03.26.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To thePOINT DN

THEATER CONCERTS

Yeah, we have a calendar for Black Events.

The ICEdeployment, which nowspans 14 airports nationwide, comesamidthe ongoingDHS partial shutdownthathas left TSAagentsworkingwithout payfor weeks, triggeringmasscall-outs,hourslong security lines, andmountingfearamong immigrantcommunitiesand travelersofcoloraboutwhat enforcementatAmerica’s airports truly means.

AI check it out

Message from the Reporter

ICEagentsdeployedtoairports

Lately,I’vehad to consoleafew friends whoare greencardholders abouttheir fearsoftravelingdomesticallyinthe US Theydideverythingrighttobehere,but Trump’spolicieshavethemcancelingany planstheyhadofmovementthatwillhave them coming face-to-facewithICE.

TheTrump administration deployed ICEagentsacrossmultipleairports nationwide,all underthe guiseofhelping overwhelmedTSAstaffwhohaven’treceivedapaycheckin weeksduetotheongoingDepartmentofHomelandSecurity shutdown

ICEagentsare nottrained to runsecuritycheckpoints Critics,includingtheunionrepresentingTSAofficers,have argued they lack thetrainingnecessary forsecurityscreenings,withthe unionpresident callingthe deployment a replacementoftrainedagentswith“untrained,armedagents.”

After what we witnessedinMinnesota,where twoU.S citizenswerekilledduringICEenforcementoperations,the fearisnotirrational.Idon’tblamepeopleforcancelingtheir flights. Untilthere arerealanswers andrealaccountability, theskies don’tfeelveryfriendlyright now.

Is thegovernmentshutdownworth it?

TrumphasmasteredtheartofpointingthefingeratDemocratsforeverypoordecisionhemakes.Whenyoucontrol theWhite Houseand Congress,and thecountry still shuts down,theblamegamestopsworking.Betweenthe2025and 2026governmentshutdowns,theeconomictollisestimated at between$7billion and$14 billioninpermanent losses. Approximately800,000federalemployees,manyofthem Blackand Brownworkers whorelyonthose paychecksto keep families afloat,werefurloughedorforcedtowork withoutpay.Backpay eventually comes, butrentdoesn’t wait.Neither does thegrocery bill norchildcare.And the damagestretchesbeyondpaychecksintostalledfoodsafety inspections,shutterednationalparks,frozenSmallBusiness

Administration loans, andnow,airports in chaos.

Democrats cavedduringthe first shutdown.This time,standingfirm is what they aredoing to be takenseriously,but it also comesatacost. Republicansdon’t care, regardless of whetherithurts theirbase. Shutdownsrarelyproducepolicywins.They just producecasualties. Andasalways, the communitieswiththe leastcushion feel the fall thehardest.Bothsideslost.

MAGA supporters unhappy? Toobad

There is aparticularkindofirony in watching MAGA supportersgrowrestlessintheverybedtheymade.Reports fromlate2025into2026confirmwhatmanyofushavebeen sayingallalong:Trump’seconomicagendaishurtingthevery people whoput himbackinoffice.

The rising frustration over inflation,costofliving, andan economythatisn’tdeliveringonitspromisesispissingpeople off.Tariffsmeant to flexAmericanmusclehaveinstead triggeredwhatmanyarecallingaglobaltradewar,leavingretirementaccountsdeflatedandbabyboomersgenuinelyworried abouttheir financial futures. Conservative voters whowere promisedprosperityarenowwatchingtheirnesteggsshrink.

Iwon’t pretendI want hardship foranyone. That’snot whoweare.But Ialsowon’t pretendthere isn’tapainful, unavoidablelessonbeing learnedright now. Policies have consequences.Votes have consequences.Whenyou championleaderswhodismantlethesystemsthatprotectworking people,everyoneloses,eventhe people whocheered the loudest. The fruitofthose ballotsisripening, anditdoesn’t tasteasanyonepromised.

On TheWeb

•Helping Handsnourishesthe next generation of Houstonyouth

•Fivethingsmoviesmadeusthinkadultlifewouldbelike •OpEd: LetMichelle Obamalive.

News DN

TSA crisis leaves travelers scrambling for alternatives

By ReShonda Tate

Travel in the United States has been a nightmare for the past two weeks, with some travelers waiting four to five hours just to make it through airport security

Andnow,manyHoustoniansareasking asimplequestion:Ifflyingisn’treliableright now, what are the alternatives?

How we got here

Thechaosstemsfromtheongoingfederal governmentshutdown,whichhasleftthousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers either furloughed or working without pay. Staffing shortages have slowed security screenings at airports nationwide, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport.

With fewer agents on hand and morale strained, wait times have ballooned, creating ripple effects across the entire travel system.

“I arrived at the Atlanta airport at 1:30 amfora6:15amflighttoHouston.Ibarely made it to my gate in time It was a completeandutternightmare,”saidHoustonian Renee Wooten

Formanytravelers,theunpredictability is the biggest problem.

“You can’t plan for a five-hour security line,”saidKimWright,whorecentlymissed aflightdespitearrivingearly.“Atthatpoint, you’re gambling.”

