December 7, 2023

Why Buy

Black?

A continuous economic investment PROFILE

PROFILE

KHAMBREL MARSHALL

The veteran newscaster is stepping down, retiring after 48 years.

Volume 93, issue 6 December 7, 2023

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VICTORIA DIXON

How the young entrepreneur is baking to bless the Houston community. instagram.com/defendernetwork defendernetwork.com

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DN To the POINT

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 25: Jordan and Royal Pacheco learn of George Floyd’s murder at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, ahead of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s sentencing, on June 25, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chauvin is sentenced today on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Message from the Reporter Beyoncé ‘Renaissance’ film success

Chauvin survived his injuries and deserved this attack as a consequence of his actions against Floyd, and others said that it would be better for Chauvin to survive and live with the painful scars for the rest of his life. These are unfortunate circumstances.

I do hope he survives to live in the constant state of fear for his life in the same way Black folks have to, especially in the hands of corrupt law enforcement.

One thing is for sure. Beyoncé is not letting up off of anyone’s neck this year. She remains the standard and raises the bar in everything she executes. Her “Renaissance World Tour” takes center stage once more with the release of “RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ.” After a star-studded private premiere, fans and critics alike were treated to an intimate look at the record-breaking tour. Beyoncé, the force Lenny Kravitz says Black award shows give him no love behind the film as its writer, director, and Laura Onyeneho producer, topped the domestic box office Music icon Lenny Kravitz is gearing with $21 million in its opening weekend. No one has made up for the release of his 12th studio album, “Blue Electric that amount of money off a film during this post-Thanks- Light.” However, in a recent interview with a white news giving time period since 2003 when Tom Cruise starred in outlet, Esquire throws Kravitz into a discourse about rep“The Last Samurai.” Internationally, she totaled $27.4 million. resentation in Black media. Kravitz voiced his grievances Currently, the film scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and and was surprised at never being invited to events hosted received the coveted A+ CinemaScore from opening weekend by BET or the Source Awards. He questioned the silence audiences who were polled. It is truly amazing to witness surrounding his achievements. This week, he set the record this Houston native continue to build upon her legacy to straight with theGrio about his statement, saying that his this magnitude. I wonder what else she has up her sleeve for focus was on Black awards, not the Black media and the 2024. By then, I’m sure all of her fans would have recovered community. Kravitz has been candid about the racism he from spending on the concert and the movie tickets. faced growing up in a mixed-race household. His late mother, Roxie Roker, was an actress most famous for her role in the George Floyd’s killer stabbed in prison 1970s sitcom “The Jeffersons”’ while his father, Sy Kravitz, Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of was a producer for NBC. He expected that his musical success murdering George Floyd, faced a brutal attack behind bars. would be embraced by the Black community. Publicists have Inmate John Turscak, armed with an improvised knife, ghosted me for celebrity interviews in my career. If Kravitz stabbed Chauvin 22 times in the law library of the Federal ever entertained the idea of interviewing with the Defender Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona. The assail- as he did for Esquire, the team would be all hands on deck for ant revealed a chilling motive, expressing his desire to end it. Black media still has to fight to receive the same respect as Chauvin’s life. Federal prosecutors swiftly charged Turscak mainstream white-owned news outlets. From the red carpet with attempted murder, assault with intent to commit mur- to press junkets, Black journalists still face inequities when der, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault gaining access to Hollywood. I’m playing devil’s advocate with a dangerous weapon. Critics on social media didn’t here, but I understand why he would be disappointed. As seem fazed about the news. Some folks were surprised that for this topic, “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over.”

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DN News

City tackles high water bill issues

By ReShonda Tate

Houstonians hoping to get some relief with their water bill will have a wait a little bit longer. City Council delated a vote on nine water bill ordinances, which Mayor Sylvester Turner said would have brought instant relief to Houstonians struggling with high water bills.

After discussing the ordinances for more than an hour, and just before the vote, councilmember Michael Kubosh asked for the delay because he had not been able not to properly review all of the nine ordinances as they were not received until the day before.

Turner, who was determined to push the ordinances through in the final weeks of his term, questioned Kubosh’s motives.

“Councilmember, you mean to tell me that people are looking for help like yesterday and you are going to deny them from getting help like tomorrow?” Turner asked before officially tagging the item until the next council meeting.

The nine ordinances could relieve the stress that’s been burdening customers for almost a year now. Residents complained about bills that for some, cost thousands of dollars. City officials said under the current ordinance, Houston Public Works is restricted from how much help they can provide to customers.

“I’ve heard the community and their frustrations with high water bills and I know that getting an unexpectedly high water bill is frustrating,” said Turner.

Some changes include doing away with the number of times residents can seek help for multiple water leaks, which is currently capped at two times per year, giving customers a bigger incentive if they repair

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced changes to address high water bills that residents have received.

their private leaks, increasing the amount of credit customers get back from excess wastewater charges, and a 50 cent discount for anyone who enrolls in electronic billing.

“Any customer that receives a bill higher than they deserve that customer needs to get relief from the city, we are in the customer service business,” said Turner. “With these changes, I feel confident that the overwhelming percentage of complaints that we receive will be addressed.”

Houston Public Works said one issue that’s contributing to the inflation of water bills is the failed water meters. Houston sends out more than 500,000 water bills a month. Since 2019, officials said HPW has been manually reading 40,000 water meters.

