03.19.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To thePOINT DN

carnival became groundzerofor Spring Breakmayhem, raising

questions about crowdcontrol, security, andthe future of

Reporter’sMessage

Spring Breakmadness

TheHoustonLivestockShowandRodeo closed earlierthanplanned recently after guestsbegan fleeingamid fights in thecarnivalarea.Videosspreadacrosssocialmedia almostinstantly,andjustlikethat,oneofthe mostbelovedtraditionsinourcitybecamea headlinefor all thewrong reasons.

ThefightsattheRodeocarnivalgrounds arenothing new. Unaccompaniedteens, crowdedmidways,and minimalsecurity have always been arecipefor tension. But if RodeoHouston doesn’tget seriousabout enforcement, agerestrictions, increasedsecuritypresence, andchaperone policiesfor minors,familieswillstopshowing up.And it’s supposed to be afun andfamily-orientedevent.Houston is alreadywatchingwhatMiamihasbecomeunderheavySpring Breakrestrictions. Whilecarnivalchaos made headlines,I’d ratherfocusonallthegoodthattheSpringBreakmadnessis bringingtoBlackbusinesses.Black-ownedvenueslikeSekai NightandDayinEaDohadlineswrappedaroundtheblock. Sekaiisknown forits premier26,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor,upscalenightclubanddayclubandmassive dancefloor andswimmingpool. Idon’t know if Ihavethe patience to standina long line forhours in heat,soI have to give propstobusinessesthatare doingtheir best to keep people entertainedduringthistime.

Sinnersmakes history

singlenon-genderedOscarcategory.Ludwig GöranssonalsotookhomeBestOriginal Score, andthe film’s live performanceof“I LiedtoYou,”ledbyMilesCatonandRaphael Saadiq,was nothingshort of afulljuke jointrevival on thestage.Thisteamstayed authenticallythemselvesfromday one. No compromises,andnocode-switching.They were more than worthy

Gaspricesare hitting your walletshard PulluptoanygasstationinHoustonrightnowandbrace yourself.

Sincethe startofthe warwithIran, gaspricesacrossthe United States have surgednearly74cents agallon, pushing thenationalaverage to just under$3.72, thehighest since October2023. Gashas nowclimbedabove $3 agallonin everysinglestate,drivenbythe ongoingdisruptiontothe Strait of Hormuz caused by theconflict.

Sinnersentered the98thAcademy Awards with a record-breaking16nominations,and thefilmdelivered whereitcountedmost.RyanCooglertookhomeBestOriginalScreenplay,hisfirstOscar,whileMichaelB.Jordanwon BestActorforplayingtwinsSmokeandStackinthevampire thriller.Withthatwin,Jordanbecamejustthe sixthBlack mantoclaimBestActor,joiningalegacythatincludesSidney Poitier, Denzel Washington,Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, andWillSmith

AutumnDuraldArkapawbecamethefirstwoman,aswell as thefirst Blackpersonand firstFilipina, to winBestCinematography.Withherwin,awomanhasnowclaimedevery

Forthoseofusinacar-dependentcitylikeHouston,there isnooptingout.Youneedgastogettowork,todropthekids off,tochaseagig.Andspeakingofgigs,driversforUberand Lyftarealreadydoingthemathdifferently,skippingshorter, low-payingtripsinfavoroflongerfaresthatactuallymakethe fuelcostsworthit.That’sadouble-edgedswordforeveryone Twenty dollarsusedtomeansomething at thepump, at leastforme.Nowitgetsmetoabouthalfatank.Andeconomistsarewarningthisisjustthebeginning—withoilprices elevated,the costtotransport goodsisrisingtoo,meaning groceries,householditems,andmoreareallpoisedtofollow Intimeslikethese,Iaskmyselfaboutwhichrecession-proof industriesIshouldinvestin.Becausesomebodyisalwaysgettingpaid,nomatterwhat,andifI’mspendingallthismoney, I’dbetterget areturnsomehow.

On theWeb

•The Second Yes: Blackwomen rewritethe rulesof remarriage.

•We’dbestprepare nowfor thecomingBlack ICEstorm •Houstonians rethinkSpringBreak amid risingcosts

Local electricity costs may surge 40%

ByTannisthaSinha

Houstonisconfrontingasharpriseinelectricity costs that is reshaping the city’s budget outlook,perCityControllerChrisHollins

DuringaMarchcitycouncilmeeting,Hollins said electricity spending is projected to reach about $131 million in fiscal year 2026, an increase of more than 40% compared with previous years, which reflects structural changes in Texas’ electricity market following the 2021 Winter Storm Uridisaster

“This isn’t a routine fluctuation,” Hollins said “Thisisamaterial andasubstantialshiftin ourcoststructurethat’s going to stick moving forward.”

Energy burdens are the highest in southern and western counties, where summer bills can exceed 11% of household income, according to a study by theUniversityofHoustonandTexasSouthern University Low-income, minority and rural communitiesaremostaffected,largelydueto olderhousingandlimitedfinancialflexibility, amongotherreasons.Urbanhouseholds,onthe otherhand,benefitfrommoreefficienthousing andhigheraverageincomes,thereportfound.

Additionally,nearly45%ofhouseholdspay over$200amonthonaverageforsummerelectricity,andaboutoneinthreeTexansspend7% ormoreoftheirincomeonenergy,surpassing

Houston’s electricity spending is projected to reach about $131 million in fiscal year 2026 Getty Images

thehighenergyburdenthresholdof6%.

Electricityspending risingsharply

According to the city’s electricity market analysis presented to the Budget and Fiscal AffairsCommittee,Houston’sannualelectricity budgetisabout$140million,withmorethan 60%ofthatspendingcomingfromenterprise funds,andtherestfromthegeneralfundand otherspecialfunds.

