Joshua Dada, Entertainment Connect
MILLENNIALS IN BUSINESS NEXT GENERATION ON THE MOVE NEWS
CANCER CRUSADE
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is fighting for the health of Blacks in North Houston.
Volume 89, issue 11 January 9, 2020
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ENTERTAINMENT
LIZZO
Known professionally as Lizzo, Melissa Viviane Jefferson has Houston roots and is BLOWING UP.
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&FINE ANTANIQUE LANDRY Age: 37 Occupation: Fitness Trainer/ Gym Owner Motto: You get out of life what you put into it. Live fearlessly with intent and integrity.
Message from the Publisher
Welcome to the New Defender I LOVE.. to travel and experience new things, food, culture and people.
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DEAR READERS: As the New Year 2020 gets underway, the Houston Defender Network is proud to unveil the New Defender designed to focus more on YOU with profiles in business, entertainment and community building a stronger closeness to our neighbors. In addition, our features InFocus, On Social and Pollytick give you a unique perspective not covered by other media. Knowing your busy schedule, the Defender offers stories impacting your life today in a clear, concise and relevant format that’s easy to read yet resourceful. Celebrating 90 years in business, we invite you to enjoy the New Defender and join the conversation about the issues on all our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and our website, defendernetwork.com.
Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for a free subscription to one or all of the Defender products delivered to your email: The Daily Dozen, featuring the 12 top Black headlines of the day; E-Edition, the weekly electronic version of the newspaper Sonny Messiah Jiles delivered every Thursday, and NewsWrap, a summary of the key Black news stories in a three-to-four minute video package delivered on Saturday morning. We deliver news you can use and uphold a tradition of excellence that began 90 years ago.
Defender managing editor ReShonda Billingsley brings you a weekly wrap up of the top stories impacting Black people on the local, state and national levels. An added bonus is a listing of the top three upcoming community events you don’t want to miss. In less than 5 minutes, this Saturday newscast keeps you up-to-date and is conveniently delivered via email to your phone, tablet or computer. To subscribe click: https://defendernetwork.com/subscribe/
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN News City of Houston Financial Report! $138 million…
City of Houston annual financial report shows expenses down from FY2018, but expenses exceed revenues by $138 million.
$2.254 billion…
Other former employees benefits liability threatens the city’s long-term financial outlook.
BLACK CANCER CRISIS IN NORTH HOUSTON Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) findings confirm higher incidents of cancer outside of normal rates in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens, Settegast, Independence Heights and other Northeast Houston communities. Specifically, the DSHS analyzed the Texas Cancer Registry available from 2000 to 2016,” as it relates to the affected areas, in which “lung, bronchus esophagus, and larynx cancers were statistically significantly greater than expected.” The report also found that the types of cancers which were identified in the study are consistent with arsenic being present in the area, which comprises creosote.
Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee organized a community meeting to discuss the cancer cluster study in addition to coordinating a community assessment to identify expanded cancer clusters and other health concerns related to environmental contamination caused by creosote. “Given the findings of the DSHS report, and the impact this has on the health and well-being on my constituents in Kashmere Gardens, I urged the EPA to initiate and conduct a comprehensive investigation and issue a thorough report on the incidences of cancer clusters in the Fifth Ward,” Jackson Lee said. “I heard stories that were stark in their nature, compelling and of the type which demand action. Speaker after speaker at this community meeting spoke of the existence of cancer, either in themselves or in their relatives. It was startling. One participant spoke of having a vegetable garden and concerns about whether it was safe to eat the food grown. Another spoke about recalling the runoff that would fill ditches when it would rain and the smell of creosote near where they lived. “I will not relent until the community and its citizens have answers about the impact creosote has in the lives and health of my constituents,” she said.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
NEWSBRIEFS DEFERRED PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS
Texans who are age 65 or older or who are disabled can postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit at the Harris County Appraisal District office. Taxes are deferred – but not canceled – as long as the owner continues to qualify for the exemption. Taxes accumulate with 5 percent interest per year. The law extends the tax deferral to the surviving spouse of the person who was at least 55 years old when the deceased spouse died.
