Where do African Americans go from here?
A NATION DIVIDED Based on the election returns, our country is split on the issues and what direction our leaders should take. Political pundits give their interpretation of what’s ahead.
Volume 90, issue 2 November 5, 2020
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DN Message FOCUS SOCIAL
Debora Evans shields her face from the sun as she waits outside the federal courthouse after a hearing regarding drive-thru voting, AP/David J. Phillip
Message from the Managing Editor We deserve better
I’m going to be honest. I had hoped I would happily be able to write this message, highlighting the enthusiastic rebuke of Donald Trump and the last four years. Like many, I not only wanted a political victory, I wanted a moral victory. And while - at press time - Biden appears to be leading, the American people have already lost. This divided nation and narrow election is a profound indictment of America. 240,000+ people are dead, mostly because of a pandemic that was mismanaged from the start. Millions are out of work. Trump has thumbed his nose at laws, ethics, morals and civility. With all of that, there should be no reason that he should’ve even been competitive, let alone won as many states as he did (Texas, I’m side-eyeing you). Joe Biden even broke Obama’s record of the most votes in presidential history with more than 70-million votes. And yet, here we are. That tells you everything you need to know about where we are as America. So what happened? Don’t blame Blacks
As I watched the pundits analyze and scrutinize the election, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone said
“What happened to the Black erals had moved on to another vote?” Look, this ain’t on us. cause.....white racists did what And while we generally bear they were going to do.....milthe weight of the world on lions tuned into Trump’s reality our shoulders, this one is show and instead of doing their on y’all. Despite the fact that own homework, bought into the early exit polls show 12 perlies....And still others, were only cent of Black men sided with thinking about their personal Trump (that’s a whole other economic well-being. If racism ReShonda Tate-Billingsley story), Black women did the isn’t a deal breaker in a national thing we always do, which leader, that’s a problem. is save everything and the world at the So the real question is why would all same time...and over 80% of Black men of these white people, particularly 55% voted for Biden, so there’s that. No, this of white women, vote for Trump? Why fiasco....this nail-biting, non-repudiation would any American vote for a man who of a tyrant is not on us. is responsible for hundreds of pandemic deaths, who’s a proven racist, mysogyRacism wasn’t a deal breaker nist, and a whole bunch of other “ists?” For the record, I don’t believe everyone A man who’s a criminal and uses the who votes for Trump is a racist. But most White House for his own financial enracists voted for Trump. From the Central richment and engagement and who lies Park 5 to his dog whistles about the suburbs, about everything from what he’s done to very fine people, to defending “patriots” for the economy to the size of his.... like Kyle Rittenhouse, Trump has always hands and crowds? Just why? shown his true colors. For a moment, this This election has shown me several summer, after the tragic death of George things: Many MAGA supporters don’t Floyd, we were lulled into believing Black wear red hats. 2. A lot of “people of lives really mattered. But at the end of the color” have the delusion of inclusion. day, white people closed rank around white- 3. Black lives seem to only matter to ness. When it came time to vote, white lib- Black folks.
Where do we go from here
Biden gave a unity speech the day after the election. The way my petty is set up, I’m not ready to extend the olive branch. But it’s so refreshing to have a leader who takes the high road. Biden is right about one thing, we have to fix these divided states of America. And part of our moving forward is to change this country at its core. We deserve nothing less than transformation. We deserve a better America. IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER • More election results, including a nod to Dedrick Johnson, the first Black mayor of Texas City • The CEO of Sisters Network Inc., Karen Jackson, shares insight and education with her new memoir. • How a talented architect is making social statements through photos • Sports writer Jodie B. Jiles profiles Fulshear volleyball player, Alexis Dacosta ON THE WEB
• How schools are looking forward during the pandemic • A look at who showed up....and who didn’t in the election
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DN News
In a battle for Texas, Democrats short of a flip PRAIRIE VIEW AND TEXAS CITY ELECT FIRST BLACK MAYORS
Brian Rowland
Dedrick Johnson
LOCAL ELECTIONS Defender News Service
History was made in Harris and Fort Bend Counties this election season, with record numbers of voters making their way to the polls. Harris County voters cast 1.65 million votes in the 2020 election, putting the county at 67 percent turnout, according to Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins. In Ft. Bend County, 70% of voters turned out. Here are some of new faces.
