December 14, 2023

Round 2 Sheila v. Amanda

Showdown for Congressional District 18 seat EDUCATION

TERRENCE GEE

The Rice University trustee and his family recently made a historic donation.

Volume 93, issue 7 December 14, 2023

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PROFILE

JACKIE ADAMS

The entrepreneur talks about what keeps her Third Ward store at the top of the fashion game.

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FREE

2 | December 14, 2023 |

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DN To the POINT

TIMES Magazine chooses Taylor Swift as Person of the Year. Beyoncé wasn’t considered for the nomination. Credit: (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Message from the Reporter Don’t play with Beyoncé

and sadly I was wrong. This was before I I’m sure you all have heard the news learned of the woman’s name. What could about Time magazine and their choice for have driven her to such an act against a “Person of the Year.” They chose Taylor symbol of civil rights? What did Martin Swift, and the Beyhive, of course, was a bit Luther King Jr. do to her? As the invesconfused. One user on X said, “The industigation unfolds, we hope to understand try and media are starting to move weirdly the motives behind this shocking incident. with Beyoncé, and I don’t like it. It’s that shift I’m tellin’ ya.” Not to say that Swift U.S Rep Ayanna Pressley introduces groundbreaking bill wasn’t deserving. After all, several blogs and mainstream outlets have stirred the Laura Onyeneho In brighter news, U.S. Rep Ayanna pot regarding the music entertainment’s Pressley (D-MA) and Senator Peter two biggest stars. But it’s pretty obvious, in my opinion, Welch (D-VT) have dropped a groundbreaking bill called that with the massive success and cultural impact Beyonce The Inclusive Democracy Act. This historic move aims has had throughout the years, she got snubbed for Person to restore the voting rights of incarcerated individuals, of the Year. Her name wasn’t even considered. That was disproportionately affecting Black and Brown citizens. the same action we saw at the Grammy’s when she lost The bill would create a process for incarcerated citizens the Artist of the Year award. How do you win the most to register to vote by mail. The proposed legislation seeks Grammys in history but never win the top award? Not to end felony disenfranchisement in federal elections, much to say here, but I leave this comment from Nigeri- potentially enfranchising 4.6 million Americans. We’ve an-American author Luvvie Ajayi Jones: “You can be one seen time and time again how the nation’s criminal justice of the most influential women in the world, and because system has been used to keep millions of Americans out you’re Black, you can still continue to be locked out. The of the ballot boxes, and honestly, this is a good step in the message we get is, ‘You can never do enough.’” right direction. I want to have faith in this, but the way the Republicans and Supreme Court have been moving to MLK’s birthplace almost set on fire undermine voting rights for Black and Brown people, this Now, shifting gears to a disturbing incident, someone isn’t going to go down without a fight. attempted to set Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home on fire. Yes, you read that right. A woman named Laneisha ON THE WEB Shantrice Henderson, 26, tried to light it up. Thank good- • What’s being done to bridge Harris County’s digital ness for the swift action of two tourists from Utah stopped divide? her from using a lighter to ignite a fire. The bizarre part? • Study: 1 in 4 Gen Z members regret investing in education I held my breath in hopes that the person wasn’t Black, • Top 5 ways to avoid holiday season scams

December 14, 2023 |

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| 3

DN News

Sheila v. Amanda ROUND 2

Showdown for Congressional District 18 seat

By ReShonda Tate

Sheila Jackson Lee’s bid to reclaim her position representing the 18th Congressional District for Texas has set the stage for a rare Democratic showdown against former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards. As both candidates gear up for the March primaries, political experts anticipate a strategic battle.

After losing the race for Houston mayor, Jackson Lee filed paperwork shortly before the deadline to enter the 2024 Texas race to retain her seat. Jackson-Lee, 73, came up short with 34% of the votes to Texas State Senator John Whitmire’s 65% during the Dec. 9 runoff election. Jackson Lee says she is ready to continue the congressional work she has done for the past 30 years.

“I am pleased to announce my decision to seek reelection for the 18th Congressional

District in Houston,” Jackson Lee said in a statement. “Reflecting on the impactful strides we’ve made together, I am compelled by the numerous opportunities still ahead to enhance the lives of my constituents.”

Known as one of Houston’s most prominent representatives, Jackson Lee faces an unexpected challenge in a district historically unchallenged in Democratic primaries.

