Houston Defender: October 29, 2020

LAST DAY: NOV. 3

Your Vote Matters. It’s not over yet. Don’t listen to the polls because the stakes are too high.

EXCLUSIVE

SPOTLIGHT

SENFRONIA THOMPSON

LYNDSAY CHRISTIAN

The Democratic state representative files to run for speaker of the Texas House.

Volume 90, issue 1 October 29, 2020

The breast cancer survivor is hoping to empower women, save lives with her new organization, “Surthrivor.”

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE Claudia Soto Age: 31 Occupation: Business Owner/ Pilates Trainer Education: Texas State University Major: General Studies Motto: “Connect to everything, attach to nothing.”

I LOVE… educating and empowering people to be the happiest, healthiest version of themselves.

Dap from “School Dazes” reminds us to “Wake up!”

Message From the Associate Editor this nation from a lame duck president who refusBlackfolk hate being punked. But we’re bees to leave the people’s house (the White House). ing punked daily by the GOP, top to bottom.

So early voters, your job now is to get those folk As my father often says, “They’re pissing in our who say they’re not voting, to the polls. Tell them, faces and telling us it’s raining.” Saying they’re if they don’t want to vote for personal reasons, protecting coverage of pre-existing conditions challenge them to vote for mama’nem who need while in court fighting to kill it. Saying they’ve healthcare, but stand to lose access. Vote for the done more for us than anyone while supfemales in your life (daughters, wives, nieces, maAswad Walker porting race-war-seeking white nationalmas, big mamas) so they don’t lose control of deciists. Claiming they’re pro-family while sions impacting their minds, bodies and spirits to cheering the very police, DAs and judges who kill and some gang of old, wrinkled, racist white men. over-incarcerate Black fathers, mothers and children Vote for homie who is locked up right now, not on some real daily. crime, but on some bull****, and who would be home chillin’ But it’s not just the Blacks being punked, it’s the at the crib right now if he had more money or less melanin. entire country. Immigrants who moved to the U.S. Vote for our children whose healthcare access and education to escape authoritarian terror say they can’t believe funding could be locked away in cages along with them if this the same things that flipped their home countries nation keeps moving in the direction its going. Vote for those from democracies to dictatorships are happen- local judges and senators and state reps who could change the ing right here, right now. Like Dap from “School entire national game in favor of all the things on Blackfolk’s Daze,” they’re screaming to us: “Wake up!” political wish list.

Because with GOP-packed courts (Supreme Not fired up about the names on the national ticket. Fine. and otherwise), an Attorney General who doesn’t Don’t vote for them. Vote for us, by us. And send baby dictator work for the American people but for the unethi- and his crew of jock-riders, riding off into the sunset. cal, narcissistic, intellectually inferior, man-baby-inchief, and a cultish base who’ve already shown undying IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER support for anti-democratic tactics that would make • Get tips on avoiding a 2016 election repeat.

Mussolini blush, being punked may be the least of our • Breast cancer SurThrivor Lyndsay Christian empowers worries. others.

• Celebrate the husband and wife team with a product in FOR US BY US 31area H-E-Bs. So, voting is imperative. And if you’ve voted, great.

But that’s not enough.

ON THE WEB With a Supreme Court more conservative than • VP candidate Kamala Harris makes campaign stop in Texas.

Bull Connor, Mitch McConnell and Massa Mo’ • Texas early voting continues to surge. combined, voter suppression on full blast and a • Presidential contest impacts Pearland’s mayoral race. white supremacist president with a god-complex, only a landslide election victory will save Cover photo credit: AP

PUNK’D

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DN News State Rep. Thompson runs for Texas House Speaker

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

The longest-serving woman and Black person in the history of the Texas Legislature, has filed to run for speaker of the Texas House. State Rep. Senfronia Thompson is seeking to replace retiring Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton.

That 140-day stretch, set to begin in January, will all but certainly feature tough debates about the millions of dollars in shortfalls projected to the state budget, responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and redrawing the state’s political maps. One of the first pieces of business for the 150-member House will be to elect a new leader.

If elected, the Houston DemSenfronia ocrat, who has served the chamThompson ber since 1973, would be the first Black woman to serve as speaker. She talked with the Defender about her plans and why she’s best suited for the job.

EXCLUSIVE

George Floyd mural encourages voting

Needed creditline

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, members of the George Floyd family and other elected officials and community leaders recently unveiled a mural to honor Floyd’s memory. In his honor, a brightly multicolored mural featuring Floyd’s face, along with the words “Go Vote” in yellow paint, has been painted on a brick building at 3400 Holman St. in Houston. Floyd was a regular at the Third Ward corner store, and at the request of his family, local artist Ange Hillz painted a powerful mural to encourage Houstonians to vote.

Remembering Sgt. Harold Preston Defender News Service

Houston Police Sgt. Harold Preston, 65, was recently killed in the line of duty after responding to a domestic disturbance call in Southwest Houston. A beloved 41-year member of

the force, Preston was only weeks away from retirement.

“We have lost a wonderful human being. As good as he was as a cop, he was a better human being.”

- Chief Art Acevedo

NEWSBRIEFS ADDITIONAL $7 MILLION BEING ALLOCATED TO RENTAL ASSISTANCE IN FORT BEND COUNTY Residents in Fort Bend County hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic will be getting more financial help, according to County Judge K.P. George, who said the county would be allocating an additional $7 million to the Rental, Mortgage, & Utility Assistance Program for December. A total of $26.5 million has been allocated for the program since it began. Details at https://www. coronavirusfortbend.gov.

