To thePOINT DN
Message from the Reporter
Trumpremoves MLKDay, Juneteenth fromfreeparkdays
When theTrump administration decidedtodropbothMartinLutherKing Jr.Day andJuneteenthfromnextyear’s free-entry days at national parks, Itold myself,“What otherpetty things do they haveuptheirsleeves?”HowdoesthisbenefittheAmericanpeople?Thesetwodates honorBlack Americans’ fight fordignity andfreedom
Insteadofkeepingdaysthatcarryrealnationalmeaning, Trumpaddedhisownbirthday,whichfallsonFlagDay(June 14). It wasa self-promotional move.Juneteenthbecamea federalholidayundertheBidenadministrationin2021,but BlackcommunitiesinTexasandacrosstheUnitedStateshave observed it formorethanacentury.Itmarks themoment when enslaved people in Confederatestatesfinallylearned theywerefree.Manyfamiliesvisitpublicparksondayslike thesetoreflect, celebrate, andconnect with history.
Theadministrationsaysthese changesare aimedat encouraging more Americanstovisit national parksand reducing theemphasisonDEI.But removing holidays tied toBlackliberationsuggeststhatourhistoryisoptional,somethingtobeeditedout when it’s politicallyconvenient.
Marjorie Taylor Greene triestorewrite herstory
Didyou all watchRep.MarjorieTaylorGreene’srecent “60 Minutes” interview? It’s as if shehas finally discovered herbackbone;however,it’stoolate.Foryears,shesupported Donald Trumpwithout hesitation.She insulted colleagues, includingRep.JasmineCrockett,withaconfidenceshenow claims came from partypressure. Butnow that thepolitical cost hasshifted, Greene suddenly wantstoberecognized forspeakingup.
Intheinterview,shediscussedRepublicanmemberswho remainsilentbecausethey’reafraidtodisagreewithTrump. Hello??? Howisthatasurprise? We’vewatched many GOP leadersflocklikesheepwhentheirshepherdispresent,rather than standfor anything substantialthese days.Greenewas righttherewiththemeverystepoftheway.Thattoughtalk shehadforJasmine?Shedidn’tkeepthatsameboldnesswhen it came to challenging Trumpwhile it actuallymattered. Thisfeltlikeanattempttocleanupherlegacy.She’sonher
wayout of Congress,and nowshe wantsto beseenasthetruth-tellerwhodaredtopush back.Ibelieve this is an attempttofind her waybackintoofficeone day, even though shesaysshe’s notinterested. Youdon’t get to stir up chaosand then expect applause forfindingyourvoice at theeleventhhour. Meanwhile,leaderslikeJasmineCrockett aredoingthesteadyworkofholdingpeople inpowerresponsible.That’sthekindofcourageour communitiesneed. Notthe performativeoutragethatshowsuponlyafterthedamageisdone.
Trump’sFIFAPeace Prizeispureego boosting Thenew FIFAPeace Prizegiven to PresidentTrump duringthe2026WorldCupdrawwouldbefunnyifitweren’t suchanapparentattempttoflatterhim.This“award”didn’t existuntil now, andanyonepayingattention cansee whyit suddenlyappeared.TrumphaschasedtheNobelPeacePrize foryears,mainlybecause President Barack Obamaearned oneand Trumpwants whatever Obamahas touched. The manlives rent-freeinhis head.Can youblame him?
FIFAPresidentGianniInfantinohasbeenclosetoTrump forsometime.HehadaprimeseatatTrump’sinauguration FIFA even opened an office in TrumpTower.Sowatching Infantinotalkabout howTrump deserved aNobel Peace Prizefor hisroleinthe Gaza ceasefire felt more like afavor betweenfriends
The timing felt suspicious becausethe administration announcedfastervisaprocessingforWorldCupvisitors.It’s hard to ignore howconvenientthisaward becomeswhen billions of dollarsand global travel areonthe line.
Amade-upaward doesn’terase thefactthatrealpeace requires compassion,conflict resolution skills,and adeep commitmenttoseekingjusticethroughnon-violentmeans. Unfortunately, thepresident doesn’tpossess anyofthese characteristics.
On theWeb
•OpEd: Give thegift of ‘No’ this holidayseason.
•DriaThorntonbuildsapowerhousecareerinHip-Hop andR&B
•Loveinevery culture: 12 weddingtraditionsthatcross borders.
Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) andJasmineCrockett(D-TX)are twoU.S. Congresswomenknown fora highlypublicized, fieryclash during aMay 2024 House Oversight Committee hearing. Credit:Getty Images
LauraOnyeneho
Roderick ‘Rod’ Paige
Trailblazing U.S. Secretary of Education, dies at 92
By Aswad Walker
Roderick “Rod” Paige, a longtime Houston-based pioneering educator, coach, and publicservantwhobecamethefirstAfrican American U.S. Secretary of Education, died on Dec. 9, 2025. He was 92.
Born June 17, 1933, in Monticello, Mississippi, to two public school educators, Paige’s life was shaped by the power of learning and the urgent need to expandopportunity.Afterearninghisbachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, he completed a master’s and a doctorate of
education at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. Paigebeganhisprofessionalcareerinthe classroomandonthefootballfield,teaching and coaching in Mississippi before becoming head football coach at Jackson State University, where he recruited future NFL HallofFamerLemBarney Helaterwashead footballcoachatTexasSouthernUniversity (TSU) and served as its athletic director, arrivinginHoustoninthe1970sandquickly becoming a force for community advocacy Education,however,becamePaige’sdefining arena. At TSU, he advanced from professor to dean of the College of Education andestablishedtheCenterforExcellencein Urban Education.
