theroot--2020-04-30--Megan Thee Stallion Tears Up Talking About Beyoncé...and Honestly, Same

Twitter was in shambles on Wednesday after the rumored remix of Megan Thee Stallion ’ s “ Savage ” featuring the one and only Beyoncé officially dropped .
During Bey ’ s two fire verses ( because she raps better than a lot of your faves ) , she makes references to TikTok , OnlyFans , her mother Tina Knowles-Lawson , and of course , Houston , where she and the rapper were born and bred .
An ever-present help in times of trouble , Beyoncé always provides , and we are grateful .
In an Instagram Live session shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stallion dished about how it felt to meet Queen Bey for the first time .
It was special for a few reasons , as one would expect , but she explained how she and her mother Holly , who passed away last March from a brain tumor , were fans .
“ I really just can ’ t believe that shit , like I really couldn ’ t believe it , ” Megan says while wiping her tears on Live .
“ It ’ s really crazy ‘ cause , like , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyoncé , and she used to make me watch a lot of Beyoncé ’ s stuff ...
I didn ’ t wan na be like , ‘ Oh my God , Beyoncé , me and my mama love you !
’ ” She then discussed that for her—an artist who has only been mainstream for two years— to have a song featuring Beyoncé is “ really crazy.
” She also said that when her fans told her she would eventually have Bey on her song , she jokingly told them to “ shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like [ the remix is ] a really big thing for the city , it ’ s a really big thing for the Southside , ” she continues .
“ Which bitch you know from Houston , Texas , from the motherfuckin ’ Southside really doin ’ shit like that ?
” We ’ ll tell you , Meg , no one is doin ’ shit like you right now .
Beyoncé really has the power to reduce some women to tears .
Earlier this week , the Lemonade artist shouted out musician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her birthday , which resulted in , you guessed it , crying .
“ Beyoncé wished me happy birthday , ” she said in a video of her tearing up .
“ Beyoncé wished me happy birthday on her website .
She knows it ’ s my birthday ... She knows .
She knows I exist .
”

Twitter was in shambles on Wednesday after the rumored remix of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” featuring the one and only Beyoncé officially dropped. During Bey’s two fire verses (because she raps better than a lot of your faves), she makes references to TikTok, OnlyFans, her mother Tina Knowles-Lawson, and of course, Houston, where she and the rapper were born and bred. An ever-present help in times of trouble, Beyoncé always provides, and we are grateful.
In an Instagram Live session shortly after the song dropped, Megan Thee Stallion dished about how it felt to meet Queen Bey for the first time. It was special for a few reasons, as one would expect, but she explained how she and her mother Holly, who passed away last March from a brain tumor, were fans.
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“I really just can’t believe that shit, like I really couldn’t believe it,” Megan says while wiping her tears on Live. “It’s really crazy ‘cause, like, my mama was a really huge fan of Beyoncé, and she used to make me watch a lot of Beyoncé’s stuff...I didn’t wanna be like, ‘Oh my God, Beyoncé, me and my mama love you!’”
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She then discussed that for her—an artist who has only been mainstream for two years— to have a song featuring Beyoncé is “really crazy.” She also said that when her fans told her she would eventually have Bey on her song, she jokingly told them to “shut the fuck up.”
“I feel like [the remix is] a really big thing for the city, it’s a really big thing for the Southside,” she continues. “Which bitch you know from Houston, Texas, from the motherfuckin’ Southside really doin’ shit like that?” We’ll tell you, Meg, no one is doin’ shit like you right now.
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Beyoncé really has the power to reduce some women to tears. Earlier this week, the Lemonade artist shouted out musician, flutist and fellow Houstonian Lizzo for her birthday, which resulted in, you guessed it, crying.
“Beyoncé wished me happy birthday,” she said in a video of her tearing up. “Beyoncé wished me happy birthday on her website. She knows it’s my birthday...She knows. She knows I exist.”


theroot--2020-04-30--More Than 80% of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Georgia Were Black, CDC Reports

As Georgia gets set to reopen more non-essential business this week , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study finding that more than 80 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were black .
Shared on Wednesday , the CDC study looked at 305 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in eight Georgia hospitals , seven of which were in the metro Atlanta area , reports CBS News .
The numbers are additional validation of widespread racial disparities in the coronavirus pandemic that first hit the U.S. in March .
The statistics are alarming , and they are consistent .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about 40 percent of patients surveyed had diabetes , and a quarter had cardiovascular disease—both chronic conditions that make people more susceptible to developing severe coronavirus symptoms .
According to the Post , black Georgians are twice as likely as white residents to have diabetes and more likely than white Georgians to die of heart disease .
But it ’ s just as important to note that a quarter of the patients hospitalized had no symptoms at all .
O f that number , 5 percent died , underscoring the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who may overestimate their resilience to COVID-19 .
The Post notes that most patients in the study had private insurance or Medicare .
All of the Medicaid patients—11 percent—were black , “ but the black patients were no more likely than others to be uninsured.
” According to the state ’ s own numbers , black Georgians made up 50 percent of all coronavirus deaths so far , despite making up less than a third of all residents .
In total , more than 1,000 have died from the coronavirus in Georgia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are troubling , it ’ s possible that the statewide rates are worse : death rates have been higher in Georgia ’ s rural areas than in its cities and suburbs , and black people remain heavily impacted in those areas as well .
As the Post writes : “ All five counties with the highest number of cases per capita are in southwest Georgia , and all are predominantly black.
” “ It is important to continue ongoing efforts to understand the reasons for these racial disparities , including the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the CDC researchers wrote .
“ Public officials should consider racial differences among patients affected by COVID-19 when planning prevention activities.
” The study comes out as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp pushed his state to be among the first to ease stay-at-home restrictions , even as the pandemic is still cresting in many parts of the country .
Last week , Georgia allowed some non-essential businesses , such as gyms , hair and salons and barbershops to open .
Movie theaters and restaurants offering dine-in service are slated to reopen this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision has alarmed many and pitted mayors and other local officials against the governor .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CBSN that Gov .
Kemp ’ s decision could be deadly for the city .
“ What I ’ ve said is , I hope the governor is right and I ’ m wrong , ” she said .
“ Because if he ’ s wrong , more people will die.
” The state stopped reporting COVID-19 deaths by race this week , but a spokeswoman representing the Georgia Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release those new statewide numbers in a few days .

As Georgia gets set to reopen more non-essential business this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study finding that more than 80 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were black.
Shared on Wednesday, the CDC study looked at 305 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in eight Georgia hospitals, seven of which were in the metro Atlanta area, reports CBS News.
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The numbers are additional validation of widespread racial disparities in the coronavirus pandemic that first hit the U.S. in March. The statistics are alarming, and they are consistent. From CBS:
In Maryland, black people are 31% of the population but nearly 45% of probable coronavirus deaths. In Louisiana, they are 33% of the population and 56% of deaths. Major cities including New York, Chicago, Detroit and Washington D.C. have also reported racial disparities in cases.
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As the Washington Post reports, about 40 percent of patients surveyed had diabetes, and a quarter had cardiovascular disease—both chronic conditions that make people more susceptible to developing severe coronavirus symptoms. According to the Post, black Georgians are twice as likely as white residents to have diabetes and more likely than white Georgians to die of heart disease.
But it’s just as important to note that a quarter of the patients hospitalized had no symptoms at all. O f that number, 5 percent died, underscoring the fact that the novel coronavirus is killing healthy people who may overestimate their resilience to COVID-19.
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The Post notes that most patients in the study had private insurance or Medicare. All of the Medicaid patients—11 percent—were black, “but the black patients were no more likely than others to be uninsured.” According to the state’s own numbers, black Georgians made up 50 percent of all coronavirus deaths so far, despite making up less than a third of all residents.
In total, more than 1,000 have died from the coronavirus in Georgia. While the results of the CDC study are troubling, it’s possible that the statewide rates are worse: death rates have been higher in Georgia’s rural areas than in its cities and suburbs, and black people remain heavily impacted in those areas as well. As the Post writes: “All five counties with the highest number of cases per capita are in southwest Georgia, and all are predominantly black.”
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“It is important to continue ongoing efforts to understand the reasons for these racial disparities, including the role of socioeconomic and occupational factors in transmission,” the CDC researchers wrote. “Public officials should consider racial differences among patients affected by COVID-19 when planning prevention activities.”
The study comes out as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp pushed his state to be among the first to ease stay-at-home restrictions, even as the pandemic is still cresting in many parts of the country. Last week, Georgia allowed some non-essential businesses, such as gyms, hair and salons and barbershops to open. Movie theaters and restaurants offering dine-in service are slated to reopen this week, reports CBS News.
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The governor’s decision has alarmed many and pitted mayors and other local officials against the governor. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CBSN that Gov. Kemp’s decision could be deadly for the city.
“What I’ve said is, I hope the governor is right and I’m wrong,” she said. “Because if he’s wrong, more people will die.”
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The state stopped reporting COVID-19 deaths by race this week, but a spokeswoman representing the Georgia Department of Health told the Post it hopes to release those new statewide numbers in a few days.


theroot--2020-05-01--Is Pharrell's New Basketball Sneaker Worth Picking Up?