Sgt. Harold Peterson

QUESTIONS ABOUND AFTER PHILADELPHIA POLICE KILL BLACK MAN Police struggled to answer questions about what led to the death of Walter Wallace, who was shot by two Philadelphia officers. The officers say Wallace refused calls to put down a knife in a confrontation that led to unrest in the predominantly Black neighborhood. Authorities confirm that police received a call about a man screaming and that he was armed with a knife. The two officers each fired at least seven rounds — at least 14 total shots — but could not say how many times Wallace was struck. Neither officer had a Taser.

Police arrested at least 91 people during unrest after the shooting.

Defender: Why did you decide to run for speaker of the house?

Senfronia Thompson: I am experienced, qualified and capable of being a consensus builder.

I have a lot of wisdom and know how to work collaboratively with my colleagues across the aisles. I also know how to get things done. I’ve passed over a thousand bills and I didn’t pass them by myself.

I passed them because of the fact that I was able to deal with people on both sides of those particular issues in order to accomplish those goals. My tenure has allowed me to gain wisdom and key in on political astuteness. And my wisdom has allowed me to develop the ability to be able to effectively work with people of all ideologies and recognize that each person is an individual, but collectively we can do a lot of things together. And it’s my job as a speaker to bring those persons together so we can get something done for the state of Texas. I believe effectively that together we can make a strong state of Texas.

Defender: Why is the Speaker of the House an important position?

Thompson: It is a leadership position, and in the Texas legislature, that gives us an opportunity to place people in positions of leadership and work on issues that most impact our constituency. It also gives you a chance to work with the governor and lieutenant governor more closely on not only the issues in our perspective districts, but the issues that impact the entire state of Texas.

Defender: What does it take to be speaker?

Thompson: I’ve had the privilege of serving

seven speakers, so I know what the job entails. First of all, you want to look at the personal experience.

You want to look at their ability to work effectively with both sides. You want to look at the integrity and the character of a person. You want to see if that person is a visionary, and if that person is a consensus builder, and are they effective.

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DN News WI officer fired after killing unarmed Black teen Defender News Service

Sasha Jacquez tests UTEP student Ariona Gill for coronavirus at the UTEP Fox Fine Arts Center in El Paso. AP/Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Coronavirus deaths rising again in the US, as feared Defender News Service

The true number of infections is thought to be far Deaths per day from the coronavirus in the U.S. are on higher because many Americans have not been testthe rise again, including in Texas, just as health experts had ed, and studies suggest people can be infected without feared, and cases are climbing in nearly every state, despite feeling sick. assurances from President Donald Trump over the weekend In the Texas border city of El Paso, authorities instructthat “we’re rounding the turn, we’re doing great.” ed people to stay home for two weeks and imposed a 10 With Election Day near, average deaths per day p.m.-to-5a.m. curfew because of a surge that has overacross the country are up 10% over whelmed hospitals. The state has desthe past two weeks. In September, the ignated part of the city’s civic center as Over the past number of hospitalizations in Texas a hospital. dropped to a three-month low of Violators of the curfew are subject three weeks, 3,091. Nationwide, confirmed infecto $500 fines, though the order does Texas leads in tions per day are rising in 47 states, not apply to people who are going to the number and deaths are up in 34. or from work or are out for essential Health experts had warned that reasons, such as food shopping and of daily new it was only a matter of time before health care. cases. deaths turned upward, given the reJust last week, the president downcord-breaking surge in confirmed casplayed the virus’s effect in Texas, sayes engulfing the country. Deaths are a ing: “There was a very big spike in Texlagging indicator — that is, it generally takes a few weeks as, it’s now gone.” for people to sicken and die from the coronavirus.

The state has provided over 900 medical personnel to El Deaths are still well below the U.S. peak of over 2,200 Paso, some of whom will staff the convention center site. per day in late April. But experts are warning of a grim The U.S. has seen a steady increase in daily new casfall and winter, as “pandemic fatigue” — or weariness es over the past three weeks, accruing over 1.25 million with wearing masks and staying away from others — over that period. Nearly a third of that came from Texas takes hold and cold weather forces people indoors, where (8%), California (6%), Illinois (6%), Wisconsin (5%) and the virus can spread more easily.

Florida (5%).

A Waukegan, Illinois, officer who fatally shot an unarmed Black teenager and wounded his girlfriend during a traffic stop has been fired.

Waukegan Police Chief Wayne Walles said the officer involved, who is Hispanic and has served with the department for five years, committed “multiple policy and procedure violations,” though he didn’t detail which policies the officer involved had violated.

Marcellis Stinnette 19, was a passenger in his girlfriend Tafara Williams’ vehicle, when an initial officer, who is white, attempted to investigate a car that was sitting outside of a residence in the Chicago suburb because it was “suspicious.”

Officials have not offered details Marcellis Stinnette. about why the vehicle Photo: Family photo. was considered suspicious. Williams’ family has said the couple was outside of her mother’s home.

Police said the vehicle sped off and was spotted by a second officer nearby. “That officer exited his vehicle, and the vehicle that he was investigating began to reverse towards the officer. The officer then pulled out his duty weapon and fired into the vehicle,” Waukegan Police Commander Edgar Navarro said.

No weapons were found in the vehicle, and both officers were initially placed on leave.

Both Stinnette and Williams, 20, were transported to the hospital after the shooting. Stinnette died from his injuries, leaving a child he shares with Williams behind.

Williams is expected to survive and is being represented by attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio M. Romanucci.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 1 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Creative Director Michael Grant

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright.

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

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The all-new Hyundai ELANTRA. Tech-savvy, sleek and seriously dripping.

Designed for the young at heart, this sleek compact sedan offers a fully integrated tech experience with flavor you can savor right at your fingertips. Imagine a Digital Key that locks, unlocks, and starts your ride along with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Mix in Dynamic Voice Recognition that allows you to roll down your windows, pop your trunk, and control the temperature with your voice. Suddenly you have an intuitive, tech-savvy car designed for better living without breaking the bank. Now that’s dripping.

