Houston Defender: December 2, 2021.

Black

Women

Working Remotely Leading a Unique Cultural Shift in the Workforce

SPORTS

FEATURE

JUSSIE SMOLLETT

The former “Empire” actor’s trial on his reporting of potentially fake hate crimes has begun.

Volume 91, issue 5 December 2, 2021

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CALEB DOUGLAS

The Hightower HS star senior wideout is a ‘dawg’ on a playoff mission.

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DN To The POINT

FIT & FINE Becca Dup Age: 24 Occupation: Fitness trainer and GymShark athlete Education: Minnesota State University/Mankato & St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Major: Master of Arts in Sport and Exercise Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Motto: “I am capable of amazing things.”

“Empowering others to be the best versions of themselves.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., plays a recording of a death threat left on her voicemail in the wake of anti-Islamic comments made last week by Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., who likened Omar to a bomb-carrying terrorist, during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Message from the Associate Editor

on a map. So, to quote Brother Malcolm, “the Former U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) rechickens have come home to roost.” cently tweeted, “If America is a racist country, Arbery’s killers would not have been found guilty by STOP NEGOTIATING WITH TERRORISTS a nearly all-white jury in Georgia.” She then goes “Karen” Colorado congresswoman Lauren Boeonto quote MLK. They always quote MLK when bert recently referred to Ilhan Omar, a Black Mustrying to quiet our voices. And that’s exactly what lim congresswoman from Minnesota, as a member Gabbard was doing—trying to demean us for of “the Jihad Squad.” Multiple videos have surfaced Aswad Walker speaking our truth. Never mind the fact that the of Boebert making these comments, even saying color of Ahmaud Arbery’s skin, not the content that she and a staffer were once on an elevator with of his character, moved those three thugs to chase him down Omar, “but [Omar] didn’t have on a backpack, drop it and run and kill him. Never mind the fact that it’s the color of our away, so we were safe,” implying yet again that Omar is a terrorskin that has folk suppressing our votes, gerrymandering ist. But please believe, there actually was a terrorist on that eleour districts and demonizing our history. Never mind that vator, and it wasn’t Omar. It was Boebert’s homies who stormed it took a minor miracle (and global movement) for even a the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 to overthrow a democratic election. sniff of justice to whiff our way. Somebody tweet Gabbard Boebert’s GOP chums attack Black history (American history) that if America wasn’t a racist country, Ahmaud, Trayvon, and threaten to outlaw our books, classes and social commenFreddie, Sandra, Philando, Rekia, Tamir, Emmett and a tary. Surveys show most Republicans, especially evangelicals, gazillion others would still be alive. And Rittenhouse, Zim- are cool with violence aimed at their “enemies.” And Biden and merman, etc. would be under the jail. the Dems are, for some reason, still trying to negotiate with these people who don’t even recognize him as the legit POTUS. CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST Folk who trash democracy and exalt as holy, their ideology of Most of the globe’s richest nations chose to horde hate and violence. Again, there was a terrorist on Omar and COVID-19 vaccine shots instead of sharing them with Boebert’s elevator ride, and it wasn’t Omar. the world. This small-minded, individualistic approach, had these big-ballin’ countries turning a blind eye to the IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER suffering, potential and real, of others, simply because of • Black women share their experiences of being in the virgeography. And race. Mainly race. The rationale? “We tual workforce. need to look out for our own. To hell with others.” But • Prairie View A&M senior safety Drake Cheatum and comthe funny thing about living in a global society is, it’s a pany are battling this week for the SWAC championship. global society. What happens in one corner of the world • PAYA Houston Honors Ball recognizes rising stars. will certainly, in some way impact all others. Refusing to help African nations ravaged by COVID meant that ON THE WEB karma, at some point, was going to come back around. • At 70, health advocate Veon McReynolds is not slowing Enter this Omicron variant that’s scaring folk half to down one bit. death and finding new life in those richer nations • Reaction to the passing of golfing great Lee Elder. because viruses can’t be contained by lines drawn • T-Pain talks about his new book and music legacy.

NOT A QUESTION OF IF

@flexwithbeccs @Becca Dup Read more on Friday about Becca at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine email: clyde@defendernetwork.com

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DN News

Josephine Baker, the late entertainer, became the first Black woman to be inducted into France’s prestigious Pantheon of heroes.

State Rep Jasmine Crockett has been chosen by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson to be her successor.

Texas hasn’t done enough to prevent another winter blackout, experts say Texas Tribune

After last winter’s freeze hamstrung power giant Vistra Corp.’s ability to keep electricity flowing for its millions of customers, CEO Curt Morgan said he’d never seen anything like it in his 40 years in the energy industry.

During the peak days of the storm, Vistra, Texas’ largest power generator, sent as much energy as it could to power the state’s failing grid, “often at the expense of making money,” he told lawmakers shortly after the storm.

But it wasn’t enough. The state’s grid neared complete collapse, millions lost power for days in subfreezing temperatures and more than 200 people died.

Since the storm, Texas lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at making the grid more resilient during freezing weather. Signing the bill, Gov. Greg Abbott said “everything that needed to be done was done to fix the power grid.”

But Morgan isn’t so sure. His company has spent $50 million this year preparing more than a dozen of its plants for win-

ter. At the company’s plant in Midlothian, workers have wrapped electric cables with three inches of rubber insulation and built enclosures to help shield valves, pumps and metal pipes.

