02.05.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To thePOINT DN

THEATER CONCERTS

GALAS GOSPEL

Yeah, we have a calendarfor Black Events.

DonLemon’sarrestand Elon Musk’sragetweet about arumored casting move underscorewhy this BlackHistory Monthmustbethe blackestever. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images.

CommunityReporter’s Message

Habitual line-stepper

check it out

Oneofthe most memorableChappelle ShowskitsfeaturedthelateCharlieMurphy sharingpersonalstories abouthis encounterswiththelateRickJames.Duringoneof Murphy’s engrossingtales, he talked about howJames wasnotorious forengagingin actsthatcrossedthelinebetweenwhatwas allowedorsensibleandwhatwasinsaneand foolish. In fact, Murphy said Jameswas a “habitualline-steeper.” Thattag fitsy’all’s president perfectly. He,likeall tyrants of history, makesitastrategic pointtocross thelineofmorality,commonsense,fairness,etc.,toseejust howmuchthegeneralpublicwillallowhimtogetawaywith. ThearrestofjournalistsDonLemonandGeorgiaFortwasa distractionfromthe Jeffrey Epsteinfiles andgrowing white angerabouttheirownpeoplebeingmurderedby“themlaws” as if they were Black. It wasa scaretactic, meanttosilence truth-telling journalistsfor fear they couldbenext. It was anaffronttodemocracyandtheruleoflaw.Butmostofall, itwasDonaldTrumptryingtoseehowfarhecangobefore “Wethe People”pushback. Trumpwillcontinuestepping over theline. The question is,willwecontinuetostepup andpushback?

Whitefragility gone wild

EveryoneknowsthatBlackwomenaretheglobalstandard of beauty.Point blank. Period.Eventhe most ardent racist knowsthistobeanobjectivefact,eventhoughtheyproclaim otherwise. EnterElon“colonizer”Musk–proclaimingotherwise.Whenrumor spread that stunning Africanbeauty LupitaNyong’o might be cast as Helen of Troy in filmmaker ChristopherNolan’supcomingmovie,TheOdyssey,Muskrat losthis mind. On X, Musk posted,“Helen of Troy wasfairskinned,blonde,and‘thefacethatlaunchedathousandships’ becauseshe wassobeautiful that menstarted awar over her…ChrisNolanhaslosthisintegrity.”Despitehisimmense

wealth,Muskhas neverbeenmistakenfor thesmartestpersonintheroom(anyroom). So,hemayverywellnotknowthatHelenof Troywasafictionalcharacter.Butifhedoes, in postingthatnonsense, Musk continued thelongstandingtraditionofwhitefolklosing theirmindswhenanyonebutawhiteperson is cast to play fictional people they assume should be white. Here’s afreeBlack History Monthfact:IfHelenofTroywassupposedto be themostbeautiful womanonthe planet, thatrolewasliterallywrittenforasoulsister

TheBlackestever

Bynow,youshouldknowthatBlackHistoryMonth2026 marksthe50thanniversaryofthemonthbecoming“official” intheeyesofthe“gubmint”viathen-PresidentGeraldFord’s designation.But more importantly, 2026 marksthe 100th anniversaryofDr. Carter G. Woodson’sfoundingofNegro HistoryWeek,nowBlackHistoryMonth.So,forthatreason alone,thisBHMshouldbetheblackestever.Howcanwedo that?LearnandteachanuggetofBlackhistoryeverydaythis month.Vote.Learnanewskill.Improveupontheskill(s)you alreadyhave.Joinacommunitythatisunashamedlyforthe empowermentofBlackpeople.Alignyourpurposeandyour skillswithaprobleminyourcommunitythatneedssolving, andsolveit.Dosomethingtomakeyourselfandyourworld better todaythanitwas yesterday. We don’tneedanyone’s permissiontomovetowardbecomingourbestselvesandto create aworld around us that reflectsour greatness. Is that Blackenoughfor you?

On theweb

•DallasCountyexoneratesTommy LeeWalker70years later.

•ArtistAlexusRhoneembodies‘She’sGottaHaveIt’spirit •Chavezwrestlingismovingfromafterthoughtto contender.

News DN

Christian Menefeeset prioritiesas he stepsinto the longvacant 18th Congressional Districtseat.

Credit: Jimmie Aggison/ Houston Defender

18THCONGRESSIONALDISTRICTWINNER

Christian Menefee outlines priorities

By Tannistha Sinha

Aftersecuringvictory in therace for Texas’18thCongressionalDistrict,Christian Menefeesaidhis first priority in Congress is to make sure residents finallyfeelrepresented again.

Menefee,theformerHarrisCountyAttorney,wassworninonFeb.2,steppingintoa seat that hasbeenwithout full representation fornearlya year followingthe deaths of CongresswomanSheilaJackson Leeand then CongressmanSylvester Turner.Texas Gov.GregAbbottdidnotschedulethefirst roundofvotinguntil November

“I want people in ourcommunities to know that they have an office that they cangotowhenthey’re having issues with Medicare, theVAhospital, social security, aplace that they cangotoget their questionsansweredand theirproblemssolved, whetheritbeimmigration case work or anything,”Menefee said

MenefeeandAmandaEdwardswerethe toptwofinishersoutof16candidatesinthis pastNovember’sspecialelection.Sinceboth fell shortofthe 50% threshold, they hadto face each otherfor theJanuary runoff.

