01.29.2026_Defender-e-FULL

Message from the Managing Editor

Are we tired yet?

Because I am Bone-tired Spiritually exhausted Every single day with this administration feels like a new exercise in rewriting reality in real time From the White House posting a digitally altered image of the arrest of social justice activist NekimaLevyArmstrongonXtothekilling of Renee Good in Minnesota, every day it feels like it’s something with this administration. And don’t even get me started on thelatestkillingofamaninMinnesota,an incidentmanyofuswatchedunfoldwithourowneyes,followed almost immediately by a reframing that labeled him an “armed terrorist.” Never mind that he held a legal concealedhandgunlicense Nevermindcontext,nuance,video, or facts. The narrative machine kicked into gear, and once again, we were expected to accept a version of events that didn’t match what we saw.

This is the pattern now. Every day it’s something else Children used as political bait Immigration enforcement turned into a spectacle, with undertrained agents and formerextremistgroupmemberspositionedasenforcers.Fear dressedupaspolicy.Chaossoldasstrength I’mstillwaiting ontheMakeAmericaGreatAgainpart,becauseforawhole lot of people, this moment feels smaller, meaner, and more dangerousthanever.Andtheexhaustionisn’tapathy,it’sthe fatigue that comes from having to stay alert at all times just to separate truth from spin

Black cinema is having a moment they can’t ignore

Whilepoliticskeepstestingourcollectivebloodpressure, Blackfilmmakersareoutheredoingthework,andtheAcademy finally had to acknowledge it Over the past year, films like “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” didn’t just generatebuzz;theydominatedtheOscarconversation When nominationswereannounced,bothfilmsledthepack,with “Sinners” making history as the most nominated film ever with 16 nominations Ever-ever. Let that sit.

Thisisespeciallysweetconsideringhowsomeentertainment pundits tried to undersell “Sinners” early on, questioning its reach and impact Turns out, excellence doesn’t need permission. In the Best Supporting Actress category, first-time nominees Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku

earned well-deserved recognition And in a moment that feels both celebratory and long overdue, acting legend Delroy Lindo received his first-ever Oscar nomination for his role as Delta Slim, a veteran blues musician. Lindo has delivered masterclass performances for decades, so watching the industry finally say his name feels like a small correction to a very old oversight Here’s hoping this season ends with him taking home the gold

Carnival goes to Africa

This week, Carnival Cruise Line announced major plans for the 2027/2028 season aboard the Carnival Sunshine, includingfirst-evervisitstoAfricanports.ThenewitinerarieswillincludestopsinItaly,France,Spain,andMontenegro, aswellasinNorthernAfricandestinationslikeTangierand LaGoulette Onpaper,it’saboldexpansionforthe3,000-passenger ship and a sign that Carnival is leaning further into destination-focused cruising for a growing, adventurous customer base

Fromabusinessstandpoint,itmakessense.Thesesailings feellikeanaturalextensionofCarnival’sJourneysprogram, longer,moreimmersivetripsdesignedfortravelerswhowant more than the standard cruise loop Africa is rich, historic, and complex, and there’s no question these ports carry cultural weight and global appeal.

Butpersonally?It’sahardpassforme Maybeit’sthepolitical climate. Maybe it’s historical memory that doesn’t turn off just because the itinerary looks pretty All I can picture is us stepping off the boat and ICE standing there saying, “Welcome home!” Humor aside, there’s a real unease many Blacktravelersfeelrightnowaboutborders,documentation, andhoweasilynarrativescanshiftonceyou’renolongeron U.S. soil Protecting your peace sometimes means knowing when to stay docked

ON THE WEB

• HoustonBlackpressliveson:Insidearchivespreserving resistance

• Why self-discipline is a survival skill for Black professionals

• Terrance’s Take: It’s business as usual in the NFL when it comes to hiring Black head coaches

News DN

City Council approves stormwater funds to demolish buildings

ByTannisthaSinha

HoustonCityCouncilapprovedusing$30 million from the city’s roughly $167 million stormwater fund to demolish 343 dangerous and abandoned buildings, a move

MayorJohnWhitmire describedasnecessary to curb illegal dumping and drainage problems.

City Controller Chris Hollins warned the decision could undermine fiscal oversight and violate the citycharter.

Thevotefollowedatensepublicexchange betweenWhitmireandHollins,withcouncil dividedoverwhetherdemolitionqualifiesas stormwatermaintenance.

Controllerraiseslegaland oversightconcerns

Hollinssaidhisofficeflaggedtheproposal becauseitexpandedanexistingcontractfrom

zero dollars to $30 million without what he calledproperfiscalreview Hearguedstormwater funds can only be used to plan, build, and maintain stormwater-related programs and facilities, calling the demolition plan “illegal” and warning it would “gut the city charter.”

“Instead of engaging honestly with our officeandworkingtowardalegalsolution,the administrationrepackagedthatsameworkto evade the financial oversight of the controller’soffice,”Hollinssaid,addingitcouldallow futureadministrationstobypassoversight

Mayorpushesback, citesequityconcerns

Whitmire rejected that characterization, calling it offensive. He said the dangerous structures are concentrated in low-income and minority communities such as Sunnyside,FifthWard,andtheThirdWard

“If it was illegal, it would not be on this agenda,” Whitmire said “It’s just wrong for the controller to try to assume the responsibilityofthecityattorney.”

City Attorney Arturo Michel said he was “confident”thecitywasoperatingwithinthe law

Publicworksargues ‘directnexus’

Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi argued there is a “direct nexus” between blighted buildings and stormwater issues, saying abandoned structures often becomedumpingsites.Debris,hesaid,clogs ditchesandstormdrains,worseningflooding.

Councildividedonfunding source

Several council members agreed, including Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, who cited debris-filled drainage systems as evidence Others, including Council Member Abbie Kamin, opposed the plan, saying diverting stormwater funds risks neglecting coredrainageinfrastructure.

The ordinance ultimately passed by a 9-7 vote, allowing the city to proceed with qualifyingdemolitionsusingstormwaterfunds.

