theroot--2020-09-02--‘My Black Is Beautiful’: 11-Year-Old Black Girl Beaten in What Family Said Was a Racially Motivated

‘My Black Is Beautiful’: 11-Year-Old Black Girl Beaten in What Family Said Was a Racially Motivated Attack

An 11-year-old Black girl from Kansas City , Kan. , is recovering after being brutally beaten Friday in what her family said was a racially motivated attack .
Now , a 12-year-old boy charged in her attack is on house arrest and could face hate crime charges .
Fox 4 reports that Nevaeh Thomas was attacked while she was playing with friends near an apartment complex in Shawnee .
Nevaeh ’ s mother , Brandi Stewart , said she believed an older boy was responsible for her daughter ’ s injuries and that it was racially motivated because he used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she responded to the slurs by saying , “ My Black is beautiful.
” “ Her feelings are more hurt because of the act of the racial act .
Not so much of the scarring , ” Stewart told Fox 4 adding that Nevaeh “ suffered from a concussion .
She has stitches inside and outside of her cheek .
She lost her tooth.
” Initially , investigators did not confirm whether a child attacked Nevaeh .
A police incident report only confirmed that she was hit with a blunt object .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12-year-old boy had been charged with felony aggravated battery in connection with the attack and placed under house arrest .
According to Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe , “ hate crime charges could be filed in the case , although proceedings in the juvenile system are often handled differently than the adult system , ” Fox 4 reports .
“ Probably one of the chief things that the court wants to do is get an evaluation to determine what are the underlying factors that are causing this behavior , ” Howe said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have seen through this whole shutdown and COVID-19 is kids have been acting out .
Luckily , most of the behavior is pretty minor behavior.
” But LaRonna Lassiter-Saunders , an attorney representing Nevaeh , wants to focus on getting justice , not figuring out what was going on in the boy ’ s head .
“ That ’ s not for us to decide his intention behind it , ” Lassiter-Saunders said .
“ All we know is that he used racial slurs , he hit this little girl .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and America in general : We ’ ve done a lot of talking .
Now it ’ s time to act .
”

An 11-year-old Black girl from Kansas City, Kan., is recovering after being brutally beaten Friday in what her family said was a racially motivated attack. Now, a 12-year-old boy charged in her attack is on house arrest and could face hate crime charges.
Fox 4 reports that Nevaeh Thomas was attacked while she was playing with friends near an apartment complex in Shawnee. Nevaeh’s mother, Brandi Stewart, said she believed an older boy was responsible for her daughter’s injuries and that it was racially motivated because he used racial slurs and then physically attacked her after she responded to the slurs by saying, “My Black is beautiful.”
Advertisement
“Her feelings are more hurt because of the act of the racial act. Not so much of the scarring,” Stewart told Fox 4 adding that Nevaeh “suffered from a concussion. She has stitches inside and outside of her cheek. She lost her tooth.”
Initially, investigators did not confirm whether a child attacked Nevaeh. A police incident report only confirmed that she was hit with a blunt object. But it was later reported that a 12-year-old boy had been charged with felony aggravated battery in connection with the attack and placed under house arrest. According to Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe, “hate crime charges could be filed in the case, although proceedings in the juvenile system are often handled differently than the adult system,” Fox 4 reports.
Advertisement Advertisement
“Probably one of the chief things that the court wants to do is get an evaluation to determine what are the underlying factors that are causing this behavior,” Howe said. “One of the things that we have seen through this whole shutdown and COVID-19 is kids have been acting out. Luckily, most of the behavior is pretty minor behavior.”
But LaRonna Lassiter-Saunders, an attorney representing Nevaeh, wants to focus on getting justice, not figuring out what was going on in the boy’s head.
Advertisement
“That’s not for us to decide his intention behind it,” Lassiter-Saunders said. “All we know is that he used racial slurs, he hit this little girl. I do want to say to the public and America in general: We’ve done a lot of talking. Now it’s time to act.”


theroot--2020-09-02--Instant Classic: Nuggets Bounce Back From 3-1 Deficit, Eliminate Jazz in Game 7

I ’ m still attempting to process what I witnessed last night .
Down two with 17 seconds left on the clock , the Utah Jazz inbounded the ball to their burgeoning assassin , Donovan Mitchell .
That ’ s easy money , right ?
Well , it would ’ ve been had Denver ’ s Gary Harris not knocked the ball loose and set up a fast break for Jamal Murray on the other end—except Murray dished the rock to Torrey Craig , who missed the damn layup to seal the win .
Chaos ensued as Utah grabbed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other end of the floor to heave up a prayer from deep that ... much to Mitchell ’ s dismay , rimmed out at the buzzer .
Denver escaped with a 80-78 victory and became the first team since the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers to bounce back from a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs and emerge victorious .
They also earned the prestigious honor of getting their asses stomped out by the Clippers in the Western Conference Semis .
But congrats !
My immediate thought at the time was , “ Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just force the Jazz to foul him ?
” Then he could ’ ve secured the W at the free throw line and saved Nuggets coach Mike Malone and the millions of us watching from home from hyperventilating .
But had that happened , that would ’ ve robbed us of reactions like these : There was also this touching moment between Mitchell and Murray after the game .
The two had spent the entire series putting the league on notice by exchanging otherworldly 50-point outbursts .
“ It was a great battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know what else to say .
I ’ m speechless.
” “ I ’ d go to war with any one of these guys in the locker room , any one of these coaches , ” Mitchell said .
“ We could ’ ve easily chalked it up in the first half .
We have grit and fight .
That ’ s all you can really ask for.
” But as painful as the loss was , Mitchell made it a point to acknowledge that it ’ s nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been victimized by police brutality and racialized violence endure .
“ The way I ’ m feeling right now is nothing compared to that , ” he said .
“ I appreciate the NBA and everybody in this league for continuing to push that message .
It ’ s not stopping .
I just wanted to say that .
Whether we won or lost , that was going to be the first thing said .
I should ’ ve said it first.
” As for the Nuggets , now would be the opportune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Clippers , since they apparently missed the memo that they have a game on Thursday .
Clap it up for the Nuggets , y ’ all .

