theroot--2020-06-25--The Newly Formed Black in Fashion Council Will Gauge Industry Accountability With an 'Equality Index

The Newly Formed Black in Fashion Council Will Gauge Industry Accountability With an 'Equality Index'

Well before she was named editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue , Lindsay Peoples Wagner was calling out disparities and microaggressions within the fashion industry ; most notably with her August 2018 report for The Cut , “ Everywhere and Nowhere : What it ’ s really like to be Black and work in fashion , ” revealing what Black creatives , executives and models were really experiencing behind the scenes of some of the world ’ s most recognizable brands .
And in the wake of the ongoing uprisings against racial injustice in this country ( and others ) , Wagner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do more than issue tepid statements and basic “ Diversity & Inclusion ” initiatives , joining forces with Sandrine Charles of Sandrine Charles Consulting to found the Black in Fashion Council .
“ The Black in Fashion Council was founded to represent and secure the advancement of black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry , ” reads the organization ’ s mission statement .
“ As a collective , we envision a world in which Black people in fashion and beauty spaces can be open and honest , guaranteed equal rights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While we are working on our end , we encourage people in the industry to rise to the occasion to sustain long-term change , ” the statement concludes .
How does this new council—notably , one of several new black-led fashion initiatives that have launched in recent weeks—plan to compel those changes ?
According to Vogue , Wagner and Charles have partnered with the Human Rights Campaign “ to establish an equality index score that will provide benchmarking around corporate policies and practices ‘ pertinent to the inclusivity of Black employees.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a digital directory of Black fashion and beauty professionals that brands can purchase to assist with diversifying their staffs.
” “ The Human Rights Campaign already has a Corporate Equality Index for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community that companies like Kering are already a part of , ” Peoples Wagner tells Vogue .
“ This would be a way to continue to give companies a report card of accountability without them feeling like they ’ re being shamed into it , and giving them the actual resources of what people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The thinking behind this is we would be using our own networks to be able to have these conversations with people and encourage them to be part of the Council and be part of the corporate equality index.
” Vogue goes on to report that the Council has already earned the support of industry leaders the Council of Fashion Designers of America ( CFDA ) —this , after the CFDA garnered backlash to its own early June statement promising to address the “ systemic racism ” in the industry .
In response , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of the Kelly Initiative ( named for late Black fashion designer Patrick Kelly ) , “ a four-point plan to invaluably enrich the industry via the active inclusion of Black talent across wide-ranging strata and sectors of fashion.
” We will no longer be relegated to the backseat , or worse yet , completely sidelined altogether ; we have ceased waiting indefinitely for others to grant us equal access to opportunity , locked out of the very rooms within which we should lead the collaborative work of righting those wrongs we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of refusing to consider and implement key equity realization programs aimed at leveling the playing field for the community of Black fashion professionals , the CFDA has allowed exploitative cultures of prejudice , tokenism , and employment discrimination to thrive , unbridled by the sort of watchdog intervention expected of an industry umbrella organization .
Now , hasty attempts at doing that work—initiatives released on June 4th , so insufficiently conceived that they lacked a very name—evidence that the CFDA is falling far short of the broader culture ’ s rapidly solidifying zero-tolerance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fashion Council adds even more fuel to this growing fire in the notoriously Eurocentric fashion industry , already boasting 400 individual stakeholders .
And as Charles tells Vogue , the more the merrier .
“ We ’ d like everybody to participate ; we don ’ t want to segment based on larger brands or smaller brands .
We really want this to be a collective of everyone , so we built out an industry standard of what we want diversity and inclusion to look like moving forward , ” she says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is we want to show that we ’ re in solidarity with you , we want to not only support your group but empower you with resources that you may or may not have .
That ’ s really important : to have a network of people that are working for the same good with egos aside .
”

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

Well before she was named editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, Lindsay Peoples Wagner was calling out disparities and microaggressions within the fashion industry; most notably with her August 2018 report for The Cut, “Everywhere and Nowhere: What it’s really like to be Black and work in fashion,” revealing what Black creatives, executives and models were really experiencing behind the scenes of some of the world’s most recognizable brands. And in the wake of the ongoing uprisings against racial injustice in this country (and others), Wagner is now calling upon industry leaders to do more than issue tepid statements and basic “Diversity & Inclusion” initiatives, joining forces with Sandrine Charles of Sandrine Charles Consulting to found the Black in Fashion Council.
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“The Black in Fashion Council was founded to represent and secure the advancement of black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry,” reads the organization’s mission statement. “As a collective, we envision a world in which Black people in fashion and beauty spaces can be open and honest, guaranteed equal rights, and be celebrated for our voices.
“While we are working on our end, we encourage people in the industry to rise to the occasion to sustain long-term change,” the statement concludes.
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How does this new council—notably, one of several new black-led fashion initiatives that have launched in recent weeks—plan to compel those changes? According to Vogue, Wagner and Charles have partnered with the Human Rights Campaign “to establish an equality index score that will provide benchmarking around corporate policies and practices ‘pertinent to the inclusivity of Black employees.’” The Council will also produce “a digital directory of Black fashion and beauty professionals that brands can purchase to assist with diversifying their staffs.”
As Vogue reports:
The Black in Fashion Council will produce a yearly public report to track the work that companies who’ve signed a three-year commitment pledge are doing to foster representation of Black employees at all levels. The Council’s executive board, whose members come from all aspects of the fashion and beauty industries, and includes names like GQ deputy fashion director Nikki Ogunnaike, costume designer Shiona Turini, and Brandice Daniel, the founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, will help facilitate the work that the companies have agreed to do.
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“The Human Rights Campaign already has a Corporate Equality Index for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community that companies like Kering are already a part of,” Peoples Wagner tells Vogue. “This would be a way to continue to give companies a report card of accountability without them feeling like they’re being shamed into it, and giving them the actual resources of what people are saying they want to see changed...The thinking behind this is we would be using our own networks to be able to have these conversations with people and encourage them to be part of the Council and be part of the corporate equality index.”
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Vogue goes on to report that the Council has already earned the support of industry leaders the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)—this, after the CFDA garnered backlash to its own early June statement promising to address the “systemic racism” in the industry. In response, 250 Black industry professionals signed a letter in support of the Kelly Initiative (named for late Black fashion designer Patrick Kelly), “a four-point plan to invaluably enrich the industry via the active inclusion of Black talent across wide-ranging strata and sectors of fashion.”
The letter read, in part (pdf):
We will no longer be relegated to the backseat, or worse yet, completely sidelined altogether; we have ceased waiting indefinitely for others to grant us equal access to opportunity, locked out of the very rooms within which we should lead the collaborative work of righting those wrongs we endure. In its over 2 years of refusing to consider and implement key equity realization programs aimed at leveling the playing field for the community of Black fashion professionals, the CFDA has allowed exploitative cultures of prejudice, tokenism, and employment discrimination to thrive, unbridled by the sort of watchdog intervention expected of an industry umbrella organization. Now, hasty attempts at doing that work—initiatives released on June 4th, so insufficiently conceived that they lacked a very name—evidence that the CFDA is falling far short of the broader culture’s rapidly solidifying zero-tolerance policy for Anti-Blackness.
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The Black in Fashion Council adds even more fuel to this growing fire in the notoriously Eurocentric fashion industry, already boasting 400 individual stakeholders. And as Charles tells Vogue, the more the merrier.
“We’d like everybody to participate; we don’t want to segment based on larger brands or smaller brands. We really want this to be a collective of everyone, so we built out an industry standard of what we want diversity and inclusion to look like moving forward,” she says, adding: “What sets us apart is we want to show that we’re in solidarity with you, we want to not only support your group but empower you with resources that you may or may not have. That’s really important: to have a network of people that are working for the same good with egos aside.”


theroot--2020-06-25--So Now That the Dust Has Settled, Who's In and Who's Out of the NBA Bubble?

When the NBA announced its plans to resume its NBA season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando , it gave players two options : either partake in the festivities , and enjoy job perks like reduced salaries and being kept away from their families until after the first round of the playoffs , or stay home and play Xbox .
Players had until Wednesday to notify their teams of their decision .
And while a complete list of participants has yet to be made available , you won ’ t be seeing any of the following when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 .
Perhaps still reeling from the psychological trauma of getting nutmegged by Trae Young , the 16-year vet will skip contending for his second NBA title in order to enjoy some quality time with his son .
Per ESPN , he was recently granted a one-month visitation period that conflicts with the NBA ’ s return .
So Xbox it is .
Bertans isn ’ t stupid .
After balling out on a sorry-ass Wizards squad that has absolutely no chance to make the playoffs , why risk injury when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency and leave the team anyway ?
I ’ d stay my ass home too .
In fact , why were the Wizards invited to the bubble again ?
In a perfect world , LeBron would stay his ass home so the Clippers could hurry up and enjoy their championship parade .
But since he wants to be an asshole and play , I ’ ll keep my fingers crossed and pray he misses the rest of the season due to a hyperextended hairline .
( Editor ’ s note from News Editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fucking hater . )
His teammate , Avery Bradley , won ’ t be there though .
His son , Liam , has a history of respiratory issues , and considering we ’ re in the middle of a global pandemic , Bradley understandably wants no parts of the NBA ’ s bubble .
“ As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organization as I am , I ultimately play basketball for my family , ” he told ESPN .
“ And so , at a time like this , I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might put my family ’ s health and well-being at even the slightest risk.
” Another guy who ’ s opted to put his family first is Willie Cauley-Stein .
As enticing as riding the bench and avoiding rebounds like dodgeballs sounds , the five-year vet is expecting a baby in July , per Shams Charania of The Athletic .
I ’ m sure some other names of note will be revealed in the coming days , but in the interim , are you sure you don ’ t wan na sit this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Kyle Kuzma ?

