06.18.2026_Defender-e-FULL

Message from the Reporter To the POINT DN

By Aswad Walker

Green, Menefee can create gamechanging new playbook

Foryearsnow,Blackpeoplehavebeenhavinganimportantconversationabout“passing the torch” to younger generations. Whether in churches, civil rights organizations, political offices, family businesses, or community institutions, more and more people are acknowledging an uncomfortable truth: Too manyleadersholdontopositionsuntildeath or physical decline forces them out.

And by then, the next generation often receives the torch far too late

Both sides of the generational aisle have their stances. Older folk say younger people aren’t serious enough, and need to step up andtakeinitiative Thoseontheyoungerside, complainthatoldermembersofourcommunity are addicted to their titles and positions likedrugaddicts,andrefusetokickthehabit.

FartoomanyBlackinstitutionssufferfrom poor succession planning Younger leaders spend decades waiting on the sidelines, watching elders cling to titles and authority into their 80s and 90s, while the community losespreciousopportunitiestocultivateleadershipexperienceinpeopleduringtheirmost energetic and innovative years.

That reality must change

Butthere’sanothersideofthisconversation that rarely gets discussed.

Ifwearegoingtoaskelderstoreleasepositionsandauthorityearlier,thenwemustalso buildaculturewhereeldersarestillhonored, valued, protected, and seen as essential after they step aside

AndthatrequiresadeepspiritualandculturalshiftawayfromWesternideasofhuman worth.

The Western sickness around ‘value’

IntheWesternworldview,aperson’sworth is often tied almost entirely to productivity and profit generation.

Whatjobdoyouhave?Howmuchmoney do you make? What title do you hold? What can you produce?

Once a person retires, slows down physically, or is no longer economically “useful,” society subtly and sometimes openly begins treating them as disposable

Under that mindset, it becomes understandablewhysomanypeopleholdontoleadershippositionsuntildeath.Ifsocietyteaches you that your worth disappears the moment you stop producing, then stepping down can feel like stepping into irrelevance.

That’sasicknessthatBlackfolk,likeothers, haveabsorbedandinternalizedthroughgenerations of Western indoctrination

But African ways of knowing offer something far healthier and far more humane

To end poor succession planning, Black communities must adopt Africancentered values, honoring elders as “living libraries” for younger generations. Credit:U.S.CongressofficesofAlGreenandChristianMenefee

Reclaiming the ‘living libraries’

In traditional African societies, human worth is inherent and independent of a balancesheet.Agingdoesnotsignaladeclinein value;instead,itmarksanelevationinstatus

While elders may no longer possessthephysicalstamina tolaborinthefieldsorlecture for hours, they assume roles that are more sacred They becomethe“livinglibraries,” thespiritualanchors,andthe ultimate arbiters of peace

Consider the Akan proverb: “An elder is a person who has sat on a stool and listened to the elders before him.”

those coming behind them. To refuse that responsibility is viewed as a failure of duty not merely to oneself, but to the entire community

Thatunderstandingchangeseverything It means passing the torch is not individual surrender, but rather societal salvation It’s one of the highest callings an elder can achieve

This ancient perspective views aging not as a loss of utility, but as an accumulation of wisdom necessary for communitysurvival Inthisecosystem,theyouth respect the elders for their guidance, and the elders respect the youth for their energy and innovation. Because elders are secure in their elevated cultural status, they feel no needtohoardtitles.Theyknowtheirultimate accountabilityliesinhowwelltheypourinto the next generation

The elder assignment

InmanyAfricantraditions,elderhooditself is earned It’s not simply something granted because a person survived to old age.

An elder is expected to pour wisdom into

When our community mimics other communitiesanddevalueselders,we hamper our “living libraries” and their ability to fill one of their most sacred duties.Andyoungergenerationsarepayingtheprice

Texas opportunity, national implications

That’s why what recently happened in Houston carries such symbolic importance

We now have a real-time opportunity to witnessthisancientparadigminmodernAmerican politics.

Congressman Christian Menefee, 38, defeated Congressman Al Green, 78, in the race for Congressional District 18. The race was contentious, emotional, and politically charged.Republicanswhodelightindivision among Black leadership circles are likely celebrating the tension.

But Menefee and Green have a chance to

rewrite the script

Imaginethecosmicshiftthatwouldoccur acrossBlackWorldifthesetwobrotherschose to sit down, publicly or privately, for a series ofintentional“passthetorch”sessions.What if Green intentionally poured decades of political wisdom into Menefee while Menefee simultaneously honored Green’s years of sacrificeandservice,readytobuilduponthat foundation?WhatifBlackAmericawitnessed not generational warfare, but generational partnership? That would be revolutionary

They can show that succession is not so muchanendtosomethingasitisanentryinto newwaysofservingthecommunityforboth parties involved. It would model something desperatelyneededthroughoutBlackcommunitiesnationwide:eldersandyoungerleaders respectingeachother’srolesratherthancompeting for space

Blueprint for generational shift

But this transformation cannot rest solely on their shoulders alone. All of us have work to do If Black communities truly want healthier leadership transitions, then we must intentionally rebuild African-centered ways of understanding value, aging, responsibility, and community

Here are some things to do:

•Re-establish mentorship as sacred work: Elders must intentionally train successors long before retirement or death becomes imminent.

•Publicly honor elders beyond titles: Communitiesmustcelebrateeldersforwisdom, guidance, and teaching not merely for positions held.