Menefeewonthespecialrunoffelection, amassing68.38% of thevotecomparedto Edwards, whoreceived31.62%,according to theHarrisCountyClerk’s Office

He will have to immediately campaign againforthisseatintheDemocraticprimary

againstEdwardsandU.S.Rep.AlGreen,the incumbentrepresentativefromTX-9.

Restoring everydaystability

InaninterviewwiththeDefender,Menefeeframedhisagendaaroundloweringcosts andstrengtheningthe economic footingof workingfamilies, saying thepromise of a stable,middle-class life hasslipped outof reachfor many

“Myfocus has always been making sure thatpeoplewholiveinourdistrictsgetmore money back in theirpockets andthatwe drivecosts down so that folkscan affordto have agreat lifeinthiscountry,” he said.

PointingtoincreasingtheEarnedIncome TaxCreditand ChildTax Credit,Menefee said he wouldadvocatefor raisingthe federalminimum wage from $7.25 an hour

Healsopromisedsupportforsmallbusinesses andspeedingupFEMA disaster aid after storms

Bipartisanshipthrough

relationships

With theU.S.House narrowly divided, Menefeesaidprogresswilldependoninterpersonal relationshipsacrossparty lines.

Hetoutedhispracticeascountyattorney to advance measures that hiscolleaguesin Congress might notsupport

“I’m no strangertobeing able to partner with people whoviewthe worlddifferently

than Ido,”Menefee added.

Balancing governanceand campaigning

Menefee’swin comesduringanunusual election cycle.

Whilehetakesofficenow,aMarchDemocraticprimarywilldeterminewhorunsfor afulltermunder newlyredrawn district lines.

WhenaskedbytheDefenderhowhewill balanceconstituentservicesandtheongoing campaignfortheMarchelections,Menefee joked, “Theanswerisyes.” “It’sgoing to be majorworkfor sure,but

what people expect outoftheir member is tobeabletojuggleallthosethings,”hesaid “I’mupforthejob.Iknowhowtowalkand chew gum. ”

Menefeecasthis newroleaspartofa long legacyofoutspoken leadership from the18thDistrict, invoking figures such as BarbaraJordan,MickeyLeland,CraigWashington,Jackson Lee, andTurner.

The victory speech

In hiselectionnight speech, Menefeerepeatedlyreturnedtopersonaland communitystories as thebackboneofhis campaign.

He spokeabout families struggling with foodinsecuritywhilefacingcutstonutrition assistance programs,tying that to hisown family’s experience benefitingfromWIC

My focushas always been makingsurethatpeople wholiveinour districts getmoremoney back in theirpockets,and they we drivecostdownso that folkscan have a greatlifeinthiscountry.”

CHRISTIANMENEFEE

Menefeealsosharedhis brother’sbattlewithcancer,made survivable,hesaid, becauseofmilitaryhealthbenefitsthat coveredcostlytreatment Thosestories,perthenewCongressman, explainwhy he supports strengtheningthe socialsafetynet,protectingSNAPandWIC, andpushingfor universal health coverage

“This is always acampaignabout stories aboutthe good that government cando, that government canbeaninstrumentof good if youhavepublicservantswho put people first andwho work hard,” he said in hisspeech.

Jack Yates HS celebrates InFocus DN 100 years

By Aswad Walker

Houston ISD’s Jack Yates High Schooliscelebratingitscentennial Yet,acrossthecity,thereisbarelya whisperaboutit.

Yates is not only a storied athletic powerhouse, iconic Third Wardinstitution,andHoustonISD fixture,it’sHoustonhistory.

Immediate significance

Houston’sfirstBlackhighschool the Colored High School, later renamed Booker T. Washington High School opened in 1893 in the Fourth Ward and served as thecity’sonlysecondaryschoolfor Blackstudentsfordecades.

Thatchangedinthe1920s,when Yates and Phillis Wheatley high schools opened Yates, Houston’s second segregated high school for Black students, officially opened on Feb. 8, 1926, with 17 teachersand600students

A powerful name

TheoriginalYatescampus stood at 2610 Elgin St., now home to the Baylor College of MedicineAcademyatRyan named after Yates’ first principal,JamesD.Ryan, who led the school from 1926to1941.

Yates was named after Rev. Jack Yates, a formerly enslaved man who became one of the most influential Black leaders in19th-centuryHouston.

As enrollment grew, Yates moved to 3703 Sampson St in 1958 In 1978, the nationally recognizedSchoolofCommunication wasadded.In2018,Yatesrelocated to its current campus at 3650 Alabama St., a state-of-the-art facility that still upholds the century-old motto:CharacterandAchievement.

Generational pride

That motto lives on through generations of Lions.

HEARTHE LION ROAR

Tuere Omodele Chew, Class of 1977, represents a multigenerational Yates family.

“My son was on the back-toback state basketball team,” Chew said “My grandson’s children come here too. I’m really proud of all my kids that came through here.”

Chew credits Yates’ coaches, staff, and leadership, including current principal Stephanie Square, for sustaining that legacy.

A principal shaped by Yates Square’s connection to Yates runs deep A 2002 graduate who was voted “Most Athletic,” she returnedasateacherin2007after graduating from Texas Southern University(TSU).Shelaterearned TeacheroftheYearhonorsandan MBA from Rice University

“I joined pretty much any alumni group that was out there,” Square said “Iremainedengaged until I returned in 2023 as principal.”

Square realized early Yates’s specialness.

“Asaninthgrader, all I would hear is, ‘You’re so lucky you gotoYates,’”shesaid.