That number has since increased to more than 125,000 failed meters, and an estimate of about 40,000 water bills a month.

“That’s why we’re in the position that we’re in and the situation that you’re

seeing,” said Director of Houston Public Works, Carol Haddock. “It is definitely this change that the mayor has not only proposed, but the mayor has very much prodded us to move these forward and get these to you today will allow us to address those in a much more timely manner and work with our customer service.”

If the changes pass, they will go into effect immediately. Here is the full list of the proposed changes..

1. Remove the twice-a-year allowance to fix water leaks and allow customers to seek relief if there are additional leaks.

2. Incentivize citizens to fix their water leaks and get a 100% adjustment on their water bills if a leak is repaired within 30 days, 75% for a repair within 60 days and 50% after 60 days.

3. Customers can get 100% credit back on excess wastewater charges.

4. To expand eligibility, the leak balance

will be reduced from $2,000 to $1,000 and from $250 to $100 for elderly customers.

5. The customer’s responsibility for an unusually large bill will be lowered from 150% to 125% of the monthly average water usage.

6. Economic Change Adjustments will be brought to any billed amount in excuse of two times an average monthly bill; an amount may be reduced by up to $10,000 for one occurrence and will not exceed two billing cycles.

7. Customers can have their meter locked at a one-time fee of $150, once the account is locked all base charges will be removed from the account.

8. Customers will get a 50-cent discount for an electronic bill.

9. Codify Public Works’ practice of not charging customers for more than three months of back pay.

NEWSTOKNOW DATA: Early voters skewed older Harris County early voting data shows the average age of the in-person early voters trends older than previous Houston runoff elections, according to Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. The data reports that 90,918 people voted early for the Dec. 9 Joint Runoff Election. Hudspeth said an analysis conducted at the end of last week of the city of Houston voting roster shows that the average age of in-person early voters is about 62 years old.

“That will fluctuate a bit once all ballots are cast for this election,” she said. “Still, the average age of the voters is a little older than in previous Houston Runoff Elections and significantly older than the average age of the registered voter population, which is 47.”

County formally apologized to families of Camp Logan soldiers Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and County Judge Lina Hidalgo have

17 individuals died, and most of them were white. One hundred ten soldiers were convicted after the riot. Nineteen were hanged and 63 received life sentences. Ellis said the soldiers did not get suitable legal representation and were not allowed to appeal.

The United States Army recently set aside the convictions of the soldiers and corrected their records to grant them honorable discharges.

issued a resolution apologizing to the families of Camp Logan soldiers, who were killed and beaten during the Camp Logan Riot.

The riot happened in 1917 and involved the 3rd Battalion of the 24th Infantry Regiment, which was comprised of all Black service

members. The battalion had been deployed to Houston to guard the area where the Camp Logan training site was being built.

Ellis said the soldiers experienced racism while they were in Houston by residents and police. On Aug. 23, 1917, there was a riot.

Texas Legislature adjourns fourth special session The fourth special legislative session ended Tuesday when the House adjourned without taking action on some key bills the Senate had passed, leaving senators with little choice but to adjourn as well.

It concluded much like it began, with no deal on school vouchers, other Republican priorities sunk by intra-party fighting and a governor unable to broker peace between the feuding heads of the legislative chambers.

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DN News

Lawmakers continue fight for equitable HBCU funding

By ReShonda Tate

The state of Texas has ended this legislative session with a $33-billion surplus, according to lawmakers who say there’s no reason for Texas Governor Greg Abbott to not funnel some of that money toward Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Following a demand letter calling on Abbott to address the disparity in HBCUs funding, Texas State Democratic leaders and legal advocates recently gathered to reiterate the call and discuss the historical inequalities in these institutions of higher learning.

“We had a $33 billion surplus. Yet, we willfully underfunded our state HBCUs, which provide opportunities for students of color to be the first in their families to go to college. That means there is less access to resources for professors, research, and infrastructure,” said State Rep. Ron Reynolds, who heads the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

The three public HBCUs in Texas - Prairie View A&M University, St. Phillip’s College and Texas Southern University, have lagged in funding compared to the state’s predominantly white institutions

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., joins Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, and Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev to talk about Rosa Parks Day. (AP Photo/ Mark Schiefelbein)

Texas lawmakers call on Gov. Greg Abbott to allocate money for HBCU funding in Texas. Screenshot

(PWIs). While HBCUs represent 3% of postsecondary institutions, they enroll about 10% of all Black college students, according to the HBCU PARTNERS Act. “Prairie View A&M University, which is the 1890 land-grant institution in the state, has not been able to advance in ways that are on par with Texas A&M University College Station, in large part due to this unbalanced funding,” Reynolds said. “In the last 30 years alone, an additional $1,135,496,704 would have been available for the university if their

state funding per student were equal to that of the state’s 1862 institutions.

These funds could have supported infrastructure and student services and better positioned the university to compete for research grants.”

The demand letter was filed to “rectify the years of disparate funding and set the course for a more equitable process of higher-learning institutional funding for generations to come,” according to TLBC. “We call on Governor Abbott and his administration to do what’s right and correct this historical wrong.”

GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS

District Attorney drops charges against Austin police Defender News Service

A Texas prosecutor whose office oversaw indictments of more than 20 Austin police officers over tactics used during the 2020 protests that followed George Floyd’s killing said Monday he was dropping most of the cases and would ask the Justice Department to investigate instead.

