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GOP THREAT... TEXAS REPUBLICANS PLAN TO STEAL A BLACK CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

NEWS

CURTIS ‘50 CENT’ JACKSON The rapper launches Houston G-Unity Entrepreneurship program at Black high schools. Volume 90, issue 48 September 30, 2021

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HEALTH

GIA WASHINGTON

Texas Children’s Hospital doctor oﬀers tips for parents to emotionally support kids during COVID. instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

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DN On POINT

FIT & FINE Haley Poinsette Age: 28

In this ﬁle photo, Texas state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa looks at maps on display prior to a Senate Redistricting committee hearing. Credit: AP/Eric Gay

Occupation: General Manager & Owner of UFITT Fitness

Message from the Managing Editor

Education: University of Houston-Main Campus Major: Kinesiology Motto: “Be Unique!”

Dang, it feels good to be a gansta started yet. That has to be what the Texas GOP sings to themselves every single day because these dudes Are we still listening to are gangsta with a Capital G. What do you do R. Kelly’s music, or nah? when your candidate doesn’t win the presidency? It didn’t take a jury long to find R. Kelly guilty on You start dismantling the system from the bottom all nine counts in Brooklyn federal court—including up to make sure you’re in a position to ensure the racketeering and sex trafficking in violation of the next president will be a Republican. Mann Act. R. Kelly’s sentence is still pending and is ReShonda Tate Texas has that game on lock. Despite people scheduled to be delivered on May 4, 2022, but the Billingsley of color making up 95 percent of the state’s racketeering charge alone could hold up to a 20-year growth over the last decade, Republicans sentence. “I love people, are moving to diminish their voting power. They re“Kelly ‘believed the music, the fame and the celebrity I love helping drew the map to benefit their incumbents and disad- meant he could do whatever he wanted,’” Assistant U.S. Atpeople!” vantage the Asian, Black and Hispanic Texans who torney Nadia Shihata said in federal court. “He’s not a gehave outpaced white Texans over the last decade. And nius, he’s a criminal. A predator.” they’re so bold with it, they’re trying to get rid of our two Shihata added that Kelly’s accusers “aren’t groupies or gold Black Congressional districts altogether. diggers. They’re human beings.” Dems, time is out for that high road. I will forever love our This is the first trial following the advent of Me Too, and the former FLOTUS, Michelle Obama who insisted that we go high first of this scale in which Black women, as well as several Black when they go low, but sometimes in order to win the game, you men—most of them underaged during their alleged interachave to play dirty if the other side is wallowing in mud. It would tions with Kelly—have been centered as alleged victims. be wonderful if we could continue to take the high road on evDespite decades of allegations and over 40 witnesses for the erything. But as I’ve said before....Dems playing a nice little game prosecution in this trial, R. Kelly was reportedly “shocked” by of checkers. The GOP is playing chess. It’s time to get gangsta. the verdict. He still faces trials in Illinois and Minnesota.

@UniquelyFitt Read More on Friday about Haley at the Defender.com If you are Fit & Fine email: Clyde@defendernetwork.com

Kareem shoots straight Can we take a moment to give a major shoutout to basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabaar? The NBA legend says the league should insist that all players and staff are vaccinated or remove them from the team. “There is no room for players who are willing to risk the health and lives of their teammates, the staff and the fans simply because they are unable to grasp the seriousness of the situation or do the necessary research. What I find especially disingenuous about the vaccine deniers is their arrogance at disbelieving immunology and other medical experts. Yet, if their child was sick or they themselves needed emergency medical treatment, how quickly would they do exactly what those same experts told them to do?” Kareem told Rolling Stone. Where’s the lie? Emergency rooms across the country are overflowing with unvaccinated people, many of whom start begging for the vaccine on their death bed. President Joe Biden also claimed that unvaccinated Americans are hindering economic growth, costing our country jobs, and putting an unnecessary strain on our healthcare system. What’s sad about this is NBA stars like Kyrie Irving and Orlando Magic’s Jonathan Isaac are feeding into the COVID misinformation campaign and not only buying the inaccuracy, but spreading it as well. This is going to be interesting. And the season hasn’t even

Nigerian Parade Houston has an amazing and thriving Nigerian community. The city of Houston is gearing up for the fifth annual Nigerian Cultural Parade and Festival taking place in downtown Houston on Saturday, Oct. 2nd to commemorate 61 years of Nigerian independence. Houston is home to one of the largest Nigerian population in the United States and the diverse culture, language, cuisine, fashion, arts, entertainment, and history of Nigeria will be on full display. Read all about it at DefenderNetwork.com IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER  Definitely check out Associate Editor Aswad Walker’s in focus report on Houston’s growing Afro-Latinx population.  Defender intern, Payton Wilson profiles an upcoming local artist concert.  In sports, Terrance Harris talks about the Rockets’ focus on the next season. ON THE WEB  Tackling the rising suicide rate in America.  Afro-Latinx Houstonians talk about what their heritage means to them.  Mayor, others remember advocate of civil, women’s rights Sissy Farenthold.

