Houston Defender: December 10, 2020

Kenneth Huewitt (from left), Stephanie Nellons-Paige, Rashid Mosavin

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Dubbed the lead HBCU and hub for COVID-19 testing in Texas, TSU thrives against the pandemic odds.

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

DESZ

Houstonian makes it to the final round on the popular singing show, “The Voice” and the Defender encourages you to vote for her on Monday.

Volume 90, issue 7 December 10, 2020

PORT HOUSTON M/WBE contracting report reveals discrimination and the government agency considers recommendations for change.

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DN On the web

FIT & FINE LaToyia Adams Age: 36 Occupation: Attorney Education: Florida State College of Law Major: Health Law and Policy Motto: I did not come this far to only come this far...

“What motivates me is helping others.”

US President Donald Trump has filed a motion to join Attorney General of Texas Ken Paxton’s (L) long shot effort to have the Supreme Court effectively reverse Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the election.

Nicholas Kamm | AFP | Getty Images

Message from the Associate Editor of. In spite of what? Er’thang they throw In 2008, as we celebrated the election of at us.

Pres. Barack Obama, a wise sage offered They said we were ignorant. We marched me some prophetic words. He stated, as the on, using the math and science we gave U.S. continues to become darker, younger the world, to birth electric lights, computand more progressive by the day demoers, space travel and more. They said we graphically, the same people who worcouldn’t lead. We marched on anyway, creship democracy today will preach ating the first liberated nation in the westto dismantle it tomorrow in ern hemisphere (Haiti); making ancient favor of an Apartheid South Rome shake in its boots (Hannibal); and Africa-flavored “minority saving American democracy too often to rule.” count (Black women).

Aswad Walker His Negrodamus-levWith Congress illin’ on COVID relief, 45 el prediction is coming to pass. The lying about election fraud, and attempts to silence us outgoing president pressed gover- continuing, we may not know how these challenges will nors to illegally remove Electoral Col- shake out. But what we do know is, to paraphrase Marcus lege members and replace them with Garvey, “Tell us to turn back as we laugh you to scorn.” stooges willing to hand over Biden-won From the Divine Nine’s White House takeover to SHAPE states to Trump. Trump and Texas AG Ken Community Center’s Elders’ Institute of Wisdom. From “Outlaw” Paxton, called on the Supreme grassroots organizers to sisters and brothers of various Court to throw out votes in four states. faiths. We will “march on ‘til victory is won.”

Several 45 cronies are calling for Agent Orange to “dump” on democracy, throw out the entire 2020 IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER election, declare martial law and hold onto power by • Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley says, “We any means necessary. see you TSU, thriving against the pandemic odds.”

Other Trumpites openly call for the murder of Demo• HS Sports Editor Jodie B. Jiles eyes teams to watch crats and Republicans alike who dared say Trump lost during state football playoffs. the election (which he did; bigly). These self-proclaimed • Biden choses a brotherman as Secretary of Defense. “patriots” are willing to sacrifice their faith, democracy and America-first values on the altar of keeping Black and ON THE WEB Brown people “voiceless” for as long as possible.

• Ft. Bend Co. extends early voting hours for runoffs.

• City Council approved $10mil to boost small business MARCH ON relief program.

But we know that’s not happening, because we’ll contin• COVID continues to become a harsh reality for more ue to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and march on in spite and more people.

FAKE PATRIOTS

@Fit_N_This Read more on Friday about LaToyia Adams at defendernetwork.com If you are Fit & Fine Direct Message our Instagram page @DefenderNetwork

December 10, 2020 |

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DN News

RUNOFF ELECTION

Sat., Dec. 12 Your vote counts

County crackdown on road rage Defender News Service

Mayor Sylvester Turner

Turner considers curfew Mayor: ‘Nuclear option’ may be necessary to curb COVID cases Defender News Service

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that he is prepared to use a curfew to curb the increase of coronavirus cases in the city, but he called the measure a “nuclear option.”

Turner said that the city has passed the 100,000 mark in terms of cases. There have been more than 1,400 deaths in the city. The positivity rate is at 8.8%. Turner said he has asked business owners on several occasions to do a better job of controlling their occupancy, ensuring

social-distancing requirements are followed and wearing masks.

As cases continue to rise in Houston and a surge from Thanksgiving is expected soon, the mayor said the city’s legal department has already taken steps to prepare for a curfew. He said there is no single metric that will trigger a curfew, but he is following the numbers very closely.

“If we have to go there, I will go there,” Turner said. “For right now, no, we’re not at that point for me to pull that trigger.”

Officials said they are hopeful that the Pfizer vaccine will be approved by federal regulators this week and the first doses will arrive in Houston shortly after. However, those first doses will be used for the first tier of people that’s been determined by

federal and state regulators, including health care workers and vulnerable populations in long-term care facilities.

Stephen Williams, director of the Houston Health Department, said the two-dose vaccine likely will not be available to the wider public until at least the second quarter of 2021. He said everyone who gets the shot will receive a proof-of-vaccination card and be entered into a database to ensure they get the correct required second dose.

Williams said the city is also creating a strike team that will go into specific communities in Houston and provide vaccinations to ensure there is equitable coverage.

Local law enforcement leaders formally announced a joint-initiative with the Texas Department of Public Safety to crackdown on the recent uptick in violence happening on streets and highways.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said more than 200 road rage incidents have been reported in Houston this year, and according to him, at least six of those incidents within the past few weeks ended up being fatal.

