Houston Defender: September 16, 2021.

The

Kings of Houston

Professional coaches Baker, Culley and Silas are the Black trifecta in local sports.

BUSINESS

SPORTS

JUANITA & BRIDGETTE SHARKEY

A.J. HOLMES The Westfield Defensive Lineman shows why he’s leaving his mark on the field.

The Houston natives are making waves as owners of The Original Hot Dog Factory.

Volume 90, issue 46 September 16, 2021

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2 | September 16, 2021 |

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DN To the POINT

FIT & FINE

Workers prepare to move a body of a COVID-19 victim to a morgue.

COVID-19 deaths and cases in the U.S. have climbed back to where they were over the winter, wiping out months of progress and potentially bolstering President Joe Biden’s case for sweeping new vaccination requirements.

-AP/Jae C. Hong

Holly Cotton Occupation: Nurse, Professor, Author, Fitness Instructor, Owner of Strong Squad Education: LSU, University of Texas Arlington, Western Governor’s University (Masters) Major: Masters of Science, Nursing Motto: “Life is short, Live it!”

Message From the Managing Editor

the door to conservative opportunists Another right-wing radio host has who leaped at the chance to tie one of the “Besides died of COVID-19.

Denver-based world’s most popular entertainers to their looking pastor and talk show host Bob Enyart movement. good in a was vocal about his disdain for masks With more than 80 million Americans bikini, I love and the vaccine. In fact, last year who have yet to receive the COVID-19 challenging Enyart won a lawsuit he filed against vaccine, misinformation is dangerous, myself.”

Colorado over mask mandates and especially when you have a platform of 22 capacity limits in churches. He posted on million fans. Many of these individuals have his website that he and his wife had “sworn heard disinformation about the vaccine and off taking the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson are understandably scared as a result. It is vaccines because, as those firms admit, they extremely harmful to them to have influenReShonda Tate tested the products on the cells of aborted tial figures perpetuating misinformation. In babies.” Well not only was his information wrong, but he times of crisis, we need for everyone on the same page of won’t be able to celebrate his victory because he recently science and evidence. died of COVID-19.

Bottom line, y’all, don’t take life-threatening medical Enyart joins a growing number of anti-vax, right-wing advice from celebs. talk radio hosts to die from COVID, including Marc Bernier, who dubbed himself “Mr. Anti-Vax” before he died DON’T @ ME….

Aug. 20; Phil Valentine, who died Aug. 21; Dr. Jimmy Texas is the third-least vaccinated state. As a journalist, I DeYoung Sr., who died Aug. 15 after calling the vaccine cover tragic stories daily about COVID deaths, many of which “government control;” and Dick Farrel, an avid Trump could be prevented with the vaccine. Yes, I’m vocal about it, but supporter who changed his mind about the vaccine after because I choose to get vaccinated does not make me “a sheep,” he fell sick from the virus, but it was too late. Like-minded so save the energy of inboxing me that foolishness. Because I individuals are also falling victim to the pandemic because choose to promote research from ACCREDITED DOCTORS they refuse to get vaccinated. does not make me “blind.”

Yes, I know you can still die with the vaccine. I also know you COVID MISINFORMATION can still die in a car crash with your seat belt on. But guess what, The COVID-19 misinformation storm is showing no the seat belt increases your chance of surviving a car crash. The signs of stopping. Especially when you have celebrities vaccine is a seat belt. Yes, I know that 10 years from now, they spreading it. Case in point, Nicki Minaj. The rapper might discover some longterm effects from the vaccine. Just like refused to go to this year’s Met Gala because proof of they may discover my iPhone has damaged my brain cells, or vaccination was required. whatever was in my McRib was bad for me. I’m just trying to @hollycotton_ www.defineyourstrong.com I almost hate repeating Nicki’s tweet, but she tweeted that survive the pandemic with the best scientific-researched inforshe was unvaccinated and “My cousin in Trinidad won’t get mation currently available so I can make it to 10 years from now.