Preproduction model shown with optional features. Near Field Communication (NFC) digital smartphone key requires a compatible Android smartphone and an appropriately equipped 2021 Elantra. Not all Android devices are compatible. The Elantra must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Lock/unlock functionality works on driver’s door only. See your Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Dynamic Voice Recognition varies by unit. Speak in a normal voice and minimize background noise for best results. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2020 Hyundai Motor America.

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DN Entertainment

Barack Obama releases excerpt of new memoir Defender News Service

In a new excerpt from Barack Obama’s forthcoming memoir, “A Promised Land,” the former president details his administration’s hard-fought battle for healthcare reform.

“I was convinced that the logic of healthcare reform was so obvious that even in the face of well-organized opposition I could rally the American people’s support,” Obama wrote of the Affordable Care Act in the passage, published in The New Yorker.

“Other big initiatives — like immigration reform and climate-change legislation — would probably be even harder to get through Congress; I figured that scoring a victory on the item that most affected people’s day-to-day lives was our best shot at building momentum for the rest of my legislative agenda,” he continued.

But Obama soon realized he was being overconfident. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other Republican lawmakers would do

I was convinced that the logic of healthcare reform was so obvious that even in the face of well-organized opposition I could rally the American people’s support.”

Barack Obama

“A Promised Land” releases on Nov. 17.

everything in their power to try to torpedo his vision for making healthcare more affordable.

Obama’s writings about the historical

passage of the ACA were published just hours before the Republican-controlled Senate was expected to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s pick to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

With Barrett’s confirmation, the Su-

preme Court will have a 6-3 conservative majority, clearing the way for a legal showdown on healthcare. The Trump administration filed a brief earlier this year asking the Supreme Court to overturn the ACA, which could strip roughly 23 million Americans of their healthcare coverage.

The ACA requires insurers to accept all applicants without charging higher premiums based on preexisting medical conditions. If the Supreme Court overturned the ACA, more than 133 million Americans with preexisting conditions could be disqualified from buying a certain healthcare plan, according to The New York Times.

“A Promised Land” is slated for release on Nov. 17. The 768-page memoir will be the first of two volumes, with this one focused on Obama’s early political life through mid-2011.

Read the full excerpt at https://www. newyorker.com/magazine/2020/11/02/ barack-obama-new-book-excerpt-promised-land-obamacare.

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB Elections

Texas leads country in voting Defender News Service

Early voting in the 2020 presidential election in Texas is shattering records, potentially transforming the way Americans cast ballots for years to come. From coronavirus concerns to changing demographics of new voters, a record number of people have voted in a state known for voter suppression tactics In a tidal wave of political engagement, nearly 8 million Texans have already cast a ballot during the general election, the vast majority in-person. The numbers are propelling what is historically one of the lowest voter turnout states to the top of the nation’s leaders in terms of the sheer number of people who have voted to date.

“What we’re seeing is that Texans will crawl through broken glass to be able to make sure their voices are heard this election,” said Abhi Rahman, communications director for the Texas Democratic party.

In Harris and El Paso counties, more than two-fifths and roughly a third of registered voters respectively had cast ballots, despite sometimes encountering three-hour-long waits, according to Election Protection.

Already voted?

5 things you can still do

• Volunteer (campaigns are still in need) • Ask 3 friends if they’ve voted • Take people to the polls • Advocate voting on social media • Email/text your database Chancellor Davis wears an “I Voted” face mask. -AP/Steve Marcus

Broken machines thwarted residents in Fort Bend counties on the first day of early voting, yet both have already experienced turnout around 50% of registered voters as of last weekend. And, while there have been curbside voting issues in Bexar and Hidalgo counties, that hasn’t stopped more than 600,000 people from participating in the electoral process, long before 3 November.

Trump’s path to the White House is basically impossible without winning Texas’ 38 electoral votes. Texas may still not be among the top priorities of either party’s presidential

nominee in 2020 — and Donald Trump might still be the favorite here. But the activity in the final days of this year’s presidential election suggests that, for the first time in decades, Texas is not a foregone conclusion.

Democrats are at least in the running here in races for the presidency, U.S. Senate and numerous seats down ballot.

“It’s really exciting. We see the amazing turnout numbers here in Harris County, but it’s not just here,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “It’s Fort Bend, it’s Denton and Hays, too. I don’t think it’s just demographic changes, but people rejecting the leadership that’s currently in the White House. We saw this already in 2018, and we’re just building on that.”

Votes cast (to date)

50% (to date) 43% 2020

2016

Total votes

8,149,296 TEXAS

7,912,871 CALIFORNIA

6,921,358 FLORIDA

Total Early Votes: 67,411,663

*US Elections Project

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB Elections

Fabian Broaden, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, assembled members of Houston’s Divine 9 to encourage voting. -Fabian Broaden

DIVINE NINE PUTS THEIR POWER BEHIND KAMALA

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

When Renee Lewis went to get her last eyeglasses prescription filled, the elderly white doctor looked at her t-shirt and said, “Alpha Kappa Alpha? Isn’t that that sorority that Kamala Harris is in?” Lewis said she beamed with pride as she replied, “It sure is, and we’re going to help her win the White House.”

Lewis’ pride is being felt not just through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the sorority Harris joined in 1986 at Howard University. It’s being felt across the Divine 9, a coalition of Black fraternities and sororities, which has roughly two million members nationwide.

In her historic speech accepting the vice-presiden- Kamala Harris tial nomination for the Dem- appeals directly ocratic party, Sen. Harris to Black men introduced “The Divine 9” Read the story at and others from historically www.DefenderNetBlack colleges and universi- work.com ties. The shout-out echoed around the world.

