Third Ward residents seek to stop ‘PREDATORYDEVELOPER’
ByAswadWalker
AgroupofThirdWardresidentsiscalling foul on a developer they say is engaged in unauthorized construction that violates the neighborhood’sdeedrestrictions.
Their fears run deeper than just one property
Residents warn of the destruction of their neighborhood’s aesthetic, rising property taxes, a double standard that favors wealthy developerswithnoallegiancetothecommunityandablueprintforcolonizingHouston’s Blackneighborhoods.
Thepropertyinquestion
The flashpoint of residents’ anger is 3838 Southmore, near Scott Street. Behind an existinghouse,asecondlargehomehasbeen erected without city permits, according to records.
The City of Houston confirmed that the developer was told to stop construction four timesinthelast60days.Redtagswereplaced on the property, signifying code violations However, construction was underway when theDefendervisitedthepropertyinquestion.
ThedeveloperofrecordisTPCEndeavors, LLC, whose registered agent is Dr Gregory Bancroft, a plastic surgeon based in Sugar Land The company is also based in Sugar Land TheDefenderreachedouttoBancroft’s office for an interview with Bancroft but was directed to a man identified as his business partner,ShahabHashemi However,nopublic phonenumberexistsforTPCEndeavors.
For residents, the matter goes beyond paperwork. They say it’s about respect—and survival
Residentsspeakout
“Theissueisthatwehaveapredatoryinvestorwho’sdecidedtocomeintoourcommunity andbuildthisstructurehere,”saidSamantha Townsend, a Third Ward resident “It is illegal.Therearenopermits.Therearenocodes thathavebeenfiledwiththeCityofHouston. There is already an infringement that we see alongthefencelines.It’sbeingdoneillegally
“Although we’ve made efforts to escalate according to the policies and guidelines with the City of Houston, this predatory investor
still is belligerently moving forward with the buildingprocessandwewantitstopped.”
Marc Newsome, a longtime resident, award-winning director and photographer, echoedthesentiment.
“I’m a resident on this street and what I want to direct your attention to is what I call a predatory developer that’s created this big, monstrous structure in the back of the yard,” said Newsome, who is also a university professor. “They just purchased this home right here, recently. We have deed restrictions that prohibit this sort of thing. The problem that we’rehavingrightnowiscityenforcement.
“Apparently, somebody can come into a Blackneighborhoodandjustbuildanytypeof structure.Andyoucanreportit,buttheissue that we’re having is no enforcement. When youcallthecops,copscan’tdoanything.”
The neighborhood deed restrictions state: “All lots shall be used solely for single-family residential use… Only one unitary detached residentialdwellingstructureshallbeerected oneachlot.”
Newsome recalled how hard neighbors workedtoprotectthoserestrictions
“We had a lawyer, we paid the expense of gettingourdeedrestrictionsupdatedbecause wedidn’twanttownhomesandloftsandthat sort of thing on our street. We want people to have regular homes with yards, which is becoming a dying breed right now. So, we specifically spent money and implemented a
on our properties, we have to file for permits and pay for permits with the City of Houston,”saidTownsend “Accordingtotherecords thathavecurrentlybeenfiledwiththeCityof Houston,therearenorecords,nopermitsthat havebeenfiledregardingtheconstructionat 3838Southmore.”
“Each time that they’re red tagged, they remove the red tags. And the red tags are for code violations because there’s no code permits or anything for them to be building on this property,” said Harolyn Minix, who lives nearbywithherhusband,Roby She added, “When we had work done on ourhouse,wehadtohaveapermit.Without thosepermits,thecitywasgoingtocomeand shutusdown So,theyhavebeenshutdown, buttheycontinuouslycomebackandcontinue working.Onthewindowthattheyhavenowis someinvalidmumbojumbothat’stapedover the red tags, which lets us know that they’re doingthisillegally.”
Townsendemphasizedtheprideresidents takeintheirneighborhood
“Thisisahistoriccommunity.ThisisThird Ward. It is deed-restricted. So, we take pride inourneighborhood Forsomeonetodecide to just come in and disobey the laws for capitalgain,it’snotright,”saidTownsend “They certainly would not want this same type of structure sitting next to them in Sugar Land orwhereveritisthattheylive So,weneedto haveitstopped.”
Frustrationwithcity’sresponse
Residentssaythey’vespokenatCityCouncilandfiledformalcomplaints Still,littlehas changed.
lotofefforttogetthisdone,”sharedNewsome. “Andthenthisguycomesinandhebuildsthis horrificthing,andhebuildsitreallyquickly. Withinaweek,theyhadthisbigmonstrosity inourbackyard.”
“Belligerent”actions
To residents, the defiance of red tags and cityordersmakesthedeveloper’sactionsespeciallyinsulting.