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DN News Chase Bank invests $1 mil in Unity Bank Defender News Service

Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green

GOP plan would combine Green, Jackson Lee districts Defender News Service

Texas’ new congressional map would pit two Democratic congressional reps —Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee — against each other in next year’s elections. The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature released the draft maps as part of the decennial redistricting process that dictates political power in the states and Congress for the next decade. Green and Jackson Lee represent the 9th and 18th congressional districts, respectively, in the Houston area. While the proposed map would preserve district lines for most incumbents, it would create an overlap between Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s(R) 2nd

Congressional District and Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia. Texas acquired two new Congressional seats after the 2020 census data was published, bringing its total to 38 seats and 40 electoral votes in the electoral college. The current congressional delegation for Texas is composed of 23 Republicans and 13 Democrats, and the new map proposal largely focuses on maintaining incumbencies rather than attempting to ﬂip Democrat-held seats. Considering eligible voters, the current congressional map has 22 districts with white majorities, eight with Hispanic majorities, and one with a Black majority. Five districts have no clear majority. If approved, the

new map would increase the white majority districts to 23, decrease the Hispanic majority districts to seven, and eliminate a Black-majority district. Districts with no majority would increase to eight under the new plan. Although Texas’ population growth has overwhelmingly been spurred by new Asian, Black and Hispanic residents, the proposal reduces the number of districts where people of color are the majority. The redistricting proposal shrinks the number of congressional districts won by President Joe Biden from 14 to 13 while increasing the number of districts won by former President Donald Trump from 22 to 25.

JPMorgan Chase is making a multi-million-dollar investment in Unity National Bank to strengthen the independent, Black-owned bank. The capital infusion will help Unity increase its support of small businesses and its mortgage lending. In addition to receiving an immediate capital investment, Unity will now offer JPMorgan’s money market funds to institutional investors through the firm’s Empower share class – which has surpassed $5 billion in assets under management. “This investment is a transformative event for Unity and is indicative of JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to strengthen our bank and our community. I truly believe that JPMorgan Chase’s mentorship, guidance, and partnership will assist us in moving community banking into the 21st century and enable Unity to enhance and support economic development in underserved communities,” said Dr. Kase L. Lawal, Chairman, Unity National Bank. Founded in Houston 58 years ago, Unity is the only African American owned banking institution based in Texas. For half a century, Unity has provided ﬁnancial services to Houston’s underserved communities. “Working together, Unity Bank and JPMorgan Chase will create more opportunity for Houston’s underserved community,” added Kisha Porch, Regional Director for Chase branches in Houston, San Antonio and El Paso. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated racial inequalities in Houston and across the nation, putting an even greater strain on local families. Our collaboration with Unity will have a meaningful impact to create a more equitable future.”

50 Cent launches after-school business program in HISD Defender News Service

Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson launched a new after-school program in Houston ISD. He partnered with the city school district and the Horizon United Group for the G-Unity Business Lab. The new Houstonian joined Mayor Sylvester Turner and HISD Superintendent Millard House II to induct 75 students from Wheatley, Worthing, and Kashmere high schools. “This is an exciting partnership for the students of HISD,” says Superintendent House. “Curtis Jackson moved to Houston

and immediately invested in our children, becoming a stakeholder in their future.” The inductees will follow an MBA-level curriculum taught by volunteer business coaches and mentors. They’ll learn skills for a successful entrepreneurship and will eventually present their business to 50 Cent and others for potential seed investments. “I want you to take the information that they give you and keep it,” Jackson tells students at the induction ceremony. “Listen to them, because this program’s about what you want it to be about. It’s about you

being an entrepreneur. Take the things that stick out to you as really important things and make that a part of how you do business moving forward.” The Business Lab is the latest project under the rapper’s G-Unity Foundation, which focuses on academic programs for low-income areas. The foundation invested $300,000 into the pilot program, and HISD matched them for a total of $600,000. “When you grow up under circumstances that I grew up under, it starts to feel like the biggest restraint is a ﬁnancial

Rapper 50 Cent with students from HISD.

restraint,” Jackson says. “I just want to be able to help provide programs that allow you the information to do it the right way.”

