Houston Defender: October 13, 2022

David 'DJ' Hicks CHECK OUT THE HIGHESTRANKED HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECT IN TEXAS

NEWS

EARLY VOTING RALLY The League of Women Voters joins the Defender Network and community partners to get the vote out.

Volume 91, issue 47 October 13, 2022

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SPORTS

BRITTNEY GRINER

As the Oct. 25 appeal hearing approaches, the WNBA star returns to the headlines with new hope. instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

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DN To the POINT

Right-wing spokeswoman Candace Owens and Kanye West pictured here during Fashion Week in Paris. Photo via Candace Owens’ Twitter.

Associate Editor’s Message Mental Health Crisis #1 that say about America? What does that Dr. Joy Lear y DeGruy calls it say about us who allow such abuse to “Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome.” Before continue? her, Dr. Naim Akbar labeled it “Internalized Oppression.” Prior to both of them, ELECTION OF A LIFETIME Reverend Albert B. Cleage Jr., “Father For the past few years, every election of Black Liberation Theology,” called it has been hyped as “the most important “Niggerization.” Each was referring to election ever.” And each one has been. the ongoing mind/body/spirit damage Why? Because over the past few years, done to us via enslavement and ongoing the little slither of “democracy” that exists generations of racial terror. When I heard in America has been under attack. This Aswad Walker Kanye West wore a “White Lives Matter” November, that attack is at “Threat Level T-shirt because in his brain “Black Lives Matter” was a Maximum.” National news media folk often mince words. I “scam,” my first thought was, “Social media has made us won’t. Believers in the myth of wealthy white male supremall dumber.” And that may still be true. But I was reminded acy have already taken away women’s rights to make decithat we all (Blackfolk) suffer from untreated damage done sions concerning their own bodies. Now they’re banning to us and our ancestors—damage scientists have shown is “Girls Who Code” books to limit their access to educapassed down via our DNA. Damage that shows itself in any tion also. They’re suppressing votes via gerrymandering number of ways displaying open “self-hate” and “hate” or and an ongoing Jan. 6 coup to trash Black votes — still disrespect or dismissal of those who look like us. It’s easy to in progress via the “election deniers” on ballots nationsee it in Kanye. He puts his on display daily. What’s harder wide. Recently, U.S. Sen. (AL) Tommy Tuberville, who is doing the work to see it in and root it out of ourselves. made tens of millions of dollars off the free labor of Black men as a college football coach, told a 99% white Nevada IN DEFENSE OF BLACK GRANDMOTHERS crowd, “They (Blackfolk) want reparations because they Unfortunately, as expected, the ex-Baytown Police think the people that do crime (Blackfolk) are owed that.

Officer Juan Manuel Delacruz who gunned down Pamela Bullsh*t. They aren’t owed that.” He basically outlined the Turner in May of 2019 was found not guilty, though he national Republican Party stance: all Blacks are criminals did shoot and kill Turner. But for some reason, this latest who don’t deserve squat. Every right we have is on the line travesty of justice feels different to me. Maybe it’s because this November. Vote.

Turner was a Black grandmother. Think about that for a minute, and all that the institution of “grandmother” ON THE WEB means to us as a people. Grandmothers not only raised • Dark & Lovely scholarship for Black female college our parents, for many of us, they’re raising our kids too. students.

Black grandmothers have been our matriarchs, our spiritual • R&B legend Bobby Brown joins the fight against domestic North Stars, our family griots. And if our grandmothers violence. can be shot down like dogs, and nobody pays a price, what • Check out the “Top 5 Lucrative Side Hustles” on our does that say about the criminal justice system? What does Under 40 channel.

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS #1

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DN News

STREET NAMING HONORS HOUSTON ‘RELIGIOUS ROYALTY’ REV. CALVIN ABRAHAM

By Aswad Walker

pastor, and then as pastor emeritus from Proper honor is way past due for Rever- about 2014 forward.” end Dr. Calvin J. Abraham whose life and Mackey, who served at Bella Vista for a legacy touched so many, he is considered number of years as an associate minister, Houston religious royalty. And though is the current chair of the Independence Abraham passed away earlier this Heights Greater Houston Baptist Minyear, his influence on those isters Alliance, and a mentee of he inspired lives on.

Abraham.

Abraham’s name will “From the outset, live on in a more conPastor Abraham was crete way, as well. one who had a love The city of for early childhood Houston which education, for litgave birth to the eracy and adult Phyllis Wheatliteracy, as well ley High School as the faith peralumnus and Hall spective. He spent of Fame member, over half a century will name a street being committed to after Abraham on Satthe Houston commuurday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. nity, and communities at the Bella Vista Missionary across our country, traveling Baptist Church located at the Rev. Dr. Calvin J. and evangelizing. His legacy of intersection of 803 East 36th @ commitment to Christendom Abraham Cornell Street in the Historical and to our community is, in my Independence Heights. opinion, certainly worthy of recognition,” “In 1969 he was called to pastor the Bella said Mackey.

Vista Missionary Baptist Church from his Abraham’s “commitment to Christenhome church, Greater Galilee Mission- dom” was recognized by US Congressary Baptist Church,” said Reverend Ray woman Sheila Jackson Lee, who invited Mackey, who dedicated his life to God and Abraham and Mackey to attend a holiday the church upon hearing one of Abraham’s ball hosted by President Barack and First sermons. “From 1969 to February 2022, he Lady Michelle Obama during Obama’s last faithfully served the church first as senior year in office.

Michelle Obama, Rev. Ray Mackey, Rev. Dr. Calvin J. Abraham, President Barack Obama and US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Photo by Chuck Kennedy.

Read more about Rev. Dr. Abraham at DefenderNetwork.com

Darius Elam requests judge’s removal from case

By Aswad Walker

Darius Elam has been in prison for nearly 40 years, even though no evidence links him to the crime and DNA testing removed Elam from being anywhere near the scene of the crime. For these, and other reasons, the Honey Brown Hope Foundation (HBHF) has been on a mission to have Elam’s case reopened with the hope that a fresh review would allow him to go free.

