theroot--2020-09-24--The 10 Best Deals of September 24, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of September 24, 2020

It ’ s September 24 , and we at Kinja Deals are bringing you the top 10 deals of the day to make your quarantine a little bit easier .
Stan Dr. Anthony Faucci at a discounted price with a new KN95 mask .
Prep for virtual trick-or-treating with a purchase of Halloween candy .
And rest assured knowing the Eufy RoboVac 11S vacuum will pick up the slack on cleaning duties while you help your kids troubleshoot their Zoom classes .
If you ’ re still looking for more deals , check out Thursday ’ s best overall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can take advantage of Wayfair ’ s deepest discounts of the year on a variety of home goods and furnishings .
If you ’ ve been meaning to upgrade the sofa , redo the bathroom , or swap out bedroom decor this is the time .
This Way Day sale takes up to 80 % off select pieces .
For a more comprehensive look at the best Way Day deals , see our full-blown roundup .
Today over 1,000 items will be on sale for a limited time .
Most of Wayfair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ ll see sheets , plates , rugs , holiday decorations , and more .
Like these 1800 Series sheets ( $ 26 ) that come in 20 colors and are 100 % microfiber .
They ’ re also discounted by 48 % .
Looking to add a nice accent chair to a bedroom or den ?
This AllModern Dusket velvet upholstered side chair ( $ 235 ) might just be it .
This gorgeous chair could be used to make a dining set pop or just sit there and look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are only three colors still available , but this navy one has subdued sophistication written all over it .
It ’ s marked down 41 % right now .
Is a charming nightstand in your future ?
This Williams Two-Drawer ( $ 186 ) needs a good home .
Choose from four different colors of wood to match it to the motif of whatever space it will be occupying .
It ’ s a best seller for Wayfair and is the dream of anyone with a mid-century modern sensibility .
Save 54 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Every time I see an iPad deal , I ’ m reminded of this tweet from Washington Post reporter Gene Park .
Also the NY Times article he ’ s referencing , but mostly his tweet .
The iPad has supplanted our TVs as the main TV- and movie-watching device of the house .
It ’ s an all-in-one distraction , and you can pick up the latest base model in 32GB for $ 300 on Amazon , a $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to $ 395 .
Between its 10.2-inch Retina display , the ageing but still pretty fast A12 Bionic processor , and up to 10 hours of battery life , there ’ s a lot to love about the iPad .
It ’ s the latest model and it ’ s got plenty of character , and it ’ s also the first of its kind that ’ s compatible with the Apple Pencil .
This article was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Sunday scaries , everyone gets ‘ em .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to work , when you ’ re filled with anxiety with nowhere left to turn ?
I ’ ve found CBD helps , and what better way to enjoy the relaxing , non-psychoactive cannabinoid than in gummy form ?
If you want to be chill and look chill doing it , check out the Everyday Scaries bundle , now discounted 25 % using the promo code ESINV25 ( automatically applied at checkout ) .
The brainchild of Sunday Scaries and surf company Everyday California , the bundle includes not only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hat to go with it .
Beachgoers looking to continue radiating those summer 2020 vibes can sit at home drink hot cider , and pop a couple CBD gummies for a relaxing Sunday afternoon , as opposed to the normal kind spent nervously dreading that awful Monday morning adjusting to the workday routine .
Instead of wasting an entire weekend moaning and groaning about what ’ s to come , join me and the thousands of other Sunday Scaries customers raving about their products .
Trust me , this is a much higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff .
Because , for one , it actually works and doesn ’ t give you diarrhea .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Looking to add some new games to your Nintendo Switch library ?
Consider buying a gift card from Amazon first , because Nintendo eShop gift cards are 10 % off , but only for the $ 10 denomination , bringing it down by $ 1 .
That may not sound like much , but you know you ’ re going to buy more Nintendo games this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pikmin 3 Deluxe , so you might as well save a buck in the process .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
Friends and family discount week is back at Too Faced .
I ’ m a fan of this company , clearly as I wrote this review on their new Pumpkin Spice Palette .
From now until next Tuesday take 25 % off your entire order so you can grab that palette or any others for a little less .
All you need to do is use the code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more because of course there is .
If you spend more than $ 75 you also get a free tote bag with the same code .
I will enthusiastically recommend the purchase of Too Faced ’ s Better Than Sex Mascara .
It has been my go-to for years and it really is perfection .
And honestly , most of the products I ’ ve had from this company have been really quality but if you want the best mascara that ’ s it .
The code works until September 29 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villari .
For a short time , you can get a Satisfyer Pro 2 for a decent $ 50 !
It ’ s an oral sex simulator that will suck the shit out of your clitoris and has so many modes of pleasure .
One of our writers , Jolie Kerr , says it best : The Satisfyer is only $ 50 , so make sure you grab this and get off before it ’ s gone !
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
I ’ m so proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s super cool of you .
But do you need an upgrade or maybe something a little more heavy-duty ?
Or maybe you just want to put your mind at ease with something a smidge more protective ?
Grab five of the KN95 masks from Amazon right now for just $ 12 .
These are industry-standard which means they are supposed to filter 95 percent of particles .
That is just about as good as you can get .
So the mask obviously doesn ’ t completely eliminate the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear it correctly it still drastically reduces the likelihood .
These are also great if you ’ ve got severe allergies or asthma and protect against pollen , dander , and whatnot .
The KN-95 isn ’ t made for clinical environments not that you ’ re performing surgery with these but they will definitely protect you and others against what is currently out there .
Not all heroes wear capes , but they do wear masks .
So thank you .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Halloween will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t still enjoy lots of sugary goodness .
If you ’ re like me you noticed immediately when your local drug store added the bags of Halloween candy in August .
Today grab this treat bag of 170 fun size packs for just $ 14 .
Over sixty-three ounces of saccharin succulence , there are 170 opportunities for a sugar high for you or to share .
This bag included Skittles , Starburst , and Life Savers Gummies .
But there is a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Skittles the originals and wild berry flavors are represented and with the Starbursts , the classics and tropical flavors are included .
A little chewy , a little fruity all are bite-size fun .
Celebrate Halloween early and grab this bag now .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
You ’ ve already cleaned your home three times over with all the free time you ’ ve gained , I ’ m sure , and if you ’ re anything like Jolie , you ’ ve also been rage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , any further efforts to clean can only be seen as a desperate , cryptic cry for some sort of help .
After you ’ ve resolved your internal conflict and made a full return to normalcy , let someone else do the job .
It could be your kids , but not all of us have them , and barring expensive nanny care , a eufy RoboVac just might be the next best thing .
The BoostIQ RoboVac 11S packs a lot of suction power for just $ 120 ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
If you ’ re like me and miss your neighborhood spa this might be the deal for you .
I ’ m just still not sure about going in even though they are doing everything correctly to be sanitary post shut down .
Working at home has been a literal pain in the neck some days and with my local massager place still closed I ’ ve resorted to heating pads and stretching .
This Vivaspa neck and shoulder massager might just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t quite ready to return to your usual spot .
Today take 66 % off this kneading and heating wonder .
This massage packs a punch with multiple modes for shiatsu level kneading and heating .
But it ’ s not just the neck area it can help with , the back , waist , hips , legs , and feet are all able to get relief too .
It ’ s easy for you to move the massager to where you need it for optimum comfort as you just adjust his to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a simple way to save money in the long run and get quick relaxation without the headache of waiting for an appointment .
At checkout select the regular $ 8 flat shipping rate then click for a ‘ Coupon Code.
’ Now put in the KINJAFS to take off the shipped price .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .

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

Thursday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s September 24, and we at Kinja Deals are bringing you the top 10 deals of the day to make your quarantine a little bit easier. Stan Dr. Anthony Faucci at a discounted price with a new KN95 mask. Prep for virtual trick-or-treating with a purchase of Halloween candy. And rest assured knowing the Eufy RoboVac 11S vacuum will pick up the slack on cleaning duties while you help your kids troubleshoot their Zoom classes.
If you’re still looking for more deals, check out Thursday’s best overall.
#1: Wayfair way day
Until the end of the day, you can take advantage of Wayfair’s deepest discounts of the year on a variety of home goods and furnishings. If you’ve been meaning to upgrade the sofa, redo the bathroom, or swap out bedroom decor this is the time. This Way Day sale takes up to 80% off select pieces. For a more comprehensive look at the best Way Day deals, see our full-blown roundup.
Today over 1,000 items will be on sale for a limited time. Most of Wayfair’s own Basics line is included. You’ll see sheets, plates, rugs, holiday decorations, and more. Like these 1800 Series sheets ($26) that come in 20 colors and are 100% microfiber. They’re also discounted by 48%.
Looking to add a nice accent chair to a bedroom or den? This AllModern Dusket velvet upholstered side chair ($235) might just be it. This gorgeous chair could be used to make a dining set pop or just sit there and look pretty in your living room. There are only three colors still available, but this navy one has subdued sophistication written all over it. It’s marked down 41% right now.
Is a charming nightstand in your future? This Williams Two-Drawer ($186) needs a good home. Choose from four different colors of wood to match it to the motif of whatever space it will be occupying. It’s a best seller for Wayfair and is the dream of anyone with a mid-century modern sensibility. Save 54% off on it for the rest of the day.
Free 2-day shipping on everything.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#2: ipad 8th generation (2020)
Every time I see an iPad deal, I’m reminded of this tweet from Washington Post reporter Gene Park. Also the NY Times article he’s referencing, but mostly his tweet. The iPad has supplanted our TVs as the main TV- and movie-watching device of the house. It’s an all-in-one distraction, and you can pick up the latest base model in 32GB for $300 on Amazon, a $30 cut. The 128GB version is also down to $395.
Between its 10.2-inch Retina display, the ageing but still pretty fast A12 Bionic processor, and up to 10 hours of battery life, there’s a lot to love about the iPad. It’s the latest model and it’s got plenty of character, and it’s also the first of its kind that’s compatible with the Apple Pencil.
This article was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#3: CBD Gummies
Everyday Scaries Bundle | $37 | Sunday Scaries | Promo Code ESINV25
Sunday scaries, everyone gets ‘em. You know the night before you have to go back to work, when you’re filled with anxiety with nowhere left to turn? I’ve found CBD helps, and what better way to enjoy the relaxing, non-psychoactive cannabinoid than in gummy form? If you want to be chill and look chill doing it, check out the Everyday Scaries bundle, now discounted 25% using the promo code ESINV25 (automatically applied at checkout). The brainchild of Sunday Scaries and surf company Everyday California, the bundle includes not only a 20-count bottle of gummies but a matching hat to go with it.
Beachgoers looking to continue radiating those summer 2020 vibes can sit at home drink hot cider, and pop a couple CBD gummies for a relaxing Sunday afternoon, as opposed to the normal kind spent nervously dreading that awful Monday morning adjusting to the workday routine. Instead of wasting an entire weekend moaning and groaning about what’s to come, join me and the thousands of other Sunday Scaries customers raving about their products. Trust me, this is a much higher caliber of CBD than your over-the-counter bodega stuff. Because, for one, it actually works and doesn’t give you diarrhea.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#4: Nintendo eshop gift card
Looking to add some new games to your Nintendo Switch library? Consider buying a gift card from Amazon first, because Nintendo eShop gift cards are 10% off, but only for the $10 denomination, bringing it down by $1. That may not sound like much, but you know you’re going to buy more Nintendo games this year anyway—be it New Pokémon Snap or Pikmin 3 Deluxe, so you might as well save a buck in the process.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#5: Too faced cosmetics
Friends and family discount week is back at Too Faced. I’m a fan of this company, clearly as I wrote this review on their new Pumpkin Spice Palette. From now until next Tuesday take 25% off your entire order so you can grab that palette or any others for a little less. All you need to do is use the code FAMILY25.
But wait, there’s more because of course there is. If you spend more than $75 you also get a free tote bag with the same code. I will enthusiastically recommend the purchase of Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara. It has been my go-to for years and it really is perfection. And honestly, most of the products I’ve had from this company have been really quality but if you want the best mascara that’s it. The code works until September 29.
Free standard shipping on all orders.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#6: satisfyer pro 2 vibe
For a short time, you can get a Satisfyer Pro 2 for a decent $50! It’s an oral sex simulator that will suck the shit out of your clitoris and has so many modes of pleasure. One of our writers, Jolie Kerr, says it best:
Satisfyer Pro 2 delivers a very specific experience; basically, it’s designed to stimulate the clit and nothing else, although you can certainly explore other areas with it. It is not, however, an insertable toy and should only be used externally.While it’s not an especially versatile toy, and doesn’t strike me as a great candidate for couples play, it is very, very good at what it does. Basically, if oral sex is the way you like to get off, Satisfyer Pro 2 will make you very, very happy.
The Satisfyer is only $50, so make sure you grab this and get off before it’s gone!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#7: KN95 masks
I’m so proud of you for still wearing a mask, it’s super cool of you. But do you need an upgrade or maybe something a little more heavy-duty? Or maybe you just want to put your mind at ease with something a smidge more protective? Grab five of the KN95 masks from Amazon right now for just $12.
These are industry-standard which means they are supposed to filter 95 percent of particles. That is just about as good as you can get. So the mask obviously doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of catching or spreading something but if you wear it correctly it still drastically reduces the likelihood. These are also great if you’ve got severe allergies or asthma and protect against pollen, dander, and whatnot. The KN-95 isn’t made for clinical environments not that you’re performing surgery with these but they will definitely protect you and others against what is currently out there. Not all heroes wear capes, but they do wear masks. So thank you.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#8: Halloween candy
Halloween will probably look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy lots of sugary goodness. If you’re like me you noticed immediately when your local drug store added the bags of Halloween candy in August. Today grab this treat bag of 170 fun size packs for just $14.
Over sixty-three ounces of saccharin succulence, there are 170 opportunities for a sugar high for you or to share. This bag included Skittles, Starburst, and Life Savers Gummies. But there is a bit of variety even in that. With the Skittles the originals and wild berry flavors are represented and with the Starbursts, the classics and tropical flavors are included. A little chewy, a little fruity all are bite-size fun. Celebrate Halloween early and grab this bag now.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#9: eufy robovac 11s
You’ve already cleaned your home three times over with all the free time you’ve gained, I’m sure, and if you’re anything like Jolie, you’ve also been rage cleaning, just because. At this point, any further efforts to clean can only be seen as a desperate, cryptic cry for some sort of help. After you’ve resolved your internal conflict and made a full return to normalcy, let someone else do the job. It could be your kids, but not all of us have them, and barring expensive nanny care, a eufy RoboVac just might be the next best thing. The BoostIQ RoboVac 11S packs a lot of suction power for just $120 ($30 off), but only for today.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#10: heated kneading back massager
If you’re like me and miss your neighborhood spa this might be the deal for you. I’m just still not sure about going in even though they are doing everything correctly to be sanitary post shut down. Working at home has been a literal pain in the neck some days and with my local massager place still closed I’ve resorted to heating pads and stretching. This Vivaspa neck and shoulder massager might just be the answer if you aren’t quite ready to return to your usual spot. Today take 66% off this kneading and heating wonder.
This massage packs a punch with multiple modes for shiatsu level kneading and heating. But it’s not just the neck area it can help with, the back, waist, hips, legs, and feet are all able to get relief too. It’s easy for you to move the massager to where you need it for optimum comfort as you just adjust his to where you want it. This is a simple way to save money in the long run and get quick relaxation without the headache of waiting for an appointment.
At checkout select the regular $8 flat shipping rate then click for a ‘Coupon Code.’ Now put in the KINJAFS to take off the shipped price.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-09-24--With Spotify In His Rear View, Joe Budden Unveils The Joe Budden Network—With Black Women at the For

With Spotify In His Rear View, Joe Budden Unveils The Joe Budden Network—With Black Women at the Forefront

Following Joe Budden ’ s ugly breakup with Spotify , the streets wan na know what the rapper-turned-culture commentator will do next .
So on the heels of Charlemagne Tha God putting jaws on the floor with the recent unveiling of The Black Effect , a Blackity-Black-ass podcast network in partnership with iHeartMedia , Budden has shown his cards and announced plans of his own .
On Wednesday , the Slaughterhouse alum took to Instagram to introduce See , the Thing Is , a brand new podcast helmed by singer Bridget Kelly , popular podcaster Mandii B and DJ Olivia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocker—its home will be the Joe Budden Network .
“ And NOW we get to have some fun , ” Budden posted on Instagram .
“ I always say on the pod there are too many topics that we can ’ t and shouldn ’ t touch.. and that women get to have all the fun ...
So I ’ m extremely proud/eager to introduce our new podcast.
” After shouting out each of the co-hosts , Budden provided his audience with more details on what ’ s in store .
“ Starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear these amazing ladies talk their shit ( on most [ digital streaming platforms ] ) , not sure what they ’ ll say because I ’ m staying outta women ’ s business lol ...
But they ’ re bold , committed , opinionated and have a lot to say.
” Prior to See , the Thing Is , Joe ’ s network has served as a home for content hosted and produced solely by himself , such as his popular YouTube interview series , Pull Up .
So his decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creators , especially Black women , is not only a smart play to diversify his content , but an interesting choice in light of abuse allegations recently levied against him by his ex-girlfriends Tahiry Jose and Cyn Santana .
Budden has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and even offered counter-accusations of his own .
Despite the controversy , fans of Budden have showered him with praise on social media for continuing to grow and evolve in the digital space .
As one of the biggest names in podcasting , Budden has yet to announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Budden Podcast , but with Black women leading the way , it ’ s safe to say that his network is in good hands .

