Volume 91, issue 8 December 23, 2021
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2 | December 23, 2021 |
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DN 2021 Year In Review DEFENDER TEAM
Year-End Message RESHONDA TATE, Managing Editor
“It’s easy to look at all that we weren’t able to do in 2021, thanks to the pandemic. I choose to focus on the positives. How the pandemic brought families closer, prompted some to explore their entreprenuerial spirit, and helped the world see our resiliency. Don’t get me wrong, I’m ready for the pandemic to be over, but if it’s one thing I know, we will find a way to persevere.”
ReShonda Tate
ASWAD WALKER, Associate Editor
“We celebrated the guilty verdict for Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd’s killers. But we know that wasn’t justice. Just temporary signs of relief. Thankfully, we also saw Blackfolk come together to protect our own, we saw a sister ascend to U.S. VP, a Houston trifecta (three Black pro sports head coaches) and a local sister (Simone Biles) lead a global mental health movement. Yes, 2021 was crazy. But at least it wasn’t 2020.”
DN
ONLINE
LAURA ONYENEHO, Education Reporter
Aswad Walker
Read the complete messages from the staff as they reflect on 2021
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“Despite the continuous fight against injustice and inequities against Black people in America on top of trying to survive multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to say that 2021 was a triumphant year for Black people and Black history. We should be very proud of our progress in 2021, and 2022 could be the year we continue to raise the bar even higher.”
Laura Onyeneho
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN 2021 Year In Review
Texas State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, dean of the Texas House of Representatives, speaks as Democratic members of the Texas legislature hold a news conference at the Capitol in Washington. AP hoto/J. Scott Applewhite
Local/State Big Stories By Aswad Walker
Though 2020 had everyone ready for 2021, this year brought a lot of those same issues with it. The pandemic, criminal justice, and more showed up in the big stories, city and statewide, in 2021. Winter Storm Devastates Texas Widespread power outages across the state left millions of Texans without electricity for days during a winter storm that brought with it below-freezing temperatures. The devastation made national headlines in part because Texas, due to decisions by Gov. Abbott and state GOP lawmakers, refused to be part of a national power grid, and took a hands-off approach to regulating state power providers who failed miserably as they couldn’t deliver when power was needed most. And as for Texas lawmakers elected to represent the people in D.C., one of them who shall not be named (Ted Cruz) got caught running to vacation in Cancun, and when caught, threw his own children under the bus to avoid responsibility.
Siblings Amari, Maisha and Anana Walker take a break from enjoying the rare Houston snow for a photo op. Photo by Aswad Walker.
Black State Legislators Flee to D.C. When Texas House Dems realized they couldn’t stop the progress of a bill placing tighter restrictions on voting in Texas, more than 50 of them left Austin headed to D.C. to break quorum and block the bill. They stayed for 38 days, even amid threats of arrest from Gov. Greg Abbott, hoping to push Pres. Biden and U.S. Senate Dems to remove the filibuster and pass voter protection legislation. Though they didn’t achieve their goals, and many believed Biden left them hanging, the Texas/D.C. Dems inspired state lawmakers nationally to take bold actions to protect voting rights. Astroworld Fest Tragedy The layers of tragedies connected to the Astroworld Fest tragedy are many. The lives lost tops the list of devastating outcomes, equaled only by the pain of those families who lost someone at that event. Then, there’s the bum-rushing fans whose numbers were exponentially greater than the number of event tickets sold. The fact that people were being crushed while the show continued is alarming, as is the blame game being played by many and the hundreds of lawsuits, with people suing any and everybody for some level of compensation. And, it’s certainly a tragedy that an event born out of Travis Scott’s desire to celebrate an iconic Houston institution, has turned the name Astroworld into a symbol of pain.
This photo provided by Taylor Blount shows Ezra Blount, nine, posing outside the Astroworld music festival in Houston. Photo: Taylor Blount via AP
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DEFENDER NETWORK
Moving forward together We’ve been through a lot together and have proved to be resilient. The approaching new year brings with it new possibilities to help our clients, communities and teammates move forward and prosper — safely. Using our industry-leading digital tools, like mobile check deposits, Erica,® CashPro® and access to Zelle,® individuals and businesses are finding it easier to do their everyday banking. Across the country, the expertise of our specialists and our teammates in financial centers is helping clients meet all their financial needs at every stage of their lives. In our communities, we continue to collaborate with local partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to fuel job growth and financial stability. More than $400 million of our $1.25 billion commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity is already supporting diverse small businesses and partners, including many recipients here in Houston who provide job skilling and hiring programs. We’ve also increased resources to support our teammates’ emotional and financial well-being. Recently, we raised our minimum hourly wage for U.S. employees to $21 per hour, moving closer to our goal of $25 by 2025. My teammates and I look forward to growing existing partnerships and creating new ones as we work together to make a difference. Have a safe and happy holiday season. What would you like the power to do? ®
Hong Ogle President, Bank of America Houston
Learn more at bankofamerica.com/houston
Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Bank of America, the Bank of America logo, Erica® and CashPro® are registered trademarks of the Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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DN 2021 Year In Review
Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, TSU’s 13th president, is flanked by members of TSU regents during the June 17, 2021 reception. Photo by Aswad Walker