Runners and Kanye stans alike may argue otherwise but the fact remains : B asketball shoes are the axis upon which the sneaker world spins .
Even as non-athletes like Virgil Abloh and Travis Scott continue to dominate the sneaker space and create unprecedented levels of hype , the roots of it all are still firmly embedded in basketball .
The release of new signature sneakers for NBA superstars like LeBron James and James Harden remain reliable annual drops , as do new colorways and updates on old favorites ( the last few months have seen the return of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original release ) .
They ’ re just as much for performance as they are style these days , and a new basketball sneaker is always cause for attention .
Speaking of which , one of the biggest names in the sneaker space recently launched his first basketball shoe .
Pharrell Williams , he of N.E.R.D , “ Happy , ” and , “ Wait , does this guy age ?
!
” fame has been the brains behind a crazy successful line of adidas sneakers over the last few years , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some of th e most coveted sneakers of the decade .
While the NMD has always been at the center of his work with the Three Stripes , it ’ s never been limited to that model .
Williams has also worked on silhouettes like the Crazy BYW and even created his own sneakers from the ground up .
Case in point : the adidas 0 To 60 , his first basketball shoe with the brand .
The 0 To 60 dropped back in March in anticipation of what would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never got to see the shoe ’ s on-court debut on television , but there ’ s nothing stopping you from picking up a pair now and getting buckets ( be them on a full-size hoop mounted in your driveway or a tiny one hanging off of your bedroom door ) .
We ’ ve got to address the colorway first : Pharrell ’ s first adidas basketball shoe is loud as hell .
It features a pastel tie-dye color scheme that you can ’ t help but notice , for better or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this isn ’ t going to be for everyone but if you ’ re down to hit the court in something this flashy you ’ ll be pleased with the performance tech that comes with it .
The shoe is built around a bootie-style inner that provides a ton of stability in the ankle and foot , crucial in hooping as the sport revolves around sporadic acceleration and pivoting .
A hefty strap around the ankle lends to this as well .
This silhouette also notably lacks laces , instead opting for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the shoe .
It ’ s unconventional for sure and some purists may be hesitant to hoop in a shoe that doesn ’ t feature laces , but those willing to go outside of their comfort zones will be rewarded .
The zipper on the 0 to 60 proves super effective in keeping your feet secure during play .
If there ’ s a downside ( and a highly subjective one ) it ’ s the incorporation of adidas ’ s signature Boost material into the shoe ’ s sole .
Boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since it was first introduced over five years ago .
But while the ultra-lightweight material is great for lifestyle silhouettes or running , it ’ s never been my favorite on the court .
Generally I find that Boost on the court doesn ’ t have the stability that denser , slightly weightier material like Nike ’ s Zoom cushioning does .
As I said though , that ’ s an entirely subjective opinion .
And either way , the shoe looks great on foot and , like any great basketball shoe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifestyle sneaker .
If you ’ re looking for a sneaker as eye-catching as it is functional , Pharrell ’ s first basketball sneaker is available now on FarFetch , StockX , and many other sneaker retailers .

Tres Dean on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Runners and Kanye stans alike may argue otherwise but the fact remains: B asketball shoes are the axis upon which the sneaker world spins. Even as non-athletes like Virgil Abloh and Travis Scott continue to dominate the sneaker space and create unprecedented levels of hype, the roots of it all are still firmly embedded in basketball. The release of new signature sneakers for NBA superstars like LeBron James and James Harden remain reliable annual drops, as do new colorways and updates on old favorites (the last few months have seen the return of the beloved LeBron 7 a decade after its original release). They’re just as much for performance as they are style these days, and a new basketball sneaker is always cause for attention.
Speaking of which, one of the biggest names in the sneaker space recently launched his first basketball shoe. Pharrell Williams, he of N.E.R.D, “Happy,” and, “Wait, does this guy age?!” fame has been the brains behind a crazy successful line of adidas sneakers over the last few years, with his work on the NMD silhouette making for some of th e most coveted sneakers of the decade. While the NMD has always been at the center of his work with the Three Stripes, it’s never been limited to that model. Williams has also worked on silhouettes like the Crazy BYW and even created his own sneakers from the ground up. Case in point: the adidas 0 To 60, his first basketball shoe with the brand.
The 0 To 60 dropped back in March in anticipation of what would have been March Madness. With its cancellation we never got to see the shoe’s on-court debut on television, but there’s nothing stopping you from picking up a pair now and getting buckets (be them on a full-size hoop mounted in your driveway or a tiny one hanging off of your bedroom door).
Advertisement
We’ve got to address the colorway first: Pharrell’s first adidas basketball shoe is loud as hell. It features a pastel tie-dye color scheme that you can’t help but notice, for better or worse. A shoe that looks like this isn’t going to be for everyone but if you’re down to hit the court in something this flashy you’ll be pleased with the performance tech that comes with it.
The shoe is built around a bootie-style inner that provides a ton of stability in the ankle and foot, crucial in hooping as the sport revolves around sporadic acceleration and pivoting. A hefty strap around the ankle lends to this as well.
Advertisement Advertisement
This silhouette also notably lacks laces, instead opting for a forefoot zipper that keeps your feet locked into the shoe. It’s unconventional for sure and some purists may be hesitant to hoop in a shoe that doesn’t feature laces, but those willing to go outside of their comfort zones will be rewarded. The zipper on the 0 to 60 proves super effective in keeping your feet secure during play.
If there’s a downside (and a highly subjective one) it’s the incorporation of adidas’s signature Boost material into the shoe’s sole. Boost is a sneaker revelation and has been since it was first introduced over five years ago. But while the ultra-lightweight material is great for lifestyle silhouettes or running, it’s never been my favorite on the court. Generally I find that Boost on the court doesn’t have the stability that denser, slightly weightier material like Nike’s Zoom cushioning does.
As I said though, that’s an entirely subjective opinion. And either way, the shoe looks great on foot and, like any great basketball shoe, works just as well as an everyday lifestyle sneaker. If you’re looking for a sneaker as eye-catching as it is functional, Pharrell’s first basketball sneaker is available now on FarFetch, StockX, and many other sneaker retailers.


theroot--2020-05-01--TGIF Playlist: New Music Releases

TGIF Playlist: New Music Releases

Well , thank goodness it ’ s Friday .
This week I , like the rest of the world , @ @ @ @ @ Meg Thee Stallion released their “ Savage ” remix .
So I thought why not @ @ @ @ @ releases ?
Everyone loves a new bop , so I went ahead and put together @ @ @ @ @ that .
Sit back and enjoy new hits from Queen Bey , emotional Drake , @ @ @ @ @ others .
Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version .
@ @ @ @ @ 3 months of free listens !
3 .
“ If You ’ re Too Shy @ @ @ @ @ “ — The 1975 And here ’ s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for @ @ @

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
Well, thank goodness it’s Friday. This week I, like the rest of the world, was gagged when Beyoncé and Meg Thee Stallion released their “Savage” remix. So I thought why not provide everyone with some new releases? Everyone loves a new bop, so I went ahead and put together a playlist full of just that. Sit back and enjoy new hits from Queen Bey, emotional Drake, chaotic Doja Cat, and others. Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of free listens!
1. “Savage Remix” — Meg Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé
2. “Say So Remix” — Doja Cat ft. Nicki Minaj
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3. “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)“ — The 1975
4. “Believe It” — PARTYNEXTDOOR ft. Rihanna
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5. “Wrong Places” — H.E.R.
6. “Pain 1993" — Drake ft. Playboi Carti
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7. “I Know Alone” — HAIM
8. “F&MU” — Kehlani
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9. “Baby Mama” — Brandy ft. Chance The Rapper
10. “1894" — Amber Mark
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11. “Heart Attack” — Bronson ft. Odesa & lau.ra
12. “Dreamland” — Glass Animals
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13. “Friends” — Mishaal ft. Powfu
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
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Until next week, everyone.


theroot--2020-05-01--Reclaiming Our Sourdough Starter: 'Rage Baking' Began With a Black Woman—and Right Now, We Want It B

Reclaiming Our Sourdough Starter: 'Rage Baking' Began With a Black Woman—and Right Now, We Want It Back

