04.16.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To the POINT DN

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; left, Christina Koch, mission specialist; CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; and NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, right, pose for a group photo after viewing the Orion spacecraft in the well deck of USS John P. Murtha, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California The quartet splashed down Friday, April 10 at 5:07 p.m. PDT (8:07p.m. EDT) Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Message from the Reporter

Welcome back, astronauts! There’ssomethingbeautifulaboutwatching astronauts come home

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (CanadianSpaceAgency)astronautJeremy Hansensplasheddownat8:07p.m.EDTon April 10, 2026, off the coast of San Diego, completing their nearly 10-day celestial journey.

Their journey around the moon, which took them farther than the Apollo 13 missiondidin1970,hasbeenanindeliblemilestone in the long history of mankind.

Peopleacrosstheglobecheeredthemonfortheirgritand intelligence, but above all, their humanness.

Kochbeinggreetedatthedoorbyherdog,Glovertalking tohisneighborswhogatheredaroundhishousetogivehim a hero’s welcome, Wiseman naming a moon crater after his latewifeCarroll,andHansenmakingitbacktoearthjustin time to celebrate his wedding anniversary, remind us that we are all united in our lived experiences.

From space, they could not see the color of people’s skin. Alltheycouldseewas,asGloverputsit,a“spaceshipcalled Earth.”

In Houston, a city that lives and breathes space exploration,thewelcomefeltmorepersonal…therewasreliefbehind the reunions I saw on screen. We went to bed knowing that aonceunimaginablefeatisnowcompleteandmankindhas taken another “giant leap.”

Governor issues threat after city council passes immigration ordinance

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to pull $110 million ingrantfundstoHoustonifthecitydidnotrevokearecent immigrationpolicypassedbytheHoustonCityCouncil.In response, Houston Mayor John Whitmire wants to repeal the policy.

“Thisisacrisissituation.Thepotentiallossofstatefunding posesrealchallengesfortheHoustonPoliceandFireDepartmentsandwillimpactpublicsafetyservicesacrossourcity, the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations and the Homeland Security Department,” he said

The Houston City Council just passed a closely watched ordinancethatwillrestructurehowHouston’spoliceofficers interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The policy says that routine traffic stops cannot be

prolonged beyond the time needed to complete their “lawful purpose” and to wait for ICE. This effectively overturns a March 11 HPD directive that gave ICE 30 minutes to arrive at the scene if a background check revealed an immigration warrant during a stop and a sergeant confirms the warrant is valid

Council members who supported the ordinance framed it as a public-safety measure Councilmember Alejandra Salinas, who proposed the ordinance, said the goal to reduce cooperation with ICE was a “bare minimum” move and a “positive step forward” Others, like Councilmember Julian Ramirez, a Harris County prosecutor for more than 30 years, stressed that fear of deportation keeps people from reporting crimes, making the city less safe overall.

CouncilmemberJoaquinMartinezagreedbutaddedthat the ordinance will not erase fear overnight and that more community-police dialogue is needed

Not everyone was convinced.

Somecouncilmembersarguedthechangeismostlysymbolic,notingthatonlyasmallnumberofcasesactuallystart with HPD. Others worried it could undermine officer discretion or public safety

“While we all want policies that promote safety and fairness, we are particularly concerned that placing a national spotlightonourcitywillcreateunsafesituationsforourcommunity and exacerbate the pressure placed on law enforcement,” said at-large council member Twila Carter.

Immediatelyafterthemeasurepassed,Abbott,inaletterto Whitmire,threatenedtopullthe$110millioningrantfunds.

HISD’s quiet campus closure

HoustonISD’squietclosureofHarperDisciplinaryAlternativeEducationProgramhappenedwithoutmuchcommunication from the school district

High school students from this school were moved to another Secondary DAEP campus near Fifth Ward

ThiscomesafterHISD’sdecisiontoconsolidate12schools earlier this year

But the decision to close Harper was not put before the Board of Managers for approval

At the same time, disciplinary incidents have fluctuated, and the district is trying to reduce suspensions while managinggrowingneedsamongstudentsalreadypushedoutof traditional classrooms

Sienna Wings faces battle blocking growth News

By ReShonda Tate

By any measure, Tyla Simone Crayton’s journeyshouldbethequintessentialAmericansuccessstory.Itbeganat14withavision inahomekitchen,followedbyaviral“Shark Tank” appearance, and culminated in the opening of Sienna Wings.

But today, the 22-year-old entrepreneur is not focused on scaling her brand. She is focused on survival

At the center of her struggle is a trademark dispute with Johnson Development, the developer behind the Sienna master-planned community in Missouri City The standoff has left her restaurant operating in the dark - literally.

Theinvisiblestorefront

Drivers traveling down Sienna Parkway can easily miss the brick-and-mortar location It is not for a lack of customers, but a lack of signage.

“We have thousands of customers that driveby andtheydon’tknowwe’rehere,” Crayton said

The reason? There is no signage indicating that the restaurant even exists

The Sienna Property Owners Association (SPOA) has denied Crayton’s request forexteriorsignage.TheSPOArequiresthe agreement to be in place before approving anysignagethatincludestheword“Sienna,” noting there are no exceptions, appeals, or allowances for temporary signage. In order to approve signage, the association said Craytonmustsignatrademarkcoexistence agreementwiththedeveloper,meaningshe must get their input whenever she uses the Sienna name Without that signature, the restaurant remains hidden in plain sight.

