10.02.2025_Defender-e-FULL

Black mourning Generations reshape traditions

Volume 94, issue 50 October 2, 2025

NEWS

PROFILE

LINA L HIDALGO H

LA’TORRIA LEMON

What does the exit of the Wh County Judge mean Harris a fo orr Democrats?

The media maven steps from behind the camera to the front with a new reality show.

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DN To the POINT

Solange Knowles is doing her part to preserve Black culture, making rare books and other works of art available to the public free of charge. Credit: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

Message from the Managing Editor her supporters and staff. The comments have sparked widespread condemnation on social Solange Knowles has already proven hermedia, with many rallying to defend Crockself as an insanely talented and creative singer, ett. Crockett’s wit not only silenced her critic songwriter and actress. Now the Houston but came after a viral social media trend as native has added another title to her résumé: Black women everywhere started posting Librarian. Knowles is the founder and cretheir photos next to Loomer’s, pointing out ative director of the Saint Heron Digital that they were older than her 32 years. And Archive Library, a uniquely curated collection listen, the contrast? Whew. Straight, no filof out-of-print, rare and first-edition works ter, all melanin magic. One thing we already by writers and artists of color. knew was proven yet again: Black don’t crack.

ReShonda Tate While some conservatives work overtime As for Loomer? Let’s just say she might to ban books by Black and Brown writers, the “Cranes in the want to retire from the beauty commentary business. PermaSky” singer is preserving culture and making these works acces- nently. Because if this little episode showed us anything, it’s sible to the public. Readers in the United States can register that she is not built for side-by-sides. online to borrow one title at a time for up to 45 days. The Saint Heron covers the shipping both ways. The collection currently Some Amazon Prime members features more than 60 titles, including Octavia Butler’s “Clay’s could be due a payout Ark,” Pearl Cleage’s “Mad at Miles: A Blackwoman’s Guide to If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you may have money Truth,” and Gwendolyn Brooks’s “Children Coming Home.” coming your way. The Federal Trade Commission has reached And the best part? It’s completely free. Solange stays proving a $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon over allegations that the she’s a boss. company enrolled people in Prime without their full consent and then made it difficult for them to cancel.

Laura Loomer takes on Jasmine Crockett …

Out of the $2.5 billion settlement, $1.5 billion will go directly and gets dragged to Prime customers. Depending on your fees, you could receive U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, is never one to hold up to $51. To qualify, you must have signed up for Prime her tongue. So when conservative commentator Laura Loomer between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025. went on a racist, sexist tirade, Crockett didn’t waste time clapRefunds will be distributed in two ways: Automatically ping back. for those flagged by the FTC who rarely used Prime, and Speaking at a Congressional Black Caucus Week event, through claims forms for those who used it more frequently Crockett, 44, reminded the crowd that she’s actually 12 years or attempted to cancel. Either way, eligible customers could older than Loomer, who has been known to question the con- see refunds within months. Keep an eye out for an email from gresswoman’s looks and age. “And to be clear,” Crockett added Amazon. They’ll let you know if you’re eligible. Go get your with a gaze into the audience, “there is no Botox.” The crowd money. erupted in laughter.

Crockett’s remarks came after Loomer called her a “ghetto On the Web Black b—h” and a “racist hood rat” in response to Crockett’s • Gen Z ready to lead. Are we ready to follow? criticism of white Democrats who supported a resolution hon• The unseen costs of our beauty obsession. oring Charlie Kirk. Loomer also went on a racist tirade, calling • HS sports: Sims is breaking tackles and barriers as he powCrockett a “DEI Shaniqua” and made derogatory remarks about ers CE King to new heights.

Solange is stepping up for Black literature

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DN News 15 Bodies found Community demands answers over bayou bodies

Officials have confirmed there have been 15 bodies pulled from Houston bayous this year. Last year, there were 24 pulled from area bayous. Authorities are still working to identify all of the deceased. Here are the names authorities have released so far.

By ReShonda Tate

Jan. 11, 2025 Location: White Oak Bayou (Heights area, 2200 block Patterson St.), Houston Name: Douglas Sqearingen Manner of Death: Accident Primary Cause of Death: Drowning Contributory Cause(s): Acute methamphetamine toxicity

Serial killer rumors are still swirling across Houston, but city leaders are once again stressing there is no evidence to support those claims.

Councilmember Letitia Plummer echoed assurances recently made by Mayor John Whitmire, telling residents: “There is no proof that there is a serial killer involved in these killings.”

Plummer’s comments came just days after a sixth body was pulled from a Houston-area bayou, intensifying unease and fueling speculation online. While officials insist the cases are unrelated, community members say a lack of clear information is leaving their minds to wander.

“The day after telling the public that there was no cause for concern, you find another body. What comfort level are we left with?” asked Community Strategist Tomaro Bell. “So I am here to say, tell us more.”

Meeting at Good Hope Baptist Church Plummer organized a news conference and community meeting at Good Hope Baptist Church, just off Brays Bayou and only miles from where University of Houston student Jade “Sage” McKissic’s body was discovered earlier last month.

For many residents, the frustration stems from not knowing even the most basic facts. Bell called for what she described as “deliverables” – identifiers such as age, race and gender of the deceased, while families and the medical examiner await final reports.

“We don’t want assumptions,” Bell said.

“This community wants to know what is going on, what is being done.”

Leaders stress vigilance Even as leaders pushed back against serial killer claims, Plummer urged residents to take precautions when traveling near bayous.