A twisted tale only recently came to our attention , but feels especially relevant today as Paula Deen and her loyal following celebrate her new weekly Fox & Friends ’ segment , “ America Cooks Together ” —you know , because Paula Deen is such a great American unifier .
But we promised you a story , so here it goes , albeit a couple of months after the fact : Just as the COVID-19 crisis was wending its way into America this February , Katherine Alford , a former vice president at Food Network , and Kathy Gunst , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published a tome titled Rage Baking : The Transformative Power of Flour , Fury , and Women ’ s Voices ( Tiller Press ) .
According to its description on Amazon , the book includes “ 50+ recipes , short essays , and quotes from some of the best bakers , activists , and outspoken women in our country today—this cookbook encourages women to use sugar and sass as a way to defend , resist , and protest.
” The book ’ s authors are both white women ( not an insult , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notable women featured in Rage Baking include activists , authors and well-known chefs and bakers—including Dorie Greenspan , Ruth Reichl , Carla Hall , Genevieve Ko , Ani Difranco , Rebecca Traister , Cecile Richards , Marti Noxon and more , the synopsis boasted .
But of the many women included , nowhere among them was Tangerine Jones , the black woman who popularized the phrase ( h/t Eater ) .
On Valentine ’ s Day of this year , Jones addressed the omission and called out the unapologetic appropriation of the phrase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015—including starting a hashtag , Instagram account and website , as well as a Go Fund Me and ingredient donation program that enabled her to “ rage bake ” for social justice organizations .
Cookbook author Gunst purportedly even followed Jones on Instagram , where the hashtag was used liberally .
In an op-ed on Medium titled “ The Privilege of Rage ” Jones wrote : In 2015 , I started Rage Baking because , quite frankly , I didn ’ t know what else to do .
I ’ d done all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what more I could do with my grief , disappointment and rage .
Being black in America means you ’ re solid in the knowledge that folks don ’ t give a true flying f**k about you or anyone who looks like you .
That you ’ re never truly seen or valued .
That you ’ re never afforded your humanity in the face of unspeakable things .
Still , it ’ s one thing to know that and another thing to have that knowledge reaffirmed , broadcast from all sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own comfort when presented with the unassailable truth .
I can ’ t quite put into words what that does to one ’ s spirit .
What it does to the tiny ember of hope held that one day there will be actual progress , justice or change .
I was worn out and feeling defeated and I know I wasn ’ t alone .
It all felt Sisyphean .
It didn ’ t seem that there was any way to reach through folks ’ apathy or fatigue and into their hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen because , personally , it ’ s one of the places I commune with my ancestors .
I ’ m a Black woman born and partly raised in the South .
Kitchens are sacred , powerful spaces to me .
They are places of history and healing , of community and connection , of resistance and revolution , of transformation and truth .
I ’ ve been taught that they hold the heart of a home and , collectively , the pulse of a community .
For me , kitchens are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen was a safe space to cry , punch and set things on fire so I could go out and continue to face the f**kery outside .
When you feel as if you ’ re about to explode , that energy has to go somewhere .
I didn ’ t want to lose myself to the fury .
I definitely didn ’ t want to swallow it or have it eat me from the inside or destroy my capacity to demonstrate love and openness .
I ’ ve seen too many folks implode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks are never allowed to admit when we ’ re tired and why and we ’ re certainly not afforded our legitimate and justified rage .
I didn ’ t just want to take out my anger , hurt , and frustration .
I wanted to channel it and move through it .
I wanted to get my heart right , renew my hope and find a way forward ... Jones went on to explain that as Alford and Gunst ’ s book was promoted—ironically , over MLK weekend—her own longtime followers responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly credited as the originator of the phrase , in much the same way our community rallied to give Tarana Burke proper credit for creating # MeToo .
But instead of graciously conceding , publicly apologizing and attempting to course-correct by at least sharing credit with Jones , Alford and Gunst instead sent a series of private messages to the baker-activist , not only insisting that “ rage baking ” had already commonly been in use but even citing a 2013 usage in a blog called “ Shameful Baking ” —as if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the phrase .
( Jones noted that at least one of the sources cited b y Alford and Gunst happened to be another of her followers on social media . )
“ It ’ s been really hard to see Rage Baking whitewashed with a tinge of diversity , co-opted , monetized and my impact erased and minimized under the veneer of feminism and uplifting women ’ s voices , ” Jones wrote , later adding : If Rage Baking is a movement , it ’ s one that was initially catalyzed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major city and in an influential group of people .
It is one that was started with the simple act of being kind and encouraging in the darkest of times .
I am not at all surprised that my kindness has been overshadowed by the actions of well-intended white women .
That my rage and pain has been claimed as their own and their voices centered , uplifted and prioritized .
It just demonstrates whose rage is most valued and who is allowed to express it freely .
We ’ ve seen this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not always white women who are the perpetrators .
For instance , the dispute over the origin and usage of “ Black Girl Magic ” is almost exclusively a black debate that reflects the classism within our ranks .
But we ’ ve also seen it with Paula Deen , a white woman who made millions promoting the type of Southern cooking originated by enslaved black people working in the ‘ big house , ’ and slapping an idyllic , whitewashed façade over it .
It brings to mind Sally Hemings ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jefferson : a classically trained yet enslaved chef who is credited with popularizing macaroni and cheese in antebellum America .
So , too , the legions of black women who worked in white Southern homes post-slavery as domestics , feeding and caring for the hom es and children of generations of America ’ s leaders .
By her own account , those are times Paula Deen would gladly revisit ; an era where delectable meals were conceived , produced and served by black hands , while the white gentry took credit for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not accusing feminists as undoubted ly woke as Alford and Gunst of this type of shameless entitlement , we also won ’ t ignore the unbroken thread that runs between those who profit from black labor and intellectual property , no matter whether liberal or conservative .
While nothing Fox & Friends does at this point surprises us , neither does it shock us that whiteness will almost always find a way to prosper , in and of itself .
Still , sometimes , there are rare moments of vindication .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cookbooks/essay collections of the year , ” according to Eater , in the three months since its publication , Rage Baking ’ s Amazon rating ( 2.5 stars ) remains in shambles as reviewers ask why Jones is in no way credited or included .
And while Paula Deen has found a new job among “ her kind of people , ” somewhere in Brooklyn , The Root ’ s Managing Editor Genetta Adams is pulling several loaves of freshly baked bread out of her oven .
It ’ s just one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe it ’ s all the rage .

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

A twisted tale only recently came to our attention, but feels especially relevant today as Paula Deen and her loyal following celebrate her new weekly Fox & Friends’ segment, “America Cooks Together”—you know, because Paula Deen is such a great American unifier.
Advertisement
But we promised you a story, so here it goes, albeit a couple of months after the fact: Just as the COVID-19 crisis was wending its way into America this February, Katherine Alford, a former vice president at Food Network, and Kathy Gunst, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, published a tome titled Rage Baking: The Transformative Power of Flour, Fury, and Women’s Voices (Tiller Press). According to its description on Amazon, the book includes “50+ recipes, short essays, and quotes from some of the best bakers, activists, and outspoken women in our country today—this cookbook encourages women to use sugar and sass as a way to defend, resist, and protest.”
The book’s authors are both white women (not an insult, just necessary context), and the notable women featured in Rage Baking include activists, authors and well-known chefs and bakers—including Dorie Greenspan, Ruth Reichl, Carla Hall, Genevieve Ko, Ani Difranco, Rebecca Traister, Cecile Richards, Marti Noxon and more, the synopsis boasted. But of the many women included, nowhere among them was Tangerine Jones, the black woman who popularized the phrase (h/t Eater).
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On Valentine’s Day of this year, Jones addressed the omission and called out the unapologetic appropriation of the phrase and branding she began publicly using in 2015—including starting a hashtag, Instagram account and website, as well as a Go Fund Me and ingredient donation program that enabled her to “rage bake” for social justice organizations . Cookbook author Gunst purportedly even followed Jones on Instagram, where the hashtag was used liberally. In an op-ed on Medium titled “The Privilege of Rage” Jones wrote:
In 2015, I started Rage Baking because, quite frankly, I didn’t know what else to do. I’d done all the things and I didn’t know what more I could do with my grief, disappointment and rage. Being black in America means you’re solid in the knowledge that folks don’t give a true flying f**k about you or anyone who looks like you. That you’re never truly seen or valued. That you’re never afforded your humanity in the face of unspeakable things. Still, it’s one thing to know that and another thing to have that knowledge reaffirmed, broadcast from all sides and to watch folks choose apathy and their own comfort when presented with the unassailable truth. I can’t quite put into words what that does to one’s spirit. What it does to the tiny ember of hope held that one day there will be actual progress, justice or change. I was worn out and feeling defeated and I know I wasn’t alone. It all felt Sisyphean. It didn’t seem that there was any way to reach through folks’ apathy or fatigue and into their hearts and minds. I turned to my kitchen because, personally, it’s one of the places I commune with my ancestors. I’m a Black woman born and partly raised in the South. Kitchens are sacred, powerful spaces to me. They are places of history and healing, of community and connection, of resistance and revolution, of transformation and truth. I’ve been taught that they hold the heart of a home and, collectively, the pulse of a community. For me, kitchens are a place for alchemy and renewal. My kitchen was a safe space to cry, punch and set things on fire so I could go out and continue to face the f**kery outside. When you feel as if you’re about to explode, that energy has to go somewhere. I didn’t want to lose myself to the fury. I definitely didn’t want to swallow it or have it eat me from the inside or destroy my capacity to demonstrate love and openness. I’ve seen too many folks implode from the pain and exhaustion. Black folks are never allowed to admit when we’re tired and why and we’re certainly not afforded our legitimate and justified rage. I didn’t just want to take out my anger, hurt , and frustration. I wanted to channel it and move through it. I wanted to get my heart right, renew my hope and find a way forward...
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Jones went on to explain that as Alford and Gunst’s book was promoted—ironically, over MLK weekend—her own longtime followers responded in outrage in hopes of having Jones properly credited as the originator of the phrase, in much the same way our community rallied to give Tarana Burke proper credit for creating #MeToo. But instead of graciously conceding, publicly apologizing and attempting to course-correct by at least sharing credit with Jones, Alford and Gunst instead sent a series of private messages to the baker-activist, not only insisting that “rage baking” had already commonly been in use but even citing a 2013 usage in a blog called “Shameful Baking”—as if it somehow negated Jones being best identified with the phrase. ( Jones noted that at least one of the sources cited b y Alford and Gunst happened to be another of her followers on social media. )
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“It’s been really hard to see Rage Baking whitewashed with a tinge of diversity, co-opted, monetized and my impact erased and minimized under the veneer of feminism and uplifting women’s voices,” Jones wrote, later adding:
If Rage Baking is a movement, it’s one that was initially catalyzed by my physical and emotional labor in a major city and in an influential group of people. It is one that was started with the simple act of being kind and encouraging in the darkest of times. I am not at all surprised that my kindness has been overshadowed by the actions of well-intended white women. That my rage and pain has been claimed as their own and their voices centered, uplifted and prioritized. It just demonstrates whose rage is most valued and who is allowed to express it freely.
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We’ve seen this before—and to be fair, it’s not always white women who are the perpetrators. For instance, the dispute over the origin and usage of “Black Girl Magic” is almost exclusively a black debate that reflects the classism within our ranks. But we’ve also seen it with Paula Deen, a white woman who made millions promoting the type of Southern cooking originated by enslaved black people working in the ‘big house,’ and slapping an idyllic , whitewashed façade over it. It brings to mind Sally Hemings’ brother James, also owned by Thomas Jefferson : a classically trained yet enslaved chef who is credited with popularizing macaroni and cheese in antebellum America. So, too, the legions of black women who worked in white Southern homes post-slavery as domestics, feeding and caring for the hom es and children of generations of America’s leaders.
By her own account, those are times Paula Deen would gladly revisit; an era where delectable meals were conceived, produced and served by black hands, while the white gentry took credit for their deliciousness and appeal. While we’re not accusing feminists as undoubted ly woke as Alford and Gunst of this type of shameless entitlement, we also won’t ignore the unbroken thread that runs between those who profit from black labor and intellectual property, no matter whether liberal or conservative. While nothing Fox & Friends does at this point surprises us, neither does it shock us that whiteness will almost always find a way to prosper, in and of itself.
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Still , sometimes, there are rare moments of vindication. Despite being “one of the most hyped cookbooks/essay collections of the year,” according to Eater, in the three months since its publication, Rage Baking’s Amazon rating (2.5 stars) remains in shambles as reviewers ask why Jones is in no way credited or included. And while Paula Deen has found a new job among “her kind of people,” somewhere in Brooklyn, The Root’s Managing Editor Genetta Adams is pulling several loaves of freshly baked bread out of her oven. It’s just one of many constructive ways we move forward...maybe it’s all the rage.


