11.06.2025_Defender-e-FULL

REIMAGINING EDUCATION

Black Educators E Look to the future

Volume 95, issue 3 November 6, 2025

NEWS

NEWS

BRIAN MIDDLETON

DISTRICT 18

The Fort Bend County District Attorney talks about legacy and leadership.

Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards are heading to a runoff after neither garnered 50% of the vote.

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DN To the POINT

While one leader demolishes the White House, another protects the people of his city, and all while AI is being deployed to portray Black women in the most negative light possible. Credit: Eric Lee/Getty Images.

Message from the Community Reporter He’s calling on corporations that make bilPresident Donald Trump’s administralions off his city’s residents to increase their tion recently said that it will partially fund investments in programs to fund youth job the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Proopportunities. And Johnson’s standing on gram (SNAP) after two judges issued rulings spiritual principles in terms of his outrage requiring it to keep the nation’s largest food at the inhumane attacks the federal governaid program running. The U.S. Department ment and its officials continue to hurl at him of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, said and his city. Yes, we’re in Houston, 1,084 it could no longer keep funding it during miles away from Chicago. But no amount the federal government shutdown, but will of distance should keep us from celebrating now utilize the government’s “emergency Black people making a name for themselves Aswad Walker fund” to keep SNAP semi-alive. But Trump for standing up for human decency rather and crew aren’t using “emergency” cash to than “bending the knee” to inhumane treatfund their own stuff. They’re paying 1) roughly $842 million ment and policies. per month to keep ICE agents on the streets, terrorizing and making folks disappear; 2) $300 million for a White House The AI monster attacks Black women ballroom no one voted for; 3) between $400 million and $1 For all the good AI provides, multiple people have for years billion to ice out Trump’s jet, a “gift” from Qatar, 4) and fig- warned that it could and would be used in nefarious ways to ures not released to the general public to fund the demolition fictitiously show people doing all manner of activities (illegal of the White House’s East Wing and Trump’s “Roaring 20s” and otherwise), to sway the court of public opinion, and Halloween party celebrating the era when greed of the U.S. potentially get the wrong people arrested and/or “un-alived.” super-wealthy led to the Great Depression. POTUS is also Most recently, Black America is up in arms at AI-produced suing the U.S. government, demanding the DOJ pay him videos depicting Black women in the most derogatory and $230 million for investigating him for illegally withholding stereotypical ways possible, cussing out state employees over government documents. That’s billions to feed one man’s the loss of SNAP benefits. “What the hell you mean you can’t ego, while the $8 billion per month SNAP costs feeds one reload my EBT card?” the fake Black woman yells at the in every eight Americans. And the price of groceries hasn’t employee. “I got six kids. How am I finna pay for their Happy gone down yet.

Meal? Dead ass.” This new-age character assassination, selling the general public (and the world) on the worst possible Big city mayor fights for the people versions of Black women and Black people, is nothing new.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but the mayor of one of the America has always done this. But we must be on guard not nation’s biggest cities is fighting daily for citizens, democracy, to spread this nonsense. Check social media posts, two, three, and humanity. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has stood 10 times to verify authenticity, so you’re not contributing to his ground against all manner of attacks and threats from the degradation of our people. the federal government. And each time, he (or his office) has shared his classic clapbacks with the world via social On the web media. Brotherman is continuing to oversee that city’s low• Does marriage, children complete a woman? est crime rates in generations. He’s standing on the law and • Five Houston artists make moves toward stardom. the U.S. Constitution in protecting immigrants with asylum.

• Tre Clewis fuels Fulshear’s high-powered offense.

Greed gone wild

November 6, 2025 |

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| 3

DN News ELECTION WRAP

District 18 runoff:

Menefee, Edwards

Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, drew a new generation of Democratic hopefuls, including 13 candidates in addition to Menefee, Edwards, and Jones.

With such a crowded field, a runoff election was expected and has now set up another round of voting to determine who will carry forward the legacy of leadership in this historically Black and politically influential district.

By ReShonda Tate

It will be at least one more month before District 18 gets a Congressional representative. Voters will return to the polls for a runoff election after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the Nov. 4 special election to fill Houston’s open Congressional District 18 seat, a seat that has been without representation in Washington for nearly a year. With 77% of the precincts reporting, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee garnered 29.35% of the vote, while former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards received 25.67%.

