11.20.2025_Defender-e-FULL

Redistricting Stopped!

What’s next after Congressional map tossed?

NEWS

SPORTS

BAYOU BODIES

As more causes of death from victims found in Houston’s bayous are ruled “undetermined,” families demand answers.

Volume 95, issue 5 November 20, 2025

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DN To the POINT

Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hand of then Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during the celebration of life of Sheila Jackson Lee. Credit: Jimmie Aggison.

Message from the Reporter admission to gleefully and purposely walkTwo-time Oscar nominee Ryan Coogler is ing into beauty pageant dressing rooms of officially returning to Wakanda, confirming half-dressed pre-teens didn’t stop him from to a Los Angeles audience just days ago that becoming POTUS twice. Not to mention the ‘Black Panther 3’ is in the works. He says hundreds of white evangelical Christian pasthe upcoming film will complete the Marvel tors in the news recently for the same despitrilogy. As a Marvel fan and a former high cable behavior, yet receiving overwhelming school teacher who taught his students more congregational support. Megyn Kelly and about the importance of T’Challa and The Fox News have been providing “cover” for Black Panther than our actual coursework, this madness, convincing their viewers that I’m absolutely excited by this news. I mean, 15-year-old girls are grown. Hell, Missouri Aswad Walker you already know. The Black Panther, the lawmakers only banned marrying children Dora Milaje, Shuri, Wakanda… it’s all about Black excellence 14 or younger in 2018. And 38 GOP lawmakers voted against past, present, and future. But if I’m being perfectly honest, this that ban. So, what makes the Epstein files info different? In moment we’re in as a people, caught in a matrix of anti-Black- MAGAville, you can be anything but gay. That said, those files ness growing at an exponential rate, calls for something else. must reveal that these grown-ass, all-white, no DEI pedoWhat we need even more than another on-screen journey to philes must be abusing boys, too. And Bubba. And if true, Wakanda, is to be about building some Wakandas wherever it again shows how this society devalues the well-being of we reside, be that Houston’s Third Ward, Chicago’s South Side, women and girls.

Cincinnati’s East End, or Rio de Janeiro’s favela (extremely impoverished area). From the still existing South African Prayers up “shany towns” to Houston’s historically neglected Freedmen’s It was feared that Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. (84) was on Town, it’s past time we invest in some “for us, by us” energy. life support. Family members of the Rainbow Push Coalition T’Challa’s not coming to save us. We have to be our own Black founder clarified that Jackson is in stable condition and breathPanthers. We have it in us. Plus, building our own empires ing without machine assistance. Still, Jackson has been living of excellence will make watching Black Panther 3 even more with Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed in 2017. And enjoyable, because it’ll be more documentary than fiction. every public appearance, like the one he made when he came Let’s go! to Houston for the funeral of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, reminds people of the stark physical difference Bad Boys in Jackson from decades past. So, make sure to add Brother A theory floating around them “innernets” as to why Trump Jesse to your prayer list. He’s been on the frontlines pushing is clutching the Epstein files tighter than butt cheeks holding in for our rights and the rights of others for over half a century. gas, may sound crazy to some, but it seems damn plausible to me. It’s not just that hyper-wealthy white men stand the chance On the web of being exposed as pedophiles. This society has always given • Coach McGinnis revives Eisenhower football in just four a pass to wealthy white men who abuse children. Horrifymonths. ing and sickening, but true. Raping girls (or, as they mislabel • Challenges facing Black authors – and how readers can it, “having sex with underaged women”) didn’t stop Roman help.

Polanski from winning an Oscar in 2003. It hasn’t stopped • Terrance’s Take: Texas DPS officer’s actions despicable Rock’n’Roll fans from celebrating Jerry Lee Lewis. Trump’s during TAMU-South Carolina game.

Black Panther 3

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DN News

Runoff Elections

Dec. 13 - City Council | Jan. 31 - 18th Congressional

By Tannistha Sinha

Gov. Greg Abbott has set Jan. 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-based seat.

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 special election that drew 16 candidates from multiple parties.

Neither cleared the 50% threshold needed to win outright, forcing the two-person rematch. While Menefee finished with 28.9% of the vote, Edwards came in second at 25.6%.

Early voting for the runoff is scheduled to run Jan. 21–27, according to Abbott’s proclamation and multiple local election notices.

A long vacancy for the district The District 18 seat has been vacant since 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 succeeding longtime Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in 2024.