“I can’t specifically answer what’s happening in those particular areas. We have 2,500 miles of this. It’s a lot of space,” she said. “So it’s really a point where a community has to be aware and they need to know what they need to do to protect themselves.

“Don’t ride your bike underneath the underpass. I’m a cyclist. I know there are areas people can hide. So you have to be diligent yourself and be responsible in terms of making good decisions when it comes to traveling on our bayou greenways.”

Plummer also called for people to watch out for one another.

“Always know where you are and who

March 31, 2025 Location: Brays Bayou in southeast Houston (6000 block Old Spanish Trail at S. Wayside Drive) Name: Juan Garcia Loredo Manner of Death: Pending Primary Cause of Death: Pending April 15, 2025 Location: Buffalo Bayou near Downtown Houston (bridge near I-69 & I-10 / Runnels St.) Name: Jesse Steel Manner of Death: Undetermined Primary Cause of Death: Multiple blunt force injuries

Letitia Plummer is joined by SHAPE Community Center leader DeLoyd Parker to discuss the rash of bodies found in Houston bayous. Credit: ReShonda Tate

you’re with. It’s really important to share your location with someone that you know cares about you,” she said. “Check in with people. If someone has not shown up for a couple of days or even 24 hours and you feel concerned, ask questions.

“Make sure we all protect each other.

We are community. Like my grandmother always said, the village raises us.”

Councilmember Carolyn EvansShabazz pushed back on suggestions that city leaders are downplaying the issue to protect Houston’s reputation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “In regards to the questions about the World Cup coming to Houston — we are not concerned about all of that,” EvansShabazz said. “Sure, that helps the economics of the city, but we want the city to be safe and we don’t want just a false picture put forth. We’re not trying to politicize anything. If there is an unsafe environment, then the people need to know where they’re going because we need them to be vigilant as well.”

What comes next?

Houston police and Mayor Whitmire did not attend the meeting, but sent a statement to Plummer that reiterated details shared in last week’s press conference. Investigators said causes of death are still pending from the medical examiner,

May 9, 2025 Location: Buffalo Bayou, 800 block of N. York (Second Ward, Houston) Name: Culcois Racius Manner of Death: Pending Primary Cause of Death: Pending June 9/10, 2025 Location: White Oak Bayou meets Buffalo Bayou (Downtown Houston) Name: Ernest Armstrong Manner of Death: Undetermined Primary Cause of Death: Undetermined September 15, 2025 Location: Brays Bayou, 4998 Medical Service Dr., Houston Name: Jade McKissic Manner of Death: Pending Primary Cause of Death: Pending September 15, 2025 Location: Hunting Bayou at 13400 East Freeway Name: Unidentified

Tomaro Bell (podium) was among the community leaders demanding answers at a recent press conference. Credit: ReShonda Tate

and stressed that each case remains under review.

Still, for many in the community, reassurances fall short. The bayous, once prized as natural landmarks, are now linked with fear.

“People are alarmed. People want answers. This has lit up social media around the country, around the world,” Bell said. “Tell us more.”

September 16, 2025 Location: White Oak Bayou, Houston Name: Unidentified (No name) Manner of Death: Pending Primary Cause of Death: Pending September 18, 2025 Location: Buffalo Bayou at 400 Jensen Drive, Houston Name: Unidentified September 20, 2025 Location: Buffalo Bayou at 900 N. York Street Name: Identified but not released to public September 26, 2025 Location: Intersection of Commerce and Milam streets, beneath a bridge by the University of Houston-Downtown Name: Unidentified woman

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DN News

Exit of Lina Hidalgo reshapes Harris County politics

By Tannistha Sinha

When Lina Hidalgo shocked Texas politics in 2018 by unseating long-time Republican County Judge Ed Emmett, she was a political unknown. At 27, the Colombian-born immigrant ran on a progressive platform that resonated with voters eager for change. Her victory flipped the balance of power on the Harris County Commissioners Court and thrust her into the national spotlight as one of the youngest and most visible Democratic leaders in the state.

Seven years later, Hidalgo has announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, but added she would like to be elected to a political position in the future.

“I think that with everything I’ve been through, I have learned so much about how to be an elected official and make it sustainable,” she said.

Her decision leaves open one of the most powerful county seats in the country: The chief executive of Harris County, the most populous county in Texas and the third-most populous in the United States.

With her exit, both parties now face a reshaped political landscape.

A polarizing legacy Hidalgo’s tenure has been marked by ambition, controversy and high stakes policymaking. She championed criminal justice reform, expanded early childhood and social service programs and clashed with state and local Republicans over pandemic restrictions and voting access.

I think that with everything I’ve been through, I have learned so much about how to be an elected official and make it sustainable.”

LINA HIDALGO

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s seven-year tenure blended ambition, controversy and leadership during Houston’s toughest crises. Credit: Lina Hidalgo’s office

Supporters credit her with decisive leadership during COVID-19, the 2021 winter storm, and repeated flooding crises. Critics fault her for feuding with fellow Democrats, pushing costly social initiatives during budget shortfalls and taking extended leave for mental health struggles.

“Her being gone makes it easier for Democrats to retain the county judge position,” said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University. “Hidalgo is a very polarizing figure, with very high negatives among Republicans and Independents. She relies almost exclusively on Democratic voters for her favorable opinion ratings. Had she been the candidate in 2026, that would’ve improved the odds for Republicans.”

Without Hidalgo on the ballot, Republicans lose the ability to run against a well-defined and divisive figure.