Those costs have climbed quickly over the pastseveralyears,Hollinssaid

The city currently operates under a fiveyearelectricitysupplyagreementwithReliant EnergySolutions,valuedat$640million,which

beganinJuly2020andcanextendthroughJune 2027. He warned that rising energy costs are consuming that contract capacity faster than expected.

Hollinstoldthecouncilthatabout86%ofthe contract’s spending capacity has already been used,leavingroughly$110millionremainingto coverelectricitycoststhroughtheendoffiscal year2027.

Atcurrentspendinglevels,officialssaythe remaining funds may not be enough to cover thefulldurationofthecontract.

“I want to be clear here, the bad guy here isn’tanyoneatthecityofHouston,andit’snot NRGorReliantwhoprovideuswithelectricity,”

REPORT

Hollins added. “The system that Governor [Greg]Abbottandthestatelegislatureallowed to be in place that holds no one accountable andwhendisasterstrikes,passesthoserisksand thosefailuresandthosecostsdowntocustomers, including our residents and including us hereatthecityofHouston,thatistheproblem.”

Marketchangesafter WinterStormUri

Much of the increase is tied to reforms enacted after Winter Storm Uri, when Texas’ power grid failed and more than 200 Texans died.

Statelawmakersandregulatorsintroduced severalnewreliabilitymeasuresdesignedtostabilizethegridandpreventfutureoutages.Those changesincludednewmarketmechanismsand financing programs to recover storm-related costs.

While those reforms were intended to improve grid reliability, Hollins noted the costsarepasseddirectlythroughtocustomers, increasingelectricitybillsfortheCityandHoustonresidents.

“That tragedy prompted some substantial changes to the state’s electricity market…,” Hollinssaid.“Today,thosestructuralchanges are showing up in our operating budget. It’s importanttorecognizethatroughlyhalfofthe city’selectricitycostsareentirelyoutofoperationalcontrol...Evenwithconservationefforts, significantportionsofthosecostsremainfixed andwillremainatthoseelevatedlevels.”

Ft. Bend Black drivers stopped more

By ReShonda Tate

Black drivers in Fort Bend County were stopped and searched by sheriff’s deputies at disproportionately higher rates last year, accordingtothecounty’s2025racialprofiling report

The report shows Black residents, who make up about 23% of the county’s population, accounted for 39% of all traffic stops conducted by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s

Officein2025.

The disparity widens when it comes to searches. Black drivers accounted for 43.6% ofvehiclesearches,thelargestshareamongall racialgroups

Whilethenumbersalonedonotproveracial profiling, they highlight patterns that civil rights advocates say deserve closer scrutiny asthecountycontinuestogrowanddiversify.

FortBendCountySheriffEricFagansaidthe department’senforcementactivityreflectsroutine policing and emphasized that the agency haspoliciesinplaceprohibitingracialprofiling.

“We have policies here that stop officers from engaging in racial profiling,” Fagan said “And if we suspect racial profiling, we have a policy where people can come in and file a complaint and we’ll conduct an investigation, becausewestrictlyprohibitracialprofiling.”

Fagan said deputies are expected to carry outtheirdutiesprofessionallyandwithoutbias

“We’re doing the job meaning that we’re notracialprofiling,”Fagansaid “We’recarrying outourdutiesprofessionally,non-biased.”

At the same time, Fagan acknowledged that bias exists broadly in society but said law

enforcementpoliciesaredesignedtopreventit frominfluencingpolicingdecisions

“Everyone has bias that’s just human nature,” he said “But in law enforcement, we have to be careful not to use that bias in conductingourwork That’swhywehavepolicies inplacetomakesurethatwe’renotdoingthat.”

Wherethestopsoccur

Accordingtothereport,41%oftrafficstops occurredinunincorporatedareasofFortBend County, which fall under the sheriff’s office’s jurisdictionratherthancitypolicedepartments

Those areas often include major roadways, developingsuburbancorridors,andhigh-traffic zones where deputies frequently conduct enforcementpatrols.

Fagansaidmanytrafficstopsoriginatefrom highway enforcement where officers cannot determineadriver’sracebeforehand

“There’snowaytoseetheraceofthatindividual when a vehicle is moving 50 miles an hourdownthehighway,”Fagansaid “Youcan’t see the person who’s driving. Only once you makethatstopdoyoufindout.”

Texaslawrequireslawenforcementagencies

totrackdemographicinformationduringtraffic stops, including a driver’s perceived race, whether a search occurred and the outcome ofthestop

The goal is to provide transparency and enablecommunitiestomonitorpotentialracial profiling.

Noformalcomplaintsfiled

Despitethedisparitiesshowninthedata,no formal racial profiling complaints were filed against the sheriff’s office in 2025, according tothereport Fagansaidthesheriff’sofficehas increasedinternaloversightmeasuresdesigned toholddeputiesaccountable.

“Wefilemoreinternalinvestigationsonour employeesthanwhatthepublicdoes,”hesaid “Because we review the body cameras, and if weseesomethingwedon’tlike,wefilethecomplaintourselves.”

Fagan also noted that body cameras were implemented during his administration to improvetransparency

“ThatwasonereasonIwashardongetting these body cameras, ” he said “It protects the officersaswellasthepublic.”

Target protest still on

By ReShonda Tate

Despite recent headlines suggesting a nationwide boycott of Target has ended, organizers behind the original protest say the movement remains very much active.

FoundersoftheNationalTargetBoycott recentlygatheredoutsideTarget’scorporate headquarters in Minneapolis to reaffirm that the boycott - launched more than a year ago over the company’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives - is continuing nationwide

The boycott began Feb. 1, 2025, organized by Minneapolis-based activists Dr NekimaLevyArmstrong,JaylaniHussein, and Monique Cullars-Doty, following weeks of organizing by Minnesota community leaders.