As a Houston Independent School District trustee, he co-authored the transformative “Declaration of Beliefs and Visions,”
laying the foundation for sweeping reform focusedonaccountability,decentralization, and instructional quality.
In 1994, Paige became superintendent of HISD, where he implemented innovative programs—including teacher incentive pay,performance-basedcontracts,expanded charter options, and partnerships with certified private schools to ease overcrowding.
His leadership helped fuel what became known as the “Houston Miracle,” a period ofrisingtestscoresthatwaslaterscrutinized fordropoutunderreportingbutisstillwidely credited with reshaping urban education policy
Paige’s national impact grew when President George W. Bush appointed him U.S. Secretary of Education in 2001. He was at Bush’s side when news of the second plane striking the World Trade Center arrived on
Sept 11,2001.Paigeplayedacentralrolein developingandimplementingtheNoChild Left Behind Act, which pushed nationwide accountability standards and earned three consecutive clean federal audits for the department
After leaving Washington in 2005, Paige continuedcontributingtoeducation,including serving as interim president of Jackson StateUniversityfrom2016to2017.Hislegacyisrecognizedinschoolsbearinghisname in both Houston and Mississippi.
Paige devoted his life to expanding educational access, demanding excellence, and believing in the transformative potential of every child.
Paige is survived by his wife, Stephanie Nellons-Paige, a business executive and philanthropist,andtheirdaughter,Danielle R. Robinson
Boykins, Salinas offer contrasting visions
ByTannistha Sinha
With Houston’s City Council At-Large Position4headingtoarunoff,votersfacea sharp choice between two candidates with competingideasabouthowtoleadacityof 2.3 million people
Topcityissues
BOYKINS: Infrastructure,Water, and Seniors
crisis,citingbillionsofgallonswasteddueto leakypipes.“Wecan’tallowourwatersystem tofaillikeourpowergriddid,”shesaid
Former councilmember Dwight Boykins and attorney Alejandra Salinas were the top finishers in November’s crowded election, securing roughly 20% and 21% of the vote, respectively The seat opened after Letitia Plummer resigned in July to run for Harris County Judge.
The runoff election is Dec. 13,2025
To help Houstonians compare the candidates, The Defender asked both to respond to the samequestionsaboutthecity’sbiggestchallenges,budgetconstraints,publictrust,and what sets them apart as leaders.
Boykinssayshisfirstpriorityistacklingthe aging EastWaterPurificationPlant, which provides73%ofHouston’sdrinkingwater.He said the city must decide whether to rebuild orrenovate—andhowtopayforit
His second priority is protecting funding for ReBuild Houston, the 2011 voter-approved infrastructure program for streets, drainage, and potholes “I want to establish an ad hoc committee to protect that fund,” hesaid
Third,Boykinswantstoexpandhissenior assistance fund, which he says has already repairedmorethan600homesforseniorsat no cost. “I want to continue that citywide,” hesaid
SALINAS:
Basic Services, Infrastructure,and Public Safety
Salinas says her priorities came from “months of listening”—meeting with engineers, business owners, and doing a police ride-along
Her first concern is restoring affordable, reliablecityservices,includingon-timetrash pickup, real recycling, smoother streets, and smarterfloodmitigation
She also points to Houston’s water loss
Onpublicsafety,shesupportsbothbetter resources for law enforcement and proven community-based models, pointing to Boston programs that pair enforcement with mental health, job training, and drug rehabilitation
Salinas said major improvements will require new funding—and the city must become far more aggressive about pursuing state,federal,andprivategrants.Shewantsto hirededicatedgrantwritersfordepartments thatcurrentlyhavenone
Candidatepriorities
BOYKINS: Partneringwith District council members and federal agencies
Boykins said he would begin by coordinating with district councilmembers, who each oversee a $1 million service fund used for localized problems like illegal dumping. He also wants to leverage relationships with federalagencies,includingtheDepartmentof Justice, to bring additional security funding toHouston.
“You must have a balanced budget,” he said, “but you can’t leave out basic services thatimpactqualityoflife.”
SALINAS: Using the City’s contracting powerand community input
Salinascallsillegaldumpingbothapublic safety and community health issue. She says thecitymustholdcontractorsaccountablefor how they handle debris from their projects andconsiderstricterfinesorenforcementfor violators.
“If companies aren’t following through, we’llrememberthatthenexttimetheycome upforacitycontract,”shesaid
Shealsoemphasizedtailoringsurveillance and enforcement to community preference: “Wecan’tgotoofar,butifcommunitieswant additional surveillance, we should support that.”
Candidatedifferences
BOYKINS:“Experience Matters” Boykinspointstoendorsementsfrompublic safety unions, business groups, and formerHoustonleaders.“Everysingleindustry supports my campaign because they know I can hit the ground running,” he said While previouslyoncouncil,henotessecuringanew grocery store, multi-service center, and fire stationinSunnyside
SALINAS:“Fresh Ideas and a Record ofAdvocacy”
Salinas says she brings new energy to a council that needs it As a trial lawyer and advocate,shepointstoprobonoworkdefendingvoters,students,andelectedofficials.“I’ve taken on big fights and gotten things done,” she said “I want to bring that advocacy and consensus-buildingtocouncil.”