“The reason it’s belligerent is because we know that if we are going to build anything
“These people are blatantly breaking the law. Somebody should know something, but everybody wants to turn a deaf ear on us I hopeit’snotbecauseI’mBlackandbeautiful. IjustwanttofigureoutwhoIneedtotalkto,” said Roby Minix, who said he reached out to Bancroft’s office directly. “I’ve contacted his office,sentemailstohisoffice.I’veneverheard fromanybody.”
After the Defender spoke with residents, thecitystatedthatthe3838Southmoresiteis consideredunauthorizedandremainsunder investigation
Belligerent is one word Third Ward residents use to describe the actions of what they are calling a ‘predatory developer’ who is constructing things in their neighborhood that are strictly forbidden by area deed restrictions. Credit: Aswad Walker.
The structure behind 3838 Southmore is what area residents are concerned about Credit: Aswad Walker
News DN
Flooding the divide
Why Houston’s resilience depends on equity
By Tannistha Sinha
WhenfloodwatersriseinHouston, theyrarelyrecedeatthesamepacefor everyone
In historically Black and Latino neighborhoods, storms leave behind more than water damage, compoundedbydecadesofdisinvestment
That reality was the focus of Communities First: Flooding, Resilience and Environmental Justice, a communityconversationhostedbyHarris County Precinct One Commissioner RodneyElliswithDr RobertBullard, the “father of environmental justice,” at the center of the dialogue
Thegathering,moderatedbySonny Messiah-Jiles, CEO and publisher of the Houston Defender, underscored what Bullard has argued for more than 40 years: Environmental justice is about equal protection.
“Environmental justice embraces theprinciplethatallpeopleincommunities are entitled to equal protection of our environment: Housing, energy, health, transportation, basic human rights, civil rights laws,” Bullard said “It’s not rocket science It’s not magic. The quest for environmental justice is basicallyensuringthatallcommunities enjoythegoodstuffanddon’tgetmore than their fair share of the bad stuff.”
Thelegacyofinequity
Bullard traced the roots of Houston’senvironmentalchallengesbackto racial redlining. In the 1930s, federal mapsdesignatedBlackneighborhoods asriskyinvestments,shuttingthemout of loans and infrastructure upgrades.
Those same areas later became primesitesforlandfills,highwaysand industrial facilities.
“This was not random,” Bullard said “Fromthe1930supto1978,82% ofallthegarbagedumpedinHouston wasdumpedonBlackpeople Wewent tocourt…welostthecaseevenwithall that data, but we didn’t lose the legal theory of citing waste facilities that followed a pattern of discriminatory land use patterns.”
That historic pattern was evident intheaftermathofHurricaneHarvey While white households in affluent neighborhoodsreceivedanaverageof $60,000inFEMAaid,Blackresidents in low-income communities received anaverageof$84,accordingtoHarris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis’
office.NearlyoneinthreeBlackHoustonians reported their quality of life was worse a year after Harvey
Equityvs.cost-benefit
At the heart of Harris County’s resilience debate lies a technical but consequentialquestion:Shoulddollars follow property values or community need?
Traditionally,floodcontrolprojects were evaluated by cost-benefit ratio, whichfavorswealthierneighborhoods with higher-value homes. Bullard explained how this formula ensures that west-side homes worth $800,000 receivepriority,whileeast-sidehomes valuedat$80,000areoverlooked,even if the flood damage is devastating.
AfterHarvey,Ellispushedforadifferentapproach:Anequityframework. That policy aims to prioritize projects in historically neglected neighborhoods most at risk of flooding, regardless of property values. It also incorporates health, social vulnerability and resilience outcomes into funding decisions
But implementing that shift has
been bumpy. Harris County voters approved a $2.5 billion flood bond in 2018,yetmanyprojectshavestalledor beenpausedduetofundingshortfalls
Accordingtocountydata,203projectshavebeencompleted,withatotal expenditure of $811 million. Still, at least $450 million more is needed to finish critical projects.
Communityleadership andadvocacy
DebraWalker,presidentoftheSunnyside Community Redevelopment Organization,saidfundinginequities are glaring.
“Fundingisanissueinourcommunitybecausewearealwaysthelastones to get the funding,” Walker said “We havesomuchbadinfrastructureinour community Workneedstobedonein order to make our community more sustainable and resilient.”
Bullard urged attendees to view resilience as a relay race, where each generation must carry the baton forward He stressed the need for partnerships between communities and universities, investments in
peopleandlong-termfunding.
He framed the fight ahead as both moral and practical.