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 ultimately set the first-round special election for Nov. 4, 2025, eight months after Turner’s passing, a timeline that drew criticism from local Democrats and voting-rights advocates who argued the district was being left without representation for too long in a narrowly divided U.S. House.

By the time voters cast ballots in the Jan. 31 runoff, the seat will have been empty for roughly 11 months.

Congressional District 18 includes a large swath of Houston and has long been regarded

Christian Menefee

Amanda Edwards

Dwight Boykins

Alejandra Salinas

Both contests arrive as voters navigate shifting political maps, tight timelines and major policy stakes. Credit: Getty

as a safely Democratic and majority-minority seat, sending Black Democrats to Congress for decades and serving as a key voice on issues like civil rights, housing, health care and disaster recovery.

Abbott’s timing and political backdrop Abbott’s decision to place the runoff on Jan. 31 means the winner will have only a short window to settle into the job before the March 3, 2026, Democratic primary for the next full two-year term. In this deep-blue district, the primary is widely expected to be the decisive contest for who represents the area

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in the term beginning January 2027.

Democrat Al Green, who currently represents the 9th Congressional District, has already filed to run in the 18th race because of Texas’s redrawing of the maps. That means whoever wins the 2026 special-election runoff in January could face a primary in March against an entrenched incumbent in a dramatically altered district, depending on how the courts rule.

City Council race: At-large position 4 Meanwhile, at the municipal level, the city of Houston has set the run-off date for the

open at-large council seat, At-Large Position 4, for Dec. 13, 2025 (Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Early voting will run from Dec. 1–9 (Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.).

This seat opened after Letitia Plummer resigned in July 2025 to run for Harris County Judge.

In the Nov. 4 general election, no candidate exceeded 50% support, prompting a run-off between attorney Alejandra Salinas and former City Council Member Dwight Boykins.

Salinas led with about 21% of the vote, Boykins followed closely with about 20%.

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DN News

Bayou Deaths

Six more ruled ‘Undetermined’

By ReShonda Tate

Six additional bodies recovered from Houston’s bayous in recent months have now been ruled “undetermined” in cause of death, adding to the uncertainty and community concern surrounding a yearlong spike in bayou deaths across the city.

According to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, the deaths of Salome Garza, Jamal Alexander, Rodney Chatman, Seth Hansen, Michael Rice, and Michaela Miller have all been updated to “undetermined.” The individuals were found between June and September.

Their causes of death had previously been listed as pending. With these updates, 15 of at least 28 bayou deaths this year now fall under the undetermined category, providing few answers about what happened before their bodies were found.

Medical examiners say that in Houston’s hot, humid climate — and in water environments — bodies often deteriorate rapidly, complicating autopsies.

“We’re basically a swamp,” said Dr. Jay Coons, assistant professor at Sam Houston State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

“It doesn’t take long before fairly routine analysis becomes very difficult.”

The growing number of inconclusive findings has fueled fear and speculation across Houston, especially amid last fall’s wave of online rumors about a serial killer targeting the bayous — a claim repeatedly rejected by law enforcement due to a lack of evidence.

BY THE NUMBERS Statistic

Count

Homicide

17

Undetermined

75

Accident (Drowning)

45

Suicide

25

Pending/Other

27

Total Bodies Recovered

189

*Since 2017

What we know The only new conclusive ruling came in the death of 63-year-old Arnulfo Alvarado, whose death was attributed to methamphetamine toxicity and drowning. His manner of death was ruled accidental.

The cluster of September 2025 discoveries — including Chatman, Hansen, Rice, Miller, and Alvarado — intensified public concern as their bodies surfaced over just several days.

Garza was found in June, and Alexander was found in late August.

The other individuals with “undetermined” causes of death include: Juan Garcia Loredo, Kenneth Jones, Culcois Racius, George Grays, Ernest Armstrong, Brent Brown, Raymond Hatten, Latrecia Amos, and Jade McKissic.

McKissic’s death — involving a University of Houston student — drew widespread attention this summer, especially after her case also received an “undetermined” ruling.

A year of bodies in the bayou A Defender review of Houston Police Department reports, spanning from Sept. 13, 2024 to Sept. 20, 2025, reveals just how frequently these discoveries have occurred.

In that one year: • 39 bodies were recovered from Houston-area bayous • 15 cases were pending cause of death at the time of the request • 11 were already classified as undetermined • Only one was ruled a homicide • Four were suicides • Two-thirds of all bayou-related deaths lacked a conclusive cause Buffalo Bayou had the highest number of recoveries (16), followed

by Brays Bayou (9), White Oak Bayou (5), Hunting Bayou (4), Halls and Sims bayous (2 each), and Horse Pen Bayou (1).