“This is an extreme effort on the part of our law enforcement to go out and catch people.

Before it’s been fairly random,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “Now our law enforcement is proactively looking for people out there on the roadway committing crime.”

Ogg said another big difference is the district attorney’s office will more aggressively seek criminal charges and attempt to have suspects’ vehicles taken in violent incidents of road rage, street racing, road takeovers and so on.

“Whether it’s rage or not, if a gun is involved, that now means that the legal act of carrying a gun when combined with the reckless driving is a criminal offense, for which you will go to jail,” Ogg said. “If you use that weapon and threaten or shoot at another person...then you’ll be prosecuted for those more heinous crimes. But just because of the fact that you’re taking a risk using a gun, endangering people’s lives, allows the district attorney’s office under the law, submits a vehicle to forfeiture as a criminal instrument.”

At least 200 shooting incidents have already been reported to HPD so far in 2020, marking a 33 percent increase from last year, Acevedo said. Some have speculated the rise in road rage incidents, and violent crime in general, could be contributed to tensions spurred from the coronavirus pandemic.

Family: Black man shot by deputy held a sandwich, not a gun Associated Press

Civil rights and FBI investigators will help look into the fatal shooting by an Ohio sheriff ’s deputy of a Black man whose family says that he was holding not a gun, but a sandwich, and that he was shot in front of two toddlers and his grandmother while inside his home, not outside it, as authorities assert.

The office of U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers in Ohio said that it would step in — along with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the FBI in Cincinnati and the Columbus police — after the state attorney general’s office declined to investigate the shooting of Casey Goodson Jr., 23, because it said the police department didn’t ask soon enough.

“My grandson just got shot in the back when he came in the house,” Goodson’s grandmother told a dispatcher Friday, according to 911 recordings obtained by The Associated Press. “I don’t know if he’s OK.” Goodson had just gone to the dentist, she told the dispatcher, and she didn’t know what had happened or who shot him. Goodson’s relatives and law enforcement officials have given conflicting details. Visible evidence of the events is lacking because the Sheriff ’s Office does not provide officers with body cameras, and the deputy’s SWAT vehicle did not have a dash-mounted camera.

The deputy, Jason Meade, a 17-year veteran of the Sheriff ’s Office, had been assigned

Casey Goodson AP

to a U.S. Marshals Office fugitive task force.

The task force had just finished an unsuccessful search for a fugitive Friday afternoon when Goodson, who was not the suspect, drove by and waved a gun at Meade, according to U.S. Marshal Peter Tobin.

Meade confronted him outside Goodson’s vehicle in front of the man’s home, Tobin said.

One witness heard Meade command Goodson to drop his gun, and when he didn’t, the deputy shot him, Tobin said. Goodson was taken to a hospital, where he died.

But attorneys for Goodson’s family say that he was shot while walking in his home, and that his grandmother and two toddlers, who were not his own children, witnessed the shooting.

Tobin’s narrative leaves out “key details that raise cause for extreme concern,” the attorneys’ statement reads, including the object Goodson was holding. Police say it was a gun that was later recovered from the scene; Goodson’s family says he was holding a Subway sandwich.

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DN News BIDEN PICKS LLOYD AUSTIN AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

Associated Press

President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin to be secretary of defense, according to four people familiar with the decision. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon.

Biden selected Austin over the longtime front-runner candidate, Michele Flournoy, a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary. Biden also had considered Jeh Johnson, a former Pentagon general counsel and former secretary of homeland defense.

As a career military officer, the 67-yearold Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon. Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military, only two — George C. Marshall and James Mattis — have been career officers.

Marshall also served as secretary of state.

Like Mattis, Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary. Congress intended civilian control of the military when it created the position of secretary of defense in 1947 and prohibited a recently retired military officer from holding the position.

One of the people who confirmed the pick said Austin’s selection was about choosing the best possible person but acknowledged that pressure had built to name a candidate of color and that Austin’s stock had risen in recent days.

In this Sept. 16, 2015, photo, U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin III, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

• Graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (1975) • Served 41 years • First Black vice chief of staff of the Army

ABOUT COL. AUSTIN

• Served as an assistant commander during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 • Oversaw the withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 • Retired in 2016

Biden has known Austin at least since the general’s years leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq while Biden was vice president. Austin was commander in

Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president, and he returned to lead U.S. troops from 2010 through 2011.

Letter seeks more Black women appointments Defender News Service

Over 1,000 influential Black women penned an open letter to President-elect Joe Biden, making good on a promise to hold his administration accountable when it comes to the unique and separate needs of Black women in America.

The letter, organized by advocacy group #WinWithBlackWomen, calls on the Biden-Harris transition team to appoint and consider Black women for remaining cabinet positions as the incoming administration rolls out their nominees.

E arlier t his ye ar advo cate groups urged Biden to choose a Black woman as his running mate, resulting in the selection of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

With Black women again helping to secure his victory, (exit polls determined over 90 percent of eligible Black women voters cast ballots in his favor) Harris cannot be expected to be the only Black women bringing her lived experience to the table.

Biden has only nominated two Black women to the 15 cabinet positions, many of which have already been fulfilled. Over the past two weeks Linda Thomas-Greenfield was named as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations while Cecilia Rouse was picked to lead the Council of Economic Advisors.