That hope is reportedly being dashed by the actions, or rather the inactions of Judge Josh Hill, who critics say has been a consistent roadblock in efforts to uncover the truth behind the heartbreaking case.

Elam filed a recusal motion requesting Hill’s disqualification based on abuse of power, favoritism to the state, lack of impartiality and inability to render fair judgment.

“The HBHF is asking the community at large to denounce Judge Hill’s miscarriage of justice against Elam and demand that he recuses himself on Elam’s case,” said Tammie Lang Campbell, founder of the HBHF. In 1984, Elam, a student at Texas Southern

Darius Elam during a Defender exclusive interview with him in April 2022.

Photo by Aswad Walker.

To learn more about justice for Elam, visit https://www.honeybrownhope.org/dariuselam

University and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., was convicted of aggravated robbery of a white man found dead with a

gunshot wound to his head on the campus of Rice University on May 7, 1983.

“Darius was originally charged with

felony murder and credit card theft; however, with no proof of murder these charges were changed to aggravated robbery,” said Campbell. “He was convicted of aggravated robbery and sentenced to life despite no confession and maintaining innocence; a deeply flawed investigation and compelling evidence he was wrongly convicted.”

“There are three things pointing to Elam’s innocence: a recanted paid jailhouse informant testimony, DNA testing excluding Elam and an unidentified person’s DNA found at the crime scene,” said HBHF member Shar-day Campbell.

“Even with the compelling evidence of innocence, Judge Josh Hill, 232nd Judicial District Court of Harris County, continues to delay this case until after his election on November 8 and also declined to accept District Attorney Kim Ogg’s request made in July 2022 to un-recuse itself and take back Darius D. Elam’s case (TDCJ Number: 00380190), to examine for themselves if Elam was convicted fairly or not.

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DN News

Ex-Baytown police officer Juan Manuel Delacruz. Screenshot. Pamela Turner inset. Courtesy of KPRC-TV

Baytown cop who killed Pamela Turner found not guilty

By Gregory A. Stevens

President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris. AP photo by Patrick Semansky

Biden, Harris make more promises to Black America Defender News Service

Touting two significant achievements that specifically targeted Blacks: the $5.8 billion investment in HBCUs and the investiture of the first Black woman – Ketanji Brown Jackson – appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris outlined accomplishments positively impacting Blacks and promised to deliver more.

The comments were made during the 51st Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference in D.C. Harris also acknowledged the CBC’s importance while challenging them to continue to flex their power.

“We need the leadership of this organization more now than ever,” said Harris referring to the ongoing GOP attacks on a woman’s right to choose, voting rights, and protections against hate and violence.

Biden cut to the chase.

“Without the CBC, I wouldn’t be standing here tonight. That’s a fact,” he said before outlining

his administration’s successes. These included increasing Black Americans with health insurance, cutting Black child poverty in half in 2021 via the Child Tax Credit, reducing Black unemployment, increasing Black small-business creation, making lynching a federal crime, aggressively attacking racial discrimination in housing and confirming more Black women appellate [federal] judges than every other President in history combined.

He then promised future actions, including getting the George Floyd Justice Policing Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Freedom to Vote Act passed; and increasing the share of federal government expenditures on small, disadvantaged businesses, including Brown and Black businesses.

“We’re going to bring that from 10% of all that money spent going to small businesses that are Black and Brown to 15% by 2025. It doesn’t sound like much [but] that means an additional $100 billion to those businesses and those communities,” said POTUS. [Source: Washington Informer]

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT DEFENDERNETWORK.COM.

Cries of injustice were voiced immediately after a Harris County jury offered a verdict of “not guilty” in the trial of Juan Manuel Delacruz, the former Baytown police officer who shot and killed Black grandmother Pamela Turner.

“Once again, our judicial system has proven to be unfaithful and unreliable when it comes to Black women receiving justice when murdered in cold blood by police officers,” said Dr. James Dixon, NAACP Houston president and pastor of Community of Faith. “It also proves that when it comes to Black women and other minorities, the crime worthy of death by police officers, is to simply be Black and female, [and] that in Harris County, Texas your life does not matter!”

Turner family attorney Ben Crump, who has represented countless Black, Latinx and poor whites killed by police, viewed this trail as bigger than simply the Turner case, stating before the trial

started, “The reason this trial is so critically important is if the jury finds Delacruz guilty, it will be the first time in American history that a police officer is convicted in the killing of a Black woman.”

Upon hearing the verdict, he was left to console the grieving family and offer words of disgust.

“This is a setback in the effort for equal justice under the law in America. You have to understand that the police, as documented by the Washington Post from 2015 to 2020, killed 400 Black women while in their custody and not one police officer was convicted of a felony. When will it end when the police can continue to get away with killing Black women and have no accountability?”

Delacruz was found not guilty of first-degree aggravated assault by a public servant. Police are rarely, if ever, charged with murder in such cases, no matter how heinous. The killing of Turner, which happened on May 13, 2019, was captured on video that went viral.

VOLUME 91, NUMBER 47 - OCTOBER 13, 2022 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2022 copyright.

No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

October 13, 2022 |

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DN NewsBriefs US Rep Green Declares City’s 2nd Gun Buyback a Success

The city’s second Gun Buyback event, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Metro Westchase Park and Ride in US Rep. Al Green’s 9th Congressional District, was declared a success by the congressman. “Gun buybacks are an effective means by which to help reduce crime as well as gun violence in our communities. The epidemic of gun violence and mass shootings must end or it may be our end.” County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who, along with Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner spearheaded the effort, said, “Because of lax gun laws in our state, our community is drowning in guns.

We may not control gun laws, but we are not powerless to take guns off the street.”

H-Town Family Palooza this Saturday

Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with county commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia are inviting everyone out to the H-Town Family Palooza this Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. at the El Franco Lee Public Service Plaza (1201 Congress St., Houston, 77002). “Bring your family and friends to an outdoor event to enjoy live music by MANGO PUNCH!, kidfriendly activities through Street Olympics, and NCAA Final Four activities, games and

Park Benches in highly exposed communities where it awards CareGrants to organizations that are working to close the health and wealth gap.