•Create structured intergenerational dialogue: Churches, organizations, and families should host regular conversations between elders and younger members focused on wisdom-sharing and collaborative problem-solving

•Reject productivity-only definitions ofworth: We must stop treating people as products,valuableonlywhentheygenerate money, labor, or status

• Normalizeleadershiptransitions:Passingleadershipshouldbeviewedasarevered rites of passage, honoring all involved

•RelearnAfrican-centered values: We don’t need to invent entirely new systems of communal care and generational balance Those ancient African ways of knowing already exist inside of us, waiting to be tapped into MenefeeandGreenhaveanopportunityto lightafire.Butkeepingthatflameburningwill requireallofustoembracetheancestralwisdomwhichteachesthatacommunitythrives when every generation understands its role and honors the roles of others

CHRISHOLLINSANNOUNCES

News DN Investigation of Mayor Whitmire advisor

ByTannistha Sinha

Houston City Controller Chris Hollins has announced a formal investigation into the employment of Chris Brown, Mayor John Whitmire’s senior adviser for financial integrity.

Hollins’ announcement comes shortly after a Houston Chronicle investigation found that Brown has rarely set foot in City Hall while drawing a six-figure taxpayer-funded salary

“Taxpayers deserve to know what role, if any, Mr Brown played in advising the administration through these challenges, what recommendations he provided, and whethertheservicesthattheypaidforwith their tax dollars were actually deliberate,” Hollis said “The mayor has repeatedly said that his administration is committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. I agree with that objective wholeheartedly, but accountability cannot be selective.”

Whitmire defended Brown’s record, pointing to more than 20 years of service to Houston, including eight years as controller, during which Brown “ran a serious, competent Controller’s Office” and helped identify the city’s structural budget problem.

“This is exactly the experience I want on my team as we navigate complex city finances, reduce costs, and lay the foundationforlong-termfiscalstability,”Whitmire said in the statement. “Controller Brown wasapartofhelpingpasstheFY27budget with a 15-1 vote and continues to provide valuable public service I don’t have time for politics.”

The report on Brown Brown,whoservedasHouston’selected controller from 2016 to 2023, now holds the title of senior adviserforfinancial

integrity,apositionWhitmireallegedlycreated specifically for him after Brown left office due to term limits

According to the report’s review of badge-swipe records, emails, and payroll dataobtainedundertheTexasPublicInformation Act, Brown has entered city facilities 13 times since January 2024, a span covering nearly 600 workdays

This includes eight times in 2024, three times in 2025, and twice in 2026. The newspaper also found that, as of early April, Brown had sent only about a dozen outgoing emails this year, none involving senior mayoral staff or appearing to relate tofiscalpolicy.Themayor’sofficealsotold theChroniclethatBrowndoesnothavean office at City Hall

What the controller plans to do

At a news conference, Hollins said the findings “present questions that cannot

Houston Controller Chris Hollins opened a formal investigation into Mayor John Whitmire’s senior adviser for financial integrity, Chris Brown. Credit:TannisthaSinha/ Defender.

Former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner faces 20 years in prison for arson

Defender News Service

FormerTurkeyLegHutco-ownerLyndell “Lynn” Price faces up to 20 years in federal prisonwhenheissentencedthisSeptember, following his guilty plea for orchestrating a retaliatory2020arsonplotagainstaformer business partner.

Price,42,admittedtofederalprosecutors that he hired multiple men to burn down Bar 5015, a popular Almeda Road nightlife venue.ThesentencingisscheduledforSept 25, marking a definitive turning point in a legal saga that mirrored the collapse of his iconic Houston restaurant empire

The retaliatory plot and explosion

According to court documents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the June 12, 2020, firewassparkedafterBar5015ownerSteve Rogers, a former business partner of Price, refused to sell his financial interest in the Turkey Leg Hut.

• TheExecution:PricepaidArmaniWilliamsandMiziahShepherd,both27,to dousethebar’sentrancerampanddeck in gasoline before igniting it.

•The Aftermath: The fire triggered a massive early-morning explosion that shook nearby homes, scattered debris across the neighborhood, and endangered local utility infrastructure.

• AdditionalCharges: Price also admitted to directing a separate incident involv the arson of a stolen 1975 Chevrolet Nova, assi by another co-conspira John Lee Price. Williams,Shepherd,and haveallpreviouslypleaded roles in the crimes and aw alongside Lyndell Price In addition to

potential prison time, Price faces a fine of up to $250,000.

The fall of a Houston empire Atitspeak,theTurkeyLegHutinHouston’sThirdWardwasanationalculturalphenomenon, drawing celebrities and tourists alike as a premier example of successful Black-ownedentrepreneurship However, the business quickly unraveled under a mountain of legal and financial troubles:

•Jan. 2023: The restaurant was sued for $1.3 millionbynationaldistributor US Foods over unpaid fees.

Following a lease terminarkey Leg Hut officially filed ruptcy and closed its doors pe anently.

simply be ignored,” while emphasizing that they do not by themselves prove wrongdoing

He framed the inquiry around whether the work taxpayers paid for was actually performed. Hollins said his office wants to know what advice Brown gave, what responsibilities he was assigned, what deliverables he produced, who supervised that work, and how his performance was evaluated over roughly 2.5 years.

Hollins argued those questions carry added weight given Brown’s background As controller, Brown built much of his public reputation warning against deficit spending and pushing for what he called a structurally balanced budget, one where revenue keeps pace with rising costs.