State Representative Jolanda Jones came in third with 18.74%. Governor Greg Abbott will set a runoff election for January or February of 2026.

Menefee says he will fight until the end for this seat. “For months, as this seat sat vacant, I heard from voters who were ready for someone willing to take on Donald Trump and the far right—not just talk about change, but deliver real results. I’m proud that we’ve earned the trust and support of so many voters.”

“We are entering this runoff neck and neck with my opponent, with the community behind us," Edwards said. "By no

Turnout across Harris County

means am I the establishment candidate in this race; I am the 'People’s Candidate' and my track record for delivering results for the people will help propel me forward

in this runoff.”

The race to succeed the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who served nearly three decades in Congress, and former Houston

Election officials reported a steady stream of voters throughout the day. As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, more than 102,000 voters had already cast ballots, according to Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. While final numbers haven’t been released, turnout was expected to reach nearly 200,000 voters by day’s end.

“The sheer size of Harris County is the combination of 25 states put together,” Hudspeth said.

Early voting turnout reached 8%, with more than 212,000 voters casting ballots between Oct. 20–31 — slightly lower than the 239,000 who voted early during the last state constitutional amendment election in November 2023.

Amendments pass, HISD trustees elected, City Council seat heading to runoffs

By Tannistha Sinha

As an electorate with deep stakes in education, taxation, infrastructure and equity, voters across Texas and especially in Harris County turned out on Nov. 4 to decide a sweeping slate of 17 constitutional amendments, along with significant local contests, among them trustee seats for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and a special election for the Houston City Council At-Large Position 4.

HISD trustee races

The city’s largest school district, Houston Independent School District, will see new elected trustees, amidst the Texas Education Agency’s state intervention, which keeps them from its day-to-day decision-making.

Five of HISD’s nine trustee seats: Districts I, V, VI, VII and IX were on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot. Since the TEA took over HISD in June 2023, it has operated under a state-appointed Board of Managers, assuming “all of the powers and authority previously held by the suspended Board of Trustees.” This means that the newly elected trustees will not be able to set policy, adopt budgets, hire or fire the superintendent, or vote on contracts while the intervention continues. They will reclaim decision-making once the state intervention concludes.

In June this year, Commissioner Mike Morath extended the intervention through June 1, 2027, replacing four managers. For the intervention to end, HISD has to meet three exit criteria.

Trustee District V

67% Maria Benzon

32% Robbie McDonough

Trustee District VI

61%

Michael McDonough

39% Kendall Baker

Trustee District VII

53%

Bridget Wade

47%

Audrey Nath

Houston City Council At-Large Position 4

The special election for Houston City Council At-Large Position 4, which covers Houston citywide, also provides insight into local power. This position was on the ballot to fill incumbent Letitia Plummer’s seat, following her automatic resignation under Texas’ “resign-to-run” law when she launched a bid for Harris County Judge earlier this year.

Dwight A. Boykins, a former Houston City Council member, received 23% of the vote to Attorney Alejandra Salinas's 22%.

That race will head to a runoff.

Statewide amendments

All 17 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot passed with voter approval. See the amendments at DefenderNetwork.com

4 | November 6, 2025 |

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DN News FORT BEND COUNTY LEADER SERIES

Brian Middleton

Tannistha Sinha

When Brian Middleton was a college student at the University of Houston, one traffic stop changed everything. An off-duty Houston police officer pulled him over, hand on his gun, and berated him for passing. What could have been a fleeting moment of intimidation instead became a defining one, fueling Middleton’s determination to pursue law and ensure that no one else would endure that same fear.

That encounter set Middleton on a path from law school to the courtroom.

“I decided this is what I wanted to do with my life,” Middleton said.

Middleton is the District Attorney of Fort Bend County, one of Texas’s fastest-growing and most diverse counties. Elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, he is both the first

African American and first Democrat in more than two decades to hold the position.

Houston roots to Fort Bend leadership

Raised in Houston by a father who was a labor lawyer and role model to Middleton, he developed an early sense of justice. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Houston and a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1997.

After earning his law degree, he served as a state and county prosecutor, briefing attorney and private litigator before returning to Fort Bend as district attorney.

When he took office in 2019, Middleton set out to reshape the culture of prosecution.