Lone Star College opens doors to international students

One of downtown Houston’s many murals.

prizes,” said Ellis. “This event will also highlight the projects that Harris County is completing downtown and the work being done to transform this area into a vibrant community space.” From the H-Town Family Palooza festivities, families are being encouraged to board the free double-decker bus that will take them to Downtown Houston for the Street Art for Mankind: Downtown Art Market featuring an art show and mural tour for Big Art. Bigger Change.

Aflac gives $200K grant to TSU

TSU recently announced receiving a $200K grant from Aflac to help advance health equity for diseases that disproportionately impact underrepresented

communities. The $200K gift will be split between community support/education and health-related research. According to the Aflac Care Index Texas was among the 11 states identified as having the most medical debt exposure. Aflac selected TSU for its Center for Biomedical and Minority Health Research, which oversees robust research and community-level initiatives that support underrepresented communities both locally and nationally. Aflac and TSU officials also unveiled TSU’s Aflac Park Bench, a natural space of rest, reflection, peace and comfort for the Third Ward campus. The bench is a physical manifestation of the commitments Aflac makes to educate, support and advocate to help close the gap. Aflac installs these

Lone Star College received permission to expand its academic offerings to international students by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The SEVP acts as a bridge for nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the US is to be a student. “Lone Star College welcomed more than 2,600 international students from over 100 countries this fall,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSC Associate Vice Chancellor Honors and International Education.

“This benefits students from other countries who are interested in receiving a quality education and introduces American students to different cultures and customs.” LSC will now be able to offer F-1 visa students the opportunity to study at LSC-East Aldine Center, LSC-Houston North Fallbrook and LSC-Westway Park Technology Center. An F-1 visa student is allowed to temporarily live in the US for a defined period of time while studying at a school or college. Visit LoneStar.edu/International-Student for more information.

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DN Profile Breast cancer survivor works to save lives

Jacque Colbert

By Laura Onyeneho

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer among women. Despite the slight decline in the mortality rate due to early detection and improvements in treatment, Black women are at a 40% higher risk of dying than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Fourteen-year breast cancer survivor Dr. Jacque Colbert, who has a doctoral degree in Management and Organizational Leadership, is part of what she calls a “sisterhood” of women who defeated cancer and has worked relentlessly to give back to women suffering from it.

If detected early, breast cancer is curable.

Through her nonprofit Sipping PositiviTEA, the Houston-based global human resource leader has implemented annual fundraising, fashion shows and galas focused on raising funds for the cure and helping support postcare needs for survivors.

Last year, Colbert raised $11,000 in funds and $10,000 was donated to The Rose, a nonprofit helping the insured and uninsured receive necessary testing and treatment, and $1,000 to support “Angels Fighting Cancer.”

On Oct. 22, Colbert will host her next fundraiser at The Bougainvilleas in Houston at 7 p.m. The Defender spoke with Colbert to learn about her experience.

Defender: Take us back to the begin-

ning of your breast cancer journey.

Jacque Colbert: I was diagnosed in April 2008. I consider myself a healthy person. I’m a military veteran. I spent 4 ½ years there. Two weeks before feeling something was wrong, I had a complete physical by my medical practitioner, which included a full breast exam. I was told that I was clear. A week later, I felt a lump in my left breast.

It was odd. I’ve always been attuned to my body. I called my doctor, and he told me nothing was wrong. I became an active participant in my survival.

I kept beating the drum to be seen and heard. I wanted a mammogram done, and it took another month before that happened.

I was shy of 39 at that time. The official age was 40 years old to receive them regularly.

Mammography takes about 30 minutes, but I ended up being there for about two hours.

I had a barrage of radiologists come in, and that was when I was told something was

wrong. They called my doctor immediately.

I was a single mom raising my daughter, and I started my doctoral journey as an executive at Dell Technologies. I had so much to look forward to. The news was abrupt.

But I’m thankful that I learned at an early stage and had a biopsy done, followed by a lumpectomy.

Defender: Did you later find out if this was

hereditary?

Colbert: I started asking and thinking about my family tree, not knowing or ever being told of anyone on either side of my family with a history of breast cancer. I got the genetic test done to validate if it was in my genes, and it returned negative. I kept asking myself several things.

I’m a pescatarian. I work out five days a week. It wasn’t making sense.

I decided to stop focusing on the negative because this experience was something I should be learning and teaching out of the despair of my pain.

Defender: How was the healthcare and

treatment process for you?

Colbert: I’m thankful from a traditional medicine perspective. I had excellent traditional healthcare available to me. Being of Caribbean descent, I value nontraditional medicine. I went through a year of chemo, followed by 35 rounds of radiation. I supplemented a high dose of nutraceuticals to keep me well and whole during my treatment. I’m passionate about this body of work from a nonprofit perspective because there are things that aren’t covered when discussing holistic healthcare.

One of the drawbacks of chemotherapy was lymphedema or the extreme swelling in the arms and legs. One of the most challenging things I deal with is neuropathy or numbness in my fingertips, making it hard for me to find clothes or clean.

One of the things that was helpful to me that was not funded by regular

Dr. Jacque Colbert

healthcare was the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Austin at the time. They offered six months of housekeeping service to help me through the day. It took a whole year before I was cancer free.

Defender: What can Black women do to

prevent this?

Colbert: Number one, we need to discuss this more and not be ashamed of our bodies.

Number two, get comfortable with saying that we’re not superwomen. We need balance and a better work-life balance. Number three, learn how to say “no...” I believe stress was a significant factor in what induced this cancerous tissue in my body. In the Black community, we are constantly under stress due to many competing priorities. Number four, we got to put our money where our mouth is. Vote for the appropriate politicians and leaders with the right mindset about holistic care.

Defender: What lifestyle changes have you

made since being cancer free?

Colbert: It’s the amplification of my lifestyle. I choose to be positive. I serve my community, but I make sure I create time for rest.

