To the POINT DN
Message from the
A mother’s breaking point
Thecaseof31-year-oldOnindaRomelus from Brazoria County is one of the most heartbreaking stories we’ve seen this year Authorities say Romelus called 911 after allegedlyshootingherfourchildren killingtwoandcriticallyinjuringtheothertwo.
Deputies tried to save the children, but a 13-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene. An 8-yearold boy and 9-year-old girl were flown to a Houston-area hospital and are expected to recover.
Managing Editor
ReShonda Tate
Court records describe Romelus as paranoid and distracted when questioned after the Oct. 4 shooting Investigators said she repeatedly glanced toward the door and told them she “couldn’t talk about it.” When pressed, she reportedly said, “Instead of them doing it to me, I’m going to do it to them,” later adding, “Kill them all.” At one point, she allegedly told deputies she hadn’t called 911 she had “called the devil.”
Documentspaintahauntingpictureofawomanindeep psychologicaldistress,makingincoherentstatementsandreferencingthesupernatural.Romelus,whooncemadenational headlinesafterappearingonPaternityCourt,hadreportedly struggled with motherhood CPS confirmed prior contact with the family but has not released details
Whileweoftenaskhowsomethinglikethiscouldhappen, we should also be asking why didn’t we see it coming? Too manypeopleinourcommunitiesaresilentlyfightingmental illness carrying pain, trauma and hopelessness behind forcedsmiles.Weneedtopayattentiontothementalhealth of those we love
Pain before progress: Avoid I-10... for the next two years
If you thought Houston traffic couldn’t get any worse brace yourself Beginning Oct. 24, the westbound lanes of
I-10 near the White Oak Bayou area will be reduced to two lanes as TxDOT begins another phase of its $407 million elevation project.Theconstructionisexpectedtolast until mid-2026, meaning years of backups and delays on one of Houston’s busiest stretches of freeway. But as frustrating as it will be, this project is also designed to save lives and property by reducing flood risks thathaveplaguedthiscorridorfordecades. My take? Let’s all pack our patience and remember that short-term inconvenience often leads to long-term improvement. Houston’s growth isn’t slowing down and neither is our traffic so these infrastructureupdatesarecritical,evenwhentheytestevery ounce of our calm. But if you need me, I’ll be in the house because I can’t stand traffic.
Diddy, Trump and the Pardon Parade
OnlyinAmericadoesaformerpresidentcasuallymention thatSean“Diddy”Combs thesamemogulfacingserious charges has asked him for a pardon, all while answering questions about Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump told reporters he’d“lookintoit,”butadmittedapardonforDiddyis“more likelyano.”Still,theverymentionoftherequestaddsanother bizarre twist to an already sensational story. Whether it’s celebrity privilege, political posturing or just another headline-grabbing moment, it’s hard not to shake your head at how blurred the lines between power, fame and accountability have become We can’t blame Diddy for trying for a pardon,butinthecourtofpublicopinion,Diddy’sreputation isalreadyontrial andnopresidentialpardoncanfixthat
On the web
• Why Black youth need rites of passage programs
• Take me back to when social media was simple.
• Terrance’s Take: Houston Texans’ offensive vision becomes clearer.
Oninda Romelus, the mother accused of killing two of her four children, once appeared on “Paternity Court.” Credit : Fayette County Sheriff’s Office; Paternity Court/Youtube
News DN Gov. Abbott launches repeat offender task force in Houston
By ReShonda Tate
Gov.GregAbbottannouncedthecreation of the Texas Repeat Offender Program, or TxROP a new multi-agency task force aimed at cracking down on violent crimes committedbyrepeatoffendersintheHouston area
“We are putting violent repeat offenders onnotice,”Abbottsaidduringarecentnews conference “Wearecomingforyou.Weare going to target you, arrest you and put you behind bars where you belong.”
The governor said the initiative, a joint effort between the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Houston Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies,willfocusonidentifying,tracking and arresting individuals with histories of violent criminal activity
“This is a Texas-sized effort by both the TexasDepartmentofPublicSafetyandlocal lawenforcementateverylevel,”Abbottsaid “Our goal is simple: Every Houstonian deserves to walk the streets, take their kids to school, open their businesses, and go shopping or dining without fear.”
Under the plan, DPS will deploy assets fromitsAirOperations,HomelandSecurity
and Criminal Investigations divisions to assist troopers and local officers in field operations,intelligencegatheringandcovert enforcement.DPSDirectorFreemanMartin saidresidentscanexpecttosee“anincreased uniform presence and patrol operations in
high-crime areas.
”
“These saturated patrols have proven effective at reducing crime in Houston and other Texas cities,” Martin said.
AbbottsaidhechoseHoustonasthestartingpointbecauseofthecity’ssizeand“historic relationship” between state and local lawenforcementbutaddedthatsimilartask forces could expand statewide “ItcouldberuralTexas,urbanTexas,suburbanTexas wewilllookateverycorner of the state to make sure we’re making it as safeaspossible,”Abbottsaid “Whatwelearn herewillhelpuscreateanationalmodelfor public safety in America’s largest cities.” AbbottsaidhehasspokenwithHouston MayorJohnWhitmire“atleastahalf-dozen times” about public safety and the need to drive down crime rates.
While some parts of Houston including downtown and the medical center have seen increases in certain crimes in recent years, most neighborhoods have experienced declines, according to reports. GreaterGreenspoint,forinstance,reported nearly a 20% drop in crime over the past five years.
