Houston Defender: February 22, 2018 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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THE T.R.U.T.H PROJECT PRESENTS SOCIAL ART THROUGH HEALING P6

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 87 | Number 17 FEBRUARY 22, 2018 |FREE

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NEWSTALK RICHARD CARRANZA

REV. WILLIAM ‘BILL’ LAWSON Reflecting on yesterday today and, tomorrow

delivers HISD state of the schools

NATIONAL ROBERT RUNCIE a calming voice in Fl. shooting

H PAGE 7

SPORTS BOB WATSON new Astros center named in his honor

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Solange

Receives Harvard honor The Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations have chosen the US pop star as their Artist of the Year. She received the honor because she used her public platform to promote justice and fair representation for minorities, through uplifting political messages. H PAGE 6

Darrell Wallace

Sets Nascar history

TOP EVENTS

The driver recently made history as the first African-American to race in NASCAR’s top level race since 1969. He’s hoping it’ll help attract more people of color and women – both on and off the race course – to the sport.

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Sonny Messiah Jiles, Eileen Morris and Judge Clarease Yates at a “Black Panther” screening.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018

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HISD calls for change in state funding Defender News Services

HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza and Board of Education President Rhonda SkillernJones urged business professionals and state lawmakers to work with the district in advocating for changes to the state’s funding system for public education. They delivered their message during the annual State of the Schools luncheon. Both touted HISD’s commitment to innovation, ensuring equity within all schools and creating a world-class district despite post-Hurricane Harvey challenges. “The last time the state of Texas updated its school funding system, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States. That was 1984, and a lot has changed since 1984,” Carranza said. “We need a school finance system that will reflect the needs of today’s students and does not so heavily rely on local property taxes to fund schools. We continue to do more with less because the state does not give school districts their fair share for public education. We urge lawmakers to support a system that provides a better education for our children in the 21st century.” Skillern-Jones said the district has a tough year ahead. “Harvey wreaked havoc on our employees and students as it did our entire city,” she said. The water may be gone, but its devastation remains. We need everyone’s help to rebuild and reimagine.” In his second address since assuming leadership of the district, Carranza addressed some of HISD’s greatest challenges, including a projected $208 million deficit and the state’s school finance system, which has led HISD to recapture. Carranza called recapture today’s most pressing issue for HISD. Although HISD serves 76

percent of economically disadvantaged students, HISD is considered “property-wealthy” and is required to send millions of its local property taxes to the state to distribute to poorer school districts. “This year, we’re going to have to write an estimated $260 million check to the state of Texas because of recapture,” Carranza said. “Ironically, if we did not have a recapture payment and the state of Texas would step up to its constitutionally-required duty to properly fund public education, we could eliminate the deficit at HISD and have additional funds to provide resources for our students in the communities that need it most.” Carranza also addressed HISD’s status as one the largest employers in the region, with nearly 31,000 employees whose direct constituents are the 214,000 students enrolled in HISD. “Those 214,000 students will soon be in the workforce,” he said. “So let’s talk about how we can work together to build some academies so we’re infusing the kind of skills and innovation that you want when we graduate those students. Partnership is crucial because together, we are educating the future economic engine of our community. “ During the event, three schools were announced as winners of Innovation Grants. Berry Elementary School will receive a $3,100 grant from the HISD Foundation’s Innovation Fund, McReynolds Middle School will receive a $7,000 grant, and Sharpstown High School will receive a $20,000 grant.

Superintendent Richard Carranza

N OW

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

Project LEAP 2018

Project LEAP (Learning, Empowerment, Advocacy, Participation) is a free comprehensive 17 week advocacy training program for individuals living with or affected by HIV . The purpose of Project LEAP is to train people to become active participants on local HIV planning bodies.

Classes are on Wednesdays  April through July 10:00 am - 2:00 pm -or- 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm A brief application & interview are required Application Deadline: Thursday, March 1st at 5:00 p.m. If you have questions about the program or would like to apply after March 1st please contact Diane Beck at 713 572-3724 or diane.beck@hctx.net Or apply online: www.surveymonkey.com/r/LEAP2018 RYAN WHITE PLANNING COUNCIL OFFICE OF SUPPORT

2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 Phone 713 572-3724 Fax 713 572-3724 TTY 713-572-2813 www.rwpcHouston.org

localbriefs HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CONFIRMED a flu-related death of a child in the county. It is the first pediatric death in Harris County this flu season, which started Oct. 1, 2017. Due to confidentiality issues and out of respect for the privacy of the family, no further information on the child will be released. According to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), there have been 84 pediatric flurelated deaths across the country during this challenging flu season. Additionally, per the CDC, this year’s vaccine offers good protection for children over 6 months to 8 years of age……..MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER

ANNOUNCED THE FIRST GRANTS by Let Creativity Happen!, which supports innovative ideas that redefine artistic boundaries and can provide new ways for Houstonians to experience art. The Houston Arts Alliance administers the program on behalf of the City of Houston with the goal of improving Houstonians’ quality of life and promoting cultural tourism. Let Creativity Happen! is part of a more responsive grants program stemming from a two year-long evaluation called for by the City of Houston’s Arts and Cultural Plan. “Houston is full of creativity and it is with great pleasure I congratulate these artists,” Turner said. “In

addition to this new ‘express’ grant-making approach, I have confidence in the Houston Arts Alliance under new leader John Abodeely as it provides support, service and expertise to the arts and cultural sector throughout the city.”……..HOUSTON RESIDENTS CAN RECEIVE FREE TAX PREPARATION. BakerRipley – formerly Neighborhood Centers – is providing the services by IRScertified tax preparers at 11 convenient locations in the local region for all families and individuals that earn up to $58,000. No appointments are required and walk-ins are welcome at all 11 locations through April 17. Visit www. FreeTaxCenters.org for a complete list of local sites.