Riding buses across Houston, she saw that pride firsthand

“Thenumberofcarsthatbeeped andsaid‘JY’and‘GoLions’ that sense of pride became instilled in me very early.”

Living history

Alumna Madeline McElroy Johnson, Class of 1961, carries Yates’ institutional memory

“I was editor of the yearbook, The Lion, 1961,” said Johnson, whose father, George McElroy, taught at Yates.

Johnson recalled the arrival of Principal John Codwell in 1958.

“Backintheday,FifthWardand ThirdWarddidnotmatchup,”she said “But Codwell was the best thing that ever happened.”

Her daughter, Georgette Johnson, Class of 1993, says Yates’ alumni culture is unmatched

“We continue to keep Yates alive and well,” she said “It’s like an HBCU, but it’s a high school.”

Sports and beyond

Yates’ athletic legacy is legendary from the undefeated 1985 football state championship team to the boys’ basketball dynasty of 2009–2014.

“There was a sign that read, ‘Your#1mistakeisplayingYates,’” recalled Yates linebacker Glen Kelso, Class of 1984. “The expectation of good things happening was planted in us.”

YetalumniemphasizethatYates produced far more than elite athletes. Graduates include Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Roland Martin,GarnetColeman,andgenerations of educators and leaders.

“WhenIwenttoYates,students understood they were part of the continuum,”saidMichonBenson, Class of 1986. “We had a sense of responsibility and duty.”

A centennial call

As Yates celebrates its 100th year, alumni remain committed

“Lions are everywhere, and we arewatching,”Bensonsaid,aprofessor and assistant dean at TSU. “We are ready to usher new Lions through the den.”

Square, whose three children graduated from Yates, hopes the city takes notice

“This is not just Jack Yates’ history,” she said “It’s the City of Houston history.”

At 100 years old, the Lions still roar andHoustonshouldlisten

For information on Yates’ centennialevents,visitwww.jynaa.org or Facebook: The JYNAA.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 16 - FEBRUARY 5, 2026

Education DN

How the Texas school voucher program works

By Tannistha Sinha

Texashasrolledoutitsfirststatewideprivateschoolvouchersystem,a$1billionprogram that will allow families to use public dollars for private school tuition and other educationalexpensesstartinginthe2026-27 school year

The applications opened on Feb. 4 and will remain open until March 17 To apply, visit www.educationfreedom.texas.gov

The program, created by Senate Bill 2 and branded as Texas Education Freedom Accounts(TEFA),isstructuredasaneducationsavingsaccount(ESA)overseenbythe statecomptroller’sofficeandrunday-to-day by a private contractor, Odyssey.

Howthevoucherprogramworks

Under SB 2, eligible families will receive moneyinadigitalESAthattheycanuseto pay tuition at approved private schools or buyeducation-relatedservicesandproducts from approved vendors.

Most K-12 students using the program are expected to receive about $10,300 per year,equalto85%oftheestimatedstatewide average per-pupil funding.

Other amounts are set in law and in the comptroller’s final rules:

• Studentswithdisabilitiescanreceiveup to $30,000 a year

• Homeschooled students can receive $2,000 a year.

• Pre-Kstudentsatprivateprogramscan receive the full K-12 amount (around $10,000)iftheyalsomeetthestate’sfree public pre-K eligibility rules, a change fromearlierdraftrulesthatwouldhave limited them to $2,000.

Funds will flow through education savings accounts managed by a “certified educationalassistanceorganization,”orCEAO, the middleman selected by the comptroller to run the platform, pay invoices, and police whether spending is allowed under state rules.

The rules adopted by the comptroller establish a new subchapter in the Texas Administrative Code (Sections 16.401–16.410), outlining definitions, participation rules, approved providers, allowable expenses, suspension procedures, and appeals.

Timeline:When doesTEFAstart?

The voucher program will launch at the start of the 2026-27 school year Behindthescenes,thestateanditschosen vendor, Odyssey, a New York-based company that already operates voucher platformsinseveralotherstates,isbuildingthe

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program is set to begin in the 2026-27 school year with a $1 billion budget Credit: Getty Images

digital infrastructure

Those already serving students with disabilities in an existing state initiative began applyingtoparticipateinDecember.Hereare morekeydatesfromtherulesandcontract:

• February-mid-March 2026: Families apply for vouchers for the 2026-27 school year.

• Early May 2026: Families receive decisions on their applications

• Early July 2026: The tuition and payment platform is expected to go live

• 2026-27 school year: Students can first use TEFA money for eligible expenses.

Who gets priorityandwho still maynot get in

Although lawmakers branded the program “universal,” not all applicants will get an account if demand exceeds the $1 billionallocatedforthefirstbiennium Instead, applications are sorted into tiers:

• Studentswithdisabilitiesfromfamilies atorbelow500%ofthefederalpoverty level (around $160,000 for a family of four)

• Familiesatorbelow200%ofthepoverty level(about$64,300forafamilyoffour)

• Familiesbetween200%and500%ofthe poverty level (~$64,300-$160,000)

• Familiesearningabove500%ofpoverty, capped at 20% of the program’s budget (roughly $156,000 - $160,000)

Access is not guaranteed Unlike public schools, private schools can decide who to admit and how many voucher students to take

They can also later dismiss a voucher student for reasons that would not be lawful grounds for exclusion or expulsion in a public school, such as academic performance,disability-relatedneeds,behavior,or afamily’sinabilitytopaytuitionbeyondthe voucher amount

The program sets aside larger amounts, upto$30,000,forstudentswithdisabilities

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT

METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS (METRO)

At its January 22, 2026, meeting, the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) approved the FY2025 Urbanized Area Formula, the FY2025 State of Good Repair, and the FY2025 Bus and Bus Operating Facilities Programs of Projects. These Programs of Projects will become the final Program of Projects and are funded with grant support from the United States Department of Transportation, Section 5307, Section 5337, and Section 5339. Visit RideMETRO.org/PublicHearing for the complete FY2025 Program of Projects.

