03.05.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To thePoint DN

Reporter’sMessage

Houston’sown AliSiddiqmakes NAACPImage Awardhistory

Iamnot surprisedthatHouston comedianAliSiddiqtookhomethe57thNAACP ImageAward forOutstanding Variety (SeriesorSpecial)for My TwoSons.This victoryisgroundbreakingbecause Siddiq wonthe awardfor an independentlyproducedproject released directly to fans on hisYouTubechannel.Heisthefirstartistto winamajorvarietyawardforaself-funded, self-distributed special, bypassingtraditional platformslikeNetflix,HBO,and Comedy Central. Whatmovesmemostisthatyoudonothavetocompromise whoyouaretoberecognizedforyourgreatness.Aliproved that storiesrootedinhis rootsinthe ThirdWard, thereal ones,the hard ones,are worthy of thehighest honors.We should celebratethisloudly. He is notjustacomedian. He is amirrorreflectingthe resilience of this city back to us Congratulations, Ali. Youdid that

Sinnersissweeping awards season

actorsonstage.Blackexcellenceondisplay whilenavigatingracialdiscomfortinreal time is nothingnew.I,for one, am here forevery moment of this winningstreak. Ican’t wait to seethe castshine during theOscars.

Blackfolkcannotafford to ignore thewar in Iran

Ryan Coogler’s2025 masterpiece, Sinners,isdoing somethingwerarelysee:a Black-led, Black-centered original horrorfilmisdominatingawardsseasonlikenothing before it.16Oscar nominations, themostinhistory,and thefilmjustclaimedBestEnsembleandActorforMichael B. Jordan at the32ndScreenActorsGuild Awards.This wasanawesomemomentconsideringwhathappenedatthe BAFTAFilmAwards.WhileMichaelB.JordanandDelroy Lindostoodonthatstagewithgraceanddignity,aTourette’s campaigner in theaudienceinvoluntarily shouteda racial slur.The worldwatched.And thosetwo Blackmen held theircomposurebeautifully,evenasthemomentalmostdistractedtheglobalaudiencefromthegreatnessofthesetwo

Iwas scrollingthrough Facebook recently,and Isaw postsofBlack women, spousesofsoldiers,terrifiedaboutthepossibility of deployment.Ineedustounderstandsomething thathistoryhasmadepainfullyclear.WhenAmericagoesto war,BlackandBrownpeoplebleedfirst.Blackpeoplehave long made up adisproportionateshare of frontlinetroops, theonesclosest to thefire. Andwhenthe wars ended, it wasBlack veterans whoweremostoften denied access to GI Bill benefits,leftbehindwhile others rebuilttheir lives. Thewar in Iranisnot adistant news story. It is knocking on thedoors of families in ourneighborhoods rightnow Bombsdonot discriminate by race,but American policy hasalwaysknown exactlywho to send into harm’s way. It mightnot directly impact you, butwecan’t forget those whosefamilymembers aresacrificing theirlives in these warsforoursafetyandfreedom.Wemustdemandaccountability, advocate forour military families.Stayinformed. Stay engaged.Our livesdependonit.

On theweb

•TheDivorceDoula:ChantaySandershelpswomenturn endings into launchpads

•DemystifyingtheEnd:HospicecareimpactontheBlack community.

•Smart ways to bounce back financiallyafter ajob loss

ELECTION RECAP

Winners, losers &runoffs in the March primary p

By ReShondaTate

The outcomeofseveralclosely watched TexasracesonElectionDay couldreshape thestate’s politicallandscape headinginto November

Oneofthemostcloselywatchedraceswas forCongressionalDistrict18, wherevoters weighedthedecades-longtenureofU.S.Rep. AlGreenagainstU.S.RepChristianMenefee’s callforanewgenerationofleadership.Since neithercandidatereceived50% of thevote, Green andMenefee will advancetoa May 26 runoff.

“Ididn’taskforthesenewmaps,CongressmanGreendidn’taskforthis,andthevoters of this district certainly didn’t askfor this,” said Menefeeinastatement after thevote. “But Iwanttobeclear aboutone thing: we arenot goingtolet Donald Trumpand Greg Abbottusethisgerrymanderingschemeasa distractionfromtherealissuesfacingthepeopleofthiscountry.The18thCongressional District hasshown loud andclear that they want afighterwho candeliver real results, andI’mfocusedoncontinuingtodeliverthat.”

Thecontest drew significant attention acrossHouston andnationally.

Speaking at awatch partyTuesday night, Menefeecelebratedhis slight lead over Green.“I’mfocusedontakingthisdistrictto the future,” Menefeesaid.

Green, speaking at hisElectionNight watch party, said he hopestocontinueservinghis constituents.

“The18thCongressionalDistricthasbeen withoutrepresentationforalmostayear,and IwantpeopletoknowthatIplantomaintain my highvotingrecord, andthatI’m on the job,”Green said.“Andhopefully people will understandandrealizethatthisiswhatthey haveelected me to do.”

At thestatewide level, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett mounteda competitivecampaign forthe Democraticnominationfor U.S. Senate, butshe ultimately fell short,46% to Talarico’s 53%.

VotingwasextendedinDallasCountyand

WilliamsonCounty,outsideAustin,aftervotersreportedbeingturnedawayanddirected to different voting precinctsbecause of new primaryrules.Paxton’sofficelaterchallenged adecisionkeepingthepollsopenlonger,and thestateSupremeCourtruledthatballotscast bypeoplenotinlineby7p.m.shouldbeseparated from others.But even if allofthose voteswereinfavor of Crockett,itwould not be enough to hand herthe victory. Sheconcededearly theday after theelection.