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DN News

Senators fail to reach deal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act stalls in legislature

Houston Public Media

Talks to enact the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act have been halted after a bipartisan Senate negotiations team announced it failed to reach a deal. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) called off the talks. No further discussions are in the works. “Unfortunately, even with this law enforcement support and further compromises we offered, there was still too wide a gulf with our negotiating partners, and we faced significant obstacles to securing a bipartisan deal,” Sen. Booker stated. “The effort from the very beginning was to get police reform that would raise professional standards, police reform that would create a lot more transparency, and then police reform that would create accountability, and we’re not able to come to agreements on those three big areas,” the senator remarked. Lawmakers had worked toward a measure following the police murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Optimism about a deal peaked in April when a jury convicted former

Demonstrators march as the murder trial against the former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd.

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of Floyd’s murder. Introduced by California Democratic Congresswoman Karen Bass, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act addressed a

range of policies and issues surrounding police practices and accountability. The bill sought to lower the criminal intent standard to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution.

In addition, the measure would limit qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against an officer, and it would grant administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice in pattern-or-practice investigations. Notably, the measure establishes a framework to prevent and cure racial profiling by law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels. It restricts the use of no-knock warrants, chokeholds and carotid holds. “On behalf of the families of George Floyd and so many others who have been impacted by police violence, we express our extreme disappointment in Senate leaders’ inability to reach a reasonable solution for federal police reform,” Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump wrote in a statement. “People – including many police leaders – have raised their voices for something to change, and partisan politics once again prevents common-sense reform. We cannot let this be a tragic, lost opportunity to regain trust between citizens and police.”

Officials blast Texas Governor Abbott’s election audit Texas Tribune

Texas officials from three of the four counties whose 2020 elections are being audited by the secretary of state’s office say the development is an unnecessary partisan move aimed at sowing doubt in the results. Harris, Dallas and Tarrant County officials maintain that their 2020 election results were accurate, echoing a state election official’s assertion earlier this year that the election was “smooth and secure.” Collin County officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “The conspiracy theorists who want to come up with all these ways or reasons why this election wasn’t right — they might very well find something else [to doubt],” said Republican Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. “It’s time to move on.” Whitley and officials in Harris also said they have not been told what the audits entail or what prompted them. They said they learned about them from a press release sent by a spokesperson in the secretary of state’s office. Harris County elections administrator Isabel Longoria said the county has already confirmed the results of the elections several times. “If people want to hear it again and again and again and again, that nothing’s wrong — great,” she said. “But at what point are you going to be willing to hear the truth, that nothing was wrong with the November 2020 elections?” GOP Gov. Greg Abbott defended the audit in a TV interview, downplaying the uproar over it. But he provided no details on how they will be conducted. “Why do we audit everything in this world, but people raise their hands in concern when we audit elections, which is fundamental to our democracy?” Abbott said, speaking on “Fox News Sunday.”

Former President Donald Trump carried Texas by six percentage points last year. Abbott acknowledged the audit will not change the fact that Trump won the state. Trump’s request came even though he won the state’s vote. Since his reelection loss last year, Trump has pushed baseless claims of voting fraud, including at a rally with supporters that preceded the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Menefee said the timing of the audits’ announcement just after Trump pressured the governor shows the audit is being done in “bad faith.” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, blasted Texas leadership for ordering the audit and said she would do “everything in her power” to stop it, though she and other Harris officials expressed confidence in the results. “Every time we engage in a conversation about these false allegations, we’re lending credence to the lie,” she said. “Through all the court challenges the former president filed, through the legislation that passed unnecessarily under the guise of supposed fraud in this past legislative session

— there’s always something new because this is entirely politically motivated.” She called on lawmakers to oppose the audit, which she said is purely an attempt to appeal to Trump supporters. “It’s clear that this is part of a broader trend where state leaders around the nation are trying to compete on who can best curry favor from President Trump, in order to control the extreme flank of their party,” she said.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 48 - SEPTEMBER 30, 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 2021 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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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.

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HBCUs are more than an education