Members of the public may submit comments or request a public hearing by contacting GrantApplications@RideMETRO.org or 713-739-4697. Requests for a public hearing will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2026. The Main Street location is fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with hearing impairments may phone 713-635-6993 for TDD/TTY access.

Further information may be obtained by contacting GrantApplications@RideMETRO.org or 713-739-4697

RideMETRO.org Call or text 713-635-4000

InFocus DN

ByLauraOnyeneho

InFebruary 1926, histo-

rian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week driven by his frustration with AmericantextbooksthatomittedBlackcontributions and academic institutions that ignored Black scholarship altogether Woodson, the second African American to earnadoctoratefromHarvard,understoodthat historywasbeingweaponizedthroughomission

One hundred years later, the observance Woodson founded has grown into Black History Month, a federally recognized fixture of Americanculturallife.Ye thecentennialarrives duringanothereraofhistoricalerasure Across Texasandnationwide,legislativeeffortsseekto banbooks,restrictcurriculum,andreframethe teachingofBlackhistoryasdivisive Whocontrols the story of America, and what happens whenentirecommunitiesareexcludedfromit?

WhyNegroHistoryWeekbegan

OnSept 9,1915,WoodsonfoundedtheAssociationfortheStudyofNegroLifeandHistory (ASNLH),whichaimedtopromotethescientific studyofBlacklifeandhistory.In1916,theassociationlaunchedTheJournalofNegroHistory, thefirstscholarlyjourna topublishresearchon thehistoricalachievementsofBlack ndividuals He deliberately chose the second week of February, aligning it with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, who spearheaded the abolitionmovementinthecountry,andAbraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamationthatdeclaredtheendofslavery.

Woodson believed that if Black children could see themselves and their ancestors as historical actors they would understand their present in a different light He responded to textbooks that portrayed enslaved people as content, Reconstruction as chaos, and Black intellectual life as nonexistent.

“I’m thinking about the fact that Black History Month is a hundred years old, we are almost being forced to do what Woodson did for Black History a hundred years ago, ” says Dr Melanye T. Price, director of the Ruth J. Simmons Center forRaceandJusticeatPrairieViewA&MUniversity. “We are in a moment where they are dismantling all of the formal structure in place forstudentstobeeducatedaboutBlackhistory.”

The well-known change-makers in African American history never took a formal Black Studies class. Price explains that what they learned about Black people and Black studies came through alternative means, such as civic organizations,theirneighbors,andthechurch Fordecades,NegroHistoryWeekwascelebratedinBlackinstitutions includingchurches, historically Black colleges and universities, community centers, and progressive school systems Educatorsbuiltlessonplans.Cultura eaders organized programs

Celebrating 100 years

of Black History Month

Bythe1960s amidtheCivilRightsMovement and a growing Black consciousness movement, students and activists pushed for expansion. In 1976, during the nation’s bicentennial and 50 yearsafterWoodson’sfounding,PresidentGerald FordofficiallyrecognizedBlackHistoryMonth. What began as a tool of Black self-determination became, in some spaces, a box to check, a month of sanitized figures and feelgood stories that avoided the structural violenceWoodsonhaddocumentedinhisbook

The Mis-Education of the Negro. Bishop James Dixon who leads both the NAACPHoustonBranchandtheCommunity of Faith Church has made Black history education a weekly practice at his church Every Sunday includes a Black history moment with videosandeducationalcontent.Heseesreligious andcivicinstitutionsasessentialtofillingthegap leftbyrestrictedclassroomeducation.

“Blacksocialjusticeorganizations civilrights organizations,andBlackchurchesplayasignificantroleinbecomingtheeducationalcentersin our communitythatmaintainourhistory, and that educate new younger generations about

whoweactuallyare,whatourstoryactuallyis,” Dixonsays.“TheBlackchurchisstillthelargest Black institution in our community We have morepeopleinourchurcheseverySundaythan anyotherorganizationcanboast,whichgivesus anopportunityandyetaresponsibility.”

Texas has become a testing ground for how farhistoricalrestrictionscango Since2021,state legislatorshaveintroducedbillstargeting“criticalracetheory,”atermnowappliedbroadlyto any curriculum examining racism’s structural dimensions Books by Toni Morrison, Ta-NehisiCoates,andothershavebeenchallengedor removedfromschoollibraries.

The implications reach beyond classrooms Publiclibrariesfacepressure Museumsreconsiderexhibitions.WhenBlackhistoryacknowledges oppression and resistance, it becomes a sourceofcontroversy.

Thisisn’tuniquetoTexas.Florida,Tennessee, andotherstateshaveenactedsimilarrestrictions Nationally PEN America documented over 10,000bookbansduringthe2023–2024school year, with books by and abou people of color disproportionatelytargeted.

“Educators are not volunteers They have families to feed They have responsibilities, mortgages,carnotes,studentloandebt,andall thethingsthattheyneed,”Pricesays.“Educators aretryingtofindasafegroundwheretheycan beresponsibletothesubjectmatterthatthey’re teaching, but also be adherent to the fact that they have responsibilities in their own life. It’s achallengingtimeforteachers.”