Trump.WesleyHuntcameinadistantthird. Talarico will face thewinnerofthe Paxton-Cornynrunoff

Severalotherracesalsoproducednotable outcomes.

Former HoustonMayor Annise Parker held asubstantial lead in herbid forthe HarrisCountyJudge’sseatintheDemocratic primaryelection,accordingtoinitialresults. Butshe wasnot quiteinaposition to avoid arunoff.That race also hadnot been called by presstime.

Ifeithercandidatefailstogain50%ofthe vote,thetoptwovote-getterswilladvanceto aMay 26 runoffelection.

IncumbentU.S.Rep.SylviaGarciawon theprimary race againstJarvisJohnson in the29thCongressionalDistrict, despite theHouston district beingredrawn by the state’sRepublicanlawmakerslastyear.Garcia received58.2% to Johnson’s35.7%.

“Texasisprimedtoturnblueandwemust remainunitedbecausethisisbiggerthanany oneperson,”Crockettsaidinastatement on X. “This is aboutthe future of all30million Texans andgetting Americabackontrack.”

Longtime Sen. John Cornyn andMAGA favorite KenPaxtonare headingtoaMay runoffinTexas’ Republican Senate primary, settingupwhat’sexpectedtobea nastyand expensivesecondroundandarenewedpush towintheendorsementofPresidentDonald

Beyond theindividualcontests, turnout numberswereamong themostsignificant storylines of theelection.

Forthefirsttimeinmorethantwodecades, Democrats outnumberedRepublicansin earlyvotingacrossTexas,adevelopmentthat hasenergizedthepartyaheadofwhatmany expecttobeapivotal election cycle.

Statewide,1.33 millionDemocrats cast earlyballots, compared with 1.1million Republicans.

Democratic turnoutsurged126% comparedwith2024and 35%comparedwith 2020, both presidential primaryyears that historically drivehighervoter participation Texashas long remained aRepublican stronghold.NoDemocrathas wonstatewideofficeinTexassince1994,andthestate hasnot sent aDemocrattothe U.S. Senate since1988.

Still,earlyvotingnumbersarefuelingoptimism amongDemocrats whobelieve this electioncyclecouldsignalashiftinpolitical momentum in thestate Election officialsare expectedtorelease additional turnoutand voting data

Education DN Blackcollegians

Navigate policy, politics, purpose

ByAswadWalker

For many Black college students, 2025 was notjustanotheracademicyear,itwasapivotal momentandacrashcourseinhowpoliticscan reshapeaccess,belonging,andopportunityin realtime

From financial aid changes to the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, federal and state policy decisions reverberated across campuses, especially at predominantlywhiteinstitutions(PWIs).The result has been heightened stress, declining enrollmentatso-called“elite”universities,anda growingpushtowardhistoricallyBlackcolleges anduniversities(HBCUs).

Nationally,Blackstudentenrollmentattop PWIsdeclinedfollowingthe2023affirmative action ruling, a trend that continued through 2025.Atthesametime,HBCUssawenrollment increases as Black students sought culturally affirming environments where they felt more supportedandsecure Financialstrain,unmetmentalhealthneeds, andrisingmicro-andmacroaggressionscompounded pressure for those who remained at PWIs.

Locally, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) reached a record enrollment of 10,085studentsinFall2025,continuinggrowth from9,400in2023.TexasSouthernUniversity (TSU)experiencedaslightdeclinetoapproximately8,137studentsinFall2024,downfrom 8,469inFall2023,thoughbothinstitutionshave generallytrendedupwardoverrecentyears.

Tounderstandhowtheseshiftsareplaying out on the ground, The Defender spoke with BlackcollegiansfromtheHoustonareaabout their lived experiences during what many describeasthe“ageofTrump.”

Politicsintheclassroomand beyond

ForLaceyReynolds,aMay2025University of Texas graduate with a government degree now applying to law school, politics were unavoidable.

“WiththeTexasCapitolBuildingbeingjust fiveminutesawayfromcampus,theenvironment at UT is naturally political,” Reynolds said. “The policies of Trump’s second term weresomethingwetalkedaboutalot,especially beingBlackstudentsataPWI.”

ReynoldssaidUTquicklybecameatesting groundforpolicyshifts.

“Texas legislative policies are immediately adoptedonourcampus,”shesaid

That reality was especially clear during the 2024electioncycle.

“I volunteered for a campaign, and at the presidentialelectionwatchparty,Iremember theenvironment—andthatwholeweekafterwards—people were really down,” Reynolds said

AtPVAMU,freshmanbiologymajorNasya Levisaidconversationsfeltdifferentbutcarried similarurgency.

“Even attending an HBCU, some of the financiallawsTrumpisimplementingimpact ouraidandwhat’shappeningoncampus,”Levi said “Wecommentonthoseprettyoften.”

Jackson Swinton, a UT sophomore double-majoring in theater and sports management, said political discussions happen, but cautiously

“Some people are uncomfortable talking aboutit,”hesaid.“Butthisisatopicweneedto talkaboutmore.”

Financialstrainand policywhiplash

Among the most immediate impacts were changestostudentaid.Reynoldsdescribedthe falloutbluntly.

“His policies were detrimental,” she said “Thatputacaponfinancialaidforcollegeand gradstudents.Therewerestudentslosingfundingimmediately.”

ShenotedthatTexasstudentsfelttheeffects early.

“We had already started to see it in Texas with the anti-DEI bills,” Reynolds said “We’ll see these impacts beyond Texas in funding, scholarships,andloans.”