When the NBA announced its plans to resume its NBA season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, it gave players two options: either partake in the festivities, and enjoy job perks like reduced salaries and being kept away from their families until after the first round of the playoffs, or stay home and play Xbox.
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Players had until Wednesday to notify their teams of their decision. And while a complete list of participants has yet to be made available, you won’t be seeing any of the following when the NBA season officially returns on July 30.
Trevor Ariza, Portland Trail Blazers
Perhaps still reeling from the psychological trauma of getting nutmegged by Trae Young, the 16-year vet will skip contending for his second NBA title in order to enjoy some quality time with his son. Per ESPN, he was recently granted a one-month visitation period that conflicts with the NBA’s return. So Xbox it is.
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Davis Bertans, Washington Wizards
Bertans isn’t stupid. After balling out on a sorry-ass Wizards squad that has absolutely no chance to make the playoffs, why risk injury when you have every intention to cash out in free agency and leave the team anyway? I’d stay my ass home too. In fact, why were the Wizards invited to the bubble again?
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LeBron James Avery Bradley, Los Angles Lakers
In a perfect world, LeBron would stay his ass home so the Clippers could hurry up and enjoy their championship parade. But since he wants to be an asshole and play, I’ll keep my fingers crossed and pray he misses the rest of the season due to a hyperextended hairline. (Editor’s note from News Editor Monique Judge: Wow, what a fucking hater. )
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His teammate, Avery Bradley, won’t be there though. His son, Liam, has a history of respiratory issues, and considering we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, Bradley understandably wants no parts of the NBA’s bubble.
“As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organization as I am, I ultimately play basketball for my family,” he told ESPN. “And so, at a time like this, I can’t imagine making any decision that might put my family’s health and well-being at even the slightest risk.”
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Willie Cauley-Stein, Dallas Mavericks
Another guy who’s opted to put his family first is Willie Cauley-Stein. As enticing as riding the bench and avoiding rebounds like dodgeballs sounds, the five-year vet is expecting a baby in July, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
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I’m sure some other names of note will be revealed in the coming days, but in the interim, are you sure you don’t wanna sit this season out, LeBron? Anthony Davis? Kyle Kuzma?


theroot--2020-06-25--Whiteness Will Never Be Canceled

Whiteness Will Never Be Canceled

It was never just about “ discrimination ” or “ privilege ” or “ racism ” or “ anti-blackness ” or “ lack of diversity ” or “ hate ” or “ intolerance ” or “ police brutality ” or “ inequality ” or any of the symptoms of America ’ s longest-lasting pandemic .
There is no synonym for white supremacy .
No euphemism exists that makes this disease more tolerable .
If we are going to destroy the sickness that ails our nation , if we truly endeavor to make ourselves immune , we must first know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting .
It was always “ white supremacy.
” In fact , The Root managed to find some exclusive footage of white people reacting to the news that white supremacy might be finally dismantled .
This is why none of us ( except for Terry Crews , maybe ) are worried that the current climate has gone too far .
Black people are acutely aware that whiteness is an impenetrable deflector shield that makes our Caucasian countrymen immune from truth , justice or the social gravity that keeps the rest of us tethered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take controversy surrounding Apple TV ’ s hit cartoon Central Park ( that I never heard of before yesterday ) and Netflix ’ s Big Mouth .
Apparently Kirsten Bell and Jenny Slate recently decided that they could no longer voice the biracial characters on the shows that I just looked up on Wikipedia .
While these admissions worried a few white people who are concerned with the pervasive “ cancel culture ” that really doesn ’ t exist , after I looked up Kirsten Bell and Jenny Slate in different Wikipedia tabs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really don ’ t give a damn .
Nor did I give a damn on Monday when # CancelJimmyKimmel was trending on Twitter for comedy sketches where comedian Jimmy Kimmel wore blackface : I had even fewer fucks to give when Tina Fey graciously decided to remove episodes of 30 Rock that featured actors wearing blackface .
My apathy didn ’ t have anything to do with the fact that there are bigger fish to fry than policing cartoon voices and comedy sketches ( there are ) .
I know it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But my indifference comes from knowing something that has always been true about America : Tina Fey , Jimmy Kimmel and Kirsten Bell will never face a single consequence of their actions and I ’ m not sure if they should .
I ’ m not even sure it ’ s their fault .
They benefit from living in a country that enables them to soar above the clouds and convinces them that the reason they can fly is that God gave them the gift of wings or they just flapped their arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for white people , is like the yellow sun for Kal-El .
Truth be told , a lot of white people aren ’ t racist or privileged or anti-black .
That would be giving them more credit than they deserve .
I seriously doubt if most white people sit around conjuring up ways to advance their white race .
They don ’ t put that much effort into sustaining the system that sustains them .
They aren ’ t clever or intelligent enough to do that .
Those are the photos of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producer credit on 30 Rock .
In 138 episodes , only one black writer ( Donald Glover ) contributed to more than a single episode .
So who was going to stop the blackface ?
Who was going to speak up about stereotypical roles ?
And the same goes for newsrooms that silence black voices or chastise black journalists for not being “ objective.
” The same is true for corporations that resist diversity initiatives so they can hire whomever they please .
The same is true for white voters who cast ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ have a beer with.
” It ’ s not that they hate us ( although some do ) .
It ’ s not even that they are uplifting white people .
It ’ s that they don ’ t give a fuck about anything other than themselves .
And because , for them , everything is is a mirror , they only value people who look , think , talk and act like them .
You think Jimmy Kimmel remembered yesterday that he had performed in blackface ?
You think he just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You think Tina Fey began scouring her work for racial stereotypes when Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd ’ s neck ?
Do you believe Kirsten Bell ’ s first inclination toward equality and inclusion was when she sat down to tweet about a cartoon you never heard of ?
They ’ re already flying , bruh .
They know we can ’ t jump high enough to bring them down — even if we stood on each other ’ s shoulders .
Do you know why birds of a feather flock together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
That ’ s why whiteness will never be canceled — because the people who wrote , created and cast the American story were born with the wings of whiteness .
They hire people who make them feel comfortable and support people they are already familiar with .
These motherfuckers aren ’ t conspiring to keep cartoon voices Caucasian or keep black actresses unemployed .
They ain ’ t shit but white people doing what white people do : So fret not , my dear white people .
You will never be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are willing to fight police brutality , acknowledge privilege , erase racism , battle inequality , advocate for change and push for a more tolerant society , you will always and forever have an advantage over everyone in America until you accept the fact that all the podcasts and redesigned pancake boxes in the world can ’ t eliminate the disease that caused all these symptoms .