State Legislature: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly The State Legislature fought for teacher pay raises. That’s the good. The rest is a mixture of bad and ugly. Texas made national news signing into law the most restrictive abortion law in the nation. Also, the GOP-crafted redistricting maps were so bad, the U.S. Justice Department sued the state for abusing Black and Brown voters. Not only that, the conservative-leaning body undid all the things former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins set up to make democracy more real for citizens by making voting easier. They also outlawed the teaching of the new conservative bogeyman: Critical Race Theory. But wait. There’s more. State Republicans sought to add insult to injury by removing and/or reconfiguring the districts represented by the state’s only two Houston-area Black congresspersons: Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green. If God “don’t like ugly,” He certainly “don’t” like Abbott, Patrick and crew. New leaders in education Maybe there was something in the water, but several Houston area educational institutions welcomed new leaders into the fold. HISD said goodbye to Dr. Grenita Lathan as their forever interim superintendent, and welcomed Millard House II as their full-fledged new leader. TSU welcomed a native Texan, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young to captain its ship, while Rice University shocked many by choosing Reginald DesRoches, a brother, as president. And UH-Downtown named Dr. Loren Blanchard, another brother, as its head. Texas Tackles COVID It may be more accurate to say COVID tackled Texas. In spite of commonsense responses to a pandemic out of control, Abbott, sticking with the GOP playbook, prioritized opening businesses to citizen health. Many believe Abbott’s rush to reopen the state for business, even while Houston COVID hospitalizations were rapidly rising, greatly contributed to those numbers spiking even more. And to be consistent with the stupid, Abbott banned state school districts from issuing mask mandates. Incredibly, countless superintendents weren’t willing to play politics with the well-being of the students and staff, and chose to ignore, fight, block and push back on the governor’s orders, and wear masks anyway. The fight displayed by these school administrators may explain in part why the number of COVID cases in Texas schools never reached the predicted high number some projected. Katy Bans Black Books, Black Author Attacks on “Critical Race Theory” made their way to the Lone Star State, and not just Austin during the legislative session. A group of Black history, Black reality, Black perspective-hating elementary school Katy parents were so outdone by the thought of their little Karens and Brads being exposed to a book about Black children and their school experiences that they got the school district to cancel a scheduled presentation by Jerry Craft, author of “Class Act” and “New Kid.” FYI, Craft’s works are so respected he won multiple awards and is a #1 New York Times bestseller. After Craft was cancelled, the district, along with others in Texas, moved to purge K-12 school libraries of book by and about Blackfolk, fearing that such literature would damage the psyche of their children.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent on horseback tries to stop a Haitian migrant from entering an encampment on the banks of the Rio Grande near the Acuña Del Rio International Bridge in Del Rio, Texas, on Sunday. Paul Ratje / AFP / Getty Images
Mistreating Haitians at Texas/Mexico border Haiti has been through it in more ways than one and for multiple decades. The island nation has endured all manner of natural and man-made disasters, many of which trace their roots back to Western nations’ disdain for Haitians having the nerve to fight for and win their freedom from slavery. Fast-forward to 2021 and the animosity seems to be alive and well, as Haitian immigrants fleeing violence and a country ravaged by recent weather catastrophes, sought asylum in the U.S. via the Mexico/Texas border. What transpired felt like a trip back in time as lawmen on horseback with whips, chased and beat Haitians creating a scene straight out of 18th century U.S. slavery. The eyes of the world watched in horror. Finner new HPD Chief This year saw HPD transition from the leadership of Art Acevedo to Hiram Clarke born-and-raised, Madison High School and Sam Houston State University graduate Troy Finner. With more than three decades at HPD and the support of HPD leadership and rank-andfile members, as well as Houston community residents, Finner hit the ground running in overseeing his 5,200-member police department. He’s had to deal with police misconduct, a soaring Houston crime rate, the Astroworld Fest fiasco, ongoing COVID-19 challenges and much more. Kudos to the brother for standing strong.
Eddie Bernice Johnson is the dean of the Texas congressional delegation. Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson for The Texas Tribune
Garnet Coleman & Eddie Bernice Johnson stepping down Longtime lawmakers in the Texas and U.S. Houses, Garnet Coleman and Eddie Bernice Johnson respectively, are each calling it quits. Johnson, the longest-serving U.S. congressperson from Texas (elected in 1973), announced last year that this particular term in office would be her last. Coleman, who served in the Texas House since 1991, made his announcement more recently, citing health battles as a major reason for his decision to leave a position he served in since 1991.
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DN 2021 Year In Review
NATIONAL Big Stories By ReShonda Tate
The biggest national stories of 2021 were all about the pandemic, politics and pervasive anxiety over the climate and economy. From a seemingly never-ending pandemic to a politically-divided country, 2021 was full of big stories. Here are the big national stories.
A woman holds a sign during a rally to protest the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, in Brunswick, Ga. /AP
TURBULENT 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic disruption was far and away THE biggest story of the year. When the new year began, the numbers were devastating: more than 16 million cases and over 300,000 deaths in America due to COVID-19. On his first full day in office in 2021, President Biden signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus, seeking to jump-start the U.S. response. He also signed into law a $1.9 trillion COVID19 stimulus package and urged states to make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1. The FDA later approved COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for people 65 and older and other adults at high risk of severe illness. Then the Delta variant came in and now, as 2021 comes to a close, the Omicron variant has people asking ‘Will this ever end?’
JUSTICE?