Houstonasasiteof resistanceandpreservation

Houston’s Freedmen’s Town one of the earliestpost-emancipationcommunitiesinTexas, has always been a site where Black people told their own stories. Today, the Houston Freedmen’sTownConservatorycontinuesthiswork preservingarchives,oralhistories,andcultural memoriesthatwouldotherwisebelost.

“The threat righ now with political control over curriculum really saddens me because there’s so much that can be learned from places like Freedmen’s Town There’s never been a broad framework for our stories to be told,eventhoughthere’sbeenthishonoringof Black History Months through schools,” said SharonFletcher executivedirectoroftheHoustonFreedmen’sTownConservatory “Wealways hearaboutthesamefigures,andnotthatthese figures are not important, like Martin Luther KingandtheRosaParks,andFrederickDouglass,butitgivestheimpressiontoourkidsthat Blackhistoryonlystartedinthe30sorthe40sor the50sorthe60s,andthat’sjustnottrueforthe existenceoftheAfricanandAfrican-American race who’s made contributions, not only here intheUnitedStates,butalsogloballyaswell.”

The conservatory hosts various educational activities, such as The Porch Talk an intimate series of panel discussions that aims to shed lightontheuntoldstoriesofTexas’Freedmen’s Towns and honor their contributions to the state’s cultura and historical landscape. Their visitor’s center hosts youth literacy, history, and technology activities in partnership with thecommunity,suchasReadingwithaRapper

“It’s importan to host space but also creating, continuing to create spaces that allow you to come in and experience the very places that peoplearesayingdon’texist,”Fletchersays.“It’s alsothe100thyearoftheGregorySchool,which isinFreedmen’sTownaswell We’realsoseeing advocatesandalliespushthroughallthatnoise, likeProjectRowHouses FifthWard,andDeluxe Theater.Thisissomethingtocelebrate.”

Similarly,eventsliketheWoodsonBlackFest at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston reclaim Black History Month as a community-lededucationa initiative.

EmanueleeBeanistheformerHoustonPoet Laureateandcuratorofthe5thannualWoodson BlackFest Thefestival whichhonorsWoodson’s legacy,introducesthecommunitytothepower of the arts through spoken word poetry and musicalperformances.

He is also a teacher through Writers in Schools, a program that connects children and youth with professional writers and spoken word artists to unlock the joy and power of storytelling.

“Every day to me is Black History Month, becausewithoutAfrican-Americansonthissoil this country has no culture whatsoever,” Bean says “America’s greatest export is cultural and entertainment.Artisnotmeanttobeconsumed It’smeanttobeexperienced.

Woodsondidn’twaitforpermissiontoteach Blackhistory.Hebuilttheinfrastructurehimself archives, journals and networks of educators, becauseheunderstoodthatcommunitiesmust contro theirownnarratives.

“Iteachinaveryuntraditionalway.Ibelieve education is a very communal practice As a collective, we are trying to educate kids from an individualistic mindset,” Bean said “These events are workshops and are free What you arepayingforistime Andthattimeisaseed.”

Learn more about what Houstonians are doing to keep the celebration alive.

Feature DN

Students use debate forjustice, dialogue

ByLauraOnyeneho

In the2007 historical film TheGreat Debaters, DenzelWashington played the role of poet andprofessor Melvin B. Tolson,whotaughtatthepredominantlyBlack WileyCollegein1935 Texas.

He decides to startadebateteamof strong-minded, intelligentyoung students, andtheybecamethefirstBlackdebateteam to challenge Harvard’sprestigious debate champions.

Themovie inspired anew generation of debatersandsparkedbroaderconversations aboutperseverance,racialinjustice,andthe powerofeducation

“Gentlemen andlady, debate is combat, butyourweaponsarewords,”Washington’s characterfamouslysaysinthefilm.“Debate isbloodsport,youmustdestroyyouropponent,not only verbally butphysically…We areheretodebate, to useour minds.”

That moment washistory drawn from realHBCU(HistoricallyBlackcollegesand universities)studentswho,duringsegregation,usedlogic andlanguagetochallenge powerinaworld that silencedthem.

Nearly acentury later, that spirit lives on throughstudentsintoday’s tumultuous politicalclimate. Therevival of interest in debatecompetitionencouragesthemtouse intellectual discourseasatoolfor change andaformidableweaponagainstmisinformation andinflammatoryonlinerhetoric.

HoustonUrbanDebate League(HUDL)

•Serves dozens of HISD middle and high schools.

•Focused on engagingBlack and Latino students in competitivedebate

•Offerscoaching,tournaments, and college prep support.

•Harris CountyDepartmentof Education –CASEDebates

•Aprogram within HCDE’s“CASE forKids” division, providing debate opportunitiesfor underserved youth at no cost

•Partnerswith schools and training programs to build debateskills in students who might not otherwise have access.

TexasSouthernUniversitydebate team membersare practicing for acompetition Courtesy:Texas Southern University/via Facebook

Dr.GloriaBatiste-Roberts, director and coachoftheworld-renownedTexasSouthernUniversityDebateTeam, keeps that same lesson aliveina debate programthat has long offeredBlack students astage to buildpower forthe last 50 years.

“Debategives studentsa passionto developresources,definetruth,and communicate clearly,”Roberts said.“It’s the greatest form of mentorship.”