“My superpower as a district attorney is to hire good people,” he said. “I’m proud of the work Me being African American that we’ve done probably makes a difference with to some people, it shows human

that if you go to law school and you work hard, you can achieve your goal if you want to. If you’re Black and you wanna be a district attorney, I’m an example of that.

You can do it.”

BRIAN MIDDLETON

Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton’s path to justice began with a single traffic stop. Credit: Tannistha Sinha/ Houston Defender

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 3 - NOVEMBER 6, 2025 The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender News- paper 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 2025 copyright. No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, TX 77288

Today, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton leads one of Texas’s most diverse and fastest-growing counties with a focus on equity.

Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Houston Defender

trafficking, trying to protect the youth in our community by providing youth programming and making sure that women and children are safe in our community.”

Justice through evidence and equity

Fort Bend’s rapid growth and increasing diversity have not changed how his office enforces the law, Middleton said, but have made its ranks more reflective of the community it serves. While Fort Bend’s overall crime rate remains lower than neighboring counties, Middleton says one trend troubles him most.

“The greatest increase in violent crime has occurred in domestic violence,” he explained. “These are people who know each other. Your ability to influence that is limited because you can’t go inside people’s households.”

Under his leadership, victims who wish to drop charges in domestic violence cases must now receive counseling before a case can be dismissed, with help from non-governmental agencies like Daya, Fort Bend County Women’s Center and AVDA. Political cases

Recently, Fort Bend County Judge KP George has been facing money laundering felony charges. Prosecutors alleged he misused his campaign funds for personal expenses and thereafter concealed those transactions in the financial report. George,

in turn, accused Middleton of pursuing charges that were “politically motivated.”

Middleton, however, cited the “rule of ethics” to avoid commenting on the pending investigation.

“It’s offensive to think that this office would be labeled pursuing anything political in terms of prosecution,” Middleton said. “That’s just not the way the justice system works. There are too many checks and balances.”

Middleton is also leading the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective, a county-wide collaboration with county law enforcement to combat human trafficking, funded by an $888,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department.

Legacy and leadership

As president-elect of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Middleton hopes his legacy reflects more than successful prosecutions.

“A good DA is one that is slow to anger, knows and studies law and follows ethics,” he said.

For Middleton, justice is not just about winning cases. It’s about changing minds, starting with his own.

“Me being African American probably makes a difference to some people,” Middleton said. “It shows that if you go to law school and you work hard, you can achieve your goal if you want to. If you’re Black and you wanna be a district attorney, I’m an example of that. You can do it.”

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Content Manager Terrance Harris

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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See how we’re helping our employees and communities thrive at BofA.com/GreatPlaceToWork Equal employment opportunity for persons with disabilities and veterans. ©2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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DN InFocus

Black Educators Look to reimagine the future

By Aswad Walker

John Peavy III is seemingly destined to reimagine education.

His mother, Gail Revis, spent 35 years leading guidance counselors for HISD. His grandmother taught Spanish and served as an assistant principal. His grandfather pioneered the School of Liberal Arts at Texas Southern University. Peavy grew up surrounded by conversations about both the promise and pain of educating Black children.

Now, as founder of Radiant 7 Ventures, Peavy is pairing those lessons with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to re-engineer how students learn.

Netflix-GPT University

Peavy’s vision sounds like something out of science fiction — a “Netflix-style” education model where learning is personalized, flexible and available on demand.

“From that experience, I knew it was not just about the hard numbers in terms of grades and scores, but you have to treat students holistically,” said Peavy. “So, I’ve founded Radiant 7 Ventures, and we’ve partnered with AI enterprise software companies that allow us to create applications that enhance the student experience, enhance the faculty and staff experience and also lower administrative costs for schools, both at higher ed and K through 12.

“One of the primary things in terms of

enhancing the student experience is that we’re able to create a knowledge base for the students that takes the student experience from being a fixed schedule, fixed curricular experience to something more like a streaming or a Netflix experience where you get personalized learning that’s adapted to the students’ learning styles, their learning gaps,” he explained.

“They don’t have to be at school at 8 a.m. to get math. They can get math if they want and they can seamlessly go from math to Spanish and back to history based on what they need at that moment.”

The interface is designed like ChatGPT. “So, the ability to use an interface like ChatGPT, talk to it, get answers, have the

SEE WHAT COFIELD SAYS ABOUT THE POWER OF CHARACTER EDUCATION.