Jackson-Lee said that she plans to address improving education for students, creating more affordable housing, improving the quality of life for seniors, protecting reproductive rights, and more.

The fight ahead Jackson Lee has been one of Houston’s most high-profile representatives for several decades and typically has not had serious primary challengers. In the past, Jackson Lee has dominated the Democratic primaries, a race many residents in the 18th Congressional District don’t turn out to vote. District 18 has between 700,000–800,000 residents and only about 258,000 registered voters.

Of those registered, only a few people turnout at the polls. Dr. Michael O. Adams, a political science professor at Texas Southern University, said Jackson Lee’s big loss in the Mayor’s race could influence some local voters in the March primary, but she could still do well.

“With the mayoral showing, there are questions about whether or not there may be time for a change and that’s what the message I’ve seen already is coming from the Amanda Edwards camp,” said Adams. “However, I think if there’s a low turnout, this may even favor Sheila Jackson Lee, Amanda Edwards

if she’s able to get her people out.”

“If you look at the primaries that Sheila Jackson Lee has been in, in the past, you got around 60,000 people who participated, and out of that, she won 70%,” Adams added.

“With Amanda Edwards coming in, this race will prove to be competitive.”

Amanda vows to fight Amanda Edwards, who withdrew from the quest to be Houston’s next mayor to pursue the congressional seat after Jackson Lee entered the race, stressed the district’s readiness for progress. Edwards’ entry into the race adds a new dimension, with an appeal to younger demographics as advocates for change within District 18.

“I entered this race with the belief that it is now time for the 18th Congressional District to be represented by someone who can both bring a fresh, innovative approach to solving our lingering challenges. This seat doesn’t belong to any particular person, this seat belongs to the people of the 18th congressional district,” said Edwards. “And I hope that they remember that as we are in this contest for who will be the next Congresswoman for the district. There is a high level of energy around this notion that we can reimagine what’s possible for the district and at the same time, have an innovative approach.”

What it takes Adams says in addition to name recognition, Jackson Lee has a solid support base, particularly among Black women. Adams said Edwards needs to target younger voters in the primary race which includes Gen Z, Gen X, and Millennials.

“If Amanda Edwards, through her messaging – whether Sheila Jackson Lee

that’s advertisement and work in the district – can grow her voters, in terms of the appeal to her messages, I think this will bring more people out other than the traditional base that Sheila Jackson Lee has.”

Edwards has already raised over $1 million. Jackson-Lee struggled to raise money in the mayor’s race that ended in last weekend’s 30-point runoff loss. Jackson Lee entered the mayor’s race with about a $200,000 deficit, Adams said, putting Jackson Lee at a disadvantage.

Jackson-Lee and Edwards remain the sole Democratic primary candidates. Former candidate, University of Houston student, Isaiah Martin suspended his campaign, pledging support for Jackson-Lee. The primaries are scheduled for March 5, 2024, with the general election on Nov. 5, 2024.

4 | December 14, 2023 |

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DN News

Terrence Gee

The Rice trustee, family gift $1M to African American studies

By Aswad Walker

Rice University trustee Terrence Gee and family not only talk about the importance of African and African American Studies, they have literally put their money where their mouth is to the tune of a $1 million donation to the university to help establish the Dr. Anthony B. Pinn Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS).

Gee, a Rice alumnus (’86), is a member of the school’s humanities advisory board and the Rice Board of Trustees. Gee and wife Terri, long-standing champions of the humanities at Rice, envision the Pinn Postdoctoral Fellowship recruiting the best and brightest scholars from the humanities and social sciences whose research is pivotal to African and African American Studies and whose scholarship will launch the center into prominence.

The Defender recently spoke with Gee, currently the chief information officer and SVP, Technology and Enterprise Transformation at Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, the fourth-largest Black-owned business in the U.S., about the CAAAS and more.

DEFENDER: What moved you and your wife to make such a substantial gift to Rice’s CAAAS? GEE: First, we believe Rice should

have this center and that it should grow into an institute (like the Kinder Institute). This center should be part of the fabric of what allows us to execute a strategy that’s distinctly Rice and considers how African and African American Studies can inform so much of broader academic pursuits. One of the reasons why we are so passionate about this center is because we believe the world needs real scholarship in this field of study.

DEFENDER: Do you view your gift to Rice’s CAAAS as a response to national efforts to attack Black studies and ban books by Black authors?