“It is a steep hill because this is a midterm

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year with a Republican president in the White House whose approval ratings are falling,” Jones added. “It makes it even harder [for Republicans] because Hidalgo was a polarized enough figure that you could campaign against her.”

The Democratic field: Familiar names, high stakes With Hidalgo out, the Democratic primary is now the decisive contest. Harris County has trended blue in recent cycles, though often narrowly and analysts expect the 2026 midterms to favor Democrats given national headwinds.

Already, high-profile contenders are lining up. Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker is considered a strong potential candidate.

Parker, a moderate Democrat with broad name recognition, could consolidate support across Independents and even some

Republicans. Other names in circulation include outgoing City Council member Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez, a former Houston City Council member and treasurer for Harris County.

“Democrats have to find candidates who can speak to the voters’ issues,” said Brandon Rottinghaus, a Political Science professor at the University of Houston, on Democrats’ campaign strategy. “They need to invest in the infrastructure of the party and that means making sure they’ve got the right personnel in place to be able to execute their electoral goals and campaign tactics on the ground, filling precinct chairs and making sure they’ve got the ground game covered.”

For Republicans, Hidalgo’s departure eliminates a favorite target. Their messaging for years has centered on crime, fiscal management and portraying the judge as out of step with mainstream Harris County voters.

Without her, they must build a case against a new Democratic nominee.

“It will be more difficult for the Republicans if somebody like Annise Parker [former Mayor of Houston] gets the nomination because of her experience and because she’s proven to be a competent administrator,” said Dr. David Branham, a professor of Social Sciences at UHD. Harris County’s demographic trends favor Democrats, though not overwhelmingly. The white share of the electorate is slowly declining, Latino voters are rising and African American voters remain the most loyal bloc in Democratic primaries. But these shifts are incremental, not transformative. A successful candidate must capture at least two of these three groups to win, Jones said.

What’s next?

Candidate filing for the 2026 primaries opens in November and closes in December.

With no incumbent, the Democratic race is expected to be crowded and likely headed for a runoff.

“It’s a wide-open race now,” Murray said.

“It will be a very high-profile race and over very quickly because we vote the first week in March. And that to me is the decisive election.”

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Content Manager Terrance Harris

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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DN Education Teachers union takes HISD to court

By Tannistha Sinha

The fight over teacher pay in Houston has landed in court, with the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) suing the Houston Independent School District (HISD) for failing to distribute state-mandated raises.

At the heart of the dispute is whether or not Texas’ largest school district is ignoring the law in favor of Superintendent Mike Miles’ push toward a performance-based pay system.

“We have a pay disparity,” Jackie Anderson, HFT president, told the Defender. “Some teachers who teach the identical class load, class size and same subject are making different amounts of money. That is not how you effectively manage a district. Teachers should not have to perform at a certain level. When we are all in this together, we are about what’s best for children. This is not a dog and pony show like we are getting out of HISD right now.”

Teachers and parents rallied outside HISD headquarters in late August, denouncing the district’s approach as “wage theft.” They argued that HISD is the only district in Greater Houston withholding the raises.

State law vs. district policy During this year’s Texas Legislative Session, the Legislature passed House Bill 2, which guarantees raises of $2,500 for teachers with

The Houston Federation of Teachers is suing HISD over the distribution of state-mandated pay raises. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender

three to five years of experience and $5,000 for teachers with five or more years in large districts like HISD. Lawmakers described the measure as a retention tool during a statewide teacher shortage.

But HISD has opted to tie raises to evaluations under Miles’ new reforms. Compensation letters sent in August outlined merit-based adjustments ranging from $250 to $2,500, well short of the flat amounts written into state law. HISD officials argue the district qualifies as an “Enhanced Teacher

Incentive Allotment” (TIA) system, allowing them to deviate from the seniority-based formula. It could also bring in money for a school district under the TIA program for high-performing teachers.

However, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has not granted final approval for HISD’s application, which is expected to be granted in 2026.

The union argues HISD lacks the fully approved system required for that designation, making the plan unlawful. HISD

attorneys countered in court that the district is eligible while working toward approval and that no injunction is warranted since the funds have not yet arrived. About 1,800 HFT members qualify for the raises. Teachers voiced frustration, saying the promised pay is critical to their livelihoods.

Judge Cheryl Elliott Thornton will decide whether to pause HISD’s plan as the case heads toward trial in 2026.

Union pushback HFT insists HISD is breaking the law. The union filed suit in Harris County court seeking an injunction to freeze state funds until the case is resolved, warning that the money could be spent elsewhere otherwise.

“The law is the law. No one, not even the governor’s right-hand man in Houston ISD, is exempt from it,” Anderson said. “Mike Miles mismanaged Texas taxpayer dollars at his charter school network, and now he’s messing with teachers’ hard-earned salaries in Houston ISD…If Mike Miles won’t come to the table to pay Houston ISD teachers what they are owed by law, then we’ll see him in court.”

More on the Trial.

Houston schools: What the TEA rating scores say

By Tannistha Sinha

The Texas Education Agency’s 2025 A-F accountability ratings confirm that the Houston region is trending up, with bigcity systems showing real, but uneven, gains.

TEA framed the release as a long-awaited reset after two years of litigation-related delays that kept parents in the dark.

“This is about setting goals,” said TEA Commissioner of Education Mike Morath.

“It is about what we want to be true for our children. I want them to have their time tables memorized at [by] third grade. And when they graduate from high school, I want them to be able to go off and be as successful as possible.”

For Houston-area school districts, the ratings reflect their progress in the past year.

