06.11.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To the POINT DN

Natasha Doll treatment

Adeeplydisturbingtrendhasgoneviral across Chinese social media involving the “Natasha Doll”—a hand-sized, rubbery Black baby doll sold specifically as a stress toy.Consumersstretch,stomp,andbrutalizethesedollstoreleaseanger.Whenquestionedabouttheexplicitracialdesign,one social media user explained that a white dollfeelstoohuman-liketoabuse,whereas theBlackdollismarketedforits“ugly”and “abstract”vibe Compoundingthiscruelty, the market has expanded to target real-life Black infants and children Dehumanizing channels showcase Chinese adults exploiting, humiliating, and laughing at the abuse of African youth, heavily shielded from global scrutiny by China’s digital firewalls A BBC documentary exposed this horrific industry, uncovering a Chinese national in Malawiwhofilmedlocalchildrenwithoutparentalconsent for online profit. We can’t do anything about other folks’ anti-Blackness Butwecan,andmust,dosomethingabout our own. Only Black pride and Black love will allow us to createthekindofrealityforourpeoplethatwillprotectus fromthismadness,sowecangivetheworldthereckoning they deserve, if we so choose.

So, raise a glass for the entire Afro-Caribbean family: activists like Stokely Carmichael (Trinidad), legendary writers like AudreLorde(Grenada)andClaudeMcKay (Jamaica),andgroundbreakingentertainers like Harry Belafonte (Jamaica), Cicely Tyson (Nevis), and Rihanna (Barbados) Thismonth,wesalutethespiritandglobal impact that unite us all.

Global ‘Sundown Town’ movement

Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month

June is not only Black Music Month. It’s also Caribbean AmericanHeritageMonth.Thismonth,wecelebratetherich culture,history,music,food,andcontributionsofAfro-Caribbeans who have helped shape communities throughout America and the world. We honor our kin from Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Cuba, Guyana, Saint Lucia,andallCaribbeannations.ManyAfricanAmericans sharedeepcultural,historical,andfamilyconnectionswith theCaribbean.Infact,there’snoHarlemRenaissance,Civil Rights Movement, or Black Power Movement in the U.S. withoutthecontributionsofAfro-Caribbeans.Theleaderof thelargestPan-Africanmovementtheworldhaseverseen, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, was an Afro-Caribbean from St Ann’sBay,Jamaica.WithoutGarvey,there’snoRed,Black, andGreenflag;nomovementacrosstheAfricancontinent to kick out the colonizers; and no call for Pan-Africanism

Recently,socialmediapostsrevealefforts byagroupofpeoplewhowantto“MakeVidorGreatAgain.” More specifically, they want to return Vidor, Texas, to its historic roots as a ‘Sundown Town,’ a place where Blackfolkknew/knowtogetthehellouttadodgebeforenightfall, or face murderous consequences The posts show good ol’ boys approaching fellow whites to sign their Vidor “Sundown Town” petition And from the posts, everyone’s “all white” with the idea One of the leaders of this movement describeshimselfas“mixedrace,”butheletsVidorresidents knowitwasn’tbychoice Butthisisn’tjustaVidorthing.The Trumpadministration,followingtheProject2025playbook, establishedtheDepartmentofRemigration.It’sallaboutthe U.S.governmentmovingtoremoveallnon-whitesfromthe country.Soundscrazy,right?Itusedtobeafringeracistwet dream.Now,ithasfederalfunding,institutionalbacking,and growingglobalbuy-in.Recently,representativesofWestern nations met in Portugal for a Global Remigration Conference, where they celebrated their movement’s exponential growth They seek to make all European nations, Russia, theUS,Argentina,andanyotherwhiteorwhite-identifying nations literally colorless. You don’t have to believe me Do yourownresearch Butpleaseknow,we’dbetterembraceand supportindividuals,organizations,andmovementsthatare unashamedly pro-Black, because other folks are declaring anti-Blackness with their full chest.

On the web

• More Black women are choosing luxury with no guilt.

• Before the gold, Nicholas Ferguson was just trying the 800.

• Marlon Hall turns art into portals of Black healing.

Violence down, traffic fatalities up

a significant decrease

ThestatisticswerecompiledbytheMajor Cities Chiefs Association, which gathered crime data from 76 police departments acrosstheUnitedStatesandCanada,including 67 U.S. agencies.

By ReShonda Tate

Houstonisseeingasharpdeclineinviolentcrimesofarin2026,accordingtonewly released data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, with murders, robberies, and aggravated assaults all trending downward compared to the same period last year

But while violent crime is dropping, anotherdeadlytrendisemergingonHoustonstreets:Morepeoplearedyingintraffic crashes than from homicides.

Data from the Houston Police Department and the Texas Department of Transportation show that during the first three monthsof2026,67peoplediedinroadway crashes across Houston. During that same period, HPD reported 49 homicides.

The numbers reflect a broader shift in Houston’s public safety landscape, where violent crime continues to decline faster than national averages, even as traffic fatalities remain stubbornly high.

According to HPD’s first-quarter crime data, murders dropped by 36.4% from Jan. 1 through March 31 compared to the same timeframe in 2025 Reported robberies fell by 34%, while aggravated assaults declined by 9.7%. Reported rapes also saw

Houston’s reductions outpaced national trends in every major violent crime category tracked in the report Nationwide, homicidesdeclinedby17.7%,rapesdropped 7.2%, robberies fell 20.4%, and aggravated assaults decreased 4.8%

The latest numbers continue a trend city leaders highlighted earlier this year when HPD released its annual crime report for 2025.

According to that report, overall violent crimeinHoustondropped18.9%from2024 to 2025. Murders were down 19%, sexual assaults fell 19.9%, robberies decreased 22.6%, and aggravated assaults declined 17.6%. Reports of kidnappings dropped

10.5%, while human trafficking cases decreased by 34.4%.

Nonviolent crime also declined overall, although theft was one category that increased.HPDreporteda5%riseinthefts from 2024 to 2025. Other property crimes including burglary, auto theft, and burglaryofmotorvehicles eachdeclinedby more than 9%.

Despite the encouraging crime statistics, traffic deaths continue to be a growing concernforHoustonofficialsandresidents alike.

TxDOT reported 291 roadway fatalities in Houston during 2025, compared to 268 murders reported by HPD over the same year.

