To thePOINT DN
In anew four-partdocumentary titled“Sean Combs: TheReckoning,”producedbyCurtis “50 Cent” Jacksonand directedbyAlexandria Stapleton, thefilm offers an in-depth look at themusiciconand convictedoffender
Credit:Getty Images
Houstonnative Kendrick Sampsonplays the role of QuincyJonesinthe upcoming Michael Jacksonbiopic, MICHAEL Courtesy:Kendrick Sampsonvia/ Instagram
winning director executive-produced aproject
Message from the Reporter
Kendrick Sampsonplays Quincy Jonesinnew film
Just when youthought we’vewatched everyfilmanddocumentaryonthelifeand career of MichaelJackson,something else comesinthe works. When thefirsttrailer forMichaelhittheinternet,IstoppedeverythingI wasdoing to watchit. As someone whogrewupknowingtheculturalweightof MichaelJackson,Inevertakeabiopicabout alegendlightly.Butthistrailer?Itdelivered. SeeingJaafarJacksonstepintohisuncle’sshoeswiththatlevel ofconfidencefeltlikewatchinghistoryfoldbackontoitself
Ialsoenjoyed seeing Kendrick Sampsonappearing as QuincyJones.AHoustonnativesteppingintotheroleofone ofthegreatestproducersofalltimeisaculturalmomentwe cannotglossover.ThisisSampson’sbiggestroleyet.Hisvoice anchorsthe trailerthe same wayQuincyanchoredsomeof themostdefining albums in musichistory.Thelasttime Ifeltthiskindofhypeoutside Beyoncé’sRenaissance film wasBlackPanther.Thatsameelectricanticipationisback.I alreadyknowopening weekendonApril 24, 2026, is going to be epic,and I’mlooking forwardtoit.
Jordan Peeledebutsnew seriesonBlack Cowboys
Thisisthe year of theCowboy. Oscar-winningdirector Jordan Peeledropped thedocumentary,HighHorse:The BlackCowboy,onNov.20onPeacock.Thetraileropenswith theopeningline,“IftherewerenoBlackcowboys,America wouldnotexist.”ThatalonesetsthetoneforwhatPeeledoes best,which is tellingtruthsthiscountry hasburied.
Foryears,HollywoodfedusimagesthaterasedBlackpeoplefromtheWesternnarrative.Meanwhile,therealstoryis unfoldinginplaceslikeHouston,hometotrail riders and rodeolegendswhokeepthatlineagealive.Thedocumentary tapsintothatheritageandbringsthosevoicestotheforefront
Beyoncétiltedthe countrygenre on its axiswiththeCowboyCarteralbum.Ithelped openthedoorsformoredialogueaboutthe history. Otherartists,suchasShaboozey, Kane Brown, JimmieAllen,and Amythyst Kiah,are carrying themantleforward fora newgeneration. Thiswillundoubtedly be a greatlessoninAMERICANhistory.
50 Centdocu-series on Diddy Iknowyou’reall seeing thepattern.I have onemoredocumentary series that youshouldadd to your list.Say what youwantabout 50 Cent,but theman understandshow to commandattention.Heknows howto buildanticipationandhowtoturncontroversyintoconversation.50CenthastrolledandshamedrapperSean‘Diddy’ Combsonsocialmedia foryears,and he decidedtotake things up anotch with aNetflixdocu-seriesabout Diddy. Thedocumentaryarrivesatamomentwhenthepublicis finally reckoningwithcelebrity cultureina real way. After yearsofheadlines,lawsuits, andallegations surrounding Diddy,theseriestraceshisjourneyfrommusicmogultohis eventualdownfallfollowingfederalchargesanda50-month prisonsentence.DirectorAlexandriaStapletonsaidthisdocumentary reflectswho we areasasociety.Welovebuilding celebritiesintountouchable iconsand then acting shocked whenthetruthbreaksthroughthepedestal.Nomatterhow powerful or influential,noone deserves blindworship Fame is notashield. Andweowe it to ourselvestostop treatingentertainerslikegods.Humansarefallible.Fanshave to stop pretendingtheyare not.
On theWeb
•Houstondoctorsurgefamiliestoprepareforfluseason •IconicBlack artist still sellingout tours.
•Are youngBlack womenlosingfaith in commitment?
that explores the untoldhistory of Black cowboys in the American Wild West Credit: GettyImages
LauraOnyeneho
News DN
Whitmire faces Democratic backlash
By ReShonda Tate
HoustonMayorJohnWhitmire,aDemocrat for more than five decades, could lose the support of his own party later this month,asHarrisCountyDemocraticParty precinct chairs prepare to vote on a resolution admonishing the mayor for what they call “undermining the values and mission” of the party.
The resolution, which will be voted on Dec. 14, would bar Whitmire from receiving the local party’s endorsement in any future election The measure stems largely fromthemayor’sappearanceatafundraiser earlier this year for Republican U.S. Rep. DanCrenshaw amovethatangeredprogressive Democrats and sparked months of internal debate
“Working across the aisle that’s not whathappenedhere,”saidCameron“Coach Cam” Campbell, the precinct chair who authored the resolution “This was him lending his social currency, his access, his privilege, to fundraise for a Republican.”