In nearly every case, police noted no signs of obvious trauma or foul play, though several incidents involved complex circumstances: • A man who drowned after fleeing police into Brays Bayou following an alleged bike theft from the University of Houston.

• An 81-year-old man with dementia was found with a gunshot wound after his wife’s death.

• A construction worker fell through a gap under Loop 610 while

The waters of the bayou are the focal point of an ongoing investigation after six deceased individuals, including Jade McKissic (pictured), found here received an ‘undetermined’ ruling.

Relatives are calling for further inquiry.

laying wooden planks.

Other cases were discovered by joggers, passing motorists, or — in one incident — a Harris County Sheriff ’s Office employee working out near Buffalo Bayou.

Since 2017, 189 bodies have been recovered.

Limited answers, growing concern The “undetermined” designation is not uncommon in water-related deaths, experts say. Bodies that remain submerged for hours or days often lose key evidence needed to determine whether a death was accidental, intentional, or the result of foul play.

Still, for families waiting for closure — and for residents shaken by a year of grim headlines — the lack of information has become a source of its own trauma.

Community activists have renewed calls for faster case updates, more transparent communication,a centralized HPD dashboard tracking bayou-related deaths, and improved lighting, barriers, and signage near high-risk access points “It’s very concerning to have 15 bodies this year, 24 bodies in 2024, and 26 bodes in 2023. That’s a total of 65 bodies in the last three years,” said community activist Travis McGee. “So it’s hard not to be alarmed about that. We just want some transparency. We just want the basic things that we learned in elementary. Who, what, when, where, how. We don’t want any assumptions.

We want to know who they were, how they died. We want everyone to be dealt with with dignity and respect. We don’t

GENDER OF VICTIMS Sex

Count

% of Total

Male

161

85%

Female

27

14%

Unknown

1

<1%

want to just hear they were homeless…we want everything to be investigated.”

Several families of the deceased have also pushed for independent reviews of their loved ones’ cases, saying the “undetermined” rulings offer little comfort or clarity.

HPD and the Harris County 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 unanswered questions remain.

“It’s very alarming when we hear don’t be alarmed. One body is too many,” McGee added.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 20, 2025 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Content Manager Terrance Harris Community Reporter Aswad Walker

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison Video Editor Bryan Erdy

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 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

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DN News

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

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 Area Urban League and retired Judge Maria T. Jackson’s nonprofit We Deserve Better for a candid dialogue about fairness and reform in Harris County’s courts.

The discussion underscored how the face 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, forensics and criminal justice reform.

TSU criminal justice professors Anthony Phillips and Eric Carr, both UCJA advisors, urged attendees to see the moment as an investment in the next generation of leaders.

“It’s very important that we invest in our future,” Carr said. “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.”

The changing face of the bench

Maria T. Jackson, retired State District Court Judge, acknowledged the progress and diversity now seen in Houston’s courts.

Judges Lori Chambers Gray (262nd Criminal District Court), Raúl Rodríguez (Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 13), Shannon Baldwin (Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 4), Sedrick Walker (Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.11) and Audrie Lawton-Evans (Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1) shared perspectives on personal identities and their impact on the justice system.

“Judges didn’t always look like the society; they were seen to be sitting here and not a part of the community,” Gray said. “That has changed in Harris County because the community has spoken out and said they wanted judges who would treat everyone fairly.”

Lawton-Evans noted that being a woman of color on the bench has shaped everything from how she schedules hearings to how she 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

now has lactation pods and feminine products. I’m now in this space that I can do unapologetically.”

Restorative justice

A central theme of the evening was restorative justice, the idea that courts should aim

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.

Judge Rodriguez described Harris County’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.”

Judge Baldwin, who presides over a veterans’ court, echoed Rodriguez’s philosophy.

“When you come before our courts, we’re not looking just for a conviction, we’re looking for restorative justice,” Baldwin said.

“When you leave, you should be better than when you came in.”

Judge Walker highlighted the Fresh Start 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.

Judges repeatedly emphasized the power of civic participation, especially voting. They urged attendees to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

“People are chipping away at your rights, but if you vote for like-minded judges, we will rule without fear or favor,” Baldwin said.

“They are trying to remove us, but we will be out there holding the line and fighting for you.”