DALLAS MAN SHOT 16 TIMES
A Dallas man fatally shot by law enforcement was hit 16 times, according to his recent autopsy. Schaston Hodge, who was Black, was shot by DPS troopers patrolling South Dallas. The autopsy revealed new details in the fatal August 17, 2019, shooting, which occurred after troopers stopped Hodge for failing to signal a turn. DPS said Hodge was armed at the time of the shooting and fired at the troopers but they’ve declined to release footage of the incident. The officers have been placed on paid leave while the case is being investigated.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Dave Martin, Houston City Councilmember-District E, is the newly appointed mayor pro tem. Martin, who represents Kingwood and Clear Lake, will serve as the acting mayor when Mayor Sylvester Turner is unavailable.
Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston City Councilmember-District K, will serve as vice mayor pro-tem. Castex-Tatum, who represents Hiram Clarke, South Main/ Post Oak, Westbury, Brays Oaks, and Ft. Bend, will serve when Pro-Tem Dave Martin is unavailable.
Dr. Reagan Flowers will fill the Houston Community College District IV trustee position vacated by Dr. Carolyn EvansShabazz, who was elected to the Houston City CouncilDistrict D. Flowers, who is the CEO of C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services, recently ran for an HISD school board position.
CITY URGED TO PICK UP HARVEY REPAIR PACE
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is looking for companies interested in taking over Houston’s housing repair program. But state officials say that inquiry will be moot if local officials pick up the sluggish pace of Hurricane Harvey recovery. The proposal would essentially start the $428 million program over again by requiring the company it selects to staff Houston offices with case managers, perform community outreach, process aid applications and supervise repairs.
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DEFENDER NETWORK
News
NATIONAL
Legislators work to lower prescription drug costs A long line of people brave the cold as they wait to be the first in Illinois to purchase recreational marijuana at dispensary in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
New laws create “big” changes
Defender News Service
U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn hailed House passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The landmark legislation passed the House on a bipartisan vote, 230-192 and is before the Senate for consideration. The bill gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies and extends those lower prices to Americans with private insurance as well. “This is an important step toward providing American consumers more accessible and affordable prescription drugs,” Clyburn said. “This legislation will provide real price reductions that will put significant money back in the pocket of consumers.” Negotiating lower prescription drug prices has the added benefit of cost savings to American taxpayers. A portion of those savings will be reinvested in the National Institutes of Health to research new cures and treatments.
NEWSBRIEFS JULIÁN CASTRO ENDORSES AFTER DROPPING OUT Just days after ending his campaign for president, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro is endorsing Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Castro’s departure from the race left a diversity void. His endorsement is the most high-profile yet from a onetime 2020 candidate. JOHN LEWIS VOWS TO FIGHT CANCER U.S. Rep. John Lewis is vowing to fight his stage IV pancreat-
The problem: U.S. drug prices are nearly four times higher than in similar countries The solution: Legislation proposed includes: Support expansion of Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision, and hearing needs and James Clyburn set a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit Congressional on prescription drug costs for Majority Whip those on Medicare. Fund provisions of Clyburn’s H.R. 1943, the Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act of 2019. Provide a $10 billion funding boost to community health centers, which serve 28 million Americans across the United States, including over 350,000 veterans, 8 million children and 1.4 million homeless patients.
ic cancer diagnosis. The longtime Georgia congressman and renowned civil rights activist said he will endure daily treatments while remaining hopeful and optimistic. While supporters rally to his aid, Lewis said doctors have told him advances in treatment give him a fighting chance. Doctors discovered his stage IV cancer during a routine checkup, Lewis said. JOHN GRAY STANDING STRONG IN FACE OF EVICTION Pastor John Gray and his team of ministry leaders at Relentless Church in South Carolina displayed a united front just days after Redemp-
tion Church founders Ron and Hope Carpenter asked a local court to evict them from their church building. Gray, a former Lakewood associate pastor, was given until the end of 2019 to vacate the property by the Carpenters amid allegations that he had been “shady” and “dishonest” in executing a transfer agreement after they passed the reins of their Redemption Church to him in 2018. The church was rebranded as Relentless Church. Gray, through his legal team, has rejected the allegations and insisted to his congregation via a pre-recorded address that he has been abiding by the terms of the deal he has with the Carpenters.
RECREATIONAL WEED NOW LEGAL IN ILLINOIS Illinois legalized the possession and sale of cannabis for recreational use and becomes the 11th state to legalize cannabis for adult use. Under the new law, adults 21 and older who live in the state can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. That means about 315,000 Illinois residents with weed-related criminal records are eligible to have these records expunged. Minority-owned businesses will also get support in entering the marijuana market.