I’m still attempting to process what I witnessed last night.
Down two with 17 seconds left on the clock, the Utah Jazz inbounded the ball to their burgeoning assassin, Donovan Mitchell. That’s easy money, right? Well, it would’ve been had Denver’s Gary Harris not knocked the ball loose and set up a fast break for Jamal Murray on the other end—except Murray dished the rock to Torrey Craig, who missed the damn layup to seal the win.
Chaos ensued as Utah grabbed the rebound and Mike Conley hauled ass to the other end of the floor to heave up a prayer from deep that...much to Mitchell’s dismay, rimmed out at the buzzer.
Advertisement
Denver escaped with a 80-78 victory and became the first team since the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers to bounce back from a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs and emerge victorious . They also earned the prestigious honor of getting their asses stomped out by the Clippers in the Western Conference Semis. But congrats!
Advertisement Advertisement
My immediate thought at the time was, “Why in the hell didn’t Murray just force the Jazz to foul him?” Then he could’ve secured the W at the free throw line and saved Nuggets coach Mike Malone and the millions of us watching from home from hyperventilating. But had that happened, that would’ve robbed us of reactions like these:
Advertisement
Advertisement
There was also this touching moment between Mitchell and Murray after the game. The two had spent the entire series putting the league on notice by exchanging otherworldly 50-point outbursts.
Advertisement
“It was a great battle,” Murray told reporters. “I don’t know what else to say. I’m speechless.”
“I’d go to war with any one of these guys in the locker room, any one of these coaches,” Mitchell said. “We could’ve easily chalked it up in the first half. We have grit and fight. That’s all you can really ask for.”
Advertisement
But as painful as the loss was, Mitchell made it a point to acknowledge that it’s nothing compared to what the families who have been victimized by police brutality and racialized violence endure.
“The way I’m feeling right now is nothing compared to that,” he said. “I appreciate the NBA and everybody in this league for continuing to push that message. It’s not stopping. I just wanted to say that. Whether we won or lost, that was going to be the first thing said. I should’ve said it first.”
Advertisement
As for the Nuggets, now would be the opportune time to rest up for their series against the Clippers, since they apparently missed the memo that they have a game on Thursday.
Advertisement
Clap it up for the Nuggets, y’all.


theroot--2020-09-03--P-Valley—and the 'P' Stands for Prosper While Binging This Endearingly Turnt Series

Down in the valley where the girls get naked ... is where you ’ ll be hooked once you really get into P-Valley on STARZ .
Earlier this summer , I featured the trailer for this series , described as “ trap music meets film noir ” —and in hindsight , that description is incredibly apt .
From the trailer alone , I knew scandal and drama were afoot , but I really had no idea just how wild the ride would be .
It is wild and I want to get back in line to ride it again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katori Hall ( who is the showrunner and executive producer ) , P-Valley takes us on the rugged journey to a beautiful hole-in-the-wall strip club called The Pynk , located in the fictional small town of Chucalissa , Miss .
It is at The Pynk that we meet the fabulous-yet-forgotten , presented onscreen with incredible depth , rawness and regard .
This one-hour drama stars Brandee Evans , Elarica Johnson , Nicco Annan , Parker Sawyers , Harriett D. Foy , Shannon Thornton , J. Alphonse Nicholson , Tyler Lepley , Skyler Joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas Jones , Isaiah Washington , and Loretta Devine .
Since the branded name for this show is P-Valley , I want to break down each of the details that especially appeal to me under categories that start with “ P. ” This show is so fun , so let ’ s have fun with it !
Let ’ s start with motherfuckin ’ Mercedes—it ’ s always her night .
Evans is a whole entire star .
From the moment we ’ re introduced to her via a topsy-turvy cinematic shot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off of her .
Even noting Evans ’ stand-out portrayal , this is truly an ensemble show .
Whether it ’ s Keyshawn ( Thornton ) who blossoms into the Sasha Fierceness of Miss M-I-Crooked Letter-Crooked-Letter-I-Crooked-Letter-Crooked-Letter-I-Humpback-Humpback-I or the rugged sentimental aura of Diamond ( Lepley ) , each character of The Pynk adds just another layer that further connects the audience with the story .
Add the “ what the fuck is going on here ?
!
” mysterious life of new dancer in town Autumn/Hailey ( Johnson ) and the twists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatale ” and you ’ ll be wrapped up in some edge-of-your-seat entertainment .
And I can ’ t not mention this breakout character : Get into Uncle Clifford ( Annan ) , the “ HBIC ” who unapologetically struts across the spectrum of masculine and feminine in a genuine display of gender fluidity .
Though she is boisterous , Uncle Clifford is not a caricature ... her heart is bursting with a vulnerability that makes it hard not to fall in love with her .
As expected , the eye-candy and sex-factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a beautiful man but is also in portraying what I believe to be the role of his life and I ’ m excited to see how Diamond is fleshed-out even further ) , but so is the tenderness .
Which brings me to ...
This show is so fucking turnt , yet it also realistically tackles tough issues such as homophobia , misogyny ( and also specifically , misogynoir ) , colorism , sexual identity , generational wealth , motherhood , racism , domestic abuse , oppression , systemic marginalization , the long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the South ) , gender identity and more with a balance that feels absolutely authentic .
I never feel like the show is pretending—and though I ’ m an outsider ( as a Black Chicagoan , I may have generational links to Mississippi , but I ’ ve never been ) , I don ’ t feel like a voyeur ...
I feel right at home .
P-Valley is a sensational sight , but it ’ s also inviting .
I don ’ t want to spoil anything , but I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot lines of the series involves the gifted Nicholson , who portrays Lil ’ Murda , a roughneck with a heart of gold and a captivating ambition that had me rooting for him very quickly .
And since we ’ re on the subject of him ... Much like the Dirty Delta itself is so alive and vibrant that it serves as a character , so does this series ’ soundtrack .
It sucks we ’ re currently in lockdown and aren ’ t able to fully enjoy trap music—which , I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess the best we can do is shake our asses at home and pretend we ’ re under those flashy neon lights .
Lil ’ Murda ’ s “ Fallin ” is a banger and you ’ ll have the song in your head all damn day .
Plus , I love and appreciate the dedication to showcasing local artists , especially giving less-known artists an opportunity to spotlight their work on a life-changing platform .
It ’ s a long line to get into the popular Pynk ( don ’ t worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ binged it ! )
, but I absolutely believe it ’ s worth the wait .
So , if you ’ re late to the party , trust me ... it ’ s binge-worthy .
The season finale of P-Valley , “ Murda Night ” airs Sunday , Sept. 6 at 8 p.m .
ET / PT on STARZ and if you need to catch up on the show , the previous episodes are now available to view on the STARZ app .