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DN InFocus

Larger than you

WHAT COUNTRIES ARE REPRESENTED IN HOUSTON According to Guzmán, most Afro-Latinx in the US hail from the Caribbean, particularly The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico. “Currently, there are nearly three million people in the U.S. who self-identify as Afro-Latinx, and some suspect the numbers are much higher particularly in places such as Afro-Brazilians in the Ironbound section of Newark, NJ, Afro-Mexicans in California WORDS THAT and North Carolina, AfroDESCRIBE Puerto Ricans in Kissimmee and Dr. Will HOUSTON’S AFROOrlando, Florida, and Afro-DominGuzmán icans in Washington Heights, Boston LATINX COMMUNITY “The first words I thought of when and Orlando.” I arrived in Houston were “Where is it?” Guzmán, Edwards and Mendez conbecause I couldn’t see it,” said Raúl Orlando curred that Honduras, Columbia, VenezuEdwards, a native of Panama and founder ela and Panama are the countries of origin of the non-profit Foundation for Latin for most of Houston’s Afro-Latinx residents. American Arts (F-LAMARTS), a foundation that hosts an annual music festival and CONNECTION TO THE events throughout the year. Edwards is also COMMUNITY the founder/owner of Strictly Street Salsa, However, even with the many counHouston’s first salsa studio. tries represented, not all Afro-Latinx feel Dr. Will Guzmán, a professor of history welcomed. at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Liliana Castrillon, a longtime community mentioned “diverse, proud and growing” to activist and Afro-Columbian, says though describe Houston’s Afro-Latinx community. she proudly identifies as Afro-Latina, neither However, poet/author and the Afro-Latinx community nor the larger educator Jasminne Mensociety see her as such. dez, a Dominican Ameri“In my case, I don’t fit the profile to be can, had a different take. seen as Afro-Latina,” said Castrillon. “I “Unfortunately, would have to look different. I would ignored and overlooked have to be darker.” are the first words that “Colorism and white supremacy are come to mind,” said very real and very present in our Afro-LatRaúl Orlando Mendez. inx communities.” Edwards “For so long, when it Castrillon also believes other came to things like Hisreasons why some Afro-Latinx panic (or Latinx) Hermembers remain disconnected is itage Month or even because they’re so spread out and Black History Month, so many, because of much of our experiences the negativity and stories we’re just not associated a part of the with being conversaBlack, refuse tion.” to identify as Afro-Latinx.” ispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), like Black History Month, doesn’t do justice to the history of an entire people. And one group feels this slight from two different directions—members of the Afro-Latinx (pronounced Latin-x) community, individuals whose race is Black and whose ethnicity is Latinx. The Defender spoke to four local Afro-Latinx members to get their perspective on their group’s Houston reality.

HOUSTON’S AFRO -LATINX COMMUNITY:

know

Too often, Afro-Latinx are stereotyped as criminal, exotic or racially ambiguous. Yet, the reality is much more complex.”

By ASWAD WALKER

DR. WILL GUZMÁN

AFRO -LATINX IN HOLLYWOOD Amara La Negra

Zoe Saldana Rosario Dawson

Rosie Perez

Laz Alonzo

Yaya DeCosta Cardi B

WHERE & HOW CAN PRESENCE While Guzmán appreciates the arts and BE FELT THE MOST food aspect of the Afro-Latinx experience That said, Edwards says the local being celebrated, he wants people to realize Afro-Latinx cultural presence can be felt there’s so much more. in many ways, including through foods “Afro-Latinx are in the fields of educaintroduced to Houston and several festi- tion, government, business and medicine— vals highlighting various Latin American areas that people overlook when thinking and Caribbean countries including Cuba, of the Afro-Latinx community. Too often, Puerto Rico and Columbia. Afro-Latinx are stereotyped as criminal, He also sees organizations like his Strictly exotic or racially ambiguous. Yet, the reality Street Salsa and F-LAMARTS as being is much more complex,” he said. powerful ambassadors for the Afro-Latinx community. Edwards says the inspiration BIGGEST ISSUES IMPACTING for F-LAMARTS came when he was a K-12 THE COMMUNITY teacher and was asked to create a Hispanic Everyone interviewed mentioned racism Heritage Month program that celebrated and white supremacy as big issues, both all things Mexico. experiencing it in America and more “And I said, ‘Can we do somespecifically, within the global and thing else? It’s not Mexican Herlocal Afro-Latinx communities. itage Month. There are over 15 “Talk about racism, Mexico is other countries in Latin Amervery good at it,” shared Edwards. ica. Why do we only have to “They’ve had an Afro Mexican showcase Mexico?’” population for years that they Edwards said the experience didn’t even recognize until just Jasminne revealed how bad Houstonians recently. And they’re over five milMendez needed education and exposure to lion of them. If you live in South Afro-Latinx reality. America, it’s the same thing, even in my “The fact that I speak fluent Spanish is country (Panama).” usually a shock. People say, ‘Oh, you speak Mendez concurred with Edwards, but Spanish?’ I’m like, “Yes, this is my first added issues that impact all Black people language. And there’s millions of us Blacks in America, whether Latinx or not. throughout Latin America.” “Interactions with authority like police, For the poet/author/educator Mendez, ICE, immigration officers or border patrol the Afro-Latinx presence can be seen and are problematic because we have the added felt throughout her work on the job and at layer of our blackness. We can get treated home. even worse at times.” “I’m very intentional in my writing, espeMendez and Castrillon again mentioned cially, to indicate that my characters, if I’m colorism as a huge issue within the Afro-Latwriting fiction, are Afro-Latinx. Because inx world. growing up, I didn’t have any representation “You are too dark for some communities of myself and my stories and experience in and too light for others. You’re profiled by any of the books I read,” said Mendez whose every single community, the light-skinned debut picture book Josefina’s Habichuelas community, Latino community, the white (Arte Público Press) coming out in Octo- community and even the Black community,” ber spotlights an Afro-Latinx little girl and said Castrillon. “For an Afro-Latinx, it’s very her family. hard to find a job if you’re very dark. So, “I worked together with the artist to make you’re profiled by white supremacists via sure like this little girl specifically is dark- racism and your own people via colorism. skinned and her family shows a myriad of I don’t think the community in general or complexions. I don’t want this sort of white- the African-American community realize washed version of our reality. We come in how hard it is for an Afro-Latinx to fit into all shades.” a society where you are not really seen or treated with respect and dignity.” Guzmán sees a myriad of issues, including lack of economic access, cultural and Find out visions for the future for and most surprising facts about Houston’s Afro-Latinx language barriers, and institutional racism. community at DefenderNetwork.com. “Unfortunately, mainstream groups would rather acknowledge the presence of Afro-Latinx groups through what some “And as a mom, I’m intentional about scholars deem as ‘foods, fashion and festiwhat I expose my daughter to, in the books vals,’ which of course is fine. However, these that she reads and the media that she sees, superficial acts must be accompanied with in the stories that I tell her.” power-sharing and substantive, equitable roles in corporations, banking and finance, and the public sector. Short of this, then so-called Hispanic Heritage Month will become shallow and another example to perpetuate the culture of our oppressors: Europeans (the Portuguese, Spaniards, and the French).”