The announcement is a reversal for Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, a progressive who ran on promises to hold police accountable in the Texas capital. Garza, a Democrat, said his office would dismiss indictments against 17 officers but still move forward with prosecuting four others.

The slate of felony charges were by far the most indictments of officers from a single U.S. police department over actions by law enforcement during nationwide protests in 2020 over racial injustice and police brutality. Some Austin police officers fired beanbag rounds in the crowd, critically injuring one teenager.

“This has been a difficult chapter for Austin. I look forward to turning the page. These announcements will allow police officers, whose lives were upended by the indictments, to return to their services to our

CBC wants federal holiday for Rosa Parks

NNPA

The nation recently recognized the 68th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ historic arrest, and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama’s 7th District, along with Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman Steven Horsford and Representative Joyce Beatty, are hoping to rally support for H.R. 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act. The proposed legislation aims to designate December 1 as a federal holiday in honor of Rosa Parks, recognizing her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. December 1, 1955, marked a turning point in American history when Rosa Parks, a courageous African American woman, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger. Her act of defiance ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a catalyst for the broader struggle for civil rights.

Sewell, representing the district where Rosa Parks’ arrest occurred, emphasized the significance of recognizing this momentous occasion. As Rep. Sewell’s first bill in the 118th Congress, the Rosa Parks Day Act (H.R. 308) is of particular significance to the congresswoman and CBC members.

“Rosa Parks’ bravery on that December day changed the course of history, and it is only fitting that we honor her legacy with a federal holiday,” Sewell stated. “It’s time for our nation to officially recognize the contributions of a woman and a Black woman to the fight for equality.”

Currently, the United States lacks a federal holiday dedicated explicitly to honoring a woman or a Black woman.

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 6 - DECEMBER 7, 2023

People help a protester after he was shot with a rubber bullet under Interstate 35 freeway, May 30, 2020, in Austin Texas, while protesting the death of George Floyd. AP

community,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, a Democrat who was not in office at the time of the protests.

Despite widespread claims of heavy-handed or even illegal police tactics across the U.S. following the 2020 protests, few cities pursued charges.

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

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

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2023 copyright.

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

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DN Education HISD ON DECLINE?

Teachers, students leaving the district HISD lost 161 teachers this school year

By Tannistha Sinha

The Houston Independent School District lost 161 teachers this academic year, according to public records obtained by the Houston Defender.

This number is significantly lesser than the voluntary and involuntary teacher separations the district saw in the last two years, when 371 teachers left the district during the 2022-2023 school year, and 513 teachers the year before.

One teacher was terminated from the district this year, compared to the 19 teachers in the 2021-2022 and 20222023 school years, data shows.

Staff turnover, comprised mainly of teachers, increased from 441 employees during the first five weeks of school last year to 535 this year.

TEACHER SEPARATIONS IN HISD

BY RACE/ETHNICITY 2023-2024

Student enrollment drastically declines

By Tannistha Sinha

1,045

Teachers left in the last three years RACIAL BREAKDOWN

While it is still early in the school year, data shows that Black teacher separations are lower than in the previous two years. According to HISD, 54 Black teachers left their jobs in the first few months of the 2023-2024 academic year already, while 147 and 174 teachers left voluntarily or involuntarily in the years prior, respectively.

The rest of the separations comprised one American Indian or Alaskan Native teacher, five Asian teachers, 59 Hispanic or Latino teachers, 36 white teachers, five teachers of two or more races and one undisclosed.

UNCERTIFIED TEACHERS

The Texas Education Agency allows school districts to hire uncertified teachers. The process requires them to submit a request to waive the requirements for a limited number of years.

HISD elected to use the certification waiver option in order to employ uncertified teachers for this school year.

Texas does not publish statewide data on unfilled teacher positions. It reported that 29,426 teachers were teaching a subject that did not fall within their certified subject area in the 2021–22 school year, in the Outof-Field Teaching report.

Additionally, 10,691 special education teachers did not have special education and content certification for

Separation refers to voluntary and involuntary leaving.

Source: Houston Independent School District via a public information request.

their assignments.

According to the Texas Education Agency, 8,435 teachers without certification or permit, and 794 teachers with emergency permits for the 2021–22 school year. As these numbers represent only special hires that school year, the estimated number of teachers who are not fully certified for their teaching assignments could be underreported.

According to the TEA, there are five requirements for becoming a certified teacher in Texas. These include obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, completing an educator preparation program, passing certification exams, submitting a state application, and completing fingerprinting for a national criminal background check.

Meanwhile, certification waiver types could include allowing a person to teach without fulfilling certification requirements, for qualified persons to teach outside their areas of certification,

teach outside their areas of certification in a subject or course for which no state assessment has been developed, teaching outside their areas of certification in Alternative Education, and teach ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps classes) outside their areas of certification.

REACHING THE DISTRICT OF INNOVATION STATUS

On Nov. 14, HISD’s 60-member District Advisory Committee approved the “District of Innovation” plan, which will allow the school district to start the school year before the 4th Monday of August and will allow increased flexibility in hiring uncertified teachers without obtaining a waiver from the TEA, developing local teacher appraisal systems, and determining class size limits from pre-K through 4th grade, and minimum attendance requirements for class credit for high school students.