I’m consistent in ensuring that I stick to my mammograms, constantly researching and engaging with others. We need to prioritize ourselves first.

Defender: Talk about your nonprofit.

What solutions does it provide?

Colbert: It didn’t start as a nonprofit. It began with positive psychology and creating services and products that were visual indicators of positivity. I want to raise as many funds as possible to help the underserved so they can at least get mammograms for free. Then, I want to ensure those things that aren’t covered through traditional healthcare, such as housekeeping services, lymphatic drainage treatment, or neuropathy support. We also support men who wouldn’t ordinarily have these available to them.

Defender: Let us know about your upcoming event.

Colbert: This is the premiere fundraising fashion show and gala aimed at amplifying and uplifting what we’ve been doing for four years. We are bringing in the best of H-Town. It combines food, fashion, friends, family and fundraising. We need to help our survivors at every stage of their process.

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DN News THE POWER OF OUR

OTE

EARLY VOTING CAMPAIGN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

By Von Jiles

of this 102-year-old organization,” BeniAs the November election draws nearer, field said. “I am committed to the League’s the League of Women Voters (LWV) of mission of empowering voters through Houston and the Houston Defender Net- voter registration and voter education work have joined forces to encourage the and defending democracy by advocating/ community to exercise the highest fighting for voting rights.” civic privilege we have as citiShe added that the League’s zens – voting.

Voters Guide is now availAn Early Voting Rally able at https://lwvhousis set for Saturday, Octoton.org/voters-guide/ ber 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 and is its signature p.m. at Emancipation effort in the realm of Park, 3018 Emancipavoter education. “It tion Ave., in the heart of provides nonpartisan, Third Ward. Highlights fact-based informainclude spoken word tion in English, Spanish, artists, other performers Chinese and Vietnamese and fun for the entire on a digital platform Annie Benifield family. The theme is so citizens can make “Empowering Voters, informed choices about Defending Democracy,” and who best represents them in the timing is crucial – early the political arena.” voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.

As the signature sponThe Oct. 22 rally, sor, Texas Children’s which is sponsored by Hospital Executive Texas Children’s HosVice President Michelle pital, has garnered a Riley-Brown stated, number of community “Texas Children’s Hospartners: Black Women pital is proud to sponsor of Greater Houston PAC, this event.”

City of Houston, Greater “The right to vote is an Houston Black Chamincredible privilege Michelle Riley Brown ber, Houston Area that was hard-earned.

Urban League, Houston When we exercise our Metropolitan Baptist Minisright to vote, we honor not ters Conference, Metro, only our responsibility to NAACP Houston Branch, ourselves, but to each Texas Southern Univerother.” sity Student GovernSonny Messiah Jiles, ment Association, Top CEO of the Defender Ladies of Distinction, Network, said it is fitUniversity of Houston ting that the rally is Student Government held at Emancipation Association and Wheeler Park, which was purAvenue Baptist Church chased by former slaves Social Justice Ministry.

150 years ago and sigSonny Messiah Jiles Annie Johnson Beninifies power. “Voting field, president of LWV is a privilege that we of Houston, said, "Democracy is not continue to fight for,” Messiah Jiles said. a spectator sport where one simply sits in “We must unify to emphasize the power the arena and watches events take place, but each of us has if we only take the time to rather a gladiator sport where you fight for vote. Despite past and present voter supwhat you believe in, such as voting rights, pression tactics, we remain resilient. For equality and justice. “As a descendant of 12 days, we have the opportunity to vote enslaved people, I am honored to serve as early at any polling location. That is the the first woman of color elected president true meaning of “Power to the People.”

Your support has been amazing and we truly appreciate the commitment you have made to Black women and their families.

With the sponsorship of Women’s Wellness and Parenting Today, you are making an investment in generations to come.

The Health Forum, “The Woman King” movie screening and the Power of Us Eary Voting Rally all demonstrate that the “Whole Woman” is valued. We applaud your commitment.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus can lead to identity theft, compromised passwords for online accounts or downloads that track the user’s activity on the device.

TOP SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

By ReShonda Tate

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says thieves have stepped up their game when it comes to getting your coins. While there are a number of scams you may be aware of, officials say crafty criminals are targeting unsuspecting consumers more and more and disenfranchised communities are being hit the hardest.

A recent study from Social Catfish, a company that aids citizens in avoiding online scams, found that Texas ranked second highest in the nation for the total number of scam victims in 2021, totaling 41,148 people who lost an average of $14,732.

Overall, Texans lost $606,179,646.

California held the top spot with 67,095 victims losing $1.2 billion to financial scams.

The BBB’s Scam Tracker reported several hundred scams in the Greater Houston area since the beginning of 2022, including some you may not be aware of. Here are some of them: Rental Landlords who may not own the properties up for sale are asking for security deposits or first month’s rent before the renter is shown the listing in person. Unsuspecting renters show up to move in and only to find other victims, and no house key in sight.

Phishing/smishing/ vishing The victim receives an email (phishing), phone call (vishing) or text message (smishing). In the communication, the scammer urges the target to click a link, share information or download an attachment

that likely contains malware. In the case of an email or text, the link frequently leads to a form, which prompts the target to enter personal information.

Text scams Scammers have spoofed caller ID to appear as “Mom” or “Dad.” They are relying on the fact that many people have “Dad” or “Mom” saved in their contacts list. Scammers hope you won’t think twice (or double-check the phone number) before sending help, normally a request for money. If you do transfer money to a bank or digital wallet account, your money will be gone for good.

“I see you watching porn” Con artists email or text that they know you’ve been watching online pornography and if you don’t pay a fee, they’re going to release the videos/pictures to the public.

Tech support scams Your computer/laptop shows an error. You Google and dial the first number that pops up. The “tech” who answers says they need remote access to your computer, which enables them to install malware that records passwords, keystrokes,

or other files that contain personal information.