House moves to decriminalize marijuana Defender News Service

The House has passed the most sweeping bill ever aimed at decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level by removing cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act. Advocates of the measure worked for years behind the scenes with congressional leaders to present the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment & Expungement (MORE) Act, legislation that not only deschedules cannabis but also creates a pathway to erase nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. The bill will travel to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. However, a runoff race in Georgia could turn the tide.

The bill is sponsored by Ohio Rep. Jerry Nadler in the House and the Vice President-elect who is also still Sen. Kamala Harris.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 7 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Managing Editor ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Associate Editor Aswad Walker

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles

Creative Director Michael Grant

This image from House Television shows the final vote, 228164, in the House on passage of a bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level. The bill now goes to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is unlikely to move forward. (House Television via AP)

Photographers Ray Carrington III 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

December 10, 2020 |

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DN Entertainment ‘B.A.P.S.’ & ‘MADEA’ STAR Natalie Desselle-Reid dies at 53 after Colon Cancer battle.

Actress, director, and producer Regina King named one of PEOPLE Magazine’s ‘People of the Year’.

DESZ: HOUSTONIAN SHINES ON ‘THE VOICE’ Defender News Service

dreams by moving to Los Angeles. She Houston native Desz continues to shine ended up auditioning to perform with brightly on Season 19 of “The Voice,” ad- Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir at vancing to the finals and leading many to Coachella, and she got the gig. That believe she’ll take home the crown. turned into a longer job, as she toured “I just feel super excited to be with the choir and was featured on advancing to the next round,” the Jesus Is Born album.

Desz said. “It’s a surreal experience to be in the middle Desz is a classically trained singer. of a pandemic and still be able to live out your dream In a 2019 interview with and showcase your talents Heavy Rotation, Desz shared to the world. I feel incredithat she’s classically trained, ble right now.” and that she loved to sing opDesz is one of two local era music before she started John Holiday competitors taking on “The performing R&B. She atVoice” stage this season. tended Prairie View A&M Rosenberg native, John Holiday, is also University. It was during her time in school still in competition (for Team Legend) af- that Desz took a music tech class and perter advancing to the finals. formed at open mics. She became more inOne of the standout artists this season, terested in producing her own music.

Desz is on on Team Kelly. The 30-year“The combination of the two sparked old singer turned all four chairs with her a desire in me to not only be a talented rendition of Toni Braxton’s “Un-break My lover of music but to be a participant in Heart” in the blind auditions. developing my own creations,” she said in Here are five facts about the fan favorite. an interview.

Desz lost her mother when she was 11 years old.

Desz’s mother encouraged her to sing when she was a kid. Sadly, when Desz was 11 years old, her mother passed away of a heart attack and aneurysm. She had previously asked Desz to sing at her funeral, which she did. It was her first public performance.

“It was the most nerve-racking, the most uncomfortable situation I could ever be put in, and I would never wish that on anyone,” Desz said in an interview. “But I did it because I wanted to honor her. It helped me, and every time I get onstage, it is a piercing feeling that I get. This is where I need to be. There has never been anything else I have ever been sure of besides being onstage with a microphone.”

She performs with Kanye West’s choir.

Last year, Desz decided to pursue her

Desz has made it to the Final 9 on “The Voice.” Trae Patton/NBC

She likes to listen to loud music before performing.

Desz said her favorite ritual before she sings is to listen to “extremely loud music.” For example, sometimes she’ll listen to Phantom of the Opera.

“It’s so loud in my ears, and I’ll just be sitting there,” she said. “It’s something about the loud music in my ear that takes the nervousness and the adrenaline out of my body.” She said she’ll go on stage and “become a thunderstorm.”

Desz is working on original music.

Last year, Desz released an original single called “Touch.” Earlier this year, she shared that she had been working on music during the pandemic.

“I love to really vibe out by myself and write and create tracks and I was given all the time I needed to do so,” she said, adding that she did miss collaborating in person. She said she’s working on an EP.

Desz

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DN Health

Will Blacks get shut out from COVID vaccination?

NNPA

and those with high-risk comorbidities and The first wave of coronavirus vaccines essential workers are next. After that, state should reach the public this week, with the and local government officials will deterCenters for Disease Control and Prevention mine who next receives a vaccination.

(CDC) recommending that all adults receive So far, most states have yet to develop a the vaccination in 2021. concrete plan.

While the CDC said there should be The outline reportedly provided sugenough doses for as many as 20 million gested no explicit details about reaching people to receive vaccination by the end of marginalized populations like the Black December, health officials expect a much community who have suffered the most. larger supply in the coming months.