Yetduringhistimeasamayoraladviser, Hollins noted, Houston has recorded its two largest deficits in city history and is now imposing new fees on residents, including a $5 monthly charge for trash collection that was included in the budget City Council passed earlier in June The controller also called on Whitmire to immediately suspend Brown pending the outcome of the investigation

News DN

Houston City Council passes $7.5B budget

ByTannisthaSinha

TheHoustonCityCouncilvoted 15-1toapprovea$7.5billionbudgetforfiscalyear2027,aspending planthatcreatesanew$5monthly trash fee and restructures how the city funds solid waste operations.

It also includes a series of council-driven amendments totaling millionsinredirectedspending

“Houston is a strong city It got stronger today,” said Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference.

“ItlaysthefoundationforHouston to be on a sound financial footing going forward. It certainly is not the final solution, but it certainly addresses our basic services, our finances, and our public safety. Youdon’traisepropertytaxeswhen peopleareconcernedaboutaffordability. That’s been repeated as we travel across Houston, presenting thisbudget.”

Council Member Edward Pollard cast the lone dissenting vote, citing years of overspending and noevidencethatthepatternwould change, while Council Member TiffanyThomaswasabsent

“Over the last two fiscal years, our city has faced the largest budget deficits in the city’s history,” Pollard said “When we asked the mayor after the first budget on how we were going to correct

the overspending problem, his response was, ‘Trust me.’...What’s the point of going through this entire process if we overspend by so much? Are we getting better streets, more affordable housing, less homelessness, better trash collection,strongerinfrastructure?

Theanswerisno.”

The Houston People’s Budget coalition,whichhasbeenopposing thetrashfee,walkedoutinprotest whenthebudgetpassed

Revenuebreakdown

The General Fund totals $3.2 billionandisanchoredbytwonew revenuestrategiesprojectedtogenerateroughly$220millioninrelief andreducetheprojecteddeficit

Thefirstisthe$5monthlysolid wasteadministrativefeeperhousehold,lockedatthatrateforFY2027 and FY2028, with a cap of $25, requiringcouncilapprovalforany futureincrease Thefeewillappear on August water bills. The second transfers a right-of-way rental fee fromtheCombinedUtilitySystem totheGeneralFund,cappedat5% of gross CUS revenues. It funnels $104millionintothegeneralfund

Opinionsonthebudget

City Controller Chris Hollins, who had toured neighborhoods

opposing the budget, certified it, butclarifiedthatitwasnota“stamp of approval” but a mathematical calculationthatmeanstheCitycan payitsbillsforthenext12months

“This budget deserves an ‘F’ for transparency and accountability,” Hollins said after the budget passed “It’s disappointing that Council approved a budget that repeats deficit spending, pushes theCityclosertominimumreserve thresholds, and shifts more costs ontoworkingfamilies.”

Whitmire pushed back, saying the budget represented hardwon cooperation among council members.

“They knew that no budget is perfect,” he said “It’s easy to vote noonabudget.Youcanalwaysfind something you don’t like,” he said, notingthecityhadreducedthesize ofgovernmentby2%thisyearand addressed excesses to balance the budget.

Several council members describedtheiryesvotesasdifficult butnecessary.

Council Member Amy Peck, whose amendment locked the trash fee at $5, said the safeguards builtintotheordinancewerewhat broughtheraround

Council Member Dr Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said the

communities she represents need urgentattention.

“District D has waited too long for basic services, fair investment, and real delivery,” she said “This budget is not perfect, but perfect cannotbecometheenemyofprogress. For too long, communities like Sunnyside, South Park, South Union, Third Ward…and other neighborhoods across District D havebeenaskedtobepatientwhile problemsaroundthemgotworse.”

Councilmembersalsoreshaped significant portions of the budget throughamendments.

CouncilMemberAlejandraSalinas won unanimous approval to redirect $3 million from Houston Public Works management consultingtoillegaldumpingenforcement, including CCTV cameras at chronic dump sites, additional solidwasteworkers,andexpanded legaldisposalhours.

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 Harris

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Video Editor

Bryan Erdy

Education DN

HISD unveils $2B budget

Arrives amid enrollment, revenue

By Tannistha Sinha

TheHoustonIndependentSchoolDistrict unveiledanearly$2billionbudgetforfiscal year2026-27,projectinga$55milliondrop in revenue, $46.7 million in spending cuts, and a loss of an estimated 4,000 students.

This is HISD’s challenging budget outlook,allwhilepledgingtopushmoredollars than ever directly into classrooms.

Superintendent perspective

Superintendent Mike Miles opened the budget presentation by emphasizing that “every dollar” in the budget is intended to move the school district toward Miles’ “2035 vision”

“We’re operating in a constrained environment,yes,withdecliningenrollmentand revenuepressures,butwearemakingdeliberatechoicestoprotectclassrooms,investin our teachers and principals, and maintain long-term financial stability,” Miles said

In 2023, 57% of the budget went to instructionandinstructionalleadership.In the coming year, that figure reaches 72%.

Teacher salaries reflect the same trend, Miles added. Average pay has risen from about$65,000in2023toaprojected$83,000 nextyear,anincreaseofroughly$15,000in three years.

Revenue breakdown

HISD’sgeneralfundbudgetsitsatapproximately$2billion,drawnfromthreesources, includinglocalfunding(primarilyproperty taxes, a portion of which might be recaptured by the state: 74%), state funding tied tostudentenrollmentandattendance(14%), andfederalgrantssuchasTitleIandIDEA for special education (12%).