Leviechoedthoseconcerns “Someofmyfriendsaregettinglessmoney throughscholarships,grants,andloansbecause ofchangestostudentaidandFAFSA,”shesaid ForSwinton,theuncertaintypiledup

“Thelastsemesterwasalotofjugglingpressureanduncertainty,”hesaid,citingfinancial aid, academics, and social stress colliding at once.

Disappearingsafespaces

ThedismantlingofDEIprogramsreshaped campusculture,particularlyatPWIs.

“With DEI being taken down, that really affectedclubsandorganizations,”Swintonsaid “Thosesafespaceswereeliminated,anditmade campusfeelmoreunstableandunwelcoming.”

He watched organizations that once centeredBlackandBrownstudentsgetrenamed, reduced, or eliminated altogether One group hebelongedtoshiftedfromanall-Blackmale organizationtoarace-neutralstructure.

“Thebestthingwecandoisadaptandkeep movingforward,”hesaid

At PVAMU, Levi noticed similar effects throughtighterbudgets.

“Organizations have less money to create eventsandplanthingswebenefitfromasstudents,”shesaid.

Texasasatestingground

ReynoldsdescribedTexasasanearlywarningsystem.

“Texaswasoneofthefirststatestohithard againstDEI,”shesaid,referencingSenateBills 17 and 18. “We saw faculty let go because

programs were shut down Friends in other statescalledtoaskhowweweredealingwithit.”

Parentscarrytheweight

The stress extends beyond students. Levi’s mother, Chisa Sallah, said she is proud but concerned.

“I’mgratefulwehaven’thadproblemssecuring funds,” Sallah said, “but I’m concerned it won’tbeaseasilyavailablewithoutstress.”

Nicque Montgomery, Swinton’s mother, describedthetollasheavier.

“The feelings are stressful and downright traumaticbecausewe’redigressingasacountry,”shesaid.“Ourkidshavetobealmostnear perfect.”

She described weekly check-ins to manage deadlines,taxes,andpolicychanges.

“It’s a full-time job,” Montgomery said “I can’t afford financially or mentally to let him figureeverythingoutalone.”

MannaHouse

Confronts Houston food deserts

ByAswadWalker

In a city full of hidden gems, there is one thatHoustonianscan’taffordtosleeponany longer.

TuckedawaynearthecornerofEnnisand Blodgett,andsurroundedbyneighborhoods that are the very definition of food deserts, MannaHouseThirdWardFoodPantryquietlybutconsistentlymeetsacriticalneed

A food desert is a geographic area where it is difficult to buy healthy, nutritious food at an affordable price. That difficulty may stem from limited access to grocery stores or from prices that make fresh food unaffordable.MannaHousefocusesitseffortson food-insecure households in the 77004 and 77021 zip codes, two areas that frequently rankamongtheHouston-areafooddeserts.

The need is significant. A recent study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute foundthatabouttwooutoffivehouseholds inHoustonandHarrisCountyarefood-insecure roughly40%.Onanygivenweekend, familiesoftenvisitmultiplefoodpantries,not outofgreed,butoutofneed.

Despitethisreality,MannaHouseremains under the radar, even as its volunteers and boardmemberspushforbroaderawareness anduseofitsservices.

Meetingagreatneed

Although it is charged to serve the 77004 and77021zipcodes,MannaHouse,located at3118½BlodgettSt.,77004,providesfood toanyHarrisCountyresidentinneed

Thepantryoperatesthroughapartnership withtheHoustonFoodBankandismanaged by four churches: Pilgrim Congregational UnitedChurchofChrist,St MaryofthePurificationCatholicChurch,St LukeEpiscopal

Church,andWheelerAvenueBaptistChurch

“Weserveatleast100peopleonaweekly basis,” said Manna House volunteer and board member Jene Washington. “We’re open on Thursdays and Fridays, and the third Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m to12:30p.m.”

Thosenumbersrepresentfamilies,seniors, and individuals navigating rising food costs and limited access, as well as a community-based response grounded in cooperation andfaith.

Answeringacalltoserve

FormanyatMannaHouse,volunteeringis notjustanactofcharity,butacalling.

“Jesuscalledustofeedhispeople,andthis is an opportunity for me to answer that call and to obey that command to feed his people,” said Pantry Manager Kathy Dale “And Iloveit.”

Dale is joined by volunteers from across Houston and beyond, many of whom describetheirserviceasmutuallyenriching.

“I’vebeenvolunteeringhereoffandonfor a few years. I love serving my community,” saidAngieMeus,avolunteeroriginallyfrom Chicago.“Ithinkit’simportanttogiveback, andthepeoplethatweservearesoappreciativeofthetimethatwespendhere.”

MaryWilliams,aGary,Indiananativewho relocatedtoHoustontoattendTexasSouthern University, has volunteered at Manna House for three years with an unmistakable energyandjoy.

“The Bible says if ye are able to help, help your sister, help your brother come along,” Williams said “So, I cannot rest aside and knowthatIhaveneighbors,friends,relatives whoareinneedandnotofferahelpinghand.”

Rootedincommunityandfaith

Houston native Margaret Samuel, a Lamar High School alumna and Third Ward resident, sees her volunteer work as deeply tied to purpose and faith.

“I’mvolunteeringmytimebecausethat’s whatGodcallsustodo,”Samuelsaid “And itmakesmefeellikeIhaveapurpose.When I come here, I feel blessed because I’m able todosomethingthathelpssomebodyelse.”

Avehicle forgenerosity

MannaHouseservescommunitybynot onlydistributingfood,butalsoreceivingit through donations from Houstonians like Cheri Church

“DuringtheSNAPissues,myfamilyhad stocked up on some goods,” said Church “Thisisatimewhenpeoplehaverealneeds, and food is just not something that people should be going without.”