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FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Meet Orgena. Cafe owner. Community builder. Join us at a special event. We’re celebrating community builders. You know one. Everybody does. They’re the people who go above and beyond to build better neighborhoods. They give their time, and reinvest in their communities. They’re people like Orgena Keener. Join us and Majic 102.1 as we celebrate Orgena and her contributions to Houston. Location: Kaffeine Coffee Cafe 5225 Almeda Rd. Date:

Saturday, February 24

Time:

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Orgena Keener Orgena’s Kaffeine Coffee Internet & Office Café is a neighborhood cafe with a twist. On top of great food, the cafe has office supplies and computers available for kids to use for homework free of charge. The cafe honors veterans daily, offers free delivery to Hospice care, and more. Orgena gives new meaning to the phrase “serving the neighborhood”.

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018

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national

U.S.briefs

Florida official calming voice after shooting 15 rifle and entered the school, where he killed 17 people. A Black man Runcie, a emerged as a voice of Jamaica native who calm and order followgrew up in New ing the recent school York, oversees the shooting in Parkland, nation’s sixth largest Fla. – one of the deadschool district, which liest school shootings educates more than in American history. 270,000 students in It has been noted 337 schools. A Haramong some observers vard graduate, Runcie that the shooting was was the first member preventable. However, of his family to attend various departments college. inside and outside the In a previous school system saw interview, Runcie red flags about the raised concerns about suspect, 19-year-old the failure to address Robert Runcie is superintendent of the Broward County Public Schools. Nikolas Cruz, but mental health, as failed to share their information. reports emerged that Cruz exhibited violent outbursts Robert Runcie, the Broward County Public and self-destructive behavior. Schools superintendent, appeared on NBC’s “Meet The growing problem of mental illness “is somethe Press” and explained what needs to be done. thing that is certainly going to need to be addressed “We need a smarter system…where various within our school systems, as well as in the broader agencies, departments, school systems, are worksociety – to ensure that these kind of tragedies do not ing in an integrated, collaborative fashion to ensure continue,” said. we can share data, share information to enhance our Runcie vowed to have an “enhanced law level of effectiveness,” Runcie said. “Folks are work- enforcement presence” at Douglas High School, as ing as hard as we can. But we’re working in silos.” well as counseling and other resources available for Cruz confessed to police that he went on a shoot- students, staff and faculty. Teachers were expected to ing rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High return by the end of the week following the tragedy, School. He hid loaded gun magazines in a black and students are tentatively scheduled to return on duffel bag and backpack for his semiautomatic ARFeb. 26. Defender News Services

New details emerge about plans of soldier Defender News Services

New details have emerged about the plans Sgt. La David Johnson had for his family before his tragic death in Niger. Johnson was one of four American soldiers, along with four Nigerien troops, who died last Oct. 4 in an ambush by Islamic fighters. President Donald Trump created a firestorm after reportedly making insensitive remarks to Johnson’s widow, Myeshia Johnson, in a condolence phone call. Trump told Myeshia Johnson that her husband “knew what he signed up for,” which Trump later denied saying, but was overheard by Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica

Wilson. Prior to deploying to Niger, Johnson learned that his wife was pregnant with their third child. He had planned to buy the couple’s first house after returning home. Interviews with people who knew La David Johnson, 25, painted a picture of a family man who was eager to come home to his wife and children. Before joining the Army, he worked at Walmart and took pride in his life choices. “Small resume about me. I don’t drink nor smoke, never got arrested, gotta job,” he posted on Facebook in 2012. Numerous unanswered questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the fatal ambush.

ALTHOUGH OPRAH WINFREY DECIDED SHE WON’T run for president, that hasn’t stopped President Donald Trump from treating her like a rival candidate. After Winfrey’s recent “60 Minutes” roundtable discussion with voters, Trump called her names and dared her to challenge him for the White House in 2020. The TV mogul didn’t respond……..THE FAMILY OF KORRYN GAINES WAS AWARDED over $37 million in damages for the tragic death of the Maryland woman fatally shot by police after a six-hour standoff in 2016. The incident occurred when local police served arrest warrants on Gaines in August 2016 for failing to appear in court for two separate counts. Upon entry into her apartment, they found Gaines with her boyfriend and her two children. She also had a gun that she aimed and threatened at police, according to their reports. The police killed Gaines and wounded her now 6-year old son Kodi. The jury said the shots that killed Gaines and injured Kodi were not reasonable and violated their civil rights. Though police reports said Gaines was armed and threatened to open fire on officers before she was fatally shot, many feel the officers could have resolved the situation without it turning deadly…….FORMER VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN appears to be mulling a presidential run in 2020. Biden said he was keeping his 2020 options open, considering it a real possibility.”……..THE WASHINGTON STATE SENATE PASSED a bill that would abolish the death penalty, and the bill will now head to the House for a vote. The bill passed in a bipartisan vote, with five Republicans voting yes and a few Democrats voting no. If the House passes the bill, capital punishment would no longer be an option. Instead, people accused of aggravated murder would receive a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 17 FEBRUARY 22, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER

A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN. AND WHERE WE’RE GOING.

During Black History month, we remember the past in order to create a prosperous future. We salute and acknowledge the innovations, accomplishments and culture of African-Americans. From scoreboards to boardrooms and from concerts to congress, you are making differences that can be felt every day. Toyota salutes those who are driven to succeed because determination can lead to elevation.