GEE: At a time when some have

the temerity to make the case that “slavery wasn’t so bad, it proved to be great for skill-building,” we have

2023 runoff election wrap

By ReShonda Tate

In addition to the mayoral race, Houston area voters also decided some other key races.

Terrence and Terri Gee. Credit: Rice University.

to have serious people having serious discussions about consequential issues. And there’s no better place to do that than Rice’s CAAAS. DEFENDER: What inspired you to name the postdoctoral fellowship after Dr. Anthony Pinn?

GEE: We believe we should honor

those who put in the work. I applaud the work done by many to get the center started, led by Dr. Tony Pinn.

Naming the center after him is a small way of honoring that work. But to do it in a way that promotes scholarship through supporting emerging scholars focused on this field is powerful. We believe that when it’s time to support what we believe, the “we” should not turn to “they,” as in “I hope ‘they’ will support the center.” We are “they.” My wife and I decided to lend our support in this way, and we would encourage others to do the same.

DEFENDER: Was being a philanthropist what 8-year-old Terrence and Terri dreamed of becoming when you all grew up?

GEE: I’m just a kid from Sun-

nyside who’s tried over the years to make his mother proud! The term “philanthropist” might technically apply but we just see ourselves as

folks who’ve been blessed and are willing to share our good fortune through causes that matter to us.

D E F E N D E R : H ow d o yo u hope your gift will impact the CAAAS, specifically, and Rice, collectively?

GEE: I hope we see an increase

in funding, scholarship, and impact.

A thriving CAAAS should translate into a thriving, consequential Rice University.

DEFENDER: Why is the Dr. Anthony B. Pinn Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Center for African and African American Studies a worthy investment for those contemplating making a donation?

GEE: Postdoctoral fellowships pro-

mote the growth of talent, discourse, research, and collaboration. These are a few of the critically important elements that underpin thriving fields of study. While it may be great to have your name on a building or a plaque on a wall, I think of supporting postdoctoral fellowships as the unglamorous but vital work that has to be done for fields like African and African American Studies to remain vibrant, to flourish, and to attract public interest.

COUNTY CLERK Former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins defeated former Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez in the race for Houston city controller. The tally from the Harris County Clerk’s Office showed Hollins beating Sanchez by over 59% to just over 40%.

“The city of Houston spoke with one voice tonight...we got it done,” Hollins said after the results were announced. “My promise to every Houstonian is we’re going to come in on day one and work hard and work smart.”

Hollins initially launched a bid for mayor of Houston before HARRIS COUNTY RUNOFF ELECTION

1,191,831

Registered Voters

188,307

In Person Voters

14,659

By mail voters

202,966 Total Voters

Source: Harris Votes

dropping out when Jackson Lee entered the race. He will enter the controller’s post as the city faces significant fiscal challenges with the rapidly approaching end of federal COVID assistance. Outgoing City Controller Chris Brown has repeatedly forecast that Houston’s next administration will need to cut spending significantly starting next year if it is to avoid a budget crisis in 2025.

CITY COUNCIL Three incumbents will return to Houston City Council, along with four newcomers who, in some cases, held off close competitors to tilt city leadership toward the political center. District G Councilmember Mary Nan Huffman was victorious in her high-profile contest against attorney Tony Buzbee, joining Carolyn Evans-Shabazz from District D (who beat Travis McGee) in returning to council. At-Large 4 Councilmember Letitia Plummer will also return for another four-year term. In the At-Large positions, Julian Ramirez, in position 1, and Twila Carter, in position 3, eked out close wins, while At-Large 2 went to Willie Davis. Mario Castillo won in District H.

VOLUME 93, NUMBER 7 - DECEMBER 14, 2023 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Education Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Sports Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison

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

Social Media Jordan Hockett Ad Executive Jodie B. Jiles

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

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

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DN Education ANTISEMITISM BACKLASH

Harvard president keeps her job following antisemitism backlash Defender News Service

Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, the university’s highest governing body has announced.

“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” the Harvard Corporation said.

Only months into her leadership, Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about campus antisemitism in the wake of the latest Israel-Hamas war, which erupted in early October. Their academic responses provoked backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses.

Some lawmakers and donors to the university had called for Gay to step down following the resignation of Liz Magill as president of the University of Pennsylvania. A petition signed by more than 600 faculty members had asked the school’s governing body to keep Gay in charge.

At issue was a line of questioning that asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate the universities’ code of conduct. At the hearing, Gay said it depended on the context, adding that when “speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies.”