It was white supremacy.
It was never just about “discrimination” or “privilege” or “racism” or “anti-blackness” or “lack of diversity” or “hate” or “intolerance” or “police brutality” or “inequality” or any of the symptoms of America’s longest-lasting pandemic.
There is no synonym for white supremacy. No euphemism exists that makes this disease more tolerable. If we are going to destroy the sickness that ails our nation, if we truly endeavor to make ourselves immune, we must first know the true name of the virus we are fighting.
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It was always “white supremacy.”
In fact, The Root managed to find some exclusive footage of white people reacting to the news that white supremacy might be finally dismantled.
This is why none of us (except for Terry Crews, maybe) are worried that the current climate has gone too far. Black people are acutely aware that whiteness is an impenetrable deflector shield that makes our Caucasian countrymen immune from truth, justice or the social gravity that keeps the rest of us tethered to the earth.
Advertisement Advertisement
Yes, white people can fly.
For instance, take controversy surrounding Apple TV’s hit cartoon Central Park (that I never heard of before yesterday) and Netflix’s Big Mouth. Apparently Kirsten Bell and Jenny Slate recently decided that they could no longer voice the biracial characters on the shows that I just looked up on Wikipedia.
Advertisement
Advertisement
While these admissions worried a few white people who are concerned with the pervasive “cancel culture” that really doesn’t exist, after I looked up Kirsten Bell and Jenny Slate in different Wikipedia tabs, I came to the conclusion that I really don’t give a damn.
Nor did I give a damn on Monday when #CancelJimmyKimmel was trending on Twitter for comedy sketches where comedian Jimmy Kimmel wore blackface:
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I had even fewer fucks to give when Tina Fey graciously decided to remove episodes of 30 Rock that featured actors wearing blackface.
Advertisement
My apathy didn’t have anything to do with the fact that there are bigger fish to fry than policing cartoon voices and comedy sketches (there are). I know it’s a big deal on Twitter. But my indifference comes from knowing something that has always been true about America:
They’re white.
Tina Fey, Jimmy Kimmel and Kirsten Bell will never face a single consequence of their actions and I’m not sure if they should. I’m not even sure it’s their fault. They benefit from living in a country that enables them to soar above the clouds and convinces them that the reason they can fly is that God gave them the gift of wings or they just flapped their arms harder than everyone else. America, for white people, is like the yellow sun for Kal-El.
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Truth be told, a lot of white people aren’t racist or privileged or anti-black. That would be giving them more credit than they deserve. I seriously doubt if most white people sit around conjuring up ways to advance their white race. They don’t put that much effort into sustaining the system that sustains them. They aren’t clever or intelligent enough to do that.
That’s not how white supremacy works.
Here’s how white supremacy works:
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Those are the photos of every single person who who earned an executive producer credit on 30 Rock. In 138 episodes, only one black writer (Donald Glover) contributed to more than a single episode. So who was going to stop the blackface? Who was going to speak up about stereotypical roles?
And the same goes for newsrooms that silence black voices or chastise black journalists for not being “objective.” The same is true for corporations that resist diversity initiatives so they can hire whomever they please. The same is true for white voters who cast ballots for people who they feel they can “have a beer with.”
Advertisement
It’s not that they hate us (although some do). It’s not even that they are uplifting white people. It’s that they don’t give a fuck about anything other than themselves. And because, for them, everything is is a mirror, they only value people who look, think, talk and act like them.
They’re just white people.
You think Jimmy Kimmel remembered yesterday that he had performed in blackface? You think he just realized it was kinda fucked up? You think Tina Fey began scouring her work for racial stereotypes when Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck? Do you believe Kirsten Bell’s first inclination toward equality and inclusion was when she sat down to tweet about a cartoon you never heard of? They’re already flying, bruh. They know we can’t jump high enough to bring them down — even if we stood on each other’s shoulders.
Advertisement
Do you know why birds of a feather flock together?
Neither do they. They just do.
That’s why whiteness will never be canceled — because the people who wrote, created and cast the American story were born with the wings of whiteness. They hire people who make them feel comfortable and support people they are already familiar with. These motherfuckers aren’t conspiring to keep cartoon voices Caucasian or keep black actresses unemployed. They ain’t shit but white people doing what white people do:
Be white.
So fret not, my dear white people. You will never be “canceled.”
Because, even if you are willing to fight police brutality, acknowledge privilege, erase racism, battle inequality, advocate for change and push for a more tolerant society, you will always and forever have an advantage over everyone in America until you accept the fact that all the podcasts and redesigned pancake boxes in the world can’t eliminate the disease that caused all these symptoms.
Advertisement
You gotta say “white supremacy.”


theroot--2020-06-25--Here Are the Best Charcoal Grills You Can Buy Right Now

It ’ s finally hot out .
That means tasty barbeque and cute little socially-distanced kickbacks with good music .
But first !
You ’ ll need a grill to actually cook those kebabs and baby back ribs .
Luckily , I ’ ve put together a brief roundup of well-known charcoal grills to suit your very specific needs .
Who wants to deal with propane and gas when you can keep it old school and build upon smoky flavors ?
Weber is a well-known grill , if not the most famous grill brand ever .
Their charcoal grills are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you take care of them ( which means cleaning them , duh ! )
.
I recently bought this 22-inch model for Memorial Day and it did what it had to do .
With a porcelain-enameled and dampers to control the internal temp lid , and because you ’ ll have to put the thing together , it is extremely easy to assemble—you ’ ll just need a hammer to know the wheels onto the legs .
Char-Broil , the main brand that gives us grillers the actual charcoal we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This offset smoker is honestly a revelation .
You can easily grill your meats and vegetables on the traditional grill , but also use the smoker on the side to slow cook pork , fish , or whatever you want , really .
I bought this same model for my dad for Father ’ s Day about four years ago and it ’ s still in tip-top shape .
And for a cheap $ 90 ?
It ’ s a fucking steal .
If you don ’ t have much room in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a balcony , or you just don ’ t have a huge outdoor space , I ’ d look into this cutie .
It ’ s only 14 inches and can easily be transported from place to place .
If you ’ re going camping , you can also use it for breakfast , lunch , and dinner .
It ’ s an adorable , heavy-duty , compact solution to your grilling problems .
Plus it ’ s only $ 25 .
Who can beat that ?

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

It’s finally hot out. That means tasty barbeque and cute little socially-distanced kickbacks with good music. But first! You’ll need a grill to actually cook those kebabs and baby back ribs. Luckily, I’ve put together a brief roundup of well-known charcoal grills to suit your very specific needs. Who wants to deal with propane and gas when you can keep it old school and build upon smoky flavors?
Weber is a well-known grill, if not the most famous grill brand ever. Their charcoal grills are dependable and last literal years as long as you take care of them (which means cleaning them, duh!). I recently bought this 22-inch model for Memorial Day and it did what it had to do. With a porcelain-enameled and dampers to control the internal temp lid, and because you’ll have to put the thing together, it is extremely easy to assemble—you’ll just need a hammer to know the wheels onto the legs.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Char-Broil, the main brand that gives us grillers the actual charcoal we need to make food is behind this beauty. This offset smoker is honestly a revelation. You can easily grill your meats and vegetables on the traditional grill, but also use the smoker on the side to slow cook pork, fish, or whatever you want, really. I bought this same model for my dad for Father’s Day about four years ago and it’s still in tip-top shape. And for a cheap $90? It’s a fucking steal.
Advertisement
If you don’t have much room in your apartment, but just so happen to have a balcony, or you just don’t have a huge outdoor space, I’d look into this cutie. It’s only 14 inches and can easily be transported from place to place. If you’re going camping, you can also use it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an adorable, heavy-duty, compact solution to your grilling problems. Plus it’s only $25. Who can beat that?


theroot--2020-06-25--Dead Folks Out Here Living: Treasury Sent $1.4 Billion in Stimulus Payments to People Who Are No Lon

Dead Folks Out Here Living: Treasury Sent $1.4 Billion in Stimulus Payments to People Who Are No Longer With Us

Well , this is awkward .
A government watchdog group has found that more than a million Americans who have left the Earth and their respective banking accounts have received COVID-19 stimulus payments , according to a report ( pdf ) released to Congress , Thursday .
NBC News reports that the Government Accountability Office , which is an independent nonpartisan congressional agency , found the yuge fuckup of the ham-fisted rollout to shovel money to big businesses , which included some 160 million payments worth $ 269 billion as part of the CARES Act .
The idea was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shit down , business and American workers needed some money to make it until things mellowed out .
Eligible Americans received checks , called Economic Impact Payments , based on their 2018 or 2019 income tax returns , or by filling out a simple tax return .
Individuals making up to $ 75,000 a year received checks for $ 1,200 and couples making up to $ 150,000 and filing a joint tax return received $ 2,400 , with an additional $ 500 per qualifying child .
The payments decreased for those making more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cap of $ 99,000 per individual or $ 198,000 for couples .
GAO ’ s report said Treasury officials said that , to meet the CARES Act ’ s mandate to deliver payments as “ rapidly as possible , ” Treasury and the IRS sent out the first three batches of payments using previous operational policies and procedures for stimulus payments “ which did not include using [ Social Security Administration ] death records as a filter to halt payments to decedents.
” GAO also reported that IRS ’ legal counsel had “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legal authority to deny payments to those who filed a return for 2019 , even if they were deceased at the time of payment , ” and had advised applying the same rules to recipients who had filed a 2018 return .
Since the IRS was in a rush to get payments to the people , it didn ’ t want to let a small thing like being dead slow up the process .
So relatives of the deceased received checks in their dearly departed loved ones names .
Initially , families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but , of course , the IRS “ updated its guidance in May to say that people who have died do not qualify for the coronavirus relief payments and “ should be returned to the IRS.
” As it stands dead people have received more money than B lack-owned businesses , but that ’ s the quiet part we aren ’ t supposed to say out loud .

Well, this is awkward.
A government watchdog group has found that more than a million Americans who have left the Earth and their respective banking accounts have received COVID-19 stimulus payments, according to a report (pdf) released to Congress, Thursday.
NBC News reports that the Government Accountability Office, which is an independent nonpartisan congressional agency, found the yuge fuckup of the ham-fisted rollout to shovel money to big businesses, which included some 160 million payments worth $269 billion as part of the CARES Act. The idea was that because the coronavirus came through and shut shit down, business and American workers needed some money to make it until things mellowed out.
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From NBC News:
Eligible Americans received checks, called Economic Impact Payments, based on their 2018 or 2019 income tax returns, or by filling out a simple tax return. Individuals making up to $75,000 a year received checks for $1,200 and couples making up to $150,000 and filing a joint tax return received $2,400, with an additional $500 per qualifying child. The payments decreased for those making more than $75,000, with an income cap of $99,000 per individual or $198,000 for couples. GAO’s report said Treasury officials said that, to meet the CARES Act’s mandate to deliver payments as “rapidly as possible,” Treasury and the IRS sent out the first three batches of payments using previous operational policies and procedures for stimulus payments “which did not include using [Social Security Administration] death records as a filter to halt payments to decedents.” GAO also reported that IRS’ legal counsel had “determined that the IRS did not have the legal authority to deny payments to those who filed a return for 2019, even if they were deceased at the time of payment,” and had advised applying the same rules to recipients who had filed a 2018 return.
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Since the IRS was in a rush to get payments to the people, it didn’t want to let a small thing like being dead slow up the process. So relatives of the deceased received checks in their dearly departed loved ones names. Initially, families thought they could keep the checks, but, of course, the IRS “updated its guidance in May to say that people who have died do not qualify for the coronavirus relief payments and “should be returned to the IRS.”
As it stands dead people have received more money than B lack-owned businesses, but that’s the quiet part we aren’t supposed to say out loud.


