Defender Network

Nataliyah Gray, the star forward of Alief Taylor High School, has been making waves in the high school basketball scene. With a double-double in all but one game this season, Gray's impressive statistics are a testament to her hard work and versatility. Her mother, Chontel Gray, a former basketball star, has played a significant role in shaping her game, instilling values of hard work and education. Gray's journey began in the third grade, and she has consistently demonstrated her athletic prowess by playing on boys' teams and on outdoor courts. Her relentless will to rebound and adapt to challenges have made her a nightmare for defenders. Gray's dominance has led her to earn numerous honors, including Newcommer of the Year, Offensive MVP, and All-District and All-Region selections. Gray has committed to Mississippi State, where she will continue her basketball career. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the support of her mother. https://lnkd.in/gNhJXnGT #nataliyahgray #basketballstar #alieftaylorhs #highschoolbasketball #hardwork

Meet James Stancil, a first-generation college graduate and highly experienced educator who has made a significant impact in the Houston area. As an academic strategist for Lone Star College's Life Path Neurodiversity program, he supports neurodiverse students in preparing for their futures. Stancil's impact extends beyond Lone Star College. He and his wife, Ty, run Intellect U Well Inc., a non-profit focused on reading advocacy, media literacy, and digital citizenship. They bring in writers and scholars for book signings and discussions to promote academic achievement and cultural appreciation. Stancil is also a member of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston and serves as the Southern Regional leader and Houston Volunteer Network Leader for Outdoor Afro Houston. His work with Outdoor Afro aims to reconnect Black people with nature and provide leadership opportunities in outdoor spaces. Stancil's contributions have been a blessing to many in the Houston area, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various fields. His dedication to his work is truly inspiring and his commitment to promoting academic achievement, cultural appreciation, and outdoor exploration is commendable. https://lnkd.in/gSfsbq2D #jamesstancil #houston #neurodiversity #academicstrategist #nonprofit

At the University of Houston, students are redefining history through an innovative course that combines music, culture, and historical research. Led by Dr. Alicia Odewale, “Before Cowboy Carter: Black Towns, Black Freedom” delves into the legacy of Black cowboys, towns, and diverse paths to freedom beyond Juneteenth. This course offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with primary sources, archives, and personal narratives, culminating in a major public presentation at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Black Heritage Day. Students are also working on a Black Town Story Map, an online resource showcasing the histories of these towns. The course's innovative approach to history education is rooted in hands-on learning, allowing students to explore Black history in a fresh and engaging way. With real-world experiences and collaborations with institutions like the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, students are taking ownership of their research, exploring the full story of Black freedom. The course's success highlights the importance of meeting students where they are, using pop culture and personal narratives to connect them with history. As Dr. Odewale notes, this course not only preserves history but also celebrates it. https://lnkd.in/gfKUmMJg #uhblackhistory #blackcowboys #beforecowboycarter #historyeducation #houstonlivestockshowandrodeo

Aldine ISD has voted to close six of its campuses due to budget constraints, aiming to save $32 million and offset a projected budget deficit of $65 million this school year. The schools in question include De Santiago Primary, Stovall Primary, Eckert Elementary, Oleson Elementary, Raymond Elementary, and Smith Elementary. Over 2,900 students will be relocated to other campuses. The decision was made due to declining enrollment, lack of state funding, and affordable housing in the community. Aldine ISD has seen a significant decline in enrollment over the past decade, with projections indicating a further loss of 9,000 students by 2034. School board members cited declining birth rates, competition from charter schools, and state funding tied directly to student enrollment as key factors behind the decision. While some parents expressed concerns about the relocation, the board members emphasized the importance of exploring all options to increase enrollment before taking such measures. This decision comes as a part of a broader trend among Texas school districts, with many facing declining enrollment and budget deficits. Aldine ISD's decision may set a precedent for other districts facing similar challenges. https://lnkd.in/gMtPZpHV #aldineisd #schoolclosures #budgetconstraints #education #texasschools

Thank you, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, for honoring local Living Legends like Defender Network Publisher and CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles. Your recognition inspires us to continue celebrating community excellence! #LivingLegends #DefenderNetwork #CommunityPride #ThankYou