ANTI DIVERSITY EQUALITY & INCLUSION (DEI) BILLS Introduced

Passed at least one chamber

Enacted

Source: NBC News analysis of Plural Policy data.

answers prompt you for questions to make sure that you are actually learning the materials, makes it very easy to digest,” Peavy added.

Hyper-personalized lessons

Peavy said the apps his company is producing go beyond standard curricula and take student life experiences, including past traumas, into consideration.

“We know that different students have different learning styles. We also know there are certain social determinants that drive students’ ability to learn. So, we can’t just teach the curricula,” stated Peavy. “We also have to address those learning styles and those social determinants. If we know there’s a food inequity situation, plus they’re a visual learner, then that’s a certain type of curricular material that the student needs.

That becomes true personalization.”

World classroom

Peavy is not alone in reimagining education for Black students.

Tori Cofield, a 37-year veteran educator, has opened three charter schools in Houston, Memphis and Detroit, specializing in school turnaround.

“We have to be creative. There’s always a way,” said Cofield. “Right now, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church is working with Cullen Middle School. My husband (Rev. Dr. D.Z. Cofield) has this Cullen Initiative that is working to help that school rise. We have a boatload of kids who come to the church.

Trump can’t tell us what to do at the church.

We are taking the opportunity to teach those lessons our kids need.”

Cofield encourages schools to partner with local community agencies.

“Get in touch with places like the Emancipation Park Conservancy. Tell the students, ‘I’ll meet you at the museum on Saturday.’

Kids will show up if they love their teachers,” she said. “Mike Miles, Donald Trump cannot stop you from meeting kids to talk about our story.”

Centering agency

HSPVA alum and Harvard professor Dr. Lumumba Seegars emphasizes reframing how Black history is taught.

“It’s imperative that Black youth are educated on history and understand the history of Black What will agency in our own strug- education for gle for liberation, and not Black children think of our trajectory as look like in something that was just the near given to us over time,” future? Much Seegars said. “Black peodifferent ple have always been the than it does central authors of our currently, own stories here, and if it’s up to understanding that is some Black imperative for undereducators standing our own sense and thinkers. of self-efficacy and colCredit: lective imagination for Gemini AI. who we can be.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO • Advocate for personalized learning tools that consider social and cultural factors.

• Support communitybased education initiatives like church programs, museums and after-school enrichment.

Does your school provide AI training opportunities?

Book boom

Educator and author Marsita Jordan sees a literacy crisis.

“We are living in the State of an Education Emergency,” Jordan said. “If Black parents, mentors, administrators, pastors, community leaders, politicians, etc., do not step up and take ownership of the education of our Black children, this state of emergency will soon be catastrophic. It is a call for aggressive literary tactics.”

Jordan calls for home and community-based solutions.

“Libraries, no matter how big or small, home or mobile, books have to become a norm in our homes and communities,” shared Jordan. “Reading development and literacy centers need to be mobilized and fueled by volunteers to provide intervention, remediation and tutoring. These centers can be established as makeshifts in local community centers, barbershops, salons, churches and pop-up locations.”

Culture is queen

Cofield also insists school culture is key.

“They call me the culture queen because when I go in, the first thing I do is look and see what does the school culture look like?

What feels good about being here? Why would a kid want to be here?” shared Cofield. “Many people say, ‘Well, the students need to acclimate to what I want them to be.’

No, that’s not going to get them. You have to realize where they’re coming from.

Dr. Lumumba Seegars

believes Black students will be more empowered and therefore more successful if Black history is taught from the perspective of Black agency. Credit: Harvard University.

(US primary schools (K-12)) Yes

Not yet (but plan to do so)

No

• Push for Black history and culture to remain central in learning spaces.

Total

• Invest in literacy at home and community hubs through book drives, home libraries and tutoring programs.

Urban Suburban Rural Low poverty

• Challenge harmful school surveillance policies and push for funds to go toward counselors and teachers instead.

High poverty Majority white Majority students of colour Small enrollment size Medium enrollment size Large enrollment size

0

20

40

60

80

100

Source: RAND, American School District Panel, and CRPE

“If you don’t understand the community and the kids, you can’t be successful with them.”

Cofield says being ignorant about the school neighbor’s culture can have negative impacts.