“I canceled my flight to Dallas and just drove,”addedMarcusEllison,asalesmanager “Bythetimeyoufactoringettingthere early, waiting in line, and delays, driving was actually faster.”

Until the federal standoff is resolved,

expertssaydelayscouldcontinue pushing more people to consider alternatives. So the Defender looked at some of those options.

Luxury bus travel (Vonlane)

For trips within Texas, Vonlane has emerged as a popular alternative. The Texas-basedluxurymotorcoachserviceoffers routesfromHoustontoDallas,Austin,and San Antonio, with amenities designed for business-classcomfort, includingspacious seating, Wi-Fi, and onboard attendants

Unlike airports, Vonlane passengers typically arrive just 15–20 minutes before departure, avoiding long lines altogether

Fortravelersheadedtonearbymajorcities, the tradeoff in time may be worth the reductioninstress Andwiththeconcierge attentionandsmoothride,thishasbecome a favorite of travelers www.Vonlane.com

Hit the road

Drivingremainsoneofthemostflexible options, even with rising gas prices

Forfamiliesorgroups,splittingfuelcosts can make road trips competitive with airfare Plus, there are no baggage fees, no securitylines,andnorigidboardingtimes.

Popular routes from Houston include:

• Austin (about 2.5–3 hours)

• San Antonio (about 3 hours)

• Dallas (about 3.5–4 hours)

Travelexpertsnotethatwhilegasprices are high, the ability to control your schedule,especiallyduringuncertaintravelconditions, is a major advantage.

Amtrak (Yes, Houston has trains)

Many people don’t realize this, but

SCOTUS rejects Rodney Reed DNA appeal

By ReShonda Tate

More than two decades after his conviction, and amid ongoing questions about evidence in his case, Texas deathrowinmateRodneyReedhasbeen denied another chance to seek DNA testing.

TheU.S.SupremeCourtonMarch23 declined to hear Reed’s appeal in a 6-3 decision, leaving in place lower court rulingsthatblockedadditionaltestingof keyevidence JusticesSoniaSotomayor, ElenaKaganandKetanjiBrownJackson dissented.

Houston does have passenger rail service through Amtrak.

The city is served by the Sunset Limited line, which runs between Los Angeles and New Orleans, with stops in Houston.

FromHouston,travelerscanheadeastto NewOrleansorwesttowardcitieslikeSan Antonio, Tucson, and beyond

But there’s a catch. Riders are urged to readthefineprintcarefully,assomeroutes may include segments where train service switchestobustransportationduetotrack limitations or scheduling issues

The Houston Amtrak station, located near downtown, offers a quieter, less chaoticalternativetotheairport,thoughtrips aretypicallylongerthanflying,withsome taking up to 36 hours. www.Amtrak.com

Intercity bus services

Beyond Vonlane, traditional bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus offer budget-friendly options to cities across Texas and beyond

While not as luxurious, these services canbesignificantlycheaperthanlast-minuteflightsanddon’trequireTSAscreening.

Rideshare and regional flights

Forshorterdistances,sometravelersare turning to:

• Ridesharesplitting(coordinatingwith friends or online groups)

• Regional airports with potentially shorter security lines

• Privatecharterorsemi-privateflights, which are gaining popularity among business travelers

Though more expensive, these options canprovidetimesavingsandpredictability

Reed, 56, has spent over 25 years on death row after being convicted in the 1996 killing of Stacey Stites in Bastrop County He was sentenced to death in 1998. At the center of the appeal was a belt used to strangle Stites, evidence Reed’slegalteamsayscouldstillcontain DNA pointing to the true killer In her dissent, Sotomayor wrote that testing the belt could help resolve lingering uncertainty in the case, noting that the person who used it likely left behind DNA.

Lowercourtsdeniedtherequest,rulingtheevidencehadbeencontaminated after being handled by multiple people without proper precautions. Reed has consistently maintained his innocence, sayingheandStiteswereinaconsensual relationshipandpointingtoherformer fiancé,JimmyFennell,(acopwhoReed said was angry about the relationship) as a suspect.

Prosecutors originally charged Reed after his DNA was found in and on Stites’ body.

Reed’seffortstoobtaintestingunder Texas law were rejected in state court. Helaterarguedinfederalcourtthatthe denialviolatedhisconstitutionalrightto due process, but those claims were dismissed adecisiontheSupremeCourt has now allowed to stand.

Withthehighcourt’srefusaltointervene, Reed’s legal options continue to narrow, even as questions about the case remain.

News DN Ben Taub Hospital expands access

By Aswad Walker

The critical shortage of Level 1 trauma hospital beds in Harris County is set for relief following the Commissioners Court’s unanimousapprovalofHarrisHealth’sproposaltoacquirenearlynineacresoflandin Hermann Park. This acquisition clears the wayforamajorexpansionofBenTaubHospital, one of only two adult Level 1 trauma centers serving the county’s five million residents.

Growing crisis in capacity

Theexpansioncomesataprecarioustime for regional healthcare The Houston-Galveston Area Council projects the region will reach 10.7 million residents by 2050, an increase of 3.6 million. Currently, Houston’s trauma infrastructure lags significantly behind other major Texas hubs For comparison, Dallas (population 1.3 million) has five Level 1 trauma centers; Houston (population2.43million) has only two.