HARRIS County Attorney Christian Menefee
Voters line up on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in Dallas. AP/LM Otero Texas Tribune
Some thought it might happen as early as 2014 — and then 2016, and, of course, in 2018. When all those elections proved disappointing, Texas Democrats said 2020 would be the year, given record voter turnout, a once-in-a-century pandemic that grew out of control under Republican leadership and a highly controversial president. But 2020 proved another disappointment for the state’s minority party as Republicans remained dominant in Texas, appearing poised to maintain victories in all statewide offices and both chambers of the Legislature. In what has become a familiar refrain, Texas Democrats pointed to 2020’s narrow losses as symbolic victories — signs that the state will one day change in their favor. Though the margins in the presidential race were narrower than they have been in years, Democrats underperformed the high expectations they had set for themselves, particularly in a hotly contested battle for dominance in the Texas House. And a number of potential pickups for Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives seemed increasingly unlikely as the night wore on.
With his reelection still uncertain, Donald Trump carried Texas on Tuesday. The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state was Jimmy Carter in 1976. Republican John Cornyn handily won reelection to his seat in the U.S. Senate, soaring past combat veteran MJ Hegar to notch a victory despite a late Democratic spending blitz on her behalf. Republicans held big leads in other statewide races for Railroad Commission, Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals. And the contest some in-state operatives had focused on as Democrats’ best hope — the battle for a majority in the Texas House — appeared to end with a narrow victory for Republicans, leaving intact the party’s advantage in the chamber. As has become habit, Texas Democrats described their losses not as disappointments but as hopeful omens for next time. “With every election, we’re getting one step closer to that change,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas. “Although we came up short,” Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said of the U.S. Senate race, “I am hopeful because we are marching towards victory.”
“The work we did will move our state forward for years to come,” Hegar said. Republicans, meanwhile, were not shy about celebrating their wins. Gov. Greg Abbott, who was not on the ballot himself but had been deeply involved in Texas House races, even knocking on doors over the last few weeks, celebrated on Twitter: “Texas DID stay Red.” Earlier this week, he had made a prescient, if provocative statement: “Democrats’ dreams will be crushed again.” Abbott’s top political strategist, Dave Carney, was blunter in an interview late Tuesday night. He said Democrats were massively underperforming expectations because “they buy their own bullshit.” “Here’s the best standard operating procedure for any campaign: Stop bragging, do your work and then you can gloat afterward,” Carney said, contrasting that approach with “bragging about what’s gonna happen in the future and being embarrassed.” “Why anybody would believe what these liars would say to them again is beyond belief,” Carney added. “How many cycles in a row” do they claim Texas will turn blue? “It’s crazy.”
HARRIS County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth
FT. BEND County Attorney Bridget Lawson Smith
FT. BEND County Sheriff Eric Fagan
Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins leaves a polling location. AP/David J. Phillip
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DN News
CURTISTENE MCCOWAN, a former Texas Southern University Board of Regent, died recently. She served on the TSU board from Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2009 and during her reappointment in March 2009 through Feb. 2015.
ISABEL LONGORIA has been named Elections Administrator for Harris Country. Longoria will assume the duties of both elections and voter registration functions, a position currently held by County Clerk Chris Hollins.
HISD brings COVID-19 rapid testing to schools Defender News Service
A demonstrator holds a sign in the aftermath of the death of Kevin Peterson Jr. AP/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Unrest erupts over police killing of Black man near Portland Associated Press
Tensions continue to flare in Portland after a Black man was shot and killed by law enforcement. Mourners gathered in Hazel Dell, an unincorporated area of Vancouver, Washington, where family and friends say Kevin E. Peterson Jr., 21, was shot. The city is about 12 miles north of Portland. Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil, with some holding signs reading, “Honk for Black lives. White silence is violence” and “Scream his name.” Nearby, tensions flared between left- and right-wing protesters. Video recorded by journalists in a parking lot showed two groups of people shouting at each other. Also, some armed demonstrators gathered near a building they told reporters they were protecting. Family and friends had described Peterson as a former high school football player and the proud father of an infant daughter. In a statement, Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins said a joint city-county narcotics task force was conducting an investigation and
chased a man into the foot with officers followparking lot of a bank, ing. The man produced a where he fired a gun at handgun and the officers them. A firearm was rebacked off, investigators covered at the scene, Atsaid. A short time later, kins said. the man encountered Authorities have not three Clark County depnamed the person who uties, all of whom fired was shot, but Kevin E. their pistols at the man, Peterson Sr. told The Orthey added. They did not egonian/OregonLive Kevin Peterson Jr. say the man fired a handthe person was his son, gun found at the scene, Kevin E. Peterson Jr. Atkins refer- making it unclear what happened enced the Peterson family in his re- just before the shooting. marks but did not confirm Peterson Mac Smiff, an organizer of Black was the person who was killed. Lives Matter protests in Portland, said “I can say that our agency is griev- he knows Peterson’s sister and spent ing as is the Peterson family and the more than five hours at the scene. community,” Atkins said. “As the “There was a ton of grief, a ton of community grieves, I call for there to grief. He’s 21 and has a baby, an inbe a respectful and dignified obser- fant,” Smiff said. “They’re not sure vance of the loss of life in this matter. what happened, why the encounter There is always the potential for mis- took place. Everyone was extremely information, doubt and confusion – disheveled and confused.” and there may be those who wish to Peterson played football at Union sow seeds of doubt.” High School in Vancouver, WashingInvestigators said the narcotics ton, loved sports of any kind and was task force had contacted a man sus- a big personality who was known pected of selling illegal drugs in a and liked by everyone at school, motel parking lot and that he fled on friends said.