theroot--2020-05-01--Tara Reade Says She Feels 'Discounted' by Democratic Party in Wake of Joe Biden Sexual Assault Alleg

Tara Reade Says She Feels 'Discounted' by Democratic Party in Wake of Joe Biden Sexual Assault Allegations

In an interview published in BuzzFeed Thursday , former Senate staffer Tara Reade said she feels betrayed by the party she has long supported .
Reade , who has accused former Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden of sexual assaulting her in 1993 , was responding to the flurry of support Biden has received in recent weeks from high-profile Democrats , many of them women .
Among them was potential Biden running mate Stacey Abrams , who told CNN ’ s Don Lemon on Tuesday night that she believes the former Delaware senator .
“ I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated that his love of family , his love of our community , has been made perfectly clear through his work as a congressional leader and as an American leader , ” she said .
“ I know Joe Biden and I think he ’ s telling the truth and that this did not happen.
” Reade , who describes herself as a “ lifelong Democrat , ” told BuzzFeed she was a particular fan of Abrams .
The former Georgia House minority leader became a national star after she launched a hotly-contested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governorship in 2018 .
Abrams ultimately lost to then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp , who was accused of suppressing thousands of votes to win the election .
Reade noted that Abrams , as well as New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand , a staunch supporter of the # MeToo movement , and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced their support of Biden on the same day .
In previous weeks , California Senator Kamala Harris , also seen as a potential Biden running mate , also said she believed Biden ’ s side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # MeToo movement rose into national prominence in October 2017 , Democrats—and in particular , Democratic women officials—have championed it .
Gillibrand , notably , was one the first Democratic senators to call for Al Franken ’ s resignation .
The former senator from Minnesota was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women in 2017 , and resigned early 2018 .
But many of the elected women who have positioned themselves as public advocates of sexual assault survivors have given their blessing to Biden .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—the most powerful woman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support : “ I have complete respect for the whole # MeToo movement , ” Pelosi said Thursday , the same day she gave Biden her endorsement for president .
“ There ’ s also due process and the fact that Joe Biden is Joe Biden.
” At least seven women , not including Reade , have come forward over the years to say that Biden made contact with them that they found inappropriate or uncomfortable .
As recently as 2019 , Reade was on record saying that during her time working at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would touch her neck and shoulders , and once asked her to serve drinks at an event because he liked her legs .
But in a podcast interview with political commentator Katie Halper in March , Reade expanded on her fallout with Biden , saying he once pinned her to a wall and put his hands under her skirt , groping her and penetrating her with his fingers .
Reade was in her twenties at the time .
Reade ’ s claims have gained more attention in recent weeks as follow-up reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her story , forcing Biden to publicly address the comments himself on Friday morning ( his campaign had denied the allegations for weeks ) .
Former interns from the Senate office remember Reade being reassigned away from managing them , according to the New York Times .
After Reade mentioned that her mother had called into Larry King Live , the Intercept published the transcript from a 1993 episode where a caller described her daughter ’ s negative experience with a “ prominent senator , ” though the caller does not detail the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets , people who knew Reade have said she told them that she had had a bad experience with her boss in Washington — with varied levels of detail .
In an interview with Business Insider , a former neighbor , Lynda LaCasse , said Reade detailed her full allegation against Biden in the 1990s .
The New York Times and Washington Post each reported they spoke with an unnamed friend who had said Reade told her about the allegation in the 1990s as well .
Others have provided more limited accounts — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instance , that she remembered Reade saying Biden touched her arm and behaved inappropriately , but did not have other details .
Reade ’ s brother initially told the Post he remembered her telling him that Biden was “ inappropriate , ” but followed up days later to clarify that he recalled Reade telling him that the then-senator had put his hands under her clothes .
But this additional corroboration has notable limits .
Reade told the New York Times that after the alleged assault , she complained directly to three other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they either don ’ t remember a complaint or that it didn ’ t take place .
Reade , who says she has received threats and online abuse since coming forward with her story , has been accused of acting on behalf of a number of parties and personalities : Some have accused her of working for the Russians , while others have pointed to her previous support of Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders in the Democratic p rimary and wondered whether she ’ s trying to torpedo Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself acknowledged the high stakes of her assault claims to BuzzFeed .
“ Most people I know are horrified at the idea of four more years of the Trump presidency , ” she said .
“ He ’ s an incredibly dangerous man.
” She told the outlet doesn ’ t plan to vote for president but will vote in local elections .
But despite her disillusion with the Democratic Party , Reade said she has declined invitations to appear on Fox News , including Hannity and Tucker Carlson because she doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hijacked.
” “ I want a safe platform to tell my full history with Joe Biden , ” she said .
But in a more recent interview with BuzzFeed , she acknowledged she “ hadn ’ t made a final decision ” about whether to appear on the conservative cable channel .
“ I used to think that a Republican talking point was to call the mainstream media biased , ” Reade told BuzzFeed .
“ So I used to think , Oh , that ’ s just a talking point for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But now I ’ m living it [ in ] real time , and I see it — like , I see it for what it is .
Because I am a Democrat , or I was .
But now I ’ m not anything , really .
I ’ m politically homeless .
”

In an interview published in BuzzFeed Thursday, former Senate staffer Tara Reade said she feels betrayed by the party she has long supported.
Reade, who has accused former Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden of sexual assaulting her in 1993, was responding to the flurry of support Biden has received in recent weeks from high-profile Democrats, many of them women.
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Among them was potential Biden running mate Stacey Abrams, who told CNN’s Don Lemon on Tuesday night that she believes the former Delaware senator.
“I believe that he is a person who has demonstrated that his love of family, his love of our community, has been made perfectly clear through his work as a congressional leader and as an American leader,” she said. “I know Joe Biden and I think he’s telling the truth and that this did not happen.”
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Reade, who describes herself as a “lifelong Democrat,” told BuzzFeed she was a particular fan of Abrams. The former Georgia House minority leader became a national star after she launched a hotly-contested campaign to win the state’s governorship in 2018. Abrams ultimately lost to then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who was accused of suppressing thousands of votes to win the election.
Reade noted that Abrams, as well as New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a staunch supporter of the #MeToo movement, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced their support of Biden on the same day. In previous weeks, California Senator Kamala Harris, also seen as a potential Biden running mate, also said she believed Biden’s side of the story.
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From BuzzFeed:
“I just— I’m stunned,” Reade said. “They didn’t just say, ‘Oh, we’re standing with Joe Biden until we hear more.’ They just discounted me. They marginalized me. They said they didn’t believe me. I can’t tell you,” Reade said, trailing off. “I cried for a while because they’re important in my life. They’ve been figures that I looked up to.”
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Ever since the #MeToo movement rose into national prominence in October 2017, Democrats—and in particular, Democratic women officials—have championed it. Gillibrand, notably, was one the first Democratic senators to call for Al Franken’s resignation. The former senator from Minnesota was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women in 2017, and resigned early 2018 .
But many of the elected women who have positioned themselves as public advocates of sexual assault survivors have given their blessing to Biden. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—the most powerful woman in the Democratic Party— was uncompromising in her support:
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“I have complete respect for the whole #MeToo movement,” Pelosi said Thursday, the same day she gave Biden her endorsement for president. “There’s also due process and the fact that Joe Biden is Joe Biden.”
At least seven women, not including Reade, have come forward over the years to say that Biden made contact with them that they found inappropriate or uncomfortable. As recently as 2019, Reade was on record saying that during her time working at Biden’s Senate office, he would touch her neck and shoulders, and once asked her to serve drinks at an event because he liked her legs.
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But in a podcast interview with political commentator Katie Halper in March, Reade expanded on her fallout with Biden, saying he once pinned her to a wall and put his hands under her skirt, groping her and penetrating her with his fingers. Reade was in her twenties at the time.
Reade’s claims have gained more attention in recent weeks as follow-up reports of her allegations have corroborated some parts of her story, forcing Biden to publicly address the comments himself on Friday morning (his campaign had denied the allegations for weeks).
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As BuzzFeed News summarized:
Former interns from the Senate office remember Reade being reassigned away from managing them, according to the New York Times. After Reade mentioned that her mother had called into Larry King Live, the Intercept published the transcript from a 1993 episode where a caller described her daughter’s negative experience with a “prominent senator,” though the caller does not detail the nature of the experience. Across different outlets, people who knew Reade have said she told them that she had had a bad experience with her boss in Washington — with varied levels of detail. In an interview with Business Insider, a former neighbor, Lynda LaCasse, said Reade detailed her full allegation against Biden in the 1990s. The New York Times and Washington Post each reported they spoke with an unnamed friend who had said Reade told her about the allegation in the 1990s as well. Others have provided more limited accounts — one friend told the Washington Post, for instance, that she remembered Reade saying Biden touched her arm and behaved inappropriately, but did not have other details. Reade’s brother initially told the Post he remembered her telling him that Biden was “inappropriate,” but followed up days later to clarify that he recalled Reade telling him that the then-senator had put his hands under her clothes.
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But this additional corroboration has notable limits. Reade told the New York Times that after the alleged assault, she complained directly to three other Senate aides. They have all said they either don’t remember a complaint or that it didn’t take place.
Reade, who says she has received threats and online abuse since coming forward with her story, has been accused of acting on behalf of a number of parties and personalities: Some have accused her of working for the Russians, while others have pointed to her previous support of Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders in the Democratic p rimary and wondered whether she’s trying to torpedo Biden’s efforts to win the presidency.
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Reade herself acknowledged the high stakes of her assault claims to BuzzFeed.
“Most people I know are horrified at the idea of four more years of the Trump presidency,” she said. “He’s an incredibly dangerous man.”
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She told the outlet doesn’t plan to vote for president but will vote in local elections. But despite her disillusion with the Democratic Party, Reade said she has declined invitations to appear on Fox News, including Hannity and Tucker Carlson because she doesn’t want her story “being politically hijacked.”
“I want a safe platform to tell my full history with Joe Biden,” she said.
But in a more recent interview with BuzzFeed, she acknowledged she “hadn’t made a final decision” about whether to appear on the conservative cable channel.
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“I used to think that a Republican talking point was to call the mainstream media biased,” Reade told BuzzFeed. “So I used to think, Oh, that’s just a talking point for them. I don’t believe it. But now I’m living it [in] real time, and I see it — like, I see it for what it is. Because I am a Democrat, or I was. But now I’m not anything, really. I’m politically homeless.”