“For many years now, Ben Taub has struggled with capacity,” said Esmaeil Porsa, MD, president and CEO of Harris Health “Sometimes patients wait more than 24 hours before they can actually get inside to see a physician Thatisnotright.”

Porsa contends that to truly meet the needs of the growing population, Harris County requires four to five Level 1 trauma centers.

Balancing healthcare & green space

The 8.9-acre parcel, acquired from the City of Houston via eminent domain from Hermann Park, sits adjacent to the existing hospitalcampus HarrisHealthofficialscontendthislocationenablesaseamlessexpansionofservices,improvedpatientflow,and

enhanced operational efficiency

CommissionerRodneyEllis(Precinct1) emphasized that the plan respects the surrounding environment.

“This plan expands access to lifesaving healthcare while honoring and protecting one of the most treasured green spaces in the county,” Ellis stated

Commissioner Lesley Briones (Precinct 4) echoed the urgency of the project.

“We are beyond capacity now, ” said Briones “We must ensure that we’re not just preparing for today but for the future.”

CommissionerTomRamsey(Precinct3) praised the collaborative effort.

“Ben Taub can move forward with much-needed hospital improvements and

HermannParkConservancywillhaveparkingneedsaddressed,”hesaid “Thisisawin/ win for the area.”

Future

vision and community impact

Theexpansionisfundedbya$2.5billion bond approved by Harris County voters in 2023. Early planning for the site includes:

• Expanded inpatient capacity.

• Increased throughput for trauma and emergency care

• A state-of-the-art facility designed for future replacement or further growth

• Advanced flood mitigation and resiliency measures

Dr AndreaCaracostis,chairoftheHarris

Health Board of Trustees, noted that the project is also vital for education.

“The expanded capacity will play a critical role in training the next generation of urgently needed healthcare professionals,” she said

Harris Health is now moving into the detailedplanninganddesignphase.Moving forward,theorganizationhascommittedto ongoingengagementwiththeCityofHouston, the Hermann Park Conservancy, and theHoustonZootoensurethenewcampus aligns with the area’s park-like aesthetic

“Ben Taub Hospital is a lifeline for our community,” said Porsa. “This expansion ensures we can continue delivering lifesaving care for decades to come.”

Feature DN Garden Crawl

Grows food security, access across Houston

By Aswad Walker

In Harris County—the U.S. county with the highest level of child hunger—community members are refusing to let food deserts define their future Over the past nine months, a growing movement of “change agents” has been traversing the city to strengthen urban gardens through an initiative called the Houston Garden Crawl

FromHarlemtoHouston

The project is the brainchild of Ron McFarlane,founderofHarlemRiverFarms. While the name honors his parents’ roots in New York, his mission is firmly planted in Houston soil The Garden Crawl gathers volunteers to lend muscle and expertise tolocalgardens,maximizingtheirabilityto providefreshproduce to Black and Brown communities.

“We’vegotagarden crawl right here on Ennis Street,” McFarlane said during a recent event in the Third Ward “People are coming out to volunteer. We’ve got gardens that need some attention.”

Theconceptintentionallymirrorsasocial outingbutwithacivictwist.“Asopposedto apubcrawlwhereyou’regoingoutdrinking, we’re coming to the gardens to be able to do something very productive,” McFarlane explained

Theworkinthedirt

Participation has spiked since the initiative launched in June 2025. While typical

events draw 50 to 60 people, some sessions nowattractnearly100volunteers Thelabor is intergenerational and varied:

Adults:Rebuildingfallenraisedbedsand preparingsoil Children:Plantingseedsand learning about the “biosphere.” Seasonal Prep: Planting tomatoes, peppers, squash, and sugar cane for the spring

The impact extends directly to local youth. At Blackshear Elementary, plans are underway to transform a large plot into a farmservicingstudentsfromCuneyHomes.

“We’ll be able to give them some food, some recipes, take it home to their parents, and who knows where it goes from there,” said McFarlane.

Buildingcommunityroots

Beyond the harvest of collards and spinach, the Garden Crawl cultivates social connection Manyparticipantsjointhrough corporate service groups, such as Dow’s Global African Affinity Network.

Volunteer Tiye Selby noted the importance of the work in areas like the Third Ward

“We need to have as much healthy food andvegetablesforthecommunityaspossible,” said Selby.

ForfellowvolunteerTerrenceHunter,the work is personal “Iwasarecipientofalotofpeopleinmy life in a community that helped raise me,”

Hunter said “So, this is an opportunity to give back.”

Even the youngest volunteers, like Irene and Mirna, see the broader picture, noting thattheworkhelpsthe“animals,people,and plants so they can be healthy.”

ForMcFarlane,theultimategoalissimple.

“Just come on in and get your hands in the dirt,” said McFarlane. “There’s always a good thing going on when you put your hands in the dirt.”

Getinvolved

FormoreinformationaboutHarlemRiver Farms or the Houston Garden Crawl, visit HarlemRiverFarms.orgorcall713-269-7726.