The grassroots campaign calls on consumers, churches, and institutions to stop shopping at Target until the company restores and strengthens its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Let’s be clear: the Target boycott is not over,” Levy Armstrong said during the Minneapolis press conference. “This is a grassroots movement led by communities demanding corporate accountability, and we will not stop until Target reverses its retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Confusion about the boycott’s status emerged after a separate press conference inWashington,D.C.,whereAtlantapastor Rev. Jamal Bryant announced the conclusion of a 40-day fast tied to his criticism of Target’s DEI decisions.

Bryant framed the moment as a victory for economic activism.

“A whole generation has not seen an effective boycott,” Bryant said “We are claiming victory and I believe that our generation needs to see victory.”

Organizers of the original boycott say Bryant’s action helped amplify attention to theissuebutdidnotrepresenttheleadership or direction of the national boycott effort.

“The facts are simple: Target has not reversed its decisions, it has not met the

demands of the boycott, and therefore the boycottcontinues,”saidHussein.“Communities across the country are still choosing not to shop at Target.”

Cullars-Doty echoed that sentiment, emphasizingthatthestrengthofthemovement lies with everyday consumers.

“Thepowerofthismovementisineverydayconsumerswhoarerefusingtosupport a company that walked away from its commitments to equity,” she said “Until those commitments are restored, the boycott continues.”

TheboycottbeganafterTargetscaledback several diversity initiatives that had been expanded in the years following the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

In recent weeks, activists say pressure on the company has intensified, pointing to declining revenues, reduced store foot

95, NUMBER 22 - MARCH 19, 2026

traffic, layoffs affecting more than 2,000 workers, declining stock performance and leadershipupheavalthatincludedthedeparture of the company’s CEO Targethasalsofacedcriticismfromsome activistswhosaythecompanyhasnotadequatelyaddressedtheconcernsthatsparked the boycott.

Activist Tamika Mallory said she wants apublicapologyfromTargetCEOMichael Fiddelke.

“Asabillion-dollarcompany,youcannot harmpeopleinpublicandthenapologizein private,” Mallory said.

Otherssaythedamagetoconsumertrust may already be permanent.

“Iamnotencouragingpeopletogoback and shop at Target,” said Nina Turner, a former Ohio state lawmaker, during the Washington news conference “It really is a

sinandshamethatittookthemthislongto get to this point.”

Onsocialmedia,someconsumersechoed that sentiment, saying their decision to stop shopping at the retailer has become permanent.

“We’llnevergoback,”oneInstagramuser wrote.“It’snotaboycott we’rejustdone.”

Targetrecentlyreiterateditscommitment to a $2 billion pledge to Black-owned businesses,butsomeactivistssaythemovemay have come too late to win back customers lost during the boycott.

Target declined to comment.

Organizers say the boycott will continue untilthecompanyrestoresandstrengthens its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Moreinformationabouttheboycottcanbe found at NationalTargetBoycott.com.

Helping Hands

Nourishes next generation of Houston youth

By Aswad Walker

In some of Houston’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, the school day doesn’t always end with a full stomach or a safeplacetoland That’swhereAliciaRogers andKrystleRobinsonstepin.

Theco-foundersofHelping Hands For the People have spent the last three years feeding both the bodies and spirits of K–12 students across the city Their mission is straightforward: go into low-income communities, provide nutritious meals, and offer the educational and emotional supportmanychildrenlack

Foster, Thompson, Bastion and Whidby elementaries; Cullen Middle School; and Yates, Fleming, North Forest and Forest Brook high schools.

Robinson, a native Houstonian educated at Foster Elementary, Lanier Middle School andLamarHighSchool,knowsthelandscape well Her children now attend Yates High School,wheresheservesonthePTO.Rogers, originally from Oklahoma City, found common ground with Robinson in their shared upbringinganddesiretoserve.

“We, being a part of low-income areas, know how it feels,” Robinson said “When I was growing up, some of the kids weren’t fortunate to have a lot. I always wanted an opportunity to give back.”

HowHelpingHandsworks

Helping Hands For the People feeds roughly 1,500 youth a day, Monday through Friday The nonprofit operates five feeding sites from about 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Southlawn Palms in Third Ward; Sterlingshire near Tidwell and Mesa; Coke at Cleme ManorinFifthWard;PSATnearBellaireand theBeltway;andJarmeseinSouthPark

Students come from schools including

“We’re in apartments and schools, and we give them about an hourand45minutesaday,”

Rogers said “We provide a nutritious meal, help with homework, tutoring, mental health and hygiene tips We give them the love they need.”

Each site is staffed by volunteers

“At each site we have two or three people a server and someone focused on education,”Rogerssaid “Thisisallvolunteer work Wetakepeoplewhoneedcommunity service or those who simply want to help.”

RogersandRobinsonknowthatformany low-income students, school lunch may be their last guaranteed meal of the day.

“So,wecomeinandfeedthemadifferent mealMondaythroughFriday,”Rogerssaid And not just any meal

“It’s a hot meal like grandma used to cook,”Robinsonsaid “Riceandgravy,somethingthatwillfillthemupsotheycanfocus on school.”

Therelationshipsbuiltalongthewayhave become just as meaningful

“Theyevencallusauntie,”Robinsonsaid.

“If they see us on the weekend, they’ll say, ‘That’sAuntieKrystle’or‘That’sAuntieAlicia.’ It’s the love we give the kids.”

From concern to action

The idea for Helping Hands grew from both memory and frustration.

“Growing up, schools had feeding programs, ” Rogers said “When they stopped, weasked,‘Who’sfeedingthesekidsnow?’”

Instead of complaining, the pair contactedtheTexasDepartmentofAgriculture tolearnhowtolaunchtheirownprogram.

“They told us the steps to get it done,” Rogers said “It was an idea together, and wedecidedwehadtogivesomethingback to our community.”

Beyond food

HelpingHandsfillswhatitsfounderssee as a critical programming gap.

In addition to meals, the nonprofit offers tutoring, mentorship and classes. A mental healthprofessionalworkswithstudents,and partnerships provide hygiene supplies such asdeodorantandfemininehygieneproducts.