To end the TEA’s intervention in Houston ISD, the commissioner has set three main exit criteria: (1) HISD must have no multi-year academically unacceptable campuses under the state A-F accountability system (2) The school district must come into compliance with state and federal special-education requirements (3) The school board must demonstrate effective governance focused on student outcomes.

Accountability ratings are central to the criteria, as sustained acceptable ratings help

clear the path to exit. In practice, TEA has explicitly tied the timeline to these metrics, extending the takeover through at least June 2027 while monitoring ratings, including high-visibility campuses like Wheatley High School meeting “C or better” performance for consecutive years. The commissioner retains discretion to declare the exit once these targets are met and sustained.

By the numbers Houston ISD (HISD), the state’s largest district, earned a B (82) overall, a notch up from recent years and consistent with TEA’s dashboard view for 2024-25.

Katy ISD posted a score of 88 (B), a performance that district officials and local outlets have highlighted as among the strongest in Texas’ biggest districts. Klein ISD followed with 86 (B), Cypress-Fairbanks earned 85 (B); Fort Bend and Spring Branch each landed at 80 (B).

Several North and East Houston systems remain in the middle tier: Humble ISD at 77 (C), Alief at 75 (C) and Aldine at 73 (C).

While those letters suggest room to grow, the trajectories are noteworthy.

Aldine, long a bellwether for post-pandemic recovery among high-poverty districts, has been singled out as one of the state’s most improved districts over the past two years.

HISD’s surge HISD’s overall score masks a dramatic campus-level shift. Superintendent Mike Miles said 74% of HISD campuses are now A or B, up from 44% two years ago. The number of failing schools (F-rated) fell from 56 at the start of the intervention in 2023 to zero in 2025, placing 70,000 more students in A/B schools compared with two years prior.

Those claims align with Morath’s celebration of multiple HISD schools leaping from F to A, a rarity statewide. However, pockets of D-rated schools remain and require sustained attention.

“We had a huge achievement gap and our Black and Brown kids were behind their peers,” Miles said. “There was a gap with their peers in Texas. In other words, a Black student in HISD was doing worse in math and language arts than Black students in the state of Texas by far. Two years later, we’ve narrowed the achievement gap significantly.

We’re above our peers.”

What the letter grades actually measure Texas’ A-F design is built to weigh three things: Student Achievement (what students know and can do), school progress (how far students have come or how campuses have done compared to similar comparison groups) and closing the gaps (how well

The Texas Education Agency released long-delayed 2025 accountability ratings. Credit: Clyde Jiles/Houston Defender

historically underserved groups are supported or how different student groups are performing).

“These are the goals that our children should achieve,” Morath said. “We put those goals out and then we measure ourselves against those goals because we need to know, ‘Did we do our job for our kids?’ Our job is to make sure that we equip them to pursue the rigors of modern America.”

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DN InFocus

In

By Laura Onyeneho

Black communities, funerals have long been more than ceremonies. They are declarations of faith and communal strength.

The “homegoing” tradition rooted in the Black church has carried generations through mourning with music, prayer and praise. But today, grief is changing shape. Rising costs, shifting spiritual beliefs and digital innovation are pushing families to redefine how they honor loved ones.

Across the city, funeral homes, cultural centers and families are blending tradition with adaptation. What emerges is not an abandonment of heritage, but a reimagining of it.

Justin Mabrie, funeral director at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary, has witnessed the changes up close. His family opened the mortuary in 1997 and he has been working fulltime in the business for the past seven years.

“African American funerals are very inclusive; they want the entire family involved in the life celebration,” Mabrie said. “Whether that means waiting until everyone can come in town, having a color theme or putting together a tribute video, families are personalizing services in ways that reflect what was truly important to that loved one.”

He says that “celebrations of life” often replace strictly traditional homegoings, especially when families want services outside the church.

“If the person didn’t necessarily go to church, we don’t need to have the service at a church,” he said. “It might be more like a reception with beverages, live music and a moment for scripture and memories, really reflective of how that person lived their life.”

Cremation, once rare in Black communities, is increasingly common. Economics play a role, but Mabrie emphasized it’s not just about cost-cutting.

“Sometimes it’s practical, sometimes it’s financial, but cremation doesn’t mean you

The language of homegoings Homegoing: A funeral that marks returning “home” to God. Repast: Communal meal after a funeral.

Libation: Ritual pouring of liquid in honor of ancestors.

Ancestral veneration: Honoring the dead as spiritual guides.

Generations reshape traditions of

Black mourning

lose the beauty of a service,” he explained.

“You can still have flowers, speakers, a video montage, even a champagne toast. The only difference is you’re not going to the cemetery afterwards.”

He added that cremation allows families more time to decide how to honor remains — whether keeping an urn at home, dividing ashes among relatives or traveling to scatter them in meaningful places.

African traditions and ancestral continuity That flexibility speaks to a long history of adaptation in Black mourning in Dr. Suzanne E. Smith’s book, To Serve the Living: Funeral Directors and the African American Way of Death.

During the pre-Civil War era, enslaved Africans were often prohibited from holding funerals for their loved ones, for fear that gatherings might spark rebellion.

Denied the right to grieve openly, they created “hush harbors”, secret spaces where they fused African traditions with Christian practices, singing, praying and lifting the names of the dead in defiance of silence.

Those hidden rituals became the foundation of what we know today as the homegoing service, a ceremony rooted in African ancestry and the Black church. Even now, singing gospel hymns, wearing T-shirts honoring the deceased, gathering for the repast and offering final farewells at the casket trace back to that history of resilience.