Forasmallbusiness,invisibilitycomesat a steep price tag.

“We’re not getting those casual customers,”Craytonsaid.“Theycan’tevenhavethe thought,‘Letmestopandgetwings,’because it’s not even an option to them.”

Thepriceofpermission

Thedisputehingesonthename“Sienna.” WhileJohnsonDevelopmentmaintainsitis protectingitsintellectualproperty,Crayton argues the proposed agreement reaches far beyond branding.

According to Crayton, the terms would grantthedeveloperoversightintocorebusinessdecisions,includingfutureexpansions, branding changes, and the potential sale of the company.

“They could come in and ask for specimens of the product,” Crayton said “If we wanted to sell or exit the company, we had

to get their permission.”

Johnson Development did not respond to requests for comment, but told another media outlet that contractual requests are not to punish, but to protect Sienna’s registered trademark.

ForCrayton,whohasalreadysecuredher ownfederaltrademarks,thelevelofcontrol feels like a surrender of the autonomy she worked nearly a decade to build.

“It’s an overbearing amount of control that we’re just not comfortable with,” she said “Andoncewesignthatdocument,we’re tiedtoit evenafterweleaveSienna We don’tneedy’allstillbein attachedto our business in that

Ownershipand autonomy

The conflict touc sensitive nerve for entrepreneurs: Th right to total owne ship Crayton ha navigated the highs of national fame and the lows of rebuilding after closures and relocations.

“We’ve had days when we’ve only ha three customers,” admitted, noting the

weight of responsibility for her staff. “You still have employees that have families bills that are due. It’s never you getting the bag. The bag comes to you last.”

Legal experts suggest the developer’s demands may cross a line.

Acommunityrallies

Whilethelegalbattlecontinues,thepublic has taken notice, and many customers have responded with their wallets. Community organizations and members have banded together to support the facility

“We gathered our sorority sisters of Chi Omic Omega Chapter a Sorority, me out and The more we morewesupunity,” said eene ded ShaBibbs, “We ntedtosupport Blackowned businesses and to make sure they know

that we’re here When they have a struggle inthecommunity,wehaveastruggleinthe community.”

A petition supporting Sienna Wings has been signed by thousands.

“We’ve tripled what we usually would make in a week since the media coverage has started,” Crayton said

However, Crayton knows that a temporary surge in “support” business is not a substitute for the structural legitimacy a permanent sign provides.

“People drive up and now they’re like, ‘Idon’tseeasign isthisarealbusiness?’”

TheDavidvs.Goliathreality

Crayton’s fight mirrors a larger conversation about gatekeeping in business She maintains she is not seeking special treatment, only the freedom to operate without strings that could tether her future growth to a third party.

“There are a lot of things I’d do differently,”sheadmitted “Becausethissituation has soured what was such a beautiful thing for me.”

As she balances the pressures of leadershipandthevisibilityofapubliclegalfight, Crayton remains steadfast. For her, the “Sienna” in her name is a destination she reached through grit, and she isn’t ready to let anyone else hold the map.

“One thing for sure,” she said, “the fight is far from over.”

MENEFEEVSGREEN

Ground game strategies for voter turnout

By Laura Onyeneho

Republicanlawmakersdidsomethingin thesummerof2025thatDemocratshadnot seen in two decades: they forced two Black incumbents into the same congressional district and had them go head-to-head for the Congressional District-18 seat in last month’s primary race

The result of that March primary was a 1,700-vote margin and a May 26 runoff that could reshape Black political power in Houstonforageneration.NeitherCongressman Christian Menefee, 37, nor CongressmanAlGreen,78,clearedthe50%threshold required under Texas law to avoid one.

With the clock ticking, the question is no longer who is the better candidate. It is who can get their voters back tothepollsweeksbeforeMemorialDay,inaracebothsidesare encouraging participation in.

The forces working against that outcome are well documented In Texas, runoff turnout typically falls by half from the primary that preceded it According to Houston Democratic strategist Dallas Jones, more than 50%ofthevoterswhoturned out for CD-18 in March had little to no Democratic primary history, a surge driven in part by the high-profile U.S. Senate primary between JasmineCrockettandJamesTalarico When the energy driving those voters disappears, Jones warns, many of them will too.

“Those people aren’t necessarily comingback,”Jonessaid “Ifthey are, it’s because a campaign did the work to bring them back.”

That work, Jones argues, had to start long before now. He describes a winning runoff ground game not as something you build in the final weeks, but asanoperationeitherconstructed during the primary or not.

Campaigns must return to theiridentifiedsupporters,avoid

wastingresourcesbyactivatingtheir opponent’sbase,andensureevery messenger in the field delivers a disciplined, consistent message.

For the Menefee campaign, whichhasbeenrunningcontinuouslyfornearlyayearthrough aspecialelectionandprimary, thatinfrastructureisalreadyin place.ForGreen’steam,which enteredtheprimaryracelater, the runway is shorter and the urgency higher

Jones also points to a generational dimension neither

campaign can afford to ignore. The nearly four-decade age gap between the two men is a sociological variable that shapes how each candidate is perceived, who shows up for them, and how each campaign must communicate.

At the end of the day, the single most consequential decisioneithercampaignwillmake is where it invests its turnout dollars.

“You cannot afford to get that wrong, ” Jones said “Fish where your fish are. ”

It is a calculus that veteran votingrightsactivistPamGaskin hasbeenrunninginherheadfor decades.