“So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack, and the university’s initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation,” the corporation’s statement said. “Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. President Gay has apologized for how she handled her congressional testimony and

Harvard President Claudine Gay speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Capitol Hill. AP

has committed to redoubling the university’s fight against antisemitism.”

In an interview with The Harvard Crimson student newspaper last week, Gay said she got caught up in a heated exchange at the House committee hearing and failed to properly denounce threats of violence against Jewish students.

“What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,” Gay said.

Testimony from Gay and Magill drew intense national backlash, as did similar responses from the president of MIT, who also testified before the Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee.

A grassroots watchdog group called StopAntisemitism said on X that Harvard’s decision “serves only to greenlight more Jew-hatred on campus.” It said it continues to call for Gay’s resignation and urged the corporation to reconsider.

College campuses nationwide have been roiled by protests, antisemitism and Islamophobia since the start of the war in Gaza two months ago, putting university administrators across the nation on the defensive.

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DN InFocus

Why you need genetic testing Especially if planning a family

certain hereditary disorders.”

Dr. Helber points out that sickle cell disease, a common hereditary condition in the Black community, is just one example. “By undergoing genetic testing, couples can determine their carrier status for sickle cell disease and other conditions, and subsequently make informed choices that can minimize the risk of these disorders affecting their children.”

If an individual and their partner choose to be assessed, Dr. Helber said there are some things to expect during your visit to the doctor.

“We will talk about their family medical history and health conditions to help us identify any trends with inheritable diseases that could run in your family,” she said. “We walk them through the implications from a medical perspective and what genetic tests are available to determine the baby’s risks.”

Challenges and Opportunities

By Laura Onyeneho

lanning a family can open a lot of emotions for couples. There are many factors to consider when planning for a child, but have you considered genetic testing? Genetic counseling and testing are vital keystones.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Black community, where a proactive approach to understanding genetic risks plays a significant role in promoting healthy

P

Houston-based fashion designer Kisa Williams lives with sickle cell anemia.

Credit: Kisa Kisa

pregnancies and the birth of thriving children. While the importance of genetic counseling and testing transcends racial and ethnic boundaries, the Black community faces unique challenges that demand a focused and sensitive approach, and with today’s advanced gene testing technology, women and their partners can find out if they are carriers for any one of hundreds of genetic disorders.

Genetic counseling and testing empower

individuals and couples to make informed decisions about family planning. These tools can identify potential genetic disorders and hereditary conditions that may be passed on to offspring. One such condition is sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that can cause severe pain, organ damage, and lifelong complications. It predominantly affects people of African, African American, and Afro-Caribbean descent.

What is a genotype?

A genotype refers to the inherited genetic composition of an organism, which can be passed down from one generation to the next. There are different types of genotypes, with the three major groups being AA, AS, and SS. In this context, AA represents a normal genotype, AS indicates that an individual is a carrier, and SS signifies that a person has sickle cell disease. When it comes to choosing a partner for reproduction, the safest choice is for individuals with an AA genotype. They can partner with someone of any genotype. However, for those with other genotypes, particularly AS or SS, it is advisable to select a partner with an AA genotype if they intend to have children.

This helps reduce the risk of passing on genetic conditions like sickle cell disease to their offspring.

A CNN report shows that learning about a person’s genotype is an essential “first date” question in many parts of the world.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It can lead to severe pain, anemia, and a range of health complications.

This condition is particularly challenging because it is inherited through a recessive genetic trait. This means both parents must

carry the sickle cell gene for their child to develop the disease. Approximately 70 babies per year in the Greater Houston area are born with the painful genetic disorder called sickle cell disease, more than in any other region of Texas. Of the estimated 100,000 Americans living with the rare condition, approximately 7,000 are Texans.

Houston-based fashion designer Kisa Williams lives with sickle cell anemia. Both of her parents, before their passing, had the sickle cell trait. Her oldest sister died of the disease at the age of 32. Williams was born in 1971, and during that time, her parents weren’t informed about genetic testing.

“Back then, there wasn’t a thought about testing. It wasn’t available back then,” she said. “My sister was diagnosed at five years old. They [Doctors] didn’t know what she had. She had multiple procedures, and at one point, they thought it was leukemia.

My sister made the decision that she wasn’t going to have kids because of it.”

