To the POINT DN
Message from the Reporter
Black Panther 3
Two-timeOscarnomineeRyanCoogleris officiallyreturningtoWakanda,confirming toaLosAngelesaudiencejustdaysagothat ‘Black Panther 3’ is in the works. He says theupcomingfilmwillcompletetheMarvel trilogy. As a Marvel fan and a former high schoolteacherwhotaughthisstudentsmore about the importance of T’Challa and The Black Panther than our actual coursework, I’m absolutely excited by this news. I mean, you already know. The Black Panther, the DoraMilaje,Shuri,Wakanda…it’sallaboutBlackexcellence past,present,andfuture ButifI’mbeingperfectlyhonest,this momentwe’reinasapeople,caughtinamatrixofanti-Blackness growing at an exponential rate, calls for something else Whatweneedevenmorethananotheron-screenjourneyto Wakanda, is to be about building some Wakandas wherever wereside,bethatHouston’sThirdWard,Chicago’sSouthSide, Cincinnati’s East End, or Rio de Janeiro’s favela (extremely impoverished area). From the still existing South African “shanytowns”toHouston’shistoricallyneglectedFreedmen’s Town, it’s past time we invest in some “for us, by us ” energy. T’Challa’snotcomingtosaveus WehavetobeourownBlack Panthers We have it in us Plus, building our own empires of excellence will make watching Black Panther 3 even more enjoyable, because it’ll be more documentary than fiction Let’s go!
Bad Boys
admission to gleefully and purposely walking into beauty pageant dressing rooms of half-dressedpre-teensdidn’tstophimfrom becomingPOTUStwice Nottomentionthe hundredsofwhiteevangelicalChristianpastorsinthenewsrecentlyforthesamedespicable behavior, yet receiving overwhelming congregational support. Megyn Kelly and Fox News have been providing “cover” for this madness, convincing their viewers that 15-year-old girls are grown. Hell, Missouri lawmakers only banned marrying children 14oryoungerin2018.And38GOPlawmakersvotedagainst that ban. So, what makes the Epstein files info different? In MAGAville,youcanbeanythingbutgay.Thatsaid,thosefiles must reveal that these grown-ass, all-white, no DEI pedophiles must be abusing boys, too. And Bubba. And if true, it again shows how this society devalues the well-being of women and girls.
Prayers up
Atheoryfloatingaroundthem“innernets”astowhyTrump isclutchingtheEpsteinfilestighterthanbuttcheeksholdingin gas,maysoundcrazytosome,butitseemsdamnplausibleto me It’snotjustthathyper-wealthywhitemenstandthechance ofbeingexposedaspedophiles.Thissocietyhasalwaysgiven a pass to wealthy white men who abuse children. Horrifyingandsickening,buttrue Rapinggirls(or,astheymislabel it, “having sex with underaged women”) didn’t stop Roman Polanski from winning an Oscar in 2003. It hasn’t stopped Rock’n’Roll fans from celebrating Jerry Lee Lewis. Trump’s
ItwasfearedthatReverendJesseL.JacksonSr.(84)wason lifesupport.FamilymembersoftheRainbowPushCoalition founderclarifiedthatJacksonisinstableconditionandbreathingwithoutmachineassistance Still,Jacksonhasbeenliving withParkinson’sdiseasesincebeingdiagnosedin2017.And everypublicappearance,liketheonehemadewhenhecame toHoustonforthefuneralofthelateCongresswomanSheila Jackson Lee, reminds people of the stark physical difference in Jackson from decades past So, make sure to add Brother Jesse to your prayer list He’s been on the frontlines pushing for our rights and the rights of others for over half a century
On the web
• CoachMcGinnisrevivesEisenhowerfootballinjustfour months
• Challenges facing Black authors – and how readers can help.
• Terrance’s Take: Texas DPS officer’s actions despicable during TAMU-South Carolina game
Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hand of then Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during the celebration of life of Sheila Jackson Lee. Credit: Jimmie Aggison.
Aswad Walker
Runoff Elections
Dec. 13 - City Council | Jan. 31 - 18th Congressional
ByTannisthaSinha
Gov.GregAbbotthassetJan.31,2026,as the date for the runoff election to fill Texas’ 18th Congressional District, finalizing the timeline for a race that will determine who finishes the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner’s term representing a heavily Democratic, Houston-basedseat
The runoff pits Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee against former Houston at-large City Council member Amanda Edwards. Both are Democrats and emerged as the top two finishers in a crowded Nov. 4 specialelectionthatdrew16candidatesfrom multipleparties.
Neitherclearedthe50%thresholdneeded to win outright, forcing the two-person rematch.WhileMenefeefinishedwith28.9% ofthevote,Edwardscameinsecondat25.6%.
Earlyvotingfortherunoffisscheduledto run Jan. 21–27, according to Abbott’s proclamationandmultiplelocalelectionnotices.
Alongvacancyforthedistrict
TheDistrict18seathasbeenvacantsince March 5, 2025, when Turner died at age 70 from health complications, just two months after taking office He had won the seat in 2024 after serving as Houston’s mayor and succeedinglongtimeDemocraticRep.Sheila JacksonLee,whodiedin2024.
