Houston Defender: December 17, 2020

Are you ready for the vaccine?

OďŹƒcials work to build trust in the Black community as the vaccine rolls out.

NEWS

TARSHA JACKSON District B ďŹ nally has a new council member after a year of legal delays, eventually resulting in victory for the leading candidate.

Volume 90, issue 8 December 17, 2020

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IN FOCUS

BORRIS MILES The Texas legislator joins colleagues sharing their perspective on how to redesign public safety.

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DN On the web

Proud Boys demonstrate during a Trump rally at Freedom Plaza, Saturday, Dec.12, 2020, in Washington. Nee Nee Taylor, co-organizer of Black Lives Matter D.C., said she was “heartbroken” that “the police gave the Proud Boys and Trump supporters free will to do whatever they wanted in D.C.” AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez

Message from the Associate Editor Power” or “Aight, den.” Whatever. The main thing is to remember the As many celebrate the Electoral College’s certification of the Biden/ past and present attacks upon our humanity, and then move to act Harris victory, we would do well to remember that we were one Federal accordingly. judge’s decision, one Supreme Court ruling or one U.S. Attorney A preacher once said, “When you are forever bending over, forgiving General action away from having a totally different outcome. folk who won’t stop abusing you, human nature will have them Had any one of Trump’s asinine lawsuits at the Federal or U.S. continuing to kick you in your behind.” Translation: there needs to Supreme Court level been ruled in favor of Trump’s “fake news,” or be some consequences and repercussions, economic, political and had now former U.S. AG William Barr refused to endorse the evidence otherwise, for those who dare do us wrong. of “no voter fraud,” and instead do what he has always done—co-sign Yes, Trump will be out of the White House come Jan. 20, 2021 Trump’s madness—the votes of 20 million Americans, could have (Inauguration Day), but his criminal enterprise will keep marching on. been thrown out.

His felonious friends will keep calling for a coup. His Proud Boys & Aswad Walker The basic premise behind Trump’s claims of a rigged election is that Girls will keep violently attacking Black people and Black churches.

Black people aren’t legitimate citizens. Hence, Blackfolk in Milwaukee, The Trump mob family will continue conning folk out of millions and Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta, whose votes gave the White House to the Biden/ challenging our citizenship and our votes. The question is, what are we going to do?

Harris ticket, don’t have a right to vote. Even worse, 17 attorneys general of 17 different In 2021, let’s resolve to love ourselves enough to protect our humanity from any states and 126 GOP members agreed with Trump, that Black votes, Black people and who dare disrespect it.

Black lives don’t matter.

PRECARIOUS SITUATION

ACT ACCORDINGLY

The Bible talks a lot about forgiving. But quiet as it’s kept, it says just as much about loving yourself enough to remember, and then act accordingly.

To ensure the World War II holocaust isn’t repeated Jews live by the words “Never Again.” They constantly remind themselves and the world that their well-being once changed overnight by one court decision here, one changed law there. To that they say, “Never Again.”

We should take heed. And we can choose as mantra “Never Again,” “Fight the

IN THIS WEEK’S DEFENDER

• Let the People Be Heard: The Black Press says why Georgia runoffs are critical.

• Pro/College Sports Editor Terrance Harris gets John Wall’s take on joining the Rockets.

• Texas State senators speak out on police reform.

ON THE WEB

• Police investigate burning of D.C. churches as hate crimes.

• Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee requests TXDOT extension.

• Attorney Ben Crump demands release of Joshua Feast shooting video.

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DN News Dr. Robert D. Bullard, professor in TSU’s Dept. of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, has been awarded the 2020 Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award.

Shauna Johnson Clark, a Houstonbased partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, will become the law firm’s global and U.S. chair effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Unclaimed Harris County rent relief up for grabs Houston Public Media

La Marque police say Joshua Feast, 22, was shot and killed by Officer Jose Santos on Dec. 9, 2020. Joshua Feast/ Facebook

Family demands justice in shooting of La Marque man Defender News Service

The family of a La Marque man killed by a police officer are calling for justice. Dozens of demonstrators joined the family in demanding the firing of La Marque Police Chief Kirk Jackson and officer Jose Santos, who police have identified as the one responsible for shooting Joshua Feast.

They also want more transparency from the police department and request footage from the shooting be released to the public.

“What happened to Joshua Feast is a symptom of what has been occurring here, the lack of relationship that the La Marque police department has with its citizens here,” NAACP Dickinson member Madalyn Salazar said.

The shooting, which happened the night of Dec. 9, has raised questions.

Investigators said the 22-year-old was a person of interest in an ongoing investigation of recent shootings in the area.

He was sitting in his car when he got out and started running across the street. According to an initial report, that’s when officers opened fire on him.

Feast was taken to the hospital where he later died.

According to the police department, rifles were found at the scene, but no context was given as to where they were found or who they belonged to. Investigators also said Santos had reason to believe Feast was armed.

Santos has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Meanwhile, the Galveston County Sheriff ’s Office and Galveston County District Attorney’s Office are investigating.

Deputies said the body camera footage cannot be released at this time.

“The La Marque City Council, the La Marque police department and a vast majority of our citizens want the same thing: a peaceful, safe community,” Jackson said during a press conference.

Feast’s mother, LaKeisha Feast, told reporters her son was shot in the back. According to the family’s version of events, Joshua Feast was in conversation with his son’s mother when the officer called him, and Feast took off running.

That’s when the officer shot him and kicked him when he was on the ground, his mother said. Neighbors then called an ambulance.

“I really want to see the body cam because I’m just trying to get to the bottom of this,” she said.