TheHechingerReportreports adecline in civics educationinschools nationwide, citing fear amongteachersand principals of discussing such topics in adivided society.Socialmediaamplifiesmisinformation, andthe costs of competitioncan lock out studentsfromlow-income communities.

ForyoungBlackstudents,theseproblems compoundlongstandingbarriers,under-resourcedschools,fewercoachesfromsimilar backgrounds,andcircuitswhereHBCUsare oftenthe only Blackteams

“We’re fighting misinformation and teachingkidshow to verify what they see, ” Robertssaid. “Everythingthatyou read is notalwaysthe truth. Debate teachesthem to differentiatetruth from fiction.”

Edison Sanon, alongtimedebatejudge andcoach who’sbeeninvolvedinforensics sincethe1990s,saysthelandscapeisshifting in promisingways.

“Kidsare nowgetting recruitedatthe middle school level,”Sanon said.“By the timetheyreachhighschool,they’renotjust tryingtofindthemselves,they’rereadytogo. It’s amazingtowatch that growth.”

Sanonseesdebateasmorethananextracurricular activity.It’strainingfor life

“Theyhavetoresearchbothsides of an issue, even theone they don’tagree with,” Sanonsaid. “Thatmakes them wellrounded. It teachesthemthatnot everythingisblackandwhite.There’sagrayarea. Debate helps them seethat.”

TocontactHUDL,visitwww.houstonurbandebate.org.

GeorgeAnderson Leads Hiram Clarke/Ft.BendTIRZ

By AswadWalker

PartofwhatfuelsGeorgeAnderson’spassion forthe HiramClarke/Fort Bend-Houstonareaishisabilitytoseewhatotherscannot —the beauty,opportunity andpromise that existbeyondperception

Healsooperateswithprofoundfaithinhis Creator, in hisabilities andinthe potential of theresidents andbusinessesthatcallthe community home.Thatfaith is paying off. Investmentsareflowingin,transformational projects areunderwayand thearea’sfuture looksbright.

TheHiram Clarke/FortBendRedevelopment Authority(HCFB), also knownasTax IncrementReinvestmentZone(TIRZ25),was createdin2013.Andersonandotherfoundingmembers were appointedbythe late HoustonCityCouncil memberLarryGreen. Andersonbeganas vice-chair andlater assumedthe chairman’sseat.

“WhenIlandedatthechurch,oneofmyfirst assignmentswastogettoknowthecommunity—theleaders,themainstakeholders— andunderstandwhatweretheneeds.”

Thatworkbecameamission.

“MyloveforservingGod’speopleandfor betteringour communities, especially those that areBlack andBrown,iswhatGeorge Andersonlovesdoing,”heshared.

Aspecialcommunity

ComingfromIndianapolis,Andersonhad tolearnhisnewcityandcommunity

TIRZsstimulateeconomicdevelopmentin designatedareas.Under Anderson’sleadership,TIRZ25hasfulfilledthatmission—and expandedittoupliftthespiritanddignityof itsresidents.

Aliteralcalling

Anderson’sjourneytoHoustonwasamatteroffaith

“Thechurch—FountainofPraise—actually broughtmehere,”hesaid. “The pastor, Dr.Remus Wright,ismyuncle,and Icame toassisthimwithgrowingthecongregation.” ButAnderson’spurposeextendedbeyond ministry

“Mycallingand passionare around reinvigorating communities,”saidAnderson.

“OnceIlandedhere, Iwas introduced to thecommunity elders,”statedAnderson. “Theyhad passionfor this community. Ilearned very quicklythatthisisa very engagedcommunity They did their own patrollingand cleanups. They were willingtodowhatwas necessarytoprotect theinvestmentsmany hadmadebackintheearlyseventies.”

That spirit of self-determinationbecame thefoundationfor Anderson’sworkwith TIRZ25.

Fightingmisperceptions

Ifthere’sonethingthatbringsoutAnderson’sfire,it’shearinghiscommunityunfairly labeled.

“Someofthe challengesare dispellingthe negative perceptionsabout HiramClarke/ FortBend-Houston,”hesaid.“Igetveryupset whenIseethenewspaintingourcommunity ascrime-riddenorgang-infested.Wearethe opposite.”

He said toomanyoutsiderssee thearea’s BlackandBrowndemographicsandjumpto thewrongconclusion.

My calling and passionare around reinvigorating communities... When Ifirstlandedat thechurch, oneofmyfirst assignments wasto go to the community.”

GEORGE ANDERSON

“And Iwould saythatweare hood —but wearegreathood,”hesaidwithalaugh.“We have some of thelowestcrime ratesinthe city…It’sagreatplacetoliveandworship.”

He addedthatthe community’s resilience hasprovenitselfovertime

“Thankstothose eldersand earlyinitiatives, we don’thavethe floodingthatother communities battle.Duringall themajor storms,wedidn’tflood.We’vegotalotgoing onhere,”saidAnderson.

TIRZ 25 boardmemberTeeba Rose praisedAnderson’sleadership

“George Anderson is awell-respected, hard-working,smart supporterofthe community in everyway,” Rose said.“From the boards he sits on,the church he attends, the students he mentors, andthe fraternity he embodies,hegivesofhimselftoensureothers succeed.AndIamaproductofhissupport.”

TIRZ25highlights

UnderAnderson’sguidance, TIRZ 25 has launched andsupported aseries of projects thathavevisiblytransformedthearea

“One of thehighlightswas ourinaugural

project,”Andersonshared. “Wepartnered with HinesDevelopment to do theSouthwestBusinessCorridor—alsoknownasthe BeltwaySouthwest BusinessPark—which broughteconomic development, jobs,and purposetoamajorintersection.”

