After Hurricane Beryl swept through earlier last month, Houston found itself in a serious bind. Over 2.2 million residents were stuck without power, some for as long as ten days.
The aftermath brought not just discomfort in the scorching heat, but real danger, leading to heat-related fatalities that sparked outrage across the community.
Stepping into this chaos is Houston’s most famous philanthropist, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, and our very own, Griselda “Grizzy” Castillo from Grizzy’s Hood News. And believe us when we tell you, they weren’t going to let this go.
They dubbed CenterPoint Energy “Centerpointless” in a scathing critique for what they saw as a complete failure in leadership and response. Mattress Mack and Grizzy didn’t just stop at fiery nicknames; they powered into action with an online petition calling for the resignation of CenterPoint’s CEO, Jason Wells.
This wasn’t just a small-scale protest—the petition quickly gathered thousands of signatures from equally frustrated Houstonians. They demanded a leadership overhaul, insisting on a shift from profit-driven decisions to a focus that prioritizes community welfare first and foremost.
During a state senate hearing, CEO Wells defended his role, suggesting that his departure could derail the ongoing efforts to rectify the failures laid bare by the hurricane. But his defense fell on skeptical ears, especially after a revelation during a company earnings call that CenterPoint was planning to increase dividends to shareholders while passing the hefty bill of storm recovery back to its customers.
This move was seen as tone-deaf and sparked even more anger, adding insult to injury. This prompted Mattress Mack and Grizzy to release another video, even more forcefully reiterating their calls for Wells’ resignation.
The controversy has not only highlighted issues with CenterPoint’s handling of the crisis but has also led to broader discussions about corporate responsibility and leadership ethics during times of disaster. The strong community backlash is a clear signal that people expect more from companies, especially in sectors as critical as energy.
This public demand for accountability is growing louder, as the situation has resonated widely, touching on the broader themes of justice and corporate responsibility. It’s a rallying cry not just for Houston but for all communities facing similar challenges.
As Mattress Mack and Grizzy continue to lead the charge, their campaign is a stark reminder of the power of community action and the need for corporations to uphold their duties to the people they serve, especially during the most challenging times. Their fight is far from over, but it’s already reshaping expectations and perhaps, in the long run, how companies like CenterPoint operate during crises in Houston and nationwide.
