theroot--2020-12-09--Issa Rae and La La Anthony Step Into The Shade Room With Founder Angelica Nwandu to Produce New Horr

Issa Rae and La La Anthony Step Into The Shade Room With Founder Angelica Nwandu to Produce New Horror-Comedy

Pretty much everyone in Black entertainment has stepped into The Shade Room at one point in their careers—and now it looks like a couple of celebs have stepped into the pitch room in front of development executives with the popular blog ’ s founder .
The Insecure and Power vets are executive producing the upcoming horror comedy for Universal Pictures , I ’ ve learned .
In the early stages , there are not a lot of plot specifics .
However , it will be based on an original concept by Angelica Nwandu , founder of Instagram-based info hub The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will write the script .
Juju will be the studio feature directorial debut for Thembi Banks , who has been a director on Rae ’ s Insecure , Frankie Shaw ’ s SMILF and a Sundance alum herself .
Earlier this year , Banks was in the midst of helming Young , Wild , Free for Macro , SK Global and Baron Davis , but that feature project was put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic .
We don ’ t have plot details at the moment , but according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Deniese Davis will also produce and Sara Rastogi will oversee for HooRae .
Additionally , Universal ’ s Senior Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers will oversee the project on behalf of the studio .
Nwandu also penned the 2018 film Night Comes On , which The A.V .
Club described as a film “ prettified by plush , delicate lighting and lens flares ” with “ a tenuous grasp of tension.
” Nwandu was also named to The Root 100 list in 2017 .
“ I ’ m OK with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s related to business and talent—if it ’ s about my writing and my business , that ’ s fine—but I don ’ t want it to be about my personality on the red carpet , ” Nwandu told Marie Claire in 2019 , celebrating the fifth anniversary of her highly-viewed blog .
“ That ’ s not the type of person I am.
” So to all the “ Roommates ” out there—as The Shade Room calls its readers—make sure you pre-order your snacks for this one .

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Pretty much everyone in Black entertainment has stepped into The Shade Room at one point in their careers—and now it looks like a couple of celebs have stepped into the pitch room in front of development executives with the popular blog’s founder.
Issa Rae and La La Anthony are producing a horror-comedy called Juju.
More scoop via Deadline’s Dominic Patten:
The Insecure and Power vets are executive producing the upcoming horror comedy for Universal Pictures, I’ve learned. In the early stages, there are not a lot of plot specifics. However, it will be based on an original concept by Angelica Nwandu, founder of Instagram-based info hub The Shade Room and a Sundance fellow, who will write the script. Juju will be the studio feature directorial debut for Thembi Banks, who has been a director on Rae’s Insecure, Frankie Shaw’s SMILF and a Sundance alum herself. Earlier this year, Banks was in the midst of helming Young, Wild, Free for Macro, SK Global and Baron Davis, but that feature project was put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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We don’t have plot details at the moment, but according to a press release sent to The Root, Deniese Davis will also produce and Sara Rastogi will oversee for HooRae. Additionally, Universal’s Senior Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Nwandu also penned the 2018 film Night Comes On, which The A.V. Club described as a film “prettified by plush, delicate lighting and lens flares” with “a tenuous grasp of tension.” Nwandu was also named to The Root 100 list in 2017.
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“I’m OK with [recognition] as long as it’s related to business and talent—if it’s about my writing and my business, that’s fine—but I don’t want it to be about my personality on the red carpet,” Nwandu told Marie Claire in 2019, celebrating the fifth anniversary of her highly-viewed blog. “That’s not the type of person I am.”
So to all the “Roommates” out there—as The Shade Room calls its readers—make sure you pre-order your snacks for this one.


theroot--2020-12-09--The Culinary Fairy Has Blessed the Holiday Season With This Three Piece Bakeware Set for Just $14

Are you a holiday baker ?
Even if you aren ’ t visiting family or friends this season doesn ’ t mean the gingerbread men and Christmas tree cookies need to suffer .
I have an aunt who is just sending all of you her famous yuletide sweets this year .
I t ’ ll be like we swung by her house for hot chocolate and homemade confections .
If you are a Betty Crocker or a loved one is this three-piece Bakeware Set is a perfect gift .
From elegant entrees to decadent desserts this set will help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mo rning Save ’ s best selling bundles .
Each of these is non-stick , durable .
and can handle over 400 degrees .
They can literally handle the heat in the kitchen .
Bake cupcakes or cornbread or anything in-between with the full dozen muffin pan .
The b aking sheet is extra large for veggies , chicken , fis h , and any other tasty dish you can make with a single pan .
And then there ’ s the bundt pan , this was my mom ’ s go-to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No matter where the culinary fairy takes you baking and making your own food is so rewarding .
Plus , i t ’ s a fun way to spend an afternoon .
This is an excellent deal if you need to upgrade your current culinary rot ation .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on Morning Save before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 8 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Giovanni Colantonio to The Root

3 Piece Bakeware Set | $14 | MorningSave
Are you a holiday baker? Even if you aren’t visiting family or friends this season doesn’t mean the gingerbread men and Christmas tree cookies need to suffer. I have an aunt who is just sending all of you her famous yuletide sweets this year. I t’ll be like we swung by her house for hot chocolate and homemade confections. If you are a Betty Crocker or a loved one is this three-piece Bakeware Set is a perfect gift.
From elegant entrees to decadent desserts this set will help you achieve all. This is also one of Mo rning Save’s best selling bundles. Each of these is non-stick, durable. and can handle over 400 degrees . They can literally handle the heat in the kitchen. Bake cupcakes or cornbread or anything in-between with the full dozen muffin pan. The b aking sheet is extra large for veggies, chicken, fis h, and any other tasty dish you can make with a single pan. And then there’s the bundt pan, this was my mom’s go-to growing up for her famous coffee cake. No matter where the culinary fairy takes you baking and making your own food is so rewarding. Plus, i t’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. This is an excellent deal if you need to upgrade your current culinary rot ation.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on Morning Save before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.


theroot--2020-12-10--'Natalie Represented Actual Black Women': Halle Berry Pens Moving Tribute to BAPS Co-star Natalie De

'Natalie Represented Actual Black Women': Halle Berry Pens Moving Tribute to BAPS Co-star Natalie Desselle Reid

Just days before the unexpected death of actress Natalie Desselle Reid , Halle Berry shared a video of her and her B.A.P.S .
co-star strolling shoulder-to-shoulder Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles .
The pair were filming a bit for the 19 97 cult classic , gold teeth gleaming and giggling into the camera .
Less than a week later , Berry shared a very different remembrance of the 53-year-old actress , who died Monday morning from colon cancer .
Sharing a series of photos of Desselle Reid on her Instagram account , Berry said she was “ still processing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As I continue to read all of your kind words , memories of Natalie continue to flood back to me , ” she continued , noting the “ love , joy and humor ” the actress brought to her characters .
“ She could never dim her light , and it was infectious , ” Berry continued .
“ With her I laughed harder than I ’ d ever laughed before .
She showed us it was ok to be goofy and funny while still being sincere and extraordinarily kind.
” Berry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B.A.P.S .
tributes with each other , adding that they were “ overwhelmed ” that their on-screen friendship could resonate with so many .
But the 54-year-old Hollywood actress also took the opportunity to tell some hard truths about the entertainment industry—and point out Desselle Reid ’ s special significance to the Black community .
“ Natalie represented actual B lack women , not what B lack women are perceived to be .
For that , she was often underrated , passed over—deprived of the platform she truly deserved , ” Berry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other iconic films , including Set It Off , Madea ’ s Big Happy Family , Cinderella and Def Jam ’ s How to Be a Player .
But despite her formidable talents , particularly as a comedic actress , her career didn ’ t take off in the same way Berry ’ s did after filming B.A.P.S .
“ Her light continues to shine through the people who grew up watching her , the people who knew her best and those of us who loved her , ” Berry said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my sweet friend .
”

Anne Branigin on The Grapevine, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

Just days before the unexpected death of actress Natalie Desselle Reid, Halle Berry shared a video of her and her B.A.P.S. co-star strolling shoulder-to-shoulder Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. The pair were filming a bit for the 19 97 cult classic, gold teeth gleaming and giggling into the camera.
“Let’s find Tiffany,” Berry captioned the throwback post.
Less than a week later , Berry shared a very different remembrance of the 53-year-old actress, who died Monday morning from colon cancer.
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Sharing a series of photos of Desselle Reid on her Instagram account, Berry said she was “still processing the devastating news” of her death.
“As I continue to read all of your kind words, memories of Natalie continue to flood back to me,” she continued, noting the “love, joy and humor” the actress brought to her characters.
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“She could never dim her light, and it was infectious,” Berry continued. “With her I laughed harder than I’d ever laughed before. She showed us it was ok to be goofy and funny while still being sincere and extraordinarily kind.”
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Berry noted how the two actresses would share B.A.P.S. tributes with each other, adding that they were “overwhelmed” that their on-screen friendship could resonate with so many. But the 54-year-old Hollywood actress also took the opportunity to tell some hard truths about the entertainment industry—and point out Desselle Reid’s special significance to the Black community.
“Natalie represented actual B lack women, not what B lack women are perceived to be. For that, she was often underrated, passed over—deprived of the platform she truly deserved,” Berry said.
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Desselle Reid appeared in a number of other iconic films, including Set It Off, Madea’s Big Happy Family, Cinderella and Def Jam’s How to Be a Player. But despite her formidable talents, particularly as a comedic actress, her career didn’t take off in the same way Berry’s did after filming B.A.P.S.
“Her light continues to shine through the people who grew up watching her, the people who knew her best and those of us who loved her,” Berry said. “I’ll love you forever my sweet friend.”


theroot--2020-12-10--Feds Join Probe Into Police Killing of Casey Goodson, Who Family Says Was Shot While Carrying a Sand