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is found guilty of murder in the May 2020 death of George Floyd, which sparked racial-justice protests around the world. He was convicted of murder and manslaughter charges for pinning his knee against Floyd’s neck as the Black man said he couldn’t breathe during a May 25, 2020, arrest. He was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in that case. Chauvin was also expected to plead guilty to violating George Floyd’s civil rights, a move that would remove him from a federal trial but could significantly increase the amount of time he’ll spend behind bars. In Georgia, a judge set a Jan. 7 sentencing hearing for the three men convicted of killing 25-yearold jogger Ahmaud Arbery. Travis McMichael, his father, Greg, and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan were convicted of murder and other charges for the brutal Feb. 23, 2020, shooting of Arbery. Smartphone video of the slaying showed Arbery jogging down a residential street before he encountered two armed men and a pickup truck on the side of the road. He tried to jog around their vehicle, into the shoulder. Bryan was recording the video.
CHAOS AT THE CAPITOL
On Jan.6 as Congress was meeting to certify the victory of Joe Biden, hundreds of President Donald Trump’s supporters who claimed the election had been stolen violently pushed past police, broke through windows and doors and entered the Capitol, forcing legislators to interrupt their work and flee. Those whose work was upended included Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the Senate and had to hide from rioters who were calling for his hanging. A Capitol Police officer collapsed and died after engaging with rioters who descended on the building. Many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos. In the weeks and months that followed, four of the officers who responded to the riot killed themselves. Federal prosecutors charged approximately 700 rioters with such crimes as violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. So far, more than 120 defendants have pleaded guilty to charges related to the insurrection, primarily misdemeanors. A House committee is now investigating the origins of the attack and what Trump did — or didn’t do — to stop it.
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DN 2021 Year In Review
INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE
President Joe Biden signed into law a roughly $1 trillion infrastructure package with spending on roads, bridges, rail and more. Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. For far too long, Washington policymakers have celebrated “infrastructure week” without ever agreeing to build infrastructure. The President promised to work across the aisle to deliver results and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. After the President put forward his plan to do exactly that and then negotiated a deal with members of Congress from both parties, this historic legislation moved forward. The bill will rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind.
COSBY IS FREED
Bill Cosby was released from prison after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his 2018 conviction for sexual assault, a dramatic reversal in one of the first high-profile criminal trials of the #MeToo era. The court’s decision seemed likely to end the Pennsylvania case, legal experts said, and while more than 50 women across the nation have accused Mr. Cosby of sexual assault and misconduct, statutes of limitations in their cases makes further prosecutions unlikely. Cosby had served three years of a three- to 10-year sentence at a maximum-security prison
KAMALA’S BAD RAP
When Kamala Harris ran as Joe Biden’s vice president, she rallied Greek organizations, HBCUs, and people all across the country to propel the Biden-Harris team to victory. Nearly a year into their administration, Harris found herself on the receiving end of criticism that she’s all but disappeared. But some questioned whether the backlash is warranted. Harris traveled to Paris where she met with allies, focused on border issues and the infrastructure bill. Yet, she was drawing complaints from some who expected more. Since taking office, the White House has taken steps to highlight Harris’ role as Biden’s closest adviser, with aides often referring to the “Biden-Harris administration” in official documentation and public statements. The office of vice president is not a visible role, yet for some reason people want more from Harris.
AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR ENDS
GEN. COLIN POWELL DIES
The last U.S. troops in Afghanistan withdraw, ending nearly 20 years of fighting but leaving more than 100 Americans and tens of thousands of America’s Afghan allies to an uncertain future. The withdrawal ended a 20-year occupation that began shortly after Al Qaeda’s attacks on 9/11, cost over $2 trillion, took more than 170,000 lives and ultimately failed to defeat the Taliban, the Islamist militants who allowed Al Qaeda to operate there. Five American C-17 cargo jets flew out of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, completing a hasty evacuation that left behind tens of thousands of Afghans desperate to flee the country, including former members of the security forces and many who held valid visas to enter the United States.
Gen. Colin Powell, a trailblazing soldier and diplomat, died Oct. 18 of COVID-19 complications. He was 84. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Powell spent 35 years in the Army and rose to the rank of four-star general before becoming the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He joined President George W. Bush’s administration in 2001 as secretary of state, the first African American to hold the powerful position. Powell was fully vaccinated LEGAL NOTICE against the coronavirus The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link but faced several other https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Tuesday, January 25, 2022, for the ailments. following solicitation:
CLASSIFIED
BLACK 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL WINS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
For the first time in the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s 96-year history, an African American has taken home the top prize. Zaila Avant-garde, 14, an eighth-grader from Harvey, La., won the prestigious competition — and $50,000. She is the competition’s second Black champion. She crushed the competition with the winning word, “murraya,” a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees, and celebrated with a twirl onstage under confetti. But not before she got the judges to crack smiles by sneaking in a Bill Murray joke.
• RFP# 22-12-04 ESSER Air Filtration Project Pre-proposal conference via Microsoft Teams will be held on January 5, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. (CST). Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.
LEGAL NOTICE The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Tuesday, January 25, 2022, for the following solicitation: • RFQ 22-12-05 Capital Improvement Professional Services – Survey/Platting, Geotechnical, Commissioning, Testing and Balancing and Other Related Services Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held on January 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (CST). Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.
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DN 2021 Year In Review In memoriam: Deaths in 2021 Defender News Service
In 2021, we said “Goodbye” to men and women who played important roles on the local, state and national levels. They included activists, athletes, educators, elected officials and entertainers.
HANK AARON
The Major League Baseball home run king died Jan. 23 at age 86. Aaron, who played for 23 years, hit his record-setting 715th home run with the Atlanta Braves in 1974. He received racist hate mail and death threats as he chased and broke Babe Ruth’s longstanding record. Aaron still holds records for RBIs (2,297), total bases (6,856) and extra-base hits (1,477), and ranks among MLB’s best in hits (3,771) and games played (3,298). He ended his career with 755 home runs.