The school district is projecting an overall revenue decline of about $55 million for FY27.

Oneofthelargesthitsisthelossofdisasterrelieftaxpennies,roughly$50millionin

one-time revenue that will not be renewed.

A projected enrollment drop of 4,000 students is expected to cost another $50 million.

Partiallyoffsettingtheselossesarea$27.5 million Teacher Incentive Allotment and $25 million in anticipated property sales.

Federal funding adds another layer of uncertainty

Miles noted that the district has been shorted more than $21 million in Title I funds mid-year, an aspect HISD had not budgeted for at the beginning of the school year.

Cutting and investing

Ontheexpenditureside,thedistrictplans to cut approximately $98 million while increasingspendingbyabout$51millionin priority areas, resulting in a net decrease of roughly$46.75millionintotalexpenditures.

Centralofficecutsaccountfor$35million ofthosereductions Twelveschoolconsolidations save another $15 million.

Other cuts include $19 million in 1882 Partnership Schools, $29 million in NES (NewEducationSystem)decreases,$3million in overtime and extra payments, $10 millioninvacancies,and$6millioninonetime expenditures.

At the same time, the budget proposes new spending on the Future 2 Schools program ($4.5 million), Special Education improvements($7million),earlychildhood education($4.25million),healthinsurance ($4million),anda$6millionraiseforminimum-wage central office employees.

A budget with grievances

ElectedtrusteeMariaBenzonchallenged how district dollars are being allocated.

“Every dollar in this district belongs to thechildrenofHouston,nottoconsultants, not to signed contracts…to our kids,” she said, referencing a Texas Observer article that revealed that Miles has been moonlighting as a paid consultant earning $190,000forThirdFutureSchools,theColorado-based charter network he founded. “Oursuperintendentcannotservetwomasters Houston’s children should not be the ones who pay the price.”

decline

Our superintendent cannot serve two masters. Houston’s children should not be the ones who pay the price.”

Trustee Michael McDonough, who said hehasbuiltdistrictbudgetsfortwodecades, raisedaconcernaboutthe4%caponschool budget increases.

“School budgets in HISD are a product of the number of students, their identifyingcharacteristics,theassociatedweights,a unitallocation,andthecampusattendance rate,”McDonoughsaid “Yetthisyear,campuses are subject to a 4% cap on budget increases over the prior year.”

InFocus DN Black Dads

Challenge myths with powerful presence

By Aswad Walker

Every June the jokes start flying right on schedule Mother’sDaygetsmonthsofplanning, overflowing brunch reservations flower deliveries and social media tributeslongenoughtoqualifyas memoirs.

Father’s Day? Brothers are lucky if somebody remembers to grab a card from the gas station before the cookout starts Dads laugh about it all the time “There’sonlyahandful of Father’s Day sales, if that.” Or the classic observation thatnobodyhaseverheardof “CFE Christians”—the folks who only come to church on Christmas,Father’sDay,and Easter.Eventhegreeting-card aisle seems to whisper, “We did our best.”

The answer, according to many Black fathersandcommunityleaders,isbothsimple and layered. Father’s Day is real But the fuller story is whether Black fathers are truly seen, valued, and celebrated the other 364 days of the year

Dr Johné Battle cultural and creative architect, believes Father’s Day provides an opportunity to push back against those falsehoods

“Lookingback it’sclearIwasn’tcreativein my gift giving,” Galvin joked. “Despite this, though he always received what I gave him with grace. ”

Dr. Charles Turner senior pastor of New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, considers himself grateful to be a dad Credit: AswadWalker/Defender

Holiday-ish The roots of Father’s Day go back more than a century. According to Dr Charles Turner senior pastor of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church the first observance dates back to1909 inspiredbyadaughterwhowantedtohonorher father, a Civil War veteran whoraisedhischildren But Father’sDaydidnotbecome an official national holiday until the early 1970s.

“Blackfathersarepresent,”Battlesaid, about a reality that rarely becomes the headline “Black fathers are praying, working, showing up at games, sitting in graduations, correcting homework, giving hard wisdom loving through exhaustion, and often carrying emotional weight without applause.”

The power of ordinary fatherhood

That grace, many fathers say, becomes one of the hidden languages of parenting itself

Still, beneath the humor sits a serious question: Is Father’s Day actually a real holiday in the Black community, or is it more like a calendar suggestion people vaguely acknowledge between NBA Finals games and backyard barbecue smoke?

We should celebrate Black fathers by honoring their presence, protecting their humanity, and creating spaces where they can be appreciated without always having to prove their worth.”

DR. JOHNÉ BATTLE

“So,regardlessofwhetherwebelieve it’s a myth or whatever the case may be, it is something,” Turner said That “something” matters more than many people realize.

Dr EarleFisher,seniorpastorofAbyssinianBaptistChurch viewsFather’sDay as a ritual of reflection and remembrance.

Dr Johné Battle says his most memorable Father’s Day moments came when he could see that his presence mattered.

Credit:

Inclusion

GeniusLLC.

“Father’s Day is like every other holiday or holy-day,” Fisher said “It is as ‘real’ as we collectively decide it is.”

That perspective feels especially important in a society where Black fatherhood is too often discussed through stereotypesinsteadoftruth.