The Houston Independent School District recently announced that it has been approved to participate in the COVID-19 Rapid Testing program in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and Texas Division of Emergency Management. According to the statement released by the HISD Press Office, the program will offer COVID-19 Rapid Testing at no cost to students and district employees. The district will be provided with the resources to test campus-based staff and a percentage of students (with permission from parents) to reduce the risk of spread in school communities. The tests will be optional, but all staff who work on a campus will be encouraged to participate in the program. HISD will begin receiving a monthly allotment of COVID-19 Rapid Tests to cover all campus-based staff and a percentage of the district’s student enrollment as early as next week. HISD campus nurses are currently receiving the necessary training to administer the tests. The district will not charge a fee to take the tests, require participation in the program, or distribute tests for non-school or non-educational use.
VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 5, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler
Associate Editor Aswad Walker
Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles
Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles
Creative Director Michael Grant
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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DN Entertainment
KAREN JACKSON Sisters Network Founder inspires others in new book
By Dominique Talbert
When four-time breast cancer survivor, Karen Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had no experience nor knowledge of the disease. Jackson felt alone and knew the importance of having people around during this difficult time. That was the reasoning behind her founding Sisters Network Inc. in 1994. And it’s why she’s detailing her journey in a new book, In the Company of My Sisters: My Story, My Truth. Jackson’s new book speaks about her life dedicated to assisting other breast cancer survivors. She talked with the Defender about the book, Sisters Network Inc. and her motto in life.
own best advocate and sometimes even your own best friend. And as I educated myself, the fi re was fueled to educate others. In retrospect, my need to make a difference in the lives of Black breast cancer survivors was my total focus. This memoir is a culmination of my journey through breast cancer - from my persona l experiences and observations as a survivor, to my life’s path and commitment to increasing local and national attention, to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African-American community.
thing is that there is no need for women to die of breast cancer. They don’t need to be alone. I share my story in hopes that people will be educated and inspired by my battling – and surviving – breast cancer four times.
developed over the years. I needed to know what my body was trying to tell me. I had to pay attention and it saved my life. I call it my inner spirit.
Defender: A lot of people would give up Defender: What do after being diagnosed you hope people walk four times. How did away with after hav- KarenEubanksJackson.com you find strength to ing read the book? go on? Karen Jackson: Well, the biggest Jackson: I have inner strength that
Defender: Is this just for those diagnosed with breast cancer, or does it contain information for others? Jackson: It is for African American
breast cancer advocates, so that includes people who have breast cancer, those who know someone battling it, or those who just want to educate themselves. Defender: Why did you decide to write In the Company of My Sisters? Jackson: It gave me an opportunity
to speak on my story and my truth. When I was fi rst diagnosed, I had little knowledge of the disease so I immersed myself in information. It didn’t take me long to discover that fi nding information was difficult due to the limited amount of culturally-sensitive material. You learn quickly how to become your
Defender: How does it feel to be an inspiration to countless African American women? Jackson: I never thought of it that
way. I feel knowledge is power and when you gain that power, you should share that with others. It’s just second nature for me to give back.
Defender: Did you experience any struggles when starting the Sisters Network Inc? Jackson: Black non-profits were not
taken seriously and there was little funding. The Sisters Network shines bright because we were doing the work but we didn’t have the funding or support. We never were able to spend money on advertising. So we would have to post on social media or word-of-mouth. Black women, breast cancer is real and should be a priority.
ABOVE: Karen and her daughter, Caleen Allen. RIGHT: Karen Jackson receiving an award.
