The number of amazing, fascinating, and impactful Black men and women that we get to meet, interview, and highlight in our profile stories never ceases to astound the editorial staff of The Defender. Our readers gain insight into the diverse range of skill, creativity, and brilliance that Texas has to offer from these articles, which appear in our print editions and on our website (www.DefenderNetwork.com). These ten 2024 profiles are very noteworthy.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett: A rising star in Congress
Few people have risen as quickly and aggressively as U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the busy hallways of the US Capitol, where history is being written all the time. Crockett, who represents Texas’ 30th Congressional District in the Dallas area, has emerged as a significant voice in Congress due to her keen legal knowledge, unshakable dedication to social justice, and daring attitude to addressing some of the most important issues facing the country.
Creative talent Isaac Yowman reflects on artistic journey
Isaac Yowman is a highly regarded creative genius in Houston’s cinema and hip-hop communities. Yowman is a multi-hyphenated, Grammy-nominated filmmaker and creative director who owns IYO Agency, one of Houston’s leading multimedia companies. Houston is where Yowman’s journey began. He started by creating music, a love that had captivated him since childhood. Having graduated from Full Sail University with a dual degree in audio engineering and entertainment business, Yowman’s path changed when he realized he had an insatiable curiosity about movies, television, and design. Since then, the world has changed.
At 102, Juanita Williams still ushers in spirit at Wesley AME
Juanita Williams is two years into her second century of serving God and the community at the age of 102. Since 1956, Williams has served on the Usher Board of the historic Wesley Chapel AME Church, which he joined in the early 1940s. 68 years of assisting in the invocation of the Holy Spirit. She continues to usher every first and second Sunday while on duty. Regarding her role, she remarked, “I enjoy meeting people.” Numerous new, amiable persons are introduced to you.
Anthony Antoine makes impact as Fox 26 anchor
Over the past two months, if you’ve occurred to watch Fox 26 News, you might have noticed a new face on the screen: Anthony Antoine, a brother who works as an anchor. Indeed, newsrooms in the United States are getting more diverse. Even in 2024, however, seeing a Black guy at the anchor desk is still uncommon. But more than just keeping a seat in place, Antoine is doing so for the sake of culture. This Houston transplant, who was born in Trinidad and grew up in New Jersey, traveled to Richmond, Virginia, and Champaign, Illinois, for professional work before finding his true voice. Now that he has, he is utilizing it to tell tales that are important to us.
Ashley Lazarre navigates activism, academia in style
Ashley Lazarre is a storyteller and content creator from Houston who is a tireless advocate for Black women’s empowerment and global justice. This dynamo, who was born in Haiti, adds a whole new vibe to the nexus of activism, academia, and fashion. Lazarre, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts Boston studying Global Inclusion & Social Development, isn t just breaking barriers; she s rewriting the rulebook with a whole lot of slay!
Charles O Neal is serious about Black business
A meeting with Charles O. Neal quickly reveals that he is passionate about Black entrepreneurship. So, too, are the 175 chambers in 42 states that are members of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., an umbrella organization of local Black chambers of commerce for which O Neal serves as chair of the board of directors. O Neal is so passionate about supporting Black business that leadership in just one major Black business-focused organization wasn t enough. He s also president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC), in the state (Texas) that has led the nation in business formation among Black women for nearly two decades. Do your thing, Black man.
Dr. Jennifer Hatchett Stover and Counseling in Color
Dr. Jennifer Hatchett Stover, a licensed professional counselor, is here for the culture, making sure Black people, especially youth, receive the mental health support needed for the ongoing traumas befalling Blacks. Hatchett Stover, also a nationally certified counselor, certified school counselor, and registered yoga teacher leads with her own personal experiences overcoming trauma.
Houston musician Mofe becomes viral internet sensation
The Afrobeats sound is not monolithic. It comes in so many subcategories. Houston is witnessing a new sound, and it s coming from 24-year-old Mofe. This Nigerian-born, H-Town-based artist has taken the world by storm with his unique blend of Afrobeats and alternative sounds. His hit song Prince of Egypt has become a viral sensation collaborating with TikTok sensation Hugo Hilaire, but Mofe s rise is anything but ordinary.
June Deadrick first Black woman to chair bowl game
From the small town of Palacios, Texas, where her love for sports grew from the Friday night lights magic of football, June Deadrick, CenterPoint Energy V.P. of Community Relations, has become a leader in the sports world. Recognized as the first African American woman to chair a postseason collegiate bowl game in the nation (Texas Bowl), she continues to break the glass ceiling. In 2024, she chaired the host committee for the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship played in Houston on Jan. 8.
6-year-old Chandler Hughes joins Mensa s elite high IQ society
The school day ends, and students rush through the hallways of The Imani School to meet their parents at the main office. Six-year-old Chandler Hughes sits with a bright smile, dressed in preppy attire, with a pep in his step. In the eyes of his classmates, he s just one of the kids, but to the world, he has already etched his name into the annals of intellectual brilliance as one of the youngest members to join the prestigious high-IQ society, Mensa.Visitwww.DefenderNetwork.comto see all of our profiles.
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