“I’m looking at social media, and I’m Still, with a justified disseeing [Former President] trust of unproven vaccines, Barack Obama saying he’ll and a perceived limited take the vaccine on televiparticipation by African sion, and I’m shaking my Americans in clinical the head,” said Tonia Everhart, of Blacks likely trials that lead to the devela Northeast, Washington, to get vaccine opment of the COVID-19 D.C., nurse. *Pew Research Center vaccine, many question “First, understand that whether African Americans Obama isn’t necessarily the will accept vaccination. most trusted voice in the Black community, Others are also concerned that, even if and he’s not a doctor. the Black community generally accepts the “While I understand what he’s trying to vaccine, would doses be available. do to encourage participation and eliminate “I’m guessing white folks will be first fear, our community needs Black medical in line,” Monica Roderick, a Temple Hills, professionals, trusted voices, to say it’s okay Maryland mother of four, opined. to take the vaccine and then we need to “One of the reasons I shudder when I hear be assured that we are not going to be left people talk about how Black people are still behind when the vaccine becomes available,” suspect because of the Tuskegee Experi- Everhart demanded. ment and other vaccines that ended wrong Health officials agreed. is because it tends to give other folks the “You need that deep community engagegreenlight to leave us out,” Roderick said. ment to strategize and inform what needs to She continued, “This virus is the worst be done, community by community,” Eric thing the world has seen in 100 years. It’s Toner, a senior scholar with the Johns Hoptoo important not to consider the vaccine, kins Center for Health Security, who was the especially since most people affected by the lead author for Johns Hopkins’ COVID-19 coronavirus are Black and Brown.” vaccine allocation framework, told NBC Putting whether the Black community News. can trust the vaccine aside, the next controThat means engagement of local leaders, versy on the immediate horizon is whether from pastors to principals, to reach hesitant African Americans will have access. individuals, he said, adding that such stratThe initial supply certainly will over- egies are particularly key to reaching hiswhelm demand, CDC officials said. The torically marginalized and disenfranchised federal government plans to distribute the communities. vaccine in phases.

“That is a public health priority not only Health care workers and patients in long- for ethical and moral reasons, but because term health care facilities are first in line. that’s where a lot of the transmission of the According to guidelines, senior citizens disease is happening,” Toner added.

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DN Business Port Houston M/WBE report reveals discrimination Defender News Service

The Port Houston disparity study released this week confirmed that discrimination exists in the government agency’s contracting program. The Rodney Ellis, firm Griffin and Harris County Strong P.C. presentCommissioner, ed their research Precinct 1. findings to the Port commissioners stating, “GSPC found statistically significant under-utilization of minority and woman owned firms in all five (5) Industry Ric Campo categories excepted Asian American and Hispanic American owned firms as prime contractors in Professional Services.”

The disparity study revealed white men received over 90% of the business in three of the five categories and over 75% in the

HOUSTON PORT AUTHORITY DISPARITY STUDY Percent of Dollars Spent - 2015-2019

Disparity by Industy

Construction Services

Architectural & Engineering

Professional Services

Other Services

Goods

88.87% 7.19% 2.94% 0.62% 0.29% 0.09%

94.11% 0.13% 1.95% 0.19% 0.00% 3.62%

76.29% 2.07% 14.33% 5.06% 0.00% 2.25%

96.56% 1.03% 0.27% 0.14% 0.00% 1.99%

98.78% 0.35% 0.57% 0.28% 0.00% 0.02%

Ethnicity

White Men White Women Hispanic Asian Native American Black

other two categories. Griffin & Strong made several recommendations, which Port Houston will consider including M/ WBE goals, mandatory sub-contracting, unbundling contracts and bonding assistance to name a few.

The Port disparity study was recommended by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. With the Metro disparity study projected for release in the first quarter of 2021, Ellis is also asking Harris Health to do a disparity study to reflect

the real numbers.

After hearing the results of the study, Ellis said, “Metrics are important. These metrics show we have a long way to go in terms of leveling the playing field….

I’m hoping we collaborate between the county, city, the hospital district and Metro because when we look at the recommendations, there are things we can do to share expenses and pool resources so that 100 years from now our minority and women owned businesses are not

still at the back of the bus.”

Despite boasting that the Port Houston Small Business program has spent over $600 million, the Port Houston chairman Ric Campos admitted, “The disparity study is about thinking of the future. You have to look at the past in order to think about the future. What this disparity study does is it sets a benchmark. It shows that we have a lot of work to do going forward to provide social, racial, and economic equity for the community.”

An Important Message from Medicare

Getting your flu shot is more important than ever.

Flu shots are covered by Medicare.

The flu can have serious complications, especially for people with diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

Getting your shot can help you stay healthy, protect others, and stop the spread.

GET YOUR SHOT NOW. IT’S NOT TOO LATE. See your doctor, pharmacy, or other local providers.

Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

8 | December 10, 2020 |

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DN InFocus SOCIAL AGAINST THE PANDEMIC ODDS

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY THRIVES

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

TSU introduces new business curriculum through banking partnerships

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on colleges and universities across the country, including Texas Southern University (TSU). But the Third Ward institution is thriving in spite of – with a new initiative that could change COVID-19 testing for HBCUs across Texas.

Thanks to part of a $25 million-dollar donation of COVID-19 test kits, diagnostic equipment and related supplies from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., TSU will now offer no-cost testing for all TSU students, faculty and staff for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

“What that means is that as students come back to campus for our Spring semester in mid-January, we are able to have the capacity to test anywhere between 600 to a thousand samples a day,” said College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Dean Rashid Mosavin, who will lead the initiative.

The donation will also provide technical assistance to TSU as it expands its laboratories to become a testing hub, which will allow the university to process thousands of samples from other HBCUS in Texas: Jarvis Christian College, Paul Quinn College, Prairie View A&M University and Texas College.

“It’s going to have a huge impact in many ways, including athletics. Because of the NCAA requirements, if athletes are to play, they have to be tested three times a week. So to have the testing laboratory and the facilities, to be able to run all these tests, you can imagine it cuts down the wait time significantly.