Jay Connor on The Grapevine, shared by Jay Connor to The Root

Following Joe Budden’s ugly breakup with Spotify, the streets wanna know what the rapper-turned-culture commentator will do next. So on the heels of Charlemagne Tha God putting jaws on the floor with the recent unveiling of The Black Effect, a Blackity-Black-ass podcast network in partnership with iHeartMedia, Budden has shown his cards and announced plans of his own.
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On Wednesday, the Slaughterhouse alum took to Instagram to introduce See, the Thing Is, a brand new podcast helmed by singer Bridget Kelly, popular podcaster Mandii B and DJ Olivia Dope. But here’s the shocker—its home will be the Joe Budden Network.
“And NOW we get to have some fun,” Budden posted on Instagram. “I always say on the pod there are too many topics that we can’t and shouldn’t touch.. and that women get to have all the fun... So I’m extremely proud/eager to introduce our new podcast.”
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After shouting out each of the co-hosts, Budden provided his audience with more details on what’s in store.
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“Starting 10/6 & every Tuesday thereafter you can hear these amazing ladies talk their shit (on most [digital streaming platforms]), not sure what they’ll say because I’m staying outta women’s business lol... But they’re bold, committed, opinionated and have a lot to say.”
Prior to See, the Thing Is, Joe’s network has served as a home for content hosted and produced solely by himself, such as his popular YouTube interview series, Pull Up. So his decision to expand his brand to include other content creators, especially Black women, is not only a smart play to diversify his content, but an interesting choice in light of abuse allegations recently levied against him by his ex-girlfriends Tahiry Jose and Cyn Santana.
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Budden has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and even offered counter-accusations of his own.
Despite the controversy, fans of Budden have showered him with praise on social media for continuing to grow and evolve in the digital space.
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As one of the biggest names in podcasting, Budden has yet to announce plans for his own show, The Joe Budden Podcast, but with Black women leading the way, it’s safe to say that his network is in good hands.


theroot--2020-09-24--Is Above The Rim's Thomas 'Shep' Sheppard The GOAT Fictional Basketball Player? A Discussion

I love Above The Rim .
Its soundtrack is always in the convo for the best Black movie soundtrack of all time , and Tupac Tupac ’ d the shit out of the movie .
Then , you have Leon ( I was today years old when I discovered his last name was Robinson ) displaying another talent of his—a believable jump shot—to go along with his ( especially at the time ) propensity to morph into various singers , Jamaican track stars turned bobsledders , gang members , ladies men , etc .
Leon really is a treasure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more on display than in Above The Rim , especially in the last 20 minutes .
The movie itself is a hoot ; Leon plays Thomas Sheppard , a nomadic basketball super-talent who effectively went into hiding after the death of his best friend Nutso , a death Thomas blamed on himself .
His younger brother , Birdie ( basically Tupac playing Bishop if he doesn ’ t die at the end of Juice , let ’ s call it Juicier ) , grew up to be the neighborhood gang leader ( essentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoulder because his big brother , nicknamed Shep , took off .
The movie ’ s main character is Kyle Lee Watson ( played by Duane Martin , one of the few black men in movies who you can tell actually knows how to play basketball ) a high school basketball standout whose entire goal is to play college ball at Georgetown University , and whose dalliance with Birdie almost costs him that opportunity and his life .
You know—and I ’ m just going to assume everybody has seen it—what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to move out of the way of bullets ?
Ricky , an alleged standout high school running back , tried to literally OUTRUN a 12-gauge shotgun round in Boyz in the Hood , and when Motaw ( more on him later , played by Wood Harris ) pulls a gun on Kyle at the end of Above the Rim , he literally just stands there with his hands up while literally , EVERYBODY else around him is trying to get the fuck out of dodge .
Anyway , the movie leads up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holcombe Rucker Park courts in Harlem where Kyle , who until that point is part of Birdie ’ s Birdmen team , which is stacked to win , quits to join the team his high school coach has assembled .
Birdie is unhappy .
Their teams , The Bombers ( Kyle ’ s team ) and the Birdmen ( Birdie ’ s team , natch ) meet in the championship game which is where the shenanigans come to life .
Look , I don ’ t know if it ’ s just been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just watched it ) but it ’ s like I saw it with a new set of eyes .
And I ’ m specifically talking about the basketball tournament scenes that end the movie .
Good lord .
For starters , and this is the point nearly everybody talks about , Shep shows up to play basketball in CORDUROYS .
This is AFTER the Bombers team is depleted because The Birdmen have literally fouled the shit out of them into injury status .
The Bombers can ’ t field a team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play by his former coach , now Kyle ’ s coach , who left his name on the roster just in case he changed his mind ; that ’ s fucking foresight—again , in corduroys and a long sleeve thermal shirt , and some hi-top Adidas Superstars .
He didn ’ t even stretch .
He just walked onto the court and goes fucking bonkers .
By my entirely accurate scientific analysis , the score of this game is—with , let ’ s say , 10 minutes left on a running clock—74-36 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murdered .
Somehow , Shep , after being flagrantly fouled AT LEAST 3 times , one time resulting in him going head first into the outdoor court ( concussion protocols were not a thing there ) , gets up and goes on a 39-2 run BY HIMSELF .
He plays defense , he gets steals , he dishes out his own flagrant fouls… .
... quick aside : what the fuck were the refs even there for ?
I saw AT LEAST 20 fouls that weren ’ t called .
At least .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually went to a ref at one point asking for a foul call even though his team literally punched niggas in the face on the court .
Anyway , Shep hangs 39 on them , makes the game-winning steal AND assist , an alley-oop to Kyle for the game-winning jam .
The Bombers win 77-76 ( on camera , the Birdmen only scored one time , but considering how Shep carved them niggas up , I ’ m assuming he singlehandedly killed them ) .
This with a running clock and it being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting as much joy out of that before , but on this latest watch I was tickled pink .
Like holy shit , he did this IN CORDUROYS .
Imagine if he had on better shoes and shorts .
He finger-rolled , dropped 3s , a few mid-range jumpers , had assists and played defense .
I think I ’ m ready to call this the single greatest fictional basketball performance in a movie .
And he played with toughness and aggression .
He stood up to Motaw who was a baller but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyle quit Birdie ’ s team , Birdie tells Motaw that he is now starting .
Meanwhile , Motaw has handles , dunks and is clearly a good player .
I was surprised by that .
And here ’ s the funny part : U pon rewatching with different eyes I saw the most improbable , the craziest shit that ever could have or would have happened in a basketball game .
Shep does this in a game where a player on the Birdmen ( # 52 ) intercepts a pass under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass ... TO HIMSELF and then dunks it .
It ’ s the most amazing basketball play I ’ ve ever seen .
I had to watch it like 5 times just to make sure I wasn ’ t making it up , but it happened .
He literally threw an outlet pass on the other end of the court TO HIMSELF for the dunk .
SHEP DID THIS AGAINST A TEAM THAT WAS BASICALLY A VIDEO GAME SET TO ALL-CENTURY !
I realize I ’ m not reinventing the wheel here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Above The Rim ( and who isn ’ t ?
Amirite ? )
then you ’ ve probably talked about Shep ’ s performance many times , but wow , was that a joy to watch .
It would have only been more impressive if he did it wearing Stacy Adams or Chuck ’ s .
To Thomas Sheppard , the GOAT , you are appreciated .
( See what I did there ?
Because ‘ Pac ...
I ’ ll see myself out . )