theroot--2020-05-01--And Now We Know Where Karens Come From: The Root Examines Kids' Obama Blackface Dance Routine

Karens are a unique breed .
They can usually be spotted in head-to-toe Gap clothing drinking a pumpkin-flavored beverage .
What ’ s most noticeable is the larger-than-normal pointer finger which is always ready to dial 9-1-1 .
They are usually unable to speak to sales associates and often can only communicate with managers .
They are strong , but their collective voice carries with it the weight of thousands of years of merely claiming victimization , especially when no offense is happening .
They own everything and nothing .
They are both literal and lazy .
And until now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were born or made .
Well , now we have a bit more insight after several protesters gathered at the state Capitol in Lansing , Mich. , on Thursday , to host the “ Open up Arbys ” protest against staying safe from the coronavirus .
Karens are mad about two things : the stay-at-home order implemented by Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer and being told “ no.
” See , Karens aren ’ t just fighters of imaginary oppression , they are blind to the idiocy of their fight .
Thanks to Al @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the internets , which I believe Spike Lee would call “ Da Internet , ” we ’ ve been able to see Karens in their pre-Karen state .
Don ’ t worry , I ’ ve watched the entire video so you don ’ t have to ; granted , it ’ s only 20 seconds but it ’ s a difficult 20 seconds .
First off , two children—I don ’ t want to assume that they are girls since they are both wearing masks—are wearing stars-and-stripes dance outfits .
Karens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the flag over everything .
Betsy Ross may have been a Karen .
In fact , she might ’ ve been the first Karen .
We don ’ t even know if Betsy Ross made the flag but you know who would lie about making the flag ?
Karens .
Anyway , two children are doing some kind of race-baiting white people crip-walk .
One is wearing a Donald Trump mask , and the other is wearing a Barack Obama mask .
The crowd can be heard laughing because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than watching little Karens dance off-beat like they used to .
To make the whole scene even more obtrusive , an altered version of “ Candyman ” plays in the background .
Below is the only Candyman that black people acknowledge : At one point , one of the children loses a shoe , and because Karens know that a shoe-monkey won ’ t stop a blackface show , she emphatically kicks her shoe to her adoring fans who eat it up because they love shoe leather .
The video cuts off before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns but why wouldn ’ t they , considering that they are playing to an open-carry crowd .
This is arguably the earliest video ever seen of a Karen-in-training and I ’ d argue that it is conclusive proof that Karens are made .
These children have no idea what the hell they are doing and neither does the audience but it includes all of the elements that Karens love : President Trump , a little blackface Obama ( always Obama ) , stars and stripes , and lyrics about the government taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children were carrying cellphones while they kicked and thumped off-beat , the Karen transformation would be complete .

Karens are a unique breed. They can usually be spotted in head-to-toe Gap clothing drinking a pumpkin-flavored beverage. What’s most noticeable is the larger-than-normal pointer finger which is always ready to dial 9-1-1. They are usually unable to speak to sales associates and often can only communicate with managers. They are strong, but their collective voice carries with it the weight of thousands of years of merely claiming victimization, especially when no offense is happening. They own everything and nothing. They are both literal and lazy. And until now, we had no idea if Karens were born or made.
Well, now we have a bit more insight after several protesters gathered at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Thursday, to host the “Open up Arbys” protest against staying safe from the coronavirus. Karens are mad about two things: the stay-at-home order implemented by Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer and being told “no.” See, Karens aren’t just fighters of imaginary oppression, they are blind to the idiocy of their fight.
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Thanks to Al Gore and his creation of this thing called the internets, which I believe Spike Lee would call “Da Internet,” we’ve been able to see Karens in their pre-Karen state.
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Don’t worry, I’ve watched the entire video so you don’t have to; granted, it’s only 20 seconds but it’s a difficult 20 seconds.
First off, two children—I don’t want to assume that they are girls since they are both wearing masks—are wearing stars-and-stripes dance outfits. Karens love the flag. For them, it’s the flag over everything. Betsy Ross may have been a Karen. In fact, she might’ve been the first Karen. We don’t even know if Betsy Ross made the flag but you know who would lie about making the flag? Karens.
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Anyway, two children are doing some kind of race-baiting white people crip-walk. One is wearing a Donald Trump mask, and the other is wearing a Barack Obama mask. The crowd can be heard laughing because there’s nothing that Karens adore more than watching little Karens dance off-beat like they used to. To make the whole scene even more obtrusive, an altered version of “Candyman” plays in the background.
Below is the only Candyman that black people acknowledge:
At one point, one of the children loses a shoe, and because Karens know that a shoe-monkey won’t stop a blackface show, she emphatically kicks her shoe to her adoring fans who eat it up because they love shoe leather. The video cuts off before the children can load and shoot finger guns but why wouldn’t they, considering that they are playing to an open-carry crowd.
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This is arguably the earliest video ever seen of a Karen-in-training and I’d argue that it is conclusive proof that Karens are made. These children have no idea what the hell they are doing and neither does the audience but it includes all of the elements that Karens love: President Trump, a little blackface Obama (always Obama), stars and stripes, and lyrics about the government taking away their rights. If only the children were carrying cellphones while they kicked and thumped off-beat, the Karen transformation would be complete.


theroot--2020-05-01--The 10 Best Deals of May 1, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of May 1, 2020

You ’ ve heard of our deals of the day , but now , in rare form , we ’ re bringing back a classic ( at least for today ) : our pick of the 10 BEST deals after sifting through ALL the options ourselves .
Opinions may vary on what is and isn ’ t classified as a bargain , and that ’ s okay .
At the end of the day , what matters it that you found a bargain and you didn ’ t have to do a whole lot of digging yourself to get there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we ’ ve been tirelessly doing all day long , I implore you to venture out beyond the tropics and take a closer look at the savings we have in store for you this evening .
Then , should you walk away a satisfied reader of our shopping coverage here at Kinja Deals , consider following us on Twitter and liking our page on Facebook .
If you want us to continue this format on a regular basis after the initial deals of the day have been spliced to our network , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now that we ’ re at home all the time , slowly losing our minds , it ’ s crucial , now than ever , that we start taking our vision seriously .
I mean , without the right pair of glasses , how are you going to finally binge-watch the entirety of The Sopranos over the next few weeks—without overworking your retinas ?
How are you going to comfortably see every bright sky blue-tinged pixel of your island in Animal Crossing : New Horizons ?
You ’ re going to need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65 % off , and we ’ re going to give that to you , courtesy of GlassesUSA .
Right now .
Take a moment .
Find your next pair of glasses , look at the price , and slash that by two thirds .
Now check out and enter the promo code KINJA65 , and add blue light blocking lenses while you ’ re at it , for 50 % less with the code BLUE50 .
Whether you ’ re staring at good screen or bad screen , your eyes will thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t even necessarily need a prescription .
Keeping your connections secure and private is important , especially now that you ’ re probably spending more of your free time looking on some sort of screen .
VPNs range in price , and you can even get some for free , but with something as important security , it ’ s worth investing in a good one .
Right now , Kinja readers can get two years of Pure VPN for just $ 48 , a savings of 82 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to five devices connected , too , so your whole family can be covered .
Etsy is a wonderful market place to support small/independent businesses .
One of their best performers is handcrafted soaps .
Coastal Honey Bees is one of those companies .
This indie shop has a great deal on one of their top sellers .
Get 12 honey chunk soaps for $ 79 .
This is a 27 % discount for a year ’ s supply of bars .
And now that everyone is on board with vigilant handwashing these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose from the original honey chunk , glycerin honey chunk , or a mix of each .
They are great for sensitive skin so don ’ t fret if this you .
This is a great gift for an all-natural Earth Momma if you ’ re struggling for a Mother ’ s Day item .
They are offering free shipping on this item and a few others in their store .
If you wan na get a little crazy , you should check out this Ella Paradis Cinco de Mayo bundle .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you get a total of three vibrators ( a rabbit , fingertip vibe , and a blowfish vibe ) as well as a sex game and sexy eye mask to wear during shenanigans with a partner !
It ’ s down from $ 178 bucks , so you ’ re saving a bunch of money while you ’ re getting off .
You also benefit from free shipping .
Isn ’ t that totally stimulating ?
Grab this deal before it ’ s gone !
Make sure to check out the other options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at it .
No one wants to drag their lazy ass out of bed half an hour early each morning to wait in a Starbucks line for massively overpriced , sugar-filled hot drink .
You don ’ t have to drink black coffee ( ew ) for a quick morning pick-me-up with Mr Coffee ’ s Espresso and Cappuccino maker , which MorningSave has for $ 39 today .
This unit can serve up to 20 ounces of the liquid gold .
Top your drinks off with the built-in milk frother before funneling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can hold up to four espresso shots .
You know what they say , April showers bring new styles , which means there ’ s plenty of new selection in the virtual clearance aisle over at Nordstrom .
Right now through May 3 , you can save up to 50 % on thousands of items including those designed for men , women , and children .
Expect a plethora of name brand styles at store brand prices .
This Leith print strappy chiffon minidress , for instance , is $ 30 , comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and looks great no matter how you slice it .
For guys , the iconic Bonobos moto bomber jacket will have everyone singing your praises once it ’ s safe to go out to bars again .
Prepare ahead of time and get it for half off .
Stow away the heavy jackets and opt for a light casual spring hoodie , only $ 27 for a limited time .
It ’ s not just clothes in this sale , however ; also pictured here is the Nova Sprout diaper backpack from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s called that , but it ’ s not just for diapers !
I have the black one and it carries my 13 '' MacBook Pro , along with miscellaneous work supplies .
You can snap up a cute lil ’ nesting space for your fur babies , too—55 % off the list price .
Peruse a wider selection in our always-updated roundup of the best Nordstrom deals today .
If you ’ re an iPhone user , AirPods are your first consideration for true wireless earbuds .
The AirPods Pro stepped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation , and better overall audio quality , and you can save $ 15 on a pair of your own at Adorama .
It ’ s not a massive discount , but considering how rarely the newest Apple products dip in price , it ’ s still worth a look .
LEGO saw a huge uptick in sales as we stayed inside more and spent more time with our families .
I ’ ve been following my pal and her wife building the Old Trafford replica on Instagram for the last few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a pretty productive way to spend your quarantine .
With May the 4th on the horizon this seems like a good time to indulge in Star Wars .
Get the Death Star II Battle Set for free with any $ 75 Star Wars purchase .
No code needed and this includes pre-orders as well .
The A-Wing Starfighter for just launched today for $ 199.99 and is exclusive to LEGO ’ s site .
But there are a ton of great options for a new project or a rainy day one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyeballing The Mandalorian Brick Headz set .
This order qualifies for free shipping and is while supplies last .
Need a new phone ?
Believe it or not , you can pay less than $ 200 for a quality smartphone , and they don ’ t have to be refurbished , either .
The Moto G7 is one such phone .
It has dual cameras that support 4K video capture , octa-core performance , 4GB of RAM , and a nice big 6.2-inch Full HD+ display , and B & H Photo has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The smartphone is unlocked and available for use on pretty much all major U.S. carriers , 4G LTE and all .
Whether they love to snap shots of the kiddos and pups , or just need a new hobby in quarantine , The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is a nifty gadget that will up anyone ’ s photo and video game by removing any wobbling your hands do while capturing your shots .
It ’ s usually $ 120 , but DJI is offering it in a Mother ’ s Day gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wrist strap , tripod , anti-slip pads , a storage pouch , a digital frame , and an 8GB SD card for just $ 140 .
It ’ s a great deal packed with tons of fun stuff , but it ’ s only available until May 10 .