Boykins
Salinas
Dr Rod Paige
JasmineCrockett
Believes she can be the next Texas Senator
By ReShonda Tate
U.S.Rep.JasmineCrockettentersthe2026
U.S. Senate race with the kind of firepower that has made her a nationally recognized figure andalightningrod.Herannouncement immediately triggered one question acrossTexaspoliticalcircles:Canshewin?
Crockettthinksshecan.Andshesaysanyonedoubtinghersimplymisunderstandsthe electorate.
“Alotofpeoplethinkthisisaboutpolicy,” CrockettsaidinaninterviewwithCNN.“But they can’t explain how you have Mamdani Trump voters, or Obama–Trump voters, or AOC–Trump voters The reality is, people voteforwhotheybelieveisfightingforthem.”
A fighter is exactly how she is presenting herself.
“Ididn’tcometoCongresstoplayitsafe I cametoraisehellforworkingfamilies,protect our freedoms, and call out extremism wherever it rears its head,” she said during her launch speech “Now, with the stakes higher than ever, I’m stepping up again this time toflipaSenateseatRepublicanshaveheldfor fartoolong.”
Astrategybuiltonnontraditionalvoters
To win statewide, Democrats must reach millionsofvoterswhohistoricallydonotturn out.Crockettsaysthatisherpath
“We don’t need to convert all of Trump’s supporters That’s not our goal,” she said “Ourgoalistoengagepeoplethathistorically havenotbeentalkedto,becausethereareso many people that get ignored specifically inTexas.”
Crockett points to demographics as her greatestopportunity
“Texas is 61% people of color,” she said. “Wehavealotofgoodfolkthatwecantalkto.”
She argues Democrats lose statewide not becausetheelectorateistooconservative,but becausemillionsofDemocratic-leaningvoters, disproportionately Black, Latino, young and urban, don’t believe politics is speaking tothem Sheinsiststhatshecan.
“When I sign up to go to D.C., it’s always me taking the people with me,” she said “It’s not ignoring their voices That’s what moves people.”
Hercase:Bold,authentic,and unapologetic
Crockett is not moderating her message forTexas.
“The crossover doesn’t come because you decide to sound like a Republican,” she said.
“Thecrossovercomesbecauseyoumakepeoplebelievethatyouwillfightforthem.”
Her launch video featuring Donald Trump’sinsultsbeforeshestaresintothecamera and smiles signals she will not avoid confrontationwiththeformerpresident.
“We are going to walk that fine line,” she said “We’re going to be able to get people who potentially have voted for Trump, even thoughI’moneofhisloudestopponents.”
Crockett enters the race as former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred exits, clearing her path in the Democratic primary. But the general electionremainsdaunting Sen.JohnCornyn,afour-termincumbent, faces a fractured Republican primary with contendersincludingAttorneyGeneralKen Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt Trump
has not endorsed any Republican, adding uncertaintytotheGOPlandscape.
Some Democrats privately worry Crockett’s high-profile clashes with Republicans especially Trump could energize the GOPbase Otherssaysheisexactlythekind of candidate needed to shake Texas politics fromdecadesofstalemate.
Herpitch:TrysomethingTexas hasnevertriedbefore
Crockett repeated the message that has alreadybecomethesloganofhercampaign:
“TurningTexasblueiswhatIwanttotalk toy’allabouttoday,”shesaid “Now,somesay, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried ittheJCway.”
So…canshewin?
The political math is difficult. No Democrat has won the Senate since 1988, when LloydBentsenwon.ButCrockett’scampaign isbuiltonatheoryofchangethatbreaksfrom traditionalTexasplaybooks:
• Mobilize millions of Black and Latino voterswhorarelyvoteinmidterms
• Activate young voters energized by culturalandpoliticalfights
•Turnhernationalprofileintograssroots momentum
•CapitalizeonGOPinfightinganddemographicshifts
Crockettbelievesfiercelyinherodds
“I think I’ve got a track record of moving people,” she said “And the people of Texas knowIwillfightforthem.”
Whether that will be enough to flip a deeplyconservativestateremainstobeseen but Crockett has already made one thing clear: she’s betting big that Texas voters are ready for something, and someone, entirely different
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has done the research , which she says supports the fact that she is the candidate that could turn Texas back blue. Credit: Getty
InFocus DN Texas drops Black businesses? HUB future in limbo
Texas’ Historically Underutilized Business program (HUB) has abruptly stopped after an emergency rule change from the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
By ReShonda Tate
Now, thousands of minority and women-owned firms are no longer eligible for the certification that once boosted their competitiveness. Currently, only 11% of state contracts are awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses
The state replaced HUB with a dramatically narrowedversionoftheprogram,nowcalled the Veteran Heroes United in Business program, or VetHUB Only veterans with a 20% orhigherservice-connecteddisabilityareeligible, according to the Comptroller’s Office
Any business previously certified based on the race ethnicity or sex of its owners will lose its status
The HUB program was created to give minority-and women-owned businesses a foothold when seeking state contracts. The certification does not guarantee awards but ithelpsbusinessesgainexposureinacompetitive marketplace and sets “good-faith effort” goals that state agencies generally strive to meet
InterimComptrollerKellyHancocksaidthe changewasnecessaryto“restoreconstitutional integrity”andensurestatecontractingis“free from gender or race discrimination.”