Turner’s death triggered the current special election process. Under Texas law, the governor has broad discretion on when to schedule special elections and there is no statutory deadline for calling one. Abbott ultimatelysetthefirst-roundspecialelection forNov.4,2025,eightmonthsafterTurner’s passing, a timeline that drew criticism from localDemocratsandvoting-rightsadvocates who argued the district was being left withoutrepresentationfortoolonginanarrowly dividedU.S.House.
By the time voters cast ballots in the Jan. 31 runoff, the seat will have been empty for roughly11months
CongressionalDistrict18includesalarge swathofHoustonandhaslongbeenregarded
asasafelyDemocraticandmajority-minority seat, sending Black Democrats to Congress for decades and serving as a key voice on issues like civil rights, housing, health care anddisasterrecovery
Abbott’stimingandpolitical backdrop
Abbott’s decision to place the runoff on Jan. 31 means the winner will have only a shortwindowtosettleintothejobbeforethe March 3, 2026, Democratic primary for the nextfulltwo-yearterm Inthisdeep-bluedistrict,theprimaryiswidelyexpectedtobethe decisive contest for who represents the area
inthetermbeginningJanuary2027.
Democrat Al Green, who currently represents the 9th Congressional District, has already filed to run in the 18th race because ofTexas’sredrawingofthemaps Thatmeans whoeverwinsthe2026special-electionrunoffinJanuarycouldfaceaprimaryinMarch against an entrenched incumbent in a dramaticallyaltereddistrict,dependingonhow thecourtsrule.
CityCouncilrace: At-largeposition4
Meanwhile,atthemunicipallevel,thecity of Houston has set the run-off date for the
openat-largecouncilseat,At-LargePosition 4, for Dec. 13, 2025 (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Early voting will run from Dec. 1–9 (Monday-Saturday:7a.m.–7p.m.;Sunday: 12p.m.-7p.m.).
This seat opened after Letitia Plummer resigned in July 2025 to run for Harris CountyJudge.
IntheNov.4generalelection,nocandidate exceeded50%support,promptingarun-off betweenattorneyAlejandraSalinasandformerCityCouncilMemberDwightBoykins.
Salinas led with about 21% of the vote, Boykinsfollowedcloselywithabout20%.
Both contests arrive as voters navigate shifting political maps, tight timelines and major policy stakes. Credit: Getty
ChristianMenefee
DwightBoykins
AmandaEdwards
AlejandraSalinas
News DN Bayou Deaths
Six more ruled ‘Undetermined’
ByReShondaTate
Six additional bodies recovered from Houston’s bayous in recent months have now been ruled “undetermined”incauseofdeath,addingto the uncertainty and community concern surrounding a yearlong spike in bayoudeathsacrossthecity.
According to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, the deaths of Salome Garza, Jamal Alexander,RodneyChatman,SethHansen, Michael Rice, and Michaela Miller have all been updated to “undetermined.” The individuals were found betweenJuneandSeptember.
Theircausesofdeathhadpreviously been listed as pending. With these updates,15ofatleast28bayoudeaths this year now fall under the undeterminedcategory,providingfewanswers aboutwhathappenedbeforetheirbodieswerefound.
Medical examiners say that in Houston’s hot, humid climate and in water environments bodies often deteriorate rapidly, complicatingautopsies.
“We’re basically a swamp,” said Dr Jay Coons, assistant professor at Sam HoustonStateUniversity’sDepartment of Criminal Justice and Criminology. “It doesn’t take long before fairly routineanalysisbecomesverydifficult.”
The growing number of inconclusivefindingshasfueledfearandspeculationacrossHouston,especiallyamid lastfall’swaveofonlinerumorsabout a serial killer targeting the bayous a claim repeatedly rejected by law enforcementduetoalackofevidence
Whatweknow
The only new conclusive ruling came in the death of 63-year-old Arnulfo Alvarado, whose death was attributedtomethamphetaminetoxicityanddrowning.Hismannerofdeath wasruledaccidental.
The cluster of September 2025 discoveries including Chatman, Hansen, Rice, Miller, and Alvarado intensified public concern as their bodiessurfacedoverjustseveraldays.
GarzawasfoundinJune,andAlexanderwasfoundinlateAugust
The other individuals with “undetermined”causesofdeathinclude:Juan GarciaLoredo,KennethJones,Culcois Racius, George Grays, Ernest Armstrong,BrentBrown,RaymondHatten, LatreciaAmos,andJadeMcKissic.
McKissic’sdeath involvingaUniversity of Houston student drew widespread attention this summer, especially after her case also received an“undetermined”ruling.
Ayearofbodiesinthebayou
A Defender review of Houston Police Department reports, spanning from Sept 13, 2024 to Sept 20, 2025, reveals just how frequently these discoverieshaveoccurred
Inthatoneyear:
•39bodieswererecovered fromHouston-areabayous
•15caseswerependingcauseof deathatthetimeoftherequest
•11werealreadyclassified asundetermined
•Onlyonewasruledahomicide
•Fourweresuicides
•Two-thirdsofallbayou-related deathslackedaconclusivecause
Buffalo Bayou had the highest number of recoveries (16), followed byBraysBayou(9),WhiteOakBayou (5),HuntingBayou(4),HallsandSims bayous(2each),andHorsePenBayou (1).