Mayor John Whitmire framed the stormwater-funded demolitions as a public safety and flooding mitigation measure, arguing the city must act decisively in long-neglected neighborhoods. Credit: Getty

TX Dems condemn detention of infants by ICE

ByGregoryStevenson

In a statement issued recently, Texas Democratic Party Executive Director Terri Burke condemned the detention of 5-yearold Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who are nowbeingheldinaTexasfacilityfollowing whathasbeenwidelydescribedasadeeply troubling arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), originating in Minnesota.

More recently, another Minneapolis father and his 2-year-old daughter were takenintocustodybyU.S.Immigrationand Customs Enforcement agents and flown to Texas, despite a court order requiring the toddler’s immediate release.

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS)spokespersonsaysthe2-year-oldgirl andherfather,identifiedasElvisTipan-Echeverria,wereinitiallybeingheldatafederal facility in Minneapolis. Their vehicle was pursued in a “targeted enforcement operation,” according to DHS.

According to a CNN report, an affidavit filedbythefamily’sattorneysaysTipan-Echeverria and his daughter had just returned home from the store and were inside their car when ICE agents entered the backyard and driveway

The family’s attorney says Tipan-Echeverria tried to bring the girl to her mother, but the agents wouldn’t allow it However, DHS claims federal agents tried to give the

toddlertohermother,whowasinthearea, but she reportedly refused to take her.

“Nochildbelongsinprison,”saidBurke, commentingonthefiveyearolddetainedin Texasbeforenewsbrokeaboutthetwoyear old being detained in the Lone Star State, as well “We have seen the consequences of these tactics before in Texas, during the first Trump administration and again with the recent incident in Houston where a father was detained and his teenage son was harmed

“Governor Greg Abbott’s rhetoric, along with that of U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, the talk of a ‘migrantbordersurge’isinexcusable.Texas is not a sanctuary for these horrific inhumane practices.”

BurkeandothershaveclassifiedTexasas ground zero for the mistreatment of people,especiallyBlackandBrownindividuals, residing in the U.S., including immigrants and U.S. citizens.

“Texas must not be a place where this behavior is normalized Texas Democrats call for accountability, transparency, and an immediate end to practices that terrorizecommunitiesandputinnocentchildren behind bars,” Burke concluded.

Dozens of immigrant families protested behind the fences of a Dilley, Texas detention facility where the 5-year-old boy and his father were sent after being detained in Minnesota.

Section DN

Texasschooltakeovers Spotlightpoverty,race,accountability

ByGregoryStevenson

The TexasEducation Agency (TEA) last year movedtotakeoverfourschooldistricts aftersix campuses receivedfailing gradesforfiveconsecutiveyears,triggering astate mandatethatallowsthe education commissionertocloseschools or replace locallyelected leadership

Thesixcampusessharestrikingsimilarities.Between80%and97%ofstudentscome fromlow-incomehouseholds,farabovethe stateaverage.Black andHispanicstudents make up nearly allenrolledchildren, and large portions of students areconsidered at highriskofdroppingout

Districtinterventions

Under a2015accountability law,Education CommissionerMikeMorathmust intervenewhenaschoolearns fivestraight Fratings. Sincetakingoffice,Morathhas ordered twocampus closures andseven district takeovers, arguingthatpersistentfailure reflects ineffectivegovernance that denies students a qualityeducation

Morath announcedplans to replace school boards andappoint newleadership in Fort Worth, Beaumont,Connally, and Lake Worth. Beaumont andConnallyeach hadtwocampusesmeetthetakeoverthreshold.Morathsaidthedistrictsfailedtomake effective changesand showed widespread academic underperformancebeyondthe triggerschools

Criticscitepoverty,inequality

Critics arguethe accountability system disproportionately targetsdistricts serving low-income Blackand Hispanic students whileoverlooking deeper inequities tied to poverty,segregation,andlimitedresources. ConnallyISDSuperintendentJillBottelberghesaidmanystudents face housinginstability,transportationbarriers, or must care forthemselvesathome.

“Not everybodygets ahot breakfast

What good is it to have moderately improvedreading levels that come from astate takeoverwhen thechildrenare beingcalledthe N-word every dayand cannot have apeaceful environmentin which they learn andseektogrow?”

ANDREW

andmom taking them to school,” said Bottelberghe.

Additionally,studentsofcolor face disciplinaryattacksontheirnaturalhairstyles.

Most have enduredlessons”thatdownplay orignoretheirhistory.Manyhavereported incidents of overtracism.

“Whatgoodisittohavemoderately improved reading levels that come from a statetakeoverwhenthe children arebeing

called theN-wordevery dayand cannot haveapeacefulenvironmentinwhichthey learnandseektogrow?”saidAndrewHairston,directorofTexasAppleseed’s Education JusticeProject

Differing conclusions

TEAofficials maintain theA–F system fairly measures academicoutcomes. An F ratingmeansatleast65%oftestedstudents

scored belowgrade level. Whilesocialfactorsmatter,agencyleaderssaychronicacademic failurerequires intervention. HoustonISD,takenoverin2023,iscitedby TEAasproofstatecontrolcanraisetestscores. Criticscounter that teacherturnover, communitydistrust,andsustainabilityconcernsremainunresolved.Nationalresearch showstakeoversmostoftenaffecthigh-poverty districts, with mixed academic results.

MelanieLawson

Bids farewell after 43

ByReShondaTate

Long before the city became the sprawling, multicultural hub it is today, Melanie Lawsonwasalreadywatching,listeningand learning how stories shape communities.

Formorethanfourdecades,Lawsondidn’t justreportHouston’snews,sheborewitness toitsgrowth,itsgriefanditsgreatness Now, after 43 years at KTRK, ABC13, the native Houstonianandaward-winningjournalistis retiring,closingachapterthathelpeddefine local television news for generations.

“I’vebeenblessedtohavealongandfruitful career in my hometown because people intheBlackcommunityfelttheyhadavoice bytrustingmetolistentotheirtruths,”Lawson said

That trust became the foundation of a career marked by service.

Lawson joined ABC13 in 1978 as an intern,steppingunexpectedlyintoanon-air role that would launch one of the longest tenures in Houston broadcast history Over theyears,shebecameafamiliarpresenceon Live at 5 and Eyewitness News, anchoring coverageofhurricanes,elections,civilunrest andculturalmilestoneswithcalmauthority and context.