“Some teachers put down (degrade) working in Burger King and McDonald’s,” said Cofield. “Some of these kids, that’s where their parents work. So right out the gate, you’re saying to them they’re not important. We have to be mindful of that character John Peavy

and company are working on cuttingedge apps to tailor educational lesson plans to individual needs. Credit: Aswad Walker.

culture piece if we want success.”

Fight hostile policies

Activist Tammie Lang Campbell views future educational success through a different lens.

“Many parents don’t realize that so-called ‘AI safety tools’ in schools — from facial recognition to vape detectors — are not neutral,” Campbell explained. “These systems often misidentify students and disproportionately punish Black children. What’s sold as safety Tammie Lang Campbell

urges parents to push back against AI surveillance technology as a way to clear a path for a more positive educational future for Black students. Courtesy Tammie Lang Campbell.

• Help build strong school cultures by engaging with parents, teachers and local leaders.

is, in reality, pushing too many of our kids closer to the school-to-prison pipeline, and that should alarm every Black family.

“When schools invest millions in surveillance but struggle to hire counselors or retain teachers, it sends a very clear message: Discipline is being valued more than development. Black parents should be deeply concerned that resources are being diverted from what truly helps our children thrive — caring educators, counselors and supportive learning environments.”

Tori Cofield,

a 37-year veteran educator, advocates for culture and creativity to meet current educational challenges.

Credit: Toricofield.com.

Marsita Jordan

calls for an allout book blitz to increase literacy and improve educational outcomes.

Courtesy Marsita Jordan.

8 | November 6, 2025 |

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DN Feature HOLIDAY

Soul Nutcracker Market Gives Black vendors space to shine

By ReShonda Tate

Every year, thousands of Houstonians flock to the Nutcracker Market at NRG for holiday shopping.

But for five women, the experience often came with disappointment.

“We couldn’t find things that were really important to us — like Black Santas or Black Nutcrackers,” said Samantha Townsend, one of the co-founders of the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market. “So I called a friend and shared my concern, and she and someone else were already talking about the same thing. We reached out to two other friends, and that’s how this idea was born.”

That idea has grown into the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market, an annual twoday event dedicated to showcasing minority-owned businesses and celebrating Black culture. Now in its biggest year yet, the market will host more than 70 vendors at the Bayou City Event Center from Nov. 7-8.

Filling the gap For the founders — Shana Bailey-Scott, Dr. Michelle Moore, Elmer Rogers, Carol Washington, and Townsend — the goal was simple: To create an upscale shopping experience that reflects the traditions and culture of communities of color.

“I think what it does is allow us to see what’s available for us,” Rogers said. “It gives vendors and entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase the things we do. A lot of people are really talented, but the only place they can show their work affordably is maybe a church bazaar. We wanted something that belonged to us.”

A different kind of market Unlike the city’s larger holiday markets, the founders say the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market is about more than shopping.

“As the five founders, our motivation really came from seeing the gap — the lack of HBCU paraphernalia and cultural diversity in the marketplace. We wanted to change that,” Bailey-Scott added. “Everything we do comes from a place of love — love for our people, for Black-owned businesses, and for the community we serve. It’s not just about shopping; it’s a full shopping experience. From the music to the food to the products we curate, every detail reflects the culture and care we put into it. Shoppers feel it. Vendors feel it. You can see it and experience it in everything we do.”

HOLIDAY SOUL NUTCRACKER MARKET Fri., Nov. 7, 1–8 p.m. & Sat., Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Bayou City Event Center 9401 Knight Rd www.myholidaysoul.com.

Moore said the reception from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People are excited to have a space where they can find items that represent their culture — Black Santas, HBCU gear, ornaments and keepsakes like you’d see at your grandmother’s house. They look forward to coming back year after year.”

Townsend added that even with large crowds, the market feels personal.

“Families come wearing matching T-shirts; they make a day of it. You can just tell they’re excited to be there.”

Pride and possibility For Washington, the market is also about inspiring the next generation.

“We have people ask us all the time: How did you do this? When my friends see my picture on our marketing pieces, they’re like, ‘Wow, that’s you?’ It’s a great example for young entrepreneurs. You see vendors selling all kinds of things, networking, creating opportunities. It’s really Black excellence.”

She noted that the market also reinvests in the community. Vendor fees are set at lower price points than those in many large markets, and a portion of the proceeds is allocated toward local initiatives.

“We wanted a model that allows vendors to keep more of their earnings, while still giving back,” she said.

