October 19, 2023

Texas School Voucher Debate Choice vs. Equity

Volume 92, issue 49 October 19, 2023

NEWS

NEWS

SYLVESTER TURNER

DEFENDER NETWORK

Houston’s mayor keeps his promise to uplift young Black men with My Brother’s Keeper.

The Defender is proud to take home top journalism honors as business of the year.

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DN To the POINT

Message from the Managing Editor THE ENDORSEMENT GAME

person who seems unfazed is the Man in With time winding down until the Nov. 7 Black himself. election, endorsements are heating up. May“I applaud and honor you,” Will wrote to oral frontrunners Sheila Jackson Lee and John Jada, adding, “If I had read this book 30 years Whitmire are touting their latest backers on a ago, I definitely would have hugged you more. daily basis. While many may not pay attenI’ll start now. Welcome to the authors club. I tion to the endorsements, political scientists love you endlessly. Now go get some merlot say they can actually make a difference, at least and take a rest.” in local elections.

I think if Will is unbothered, maybe we The mayoral race is nonpartisan and an should be too. endorsement can make voters aware of a candidate’s positions. That’s why Jackson Lee IS JAIL TIME FOR CARLEE ReShonda Tate WARRANTED? and Whitmire have been hard at work building their own coalitions. Both candidates are longtime DemoA judge has recommended that Carlee Russell spend time crats, but Jackson Lee appears positioned as the progressive’s behind bars for faking her kidnapping in Alabama, but does such choice for mayor, touting endorsements from Harris County an offense that critics have suggested was a victimless crime merit Judge Lina Hidalgo, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, former spending time behind bars? The 26-year-old entered a guilty congressman and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke plea to charges of false reporting to law enforcement authoriand the national pro-choice political action committee Emily’s ties and falsely reporting an incident. She was sentenced to one List. Whitmire has received endorsements from State Rep. Garnet year in the Hoover County Jail, and ordered to pay $17,874 in Coleman, multiple law enforcement groups, business organiza- restitution and two separate fines totaling $1,662. Look, I was as tions and financial backing from Gallery Furniture owner Jim disappointed as the next person that Russell’s tale that FINALLY “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, positioning himself as the more galvanized folks to search for Black women, turned out to be a moderate, tough-on-crime candidate. farce, but you’re gonna give the nursing student more jail time The Defender doesn’t endorse candidates, but we do endorse than someone like Kyle Rittenhouse who killed three people but voting....so make sure you head to the polls! Early Voting: Mon- walked free? Come on, now. Yes, Carlee was out of order. Yes, day, Oct. 23 she called police with the ridiculous toddler on the side of the road story, but she didn’t send the world into a tizzy searching JADA’S PUBLICITY TOUR for her. I’m all for restitution and she deserves every ounce of If you’ve spent any amount of time on the internet over the humiliation. But while this sista might need some mental health past week, then you’ve probably noticed how everybody and counseling....she doesn’t need jail, especially since this was her their auntie is weighing in on Jada Pinkett Smith. first-ever criminal conviction.

Pinkett Smith is on a tell-all-my-business tour promoting her new memoir, Worthy (which by the way, is coming to ON THE WEB Houston on Oct. 21) and the actor is catching flak for being • High-stress, low-reward jobs killing Black men too candid about her personal life. If you’ve been following the • Top 5 most challenged books by Black authors tea, Jada revealed that she and hubby Will Smith have been • Our Channel Publishers weigh in on topics like Breast Canseparated since 2016 and that Tupac once proposed to her cer and Under 40 back in the day. Since then, folks have been raking Jada over the coals for everything from “emasculating” her husband to outright throwing him under the bus and not respecting him CORRECTION: The University of Houston is in Texas Senator Borris Miles’ district not Senator in their marriage. But while so many seem bothered by the vitroil, including Pinkett herself who said in interviews that John Whitmire per our report last week. she resents being vilified, especially by Black women - one

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DN News

MacKenzie Scott donates $5M to Houston Community Land Trust

By Tannistha Sinha

The Houston Community Land Trust landed a $5 million grant from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The grant aims to provide Houstonians with affordable housing through pilot programs that will test new housing models for multi-family affordable rentals, commercial spaces and homeownership.

“We hope these pilot projects will demonstrate the various ways we can address affordable housing. We are excited to partner with several community organizations and housing experts to develop these projects as we continue our commitment to increasing affordable housing throughout the city,” Dr. Ashley Paige Allen, executive director of the nonprofit organization said.

The dollars from the grant are “unrestricted,” which means non-profit teams can use them as they see fit.

Allen plans on embarking on projects like helping families repair their homes and minimize their taxes and in commercial property, which would reduce the rent burden costs for small local businesses, and in tiny homes, which could have a sale price of around $55,000 to $65,000.

More than 300 Community Land Trusts (CLTs) across the United States use the organization’s housing model for multi-family housing, commercial spaces, farms, and

MacKenzie Scott

public greens spaces and wants to expand its model outside of traditional single-family homeownership, she added.

CLTs are nonprofit, community-based organizations that are primarily used to provide long-term housing affordability and are governed by a board of directors made up of housing residents, community representatives, and members of the general public.

The Houston CLT is currently one of the

fastest growing CLTs in the country, which has supported other cities in the development of affordable housing models. The organization says its mission is to provide affordable homeownership and affordable housing to limited-income households in Houston by connecting qualified homebuyers with affordable homes and developing affordable rentals in neighborhoods across the city.

It has also helped families, particularly belonging to communities of color and historically excluded groups, according to a statement. Houston CLT says it has been able to make homeownership affordable with monthly mortgage payments including taxes and insurance under $1,050 per month and pledges to assist an additional 15 families before the end of 2023.

While addressing the housing needs of the city’s population, the grant will aid its fundraising efforts for the expansion of its single-family Homebuyer Choice Program.

Through this program, a qualified homebuyer can receive up to $150,000 or $100,000 in financial assistance grants to aid in lowering the cost of buying a home in Houston, which meets the program criteria.

Scott, who received a 4% stake in Amazon after her divorce with founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, signed the Giving Pledge - vowing to donate at least half her wealth.

“I have no doubt that tremendous value comes when people act quickly on the impulse to give. No drive has more positive ripple effects than the desire to be of service,” she says in her giving pledge.

Scott donated $3 million to Houston’s Collaborative for Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to early childhood education in June, and $4.2 Million to Houston Area Urban League.