The data underscores an uncomfortable realityforHouston:Whilethecityisbecoming statistically safer from violent crime, its roads remain among the deadliest threats facing residents every day.

HMAAC condemns vandalism of artwork

By Gregory Stevenson

The Houston Museum of African AmericanCulture(HMAAC)confirmed that “Man in the Garden,” a painting by Clarence Heyward in his current solo exhibition,sustainedintentionaldamage by museum visitors

Staffdiscoveredthevandalismduring routine gallery monitoring, promptly removed the artwork, filed a police report, and engaged art conservators. Inanunconventionalmove,museum officialshaltedtheinitialrestorationprocess to put the damaged artwork back on display. HMAAC CEO Emeritus and exhibition curator John Guess, Jr explained that the public needs to see the physical consequences when disagreement devolves into destruction

“Museums exist to encourage inquiry, reflection,andconversation,”Guessstated. “They are places where people encounter ideas they may embrace, challenge, or reject—butneversilencethroughviolence.”

AsaleadinginstitutioncelebratingAfricanAmericanhistoryandculture,andthe only Black museum in a major U.S. city operatingwithoutdedicatedpublicfunding,HMAACemphasizedthatattackson culturalexpressioncanhappenanywhere Officials noted that the incident raises broader,urgentconcernsabouthowcommunitiesengagewithdifferingviewpoints

HMAAC Chief Executive Officer Davinia Reed reiterated that the museum’simmediateprioritiesaresupporting Heyward and fully restoring the piece, while maintaining a safe environment for open civic engagement

“Actsintendedtointimidate,censor,or damageculturalexpressionwillnotdeter us from our mission,” Reed said.

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years

By Aswad Walker

What began as a routine high school track meet ended in tragedy and has now culminated in a murder conviction and a 35-year prison sentence that continues to divide public opinion.

On June 9, a Collin County jury found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an April 2, 2025, Frisco ISD track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. Anthony was then sentenced to 35 years in prison

While prosecutors hailed the verdict as justice for a young life lost, many in the Black community viewed the outcome as another reminder of the racial inequities they believe persist withintheAmericanlegalsystem.

Concerns overjury composition

Much of the controversy surrounding the trial centered not only on the facts of the case but also on the makeup of the jury Anthony, who is Black, was tried before a jury that included no Black jurors among either the 12 members or six alternates.

The jury selection process began with approximately 600 potential jurors By the end of voir dire, three prospective Black jurors had been struck by prosecutors, who said the decisions were based on their occupations as educators and not race.

DefenseattorneyMikeHoward challenged the strikes, but Judge John Roach allowed the trial to proceed

The exclusion of Black jurors drew criticism from civil rights groups, including The Next GenerationActionNetwork(NGAN).

“We are deeply disturbed by what we witnessed during jury selection,” said NGAN President and CEO Minister Dominique Alexander “The exclusion of all qualified Black jurors raises questionsthatcannotbeignored.”

For many observers, the jury compositionrevivedlongstanding

concerns about whether Black defendants receive equal treatment in the justice system. Emotionalscenes

outsidecourthouse

As the trial unfolded, demonstrators gathered outside the Collin County Courthouse Tensions were heightened by the presence of white nationalist and white supremacist groups that reportedly directed racial slurs toward Anthony, his family, and supporters

When the guilty verdict was announced, emotional reactions swept through the crowd. One woman’s anguished cry “This isn’t real!” reflected the sense of disbelief and frustration felt by many who believed Anthony had not received a fair trial.

Theprosecution’scase

The central question for jurors was whether Anthony acted in self-defense or intentionally committed murder

Lead prosecutor Bill Wirskye

andhisteamcalled21witnessesin an effort to dismantle the self-defenseclaim.OneofthemostsignificanttestimoniescamefromCollin County Chief Medical Examiner Dr ElizabethVentura,whosaidthe singlestabwoundpiercedMetcalf’s heartandwasunsurvivable

Studentwitnessesalsodescribed the confrontation and its aftermath. The prosecution argued that Anthony escalated a physical dispute by introducing a deadly weaponintoanaltercationthatdid notjustifylethalforce.

Roach allowed jurors to consideralessermanslaughtercharge, which carried a potential sentence oftwoto20years.Thejuryinstead convicted Anthony of first-degree murder

Anthonyfaced asentenceranging from five to 99 years, or life in prison

Howtheconfrontation began

The fatal encounter occurred during a rain delay at the track

meet. According to testimony, Anthony, who attended another school, sought shelter under a Memorial High School team tent in the stadium bleachers.

Witnesses said Austin Metcalf and his brother repeatedly demanded that Anthony leave because he was not part of their team The disagreement escalated intoaheatedexchangeandeventually a physical confrontation.

Howard argued that Anthony felt threatened and outnumbered and believed he needed to protect himself from a potentially serious assault.

Prosecutors countered that a dispute over seating under a tent shouldneverhavebecomedeadly andthatAnthony’sdecisiontouse a knife was unjustified.

Metcalf was transported to a nearby hospital after suffering a singlestabwoundtothechest,but later died from his injuries.

Debate continues

Before the case moved into the sentencing phase, Anthony’s motherhasaskedthecourtforleniencyonbehalfofherson.A35-year prisonsentencewastheresponse

The jury has delivered its verdict, but broader questions about race,juryrepresentation,self-defense, and equal justice are likely to remain part of the public conversation long after Anthony’s sentence is imposed.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 34 - JUNE 11, 2026

Publisher | CEO Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

Strategic Alllance Clyde Jiles

Managing Editor

ReShonda Tate

Content Manager

Terrance Harris

Community Reporter

Aswad Walker

Culture/Lifestyle Reporter Laura Onyeneho

Special Assignments Reporter Tannistha Sinha

Sports Terrance

Jimmie Aggison

Video Editor Bryan Erdy

RedFoods:

By LauraOnyeneho

ChefKrystalCarterhashadapassionfor culinaryartssincetheageof4.

Sheknewher wayarounda kitchenand thestory behind Juneteenth.Whatshe did notknowwas thehistoricalcontext behind thecelebration of redfoods.And it wasn’t untilshe enteredJuneteenthHouston’s first redfood cook-off competitionthatshe learnedofthis.