Black entrepreneurs face steep loan denials
By ReShonda Tate
The doors of opportunity remain locked for too many small-business owners
A new LendingTree analysis reveals that Black-owned businesses faced the highest rejection rate for financing in 2024, with 39% of them denied loans, lines of credit or merchant cash advances Hispanic-owned businesses followed at 29%, compared with just 18% of white-owned businesses
Nationally, one in five businesses overall 21% were denied financing last year, nearly unchanged from 2023. But beneath the surface of that flat figure lies a stark disparity: Capital flows more easily to whiteownedcompanies,whileBlackandHispanic entrepreneurs carry the heaviest burden of rejection
Houston’s uneven playing field
ThenumbershitespeciallyhardinHouston, one of the most diverse and entrepreneurial cities in the country. According to the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the region is home to more than120,000Black-ownedbusinesses the fifth-largestconcentrationinthenation Yet local surveys show those firms face unique barriers to accessing capital.
A 2023 Houston Small Business EcosystemReportfoundthatminority-ownedcompaniesinthemetroareaaretwiceaslikelyas
theirwhitecounterpartstorelyonpersonal savings or credit cards to fund operations Many report being denied loans even when they present strong business plans and customer bases.
Who gets denied
TheLendingTreestudyfoundthatthesize and age of a business also play a role Firms withjustonetofouremployeesweredenied 26%ofthetime fivetimestherateoflarger firms Startups fared poorly, but even businesses with three to five years of experience faced the highest denial rate at 29%.
By loan type, SBA loans and lines of creditwerethemostdifficulttosecure,with nearly half 45% being rejected That hitsHouston’ssmallfirmsparticularlyhard, giventhecity’srelianceonSBA-backedprograms during the pandemic recovery
Community development financial institutions, often praised as a lifeline for underserved entrepreneurs, turned down applicants34%ofthetime Largebanksfollowed at 31%.
An unsteady economy
Thereasonsmirroraturbulenteconomy. Highinterestrates,inflationandanunsteady jobmarkethavemadelendersmorecautious
“Inflation,tariffs,highinterestratesanda slowjobmarketaremakingthingstoughon
LendingTree says 39% of Black-owned businesses were denied financing Credit: Adobe Stock
small businesses and the customers they’re tryingtoattract,”saidMattSchulz,LendingTree’schiefconsumerfinanceanalyst.“With this uncertainty, banks pull back as they tend to do in risky, unpredictable times. Standards for lending to consumers and businesseshavegenerallybeentightforsome time, and that’s unlikely to change soon.”
Local impact
InHouston,whereminority-ownedbusinesses contribute billions to the regional
economy, the impact is felt daily. Black entrepreneurs run a wide range of businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to logistics companies and tech startups Yet without access to affordable capital, many find themselves unable to expand, hire, or even stay afloat.
Advocates are calling for solutions that include expanded microloan programs, targeted federal aid and stronger partnerships between local banks and community organizations.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces the launch of the Texas Repeat Offender Program to target violent criminals in Houston. Credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
FORT BEND COUNTY LEADER SERIES
Vincent Morales Jr.
Steers Fort Bend growth with focus on infrastructure
ByTannisthaSinha
ForVincentMorales,Jr.,FortBendCounty is not just where he serves, it is also where heresides.
Since2011,theformerMayorofRosenberg andnowPrecinctOnecommissionerhasbuilt a career on the simple motto of leaving the countyinabetterplacethanhefoundit
Businessownertopublicoffice
Morales’ path into public service began far from the Commissioners Court. After graduatingfromSpringBranchHighSchool and attending the University of Houston, he startedalandscapedesigncompanyin1978 The company is still running today, he said proudly,notingthathisson,Justin,manages the business, while his wife, Regina, handles operations
Hehadnotplannedtoenterpolitics.
“Ididnotgolookingforthis Itfoundme,” hesaid.
In 2010, Rosenberg’s then-mayor approached him about running for mayor. Moraleswon,servingtwotermsasmayor.
Hisproudestaccomplishmentremainsthe city’s cost-effective, long-term sustainable water plan, which he attributes to the partnershipwiththeBrazosportWaterAuthority. HealsoworkedwithTxDOTtoexpandwhat wasthenU.S.59intotoday’sI-69.
“My passion and background are infrastructure,”Moralessaid.“Tome,youhaveto have that for economic development, and it alsoimprovesqualityoflife.”
Managingexplosivegrowth
Fort Bend is now one of the nation’s fastest-growingcounties Morales,aRepublican, acknowledges both the opportunity and the strain. Projections once pegged Fort Bend’s populationat1millionby2027,butMorales saysit’llhappensooner.
“We’ve got to be able to manage that growth,”heexplained.“You’vegottohavethe infrastructuretostayaheadofthatasmuchas possiblesothatpeoplecangetfromAtoBin areasonableamountoftimeandsafely What comesalongwithimprovedinfrastructureis alsopublicsafety.”
Abudgetingphilosophy
Fort Bend’s rapid growth also puts pressure on its budget This year, the Commissioners Court opted to hold the tax rate at $0.412 per $100 valuation, which is below both the no-new-revenue rate ($0.418) and thevoter-approvalrate($0.429).Moralessaid thatrequiredcaution.
“We’re actually not having any cuts in PrecinctOne,”Moralessaid “Wehavebeen verycarefultomakesurethatwestaywithin ourmeans. ”
Whenitcomestolawenforcementraises, Morales said that a recent compensation study already brought deputies to competitivelevels
“If anyone checks my record, you’ll see that I’m very supportive of law enforcement,” he said “We gave raises last year to bringpeopleintoacompetitiveenvironment. The sheriff did come to the podium during the budget hearings this year and said that he was able to fill the positions he had. We cannotcontinuetokeepraisingthesalaries.”