The founders are also preparing youth for the future

“We have someone coming in to teach them how to use AI because that’s the next wave,” Rogers said. “And we’ll teach accountingandmoneymanagement,since we both have accounting backgrounds.”

Robinson believes the effort addresses needs often overlooked

“It’sunfortunatethatHISDdoesn’tsponsorthesekindsofpositiveprograms,”Robinson said “So we go into neighborhoods

because this is something kids need.”

TolearnmoreaboutHelpingHandsFor the People, visit www.helpinghands4ppl. org or call 832-588-3812

Lives changed by Helping

Vouchers: Will theyhelp Black families in Houston?

By TannisthaSinha

More than 200,000 Texasfamilieshave alreadyappliedfor thestate’s new$1billion school voucherprogram (startingin the2026-27 school year), exceedingwhat it canpay for.

Approved underSenateBill 2duringthe 89thlegislativesession,theTexasEducation FreedomAccounts will alloweligible familiestouseupto$10,474perchildintaxpayer fundsfor privateschooltuition andother approved educationalexpenses. As theprogram advances, BlackfamiliesinHouston areaskingacriticalquestion:Willthisexpandopportunity or pull resources from theveryschools that serve them most?

AccordingtoaUniversityofHouston andTexas Southern University study, 70% of Blackadultssupported creating a schoolvoucherprogram,and72% supportedschoolvouchersthat onlybenefitlow-incomefamilies. However, Blackadultswere foundtoagreewitharguments againstschoolvoucherlegislation,like: “vouchers/ESAs funnel moneyawayfrom alreadystrugglingpublic schools” and“vouchers/ESAsprovide fundingtoprivate schoolsand individualswithonly limitedaccountabilityforhowthefunds areused.”

“It’s not enough to coverprivate school” ChristianAlexander, aHouston ISDparent, said thevoucher amount is notenoughtocover thefullcostof many privateschools anddoesnot solvetransportationchallenges.

“I don’tthinkit’sgoing to expand opportunitiesforBlackstudentsjust becausethe amount of moneythat they have allocatedfor each student isn’tenoughtocover thecostoflike privateschoolinthe stateofTexas,” Alexander said.“There area good number of Blackpeoplewho can

afford it,but themajorityofuscannot.”

Transportation andadditional costsof booksand uniforms areother barriers Alexander said “A lotofthese schoolsare notplacedin predominantlyBlackneighborhoods,”Alexandersaid.“HereinHouston,inareaswhere Blackpeoplelivepredominantly,therearea lotofpeoplewho do nothavecars.”

UH Report

The University of Houstonreportstates that severalHoustonians “overestimate” thescopeofvouchersandbelievethefunds wouldbenefithigher-incomefamiliesmore The report goes on to demystifyanother misconception aboutwho is eligible to receive subsidies.

The bill prioritizes students with disabilities from low- to middle-income families, followed by students from low- to lower-middle-incomefamilies,middle-income families,and,finally,higher-incomefamilies

“Tobeclear,SB2’s subsidies forprivate schoolingwillcomeatthe expense of Texaspublic schools,”saidMaria P. Pérez Argüelles, areportco-authorand research assistantprofessor at theHobby School “However,the modestscale of theprogram willlimittheshort-termbudgetaryimpacts during the2026-27schoolyear.”

Fear of

draining neighborhood schools

Formanyfamilies, oneconcerniswhat happenstoschools with declining enrollment,spurred by thevoucher program.

Educationfundingin Texasislargely tied to studentenrollment.

Thus,whena studentleaves, they take with them their state-funded allotment, even though fixedcosts likefacilitiesandstaffing, remain.

“Soyou gotless kids,you gotless fundsfor theschool tobeabletooperate whichistoputmore strain on thecommunity,” Alexander

added. “Inthe historically Blackcommunities, thesefamilies need theseschools as aversionofchild care,asaversionof counseling,waystobeabletomake sure that theirkidsare able to eat adequately.”

Concerns about diversity and belonging

Parent StacyMoore said herhesitation aboutprivate schoolsisnotjustfinancial,but alsosocialandpsychological

“It’sjustnot fair,and I struggle with sendingmy childtoa classwhere they’re goingtobethe only Black studentintheirgrade,”Moore said.“My kids go to publicschools,theyhaveBlack teachers,theyhaveother Black, Hispanic, Asianstudents, andthattomeismore. That’swhat ourcitylooks like.That’s what ourworld lookslike.”

Butheacknowledgedthatthismodel depends on time andcapacity at home “Inuniquecases,itcanbegreatforBlack folks,”Brownesaid. “It’snot for everybody.”

Familieswho have applied

HoustonparentStacy Mooreraisedconcerns about diversityand admissions policies, saying public schoolsshould better reflectHouston’s multicultural reality.

Credit:Stacy Moore

Shealsonotedthatprivateschoolscanset theirown admissions policies.

“They canpickand choose,” Mooresaid. “They canturnkidsdown.”

Adifferent experience:

“It’sa wonderful thing”

Notall Blackparents seevouchersasa threat

SekouBrowne, aHouston father whose daughter attendsa virtualSTEM-focused privateprogram called HomeSTEM Academy,saidthevouchercouldbetransformative forfamilieslikehis.

“This school’s abouta little under$9,000 forthe full year,” Browne said,addingheis a“bigproponent”ofthe voucherprogram With a$10,000 voucher, “you won’thaveto payanythingfor tuitiononcethe voucher sets in.”

Forhis family,two parentsworking in tech with flexibleschedules, aself-paced home-based modelworks well “Thecoolthing abouthomeschool,”he said,istheabilitytotailorlearningandinvest in tutoring whereneeded. The voucher, he said,would allow them to “plugholes”and preparetheir daughter forearly college coursework

MargauxRodgers, whohastwodaughters, oneinthe eighthgrade andone in thefifth grade, said shewantedto applyfor thevouchers after observingthather neighborhood schools lacked thecurricularrigor in math,science,and Englishshe expected. Rodgerssaidthat despiteherolderdaughtergetting bulliedin school,the issuewas notaddressed.