“Beforelastyear,Ididn’thaveaconceptof theimportanceofred foodsasitpertained toJuneteenthortoourpeople,”saidCarter, aHoustonhomecookwhocompetesunder thenameChefKrissyD.“AndthenI went intoresearch.”

The hibiscus flower, whichshe hadlong usedinfloralarrangements,wasbroughtto theAmericasbyenslavedAfricans, valued foritsmedicinalpropertiesanddeepredhue. Thedrinkinthepitcherateverycookoutshe hadeverattendedwas alivingartifactofa culturethatcrossed an oceanand refused todisappear.

“I have ashirt that Iwearthatsays, ‘My freedom wasn’t free.’ AndI thinkabout the bloodthatwassharedbyourancestorstoget us to be able to danceinthe streets,”Carter said.“Tobeabletohavethatcookout,tohave that community, to be able to just celebrate wherewehavecomeinthe amount of time thatwe’vemadeit.”

Carterisnotaloneinthatdiscovery.Most people sittingata Juneteenth tablehave neverbeentoldthe full storyofwhatthey areeating,orwhy.

Atradition rooted in West Africa

Accordingtoculinaryhistorian Michael Twitty,theredfoodstraditionatJuneteenth tracesdirectlytotheYorubaandKongopeoplesofWestAfrica,brought Td i thefinaldecadesoftheAtlan Redrepresentedspiritualp andtransformation. West A welcomedguestswithred-h drinkmadefromhibiscusflo offerings crossedthe Atlanti enslaved people to nourish bodies,andquietlybecamet centerpieceoftheoldestBlac holidayinAmerica

John Nicklos, Chair of Juneteenth Houston (right) and winner of JuneteenthHouston’s RedFoods Cook off2025,and Chef KrystalCarter(left), preparefor upcomin Juneteenth festivities Credit:JimmieAggison/ Defender.

toTexasduring nticslavetrade power,sacrifice, African hosts huedbissap,a wers.Those ic alongside their the ck ng s / r.

RedVelvet cake is asignature disheaten duringJuneteenth celebrations. Courtesy:Juneteenth Houston.

DebraBlacklock-Sloan,asixth-generation Texanwithmorethan30yearsofexperience asagenealogistandhistoricalresearcher,has spenther career documentingexactly this kind of unbroken line.She is also precise aboutthehistorysurroundingJune19,1865, thedayUnionGen.GordonGrangerarrived in Galvestontoenforce theEmancipation Proclamation

“Texas waspartofthe Confederacy,” Blacklock-Sloan said.“When (Abraham) Lincolnissuedthe proclamation,itdid not applytoConfederate states.Quitsayingwe gotthenewslate.Wehavetotellpeoplethe truthaboutJuneteenth.”

Thatinsistenceonaccuracy extendsto thefood. Shegrewupcelebrating June 19 as hermother’sbirthday, eating barbecue anddrinkingredsodawater,withnounderstandingofwhatthe colormeant or where itcamefrom.

“Weare eating this food,not knowing what thesymbolism is,” shesaid. “Wetell them with ourfriends,withour families, withourkids.LikethegriotsofWestAfrica, wehavetokeeppassingitdown.”

Keeping tradition alive Afteremancipation, theHarris CountyFestivalAssociationraised$800 topurchase10acresinthecity’sFourth Ward,landthatbecameEmancipation Park,thefirstpublicparkboughtbyformerlyenslavedpeoplespecifically for Juneteenthcelebrations.Thathistoryis partofwhyJohnNicklos,ChairofJuneteenthHouston,believestheworkbeing doneheremattersinawayitcannotbe replicated elsewhere

Thisyear, Juneteenth Houstonwill launch thesecondRed FoodsCookoutCook-Off,a backyard-style competition inviting localchefs to create dishesrootedinthe redfoodstradition.Thefestival’sdateisexpectedto be announcedsoon.

Carter wonthe inauguraltitle with June’sJubilee:achampagnecakelayered withraspberrycoulisandabuttercream made with dehydrated strawberries, honoring both thecelebration andthe historyshe discovered in making it.

TRADITIONALRED FOODS &DRINKS

RedDrinks:The most iconic, often including hibiscus tea(historically called“bissap”),red fruit punch, strawberry soda, andTexas-made Big Redsoda.

Watermelon:A staple that is in peak season,representing both sustenanceand thefreedom formerly enslavedpeople achieved.

RedVelvet Cake:A populardessert served to honorthe occasion.

Barbecue andMeats:Smoked meats, such as brisket andpork ribs, coveredintomato-basedred sauces,aswell as red-dyed hot links.

OtherFruits/Veg:Strawberries, redberries, andbeets.

Dishes using RedPalm Oil:West African disheslikejollofrice.

The lasting impact of Al Green CONGRESSMAN

By ReShondaTate

WhenTexas Republicans orchestrated an aggressive,mid-decade redistricting maplastyear, their motiveswereclear:Dismantle Blackpolitical power, dilute reliably Democratic strongholds, andforce an artificial scarcity of representation

By carvingupthe historic 9thCongressionalDistrict, mapmakerssuccessfully engineered apainful collision, pittingtwo sittingDemocraticincumbents—theiconic 78-year-oldU.S.Rep.AlGreenand38-yearoldU.S. Rep. ChristianMenefee —against each otherina chaoticrunofffor the18th CongressionalDistrict.

It wasa race neitherman wanted.Menefeesaidasmuchonelectionnight,noting that he andGreen shouldhaveremained in Congress.But theredistricting effort accomplishedits goal:two BlackDemocraticincumbentswereforcedtocompete forone seat

Onpaper,Republicanswon.Butwhatthey couldnot redrawwas Green’slegacy. Fornearlyhalfacentury,Green hasbeen oneofHouston’s most consistent advocatesfor civilrights, economic justice, and underservedcommunities.Hiscongressiona careermaybewindingdown,buttheimpact heleavesbehindstretchesfarbeyonddistrict boundaries andelectionreturns

Greenwillexitpublicoffice in January 2027 as oneofHouston’s longest-serving electedofficials, aman whosecareerhas been defined lessbypolitical ambitionthan by asteadfast commitmenttospeakingup forpeopleoften leftout of theconversation. “Thisefforthasbeenonethatwassincere; it’s somethingthatIhavedoneasa laborof love,” Greensaid. “I have enjoyedall of my time as amemberofthe Congress of the UnitedStatesofAmerica. Youprobablysee me smiling. Andit’sbecause this is notthe end. Thisisthe beginningofa newchapter.”