Feds Join Probe Into Police Killing of Casey Goodson, Who Family Says Was Shot While Carrying a Sandwich

The FBI and the Department of Justice will join the Columbus police investigation into the police killing of Casey Goodson Jr. , a 23-year-old Black man who was fatally shot last week in Columbus , Ohio by a sheriff ’ s deputy .
U.S. Attorney David DeVillers announced federal authorities ’ involvement in the investigation , which will be conducted alongside the Columbus Police Critical Incident Response Team , on Tuesday , reports USA Today .
The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ is looking at the case to determine whether Franklin County Sheriff ’ s SWAR Deputy Jason Meade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot Goodson last Friday afternoon .
The Sheriff ’ s office claims that it had finished an unsuccessful search operation when deputies encountered Goodson , who they say waved a firearm at police .
Goodson did not drop the weapon , and Meade subsequently shot at him , police records say .
But Goodson ’ s family disputes the police narrative , saying that he not only had a valid license to carry a concealed weapon but was actually carrying a Subway sandwich while trying to enter his home when he was shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the back three times .
An autopsy has yet to be released .
As a Goodson family attorney told CNN , the young man was not alleged to have committed any crimes and had no criminal background , nor was he the target of any investigation .
The killing has roiled Columbus ’ Black community , which activists say is exhausted after a summer of racial justice protests .
As CNN notes , Columbus has long had racial tensions , rooted in the same causes as many other American cities : redlining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a study from the University of Toronto , the city is the fourth most economically segregated metro area in the country .
Some activists have pointed to Goodson ’ s killing as further evidence that the city—and the country at large—needs to change its outlook on law enforcement .
“ A crisis of this magnitude calls for a massive realignment of power , ” Movement for Black Lives spokeswoman Chelsea Fuller told CNN .
“ That realignment can and will happen through defunding the police , reducing their bloated budgets , and re-investing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems of public safety that account for all lives , not just some.
” Rallies in support of Goodson and his family have been planned for Friday and Saturday in Columbus .

The FBI and the Department of Justice will join the Columbus police investigation into the police killing of Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man who was fatally shot last week in Columbus, Ohio by a sheriff’s deputy.
U.S. Attorney David DeVillers announced federal authorities’ involvement in the investigation, which will be conducted alongside the Columbus Police Critical Incident Response Team, on Tuesday, reports USA Today. The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ is looking at the case to determine whether Franklin County Sheriff’s SWAR Deputy Jason Meade violated federal civil rights laws when he shot Goodson last Friday afternoon.
The Sheriff’s office claims that it had finished an unsuccessful search operation when deputies encountered Goodson, who they say waved a firearm at police. Goodson did not drop the weapon, and Meade subsequently shot at him, police records say.
But Goodson’s family disputes the police narrative, saying that he not only had a valid license to carry a concealed weapon but was actually carrying a Subway sandwich while trying to enter his home when he was shot.
His family says Goodson was shot in the back three times. An autopsy has yet to be released. As a Goodson family attorney told CNN, the young man was not alleged to have committed any crimes and had no criminal background, nor was he the target of any investigation.
The killing has roiled Columbus’ Black community, which activists say is exhausted after a summer of racial justice protests. As CNN notes, Columbus has long had racial tensions, rooted in the same causes as many other American cities: redlining, segregation and gentrification. According to a study from the University of Toronto, the city is the fourth most economically segregated metro area in the country.
Some activists have pointed to Goodson’s killing as further evidence that the city—and the country at large—needs to change its outlook on law enforcement.
“A crisis of this magnitude calls for a massive realignment of power,” Movement for Black Lives spokeswoman Chelsea Fuller told CNN. “That realignment can and will happen through defunding the police, reducing their bloated budgets, and re-investing those resources in the creation of new systems of public safety that account for all lives, not just some.”
Rallies in support of Goodson and his family have been planned for Friday and Saturday in Columbus.


theroot--2020-12-09--White North Carolina Man Accused of Using N-Word, Punching Woman and Minor Over BLM and Breonna Tayl

White North Carolina Man Accused of Using N-Word, Punching Woman and Minor Over BLM and Breonna Taylor Signs

One would think that after several years of the rallying cry ’ s existence , racist white people would at least be desensitized enough that the mere words , “ Black lives matter ” wouldn ’ t send them into a violent rage on anyone who dares display signs showing support for the movement .
Unfortunately , this is not the case , and the recent arrest of a white man accused of attacking two people in Lewisville , N.C. , over the BLM signs displayed in their car window makes that evident .
The Winston-Salem Journal reports that 55-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges of simple assault and assault on a woman following an incident on Dec. 3 where he is accused of repeatedly punching a minor and then punching a woman who came to defend him—all because a BLM sign and a sign that read , “ Prosecute the cops who murdered Breonna Taylor ” were displayed in the rear window of the car they were riding in .
The name of the minor hasn ’ t been revealed , but the two adults in the car were identified as Nova Tempest and Olivia Pugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s what the family ’ s attorney , Helen Parsonage , says happened as reported by the Journal : On Dec. 3 , Tempest was driving the family members along Lewisville-Clemmons Road toward the dental clinic , which is on Shallowford Road .
At 10:55 a.m. Sturdy started alternating between tailgating the family and then cutting in front of them and slamming on the brakes , Parsonage said .
Sturdy followed the family for a couple of blocks , until Tempest turned into the parking lot of the dentist ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , got out of his car and headed to the back passenger seat , where Tempest ’ s and Pugh ’ s brother was .
Parsonage said Sturdy then began hitting the brother in the face .
Pugh tried to intervene and Sturdy punched Pugh twice in the face , according to Parsonage .
Sturdy pointed at the signs and used the N-word .
He also used the word “ whores , ” Parsonage said .
LaShanda Millner , spokeswoman for the Forsyth County Sheriff ’ s Office , confirmed that Sturdy used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the incident .
Arrest warrants said Sturdy punched both the brother and Pugh in the face .
The Associated Press reports that Sturdy spoke briefly to a reporter over the phone about the charges he faces .
All he reportedly told them is , “ I ’ m going to court , and you can be there , ” and that he didn ’ t expect the media to care about the facts regarding the alleged assaults .
According to the Journal , Sturdy is scheduled to appear in Forsyth District Court @ @ @ @

One would think that after several years of the rallying cry’s existence, racist white people would at least be desensitized enough that the mere words, “Black lives matter” wouldn’t send them into a violent rage on anyone who dares display signs showing support for the movement. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and the recent arrest of a white man accused of attacking two people in Lewisville, N.C., over the BLM signs displayed in their car window makes that evident.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports that 55-year-old Rod Steven Sturdy is facing two misdemeanor charges of simple assault and assault on a woman following an incident on Dec. 3 where he is accused of repeatedly punching a minor and then punching a woman who came to defend him—all because a BLM sign and a sign that read, “Prosecute the cops who murdered Breonna Taylor” were displayed in the rear window of the car they were riding in.
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The name of the minor hasn’t been revealed, but the two adults in the car were identified as Nova Tempest and Olivia Pugh, the minor’s sisters.
Here’s what the family’s attorney, Helen Parsonage, says happened as reported by the Journal:
On Dec. 3, Tempest was driving the family members along Lewisville-Clemmons Road toward the dental clinic, which is on Shallowford Road. At 10:55 a.m. Sturdy started alternating between tailgating the family and then cutting in front of them and slamming on the brakes, Parsonage said. Sturdy followed the family for a couple of blocks, until Tempest turned into the parking lot of the dentist’s office. Sturdy blocked the family in, got out of his car and headed to the back passenger seat, where Tempest’s and Pugh’s brother was. Parsonage said Sturdy then began hitting the brother in the face. Pugh tried to intervene and Sturdy punched Pugh twice in the face, according to Parsonage. Sturdy pointed at the signs and used the N-word. He also used the word “whores,” Parsonage said. LaShanda Millner, spokeswoman for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that Sturdy used racist language and had tailgated the family before the incident. Arrest warrants said Sturdy punched both the brother and Pugh in the face.
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The Associated Press reports that Sturdy spoke briefly to a reporter over the phone about the charges he faces. All he reportedly told them is, “I’m going to court, and you can be there,” and that he didn’t expect the media to care about the facts regarding the alleged assaults.
According to the Journal, Sturdy is scheduled to appear in Forsyth District Court on Jan. 22 .


theroot--2020-12-09--'We Need to Be Unified': LL Cool J Drops a New 'Rock The Bells' Collab With a Focus on Bridging the

'We Need to Be Unified': LL Cool J Drops a New 'Rock The Bells' Collab With a Focus on Bridging the Divide