“Ournation’sveteranshavealwaysstepped upforus VetHUBisTexas’wayofsteppingup forthem,”Hancocksaidinastatement.“These emergencyrulesensureTexas’statecontractingisfreefromgenderorracediscrimination
andkeeptheprogramcenteredonthosewho earned this support through their service.”
For the women and minority business owners who relied on HUB as a lifeline, the question now is simple and urgent What happens next?
Businesses face uncertainty, lawmakers cry foul
StateSen.RoyceWest D-Dallas,oneofthe architectswhocodifiedHUBintostatelawin 1999, said the comptroller’s move represents an unprecedented rollback “WhereweareisthattheHUBprogramis threateningtobedismantled,”Westsaidinan interviewwithTheDefender “I’veattempted togettheinterimcomptrollertositdownand visitwithmeaboutthis Forsomestrangereason, he has been reluctant to do so.”
West said he believes the Legislature must review whether Hancock overstepped his authoritybyeffectivelyrepealingandrenaming a statutory program.
“Inmytenure I’veneverseenanexecutive branch agency repeal a statute and rename a program specifically designated in law,” Westsaid “Thisisnothowstategovernment works.”
State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D–Missouri City also blasted the move calling it “an attack on fairness and equa access.”
“I am outraged by this reckless decision,”Reynoldssaid “TheState of Texas has chosen to turn its back on fairness and equal access, and in doing so it has turned its back on the hardworking Texans who make this state what it is.”
message to countless small business owners thattheirdreamsmatterlessthanthecomfort of the well-connected,” he said “Texas cannotclaimtobethelandofopportunitywhile stripping opportunity away from those who need it most.”
A push toward legal action
With state leaders unlikely to intervene soon Westsaidaffectedbusinessesandchambers of commerce must consider litigation
“Sincethecomptrollerwon’tmeetwiththe groups,theyhavenootherchoicebuttoseek a judicial remedy,” West said He urged business owners to “come together, establish a lega defense fund, and take this matter to court.”
West acknowledged concerns about cost but said unity is essential.
“We’ve got to quit saying what we can’t do and do what needs to be done,” West said “Ain’t nobody gonna save us but us.”
Reynoldsechoedthatsentiment,invoking civil rights leaders.
“Dr.MartinLutherKingJr.warnedusthat injusticeanywhereisathreattojusticeeverywhere,” he said “And as John Lewis taught us there comes a time to get into good trouble necessary trouble for the soul of your community. This is one of those moments.”
StateSen.BorrisMiles,D-Houston, said the comptroller’s decision representsadirectassaultonopportunities for Texas’ diverse business community.
ReynoldssaidstrippingawayHUBsupport disproportionatelyharmsentrepreneurswho have historically faced systemic barriers.
“Whenthestatedismantlesprogramsthat help level the playing field it sends a painful
“Let’s call this what it is: an attack on our community,” Miles said in a statement “Texas is a majority-minority state, but business opportunities do not reflect our diverse population Removing women- and minority-owned businesses from the HUB program will have dire consequences on the fabric of our state’s economy. ”
Miles,whohaslongworkedwithstateagencies to strengthen participation of minorityandwomen-ownedfirms,saidthecomptroller must reverse course. “I am calling on Acting Texas State Comptroller Kelly Hancock to reinstate the HUB program and ensure that women- and minority-owned businesses are included,” he said
How we got here
Thechangesfollowamonths-longfreezeon HUBcertificationsandcomeamidanational wave of challenges to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In Texas, the shift accelerated after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in January banning DEI programs acrossstateagencies mirroringfederalefforts under the Trump administration
Thecomptroller’sOfficecitedalawsuitfiled
byAerospaceSolutions,anon-HUBcompany, whicharguedtheprogramviolatedequal-protection standards. No court, state, or federal, has ruled the HUB statute unconstitutional.
HUBcertificationwaspreviouslyavailable to businesses majority-owned by women, BlackAmericans,HispanicAmericans,Asian PacificAmericans,NativeAmericans,andservice-disabled veterans
According to the state’s fiscal year 2025 semi-annual report 2,995 HUB businesses receivedabout11%ofstatewideexpenditures a number West warns will plummet.
“It’s not like we were getting an outsized share,” he said “Now you’re going to see that number go down.”
Real-world economic impact
The freeze affects more than 11,000 HUB-certified businesses across the state.
Julie Irvin Hartman, co-founder of B2G Victory and a HUB certificate holder said the effects ripple far beyond individual companies.
“This matters because it’s an economic issue,” Irvin Hartman said Her firm has helpedbusinessessecuremorethan$4.5billion in government contracts over 20 years.
“TheprogramfreezeandtheU.S.government shutdowncreatedifferentchallengesforbusinesses It’ssloweddowntheprocurementprocess for state and county jobs tied to federal dollars.”
She recommends that businesses pivot immediately.
“Continue to diversify your business whether that’s doing business with a K-12 school district, higher education, or one of the 200-plus counties in the state of Texas,” she said
Shealsoadvisesclosemonitoringofexisting contracts.
“Readyouragreements,reachouttoyour prime contractor, reach out to the government agency if you’re impacted by the federalshutdown,”shesaid “Theremayevenbe informalopportunitiesavailable,evenwhile the HUB program is frozen.”
The road ahead
For now, the comptroller’s Office says existing state contracts held by former HUB firms will be honored.
But for thousands of businesses whose certifications are expiring or whosepipelinedependsonHUBvisibility, the future remains uncertain.
potential legal challenges
“There’snothingsolidifiedyet,”Westsaid “Butweneedtogetincourtandgetthismatter heard, because clearly the comptroller exceeded his authority.”
