Houston Defender: December 9, 2021.

BLACK PET LOVE Houston’s Black pet owners celebrate their ‘babies’

NEWS

SPORTS

RODNEY ELLIS

The Harris County Commissioner is asking for disparity studies at local colleges.

Volume 91, issue 6 December 9, 2021

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DN To The POINT

Misha McClure with Comcast talks to Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles.

COMCAST RISE

Defender wins Comcast grant The Defender Network is one of 100 Houston area businesses to receive the prestgious Comcast RISE Investment Fund grant. Comcast recently announced the 100 small business recipients, who will receive a one-time $10,000 grant from the fund.

More than 100 businesses in the area will also receive technology and marketing resources.

“The Defender is honored to be among the 6,700 entrepreneur nationwide selected to participate in the Comcast RISE program. The pandemic has taken its toll on minority business owners in particular and Comcast’s commitment to the rebuilding process is to be applauded,” said Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles.

Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, initially launched as a response to help small businesses owners of color hardest hit by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to focus on uplifting small businesses, ensuring they continue to prosper in an ever-shifting post-pandemic economy.

The recipients were selected through the Comcast RISE program, which provides marketing, technology, and capital support to small business owners.

“Since we launched Comcast RISE a year ago, we have assisted more than 200 small businesses throughout the Houston area with either marketing, technology, or monetary grants. This round of Comcast RISE grants will provide even more small business owners of color with the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region.

“We look forward to empowering their success.”

Buck O’Neil walks to the field as he is introduced before a minor league all-star game in 2006, in Kansas City, Kan. O’Neil, a champion of Black ballplayers during a monumental, eight-decade career on and off the field, has joined Gil Hodges, Minnie Minoso, Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva and Bud Fowler in being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame recently. Photo by Charlie Riedel/AP

Message from the Associate Editor JUSTICE DELAYED

SLEEPY JOE

The late Buck O’Neil, a two-time Negro So, the U.S. Justice Department is suing League All-Star first baseman, the first Black the state of Texas over its racist redistrictcoach in Major League Baseball and one of ing maps. Great. But is it too little, too late? baseball’s greatest ambassadors, was recently Biden and crew slept on the issue his base is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His most passionate about (protecting our voting election is worth celebrating, but it’s also rights), believing they could out-organize votjustice delayed, a theme all too common for er suppression. This reluctance to “stan” for Aswad Walker us. The list of Blackfolk still waiting on some Black voters has dispirited Blackfolk and emsemblance of justice is too long for this arboldened white supremacists to openly move ticle, but here’s one example. Marcus Garvey was errone- toward overthrowing democracy (Hello, Trump royal ously deported in 1927 and never allowed back in the U.S. family). Yet, Dems don’t believe these insurrectionists because of a bogus mail fraud charge. Justice sho-nuff de- will actually “go there.” But Blackfolk know different layed. Yet, Sidney Powell, one of the more comical mem- and see it happening. Okaying racist vigilante violence bers of the Trump cult, and her nonprofit “Defending the (i.e. Kyle Rittenhouse). Endorsing racist judges. InstallRepublic” used the post office and internet to raise $14 ing city and state election overseers willing to overmillion-plus by purposefully spreading 2020 presidential throw election results they don’t like. Dems think they election misinformation. Hence, my question: When will can excite voters by touting things they’ve checked off Powell and others who led this “mail fraud” be held ac- their “Things to Do” list. Republicans have no “Things countable? Until they are, it’s just more justice delayed. to Do” beyond stealing our votes and our power by tapping into the fear, racism and penchant for violence of NO JUSTICE, NO PIECE their base. Texas state Democratic lawmakers put their Let me get this straight. The Oxford, Michigan school lives and careers on the line to protect our votes. Black shooter’s parents who bought their shooter a gun, refused to people historically, have invested blood, sweat and tears take him home after a teacher discovered his violence-threat- to secure our votes. Suing Texas is cool, but Biden and ening writings, then fled from law enforcement, get a pass?!? crew are still sleeping on the absolute seriousness of this Kyle Rittenhouse’s parents, who provided him with a mil- threat to Democracy and Blackfolk. itary-grade weapon and drove him across state lines to use it on police brutality protesters, get a pass?!? Where’s the IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER “pass” for that Black mother jailed for enrolling her child in • Houston’s Black pet owners celebrate their “babies.” a school outside their zone, hoping to access a better educa- • New board seeks to fight hunger in H-town. tion? Where’s the “pass” for Tamir Rice’s mom, who a police • Sports reporter Terrance Harris profiles how Jae’sean Tate union spokesman blamed for Tamir’s death at the hands of provides Rockets fuel. police? Where’s the “pass” for Black children criminalized for wearing their natural hair? Blackfolk have given this country ON THE WEB every piece of our being—minds, bodies and spirits—for little • PV coach Eric Dooley headed to Southern. or nothing in return. Moving forward, our mantra should be • GOP aims to takeover school boards and end CRT. “No Justice, No Piece.”