Less than half of Harris County’s $40 million rent relief program has been allocated to tenants in need of assistance, and county leaders will try to reallocate some of that money to the county’s rainy day fund before the end of the year, County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s office said.

A balance of some $26 million remains leftover from the county’s CARES Act rent relief program managed by BakerRipley — meaning just $14 million of the county’s allocated $40 million has been paid out.

Harris County Commissioners Court plans to vote to reallocate $10 million of the remaining $26 million to the county’s Public Improvement Contingency Fund — or rainy day fund — which has been used for coronavirus relief, Hidalgo’s office said.

If approved, BakerRipley will have a remaining $16 million to spend on rent relief through Dec. 31. If they still have leftover funds, the money will pay for first responder payroll costs and will be used to offset 2021 COVID-19 relief.

BakerRipley spokesperson Frederick Goodall said the nonprofit was urging Harris County residents with unpaid rent to apply for help before the end of the year.

“Everyone who has applied to the previous rounds for April through August, we’ve sent them messages to let them know, now we have money for September-November, please apply for that as well,” Goodall said.

The $14 million in county funds spent through the BakerRipley program has paid out rent on behalf of more than 12,000 tenant requests. Houston’s $30 million in program funding has already been paid out for some 24,000 tenants.

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WHEN

ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE

RESULT IS ELECTRIC!

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Available late 2020.

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DN News Tarsha Jackson looking forward Defender News Service

District B finally has a new council member after voters elected Tarsha Jackson after a slow-moving legal battle kept the race off the ballot for an entire year. Now, Jackson is hoping to put the embattled election behind her and get about the busi- Missouri City has ness of serving District B. new faces Jackson is a long-time In Missouri City, advocate for criminal jus- Yolanda Ford, the city’s tice reform who started first African American female mayor, lost to organizing after her son Robin Elackatt, who will was arrested and jailed now be the city’s first on a class C misdemeanor Asian American mayor. in his special needs class. Elackatt received With 68.5% of the vote in 52.51% percent of the the runoff election, Jack- vote. Ford finished son beat challenger Cyn- 47.49%.

Another incumbent, thia Bailey.

More than a decade Missouri City councilman Chris Preston, will ago, Bailey was convicted be replaced by Lynn of theft. In the protracted Clouser in the At-Large legal challenge that kept Position. Challengthe runoff race off the bal- er Clouser won with lot, the third-place finisher 59.51%, over Preston, in the general election who garnered 40.49%. sued the City of Houston and Harris County, arguing that Bailey was ineligible to run because of a felony conviction. Ultimately, courts cleared the way for Bailey to run.

District B’s term-limited incumbent Council Member

Jerry Davis served an additional year on council to represent the district during the election court challenges.

Jackson is a former Harris County director of the

progressive group the Texas Organizing Project.

She is expected to be sworn in around Dec. 21, after the runoff election results are finalized.

Three indicted for trying to illegally influence state races

Defender News Service

A Harris County grand jury has indicted three people who tried to illegally influence races in two Houston-area state House districts during the 2020 election cycle, District Attorney Kim Ogg has announced.

The impacted districts were House District 132 and House District 142, currently represented by state Reps.

Gina Calanni, D-Katy, and Harold Dutton, D-Houston, respectively.

Dutton’s reelection bid made headlines earlier this year after questions were raised about whether one of the candidates on the ballot in his March primary actually existed.

None of the allegations involved the voting process or the casting of illegal ballots. That candidate, listed as Natasha Ruiz on ballot application paperwork, was absent from the campaign trail but received enough votes in the four-way race that helped force Dutton into a runoff with Houston City Council member Jerry Davis.

Ruiz, who would later identify herself to a news outlet as Natasha Demming, worked with Richard Bonton, the fourth candidate, to file her ballot application under a false name, Ogg said. Bonton’s motive appeared to be an attempt to manipulate voters in the district into supporting a Latina candidate and “dilute [Dutton’s] voter base in a district with a growing Latino population.”

Demming is Black, as are Bonton and Dutton, who has held the seat since 1985. Bonton, Ogg said, is charged with tampering with a governmental record — a state jail felony punishable by up to two years — and two Class A misdemeanors, each punishable by up to a year in jail.

Demming is charged with two counts of tampering with a governmental record and three Class A misdemeanors — perjury, election fraud and conspiracy to commit tampering with a governmental record — all of which are punishable by up to a year in jail.

“Those indicted today crossed the line from dirty Kim Ogg speaks at a politics to criminal activity and press conference. they will pay the price,” Ogg said.

Meanwhile, Damien Jones, a Democratic political consultant, was also indicted on an allegation of sending an anonymous text threatening Calanni in an effort to get her to resign from office instead of running for reelection, according to the news release. The threat was sent to Calanni in December 2019 just ahead of the 2020 election filing deadline. Calanni reported the threat to the Texas Rangers, which investigated the complaint with the public corruption division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Jones, who was indicted for two Class A misdemeanors — coercion of a public servant and false caller identification information display — could face up to a year in Harris County jail and up to a $4,000 fine, if convicted.

After allegations surfaced questioning the legitimacy of Demming’s candidacy in the race, Dutton said he had hired

a private investigator to look into the issue. Nearly the entire Harris County Democratic legislative delegation weighed in soon after, asking the county attorney and district attorney to open a criminal investigation.

“Thank God it turned out all right,” Dutton said.