Judge: ‘Galveston maps violate Voting Rights Act’ Defender News Service

A U.S. District Judge has ruled that Galveston County violated the federal Voting Rights Act in 2021 when it drew new districts for its commissioners court.

Judge Jeffrey V. Brown, appointed by former President Donald Trump, ruled the county’s 2021 commissioners court precinct map “denies Black and Latino voters the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and the opportunity to elect a representative of their choice to the commissioners court.” As a result, the county has been ordered to redraw the map

by Oct. 20.

The lawsuit stands as the first county-level redistricting case since the most recent census that drew intervention from the federal government.

The trial, which began in August, focused on how the county utilized its first opportunity to redraw precincts without federal oversight to break up the sole

commissioner precinct where Black and Latino voters made up a majority of the electorate. Precinct 3, where Black and Latino residents had built political groups and selected their representative on the court, was chopped in the 2021 map.

The map split up Black and Latino communities so white voters could make up at least 62% of the electorate in each of the four precincts. Consequently, Black and Latino voters had their electoral power quelled as white voters in Galveston tend to support different candidates.

Prior to the redistricting, Republicans held a 4-1 majority on the court. The only Democrat was Precinct 3’s Stephen Holmes, a Black man who was appointed to the court in 2011 and was kept in office by voters in 2012, 2016 and 2020. No commissioners court election has been held since the new maps were drawn.

As a result of the court’s decision, the nomination or election of county

Stephen Holmes is the sole Democrat on the Galveston County Commissioners Court. A federal judge found that the county violated the Voting Rights Act by breaking up communities of color when they redrew his district boundaries. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

commissioners from the current precinct map may not be administered, enforced, prepared for or permitted. The

commissioners court must now adopt a new plan before Nov. 11, 2023, for the upcoming 2024 election.

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DN News Dems push for Jeffries as next House speaker after Jordan loses two rounds Defender News Service

House Democrats are urging Republicans to throw their weight behind Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to keep Congress in full operation.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, an ally of former President Donald Trump, failed to win over his Republican colleagues in the first few rounds of votes to elect the next House speaker. Jordan received 200 votes in the first vote, with 20 House Republicans voting against him. He needs at least 217 to be elected.

Earlier this month, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., made history by becoming the first House speaker removed from his post. Since then, Congress has been in limbo as Republicans struggle to find a replacement.

First on the list was House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., who dropped out after he failed to get enough votes

behind closed doors. Shortly after, House Republicans nominated Jordan.

Rep. Jamal Bowman said as members of Congress sent to Washington by their constituents, “We can’t do our jobs without a speaker.”

“We cannot even debate any piece of legislation that is introduced and if we can’t debate the legislation, we cannot pass legislation,” he said. “We have to fully fund the government…It’s only funded through mid-November. If we do not… millions of people will be impacted and the entire economy will be impacted.”

Given that the House is at a standstill and the U.S. could face a government shutdown in November, it is critical that the House elect a speaker.

“House Democrats have remained united behind Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who still has more support than any of the Republican candidates,” said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks while rallying with fellow Democrats on the East Steps of the U.S. Capitol on October 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democrats were critical of their Republican counterparts after they were unable to elect a Speaker of the House, 10 days after ousting Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the post. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Justice Dept. proposes police hiring improvements Defender News Service

Law enforcement continues to face challenges as more officers resign or retire, and fewer qualified applicants are interested in becoming police officers. A new report from the Justice Department suggests that police agencies should reevaluate their mission, values, culture, and employees to improve their service to communities.

In the report titled “Recruitment and Retention for Modern Law Enforcement Agency,” DOJ officials concluded that the law enforcement profession needs to update its hiring and retention practices. Officials say that law enforcement agencies can enhance the appeal of policing as a career by implementing the solutions and strategies presented in this publication. They can also attract candidates, train recruits, show appreciation to employees, prioritize workforce well-being, and build community trust.

“The U.S. Department of Justice, through BJA and the COPS Office, is dedicated to assisting law enforcement agencies in navigating the recruitment and retention crisis

Caption

and providing support for incorporating these solutions,” DOJ officials stated.

A dwindling number of sworn officers is a persistent issue that police departments all over the country are facing, according to a study by the Police Executive Research Forum in April 2023. A study found that the number of staff in law enforcement agencies in January 2023 was 4.8% lower than three years ago. The study highlighted that the issue extends beyond recruitment hurdles; it encompasses the retention of existing officers.

In 2022, the number of sworn officers hired surged by 35% compared to 2020 and by 5.6% over 2019. Officer resignations in 2022 increased by 47% compared to 2019, according to the police research study. The report highlights the alarming decline in law enforcement staffing levels.

“The recruitment and retention crisis is the number one issue I hear about from our state, tribal, and local law enforcement partners across the country,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta stated.

The report says that there are many reasons for staffing problems. These include the lasting effects of COVID-19, changes in the job market, increased safety concerns, and growing frustration toward the police.

Other highlights from the report: • Police leaders must gain a deeper understanding of their communities while advocating for the modernization and streamlining of hiring practices. Negative public opinion significantly affects officers’ morale and job satisfaction.

• Enhancing law enforcement’s image and highlighting the profession’s virtues are critical to boosting recruitment.

• Developing emotional intelligence and non-traditional skills, like conflict resolution and empathy, are crucial for effective policing.

• Agencies must implement diversity initiatives and remove barriers hindering inclusivity to build a more inclusive workforce.

• Recommended partnerships with community leaders to encourage diverse candidates to consider law enforcement as a career.

• Recommendations for improving training and retention once officers are recruited, including signing bonuses, comprehensive pension plans, and various retirement options.

• Addressing limitations on overtime and pension payouts could significantly improve retention rates.

• Concerns over work-life balance and wellness, particularly concerning child care and mental health must be addressed.

VOLUME 92, NUMBER 49 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

Digital Content Manager Get Current Studios Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2023 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 19, 2023 |

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DN News POLL: WHAT VOTERS WANT

Focus on Crime, streets, economy

By ReShonda Tate

Houstonians are far more concerned about crime as opposed to other issues, according to a new poll from the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. Also making the list of top concerns: the poor condition of city streets and roads, the economy and jobs, and flooding.

With early voting in city elections scheduled to start Oct. 23, voters were asked to weigh in on what issues the next mayor should prioritize.

“We found the perception of crime as a serious concern is consistent across all ages, racial, ethnic and other demographic groups,” said Renée Cross, senior executive director of the Hobby School. “Younger voters are less likely to say that than older voters, but even among millennials and members of Gen Z, 65% list crime as a top priority.”