• Emmett Till investigation closed because white lies matter.

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DN News Commissioner Ellis, Mayor Turner partner to improve TSU-UH University Corridor Defender News Service

While celebrating the completion of a $12 million construction project on Cleburne Street that includes a shared-use path on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young announced the upcoming start of Phase II of the TSU project that involves improvements to Blodgett, Rosewood and Tierwester streets.

The work is part of a $43.1 million investment made by Harris County Precinct One and the City of Houston to repair five streets around TSU and University of Houston.

“Every community should have safer streets with bike lanes, sidewalks and better lighting,” Ellis said during a recent news conference at TSU. “This investment in road reconstruction in our University Corridor will continue to improve safety and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders.”

Turner said the construction near TSU and UH is part of Third Ward’s Com-

Commissioner Rodney Ellis, left , with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young looking on, outlines the recently completed $12 million construction project on Cleburne Street near TSU.

plete Communities initiative action plan created “to support equitable economic development in under-resourced neighborhoods and, at the same time, keep affordable housing in the community and improve the quality of life for residents.”

In addition to the two-lane concrete street and shared-use path, the Cleburne work includes $2.8 million spent on landscaping and improved street and pedestrian lighting. The work also entailed improving drainage and planting more than 240 trees.

New board hopes to fight hunger in Houston Defender News Service

Over 738,000 HoustoCouncilmember Edward Polnians have little to no access lard has established a new Food to healthy food, and 360,000 Insecurity Board, which was rechildren in Harris County are cently approved by a unanimous experiencing food insecurivote by Houston City Council. ty. This includes over 500,000 The Houston Food Insecurity Houstonians living in “food Board is designed to be an effecdeserts” with little to no access Edward tive and comprehensive approach to healthy food.

Pollard to addressing the issue of food in“Over the past year and a security by providing policy sughalf, I have all been involved in gestions, guidance and best practices to numerous food distribution drives. I am policymakers. continuously in awe of how many people

wait for hours for basic food items. This drove me to find solutions to the food needs of our city and issues related to the root cause,” Pollard said.

“In collaboration with the Minaret Foundation, I learned that Houston was one of the only major cities in the country that did not have a Food Insecurity Board.

As such, my office worked diligently in order to create this board before the new year so we could begin 2022 ensuring that this issue would be a top priority at City Hall.”

Commissioners Court okays $200K for local disparity studies Defender News Service

Harris County Commissioners Court recently approved a $200,000 fund that provides seed money for community colleges and school districts to conduct multi-jurisdictional disparity studies to determine whether minority- and women-owned businesses fairly participate in the entities’ procurement process.

“Business in Harris County are not operating on an equal playing field,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who proposed the measure that would use $100,000 from Precinct One’s budget

Houston fire, police have lowest City COVID-19 vaccine rates Nearly three months after Mayor Sylvester Turner signed an executive order requiring Houston’s 21,000 City employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, receive a medical or religious exemption, or submit COVID-19 test results every two weeks, compliance with the order varies widely among departments.

EMPLOYEES IN COMPLIANCE

60% Firefighters

74% Police

74% Solid Waste Management

74%

Health and Human Services

100%

City Secretary’s Office

and $100,000 from Precinct Two funds.

“Small businesses owned by women and minorities do not have the same opportunities as others in the region.” As part of the program, the County will work with local officials to create a fund for community colleges and school districts in Harris County to conduct disparity studies to determine if Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) are being utilized.

Participating institutions will be required to create and adopt MWBE programs using national best practices to remedy any race

and gender disparities identified. Although Harris County is providing seed money, the participating entities will be responsible for most of the costs.

Public entities cannot create race-conscious MWBE program without first performing a disparity study. Commissioner Ellis initiated Harris County’s disparity study and asked the Port of Houston and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to conduct similar studies. Each disparity study indicated that MWBE’s were not well represented in the procurement process.