Gaskin grew up watching her father pay polltaxesoutofpocket,$1.50in1952,asum that was equivalent to nearly $25 today, so that Black men in Galveston County could exercise their right to vote.

Sheregisteredherfirstvotersin1966,asa college freshman at the University of Texas atAustin,goingdoortodoorinEastAustin aspartofasororityprojectthathelpedelect the first African American to the Austin schoolboard.Sixtyyearslater,sheisapplyingthatsameurgencytoaraceshebelieves will be decided by infrastructure

“The turnout is going to be low, period, the end, no discussion,” Gaskin said “It’s in May, it’s on a Saturday, it’s before a holiday.”

The runoff strategy, she explains, centers on repeated contact with confirmed supporters, an aggressive chase of mail-in ballots, particularly among voters over 65, who turn out at higher rates than youngervoters,andmaximum use of the 10-day early voting window to build a cushion before Election Day.

candidates who are now unattached and reachable.

When Republicans redrew the map last summer, they folded much of Green’s former9thCongressionalDistrictintothenew 18th, delivering a Fort Bend County base that had supported Green for two decades directly into contested territory.

“Al Green really made it into that runoff because of Fort Bend County voters,” Gaskin said “They knew him. They are former congressional district nine members.”

Whilecampaignswrestlewithvoteruniversesandprecinct-leveldata,organizerson thegroundarefocusedonsomethingharder to measure and, they argue, harder to replace.

JoyDavis,senior fieldorganizerwith Houston-based nonprofit Pure Justice,hasbeendoing outreach in spaces most campaigns rarelyenter,barbershops, nail salons, gaming communities,jailregistration lines, and sports event parking lots. These are not just convenient locations.

She warns against spending finite resourcesonlow-propensityvoterswhodid not show up in March. The more productivetargets,sheargues,arethepersuadable voters,supportersoftheeliminatedprimary

Learn about important details voters need to know

They are places where trust has been built over the years, where people speak freely and are more likely to actuallylisten Herteam’sconversationsconnectvotingdirectlytothe issuesvotersraisethemselves,such as rising utility costs, health care access, housing, and public safety

“Text messages and mailers are good at awareness and basic information,” Davis said “They are not really good at getting someone to care.”

What fills that gap, she argues, is authenticity built through consistency, showing up before the election, during it, andafteritisover Youngvoters,especially, Davis says, can identify campaigns that arrive only when something is wanted

Black Houston confronts stress crisis

By Aswad Walker

Chronic stress in Black communities is more than a personal struggle; it is a structural reality.

According to the National Institutes of Health,prolongedstress—drivenbyracism and discrimination—accelerates physical decline and fuels conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and depression.

InHouston,theconceptof“weathering” is visible, where cumulative stress leads to premature aging, particularly among Black women. Meanwhile, Black youth navigate “adultification” and systemic pressures that compound psychological strain.

Historic Stress

Dr Willie Mae Lewis, founder of the Women’s Resource Center, is among the experts highlighting “historic stress.”

“Stress is often described as the body’s response to pressure,” shared Lewis. “But formanyAfricanAmericansandotherdisenfranchised communities, stress carries a deeper,historicalweight Itisnotonlywhat happens today, but what has been carried across generations—rooted in slavery, segregation,systemicinequities,andlivedexperiences of bias and exclusion.”

This historical trauma often impacts how individuals perceive themselves and communicate with others When this becomes “toxic stress”— chronicandunrelenting it weakens the immune system and alters brain development.

Everyday stressors

Black people of all ages are stressed out Here’s what experts and Black Houstonians say works to de-stress. Credit: Dwayne Joe/Unsplash.

From economic instability to workplace discrimination,thepressures arelayered.KristaFoladeMadzimoyo,asinglemotherofthree,identifiesherjobasher primary stressor

“I am currently underpaid and overworked working to survive rising food and gas prices,” she said Otherfactorsinclude“TheBlackTax,”the financial expectation to support extended family,andmicroaggressions—subtleslights thaterodementalwell-beingovertime For Blackmen,theU.S.SurgeonGeneral’swarning on the “loneliness epidemic” is particularly relevant, as cultural expectations of silence can lead to dangerous isolation.

Solutions and sovereignty

Addressing a structural problem requires both personal and community-based solutions Lewis believes healing is rooted in reclaiming one’s narrative.

“Healing begins with awareness and connection—reclaiming identity, understanding history, and nurturing the alignment of mind, body, and spirit,” said Lewis. “It involves intentional practices: staying present in the moment, building supportive relationships... and grounding oneself in faith or a higher purpose. ”

Lewis also champions the power of the community.

“Elderssharingwisdomwithyouthhelps restore what was disrupted, while community unity creates strength where isolation once existed,” she added.

Houstonians are finding unique ways to cope Madzimoyo visits the Emancipation Parkpoolandfreelocalconcertstounwind.

DanyahelNorrisutilizesthegymtomanage extreme pressure

“I saw the opportunity to get a workout inandthechancetocalmdownasadouble win,”sharedNorris.

Tee V. uses time at home and work to destress

“Igooutside,sitinthesun,andreflect,do positiveself-talk,”sharedTeeV.

Some brothers are luckier than others whenitcomestojobstress

“As a truck driver and DJ, I’m lucky that myjobsallowmetodowhatIloveandhave time to reflect and energize,” said Claudell Cannady.