As the first HBCU graduate and the first member of a historically Black Greek letter organization named to a major party ticket, Harris’ nomination has created a groundswell of enthusiasm among Black Greeks.

The Divine 9, which is officially known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, represents nine predominately Black Greek letter organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta

Kamala Harris with some of her sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Each has graduate and undergraduate chapters in the U.S. and abroad. Now, many of those members are rallying to champion a Biden/Harris ticket to victory.

“Overwhelmingly, Divine 9 members are politically engaged and active. However, the fact that Senator Kamala Harris, the first woman of African and Asia descent, is on the ticket as Vice President and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, has further galvanized Black Greeks,” said local activist Twila Dotson, a member of the Missouri CitySugar Land Chapter of AKA. “The unified effort of the Divine 9 is nothing short of AMAZING! People who are not members often have a misrepresentation of who we are and what we do. It is a belief that we are purely social and sadly, do not get along. Nothing can be further from the truth. While indeed there is healthy competition among the organizations, the unity, cooperation and collaboration among these college-trained men and women is what all of our founding members dreamed was possible.”

Across the country, members of the Divine 9 are mobilizing to raise money for the Biden-Harris campaign, buying gear in their colors, from t-shirts to face masks to lawn signs, and turning up plans to get out the vote in November. They’re proving they are a formidable network.

“Kappa Alpha Psi is definitely behind her, she has our vote,” said member Randall C. Pippen Jr., who attended Howard University with Harris and served with her on student government there.

“I’ve talked to Omegas and Deltas who support her, and Deltas have shared the social-media post of ‘Deltas for Kamala.’

The support is across the board.”

Because the sororities and fraternities are tax-exempt, they cannot endorse Harris or make donations, Twila Dotson but many are making personal contributions to the campaign and many — some first-time donors — have joined a social media campaign to make donations.

“Senator Harris’s ‘shout-out’ during her speech ignited a fundraising and voting initiative that has without question proven to be priceless to the ticket,” said Dotson. “Members of the various organizations were challenged to send the amount of their founding year on a weekly basis. Therefore, on average I am still sending $19.08 multiple times a week.

When this ticket wins the election, the campaign will have to give great credit to the efforts of the Divine 9 for not only voting and fundraising, but registering new voters, assisting at the polls, transporting voters and encouraging the masses to vote.”

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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB Elections

AVOIDING THE MISTAKES OF 2016 YOUR VOTE MATTERS

I

FIVE POTENTIAL 2020 ELECTION DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

By ASWAD WALKER

n the leadup to Election Night 2016, the vast majority of political pundits had former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton winning, with some even predicting a landslide. And though she did garner 2.8 million more votes than her Reality TV opponent, the Electoral College tally ended up awarding the White House to Donald Trump.

Thus, as current polls show former Vice President Joe Biden and running mate Senator Kamala Harris leading the incumbents, and being declared victors by some, a sizeable number of the electorate are not so confident about the 2020 Presidential Election outcome. Thus, the Defender reached out to two area political science professors for their take on tips for avoiding a 2016 repeat.

Goodwin and Adams offered the following five things that could spare voters from another Presidential Election disappointment.

Voter Turnout

“From what I’m seeing, it looks like folks are still trying to early vote to avoid the chaos on election day. So, it looks like folks are not being complacent as in 2016. Addressing Black Community Needs In fact, it looks like folks are, I don’t want Adams thinks the Democratic Party to say angry, but they can’t learned its lesson from 2016, wait to vote. And I think and have renewed efforts to there are a lot of young speak to Black people and people now that are more issues. He sees this energy enthused about voting; an more at the local level. infusion of young voters,” “I don’t think it’s at the said Goodwin. top of the articles of the Adams is encouraged by presidential ticket, but it’s the early voting numbers, present in the down ballot but even more enthused by issues and candidates,” said efforts by Harris County Adams. “There’s a great Clerk Chris Hollins to make deal of enthusiasm and voting more convenient. He anticipation that the Demadditionally says the demoocrats can flip the U. S. SenDr. Michael O. Adams graphic shifts nationally, ate. And if we come to the with the country getting state of Texas, for the first darker, younger and more time since 1992 we have an progressive by the day, are opportunity to flip the Texas showing up this year, as State House. We only need well as Blacks bringing an to pick up about nine seats, “anti-Trump” energy to and the way it’s looking right the polls in relation to his now, they could win as many handling of the coronavias 15 seats and take the state rus pandemic and the racist House of Representatives. dog-whistles Trump’s been With that renewed enthuaccused of making. siasm that we have seen within the Black commuDr. Ronald Goodwin Know who you’re votnity… it’s very significant.

2016 MISTAKES

Dr. Ronald Goodwin, Prairie View A&M University Political Science Professor, believes 2016 issue number one was a lack of voter turnout.

“I don’t know if people across the country got complacent, but seven-to-10 days or so before the election, people were talking about a landslide for Hillary Clinton,” shared Goodwin. “And I wonder if people just thought, ‘Well, you know, she got this and no sense for me coming out and voting.”

He then added what makes some nervous about this year’s election.

“The polls showed one thing, and they just got it wrong.”

TSU Political Science Professor Dr. Michael O. Adams, agrees that lower voter turnout in 2016 compared to 2012 impacted the outcome of the last presidential election.

Adams, however, doesn’t lay the blame at the feet of Blacks, as many national pundits have.

“If you look at who actually voted in 2016, we saw primarily white women, and one could argue, white suburban women, tipping the scales towards Trump.”

Adams added that the Hillary Clinton “baggage,” some of which he assigned to the email “scandal” hyped by the GOP, was another factor in her 2016 loss. But Adams didn’t stop there.

“To be brutally frank, I think the Democrats just took our votes for granted.”

Adams pointed to Clinton’s absence in key battleground states as part of the reason why the energy to vote for many, was lacking in comparison to historic Black turnout in 2008 and 2012.