UNCERTIFIED TEACHERS HIRED 2023-2024

50 Black

18

Hispanic

9

White

7

Asian

The Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) student enrollment has been decreasing for a few years. Currently, the enrollment stands at 183,884 down by 6,000 students from the 2022-2023 school year and approximately 26,000 from the 210,000 enrolled in 2019 during pre-pandemic times, according to data obtained by the Houston Defender through a public information request to HISD. Moreover, Black student enrollment in HISD has also been on a steady decline since 2017. Since then, HISD lost around 10,000 Black students - from the 2017-2018 school year.

Since the TEA takeover of HISD in June, teachers, parents, and community members have protested against the impact it has had on the students. Most recently, they demanded an end to the state takeover in Austin, voicing concerns about the changes Superintendent Mike Miles has brought about in the district. Simultaneously, Miles maintains his stance that his goals outlined in Destination 2035 through a ‘wholescale systemic reform’ will bridge the achievement gap and equip students for an evolving workforce.

In fact, he says its needed now more than ever as new accountability ratings show more than 111 schools would receive D or F ratings according to new TEA ratings.

Under Miles’ New Education System, which comprises

The district is in the worst shape I’ve ever seen it in.Teachers leaving, and our enrollment is down. I’ve never seen that in the history of HISD.” MICHELLE WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE HOUSTON EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

85 schools undergoing rigorous changes to improve academic performance, student attendance went down by 2,090 students from the same time last year, while attendance dropped by 225 in non-NES schools.

With a student enrollment decline, it is yet to be determined how attendance will be affected this school year.

The drop in enrollment can indicate a reduction in state and other sources of funding next year. A bulk of more than 72% of HISD’s operating budget comes from property taxes paid by local homeowners and businesses, and unlike the City of Houston, HISD gets no money from sales taxes. Moreover, HISD receives 23.4% of its cash from the state, overseen by the Texas Education Agency.

More on the reason behind the dip.

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DN InFocus

Why Buy

Black?

6 strategies to support Black businesses As the holiday season approaches, there’s a growing awareness of the economic impact of intentional spending, especially in the Black community. This year, let’s make our gift-giving and holiday preparations a catalyst for positive change. The Defender compiled a list of strategies provided by local business owners that community members can use to support Black businesses.

A continuous economic investment

B

By Laura Onyeneho

lack-owned businesses are not merely surviving but thriving during the holiday season. As demand surges and competition intensifies, entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to their communities.

Buying Black extends far beyond the exchange of gifts; it is an investment in the economic vitality of an entire community.

The struggles faced by small Black businesses resonate with a nationwide narrative—one of limited exposure, capital, and business acumen. According to a report from CNBC, 80% of Black businesses fail within the first 18 months. This alarming trend, rooted in systemic barriers, underscores the imperative of sustained support beyond the holiday rush.

The Black dollar is powerful, especially when used correctly.

“If we put our minds together, we will be unstoppable as a community.”

TOPE ADUBI, FOUNDER KILALI COSMETICS

The hard facts Census data states that Black-owned businesses contribute significantly to economic empowerment, creating jobs and generating wealth in underrepresented communities. With $206 billion in annual revenue and 3.56 million jobs in the US, they form a crucial cornerstone of the Black workforce, impacting not just individuals but entire communities.

A McKinsey study also revealed that if Black-owned businesses matched the revenue of their white counterparts, it could inject an additional $200 billion into the economy.

Buying Black is not a one-time commitment; it’s a year-round pledge to break down systemic barriers that have perpetuated a vast wealth gap between black and white households. White Americans possess 10 times the wealth of Black Americans on average, and the opportunity to change this narrative lies in our everyday choices.

A personal story Chanell Graves, the co-founder of The Custom Stitch Houston, started the embroidery business in 2022 with her husband Barry after he suffered a brain injury from a major car accident. After a year-long recovery, he wanted to return to work but couldn’t do so in the same capacity. They both leaped into entrepreneurship to expand their financial capabilities and work at a pace that wouldn’t limit him if he were to work a regular 9-5.

“I took money out of my 401k, bought an embroidery machine, and we took courses to learn the ins and outs of the business,” she said. “We do get a lot of support, but to really take our business to the next level, we need funding.”

Graves said it’s a huge investment to buy inventory. The business is self-sustaining, and they manage their revenue from pop-up events like BLCK Market and holiday spending days like Black Friday.

“We work months in advance. We are already thinking of Black History Month and strategizing about maximizing what we have to grow,” she said. “Our clothing is proBlack apparel. We are unapologetically Black.

SHARE AND AMPLIFY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Kilali Cosmetics branding. Credit: Kilali Cosmetics Instagram

Leverage the power of social media to amplify the voices of Blackowned businesses.

Share your purchases, positive experiences, and recommendations with your network. Utilize relevant hashtags and geotags to increase visibility. Your social media activity can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to explore and support these businesses.

ATTEND LOCAL MARKETS AND EVENTS

Chanell Graves is the co-founder of The Custom Stitch Houston. Credit: The Custom Stitch Houston Instagram

The money is important to keep the business alive, but it means so much more when the customers enjoy our designs.”

Chef Keisha Griggs, owner of the new sustainability-focused and community-oriented restaurant Kuji Kitchen, is proud that her establishment serves as an oasis in one of Houston’s largest food deserts,.

Since its opening in mid-February, Griggs’ Sunnyside-based restaurant has introduced customers to her Trinidadian roots through her unique dishes with ingredients grown on local farms.