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DN Health Children & COVID-19

Doctor oﬀers Parents emotional health tips for kids By Laura Onyeneho

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a rude awakening to the lives many families, their children and schools that educate them. A little over a year ago, families had to quickly adjust during the pandemic lockdown, school and child care closures, home conﬁnement, social distancing and virtual learning. The disruption of a predictable daily routine structure and sense of security Dr. Gia has exacerbated existing Washington, mental health conditions Pediatric Psychologist among young people. at Texas While these major Children’s pivots were necessary and Hospital. essential public health Baylor College strategies for curbing of Medicine the spread of COVID19, these measures had negative impacts on the psychological, mental and emotional well-being of children. According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, data shows one-third of Americans are

showing signs of clinical anxiety or clinical depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, school districts have opened their campuses for in-person learning, as the Texas Education Agency pushed districts in that direction, citing data showing that it leads to better learning outcomes compared to remote learning. While the transition back to school might be enticing for many students, the concerns around pandemic learning loss goes beyond academic achievement. How can families be more proactive in providing emotional support for their children during this time? What strategizes and tools do they need to help their children after school hours? The Defender spoke with Dr. Gia Washington, Pediatric psychologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, to answer some of these questions. Defender: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health of young children? Dr. Gia Washington: We are all coping

with the stress of COVID-19 and how much it’s changed our lives. For example, think about a young child, maybe someone who’s two or three or even four years old, and how they’re used to interacting with the world and learning how to

behave in certain situations through participat- emotional and mental health. And I think paring in typical weekly errands and tasks with their ents can probably shoulder a lot of responsibility family--going to the grocery store, church and now in terms of teaching their children how to different activities. Because of social distancing, talk about their emotions. we have not been doing that for the past year and • Maximize Sleep/Reduce on screen time: a half. To a certain degree, a lot of our kids are I think some of the basic things that we maybe missing sort of that social exposure and integra- sometimes gloss over or negate their importance tion that we would have expected if the pandemic or impact, sleeping and going to bed at a good wasn’t occurring. Also, at the other end of the time; trying to do what we can to promote rest; spectrum, there were older adolescents, or even and removing electronic items from bedroom or young adults, those who spent their first year of not checking them when we go to sleep or the college on screen. They were looking forward to first thing in the morning. Maybe you want to those late adolescent markers like prom, gradu- start your day in terms of being informed, but not ation and going off with the emotional to college. So, putburden of all the Other ways parents can ting into practice things that we’re support their children’s all the things they facing globally. emotional health. learned from their Start the day with parents about being positive intentions, independent and autonomous, some of those limiting some of the electronic exposure and things are being challenged, as well. screen time. Spend time with family and friends. Defender: What advice do you have • Provide age-appropriate information about for parents to support and protect chil- COVID-19: Build a relationship with your child’s dren’s emotional well-being during the teachers. Learn how to build that bridge between pandemic? home and school. Remind them [children] about Dr. Washington: As a psychologist, I often expectations around safe behavior and what’s CENT-1110_FallGasSafety_NewspaperAd_479x65_mechC.pdf 1 9/3/21 2:02 PM as far as self-care practices. think of parents as the first line of defense for fair to themselves

September is

SUICIDE

SAFETY

PREVENTION MONTH

IN ALL SEASONS

How Houstonians are helping in the ﬁght against the rising suicide rates. C

CLASSIFIED

“PowerSchool Group, LLC is bidding on project RFP 21-06-05 College and Career Readiness Materials and Services for the Houston Independent School District. We are looking for subcontractors who can provide the following services: implementation project management, product training. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Jen Armstrong, Manager of Proposal Development, at jen.armstrong@powerschool.com no later than October 15, 2021.”