However, high-stress, low-reward jobs disproportionately held by Black men have beenlinkedtoincreasedmortalityrates.Add tothistheroleofchronicstressasapotential trigger for Alzheimer’s disease, and the picturebecomesevenmorealarming

ValleryBoldenRosesaysshewalksatleast 30–45minutesdaily,whileDemethraOrion de-stressesbywalkingandgolfing.

Whetherthroughphysicalactivity,breathwork,financialliteracy,orintergenerational dialogue,BlackHoustonisbeginningtoconfrontthesilentkillerofchronicstresswitha holistic,culturallygroundedapproach.

TomikiaLeGrande

Sets sightsonstudent success

By Tannistha Sinha

Before she ever steppedintoa university president’soffice, Dr.Tomikia P. LeGrande understoodsomethingaboutpowerthatdoes notshowuponrésumés It livedinthe soil

InruralGeorgia,whereherfamilyworked land they hadfoughttoown,she sawhow accesstopropertyandeducationcouldshape generations.

Yearslater,sitting at thehelmofPrairie ViewA&MUniversity,thatsameunderstandingguidesher.Talentcan be foundeverywhere, butopportunity maynot.Closing that gap, shebelieves, is therealworkof higher education.

“Ihavethisconnectiontohistory,legacy andlandfor theproductionofnot just food butalsogenerationalwealth,”LeGrandesaid inaone-on-oneinterviewwiththeDefender.

“I grew up in afamilywhere love abounded butopportunities were notalwaysasprevalentinmyneighborhood. That made me want to understand whyopportunity was notasequally distributedastalentisin this world.”

Growing up

As alow-income,first-generationcollege student,thatperspectivewouldlaterguideher work in higher education.

At Savannah StateUniversity, whereshe studiedchemistry,LeGrande’strajectory shifted during achanceencounter with the university’s president, whoasked abouther future plans.

Herresponse, half-joking, wasbold. She mightwanthis jobone day. Hisreplystayedwithher,“Preparewelland come getit.”

Fromthatmoment,LeGrandebeganbuildinga career that blendedstudent advocacy andinstitutional leadership

Sheearnedamaster’sdegreeinchemistryfromNorth CarolinaA&T StateUniversity, whereshe also beganrecruiting students into graduate programs.LeGrande then earned aDoctorofEducation (Ed.D.) in Higher EducationAdministrationfrom TexasTechUniversity. Shewentontohold leadership rolesatVirginiaCommonwealth University,the University of Houston-Downtown,and Winston-Salem State University,focusingonenrollmentand

studentsuccess

Now, as presidentofPrairie View A&M University,LeGrandeaimstocontinuebuildingonher past achievements andexpand opportunitiesfor students.

Leading PVAMU

LeGrande became president of PrairieView A&Min2023,followingthetenureofDr.Ruth Simmons,whoelevatedtheuniversity’snational profile

Now, LeGrande is focusedonwhatshe calls theinstitution’s“nextlevel,”avisionoutlinedin the10-yearstrategicplan,“JourneytoEminence: 2035.”

This comprisesbecomingatop-tierpublichistoricallyBlack university,achieving an esteemed research status,admitting more students, andensuringgraduationrates remain high

Currentlyclassified as aResearch2 institution,PrairieViewaimstoreachResearch1status,anelitedesignationheldbyonlyoneHBCU inthecountry,HowardUniversity.

Dr.Tomikia LeGrande, a first-generation college student whoonce jokingly told auniversity presidentshe wanted hisjob,now runs one of Texas's most storied HBCUs. Credit:Clyde Jiles/HoustonDefender

Under Dr.Tomikia LeGrande’s leadership,Prairie View A&M recorded itshighest-ever enrollment and,for the first time in its history,a waiting list.

“Our facultyiscommitted to engaging in proactiveand concertedeffortstoincreaseour research contractsand grantamounts, while also graduating more students andexpanding thetypes of research conductedonour campus,”saidDr. Magesh Rajan, vice presidentfor research andinnovationatPVAMU.“Their tireless efforts in securing funding, publishing impactfulresearch, mentoringthe next generationofscholars,andfosteringinnovationhave been instrumental in maintainingour institution’s placeamong thenation’stop research universities.”

ForLeGrande,prestigeisonlypartofthegoal.

“There aresomanypeopleinthe stateof Texaswho thinkveryhighlyofPrairie View,” shesaid.“Butthefurthereastyougobeyondthe Mississippi,andthefurtherwestyougobeyond Arkansas,mostpeopleare notasfamiliarwith PrairieView. We want to raisetheir awareness anddeepentheirperceptiontounderstandthat excellenceliveshere.”

LeGrandeaddedthatmorestudentsentering

collegeoverthenext10yearswillbefirst-generation,lower-income,orfromruralcommunities.

“That’s whoPrairie View specializes in,”she said,withnearly18% of PrairieViewstudents comingfromfamilieswhomadeabout$20,000 or less peryear. Thatfigure comesfromaNew York Timesanalysisofeconomicand student outcomesatPVAMU

Growth bringsboth opportunity and pressure

UnderLeGrande’sleadership,Prairie View hasseena surgeindemand, reaching 10,085 students in thefallof2025, up from 9,821 in 2024and9,415in2023.Forthefirsttimeinits history,theuniversityhasawaitinglist

“Havingawaitinglist,whatdoesthatmean?” shesaid.“Itdoesn'tmeanthatyou'retryingto be ultraselective.Itmeans that thereismore interestinyourinstitutionthanyoucanaccommodate.That'sagreatplacetobein.”