“And when money comes down to fix the problems, white communities end up wealthier and Black communities and communitiesofcolorendupworseoff,” he said “The pattern that we havetobreakwhenitcomesto who gets that money and why so many dollars are bypassing communities.
young
Dr. Robert Bullard and Sonny Messiah Jiles called for equity-driven investments to replace outdated cost-benefit flood models. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender
TRAILBLAZINGARCHITECT
Willie C. Jordan Jr.die
ByMarilyn Marshall
The late Houstonian Willie C. Jordan Jr.is beingrememberedasaTexasarchitecturalpioneerwhomadealastingimpactonhisprofessionandcommunity.HediedOct.3attheage of87.Jordan,thethirdBlackarchitectlicensed in Texas, wasa trailblazer in otherways. In 1956hebecameone of thefirstBlack undergraduatesattheUniversityofTexasatAustin.
He beganhis professionalcareerinHoustonworking forJohnS.Chase,the first licensedBlack architectinTexas.Jordan laterco-founded Haywood Jordan McCowan Architects&PlannersofHouston,Dallasand SanAntonio.Heservedasdirectorofarchitecturefor ESPA Corp andseniorarchitect forKCI.AfterretiringfromKCI,hestarted Jordan Architecture Group(JAG) Consulting firm in 2018.
Jordan’sarchitecturalworkcanbeseeninthe H&PEArena at TexasSouthernUniversity, W.
LeoDaniels Towers,Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, Smiley High School, BarbaraJordanPostOffice, George R. Brown Convention Center andAcres Homes, Kashmere andNortheast Multi-Service Centers.
He designedthe newPhillis Wheatley High School,whichopenedin2006.Jordan,oneof12 children,grewupinFifthWardandwasaproud Wheatleygraduate.AfterenrollinginUT,heexperiencedovertracism,whichhelpedhimdevelop determination,socialawarenessandunity
Jordan latertoldthe TexasExespublication Alcalde, “Wehad some good,somebad,and someugly,butImetgreatpeopleandIearneda fantasticeducation ”HewasafoundingmemberofPrecursors,anonprofitstartedin2010to honor thelegacyofBlack alumni whoentered UT aminimum of 40 yearsago andsupport future generations.
HewasamemberoftheWheatleyAlumni Association, an inductee into theWheatley
Hall of Fame anda m AIA-AmericanInstitute National Organization Architects andBlack forLeadership Develo unteered with theSo CivicClub, SmallBusin Club,HoustonPortAut andthe Municipal Art Commission.
Survivorsinclude hiswife,Carolyn;sons, Willie C. III andDr. AndreJordan; brothers, Ernest andPaul Jordan;sisters,FrancesJordanPlummer, CherylJordanMurrayand Dr.Paulette L. Jordan;and grandson,Taylor.
HOUSTONIANS PAYTRIBUTE TO WILLIE C. JORDAN JR.
ember of the eofArchitects, n of Minority Organization pment. He voluth MacGregor ness Advisory thority ts
BlackVoter Shift
Organizers focus on mobilization
By ReShondaTate
In Houstonand across thenation, community organizersare rethinking what it takestobuild politicalpower Fordecades,voterregistrationdriveshave been theheart of civicengagement. However,asregistrationnumbers rise,turnout lags.Sonow,leadersareshiftingtheirfocus to anew priority:Mobilization.
2024 Texaselection
18.6 mil registeredvoters
11.3mil voted
2024 Harris County election
2.6mil voters
1.5mil voted
In 2024,morethana millionpeoplesat outofapresidentialelectionthatcouldhave changedthe direction of theircommunity “We’ve gotenoughregisteredvoters,” said longtime voting rights activist Pam Gaskin. “Ifall theregisteredvotersvoted we wouldn’t be in thepredicament we’rein now. Mobilization is key.”
Gaskin, afixtureinHouston’s civic engagement landscape, says thenew challenge is notjustsigningupvotersbut makingsuretheyturnout —and stay engaged.
“Candidates aregonna have to askfor votes.Theyhavetomeetpeoplewherethey are,”she said.“It’s notenoughtoput outa doorhangerorbuyabillboard.Peoplewant tobeheardandseen—andtheywanttheir votestobeasked for.”
ForGaskin, that meansgoing back to basics: Neighbor-to-neighbor organizing, blockwalkingand directconversations
“Ifanewfamilymovesin,Istopandsay, ‘Are youregisteredtovoteinFortBend County?’”she said.“That’show youbuild relationships— onedriveway, oneconversation at atime.”