Rogers said the pride is mutual.

“People are proud of what we’ve built.

They tell us all the time, ‘Wow, you ladies did that.’ And they appreciate that we care enough about our culture to create this space.”

What’s next As the market continues to grow, the founders say they are focused on maintaining its heart: culture, connection and community.

“Every year, people ask if we’re coming back — and the answer is yes,” Moore said.

“We want them to leave excited about our traditions, about the holiday season and about celebrating who we are.”

Founders Shana Bailey-Scott, Elmer Rogers, Samantha Townsend, Carol Washington and Dr. Michelle Moore are ready for shoppers at the Holiday Soul Nutcracker. Courtesy: Michelle Moore

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DN Feature OLIVEWOOD AT 150

Preserving the Roots of Black Houston

By Laura Onyeneho

Ten years after enslaved Texans finally learned of their freedom, a group of freedmen in Houston established their own cemetery in 1875.

Olivewood Cemetery became the city’s first incorporated African American burial ground.

At a time when segregation denied Black Houstonians dignity in life and even in death, Olivewood was a declaration of independence.

It gave the city’s earliest freed families a sacred resting ground where they could honor their dead on their own terms.

One hundred and fifty years later, Olivewood is still here. Its anniversary in November marks a testament to the resilience of memory and the determination of descendants and volunteers to preserve Houston’s earliest Black history.

The cemetery’s founding sits squarely in the story of Juneteenth. When Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, two months after the Civil War ended, to declare freedom for enslaved Texans, the announcement reshaped life across the state.

“This cemetery is emancipation in stone,” says Margott Williams, president of Descendants of Olivewood. “To honor those people who came out of slavery, who became doctors, attorneys, seamstresses, farmers and veterans, it’s a privilege.”

Williams’ ties are deeply personal. Her grandmother passed away and Williams wanted to bury her beside her grandfather.

When Williams arrived at the cemetery, she couldn’t find her grandfather’s gravesite. That was her turning point.

NOTABLE BURIALS AT OLIVEWOOD CEMETERY Richard Allen (1830–1909) Texas politician and founder of Houston’s Emancipation Park (1872).

John Brown Bell (1858–1917) Businessman, real estate investor, civic leader; formerly enslaved.

Vance Lewis (c. 1853–1925) Lawyer; born enslaved, became one of Houston’s first Black attorneys.

Jack Yates (1828–1897) Baptist minister and community leader; buried initially at Olivewood, later reinterred at College Park Cemetery.

| 9

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO)

UPDATE ON

PUBLIC HEARING Olivewood Cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of formerly enslaved and some of Houston’s earliest Black residents.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison

“I thought, this is a shame, that somebody’s last resting place on this planet should look like that,” Williams recalls. “To be able to walk in the steps of your ancestors is a very important step.”

That discovery inspired Williams to help found Descendants of Olivewood in 2003.

This nonprofit has since become the cemetery’s guardian. Its mission is to restore, preserve and tell the stories of those interred.

Lives that shaped Houston Olivewood is a map of Houston’s Black history. Among its burials are Richard Allen, a state legislator and one of the founders of Emancipation Park in 1872; businessman John Brown Bell, who was formerly enslaved; lawyer J. Vance Lewis, also once enslaved and Reverend Jack Yates, the pioneering minister and civic leader, later reinterred at College Park Cemetery.

Hundreds of other shopkeepers, seamstresses, teachers, preachers, soldiers, mothers and fathers surround each of these men.

Together, their lives trace the roots of Black Houston.

Charles Cook is the co-founder and maintenance coordinator of Descendants of Olivewood. As a long-time volunteer, those stories are what keep him coming back. “Oli-wood is the place to be,” he says, using the nickname many volunteers affectionately use. “There’s so much history, so much forgotten culture.”

DATE POSTPONED For more information on the proposed January 2026 service changes and the upcoming public hearing, please visit: RideMETRO.org/PublicHearing

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

10 | November 6, 2025 |

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DN Sports

ALAN SIMS

Brings 50-year track run to finish line

By Aswad Walker

Since childhood, Alan Sims has been devoted to track and field. From toddler beginnings to competing globally at age 60, he sees his 50 years on the track as a calling.

“I was introduced to track at 9 by my cousin, who was my babysitter,” Sims said.

“She would take me to practice and suggested I try running. That cousin went on to run at Prairie View and became teammates with Mary Ayers, my high school’s girls’ track coach.”