VOLUME 90 - NUMBER 8 - DECEMBER 17, 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

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

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DN Opinion FOCUS SOCIAL LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD

AN OPEN LETTER TO VOTERS

Why Georgia Is Important To Black America Chris B. Bennett

Seattle Medium

Hiram Jackson

Michigan Chronicle

Larry Lee

The Sacramento Observer

Sonny Messiah Jiles

Houston Defender Dr. Frances M. Draper

AFRO American Defender News Service

Black voters across the country turned out in unprecedented numbers with purpose and passion for the Nov. 3 General Election. Their overwhelming participation in one of the nation’s most important elections proved that Black votes count and Black voters matter.

We still have unfinished business, as all eyes are now on Georgia, where the results of a much anticipated and hotly contested Jan. 5 election runoff will impact the plight of African Americans and African American communities throughout the country. At the center of political discussions are the issues of socioeconomic justice, police reform, inclusion, empowerment and civil rights.

Despite well-documented attempts to suppress the Black Vote, the Black Press, along with national civil rights organizations and local grassroots efforts, fought to make sure voters were armed with the information necessary to make sure their ballots were cast and counted. This resulted in the largest voter turnout of Black people in a presidential election in the history of this country.

However, the job of the Black Press and Black voters is not over. As publishers of nine of the nation’s leading Black newspapers – The Baltimore AFRO, Dallas Weekly, Houston

Defender, Michigan Chronicle, restore our country’s promiNew York Amsterdam News, nence in the world.

Sacramento Observer, Seattle For folks in GA, early voting Word in Black is an Medium, St. Louis American began on Dec. 14 and ends on reimaging of the and The Washington InformFriday, Jan. 1. Don’t delay, go to BlackPress, a journey er – we are compelled to supthe polls and cast your vote. initially begun by port our fellow publishers of For others across the coun10 publishers of Atlanta’s Black newspaper, The independently owned try, remember it takes a village, Atlanta Voice, in urging all Black media companies. and we all must do our part, Georgian’s – particularly Black including: voters – to stay engaged and to vote in the • Contact friends and family members who runoff election. live in Georgia and make sure they are aware Georgia’s native son Dr. Martin Luther of important voting dates and deadlines.

King, Jr., reminds us that, “Our lives begin • Encourage them to vote early and reach out to end the day we become silent about things to their extended network in Georgia to enthat matter.” This is our call to action. Voters sure they do the same. in Georgia cannot be silent: VOTE on Jan. 5 • Volunteer to assist phone banks and safely because what happens in Georgia will impact distribute literature throughout the commueveryone in the U.S. and beyond, regardless nity if you decide to visit. of race, creed, color, religion or sexual orien- • Donate to non-partisan groups that have a tation. strong history of voter engagement in Georgia.

We must finish the fight in Georgia. The We have the power to fight voter suppresstakes are high and impact all of us. We need sion, get souls to the polls, re-ignite the flame Georgians to elect leaders that will put Amer- of our political clout in America and create icans back to work, bolster small businesses a narrative that provides the foundation for to rebound from the effects of the pandem- African Americans to fully participate in all ic, rescue families from evictions and fore- aspects of the American dream. closures, provide appropriate PPE to frontGeorgia, we’re counting on you to let your line and essential workers, retain affordable voices be heard. Vote on Jan. 5. We know you healthcare, lower prescription drug costs and will make us proud!

Denise Rolark Barnes The Washington Informer Dr. Donald Suggs

St. Louis American

Elinor Tatum

New York Amsterdam News Janis Ware Washington

The Atlanta Voice

Patrick Washington

The Dallas Weekly

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Moving forward as a community The pandemic and humanitarian crisis has brought us together with intensified passion and resilience. At Bank of America, we remain focused on supporting the well-being of our teammates, providing the essential financial services our clients need and helping local communities across the country move forward.

Here in Houston, we’ve donated masks to local partners to distribute to those most at risk.

We’ve provided lending to local small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help strengthen our local economy. And we continue to partner with local nonprofits and organizations that are working to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

We’re grateful for our employees, who have worked tirelessly to support our clients. And we are especially grateful to the healthcare and essential workers who have helped Houston recover.

My teammates and I remain fully committed to the work to come in 2021 and beyond.

Hong Ogle Houston Market President

Working together Grateful for our partners in Houston who gave our community support when it needed it most.

700,000 PPE masks donated 8,692 PPP small business client loans totaling $601 million Bank of America employees

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS

By ASWAD WALKER Holiday Storytime with Santa, Dec. 19

The Ensemble Theatre is providing the holiday offering, “Holiday Storytime with Santa,” a chance for youth ages 2 to 9 to enjoy stories, songs and games with Santa’s Elf while the children also share their Christmas lists with Santa Claus.

The cost for the event is $25. For more information and/or to make a donation, call 713-520.0055 or visit www.EnsembleHouston.com.

SPA presents An Evening with Chevy Chase & Beverly D’Angelo on Zoom, Dec. 19, 7pm

Houston’s Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) presents the virtual An Evening with Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo—a virtual salute to the 1989 holiday classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The pair, who starred as Clark and Ellen Griswold in four films, will lead audiences through this live event as they share fan-favorite clips from the movie, reveal their favorite memories from the making of the Vacation franchise, and answer audience questions in a live Q&A. To purchase tickets ($25), go to spahouston.org.

Houston Symphony presents A Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall, Dec. 20, 2:30pm

Get in the Christmas spirit with a spectacular concert of all your holiday favorites played by the Houston Symphony in a socially distanced concert at Jones Hall that will also be made available for virtual participation. Michael Krajewski leads treasured carols and fun-filled favorites that will have you humming along, including “Feliz Navidad,” “O Holy Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” To purchase tickets ($25 for in-person; $20 for live-streaming, visit houstonsymphony.org.