ShealsohostedCrossroads,apublicaffairs program that created space for nuanced conversations around race, politics, faith andcommunity, issuesoftenoverlookedor oversimplified elsewhere.

“Ithasalwaysbeenimportanttometonot only cover our stories but also to speak for peoplewhodon’thavetheplatformtospeak for themselves,” Lawson said

I’ve been blessed to have a long and fruitful career in my hometown because people in the Black community felt they had a voice by trusting me to listen to their truths.”

MELANIE LAWSON

Raisedintheearly1970s,Lawsonwaspart ofthegenerationthatintegratedschoolssuch asPoeElementaryandLanierMiddleSchool She grew up watching Houston transform from a city defined by rigid racial divisions into a largely interconnected, multicultural nexus, a transformation she would later chroniclefrombehindtheanchordesk.

From childhood homes on Wheeler Avenue, Rosedale Street and South MacGregor WaytothefirsthouseshepurchasedonNorth MacGregor, Lawson is, by her own description,atried-and-trueThirdWardian.Shewas raised not only by her family, the late Rev. WilliamBillLawsonandAudreyLawson,but by a community that collectively believed in accountability,excellenceandpossibility.

“If I ever got in trouble in school, that walk home was incredibly long,” she said “Everyadultbetweenschoolandhomehad

tocomeoutandfussatme Therewasareal comfort in that As long as you lived in a neighborhoodwhereyousawgreataccomplishments,youbelievedthatwassomething you could do, too.”

ThatbeliefcarriedherfarbeyondHouston.

A self-described “nosy” child, a trait she now credits as essential to good journalism, Lawson developed an early love for reading and radio. While other children played outside,sheimmersedherselfinbooksandideas. She earned her undergraduate degree from PrincetonUniversity,followedbyajointlaw and journalism degree from Columbia University. After practicing First Amendment law on Wall Street for three years, Lawson returned home in 1982 at the invitation of a mentortojoinChannel13EyewitnessNews fulltime Shehasremainedacentralfigurein Houstonmediaeversince

Throughout her career, Lawson interviewed presidents, politicians, artists and activists. She spoke with civil rights leaders including Harry Belafonte, Jesse Jackson and John Lewis. She helped contextualize the cultural significance of Black sororities and historically Black colleges and universities during Kamala Harris’ vice presidential

campaign

ShegaveearlyinterviewstoSpike LeeandTylerPerryandintroducedHouston audiencestoJoelOsteenasLakewoodChurch preparedforitsmajorexpansion.

Yet Lawson has often said the most meaningful conversations weren’t with famous names.

“Sometimesit’snotnecessarilythefamous people,”shesaid “It’ssomebodyverymodest, humbleandapartofthefabricofthecity.”

That philosophy extended beyond the newsroom. Last month, Lawson donated $43,000 to support the next generation of journaliststhroughtheHoustonAssociation of Black Journalists, reinforcing her lifelong commitmenttoamplifyingvoicesthatmight otherwisegounheard.

“For decades four to be exact Melanie Lawson has been a beloved staple in the Houston community,” said Nakia Cooper, presidentoftheHoustonAssociationofBlack Journalists. “She’s who viewers trusted. She’s wholittlegirlsandwomenlookedupto She’s who made Houstonians proud. By giving of herselfyetagain,shepouredintothefutures ofyoungstorytellersandremindedthemhow muchshebelievesinthem.HABJwillforever honorMelanieLawson.”

Greek Legacies Safeguard Black Institutional Power

By ReShonda Tate

In many households across the country, January isn’t just the start of a new year it is the peak of “Founders’ Day” season It is a season of history, reverence, and celebration, atimewhentheairisfilledwiththesoundsof sororityandfraternitycalls,thesightofvibrant colors andtheweightofacenturyofhistory.

But this season of celebration is unfolding alongside measurable influence Over the past year, Black Greek Letter Organizations havecollectivelymobilizedvoter-registration and civic-engagement drives, raised millions of dollars for scholarships, expanded youthmentorshippipelines,andcoordinated national service initiatives aimed at preservingBlackpolitical,economic,andeducationa power—underscoringtheirrolenotjustasculturalinstitutions,butasorganizedenginesof collective action

And for a growing number of families, the “DivineNine”ismorethanacollegememory.

It is a family deed

As Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) continue to serve as the bedrock of Black professional and social life, a powerfu phenomenon has taken hold: The Legacy. These are families where membership isn’t a

choice made in a vacuum, but a torch passed from one generation to the next—ensuring thattheblueprintforBlackexcellence,service and leadership remains within the bloodline.

A living archive of history

The scale of this “bloodline” is staggering

Collectively the nine organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Counci represent an estimated four million members worldwide forming one of the largest and most organized networks of Black professionals, civic leaders,educators,andpolitica influencersin thecountry.KnowncollectivelyastheDivine Nine—AlphaPh AlphaFraternity,Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Ps Fraternity Inc.,OmegaPsiPhiFraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta SigmaFraternity,Inc.,ZetaPh BetaSorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.—these organizationshavelongcultivatedleadership scholarship,andacommitmenttoservice,shaping communities across the nation

That influence is not abstract. Across the country,DivineNinechapterscollectivelylog hundredsofthousandsofservicehoursannually,fundscholarshipsthatsendthousandsof

The joy I feel seeing my children fulfill their legacy is unmatched.”

KIM HICKS

Black students to college, and serve as a reliablebackboneforvotereducation,censusoutreach,andissue-basedadvocacy—particularly in moments when Black communities face policy threats or politica erasure For many members,legacyfamilieshelpensurethatthis institutionalknowledgeandorganizingpower is preserved, practiced, and protected. Cassandra Joseph, a national officer with the National Pan-Hellenic Council describes legacynotassentiment,butstrategy “Legacy membershipisn’taboutpressureorpageantry,”

she said “It’s about continuity It’s how we safeguard institutional memory, leadership training,andcommunitycommitmentacross generations. When families understand the mission early, the work doesn’t have to be re-taught—it’s already lived.”