Blessingsonbothsidesofservice

WashingtonbelievestheimpactofManna House extends beyond the pantry walls.

“You don’t get paid, but you get paid,” saidWashington “Paymentisinyourspirit to give back And when you give back, they give back to you because they’re so grateful.”

For more information, call 713-529-3381 or email mannahouse3rd@gmail.com.

Texas Black designers

Stylists expand Western fashion culture

By Laura Onyeneho

The cowboy hat. The leather boots. The fringe jacket and earthy,sun-bakedpalette.For morethanacentury,Western fashion has conjured a very specific image in the American imagination, one drawn from Hollywood’s “Wild West” mythology.

The American cowboy image includes significant, often overlooked contributions fromBlack,Indigenous,andMexicancultures, often portrayed exclusively as white.

Butthatimageisbeingactivelydismantled. AndinTexas,Blackdesignersandstylistsare amongthosedoingthemostintentionalwork

to replace it with something truer to history and more expansive in its vision of who the cowboy actually was.

The American West’s revisionist narrative oftenoverlooksthatoneinfourcowboyswas Black. In the 19th-century frontier economy, Black cowhands contributed significantly to building the West by creating a practical wardrobe suited to their demanding work, including wide-brimmed hats leather chaps, sturdy boots, and durable denim.

Beyond utility, this attire carried a deeper meaning. For men who had recently emerged from enslavement, the gear of a skilled cowhand was a symboloffreedom,competence, and self-determination.

Many Black cowboys wore distinctively high-quality clothing precisely to announce that status to distinguish themselves in a world that tried to render them invisible.

Filling the gap

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW FASHION

KEEPS RODEO HISTORY ALIVE

When Dymond Taylor walked into Western fashion trade shows years ago, she was often the only one who looked like her. No Black-owned brands lined the aisles No designs that reflected the urban-Westernfusionshehadbeendeveloping for years.

“I knew I wanted to create a niche brand in Houston that would fill these spaces,”

said Taylor, founder of BStone Western Wear. “To bridge the gap of what wasn’t being represented.”

Taylor spent a full year researching before launching her online store in 2023, attending trade events such as WESA (Western & EnglishSalesAssociation)andvisitingWesternmarketplaces Shespentmonthsbuilding a social media community before she had a single product to sell, growing to roughly 40,000followersbeforeherlaunch Andthen Beyoncé’s“CowboyCarter”eraarrived,accelerating everything she had built.

Her brand name, BStone, carries a dual identity in its very letters. The “B” stands for Black, a deliberate declaration of ownership The“Stone”comesfromherownname, Dymond. She has since dressed celebrity clients including Bun B, K. Michelle, and GloRilla, and was featured in the New York TimesinconnectionwiththeMetGala’sWestern-themed coverage

Her signature design philosophy she calls “urban Western”, is a deliberate fusion that ayers streetwear sensibility onto traditional silhouettes. The results are pieces that work as naturally on a Houston city block as they do at a rodeo. Her ready-to-wear line is also pricedaccessibly apointedresponseto anindustrywherequalityWesternhats alone can exceed a thousand dollars.

“I think you have the idea of the traditional Western and my idea of urbanWestern,andthenwejustmesh ittogether,”Taylorsaid.“Ilovetheidea of keeping it traditional, but kind of adding that urban flair.”

The vision of Western GQ Dallas-based stylist and Western GQfounderD.Richhasbeenmaking thesameargumentwithhiswardrobe for more than 25 years.

Growing up he spent weekends with his father driving to Malakoff, Texas, to reconnectwithfamilyrootsgoingbackmultiplegenerations.Asacitykidtogglingbetween “good clothes” for the country and back to streetwearathome,heeventuallyrejectedthe false choice entirely “Ifoundareallycleverwaytocombineboth fashion, both styles, even at a young age, ” he

said “As I got older it became more stylish and luxurious.”

The result is Western GQ what D. Rich describesas“acombinationofmodernfashion combined with the luxury style of Westernfashion.”WheretraditionalWesternwear defaultedtomutedearthtonesandutilitarian cuts, his approach weaponizes color, accessorizes boldly with scarves he calls “ties,” feathered hats pendants and luxury boots, andlayershigh-fashionsensibilityoverrecognizably Western foundations.

HedrawsinspirationfromBlacktrailblazers across history, entrepreneurs, engineers, and freedom fighters, and sees his Western aestheticascontinuouswiththattraditionof excellence dressed with intention.

“Your fashion says a whole lot before you

even say a word,” D. Rich said “Whenever somebodyseesme I’mdressed.I’mspeaking to you, letting you know that I’m confident, that I’m sure about myself.”

His primary audience skews toward the 37-to-70 age range, established men and women who understand that appearance is a statement, not a costume. Bu younger audiencesarewatching TheBillPickettInvitational Rodeo, the nation’s premier touring Blackrodeo,hasbeensellingouteventsfaster than ever with D. Rich appearing as a style ambassadorandvideographer helpingdocumentandexcitecommunitiesaboutdressing the part

“Everyeventissoldout,”hesaid “TheinterestofWesterncultureisgrowing,andyoucan seeitinhowpeopleshowuptotheseevents.”