“Not everyone is on this side of town. Then there are some people who live in Sunnyside and hadn’t realized that we operate here,” she said.

Running a business isn’t new to Griggs.

She is the culinary mastermind behind

Black Chef Table, Ate Kitchen, and Bocage Catering. Currently, her team is in a unique position of a name change, which will require efforts around marketing.

“We get to communicate our rebranding with a new name and still remind the community that we are the same brand that creates vegetarian-friendly Caribbean soul food,” she said. “Our community is diverse in age, so we are focused on not just the internet, but more traditional marketing avenues.”

Kilali Cosmetics founder Tope Adubi started her beauty business to address the lack of foundation shades and matte lip stains for dark skin tones. The Nigerian-born entrepreneur’s goal is to bridge the gap in the industry, sharing the beauty within the African continent. She launched the business in Nigeria and expanded it to the U.S. right before the

pandemic started in 2020.

“Running a business is a serious learning curve.

The way business is conducted in the U.S. is different from how it is in Nigeria,” she said. “I had to figure out ways to keep afloat, and bootstrapping was what I had to do.”

With her experience as a digital marketing professional and months of research and product testing, she tripled the revenue made in 2020 within the first three months of 2021.

Her products have been seen during the Essence Festival and the BLCK Market. The BLCK Market was the first brand she worked with that helped her tap into Houston’s Black community. She loved how invested people were in Black businesses, but Adubi’s main concern is that the loyalty to Black businesses has been inconsistent since the brutal murder of George Floyd.

After Floyd’s death, many major corporations,

foundations, and people were motivated to take action against systemic racism by putting their money where their mouth was. A Washington Post report shows that America’s 50 biggest public companies and their foundations committed at least $49.5 billion to address racial inequality. More than 90% of that amount, however,” was allocated to potentially profitable loans and investments, including mortgages. $4.2 billion was pledged as grants, and $70 million went to organizations devoted to criminal justice reform.

“It shouldn’t have taken the death of a Black man for people to understand our value. We don’t need validation from others,” said Adubi. She added, the Black dollar is powerful, especially when used correctly.

“I see how Indians and other cultures stick together, for example. If we put our minds together, we will be unstoppable as a community.”

Check out local markets, pop-up shops, and events that feature Black entrepreneurs. These gatherings offer a vibrant atmosphere and provide a direct opportunity to interact with business owners. Engaging with the community fosters meaningful connections and builds a network of support.

GIFT BLACK-OWNED PRODUCTS

Extend the impact of your support by choosing gifts from Black-owned businesses. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, beauty products, or home goods, you can find a wide array of options.

Thoughtfully curated gifts not only convey a

personal touch but also contribute to the growth of Black entrepreneurs.

CONSIDER LONGTERM PARTNERSHIPS

Beyond the holiday season, explore the possibility of establishing long-term partnerships with Black-owned businesses. This could involve regular purchases, collaborations, or even becoming a loyal customer.

Sustained support is crucial in fostering economic stability and growth for these businesses.

PURCHASE GIFT CARDS

If you’re unsure about specific products, consider buying gift cards from Black-owned businesses. This allows the recipients to choose items they truly desire, providing direct financial support to the business.

VOLUNTEER TIME OR SKILLS

Offer your time or skills to assist Black-owned businesses. Many business owners have to wear many hats and might not have the funding to hire the team needed to expand the business initially. This could involve volunteering at events, providing pro bono services, or sharing expertise to help these enterprises thrive.

8 | December 7, 2023 |

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DN Profile BELOVED NEWSCASTER

Khambrel Marshall Leaves KPRC-TV after nearly five decades

By Aswad Walker

After Dec. 13, things will never be the same for Houston news viewers or the city as a whole. For, on that day, beloved meteorologist, journalist, public affairs show host and community servant Khambrel Marshall will tape his last broadcast.

Marshall announced his pending retirement on Black Friday, which seems fitting for those who view “Black” in the negative. For, surely, countless KPRC viewers were saddened by the news. But for those who see the beauty in “Black,” Marshall’s announcement made perfect sense, as well, because Marshall’s career has been a shining example of grace, integrity, humility and service.

Marshall will be retiring after nearly 48 years in the industry, 36 of those with KPRC’s parent company, Graham Media.

Channel 2 viewers know Marshall as a meteorologist with a unique flare and style, punctuated by his signature bow tie collection. Local news-heads recognize Marshall equally for his public affairs show, “Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall, where he played host to a who’s who list of elected officials and community leaders over the years who gladly came on Marshall’s show to discuss the big issues impacting the Bayou City.

However, for so many individuals and organizations within the Black community, Marshall was a brother who consistently represented the culture.

“Khambrel showed us all how to use the privilege of our platforms throughout his career in media and journalism by promoting awareness and concern for others as well as the overall community,” said Houston Area Urban League president Judson Robinson III. “A friend and role model to so many of us and a person of color who also represents the epitome of Black excellence. Congrats on creating a great legacy Khambrel.”

“I will always think of Khambrel Marshall as a trailblazing journalist and a gentleman with a big heart,” said former KPRC 2 newscaster and current Director of Communications for Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mary Benton. “Throughout his career, he has excelled at nearly every position in a newsroom, from sports to news, management, meteorology, and host of a successful public affairs show. He showed he could do everything with character, credibility, and his signature bowtie style.”