theroot--2020-06-25--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 25: Busta Rhymes, 'Put Your Hands Where My Eye

30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 25: Busta Rhymes, 'Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See'

There ’ s no discussion about iconic hip hop videos without Busta Rhymes .
Busta ’ s visuals for songs like “ Dangerous ” ( where in one fight scene he played the part of The Last Dragon ’ s Sho Nuff was enough to make me think they needed to reboot the movie just so he could play that part ) , “ Gim me Some More ” and “ What ’ s It Gon na Be ?
!
” with Janet Jackson are all notable for their creativity .
“ Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember because , well , we just didn ’ t see it coming .
Busta Rhymes “ Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See ” ( 1997 ) “ Put Your Hands ... ” was the first single off his sophomore album , When Disaster Strikes .
Coming off the platinum success of his debut solo record , the pressure was up .
Busta delivered .
The single was a monster , especially at the club .
Busta was always a high energy guy , the beat along with his lyrics was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped inside of a Red Bull .
And then the video dropped .
Busta decided to pay homage to one of the most iconic Black movies of all time , Coming to America .
Including everybody ’ s favorite “ the royal penis is clean ” scene , at least implied .
This was in the era of million-dollar videos and when it came to big-budget videos for big-budget visuals , Hype Williams was the go-to-guy .
Seriously , watching this video I wonder what the final bill was .
Costuming and make-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the glow-in-the-dark body paint in the final scenes was beautiful ...
I hope they got all that shit in one shot .
But fam , there ’ s an elephant .
A whole ass elephant that ’ s not just in the background .
The elephant had a job .
The elephant had a whole ass job to be part of a scene with Busta .
That couldn ’ t be cheap .
Either they had to get an elephant who mastered in hip hop videos in Trunk University or they had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they had the absolutely amazing dance sequences , mirroring the scenes in Coming to America where Prince Akeem ( played by Eddie Murphy ) is about to be introduced to his bride-to-be ( played by Vanessa Bell Calloway ) .
But they had to hip hop it , so they had to do the choreography and the costuming .
Really , it ’ s impressive as hell .
In fact , it ’ s so impressive that I remember having conversations with the homies when the video dropped , probably on MTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , about how if you ’ re going to do a music video and somebody gives a milli a milli a milli to do it , this is how you do it .
No Montell Jordan .
I mean , who didn ’ t want to re-enact their own version of Coming to America ?
I know I did .
I will say watching this 1997 video with 2020 eyes ( I was 18 in 1997 ; I ’ m 41 as of this writing ) , that last scene where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is curious AF .
It ’ s an African-themed video ( taking its cues , again , from Coming to America ) , and this was before Africa stopped be a country to most Black people so I can ’ t entirely tell what inspired the last dance scene/fight scene .
I ’ d love to ask whoever storyboarded it what inspired that and why ?
I don ’ t know enough to call it definitively problematic , but it also had nothing to do with the movie .
While the movie rested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it didn ’ t feature any “ huts-and-spears ” stereotypes , so I ’ m left wondering what ’ s really going on there .
In 1997 , though , this video was like , “ yeah , Busta is the king of videos !
”

Panama Jackson on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Panama Jackson to The Root

Beverly Johnson
There’s no discussion about iconic hip hop videos without Busta Rhymes. Busta’s visuals for songs like “Dangerous” (where in one fight scene he played the part of The Last Dragon’s Sho Nuff was enough to make me think they needed to reboot the movie just so he could play that part), “Gimme Some More” and “What’s It Gonna Be?!” with Janet Jackson are all notable for their creativity. “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” though was on that I remember because, well, we just didn’t see it coming.
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Busta Rhymes “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” (1997)
“Put Your Hands...” was the first single off his sophomore album, When Disaster Strikes. Coming off the platinum success of his debut solo record, the pressure was up. Busta delivered. The single was a monster, especially at the club. Busta was always a high energy guy, the beat along with his lyrics was basically a shot of 5-Hour Energy drink dropped inside of a Red Bull.
Advertisement Advertisement
And then the video dropped. Busta decided to pay homage to one of the most iconic Black movies of all time, Coming to America. Including everybody’s favorite “the royal penis is clean” scene, at least implied. This was in the era of million-dollar videos and when it came to big-budget videos for big-budget visuals, Hype Williams was the go-to-guy. Seriously, watching this video I wonder what the final bill was. Costuming and make-up alone had to cost a grip; the glow-in-the-dark body paint in the final scenes was beautiful...I hope they got all that shit in one shot.
But fam, there’s an elephant. A whole ass elephant that’s not just in the background. The elephant had a job. The elephant had a whole ass job to be part of a scene with Busta. That couldn’t be cheap. Either they had to get an elephant who mastered in hip hop videos in Trunk University or they had to train him on the spot. THEN, they had the absolutely amazing dance sequences, mirroring the scenes in Coming to America where Prince Akeem (played by Eddie Murphy) is about to be introduced to his bride-to-be (played by Vanessa Bell Calloway). But they had to hip hop it, so they had to do the choreography and the costuming. Really, it’s impressive as hell. In fact, it’s so impressive that I remember having conversations with the homies when the video dropped, probably on MTV since this looked like an MTV ready-made video, about how if you’re going to do a music video and somebody gives a milli a milli a milli to do it, this is how you do it. No Montell Jordan.
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I mean, who didn’t want to re-enact their own version of Coming to America? I know I did. I will say watching this 1997 video with 2020 eyes (I was 18 in 1997; I’m 41 as of this writing), that last scene where they’re in the glorious body paint is curious AF. It’s an African-themed video (taking its cues, again, from Coming to America), and this was before Africa stopped be a country to most Black people so I can’t entirely tell what inspired the last dance scene/fight scene. I’d love to ask whoever storyboarded it what inspired that and why? I don’t know enough to call it definitively problematic, but it also had nothing to do with the movie. While the movie rested on definite stereotypes of African-kingdom opulence, it didn’t feature any “huts-and-spears” stereotypes, so I’m left wondering what’s really going on there. In 1997, though, this video was like, “yeah, Busta is the king of videos!”


theroot--2020-06-25--Colorado Governor Pledges to Look Into Elijah McClain’s 2019 In-Custody Death After Nationwide Outcr

Colorado Governor Pledges to Look Into Elijah McClain’s 2019 In-Custody Death After Nationwide Outcry

When 23-year-old Elijah McClain died after police put him in a chokehold last year , the news of his killing—and the subsequent decision to not press criminal charges against the Aurora , Colo. , officers who apprehended him—didn ’ t reach far beyond the state .
But , in the wake of the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month , the Black Lives Matter protests of recent weeks have drawn new attention to a number of state-sponsored killings , including McClain ’ s case .
Spurred by a nationwide outcry over McClain ’ s death , Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take a fresh look at the case , reports CNN .
Polis explained his decision in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday .
“ Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever .
A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical , ” Polis wrote .
“ I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClain ’ s death .
As a result , I have instructed my legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do and we are assessing next steps.
” Polis ’ decision comes after more than 2 million people signed a petition urging government officials to reopen McClain ’ s case , reports BuzzFeed .
Three Aurora police officers confronted McClain as he walked from a grocery store to his home at around 10:30 pm on Aug. 24 , 2019 .
What happened next can only be described as harrowing , cruel , and unnecessary .
From BuzzFeed : According to the department ’ s incident report , an unknown individual called 911 because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ acting weird ” by “ waving his arms around.
” His sister , Naomi McClain , told Denver7 in September that her brother was trying to purchase bottled tea for a cousin and was wearing the mask because “ he had anemia and would sometimes get cold.
” The officers stopped McClain , told him he was “ being suspicious , ” and attempted to pat him down .
Per audio from body camera footage , as McClain frantically asked police to let him go , one of the three officers accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s gun .
One of the officers then placed McClain in a carotid hold , or chokehold , a move in which pressure is applied to the neck , restricting blood flow to the brain .
McClain passed out in the hold , prompting the officers to call for medical assistance .
Paramedics arrived on the scene and injected McClain with ketamine to sedate him .
Like so many other victims of state violence , McClain begged for his life as he struggled against the three officers .
In audio from the cops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard telling officers he can ’ t breathe , at one point , vomiting while he was held in the chokehold .
“ I have no gun .
I don ’ t do that stuff , ” McClain said .
“ I don ’ t do any fighting .
Why are you attacking me ?
I don ’ t even kill flies.
” McClain was taken to a hospital after the arrest and suffered a heart attack in the ambulance .
He was declared brain dead three days later .
According to CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause of McClain ’ s death , “ but listed intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery as contributing factors.
” The three Aurora Police officers involved in McClain ’ s death , Nathan Woodyard , Jason Rosenblatt , and Randy Roedema , were placed on administrative leave in the immediate aftermath of the incident .
However , as BuzzFeed reports , they were reinstated to the police force once District Attorney Dave Young declined to press charges against them .
But the renewed interest in McClain ’ s death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which cases of systemic and state violence receive nationwide attention , and which don ’ t .
On social media , many shared moving details of McClain ’ s life : how he would play the violin to stray cats to calm them so they wouldn ’ t feel lonely ; how he begged the police to recognize that he was an introvert— “ I ’ m just different , ” he told police , “ You are beautiful and I love you.
” These details tell us more about who McClain was—gentle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncomfortable : the recognition that without these details about his life , it ’ s hard to envision McClain ’ s death getting the attention it has gotten .
This is further emphasized by the parallels between his death and Floyd ’ s in May—two men , one young , the other a middle-aged father , suffering prolonged , cruel deaths at the hands of state forces ; two men , among many , pleading that they can ’ t breathe .
If they weren ’ t so similar , would McClain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year later ?
Millions have rightfully mobilized around McClain .
But it ’ s impossible to think of him , of all the things that had to happen between his death and now , without thinking of all the others like McClain ; all the other Black men , women , and children—sacred , beloved , and gone—who we will never know .