“African American turnout was down, yes.

But you have to look at the effort of Clinton in terms of appealing to voters.”

talking. Grandparents couldn’t vote. Great grandparents couldn’t vote. People, if you’re blessed enough, we can still touch to this day. We’re not talking about something 200300 years ago.”

Along with teaching about historic voter suppression efforts, Goodwin stresses teaching younger voters what it means to be an elected official, to vote and to have someone represent them.

ing for, and why

Goodwin says knowing who you’re voting for and why, is another key to election success.

“We live in a society that is so polarized.

The minute I say that I’m a Republican or a Democrat, somebody’s going to vote for me regardless. But what policy do I stand for? Who am I as an individual? We’ve got to move away from sticking to labels. And if you vote for whomever, you need to know why. What are the issues that affect you?”

Civics 101

Geneva Williams, 84, and Blanche Brown, 74, of the Elders Institute of Wisdom from the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, wait in line to cast their vote at the Palmer Center. -AP/Mayra Beltran

To avoid another November disappointment, Goodwin suggested teaching new voters civics and history.

“We can go through a whole litany of how folks stopped us from voting, and look this is recent memory that we’re

Mo’ Money

Adams contends one of the biggest gamechangers between 2016 and now is which party is leading the race for campaign dollars. He mentioned the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling that opened up campaigns to receive “outside money” and “independent money,” a reality that greatly benefitted the GOP. Now, however, the tables have turned.

“Never in my lifetime would I have thought that a brother from South Carolina (Jamie Harrison) could raise $57 million in increments of $45. That’s just amazing. We see a lot of this independent money benefiting the Democrats. “Who would have thought that the Democratic presidential nominee would have more money than the incumbent president?”

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DN Spotlight LYNDSAY CHRISTIAN Empowering women, saving lives

By Kissuth E. Reamo

Houstonian Lyndsay Levingston Christian is proof that completing monthly breast self-examinations saves lives.

Now she’s hoping to show others how to survive and thrive with her new organization, “SurTHRIVER, a breast cancer awareness and wellness platform created to inform, inspire and empower women across the nation through content, collaboration and conversation.

She spoke with the Defender about her mission to empower Lyndsay credits her mother, Ivy women and save lives.

Defender: What were your thoughts when you discovered you had Triple - Negative Breast Cancer Stage 2B? Lyndsay Levingston Christian: When I was di-

Lyndsay Levingston Christian

nosis. It was my personal goal to maintain that same healthy lifestyle (strong mind and body). Of course, my medical team recommended I stay active, too, which was very easy for me to do. As long as I had the energy, I’d workout to keep my body in top shape to withstand and power through the physical trauma of chemotherapy and surgeries.

Defender: How important was your faith during this journey?

Christian: My faith in God in-

creased because I could witness His blessings and grace, and experience Levingston, with helping her His healing. He blessed me with the through this process. most talented medical team, the resources to receive the best medical care, and a supportive, loving vilABOUT LYNDSAY lage. God was so faithful and still is in showing me how He works. I’m a Occupation: Adjunct professor, walking testimony because I believe Multimedia talent and host Education: University of North Texas in and trust Him!

agnosed with breast cancer, Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha I was in shock and operated Sorority, Inc and SurTHRIVER Defender: “I felt like a woman again.” What does that stateon auto-pilot for a while. The Favorite pastime: Church hopping ment mean? experience got real when I with her mom, Binge watching went to the oncologist’s office reality TV shows Christian: I lost my hair, and my to tour the ‘chemo suite’ bebreasts were removed. Those two Life’s motto: Empowering women fore starting treatment. I knew and saving their lives! components made me look and feel very little about breast cancer like a woman. When my hair grew Instagram: @lynzchristiantv other than it’s categorized into back, I embraced the short ‘do.’ stages. And I didn’t realize that Facebook: Lyndsay Christian When I received breast implants, I there are various forms of breast (Lyndsay Levingston) felt like I’d gained my womanhood cancer in addition to the stag- Join the movement @Sur_Thriver back. It all worked out. es. Triple-negative is the most aggressive form that affects African-American Defender: “I’m focused now on healing my mind, women at a higher rate. I was adamant about body and spirit. The journey continues.” What does taking the necessary steps to purge every toxic that entail? cell from my body. Stage 2B was based on the Christian: I’m adjusting to a new normal. Breast cansize of the tumor; mine was a large grape’s size. cer is a life-changing, physically traumatic event and takes such a toll on the mind, body and spirit. I’m focused on Defender: Are there any warning signs? healing and restoring all of those aspects through prayer Christian: Know your family’s medical his- and therapy. tory. Had I known about the history of breast cancer in women on my dad’s side of the famDefender: Surthriver’s foundation is support, comily, I could’ve taken preventative measures munity and faith. What’s next from the organization? sooner. I’d highly recommend getting a geChristian: SurTHRIVER leads breast cancer and wellnetic evaluation, which includes a very com- ness conversations through events and partnerships usprehensive analysis of your DNA. ing our platform to inspire women worldwide via content and collaboration. I’m excited to launch the SurTHRIVER Defender: Was diet and exercise your podcast next month. I’ll interview SurTHRIVERs, medical personal goal alone, or was that a rec- professionals, scientists, celebrities and discuss everything ommendation of your medical team? relating to breast cancer and wellness. SurTHRIVER will Christian: I was healthy and in good collaborate with a major hair company to provide Black shape before the breast cancer diagno- women resources and access to get stylish, cute wigs that sis, which resulted in a favorable prog- will make them feel beautiful and confident during chemo.