No matter what Morgan does, though, it won’t be enough to prevent another disaster if there is another severe freeze, he said.

That’s because the state still hasn’t fixed the critical problem that paralyzed his plants: maintaining a sufficient supply of natural gas, Morgan said.

Energy experts say Texas’ grid remains vulnerable, largely because newly written regulations allowed too much wiggle room for companies to avoid weatherization improvements that can take months or years. More than nine months after February’s storm — which could exceed Hurricane Harvey as the costliest natural disaster in state history — a lack of data from regulators and industry groups makes it impossible to know how many power and gas facilities are properly weatherized.

During the summer, the electric power grid manager for most of Texas has issued its first conservation alert, calling on users to dial back energy consumption to avert an emergency. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Candidates for HISD Board Run-Off Election Dec. 11 The HISD Board of Trustees has four run-off elections taking place on Dec. 11, with early voting going on from now until Dec. 7. Here are the candidates listed clockwise from the top left with the district for which they are running listed next to their names: Elizabeth Santos (District 1), Bridget Wade (District 7), Holly Flynn Vilaseca (District 6), Sue Deigaard (District 5), Caroline Walter (District 5), Kendall Baker (District 6), Anne Sung (District 7), and Janette Garza Lindner (District 1).

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 5 - DECEMBER 2, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Photo courtesy of Houston Public Media

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Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Engagement Manager Alexandria Williams

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2020 copyright.

No materials herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. 713-663-6996 | P.O. Box 8005, Houston, Tx 77288

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DN News

Groundbreaking golfer Lee Elder dead at 87 Associated Press

Lee Elder played through the scourge of racism. He broke down enormous barriers.

He carved a path for Tiger Woods and others to follow.

Finally, in the waning months of his life, he took his rightful place at Augusta National, alongside the greats.

Elder, who fought through numerous obstacles to become the first Black golfer to play in the Masters, died at the age of 87, the PGA Tour reported.

“The game of golf lost a hero,” 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus said.

His death was first reported by Debert Cook of African American Golfer’s Digest.

No cause was given, but Elder had been in poor health and wore an oxygen tube when he attended the Masters in April.

Elder died early Sunday in Escondido, California.

At this year’s Masters, Elder was given the honor of hitting a ceremonial opening tee shot alongside Nicklaus, a six-time Masters champion, and Gary Player, who won the green jacket three times.

Sadly, Elder was not well enough to take a swing at a ball he once hit with so much power.

But he stood briefly to acknowledge the cheers of the gallery, holding up his driver, and watching as Nicklaus and Player hit the

first tee shots that traditionally open the first major championship of the year.

“For me and my family, I think it was one of the most emotional experiences that I have ever witnessed or been involved in,” Elder said.

“That morning, you could see the joy in Lee’s face,” Nicklaus said. “Gary Player and I were honored to enjoy that moment with him.”

A Texan who developed his game during segregated times while caddying and hustling for rounds, Elder made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had held an all-white tournament until he received an invitation after winning the Monsanto Open in 1974.

Lee Elder watches the flight of his ball as he tees off in the first round of play at the Masters in Augusta, Ga., in this April 10, 1975, file photo. Elder broke down racial barriers as the first Black golfer to play in the Masters.

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD RUNOFF ELECTIONS FOR THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that a runoff election will be held in geographic districts I, V, VI, and VII of the Houston Independent School District on the eleventh day of December, 2021, for the purpose of electing a trustee from each of the following four districts: • Geographic District I held by Elizabeth Santos • Geographic District VI held by Holly Flynn Vilaseca

• Geographic District V held by Sue Deigaard • Geographic District VII held by Anne Sung

The ballot order is as follows: District I • Elizabeth Santos • Janette Garza Lindner District V • Sue Deigaard • Caroline Walter District VI • Kendall Baker • Holly Flynn Vilaseca District VII • Bridget Wade • Anne Sung NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE RUNOFF ELECTION STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HARRIS HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District hereby gives notice of a runoff election to be held on December 11, 2021, for the purpose of electing one trustee each in HISD geographic districts I, V, VI, and VII. The order in which the names of the candidates are to be printed on the ballot shall be the relative order of names on the original ballot.

The polling places for this election shall be open for voting from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 11, 2021. Registered voters in Harris County may vote at any Harris County election-day polling location. Please go to https://www.harris votes.com for a complete listing of Harris County election-day polling locations. Polling locations within HISD Geographic Districts I, V, VI, and VII are as follows: PCT 0003 0046 0058 0077 0105 0166 0270 0324 0505 0637

District I Voting Locations Location Address Address 2 Voting Room Hogg Middle School 1100 Merrill Street at Norhill Boulevard Auditorium John Marshall Middle School 1115 Noble Street at Cochran Street Library Love Park Community Center 1000 West 12th Street at North Shepherd Gymnasium DeChaumes Elementary School 115 Cooper Road Library To Be Determined Saint Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church 2810 Link Road at East 29th Street The Big Hall, Building 1 Clifton Middle School 6001 Golden Forest Drive at Lost Forest Drive Multipurpose Room Harper Alternative School 4425 North Shepherd Drive between 43rd Street and Curtin Street Computer Room Wainwright Elementary School 5330 Milwee Street at Costa Rica Road Cafeteria Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton Street Multipurpose Room