The experience shaped Williams’ perspective on family planning. Even though she doesn’t have children, she knew if she did, she would be well prepared to care for them just as she did from observing her sister’s experience.

Expert Insights: The Role of Genetic Counselors Dr. Hanna Helber, certified genetic counselor of Texas Children’s Hospital Hematology Center, underscores the significance of this awareness. “Genetic counseling and testing are powerful tools in preconception and prenatal care,” she said. “They allow individuals to assess their risk of carrying or passing on genetic conditions. In the Black community, this knowledge can be invaluable, given the higher prevalence of

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, while the importance of genetic counseling and testing in the Black community is clear, there are still hurdles to overcome. They include:

Limited Awareness: Many individuals remain unaware of genetic counseling and testing, while others may harbor misconceptions about the process. Raising awareness is a crucial first step.

Stigma and Fear: Some individuals fear the implications of testing or the stigmatization associated with certain conditions. Overcoming these fears requires sensitivity and culturally competent counseling.

Access to Services: Access to genetic counseling and testing can be challenging for some communities, particularly those with limited healthcare resources. Addressing these disparities is a priority.

Cultural Competency: Ensuring that genetic counseling is culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of the Black community is essential. This includes addressing cultural beliefs and concerns surrounding genetics and health.

Williams said with the help of new medication, she hasn’t been in the hospital for a crisis in seven years. Before taking the medication, she was in the hospital three to four times a year. The medication wasn’t available when her sister was alive, so access

to services from her healthcare provider helped her to live a healthy, productive life.

“My life has changed. I still have avascular necrosis, which causes the joints between my bones to deteriorate from lack of oxygen and blood, so I’ve had both my hips and kneecaps replaced,” she said. “I still have side effects from the disease, but as far as being in the hospital, it has significantly reduced.”

Now, as the owner of Kisa Kisa, she shares her story by creating her bold, vibrant-colored handbags. Each bag is created in a distinctive half-circle resembling the sickle-shaped blood cells of the disorder, and when it opens, it opens to a full circle like a healthy blood cell. She went back to school in her mid-40s to take her fashion hobby to another level, and when she entered the scene in 2016, she never looked back. Life may have not been easy, but she hopes to share advice to Black couples considering having children.

“Consider all of your options, have the conversations early, do your research, and get tested,” she said.

“You’ll be more prepared for the crucial steps you’ll take when it comes to that point.”

8 | December 14, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Profile

Jackie Adams MELODRAMA BOUTIQUE

Keeps success, community service inseparable

ADAMS: I think it’s important because it’s one of the things I always ask people, “Your legacy; what do you want to leave behind and what do you want that conversation to be about you?” What I’ve always been is sort of a connector, introducing a great resource and being part of the community. Because your network is your net worth. My networking with people is making sure people know what’s available around here. Because sometimes you really just don’t know. I think a lot of people keep their mouths closed when they get the opportunity instead of sharing it.

I’m the opposite. I think the opportunity needs to be shared because I do want our younger generations to also not be afraid of entrepreneurship. And I will tell people it’s a lot of work. It’s relentless, but it’s a big reward.

By Aswad Walker

Jackie “Marini” Adams has amassed national acclaim as an award-winning entrepreneur. Her iconic business, Melodrama Boutique, is celebrating its 21st anniversary this month. But the many accolades Adams receives are not solely for her business acumen, but for her heart for community service. In fact, serving community is foundational to Adams’ business plan.

The Defender spoke with Adams about the origins and ongoing journey of both her business and herself.

DEFENDER: Where did the vision for Melodrama come from?

ADAMS: I was a buyer for 12 stores

before I opened up Melodrama Boutique.

Ironically, I was happy and traveling and doing what I needed to do for someone else’s company. And I remember someone nudging me and asked, “Why do you keep making this man all this money? Why don’t you do it for yourself?” At the time I was not really thinking about opening a boutique. I really was enjoying being the buyer.

I was his regional district manager over the wholesale development for his company, as well. I had 350 stores carrying his private label line before I opened up my business.

So, the idea to open my own store, I was doing things on such a big scale, it was like scaling down to do my own thing. I started thinking about it once my boss downsized to one store and I realized I was in a position where I can help him rebuild his company or start my own company. That’s where Melodrama was born, in 2002.

One of the things I always ask people, ‘Your legacy; what do you want to leave behind and what do you want that conversation to be about you?’”