Research consistently shows Black fathers are deeply engaged in their children’s lives—often more involved in daily caregiving activities than fathers of other racial groups

Yet the old “missing Black father” narrative still hangs around like a nagging hoop injury

One reason Father’s Day can feel understated is that fatherhood itself is often built through quiet consistency rather than flashy moments.a

For Fisher Father’s Day memoriesarelessaboutelaboratecelebrations and more about meaningful acknowledgment His relationship withhisownfatherwascomplicated andmarkedbyyearsofestrangement Ye today,affirmingmessagesfrom family and intentional gestures from loved ones carry deep significance.

Dr Earle Fisher Courtesy Dr EarleFisher.

Seyoum Dorsey, host of @MusizmanRadio, views the holidays as “a time to pay respect to my father, Taibika Fudail and al fathers who have paved the way for us.”

Brandon Cofield, head of the Harris CountyOfficeofPublicProbateAdministration, remembers his very first Father’s Day vividly. His oldest child had been born only weeks earlier.

“It really kind of cemented that, hey, I’m a part of the Dad’s Club now, ” Cofield said “Having three generations of Cofield men al in one place was something I’ll never forget.”

His newborn son wore a shirt reading, “Just chillin’ with my pops,” which honestly sounds like the kind of outfit capable of making even the toughest brother “get something in his eyes. ”

Other memories are more reflective.

Entrepreneur Ronald Galvin remembers searching for gifts for his father while growing up Like many children, he usually defaultedtoties,wallets,cologne, and, at least once “soap on a rope.”

“Over time, I’ve come to appreciatetheordinarygestures of acknowledgment as sacred,” Fisher said Battleechoedthatsentiment.

“The most meaningful experiences have come when I could see that my presence mattered,” he said. “Fatherhood is not a performance. It’s a covenant.”

That idea resonates deeply in Black communities where fathers often carry responsibilities that extend beyond their own households Many Black men serve as mentors, coaches, pastors, protectors teachers uncles,andneighborhoodrolemodels They showupforchildrenwhomaynotevenshare their last name Andoften theydoitwithoutmuchpublic recognition.

Entrepreneur

Ronald Galvin appreciates how his father received Galvin’s youthful Father’s Day gifts

CourtesyRonald Galvin.

More than barbecue and neckties

Of course, nobody is saying Black fathers would reject a good cookout plate or a fresh pair of sneakers on Father’sDay.Let’snotget carried away

ButTurner likemany fathers, believes the celebration should go deeper, and include three elements: acknowledgment, accountability, and affirmation.

“There’s already a lot of negative stereotypes,” he said

“Affirmation goes a long way. We have enough bashing in our world.”

Cofield agrees adding that families shouldthinkmoreintentionallyaboutwhat fathers actually enjoy.

“Maybe they just want to sit outside, smokeacigar,orgofishing,”sharedCofield

In other words, maybe Father’s Day should involve fewer emergency trips to crowded chain restaurants and more opportunities for brothers to breathe for a second

Battle believes the best way to celebrate Blackfathersin2026isto“tellingthewhole truth” about them beyond stereotypes and punchlines

“We should celebrate Black fathers by honoring their presence protecting their humanity and creating spaces where they can be appreciated withou always having to prove their worth,” Battle stated Fisheraddedthatmeaningfulcelebration also involves creating conditions where Black fathers can thrive—living wages, healthcare access educational opportunities, and mental health support.

Such a Father’s Day vision transforms it from acommercialholidaytoa cultural commitment

As Battle put it, “We are oftentimes standing on the shoulders of giants that the greater society either never sees or chooses not to acknowledge.”

Black fathersin Houstonare challenging narratives of absence in child development andfamily stability.

Credit: CoolXDad.

Dismiss absentee myth BLACKFATHERS

By LauraOnyeneho

Popularculture,political rhetoric, and selectivestatisticshavereinforcedtheidea that Blackmen aredisengagedfromtheir children’s lives.

Across Houston, Blackfathers are activelychallengingthatnarrativethrough consistentpresence,emotionalavailability, andcommunity leadership,shaping not only their families butthe next generation of Blackyouth

Accordingtodatafromthe Centersfor DiseaseControl andPrevention(CDC), Blackfathers wholivewiththeir children aremorelikelythanfathers of otherracial groups to engage in dailycaregivingtasks, includingbathing, dressing, andhelping children usethe restroom

Roughly70% of Blackfathers report doingsodaily,comparedto60% of white fathersand45%ofHispanicfathers.While Blackfathersarestatisticallylesslikelytobe marriedtotheirchildren’smothers,atrend tied to longstandingstructuralinequities, research consistently showstheyremain deeply involved regardlessofhousehold structure.

DominiqueCalhoun,foundingmember at thelaw firmCalhoun Meredith PLLC andthe father of athree-year-oldson, said theideathatBlack fathersare absent ignoreslived reality.

He says theissue is notwhether Black menvaluefatherhood,butwhethersociety is willingtorecognize theircontributions

“Thebiggest myth aboutBlack fatherhood is absenteeism,”Calhoun said “Thereare plenty of us whogrewupwith ourfathers,and thereare plenty of us who didn’tandmadeaconsciousdecisiontobe presentbecause of that.”

Calhoun’sownunderstandingoffatherhood wasshapedbyhis relationship with

Thebiggest myth aboutBlack fatherhood is absenteeism. Thereare plenty of us who grew up with ourfathers,and thereare plenty of us who didn’t andmadeaconscious decision to be present becauseofthat.