Student loan scams You receive a call or voicemail from someone claiming to represent a new student loan forgiveness program. To see if you qualify for forgiveness, the scammer insists that you need to complete an online application form, which asks for personal information, such as your bank account details.

QR code scams Fraudulent QR codes are often placed on the back of parking meters, leading victims to assume that they can pay for parking through the QR code if they do not have change. Con artists can easily create a QR code for free online, which they then print on stickers and either cover up an actual QR code or place where it makes logical sense. After paying for the spot through the QR code, some victims return to find their vehicle has been towed or received a parking ticket for non-payment, multiplying the amount of money lost. In other cases, after scanning a code found in an email, text or on a flyer, some victims are directed to a website that requests personal information that

Work from home With the pandemic also came huge increases in remote working scams.

Bank jugging A thief patiently observes customers inside or outside a bank, follows the customer, then burglarizes the vehicle or victim directly.

Law enforcement calls Callers pretending to be law enforcement call and threaten people with arrest for an alleged federal warrant unless they pay a specific amount immediately. The callers are given the actual phone number of deputies, counting on victims not to call.

Sweepstakes/ lottery/prizes These rely on your excitement to lure you into paying fees for your prize or typically require that you provide your personal information with the intent of compromising your identity. Remember, you should never have to pay fees for winning a prize. You will also never win a lottery you never entered.

Identity theft While scammers certainly want access to your finances, also valuable are your Social Security number, debit/credit card info, pin numbers, passwords, and any other items containing your personal information. If this sensitive information falls into the hands of a criminal, it may be used to steal your identity and open new accounts.

Online purchase scams It may seem as if some of the best deals may be found online but use caution. It’s easy for a scammer to hijack photos from a legitimate retailer and post prices that seem too good to be true. Make sure you are dealing with a legitimate seller who has a history of conducting business ethically by going to bbb.org.

Government grant Victims receive a phone call, email or letter stating they qualified for a government grant, but to receive the grant you must pay the processing and/or delivery fee via wire transfer or prepaid debit card. Remember, the government does not award

grants for which there has been no application.

Fake Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents Scammers posing as IRS agents contact consumers either claiming they could help them expedite stimulus checks or that they owed back taxes and threaten lawsuits and arrest if payment is not sent immediately. Keep in mind, the IRS does not make threatening phone calls, nor do you send payment via unconventional methods such as gift cards or wire transfers.

Employers Scammers advertise a job opening or guarantee job placement if you pay a fee to cover the cost it takes to place you in a job. However, after you pay, there’s no job and you are out of money. Remember, if a potential employer asks you to pay the company to cover the costs of testing, training or background checks, consider it a red flag.

Debt collection Consumers report receiving harassing calls and/or calls for debts that are not owed. Remember, there are debt collection process rules in place to prevent unethical collection business practices.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Block unwanted calls and text messages.

Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect.

Resist the pressure to act immediately.

Never pay someone you don’t know with a gift card or by using a money transfer service.

Stop and talk to someone you trust.

Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them.

Don’t respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up.

Keep your personal details, mobile devices and computers secure.

Choose your passwords carefully.

Resist the urge to scam the scammer for revenge.

5

SIGNS IT’S A SCAM

Scammers try new methods to trick you all the time. But if you know the signs to look for, you may avoid becoming a victim.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

They contacted you.

When someone contacts you first, you can’t be certain they’re telling the truth. Remember, email addresses and caller ID information can be faked.

They dangle bait — usually money.

You’ve heard it before – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Especially when it comes to money. People simply don’t give away large sums of money easily. If someone dangles bait in front of you — a big prize, a shopping spree, an easy loan — for nothing, they’re probably lying.

They want your personal information.

Anytime anyone asks for your personal information — bank accounts, Social Security number, etc. — you should be on alert. Don’t give it away quickly or easily, especially to someone you don’t know.

You have to pay them first.

If someone offers you a prize, debt relief, or employment — but first you have to pay an upfront fee to get it — you’re probably being scammed.

You have to wire money or send gift cards.

If you’re about to wire money or send gift cards to someone in order to receive a prize, or pay off a debt collector that contacts you...STOP!

10 | October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

4 THINGS WE CAN DO TO END HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES

Defender News Service

Blacks make up only

Just miles from where one of only two Level 1 trauma centers in Atlanta is scheduled to close at the end of October, dozens of medical professionals, CEOs, COOs, hospital and healthcare system presidents, and the media gathered for the 2022 Black Directors Health Equity Agenda (BDHEA) summit.

The summit goal: to ensure healthcare leaders remain aware of societal healthcare inequities while working in the ivory towers of America’s healthcare industry. The summit highlighted four things critical for healthcare professionals and the general public to do in order to lessen and ultimately eliminate the current existing healthcare disparities.

5.3%

of medical professionals

*Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Blacks made up

9.5%

of first-year medical students in 2020

11%

OWN OUR RESPONSIBILITY

“We’re here because our communities deserve better,” said Atrium Health President & CEO Eugene A. Woods. “It’s really up to us and our colleagues in this room to own up to that.”

Participants made the link between participation in the upcoming midterm elections in states across the nation and actions they and everyday citizens can take.

“My strong belief is that governance can be a compelling force for good,” said Woods, alluding to the importance of voting and actions beyond casting ballots. “We are here because we all have aspirations to leave our communities better than when we found them.”

of first-year medical students in 2021 *American Medical Association

Getty Images.

INCREASE BLACK HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Blacks make up only 5.3% of medical professionals, according to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. That means the odds of a Black family or individual having a Black primary physician are low.

“We know that because we have under-representation in the healthcare workforce of African Americans and in Hispanic and American Indians, that makes the healthASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS care provider workforce a little bit less Dr. Derek J. Robinson, VP & Chief Med- relatable to those patient populations,” ical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Illi- Robinson said. nois and the BDHEA program chair, said Robinson said teaching hospitals a big step toward improving the health of must ask themselves how are they as a the Black community is whole, and their indiasking questions. vidual specialty divisions The questions to prodoing with recruitment viding care are, “How is of u nd e r re pres e nte d the care being provided minority medical stuWe are here for men and women?, dents and residents.