Just last week , we revisited the culture-shifting moment in 1999 when LL Cool J subverted retail juggernaut Gap by sporting a FUBU cap while appearing in a commercial for the brand .
The moment was a gamechanger , both for the independent Black brand founded by Daymond John and for the culture , at large ; a subconscious reminder that Black culture is not only a primary influence upon fashion , but deserves the same funding and platforms .
Over 20 years later ( and barely having aged a day ) , LL ’ s own newly launched lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1985 ( ! )
hit single of the same name—is aiming to bridge the gap , evoking the iconic Cuban link chain in the brand ’ s latest drop , a collaboration with Atlanta-based artist and designer Alexander-John called “ The Chain Collection.
” “ The Chain Collection is designed to bring a spotlight back to where streetwear all began , ” explained Alexander-John in a press release sent to The Glow Up .
“ Spray cans dripped and draped in Cuban links serve as a visual for luxury lifestyle while also paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hop culture .
This collection offers today ’ s streetwear enthusiasts an opportunity to support a collection designed with meaning and purpose .
This is a Black story , this is a true story , this is the culture ... we Rock The Bells.
” LL expanded the well-known Rock The Bells concert franchise to a digital platform and lifestyle brand earlier this year with backing from a collective of investors that included co-founder and chairman Geoff Yang of Redpoint Ventures ; Bozoma Saint John ; Harvard professor and co-founder of The Root @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among others .
June marked the first product collaboration between the rapper and Alexander-John , who teamed up on a limited-edition product line in honor of George Floyd , with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Black Lives Matter movement and LL ’ s Jump & Ball Foundation .
Speaking with Women ’ s Wear Daily ( WWD ) ahead of the second drop , LL explained , “ [ T ] he Rock the Bells platform is really just a work in progress ; we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collection like this , working with a young , talented designer who has insight into the culture and understands what we ’ re trying to do—that ’ s what this is about ...
It ’ s nice to take a young Black designer and say , ‘ I ’ m in a position , I have a platform and you can go out there and shine.
’ ” Following the profound message of the duo ’ s first collaboration , LL ’ s approach to the second—a full collection including t-shirts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a varsity jacket and duffle bag in collaboration with Roots , all sporting a red , black and green color story ( and ranging from $ 75 - $ 495 ) —is perhaps surprisingly diplomatic .
Discussing what he perceives to be the deeper meaning of The Chain Collection , he suggests it is a call for unity amid seemingly irreparable sociopolitical division .
“ There ’ s a high road and a low road out there , ” he told WWD , acknowledging what the outlet refers to as “ challenges ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to demonize any group of people .
I think that ’ s very important .
We have to look at things on a case-by-case basis and be just in our thinking , and not take one group of people and use broad strokes .
Like : ‘ all white people are racist or all these people feel this way ’ —I don ’ t agree with that approach .
I think there are a lot of people on both sides of the fence who are looking at things differently.
” Admittedly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Trump ’ s now-infamous response to the tragic events that took place in Charlottesville , Va. in 2017 is somewhat cringeworthy .
Nevertheless , he accurately pointed out that the Black Lives Matter protests of this year were largely populated by white supporters “ out there taking rubber bullets .
And they were doing it because they believed in the moral high ground that this movement has , ” he said .
“ So my feeling is that ultimately , we need to unify .
We need to be unified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go around the country , a lot of people have a lot of personal issues that are [ affecting ] their families around their dining room tables , so what we have to think about is how do we unify the country and at the same time be proud and represent who we are , and bring people together .
And that ’ s what I ’ m trying to do with projects like this .
This is what America is about , it ’ s about bootstrapping and stepping up and doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice be heard and not sit in the back seat and let life happen to you.
” Again , the reference to “ bootstrapping ” gives us pause , but what we can rock is bringing people together .
And then , there are the indisputably iconic influences behind the Rock The Bells platform , which include “ hip-hop culture ... graffiti , DJs , break dancing and MCs , the rappers who put the musical genre on the map , such as Kurtis Blow , Big Daddy Kane and Slick Rick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes LL himself .
“ LL has been my idol since I was a kid and an inspiration to me as a young Black guy .
This guy is everything you need to be as a guy.
” Alexander-John told WWD in praise of the man born James Todd Smith , whose career trajectory has taken him from the top of the music charts to 12 seasons and counting as a co-star of CBS ’ s hit TV show NCIS : Los Angeles .
“ As an artist , I ’ m always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I found out his inspiration in hip-hop was Kurtis Blow , Big Daddy Kane , Slick Rick ...
I was like , ‘ OK , this is going to be dope because the synergy is there , ” the designer continued , explaining the incorporation of the Cuban link motif .
“ I said , ‘ How do we bridge the gap between this generation and what LL was inspired by , ’ and the chains are that synonymous thing—everybody understands getting their own custom jewelry made .
I attacked it as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the chain representing that thing that a lot of rappers used to express their personal style and logos and what they stood for.
” “ This Alexander-John collection came together in a magical way , and the rest is history , ” LL told the outlet of the resulting collection , which he says is for “ everybody—all races , all genders.
” “ He designed it and trusted us to really go out and find high quality and take it to that level , ” the rapper added .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it worked well this time.
” The Chain Collection is now available exclusively on Rock The Bells ’ website .

Maiysha Kai on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

Just last week, we revisited the culture-shifting moment in 1999 when LL Cool J subverted retail juggernaut Gap by sporting a FUBU cap while appearing in a commercial for the brand. The moment was a gamechanger, both for the independent Black brand founded by Daymond John and for the culture, at large; a subconscious reminder that Black culture is not only a primary influence upon fashion, but deserves the same funding and platforms.
Advertisement
Over 20 years later (and barely having aged a day), LL’s own newly launched lifestyle brand, Rock The Bells—named for his 1985(!) hit single of the same name—is aiming to bridge the gap, evoking the iconic Cuban link chain in the brand’s latest drop, a collaboration with Atlanta-based artist and designer Alexander-John called “The Chain Collection.”
“The Chain Collection is designed to bring a spotlight back to where streetwear all began,” explained Alexander-John in a press release sent to The Glow Up. “Spray cans dripped and draped in Cuban links serve as a visual for luxury lifestyle while also paying homage to graffiti art deriving from hip hop culture. This collection offers today’s streetwear enthusiasts an opportunity to support a collection designed with meaning and purpose. This is a Black story, this is a true story, this is the culture...we Rock The Bells.”
Advertisement Advertisement
LL expanded the well-known Rock The Bells concert franchise to a digital platform and lifestyle brand earlier this year with backing from a collective of investors that included co-founder and chairman Geoff Yang of Redpoint Ventures; Bozoma Saint John; Harvard professor and co-founder of The Root Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Jr., among others. June marked the first product collaboration between the rapper and Alexander-John, who teamed up on a limited-edition product line in honor of George Floyd, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Black Lives Matter movement and LL’s Jump & Ball Foundation.
Speaking with Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) ahead of the second drop, LL explained, “[T]he Rock the Bells platform is really just a work in progress; we’re going to take it to another level. Doing a collection like this, working with a young, talented designer who has insight into the culture and understands what we’re trying to do—that’s what this is about...It’s nice to take a young Black designer and say, ‘I’m in a position, I have a platform and you can go out there and shine.’”
Advertisement
Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells Photo : Rock The Bells 1 / 16
Following the profound message of the duo’s first collaboration, LL’s approach to the second—a full collection including t-shirts, a hoodie, jogger pants, plus a varsity jacket and duffle bag in collaboration with Roots, all sporting a red, black and green color story (and ranging from $75 - $495)—is perhaps surprisingly diplomatic. Discussing what he perceives to be the deeper meaning of The Chain Collection, he suggests it is a call for unity amid seemingly irreparable sociopolitical division.
Advertisement
“There’s a high road and a low road out there,” he told WWD, acknowledging what the outlet refers to as “challenges” but maintaining: “The key is not to demonize any group of people. I think that’s very important. We have to look at things on a case-by-case basis and be just in our thinking, and not take one group of people and use broad strokes. Like: ‘all white people are racist or all these people feel this way’—I don’t agree with that approach. I think there are a lot of people on both sides of the fence who are looking at things differently.”
Admittedly, LL’s rephrasing, however inadvertent, of Trump’s now-infamous response to the tragic events that took place in Charlottesville, Va. in 2017 is somewhat cringeworthy. Nevertheless, he accurately pointed out that the Black Lives Matter protests of this year were largely populated by white supporters “out there taking rubber bullets. And they were doing it because they believed in the moral high ground that this movement has,” he said.
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“So my feeling is that ultimately, we need to unify. We need to be unified,” he continued. “When you go around the country, a lot of people have a lot of personal issues that are [affecting] their families around their dining room tables, so what we have to think about is how do we unify the country and at the same time be proud and represent who we are, and bring people together. And that’s what I’m trying to do with projects like this. This is what America is about, it’s about bootstrapping and stepping up and doing something with your platform to let your voice be heard and not sit in the back seat and let life happen to you.”
Again, the reference to “bootstrapping” gives us pause, but what we can rock is bringing people together. And then, there are the indisputably iconic influences behind the Rock The Bells platform, which include “hip-hop culture...graffiti, DJs, break dancing and MCs, the rappers who put the musical genre on the map, such as Kurtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane and Slick Rick,” noted WWD.
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That of course includes LL himself. “LL has been my idol since I was a kid and an inspiration to me as a young Black guy. This guy is everything you need to be as a guy.” Alexander-John told WWD in praise of the man born James Todd Smith, whose career trajectory has taken him from the top of the music charts to 12 seasons and counting as a co-star of CBS’s hit TV show NCIS: Los Angeles.
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“As an artist, I’m always looking to tell true stories so once I found out his inspiration in hip-hop was Kurtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick...I was like, ‘OK, this is going to be dope because the synergy is there,” the designer continued, explaining the incorporation of the Cuban link motif. “I said, ‘How do we bridge the gap between this generation and what LL was inspired by,’ and the chains are that synonymous thing—everybody understands getting their own custom jewelry made. I attacked it as an art form coming off graffiti and hip-hop with the chain representing that thing that a lot of rappers used to express their personal style and logos and what they stood for.”
“This Alexander-John collection came together in a magical way, and the rest is history,” LL told the outlet of the resulting collection, which he says is for “everybody—all races, all genders.”
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“He designed it and trusted us to really go out and find high quality and take it to that level,” the rapper added. “They say teamwork makes a dream work and I think it worked well this time.”
The Chain Collection is now available exclusively on Rock The Bells’ website.


theroot--2020-12-09--The 10 Best Deals of December 9, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 9, 2020