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DN InFocus

Redistricting Stopped Abbott called the ruling “clearly errone- to silence voters,” she said. “We will not be the most brazen attempts to steal our democRepublican-led redistricting efforts in What’s ous,” saying, “Any claim that these maps are silenced.” racy that Texas has ever seen.”

Indiana, Kansas, and Florida have stalled or discriminatory is absurd.” Paxton insisted the District 9, represented by U.S. Rep. Al “Greg Abbott and his Republican cronies sparked backlash — some from within the map was “entirely legal.”

Green, was also significantly altered under the tried to silence Texans’ voices to placate Don- party. next after rejected map - changes analysts warned could ald Trump,” Wu said. “But now they’ve deliv“The whole thing is just utterly foolish,” have weakened the voting power of Houston’s ered him absolutely nothing.” said Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., whose discongressional For now, Districts 9, 18 and 29 in Hous- Black and Latino residents and made the longtrict was redrawn under the Newsom effort. ton remain unchanged. In District 18, where held Democratic seat far less secure.

“It was very clear this was going to have a Menefee and Amanda Edwards “This redrawing of the maps was racist. A domino effect.” map tossed? Christian are headed to a Jan. 31, 2026 runoff to fill the racist, political power grab,” said Green, who The Texas ruling comes at a pivotal moment Texas Democrats claim victory - but warn

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.

The broader impact: A national fight backfires

T

exas is bracing for its next political battle. After a federal court threw out the state’s newly drawn congressional map - ruling it was racially gerrymandered to weaken the voting power of Black and Latino Texans - the question now is, what comes next.

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 forces Texas to revert to its 2021 map for now, halting a Trump-backed plan that would have given Republicans a significant advantage in as many as 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts. But with the case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, the future of those districts is far from settled.

How we got here

This summer, Texas lawmakers approved a new congressional map designed to cement long-term Republican control. Former President Donald Trump publicly urged the Legislature to redraw the state’s districts to secure additional GOP seats ahead of his expected final two years in office. Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton championed the effort.

Democrats and civil rights groups challenged the map almost immediately, pointing to what they said was clear evidence of racial gerrymandering. After a 10-day trial, the federal panel, which included Trump appointee U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, agreed.

“The public perception of this case is that it’s about politics,” Brown wrote. “But it was much more than just politics. Substantial 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.

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, the Trump Administration and Governor Abbott tried to redraw the maps

led the lawsuit to get the Redistricting ruling overturned. “Our failure to stand up for ourselves is what’s going to cause the clock to be rolled back on us.”

Districts in Dallas, San Antonio, and along the border that would have been redrawn under the blocked map will also remain intact. Unless the Supreme Court quickly intervenes, Texas voters will cast ballots using 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

in a nationwide political struggle. The GOP’s push for mid-cycle redistricting was intended to lock down a House majority, but the strategy may now be backfiring.

Instead of gaining seats, Republicans are unexpectedly losing ground: • California could give Democrats five new seats after voters approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting ballot measure.

• Utah may shift one seat toward Democrats, pending court action.

• Virginia could add two Democratic-leaning seats if it finalizes its maps next year.

the fight isn’t over Democrats wasted no time celebrating the Texas development.

“Donald Trump and Greg Abbott played with fire, got burned — and democracy won,” Newsom wrote on X. Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder said the ruling proves what communities of color have long argued.

“This is a win for fair representation,” Scudder said. “When Donald Trump decided to take the fight to Texas, our House members broke quorum and took this battle nationwide.”

Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins called the ruling “a great decision” that prevents voter confusion 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 democracy in broad daylight,” she said. “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 openness in racial gerrymandering cases, leaving the outcome uncertain.

If the court upholds the ruling: • Texas voters will use the 2021 map for the 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.

• Congressional candidates may have to restart campaign plans under new lines.

Either way, the court’s decision will shape political representation for millions of Texans — and could influence which party controls Congress after 2026.

Next Move: The Supreme Court Texas has already appealed, and the U.S. Supreme Court 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.

What it means for Houston

By ReShonda Tate and Terrance Harris

WHAT TO WATCH

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

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.”

HEAR FROM GREEN ABOUT THE LAWSUIT AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR HIM.

U.S. REP. AL GREEN

Impact on key Houston races District 18 and District 29 remain unchanged, preserving Democratic strongholds.

Watch whether campaigns adjust strategies as court decisions unfold.