JACKIE ADAMS

OWNER, MELODRAMA BOUTIQUE

DEFENDER: Was being an entrepreneur what the eight-year-old Jackie Adams dreamed of becoming?

ADAMS: I would say growing up at the

Read the entire article at DefenderNetwork.com

DEFENDER: When folks start businesses, those first few years are usually really challenging. Is that what you experienced?

ADAMS: Oh yeah. People say the first

two to three, I would say at least the first five. Because the challenge is, I always tell people, “Location, location.” And I do think I picked a great location, but you have to be patient because gentrification is real. So, although there was a lot of redevelopment and people buying houses and all the things you saw, it was still also getting the customer shopping and moving around in this area.

Because with gentrification, most people just go to where they’re familiar. Whether it’s the Galleria, the Village, different places, they’re not looking in their neighborhood.

And in this community, we were not only a food desert, but also a fashion desert.

Whether it’s grocery store shopping or picking up other things, people commuted around in different areas that they were familiar with. So, in that five-year process,

once a lot of the residential properties were developed, then people got a chance to really look around their community and see what was available to support, shop or not.

DEFENDER: Serving community is a big part of what you do. Can you speak to why that’s important to you?

Shrine of the Black Madonna as an eightyear-old entreprenuer who had lemonade stands and Sunday bake sales and car washes and all the things that, I grew up on, back in the day, entrepreneurship and owning your own business. But also, just being able to empower your community was something that I think was set. That eight-year-old child that’s still moving around now today that sometimes I have to talk to – and she has some other issues – but I think some of the things from our childhood allows us to be the person, the adult, the amazement that sometimes we see. And sometimes I’m still dealing with the eight-year-old. I have to sometimes tell her to sit down <laughs> because she still wants to run around. I’m like, “You’re not eight years old anymore, Marini.”

CLASSIFIED NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is planning to issue the procurement documents listed in this advertisement.

RFQ No. 4024000041: Stray Currents – Corrosion Control Testing Services.

Solicitation will be available on or about 12/11/2023.

Prospective bidders/proposers can view and download these solicitations by visiting METRO's website at ridemetro.org/Open Procurements If you are unable to download the documents or are having difficulty, please contact 713-615-6125 or email Contracts/Property Services at propertyservices@ridemetro.org.

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| 9

DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

Avoid the Seasonal ‘Holiday Blues’ To help avoid a seasonal swoon:

By NICOLE HARRIS, M.D.

1. Pace yourself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during the holidays.

Ongoing fatigue can leave you more susceptible to colds, influenza, and COVID variants.

Carve out some restful quiet time. Adequate rest helps restore your energy and supports your immune system.

Yes, the holidays can certainly be a festive time. However, the season can also take a toll on your physical health – when crowds and get-togethers expose you to seasonal illnesses – and your mental health by bringing on feelings of isolation, sadness, and unmanaged nostalgia. This seasonal psychological condition is known as the “holiday blues.”

Common causes of this depression include exhaustive shopping, traffic jams, shortened daylight hours, financial burdens of gift giving, unrealized expectations, longing for childhood holidays, and a heightened sense of loss about deceased loved ones.

FROM THE DOC “The holidays can take a toll on your physical and mental health.”

Dr. Harris is a boardcertified Family Medicine physician at Summer Creek Clinic.

2. Reduce holiday spending. Don’t get carried away with gift buying.

Set a spending cap and stick to it.

Credit card debts can haunt like uninvited ghosts from A Christmas Carol.

3. Drink responsibly. If served alcoholic beverages, enjoy in

moderation. Liquor is a proven depressant that impairs your decision-making and driving – and a DWI will cause trouble long after the holidays have ended.

4. Try not to over-romanticize past holidays. Embrace the present season. New memories are evolving right now; don’t miss them by fixating on the irretrievable past.

5. Schedule a physical exam with a primary care physician. Make sure there aren’t undiagnosed health conditions waiting to put the brakes on your new year.

The physicians at Kelsey-Seybold wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

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Healthcare That Revolves Around You. Kelsey-Seybold welcomes new patients and accepts more than 50 health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and many more.

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24/7 SCHEDULING IS EASY Call 713-442-0000, or go online to kelsey-seybold.com/appointments.

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10 | December 14, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports University of Houston sophomore guard Emanuel Sharp scored a game-high 25 points during the Cougars’ 89-55 win over Jackson State.