When 23-year-old Elijah McClain died after police put him in a chokehold last year, the news of his killing—and the subsequent decision to not press criminal charges against the Aurora, Colo., officers who apprehended him—didn’t reach far beyond the state.
But, in the wake of the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month, the Black Lives Matter protests of recent weeks have drawn new attention to a number of state-sponsored killings, including McClain’s case. Spurred by a nationwide outcry over McClain’s death, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced his administration will take a fresh look at the case, reports CNN.
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Polis explained his decision in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday.
“Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever. A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical,” Polis wrote. “I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClain’s death. As a result, I have instructed my legal council to examine what the state can do and we are assessing next steps.”
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Polis’ decision comes after more than 2 million people signed a petition urging government officials to reopen McClain’s case, reports BuzzFeed.
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Three Aurora police officers confronted McClain as he walked from a grocery store to his home at around 10:30 pm on Aug. 24, 2019. What happened next can only be described as harrowing, cruel, and unnecessary. From BuzzFeed:
According to the department’s incident report, an unknown individual called 911 because McClain was wearing a ski mask and “acting weird” by “waving his arms around.” His sister, Naomi McClain, told Denver7 in September that her brother was trying to purchase bottled tea for a cousin and was wearing the mask because “he had anemia and would sometimes get cold.” The officers stopped McClain, told him he was “being suspicious,” and attempted to pat him down. Per audio from body camera footage, as McClain frantically asked police to let him go, one of the three officers accused him of reaching for another officer’s gun. One of the officers then placed McClain in a carotid hold, or chokehold, a move in which pressure is applied to the neck, restricting blood flow to the brain. McClain passed out in the hold, prompting the officers to call for medical assistance. Paramedics arrived on the scene and injected McClain with ketamine to sedate him.
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Like so many other victims of state violence, McClain begged for his life as he struggled against the three officers. In audio from the cops’ body cameras, McClain can be heard telling officers he can’t breathe, at one point, vomiting while he was held in the chokehold.
“I have no gun. I don’t do that stuff,” McClain said. “I don’t do any fighting. Why are you attacking me? I don’t even kill flies.”
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McClain was taken to a hospital after the arrest and suffered a heart attack in the ambulance. He was declared brain dead three days later.
According to CNN, an autopsy did not determine the cause of McClain’s death, “but listed intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery as contributing factors.”
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The three Aurora Police officers involved in McClain’s death, Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt, and Randy Roedema, were placed on administrative leave in the immediate aftermath of the incident. However, as BuzzFeed reports, they were reinstated to the police force once District Attorney Dave Young declined to press charges against them.
But the renewed interest in McClain’s death, while necessary, also highlights discrepancies in which cases of systemic and state violence receive nationwide attention, and which don’t. On social media, many shared moving details of McClain’s life: how he would play the violin to stray cats to calm them so they wouldn’t feel lonely; how he begged the police to recognize that he was an introvert—“I’m just different,” he told police, “You are beautiful and I love you.”
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These details tell us more about who McClain was—gentle and openhearted—but they also reinforce something deeply uncomfortable: the recognition that without these details about his life, it’s hard to envision McClain’s death getting the attention it has gotten. This is further emphasized by the parallels between his death and Floyd’s in May—two men, one young, the other a middle-aged father, suffering prolonged, cruel deaths at the hands of state forces; two men, among many, pleading that they can’t breathe. If they weren’t so similar, would McClain’s case have resonated so strongly a year later?
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Millions have rightfully mobilized around McClain. But it’s impossible to think of him, of all the things that had to happen between his death and now, without thinking of all the others like McClain; all the other Black men, women, and children—sacred, beloved, and gone—who we will never know.


theroot--2020-06-25--It’s Time for a Novelty Apron Renaissance

In recent years , the aspirational cooking set—the Alison Romans , the Molly Yehs , the entirety of the Bon Appetit test kitchen—adopted a very specific style that spilled over to food Insta : Those drab , Eileen Fisher-inspired linen aprons became the official uniform of people who want to look like they toil over a Brooklyn stove .
But who in their right mind would want to look like they work in the Bon Appetit test kitchen these days ?
Cripes .
And so , by the power vested in me , I am declaring that the time has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aprons and return to a better time , a time when an apron would demand loudly that anyone in its vicinity KISS THE COOK .
That ’ s right , the novelty apron is back .
KISS THE COOK : A Classic of the Genre ‘ Kiss The Cook ’ is an old standard in the novelty apron world , but what old standards lack in , lol , novelty , they more than make up for in style .
Here are a few variations on the classic .
Michelangelo ’ s David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novelty-apron-that-make-its-wearer-look-naked , but there are plenty of other nudie styles to choose from .
The Venn diagram of people who love novelty aprons and people who love puns is a circle .
Go ahead , toot your own horn—or let your novelty apron do the tooting for you .
During this summer of social distancing , maybe you want to set the tone at your 10-person cookout with an apron that says “ DON ’ T MESS WITH ME.
” How About Something in a Tasteful Animal Print ?
If these novelty aprons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , don ’ t make your heart sing , not to worry !
You can have your very own message or design printed on an apron .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

In recent years, the aspirational cooking set—the Alison Romans, the Molly Yehs, the entirety of the Bon Appetit test kitchen—adopted a very specific style that spilled over to food Insta: Those drab, Eileen Fisher-inspired linen aprons became the official uniform of people who want to look like they toil over a Brooklyn stove.
But who in their right mind would want to look like they work in the Bon Appetit test kitchen these days? Cripes. And so, by the power vested in me, I am declaring that the time has come to cast off those twee chambray aprons and return to a better time, a time when an apron would demand loudly that anyone in its vicinity KISS THE COOK.
That’s right, the novelty apron is back.
KISS THE COOK: A Classic of the Genre
‘Kiss The Cook’ is an old standard in the novelty apron world, but what old standards lack in, lol, novelty, they more than make up for in style. Here are a few variations on the classic.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Tromp L’Oeil Nudes
Michelangelo’s David is the ne plus ultra of the novelty-apron-that-make-its-wearer-look-naked, but there are plenty of other nudie styles to choose from.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Thinly Veiled Innuendo
Sausage jokes abound, perfect for grilling season!
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Advertisement
Something Punny
The Venn diagram of people who love novelty aprons and people who love puns is a circle.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Gas Yourself Up
Go ahead, toot your own horn—or let your novelty apron do the tooting for you.
Advertisement
Advertisement
For the Unfuckwithable Sort
During this summer of social distancing, maybe you want to set the tone at your 10-person cookout with an apron that says “DON’T MESS WITH ME.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
How About Something in a Tasteful Animal Print?
Go ahead, tiger, sport the leopard print.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Make Your Own
If these novelty aprons don’t do it for you, don’t make your heart sing, not to worry! You can have your very own message or design printed on an apron.


theroot--2020-06-25--‘If I Had a Gun, I Would Shoot All of You’: San Francisco Man Charged With Hate Crime for Threatenin

‘If I Had a Gun, I Would Shoot All of You’: San Francisco Man Charged With Hate Crime for Threatening Black Family Over BLM T-Shirts

Most days I wake up to the petty satisfaction of knowing how mad white people are right now .
The Black Lives Matter movement is more mainstream and widely celebrated than it ’ s ever been .
It ’ s so big now that even white people living in some cave near some Amish community with no internet access will likely find it hard to ignore it .
But it ’ s easy to forget how fast their anger over the movement can turn into something that puts Black people in danger .
A white San Francisco man was charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacked a Black family—which included three small children—in a restaurant in Burlingame , Calif. , earlier this month .
The family members were all wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts and the man told them if he had a gun he would have shot them all .
KTVU 2 reports that 55-year-old Steven Cibotti was charged Tuesday with “ making criminal threats with a hate crime enhancement , ” according to the San Mateo County District Attorney ’ s Office .
On June 7 , Cibotti spotted a Black family of five wearing BLM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped to eat after attending a march in San Francisco .
Cibotti allegedly approached the family , shouted “ blue lives matter ” and pushed their table .
After the father of the 7 , 5 and 2-year-old children , who were present during the confrontation told Cibotti to leave them alone , Cibotti shouted , “ Fuck you .
If I had a gun , I would shoot all of you , ” according to prosecutors .
Cibotti is currently out on $ 150,000 bail .
According to Channel 2 , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing but was represented by his attorney .
His next hearing is scheduled for July 22 .
Being a graduate from the Maya Angelou school of , “ When someone shows you who they are , believe them the first time , ” I ’ m of the belief that Cibotti ’ s statement that if he had a gun he would ’ ve murdered a black family—children and all—shouldn ’ t be dismissed as tough talk from a frustrated racist .
White fragility can turn into white violence real quick .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something like that to Black people over “ Black Lives Matter ” shirts without catching even a whiff of his own irony shows exactly why this movement exists .