Infrastructureandflooding
Morales often returns to infrastructure Voters approved an $865 million mobility andparksbondin2023,andwhileroadprojectsarestillindesign,parksareadvancing.
“Someofthesearealittlebitoverbudget, just because of inflationary costs,” he said “That’sbeenourbiggeststruggle…tryingto keep up with the inflationary costs. But as I said, we look for other resources instead of having to go back to the taxpayer for additionalfunds.”
Since Harvey, not only Precinct One, but the county as a whole, has improved due to our drainage department and flood mitigation If we had a Harvey, it would not be the same as it was back in ‘17.”
VINCENT MORALES JR.
ByAswadWalker
Mentalwellnesshas always been critical forhuman survival andthriving. Still,for Blackpeople—navigating generationsof systemicracism,culturalerasureandeverydaystressors—itisamatterofbothhealing andliberation.
Theneedforaccessiblementalhealthsupport is immense, andHouston is hometoa growingnetworkofindividualsandorganizationsdedicatedtomeetingthatneed.From counseling andyogatograssrootscommunity circles andculturalhealingspaces, Houstoniansare buildingenvironments wherewellnessisnotaprivilege,butaright
Counseling and connection
Dr.Nic Hardy, aHouston-areapsychotherapistand founder of HardyBehavioral Health,stressesthatwhile counselingis essential, it is notthe only pathwaytomentalwellness.
“Being connectedtoa healthycommunity via relationshipswithin thefamily, friends whatever it is,wehave todolifeincommunity,” saidHardy.“Healthyrelationshipsdowonders.”
Dr.Nic Hardy
Hardyalsoemphasizesphysicalactivity as mental medicine
“Theysay movement is medicine. The more youcan getmoving, themoreyou canget outside,get some sunlight…these small,simplethings,whendoneconsistently, haveaprofoundeffectonourmentalhealth,” shared Hardy.
TheALLICE Collective Communityisalsoatthe core of the ALLICE Collective,founded by Dr.Allison Bates.
Understandingthe barriersmanyface— suchaslackofinsurance,highdeductiblesor thestigmaaroundtherapy—ALLICEoffers alternatives that make wellness accessible
“Wehaveour free communitysupportgroups,” said Bates. “Wehavea co-edgroup on the firstSaturdays,our Blackmen’s groupon thethirdSaturdays,and ourwomen’s groupon thefourthSaturdays Thenwealsohavelowcostcounselingservices, youthwellnessinitiativesand parenting workshops.”
ForBates,it’snot always aboutthe therapyroom.
Dr.Allison Bates
“It’sabout thecommunity.It’sabout theenergy. Ialwaystell peopleyoudon’tnecessarilyneedcounseling at all times, butyou do need community,
Blacksfindpaths to mental wellness Healing inHouston
andyou do need spaces whereyou canbe vulnerable andexpress yourself andheal,” she added.
ThrougheventslikeDearMama,recently heldattheBlueTriangleCommunityCenter theALLICE Collective provides conversation,advice, access to healthcare providers andmostimportantly,a safe space.
“Peopleare happytohaveaspace where they canfeelvulnerable, notjudgedand see that others arehavingsimilar experiences,” addedBates
The BlackMan Project
Theneedfor spaces whereBlack mencan expressemotionswithoutshameorjudgment inspiredBrianEllisontocreatetheBlackMan Project.
“Iwasworkingonadocumentaryin2017 2018, andI interviewedabout 45 Blackmen andboys,”Ellisonexplained.“Ninetypercent of thoseinterviewsended in tears. Their innerboy gotavoice.Irealizedthere was so much more here,and Ihad to create the spacethatI waslooking for. That’s howthe BlackMan Projectwas born.”
Thenonprofitnowprovidesgrouptherapy, storytellingcirclesandcommunitydialogues designedtogiveBlackmenandwomentools foremotional expression andhealing.
“Being in true communitymeans youare inresponsetoacallandaneed,”Ellisonsaid “Ifyou’relistening,you hear theunheard tearsofmen andthe womenwho arewaitingfor them to have aspace to fall apartand be putbacktogether. It’s ahugelift, andI’m thankful to be doingthe work.”
THE5STRESSORS FORBLACKMEN
MONEY&FINANCES
Lack ofeconomic opportunities and the inabilitytomakeends meet
RACE&RACISM
Negativeracial experiencesfrom institutionalized,personal and internalized racism
JOBS&CAREER
Difficultieswith finding,keeping and succeeding at ajob orcareer
RELATIONSHIPS &FAMILY
Strugglesinrelationshipswith significant other,spouse,orfamily membersand children
HEALTH&ILLNESS
Adversehealth from lack ofgood diet, exerciseand chronicdisease
Sources:U.S.DepartmentofHealthand HumanServices,OfficeofMinorityHealth, MentalHealthandAfricanAmericans.
Perceivedsourcesofstressandresilience ofmeninanAfricanAmericancommunity. ProgressinCommunityHealthPartnerships.
Ellison’sownstoryunderscoresthepower of community.
“I didn’t have afather, butIhad many fathers—coaches, uncles.Bothmyparents were incarcerated,soIwas raised by my grandmother,”recalled Ellison. “Growing up,I didn’t have thelanguagefor what Iwas feeling. Butnow,Iwanttoexpandthe tools we have in ourtoolkit so we canexpress ourselveslikeeveryoneelse—and that starts with beingaroundpeoplewho canmodel that expression.”