Campbell said he drafted the measure shortly after the fundraiser, arguing that DemocratscannothelpbankrollGOPcandidates. “Every penny raised to support a Republican is a penny used to defeat a
Democrat,” he said “It’s not ideological purity, it’s about what a good Democrat is.”
The Defender reached out to the mayor, whoisnotcommentingonthematter Supporters note the office is non-partisan.
The party’s 25-member Steering Committeeadvancedtheresolutionlastweekin a 17–7 vote, sending it to as many as 600 precinctchairsforfinalconsideration.Ninety-nine precinct chairs have already signed onto it
The move comes amid growing
frustration among some Democrats who see Whitmire as too cozy with Republican leaders.InarecentNewYorkTimesprofile, Whitmirecasthimselfasamoderate,pragmatic mayor focused on governing rather than partisan fights, a contrast to big-city mayors who frequently clashed with President Donald Trump.
But critics say the mayor’s approach amounts to capitulation.
“I don’t think that his kind of bowing down to the GOP is necessary if you want
togetresults,”saidAnthonyRios,co-chairof theHoustonProgressiveCaucus Hepointed toNewYorkCitymayor-electZohranMamdani’srecentmeetingwithTrump.“Hewas abletogotalktoTrumpwithoutconceding anything…WhathasWhitmireactuallygotten for all of his kowtowing?”
WhitmirehasreliedonhislongrelationshipswithRepublicanstateleaderstosecure majorfundingforHouston,includingmore than$32millionfromGov.GregAbbottfor recoveryfromHurricaneBerylandthe2024 derecho storm, along with $17 million for parks during the last legislative session.
The resolution does not mention the Houston Police Department’s recently acknowledgedcoordinationwithImmigration and Customs Enforcement, in which officers called ICE during traffic stops to alertagentsaboutactivewarrants.ButRios said the issue pushed many Democrats who were previously undecided into open opposition
In September, precinct chairs rejected a separaterulethatwouldhaveautomatically blocked endorsements for any Democrat whofundraisesforaRepublican Campbell saidsupportersofthatmeasureplantobring it back in the coming months.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, shown here at the late Sheila Jackson Lee’s Memorial Service, is facing possible Democratic Party reprimand over a GOP fundraiser for Rep. Dan Crenshaw. (Credit: Danielle Villasana/Getty)
revives Emancipation Park
ByLaura Onyeneho
Houston’s oldest public park, and one of the city’s most sacred landmarks of Black freedom, is entering a bold new chapter.
The Emancipation Park Conservancy(EPC)launchedan$18.5 millionrenovationprojecttomodernize the park’s Cultural Center and build a state-of-the-art outdoor performance stage. The goal is to reopen in time for the park’s 2026 Juneteenth celebration.
The Kinder Foundation, which isleadingtheinvestment,saysthe project reflects a commitment to Houston’s green spaces and a recognition of Emancipation Park’s deep cultural roots.
“This fits exactly with what our foundation does,” says Nancy Kinder, president and CEO of the Kinder Foundation. “Our parks and green space are one of our most important priorities Discovery Green, Buffalo Bayou, Memorial Park, McGregor Park, and Emancipation Park are right there among them.”
Alegacyrooted in freedom
Founded in 1872 by four formerly enslaved men, Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Jack Yates, and Elias Dibble, Emancipation Park was purchased for $800 as a dedicated place for Juneteenth celebrations During segregation, it was the only public park in Houston open to Black residents, becoming a vital hub for music, worship, and civic life.
That is the legacy that Kinder Foundation Chairman Rich Kinder says has shaped the foundation’sdecade-longinvolvement.
“We first got involved with Emancipation Park around 2012 when the facilities had really become worn down,” he says “When Ramon Manning (EPC board chair) came to us about building a permanent stage, we jumped on it We’d seen firsthand how much the park needed it.”
TheKinderFoundationalready sponsorsJazzySundays,afreeconcert series that draws thousands each spring
“Every time there’s a show at Emancipation Park, they have to set up a temporary stage,” Kinder
says “The sound quality isn’t as good, and there’s no backstage area. If you’re going to have concerts that draw thousands, the community deserves a real, stateof-the-art performance space. ”
Manning says the project is aboutfulfillingavisionthat’sbeen years in the making
“Nothing we’re doing is new from a design perspective,” Manning says “The late architect Phil Freelon’s master plan for the park always included an outdoor performance stage and an active cultural center that tells the story of African Americans’ contributions to this region We’re simply continuing that original plan.”
Manning says the renovation willallowEPCtoscaleupauthentic, collaborative programming with partners such as the Houston Grand Opera, Project Row Houses, HISD, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Beyond expanding access to arts and culture, the upgrades will also help EPC pursue sustainability and self-sufficiency
“You can build all these things, but they have to be maintained,” Manning says “So we’re looking at this as an asset that can make a return by hosting concerts, renting facilities, and creating earned revenue opportunities. And with this investment from the Kinder Foundation,we’reevenstartingan endowment to fund maintenance and operations.”
The project is also deeply personal for Manning He grew up playinginEmancipationParkafter church with his Aunt Ruby, and today he and his wife are proud Third Ward residents.
“When most people hear the name Emancipation Park, they think recreation,” Manning says “But this space is so much more than that because of what it represents. This property wasn’t donated. It was purchased by formerlyenslavedAfricanAmericans whowantedtobuildacommunity right out of bondage.”