Reynolds agreed, calling it a defining moment for the state’s identity
“Texas is strongest when every Texan has the chance to rise,” he said “This moment requires courage. This moment requires action I am prepared to meet it.”
Unti then, lawmakers warn thattheconsequenceswillbefelt statewide.
Houston-area chambers, legal organizations, and minority-business advocates are exploring next steps, including
“HUBsstrengthenedoureconomy,createdjobs,andallowedal entrepreneurs a chance to succeed,” Miles said “Dismantling it sets us back decades.”
Since
the comptroller
won’t
meet
with the
groups,
they have no other choice but to seek a judicial remedy. We’ve got to quit saying what we can’t do and do what needs to be done. Ain’t nobody gonna save us but us.”
Black businesses will have to fight even harder to get a piece of state business. Credit: Getty
STATE SEN. ROYC WEST
Borris L. Miles
Ron Reynolds
Feature DN
Laid off? Whattodonext
ByLauraOnyeneho
Nnenna Anosikeonceworkedatthe top echelonofpharmaceuticalresearch, where high-stakesclinical trials were herdaily currency
Forsix years, theworkwas so stable that she neverhad to applyfor ajob;recruiters alwayssoughtherout.Earlierthisyear,after nine months of unemployment,her reality involvednavigatingtheanxietiesofdropping offfooddeliveriesfor DoorDash,while the highsalarysheonceenjoyedrandry.
Anosike’sabrupttransitionfromaclinicalresearchassociate to agig worker is the humanfaceofa sudden,brutallayoffcrisis that disproportionately impactsBlack professionalsnationwide
Thefinanciallosswasprecededbysevere physical andpsychological strain. Thefirst redflags at herformeremployer, whichshe notedwas strugglingwithcontractlosses andlegaltroubles,appearedwhenawaveof superiorswaslaidoff.
Thesituation escalatedwhenshe was transitioned to anew departmentwithanimpossiblyheavy workload,atacticoftenreferred to as “quiet firing.” Shewas assigned more than 50 clinical sitesacrosseight studyprotocols,far exceedingthe industry standard of 15 sitesand two protocols.
“Everybodyjusthad an extremelylarge load of work,” shesaid. “Soonafter that,you wouldsee thosepeopleeither beinglet go or thosepeopleresigning abruptly.”
Theconstantpressuretookaseverephysical toll.Anosike developedplantar fasciitis inherrightfoot,and,morealarmingly,pulsatiletinnitus—aconditioninwhichshecan hearherownheartbeatinherrightear.The stress resulted in chronicanxiety,for which shenowtakesmedication
Thefinal layoff meeting, disguisedasa “weeklycheck-in”via MicrosoftTeams, came as no surprise.AnHRrepresentative waspresent,confirmingher fate.Anosike receivednoseverancepayandimmediately enteredsurvivalmodetoattendtopersonal andfinancial responsibilities,including enrollinginonlinecoursestopursuecertificationsinPythonandProjectManagement.
Asystemiccrisis
BetweenFebruaryand June 2025, an alarming 318,000 jobs held by Black womenwereeliminated in theU.S., drivingthe AfricanAmericanunemployment
ratetosoarfrom6%to7.5%.Expertspoint to thechillingeffectofmasslayoffs across corporategiantslikeAmazon, Microsoft, andIntel,coupled with broadersystemic shifts,includingfederalworkforcecuts,that uniquely harm Blackworkers
KyraRènelHardwick,anaward-winning business strategist andCEO of TheKyra Company,insists that managing theinternalshock is thefirst step toward regaining control.Sheframesalayoffasa“transition” anda“bridge,”atemporaryeventleadingto thenextstage,andoffersathree-stepmental strategy forthe first30days:
Reestablishself-esteem:Donot internalizethe joblossasareflectionofskill or worth. Reiteratethatthe layoff is acircumstance beyond personal control.
Create psychologicalsafety:Maintain positiveself-talkandcommunicatehonestly with your supportsystem(family,friends, partner) aboutyourfeelingsand plans.
Establishaplan(Takefivedays):Grant yourself at leastfivedaystoprocess before jumpingintofranticaction.Use this time to establishcontrol throughroutine Hardwick leveragedaninemonthcareergap to buildher currentsystem, having been laid offfromher corporate role before transitioninginto entrepreneurship.
“Ikeptacalendar,amorning, midday,and eveningroutine Istill gotfully dressedevery day,”shesaid.“Thisregimented schedule preventedidletimeand negative mental loops.”
Thisregimentedschedule,includingdesignatedhours forjob applications,resume fine-tuning,andnetworking,keptheronher toes forwhenthe opportunityarose.
Thewaveofcorporate restructuring drivenbyAIandautomationconfirmsthat joblossislessaboutindividualperformance andmoreabout industry restructuring, demanding astrategic pivot.
Esther Olubiisthe Director of People at BlackOnTheJob.ThisplatformhelpsBlack professionalsbuild six-figurecareers with expertcoaching,resumeservices,andcareer strategies to elevatetheir success.