Healing throughyoga
Beyondcounselinganddialogue,physical practicessuchasyogaare helpingHoustoniansnurture both body andmind.
SecundaJoseph—entrepreneur,activist andhostonAll Real Radio—alsoteaches KemeticYoga,anancientAfricanformofthe practice.She leadsa communityclass at the Shrine of theBlack MadonnaCulturaland Events Center everythird Saturday
“It’sanintergenerational class, so the wholefamilycan come,” said Joseph.“Yoga helpswithour physical bodies,but it’s also holistic.Itfocuses on mind,bodyand spirit “Kemetic Yoga helpsustobepresent to ourselves, useour breath andmovementto stimulateblood circulation in ourbrains, releaseendorphinsand restorebalance Thesepractices arefor everyone.”
Everydaymental wellness practices
Personal practices, such as advocating foroneself,can make adifferencealongside
professional supportand community-based healing.
CarleighJoseph-Olivas,alicensedperinatal socialworkerandmaternalmentalhealththerapist,shared apersonalstory
“After having my baby,myin-lawscame down,” Joseph-Olivas recalled.“My husband called andsaid, ‘My momsaidyou hadn’t been outofthe room in like eighthours,and she’shungry. Sheneeds youtocook.’Itoldhim, ‘I don’tknowwhere yougot that from.I’m theone whoneedsto be caredfor today.’Sometimeswehavetoadvocate forourselves,evenwith family.”
Forsome, findinga comfortzoneiskey
Maternal health advocate JunelleBerry recalled hergrandmother’s houseasher placeofrestoration
“Duringallthreeofmypregnancies,Iended up on what we called theloveseat. That was myspeciallittleislandwhereIwascateredto,” said Berry.
Andforothers,askingforhelp—andletting go—isthe real challenge. Behavioral health therapistOnyiOriji-Dorexplained:“If Iask
forhelpandgivesomeoneatask,Ihaveanidea of howIwantitdone. ButI’vehad to learnto letgoand allow them to do it theirway.The result will probably stillbethe same.That’s thestruggle.”
Takeaction
Thetakeawayisclear:healingdoesn’t look thesamefor everyone.Counseling, support groups,yoga,storytellingorsimplyleaningon agrandmother’sloveseatarealllegitimateand powerful.Whatmatters is seekingout community,listening to your needsand allowing yourself to heal
Herearesomethingsyoucandotoimprove your mental health
Seek connection: Reachout to trusted friends, family or communitygroups.
Move your body: Walk,dance,stretch or tryyoga—movement is medicine.
Advocateforyourself:Clearlyexpressyour needs, especially during vulnerable times.
Find safe spaces: Join supportgroupsor healingcircles to shareopenly.
Letgowhenpossible: Askfor helpand allowotherstosupport youintheir ownway
Create acomfort zone: Identify aplace or activitythatrestoresyou,andreturntoitoften
In Houstonand beyond,Black wellness is beingreclaimed,restoredand reimagined oneconversation, breath andsafespace at a time
Resources andmore.
SIGNS OFDEPRESSION &MOOD DISORDERS AMONGBLACKWOMEN
•Sleepingmoreorlessthan usual
•Feelingout ofcontrol
•Feelingworthless,hopeless orempty
•DifficultyConcentrating
1in3
Blackadultswith mental illnessreceivetreatment
•Mood swings
•Feelingdisinterested or unabletoenjoythings that usuallybringpleasure
•Increased ordecreased appetite
Women ofcolormakeup lessthan5% ofpsychiatrists, psychologists and socialworkersavailable to treatpatients
The Black communityis morelikely to experience socioeconomic disparities suchasexclusion from health, education, social andeconomic resources,whichmay contributeto worsementalhealthoutcomes.
Source:HopkinsMedicine,Infographic/KeshondraShipp
Onyi Oriji-Dor
Carleigh Joseph-Olivas
Brian Ell son
Junelle Berry
Secunda Joseph
Black athletes, artists turn talent into capital
ByLauraOnyeneho
Black athletes and musicians are building billion-dollarbrands,buttoooften,someone elseownsthescoreboard
Black talent fuels an entertainment economy worth $1.4 trillion globally, from soldout concerts to packed stadiums Yet, all acrossthecountry,thepeoplegeneratingthe revenueoftenseeonlyafractionofthelongterm wealth Endorsement checks get spent, careersendearlyandthebusinessesbuilton theirbacksareownedbysomeoneelse
Successful business moguls like Lebron James,ShaquilleO’Neil,MagicJohnson,JayZ, Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent all understand what is needed to create generationalwealthbeyondmusicandsports.
That’s the problem two insiders, investor BrandonComerandmusic-financeexecutive JenniferHorton,saymustchangeifHouston’s rising stars are going to turn their influence intoequityandgenerationalpower.
Comer, founder of Alterity Capital (managing roughly $3 billion and an investor in Black-owned Redemption Bank west of Houston), said the spark for this dialogue is thewideninggapbetweenwhoperformsand who profits. His pitch is to stop aiming only atthesexiestassets,liketeamstakesandstart
buying into the entire entertainment district surroundingtheaction
“You don’t just build a stadium anymore. It’shotels,retail,foodandbeverage,tech,fan experience,”Comersaid “Athleteswhohelp fill venues should own pieces of the companiesthatpowerthem, concessions,merchandising,IT,hospitalityandeventhemixed-use developments next door. That’s the heart of Alterity’svenueopportunityfund.”