Mark P. Jones, political science fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and senior research fellow at the Hobby School, said the researchers also found support for each of four proposals

Believe crime is a concern

96% 74% 88%

Republicans Democrats Independents

Democrats on crime being an issue

88% 77% 50% Black

Latino

White

Believe mayor should focus on economy and jobs

84% 72% 56% Black

Latino

White

Support proposal to hire 600 additional officers

80% 54% 47%

Republicans Democrats Young voters strongly strongly support support support

to combat crime in the city, although there is considerable variation among different groups.

There are stark racial divides in support for the proposed solutions, as well. “More

than two-thirds of Black voters, for example, strongly support a proposal to allocate $25 million to hire mental health workers rather than dispatching police officers to deal with people in crisis,” Jones said. “And 79% of Black voters strongly support proposals to improve relationships between the Houston Police Department and communities of color.” Those proposals drew support from 44% and 48%, respectively, of white voters.

Just 21% of Republicans support hiring additional mental health workers.

Among the survey’s other findings:

• 58% oppose instituting a trash collection fee to defray the cost of trash and recycling pickup. 17% said they support a monthly $25 fee, and an additional 25% said they support a monthly fee between $20 and $30, depending on bin size.

• 35% said trash and recycling pickup should be a priority for the next mayor; support for that ranged from a low of 23% among millennial and Gen Z voters and 27% among white voters to 44% of Latino voters.

• 51% of voters said the city is heading in the wrong direction, with stark differences based on gender, racial identity and partisanship. 63% of white voters said the city is headed in the wrong direction, compared with 53% of Latino voters and just 29% of Black voters. 91% of Republicans and 66% of independent voters said the city is headed in the wrong direction; just 23% of Democrats agreed. 55% of men said the same, compared with 45% of women.

• More than six years after Hurricane Harvey, 65% of voters say flooding should be a top priority for the next mayor. Still, only 30% list it among the city’s top three most pressing problems.

• 13% said parks should be a top priority for the next mayor, although an additional 59% said parks and recreation are an “important but lower priority.”

• Just 8% list poor air quality as among the city’s top three problems.

The full report is available at https:// uh.edu/hobby/election2023/issues.pdf.

IT’S TIME TO REPRESENT,

HARRIS COUNTY! KNOW YOUR 3 WAYS TO VOTE

MAIL-IN BALLOT

EARLY VOTING ELECTION DAY OCT. 23–NOV. 3 NOV. 7

LEARN MORE ABOUT VOTING IN HARRIS COUNTY AT

HARRISVOTES.COM 713.755.6965

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

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DN News MY BROTHER’S KEEPER

Program uplifts young Black men

By Aswad Walker

A new direction is underway for My Brother’s Keeper (MBKH) in Houston after Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the appointment of a new director for the program. The mayor touted the program’s accomplishments over the past eight years during his tenure and introduced its new director, Chazz Bailey. MBKH, a Houston Health Department initiative focusing on boys and young men of color, leverages the expertise of educational institutions, nonprofits and other partners to combine strategies and programs to increase opportunities and close disparity gaps that exist in disadvantaged communities.

While Turner celebrated the eight-year MBKH leadership of Houston Health Department Director Stephen L. Williams, the mayor made it clear that he’s looking ahead to even bigger things from the organization.

“This is the relaunch and the mayor’s all in,” said Turner. “So, over the next three months, this program receives the mayor’s intensive intervention.”

Citing that Houstonians aged 15 - 26, primarily young men of color, are driving the city’s crime numbers, Turner said “We don’t have a day not to devote to them. We don’t have any time not to give to them.

So, it’s not about, at this point, me standing up and just thanking what has taken place over the last eight years when the need is even greater today than back then.

So, it’s the relaunch. But it’s really a call to action again, to say that we have a lot of work to do.”

Turner said he’ll work closely with Bailey and Williams all the way up to 11:59pm on Dec. 31, his last seconds in office, to make significant progress working with the city’s young men and women and “establishing a launch pad by which the next administration will take over.”

Bailey was a leader in 100 Black Men of America’s Collegiate 100, even starting a chapter when in Savannah, GA. But his heart for service and mentoring students younger than him started during his middle school years and extended through college.

Bailey shared his vision for MBKH’s future.

“You just heard not only Director Williams, but also the mayor say, ‘Chazz, you got a lot of work ahead of you. I’m passing the baton.’ I wasn’t ready <laughs>.

But it ain’t about being ready. It is about taking the lead of action. And so that’s what we’re going to be doing with MBK going forward. We’re gonna be utilizing tried and true strategies, paying attention to yes, what we did in of old, but looking at what works going forward.”

Some of MBKH’s partner programs include the Houston Youth Workforce Council, MBK Wrap Network, MBK ReDirect Diversion Program and the MBK TeamUp for Houston’s Youth.

“The Houston Health Department is proud to serve as the backbone for this great initiative and lead the charge in mapping a successful path for young men of color,” said Williams.

The marquee award, LION Business of the Year, winners: Santa Cruz Local, The Houston Defender, and Outlier Media.

LION Publishers Awards

Defender wins BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

By ReShonda Tate

The Defender was recently recognized as a “Business of the Year” from LION Publishers. The Defender took home the top honors in the Medium Tier category at the recent LION Publisher.

In the past year, The Defender has undergone a digital transformation that expanded our reach and introduced our brand to new audiences. Our revamped website, which focuses on three specific groups: Black Women, Under 40, and Community, has generated over $500,000

in new revenue.

“The growth exhibited by The Houston Defender in the past year is remarkable and serves as a potential blueprint for other legacy print organizations seeking to transition into the digital realm. This 90-plus-year-old news organization has undertaken a vigorous shift towards a modern digital business model, successfully generating substantial new revenue streams and expanding its audience base,” the judges wrote in their decision to award the honor to the Defender.

JOHN

WHITMIRE “As Houston’s first African-American police chief and mayor, I am proud to endorse Senator John Whitmire to be Houston’s next mayor,” said Former Mayor Brown.

“He was always someone I could count on to help, whether it was my campaigns or during my tenure in office. Senator Whitmire has always fought for public safety and equality.

I will be voting for Senator Whitmire for mayor and I ask all Houstonians to join me.” – LEE P BROWN

TOGETHER WE MAKE HOUSTON BETTER PROUDLY ENDORSED BY

My Brother’s Keeper Houston Project Director Chazz Bailey, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Health Department Chief of Staff, Judy Harris and Houston Health Department Director Stephen Williams attend My Brother’s Keeper Houston’s Next Chapter event. Photo courtesy City of Houston.