York follows a handful of other states, including New Jersey and Illinois, that have reformed the use of cash bail in recent years.
NEW YORK ENDING CASH BAIL FOR MANY OFFENSES New York judges will no longer set money bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent offenses, including many drug offenses. Money bail will still be used for violent felonies. That means thousands of people currently in jail awaiting trial on bail will be released. New
MINIMUM WAGE GETS BOOST IN OVER A DOZEN STATES Minimum wage has increased in 21 states. In over a dozen of these places, it will now be at or above $15 an hour ― or what advocates have long been calling for as a “living wage.” The federal minimum wage has not risen since 2009, staying at $7.25 per hour.
NEW “RED FLAG” GUN REFORM LAWS GO INTO EFFECT In Colorado, Nevada and Hawaii, new “red flag” laws mean family members, law enforcement and others can petition a court to have a person be temporarily blocked from accessing guns if a judge determines that person is a threat to themselves or others.
VOLUMN 89 - NUMBER 11 - JANUARY 9, 2020 Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
Managing Editor ReShonda Billingsley
Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler
Associate Editor Marilyn Marshall
Strategic Alliance Clyde Jiles
People Editor Aswad Walker
Creative Director Michael Grant
Sports Terrance Harris Jodie B. Jiles
Photographers Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison
Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
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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ME & THE BEES
When Mikaila Ulmer was just four years old, she was stung by two bees in the same week. Her parents encouraged her to do some research on the bees rather than being upset with them. Upon discovering the important role that bees play in our ecosystem, Mikaila was determined to help them. Using her Great Granny Helen’s flaxseed honey lemonade recipe, Mikaila launched her business from her home in Austin, Texas in 2009. Today, this award-winning lemonade is available locally in all H-E-B stores as well as several other retailers across the nation. Today, the award-winning lemonade is distributed by United Natural Foods (UNFI) in Wegmans, Cost Plus, World Market and now available at checkouts in all H-E-B stores. In 2018, Mikaila launched her Healthy Hive Foundation where 10% of the net profits from the sale of her lemonade goes to saving our honey bees. Now at the age of 15, Mikaila has shared her story with Good Morning America, NBC News, ABC 20/20, The Real, Forbes and TIME among others, and has been invited to speak on social entrepreneurship at prestigious gatherings including the White House, and The United State of Women Summit, where she introduced President Barack Obama. Look out for Mikaila’s book titled Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid in July 2020. meandthebees.com
FRENCHY’S SAUSAGE
‘Percy “Frenchy” Creuzot, New Orleans native, came to Houston in 1965 to work as a traveling salesman. His ambitions quickly shifted to food, and on July 3rd, 1969, he and his wife Sallie opened up a po-boy shop bearing his nickname on Scott Street, just a block from the University of Houston and not far from TSU. Frenchy’s Sausage Company, Inc. (FSCI) was originally created to produce Chaurice, a Creole Hot Sausage for the restaurant. In 1977, as the demand for Chaurice grew beyond the restaurant’s needs, Frenchy encouraged his son, Percy “King” Creuzot III to join him in the family business. Frenchy passed away in the summer of 2010, and now King heads the family business. In keeping with family tradition, King recruited his son, Percy “P.C.” Creuzot IV, to also join him. Today, FSCI has grown from a small sausage manufacturer to a proud full-service food service distribution business specializing in Creole cooking products. Frenchy’s has a wide assortment of products which are available in nearly 250 H-E-B stores.”
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DN Entertainment ENTERTAINMENT
BRIEFS Blacks were shut out of the Golden Globes during the recent awards ceremony. “Dolemite Is My Name” was nominated for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy but lost to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Eddie Murphy was nominated for his leading role in the film but lost to Aaron Egerton who played Elton John in “Rocketman.” Billy Porter was up for Best Actor in a TV SeriesDrama for “Pose” but lost to “Succession” star Brian Cox. Best Actress nominee Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”) lost to “Judy” star Renee Zellweger. Spike Lee and former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama are gearing up to release their next projects for Netflix. Obama’s documentary about a summer camp for disabled teenagers titled “Crip Camp” follows the journey of disabled teenagers attending a summer camp in the 1970s. Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods”(starring Chadwick Boseman) follows four Black vets who return to Vietnam seeking their squad leader’s remains and the promise of buried treasure. Tyler Perry is drawing criticism for his latest movie, “A Fall From Grace.” The film stars Crystal Fox as a downtrodden, heartbroken Black woman who may or may not have murdered her young husband (Austin native Mechad Brooks), who preyed on her vulnerability to steal her identity. Some fans condemned Perry’s reliance on negative tropes regarding Black women, while others blasted the dismissive nature of “woke Blacks” who come to cancel everything.