Shesaidthather communitymembers, or“Bees,”areseeking“confidencecoaching” andastrategytomovefromobsoleteroles intoin-demandskills.Olubistatesthatmany professionals,particularlythoseaffectedby cutstothefederalworkforce,arenowfacing acutefearabout transitioningbacktothe corporateworld
The mass layoffswithin severalindustries,coupled withrising costs, form a dangerous cocktail that threatens worker well-being. Credit: GettyImages
Profile DN
Blends rap, life coachingtoempower Black youth JessicaGeorges
By LauraOnyeneho
WhenJessicaGeorgesarrivedinHouston from Miamiafew yearsago with just $700 tohername,shewasseekingafreshstartto embracinganewchapterinherlife’spurpose
The Haitian-Americanartist, life coach andculturalorganizer has become vitalto Houston’screativeecosystem,using music, storytellingandworkshopstoupliftHaitian identityandthecity’sbroaderBlackdiaspora.
Georgesgrewupina climatewhere her Haitianculture wasoften ridiculedand misunderstood.Inthe 1990s, misinformation aboutHaiti from AIDS stigma to cruel stereotypes, filtered into classrooms and neighborhoods.
“Kidsusedtosay,‘MymomtoldmeHaitiansaredirty,thatyoucarryAIDS,’”Georges recalled.“Itwaspropaganda,misinformation andignorance.Wedidn’thaveGooglethento fact-check.Wejusthad to endure it.”
Thoseearly experiencesled hertoshy awayfromherheritageuntilshebeganstudyingHaiti’s revolutionary history.
“WhenIlearnedaboutourindependence in 1804, thefirstBlack republic, Irealized I hadnoreasontobeashamed,” shesaid. “I chosetoembracebeingHaitianandthatgave me confidence to walk in my truth.”
Shegrewupwatchingher mother raise eightchildreninasingle-parenthome,trying tonavigatewhattheAmericandreammeant forher.Georgesusedherloveforwritinga storytellingtoguideherselfintocreatingt lifeshe envisionedfor herself.
Thatsense of passionnow permeates h work in Houston, whereshe balances a istrywithactivism. As arapper(underJ ThatDope)andspoken-wordartist,Georg insistsher musicis“More ThanMuzek, phraseshe coined to reflect hermusic ph losophytoher listeners. Sheevenre-spe it,M-U-Z-E-K,toembedhermantra“EA Evolveand Elevate.”
“Wordshavepower,”shesaid.“Themu we consumeshapeshow we thinkand w webecome.Forme,it’saboutcreatingsom thingthatpushespeopleforward.”
Houstonhas become theperfect canv forGeorgestomerge artand communi Through hercollaborationswithgrou like OurAfrican Family,she helpsdesi retreats that teachyouth emotionalintel gence, self-confidence andcriticalthinki skills shebelievesare often overlooked traditional education.
“Wetellkidswhattothink, butrare showthemhow to think,”she said.“I want to give them thetools Ineeded when Iwas younger. ”
Herculturalprogrammingalso celebrates Haitianheritageinways
and the her artess es ” a hiells AE: usic who evas ity ups ign lliing d in ly
thecityrarelysees.Thisyear,shehostedher firstindependentshowcase,blendingHaitian Heritage Monthand Mental Health Awareness Monthwithasold-out performance downtownthatfusedrap,poetry,andstorytelling. Oneofthe highlightswas herpiece Identity,whichtracedherjourneyfromcultural shametopride
“I used to shrink when people cringedat theword‘Haitian,’” shesaid. “Now
I own it and I use art to teach others to see it differently.”
Georges has also tapped intoHouston’sHaitiancommunity through Houston Haitians United, where she once served as vice president and education chair
Thoughestimates suggest35,000Haitians live in GreaterHouston,she notesthe populationfeelsscattered.Hereventsfromvision boardparties to Haitian-themed sip-andpaintnightsdrawsteadycrowds,oftenservingasraregatheringspacesforthediaspora.
“It’salwaysafullroom,”she said.“It remindsmethatwe’re here,evenifwedon’t always seeeachother.”
utive director of the SA andboardmemberof Caribbean Professio tion, has worked a onprogramsaimed professional devel “She’soneofthe ing youth culture Folorunshosaid she hosts a session Janu alw hou tho pr g t c Jessica Georges blends rap and life coaching to empower Black youth Credit: Jimmie Aggison
DeboFolorunsho,founderandexecAiDInstitute ftheHouston onal Associaalongside her datyouthand opment epeopleshapin Houston,” d.“Everyyear visionboard with us in uary,and it’s ways apacked use. Through osekinds of rograms, she gets people thinkingcreativelyabout theirfuture andpreparing for life’sjourneyinaway that goes beyond the classroom.”
He also shares howher
artistrytiesdirectlyintoidentityandhistory. “She’s apoet, arapper, alifecoach,but what stands outishow sheroots herworkinculture,”hesaid.“Jessicacreatesspaceforpeople toknowwhotheyare,wheretheycomefrom andwhattheir responsibility to community lookslike. In atimewhensomuchofour historyisbeingcut down,she makessure it’s honored.”
Georges’effortsarepartofsomethingbigger,buildingbridgesacrossHouston’sdiverse Blackcommunities.
“AtSAiD, we work from thespiritof ubuntu,Iambecause we are,”Folorunsho said.“Jessicaembodiesthat. Shebrings Haitians,Africansand AfricanAmericans together in dialogue.Because at theend of theday,nobody’scomingtosaveus.Wehave torecognizethepowerwealreadyhavewhen we unite.”
Herdecisiontoplant rootsinHouston came after apersonalturning point. Laid off from heroil field jobduringa difficult moment nationally andpersonally, Georges listenedtowhatshecalls“asmallvoice”urgingher to take aleap.
