Houston Defender: October 20, 2022

Clifford Tatum THE MAN WHO WILL COUNT HARRIS COUNTY VOTES.

EARLY VOTING STARTS: MONDAY, OCT. 24 - FRIDAY, NOV. 4

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LOVEPRENUERS The Walkers’ business focuses on keeping it professional amid infidelity.

Volume 91, issue 48 October 20, 2022

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DN To the POINT

Herschel Walker showing off his Toys-R-Us badge during the Oct. 14, 2022 debate with US Senator Raphael Warnock. Source: Twiiter.

Message from the Associate Editor did, yet the guilty perpetrators have yet to spend one second in jail), the Coup Crew’s Herschel Walker’s moronic U.S. Sennext move of this plan devised by Trump’s ate candidacy reveals the stark difference inner circle, the so-called “humans” Roger between Republicans and Democrats.

Stone, John Eastman, Steve Bannon, Republicans don’t care who’s running or Michael Flynn (and too many GOP lawthe immorality, ignorance and hypocmakers to name, w/ Cancun Cruz being risy they bring with them. They simply one of ’ em), would be to issue a call to want victory, and all that it brings. By any all MAGA supporters to come to D.C. on means necessary. Principles be damned. election certification day (Jan. 6).

Dems and progressives, however, need The MAGA faithful would serve as a Aswad Walker everything to be perfect in their candidate. human shield for the armed insurrection And short of perfect, they will literally not forces (Oath Keepers and Proud Boys) to vote and open the door for a Trump, a Herschel, a Jan. 6 gain access to the U.S. Capitol and force lawmakers to keep coup and a rollback of all basic human rights. Folks, your Trump in power or kill those who refused to shirk their vote is not a confession of love for the candidate. It’s a chess legal and moral duty to certify the will of the American move for the world you want to live in. people (the election results of a Biden/Harris victory).

Plan Y (as in, these Y people ain’t playing), if all that JAN. 6 COMMITTEE SUMMARY failed: 1) have GOP state lawmakers pass a tidal wave of In case you missed the year-plus Jan. 6 Coup Committee voter suppression laws all across the country, 2) get elechearings, here’s a summary of what their evidence reveals tion-denying, believers in the myth of white supremacy to be fo’sho, 100% true about Trump’s coup plan. to violently threaten election volunteers to the point of First, if Trump lost the Nov. 2020 presidential election them quitting, 3) run election deniers for state election (which he did), he would claim victory and call the election administrator positions so they can “officially” declare the a fraud (rigged). If that didn’t work, he’d call states and winner of the 2024 election to be whoever they say it is attempt to get them to “find” votes to change their results. rather than who the voters say it is and 4) run election If that didn’t work, he’d lean on the SCOTUS to declare him denying, white nationalists (who come in all colors) for the winner —a sure bet in Trump’s mind since he picked every position on the ballot in every state, to grease the three of the justices himself, and had Clarence Thomas and wheels for Trump to once again avoid accountability for wife literally in his pocket. There’s no way in hell he saw his crimes and to waltz his way back into the White House that failing, but it did. in 2024. So again, VOTE! Then Trump employed, with money from some of the wealthiest CEOs from America and beyond, to form fake ON THE WEB state elector groups to submit fake (i.e. illegal) state election • Learn about a financial boot camp for women. results to Congress to have the election certification go • U.S. births lowest in three decades.

Trump’s way. If that federal crime got found out (which it • What to expect if you’re new to therapy.

LESSONS FROM HERSCHEL WALKER

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Harris Co ‘no show’ commissioners playing politics, endangering residents that they can then turn around and blame Harris County may have missed its last it on me. They’re taking the people of this chance to adopt new tax rates for county and the voters of this county Fiscal Year 2023 because the two for fools.”

Republican county commissionHidalgo, who is running for ers, Jack Cagle and Tom Ramreelection, contends Ramsey sey, have been boycotting court and Cagle are playing politics meetings for more than a month, with critical county services – arguing that the court’s Demo- Tom Ramsey including law enforcement, the cratic majority was attempting to funding of which was the main steamroll them by passing a budsticking point for the Republican get and tax rates without their commissioners in the originally input or consent. proposed budget.

However, Harris County Judge County Administrator David Lina Hidalgo says that’s BS. Berry joins Hidalgo in believ“They want to create a campaign ing the consequences for failing Jack Cagle ad,” Hidalgo said. “They want to to agree on a tax rate would be run an ad saying Harris County has been severe. Compared to the FY23 budget origdefunded, and in order for them to be able inally proposed by the Budget Office, the to do that, they have to make it defunded, so county would be forced to cut $90 million Defender News Service

in spending from county services – chiefly public safety and infrastructure. The Harris County Flood Control District would be forced to cut spending by $23 million, while the Hospital District would have to slash spending by $136 million.

Additionally, Harris Health System (HHS), one of the largest indigent health care systems in the nation, will operate at a $45 million deficit, according to health system leaders, if the county can’t pass a property tax rate and proposed budget.

In one area, the human cost of this inaction impacts at least 10,000 patients getting less care and services or none at all. HHS operates 30 clinics in the county and includes two hospitals that treat huge numbers of Blacks and Latinx, low-income individuals and the uninsured—Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson hospitals.

County Commissioner Rodney Ellis called foul on Cagle and Ramsey in mid-September, when they began their string of meeting no-shows.

“The no-show commissioners put politics ahead of the people to recklessly gamble with the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Harris County for their own political payout,” said Ellis.

Ellis said the safety, health and stability of Harris County families and communities are all at risk because of cuts to vital services including healthcare; protection from flooding, toxic pollution and failing infrastructure; violent crime prevention; ensuring fair and accessible elections, and more.

Ellis added that Cagle and Ramsey “made a choice to walk out on Harris County.”

[Source: Houston Public Media]

‘ACCURACY OVER SPEED’ 6 HOUR DELAY PROJECTED FOR HARRIS CO. ELECTION NIGHT RESULTS

Houston Public Media

vendor, what we describe as a paper guide onto the Duo machine, which will assist the voter in feeding the paper into the machine properly, so that we don’t see paper jams,” Tatum said. “The guide reduces the risk of jams by preventing the voter from feeding more than one page of a ballot into the machine at a time.”

Tatum said his office is increasing the number of voting machines at some locations in order to reduce waiting times. But he’s also encouraging voters to print out sample ballots from the HarrisVotes website and mark them up with their selections, in order to minimize the amount of time they need to vote and keep the lines at polling locations moving.

“At a minimum, we’re seeing that it’s going to take a voter at least five minutes to cast a ballot. And that means that they’re working through every page, every screen on the Duo [voting machine] as they’re going through the process,” said Tatum.

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Harris County election officials are working to ensure a much smoother election night than the county saw in March, but they’re warning not to expect results until early the morning after Election Day. “What we focus on is accuracy over speed,” said Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum.