Growing Up Greek

For many families “growing up Greek” means watching service in real time Long beforetheylearnthesecrethandshakesorthe history of the Divine Nine, children see their parentsorganizingvoterinitiatives,mentoring youth, and leading charity drives.

“The work becomes familiar long before the letters do,” notes Pat Tucker a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., who made community service a mandatory part of her daughter Payton’s upbringing

“The joy I feel seeing my children fulfill their legacy is unmatched,” says Kim Hicks, whose family represents a “House United” in service Her daughter Tori followed her into DeltaSigmaThetaSorority Inc.,whileherson, Blake,followedhisfather’spathintoAlphaPhi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

“Itconfirmsthatweweretheexamplesthey needed to see, ” Hicks says “It’s an honor to

bothparentstoservewithourlegacychildren in the orgs we’ve loved for over 30 years. ” Insomehouseholds theconnectioniseven moreintimate RossanaDeadrick,whosefamily legacy began with a great-aunt at GramblingStateUniversity,remembersthesorority hymn being a lullaby.

“Our mom used to sing the sorority hymn when she put us to bed,” says Deadrick who is celebrating 50 years in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. this year “I am the first of our third generation and my three sisters also becameAKAwomen.Mydaughter,ourfourth generation, proudly carries on the tradition.”

Many members view membership as an emotionalinheritance—oneshapedbyproximity purpose,andtheconfidencethatcomes from seeing one’s parents lead Shelley Price who joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the Spring of 1989 at Southern University viewed the sorority as a gift she wanted her daughter Mecca, to open forherself.“Iwantedhertobeabletobeapart ofthissisterhoodandtoexperienceitinallits grandeur,” Price says.

That grandeur often spans the entire family tree Nina Wilson Jones, also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, describes her family’s

pink-and-greenstoryasamulti-generational bloodline that includes her sister, a charter member at the University of Florida, and her mother who became a Silver Star member after retiring from a career in education.

“Ididn’trealizehowmuchofthesororityI had ingested and carried in life due to proximity all these years, ” Wilson Jones says. For her, being initiated in 2021 wasn’t just about joininganorganization itwasaboutcompleting the legacy.

Bridging boyhood to manhood

The generational bond is equally transformativeforBlackmen,wherefraternitymembership often serves as the bridge between generations of fathers and sons FeltonGreersitsatthecenterofathree-generation lineage of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. his father was a Sigma, and now his son has followed suit. In a world that often seeks to disconnect Black men, the blue and white shield provides a permanent anchor

“It’s flattering that he would choose to go a path that I did,” Greer says. “He was raised around it everyone he called ‘uncle’ growing up were members. I get to experience both endsofit—asasonandafather—withouthim being prompted or prodded.”

OmegaPs PhimemberDonovanCampbell added,“Mysonalreadymakesmeproud,but tonowseehimdoingtheworkofOmegaand helping carry the torch forward is an indescribable feeling.”

The ‘village’ pipeline

The legacy often functions as a “village,” where the giants of Black history become surrogate parents. Cynthia A. Spooner traces her lineage back to 1950 at Southern University, where her mother, Gloria Dean Turner Spooner, was initiated by the legendary Dr Jewe Limar Prestage, the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D in political science.

“I grew up in a family of women who were service-oriented,” Spooner says. For

her, seeking membership was about a deeper bond with her mother and the “vanguards” whoraisedher.Thatbondnowstretchesintoa fourthgeneration Spooner’sgreat-niece,Jamé Marie Robinson, was pinned by her grandmother Gloria in 2024.

“Inmychapter,thereweresomanywomen who were firsts,” Spooner reflects, citing pioneers like Dr Dolores R. Spikes. “Those women were my surrogate moms exemplars in professional life.”

Why the legacy matters

Beyond the pride and the colors aesthetics,generationalmembershipstrengthensthe Black community in four distinct ways:

•CommunityPipelines:Creatingbuilt-in mentorship that spans decades.

•Cultural Continuity: Preserving rituals and history that are often excluded from mainstream textbooks.

•Representation EnsuringBlackchildren see leadership modeled within their own living rooms.

•HBCU Connection: Reinforcing the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities as the birthplace of these movements.

Feature DN

Black Wall Street reborn Movement builds collective Black economic power

ByTannistha Sinha

When people hear the phrase “Black Wall Street,” many think first of Greenwood, Oklahoma, the once-thriving Black economic hub destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

ButforagrowingnetworkofBlackentrepreneurs in Houston and beyond, Black Wall Street is not only history. It serves as an active blueprint for collective economic powerandsurvivalinasystemthathaslong denied Black communities equal access to capital and opportunities.

Today’smovement

Foundedin2015,themodernBlackWall Street movement was built on the idea of collaborationovercompetition,saidMartel Matthews, co-founder and chief operating officer

DrawinginspirationdirectlyfromGreenwood,thefoundersenvisionedadigitalecosystem where Black business owners could shareresourcesandscale,especiallyascommerce increasingly moved online.

“We had that same passion and wanted toconnectusasbusinessownersacrossthe Black diaspora,” Matthews said “We saw the world moving, with the internet, social media, Instagram, TikTok.”

That lack of access remains one of the primary reasons Black Wall Street remains significant today.

Blackentrepreneurs,Matthewssaid,often start with less capital, fewer connections, and limited generational business knowledge, barriers rooted in decades of exclusion. Creating a space explicitly designed tocounterthosedisadvantagesisnotabout exclusion, he emphasized, but equity

in Houston. Speakers described entrepreneurshipasmorethanahustleculture,comprisingalong-termstrategyforgenerational wealth and self-determination

Theunityinthemovement

ForDonnaMarshallPayne,acommittee member often referred to as “Auntie,” the value of Black Wall Street lies in unity She views it as a platform that brings together fragmented resources, such as mentorship andfinancing,soentrepreneursdonothave to navigate those systems alone.

mother and realizing how little financial planning had been done

Frank Perkins II, CEO and co-founder of Black Wall Street, traces that mission to his own experience trying to locate minority-owned vendors while working in government contracting At the time, Blackbusinesseswere largelyinvisiblewithin traditional chambers of commerce Rather than accept that gap, Perkins helped build a platform to close it

“When you do things together, you get moredone,”shesaid “TheBlackWallStreet is about unity, unification of entrepreneurs all over the world.”