Senator Carol Alvarado

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

Houston Polic Police Officers’ Union

Houston Professional Texas Gulf Coast Fire Fighters Assn.

Area Labor Federation

ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 7TH • EARLY VOTING: OCT. 23RD - NOV. 3RD WWW.

JOHNWHITMIRE .COM

October 19, 2023 |

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DN Education

| 7

HISD Principal Evaluation System approved

By Amaka Watson

Here is the Defender’s breakdown of events that took place at the HISD Board meeting on Oct. 12.

WHAT HAPPENED? The HISD board’s decision comes after extensive discussions about revamping principal evaluations and introducing a merit-based compensation model. The existing system has faced criticism for not effectively measuring principal performance and its impact on student outcomes.

THE DECISION It was another unanimous 7-0 vote in favor of the new principal evaluation program, and there were no arguments or rebuttals from any of the Board of Managers. It’s worth noting that board members Angela Lemond Flowers and Paula Mendoza were absent for this crucial vote, with Paula Mendoza joining the meeting later, after the unanimous decision had already been reached.

SUPERINTENDENT MIKE MILES’ VISION This plan strongly emphasizes merit-based

pay, promising substantial financial incentives for top-rated principals, who could earn up to $65,000 more than their lower-rated counterparts. During the meeting, Superintendent Mike Miles provided insights into the anticipated financial implications, esti- Miles mating that the plan would require a budget allocation of “a few million dollars,” primarily aimed at enhancing principal and assistant principal salaries.

PUBLIC CONCERNS The board meeting witnessed many concerns expressed by the public, spanning areas such as special education, staffing and principal evaluations. Attendees in the meeting chamber held signs with messages like “Don’t Fire the Teachers” and “You are doing harm.” During the proceedings and during testimonials, members of the public spoke on behalf of parents and teachers who were afraid of retaliation from the school district if they publicly voiced their concerns about

the district’s decisions.

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND COMPONENTS The new principal evaluation system introduces a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria to determine a principal’s performance and, consequently, their compensation. This multifaceted approach considers various elements, including student standardized test scores, external classroom observation reports, and compliance with special education standards.

A principal’s evaluation will be a composite of factors: -35% based on student achievement -30% on the quality of instruction -20% on progress in special education, -10% on the implementation of a school’s action plan for the current year.

A distinctive feature of this system is the encouragement for principals to align their evaluations of teachers with their students’ performance in standardized tests. Consequently, campus administrators risk losing points if they rate teachers significantly

higher or lower compared to their students’ test scores.

Miles has consistently championed this system as a cornerstone of his vision for a “high-performance” culture. In this culture, educators are held increasingly accountable for student outcomes. While it represents an enhanced level of accountability, Miles has assured educators that it will be accompanied by increased support.

The HISD district plans to make additional refinements to the evaluation system in the 2024-2025 school year, including the integration of a climate survey and a leadership rubric. Importantly, a principal’s score on their evaluation will continue to determine teacher pay.

RECENT PRINCIPAL CHANGES Since the Texas Education Agency appointed Miles to lead the state’s largest school district just over four months ago, there has been a noticeable turnover in principal leadership. At least a dozen principals have been either removed from their positions or were not allowed to return to their respective campuses, reflecting the transformative nature of the changes underway.

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DN InFocus

T

By Laura Onyeneho

he Texas Senate’s unveiling of its priority school voucher bill has sparked conversations about the future of education for Black students in the state. School vouchers, in essence, provide parents with public funds to enroll their children in private or charter schools, as an alternative to traditional public schools. Supporters argue that vouchers empower parents by granting them more choices in their children’s education.

Critics, however, voice concerns about the potential impact on public education, equity and accountability.

Education in Texas has been a subject of much debate, but now, with the introduction of the voucher bill, the stakes have never been higher. This landmark legislation promises to redefine the educational landscape, offering parents choices like never before. Yet, it also raises profound questions about the future of public education, particularly for the Black community, whose journey toward educational equity has been marked by many challenges.

WHAT’S NEW? Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Senate has introduced Senate Bill 1, aimed at establishing an education savings account program during a special session.

Sen. Brandon Creighton (R), author of SB 1, says the bill proposes granting families access to $8,000 in taxpayer funds. These funds can be utilized for private school expenses, including uniforms, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, and more.

The administration of these education savings accounts will be overseen by the state comptroller’s office. To support this initiative, SB 1 seeks to allocate $500 million from the general revenue fund over the next two years. One of the comptroller’s office’s key roles will be to prevent fraud and misuse of funds, addressing a significant concern among lawmakers. Additionally, they will approve an organization responsible for processing applications and vetting vendors and participating private schools.

Creighton emphasizes that this program won’t divert funds from public schools since the financing derives from the general revenue, separate from the Foundation School Program, which primarily funds K-12 public schools in the state.

GAME OF POLITICS One of the central questions surrounding school vouchers is how they may affect underserved communities, particularly those with a significant Black and Brown population. Advocates contend that vouchers can expand educational opportunities by allowing students to escape failing schools. However, critics argue that diverting funds from public schools to private institutions may exacerbate disparities, as public schools often serve a higher proportion of minority and low-income students.

“This would be nothing more than another

TEXAS SCHOOL VOUCHER DEBATE Choice vs. Equality

PPP Loan for the rich, except they don’t have to pay it back,” said Rep. Jarvis Johnson (D).

“If we are going to pull money from general revenue, how long do you think that will last?

It’s irresponsible. Once the money runs out, we’ll have to face tax increases.”

In a state known for its conservative politics, the voucher debate often hinges on beliefs about parental choice, limited government intervention, and the role of competition in improving education. But Johnson says Republicans are pandering to their base which is a small percentage of people who can afford for their children to attend private school.

Johnson told the Defender that his

children went to private school and it gave him a financial perspective that he wants other families to take into consideration.

“Eight thousand dollars sounds nice now, [but] you’ll be paying a lot more. Who’s going to be paying for lunch? How will you transport your kids to school? Private schools don’t have buses. How many private schools are in the hood? Uniforms aren’t free. Field trips aren’t cheap,” he explained. “Private schools and why they were created is because it’s a status symbol. Instead, the focus should be to increase student allotment and resources to special education programs, and increase teacher pay so we can retain quality certified instructors.”