Whilethatgrowthsignals rising national recognition,italsointroducesnewchallenges,

particularlyaroundresourcesandmaintaining quality.

Balancingexpansion with access remains acentral tension. LeGrande has prioritized partnershipswithcommunitycollegestocreate alternativepathwaysfor students whocannot beimmediatelyadmitted,ensuringaccessisnot lostevenwhencapacityislimited

A“cultureofcare" model

At thecoreofLeGrande’sstrategyare studentsuccess andenrollment.

In fall 2024, PrairieViewlaunched“PV Cares,”a comprehensivesupport modelthat assignsevery undergraduatestudent to a three-personteam: An academic advisor, a financial counselor, andacareercoach

Thegoalistoaddressbarriersbeyondacademics, particularly forstudents navigating financial insecurity or unfamiliar systems

“Ifyou thinkabout whoweserve,providingaccess is notjustopening thedoor; it is also aboutsupport inside andoutside the

classroom,”LeGrandesaid.“Ourfacultyinside theclassroomareconstantlythinkingabout howdotheyneed to redesign theircurriculumtomakesureit'spreparing students for theworkforce of tomorrow,not just of today. Theyarereallyintenselyinvolvedinthinking aboutartificialintelligence,aboutsupplychain management,and otherhigh-demandfields Thefinancialcomponentisespeciallycritical.About81%ofPrairieViewstudentsgraduatedwithdebtin2023,arealityLeGrandeis activelyworkingtochangethroughincreased scholarships andphilanthropic investments. “Whenastudentgetsascholarshipfromthe institutionorfromadonor,itsaysyoubelieve inthem,”shesaid.“Itsaysthatyoubelievethat they arecapable andthatyou'reinvesting in them.That'saverypowerfultoolforastudent whomight be worriedabout whetherthey have enough.Intrinsic motivation is oneof themostimportant factorsfor astudent to have apushtoadegree.”

Navigating politics

LeGrande’s presidencycomes at atime when higher education, particularly public institutionsinTexas,isfacingincreasingpoliticalscrutinyaroundcurriculumanddiversity initiatives.

Herapproach, she said,isrootedinclarity of purpose.

“Politicstomeisabout howyou manage competingprioritiesand alternativeinterests thatmaynothaveoriginatedwithyou,”LeGrandeexplained.“Inthisclimate,whatIhave said to ourcampusand what Isay is that,as an institution, we remain committedtoour mission…providing opportunity to advance. WhentherearequestionsaboutDEIandlimitations,I oftentimesgobackto, canwestill fulfill ourmission with newrestrictions? If

TSUcharts next century withAscend2030

ByAswadWalker

As TexasSouthernUniversity (TSU)approachesits 100th anniversaryin2027, theinstitution is reflecting on acentury of impact whilelayingthe groundwork forits future.The university’sBoardofRegentshas unanimouslyapprovedAscend 2030,acomprehensivestrategic plandesignedtoguideTSUinto itssecondcenturyofserviceandinfluence Foundedduringthe eraofsegregation to provide Blackstudents access to higher education,TSUhaslongbeenacornerstone of opportunityand akey driver in buildingHouston’s Blackmiddle class. Over the decades, it has produced generationsof leaders, from thetrailblazingBarbara Jordantolegendary artist John Biggersand Grammy-winning singerYolanda Adams.

graduatestoleadthe future of Texasand thenation.

“Ascend2030isdisciplined, data-informed,anddesignedfor execution,”saidTSUPresidentJ W. CrawfordIII. “Ithonorsour legacywhilepositioningTSUto compete,innovate,andleadina rapidlychangingworld.”

Aroadmapforthenextcentury

To meet thechallenge of renewing and expandingits impact,Ascend2030 aligns academic excellence andoperational efficiency around acentral goal:preparing

Theplanisorganizedaround four strategicpriorities: EnabledbyTechnology,Powered by People: IntegratingAIand advanced technologiesintoacademicandoperationalsystems StudentOutcomes DefineSuccess: Aligning degreesand hands-onlearning with measurablecareeroutcomesand completion rates. AdvancedUrbanLiving andLearning: Leveraging TSU’sHouston locationtodeepenindustryconnectionsand research partnerships The Collaboration Corridor: Building an ecosystemlinking academia,philanthropy, andindustryto accelerate innovation

To read TSU’sAscend2030 plan,visit https://tsu.edu/about/office-of-the-president/ ascend-2030.php.

Profile DN

Brings Broadway home to Houston DEQUINA MOORE

By Laura Onyeneho

She warmed up her voice for an hour before sitting down to talk

That single detail says everything about DeQuinaMoore,theHouston-bornactress, singer, dancer, and author, who stars as Sweet Sue in the Broadway national tour of Some Like It Hot that just left Houston.

When the show brought her back home inMarch,thegreetingshereceivedfeltlike the payoff to a career built on discipline, faith, and a love for this city that never faded.

“It feels like a Broadway debut every time,” Moore said of performing in Houston.“Myfamily,myfriends,mybiggestfans show up and support.”