PCT 0128 0146 0148 0183 0224 0284 0304 0315 0335 0431 0895

City Houston Houston Houston Houston

Zip 77009-6009 77009-8437 77008-6619 77076

Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston

77009-1196 77092-2359 77018 77092-6655 77009

District V Voting Locations Location Address Address 2 Voting Room City Bellaire Civic Center 7008 South Rice Avenue Auditorium Bellaire at Burdine Street Main MultiPurpose Room Houston Platou Community Center 11655 Chimney Rock Road Michael E DeBakey High School for Health Professions 2545 Pressler Street at West Holcombe Boulevard Cafeteria Houston West University Place City Hall 3800 University Boulevard Houston Linkwood Park Community Center 3699 Norris Drive at Ilona Lane Main MultiPurpose RoomHouston Bonham Elementary School 8302 Braes River Drive at Carew Street Main Entrance Foyer Houston Herod Elementary School 5627 Jason Street at Mullins Drive Library Houston Elrod Elementary School 6230 Dumfries Drive At Bob White Drive Library Houston BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Campus 6500 Rookin Street Houston Burnett Bayland Community Center 6000 Chimney Rock Drive at Gulfton Street Gymnasium Houston Poe Elementary School 5100 Hazard Street at South Boulevard Front Hallway Houston

Zip 77401 77035-2807 77030 77005 77025-3600 77074-4212 77096-2110 77096-4603 77074 77081-4001 77098-5330

PCT 0284 0297 0311 0356 0425 0625 0686 0711

District VI Voting Locations Location Address Address 2 Voting Room Bonham Elementary School 8302 Braes River Drive at Carew Street Main Entrance Foyer Sharpstown Park Community Center 6600 Harbor Town Drive at Bellaire Boulevard MultiPurpose Room 2 Ed White Elementary School 9001 Triola Lane at Jorine Drive Foyer Paul Revere Middle School 10502 Briar Forest Drive at West Sam Houston Parkway Hallway/Auditorium Raindrop Turkish House 9301 West Bellfort Boulevard Ballroom Heflin Elementary School 3303 Synott Road at Westpark Drive Gym Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive Art Rooms 1 & 2 Westside High School 14201 Briar Forest Drive at Highway 6 Library

PCT 0054 0070 0129 0135 0178 0200 0272 0431 0436 0491 0730

Location SPJST Lodge Num 88 Memorial Elementary School Briargrove Elementary School River Oaks Recreation Center HCC West Loop South Metropolitan MultiService Center Unity of Houston Burnett Bayland Community Center Tanglewood Middle School Mandarin Immersion Magnet School The Forum at Memorial Woods

District VII Voting Locations Address Address 2 Voting Room at 15th Street Annex in back of main building 1435 Beall Street 6401 Arnot Street at Pickens Street Room 103 6145 San Felipe Street at Briarmead Drive Library at Timber Lane Main MultiPurpose Room 3600 Locke Lane 5601 West Loop South Auditorium 1475 West Gray Street at Metropolitan Street Gym 2929 Unity Drive at Hillcroft Street Sanctuary 6000 Chimney Rock Drive at Gulfton Street Gymnasium 5215 San Felipe Street at Sage Road Gym 5445 West Alabama Street at Yorktown Street Library 777 North Post Oak Road at Memorial Woods Drive Multi-Purpose

City Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston

Zip 77074-4212 77036-4052 77036-6147 77042-2338 77031 77082-4926 77042 77077-1806

City Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston

Zip 77008-3441 77007-2007 77057-2801 77027-4003 77081 77019-4926 77057 77081-4001 77056 77056 77024

Polling locations are subject to change by Harris County and are posted and updated on HarrisVotes.com.

The Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston Street, Fourth Floor Conference Room, Houston, Texas 77002 is designated as the main early voting place, and Isabel Longoria, Harris County Elections Administrator (telephone number: 713-755-6965), is hereby appointed clerk for early voting in the runoff election. Applications for ballots by mail should be directed in writing to Isabel Longoria, Harris Elections Administrator, Attn: Elections Division, P.O. Box 1148, Houston, Texas 77251-1148 by regular mail; to Isabel Longoria, Harris Elections Administrator, 1001 Preston Street, Fourth Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 by common or contract carrier; by telephonic facsimile machine at 713-755-4983 or 713-437-8683; or by electronic transmission of a scanned application containing an original signature to the following email address: vbm@HarrisVotes.com. The application form may be downloaded from the County’s website at https://harrisvotes.com/VotingInfo#VoteByMail. An application must be received by the Clerk for Early Voting by 5:00 o’clock p.m. on November 30, 2021. Additionally, if an application for ballot by mail (ABBM) is faxed or emailed, or if a federal postcard application (FPCA) is faxed, then the applicant must submit the original application to the Early Voting Clerk by mail so that the Clerk receives the original not later than the fourth (4th) business day after receiving the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA. If the Early Voting Clerk does not receive the original ABBM or FPCA by this deadline, then the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA is incomplete, and the Clerk cannot send the applicant a ballot.