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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB Elections
A NATION DIVIDED Where do African Americans go from here? BY RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY AND ASWAD WALKER With the popular vote split nearly right down the middle, the 2020 Presidential Election revealed to some and reminded others that America is truly a nation divided. The Defender spoke to two political science professors, Carroll Robinson and Michael O. Adams, and Marcus Davis, founder of the breakfast klub and host of Fish, Grits & Politiks, to get their takes on where the country is headed post-election.
specifically, that ain’t nobody coming to save Black folks. Defender: Moving forward, how will the 2020 election results impact state and local politics? Davis: Our nation has a problem that we only pass sig-
nificant legislation if we have one party that has the House, the Senate and the White House, if you think about it. Trump Administration’s biggest legislation was the tax bill. How was Defender: What does this tight race for the presidency that passed? Because he had the House, the Senate and the White mean for the national political scene? House? The Obama Administration’s biggest piece of legislation Carroll Robinson Dr. Michael O. Adams: If Biden were to win, it’s a very close was the ACA (Obamacare), because he had the House, the Senelection, I think that it would impact on governance because the ate and the White House… It means that American citizens are adDemocrats were not able, I don’t think they’ll be able to control dicted to getting duped by the system. the Senate. And so, [Mitch] McConnell is coming back. And Robinson: Black people showed up, showed out and delivwe know that he was a very powerful person, and able to get ered, but not enough focus was put on winning the state by judicial appointments and basically, to stonewall even the driving up Black voter turnout… What last night showed is we impeachment process of Trump. So, if Biden is in, you’ll still have to build the future of the Democratic Party, or the Texas have to contend, and you have to work with that. So, anything Democratic Party on Black voter turnout. The idea that you’re progressive, in terms of legislation, it would be very difficult to going to build the future of the Texas Democratic Party on get something passed in the Senate. Hispanic voters and white women, that’s just not a solid enough Carroll Robinson: What it means is the country is not as cen- Michael O. Adams foundation. You’ve got to maximize Black turnout. ter-left as people thought. It’s not the land of progressivism. But more importantly, what it shows is the importance of Black voters. Defender: What does this election say about us as a country? That if you turn out Black voters, Biden probably wins Wisconsin, Michigan and maybe even Georgia. And that will be the Adams: I’m overjoyed that so many people turned out to three states that gets him to 270 (Electoral College votes) and vote. That’s the beauty of a democracy. Because, you want peowins the White House. And if you’re paying attention to it pople to participate, regardless of where you stand or what’s your litically, Black America has saved Joe Biden once again, and party affiliation. However, it was kind of ugly where you play Black America has saved the Democratic Party. And it’s gonna into dog whistle politics. It only seeks to divide the country. deliver the White House to Joe Biden and the Democratic ParI’m a little afraid. They tried to kidnap the governor of Michity. And Black folks need to be a priority. Period. gan. Man, who knows what these people will do. Marcus Davis: It means that we’ve got some issues in our naDavis: This election says that we are the divided states of Marcus Davis tion that we need to fix. Everything from the Electoral College America, not the United States… This concept of the United to this cycle of electing one party versus the partisan politics, needs to be States of America is failing… It means that the pledge of allegiance is a lie. addressed too. It means there’s a ***load of uncertainly in the nation. We That’s what it means. Because we are not one nation. We are not indivisible. have an issue with media. We have an issue with polling. It means we’ve got We damn sure ain’t under God. And we damn sure ain’t got justice and liba whole bunch of issues that we need to try to figure out. And it also means erty for all.
LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD Defender News Services
Voters weigh in on what the results of the election mean for Black America. That all this ‘this is not who we are’ rhetoric is bullsh*t. The exit poll numbers are showing EXACTLY who they are and Orange Satan has given them license for 4 years to let their true colors come out. And if anyone thinks the next four years are going to be a smooth ride once we park walk this grifter out of office think again: now the real attacks are going to begin. Oh, and that Black men were a huge factor in those numbers which is SO sad. - Julie O. Griffith
It says to me that despite all that has happened in this country, if something does not personally affect a person(such as racism, inequality and COVID related deaths) people don’t care. America Lacks empathy.” - MarKesha Brown-Currin It says this country is as racist as we ever thought it was and they no longer care who knows it.” -Antoinette Holsey
It says approximately 50% of America is perfectly fine with a openly racist and sexist authoritarian running the country as long as the economy is good...for them.” -Nyna Hurt America will forever be divided and racism is very well accepted by many Americans including the very ones it’s directed toward.” -Chrystal Killebrew Read more comments at: DefenderNetwork.com