Getting here, though, was anything but a straight line

Moore’s story begins with two Houston institutionsthatshapedherfoundation.At TheEnsembleTheatre’sYoungPerformers Program, she discovered that acting, singing, and dancing could be woven together into something greater, musical theatre. ShethenearnedacovetedspotattheHigh SchoolforthePerformingandVisualArts, where she says she became a professional before ever graduating

“HSPVA was everything,” she said “I learned everything I needed to know, not justonstage,buteverythingyouneededto know off stage.”

Thatfoundationearnedherascholarship to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, one of the most competitive performingartsprogramsinthecountry.Only 64 students are accepted each year nationally MoorewasamongjustfourBlackstudents in her class, something she calls “a literal gift from God.”

HerBroadwaydebutcameshortlyafter, as the original Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors. She calls that phone call – those tears, that screaming, that disbelief – her real “Mama, I made it” moment

But the road to that call was paved with homesickness and

uncertainty. Moore lived in New York because the business demanded it, not because she wanted to

“I’maHoustonian,”shesaidplainly.The city’s warmth, the way strangers say hello, she missed all of it Every day in New York carried the quiet pressure of not knowing whether it would ever pay off.

“The competition thereissostrong,”

shesaid “Youfeelthepulseofthatpressure Will I? Will I? Am I wasting my time?” Moorehasalsolearnedthataperformer musttreattheirbodylikeanathlete.While simultaneouslydoingaBroadwayrunand recording an album, her voice gave out entirely; two torn vocal cords and undiagnosed severe acid reflux had quietly taken their toll. Now, she spends up to an hour warming her voice before every performance and another hour cooling it down

afterward. Eight shows a week leave no room for shortcuts.

“You’re not just an artist, you’re an athlete,” she said “If you don’t get the right amount of rest, if you don’t drink a lot of water, you’ll lose it.”

AsaBlackwomaninanindustrythatshe saysstilldoesn’tcreateenoughopportunities for women who look like her, Moore cherisheseverybooking.Thegrowingrole ofAIinentertainmentaddsafreshlayerof concern, especially for artists who haven’t yethadthechancetoestablishthemselves

“There are so many talented, gorgeous, smart Black women in this business that don’t get a shot,” she said “That’s always been disheartening.”

Her mother, Darrizett Moore, has watched every step of the journey. She recallsDeQuinasneakingofftotheschool restroom to sing as early as second grade, often enough that her teacher had to go retrieve her.

Thepathtocollegewasnotwithoutfamily debate. Her father, a law school graduate, had a different vision It wasn’t until DeQuinaperformedaShakespeareanplayin hersenioryearofhighschoolthathefinally conceded “Okay,”hetoldDarrizett.“Iguess she’llbeabletomakealivingdoingthis.”

Darrizett had her own hopes, too. She wanted DeQuina to attend Spelman Collegetobeginafamilylegacy Butwhenthey visitedforaninterview,DeQuinadisclosed she had already been accepted to NYU’s competitive CAP 21 program. Even Spelman, with its acting, singing, and dancing conservatory,toldthemhonestly,“Wecan’t top that.”

For parents of children with big artistic dreams,Darrizettencouragesthemtolearn their children’s strengths and guide them in exploring their gifts

“Findoutwhattheirpassionis,”shesaid “You can’t force anyone to do something they don’t want to do You want happiness and an overall well-lived life.”

As for what’s next, Moore is quietly working on her first book and promises the details will be worth the wait

“I’llputitoutwhenIdon’tcareanymore aboutthenamesandtheteathatIwillspill,” she laughed. “Houston will be the first to know.”

Sports DN

Blazestrail in Houstonsports media KIMDAVIS

By TerranceHarris

Foryears,Houston’s sports market has only hadroomfor oneKD, andthat’sKim Davis.

So imaginethe confusionlastsummer whenanotherKD,whorunsinNBAcircles, movedintotownand joined theRockets. Davis’ “TheKDCompany”nameplate has markedherspotintheRockets’mediaroom this season

“SomeofthepeopleI’veworkedwithfor yearsarelike,‘YouworkforKevinDurant?’ I’mlike, no,I’m KD

“Heisthe famous one. I’mthe OG KD.”

That’s classic OG KD:Quick-witted, unflappable,and able to putsomeone in their place with asmile andwithout them immediately realizingit. Davishas been playingthe game andplaying it well as a trailblazingBlack woman, notjustworkingbut making an impact in Houston’s white-male-dominatedsportsmediamarket forthree decades.

What’s interesting, though,is that Davis neversetouttoblazeatrailortofillamissingvoid.TheLamarHighSchoolandTexas A&M grad really just wanted to tell good stories.

“I always came from thesideofwanting totellreallygoodstoriesanddoreallygood interviews,”Davissaid.“Someofthosepeople, Iguess, inspired me early. The more I gotintoit,thencamesomeonelikeaRobin RobertswhoIgotachancetosee.Butthere weren’ta lotofwomen whoworkedinthe business, whichiswhy Iwenttoprint.”

ButintrueDavisfashion,shewasn’tgoing tostayinaboxtoolong.Overtheyears,she hasworkedon-airforlocalaffiliatesofNBC, CBS,Fox,andABC,andhasdoneastinton aBET sports talk show.

Today, Davisworks forherself or takes on projects under herown The KD Company.You cancatch heronher ground-breakingChalk Talk

podcast, whereshe isn’tjusttalking sports butbringinglistenersintothelockerrooms of theTexans,Rockets, andAstros.