Alifeofservice

LongbeforehebecameamemberofCongress,Greenhadalreadybuiltareputationas apublicservant.In1977,hewaselectedHarrisCountyjustice of thepeace,a position he wouldholdfornearlythreedecades.During that time,hebecameknown fortreatingthe courtroomasmorethanaplaceoflegalproceedings.Itwasaplacewhereordinarypeoplecould find fairness,dignity,and respect.

Hisinfluence expandedinthe late 1980s, whenheassumedleadershipoftheHouston branch of theNAACP during atimewhen membership andengagementhad sharply declined

Under Green’sleadership,the organization regained visibility andstrength, helpingadvance civilrightsadvocacyacrossthe region

Former TexasSouthernUniversity

Trumpwereconsistentwitha worldview shaped by thecivil rights era.”

Itisalegacyofunfilteredcouragethateven hisfiercestpolitical opponentshavehad to respect,andonethathissuccessoracknowledgesasfoundational.

“CongressmanAlGreenisanicon,”Menefeesaid. “For decades,hehas done what so fewinpublic lifeare willingtodo: he has spokentruthtopower,directlytotheirfaces, withoutflinching. He protestedwithhis body,his voice,and hiscareeronthe line Thatisalegacythatwilloutlastanyelection.”

constituents,spokenwithstrengthandmoral clarity, andraisedimportant issues with unmatched courage,”Ellis said.“Historywil fondly remember hiscontributions to our communityand ourcountry.”

Theworkcontinues

PresidentJames Douglas, whomet Green when he wasafirst-yearlaw student,said onecharacteristic has remained unchanged throughout Green’scareer.

“He’saveryethical person,” Douglassaid.

“Nobodyeverthought he went to Congress forhis owngratification or economic benefit.He’snever goingtocompromisewhen it comestowhathethinksisright forhis constituents.”

Theworkhorse ofCongress

When GreenarrivedinWashington in 2005,hedidnotseekcelebrity.Representing aheavilyDemocraticdistrictrootedinsouthwestHouston,Greenfocusedonconstituent services,housingissues,financialpolicy,and committee work

HebecameaseniormemberoftheHouse FinancialServicesCommittee,where much of thelessglamorous buthighlyconsequential work of Congress takesplace

Politicalobservers oftendescribed Green as aworkhorse rather than ashowhorse

Overtime,Greenaccumulatedsomething invaluable in Washington:Seniority.

That influencehelpedhim secure federa resourcesforcommunitiesthroughoutHouston,MissouriCity,Pearland,Stafford,Harris County,and Fort Bend County

Hislongtimeaide,Crystal Webster, said Green’sfocus neverwavered

“For 20-plusyears,hehas wokenupwith Congressandthepeopleherepresentsonhis mindandgonetobedwithCongressandthe people he represents on hismind,”Webster said.“This hasbeenhis focus.”

Speaking truth to power

WhileGreenspentmuchofhiscareerasan institutional“workhorse,”heearnednational renownforhisfiercerefusaltoremainsilent. Guidedbythe philosophy of hislatefriend andcivil rights iconRep.JohnLewis,Green consistentlyembracedthenecessityof“good trouble,”evenwhenitdrewsevereblowback.

In2017,GreenbecametheveryfirstmemberofCongresstoformallyintroducearticles of impeachmentagainst PresidentDonald Trumpfromthe Housefloor.Atthe time, many Democraticleadersconsidered the move amassive,unnecessary politicalrisk. YetGreen’searlystandsetthehistoricalprecedentfortheofficialimpeachmentvotesthat followed yearslater

That fearlessnessmadehim anational symbol of resistance —and afrequent target forvolatilerebukes from theWhite House.GreenwasescortedoutoftheHouse chamberinconsecutive yearsfor peaceful, visualprotestsduringpresidentialaddresses.

Most recently, during theState of theUnion addressthispastFebruary, he wasescorted outafterholdingahandwrittensignreading, “Black people aren’t apes!” —a direct, publicchallenge to aTrump social mediapost depictingPresidentBarackObamaandFirst Lady Michelle Obamaasapes.

Through criticism, formal Housecensure,and national ridicule,Green remained unmoved.

“I don’tthinkhedid it forelectoral reasons,”notedMichaelAdams,apoliticalscientistatTexasSouthernUniversity.“Hewanted tomakeastatement.Hisconfrontationswith

Achampionfor the marginalized Green’ssupporterspoint to acareerspent advocatingforthoseoftenpushedtothemargins of society. He fought forvotingrights, affordable housing, laborprotections,immigrationreform, women’srights, LGBTQ+ equality,and racial justice

Even afterlosing hisrunoffelection, Greenmadeclearthathisprioritiesremained unchanged.Hevowedtocontinuefightingfor women, immigrants, Palestinians, laborers, andminoritycommunitiesfortheremainder of histerm.

That consistencymay ultimately define hislegacy more than anyheadline-grabbing moment

HarrisCountyCommissionerRodneyEllis praisedGreen’s willingnesstostand firm on difficult issues.

“AlGreen hasconsistentlyfoughtfor his

Though theclock is windingdownonhis current term,Green hasmadeit clearthathis legislative priorities remain absolute.For hisremaining sevenmonths, he vows tokeepfightingforwomen’s healthcare access, immigration reform LGBTQ+ equality,and hisongoing legislative push to establisha federalSlavery Remembrance Day. Forthose whohave workedalongsidehim thepoliticalmapsmay shift, butthe man remainsimmovable “Publicservice doesn’tend because an election does,” said former HoustonCityCouncil member Carrol Robinson.“He’s not goinganywhere.”

VOICESONTHELEGACYOFCONGRESSMANALGREEN

Al Greenhas consistently fought forhis constituents,spokenwith strength andmoral clarity, and raisedimportant issues with unmatchedcourage.History will fondly remember hiscontributions to ourcommunityand ourcountry. Ideeplyappreciatehis service.”