March marked the first time many voters used the county’s new Hart InterCivic Verity Duo voting machines. The result was large numbers of paper jams as voters attempted to feed their ballots into the machines. That and other factors drew out the reporting process by more than 24 hours. The resulting furor led to the resignation of Tatum’s predecessor, Isabel Longoria.

Tatum said his office has taken steps to fix the technical problems that led to so many paper jams.

“We’ve actually added, with the help of the

DEDRA

In this July 14, 2020 file photo, a voter, right, shows her identification to a Harris County election clerk before voting, in Houston. AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File

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New City Council Districts Map

NEW BOUNDARIES

City Council approves redistricting plan Defender News Service

Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams, from left, Libertarian challenger Shane Hazel and Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp debate during the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series in Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

STATE RACES, NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS Defender News Service

Georgia has two races with national implications: the battle for governor between Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp, and the race to represent Georgia in the US Senate between incumbent Raphael Warnock and GOP challenger Herschel Walker.

Regardless of the issues debated by these four, for many voters, these contests come down to whether America remains a democracy or not.

With the start of Georgia’s early voting on Monday, Oct. 17 the issue of Republican-sponsored voter suppression looms large. Georgia Senate Bill 67 allows any resident to challenge the qualifications of an unlimited number of voters within their county, a tactic used fully by right-wing group True the Vote. Georgia has already seen 65,000 voting challenges.

In 2018, Abrams lost the governor’s race to Kemp by just 50,000 votes.

The pair debated Monday night after more than 100,000 Georgians swarmed to the polls on the first day of early voting in a race that appears to be a referendum on whether state residents believe more in the

democratic ideal of “one person, one vote” or party power.

“The most dangerous thing facing Georgia is four more years of Brian Kemp,” said Abrams of her opponent who she painted as an abortion extremist.

Warnock and Walker debated on Oct. 14.

Walker scored points with GOP voters for “not falling on his face,” prompting some to suggest he was being graded on a “just don’t mess up” curve.

Warnock supporters were generally underwhelmed by his showing for not attacking Walker’s position inconsistencies, including his anti-abortion rhetoric but pro-abortion actions. Walker is accused of paying for multiple abortions. The biggest headline from that debate was Walker’s prop “police badge” he used to further his false narrative that he’s a law enforcement agent.

What’s at stake in this race is power in the US Senate which currently tetters at a 50/50 standstill.

Still, the underlying issue here is voting rights and the ability to “Save democracy” and thus protect individual freedoms.

[Sources: AP, The Root]

Sen. Raphael Warnock D-Ga.

Houston City Council voted October 12 to approve and adopt a redistricting plan that will establish new boundaries of single-member City Council districts effective January 2024.

The redistricting website has been updated to reflect approved revised district maps.

The redistricting plan was developed based on 2020 Census data, redistricting criteria approved by City Council, public input as well as analysis by the Planning and Development Department, the City’s Demographer and the City’s legal counsel.

Census 2020 data showed that the distribution of population among current City Council districts is materially imbalanced, thus requiring redistricting to comply with the “one-person, one-vote” equal population principle established by the U.S. Constitution.

City Council undertook the process of redistricting in 2022 to establish new boundaries more than a year before the November 2023 General Election. This will allow prospective City Council candidates to verify residency eligibility to run in a single-member district before the November 2023 General Election filing period. The new district boundaries will be used for the purpose of electing District Council Members at the City General Election to be held on November 7, 2023, and will go into effect for terms of office beginning on January 2, 2024.

“Representation matters, and redistricting requires tough decisions that will affect our Council districts for the next 10 years. The law requires us to balance the populations of our Council districts and that is what we accomplished after much thoughtful discussion,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.

VOLUME 91, NUMBER 48 - OCTOBER 20, 2022 Herschel Walker

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Creative Director Michael Grant

Brian Kemp

Stacey Abrams

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Social Media Manager Tia Alphonse

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Intern Alaina Bookman

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.

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DN Profile

Clifford Tatum Harris County Elections Administrator on a mission to educate voters

By Alaina Bookman

Clifford Tatum has always wanted to work in government. After being appointed Harris County elections administrator this past August, Tatum is pushing for a more efficient and effective election in November.

Operating one of the largest jurisdictions in the country is not an easy feat. With over 16 years of election experience and 20 years in public service, Tatum said he is up for the challenge.

“It’s sort of in my blood that I’ve always been a public servant and I recognize and appreciate the results of my efforts that I put into helping any entity conduct its elections process and what it means for the voters, campaigns, candidates and the county as a whole,” Tatum said.

Senate Bill 1, a bill signed in 2021 by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, limits the ability of voters of color in predominantly Democratic counties to cast their ballots.

The legislation looms over Harris County, one of the most diverse counties in Texas.

SB 1 bans voting methods that were proven popular among people of color such as overnight early voting hours and drive-thru voting.

“As you talk about voter suppression, the question becomes, are we educating the voters enough so that they understand what their rights are and understand what the election process is all about so that they recognize what they can and can’t do,” Tatum said.

Much of Tatum’s job as elections administrator is ensuring that elections are fair and accessible and that voters are educated about their rights. Getting the word out about election dates, locations and methods to educate voters on how to cast a ballot are a few of the goals Tatum hopes to achieve.

With the November election weeks away, Tatum’s daily routine is a whirlwind of meetings, emails, telephone calls, interviews and voting machine tests to prepare. In a process that takes months to bring together, Tatum delegates responsibilities for countless departments from ballot coders, who create the voting ballots, to outreach and operations teams who help to keep things running smoothly on election day.

“My first focus is to prepare to conduct the November election in the most efficient and effective manner possible,” Tatum said. “I am conducting an assessment of every division and asking questions and understanding

Just knowing that my activities are helping voters with access to the ballot and casting their vote is inspiring to me and I appreciate and I recognize my role in that."

Clifford Tatum,

Harris County Elections Administrator

Clifford Tatum

what it is we do, and understanding how we do it, and understanding why we do it the way we do it.”

Tatum said his short-term goals for the November election include “small tweaks” like increasing signage at polling locations and strengthening training for precinct judges to set up voting machines. Such seemingly small actions will make for a better election day.

“From those assessments, we’re able to identify what could be some efficiencies added into the process and identify some overlaps, some redundancies that aren’t necessary for the success of the election,” Tatum said.

Harris County’s outreach program educates voters on what their options are to cast their ballot which includes submitting

a mail-in ballot, showing up for early voting at one of 99 early voting locations or voting on election day at any of the 782 locations.

Tatum has also hired a professional communications firm to assist with distributing that message through different media outlets to ensure that voters understand what the election looks like leading up to election day.

Local advocates and interest groups are also involved in Tatum’s plan to get voters to the polls.

“We’re always looking to innovate. And we can only innovate as much as the voters are willing to accept in what will be useful and helpful for the voters,” Tatum said. “Just knowing that my activities are helping voters with access to the ballot and casting their vote is inspiring to me and I appreciate and I recognize my role in that.”