We’ll be able to test our students and then follow up with any kind of a contact tracing that we might need, or any quarantine or whatever. To have the capacity for such a large number of tests per day on campus is tremendous,” added Mosavin.

Mosavin says there will be three stations on campus where the test is actually administered, then the samples will be sent to the laboratory to analyze.

The initiative, called The Just Project, is named after Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering biologist and HBCU graduate. It’s part of Thermo Fisher’s commitment to expand access to COVID-19 testing and address the pandemic’s disproportionate impact in communities of color.

“The Just Project will help us monitor the health of our campus community and honor the biological and medical legacy of HBCUs in the United States,” said Kenneth Huewitt, interim president of Texas Southern University.

TSU joins seven other HBCUS across the country to serve as testing centers: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Xavier University of Louisiana, Hampton University, Tuskegee University and Florida A&M. “For more than 150 years, HBCUs have consistently trained leading doctors, lawyers, engineers and scientists while playing a critical role in closing the achievement gap. During the pandemic, they’ve

risen to the occasion, proving their resilience in the face of enormous challenges,” said Fred Lowery, Senior Vice President and President of Life Sciences Solutions and Laboratory Products at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We’re proud Texas Southern University will benefit from The Just Project in an effort to support a safe learning environment for our next generation of leaders.”

Currently, the testing is reserved for TSU students, staff, and faculty, but Mosavin said there is discussion to open up to the community as well.

“We want students to feel comfortable coming back to campus, knowing they can be tested if necessary,” he said.

While the facility is focused on testing, Mosavin is hopeful that eventually they can spread to administering vaccines.

“Initially, vaccines are going to have to be administered in clinics, and that simply has to do Texas Southern with the fact that University (TSU) the first vaccine received reaffirmation of accreditation coming out has through the Southsome restrictions ern Association in terms of how of Colleges and it’s stored. So we Schools Commisdon’t have any sion on Colleges facilities, but we (SACSCOC). The are collaborating SACSOC board of with a number of directors voted to clinics in Housrenew TSU’s institutional accreditation ton, our pharmacy for the next 10 years. faculty and pharm a c y s tu d e nt s are aut hor ize d to administer a vaccine. So we may get to a point where we actually not only test that a station, but we may be able to actually administer a vaccine in the future,” he said.

As part of the initiative, Thermo Fisher has also committed to hiring 500 HBCU students over the next three years.

“The opportunity for Texas Southern University to act as a hub for testing to assist other HBCUS fits perfectly with our mission to serve,” added Stephanie Nellons-Paige, a member of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents who was integral in bringing the project to the university. “We appreciate the vision of Thermo Fisher Scientific and their inclusion of the talent and expertise of our TSU team to execute during this critical time for our nation.”

Kenneth Huewitt, Stephanie Nellons-Paige, Rashid Mosavin. -Andrew McCray/TSU

“The opportunity for Texas Southern University to act as a hub for testing to assist other HBCUS fits perfectly with our mission to serve. We appreciate the vision of Thermo Fisher Scientific and their inclusion of the talent and expertise of our TSU team to execute during this critical time for our nation.

Stephanie Nellons-Paige Member of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents.

The Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University has created a new academic program that gives students direct exposure to commercial banking. The Future Bankers Leadership Program (FBLP) introduces TSU business students to the industry through a formal curriculum, interaction with executives and industry mentors, and commercial banking internships.

The program will start in the Fall 2021 semester. FBLP is an endowed program in partnership with the Texas Bankers Association, Risk Management Association (RMA) – a Credit Essentials Certificate program, and local and national bankers. The commercial banking concentration will be at the undergraduate level, offering foundational knowledge and the critical skills necessary for students looking to enter the financial services sector.

Plans to expand the program will include classes in financial technology, banking compliance and governance, a certificate program, and an initiative that will encourage students majoring in other disciplines to develop banking industry interests.

“What a wonderful collaboration between the Texas Bankers Association, its foundation and others involved in the program,” said Dr. Kendall Harris, TSU’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and Research. “We are grateful for partnerships that advance the university and the curriculum used to prepare our students for business careers.”

Allegiance Bank senior executives John Scroggins, Sr. and George Martinez have led the effort to launch and sustain the program at Texas Southern. Scroggins is senior vice president at Allegiance Bank and a TSU alumnus who also is a member of the Business Advisory Council for the JHJ School of Business. Martinez is vice chair of Allegiance Bank.

“This program is important to provide a pipeline of future bankers needed to grow and impact our industry by educating the next generation of community bank leaders. Plus, it is foundational to support the local business community,” Scroggins said.

10 | December 10, 2020 |

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DN Feature

Texas food banks may be less equipped to help hungry households in the new year Texas Tribune

Food banks across Texas are projecting food shortages in coming months due to the end of three key federal and state programs that have helped them respond to high demand during the coronavirus pandemic

and its accompanying recession.

“Food insecurity is twice as high as before the pandemic. We’ve had a lot of federal aid and that’s all going away at the end of the year,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, which coordinates the 21 food banks in the

state. “We are facing a kind of a food cliff and a confusing system for getting aid. we are worried of how long we are going to It also comes as Texas faces another major be able to keep up with demand without the surge in coronavirus infections. help of the federal government.”