100% Legal Department

90% I.T. Department

90% Mayor’s Pffice

72% City Council *As of Nov. 15

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DN News NEWSBRIEFS STACEY ABRAMS LAUNCHES 2ND CAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA GOVERNOR Stacey Abrams, the Georgia Democrat and leading voting rights activist, has launched another campaign to become the nation’s first Black woman governor. Without serious competition in a Democratic primary, the announcement could set up a rematch between Abrams and incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Their 2018 contest was one of the most narrowly decided races for governor that year and was dominated by allegations of voter suppresStacey Abrams sion, which Kemp denied. Yet Abrams’ strong showing convinced national Democrats that Georgia should no longer be written off as a GOP stronghold. Her performance and subsequent organization convinced Joe Biden to invest heavily in the state in 2020, and he became the first Democratic presidential candidate to capture it since 1992. The party later won a narrow Senate majority after victories in two Georgia special elections.

U.S. Justice Dept. sues Texas Redistricting dilutes Black, Hispanic vote

By ReShonda Tate

Texas Democrats are applauding a recent decision by the U.S. Justice Department to sue the state over its new redistricting maps. The DOJ is alleging that Texas violated the Voting Rights Act by creating redistricting plans that intentionally discriminate against Black and other minority voters by minimizing their voting strength.

“The complaint we filed alleges that Texas has violated section two by creating redistricting plans that deny or abridge the rights of Latino and Black voters to vote on account of their race, color or membership in a language minority group,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

In its complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the Justice Department said the 2020 Census showed that Latinos are on track to become the state’s largest population group, and that nonwhite Latino voters account for less than 40% of the state’s population.

“Soon after the release of 2020 Census data, the Texas Legislature enacted redistricting plans for the Texas Congressional delegation and the Texas House through an extraordinarily rapid and opaque legislative process,” the complaint says.

“It’s sadly no surprise that Texas Republicans are once again facing a lawsuit over their racist gerrymandering, because the Texas GOP has a long history of trying to illegally shut down the votes and voices of people of color in order to cling to power,” said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa.

“In fact, Texas has been found in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 every decade since its passage.

Our Texas Democratic lawmakers fought tooth and nail against these maps -- just like Texas Democrats, both at the state level and in Congress, have been fighting like hell all year long to try to block Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans’ discriminatory anti-voter laws.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Twitter defended the state’s actions, saying, “The Department of Justice’s absurd lawsuit against our state is the Biden Administration’s latest ploy to control Texas voters.”

While the Supreme Court has declined to put limits on partisan gerrymandering, it is illegal to draw lines that are unfair to racial and ethnic minorities.

The lawsuit notes that most of Texas’ population growth over the past decade came from Black, Latino and Asian people, but alleges that the new maps scatter these voters across districts, diluting their votes and denying them opportunities to choose their representatives. It also argues the maps pack Black and Latino communities into bizarre-shaped districts, while preserving seats for white Republicans.

The litigation comes as Republicans and Democrats jockey for an edge in the once-a-decade redistricting process, which has already reached new levels of gerrymandering. The lawsuit also plays out during a changed legal landscape for redistricting challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that it won’t referee partisan gerrymandering disputes — maps drawn to benefit a political party.

HOUSTON ECONOMY ON TRACK TO ADD 75,000 JOBS IN 2022 The metro Houston economy is on track to add 75,500 jobs next year, according to the latest annual forecast from the Greater Houston Partnership. That’s above the long-term average, but still leaves the region 10,000 to 20,000 jobs shy of preCOVID employment levels. As of September, metro Houston had regained 245,600 of the 361,400 jobs lost in the early stages of the pandemic last year — about 68%. One of the strongest areas forecasted for job growth over the course of the next year will be administrative services, which the Partnership projects will add a net 9,000 jobs over the course of 2022.

HARRIS COUNTY TO SPEND $2.6 MILLION ON NEW POLICING PROGRAM Harris County leaders unanimously approved a $2.6 million policing initiative they say will target communities with high rates of violent crime in unincorporated Harris County. The plan, developed by the sheriff’s office, includes on average more than 90 additional law enforcement officers per day to help focus on areas identified as having the highest incidence of violent crime.

VOLUME 91 - NUMBER 6 - DECEMBER 9, 2021 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate

Chief Development Officer Emelda Douglas

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Creative Director Michael Grant

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Engagement Manager Alexandria Williams

Photographers Jimmie Aggison

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

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

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DN InFocus FOCUS SOCIAL

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BLACK PET LOVE

Houston’s Black pet owners celebrate their ‘babies’

By ASWAD WALKER

Most TV shows, commercials and articles featuring pet lovers rarely include Black people. But many of us own pets too, and love them just as much as anyone else. This point was proven by the individuals the Defender recently interviewed about the strong bond they possess with their pets who are considered indispensable members of their families.