“I wastired of thehamster wheel, chasingtheAmericandreamthewayotherstold me,”shesaid.“Idecidedtobetonmyselfand Houstonmade room forme.”
Now, as shepreparesnew projects for 2026, Georgescontinues to blendher many rolestocreatespace foridentityand empowerment.
“This city gave me thefreedom to be all partsofmyself,”she said.“Through music, coaching, andcommunity,Iwantpeopleto knowtheydon’thavetoshrinkwhotheyare. HoustoniswhereIgettoprovethatourculture,our voices, ourstories, they matter.”
JessicaGeorges celebrates Haitian Cultureata communityevent. Courtesy:Verne Visuals
Prairie View Takes on the world en route to championship Sports
ByTerrance Harris
Asfarasfirst-yearPrairieViewheadcoach Tremaine Jackson is concerned, it’s his team versuseverybodyelse
First,thePanthersemergedfromthepredicted middle of the pack in the SWAC Preseason Poll to win the West Division. Then, theyunseatedthedefendingSWACandBlack college football national champion Jackson State,23-21,intheconferencechampionship It’sallproofthaterahasarrivedontheHill.
SoJackson’splayerswhohaveearnedbachelor’s and master’s degrees won’t be making thegraduationontheHillfortheceremony.
The graduating players will instead have theirowngraduationceremonyinAtlanta.
“Here is the deal to be quite honest: Our school didn’t think we would be playing for the Celebration Bowl,” Jackson said “If they did,theywouldhavemovedgraduation.”
Spoken like a football coach, who always knew he was coaching a team that was on a mission quite different than what most expected.
Pity those who are late to the Panthers’ party.
Therehasbeensomethingspecialgoingon ontheHillsinceJacksonandhisstaffarrived on campus almost a year ago, with Jackson boldlydiscussingthathewasheretowinthe SWACWest,theSWACChampionship,and togethisteamtotheCelebrationBowlwhile also putting the Panthers on the FCS map. Anditonlybecameclearwitheveryboldstep andstatementthroughoutthisfirstseason
First, it emerged from the predicted middleofthepackintheSWACWesttowinthe division. Then this weekend, to unseat the defending SWAC and national Black college champions,JacksonState,23-21,intheSWAC ChampionshipGame,isallproofthatanew
CRICKETCELEBRATION BOWL
Some of the lessons that I learned from Valdosta we are carrying over to this year. We made it different a year ago and the way we train our guys, we can’t break their routine.”
TREMAINE JACKSON
erahasarrivedforPrairieViewfootball.
ThePanthersareSWACchampionsforthe first time since 2009, but this is uncharted territory because this is the first time they are playing in the Celebration Bowl for the nationaltitle.
Don’tbedisappointed,however,ifthePanthers’ demeanor isn’t happy to be in a bowl environmentwhentheyarriveinAtlantathis week Themissionistoleaveaschampions.
“They don’t like the spotlight and all of that They want to give it to each other,” said Jackson. “They consider themselves a bunch ofno-nameguys
“This team right here kind of has a chip ontheirshouldersaboutprovingthemselves rightinsteadofworryingaboutprovingpeoplewrong.Theykeepitrealsimple.I’vebeen proudofthat.”
Jackson is proud because of this collection of players, some holdovers from Bubba McDowell’s coaching regime and about 70 new players who come via the transfer portal,havecompletelyboughtintothe“it’sthem against the world” mantra Jackson hasn’t allowed his players to speak to the media, exceptpostgame,allseasonlong
AccordingtoJackson,that’sthedecisionof the players. And they won’t be breaking any oftheirroutinesthisweek,eveninthefestive celebrationofabowlgameenvironment.
Theteam,whicharrivedinAtlantaonDec. 8andbeganitsCelebrationBowlobligations the next day, will do what it has to do But the fun part will have to wait until Saturday eveningafterthenationalchampionshiphas beendecided.
JacksonlearnedthepitfallsofbreakingroutinelastyearwhenValdostaStatewentbowlingonaThursdaynightinDallasaheadofthe DivisionIInationalchampionshipgameand endeduplosing.
“We don’t bowl during the week. We play football,”Jacksonsaid “Sothisweek,wehave acoupleofthingswehavetodolikedinners andallofthat Butallofthatfunstuff,weain’t doingthat Wedon’thavetimetohavenofun.”
Theyalsohaven’tspentmuchtimelooking backatlastweekend’simpressivewinatJacksonState.It’saboutlookingforwardtothe toughtaskoftakingdownSouthCarolinaStateoftheMEAC.TheBulldogs, coached by Cleveland, Ohio native ChennisBerry,aretherealdealafter posting a 9-3 overall and 5-0 MEAC record while stringing together a seven-gamewinningstreakcomingintothe CelebrationBowl
Jackson and Berry know each other, and a couple of years ago came within a game of
facing each other in the Division II playoffs, but Benedict College lost.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for them,” Jacksonsaid “Whenyoucutthetapeon,they have some long-body D-linemen, guys that are really active They do a lot of things on defense They try to establish a run game on offense, but they are not hesitant to throw it ThatisalittledifferentbasedonwhatIknow
what he wanted to do
“Theyhavereallygoodathletesandachampionshippedigree.They’vebeenherebefore.”