RODNEY ELLIS

HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Proudisanunderstatement. Idon’t have thewordbig enough to describe howmuchheisappreciated by me andbymembers of the community. Becauseofthe things that he’s donefor notonlyjustthe African-American community, theLatinocommunity, theLGBTQ+ community, theMuslimcommunity, just theimmigrant population overall...Hehas wokenupfor 20-plus yearswithCongressand the people that he represents on hismind, andhas gone to bedwiththemon hismind. He hasdoneanoutstanding job.”

Black men

Confront growing loneliness epidemic

By Laura Onyeneho

James Pierre X remembers the moment his father apologized for crying

Thelessonwasimmediateandunspoken Men do not show emotion. Men endure

“A man doesn’t cry, ” his father told him. He was reinforcing a belief that shaped how he navigated manhood. X learned to build what he calls “dams,” blocking emotionalriversbeforetheysurfaced.Yearslater, hesaidherealizedthemaskhewaswearing had become too heavy. So he burned it

Hisstoryreflectswhathealthexpertsnow identify as a growing male loneliness epidemic,apatternofemotionalisolationand socialdisconnectionthatisquietlyaffecting men across the country.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a national advisory declaring loneliness and social isolation a public healthcrisis.Thereportfoundthatchronic lonelinessincreasestheriskofheartdisease, stroke, depression, and premature death. Researchers concluded the health impact can rival smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. But what exactly is the loneliness epidemic?

The male loneliness epidemic is a growing,seriouspublichealthcrisischaracterized by a sharp rise in men reporting a lack of close friendships, emotional support, and meaningful social connections.

shift into adulthood.

Licensed therapist Katherine Barner explains that loneliness is not simply being alone. It is the distress that comes from feeling unseen, emotionally unsupported, or disconnectedfrommeaningful relationships.

“Many of the Black men I work with are surrounded by people,” Barner said “They have families, jobs, and responsibilities. But internally, they feel like no one really knows them.”

Barner said social isolationreferstohaving few relationships or limited contact with others Loneliness, however,isemotional.Apersoncanbemarried,employed,andactiveinchurch,yetstill feel deeply disconnected

Cultural conditioning plays a significant

“Black boys are often socialized to suppress vulnerability very early,” Barner said “They are praised for being tough and correctedforbeingtender Overtime,thatsuppression becomes automatic.”

Kwesi Dreams is a Houston-based community leader who creates safe spaces for Black men and boys to explore identity, masculinity,andemotionalhealth Through poetry gatherings, discussion circles, and one-on-one mentorship, he works to dismantle what he calls inherited emotional silence

“We’retaughtwhatnottobebeforewe’re evertaughtwhattobe,”Dreamssaid “Tobe a man is separate from being human.”

He describes the phenomenon as emotional castration beginning in boyhood. Boyslearnquicklythatsoftnessispunished Isolation becomes framed as elevation, the lone provider, the stoic protector.

Heexperienceditfirsthandaftergraduatingfromcollegeandlosingthedailybrotherhood he had built on campus That was the first time he experienced the loneliness epidemic It felt like graduation, then real life, with no transition whatsoever

He described struggling to adjust to the distance from close friends and the abrupt

“We gotta be real with ourselves to say, I amhurting,Iaminpain,”hesaid “Ibelieve thatmybrotherscanhelpmetogetthrough this pain.”

According to the Centers for Disease ControlandPrevention,suicideratesamong Blackmaleshaverisensignificantlyoverthe past decade, with notable increases among Blackboysandyoungadults.Whileoverall suicide rates remain higher among white men, experts note that Black men are less likely to access mental health treatment.

Barner said stigma is one of the biggest barriers.

“Thereisstillaperceptionthattherapyis weakness,” she said “For Black men especially,admittingemotionalpaincanfeellike risking respect.”

She also points to structural stressors. Systemic racism, economic inequities, and over-policing create chronic stress When that stress is paired with emotional suppression,itcanmanifestasirritability,withdrawal, overworking, or substance misuse

Barnerencouragesmentostartwithsmall steps: naming emotions accurately, scheduling intentional check-ins with trusted friends, and seeking culturally competent counseling.

KeyCauses and Factors

Shrinking Social Circles: Men often rely on partners or work for social connection, leaving them vulnerable to isolation during life changes like retirement or divorce

Cultural Expectations:

Traditional ideas of masculinity often discourage vulnerability, making it difficult for men to express emotions or seek help

FewerFriendships: Men generally have fewer close friendships than women.

LackofProactive Socializing: Some argue that men sometimes focus too heavily on romantic validation rather than nurturing platonic, community-based friendships.

“Community can normalize vulnerability,” she said “Therapy can help unpack trauma beneath it.”

DJ Young Samm

Masters skills to elevate career in music industry

By Laura Onyeneho

LongbeforehebecameSlimThug’sofficialDJandproducer,DJYoungSammwas ateenagerwalkingthestreetsofsmallTexas towns like Cleveland and Monroe, selling tapesoutofhishandstoanyonewhowould listen

Today,theHoustonnativestandsasone of the most versatile talents in the Texas musicscene,aDJ,producer,engineer,artist, graphic designer, director, and founder of BreakDemBoyzOffEntertainment,whose fingerprints are on the careers of artists fromMeganTheeStalliontoKirkoBangz.

DJ Young Samm, a Houston-based DJ-producer and founder of Break Dem Boyz Off Entertainment, has spent over a decade building careers for artists and opening doors across the Texas music industry as the official DJ and producer for rap legend Slim Thug. Credit: JimmieAggison

“Istartedoffwantingtorap,”Sammsaid. “The DJ thing, it kind of just happened.”

Growing up in a Houston home full of records and record players, his love for musicwaswiredinearly.Byseventhgrade, around 2002, he was spinning at teen parties The real shift came around 2007 and 2008whenafriendnamedMoneyMaking BoomgavehimaregularslotataHouston club called Motions. That stage is where DJing stopped being a hobby and became a calling.

WhatseparatedSammfromthestartwas resourcefulness. Before industry-standard

mediaplayerslikeCDJsandSeratobecame the norm, he showed up to gigs hauling a desktopcomputer,amonitor,andaUSBDJ controller running MixVibes

“Iknewhowtoreadwaves.SoIcouldget asongandlineitupwiththenexttrackthat way, ” he said “You have to know four-bar count, eight-bar count, how long the verse is, how long the hook is, you have to know how a song is formatted.”