DOMINIQUE

CALHOUN

father of a three-yearoldson

hisfather, an electricianand construction business ownerwho taught him thevalue of labor, responsibility,and service from ayoung age. Thoughhis parentsdivorced when he was11, Calhounspent summers workingalongsidehisfather,learningboth trade skills andlifelessons

“Hetaughtmewhatitreallytakes to supportafamilyand show up foryour community,”Calhoun said.“Alot of what motivatedmetobecomealawyercame from watchinghim work andlead.”

Today,Calhoundescribesfatherhoodas adailyexerciseinintentionalpresence.As aworking professional, he says thechallenge is nottime, butprioritization.

“There’samomenteverydaywhereyou havetoturnofftheworldandturnon[to] your child,”hesaid. “Whenyourkid asks youtoplay,thosefiveminutesmattermore than anything else youthinkisurgent.”

Profile DN Corey Wilson

Leads Emanicipation Park Conservancy

ByAswad Walker

Corey Wilson, the newly announced president and CEO of the Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC), is already getting to work With priorities including maximizing fundraising, strengthening the volunteer program, and expanding programming, Wilson aims to position the organization for broader recognition and impact.

Wilson joins EPC following a 13-year tenurewiththeRecreationandParkCommissionfortheParishofEastBatonRouge (BREC) As superintendent, he managed a $115 million budget and over 175 parks. Under his leadership, BREC received the 2022 National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal award for “Best Park System in the Country.”

Now, the Morehouse College and Harvard Law School alumnus brings that expertisetoHouston’shistoricThirdWard Wilson will guide EPC’s work across its core pillars: education, economic empowerment, health and wellness, and arts and culture.

Drawn byhistoryand purpose

For Wilson, a New Orleans native, the opportunity stood apart from others in the field.

“It’s a very unique position There aren’t that many seats like this in the country in terms of the history of the park,” Wilson said “To work for a nonprofit with goals aligned with mine supporting community while preserving history and culture was very attractive.”

EPCBoardChairRamonManningnoted thatWilson’sleadershiparrivesatapivotal moment as the organization advances an $18.5millionenhancementproject.“Corey bringsbothadeepappreciationofEmancipation Park’s history and a clear vision for its future,” Manning said

I fell in love with parks and recreation. Realizing the impact parks had on me makes it a passion of mine to make sure everybody has those same opportunities.” COREY WILSON

From courtrooms to community spaces

Wilson’s path to park leadership was unconventional Originally pursuing a career in law, he transitioned after taking a job as an attorney for a large park system 15 years ago.

“I fell in love with parks and recreation,” Wilsonsaid,reflectingonhowparksshaped hisownyouth.“Realizingtheimpactparks had on me makes it a passion of mine to make sure everybody has those same opportunities.”

Renovations unveiling

OneofWilson’smostvisibleprojectswill culminateonJuneteenth2026,whenmajor upgrades will be unveiled

• Permanent Performance Stage: Astate-of-the-artstagewithprofessional sound and lighting to host concerts and festivals.

• Cultural CenterExpansion: The updated center will feature memorabilia and digital stories detailing the historyoftheThirdWard,Houston,and the nation

• Educational Programming: Expandedopportunitiesforbothchildren and adults.

“Our whole purpose is to get as many people to the park as possible,” Wilson said

Benefits beyond the park

WilsonbelievesthatastrongEPCcreatesa rippleeffectthroughoutthecity Bysecuring privatesupportforthepark,theorganization reduces the burden on municipal funds.

“The better we can become as an agency, the better we can support the park,” Wilsonsaid “ByhelpingEmancipationPark, we’rehelpingalltheparksandallthetaxpayers in Houston. I’m very excited to be here and looking forward to the work ahead.”

Sports DN

DominiqueDawes

Launches Academy inspired by personal pain

By Terrance Harris

Before we got to know the grace and accomplishments of world-class gymnast Dominique Dawes, there was the pain she suffered at the hands of trusted trainers who often crossed the line.

Dawes, 49, remembers that trauma all too well It has been one of the driving forces in the mother of four’s decision to develop Dominique Dawes Academies across the country.

“My whole career was full of abuse,” Dawes said to the Defender while sitting in her Jersey Village facility the day before itsgrandopening.“That’swhywearedoing what we are doing. I don’t want my kids to go through what I went through, and I don’t want the thousands of kids out there and the parents out there for their kids to go through what I went through.”

Twenty years after her last Olympic appearance, the Olympic gold medalist opened the first of her academies in her home state of Maryland in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic. Her goal was to create a safe space for kids as young as 12 months through high school to discover and explore the sport of gymnastics.

Nopressure Noexpectations.Anddefinitely no abuse.

“I want every boy or girl who walks throughourdoortorecognizehowimportanttheyare,”saidDawes,whohasplansto openHouston-arealocationsinSpringand Katy “Thatreallystartswithusbuildingan amazing team of people Each and every

one of our coaches is passionate about working with kids

“It’snotaboutdevelopingthenextDominique Dawes or Simone Biles. It’s about plantingseedsofinspirationandempowerment in every kid who walks through our doors.”

I love the fact that now it’s such a diverse sport that every young kid of color will look at the sport of gymnastics and see this as an opportunity for them, not just to go to the Olympic Games but to have fun, to develop important fundamentals that will maybe help them in other sports That’s what I love about gymnastics.”

DOMINIQUE DAWES

The Dominique Dawes Academy, which nowhassevenlocationsaroundthecountry afterlastmonth’sopeningontheedgeofJersey Village, provides a fun environment for familiestobeexposedtogymnasticsandto decideifthesportisrightforthem.