Michael Jones, manager of Lockwood Funeral Home, sees today’s joy-filled services as continuing that legacy.

“It goes back to our African roots,” he said. “As a people, we’ve always celebrated life. Funerals bring family members together, whether from across town or across the country. Even with social media and livestreams, that gathering is still sacred.”

Na i l a h Ne l s o n , director of Shrine Cultural & Events Center, sees this lineage reflected in today’s celebrations. “It’s not just a death from this life, but an ascension into the ancestral realm,” she said. “The spirit Jones lives on. You can call out your loved one’s name and know they’re all around you.”

She says many services today incorporate rituals directly tied to African traditions, such as pouring libations, building altars or calling out ancestors’ Nelson names in unison. Families and guests often wear African attire or dress the deceased in traditional garments.

“It connects us to our lineage,” Nelson said.

“It’s powerful.”

Tradition meets innovation After emancipation, Black entrepreneurs established funeral homes as some of the first family-owned businesses in America. Because the funeral trade was segregated along racial

lines, Black-owned funeral homes became cultural institutions, places where African Americans could mourn freely, guided by directors who understood their customs. Funeral directors often became community leaders, offering counsel, spiritual care and continuity at a time when little else was secure.

Mabrie recognizes that role today.

“Some families want to spend, others are cautious. Some prefer tradition, others want more personalized services,” he said. “Our job is to create opportunities so every family can celebrate their loved one’s life in a way that feels right.”

Technology has also left its mark. Livestreaming exploded during the pandemic, when gatherings were limited. What once seemed novel is now standard.

“That one link gives access to people who can’t be there,” Mabrie said. “The recordings become part of family history.”

Generational differences play a role, too.

“Older relatives still want the hardcopy funeral program,” Mabrie said. “But younger people are fine scanning a QR code to view it digitally. There’s more comfort with personalization, websites, engravings and creative touches. It’s about reflecting the person’s actual life.”

Jones has also tracked dramatic changes in the way services are planned.

“When I first started, cremation was about 7% of services. Last year, it was 37%,” he said.

“But cremation doesn’t have to mean less celebration. Families can still have viewings, memorials, or life celebrations with music, food and tributes; the only difference is what happens afterward.”

When I first started, cremation was about 7% of services. Last year, it was 37%.”

MICHAEL JONES Manager, Lockwood funeral home

He notes that while cost drivess some choices, many families now pre-plan services with cremation in mind, not as a comp promise but as a way to leave clear instruction ns.

“It’s like giving your family a hug,” Jones said. “You take the pressure off them m in the moment of grief.”

Generational shifts also shape how ffamilies remember their loved ones.

“Elders still want the large printed funeral f program with photos. Younger p people love getting a digital version straiight to their phone,” he said. “It’s the same tribute, t just offered in ways that speak to diifferent generations.”

Learn about the shift in trends for Black homegoing ceremonies.

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DN News

NOTICE Virtual Public Meeting I-45 North N Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) US 59/I-69 at Spur 527 to I-45 at Beltway 8 Harris County, Texas The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) invites you to attend a virtual public meeting to discuss the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP). The Segments 3 Public Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. The virtual public meeting will include live question and answer sessions on a variety of project topics. You may access the public meeting by visiting this link: http://www.virtual.nhhippublicmeetings.com.

The I-45 NHHIP is designed to create additional roadway capacity to manage congestion, enhance safety, and improve mobility. The project spans I-45 from I-69 to Beltway 8 North, including I-69 improvements between Spur 527 and I-45 in Harris County, Texas. This encompasses the reconstruction of the downtown freeway system, including I-45, I-69, I-10 and SH 288. I-45 will be rerouted from the west side of downtown Houston to run parallel with I-69 and I-10 until it exits the downtown area and continues north.

President Donald Trump said he wanted to begin “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency after this hurricane season to “wean off of FEMA” and “bring it down to the state level.” Credit: Getty Images

City Leaders address hurricane readiness gaps

By Laura Onyeneho

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, Doris Brown didn’t get a warning.

No sirens. No city alerts. Just rising water and silence.

“I got flooded out for the first time and lost my home,” said Brown, who lived in the Houston Scenic Woods neighborhood. “And no one came. We’ve been on our own ever since.”

Brown is Co-Director of Community Research, Organizing and Development for West Street Recovery, a grassroots disaster response group serving historically neglected Black and Brown neighborhoods.

Her group now operates “hub houses,” local homes equipped with solar batteries, kayaks, CPR kits and food for emergencies.

“We’re the first responders,” she said.

“Because the official ones don’t come fast enough. If at all.”

Brown sends a blunt warning to her community as hurricane season ramps up.

“If it starts flooding, don’t wait. Get out.

Have your plan ready,” she said. “FEMA isn’t coming to rescue you, your neighbors are.”

A system under strain

Brown’s story is part of a larger story playing out across Texas. This year’s flash flooding in the Hill Country, the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in under an hour and killed over 90 people. The tragedy exposed both the unpredictability of modern storms and the slow response from higher levels of government.

“We do not have a working warning system for our neighborhoods,” Brown said. “If it rains hard, I’m a prisoner in my home. Our drainage system is so outdated, it doesn’t take a hurricane to trap people.”

Federal support systems have eroded. The Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) has lost 2,000 full-time staff since Donald Trump’s January presidency, a significant loss due to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Service cuts, raising concerns among emergency management scholars about capacity reduction and experienced staff “brain drain,” and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which issues severe weather warnings, has seen steep staffing cuts. These gaps have left cities like Houston scrambling to do more with less.