Hisriseranthroughachainofmentors.

Swisher House’s Master Archie Lee first spotted him freestyling at a park block party at age 14 DJ Chill took him to the

If you’re trying to make it as a DJ, know the music before you touch the equipment. Show up everywhere, and never wait for anyone to hand you an opportunity.”

DJ YOUNG SAMM

OzoneAwards,intoclubslikeCandyShop andClubConnection,andtheradioat90.1 Damage Control.

“When I got with Chill, I just started meeting everybody,” Samm said From there, Killa Kyleon helped build his video and production credits before introducing him to Rayface of Boss Hogg Outlawz,whichledtoacollaborationwith Slim Thug.

Even that door took patience. Samm spent nearly a year at Boss Hogg quietly producing mixtapes before the right moment came When Slim Thug needed a roadDJfortheLivefromtheUnderground Tour with Big K.R.I.T., Samm raised his hand Hejustjumpedoutthereandtriedit, and that tour sealed a bond that has never broken

Not every chapter came easily In late 2017, bookings dried up, and a career that once had him working five nights a week cametoasuddenstop Hehitadepression Samm called his father, packed his bags, and moved to Dallas in early 2018 With a home studio down the hall and longstretchesofquiet,herebuilt,dropping mixtapes monthly on Audio Mac, then making the trip to Houston every Friday to DJ Engine Room’s Guilt Fridays before drivingbacktoDallasonSunday Thegrind never stopped. It just changed zip codes. Those closest to him speak to what makesthatgrinddifferent Houstoncomedian Monty, known as Dat Damn Monty, hasworkedalongsideSammformorethan 14 years, first in a rap group and now with Samm as his manager. It was Samm who pushedMontytowardcomedy,createdhis brand, and has held him accountable at every level since.

“Genuine.He’sverytransparent,”Monty said.“Ifhe’sgoingtoputhisnameonsomething, it’s always for longevity.” He added that Samm refuses to let comfort become adestination.“Hedoesnotoperateinidlenessorstagnation It’salwaysanotherlevel to reach.”

Thatdrivetracesbacktoahumblebeginning in Samm’s career journey. Creating his own seat at the table was his plan for success. The city that shaped him is the same spirit now that powers his company, Break Dem Boyz Off Entertainment, and hismissiontomentorthenextgeneration “Ifyou’retryingtomakeitasaDJ,know the music before you touch the equipment,” Samm said “Show up everywhere, and never wait for anyone to hand you an opportunity.”

TEXAS SOUTHERNASSISTANTCOACH

SHYRONECHATMAN

Focused on basketball business, not TSU interim label

By Terrance Harris

Shyrone Chatman has been a masterful salesman since he entered the business of collegebasketballcoaching.

How else do you explain his ability to lure players from urban areas in Louisiana andTexastocomeplayoutinthemiddleof nowhere in the Northeast and in the cold when Chatman was an assistant coach at UMass?

“I’vealwayshadtosell I’vealwayshadto convince,” Chatman said “I just think each experiencehaspreparedmeforthenext.”

But no experience could have prepared Chatman for his biggest sales job yet, holding things down and restocking the Texas Southern men’s basketball program as the interimheadcoach.Hehasnearlycompleted the2026-25basketballschedule,addedfive recruits, and retained several players who were headed out the door when Johnny Jones abruptly resigned to take an assistant coachingjobatLSU.

Chatmanhasdoneallofthiswithoutthe assurancesofbeingtheTigers’interimcoach nextseasonoreventomorrow,forthatmatter.Infact,theschoolrecentlyannouncedit hashiredanationalsearchfirmtofindJones’ replacement.

“I think you’ve got to get up and keep punching the clock,” Chatman said “That’s all I know I’m a fighter I’ve been a fighter my whole life. I’ve overcome every hurdle andstumblingblockthathasbeenplacedin my way. I just think you get up, you punch theclock.”

His first order of business was convincingplayerslikeKehlinFarooq,JoshFarmer, Kolby Granger, and Cam Patterson to stick around Then Chatman had to figure out how to replace 73 points per game from players who ran out of eligibility after this pastseason

He jumped in the transfer portal and began replenishing by luring Jason Kimbrough,aJUCOAll-Americanguard,JUCO standout forward Sayed Sayed, Southern UtahguardJaylanWalton,andJacksonville State forward Bencao Vungo. Chatman anticipates bringing in a few more before thesummerisover

As an assistant coach at TSU for the last nine years, first under Mike Davis for a

season and then eight seasons under Jones, Chatman is entrenched in the culture and knowsthetypeofplayerstheprogramneeds towin.

“Everything is going as planned. It’s kind ofbusinessasusual,”Chatmansaid “Trying toknockouttheportal.First,wehadtokeep ourdealtogether,makingsurewhowewere goingtobebringingback Nowyouarejust addingthepiecestoit.”

But for a couple of weeks after Jones left onthedaythetransferportalopened,Chatmansatinhisofficewiththeinterimtitlebut unsureofwhatlatitudehehad.

The portal was open, and Chatman and theremainingstaffwerenaturallyanxiousto do what assistant coaches do in the spring: Recruit. He started asking questions, and he was eventually given the green light to proceed with doing the business of college basketballasifthejobwerehis.

“I waited for about two weeks. I kind of felt paralyzed with my hands tied behind mybackonwhatIcoulddo,”saidChatman. “Naturally,forme,thisisgrindtime I’mused to hitting the ground running and recruiting. Once I found out what I was allowed

I think you’ve got to get up an clock. That’s all I know I’m a fighter my whole life I’ve ov stumbling block that has be think you get up, you punch

SHYRONE CHATMAN

was given the okay to recruit, then I started buildingaroster.”

ArkansasbasketballcoachJohnCalipari, whocoachedChatmanatMemphisandlater hired him onto his staff, has been proud of how he has approached this opportunity at TSU.

“You coach these young people, and you want them to learn more than just playing basketball, making a basket, and trying to win a game Trying to take care of themselves, the big picture of how do I make a difference,howdoIimpactothers?Howdo I impact where I am?” Calipari said “One ofthethingsItellyoungcoachesistowork where your feet are. You make the job you have your next job. And that’s kind of how he approached it.”