The money should be spent to educate students no matter where that student goes to school. Many low-income kids received Pell Grants to go to college, and they choose which private or public schools to attend. Why shouldn’t that be applied to K-12 education?”

DENISHA ALLEN Education reform advocate & Founder of Black Minds Matter

BLACK FAMILIES AND PARENT CHOICE Denisha Allen is an education reform advocate and founder of Black Minds Matter, a national movement that promotes the development of high-quality school options for Black students. She became an advocate for school choice when she struggled academically in public school in Jacksonville, FL. She was reading below her grade level and often had to avoid getting into fights with her classmates because of it. Her teachers were frustrated, and she felt dismissed and unsupported.

When her godmother applied for a state scholarship program to a small private school, she saw a shift in her performance.

Caption. Credit.

“Public school wasn’t a great fit for me. I failed the third grade twice. I went to about five different public schools growing up and it didn’t work,” she said. “When I went to private school, it changed my life. The teachers and students were kind and supportive. They took their time to help me learn at a pace I understood. Fast forward, I graduated with honors and became the first in my family to graduate high school, went to college and got a master’s degree.”

Allen said money is a big issue when it comes to school choice and believes there are stigmas around school vouchers that need to be addressed. She said student choice has existed long before this debate when redlining had “students trapped inside zip code-based schools” in poor neighborhoods and parents would lie about where they lived in order to send their kids to a better school district.

“The money should be spent to educate students no matter where that student goes to school, she said. “Many low-income kids received Pell Grants to go to college, and they choose which private or public schools to attend. Why shouldn’t that be applied to K-12 education?”

Kortney Revels, an HISD parent disagrees.

Her daughter is a third grader in the North Forest feeder pattern and is concerned that tax dollars supposed to be spent on public education and not meant for the private sector or corporations. In 2013, North Forest was annexed in HISD due to the former districts “continued poor academic performance over the past year as reflected in its low high school completion rate and poor performance on statewide assessments,” according to the Texas Education Agency. North Forest had nearly 6,000 students bordering HISD to the northeast with the student population of about two-thirds African American, one-third Hispanic, and 100% of the students coming from low-income families.

“Student choice and vouchers shouldn’t be

BLACK SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL VOUCHERS

78%

support for low-income families

65%

support vouchers for all families

79%

support tax credits for donations to aid low-income children

68%

support tax credits for donations to all children *Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston

on the table with this takeover being at the beginning stages,” she said. “We should ensure that nothing changes before we can get some results. The state and district need to put more effort into taking care of the school infrastructures, paying our qualified teachers, giving our educators the capacity to properly teach our students with the most need.”

STATE SEN. BORRIS MILES WEIGHS IN ON THE VOUCHER DEBATE.

10 | October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature BOOK DRIVE

Jack and Jill teens lift Houston literacy

By Aswad Walker

The teen members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – South Central Region are taking matters into their own hands to confront Houston’s literacy crisis.

And their help is much needed.

The statistics are beyond troubling. Houston ranks in the bottom half of the nation’s most literate cities. Only 27% of Houston area third graders are reading on grade level, making them four times more likely not to graduate from high school. The insidious national movement to ban books, especially those by Black authors featuring Black protagonists and spotlighting Black history, offers even more roadblocks for Black students as research shows when Black students don’t see themselves represented in

Local Community Service Chair Kenyatta Peoples and ‘Noah Knows’ creator Noah Cathey. Credit: Aswad Walker.

school books, they are less engaged and suffer academically.

Making matters worse, a new report from the Education Trust reveals that white authors and illustrators are represented in school curricula nearly seven times more than Black authors.

Enter “Noah Knows,” a passion project that was the brainchild of 18-year-old Noah Cathey, who is the Teen Foundation chair for the Region.

“With books being removed from our schools, we’re putting books back into those communities,” said CatheyCathey, who worked along with Regional Teen President Caden Young and the Regional Teen board on the event. “Books by Black authors and published

by Black publishers, not only puts books into the hands of our kids, but also educates them with their stories and their narratives.”

Cathey led the project that tapped the community service spirit of Jack and Jill – South Central teens from Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. And for Cathey, the initiative was very personal.

“When we made the book list, we asked, ‘What books do they need?’ One, books by Black authors are important. We want to give these students books written by Black people so that they’re empowered. But also books that

Jack and Jill teen ‘Noah Knows’ participants. Credit: Aswad Walker.

are important to us teens. So, I’ve read Sophie Washington. I’ve read The Hate You Give. I’ve read Kicks. I’ve read All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson. So, these are books that were important to me and now I get the chance to give those to other kids for them to read in their lives. So, it’s been really cool,” shared Cathey.

Cathey’s project fit in perfectly with Jack and Jill’s larger organizational initiative, according to LaShanda Reed Larry, regional director of the South Central Region.

Tidwell Transit Center Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan Meeting No. 3 We got here together!

Join us to celebrate your community’s impact on the future of the Tidwell Transit Center.

The Tidwell TOD Project Team will share the plans that were shaped by your input.

October 26, 2023 6 – 8 p.m.

HTX Art 8321 Jensen Dr. Houston, TX 77093

For more information, go to

RideMETRO.org/TidwellPlan

“The Bring Back the Books initiative was created to help address the gap due to these attacks by providing books to partners serving the impacted areas; specifically books that are culturally relevant and diverse,” said LaShanda Reed Larry, regional director of the South Central Region.

The teens packed over 800 bags of books that were given to the Mission of Yahweh, SHAPE Center, the Boys and Girls Club and the Texas Children’s Hospital Center.

October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Dr. Clark’s suggested scheduling:

By CHANELLE CLARK, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportune time to remind women that mammograms are important for the early detection of breast cancers.

Mammograms often detect cancerous tissue too small to be noticed through selfexams or even some in-clinic exams – and early identification gives physicians more treatment options with better chances for favorable patient outcomes.

Kelsey-Seybold offers breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) at our Breast Diagnostic Centers. It is an FDA-approved, 3D technology that helps our physicians detect smaller tumors sooner. Recent studies have demonstrated that adding a 3D mammogram to a 2D mammogram provides more detailed information.

• Starting in their early 20s, women should self-examine their breasts for lumps on a regular basis and have a clinical breast exam every year.

FROM THE DOC “Early detection of breast cancer increases chances for favorable outcomes.”

Dr. Clark is a boardcertified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist at Kelsey-Seybold’s Pearland Clinic.

• At 40, women at average risk should continue with annual mammograms through age 54, when, upon their doctor’s advice, they may switch to every two years.