Discover this week's Defender e-Edition—a curated collection of impactful community stories, leadership insights, and essential updates. Stay informed, get inspired, and join the conversation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dDTdE25W #DefenderNetwork #CommunityNews #Leadership #Inspiration

University of Houston men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson reflects on the significant changes in college athletics brought about by the NCAA's 2021 decision to allow athletes to profit off their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). With NIL deals becoming a crucial part of team building and roster building, Sampson emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and education for student-athletes and their families. In Texas, student-athletes are making substantial sums, with some earning over $1 million annually. While this offers opportunities, it also raises concerns about the potential distractions and tax implications associated with such large sums. Sampson and his staff have taken responsibility in guiding the Cougars' basketball players, providing financial literacy and support. Notable NIL deals in Texas include L.J. Cryer's $769,000 deal with Linking Coogs, Kelvin Banks' $944,000 with Texas One Fund, Nic Scourton's $729,000 with Texas Aggies United, Tahj Brooks' $621,000 with EA Sports and The Matador Club, and Brandon Baker's $650,000 with Texas One Fund. As college athletics continue to evolve, it remains crucial for student-athletes to understand the implications and benefits of these NIL deals. https://lnkd.in/d9jUVHRx #ncaa #nil #studentathletes #financialliteracy #collegesports

Emelda Douglas, the new Astros Foundation Chair, is set to expand the organization's community programs, focusing on education, health, and youth engagement, especially in underserved communities. Meanwhile, Lyndsey Levingston, founder of SurviveHER, is leading a mission to educate and empower Black women about breast health, addressing disparities in breast cancer care for Black women. These two dynamic women are breaking barriers in their respective industries, advocating for change, and making a significant impact. Their journeys are a testament to the power of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. As we celebrate Black women who are leading the way, it's essential to recognize their contributions and the challenges they face. Emelda and Lyndsey's stories serve as a reminder that leadership requires perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to creating positive change in our communities. Let's continue to uplift and support these trailblazers, who are making history now and setting the standard for future generations. https://lnkd.in/db2EZRbc #emeldadouglas #astrosfoundation #communityprograms #education #healthcare

Black consumers and allies are gearing up for a nationwide protest on Feb. 28, the National Blackout Day, to express their dissatisfaction with companies like Amazon, Target, Walmart, McDonald's, and others that have ended their DEI initiatives. The goal is to demonstrate economic power and urge companies to reconsider their stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. National Blackout Day is a response to President Donald Trump's declaration to end all DEI efforts, which has led to significant sales drop-offs for companies like Target and Walmart. Despite initial hesitation, the initiative has gained widespread support, with numerous organizations and individuals across various ethnicities joining in. The protest is not limited to just one day, with some calling for a 40-day fast from Target and urging others to boycott companies on Feb. 27 and 28. Participants are encouraged to refrain from making any purchases from these companies, especially during these days. The initiative aims to send a strong message to corporate leaders, emphasizing the economic impact of their decisions. As the boycott continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how these companies will respond to the growing public pressure. https://lnkd.in/dDgcYbv7 #nationalblackoutday #dei #diversity #equity #inclusion

Houston Independent School District (HISD) is grappling with a concerning trend: declining enrollment. From the 2022-23 to 2023-24 school year, 5,825 students left the district. This trend continues, with projections indicating another 4,011 students will leave in the upcoming school year. The drop in enrollment poses significant challenges, as it directly impacts the district's funding. HISD's property values have increased by 1% and the district maintains a strong 97% tax collection rate. However, the decline in student enrollment means fewer state dollars, leading to potential budget cuts. The district has already cut jobs in the past year and shuffled school leadership on several campuses. The need for strategic planning is urgent. HISD must address the question of why families are leaving and how it can compete with charter schools. The district must also explore other financial safeguards to prevent further losses. The implications of a shrinking student population are significant, impacting school structures and potentially leading to further closures. It is crucial that HISD acts now to prevent further losses and ensure the future viability of its public schools. https://lnkd.in/dR6FuN_a #hisd #enrollment #education #charter #schoolfunding