ERIC JEROME DICKEY
ELGIN BAYLOR
The NBA Hall of Famer and executive died March 22 at age 86. Baylor was a Los Angeles Lakers superstar in the 1950s and ‘60s and No. 1 pick in the 1958 NBA draft. He led a former last-place team to the NBA Finals and won the Rookie of the Year award. In his 14 seasons with the Lakers, Baylor went to the NBA Finals eight times and was an 11-time All-Star. He later became an L.A. Clippers VP. GUSTA BOOKER JR.
The founder and pastor emeritus of Houston’s Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church died Feb. 3 at age 77. Booker retired in 2018 after 50 years as a pastor. He was founder and moderator of the Gulf Coast Baptist Association, former president of the Central State Convention of Texas and former chair of the National Baptist Convention Christian Education Board. He was a member of the Texas Black Religious Hall of Fame and Texas Southern University Alumni Hall of Fame. CAMERON BURRELL
The NCAA national champion sprinter with the University of Houston died Aug. 12 at age 26. His death was ruled a suicide. Burrell lettered with the UH track program from 2013-2018, competing for his father, head coach and Olympic gold medal sprinter Leroy Burrell. In 2018, Cameron Burrell captured the NCAA individual national championship in the 100-meter and ran the anchor leg of the Cougars’ championship 4x100-meter relay team. His mother, Michelle Finn-Burrell, was also an Olympic gold medalist. DRUCIE CHASE
The well-known community volunteer and wife of the late architectural pioneer John S. Chase died Jan. 19 at age 89. Mrs. Chase served on the boards of the Municipal Arts Commission, Houston Botanic Garden, Emancipation Park Conservancy and Houston Museum of African American Culture. She taught elementary school in Austin and at Grimes and Dodson elementary schools in Houston. After retiring from teaching, she was dedicated to rearing her three children and assisting her husband with his architectural firm.
The bestselling author whose work depicted modern Black life died Jan. 3 at age 59. Dickey’s books sold more than seven million copies. His bestsellers included “Friends and Lovers” and “Milk in My Coffee.” His 1996 debut novel, “Sister, Sister,” was named by Essence magazine as one of the 50 Most Impactful Black Books of the Last 50 Years. His last book was titled “The Son of Mr. Suleman.” Dickey was a stand-up comedian before becoming an author. SUZZANNE DOUGLAS
The actress known for roles in TV shows and movies died July 6 at age 64. Douglas had an early starring role in the movie “Tap” and won an NAACP Image Award for her performance. In 1995, Douglas landed a starring role in the WB sitcom “The Parent ‘Hood,” remaining with the show for its five-season run. She played Angela in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Her most recent role was in the 2019 Netflix miniseries “When They See Us.” DIANNE DURHAM
The first African American senior national gymnastics champion and a trailblazer in the sport died Feb. 4 at age 52. Known for her grace, artistry and power, Durham helped pull the sport of gymnastics into an era dominated by power tumbling and fast-paced progression. In the lead-up to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Durham was deprived of a spot on the team due to injuries and politics. But her achievement as 1983 national champion launched Durham onto the national stage. LEE ELDER
The first Black golfer to play in the Masters died Nov. 29 at age 87. Elder, a Dallas native, developed his game during segregation while caddying. He polished his game in the Army and after his discharge, joined the United Golf Association Tour for Black players in the early 1960s. He made history in 1975 at the Augusta National, which previously held an all-white tournament. Elder captured four PGA Tour victories. His best finish in six Masters appearances was a tie for 17th in 1979. Continued on Page 19
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DN 2021 Year In Review
Best Centerfolds
2021
W
hen it comes to Defender covers, we take great pride in bringing the public thought-provoking, well-researched original stories to inform and educate. Our goal is to arm you with information to improve your daily lives. One of the ways we do that is through our centerfolds. Here are some of the best centerfold stories that we brought to you in 2021.
TO READ THESE STORIES GO TO: https://bit.ly/HoustonDefender2021
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DN 2021 Year in Review
MAY 20
COVID and the Class of 2021: How the pandemic impacted their high school senior year (Aswad Walker) https://defendernetwork.com/videos/ dn-news-profiles/ video-covid-19-andthe-class-of-2021how-the-pandemicimpacted-their-highschool-senior-year/
AUGUST 19
Back to School: What Parents Need to Know About COVID and their Kids (ReShonda Tate) https://defendernetwork.com/news/local-state/ covid-concerns-what-parents-need-to-know-as-kids-head-back-to-school/
APRIL 1
Teachers and Mental Health: The COVID Effect (Aswad Walker) https://defendernetwork.com/ news/local-state/ teachers-andmental-healththe-covid-effect/ MAY 6
Top Word in Black articles By Aswad Walker
Word In Black (WIB) is a groundbreaking collaborative of ten of the nation’s leading Black news publishers in Detroit, Washington D.C., Baltimore, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, Sacramento, St. Louis and Houston. The project is a part of the Local Media Foundation and has received the backing of a number of funders: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Google News Initiative, Walton Family Foundation, Facebook Journalism Project, and Local Media Consortium. The managing editorial team includes interim director Andrew Ramsammy, with support from Maya Pottiger, a data journalist, along with reporters and editors from the ten publications. Each news entity was tasked in 2021 to produce 24 articles on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon K-12 education. Here are seven of the best in the Defender series of articles. To read more visit: https://bit.ly/ HoustonDefender2021
Demanding Black History in K-12 Curriculums (Aswad Walker) https://defendernetwork.com/videos/dn-news-profiles/ demanding-black-history-in-k-12-curriculums/ JANUARY 29
Left Behind: Report reveals Black, Hispanic, poor students suffered most from COVID school closures (ReShonda Tate) https://defendernetwork. com/news/national/ left-behind-report-reveals-black-hispanic-poorstudents-suffered-mostfrom-covid-school-closures/
AUGUST 5
To Return or Not: Special Needs Families Worry (Laura Onyeneho) https://defendernetwork.com/news/ local-state/to-return-or-not-special-needs-families-worry-aboutcovid-19-risks-in-schools/
OCTOBER 7
Local Experts Offer Parents Tools for In School and Virtual Classes (Laura Onyeneho) https://defendernetwork. com/news/local-state/ local-experts-offer-parents-tools-for-in-schooland-virtual-classes/
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DN 2021 Year In Review
ENTERTAINMENT Big Stories By Laura Onyeneho
For some, 2021 seemed to come and go as quick as a snap of a finger. COVID-19 restrictions continued to impact the entertainment industry, but 2021 also introduced positive news, shocking revelations and inspiring moments in films, television and music. The Defender takes a look at the major moments of entertainment in 2021.