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

I love Above The Rim. Its soundtrack is always in the convo for the best Black movie soundtrack of all time, and Tupac Tupac’d the shit out of the movie. Then, you have Leon (I was today years old when I discovered his last name was Robinson) displaying another talent of his—a believable jump shot—to go along with his (especially at the time) propensity to morph into various singers, Jamaican track stars turned bobsledders, gang members, ladies men, etc. Leon really is a treasure of African America.
And nowhere is that more on display than in Above The Rim, especially in the last 20 minutes. The movie itself is a hoot; Leon plays Thomas Sheppard, a nomadic basketball super-talent who effectively went into hiding after the death of his best friend Nutso, a death Thomas blamed on himself.
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His younger brother, Birdie (basically Tupac playing Bishop if he doesn’t die at the end of Juice, let’s call it Juicier), grew up to be the neighborhood gang leader (essentially) who caught a chip on his shoulder because his big brother, nicknamed Shep, took off. The movie’s main character is Kyle Lee Watson (played by Duane Martin, one of the few black men in movies who you can tell actually knows how to play basketball) a high school basketball standout whose entire goal is to play college ball at Georgetown University, and whose dalliance with Birdie almost costs him that opportunity and his life.
You know—and I’m just going to assume everybody has seen it—what’s up with 90s high schoolers not learning how to move out of the way of bullets? Ricky, an alleged standout high school running back, tried to literally OUTRUN a 12-gauge shotgun round in Boyz in the Hood, and when Motaw (more on him later, played by Wood Harris) pulls a gun on Kyle at the end of Above the Rim, he literally just stands there with his hands up while literally, EVERYBODY else around him is trying to get the fuck out of dodge.
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Anyway, the movie leads up to a ShootOut tournament at the famous Holcombe Rucker Park courts in Harlem where Kyle, who until that point is part of Birdie’s Birdmen team, which is stacked to win, quits to join the team his high school coach has assembled. Birdie is unhappy. Their teams, The Bombers (Kyle’s team) and the Birdmen (Birdie’s team, natch) meet in the championship game which is where the shenanigans come to life.
Look, I don’t know if it’s just been a while since I watched it (I just watched it) but it’s like I saw it with a new set of eyes. And I’m specifically talking about the basketball tournament scenes that end the movie. Good lord.
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For starters, and this is the point nearly everybody talks about, Shep shows up to play basketball in CORDUROYS. This is AFTER the Bombers team is depleted because The Birdmen have literally fouled the shit out of them into injury status. The Bombers can’t field a team and then Shep shows up—he was previously asked to play by his former coach, now Kyle’s coach, who left his name on the roster just in case he changed his mind; that’s fucking foresight—again, in corduroys and a long sleeve thermal shirt, and some hi-top Adidas Superstars. He didn’t even stretch. He just walked onto the court and goes fucking bonkers.
By my entirely accurate scientific analysis, the score of this game is—with, let’s say, 10 minutes left on a running clock—74-36, Birdmen. The Bombers are getting murdered.
Somehow, Shep, after being flagrantly fouled AT LEAST 3 times, one time resulting in him going head first into the outdoor court (concussion protocols were not a thing there), gets up and goes on a 39-2 run BY HIMSELF. He plays defense, he gets steals, he dishes out his own flagrant fouls….
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...quick aside: what the fuck were the refs even there for? I saw AT LEAST 20 fouls that weren’t called. At least. Why are there even refs? Birdie actually went to a ref at one point asking for a foul call even though his team literally punched niggas in the face on the court.
Anyway, Shep hangs 39 on them, makes the game-winning steal AND assist, an alley-oop to Kyle for the game-winning jam. The Bombers win 77-76 (on camera, the Birdmen only scored one time, but considering how Shep carved them niggas up, I’m assuming he singlehandedly killed them). This with a running clock and it being 5-on-5.
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I don’t remember getting as much joy out of that before, but on this latest watch I was tickled pink. Like holy shit, he did this IN CORDUROYS. Imagine if he had on better shoes and shorts. He finger-rolled, dropped 3s, a few mid-range jumpers, had assists and played defense. I think I’m ready to call this the single greatest fictional basketball performance in a movie. And he played with toughness and aggression. He stood up to Motaw who was a baller but was SOMEHOW benched for Kyle? When Kyle quit Birdie’s team, Birdie tells Motaw that he is now starting. Meanwhile, Motaw has handles, dunks and is clearly a good player. I was surprised by that.
And here’s the funny part: U pon rewatching with different eyes I saw the most improbable, the craziest shit that ever could have or would have happened in a basketball game.
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Shep does this in a game where a player on the Birdmen (#52) intercepts a pass under the Bombers basket, makes a full-court length pass...TO HIMSELF and then dunks it. It’s the most amazing basketball play I’ve ever seen. I had to watch it like 5 times just to make sure I wasn’t making it up, but it happened. He literally threw an outlet pass on the other end of the court TO HIMSELF for the dunk. SHEP DID THIS AGAINST A TEAM THAT WAS BASICALLY A VIDEO GAME SET TO ALL-CENTURY!
I realize I’m not reinventing the wheel here, but if you’re a fan of Above The Rim (and who isn’t? Amirite?) then you’ve probably talked about Shep’s performance many times, but wow, was that a joy to watch. It would have only been more impressive if he did it wearing Stacy Adams or Chuck’s.
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To Thomas Sheppard, the GOAT, you are appreciated.
(See what I did there? Because ‘Pac...I’ll see myself out.)


theroot--2020-09-24--Ray Fisher Is Getting More Screen Time in Zack Snyder's Justice League, New Scenes Will Be Shot in O

Ray Fisher Is Getting More Screen Time in Zack Snyder's Justice League, New Scenes Will Be Shot in October

Justice League fans are going to be treated to more Cyborg—thanks to Zack Snyder ’ s cut .
According to The Hollywood Reporter , Snyder is set to start shooting for Zack Snyder ’ s Justice League , a restored version of the 2017 film that he abruptly exited as director , due to a family tragedy .
The film will be released as a four-episode limited series and will highlight Batman ( Ben Affleck ) , Superman ( Henry Cavill ) and Wonder Woman ( Gal Gadot ) in new scenes .
Ray Fisher , who portrays Cyborg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ week-or-so-long.
” THR provides some background on the promise of Cyborg ’ s character arc and in turn , Fisher ’ s rising career : For Fisher , being cast as superhero Cyborg by Snyder was supposed to be the break of a lifetime .
The actor went from theater work and one episode of television to land the character , who was first introduced in Snyder ’ s Batman v Superman : Dawn of Justice ( 2016 ) then showcased more predominantly in Justice League .
Cyborg was also get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slated for 2020 .
But all that was years ago .
Justice League disappointed at the box office and a DC Films shake-up saw [ executives Geoff ] Johns and [ Jon ] Berg let go , to be replaced Walter Hamada , an executive from Warners ’ sister arm New Line .
This recent development is especially notable as Fisher is involved in an ongoing investigation with Warner Bros. after he claimed Joss Whedon ( who replaced Snyder as director ) engaged in work abuse and spearheaded a toxic work environment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice League cast member Jason Momoa backed Fisher ’ s claims , including accusing the studio of attempting to downplay news of the investigation via strategic PR tactics .
As far as Fisher ’ s future relationship with Warner Bros. , THR adds : Fisher is in talks with Warner Bros. to make a cameo in The Flash , a Justice League spinoff movie due to shoot next year .
He has options negotiated for future appearances , including cameos , beyond the initial film .
But in earlier drafts of the Flash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active player than the one in the current script .
Sources say the studio exercised its option for Flash , even upping its negotiated price for what ’ s described as a three-scene appearance .
Fisher ’ s side countered with a figure doubling that .
Warners turned that down , and negotiations have remained stalled for weeks .
With the ongoing investigation , I expect things to be rather tense in regards to future negotiations .
But on a positive note , I am looking forward to seeing how much more Cyborg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Justice League , set to be released Sept. 5 , 2021 .

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

Justice League fans are going to be treated to more Cyborg—thanks to Zack Snyder’s cut.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Snyder is set to start shooting for Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a restored version of the 2017 film that he abruptly exited as director, due to a family tragedy. The film will be released as a four-episode limited series and will highlight Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) in new scenes. Ray Fisher, who portrays Cyborg, is set to shoot new scenes for a “week-or-so-long.”
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THR provides some background on the promise of Cyborg’s character arc and in turn, Fisher’s rising career:
For Fisher, being cast as superhero Cyborg by Snyder was supposed to be the break of a lifetime. The actor went from theater work and one episode of television to land the character, who was first introduced in Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) then showcased more predominantly in Justice League. Cyborg was also get his own stand-alone movie, which was slated for 2020. But all that was years ago. Justice League disappointed at the box office and a DC Films shake-up saw [executives Geoff] Johns and [Jon] Berg let go, to be replaced Walter Hamada, an executive from Warners’ sister arm New Line.
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This recent development is especially notable as Fisher is involved in an ongoing investigation with Warner Bros. after he claimed Joss Whedon (who replaced Snyder as director) engaged in work abuse and spearheaded a toxic work environment for cast and crew.
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Recently, fellow Justice League cast member Jason Momoa backed Fisher’s claims, including accusing the studio of attempting to downplay news of the investigation via strategic PR tactics.
As far as Fisher’s future relationship with Warner Bros., THR adds:
Fisher is in talks with Warner Bros. to make a cameo in The Flash, a Justice League spinoff movie due to shoot next year. He has options negotiated for future appearances, including cameos, beyond the initial film. But in earlier drafts of the Flash script, Cyborg was a much more active player than the one in the current script. Sources say the studio exercised its option for Flash, even upping its negotiated price for what’s described as a three-scene appearance. Fisher’s side countered with a figure doubling that. Warners turned that down, and negotiations have remained stalled for weeks.
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With the ongoing investigation, I expect things to be rather tense in regards to future negotiations. But on a positive note, I am looking forward to seeing how much more Cyborg will be developed in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, set to be released Sept. 5, 2021.