Read More on Friday about Holly at the vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent. His And yes, I know there are some people who aren’t vaccinated the Defendernetwork.com testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from for health reasons. I try to reach those who get their info while If you are Fit & Fine, email: getting married, now the girl called off the wedding.” sitting on the toilet looking at a conspiracy video from someone Clyde@defendernetwork.com Deep, long, drawn-out sigh. who got their degree at Trump U. Ultimately, It’s your choice I ain’t calling her cousin a liar….but maybe there’s more and I hope if you do get COVID, you have no issues, or your to that story. To be clear, the idea that coronavirus vaccines herbs and vitamins work. And I will even pray that you aren’t cause impotence is a scientifically baseless claim that doctors among the 98% of unvaccinated in the ICU saying “I should work tirelessly to dispute. have....” If I’m among the 2% of the vaccinated laying next to After backlash, Minaj went on to say she’s “sure” she will you in the ICU, at least when I Facetime my family goodbye, get vaccinated to perform on tour, so she’s not the best face I can tell them I did everything I could to protect myself. For of the anti-vaccination movement. But her words opened that reason, I’ll continue promoting the vaccine....

ANTI-VAXXERS DYING

September 16, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN News Target Hunger offers mobile food pantry

By Laura Onyeneho

A new mobile food pantry aimed at tackling food insecurity will open in the northeast and east Houston area this fall.

Target Hunger, one of Houston’s largest non-profit organizations that provides direct food assistance to food insecure children, families and seniors will be introducing its 32-foot, climate-controlled grocery store on wheels. The non-profit is expanding its service capacity to deliver food closer to where clients reside.

MOBILE PANTRY Families will be able to go home PRE-REGISTRATION with about 40 pounds of fresh foods REQUIRED and non-perishable food items Pre-registered clients thanks to a $426,000 grant from the are assigned to the Qatar Harvey Fund. Target Hunger pantry option (mobile will use the funds to expand their or brick mortar) that is closest to operations beyond its five brick and where they live. mortar pantries.

“With the pandemic, we want Get registered: to make sure that the safety of the • Sign up online communities come first. We are • Visit the Need going to have a mix of three choices Food page of boxed foods in the interim, • Call a Client Service said Target Hunger CEO Sandra Coordinator at Wicoff. “It will be scheduled twice 281-726-1663 a month to serve clients at low-inTarget Hunger come apartment complexes and is planning food other locations in the community distribution locations to accommodate those who have for the fall. barriers to transportation and childcare access. Long term, our intention is to have a full client choice shopping experience.”

The mobile food pantry is free to families who qualify. Eligibility requirements are according to the government guideline provided by the Texas Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Families will fill out a household intake form verifying information which includes zip code and income. Wicoff says Target Hunger doesn’t turn away those who don’t have the information requested.

Laura Onyeneho covers the city’s education system as it relates to Black children for the Defender Network as a Report For America Corps member.

Email her at laura@defendernetwork.com

Quinn Smoot at West Houston Assistance Ministries, which runs a food pantry. Food banks have been a huge help to clients like Smoot during the pandemic, but several sources of food and money from federal and state governments are ending soon.

-May-Ying Lam for the Texas Tribune

Study: 1 in 8 Texas households struggles to get food Defender News Service

One in eight Texas households struggles with food insecurity, a new federal study suggests. But the survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture also found food insecurity didn’t drastically increase between 2018 and 2020, when the pandemic started.

Still, it showed the state has struggled persistently with hunger more than the national average.

Families struggling to put food on the table • Nationally - 10.5% • Texas - 13% Texas was one of nine states during that survey period that saw higher-than-average rates of food

insecurity, that is, households struggling to find food. Texas was one of seven that saw increases in very low food insecurity, which means households occasionally went without food, according to the USDA. Nationally, food insecurity dropped overall between 2018 and 2020. The report found the national rate of food insecurity in 2019 reached its lowest rate since before the Great Recession in 2007; 15 states saw significant dips in food insecurity in that timeframe, as well.

The spike largely leveled off in 2020, she said, due, in part, to rent relief, eviction bans and expanded food-access programs funded by federal relief.