ABOUT CLIFFORD TATUM Experience: • Principal, ECLS Consulting, Washington, D.C. • General counsel, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Silver Springs, Md. • Executive director, District of Columbia Board of Elections • Interim director, Georgia State Elections Division Education: • Juris Doctorate, Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law School • Administration of Justice Degree, Guilford College

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HOLLINS PUSHES ‘GET OUT THE VOTE’

By Aswad Walker

Standard operating procedure for candidates seeking any local political office is to involve themselves in all things “political” during their election season. What is not as common is seeing candidates devote time and resources to elections taking place a year or more ahead of their own election run. That’s what former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins is doing currently—seeking to maximize turnout for the November 2022 midterm elections.

But don’t ask for the initiative’s name.

“We haven’t even put a name to it,” said Hollins. “We are trying to do everything that we can to make sure that folks in the Houston area are using the voice that they have through their constitutional right to vote, to get out and choose the next generation of leadership for this community, for this state, and for this country.”

Hollins facilitated record voter turnout during the Nov. 2020 presidential election that had to contend with COVID and state voter suppression efforts.

“When I served as county clerk, we brought so many innovations in and did everything that we could to make voting safe and accessible to the people of Houston and Harris County. These midterms coming up… are the first elections

These elections are too important for me to sit on the sidelines.

I believe that it’s our obligation to this city’s progress to ensure that folks remain engaged in our democracy.”

Chris Hollins,

Former Harris County Clerk

that we’ve had since the Texas legislature rolled back key reforms that we put in place during my tenure as Harris County clerk.”

Hollins contents that because Harris County remained the third largest county in America, what happens here can send ripples across Texas and the US. “And although I’m not serving as your officer anymore, I’m more committed than ever to increasing voter participation because it is that

important. These elections are too important for me to sit on the sidelines. I believe that it’s our obligation to this city’s progress to ensure that folks remain engaged in our democracy.”

Hollins says his name not being on the Nov. 2022 ballot makes no difference.

“It’s not typical for career politicians to be involved in turnout for elections where their name isn’t on the ballot. But that’s a problem for us to achieve our aspirations

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as this great city of Houston. We need partners at the state level. We need partners at the federal level. We need partners in Harris County who are operating in good faith, for the betterment of Houstonians. And we’re not going to get that by happenstance. We get that by getting involved in the process and getting off the sidelines.”

Hollins said he’d welcome other candidates on the 2023 ballot to get involved now.

“I think it’s incumbent upon us as leaders to be waving the flag about the importance of democracy, especially when our democratic rights are being attacked. Especially when women’s reproductive freedoms are being attacked. Especially when folks at the state level are limiting the history that our kids have access to in their schools.”

Hollins is involving himself in the November midterms in three ways: helping fund 2 Million Texans, an organization that helps users of its app to encourage directly persons in their networks (family and friends) to get out and vote, and training people on the use of that app; opening his law office as the northwest headquarters of the Harris County Democratic Party to hold phone banks and block walks; and endorsing candidates up for election now.

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DN NewsBriefs Black HS athletes apologize for part in ‘mock’ slave auction The three African American River Valley High School (Yuba City, CA) football players who participated in a mock “slave auction” held a press conference apologizing for their actions and saying peer pressure had a lot to do with their involvement.

After a video surfaced of white and Latino students bidding on the three brothers, school district officials swiftly disciplined participants, leading to the cancelation of their football season. “I did not want to do it but looking back I wish I had done more to stop it. When the video was made, I was not feeling good about it and I froze,” said sophomore Adrian. “Part of me knew it was wrong when it was happening and I didn’t have the courage to stop myself or my teammates and I wish I would have,” said Marcos, a junior.

Election administrators under attack in Texas With the 2022 midterms less than a month away, election administrators in Texas and elsewhere continue to face levels of harassment and threats never experienced before the November 2020 presidential election. In August, the entire staff of the elections office in Gillespie County, about 80 miles west of Austin, resigned, citing threats

half of them have been contacted by either of the major parties” in the past year. And these trends have continued this election cycle, amid the rapid rise of the AAPI population and their voter turnout. “We’re coming close to Election Day, and there’s a whole population you’re missing out on,” said Lily Trieu, interim executive director of Asian Texans for Justice.

Three student-athletes at a recent press conference apologized for their role in a mock slave auction in California. Screengrab.

(from “MAGA” Republicans), “dangerous misinformation” and a lack of resources.

Bexar County elections administrator Jacque Callanen experienced threats also, saying, “We’re under attack.” She added that staff members were drowning in frivolous open-records requests for mail ballots and applications. Texas is one of several states targeted by right-wing activists who are seeking to throw out voter registrations and ballots, according to The New York Times.

They are even harassing lifelong Republicans, pushing several to resign, choosing personal safety over doing a job they love— safeguarding fair democratic elections.

Asians, fastest-growing TX

demographic, feel ignored politically

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters say candidates don’t often reach out, and that their elected officials don’t adequately represent their interests. According to a recent report by Asian Texans for Justice, a nonpartisan organization focusing on AAPI members in the state, around 80% of AAPI Texans surveyed say their interests “are not well represented in government.” Meanwhile, a July survey from a trio of national organizations, which focuses on Asian American voters across the country, found that “less than

George Floyd family may sue Kanye over comments The family of George Floyd is considering suing Kanye West over comments he made about Floyd’s death. Though Dr. Andrew Baker, Hennepin County’s chief medical examiner who performed Floyd’s autopsy, testified that Floyd died because of “cardiopulmonary arrest” brought on by “law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression” by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, West says it was a drug overdose that caused Floyd’s death. During a recent podcast, West said, “I watched the George Floyd documentary that Candace Owens put out. One of the things that his two roommates said was they want a tall guy like me, and the day that he died, he said a prayer for eight minutes. They hit him with the fentanyl. If you look, the guy’s knee wasn’t even on his neck like that.” Civil Rights attorney Lee Merritt tweeted that the Floyd family “was contemplating filing a lawsuit against West.”

JOIN CHRIS HOLLINS: Vote for these qualified candidates for Harris County Commissioners Court.

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LINA HIDALGO

The VOTING GUY is calling on us to DEFEND DEMOCRACY once again.

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Chris Hollins led the historic 2020 elections effort in Harris County. As County Clerk, Chris gained national acclaim for protecting and expanding voting rights for 2.5 million Houston-area voters during the most important election in our lifetime.

County Judge

ADRIAN GARCIA

County Commissioner, Precinct 2 Elect Democrat

Today, election deniers and their MAGA supporters are backing a slate of Republicans to take control of our county government.

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We cannot let that happen. Join Chris by going all the way down your ballot to vote for Democrats Lina Hidalgo, Adrian Garcia, and Lesley Briones.

