Deion Sanders-led team banned from going out during TSU visit in wake of Takeoff's Houston murder

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The senseless violence happening in Houston is no secret. In fact, a historically Black college football team headed here this weekend is taking their safety into consideration now.

Deion Sanders told his Jackson State University players that they aren't allowed to leave their hotel rooms for social activities before or after their game against Texas Southern.

All day Tuesday, people were trying to deal with the loss of another young, talented Black man.

"What happened to Young Dolph? Tragic! What happened to Takeoff? Tragic! What happened to MO3 in Dallas? Tragic! What happened to Nipsey Hussle in Los Angeles? Tragic!" Deric Muhammad, a community activist, said.

He mentioned just a few hip-hop artists killed by gun violence in the past three years. The oldest one on his list was 36.

"Cemeteries are filled with Black brilliance that died way before their time. Takeoff should be alive right now to continue to give the gift that God gave to him, but somebody made the mindless decision to fire a weapon and kill this innocent man. Now, his loved ones, his fans, our community, the culture, his entire family has to live with this for the rest of their lives," Muhammad said.

Jacque Hall is a DJ on 97.9 The Box. He liked Migos' music and met Takeoff a couple of times.

"His lyricism was so great. He just talked about everything, and he was a powerful voice in the hip-hop community. He was really loved across the community, especially here in Houston," Hall said.

That love couldn't protect the 28-year-old from the greed, envy, and lack of respect for life that Muhammad said too often turns talented Black men into targets. It's a cycle of violence and retaliation that he doesn't want to see take hold in Houston.

"The blood of a human being belongs in his or her veins, not on the sidewalk. We just don't want to see any more blood spilled," he said. "This is a big pain for the hip-hop community."

The source of the ache and the solution may both be found in the same place with a commitment from our culture to value and support the lives of young men who deserve to grow old.

Muhammad works to address the issues that lead to violence in Houston. He holds summits to empower and provide mentors for young men.

The next one is coming up in December at St. John's Methodist Church, and Muhammad specifically encourages Black boys and men to attend.

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