Dawes’husband,JeffThompson,planted the seeds for the academies. He suggested for her to “be a part of the positive, forward-thinkingwayofthesportofgymnastics andpayitforward.”

From that conversation came the idea to createthefirstDominiqueDawesAcademy with the goal that the three-time Olympian and first Black woman to win gold in gymnastics would eventually open up facilities acrossthecountry.

She enlisted Adam Zeitsiff to help bring hervisiontolife.

“She has been fantastic to work with because of her beliefs that kids should be happy,theyshouldbehealthy,”saidZeitsiff,

who is the CEO of the Dominique Dawes Academies. “We would love to say that a kidisgoingtobecomeanOlympicgymnast, butthat’sprobablynotgoingtohappenhere That’snotwhywearehere

“She and I believe firmly that we want to develophealthyandhappykids,andthereis not enough places you can do that without thepressure.”

Daweswantshergymstobewelcomingto all,verydiverseandinclusive,andtoreflect the sport as it is today, with African American stars such as Gabby Douglas, Jordan Chiles, and Biles leading the pack It wasn’t quite that way when she was coming up in thesportinthe1980sand1990s.

Dawes remembers not always feeling embraced in the sport she first fell in love withatsix.

“Ifeltembracedbythefans,”Dawessaidin anexclusiveconversationwiththeDefender “TheaudiencewaselatedtoseeDominique Dawes perform, I think, because I was unique, I was dynamic, I was something differentonthescene.”

Still, she does feel conflicted by the sport that, in recent years, has generated more conversation about the abusive culture perpetrated by some of the coaches, trainers,

andmedicalstaffthanaboutthetremendous growthofgymnastics.

Daweshasgonetogreatlengthstoensure thatcultureneverreachesheracademies.

“Itmightbeforsome,butformostit’snot therightwaytogodown,”Dawessaidofthe culturethatnowexistsingymnastics.“Atour facilities,we’rekind,we’reencouraging,we’re compassionate.Wearegoingtogetthemost outofyourkid;wewantthemtoworkhard, but we don’t want them to lose themselves. Wereallydon’twantthemtolosetheirchildhoodintheprocess.”

It’s also important to her that her own children don’t get lost in the process and havethefreedomtoexploregymnasticsand othersports.DawesandJeffhavea14-yearold daughter, a 10-year-old daughter, and 8-year-oldtwins

“Theytookclassesallthetime Theyloved it,”Dawessaidofherchildren “ButIwanted themtobreakfreefrombeinginmyshadow. I wanted them to explore and play different sports.Sotheyplaysoccer,theyarebaseball players, they love golf or they are getting intogolf I’mnotgoingtosaytheyloveityet. “So they are really having a fun time exploring and experiencing different sports thangymnastics.”

Cayla Warn MovesfromShadowCre to the University of Hous

By Jimmie Aggison

Forfouryears,CaylaWarnerhasliftedher team,inspiredbelief,and consistently filled thestatsheetatShadowCreekHighSchool.

Asherhighschoolcareercametoaclose, herstory wasdefined by farmorethan numbers.

Hernextstepcarries even greatersignificance.Warnerisheadedtothe University of Houston, whereshe planstocompete at thecollegiatelevel whilepursuingher goal of becomingadermatologist.Thatpath demandsthesamedisciplineandconsistency thatdefinedherhighschoolcareer.

“Playing at thecollegiate levelhas always beenagoalforme,”saidWarner.“Eversince IstartedwatchingPaigeParkerattheUniversity of Oklahoma during theWomen’s CollegeWorld Series on TV,I believedthatifI workedhardandstayeddisciplined,Icould reachthatlevelaswell.”

ThatbeliefonlygrewstrongerasWarner continuedtodevelop into oneofthe most consistentanddisciplinedplayersintheprogram,earninghercoaches’trustthroughher workethicandsteadyimprovement

“IknewshehadtheabilitytoplayDivision Isoftballasearlyasherfreshmanyear,”said ShadowCreek head softball coach Chelsea Guenther.“Eventhen,sheshowedalevelof determination, coachability,and commitmenttogrowththatyoudon’toftensee.She wasn’tjusttryingtokeepup;shewasactively absorbingeverythingaroundher.”

Warner’s mindset andmaturitywere immediatelyapparent

“Mostfreshmenarestillfiguringoutwho they areasathletes, butshe carriedherself withpurposeandfocus,makingitclearshe

Thefirstthing that stoodout to me at theUniversityof Houstonwas the culture. Ifeltitthe moment Istepped onto campus.”

CAYLAWARNER

wasona different trajectory.You couldsee it in theway shetrained,competed, and respondedtochallenges,”saidGuenther “Fromthatpoint on,itwasn’tamatterof whethershe couldplayataplace like the UniversityofHouston;itwassimplyamatter ofwhentherightprogramrecognizedwhat shebroughttothetable.”

Thatopportunitydidn’tcomebyaccident It wasbuilt throughyears of work beyond game days,groundedindevelopment,discipline,andconsistency

“Myroutine consistedofearly morning workouts, followed by eveningsessions focusedonhitting drills tailored to what I wanted to improvethatday,” said Warner “Ialsomadesuretothrowregularlytokeep myarmlooseandready.”

Thatpreparationnowservesasthefoundation forthe next chapterofher career at theUniversityofHouston

“The firstthing that stood outtomeat theUniversityofHoustonwastheculture.I felt it themomentI steppedontocampus,” said Warner.“Second,the coachestruly see measbothapersonandaplayer,andthey’re committed to helping me become thebest versionofmyself. Lastly,trustingGod and listeningtomyheartgavemeastrongsense that theUniversityofHouston is whereI’m meanttobe.”