Residents can get $1,500 in COVID-19 relief funds Defender News Service

Harris County residents can now apply for $1,500 in direct relief for emergency expenses due to the financial stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. The County’s recovery assistance program is a $30 million fund approved by Harris County Commissioners Court earlier this summer. It provides a one-time $1,500 payment to households within Harris County that can demonstrate “economic hardship incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Requirements

Lina Hidalgo speaks about COVID funds.

Houston Public Media

• At least one adult in the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or other qualified noncitizen.

• Applications are limited to individual “family units.”

• One member of the household enrolled in a public assistance program, or with total household income at or below 60% of the U.S. Area Median Family Income.

Uses Health care Child care Rent Mortgage Utilities Food Internet Transportation Other emergency expenses

Applications are selected at random and reviewed

by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, which also processes the payments for applications approved by Dec. 30. This is the second round of $30 million funding offered by Harris County. Applications for people who applied in the first round and weren’t chosen are still available for consideration.

The program runs through Sept. 19 at 10:59pmCST. Apply at www.harriscountyrelief.org.

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DN News

George Floyd

HISD renames Yates Field after George Floyd Defender News Service Medical staff move a COVID-19 patient who died onto a gurney to hand off to a funeral home van.

CDC: Unvaccinated 11 times more likely to die of COVID Associated Press

New U.S. studies show the COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective against hospitalizations and death even as the extra-contagious delta variant swept the country.

One study tracked over 600,000 COVID19 cases in 13 states from April through mid-July. As delta surged in early summer, those who were unvaccinated were 4.5 times more likely than the fully vaccinated to get infected, over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Vaccination works,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC’s director said. “The bottom line is this: We have the scientific tools we need to turn the corner on this pandemic.”

But as earlier data has shown, protection against coronavirus infection is slipping some: It was 91% in the spring but 78% in June and July, the study found.

So-called “breakthrough” cases in the fully vaccinated accounted for 14% of hospitalizations and 16% of deaths in June and July, about twice the percentage as earlier in the year.

An increase in those percentages isn’t

90% People in U.S. hospitals with COVID-19 are unvaccinated *CDC

HARRIS COUNTY VACCINATED

62% One dose

52%

Fully vaccinated *State and county health departments, CDC

surprising: No one ever said the vaccines were perfect and health experts have warned that as more Americans get vaccinated, they naturally will account for a greater fraction of the cases.

CDC released two other studies that signaled hints of waning protection for older adults. One examined COVID-19 hospitalizations in nine states over the summer and found protection for those 75 and older was 76% compared to 89% for all other adults.

And in five Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, protection against COVID-19 hospitalizations was 95% among 18- to 64-year-olds compared to 80% among those 65 and older.

It isn’t clear if the changes seen over time are because immunity is waning in people first vaccinated many months ago, that the vaccine isn’t quite as strong against delta -- or that much of the country abandoned masks and other precautions just as delta started spreading.

But U.S. health authorities will consider this latest real-world data as they decide if at least some Americans need a booster, and how soon after their last dose. Next week, advisers to the Food and Drug Administration will publicly debate Pfizer’s application to offer a third shot.

HISD’s Board of Education unanimously approved renaming Jack Yates Field to George Perry Floyd Jr. Athletic Community Field.

In June 2021, the renaming committee members— which included students, p a r e nt s , Ja c k Yat e s alumni, and community members—voted to suggest the name George Floyd in honor of his life.

Floyd is an alum of Jack Yates High School where he played football and grew up in Cuney Homes in the Third Ward.

Earlier this year, in tribute to Floyd, a Black Lives Matter mural was painted in crimson and gold on Alabama Street in front of Yates High School. At the end of the mural is a red football jersey with a yellow 88, the number Floyd wore, along with the dates of his birth and death.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 46 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

Aswad Walker Laura Onyeneho Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

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

September 16, 2021 |

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They are a legacy. It’s the place you become, where you’re uplifted by past generations. It’s your family’s history and newfound family’s future. It’s your HBCU. That’s why Xfinity recognizes the legacy, community, and importance of HBCUs. And now that gatherings are a little different, it’s time to reconnect to the culture. Just say, “HBCU,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU. Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires Xfinity TV with X1 and compatible TV box or Xfinity Flex and Xfinity Internet. ©2021 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.