How is it being provided because Blacks made up just for indiv idu a ls w ho we all have over 11% of first-year maybe don’t speak English aspirations medical school students as their first language?,” to leave our in 2021, according to said Robinson. “If you community American Medical Assodon’t know the questions ciation data. That number better than to ask, then you likely will is up from 9.5% in 2020. not give visibility into the when we found The number of Black male challenges that are being it." first-year students nationencountered by patients.” Eugene A. Woods wide increased by more BDHEA founder John than 20% during the same W. Daniels, Jr. asked summit attendees ques- time period. tions of his own, which really sounded more “We know there’s plenty of research like calls to action: “How can we collaborate and data that not only suggests but really and deliberately take action in the health informs us that there are differences in equity space?” and “What are we going to do how care is delivered to patients,” said to advance the efforts going forward?”

Robinson.

CONFRONT, REMOVE ROADBLOCKS

Some of the underlying factors that lead to disparities in care are a lack of education in medical care, transportation, income disparity, and food insecurity, which can lead to diabetes, among other

chronic health conditions common among Blacks. Awareness can lead to better diagnosis of diseases. Having leaders of color in the healthcare profession aware of how patients are being cared for at the ground level, can begin to lower healthcare disparities nationally. [Source: The Atlanta Voice]

CLASSIFIED BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Sicarria Goodman of Houston, Texas has announced the birth of her daughter, Xahra Aset Swan.

Xahra was born at 6:03 AM, June 1, 2016, at Magnolia Birth Center in Cypress, Texas. Xahra weighed 8 lbs. 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.

The maternal grandparents are Sidney Goodman of Richmond, Texas and Carleen Webb of Alexandria, Louisiana. The paternal grandparents are Donna Swan of Spring, Texas and Roosevelt Swan of Houston, Texas.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

DOWNTOWN OFFICE CONVERSION FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / TIRZ No. 3 The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) / TIRZ No. 3 will receive responses to this Request for Proposal (RFP), for a consulting firm to conduct third-party feasibility studies on select buildings participating in exploring adaptive reuse of vacant office space in Downtown Houston, Texas. Hardcopy proposals will be received until 3:00 PM, local time on Thursday, December 1, 2022,

by Robert Pieroni, Director of Economic Development, Central Houston Inc. Hardcopy proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Hardcopy proposals are to be delivered to 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250 Houston, TX 77010.

Beginning Thursday, October 13, 2022, this project’s Request for Proposal (RFP) may be reviewed and downloaded as an electronic file on the Authority’s website: www.downtowntirz.com. An optional Pre-submittal Conference will be held at 1:00 PM, local time, on Thursday, October 27, 2022, in the Authority’s offices, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250 Houston, TX 77010. All potential respondents are invited to attend. Following this conference, queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Authority, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFP. Based on the Proposals submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will identify the winning proposal. The Authority will negotiate and award the contract to the selected consultant based on the evaluation criteria.

Proposers shall comply with City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Articles II, V, VI, and XI and the Mayor’s Executive Orders No.1-7 Pay or Play (POP) Program for Houston Public Works for the public procurement procedures of the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) established in March 2008 and the entity responsible for the administration of the Minority/ WomenOwned (M/WBE), Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE), and Hire Houston First programs.

The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Business

NONPROFIT OFFERS FREE TECH TRAINING TO MINORITIES

By Laura Onyeneho

Looking to break into the tech industry but don’t know where to start? Reskill Americans is offering learning opportunities for free.

The non-profit provides tuition-free software development training and mentorship for historically underrepresented racial minorities nationwide.

“Our evolving apprenticeship program is designed to help graduates hone their new skills in a real-world environment, giving them on-the-job experience and confidence,” said Giselle Fuerte, Reskill Americans’ executive director.

“The length of the apprenticeship period may vary; the apprenticeship offers financial compensation, and most-to-all opportunities will be virtual.”

The training program duration is a rigorous seven-month process with a project-based approach designed to equip students with the skills they need to become software development professionals. Students will earn a certificate of completion

in web development or UX/UI design.

“We recognize that by the very nature of being an underrepresented racial minority looking to enter the field, participants in our program are unlikely to have had direct access to diverse mentors and advocates in tech and might enter our program carrying the burden of uncertainty and imposter syndrome,” said Fuerte.

“However, by working alongside likeminded participants, learning technical skills required to get a career in the industry, having direct access to role models and networking opportunities, and receiving support and motivation every step of the way, they graduate equipped with the tools to build a career in tech that will transform their lives, and ultimately, the industry as a whole.”

Reskill Americans launched its inaugural program in 2021 with more than 2,000 participants from 42 states, and alums have been hired at businesses of all sizes.

The current cohort will graduate in May 2023. Those interested in next year’s cohort should visit: https://reskillamericans.org/

National nonprofit offers free tech training to underrepresented racial minorities. Adobe Stock Images

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12 | October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

Rosalind Riggs

Retired teacher turned children’s book author

By Aswad Walker

Rosalind Riggs, a former teacher with 31 years in the classroom, is now a children’s book author on a mission to minister to young souls. Her book, “The Army of the Lord,” is a collection of prayers Riggs says the Lord placed on her heart to equip children with the powerful spiritual technology of prayer.

The Defender spoke with Riggs, who is also an ordained minister, about her journey to her new career as an author.

Defender: Growing up, was teaching your

dream job?

Riggs: Actually, it wasn’t. My mom was an elementary teacher, and she would bring home these big bags of paper and say, “Come on, and help me grade these spelling tests.”

We’d be up hours, and I was like, “Oh, I’m never going to be a teacher. Never, ever, ever.” When I called her and told her that I was going to teach, she said, “What? Not you?” I said, “Yeah, but mom, I’m teaching art. I’m not going to be bringing home stacks of papers and all of that.”

Defender: What did you do before

teaching?