These Black pet owners share how they “first met” their current pets, the things they love about them, as well as those nerve-wracking habits that drive them as pet owners crazy. Moreover, they offer their advice for anyone considering joining the club of Houston-area pet owners.

ABAYNESTA OLUBUNMI & CHAKA ZULU HOW THEY MET: Abaynesta Olubunmi, a minister,

administrator and longtime member of the Shrines of the Black Madonna, first “met” her dog Chaka when her husband surprised her by taking her to a dog breeder. “I would often look at the paper and see ads for dogs, and I’d say, ‘If I ever got a dog, I’d want a little dog, a Maltese.” When the Olubunmis arrived at the kennel, and Abaynesta picked Chaka out of the available litter, the breeder told the new dog owner, ‘“Your husband said he wanted to get you one for your birthday. But every time a man comes in here with his wife or girlfriend it’s really him that wants a dog.’ So, Chaka was a birthday present.”

LISA MEAD & BUDDY WHAT SHE APPRECIATES: University of Texas alumna

Lisa Mead loves a few things about her dog Buddy, a Hurricane Harvey rescue. “What I like about Buddy is when I got him, he was already trained. So, I didn’t have to worry about the house training or anything like that. But I’ve always had a pet since I was 8 years old and Buddy was perfect for me. He goes everywhere with me, at least everywhere that I can take an animal. He makes me get up in the morning and in the afternoon and the evening to walk him. So that helps with this COVID body I’m trying to get rid of. But actually, he is soothing. I know that there are studies that use animals

to lower blood pressure and stress and things like that. So anytime I’m kind of stressed, it’s like Buddy can feel it and he’ll jump into my lap and all is good.”

OSAKWE RIKONDJA, TAI CHI & JUBA NERVE-WRACKING HABITS: Osakwe Rikondja, a

musician who also works in tech, has two pets sharing a home with him, his wife and two young sons: a Labrador-pit bull mix (Tai Chi) and a green-cheeked conure bird (Juba). According to Rikondja, Juba, beyond the “sticker-shock” price, is low maintenance. But, Tai Chi, on the other hand, has issues. “Man, that dog. It’s like having another child. In the beginning, he couldn’t sleep alone. He cried and wanted someone to sleep with him. Now, it’s the digging in the trash can thing. We had to kind of set up something to keep him out of the trash.”

TAMIRAH COLLINS & REBA GRAY WHICH IS BEST, DOGS OR CATS: Tamirah Collins,

a fine arts graduate of Sam Houston State University, owns a cat (Reba Gray) so big, Collins’ mom refers to it as a mountain lion. “With a cat, I don’t need to go out every four hours when they decide to use the bathroom. I can’t do that. The doggie playtime in the park? I could do that.

It does give you opportunities to exercise. But I’m more of a laid-back person. So, regarding which is the best pet, it depends on your personality.

Laid back Reba fits my personality very well.”

KIM PATTERSON WRIGHT & LUCY WHAT SHE APPRECIATES: Lucy, an Australian Border

Collie, joined Kim Patterson Wright and family when they lived in Queensland, Australia. Wright was very specific regarding what she was looking for in a family pet. “Lucy is highly intelligent. I did a lot of homework trying to select what breed of dog I wanted. I wanted something that was going to be easy to train, to be honest, and good with kids. And Border Collies are at the top of the list in terms of their mental capacity. That’s really what I appreciate. If I want to teach

her a trick or get her to do something, to behave in a certain way, it really doesn’t take very much effort. And, the other thing about dog loyalty, Lucy is a bit territorial, always announcing when someone is approaching the house so that I know what’s going on.”

RHONDA SKILLERN-JONES & GINGER NERVE WRACKING: Ginger is a 6-year-old German

Shepherd that has stolen the heart of Houston Community College Trustee and former HISD Board Member and new empty-nester Rhonda Skillern-Jones. SkillernJones appreciates Ginger’s company, but said, “Ginger does not know when it’s appropriate to bark yet. So, in the middle of the night, she might hear something outside. She’s very keen at listening. And there goes my sleep, because until whatever it is goes away, squirrel or bird or whatever it might be, she’s still barking. So, we’re working on it.”