theroot--2020-09-24--Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Miss Cicely Tyson Will Bless Us in 2021

In 1974 , Cicely Tyson simultaneously earned her first and second Primetime Emmy awards ( for Best Lead Actress in a Drama and Actress of the Year - Special ) as well as a BAFTA ( for Best Actress in a Leading Role ) for her starring role in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman .
She would win her third ( for Supporting Actress -Miniseries or Movie ) 20 years later for her performance in Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All .
Perhaps both roles were foreshadowing for Tyson to publish an autobiographical work of her own .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HarperCollins announced that Tyson ’ s memoir , Just As I Am , will be released on January 26 , 2021 .
The tome , which was co-written by O Magazine founding editor Michelle Burford , will chronicle Tyson ’ s career from her lesser-known early days as a model , dancer , and unbeknownst to many , a reported co-founder of the Dance Theater of Harlem with close friend and ballet dancer Arthur Mitchell .
She will no doubt also reflect upon her incredible and ongoing six-decade-plus acting career , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legend Miles Davis .
The book will detail not only her friendships with iconic actors such as Sidney Poitier , Harry Belafonte , Ossie and Ruby Davis , Richard Pryor and James Earl Jones , but will also shed light on her moments with other luminaries , including Maya Angelou , Nelson and Winnie Mandela , Aretha Franklin and even Quincy Jones ... along with her friendships with Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington—and her frequent modern-day collaborators , such as Oprah Winfrey , Tyler Perry , Shonda Rhimes , Ava DuVernay , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m only beginning to fully understand my identity , ” said Tyson in a statement obtained by Essence .
“ The accolades , the lights , the glamour and glitter—they ’ re all just ornaments on a tree .
It is only a tree ’ s roots , its origins beneath the soil , that can reveal its entire story.
” “ Every one of my experiences on the public stage has been rooted in my upbringing , those years spent at my mother ’ s elbow and in the pews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
And that foundation , that core , led me to a lifetime of growth—a wondrous journey that has made me who I am .
”

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

In 1974, Cicely Tyson simultaneously earned her first and second Primetime Emmy awards (for Best Lead Actress in a Drama and Actress of the Year - Special) as well as a BAFTA (for Best Actress in a Leading Role) for her starring role in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. She would win her third (for Supporting Actress -Miniseries or Movie) 20 years later for her performance in Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.
Perhaps both roles were foreshadowing for Tyson to publish an autobiographical work of her own. As Essence reports, earlier this week, HarperCollins announced that Tyson’s memoir, Just As I Am, will be released on January 26, 2021.
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The tome, which was co-written by O Magazine founding editor Michelle Burford, will chronicle Tyson’s career from her lesser-known early days as a model, dancer, and unbeknownst to many, a reported co-founder of the Dance Theater of Harlem with close friend and ballet dancer Arthur Mitchell. She will no doubt also reflect upon her incredible and ongoing six-decade-plus acting career, as well as her tumultuous eight-year marriage to jazz legend Miles Davis.
More from Essence:
The book will detail not only her friendships with iconic actors such as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Ossie and Ruby Davis, Richard Pryor and James Earl Jones, but will also shed light on her moments with other luminaries, including Maya Angelou, Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Aretha Franklin and even Quincy Jones...along with her friendships with Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington—and her frequent modern-day collaborators, such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, and Viola Davis.
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“At 95, I’m only beginning to fully understand my identity,” said Tyson in a statement obtained by Essence. “The accolades, the lights, the glamour and glitter—they’re all just ornaments on a tree. It is only a tree’s roots, its origins beneath the soil, that can reveal its entire story.”
“Every one of my experiences on the public stage has been rooted in my upbringing, those years spent at my mother’s elbow and in the pews of my church. That was my world. And that foundation, that core, led me to a lifetime of growth—a wondrous journey that has made me who I am.”


theroot--2020-09-24--‘Vote Him Out’: Donald Trump Booed and Heckled When Paying His Respects to Ruth Bader Ginsburg

On today ’ s episode of Everybody Hates Chris Christie ’ s Favorite President , Donald Trump tried to do the mature thing for the literal first time in his life by paying his respects to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who was lying in repose in front of the Supreme Court .
But instead of being greeted with the kind of praise and cult-like adoration he ’ s used to getting from his own base of people who think white nationalism and patriotism are the same thing ( because in this country , they pretty much are ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chants of “ vote him out.
” In the roughly one-and-half minute video clip that has been making the rounds on social media , Trump can be seen standing behind the columns at the top of the Supreme Court steps wearing a face mask as a COVID-19 precaution and not because I recently suggested he wear the mask more often so that people forget he has a butthole in the middle of his face .
I was actually a little disappointed he was wearing the mask in this instance only because towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variegated-skin-tone-in-chief can be seen turning away looking sad as hell .
Boy , would I have loved to see his face-butthole turned upside down in that moment as Tang-flavored tears trickled down his old crusty basketball-colored cheek .
Still , the loud “ vote him out ” chants shouted by the crowd were very satisfying and if you listen very closely you can also hear me shouting from home at my TV screen : “ BITCH , THAT ’ S WHAT YOU GET FOR SKIPPING JOHN LEWIS ’ FUNERAL !
!
” Honestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super powerless Homelander from The Boys went to visit RBG ’ s casket in the first place considering they didn ’ t fuck with each other while she was alive , which was essentially the reason he gave for not paying his respects to Lewis .
Hell , the ink wasn ’ t even dry yet on news of Ginsburg ’ s death before Trump and his pet duck-turtle hybrid Mitch McConnell started plotting to replace her .
One could argue that the “ vote him out ” chants served as instant karma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Orange Supremacists for White Power fan club led his supporters in chanting “ fill that seat ” at a campaign rally the day after Ginsburg died .
According to ABC News , attendees of Ginsburg ’ s tribute also shouted “ honor her wish ” at Trump in reference to her dying wish that Trump not be the president to appoint a justice to replace her .
Anyway , as always : Fuck Trump , rest well RBG , and for the love of all that is good and holy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PLEASE ... Vote .
Him .
Out .

On today’s episode of Everybody Hates Chris Christie’s Favorite President, Donald Trump tried to do the mature thing for the literal first time in his life by paying his respects to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was lying in repose in front of the Supreme Court. But instead of being greeted with the kind of praise and cult-like adoration he’s used to getting from his own base of people who think white nationalism and patriotism are the same thing (because in this country, they pretty much are), he was met with boos, heckling and chants of “vote him out.”
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In the roughly one-and-half minute video clip that has been making the rounds on social media, Trump can be seen standing behind the columns at the top of the Supreme Court steps wearing a face mask as a COVID-19 precaution and not because I recently suggested he wear the mask more often so that people forget he has a butthole in the middle of his face.
I was actually a little disappointed he was wearing the mask in this instance only because towards the end of the clip, the variegated-skin-tone-in-chief can be seen turning away looking sad as hell. Boy, would I have loved to see his face-butthole turned upside down in that moment as Tang-flavored tears trickled down his old crusty basketball-colored cheek.
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Still, the loud “vote him out” chants shouted by the crowd were very satisfying and if you listen very closely you can also hear me shouting from home at my TV screen: “BITCH, THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR SKIPPING JOHN LEWIS’ FUNERAL!!”
Honestly, I don’t know why super powerless Homelander from The Boys went to visit RBG’s casket in the first place considering they didn’t fuck with each other while she was alive, which was essentially the reason he gave for not paying his respects to Lewis.
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Hell, the ink wasn’t even dry yet on news of Ginsburg’s death before Trump and his pet duck-turtle hybrid Mitch McConnell started plotting to replace her. One could argue that the “vote him out” chants served as instant karma for when the president of the U.S. and the Orange Supremacists for White Power fan club led his supporters in chanting “fill that seat” at a campaign rally the day after Ginsburg died.
According to ABC News, attendees of Ginsburg’s tribute also shouted “honor her wish” at Trump in reference to her dying wish that Trump not be the president to appoint a justice to replace her.
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Anyway, as always: Fuck Trump, rest well RBG, and for the love of all that is good and holy on Angela Bassett’s green Earth, PLEASE...Vote. Him. Out.