Benton, like so many others who are offering their accolades to Marshall,

For almost 48 years, I have been blessed to work in this amazing industry ... it has been an honor to work with and for the best station group in the country. It’s simply time to rest.”

KHAMBREL MARSHALL

emphasizes the fact that his impact on people extended far beyond the TV studio.

“Besides his outstanding professional achievements, Khambrel was a friend and mentor to countless journalists and interns.

He was a sounding board and always willing to provide advice. He is admired, respected, and deeply loved. Outside the newsroom, Khambrel has made immeasurable contributions to the community through his leadership and tireless work with nonprofit organizations. I will miss seeing him on television, but he deserves to retire and spend more time with his lovely wife, daughters, and extended family,” Benton added.

Marshall is known just as much for his heart for community, and as someone who readily shared his talents with nonprofit organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, March of Dimes, Susan G. Komen’s Race

for the Cure, and the YMCA of Greater Houston just to name a few. He also gave of his time and voice to serve as emcee for countless organizations and their many service efforts.

“Not many people can boast that they’ve spent a lifetime in service to their community. Then again, there’s no one quite like Khambrel Marshall. He’s an original,” KPRC 2’s General Manager Phil Lane wrote.

“During election season, he’s our political specialist, deftly moving from issue to issue and candidate to candidate, helping to break down political issues to ensure viewers are prepared and educated about upcoming elections. As a Meteorologist, he’s helped

people prepare for severe weather and keep their families safe. He’s been a voice of calm during times of adversity.”

Marshall also shared a few words about his journey.

“For almost 48 years, I have been blessed to work in this amazing industry that has put me in positions of responsibility as sports director, news anchor, executive producer, and meteorologist in six stations in five states. Thirty-six of those years have been with Post-Newsweek/Graham Media stations, and it has been an honor to work with and for the best station group in the country. It’s simply time to rest,” said Marshall.

Read more words from friends and colleagues celebrating Marshall.

December 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 9

DN Profile

Victoria Dixon stays busy ‘Baking To Bless’ the needy

V

By Aswad Walker

ictoria Dixon, a 19-year-old business marketing student at Texas Southern University, has had a heart for service since her kindergarten days. Unlike most, whose hearts grow colder and harder with age, Dixon’s has only expanded, as has her initiative to help those in need.

Enter the initiative Baking To Bless. And bless it has.

“Baking to Bless is an initiative that I started when I was six years old,” said Dixon.

“Of course, back then I had a lot more help.

But it is essentially a glorified bake sales system.”

Truth be told, Dixon is being modest. Her “glorified bake sale” has impacted hundreds, if not thousands of lives over the years.

“We do different bake sales for different charitable initiatives, emergency relief efforts, different things like that. When I was six years old, we did it for the first time for Haiti when there was a hurricane there in 2010. The second time we did it for Hurricane Harvey,” recalled Dixon.

Not only do members of her church, Community of Faith, pastored by her father, Dr. James Dixon, look forward to donating their baked goods for the effort, the younger Dixon also receives donated baked goods from various bakers and bakeries from around the city, all help raise funds for the chosen cause for that particular year.

Dixon, who seeks to become a make-up artist and build a beauty empire to fund her charitable efforts, traces the idea for Baking To Bless to elementary school.

“I was attending a school called the Woodland School for Young Scholars, somewhat of a Montessori-type school. We held a bake sale in order to assist in the relief efforts,” said Dixon, who felt the need to do more after the school project was complete.

“I remember feeling like I had really done something that mattered and of value, but still also feeling like I hadn’t done enough… I said to my dad, ‘We have to do more. We have to do another one. Maybe we could do one at the church.’ I just wanted to find ways to expand and keep giving back.

And my dad was amazing in connecting me with the right people and assisting me in bringing it to fruition.”

She just wrapped up this year’s event, which featured guest appearances from

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Paul Wall and more. Donated goods for the bake sale and auction came from Greasy Spoon, Esther’s Cajun Café & Soul Food, 5 Central, Momma Mims, Wall and some sports memorabilia Dxion’s father has collected over the years.

“What most excites me is just how much bigger it was this time around, when the initiative supported Toys of Hope and Coats of Compassion with Good Gang USA, two projects that benefit under-resourced but greatly deserving children in our community.

“There’s really nothing like Christmas time and the holiday season. It’s something that just going through day-to-day like, we

may take for granted, that other people don’t experience that same holiday joy – especially the children. It is so important for me to use this season to really do something bigger than myself. The biggest gift for me and my amazing team that I’m working with is to give back,” she added.

Dixon and her team are requesting that individuals or businesses wishing to make donations of restaurant gift cards or funds to email victoriadixon12345@gmail.com.

Donations can be made directly to Cash App ($goodgangusa) or Zelle (donate@goodgangusa.org) with the memo “BakingtoBless”.

Benefiting Toys of Hope for deserving children

Victoria Dixon (pictured here) spearheads ‘Baking To Bless’ as a way to help the less fortunate.

Courtesy Victoria Dixon.

“How sweet are your words to my taste!

Sweeter than honey to my mouth” Psalm 119:103

LEARN MORE ABOUT VICTORIA DIXON

10 | December 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, a product of Katy Tompkins, was named the SEC Championship Game MVP after leading the Crimson Tide to an upset win over No.1 Georgia.