Innearlyeverycase,policenotedno signs of obvious trauma or foul play, thoughseveralincidentsinvolvedcomplexcircumstances:
•Amanwhodrownedafterfleeing police into Brays Bayou following an alleged bike theft from the University ofHouston.
•An81-year-oldmanwithdementia wasfoundwithagunshotwoundafter hiswife’sdeath.
• A construction worker fell through a gap under Loop 610 while
laying wooden planks.
Othercaseswerediscoveredbyjoggers, passing motorists, or in one incident a Harris County Sheriff’s OfficeemployeeworkingoutnearBuffaloBayou.
Since 2017, 189 bodies have been recovered.
Limitedanswers,growing concern
The“undetermined”designationis notuncommoninwater-relateddeaths, experts say. Bodies that remain submergedforhoursordaysoftenlosekey evidenceneededtodeterminewhether a death was accidental, intentional, or theresultoffoulplay
Still,forfamilieswaitingforclosure and for residents shaken by a year of grim headlines the lack of informationhasbecomeasourceofitsown trauma
Communityactivistshaverenewed callsforfastercaseupdates,moretransparent communication,a centralized HPD dashboard tracking bayou-related deaths, and improved lighting, barriers, and signage near high-risk accesspoints
“It’sveryconcerningtohave15bodiesthisyear,24bodiesin2024,and26 bodesin2023.That’satotalof65bodies in the last three years, ” said community activist Travis McGee. “So it’s hardnottobealarmedaboutthat.We just want some transparency We just wantthebasicthingsthatwelearnedin elementary Who, what, when, where, how. We don’t want any assumptions. Wewanttoknowwhotheywere,how theydied.Wewanteveryonetobedealt withwithdignityandrespect.Wedon’t
want to just hear they were homeless…wewanteverything tobeinvestigated.”
Several families of the deceased have also pushed for independent reviews of their loved ones ’ cases, saying the “undetermined” rulings offer littlecomfortorclarity.
HPDandtheHarrisCounty Institute of Forensic Sciences
continue to investigate the remaining pending cases and monitor trends Officials emphasize they have no evidence of a serial killer or coordinated foul play but acknowledge that many unansweredquestionsremain.
“It’s very alarming when we heardon’tbealarmed.Onebody istoomany,”McGeeadded.
The waters of the bayou are the focal point of an ongoing investigation after six deceased individuals, includingJade McKissic (pictured), found here received an ‘undetermined’ ruling Relatives are calling for further inquiry.
Houston judges unite
Bridge gap between courts, community
By Tannistha Sinha
At Texas Southern University, judges, professors and students gathered to bridge the gap between the justice system and the community it serves.
The event, Bridging the Gap: Balancing the Scales of Justice and Community, brought together the University Criminal Justice Association (UCJA), the Houston AreaUrbanLeagueandretiredJudgeMaria T.Jackson’snonprofitWeDeserveBetterfor acandiddialogueaboutfairnessandreform in Harris County’s courts.
Thediscussionunderscoredhowtheface of justice in Houston has changed and how much more work remains to be done.
A new generation of justice
UCJA is a student-led organization that unites students interested in law enforcement,forensicsandcriminaljusticereform TSU criminal justice professors Anthony PhillipsandEricCarr,bothUCJAadvisors, urged attendees to see the moment as an investmentinthenextgenerationofleaders.
“It’s very important that we invest in our future,” Carr said “We have a lot of young studentsherewhoaregoingtobeourleaders. We have to do our part to encourage, inspire and motivate that next generation Unfortunately, I believe some of our organizations have not done a good job passing that torch on to the next generation.”
The changing face of the bench
Maria T. Jackson, retired State District Court Judge, acknowledged the progress anddiversitynowseeninHouston’scourts Judges Lori Chambers Gray (262nd CriminalDistrictCourt),RaúlRodríguez(HarrisCountyCriminalCourtatLawNo 13), ShannonBaldwin(HarrisCountyCriminal CourtatLawNo 4),SedrickWalker(Harris CountyCriminalCourtatLawNo.11)and AudrieLawton-Evans(HarrisCountyCivil CourtatLawNo 1)sharedperspectiveson personalidentitiesandtheirimpactonthe justice system
“Judges didn’t always look like the society;theywereseentobesittinghereandnot apartofthecommunity,”Graysaid “That haschangedinHarrisCountybecausethe community has spoken out and said they wanted judges who would treat everyone fairly.”
Lawton-Evansnotedthatbeingawoman ofcoloronthebenchhasshapedeverything fromhowshescheduleshearingstohowshe supports working parents and caregivers in her courtroom, drawing from her challenges of bringing her daughters to court.
“I start at 9.30 am because I know what it’s like to have to drop children off,” she said “I would not schedule anything after probably 2 or 3 o’clock in the afternoon because I also remember what it’s like to have to pick up the child. Our courthouse
nowhaslactationpodsandfeminineproducts I’m now in this space that I can do unapologetically.”
Restorative justice
Acentralthemeoftheeveningwasrestorativejustice,theideathatcourtsshouldaim
It’s very important that we invest in our future. We have a lot of young students here who are going to be our leaders. We have to do our part to encourage, inspire and motivate that next generation. Unfortunately, I believe some of our organizations have not done a good job passing that torch on to the next generation.”