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HBCUs are more than an education

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DN In FOCUS SOCIAL Focus

The

Kings of Houston Professional coaches Baker, Culley and Silas are the Black trifecta in local sports.

T Stephen Silas

David Culley

Dusty Baker Jr.

READ MORE OF THEIR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS.

exans coach David Culley has yet to meet Astros manager Dusty Baker face-to-face, but thanks to a mutual friend they were able to have a phone conversation.

Culley admits he is a fan because of Baker’s legendary status as a pioneering sports figure. At the end of their conversation, Baker gave Culley his number and told him to call anytime.

“I actually called him one time, not to see if he would answer it but because I actually needed to talk to him, because a lot of times when they give you those numbers you say, `Do they really want you to call? Are they really going to answer?’” a smiling Culley admitted in an exclusive interview with The Defender. “I called it and he answered and I knew he would.

He is a wonderful human being and he has seen it all as a player and a coach.”

Culley and Baker have quite a bit in common these days, along with Rockets head coach Stephen Silas. The three are in the unusual position of being three African American men heading up the three major professional sports franchises in the same city at the same time.

It’s hard for an African American to land one of these coveted roles. It’s a rare trifecta to have three in the same city at once.

“It’s an honor to actually be in a major market, the fourth largest market in this country, and have three African Americans running their football, basketball and baseball teams,” said Culley, who led the Texans to an impressive season-opening win over Jacksonville in his head coaching debut Sunday.

“And it makes me feel good.

“They know I want them to be successful and I know they want me to be successful, and you kind help each other along the way because we go through things a little differently. We are looked at a little differently whether you want to realize it or not. But I understand what I’m in, I understand why I’m here. I’m here to win football games. That’s the bottom line, regardless of the situation.”

All three men have taken different paths in getting here, but they all have arrived at a time when the three franchises are undergoing much change and upheaval.

Baker, of course, became the oldest manager in baseball when he took over the Astros at 70 last year on the heels of a sign-stealing scandal that rocked the club. The Astros needed a man of Baker’s respect and stature in the game to restore respectability.

Baker was able to the Astros back to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last season and this year has them atop the AL West in the final month of the regular season. Baker, of course, is in the final year of his two-year contract with the Astros and despite the success, he has had there is uncertainty about whether or not he will be brought back next season.

Silas was hired prior to the start of last season at the age of 47 to take over a rebuilding that still had two cornerstone All-Stars in James Harden and Russell Westbrook as building blocks. But shortly after the first-time head coach was hired, both Westbrook and Harden made it known they no longer wanted to play for the Rockets and both were eventually traded, resulting in a dismal 2020-21 season.

Culley was tabbed by new general manager Nick Caserio this offseason as a 65-year-old, first-time head coach to take over a franchise that had been allowed to be run into the ground under the Bill O’Brien regime, and left with little talent and draft assets as a result. To make matters worse, Culley inherited a franchise that is at odds with its most bankable asset in quarterback Deshaun Watson, who remains on the team but has made it clear he no longer wants to be here. For their part, the franchise relegated Watson to third-team quarterback while presumably seeking a suitable trade partner.

“This is why this is one of the most diverse places in the country,” said pioneering African-American journalist and the long-time voice on KCOH Ralph Cooper. “Now you see it on the athletic field when you see these types of things happen. It’s not a perfect situation for any of them, but it’s their opportunity.”

While Baker has managed to keep the Astros on the winning track, it’s more than likely Silas and Culley will have a much more difficult time finding immediate success.

“If the situation was right and everything was good, I wouldn’t be here,” Culley said. “I’m here for a reason. I’m here because things weren’t right. So we’ve got to get it right.”