ERIC GARMOND & ICE TO PIT BULL OR NOT PIT BULL: Police officer and

no-nonsense brother Eric Garmond is a pit bull owner. It’s not the “fearsome reputation” Garmond appreciates most about Ice, but rather his warm, calming companionship. “I think a lot of people have a misconception about pit bulls; that they’re vicious and very dangerous animals. It’s quite the opposite. I think they are very loving. I think they take on the mentality of their owner. If the owner is aggressive, then that dog is going to take on the same mentality. But if you’re a loving individual and someone who really shows compassion, their pit bull will take on that same mentality. Everybody I’ve spoken with who has a pit bull, they love them and talk about how much love they have for the people, and how caring and protective they are.”

READ THE ENTIRE SPOTLIGHT ON PET OWNER VANESSA LATEEFAH WILLIAMS AT DEFENDERNETWORK.COM

CONSIDERING BECOMING A PET OWNER?

• Be willing to invest time and money. Pets are not cheap (food, health care, travel, housing arrangements, etc.)

• Be willing to make the commitment to consistently feed, house, engage, train and if it’s a dog, walk.

• “Do a little soul-searching and make sure that you’re truly ready for that responsibility, the feeding, the walking, the nurturing, the veterinarian health. My whole life had to be restructured because of having a pet is like taking care of another child.” (Eric Garmond) • Research: “Do your homework first and really consider the type of pet that works best for your lifestyle. Do you have children? Are you active or more sedentary? And understand the temperament of the animal, whether that’s a dog, cat or bird.

Make sure it’s going to be a good fit.” (Kim Patterson Wright) • Prep your children: “If you have kids make sure they’re ready before you do it, because you don’t want to come home with an animal and then have to give it away to a shelter or for the animal to be neglected.” (Rhonda Skillern-Jones) • “Make sure you have a good, stable home for them. The environment is very important for that.” (Tamirah Collins)

BENEFITS OF HAVING A PET

• Companionship: “I think that’s the biggest benefit. Chaka’s kind of forgotten that he’s a canine. When my mother-in-law was alive, we had her in at-home hospice and Chaka would often lay at the foot of her bed, and calm her down.” (Abaynesta Olubunmi) • Responsibility: “I can tell you for my son, it gives him a sense of responsibility to do the feeding and if I don’t feel like walking the dog, he has to do all of that.” (Lisa Mead) • Health boost: “Having a pet has been found to keep your blood pressure down and lower anxiety, and we know that animals are often used in therapy. Some studies show pet owners are nicer people. Just having them around adds to your quality of life.” (Rhonda Skillern-Jones) • Unconditional love: “You have somebody or something that loves you absolutely unconditionally. No matter how I have to fuss at him or get on when it gets into the trash, every time I come home, he meets me at the door like he’s seeing me for the first time.” (Lisa Mead) • Life lessons: “You learn a lot from them like how to basically be at rest. Reba finds a lot of good things from small things that I give to her. And she just lives life. So, she teaches me how to do that too.” (Tamirah Collins) • Exercise (for dog owners): “I’m 40-something, and a lot of guys my age are falling off from preventable issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, things like that. So, getting up and having to breathe heavy walking briskly with Tai Chi for 30 minutes in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening gives me a workout.” (Osakwe Rikondja) • Protection: “Not only is Ice loving and he can sense my stress and warm up to me and make me feel, better, but he’s also a protector. He’s not going to let any harm come to me or my wife.” (Eric Garmond) • Emotional support: “During college I had a lot of anxiety and a little depression and Reba turned into my support animal. She always knows when I’m sad and she does this thing where she literally sits on my chest and just purrs for hours. She knows how to make me feel calm. And when I don’t have many people around me, she’s literally my best friend.”

(Tamirah Collins)

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DN News

Prairie View A&M receives a $5 mil scholarship gift

By Laura Onyeneho

Incoming Prairie View A&M University students will be gifted a generous scholarship donation to the tune of $5 million.

Charles H. Butt, chairman of H-E-B provided the funding for PVAMU’s Founder Scholarship Fund as a permanent endowment to support students entering into their first year of school, initially generating nearly $200,000 a year for scholarships.

“Charles Butt has been amazingly gen-

erous to our university. He has shown time and time again that he genuinely cares about the opportunities afforded to students at PV. We are indebted to him for his grace and his humanity,” said PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons in a release.