Comer shared his playbook with the Defenderforathletes(andtheentrepreneurs who support them) interested in long-term successbeyondtheircareers.
Thinklikeaninstitution Treatyourname asabusinesswithalong-termplan
Chooseequityovercashwhenyourliving expensesarecovered.Leverageyourbrandto negotiate equity grants for appearances and promotions “Write a check and lend your brand,” he said, to earn a bigger seat at the table.
Build a real team Contract negotiators andinvestmentadvisorsdonothavethesame job. Hire specialists, keep learning enough to ask hard questions and don’t surrender decision-making.
Invest for the next chapter Careers are short;habitsshouldbelong.Liveonwhatyou
needandinvesttherestinadiversifiedmixof traditional stocks and bonds plus alternative assets such as venue and ancillary developmentswithhigherreturnpotential.
ThesameownershipmindsetpowersHorton’scareer AHoustonnativewhohasspent twodecadesbuildingartists’businessesfrom L.A., Horton runs Matrix Equity Partners, whichprovidesalternativefinancing,“growth
capital” to established artists and executives
This is not starter money for those who see entertainmentasahobby.
“Therehastobesomethingtofinance,”she said “Proven demand, revenues and a clear pathtorepaymentornegotiatedownership.”
HortonarguesthattheSouthandHouston, inparticular,havelongbeengroundzerofor independenthustle.FromMasterPandCash Money to Bun B and Scarface, the blueprint isentrepreneurship What’snewisthatentrepreneurshipisnolongeroptional Artistsand managers are now the CEOs who build the structure.
Heradviceforturningsocialmediafollowersintoassetsincludes:
Measureconversion Don’t confuse likes with buyers Use pre-orders and countdown campaignsformerchorotherbrandedproductstotestrealdemandbeforefrontinginventorycosts.
Own your data When you sell directly, youcollectgranularcustomerinfothatmajor platformswon’tshare.Thatdatabaseisalongtermmoat
Diversify income Beyond touring and streams,pursuebranddealsthroughemergingmarketplacesandnegotiatefordataaccess wheneverpossible.
Experts focus on sports business, entertainment finance, and the intersection of athletes, artists and investment in Black communities.
Credit: Getty Images
Kyra Rène Hardwic
EmpowersBlack entrepreneu
ByLauraOnyeneho
KyraRènelHardwickbuiltareputationasaleader whotellsthetruthevenwhenit’shardtohear
AstheCEOofTheKyraCompany,shehasguided entrepreneursand organizationsacrossHouston to move beyond chaosand grindculture andtoward systems that sustaingrowth. That work is rooted in herprofessionalexpertiseandapersonaljourneythat beganinDetroit andbrought hertoHouston,where shehasbeenforthepast16years.
“I grew up watchingpeoplehustletomakeends meet,” Hardwick said.“ButI also sawthe cost,the stress,theburnout,themissedmoments.Thatshowed me we need adifferent modelofleadership, onethat allowseveryonetothrive.”
Herupbringinginstilledasense of resilience that carriedherintoa15-yearcorporatecareer,whereshe worked in operations,trainingand organizational structure. Thoseyears gave herthe technicalskills tohelpbusinessesfunctionmoreefficiently.Later,a periodworkingwithnonprofitsshowedherthepower ofcommunity-centeredimpact
Hercareerpathshifteddramaticallywhenacorporate restructuringlefther withouta role.Whatcould havebeenasetbackbecameaturningpoint.
“I didn’t want to buildsomeone else’s dreamanymore,” she said.“Iwantedtohelpleaders buildtheir own,withclarity,structureandstrategy.”
That decision gave birthtoThe Kyra Company, whereHardwickcarvedout herniche as both strategist andcoach.Her approach emphasizes theimportanceofsustainable systems, aclear departurefrom thehustle-obsessed culturethatmanyentrepreneurs feelpressuredtoembrace
“I’m notheretosugarcoat.If your business lacks structure, if your team is burningout,ifyou’rechasinggrowthwithout aplan,”she said.“I’ll tell youthat straight.Becausethegoalisn’tjustgrowth,it’shealthy growth.”
Ididn’twanttobuild someoneelse’sdream anymore. Iwantedtohelp leadersbuild theirown, with clarity, structureand strategy.”
Theapproachresonatedquickly. Whenshesecuredherfirstsix-figureclient,itwasn’tjustabusiness milestonebut validation that leaderswerehungryfor adifferentpath.
“ThatwaswhenIknewIwasonto something,”Hardwicksaid. “Peop wanted more than just someonetoc themon.Theywantedsomeonetogiv thetools,thestructureandtheaccoun actuallygrow.”
ple cheer ethem ntabilityto
ForShaughnna Blackmon,widely RealInsurance Lady,thattruth-te has been transformative.Blackmon estObamacare-producingagencyin evenwithhercompany’ssuccess,shea growthcreatedchallenges.
y known as The lling approach n leads the largthe nation, but admitstherapid
“Weweregrowing organicallyand impact,butitwasdifficulttoseparate thatstart-upmindset,”Blackmonsaid phenomenalinhelpingusshiftourcu oursystemsandbridgethegapsbetwee Shebringsthegluethatconnectsevery
Blackmon hasbeeninbusinesssi ofObamacarein2010.Shesaidherjo personal.Asanentrepreneurwithouth sheoncedelayedcriticaltreatmentfor Becomingher“ownfirstclient”showe of access anddrove hertobuild abu servescommunitiesothersoftenover
“Peoplecouldn’tbelievewewerew ofpoliciesaweek.Theyassumedwew thingwrong,” shesaid. “WhatKyrahe formalizeandprofessionalizewhatwe’d peoplecouldunderstandthelegitimacy
StorieslikeBlackmon’sare whyHa workgoesbeyondcoaching.Sheseesh nerinhelpingbusinessownersbuildca ience, notjustrevenue.Houston,with rapidlyexpandingBlackentrepreneur hasproventobefertilegroundforhe
“People thinkbusinessisa zero-su not,”Hardwicksaid. “There’s enoug Whenwecollaborate,wedon’tjustsh wemultiplyimpact.”