Butfor Warner,success at thenextlevel goesbeyondsoftball

“Growing up,Ispent alot of time going backandforthtothedermatologistformy eczema,”saidWarner.“Duringthosevisits, Inoticed therewerefew dermatologists wholookedlikeme. That inspired me to be someonepatients canrelatetoand feel understood by,especiallywhenthey’re dealingwithskinchallenges.”

CaylaWarneris readytotakeher prolific hitting and winning attitude to the Universityof Houstonthis fall.

Balancingbothpathswillrequirethesame mindsetthatdefinedherhighschoolcareer.

“I plan to stay on topofmyassignments assoonasIreceivethemandtakeadvantage of tutoring whenever Ineedextra help.I’ll useall theresources availabletome,”said Warner

“Caylashowedthatittakestruedriveand loveforthesport,likeaburningpassionthat can’tbeputout,”saidseniorsecondbaseman KaileeHudson

ThelegacyWarnerleavesatShadow Creekhaspreparedherforwhat’sahead.

“She setthe standard forour program becauseshe ledwithher heartand habits,”

saidGuenther.“Herloveforthegameisevidentineverythingshe does, from howshe trains andcompetestohow she studies the sport.Thatpassioniscontagious.”

That influence extendedfar beyond her ownperformance,shapingtheprogram’sculture andpushing thosearoundher to raise theirstandardsaswell.

“Because shegenuinely caresabout the people around her, that accountability neverfeels harsh; it feelslikeleadership,” saidGuenther.“Thatmaybethemostspecial thingabouther,howmuchshewantseveryonetogetbetter.Shecelebratesotherpeople’s successasmuchasher own. Becauseofall

that,herpassion,accountability,workethic, andheart,she didn’t just raisethe standard Sheredefinedit.”

Warner leaves Shadow Creekwithsix school records: single-seasonstolen bases (50),single-seasontriples (7), career hits (172),careertriples(20),careerrunsscored (175),andcareerstolenbases(125).

ForCayla Warner,the numberstellthe storyofwhere she’sbeen. What comesnext willdefinewhereshe’sheaded.

“AsIheadintothisnextchapter,I’mpursuingastartingpositionattheUniversityof Houstonwiththe goal of breaking records there,”saidWarner.

Feature DN

Houston artists discuss AI tech music

ByLauraOnyeneho

AgrowingnumberofHoustonartistsand industryleadersareconfrontingatechnology advancingfasterthanthelegalinfrastructure designedtoprotectthemfromit Attheheart of the discussion is whether AI tools that mimic voices and styles and generate music swiftly will empower independent artists or leadtotheirobsolescence.

By2025,AI-generatedmusicrevenuehad exceeded $6 billion globally, and streaming platformDeezerreportedreceivingapproximately75,000AI-generatedtrackseverysingle day, 44% of all daily uploads, according to a 2026 industry forecast Research also shows that 82% of listeners cannot distinguish between AI-composed and humanmademusic.

ForindependentBlackartistsinHouston, buildingcareerswithoutmajor-labelsupport orlegalrepresentation,thestakesarebothculturalandeconomic.

‘Itcouldbedestroying ourcommunity.’

Dria Thornton, a member of Houston’s Music Advisory Board, does not speak about the music industry from the outside

looking in The 16x RIAA Platinum-certified songwriter and vocalist has collaborated with several artists and companies.

Thornton’spositiononAIislayered.She seesvalueforcreativeswholackproduction resources, but is troubled by how convincing AI-generated music has become “WhenIlistentoSpotifyorAppleMusic, andIhearanAIrecordmixedintoaplaylist, I feel tricked,” Thornton said “I can hear thedifference There’ssomethingsonically that tells me But the rest of the world isn’t catching it.”

Her most acute concern involves sync licensing, the revenue stream generated when music is placed in film, television, and advertising.

ThorntonsaidtheHoustonMusicAdvisory Board has not yet formally addressed AIbutplanstoraiseitatafuturetownhall “Houstonisalittleantiquatedcompared to Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York,” Thornton said “To have AI come in and take over when we haven’t even gotten our footingyetwouldactuallybedestroyingour community.”

Atthefederallevel,Thorntonhasengaged members of Congress as a Recording

AcademydistrictadvocateonAIcopyright legislation, which is currently moving through the process.

“A lot of people use these programs and don’t understand that once they put their voice in the program, that company may have full reign to do whatever they want with your voice.”

‘Anyonecandoitnow.’

Tatianna Mott is an artist and songwriter Shebeganexperimentingwithlargelanguage models in 2023 and discovered Suno, one of the most widely used AI music generation tools,inJanuary2024.

“I have all these songs in a songbook that will never see the light of day because the moneywasn’tthere,”shesaid.

Using Suno as a demo-making tool, she built production demos from hummed melodies she previously could not afford to develop, and performed original music live forthefirsttimeinyears.

Accesstoonlineplatformscanthreatentraditionalincomestreamsformusicians,asAI tools like Suno allow anyone to create music for free, potentially undermining revenue fromjinglesandstockmusic.

“Right now, anything you post online is no longer yours, ” Mott said “These AI bots are scraping the internet. If you post it, just assumeit’sgoingtoshowupsomewhereelse.”

Legal actions artists demand.