ERIC CARR UCJA ADVISOR
to rehabilitate, not simply punish JudgeRodriguezdescribedHarrisCounty’s “Sober Court,” which focuses on treatment and recovery for individuals charged with repeat DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenses.
“We found that those individuals have an issue with alcohol dependency,” he said “Our goal in that particular court is not incarceration, it is rehabilitation to help them. We’re trying to nip it in the bud.”
JudgeBaldwin,whopresidesoveraveterans’ court, echoed Rodriguez’s philosophy
“Whenyoucomebeforeourcourts,we’re notlookingjustforaconviction,we’relooking for restorative justice,” Baldwin said. “Whenyouleave,youshouldbebetterthan when you came in.”
JudgeWalkerhighlightedtheFreshStart Program, which helps residents seal or expunge eligible misdemeanor records for free, a vital second chance for those trying to rebuild their lives after serving time
Judgesrepeatedlyemphasizedthepower ofcivicparticipation,especiallyvoting They urged attendees to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
“Peoplearechippingawayatyourrights, but if you vote for like-minded judges, we willrulewithoutfearorfavor,”Baldwinsaid “They are trying to remove us, but we will be out there holding the line and fighting for you. ”
Judges Audrie Lawton-Evans (HC Civil Court at Law No 1), Sedrick Walker (HC Criminal Court at Law No.11). Shannon Baldwin (HC Criminal Court at Law No 4), Raúl Rodríguez (HC Criminal Court at Law No 13), Lori Chambers Gray (262nd Criminal District Court) emphasized restorative justice, second chances and the importance of addressing root causes of crime Credit: Tannistha Sinha/Defender
Redistricting Stopped
What’s next after congressional map tossed?
By ReShonda Tate and Terrance Harris
Texasisbracingforitsnextpolitical battle After a federal court threwoutthestate’snewlydrawn congressiona map - ruling it was racially gerrymandered to weakenthevotingpowerofBlackandLatino Texans-thequestionnowis whatcomesnext. With candidate filing deadlines looming, an appeal already underway, and the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the ruling has set off a scramble that could reshape not only Texas elections, but the national fight for control of Congress
The three-judge panel’s Nov. 18 decision forcesTexastoreverttoits2021mapfornow, haltingaTrump-backedplanthatwouldhave given Republicans a significant advantage in as many as 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.ButwiththecaseheadedtotheU.S. Supreme Court, the future of those districts is far from settled.
How we got here
This summer Texas lawmakers approved anewcongressionalmapdesignedtocement long-term Republican control. Former President Donald Trump publicly urged the Legislaturetoredrawthestate’sdistrictstosecure additional GOP seats ahead of his expected finaltwoyearsinoffice Gov.GregAbbottand AttorneyGenera KenPaxtonchampionedthe effort.
Democrats and civil rights groups challengedthemapalmostimmediately,pointing to what they said was clear evidence of racial gerrymandering.Aftera10-daytrial,thefedera panel, which included Trump appointee U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, agreed “Thepublicperceptionofthiscaseisthatit’s aboutpolitics,”Brownwrote.“Butitwasmuch more than just politics. Substantia evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 map. ” Texas leaders immediately filed an appeal But with candidate filing closing Dec. 8, the clock is ticking.
Abbott called the ruling “clearly erroneous, ” saying, “Any claim that these maps are discriminatoryisabsurd.”Paxtoninsistedthe map was “entirely legal.”
What it means for Houston
For now, Districts 9, 18 and 29 in Houstonremainunchanged.InDistrict18,where Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards areheadedtoaJan.31 2026runofftofillthe seat vacated after the death of longtime Rep. Sylvester Turner
“This is a victory for every Texan who believes in fair representation,” Menefee said “We know the fight will continue…but we hope at least five Supreme Court justices will put law and justice above politics.”
Edwards said the ruling protects communities that have long fought for political power.
“Instead of fighting for the needs of our communities,theTrumpAdministrationand Governor Abbott tried to redraw the maps
to silence voters,” she said. “We will not be silenced.”
District 9, represented by U.S. Rep. Al Green,wasalsosignificantlyalteredunderthe rejectedmap-changesanalystswarnedcould haveweakenedthevotingpowerofHouston’s BlackandLatinoresidentsandmadethelongheld Democratic seat far less secure
“This redrawing of the maps was racist A racist politica powergrab,”saidGreen,who ledthelawsuittogettheRedistrictingruling overturned “Ourfailuretostandupforourselvesiswhat’sgoingtocausetheclocktobe rolled back on us.”
DistrictsinDallas,SanAntonio,andalong the border that would have been redrawn under the blocked map will also remain intact Unless the Supreme Court quickly intervenes Texasvoterswillcastballotsusing the 2021 boundaries the same ones used in the previous cycle.
Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu D-Houston, said the ruling “stopped one of
themostbrazenattemptstostealourdemocracy that Texas has ever seen.”
“Greg Abbott and his Republican cronies triedtosilenceTexans’voicestoplacateDonaldTrump,”Wusaid “Butnowthey’vedelivered him absolutely nothing.”
The broader impact: A national fight backfires
TheTexasrulingcomesatapivota moment in a nationwide political struggle The GOP’s pushformid-cycleredistrictingwasintended to lock down a House majority but the strategy may now be backfiring.