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

Down in the valley where the girls get naked...is where you’ll be hooked once you really get into P-Valley on STARZ.
Earlier this summer, I featured the trailer for this series, described as “trap music meets film noir”—and in hindsight, that description is incredibly apt. From the trailer alone, I knew scandal and drama were afoot, but I really had no idea just how wild the ride would be. It is wild and I want to get back in line to ride it again.
Advertisement
Based on the play Pussy Valley by Katori Hall (who is the showrunner and executive producer), P-Valley takes us on the rugged journey to a beautiful hole-in-the-wall strip club called The Pynk, locate d in the fictional small town of Chucalissa, Miss. It is at The Pynk that we meet the fabulous-yet-forgotten, presented onscreen with incredible depth, rawness and regard. This one-hour drama stars Brandee Evans, Elarica Johnson, Nicco Annan, Parker Sawyers, Harriett D. Foy, Shannon Thornton, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Tyler Lepley, Skyler Joy, Dan Johnson, Morocco Omari, Thomas Jones, Isaiah Washington, and Loretta Devine.
Since the branded name for this show is P-Valley, I want to break down each of the details that especially appeal to me under categories that start with “P.” This show is so fun, so let’s have fun with it!
Advertisement Advertisement
Performance
Let’s start with motherfuckin’ Mercedes—it’s always her night. Evans is a whole entire star. From the moment we’re introduced to her via a topsy-turvy cinematic shot, you can’t take your eyes off of her.
Advertisement
Even noting Evans’ stand-out portrayal, this is truly an ensemble show. Whether it’s Keyshawn (Thornton) who blossoms into the Sasha Fierceness of Miss M-I-Crooked Letter-Crooked-Letter-I-Crooked-Letter-Crooked-Letter-I-Humpback-Humpback-I or the rugged sentimental aura of Diamond (Lepley), each character of The Pynk adds just another layer that further connects the audience with the story. Add the “what the fuck is going on here?!” mysterious life of new dancer in town Autumn/Hailey (Johnson) and the twists and turns that come with this “femme fatale” and you’ll be wrapped up in some edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
And I can’t not mention this breakout character: Get into Uncle Clifford (Annan), the “HBIC” who unapologetically struts across the spectrum of masculine and feminine in a genuine display of gender fluidity. Though she is boisterous, Uncle Clifford is not a caricature...her heart is bursting with a vulnerability that makes it hard not to fall in love with her.
Advertisement
As expected, the eye-candy and sex-factor is real (Whew, Lepley is a beautiful man but is also in portraying what I believe to be the role of his life and I’m excited to see how Diamond is fleshed-out even further), but so is the tenderness. Which brings me to...
Advertisement
Poignancy
This show is so fucking turnt, yet it also realistically tackles tough issues such as homophobia, misogyny (and also specifically, misogynoir), colorism, sexual identity, generational wealth, motherhood, racism, domestic abuse, oppression, systemic marginalization, the long-term effects of chattel slavery (especially specific to the South), gender identity and more with a balance that feels absolutely authentic. I never feel like the show is pretending—and though I’m an outsider (as a Black Chicagoan, I may have generational links to Mississippi, but I’ve never been), I don’t feel like a voyeur...I feel right at home. P-Valley is a sensational sight, but it’s also inviting.
Advertisement
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll say this—one of the most gorgeous plot lines of the series involves the gifted Nicholson, who portrays Lil’ Murda, a roughneck with a heart of gold and a captivating ambition that had me rooting for him very quickly.
Advertisement
And since we’re on the subject of him...
Pump Up the Volume
Much like the Dirty Delta itself is so alive and vibrant that it serves as a character, so does this series’ soundtrack. It sucks we’re currently in lockdown and aren’t able to fully enjoy trap music—which, I believe is best served during a social activity—I guess the best we can do is shake our asses at home and pretend we’re under those flashy neon lights. Lil’ Murda’s “Fallin” is a banger and you’ll have the song in your head all damn day.
Advertisement
Plus, I love and appreciate the dedication to showcasing local artists, especially giving less-known artists an opportunity to spotlight their work on a life-changing platform.
Advertisement
It’s a long line to get into the popular Pynk (don’t worry, I came in late too and binged it!), but I absolutely believe it’s worth the wait. So, if you’re late to the party, trust me...it’s binge-worthy.
Advertisement
The season finale of P-Valley, “Murda Night” airs Sunday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. ET / PT on STARZ and if you need to catch up on the show, the previous episodes are now available to view on the STARZ app.


theroot--2020-09-03--This Warm & Spicy Eye Shadow Palette From Too Faced Rings in Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Once September hits the barrage of pumpkins in , everything does too .
But that ’ s not necessarily a bad thing because it means fall is on the way .
With vibrant colors , hot chocolate , football , and big sweaters this is an autumn babe ’ s time to shine , and Too Faced wants you to do it in Warm & Spicy fashion .
Their new Pumpkin Spice Warm & Spicy Eye Shadow Palette ( Too Faced , Sephora , Ulta ) captures every heavenly hue of the harvest season .
These 18 shades were inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion the best season .
Too Faced took all their favorite fall elements and put them right on this pallette , Thanksgiving dinner , toasty lattes , and of course pumpkin spice .
If you ’ re familiar with Too Faced you know they don ’ t shy away from being a little extra and more feminine .
I don ’ t hate it .
So in classic fashion , this palette is baked with an aromatic scent like many others before it .
Remember the Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t mind at all that it smelled like chocolate chip cookies every time I opened it .
Well , you guessed it : this one is all pumpkin spice goodness .
I find with shades like these with this brand they blend super well , even if they ’ re mattes and shimmers .
They wear pretty well , too , because I use a primer in my everyday looks .
Shadow Insurance extends a strong eye look ’ s life a bit especially if you ’ ve got a long haul day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t a terrible idea after either .
This palette is a gorgeous addition to the company ’ s color story and fits right in with all the other crowd-pleasers , including my beloved Pretty Puppy Palette .
Grab this beauty before September 8 and enjoy a free travel duo since you ’ ll be spending over $ 45 .
If you ’ re stumped on what to add I highly recommend their mascaras , setting sprays , and primers .
No code needed , you ’ ll be asked to select at checkout @ @ @ @ @ @