Sports Briefs Texans C.J. Stroud placed in NFL’s concussion protocol

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after the back of his head bounced off the turf during C.J. Sunday’s 30-6 loss at MetLife Stroud Stadium. Stroud hit the ground hard after he was hit by Quinnen Williams in the fourth quarter. Stroud remained on the field for an extended time before walking off on his own, where he was evaluated in the medical tent on the sideline and then taken to the locker room. He did not return to the game.

It’s uncertain if Stroud will be available for Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans.

TSU softball produces valedictorian and salutatorian

For the second straight graduation, athletes from the Texas Southern athletic department are being recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian. For the Jazmine fall semester, softball’s Gendorf Catherine Hernandez earned the Baccalaureate Degree Class Valedictorian and teammate Jazmine Gendorf is recognized as Salutatorian based on her work up to the Summer of 2023. Hernandez, who holds a 3.89 GPA, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health. Gendorf, who finished with a 3.61 GPA, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. TSU’s fall semester graduation is Dec. 16 at H&PE Arena on TSU’s campus.

TSU women’s soccer coach steps down

After five successful seasons, Texas Southern women’s soccer coach Lindsay Vera has resigned to pursue Lindsay other career opportunities.

Vera The Tigers qualified for the postseason in all five seasons Vera was at the helm. She coached them to consecutive SWAC semifinal tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023 and produced the 2023 SWAC Freshman of the Year (Isabella Dillow), which was a first for TSU since 2017. Assistant athletic director/academic enhancement Kimberly Evans will handle day-today operations while TSU conducts a national search for Vera’s replacement.

Point guard Fred VanFleet led all scorers with 26 points in leading the Rockets to a 114-106 road win over the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

ROCKETS’ ROOKIE

AMEN THOMPSON Learns through growing pains

By Terrance Harris

In many ways, the beginning of Amen Thompson’s rookie season has consisted of a lot of learning, being patient and adjusting to the NBA game.

The biggest adjustment so far for the Rockets’ fourth overall pick in last summer’s NBA Draft has been working his way back from injury. Thompson suffered a sprained right ankle injury during just the fourth game of the season.

After the injury, he spent his time rehabbing, watching and learning, and practicing some. Thompson also recently did a twogame stint with the Rockets’ G-League squad the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He returned to the Rockets on Sunday.

“I’ve been injured most of [the season], but it’s been going good, getting to watch the team,” Thompson said to the Defender recently. “We’re a winning team again, so that’s fun.”

He returns to the rotation with a Rockets team that has made winning a priority over development, which means minutes and playing opportunities could be hard to come by immediately for the versatile 6-foot-9 guard.

But the plan is certainly to work Thompson in and get him reacclimated to the system.

“Get him minutes and continue to build on what he was doing early in the season and the preseason,” said Rockets first-year coach Ime Udoka, regarding his goals for Thompson, who’s squad has been among the most surprising so far this season and currently sits in the Top 10 of the Western Conference. “His development as we’re trying to win is not a weird stage, but it’s not the stage young guys have been in the last few years when they can play through everything. We’re trying to develop guys and win and build them up.”

Thompson shines with Vipers The Rockets made the decision to send Thompson to the Vipers for a two-game rehab assignment to get him some quality minutes and to also restore some of his confidence.

It seemed to work with Thompson logging far more minutes than he would with the Rockets while averaging 21.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists in the two games.

Rockets rookie combo guard Amen Thompson is ready to rise above the competition after an extended injury break as a result of a sprained right ankle he suffered. (Credit: AP)

Thompson made his Vipers’ debut with a 29-point triple-double, which was his first live action since Nov. 1.

“It was good,” Thompson said. “Get my conditioning in and getting my confidence back running up and down the court and remembering the plays and stuff, so it was good.

“I felt strong the whole game. I was just missing stuff. As the game went on, started hitting, so it looked better. The moves still looked nice before.”

His teammates say Thompson has returned and seems ready to pick up where he left off.

“I see just the same guy he was before he came out; explosive, super-fast twitch, always looking to make the right play, just a lock-in defender when he wants to be,” said Rockets second-year forward Tari Eason.

“I think Amen is a very good player. And I think through time and more time with this team, I think he is going to be great.”

Passing grade The assignment with the Vipers was part of a carefully thought-out plan that was developed to keep Thompson engaged and growing during the 15 games he missed as a result of the injury. Udoka opted to have

Thompson involved in meetings and shootaround practices instead of focusing solely on rehabilitation.

