Each year, the Defender editorial staff is amazed at how many incredible, interesting, difference-making Black men and women we have the pleasure of meeting, interviewing, and spotlighting in our profile articles. These articles, which run in our print editions and post on our website (www.DefenderNetwork.com), give our readers insight into the many faces of talent, creativity and brilliance Texas has to offer. Here are 10 stand-out profiles from 2024.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett: A rising star in Congress
In the bustling corridors of the United States Capitol, where history is constantly being written, few figures have risen as swiftly and as boldly as U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Representing Texas’s 30th Congressional District in the Dallas area, Crockett has quickly become a powerful voice in Congress, known for her sharp legal acumen, unwavering commitment to social justice, and a fearless approach to tackling some of the nation’s most pressing issues.
Creative talent Isaac Yowman reflects on artistic journey
Isaac Yowman is a creative maven deeply revered in Houston’s hip-hop and film scenes. Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenated filmmaker and creative director, Yowman owns one of Houston’s top multimedia firms, IYO Agency. Yowman’s journey started in Houston. He began with music creation, a passion that gripped him from his early years. A dual-degree holder in audio engineering and entertainment business from Full Sail University, Yowman’s trajectory shifted when he discovered an innate desire to explore film, TV and design. And the world hasn’t been the same since.
At 102, Juanita Williams still ushers in spirit at Wesley AME
At 102 years old, Juanita Williams is two years into working on her second century of service to God and the community. Williams, who joined the historic Wesley Chapel AME Church in the early 1940s, has been a member of that congregation’s Usher Board since 1956. That’s 68 years of helping to usher in the Holy Spirit. And she’s still going strong, on duty ushering every first and second Sunday. “I like meeting people,” she said of her role. “You get to meet a lot of new people, friendly people.”
Anthony Antoine makes impact as Fox 26 anchor
If you’ve happened to tune into Fox 26 News over the past few months, you may have noticed a new face on the screen – Anthony Antoine, a brother, serving as an anchor. And sure, U.S. newsrooms are becoming more diverse. But it’s still a rare sighting, even in 2024, to see a Black man sitting behind the anchor desk. But Antoine is doing more than holding down a seat, he’s holding it down for the culture. Born in Trinidad and raised in New Jersey, this Houston transplant – by way of professional jaunts in Richmond, VA and Champaign, IL – journeyed to discover his authentic voice, and now that he’s found it, he’s using it to speak to and speak on stories relevant to us.
Ashley Lazarre navigates activism, academia in style
Ashley Lazarre is a Houston-based storyteller and content creator who is an indomitable force in the fight for global justice and Black women’s empowerment. Born in Haiti, this powerhouse brings a whole new groove to the intersection of activism, academia and style. 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
It doesn’t take long for a conversation with Charles O’Neal to reveal he is all about the business of Black business. 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.
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