National push meetslocal action
The focusonvoter mobilization is not limitedtolocal efforts. TheLeagueof WomenVotershas announceda sweeping newnationalcampaign— Uniteand Rise 8.5—thataimstoengageandmobilize8.5 millionvotersahead of the2026elections
In ajoint national leadership statement, Celina Stewart, CEOofthe League of WomenVoters,andPresidentDiannaWynn warnedthatthecountryisfacing“aconstitutionalcrisis”andcalledonAmericanstoact
“Wethe people must fightback,”the statementread. “Unite andRise8.5 will engage andmobilize8.5 millionvoters betweennowandNovember2026toprotect andpreserveour democratic institutions
The foundationalprinciplesthathavesustained ourdemocracy —checksand balances,theruleoflaw,freeandfairelections —are underdirectand sustainedthreat.
In this extraordinarymoment, we cannot proceedwithbusinessasusual.”
Thecampaign, part of theLeague’s WomenDefendDemocracyinitiative,will focusonadvocacy,civiceducationandlocal engagement —complementing thekind of grassroots efforts alreadyunderwayin Houston.
Turning registration into representation
Thatpersonaltouch is what groups like theLeagueofWomen Voters of Houstonand theHouston Voting Initiative arecountingontochangeoutcomesin
upcoming elections.
“Theredistrictingisunfortunatebecause itdisaggregatedcommunitiesofinterest peoplewho’velived,workedandorganized together,” said AnnieBenifield, aLeague of WomenVotersformerpresident.“That hasadetrimental impact on thepsycheof alreadyunderserved,underrepresented communities.”
Despitethese challenges,Benifieldsaid herorganizationisintensifyingitsoutreach aheadofthe primaries.
“We’rehopingtoturnpeopleoutinnumbersthathaven’thappenedbefore,”shesaid “In2024, only about900,000 Democrats participatedintheTexasprimarycompared to twomillion Republicans. If we canget
We’realwaysgonna fight the fight.But nowwehaveto focusonfillingthe holesin theglass —makingsureno more people slip through. beingregisteredisn’t enough.You have to showup.”
PAMGASKIN
voters to show up,that couldtotally change the dynamic.”
Benifieldbelieves that educationand empowermentare at thecoreofeffective mobilization.“Youhave to educatetoempower to mobilize,” shesaid. “Once people understand that theirvoteisa valuable commodity— afranchise with real valueinthe marketplaceofpolitics— they’llbemorelikelytoexerciseit.”
Barriersand breakthroughs
Both Benifield andGaskinpoint to the same obstacles: ConfusingIDlaws, pollinglocationchanges,limited earlyvoting awarenessand afloodofmisinformation. Manyregisteredvotersareunsurewhether they’restilleligibletovoteorwheretocast theirballots aftermoving. Others don’t realizehow much powerlocal elections hold over issues like taxes, schoolsand infrastructure
Tocounterthat,Houston-areaorganizers arelaunching ride-to-poll programs,text banks, targeted door-knocksand trusted messenger campaignsaimed at specific neighborhoodswithhistoricallylow turnout.TheshiftalsoincludesearlyvotingeducationandoutreacharoundtheNovember 4constitutionalamendment election —a ballotthatBenifieldsayscouldimpact“the
1
Start with your circle.
Mobilization begins close to home. Talk to friends, family,church members and neighbors. Make sure everyone knows when and wheretovote— and confirm their voter registration is up to date.
2
Be atrusted messenger
Peopleare morelikely to actwhen information comesfromsomeone theyknow. Share accuratevotingdetails on your social media, in group chats or at communitygatherings. Asimple reminder can makea big difference.
3
Offera ride — or areminder.
Transportation and time aretwo significant barrierstovoting. Organize carpool ridesto thepolls or setupa “text tree”toremindpeople of earlyvoting datesand pollinglocations.
4 Volunteer fora localcampaign or nonprofit.
Join phone banks, canvases,orvoter outreach events hosted by groupslike theLeague of Women Voters,Houston VotingInitiative, or neighborhood civicclubs. Your time and energy canmultiply turnout
5 Makevoting acommunity event.
Turn Election Day into acelebration. Host a“walk to the polls” with your church or block association. Take photos,sharestories and showothers that participation is powerful.
state’sincome, taxesand future funding priorities.”
“We’re phonebanking,block walking, mailingandtexting—everythingwepossiblycan,”Benifieldsaid.“Becauseifwecan getpeopletoturnout,itcould change the trajectory of politics in this state.”
Acalltoaction
Thenumbers make thestakesclear Nationally,90millioneligible Americans didn’t vote in 2024. Amongyoung voters ages18–29,turnoutfellto42%,downfrom 52% in 2020. Blackvoter turnoutinTexas also dropped afterrecordhighs during BarackObama’s first campaign “We’re always gonnafight thefight,” Gaskin said.“Butnow we have to focuson filling theholes in theglass —makingsure no more people slip through. Thatmeans mobilizing15,20,30peopleatatime.Ifeach ofusdoesthat,wecanchangetheoutcome.”