That belief in collaborationinspi proudest recent accomplishments: Th inauguralSmartCEOSummitatTexa versity. Theevent broughttogetherf andteamsforadayfocusedonrethink Withthemeslike“CollaborationisCa “FromHustletoFlow,”the summitr theveryprinciplesthatHardwickhasl taughtthroughouthercareer.
d making a huge eourselvesfrom d “Kyrahasbeen ulture,centralize endepartments thingtogether” nce the launch ourneyisdeeply healthinsurance, akidneytumor edherthestakes usiness that now rlook writinghundreds weredoingsomeelped us do was alreadybuiltso yofourgrowth” ardwick says her herselfasapartpacityandresilh its vibrant and rialcommunity, rvision um game, but it’s h for everyone areresources ired one of her he launch of the sWomen’sUnifounders, CEOs kingleadership apital”and reflected livedand
Sports DN
ChaseJenkins
Embraces quarterback comeback at Rice
ByTerrance Harris
Chase Jenkins feels a sense of freedom as Rice’s quarterback, which he thought he would never have
The redshirt sophomore has been given the latitude by first-year Owls’ coach Scott Abell to be the quarterback he was always meant to be, and that’s having the range to take advantage of his arm talent, athletic ability and instinctive decision-making
Ironically, Jenkins never thought he wouldplayquarterbackagainforRiceafter beingshiftedtowidereceiverlastseasonby the previous coaching staff.
But Jenkins, a product of Alief Taylor, is glad to be back at quarterback and in a systemthatfullyutilizeshisathletictalents.
“Being able to be creative and also just being able to see the field ..., ” Jenkins said “At one point last year, I wasn’t even on the travel squad. I know the type of talent that I’m blessed with, so it was a humbling experience.”
It has been quite the three-year journey for Jenkins, who came to Rice as a quarterbackandactuallygotinsomebackupsnaps as a true freshman Jenkins was shifted to wide receiver by Mike Bloomgren and his staff last season to get his athleticism on the field consistently, rather than wasting his talent holding a clipboard the majority of games.
Jenkins saw and embraced the vision, butashoulderinjuryincampderailedwhat would have been his sophomore season, allowing Jenkins to take a redshirt year
“I had no problem I grew up I didn’t start playing quarterback until my sophomore year in high school,” Jenkins said duringarecentinterviewwiththeDefender “I grew up playing athlete or ATH. I went
Everything can’t go exactly how you want it and that’s what makes the story even greater. Sometimes you have to go through some obstacles and pitfalls but you just trust God and just keep walking the course and don’t fall off.”
CHASE JENKINS
and played quarterback my sophomore year because the quarterback left and I was an athlete, so I was just trying to do what I could to help the team win.
“Istartedgettingrecruitedatquarterback once I started playing.”
Asitturnedout,Rice’spassinggamecoordinator/quarterbacks coach, Porter Abell, had briefly recruited Jenkins when he was anassistantforhisfatheratDavidson There was some familiarity when the new staff began reviewing the roster and evaluating the film of the players they had inherited.
“Irecruitedhimformaybeaday.Heobviously blew up and got some bigger offers,” Porter said “I remembered him, I rememberedhisnameandwhenwegotthisjob,we kindofknewabouthimandwhenthehead ball coach ended up getting the job, Chase was the first name I brought up because as a potential guy who could help us in that room,Iknewhewasalreadyontheroster “ Jenkinswassurprisedbythedecisionbut was willing to do it if it meant helping his team
“I didn’t throw the ball for like five months,” he said “Then Coach Abell got here and he asked me to come play quarterback and asked me to throw. I hadn’t touchedorthrownaballatall,justbecause ofthetypeofinjuryIhadonmyshoulder That’s why I say it was just God because I came out there and threw with no pain.
“So, that was not the plan There was a lot of uncertainty at that time They laid out the foundation and the plan and they asked me to come back and play quarterback I feel like it was a blessing.”
WhileJenkinsplayedquarterbackinsituations as a true freshman for the Owls, hehadn’tstartedatthepositionsincehigh school, and at times his inexperience has shownthisseason.ButJenkins’speed,athleticismandabilitytomaketherightreads have made it clear why the coaching staff wentwithhimtotheGun-ChoiceOffense.
The Owls run their option attack out of the shotgun, which also opens up the passing game He was at his best this seasonwhenhecompleted10of16passesfor
87yardsandonetouchdownandthenran for124yardsandascoreduringthe38-17 win over Prairie View
“We need a guy who is decisive, as any offense does. But in our offense, the quarterback is making a decision on 75% to 90% oftheplays.Notjustpassing,butrun game,aswell,”Portersaid.”Sotheyhaveto bedecisive,theyhavetounderstanddifferent fronts, definitely smart and they have to be tough. That’s something I’ve been incredibly pleased with him about.”