18thCongressionalDistrictRunoff

SENIORITY

ByTannistha Sinha

Asvoters in Texas’ 18th Congressiona District a political powerhouse in Houston’s Black community,preparefortheupcomingrunoff election a debate on how much seniority in Congressreallymattershastakencenterstage.

The seat has risen to prominence n national politics, following a cascade of political developments after the deaths of longtime Houston leaders U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, and redistrictingeffortsthatchangedthedemographics of the district

Turner’s death prompted a special election which Gov. Greg Abbott scheduled in November 2025, resulting in a runoff betweenthenewCD-18

CongressmanChristian Menefee and former City Counci Member Amanda Edwards. Menefeewontherunoff election in January.

Candidates were also competing in the March party primaries for the next full congressiona term That primary contest, held this month, has now produced another runoff, this time between Menefee, who is now serving the district and longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green, one of the most senior members of Texas’ congressional delegation, having served CD-9 since 2005.

Political experts say seniority can carry real influence in Washington, but voters often weigh it against other factors such as newenergyandtheabilitytobuildcoalitions

What senioritymeans in Congress

In Congress, seniority generally refers to how long a member has served in office

Lawmakers with more years of service often gain advantages in committee assignments and influence within their party. Those institutional advantages are why seniority is often framed as an asset when voters evaluate candidates.

State Rep. Jolanda Jones said experience often determines how effectively lawmakers can operate once elected.

“When you have seniority, you get good committee assignments, get to be a ranking member,” Jones explained “Whenyou’re afreshman…You’renot gonna have any power. We need someone in Trump’slasttwoyearsin office to be able to distract him, discombobulate him, and destroy his agenda Only experience can do that.”

State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons (District146),whoendorsed Menefee, argued that while seniority in Congress can matter for gaininginfluenceandcommitteeassignments, effectivenessanddeliveringtangibleresultsfor constituents are ultimately more important.

Drawing from her own experience as a freshmanlegislator,Simmonssaidthatmotivated leaders can achieve meaningful results regardless of tenure

“People care very little about the committeesyou’reoniftheycan’tseetangiblebenefits and change in their everyday life,” she said “There’s aspects of seniority that are important, but I also think being able to do the job effectively does that pretty early on Also, we have to allow people to build seniority.”

MarkJones,aprofessorintheDepartment of Political Science at Rice University said one of the biggest advantages of seniority is familiarity.

“A Green’s been a fixture in the politica community for more than 20 years, so they knew him by name,” Jones said “Green hasn’t had to actually campaign for over 20 years since he defeated Chris Bell [2004]. He was able to carry out a very robust campaign during the month of February, but he still ended up a little short behind Christian Menefee.”

Jonesnotedthatturnoutinthe18thDistrict primaryexceededexpectationsbutislikelyto drop significantly in the runoff

Votersweighexperience againstnewleadership

Acrossthedistrict votersexpressedmixed views about whether seniority should be the deciding factor. Some residents said experience in Congress matters because it allows lawmakers to navigate complex politica systems and advocate effectively for their communities.

Mary Owens, 73, a longtime voter in the district said experience can make a significant difference when confronting politica challenges.

“Well, if you don’t know what you’re up against, if you’ve not been on the platform if you’venotbeeninthetrenches,itmakesabig difference,”Owenssaid.“Becausethatmeans youcan’tgoinandfightafightwhenyoudon’t know where the fight started…I agree with getting somebody to follow up behind him [Green], train somebody to do the work But right now, you need somebody to go in and make action speak for itself.”

Simultaneously somevoterslikeRainEatmon, founder and CEO of the Acres Homes CommunityAdvocacyGroup,saytheemphasisonsenioritycandiscouragenewleadership and fresh perspectives

“Seniority is being used as a bargaining chip for staying in power because those with seniority have a responsibility to mentor upcoming freshmen so that the vacuum of power is never threatening to leave,” Eatmon said “We never talk about transitioning with our elected leaders. It’s unfortunate because they are all, at one point or another, going to havetoleavefromwhateverpositionsthey’re in, whether that’s naturally or unwillingly. Nobody can stay in one particular position forever.”

Feature DN

Promotes youth empowerment through music Conrad Johnson Foundation

By Aswad Walker

The Conrad O. Johnson Music & Fine Arts Foundation is celebrating 25 years of service to Houston-area youth. To mark the moment, the foundation is launching a recruiting campaign to provide interested and deserving students with a musical opportunity of a lifetime to become members of the Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra (CJRYO).

The CJRYO is comprised of some of the Houston area’s most promising high school musicians who have a penchant for jazz. The CJRYO has performed across the country and the world, and has a legion of alumniwhoarecurrentlyincollegeorhave graduated.

Along with the priceless opportunities togrowasmusiciansandexposuretosome of the most respected musicians on the local and national scene, receiving college scholarshipsisparforthecourseforCJRYO members.

Artie Onayemi, known by CJRYO participants as Ms. Artie, says the CJRYO is a powerfulsteppingstonetoafutureinmusic

“The support provided by the Conrad JohnsonFoundationissoimportantforthe kids because in today’s climate, the music industry is a very competitive one, ” said Onayemi. “They’re not getting the encouragementandinspirationtobecomesuccessful in the music business. So, it’s important to engage directly with any young person pursuing a music career.”