Early voting by personal appearance will be held Monday, November 29, 2021, through Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Dates and times for early voting by personal appearance shall generally be as follows: November 29 – December 4, and December 6–7, 2021, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; December 5, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early voting will be conducted at the following locations: Location Sitio Dirección Địa Điểm 地點 SPJST Lodge Num 88 HCC West Loop South Metropolitan MultiService Center Raindrop Turkish House Moody Park Community Center Tracy Gee Community Center Harris County Administration Building

Address Ciudad Địa Chỉ 地址 1435 Beall Street 5601 West Loop South 1475 West Gray Street 9301 West Bellfort Boulevard 3725 Fulton Street 3599 Westcenter Drive 1001 Preston Street

City Código Thành Phố 城市 Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston

Zip Postal Số Zip 郵遞區號 77008-3441 77081 77019-4926 77031 77009 77042 77002 Pursuant to Section 63.0013 of the Texas Election Code, an election officer may give

voting ordervotes.com priority to individuals with a mobility problem that locations substantially by impairs the County.

Registered voters in Harris County may vote at any Harris County early voting location. Please go to https://www.harris for updates to early voting Harris person's ability to move around. A person assisting an individual with a mobility problem may also, at the individual's request, be given voting order priority. Disabilities and

conditions with that may qualify for problem voting orderthat priority include paralysis, lung disease, the Pursuant to Section 63.0013 of the Texas Election Code, an election officer may give voting order priority to individuals a mobility substantially impairs the person’s ability to move around. A person assisting an individual with a mobility problem may also, at the use of portable oxygen, cardiac deficiency, severe limitation in the ability to walk due to individual’s request, be given voting order priority. Disabilities and conditions that may qualify for voting order priority paralysis, lungcondition, disease, the useconfinement, of portable oxygen, arthritic,include neurological, or orthopedic wheelchair arthritis, foot cardiac deficiency, severe limitation in the ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic disorder, theainability to cane, walk 200crutch, feet without stoppingassistive to rest, or use of a brace, cane, condition, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, foot disorder, the inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or use of brace, or other device. crutch, or other assistive device.

Dr. Patricia Allen Board of Education, President Houston Independent School District

Kathy Blueford-Daniels.

Board of Education, Secretary Houston Independent School District

December 2, 2021 |

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DN Health OPINION

Opioid crisis now hitting Blacks

By ASWAD WALKER

Like many Black people, I kept up with the nation’s opioid crisis with maximum side-eye. And if you’re reading this, you most likely know why.

The massive wave of addictions, deaths and crime that came as a result of individuals using opioids was neither demonized nor labeled an American scourge. These addicts weren’t castigated or criminalized.

These drug abusers weren’t even called drug abusers.

They were wrapped in the arms of national sympathy and their addiction was determined to be more disease than crime. Local and national governments bent over backwards to provide the help, support, counseling and therapy that these folk hooked on opioids needed to break free of their addictions and return to society as contributing members.

Amazingly, the response to the opioid epidemic was exactly what so many healthcare professionals, community activists and others screamed for, for decades as the more humane and compassionate way to respond to individuals addicted to drugs.

But when those initial calls were being made, they fell on deaf ears.

Cast of Hulu’s Dopesick.

-Photo courtesy of Hulu.

Why? You already know. Because owners of Purdue Pharma, while sociwhen those cries were the loudest, ety worked to support those with the it wasn’t a wave of opioids that was “sickness” of drug addiction. destroying individual lives, families Now, however, according to the and whole communities, it was Centers for Discrack. ease Control Even though whites use and and Prevention abuse all illegal drugs at the same (CDC), in a rate as Blacks, crack addiction span of one year, was segregated from cocaine Hence, the overdose deaths addiction, and labeled a Black, millionstarted trending immoral, criminal thing. upward, jumpdollar Human beings who fell victim ing a whopping question: to crack addiction weren’t con30% in the latsidered human. And as whole “Will the est year alone, families and communities were same comthanks in large devastated, users were met with passion part to increased condemnation, draconian laws afforded opioid use. But (i.e. “three strikes”) and prison white opias theGrio artiwarehousing. le “Opioid oid addicts cCrisis Opioid abusers, however, Hitting a crowd once as lily white as a be given to Black CommuKKK mixer or Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol those who nities at Alarminsurrection, found those same are Black?” ing Rates Amid “lock’em up” politicians now Pandemic” spells filled with humanity and compassion out, this crisis is now ravaging Black for their “illness.” The Hulu mini-se- communities. ries “Dopesick” chronicles this, showHence, the million-dollar question: ing how Purdue Pharma leadership “Will the same compassion afforded purposefully got folk addicted to their white opioid addicts be given to those opioid, OxyContin, to the tune of bil- who are Black?” lions of profits for the Sackler family, Let’s not hold our breath.

A UNICEF worker checks boxes of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine after their arrival at the airport in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 23, 2021.

The emergence of the new Omicron variant and the world’s desperate and likely futile attempts to keep it at bay are reminders of what scientists have warned for months: The coronavirus will thrive as long as vast parts of the world lack vaccines. COVAX was supposed to avoid such inequality. -AP Photo/Brian

New variant reveals vaccine inequity THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The emergence of the omicron variant and the world’s desperate and likely futile attempts to keep it at bay are reminders of what scientists have warned for months: The coronavirus will thrive as long as vast parts of the world lack vaccines.

The hoarding of limited COVID-19 shots by rich countries — creating virtual vaccine deserts in many poorer one — doesn’t just mean risk for the parts of the world seeing shortages; it threatens the entire globe.

That’s because the more the disease spreads among unvaccinated populations, the more possibilities it has to mutate and potentially become more dangerous, prolonging the pandemic for everyone.