Instead of gaining seats, Republicans are unexpectedly losing ground:
• CaliforniacouldgiveDemocratsfivenew seats after voters approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting ballot measure.
•Utah may shift one seat toward Democrats, pending court action
• VirginiacouldaddtwoDemocratic-leaningseats if it finalizes its maps next year
Republican-led redistricting efforts in Indiana, Kansas and Florida have stalled or sparked backlash some from within the party.
“The whole thing is just utterly foolish,” said Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif. whose district was redrawn under the Newsom effort.
“It was very clear this was going to have a domino effect.”
TexasDemocratsclaimvictory-butwarn the fight isn’t over Democratswastednotimecelebratingthe Texas development
“Donald Trump and Greg Abbott played withfire,gotburned anddemocracywon,” Newsom wrote on X.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendal Scudder said the ruling proves what communities of color have long argued “This is a win for fair representation,” Scuddersaid “WhenDonaldTrumpdecided to take the fight to Texas, our House members broke quorum and took this battle nationwide.”
TexasLegislativeBlackCaucusChairRep. BarbaraGervin-Hawkinscalledtheruling“a greatdecision”thatpreventsvoterconfusion and protects minority communities.
“I hope the Supreme Court stands on the side of the Constitution and protects voters of color instead of letting politicians gut democracyinbroaddaylight,”shesaid.“This moment will define what democracy means in 2025.”
What happens next?
The state has already filed an appeal setting up a high-stakes showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court. The conservative-majority court has been reluctant to intervene in partisan gerrymandering, but has shown more opennessinracialgerrymanderingcases,leaving the outcome uncertain.
If the court upholds the ruling:
•Texasvoterswillusethe2021mapforthe 2026 midterms.
•The GOP loses the strategic advantage it hoped to secure
•Other states may hesitate to pursue mid-cycle redraws.
If the court reverses it:
•Texas could reinstate the disputed map.
•Or the Legislature may be forced into a chaotic, last-minute redraw.
•Congressiona candidates may have to restart campaign plans under new lines. Either way, the court’s decision will shape politica representationformillionsofTexans and could influence which party controls Congress after 2026.
WHATTO WATCH
This redrawing of the maps was racist. A racist, political power grab. Our failure to stand up for ourselves is what’s going to cause the clock to be rolled back on us.”
could decide within weeks whether to pause the ruling or let the 2021 map stand for 2026.
A stay would immediately reshape the political landscape.
Candidate filing deadline (Dec 8) Time is running out. If the Supreme Court doesn’t act fast candidates may be forced to file under the old map even if the map later changes
Impact on key Houston races District 18 and
Rep.Al Green (D-TX) registers to testify ahead of the Texas State Representatives redistricting committee meeting on August 01, 2025 in Austin,Texas. Credit: Getty
Introducing kids to politics
ByAswadWalker
In theU.S., alarge part of thepopulation is consistently impacted by political decisions,yet they have no vote andthus no voice
Ofthe334.9millionpeopleintheU.S.in 2023, approximately72.8 millionof them werechildrenaged0-17.Thatsameyear,in Texas,therewereabout7.5millionchildren of thesameage range.
Yet, thesemillions of citizens ineligible to cast ballotsstill feel theweightofpolitical decisionsand resourceallocations that impacthealthcare,education,publicsafety, theenvironment,socialjustice andmore.
That said,whenshouldchildren be exposed to politics andits inner workings?
Asearlyaspossible
Many believe that theansweris as early as possible
“Mydaughters grew up goingto SHAPECommunity Center,sotheywere exposed to current events, andtherefore politics,pretty early,”saidTracieJae, self-described as the “leadrebel”oftheentityTheQuietRebel.“I rememberthefirstmajortopicofdiscussion wasthependingexecutionofGaryGraham.” Award-winningeducatorPNKellsagrees.
“I have been talkingto[my twosons, Gabe andLiam] aboutpolitics since birth,” saidKells.“Theymarchedforthefirsttime whentheywere3and1.5yearsold,andthey have done so countlesstimes since then.”
Schoolexposures
TracyBean,amathteacherandNational JuniorHonor Society advisoratGalena Park’s Cobb 6thGrade Campus (6722 Uvalde Rd,Houston,TX77049), hasbeen partofherschool’s25-yeartraditionoftakinghonorsocietyandstudentcouncilmembers to theState Capitol in Austin.
In 2000, then StateRep.FredVossbegan sponsoringCobbstudents’Austintrips.After Voss leftpolitical office,State Rep. Harold Dutton took over thesponsorship.Led by Bean’s mother,BillieBeanBriggs, Bean has beenpresentforall25tripsandtookoveras coordinatorafterhermotherretired.
“Fromour school,it’smostlywhatpeoplecallat-riskstudents,”saidBean.“Alotof them wouldnot getthisopportunity to see howlawsare actually made,how they vote on them, andthingslikethat. So,I really thinkthatthese tripstothe StateCapitol make politicalworkand whatever their dreamsare more reachablenow that they sawthe StateLegislators up closeand in person.”
Bean believes theseexposures help expandstudents’possibilities.