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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB Elections COMMENTARY
THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE MIGHT BE TOO CLOSE TO CALL, BUT THE ‘PROJECTED WINNER IS RACISM’
Stacy M. Brown NNPA
Perhaps a single sobering Twitter post best summed up the state of America on the morning following an Election Night that’s far too close to call — and frustratingly so. “This was a referendum on the potential for a fundamental shift in that perspective,” Actress and writer Natasha Rothwell wrote. “The race might be too close to call, but the projected winner is racism.” Others agreed. “Look at the cities the nation is depending on in order to not re-elect an incompetent, racist, misogynistic president who has killed 230,000 Americans in seven months… Philly, Atlanta, Milwaukee and realize America is always leaning on Black people to save the day,” added Dr. Ebony Hilton, an associate professor of Anesthesiology and a critical care physician at the University of Virginia. African Americans heavily populate each of those cities, and each are critical as the swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Milwaukee. They hang in the balance as votes are tabulated to determine whether President Donald Trump retains office, or the U.S. begins to heal under a Joe Biden administration. With Biden holding a slight electoral and popular vote edge, he called for patience the day after the election. To no one’s surprise, Trump declared victory and has threatened legal action to stop the vote count in those critical states where
A supporter of Black Voters Matter. AP
he currently has a slight edge. Hilton and others believe that slight edge could likely disappear in those large urban cities as counting continues there. Still, the stunningly close election and with the GOP likely retaining control of the Senate, many say they’ve come to understand a sobering fact: America’s standing on race, women’s rights, and equal opportunity hasn’t been this obvious since slavery. “I wake up every day to the reality that I live in a country that thinks my life is less valuable than it would be if I were white,” decried Rothwell. Biden also flipped Arizona, making him
the first Democrat to win that state since 1996 when Bill Clinton claimed victory. Winning Arizona means Biden could lose one of either Pennsylvania or Michigan, but still capture the presidency. Georgia, where a large swath of votes remain uncounted in predominately Black Atlanta and Fulton County, also remains in play for Biden. Trump, who led Republicans in slamming through a Supreme Court Justice last month in record time for scenarios just like this, promised to ask the high court to intervene before the ballots are counted in those four swing states.
Each of those states counts ballots cast on Election Day first. Trump wants the count to end before officials tally mail-in votes, which arrived in record numbers. It’s also why the President pulled out all of the stops this year to cripple the U.S. Postal Service, whose Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has openly defied federal court orders to refrain from slowing delivery of mail-in ballots. “In the midst of a pandemic that he had time to manage and, he held super-spreader events to spread the virus. And, with racial unrest still rampant which he stokes daily, the race is too close,” Actress Yvette Nicole Brown railed. “No need to question whether systemic racism exists in America. Many proudly chose the inept racist … again!” Hilton also provided a follow-up. “The only demographic who’s consistently shown up for America is Black people,” she remarked. “We are the greatest patriots despite facing a nation set on disenfranchising us, a nation having rallies to cheer the number of us dying at disproportionate rates from COVID, and mandates we live in poverty.” Regardless of who wins, Author John Pavlovitz said America already knows that the country is “as fractured as we imagined.” “We’re as afflicted with racism as we feared,” Pavlovitz wrote. “We’re as far from equity as we thought. Good people are needed now more than ever. The fight doesn’t begin or end, it continues.”
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DN ON SOCIAL THE WEB Elections
Texans favor voting reforms Houston Public Media
A majority of Texas voters favor making it easier to register to vote. But they’re divided sharply along party lines over just what reforms they’d accept. A poll of Texas voters conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs found the one voting reform with the most support would be for online voter registration. “That’s a pretty common-sense reform that most states have already implemented and would be easy for Texas to do and would be in line with the rest of the country and is a reform that enjoys a strong majority support among Texans,” said Mark Jones, a Rice University political scientist and Hobby School research associate. The poll also found slight support for automatic voter registration, and nearly half support mail-in ballots
for everyone. In both those cases, however, Democrats overwhelmingly supported the measures, while Republicans largely opposed them. In addition, almost 60% of Texas voters surveyed expressed concerns about fraud connected to mail-in ballots. “Election administration has become a politicized issue, whereby Democrats see online registration and things that make it easier to register and vote as pro-Democratic, and Republicans see them as anti-Republican, in part because of the partisan lines that have been drawn on things like absentee ballots, dropping off ballots, and efforts by counties such as Harris County to make it easier to vote,” Jones said. “The Republican fear is that this would lead to more fraud. Democrats view it as making it harder for people to vote.”