“The virus is a ruthless opportunist, and the inequity that has characterized the global response has now come home to roost,” said Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, one of the groups behind the U.N.-backed COVAX shot-sharing initiative.

Perhaps nowhere is the inequality more evident than in Africa, where under 7% of the population is vaccinated. South African scientists alerted the World Health Organization to the new Omicron variant last week, though it may never be clear where it first originated.

COVAX was supposed to avoid such inequality, however the initiative is so short of shots, it has abandoned its initial goal of two billion doses.

Meanwhile, richer nations often have a glut of shots, and are now offering boosters — something the WHO has discouraged because every booster is essentially a dose that is not going to someone who’s never received their first shot. Despite the U.N. health agency’s appeal for a moratorium on booster shots until January 2022, over 60 countries are now administering them.

“What it highlights are the continuing and fundamental risks to everyone associated with not seriously addressing the inequalities still at play globally in the fight against disease and poor health,” said Dr. Osman Dar, director of the One Health Project at the Chatham House think tank.

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

Black women & the virtual workforce Remote work promotes a unique cultural change

By Laura Onyeneho

Companies nationwide are having a tough time navigating the voluntary exit of millions of workers out of corporate America. Companies are trying to figure out what the best formulas are to retain workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A report from the U.S Department of Labor reveals America’s employers accelerated their hiring in October adding 531,000 jobs, the highest since July. The accelerated hiring is viewed by many economists as a sign that recovery from the pandemic recession is underway, but women of color, unfortunately, aren’t sharing in the job market recovery, particularly Black women who are opting for remote work as a better alternative to the corporate office environment.

Remote work has its downsides, such as juggling video conferencing calls, child care duties or sitting at home with no social interaction with staff. The upside is that those who work in white-collar industries often find greater improvements in their work experience and don’t have to face various inequities in the workplace.

There are numerous work-related stressors Black women identify with in the workplace. According to a study from the Journal of Black Studies, basic themes emerge that identify sexism and racism as triggers.

They include: • Defending one’s race and lack of mentorship • Being hired or promoted in the workplace • Code-switching to overcome barriers to employment • Coping with discrimination (microaggressions) • Being isolated and/or excluded Houston-based psychological associate Tierra Ledet worked in the state prison system for a healthcare company in 2020. She had a goal of

climbing the corporate ladder but quickly noticed a toxic work culture among her co-workers.

“There was a serious lack in communication and people just weren’t doing their jobs properly which led to putting the safety of the inmates at Tierra Ledet, Houstonbased Psychological risk,” Ledet said. “WorkAssociate ing for the state was stressful because they reward you based on seniority and not merit. It took a toll on my health and it was the sickest I had ever been at a job.”

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

Ledet left her job in July 2020 and accepted two remote positions, one as a clinical associate for a measurement-based company and the other as a licensed psychological associate for a private practice. She described her experience as “encouraging.” She said remote work put her on a level playing field. She no longer felt the pressure to over-perform and she was her authentic self all while communicating with a team that valued her emotional and mental health.

Nekpen Osuan Wilson is a career coach and CEO and founder of Women Werk, a women’s networking, empowerment and mentorship organization based in New York City. She said working from home has been beneficial to her family and life as a mother.

Wilson intentionally left her role at De-

loitte Consulting and moved to Houston for a 100% remote role at the beginning of 2021.

“Working in the office does become stressful for working mothers. A lot of companies are struggling to adjust virtually, Nekpen Osuan Wilson, and are sticking to the Career Coach and CEO/ culture they know,” WilFounder, Women Werk son said. “In the past, women weren’t in the labor force. We weren’t economic breadwinners as many are today, so we still have this workplace environment that’s structured for men who didn’t have to think about nurturing.”

Working mothers of young children have been hit hard during the pandemic. Schools became virtual, daycares shut down and mothers took on a greater share of domestic responsibilities.

In Texas, child care often costs more than college tuition. Research by Child Care Aware America states that U.S. businesses lose roughly $4.4 billion a year because of lost productivity due to gaps in child care.

Wilson says Women Werk continues to provide a series of virtual events introducing best practices in money management, health and wellness, equal pay and salary negotiations and facilitating conversations with corporate partners to better understand the experiences of Black women.

MANAGING EMPLOYEES REMOTELY

Dr. Steve Werner, chair of the Management and Leadership Department of the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business, saID that companies can save thousands of dollars transitioning into a remote environment, but first need to determine which roles are designated for the office versus work that can be done virtually, and how to maximize the productivity and retention of staff. Werner suggests the following: • To keep the staff from having “Zoom fatigue” or “mirror anxiety” associated with the new reality exacerbated by video calls, managers should consider “no Zoom Fridays” or times designated to give staff breaks from being online for long periods.

• Don’t schedule meetings back-to-back. Allocate shorter, focused meeting times. Allow 45-minute breaks in between.

• Provide emotional support and encouragement for staff.

• Set up norms that don’t require everyone to have their cameras on all the time. Set up expectations for engagement.

• Make sure virtual social events are optional. Staff may feel the need to always “be on,” which adds another level of anxiety.

8 | December 2, 2021 |

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DN Feature FOCUS SOCIAL

Actor Jussie Smollett and family arrive at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse for jury selection at his trial in Chicago. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Jussie Smollett case underway THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nikole Hannah-Jones stands for a portrait at her home. AP/John Minchillo

1619 PROJECT

U.S. history shouldn’t ignore Black people Houston Public Media

Times Magazine, the project reframed the American story through the lens of slavery. Hannah-Jones was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her introductory essay. Now, the new book, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, expands upon that initial initiative.