Feeding Texas is currently gathering The worries about a looming food short- data from food banks across the state, and age come as two main Cole is concerned by what unemployment programs she is hearing so far. The that significantly expand Houston Food Bank, the jobless assistance — and largest in Texas, estimates NOT ENOUGH a federal moratorium that in the next three to TO EAT on evictions — are set six months it will need 66% Black/Hispanics to expire at the end of to distribute 20 million of 2.5 mil households December. If Congress pounds of food monthly, *U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t act on another but that they will be 5 milpandemic stimulus packlion short. age, many Texans will “We are seeing a diflose at least some of their unemployment ferent population, lots of people that have benefits. never come to a food bank before, people More than 3.8 million Texans have that didn’t have the assets to weather a applied for unemployment benefits since period of unemployment,” Cole said.

March, but the outdated and understaffed unemployment insurance office left count- Read more of this story at less Texans frustrated as they try to navigate DefenderNetwork.com.

Quinn Smoot poses for a portrait at West Houston Assistance Ministries, which runs a food pantry.

To the amazing, resilient, brave women I have cared for over the years:

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from the active practice of ObGyn effective 12/31/2020. It has been a great pleasure providing for your health care needs over the years, and it is not easy for me to give it up. I feel a great sense of appreciation for the loyalty you, my patients have shown me.

Many of you may not know that for the past year I have been practicing at ObGyn Medical Center Associates after my lease on Blythewood ended. I apologize for any inconvenience if you have attempted to contact me unsuccessfully. Referrals for your future ObGyn care will be insurance network dependent. For medical record requests, you may contact me at JacquelineBrownMD@gmail.com.

Going forward, I encourage you, as always, to preserve your health. An ounce of prevention is more valuable than a pound of cure. The impact of that message is even more compelling during this pandemic when thousands have been affected directly and indirectly by this virus.

I implore you to protect not only your health, but that of your family and friends. Please wear your mask, stay home, and practice social distancing.

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December 10, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Feature PEOPLE ON THE MOVE RASHIDA JONES

Black woman tapped to lead MSNBC Phil Griffin, the president of MSNBC for the past 12 years,will step down shortly after President-elect Biden’s inauguration in January.

Rashida Jones, a senior vice president with a wide portfolio at NBC News and MSNBC, will become president of the network on February 1. Jones will be the first Black person to run a major cable news network.

“She has an outstanding track-record and she leads with a laser-like focus and grace under pressure. I know she will be an excellent leader for MSNBC,” NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde wrote in an internal memo.

Jones, a graduate of Hampton University, has been at MSNBC and NBC News since 2013. She previously worked at The Weather Channel and at local stations. She rose through the ranks at NBC and became the senior vice president for specials in 2017.

Jones will assume control of a news network that reached ratings highs as a safe space for liberals enraged by President Trump, and is now pondering how to retain those viewers after the chief villain of its Rashida Jones prime-time programming leaves office.

Houstonians get top spots

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN Congressman Al Green takes helm as Chair of Texas’ Democratic Congressional Delegation. The Congressman said he will focus on several key issue areas – including infrastructure, judicial appointments, and regional taskforces.

ARTURO G. MICHEL

Arturo G. Michel is returning to government as City Attorney for the City of Houston. Michel previously served as City Attorney from 2004 – 2010.

He is currently a partner at Husch Blackwell LLP.

KENNETH ALLEN Kenneth Allen has been named interim director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department following the resignation of Parks Director Steve Wright. Allen is a Houston native and Madison High School grad with 36 years of “hands on” professional experience in the Parks and Recreation field.

CAROLYN WRIGHT

Carolyn Wright has been named the Interim Director of the Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) pending the retirement of Director Harry J. Hayes. A graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School, Wright continued her formal education studies with Texas Southern University and The University of Houston Downtown.

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12 | December 10, 2020 |

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DN Feature

Rodeo Houston rescheduled to May 2021 Defender News Service

Rodeo Houston competitions, concerts and the carnival have been rescheduled to May in 2021, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced.

Originally scheduled for March, the 2021 Rodeo will now be held from May 4 through May 23, pending COVID-19 health status.

The Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions will still be held in March.

The Downtown Rodeo Parade, Rodeo Run, Trail Ride activities, the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition, and the World’s Championship BarB-Que Contest are also scheduled to move dates to coincide with the Rodeo in May. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is truly a community event that Rodeo fans look forward to each and every year,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “With the evolving health situation, we have made the decision to move the 2021 Rodeo from March to May, with the exception of our Junior Livestock and

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / TIRZ No. 3 Southern Downtown Park The Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) / TIRZ No. 3 will receive sealed bids for the Southern Downtown Park project, located in Downtown Houston, 1515 Fannin Street bounded by Bell, Fannin, Leeland, and San Jacinto Streets. Hardcopy bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Friday, January 15, 2021 by the Executive Director, Downtown Redevelopment Authority. Hardcopy bids received after this time will not be accepted. Hardcopy bids are to be delivered to 1313 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002.

Beginning 11:00 AM, Monday, December 14, 2020, Bidding Documents will be available at www.civcastusa.com. Any Addenda will be distributed through www.civcastusa.com. Bidding Documents may also be viewed online at isqft.com.

An ONLINE MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

All bidders (general contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers) are invited to attend.

Horse Show competitions, to be held as planned in March. We remain dedicated to fulfilling our mission to support Texas youth and hosting a long-time Houston tradition.”