Natural gas has the distinct odor of rotten eggs. If you smell it, you should:

Capstone, a leading children’s book publisher, is bidding on the following RFP for Houston ISD: RFP 21-06-02 Instructional Curriculum Materials, Supplies and Digital Resources. Our company is looking for possible M/WBE subcontractors. We are currently looking for potential subcontractors to provide the following products and services: Graphic designers, Children’s book illustrators, Children’s book authors and Printing Services. If you are interested in providing the above listed products and services, please contact Capstone’s Bid and Contract Department at bids@capstonepub.com by 12pm CST, Monday, October 11, 2021.

When the temperatures drop and the heaters come on, it’s especially important to know the signs of a gas leak. Here’s a quick refresh from your energy partner, CenterPoint Energy.

CMY

Leave immediately on foot! Do not use anything that could cause a spark like electric switches, a cell phone, or your car.

Go to a safe location where you can no longer smell gas and call CenterPoint Energy and 911. Never assume someone else has already reported the leak.

Never try to repair a gas leak yourself. Leave all repairs to a trained technician.

Always call 8-1-1 before any digging project, even if you're just planting trees or installing fences.

Engineering Services RFQ Houston First Corporation requests Statements of Qualification from experienced engineering firms able to provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering services for small to mid-sized capital projects at its facilities on an as-needed basis. Please visit https://www.houstonfirst.com/do-business for full details.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

Stepping up when it matters most Last year, we committed $1.25 billion over five years to build on our long-standing work in support of driving racial equality and economic opportunity. To date, we’ve directly funded or invested nearly $400 million of this commitment, in addition to other ways we continue to make an impact in our communities. Our actions include: •

$36 million to 21 Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks that support minority-owned businesses. This is in addition to our approximately $100 million in deposits to MDIs and our existing $1.8 billion CDFI portfolio.

•

$300 million to 100 equity funds to provide capital to diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners

•

$10 million grant to fund the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE), in partnership with Spelman and Morehouse colleges

•

$25 million to 21 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) and community colleges in support of job skilling and placement

•

Establishing new partnerships and coalitions focused on building skills and creating job opportunities for people of color

•

$60 million to increase access to capital and career opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) affordable housing developers

•

33 million+ masks, more than 272,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 8 million gloves to communities in need

•

$1.35 million in grants to support mental health initiatives for young people of color

•

$25 million founding partnership in the Smithsonian’s new initiative on race, Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past

These are just some examples of how we’re working with community partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to continue to drive progress. At Bank of America, we call this a nice start.

Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston

What would you like the power to do?® Go to bankofamerica.com/houston to learn more.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

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DN Sports Prairie View quarterback Jawon Pass got the Panthers oﬀ to a fast start with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Donovan White en route to a 24-10 win over Grambling State during the State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Texas Southern freshman middle blocker Chenise Cook had eight kills and four blocks during the Tigers 3-0 women’s volleyball win over SWAC opponent Alcorn State.

Sports Briefs Texans more open to Watson trade

According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Texans stance on Deshaun Watson has started softening, meaning the asking price to trade him isn’t as ridiculous as the six high draft picks they were demanding initially Deshaun for a quarterback Watson whose immediate future is uncertain. Miami seems to be the popular destination for Watson right now because Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa is injured and seems to have an issue staying healthy. Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (0) and Josh Christopher (9) pose for a photographer during an NBA basketball media day Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, in Houston. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

ROCKETS FOCUSED ON HAVING FUN IN RE-LAUNCH SEASON By Terrance Harris

When Rockets’ general manager Rafeal Stone and head coach Stephen Silas – both entering their second year in the capacities -- talk about this year’s team the word that keeps coming up is fun. That may have to do with a looser approach in this rebuilding phase of the Rockets or it could just be part of the culture in this youth movement that is being led by the four 19-year-old draft additions on the roster this season. “One of the themes for this year is that this group should really enjoy each other and have fun,” Stone said during the ﬁrst media session to open the start of training camp this week. “I totally intend to have fun.” Does that mean to expect a lot of wins this season? Probably not. But there shouldn’t be a dull moment as we watch 19-yearold No.2 overall pick Jalen Green develop along with his peers Alperen Sengun, Josh Christopher and Usman Garuba. The front oﬃce is attempting to fuse these four with a mixed group that includes budding superstar Christian Wood, talented second-year combo guard Kevin Porter, Jr., KJ Martin, Jae’Sean Tate for a super talented young core to go along with veterans such as Eric Gordon, David Nwaba, D.J. Augstin and Danuel House, Jr. Gone is the pressure to win now with last season’s departures of superstars James