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018

entertainment

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Solange receives Harvard honor

T.R.U.T.H kicks off ‘Hear Me’

Defender News Service

Defender News Services

Anyone watching the news knows today’s youth will not be silenced. From tackling gun violence, to speaking out against bullying and discrimination, more and more young people are speaking their truths. Now, three local teens are joining the campaign to let their voices be heard. “Hear Me” is the idea of Mya Billingsley, Amaya Coleman, and Autumn Horn who wanted to create a youth empowerment-driven production for their senior project at Ridge Point High School. The three young women attended several of The T.R.U.T.H. (Telling Real Unapologetic Truth through Mya Billingsley, Amaya Coleman, Autumn Horn Healing) Project installments where they experienced the arts being used to raise awareness about mental illness; initiate healing and inspire hope following Hurricane Harvey; and to educate the community about HIV treatment and prevention during World AIDS Day. “I was moved by how The T.R.U.T.H. Project used social art to heal, and thought what better way to use that platform to let the world hear about issues affecting young people today, issues that many people don’t want to talk about, but must be addressed,” said Billingsley. ‘Hear Me’ “Awareness and education is extremely important to Saturday, Feb. 24, us,” added Coleman. “We feel obligated to help spread a Doors open 5 p.m.; performance 6 p.m. message of love and positivity among all people in a world MATCH, 3400 Main St. so full of hate.” Reserve free tickets at www.MATCHouston.org The founder of The T.R.U.T.H. Project, Kevin Anderson, was approached by Coleman about the concept of still victim to not being heard,” Anderson said. “Because using the project to put on a showcase of monologues, dance of stigma and a lack of safe spaces, the voice often remains and poetry that could be used as a healing space that creates silent. This is an opportunity for this group of young people transformative art. to know that they will be heard and dialogue toward under“Although there has been change, the young voice is standing will follow.”

Students and staff from the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations have chosen popstar and native Houstonian Solange Knowles as their Artist of the Year. The foundation aims to “improve relations among racial and ethnic groups within the university and to enhance the quality of our common life.” Knowles will receive the award on March 3 during Harvard’s annual Cultural Rhythms festival, which will feature “student performances and ethnocultural cuisine Solange Knowles from over 30 student organizations.” She has used her public platform to promote justice and fair representation for minorities, through uplifting political messages, according to the Harvard Gazette. In an acceptance speech for one of Glamour magazine’s women of 2017, she said: “When I was about 11 years old, someone told me, ‘You’ve got to shoot for the moon and, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’ Well, I wasn’t interested in either one. I was interested in the journey there. “We as women are told from the second that we come into our own that we must not only shoot for the moon but hold it in our hands, turn it until the morning, nurture all of its rings…and feel and look like a goddess. That is not my journey.” Past honorees of the foundation’s Artist of the Year include Queen Latifah, Shakira, Viola Davis, Salma Hayek, John Legend and Jackie Chan.

what’sup The movie “Black Panther” smashed box office records in its opening weekend. With 35 percent of ticket buyers African-American. So, why was there such a strong African American turn-out? This was a defining moment for Marvel to have a marquee movie directed by a Black man with a largely allBlack cast. The RYAN COOGLER-directed movie secured the fifth-biggest domestic opening of all time after clawing its way past expectations. Playing in 4,020 theaters, “Black Panther” exploded opening weekend with a record-shattering $235 million-plus domestic haul and over $400 million globally…….

The half-sister of MICHAEL JACKSON has a new tell-all book, “Bastard Child,” in which she details years of being treated coldly by the Jackson family, snubbed directly by the King of Pop and bullied at school because of her family ties. JOH’VONNIE JACKSON is the product of a 25-year affair Joe Jackson had with her mother. “I was hidden away, kept secret for years, not able to become part of that family. It was hurtful,” she said. Eventually Joe Jackson’s secret daughter was revealed to the rest of the family, but the Jacksons wouldn’t accept her, Joh’Vonnie claims. Now 43, Joh’Vonnie said she is still close to

her father and to his credit he tried to integrate her into Jackson family life. She said despite his best efforts she faced years of rejection, which she has accepted…….. Singer R. KELLY has reportedly been evicted from two of his Georgia homes for more than $31,000 in past-due payments to his mortgage company. Documents show Kelly paid $3,000 a month and $11, 542 a month for his two homes, just two miles apart. Those same homes were involved in the allegations that Kelly was holding women hostage, abusing them as part of a cult. The investigation into these claims is still ongoing.

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FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER

REV. WILLIAM ‘BILL’ LAWSON

Reflecting on yesterday, today and tomorrow Background • Born June 28, 1928 in St. Louis, Mo.; raised in Kansas City, Kan. • B.A. degree, Tennessee A&I State University • Bachelor of Divinity & Master of Theology, Central Baptist Theological Seminary; teaching fellow in homiletics • Director of Baptist Student Union & professor of Bible, Texas Southern University, 1960-1970 • Honorary doctorates, Howard Payne University, University of Houston • Author, “Lawson’s Leaves of Love” • Was married 61 years to the late Audrey Lawson • Father of four: Melanie, Cheryl, Eric and Roxanne

By VON JILES Defender

s founding pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a committed community leader, Rev. William A. “Bill” Lawson has worked diligently to make a difference. Wheeler Avenue was established in 1962 during the Civil Rights Movement, when 13 worshipers assembled in the lounge of Texas Southern University’s Baptist Student Union. In 1963, the church initiated a Mission and Mercy Program. That same year, Lawson invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak at the church. Lawson continued his journey as an activist and advocate for minorities, women and the poor, and his involvement included leading the Houston chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. His late wife Audrey was also active in the church and community. Wheeler Avenue continued to grow over the years and now has more than 16,000 members, offers numerous ministries

and operates various non-profits. Its ministry complex includes a sanctuary, prayer chapel, scout house and the William A. Lawson Christian Life Center and Community Life Center. In 1996 the Houston community honored Lawson with the creation of a non-profit advocacy agency, the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP). Among other things, the agency established an all-boys’ school and all-girls’ school and built 50 units of affordable apartments for seniors in Third Ward. Lawson retired in 2004 after 42 years as pastor but remains dedicated to the cause. In an interview with the Defender coinciding with African-American History Month, Lawson discusses such topics as integration, activism past and present, the Black church, the importance of reaching out to young people and the work of Dr. King.