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DN Business

THE SHARKEY SISTERS

Owners of The Original Hot Dog Factory Houston

By ASWAD WALKER

It doesn’t get any more hometown than Juanita and Bridgette Sharkey. These sisters are Houston-born and raised, HISD graduates (Pershing Middle School and Lamar High School) and Texas Southern University alumnae. They are so Houston their parents met and married at TSU. So, it makes sense that when they decided to open a business, they’d do so right here in H-Town. The business? The Original Hot Dog Factory Houston. The grand opening? Last year, Sept. 4, 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic. Yet, this dynamic sister duo has been dealing with out-the-door lines ever since, and are preparing for the one-year anniversary of their brick-and-mortar location (920 Studemont St., Suite 300, 77007).

The Defender caught up with the pair between lunch and dinner rushes, to find out more about these Space City sisters.

make their money, seeing how they started their business, asking questions and taking direction because, it’s not something that was inherited. We had a salary job with the state and bartended on the side, literally Thursdays through Sundays. And that was very hard, but we did that with a goal, “Hey, let’s save money to start a business that we really want to get into and not have to pull out a big loan to do it.” This took sacrifice.

We didn’t buy new clothes. We didn’t get our hair done.

JUANITA: We packed our lunches. We ate leftovers.

BRIDGETTE: And you really had to humble yourself because, we live in a society where everybody wants to appear rich. Especially on social media, you never see the struggle. You see the bottom and the top. There’s no in-between.

DEFENDER: Who caught the entrepreneur bug first?

JUANITA SHARKEY: We started at a

really young age. Our dad always drove entrepreneurship into us. So, it’s not like who started first or if it was a race or anything. It was just always drilled into us from a very young age.

DEFENDER: Why the restaurant business, and why hot dogs?

JUANITA: I had some franchise experi-

ence. I own several Colbert Ball Tax franchises before we dived into the hot dog business. At some point, Bridgette and I wanted to invest in something together.

And we stumbled upon the Hot Dog Factory. We started doing our research back in 2018 and realized there was a market for hot dogs that we didn’t know was there. People that have moved to Texas were looking for a good Chicago dog, a good, authentic Detroit Coney reminding them of home. So, we reached out to the Original Hot Dog Factory and went through their application process and did our homework. And we jumped in.

We were originally scheduled to open in early 2020, but COVID happened. So, we took that time to do more research and some remodeling of our location. Then we stepped out on faith and opened September of 2020.

DEFENDER: What was the thought behind opening in the midst of the

DEFENDER: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

JUANITA: Have a plan. Be your biggest

Juanita and Bridgette Sharkey

Learn more about this dynamic sister duo and their favorite menu items at DefenderNetwork.com

pandemic?

JUANITA: Faith. COVID wasn’t part of

our plan. Granted. But we couldn’t allow COVID to instill fear in us because we kept coming up with a date, and that date kept getting pushed back. So, I had a talk with God. It was like, “Okay, I gave you this dream. Now it’s time for you to trust

me.” And the date came to me and we went with it, and we’ve been rocking and rolling ever since.

DEFENDER: Speak on the journey to entrepreneurship.

BRIDGETTE: Growing up, talking to

people, networking, seeing how they

cheerleader. Don’t be disappointed when friends don’t support you.

BRIDGETTE: And trust the process because every business is not going to come out the door (instantly successful).

I think people have this idea like, “This is a fantastic idea. I have an Instagram following. Everyone is going to support me.” And then you open your doors and the grand opening is okay. And then after that you have the challenge of being consistent, like keeping people excited about your business.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Dr. Gathe Jr. explains why a COVID booster shot is needed

By Aswad Walker

To say Dr. Joseph Gathe Jr., a Houston-based, nationally revered physician and healthcare leader, is committed to spreading expert, credible information on the COVID19 pandemic, is an understatement.

The Defender interviewed Gathe asking him about various aspects of the pandemic. His responses are being shared in a series of articles, with Dr. Joseph insights that push Gathe Jr. back against COVID misinformation with COVID facts.

This is the second article in the Gathe series focuses on the controversial COVID booster: do we need one or not?