LESLEY BRIONES

Pol. adv. Chris Hollins Campaign

COMMIT TO VOTE EARLY:

OCT. 24 – NOV. 4 OR ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY NOV. 8.

Learn more about Chris and his campaign for Mayor: ChrisHollins.com

ÍÎÚ @CGHollins

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BLACK-LATINO TENSIONS BARED IN LA CITY COUNCIL SCANDAL

Associated Press

Cross-cultural coalitions have ruled Los Angeles politics for decades, helping elect both Black and Latino politicians to top leadership roles in the huge racially and ethnically diverse city.

But a shocking recording of racist comments by the City Council president has laid bare the tensions over political power that have been quietly simmering between the Latino and Black communities.

Nury Nury Martinez, the first Martinez Latina elected president of the Los Angeles City Council, resigned from her leadership role last week, then from the council altogether, after a leaked recording surfaced of her making racist remarks and other coarse comments Danny in discussion with other HisBakewell panic leaders.

People hold signs and shout slogans before the start of the Los Angeles City Martinez said in the recorded conversation, Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 in Los Angeles. Cross-cultural cofirst reported by the Los Angeles Times, that alitions have ruled Los Angeles politics for decades, helping elect both Black white Councilmember Mike Bonin handled his and Latino politicians to top leadership roles in the racially and ethnically young BlackHARRISVOTES_HDFNDR_9.75X6.333_Insertion_01.pdf son as if he were an “accessory,” and diverse second largest city 1 10/12/22 11:50 AM in America.

described the son as behaving “parece changuito,” or like a monkey. She also made denigrating comments about other groups, including Indigenous Mexicans from the southern state of Oaxaca, who she termed “feos,” or ugly.

The recording, released anonymously a year after it was made, stunned and hurt many in the Black community, which makes up a little less than 9% of the city’s roughly 4 million residents. Concerns inside that group, which has long counted on council seats and other city posts in heavily African American neighborhoods, have been growing in recent years as the Latino share of the population has swollen to nearly half and Hispanic politicians have started assuming more high-ranking roles.

Danny J. Bakewell Sr., the executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel, a Black-run newspaper, wrote afterward of “the cancerous divisiveness that has been secretly harming our progress.”

“To discover that these conversations are a part of the dialogue of the very people entrusted to lead the city of Los Angeles and to realize that there is a plot amongst them to minimize the voice and political power of the Black community makes it even more reprehensible,” Bakewell added.

THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO VOTE IN HARRIS COUNTY 1

2

3

Early Voting

Mail-In Ballot

Election Day

Important Dates: Mon., Oct. 24 Early Voting Starts Fri., Nov. 4 Early Voting Ends

Fri., Oct. 28 Mail Ballot Application Deadline Tues., Nov. 8 Election Day

Learn more about voting in Harris County at HARRISVOTES.COM 713-755-6965

HARRISVOTES.COM Brought to you by the Harris County Elections Administrator.

HarrisVotes_Hstn_Dfndr_9.75x66.33_Insertion_01

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Pastors leading ‘Souls to the Polls’ once again this election season

By Aswad Walker

Churches are gearing up to get folks to the polls as they kick off a GOTV (Get Out the Vote) campaign during the weekend of Oct. 29 and 30. The effort, “Souls to the Polls,” will involve preachers going to the pulpit and delivering special messages for the congregations.

“We intend to inspire, inform and ignite every pulpit and person in the pew,” said Dr. James Dixon, Community of Faith Church pastor and president of the Houston NAACP. During the last session of the Texas Legislature, attempts were made to end “Souls to the Polls” by drastically changing the hours poll would be open on Sundays, thus rendering the effort mute. However, those attempts failed, leaving “Souls to the Polls” alive and well, and simply in need of participants.

Asked why “Souls to the Polls” is so important during this November’s election, Dixon said this: “Because literally, we are facing the

Protesters chant as they pass down a main thoroughfare during a Black Lives Matter march through a residential neighborhood calling for racial justice, July 13, 2020, in Valley Stream, N.Y. Photo by John Minchillo/AP.

midterm election of our lifetime. The consequences nationally, and of course locally, are very, very severe. And we think that

every soul to the poll has a seed of hope and responsibility to make sure that we vote our faith, vote our principles in order

to emphasize our values and our faith to ensure a just world for our children and our children’s children.

“The other thing that is important is the sacrifices of the generations who came before us who shed their blood, their sweat and their tears to make sure we had a right to exercise our voice through our vote.”

Dixon sees no excuses for congregations not maximizing the power of “Souls to the Polls.”

“Here’s our conviction. Whatever stumbling blocks or barriers they put in our way, they would not be as severe as the barriers were for our ancestors, which means we’ve got to overcome those with faith and with a force and a determination that nothing will deter us, nothing will discourage us. We need people to vote regardless, whether you have to drive two miles, 10 miles, whatever it takes. We’ve got to get all souls to poll.”

For more details go to: www.naacphouston.org.

BETO O’ROURKE EVERY THING IS ON THE LINE

WILL fiGHT FOR US EXPAND MEDICAID to create jobs, lower property taxes, and ensure all Texans can afford to see a doctor.

FULLY FUND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS and raise teacher pay to fill the teacher shortage and improve our kids’ education.

PROTECT OUR FREEDOM TO VOTE by reopening polling places in our communities and making it easier to register and vote.

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Mini-Publisher: Black Women’s channel Motto: “A place where Black women in the Houston area can learn, grow and bring their voices.”

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brings tailored news to readers

he Defender has exciting news about our investment in new digital products to help expand our reach and better connect with you, understanding our readers’ needs and interests.

The Defender launched a new concept called DN+, channels (on the Defender Network website) catering to Black Women, Community Central and those Under 40.

Three Defender staff members are at the helm as mini-publishers: Managing Editor ReShonda Tate, Associate Editor Aswad Walker and Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho. Visitors can expect engaging, enlightening and educational original

stories geared toward those groups.

“DN+ was created to spotlight the audiences we value,” said Defender Network CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles. “The Under 40 generation is our future and it is important that we arm them with the information and tools needed to navigate this life and be successful. Our Under 40 publisher Laura is not just writing about and for this age group, she is one of them and shares their interests,” she said.

“Knowing that Black Women have been the foundation that much of our heritage is built upon, there is no better journalist than award-winning author ReShonda Tate to capture the triumphs and

tribulations of these women from multi-generations,” Messiah Jiles said.

“The icing on the cake is our cultural leader and spiritual conscience Aswad Walker, the publisher of Community Central, the nucleus of institutions that have served as the cornerstone of our existence as Black people. Those institutions include faith-based, social, civil rights and civic organizations and our Black businesses.

“DN+ allows the Defender to get one step closer to our audience in serving their needs and wants, and that is our ultimate goal,” she said.

Check out some of the amazing original content on each channel.