Actor Jussie Smollett, along with his mother Janet, at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse following his conviction. AP
Jussie Smollett convicted
Jussie Smollett’s conviction for lying to police about a racist, homophobic attack came nearly three years after his report of a horrifying hate crime quickly became part of a polarized political landscape, with people — including the president of the United States — weighing in from all over. A prosecutor said the verdict was “a resounding message by the jury that Mr. Smollett did exactly what we said he did” — recruit two brothers to fake an attack so it could be recorded by a surveillance camera and posted on social media for publicity. The brothers testified that the former “Empire” actor paid them $3,500 for the hoax and gave them lines to yell, including about “MAGA country,” an apparent reference to then-President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. The jury convicted the 39-year-old on five counts of disorderly conduct — for each separate time he was charged with lying to police in the days after the alleged attack. He was acquitted on a sixth count, of lying to a detective in mid-February, weeks after Smollett said he was attacked. Prince Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview
The world was glued to television screens as more than 50 million viewers witnessed Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, interview with Oprah Winfrey and their experience in the royal palace. The couple’s claims of racism and lack of family support, and ill treatment by the British press became another example of a Black woman’s experience being denied and disregarded. As soon as the interview aired, many were quick to deny Meghan’s allegations. This was the main reason why the couple stepped away from their royal duties and moved the North America to start a new life. Kim and Kanye file for divorce
After six and a half years of marriage, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West called it quits. Kardashian sought joint custody of their four children along with reviewing their prenuptial agreement that determined how their assets would be divided. Their breakup was legally cited as irreconcilable differences. The beginning of the end of their marriage comes after the announcement of the end of “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” after 14 years. It was West’s first marriage and Kardashian’s third marriage. Their relationship outlasted the predictions of doubters who thought their oversized personalities wouldn’t last that long.
Death of Rapper DMX
Artists in the hip-hop community and beyond were shocked at the loss of revered rapper DMX, who died after suffering a heart attack and severe brain damage at age 50. DMX was admitted to a New York hospital where he was unresponsive and in a coma. The Grammy-nominated star burst onto the rap scene in 1998 with his smash hit “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. He has since left a legacy in hip-hop throughout the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The following year he released his best-selling album, “… And Then There Was X,” including the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here).” DMX had an acting career that included several films, including “Romeo Must Die,” “Cradle 2 The Grave” and “Exit Wounds.”
DaBaby booted from lineups after homophobic comments
Rapper DaBaby has been in the hot seat this year, especially being cut from a slew of performances including Lollapalooza following what were perceived as crude and homophobic remarks he made at a Miami-area music festival. The Grammy-nominated artist called out members of the LGBTQ community and people with HIV and AIDS. He asked attendees who weren’t gay men or people affected by HIV or AIDS to raise their cellphones flashlights, incorrectly saying the disease would “make you die in two or three weeks.” Immediately after the incident, DaBaby took to Instagram to clarify his statements but it did more harm than good. Conversations about DaBaby being canceled have since spawned opinion about cancel culture. Rihanna’s Fenty ventures bring billion-dollar status
Rihanna reached a rare economic status. She joined the billionaire’s club thanks to the birth of her successful business ventures Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 with the goal to create cosmetics that made “women everywhere (feel) included.” Savage x Fenty provided an additional $270 million to her earnings. Forbes estimated that Rihanna is worth $1.7 billion. That would make her the wealthiest female musician in the world. Her personal valuation places her second only to Oprah Winfrey when it comes to a top level well-to-do female entertainer. Continued on Page 14
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DN
2021 Year In Review
Beyoncé and Jay-Z make more history
When Beyoncé and Jay-Z collaborate, can they ever go wrong? The power couple captivated social media starring in Tiffany’s latest advertising campaign celebrating modern love. Tiffany’s debut of “About Love” shows Beyoncé wearing the iconic 128-carat Tiffany Diamond which the company purchased in 1878. She became the first African American women to wear the diamond which had previously been worn by Audrey Hepburn. The couple posed in front of a Jean-Michel Basquait “Equals Pi” painting, a 40-year-old piece from a private collection never displayed in public before.