It ’ s December 9 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Get an early start on baking holiday cookies with the 3 piece bakeware set .
Upgrade your drugstore earbuds with Boltune wireless headphones .
Get your face snatched for your office ’ s Zoom holiday party with Clinique ’ s 5-pc .
Kisses gift set .
And if you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Wednesday ’ s best deals overall .
Are you a holiday baker ?
Even if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season doesn ’ t mean the gingerbread men and Christmas tree cookies need to suffer .
I have an aunt who is just sending all of you her famous yuletide sweets this year .
It ’ ll be like we swung by her house for hot chocolate and homemade confections .
If you are a Betty Crocker or a loved one is this three-piece Bakeware Set is a perfect gift .
From elegant entrees to decadent desserts this set will help you achieve all .
This is also one of MorningSave ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these is non-stick , durable .
and can handle over 400 degrees .
They can literally handle the heat in the kitchen .
Bake cupcakes or cornbread or anything in-between with the full dozen muffin pan .
The baking sheet is extra large for veggies , chicken , fish , and any other tasty dish you can make with a single pan .
And then there ’ s the bundt pan , this was my mom ’ s go-to growing up for her famous coffee cake .
No matter where the culinary fairy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food is so rewarding .
Plus , it ’ s a fun way to spend an afternoon .
This is an excellent deal if you need to upgrade your current culinary rotation .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , it ’ s a flat rate of $ 8 .
This deal was originally published by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a nostalgia trip : Tony Hawk ’ s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is on sale for $ 27 at Best Buy .
The remake of the skateboarding classics are a literal blast from the past , restoring the series to its former glory ( let ’ s just collectively block out Tony Hawk ’ s Pro Skater 5 , shall we ? )
.
The collection adds robust online multiplayer options and a deep creative suite , allowing you to customize parks and skaters .
Most of the songs you remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soundtrack , alongside new jams by bands like FIDLAR and Screaming Females .
And of course , you can play as the Hawk Man himself , Mr. Tony Hawk .
What more can you ask for in a game ?
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
Here ’ s a fact : screens don ’ t have to be flat .
You ’ ve been raised for decades to believe that a screen is like a window , letting you peer into the digital world through a flat display .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ What if I told you there was another world ?
Another dimension possible for your gaming and movie-going experiences ?
It ’ s not a dream ; it ’ s real life .
Welcome to the Curved era .
You can grab a Dell QHD curved monitor on sale at Best Buy right now for $ 350 and see for yourself .
Beyond its curved 32 '' display , this is a solid option in its own right .
It has a 164HZ refresh rate and a 2560 x 1440 display .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gamers looking to split the difference between frame rate and visual quality in their games .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
I ’ ve been a fan of Clinique ’ s products for years .
My mom is still very much a loyal customer so I often get sent their lipstick when she would visit the makeup counter at Macy ’ s .
Passion Pop is my go-to color and this set brings 5 other shades from that collection together in one very affordable set .
The 5 piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just use the code FRIEND at checkout .
Just one of these is normally $ 20 so this is quite the sale for a lipstick enthusiast .
Keep them all or share them with friends .
I can tell you these are absolutely moisturizing and leave your lips very soft .
They glide right on and have a really nice velvet finish .
The color is very saturated so you can go as bold as you want .
The shades in this set are all from the Pop line and include Nude , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Papaya .
Free shipping on orders all orders right now and this deal ends tonight .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
October to January are the heavy sweets months and it ’ s an onslaught .
Candy , cookies , cake , just food galore .
The only thing you can do is make sure you ’ re taking care of your chompers to ensure you can fully enjoy all these tasty things for years to come .
Right now the hum Smart Electric Toothbrush Kit is only $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon and exactly what you need to make sure you ’ re achieving the ultimate clean your mouth deserves .
The holidays really give your tastebuds a workout and of course !
It ’ s lots of good food and drinks for weeks .
This smart toothbrush connects via Bluetooth to your phone to help you see where you brushed perfectly and the areas you might need another round with .
You can customize the pulse and strength that is comfortable for you from normal , sensitive , or deep clean .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the recommended two minutes .
You ’ ll only need to charge every ten days and you can connect to Alexa who will remind you when you need to replace the toothbrush heads and can even order them for you .
In this starter kit , you get the smart electric adult toothbrush handle with already with a toothbrush head , the charger , a carrying case , and an extra brush head .
Those brush heads should be changed every six months .
This deal was originally posted by Sheilah Villari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ ll get the job done ?
Then try a pair of Boltune wireless headphones .
Usually $ 42 , the pair is down to $ 27 with the promo code KJ8RYN6H and a clipped coupon .
They have 40 hours of total playtime with one charge and a built-in mic .
Nothing more to say , buy it and listen to your tunes now !
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
As a holiday deal , Bed , Bath , & Beyond has an awesome sale on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 , you ’ ll get a counter-sized greenhouse ready to grow your favorite herbs for cooking .
It has a LED light to keep the sunshine and a system to remind you to water your plants .
Apparently , the plants can grow five times faster and can reach up to 12 '' in height .
You ’ ll also get a gourmet herbs starter packet which includes Genovese basil , curly parsley , dill , mint , thyme , Thai basil , and some liquid plant food because they WILL get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to live their best life and thrive .
This is a great option for people who love cooking and use herbs all year , especially when it ’ s cold out .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
Let me tell you , the Dyson V7 is a game-changer , and I ’ m not just saying that because it ’ s on sale for $ 250 and we get a commission from each purchase .
I bought one myself back in June and haven ’ t regretted it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch .
I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship .
For smaller spaces , the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out .
Not to mention the actual process of dumping out the dirt and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever .
A $ 100 discount is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more for mine back in June .
While it may not have the longest battery life in the world , clocking in at just 30 minutes , those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn ’ t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
Get your fitness-obsessed friend a Fitbit Inspire 2 from Macy ’ s .
It ’ s down to $ 70 , which is about 30 % off the original list price of $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track your steps and heart rate , while also receiving all notifications from your smartphone .
You ’ ll also be able to automatically track your sleeping patterns , record all your workouts , and see your progress right on your wrist .
What are you waiting for ?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
For many , working from home this year has been a tricky adjustment .
Among the many frustrations and inconveniences are the many noises your housemates will make as you try to focus on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down might work , but it can also cause some tension , and it ’ s never any fun .
Spare yourself the trouble with the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones .
Typically they ’ d cost you $ 350 , but a refurbished pair is down to $ 228 today at BackMarket , and using the promo code Kinja2020 you can save another $ 10 .
I ’ ve been testing them for the past couple days , and the noise-cancellation is a joy when your neighbors have a symphony of dogs on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Andrew Liszewski says they provide the best noise-canceling experience , and you can easily switch between two paired devices , so you can toggle from a laptop to a phone before getting started on a home workout or heading out for a walk .
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon .

Juliana Clark on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Wednesday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s December 9, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Get an early start on baking holiday cookies with the 3 piece bakeware set. Upgrade your drugstore earbuds with Boltune wireless headphones. Get your face snatched for your office’s Zoom holiday party with Clinique’s 5-pc. Kisses gift set.
And if you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Wednesday’s best deals overall.
#1: Food & Wine 3 Piece bakeware set
Are you a holiday baker? Even if you aren’t visiting family or friends this season doesn’t mean the gingerbread men and Christmas tree cookies need to suffer. I have an aunt who is just sending all of you her famous yuletide sweets this year. It’ll be like we swung by her house for hot chocolate and homemade confections. If you are a Betty Crocker or a loved one is this three-piece Bakeware Set is a perfect gift.
From elegant entrees to decadent desserts this set will help you achieve all. This is also one of MorningSave’s best selling bundles. Each of these is non-stick, durable. and can handle over 400 degrees. They can literally handle the heat in the kitchen. Bake cupcakes or cornbread or anything in-between with the full dozen muffin pan. The baking sheet is extra large for veggies, chicken, fish, and any other tasty dish you can make with a single pan. And then there’s the bundt pan, this was my mom’s go-to growing up for her famous coffee cake. No matter where the culinary fairy takes you baking and making your own food is so rewarding. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. This is an excellent deal if you need to upgrade your current culinary rotation.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#2: Tony hawk’s pro skater 1 +2
It’s time for a nostalgia trip: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is on sale for $27 at Best Buy. The remake of the skateboarding classics are a literal blast from the past, restoring the series to its former glory (let’s just collectively block out Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, shall we?). The collection adds robust online multiplayer options and a deep creative suite, allowing you to customize parks and skaters. Most of the songs you remember are still on the game’s soundtrack, alongside new jams by bands like FIDLAR and Screaming Females. And of course, you can play as the Hawk Man himself, Mr. Tony Hawk. What more can you ask for in a game?
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#3: Dell 32" Curved Monitor
Here’s a fact: screens don’t have to be flat. You’ve been raised for decades to believe that a screen is like a window, letting you peer into the digital world through a flat display. It’s all a lie. What if I told you there was another world? Another dimension possible for your gaming and movie-going experiences? It’s not a dream; it’s real life. Welcome to the Curved era. You can grab a Dell QHD curved monitor on sale at Best Buy right now for $350 and see for yourself. Beyond its curved 32" display, this is a solid option in its own right. It has a 164HZ refresh rate and a 2560 x 1440 display. That makes it a solid all-around option for gamers looking to split the difference between frame rate and visual quality in their games.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#4: Clinique 5-Pc. kisses gift set
I’ve been a fan of Clinique’s products for years. My mom is still very much a loyal customer so I often get sent their lipstick when she would visit the makeup counter at Macy’s. Passion Pop is my go-to color and this set brings 5 other shades from that collection together in one very affordable set. The 5 piece Kisses Gift Set is only $15 just use the code FRIEND at checkout.
Just one of these is normally $20 so this is quite the sale for a lipstick enthusiast. Keep them all or share them with friends. I can tell you these are absolutely moisturizing and leave your lips very soft. They glide right on and have a really nice velvet finish. The color is very saturated so you can go as bold as you want. The shades in this set are all from the Pop line and include Nude, Plum, Poppy, Cherry, and Papaya.
Free shipping on orders all orders right now and this deal ends tonight.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#5: Hum smart toothbrush
October to January are the heavy sweets months and it’s an onslaught. Candy, cookies, cake, just food galore. The only thing you can do is make sure you’re taking care of your chompers to ensure you can fully enjoy all these tasty things for years to come. Right now the hum Smart Electric Toothbrush Kit is only $59.
This kit is exclusive to Amazon and exactly what you need to make sure you’re achieving the ultimate clean your mouth deserves. The holidays really give your tastebuds a workout and of course! It’s lots of good food and drinks for weeks. This smart toothbrush connects via Bluetooth to your phone to help you see where you brushed perfectly and the areas you might need another round with. You can customize the pulse and strength that is comfortable for you from normal, sensitive, or deep clean. It also makes sure you are actually brushing for the recommended two minutes. You’ll only need to charge every ten days and you can connect to Alexa who will remind you when you need to replace the toothbrush heads and can even order them for you. In this starter kit, you get the smart electric adult toothbrush handle with already with a toothbrush head, the charger, a carrying case, and an extra brush head. Those brush heads should be changed every six months.
One-day shipping for Prime members.
This deal was originally posted by Sheilah Villari.
#6: boltune wireless headphones
Looking for a pair of headphones that’ll get the job done? Then try a pair of Boltune wireless headphones. Usually $42, the pair is down to $27 with the promo code KJ8RYN6H and a clipped coupon. They have 40 hours of total playtime with one charge and a built-in mic. Nothing more to say, buy it and listen to your tunes now!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#7: Aerogarden herb
As a holiday deal, Bed, Bath, & Beyond has an awesome sale on an AeroGarden Harvest. For a decent $100, you’ll get a counter-sized greenhouse ready to grow your favorite herbs for cooking. It has a LED light to keep the sunshine and a system to remind you to water your plants. Apparently, the plants can grow five times faster and can reach up to 12" in height.
You’ll also get a gourmet herbs starter packet which includes Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, mint, thyme, Thai basil, and some liquid plant food because they WILL get hungry and deserve the world if they are to live their best life and thrive. This is a great option for people who love cooking and use herbs all year, especially when it’s cold out.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#8: Dyson v7
Let me tell you, the Dyson V7 is a game-changer, and I’m not just saying that because it’s on sale for $250 and we get a commission from each purchase. I bought one myself back in June and haven’t regretted it. Mounted to our wall, it’s much easier to store than a larger upright floor vac you might tuck away in a closet and rarely touch. I use mine almost every day to pick up kitty litter as my cat explodes from his spaceship. For smaller spaces, the canister yields a sufficient enough capacity that you can go about a month without emptying it out. Not to mention the actual process of dumping out the dirt and dust only requires the simple pull of a lever.
A $100 discount is not nothing, especially considering I paid notably more for mine back in June. While it may not have the longest battery life in the world, clocking in at just 30 minutes, those living in quaint apartments or rancher-style homes shouldn’t take more than that to give their place a nice sweep.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#9: Fitbit inspire 2
Get your fitness-obsessed friend a Fitbit Inspire 2 from Macy’s. It’s down to $70, which is about 30% off the original list price of $100. You’ll be able to track your steps and heart rate, while also receiving all notifications from your smartphone. You’ll also be able to automatically track your sleeping patterns, record all your workouts, and see your progress right on your wrist. What are you waiting for?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#10: Sony WH-1000xm4 Headphones
For many, working from home this year has been a tricky adjustment. Among the many frustrations and inconveniences are the many noises your housemates will make as you try to focus on your work. Asking to keep the noise down might work, but it can also cause some tension, and it’s never any fun. Spare yourself the trouble with the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones. Typically they’d cost you $350, but a refurbished pair is down to $228 today at BackMarket, and using the promo code Kinja2020 you can save another $10. I’ve been testing them for the past couple days, and the noise-cancellation is a joy when your neighbors have a symphony of dogs on standby.
In his review, Gizmodo’s Andrew Liszewski says they provide the best noise-canceling experience, and you can easily switch between two paired devices, so you can toggle from a laptop to a phone before getting started on a home workout or heading out for a walk.
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon.


theroot--2020-12-08--Save 20% on a New ColourPop Palette or Anything Else at Ulta for the Rest of the Week

20 % off Any Item | Ulta Beauty | Use Code 851703 Until December 12 take 20 % off any item at Ulta with the code 851703 .
There ’ s a lot of really great affordable things to pick from so it can be a bit daunting .
Don ’ t worry we ’ ll help narrow it down for you .
We ’ ve covered tons of killer brands and deals currently at Ulta so today let ’ s highlight the new palettes from Colourpop that just dropped .
Last week Colourpop did another collab with Hello Kitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first collection they put out and thought they had a really nice array of colors and tones for all completions .
This one is just as adorable and beautifully made .
The Hello Kitty Snow Much Fun Eyeshadow Palette arrived just in time for the holidays .
This 9-pan palette brings the chilly hues of the season in 3 color stories .
M ix and match mattes and glitters for the puurrrfect winter look .
If you didn ’ t get your hands on The Child palette in the first release it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ cutest in the galaxy , ’ this is another 9-pan monochromatic pallette in stunning olive green .
At first , I thought I was going to hate the colors since they aren ’ t shades I normally wear but I ’ ve grown to love .
T he mattes and metallics blend smoothly and easily .
As with all C olourpop sha dows , they ’ re creamy and highly pigmented .
N eutrals , golds , and greens will make you a rebel princess in no time .
Free shipping on @ @ @ @ @ @

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon to The Root

20% off Any Item | Ulta Beauty | Use Code 851703
Until December 12 take 20% off any item at Ulta with the code 851703. There’s a lot of really great affordable things to pick from so it can be a bit daunting. Don’t worry we’ll help narrow it down for you. We’ve covered tons of killer brands and deals currently at Ulta so today let’s highlight the new palettes from Colourpop that just dropped.
Last week Colourpop did another collab with Hello Kitty. I was a huge fan of the first collection they put out and thought they had a really nice array of colors and tones for all completions. This one is just as adorable and beautifully made. The Hello Kitty Snow Much Fun Eyeshadow Palette arrived just in time for the holidays. This 9-pan palette brings the chilly hues of the season in 3 color stories. M ix and match mattes and glitters for the puurrrfect winter look.
If you didn’t get your hands on The Child palette in the first release it’s back! Correctly named the ‘cutest in the galaxy,’ this is another 9-pan monochromatic pallette in stunning olive green. At first, I thought I was going to hate the colors since they aren’t shades I normally wear but I’ve grown to love . T he mattes and metallics blend smoothly and easily. As with all C olourpop sha dows , they’re creamy and highly pigmented. N eutrals, golds, and greens will make you a rebel princess in no time.
Free shipping on all orders over $35.


theroot--2020-12-09--Public Service Announcement: Look, You’re Not Getting That PS5 Anytime Soon

Hey y ’ all , it ’ s your boy .
Today , I come with a public service announcement from your friends at The Root .
So take a seat , champ .
Today we ’ re going to discuss why you should probably end the hunt to get the new next-gen consoles .
If you ’ ve tried to buy a Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X in recent weeks , you ’ ve likely experienced the following : You ’ re waiting for the stock on *insert site* to go live .
The top of the hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page and immediately smash that add to cart button .
You go to checkout , eagerly waiting for the screen to load only to get hit with that “ Sorry , the item you want is out of stock , ” when it eventually does .
It ’ s a soul-crushing experience , folks .
Trust me , I know .
I caught Ls during the pre-order period , launch day , and during two of the sporadic drops that occurred in the week immediately following launch .
Judging by the experiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter , I ’ m going to assume a large chunk of you reading this have experienced it , too .
While demand for the consoles is admittedly high , they aren ’ t just being scooped up by folks who only want to play Demon ’ s Souls or Spider-Man : Miles Morales .
A large portion of the stock is being acquired by resellers who use automated bots to buy consoles in bulk , only to flip them for almost triple the base price on sites such as eBay and StockX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that major retailers such as Walmart , Target , and Gamestop ( gross ) aren ’ t unaware of the problem .
A representative from Walmart told the news outlet that they blocked “ more than 20 million bot attempts within the first 30 minutes of a PS5 sales event ” on Nov. 25 .
While the retailers are doing their best to combat bots , the fact of the matter is they ’ re always going to be a reality so long as the stock is only online .
Just speaking as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve long accepted the reality that anytime a Nike SB Dunk , Travis Scott Jordan , or an Off-White collab drops , it ’ s going to be eaten up by bots and sold for stupid amounts on StockX .
The thing that separates consoles from sneakers , though , is the fact that more consoles are going to be manufactured .
By design , they aren ’ t meant to be these rare things people can ’ t purchase .
So if you ’ re considering buying a console through resale , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let ’ s just keep it a buck : there is absolutely no compelling reason to own a next-gen console right now .
Part of my job is to write about video games and I don ’ t need a next-gen console at the moment .
If you take a cursory look at game releases for the upcoming year , many of the games announced will also be available on Playstation 4 , PC and Xbox One .
The first true exclusive I could find is Deathloop for the Playstation 5 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have no set release date for Playstation exclusives God of War : Ragnarok or Horizon : Forbidden West and 343 Industries announced that Halo : Infinite , the game that was supposed to be the Series X ’ s big launch title , won ’ t release until next fall .
If you ’ re getting a new console , it ’ s really just to run more optimized versions of your current games .
If that ’ s your prerogative , go off ; far be it for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For those looking for true next-gen experiences , though , you ’ re honestly better off waiting .
As of now , both the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5 are being exclusively sold online to avoid crowds at stores .
Should the vaccine be rolled out effectively , and the ongoing pandemic brought under control throughout the next year , that ’ s going to have a ripple effect that will benefit you .
If folks can safely get back to work , that would hopefully speed up some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the pandemic .
Also , this will hopefully mean that consoles will be sold in stores as crowding becomes less of a concern .
I don ’ t know about you , but I think my chances of getting a console would go up if I only had to compete with my neighborhood and not the entire country for a Playstation .
The great thing is that by the time all these things hopefully come to pass there should be more worthwhile games to experience on these consoles .
So instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when new stock comes , why not just enjoy the twilight period of the Playstation 4 and Xbox One ?
There are so many bangers from this generation on sale right now and considering that there really ain ’ t shit else to do , it ’ s the perfect time to play them .
I just personally think that finding new ways to enjoy what you already have sounds much more rewarding than trying to cop the hot new thing that doesn ’ t really offer much new .
Besides , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can realistically get a console anytime soon .