CDC MESSAGING

The information being given out by the CDC, et cetera, has not been as clear as it needs to be. I can listen to it and see it’s not clear sometimes even to me. So, I understand the frustration of our community. The communication is not where it needs to be, which is why I try to decipher what they’re trying to say and bring it down to a level and say, “Okay, here’s what the real thing that has happened at this point in time.” And here’s what the real is. The real is that the antibody reaction that you get from the shots over time begins to go down. And we don’t know exactly how quick it goes down because the vaccine is new. But as I’m monitoring people, we can now draw antibody levels. And I

can say maybe 20% of the people that come by the office and get checked, don’t have enough antibodies in their system to be able to fight off the Delta variant, which means two things. One, wear your mask because we don’t know where you fit with that for the time being. Two, it means that that 20% of people need to probably get a booster.

NO BOOSTER SIDE EFFECTS

What they’re trying to figure out is how to effectively get the booster out there without necessarily getting a blood test in everybody.

Because trying to get a blood test and get a booster and everything else, is going to be hard. So, what they’re saying is many people after six-to-eight months, antibodies go down, so we want to potentially boost them before that happens. And there’s no side effects to getting a booster if you don’t need it. But there’s a side effect if you don’t get the booster and need it. So, they’re rolling that out right now.

WHO SHOULD DEFINITELY GET THE BOOSTER?

They’re saying people that are immunocompromised. I don’t even know what that means. I can make the argument that it’s picking us off more than anyone else. All Black people are immunocompromised because it looks like that’s what’s up in the hospital right now. So, I’m encouraging people right now based on the information, if it’s been over eight months, to get a booster shot, maybe no matter what. And if you’ve gotten the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it does not appear to be as effective as the MRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna).

Dr. Gathe will discuss the fourth COVID surge, his response to Dan Patrick’s scapegoating COVID comments and more.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED METRO FISCAL YEAR 2022 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGETS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is holding a public hearing to receive public comments on its proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022). The public hearing will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 in the METRO Board Room on the Second Floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, Texas 77002.

The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person. You may also join the hearing on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84985325440 or by dialing: 346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 849 8532 5440. Participation on Zoom is only necessary if you want to provide comments during the public hearing. Otherwise, you may view a livestream of the hearing online at https://www.RideMETRO.org/Pages/BoardStreamingVideo. aspx. A video recording of the hearing will also be archived on RideMETRO.org.

A copy of METRO’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets is currently available for review by the public on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building, located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

PROCESS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS It is recommended that anyone wanting to make public comments register as a public speaker with METRO’s Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to boardoffice@RideMETRO.org, and providing their name, address, and telephone number. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time for you to make your comments.

Alternatively, you may provide public comments after the pre-registered speakers by raising your hand when called upon if you are present in the Board Room, by selecting the “Raise Hand” feature on the Zoom platform online, or by pressing *9 if joining by telephone. Those calling in will automatically be placed on mute. After an unregistered speaker’s name or number is recognized, their microphone will be unmuted and they will be able to provide their comments.

The public may also provide comments by email to Budget.Book@RideMETRO.org or by calling METRO’s Customer Care Center at 713-635-4000 in advance of the public hearing.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE, ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Knowing your HIV status puts you in charge of your health.

LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER African Americans are one of the groups most affected by HIV. But there are more options than ever before to stay healthy. The first step is to know your HIV status by getting an HIV test.

CDC recommends that everyone 13-64 get tested for HIV at least once. Some groups at higher risk for getting HIV, including people with more than one sex partner, should be tested at least once a year. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from even more frequent testing, every 3 to 6 months.

The sooner you know your status, the faster you can take action. If you do not have HIV, you can choose prevention strategies that work for you. If you test positive, you can get on treatment. HIV treatment not only allows you to live a long, healthy life, but it also helps prevent transmitting HIV to others.

HIV testing is fast, free, confidential, and can even be done with a self-test kit. Find out more about HIV testing options near you by visiting cdc.gov/StopHIVTogether/ Testing or calling 1-800-232-4636.

FOR OUR FAMILIES, FOR OURSELVES. WHEN WE ALL GET TESTED, WE CAN STOP HIV TOGETHER.

cdc.gov/StopHIVTogether/Testing

Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan. METRO’s public hearings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for language assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4834 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

RideMETRO.org • 713.635.4000

10 | September 16, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed 21-of-33 passes for 291 yards and two interceptions in the win over Jacksonville in his debut with the Texans.