Udoka also had Thompson, who went straight from high school to playing for Overtime Elite last season, taking “mini-quizzes” to see how much he was retaining while sidelined.

“He was engaged and locked into what we want to do,” Udoka said. “We had him at every practice and every shootaround, not rehabbing while we’re practicing, so he wouldn’t miss a step when he comes back as far as things we added offensively and defensively. We do little mini-quizzes here and there to make sure he’s locked in and understands what we are trying to do.

“He got it all. A good student even though he didn’t go to school.”

Thompson, whose twin brother Ausar Thompson was drafted right behind him at No.5 by the Detroit Pistons, admits it was difficult not being able to play with his team for more than a month.

“Obviously, it was hard,” said Thompson, who averaged 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 16.2 minutes in the four games prior to sitting out. “I’m a competitor, so I want to play all of the time, but that’s part of it.”

December 14, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

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DN Sports WESTBURY HS

RHYLEI HENDRICK Moves from fastest runner to point guard

By Jimmie Aggison

While some may call her a late bloomer, Westbury Huskies senior guard, Rhylei Hendrick is a fast learner. Having only played basketball for five years, Hendrick is quickly making an impact at Westbury High School and hoping to change the culture when it comes to girls’ sports.

“To go far, we have to bond together and work as a team,” said Hendrick.

The Huskies play in a difficult division which includes Westside, Bellaire, and Heights, all of whom usually finish towards the top of their division, but the Huskies hope to rewrite history.

“I played soccer when I was younger. That was my first love and then I started running,” said Hendrick.

It was the sight of Hendrick burning up the track that caught the attention of a PE coach at Pershing Middle School who felt that running could help the basketball team.

“In the seventh grade at Pershing Middle School they used to make us run laps around the school and the boys would hurry and race to the gym, beating all the girls so they could get a basketball first. But I was faster than them, so I always got a ball. Coach Ray saw me and asked, ‘Hey, you hoop?’ And I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Well, you do today.’ So that’s where it started,” said Hendrick.

Coach Ray signed her up for the basketball team but it was another coach, Coach Chelsey Rosier, who took it further and explained what basketball could do for Hendrick.

“I wasn’t a hooper. I had never played before, but she saw I was a fast learner. She would work with me one-on-one, then one day she sat me down and told me basketball could get me into college for free.

That’s when I knew I wanted to get serious about this game,” said Hendrick.

Hendrick continued to work on her skills and by the summer of her 8th grade year she visited her friend Reagan Johnson who was a member of a local AAU program.

“I would always see her going to the gym and getting better while I’m at home. So, I asked her if I could come and she invited me to play with her AAU team, Texas Southern Flames (TSF). She brought me one time and I never left,” said Hendrick.

Hendrick only stands 5-foot-7 so she is considered a small guard, but she studies Rori Harmon another small guard who she used to play against competitively.

“I study Rori because she’s a small guard who has elite speed and change of direction. No one can do

it like her. She’s a whole package,” said Hendrick.

Hendrick takes pieces from other players’ games and adds them to her game, but realizes she too must improve finishing with her left in contact.

“Because I’m small, if I get to the rim, I need to be able to finish.”

To some, basketball is just a game, but to Hendrick, it’s more.

“Basketball is my sanity. When I’m stressed out or things are not going right for me, I go to the court and play. It’s therapeutic for me. I eat, sleep, and breathe basketball,” said Hendrick.

Hendrick is receiving looks from a few programs, but she is still uncommitted. She hopes to find a place that has a bond as strong as her AAU program, while also offering a high-level business management degree.

“I want to own my own barbershop and be somebody that the kids can look up to,” said Hendrick.

As Hendrick looks back she offers advice to upcoming athletes.

“If you think you can’t do it, just tell yourself you can, because it’s all a mental thing. Sometimes you get intimidated when the opponent is bigger.

That’s when you have to use your speed. Never tell yourself, I can’t do this or that, it’s all going to work out in the end, for sure.”

ABOUT RHYLEI HENDRICK Class: 2024 IG: @D1.rhy Twitter: @RhyleiHendrick Position: Point guard Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 118 pounds Players she studies: Rori Harmon (University of Texas), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks) Status: Uncommitted Favorite artist: Chris Brown Favorite subject: History Shout-outs: Mom and siblings

12 | December 14, 2023 |

DEFENDER NETWORK