The museum keeps the roots alive

The cultural and commercial resurgence did not emerge from a vacuum It is the product of decades of preservation work by people like James Austin founder and executive director of the National Multicultural WesternHeritageMuseumandHallofFame Now24yearsoldandrecentlyrelocatedto a new facility on Dottie Lynn Parkway near Arlington, the museum has spent a generation documenting what most American history curricula omit That one-fourth of all cowboys were Black Americans. Its 140 Hall of Fame inductees represent the full diverse architecture of the American West

“It was a history that I didn’t learn as a youngman,andIwishIhadknownaboutit,” Austin said “We teach and educate our kids

I knew I wanted to create a niche brand in Houston that would fill these spaces. To bridge the gap of what wasn’t being represented.”

DYMOND TAYLOR

andthenationinregardstotheimportanceof celebratingthefirstcowboys,African-American cowboys.”

Austin sees what fashion designers and stylists are doing as a natural extension of the museum’s mission, fashion as a living wearableformofhistoricaleducation.Where amuseumexhibi reachesvisitorswhoseekit out,aboldWesternlookonaHoustonstreet corner, or a celebrity’s back reaches millions who never would have gone looking. He has spent years pushing that logic into corporate boardrooms as well Five years ago, he convinced Wrangler to sponsor his

Juneteenth Festival by making a straightforward business case that when “African AmericansandHispanicsdressupWestern, you’re missing a market by not supporting this program. ”

Wrangler came in as a title sponsor. The point was proof that Black Western culture has spending power the industry had long ignored,andthatlegacybrandswereleaving moneyonthetablebytreatingWesternfashion as a whites-only aesthetic.

YWCA: 116 years old

Celebrates community impact, service

By Aswad Walker

For116years,YWCAHoustonhasstood as a steady force for racial justice, women’s empowerment, and community care workrooteddeeplyinthecity’shistoryand still shaping its future

FoundedinJanuary1907afteraCityHall meeting attended by 80 women, YWCA HoustonwasthefirstYWCAbranchestablished in Texas and has remained committed to serving women and girls across generations.

From its earliest days, the organization focused on empowering women and girls. That commitment expanded in 1920 with the creation of the Blue Triangle Branch, established specifically to serve African American women at a time when few nationalorganizationswerewillingtodoso

According to its mission, YWCA Houston “is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.” Its vision is equally bold: women and girls thrivingwithoutbarriersandtransforming their communities.

Building community

That vision has long been reflected not onlyinprogramsbutalsoinphysicalspaces and institutional courage

“The YWCA is an institution to be supportedbecauseofitslegacyofopennessand willingness to be involved in the African Americancommunitybeforeothernational organizationsdaredtodoso,”saidAlgenita Scott Davis, a longtime supporter.

In Houston, the YWCA constructed a community facility on land purchased by Blackwomenthemselves,offeringalibrary, gymnasium, swimming pool, event space and restaurant services that supported the

YWCA Board Chair Janice Beal (front row, center) is joined by several YWCA Houston members and supporters Credit: www.ywcahouston.org.

375k+

Meals delivered to seniors through our Meals on Wheels program

85%

Of our families achieve self-sufficiency upon their departure from the housing program

community for decades. The organization becameasafeandaffirmingplaceforBlack womenandfamilieswhensegregationlimited access elsewhere.

Serving youth, demanding equity

During the 1950s and 1960s, YWCA Houston established youth branches for young women attending segregated junior andseniorhighschoolsinHISD.Knownas

The story of YWCA Houston is one worth telling as they continue working to help women and girls educate, empower, advance, lead, serve, and thrive. Seen here are Dr Janice Beal (right) with Sharon Murphy and Judge Vanessa Gilmore. Credit: www. ywcahouston.org.

170k+

Women have participated in the Womens Entrepreneurship Program

Y-Teens,thesebranchescreatedopportunities for leadership and social engagement Davisrecalledcampusprogramsandactivities held both at schools and at the Blue Triangle Y on McGowan.

The YWCA also hosted luncheons, garden and home shows, quilting projects, and meetings for organizations such as the Houston Chapter of The Links. In the 1980s, advocacy by Black leadership led to a major turning point: the creation of the dedicated Blue Triangle Community Center, bornfromademandforequity and representation within the institution.

Expanding reach and meeting essential needs

YWCA Houston later purchased its current location at 6309 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., expanding its ability to meet growing needs. Today, the MLK campus houses national YWCA programs, includes housing, and serves as a hub for critical services.

Among those services is Meals on Wheels, through which YWCA Houston

serves an average of 300,000 meals each yeartovulnerablehomeboundseniors.The organization is the second-largest provider ofhome-deliveredmealsinHoustonandthe largest provider of congregate meals.

Programs serving women, girls and families

Today, YWCA Houston operates four core program areas.

Its housing program uses the evidence-based Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model to help youth and young adults achieve long-term self-sufficiency The “Y” She Can Series offers community events designed to educate women and raise awareness about pressing issues. The TechGYRLS® program empowers girls particularlythoseunderrepresented to explore STEM education and careers. Women’s Empowerment 360° (WE360) supports minority women entrepreneurs working to launch and sustain successful businesses.

YWCA Houston also collaborates with community partners Davis noted the organizationrecentlyhostedtheAssociates CommitteeofJackandJillofAmerica,Inc., whichcollectedgiftcardstosupportfamilies fleeing domestic violence

Shaping generations

“For116years,YWCAHoustonhasbeen acornerstoneofthiscommunity empoweringwomen,servingseniors,andproviding stability for families,” said Dr Janice Beal, board chair.

She noted that at its peak, the organization delivered more than 1,000 meals a day and now provides housing assistance to 28 families, along with STEM and entrepreneurship programs

“The Y doesn’t just serve Houston it has helped shape generationsofwomenandfamilies,” said Beal For Beal, that impact is personal

“My relationship with the YWCA didn’t begin in a boardroom it began as a little girl at the Blue Triangle,” she said, recalling lessons in confidence and belonging.