Riggs: I was in retail management. I did buying for Montgomery Ward. That’s what I did when I first moved here. I was traveling quite a bit, opening stores, and I had my daughter. It was just too much, leaving her with my mother-in-law. I was like, “I’ve got to do something else.” And it just came on my heart to do teaching and check into it. I had all the requirements as far as the art part with my major, but I needed the education courses. I went to TSU and took those 30 hours of education and got certified pre-K through 12.

Defender: Can you give us an overview

of the book?

Riggs: It’s like a prayer book I’ve never seen before for children. First of all, there’s a prayer for salvation that the children themselves—they’re the army of the Lord—can pray. Then the other prayers include a prayer for healing. You need to know how to pray when somebody’s sick. There’s a prayer for the healing of cancer, a prayer for your parents’ marriage, a prayer for mom and dad.

People don’t realize their kids worry about you. There is a prayer for when you’re lonely.

There are so many children, especially with

the isolation of the virus and everything.

Children were totally isolated for the very first time. They couldn’t go out and play.

They couldn’t see their other family members. This was a real situation.

ABOUT ROSALIND RIGGS

Defender: Why is this book something par-

Favorite music: Gospel

ents would want for their children?

Riggs: Because they should want them to know how to pray. They should want them to be armed up. You’re not with them all the time. And if something goes down, they know what to do. They know they have a heavenly father that’s always watching, that loves them and he’s there for them and they’ll never have to be alone.

Birthplace: Chicago Education: Iowa State University Favorite food: Seafood Favorite things about Houston: Oh, I really like Houston, especially Mo. City. That’s where I’ve been living for 36 years. I love, first of all, that I don’t have to wear those big coats anymore, like in Chicago and Iowa. I’m getting used to the heat, but I keep my house on 70. I’ve also met some wonderful people and friends.

Contact info: rosalindriggs1956@gmail.com

October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 13

DN Sports

Draymond Green and Jordan Poole. AP photo

DRAYMOND GREEN PUBLICLY APOLOGIZES FOR PUNCHING JORDAN POOLE Defender News Service

The player described as the heart and soul of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green, is apologizing for engaging in a physical altercation with his Warriors’ teammate Jordan Poole during a recent practice.

And by “physical altercation” we mean he punched the hell out of Poole.

Green, who Warriors’ fans love, and who other NBA fans love to hate, is seemingly regretful for the punch he landed that floored Poole. During a recent Warriors’ media availability, Green offered up his public apology.

“I was wrong for my actions that took place on Wednesday. For that, I have apologized to my team. I have apologized to Jordan.”

According to various news outlets, Green

and Jordan had been beefing since training camp began. And while he did not specifically mention what led up to the incident, Green did share that he’d been dealing with some personal matters off the court. Still, Green made no excuses for his actions, the video of which went viral after the footage was leaked to the public.

The Warriors have launched an investigation regarding how the video was leaked.

“When you are doing something, when you step on the court, that doesn’t go away. As a leader of this team, I need to have a better feel for myself,” he said.

Earlier in the week, Green apologized to his teammates, all of whom say they accept his apology. He’s unsure about Poole however, and said he wants to give him his space.

“I think my apology was accepted pretty well

from the team, at least that’s what I was told.

As far as how it was accepted from Jordan, I’m not sure how it was accepted.”

With the new NBA season fast approaching, some fans, media members and players and coaches of other teams are wondering aloud, “What’s next?” Green said he will continue to take time away from the team to allow both himself and his teammates time to heal.

It’s uncertain whether he’ll play in the season opener.

During the talk, Green insisted on making one thing clear: his love and support for Poole has not changed.

“I love Jordan Poole. That’s my guy. I will still ride for Jordan, still advocate for Jordan and do anything I can to make Jordan’s job easy.”

[Source: theRoot]

14 | October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce rushed for 99 yards and a 1-yard touchdown that secured the team’s first win of the season – a 13-6 decision over Jacksonville.

Slugger Yordan Alvarez blasted a 3-run walk-off homer rallying Houston to an 8-7 win over Seattle in Game 1 of the AL Division Series.

HEADLINES HAVE SLOWED

Brittney Griner remains big story

By Terrance Harris

It seemed like the moment after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Connecticut Sun on Sept. 18 to claim their first WNBA Championship, the lights dimmed on women’s basketball and the attention faded on the league’s biggest star – imprisoned Brittney Griner.

The warmup T-Shirts demanding “Free BG” aren’t being captured by the television camera to keep her imprisonment in Russia at the forefront. The stories of her plight have been reduced to filler news.

But Griner, who has been held captive in Moscow since February and has been sentenced to nine years in prison for attempting to board a flight home with less than one gram of cannabis oil, has not been forgotten.

The two-time U.S. Olympic champion and Houston native was just no longer headline A fan at a WNBA playoff basketball game between the Seattle Storm and the Washington Mystics holds up a sign supporting Phoenix Mercury center news.

Brittney Griner, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022 in Seattle. Griner is being held in Russia That, however, began to change this past after receiving a nine-year prison sentence for drug possession after police week as Griner and her imprisonment said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Mosresurfaced on national news after her wife, cow’s Sheremetyevo Airport earlier in the year. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren Cherelle Griner, candidly discussed Griner’s mental and emotional state with CBS Richardson, who isn’t working on the behalf This is why the Biden administration has news anchor Gayle King as she awaits her of the U.S. government or the White House, mostly been silent on the subject of Griner long-term destination to begin serving her says he had discussions about Griner and as have her closest family and friends here lengthy sentence.

Whelan during his recent visit to Russia. in Houston and around the country. There Cherelle has had two conversations with the “I do think so. Now, I hate making pre- is a delicate balance between keeping her former Nimitz and Baylor standout since her dictions, but yes,” Richardson responded to name and imprisonment out front and not detainment. The first was upbeat. The CNN when asked if he believes Griner wanting to make her even more of a target most recent talk was anything but. and Whalen could be released before in the political fight.

“You could hear that she was not the year is out.