That introduction began a half-century journey defined by speed, medals and a purpose bigger than sport.

Alan Sims shows his silver medal earned at a meet in Canada. Credit: Aswad Walker.

High school standout

At Willowridge High School, Sims excelled in both football and track. In 1982, he was a defensive back on Willowridge’s 4A state championship football team, but on the track, he found his true stride, earning “Track Athlete of the Year” his senior year.

His legacy endures—he was inducted into the Willowridge Wall of Honor in 2007, cementing his place among the school’s greats.

Called to run

A post-high school injury seemed to end Sims’ dreams before they began. He never ran in college and thought his days in the sport were over—until a 1986 phone call from his old teammate, Ronnie Niles.

“Niles called me out of the blue and said, ‘Come on, man, we’re gonna train.’ I was like, ‘Train for what?’ Next thing I know, I’m running and working out on the regular at Rice University, like we never missed a beat,” Sims said.

That call reopened a door that never closed. By his late 20s, Sims returned to competition—first on the open circuit and later with Team USA Masters.

Masters excellence

“Masters track and field consists of athletes from ages 30 through 100,” Sims explained. “You compete on teams of fiveyear increments. I’ve been competing since I was 37. Every five years, you’re the baby in the bunch.”

Now in the 60–64 division, Sims continues to excel. “I’ve been a member of Team USA four times,” he said. “This month, I’ll be on my fifth in Mexico City. That’ll be my last Team USA.” Not everyone believes that. His daughter, Nia—who ran at the University of Oklahoma—laughed, “Yeah, he’s about to retire.

Again.”

Still, Sims reflects on what the sport has

Alan Sims in action, competing in the long jump during an international competition representing Team USA Masters. Courtesy Alan Sims.

given him.

“I’ve been at it for 50 years. It’s allowed me to travel the world and meet people from the common man to presidents,” said Sims.

“Track has allowed me to live my dream and meet great people.”

For Sims, track is a calling.

“Through track, I’m able to demonstrate God’s talent that he blessed me with and help motivate the youth,” he said.

World record holder Bill Collins affirmed Sims’ greatness.

“He’s one of the best long jumpers and sprinters in his h age group in the world,” said Co ollins. “An outstanding athlete an nd individual, and I’m glad to haave him as a lifelong teammate and a friend.”

Passing the baton

That purpose extends beyond his own competitions. Since 1987, Sims has coached youth athletes for clubs like Wings Track Club and Northwest Flash, as well as at private high schools.

“I’ve had many athletes go on to college and pursue their dreams,” Sims said. “That’s my pride and joy—to pass on my knowledge and help the youth.”

Among those athletes were his children, Nia and Akili. Coaching them, he said, required clear boundaries. ““When h we came throu h ugh the gate, I was no longer Dad. I was just Coach,” Sims saiid. “I trreated them no diffeerentl y. I probably ha d moore

Whether compe eting or coaching, Alan Sims has made a home on the track.

November will mark the end of a 50-year race. Credit: Aswad Walker.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALAN SIMS’ TRACK JOURNEY.

expectations from them because they were my kids.”

Nia remembered both sides of that arrangement.

“The best thing was the convenience. If I needed to stretch something out, my dad had it,” she said. “The worst thing was also the convenience—he was always there, always nitpicking.”

Frank Mason, a parent of one of Sims’ athletes, called him a pillar of the sport.

“Alan has coached more champions, All-Americans and national record holders than any one man should be able to,” Mason said. “He still maintains his humble ways.”

The finish line

As Sims prepares for his final Team USA Masterrs meet, he reflects with gratitude.

“If trackk were a person, I would simply sayy thanks for the amazing journey,” Sims said. “You allowed a kid from m Missouri City, Texas, to see thee world and experience things moost people never will.”

Nia Sims, Alan Sims’ daughter, was an All-Big 12 track athlete at the University of Oklahoma.

Credit: Aswad Walker.

November 6, 2025 |

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| 11

DN Sports MILBY WIDE RECEIVER

ARTAVION DAVIS Shines bright at Milby through tough season

By Jimmie Aggison

Milby High School may be struggling with a 3-5 record through eight games, but one player’s star continues to rise.