LIZZO Blowing UP! Born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, Lizzo has blasted her way to the top building and shaping her career through hard work and a relentless commitment to succeed. Here are a few facts: 1. Incredible flute player: The 31 year-old started playing flute in elementary school. Obsessed with being the best, Lizzo says, “it was cool being in the band.” She affectionately calls her instrument Sasha Flute.
JUSTIN MILBURN... IAMJUSTIFIED
A
fter going through a dark season of depression and contemplating suicide, Justin Milburn says music literally saved his life. Known as “iamjustified,” Milburn for the last six years has been using music to inspire and bring entertainment to people all over the world especially youngsters. The Houston area native is a Clark Atlanta University graduate and describes himself as motivated, consistent and faithful. Preparing for his college music tour, the former teacher admits his philosophies of life or mantras are “Speak Life” and “All It Took was FAITH.” His eclectic style is reflected in his list of people who influenced him the most: Drake, T.D. Jakes, Tony Robbins, and Floyd Mayweather. To book Justin: BookIamJustified@gmail.com See video: www.defendernetwork.com
With my work, I’m looking to plant seeds in the minds of our future and growing generations. Justin Milburn
2. Houston roots: At the age of nine, Lizzo moved to Houston from Detroit. She started rapping as a teenager in Alief, a southwest suburb in Houston while attending Elsik High School. She studied classical music at the University of Houston. 3. Found first band on Craigslist: Lizzo wanted to pursue a career in singing and found a rock band. “Being in a band gave me confidence. I earned the confidence to be a frontwoman. 4. Eight Grammy nominations Her song “Truth Hurts” has three nominations of the eight. 5. Self-love is her philosophy: At almost every show Lizzo ask the audience to say, “I love you, you’re beautiful, you can do anything” to one another. She believes that once she learned self-love everything else followed. 6. Prince helped her find her voice: In 2014, Lizzo was summoned to Paisley Park and worked on the album PLECTRUMELECTRUM. She states that working with Prince made her into the artist she is today. 7. Adamant advocate: Lizzo, sometimes described as a sexand-gender non-conformist, has spoken up and out about body positivity, the rights of LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter. She is more than a performer. She is a social and music icon. Credit: Facts collected from multiple online sources.
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NCAA WORKING ON ATHLETE ENDORSEMENTS LAW
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A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research 2143 Texas Road Trip - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.93 $5 2/19/20 8/17/20 supports the NCAA allowing college athletes to cash in on their names, images and likenesses is especially high among young adults, as well as Black Americans 2150 Red Hot Slots - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.56 $5 2/19/20 8/17/20 and Hispanics, though majorities of white Americans and older adults are also 2084 Mega Loteria - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.54 $10 2/19/20 8/17/20 in favor. 2067 Stacks of Cash - Overall Odds are 1 in 3.37 $20 2/19/20 8/17/20 The NCAA is trying to sort out how to make the system STATS work within the current framework of college athletics Txlottery.org is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes. In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated while also guarding against corruption in recruiting. when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2020 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. “The opinions of the public in general are very Support college important because they are reflected in the attitudes of players earning universities, who are the ones that actually make the endorsement money rules,” NCAA President Mark Emmert told AP. “We do, indeed, need to make this work with students playing students. Not having an employee-based model. Believe1athletes W96476_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0109.indd Not blowing up what’s so good about college sports right should receive None printed at 1-3-2020 3:30 PM tsalazar-mbp15 from by Tommy Salazar / Tommy now,” Emmert told AP. “The concern about the large, salariessaved at will be accepting following: strong public opinion voice like this is that in a federal approvalsRequest for Qualifications for thefonts & images job info or state legislative process — and I believe we’re seeing None creative dir job # W96476 Fonts Agency External Auditing Services client TEXAS LOTTERY Helvetica Neue LT Std (95 Black, 77 Bold Conden None art director this in the state legislative process — it can overwhelm Believe college headline/tag JAN EOG AD