The Kinders emphasized that the Emancipation Park project reflects the power of public-private partnerships in sustaining Houston’sparksandculturalinfrastructure.“Philanthropycan’tdoit all,” says Rich Kinder “Cities are in budget crunches, and parks
When most people hear the name Emancipation Park, they think recreation. But this space is so much more than that because of what it represents. This property wasn’t donated. It was purchased by formerly enslaved African Americans who wanted to build a community right out of bondage.”
are often the first to get cut. That’s where philanthropy steps in, but it only works when the city and community are equally invested.”
Rich and Nancy Kinder hope the Emancipation Park revisions will be an asset to the community. Courtesy Kinder Foundation.
The renovations are expected to be completed by June 2026, ahead of the park’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Courtesy of Emancipation Park Conservancy / Perkins & Will
Education DN
Closing Houstonclassroomgaps
ByTannistha Sinha
Houston’sfuturedepends on itsclassrooms. That’sthe central messageofthe new2025 HoustonPublic Education Snapshot report,whichanalyzes thecity’s 688,000 public school students.
ProducedbyGoodReasonHouston, theannual“snapshot” compiles earlyeducation,K-12andpostsecondarydataacross theregiontotrackprogresstowardplacing 45,000 studentsonthe path to economic mobility
The findingsofferbothencouragement andalarm
“Webelieve in Houston’sfuture, and thatfutureisbuiltonpubliceducation-our most powerful leverfor astronger, more just city,” said Cary Wright,CEO of Good Reason Houston.
Asystemunder pressure
Houston’spublic school landscapeis immense,with901 campuses educating 688,000 students, comprising 61% Hispanic,20%Black,11%whiteand5%Asian. Yet,despitethisdiversity,outcomesremain deeply uneven.
The report underscoresthatsystemic inequities startearly.
Pre-Kaccess,kindergartenreadinessand earlyliteracyrates vary sharplybyneighborhood andincome.
GoodReasonHoustonnotesthatpre-K enrollment,the“firstentrypointintopublic school,” remainslower than needed to ensureequitableearlylearningfoundations
Bythe numbers-PreK-3rdGrade:
•Pre-KenrollmentinHoustonincreased by 2%, from 39% in 2023 to 41% in 2024.
•Kindergartenreadinessincreased by 7% in 2024,from52% in 2023.
•Meanwhile,readingandmathlevelsin grades 1-3decreased by 1% in 2024, loweringto32%.
Perthe report,kindergartenreadiness has droppedsignificantly,in part dueto fewerstudents beingassessedinHouston ISD, down from 13,000before2023 to 3,500 in 2023 and4,500 in 2024.
Earlyliteracyand math skills remain keypredictors of latersuccess,but current scores show only modest progress.Students meetinggrade-levelexpectationsin readingandmathstilllagbehindpre-pandemic baselines, signalingthe lingering effects of learning loss andthe need for
better-aligned supports in earlygrades. By middle school,the disparities grow clearer.
By thenumbers-Grade4-8:
•Readingand math in grades 4-8 increasedby1%from2023to2024,reaching33%.
•One bright spot lies in access to advanced coursework. 8th-grade Algebra Iend-of-course (EOC)examtest-takers increasedby2%points, reaching31%
•EOC readingand math achievement reached50% last year,increasing3%from 2023.
•Post-secondaryreadinessincreasedby 11%, reaching60% in 2024
Good Reason Houstonwarns that the city must reorientaccountability beyond highschoolgraduationtofocusonlifeoutcomes, treating educationasa continuum of care,which refers to thelinkbetween a student’searly childhoodand high school experiences to postsecondaryoutcomes, includingcareeradvancementand wage attainment
“These indicators aremorethanjust data-theyare acalltoaction. Theychallengeustoreimagineeducationasacontinuumofcare, onethatprovides integrated, coordinated, andcomprehensivelearning experiences,” thereportstates.
Thepostsecondaryascent Themostsoberingdatapointscomeafter high school.While Houston’sfour-year
graduation rate remainsstrongat88%, few studentstransitionsuccessfullytocollegeor careerprogramsthatyieldliving-wagejobs
Only afractionofgraduates enrollin Texaspostsecondary institutions within twoyears of highschooland even fewer complete adegreeorworkforce credential within sixyears.Graduates whodofinish apostsecondary programare threetofive timesmorelikelytoearnalivingwagethan thosewithoutcredentials,thereportfound
The shareofHouston graduatesearninga livingwage,definedas$42,158ayearforasingle adultinHarrisCounty, is stillfar belowwhat is needed forbroad-based prosperity.Using TexasWorkforceCommissiondata,researchers trackedonlythoseearningW-2wagesin-state
By the numbers-High school:
•Highschoolgraduationrateremained thesameat88% in 2023,withnochanges since 2022.
•Postsecondaryenrollmentincreasedby 2% from 2020, reaching 49% in 2021.
•Postsecondary completion sawno changesfrom2016 to 2017, remainingat 27%,whilelivingwageattainmentincreased by 4% in this time period.
Safety
InFocus
HOUSTONS CCER Builds culturebeforeW
By LauraOnyeneho
Houstonisnot waitinguntil 2026 to decide howitwill participateinthe World Cup.