But there does seem to be a great deal still okay. If you think about just a perThese are the actions that we happening in the background. The U.S. Jusson’s suffering and when they have know of because of recent headlines. tice Department and White House are said suffered to a max…she was at the We also know the U.S. Department to have made a substantial trade proposal Brittney max that day,” Cherelle told King. of Justice and the White House that Russia has neither accepted nor made Griner But that wasn’t it for headhave engaged in discussions with a counter offer to this point. line-grabbing news on Griner. This past Russia about some sort of prisoner swap Biden has met with Griner’s family to weekend, former New Mexico Gov. Bill involving Griner and Whelan. offer support and to let them know Griner Richardson said he was optimistic that GriBut where that all stands seems to be a hasn’t been forgotten. ner and ex-U.S. Marine Paul Whalen would mystery as the U.S. remains at odds with “He’s doing what he can. But there’s both be freed from their Russian imprison- Russian President Vladimir Putin over his another party in this situation, and we also ments by the end of the year. invasion and attempted takeover of Ukraine. are dealing with the need for Russia to have This comes as we await Griner’s Oct. 25 It’s seemed from the beginning that Gri- mercy on B.G. as well,” Cherelle said in the appeal hearing that isn’t expected to yield ner’s imprisonment, which now is described interview with CBS. any positive results. A prison labor camp by the government as wrongfully detained, The waiting game, of course, has those assignment seems imminent. is more political than anything and that she closest to Griner on edge.

So Richardson’s prediction may be the is nothing more than a pawn in Putin’s indi“B.G. has truly suffered beyond her crime most tangible prospect for Griner’s freedom. rect conflict with the U.S. already,” Cherelle said.

Sports Briefs Texans finish strong for first win

The Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road, 13-6, for their first win of the season. It was the Texans’ ninth straight win over the Jaguars, but even bigger for first-year coach Lovie Smith, it was the first Lovie time he watched Smith his team stay the course in a tightly contested game. “There’s a lot of things that we had at stake, but as much as anything, for us to be able to finish a game, we talked about it,” he said. “We’re getting better in a lot of areas.”

De’Aaron Fox commits to Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings haven’t done a lot of winning since they drafted Cypress Lakes product De’Aaron Fox out De’Aaron of Kentucky nearly Fox six years ago. That has led to speculation that the rising star point guard would eventually ask out of Sacramento. But Fox recently told the Sacramento Bee that he wants to remain with the Kings and win in Sacramento.

Dusty Baker knows who is king

Aaron Judge has been the talk of baseball after setting an American League record with 62 home runs this season. But as far as Astros manager Dusty Baker is concerned there is only one home run king in baseball and that is controversial slugger Barry Dusty Bonds, who crushed Baker Jr. a record 73 homers in 2001. “What I saw Barry do, I don’t care what people say,” Baker said to reporters. “I was with him every day. They want to put an asterisk by it, but them 73 that went over the fence didn’t have an asterisk by them when they went over that fence with regularity.”

October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 15

DN Sports KATY PAETOW DL

DAVID ‘D.J.’ HICKS as good as advertised

By Jodie B. Jiles

With an NFL pedigree and a coach’s son resume, David “D.J.” Hicks is the highest-ranked high school prospect in the Texas area without question.

At 6-feet-4 and 270 pounds, Hicks has strength as solid as a rock, and he possesses a unique type of speed and quickness that could evoke comparisons to greats like Aaron Donald, Chase Young and Warren Sapp. His father, David Hicks Sr., is an assistant coach at Katy Paetow and former NFL player and Grambling standout.

As David Hicks Jr. takes his talents to Texas A&M next season, it will be interesting to see if the Aggies bulk him up to be a force inside as a lineman or move him to the edge to give opposing quarterbacks nightmares. Either way, you should expect Hicks to put on a show that will have his name called sooner than later in an NFL Draft to come.

New Katy Paetow head coach Lonnie Teagle revealed what his new 5-star addition adds to the roster.

“Just his explosive playmaking ability. He is able to command double teams which opens up opportunities for his teammates,” Teagle said. “And off the field, he is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve met.”

The Defender spoke with Hicks to discuss his style of play, keys to success, leadership, advice to others and more.

STYLE OF PLAY “I play aggressive, I play smart, and I am a leader on the defense.”

KEYS TO SUCCESS “It is really just my coaches and teammates that set me up with alley-oops to make plays.”

NEW INTERESTS “I really started getting into anime during the COVID year.

I started watching a little bit Naruto, and after I started watching I was like, ‘this is hard!’”

COACHING DREAM AFTER PLAYING “I want to coach. My best path is coaching because I like helping people...I like working with young kids that look up to me and that really makes me want to coach even more.”

LEADERSHIP “I really learned a lot of my leadership from my coaches. Before I got here in my sophomore year I was really quiet and noticed that the best way to become a good leader is to be able to stand up in the toughest moments and say what needs to be said.”

FACTORS FOR TEXAS A&M COMMITMENT “Definitely the coaching staff, my parents, and talking to everyone in my family led to that decision.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS “Work hard, and if you believe you can achieve if you put in the work.”

SKILL WORKING ON BEFORE COLLEGE “Getting smarter because it is all about mental. A lot of people want to sharpen their physical, but you won’t be as good of a player if you’re not smart.”

ABOUT DAVID ‘D.J.’ HICKS Instagram: @thakiddj2x Players he studies: Chase Young, Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald Favorite food: Asian Favorite subject: History Honors: Ranked No. 1 player in Texas according to 247 and No. 17 in the nation by ESPN Shout-outs: “My mom, my dad, grandma, grandpa, and everybody that has been in my corner throughout this whole process.”

16 | October 13, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

THE POWER OF OUR

OTE

Presents

EARLY VOTING RALLY Saturday, October 22, 2022 1 pm – 4 pm

Emancipation Park 3018 Emancipation Avenue

EMPOWERING VOTERS DEFENDING DEMOCRACY Your VOTE will determine the Destiny of your family, so join us for the Early Voting Rally. You can vote at any location. Early Voting: Monday, Oct 24 - Friday, Nov. 4.

Who you vote for is your choice, not ours.

We just want to make sure YOU VOTE!