PRAIRIE VIEW PANTHERS

Texans veteran defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III had one of three interceptions on Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the season opener.

Jawon Pass gets passing nod

By Terrance Harris

Columbus, Ga. product came to Prairie View Jawon Pass wouldn’t say his college football after spending four years at Louisville, where he career has worked out exactly as planned when he made 11 starts in 18 games during his career. first stepped on the football field at Louisville as a After making nine starts in 2018, Pass and his freshman. big passing arm entered the 2019 season as the He experienced some highs after ascending to the Cardinals starter until turf toe surgery premastarting quarterback spot with the Cardinals, then turely ended his season after just two games. came injury and ultimately the decision to move By the time Pass was able to come back on from the ACC school. That decision last year his starting spot had to exit Louisville with a degree in Sports been taken over by Malik Administration in hand has landed Pass at Cunningham, which Prairie View as a graduate transfer. is often the case in “It’s been a lot of ups, it’s been a lot of college football. The downs, but I feel like overall I’m thankful writing was clear for my whole journey and I’m still going,” that if Pass wanted Pass said to The Defender recently. “So, I to continue playam just thankful to even have the opporing it would have Jawon tunity to still be going.” to be elsewhere, The opportunity to keep going has Pass although that wasn’t come on The Hill, where Pass by far was Ht: 6-4 an easy decision to come head coach Eric Dooley’s best-kept secret Wt: 228 to early on. until the Sept. 5 Labor Day Classic against Year: 5th-year “By the time I made my Senior (graduTexas Southern. Pass literally came out of ate student) decision it was a no-brainer,” said Pass, nowhere to pass for 354 yards and three Hometown: who passed for a total of 2,528 yards and touchdowns while completing 25 of 37 Columbus, Ga. 14 touchdowns at Louisville. “I actually passes in the Panthers 40-17 season-open- The road rode it out a little bit and stayed at Louing route of their rival Texas Southern. isville as long as I possibly could. here: Began “It was a good experience, my first his career By the time it was time for me to game in the SWAC,” said Pass, who won at Louisville leave it wasn’t a hard decision.” the conference’s Newcomer of the Week before transAnd here he has landed, excited recognition after the season-opening win. ferring to PV about the opportunity with Prairie as a graduate “Most of all, I had fun. I think we all had student.

View and what could be ahead this fun as a team. I’m glad we won the game.” The numbers: season. After an impressive win Until the opener, Pass had been some- 43 of 73 comin the opener, the Panthers and thing of a closely guarded secret. Dooley pleted passes Pass suffered a 40-9 setback to had been comfortable letting those outside for 542 yards, Incarnate Word on Saturday in of the PV program believe the competition four touchwhich Pass completed just 18 at quarterback was between sophomore downs and of 36 passes for 188 yards while Trazon Connely and T.J. Starks after the four intercepthrowing three interceptions two had alternated at quarterback during tions and a and being sacked once.

128.4 passing the spring football season. The coach efficiency He and the Panthers will have refused to allow any of his quarterbacks to rating. an opportunity to rebound Saturbe interviewed prior to the season opener. day when they host Houston BapApparently, Dooley saw Pass’s name on tist in the first game of the season at the NCAA Transfer Portal, reached out and the two Panther Stadium. had a conversation. It wasn’t long before Pass was on “It’s been smooth so far,” said Pass, who campus and enrolled as a Physical Education grad- ranks third in the SWAC in passing through the uate student in June. There was just no official word first two games. “Obviously, it’s a difof a transfer student-athlete in the quarterback mix. ference coming from Louisville “I knew he was here,” said a smiling Dooley. to an HBCU, but it has been “Quarterback is sacred to me, and I try to protect smooth. So far I love everymy young guys. They understand that.” thing about Prairie View on But Pass is actually quite experienced. The and off the field.”