“Mr.Duttontalkedtothestudentsabout howhegrewupinFifthWard,andsomeof thesestudentsdon’teventhinkthey’regoing togetoutofHouston,”saidBean.“Butlook atthemnow.They’vebeentotheCapitolin Austin,seeingrepresentatives. Ithinkthat helpsthemtosetevenhighergoalsthatare realisticallyattainabletothem.”
CobbstudentsKennethBryantandCatherineSeguraenjoyed this year’s trip,which tookplaceonthesamedaythatTexasmembersandrelativesoftheU.S.Military’sfamed SixTripleEight all-Black women’sdivision were beinghonored at theState Capitol.
“Myfavoritepartofthedaywasmeeting thewomen of theSix Triple Eight, to see themandtalktothembecauseI’mreallybig aboutAfricanAmericanhistoryandculture andIreallylikelearningabout that stuff,” saidBryant,whowantstobecomeaDisney Imagineerwhenhegrows up
Valuesfirst
JoyGoodgine,aprofessionaleducator, attended theCobbState Capitoltripwhen shewasasixthgrader.Thoughshethought thetripwas fun, Goodgine believesthere’s abetterapproachtosuccessfullyexposing youthtopolitics.
“Looking back,Idon’t thinka trip like that necessarily plants seedsfor political involvement. What really shapes future politicalengagementishelpingkidsdevelop strong morals,empathy,and asense of justice,” said Goodgine.“When youngpeople aretaughttocareaboutothersandtostand up forwhattheybelieve in, politicalinterestcomes naturallywithmaturity. Instead
of exposingstudentstopolitics tooearly,I thinkamoreeffective approach is to help thembuildthoseinternalvaluesfirst.Then, as they getcloser to voting age—maybe starting around 16—we should encourage them to evaluate theirbeliefs andunderstandhow thosebeliefs translateintocivic action.That’swhenpolitical education becomesmostmeaningful.”
Tracie Jae
Cobb studentsand membersofthe TexasSix Triple Eightdelegation at theState Capitol Courtesy TracyBean.
Profile DN
EllaRussell Builds business, communitywithCrumbville TX
mbvilleTX er first love is hard to rcupcakes, cookies, ThisDecembermarks anniversary. ctuallystarted off as eats—a play on my b, shortfor E-douethreeandnine,Rusrdship butrefused to hool parties. ey to buytreats, butI ,andeggs.Itookwhat eeded,”sharedRussell. iestohercoworkersat ybecamerabidrepeat is sweethistory dcollaboration as thrivedinmany kpacksales,postk-and-mortarlocaBallroomandProject nesssharesspacewith en, owners of Daisies andCuratorsofDopesapparel brand. The re sits in theshadow sonStreet. When Ella wasready leavethe Eldorado, eimmediately asked fshe’d sharespace th us,” said Brandi It’s been aperfect pairing—cross-pollination.OurlittleTSU Wesley compound feelslikeagrassroots ThirdWardbusiness hubthatbringspeopletogether.” Brandi jokesthat thepartnership has hadoneglaringside effect.
“Since thecollaboration,I’ve gained10pounds,”
stated Brandi.“Ieat cookiesfor breakfast now. We need apancake cookie asap.” Niqueadded,“Webelieveincommunity andsocialcurrencyasenergy.Ellahasbeen astapleinGreater Third Ward forover15 years. She’sone of ourentrepreneurial heroes.Whenwehad thechancetohelp Crumbville move into itsnext phase, we were honoredtoofferour space.”
Galveston,Houston& ThirdWardconnections
Russell’slifestorytiestogetherGalveston, Houston, andthe ThirdWardinprofound ways.
“MybirthdayisonJune19,”shesaid.“So, forme—alittleBlackgirlborninGalveston onJuneteenth—toownabakeryacrossfrom EmancipationPark?That’sdestiny.Icouldn’t have writtenthatstory if Iwantedto.”
Now,inanewlocation,herfocusremains thesame: community building.
Thepowerofcommunity
“Community is alifeline,”saidRussell “Wecan’t exist withoutit. There’s healing, life, andsupport in community.”
Shecredits herfamilyfor instilling that ethic—from family reunionstoholiday gatherings,she learnedthe importance of shared strength.
“There’spower in having somebody to help carrythe weight of life andbusiness,” Russellsaid, grateful forher newbusiness home with friendswho understand that principle.
Wisdomforaspiring entrepreneurs
Russell’scommunity spirit extendsto mentoringothers.
“Makesureyou have agoodcircle— people whobelieve in youwhenyou don’t believeinyourself,”Russell advised. “Secondly, always have integrity. It hastobe non-negotiable
“Makesureanythingyou post online is somethingyou’d repeat in aroomfullof investors. Even when you’re notrepresentingyourbrand—you’rerepresentingyour brand.”
Sports DN
FIRST-YEAR PRAIRIEVIEWCOACH
TREMAINEJACKSON
OrdersPantherswinning steps
By TerranceHarris
Ittookliterallysecondsintotheintroductory pressconferencethispastJanuary for Tremaine Jacksontolay outhis bold plan forthePrairieViewA&Mfootballprogram.