Sheilah Villari on News, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Pumpkin Spice Eye Shadow Palette | $49 | Too Faced, Sephora, Ulta
Once September hits the barrage of pumpkins in, everything does too. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it means fall is on the way. With vibrant colors, hot chocolate, football, and big sweaters this is an autumn babe’s time to shine, and Too Faced wants you to do it in Warm & Spicy fashion.
Their new Pumpkin Spice Warm & Spicy Eye Shadow Palette (Too Faced, Sephora, Ulta) captures every heavenly hue of the harvest season. These 18 shades were inspired in every way by in my humble opinion the best season. Too Faced took all their favorite fall elements and put them right on this pallette, Thanksgiving dinner, toasty lattes, and of course pumpkin spice.
If you’re familiar with Too Faced you know they don’t shy away from being a little extra and more feminine. I don’t hate it. So in classic fashion, this palette is baked with an aromatic scent like many others before it. Remember the Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette? I wore mine to death and didn’t mind at all that it smelled like chocolate chip cookies every time I opened it. Well, you guessed it: this one is all pumpkin spice goodness.
Advertisement
I find with shades like these with this brand they blend super well, even if they’re mattes and shimmers. They wear pretty well, too, because I use a primer in my everyday looks. Shadow Insurance extends a strong eye look’s life a bit especially if you’ve got a long haul day. The 3-in-1 Setting Spray isn’t a terrible idea after either.
This palette is a gorgeous addition to the company’s color story and fits right in with all the other crowd-pleasers, including my beloved Pretty Puppy Palette.
Grab this beauty before September 8 and enjoy a free travel duo since you’ll be spending over $45. If you’re stumped on what to add I highly recommend their mascaras, setting sprays, and primers.
Advertisement Advertisement
No code needed, you’ll be asked to select at checkout, and shipping is free.


theroot--2020-09-03--Diddy and Education Mogul Dr. Steve Perry Opening Charter School in the Bronx

Diddy and educational speaker Dr. Steve Perry announced on Thursday that they are opening their latest charter school , Capital Prep Bronx , which aims to provide “ historically disadvantaged ” students with a standout curriculum , in order to prepare them with “ college and career readiness skills.
” This will be the third school opening up through the Capital Preparatory network ; Capital Prep Harbor is located in Bridgeport , Conn. , and there is a location in Harlem as well .
The fall semester at Capital Prep Bronx is set to begin on September 8 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing protocols , students will reportedly be learning remotely .
Per Page Six , there will be nearly 200 sixth and seventh-grade students enrolled at Capital Prep Bronx .
According to CPB ’ s website , “ The school will grow to serve 600 students in 6th-11th grade during an initial five-year term , and 12th grade in its 6th year .
In all schools , students are admitted to the schools by random lottery in order to ensure equal access to all students regardless of socioeconomic status or academic history.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that Capital Prep students are not only learning math and reading , as the school is focused on “ grooming future leaders that will change their communities and the world.
” “ We couldn ’ t be more excited to open our next school together in Co-Op city , a community rooted in social justice and diversity , ” Perry said in the press release .
“ While opening up remote at first is bittersweet , we have developed a best in class approach to online learning we are excited to implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prep college prep model is perfectly poised to transition into the digital space and we are excited to deliver a rigorous education to this inaugural class of scholars.
” Diddy isn ’ t the only music mogul who is working on shaping a better future for our students .
Jay-Z ’ s Roc Nation announced that they ’ d be partnering with Brooklyn ’ s Long Island University to launch the School of Music , Sports and Entertainment .
The school will begin enrolling students in fall 2021 , and will offer “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , entrepreneurship and production , and sports management.
” The school will also offer Roc Nation Hope Scholarships to 25 percent of freshmen enrolled in the program , and those selected to receive the scholarship will graduate debt-free .

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

Diddy and educational speaker Dr. Steve Perry announced on Thursday that they are opening their latest charter school, Capital Prep Bronx, which aims to provide “historically disadvantaged” students with a standout curriculum, in order to prepare them with “college and career readiness skills.” This will be the third school opening up through the Capital Preparatory network; Capital Prep Harbor is located in Bridgeport, Conn., and there is a location in Harlem as well.
The fall semester at Capital Prep Bronx is set to begin on September 8, and in order to comply with proper social distancing protocols, students will reportedly be learning remotely. Per Page Six, there will be nearly 200 sixth and seventh-grade students enrolled at Capital Prep Bronx. According to CPB’s website, “The school will grow to serve 600 students in 6th-11th grade during an initial five-year term, and 12th grade in its 6th year. In all schools, students are admitted to the schools by random lottery in order to ensure equal access to all students regardless of socioeconomic status or academic history.”
Advertisement
In a statement obtained by Complex, Diddy says that Capital Prep students are not only learning math and reading, as the school is focused on “grooming future leaders that will change their communities and the world.”
Advertisement Advertisement
“We couldn’t be more excited to open our next school together in Co-Op city, a community rooted in social justice and diversity,” Perry said in the press release. “While opening up remote at first is bittersweet, we have developed a best in class approach to online learning we are excited to implement with our new families. The Capital Prep college prep model is perfectly poised to transition into the digital space and we are excited to deliver a rigorous education to this inaugural class of scholars.”
Diddy isn’t the only music mogul who is working on shaping a better future for our students. Jay-Z’s Roc Nation announced that they’d be partnering with Brooklyn’s Long Island University to launch the School of Music, Sports and Entertainment. The school will begin enrolling students in fall 2021, and will offer “undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship and production, and sports management.”
Advertisement
The school will also offer Roc Nation Hope Scholarships to 25 percent of freshmen enrolled in the program, and those selected to receive the scholarship will graduate debt-free.