Harden and Russell Westbrook. Now, the process of rebuilding can begin in earnest. Recently, the entire team took the annual trip to the Bahamas to begin the bonding process that will be so important as the team gets set to embark on the 2021-22 season. House believes the old and young players will all blend together just ﬁne. “Of course we have the 19-year-olds, the younger guys but they do a good job and we don’t talk about age,” House said. “We don’t really care too much about age. It’s a job that we all have to come here and make sure get things done, good, bad or ugly.” Here are some things to watch for as we enter into this season of the re-launched Rockets. How good can Jalen Green be?

Green, who comes to the Rockets after a stint with the G League Ignite, makes no qualms about it. He wants to be a superstar in the NBA. The talented shooting guard was openly disappointed he wasn’t taken No.1 overall in July’s NBA Draft so his sights are now on winning Rookie of the Year. What will be interesting to see is how hard Green will work to achieve his goals. The plan seems to be to position Green as the front man. But with Green’s thin frame, it may be a while before he is the player the Rockets want him to be or before he is the player Green thinks he will be.

What will the Rockets do with John Wall?

It’s no secret that both sides have come to an agreement that it’s in the best interest of both parties to seek a trade for the veteran point guard. The problem is Wall still has two years and $91.7 million due on the contract the Rockets inherited in last season’s trade with Washington for Russell Westbrook. Few teams are in a position to absorb such a contract for an aging player who just came oﬀ a serious knee injury. A buyout doesn’t seem to be a realistic option at this point, so the plan is for Wall to just sit and help the young core of players grow. What will the Rockets backcourt look like?

Sure, the Rockets could put forth a respectable backcourt with Eric Gordon at shooting guard and Wall at the point. But with the organization’s eyes toward the future, the plan is to build around the youthful backcourt of Kevin Porter, Jr. and Green. The two had a connection even before the Rockets drafted Green in July. Now the question is how will they mesh together? Green is an exciting player who should be able to score the ball in multiple ways. Porter, a second-year player, is moving into a fulltime ball-handling role for the ﬁrst time in his NBA career. Porter believes he is a natural facilitator but may ﬁnd out it’s one thing to create for others as a shooting guard or small forward and it’s another as the primary point guard.

Richards makes WNBA All-Rookie squad

New York Liberty guard DiDi Richards, a former standout at Baylor and Cy Ranch, has been named to the Associated Press’ DiDi WNBA All-Rookie Richards Team. After a slow start, Richards really came on during the second half of the season following the Olympic Break.

Gurriel contending for AL batting title

Astros ﬁrst baseman Yuli Gurriel is in contention for the American League batting title in the ﬁnal week of the regular season. He ended the weekend batting .315, which is just behind the .317 Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was Yuli Gurriel hitting at the same juncture. “I would like to [win it],” Gurriel said to MLB. com. “It’s really a big deal to win a batting title, especially here in the big leagues. It’s a really big deal.”

TSU’s SWAC honorees

Texas Southern placekicker Richard Garcia III and freshmen quarterback Andrew Body were named SWAC Specialist and Newcomer of the Week, respectively, this week. Andrew Body

September 30, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports KATY DEFENSIVE END

MALICK SYLLA

GOT NEXT By Jodie B. Jiles

At 6’6” 235 lbs., Katy senior edge-rushing defensive end Malick Sylla, a Texas A&M commit, has all the raw tools needed to potentially become a household name at the next levels of competition. His quickness off the snap has steadily improved and his frame has progressively developed from basketball to football with some hard gridiron work. On the field, Sylla has shown off his high motor and deceptive agility despite suffering a lower body injury at the end of his junior year. Look out for this edge-rusher with roots from

ABOUT MALICK SYLLA

Instagram: @mal1ck__ Players He Studies: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) and Leon O’Neal (Texas A&M) Favorite Artists: NBA Youngboy Shoutouts: “My team, my coaches, my family and everybody.”

For Game and Crowd Photos of Katy vs. Seven Lakes Visit IG: @Defenderhighschoolsports

Senegal to make some big plays in the backfield for the Aggies sooner than later. I project mid to late first or second round with the right people. When Katy defensive line coach A.J. Blum was asked what Sylla brought to the defensive line, Blum responded, “Unbelievable athleticism, great length, and his arms do what they are supposed to which creates trouble for other teams. When he plays with low pad level, using his closing speed, length and great motor, he is special.” The Defender spoke with Sylla to discuss his style of play, edge rushing abilities, Texas A&M commitment, championship run this year and more.