Deliverthe SWAC West.Deliver the SWAC Championship,Deliver theBlack CollegeFootball national championship, akaCelebrationBowl.DeliverthePanthers to Football Championship Series (FCS) prominence.Suchbravadoout of thegate fora41-year-oldcoachwhohadneverbeen aheadcoach at theDivisionI-A level, naturallyrubbedsomethe wrongway while others simplydismissed thetalkastypical blustermeant to rallythe base
Butwithonegameremainingintheregularseason,Jacksonhasalreadyshownthat heisdoingmorethantalkingthetalk.Heis makingthewalkafterthePanthersclaimed theSWACWestdivisiontitleandnowawaits to findout whotheir opponentwillbein next month’sSWACChampionshipGame.
WhatJacksonhasaccomplishedinashort amount of time maybea surprise to most, butitisn’t at all to him.
As farasJackson is concerned, hissteps have been ordered
“I’m living on theprayers of my grandmother (Clara Jackson).IknowwhatI prayed forand Iknowwhat’sbeenprayed forfor me,” Jacksonsaidthisweektothe Defender.“Coachingisacallingfor me.I ain’tnopreacher. My pulpit is outsideon this field.We’re developing men, we’regivingguysopportunitiestohavegreatfutures
Some have been in trouble, some transferred,somecamefromhighschool.
“We’re just gotadifferentway of doing things. The difference is that we actually believeinthat. So Ididn’tmakeany promises. Ijusttoldpeoplewhatwas goingto happen. We’vebeenherebefore, andit’sno disrespecttoanybody;wejustreallybelieve in what we believe in.”
JacksonandhisstaffcametoPrairieView last winter,fresh off an undefeatedregular season at DivisionIIpowerhouseValdosta Stateand arun to thenationalchampionshipgame.Andalmostfromthemomenthe landed on theHill,Jackson showedthathe caredmoreaboutbuildinghisprogramand theyoungmenintheprogramtherightway, over whetherherubbedpeoplethe wrong way.
Jacksonwas sometimesbrutallyhonest with theplayers he inheritedfromBubba McDowell’s staff,tellingthemthathis programandthedemandsprobablyweren’tfor
First-yearPrairie View coach TremaineJackson(middle)has made thefirst deliveryonhis promise, guiding thePanthers to theSWACWestDivision title in his first season Credit:Prairie View
them.Othersheembraced,butpromisedthe transitionwouldbeanythingbuteasyorfun.
Then Jacksonwentand scouredthe transfer portal to findplayers whofithis
Thereisacalling on my life andIunderstand it.Aswetalk, we aretalking becauseof theprayers of other
people and thecalling that is on my life. It’s
really
convicting to me becauseI know whose Iam, as they say.”
relentless on thefield. The Panthers are8-3 overalland6-1inSWACplay,withachance to winninegames forthe first time since 2009iftheycan defeat MississippiValley Stateathomeinthe regular-season finale. Theyhavedominated adivisiontheywere supposed to finishinthe middle of with a 5-0 run.
“IbelievewhatIbelievein,”saidJackson, whoisalsobeingmentionedasacandidate fortheUABopeningandwilllikelybeinthe conversation formorejobsinthe coming weeks. “Wementorkids,andwegivegreat messages.
“I don’tknowifwemade anypromises. We just kind of said what wasgoing to happen andwhenthose things startedto happen, andastheyare happening, it’s no surprise to me.”
expectationsofhardwork,dedication,commitment, andsacrifice.
Theresulthas played outthis
players who fit his out thi season with a team full of gritty players who are mentally strong and first, of respect “Hey,listenman,w Arkansas-Pine Bluff ton “He should be t makinghisteamthin team That’s what he “I don’t know wh offended If you are o him” Still, Jackson see of what is being ac View is a surpris calling.
Initially, it wassaidthatJackson may haverubbedsomeoftheSWACcoachesthe wrongway with thebravado he displayed fromtheverybeginning. Jacksonwentsofar astopostavideofromapracticesessionlast spring,singingoff-keyaboutthegoalofendingupinAtlanta forthe CelebrationBowl. Butifthere were some hard feelings at first they have been replacedwithfeelings wearegrownmen,”said ffcoach Alonzo Hampalking abouthis team, nkthattheyarethebest is supposed to do hy anybodywould be offended, then go beat ms surprisedthatany ccomplishedatPrairie e. After all, this is his gtome, just like it’s me people that we said t’sshockingtomethat elieveus,”Jacksonsaid. havetogoplaythegame tweplay.Thisisareally onference. We have ygoodcoaches. These acheshavecoached tplaces that I’ve only dreamedof. Butthe callingonmylife is special, andI believe in it.And whoamInot to voice when you have acallingon your life.”
“It’s shockin shocking to som what we said It peopledon’tb
“Wejustallh thewaythat good co really coa at
Sports DN CoachMcGinnis
Revives Eisenhower footballinjustfourmonths
ByJimmieAggison
When CoachPadriacMcGinnistook over theEisenhowerfootballprogram last May, it wasbarelyrecognizable. With no headcoach,30playersgone,andasupport staffstretched thin,rebuildingseemed impossible
Four months later, afterassemblinga team of 10 newcoaches,Eisenhowerisn’t justsurviving;it’splayoff-bound.Theturnaroundisamasterclassinleadership,strategy, andrelentlessgrit.
On May1,2025, McGinnisreturnedto Eisenhower High School’s campus,this time as head coach. He previously served asoffensivecoordinatorundercoachRobert Jacksonduringthe2019and2020seasons.