Still, Onayemi knows most members won’t go on to become professional musicians. However, the lessons learned via

CJRYOparticipationareapplicabletowhatever educational and employment path the students eventually take

“In the phrase ‘show business,’ the word ‘business’ is the most important part,” said Onayemi “Andthatbusinessmindthatour studentslearncanbenefittheminwhatever courseofstudyorprofessiontheyeventually desire.”

Armani Holmes, a 2025 graduate of HSPVA, is the perfect example

Currently a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago, Holmes earned a full-ride scholarshipbasedinlargepartonhermastery of the saxophone. Yet, she is majoring in communications and pre-law She says a hugepartofhergrowthasamusiciananda personcamefromherthreeyearsasamember of the CJRYO.

“The orchestra gave me my foundation,” said Holmes. “It taught me how to listen, howtoblend,andhowtotakeresponsibility

for my role, which prepared me for the expectations of HSPVA.

“Thatexperiencehelpedmemoveconfidently into every musical space after that.”

Thefoundationiscomingfreshoffayearend, two-day 25th anniversary affair titled “Holiday Joy: Bright Notes for Brighter Futures.” The celebration included a free master class by the award-winning Laws Family (Eloise, Ronnie, and Debra) and led by three-time Grammy nominee and National Endowment for the Arts lifetime achievement award winner, Hubert Laws.

The workshop was followed by a star-studdedScholarshipBrunchandConcert,whichincludedtheMiolaLawsScholarship for Academic Achievement Award.

The concert featured the Laws Family, the CJRYO’s Artist-In-Residence, Joe Carmouhe, Kyle Turner, and the Conrad O. JohnsonRegionalYouthEnsemble,directed by OluToyin Onayemi and assisted by Cliff Gordon

Now, attention shifts to identifying the next cohort of young musicians who are ready to benefit from what the Foundation and Orchestra have to offer

“As part of our 25 years of empowering Houston-areayouththrougheducationand music excellence, this is a rare opportunity for our students to receive additional tools, training, and discipline and gain experience as musicians and leaders from living legends,” said Onayemi

TojoinorsupporttheCJRYO,visitwww. conradjohnsonfoundation.org,emailfoundation@conradjohnsonfoundation.org, or call 713-299-7106.

Profile DN JoniOdu Leads 40-yearlegacy at FirstlineBrands

ByLauraOnyeneho

Before sheeverstepped into aboardroom,beforeshetookoveracompanynow sold in stores acrossthe world, Joni Odum wasakid in thewarehouse.

Summersmeant loadingwig caps and do-ragsintoacrylicbags,sealingboxes,and runningbackand forthbetween thewarehousefloorand thesmall administrative office whereher father builtone of thefirst Black-ownedhairaccessoriescompaniesin thecountry

“I didn’t realize it then, butbeing in that space taught me whowewereserving,” Odum says. “I sawthe products.Isaw the work.And Isaw thepurpose.”

Odum is thepresident andCEO of FirstlineBrands, aHouston-based premier haircarecompanyknownasoneofthefirst Black-owned brands that carved outa lane fornaturalhairproductsin1986.

Herfather, Robert A. Bowser, wasthe founder of FirstlineBrandsand apioneer longbeforethetexturedhairmarketbecame adistinctcategory. National retailersdidn’t carveout spacefor Blackconsumers.Multiculturalhairaccessories weren’tseenasa market worthinvesting in.

Heignoredallthatandsteppedinanyway He securednationalplacement at retailers like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, andSally Beauty decades before diversityonshelves wasa buzzword.

Growingupwatchingwhatherfathercreated shaped Odum’s understanding of her ownhairandhowlittletheworldacknowledgedits needs. Sheremembers theeffort it took to keep herstyles neat,the limited options,andthehoursspenttryingtomake herhair“manageable”becausebeautyaisles weren’tdesignedfor girlslikeher.Firstline Brandswasadirectanswertotheexperience of Blackconsumers whodidn’tsee themselves represented.

SheholdsaBachelorofSciencedegreein FinancefromHamptonUniversity’sSchool of Business. Odum gained strategicand financial expertiseatJohnson &Johnson’s FinancialLeadership DevelopmentProgram,whereshesupportedglobalmarketing initiatives andmanaged thebrand budget forbrandslikeNeutrogenaand Tylenol Learningbrand buildingfromthe inside outhelpedsharpen herskills.

Buther father sawwhatshe couldn’t yet see. Shewas preparingtolead.

“Hesawanopportunityformetobringin marketing, productdevelopment,and new distribution,” shesays. “But he also knew culturemattered.Hewantedsomeonewho couldbuild that internally.”

Odum joined thecompany in 2002, assumingmultipleroles including marketing,sales, distribution,and product development. Shepreviouslyworkedas an analystatJohnson &Johnson andsucceeded herfather, whodiedin2020.

That’swhereshestarted.Shefocusedon structure,leadership,communication,and establishing an internal tone that aligned with themission. Odum broughtnew systemsand newideas.She modernized processes.Shehelpedshapeproductdevelopment to meet therealneeds of Black consumerswhoseroutineswerechanging ShehelpedexpandFirstline’s reachacross national andinternational retailers.