“We wanna circulate our dollars in our community,” Perkins said. “Not only does it help the business owner, but it helps the infrastructure,providestoolsandknowledge forourkidsthataregoingupbehindus,and provides jobs.”

That emphasis on sustainability surfaced repeatedly throughout Black Wall Street’s 10th anniversary Legacy Weekend

That collective approach also addresses a less visible cost of entrepreneurship –burnout. Dr. Danielle Griffin, an educator andbusinessownerwithmultipleventures, noted that many Black entrepreneurs enter businessdrivenbyadesiretoserve,butoften lackthenecessarystructurestoprotecttheir health, finances, and families.

“Oftentimes,that’showwegotintobusiness, wanting to help and serve others,” Griffin said “But we’re training ourselves, stressing ourselves out, running outta money, we’re burnt out, working multiple jobs, taking care of families, causing ourselvestohavehealthproblems.Alotofpeople want to get out of that cycle.”

Legacy, a recurring theme within the movement, is defined as assets and informationpassedforward.Matthewsdescribed legacy as ownership and preparedness, shaped by his own experience losing his

“One of the main challenges you face as a Black-owned business is imposter syndrome,”headded.“Youmaybethefirstone inyourgenerationtohavetheboldstrength to step out on faith in God, to create something out of thin air. You walk into rooms, you don’t always feel as confident because maybe it wasn’t passed down to you from yourmother,orfromyourgrandmother,or from your dad. So, Black business owners needotherpeopleinothercommunitiesthat can help us stand tall and stand strong and prosperandgetfrombeingasmallbusiness to a medium business to a large business.”

Entrepreneurs like Marcus Bowers, co-founder of Black Wall Street and owner of She’s Happy Hair, framed Black Wall Street as a bridge between traditional businessmodelsandthedigitaleconomy.Bowerscreditshissuccess,whichhasgenerated more than $100 million in revenue across various industries, to his understanding of data, forecasting, and online reach.

“You gotta change your mindset,” Bowers said “A lot of people have the mindset of doing it for the money. They wake up and go get the bag. Whereas an entrepreneur, you gotta start doing it for the data too, because the only way that you’re gonna makethemostmoney everisbyhavingsome data to talk to people that’s not in front of you. Billionaires get billions of dollars, not becausethey’retalking to a billion people on earthinfrontofthem They’re talking to a billion people online, andthey’resendingalotofemailsandmessages.Alwaysbetalkingtoyourcustomers.”

Future of the movement.

Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSP) Harris County Municipal Utility District No 390 will accept Competitive Sealed Proposals for the Sheila Jackson Lee Administration Building Project. Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, online only at https://epitomesystem.com/epitomeforms/mud390AdminBldg.php. No proposals will be accepted via email, fax, or hand-delivered. Interested Proposers should visit https://epitomesystem com/epitomeforms/mud390Admin Bldg.php to obtain details for this project, which includes drawings and project specifications Interested Proposers should email Roger Harris at projectmanager@hilldaypr.com for questions PUBLIC NOTICE

Gives lessons in leadership Shawn Simmons

By ReShonda Tate

LeadershiphasbeeninDr.ShawnEmerson Simmons’ blood since kindergarten.

“Iwastheonlygirlintheclass,andabout sixweekslater,theymovedmeoutbecause I was intimidating all the boys,” she said “My mom always pushed her kids to do all things,toexcel,tolead,andtovalueeducation Leading others would be my ticket to experiencing great things.”

That innate drive has carried Simmons fromherchildhoodclassroomtotheglobal boardroom as an engineering executive in Houston,andnowtooneofthehighestleadership roles in Black Greek life. Simmons is the South Central Regional Director of AlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Inc.,representing four states - Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas - and more than 15,000 members.

“It’s an opportunity, not a burden,” Simmons said. “When you can galvanize that manywomenforacommongood,whether it’s scholarships, economic development, or environmental action, the impact is immeasurable.”

A lifetime of leadership

AproudmemberofAKAsinceherfreshman year at the University of Oklahoma, when she joined the Kappa Psi Chapter in 1990, Simmons’ leadership journey in the sorority began early. She was selected as a 1991AKALeadershipFellowandlaterserved astheNationalSecondVicePresidentofthe National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

NowaSilverStarandLifeMemberofthe XiAlphaOmegaChapter,Simmonshasheld numerous leadership positions within the organization, including chapter Basileus, where she helped establish the Ivy League Education&CharitiesFoundation,a501(c) (3) entity that supports local educational initiatives.

Her leadership has also been recognized beyond the sorority walls. Simmons has earnedhonorssuchasHouston’sMostInfluential,theOutstandingWomen’sLeadership Award, the Mattelia B. Grays Leadership Development Award, and the Graduate Good Citizen Award. Professionally, she’s beencelebratedwiththeUniversityofOklahomaRegentsAwardandtheNationalSocietyofBlackEngineersGoldenTorchAward.

Balancing purpose and profession OutsideofAlphaKappaAlpha,Simmons has built an impressive career spanning continents.

As Global Sustainable Procurement

TOP 5 LEADERSHIPLESSONS

From Dr.Shawn E.Simmons

1. Listen more, say less.

“Leadership starts with observation There are lessons all around you if you take the time to listen and learn before you speak.”

2.You can’t lead where you haven’t been.

“Every great leader starts by serving. Roll up your sleeves, do the work no one else wants to do that’s where you learn what leadership really means.”

3. Organization is your superpower.

Between leading a 19,000-member region and

ManageratExxonMobil,sheleadssupplier diversity, sustainability programs, and corporate social responsibility initiatives workthat,shenotes,alignscloselywithher service-driven values in AKA.

managing a global corporate role, Simmons credits her success to planning every detail and surrounding herself with a capable, trusted team.

4.Assume good intent and keep your joy.

“Don’t take everything so seriously. Laugh a little. Have fun. Approach others with grace it makes leadership lighter and more human.”