Most days I wake up to the petty satisfaction of knowing how mad white people are right now. The Black Lives Matter movement is more mainstream and widely celebrated than it’s ever been. It’s so big now that even white people living in some cave near some Amish community with no internet access will likely find it hard to ignore it. But it’s easy to forget how fast their anger over the movement can turn into something that puts Black people in danger.
A white San Francisco man was charged with a hate crime after he verbally attacked a Black family—which included three small children—in a restaurant in Burlingame, Calif., earlier this month. The family members were all wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts and the man told them if he had a gun he would have shot them all.
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KTVU 2 reports that 55-year-old Steven Cibotti was charged Tuesday with “making criminal threats with a hate crime enhancement,” according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. On June 7, Cibotti spotted a Black family of five wearing BLM shirts at Flights Restaurant where the family stopped to eat after attending a march in San Francisco.
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Cibotti allegedly approached the family, shouted “blue lives matter” and pushed their table. After the father of the 7, 5 and 2-year-old children, who were present during the confrontation told Cibotti to leave them alone, Cibotti shouted, “Fuck you. If I had a gun, I would shoot all of you,” according to prosecutors.
Cibotti is currently out on $150,000 bail. According to Channel 2, he wasn’t present at his first hearing but was represented by his attorney. His next hearing is scheduled for July 22.
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Being a graduate from the Maya Angelou school of, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time,” I’m of the belief that Cibotti’s statement that if he had a gun he would’ve murdered a black family—children and all—shouldn’t be dismissed as tough talk from a frustrated racist. White fragility can turn into white violence real quick.
The fact that a white man can say something like that to Black people over “Black Lives Matter” shirts without catching even a whiff of his own irony shows exactly why this movement exists.


theroot--2020-06-25--Damn, Y'all. Vince Carter Is Really Done

My girlfriend at the time did a horrendous job of hiding her high school crush on the recently drafted , North Carolina product .
So as he spent his rookie season defying gravity and performing the type of aerial stunts typically reserved for a trapeze artist , I stewed with envy .
Every time his name came up in a conversation I scowled , and when he ’ d pop up in every other SportsCenter highlight I ’ d glare at the screen , pretending not to be in awe at his athletic prowess .
But the nigga was good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , he was already one of the coldest players in the league .
Perennial All-Star nods and other accolades would soon follow , and before I knew it , I felt like I had a high school crush on the dude , too .
And now , at 43 years old , Mr. Half-Man , Half-Amazing is calling it a career .
On his podcast , Winging It With Vince Carter , he made his long-rumored retirement official .
“ I ’ m officially done playing basketball professionally , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time to send a very special FUCK YOU to the coronavirus for cutting Vinsanity ’ s final season short and depriving us all of a proper Kobe-esque swan song .
But after an unprecedented 22-years of service , Vince is at peace with his decision—despite the circumstances .
“ If there was any disappointment because of the season—any of that—it was kind of easier to put it aside and handle it that way , ” he said .
“ It ’ s like , OK , it ’ s something bigger than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unfortunate , but with the coronavirus taking people ’ s lives rapidly , that ’ s the big picture in my mind .
“ So I was able to put the weird ending—the abrupt stoppage of play , to an ending—aside for the bigger picture.
” It ’ s truly the end of an era , but his upcoming departure provides us with the perfect opportunity to revisit some of his career highlights .
Because who in the hell doesn ’ t like career highlights ?
Remember that time he snatched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2000 Olympics ?
Or when he gave everybody the business in the Slam Dunk Contest ?
Or when he put Alonzo Mourning on a poster ?
As the only player in NBA history to play during four different decades ( the 90s , 2000s , 2010s , and finally 2020 ) , the league won ’ t be the same without him .
Respect due , Vince .

In a past life, I hated Vince Carter.
My girlfriend at the time did a horrendous job of hiding her high school crush on the recently drafted, North Carolina product. So as he spent his rookie season defying gravity and performing the type of aerial stunts typically reserved for a trapeze artist, I stewed with envy.
Every time his name came up in a conversation I scowled, and when he’d pop up in every other SportsCenter highlight I’d glare at the screen, pretending not to be in awe at his athletic prowess.
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But the nigga was good as shit, and by his second season, he was already one of the coldest players in the league. Perennial All-Star nods and other accolades would soon follow, and before I knew it, I felt like I had a high school crush on the dude, too.
And now, at 43 years old, Mr. Half-Man, Half-Amazing is calling it a career. On his podcast, Winging It With Vince Carter, he made his long-rumored retirement official.
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“I’m officially done playing basketball professionally,” he said.
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I’d like to take the time to send a very special FUCK YOU to the coronavirus for cutting Vinsanity’s final season short and depriving us all of a proper Kobe-esque swan song. But after an unprecedented 22-years of service, Vince is at peace with his decision—despite the circumstances.
“If there was any disappointment because of the season—any of that—it was kind of easier to put it aside and handle it that way,” he said. “It’s like, OK, it’s something bigger than my career. [...] It’s unfortunate, but with the coronavirus taking people’s lives rapidly, that’s the big picture in my mind.
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“So I was able to put the weird ending—the abrupt stoppage of play, to an ending—aside for the bigger picture.”
It’s truly the end of an era, but his upcoming departure provides us with the perfect opportunity to revisit some of his career highlights. Because who in the hell doesn’t like career highlights?
Advertisement
Remember that time he snatched the soul out of Fredrick Weis at the 2000 Olympics?
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Or when he gave everybody the business in the Slam Dunk Contest?
Or when he put Alonzo Mourning on a poster?
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I do!
As the only player in NBA history to play during four different decades (the 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and finally 2020) , the league won’t be the same without him. Respect due, Vince.


theroot--2020-06-25--'I Am Not Able to Rest': Samaria Rice Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Her Son Tamir Rice on His 1

'I Am Not Able to Rest': Samaria Rice Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Her Son Tamir Rice on His 18th Birthday

“ I have to be on the front lines because I am Tamir ’ s mother .
Tamir is in high demand .
When these things [ police shootings of unarmed Black people ] happen , I am not able to rest .
I am not able to be normal .
Normalcy went out the window when my son got murdered.
” —Samaria Rice Tamir Rice should be celebrating his 18th birthday today , June 25 .
But at age 12 , his light was dimmed , and the world still wonders why .
Rice was killed by Cleveland police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insult to injury , the officers who shot and killed the 12-year-old were never charged with a crime .
After losing her youngest child , Tamir Rice ’ s mother , Samaria Rice , knows all too well about pain and trauma .
Through her moments of darkness , Rice continues her son ’ s legacy with strength and dignity .
The mother of four-turned-activist built the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center , and as a public speaker , she shines a light on the oppression that Black and Latinx people still face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as authentic as she is fearless .
“ I don ’ t have time to give nothing fake , ” Rice tells The Root .
Nearly six years after her son was slain , Rice says that nothing has changed .
“ It ’ s truly a shame that we are still here in 2020 with Ahmaud Arbery , Breonna Taylor and George Floyd , ” she said .
“ Why are we still here ?
That is the question.
” It is indeed confounding that time and time again , unarmed people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-sanctioned violence .
But what if Black lives were honored and respected ?
What would have come of Tamir ’ s life if he were still alive ?
The truth is , Rice isn ’ t sure .
But she can say with certainty that her son was an exceptional child .
A mom ’ s mom , the activist reminisces about her baby , revealing that Tamir was potty trained at 2-year-old and never rode his bike with training wheels—both accomplishments that any parent would be proud of .
Rice also reminds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interests including soccer , basketball , football and art .
T he world was literally his oyster .
“ He was an exceptional child , ” she said .
“ At 12 years old he was shooting 3s with the big boys on the basketball court ; playing soccer with his school .
He loved to help people .
He loved to make people laugh.
” Listen to an excerpt of our interview above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-06-25--Three Perfect Donut Beds for Your Perfect Dognut, All on Sale Now