Gabe Carey, Ignacia, Jordan McMahon, Sheilah Villari,  and Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

You’ve heard of our deals of the day, but now, in rare form, we’re bringing back a classic (at least for today): our pick of the 10 BEST deals after sifting through ALL the options ourselves. Opinions may vary on what is and isn’t classified as a bargain, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, what matters it that you found a bargain and you didn’t have to do a whole lot of digging yourself to get there.
So, highlighting our preferred partners as we’ve been tirelessly doing all day long, I implore you to venture out beyond the tropics and take a closer look at the savings we have in store for you this evening. Then, should you walk away a satisfied reader of our shopping coverage here at Kinja Deals, consider following us on Twitter and liking our page on Facebook.
If you want us to continue this format on a regular basis after the initial deals of the day have been spliced to our network, let us know in the comments below.
#1: glassesusa
Now that we’re at home all the time, slowly losing our minds, it’s crucial, now than ever, that we start taking our vision seriously. I mean, without the right pair of glasses, how are you going to finally binge-watch the entirety of The Sopranos over the next few weeks—without overworking your retinas? How are you going to comfortably see every bright sky blue-tinged pixel of your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
You’re going to need a fresh pair of prescription frames for 65% off, and we’re going to give that to you, courtesy of GlassesUSA. Right now. Take a moment. Find your next pair of glasses, look at the price, and slash that by two thirds. Now check out and enter the promo code KINJA65, and add blue light blocking lenses while you’re at it, for 50% less with the code BLUE50. Whether you’re staring at good screen or bad screen, your eyes will thank you for added layer of protection. You don’t even necessarily need a prescription.
Experience the benefits of blocking blue light today.
*Premium- and Sale-tagged frames excluded.
This story was originally published in March 2020 and updated by Gabe Carey with new information on 4/27/2020.
#2: PureVPN
Keeping your connections secure and private is important, especially now that you’re probably spending more of your free time looking on some sort of screen. VPNs range in price, and you can even get some for free, but with something as important security, it’s worth investing in a good one. Right now, Kinja readers can get two years of Pure VPN for just $48, a savings of 82%. This plan allows you to have up to five devices connected, too, so your whole family can be covered.
#3: Homemade honey soaps
Etsy is a wonderful market place to support small/independent businesses. One of their best performers is handcrafted soaps. Coastal Honey Bees is one of those companies. This indie shop has a great deal on one of their top sellers. Get 12 honey chunk soaps for $79. This is a 27% discount for a year’s supply of bars.
And now that everyone is on board with vigilant handwashing these will come in handy. You can choose from the original honey chunk, glycerin honey chunk, or a mix of each. They are great for sensitive skin so don’t fret if this you.
This is a great gift for an all-natural Earth Momma if you’re struggling for a Mother’s Day item. They are offering free shipping on this item and a few others in their store.
#4: Ella paradis cinco de mayo bundle
If you wanna get a little crazy, you should check out this Ella Paradis Cinco de Mayo bundle. It’s only $55, and you get a total of three vibrators (a rabbit, fingertip vibe, and a blowfish vibe) as well as a sex game and sexy eye mask to wear during shenanigans with a partner! It’s down from $178 bucks, so you’re saving a bunch of money while you’re getting off. You also benefit from free shipping. Isn’t that totally stimulating? Grab this deal before it’s gone! Make sure to check out the other options at Ella Paradis while you’re at it.
#5: Mr. coffee machine
No one wants to drag their lazy ass out of bed half an hour early each morning to wait in a Starbucks line for massively overpriced, sugar-filled hot drink. You don’t have to drink black coffee (ew) for a quick morning pick-me-up with Mr Coffee’s Espresso and Cappuccino maker, which MorningSave has for $39 today.
This unit can serve up to 20 ounces of the liquid gold. Top your drinks off with the built-in milk frother before funneling it all into a glass carafe that can hold up to four espresso shots.
#6: Nordstrom spring sale
You know what they say, April showers bring new styles, which means there’s plenty of new selection in the virtual clearance aisle over at Nordstrom. Right now through May 3, you can save up to 50% on thousands of items including those designed for men, women, and children. Expect a plethora of name brand styles at store brand prices.
This Leith print strappy chiffon minidress, for instance, is $30, comes in tan floral and pink leaflet patterns, and looks great no matter how you slice it. For guys, the iconic Bonobos moto bomber jacket will have everyone singing your praises once it’s safe to go out to bars again. Prepare ahead of time and get it for half off. Stow away the heavy jackets and opt for a light casual spring hoodie, only $27 for a limited time.
It’s not just clothes in this sale, however; also pictured here is the Nova Sprout diaper backpack from Herschel. No idea why it’s called that, but it’s not just for diapers! I have the black one and it carries my 13" MacBook Pro, along with miscellaneous work supplies. You can snap up a cute lil’ nesting space for your fur babies, too—55% off the list price. Peruse a wider selection in our always-updated roundup of the best Nordstrom deals today.
#7: airpods
If you’re an iPhone user, AirPods are your first consideration for true wireless earbuds. The AirPods Pro stepped the game up with rubber tips, noise cancellation, and better overall audio quality, and you can save $15 on a pair of your own at Adorama. It’s not a massive discount, but considering how rarely the newest Apple products dip in price, it’s still worth a look.
#8: Free Lego death star
LEGO saw a huge uptick in sales as we stayed inside more and spent more time with our families. I’ve been following my pal and her wife building the Old Trafford replica on Instagram for the last few days. I have to say, it’s a pretty productive way to spend your quarantine. With May the 4th on the horizon this seems like a good time to indulge in Star Wars. Get the Death Star II Battle Set for free with any $75 Star Wars purchase. No code needed and this includes pre-orders as well.
The A-Wing Starfighter for just launched today for $199.99 and is exclusive to LEGO’s site. But there are a ton of great options for a new project or a rainy day one at that. I for one am eyeballing The Mandalorian Brick Headz set.
This order qualifies for free shipping and is while supplies last.
#9: unlocked moto g7
Need a new phone? Believe it or not, you can pay less than $200 for a quality smartphone, and they don’t have to be refurbished, either. The Moto G7 is one such phone. It has dual cameras that support 4K video capture, octa-core performance, 4GB of RAM, and a nice big 6.2-inch Full HD+ display, and B&H Photo has knocked $100 off its price tag. The smartphone is unlocked and available for use on pretty much all major U.S. carriers, 4G LTE and all.
#10: DJI OSMO mobile 3
Whether they love to snap shots of the kiddos and pups, or just need a new hobby in quarantine, The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is a nifty gadget that will up anyone’s photo and video game by removing any wobbling your hands do while capturing your shots. It’s usually $120, but DJI is offering it in a Mother’s Day gift box, along with a carrying case, wrist strap, tripod, anti-slip pads, a storage pouch, a digital frame, and an 8GB SD card for just $140. It’s a great deal packed with tons of fun stuff, but it’s only available until May 10.