5. Lead with faith and gratitude.

“No matter who’s in charge, He’s still on the throne. When I feel overwhelmed, I serve someone else. Service and gratitude keep me grounded.”

“There’s actually a correlation between what I do professionally and what I do in the sorority,” Simmons said “Both roles are about community investment, social and economic impact, and making sure

organizations are connected to what’s happening around them.”

Sohowdoesshemanagethedemandsof corporateleadershipandleadingmorethan 15,000 women?

“Organization and a great support system,” she said without hesitation “Everything is planned, everything is calendared. And I have a phenomenal team, from my chiefofstafftomyprotocolcommittee,who help keep everything aligned.”

Leading with heart

ForSimmons,leadershipisn’tabouttitles it’s about service

“You can’t lead where you haven’t been,” she said “Sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work that no oneelsewantstodo Everyexperiencebuilds you for the next.”

She advises aspiring leaders, especially youngBlackwomen,to“listenmoreandsay less,”adding,“Bewillingtolearnfromthose around you. Assume good intent Laugh a little Don’t take things too seriously, and have fun.”

That spirit of joy is ever-present Known for her infectious smile and love for music, Simmonsjokesthatshe’softentheone“leading the line dances” at events.

“Music,laughter,andconnection that’s what fills me up,” she said.

Faith, family, and forward movement

Married for 30 years to her “honey-do,” PhilipSimmons,amemberofKappaAlpha Psi, and mother to Jonathan and Jacquelyn both Greek-affiliated Simmons calls her family her “anchor.”

“My family and mentors have been my foundation,” she said. “They’ve supported every academic, personal, and professional dream I’ve had.”

Andthroughitall,faithremainsherguiding force.

“No matter who’s in charge,” she said, “He’sstillonthethrone That’snumberone. My source comes from Him, not anybody else.”

As she navigates her current leadership role, Simmons is focused on unity, impact, and gratitude.

“This is not the time for ego or conflict,” shesaid “Wehavetobandtogether,resolve ourdifferences,andmoveforwardtomake realchange WhenIgetdownorhaveabad day,Igoservesomeoneelse Iwriteathankyounote Idosomethingkind That’showI reset. Service keeps me centered.”

Sports DN

UH GUARD

Embracesleadershiprole

By TerranceHarris

Over theyears,UniversityofHouston seniorguard EmanuelSharp hashad to adjust to so much

Bouncingbackfroma seriousinjury during hissenioryearinhighschool. Gettinghismindrighttocompeteoncehewas healed.Getting used to thecollegegame. Learningtotaketough coachingfromKelvinSampson.Being notjustascorerbut a lockdown defender

Thebiggestadjustmentthisseason,however,has been becomingthe counted-on leader of atalentedbut relatively young Cougars’team.Nolongercanhesitbackand play hisgamewhile Marcus Sasser,Jamal Shead,andL.J.Cryerhandleallofthevocal leadership

“It’sbeenabig step formebecause I’ve neverbeeninthisposition,havingtolead youngerguyslikethis,”Sharp said to the Defenderduringarecentone-on-oneinterview.“I’ve always been able to take akind ofbackseattootherleadersoftheteam.But this year,I’vekindofhad to be on theforefrontofreallygettingintheirears,positively andnegatively.”

Sharphas clearlystruckthe rightnote anddelivered thenecessary messaging, as thetenth-rankedCougarsareagainamong thebestteams in thenationand couldbe poised to make anotherrun to theFinal Four.UHhas thetalentonthe floor with freshmen Kingston Flemingsand Chris CenacJr. blendingwitha veterangroup in thestartingfiveandtheleadershipofJoseph Tugler,MilosUzan,andSharptopotentially wintheBig12andmakeanNCAATournament runinMarch

ButSharp’s preference is to stay in the moment andfocus on what theCougars

Universityof Houstonsenior

guardEmanuel Sharp has become afan favorite around the Fertitta Center becauseof the big shots he has takenand his relentless playon the defensiveend of the floor Credit: Universityof Houstonathletics.

“It’sexciting knowingthatweare getting better every game in andgame out. Amonth ago, we weren’tclose to thedefensive team that we aretoday.”

EMANUELSHARP UH senior guard

UniversityofHoustonsenior

guardEmanuel Sharp hasgonefroma trusted sharp shooter to theCougars’leader on thefloor andinthe lockerroom.

Credit:UniversityofHoustonathletics

need to do to keep gettingbetter.

“That’sthething,Idon’tthinkweareeven closetowhere we aresupposedtobe,”said Sharp,whosharesthetoptwoscoringspots thisseasonwithFlemings.“Idon’tthinkwe haveshottheballwellinasinglegame,and this is supposed to be an offensive team

Thatis thebrightside, andour defense is gettingbettereverysinglegame.That’sreally eye-openingforustoshowthatwehavethat much room to grow.”

Achievingthislevelofgrowthandunderstanding forSharp has been apartofhis journey, whichbegan when he wasborn toprofessionalbasketball-playingparents –Derrick Sharpand JustineEllison Sharp inTelAviv,continuedintheUnitedStates, andhas blossomedinhis four yearsatUH.

Sharphas gone from asilentassassin

playerfortheCougarstoacounted-onfloor leader whostillmakes bigshots, whilealso beingthelockdowndefenderwhotakeson thetoughestassignmenteachnight

Both Sampsonand Sharpattribute his growthtohisparents,whohavetaughthim thegameinside andout

“Hehas gotanawesome mother and father,” Sampsonsaid. “Emanuel’s parents were professionalbasketballplayers,sohe came in here with ahugeadvantage.They didagreatjobwithhim.Ithinkthathelped histransition.”

Sharp, atwo-yearstarter forthe Cougs, definitely agrees.

“It’sbeengreatbecauseIhavetwoparents inmycornerwhoknowthegamejustaswell asanybody,”saidSharp,whohascitizenship in Israel, America, andCanada, wherehis

momisfromandstarredcollegiately.“Igrew upinabasketballhousehold.Mydadplayed professionally, my momplayedprofessionally.Igrewupgoingtoallofmydad’sgames, so Ilived eating andbreathingbasketball.