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Defender: Describe what the Black Community meant to you as you were growing up, then as a young adult and ultimately what it means now. Lawson: I was coming up between the 1920s and currently so I’ve been here for quite a while. During that time, I have watched the Black community evolve from a village containing the entire community to right now, a rather scattered population that is separated more by economy than because we are Black. The evolution has come from a time when I grew up among elders who would mentor those of us who were young to a time when those who are affluent have moved out of the Black community, and those who were underclass have remained within the Black community. It has been a time when those who could afford it would go to schools that had been all white, and those who could not afford it remain in schools that are either all Black or have closed because they could not be supported. It has changed a good deal and it has changed along social and economic levels and that bothers me because children and the young people no longer have Black mentors, which they need to learn something about their culture and their history. Defender: What direction should we be headed in to continue to make progress as a people? Lawson: If we are at all realistic we have to recognize that there is nothing that is going to bring us back together again geographically. But there ought to be something that at least makes us realize our oneness socially and my hope would be that while we are scattered geographically we can nonetheless realize that those of us who are now affluent and have some power will still recognize that we are somewhat responsible for the children and the younger people. We are most segregated on Sunday when we are at churches, and I think that if in the churches those who are affluent, those who are highly educated, will realize that they still have some responsibility for the children and young people. In the churches we can begin to have some influence over what children and young people are. What I would like to see is not us attempting to have a unified geography but instead to realize that we ought to be responsible for our children and young people socially and culturally. We have in our church for instance Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and boys’ rites of passage and girls’ mentoring programs and we’re willing to volunteer with charter schools and children’s organizations around us. I think that we can still reach out and touch those children and young people near us and teach them some of the things we learned coming up. I believe that Black history, for instance, should be taught in white schools as well as in Black schools. I think that what we had when I was coming up in the ‘30s and ‘40s ought to be shared with children, not just Black children but children of all cultural backgrounds. I believe that we can be responsible for that and so there needs to be more intentional reaching out and mentoring. That I think is our mandate. Defender: Nearly 50 years have passed since the assassination of Dr. King. Would he be pleased with the progress we have made as a people? How do you think he would reflect on where we are today? Lawson: I think that in the first place he would be proud of the kind of achievements we’ve made. I think he would be glad to see Black CEOs of corporations, Blacks with Ph.Ds. and Black judges. I think he would be especially pleased to hear of a Black president and I’m sorry that he did not live to see Barack Obama become president. These are major achievements and if he could see Black kids taken into Harvard and Yale and graduating magna and summa cum laude, and being part of faculties of major universities, I think he would be proud. I think he would be sorry to see that we still have racism

Left to right: KCOH personality Gigi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., KCOH personality Skipper Lee Frazier, KCOH personality Ca rl Harris, Wheel er Avenue Baptist Church First Lady Audrey Lawson and Pastor William “Bill” Lawson.

stor, stus Curry, pa ht: Rev. Augu nder rig xa to le ft A le v. ng Re ] Standi City, Ga; [PREACHERS ptist Church, Peachtree Curry, pastor Ba enue; Dr. L. K. cus Cosby, Av er el he Cornerstone W ar ciate pastor, icago; Rev. M Johnson, asso anuel Baptist Church, Ch wson. La v. m Re Em ed s, at itu emer enue; se , Wheeler Av senior pastor

and that now we have in the White House a man who is If Dr. King were here he would be proud of the achieveclearly a racist. I think he would recognize that we have a ments that we have made but he would be sorry about the long way to go and that we cannot depend on Black super current racism but he would not give up. Just as he protested and heroes to get us there. We have to do a lot of things for urged for better conditions during his lifetime he would push for ourselves. The Black community needs to come together. It us to do the same thing. depends on Black churches, and this is the kind of cultural Defender: What would Dr. King’s activism look like today base that we’re going to have to have. There’s no question in your opinion? that gentrification is going to split us up as a crowd. Lawson: His activism began in the 1950s. We’re now I’m very proud in the 21st century. I think he of some of the Black would certainly have some idea churches I’ve seen in of what we have to live with. We Tell us your favorite Houston which are not didn’t have much idea of what memories of simply shouting and people had to live with in the Rev. Lawson dancing churches, but 1950s. The whole story of Rosa which are encouraging Parks has to be told. She wasn’t Facebook.com/DefenderNetwork their membership to simply a seamstress who refused volunteer in the comto sit in the back of the bus bemunity, to support candidates, to register and vote. I think cause she was too tired to walk to the back but was the secretary if he were here today much of what he would be doing is of the local NAACP branch. She had help getting people to vote encouraging Black churches and Black organizations to and getting people to know about the difficulties Black people reach out and find those who are part of the underclass and had faced and how somebody had to let people know who was lift them and push them. suffering and to get people to ultimately be marchers and go I think he would be very pleased with things like what door to door and to get people to boycott the buses. happened in Alabama where a racist [Senate candidate] was The Montgomery, Alabama Bus Company was actually moved out in favor of one who made his presence known run out of business because marchers in Montgomery walked in Black churches. And he was put in by Black voters and door to door passing out leaflets saying, “Don’t ride the bus.” even more by Black women voters. They didn’t ride for 381 days and the bus company lost profits.

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

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Rev. B il TV per l Lawson wit sonali ty Mela h his daugh te nie La wson. r and

son with his Rev. Bill Law

Standing left to right: Archbi sh Rabbi Emeritu s Samuel Karff op Emeritus Joseph Fioren za, , Cheryl Lawso Bill Lawson an n (daughter), d seated Jodi Rev. e Jiles.