AsYWCAHoustoncelebrates116years, it honors its past and renews its commitment to a future of service, justice and empowerment.

Formoreinformation,call713-868-9922, emailywca@ywcahouston.org,orvisitwww. ywcahouston.org

Home co-buying: Good orbad?

By Laura Onyeneho

You’vebeensaving

You’vebeenbudgeting.

You’ve cut back on brunch, skipped the vacation,andmaybeevenmovedbackinwith your parents for a year But every time you check Zillow, the houses you can afford are furtherout,smaller,orinneighborhoodsyou don’twanttolivein.Andtheonesyouactually want?They’reexpensive

So homebuyers are pooling money with friends, siblings, and people they trust to buy propertytogether

Welcome to the era of co-buying, where homeownership is less about waiting for “the one”andmoreaboutrefusingtowaitatall.

Ifthissoundsfamiliar,you’renotalone.The Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice Universityreleasedthe2025StateofHousing inHarrisCountyandHoustonresearch,which examinesarangeofissuesinfluencinghousing affordabilityandtheresidentialoptionsavailabletolocals

Itshowsthatfamilieswithamedianincome can only buy homes close to $195,000, while the median property price in Harris County has increased to almost $325,000. For many families, homeownership is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to this stark

affordabilitygap.

Co-buying is the practice of purchasing property with friends, siblings, or other non-romanticpartners Accordingtoarecent study by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have co-purchased a home with someone other than a romantic partner, and another48%wouldconsiderit.

Societyhistoricallyviewedhomeownership asapost-marriagegoal Co-buyingbreaksthis norm,makingitacceptabletoenterthemarket witha“platonic”or“romantic-but-unmarried” partner.

Buyers typically choose between joint tenancy with automatic rights of survivorship (also called Tenancy in Common) and equal shares with automatic rights of survivorship, whichmeansbuyerscanhaveunequalshares, with each party able to sell or pass on their share.

“Younger people are absolutely being shut out of home buying due to unaffordability and inaccessibility,” says Ayesha Shelton, co-founderofParkStreetHomesinHouston. “The ability to co-purchase property is one waythatmillennialshavetheabilitytoaccess homeownershipandinvesting.”

Gen-Z and Millennials are leading a surge inco-buying,withroughly32%ofGenZand

Many Gen Z buyers are already purchasing homes with parents or siblings, a trend that has grown rapidly in recent years. Credit: Chat GPT images

18% of Millennials considering purchasing homeswithfriends,family,orpartnerstocombathighinterestratesandlowaffordability.

The benefits and the risks

Shareddownpayments,splitmonthlycosts, and earlier market entry are just a few of the benefits. Houston’s abundance of duplexes makes the city particularly well-suited for co-buying.

“Ithinkit’sanamazingideafortwopeople to come together and buy a duplex together.”

The piece that’s most easily overlooked is we are in agreement at this time,” Shelton says. “It’simportanttoevaluatewhatyourstepswill beifthereevercomesatimewhenyouallare notinagreement.”

KristinaModares,aco-buyingstrategistat Joyntwhohasco-purchasedproperty10times, sees it as a natural evolution. “This is just like anotherthingthat’sbeingintroducedtothem that’s maybe not so crazy as it may have been totheirparents,”shesays.

Legal agreements are essential. Modares recounts helping a woman who bought with herboyfriend,onlytohavehimunexpectedly endtherelationshipanddemandthattheysell “Shewaslike,IwishIhadknownmyoptions,” Modaressays.

Operating agreements should spell out ownership percentages, exit strategies, and what happens if someone wants out early. Shelton recommends involving an attorney from the start because “If you don’t, then it cangetprettymessy.”

While some see co-buying as a temporary workaround for high rates, Modares believes it’s a long-term solution “As things get more expensive,thisisstillgoingtobeareallypopularidea,”shesays.“Italldependsonhowthe marketmoves.”

Thrives in journey from Prairie View to Rice NICKANDERSON

By Terrance Harris

Nick Anderson has always been about three things: His family, academics, and basketball

So it all kind of made sense when, after putting his name in the transfer portal last spring after a couple of months at Prairie View, he answered the phone and Rice was on the other end offering a scholarship.

“My house is right down the street, my family is here,” said Anderson, who starred for Prairie View for 12 games before an injuryderailedhis204-2025season “We’re a super tight-knit family, and they’ve been at pretty much all of my games. I have 10 to 20 people showing up at every game, so justthatsupportsystem,andalsothecoachingstaff Theymademefeelsuperwelcome when I came on my visit, and from the day I went in the portal, they were calling me everyday.Theywereprettymuchthefrontrunners from Day 1.”

It’sbeennothingbutharmonicsince Rice coachRobLanierwaslookingforascoring guard to pair up with Trae Broadnax in the backcourt. Anderson was seeking a fresh start after spending the first two seasons of his college career at Division III University of St Thomas and then last year at Prairie View

The two sides have gotten what they’ve wanted Anderson and Broadnax have become the dynamic backcourt Lanier envisioned,withbothessentiallyservingas co-leading scorers for the Owls Anderson has landed a prominent role at a Division I school,somethingthatseemedoutofreach when he came out of Clear Creek High School with few options before landing at St Thomas.

“It’s been pretty good,” Anderson said of histransitiontoRicethisseason.“I’vebeen verygratefulforalotofthingsthatI’vebeen able to do this year, and a lot of things that Rice has done for me.”