Rodeo officials say moving the dates by two months provides a better opportunity to host the events.

More details about the 2021 Rodeo, including health and safety guidelines, will be shared by March.

Due to COVID-19 and the Authority’s work safe protocol, all potential bidders who intend to participate in the pre-bid conference and submit bids are required to register their intention by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 by email to Lonnie Hoogeboom, Director of Planning & Design at lonnie@downtowntirz.com. Potential bidders are to provide Company Name, Address, and Phone plus (two maximum) Representative Names & Titles, Representative Emails, and Cell Phones. All bidders who register in advance of the pre-bid conference will receive a calendar invitation providing access to the online meeting venue. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from an individual who did not attend the pre-bid conference.

Bidders shall comply with City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15, Articles II, V, VI, and XI and the Mayor’s Executive Orders No.1‑7 Pay or Play (POP) Program for Houston Public Works for the public procurement procedures of the City of Houston Office for Business Opportunity (OBO) established in March 2008 and the entity responsible for the administration of the Small/ Minority/ Women-Owned (S/M/WBE), Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE), and Hire Houston First programs. The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an S/M/W/DBE participation goal of 20 percent.

Beginning December 3, 2020, the Authority’s procurement for the general contract for this capital improvement project is advertised in the Houston Business Journal, the Houston Defender, the Southern Chinese Daily News, and the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum.

December 10, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Events UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS

By Aswad Walker

Every(Black)Body Mobilizing for Health & Liberation, Dec 10-12

On December 10 – 12 United We Rise will host its inaugural virtual convening of thought leaders, health advocates and policy makers to answer what must be done to change the HIV health disparity. The goal is to unite and mobilize a collective force to end the HIV epidemic and uplift the quality of life for Black people. Be one of 250 Black community leaders answering the question: “What would the response to HIV look like if it was led by Black people?” Register now for this 3-day virtual convening at: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/PMNZKSD or email tyrha.lindsey@laicommunications. com.

Homes for Houston Housing Fair, Dec. 12, 10am – 2pm

The NAACP Houston is sponsoring this Web Ex Virtual WebConferencing event with the call, “If you’re tired of paying rent; if you took the class but aren’t in a home yet; if you wanted to take the class but life happened; if you’re ready to begin generational wealth for your family; if you

don’t own a home yet… this workshop is for you.” The workshop will feature Bank of America, BBVA, Prosperity Bank, Cadence Bank and more. To register, go to Eventbrite. com and search “NAACP Houston Homes for Houston Housing Fair.”

“The Story of Kwanzaa” Online Dance Performance, Dec. 19

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) will host an online dance-theater production of “The Story of Kwanzaa,” featuring talented performers from Dance Afrikana. A link to the video performance will be posted on FBCL’s online calendar of virtual programs (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) so that families can enjoy the event from the comfort and safety of home. Led by an African griot (storyteller), this performance will explore the African American and PanAfrican holiday of Kwanzaa. Through dance, the performers will portray the story of traditional first-fruits celebrations in Africa. This event is made possible by Young Audiences of Houston. For more information, call the Fort Bend County Libraries Communication Office at 281-633-4734.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports Keke Coutee, Texans receiver had a breakout game against the Colts, coming up with eight receptions for a career-high 141 yards.

Sports Briefs Watson frustrated after loss Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was visibly upset on the sidelines when a botched snap from the center in the waning moments of the game against Indianapolis, led to a turnover that effectively ended the team’s comeback bid.

The loss also ended the Texans two-game winning streak and put their slim postseason aspirations to rest.

“I mean, the sh*t hurts,” Watson said. “I’m tired of losing. Being so close over the years is just – yeah, I mean it’s just tough. It’s tough.”

Harden a no-show

Rockets star James Harden did not report for the team workouts on Sunday, raising speculation that he is holding out in demand for a trade.

It was rumored that instead of being with his team on Sunday, Harden was in Las Vegas. The Rockets traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards last week for John Wall.

Niya Mitchell, Texas Southern women’s basketball guard had 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Lady Tigers’ season-opening win over UTRGV.

BO PORTER COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING BASEBALL PLAYERS

By Terrance Harris

Bo Porter could easily have moved onto the next phase of his career and found something else fulfilling to do with his life.

But the former Astros manager remains committed to sharing the knowledge he has gained with the young baseball players of tomorrow. As far as Porter is concerned, it’s the least he can do.

“For me, baseball has been so good to me, so good to my family, and because I’m a baseball lifer and I want to see the game continue to grow, that’s why I give back to the game,” said Porter, 48. “That’s why this is so important to me. It doesn’t make any sense to have learned all of the things in which I have learned and walk away and go, `Well, it’s not my responsibility to

What: The Bo Porter Future All-Stars Baseball Winter Break Skills & Drills Camp For: Youth ages 7-18 Sessions: Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30 Cost: $250 per session For more information to register: https:// boporterfass.com/events/bo-porterfuture-all-stars-baseball-winter-breakskills-drills-camp/.

teach it to anybody else.’ I take that very serious.”

Shortly after his profession playing and coaching careers ended, Porter established the Bo Porter Future All-Stars Sports Development Academy with the goal of helping young players develop the skills necessary to maximize their abilities. Today his academy works with players of all levels.