“I didn’t want my youngerdaughterto havetogothroughthosesameexperiences,” she said,addingthatitcompelled herto researchvouchersforheryoungerdaughter when she enteredmiddleschool. As ateacher forovera decade,she was skepticalatfirst.

Butthe pros outweighed thecons.

“Knowing that schoolswillbelosing money…that wouldalsobehurting the publicschools,especiallyifmystudentand mydaughterstayedinit,”Rodgersexplained “But I’mmoreconcerned nowabout my child’swelfare andwell-beingmovingforwardversuskeepingherinpublicschooljust so otherpublicschools don’tsuffer.”

Choice forsome, strain forothers?

As Texaspreparestoexecute itsvoucher programin2026-27, Blackfamilies in Houstonare balancingthe appeal of flexibilityand customizedlearningagainst financialrealities,transportationbarriers, specialeducation protectionsand theriskofdrainingalready underfunded neighborhood schools.

Forsome, the$10,474 allotmentcould open doorstoalternativesthatbetterfit theirchildren’sneeds. Forothers, it falls short of soaringprivate tuitionand rising ancillarycosts.

Feature DN

Blackwomen sharetrail ride tails

ByAswadWalker

Forgenerations,theAmericanWesthas been portrayedasawhite frontier,erasingthe Blackcowboys andcowgirlswho helpedshape it.Intruth,the term “cowboy”originallydescribedBlackmenskilled in herdingcattle. WhilefigureslikeBass Reeves aregainingrecognition,the legacyofBlack cowgirls—from“Stagecoach Mary”FieldstoindividualslikeMollieTaylorStevensonJr.,founderoftheAmerican Cowboy Museum (locatedat thehistoric Taylor-StevensonRanch)andCowgirlHall of Fame inductee—remains lessknown

Today, this historythrives inthe trail-ridingcultureofTexasandLouisiana In Houston, theserides arevibrant traditionsconnectedtozydecomusicandrodeo season,where Blackwomen areincreasinglyfindingcommunity andsisterhood

Finding the trail

NicoleCook,amemberoftheUntouchable Riderz, discovered this world17 yearsago after moving from Cleveland, Ohio.Her introduction came through hermother, whohad joined agroup called theOutlaws.

“I literallythought shehad losther mind,”Cookrecalled. “I’m like,‘Shejoined agang, andtheyride horses.’”

CuriosityeventuallyledCooktoherfirst trailride.Thoughshedidn’townahorseat

thetime, theenvironment resonatedwith her.

“WhatIreallyliked aboutitwas the familyfeel,”Cooksaid.“Youcouldgofrom campsite to campsite,meeting people.It waslikenothing Ihad ever experienced before.”

DellaHolden, founder of theSocialites RidingNetwork,entered thescene throughcommunity activism andmusic AfterattendingtheZydeco,Blues,andTrail Ride Awards,she washooked.

“Isawallthesepeopledancingandhavingagoodtime. Thiswas my first time seeingtheZydeco,trailride,andbluesculture allinone spot.”

Breaking stereotypes

Acommonmisconception is that trail ridingisonlyfor “country folks.”Cook notesthatthe community is incredibly professional anddiverse

“Thereare teachers,principals, professors,doctors,and pastorswho come out andjustenjoy theculture,” shesaid.

ForHolden, entering theculture meant more than just performingmusic; she wanted to live thelifestyle.

“Ididn’twanttobeagimmick,”shesaid. “Sothaturgedmetogoaheadandbuyme ahorse.”

Sheeventuallytrained horses with the helpofCook’shusband,“CowboyRonnie,” notingitwasa“deepdiveintohowthereal cowboysget down in Houston.”

Sisterhood on the saddle

Beyondthehorses,bothwomenemphasize that theheart of themovementis connection

“Beingapartofthetrailridecommunity definitely brings sisterhood,” Holden said “WhenIjoined, they welcomed me with open arms.There’snojudgment.”

Thissupport extends to practicalhelp onthe road.Cookexplainsthatthe “no cowgirlleft behind” mentalityisreal.

“Ifyou’restuck on theside of thefreeway, they’regoing to stop andhelpyou. Thesearetotalstrangerswhowillfeedyour children ifthey’re hungry.”

Alegacycontinued

Forthese women, thetrail offersarare senseoffreedom andaway to preserve a long-standingtradition.Whether it’s the memory of drivinga mule-drawn wagon or thesimplejoy of acampsite gathering, theexperience is aboutreclaiminga space in Westernhistory.

“Trail riding is aboutfamily, unity, and community,” Holden said.“People hear negative things sometimes, butthat’snot what we’reabout.”

By stepping into thestirrups, theseridersensurethe storyofthe Blackcowgirl continues—one mile at atime.

Profile DN

Dria Thornton Builds

By LauraOnyeneho

apowerhouseHip-Hop,R&B career

If you’ve streamed amajor hip-hopor R&B trackinthe last decade,chances are you’ve heardDriaThornton, even if her name wasn’t in thespotlight

Hervoice carries some of thegenre’s impactfulsongs,but herjourney to those recordswasn’tsimple. It came from years of creating opportunities when none were handed to her.

“Mydad wasasongwriterand singer,” shesaid.“Mymomplayedeverythingfrom Lil’ KimtoAnita Baker. It wasall over the board. So when Icreatenow,I pull from everything.”

That rangepromptedher to pursue formaltrainingearly.AtHuntingtonBeach Academyfor thePerformingArtsinCalifornia,she studiedmusical theatre, chamberchoir,chamberorchestraasaviolinist, show choir, improv acting,and more.It builther disciplineand an understanding of thecraft.