Acrossthecity,creators,players,organizers, andfansare alreadyshaping theirown versionofsoccerculture.It’spowered by Blackpeoplewho seethe global game as a waytobuildcommunityontheirownterms. With theworld’s biggestsportingevent landingintheBayouCity,BlackHoustonians aretreatingthismomentasanopportunity todefinewhatsoccerlooksandfeelslikefor them
Dereje Mekonenisthe managerof the HoustonEthiopiansoccerteam.Thebuildup to2026hasenergizedcommunitiesthathave always treatedsoccerasculturalcurrency.
He said Houston’sEastAfrican population viewsthe WorldCup as an opportunityto showcasethe city’s connectiontosoccer, whichhasalwaysbeenapartoftheirculture.
“Wegrewupwithsoccerasa waytostay connectedtohome, even when we arefar away,”hesaid.“Youdonotwatchalone.You bringyourfamily.Youbringyourmusic.You supportyourcountry.”
He came to theU.S from Ethiopia in the late 90s. He wanted to findhis community soccer team throughthe EthiopianSports FederationofNorthAmericaandparticipate intournamentsinHouston.Overtheyears, headvancedinrank,frombeingaplayerto organizingmatches,supportingyouthtournaments, andexploring ways to collaborate with otherAfrican teamsacrossthe city MekonensaidtheWorldCupisanopportunityforAfricanteamstoregainvisibilityin amainstreamfanculturethathasnotalways includedthem.
“Africancommunitieshavebeenkeeping soccer aliveinHouston fora long time,” he said.“Nowpeopleare noticing.”
Soccer’ssurge and the WorldCup wave Across theUnitedStates, thesport is the fourth most popular, trailing behind football,basketball,and baseball,but it’s slowly chippingawayatthelong-standingrankings. Youngergenerationsaredrivingthatgrowth Theyhavegrownupwithinternationalstars atapawayontheirphonesandarebringing
S World
aglobal sensibilitytothe sport’sfanculture.Houstonhasbecomeanatural home forthatenergy. At theyouth level, the excitement around 2026 is pushingmoreparents to seek outstructured, accessiblesoccerprograms. However, pay-to-playbarriersstillmakethesport moredifficultformanylow-incomefamilies toaccess.CoachesandadvocatesinHouston saythe WorldCup couldshiftthatpath. BayonleArashi,founderofMidasSoccer Academy, said he sees talent across Houston’sBlackneighborhoods,butthepathway to advanced competitionremains uneven “Whatweneedismoreopportunity,”Arashi said.“If theWorld Cupiscomingtoyour city,youneedtobethinkingaboutthenext generation.You need to be building fields, lowering costs, andmakingsurekidsfrom everybackgroundcan participate.”
World Cup in Houston June 11 -July19, 2026
Nationalresearchsupports hisconcerns. Soccermay be theworld’s most accessiblesport globally,but in theUnitedStates, thepath to eliteplayoften requires thousandsinfees, travel,and equipment. Accordingtoyouth developmentexperts, therootchallenge is nottalent. It is infrastructure
Internationally, soccer’s lowcostand simplicity made it easily adoptable anda sourceofnationalpride.Inthe US,however,baseball,basketball, andAmerican football alreadyhad deep-rootedcultura andeconomicfoundationsbythetimesoccerbecameagloballyorganized sport.
Sincethe American Revolution,the U.S. hasaimedtodefineitselfthroughdemocratic andcapitalisticideals,whichhasinfluenced thedeclineofsoccer’spopularityasAmerica sought anationalsport distinct from Great Britain.
At MidasSoccerAcademy,Arashihas launchedlow-costtrainingprograms,weekendclinics forkidswho cannot afford club fees,andpartnershipswithschoolsthatlack structured sports funding. He also works directlywithparents,helpingthemnavigate equipmentneeds,scholarshipopportunities, anddevelopment pathways,sothatmoney does notdetermine whogets achance.
“Wechargeupto$70 amonth forkids to play socceratMidas.And that is only about6%or10% of what an averagesoccer academycharges,”hesaid. “Anaverage socceracademy in theHouston area chargesa minimum$250a monthfor akid to play soccer. ”
Building legacy programs
Houstonofficials andlocal organizations havelaunchedinitiativestoensuretheWorld Cupleavesalasting impact.Programssuch as Impact Houston26are expandingyouth access,improving fields,commissioning
Midas Football Academyisa 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization that focuses on combining soccer withtransformative education, aiming to mentor children from underserved communities.
Credit: Midas Football Academy
public art, andcreatingcommunity spaces that bringfansfromall backgrounds together
EntrepreneurslikeHectorAvila,owner ofSoccerChamps,alocalyouthsportsprogram,toldtheDefenderthatthelasttimethe U.Shostedthe WorldCup in 1994, it made an impact on himashebegan hiscoaching career.Witnessingplayers wholookedlike himexcel at thehighest levelinspiredhim to give back to theyouth
“Peoplecomeinhereeverydaywhogrew up with soccer in theirblood,” Avilasaid.
“African fans.Caribbean fans.Latinofans. TheydonotneedtheWorldCuptolovethis sport. Butthe tournament is giving allofus amomenttocelebrate.”