Hey y’all, it’s your boy. Today, I come with a public service announcement from your friends at The Root. So take a seat, champ. Today we’re going to discuss why you should probably end the hunt to get the new next-gen consoles.
If you’ve tried to buy a Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X in recent weeks, you’ve likely experienced the following:
You’re waiting for the stock on *insert site* to go live. The top of the hour comes, so you hit refresh on the page and immediately smash that add to cart button. You go to checkout, eagerly waiting for the screen to load only to get hit with that “Sorry, the item you want is out of stock,” when it eventually does.
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It’s a soul-crushing experience, folks. Trust me, I know. I caught Ls during the pre-order period, launch day, and during two of the sporadic drops that occurred in the week immediately following launch. Judging by the experiences of my friends and cursory glances at Twitter, I’m going to assume a large chunk of you reading this have experienced it, too.
While demand for the consoles is admittedly high, they aren’t just being scooped up by folks who only want to play Demon’s Souls or Spider-Man: Miles Morales. A large portion of the stock is being acquired by resellers who use automated bots to buy consoles in bulk, only to flip them for almost triple the base price on sites such as eBay and StockX.
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A report from NBC News reveals that major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Gamestop (gross) aren’t unaware of the problem. A representative from Walmart told the news outlet that they blocked “more than 20 million bot attempts within the first 30 minutes of a PS5 sales event” on Nov. 25. While the retailers are doing their best to combat bots, the fact of the matter is they’re always going to be a reality so long as the stock is only online.
Just speaking as someone who loves sneakers, I’ve long accepted the reality that anytime a Nike SB Dunk, Travis Scott Jordan, or an Off-White collab drops, it’s going to be eaten up by bots and sold for stupid amounts on StockX.
Advertisement
The thing that separates consoles from sneakers, though, is the fact that more consoles are going to be manufactured. By design, they aren’t meant to be these rare things people can’t purchase. So if you’re considering buying a console through resale, please, don’t.
Also, let’s just keep it a buck: there is absolutely no compelling reason to own a next-gen console right now. Part of my job is to write about video games and I don’t need a next-gen console at the moment.
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If you take a cursory look at game releases for the upcoming year, many of the games announced will also be available on Playstation 4, PC and Xbox One. The first true exclusive I could find is Deathloop for the Playstation 5 and that doesn’t drop until May. We have no set release date for Playstation exclusives God of War: Ragnarok or Horizon: Forbidden West and 343 Industries announced that Halo: Infinite, the game that was supposed to be the Series X’s big launch title, won’t release until next fall.
If you’re getting a new console, it’s really just to run more optimized versions of your current games. If that’s your prerogative, go off; far be it for me to tell you how to spend your money. For those looking for true next-gen experiences, though, you’re honestly better off waiting.
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As of now, both the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5 are being exclusively sold online to avoid crowds at stores. Should the vaccine be rolled out effectively, and the ongoing pandemic brought under control throughout the next year, that’s going to have a ripple effect that will benefit you.
If folks can safely get back to work, that would hopefully speed up some of the supply chain issues that have stemmed from the pandemic. Also, this will hopefully mean that consoles will be sold in stores as crowding becomes less of a concern.
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I don’t know about you, but I think my chances of getting a console would go up if I only had to compete with my neighborhood and not the entire country for a Playstation.
The great thing is that by the time all these things hopefully come to pass there should be more worthwhile games to experience on these consoles. So instead of stressing yourself out and setting alerts for when new stock comes, why not just enjoy the twilight period of the Playstation 4 and Xbox One?
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There are so many bangers from this generation on sale right now and considering that there really ain’t shit else to do, it’s the perfect time to play them. I just personally think that finding new ways to enjoy what you already have sounds much more rewarding than trying to cop the hot new thing that doesn’t really offer much new.
Besides, it ain’t like any of us can realistically get a console anytime soon.


theroot--2020-12-09--Jemele Hill Asks Jake Paul If Knocking Out Nate Robinson Was Racist, and Twitter Did What Twitter Do

Jemele Hill Asks Jake Paul If Knocking Out Nate Robinson Was Racist, and Twitter Did What Twitter Does—Implode

Cultural critic Jemele Hill thrives at the intersection of race and pop culture , and her new show , Vice TV ’ s Stick to Sports—co-hosted by fellow ESPN alum Cari Champion—follows a similar modus operandi .
Each week , the dynamic duo interviews some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment .
And while I ’ ve admittedly only seen the show a few times , it ’ s important to note that Hill and Champion frequently poke fun at the racial dynamics of the complicated world we live in .
During the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson died for all of our sins ; murdered at the hands of a goofy YouTuber named Jake Paul who beat KyrptoNate so bad that his soul has yet to return to his body .
Considering the magnitude of the moment , and the premise of Stick to Sports , it makes complete sense that Hill and Champion would extend an invite to the same dude who made us forget allllllllllll about the white boy who whooped rapper Sticky Fingaz ’ s ass on MTV for an interview .
And based on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s safe to assume it ’ s at least worth checking out .
In a clip posted by Vice TV ’ s Twitter account , Hill asks Paul what should be interpreted as an obvious—albeit corny—joke : “ Considering where we are right now in our racial conversation in America , was what you did to Nate Robinson racist ?
” The question is so outlandish that Hill can ’ t help but chuckle herself .
But regardless of how you feel about her inquiry , it ’ s completely on-brand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come as a surprise .
Yet in this social media era in which people love to take things out of context or overreact for the sake of doing so , Hill spent her Wednesday morning trending on Twitter for all the wrong reasons .
There were people accusing Hill of being racist for even asking the question : Black folks annoyed that it was ever even asked : And of course , people coming to Hill and Champion ’ s defense : For those wondering how Paul responded to being asked if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your answer .
He was pretty curt : “ It ’ s a shitty question , it ’ s a sport.
” As for Champion , she took to Twitter to remind everyone that they were simply trolling a troll and it really ain ’ t that deep .
“ Y ’ all , @ jemelehill and I were trolling a troll with permission , ” she tweeted .
“ This wasn ’ t an interview with weight.
” Common sense seems to be in short supply considering this disclaimer was even necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks up in arms , wait until Floyd Mayweather breaks Logan Paul ’ s face in February .

Cultural critic Jemele Hill thrives at the intersection of race and pop culture, and her new show, Vice TV’s Stick to Sports—co-hosted by fellow ESPN alum Cari Champion—follows a similar modus operandi.
Advertisement
Each week, the dynamic duo interviews some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. And while I’ve admittedly only seen the show a few times, it’s important to note that Hill and Champion frequently poke fun at the racial dynamics of the complicated world we live in.
During the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones exhibition match in November, Nate Robinson died for all of our sins; murdered at the hands of a goofy YouTuber named Jake Paul who beat KyrptoNate so bad that his soul has yet to return to his body.
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Considering the magnitude of the moment, and the premise of Stick to Sports, it makes complete sense that Hill and Champion would extend an invite to the same dude who made us forget allllllllllll about the white boy who whooped rapper Sticky Fingaz’s ass on MTV for an interview. And based on Twitter’s response, I think it’s safe to assume it’s at least worth checking out.
Advertisement
In a clip posted by Vice TV’s Twitter account, Hill asks Paul what should be interpreted as an obvious—albeit corny—joke: “Considering where we are right now in our racial conversation in America, was what you did to Nate Robinson racist?”
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The question is so outlandish that Hill can’t help but chuckle herself. But regardless of how you feel about her inquiry, it’s completely on-brand for the show and shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Yet in this social media era in which people love to take things out of context or overreact for the sake of doing so, Hill spent her Wednesday morning trending on Twitter for all the wrong reasons.
There were people accusing Hill of being racist for even asking the question:
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Black folks annoyed that it was ever even asked:
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A dash of sexism:
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And of course, people coming to Hill and Champion’s defense:
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For those wondering how Paul responded to being asked if he had racist knuckles, here’s your answer. He was pretty curt: “It’s a shitty question, it’s a sport.”
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Pretty much.
As for Champion, she took to Twitter to remind everyone that they were simply trolling a troll and it really ain’t that deep.
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“Y’all, @jemelehill and I were trolling a troll with permission,” she tweeted. “This wasn’t an interview with weight.”
Common sense seems to be in short supply considering this disclaimer was even necessary. But if you think this had folks up in arms, wait until Floyd Mayweather breaks Logan Paul’s face in February.


theroot--2020-12-09--Trump-Supporting No-Tep Karen Duo Thinks Their ‘Vibrational Frequency’ Will Shield Them From COVID