Davisisalsosix months into anew venture,Htown Sports Talk,co-hosted with BradGilmore,whichairsonKIAH-TV(CW 39) on Friday nights at 10 p.m. Andifthat isn’tenough, Davisdebuted herself-published novel, titled Sports, My Love Language…It’sComplicated,whichhighlights hertriumphsand challengesofworking in thenewsand sports business

“It’sthe doggish pursuitfor excellence That’swhatitis,”saidFox26MorningSports AnchorNateGriffin,whohasknownDavis sincethe 1980s. “And shehas notallowed anyone to discourage her. Shehas found away to findinspiration with thepeople withwhomsheworks,withthepeoplewith whom shecovers, andthe storiesthatshe covers.”

Pioneering radiopersonality andsports journalist RalphCooperhas also watched Davisgrow, thrive,and be fth most credible journalists regardlessofrace or gende

“I have nothingbut resp doesandhowshedoesitan it is with thepodcast andt took time to writea book “She wroteabook, sheh thesebroadcasts for30yea been positive.”

WhileDavis doesn’tne herselfasatrailblazerin shedoesn’tshyawayfromi welcomes theideathatshe impact in an industry tha unforgivingtoBlackpeopl she embraces beinganins ration to thosecoming behindher

“IfI am atrailblazer, then IhopethatI’m doingitthe rightway

ecome one of the in the market, r pect for what she ndhowconsistent then the fact she k,” Cooper said as been doing ars, and it’s all cessarily see the industry, iteither Davis e has made an t is often e,and spi-

becauseIgetalotofyoungwomenwhowill call me sometimes, andevenyoung men, andIappreciate, one, that they follow my work,eitherwritten or visual,orhowever theyfollowit,”saidDavis,whoservedasthe vice presidentofthe HoustonSuper Bowl XXXVIIIHostCommittee.“Andtheywant toworkwithmeorhangoutwithme,andI alwaystellthem,‘Areyouinterestedinlearningthe craft, becauseI canhelpyou with that.Orare youinterestedinbeinga star?’

Unfortunately,that’swhatalotofpeopledo nowadays.Ican’thelpyouwiththatbecause that’s notmyapproach.”

Davis’ relationshipswiththe people she covers,andherstorytelling,madeheranaturalfitwhenCW39,anetworkthatdoesn’t doalotwithsports,wantedtostartaradiostylesportstalkshowfor itsplatform. This pastfall,theyteamedherwithGilmore,and thechemistry hasbeenoffthe charts for twopeoplewhowerestrangersbeforetheir pairing.

Gilmore, whosebackgroundisinentertainmentandprofessionalwrestling,praises Davisashissafetynetandguideinthisrelativelyunknown space forhim.

“Tobea pioneerinHouston in general, letaloneforwomen,letaloneforwomenof color,”Gilmoresaid,“shehasdonesomuch foreverybodyindividually.Andtohavethe breadthofknowledge andexperience she hashad andbringsitintothis, theshow wouldn’t exist withoutKim Davis.

“Without Kim, we don’thaveanything, seriously. Shebringssomuchintothis thing.”

WhileDavis is still outherefighting the goodfightinawhite-male-dominatedfield, shesaysthe triumphs andchallengeshave made herwho sheistoday.And if that’s beinga trailblazer, then so be it

“I guessthat’swhatitis. I’ve been willing to putinthe work andtonot be deterred,” she said.” Maybesomeofthatismebeing really,reallystubborn.Idecidedalongtime th tb dl tt dt ih t

agothatnobodyelsegetstodeterminewhat my future is or my career path is”

Kim Davis, a native of Houston, has been a mainstay in the Houston sports media market for three decades and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon Credit: Jimmie Aggison/ Houston Defender

Sports DN

WHEATLEY SENIORS

Close high school basketball chapter

ByJimmieAggison

For most of the night, the Wheatley Wildcats fought to keep their season alive.

Possession by possession, they chipped away at La Marque’s lead until they were withinasinglepointintheclosingseconds.

One more shot could have sent Wheatley back to the UIL 4A Division II state tournament for a second straight year

Instead, a missed shot followed by a blocked putback led to a 68–67 loss and marked the final high school game for seniors Jeremiah Baskin, Herbert Goldsmith, Collier Coleman, and Kendarion Payne. In just seconds, a season built on resilience came to an emotional close.

“Inthefinalseconds,theplaywastoget the ball in the far corner to (Collier) Coleman, but La Marque came out in a zone which prevented us from getting the shot off in the corner,” said Baskin

With no timeouts left, Wheatley had to improvise.

“In the final possession, we were trying to get the ball clear and take a good shot,” saidWheatleyheadcoachDavidBurrell.“La Marque’s defense did a solid job of disrupting, and of course, the opponents’ celebrationbeganasourattemptwasunsuccessful.”

When the buzzer went off, Wheatley’s time finally expired

“Iwasveryemotional,”saidPayne.“Iwas hurt, disappointed, and I felt like I let my teammatesdownasweallwantedtomake it to the state tournament.”

While the final play decided the game, Wheatley’s fight in the closing minutes showed the same resilience that defined their entire season

“We were down throughout the game, but giving up wasn’t an option,” said Goldsmith

As the offense struggled, Wheatley intensified its defensive pressure, playing man-to-man until the ball reached halfcourt before trapping the ball handler

“As seniors, it’s important to stay composedbecausewe’retheleadersoftheteam Youngerplayersusuallywatchhowwereact in those moments,” said Payne. “If we stay calm and focused, it helps the entire team maintain their confidence and not panic.”