Butt is a long-time advocate for public education. Addressing challenges faced by educators including limited funding and resources. He’s created scholarships to support the training of public school

teachers. In 2017, he founded the Holdsworth Center of Excellence in Education Leadership, committing $250 million to the development of educational leaders impacting K-12 students in Texas public schools. He also launched The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers, a Raising Texas Teachers Initiative, to support promising students to consider a future in the teaching profession.

To receive a Founders scholarship, stu-

dents must qualify for the following: • Incoming first-year students must graduate from a Texas high school in the top quartile of their class • They must continue to enroll full time and make satisfactory progress toward completion of their Bachelor’s degree while holding the scholarship Scholarship disbursement will start in Fall 2022. The number of available scholarships has not been announced.

Annual summit addresses challenges of young males of color

By Laura Onyeneho

The issue of the school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately impacts young Black men who enter the criminal justice system at higher rates than other races.

In many Texas schools thousands of students face disciplinary actions that land them behind bars. This is a problem Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) addressed during its Third Annual Summit on Improving Opportunities for African American and Latinx Male Youth.

“The school-to-prison pipeline is both a local—Texas—and national trend among African American and Latino male boys that enter into the educational system,” said Susan Frazier-Kouassi, Ph.D., director of the TJCPC. “But, through various disciplinary practices of the school, systematically end up leaving school and of-

tentimes land in the juvenile—and later, the adult—justice system. Closely examining the data will provide us with a deeper understanding.”

There are several contributing factors leading to the school-to-prison-pipeline: • Treatment and Prevention: Efforts are not evenly distributed across communities.

• Indirect Effects: Risk factors that correlate with race/ethnicity (living in disorganized neighborhoods, parent unemployment).

• Differential Behaviors: Youth from various backgrounds/racial subgroups

may be involved in delinquent activity (gangs) and the social welfare system at differing rates.

• Geography: Jurisdiction-based differences (police presence, harsher judges, zero-tolerance school policies).

• Mobility Effects: Neighborhood factors (places to hang out) and whether youth spend time in other neighborhoods.

• Legislation and Policy: Certain laws may disadvantage youth of color differently (anti-loitering laws, drug laws).

Marvin Pierre, co-founder and executive director of Eight Million Stories, is one of many community ad-

vocates in Houston whose goal is to keep young people out of prison and on track to better job opportunities.

Since 2017, the alternative education program helps young ex-offenders between the ages of 15-21 re-enter society, complete their GED’s and find employment.

“Many of the students we serve are academically behind and overage to return to a traditional school to work towards their high school diploma,” Pierre explained. “We are operating in the Third Ward because there’s a higher concentration of Black students who make up the juvenile population. Our focus is re-entry. This is a safe space for them to amend a mistake knowing that people are going to give them a chance to make better decisions again.”

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Introducing

MD Anderson Cancer Center unites more than 30 organizations to promote wellness and reduce cancer risk in Acres Homes Be Well™ Acres Homes, an initiative developed with and for the community, aims to promote physical activity, nutrition and other healthy behaviors that can have a positive impact on health within the northwest Houston community.

Led by MD Anderson, Be Well Acres Homes is a collaboration with Harris Health System, Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation, UTHealth School of Public Health, and more than 30 community organizations, along with residents.

The action plan for Be Well Acres Homes was developed in alignment with the Houston Complete Communities initiative, a City of Houston program focused on bridging the gap between equity and opportunity in 10 historically under-resourced neighborhoods.

Together, we are creating a healthier tomorrow.

mdanderson.org/bewellacreshomes

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DN Sports Texas Southern 6-foot-9 forward Joirdon Karl Nichols scored 14 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night during the Tigers’ historic upset win over No. 20 Florida.

University of Houston senior linebacker Deontay Anderson, a Manvel product, posted five tackles during the AAC Championship loss to Cincinnati to finish with 200 career tackles for UH.

Sports Briefs Taylor could be done as Texans QB We may have seen the last of Tyrod Taylor as the Texans starting quarterback following the 31-0 debacle loss to AFC South rival Indianapolis.

David Culley was noncommittal Tyrod Taylor after the game and again earlier this week about Taylor remaining the starter after failing to lead the offense to any points and after rookie Davis Mills took over for him late.

Eric Dooley taking over at Southern In a move that has been expected, football coach Eric Dooley has decided to leave Prairie View to take the head coaching job at Southern. Dooley is from Louisiana so it’s a homeEric Dooley coming of sorts.

In his four years at PVAMU, he restored the Panthers back to prominence in the SWAC, winning the West Division and playing the conference championship game against Jackson State this season.