I ’ ve been saying for some time now that Trump supporters are the white equivalents of hoteps .
If the wealth of idiotic , pseudo-intellectual conspiracies alleging widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential race wasn ’ t enough , I ’ ve recently come across a video that shows two Trump-supporting white women being the Umar Johnsons of delusional Karens .
In the video , the hotep Karen duo ( I know , I never thought I ’ d be putting those terms together either ) can be heard boasting about how their “ vibrational frequency ” shields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks obsolete .
Let me back up a bit .
Since the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic , I ’ ve been involved in an ongoing effort to get to the bottom of why conservative white people are so vehemently opposed to wearing face masks , and why said opposition has them doing so much dumb shit .
During my continuous quest to figure out why white people are so determined to keep their non-existent lips uncovered , I ’ ve come up with a few theories : White people know their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their only escape ; white people are tired of never being oppressed , and the maskless revolution is the closest they ’ ll ever get to Nat Turner energy ; if white people can ’ t wear their KKK hoods proudly , they ’ ll wear no face covering at all .
I ’ m almost ashamed to admit that in all my research on the subject , I never considered “ vibrational frequency ” as a determining factor in why melanin-forgo-teps reject the mask .
According to the Daily Dot , caucasian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump rally in Georgia .
The video—which received around 9.4 million views after it was originally posted on TikTok—opens with the Tariq Nasheed of Roseanne Barrs claiming that she and her partner in white nonsense “ don ’ t have the vibrational frequency to host that virus.
” The other Karen of the vibration-nation chimed in saying—with all of the unearned smugness that white mediocrity allows— “ And I taught her that.
” I mean , she said it with her chest , second chin and bloated jaw flaps like she was waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year ” award .
“ Do you know that everything in this universe vibrates and as is alive ?
” the first woman continued .
“ There is life with that .
That ’ s what I ’ m talking about.
” That ’ s when the anti-face mask rhetoric made its way into the chat .
“ I don ’ t put life into COVID .
I ’ m not going to wear a mask , ” wypipo-tep number two said .
“ I never wear a mask .
Ever.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a limb and say that the “ vibrational frequency ” angle is another dead end for my ongoing research .
I ’ m not even sure what exactly is vibrating other than tiny brains inside the thick skulls of anti-maskers .
For the record : The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the state of Georgia “ reported the highest weekly total of confirmed and probable coronavirus cases last week than at any point in the pandemic.
” Much like this damn pandemic , I fear my work in getting to the bottom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @

I’ve been saying for some time now that Trump supporters are the white equivalents of hoteps. If the wealth of idiotic, pseudo-intellectual conspiracies alleging widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential race wasn’t enough, I’ve recently come across a video that shows two Trump-supporting white women being the Umar Johnsons of delusional Karens. In the video, the hotep Karen duo (I know, I never thought I’d be putting those terms together either) can be heard boasting about how their “vibrational frequency” shields them from COVID-19 infection and makes face masks obsolete.
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Let me back up a bit.
Since the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, I’ve been involved in an ongoing effort to get to the bottom of why conservative white people are so vehemently opposed to wearing face masks, and why said opposition has them doing so much dumb shit.
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During my continuous quest to figure out why white people are so determined to keep their non-existent lips uncovered, I’ve come up with a few theories: White people know their breath stinks, and going maskless is their only escape; white people are tired of never being oppressed, and the maskless revolution is the closest they’ll ever get to Nat Turner energy; if white people can’t wear their KKK hoods proudly, they’ll wear no face covering at all.
I’m almost ashamed to admit that in all my research on the subject, I never considered “vibrational frequency” as a determining factor in why melanin-forgo-teps reject the mask.
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According to the Daily Dot, caucasian Diamond and Silk were filmed during a Trump rally in Georgia.
The video—which received around 9.4 million views after it was originally posted on TikTok—opens with the Tariq Nasheed of Roseanne Barrs claiming that she and her partner in white nonsense “don’t have the vibrational frequency to host that virus.”
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The other Karen of the vibration-nation chimed in saying—with all of the unearned smugness that white mediocrity allows— “And I taught her that.” I mean, she said it with her chest, second chin and bloated jaw flaps like she was waiting for some kind of “teacher of the year” award.
“Do you know that everything in this universe vibrates and as is alive?” the first woman continued. “There is life with that. That’s what I’m talking about.”
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That’s when the anti-face mask rhetoric made its way into the chat.
“I don’t put life into COVID. I’m not going to wear a mask,” wypipo-tep number two said. “I never wear a mask. Ever.”
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*Deep sigh*
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the “vibrational frequency” angle is another dead end for my ongoing research. I’m not even sure what exactly is vibrating other than tiny brains inside the thick skulls of anti-maskers.
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For the record: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the state of Georgia “reported the highest weekly total of confirmed and probable coronavirus cases last week than at any point in the pandemic.”
Much like this damn pandemic, I fear my work in getting to the bottom of this shit will never be done.


theroot--2020-12-09--The Fitbit Inspire 2 Is Down to $70

The Fitbit Inspire 2 Is Down to $70

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated @ @ @ @ @ the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch @ @ @ @ @ 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
Get your fitness-obsessed friend a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s .
It ’ s down to $ 70 , which is about 30 @ @ @ @ @ price of $ 100 .
You ’ ll be able to track your steps and @ @ @ @ @ receiving all notifications from your smartphone .
You ’ ll also be able to automatically @ @ @ @ @ record all your workouts , and see your progress right on your wrist .
What @ @ @ @ @

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Fitbit Inspire 2 | $57 | Amazon
Get your fitness-obsessed friend a Fitbit Inspire 2 from Amazon . It’s down to $57, which is about 43% off the original list price of $100. You’ll be able to track your steps and heart rate, while also receiving all notifications from your smartphone. You’ll also be able to automatically track your sleeping patterns, record all your workouts, and see your progress right on your wrist. What are you waiting for? This will also include a fr ee 1-y ear of Fitbit Premium.
This deal is for Prime members.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher in December 2020 and updated by Sheilah Villari with new information on 06/22/2021.


theroot--2020-12-09--Patrisse Cullors Has Been 'Craving Nuance' in Black Activists' Stories—and She Plans to Create That

Patrisse Cullors Has Been 'Craving Nuance' in Black Activists' Stories—and She Plans to Create That With Warner Bros. TV

Black lives absolutely matter ... and so do our vast and rich array of stories .
Patrisse Cullors , the co-founder of Black Lives Matter ( along with Opal Tometi and Alicia Garza ) and a 2020 honoree of The Root 100 ( her fourth time on the list since 2015 ) , recently made Hollywood headlines when she inked an overall deal with Warner Bros. TV Group to “ develop and produce original programming for all platforms including streaming services , cable , and the five broadcast networks.
” Intrigued by the inner workings of this deal and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hollywood within the intersections of grassroots activism , I recently sat down for a phone conversation with Cullors .
“ I think it ’ s important for folks to know that part of the work that I ’ ve been doing and part of our movement has been storytelling , ” Cullors told The Root .
“ How do we tell a story about the impact the state has had on Black people and a country that is deeply racist and doesn ’ t actually care about Black people ?
How do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to care ?
So Black Lives Matter is , in so many ways , a storytelling project to really push forward a new vision for Black people .
As you know , the media , especially TV/film , has had a long history of not being able to tell the stories of Black people who ’ ve been freedom fighters .
We ’ ve had the same stories .
We know about MLK.
” “ There [ are ] oftentimes stories that come out where there ’ s Black people who were discriminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ ... ] then a white person and Black come together and everybody ’ s better after they come together , ” Cullors continued , her sarcasm evident , even through the phone .
“ So , I think part of what I ’ ve been craving inside of Hollywood is more nuance inside of the TV show space about who Black activists are , who Black organizers are and how we have actually been a part of reshaping society.
” Specifically , Cullors has a goal to highlight the stories of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ the shapers of the world.
” “ Before I landed this deal , I was actually working for Freeform inside of the writers ’ room for Good Trouble , which is a show that has a Black Lives Matter character [ Malika Williams , portrayed by Zuri Adele ] .
And so , I was developing that character in that storyline.
” When Black creators are granted the privilege to be in the room with Warner Bros. execs and other Hollywood gatekeepers , it ’ s especially integral to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voices are heard .
In these rooms , the question then becomes—how will you use this platform ?
It ’ s a question both parties should feel compelled to answer .
This year—amid a general Hollywood reckoning—Warner Bros. was not immune to scrutiny ; when Justice League actor Ray Fisher claimed he and other actors were subjected to workplace abuse under the leadership of the film ’ s director , Joss Whedon , co-stars Jason Momoa and Kiersey Clemons publicly backed the actor ’ s claims .
WarnerMedia subsequently issued a detailed statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated to be Fisher ’ s “ false claims.
” While the details of the ongoing investigation couldn ’ t be discussed , I did think it important to ask Cullors what her actionable plans were to make sure Black actors and crew members ( and members of other marginalized communities ) felt safe on set for her upcoming projects .
“ Yeah , I ’ ve been in some of those conversations , ” Cullors confirmed .
“ I ’ m very , very , very early development , so I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be like , ‘ All right , now we ’ re going to be on set so this is what we should be doing , ’ but I am definitely in conversations with execs inside WB .
[ I ’ m ] very much interested in working with them on how we create an environment , especially for Black people , but folks of color and marginalized communities at large that feel safe and feel like the place that they ’ re working at is a place where they can leverage their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there ’ s going to be zero tolerance for certain behavior.
” In terms of activism-meeting-Hollywood , it seems like Warner Bros. TV has plans to integrate the two even further .
A few days after I spoke with Cullors , the studio announced that it had also struck an overall deal with activist and author Kimberly Latrice Jones ( I ’ m Not Dying With You Tonight ) .
When it comes to bridging the long-existing gap between true activism and Hollywood posturing , Cullors is thrilled to bring folks into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mervyn Marcano to produce “ some really exciting content ” that will be released next year .
Speaking of Hollywood culture , there was one particular passage in Cullors ’ recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that stuck out to me .
She noted there was a “ marked difference ” in celebrity participation in the Black Lives Matter movement “ in the past year more than ever , ” than there was prior to 2020 ( where she saw Hollywood support “ here and there ” ) .
She specifically shouted out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kendrick Sampson , Ava DuVernay , Tessa Thompson , America Ferrera , Natalie Portman , Tracee Ellis Ross and more .
While some of the aforementioned celebrities have long-standing reputations for their work in activism , the cultural shift this year in Hollywood was quite noticeable .
“ Since garnering so much attention and exposure , we are starting to be heard and recognized in ways we could only dream were possible , ” Cullors told THR .
“ I really want to shout out America Ferrera .
Her organization [ Harness ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people on the ground .
We ’ ve been working together for four years .
We met the week after Trump was elected , and we would not have had so much celebrity engagement in this recent uprising if it weren ’ t for her leadership .
America brought in folks like Coldplay and Natalie Portman and Tracee Ellis Ross and Kerry Washington .
She was really a validator and ally of our movement .
We will need celebrities ’ voices to be the validators of us again and not allow the Biden-Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As such , I was interested in Cullors thoughts about the general dismantling of celebrity culture as we know it this year .
In the past several months , we ’ ve all noticed a shift in the perception of celebrity culture—especially via social media .
In a year wrought with increased poverty and death , what we generally value as a society has been re-prioritized .
Accordingly , celebrities who were once glorified for their riches and fame are now rightfully receiving immediate pushback to their problematic perspectives .
“ Yeah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a chuckle .
“ I think that—especially with the onset of COVID— [ it has resulted in a ] death to celebrity [ culture ] ...
The essential worker became a celebrity ; Dr. Fauci became a celebrity ; the people who work to give us answers about what was happening to our lives and how we were impacted… [ they ] became a celebrity .
I think it ’ s really been a shift in how we understand what ’ s of value .
I ’ m not saying that—you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not saying ] they don ’ t have value .
But , what it ’ s meant for so long is that other people are not valuable ; musicians and actors who are well paid—and frankly , rich—are the ones who [ were considered those who ] should be seen and valued.
” “ I ’ m so grateful that the essential worker , the protester , the Black organizer , the Black activist has become that person , ” Cullors added .
“ I think we really pushed celebrities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black lives this time around and to really leverage their platform for our movement , and that has been of great value.
” So , what exactly can we look forward to from Cullors in the Hollywood space ?
In September , there were rumors that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were pitching a documentary chronicling the BLM co-founder as part of their huge Netflix deal .
“ I have no idea what that is , ” Cullors , who does have a YouTube docuseries highlighting grassroots organizers called Resist , laughed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news , but no one contacted me .
No one has contacted my rep , so I don ’ t know what ’ s happening there.
” What we do know is that Cullors ( who told me she enjoys the nostalgia of classic Black TV , such as Family Matters , The Cosby Show , The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single ) is certainly ambitious when it comes to her future work with Warner Bros. TV .
“ My dream project would be doing something scripted on Black artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said , remaining vague for obvious reasons .
Imagine the visuals and costuming that could come from that !
I ’ m intrigued to see what Cullors whips up .
As we neared the end of our phone call , I asked if she had any parting words directed to Hollywood gatekeepers to serve as a footnote to this interview .
In a simple , yet firm declaration , she said , “ Follow our lead and listen to us .
”