Poll Highlights Younger voters more likely to support reforms than older voters Millennials, Generation Z supported most of the reforms examined, with the exception of allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections – roughly half of Millennial and Gen Z voters favored that reform, and roughly half opposed it. Majority of people born before 1946 and Baby Boomers opposed all proposed reforms, with the exception of online voter registration. Majority of Generation X supported online voter registration, automatic voter registration, and no excuse ballots mail-in ballots for everyone, but opposed mailing ballots to all registered voters and allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Elizabeth Deveaux looks on during a drive-in early voting event for Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris. AP
Millions of uninsured sign-up for “Obamacare’ Defender News Service
Millions of Americans who have lost health insurance in an economy shaken by the coronavirus can now sign up for taxpayer-subsidized coverage. It’s the return of annual sign-up season under the Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare.” Open enrollment lasts through Dec. 15. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs HealthCare.gov, says premiums are down slightly on average for 2021 and most people will have at least three insurers from which to pick plans. Lower-income people and even middle-class families may qualify for tax credits that can greatly reduce what they pay monthly for premiums. But Donald Trump, unrelenting in his opposition to President Barack Obama’s signature domestic program, is asking the Supreme Court to overturn the entire law. Trump has been promising a much better replacement since before taking office, but never came out with his plan. The justices are scheduled to hear the case Nov.
This screen grab from the website HealthCare.gov shows the extended deadline for signing up for health care coverage for 2020.
10, and the administration is doing little to promote sign-ups, having previously slashed the program’s ad budget. Hard numbers on how virus-related job losses have affected health coverage are not available because the most reliable government surveys will not be out until next year. Estimates range from 5 million to 10 million newly uninsured people. That’s on top of 26 million uninsured last year, before the pandemic, or about 8% of the U.S. population.
“There is a coverage crisis happening, ” said Stan Dorn, a health policy expert now with Families USA, a liberal advocacy group. “And there are fewer resources available to help, thanks to the Trump cuts.” More than 11 million people currently have coverage through HealthCare.gov and state-run health insurance markets offering subsidized private plans. The health law also covers another 12 million people through its Medicaid expansion, adopted by all but 12 states.
Medicaid enrollment has gone up by nearly 4 million people since March, but it’s still unclear how many laid-off workers are coping after the loss of employer coverage in the coronavirus economy. Those who are healthy most likely have other priorities, such as finding another job. Workers who were furloughed, but not laid off, may have been able to keep their coverage. Some appear to have switched to a spouse’s plan, and those age 65 and older can get on Medicare.
12 | November 5, 2020 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Events
UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS By ASWAD WALKER
Fort Bend ISD Virtual Hiring Event, Nov. 13 Fort Bend ISD will hold a virtual hiring event on Friday, November 13, 2020. The District says it is committed to attracting the very best talent to join its team and has openings for teachers and instructional aides. Traditionally, FBISD offers prospective candidates a chance to meet face-toface with District and school leaders in a fun and engaging atmosphere. However, due to the District’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will take place in an innovative virtual and structured format. Interested applicants should register for the virtual event and apply for the position they are seeking prior to the event. Registration is open now and ends on Wednesday, Nov, 11 at noon. After registering for the event, applicants will receive communication from the Talent Acquisition Team with additional information.
To register, visit www.fortbendisd.com. UHD, HCC Team Up for Greater Houston Area Men of Color Symposium, Nov. 13, 11am The year marks the fourth year the University of Houston-Downtown (a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution and Minority Serving Institution) and Houston Community College, have
teamed up for this event aimed at inspiring tomorrow’s college students and providing them with information that will be helpful in their first steps toward a degree. “This event allows students of color, specifically male students of color, more opportunities to see and connect with leaders that represent their cultural and community experiences,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, Assistant Dean at UHD’s College of Public Service
and Director of Recruiting and Retention. The event will feature several speakers, including Marcus Bowers, UHD alumnus and owner and founder of She’s Happy Hair; Marvin Pierre, founder and Executive Director of 8 Million Stories, and more. To register, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-greater-houston-area-men-of-color-collegiate-symposium-tickets-123081587341.
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November 5, 2020 |
| 13
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Spotlight FABIAN BROADEN
MAKING STATEMENTS THROUGH PHOTOS By ReShonda Tate Billingsley
When Houstonian Fabian Broaden graduated from college at Southern University, he began a successful career as an architect here in Houston. It’s a job he loved, but one day while listening to his pastor, preach about impact, he felt he had a higher calling. He found it through the camera lens. Broaden has ignited social media with his thought-provoking political and social statement photo shoots. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he often called on his frat brothers to help him do shoots that celebrated Black men. When Kamala Harris, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. received the vice-presidential nomination, he decided to take his political activism one step further, adding other members of the Divine Nine (the consortium of ten Black fraternities and sororities) into the mix. He’s produced photo shoots celebrating everything from breast cancer to Black history. He talks with the Defender about the motivation behind his passion.