Sports Briefs Ime Udoka and LeBron James exchange words

Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James got into a verbal confrontation during last weekend’s game, and Udoka was ejected from game which ended in a 107-97 loss for the Ime Rockets. James and Udoka Udoka both received technical fouls, but Udoka was tossed because it was his second of the game. Udoka would not get into specifics about what was said, only saying, “We had some conversation and they didn’t like what they heard.” James didn’t offer any insight into what was said, either. “Thanksgiving… how much we enjoyed Thanksgiving,” he said. But a video picked up James’ response to something he took exception with that Udoka said. “We all grown men. That b---- word ain’t cool. Don’t use it so loosely,” he was heard telling Udoka. “Don’t use that word so loosely. Nah, don’t use it so loosely, though. Don’t use it so loosely.”

College Football Playoff field set

The field of the possible teams that will land in Houston for the College Football National Championship has been set.

The College Football Playoffs Selection Committee picked Michigan No.1, Washington is No.2, the University of Texas is No.3 and Alabama comes in as No.4 to complete the four-team field. jonathan Michigan and Alabama will Brooks play their national semifinal game during the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 and Washington and Texas will meet in the Sugar Bowl on the same day. The winners of those two games will play for the national championship at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8.

TSU narrowing down coaching search

Things are starting to come into focus with the Texas Southern football coaching search. Speculation has it that the final four candidates who may replace Clarence Kevin McKinney are Alcorn State Granger coach Fred McNair, Valdosta State coach Tremaine Jackson, Benedict College coach Chennis Berry and Tennessee running backs coach Jerry Mack.

While Mack seems like a reach, he does have HBCU head coaching experience having spent four years at North Carolina Central and he was also the offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach at Rice from 2017-2020.

McNair would be a big hire, as well, because of his legacy and winning at Alcorn State.

When reached by the Defender, TSU athletic director Kevin Granger would not get into specifics about who the top candidates are.

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins had a career day with 191 yards and one touchdown on nine catches during the 22-17 win over Denver.

RORI HARMON Evolves into Longhorns do-it-all point guard

By Terrance Harris

When it comes to University of Texas junior point guard Rori Harmon this season, it’s not a matter of what she does for the 10th- ranked Longhorns.

The real question is what doesn’t she do?

The Longhorns’ 5-foot-6 athletic floor leader is doing it all this season. When a key basket is needed, Harmon is there to knock it down. She can anticipate her teammate getting open for an assist and she will clamp down and come up with the big steal on the defensive end. And don’t dare think because of Harmon’s stature that she won’t crash the boards, because she will.

Just call this season the evolution of Rori Harmon.

“I just feel like a completely different person,” said Harmon during an interview with The Defender. “I feel like a different person than my freshman year.

Completely more mature, just understand the game.”

It’s not like the potential wasn’t always there with the former Cypress Creek standout. UT coach Vic Schaefer saw it when he recruited Harmon and promptly put the ball in her hands to lead his team on the floor as a barely 18-year-old true

A CLOSER LOOK AT RORI HARMON Position: Point guard Class: Junior Height: 5-foot-6 Accolades: Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year; 2022-23 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year; 2022-23 All-Big 12 First Team, AP and WBCA All-America honorable mention in 2022-23; Texas Basketball Association Player of the Year; 2022 Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

Quote: “There is a time and place for everything when it comes to being a point guard.

As a scoring-first point guard, the first thing I need to do is run my team. I love assists so I’m fine with getting 13 assists a game and four or five points.”

freshman two years ago.

And Harmon, the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year and last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, is not just living up to the lofty expectations, but by all accounts, she is exceeding them in many ways as one of the most dynamic and versatile point guards in the country.

Harmon is the only Division I player averaging at least 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals per game.

Her 60 assists also led the nation while she had just eight turnovers in the first eight games of this season.

Harmon is coming off an incredible performance in which she scored 27 points and dished out 13 assists to lift the Longhorns (9-0) to their first win ever against No.11 UConn, 80-68.

“I’m open to anybody who wants to show me another player across the country who plays as hard, plays as long and does what Rori does,” Schaefer said.

“There are lots of great offensive players across the country. There are guards that are averaging more points than Rori.

But they are not guards who are doing the points, assists, steals and defensive assignments she gets every night.”

IMPROVED BODY, IMPROVED GAME

Changing her body, adding muscle and paying closer attention to her nutrition have all been keys to her success this season. Zack Zillner, the team’s sports performance coach, has helped Harmon

add 10 pounds of muscle while improving her endurance and durability.

“I definitely took a lot of time to focus on that,” said Harmon, who is averaging 27 minutes per game during the non-conference portion of the schedule. “I really didn’t think about that in high school. All I did in high school was train and dribble the basketball; drinking whatever, was drinking juice, orange juice, Powerade, Gatorade. Just everything that was sweet. I wasn’t even drinking water.

“But you come here and the game has changed. I was playing almost 40 minutes a game last year. I just think having that injury my sophomore year with my foot kind of switched everything around for me. I was completely locked in on just trying to take care of myself.”

Harmon says she can see the difference in her game after putting more focus on her body during the offseason while also working tirelessly on her game.

“Just longevity honestly. At the moment it’s great,” said Harmon, who is an applied movement science major and is set to graduate in May. “I can get knocked around a bit and I can still stand in place and won’t get knocked off course completely. I’m sure taking shots in the league right now, every game I’m pretty sure somebody is hitting me. So being able to finish through that.

“Gaining more muscle just helps with health in general, bone health and all of that.”