As the2025 election cyclebegins, Houston’sgrassrootsleadersarebettingthatconnection,notjustregistration,willdetermine thecity’spolitical future Becauseina democracy, as Gaskin says, “beingregisteredisn’t enough —you have to show up.”
People head to thepolls to vote in the midterm electionseason. Credit:Montinique Monroe/GettyImages
Annie Benifield
Feature DN
WillowWaterhole MusicFEST2025
Celebrates rhythm and resilience
ByTannisthaSinha
OnOct.25,theyearlytraditionofMusicFEST will helpbring attentiontoWillowWaterhole’s floodresiliency
“Inthe beginning, theMusicFEST wasjust that…toget people outthere,” said Margaret Greene,LevittPavilionboard treasurerand MusicFESTchair,whomovedtotheareain1965 “Floodinginthatareahasbeendevastating.Tohave aMusicFESTouttherethatbroughtpeopletothe parkandtheycanseeit,ittookalittlewhilefora lotofpeopletoevenknowitwasthereandwhere theirfloodmitigationdollarsweregoing.”
When:Sat.,Oct.25,2025, 11 a.m.–8p.m
Where:WillowWaterhole Greenway(5300 Dryad Drive, Houston,TX77035)
Headliner:Skyrocket (6 –8 p.m.)
Earlysets:WestburyFeeder SchoolBands,JazzHouston Orchestra,WoodyWitt,Klockwork, and CharlieylaTribu Cubana
Extras:Halloween costume parade,food trucks,games,and familyactivities,VIPArea
Admission: Free
Houston’sbelovedMusicFEST willreturn with apowerful mix of jazz,community, andflood-smart design at theWillowWaterhole Greenway. Credit:LevittPavilion Houston
CLASSIFIED
BID NOTICE
The Metropolitan TransitAuthority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issuethe procurementdocuments listedinthisadvertisement.
CSPNo. Doc1740553538:TMC TransitCenter- Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation. Solicitationwill beavailableonorabout 10/14/2025. Prospectivebidders/proposerscan view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO'swebsite at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If youare unableto download thedocumentsorare having difficulty,pleasecontact 713-615-6125 or emailContracts/ Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org
BIDNOTICE
REQUEST FORPROPOSALS FOR HDMD/ RFP-251016 VIAFUTBOLFOR THEHOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENTDISTRICT
TheHoustonDowntownManagement District(the“Downtown District”)will receiveProposalstodevelop the comprehensive program forthe "Via Futbol"temporaryroadway conditions to connectFIFAWorld Cup fans andall Houstonians between keyDowntownand EaDo destinations in Houston, Texas. Proposalswill be received until 2:00 P.M. CentralTime(CT), Thursday,November6,2025, by CassieHoeprich, Director ofPlanning &EconomicDevelopment,atcassie.hoeprich@downtownhouston.orgper instructions outlined in this project’sRFP document.Proposalsreceivedafterthistimewillnot be accepted.
Beginning Thursday,October 16, 2025, this project’sRequestfor Proposals(RFP) maybereviewedand downloaded from theOrganization’swebsite: https://downtownhouston.org/do-business/procurement-RFP Only queriesorrequests forinformation submittedvia emailwill be addressedbythe Downtown District. Pleasesubmit writtenqueries or requests forinformation directly to theDirectorofPlanning &Economic Development CassieHoeprich at cassie.hoeprich@downtownhouston.orgonorbefore2:00P.M.CT, Friday,October 31, 2025.Pleasenotethat telephone or mail queriesorrequests forinformation will not be addressedbythe Downtown District.
Additionally,a proposal pre-submittalconferencevia Zoom is scheduled for1:00P.M.CT, Monday, October 27, 2025. Thelinktothe conferencewill be availableonthe Organization’swebsite:https:// downtownhouston.org/do-business/procurement-RFP
Basedonthe Proposalssubmitted, theDowntownDistrictwill identifyand awardthe contract to aselected consultant viaevaluationbya selectioncommittee.
With strong roots in the community,our experienced Houston team fosters the genuine relationships that have defined Origin’sservice for more than 100 years. Change can be achallenge, but we’ll guide your forwardprogresswith smart solutions for personal andbusiness banking. Let’swork together to connect you to yourdreams! Stop by to meet us and start your Origin story today
Profile DN Taylor Davis
Redefinesrole as Miss TexasUSA
By ReShondaTate
When Taylor Daviswas crownedMiss TexasUSA 2025,the moment felt surreal.
“Irememberbeingonthatstage,grabbing my face andthinking, ‘I can’tbelieve it,’” Davisrecalled. “Then Isaw my friendsand familyjumpingupanddownintheaudience, so Istarted jumpingtoo.It waspurejoy.”
Forthe 25-year-oldHowardUniversity alumna,thatvictory wasyears in themakingand theculminationof perseverance, purposeand faith.
