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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Why a 4/20 martial law order would be so on brand for Trump

5 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Pay attention. For many, April 20, 2025 is D-Day. Why? Respected national media organizations and social media sleuths alike are wondering whether or not April 20 will result in the U.S. being thrown into "martial law" via a potential Donald Trump executive order invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807. If you haven't been paying attention to the socio-political scene in this country for the past decade and/or care nothing at all about U.S. history, the threat of "martial law" means nothing to you.
Tiffany Haddish empowers kids in new book Layla, the Last Black Unicorn

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Captivating young readers and their parents, comedian, actress and New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Haddish read her new children's book, Layla, the Last Black Unicorn, to an audience at Houston's Heights Public Library. Children sat cross-legged and giggled as Haddish animated each character's voice, peppering the story with intermittent quips that brought the tale of Layla's journey of self-acceptance to life.
Humble ISD Superintendent's "lynching" remark sparks calls for removal and legal action

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Members of the Humble Independent School District Black community, elected officials and leaders are calling for the removal of the newly appointed Superintendent Roger Brown for using a racially-charged word. The incident was brought forth by Humble ISD's chief education support service officer Henry Phipps during a public hearing.
Black folks mentally checked out, nontraditional college courses, "Black Smithsonian" debate.

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

You all must have seen videos and photographs from the nationwide "Hands off!" mass-action protests at state capitols, federal establishments, city halls and congressional offices. People around the world took to the streets to voice their concerns about President Donald Trump and his senior advisor Elon Musk's policies, and demanded "an end to this billionaire power grab." But did you notice something else? Did you find a large number of Black protesters?
Black Restaurant Week, Erykah Badu and Amber Ruffin

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Every year when Black Restaurant Week rolls around, I know one thing is for sure: I'm going to be outside enjoying some great cuisine and my dollars will be put to good use. This is the 10th anniversary of Houston's Black Restaurant Week. What started with a handful of restaurants has now expanded across the state, creating opportunities for Black-owned eateries to thrive.
Overtime tops budget discussion between Whitmire and Hollins

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Overtime costs are one of the items of contention as Houston's budgeting season kicks off. City Controller Chris Hollins is urging Houston's leadership to address runaway spending, especially in the police, fire, and solid waste departments. Mayor John Whitmire, meanwhile, contends Hollins does not consider all funding sources. Tension has been boiling over as city officials confront a projected budget shortfall of $330 million and ballooning overtime costs.
Houston minority business program under scrutiny amid legal battle

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

Challenged by white contractors claiming discrimination along with Asian, Hispanic, and white women contractors fighting to stay in the program, Houston's Minority/Women-owned (M/WBE) business enterprise program may soon be changing. In a few weeks, the Houston City Council will decide whether to accept the recommendations of a 2024 disparity study.
Amid partisan tensions, Sen. Borris Miles advances bills at Capitol

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

In what he calls "the most hostile" legislative session in the last 18 years, Texas Senator Borris L. Miles (D-Houston) has filed legislation on public education, healthcare, policing, environmental justice and the preservation of Black history. Miles warns that Republican-backed policies are gutting protections for communities of color and pushing Texas toward a future that does not include them. "This is the most difficult session that I've been in.
Houston residents push city for equitable drainage funding after court ruling

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Tannistha Sinha

West Street Recovery and Northeast Action Collective (NAC), formed by Houston residents impacted by flooding issues since Hurricane Harvey, are asking the city to allocate more funds for the city's drainage and street improvement projects. In January, Houston lost an appeal at the Texas Supreme Court. The court ruled that the city failed to allot the necessary millions of dollars to fix drainage issues by not putting aside enough of its property tax revenue toward these projects.
Texas universities navigate federal crackdown on DEI policies

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Texas universities face mounting pressure from the federal government as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. The U.S. Department of Education has warned that institutions risk losing critical funding if their programs violate anti-discrimination laws, forcing universities to re-evaluate how they implement DEI initiatives.