The Defender recently talked with Porter about his upcoming winter break camps, his passion for working with youth baseball players and the still lagging numbers of African Americans playing baseball.

What has it been like going from working with Major League Baseball players to teaching young players who aren’t nearly as developed?

“When you think about managing and coaching, realistically, you are a teacher. And whether you are teaching George Springer at the major league level or whether you are teaching a nine-year-old, you are teaching the basic

PV withdraws from tournament

The Prairie View men’s basketball team withdrew from the University of Louisville basketball tournament after one of the Panthers’ players tested positive for COVID-19.

The Panthers had to cancel their final two games in the Louisville bubble against UNC Greensboro and Western Kentucky.

Prairie View went 1-2 during the three games it played in the tournament after scoring a win over Evansville.

Bo Porter

fundamentals of the game. When you start to think about the basic fundamentals of the game they don’t change. The only thing that happens is the fields get larger and the audience gets larger. And if you are blessed enough, they are now paying you. But it’s the same game you played in little league.”

Where does your passion for helping youth come from?

“Sports has been very instrumental in my life. I believe that sports is an institution of higher learning. When you think about all of the many things that you can learn from playing sports, whether it’s work ethic, teamwork, fortitude, and you look at a sport like baseball where if you go 3-for-10 for the entirety of your career and you are able to play for a long time you are going into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

That means you failed 70 percent of the time.

Where else in life can you fail 70 percent of the time and be considered one of the greats?”

Why is it that baseball no longer seems to resonate with African-American youth and our community the way it once did?

“The decline in baseball in the Black community has to do with the efforts that the NBA and NFL and some of the other sports have made in the Black communities. But I also think that when you look at baseball, it has become a payto-play model. When you look at the pay-toplay model for families that are economically challenged it’s difficult to pay these select baseball fees, these tournament fees and all of the travel that comes with it.”

December 10, 2020 |

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports ON THE ROAD TO STATE

Playoffs: High Schools to Watch

By Jodie B. Jiles

BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

About a year ago, Houston had four teams (Fort Bend Marshall, Galena Park North Shore, Alvin Shadow Creek and Spring Westfield) primed for state contention in the semi-final round of the UIL (University Interscholastic League) playoffs. Now, due to COVID-19, the postseason is just setting shape and here are some new and familiar teams to look out for this postseason.

Friday, December 11, 2020 • Fort Bend Travis HS vs. Katy Tompkins HS at Legacy Stadium 6pm • Jersey Village HS vs. Bellaire HS at Delmar 7pm • The Woodlands HS vs. Spring HS at Planet Ford Stadium 7pm • Clear Creek HS vs. Shadow Creek HS at Alvin Memorial Stadium 7pm

GALENA PARK - NORTH SHORE

Nationally ranked Galena Park North Shore appears to once again be the area favorite after cruising through an undefeated regular season averaging nearly 51 points a game while giving up only two scores a game this season. Senior quarterback Dematrius Davis looks to make his claim in the history books as arguably the greatest high school quarterback ever if he 3-peats in arguably one of the strongest classes of high school football in the nation.

Saturday December 12, 2020 • Cypress Creek HS vs. Heights HS at Delmar 1pm LEFT: North Shore QB De’matrius Davis breezed by Duncanville for his second state title in 2019. -Jimmie Agisson

KATY TOMPKINS

If I had to have one pick em’ team to win it all, it would have to be Katy Tompkins. And the number one reason for that is their quarterback Jalen Milroe. Despite not having all the talent in the world around him like at a North Shore or Duncanville, Milroe does like Tom Brady and makes players you have probably never heard of shine. I would not be surprised if Katy Tompkins and North Shore ends up being the game of the tournament wherein at least one or two players on the Tompkins offense will get a scholarship if Milroe runs the table.

CYPRESS - BRIDGELAND

The fight and determination Bridgeland displays in the second half of games is unmatched. Similar to what you will see in a boxing match, it is intriguing how Bridgeland reads teams out in the first half, then explodes like a rocket ship in the second half. After beating the likes of state contenders Shadow Creek and Cy Fair in fourth quarter victories, watch out for this team to turn some heads. The Bridge may be playing with fire in the playoffs if they find themselves in a matchup where they give up lead early they can’t make up late.

FORT BEND - MARSHALL

Katy Tompkins Jalen Milroe celebrates a big win over nationally ranked powerhouse Katy. -Jimmie Agisson

Marshall WR Chris Marshall extends for a Buffs TD in a regular season blowout of Madison.

Bridgeland WR Dylan Goffney (#5) posses with teammates after a 4th quarter victory over Cy Fair. -Jimmie Agisson

Spring

Just like replacing the talents of a CP3, Westbrook or Harden is difficult in the pros, a high school roster is even more difficult to run back. However, with a perfect 9-0 regular season, it seems Coach James Williams’ formula for success remains more than capable of keeping the program moving in the right direction. My only concern in the playoffs for this roster is that they have yet to be battle tested during the regular season as in seasons past. Their short-lived rivalry with Manvel, who played significantly better opponents this season, gave them a tune up game for the playoffs before. Not the case this COVID-19 season.

SPRING

Despite only winning 7 games this year, it was not how many wins they had that mattered. Instead, it is who and how the Lions conquered their competition. Spring’s most notable victory over last year’s runner up Westfield put competitors on notice in mid-October, and have since shown no signs of letting up.

16 | December 10, 2020 |

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