Davis’sjourneytotheworldofpageantry beganinaplace many wouldn’t expect: thehallsofHowardUniversity’sSchoolof Business.
“I didn’t grow up in pageants or anythinglikethat,”she said.“My momwentto GramblingState andwas Miss Grambling backin1986, butIkindof foundmyown wayto it.Myfirstpageant wasincollege when Iwas Miss School of Business,and then Miss Howard University.”
That experience, andapivotal encounter, changed thecourse of herlife.
“I attended aleadership conferenceat Howard, andthe keynote speaker wasDeshauna Barber,Miss USA 2016,” Davissaid.
“I wassoinspiredbyher storyand howshe carried herself. Ithought,maybe Icould be Miss USA oneday,ormoreimportantly, maybeIcould be anything Iwanttobe.”
Thatspark igniteda journeythatwould takeherfromthestagesofHBCUpageantry to thebrightlightsofthe Miss USA stage.
The powerofpersistence
Davis’ road to thecrown wasn’t without obstacles.She competed at Miss TexasUSA threetimes before winning, finishingasa finalistandrunner-upalongtheway.“Itwas alessoninresilience,”shesaid.“Ittaughtme thatdelayeddoesn’tmeandenied.Everyyear Igot better,and this time,Iwas ready.”
Herformeradvisor at Howard,Warren Servance,wasn’tsurprised by her perseverance.
“During Taylor’stimeasMissHoward 2020, sheexemplifiedgrace, leadership andadeepcommitmenttouplifting herpeersandtheHowardcommunity during apandemic,”Servancesaid.
“She consistently carriedherself with poiseand purpose. Seeing hernow as Miss TexasUSA 2025isaproudmoment,atestamenttoherdedication,perseveranceand authenticity.”
That authenticity shines throughineverythingshe does -fromher 9-to-5 career to herpassion projectthat’sinspiringyoung girlsacross Texas.
Beauty, brains andthe NFL
Byday,Davisworks as adataanalyst for theNationalFootball League,managinganalytics on theleague’ssocial mediateam.
“Thisis my nineto-five,” she said
“Pageantsareactuallymysidehustle,”shesaid. “Iloveworkinginaspacewherewetellunique stories that bringcommunities together.”
In amale-dominated industry,Davis understands theweightofher presence
“Thesportsworld hasveryfew women, andevenfewer womenofcolor,” shesaid. “Butyoucan’tbeafraidoftheodds.Youcan’t wait to seepeoplewho look like youbefore youtakeachance. Sometimes, youhaveto be thefirst.”
Thatmessage of boldnessisatthe heart of herplatform, “HailMary,”aninitiative inspiredbyherloveoffootballandherfaith “AHailMaryisalongpass,highrisk,high reward,”sheexplained.“It’saleapoffaith.My platformisaboutencouragingpeopletotake thatleap,tobetonthemselves,evenwhenthe odds aren’t in theirfavor.”
ThroughherHailMaryworkshops,Davis mentorsyounggirlsacrossthestate,helping them developconfidence andset goals. “It’s
importantthattheyhaveapositiveexample,” shesaid. “Someone whoteaches them to be braveand ambitious.”
Beyond thecrown
As shepreparestocompete in theMiss USA2025pageantinReno,NevadaonOct. 24, Davissaysshe’s focusednot just on winning, butonimpact.
“My‘why’ is doingfor others what Deshauna Barber didfor me,” shesaid. “It’s notabout thesashorthe crown. It’s about howyouuseyourplatformtoinspireothers If someoneseeshow boldly I’mwalkingin faithand decides to chasetheir owndream, that’s therealwin.”
Herstory is oneoffaith,focus and fearlessness.
“The boldness to believe that youcan do something,”she said,“is allyou need to actuallyachieveit.Ifyoubelieveinyourself, you’re alreadyhalfway there.”
My platform is about encouraging people to take that leap, to beton themselves, even when the odds aren’t in theirfavor.”
TAYLOR DAVIS
Sports DN
UH SENIOR LINEBACKER
JALEN GARNER Thrives in his first starting opportunity
ByTerrance Harris
It was late August, and University of HoustonlinebackerJalenGarnerwasstanding in the TDECU Stadium tunnel before theseasonopeneragainstStephenF.Austin when this feeling took over
Garner had waited five years for this moment Fiveyearstohearhisnamecalled as one of the Cougars’ starters.
It was a moment he had undoubtedly thoughtmightnevercome,butthereitwas, and so was that feeling.
“Finallyfeltfree,finallyfeltlikeIcoulddo whatI’vebeenknowingIcoulddo,”Garner recalled “I could finally express myself the right way, the way I feel.”