Black lives absolutely matter...and so do our vast and rich array of stories.
Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter (along with Opal Tometi and Alicia Garza) and a 2020 honoree of The Root 100 (her fourth time on the list since 2015), recently made Hollywood headlines when she inked an overall deal with Warner Bros. TV Group to “develop and produce original programming for all platforms including streaming services, cable, and the five broadcast networks.” Intrigued by the inner workings of this deal and how she plans to make her mark on Hollywood within the intersections of grassroots activism, I recently sat down for a phone conversation with Cullors.
“I think it’s important for folks to know that part of the work that I’ve been doing and part of our movement has been storytelling,” Cullors told The Root. “How do we tell a story about the impact the state has had on Black people and a country that is deeply racist and doesn’t actually care about Black people? How do we tell a compelling story where people start to care? So Black Lives Matter is, in so many ways, a storytelling project to really push forward a new vision for Black people. As you know, the media, especially TV/film, has had a long history of not being able to tell the stories of Black people who’ve been freedom fighters. We’ve had the same stories. We know about MLK.”
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“There [ are] oftentimes stories that come out where there’s Black people who were discriminated against [by] the white community [...] then a white person and Black come together and everybody’s better after they come together,” Cullors continued, her sarcasm evident, even through the phone. “So, I think part of what I’ve been craving inside of Hollywood is more nuance inside of the TV show space about who Black activists are, who Black organizers are and how we have actually been a part of reshaping society.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Specifically, Cullors has a goal to highlight the stories of Black women who are, in her words, “the shapers of the world.”
“Before I landed this deal, I was actually working for Freeform inside of the writers’ room for Good Trouble, which is a show that has a Black Lives Matter character [Malika Williams, portrayed by Zuri Adele]. And so, I was developing that character in that storyline.”
Advertisement
When Black creators are granted the privilege to be in the room with Warner Bros. execs and other Hollywood gatekeepers, it’s especially integral to make sure Black people are wholly seen and our voices are heard. In these rooms, the question then becomes—how will you use this platform? It’s a question both parties should feel compelled to answer.
This year—amid a general Hollywood reckoning—Warner Bros. was not immune to scrutiny; when Justice League actor Ray Fisher claimed he and other actors were subjected to workplace abuse under the leadership of the film’s director, Joss Whedon, co-stars Jason Momoa and Kiersey Clemons publicly backed the actor’s claims. WarnerMedia subsequently issued a detailed statement regarding the matter, addressing what they stated to be Fisher’s “false claims.”
Advertisement
While the details of the ongoing investigation couldn’t be discussed, I did think it important to ask Cullors what her actionable plans were to make sure Black actors and crew members (and members of other marginalized communities) felt safe on set for her upcoming projects.
“Yeah, I’ve been in some of those conversations,” Cullors confirmed. “I’m very, very, very early development, so I don’t have anything that I can be like, ‘All right, now we’re going to be on set so this is what we should be doing,’ but I am definitely in conversations with execs inside WB. [I’m] very much interested in working with them on how we create an environment, especially for Black people, but folks of color and marginalized communities at large that feel safe and feel like the place that they’re working at is a place where they can leverage their own grievances that they need to and know that there’s going to be zero tolerance for certain behavior.”
Advertisement
In terms of activism-meeting-Hollywood, it seems like Warner Bros. TV has plans to integrate the two even further. A few days after I spoke with Cullors, the studio announced that it had also struck an overall deal with activist and author Kimberly Latrice Jones (I’m Not Dying With You Tonight). When it comes to bridging the long-existing gap between true activism and Hollywood posturing, Cullors is thrilled to bring folks into the Hollywood space such as Blackbird co-founder Mervyn Marcano to produce “some really exciting content” that will be released next year.
Speaking of Hollywood culture, there was one particular passage in Cullors’ recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that stuck out to me. She noted there was a “marked difference” in celebrity participation in the Black Lives Matter movement “in the past year more than ever,” than there was prior to 2020 (where she saw Hollywood support “here and there”). She specifically shouted out involved celebs such as Yara Shahidi, Kendrick Sampson, Ava DuVernay, Tessa Thompson, America Ferrera, Natalie Portman, Tracee Ellis Ross and more. While some of the aforementioned celebrities have long-standing reputations for their work in activism, the cultural shift this year in Hollywood was quite noticeable.
Advertisement
“Since garnering so much attention and exposure, we are starting to be heard and recognized in ways we could only dream were possible,” Cullors told THR. “I really want to shout out America Ferrera. Her organization [Harness] was founded to amplify the work of people on the ground. We’ve been working together for four years. We met the week after Trump was elected, and we would not have had so much celebrity engagement in this recent uprising if it weren’t for her leadership. America brought in folks like Coldplay and Natalie Portman and Tracee Ellis Ross and Kerry Washington. She was really a validator and ally of our movement. We will need celebrities’ voices to be the validators of us again and not allow the Biden-Harris ticket to marginalize Black progressive movements.”
As such, I was interested in Cullors thoughts about the general dismantling of celebrity culture as we know it this year. In the past several months, we’ve all noticed a shift in the perception of celebrity culture—especially via social media. In a year wrought with increased poverty and death, what we generally value as a society has been re-prioritized. Accordingly, celebrities who were once glorified for their riches and fame are now rightfully receiving immediate pushback to their problematic perspectives.
Advertisement
“Yeah, I love it!” Cullors exclaimed with a chuckle. “I think that—especially with the onset of COVID—[it has resulted in a] death to celebrity [culture]...The essential worker became a celebrity; Dr. Fauci became a celebrity; the people who work to give us answers about what was happening to our lives and how we were impacted…[they] became a celebrity. I think it’s really been a shift in how we understand what’s of value. I’m not saying that—you know, celebrities are human beings—[I’m not saying] they don’t have value. But, what it’s meant for so long is that other people are not valuable; musicians and actors who are well paid—and frankly, rich—are the ones who [were considered those who] should be seen and valued.”
Advertisement
“I’m so grateful that the essential worker, the protester, the Black organizer, the Black activist has become that person,” Cullors added. “I think we really pushed celebrities, in particular, to show up for Black lives this time around and to really leverage their platform for our movement, and that has been of great value.”
So, what exactly can we look forward to from Cullors in the Hollywood space? In September, there were rumors that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were pitching a documentary chronicling the BLM co-founder as part of their huge Netflix deal.
Advertisement
“I have no idea what that is,” Cullors, who does have a YouTube docuseries highlighting grassroots organizers called Resist, laughed. “Literally, I saw it in the news, but no one contacted me. No one has contacted my rep, so I don’t know what’s happening there.”
What we do know is that Cullors (who told me she enjoys the nostalgia of classic Black TV, such as Family Matters, The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single) is certainly ambitious when it comes to her future work with Warner Bros. TV.
Advertisement
“My dream project would be doing something scripted on Black artists and creatives during the Harlem Renaissance,” she said, remaining vague for obvious reasons. Imagine the visuals and costuming that could come from that!
I’m intrigued to see what Cullors whips up. As we neared the end of our phone call, I asked if she had any parting words directed to Hollywood gatekeepers to serve as a footnote to this interview. In a simple, yet firm declaration, she said, “Follow our lead and listen to us.”
Advertisement
Period.