theroot--2020-09-24--Tyler Herro Is a Problem the Celtics Can't Solve

At all of 20 years old , Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro was supposed to spend his inaugural season playing limited minutes while adjusting to the rigors of NBA life .
But instead of being a mere contributor , the Kentucky product has evolved into a centerpiece under Erik Spoelstra ’ s tutelage—just in time to unleash unbridled carnage on the Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Finals .
On Wednesday night , the baby-faced assassin dropped a Heat rookie-record 37 points off the bench in a sometimes ugly , sometimes thrilling 112-109 victory over the Celtics .
And with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lay claim to their first NBA Finals berth since LeBron chucked the deuce and bounced for Cleveland .
But I don ’ t think y ’ all really understand what kind of damage the All-Rookie second-teamer is doing .
His 37-point outburst is the second-most points in a playoff game ever for a player under 21 years old ( first is Magic Johnson , who put up 42 points back in 1980 ) and he ’ s not only knocking down shots , but he ’ s also second on the team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series .
Simply put , this white boy is putting in work .
Did I mention he ’ s doing this against the team with the best defense in the league this postseason ?
Herro ’ s confidence was already legendary before he ever even stepped foot in the NBA , and for what he lacks in physique , he more than makes up for with his relentless work ethic , adept ball handling , and unwavering belief in his ability to destroy his opponents .
“ He has a lot of confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that isn ’ t factored in a lot of times , ” Iguodala told Sports Illustrated .
“ You can ’ t analyze guys ’ confidence .
It won ’ t show up anywhere on the stat sheet .
You can ’ t calculate it.
” Hell , the dude is playing so damn good that he ’ s not only rendered fellow rookie Kendrick Nunn , who was a finalist for NBA Rookie of the Year , completely obsolete , but he ’ s looking like he could be an All-Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He has a great competitive humility about him , ” Spoelstra told reporters after Game 4 .
“ He has a confidence .
He has a fearlessness that is uncommon .
But he ’ s humble enough to work , to be coachable , to take the ment orship from the veteran players that we have on our team , and he just continues to gain more confidence as we go.
” The Celtics are in deep shit in they can ’ t figure out a way to contain the Milwaukee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Heat make it to the Finals , he could be the key ingredient to the Heat ’ s first title since 2013 .

He’s supposed to be a rookie.
At all of 20 years old, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro was supposed to spend his inaugural season playing limited minutes while adjusting to the rigors of NBA life. But instead of being a mere contributor, the Kentucky product has evolved into a centerpiece under Erik Spoelstra’s tutelage—just in time to unleash unbridled carnage on the Boston Celtics during the Eastern Conference Finals.
On Wednesday night, the baby-faced assassin dropped a Heat rookie-record 37 points off the bench in a sometimes ugly, sometimes thrilling 112-109 victory over the Celtics. And with one more win, the Heat will lay claim to their first NBA Finals berth since LeBron chucked the deuce and bounced for Cleveland.
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But I don’t think y’all really understand what kind of damage the All-Rookie second-teamer is doing. His 37-point outburst is the second-most points in a playoff game ever for a player under 21 years old (first is Magic Johnson, who put up 42 points back in 1980) and he’s not only knocking down shots, but he’s also second on the team in boards and first in assists during the series.
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Simply put, this white boy is putting in work.
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Did I mention he’s doing this against the team with the best defense in the league this postseason? Herro’s confidence was already legendary before he ever even stepped foot in the NBA, and for what he lacks in physique, he more than makes up for with his relentless work ethic, adept ball handling, and unwavering belief in his ability to destroy his opponents.
“He has a lot of confidence and in this league, confidence is something that isn’t factored in a lot of times,” Iguodala told Sports Illustrated. “You can’t analyze guys’ confidence. It won’t show up anywhere on the stat sheet. You can’t calculate it.”
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Hell, the dude is playing so damn good that he’s not only rendered fellow rookie Kendrick Nunn, who was a finalist for NBA Rookie of the Year, completely obsolete, but he’s looking like he could be an All-Star caliber player as soon as next season.
“He has a great competitive humility about him,” Spoelstra told reporters after Game 4. “He has a confidence. He has a fearlessness that is uncommon. But he’s humble enough to work, to be coachable, to take the ment orship from the veteran players that we have on our team, and he just continues to gain more confidence as we go.”
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The Celtics are in deep shit in they can’t figure out a way to contain the Milwaukee, Wis., native, and should the Heat make it to the Finals, he could be the key ingredient to the Heat’s first title since 2013.


theroot--2020-09-24--Trump to Ballots: I’m Going to Punch You in the Nuts!

I ’ m not sure what ballots have done to President Trump but he hates them .
Maybe it ’ s because he knows that ballots can ’ t be tampered with .
Maybe he knows that a physical ballot is a receipt of a vote cast , most likely against his ass .
So , the president of people who really wanted to make ass cleavage a thing has staked a full-on fight against ballots .
On Wednesday , the president of people whose heels hang off the back of their open-toed shoes refused to commit to a peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden because he only sees the election one of two ways : H e gets another four years in office or something went wrong , and by something , I mean Russian interference didn ’ t work .
“ Well , we ’ re going to have to see what happens , ” Trump said .
“ You know that I ’ ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots , and the ballots are a disaster.
” Pressed further , Trump said : “ We ’ ll want to have — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll have a very — we ’ ll have a very peaceful — there won ’ t be a transfer , frankly .
There ’ ll be a continuation , ” NBC News reports .
This isn ’ t the first time that King Joffrey Baratheon refused to commit to leaving the White House should the election show that the loser has lost .
In June , he told Fox News ’ Chris Wallace he ’ d “ have to see ” and claimed that mail-in voting will “ rig the election.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as widely fraudulent , but he and his campaign have released no evidence to prove it .
Even though the president and first lady Melania Trump have voted by mail and his campaign and Republicans have encouraged voters in key swing states to request ballots , his campaign is suing multiple states over mail-in voting rules .
Earlier Wednesday , Trump said he wanted to have the next Supreme Court justice confirmed ahead of the election so the high court could rule on the contest .
“ I think this will end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it ’ s very important that we have nine justices , and I think the system ’ s going to go very quickly , ” Trump said at the White House , adding that “ having a 4-4 situation is not a good situation.
” Biden was asked about Trump ’ s comments to which he replied : “ Seriously , what the fuck is wrong with this nigga ?
” “ What country are we in ?
“ He says the most irrational things , ” Biden said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that .
It doesn ’ t surprise me , ” NBC News reports .
Even “ Stalin , ” the fifth ninja turtle , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) couldn ’ t get down with Trump ’ s brand of fuckshit .
“ The winner of the November 3 election will be inaugurated on January 20 , ” he tweeted .
“ There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792.
” And if you were wondering why Republicans are adamant about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court seat , Trump ’ s favorite stepping stool , South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham , spelled it out on Fox News on Thursday .
“ People wonder about the peaceful transfer of power , ” he said .
“ I can assure you it will be peaceful .
Now we may have litigation about who won the election , but the court will decide , and if Republicans lose , we ’ ll accept that result .
But we need a full court .
”

I’m not sure what ballots have done to President Trump but he hates them.
Maybe it’s because he knows that ballots can’t be tampered with. Maybe he knows that a physical ballot is a receipt of a vote cast, most likely against his ass. So, the president of people who really wanted to make ass cleavage a thing has staked a full-on fight against ballots.
On Wednesday, the president of people whose heels hang off the back of their open-toed shoes refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power should he lose to Joe Biden because he only sees the election one of two ways: H e gets another four years in office or something went wrong, and by something, I mean Russian interference didn’t work.
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“Well, we’re going to have to see what happens,” Trump said. “You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster.”
Pressed further, Trump said: “We’ll want to have — get rid of the ballots and you’ll have a very — we’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There’ll be a continuation,” NBC News reports.
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This isn’t the first time that King Joffrey Baratheon refused to commit to leaving the White House should the election show that the loser has lost. In June, he told Fox News’ Chris Wallace he’d “have to see” and claimed that mail-in voting will “rig the election.”
From NBC News:
Trump has repeatedly assailed mail-in voting as widely fraudulent, but he and his campaign have released no evidence to prove it. Even though the president and first lady Melania Trump have voted by mail and his campaign and Republicans have encouraged voters in key swing states to request ballots, his campaign is suing multiple states over mail-in voting rules. Earlier Wednesday, Trump said he wanted to have the next Supreme Court justice confirmed ahead of the election so the high court could rule on the contest. “I think this will end up in the Supreme Court, and I think it’s very important that we have nine justices, and I think the system’s going to go very quickly,” Trump said at the White House, adding that “having a 4-4 situation is not a good situation.”
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Biden was asked about Trump’s comments to which he replied: “Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with this nigga?” “What country are we in?
“He says the most irrational things,” Biden said. “I don’t know what to say to that. It doesn’t surprise me,” NBC News reports.
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Even “Stalin,” the fifth ninja turtle, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) couldn’t get down with Trump’s brand of fuckshit.
“The winner of the November 3 election will be inaugurated on January 20,” he tweeted. “There will be an orderly transition just as there has been every four years since 1792.”
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And if you were wondering why Republicans are adamant about filling Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat, Trump’s favorite stepping stool, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, spelled it out on Fox News on Thursday.
“People wonder about the peaceful transfer of power,” he said. “I can assure you it will be peaceful. Now we may have litigation about who won the election, but the court will decide, and if Republicans lose, we’ll accept that result. But we need a full court.”