Although he wasn’t necessarily campaigning for it, Jenkins considers the shift back to quarterback a calling from above.
“At that point and time, I thought I was going to play receiver still, especially with what happened with me and my shoulder,” he said “I thought I would be playing receiver from now on But I couldn’t refuse This was something that just came up This is definitely God’s calling; Him telling me to come back and giving me another chance to come back and play quarterback.”
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chase Jenkins has provided the Rice Owls with speed, athleticism and good decision-making in his first season as their full-time starting quarterback. Credit: Rice Owls Athletics
GALENAPARK’S
MERCIRUE
Balances sportsand science
By Jimmie Aggison
On thesurface,Merci Rue’slifei movement,flyingdownthetrack,divin avolleyballorcuttingthroughdefender thebasketballcourt.
Atriple-sport standout at Galena High School,she’s no strangertocha wins andsetting records. Butoncethe formscomeoffand thearena quiets,M ci’s minddrifts farfromscoreboards stat sheets. Instead, she finds herselfpu toward somethingolder, deeper andt less: The mysteries of ancientcivilizat thethrillofhidden artifactsand thep bilityofonedaybecominganarchaeolo
Thatdream,unusual forateenager glingpractices, gamesand homework, sparkedinthe sixthgrade.Itwasn’tb on thecourt or in aclassroom,but ra throughthe quietinfluenceofher mo whosurroundedMerciwithbooksand eosabout historyand culture.
“I’vealwaysloved history,”saidRue ForMerci,archaeology wasn’t ju aboutdusty ruins. It wasabout uncov eringthe truth.
“Books aregood, butanyonecan writesomething down,” said Rue. “Videosandartifactsgiveyouadifferentlevel of connection.They make historyreal.”
Hermother, LakeishaClark, playedacentral role in nurturing that curiosity
is all ngfor rson Park asing uniMers and ulled timeions, ossiogist. jug, first born ather other, dvidust v-
“I wouldtellher andher siblings everythingI knew,” said Clark. “I couldsee earlyonthatshe wasgoing to surprise me bywantingtodosomethingdifferent.Even now, we still read books andwatch videos togetheraboutancientEgypt,tryingtolearn as much as we can. ”
d see
As ajunioratGalenaParkHighSchool, balancingthe physical demandsofsports withanintellectualpassionforarchaeology hasn’t been easy,asRue often finds herself pulled in severaldirections.
Dependingontheseason,hermornings often beginat6:40 a.m. with earlypractice The rest of herday is packed with classes, followed by afternoon workouts that can stretchuntil 6p.m. On topofthat, shebalances homework,familytimeand herpersonalpassionfor history.
Playingthree sports year-round means
her“favorite”oftenchanges dependingon theseason.
“Myfavoritesport dependsonthe season,”saidRue.“Rightnow,it’svolleyball,but during basketballseason, it might change That’s thebestpartabout sports;there’s always somethingnew to love.”
Eachsport,sheexplained,offersadifferentlesson.
“Track is more individual;itfocuses on beingcalmandpushingyourself,”saidRue “Basketball is more physical becauseyou’ll take hits, butyou stillhavetostaycalm when things don’tgoyourway.Volleyball
is all aboutcommunication.You can’twin withoutbeinginsyncwithyourteammates.”
Thoselessonsstuckwithher,shapingher characterasmuchasher skillset.
As Rue’spassion forsportsgrew, so did herloveofhistory.Aroundsixthgrade,she foundherself fascinated with questions aboutthe past,whatlifewas like in ancient civilizationsandhowartifactscouldtellstories beyond textbooks.
“Mymom wouldbuy booksand puton YouTubevideos aboutancient Africancivilizations,andIwasalwaysinterested,”said Rue.“Seeingvisualssparkedmyimagination
in away that just readingcouldn’t. Even today, with abusyathletic schedule,Istill make time to watcharchaeologyvideos whenever Ican.”
Until theday comeswhenshe will have to choose betweensportsand history, Rue embracestheideaofdoingitall.Sportsteach herdiscipline,perseveranceandteamwork, whilehistory fuelsher curiosity anddesire to uncovertruthsthatconnect humanity acrosstime.
As Rueexplorescollegeoptions,she’s determinednottogiveupeitherdream.She hopestoattendauniversitywhere shecan play volleyball andmaybe even competein trackand field throwing events whilealso pursuinga degree in archaeology.
“I can’tsee my lifewithout thetwo,” said Rue.
Hercurrent collegedesirelistincludes Oregon State, theUniversityofTexas and LSU, allschools with strong athletic programsand respectedacademic offerings.
ForRue,achievementsaren’tjustabout medals or grades.She hopesher journey inspires youngerstudents,especiallythose with unconventional dreams
“Keepgoing,” shesaid. “Evenwhenit’s slow or gets hard,keeppushing.Itwillget easier.”
That mindset, shehopes, will leave just as strong amarkasher athletic accomplishments.
“Whenpeoplethink of my daughter, Iwantthemtorememberher as thegirl with thebig,contagioussmile,alwaysjoking, always helpingotherswhentheywere struggling andnever judginganyone,”said Clark.
At Galena Park,Rue is knownasthe triple-threatathletewho candoitall.But to thosewhoknowherbest,she’salsothecuriousstudent whocan lose herselfinvideos highlightinghistoricalevents.
Thisisareminder that youngathletes don’thavetobedefinedsolelybytheirstats or scholarships. Theycan also be dreamers, thinkers andfutureleaders in fieldsfar beyond sports.