“I know what they went through, so I know what is expectedofmehere. What I havetogothrough,bothofmyparentshave been throughwithadversity in their lives, andtheyhavebothbecomeverysuccessful. So,I’vetakenthatfromthem,andIapplyit here everyday.”

Their background andadvice have also been instrumental in helpingtheir son accept, absorb,and appreciate thesometimestough coachinghehas receivedfrom Sampsonovertheyearsandevennow.Sharp creditsSampsonforhelpinghisgamegrow in ways he didn’t know were possible.

“It’sbeenajourney forsure. Ifeellikehe isthegreatestcoachofalltime,literally,”said Sharp,whowastheBig12TournamentMVP last year.“The wayhegets guys to reacha versionofthemselvesthattheycouldn’t get to themselves is huge.His accountability andthestandardsthathehasforeverybody that walksinthe gym– notjustthe players butthe managers,the coaching staff,every lastpersonleadinguptohimself–havethe same standards, andIlovethatabout him. Hedoesn’tletanybodyslide.Hedoesn’ttreat anybodydifferentlyfromothers. We areall equalinhis eyes.

“Learningfromhim, beingabletobe coachedunder him,learninghow to take hard coaching… Ifeellikethathas shaped meintotheplayerthatIamtoday.Learning howtobrushstuffoffmyshoulders;because at theend of theday,heisgivinga message thatyou’vegottotaketherightway.SoI’ve learnedtotakestuffthe rightway.”

Position: Shooting Guard Height: 6-3

Class: RS-Senior Major: IntegratedStudies

Season numbers: Averaging 16.0 pointsper game, shooting 43% from the field, 39%from 3-point range, has 18 steals and three blocked shots

Honors: John R. Wooden Award MidseasonWatch List X: emanuelsharp

WESTSIDE GUARD

Sports DN GARLYNN GRANT N

Rises from doubttodominance

By Jimmie Aggison

Formostofher high school career at WestsideHigh,GarlynnGrantwasasteady, reliable,and consistent presence –a fixture inthestartinglineup.Butthetoughestbattle ofherjourneydidn’tcomeasafreshman.It came much later.

After herjunior season,a player used to hearingher name called suddenlyfound herselfsitting more than playing. Herconfidencesuffered.Intheuneasysilenceofthat summer,doubt finally creptin. Now, as a senior andthe reigning District Offensive Player of theYearwho hassurpassed 1,000 career points, Grant’sstory isn’tabout how shearrived;it’sabouthowshefoughttostay

“Whenmyminutes startedtofade, Ifelt frustratedbecauseIdidn’tunderstandwhy,” said Grant.

Grant’sHouston HoopsEYCL17U basketballteamwent10-0duringthe Nike sessions before lineupchanges affectedher playingtime.

“Wetookourfirstloss,andithurtbecause IbelievedifI wasout there, maybethe outcomewouldhavebeendifferent,”saidGrant “I wondered whereI went wrongtoslipin therotation, butthenI realized it wasn’t anything Idid or didn’t do;myroleonthe teamwasjustdifferent,andIhadtobeokay with that.”

Thesummerof2025wasthemostdifficult forGrantmentally,asquestionskeptsurfacingaboutwhereshemighthavegonewrong.

“I beganquestioning my abilitiesand startedtobelieve maybeI washurting the team more than helping,” said Grant.

Grantfaced amentalstrugglewithfeelingsofisolation,frustration,anduncertainty Foraplayerwho hadbased heridentityon beingreliedon,thesilencefromthescorer’s tableechoedlouderthanany crowd.

However,Grantknewthatherbesthadn’t been shown yet.

“IknewIhadn’tpeakedyetbecausethere wasstillsomuchIcould improveon,”said Grant.“Withthatinmind,Ifocusedonwhat wasinfront of me.Minutes or no minutes, IknewIstill hadmyseniorseasontolook forwardto.”

AsGranttrainedalone,somenightsthere were no thoughts,justher andthe basketball, whileonother nights, fearsofneeding improvementtostayonthe courtlonger creptin.

Grant’sparents startedtonotice.

“Itseemedtomeshefeltlikeshewasrunning outoftimetoearna spot at thenext level,”saidGrant’s dad, DerrickGrant

“I used my strugglesasmotivationto keep goingbecause it wasn’t theend;itwas thestart of anew chapter, anew versionof myself that wouldn’t letmyminutes or any otherchallengesbreakmementallyorphysically,” said Grant.

During thesummerof2025, Grant attended campsatStephen F. Austin State University,Houston Christian, andBaylor University,where shestood outand built confidence

“Asher parents, we were glad to seethat when shewas feelingdown, shedidn’tstay down;she kept pushingthrough,overcomingthementalhurdlesofself-doubtandselfworth,”saidDerrick

Rock bottom isn’tpermanent,especially forsomeone unwillingtoremainthere

“I startedtalking to Godmoreduring thosemoments of uncertainty,” said Grant. “Itrustedhistiming,andIturnedtohimin toughtimes becauseI knew he hada plan forme. As long as Ikeepmyfaith in him, everything will be okay.”

Derrickplayeda keyroleinliftingher spirits.

“Healwaysuplifted me andencouraged me to keep goingand be thebestversion of myself,” said Grant. “His constant reassurancewas comforting.Knowing that I hadhim in my corner no matter what was enough to keep me going.”

Theworkdidn’tearnapplause, butit deliveredresults.Inher senior season, Grantstartedtoregainherpositionandher confidence

ABOUT GARLYNN GRANT

Class: 2026

IG: @garlynn_grant

Twitter: @GarlynnGrant Position: Guard

Height &weight: 5-feet-6, 130pounds

Favorite artist: J. Cole

Status: Uncommitted

Favorite subject: English

andhardworkmeant something.”

Past disappointment influencedher playingstyleduringherseniorseason.

“I hadsomething to provenot to anyoneelsebutmyself,”saidGrant “I needed to remind myself that Iama good player andthatI canpushthrough hard times. I worked outharderfor countless hoursbecauseIneverwantedtobeinthat mindsetofwonderingifmygamewasgood enough.”