That was what you call heavy lifting and someone like Martin Luther King had to gather people in assemblies, often in churches --getting them to do that kind of boycotting was extremely important; getting people to hold caucus after caucus in small neighborhood meetings and to talk about what had been done – the lynchings that had taken place in the 1880s and 1890s; the difficulties Black people faced when they were released from slavery and tried to build neighborhoods. We probably could stand to know some of the history in Houston. How Fourth Ward was built, how when gentrification came it was virtually demolished. That history is important and we don’t know it. The Ensemble Theatre features plays almost entirely telling the Black story. There are museums and things being done in schools that tell that story. In other words, we have to spend some time educating our people before we put them in the streets marching. It is also so important that we register to vote because that is the key. Once we vote we can get judges on the benches, we can get city councilmembers at the table, we can get county commissioners on courts. It is critical that we vote and that we get Blacks in roles of leadership. Defender: With President Donald Trump’s circle of white males and a mantra of “Make America Great Again” – some would say “Make America ‘White’ Again” – how can we encourage millennials or the Black community to get involved in politics, government, etc.? Lawson: The first thing we have to do is to register and

the Houston area for over 85 years

ey Lawson late wife Audr

Visit DefenderNetwork.com and see Rev. Lawson video interviews “Reflecting on Black history” “Police Brutality: Advice for Black Men” “Do we need a modern day MLK?” “Advice for those called to lead” “Why are young people leaving the church” “Rev. Lawson: New Passion, New Mission”

become voters. Your question drives me back to the state of Alabama, to the Black voters of Alabama to Black women voters. It seems to me if we can have some things go viral we can upend President Donald Trump. I think he’s killing himself but I’m not sure he’s going to kill himself unless people who are in opposition to him take up arms against him. The best arms to take up against him are: The Vote. Defender: You have taken on a new mission focused on caring for the elderly. This falls in line with the Defender’s Embrace Our Elders campaign. Tell us about your new passion and what you are trying to accomplish. Lawson: As I got to be 80 years old I realized that I’m old if I never thought it before. I know it now. My buddies are old; all three of us are in our eighties- Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza and Rabbi Emeritus Samuel Karff. Right now, the elderly are the fastest growing population in our nation and in every major city we have the same kind of problem and yet there is not a geriatric hospital in the nation. We raised the question, with the largest medical center in the nation why couldn’t we be pioneers in doing something for the elderly. The geriatric physician who is in the top 1 percent of geriatric physicians in the nation happens to live in Houston, Dr. Carmel Dyer. She cares and that is the best quality of a doctor that he or she cares about their patients. We got with her and began to see if we couldn’t influence the business community and the medical community to establish

the nation’s first geriatric hospital. We believe it can be done. Right now, if people will listen to the three of us then we ought to try during these few years we have left to see if we can’t get corporations to listen to us. The interesting thing is that we got more and more people to listen to us. Jodie Jiles, who was the president of the Greater Houston Partnership, has been able to persuade the current CEO of the Partnership and he’s working with Jodie and with Dr. [Carmel] Dyer and with the three amigos and with many other people who are now listening to us.As long as there is an underclass – and the underclass now is the elderly – and as long as there are people who have a concern and who have some influence who can reach the powerful then we think our concern ought to be not for the Black community but for the underclass community and that is the last thing I will be doing in my life. Defender: How do you want to be remembered? Lawson: If I can be remembered as somebody who helped somebody I think that is the most important thing for me. My children need to know that we can respect our dad not because he became a multi-millionaire or billionaire, not because he became the president or the governor, but rather because when he found somebody that he could help then he reached out to find fellow citizens who would work with them and just help somebody, whether they’re Black or Latino or just poor.

DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

AFRICAN AMERICAN-HISTORY MONTH

Texas Trailblazers: Legacy of activism MATTHEW W. GAINES (1842-1900) – Nearly 100 years before Barbara Jordan served in the Texas Senate, the distinction of the first African-American Texas state senator was held jointly by Matthew W. Gaines and George T. Ruby when they were elected in 1870. Yet the memory of Gaines is lost to most Texans; there is not even a school in the state named for him and his grave site in Giddings, Texas is unmarked. Matt Gaines was no typical ex-slave; he was blessed Matthew Gaines with the powerful voice of an orator and spoke several languages. One author labeled him a militant and another, J. Mason Brewer noted in his book, “Negro Legislators of Texas” that Gaines was vehement in his denunciation of the separate school law. Gaines was born on a plantation in Louisiana and was taught to read and write by candlelight from books smuggled to him by a young white boy. Gaines attempted to escape slavery on at least two occasions but was apprehended. He came to Texas in about 1859 when he was sold to a cotton planter.

After the Civil War, Gaines moved to Burton, Texas. There he became a community leader and a Baptist preacher. RICHARD BROCK (1824-1906) – In 1870, Richard Brock and three other men became the first African-American law makers for Houston. They were appointed by the governor to serve as Houston aldermen. Brock represented Houston’s Fourth Ward, which was heavily populated by exslaves. This was a historic event for a people just five years out of slavery. The Houston population at the time was less than 10,000 and more than 30 percent of the citizens were Black. Brock was a pioneer leader after emancipation. He was a founding member of two Houston churches; a co-founder of the first masonic lodge for Black men in Houston; gave land for a school; served as alderman for four years; helped establish Emancipation Park in 1872 and Brock owned land, a home and a business. Brock’s Blacksmith Shop was located near Market Square at Preston and Milam Street. His descendants recall he was the first Black in Houston

to become a licensed master mechanic. Brock was a founding member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in Houston’s First Ward. The Texas Trailblazer Series was edited by Patricia Smith Prather and the late Bob Lee.