“In10years,Isee myself workingasan archaeologist,”saidRue.“Butalsocoaching volleyballormaybeteachinghistory.Ithink I’ll always want to stay connectedtosports somehow.”
Galena Park junior Merci Rue(30)isa threesportparticipant, but alsoa history enthusiastasshe plans to study to become an archeologistwhile in college Credit:Jimmie Aggison/Defender
Feature DN
Black creatives
Sustain arts culture despite rising costs
By Laura Onyeneho
Houston’s Black artists say the cost of creating has never been higher While the cityhaslongprideditselfonitsvibrantarts scene, rising rents and limited affordable spacesaremakingitharderformanyBlack creatives to sustain their work
HaitianartistTorreyLégersaystheissue isn’t just about finding a wall to hang his workon;it’saboutpreservingtheveryculture and thriving in a space to challenge his creativity
“I’ve been painting for about 10, 15 years, ” Léger said “At first, it was just a hobby, a way to relax. But as my skills improved, I realized this is something I’m truly passionate about. The last few years, I’ve been showing more, connecting with theartcommunityhere NowIwanttotake it to the next level.”
Léger specializes in realistic portraits, oftenplacingBlackfiguresinculturalcontexts where they are rarely imagined One of his series, Clash of Cultures, reimagines Blacksubjectsinrolestraditionallyreserved for European or Asian iconography, like a Black geisha or a Black Roman statue
“What I try to capture is the beauty of Blackness,” he says “And for me, the eyes tell the story. Every painting I do, the eyes are where the soul comes through.”
Butsustainingthatworkhasn’tbeeneasy. To participate in shows, artists like Léger often have to pay fees out of pocket, sometimes without any guarantee of sales. And finding opportunities where Black artists and their creativity can be valued can be a struggle of its own.
“There’s still a lot of room to grow [in Houston].Notonlyforthedifferentvenues and the events, but also to value the artists’ workthemselves. Alotofpeopletakeselfies with it, but don’t take [it] seriously by buying and collecting artwork. Entry fees add up, too,” Léger said “Sometimes there is a fee to be involved and curators have a lot of obstacles… getting the location finding quality artwork… making sure people come out. There aren’t enough spaces and galleries who are open to artists of color.”
Léger balances art with a career as a mechanicalengineeranddreamsofbecomingafull-timeartist.Butuntilthen,hesays that the dream is on hold
“I’ve been told I should move to New YorkorAtlanta,”hesaid “Thosecitieshave collectors who value Black art more And yes, I’ll travel to show there. But Houston is home I want the same recognition and support right here.”
Present stakes
Houston is caught in what urban planners and arts advocates call the “artist gentrification cycle.” Artists are often the first to transform neglected neighborhoods into vibrant cultural hubs, which attract developers, wealthier newcomers and new businesses However, the very artists who created the appeal are then priced out of the same neighborhoods they helped revitalize.
The effects of gentrification are increasingly visible in Houston’s creative economy. Housing costs, property taxes and commercial rents are squeezing out longtime residents and cultural anchors in historically Black neighborhoods.
This cycle is hardly new. Across the country, from New York to San Francisco, Black and BIPOC artists have historically been the first displaced in the wake of rising rents and property taxes.
Reports say Houston’s City Council reduced its public art funding by $10 millionin2024,scalingbackanoriginally$25 million, five-year contract with the Houston Arts Alliance
Barriers to entry
CalebHernandezisthestudiomanagerat TrueLoveStudios,acollectivespacewhere dozens of artists create, collaborate and exhibit their work
Formanyup-and-comingartists,thehigh costsofstudiorentals,galleryfeesandmaterialscreateanentrybarrierthattalentalone cannot overcome
“This space keeps people from quitting art altogether,” Hernandez explains. “Here, artistsfindaffordablestudiorent,theyshare resources, they share community. Without it,alotofuswouldn’tbeabletokeepgoing.”
Some artists argue that this problem limits Houston’s cultural growth Without investmentinlocaltalent,thecityriskslosing its next generation of creative voices
Other artists are using the power of collaborationtocreatelong-termimpact One of the most visible is Battle of the Canvas, a live art competition created by multidisciplinary artist Chukwunonso Ofili. The event challenges artists to complete original paintings within 90 minutes before a live audience
Ofili said the idea grew from seeing how difficultitwasforartiststogainexposurein
traditionalspaces
Ofilihasbeenabletosustain his career as a full-time artist for years bytappingintocommunityspaceslikeTrue Love Studios, which also serves as the host venue for his live art show
“Caricatures,events,paintparties,Ithink I’vefinallyenteredcredibilityversushustle I’m consistently getting booked… and puttingupeventsbecausethereisnoeventlike this. I applied and I got two grants… Let CreativityHappenandCityInitiative,”Ofili said “When you get support like a grant, youaredoingyourvisionthewayyouenvisioned Dowhatyoucanafford…makeyour mistakesandmoveontothenextleveland lean into collaborations.”
His event has quickly gained traction, drawing crowds as diverse as the city Ofili believesthatsucheventsarecrucialforsustaining Houston’s cultural scene.
“Wecan’twaitforinstitutionstosaveus,” he said “We have to create our own spaces andourownenergy Ifwedon’t,theculture risks being erased.”
Learn about the various cultural resources in Houston.
(L-R) Houston artists Chukwunonso Ofili, Torrey Legér, and Caleb Hernandez meet at True Love Studios in Houston, discussing upcoming arts and culture programs. Credit: Jimmie Aggison