Jalen Green remains sidelined Rockets coach Stephen Silas isn’t ready to give a timetable for when rookie guard Jalen Green will return to action from a left hamstring strain.

Green has been out since injuring his hamstring against the ChiJalen Green cago Bulls on Nov. 24. It’s unlikely Green will be back in the lineup before next week.

TSU stuns No.20 Florida The Texas Southern men’s basketball team went into Gainesville and shocked No.20 Florida, 69-54. The Tigers are the first SWAC team to beat a ranked opponent in the AP era dating back to 1936. Ranked SEC teams had been 51-0 vs. SWAC.

Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, in Houston. AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

JAE’SEAN TATE ADDS SPARKS TO ROCKETS

By Terrance Harris

It was starting to seem like one of those nights for the Rockets that have become all too familiar this season.

The Rockets were playing hard on the road against Oklahoma City on Dec. 1, but with their top two players, Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr., sidelined with injuries they just couldn’t overcome the Thunder. That’s when second-year swingman Jae’Sean Tate somehow found another gear, hitting big shot after big shot on drives and pull-up jumpers at the elbow.

By the time it was all over, the Rockets had not only extended their winning streak to four games but recorded their first road win of the season. Much of the credit belonged to Tate, who finished with a career night with a career-high best 32 points to go along with 10 rebounds, seven assists and five blocked shots.

It was a coming out of sorts for a player who is accustomed to having a lot of solid nights.

“It definitely feels good to have a career night and finish it off with a pretty hard road win, our first road win,” Tate said afterward. “This is something we have to continue to build on.”

And that is what the Rockets and Tate certainly have been doing. They extended their winning streak to an NBA-best six games going into Wednesday night’s game against Brooklyn. The winning streak came on the heels of a frustrating 15-game losing streak that seemed to have the Rockets designed to win the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery.

While Eric Gordon, Wood and Porter have continued to play well, the current streak seems to coincide with the normally defensive-oriented Tate opening up more offensively. He has scored in double figures in five of the six wins and has averaged 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists during the run.

Teams have certainly underestimated Tate’s offensive ability but that will likely change soon.

“That’s not my primary role and I think everybody knows that,” said Tate, who is averaging 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season. “But I am very confident in what I bring to the table offensively, not only scoring-wise, but just seeing the floor and being able to make decisions in space. That kind of helps me when they overlook the scouting report. I’m all for it.”

Tate’s NBA success has been something

of a long time coming. He went undrafted after starring for Ohio State from 20142018, forcing him to go the long route to the NBA. Tate spent the 2018-19 season in Belgium playing for the Antwerp Giants and then moved up next season to the Australian Basketball Association’s Sydney Kings where he played for current Rockets assistant Will Weaver.

Tate signed with the Rockets last year, almost instantly becoming a reliable player on both ends of the floor in the season of major turnover. Tate became something of a novelty as a 25-year-old member of the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team.

During his first season with the Rockets, he and then first-year coach Stephen Silas developed a bond as the young coach saw how hard Tate was willing to work for what he wanted.

Silas was especially proud to see Tate have the breakout game against the Thunder.

“We definitely have a bond and with those two guys out, we needed some scoring...He was like the guy who was playing the hardest from start to finish,” Silas said. “I trust him as much as anybody else. He has earned that trust and he deserves it.”

December 9, 2021 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports

DAVID AMADOR NORTH SHORE WIDE RECEIVER

CATCHES PLAYS

By Jodie B. Jiles

North Shore junior wide receiver David Amador has consistently taken his game to the next level. As a freshman, Amador’s impressive route-running was on full display when he made a catch and ran down the sideline for a touchdown in the State Championship game vs. Duncanville.

This season Amador has continued the marathon of making big plays for the Mustangs in the biggest moments of the playoffs.

In a closer than expected back-and-forth, third-round playoff win over Katy Tompkins, Amador broke loose for a touchdown that helped North Shore start the game off on a 20-0 run.

North Shore is still in the hunt for a state title after beating Atascocita and advancing to the state semifinals to play Lake Travis. North Shore quarterback Kaleb Bailey is just a freshman to add to the drama. So, expect the chemistry between Bailey and go-to-guy Amador to get even better game by game.

North Shore head football coach Jon Kay explained what Amador has added to the program over the years.

“He prepares daily, has a perfect football IQ, he keeps his head down and he just continues to grind,” Kay said.

“We are so proud watching him and we have tried to be as creative as we can finding ways to get him the ball.”