• Women at higher risk – due to their overall health, lifestyle, or medical or family history – should confer with their physician regarding individualized mammogram scheduling.

• At 50, women at average risk may continue with every-other-year

mammograms until age 75. Please be advised that most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

• At 75, future scheduling becomes a shared decision between doctor and patient. (Women beyond childbearing years should continue with doctor-recommended mammograms, well-woman checkups, and Pap tests, as risks of breast and gynecological cancers increase with aging.)

Regardless of age, it’s important to have any breast change checked by a doctor. And if a woman hasn’t had a well-woman exam in the past 12 months, she should schedule one with her OB/GYN or gynecologist without delay.

Get KelseyConnected

SM

Healthcare That Revolves Around You. Kelsey-Seybold welcomes new patients and accepts more than 50 health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and many more.

We have 38 convenient locations close to home and work – and are still growing!

24/7 SCHEDULING IS EASY Call 713-442-0000, or go online to kelsey-seybold.com/AppointmentsNOW.

1207659795

12 | October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Twelve Days of Christmas empowers the community Defender News Service

Each year, Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. hosts their signature fundraising event to provide programs that empower at-risk children and help reduce the impact of poverty faced by many families in the community. This year’s event is a 1920s-themed affair that celebrates the intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, dance, art, Goldsberry fashion, literature, and more.

Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tony and Grammy award-winning singer and actress in the hit Broadway Musical Hamilton, is bringing her philanthropic expertise back to her hometown of Houston. She’s joining forces with the ladies of The Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc.

Houston Chapter as the Honorary Co-Chair for their annual fundraiser. Recognized for her exceptional performances, Renée understands the significance of a well-executed production, and this event promises nothing less.

Renée is co-chairing this event alongside her mother, Dr. Betty Sanders, a founding member of Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. The Harlem Renaissance Soiree is scheduled for November 4, 2023, at The Majestic Metro in downtown Houston from 7 pm to 11 pm.

“The Harlem Renaissance Soiree is our 2023 premiere fundraising event. It’s a festive and fun opportunity to connect with friends and kick-off the holiday season. More importantly, all ticket proceeds will benefit local needy families for Christmas and throughout the new year. Additionally, funds will support our READ Program which provides books and literary experiences for children in underserved communities,” said Donya Gardner, founder of the event.

CLASSIFIED NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

CSP No. 4024000001: Northline Transit Center and Parking Garage. Solicitation will be available on or about 10/11/2023. Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-6255 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org.

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18 th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https:// houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:0 0 a.m. (CST) Monday, November 6, 2023, for the following solicitation: RFP 24-09-06 Various Paper Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed January 2024 changes to METRO service. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person.

The public may also join the hearing and provide comments virtually on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81285956302 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 888-475-4499 (toll free), meeting ID: 812 8595 6302. Additionally, if you do not want to provide comments during the public hearing, visit RideMETRO.org/LiveStream to view a livestream of the event.

A video recording of the meeting will also be archived on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org for review.

The proposed service changes may include: Changes to bus routes 44, 67, 85, 102, and 108, as well as schedule changes to the 4, 5, 6, 11, 25, 28, 29, 30, 36, 40, 44, 46, 47, 56, 58, 60, 80, 82, 85, 86, 99, 102, 153, 161, 162, 217, 222, 298, 360 and 433 routes. The public hearing will provide updates on METRO's service standards, including temporary service adjustments in response to changing ridership and workforce availability.

Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, for public review online and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore, located in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor Board Room at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas (served by bus routes 6, 11, 32, 44, 51, 52, 54, 82, 85, 102, 137, 160, 161, 162, and METRORail).

HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGES If you would like to make public comments in person or virtually, please register as a public speaker with the METRO Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing. Call 713-739-4834 or send an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org and provide your name, address and telephone number. As explained above, you may attend the public hearing in person or virtually on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, to provide comments. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time to make your comments.

You may also provide comments by: • Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: January 2024 Service Changes, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 • Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "January 2024 Service Changes" to 713-652-7956 • Calling or texting METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000 • Submitting comments on the METRO website at RideMETRO.org All comments should be submitted to METRO by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITY OPERATOR SELECTION MARKET SQUARE PARK THE HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT The Houston Downtown Management District (the "Downtown District") will receive Proposals from experienced food and beverage service providers to occupy and operate the food services kiosk and associated facilities at Market Square Park, 301 Milam Street, in Downtown Houston. Hardcopy proposals only will be received until 12:00 P.M., local time on Friday, November 10, 2023, by the Houston Downtown Management District, 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, Texas 77010. Please note only hard copies will be accepted. Proposals submitted after this time will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the Downtown District.

Beginning Friday, October 6, 2023, this project's Request for Proposal (RFP) may be downloaded from Downtown District's website: http://www.downtowndistrict.org/procurement-rfpopportunities. A site visit for interested proposers is scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 18, 2023, to be held at the Market Square Park Kiosk, 301 Milam Street, Houston, Texas 77002. RSVP requested to attend the site visit by contacting the Downtown District at MSPKioskRFP@DowntownDistrict.org.

Following this site visit, further queries or requests for information will be addressed by the Downtown District at MSPKioskRFP@DowntownDistrict.org and pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFP. Based on the Proposals submitted, an evaluation panel will identify and invite proposers to an interview to be held on or before Friday, December 1, 2023. The Downtown District's Board of Directors will award the contract to the highest-ranked Proposer based on the Proposal content and interview performance.

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 Proposer will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE and PDBE participation goal of twenty-five percent (25%).

For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Individuals with impairments may call 713-750-4271 a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English, in accordance with its language assistance plan. Please call 713-739-4018 or email METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org to request language assistance or other accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

OTHER 1. This public hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration's Circular 9030.1E, published January 16, 2014, page VI-7.

2. METRO does not discriminate based on disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services based on race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

RideMETRO.org • Call or text 713-635-4000

October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 13

DN Profile

HARNESSING THE POWER OF STORIES THAT HEAL

By Joseph Williams

what it means to have a mixed identity, and On paper, Fanshen Cox wears many how exploring this identity perpetuates this professional hats. An actor, essayist, ideology. award-winning playwright, and film proThe play, and her work with Affleck ducer, she’s also an activist and consultant and Damon’s production company, led to for racial equity in Hollywood and beyond. Cox co-writing the inclusion rider — lanAfter all, Cox wrote the so-called “inclusion guage inserted in a performer’s contract rider” that legendary actor Frances McDor- that mandates on-set diversity behind the mand spoke of during her Oscar accep- camera. Word about the rider reached tance speech on live television in 2018.