ASWAD WALKER

Mini-Publisher: Community Central channel Motto: “Where Blacks in the Houston area meet neighbors, learn about Black businesses and share experiences.”

he Community Central channel is the gathering place for the latest happenings in the Black community and beyond.

If this channel could be described in one song, it would be “Family Reunion” by the O’Jays.

The channel takes this ancient, traditional Black concept and value and places it online so we can vibe virtually, from wherever you may be, with the good folk from Houston to Havana, from Acres Homes to Accra. There is a proverb that says, “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” Black people come from a long line of storytellers with a history that must be told with care and respect.

“The Community Central Channel is going to be as interactive as you want to be because it is a space where you can be

he Black Women’s channel is all in the name. It’s a space to uplift, educate and share diverse and resourceful stories. Black women make up 13% of the female population in the United States, but time and time again, they have shown how influential they are in society.

Not only are they breaking glass ceilings in corporate America and taking their seat at the table in many significant leadership positions, but Black women are also the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the country, with nearly 2.7 million businesses nationwide. They are achieving the American dream of social and economic mobility and doing so despite the societal pressures and challenges thrown at them. Need I say more?

“Whether we’re talking about how Black women can best flex their political muscles or highlighting the 10 best spots for brunch,

we’re making history (and chronicling every minute of it) on the Black Women’s Channel,” Tate said.

In May, the Defender hosted its second State of Black Women (SOBW) Health Forum at HISD’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy. It was a two-fold event for young Black girls and adult women to address the healthcare needs unique to them.

The SOBW had a lineup of speakers and panelists sharing resources for long-term physical and emotional health.

November elections are also a hot topic among Black women. So, the Defender hosted an exclusive premiere of “The Woman King” in September to kick off its SOBW Power of our Vote rally on Oct. 22. More than 300 guests were in attendance to enjoy a film that honors the power and influence of Black women.

seen, heard, and most importantly, felt,” said Publisher Aswad Walker.

Some examples include the story of Ken Haggerty, owner of Agenda Houston, a popular urban sneaker and streetwear retailer that the Galleria Mall was pushing out. He spoke to the Defender to share his story with other small business owners and how it impacted his business model significantly.

Also, check out the monthly “Local Artist you Need to Know” series showcasing the best creatives in the city who rightfully deserve their flowers. Stay tuned for what’s in store for the upcoming months.

T

LAURA ONYENEHO Mini-Publisher: Under 40 Motto: “From finance and health to career and relationships, we’ll help you navigate it all.”

he Under 40 channel is dedicated to the bold, passionate and driven Black millennials and Gen-Z. Each week the channel will prepare our readers to take control over their lives and equip them with the knowledge and resources to level up in four categories: finances, careers, health and relationships.

Young people are going through many challenges, from student loan debt to mental health issues, generational wealth gap, and soaring living costs, to name a few. Instead of focusing on the negative, the Under 40 channel will highlight the movers and shakers of the city, and readers will also learn about financial investments, ways to improve their self-care routine, and how to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

“If you’re starting out in college, entrepreneurship, a new career, starting a new family, making career pivots, working on health and wellness, or stepping your financial game up,

the Under 40 channel will be there to guide you,” said publisher Laura Onyeneho.

We cover trends like what Black millennials think about Houston’s dating scene, their personal experiences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the top five lucrative side hustles to put extra money in your wallet.

The channel also covers events produced by local young professionals, such as the Battle of the Canvas Competition, where 16 local artists battle head-to-head in three rounds, showcasing their best work in under 20 minutes to earn bragging rights and a cash prize.

Don’t miss out on the latest news happening in Black Houston. If you have a story idea that fits into these categories, the Defender is all ears.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletters at defendernetwork.com.

12 | October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Health

Dr. Baxter Montgomery

Montgomery Heart and Wellness Radically changing the healthcare game

By Aswad Walker

Dr. Baxter Montgomery, a board-certified cardiologist, practicing cardiac electrophysiologist and practicing internist with 25 years of experience in private practice, believes society’s over-reliance upon prescriptions and medical procedures is literally killing us.

Thus, he has committed much of his practice to offering a more holistic approach to health and wellness “What I’ve noticed in my years of practicing here in Houston is that sickness has become the norm,” said Montgomery. “If you look at the data, about six out of 10 people have chronic illnesses and are on prescription medications. If you add over-the-counter medications to that regimen, you’re probably dealing with 70% or more.”

Montgomery says he’s seeing more young adults between 20-40-yrs-old with chronic illnesses such as Type-2 Diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure and heart disease.

He contends standard medical treatment (pills, procedures, surgeries) may provide temporary relief, but don’t confront the underlying problems: poor dietary lifestyle, lack of exercise,

lack of fresh air, lack of sunshine. docuseries that follows former pro athletes Montgomery started prescribing these who used Montgomery’s system. “therapies” (exercise, nutritional regiments, “Recently, I contacted some retired prodietary detoxes, etc.) and was so amazed by fessional athletes from different sports, the the results, that he developed a comprehensive NFL and world-class track and field. And I program called “Heart and Soul of a Cham- brought a group and put them through our pion,” an integrative approach that’s “helped new detox program. We had them on a nutripatients reverse chronic illness in a more nat- tional regimen, a raw detox, plant-based diet, ural way to reduce the reliance on prescrip- various therapies. We started workouts out at tion medication, reduce the Tom Bass Park running hills OPEN HOUSE requirements for medical in the heat of the sun. We procedures and surgeries, did some two-a-days. I took Oct. 19 -22 and get patients in a position them through that regimen where they are empowered to maintain opti- for about five weeks, and we saw some amazmal health.” ing results.

“Essentially what we’re doing is, over the “We actually brought a film crew in to last two years, we’ve made a significant change document that. And that is the birth of our in our way of practicing. I’ve been in private docuseries, ‘Heart and Soul of a Champion.’ practice for 25 years, but for the last nearly two So, what we plan to do is, as we bring indidecades, we have applied an aggressive lifestyle viduals through our program, we’re going approach to our practice. to have them tell their stories. Season one is The doctor’s Montgomery Heart and going to be the Athletes Edition. Season two Wellness Center will host a four-day open we’ve already started working on, and that will house Oct. 19 through Oct. 22 to introduce be chronic illness in women. So, we’re going the Houston community to its programs and to have people document their stories as we premiere the “Heart and Soul of a Champion” have season after season that we’ll put out on

different platforms.”

Montgomery’s hope is to normalize these aggressive lifestyle changes and interventions in the heart and souls of individuals.

“So, if someone has congestive heart failure or multi vessels, coronary disease or diabetes, there are a lot of commercials that talk about ‘this medication’ or ‘this surgery’ or ‘this procedure,’ but there’s little information out there about this aggressive detox program or this nutritional regimen that can turn this around.,” said Montgomery, who is anxious to get this information out.