theroot--2020-09-03--Vote, but Make It Fashion: Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah Launch Fashion Our Future 2020 With Virg

Vote, but Make It Fashion: Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah Launch Fashion Our Future 2020 With Virgil Abloh

When it comes to voter registration and education , we simply can ’ t say enough about its importance—in fact , here at The Glow Up , it ’ s one of the few topics that eclipses our passion for fashion .
So understandably , we were thrilled to hear that our two loves are coming together in this crucial election season : on Thursday , Studio 189 label co-founders Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah announced a voter initiative program and campaign called Fashion Our Future 2020 .
Via a release provided to The Glow Up : Designed to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underrepresented communities in the political process , ” Fashion Our Future 2020 is the brainchild of former Bottega Veneta communications exec Erwiah , who said in a statement : “ I love our country ’ s motto , ‘ E Pluribus Unum ’ ; out of many , one .
That ’ s what I see when I look at the number of eligible voters in this country—I see the possibility of us all getting involved , and I imagine what we could do if we joined forces and worked together.
” Working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Louis Vuitton Men ’ s Creative Director Virgil Abloh , who is assuming the same role for the designer-led initiative , which “ will inspire new and first-time registrants to engage in the democratic process by offering access to exclusive merchandise drops , virtual programming and digital content , ” reads the release , explaining : “ Through voter registration prompts at point of sale , the campaign will inspire customers to seize their democratic right while shopping limited-edition apparel and accessories from the culture-setting labels they love.
” The arrival of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides the perfect opportunity .
As the eyes of fashion lovers are turned toward the runway , Fashion Our Future 2020 aims to get their minds equally focused on the ballot box .
Participating brands and designers currently include 12.29 , 3.1 Phillip Lim , A.L.C.
, Alejandra Alonso Rojas , Asyha Co , Batsheva , Brandon Maxwell , Fe Noel , Gigi Burris Millinery , Good American , HVN , Jonathan Cohen , Khiry Official , La Ligne , Lem Lem , Mara Hoffman , Post Imperial , Prabal Gurung , Proenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Studio 189 , Sukeina , Tanya Taylor , Third Crown , Victor Glemaud , Virgil Abloh , and Zero + Maria Cornejo .
“ Fashion has incredible power to inspire and incite meaningful change , and with buy-in from my fellow designers and the broader fashion community , we know we can turn the tide of American politics and ensure fair and equal representation at the polls , ” said Abloh in a statement .
Fashion Our Future 2020 participating designer , advisor , and founder of fashion industry advancement organization IN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As designers , we express ourselves via clothing and now we are using our collective platforms to effect change and bring awareness that the upcoming election will have long-lasting generational repercussions .
I feel that our combined unity , creativity and political awareness might help change our current American political landscape.
” “ Fashion can do more than sell clothes , ” said Ermiah .
“ It creates cultural moments that inspire movements , so let ’ s make celebrating our right to vote the biggest movement of 2020 .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who marched , fought , sacrificed and died for us to have this right to vote .
I think about the power of all these collective voices and what we can do if we all come together and participate .
Together , we can make a difference .
We can make history .
”

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

When it comes to voter registration and education, we simply can’t say enough about its importance—in fact, here at The Glow Up, it’s one of the few topics that eclipses our passion for fashion. So understandably, we were thrilled to hear that our two loves are coming together in this crucial election season: on Thursday, Studio 189 label co-founders Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah announced a voter initiative program and campaign called Fashion Our Future 2020.
Advertisement
Via a release provided to The Glow Up:
The campaign will bring together fashion designers and the broader fashion industry to support voter registration and education, ahead of the General Election on November 3...The organization, which is partnering with Voto Latino (a non-profit group originally co-founded by Dawson and Maria Teresa Kumar), hopes to empower one million disenfranchised voters to make their voices heard by registering to vote ahead of this year’s election.
Advertisement Advertisement
Designed to “leverage the power of fashion to engage underrepresented communities in the political process,” Fashion Our Future 2020 is the brainchild of former Bottega Veneta communications exec Erwiah, who said in a statement:
“I love our country’s motto, ‘E Pluribus Unum’; out of many, one. That’s what I see when I look at the number of eligible voters in this country—I see the possibility of us all getting involved, and I imagine what we could do if we joined forces and worked together.”
Advertisement
Working together with Erw iah and Dawson is Off-White and Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director Virgil Abloh, who is assuming the same role for the designer-led initiative, which “will inspire new and first-time registrants to engage in the democratic process by offering access to exclusive merchandise drops, virtual programming and digital content,” reads the release, explaining: “Through voter registration prompts at point of sale, the campaign will inspire customers to seize their democratic right while shopping limited-edition apparel and accessories from the culture-setting labels they love.”
Advertisement
The arrival of New York Fashion Week from September 13-17 provides the perfect opportunity. As the eyes of fashion lovers are turned toward the runway, Fashion Our Future 2020 aims to get their minds equally focused on the ballot box. Participating brands and designers currently include 12.29, 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.L.C., Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Asyha Co, Batsheva, Brandon Maxwell, Fe Noel, Gigi Burris Millinery, Good American, HVN, Jonathan Cohen, Khiry Official, La Ligne, Lem Lem, Mara Hoffman, Post Imperial, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rachel Comey, Sergio Hudson, Studio 189, Sukeina, Tanya Taylor, Third Crown, Victor Glemaud, Virgil Abloh, and Zero + Maria Cornejo.
Advertisement
“Fashion has incredible power to inspire and incite meaningful change, and with buy-in from my fellow designers and the broader fashion community, we know we can turn the tide of American politics and ensure fair and equal representation at the polls,” said Abloh in a statement. Fashion Our Future 2020 participating designer, advisor, and founder of fashion industry advancement organization IN THE BLK, Victor Glemaud agrees.
“As designers, we express ourselves via clothing and now we are using our collective platforms to effect change and bring awareness that the upcoming election will have long-lasting generational repercussions. I feel that our combined unity, creativity and political awareness might help change our current American political landscape.”
Advertisement
“Fashion can do more than sell clothes,” said Ermiah. “It creates cultural moments that inspire movements, so let’s make celebrating our right to vote the biggest movement of 2020. We are standing on the shoulders of all the people who marched, fought, sacrificed and died for us to have this right to vote. I think about the power of all these collective voices and what we can do if we all come together and participate. Together, we can make a difference. We can make history.”