“Itfeltlikeputting on anew pair of basketballshoes,”saidGrant.“Ifeltlikea new person.Transitioningfromwanting to quit toaveraging19pointspergamewasthebest feeling. It wasa reminder that my training

Butevenwithawards, thenumbers told theirown story. Whilecompeting in the 2025 HISD girls’ basketball tournament, Grantreached amilestone by scoringher 1,000th point.

“I couldonlyaccomplish this milestone becauseoftheadversityIfaced,”saidGrant. “Facingthose challengesmade me abetter basketballplayeroverall,andwithoutthose battles Iwouldn’t be theplayerI am today.”

Astheballwentthroughthehoopandthe bannerwasraised,sheimmediatelythought of herdad

“Hedrivesmeall over town forall my workouts,”saidGrant.“He travelswithme everywhere forall my games. He worksout withmeinthedriveway.Withoutmydad,I don’tthinkanyofthiscouldhavebeenpossible.Hisbeingthereformethroughitalland

pushingmethrough it meanseverything.” EarlyadversityhasinfluencedhowGrant leadsnow

“I’vegrownstrongermentally,”saidGrant. “Astheseniorpointguardofmyhighschool team,whenIseeateammatestrugglingwith thesameissueIdid,Icanserveasthatlittle extra push of encouragement, acrutchfor thosefeelinguncertain.Iknowhowtohelp nowbecause of my experience.”

Grantdidn’t loseherself when thelights dimmed;she reconstructedherself in the dark

“I’m stillstanding, andI’m stillpushing,” said Grant. “Beyondbasketball, Iwould like to ownmyown reccenterwhere kids cangoand develophealthy habits. Iwanta spacewhere kids canlet loose, forget about allthe negativity,and focusonthe positive things.It’simportanttomethatpeoplehave somewheretheycanturntowheneverthere’s nowhereelsetogo.”

Profile DN

HOUSTONPOET

KendrykYoungblood

Buildscommunity through words

By LauraOnyeneho

HoustonnativeKeney Young-Odor, knowninthepoetrycommunityasKendryk Youngblood,has builtagrowing presence as aChristian spoken word poet,educator, anddigitalcontentcreator.Hisworkseamlesslyblends faith, heritage,and personal experience,gainingtraction both locally andonline.

Young-Odor,thesonofNigerianparents, wasraisedinahomethatemphasizedfaith, familyresponsibility,andculturalpride.He says thosevalues naturallyshowupinhis writing.

“I grew up in ahousehold whereyou learnedtotakecareofpeopleand stay grounded,” he said.“Thatshapedhow Isee theworld andhow Iwrite.”

The sparkcameinhighschool. Oneof hisEnglishteachersscreened“LouderThan ABomb,”adocumentary aboutteenpoets competinginaslamtournament. Seeing studentshisageusingtheirvoicesinsucha rawway struck him.

“Itwas thefirsttimeI sawpoetryfeel alive,”hesays. “I wanted to take thecraft more seriously.”

At theUniversityofHouston (UH), he pursueda degreeinbiology,intending to launchhiscareerinthehealthcarefield,but kept driftingbacktothe writtenword. He took so many poetry classesthatheearned anEnglishminorwithoutplanningto.That same curiosity ledhim to UH Coogslam, theuniversity’sfirstcompetitiveslamteam In2019,theteamqualifiedfortheCollege Unions Poetry Slam Invitational national finals, placingfourthintheir debutyear.

“Wewerethe underdogs,”he says. “That experiencetaughtmehowpowerfularoom full of youngcreatives canbe.”

He carriedthatmomentumintoHouston’spoetryscene, performinginclassrooms, churches, andopenmics,right up until thepandemic shut thecitydown. With thenationinlockdownand missing theenergyofliveaudiences, he launched hisYouTube channel, Youngblood Poetry What startedasasmall projectgrew quickly. Hismix of poetry performances, reactions,andcommentaryonhiphoplyrics helpedhim buildacommunity of more than 25,000 subscribers.

“Ididn’texpectpeopletoconnectwiththe breakdowns as much as they did,” YoungOdor says.“It reminded me that poetry doesn’t have to be intimidating. People just need an entrypoint.”

Hisworknow flows in many directions. He haspublished in multiple journals,

served as afoundingeditorfor SpaceCity Underground,and collaborated with poets he once looked up to from afar.Heteaches poetry to middle andhighschoolstudents throughtheHoustonnonprofitKarpeDiem Family.Healsoservesasa ministry leader forUrban Hymnal,a Christiancreative collective

Evennow,asafull-timenursingstudent, hebalancesschool,family,andartinaway thatdemandsdiscipline,anddoesn’tframe thesechallengesassetbacks.

He uses poetry to addressissues he sees in healthcare,shapedbyyears of caring for his.Asanursingstudent,hesaystheoverlap betweenart andhealthcareisintentional

“A lotoffamiliesfeelunseeninmedical spaces,”hesaid.“Iwriteaboutthatbecause I’ve livedit. Poetry lets me talk aboutthe gapsin care,the inequities,and theway people fallthrough thecracks.”

Hisgoal,headded, is to help audiences understand thoseexperiences with clarity and compassion,bothonstage andeventually in clinical practice

FortuneMcDonald, founde nd identofKarpe Diem Family,fi aboutthree yearsago at achu event.

“Itwas an open micpoetr event,”McDonaldsaid.“Right sawagenuinenessabouthim, abouthisdesiretoimpactyouth skillset as awriterand poet.”

McDonald said Young-O eagernesstoget involved stood immediately

“WhenI talked to himabo this workshopIwas puttin together,hewas like,‘I’mall ears,let’sdothis,’”McDonald says.“Andnot just that initialexcitement,heactually followed up.Hewas sincereaboutwantingtowork with youngpeople.”

McDonaldnotedthatmanys dentsarriveunsureorunintere in poetry butleave with asen ownershipovertheir writing.

“He’shelpedkidsbuild co dence in their voice,and he’s technicalwiththe informa he shares,”McDonaldsays. “Th getboththe literacypiece an confidence at thesametime. relate to himbecause he has energy they connectwith, bu also skilled enough to teacht thecraft.”