FOOTBALL START

PASS RUSHING

STYLE OF PLAY

TEXAS A&M COMMITMENT

Sylla: “I’ve been playing since I was four-years-old. I have been playing since I was a little boy.”

Sylla: “I have been trying to become more of an aggressive end and put more power into my game because I have speed.”

SEVEN LAKES VICTORY Sylla: “I give it to my teammates because they give me opportunities when they sacriﬁce themselves so that I can make a play.”

KEYS TO SUCCESS

-Photos by Jimmie Aggison

Sylla: “Working hard and just believing in my coaches.”

KATY RUNNING BACK SETH DAVIS CAN GO THE DISTANCE By: Jodie B. Jiles

Don’t let the 5’7” 170 lbs. on a rainy day frame confuse you. Katy junior running back Seth Davis will rack up over 250 yards on your defense like Drake’s “O to 100” song. Real quick. The Defender spoke with the young phenom after Katy’s 45-3 victory over Seven Lakes to discuss his running style, keys to success and more. For Full Story Visit: www.defendernetwork.com

Sylla: “I use a lot of speed and I try to use my athleticism for my pass rushes.”

Sylla: “I just feel like coach Price has a rich history with my status.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS

Sylla: “Stick to what you believe and don’t let someone else distract you.”

BACK-TO-BACK STATE TITLE RUN

Sylla: “We just have to stick to it and play with the intensity I know we can. Obviously, we have yet to play our best game, but it is going to come soon.”

12 | September 30, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Entertainment

Concert highlights local talent By Payton Wilson

“Catching plays & callin’ plays” is the line that fills King “Franco” Ekejija’s Twitter bio, and it just may be the perfect way to describe him. Franco is the mastermind behind Houston’s newest festival that prides itself on being a collaborative event that focuses on connecting individuals who are invested in not just the music industry, but the culture that surrounds it. Franco, who proudly reps his Nigerian descent, came up with the idea with three of his closest friends, Jeff Dike, Brent Ugochukwu, and Dave Ayanbule, and while it was a collective idea, it was Franco who ensured the event was executed. “I reached out to my network, booked the venue, and tried to execute all of the creative ideas I had in my head. I just wanted a lot of different, unique things that people will remember,” said Franco. The four of them wanted the event to be the main card of a memorable weekend that consisted of a cocktail party, the festival, and a boat party to top it off. They named it “Jackboy” weekend and banked on their ever-expanding personal networks to drive the events forward, and boy, was it a good bet to make. Before walking into the festival, attendees were greeted with a plethora of vendors and pop-up shops ranging from streetwear brands to suave sunglasses to exotic soda. Bringing together different aspects of the culture was a large focus of the event and the energy stemming from that could be felt before you even entered the venue. Jeff Dike spoke a bit on that mission. “This is something we’re doing to expose people to different brands, different artists, different music, different clothes, different food, it’s more than just music. Franco just took the idea and ran with it,” he said. The first highlight of the night came from local R&B artist, Kayshon. As

Kayshon King Franco & the Jackboys (l to r) Franco and Jeﬀ.

soon as he walked on stage, he cut the music to make a quick announcement. All of the artists who performed prior to him were rap artists with upbeat, 808heavy, hard-hitting songs that moved the crowd. He wanted to let the audience know that he was an R&B singer at heart. As soon as he said so, it seemed as if every woman in the venue screamed to let him know that it was more than okay. His set was short, at only three songs, but each song he played was better than the last. He had an undeniable stage presence that not only captured the attention of the women in the building, it captivated everyone. When he left the stage, people wanted more. Kayshon may not be a household name yet but with the vocals he has and a stage presence that commands the attention of everyone in the room, he’s surely on his way.

This is something we’re doing to expose people to different brands, different artists, different music, different clothes, different food, it’s more than just music. Franco just took the idea and ran with it.”

Jeﬀ Dike

Artists Alan Warhol, afrobeat artist Chimzy and Joe Ca$h (who was the only non-Texan) brought energetic performances as well. Later in the show, the headliner, Startheonly1ne (who happens to be an artist Franco manages) ended things with a bang. His energy was infectious and the crowd knew every word to each one of his songs and was ecstatic after every track. At one point he even jumped off of a railing into the crowd. Startheonly1ne is a star and his performance showcased that perfectly. If catching plays and calling them was the goal, Franco surely executed that with ‘Franco + Friends’. Five years from now, he envisions the festival as one of Houston’s hottest events.