17771-PIPC-EN-Houston-TheDefender-4.79x13-F.pdf

14 | October 29, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Business

Your Partner in Good Health Partners in Primary Care offers a unique approach to

Kim Edwards-Williams and L.J. Williams celebrating the H-E-B placement

wellness after 65, with a dedicated Care Team trained to meet the unique health care needs of seniors. Become a

BOOSTING IMMUNE SYSTEM DURING COVID-19

Couple places product in 31 area H-E-B stores C

M

Y

CM

By Aswad Walker

Grinding is something Black business owners know all about, investing endless hours, personal funds and sweat equity into future success that’s not promised.

And for far too many Black businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to close up shop.

Ironically, the pandemic may have played a role in the success of the husband and wife business team behind Jinka, a turmeric-based product that users swear by, that can now be found in 31 Houston-area H-E-Bs. Kim Edwards-Williams has been an entrepreneur for nearly two decades. After giving birth to her daughter in 2015, and being diagnosed with prediabetes that same year, traditional medical options weren’t working. So, she and her husband L.J. began researching alternative ways to reduce body inflammation.

“L.J. began his studying and being diligent in researching herbs. And probably after three months or so, we came up with this recipe,” she said.

Edwards-Williams added that part of their reason for making Jinka was no product on the market existed that combined all the natural ingredient’s L.J.s research said would make a difference.

“Diabetes is killing us, and we don’t have to die from it and a lot of other things we’re dying from,” said Edwards-Williams.

Edwards-Williams remained committed to her business, Eyebrow Energy, while L.J. worked to establish and grow

patient today and enjoy convenient, one-stop primary care designed to proactively address both physical and mental health, as well as a deep commitment to personal safety at every location.

12 locations in the Greater Houston area.

MY

his company while dealing with the traditional new business struggles, and more.

“I wouldn’t say our journey has been difficult, but it’s definitely a learning curve because you’re selling a product that most people can’t even pronounce,” said L.J. “When we came on the market five years ago, very few people knew about turmeric. Now, everybody knows about its benefits.”

And when the coronavirus hit, not only did Kim devote more time to the company, but it seemed the world was looking for ways to improve their health.

“More people were interested in boosting their immune system. So, that brought a wave of energy for us,” said L.J. Before 2020, the Jinka grind had the couple setting up shop at various vendor fairs across the city and region—a part of the entrepreneurial journey familiar to many, though often not very profitable.

Still Edwards-Williams viewed that time as priceless, “What’s cool about those places is that you get to talk to people. We were able to meet people hands-on and do direct education about the product and build relationships.”

L.J. said relationships opened the door to the couple’s big break, adding, “While grinding, we met several individuals in the H-E-B family in interested in increasing the number of Black vendors.

And though it wasn’t immediate, we were eventually able to land our product in H-E-B.” CY

CMY

K

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October 29, 2020 |

| 15

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Events

WE HAVE A PROVEN LEADER! RE-ELECT

JOIN VIRTUALLY

By Aswad Walker What Just Happened? 2020 Post-Election Discussion, Nov.5, 6 pm

The Houston Chapter of The Links, in partnership with the Defender Network, will host this virtual discussion on the outcomes of the 2020 Presidential Election.

“The Houston Chapter of The Links is excited to convene political strategists and thought leaders to figure out what does all of this mean now that the election is over,” said chapter president Lorraine Winslow.

“It is not just about voting; it is about the importance of civic responsibility and holding elected officials accountable to enhance our lives, our neighbors, and the lives of all Americans.”

Panelists include Dr. Wes Bellamy, National Co-Chairman, Our Black Party; Charles Blain, president and CEO, Urban Reform Inc. and FOX26 commentator; Juli

McShay, host, Pretty Petty Politics Podcast; and Dr. Melanye T. Price, PVAMU endowed professor of Political Science and New York Times opinion writer.

Defender Network CEO Sonceria Messiah Jiles will serve as event moderator.

To view, go to Zoom.com (login: bit.ly/ Linkshtx).

Race, Criminalization and Policing Social Justice Lecture, Nov. 19, 3:30pm – 5pm

The University of Houston’s Special Committee on Race and Social Justice will host its 3rd Race and Social Justice Lecture, “Race, Criminalization and Policing,” featuring panelists Dr. Paul Butler (MSNBC Legal Analyst), Dr. Claudrena Harold (Chair, University of Virginia Dept. of History) and Brittany Packnett Cunningham (MSNBC Contributor and host of “Undistracted”).

Register at http://uhouston.imodules.com/ classrsj1120.

✓Sheila answers the call of her constituents

No One Fights Harder For Us!

with billions of dollars for her district

✓ A leader in criminal justice reform and voting rights protection

✓ Sheila is a compassionate figher and a forceful voice. Sheila cares! ✓ Sheila stopped Trump from taking away healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid benefits

Paid for by MJ for Texas.

Our health is on the ballot.

Let’s use TESTED COURAGE. our power now.

STRONG CHARACTER.

Black Americans are being hit the hardest by COVID-19.

Congressional Democrats are fighting to keep Black families safe and working to protect and lower the cost of health care.

BOLD LEADERSHIP. O

RS E D BY

E

SI

DE

C

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PR

OB

AMA

EN

D

This year, we vote for our rights, for our lives, for our future.

NT BARA

MJforTexas.com

/MJforTexas

People are already voting. Our community is showing up. Make a plan to vote and encourage your community to do the same.

@MJHegar

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Go to >> www.iwillvote.com

MJ Hegar for U.S. Senate. Vote November 3.

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16 | October 29, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature DEMAND TRIPLES

Food Bank stretches to serve Houstonians In car lines that can stretch half a mile, (0.8 kilometers), workers who lost jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic and other needy people receive staggering amounts of food distributed by the Houston Food Bank. On some days, the hundreds of sites supplied by the country’s largest food bank collectively get 1 million pounds.