While Anderson has certainly landed in a role that suits him, there was controversy about how things went down in his one andonlyseasonatPrairieViewunderhead coach Byron Smith. He appeared in just 12 games for the Panthers, leading the SWAC andrankinginsidethenation’stopwith19.1 points per game Anderson then suffered a footinjurythatderailedtherestofhisseason before even getting to SWAC play

Next thing anyone knew, the 6-foot-3 guardenteredthetransferportallastspring andendedupatRicewithtwoyearsofeligibilityaftertheNCAAgrantedhimaredshirt

because he didn’t exceed the maximum games played to redshirt.

“Just an unfortunate circumstance going down with the injury like I did I think we couldhaveacco I think Coach who is a senio in terms of play that,andthat’swh I went down we could really blessedtohave back so I get to Andersonhas thisseason,with scorer continuin asked to do mo season, which is where the challenge has sometimes come

AsLanier putsit,Anderson can scor the basketb in his sleep. He pushing him, of a complete goodteamand instinctively kn or under a scre scouting report

“What’s uniq gone through has been relati startingtounder be a complete isinhissecond “As that pictur trying He can alwaysgoingto is a difference g pr

andreallyhavingahighimpactonwinning. He’sputtingthattogether,andit’sfunseeing him No.1 become more cognizant

Anderson has given Rice another much-needed scoring presence this season. Credit: Maria Lysaker | Rice Athletics

means to be complete and all the other things that go into a game.”

Anderson sees this new opportunity as another step in a journey that started in almostobscurityatSt Thomas,tookabrief stop at Prairie View, and now has him on a bigger stage than he could have imagined when he came out of Clear Creek.

“I’m very blessed to be where I am,” he said “I’ve been to several schools, and at this point, I’ve had a lot of experiences to play with a lot of guys and for a lot of good coaches.I’vekindofbeenallovertheplace, cool.”

has gone from tually unrecruited Clear Creek High School to playing arring roles at the iversity of St. Thomas, Prairie View, and now Rice.

Credit:

Maria Lysaker | Rice Athletics

my D-III, ght I was a ayer; aying well. pected go It’s been for sure.” ON

New names, same

hunger at the 18thAnnual Senior Football Showcase

By Jimmie Aggison

More than 700 unsigned senior football players took the field at NRG Stadium on Jan. 31, driven by the same goal and the same urgency: to be seen.

Atthe18thAnnualSeniorFootballShowcase, college dreams didn’t hinge on Friday nighthighlightsorseason-longstatlines,but on technique, effort, and how players carried themselves during a few critical hours infrontofcollegecoachessearchingfortheir next opportunity

The Senior Football Showcase allowed unsigned athletes to display their skills in frontofover40DivisionII,DivisionIII,and NAIA programs

“During the one-on-ones, we’re just looking for guys competing and making plays on the football,” said Matt Henning, defensive coordinator at Rockford UniversityinRockford,Illinois.“Withthebigguys, we’remakingsurethey’regettingofftheball, going through the drill work, working on their speed and footwork, and ultimately making sure the guys are able to follow the direction that’s being taught to them by the coaches at those drills.”

EJ Valentine, Central Methodist University’s defensive coordinator, was also in attendanceandemphasizedtheimportance of showcases of this magnitude in today’s recruiting landscape.

“I’ve been coming to Houston Showcase for 18 years, and I haven’t missed any of them,”saidValentine.“Ithinkthisisagreat thing because in the city of Houston, there are a lot of football players with talent who getoverlooked,sothisisasecondchancefor those kids to showcase their talent in front of different coaches.”

Within that controlled environment, a handful of players began to separate themselves, not through words but through performance.

Blake Dickerson, a 6-foot, 210-pound quarterback from Kashmere High School, came to showcase his offensive skills for colleges.

“My focus was on showing that I can command the offense, maintain consistent mechanics, and deliver the ball accurately on every throw,” said Dickerson “I wanted coachestoseehowIoperateasaquarterback, notjustmyarmstrength.”

North Forest wide receiver La’Shun Gray, listed at 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, felt that the wide receiver drills best showcased his skillset.

inquieter,moretechnicalways

“I put a lot of emphasis on my technique, takingthetimetogothrougheverystepofthe motion before moving on to the next step,” said 5-foot-9, 160-pound Madison High School wide receiver/safety Damien Duckworth. “My safeties coach, Coach Simon, helpedmelearnthetechniquetherightway.”

“I call him a technician,” said Madison headcoachJamesSoria.“Hedoesagoodjob watchingfilm,sitswithhispositioncoachregularlytolearnthescheme,thenapplieswhat helearnedonthefield.”

Last season, Duckworth played on both sidesoftheball

more than just film

“Youhaveyourfilm,youhaveyourtalent, butalsomakesureyou’reagreatperson,”said Valentine “When the coaches come talk to you,lookthemintheeyes,speaklouder,have confidenceinyourselfandwhoyouare,and justkeepdoingtherightthing.Makesureyou have grades because at the end of the day, if youdon’thavegrades,wecan’thelpyou.”

Understandingthoserealitiesdoesn’tease thepressure;itsharpensitforplayerschasing onemorechance

Everybody wants to get a product that’s already ready to go. The portal allows coaches to know what they’re getting and to get that fixed right away.”

EJ VALENTINE Defensive Coordinator for Central Methodist University

“Goingthroughtheroutetreeallowedme towarmupmyhandsbygoingthroughevery routemultipletimeswhilestayingcalm,”said Gray

In an environment where composure is essential and every rep counts, Shadow Creek’s 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive linemanChazOliverunderstoodthemission.

“Istayedcomposedbylookingaroundand seeingallthosecoachestakingnotice,which letmeknowthere’sanopportunityoutthere somewhere,” said Oliver “During preparation, I focused on taking the best first step andslowingeverythingdown,onebyone.”