We always want the best for our pets and making them as comfy as possible is key .
I ’ ve got a senior Jack Russell so I ’ m constantly checking to see if he ’ s cozy , especially when sleeping .
He is in love with the donut bed I got him and is now his favorite place to snooze .
These three beds are some of Wayfair ’ s deepest discounts and best sellers in the category .
And all are on sale for over 50 % off .
The Babineaux Bolster Donut ( bottom in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s made of tonal faux fur fabric and comes in three sizes and three colors .
It ’ ll make any pupper or kitty comfy in slumber town .
It ’ s also only $ 29 .
The Shag Donut Rounder ( top left ) comes in two colors and five sizes .
So this one really runs from big good boys to itty bitty good boys .
It ’ s $ 40 and made from durable nylon and the softest faux fur .
Cosme Donut Bolster ( top right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in eight colors and three sizes .
It ’ s made of high-quality polyester fabric to withstand even the roughest of doggos who try to fluff and burrow .
This bed is now $ 62 which is 53 % off on its original price .
All these are easy to clean and honestly any fur baby can enjoy them .
This isn ’ t a dog only party .
Although , that sounds amazing .
Get free shipping on all orders over $ 35 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Over 50% off Donut Pet Beds | Wayfair
We always want the best for our pets and making them as comfy as possible is key. I’ve got a senior Jack Russell so I’m constantly checking to see if he’s cozy, especially when sleeping. He is in love with the donut bed I got him and is now his favorite place to snooze. These three beds are some of Wayfair’s deepest discounts and best sellers in the category. And all are on sale for over 50% off.
The Babineaux Bolster Donut (bottom in the pic) is plush and luxurious. It’s made of tonal faux fur fabric and comes in three sizes and three colors. It’ll make any pupper or kitty comfy in slumber town. It’s also only $29. The Shag Donut Rounder (top left) comes in two colors and five sizes. So this one really runs from big good boys to itty bitty good boys. It’s $40 and made from durable nylon and the softest faux fur. Cosme Donut Bolster (top right) is a non-furry option currently available in eight colors and three sizes. It’s made of high-quality polyester fabric to withstand even the roughest of doggos who try to fluff and burrow. This bed is now $62 which is 53% off on its original price.
All these are easy to clean and honestly any fur baby can enjoy them. This isn’t a dog only party. Although, that sounds amazing.
Get free shipping on all orders over $35.


theroot--2020-06-25--Beyoncé, Tina Knowles-Lawson and Mothers of the Movement Call Out 'Modern-Day Voter Suppression,' Ur

Beyoncé, Tina Knowles-Lawson and Mothers of the Movement Call Out 'Modern-Day Voter Suppression,' Urge Senate to Pass HEROES Act

Today , June 25 , marks the 7th anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder case , in which the U.S. Supreme Court found that Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act was unconstitutional .
As we continue conversations surrounding voter suppression , especially given the issues surrounding the recent Democratic primary election in Kentucky , it is time to take action on all levels .
As such , Beyoncé Knowles Carter , Tina Knowles-Lawson , Mothers of the Movement and several Black women celebrities are urging the Senate to pass H.R .
6800 , commonly referred to as The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release obtained by The Root , “ Over the past seven years , states and localities have reverted to discriminatory practices that restrict the voting rights of Black , Brown , Native , and Asian American people and have put up unnecessary roadblocks to the ballot.
” The HEROES Act will include $ 3.6 billion in funding for state administration of federal elections .
“ Fall-out from the most recent primaries makes it abundantly clear that we must act now to ensure every citizen can freely and fairly vote in the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places in recent primaries has demonstrated that elections officials are unprepared to hold safe and accessible elections this year , ” the letter addressed to Senate Majority and Minority Leaders reads .
“ This is modern-day voter suppression plain and simple , ” the letter continues .
“ Voters in all these states risked their health , and that of their communities , simply to make their voices heard .
People should be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote and stay healthy , even during a pandemic .
We should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a functioning democracy.
” The letter is signed by Tina Knowles-Lawson , Viola Davis , Whoopi Goldberg , Octavia Spencer , Jada Pinkett Smith , Beyoncé Knowles Carter , Solange Knowles , Gabrielle Union , Taraji P. Henson , Kelly Rowland , Lala Anthony , Halle Berry , Yvette Nicole Brown , Melina Matsoukas , Janelle Monáe , Bozoma Saint John , Holly Robinson Peete , Oge Egbuonu , Lena Waithe , Kerry Washington , Rashida Jones , Gwenn Carr ( mother of Eric Garner ) , Kadiatou Diallo ( mother of Amadou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trayvon Martin ) Maria Hamilton ( mother of Dontre Hamilton ) Wanda Johnson ( mother of Oscar Grant ) , Rep. Lucy McBath ( mother of Jordan Davis ) , Tamika Palmer ( mother of Breonna Taylor ) and Geneva Reed-Veal ( mother of Sandra Bland ) .
Of course , the work doesn ’ t stop here .
The organizers are also urging the public to sign a petition , launched by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and All Voting is Local , with its joint And Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for enacting the HEROES Act .
To read the full letter and obtain more information about Mothers of the Movement , head to AndIStillVote.org .

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Glow Up, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Today, June 25, marks the 7th anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder case, in which the U.S. Supreme Court found that Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act was unconstitutional. As we continue conversations surrounding voter suppression, especially given the issues surrounding the recent Democratic primary election in Kentucky, it is time to take action on all levels.
As such, Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Mothers of the Movement and several Black women celebrities are urging the Senate to pass H.R. 6800, commonly referred to as The HEROES Act. As stated in a press release obtained by The Root, “Over the past seven years, states and localities have reverted to discriminatory practices that restrict the voting rights of Black, Brown, Native, and Asian American people and have put up unnecessary roadblocks to the ballot.”
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The HEROES Act will include $3.6 billion in funding for state administration of federal elections.
“Fall-out from the most recent primaries makes it abundantly clear that we must act now to ensure every citizen can freely and fairly vote in the upcoming general election, and chaos at polling places in recent primaries has demonstrated that elections officials are unprepared to hold safe and accessible elections this year,” the letter addressed to Senate Majority and Minority Leaders reads.
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“This is modern-day voter suppression plain and simple,” the letter continues. “Voters in all these states risked their health, and that of their communities, simply to make their voices heard. People should be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote and stay healthy, even during a pandemic. We should not have to choose between public health and a functioning democracy.”
The letter is signed by Tina Knowles-Lawson, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Octavia Spencer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Solange Knowles, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Kelly Rowland, Lala Anthony, Halle Berry, Yvette Nicole Brown, Melina Matsoukas, Janelle Monáe, Bozoma Saint John, Holly Robinson Peete, Oge Egbuonu, Lena Waithe, Kerry Washington, Rashida Jones, Gwenn Carr (mother of Eric Garner), Kadiatou Diallo (mother of Amadou Diallo), Sybrina Fulton (mother of Trayvon Martin) Maria Hamilton (mother of Dontre Hamilton) Wanda Johnson (mother of Oscar Grant), Rep. Lucy McBath (mother of Jordan Davis), Tamika Palmer (mother of Breonna Taylor) and Geneva Reed-Veal (mother of Sandra Bland).
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Of course, the work doesn’t stop here. The organizers are also urging the public to sign a petition, launched by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and All Voting is Local, with its joint And Still I Vote campaign, to show support for enacting the HEROES Act.
To read the full letter and obtain more information about Mothers of the Movement, head to AndIStillVote.org.


theroot--2020-06-25--We Still Need to Talk About Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ‘Son’ Nestor

I have started this column at least three times but I feel like you should know this before I begin .
The Root doesn ’ t wade in the kiddie pool .
We have no problem destroying your least favorites and your favorites , but like the mafia , we have rules .
We don ’ t go after kids , ever .
So we kicked around the idea of talking about Matt Gaetz ’ s son “ Nestor ” for several reasons , the first of which is Mike Brown .
When Mike Brown was gunned down by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many publications insisted on calling the 18-year-old kid a man .
We know that age thing is tricky .
Technically Brown was old enough to go to war but still too young to buy alcohol .
He was at that age where the world is looking for him to make some milestones even if he doesn ’ t know what they are .
So does being 18 make you a man ?
Who knows .
But if Mike Brown was old enough to be called a man , even in his Wikipedia bio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19-years-old is old enough to be considered a man for this story .
He ’ s also not Matt Gaetz ’ s son , which is a bit confusing , I know , but let ’ s just get into it .
A few weeks ago , Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-Fla. ) got into with Rep. Cedric Richmond ( D-La . )
, during a hearing on police reform in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death while in Minneapolis police custody .
Richmond , who is B lack , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack man with a B lack son , police brutality is something that worries him often .
Gaetz then asked to speak and asked Richmond if he was implying that none of the members on the panel had non-white children .
Richmond asked for Gaetz not to make this moment about him and his bullshit .
The whole thing then when off the rails .
The soundbite from the moment was Richmond asking an irate Gaetz , “ Did I hit a nerve ?
” If you ’ ve not seen it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the video , it appeared that Gaetz was being his normal asshole self and grandstanding during an emotional moment , and he was , because Gaetz is a single man , with no partner , and no children ... that we know of .
The next day , Gaetz made a bold statement on Twitter .
And then he took his “ son ” on Tucker Carlson ’ s Fox News show in which he claimed he raised Nestor Galban since he was 12 years old .
The story as we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sister when their mother died .
Gaetz and the sister ’ s relationship ended and Gaetz continued to have a relationship with the boy .
Gaetz has posted videos and photos of him and Nestor before but never referred to him as his son until the beef with Richmond .
He has , however , referred to Nestor as a “ local student ” or “ House Representative page.
” In 2017 , he referred to Nestor as a “ helper.
” On Gaetz ’ s Hot Takes podcast he noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single step-parent at times ” and that “ I do feel a special kinship with step-parents all over .
You know , there ’ s a certain kind of love that you can give to another human being , you know , that is not your own flesh and blood , that ’ s not your own kid .
But you love ‘ em as much as you would love anyone that was your own child .
That you couldn ’ t imagine loving them anymore .
I don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a son.
” Nestor has a father .
He is alive .
His name is not Matt Gaetz .
Nestor even lived with him for a time in Miami .
Gaetz claims that Nestor lived with him since coming to Florida from Cuba ( legally he adds ) but then notes that after living with him , Nestor went to live with his actual father and then moved back with Gaetz when he turned 18 .
Family dynamics can take all kinds of twists and turns and who are we to judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like political theater that Gaetz drops this bombshell on America right around the time that a black man was arguing about the worries he has for his black son when it concerns police violence .
It does feel like Nestor became a political pawn in a game of racial chess .
I don ’ t know if Gaetz knows this or even cares but raising a Cuban in Florida is not the same as raising a black man anywhere else in America .
I also don ’ t buy Gatez ’ s explanation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political life all this time only to drop him in on Tucker Carlson ’ s show like “ Surprise , meet my Cuban son who isn ’ t my son and he ’ s totally a grown man.
” Either way , we point all of this out because it ’ s news and we want to make sure we keep you informed of it all .
Even if it ’ s completely puzzling and weird AF .

