The Houston Defender

The Houston Defender is a weekly newspaper serving the African-American community in Houston, Texas. It was founded on October 11, 1930.

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English

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What is 'Power Mapping' and how does it change the community empowerment game?

3 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Many people, including noted progressive thought leader, activist, lawyer and host of a Sirius XM radio show, Lurie Daniel Favors, are promoting "Power Mapping" as a critical tool for Black people and organizations to use in these perilous socio-political times where are rights are disappearing more and more with each passing day. But just what is Power Mapping, and what do Black people need to know about it to use it to help us survive these crazy times and, prayerfully, even thrive?
Hoodies 4 Healing continues mission to feed the homeless

6 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Despite the City of Houston's efforts to stop groups from feeding the homeless, even writing citations to dissuade them, the group Hoodies 4 Healing has been feeding the homeless nonstop since 2019. So, what's its story? Six years ago, teenager Dyanna DeNae needed brain surgery, a frightening prospect for a full-grown adult.
Arcola tied election, Turkey Leg Hut co-founder to stay behind bars, and more

6 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Reshonda Tate

If you ever needed proof that every single vote matters, look no further than Arcola, TX. The May 3 election in this small town near Missouri City ended in a dead tie -literally. Fred Burton and Ebony Sanco each walked away with 50% of the vote, leaving the city in suspense over what happens next.
Trump's first 100-plus days-What they've meant for the Black community

6 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Reshonda Tate

We've passed the 100-day mark of Donald Trump's return to the White House-and if you're Black in America, you've likely been watching this administration's every move with a mix of frustration, exhaustion and let's be real, outright dread. The question isn't just what has happened in these 100 days, but who has been left to carry the brunt of it. Once again, the answer is us. Let's unpack the receipts. Civil Rights? More like civil wrongs.
Houston ISD campuses to use district-mandated curriculum in upcoming school year

6 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Houston ISD's 130 overhauled New Education System (NES) campuses must follow a district-mandated curriculum in the upcoming school year. Superintendent Mike Miles announced during a board meeting that other non-NES schools, barring five, will have the option to opt for the curriculum. All board members voted in favor of this decision.
Mother's Day giveaway

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Houston-born comedian Jeff Shelley describes his mother as a superhero, and for good reason. "[When I was a child], our house caught fire, and my mom saw I wasn't out of the house, so she came back in and saw me under the bed," Shelley recalled. "I could have been gone."Shelley not only survived, but he's grown up to thrive as one of the country's hottest rising comics-one with a special place in his heart for mothers.
Houston City Council passes landmark minority business program overhaul amid disparity debate

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

In a 12-3 vote, the Houston City Council approved an amendment to the city's ordinance that will transform the minority and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE) program as it prepares to go to court. The ordinance expands the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program across all contracting categories, includes a veteran-owned business enterprise program and adopts new goals for the M/WSBE program based on the 2024 disparity study's findings.
Houston ISD Black-majority high schools receive failing grades under stricter state standards

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

In the newly released A-F accountability ratings, Houston ISD's Black-majority high schools, located in some of Houston's poorest neighborhoods, received concerning results. HISD received a "C," its score dipping from 88 in 2022 to 72 in 2023. The rating reflects data from before the school district's state takeover and Superintendent Mike Miles' appointment.
Houston minority business program faces pivotal vote, Black leaders rally for equity

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Following weeks of emotionally charged deliberations, legal concerns and calls for clarity and consensus, the Houston City Council will finally vote on key amendments to the city's Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program.
a necessary tribute to the fierce Congresswoman

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Travelers landing at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal E will now be greeted by a name that is deeply entrenched in Houston's soul: Sheila Jackson Lee. The unanimous decision by the Houston City Council to rename the terminal after the late Congresswoman is not just a symbolic gesture but a testament to her achievements and vision for the city. When I first came to Houston two years ago, everyone I met in the community knew Jackson Lee. She was more than a political figure.