“Ourportfolioisbroaderthanithasever been,”shesays.“Wehavefivemainbrands, andwe’vebeeninWalmart,Walgreens,and SallyBeautyfor more than 20 years. ” Whenherfatherbuiltthebrand,hehad amale-dominated portfolioofproducts, such as WavEnforcer Classic Du Rags However, throughher leadership,she opened thedoors fora varietyofproducts tailored forwomen as well “Whenhegot into theindustry, Jheri Curlswereapopularhairstyle.Itwasabout lockinginmoisture. He wasintunewith theneeds of hiscustomers at thetime,” Odum said.“When Igot involved,things shifted.Therearesomanystylingneedsfor women.Thereisastoryaboutthehaircare journey.”

Today,thecompany’ssignatureproducts, such as Evolve,WavEnforcer,Camryn’s BFF, DriSweat,and Sleek, arerecognized globally.ButwhatmakesFirstlinestandout evennowisownership.Largecorporations eventually acquire many Black-founded beauty brands

Sellingwas neveranoption.

“Weare 100% Black-owned,” shesays plainly. “That’s intentional. That’slegacy. That’sleadership.Myfatherbuilt this for

thecommunity,and it’s my responsibility to protectthat.”

Community partners seethatcommitment up close. KevinBarnett,founder of CoolxDad,anorganizationdedicated to upliftingfatherfigures, says Odum leads thewayherfatherbuiltfromtheheart,with purpose, andnever from adistance.

“Jonishows up,” he says. “She listens. She’sthoughtful.Herleadershipalignswith thepeopleshe says she’sserving.You can feel that she’s carrying somethingbigger than abrand.”

Barnettisacommunity partnerwith FirstlineBrands. He knew that Firstline’s legacyofaBlackfatherbuildingsomething forfuturegenerationswas in alignment with CoolxDad’s missiontouplift fathers andsupport generational impact

“It’sher abilitytoremovethe corporate engine.She focusesonthe human. She humanizes herintentions,”Barnett says. “Despiteoperatingindozensofcities,managinglarge teams, anddistributingglobal brands,Jonileadsthewayshegrewuplike afamilybusiness. That’simportant to me.”

TheCOVID-19pandemic brought anothershift.Aspeopletransitionedto remoteworkandtheirdailystylingroutines changed,Odumsawanewneedemerging

“Beautybecamelikea snack,”she says. “Quick, easy.Peoplewantedlooks they couldachieveinminutes,nothours.”Firstlinemovedquickly,developingaccessories thatprovidedcustomerswitheasewithout sacrificingstyle or culturalexpression.

As thecompany approaches its40th anniversary, Odum is lookingahead with thesameclarityherfatherhad.Thefocusis stillonquality,identity,andlisteningtothe peoplewhobuiltthebrandinthefirstplace

“Myfathercreated alanewhere there wasn’tone,”shesays.“Myjobistotakethat lane,widen it,and make sure thecommunity staysatthe center.”

Sports DN

Rough road ends smoothly for Dontae Horne at Prairie View

By TerranceHarris

PrairieViewseniorguard Dontae Horne deliveredsomemasterfulgamesforthePanthersthisseason.

Therewas thegamewhenhedropped a PrairieViewrecord46againstSouthernUniversity.Therewasalsothatthree-gamestretch in whichHorne scored 30 or more points againstJackson State, Alcorn,and Alabama State.Thenthereweretheback-to-backweeks Hornewas namedSWACMen’s Basketball PlayeroftheWeek.

Perhapshis biggestmomentcameinthe regular-season finale againstrival Texas Southern,inwhichHorne scored 26 points inanupsetwinontheTigers’homefloor.

ButaselectrifyingasHorne’s highlights havebeenforthePanthers’fansandevenhis teammates, hisinternaltakehas been quite different

“Honestly, Ireallydon’t be impressed,” Hornesaidinarecentconversationwiththe Defender.“Like thegame, Ihad 40, andwe lost,itreallydidn’tclicktomethatIhadthat manypoints.Isawit,butIwasmoreworried abouttheL.

“I feel like Ican always do better than I did.Butthat’sjustmebeinghardonmyself.”

Thisoutlookhascomeafteryearsoffiguringitoutandmakingitworkwhenthegood timesdidn’t last.The fifth-yearsenior from MemphishasbouncedaroundfromEastern OklahomaStateCollegetoHowardCollege, toTexasState,andthentoGeorgiaSouthern.

Hiscollegejourney ends at PrairieView, wherehehas gone from averaginginsingle-digitsscoring at hislasttwo stops, to becomingone of thePanthers’ topscorers, an all-aroundplayer, andacounted upon

leaderinhisone-and-onlyseasonontheHill

HornewasthePanthers’leadingscorerand thethird-leadingscorerinthe SWAC with 20.1pointspergame.HorneandthePanthers finishedthe season on an incredible run, becomingthe first8th seed in theSWACto winfourgamestoclaimtheconferencetournamenttitle,andthenmadehistoryagainby winningtheirfirstNCAATournamentgame, defeating Lehighinthe First Four contest before sufferingthe season-endinglossto No.1Floridaintheopeninground.

anotherprepschoolinMemphis,andactually gotsomelooksJUCO-wise.Thenitwentup fromthere.