Avilabelievesthat2026willbeamajor winforBlack-ownedandimmigrant-owned businesses.Jerseys,scarves,flags,watchparty merch,andyouthgeararealreadyinhigher demand
“Itisgoing to be historic forthe city,” he
said.“Thisisgoing to expand thegrassrootseffortshappening in thecity.”
Arising generation of Black women shaping thegame
Amongtheloudestandmost influential voices emerging in Houston’ssoccerscene areBlack womenplayers andadvocates
in this sport. Theyare theculture.”
Imani Dorcey is thechairwoman of The Black Women’s Player Collective.
TheBlack Women’sPlayer Collective (BWPC), anational organizationledbyprofessional players, hasbeenworking in Houstontosupport girls, create programming,andreshaperepresentationinthesport.
Chairwoman ImaniDorceyviews the WorldCup as an opportunity to elevate Blackgirls,whoareoftenunderrepresented in mainstream soccer imagery.
“Thismomentisbiggerthangames,” Dorceysaid.“Itisaboutbelonging.Itisabout showingBlack girlsthattheyare notguests
Throughclinics, mentorship programs,and partnerships with localschools,the BWPC is building pipelinesthatreach girlswhomayneverhaveimagined afutureinsoccer. Dorcey said theexcitementaround 2026 hasalready sparkeda surge of interest
“Girls tell us they want to be thenextSophiaSmithorTrinity Rodman,” shesaid. “Representation matters. Butaccessmattersevenmore.Wearemakingsuretheyget both.”
Economistsestimatethatthe2026World Cupcould generate more than $30 billion in grossoutputnationallyand create over 185,000jobs.Houstonisexpectedtoseesignificantgrowthinhospitality,transportation retail,andtourism,drivenbymillionsoffans travelingtothe host cities
WORLDCUP FACTS
GLOBAL REACH
Socceristhe world’smost popular sport, watchedby billions globally
U.S. HOSTING
The last WorldCup hosted in theU.S. was31years ago (1994).
HISTORIC ATTENDANCE
The 1994final drew nearly 80,000 spectators; 2026 is expected to surpass this record.
HOUSTON’SROLE
The city will host matches and fanexperiences, including Sugar Land as aFIFAwelcome center
LEARNABOUT HOWTHE COMMUNITYISSHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PLAYERS.
BlackTechies
Say 2025 politics impact job prospects
ByAswadWalker
The presence of Black professionals in techhasgrownsince2005,buttheyremain significantlyunderrepresentedintheindustry.Expertsblamethisstagnationonlimited access to computer science education and poor retention within tech companies.
And, according to many Black techies, the political climate of 2025 has only made things worse.
Impactof2025politics
IdahoEdokpayi,aDenver-basedSolution Architect, spoke cautiously about the current environment.
“I have to be careful what I say just becauseoftheclimate,”hesaid “Butit’snot been great.”
Others were more direct.
“Thepoliticalclimate,Ihaven’tseenadisruption like this,” said George Gourdine, a seniorsalesleaderincloudtechnologybased in the D.C. area. “People say it’s AI, but I think it’s AI and politics. It feels like 2008, except we’re told it’s not a recession Still, there are more people than jobs.”
That sense of scarcity is echoed by those doing the hiring.
LosAngelesITdirectorTimHamnersaid the crowded job market makes it difficult to find the right talent. “Amazon just laid off 30,000 people,” he said “That’s 30,000 qualified folks out there. Competition is getting greater.”
Entrepreneur Glennda Bivens, a Houston transplant and owner of Engagement Angel LLC, experiences the struggle from both sides: seeking contracts for her firm while trying to hire new staff.
“It’sbeenhardfindingopportunitiesthat align with my skills,” she said “A number of positions have been withdrawn because of funding constraints tied to policies and instability.”
Sheaddedthatfriendsinandoutsidetech are also feeling the strain.
“I have close friends in the federal governmentwhoaren’tbeingpaid,”saidBivens “We’releaningononeanothertocoverbills, eat,andcareforouremotionalandspiritual wellness.”
Bivens believes this moment calls for deeper unity
“There’s a divide being imposed on us,” shesaid “Wehavetostaycreativeandconnected, because we are not one another’s enemy. ”
Bythenumbers
Despite making up 11.6% of the total U.S. workforce, Black workers were only
7.4% of the high-tech workforce in 2022, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission That share has remained virtually unchanged since 2005. Black professionals hold just 5.7% of hightech management roles.
Ourrelationshipwithtech
Thesenumbersstandinstarkcontrastto Black Americans’ strong engagement with technology.
Gen Z, the most tech-savvy generation, comprises the youngest segment of today’s
workforce. Meanwhile, Millennials, who represent 36–42% of U.S. workers, report overwhelmingly positive views of technology.AccordingtoNielsen,74%saynewtech makes life easier, and over half say it keeps them closer to family and friends.
And while no single racial group dominates overall tech consumption, Black and Hispanic consumers are more likely to rely on smartphones for internet access and online shopping. Black Enterprise reports thatBlackpeopleareamongthemostactive smartphoneowners,socialmediausers,and
gamers,andoftenearlyadopterswhoinfluence tech trends
Growingdesiretoworkintech
InterestinincreasingBlackparticipation in tech, both as employees and entrepreneurs, is stronger than ever.