December 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

| 11

DN Sports HEIGHTS B-BALLER

JAZMYNE GILBERT Silently makes name for herself

By Jimmie Aggison

Imagine leading your team in points, assists, rebounds, and blocks. Now imagine people still being unfamiliar with your talent. If you don’t follow high school basketball you may be unaware of Jazymyne Gilbert, a 5-foot-8 combo guard who is making a lot of noise in the class of 2025.

“I feel like the one thing keeping me from being highly recruited is me being out there.

I need to post more of my stuff on social media, so more are aware of what I can do when it comes to basketball,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert was recently nominated MVP of HISD’s girls basketball tournament as she led her team to a 61-49 win over Houston Lamar in the gold division.

“It felt really good to get nominated and get the win,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert has been playing on the varsity level since her freshman year. Her sophomore season ended with her being nominated 1st team all-district and girls 6A district MVP. “I was so grateful to have been nominated. It was a lot of hard work that went into that season,” said Gilbert.

Originally from Lawton Oklahoma, what

ABOUT JAZMYNE GILBERT Class: 2025 IG: @jazz_btyb Twitter: @gilbertjazmyne Position: Combo guard / small forward Height & weight: 5-feet-8, 130 pounds Player she studies: Paige Bueckers Status: uncommitted Favorite artist: Drake Favorite subject: English Shout-outs: Mom, Dad, sister Jalyce

started as a hobby has become a large part of Gilbert’s identity.

“During the holidays I would visit my older cousins and we would play basketball in the street, and I enjoyed the game. I’ve played basketball forever, but I began playing competitively when I was four years old,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert attended MacArthur Middle School in Lawton, Oklahoma. Her freshman year she moved to Houston where she attended Houston Heights and was moved to varsity immediately.

With the ability to create off the dribble as well as bring others into the play, Gilbert shows signs similar to Paige Bueckers at The University of Connecticut.

“I like the way she creates space to make shots and how she drives the ball. She has a good three-ball, and is just a great all-around small forward,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert currently plays summer ball with Cy-Fair Premiere.

“We traveled to Atlanta, Kentucky, and many other states in the U.S., playing tough competition,” said Gilbert. “In travel ball, you get the opportunity to play people who are better than you and when you do that it forces you to get better too.”

2024, Gilbert will be playing in the Select 40 circuit as she continues to make a name for herself and sharpen her skills in hopes of helping her team make a deep playoff run.

“Right now I’m working on coming off screens and getting my shots up as well as shooting off the dribble,” said Gilbert.

When looking at her accomplishments and realizing how much work it takes, Gilbert offers advice to the next generation of players.

“Stay in the lab and put in the work because that’s where you will get better.

When you have a bad game, relax, mentally pray, and then get in the gym and put some work in,” said Gilbert.

12 | December 7, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Ways to avoid holiday season scams

By Aswad Walker

BUYERS BEWARE Criminals frequently offer too-good-tobe-true deals via phishing emails, text messages, and online surveys designed to steal personal information. Bottom line: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Stay clear of unfamiliar sites offering unrealistic discounts on brand-name

merchandise. Consumers should also remain skeptical of social media posts offering special deals, vouchers, or gift cards.

These scams frequently lead consumers to online surveys designed to steal personal information. Before you click on a social media advertisement or provide credit card information, check the legitimacy of the website through independent research.

Without practicing vigilance, shoppers may end up paying for an item, giving away personal information, and receive nothing in return except a compromised identity.

SELLERS, STAY ALERT Keep an eye out for buyers who want items shipped before they will send payment, especially if those buyers use one name when communicating and another name or business for payment purposes.

Also, buyers who receive your merchandise and ask for a refund, but do not send the original merchandise back may be part of a larger fraud scheme.

Five scamblocking tips

1

STEER CLEAR OF he raised in the name of various charities.

CHARITY SCAMS Unscrupulous, indeed. But criminals will Unscrupulous criminals capitalize on be criminals, especially during this time of charity-related fraud during the holidays year, using phone calls, email campaigns, and since they know kind-hearted individuals fake websites to solicit on behalf of fraudulent seek to donate to those less fortunate. If I’m charities. Scammers target people who want not mistaken, the dude who occupied 1600 to donate to charity, then hoard well-intenPennsylvania Avenue before President BidenT:4.79"tioned donations while those most in need was literally found guilty of pocketing money never see a dime.

LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: Game #

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For many, the holiday season brings with it thoughts of good cheer. But for others, their focus turns to getting over on their neighbors by way of scams. As we enter the 2023 holiday season, authorities say Texans need to remain vigilant against folk who couldn’t care less about giving because they’re all about receiving, or rather stealing.

In other words, while you’re out and about, getting your shop on, looking for a good deal or two, make sure to add to your Christmas list a reminder for you to be aware of aggressive and deceptive scams designed by criminals to steal your money and personal information.

FBI Houston wants Texas Gulf Coast shoppers to enjoy a scam-free holiday season by heeding the following tips:

Texaslottery.com is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes.

In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2023 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

17225_FY24_DEC_EOG_W38749_4.79x3.25.indd approvals

job info job # client headline/tag trim bleed live color setup vendor/pub media type die cut

W38749 TEXAS LOTTERY DECEMBER EOG AD 4.79" x 3.25" None None BW NEWSPAPER None

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notes

Fonts Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Conden Condensed), Times (Regular) Images None Inks Black