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R. Kelly was in the spotlight yet again for being convicted in a sex trafficking trial after decades of avoiding criminal responsibility for allegations of misconduct with young women and children. A jury found Kelly guilty of all nine counts including racketeering. He faces the possibility of decades in prison including violating anti-sex trafficking laws. Kelly had been tried once before, in Chicago in a child pornography case, but was acquitted in 2008. Dave Chappelle faces backlash over Netflix special
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Cancel culture returned once again and all eyes were on Dave Chappelle and he wasn’t backing down. The standup comedian known for his in-your-face outspoken jokes pushed the envelope in his latest Netflix comedy special “The Closer,” cracking transphobic jokes which angered many critics and advocacy organizations. Netflix’s transgender employees made good on their promise to walk out of the office over Chappelle’s remarks saying executives dismissing their concerns over the controversial comments could lead to violence against the trans community. Netflix fully backed the comedian and refused to sever the relationship. This led to a wider conversation around comedy and cancel culture and Chappelle said, “If this is what being canceled is like, I love it.”
50 Cent moves to Houston
In May, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson made an announcement on Twitter about his move to the Bayou City. The Queens, NY native took a photo with himself wearing an Astros cap in from of the Astrodome. Jackson also gave his fans an update to his new Discovery+ anthology series “Confessions of a Crime Queen.” The show is a blend of documentary and scripted drama focusing on the true story of a queenpin who created a criminal dynasty before her work became the reason for her destruction. The series is arranged to air sometime in 2022. 50 Cent didn’t get into much detail about why he made the move or whether it would be permanent, but speculation led back to a Instagram post in Oct 2020, when Jackson shared a screenshot of a news broadcast stating President Biden wanted to raise taxes in NYC by 62% for people making over $400,000 and Jackson wasn’t having that.
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DN 2021 Year In Review Pro & College Sports Big Stories Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) arrives at NFL football practice Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
By Terrance Harris
This has certainly been the year of Deshaun Watson. Unfortunately, Watson hasn’t made any headlines for his prowess on the football field. It’s all been about the news the Texans’ franchise quarterback has made off the field. Other newsmakers included local pro and college coaches and managers, gymnast Simone Biles and the surprising Texas Southern basketball team. WATSON’S IMAGE TARNISHED
Deshaun Watson first drew the attention of the NFL world in January when word leaked he no longer wanted to play for the Texans, just months after he had signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension to remain in Houston. Never had that happened in the history of the NFL. But Watson lost faith in team owner and CEO Cal McNair after McNair went back on his word that Watson would be given input into the Texans next general manager and head coaching hires. Watson would have been a hot commodity on the open trade market had it not been for accusations of sexual misconduct by what started out with a couple of massage therapists represented by notorious Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee. That number quickly grew to 22 known massage therapists who are now a part of lawsuits claiming an assortment of sexual misbehavior by Watson. These lawsuit allegations along with a criminal investigation and an almost certain NFL suspension have worked together to all but bring Watson’s career to a halt. The Top 10 NFL quarterback did not suit up for the rebuilding Texans at all this season and with the threat of at least 22 lawsuits out there and punishment by the league awaiting, there is almost no serious trade value for the Texans franchise quarterback, whose new contract kicks in next season. Watson is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but his once squeaky clean image is forever tarnished.
DANCING COUGARS
The University of Houston men’s basketball team, led by veteran coach Kelvin Sampson, danced its way back into the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament last spring. It was the first time the Cougars had advanced to the national semi-finals since a group known as Phi Slama Jama was dominating the floor in the early 1980s. The Cougars, a No. 2 seed in this year’s tournament, captured the imagination and hearts of the city on their magical run. It all ended in the semi-final round, however, when the Cougs fell to eventual national champion Baylor. THREE KINGS
When the Texans hired 65-year-old career assistant coach David Culley as their new head coach, it gave Houston the rare distinction of hitting the trifecta of three African American men heading up three professional sports franchises at the same time. Legendary Dusty Baker is managing the Astros and Stephen Silas, with his stellar pedigree, is leading the Rockets. While the Astros and Rockets have been run by African American men in the past, this is the first time that the professional football team has a non-interim head coach of African descent. Silas and Culley, of course, have been given the difficult task of presiding over rebuilding franchises. Historically, African American coaches rarely get the benefit of seeing the turnaround through. Baker, meanwhile, took over an Astros franchise that had been rocked by an embarrassing sign-stealing scandal in 2019 and has done nothing but do the club proud since. The 72-year-old Baker led the Astros to the ALCS in 2020 and this season won the AL West and then guided the team to the World Series against Atlanta. For his efforts, Baker was awarded another year on his expiring contract and was recognized as Major League Baseball’s AL Manager of the Year.
Dusty Baker answers questions during a news conference as he is announced as the new Houston Astros manager at Minute Maid Park, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/ Michael Wyke)
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DN 2021 Year In Review SIMONE BILES TAUGHT US SO MUCH
There was no bigger story during this summer’s Tokyo Olympics than Houston native, gymnast Simone Biles, who for all intents and purposes was the face of last summer’s Games. It was all but assumed Biles, who already had ascended to G.O.A.T status in gymnastics, would equal or better the five medals she won in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It didn’t work out that way. The normally unshakable Biles seemed to unravel before our eyes. She then withdrew from the allaround, floor exercise, vault and uneven bar events before returning to a bronze medal in the balance beam. But what the world didn’t know was the inner turmoil and the enormous pressure placed on Biles had become too much. It was soon Biles, a seemingly unbreakable athlete, who taught us all that it’s okay not to be okay in a huge personal statement on mental health.