Evenwiththatfoundation,herpathforwardwasnotlinear.Afterhighschool,she movedtoHoustontoattendtheUniversity

of Houston, where she majored in psychology She tried following the traditional route while performing in a local girls’ group, uggling studies, nightlife appearances, rehearsals, and recording sessions

Eventually, that pace caught up with her. Sheleftschooland returned to California in 2002, determined to builda solo career

Shewroteherownsongs,producedherown work,and paid forher ownstudio time Independence became herdefault mode

That grindlastedmorethanadecade.

“Peopledon’tknowthat,”shesaid.“They seethe plaques on thewallnow,but it took 12 yearsofrecording, learning, studying, andbeing behindthe scenes. ”

Hersound always traced back to the R&Bandhip-hopshegrewupwith,butshe refusedtorestrictherself

“However it inspires you, that is howI want people to receive it,” shesaid.

Finding herfooting in California Californiaiswhereshemetproducerand artist ChrisThornton, whowould become herhusbandandcreativepartner.Theywere raised in different regionsofthe hip-hop scene. He came of ageonBay Area music, whileshecarriedamixofLAandHouston influences.Those differenceshelpedshape theirearly musicalendeavors ng alot of Chrissaid. vedback ston,and teddoing southsedmusic ewewere aisedon rn music.” hofthem

paidcloseattentiontothecreativecollectives dominatingthe industry at thetime.

“Wecameupinthe erawhere there were huge creative teams,”Chris said.“The Interns,TheStrangers,TheRenegades,The Runners,CoolandDre.Wearegoingtofollowthesameformulathatthoseclicksused to geton.”

In 2008, they foundedThe Frontrunnaz, asongwritingandproductionteambuilton thedisciplinetheysaw in thosecrews. “We always prided ourselvesonnot competing withpeoplearoundus,”Chrissaid.“Wewere alwaystryingtocompetewiththepeoplethat were alreadyestablished.”

Breaking intomajorrooms

In 2017, Dria collaboratedwithLogic on his album Everybody,providing vocals forfivetracks, including the Grammy-nominatedhit “1-800-2738255.”The album is certifiedRIAA Platinum. Credit: JImmie Aggison

“We were doin Baymusic,”C

“She mov to Hous we star more ern-bas because both r souther Both

Theirbiggest earlyleapcamewhen Thornton landed herfirst publishing deal That deal opened doorstostudios where producerswerecreatingrecords forartists such as Rihanna, KanyeWest, MileyCyrus, andothers. It wasthe firsttimeshe felt she hadtrulymadeabreakthroughinhercareer “Weweredemoingrecordsthatwereactuallybeingsenttomajorartists,”shesaid.“Not throughsomebodywhoknewsomebody.It wasdirect.”

Hervoice became asignature behindthe scenes. As an American Federation of Televisionand Radio Artists(AFTRA) vocalist, sheappearedonRickRoss’“MoneyDance” and“LamborghiniDoors,” Meek Mill’s “Shine,” andYoung Thug’s “WyclefJean.” Shebecamea go-tocreativepartner for Logic, contributing vocals to five songson hisplatinumalbumEverybody,includingthe

seven-timesplatinumGrammy-nominated single“1-800-273-8255.”

However, even as placements grew,she felt constrainedbythe publishingsystem. “I am notapermissionperson,”she said “Independent artistsrun things now,”she said.“Wecanselldirectlytopeopletheway we want.Itmakes thelandscape easier.” If it were hermusic, shewantedcontrol Shestudied copyrightlaw during thepandemic andbegantosee aclearer path as an independentartist.

Learn howshe is building hercareer on herown terms.

Sports DN

Kevin Granger fired Texas Southern athletic director let go

ByTerranceHarris

After months of speculation about Texas Southern athletic director Kevin Granger’s employment status, the school confirmed thathehasbeenfired.

Granger was informed of his termination onFeb.13.

News broke last June that Granger had been accused of sexually assaulting a staffer and was facing litigation in civil court as a result TSU immediately put Granger on administrativeleave.

TheschoolhassaidnothingaboutGranger orhisjobstatusuntillastweekinresponseto whytheschoolmadethedecisiontoremove hisNo.10jerseyfromtheraftersoftheH&PE Arenapriortotheregular-seasonfinalebasketballgames.

The Defender had been requesting commentonthedecisiontoremoveGranger’sjersey,whohadbeenastarbasketballplayerfor theTigersinthe1990s.Theschoolconfirmed that President James W. Crawford made the decisiontoremovetheNo.10banner

But all of Granger’s accomplishments as a player,includingbeinginductedintotheTSU SportsHallofFame,remainintact

Below is the school’s statement in its entirety

InJune2025,TexasSouthernUniversitywas formallynotifiedofseriousallegationsmadein acivillawsuitagainstDr KevinGranger,who was then serving as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director Based on the seriousness of the allegations and the advice of legal counsel, the University immediately placed Dr Granger on administrative leave status. Associated with this action, two independentadministrativeinquiriesintothis matter, fully external to the University, under Title VII and Title IX were directed. Theseinquiriesunfoldedoverseveralmonths during which time the University focused on ensuring that the rights and protections of the parties involved were observed Following the completion of these inquiries, on February 13, 2026, the University issued a termination lettertoDr Grangertodiscontinuehisserviceas Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and AthleticDirectoratTexasSouthernUniversity

Consistent with pertinent law and university policy, the letter notified Dr. Granger that the effective date of termination would be March 16,2026.Aftercarefuldeliberation,onMarch 5, 2026, the president made the decision to removeDr Granger’sretiredjerseybannerfrom public display in the H&PE Arena.

Any suggestion that the University failed to act or acted without due consideration is

inaccurate TexasSouthernUniversityfollowed a deliberate administrative process, assessing thefacts,applicablelaw,andpolicy,overseveral monthstoensureafairandresponsiblereview and determination.

Dr Granger’s accomplishments as a student-athlete remain recognized through his inclusion in the Texas Southern University Sports Hall of Fame, where all inductees are selected through a vote of the Texas Southern University Sports Hall of Fame Committee.