“In the nearly two decades I’ve done this, I’ve seen amazing results, and I have the unique perspective of having practiced for over a quarter century in the world’s largest medical center. This approach, our integrative lifestyle approach, juxtaposed with the greatest technology we have in medicine on the planet. And I know that this integrative lifestyle approach is far superior. So, we [Black people] need to know that. And this needs to be put right in our faces on a regular basis.

That’s our goal.”

Visit Montgomeryheart.com for more info.

October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 13

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month Dr. Clark’s guide to help detect breast cancer

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

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making this a suitable time to remind women that mammograms are important for the early detection of breast cancers. They often detect cancerous tissue too small to be noticed through self-exams and 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 begin mammograms at least every other year. Please be advised that most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

• Women considered at higher risk — due to age, underlying health conditions, lifestyle, medical or family history – should confer with their doctor and care givers about having annual mammograms. It is valuable that this be a shared decision.

Now Scheduling VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON Appointments!

• At 50, women at average risk may continue with every-other-year mammograms until age 75, when future scheduling becomes an individualized decision made with your doctor.

• Women beyond child-bearing years should continue doctorrecommended mammograms and well-woman checkups, as risks of breast and gynecological cancers continue to increase with aging.

And finally, if a woman hasn’t had a well-woman exam in the past 12 months, she should have one with her OB/GYN or gynecologist without delay.

Dr. Clark welcomes new patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Pearland Clinic.

Pearland Clinic

Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a longtime patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7/365

Your health and safety are our top priority. We‘re screening patients upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms, checking temperatures, and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face protection while visiting our clinics.

After-Hours Nurse Hotline 713-442-0000

24/7 Contact Center 713-442-0000

Learn More About Virtual Visits kelsey-seybold.com/virtual

Kelsey-Seybold welcomes new patients and accepts more than 50 health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and these Medicare Advantage plans: KelseyCare Advantage, WellCare Texan Plus, Aetna Medicare Advantage, and Humana Gold Plus.

14 | October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

Zion Escobar leads Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy

By Aswad Walker

Zion Escobar, the executive director of the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy, is on a mission to advocate for the historic neighborhood in her adopted city.

The Defender sat down with Escobar, a civil engineer, entrepreneur and equity advocate, to discuss her vision for moving the historic community into the future by fighting to secure resources for Freedmen’s Town and its residents, which for far too long, have been denied.

Defender: What is your personal relation

ship with Freedmen’s Town?

Escobar: Ned Pullum was a pastor in Beaumont, Texas at Antioch [Baptist Church]. My family and my ancestors were the founding family of Antioch Beaumont.

I’m from Beaumont. There was a transfer of many people, including Pullum as pastor from Antioch Beaumont, who came and became the pastor of Bethel [Baptist Church] after Jack Yates passed. He built that house in Freedmen’s Town.

So, my ancestors’ records are showing up in the archival material of Antioch Houston. There was a transfer of lots of families between these two spaces, not just the pastor… So, my personal geology, my personal life story and answers to my question about my ancestry, as I am adopted, and I’m trying to find answers, is tied up in this.

Defender: What drew you to the

Conservancy?

Escobar: I left a very profitable career as a civil engineer and owning my own consulting firm, and I delved into the nonprofit world. The spirit was leading me. The ancestors were leading me and they still are.

And they’re guiding every single thing that I’m doing. I don’t talk about it because, you know, people don’t like the “woo woo.” But when you know you’re being led, you just go up and do the work and you don’t ask questions because the answers will be revealed to you. So that’s what I’m operating off of right now. Do what I am told from on high.

with the Conservancy?

Escobar: Technically, we were established as an official 501(c)3 in 2018. I more formally started in 2019, but at the time I was still running my own business and leading the Houston headquarters of another engineering office...I didn’t start in earnest until closing out 2019.

Defender: What does Freedmen’s Town’s

future look like?

Escobar: To be honest, there was not one specific, clear thing other than stop erasures, halt the demolitions, protect what’s left, infuse new life, new energy and make it right. Make it right in the sense of, bring in the equity, bring in the strategy, bring in the partners who are going to now be accountable with this new sense of awakening we have in our country.

Look at this with a different lens of a problem that you don’t need to solve, but you’re excited to help do your part to rectify wrongs that predated most people who are in all the positions they’re in now, across the board.

My duty, as far as the new direction, the rebirth, is to bring it back to itself.

To make sure that we create opportunities for Black people to repatriate and see themselves through a different light in a way that they don’t see themselves in Houston.

To know that Black excellence started here, to know how prolific we were and how many important people and important things came through here, came from here, so that we anchor ourselves in something other than just pop culture.

Defender: When did you actually start

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT DEFENDERNETWORK.COM

October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature ‘LOVEPRENEURS’

Demetrius & Dhayany Walker FOCUS ON KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL AMID INFIDELITY

if he could teach me what he knew. I believe Recently the news headlines have been on that from the corporate side, I can maybe fire with the latest celebrity couple infidel- bring some value to the business side. At the ity scandals. Boston Celtics head coach Ime time, I didn’t understand his language, and he Udoka, Singer Adam Levine, didn’t understand the corporate and Chicago Bulls basketball side. There was a clash between player Tristan Thomas are just the two worlds. We didn’t have a few of a long list of influanywhere to go or who to talk ential people whose scandals to about our love and business overshadowed their talents. issues. So, we decided to create According to the American a community called “LoveprePsychological Association, neur.” Through case studies, 20% to 40% of divorces are counseling, and hundreds of FIND OUT linked to cheating. Traditional couples later, we realized there THE TOP 5 marriage has been on a downare 12 secrets to this thing. We POINTERS ward trajectory for years, and wanted to find ways to develop ON HOW healthier relationships for couviews on family life have sigTO KEEP IT ples in business together. nificantly shifted.

PROFESSIONAL AMID One has to ask why someINFIDELITY one chooses to cheat in a relaDefender: Why do people choose to take a risk such tionship if being single was an as an infidelity, especially option from the beginning. If you are in a relationship with a partner who when they are in positions of power and has cheated and you’ve shared assets, liabil- influence, which could threaten their ities and business endeavors, how can you livelihoods? maintain a professional or amicable relation- Dhayany: There was an actual study that ship after personal betrayal? said couples who decide to support each Love and business experts Demetrius other’s visions and goals was their main focus and Dhayany Walker say it is possible. The in the relationship, and their personal net Walkers are known for their “Lovepreneur” worth increased by 77%. Men like the ones platform that teaches entrepreneurial couples mentioned often choose to cheat because the importance of having both “net worth they don’t understand the return on investment in their relationship. Counand love worth.”