“The project argues that slavery is a foundational American institution,” she says. “It is one of the oldest American institutions, and that the legacy of the first 250 years of slavery still, of course, permeates throughout society in a variety of ways.”

Students across the country have embraced the ideas contained in the work.

But there’s also been a backlash by conservatives who have vowed to keep the 1619 Project out of classrooms — including threats that have been made against her personally.

“People who send threats, people who make threats, what they’re really trying to do is silence you,” she says. But, she adds, “This is my mission. And so nothing will distract me from that, and I just can’t go around worried about what might happen. I just have to do my job.”

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As a child, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones didn’t hear much in school about the role of Black people in U.S. history. “Black people are largely treated as an asterisk in the American story,” she says.

But Hannah-Jones’ awareness changed in high school when she signed up for a Black studies elective. Among the things she learned was the date 1619, significant because it’s the year that the White Lion, the first ship carrying enslaved Africans, arrived in the British colony of Virginia — one year before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock.

“Every American child learns about the Mayflower, but virtually no American child learned about the White Lion,” Hannah-Jones says. The omission, she says, is “symbolic of how history is shaped by people who decide what’s important and what’s not. And that erasure is also a powerful statement.”

As editor of the New York Times’ 1619 Project, Hannah-Jones fought against that erasure. Originally published in 2019 as a special issue of The New York

they didn’t like him and that a $3,500 check Testimony continues in the trial of the actor paid the men was for training so ex-“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who he could prepare for an upcoming music prosecutors say staged a homophobic and video. Uche also suggested a third attacker racist attack in Chicago but whose defense was involved and told jurors there is not a attorney says is “a real victim” of a “real “shred” of physical and forensic evidence crime.” linking Smollett to the crime prosecutors Special prosecutor Dan Webb told jurors allege. during opening statements that Smollett re“Jussie Smollett is a real victim,” Uche cruited two brothers — who worked with said. him on the TV show — to help him carry Smollett is charged with felony disorout a fake attack in January 2019 because derly conduct. The class 4 felony carries a he believed the television studio didn’t take prison sentence of up to three years, but hate mail he had received seriously. experts have said it’s likely that if Smollett is Smollett then reported the alleged at- convicted he would be placed on probation tack to Chicago police, who classified it as and perhaps ordered to perform commua hate crime and spent 3,000 staff hours nity service. on the investigation, Webb said. The actor The presiding judge, James Linn, is not told police he was attacked by supporters of allowing cameras into his courtroom and then-President Donald Trump — igniting expects the trial to be over in a week or less. political divisions around the country.

Webb was named as special prosecutor “When he reported the fake hate crime after Cook County State’s Attorney Kim that was a real crime,” Webb said.

Foxx’s office dropped the original charges Defense attorney Nenye Uche said the filed against Smollett, and a new indictT:4.812" two brothers attacked Smollett because ment was returned in 2020.

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DN Feature

Smart’n Up Black Male Summit seeks to empower youth, adults

By Aswad Walker

The Smart’n Up Black Male Summit, an event that takes place twice a year, will hold its second 2021 outing Saturday, Dec. 4. The purpose is always the same: to address the unique needs of Black men and boys and expose them to empowering information, positive role models, potential mentors and critical resources to help them survive and succeed in an adverse society.

“The Black Male Summit essentially is a tool shed,” said founder and organizer of the virtual summit, local activist Deric Muhammad. “We distribute the best tools available to empower Black men and boys. Their survival and success depends on how well they use those tools.”

Muhammad contends the greatest tool is knowledge of self, which produces respect and love for self. This knowledge has been shared in past summits via speakers to which young Black males can relate. Local and national hip hop artists, activists, academics and others have served as presenters in the past.

Though much of Muhammad’s activism has focused on holding law enforcement and others who have traditionally brutalized Black people, accountable for their actions, the summit has consistently been a “family” conversation about Black people’s responsibility for stopping the violence in our own communities aimed at other Blacks.

“The murder rate has increased over 30% nationwide. Homicide is the leading cause of death among Black males ages 10-24. The Black Male Summit seeks to teach our brothers how to intelligently resolve conflict without resorting to gun violence; how to turn raw talent into a lucrative business so that you don’t have to steal, kill or rob in order to survive,” said Muhammad.

“We do not sugar-coat our subject matter at the Black Male Summit,” said Muhammad. “Our message is strong. Our workshops include presentations about entrepreneurship, confidence building, conflict resolution, among other critical topics.”

The target age group is 12 years and older. However, anyone (including women) are welcome to attend. According to multiple past attendees, previous summits have been a life changing experience

Nigerian Artist and Model Chiugo Akujuobi (Left) accepts Top Rising Star Award by PAYA Houston Founder, Olamide Kayode (Right). -Photo by Jimmie Aggison.

PAYA Houston Honors Ball recognizes Rising Stars

By Laura Onyeneho

Smart’n Up Black Male Summit participants.

-Photo courtesy of Deric Muhammad.

Deric Muhammad making a presentation at Lone Star College. Photo courtesy of Deric Muhammad.

for thousands.