Brian Mason, director of the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management, says the city has learned from Harvey, Winter Storm Uri and other crises. But he’s realistic about what residents should expect.

“All responses or incidents start with the local government and end with the local government. They’re not going to be there in the first 12 to 36 to maybe 40 hours. They’re coming, but it just takes them a while to get spun up,” Mason said. “They pre-stage resources and they do things to be able to support, but we’re gonna do everything we possibly can to be prepared over prepared, over communicate to our residents on their preparedness and on our end too, for us to be as resilient and self-sufficient as we can for probably the first two to three days.”

The city has invested in high-water rescue assets, emergency shelters, training exercises and coordination systems that allow it to act quickly without waiting for outside help.

“We look at 911 and 311 call data in real time, use community intel and deploy resources to where the need is greatest,” Mason said. “We’re getting skilled reports from folks so we’re able to quickly identify this side of town was probably impacted worse than that side of town. So that’s how we usually tend to prioritize our initial response efforts.”

The public meeting will focus on the two NHHIP projects on which construction is occurring, Segment 3B-1 and Segment 3B-2, and the status of activities and requirements under the Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) between TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). A map depicting the full project limits, including each of the three segments, is available at (www.txdot.gov/nhhip).

Environmental studies and project updates are available online at the project webpage. Materials are also on file and available for review Monday through Friday by appointment between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the TxDOT Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77007. Please call 713-802-5199 to schedule an appointment.

If you do not have internet access, you may call 713-866-7040 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions. Those without internet access are encouraged to attend in-person meetings. Feedback may also be provided by mail or email as explained below.

The virtual public meeting will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation available. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English or Spanish is not your primary language or have difficulty communicating effectively in English or Spanish, one will be provided to you free of charge. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services, or if you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the public meeting, please contact Gabriel Adame, Public Engagement Coordinator, at 713-802-5199 or Gabriel.Adame@txdot.gov, no later than 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for the project team to arrange.

Written comments from the public may be submitted in any language by mail to TxDOT I-45 NHHIP Ombudsman, TxDOT Houston District, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386, or by email to nhhip.ombudsman@txdot.gov. All comments must be received or postmarked by Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.

Please call 713-802-5199 to request special accommodations or if you have a need for interpretation/translation.

French: Veuillez appeler le 713-802-5199 pour demander des aménagements spéciaux ou si vous avez besoin d'interprétation / de traduction.

Arabic: ‫ ب لاصتالا جىري‬5199 - 802 - 713 ‫ ي رسفت ىلإ ةجاحب تنك اذإ وأ ةصاخ تابيترت بلطل‬/ ‫ةمجرت‬.

Somali: Fadlan wac 713- 802-5199 si aad u codsato qodobo gaar ah ama haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad / turjumaan.

Swahili: Tafadhali piga simu kwa 713-802-5199 ili kuomba malazi maalum au ikiwa unahitaji ukalimani au utafsiri.

Kinyarwanda: Mwihanganye ku 713-802-5199 kugirango mwishyure ibisabishijwe byihutirwa cyangwa niba mufite ubutabera bwo guhumurizwa/guhindurwa ku rurimi.

Mandarin: Mandarin (traditional Chinese): 如出席和参与会 需要特殊照顧或需要口 譯/筆譯，請撥打 713- 802-5199 Mandarin (simplified Chinese): 如出席和参与会 需要特殊照 或需要口 /翻 ， 打 713-802-5199 Vietnamese: Xin hãy gọi 713-802-5199 nếu bạn cần sự hỗ trợ đặc biệt hoặc người phiên dịch.

Creole: Tanpri rele 713-802-5199 pou mande aranjman espesyal oubyen si ou bezwen entèprèt oubyen tradiktè.

October 2, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile AWARD-WINNING PUBLICIST

La’Torria Lemon Celebrates new OWN reality show

By Laura Onyeneho

La’Torria Lemon spent nearly two decades shaping stories behind the scenes, crafting image, message and momentum for some of the biggest names in entertainment.

But recently, the spotlight shifted. With the premiere of “Heart & Hustle: Houston” on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), she is in the spotlight.

She hosted an exclusive party to celebrate the new show’s premiere at Rain on Washington, a dining and event space in Houston, which she co-owns.

The transition to television might feel overdue for those who know her work. Lemon, a native Houstonian and graduate of Clark Atlanta University, has helped elevate countless brands and celebrities through her firm Lemon-Lime Light Media. From working on campaigns for Tyler Perry to organizing major events in Houston and Atlanta, her reputation as a connector and strategist is solid. Still, the move to reality TV was a surprise, even to her.

“I got this DM and I really thought it was spam,” she said. “But then they were serious.

Interested in building something around the real stories of women like me.”

That message kicked off a three-year journey that pushed Lemon far outside her comfort zone. It involved show pitching, developing its structure and ultimately becoming one of the six cast members.

Stepping in front of the camera wasn’t easy for someone used to pulling the strings from behind it. “I’m naturally private,” she said. “But I had to remind myself, this was the dream before the PR firm. I studied radio, TV and film in college. It’s like life came full circle.”

The result is a show that doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Viewers see Lemon running four

La’Torria Lemon has helped elevate countless brands and celebrities through her firm Lemon-Lime Light Media.

Credit: La’Torria Lemon via/Instagram

businesses, navigating grief after losing her father and maintaining a fierce loyalty to her city.

“I want people to see the heart behind the hustle. This is late nights, early mornings and figuring it out with faith and grit,” Lemon says.