Since 2007, they have created a community seling is critical because it allows you to to support couples in maintaining business cope with what’s happening and underthrough personal conflicts and other strat- stand the triggers that lead you to believe egies to strengthen relationships. The duo your relationship isn’t valuable. spoke with the Defender to share their advice. Demetrius: We’ve all heard that the grass is greener on the other side. A lot of couples Defender: How did the launching of “Love- come together and see the result of what it preneur” begin? looks like to have green grass, but they don’t Dhayany: It was birth through pain and lack have the instructions on what it takes to keep of information out there. My husband and your grass green. So they are always looking I in 2007 decided to go into business with for new grass to try. each other. He has been an entrepreneur for 20-plus years. I, on the other hand, was into corporate. When we decided to take our Social: @lovepreneur friendship to a romantic level, I realized that Founders: @dhayany and his life was more interesting than mine. Mine @meettheemperor was cookie-cutter. He laughed when I asked Website: Lovegrowrich.com

By Laura Onyeneho

| 15

16 | October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature Support Black authors at the National Black Book Festival in Houston

By Laura Onyeneho

The National Black Book Festival (NBBF), known as the largest African-American book event in the south will celebrate it 15th anniversary in Houston on Oct. 20-22.

The festival with feature more than 100 authors from across the nation representing over 20 genres. Omarion Special guests include R&B artist and author Omarion, CNN Analyst Bakari Sellers, Actress Kayrn Parsons, and Houston’s one and only best-selling, award-winning author, ReShonda Tate Billingsley. Bakari NBBF started in 2007 Sellers and is sponsored by Cushcity.com, a Houston-based company that specializes in marketing and retailing Black literature. The founders Willie and Gwen Richardson launched this event in response to their interaction with Black Karyn Parsons authors and publishers and their desire to find additional ways to expand their reading audience.

“We anticipate at least 2,000 people in attendance (within the two-day span).

It is always based in Houston because it’s cost effec- ReShonda tive to host events of this Tate

caliber here and we want this event to be free and open to the public, said Gwen Richardson. “It will be located at Fallbrook Church in their sports facility where attendees can enjoy different exhibitions and seminars and connect with high-profile authors.”

Richardson says this event has opened the perspective of many in the Black community.

“The feedback we get mostly is the fact that most people have no idea that there are this many quality Black authors that even exist,” Richardson said. “This is an excellent demonstration of just how many African-Americans are writing books and we need to support and buy their work.”

Richardson also says there are a few tangible things to take away from attending the NBBF. Aspiring authors will have access to the experts and resources to launch their literary careers. Attendees can purchase books directly from the authors rather than buying them from large, big-name brick and mortar and online stores. Also, if there were any concerns about censored or banned books, Richardson confidently states that “certain books may be banned from schools due to the state’s political climate but it can’t be banned from existence. If a book is not in the school system, you can still buy it online or a bookstore.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.nationalblackbookfestival.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nationalblackbookfestival/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/ blackbkfestival

Defender Managing Editor, ReShonda Tate at NBBF

Gwen and Willie Richardson (center), Co-Founders of NBBF

October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

4

WAYS COVID HAS CHANGED BLACK AMERICA

| 17

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES

By Gregory A. Stevens

Though some individuals and entities have declared the COVID-19 pandemic a thing of the past, it is not only still present via ongoing cases and deaths, the impact will stay with us for a lifetime, in part because of how the global health event has changed life for Black Americans.

Here are four ways COVID has changed Black America. Certainly, there are more.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE, PARTICIPATION

Though there is no definitive number, we know many Black churches closed their doors amid the pandemic, simply unable to pay the bills. A New York study found that the highest rates of church closures per general population were in areas with the highest percentage of Blacks. Other states report similar findings.

Additionally, for most Black churches, attendance rates have yet to return to preCOVID numbers, with many perfectly fine attending online.

“We came back to having in-person church faster than most, but we still have way more empty seats these days,” said Carstell Walker Jr., a longtime member of Blueridge United Methodist Church in Houston’s Sunnyside community.

And with fewer members, comes fewer dollars (tithes).

FUNERALS

Funeral homes enacted strict attendance

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, TX (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. to receive public comment on its proposed January 2023 changes to METRO service. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person.

Ala Stanford (left) is part of the Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium, a group bringing free coronavirus testing to underserved Black communities in Philadelphia. AP Photo/ Matt Rourke.

limits, spacing mandates and mask-wearing requirements. Though these restrictions have, for the most part, been lifted, funeral directors say attendance numbers are still down.

BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY

Doctors contend COVID has, for some, altered their biology and/or physiology.

Long COVID, for example, is a reality that will remain for the foreseeable future, in ways both known and yet to be known.

OPENNESS TO VACCINES

Blacks have long been hesitant about doctor visits and vaccinations due to historical mistreatment and abuse. However, during the pandemic, something changed. Statistics show, by November 2021, Black vaccination rates grew similar to other races.

Source: The Root

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.

The public may also join the hearing and provide comments virtually on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81905935612 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 1-888-475-4499 (toll free), meeting ID: 819 0593 5612. Additionally, if you do not want to provide comments during the public hearing, visit RideMETRO.org/Pages/BoardStreamingVideo.aspx to view a livestream of the public hearing. 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: Discontinuation of the 418 Harris County Jury Shuttle; changes to routes 23, 26, 88, and 236 / 237; schedule changes to routes 2, 4, 6, 11, 32, 40, 46, 48, 49, 54, 60, 65, 80, 82, 151, 161; Park & Ride Corridors serving Downtown, and the METRORail Red Line; and the proposed bus stop optimization pilot project on Travis and Milam Streets. METRO will continue to make temporary service adjustments in response to changing ridership and workforce availability.

Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Monday, October 17, 2022 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, TX, 77002 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The public hearing on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. will be held in the 2nd floor Board Room at 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX (served by METRO 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, by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org, and providing your name, address and telephone number. As explained above, you may attend the public hearing in-person or virtually on October 24, 2022 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 for you to make your comments.

You may also provide comments by: • Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: January 2023 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston,TX 77002 • Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "January 2023 Service Change" to 713-652-7956 • Calling or texting METRO's Customer Service at 713-635-4000 • Submitting comments on METRO's website – RideMETRO.org All comments should be submitted to METRO by 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022.

HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 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 on the basis of 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 on the basis of 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

18 | October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

In a marathon 18-inning Game 3 of the American League Division Series, rookie Jeremy Pena smashed a solo homer to lift the Astros to a 1-0 win over Seattle and to a berth in the AL Championship Series.

Sports Briefs Astros continue ALCS run

The Astros are playing in their sixth consecutive American League Championship Series after sweeping the Mariners in the ALDS. No other team has managed six-straight ALCS appearances Dusty Baker Jr. since Major League Baseball expanded to divisions in 1969. The Astros, considered widely as the team to beat in these playoffs, began their current run in 2017.

Dikembe Mutombo undergoing brain tumor treatment Basketball Hall of Famer and former Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo has started treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor, the NBA announced. The Congo native is best known as a shot blocker and as a Dikembe humanitarian and Mutombo ambassador for basketball around the globe. He is said to be in great spirits during this time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Dikembe, one of the world’s great humanitarians,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. Mutombo finished out his stellar NBA career with the Rockets from 2004-09.