theroot--2020-05-01--The Happiest Place on Earth Could Become the NBA's New Home, Thanks to COVID-19

Have you ever been to Disney World ?
It ’ s a magical place full of exhilarating rides , once-in-a-lifetime attractions and mesmerized children .
There ’ s an animal kingdom theme park to bask in the beauty of nature , there are water parks and exclusive guided tours , and Soarin ’ Around the World offers the unique opportunity to do exactly that .
But one attraction there that most aren ’ t privy to is the NBA Experience , which debuted last August and provides basketball aficionados with the opportunity to live out their hoops dreams through photo-ops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not the real thing , but with the NBA ’ s co-sign , it ’ s about as close to becoming a professional athlete as most of us will ever get .
Though if the NBA gets its way , it ’ s own players could experience Disney World like never before .
CBS Sports reports that as the NBA mulls its options on how best to resume its turbulent season , one solution that ’ s presented itself is to play games at—wait for it—Disney World .
The league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations that would limit the spread and/or likelihood of exposure to the coronavirus , and believe it or not , Disney World actually sounds like prime real estate .
Why ?
Because Disney ’ s Wide World of Sports venue in Orlando has multiple basketball courts on-site , an assortment of hotels , proximity to the Orlando Magic ’ s training facilities , and “ immediate readiness for broadcasting.
” And if you let Shams Charania of The Athletic tell it , Disney has already offered up The Happiest Place on Earth as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disney ’ s believed to have already offered up its property as the NBA sees fit , ” he said in a clip posted on Twitter .
Personally , I think it ’ s a good-ass idea ; considering the strong possibility that Disney World will remain closed until 2021 , why not put the amusement park to good use ?
Let Mickey ref a few games , and I ’ m sure Minnie would make a great assistant coach .
But Donald Duck got ta keep his ass home because that temper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do it , NBA !
It is a small world , after all .

Have you ever been to Disney World?
It’s a magical place full of exhilarating rides, once-in-a-lifetime attractions and mesmerized children. There’s an animal kingdom theme park to bask in the beauty of nature, there are water parks and exclusive guided tours, and Soarin’ Around the World offers the unique opportunity to do exactly that.
But one attraction there that most aren’t privy to is the NBA Experience, which debuted last August and provides basketball aficionados with the opportunity to live out their hoops dreams through photo-ops, games and challenges. Obviously, it’s not the real thing, but with the NBA’s co-sign, it’s about as close to becoming a professional athlete as most of us will ever get. Though if the NBA gets its way, it’s own players could experience Disney World like never before.
Advertisement
CBS Sports reports that as the NBA mulls its options on how best to resume its turbulent season, one solution that’s presented itself is to play games at—wait for it—Disney World. The league has been considering a number of different locations that would limit the spread and/or likelihood of exposure to the coronavirus, and believe it or not, Disney World actually sounds like prime real estate. Why? Because Disney’s Wide World of Sports venue in Orlando has multiple basketball courts on-site, an assortment of hotels, proximity to the Orlando Magic’s training facilities, and “immediate readiness for broadcasting.”
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And if you let Shams Charania of The Athletic tell it, Disney has already offered up The Happiest Place on Earth as tribute.
“I’m told Disney’s believed to have already offered up its property as the NBA sees fit,” he said in a clip posted on Twitter.
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Personally, I think it’s a good-ass idea; considering the strong possibility that Disney World will remain closed until 2021, why not put the amusement park to good use? Let Mickey ref a few games, and I’m sure Minnie would make a great assistant coach. But Donald Duck gotta keep his ass home because that temper is a technical foul waiting to happen.
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Do it, NBA! It is a small world, after all.


theroot--2020-05-01--Joe Biden 'Categorically' Denies Former Staffer Tara Reade's Sexual Assault Allegations: 'This Never

Joe Biden 'Categorically' Denies Former Staffer Tara Reade's Sexual Assault Allegations: 'This Never Happened'

Former Vice President Joe Biden personally addressed allegations that he sexually assaulted a Senate aide for the first time Friday morning , in a statement posted to his Medium account and a subsequent sit-down interview with MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe talk show .
“ It is not true , ” he said .
“ I ’ m saying unequivocally it never , never happened.
” While his campaign has been denying the allegations for weeks , it was the first time the presumptive Democratic nominee for president talked about the claims made by his former aide , Tara Reade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused her former boss of forcing her against a wall and penetrating her with his fingers in 1993 , when he was a senator representing Delaware .
The former staffer had earlier claimed that Biden made her uncomfortable with unwanted touches and comments , but had not spoken publicly about the alleged assault until this year .
Reade ’ s allegations , first made on political commentator Kate Halper ’ s podcast , received scant press initially , but as elements of her story have been corroborated by family and friends , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party and Biden ’ s campaign to ignore .
In his written statement on Medium , Biden led by acknowledging that April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month .
The longtime politician championed the 1994 Violence Against Women Act , which marked the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault crimes .
Interviewed by Morning Joe ’ s Mika Brzezinski , Biden was pressed about his bona fides as a supporter of women ’ s rights .
Biden said all women had a right to be heard when they come forward with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he insisted that in his case , Reade is not telling the truth .
“ She has a right to say whatever she wants to say , ” Biden responded .
“ But I have a right to say , ‘ Look at the facts , ’ and ‘ it ’ s just not true.
’ ” He pointed to inconsistencies in her story .
As the New York Times notes , Biden ’ s silence over the last two months has frustrated some members of his party .
As multiple outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied the allegations , and privately released talking points to other Democrats advising them to point to a recent New York Times investigation into Reade ’ s story that it falsely characterized as concluding her allegations were “ not credible.
” Though the campaign is eager to move on to other matters—like the highly-anticipated selection of Biden ’ s running mate—the conversation around Reade ’ s claims will likely continue .
One issue that arose in Biden ’ s Morning Joe interview was whether the 1993 incident had been reported .
As ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday morning , Reade said she filed a complaint to the Senate personnel office in 1993 saying he “ made her feel uncomfortable , ” but did not mention the alleged assault .
During his interview , Biden called on any documentation filed to the United States Senate to be released , saying those files would be housed in the National Archives .
But pressed on his Senate papers , currently archived at the University of Delaware , Biden said he would not release those documents .
In his Medium post , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his files at the University , but speeches and policy papers he said could be taken out of context .
Throughout the last two weeks , prominent Democratic party leaders have been vocal about their continued support for Biden , pointing to his long record as a public official .
Among the supporters were potential running mates Sen. Kamala Harris and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams .
“ I know Joe Biden and I think he ’ s telling the truth and that this did not happen , ” Abrams said earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the topic earlier in April , said she could “ only speak to the Joe Biden I know ” and pointed back to his “ lifelong ” advocacy “ in terms of stopping violence against women.
” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi offered Biden her endorsement Thursday , saying she had “ complete respect for the whole # MeToo movement , ” while adding , “ there is also due process.
” “ Joe Biden is Joe Biden , ” she said .
Biden even found a surprising ally in President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his party attempted to use the sexual assault claims as political leverage , demanding the release of his University of Delaware files .
“ I think he should respond .
It could be false allegations , I know all about false accusations , ” Trump said , before Biden made his public statements .
“ I ’ ve been falsely charged numerous times .
There ’ s such a thing.
” Trump has been accused by about two dozen women about various kinds of sexual abuse—from harassment to rape .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear in his denials of the assault , he said he didn ’ t understand why Reade would come forward with a false claim .
“ I don ’ t know why she is saying this , ” Biden told Brzezinski , “ But I ’ m not going to go in and question her motive .
I ’ m not going to attack her .
”

Former Vice President Joe Biden personally addressed allegations that he sexually assaulted a Senate aide for the first time Friday morning, in a statement posted to his Medium account and a subsequent sit-down interview with MSNBC’s Morning Joe talk show.
“It is not true,” he said. “I’m saying unequivocally it never, never happened.”
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While his campaign has been denying the allegations for weeks, it was the first time the presumptive Democratic nominee for president talked about the claims made by his former aide, Tara Reade, publicly.
In March, Reade accused her former boss of forcing her against a wall and penetrating her with his fingers in 1993, when he was a senator representing Delaware. The former staffer had earlier claimed that Biden made her uncomfortable with unwanted touches and comments, but had not spoken publicly about the alleged assault until this year.
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Reade’s allegations, first made on political commentator Kate Halper’s podcast, received scant press initially, but as elements of her story have been corroborated by family and friends, the claims have become impossible for the Democratic Party and Biden’s campaign to ignore.
In his written statement on Medium, Biden led by acknowledging that April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The longtime politician championed the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which marked the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault crimes. Interviewed by Morning Joe’s Mika Brzezinski, Biden was pressed about his bona fides as a supporter of women’s rights.
Advertisement
Biden said all women had a right to be heard when they come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and violence. But he insisted that in his case, Reade is not telling the truth.
“She has a right to say whatever she wants to say,” Biden responded. “But I have a right to say, ‘Look at the facts,’ and ‘it’s just not true.’” He pointed to inconsistencies in her story.
Advertisement
As the New York Times notes, Biden’s silence over the last two months has frustrated some members of his party. As multiple outlets have reported, his campaign has publicly denied the allegations, and privately released talking points to other Democrats advising them to point to a recent New York Times investigation into Reade’s story that it falsely characterized as concluding her allegations were “not credible.”
Though the campaign is eager to move on to other matters—like the highly-anticipated selection of Biden’s running mate—the conversation around Reade’s claims will likely continue. One issue that arose in Biden’s Morning Joe interview was whether the 1993 incident had been reported. As ABC News’ Mary Bruce wrote on Twitter Friday morning, Reade said she filed a complaint to the Senate personnel office in 1993 saying he “made her feel uncomfortable,” but did not mention the alleged assault. During his interview, Biden called on any documentation filed to the United States Senate to be released, saying those files would be housed in the National Archives.
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But pressed on his Senate papers, currently archived at the University of Delaware, Biden said he would not release those documents. In his Medium post, Biden insisted no personnel files would be among his files at the University, but speeches and policy papers he said could be taken out of context.
Throughout the last two weeks, prominent Democratic party leaders have been vocal about their continued support for Biden, pointing to his long record as a public official. Among the supporters were potential running mates Sen. Kamala Harris and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
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“I know Joe Biden and I think he’s telling the truth and that this did not happen,” Abrams said earlier this week.
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Harris, speaking on the topic earlier in April, said she could “only speak to the Joe Biden I know” and pointed back to his “lifelong” advocacy “in terms of stopping violence against women.”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi offered Biden her endorsement Thursday, saying she had “complete respect for the whole #MeToo movement,” while adding, “there is also due process.”
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“Joe Biden is Joe Biden,” she said.
Biden even found a surprising ally in President Donald Trump on Thursday, even as members of his party attempted to use the sexual assault claims as political leverage, demanding the release of his University of Delaware files.
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“I think he should respond. It could be false allegations, I know all about false accusations,” Trump said, before Biden made his public statements. “I’ve been falsely charged numerous times. There’s such a thing.”
Trump has been accused by about two dozen women about various kinds of sexual abuse—from harassment to rape. He has denied all allegations.
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While Biden was clear in his denials of the assault, he said he didn’t understand why Reade would come forward with a false claim.
“I don’t know why she is saying this,” Biden told Brzezinski, “But I’m not going to go in and question her motive. I’m not going to attack her.”