McDormand, who received a standing Talk to Cox, however, and she is passion- ovation when she mentioned it during her ate about her role as a storyteller: someone Oscar speech. who understands that a powerful narrative Racial equity “was really at the root can influence, inform and even heal as well of creating the inclusion rider with the as entertain. She believes the stories we tell, two other women,” Cox says. “Thinking and are told — about ourselves as well as through, how to give (Hollywood power one another — can stymie racial progress players) tools to make their commitments as much as promote it. clear and to hold themselves accountable “I’ve come to realize that my strength in and their productions accountable.” pushing towards truth and racial healing Now, Cox is furthering her work, and is in storytelling,” says Cox, president of promoting healing, through TruJuLo, her TruJuLo Productions. The company’s name Los Angeles-based production company. is a portmanteau of the words The goal, she says, is to truth, justice, and love. “nurture storytellers, to “I realized that what is so create film, TV, and media important in healing is to speak that looks at this process of the truth,” she says. “And that truth and racial healing in truth has to be both our pervarious different ways.” sonal narratives connected to For example, “we have the context of our systemic hislike a short film that we SEE MORE tory” and powerful institutions executive produced about STORIES that perpetuate imbalances of a Jamaican immigrant who FROM THE power. tries to integrate a white KELLOGG Cox says she came to underchurch in the 1970s,” she FOUNDATION. stand her true storytelling says. Other topics explore superpower while working the meaning of gender with her childhood friends, identity and class, as well A-list actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as race, with the goal of getting to the truth.

— they grew up together in Cambridge, Even Cox is still working on what her Massachusetts. The trio worked at their identity means, and how racial healing can production company Pearl Street Films and occur. collaborated on “One Drop of Love,” her “I’m grappling with how much space to acclaimed, one-woman show about race take up in these movements as a woman and being biracial in America. who has some white privilege, right, or An exploration of race as a construct, some white-adjacency privilege,” she says. the 2013 show begins with Cox as a census “I strongly and proudly identify as Black, worker asking the audience if they fit into but at the same time, I can see the ways one of four strict categories, including “free that my work and my voice are frequently white man” and “slave” — before the story- centered.” telling begins. Though she cycles through Still, “I think that’s, on one hand, importa cast of characters and situations, Cox ant, because I’m carrying a different pergrounds the show in her quest for identity spective,” Cox says. “And at the same time, as the light-skinned, blonde daughter of a it sometimes perpetuates the very thing Black activist father and socially conscious that I’m hoping I can help to dismantle.” white mother.

Given her name — it’s Chinese and “The more I do this show, the more I means, “to turn over” or “reveal” — Cox realize that the most important thing I can seems predestined to do the work. do is have a critical lens on what it means “I don’t think I have any choice,” she says. to be mixed,” Cox said in a 2015 interview. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Race was created to maintain the ideology This story was produced in partnership of white supremacy. I’ve had to reflect on with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

I’m pushing to get at the truth and racial healing in all of the projects that we produce, and that includes speaking and consulting, and then producing these projects and continuing to push for the use of the inclusion rider.”

FANSHEN COX

14 | October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Texas Southern senior running back and Manvel product LaDarius Owens rushed for 163 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a 31-24 road win at Bethune-Cookman.

Sports Briefs Texans improve to 3-3 going into bye week

The surprising Texans head into this weekend’s bye having won three of their last four games to improve to 3-3 on the season, CJ Stroud matching their win total in 2022. They are coming off an impressive 20-13 win over the Saints in which rookie quarterback CJ Stroud completed 13 of 27 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing the first interception of his NFL career. “Our biggest thing was empty the tank and leave the game 3-3 going into the bye week,” Stroud said. “That’s huge for us. Got to have a good bye week and get better.”

Joshua Cephus captures UTSA receptions record

UTSA senior wide receiver and Dekaney product Joshua Cephus became the Roadrunners’ all-time career receptions leader with 269 total catches. Cephus is Joshua averaging 7.5 catches Cephus per game, which projects him to finish with 314 career receptions by the end of the season. With six games remaining, Cephus needs just 400 receiving yards to eclipse 3,349 career yards to become the program’s career receiving yards leader.

Texas Southern notches first SWAC win of season

After being picked to finish in the middle of the pack of the SWAC West division in the preseason poll, the Texas Southern Tigers recorded their Clarence first conference win McKinney Saturday, a 31-24 road win at Bethune-Cookman. The Tigers, who currently sit in fifth place in the West, improved to 1-2 in conference and 2-4 overall after recording back-to-back wins.

They also defeated Lincoln 52-7 in a non-conference game during Homecoming. TSU prepares to host SWAC East-leading Florida A&M (5-1 overall, 4-0 SWAC) on Saturday night (7 p.m.) at Shell Energy Stadium.

Prairie View sophomore outside hitter Kylee Owens had match highs in kills (15) and aces (three) while also registering 15 digs during the Panthers in a three-game sweep over Texas Southern.

ROCKETS REBUILD Ready to blast off in 2023-24

By Terrance Harris

Rockets third-year guard Jalen Green is almost always smiling. But the smile is a little broader these days because he feels like this is the season the rebuilding Rockets have been waiting to have.

“I can’t wait to win,” Green said while flashing a smile. “That’s the biggest focus around here is to win.”

That is definitely the shared sentiment of the Rockets organization after three seasons of losing and three consecutive appearances in the NBA Lottery. The heavy rebuild is over and the Rockets believe this is the year where all the losing and frustration of the past few years finally pays off.

The Rockets have brought in a new coaching staff, led by former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka, to help turn things around. The team has added three key veterans in Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green to help change the culture and speed up the rebuild.

Udoka, who comes from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree in San Antonio, guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his lone season at the helm in Boston. VanVleet, Brooks and Green have all gone deep in the playoffs with the previous teams and Green is fresh off winning the NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets.

It’s a shift the young core of Rockets players has quickly bought into.

“You have people who can bring that winning culture to turn this thing around,” said second-year big man Jabari Smith, Jr. “So there is nothing but to be excited. As far as the coaching staff, you’ve got winning coaches. If you look at the resumes, you have people who have been deep into the playoffs and have been there and know what it takes. So, from that you can only be excited because you want to learn from that.”