Houston Symphony Orchestra

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DN InFocus SOCIAL REDESIGN OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERIES:

STATE LEGISLATORS ON POLICE REFORM

By ASWAD WALKER

As part of the Defender’s “Redesigning Public Safety” series, we spoke with the state senators who are at the heart of Texas’ police reform efforts. Here, Texas legislators Borris Miles, Royce West and John Whitmire share their perspectives on those reforms and the legislation they will be working on during the next legislative session (Jan. 2021) in order to make those reforms a reality.

Defender: What does your vision

of redesigned public safety look like with regards to policing?

Civilian Review Boards: Public safety needs to start with trust and confidence with law enforcement. To achieve this, we need transparency and power behind citizen complaints.

That’s why I filed Senate Bill 67, so that all large cities will have civilian complaint review boards with the actual power of subpoena and built in accountability by allowing multiple officials to appoint the board, not just the mayor. This is complemented

by Senate Bill 66 which subjects police complaints to open records requirements and requires police departments to store all such records.

Curtailing Excessive Force: I

also think we need to end the culture around use of excessive force. That is why I filed Senate Bill 68, which requires law enforcement officers to intervene when fellow officers are using excessive force, as well as report all use of force to their department.

Furthermore, I filed Senate Bill 69, which bans chokeholds and submission techniques that block the airways or arteries. Finally, under Senate Bill 71, law enforcement agencies and police departments must adopt written use of force policies. I also don’t think police should indiscriminately shoot

We’ve made progress, but I think we’ve all witnessed this year, that when it comes to police accountability, we’re probably really derelict in many ways.”

SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE

at vehicles like in the Michael Ramos case in Austin, so I filed Senate Bill 72 which requires law enforcement agencies to adopt policies on the discharging of firearms into moving vehicles.

Public safety starts when the public is no longer afraid of police. We cannot be our own enemy.

Defender: What does your vision of redesigned public safety look like with regards to policing?

Defender: What are the laws on

Statewide Body Cams: Good,

the books that are different for police than for regular citizens, laws that protect police from prosecution?

law-abiding professional police officers ought to applaud accountability tools like dash and body cameras that display bad officers and acknowledges there’s a lot of, in fact, mostly good officers.

Qualified Immunity: I have drafted

legislation addressing law enforcement’s enjoyment of qualified immunity. It is not fair that law enforcement can excuse gravely injuring and killing people as part of routinely doing their job. We have an entire branch of government, the judiciary, charged with checking this abuse of power. Qualified immunity must be corrected by the legislature for the courts to properly follow. Citizens must regain the right to sue law enforcement when they abuse their power. Qualified immunity should not cover cases where an individual never committed a crime, also it arguably should not cover cases where an individual is convicted of a crime that is different than the crime for which they were arrested.

You should be able to sue law enforcement if you are wrongfully detained or arrested and beat up about it.

Permanent Bans on Working in Law Enforcement: I’m an attorney. If I do

something egregious, I lose my law license and I can’t get another one.

Reduce Police/Citizen Contacts for Minor Offenses: Most of the tragedies

Qualified immunity must be corrected by the legislature… Citizens must regain the right to sue law enforcement when they abuse their power.”

SENATOR BORRIS MILES

we’ve seen around the country that had been documented on video, start with non-violent, police contact over nothing.

Then you have exchange of words, and it leads to a tragedy… Sandra Bland is a prime example. What if we could come in and send a mental health worker with the police officer. Have professionals that don’t involve a gun and a badge.

Redirect Resources: Why are you

wasting police resources on a traffic dispute? I just think if we could come up with the resources and redirect, and let me just

add right there, that the term “”defund police” is probably the most misstated message that I can imagine… In Texas people get alarmed when you say defund the police, because they think you’re shutting down the police department. Well, we’re not. If anything, your terminology of “redesigned public safety” would be perfect because you’re not saying less. You’re just saying maybe a repurpose of police.

Bail Reform: One thing I’m going to

spend a lot of time on is bail bond reform.

We still are locking up people because they can’t afford a bond where if the person with identical charges has money, he or she leaves. So that’s a battle. And quite frankly, I think some bad guys are getting out on cash bonds.

Defender: Are there any cities or states

currently using the reforms you would like to see enacted in Texas?

Several States & More Progressive Texas Cities: Hell, 35 states have

legalized marijuana for personal use…

So, what other states do, they’re just a lot more lenient about what they think is a law enforcement violation… But in Texas, and that’s part of the problem, you get in small jurisdictions and, Oh my Lord.

If we have one law that deals with the use of deadly force, we need to make certain that all policies… should be consistent across the entire state of Texas and towards that particularly.

Defender: What specific legislation are

you and others working on?

Home Invasion Policies: I’m going to

carry the George Floyd Act in the Senate.

There will be a Breonna Taylor Bill that we are drafting right now. Botham Jean, you recall that in Dallas, a man was sitting in his home and… he ends up dead.

We’ll be working on that with Rep. Carl Sherman.

Reduce No-Knock Warrants: In

terms of welfare checks, how do you make certain that policies are consistent concerning welfare checks? How do you make certain that we don’t have that? We reduced the use of no-knock warrants as an example. And don’t get me wrong. I want to make certain that if a police officer leaves home in the morning that they’re able to return home. But during the course of it, I want to make certain that a citizen is not injured or killed as a result of misjudgment or some negligence on the part of police.

Consistency in Deadly Force Policy: If we have one law that deals with

the use of deadly force, we need to make certain that all policies… should be consistent across the entire state of Texas and

SENATOR ROYCE WEST

towards that particularly. And I think that most law enforcement would agree with that. We’re in the process right now to collect the data, to see exactly what the policies are.