Simone Biles, of the United States, watches gymnasts perform at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Tokyo. Biles says she wasn’t in right ‘headspace’ to compete and withdrew from gymnastics team final to protect herself. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) SURGING PANTHERS
After a decade of mediocrity, the Prairie View football team finally hit its stride in season four under Eric Dooley. The Panthers, led by Louisville transfer quarterback Jawon Pass and a stellar defense, strung together seven straight wins at one point and then held on to win the SWAC West Division for the first time since 2009. Unfortunately for those on The Hill, the season didn’t end the way they wanted. The Panthers lost their final four games of the season, including a disappointing 27-10 defeat at the hands of Deion Sanders’ Jackson State Tigers in the SWAC Championship game. PVAMU then suffered one final loss when Dooley, a New Orleans native, decided to take his talents back to his home state to head up the Southern football program in Baton Rouge.
TSU TIGERS SHOCK THE WORLD
It’s not unusual for the Prairie View and Texas Southern men’s basketball teams to feel like they are on a barnstorming tour across the country before the SWAC season begins. Somebody has to pay the athletic department bills, right. Johnny Jones’ Tigers had been on a seeming gauntlet of a road schedule, which included not one home game, when they ventured into Gainesville, Fla. to take on the 20-ranked Florida Gators of the SEC on Dec. 6. The previously winless Tigers shocked the world when they prevailed over the Gators, 69-54. It is the first time a SWAC team has defeated a ranked opponent in the Associated Press era, which goes back to 1936. Ranked SEC teams had also enjoyed a 51-0 record against the SWAC prior to the Tigers’ upset win.
Texas Southern forward John Walker III (24) and forward Joirdon Karl Nicholas (5) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Florida, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey)
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DN 2021 Year In Review
High School Sports Big Stories By Jodie B. Jiles
It was a good year for Greater Houston area high school sports - from players making history to players getting the most sacks in a season. Athletes in every sport excelled on the local and state level. The Defender breaks down some of the highs and lows of 2021 in the high school sports year in review. YATES DE KAM BIZOR GETS 25.5 SACKS
Yates High School transfer Kam Bizor finished his junior season with 25.5 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in just 10 games. It is no telling what Bizor will accomplish next season putting up numbers like he did in 2021.
CY PARK LB/RB HAROLD PERKINS TOP 5 NATIONALLY
Harold Perkins, a native of New Orleans, made a name for himself on the gridiron (his family relocated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina). It is rare that one sees a Lawrence Taylor prototype linebacker flip the script and look like Leonard Fournette on the offense. Hence the reason why Big Perk is “Top 5” nationally.
North Shore Dematrius Davis
North Shore freshman QB Kaleb Bailey takes off for a Quarterfinals Playoff TD vs. Katy Tompkins. NORTH SHORE BECOMES A DYNASTY
Since 2018, North Shore has won 3 out of 4 state championships after recently beating Duncanville at State for the third time. The first two championships were won under the leadership of graduating star Quarterback Dematrius Davis. Throughout Dematrius Davis’ three years as a starting quarterback he scored 171 total touchdowns, passed for 10,536 yards, rushed for 3,047 yards, maintained a 51-3 winning record and won back-to-back state championships on top of that. By comparison, No. 1 draft pick and current NFL MVP candidate Kyler Murray threw for 10,429 yards in his high school career. But the fact that this year’s 2021 championship was won by a freshman quarterback Kaleb Bailey proves the sky is the limit for this North Shore dynasty. Continued on Page 18
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DN 2021 Year In Review Katy Seven Lakes (L-R Sydney Kim, Ibiso David-West, Alyssa Tate and Haley)
KATY SEVEN LAKES 4X100M GIRLS’ TEAM WINS
Katy Seven Lakes’ Sydney Kim, Ibiso David-West, Alyssa and Haley Tate took home the gold medal in the 4x100m state championship relay with a 44.89 time. KATY WINS 2020 STATE TITLE
After demolishing Cedar Hill in the 2020 UIL Class 6A State Championship by a score of 51-14 in January, the Tigers haven’t looked back this season going undefeated entering the playoffs. Katy has not lost a football game since Nov. 5, 2020.
HIGHTOWER’S BRYCE GRIGGS FOREGOES SENIOR YEAR
The Defender has been watching Bryce Griggs for a while, and his decision to skip his senior year to sign with the G-League’s Overtime Elite team was no surprise at all. Since joining the G-League, Griggs has showcased his offense, hitting a buzzer-beater 3 in his first game.
CY CREEK’S HUNTER, HARMON GO OUT WITH A BANG
Arguably one of the best duos to watch in girls’ basketball this season was Cy Creek High School’s guard combo of Kyndall Hunter and Rori Harmon. The two had a 32-1 overall record during their senior campaign, taking their only loss in the UIL 6A State Championship against Desoto. And the most amazing thing is that they accomplished the same feat their junior season.
MARSHALL HURDLER TAIRAH JOHNSON STATE CHAMP
In 2021, Ft. Bend Marshall’s Tairah Johnson appeared to be the best of the best in 100m girls’ hurdles. In the state semifinals, Johnson ran a state best sub-14 second (13.73) qualifying time. Then she breezed through the state championship event winning gold with a time of 13.77.
STUDENTS MEMORIALIZED AFTER ASTROWORLD TRAGEDY
During the Heights High School vs. Memorial High School playoff game, both teams honored the lives of students Brianna Rodriguez (Heights) and John Hilgert (Memorial), who were tragically killed during the Astroworld Festival held on Nov. 5.