Because the civil litigation remains ongoing, the University will refrain from further comment.

Granger, through his attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, denies all allegations and arguesthatthelackofcriminalchargesproves hedidnothingwrong.Heisonlyfacingcivil chargesbroughtbythecomplainantthrough herattorney,TonyBuzbee.

Here is the statement Granger’s attorney senttotheDefender:

Dr Granger has and will consistently deny the allegations made against him. Texas Southern University’s own comprehensive investigation conducted under Title IX found the allegations of sexual assault and the other serious charges were not substantiated. Additionally, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office did not file any charges against Dr Granger. In essence, the DA found there was notsufficientevidencetochargehimwithany crime.

It is disappointing and disheartening that afterthirtyyearsofdevotinghistime,toil,and talents to Texas Southern University, the University elected to exercise the harshest level of punishment and terminate his employment Over the years, Dr Granger has broken many records, raised several million dollars for the University, formed partnerships and relationshipswithmajorleaguesportsteamsinHouston,andunderhisleadership,studentathletes broke more records than in the school’s prior history

Dr Granger remains an incredibly well-respected part of the community, and he will always be proud of his work at the university aswellastheopportunitieshecreatedforTSU and its students over the years. It is unfortunate that his stellar reputation has been tarnishedbyafinanciallymotivatedlitigant, butheintendstochallengethiscomplaintat every step of the judicial process.

In the end, it matters not if his jersey hangs in the rafters of the H&PE Arena. His legacy and footprint will inevitably be present.

GrangerwasarecruitofTSUcoachinglegendRobertMorelandandwasafour-yearstar

Sports DN

Chavez Wrestling

Goes from afterthought to contender

By Jimmie Aggison

Not long ago, the wrestling room at Chavez High School was quiet, short on numbers, recognition, and postseason conversation

Today,ithumswithenergy,purpose,and belief Under the steady leadership of head coach Elvis Davis Jr., the Lobos have transformedaonce-overlookedprogramintoone of the fastest-rising wrestling teams in the region, making history with back-to-back regional qualifiers and laying a foundation thatshowsnosignsofslowing.

When Davis first arrived at Chavez, he noticed the athletes were technically sound andunderstoodthefundamentals,butlacked thecohesionneededtobringitalltogether “Myfocuswastobuildonthatfoundation through relentless effort, hard work, and a daily mindset that challenged the students,” saidDavis.“Beinggoodwasn’tgoodenough. Iwantedthemtostriveforexcellence.”

Withlownumbers,limitedresources,and low buy-in, that shift in mentality became the critical starting point for the program’s growth

“Gettingathletestobelievetooktime,”said Davis.“Butoncetheculturebegantochange, everythingelsefollowed.”

Because the roster was initially small, Chavez didn’t have enough athletes to field a junior varsity team. That shortage forced inexperienced wrestlers to face more seasonedopponentsearlierthanexpected.

“NothavingaJVteamforcedourathletes tomaturequickly,”saidDavis.“Manyofthem hadlittletonowrestlingexperienceandwere competing against opponents who already hadseveralmatchesundertheirbelts.”

Thoseearlychallengescouldhavestalled theprogramaltogether Instead,theybecame thecatalystforaculturalshiftthatsoonproducedresultsChavezhadneverseenbefore, beginning with Bayardo Arauz Jr.’s regional qualificationin2024.

“Bayardoqualifyingforregionalsin2024 was a major turning point,” said Davis. “It showedourathletesthatsuccesswaspossible atChavez Thatmomentchangedbeliefsnot onlyforthewrestlersbutalsofortheschool andthecommunity.”

Themomentumcarriedinto2025,when Chavez sent back-to-back wrestlers to regionalsforthefirsttimeinschoolhistory, withCarlosCastilloqualifying

“Carlos qualifying in 2025 proved that Bayardo’s success wasn’t a one-time thing,” saidDavis.“Itshowedconsistency,andthat’s whenweknewwewerebuildingsomething sustainable,notjusthavingaluckyseason.”

ForChavez,seniorwrestlerandteamcaptain Zachery Cooper, those achievements becametangiblemotivation

“I felt, if they could go, why couldn’t we?” said Cooper “Going further, we began to believe,andwegaveouralluntilwecouldn’t anymore. ”

Soon after, the program grew from 21 athletes to more than 40 athletes in a single season

“Establishing a JV pipeline was huge for ourprogram, ”saidDavis.“Itallowedathletes todevelopfundamentals,gainvaluablematch experience,andbuildconfidencewithoutthe immediatepressureofvarsitycompetition.It alsocreateddepthandstrengthenedourvarsitylineupbecauseathletescameinprepared, notrushed.”

“More students began to have faith in Chavez wrestling because they saw the program we were trying to build and could see the courage it took to be a Chavez wrestler,” saidseniorwrestlerandteamcaptainValerie Rivera.“Wewerebringingmedalshome,putting in the work, showing good sportsmanship,andbondingasafamily.”

Asnumbersroseandcompetitionintensifiedintheroom,leadershipbegantoemerge notonlyfromthecoachingstaffbutalsofrom theathletesthemselves

“Youngerwrestlersarenervouswhenthey firsttrywrestling,butItrytoencouragethem becauseit’safunsport,”saidRivera.“Ittakes dedication, determination, and aggressivenessonthemattowin.Youhavetowantthe win more than the other person, no matter how good they are. We try to slowly push younger wrestlers not to be scared and drill more intensely with teammates, learn new techniques,andbuildconfidence.”

SophomorewrestlerAileenRuedahasfelt the difference in a room that is becoming increasinglycompetitive.

“Every year, I am pleasantly surprised by the number of women in my weight class because the sport has become so popular, and that fills me with a sense of pride that I gettotakepartinsomethingsoempowering,” saidRueda.

That leadership has translated into confidence, and that confidence has shown early thisseason Chavezhasalreadybroughthome onegoldmedalandthreebronzemedals.