Defender: What about Qualified

Immunity? People in the community feel like it’s a get out of jail free card for police.

Qualified Immunity: The reason they feel that way is because there are very few cases where police officers are not allowed to use that. Most instances they’re allowed to use that as a get out of jail free card because of the circumstances surrounding the case…. So, we’re dealing, we’re going to have a discussion to try to deal with that issue in the state of Texas.

Defender: Are there any cities or states

currently using the reforms you would like to see enacted in Texas?

Colorado: Colorado just passed the law

against the use of qualified immunity under certain circumstances… There is in fact, a movement around this in order to deal with police accountability, without damaging police officers’ mission to provide security for people in the state and in the various states.

POLICE REFORM PROPOSED IN TEXAS SENATE

SB 65

Makes it a felony for an officer to engage in official oppression that results in bodily injury.

SB 66

Subjects officer complaints to open records law and requires departments to keep such records.

SB 67

Creates civilian complaint review boards in cities with more than 200k people, and grants the boards power of subpoena.

SB 68

Requires officers to intervene when another officer is using excessive force and to report such to the department.

SB 69

Bans chokeholds and submission techniques that block breathing or blood circulation.

SB 70

Requires officers to report their use of force to their departments.

SB 71

Requires law enforcement agencies to adopt written use of force policies.

SB 72

Requires law enforcement agencies adopt policies for shooting at moving vehicles.

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DN Health

Are you ready for the vaccine?

Officials work to build trust in the Black community as vaccine rolls out

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

As skepticism threatens to stunt the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine, officials are urging one of the nation’s most at-risk communities to have faith in the life-saving effort.

According to the latest Pew Research Survey, African Americans were among the least likely to express comfort with a vaccine.

Research by the COVID Collaborative, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and UnidosUS found that just 14% of Black Americans trust that a vaccine will be safe and 18% trust it will be effective.

“As African Americans we haven’t had the best experiences in the medical field. The history is there,” said Tori Hobson, who lost her grandmother to COVID-19 and plans to get the coronavirus vaccine but said she also understands people’s hesitance.

Infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci hopes knowing that African American scientist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett was “at the forefront” of the development of a leading coronavirus vaccine, will help alleviate some concerns.

In a conversation about mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines among Black people in an online forum with the National Urban League, Fauci said Corbett was one of two leaders of the team which created a vaccine found to be 94% effective.

Corbett’s team at the National Institutes of Health worked with pharmaceutical company Moderna to develop the vaccine – one of two found to be more than 90% effective – which is expected to be authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration this month.

“So, the first thing you might want to say to my African American brothers and sisters is that the vaccine that you’re going to be taking was developed by an African American woman. And that is just a fact,” Fauci said.

Fauci said he fully respected skepticism around the vaccine and said it was important to address the historical reasons behind

it. He also emphasized that scientists, not politicians, are in charge of approving coronavirus vaccines.

The history of mistrust by African Americans comes in part from doctors and scientists using African Americans in medical studies without their permission and even withholding treatment, as well as ongoing disparities in access to quality healthcare. Among the most notable cases of abuse is the 40-year Tuskegee study in which health officials withheld proper treatment of African Americans to study syphilis, as well as the unauthorized use of Henrietta Lacks’ cancer cells in a cervical cancer study.

“I think most people agree having a vaccine would be great, but at the same time there is this worry about being used as guinea pigs,” said April Thames, a clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor at the University of Southern California, who has studied the impact of racism on science and health. “We have to break down and admit that there has been structural racism and bias within biomedical science and that we need to do better at rectifying this problem so that people do participate.”

African Americans made up about 10% of the U.S. participants in both the Phase 3 Moderna and Pfizer trials, according to both companies.

According to the CDC, Black Americans are 1.4 times more likely to contract COVID-19, 3.7 times more likely to be hospitalized by the virus and 2.8 times more likely to die from the illness than their white counterparts. Socioeconomic status, access to health care and increased exposure to the coronavirus related to occupation play a role in the increased risk, per the CDC. Source: Pew Research

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Sandra Lindsay, left , a nurse is inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine by Dr. Michelle Chester. The rollout of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine, the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history.

CLASSIFIED LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the TABC for a G Winery Permit by Devin Chambers dba Winter’s Wine to be located at 20724 Patriot Park Lane Katy TX 77449. Owner of said business is Devin Chambers.

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a (G) Winery Permit by Krystal Spencer dba Infuse Wine Bar, to be located at 4801 Woodway Drive, Suite 300east, Houston, TX 77056. Officers of said corporation are Krystal Spencer - Owner.

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DN Health

A DEFENDER AND KELSEY-SEYBOLD CLINIC ALLIANCE

How to take stress out of the holidays this year

BY MARJORIE BROUSSARD, M.D.

One of the fastest routes to holiday stress is pursuing unrealistic expectations. People often hold on to what they remember as an "ideal" holiday from years gone by and are sad when they’re unable to reproduce it. There are also expectations around the holidays that "everything must be perfect."

Be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t do. Instead of trying to take on everything, identify what’s most important to you and make a plan to accomplish those things. Pace yourself so that you don’t FROM THE DOC become overly stressed.

“Don't be disappointed STRESS IMPACTS HEALTH Medical research shows that stress can contribute to such health problems as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, headaches, stomach problems, chest pain, muscle tension or pain, and

if your holiday isn’t like it used to be. COVID-19 has necessitated changes be made.” Dr. Broussard is a Kelsey-Seybold Family Medicine physician.

sleep problems.