Sports Briefs Asking price high for Watson According to reports from Fox Sports, the Texans had an offer on the table for three first-round picks for unhappy and troubled quarterback Deshaun Watson prior to the NFL Draft Deshaun in April. It has Watson been reported that Texans general manager Nick Caserio was asking interested teams this summer for up to six players or draft picks or a combination of the two in a trade for Watson. Short of that, Caserio is content to pay Watson his $10.5 million salary this season to do nothing.

UH headed to Big 12 University of Houston has accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 along with BYU, University of Cincinnati and University of Central Florida.

The Power 5 conference made the decision to add new schools after the recent decisions by University of Texas and Oklahoma to leave the league to join the SEC. TSU women’s golf team wins tournament Texas Southern University women’s golf team finished first in their season opener during the inaugural Clearview Althea Gibson / Renee Powell Invitational in Canton, Ohio. Following her 4-over 76 in the first round, freshman Kennedi Lee secured the individual win Gary for the Lady Grandison Tigers with her 156 total. Junior Ashlie Hobbs was one stroke back in second place and sophomore Lyla Vaughn finished third respectively.

September 16, 2021 |

| 11

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports WESTFIELD DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

A.J. HOLMES LEADS THE WAY

By Jodie B. Jiles

Westfield has developed a reputation for producing high-caliber defensive lineman over the past years with the likes of Buffalo Bills tackle Ed Oliver and North Carolina State tackle Nick Booker-Brown as alums.

Now it is third-year lettermen senior A.J. Holmes’ turn to make a name for himself in his 2021-22 high school season finale before taking his talents to the University of Virginia.

Holmes is a 6’2” 285 lbs. disruptive, high-motor playmaker and natural born leader. This was evident in Westfield’s recent 27-21 upset victory over No. 4 ranked Galena Park North Shore at Planet Ford Stadium. Despite Holmes only finishing the game with just a few sacks, his fingerprints were seen throughout the game when it came to tackles for loss, quarterback pressures, and most importantly team morale throughout a back-and-forth playoff atmosphere showdown.

When Spring Westfield head coach Matt Meekins was asked about his senior leader, Meekins stated, “He leads by example, number one, and since his sophomore year he has had a lot of good role models in front of him to learn from and he has taken it to another level for us as far as work ethic.”

“He is a great verbal leader, but in football you can’t just be a verbal leader because no one will listen to you until you lead by example. And that is a testament to him.”

The Defender spoke with Holmes after the victory over North Shore to discuss his playing style, leadership, the ABOUT North Shore upset and what that “W” does for Westfield A.J. HOLMES football moving forward this season.

PLAYING STYLE

Holmes: “Very disruptive. I can do anything on the D-line. I can play as a defensive end and play on the inside. I can do anything.”

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Holmes: “First and foremost I want to thank my coaches, my parents and God. And I say thank God because he blessed me with experience learning from the older guys that helped make me who I am.”

NORTH SHORE UPSET

Holmes: “The keys to success were discipline, sticking together as one and not getting down on each other or backing down when somebody messed up. We kept going and fighting until the end. We knew it was going to be a heavyweight battle, so we just kept fighting.”

Instagram: @waakemup10 Twitter: @AnthonyJr10_ GPA: 3.357 Players He Studies: Ed Oliver, Aaron Donald and Nick BookerBrown Favorite Food: Rotail Dip Other Offers: University of Colorado, Duke University and University of Houston World Problem He Would Solve: Police Brutality Shoutouts: “My parents, coaches, little league coaches and everybody that supports me.”

MOVING FORWARD

Holmes: “This game boosted us, but at the same time we need to have the same mentality ‘Kill everybody.’

We don’t need to become too cocky, because in the past years I think we may have gotten too cocky too early and I won’t let these guys.”

Photo by Jimmie Aggison

12 | September 16, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

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BY SHELDON GAINES, M.D.

Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives. Because prostate cancer has no early symptoms in some cases, it’s important men get tested.

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If cancer is detected, it’s important you

FROM THE DOC “Talk to your doctor about your prostrate. It could save your life.”

Dr. Gaines is a Family Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold. For an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

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