As Wheatley’s defense tightened, the offense began to improve. Then, coach Burrellmadetwokeyadjustmentsthatgave Wheatley an extra edge

“Webackedourdefenseup,allowingour guys to catch their breath, get a feel for the hostileenvironment,andgettheirlegsunder themaswepreparedtocutfurtherintotheir lead,” said Burrell.

After regaining its energy, Wheatley revertedtoitsfast-pacedstyleofbasketball, ramping up the pressure and consistently keeping La Marque on edge

That late push nearly changed the outcome,butitalsosymbolizedthepersistence Wheatley demonstrated throughout a season that began with many challenges. Wheatley finished third in District 20-4A behind tough competition from Booker T. WashingtonandJackYates,whilealsotaking time to grow and develop.

“Our team felt overlooked heading into the playoffs,” said Baskin “People didn’t have us making it past the second round, butwestayedtogetherandfoughtasateam to prove everyone wrong. ”

“In our eyes, we were always first,” said Goldsmith “Whenwewereoverlooked,we

took it personally.”

“We were big on believing in ourselves despite what others outside of the program thought,” said Coleman

“We knew we had the talent to compete for the playoffs,” said Burrell. “Our turning pointcameduringtheWinterHolidaytournaments, where we were successful against powerhouse teams from Louisiana and Greater Houston. This was a key measurement from last year’s team.”

Much of that growth stemmed from Wheatley’s senior class leadership and experience

“Seniorleadershipinvolvestakingresponsibility, communicating on the court, helping younger players improve, and ensuring everyonestayslockedinontheteam’sgoals,” saidPayne.“Leadershipisn’tjustaboutscoring or being the best player; it’s about how you help the whole team succeed and stay cohesive.”

“Thebondtheseniorshaveonthisteam isdeep,”saidGoldsmith “Wegrewtogether through AAU teams TESA (Texas Exclusive Student Athletes) and FYN (Fly Young Nation)as17U,foughttogether,andallhad each other’s backs.”

As Wheatley walked off the floor after losing to La Marque, the seniors realized their time playing together might be over

“After the game, the first thing I told everyone was ‘keep your heads high, the future will always be great, do big things, I love y’all,’” said Baskin.

“Hiswordswereencouragingbecausehe’s moreexperiencedthanweare,andhe’sone of our best leaders,” said Payne.

Though the season ended in heartbreak, this senior class’s impact will continue to shape Wheatley basketball.

“Thisseniorclasswillleavebehindalegacy of discipline and positive culture that denotes the typical narrative of young men from the inner-city by the way they carried themselves in our program, ” said Burrell.

“I hope the younger players understand that time really flies by; it doesn’t wait for anyone,”saidPayne.“Stayhumbleineverythingyoudo,workhard,beconsistent,and dedicated.”

Wheatley finished just one point shy of returning to San Antonio, but the determinationandleadershipofWheatley’sseniors ensuredtheirseasonwouldberemembered for much more than the final score.

DN Health

Learn to Spot Early SignsofParkinson’s

BySHONTE BYRD,MD

Parkinson’s Can ShowUpinSubtle kinson wUpin Subtle Ways

Small changes in movement can appearslowly and may feel easy to brushaside, especiallyifyou’rebusy caring forfamilyorworkinglong hours Your steps mayfeel shorterduring the day, or one arm maynot swing asmuch when youwalk. But if you’re over 50, early shifts likethese canbelinkedwith Parkinson’s and maybeworth closer attention when theyreturn over time.

Early Signs ThatMay Show Up

Parkinson’s diseaseisa long-term brain conditionthataffectscells that make dopamine. Dopamine helpsyour musclesmove in asteadyway.Early signs mayinclude ahandthatshakes when it’sresting,smaller handwriting, stiffness, or asofter voice. Sometimes thesechanges areblamed on stress, aging,arthritis, or an old injury, which

candelaycare. These shifts don’t always mean Parkinson’sdisease, but if symptoms return over time, aneurologist trained in movement disorders should review.

StepsYou CanTakeatHome nTak

Starttaking action when movement symptomskeep coming back. Keep ashort journalwithdates,whatyou noticed, andhow it affects dailylife(for example:walking,handwriting, getting dressed, or speaking). If possible, record ashort video of thetremororwalking changetoshowyourclinician.Keep walkways andstairsclear so movement feels safer.Add night lights in hallwaysor bathroomsifmoving around at nightis harder.Ask someone youtrust if they’ve seen newmovementconcerns that show up often and consider bringing thatperson to your appointmenttohelp describe what they’venoticed.

When To GetHelp

Call your doctorifyou notice anew tremor in ahandorarm on oneside, stiffnessthatmakes dailytasks harder, repeatedsmallshuffleswhen youstart to walk,orbalance trouble thatleads to near falls

It canhelp to:(1) bringa written list of symptomsand questions, (2) askifa movement-disorders specialist visit is appropriate, and(3) request an explanationinplain language. A neurologist canreviewsymptoms, checkyourmovement,and follow changesovertime. Regularvisitscan supportsafetyathomeand helpyou stay as active as possible. Seek urgent care if youfalland hityourheadorifsudden confusion appears.

Call 713-442-70253-442-7025orvisit kelsey-seybold.com ol comtoschedulean appointment.