“If we pull up their minds their pants will follow,” said Muhammad of the Summit which is sponsored by Lone Star College-North Harris and Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Traditionally, an in-person event, the Dec. 4 Summit will, like the one held in February, will be virtual. To register and participate, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/smartn-up-black-malesummit-tickets-170197211441.

My Brother Podcast celebrates Black male successes, provides roadmap for youth

By ASWAD WALKER

With negative news dominating headlines, the My Brother Podcast, founded by entrepreneur Laolu Davies Yemitan, offers hope and encouragement for the culture.

The Defender spoke with Davies about his endeavor that seeks to create a more accurate

conversation around the subject of Black men and much-needed direction for Black male youth. Check out the podcast’s origins, a list of its incredible guests and more at DefenderNetwork.com. Then, go directly to MyBrotherPodcast.com to hear shows from seasons one and two.

After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the Professional Association of Young Africans (PAYA) returned for a night of elegance, networking and fun to celebrate African excellence during its signature fourth annual Honors Ball at the Heights Villa.

This year, PAYA honored “Africans that make noise” recognizing 20 Rising Stars and three honorees who are stepping out of the box and disrupting their respective industries while making an impact in the Houston community and the society at large.

An estimated 200 guests arrived decked out in modern-day themed “roaring twenties” designer dresses and suits, serenaded by the sounds of Houston-based recording artist Lolade. Attendees enjoyed a silent auction, West African delicacies, live art presentations by artists Leo “Degreat” Orji and Chukwunonso Ofili of Ofilidesigns along with live poetry and an African dance performance.

“People of African descent are doing big things and there is never a shortage of greatness especially in Houston,” said Chigozie Otum, PAYA chief programming officer. “Nominations are open to the public and the executive board then decides the final list of honorees based on accomplishments, community service, and those who are excelling in non-traditional (S.T.E.M) professions.”

Chiugo Akujuobi, one of PAYA’s 2021 Rising Stars, is a non-binary Nigerian artist and model whose socially-conscious photoshoots opened the dialogue about embracing their gender-neutral pronoun as a Nigerian.

“I consider myself lucky. It’s literally illegal to be gay in Nigeria. Being

able to express my authentic self through fashion and photography has been fulfilling,” said Akujuobi.

“I’m so grateful to this community for supporting my creative journey.”

Former NFL player and Honors Ball honoree Fendi Onobun talked about how this recognition came full circle for him.

“I grew up in Alief, and it feels good to return and give back to the community that gave me so much,” he said. “I’ve offered free football camps, motivational talks with middle and elementary school kids, assisting families during the holiday season. I’ll continue to do this until the day I die.”

Rising Star Ayodele Shofoluwe recently presented his photo exhibition titled The 20.10.20 Project commemorating the first anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre and #ENDSARS protests in Nigeria. He said, just like PAYA, it was his way of connecting Africans together and encouraging forward-thinking solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing issues.

“This award is a small reminder of the power Africans in the diaspora possess and how we can better utilize our skills for the betterment of Africans who don’t have the opportunities we have here,” he said.

Otum said the funds raised through the event’s silent auction will go directly toward PAYA community service projects and professional networking events.

For more information visit payahouston.org Laura Onyeneho covers the city’s education system as it relates to Black children for the Defender Network as a Report For America Corps member. Email her at laura@ defendernetwork.com

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Rockets center Christian Wood scored careerhigh 33 points with 16 rebounds during a recent 146-143 overtime win over Charlotte, extending the team’s winning streak to two games.

Sports Briefs John Wall still benched

It looked like former NBA All-Star point guard John Wall might actually suit up for the Rockets this season after he and the team originally agreed he would not play this season until a trade could be made.

But with no trade partner in sight, Wall wanted the team to play him but then they disagreed on his role. Wall wants John Wall to compete for a starting role while the Rockets’ brass sees him as a reserve coming off the bench. So for now, Wall will continue to sit.

Texans suspend Justin Reid

Safety Justin Reid missed the Texans’ 21-14 loss to the New York Jets because he was serving a suspension for violation of team rules.

Head coach David Culley Justin Reid declined to reveal what the violation was, but it has been reported that Reid disagreed with Culley’s coaching decision and also had an argument with a teammate prior to the game.

All-SWAC teams announced

The SWAC released its all-conference football teams this week.

Texas Southern offensive lineman Drake Centers along with PVAMU deJason fensive lineman Dumas Jason Dumas and safety Drake Cheatum were named to the All-SWAC First Team. PVAMU’s Danny Garza (OL) and Darius Campbell (DB) and TSU’s Jyrin Johnson (TE), Michael Badejo and Tarik Cooper (linebacker) were named to the 2021 All-SWAC Second Team.

Prairie View sophomore guard Gerlyn Smith was named SWAC women’s basketball player of the week after averaging a double-double in two games last week.

PVAMU FOOTBALL

Drake Cheatum delivers big hits, results

By Terrance Harris

It has been quite a journey for Prairie View A&M senior safety Drake Cheatum, who as a member of Eric Dooley’s first recruiting class has seen the Panthers go from a struggling program to one that will compete for the SWAC Championship on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Cheatum and the Panthers have put together quite a season, winning seven straight at one point and breaking in the FCS Top 25 poll en route to winning the SWAC West Division title. But following last week’s deflating, if inconsequential, 24-19 loss to Mississippi Valley State left the Panthers (7-4, 6-2 SWAC) with a three-game losing streak to end the regular season, all Cheatum can think about is correcting what is wrong right now.