Junior wide receiver Artavion Davis has caught the attention of many, amassing 1,183 yards on 69 receptions with 17 touchdowns, all while standing out as a bright spot on a team still searching for consistency. At 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Davis is proving that talent and determination can shine even when victories are hard to come by.

For Davis, football has always been more than just a game; it’s been a calling.

“I started playing football in Little League as a running back,” said Davis. “I realized early on I had a natural talent for the sport.

I really enjoyed it and became more passionate about it, so I just kept going.”

That passion didn’t go unnoticed. His father, Arthur Davis, saw the spark from the start.

“We noticed Artavion was a natural at football in Little League, and he’s been progressing and getting better ever since,” said Arthur.

When Davis enrolled at Milby before his sophomore season, offensive coordinator Chris Barrick immediately saw his potential.

“I could see it when he first stepped on the practice field,” said Barrick. “A lanky kid with great route-running skills and great hands.

He needed to get bigger and faster, but the basic necessities for an elite wide receiver were there.”

From backyard games to varsity lights, Davis’ drive has shaped him into one of Houston’s most promising young playmakers.

Through eight games, his numbers speak loudly. But for Davis, success has come from focus and preparation.

“This season, everything just started to slow down for me,” said Davis. “I’ve been more confident in my routes, my timing with the quarterback is better, and I’ve worked on the little details, getting out of my breaks quicker and reading defenses. The offseason work is paying off.”

Barrick said Davis’ consistency has elevated the entire offense.

“With a 3-5 season, you’d think his numbers wouldn’t be up to par with some other top wide receivers,” Barrick said. “But Artavion continues to produce and prove he is one of the top receivers in the nation. When we need a play, the quarterback knows who

to look for. He blocks for teammates, never complains, and when his teammates see that, it levels up their play too.”

Teammate Isaiah Washington, also a junior receiver, said Davis’s Daviss work ethic sets the tone.

“Artavion’s skkill and effort make all of us better,” said Washington.

W “We play like a one-two co ombo, doing everything we can to win.”

One of Davis’’ favorite moments this season cam me in a key matchup against Wisdom m High School.

“I made a big touchdown catch that helped shift the m momentum,” said Davis.

“It wasn’t just about a the play; it

ABOUT ARTAVION DAVIS:

Class: 2027 IG: @taekover._ Twitter: @taedavisss Position: Wide receiver Height & weight: 6-feet2, 180 pounds Favorite artist: Drake Status: Uncommitted Favorite subjects: English Shout-outs: Teammates and parents

showed how everything came together: My focus, my route running, and my connection with the quarterback.”

While Davis racks up yards and touchtouch downs, his greatest impact comes through his attitude, keeping the team motivated in tough times.

“I stay motivated by focusing on getting better every day and leading by example,” said Davis. “No matter what, I keep my energy up and push my teammates to do tthe same.”

This positivity is contagious.

“Artavion is never in a bad mood,” said Barrick. “When the offense isn’t clicking, he’s B aalready thinking about the next play. He is aalways getting the offense moved on to the next play or the next drive.” n “He doesn’t back down,” said Washington. ““Even when we’re down, he runs his routes harder, trying to make a play. That energy h sspreads.”

Davis’ resilience and focus have caught tthe attention of football fans, but his humiliity keeps him grounded, and despite his standout season, he’s still waiting for his first college offer.

“I haven’t had any offers yet,” said Davis. “But I’m looking for a program that feels like family, develops players on and off the field, and gives me the best chance to grow and compete.”

Davis’ father, Arthur, expressed that the family is preparing for when that time comes.

“We have family and friends who know the recruiting process,” said Arthur.

“They’re helping us understand what coaches look for on and off the field.”

Whether or not the offers have arrived, Davis is already leading like a college prospect.

“I want my teammates to see that hard work and consistency pay off,” said Davis. “No matter what happens, keep grinding and trust the process.

And always trust in God, He’s all we’ve got.”

Barrick said that approach has changed the receiver room’s culture.

“Artavion doesn’t have the typical wide receiver mindset,” said Barrick.

“He’s all about the team. When he wants to get in extra work after practice, he makes sure the rest of the wide receivers stay too. His work ethic at practtice has helped all of our receivers take their ggame to the next level.”

Washington said playing alongside Davis pushes him to be better. p “Even in a tough season, we have to match his effort,” said Washington. “We get extra h work in every day and hold each other w aaccountable.”

12 | November 6, 2025 |

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