Call for nominations Women Against the Odds In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Defender is looking to spotlight local women who have persisted against the odds. If this sounds like you or someone you know, go to the Defender Facebook page to nominate a Houston woman who embodies this year’s theme of “She Persisted.” www.Facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

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FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Study: Blacks value community involvement more than whites Defender News Services

A new study revealed that when it comes to finances African Americans are more likely to support their family, friends, and the local communities that they reside in more than whites, Black Enterprise reported. The survey, which was conducted by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., was designed to observe how individuals from different racial backgrounds perceive community involvement and prioritize their finances. According to the research, 80 percent of African Americans believe that its essential to be involved in your community; only 66 percent of whites agreed. The study also illustrated that 90 percent of Black people believe that it’s crucial to support each other and over 60 percent of survey participants have provided financial support for those who were close to them. Evan Taylor, who serves as the African American market director at Mass Mutual says that the results of the survey are indicative of how important the

sense of community is to Black people. “Throughout history, African Americans have had to rely on each other, oftentimes to survive,” he said in a statement. “Therefore it is not surprising that helping each other lies at the heart of their beliefs about community and finances. Although no strangers to tough economic times, sacrificing to support each other, particularly family and friends, is a huge part of black culture and community.” Although a high percentage of African Americans believe that it’s important to support each other, only 32 percent share information about their financial status. Taylor says that these findings illustrate the need for Black people to have conversations surrounding wealth-building in their communities. There have been several platforms created to encourage African Americans to support each other. Last year, entrepreneur Mandy Bowman created an app for her Official Black Wall Street platform that makes it easier to locate and shop at Black-owned businesses.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

Historian and editor Lerone Bennett Jr. dies Defender News Services

Lerone Bennett Jr., one of America’s preeminent historians and the former executive editor of Ebony Magazine, died Feb. 14 at age 89. Bennett spent 50 years at Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago. He authored numerous books on the life and history of African-Americans, including “Before the Mayflower: A Lerone Bennett Jr. History of Black America,” “Pioneers in Protest,” “The Shaping of Black America” and “What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King Jr.” Ebony CEO Linda Johnson Rice said Bennett worked side by side with her father, the late publisher John H. Johnson.

“Lerone was not just essential in the formation of Ebony’s historic trajectory, he was a pillar in the Black community,” she said. “His legacy will continue to serve his successors in academia and beyond.” Bennett was born in Clarksdale, Miss. He graduated from Morehouse College, where he was a classmate of Dr. King. He began his career as a reporter at the Atlanta Daily World and later became city editor. Bennett joined the staff of Jet Magazine in 1953 and became an Ebony editor in 1954. He received numerous literary awards, including the Literature Award of the Academy of Arts and Letters and Book of the Year Award from the Capital Press Club. Survivors include three daughters and three grandchildren.

Ed Banks remembered as ‘mayor of 3rd Ward’ Defender News Services

Ed Banks, whose business card read, “3rd Ward Mayor,” died Feb. 15 at age 75. Banks said he earned the title, “by becoming a representative between the Third Ward community and the City of Houston, the State of Texas and the federal government.” Banks, a retired warehouse associate, served as a senior community liaison for District D Councilmember Dwight Boykins and worked closely with other elected officials. He was involved with such institutions as SHAPE Community Center and the National Black United Front (NBUF). He worked for the establishment of the Third Ward MultiPurpose Center. Banks said his mentor was the late activist Ester King, who taught him “to never back down and stand for the people.” Kofi Taharka, national chairperson of NBUF, knew Banks for more than 25 years. “Ed Banks was a model of consistency, wisdom and principles on every level, from grassroots institutions such as

Ed Banks

NBUF and SHAPE to electoral politics,” Taharka said. “I called on him literally hundreds of times for support of NBUF, myself and community issues, and 99 percent of the time he came through.” Banks was a native Houstonian and a graduate of Yates High School. Survivors include his wife, Mary, and two children.

There’s a lot of history to be told.

ebruary is Black History Month and this year’s theme is “African Americans in Time of War.” Houston is lucky to be the proud home of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, dedicated to celebrating the achievements of America’s African American armed forces personnel. I invite all Houstonians to join me at the museum to witness, learn, celebrate and teach!

w w w. B u f fa l o S o l d i e r M u S e u M . c o M M ayo r S y lv e S t e r t u r n e r

Pol. adv. SylveSter turner CamPaign

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FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Brehanna Daniels is the sport’s first African-American female tire changer.

Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. finished second in the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series.

Associated Press

The world-renowned stock racing car franchise NASCAR recently marked two historic firsts. Brehanna Daniels, the first African-American woman tire changer to “pit” a vehicle in a national NASCAR race, was in pit row as part of the Xfinity series. When Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. got behind the wheel of his Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 43 Chevrolet, for the Monster Energy Cup Series Daytona 500, he made history too, as the first African-American to race in NASCAR’s top level race since Wendell Scott broke down racial barriers in 1969. He will also make history as the first African-American fulltime driver in the top series since 1971. Though he placed second, his historic first garnered worldwide attention. “To know that I will be the first African-American to do this at this level [of NASCAR] in over four decades is incredible,” gushed Wallace, who was born in Mobile, Ala., but grew up mostly in Concord, N.C. “For it to take place during Black History Month just makes it extra special.” Wallace and Daniels, who are both 24, joined the prestigious NASCAR ranks via its Drive for Diversity programs, an initiative aimed at recruiting and training diverse candidates. Both say they are up for the

challenge their roles present and they hope it will help attract more people of color and women – both on and off the race course – to the sport, widely known for drawing a predominantly white, Southern male fan base. “I’m so thankful to be a part of this program that celebrates diversity; to be in a position where other little brown girls, and all girls, can see me doing this and know that they can do anything they want in life,” said Daniels, a Virginia Beach, Va. native. “We want to change the stereotype that NASCAR is just a white, ‘redneck sport.’ ” In a recent Tweet, Wallace told fans that he is in the sport to stay. “There is only one driver from an African-American background at the top level of our sport…Iam the one,,” he wrote. “You’re not gonna stop hearing about ‘the Black driver’ for years. Embrace it, accept it and enjoy the journey.” Wallace said he discovered his deep-seated “need for speed” while racing go-karts at the age of 9. In 2010, he began competing in NASCAR’s regional and developmental series and won a string of races. He hit the big leagues in 2017. Wallace admitted his road to NASCAR fame has not been paved in gold. He has faced racism, including an incident when a Wisconsin high school golf coach targeted him in racist tweets.