theroot--2020-09-24--Lizzo Talks Black Lives, Why Voting Matters and Why Body Positivity Isn't Enough for Vogue's October

Lizzo Talks Black Lives, Why Voting Matters and Why Body Positivity Isn't Enough for Vogue's October Cover

She ’ s bumped up the “ Tempo , ” brought the “ Juice , ” and keeps us feeling “ Good as Hell ” even when the “ Truth Hurts.
” Now , Lizzo is bringing her luscious brand of self-love where few if any Black women over a size 6 have gone before : to the cover of Vogue ’ s October issue .
None other than veteran video and film director Hype Williams captures Lizzo—dressed in Valentino , Moschino Couture , Gucci , and LaQuan Smith—for the issue , while erstwhile fan and award-winning writer Claudia Rankine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lizzo is the kind of artist who speaks to multitudes because—in an era of fake news and lying politicians and stressed-out white Americans shouting racist words at stressed-out people of color—she was committed to positivity .
This despite the trolls going after her for her race , her weight , her sexuality .
Anyone who could understand what it was like to be targeted felt spoken to by Lizzo .
They were seen by Lizzo and were taking her lead to love themselves a little bit harder .
In Lizzo ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black woman making music from a Black experience ” —albeit one with a recently announced first-look deal with Amazon Studios ( h/t Variety ) .
But if she ’ s built her brand on reliability , it ’ s because she says things we ’ re all feeling , especially in a tumultuous year like this one : “ There are so many levels to the butterfly effect of this pandemic , ” she tells Rankine , “ not just the sickness but the emotional and mental effects .
That is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s what stresses me out.
” Ironically , that ’ s also where Lizzo comes in .
“ I want to make music that helps , ” she says .
“ ‘ Cause that ’ s the way that I help .
I ’ m not a doctor , I ’ m not a lawyer , I don ’ t work in the government .
I make music.
” One of her idols-turned-collaborator and friend Missy Elliott describes Lizzo ’ s music as “ empowering , liberating , and fun…with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows the world what strength and perseverance look like.
” Like Missy , Lizzo didn ’ t fit the prototype of a music star with “ crossover appeal , ” and says it ’ s the hip hop pioneer , along with Queen Latifah , who inspired her to dream bigger in an industry that traditionally prefers its icons smaller , as both were “ women who looked like me and who were successful in the ways I wanted to be successful , ” she says .
“ I was like , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look this way.
’ You know ?
” Lizzo may seem a poster child for the body positivity movement , but she casts an equally critical lens on who actually benefits from it , telling Rankine , “ I think it ’ s lazy for me to just say I ’ m body positive at this point ...
It ’ s easy .
I would like to be body-normative .
I want to normalize my body .
And not just be like , ‘ Ooh , look at this cool movement .
Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being fat is normal.
” I ’ m glad that this conversation is being included in the mainstream narrative .
What I don ’ t like is how the people that this term was created for are not benefiting from it .
Girls with back fat , girls with bellies that hang , girls with thighs that aren ’ t separated , that overlap .
Girls with stretch marks .
You know , girls who are in the 18-plus club .
They need to be benefiting from ... the mainstream effect of body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes mainstream , it gets changed .
It gets—you know , it gets made acceptable .
What ’ s unacceptable , in Lizzo ’ s opinion , is the ongoing threat against Black lives in America , particularly at the hands of police .
“ They don ’ t actually care , ” she says .
“ And ‘ they ’ —I don ’ t know who ‘ they ’ are .
But I know that they don ’ t care , because if shit like this is still happening , there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t care about somebody ’ s actual life.
” Does she believe a Biden/Harris ticket is the solution ?
“ Having a Black woman as vice president would be great because I ’ m just always rooting for Black people , ” says Lizzo .
“ But I want actual change to happen…in the laws .
And not just on the outside , you know ?
Not a temporary fix to a deep-rooted , systemic issue .
A lot of times I feel like we get distracted by the veneer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better , but they ’ re not actually better , we lose our sense of protest.
” Ultimately , she believes the balance of power at least somewhat depends on whether we exercise ours this November .
“ I just want to encourage people to register to vote .
That is the most important thing to me , ” she says , simultaneously acknowledging the ongoing suppression of Black voters , in particular .
Nevertheless , “ I think it ’ s important to remind people of what they can do .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to vote .
But my job is hopefully to inspire you to vote…to activate you , so that you can take your protest to the ballot box.
” Vogue ’ s October 2020 issue starring Lizzo will available on newsstands nationwide on October 6th .

She’s bumped up the “Tempo,” brought the “Juice,” and keeps us feeling “Good as Hell” even when the “Truth Hurts.” Now, Lizzo is bringing her luscious brand of self-love where few if any Black women over a size 6 have gone before: to the cover of Vogue’s October issue.
None other than veteran video and film director Hype Williams captures Lizzo—dressed in Valentino, Moschino Couture, Gucci, and LaQuan Smith—for the issue, while erstwhile fan and award-winning writer Claudia Rankine pens the cover story, writing:
Lizzo is the kind of artist who speaks to multitudes because—in an era of fake news and lying politicians and stressed-out white Americans shouting racist words at stressed-out people of color—she was committed to positivity. This despite the trolls going after her for her race, her weight, her sexuality. Anyone who could understand what it was like to be targeted felt spoken to by Lizzo. They were seen by Lizzo and were taking her lead to love themselves a little bit harder.
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In Lizzo’s own words, she’s simply “a Black woman making music from a Black experience”—albeit one with a recently announced first-look deal with Amazon Studios (h/t Variety). But if she’s built her brand on reliability, it’s because she says things we’re all feeling, especially in a tumultuous year like this one:
“There are so many levels to the butterfly effect of this pandemic,” she tells Rankine, “not just the sickness but the emotional and mental effects. That is what keeps me up at night. And that’s what stresses me out.”
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Ironically, that’s also where Lizzo comes in. “I want to make music that helps,” she says. “‘Cause that’s the way that I help. I’m not a doctor, I’m not a lawyer, I don’t work in the government. I make music.”
One of her idols-turned-collaborator and friend Missy Elliott describes Lizzo’s music as “empowering, liberating, and fun…with a side order of ratchet sauce...She shows the world what strength and perseverance look like.” Like Missy, Lizzo didn’t fit the prototype of a music star with “crossover appeal,” and says it’s the hip hop pioneer, along with Queen Latifah, who inspired her to dream bigger in an industry that traditionally prefers its icons smaller, as both were “women who looked like me and who were successful in the ways I wanted to be successful,” she says. “I was like, ‘Okay. I can be confident and look this way.’ You know?”
Advertisement
Lizzo may seem a poster child for the body positivity movement, but she casts an equally critical lens on who actually benefits from it, telling Rankine, “I think it’s lazy for me to just say I’m body positive at this point...It’s easy. I would like to be body-normative. I want to normalize my body. And not just be like, ‘Ooh, look at this cool movement. Being fat is body positive.’ No, being fat is normal.”
She adds:
I’m glad that this conversation is being included in the mainstream narrative. What I don’t like is how the people that this term was created for are not benefiting from it. Girls with back fat, girls with bellies that hang, girls with thighs that aren’t separated, that overlap. Girls with stretch marks. You know, girls who are in the 18-plus club. They need to be benefiting from...the mainstream effect of body positivity now. But with everything that goes mainstream, it gets changed. It gets—you know, it gets made acceptable.
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What’s unacceptable, in Lizzo’s opinion, is the ongoing threat against Black lives in America, particularly at the hands of police. “They don’t actually care,” she says. “And ‘they’—I don’t know who ‘they’ are. But I know that they don’t care, because if shit like this is still happening, there has to be a ‘they.’ They don’t care about somebody’s actual life.”
Does she believe a Biden/Harris ticket is the solution? “Having a Black woman as vice president would be great because I’m just always rooting for Black people,” says Lizzo. “But I want actual change to happen…in the laws. And not just on the outside, you know? Not a temporary fix to a deep-rooted, systemic issue. A lot of times I feel like we get distracted by the veneer of things. If things appear to be better, but they’re not actually better, we lose our sense of protest.”
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Ultimately, she believes the balance of power at least somewhat depends on whether we exercise ours this November. “I just want to encourage people to register to vote. That is the most important thing to me,” she says, simultaneously acknowledging the ongoing suppression of Black voters, in particular. Nevertheless, “I think it’s important to remind people of what they can do. My job isn’t to tell you how to vote. But my job is hopefully to inspire you to vote…to activate you, so that you can take your protest to the ballot box.”
Vogue’s October 2020 issue starring Lizzo will available on newsstands nationwide on October 6th.