Respect aside, Jackson is clear about what the goal is
“We still expect for our guys to go and be competitive at a high level and at the end of the day, we expect to be the national champion,” he said
Prairie View quarterback Cameron Peters looks to pass against the Jackson State Tigers during the first half of the 2025 SWAC Championship at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Jackson, Mississippi. Credit: Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images
NORTH FORESTQUARTERBACK
LA’SHUN GRAY
Comesupshortonfinalgameafter injury
By Jimmie Aggison
La’ShunGraywalkedoffthefieldonelast time as theNorth Forest Bulldogs’season endedina 56–20playofflosstoNavasota. Just weeksearlier,hehad been sidelined with abrokenclavicle, watchingfromthe sidelinesashisteamfoughttoearnaplayoff spot
Now,withhishighschoolfootballcareer behindhim, Gray faces anew challenge: What comesnext.
Gray notonlyled histeamin passing yards,buthealsosettheschool’ssingle-game rushingrecordduringtheir season opener againstMilby with 325 yards, amarkpreviouslyheldbyJirmailProctor,whograduated in 2016. NorthForeststarted theyear withapromising3–1record,buteverything changedwhenGraysufferedabrokenclavicleinweek5againstKashmere,forcingthe team to adapt.
“WhenLa’Shun wasout becauseofthe shoulderinjury,wehadtoadjustouroffensivescheme,”saidNorthForestheadfootball coachClifton Terrell.
TheBulldogs hadtostart freshman quarterbackEzekiel Hadley,whichleft the offenseunbalancedand morereliant on therun. Consequently,opposingdefenses startedstackingthe box, restrictingthe team’s options
“WhenLa’Shun wasout duetoinjury, it affectedtheteam’senergy,”saidseniortight endJakolbieNeal.“Theteamwouldslackon assignments; we were missingthatleadership.Hisreturnuppedthestakesatalllevels. We understoodwhattheycamewith, and that includedprotectinghim at allcosts.”
Gray’s return restored balancetothe offense,providingthe Bulldogswitha genuinethreatinboththerunningandpassing game,makingopponents reconsidertheir strategies.
ThoughNorthForestfoughttoreachthe playoffs, thestage broughtnew challenges Preparingfor postseason football requires athletestobephysicallysharpandmentally focused. Gray rejoined theteaminWeek 10 with oneregular-seasongameleft.Four weeksoffthe field,hewas resilient, eager, anddeterminedtosupport histeammates throughhis leadership andhis play
“WhenIbroke my clavicle andwatched from thesideline, Icouldn’tstopthinking aboutbeinginmyseniorseasonandworried Imight be done,not knowinghow badlyI messed up my shoulder,” said Gray Throughouthis recovery,Grayrelied on hismotherand supportsystemto stay focused.
“Mymom pl recovery,” said duringtherecov toquit,butmym kept encouragin day, stretch, and
After weekso thesidelines, Gr Forest into thep finished7–1in4
“Afterbeingou playinginthepla “I wasbackdoin
Even as he w played smart, u need to protect stillpushingtoh
“Returningat season gave me said Gray.“Iwan myallandhaven
“I thinkhep well in theplayo said Terrell. “H little rustyfrom ingseveralgam in theplayoff againstNavaso wasstill thet leading rusher.”
NorthForest mately lost 56–1 atalentedNava team,but Gr leadership a effortpropelled Bulldogs as far they couldgo.
“La’Shunalwa kept theteam hope up eve whenthingswen badonoffens anddefense,”sai Neal Gray has threejunior collegeoffers andisreceivinginterest from GeorgiaState University butremains undecidedas he aims to continue hisfootball career at a program
rt on final game after in
layed a major role in my Gray “There were times veryprocesswhenIwanted omandmysupportsystem g me to keep going every stay level-headed” of rehab and watching from ray returned to lead North playoffs after the Bulldogs A-1RegionIIIDistrict11 utforsolongandreturning, yoffsfeltgreat,”saidGray g what I love” as returning, Gray understanding the himself while help his team theendofthe confidence,” nted to give oregrets. erformed off game, ” He was a missmes, but game ta, he eam ’ s ulti12 to sota ay ’ s nd the as ays m ’ s n t se id
ABOUT
LA’SHUN GRAY
Class: 2026 IG: @lol1reason Twitter: @ lol1reason Position: Quarterback, wide receiver
Height& weight: 5-feet-10,157 pounds
Favoriteartist: RodWave Status: Uncommitted Favoritesubject: History
with a strong coac further develop hi football, he is focu kinesiology
“Iwanttoplayatt majoring in kinesi management,” said G “If La’Shun is give at the collegiate level, dously good athlete for Terrell “La’Shun will n hardworkbecausehelo As the Friday nigh story of perseverance o his next chapter, on or “La’Shunwillberem ershipqualitiesandho get back on the field a Terrell.
Thoughthefinalwhi influence on North Fo onate long after the sc “La’Shuntaughtm andtonevergiveu going your w taught me surround tofixth this, abo in
chingstaff that can is skills.Outside of used on afuturein thecollegelevelwhile iologyand business Gray en thechancetoplay he will be atremenrthatprogram,” said notbackdownfrom ovesplayingfootball.” ht lights fade,Gray’s offersablueprint for off thefield. memberedforhisleadowhardheworkedto after hisinjury,”said istlehasblown,Gray’s rest football will rescoreboardturns off mehowtobehumble upwhenthingsaren’t way,”saidNeal. “He etounderstandmy dings andlearn how hesituation.Through Iwasabletoopenup outcertain situations nmyprivate life. The youngerguyslooked up to La’Shunand wanted to have hiscourageand leadership.”
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