To help keep stress under control — and joy in the season — keep these tips in mind:

• Keep moving. Exercise is a great way to burn extra calories you may be taking in this time of year and to relieve stress.

• Delegate. Don't try to do it all by yourself. By breaking down tasks and doling them out to others in your household, tasks become more manageable.

• Avoid overeating. Stay away from junk food, such as candies, cookies, and chips. Eat healthy snacks instead.

Be practical and picky. Choose those special treats that are only available during the holiday season and pass on foods that you can enjoy any time of the year. Pay attention to portions.

• Set an affordable limit on spending.

Overspending can lead to undesirable financial and emotional consequences in February when the credit card bills WORK IN SOME ALONE TIME come due.

Lastly, don’t forget to set aside some • Let go of the past. Don't be “me time.” If you find yourself getting disappointed if your holiday isn’t anxious, take a breather and recharge like it used to be. COVID-19 has your batteries. necessitated changes be made for health and safety reasons.

Now Scheduling VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON Appointments!

Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a longtime patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at a Kelsey-Seybold Clinic near you.

Your health and safety are our top priority. We‘re screening patients upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms, checking temperatures, and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Please remember to wear a mask or cloth face protection while visiting our clinics.

Do you feel more comfortable visiting with a Kelsey-Seybold doctor from your home? We also offer virtual Video Visits for children and adults. Visit kelsey-seybold.com/virtual to find out more.

Our doctors and clinical teams are here for you now and in the future.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7/365 Berthelsen Main Campus 2727 West Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77025 24/7 Contact Center 713-442-0000 MyKelseyOnline (MKO) mykelseyonline.com MKO Help Line 713-442-6565 (7 days a week, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

After-Hours Nurse Hotline 713-442-0000 Learn More About Virtual Visits kelsey-seybold.com/virtual

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS and more than 50 HEALTH PLANS, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. Also accepting two Medicare Advantage plans, KelseyCare Advantage and WellCare TexanPlus.

19176 - E_PN_HP_HOU_TheDefender-4.812x13-F.pdf

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Business Houston among 10 cities to receive Rockefeller small business grant Defender News Service

The Rockefeller Foundation has announced its support for 1863 Ventures, an organization that aims to responsibly provide technical assistance and capital to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses, ensuring that each business owner can rebuild and scale-up despite setbacks from the pandemic.

This business development program is designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and equity. With a $1 million commitment from the Foundation, 1863 Ventures will offer capital and specialized programs designed to support small businesses in each stage of their development.

To qualify, the businesses must be BIPOCowned, make less than $2 million in revenue and be located in Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, El Paso, Miami-Dade County, Louisville, Newark, Norfolk, or Oakland.

BIPOC-owned small businesses were hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and also faced systemic barriers to accessing safety net support. Black-owned businesses closed at nearly twice the rate as firms overall at the onset of the pandemic, according to a recent report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, fueled in part by structural barriers to accessing financing at traditional banks and institutions that administered relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

“1863 Ventures is honored to partner with the Rockefeller Foundation to support New Majority entrepreneurs in these cities,” said Melissa Bradley, Managing Partner at 1863 Ventures. “It is clear that there has been uneven support since the pandemic to help small businesses survive. Coupled with the ongoing racial oppression, the focus on BIPOC is critical as they represent the future of the American economy. Research shows that America is currently forgoing an estimated 1.1 million businesses owned by people of color. These missing businesses could produce an estimated 9 million more jobs and boost our national income by $300 billion.

We expect the combination of coaching and capital will cause an economic lift in these anchor communities and have a multiplier effect in terms of wealth generation and job creation.”

The Foundation’s goal is to provide critical guidance, training programs, networking opportunities and financial assistance to help Black, brown and Latinx businesses overcome this crisis and

Your Partner in Good Health Partners in Primary Care offers a unique approach to wellness after 65, with a dedicated Care Team trained to meet the unique health care needs of C

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succeed long-term while breaking down barriers to accessing capital and credit.

An estimated 26.5 million U.S. adults are not in the formal credit economy. Federal data show that 15% of Black and Hispanic Americans are credit invisible (compared to just 8% of White and Asian Americans). In the U.S., Black and Hispanic businesses receive only 2.5% and 5.8% of funding through the Small Business Administration.

“It is clear that we have reached a critical inflection point exposing unique opportunities for real, structural change,” says Otis Rolley III, Senior Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation’s U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative. “Social equity cannot exist without economic equity. That’s why we are excited to be partnering with these organizations to help businesses nationwide with technical assistance and stabilizing capital. Through our efforts, we will help entrepreneurs of color, decrease BIPOC unemployment rates across the country, encourage additional investment into communities of color, and stop countless doors from closing.”

The $12 million commitment behind The Rockefeller Foundation Opportunity Collective is part of the Foundation’s comprehensive $65 million investment announced in February to help more than 10 million low-wage workers and their families across the United States meet their basic needs and pursue a more prosperous future.

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convenient, one-stop primary care designed to proactively address both physical and mental

health, as well as a deep commitment to personal safety at every location.

12 locations in the Greater Houston area.

713-547-4309

Call to schedule an in-person VIP tour or visit SeniorFocusedHouston.com for a virtual tour.

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Partners in Primary Care is Medicare Advantage friendly! We accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Memorial Hermann, TexanPlus and WellCare of Texas Medicare Advantage plans.

Visit us on Facebook for activities and events Partners in Primary Care does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言 援助服務。請致 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711).