“Winning those medals shows we’re no longer just competing; we’re contending,” said Davis. “Those medals reflect discipline, buy-in,andconsistency.Theyshowthework ispayingoffandthatChavez’swrestlingprogram is moving toward competing with the besttoachievegreatness.”

For Chavez wrestling, medals matter, but theyaren’ttheendgoal.

“Ourathleteswrestlewithpride,toughness, andheart,”saidDavis.“Theyrepresentresilienceandgrowth Everytimetheysteponthe mat,theyrepresenttheirschool,theirfamilies, andtheircommunity.”

“The community has been very supportive,” said Davis. “Recognition is growing. We’reseeingstudentsfromourfeeder-pattern schools,StevensonMiddleSchoolandOrtiz Middle School, come to Chavez specifically to wrestle, and I’m now coaching younger brothersandsistersofformerwrestlers,which speaks volumes. It shows that families trust theprogramandbelievewe’redoingtheright things. That support motivates our athletes evenmore.”

AstheLoboscontinuetogrow,onethingis clear:theirstoryisonlyjustbeginning.

“Success goes far beyond wins and medals,” said Davis. “It’s about accountability, discipline, academic progress, and personal growth It’s about building young men and women who are confident, respectful, and prepared for life after high school I want these kids to become successful, intelligent individuals and well-rounded citizens who can positively contribute to their communitieslongaftertheirwrestlingcareersareover.”

Feature DN

New entreprenuer advice

By Laura Onyeneho

Many Gen Z and Millennial Individuals are hearing a consistent message on social media.

Quitthenine-to-five,startabusiness,and take control of your life.

Nearly 25% of Gen Z and millennial employees intend to leave their jobs within the next year to start their own businesses, according to a recent survey

Those who walk away from traditional jobsdiscoverthejump intoentrepreneurship comeswithgaps,hard lessons, and realities they did not expect.

Dr AsheliS.Atkins, PresidentandCEOoftheGreaterHouston Black Chamber of Commerce, says the Chamber is seeing a clear shift.

“Workplace professionals are choosing entrepreneurship for many reasons, ” she said “Sometimes it is racism or discrimination Sometimesitisalackoffulfillment, identity issues, stalled career growth, or wanting more autonomy.”

Herinsightscomefromherownresearch “IdidareportfortheUrbanInstituteon this topic. It focuses on women who leave the workplace to become entrepreneurs,” she said “My research centered on Black women,butthepatternholdsacrossgroups.”

Whilemanywantthefreedomentrepreneurship seems to promise, Atkins says the perception is not complete.

“There is this myth that you have to quit yourjobtobeanentrepreneur Mostpeople do not,” she said “Many of our members have full-time careers and full businesses running at the same time And those businesses are thriving.”

Thelearningcurve

First-time business owners often enter entrepreneurship with excitement, but also withblindspots.Manyfindthemselvesnavigatinglegalissues,finances,marketing,and certifications for the first time

They step out motivated by purpose or driven by burnout, only to discover that the behind-the-scenes work is far more demanding than expected.

“People tend to think preparation starts andendswithabusinessplan,”Atkinssaid “A plan is great, but preparation is much bigger than that Some come in without financial systems in place. Some have not filed taxes. Some do not separate personal and business expenses. ”

She says gaps are not a reason to quit, but rather a reason to slow down and seek support.

“Youcanbeagreatfloristandstillstruggle with finances or social media,” she

said “That is where organizations like the Chamber come in. There is always time to get prepared.”

AttorneyandentrepreneurJustinMartin has seen both the excitement and the pitfalls. His own journey into business began with an early interest in how companies work

Martinstressestheimportanceoffinancial clarity before resigning from a job.

“You should know every one of your bills.Mostpeopleareaslavetoanunknown master,”hesaid “IfIneededthreethousand a month, then the question became, how manycasesequalthat?Itismath Thenumbers tell the truth.”

person A system can live forever.”

Heistheco-founderofoneofthestate’s injury firms and has been in the business for15years.Henever worked for a law firm, and he wanted to stare fear in the face while opening his firm because he didn’t like the promiseofsomeonegiving himapaycheckevery twoweekswithnopossibilityofautonomy and increased earning potential.

“Irealizedearlythatfailuredidnothurt,” he said. “If it works, great. If not, you try again.”

But even with that mindset, he does not romanticize the path

“Entrepreneurship is not glamorous,” he said “People talk about passion. I do notthinkpassionisenough Passionfades. Commitment does not.”

His advice to new entrepreneurs is to have patience and self-reflect on the reasonswhyyouwanttolaunchyourbusiness.

“A monkey will not let go of one vine until it has a hold of another,” he said. “Do not quit your job because you are frustrated Make sure your business can support you. Or build it after work Use your time wisely.”

Howto sustain

Derrick “D-Reck” Dixon is the founder of Wreck Shop Records, a Houston-based independentrecordlabelcreatedtosupport southernhip-hopartists.Duringhistimeat Clark Atlanta, he earned a master’s degree in marketing with a concentration in systemsoperations Heutilizedthattrainingto establishWreckShopasa30-yearHouston institution.

“That was the best thing I ever did,” he said “AnythingI’mdoing,Imakeitsystematic. A mom-and-pop shop dies with the

While most local labels in the 90s operatedoutofbedroomsormakeshiftstudios, Dixoninvestedheavilyinstaff, radio,retail, andstreet-teammanagers across regional markets, using revenue from early music success to build infrastructure.

“I could’ve been buying a car, ” he said “But instead, I staffed up. It allowed me to put out three, four records a year, faster than anybody else.” The success also brought hard lessons When a major distributor went bankrupt, Dixon lost $500,000 overnight

“I had to get two U-Hauls to move all my CDs out of their warehouse,” he said “In hindsight, I should’ve slowed down I shouldn’t have gotten so deep on credit Don’t be arrogant,” he said. “It’s better to have 50% of a mountain than 100% of a hand pile.”