Garnerdidsomethingthatreallydoesn’t happen anymore in college sports. Players don’t sit. They don’t have to be patient. They move on The NCAA has made it easy for athletes to move around freely via the transfer portal, which allows student-athletes to transferschoolsuntil theyfindtherightfitorexhausttheircollege eligibility.
But not Garner
Insteadoftransferringtoanotherschool for more playing time and probably a little morename,imageandlikeness(NIL)cash, Garner endured waiting his turn, a coachingstaffchangeandthosevoicesinhishead thattoldhimtherewerebetteropportunities elsewhere
Things are going pretty well. I feel like. I feel like I’ve done pretty well, but my goal is to do better and I will do better.”
JALEN GARNER
“It was hard,” he said “We all have our thoughts,butattheendoftheday,Ialways talked to my coaches, and I felt like Houston was the right place to stay But it was really hard.”
What made it easier is that UH’s second-yearcoachWillieFritzbroughtaboard
Austin Armstrong as his new defensive coordinatorthispastoffseason.Itturnsout thatArmstrongandGarnerhadpreviously crossed paths. Armstrong was a young assistant coach at Louisiana-Lafayette when he unsuccessfully recruited Garner
out of Norcross High School in Georgia, whenCOVID-19hadeffectivelyshutdown in-person recruiting back in 2020.
Garner’s name immediately jumped out at Armstrong once he took the job. It wasn’t long after that Garner reached out to reconnect and make Armstrong aware of his desires.
Once offseason conditioning and training got going, Armstrong was impressed with what he saw from the 6-foot-1, 225pound linebacker But naturally, he had questions.
“He has size, speed, he can run and he’s gottwitch.Buthedidn’treallyplaylastyear, so I was kind of like almost confused a little bit,” Armstrong observed “This guy is a really good player What was the deal? What’s wrong with him? He had been here almost five years, and he hadn’t really played.”
Thatwasallabouttochange.Notonlydid Armstrongseetherawtalent,buthenoticed how hard Garner worked, how smart he is and most critical, how important it was to him.
Armstrong’sbeliefinGarnerhaspaidoff immensely this season for the defense and the 6-1 Cougars As the Cougars’ starting weakside linebacker, Garner has emerged as a leader on the field and in the locker room.
Garner is second on the team in tackles with42stopsontheseason,whichincludes two2.5tacklesforlossandtwosacksonthe seasontogoalongwith1passbreakup,two forcedfumblesandfivequarterbackhurries. Heranks13thand21stintacklesandsacks, respectively, in the Big 12.
“Hehasthatsecondstepofpower.Hecan strikeblockersandgetoffandmaketheplay He can run and make the play He has the ability to finish,” said Armstrong, who also coachesGarner’sinsidelinebackerposition “And as a pass rusher, he has the ability to finish on the quarterback, which is a really hard thing to do
“I think the guy is as valuable a guy as thereisinthisconferencetobequitehonest I don’t know what everybody else has and nodisrespecttoanyoneelse,butIthinkthe guyisareallygoodplayer Wearereallyfortunate to have him on our team.”
It’s what Garner has always known he could do He just needed the opportunity
“I’ve always been ready to start since my junioryear,butsometimesyoudon’tgetthe opportunity,” said Garner, who had played atotalof242defensivesnapsasareservein the years leading up to this season “You’ve justgottositthereandbeready.It’sthenext man up.”
It’sdefinitelyGarner’sturnnow.Whileit’s hardtounderstandwaitingforsolong,Garner says he found growth through prayer “Honestly Iprayalot,soIdefinitelysay God,”Garnersaid “IfHedoesonething,He alerts patience, so I think I’ve been patient withthat AndI’veknown,I’vealwaysbeen abletoplay,soIhaven’tbeenreallyworried about it I just needed an opportunity.”
Linebacker Jalen Garner made his starting debut for the University of Houston Cougars as a fifth-year senior during the season opener against Stephen F. Austin Courtesy: University of Houston Athletics
Garner
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TITAN COACHES
RAYSEALS,TOMNOLEN
Inducted into Texas High School Football Hall of Fame
By Jimmie Aggison
Two of the most iconic figures in Texas highschoolfootballhistory,TomNolenand Ray Seals, were honored as 2025 inductees into the Houston ISD Athletics Hall of Honor.
With a combined 600 victories, 79 years of coaching service and legacies that have shaped generations of athletes, the legendary coaches were celebrated during a specialceremony,cementingtheirplaceamong Houston’s all-time greats.
“Made me feel really good to get this nomination, this is really nice,” said Nolen.
AHoustonnative,Nolengraduatedfrom Marian Christian High School before continuinghiseducationatSamHoustonState University, where he earned his bachelor’s andmaster’sdegreesineducation.Hebegan hiscoachingcareeratSt Michael’sSchoolin 1967,thenmovedtoStrakeJesuitin1968as anassistantheadcoach.There,hecollected 57 wins and two league championships before taking over Lamar High School’s football program in 1985.