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16 | December 17, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Education

April 16, 1967: From the hood of a car, Stokely Carmichael preaches Black Power to students at Tallahassee’s Florida A&M University. Photo courtesy of AP Photo/STF, Associated Press/Wide World Photos

UPHOLDING BLACK HISTORY

Lack of Black Studies classes in Houston-area high schools moves group to offer them online

By Aswad Walker

stepped up to adopt our curriculum, and we’re A local group, the Herman Park Rotary not waiting on that. Mid-January, we’re going Club, seeks to offer African American Studies into production for 12 units of the 36-week lectures to the public free of charge starting course as an introductory course, not only for Spring 2021, in the wake of unsuccessfully getparents, but also for students and the general ting their 36-week curriculum implemented in public. We’re going to teach these classes onHouston-area school districts. line.”

“Instead of going into the schools, we’re just Carrier, who has been teaching history for going to create our own in a way,” said HPRC 42 years believes African American studies is member Jasmine Ayers. “And what’s a better important for all students in order to change Naomi Carrier time to do that than right now?” the negative perception many people, includIn April, members of the HPRC’s educaing Blacks, have about African American. tion committee were encouraged by news of the State “People only respect what they love, they only love what Board of Education approving African American Stud- they know and they only know what they are taught. So, ies as an elective in Texas high schools. In fact, the group we must teach the people who African Americans are bewas intimately involved in shaping the approved pro- fore and after slavery,” added Carrier. posal, working closely with board member Lawrence HPRC member Jasmine Ayers said she was awakened Allen (District 4). to the importance of sharing “our story” by a mentor who The group, spearheaded by historian Naomi Carrier, im- told her “Success is a mystery if you don’t know your hismediately got to work fashioning a needed week-by-week tory.” curriculum, including the teacher trainings necessary to “Having a sense of who you are will, from my perspecunveil the classes in Houston-area schools at the beginning tive, propel a person to a greater advantage of success beof the 2020-21 school year. However, their goal of having cause they have a sense of their history,” said Ayers. the classes implemented by Sep. 2020 was hampered by a Her perspective is backed by a 2016 study by scholars at lack of dialogue with HISD and other local school districts. the Stanford Graduate School of Education that found a “Based on my archive of African American resource ma- high school ethnic studies course examining roles of race, terial, we put together this 36-week course for high school nationality and culture on identity and experience boosted students,” said Carrier, founder of the Texas Center for Af- attendance and academic performance of students at risk rican American Living History. “As of today, no one has of dropping out, results that were music to the ears of his-

torian and musician Fana Vincent.

“We see exposing students to African American Studies as a way of dealing with some of the issues in HISD, which is 83% people of color,” said Vincent. “Data shows, when you offer young students African American history it increases their participation in school attendance, and it increases their grades across the board.”

Vincent said the HPRC was unsuccessful at getting a response from HISD when trying on multiple occasions to set up a meeting to share their curriculum. Thus, the group planned a press conference in front of the HISD administration building, “not to get anyone fired, but to bring it to people’s attention that we have the curriculum in line with TEKs (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) guidelines and teacher training needed to offer this course to area students.”

High school students from the Humble area heard of HPRC’s efforts and organized a press conference of their own on Nov. 18 calling for African American Studies.

HPRC’s press conference was held the following day, commending students for taking the lead in their own educational futures.

HPRC’s efforts went beyond words.

“If the school districts are not going to teach what we want them to teach, because we are part of the community and because students expect these classes that they’re not delivering on, then it’s up to the community, the village to help our kids,” said Ayers, of the group’s plans to offer their lessons online.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

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Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing order for advertised offer. Without enrollment, service charge automatically increases by $10/mo. Twelve-month automatic payment and paperless-billing discount appear on bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are canceled during the 12-month period, or if services are added or Internet tier changes, the $10/mo. discount will be discontinued. Offer ends 1/11/21. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Performance Starter+ 25 Mbps Internet. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees extra, and subject to change during and after agreement term. After term agreement, regular rates apply. Comcast’s service charge for Performance Starter+ Internet is $50/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed, visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. © 2020 Comcast. All rights reserved. Individual programs and marks are property of their respective owners. NPA234019-0009

139266_NPA234019-0009 Holiday W 2Gig 9.75x13 Houston.indd 1

12/8/20 1:29 PM

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports DeAndre Hopkins, former Texans receiver, shared laughing emojis on Instagram in response to news the Texans were officially eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday’s loss at Chicago.

Michael Weathers, Texas Southern senior guard, was named SWAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week last week.

John Wall settles in All-star guard quietly returns to form after long series of injuries

By Terrance Harris

While the spotlight remains on the future of James Harden with the Rockets, newly acquired point guard John Wall is quietly putting the NBA on notice.

The All-Star guard is showing out of the gate that he is ready to return to his explosive form after missing much of the last two seasons with heel and Achilles tendon injuries while a member of the Washington Wizards. Wall, of course, was part of the trade two weeks ago that sent Russell Westbrook to the Wizards in exchange for Wall and a conditional first-round pick.

So far so good for Wall.

“I’ve been great,” Wall said of the transition to Stephen Silas’ system and his new teammates. “It’s been an easy process for all of us to learn.

“It hasn’t been difficult at all. It’s trying to figure out where guys like the ball at and certain positions they want it. That’s all I’ve been trying to figure out. Other that than, for myself it’s going to be easy going for me, free-flowing offense, getting the pace and just letting me play my game and make reads. It’s going to be fun.”

Wall looked to be back to his AllStar form in his first two preseason games with the Rockets as he drove to the basket, hit open jumpers and created for his teammates while averaging 17 points, 6.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in those two games against Chicago.

The real test comes next week when the regular season kicks off.

By then, Wall should have some idea of what the new backcourt pairing of him and Harden will feel like – that is if the Rockets have not met Harden’s trade demands by then.