“Whenthe head coaching jobbecame available, Iwas surprised,”saidMcGinnis “Iwas familiar with afew of theguyswho worked on aftertheun opened up figured I’da
Butretur an unexpec
“WhenIw late,”saidM kidsinthec 2019,Eisenh SoItoldthe theother gr toldmethis period now.
Only 19 playersremained, whichistoo fewfor spring football or seriousoffseasonworkouts. McGinnissoondiscovered that 30 playershad transferredout of the program.
“I wasshocked becauseIwas just here five yearsago,” said McGinnis.
Thelossesrevealeda deeper issue: The negative stigma surroundingEisenhower High School
“Eisenhowergets abad stigma because of theareaand negative experiences,” said seniorlinebackerBraylon Alvis. “I don’t thinkthe school is bad. It hasits upsand downs, like anyschool. Still, it hastaught me alot throughdifferent experiences and helpedmeconnect with people Inever thoughtI’d talk to.It’sgiven me afamily away from home.”
Fromthatbleakstartingpoint,McGinnis swiftlyassembledanewcoachingteamcapableofrestoringnotonlyskillsbutalsotrust.
“WhenIbeganlookingforcoachestofill thestaff,IsearchedforpeopleIcouldtrust,” saidMcGinnis.
Hegreetedfamiliarfaces.Offensivecoordinator ChrisMcClanahan, alongtimecolleaguefromHightowerHighSchool,joined thestaff.Anthony Akoro, aformercenter underMcGinnisatHightower wholater coachedalongside him at CypressRidge, becamehisassistantheadcoach.
McGinnisalsohiredbrothersJohnkiland JeremySkipper,bothofwhomhemetwhile coaching at CypressRidge.Onthe recommendationofHouston Heightsheadcoach StephenDixon,McGinnisadded Robert Toomerasdefensivecoordinator.Fiveadditional hires completed aten-man coaching staffbuilt on loyalty, experience,and shared purpose.
“Theyallhadcoachingexperiencebefore joining, andtheyboughtinbecause they knewtheirrole,”saidMcGinnis.
Withthestaffinplace,thenextchallenge wasconnectingwiththeplayers,theheartof theprogram
“Toearntheplayers’trust,Isharedmylife story,”saidMcGinnis.“IshowedthemIfaced hardships, butI didn’t usethatasanexcuse. Ihadittough,butImadeachoice,Idecided toplaysportsandattendschool.”
IshowedthemI facedhardships, butIdidn’t usethatasan excuse.I had it tough, butI made achoice, Idecided to play sports and attend school.”
PADRIACMcGINNIS
McGinnisreceiveda Division IscholarshiptotheUniversityofLouisiana–Monroe, whereheplayedlefttackleandlaterearneda graduatedegreeinEducationAdministration attheUniversityofArkansas.
Playersquicklynoticedthenewtone.
“Adaptingtothe newcoaches’expectationswasdifferentatfirst,”saidAlvis.“They came in with awhole newstandardofdiscipline, accountability,new workouts,and effort everysingleday.Itpushedusout of ourcomfortzone.However,oncewebought intothesystem,webegantoseeresults.The coachesheldustoahigherlevel,anditforced ustogrownotjustasplayers,butasateam.”
Aculture of accountability,energy, and beliefstartedtogrow,butbehindthescenes, McGinniswasn’tsurehowfartheteamcould gointheirfirstyear.
“I gothired May1 anddidn’tget my coachesuntil June 15,”saidMcGinnis. “We hadonlythree months before theseason started. With no spring ball andnoweight training,westillneededplayers,andwehad toinstallplays.Iexpectedtowinmaybetwo gamesandfocusonculturebuildingfor2026. Butthesekidsshowedout.”
Insteadoftwowins,Eisenhowerfinished 6–4andsecuredaspotintheplayoffs.With aone-pointlosstoNimitzandathree-point loss to Westfield, Eisenhower wasa totalof fourpointsawayfrombeing8-2ontheseason. Aftergivingup38pointstoBenjamin Davis,theEisenhowerdefenseonlyallowed 18pointstotalintheirlastsevengames.
“Itfeels greattobring Swoopbacktothe playoffs,”saidAlvis.“Ourcoaches tell us to controlwhatwecanandnotshyawayfrom adversity.”
ForMcGinnis,theturnaroundwasn’tjust aboutX’s andO’s;itwas aboutvisionand belief
“Looking back,the most rewardingpart ofthisturnaroundhasbeengettingthekids to buyin,”saidMcGinnis. “Wegavethem aplan,theybelieved,andtheyboughtin.”
Eisenhower’s comeback is more than a footballstory;it’satestamenttoresilience
“Thisseasondeveloped my leadership more,”saidAlvis.“It’sbeenoneofmyhardest yearsonandoffthefield,andmybrotherson theteamhelpedmethrough it.Theylifted meupinsteadoflettingmefall.Thathelped me grow as aleaderbecause Iknewthey wouldn’t give up on me,soI wouldn’t give up on them.Weholdeachother accountable to thestandardofbeing better.Weall sharethe same goal of playingatthe next level. Everyone hasone jobtodo; if we all sticktoit, we’llbesuccessfuland continue toshocktheworld.”