Condensed), Times (Regular) None CENTER, Purchasing Department copywriter Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS located at 9401 4.79" x 3.26" athletestrim should get the need for a thoughtful approach.” MICAELA ACOSTA and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website account mgr (713) SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone 970-7116 bleed None Images media right www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/, beginning None None The NCAA has turned to federal legislators for help. a cut of live Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFQ is Tuesday, color setup BW deals notes Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and January 21, 2020. Solicitation documents must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, vendor/pub HOUSTON DEFENDER Inks Houston, Texas 77074 by 10 a.m., marked "RFQ FOR Black media type NEWSPAPER DUE: 01/02Tuesday, February 4, 2020 in a sealed envelope Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah have started a AGENCY EXTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES” - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 die cut None PUB: 01/09 AT 10:00 A.M. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, congressional working group to examine college athlete compensation and related Buyer II or E-mail questions to james.blunt@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org., issues. Emmert met with them in Washington and has said he believes federal or via fax at (713) 970-7682. Historically Underutilized Businesses, including Minority-Owned Businesses and Women-Owned Businesses, are encouraged to participate. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights legislation that sets national parameters for what is permissible compensation to reject any and/or all responses, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents 410 BAYLOR ST • ATX 78703 as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest response. for athletes seems likely. t 512.479.6200 f 512.479.6024
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DN Sports
TALE OF THE TAPE HOW TEXANS LINE UP AGAINST CHIEFS BY TERRANCE HARRIS
QUARTERBACKS
WIDE RECEIVERS
DESHAUN WATSON
DEANDRE HOPKINS
VS
VS
PATRICK MAHOMES
SAMMY WATKINS
The Texans quarterback is fast emerging as one of the most exciting playmakers in the NFL this season. It doesn’t matter if Watson has to win games with his feet or his arm – as he did both in one single play in overtime to lift the Texans over Buffalo in their AFC Wild Card match-up.
The reigning MVP hasn’t had quite the season he had in 2018 – his first year as the Chiefs starter – but Mahomes is still one of the most dangerous passers in the game because of his ability to move around and buy time to find the open receiver. He has been slowed some this season because of early injuries to his ankle and knee but he is past that.
TIGHT ENDS DARREN FELLS
The All-Pro receiver is really the heart of the Texans offense. As he goes, so does the offense. Hopkins was shut out in the first half against the Bills and the same went for the entire offense. Hopkins is one of the best deep-threat receivers in the game.
Watkins hasn’t put up great numbers really since the beginning the season, but he is still a deep threat who could take advantage of an inconsistent Texans secondary. Watkins doesn’t always run the most crisp routes but if he can get open he will make something happen.
PASS RUSHERS
J.J. WATT
It seems almost unfair to compare Fells to his Kansas City counterpart, but make no mistake the journeyman tight end has been a huge part of the Texans offense this season. Fells has found a way to come up with timely explosive plays this season and has become a favorite check down option of Watson’s, especially in the red zone.
If you didn’t understand how much of an emotional leader Watt can be and just the impact he can have on the game all you had to do was witness his game-changing sack against the Bills. Not only did he awaken the defense but the offense got going too after being dormant in the first half. Watt’s earlier-than-expected return from a pectoral tear has already proven key.
VS
VS
TRAVIS KELCE
TERRELL SUGGS
In this day of versatile, athletic tight ends, Kelce is simply the best among the best of them. His superior route running has made the Pro Bowl tight end the Chiefs leading receiver with 97 receptions for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns this season. Kelce is a match-up nightmare for most defenses.
Those who thought Suggs’ days of being an impact player were behind him better think again. Suggs, who began the season in Arizona, joined the Chiefs for the final two games of the regular season and quickly displayed his ability to get after the passer and to make impact plays on defense. Suggs spent most of his future Hall of Fame career in Baltimore and gives the Chiefs defense some of the grit and swagger it has needed.