The Rockets’ front office and coaching staff aren’t willing to put a number on wins this season or to proclaim they will be back in the playoffs. But when you look at the aggressiveness general manager Rafael Stone displayed in constructing the roster it’s obvious that a push for the postseason is the goal this season.

What the Rockets’ success will come down to is the chemistry coming together with the veteran pieces and the returning young core that includes Tari Eason,

Star guard Jalen Green’s (right) ability to become a more well-rounded basketball player will play a big part in the Houston Rockets’ growth this season. AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Alperen Sengun, Smith and Green. The Rockets have also added two young rookie talents in point guard Amen Thompson and small forward Cam Whitmore.

So far in the preseason, the chemistry in the backcourt with VanVleet and Green has looked promising and seems to have a much better flow than when Kevin Porter Jr. was running point.

Stone’s hope is after going through three rough seasons under Stephen Silas that we will see a lot of natural growth from the young players this season.

“That’s my expectation, that we are going to see the fruits of their labor quickly,” Stone said. “And I do think that the additions we were able to make this offseason will put people into position to have to do less and be more successful.”

The biggest focus will be on Green, who has future NBA All-Star written all over him. Green, the No.2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown that he is a natural scorer and can score with some of the best in the NBA after averaging 22.1 points per game last season.

But now Udoka’s goal is to get him to take the next step which is becoming a more well-rounded player.

“He is a natural scorer, but we want him to do everything,” said Udoka, whose team

opens the regular season on Oct. 25 against the Orlando Magic. “He has the ability to defend, he has the ability to get to the line.

It’s not only for yourself but it’s about making others better around you.

“His natural growth and progression will be big. Twenty points a game in your second season shows your ability to score, but we want all our guys in general, but a guy as talented as him to be more well-rounded.

That will be the challenge for him.”

Green, who had a great offseason, believes he is up for the challenge.

“I take a big responsibility in that,” Green said. “I know the fans are relying on me and my coaching staff.

“I take a big responsibility in that, and I think that I had a really good summer so going in from Day 1 it’s got to be 110 percent.”

That is the kind of buy-in Udoka is expecting not just from Jalen Green but the entire team as he looks to change the culture.

“Obviously, when you add some guys to the roster things can change quickly,” Udoka said. “So for us, it’s ultra-competitive, playing a different way and making some noise every single night. We want to take those steps.

“We are not going to put a number on it with wins, but we are going to go out every night playing with the proper effort and that will give you a great chance, and that’s the goal.”

October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 15

DN Sports BELLAIRE HS

ALEXANDRA RYANS Leads the way

By Jimmie Aggison

The Bellaire Cardinals continue another season of domination in 6A Region III District 18. With wins against Houston Heights, Houston Westside and Houston Lamar, the Cardinals currently sit at 9-0. Historically, the Cardinals dominate this district with a deep bench and several seniors who lead the program. However, this season is different. The Cardinals only have one senior leading the way, and her name is Alexandra Ryans.

Ryans came into the season with expectations of being part of that historical senior group, but soon found herself alone in that category as one player decided to go a different sporting route and another chose to focus more on academics.

“It was a little shaky in the beginning, but I have a great set of teammates that act well above their age. We have three freshmen who are tremendous, understanding and very mature, so it makes my job to lead a lot easier because they trust me and I trust them,” said Ryans.

Ryans attends Second Baptist West Campus and leans heavily on her faith for support and encouragement.

“My short volleyball career was unpredictable. It wasn’t something that I saw for myself and there were a lot of times where I could have just fallen down and given up,” said Ryans.

“There were points in my life

throughout this season and last season where I thought about quitting volleyball because it wasn’t going the way I expected, but my favorite Bible verse [Proverbs 24:6] really motivated me. It helped me realize that as I’m walking with God, it’s not going to be perfect, but I can have him as my firm foundation to get up and keep walking and trusting what he has for me.”

Because she has a remarkable set of skills, one might assume Ryans has been playing volleyball her entire life, but that isn’t the case.

“I began playing soccer when I was eight and I played for eight years,” said Ryans. “At the time I thought that was something I really wanted to do. However, when I got to junior high I wanted to win the Athlete of the Year award, which forced me to play four sports [soccer, basketball, track and volleyball].”

Ryans’ seventh grade year was her first year playing volleyball as she attended Morton Ranch Junior High.

“I played volleyball in seventh and

ABOUT ALEXANDRA RYANS Class: 2024 IG: @alexandraryans_14 Position: Setter Height & weight: 5-feet-11, 235 pounds Players she studies: Kami Miner (Stanford) Status: Uncommitted Favorite artists: Steven Furtick (Gospel) Favorite subject: Forensic science Shout-outs: Mom, dad, family, Jesus, teammates, coaches

eighth grade. My freshman year of high school, I attended Morton Ranch High School and I played on the JV team. My sophomore year, I transferred to Bellaire High School where I played JV and club for Renegades Volleyball,” said Ryans.

Ryans feels she is able to express herself freely through the sport.

“Volleyball gives me a way to glorify the talent that God’s blessed me with and celebrate with my teammates the highs, the lows and everything in between,” said Ryans.

Although Ryans is not committed she hopes to play on the collegiate level in a program that will allow her to grow, physically, academically and spiritually.

“I’m looking for a program that has coaches that can push me to be my best self. I don’t want to go into the college world and lose the walk I have with God. I’m looking for a place that I can feel at home even when I’m away from home,” said Ryans.

While in school, Ryans hopes to major in communications and one day work as a sports broadcaster for ESPN. My family is a big football family. We love football. My goal is to find a job that doesn’t feel like a job, it just feels like something I’m going to each day and love what I do. And football is that for me,” said Ryans.

Playing her first varsity season as a lone senior, with goals of helping her team win a state title, Ryans continues to lean on her faith as she offers advice to others.

“Keep working and trust the talent God has given you,” said Ryans. “You’re here for a reason. You have that talent for a reason. Try not to make it a ‘me’ thing. Go out there each day and see what’s the best way you can glorify [God] and let [God] take care of everything else. Just be there for your teammates, put yourself last, and trust that he has you taken care of.”

16 | October 19, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

Some call us pioneers.

Others call us surgeons. Nurses. Paramedics.

Saving lives in the middle of the night at a nationally renowned trauma center.

Delivering at-risk babies against all odds, from all across the county.

Year after year, training the majority of the doctors who practice in the most famous medical center in the world.

And, day after day, providing essential care and vital resources to those who need it most in every one of our communities.

You might not know our name.

And that’s okay.

YOU’LL KNOW US BY THE WORK WE DO.