“It’s been a pretty good season. Yeah, I’ve been playing pretty well, but I grade myself on wins and losses,” said Cheatum, who was named to the All-SWAC First Team this week for the second straight time. “Right now we are 7-4, that’s about .500 but we have dropped the past three, so that’s an issue.” Prairie View Drake Cheatum goes up and intercepts pass during recent 52-3 It’s an issue Cheatum is determined to loss at Texas A&M at Kyle Field. resolve before the Panthers take on Deion Sanders’ Jackson State Tigers in the SWAC has proven tenacious and hard-hitting for Not only was Cheatum a member of Championship Game in Jackson, Miss. on much of the season. There have been several Dooley’s first recruiting class at PVAMU, but Saturday at 3 p.m. (ESPN2). The Tigers (10- players to step up like defensive end Jason Dooley had also successfully recruited him 1, 8-0 SWAC) have been dominant all season Dumas, cornerback Darius Campbell and to Grambling State when he was an assistant and bring an eight-game winning streak into linebacker Tre’Shaud Smith, but none has and then convinced Cheatum to change his the conference championship game. been more impactful than Cheatum. commitment. So it has been particularly The Panthers, meanwhile, are dealing with He leads the Panthers with 82 tackles and gratifying for him to watch Cheatum grow the frustrations of an ill-timed losing streak his five interceptions lead the SWAC and from a wide-eyed true freshman starter in that includes defeats against Alcorn State, ranked seventh in all of the FCS. Cheatum the secondary to a player who is essentially the SEC’s Texas A&M Aggies and the Delta also showed he can play with the big boys as a coach on the field four seasons later.

Devils. But Cheatum, as one of the leaders one of the few bright spots during the Pan“The young man has grown each day, I of the team, is determined to turn it around thers’ 52-3 blowout loss at Texas A&M where won’t even say each season, and he looks to this week. he finished with a team-high 12 tackles and get better,” Dooley said. “He is like a coach “We’re really excited to play for the one interception. on the football field for us.

SWAC Championship,” said Cheatum, who “Talk about a young man who has been “He is a guy that is going to come in and is 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds. “We worked playing extremely well this whole season, a going to put the work in. I don’t have to look hard all year, day in and day out to get to the guy that excels in the classroom, a guy that to see how much he is watching film. He is SWAC Championship. Now we are going to excels on the football field,” said Dooley. “He going to watch film probably just as much try to win. is a part of my first signing class. He means as he is going to study. He is also accom“We are going to get it fixed, we are going a lot to us. He is a very bright young man plished in the classroom, you are talking to do our corrections so we can bounce who understands football. He is a key to that about a young man who is going to graduate back.” secondary and he understands what Coach in engineering next semester. So he has been The Panthers are even in the position to be [Henry] Miller wants him to do. So he is a doing a great job for us. He is a big part of able to bounce back because of a defense that big part of what we are trying to accomplish.” what we’ve been doing here.”

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports HIGHTOWER WR

CALEB DOUGLAS A ‘DAWG’ Jodie B. Jiles

While a wide receiver’s height, hands and natural reach grant him advantages in one-on-one scenarios as the pigskin draws nearer on jump ball pass attempts, it is a player’s pure will to “Go Get It” that sets the good wide-outs apart from the greats.

During the holidays, Class 5A high school football becomes arguably one of the toughest playoff atmospheres in the nation. And after witnessing Hightower senior wide receiver Caleb Douglas, he can only be described as one word in these bully-to-bully moments -- dawg.

During the Hurricanes 31-21 victory over Manvel, Douglas finished the night with four catches for 76 yards, including two acrobatic snags that brought fans off their feet after he leaped over a defensive back for a catch that he ran in for a TD and another that put Hightower on the one-yard line. Douglas’ teammates

ABOUT CALEB DOUGLAS

Twitter: @Caedeezy IG: @cddouglas_ Height: 6-feet-3 ½ Weight: 185 pounds Players he studies: Julio Jones, Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson Secondary positions: Quarterback and decent punter who can go for it on fourth Awards: First Team All-District as QB his junior year Shout-outs: “My boy [teammate] Kaleb Johnson”

For game and crowd photos of Hightower vs.

Manvel visit IG: @defenderhighschoolsports

celebrate him with the common basketball pound on their heads as a sign to signify Douglas dunking on an opponent.

Hightower head coach Cornelius Anthony is impressed by his standout player.

“Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games,” Anthony said. “I can always rely and count on [Anthony] to step up and make the play. What you see is what you get with him.”

The Defender chopped it up with Douglas after the Hurricanes win over Manvel to discuss his style of play, team’s championship run and advice to others and more.

Style of play “I’m Mr. ‘Go Getter. ‘ Throw it up and I am going to go get it.”

Jump ball scenarios “In the red zone they know who it is going to most of the time. So, I try my best to make sure I catch all of them.”

Open field abilities “I used to be a quarterback so I have the vision and when I am back there in fake punt situations I get back there and know what I’m doing.”

Leadership “I really don’t do most of the trash talk. When people defend me I make sure to tell them they did a good job.

I make sure everyone on the team doesn’t do too much if we are losing…”

Advice to others “Always be the better person and get your grades right. Freshman year counts the most. Get your grades right.”

Championship run “We have to keep going even though we know this was big game we have to take every game the same way as if we going for 1 and 0 every week.”

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