The Defender spoke with Amador during the playoffs to discuss his style of play, playmaking abilities, keys to success and more.

ABOUT DAVID AMADOR Twitter: @IIAmador8 Current offers: University of Texas (San Antonio) Players he studies: Devante Adams, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr. Favorite musician: Rod Wave Shout-outs: “My family, God, and the coaches for giving me the opportunity to play on this team.”

Style of play “I’m more of a team player. I come and do the things that need to be done, I play hard and I play physical.”

Scoring abilities “I make plays efficiently and I just see the ball, look the ball in and when it comes in my hands I try to do my best to score.”

TD vs. Atascocita “In my mind I knew it was coming to me so I had to take my time on that. I let my inside receiver do his thing and go forward. I waited

HIGHTOWER RUNNING BACK

JEREMY PAYNE BALLING OUT OF CONTROL

By Jodie B. Jiles

Hightower High School shocked fans by making the noise that they did this season with arguably one of the most challenging schedules in Class 5A ball. The battle-tested Hurricanes scratched and clawed through the first three rounds of the playoffs before being eliminated by Katy Paetow in the quarterfinals by a score of 35-12.

Hightower sophomore running back Jeremy Payne has been the spark for the Hurricanes this season and his ability to change a game every play is something to watch. Payne’s mix of track speed and tackle-breaking abilities make him a threat in

Hightower’s running and passing attack.

Hightower head coach Cornelius Anthony assessed Payne’s ability to change the game.

“Even though Jeremy is a sophomore he is seasoned,” Anthony said. “It is a tribute to his parents and his upbringing that he is a football player. And regardless of what grade you are in ‘If you are a baller you are a baller.’”

The Defender spoke with Payne throughout the rounds of the playoffs to discuss his playmaking, major influences and more.

For full article visit: www.defendernetwork.com

patiently, snapped it across, looked the ball in, I caught it and scored.”

Leadership “I know what needs to be done, how it needs to be done and how everything has to go. So, I just try to be a good team player.”

Previous playoff wins “The keys to success were just get the ball, run hard and just keep moving on forward to the next.”

Moving forward “Just coming into practice working hard and keep playing hard.”

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature

Makayla Jackson, Rylan Flugence and Amiyah Harper at the 2019 Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party. Photo by Aswad Walker.

YEAR OF JOY

The 6th annual H-E-B Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party, a private ice-skating party for children from underserved communities, takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 4-6 p.m. at Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney.

“I had always wanted to do something that was inspiring and that children from communities that may not have exposure to ice skating could experience what I experienced with the sport,” said Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle lifestyle and culture columnist who was Houston’s first African American figure-skating coach while in college.

The event is one of many programs created by Year of Joy, Sewing’s 501c3 nonprofit organization that exposes local underserved children to cultural, educational and empowering experiences.

“I started the Holiday Ice Skating Party in 2016 with just one school, 30 kids from Woodson Elementary, and it was pretty amazing. So, we just kept it going and it’s evolved and gotten bigger.

This year’s event will host 100 children from Third Ward and surrounding areas representing Hype Freedom School, Southside Community Center, Blackshear Elementary and SEHAH Youth and Fitness Center.

Event co-sponsor Discovery Green Conservancy and Ice Rink Events are covering participant admission and skate rental fees.

Houston skating coach Dayyanah Coleman, a Haitian native who started ice skating as an adult, will perform, along with other competitive Black figure skaters. Coleman joined Joy Sewing Sewing’s initiative as a performer in 2019, and her participation has grown since. She now coaches the Year of Joy Figure Skating Scholars, high school students showing promise both on the ice and in the classroom.

This year’s scholars, Hailee Brown (Shadow Creek HS) and Aniyah Treadwell (Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy), both ninth graders, will be on hand to demonstrate their talents.

Coleman noticed Hailee and Aniyah’s potential immediately.

“I noticed that they were skating with no fear and such confidence, and that they seemed to love what they were doing in that experience. They kept coming up to me like, ‘Ms. Dayyanah, how you do this, how you do that?’ And they’d go ahead and try everything.”

“When we first got on the ice, it was pretty easy, like roller skating and ice skating kind of felt the same to me,” said Aniyah. “Still, when they called Hailee and me about being Ice Skating Scholars and lessons, we were very surprised,” said Aniyah.

“I was excited because I thought it was a good opportunity and it was something that I liked to do,” added Hailee.

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Ice Skating Party empowers underserved youth

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