Defender: Your recent Divine Nine photo encouraging people to vote went viral. How did you come up with the idea for that? Fabian Broaden: I wanted to do something to motivate people that look like me to get out and stroll to the polls. When I reached out to the other members of the Divine Nine, everybody was just so excited and motivated. They understood my vision. They were all excited and they were just ready to run with it, to get other people energized to vote.
Defender: How did you get started? Broaden: My first shoot I did was a video shortly after Trayvon Martin was murdered and we got to all watch what happened in society when George Zimmerman got off. I wanted to empower and make Black men feel good about themselves because, at that time, a lot of Black people like myself just felt very discouraged. So, I wanted to do something to uplift the Black men in our community. I did a shoot with my fraternity brothers and I just showed that we’re from all different types of backgrounds and we have graduated and we’re all professional.
Defender: What message were you trying to get across? Broaden: That Trayvon shoot was titled, “There’s millions just like us.” I wanted to show that we’re Black men, we went off to college. We all have different careers. We like to dress nice. But also during the weekend, we’re just regular guys who are no different than Trayvon Martin. We all just looked like just average guys out in society. That’s how people view us. They don’t know our background, they don’t know our stories. They just see us as men with no credibility. So the shoot was just to capture that. I was shocked when it went viral and social media was very excited about it and
it made a lot of people feel good. Defender: What are some of the other shoots you’ve done? Broaden: I did a shoot in honor of Colin Kaepernick, when he was being scrutinized by the NFL. When Nike picked him up, we wanted to celebrate Colin and Nike, so we all had on Nike tennis shoes, we were all dressed up in suits and we had our Black sons and that was a powerful piece as well, where we just want to support Colin and just energize the Black community. We did another shoot called “Don’t think about voting, just do it.” We also did a photo shoot celebrating breast cancer awareness.
“Kappas For Kaepernick” shoot (Colin is a a member of Kappa Alpha Psi). Credit: Daniel T. Davis
Education: Southern University Occupation: Architectural Sales Favorite pastime: Serving with the Cub Scouts as a Den Leader, working with my various church ministries at WVUMC and quiet family time at home. Hometown: Baton Rouge Motto: I’ve committed my life to be a civil rights activist for people of color since 2018. Facebook: www. Facebook.com/ FabianBroaden
“There are millions just like us.” See the accompanying video at www. DefenderNetwork.com Credit: Allen Jones II
Fabian Broaden Credit: Allen Jones II Members of the Divine Nine celebrating Breast Cancer.
14 | November 5, 2020 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Sports JUMA OTOVIANO, Rice sophomore running back, has his second career 100-yard rushing game this past week when he ran for 107 yards on 24 carries during the Owls win over Southern Miss.
KELLEN MOND, Texas A&M senior quarterback, threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns to lead the No.8 Aggies over Arkansas 42-31.
Sports Briefs TSU MEN TOP SWAC BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL The Texas Southern men were selected this week to win the SWAC and defending SWAC champion Prairie View was picked to finish third in this week’s SWAC preseason selections. On the women’s side, the TSU Lady Tigers were picked to finish second while Prairie View was predicted to finish fifth in the preseason poll. PV SCHOLARSHIP EVENT
In the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. The Charlotte Bobcats won 104-89. AP Photo/Bob Leverone
HOUSTON ROCKETS
STEPHEN SILAS
MORE THAN A NAME By Terrance Harris
Some might think Stephen Silas is just another coach with the right last name and lineage. But the Rockets’ new head coach is much more than the son of one of the best coaches the NBA has known. The 47-year-old Silas has built a worthy assistant coaching career that is worthy of taking on one of the top head coaching jobs in the league. “He has been doing this a long time. He has been doing a lot. He was with me a long time,” Paul Silas said in a recent conversation with The Defender. “Stephen knows exactly what to do. I’m just so happy, I think it’s going to be great. I really believe it. He knows just what to do.” Silas began working with his father in 1999 as a scout with the Charlotte Hornets. By the time he was 27, he had joined his father on the bench, becoming the youngest NBA assistant coach at the time. Silas also joined his dad in Cleveland from 20032005 where they started out the career of a fresh out of high school LeBron James. He and his dad also coached together again back in Charlotte from
Stephen Silas
Age: 47 College: Brown University Assistant coaching stops: Charlotte, New Orleans, Cleveland, Washington, Golden State, Charlotte and Dallas. Top players he has coached: LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kemba Walker and Luka Doncic.
