Gifts for the Dads on Your list!
INSIDE: Heights author receives national book award • Page 5
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Father’s Day June 18th
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Saturday, June 17, 2023 • Vol. 68 • No. 24
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HISD board holds first managers meeting amid protests By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
As the takeover of Houston HISD with a state-appointed board of managers moves forward, the board of managers elected its new officers for the coming school year during a special meeting last week amidst a protest of the takeover. During the meeting, the board elected Audrey Mo-
manaee as board president, Ric Campo as board vice president, and Angela Lemond Flowers as the board secretary. They also ratified the contract for superintendent Mike Miles, who was not present at last Thursday’s meeting. “On day one we began the process of implementing system-wide reform to improve student outcomes for all HISD students. We’ve already started the
Mike Miles
work in our New Education System schools” Miles said in a news release following the meeting. “We will continue to act boldly and with urgency to eliminate the decades-old achievement gaps for Black and Brown students and provide a diverse set of education experiences to prepare all HISD graduates for the year 2035 and beyond.” But though the takeover is official, that has not
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JOIN US ON SUNDAY Bible Study at 10am Worship at 11am
230 W. 20th St. 77008 Contributed photo The H-E-Buddy was one of several attractions during the afterparty of the Heights Bike Rally and Scavenger Hunt last weekend. Last weekend’s ride drew 235 riders, the most ever in the event’s history according to organizers.
Heights bike rally, scavenger hunt winds up drawing record crowds By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Summer fun Get a glimpse into the fun at the recent St. Pius X High School baseball skills camp
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Between the lines See how an artist will explore creativity in this week’s Art Valet.
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See HISD P. 5
Two women injured in area METRO bus shooting
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
INSIDE.
stopped opponents from speaking out against the overhaul. There was a protest held outside the Hattie Mae White Administration Building the day of last week’s meeting, which include a wide array of teachers, students, parents, and advocates for public schools such as Jackie Anderson with the Houston Federation of Teachers.
For years, community members from the Greater Heights and surrounding neighborhoods have rallied each year to celebrate community at the annual Heights Hike and Bike Rally. But the most recent event, organizers say, may have been its best one yet. This past weekend, hundreds of community members took to the streets of the Greater Heights neighborhood for the Houston Heights Association’s annual Hike and Bike Rally and Scavenger Hunt. Overall, ride chairman Emmanuel Nunez said 235 riders signed up to participate – the largest number of riders to ever participate in the event. As always, both the 5 and 15mile rides began at the historic Heights Fire Station at 107 W. 12th St. and tookcyclists through the historic Houston Heights neighborhood, with stops along the way for scavenger hunt clues. The routes included the newest
Houston police are searching for a man and woman accused of allegedly shooting and injuring two women following an alleged argument on a bus in the Northside/Northline area last weekend, according to the Houston Police Department. The victims, a 29-year-old woman and 40-year-old woman, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds according to the department, and were expected to survive. Officers responded to a call at 200 Tidwell Rd. around 6:55 p.m. on Sunday June 4, according to the department, following a shooting that allegedly took place on a Houston METRO bus. According to the department, the two suspects got on the bus and allegedly got into a subsequent argument about bus fare. When the bus stopped, police said the two suspects allegedly asked one of the victims to leave the bus. When the victim refused, the department said the male suspect allegedly fired multiple shots through a window into the bus, hitting both women. The suspects allegedly fled the scene, however the department said the incident was captured on METRO surveillance video and has released surveillance photos. Anyone with information on the identities of the wanted suspects or about the shooting is asked to call HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713-308-8800 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477 (TIPS).
Contributed photo Devin Murphy, Leslie Bush, and Jon Bush were the first, second, and third-place winners in the race’s 15-mile ride.
bicycle facilities in the neighborhood along 11th Street, as well as historic routes including Heights Blvd and the MKT bike trail. “The overall vibe at the event
this weekend was absolutely electrifying and magical. There was an overwhelming sense of supSee Rally P. 5
Photo courtesy Houston Police Department Shown are a man and woman accused in connection with a local shooting last week.
Area celebrating Juneteenth this weekend By Landan Kuhlmann
landan@theleadernews.com Anther one The Creek Group is turning a 20th Street property into a restaurant. Read more inside today.
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THE INDEX. Public ............................................................. 2 Sports ............................................................ 4 Classifieds ................................................. 7 Local Culture ...........................8
Photo coourtesy city of Houston Pictured are performers during a previous Acres Homes Juneteenth celebration. There are several events in the local area in celebration of the holiday this weekend.
We empower people to thrive. S TE LL A R . BA N K NML S # 4 5 1 3 1 2
As the annual federal holiday Juneteenth approaches next week, there are several events happening in the area aimed at celebration and remembrance in honor of the holiday. Juneteenth is a federal holiday that celebrates the anniversary of the order from Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 proclaiming that all slaves were free. The holiday has long been celebrated in Houston and other
cities throughout the country, and became designated as official federal holiday in June 2021. In celebration of the holiday, there are multiple events happening in or close to the area for community members to take part in this weekend and on the day of the holiday. On June 17, Mayor Sylvester Turner, who grew up in Acres Homes, will host his annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade from 10 a.m.-noon. The parade will begin at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center at
6719 W. Montgomery St. and travel north on West Montgomery before heading west on Dolly Wright Street and ending at the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1620 Dolly Wright St. Community members can come out and watch the parade route for free. Then on June 19, there is another local event happening in the area for community members to be a part of. From 2-8 p.m., the Acres Homes Chamber for See Juneteenth P. 5
Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.
2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 Margaret Vandever, Bank Office President Cecilia Rodriguez, Office Manager