National ripple effects Texas’ ruling comes as multiple states — California, Utah, Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, and Florida — navigate legal and political battles over their own maps.

Whichever way Texas goes may influence other states’ next steps.

Potential mid-cycle chaos If courts ultimately order a new map after the filing deadline: • Candidates may have to refile.

• Campaigns could restart.

• Voters could receive updated precinct information. This has happened before in Texas — and it could happen again.

The Race and Representation question The core of this case is whether Black and Latino voters are being intentionally weakened politically. Federal judges agreed they were.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom talks about redistricting at a rally on November 08, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Credit: Getty

How the Supreme Court weighs that evidence will shape voting rights law for years.

8 | November 20, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Cobb students and members of the Texas Six Triple Eight delegation at the State Capitol. Courtesy Tracy Bean.

Introducing kids to politics

By Aswad Walker

In the U.S., a large part of the population is consistently impacted by political decisions, yet they have no vote and thus no voice.

Of the 334.9 million people in the U.S. in 2023, approximately 72.8 million of them were children aged 0-17. That same year, in Texas, there were about 7.5 million children of the same age range.

Yet, these millions of citizens ineligible to cast ballots still feel the weight of political decisions and resource allocations that impact healthcare, education, public safety, the environment, social justice and more.

That said, when should children be exposed to politics and its inner workings?

As early as possible Many believe that the answer is as early as possible.

“My daughters grew up going to SHAPE Community Center, so they were exposed to current events, and therefore politics, pretty early,” said Tracie Jae, self-described as the Tracie Jae “lead rebel” of the entity The Quiet Rebel. “I remember the first major topic of discussion was the pending execution of Gary Graham.”

Award-winning educator PN Kells agrees.

“I have been talking to [my two sons, Gabe and Liam] about politics since birth,” said Kells. “They marched for the first time when they were 3 and 1.5 years old, and they have done so countless times since then.”

School exposures Tracy Bean, a math teacher and National Junior Honor Society advisor at Galena Park’s Cobb 6th Grade Campus (6722 Uvalde Rd, Houston, TX 77049), has been part of her school’s 25-year tradition of taking honor society and student council members to the State Capitol in Austin.

In 2000, then State Rep. Fred Voss began sponsoring Cobb students’ Austin trips. After Voss left political office, State Rep. Harold Dutton took over the sponsorship. Led by Bean’s mother, Billie Bean Briggs, Bean has been present for all 25 trips and took over as coordinator after her mother retired.

“From our school, it’s mostly what people call at-risk students,” said Bean. “A lot of them would not get this opportunity to see how laws are actually made, how they vote on them, and things like that. So, I really think that these trips to the State Capitol make political work and whatever their dreams are more reachable now that they saw the State Legislators up close and in person.”

Bean believes these exposures help expand students’ possibilities.

“Mr. Dutton talked to the students about how he grew up in Fifth Ward, and some of these students don’t even think they’re going to get out of Houston,” said Bean. “But look at them now. They’ve been to the Capitol in Austin, seeing representatives. I think that helps them to set even higher goals that are realistically attainable to them.”

Cobb students Kenneth Bryant and Catherine Segura enjoyed this year’s trip, which took place on the same day that Texas members and relatives of the U.S. Military’s famed Six Triple Eight all-Black women’s division were being honored at the State Capitol.

“My favorite part of the day was meeting the women of the Six Triple Eight, to see them and talk to them because I’m really big about African American history and culture and I really like learning about that stuff,” said Bryant, who wants to become a Disney Imagineer when he grows up.

Values first Joy Goodgine, a professional educator, attended the Cobb State Capitol trip when she was a sixth grader. Though she thought the trip was fun, Goodgine believes there’s a better approach to successfully exposing youth to politics.

“Looking back, I don’t think a trip like that necessarily plants seeds for political involvement. What really shapes future political engagement is helping kids develop strong morals, empathy, and a sense of justice,” said Goodgine. “When young people are taught to care about others and to stand up for what they believe in, political interest comes naturally with maturity. Instead

of exposing students to politics too early, I think a more effective approach is to help them build those internal values first. Then, as they get closer to voting age—maybe starting around 16—we should encourage them to evaluate their beliefs and understand how those beliefs translate into civic action. That’s when political education becomes most meaningful.”

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DN Profile

Ella Russell

Builds business, community with Crumbville TX

By Aswad Walker

Ella Russell, a child of Galveston with deep Houston roots, has become a business icon in the Tre—Third Ward. But beyond the delectable treats at her business, Crumbville TX, Russell’s true business is building community.

An early childhood education major at Texas Southern University, Russell originally dreamed of owning a daycare center for children with special needs. Yet long before college, eight-year-old Ella showed her destiny.

“At eight, I wanted to be a talk show host—Sally Jesse Raphael, but without the red glasses,” Russell laughed.

Though she never got a show, Russell now meets and impacts just as many people through her baking.

“People assume I love baking. I don’t,” she said. “It’s just a conduit for meeting people and hearing their stories.”

The birth of Crum mbville TX That baking isn’t heer first love is hard to believe for fans of her cupcakes, cookies, and other creations. Th This December marks Crumbville TX’s 21st aanniversary.

“Crumbville TX acctually started off as E-Doublelicious Treeats—a play on my poetry name, E-dub b, short for E-double-L-A,” Russell said.

When her sons weree three and nine, Russell faced financial harrdship but refused to disappoint them at sch hool parties.

“I didn’t have moneey to buy treats, but I had flour, butter, sugar,, and eggs. I took what I had to make what I neeeded,” shared Russell.

She took extra cookiies to her coworkers at Southwestern Bell. They became rabid repeat customers, and the resst is sweet history.

A new home and d collaboration Crumbville TX haas thrived in many forms—pop-ups, baackpack sales, postchurch tables, and briick-and-mortar locations in the Eldorado B Ballroom and Project Row Houses.

Today, Russell’s busin ness shares space with Brandi and Nique Alleen, owners of Daisies & Pancakes SK8 Shop aand Curators of Dopeness, a vintage sportss apparel brand. The trio’s three-in-one store sits in the shadow of TSU at 3809 Sampsson Street.

“W When Ella was ready to leave the Eldorado, wee immediately asked iff she’d share space with w us,” said Brandi.

“It’s been a perfect pairing—cross-pollip nation. Our little TSU n W Wesley compound feels like a grassroots Third Ward business hub that brings people together.”

Brandi jokes that the partnership has had one glaring side effect.

“Since the collaboration, I’ve gained 10 pounds,”

stated Brandi. “I eat cookies for breakfast now. We need a pancake cookie asap.”

Nique added, “We believe in community and social currency as energy. Ella has been a staple in Greater Third Ward for over 15 years. She’s one of our entrepreneurial heroes. When we had the chance to help Crumbville move into its next phase, we were honored to offer our space.”

Galveston, Houston & Third Ward connections Russell’s life story ties together Galveston, Houston, and the Third Ward in profound ways.

“My birthday is on June 19,” she said. “So, for me—a little Black girl born in Galveston on Juneteenth—to own a bakery across from Emancipation Park? That’s destiny. I couldn’t have written that story if I wanted to.”

Now, in a new location, her focus remains the same: community building.

The power of community “Community is a lifeline,” said Russell.

“We can’t exist without it. There’s healing, life, and support in community.”

She credits her family for instilling that ethic—from family reunions to holiday gatherings, she learned the importance of shared strength.

“There’s power in having somebody to help carry the weight of life and business,” Russell said, grateful for her new business home with friends who understand that principle.

Wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs Russell’s community spirit extends to mentoring others.

“Make sure you have a good circle— people who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself,” Russell advised. “Secondly, always have integrity. It has to be non-negotiable.

“Make sure anything you post online is something you’d repeat in a room full of investors. Even when you’re not representing your brand—you’re representing your brand.”

Ella Russell stands outside Crumbville TX’s new location at 3809 Sampson, Houston, TX 77004.

Credit: Aswad Walker.

10 | November 20, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports FIRST-YEAR PRAIRIE VIEW COACH

TREMAINE JACKSON Orders Panthers winning steps

By Terrance Harris

It took literally seconds into the introductory press conference this past January for Tremaine Jackson to lay out his bold plan for the Prairie View A&M football program.

Deliver the SWAC West. Deliver the SWAC Championship, Deliver the Black College Football national championship, aka Celebration Bowl. Deliver the Panthers to Football Championship Series (FCS) prominence. Such bravado out of the gate for a 41-year-old coach who had never been a head coach at the Division I-A level, naturally rubbed some the wrong way while others simply dismissed the talk as typical bluster meant to rally the base.

But with one game remaining in the regular season, Jackson has already shown that he is doing more than talking the talk. He is making the walk after the Panthers claimed the SWAC West division title and now awaits to find out who their opponent will be in next month’s SWAC Championship Game.

What Jackson has accomplished in a short amount of time may be a surprise to most, but it isn’t at all to him.

As far as Jackson is concerned, his steps have been ordered.

“I’m living on the prayers of my grandmother (Clara Jackson). I know what I prayed for and I know what’s been prayed for for me,” Jackson said this week to the Defender. “Coaching is a calling for me. I ain’t no preacher. My pulpit is outside on this field. We’re developing men, we’re giving guys opportunities to have great futures.

Some have been in trouble, some transferred, some came from high school.

“We’re just got a different way of doing things. The difference is that we actually believe in that. So I didn’t make any promises. I just told people what was going to happen. We’ve been here before, and it’s no disrespect to anybody; we just really believe in what we believe in.”

Jackson and his staff came to Prairie View last winter, fresh off an undefeated regular season at Division II powerhouse Valdosta State and a run to the national championship game. And almost from the moment he landed on the Hill, Jackson showed that he cared more about building his program and the young men in the program the right way, over whether he rubbed people the wrong way.

Jackson was sometimes brutally honest with the players he inherited from Bubba McDowell’s staff, telling them that his program and the demands probably weren’t for

First-year Prairie View coach Tremaine Jackson (middle) has made the first delivery on his promise, guiding the Panthers to the SWAC West Division title in his first season. Credit: Prairie View

them. Others he embraced, but promised the transition would be anything but easy or fun.

Then Jackson went and scoured the transfer portal to find players who fit his

There is a calling on my life and I understand it. As we talk, we are talking because of the prayers of other people and the calling that is on my life.

It’s really convicting to me because I know whose I am, as they say.”

TREMAINE JACKSON

expectations of hard work, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice.

The result has played out this season with a team full of gritty players who are mentally strong and

relentless on the field. The Panthers are 8-3 overall and 6-1 in SWAC play, with a chance to win nine games for the first time since 2009 if they can defeat Mississippi Valley State at home in the regular-season finale.

They have dominated a division they were supposed to finish in the middle of with a 5-0 run.

“I believe what I believe in,” said Jackson, who is also being mentioned as a candidate for the UAB opening and will likely be in the conversation for more jobs in the coming weeks. “We mentor kids, and we give great messages.

“I don’t know if we made any promises.

We just kind of said what was going to happen and when those things started to happen, and as they are happening, it’s no surprise to me.”

Initially, it was said that Jackson may have rubbed some of the SWAC coaches the wrong way with the bravado he displayed from the very beginning. Jackson went so far as to post a video from a practice session last spring, singing off-key about the goal of ending up in Atlanta for the Celebration Bowl.

But if there were some hard feelings at first they have been replaced with feelings first, of respect.

“Hey, listen man, w we are grown men,” said Arkansas-Pine Bluff ff coach Alonzo Hampton. “He should be talking about his team, making his team thin nk that they are the best team. That’s what he is supposed to do.

“I don’t know wh hy anybody would be offended. If you are o offended, then go beat him.”

Still, Jackson seems surprised that any of what is being acccomplished at Prairie View is a surprise. After all, this is his calling.

“It’s shocking to me, just like it’s shocking to som me people that we said what we said. Itt’s shocking to me that people don’t believe us,” Jackson said.

“We just all h have to go play the game the way thatt we play. This is a really good co onference. We have reallyy good coaches. These coaaches have coached att places that I’ve only dreamed of. But the calling on my life is special, and I believe in it. And who am I not to voice when you have a calling on your life.”

November 20, 2025 |

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| 11

DN Sports

Coach McGinnis

Revives Eisenhower football in just four months

By Jimmie Aggison

When Coach Padriac McGinnis took over the Eisenhower football program last May, it was barely recognizable. With no head coach, 30 players gone, and a support staff stretched thin, rebuilding seemed impossible.

Four months later, after assembling a team of 10 new coaches, Eisenhower isn’t just surviving; it’s playoff-bound. The turnaround is a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and relentless grit.

On May 1, 2025, McGinnis returned to Eisenhower High School’s campus, this time as head coach. He previously served as offensive coordinator under coach Robert Jackson during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

“When the head coaching job became available, I was surprised,” said McGinnis.

“I was familiar with a few of the guys who worked on Coach Odell James’ staff, and after the unforeseen circumstances, the job opened up. Since I’d coached here before, I figured I’d apply.”

But returning to Eisenhower brought an unexpected challenge.

“When I walked in, I thought I was late,” said McGinnis. “There were only 19 kids in the class period. When I was here in 2019, Eisenhower had two athletic periods.

So I told the trainer, ‘Hey, I must’ve missed the other group.’ And that’s when she told me this was the only period now.”

Only 19 players remained, which is too few for spring football or serious offseason workouts. McGinnis soon discovered that 30 players had transferred out of the program.

“I was shocked because I was just here five years ago,” said McGinnis.

The losses revealed a deeper issue: The negative stigma surrounding Eisenhower High School.

“Eisenhower gets a bad stigma because of the area and negative experiences,” said senior linebacker Braylon Alvis. “I don’t think the school is bad. It has its ups and downs, like any school. Still, it has taught me a lot through different experiences and helped me connect with people I never thought I’d talk to. It’s given me a family away from home.”

Eisenhower High School head football coach Padriac McGinnis discusses a key call with an official during a game between Eisenhower and Nimitz. Credit: Jimmie Aggison/Defender

From that bleak starting point, McGinnis swiftly assembled a new coaching team capable of restoring not only skills but also trust.

“When I began looking for coaches to fill the staff, I searched for people I could trust,” said McGinnis.

He greeted familiar faces. Offensive coordinator Chris McClanahan, a longtime colleague from Hightower High School, joined the staff. Anthony Akoro, a former center under McGinnis at Hightower who later coached alongside him at Cypress Ridge, became his assistant head coach.

McGinnis also hired brothers Johnkil and Jeremy Skipper, both of whom he met while coaching at Cypress Ridge. On the recommendation of Houston Heights head coach Stephen Dixon, McGinnis added Robert Toomer as defensive coordinator. Five additional hires completed a ten-man coaching staff built on loyalty, experience, and shared purpose.

“They all had coaching experience before joining, and they bought in because they knew their role,” said McGinnis.

With the staff in place, the next challenge was connecting with the players, the heart of the program.

“To earn the players’ trust, I shared my life story,” said McGinnis. “I showed them I faced hardships, but I didn’t use that as an excuse.

I had it tough, but I made a choice, I decided to play sports and attend school.”

I showed them I faced hardships, but I didn’t use that as an excuse. I had it tough, but I made a choice, I decided to play sports and attend school.”

PADRIAC McGINNIS

McGinnis received a Division I scholarship to the University of Louisiana–Monroe, where he played left tackle and later earned a graduate degree in Education Administration at the University of Arkansas.

Players quickly noticed the new tone.

“Adapting to the new coaches’ expectations was different at first,” said Alvis. “They came in with a whole new standard of discipline, accountability, new workouts, and effort every single day. It pushed us out of our comfort zone. However, once we bought into the system, we began to see results. The coaches held us to a higher level, and it forced us to grow not just as players, but as a team.”

A culture of accountability, energy, and belief started to grow, but behind the scenes, McGinnis wasn’t sure how far the team could go in their first year.

“I got hired May 1 and didn’t get my coaches until June 15,” said McGinnis. “We had only three months before the season started. With no spring ball and no weight training, we still needed players, and we had to install plays. I expected to win maybe two games and focus on culture building for 2026.

But these kids showed out.”

Instead of two wins, Eisenhower finished 6–4 and secured a spot in the playoffs. With a one-point loss to Nimitz and a three-point loss to Westfield, Eisenhower was a total of four points away from being 8-2 on the season. After giving up 38 points to Benjamin Davis, the Eisenhower defense only allowed 18 points total in their last seven games.

“It feels great to bring Swoop back to the playoffs,” said Alvis. “Our coaches tell us to control what we can and not shy away from adversity.”

For McGinnis, the turnaround wasn’t just about X’s and O’s; it was about vision and belief.

“Looking back, the most rewarding part of this turnaround has been getting the kids to buy in,” said McGinnis. “We gave them a plan, they believed, and they bought in.”

Eisenhower’s comeback is more than a football story; it’s a testament to resilience.

“This season developed my leadership more,” said Alvis. “It’s been one of my hardest years on and off the field, and my brothers on the team helped me through it. They lifted me up instead of letting me fall. That helped me grow as a leader because I knew they wouldn’t give up on me, so I wouldn’t give up on them. We hold each other accountable to the standard of being better. We all share the same goal of playing at the next level. Everyone has one job to do; if we all stick to it, we’ll be successful and continue to shock the world.”

12 | November 20, 2025 |

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