This year’s AfroTech 2025 conference in Houston drew an expected 40,000 attendeesfromaroundtheworld,includingmore than 200 companies seeking talent, Black tech executives, national security leaders, and college students ready to launch their careers.
Movingforward
Tothriveamiduncertainty,Edokpayisays Black professionals must “play offense.” “Ifyourmindsetis,‘Ijustwanttoholdon to what I have,’ that makes it hard,” he said “Youhavetolookfornewopportunities,try to get ahead.”
He added, “I’m out here trying to create things—for me and for people like me.”
Project 2025 had impacted Black life in a myriad of ways, including the professional career journeys of Blacks in technology fields. Credit: Unsplash/Ben Iwara.
George Gourdne
Idaho Edokpayi
Glennda Bivens
Tim Hamner
Profile DN
FAITH,FAMILY,& FESTIVE FLAIR
Samantha Townsend
Turns passion into purpose
By ReShonda Tate
For most people, the holiday season is about joy, family, and celebration. For SamanthaTownsend,it’salsoaboutpurpose.
As the owner of CC’s Pleasures & Creations, an upscale luxury holiday and specialty décor company, Townsend has made it her mission to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Whether she’s decking out a family home or designing an elaborate commercial display, her approachisguidedbyoneunshakableprinciple:Faith.
“Before I do anything for a client, I pray aboutitfirst,”Townsendsaid “Idon’twantto doanythingthatGoddoesn’twantmetodo.”
Alongtimeoncologynursebyprofession, Townsend never planned to become a decorator Her design journey started organically—friends and church members at Lily Grove Missionary Baptist Church admired herhomedécorandbeganaskinghertohelp with weddings, holiday events, and church functions.
“I’ve always loved creating beautiful environments,” she said “Whatever I see, I just believe in making it beautiful and memorable.”
That natural talent blossomed into CC’s Pleasures & Creations, which Townsend runs with her daughter, Carrington. The company now serves both residential and commercial clients, specializing in custom holidayinstallations—fromlushChristmas trees to elegant garlands—using designer materials and concierge-level service The company’s mission, Townsend said, is to “turnyourinteriorandexteriorvisionsinto stunning realities.”
But for Townsend, the work goes far beyond décor.
“It’s not just about decorating,” she explained “It’s about creating joy, peace, andmemoriesthatlast IfIcan’tbringjoy,I don’t want to do it.”
That philosophy is reflected in every project she takes on Before beginning any design,shespendstimegettingtoknowher clientspersonally,learningabouttheirfamilies, traditions, and even the moods they want their spaces to evoke.
“Thegoalistomakeitpersonal,”shesaid. “I want to make sure I incorporate every aspect of what they’re envisioning, values from the husband, the children, everyone in that home When they walk in, I want them to feel like, ‘This is us. ’”
Townsend takes her talents to the yearly HolidaySoulNutcrackerMarket,whichshe
See more of Townsend’s work
Samantha and her daughter, Carrington run CC’s Pleasures & Creations.
That same commitment to excellence shows up in her installations. Townsend’s designs are known for their timeless elegance, durability, and the ability to bring smiles long after the lights have dimmed
“WhateverIdo,Idon’twantthemtohave to do anything but open that box the next year,anditstilllooksbeautiful,”shesaid “I want it to make them smile just like it did the first time.”
Still,thebusinessisn’twithoutchallenges Townsend acknowledges that high-end décor and concierge services are luxuries, and finding the right clientele can be difficult.
“Home décor and holiday design are luxuries,” she said “It’s about finding your niche—clients who really value this kind of service That’s why prayer is extremely important.Onceyoudofindthem,youhave tostaytruetoyourpurposeandneverforget why you started.”
Townsend measures her success not by financial gain, but by the joy she brings others
co-founded with four other women, Shana Bailey-Scott, Dr Michelle Moore, Elmer Rogers, and Carole Washington
“Samantha is a phenomenal decorator. She has a great eye for color and ways to combine colors that make a palette pop. I haveworkedwithSamanthaonseveralprojects, and she always exceeds expectations,” said Washington Townsend’s work ethic—grounded in diligence, attention to detail, and
compassion—comes from her maternal grandmother, who worked in healthcare for over 40 years while raising a family and serving her church.
“She taught me the importance of effective communication, paying meticulous attention to detail, and consistent follow-through,” Townsend said “Those are things I apply every single day, and they’ve made me successful in both nursing and business.”
“The money will come,” she said “It’s about passion and what you exude My reward is seeing a client’s tears of joy—or thatgrouchyhusbandsittingandsmilingin aroomhedidn’tevenwantdecorated.That’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
Fromoncologywardstoholidaywonderlands, Samantha Townsend has built a life centered on healing and beauty Her story is one of faith, purpose, and the belief that joy—like good design—should be shared
Visit her website at: www.ccspsandcreations.com
Samantha Townsend turned a love for decorating into a successful business. Courtesy: Samantha Townsend
Sports DN
SWAC Coaches
Brace for players hitting transfer portal
ByTerrance Harris
FormostoftheSWAC,thispastweekend was the end of the 2025 football season
This week, uncomfortable offseason conversations begin as many top-performing SWAC student-athletes start weighing their options to stay put or move on to bigger programs with more NIL dollars and exposure to offer It’s the time of the year HBCUcoachesbraceforbecauseofthecollegeathleticslandscapeandtheinevitability ofsomeoftheirplayersjumpingforgreener pastures.