While some players stand out for their physicalpresence,othersseparatethemselves

“Someviewhimasanundersizedsafetyat the college level, but he plays bigger than his size,” said Soria. “He’s not afraid to lower his shoulderandhit,buthe’salsothekidwecan putintheslot Ifyougettheballinhishands, he can go make a play Because he’s versatile and flexible, he will do a great job on either sideoftheballatthenextlevel.”

For many of these seniors, strong fundamentalsaren’tjustastrength;they’reanecessityinacompetitiverecruitingenvironment.

“Whenyoulookatitnow,alotofcoaches don’t want to recruit high school kids and develop them,” said Valentine “Everybody wantstogetaproductthat’salreadyreadyto go The portal allows coaches to know what they’regettingandtogetthatfixedrightaway.”

Toremaincompetitiveintoday’srecruiting landscape, high school athletes need

“Thisopportunitymeansalot,”saidChaz Oliver’sfather,KimBowmen.“Mysonhada lot of interest before he tore his ACL in the third game of his junior season. After his injury, much of that interest faded. Events like these are needed because we watch these kids grind every day throughout the year When my son suffered the injury, he remainedinhighspiritsuntilhesawtheoffers weren’t really coming in, and that’s when he startedfeelingthefrustration.Buteventslike this allow him to be seen again by multiple schools.”

Astheshowcasemovedfromdrilltodrill, every rep carried weight, whether noticed immediately or not. While offers weren’t guaranteed, exposure was, and for some in attendance,thatexposurebecametheturning point.

“Youhavetowantit,”saidBowmen “Inlife, it’s always going to be competition, but you canonlycontrolthecontrollables.”

Joy Woodson Profile DN

Keeps businesses afloat amid challenges

By Aswad Walker

LifelongentrepreneurJoyWoodsonfaced seriouschallengestoherlivelihood,includingkeepingthedoorsofhertwobusinesses open.

Complicating matters was an even more dauntingthreat Woodsonwasscheduledfor major, potentially life-or-death surgery. It wasaprocedurefromwhichherfatherdied of post-surgery complications just weeks beforeWoodsonwastogoundertheknife. Thankfully, Woodson not only survived the surgery, but her two businesses—7 DegreesNaturalHairStudioandPocketFull of Stones—miraculously stayed open even after six months without income Woodson credits two things for these blessings: Relationships and financial literacy.

Entrepreneurial beginnings

This August, Woodson’s first business, 7 Degrees Natural Hair Studio, will celebrate 16yearsinexistence ButtoletWoodsontell it, she came out of the womb ready to start that business.

Not only was she raised to embrace her natural hair, but self-reliance was another lesson she picked up

“Some kids sell candy or cut grass, but I learned how to braid hair,” said Woodson, about her childhood hustle

In 1992, Woodson, then 12, saw family friend Jameela Tally open Strictly Roots, Houston’s first natural hair salon.

“I never imagined that this could be a thing just for natural hair, just a beautiful, safe space for our people to embrace their naturalbeauty,”saidWoodson.“Thatstayed with me for years. I was inspired And later on, I ended up opening one. ”

Challenges

For years, business went well, even with the ups and downs experienced by most entrepreneurs. Then COVID happened But because Woodson has always been a disciplined saver, she survived that storm evenwhenmanyotherbusinessescouldn’t

Then came another storm.

“Igotsick,diagnosedwithacoloncondition,andIwashospitalizedforsixmonths I had three surgeries,” shared Woodson. “It was almost a two-year situation. However, the bulk of it happened within six months.”

A forever father’s girl, Woodson’s dad, Darryel A. Woodson, had been diagnosed with the same colon condition and underwentthesuggestedsurgery,whichcalledfor

the removal of part of his colon.

Woodson didn’t want to go that route, but her father helped guide her through the pre-operation process. The stress of facing a major operation only intensified when Woodson says her father died from complicationsofthesurgeryshewasabout to have.

Makingmattersworse,thoughWoodson had the will to work during that time, her body wouldn’t allow it

The loss of six months’ income drained her bank account while she fought for her life and to keep her business open Thankfully, Woodson’s commitment to financial literacy helped keep the doors of herbusinessesopen,givingherachanceto regain clients she lost during her absence.

Financial literacy

Before her health scare, Woodson spent yearssuccessfullymovingbeyondthecheckto-check existence Thus, her commitment tosavingratherthancarelessspendinggave Woodson a financial cushion she didn’t know she’d need—until she did Woodson credits another tool many use as a financial instrument—whole life insurance.

“I encourage every entrepreneur, and even if you’re not an entrepreneur, to have wholelifeinsurance.Itallowsyoutoborrow from it,” said Woodson. “It approves a cash value… I was able to borrow money from myownlifeinsurancethatI’vebeenpaying for at no cost.

“That helped me get through, as well.”

Relationships

Another saving grace for Woodson during her trials was her relationships with suppliers and customers.

“I can’t say enough good things about the incredible work of the best loctician in Houston,” said client Chase Martin. “From the moment I walked into her salon, I was met with professionalism, warmth and a genuine passion for her craft.”

SupplierswithwhomWoodsoncultivated strongrelationshipsofferedtangiblesupport duringherhealthbattle Multipleglobalsuppliers shipped Woodson valuable crystals andtoldher,“Paywheneveryougetbackon your feet.” Several hair clients did similarly, withafewgivingher$3,000assupportand pre-payment for future hair appointments.

“Those types of things don’t come just from being a great hairstylist,” said Woodson. “That comes from making a client feel valued.”