AnothermajordevelopmentistheEdison ArtsProject,transformingalong-vacantKrogersite.

“It’saphenomenalprojectthat,inaddition toaffordablehousing,willalsodonicework intheareaofperformingarts,”Andersonsaid. “They’re taking it from blight to avaluable communityresource.”

Beautification hasalsobeena priority AndersonpointstotheDistrictGatewayProject,a$1.1millioninitiativecompletedin2021 thatimprovedmajorintersectionsalongU.S 90A/SouthMainwithbetterlighting, public art, andenhancedtraffic andpedestrian safety.The projectreceiveda National RecognitionAwardfromtheAmericanCouncil of EngineeringCompanies (ACEC)aspart of the2024 EngineeringExcellenceAwards —nationalvalidationoftheTIRZ’scommunity-drivenvision.

Sports DN

CRYSTAL SCHULTZ

Thrives, evolves with Prairie View women’s basketball squad

By Terrance Harris

If there is a word to describe Crystal Schultz’s transition from wide-eyed freshmantosophomoreatPrairieView,itwould definitely be change

The Fort Bend Austin product entered this basketball season with a new coach, increased demands on her game, and leadershipexpectations.Whileitcanfeeldauntingattimes,Schultzisembracingitall.That includesthenewvoicesanddemandsoffirstyear head coach Tai Dillard and her staff

“It’s a big change, and I think it’s a great change, as well,” Schultz said in a recent conversation with the Defender following practice “I have a great coaching staff It’s four different personalities, but it all works outactuallyverygood,surprisingly.Tohave a head coach who is very calm, but at the sametimeweallrespecther.Everythingthat shesaysbecauseshecomesfromexperience. She has played in the pros and collegiately. We respect all of our coaches because they have been where we want to get to “It’sagreatchangeactually,justgettingus to where we need to be.”

So far, the skilled scorer has picked up rightwheresheleftofflastseasonwhenshe finishedtheyearastheSWACFreshmanof theYear Schultzisstillgettingbucketseven as the 2-11 overall, 0-2 (SWAC) Panthers go through a gauntlet of a non-conference schedule that has the University of Texas, Sam Houston State, Oklahoma State, Texas State, and Texas A&M on the horizon.

The5-foot-8shootingguardleadsSWAC in scoring with 15.7 points a game, while backcourt mate CJ Wilson is second in the conference with 15.3 points per game

“It can be very, very frustrating, but I think once you love the game, this is what comeswithit,”SchultzsaidofthePanthers’ unforgiving non-conference schedule,

where they are often overmatched and on theroad “Youaregoingtohavethosefrustrating moments, but when you have good teammateslikeIhave;we’resisters.Soatthe end of the day, we are going to have each other’s backs.

“It’s frustrating, but at the same time fun because we are getting better each game.”

Improving with each game has been the goal the coaching staff has set for not just Schultz, but the entire team, during this

initial stretch of the season Dillard, who was hired last spring after several years as anassistantcoachattheUniversityofHouston, scrambled to put together a schedule upon her arrival, but also sought a tougher non-conference slate to gauge the team’s competitiveness.

“After the first day we saw the preseason schedule,weknewitwasgoingtobearough battle,” Schultz said. “But at the end of the day, you have to go through times to get to where you want to do It’s not going to be peaches and cream every day. Even in practices,wehaveroughpracticesandeven thosefrustratingtalkswithourcoaches.But at the end of the day, our coaches love us, and they want to see us succeed

a feeling where we would be because we’re reallyyoung.Wedon’thaveanyseniors;even ourtwoleadingscorersaresophomores(CJ Wilson and Schultz). They are leaders, but it’s still a challenge for them, too, stepping out in that light, as well.”

Being a leader is an aspect of her game thatSchultzmayhavethoughtshehadtime todevelop,butwithsixfreshmenontheroster this season, her maturation has had to accelerateconsiderably Suddenly,shefinds herself playing big sister to teammates who aren’t quite a year older than she is

Her ability to score is what stood out. Her ability to score and get a bucket in any situation no matter what and that just comes from confidence. You can see that confidence and of course coming in as a new staff, we wanted to make sure we had someone who was confident while we were still trying to gel and mesh together and have the ability to score, as well.”

PLENETTE PIERSON

PV assistant coach

“So practicing and playing hard so that whenwegettotheSWAC,that’sgoingtobe easybecausewehavealreadyplayedthebest ofthebest We’vealreadyplayedUT,A&M; we’ve already played these tough teams, so we know what it takes.”

That’sexactlythetakeawaytheircoaches desired

“Iwantedtoseewherewereallyarebefore we go into conference,” Dillard said “I had

“I’m a big sister, but we are the same age. It’s weird,” Schultz said “I was just talking to my coach about it the other day. I’m not a captain or anything like that, but I think being able to talk to them, them being able to listen to me, and me giving good advice on the court and off the court.

“They know where you’ve been, so they knowthatiftheydon’tlisten,theycan’treally get to where you’ve been. I think it’s easier becausewehavealotofpeoplewhoarewilling to listen and understand.”

Sports DN

LAMAR HSWR

EN’RICOMOORE

Workshis wayback, showcasing skillin2026Bayou

By Jimmie Aggison

Formosthighschoolfootball players, momentum is everything. ForEn’rico Moore, it has been amatterofsurvival.