Long Island head basketball coach Rod Strickland,whowasontheMemphiscoaching staff with Chatman and remains close, believes Chatman has paid his dues and learned from the right people and deserves realconsiderationforthepermanentjobat TSU.

“I know he wants it,” Strickland said “We’vehadplentyofconversationsbetween the two of us about getting opportunities. I just think it’s well deserved He can coach, he can recruit, and he knows how to deal with young people.”

Chatman isn’t shy about admitting he wants the job permanently.

“Iwouldbedoingmyselfamisjusticenot to,”hesaid “I’veputalmostadecadeintothis place.Ithinkeveryassistantcoach,ifyouare doingitthislong,hastohaveadreamofone day leading their own program. ”

BELLAIRE HS

Sports DN RODERICKBROWN

Focuses on baseball future, giving back

By Jimmie Aggison

For Bellaire High School junior Rodrick Brown,baseballhasneverbeenjustagame Fromthemomenthefirstpickedupabatat four years old, the diamond became both a proving ground and a classroom.

Nowathree-yearvarsityplayerfollowing in his older brother’s footsteps, Rodrick is focusedoncatchingtheattentionofcollege recruiters. But beyond the stats and scholarship dreams, his vision extends further, toward building something lasting for the next generation of players seeking both opportunity and guidance

“My earliest baseball memory is hitting aninside-the-parkhomerunatmytee-ball game,” said Rodrick.

As he grew older, the game began to demand more than mere enjoyment. By middle school, fun gave way to the reality of competition and the need to grow.

“I didn’t make my sixth-grade team at Pershing Middle School,” said Rodrick. “Thatsameyear,Igaveupthegame-winning grandslaminthedistrictchampionshipon mylittleleagueteam,andIstruggledhitting the ball, too.”

Thosemomentsforcedashiftinmindset.

“I shifted my perspective from ‘I’m just goingtohavefunwithmyfriends’to‘Iwant tobethebestplayeronthefieldeveryday,’” said Rodrick.

Rodrick’s journey has also been shaped bythepresenceofhisolderbrother,Ronald BrownJr.,whoseownpaththroughBellaire set an example, but never a comparison

“I remember playing my games at Bellaire and the University of Houston and Rodrick being locked in when I was up to bat,” said Ronald Jr “I feel like my experience at Bellaire set a standard for him, but I never wanted him to compare himself to me I always wanted him to have his own journey and write his own chapter.”

That balance, learning from someone close while forging his own identity, has defined Rodrick’s development.

“My freshman and sophomore years, I primarily played second and third base while practicing as the backup shortstop,” said Rodrick. “Starting at shortstop my junioryearwassomethingIhadbeenwaiting for since the day I stepped on campus.”

Early on, Rodrick admits he misunderstood what his team needed from him.

“As a freshman, I showed potential but wasn’t consistent, which led to self-doubt,” said Rodrick.

That doubt lingered into his sophomore

His brother had the opportunity to be draftedoutofhighschoolbutchosetoplay at the University of Houston instead.

“Though it gets tough at times, I remind myselfthattheopportunityIgetwillbethe opportunity I deserve,” said Rodrick. “If I playwellenoughtoberecruitedtoDivision I,thenI’veearnedit Ifnot,Ican’tcomplain.”

Whilemanyathletesfocussolelyonmaking a roster, Rodrick’s vision extends well beyond his own career His long-term goal istoestablishayouthbaseballorganization that emphasizes both development and mentorship

“I want to create an environment that doesn’t just produce advanced players, but molds them into young men, and more importantly, a family,” said Rodrick. “I’ve playedwiththesametravelballcoachsinceI wasaboutseven.But,havingdifferentteammatesovertheyearshelpedmebuildbonds and understand people on a deeper level.” That idea has already been a topic of conversation within his circle.

“Once Rodrick got to high school, wetalkedaboutstartingourowntravel ballorganizationtopourbackintothe youth,” said Ronald Jr “I coach now, andwatchingtheworkweputinshow upduringgames,there’snothinglikeit.”

Rodrick’s desire to give back is also rooted in experiences beyond the field

“Being in the Bellaire baseball program has given Rodrick opportunities to participateinvariouscommunityserviceactivities,” saidRodrick’sfather,RonaldSr “That’swhere hisdesiretogivebackreallycomesfrom.”

To those closest to him, that mindset reflects who Rodrick has always been

“The give-back mentality shows who he is off the field,” said Ronald Jr. “Baseball is oneofthehardestsports;youhaveseconds tomakedecisions.Rodrickcarriesthatinto everything: school, his craft, and how he handles failure and adjusts.”

That ability to process failure, stay disciplined, and lead has become central to Rodrick’s identity, not just as a player, but as a person

season Despiteearningnationalrecognition from Perfect Game, he often found himself overthinking during games.

Hechangedhisapproachthispastseason “I’velearnedtotrustmyself,”saidRodrick. “Consistencyisbetterlong-termthanflashes of greatness.”

That steady growth hasn’t just earned respect from teammates; it has also

positioned him to pursue opportunities at the next level.

“Over the summer, I plan to attend the HoustonChristianUniversityShowcaseand others while continuing to play travel ball withOffseasonBaseballClub,”saidRodrick. Evenasheworkstowardacollegebaseball career, Rodrick maintains a grounded perspectiveshapedbyhisbrother’sexperience

For Rodrick, the journey is about more thanwherebaseballcantakehim.It’sabout howfarhecantakeothersoncehegetsthere.

“Beyond baseball, success is waking up every day and doing what I love, regardless ofmoneyortime,”saidRodrick.“Whenmy playing career is over, I want to be someone people see as a leader, someone who advises others while holding them and myself accountable.”

SAFETYTIPS

Keep Houston kids safe in water

By Aswad Walker

AsthescorchingTexasheatarrives,families across the Greater Houston area naturallyflocktopools,lakes,andneighborhood aquaticcentersforreliefandrecreation.

However, summer’s favorite pastime carriesasilent,disproportionatedanger Nationalandregionaldatapaintasoberingpictureofwaterhazards,particularlyfor communities of color. According to CDC data, the national drowning death rate for Black individuals was 28% higher in 2021 than in 2019. The disparities are especially stark among youth: Black children aged 10–14 are 7.6 times more likely to drown inaswimmingpoolthantheirwhitepeers.