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DN 2021 Year In Review GRADY GAINES
The Texas blues and jazz saxophonist died Jan. 29 at age 86. Gaines, a native of Waskom, performed with the Texas Upsetters for years. He previously performed and recorded with Little Richard in the 1950s and later backed such artists as Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Joe Tex. He also toured with Millie Jackson and Curtis Mayfield. Gaines formed the Texas Upsetters in 1985 and recordings included “Full Gain” (1988), “Horn of Plenty” (1992) and “Jump Start” (2002). BEATRICE GREEN
The Houston community leader died Nov. 9 at age 108. She co-founded Third Ward’s Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the first Lutheran church for Blacks in Texas. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she and friends traveled by bus to Austin, protesting at the State Capitol for the right to vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed. She was a key figure in opening Precinct No. 247, the first Black voting precinct in Cuney Homes, and served there until 2006. ALCEE HASTINGS
The outspoken federal judge and congressman died April 6 at age 84. Hastings began his career as a civil rights lawyer and became Florida’s first Black federal judge in 1979. His term on the bench ended 10 years later after he was charged with conspiring to solicit a $150,000 bribe and impeached. In 1992 he was elected to the House representing Florida and mounted another 14 successful campaigns. He served on the Rules Committee and earned a reputation for speaking his mind. ERNEST “ERNIE” JACKSON
The noted Houston radio executive and vice president/general manager of KMJQ (Majic 102) and KBXX (97.9 The Box) from 1993 to 2001, died April 30 at age 78. Jackson was responsible for the total operation of both urban contemporary stations. During his lengthy broadcasting career in six cities, Jackson worked as a senior account executive, sales manager, sports director and on-air announcer. He was an award-winning photographer and had experience as a strategic marketing consultant and non-profit executive director. VERNELL JESSIE
The familiar voice to Houston radio listeners for years and a multi-talented media professional died June 18 at age 72. Her broadcasting background included: News director/talk show host, KYOK-Radio; producer/newscaster, KCOH-Radio; reporter/ weekend anchor, KILT-Radio; reporter/anchor, KXAS-TV; and co-host, KMJQ-Radio and Gulf Coast Cable TV. Other positions included advertising and circulation manager, the Defender; special projects coordinator, Houston NAACP; director, Media Relations, HISD; executive director, Public Engagement, District of Columbia Public Schools; and director, Public Affairs, MHMRA Harris County. LARRY DON JOHNSON
The pioneering Houston media professional and actor died June 26 at age 77. Johnson was a founding member of the Urban Theater and was cast in theater and film roles and commercials. He was the first Black news director and weekend anchor at Channel 39. He held positions at KHTV, KYOK, KCOH and KKBQ and was director of Public Affairs, Harris County Hospital District. He was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2011 and retired from KTSU as development director. ERIC LAWSON
The educator/administrator and member of one of Houston’s most prominent families died Nov. 24 at age 62. Lawson worked as a resource teacher, special education administrator and assistant principal and served on the campuses of Blackshear and B. C. Elmore elementary schools, Ryan Middle School, William A. Lawson Institute and Worthing High School. Survivors include his father, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Emeritus William A. Lawson, and sister, ABC13/KTRK-TV anchor Melanie Lawson.
BIZ MARKIE
The rapper nicknamed the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop” because of his humorous music and persona died July 16 at age 57. Born Marcel Theo Hall, he was known for his 1989 hit, “Just a Friend.” Markie had moderate success on R&B radio with his early singles “Make the Music With Your Mouth” and “Vapors.” But “Just a Friend” made him a star and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. He was a frequent guest on songs by other artists and won over a new generation of fans with regular appearances on the children’s show “Yo Gabba Gabba.”
SHAWN MCLEMORE
The gospel singer with Houston ties died Oct. 9 at age 54. McLemore led the gospel group New Image, which had a Billboard hit album, “Wait on Him.” Other albums followed, including 2011’s “One Percent Miracle: Any Minute Now.” McLemore, a Los Angeles native, earned a doctorate from Houston Bible College. He starred in such stage plays as Tyler Perry‘s “If Loving You is Wrong,” “Hell Has No Fury Like a Woman Scorned,” “Come Out of the Rain” and “Don’t Get God Started.” PAUL MOONEY
The boundary-pushing comedian who was Richard Pryor’s writing partner and known for his bold musings on racism died May 19 at age 79. Mooney’s collaboration with Pryor began in 1968 and lasted until Pryor’s death in 2005. As head writer on “In Living Color,” Mooney helped create the Homey D. Clown character. Mooney and Pryor first wrote episodes for the sitcom “Sanford and Son” together. Mooney also helped write many of Pryor’s classic comedy albums. He played Negrodamus on “Chappelle Show.” RUCKS RUSSELL
The former KHOU-11 reporter and communications director for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee died May 12 at age 55. Russell came to Houston in 2006 after working at a Raleigh, N.C. TV station. He left KHOU and joined Jackson Lee’s office. He later became chief of staff for former Councilmember Dwight Boykins, before returning to Washington, D.C., to take a job as a senior media and communications specialist at the Office of Minority Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CICELY TYSON
The award-winning actress died January 28 at age 96. Her film, TV and theater work included roles in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” “Roots,” “King,” “Sounder” and “The Help.” Tyson’s choice of roles helped shatter Hollywood’s African American stereotypes throughout the 1970s as she insisted on playing characters that allowed her to radiate strength and dignity. She received an Oscar nomination for “Sounder” and won a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for “The Trip to Bountiful.”
See more obits from 2021.
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