theroot--2020-05-01--May Is Mental Health Awareness Month. You Hanging in There?

Obviously , as of late , we ’ ve been talking a lot about health here at The Root .
As the world—and the United States , in particular—faces an unprecedented health crisis in the outbreak of COVID-19 , our concerns have largely been focused upon the physical aspects of the coronavirus ; how to avoid it , combat it , and survive not only the illness itself but the ensuing economic and political repercussions .
And even as it ’ s become terrifyingly clear that our communities are most vulnerable in this pandemic , there is one health risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will this outbreak compound the existing collective trauma of being black in America ?
We already know that post-traumatic stress syndrome ( PTSD ) is a real thing that may literally alter the DNA of subsequent generations ; some studies estimate a 30 to 70 percent chance of heritability ( h/t National Institutes of Health ) .
If this is true , how might any residual trauma from slavery , Jim Crow and other institutional forms of racism , police brutality , voter suppression , black maternal mortality , everyday microaggressions and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our present moment—and the resulting isolation , economic instability and incessant concern so many of us are currently feeling ?
Believe it or not , we talk a lot about mental health at The Root , even more so behind the scenes than on the page .
Within our surrogate family of writers and editors , there ’ s a fair amount of transparency about issues and challenges each of us may be facing in any given moment , whether diagnoses of depression , anxiety or bipolar disorder or our very human responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , failed relationships or basic burnout .
While we ’ re constantly trying to find new ways to support ourselves and each other , we generally save whatever revelations occur for Mental Health Awareness Month each May .
But this May , it ’ s safe to say it hits different .
Researchers around the world are already recognizing what they ’ re calling an “ echo pandemic ” as the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic begin to reveal themselves , as noted in a recent article by MindBodyGreen : More and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pandemic has already had on mental health around the world .
Essential workers , like health care professionals on the front lines , are experiencing anxiety , depression , and insomnia .
For those practicing social distancing and isolating in their homes , research shows many have experienced a loss of motivation , meaning , or self-worth .
In general , roughly 40 % of American adults are more concerned with their mental health than their physical health right now , with 68 % saying they feel like everything is out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more than a feeling .
It ’ s our current reality as we try to get a grasp on this “ new normal ” ; an upending of society affecting literally every component of our lives : from how we buy basic necessities , to how we interact with friends and family , to how we receive medical treatment , to how we earn a living .
“ We all have different fears .
It ’ s a grave unknown , and our nervous systems process that differently .
Sometimes we don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it hits us like a ton of bricks , ” psychotherapist Ken Page tells MindBodyGreen .
“ So this is really a time to be very sensitive to how the nervous system processes this kind of chronic stress and trauma.
” With many of us continuing to shelter-in-place and adjust to adaptive measures as we enter Mental Health Awareness Month , The Root family will be opening up to you about how we ’ re coping with the crisis ( including how it ’ s compounding existent issues ) and sharing any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help you cope , as well .
Yes , we know the effects of the coronavirus will be felt long after the month ends—and that some aspects of life will never be the same again .
But we want you to know that whatever you ’ re feeling right now , you ’ re not alone .

How you doin’, fam?
Obviously, as of late, we’ve been talking a lot about health here at The Root. As the world—and the United States, in particular—faces an unprecedented health crisis in the outbreak of COVID-19, our concerns have largely been focused upon the physical aspects of the coronavirus; how to avoid it, combat it, and survive not only the illness itself but the ensuing economic and political repercussions. And even as it’s become terrifyingly clear that our communities are most vulnerable in this pandemic, there is one health risk that has gone largely overlooked: How will this outbreak compound the existing collective trauma of being black in America?
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We already know that post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) is a real thing that may literally alter the DNA of subsequent generations; some studies estimate a 30 to 70 percent chance of heritability (h/t National Institutes of Health). If this is true, how might any residual trauma from slavery, Jim Crow and other institutional forms of racism, police brutality, voter suppression, black maternal mortality, everyday microaggressions and more be exacerbated by the universal panic of our present moment—and the resulting isolation, economic instability and incessant concern so many of us are currently feeling?
Believe it or not, we talk a lot about mental health at The Root, even more so behind the scenes than on the page. Within our surrogate family of writers and editors, there’s a fair amount of transparency about issues and challenges each of us may be facing in any given moment, whether diagnoses of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder or our very human responses to more common life events like death, failed relationships or basic burnout. While we’re constantly trying to find new ways to support ourselves and each other, we generally save whatever revelations occur for Mental Health Awareness Month each May.
Advertisement Advertisement
But this May, it’s safe to say it hits different.
Researchers around the world are already recognizing what they’re calling an “echo pandemic” as the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic begin to reveal themselves, as noted in a recent article by MindBodyGreen:
More and more research is emerging on the implications this pandemic has already had on mental health around the world. Essential workers, like health care professionals on the front lines, are experiencing anxiety, depression, and insomnia. For those practicing social distancing and isolating in their homes, research shows many have experienced a loss of motivation, meaning, or self-worth. In general, roughly 40% of American adults are more concerned with their mental health than their physical health right now, with 68% saying they feel like everything is out of their control right now.
Advertisement
It’s more than a feeling. It’s our current reality as we try to get a grasp on this “new normal”; an upending of society affecting literally every component of our lives: from how we buy basic necessities, to how we interact with friends and family, to how we receive medical treatment, to how we earn a living.
“We all have different fears. It’s a grave unknown, and our nervous systems process that differently. Sometimes we don’t feel it at all and then it hits us like a ton of bricks,” psychotherapist Ken Page tells MindBodyGreen. “So this is really a time to be very sensitive to how the nervous system processes this kind of chronic stress and trauma.”
Advertisement
With many of us continuing to shelter-in-place and adjust to adaptive measures as we enter Mental Health Awareness Month, The Root family will be opening up to you about how we’re coping with the crisis (including how it’s compounding existent issues) and sharing any and all strategies we can find to help you cope, as well . Yes, we know the effects of the coronavirus will be felt long after the month ends—and that some aspects of life will never be the same again. But we want you to know that whatever you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone.


theroot--2020-05-01--Save 50% at Nordstrom and Upgrade Your Summer Look

Up to 50 % off Thousands of Styles | Nordstrom You know what they say , April showers bring new styles , which means there ’ s plenty of new selection in the virtual clearance aisle over at Nordstrom .
Right now through May 3 , you can save up to 50 % on thousands of items including those designed for men , women , and children .
E xpect a plethora of name brand styles at store brand prices .
This Leith print strappy chiffon minidress , for instance , is $ 30 , comes in tan floral and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter how you slice it .
For guys , the iconic Bonobos moto bomber jacket will have everyone singing your praises once it ’ s safe to go out to bars again .
Prepare ahead of time and get it for half off .
Stow away the heavy jackets and opt for a light casual spring hoodie , only $ 27 for a limited time .
It ’ s not just clothes in this sale , however ; a lso pictured here is the Nova Sprout diaper backpack from Herschel .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s not just for diapers !
I have the black one and it carries my 13 '' MacBook Pro , along with miscellaneous work supplies .
Y ou can snap up a cute lil ’ nesting space for your fur babies , too —55 % off the list price .
Peruse a wider selection in our always-updated roundup of the best Nordstrom deals today .

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

Up to 50% off Thousands of Styles | Nordstrom
You know what they say, April showers bring new styles, which means there’s plenty of new selection in the virtual clearance aisle over at Nordstrom. Right now through May 3, you can save up to 50% on thousands of items including those designed for men, women, and children. E xpect a plethora of name brand styles at store brand prices.
This Leith print strappy chiffon minidress, for instance, is $30 , comes in tan floral and pink leaflet patterns, and looks great no matter how you slice it. For guys, the iconic Bonobos moto bomber jacket will have everyone singing your praises once it’s safe to go out to bars again. Prepare ahead of time and get it for half off . Stow away the heavy jackets and opt for a light casual spring hoodie, only $27 for a limited time.
It’s not just clothes in this sale, however; a lso pictured here is the Nova Sprout diaper backpack from Herschel. No idea why it’s called that, but it’s not just for diapers! I have the black one and it carries my 13" MacBook Pro, along with miscellaneous work supplies. Y ou can snap up a cute lil’ nesting space for your fur babies, too —55% off the list price. Peruse a wider selection in our always-updated roundup of the best Nordstrom deals today.