theroot--2020-09-03--Get a Premium Clean at a Wallet-Friendly Price With Today's Best Dyson Deals

The best Dyson deals on vacuums and air purifiers for September 2020 are here .
Let ’ s be honest : the name “ Dyson ” might emit a scream from your wallet or handbag , as the company ’ s high-end products usually don ’ t come cheap .
But you don ’ t have to settle for imitators .
Right now , many of Dyson ’ s top cord-free vacuums are on sale , including big discounts on factory-refurbished and warrantied models , plus you ’ ll find bargains on Dyson ’ s other products : like lamps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals below !
Need a powerful vacuum that excels at sucking but doesn ’ t , you know , suck ?
The lightweight Dyson V7 Origin ought to do the trick .
It can give you up to 30 minutes of standard vacuuming , or you can switch on the motorized head for about six minutes of super-sucking .
It charges via a wall mount so it ’ s always ready when you need it , and you can eject the pipe and use it as a compact handheld vacuum in a pinch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now from Newegg .
Clean the air while you clear dust using Dyson ’ s V7 Allergy cord-free stick vacuum .
It looks a lot like the other V7 models , but has the benefit of a whole-machine HEPA filter built in .
It ’ ll capture allergens and pump out cleaner air while you vacuum .
The V7 Allergy has the same 30-minute run time on a full charge , and up to six minutes on MAX mode for deeper suction .
It ’ s $ 51 off right now at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Dyson V8 Absolute Pro , which comes with a trio of additional attachments to ensure you get an even deeper clean .
Beyond those perks , the specs suggest little other difference between the models .
Still , this is $ 150 off the list price if you want the best of the best with the V8 Absolute .
Dyson ’ s all-in-wonder machine serves as an air purifier , removing up to 99.97 % of allergens , but it ’ s also a futuristic-looking fan and heater .
One cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can even control it via a smartphone app or use voice commands via an Amazon Echo .
Right now , it ’ s $ 220 off the list price direct from Dyson .
If you ’ re looking for a vacuum that makes you feel like you ’ re in the future , this is it .
Its digital display allows you to monitor its function , so you never have to guess if it has the power to get the job done .
Once charged , it can clean for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounds it ’ s a powerful machine that doesn ’ t need much muscle to maneuver .
It ’ s $ 103 off right now from Amazon .
This versatile Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead vacuum is cordless , chargeable , and ready to deal with whatever you ’ ve spilled on multiple surfaces , from carpet to hardwood .
People love this model for its wall mounting dock and ability to shift into a handheld vacuum for small spaces .
You can snag it for $ 100 off the list price right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immense power of a Dyson vacuum in reverse… and blowing against your head ?
That ’ s the promise of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer .
Dyson ’ s hair products aren ’ t cheap , with perhaps even more sticker shock than with the vacuums , but right now Newegg has a refurbished version of the black model for just $ 24 0 .
A $ 700 lamp ?
That ’ s madness , right ?
Well , that ’ s Dyson : high-end design at a high-end price .
Besides , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 200 discount direct from the maker .
What makes it unique aside from the look ?
Well , the Dyson Lightcycle Floor automatically tracks color temperature and brightness of your surrounding daylight to adjust the output , and has a half-dozen LEDs aided by heat pipe technology to last upwards of 60 years .
Meanwhile , the 3 Axis Glide system lets you intricately position the lamp and trust that it ’ ll stay put .
It ’ s still a $ 700 lamp , mind you , but damn it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the better prices you ’ ll find for one of Dyson ’ s signature cordless vacuums thanks to this refurbished offer at Walmart , direct from Dyson .
The Dyson V6 Origin doesn ’ t have quite the battery life ( 20 minutes ) as the newer models , but still gives you the incredible versatility to clean up your space , plus you can remove the pipe to clean smaller spaces like your car .
While it ’ s true that this isn ’ t one of the more modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ synonymous with , it ’ s tough to argue with a $ 150 Dyson vacuum .
This upright , ball-centric model benefits from whole-machine HEPA filtration and has a six-month warranty through Dyson .
Again , it ’ s just $ 150 at Walmart right now !
A larger model than most Dyson vacuums , this multi-use machine is powerful .
Promising to tackle dirt and allergens , accessories like a reach wand allow you to clean high molding and even ceiling cobwebs .
Its high-speed action and collection of bristles mean you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardwood .
You can snag it for $ 200 off the list price right now .