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DEFENDER NETWORK
DN Sports HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
STATE CHAMPS SHADOW CREEK Pearland showcases two MVPs BY JODIE JILES
Football season is still in full throttle even though the high school season has ended and the Houston area boasts two state champion MVPs. Pearland Shadow Creek junior linebacker Jeremiah Harris, a Kansas State commit, and junior quarterback Kyron Drones, a highly sought-after dual threat prospect, posted MVP performances in Shadow Creek’s 28-22 state title victory over Denton Ryan. Drones finished the night rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns while Harris made 5.5 tackles with two sacks and one tackle for a loss. In addition to making major contributions in the program’s biggest game to date, Harris and Drones have also been a huge part of the journey. In Shadow Creek’s first year, the team went 6-3 as an independent first-year program. The next year, Shadow Creek entered the UIL Class 5A Division 1, and did not lose a game until the state championship. This season Shadow Creek went to state with a perfect record and won the big game. The Defender spoke with Shadow Creek’s two MVP performers after their state title win to discuss their playing styles and keys to success. Defender: How would you describe your style of play as a quarterback? Drones: I’m a dual threat. People thought I couldn’t run the ball last season, but I think this year I showed I can run the ball. Defender: What made the difference in this year’s squad versus last year’s? Drones: Last season no one thought we would be able to get to state...this year we knew exactly what it took to get here and we all bonded as a family to win this. Defender: How would you describe your style of play as a linebacker? Harris: You usually don’t see linebackers my size. People say I am small but I am not small; I can run and I am strong. I use my speed and my strength to my advantage and know what to do for my team.” Defender: What would you say were the keys to success on the defensive side at state? Harris: Speed and strength. No one in Texas can match our speed and we knew we had to be fast.
TIMELINE 2016: Shadow Creek High School established in Alvin ISD
2017: Shadow Creek football team goes 6-3 in its inaugural year as an independent school
#1 KYRON DRONES Height: 6-feet-3 Weight: 198 Twitter: @KyronDrones Offers considering: Texas, LSU, Duke, Kansas, TCU QBs he studies: Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow Favorite artist: NBA Youngboy and Roddy Rich
DN
#11 JEREMIAH HARRIS Height: 6-feet-1 Weight: 205 Players he studies: Devon White, Eli Sullivan Favorite food: Hot lemon pepper wings Favorite artist: Kenny Lou Shout-outs: “Chase Lightfoot, my teammates, family, and the whole coaching staff that believed in me.”
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See Shadow Creek & North Shore state championship highlights
2018: Shadow Creek enters UIL Class 5A Division 1, goes 15-1; loses state championship to Highland Park 27-17
2019: Shadow Creek wins state with 16-0 record
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DN Faces @ Events
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5 “THE COLOR PURPLE” “The Color Purple,” the 2016 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical Revival, stormed through Houston with three awe-inspiring performances. The Defender awarded three individuals, Kimberly Jackson, Paula Martin and Harriet Lane, with free tickets. Other attendees included Anna and Otis Hall, Eryka Johnson, Aquila Tyson, Latosha Jones, Tamara and London Norris, Latosha Jones and scores more. Photos: 1) Justin and Paula Martin, Kimberly and Briante Jackson, Hannah and Harriet Lane 2) Kim McFarland, Beatrice Randall, 3) Erica McKnight, Marilyn Leon, Eriel Gorrell BUY BLACK MARKETPLACE The Buy Black Marketplace (BBM) at the Shrine Cultural and Events Center kicked off its sixth year of providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs and consumers to gather together to support and celebrate Black businesses. The BBM is Houston’s oldest and largest event of its kind, opening its doors to customers every first and third Saturday of the month. Attendees included Nailah Nelson (director), Dr. Munirah Wilson, Teketeke Dickerson, Ashanti
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Hughes, Amanda Hall, Douglas Barnes and many others. Photos: 4) Ariel Ellis, Brittany Whitaker 5) Sheldon Webber, Kimora Drake, Ricanda Webber, Victoria Echols 6) Francis Oyakhire, Loretta Oyakhire KPFT COMMUNITY MEET & GREET KPFT 90.1 FM and Pacifica Radio hosted a Community Meet & Greet featuring newly hired KPFT Interim General Manager Jew Don Boney. Boney, a former Houston City Councilmember, is no stranger to Houston’s activist scene, which is one reason why the KPFT board selected him for the position in hopes of increasing diversity, membership and consensus around KPFT/Pacifica Radio’s core values. Attendees included DeWayne Lark, P.K. McCary, Diane Allen, Gene Bright, Judge George Barnstone, Carolina Diaz, Tony Diaz, Andret Rayford and others. Photos: 7) SisterMama Sonya, Jew Don Boney, Marilyn Douglas-Jones 8) Q, Chris Legier 9) Rev. Jacqueline BrannonGiles, Akua Holt By Aswad Walker
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MORE ONLINE For more photos of Faces @ Houston events visit http://defendernetwork.com. For event coverage email: events@defendernetwork.com