“I wouldhavestayedatEastern Oklahoma,but my coachretired,” he continued. “I’vebeenthrough alot.But like Isaid, I’m grateful.Itiswhatitis. Stuffhappens.That’s howIlookatitnow.”

Theirhigh-volumescoringabilitiesarethe reasonthePanthersledtheSWACinscoring most of theseasonand finished theregular seasonastheNo.2scoringteamat80.0points pergame.

I’ve been to manyplaces, dealtwithmanycoaches, been in manydifferent climates,environments. Younameit. Allof thosethings have come together and molded me into theman I am today. Ifeel like if Ihadn’twentthough that adversity, Iwouldn’t be playinghow Iamtoday.”

DONTAE HORNE l

Hornewasspectacularattimesduringthe postseasonrun,scoring30pointsintheupset of No.1 Bethune-Cookman in theSWAC Tournament, andaveraging 24.2 points during thePanthers’ five-game postseason winningstreak

Even Hornefinds it hard to imaginethe differenceinhowhiscollegebasketballcareer startedoutandhowitisending.

“Iwouldhavesaid,youarelying(ifyoutold meitwouldendthisway),”saidHorne,who tookhomeSWACTournamentMVPhonors “Iwouldn’thavebelievedit.

“Myjourneywasalwaysdifferent.Inhigh school,Iwas agoodplayer, smallthough. Hadcoachestellmetheywilllookatme,and then they’d go away.Iwenttoaprepschool, whichwasabadprepschool,andhadtogoto

Hornewound up in thetransferportal last spring,looking foranopportunity and notNIL or revenue-sharing money. Prairie AssistantCoach Spencer Robertsonvetted himandsawpromise.

ButSpenceradmitsHornehasbeenmore thanhebargainedfor

“Ididn’tseehimbeingthisgood,”Spencer said.“Iknewhewouldbegoodjustbecauseof thewayweplayandhisabilitytogetdownhill andstuff like that,and hisability to score. I knew he wouldbegood, butIdidn’tknow he wouldbethisgood. He hasbeenabig surprise.”

Horneand Tai’Reon Joseph –bothfifthyear seniors playingcollegiately at their fifth school –havegiven thePanthersand head coachByron Smiththe scoringpunch the offensehas needed.Whenone isn’ton, the otherhas been on fire,and then therehave been thegames wheretheybothhavebeen unstoppable

Theduo made theAll-SWACTeam, with HorneearningaspotontheFirstTeamafter emerging as themostcompleteplayerinthe conference.Hemade26of29regular-season starts, whileshootinganefficient45% from thefield,adding35three-pointers,82%from thefreethrowline,whilefinishingthirdinthe conferenceinstealswith2.0agame.

“Hehasgottenbetterfromstarttofinish,” said Smith. “Hewas always talented, andhe justtookhistimetofitin.AndwhenJoseph gotbangedup,hejustturnediton.Ithinkhe isthebestscoringguardintheleague.”

Hornecredits Smithfor allowinghim to be himself andtoplaythrough hismistakes, considerationsthatweren’t afforded to him duringhispreviousstops

“CoachSmithhasbeenatoughcoach,but that’sthetypeofcoachIneeded,”saidHorne, whograduatedlastyearfromGeorgiaSouthernwithadegreeinbusiness. “Heishelping mepushmyselftomylimits,evenifIplayed good,hewantsmetoplaygreatthenexttime IfIplaygreat,hewantsmetoplayevenbetter thenexttime.”

Sports DN

CypressCreek Center

Aubrey Hampton

Balances brains, boards,books,box scores

By Jimmie Aggison

AubreyHamptonownsthepaintonmost nights.

The6-foot-3CypressCreekseniorcenter crashesthe glasswithauthority,haulingin reboundafter rebound, finishingthrough contact, andshooting58% from thefield Butlongafterthefinalbuzzersoundsandthe gymlightsdim,Hampton is usuallysomewherequieter,buriedinGreek mythology, flippingthroughaHarryPotterbook,or preparingforanotherexam.

sc As hi an ke gi Ha fi ca to

“I’mreallyjustahugenerdwhohappened tobegoodatbasketball,”saidHampton.

Balancingbrains, boards,books, andbox scores,Hampton is redefining what dominancelookslike

As asenior, Hamptonismostproud of hergrowthasaleaderforthisyear’s14-06A RegionIIIDistrict17champions.

“AlthoughIledinscoringduringmysophomoreseason,Iwastooyoungtobeconsidered aleader, so Igaveuptrying,”said Hampton. “Duringmyjunioryear, I

back-to-backstate championship appearances.Thoseplayersandteamsarethesource of Hampton’smotivationduringpostseason runs

“I want ourteamtogofar becauseIfeel we deserveit,”saidHampton.“We’d be finishingwhatthoseotherteamsstarted.Ithink itwouldbegreattocontinuetheirlegacy.”