Wall, who is friends with Harden off the court, isn’t weighing in much on what will happen with the Rockets star.

“We are letting the front office and James and those guys figure it out,” Wall said. “Our job is to come to work every day and

prepare ourselves for whatever the game plan or scouting report the coaches give us.

That’s what we’ve been focusing on.”

But Wall also made it clear after his 21-point outburst in Sunday’s loss to the Bulls that he would love to team with Harden, if that is what is meant to be.

“I think me and James can be a heck of a combination,” Wall said. “I just hope we get the opportunity to get into the regular season and see how it goes.”

In the meantime, all eyes on the floor are on how Wall bounces back after missing so much time away. But his close friend, former Kentucky teammate and first-time NBA teammate DeMarcus Cousins has no doubt that the old Wall is back.

“I believe his game speaks for itself,” Cousins said. “He is an incredible talent. That’s a given.”

SportsBriefs JALEN HURTS IMPRESSES

Channelview product Jalen Hurts seems to have gotten the attention of the NFL with a strong starting debut for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Hurts gave the Eagles the spark they have Jalen been missing, Hurts completing 17-of-30 passes for 167 yards while running for 106 yards on the way to a 24-21 upset win over the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints had won nine straight games and brought in the NFL’s No.1 defense.

WATSON TO GIVE INPUT ON COACH

Texans owner Cal McNair said he is seeking quarterback Deshaun Watson’s input on the team hire for head coach. It’s a responsibility that Watson said he is taking seriously.

“We’ve got to Deshaun make deciWatson sions and go from there,” Watson said. “But yeah, that’s pretty much it. A lot of respect between me and Mr. McNair.”

PV GAME CANCELLED

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a problem for the Prairie View men’s basketball schedule. The Panthers had their Dec. 15 game against Murray State cancelled and are scheduled to play next on Dec. 18 when they travel to take on Byron Smith Missouri. PV hasn’t played a game since Nov. 29 against Louisville after which they were forced to return home unexpectedly due to coronavirus concerns.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN Sports FORT BEND MARSHALL SAFETY

Christian Jackson Leads Buffs

By Jodie B. Jiles

Throughout the Buffs 10-0 season their defense has been lights out, shutting their opponents out, and giving up less than a touchdown a game in nine of their wins.

Entering the playoffs, Marshall has shown no signs of letting up after defeating Port Neches-Groves in the first round.

When I asked Fort Bend Marshall’s new “100 wins club” coach James Williams who he recommended we interview, he immediately called over his senior safety Christian Jackson. After asking why Jackson, Coach Williams stated, “Christian is a good leader that works hard every day.

His teammates respect him, they honor him and they work hard for him. He is a great example for the kids and he does a great job for us.”

Christian “C.J.” Jackson is currently a 3-star recruit that has earned the honor of being named a finalist for this year’s Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The Defender spoke with Jackson to discuss his playing style, keys to his leadership and what it will take going forward into the next round of the playoffs.

ABOUT CHRISTIAN JACKSON

Style of Play

Playoff Push

“I really want to hit. I don’t really like covering but I am going to hit more than anything.”

Leadership

“It really started in practice. You have to go hard every day and you can’t let up in practice. Every time you have to compete with the top receiver and defensive back

Twitter: @0hThatscjayy_ Height: 6‘1” Weight: 185 lbs.

Verbal Commitment: University of Incarnate Word Other Offers: Alcorn State, University of Kansas and University of Pittsburgh…

Players He Studies: Jamal Adams and Paris Ford (University of Pittsburgh) Shoutouts: All the coaches. Let’s get ready.

Photo: Jimmie Agisson

in there. I just fight every single day to make us the best offense and defense in the state. So, we just have to fight hard because that is where it starts to take our game to another level and turn up.”

“We have been focused on the playoffs since day one. In the summer we knew what we had to do. Come out and go get. We already knew we were going to the playoffs so we just have to be ready for it because we prepared for this since day one.”

UPCOMING UIL PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

Friday, December 18, 2020 • Cy Fair HS v. Katy Tompkins HS @ Legacy Stadium 6pm • Montgomery v. Fort Bend Marshall @ Randall Reed Stadium (New Caney) 7pm • Katy HS v. Lamar HS @ Rhodes Stadium 7pm • Katy Taylor HS v. Heights HS @ Delmar Stadium 7pm • Klein Cain HS v. Westfield HS @ Planet Ford Stadium 7pm

• Pearland HS v. Atascocita HS @ CE King Stadium 7pm • Shadow Creek HS v. CE King HS @ Clear Creek ISD Challenger Stadium 7pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 • Jersey Village HS v. Ridge Point HS @ Legacy Stadium 4pm

20 | December 17, 2020 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

The all-new Hyundai ELANTRA. Tech-savvy, sleek and seriously dripping.

Designed for the young at heart, this sleek compact sedan offers a fully integrated tech experience with flavor you can savor right at your fingertips. Imagine a Digital Key that locks, unlocks, and starts your ride along with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Mix in Dynamic Voice Recognition that allows you to roll down your windows, pop your trunk, and control the temperature with your voice. Suddenly you have an intuitive, tech-savvy car designed for better living without breaking the bank. Now that’s dripping.

Preproduction model shown with optional features. Near Field Communication (NFC) digital smartphone key requires a compatible Android smartphone and an appropriately equipped 2021 Elantra. Not all Android devices are compatible. The Elantra must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Lock/unlock functionality works on driver’s door only. See your Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Dynamic Voice Recognition varies by unit. Speak in a normal voice and minimize background noise for best results. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2020 Hyundai Motor America.