The series is also a love letter to Houston.

In an industry that often bypasses the Bayou

Houston creatives, media professionals and entrepreneurs show up to support La’Torria on the debut of Heart & Hustle Houston at Rain on Washington. Credit: Laura Onyeneho

City, Lemon is making sure Houston’s talent and culture aren’t ignored.

“I brought what I learned in Atlanta back to Houston,” she said. “And I made it my mission to create opportunities, not just for me, but for everybody around me.”

Joshua Dada, a close friend of Lemon, sees this as a defining moment.

“She’s always been the one building up everyone else’s platform,” Dada said. “Now it’s her time. And honestly, the city needs this.”

These days, when reality TV often defaults to conflict for ratings, Heart & Hustle offers something more grounded in ambition, vulnerability and sisterhood. That’s what drew Lemon in. And that’s what makes her presence so compelling.

“She wouldn’t attach herself to something that didn’t align with her values,” said Dada.

“So I’m confident this show is going to uplift more than entertain.”

Local hip-hop icon Slim Thug echoed the pride many in the city feel.

“La’Torria helped us get our name out there, no doubt,” he said. “Seeing her on OWN, on that national stage, that’s real boss moves.”

I made it my mission to create opportunities, not just for me, but for everybody around me.”

LA’TORRIA LEMON

Another supporter, Food Influencer G-Mayniac, said, “Houston is a big city with even bigger stories. And La’Torria’s out here telling them in a way only she can.

It’s inspiring.”

That’s the ripple effect Lemon seems to be chasing. By putting her life and, by extension, her city, on screen, she’s hoping to spark something bigger.

“It’s not about being the face of anything,” she said. “It’s about showing people that whatever lane you’re in, you can lead with heart and still win.”

10 | October 2, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Houston Rockets’

Kevin Durant Wants respect put on his name

By Terrance Harris

Kevin Durant has seemingly accomplished it all during an NBA career that spans nearly two decades.

Multiple NBA titles. NBA MVP. Perennial NBA All-Star. NBA scoring titles. Recognition as one of the NBA’s top 75 players of all-time. Riches.

The natural question is what is left there for Durant? Of course, another NBA Championship would be great, but during his formal introduction as a member of the Rockets, Durant said he wants to continue building on the Durant family name.

“I’ve got a lot of family, I have hundreds of family members, so my last name is really important to me,” Durant said to the Defender. “I just want to continue to shine a bright light on my last name, lead by example, set a good example to people. Just put way more respect on my last name than previous people in my family have done. They’ve done a great job up until this point, but I’m ready to take it to the next level.

“I just want to continue to push my last name out here, to be honest, behind the game of basketball. People know me for hooping, so it’s a great platform to be on right now.”

While the 37-year-old Durant insisted that he isn’t as concerned about legacy, he did discuss his motivation during his first formal meeting with the press since the July trade during the Rockets Media Day. “I just enjoy that process of perfecting a craft. I enjoy competing against myself, being better than I was the day before,” said Durant, who says he is motivated to sign an extension with the Rockets but has not done so yet.

“As you get older, you dive into the details of everything in your life. When you become detail-oriented, you become nerdy. It’s kind of fun to be in that mode. That’s my peaceful place when I’m perfecting, trying to perfect my craft.”

In perfecting his craft, the Rockets hope

I’ve always had respect for this coaching staff, this fan base and this state, this city. So it feels right.”

KEVIN DURANT

KEVIN DURANT’S HIGHLIGHTS • 2× NBA champion (2017, 2018) • 2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018) • NBA Most Valuable Player (2014) • 15× NBA All-Star (2010–2019, 2021–2025) • 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019) • 6× All-NBA First Team (2010–2014, 2018) • 5× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024) • NBA Rookie of the Year (2008) • NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008) • 4× NBA scoring champion (2010–2012, 2014)

NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Kevin Durant speaks with the media during NBA Media Day at Toyota Center.

Credit: Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images

Durant can help them make a hopeful march back into the NBA elite.

In the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason, the Rockets executed a trade with the Phoenix Suns that brought Durant to Houston while sending rising star Jalen Green out to the desert. After a return to the Western Conference Playoffs ended much sooner than expected last season, the team decided this offseason to speed up its rebuild with the addition of the well-traveled Durant.

It seems like a risk for the Rockets, who may have mortgaged their future for an older star player who has left his last four stops in controversy. However, the risk is clearly worth the reward for Rockets coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone, who jumped at the opportunity to bring aboard one of the game’s most prolific and elite scorers of all time.

The decision was made to swap the veteran for the star in the making.

“We love Jalen and he is definitely still young and growing. My expectation is he will continue to. That was kind of a given,” Stone said to the Defender. “But what we looked at is that (there are) not many people in the history of the NBA who have the capacity to

do what Kevin has done consistently throughout his career.

“We just felt like that … It became an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. It really had nothing to do with the guys who moved out. It was much more about Kevin and desiring to bring him in. He is kind of a singular talent. So we are very excited about him.”

In joining the Rockets, Durant has more familiar surroundings than he has had in a long time. He and Udoka have an extensive bond after the Rockets coach not only played against Durant but also coached him with the Brooklyn Nets and on USA Basketball. Veteran journeyman Jeff Green and Durant have the distinction of being the only two players still in the NBA who played for the Seattle SuperSonics and this will be their third time playing together. Steven Adams and Durant also spent time together on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster. During the offseason, Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. have been working out together.

It just seemed like the right fit to Durant when he knew his brief stint in Phoenix was coming to an end.