“Aubreyisextremelycoachableandstrives to be thebestather position,” said Cypress Creekheadgirls basketball coachShay Arnick.“Sheloves andembracesher role, herselftojust soutthemost. Aubreyiswillerebounding,

Ataschoolknownforacademicrigorand strongperformancerankings,Eboniquickly noticedher daughter’s love of readingand signedherupforalibrarycard

“Shehasalwayslovedreading,butforsome reason,shehasalwayswantedtoownherown books,”saidEboni.“Shebegan asking me to buybooks, andI wasokaywiththat. Well, thatbackfiredbecauseshewasreadingbooks sofastthatIwasorderingmultiplebooksper week.”

ForHampton,academics aren’t abackup plan;they’re part of heridentity. Andthat self-described“nerd”labelisn’tsomethingshe hides; it’s somethingshe embraces because, whenshe’snothooping,she’sreading.

at line maybe, tendwhenshe fact,her most notappearina

ed academics beoneofthose erbasketballis pton.“Earning duationhelps larship, sinceI

“I’mahugenerdwhojusthappenedtobe good at basketball,” said Hampton. “There areahundred differentkinds of nerds, academicnerds,anime nerds, historynerds, theaternerds;itdepends on thepersonand theirspecificinterests.Idon’tcarewhatother peoplethink.IamwhoIam.”

mpton’sKinderdherparentsshe ngiftedclasses d, we hadher admissionto am forgrades ms forstudents ton’smother,

When she’snot readingHarry Potter, HamptonoftenturnstoGreekmythology.

“I’veliked Greekmythologysince Iwas alittlekid,startingwiththe GoddessGirls Series,”saidHampton.“IgotaGreekmythologykids’poembookatthebookfairwhenI wasinelementaryschool.”

“Aubreyisalwaysreading,whether it’s in schooloronthebus,”saidteammateMariyah Dickson.“Ithinkshe’scrazyforlikingbooks somuch.”

Thatintellectualcuriosityisshapingmore thanherhobbies;it’sshapingherfuture.With astrongpresenceinboththe classroomand onthecourt,Hamptonhasearnedanathletic scholarshiptoGeorgiaState,wheresheplans tostudysportspsychology.

“I enjoypsychology, andIstill want to be aroundsportswhentheballstopsbouncing,” saidHampton.“Italkedwithmyschoolcounseloraboutpossiblecareers,andshesuggested ittome,andIlikedtheidea.”

ForHampton,the connection between mind andbodyisn’t theoretical. It’s lived throughearly-morning practices, late-night studysessions, andthe pressure of playoff basketball.Inanera when athletes areoften confinedtoasingleidentity,AubreyHampton refusestochoosejustonelane

“Aubreyembodieswhatatruestudent-athleteis.Sheisahigh-characterkidwhonever getsintrouble,”saidArnick.“Sheissomeone allthegirlslookupto,andsheleadsbyexampleeveryday.Youneverhavetoworryabout Aubrey,andthatspeaksvolumes.”

DN Health

ColorectalCancer AwarenessMonth

ByANGELAMCGEE,MD

It’seasytoput off colorectalscreening when youfeelfine.Sometimes,lifegets busy,and the prep feels like ahassle, oryou worryabout what resultsmight show. While colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,it continues to affectthe Blackcommunity morethan anyother group. Black adults aremorelikelytobediagnosed at ayounger ageand at laterstagesof the disease,whentreatmentcan be morechallenging.The good news is thatscreening saveslives —and in many cases, it canprevent cancerbeforeit ever starts.

Why EarlyScreeningIsEspecially yScreening Is Especially Important tant

ForBlackadults, colorectalcancer tends to occur earlierand more aggressively.That’swhy national medical guidelines recommend beginning screening at age45 age45, and

sometimesearlier if youhavea family historyorcertain risk factors. Screening allowsdoctors to findand remove precancerouspolyps before they turn intocancerordetectcancer early,when it’smosttreatable.

WhatScreening LooksLike Wha ok

Screening doesn’tlook the same for everyone. Formanypeople, screening canstart with a simple at home stool test thatchecksfor hidden bloodor changesyou can’tsee.These testsare noninvasive andeasytocomplete. Ifresults areabnormal, followup testing,suchasacolonoscopy,may be recommended.

Acolonoscopy remains the goldstandardfor screening.It’san outpatientprocedureperformed by a gastroenterologist usinga small camera to examine the colon. Patients receive IV sedation to stay comfortable,and the

procedureallowsdoctors to remove polyps during the exam,preventing cancer beforeitstarts.

The most important thing is not whichtestyou choose but that youget th screenedened.

Talk to Your Doctor ur Adoctorvisit canhelpturn colorectalscreening intoanachievable plan.Yourdoctorwillreviewyour personaland family history, discuss your risk factors,and help youchoose thescreening optionthat’srightfor you. Getting screenedontime is what makes prevention possible. If you’re 45 orolder,oryounger with risk factors, talk with your doctor about your screening options. Call 713-442-7025 713-442-7025orvisit kelsey-seybold.comlsey-seybold.comtoschedulean appointment.

Angela McGee, MD, is aboard-certified gastroenterologist who caresfor patientsat Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Campus Scan to viewher online profile.