Tragically,a2018studyrevealedthat70% of African American children do not know howtoswim.

Thecrisishitsclosetohome Nearly30% ofallTexaschilddrowningsoccurinHarris County and its surrounding areas. Between 1999 and 2020, Black Texans experienced higher drowning death rates compared to white or Asian/Pacific Islander Texans Furthermore,drowningremainstheleading causeofdeathforchildrenages1–4,accountingfor80%ofTexaschilddrowningsinthat agegroupin2020

Faced with these statistics, local leaders, first responders, and aquatic organizations areunitingtochangethenarrative.

The myth of the loud drowning

A primary obstacle to water safety is the widespread misunderstanding of how drowningactuallyoccurs.Popcultureoften depicts a drowning person as shouting for help and violently thrashing, but real-life scenariosareterrifyinglyquiet.

“Ifachildgetsinthepoolandtheybreathe inevenasmallamountofwater,theylosethe ability to make noise, and they’re going to gounderthewatersilently,”explainsDudley Wait,chiefofEMSforFortBendCounty “If you’re in your living room listening to the kidsplayinthepoolandsaying,‘Oh,everything’s okay,’ it may not be. You won’t know untiloneofthekidscomestogetyouoryou look out and see a child on the bottom of thepool.”

Firstrespondersstressthatthesetragedies ripplefarbeyondthewater’sedge

“In Fort Bend County last year alone, we had eight fatalities,” says Fort Bend County SheriffEricFagan.“Thisisdevastatingtothe families, but not only to the families, to the first responders going to a call that should haveneverhappened.”

Theconsensusamongexpertsisabsolute: water tragedies are completely preventable throughactive,visualsupervisionandproper barriers.Becausechildrenoutofschooloften tryto“sneakandgetin,”adultsmustremain hyper-vigilant.

Actionable steps for water safety

To keep families safe around water this summer local water safety experts recom mend adhering to a strict set of protocols:

DESIGNATE WATER WATCHERS

“Make sure that when you’re around water, you have someone designated to watch the water,” said Candess Tucker of Johnnie Means Aquatics. She recommends rotating adults in 15- to 30-minute shifts so the supervisor remains entirely focused and refreshed.

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

Visual attention means putting away phones, books, and social media. “Put down your phone. Get rid of distractions, and 24/7, you’re watching that pool. Because a child can drown in a few seconds,” warned Fagan.

CHOOSE HIGH-VISIBILITY SWIMWEAR

Avoid loose, baggy garments. Families should opt for bright, high-visibility colors while avoiding blue swimwear that blends into the water or white swimwear that vanishes against the pool bottom.

IMPLEMENTTHE BUDDY SYSTEM

Always swim in pairs. “Make sure that there’s a partner that you stay with that’s accountable for you, and you’re accountable for them,” Tucker advised

STAY SOBER

Adults supervising or participating in water activities must strictly avoid alcohol or any other substances that impair judgment and reaction times.

Overcoming access barriers

While supervision is critical, long-term prevention relies heavily on water competency and physical access to safe swimming facilities However, Black Houstonians frequently face systemic barriers to acquiring theselife-savingskills.

“There’s national data that shows that Blackchildrenhaveahighpercentagewhere they don’t know how to swim, particularly if their parents don’t know how to swim,” notedHoustonCityCouncilmemberTiffany Thomas(DistrictF)

Thomas highlights that as Homeowners Associations (HOAs) close private neighborhood pools due to rising maintenance

costs,publicresourcesbecome even more vital. Unfortunately, historically underserved neighborhoods often see their facilities closed first or subjected to limited operationalhoursduringmunicipal budgetcrunches

“Regardlessofwhereyou’re atinthecity,wewanttomake sure that Houstonians and Black folks have access to training,”Thomasshared

To counter these gaps, the city,andThomas’sownDistrict F initiative—the annual Summer of Safety event—rely on partnerships with the Houston Parks Department and local initiatives like Houston Swim Waves to keep public assetsfullyactivated.

Houston City Councilmember

Tiffany Thomas (District F) is set to host the 4th Annual Summer of Safety, which features a huge water safety component Credit: AswadWalker/ Defender

Low-cost swim lessons and local programs

A variety of accessible, low-cost training programs are available across the Greater Houston area to ensure financial limitationsdonotpreventchildrenfromlearning toswim.

TheYMCAofGreaterHoustonoffersdiscounted swim lessons as part of its “Safety Around Water” outreach program. Availableacrossall20Houston-areaYMCAs,the programfocusesonfundamentallife-saving skills.

“Weteachthingsliketeachingkidsnotto jumpinaftersomebody,howtoflipyourself ontoyourback,andpropelyourselftoawall,” saysEricTiggeman,executivedirectorofthe FortBendFamilyYMCA.

AnothercriticallocalresourceisJohnnie Means Aquatics, a competitive swim team and learn-to-swim program operating out

of Texas Southern University (TSU).

The program honors the legacy of Coach Johnnie Means, the historic former head coach of the nationally-ranked TSU TigerSharks,wholaterfounded the Harris County Aquatics Program.

“When Harris County ended thecompetitiveside,that’showI startedJohnnieMeansAquatics,” said Tucker Families can find informationabouttheirlow-cost instructional programming at www.meansaquatics.com.

Community action: The Summer of Safety

Targeted community events are also scaling up to meet local demand InDistrictF,Thomasisspearheadingthe4thAnnualSwimSafetyeventaspart of a broader “Summer of Safety” initiative attheAliefNeighborhoodCenterandAlief AquaticCenter.

ScheduledforSaturday,June13,theevent features three distinct training sessions designed to prepare families right after city poolsopenfortheseason Recognizingthat safety is a multi-layered effort, the initiative integratesvitaladulteducation.

“Every year we’ve added a component of CPR training So, if you are watching your kids ifsomethinghappens,you’reprepared torespond,”statedThomas.

Ultimately, the collective goal of these regionaleffortsistoreshapeHouston’srelationshipwithsummerrecreation,replacing fearwithpreparedness

“The pool should be a fun place where parents should not have to worry, ” added Tiggeman “Iwouldlovetoseezerodrowningsthisyear.”