C E L E B R A T I N G

NASCAR drives diversity with milestones

Still marching to protect our voting rights

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 com

sports

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Astros to build Bob Watson center By MAX EDISON Defender Former Houston Astros player, coach and

GM Bob Watson will have a center named The Houston Astros, under owner Jim Crane, have in his honor. long been winners off the diamond before they became World Series champions. Starting with the Community Leaders Program, which has positively affected more than 30,000 children in the Greater Houston area through baseball and softball programming, the Astros have been dominant in local neighborhoods. The team once again demonstrated its commitment to the community by recently announcing plans to build the Bob Watson Education Center at the Astros Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park. The learning center will measure 6,000 square feet with classroom spaces to accommodate 75 to100 students. “ When you look at the academy you can see a place where kids can go, be safe, have a good time and learn some things about life and baseball,” Jim Crane said. “You [Watson] set a lot of things up to open up doors and help other minorities succeed in the baseball world, which we’re continuing to work on. We appreciate your leadership. We’re honored to build this in your name.” The Astros chose Watson to be the namesake behind the design because of his long baseball career which took him from player to coach to the front office. He played for 19 seasons, including parts of 14 seasons with the Astros from 1966-79. After retiring as a player in 1984, Watson became a hitting coach, most notably for the 1988 AL Champion Oakland A’s. Following the 1988 season, he was hired by the Astros as assistant general manager. He later took over as the club’s general manager following the 1993 season, becoming The Bob Watson Education Center will be located at Sylvester Turner Park. just the second African-American to hold the position in MLB history. “The baseball and softball facilities at the Watson later became the first African-American GM youth academy are already top notch,” Carter to win a World Series after helping to guide the New said. “We wanted to provide a classroom enYork Yankees to the title in 1996. vironment to match it. With the support from “I am thoroughly honored and pleased to have my Jim Crane, we’ve taken a step toward that goal name associated with an educational center,” Watson today.” said. “Education, you can’t take it from me, and eduThe education center will be used for variWatson is joined by fellow Astros legends Jim Wynn and Jose Cruz. cation is our future, especially for the young people ous initiatives, including ACT and SAT prep that are here today.” pening at this academy,” Turner said. “More than 10,000 and college application assistance for high school “These young people [will] have the opportunity youth are coming through on an annual basis year-round, students, as well as adult programming. The center will to further their education in a safe environment. I’m [receiving] free instruction, free play.” also offer a classroom environment for baseball and just proud to be involved in it.” Turner added that the center is building character softball instruction. Twila Carter, Astros senior vice president of comand individuals. “My hats off to you Bob,” said Mayor Sylvester munity relations and the executive director of the As“More than 22 people last year received scholarTurner. “I tell everybody, education is the key. tros Foundation, explained how the education center ships. It does make a huge, huge difference,” he said. “Education, education, education. That’s what’s hapwill complement the academy.

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FEBRUARY 22 | 2018 | DEFENDER

sportsbriefs UH rolls in basketball The University of Houston men’s and women’s basketball teams are having a banner year. With a recent victory over East Carolina (9781), the Lady Coogs pushed their record to 20-7. They hit the 20-win mark for the 12th time in program history. The 20-win season is the first since the 2010-11 Houston team had a 26-6 record en route to becoming the last Houston team to advance to an NCAA tournament. Meanwhile, the Cougar men have run their record to 21-5, including a stunning 67-62 victory over No. 5 ranked Cincinnati. With AAC tournament action right around the corner, the Lady Coogs are ranked third in the AAC standings. The men are ranked second. Both hope for NCAA tournament bids.

TSU goes with UA

Westside basketball coach Deon Williams relies on players such as Chimaobi Ezekwesili (left) and Neil VanBeck.

Postseason madness begins for high school basketball By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Let the boys’ high school basketball playoffs commence. With the girls already steamrolling toward a regional tournament, the boys’ division will open the postseason with their eyes on the big prize. Westside High School head boys’ basketball coach Deon Williams has guided his team to two tournament titles during the 2017-18 season, including the McDonald’s Classic and the HISD Tournament. The Wolves clinched the No. 2 seed out of District 18-6A with a 57-51 win over Bellaire in the final game of the regular season and will open the playoffs on a high. “We know this is a tough region,” Williams said. “Just in our own district Sam Houston, Lamar and Bellaire are all good teams. We know Fort Bend Bush will always be around. The Cypress and Katy districts have good teams as well. “This is the type of win we have to build on because it’s going to be a grind just getting to the regional tournament,” said Williams, whose team finished the regular season 26-6. “If you can compete well in this region it will put you in a position to get to the state tournament. I think we’re up for the task.” After losing to Bellaire in the first half of league play, Westside was able to handle the Cardinals in the rematch despite only nine points from leading scorer and co-captain Abdul Alatishe. Junior center Chimaobi Ezekwesili and senior guard Neil VanBeck led a balanced Wolves scoring attack with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