I have started this column at least three times but I feel like you should know this before I begin. The Root doesn’t wade in the kiddie pool. We have no problem destroying your least favorites and your favorites, but like the mafia, we have rules. We don’t go after kids, ever. So we kicked around the idea of talking about Matt Gaetz’s son “Nestor” for several reasons, the first of which is Mike Brown.
When Mike Brown was gunned down by an asshole cop in Ferguson, Mo., many publications insisted on calling the 18-year-old kid a man. We know that age thing is tricky. Technically Brown was old enough to go to war but still too young to buy alcohol. He was at that age where the world is looking for him to make some milestones even if he doesn’t know what they are. So does being 18 make you a man? Who knows. But if Mike Brown was old enough to be called a man, even in his Wikipedia bio, then Nestor Galban, who is 19-years-old is old enough to be considered a man for this story.
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He’s also not Matt Gaetz’s son, which is a bit confusing, I know, but let’s just get into it.
A few weeks ago, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) got into with Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), during a hearing on police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s death while in Minneapolis police custody. Richmond, who is B lack, was making a point that as a B lack man with a B lack son, police brutality is something that worries him often. Gaetz then asked to speak and asked Richmond if he was implying that none of the members on the panel had non-white children. Richmond asked for Gaetz not to make this moment about him and his bullshit. The whole thing then when off the rails. The soundbite from the moment was Richmond asking an irate Gaetz, “Did I hit a nerve?” If you’ve not seen it, I suggest you watch it below.
In the video, it appeared that Gaetz was being his normal asshole self and grandstanding during an emotional moment, and he was, because Gaetz is a single man, with no partner, and no children...that we know of.
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The next day, Gaetz made a bold statement on Twitter.
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And then he took his “son” on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show in which he claimed he raised Nestor Galban since he was 12 years old. The story as we know it is that Gaetz was dating Nestor’s sister when their mother died. Gaetz and the sister’s relationship ended and Gaetz continued to have a relationship with the boy. Gaetz has posted videos and photos of him and Nestor before but never referred to him as his son until the beef with Richmond. He has, however, referred to Nestor as a “local student” or “House Representative page.”
From Business Insider:
In March 2016, Gaetz posted a photo on Facebook of him and two “local students,” one of whom is Nestor. “It was great working with local students Sofia Burleson and Nestor Galban in Tallahassee this last week,” the post said. “They were fantastic House pages!”
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In 2017, he referred to Nestor as a “helper.”
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On Gaetz’s Hot Takes podcast he noted: “I sort of feel like a single step-parent at times” and that “I do feel a special kinship with step-parents all over. You know, there’s a certain kind of love that you can give to another human being, you know, that is not your own flesh and blood, that’s not your own kid. But you love ‘em as much as you would love anyone that was your own child. That you couldn’t imagine loving them anymore. I don’t have any biological children, but I absolutely have a son.”
Nestor has a father. He is alive. His name is not Matt Gaetz. Nestor even lived with him for a time in Miami. Gaetz claims that Nestor lived with him since coming to Florida from Cuba (legally he adds) but then notes that after living with him, Nestor went to live with his actual father and then moved back with Gaetz when he turned 18.
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Family dynamics can take all kinds of twists and turns and who are we to judge. But it does feel a bit like political theater that Gaetz drops this bombshell on America right around the time that a black man was arguing about the worries he has for his black son when it concerns police violence. It does feel like Nestor became a political pawn in a game of racial chess. I don’t know if Gaetz knows this or even cares but raising a Cuban in Florida is not the same as raising a black man anywhere else in America. I also don’t buy Gatez’s explanation that he was shielding Nestor from this political life all this time only to drop him in on Tucker Carlson’s show like “Surprise, meet my Cuban son who isn’t my son and he’s totally a grown man.”
Either way, we point all of this out because it’s news and we want to make sure we keep you informed of it all. Even if it’s completely puzzling and weird AF.


theroot--2020-06-25--Beyoncé to Receive 2020 Humanitarian Award at the 2020 BET Awards

At Sunday night ’ s BET Awards , Beyoncé will be the recipient of the 2020 Humanitarian Award , which will be presented virtually .
According to a press release obtained by The Root , outside of her successful music career , Beyoncé has a proven philanthropic track record which demonstrates her ability to “ give back to the world at large.
” Some of her charitable contributions include the BeyGOOD Initiative ’ s “ Formation Scholars ” scholarship in 2017 , given to four college-aged women “ who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ‘ BeyGood4Burundi , ’ her partnership with UNICEF to provide clean water and sanitation to the East African country .
More recently , in an effort to help those struggling during this year ’ s COVID-19 pandemic , Bey and mother Tina Knowles-Lawson sponsored the # IDIDMYPART mobile testing initiative , which provided free COVID-19 tests to Houston Black and Latinx residents , as these communities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic .
She also donated $ 6 million to COVID-19 relief efforts through the BeyGOOD Initiative .
The BET Awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Traoré as the 2020 BET International Global Good recipient , and Timbaland , Swizz Beatz , D-Nice and Nicolas Johnson as the 2020 Shine a Light Award recipients .
The latter honor recognizes “ exceptional resilience , ingenuity and creativity in the face of adversity , ” and the 2020 honorees demonstrate how art and education have the power to unite communities in dark , uncertain times .
Additionally , this year will honor the public figures we ’ ve lost this year with special tributes .
Grammy Award-winning artist Lil ’ Wayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Wayne Brady will honor Little Richard with a performance .

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

At Sunday night’s BET Awards, Beyoncé will be the recipient of the 2020 Humanitarian Award, which will be presented virtually. According to a press release obtained by The Root, outside of her successful music career, Beyoncé has a proven philanthropic track record which demonstrates her ability to “give back to the world at large.”
Some of her charitable contributions include the BeyGOOD Initiative’s “Formation Scholars” scholarship in 2017, given to four college-aged women “who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident,” and ‘BeyGood4Burundi,’ her partnership with UNICEF to provide clean water and sanitation to the East African country.
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More recently, in an effort to help those struggling during this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, Bey and mother Tina Knowles-Lawson sponsored the #IDIDMYPART mobile testing initiative, which provided free COVID-19 tests to Houston Black and Latinx residents, as these communities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. She also donated $6 million to COVID-19 relief efforts through the BeyGOOD Initiative.
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The BET Awards will also recognize French anti-racist activist Assa Traoré as the 2020 BET International Global Good recipient, and Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, D-Nice and Nicolas Johnson as the 2020 Shine a Light Award recipients. The latter honor recognizes “exceptional resilience, ingenuity and creativity in the face of adversity,” and the 2020 honorees demonstrate how art and education have the power to unite communities in dark, uncertain times.
Additionally, this year will honor the public figures we’ve lost this year with special tributes. Grammy Award-winning artist Lil’ Wayne will pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, while Wayne Brady will honor Little Richard with a performance.


theroot--2020-06-25--Have an Afternoon Delight With This Ella Paradis Sizzlin' Summer Vibrator Bundle

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic , Ella Paradis is experiencing fulfillment delays for some products .
If you have any @ @ @ @ @ contact their customer service page for any help .
It ’ s summertime and the @ @ @ @ @ can make it easier with this Ella Paradis sizzlin ’ summer bundle .
It includes @ @ @ @ @ of Lelo lube for a sexy $ 49 .
Those long summer days can be @ @ @ @ @ orgasm , because who doesn ’ t approve of a little afternoon delight ?
!
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s gone !

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Ella Paradis Sizzlin Summer Vibrator Bundle | $49 | Ella Paradis
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ella Paradis is experiencing fulfillment delays for some products. If you have any issues, make sure to contact their customer service page for any help.
It’s summertime and the living is easy. You can make it easier with this Ella Paradis sizzlin’ summer bundle. It includes two vibrators and a tube of Lelo lube for a sexy $49. Those long summer days can be spent by having orgasm after orgasm, because who doesn’t approve of a little afternoon delight?! Grab this deal before it’s gone!