“A kid can wake up any minute or any hour of the day and say he wants to go in thatportalwhenthoseopportunitiescome,” Jackson State coach T.C. Taylor said “You just read and react from it, and you go out andtrytogetthebestreplacement,whether you go in the portal and get a young man out of there or you try to get a high school kid to replace those guys.”
It’s the offseason quandary SWAC and other HBCUs competing at the Football Championship Level (FCS) level have faced since the NCAA began allowing student-athletes with remaining eligibility to have unlimited opportunities to transfer withoutsittingoutorlosinganycollegeeligibility Theopportunityforstudent-athletes tocapitalizeonNILdealsandlucrativerevenuesharingattheFootballBowlSubdivision (FBS) level has only fueled the transfers.
Thedilemmacomesdowntobasicmath forthosestudent-athleteswhoareattracting interestfromPower4andotherFBSschools: Remain at their HBCU school, where NIL moneyisscarceandrevenuesharingisnonexistent. The other option is to move on to an FBS program where thousands of dollars are being paid
For HBCU coaches, the poaching by larger schools has meant uncertainty, as their rosters are constantly in flux when it comes to their most talented players.
“Youreallydon’tknow That’s whyyouhavetokeeprecruiting, recruitingfluently.Youcan’tjust lookatonenumberandsayIneedthisnumber,” Bethune-Cookman coach Raymond WoodiesaidtotheDefender “You’vegotto havealistofguysthatyougooutandrecruit. If things happen perfectly, then obviously those additional guys are a bonus, but you just never know
“So you just have to go and look at the depth charts and fill in numbers where needed, almost like over-recruit because you just never know.”
Ifthereisanaspectthatsomecoachesare frustratedwith,itistheactionsofso-called streetagentswhosolicitstudent-athletesto work on their behalf, encouraging them to seekoffersfromlargerschools.It’sforafee, of course.
Sometimes it works out for student athletes who want a shot at playing for bigger schools, but then there are instances where playersandtheirfamiliesareleftscrambling becausetheyjumpedintothetransferportal with no assurances of a landing spot
Texas Southern coach Cris Dishmanisfrustratedbytherealitythatuncertifiedpeoplearepermittedtoplaysuchaninfluential role in the transfer process.
“It’sashamethatweareallowingthat,notasauniversitybutas the NCAA, allowing these street agents, these poachers to poach ourkids It’scrazy,”Dishmansaid “You can’t have an 18 or 19-yearoldkidtalkingabouthehasanagent.You’re only 18 years old. You don’t even have the right to have an agent.”
It has made it a must for coaches to start evaluating and predicting which of their players may hit the open market once the season is over Grambling State coach Mickey Joseph said that the process began for him in Week 3 of the season because he started receiving calls about some of his players.
“Whenthesekidsballoutintheseplaces
You go to these Power 5 schools who have unlimited dollars,” Joseph said “The only ones who lose in this are the SWAC andMEACbecausethekidgetsmoney,the school gets a good player, and who is left without?Weare.Weloseinthissituation.”
Joseph has a solution for mitigating the lossofsomanytoptalentplayers.Hewants thebiggerprogramstohavetopayabuyout for FCS players, like what schools sometimes must pay when they lure coaches away who are under contract.
This past offseason, approximately 33 student-athletes from the SWAC transferreduptotheFBSschools.TSUlostStephon Wright to UConn, and Prairie View had two players leave the program for the FBS, including offensive lineman William Boone,whotransferredtoNorthCarolina.
It’s unclear what the impact will be after the NCAA’s recent decision to limit the transfer portal window from two different times a year to a single,15-day period that will run from Jan. 2-16, 2026.
“If they are going to take them, they need to have a little buyout. I think that’s fair,” said Joseph, who lost four players to FBSschoolsthispastoffseason “Ifyoulook atthewholesituationlikeI’mgoingtolook at it, I know I say some things that people want to say. The school wins, the kid wins, but we don’t win.”
It’s just tough these days and times. You’ve just got to get the trust of the guys and build it the right way. But even sometimes when you do that, that still doesn’t work. You have to always be ahead of the game.”
RAYMOND WOODIE BETHUNE-COOKMAN COACH
Offensive lineman William Boone (71) left Prairie View last offseason to join the University of North Carolina, where he started the first three games of this season before leaving the team to pursue a medical redshirt. Credit: X
Edge rusher Stephon Wright (92) is having success playing for UConn this season after transferring from Texas Southern. Credit: UConn Athletics
Sports DN TreClewis Powers Fulshear
offense afterswitch
ByJimmieAggison
When Harold “Tre”Clewislined up on defenseasa freshman,few couldhavepredictedthequiet,speedyplayerwouldoneday terrorizesecondaries as Fulshear’s topwide receiver
With a10.8-second100-meter dash,preciserouterunninghonedintheoffseasonand arelentlessworkethic,Tre hastransformed himselffromadefensivecontributorintothe explosiveplaymakerhisteamnowdependson.