Molly Horan and Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: Dyson V7 Animal (Refurbished) | $170 | Walmart
The best Dyson deals on vacuums and air purifiers for July 2021 are here.
Dyson has set the standard for high-quality vacuums with excellent performance and fantastic design. They’re not cheap, however, so bringing one into your home is typically a well-considered investment.
Luckily, some of Dyson’s most popular cordless vacuums are on sale right now, along with other striking products such as fans and hair styling products. These are the best Dyson deals we’ve seen right now.
Advertisement
The Dyson V8 Motorhead is effectively the base model of the V8 line, delivering more suction power than the earlier V7 lineup and up to 40 minutes of power on a full charge. It’s $100 off at Newegg right now, where the new unit is marked down to $280.
Advertisement Advertisement
Looking for a powerful higher-end Dyson designed specifically to suck up pesky allergens? That’s just what the Dyson Cyclone V10 Allergy is made for. The V10 models have more suction power than the lower-numbered models, and this one boasts whole-machine filtration that traps 99.99% of fine dust particles. Save $80 direct from Dyson right now.
Advertisement
Save $100 off the price of Dyson’s TP02 Pure Cool Link air purifier/fan right now when you buy refurbished from Newegg. Dyson’s sleek app-connected devices suck out 99.97% of allergens and pollutants from the air in your space while providing cooling air, and sports the ultra-cool look with no spinning blades in sight. This is a serious bargain if you don’t mind a certified refurbished model, sold by Dyson itself through Newegg.
Advertisement
A bigger model than most Dyson vacuums, this corded Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Total Clean is powerful indeed. It promises to tackle dirt and allergens, while accessories like a reach wand allow you to clean high molding and even ceiling cobwebs. Save $250 at Best Buy, today only.
Advertisement
Did you know that Dyson makes hair-styling products? While they’re unsurprisingly a lot more expensive than your average device, you’re paying for a high-quality device that does things a bit differently—and probably better. In this case, the Dyson Airwrap both styles and dries and does so without extreme heat levels. Dyson has this refurbished model for $50 off.
Advertisement
The Dyson V7 Animal has a HEPA filter than some of the other V7 models don’t have, along with additional attachments. That makes it a versatile, carpet-centric cordless stick vacuum that’s well primed to handle your space. Save $230 off the new list price when you buy a certified refurbished model from Walmart.
Advertisement
Can you imagine the immense power of a Dyson vacuum in reverse… and blowing against your head? That’s the promise of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Dyson’s hair products aren’t cheap, with perhaps even more sticker shock than with the vacuums, but it ought to be worth the investment. This is at regular price, but Dyson is throwing in a complementary carrying case valued at $60.
Advertisement
It’s no slender stick-like vacuum, but this multi-use machine is powerful. Equipped with a HEPA filter, the Dyson Ball promises to tackle dirt and allergens, while accessories like a reach wand allow you to clean high molding and even ceiling cobwebs. Save $44 at Amazon.
Advertisement
If you have pets, you have filth—whether you can see it all or not. Luckily, that’s what the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is for. It’s built to suck animal fur out of carpets and can last up to 35 minutes with the Torque drive cleaner head (or 60 minutes without). Save $50 right now through Amazon.


theroot--2020-09-03--A White Woman Admits She's Been Rachel Dolezal-ing Us for Years—and I Feel Fine

I admit that I don ’ t know how to feel about this story .
I don ’ t know how to feel about this story because it doesn ’ t affect me in any material way .
I don ’ t know how to feel about this story because I am a human being .
I don ’ t know how to feel about this story because I am Black .
I think the best way to begin this is by letting Jessica Krug , the subject of this article , explain what this is about .
Krug is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ historian of politics , ideas , and cultural practices in Africa and the African Diaspora.
” She has been heralded as an activist for Black and Latinx voices who taught African history and culture at George Washington University since 2012 .
As a Black writer , she has also written for many publications , academic journals and media outlets , including Black ones .
But Jessica Krug is not a Black writer ; she is a white woman from Kansas .
For the better part of my adult life , every move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve formed , has been rooted in the napalm toxic soil of lies .
To an escalating degree over my adult life , I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim : first North African Blackness , then US rooted Blackness , then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness .
I have not only claimed these identities as my own when I had absolutely no right to do so — when doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of thievery and appropriation , of the myriad ways in which non-Black people continue to use and abuse Black identities and cultures — but I have formed intimate relationships with loving , compassionate people who have trusted and cared for me when I have deserved neither trust nor caring .
People have fought together with me and have fought for me , and my continued appropriation of a Black Caribbean identity is not only , in the starkest terms , wrong — unethical , immoral , anti-Black , colonial — but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken has gaslighted those whom I love .
Objectively , I am aware that I am supposed to at least say “ What the fuck ?
” a few times before explaining that this is what white women do .
White women were aiding and abetting the strongarm plundering of Black America for more years than I have fingers to count .
But other people were a little weirded out .
I know I am supposed to be mad .
I should probably call her a “ Karen ” who benefitted from colorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When Krug writes that she has “ not lived a double life , ” she apparently doesn ’ t count the fact that she was fortunate enough to benefit from everything whiteness offered , including constructing a life founded on the education system that only offers an ejector seat for many of the same women she cosplayed .
I ’ m sure the fact that she pretended to have African roots played no part in her receiving a professorship teaching African history .
There ’ s no way of knowing if actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There is no parallel form of my adulthood connected to white people or a white community or an alternative white identity , ” Krug explains , apparently unaware of how her white womanhood may have given her the inherent confidence needed to flimflam the whole world .
It ’ s like saying : “ The fact that I was born and raised in a den of thieves has nothing to do with the fact that I am one of the greatest burglars of all time.
” And my lack of outrage has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-written apology with repeated references to her mental health .
Even though I am fully aware that she probably paid for her mental health care with the dividends from her cultural theft , I can not be mad at Krug ’ s invisible con artistry .
My first thought when I read her confession was to sincerely hope she gets the help she needs .
I was still unangered after watching this : Why am I so forgiving of Jessica ’ s decadeslong spectacular Black Halloweening ?
Because I am Bl ack and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awakened to her mother ’ s fried plantains or dozed off after a glass of her sister ’ s perfectly-sweetened Kool-Aid .
Her mother ’ s bosom does not smell of cocoa butter and Holy Ghost .
She has never sat on a front porch and split a piece of watermelon with a favorite cousin .
Her life is predicated on an insidious lifetime of ancestor-stealing and not the indescribable trickledown remnants of grandmother ’ s prayers that we can only call “ favor.
” Her version of Blackness is a caricature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she fashioned her flimsy costume .
Her Blackness was an impressionist oil painting of a plastic fruit bowl .
It was not real , just plain and blood and sneering .
She is a nigger Pinocchio who must have been constantly consumed with hiding her growing nose behind a salsa two-step and an almost too-real Blaccent .
I bet she has to decide when she wants to dance and can not hear her great-great-great grandfather ’ s God in a bass drum .
Being upset about Jessica Krug ’ s life as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a man in solitary confinement because he got his own bedroom .
She ain ’ t never been Black… The reason why Jess ’ antics didn ’ t upset me is that I am a human being .
Because I am Black .
Because I don ’ t care .
I truly believe that the sum of all white fears lies in the belief that we will one day return the neck- noosing , the face-shooting , the resource-hogging and all the other oppression white people have conjured up over the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fearmongering and resistance to equality .
However , they don ’ t understand that Black people collectively have one gift above all else .
Why don ’ t we know how to tie nooses ?
How come we don ’ t want to reciprocate their pillaging with plundering ?
Why haven ’ t we grabbed our own machetes and returned the spilling of throat blood ?
The answer is this : Because we are not like them .
And they can never ever be like us .
All the bamboozling and costuming can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not inject it into her lips and no choreographer can teach it to her hips .
To be Black is a beautifully glorious un- mimic able thing that feels like writing the perfect cursive letter ‘ S ’ while riding on your grandaddy ’ s back on Christmas morning .
Mad ?
Why would anyone be mad ?
You can not wish worse upon her than that .