“We struggled beating the press early in the season and in our first meeting with Bellaire,” VanBeck said. “That’s been a point of emphasis recently in practice. Working on our press breaks and everyone getting organized and making the right decisions. We executed well in this game. “In the two tournaments that we won, we hadn’t done well in past years,” VanBeck said. “This is the best start to a season that I’ve seen at Westside. We won our first 11 games of the season and that allowed us to set our goals high for district and for state.” Williams is counting on more big contributions from VanBeck and Ezekwesili with the postseason set to begin. “Neil is one of the most versatile players that we have,” Williams said. “He can do it all. He was in this game to win it and he showed that from the very beginning all the way to the end. “Obi [short for Chimaobi] is a tough competitor,” Williams said. “He plays the five position for us and does a great job on the boards and with his defense.” This is the time of the season that both players have been anticipating. “I always have to rebound and play great help defense,” Ezekwesili said. “It’s a big responsibility and everybody else has to step up and play their roles as well. “Whenever my teammates are playing well it gives me the energy and motivation to play well,” Ezekwesili said. “I’m ready to work hard and get ready for the playoffs. “This is going to be fun because it will be the first time that I’ll be starting in a playoff game.”

Texas Southern University athletics announced that a deal has been reached for Under Armour to serve as the official shoe and apparel provider for the Tigers. “We’re extremely excited to announce our new partnership with Under Armour to serve as the official shoe and apparel provider for TSU athletics,” said TSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland. “When we looked at the current market of athletic apparel providers we sought to identify a brand that would help us better market our programs in addition to providing an overall quality product. As we went through the process it became clear that Under Armour embodied both of those main two attributes that we were looking for.”

Harrison hired Kenny Harrison is the new head football coach and athletic coordinator at Summer Creek High School. The hiring was confirmed at the February Humble ISD school board meeting. Harrison has served as the head football coach at Port Arthur Memorial High School for the past nine years. He accumulated a record of 69-36 and advanced to the playoffs in seven of those nine years, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2011. Humble ISD athletic director Troy Kite said between 60 and 80 applicants were interviewed for the job and the list was narrowed down to 10 before Harrison was selected. Harrison succeeds the retiring Brian Ford who has served as the head football coach and athletic coordinator at Summer Creek since the school opened in 2009. Ford coached the team to a 53-32 record and four postseason appearances, including a berth in 2017 that snapped a four-year playoff drought.

Collier on fire Barbers Hill McDonald’s All-American Charli Collier followed up her 52-point performance in the Eagles’ 79-49 bi-district win over Livingston with 45 more in a 89-49 rout of Shadow Creek. The senior converted 17-of-22 field-goal attempts while adding 19 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots. The University of Texas commit had 29 points and 10 rebounds at halftime on 9-of-10 shooting, including three 3-pointers, as Barbers Hill led 48-33 at the break. The Eagles closed the first half on a 12-3 run and opened the second half with an 11-0 spurt to put the game away. Madison Armer added 22 points and seven rebounds.

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DEFENDER | FEBRUARY 22 | 2018

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

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‘Black Panther’ screenings hit Houston

Marvel’s newest cinematic offering, “Black Panther,” has proven to be more than just a movie; it’s a happening, an awakening of Black excellence both on the big screen and off. Already, “Black Panther” is being celebrated for showcasing dark-skinned sisters, natural hair wearers, and opponents of racism, sexism and oppression as heroes to be revered. It’s breaking box office records like crazy thanks in part to the national movement afoot with individuals and organizations hosting special screenings of the movie, with several taking place locally. Swatara Olushola hosted one that was part “earth day” celebration, part cultural awakening. The turnout was so overwhelming that three theaters were needed to house participants. Shannette Prince, owner of Africa On My Back, partnered with Kim Roxie of Lamik Beauty, Computer Tech Camp, Emerging 100 (100 Black Men), Fifth Ward Enrichment Program, Leaders of Tomorrow, The Gents (Northshore High School), Mufasa’s Pride, Yellowstone Academy and YES Prep Public Schools to host a screening for 245 young boys of color. A partial list of “Black Panther” screening organizers includes the Houston-area Howard Alumni, NSBE/HAULYP, Mayday Network Solutions, SHAPE, KPFT, QM Events, Capital City Black Film Festival and the Empire State Group. The screening organized by Acorn to Excellence (ATEX), Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and the Wade Smith Foundation, hosted over 800 people (450 students) at the Regal Grand Parkway 22 Cinemas in Richmond. Participants experienced a Black History Month program celebrating 10 community superheroes and heroines including Defender Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles, Eileen Morris, Obra Tompkins, Paula Ware, Wade & Rita Smith, Judge Clarease Yates, members of the Houston Sabrecats (Houston’s professional Rugby team) and Councilmember Jerry Davis. Former Houston Texan Arian Foster helped fund multiple “Black Panther” screenings, including the one organized by ATEX. Attendees included Donna Mitchell, Earnest Goodrich, Akua Holt, Isaiah Prince, Dr. Abdul Muhammad, Angela Cezar, Donna Mitchell, Tonya Tompkins, Adria James, Tanesha Mosley, Hitaji Aziz, Moravia Mascary, Biko Walker, Marc Furi, Deric Muhammad, David Landry, Nailah Nelson, Russell Guess, Jamila Marshall, Akanke Modupe and hundreds more.

Photos by Aswad Walker.

Sonny Messiah Jiles, Eileen Morris, Judge Clarease Yates

A Night in Wakanda guest

Akua Holt and company

Donna Mitchell, Councilmember Jerry Davis

Rita Smith, Linda Cannon

NBUF in the house

The 411 Houston crew

Swatara Olushola

Marc Furi

Houston Sabrecats

Tonya Tompkins, Sonny Messiah Jiles, Eileen Morris, Tanesha Mosley

The Obikes out in full force

It’s Nation Time!

Reginald Gordon and crew

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