TheLamar High School seniorwide receiverhas enduredtwo majorkneeinjuriesthatstalledhisrecruitmentandcosthim valuable evaluation time.Yet, Moorenever stopped producingorbelieving.Now,after playinginthe2026BayouBowlwhichtook place Jan. 3, 2026,atBarbers Hill Stadium, Moorehas takenadvantage of onefinal opportunity to show collegecoaches who he trulyis.

“WhenIfound outIwas nominated as theonlyplayerfrommydistricttoplayin theBayouBowl,Iwashonoredtoshowcase my skillsand happytorepresent my team,” said Moore.

TheBayouBowlservesasanotheropportunity forseniors to getone more look on filmtocatch theeye of potentialcoaches priortoNationalSigningDay,whichtook place on Feb. 4.

“I decidedtoplayinthe BayouBowlto gain recognition andshowcoaches that I cancompete againstcompetition from all over Texas,”saidMoore.“Ihad something to provenot only to my peersbut also to coaches.”

As an underclassman, Moorehad the opportunity to learnbywatchingthen-Lamarstandouts Jordan Reaves andTristen Brown, whocurrently hold theschool record formostcatches, receiving yards, andtouchdownsbyawide receiver

“Icameinasafreshmanandworkedhard forastartingspotmysophomoreyear,”said Moore.“PlayingwithgreatseniorslikeJordanReavesand TristenBrown helped me gain valuable football knowledge, andI heldmyselftoahigherstandardthroughoutthose years. ”

Moore’sconsistency,early impact,and role at Lamarwereundeniable.But his valuetothe programextended farbeyond statistics.

“En’rico hasbeenanincredibleblessing to ourteamand is leavinga legacy. Specifically, theway he hascarried himself with toughnessandcompetitivenessisinfluencingall hisyoungerteammates,” said Lamar head football coachMichael Lindsey. “He nevercomplains andthoroughlyenjoys thegrind.Healsoscoredoneofthebiggest touchdownsinLamarhistory,agame-winningtouchdownvsRidgePointinthe2023 Area playoffs.”

Afour-year varsityletterman and

Bowl

three-yearvarsity starter, Moore’srole evolvedfromcontributingunderclassman to seniorleader

“Myroleasanunderclassman was importantbecause Ihad to step up forthe team,”saidMoore.“Itookthatresponsibility with me into my senior year andsharedit with my underclassmentohelpkeepthem accountable.”

However, as Moore’splaying time increased, so did hisriskofinjury, forcing him to developmentalresilience alongside hisphysical recovery

Mooresuffered atornposterior cruciate ligament(PCL)duringhissophomoreseasonand atornanteriorcruciateligament (ACL) during hisjunioryear. These injuries caused himtomisscamps andspring ball,acrucial evaluation period when college coachescan interact with prospectsin person.

“WhenI tore my PCL, Ididn’tknow aboutthe recovery processand wasimpatient, whichprolonged my recovery,” said Moore. “Then, when ItoremyACL, Ifell into adepressingstate of self-doubt, not knowingifI’d be able to play at thesame levelIdid before theinjury.”

Foranyathlete,injuriesandrecruitment rarely coexistsmoothly.

“It’sdefinitely been tough,”saidLindsey. “Recruitingfor high school kids hasbeen at an all-timestruggle, andhehas hadto endureinjuriesandrecoveryforthepasttwo springsand summers. ”

When healthy, however, Mooreremains adifference-maker

“He’sdynamic,” said Lindsey. “Heruns hard andisa big-play threat at alltimes.”

Last season,Moore helped lead Lamar to a6ARegionIII District 18 championship andaplayoffrun,earning FirstTeam All-District honors as awidereceiver. During hisseniorseason. He totaled13 receptions for222 yardsand fivereceiving touchdowns,added tworushing touchdowns,andrecorded147puntreturnyards for421 all-purposeyards

“Beingnamed1stTeamAll-Districtwide receiveraftereverythingI’vegonethroughis very important,”saidMoore.“Allthe work Iput in over thesummer andduringthe playingseasonwas noticed.”

Aformertrackathlete, Moorealsouses hisspeed to make an impact in thereturn game

“I’m very fast andphysical, so thereturn game lets me show my elusiveness,”said Moore.

ABOUT EN’RICOMOORE

Class: 2026

IG: @sgrico6

Twitter: @ATHRICO1

Position: Wide receiver

Height &weight: 5-feet-8, 180 pounds

Favorite artist: Deebaby

Status: Uncommitted

Favorite subject: Engineering

AlthoughMooreremainsuncommitted, he currentlyhas offersfromHardin-SimmonsUniversity,GracelandUniversity,and WilliamPenn University

“TheoffersIhavenowgivemeconfidence in my ability, knowingIhavecollege talent andthatcoaches recognizeit,”saidMoore “I’mlookingforaprogramwithacoachwho isgreatatdevelopingandteaching.Acoach whowillgivemeanopportunitytoplayand aprogramthatthrowsasmuchastheyrun theball.”

“En’rico hasa lotmorefootballleftin

hiscareer, so Iknewthiswould be agreat chancetoshowcasehisskillsandcharacter,” said Lindsey. “I also knew he wouldrepresent Lamarwellonthe field with hisplay.” Ashishighschoolcareerdrawstoaclose, Moorehopeshislegacyextendsbeyondthe field

“I want LamarHighSchooltoremembermeasa humble person,bothonand off thefield,”saidMoore.“Onewho was alwayscompetitiveinanyaspectoflifeand onewho wasarespected andrespectful student-athlete.”