Among the ranks of recipients is unemployed construction worker Herman Henton, whose wife is a home improvement store worker and now the sole breadwinner for their family of five. They tried to get food stamps but were told they only qualified for $25 of federal food assistance monthly.

“As a man, as a father, as a provider I felt at a low point. I felt low,” Henton said as he waited in his car near West Houston Assistance Ministries, which gets food from the Houston Food Bank for its care

packages aimed at helping feed families for a week. “In this type of situation there’s nothing you can really do.”

Distributions by the Houston Food Bank now average about 800,000 pounds (363,000 kilograms) daily after reaching the unprecedented 1 million pound mark for the first time in the spring, a level that the organization still delivers periodically.

Before the coronavirus struck, the group’s average daily distribution was 450,000 pounds (184,000 kilograms), said Houston Food Bank President Brian Greene.

Then workers in Houston and millions around the country were suddenly thrown out of work and forced to rely on the handouts.

“It had that feeling of a disaster, like the hurricanes in the Gulf,” Greene recalled.

“It was shocking how the lines exploded so quickly.”

Texas National Guard soldiers Spc. Esmeralda Zuniga, left , and Spc. Samantha McClasky, right, load boxes with various dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter, at the Houston Food Bank. AP/Michael Wyke

Almost overnight, one of America’s most ethnically and racially diverse cities became a symbol of a desperate need as the food bank scrambled to take in enough milk, bread, vegetables and meat from multiple sources to feed the hungry.

Many people in Houston and around the U.S. live paycheck-to-paycheck and were caught off guard by the economic

fallout from the coronavirus that initially cost the nation 22 million jobs, with 10.7 million that haven’t come back.

“Forty percent of households have less than $400 in order to weather a storm,” Greene said, referring to a Federal Reserve survey. “So, when this crisis hit the number of families who needed assistance was immediate and very large.”

Our health is on the ballot.

Let’s use our power now.

Black Americans are being hit the hardest by COVID-19.

Congressional Democrats are fighting to keep Black families safe and working to protect and lower the cost of health care.

This year, we vote for our rights, for our lives, for our future.

People are already voting. Our community is showing up. Make a plan to vote and encourage your community to do the same.

Go to >> www.iwillvote.com

PAID FOR BY DCCC, WWW.DCCC.ORG. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE.

Associated Press

October 29, 2020 |

| 17

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature LeBron James producing documentary on 1921 Partners with CNN on ‘Dreamland: The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street’ Defender News Service

Next up for LeBron James after an NBA championship? The Lakers superstar is partnering with CNN to create a documentary that he hopes will shed new light on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.

LBJ’s SpringHill Company announced this week it’s in the process of making “Dreamland: The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street,” a project it hopes educates millions on a 100-year-old tragedy.

In May and June, 1921, a race war was kicked off in Tulsa, Okla. after a 19-yearold Black man was accused of assaulting a 17-year-old white woman in an elevator.

When Black men went to defend the man after some in the city wanted him lynched, an ensuing altercation with white people ignited a massive race war.

Reportedly, mobs of white people launched an attack on Black people in the city, murdering dozens, causing millions of dollars in property damage and displacing hundreds from their homes.

Many historians believe the massacre has since been underreported and even covered up.

James and his company’s reps are now hoping to change that with their new documentary.

“We cannot move forward until we acknowledge our past and this is about honoring a prosperous, booming Black community, one of many, that was brought to an end because of hate,” SpringHill’s chief content officer Jamal Henderson said.

“We are bringing this documentary together with a diverse crew, including local Tulsans, and making it our mission to uplift voices and people while creating impactful content.”

Added CNN Worldwide rep Amy Entelis, “CNN Films could not be more proud to partner with The SpringHill Company for this long-overdue recognition of the tragedy of what happened in Greenwood, and to contribute to the reconciliation that comes with the acknowledgment of history.”

The documentary is expected to be completed sometime in 2021.

LeBron James

JEFF BOYD

PROUDLY ENDORSED BY

TEXAS SUPREME COURT, PLACE 7

#JUSTICEFORALLTEXANS SUPPORTED BY LEGAL EXPERTS WHO KNOW THE COURT BEST "In the midst of the partisanship defining our national politics, Justice Jeff Boyd has emerged as a shining example of the best of Texas: principled, hard-working, and dedicated to excellence. " PAIGE DUGGINS-CLAY

EDUCATION & CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY

"Justice Jeff Boyd has been a stalwart on the Texas Supreme Court, exemplifying a continuing legacy of service to Texas with integrity and professionalism. I am honored to support his re-election."

BRIAN NEWBY

COMMERICAL LITIGATOR, ADMINISTRATIVE LAW & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

"Justice Jeff Boyd has a proven record of judicial competence and capability. I endorse and support his candidacy because he is good for Texas."

BILL JONES

"Without reservation, I'm happy to endorse Justice Jeff Boyd for re-election and support his re-election campaign."

DALE WAINWRIGHT

CIVIL APPELLATE ATTORNEY FORMER JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS

"[Justice Jeff Boyd] is fiercely analytical, dedicated, and fair.

When there is a difficult decision before SCOTX, he is the person you want sitting in one of those nine chairs."

TRICIA "TJ" JACKSON

RENEWABLE ENERGY ATTORNEY

WALLACE JEFFERSON

"Justice Boyd is fair, impartial, hardworking, and faithful to the Constitution and laws of Texas. Texans should retain this extraordinary jurist on the Supreme Court of Texas."

CIVIL APPELLATE ATTORNEY FORMER, CHIEF JUSTICE, TEXAS SUPREME COURT

JUSTICEJEFFBOYD.ORG

EARLY VOTING OCTOBER 13-30 | ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Pol. ad paid for and authorized by Texans for Jeff Boyd, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., Treasurer

18 | October 29, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports UH receiver Marquez Stevenson caught nine passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns during the Cougars 37-21 win over Navy.