TSU men favored to win SWAC

Johnny Jones’ Texas Southern men’s basketball team will start the 2022-23 season with the proverbial target on its back after being selected as the preseason favorite to win the SWAC. Prairie View A&M Karl is picked to finish Nicholas fourth. But the Tigers are believed to have the most talent and depth and it all starts with Karl Nicholas and John Walker III, who were both selected to the All-SWAC men’s basketball team. Nicholas, a first-team preseason selection, was also forecast as the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Texas Southern and former Aldine standout running back Jacorey Howard rushed for 64 yards and two touchdowns, including a 1-yard scoring run to lift the Tigers over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

YOUNG ROCKETS READY TO LAUNCH IN 2022-23

By Terrance Harris

All the preseason speculation and conjecture about the Rockets is over. It’s time to find out just how close to blasting off these young Rockets are as the 2022-2023 NBA season tips off this week.

After consecutive subpar seasons, Rockets fans are ready to see just how much improved Jalen Green & Co are as the Rockets move into Year 3 of their complete makeover.

If the way the Rockets performed in their four-game preseason schedule is an indication, they will be fun to watch and maybe not so much fun to play against this season.

“I feel good,” said third-year Rockets coach Stephen Silas, whose team tips off the season on the road against the Atlanta Hawks.

“Probably don’t put too much into the results of the preseason but it was good to win three games in the preseason and it was good to see some development in our guys, it was good to see us carryover from practice to games, it was good to see development from the summer to actual game settings.

“So yeah, I feel good about the development our team has made going into the first game.”

The biggest storyline this season will be the continued development of Green, last year’s No. 2 overall selection. Green has superstar written all over him and the next in line of Rockets’ high-volume guards like Clyde Drexler, Tracy McGrady and James Harden.

But Green’s growth is far from the only intriguing storyline as general manager Rafael Stone and Silas continue their fromthe-ground-up rebuild of the Rockets. The team is coming off a 20-62 last-place finish, but there seems to be major buzz because the core returns almost entirely intact with the exception of center Christian Wood, who was traded to Dallas in the offseason.

The Rockets have added a couple of great pieces in lottery pick Jabari Smith (No. 3 overall) and first-round NBA draft selections Tari Eason and Ty Ty Washington.

The team has been working together diligently since the summer and looks to be as cohesive as any Rockets team in the past few years.

“The growth that we’ve had, not only from this summer but from last year, has been big,” said veteran swingman Jae’Sean Tate. “Seeing Scoot [Kevin Porter Jr.], JG [Green] and just all of our rookies grow. And our willingness to pass the ball and our willingness to really hone in on the film.

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dunks against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. AP Photo/Michael Conroy

“I don’t know if you guys have been paying attention to the defense that we’ve been playing but we’ve made it really difficult for teams to score in our paint.”

Here are some more aspects of the Rockets to watch as the season unfolds: How much more improved will the backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. be in Year 2 as a tandem?

If the preseason is any indication, this duo will be much improved and arguably the most promising young backcourt in the league. With Porter running the point guard spot and Green holding it down at the 2, they showed glimpses last season as each took turns shining. But they are now looking as though they are playing more as a unit, able to share the ball and score in the natural flow of the offense. The Rockets brass sees a bright future with the duo leading the way, which is why the stalemate was broken this week and Porter was given a four-year, $82.5 million contract extension that is guaranteed for only a year but if all goes smoothly look for him to be around for a while.

What can be expected of the Rockets’ rookie class of Jabari Smith, Tari Eason and Ty Ty Washington?

There is no question Smith will receive

much of the spotlight as the team’s second straight lottery pick and as a Day 1 starter in the frontcourt, but Eason is looking more and more like he could be the steal of the entire 2022 draft. The athletic small forward out of LSU has the defensive presence along with the ability to be an impact player on both ends of the floor. We saw it during the NBA Summer League and also during the preseason where he showed a willingness to be a versatile defender and a more than capable scorer off the bench.

Look for Eason to be in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

When will the Rockets be ready to contend for a playoff spot in the West?

The Rockets, with a core of primarily first and second-year players, won’t make a serious push for the playoffs until next season. But be assured that this year’s group will be fun and exciting to watch and the Rockets will be a tough matchup against some of the elite teams because of their athletic ability and relentless defense. In the meantime, it will be interesting to see how they look out the gate against Atlanta and then in their home opener two nights later versus Memphis.

October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 19

DN Sports WASHINGTON DUO TO WATCH

RB ANTHONY BROWN & QB KAMRYN JACKSON

By Jodie B. Jiles

Booker T. Washington High School has been on a roll, winning all seven of its first regular-season games. And after defeating their most challenging district opponent this past week, the Eagles have positioned themselves as the best in the region.

A huge part of Booker T.’s undefeated run is senior running back Anthony Brown and junior quarterback Kamryn Jackson.

Brown brings a pro-style vision to the game at running back for the Eagles.

His ankle-breaking cuts are more lethal than an And 1 mixtape guard, and his breakaway speed can do damage in the open field.

Jackson, on the other hand, can make plays with his feet and arm coming off the play-action fake. In goal line scenarios defenses are left to his mercy based on how Jackson decides to carve defenses apart in preparation for the playoffs.

The Defender spoke with both Brown and Jackson to discuss their undefeated run, keys to success, advice to others and more.

UNDEFEATED RUN Brown: “Honestly we’ve been working. Since the summer

has started there have been no days off. The whole team is there early in the morning working their behinds off.”

STYLE OF PLAY Jackson: “I just get the ball to my playmakers

and they make plays. My O-Line does what they do for me and give me time so I can do that.”

30-13 VICTORY OVER FURR Brown: “My O-Line blocked really good so I

could hit the holes, and get there. Altogether it was a team win and team effort.”

Jackson: “We kept our composure; we came out and made sure we were fighting hard and made sure we were a second-half team.”

AMAZING CUT ON TD VS. FURR Brown: “I saw my blocker coming, saw I had enough time to make the

cut, made it scored, and am thankful for my O-Line for making the blocks.”

LEADERSHIP Jackson: “Just making sure all my guys stay together, and work as one

team. Then we will always be a second-half team.”

ABOUT KAMRYN JACKSON Twitter: @kamrynjackson_ Player he studies: Justin Fields Favorite artists: Lil Baby and NBA Youngboy Hobbies: Being with animals Shoutouts: “Coach, God, and my O-Line.”

MOVING FORWARD Brown: “Next week we will start right back at 1 and 0.”

Jackson: “We have to stay together and practice hard every week.”

ABOUT ANTHONY BROWN Twitter: @sweetfeetbrown_ Current offer: Lincoln University Player he studies: Saquon Barkley Favorite artists: Lil Baby and NBA Youngboy Shout-outs: “My coach, running back coach and O-Line.”

20 | October 20, 2022 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

THE POWER OF OUR

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

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3018 Emancipation Avenue