2010-2012. But prior to coming back to Charlotte, Silas spent some time as an assistant with the Washington Wizards from 2005-2006 and Golden State Warriors from 2006-2010. Additionally, he has been an assistant coach in Dallas on Rick Carlisle’s staff since 2018. Along the way, Silas has been instrumental in the development of young star guards such as Kemba Walker, Steph Curry and Luka Doncic. It’s likely his work with top-level guards is what caught the eye of the Rockets’ brass this time around with the tandem
of James Harden and Russell Westbrook as the centerpieces of the team. “Basketball has been a huge part of my life since the day I was born, and this is the moment I’ve strived for,” Stephen Silas said. “I’ve been fortunate to have coached some great players over the course of my career and am excited to work with this incredibly talented team as we build upon the success they have established.” His father couldn’t be more proud of the opportunity his son has earned. “He has done a great job,” the elder Silas said. “When he was with Dallas he did really good. Now he is a lot better. He is going to be good. I tell you. He’s going to be really good, there is no question. I really believe it.” But that isn’t to say, Silas wasn’t a little worried that this time might not work out with the Rockets. He interviewed four years ago when the Rockets went with Mike D’Antoni and names like Tyronn Lue, Jeff Van Gundy, Doc Rivers and John Lucas had been mentioned prior to the Rockets officially hiring Silas last week.
Prairie View is set to host its 2020 Prairie View A&M Foundation Golf Tournament and Silent Auction on Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at the Golf Club of Houston. The shotgun style tournament and silent auction supports the AFC scholarships and equipment for the students. TEXANS FOOD DRIVE The Houston Texans Foundation announced the kickoff of the Texans Care for Texans campaign presented by Kroger in hopes of feeding a half million families in Houston for Thanksgiving. Throughout the month of November, Texans fans can help Kroger and the Houston Texans in the fight against hunger by giving a donation through the Houston Texans website. Every dollar donated to Texans Care for Texans will benefit the Houston Food Bank and will help provide meals for neighbors in need this holiday season.
November 5, 2020 |
| 15
DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Sports QUESTION OF THE WEEK Weigh in on twitter
Q:
H-Town QB most likely to be something in the NFL from 2020 Season? De’Eriq King, Dematrius Davis, Jalen Milroe, Kyron Drones, Your Choice
FULSHEAR JUNIOR
ALEXIS DACOSTA
BUILDING A LEGACY By Jodie B. Jiles
When you separate the good athletes from the great, it is not only their versatility that makes the difference. The exceptional athletes, regardless of their sport, usually possess what some athletes and coaches call the “Kobe gene.” That’s when an athlete runs toward, rather than away from the big moment. For those who posses the “Kobe gene,” which takes its name from the late NBA great Kobe Bryant, when the pressure is on, they want the ball in their hands. They want the toughest defensive assignment. They want the weight of the game’s final outcome on their shoulders, and are more than willing and able to deliver the daggers necessary to extinguish any hopes their opponents may have had of being victorious. They simply want it more than anyone who dares stand in the way of their greatness. Fulshear High School’s outside, middle back and center junior Alexis DaCosta, a Baylor University commit, most definitely possesses the “Kobe gene.” DaCosta has established herself as a household name, setting the foundations for a noteworthy high ALEXIS school career in greater Houston area volley- DACOSTA BIO ball. As just a sophomore, DaCosta played IG: @alexisd_15 an integral part in Fulshear taking home a Players She Studies: state title last year, earning her player of the Yossiana Pressley (Baylor) Hobbies: Being with friends, year honors from the Houston Chronicle. This season, DaCosta appears to be doing family get-togethers and rollmore of the same with a different group of er-skating Favorite Artist: names, heading into the playoff with a 15-2 Youngboy record with only three games to go until the Shoutout: post-season. My sister Unlike the long and lengthy Woodard twins at Episcopal, DaCosta’s game is agile, mobile and versatile. Witnessing her athleticism in the 3-0 blowout win over Hightower you could only admire her aggressive and stealthy presence portrayed helping herself and teammates score points with relative ease. The Defender spoke with DaCosta after the victory over Hightower to discuss her style of play, scoring approach, and love of the game. Style of Play
Very determined to win. I will play any position and do whatever to help our team win. We want to win another state championship and I’m the player that will play anything and do anything to get our team a win. Scoring Approach
My main goal when I go up to hit the ball is to get a kill. It doesn’t have to be straight down just get it in and get it over to get a kill. That is what I am thinking. Love of the Game
Well, I have been playing since I was in 1st grade. I have always had volleyball in my heart. My family has been playing and I am one of the first ones of us going to college for volleyball which is something I am very proud of. Advice to Youth
Be a leader, don’t let anything get to your head and be a good teammate because that is all that matters.
Jimmie Agisson
16 | November 5, 2020 |
DEFENDER NETWORK
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