“I just quickly just thought about who I was comfortable with, which coaching staff

• National college player of the year (2007) • Consensus first-team All-American (2007) • USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2007) • Big 12 Player of the Year (2007)

would let me be me and understand what I bring to the table,” said Durant, who starred at the University of Texas as a one-and-done player during the 2006-07 season. “Ime has always been one of those guys that understood what I brought to the table, my mentality and my approach to the game. He has always respected that and gave me my space to be me.

“That was one of the first things I thought about. Living in Texas, working with some of the people I’ve worked with before, but also seeing the identity of this team the last few years, playing with length, having size, playing in transition, driving and kicking, switching on defense. All of that stuff is tailor-fit to my game, so I wanted to play that style, too.”

See more from the press conference.

October 2, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports

Worthing Colts volleyball team poses mid-court after winning a tough set against Washington. The Colts look to build on this win going into the 2025 season. Pictured are (l to r) Alisa Hammond, Tygrah Dominique, Zoey Dillard, Khloe Franco, Ariella Salas, Disney Dominique, Kiersten Wilson, Tierra Miller, Paige Tingle. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender

VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Worthing Colts Fueled by personalities and power

By Jimmie Aggison

The Worthing Colts volleyball team may be overlooked on paper, but its energy is impossible to ignore inside the gym.

With a roster full of unique personalities and playing styles, the Colts have built a culture where differences fuel determination. United by a single goal to win and prove to themselves they belong among the district’s best, Worthing’s strength lies not just in talent, but in how its diverse group of athletes push each other to be better.

“When people think of Worthing volleyball this year, I want them to know that we are a team with humble beginnings,” said Worthing head volleyball coach Angela Nealy. “A team that knows what it’s like to win and lose. So we’re just focused on being better than our past.”

Last season, the team finished the year with a 9-9 record in 4A Region III District 20; however, with a stronger bonded team and shared chemistry, Worthing hopes to add more wins to the winning column.

“Last season’s team taught me to believe in myself and to believe in my girls,” said Nealy. “As a team, I believe it taught us all to have faith and focus on our individual strengths so we could bring them together for the betterment of the team.”

With a roster that combines leadership, energy and individuality, the Worthing Colts are shaping up to be a unique volleyball team.

“Our team’s personality this year is energetic

and driven,” said senior team captain Tierra Miller. “We bring a lot of excitement and positivity to practices and games, and that energy helps us push through challenges.”

Both Miller and fellow team captain and senior libero, Ari Salas, agree that the team’s most energetic and loudest voice belongs to sophomore setter, Paige Tingle.

“She brings so much energy and keeps us hyped before games,” said Miller.

With Miller being the quietest and Tingle being the loudest, always bringing the energy, Salas is the leader by example.

“I try to lead by example and use what I’ve learned in the game to help in other parts of life too,” said Salas.

The Colts’ skill diversity of speed, power, defense and serving works together for their success.

“This team is strong all around,” said Nealy.

“The focus is for everyone to be able to play any role at any given time. Each day we focus on a different skill set as a group, which helps when one person is having an off day in an area, another can step in to play the role.”

Building a game plan that maximizes such different skill sets can be challenging, but Nealy has mastered it.

“Our game plan is a system,” said Nealy. “As a coach, I watched and replayed every game from last season to find our flaws as a team and find the strengths of our opponents. I don’t look for the flaws in others, I build systems from their

strengths, so my players can be ready for anything they might throw our way.”

Junior opposite hitter Disney Dominique says her strongest skills on the court are her passing and court vision.

“Knowing where the ball is going and setting my teammates up for success is my biggest skill,” said Dominique. “Since our team’s style is all about working together and staying in rhythm, those skills really help us keep control of the game.”

Dominique, the team’s third captain, admits she admires junior defensive specialist Khloe Franco because of her serving ability.

“She always stays calm and sets the tone for the game with her powerful serves,” said Dominique. “She’s the kind of player you can depend on when the game is close.”

Differences of opinion arise with any team, but the Worthing volleyball team has been able to avoid letting that sidetrack them as they stay united.

“When people don’t get along, we remind each other that we all want the same thing, to win and get better,” said Dominique. “We talk it out, stay positive and keep moving. At the end of the day, we’re like family, so small arguments don’t matter.”

With many lessons taught, this team’s bond has also taught its members how to trust and communicate.

“This team has taught me that trust and communicating with each other are super

important,” said Dominique. “You have to communicate and believe that your teammates will do their job. When we do this, we play our best and feel stronger together.”

With nine different personalities playing under one team, coach Nealy works to keep everyone focused on the same goal.

“I let my students be free,” said Nealy. “I always remind them that it’s a time and place for everything. I feel they know the goal and know what the stakes are this season. When they get off task or unfocused, they tend to get each other back focused.”

Although winning would be celebrated enthusiastically, looking ahead, the Worthing volleyball team understands that there is winning even beyond the scoreboard.

“Winning to me means growth and strength,” said Miller. “Even if the score isn’t in our favor, if we leave the court knowing we gave everything we had, we’ve accomplished our job.”

“Beyond the scoreboard, winning means knowing our hard work has paid off,” said Salas. “It’s the feeling of reaching goals together, building confidence and growing as a team.

This season will be a success if we all give our best effort, support each other and finish stronger than we started. If we come out better players and a closer team, that means we’ve truly succeeded.”

“The community should know that Worthing Volleyball has a story to tell and everyone has a part,” said Nealy.

12 | October 2, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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