparisons end to the 65-plus year-old coaches Ryans has replaced.

The players seem to be responding to Ryans and his energy.

“I told him I feel like he still wants to play, low-key,” said Pro Bowl linebacker Denzel Perryman, who the Texans signed during the offseason. “But, just having that mindset, I mean it’s a defensive mindset and he’s a

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans greets linebacker Denzel Perryman (6) during the NFL football team’s training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Houston. AP

players’ coach, I can say that. And he’s been in the same seats that we’ve been in. Literally in the same seats we’ve been in. But, just having a players’ coach in general, I feel like that’s great for the locker room and for the team itself.”

Rookie wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson doesn’t have much to compare Ryans to, but he definitely feels fortunate to have a coach like Ryans.

“DeMeco’s great, man,” Hutchinson said.

“He’s a players’ coach, and he just brings a level of winning – a winning attitude, and he knows what it takes. So, you want to listen to a guy who has been successful and has had success in the NFL, whether it was him being a [defensive] coordinator or now being a head coach.”

While definitely relatable to his players, Ryans has been built to succeed. He was the hottest name among the new coaching candidates this past hiring cycle after two impressive seasons as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator.

Of all the jobs he could have gone after, Ryans said coming back to a place he called home for the first six seasons of his NFL career just seemed right.

And so far, he and Texans third-year general manager Nick Caserio seem to be about making bold moves to fix a franchise that hasn’t won more than four games in a season or sniffed the playoffs since 2019.

After putting together a stellar coaching

staff, they went aggressively and strategically after free agents then saved their boldest move for the NFL Draft. During that draft, the Texans took Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No.2 overall pick and then traded up the very next pick and took the player some predicted the team was going to take first, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Both figure to be the cornerstones of the rebuild and are set to make immediate impacts this season.

“Definitely excited about the opportunity ahead in front of us,” Caserio said of his working relationship with Ryans. “Look, it’s not going to be perfect. We understand that.

We’re going to run into some bumps in the road, we are going to run into some situations we’re going to have to deal with.”

TEXANS AT A GLANCE 2022 Record: 3-13-1 (fourth place in AFC South) Season kickoff: at Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Players to watch: QB C.J. Stroud, S Jalen Pitre, LT Laremy Tunsil, RB Dameon Pierce, CB Derek Stingley, DE Will Anderson Jr., WR Nico Collins, LB Denzel Perryman, WR Tank Dell.

September 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN Sports

ZION KEARNEY HIGHTOWER HIGH SCHOOL

‘Keep your head down and grind’

By Jimmie Aggison

The Hightower varsity football program moved up from 5A to 6A Division 1 after making a deep run in 2021. In the 2022 season, the Hurricanes again went deep into the playoffs before being stopped by CE King in the regional semifinals. With many weapons returning for their senior season, the Hightower Hurricanes have their eyes set on again making a deep run in the playoffs. One of those returning weapons is Zion Kearny, a four-star wide receiver who has committed to the University of Oklahoma.

“At the camp, I worked under (Oklahoma wide receivers coach Emmett Jones) Coach Jones and saw how he taught the game,” said Kearney. “When I first got the offer from Oklahoma, I took my visit and something was just different. The coaching staff was nice. They understood that there were other schools competing at a higher level, but they were saying, watch what we’re going to do.

And I like that type of mentality.”

Kearny received over 30 offers but felt that the University of Oklahoma was the best fit for his skill set. Last season as a junior, Kearny accounted for over 700 receiving yards and pulled in eight touchdowns.

“Zion is a Power 5 receiver, and he understands there are going to be defensive players who are going to try to make a name for themselves by stopping him,” said Hightower head coach Cornelius Anthony.

“So, when they double him, we have to go somewhere else with the ball and he is the consummate team player to understand that. He’s mature enough not to pout, just be patient and know at some point in time because of the other weapons we have, they’re going to have to single him up, and when they do; touchdown!”

Kearney is a humble kid with humble beginnings. He began playing football at five years old with the Fresno Gators. After leaving the Gators he began playing with the Stafford Cobras where he first began to play wide receiver.

He attended Lake Olympian Middle School, then enrolled at Hightower High School.

Unwavering in his dedication, Kearney showed enough skill to be moved up to varsity during playoffs his freshman year. Sophomore year, he began to play real minutes.

“At that time, I was the third receiver on the depth chart, behind Caleb Douglas and Kaleb Johnson. They were ahead of me, but they taught me a lot about the game,” said Kearney.

By sitting under upperclassmen, Kearney was able to learn the importance of route running and timing. In the off-season, he began dedicating his training to those two pillars.

“I’ve worked with Jared Bailey at Footwork King on Twitch, getting in and out of cuts, getting yards after catch. We also worked on knowing how to get open and create space as well as jump balls,” said Kearney.

Kearney has put in the work, but he suffered a broken wrist during the 2022 season while Hightower was making a playoff run.

“I played through it. At the end of the season, I got it checked out, and that’s when they told me it was broken,” said Kearney.

Kearney is a tough, talented player, who has the accolades, but is also a great teammate.

“I say just keep your head down. Everybody is going to have a different story. Grind, work hard, and don’t worry about what the next person has going on because you have your own story to worry about,” said Kearney.

ABOUT ZION KEARNEY Class: 2024 IG: @zion.k4 Twitter: @ZionKearney2024 Position: Wide receiver Height & weight: 6-feet-3, 198 pounds Status: Committed to The University of Oklahoma Favorite artist: YTB Fatt Favorite subject: Social Studies Shout-outs: My family, my team and everyone that has supported me

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