I admit that I don’t know how to feel about this story.
I don’t know how to feel about this story because it doesn’t affect me in any material way. I don’t know how to feel about this story because I am a human being. I don’t know how to feel about this story because I am Black.
I think the best way to begin this is by letting Jessica Krug, the subject of this article, explain what this is about. Krug is an author, professor, and a “historian of politics, ideas, and cultural practices in Africa and the African Diaspora.” She has been heralded as an activist for Black and Latinx voices who taught African history and culture at George Washington University since 2012. As a Black writer, she has also written for many publications, academic journals and media outlets, including Black ones.
Advertisement
But Jessica Krug is not a Black writer; she is a white woman from Kansas.
Today, she wrote this.
For the better part of my adult life, every move I’ve made, every relationship I’ve formed, has been rooted in the napalm toxic soil of lies. Not just any lies. *** To an escalating degree over my adult life, I have eschewed my lived experience as a white Jewish child in suburban Kansas City under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim: first North African Blackness, then US rooted Blackness, then Caribbean rooted Bronx Blackness. I have not only claimed these identities as my own when I had absolutely no right to do so — when doing so is the very epitome of violence, of thievery and appropriation, of the myriad ways in which non-Black people continue to use and abuse Black identities and cultures — but I have formed intimate relationships with loving, compassionate people who have trusted and cared for me when I have deserved neither trust nor caring. People have fought together with me and have fought for me, and my continued appropriation of a Black Caribbean identity is not only, in the starkest terms, wrong — unethical, immoral, anti-Black, colonial — but it means that every step I’ve taken has gaslighted those whom I love.
Advertisement Advertisement
Objectively, I am aware that I am supposed to at least say “What the fuck?” a few times before explaining that this is what white women do. White women were aiding and abetting the strongarm plundering of Black America for more years than I have fingers to count. But other people were a little weirded out.
Advertisement
I know I am supposed to be mad. I should probably call her a “Karen” who benefitted from colorism and her whiteness at the very least. When Krug writes that she has “not lived a double life,” she apparently doesn’t count the fact that she was fortunate enough to benefit from everything whiteness offered, including constructing a life founded on the education system that only offers an ejector seat for many of the same Black women she cosplayed. I’m sure the fact that she pretended to have African roots played no part in her receiving a professorship teaching African history. There’s no way of knowing if actual Black people applied for the job.
Advertisement
“There is no parallel form of my adulthood connected to white people or a white community or an alternative white identity,” Krug explains, apparently unaware of how her white womanhood may have given her the inherent confidence needed to flimflam the whole world. It’s like saying: “The fact that I was born and raised in a den of thieves has nothing to do with the fact that I am one of the greatest burglars of all time.”
Advertisement
Unacknowledged privilege is still privilege.
And my lack of outrage has nothing to do with her lacing her well-written apology with repeated references to her mental health. Even though I am fully aware that she probably paid for her mental health care with the dividends from her cultural theft, I cannot be mad at Krug’s invisible con artistry. My first thought when I read her confession was to sincerely hope she gets the help she needs.
Advertisement
I was still unangered after watching this:
Why am I so forgiving of Jessica’s decadeslong spectacular Black Halloweening?
Because I am Black and Jessica is not.
Jessica has never awakened to her mother’s fried plantains or dozed off after a glass of her sister’s perfectly-sweetened Kool-Aid. Her mother’s bosom does not smell of cocoa butter and Holy Ghost. She has never sat on a front porch and split a piece of watermelon with a favorite cousin. Her life is predicated on an insidious lifetime of ancestor-stealing and not the indescribable trickledown remnants of grandmother’s prayers that we can only call “favor.”
Advertisement
I pity this woman.
Her version of Blackness is a caricature of triangular trade leftovers and white-knuckled fist-clenching from which she fashioned her flimsy costume. Her Blackness was an impressionist oil painting of a plastic fruit bowl. It was not real, just plain and blood and sneering. She is a nigger Pinocchio who must have been constantly consumed with hiding her growing nose behind a salsa two-step and an almost too-real Blaccent. I bet she has to decide when she wants to dance and cannot hear her great-great-great grandfather’s God in a bass drum.
Advertisement
Being upset about Jessica Krug’s life as a Black woman is like being angry at a man in solitary confinement because he got his own bedroom.
She ain’t never been Black…
Or free.
The reason why Jess’ antics didn’t upset me is that I am a human being. Because I am Black. Because I don’t care.
Advertisement
I truly believe that the sum of all white fears lies in the belief that we will one day return the neck-noosing, the face-shooting, the resource-hogging and all the other oppression white people have conjured up over the years. This is the basis of their fearmongering and resistance to equality.
However, they don’t understand that Black people collectively have one gift above all else.
Advertisement
Why don’t we know how to tie nooses? How come we don’t want to reciprocate their pillaging with plundering? Why haven’t we grabbed our own machetes and returned the spilling of throat blood? The answer is this:
Because we are not like them.
And they can never ever be like us.
All the bamboozling and costuming cannot replicate Blackness. The surgeons cannot inject it into her lips and no choreographer can teach it to her hips. To be Black is a beautifully glorious un-mimicable thing that feels like writing the perfect cursive letter ‘S’ while riding on your grandaddy’s back on Christmas morning.
Advertisement
Mad?
Why would anyone be mad?
Jessica is a white woman.
You cannot wish worse upon her than that.