At Lamar, Nolen built one of the city’s most dominant programs, winning 308 games and 20 district championships, includingeightstraighttoendhiscareer His 307 UIL victories remain a Houston-area record, standing 88 wins ahead of Katy’s Gary Joseph, who currently sits at 276.
“Garyisagoodguy,hewillprobablypass me someday, but you know, you just gotta doitlongenough,”saidNolen “Thirty-three years, I think we won 308 games, so if you hang around a while, you’re going to do it.”
In 2012, he led Lamar to the 6A state championship, falling to Allen before a crowd of 48,000. That same year, he was namedTouchdownClubofHoustonCoach oftheYear.HeretiredfromLamarin2018.
Nolen credits his longevity and consistency to the people around him. One of
thoseplayerswasdefensivebackChrisBoykins,whoremembersNolenasademanding but deeply impactful leader.
“Coach Nolen’s coaching style was oldschool, no-nonsense, disciplinary,” said Boykins.“Oncehegotmad,hewouldstomp the ground to let the world know that he wasupset.Thenhewouldstarewithablank look on his face and we all knew to stay away.”
Behind that tough exterior, Nolen was a mentor and father-figure The culture he instilled at Lamar centered on discipline, accountability and respect.
“Be on time, be ready, work hard, be
polite and respect others,” said Boykins. “Always answer with yes, sir, or no, sir, be accountableandputinfulleffort.Hetaught us to be winners.”
WhileNolen’simpactshaped Lamar, Seals left a generational mark at Madison High School and beyond His coaching philosophy was rooted in both discipline and compassion
philosophy of coaching. I really appreciate this honor and will cherish this day. I give God the praise for it all!”
Born in Bellville, Texas, Seals was a standout athlete who led his high school teams to state titles in both football and track.AtPrairieViewA&MUniversity,he helpedsecuretwonationalchampionships and was named an All-American running back in 1964 before being drafted by the Houston Oilers.
Sealsdedicated46yearstoHoustonISD, coaching at Attucks, Woodson, Sterling, Milby, Houston High and M.C. Williams before finding his home at Madison High School Over23seasonsasMadison’shead coach,hebuiltoneofHISD’smostrespected football programs
“IcoachedatMadisonforover25years,” saidSeals.“Webecameafamilyandthatis what we wanted our students to invest in. Mycoachingstaffboughtintomyvisionof building character and integrity into our young men and women We had to show them what that looked like and the kids eventuallyunderstoodwhatwewereteaching them Many of them needed a father figure, so we became what they needed.”
Seals finished his career with 212 victories,21playoffappearances,10HISDCoach oftheYearawardsandin2008becamethe inaugural Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year University of Texas legend Vince Young, amonghismostnotableplayers, starred under Seals at Madison in the early 2000s.
What I did was for the love of kids and to make a difference in their lives. I tried to teach them to be humble and to use their talent to benefit others. I was proud to be recognized with Tom Nolen. I think we shared the same philosophy of coaching I really appreciate this honor and will cherish this day. I give God the praise for it all!”
RAY SEALS
“Coach Seals deeply cared about us as people, not just as athletes,” said Moran Norris, a former Madison player who went on to the NFL. “He knew the game inside and out, but he also knew our families, our struggles and our dreams He had a way of holding you accountablewhilealsomakingyoubelieve in yourself, even when you doubted your own abilities. That balance of toughness and genuine care is rare and it made all the difference.”
ForSeals,itwasneveraboutrecognition. “Iwasneveronewhowantedtobeinthe spotlight,” said Seals. “What I did was for the love of kids and to make a difference in their lives. I tried to teach them to be humble and to use their talent to benefit others I was proud to be recognized with Tom Nolen. I think we shared the same
“CoachSealsdidn’tjustteach me how to play the game; he taughtmehowtoapproachlife,” said Norris “He pushed me to give my best every day, showing me the value of discipline, preparation and resilience.”
Together, Nolen and Seals combined for more than 600 wins, 79 years of service and immeasurable impact on players, programs and communities across Houston.
“Besideswinningatonofgames,Coach Nolen and Coach Seals not only impacted the players they coached, but they also impactedthecommunitiestheyserved,this State and the nation,” said Andre Walker, HISDAthleticDirector “Lookattheawards they received They are both well-known far beyond the city of Houston because of the legacies they built through players and coaches alike. They set a high standard for all of us to follow.”
Legendary coaches Ray Seals (left) and Tom Nolen (right) shake hands after being honored as 2025 inductees into the Houston ISD Athletics Hall of Honor. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender
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