Throughthefirstninegamesthisseason, thesophomore hadalready hauled in 40 receptions,for more than 824 yardsand 11 touchdowns,numbersthatsuggestFulshear’s offensehas foundits secret weapon
Thepositionswitchwasn’tplanned.It came unexpectedly during theoffseason afterTre’s freshman year,setting himon anew path that wouldchangehis football career
“Duringthe offseasonlastyear, Iwas goingthrough drills andour wide receiver anddefensive back coachpulledmeaside andasked howI felt aboutplaying receiver. Thatwasdefinitelyanunexpectedturn,but I’m glad it happened,” said Tre.
WhileTre’s speed wasnoticeableon defense,hiscommitmenttomasteringroute running unlocked hisfulloffensive potential.Determinedtolearnhisnewposition,he devotedhourstorefininghistechnique,footwork andcatchingthe ball with confidence
“Throughfocuseddrillworkandattention todetail,Trelearnedhowtocreateseparation with sharpercutsand better body control,” saidJames Banks, head traineratForward
PerformanceAthletes. “Eachsession we focusedonimprovinghisstanceandstarts, tobemoreefficientcomingofftheball,his releases to avoiddefenders at thelineof scrimmageandtopofroutemechanicsto quicklygetinandoutofbreakstocreate separation.”
That focusedtrainingquickly translatedtogame-dayprecision.The same speedthatoncechaseddownballcarriersnowhelpsTreexplodeofftheline andgainastepondefenders
Tofurthersharpenhisathleticedge, Tretrainedwithcoach Will Collinsat FastU,focusingonspeedandagility.
“Tredemonstratedexceptionalprogress this season,improving his100-meter time from11.9to10.8andhis200-metertimefrom 23.7 to 21.7,”saidCollins.“Thesesignificant performancegains arethe result of hisdisciplinedoffseason training,withafocus on refininghistechnique,strengthdevelopment, flexibilityandenhancedrangeofmotion.”
Ifeelmyattitude hashelpedmeget throughall thetough workouts andall thementalups and downs to keep going.”
Thoseimprovementsmadeanimmediate impactonthefield,turningTreintoaconsistentdeepthreat
“Tre’s abilitytobreak thecushion on defendersand consistently serveasa deep threathasbeenevidentinhisexplosiveyardagerelativetohisnumberofreceptions,”said Collins.
Behind Tre’sdevelopment is hisfather, Harold Clewis Jr., aformerdefensive back at Iowa StateUniversity, whohas worked with hisson on aweeklybasis to preparehim for thetransition.
“Thissummerthegoalwastocatchatleast 150ballseverydaytogethimusedtocatching theballandincreasehisabilitytotracktheball intheair,”saidClewisJr
With hispreparation complete andspeed sharpened, Treentered theseasonready to redefinehisrole
“Thatfirst time Ilined up at thewide receiver position,itwas different,but it felt goodtoputmytrainingtowork,”saidTre. Playingreceiverbrought newchallenges, learning routes,readingcoverages andtiminghisbreakswiththequarterback,butitalso unlockednewwaystoimpactthegame
“Tre is aphenomenalathlete,” said Fulshear’s wide receiverscoach Sean Anderson. “Hisspeedisaweaponandwefeelitgivesus
an advantagebymatchinghim up withlinebackersandsafeties.”
That speedhas changedthe complexion of Fulshear’s offense. Hisability to stretch thefield vertically opened up,which forced defensestorespectthedeepball.
“His speedstretches thefield vertically, whichopens up intermediate routes andthe rungame; hisexplosiveness turnsany pass play into apotential home run,”saidsenior quarterbackShaan Patel. “Our firstplay againstFortBendAustinwasadeepballtoTre fora75-yardtouchdown.Becausehewasable to getbehindthe secondary, it really helped to open up ouroffense on alllevelsand we ultimatelyputup67points.”
Whilestatstellpartofthestory,whatmakes Trespecial goes beyond athletic numbers. Hisattentiontodetail,mentaltoughnessand steadymindsethavefueledhisrise
“WhenIlineupagainst thedefense,my goalistomakesureIexecutemyblocks,then createenoughseparationtocreateatargetfor myquarterback,”saidTre
Thatfocushelpshimstaybalanced,regardlessofthegame’soutcome
“I believewhateverhappens on thefield staysonthe field,”saidTre.“Idon’t letthat carryontothenextweekatpractice.”
Trebelieveshis biggestadvantage doesn’t come from speedorstrength, butfrom attitude
ABOUT HAROLD “TRE”CLEWIS
Class: 2028
IG: @treclewis
Twitter: @tre_clewis3
Position: Wide receiver
Height&weight: 5-feet-8, 160 pounds
Favoriteartist: Daniel Caesar
Status: Uncommitted
Favoritesubjects: Math
“I feel my attitude hashelpedmeget throughall thetough workouts andall the mentalupsanddownstokeepgoing,”said Tre. “Myworkethic both on andoff the fieldtakes alot of time andeffort, butI know it will payoff in life even when football is over.”
AsFulshearpushedtowarddistrictdominance andanother playoffrun,one thing became clear: TreClewisisn’t just another playmaker;he’stheproductofpreparation meetingtalent.
“I’vebeentellinghim sincehewas little thatyougetoutwhatyouputin,”saidClewis Jr.“Things don’tjusthappenbecause you want them to.Ifyou want to be successful atsomething,nomatterwhatitis,youhave tobewillingtomakethenecessarysacrifice to achievethe successyou’relooking for.”