COMMENTARY

Texans receiver Will Fuller joins DeAndre Hopkins as the only player in franchise history to record five straight games with a receiving touchdown.

Texans must make tough trade decisions

By Terrance Harris

The Texans season has gone from one of despair to an all-out train wreck as we sit in this much-needed week of pause.

The bye-week couldn’t have come at a better time for the 1-6 Texans, whose once promising season has imploded. So, the question is what should the team do now?

With the front office seeming to have given up on this season, some interesting names came up in trade rumors about a week ago. The biggest of them, of course, was the once untouchable J.J. Watt. But then came interesting names like receivers Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller and Randall Cobb.

It sounded like a knee-jerk reaction to a season gone off the rails a week ago. But while Nov. 3, Election Day, stands as a monumental day for this country regardless the outcome, it could also bring monumental change for the Texans as the NFL trade deadline.

Truth be told, the Texans are loaded with talented veteran players who can be an asset for teams making a push for the postseason. With the likely exceptions of Deshaun Watson and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, just about every player on the Texans roster is fair trade game.

While Watson and others may be in denial about what needs to happen, this is the week for the Texans’ front office to make some tough and unfavorable decisions.

Texans’ interim coach Romeo Crennel says he is not looking to trade players but admits that the front office has told him of some potential trades.

“I have no message for them about the trade deadline,” Crennel said when asked about his message to players in regards to the looming trade deadline. “I mean, I don’t even think about that. I think about losing and winning.”

But winning for this season is a moot point. The franchise should be in rebuild mode and because of the head-scratching decisions of recently fired general manager and head coach Bill O’Brien, the team will have to hand over its first and second round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft to Miami thanks to that trade for Kenny Stills and Tunsil.

Thanks to that move, the team can’t count on improving with an infusion of immediate impact young players anytime soon.

So the name of the game now is stockpiling mid- to late-round picks and that only happens if you unload expiring contracts like that of Watt’s and Fuller’s. That could also mean the end of short tenures for Cobb and Cooks, which would be to the dismay of Watson and his recent $156 million contract extension.

“Them boys ain’t getting traded,” Watson professed.

But Crennel admits that trades may come and that possibilities will be a distraction until Nov. 3 passes.

RIGHT: Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson looks up during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Houston. AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Sports Briefs PV BEGINS PRACTICE After seven months since their last practice, the Prairie View football team recently began taking the practice field in specific groups. The team has been split into pods to Eric Dooley abide by social distancing protocols.

“The beauty of it is, that because we’re doing it in pods, we get a chance to have a lot more teachable moments,” said Panthers coach Eric Dooley. “I like the energy of the guys as well as the attention to detail when it comes to the little things.”

CASE FOR BAKER TO HOF While a World Series title continues to elude Astros’ 71-yearold manager Dusty Baker, CBS Sports made an interesting case why he should be headed for the Hall of Fame Dusty Baker as a manager.

Baker ranks 15th all time with 1,892 wins as a manager, is the only manager in MLB history to lead five different clubs to the playoffs.

In 23 seasons as a manager, he has 14 winning seasons, seven division titles, 10 postseason appearances and a pennant and he is a three-time National League Manager of the Year.

CONCERN FOR ROBY There may not be an update on cornerback Bradley Roby and his injured right knee during the bye-week but Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel seems optimistic he will return soon. Bradley Roby “I’m hoping that it’s short term,” Crennel said. “They looked at the ankle and the knee.”

October 29, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 19

DN Sports

Vernon Mosley, III Lightning in a Bottle

By Jodie B. Jiles

The speed of light is 299,792,458 miles per second. Houston-Sterling senior wide receiver/defensive back Vernon Mosley III’s speed is probably somewhere between a 4.4 or 4.5 unofficially. What do they have in common, you ask? Well apparently, they can’t be touched.

Despite Sterling being 2-2 (2nd place in 5A-2 Region III, 11 District), don’t let the .500 record fool you because their offense has been rolling after the first four weeks of this season. Currently averaging 48.5 points a game, the numbers alone show they are clicking on all cylinders, and go-to-guy Mosley has been a huge part of Sterling’s offensive success.

In Sterling’s most recent 48-47 comeback victory over Northside, the Raiders were down 21 points before Mosley scored three touchdowns including a fourth quarter touchdown that allowed Sterling to keep Northside winless.

Sterling’s 5-year NFL veteran coach Kanavis McGhee had nothing but praise for his senior wideout when asked what he added to his explosive offense against Northside.

“Senior leadership. I challenged our guys before we came out against Northside. And even though we started rough, I was really proud of how Vernon never quit and fought until the end.”

The Defender spoke with Mosley after the Northside game to discuss the comeback win, how he uses his speed to his advantage on the field and his leadership.

Style of Play Mosley: Fast. Everything is fast. The speed that I use

makes it so you can’t keep up with me and I am going to beat you. My motto is “Nobody can run with me.”

Comeback Win over Northside Mosley: Just fighting. My quarterback Anthony

Brown giving me the energy to push my team telling us to work. I told them since halftime, “We are not going to lose this. We coming back.”

Leadership Mosley: In my head, we are not losing any-

thing. I don’t care what the score is. We are going to come and we are going to fight just like we did against Northside and we won.

Going Forward Mosley: We gotta start out fast because we’ve been starting

out slow in the first half and we pick up in the second half. So, we just need to start out faster because if we keep fighting like we have fought we will win.

VERNON MOSLEY III

Twitter: vmosley_22 Instagram: @vernooxx Players He Studies: Tyreek Hill Shoutouts: Quarterback Anthony Brown, my mom and Go Raiders!

Photo by: Jimmie Aggison

20 | October 29, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK