November 30, 2023

Black Men Here’s how to move from surviving to thriving

FEATURE

OBIT

ALBERT MYRES

ADVOCATES

The former TSU Board of Regent chair talks about his time on the board and the state of the university.

The city of Houston mourns two community leaders, Alvin Byrd and Larry Payne.

Volume 93, issue 5 November 30, 2023

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DN To the POINT

In this June 8, 2020, file photo, the White House is visible behind a woman who holds her fist up as she poses for a photograph with a large banner that reads Black Lives Matter hanging on a security fence in Washington, after days of protests over the death of George Floyd. AP

Message from the Associate Editor

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FUBU

Hitler/Mussolini level stuff happening right Netflix continued the age-old Ameriin front of our face. Blackfolk have been can tradition of giving affirmative action saying this since 2016. Mainstream media to white people and lost big. More specifiis even now (finally) calling out the very cally, Netflix recently lost $55 million betreal clear-and-present danger. Like Dr. ting on an unproven, historically unreliable, Greg Carr, Michael Harriot and others white director, keeping alive Hollywood’s have said, though one political party might tradition of over-funding unqualified be inept, the other wants us “un-alived.” whites while underfunding and overlookSo, we’re literally voting, not for one party ing over-qualified Black creatives. In 1938, over another, but rather, we’re voting for American workers received the muchBlack people. To not vote is to vote for ProjAswad Walker needed economic safety net of the miniect 2025 and its anti-Black, anti-women, mum wage, but only because southern lawmakers, whose anti-immigrant, anti-education, anti-environment, antivotes were needed to pass the law, demanded that minimum LGBTQ, anti-student loan forgiveness, anti-gun reform, wage didn’t apply to fields like agriculture that were domi- anti-democracy agenda. It really is that serious. nated by Black workers so they could continue to pay them little or nothing. That “gubment” cheese delivered to 1970s ON THAT NOTE… VOTE housing projects existed because the US government spent There’s an election going on right now of huge, monbillions to economically prop up struggling white dairy farm- umental, gargantuan importance. With an avowed white ers. Over and over, the US has given affirmative action for nationalist seeking to be re-elected to the office of the preswhites while demonizing affirmative action for us. It’s time ident after leading an insurrection to stay in power after he we offer ourselves some affirmative action that’s for us, by us! lost, and with a white nationalist-leaning Texas State Legislature heading the state government, the only protection we ISH JUST GOT REAL who live in an urban, progressive-leaning city like Houston I’ve mentioned Project 2025 before, but it bears repeat- have is to control local political offices. Houston’s eligible ing. There are folk who are out in the open calling for an Black voters have to ask themselves, “Who is more likely overthrow of democracy and the installation of an emperor/ aligned with those forces that want our votes and voices dictator-style “president” with an administration made up silenced and suppressed, and which candidate for mayor of people who pledge undying loyalty to the dictator/king, will deliver for us and stand against that madness?” This is not to the country, not to the voice of the people, not to not a beauty contest or a marriage proposal. It’s not a vote the Constitution. And they have zero shame about their for Democrat or Republican. It’s a vote for Black people. game. You can go right now to www.Project2025.org and Which candidate will offer more for us? Not voting is a vote read about their plan to place all power into the hands of one against Black people. person and destroy all offices that allow for accountability, that allow government to work. These ongoing insurrection- ON THE WEB ists plan to place control of all money decisions (currently • Early voting is underway. Get out there and represent. the purview of Congress) and all communications (media) • Check out the top 8 Christmas movies and shows to and all federal investigative and punishment power (law watch. and disorder) into the hands of one person. That’s straight • Keep up with the HS football playoffs right here.

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DN News VOTING 101

Election runoffs decide key races

By ReShonda Tate

said. “That means the mayor of the City Early voting is underway as Housto- of Houston, the mayor of Bellaire, and nians decide who will lead in several key many city council members, including positions. The runoff will take place on the City Controller. So this election Sat., Dec. 9. is just as important as the November Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whit- election.” mire are going head-to-head to replace As of press time, over 2,100 ballots Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who have been cast. During the November is stepping aside after term limits pre- 7 early voting elections period, Harris vented a third run.

County officials saw a 50% increase in There are also seven City Council early voting turnout compared to the positions and an open controller seat 2015 mayoral elections. headed to runoffs, the Only registered votELECTION latter race between ers from Houston, BelSAT., DEC. 9 Chris Hollins and laire and Baytown are More info at Orlando Sanchez vying eligible to vote during for outgoing controller www.HarrisVotes.com the election runoff.

Chris Brown’s job.

Almost 18,000 mail-in There are 41 early voting locations ballots have been mailed to voters who across Texas, but Harris County Clerk are eligible to vote by mail.

Teneshia Hudspeth says movement at Hudspeth said they’re remaining those polls has been slow. optimistic about the early voting turn“This is really important,” Hudspeth out. “It’s sort of a short, small run this

morning, but we expect voting to pick up over the course of the nine days.”

Things to know: • Even if you didn’t vote on Nov. 7, you can still vote in the runoff.

• Early voting ends Dec. 5.

• The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. except on Sundays, when they’ll be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Unfortunately, if you didn’t register by Oct. 9, then it’s too late. But, it’s always good to register early for the next year.

• To check if you are registered, you can use the Texas Secretary of State’s Voter Portal with just your name, county and birthday.

• You must have a valid photo ID to vote.

• Cell phones, iPads or electronic devices are not allowed when you vote, but printed materials ARE allowed.

A voter casts his ballot, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at West Gray Multiservice Center in Houston. AP

Houston City council seeks water bill reforms Defender News Service

In the midst of mounting grievances regarding surprise water bills, a trio of council members has introduced a measure aimed at halting Houston Public Works from issuing revised, higher charges to customers months after their initial billing. This proposed ordinance not only seeks to formalize an existing policy but also signifies a subtle shift in the dynamics of power within City Hall.

For the first time following a recent city charter amendment, council members have taken the initiative to introduce an item onto the council agenda. Previously, this authority predominantly rested with the mayor. However, shortly after the council members publicized their proposal, Mayor Sylvester Turner revealed ongoing efforts toward reform within his office, slated for consideration on Dec. 6, without specifying further details.

The Department of Public Works’ water billing practices have faced escalating scrutiny due to various factors, including aging water meters leading to increased estimations, subsequent corrections resulting in higher bills months later upon meter readings, a rate hike in April, and numerous water leaks during drought conditions over the summer.

Corrected bills arriving significantly higher than expected have prompted frustrated residents to appeal to City Council for assistance. To address delayed surprise bills, an internal policy was established by the city, aiming to prevent the system from issuing higher charges beyond a three-month window.

However, Councilmember Amy Peck highlighted inconsistent application of this policy, prompting the proposal she sponsors alongside Councilmembers Mary Nan Huffman and Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. Their ordinance seeks to restrict the city from issuing higher bills more than three months after the fact, with the exception being billing errors favoring the customer.

The council’s proposal has yet to appear on the City Council agenda, potentially due to this being the inaugural instance of council members attempting to place an item on the agenda following the charter amendment, granting this authority to any trio of members.

Houston operates under a robust

“strong-mayor” form of governance, granting the executive branch significant agenda-setting power. Previously, council members required the mayor’s inclusion to consider an agenda item, except for the possibility of three members calling a special meeting.

The recent charter amendment has now empowered council members to act independently, a move supported by long-standing advocates of this reform. Charles Blain, president of the Urban Reform Institute, sees this as a critical step in prioritizing issues like the longstanding water bill concerns brought forward by residents.

The process for implementing these changes remains under scrutiny in the city Legal Department, with expectations for

City Hall to establish a formal amendment process.

Meanwhile, two of the council members backing the proposal face runoff elections on Dec. 9. During the Thanksgiving Parade, constituents took the opportunity to voice their water bill grievances to passing council members.

Following the council members’ announcement of their water billing proposal, Mayor Turner’s office also disclosed ongoing efforts to address the issue, aiming for consideration at the upcoming council meeting. Despite the parallel initiatives, the sponsors of the council proposal remain hopeful that the combined legislative efforts will yield relief for distressed homeowners.

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DN News ADULT SURVIVORS ACT

Flurry of lawsuits hits entertainment, political circles Defender News Services

Black Dems call for student summit

By Tannistha Sinha

Black students are still struggling.”

Carroll G. Robinson, president of the Texas Coalition of Black The pattern of race-based Democrats, has called for a Black educational discrepancies Texas Students Education Success Robinson discussed the Texas Summit in 2024 that will focus Higher Education Coordinating on the key issues affecting Black Board’s Accelerated Plan for Closing students in Texas and include the Gaps by 2015, a five-year plan stakeholders like Black parents, that aimed to improve the success students, teachers, legislators, and of Hispanic and African American faith leaders. students and their higher education Discussions will focus on school outcomes. According to Robinson, vouchers, the recent takeover of “the gaps were not closed.” the Texas Education Agency of He accused the board of “movthe Houston Indeing on” to its new initiap endent S cho ol tive called the 60x30TX, District, and higher as part of the Texas pay for public school Higher Education Strateachers. tegic Plan: 2015–2030.

Robinson believes The gist of the program policy conversations was that by 2030, at least exclude topics that 60% of Texans between A LOOK AT affect Black students the ages of 25-34 will SOLUTIONS in Texas’ public, have a certificate or private, and charter degree. It will also aim schools. There is a to increase the numlack of academic success, disci- ber of Black and Hispanic college pline, college graduation, access and higher education graduates in to lucrative jobs, and support for Texas. entrepreneurs and small business “Experts have already started owners in terms of access to cap- acknowledging that the State will ital, contracting, partnerships, not meet its goal of increasing the and mentoring, he wrote in a number of higher education gradstatement. uates, in Texas, to 60% by 2030 “Black students have a right to because of the inability to increase succeed and they deserve and need academic success among Black and the infrastructure to do so,” Robin- Hispanic high school and college son said. “The reality is that even students,” Robinson wrote. “This in so-called good public schools, failure needs to be discussed and

Black parents, students and leaders all need to be a part of finding solutions.”

He referred to the report “A New Measure of Educational Success in Texas, Tracking the Success of 8th Graders into and through College” by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), which found that one in five eighth-grade students in Texas public schools completes postsecondary certificate or degree within 11 years.

The study also showed a disparity between white students and minority communities, which expands during the postsecondary years, as white students’ rates of earning a college credential are 2-2.5 times higher than that of Hispanic and Black students. Keeping in mind Texas’ increasing Hispanic population, the study says it will be impossible for the state to reach its goals of improving the community’s college-going and graduation rates.

It “raises serious questions about our public schools that have still not been fully investigated, explored, examined and resolved,” Robinson concluded. “It’s time for Black Texans to have a serious, independent, thoughtful and evidence-based discussion on what we need to do to improve education in Texas, at all levels, for us and our children, to increase academic success and grow wealth and prosperity.”

The clock struck midnight on the New York Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault statute, a law that opened a one-year window for accusers to file a lawsuit against their alleged abusers. And when it was all said and done, more than 2,600 claims were filed, including some last-minute cases against Hollywood and music’s biggest names.

The state law, which opened on Thanksgiving 2022 and closed at midnight on Nov. 24, 2023, has allowed accusers from decadesold encounters to seek financial damages from those they said manipulated them, took advantage of their authority, raped, and otherwise sexually abused them.

Some of the earlier high-profile names were the twice-imp e a ch e d an d fou r- t i m e s criminally indicted former President Donald Trump, whom the writer E. Jean Carroll successfully sued in court this year. A jury found that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll in the 1990s and awarded her $5 million in damages.

A week before the midnight holiday deadline, the R&B singer Cassie Ventura sued Sean “Diddy” Combs for years of sexual abuse and a myriad of other damning accusations, and the two quickly reached a settlement in which one report claimed it

netted Ventura $100 million.

Before the deadline, Diddy was hit with another sexual assault lawsuit, as was Harve Pierre, the former president of Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, who is accused of preying on the Jane Doe plaintiff “on multiple occasions.”

Entertainers such as Russell Brand, Marilyn Manson, Jamie Foxx, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Harvey Weinstein were also hit with claims. Comedian Bill Cosby again faced allegations of sexual assault, while Guns N’ Roses front man Axl Rose was accused of a vicious assault in 1989. Photographer Terry Richardson and famed music producer L.A. Reid were also served with legal documents from accusations dating back to 2004. Record mogul Jimmy Iovine, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York State Sen. Kevin Parker, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams were among the many others accused by women of assaulting them in lawsuits filed this week under the Adult Survivors Act, signed into law by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in May 2022.

Most of those accused issued public statements denying the allegations. “Diddy, LA Reid, Steven Tyler, and now they circle back to this,” Cosby spokesperson Andrew Wyatt said. “When is it going to stop?”

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

Digital Content Manager Terrance Harris Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

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 2023 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 Education

TSU professors want AI legislation to fight racial bias

By Aswad Walker

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is here to stay, whether we like it or not. The conveniences A.I. affords are both appreciated and at times unnoticed, as A.I. has become so integrated into the tools of our daily operations, that we most often don’t know it’s there.

However, with increased reporting on A.I. reflecting the racial biases of its predominantly white programmers, there is cause for concern.

Enter Texas Southern University Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs professors Dr. Michael O. Adams and Carroll Robinson. Adams, who heads TSU’s eMPA (Executive Master of Public Education) program, and Robinson, have submitted 2025 A.I. policy recommendations for the Texas Legislature. And each is clear about the submitted to the Texas Legislature, importance of such oversight. adding their voices to others calling “Policy and laws in regard to A.I. for more oversight: are critical for public wellbeing,” said • Pass legislation to study the Adams. “The power of A.I. comes potential long-term impact of AI with great responsibility. These laws on the Texas economy, until 2075, and policies are needed to protect the in the areas of future employment safety, ethics and fairness in opportunities and losses; our society. entrepreneurship growth “Moreover, A.I. policies or stagnation; small busiand laws are needed to ness development or the shape and foster a culture lack thereof; access to capof accountability and to ital; and growth-or loss of safeguard the public interstate revenue. est,” added Adams.

• Pass legislation to The use of A.I. images utilize AI to modernize of actors by Hollywood and make the operation production companies Adams of government at the without compensation for state, county & local levels, the actors whose likenesses including MUDs, TIRZs & were being used was one other special districts more of the issues central to the transparent, effective and SAG-AFTRA strike. cost-efficient to reduce the Multiple former Google burden on Texas taxpayengineers and executives, ers and to free up revenue including Timnit Gebru to invest in improving and Blake Lemoine, have education and enhanccharged that A.I. exhibits ing healthcare services, Robinson the biases of its predomitransportation connectivnantly white, male programmers. ity, water resources & emergency It is these realities and others that preparedness. have led to Adams and Robinson mak• Pass legislation to utilize AI ing their policy recommendations. to improve public education from “The laws currently in existence are Pre-K to College Graduation Rates & insufficient when it comes to regulat- Workforce Readiness (with a goal of ing the potential dangers of artificial 75x40 to supersede the 60x30 plan and intelligence including racial bias and even the older Closing The Gap plan). discrimination,” said Robinson. “Pres• Pass legislation to utilize AI to ident Joe Biden’s new A.I. Executive expand the teaching of Dual Credit Order is a good start, but Congress Courses in Texas High Schools. needs to pass legislation.”

(Every High School in Texas should Here are the A.I. public policy rec- become an Early College High ommendations Adams and Robinson School.) See generally research being

Board rejects climate change textbooks

By Amaka Watson

done by Rice University’s Kinder Instituteand the Houston Endorsement’s A New Measure of Educational Success in Texas, Tracking the Success of 8th graders into and through College (2012).

• Pass legislation to create a state advisory group made up of internal and external experts to independently review and evaluate AI algorithms ethical/privacy/cybersecurity/& bias and discrimination standards, utilized by state, county, municipalities, ISDs and special districts. (The legislature should maximize, and utilize, the expertise of faculty members at Texas state universities, colleges, community colleges and law schools as a part of developing panels of experts.)

• Pass legislation to prohibit the use of face recognition technologies by state, county, local, college, community college, ISD and special districts law enforcement agencies.

• Pass legislation to mandate Texas be compensated for any and all use of their data to train AI algorithms.

• Pass legislation to regulate the use of AI in the healthcare industry as it relates to the diagnosis and prescription of treatments and/or medications.

• Pass legislation to regulate the use of AI to make mortgage loans, small business loans, apartment rental decisions, personal credit rating determinations, government benefits decisions and probation and/or parole decisions to help prevent racial and economic discrimination.

• Pass legislation to enhance protections for the online free speech rights of individuals and employees.

The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) recently rejected seven of 12 proposed science textbooks for eighth graders.

The decision stemmed from concerns that the materials presented a “one-sided” view on climate change, reflecting the board’s Republican majority’s desire for a more balanced approach to the topic.

The rejected textbooks faced criticism for including policy solutions for climate change and being associated with companies following environmental, social, and governance policies.

One of the major points of contention involved an image depicting humans sharing ancestry with apes, which led to the rejection of multiple textbooks. The board also mandated changes, such as removing content and images that portrayed the fossil fuel industry, particularly oil and gas, in a predominantly negative light.

Aaron Kinsey, a board member and CEO of an oilfield services company, argued for a more balanced portrayal, stating concerns that the textbooks were endorsing an agenda against the industry.

In addition to the climate change debate, disagreements surfaced over the presentation of evolution in a biology textbook submitted by McGraw-Hill Education. Evelyn Brooks, a Republican board member, objected to the textbook’s treatment of evolution, arguing that it should be presented as one theory among many regarding life on Earth. This perspective, she maintained, allows students to form their own opinions on different theories of life’s origin.

Democratic board member Marisa Perez-Diaz voiced concerns about the potential influence of ideological and political perspectives on education. Perez-Diaz feared that the rejection of textbooks reflecting climate change science could render the board irrelevant in the eyes of publishers, hindering the availability of appropriate educational materials for students.

The rejected textbooks, intended for eighth-grade students, must align with new standards mandating education about the climate crisis. While school districts in Texas are not bound to use only board-approved textbooks, the approved materials often align with the state’s curriculum standards.

This decision by the SBOE underscores the ongoing tension between the need for accurate scientific information and the influence of political and ideological considerations on the educational content provided to students in Texas.

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DN Profile

R&B singer Leela James’ Girls Talk Initiative comes to HCC

By Laura Onyeneho

The gritty-voiced contemporary soul singer and recording artist who has topped the Adult R&B chart multiple times in the past two decades is gearing up for her “Girl Talk” series at Houston Community College on Dec. 6.

The powerhouse Leela James emerges as a singer and a force of empowerment for young women and girls. It’s an experience designed to enrich female college students and prepare them emotionally and mentally to conquer life’s challenges in love, career, health, and wellness.

James is offering young ladies a glimpse

R&B singer Leela James.

Credit: Lemon-Lime Light Media

into her journey as an artist, mother, and advocate, and hopes to expand her legacy far beyond her musical accomplishments.

She spoke to the Defender about what students should look forward to for this upcoming event.

DEFENDER: Can you share more about your “Girl Talk” series, when it started?

LEELA JAMES: My Girl Talk series

started a few months back, kicking off this school year. It has been so awesome so far.

We’ve been able to go to Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, and Prairie View, and we will also be headed back to TSU. It’s been exciting to sit with the young ladies, and some men come and participate.

We will be doing more work with the community college here in Houston because the HBCUs have been going so well. Also, I want to tap into the Black and Brown students and make sure everyone knows that at this point in time in their lives, they have shoulders to lean on.

We have our doors open for support and mentorship, and it’s just exciting because these college years can be an overwhelming

time in a young person’s life. You want to make sure that, as someone of age who has lived a little, you can give back in the best way you can regarding support. I’m excited, and I’ve been enjoying it.

For some of the ladies that have come

through so far, it was like they felt like their voices were finally heard or they were seen, and how it’s just changing their perspective and their whole idea of how they see sisterhood and just the approach even of school in this time.

CLASSIFIED NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

RFI No. 4024000019: A&E Design Services for Reconfiguration of Buffalo Bay Mid-Day Lot Facility (BBMDL). Solicitation will be available on or about 11/21/2023. Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements. If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-6125 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org.

Notice to Proposers The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18 th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https:// houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 11:00 a.m. (CST) Tuesday, December 12, 2023, for the following solicitation: RFP 24-09-05 Police Uniforms, Tools, and Accessories Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with these RFPs. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

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DN InFocus

WANT TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE? HERE’S HOW.

By Aswad Walker

According to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), African American men are 20% more more likely to have serious psychological distress than white men. African Americans’ depressive occurrences are more disabling, persistent, and resistant to treatment than those experienced by whites.

African American men are four times more likely to die by suicide than African American women are. In fact, the statistics across the board for Black men are bleak: • Black men die four years earlier than white men • Black men are twice as likely to be unemployed as white men • Black men are less likely to participate in the labor force • Black men earn less than white men and women • Black boys are most at risk of remaining stuck in poverty • Black men make up the largest share of prisoners *Source: Brookings Institute With Black men on the wrong end of nearly every statistic, merely surviving dayto-day can almost feel like a victory. Almost.

“To be male, poor, and either African-American or Native-American is to confront, on a daily basis, a deeply-held racism that exists in every social institution,” says Camille Busette, director of the Brookings Institute’s Race, Prosperity and Inclusion Initiative.

Busette believes nothing less than “a New Deal for Black men” (holistic policies impacting all aspects of life) can improve outcomes for brothers. However, a group of Black men recently discussed the internal work needed to move them from a survival mentality to one that allows them to see they deserve to thrive.

Black Men Thrive: Moving Beyond Survival A forum on this topic was recently hosted at the National Urban League convention in

Houston hosted a forum titled “Black Men Thrive: Moving Beyond Survival.” Attendees in the standing-room-only space heard from a mix of brothers with national followings and impact.

Moderated by national activist, strategist and commentator Jeff Johnson, panelists included Charles Blow (journalist, commentator, NY Times op-ed columnist and author), Mac Stanley Cazeau (owner/operator of Therapy Is for Everyone Inc.), Larry Williams Jr. (executive director, Black Men Vote) and Rev. Jamail Johnson (pastor, The Word Church and executive director for the African American Male Wellness Agency).

Here are excerpts from their conversation.

STUCK IN SURVIVAL MODE Emotionally Stunted

We are in a place where we can’t even express emotion that is positive. I can’t be curious because I’m supposed to know. I cannot be overly happy because then they’re gonna think I’m goofy. I cannot be in love because then somebody going to get me.

I cannot smile too big because then I’ll be targeted. We literally have seen a generation that has created the aspiration of Black masculinity as stoic. And so before people talk about toxic masculinity and all this other stuff, there is a reality that there is a not only

white supremacist, but internal cultural value that says being stoic is the image of Black masculinity. And then we wonder why people treat us inhumanely, even our own families. (Jeff Johnson)

members believing “Cars coming next week.

Houses coming next week.” And when that doesn’t come, then now, I question my faith. I question my ability, I question myself, which is now driving us into a place where we are looking at everybody else’s ESPN Faith Failures highlight real, judging ourselves. I I think as an institution, [the Jeff Johnson think as an institution, if we’re going church has] failed. Because it was to talk about it from a religious space, a moment where even in the church, we we have to get back to a fundamental square had pastors that on Sunday were just like to where we look at ourselves in the mirror 2 Chainz, “Ridin Round Getting It,” and and we try every day to be the spitting image

We ain’t allowed to show no weakness, brother. And that’s one of the most traumatic things in the world. A Black man that might actually need some help, he might really need some help, it’s challenging for you to even bring yourself to a place of comfort to call someone to tell them that you really need some help, and ask for it and not be afraid that somebody is going to take that situation that you’re going through and exploit that bullshit to embarrass you or humiliate you. So, definitely, the majority of the time, we walk alone.”

BUSTA RHYMES TOURE INTERVIEW

of our creator. I believe it’s in that space we find everything that we need. Looking in that mirror, we’ll be able to find everything that we need to be the best that we can be.

(Pastor Jamail Johnson) Out of Touch with Feelings

a brother be like, “Y’all, she broke my heart, man. What y’all think?” Or, “Yo, I’m struggling with this money at the job and it ain’t working right. Where y’all at?” It is a place to be honest, but not always a place to be transparent. (Jeff Johnson)

Lack of Honest Conversation

KEYS TO THRIVING

We are now becoming aware of how society has conditioned Fear of Admitting Vulnerability Black men to be, to act and to see ourselves. And the biggest struggle I, like any other man in this Pastor that I see when I’m working with room, have been acculturated in Jamail Johnson Black men is one, being able to label masculinity in society, and that how we are feeling. We’re comfortmeans that you don’t want, even able with three emotions, anger, happiness, if it’s healthy, to stay in an emotional and sadness, while our counterparts state. It makes you feel vulnerable. can feel thousands of emotions. So, Vulnerability makes you feel a lot of time we’re feeling invisiweak. To counteract that, you ble, overwhelmed, not prioritized, develop strategy. For me, that undesired and overlooked. And strategy is having a single conwe don’t even have the language to fidant who is the person that I be able to voice those things. (Mac go to with the vulnerable part of Stanley Cazeau) Charles Blow me. (Charles Blow) We talk a lot of times about the barbershop being the pinnacle of Black male conversation. And I just think that’s a lie… The barbershop is the place where you are honest about everybody but you. So, we’re gonna talk about everything, but seldom do I see

Transparency

We can lift statistics and we can frame the problem, but if we are not talking about transparent things that we have been through to challenge this notion, if we can’t talk about models that we’ve seen and we can’t talk

about solutions, then we have wasted everybody’s time. (Jeff Johnson)

Protect and Project Your Joy

It’s important to protect joy. We deserve joy. Our children deserve to see us Talk to Somebody experience joy. There is a great To counteract [fearing vulline in Beloved where Toni nerability], you have to develop Morrison writes about Holy strategy. For me, that strategy is in the clearing, and she tells having a single confidant who is the men to dance because the person that I go to with the your children need to see vulnerable part of me… I think that you dance. It is so incredibly some of us need whatever strategy Larry Williams Jr. important to have access to that allows us to be vocal, to articthat, to be a full human being. ulate, to acknowledge that it’s happening. (Charles Blow) I need to acknowledge sometimes that there’s fear, that I’m vulnerable, that I Take Time to Process and Feel hurt, that I feel that I’m inadequate, that I feel that I’m coming up short.

[Thriving] requires us to And that is not something I need take a look at ourselves in to say to the world…. because I that mirror, acknowledging believe that once I’ve done that, our emotions, and also being I’m on the road to deal with it. able to listen to ourselves.

(Charles Blow) Because men spend 2.5 seconds Mac Stanley listening before problem-solvCazeau Be Your Brother’s Keeper ing. Part of listening is being The reason we have Black Men Engaged able to sit there and just take it in, versus is because Black men have so many other trying to decide how quickly can I get rid things going on in their life. So, before you of this feeling. It’s allowing it to process so can talk to them about politics it’s like, we can learn from it, so we can grow from “How are you feeling? How’s your economic it, and so we can adapt it, and then we can life? How’s your relationship?” (Larry start making the healthiest decisions on how Williams Jr.) to address it. (Mac Stanley Cazeau)

10 | November 30, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature EXCLUSIVE

Former TSU Board chair Albert Myres speaks on school’s future

By Aswad Walker

Long before Albert Myres served as chair of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, he was a big TSU supporter. That chair position afforded him a bird’s-eye view of the inner workings of the university, as his job demanded he b e “ k n e e d e e p” involved in how the TSU “sausage” was made. That familiar- Myres ity with the daily minutia didn’t repulse Myres. Just the opposite; it made Myres fall more deeply in love with the Third Ward-located HBCU, and see it “not as a diamond in the rough, but rather, as a diamond, period,” as he put it.

Upon learning of the news that Myres, whose blood runs maroon and gray, stepped down from his board position with over a year left on his term, the Defender sought to hear directly from Myres regarding his resignation and to gain his insights on where TSU is headed moving forward.

DEFENDER: Why did you step down as a member of the board?

ALBERT MYRES: One of the things I

have always said to myself and to my former colleagues on the board, when you’re given the opportunity and the window of time, you do what you can within that window of time, and the best you can for the students at a university. Unfortunately for me, that came a little earlier than I had anticipated. I have a couple of personal issues that health-wise, I had to deal with, and I thought that would be a little bit too much on me and for the board. And to not hinder progress, I thought it was best for me to just step aside because I think at the end of the day, it’s all about the university and the students, and not about me.

DEFENDER: What was your crowning accomplishment during your tenure?

MYRES: I don’t know if I

have any particular crowning moment. There are so many good things happening at Texas Southern University. Sure, there are some challenging things also, but there are a lot of good things

Albert Myres addressing the press in June 2021. Photo by Aswad Walker.

happening. A few sessions ago we did fairly well by bringing in a decent amount of money from the legislative session; around $95 million. But at the time, I was a little disappointed because I didn’t think it was enough money. But I was told that it was one of the largest amounts ever to come into the university… Once you wrap yourself in that university, you can understand… why so many folks are so proud of the univerSEE WHAT sity and have the passion that MYRES they have for the university.

HAS TO We did some good things, SAY ABOUT some things that obviously, I INADEQUATE would’ve loved to have been HBCU on the board to see come to FUNDING fruition. But, it’s a very good AND MORE. board that’s in place there.

DEFENDER: What are TSU’s biggest opportunities moving forward?

MYRES: If we were in an investment

group and we were looking at different schools (schools and not companies), I would suggest that Texas Southern University had probably, the best upside of the universities in the area. I think the university is poised not only to be great like it is, but to be greater than where it is today.

I think there are areas that have so much upside potential that if the school is able to achieve a few of them, I think the university will be able to set itself apart from not only other HBCUs, but other universities in the region and the state. It’s a university that was built off a very historical foundation.

And I think that that history is still at play today. And I think with that, it makes it a very special university. So, when I think of possibilities and opportunity, I just think

the upside just hasn’t been touched or is nowhere in sight. I think it just has a lot of upside potential.

DEFENDER: What are some of the challenges on TSU’s horizon?

MYRES: I think student success is the

number one key ingredient for the university going forward. I think we have great students, and I think prioritizing the success of the students, as priority number one, as a board and across the system, I think is a very strategic and very important first step direction going into the future. I think if the students are achieving the success that they need to achieve in our system, and that’s everything, not only academically, but from the housing perspective and student life across the campus, I think when you achieve student success across the board, the university can’t help but be successful.

November 30, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature In collaboration with the Houston Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston unveiled its groundbreaking Freight Farms initiative, signaling a new era for sustainable farming in the community. The eagerly awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant step toward fostering environmental stewardship and addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in Houston.

“This is an exciting partnership where we are taking on our core pillars in health and wellbeing,” said Kevin Battery, president and CEO at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston. “The initiative will educate and teach our youth about food and nutrition, as well as introduce them to new industries in agriculture and technology.”

This groundbreaking collaboration focuses on introducing Freight Farms, a state-of-theart vertical farming solution designed to facilitate year-round production of fresh, local produce.

Vertical farming, a method involving the cultivation of crops in vertically stacked layers, is at the core of this initiative. It integrates

Control Section Job (CSJ): 0912-00-146

DECEMBER 2023

PUBLIC MEETING SERIES

Boys & Girls Club addresses food insecurity

By Laura Onyeneho

| 11

CHANGES FOR THE BETTER [L-R]Brian Green, Chris Pauporus, Shanick Ifield, Nikki Dupard, Kevin Hatter during the Freight Farms opening ceremony in Houston. Credit: The B&GC of Greater Houston

controlled-environment agriculture to optimize plant growth, utilizing soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. Structures like buildings, shipping containers, tunnels, and even abandoned mine shafts can house these vertical farming systems.

In tandem with the Houston Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston plans to roll out a series of youth engagement programs within the Freight Farms space. These programs educate the younger generation about sustainable farming practices and foster environmental stewardship.

“The fresh produce grown is then given to communities in need at the Houston Food Bank,” he said. “We’re still in the early stages; it’s volunteer intensive, and there is so much to learn, but this is a major service to the community.”

Get the family caregiving support you need, when you need it.

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AARP is dedicated to help our members and families get the answers and resources they need for Family Caregiving.

We know it can be a challenge, but we’ve done the hard work to help you connect with the other family caregivers and resources close to home. So you can take care of what matters most.

For more information, scan the QR Code or visit AARP.org/BlackCommunity To learn more, visit aarp.org/caregiving

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) invites you to the I-45 NHHIP “Changes for The Better” public meeting series. The purpose of these public meetings is for TxDOT to update the public on overall project status, design refinements, details regarding the Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) and future construction schedule in an open house format.

The public meeting series includes two public meetings for each of the three segments (in-person and a live virtual meeting). Please note that both the virtual and in-person public meetings will be conducted in English with real-time Spanish translation.

PUBLIC MEETING SERIES SCHEDULE SEGMENT 3* (DOWNTOWN ROADWAYS) IN-PERSON:

VIRTUAL:

Wed., Dec. 6, 2023

Thu., Dec. 7, 2023

St. John’s Downtown Church 2019 Crawford St., Houston, TX 77002 5 -7 P.M.

5 -7 P.M.

PRESENTATION: 5:15 P.M.

PRESENTATION: 5:15 P.M. www.nhhippublicmeetings.com/Segment3 or scan the segment QR code

*Meeting will feature design changes and seek public feedback specific to the Project 3B reevaluation.�

SEGMENT 2 (I-45 FROM I-10 TO I-610) IN-PERSON:

VIRTUAL:

Mon., Dec. 11, 2023

Tue., Dec. 12, 2023

Moody Community Center 3725 Fulton St., Houston, TX 77009 5 -7 P.M.

5 -7 P.M.

PRESENTATION: 5:15 P.M.

PRESENTATION: 5:15 P.M. www.nhhippublicmeetings.com/Segment2 or scan the segment QR code

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

SEGMENT 1 (I-45 FROM I-610 TO BELTWAY 8)

The project limits are I-45 from US 59/I-69 to Beltway 8 North, including improvements on US 59/I-69 between I-45 and Spur 527 in Harris County, Texas. The Segment 3 public meetings will also present proposed design changes specific to the Segment 3B re-evaluation.

Segment 3B limits are US 59/I-69 from State Highway (SH) 288 to I-45.

IN-PERSON:

VIRTUAL:

Thurs., Dec. 14, 2023

Wed., Dec. 13, 2023

Aldine Ninth Grade Center 10650 North Fwy., Houston, TX 77037 5 -7 P.M.

5 -7 P.M.

Feedback from the public regarding the project may be submitted in any language by mail to: TxDOT I-45 NHHIP Ombudsman, TxDOT Houston District, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386. Feedback may also be submitted by email to: nhhip.ombudsman@txdot.gov or HOU-PIOwebmail@txdot.gov. All feedback must be received or postmarked by Fri., January 5, 2024.

Should you need assistance with meeting access services, translation services, or other accommodations, please call (713) 802-5199 no later than 4 p.m. by the following dates for: •Segment 3 meetings, Thurs., Nov. 30, 2023 •Segment 2 meetings, Mon., Dec. 4, 2023 •Segment 1 meetings, Fri., Dec. 8, 2023 If you do not have internet access, you may call (713) 866-7040 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process, by appointment only with TxDOT staff. Those without internet access are encouraged to attend in-person meetings.

PRESENTATION: 5:15 P.M.

PRESENTATION: 5:15 P.M. www.nhhippublicmeetings.com/Segment1 or scan the segment QR code

12 | November 30, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Obits

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

ALVIN BYRD REMEMBERED Defender News Service

As word spread of the death of Alvin Byrd, a Houston native known for his community involvement, especially in Fifth Ward, grassroots advocates and political officials across the city mourned his passing. He died Nov. 20.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11:00 a.m.viewing and 12:00 p.m. service at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 2801 Conti Street.

After graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School and attending Texas Southern University, Byrd joined the United States Navy where he became a shipbuilder by trade in San Diego, CA. and a friend of labor as a member of the Iron Workers Union and Pipefitters Union.

Upon his return to Houston, Byrd shifted his career focus to social services, working for the Star of Hope Women and Families Shelter, Bread of Life, Inc., Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, Extended After-Care Recovery Center, and the Houston Recovery Campus in Fifth Ward.

He was sensitive to the needs of young people serving as a mentor with My Brother’s Keeper Houston Chapter, board member of Harris County Drug Court Foundation, and as an active member of the Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) for both Atherton Elementary

and the Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men. Expanding his commitment to public service, Bryd served as the first president of the Greater Fifth Ward Super Neighborhood Council, was selected as Vice Chair of former Mayor Lee Brown’s Commission for People and Disabilities, chaired the Fifth Ward Weed and Seed Initiative Steering Committee and was a member of the Northeast Branch of the American Red Cross.

Because of his extensive ties in the community on multiple levels, Byrd was drafted by several Houston city councilmen to serve on their teams: Former city councilman Richard Nguyen of District F Chief of Staff, former city councilman Jarvis Johnson of District B Constituent Services Director and current City Councilman Edward Pollard of District J Deputy Chief of Staff. With a deep understanding of how Houston City Council works, Byrd offered his talents and ran for District B council seat. Known for giving invaluable advice and counsel, Byrd was often sought by political candidates and elected officials on an ongoing basis.

He leaves to cherish his legacy his soulmate of 20 years, Sandra Martin Polk; five sons, Cory Smith Sr., wife Katina; Alvin Davis, wife Peaches; Dominic Byrd, wife Adreanna; William Polk, wife Sandra; Marcus Ellison, wife Nikki; ten grandchildren;

Alvin Byrd was beloved by many for standing tall for the community.

Devan Smith, Kaylin Smith, Cory (CJ) Smith Jr., Anthoney Davis, Darrion Davis, Corey Davis, Donesha Antwine, Sierra Polk, Brianna Polk, Kaleick Pullam; two brothers, Louis E Jones Sr., Ricky Lee; three sisters, Rotella Byrd, Percilla Byrd, Ernestine

Portis; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin D Byrd Sr.; stepmom, Jimmie Lee; one sister, Sandra Ann Washington; two sons, Marcelus Davis and Sam Antwine.

Friends and associates share memories of Alvin Byrd Jodie Lee Jiles Friend and Businessman

Alvin and I shared our Fifth Ward roots and attended the same neighborhood schools. I would always call Alvin by his nickname, June Bug. We often talked about three mentoring Pastors who were helpful to him: the late Pastor Earl Allen, Pastor Vern Swisher, and Pastor Rudy Ramus. He was so appreciative of the ongoing support they gave him. He loved Fifth Ward and gave back as a volunteer with many service groups that made positive changes for the community.

Alvin was always a giver and not a taker. I would get together with Alvin and another friend, Fats, for the best luncheons reflecting on our Fifth Ward days, bringing joy to our hearts. And when he talked about his wonderful wife, Sandra, it would always bring a smile to his face. I am honored to have had June Bug as my friend, and loved him as a

brother. He has now graduated to be with our Lord in Heaven.

Deric Muhammad Friend and Colleague

Alvin Byrd was one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever met on this journey. He was a servant at heart. He was a selfless soul who treated janitors and senators with the same dignity and respect. He was like a big brother to me. He helped me to see things rationally when I may have been disappointed, hurt or upset. He was the greatest storyteller since Muhammad Ali and could make you laugh under any circumstance.

Alvin was a true brother and friend. I will always love him.

Michael Harris Friend and Attorney

I will always remember Alvin Byrd for

his genuine desire to contribute towards the greater good of humanity. He was a servant leader who did all he could to enhance the quality of life for his community. Affectionately known as the “Godfather,” Alvin mentored young aspiring leaders to be compassionate and understanding regarding the most vulnerable member of society. He often said, “don’t take life for granted, because, but for the grace of God, the shoes on someone else’s feet could be on yours.”

Alvin was very generous with his time and resources even when he was not in the best financial position or facing personal challenges of his own. He was a constant reminder that when everything is going well, when life is good, when we are enjoying the fruits of our labor and basking in the glory of all that comes from a life of comfort and convenience, it’s very easy to become complacent and forget about the struggle.

Edward Pollard Friend and City Councilman

When I was first elected to city council, the one person I knew I needed on my staff to help guide me was Mr. Byrd. All over the city, Alvin had a strong reputation for knowing the in’s and out’s of city hall, and was respected from the neighborhood blocks all the way to the corporate boardrooms. In my office he was given the nickname “Godfather” because of how wise and highly regarded he was. Whenever our staff would contemplate back and forth about what direction to take, Godfather’s advice was usually the final answer. He had the ability to adapt in any situation and make all those around him smile. I owe much of my success during my first term to Mr. Byrd, and I will carry his wisdom and spirit with me always.

November 30, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 13

DN Obits HOUSTON CIVIC LEADER

Laurence ‘Larry’ Payne mourned Defender News Service

Laurence J. “Larry” Payne, a well-known civic, community and religious leader, is being remembered as a committed and compassionate public servant who touched untold lives in Houston and beyond. He died Nov. 26 at age 73.

Payne held key positions in politics, nonprofits, education and media. As a testament to his involvement and influence, the University of St. Thomas (UST) named him Alumni of the Year for 2007, citing his embrace of the university’s core values — goodness, knowledge and community.

Payne was the longtime president of the Educational Excellence Resource Group, an education, training and consulting firm. Along the way, he championed causes

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS MONDAY, DEC. 4 St Theresa Catholic Church 6622 Haskell Street Houston, TX 77007 Viewing 4P - 7P Vigil 7P - 8:30P Rosary 8:30P - 9P TUESDAY, DEC. 5 Viewing 10A - 10:50A Communion Mass 11A

WEDNESDAY, DEC 6 Home Church St Therese Catholic Church 1409 6th Street Orange, TX 77630 Communion Mass 10A Repass St Therese Catholic Church Hall

that promoted social change and social justice and worked with political leaders ranging from the late Congressman Mickey Leland to Mayor Sylvester Turner. His most recent role was director of Strategic Partnerships, Civic Engagement and Critical Conversations-Houston Public Library.

POLITICAL WORK

In 1985, following positions with the Catholic Church in Illinois and Minnesota, Payne returned to Houston and served as director of City Council Agenda in the Mayor Kathy Whitmire administration. He headed Houston-based operations for Leland from 1987 until his death in 1989. He was deputy city controller from 1989 to 1992 and district director for Congressman Chris Bell from 2002 to 2004. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Turner asked Payne to chair the Mayor’s Taskforce on Police Reforms.

NON-PROFIT WORK

As president of the Greater Houston Coalition for Educational Excellence from 1992 to 1997, Payne provided leadership in fulfillment of its mission to involve the entire community in educational reform and institutional restructuring to positively impact the public education system. In 2004, he became president and CEO of Houston Habitat for Humanity, America’s leader in building affordable housing for underprivileged families.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Payne played an active role in various organizations and received numerous honors, including most recently the UST Inaugural

Larry J. Payne Servant Leadership Award and the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston Tapestry Award.

In 1991 and 2002 he was general chair of the National NAACP Conventions in Houston. His other involvement included: American Leadership Forum, Catholic Charities, Center for Houston’s Future, Children at Risk, Community Health Charities, Greater Houston Partnership, Greater Houston Women’s Foundation, Houston Works, Interfaith Ministries, Institute for Spirituality and Health, Leadership Houston, Teach for America and United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast.

MEDIA

Payne hosted the HCCTV public affairs talk show “Dialogue Houston,” which focused on news and issues of importance to the improvement of Houston. Topics included government, education, diversity, race relations and leadership. He also hosted the talk radio show “Interchange” on KPFT-Radio. He was the author of “The Heart of HoUSton: Lesson in Servant Leadership.” In 2020, UST partnered with Payne for a social justice podcast, “For Such a Time as This.”

EARLY YEARS

Payne was a native of Orange, Texas. He received a B.A. in Theology from UST and an M.T.S. in Theology Studies from Seabury Western/Garrett Theological Seminary. From 1974-1980 he served as director of Community Relations for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He later served as vicar of Urban Affairs for the Diocese of Belleville, Ill. and as social development director with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Houstonians pay tribute to Larry Payne HAUL President & CEO Judson Robinson III

“Laurence Payne was a beacon of inspiration and a driving force in our pursuit of a more just and equitable society. His legacy of compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to social progress will continue to guide and inspire us.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner

“Larry was a civic leader, a facilitator, educator, mentor and personal friend. Over the last 30 years, mayors have turned to him to lead various initiatives or assist in conflict resolution. Immediately after the murder of George Floyd, when tensions were running high across the country, I asked Larry to chair the Mayor’s Taskforce on Police Reforms. Very few people anywhere in this country could have successfully facilitated a

consensus with 45 people representing community activists, police officers, labor, business, faith and nonprofit leaders. The 104 reforms presented were broadly accepted and helped our City navigate challenging times. Throughout this entire time, Larry was battling cancer, but he did not hesitate to say yes to the assignment when I asked him. This City will be forever indebted to Larry Payne for his unselfish service and his wife and family for sharing him with us. On a personal note, I shall miss my friend who left it all on the field.”

City Councilmember Tiffany Thomas

”To know Larry Payne was to know a dreamer. Someone with a vision, heart for people and justice for all. I met Larry when he was CEO of Habitat for Humanity and

we became quick friends and co-learners of community. He learned from my perspective as a young person and I learned from his, someone with deep knowledge of Houston, history and the possibilities. I was honored to share remarks celebrating him at the University of St. Thomas a few years ago, giving him his flowers in person. Thank you for that moment my friend. Earlier this year, we had breakfast and he probed me about my future and pressed me to consider stretching myself in public service. Larry and his dreams…I am going to miss my comrade and a very present advisor since 2005.”

Dr. James Dixon, II, President, NAACP Houston Branch

“A great soldier has left the battlefield. In addition to being one of the warmest persons one could ever know, Larry Payne was

a quintessential leader and civic servant. He was the consummate coalition and consensus builder. Watching him up close has been a priceless value to me and so many others.

A gentle giant, who often modeled strength under submission. Larry had appreciation and acumen for Houston’s rich diversity which made him a rare leader who could work with almost anyone. From elected officials, to NGOs, to corporations, to school districts, Larry’s voice of wisdom helped make others great. The NAACP Houston Branch will honor his legacy as a justice advocate for whom equity and equality were sacred. My personal memory of Larry are the deep conversations we had about our faith in God. That was his firm foundation until the end. Houston owes a pronounced “Thank You” to Larry’s family, who unselfishly shared him with all of us.”

14 | November 30, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rockets second-year power forward Jabari Smith Jr. turned in a double-double during the 105-86 win over Denver, scoring 16 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Sports Briefs Prairie View, Florida A&M set to clash in SWAC Championship

The Prairie View A&M Panthers will be aiming for their first HBCU Celebration Bowl bid when they travel to take on Florida A&M (10-1), the nation’s firstranked FCS team, in the Bubba SWAC Championship on McDowell Saturday at 3 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. in a game televised on ESPN2. The winner of the SWAC Championship will meet MEAC champ Howard for the Black College national championship on Dec. 16 in Atlanta.

The Rattlers come in as the heavy favorite after going undefeated in conference play, which includes a 45-7 win over the Panthers (6-5) in October. PV, however, has won three straight games to earn a spot in the conference championship game for the second time in three years.

Texans claim Derek Barnett off waivers

The Texans have perhaps bolstered their defensive front with the addition of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett, whom they claimed Derek off waivers. So far this year Barnett Barnett, a former first-round pick, played only 99 defensive snaps in eight games and made just three tackles. A first-round pick in 2017, the 27-year-old had 150 tackles, 21.5 sacks, forced three fumbles and three fumble recoveries during his tenure with the Eagles.

TSU, PV get two players each on All-SWAC Team

Both Prairie View and Texas Southern had two players make the All-SWAC Football team this year. Texas LaDarius Southern running back Owens LaDarius Owens was named to the first team, while Tigers linebacker Jacob Williams made the second team. Offensive linemen Eric Dunn (first team) and Arrington Taylor (second Arrington team) were the Panthers’ Taylor lone representatives on the All-SWAC Team. Owens was also recently named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which is given nationally to the offensive player of the year in Division I FCS and often dubbed Heisman of the FCS. Owens ran for a single-season TSU record 1,370 yards this season to go along with 24 rushing touchdowns and finished his career with a Tigers’ all-time best 3,114 yards.

Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. came through with five tackles (four solo), an interception and two passes defended during the 24-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

L.J. CRYER

Gives UH Cougars scoring spark

By Terrance Harris

When it comes to what Baylor transfer L.J. Cryer adds most on the basketball floor, it’s real simple for University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson.

“Put the biscuit in the basket,” Sampson said.

And seven games into Cryer’s tenure with the sixth-ranked Cougars, he has been doing exactly that – at a clip. Brought in this season to replace high-scoring guard Marcus Sasser in the Cougars’ backcourt, Cryer hasn’t disappointed.

He has been the volume scorer the Coogs needed and on the flipside, Cryer is receiving the push he needs from the UH coaching staff to be a more complete player to improve his NBA chances for next year’s NBA Draft.

“A coach that believed in me and that was going to push me to be the best I can be,” Cryer said when asked by the Defender what he was looking for when putting his name into the NCAA transfer portal last spring. “I felt like Coach Sampson has the no BS approach and I love that about him.

He doesn’t sugarcoat anything and that is what I was looking for.”

It’s still early in the process, but it appears Cryer and the Cougars are getting everything they need from each other. Cryer, a former standout at Morton Ranch, has blended in seamlessly with his new teammates, especially backcourt mate Jamal Shead.

Shead and Cryer had a friendship that pre-dated them becoming teammates, and their bond has only seemed to strengthen as the two vie to become one of the best backcourts in the nation this season. The two are playing off each other so smoothly that at times it seems they’ve been sharing the same backcourt for a few seasons instead of a few months.

“It’s fun because I know he is always looking to find me,” Cryer said of playing with Shead. “He’s very unselfish, like a pass-first point guard. It kind of takes the load off me.

I don’t have to go out there and hunt shots. I can be patient and let the game come to me when you have someone like that.”

TOURNAMENT MVP PERFORMANCE

So far it has worked out perfectly. After scoring just nine points in his debut with the Cougars during the season-opener against

Baylor transfer L.J. Cryer has been the scoring spark sixth-ranked UH needed, averaging 17 points while shooting 42% from the field and 38% from 3-point range during the Cougars first seven games this season.

Louisiana-Monroe, Cryer has scored in double figures in six straight games and is averaging 17 points while shooting 42% from the field and 38% from 3-point range.

Cryer is coming off a standout tournament performance in which he averaged 16.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists and shot nearly 46% from the 3-point line over three games to finish as the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic MVP and while helping the undefeated Cougars win the tournament championship earlier this month.

While Cryer’s game has fit well with the Cougars, Shead says Cryer’s drive to show leadership amongst a group he is relatively new to has been big, as well.

“It just goes to show his character,” Shead said. “LJ has been labeled a bunch of stuff before he got here but he has been nothing but a great leader, great friend, great teammate and a great roommate for me. He has been awesome and I feel like he is going to continue to do so.”

Cryer, who is a senior, said he decided to transfer because he wanted a change of scenery and wanted coaches who would push him to improve, especially on the defensive end of the court. Cryer, who averaged 15 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2 rebounds in 31 starts for Baylor last season, declared for the NBA Draft last spring prior to transferring to UH and worked out for a few NBA teams. Those teams advised him on areas he needed to get better in order to improve his draft stock.

“It was just a lot going on for me, so coming home and being with my family,

knowing Jamal before I got here felt like it was the perfect spot for me,” Cryer said.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE

In addition to being able to fill the scoring void and give the Cougars some idea of what the competition will be like as they head into the Big 12 season, Cryer can also provide an idea of what it takes to win a national championship, having been a freshman reserve when the Bears won the NCAA Tournament in 2021.

“LJ has got a lot of winner to him,” Sampson said. “I think he has gotten better since he has been here. That’s not to say he wouldn’t have gotten better had he been at Baylor. A lot of guys leave somewhere and get better but they are going to be better because they are older. Guys improve as they go along.”

Cryer believes the current Cougars are built similarly to the Baylor national championship team and feels like his experience can be helpful as they look to make another push for the title.

“I’ve seen what it takes and I know what camaraderie is supposed to be, the effort and how much sacrifice it takes,” said Cryer, who set Baylor’s single-game NCAA Tournament record with 30 points in his final game in a Bears’ jersey in March. “I don’t have to talk about it too much, I feel like we are on the right path. The guys love each other on and off the floor. I feel like that’s half the battle right there. We just go to keep coming to work every day and getting better.”

November 30, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

TRISTEN LAMAR HS WS

BROWN Breaks records

By Jimmie Aggison

Every successful football offense needs a go-to wide receiver who can help free up the run game. For the Lamar Texans, this player is Tristen Brown.

“He’s the best receiver I’ve coached,” said Lamar High School head coach Michael Lindsey.

Brown benches 195 pounds, squats 295 pounds, and runs a 4.48 in the 40-meter dash, but at 5-feet-10 inches, Brown is considered a small receiver.

“When it came to recruiting, I think what kept me from getting overlooked were the numbers that I put up and the way I attacked the ball as if I were a ‘big tall’ receiver,” said Brown.

With over 95 catches, 27 touchdowns, and over 2,000 yards receiving, Brown broke Lamar’s record previously held by Al’vonte Woodard for most catches, yards, and touchdowns at the wide receiver position.

“Breaking the record felt good because I would have never thought it would have gotten to this point to where I would be holding a record,” said Brown.

Brown began playing football when he was five years old.

He played for the East Bethel Cowboys in the “FUN” league, before finishing his little league career with the 713 Cardinals.

“I played my seventh and eighth-grade year at Lanier Middle School. I knew I wanted to go to Lamar from middle school because I heard they had a good team and I wanted to be a part of that,” said Brown.

During Brown’s ninth-grade year, he played three freshman games before being moved to varsity. However, he missed half his sophomore year due to injury.

“My sophomore year I suffered a concussion during practice after the first game. I ended that year with the least receptions but I had the most receiving yards,” said Brown.

Brown went strong his junior year, playing alongside Terence Rone. This one-two punch made it difficult for defenses to key in on just one receiver.

After the season, Brown trained hard with Tim Boutte and played 7-on-7 to work on his route running.

“I worked really hard in transitioning at the top of my routes, getting in and out of my brakes and finding ways to get open,” said Brown.

Colleges began to notice Brown, and in July he committed to Vanderbilt.

“I chose Vanderbilt because they’re in the SEC,” said Brown.

“I believe in the vision that Coach Clark Lea has for the program, and I really enjoy the people on staff and the environment around the school. I also felt it would put me in a good situation once football is over.”

While at Vanderbilt, Brown plans to major in business management.

“After football is over I believe the city of Nashville will help me with networking opportunities,” said Brown.

To the next group of upcoming athletes, Brown believes hard work and being humble will take you far.

“To those who feel they are being overlooked in their recruiting, I would say stay down, stay humble, and work. Your work ethic will not get overlooked. If you just put in the work, eventually, someone will notice you, and then it will be your turn to show out,” said Brown.

ABOUT TRISTEN BROWN Class: 2024 IG: @ayeefivee Twitter: @Br33zy_ent Position: Wide receiver Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 175 pounds Status: Committed to Vanderbilt University Favorite artist: Lil Baby Favorite subject: Sports Science Shout-outs: Lamar football team and coaches

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