theroot--2020-09-24--'I'm Exhausted': Anguish Over Breonna Taylor Grand Jury Decision Sparks Nationwide Protests

The only person to face charges for his actions in the early hours of March 13 , the day Breonna Taylor was killed , was a former Louisville Metro Police officer who , in fact , wasn ’ t charged with her fatal shooting at all .
On Wednesday afternoon , a grand jury handed down to Brett Hankison three charges of wanton endangerment , for shots he fired that could have hit Taylor ’ s neighbors .
The rage from that decision seized thousands across the country , who marched in the streets of New York , Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles , Seattle , and Portland to chant Taylor ’ s name and raise demands to overhaul the criminal justice system .
In Louisville , where city officials had braced for protests since the beginning of the week , closing federal buildings and declaring a state of emergency , two officers were shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries after responding to reports of shots at around 8:30 pm in a large crowd .
The LMPD has a suspect in custody but has not released the name of the alleged shooter , reports the Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this point whether the gunman was a participant in the protests .
Earlier this year , right-wing militias and extremist groups like the Boogaloo Bois have attended Black Lives Matter protests to confront protesters or , in the case of alleged killer Steven Carillo , used the protests as cover to attack federal agents .
New York Times reporter John Eligon , who was on the scene of the Louisville protests , observed that demonstrators had marched peacefully for hours before police in riot gear “ confronted protesters and then began pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used and the officers began arresting protesters , dragging some to the ground by the collar , ” Eligon wrote on Twitter , accompanied by a video .
“ Officers then declare an unlawful assembly.
” The crowd , Eligon says , was “ fairly thin in numbers , ” and clearly outmanned and outgunned by police , who had two armored vehicles with them .
Protesters in Buffalo , N.Y , were also the target of the violence .
At a march in Niagara Square , a truck plowed through a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But throughout the country , protesters were determined to have their messages heard .
As politicians , including Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden condemned violence at the demonstrations , those who took to the streets to march remained focused on Taylor ’ s killing , and the ways the system had , once again , failed Black Americans .
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump , representing the Taylor family , called the indictment “ heartbreaking ” to CNN ’ s Don Lemon Wednesday night .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , ” Crump said .
“ Clearly [ Kentucky Attorney General ] Daniel Cameron and the attorney general ’ s office wanted to exonerate these officers or try to justify the unjustifiable.
” Critical race theorist and African American Policy Forum Executive Director Kimberlé Crenshaw tweeted that even if the charges against Louisville Metro Police officers were harsher—Taylor ’ s family had hoped for homicide charges—that would not have been enough to address the broader issue of keeping Black Americans safe from state violence : “ If we thought the problem and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor was simply prosecuting these cops , then we ’ re not understanding the broader systemic conditions that allow for the kind of policing that disproportionately imperils Black Americans.
” “ I ’ m exhausted that Black people are not getting the justice we deserve , ” 24-year-old Nasceita Luckett in Chicago told The Washington Post .
Wednesday night marked her first protest .
“ I ’ m so tired of turning on the TV , it keeps going and it is never going to stop .
… This is my time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisville , a Black male protester told the Times ’ Eligon , “ Fuck the system .
If anyone can get killed how Breonna got killed by the police , there ’ s no way we should live in a society where that ’ s possible .
”

The only person to face charges for his actions in the early hours of March 13, the day Breonna Taylor was killed, was a former Louisville Metro Police officer who, in fact, wasn’t charged with her fatal shooting at all. On Wednesday afternoon, a grand jury handed down to Brett Hankison three charges of wanton endangerment, for shots he fired that could have hit Taylor’s neighbors.
The rage from that decision seized thousands across the country, who marched in the streets of New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland to chant Taylor’s name and raise demands to overhaul the criminal justice system. In Louisville, where city officials had braced for protests since the beginning of the week, closing federal buildings and declaring a state of emergency, two officers were shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries after responding to reports of shots at around 8:30 pm in a large crowd. The LMPD has a suspect in custody but has not released the name of the alleged shooter, reports the Washington Post.
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It’s also unclear at this point whether the gunman was a participant in the protests. Earlier this year, right-wing militias and extremist groups like the Boogaloo Bois have attended Black Lives Matter protests to confront protesters or, in the case of alleged killer Steven Carillo, used the protests as cover to attack federal agents.
New York Times reporter John Eligon, who was on the scene of the Louisville protests, observed that demonstrators had marched peacefully for hours before police in riot gear “confronted protesters and then began pushing them.”
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“A chemical agent was used and the officers began arresting protesters, dragging some to the ground by the collar,” Eligon wrote on Twitter, accompanied by a video. “Officers then declare an unlawful assembly.”
The crowd, Eligon says, was “fairly thin in numbers,” and clearly outmanned and outgunned by police, who had two armored vehicles with them.
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Protesters in Buffalo, N.Y, were also the target of the violence. At a march in Niagara Square, a truck plowed through a group of demonstrators, injuring one woman.
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But throughout the country, protesters were determined to have their messages heard. As politicians, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden condemned violence at the demonstrations, those who took to the streets to march remained focused on Taylor’s killing, and the ways the system had, once again, failed Black Americans.
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Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Taylor family, called the indictment “heartbreaking” to CNN’s Don Lemon Wednesday night.
“It’s like killing Breonna all over again,” Crump said. “Clearly [Kentucky Attorney General] Daniel Cameron and the attorney general’s office wanted to exonerate these officers or try to justify the unjustifiable.”
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Critical race theorist and African American Policy Forum Executive Director Kimberlé Crenshaw tweeted that even if the charges against Louisville Metro Police officers were harsher—Taylor’s family had hoped for homicide charges—that would not have been enough to address the broader issue of keeping Black Americans safe from state violence:
“If we thought the problem and the solution to the tragedy of Breonna Taylor was simply prosecuting these cops, then we’re not understanding the broader systemic conditions that allow for the kind of policing that disproportionately imperils Black Americans.”
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“I’m exhausted that Black people are not getting the justice we deserve,” 24-year-old Nasceita Luckett in Chicago told The Washington Post. Wednesday night marked her first protest. “I’m so tired of turning on the TV, it keeps going and it is never going to stop. … This is my time to try to make a difference.”
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In Louisville, a Black male protester told the Times’ Eligon, “Fuck the system. If anyone can get killed how Breonna got killed by the police, there’s no way we should live in a society where that’s possible.”


theroot--2020-09-24--Gone but Not Forgotten: How This Black Woman Is Carrying on the Legacy of Her Great-Grandfather and

Gone but Not Forgotten: How This Black Woman Is Carrying on the Legacy of Her Great-Grandfather and Black Wall Street

I think there ’ s absolutely the potential to create another Black Wall Street .
I also think it ’ s important to support Black-owned businesses , as well as to remove our spending from corporations that only exploit us as customers .
— Raven Majia Williams , founder , A.J .
Smitherman Foundation Imagine a thriving Black community with its own hospitals , schools , theaters .
A place where Black people circulate the Black dollar and build Black wealth .
This place , known as Black Wall Street , once existed , but nearly a century ago it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-sanctioned violence : the Tulsa Race Massacre .
On May 31 , 1921 , a mob of angry white men ravaged Oklahoma ’ s Greenwood District , destroying homes and businesses and leaving as many as 300 Black people dead .
A.J .
Smitherman was a Black political activist and publisher in Tulsa , who documented the massacre .
Raven Majia Williams is Smitherman ’ s great-granddaughter and the founder of the A.J .
Smitherman Foundation .
Through her work , she continues the legacy of her great- grandfather , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My mission is to carry on the truth , but also to carry on his [ A.J .
Smitherman ’ s ] mission , ” said Majia Williams .
While we can only speculate where the Black business owners of Tulsa , Okla. ’ s Greenwood District would have been , we are certain that Black Wall Street is an example of accumulating Black self-sufficiency and wealth for centuries to come .
See the entire video above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-09-24--Florida Just Doesn’t Want Former Prisoners to Vote

First , Florida voters did something so un-Florida-like that everyone outside of Florida was like , “ Bitch , do y ’ all see Florida ?
” That ’ s because in 2018 , Florida voters voted to give felons back the right to vote , which , now that I think about it , might be completely Florida-like considering Florida is made up of two things : old people and felons .
I kid .
There aren ’ t that many old people in Florida .
Because Florida is governed by the Gomer Pyle of governors who wants nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Trump ’ s human stepping stool .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis and the GOP-led legislature came out with a “ poll tax , ” which wasn ’ t part of the original amendment voters passed but Republicans decided that felons in Florida wouldn ’ t be able to vote until all of their court fees and fines were paid in full .
Like Batman , in stepped billionaire Mike Bloomberg and his utility fanny pack to the rescue .
The former New York City mayor “ partnered with the Florida Rights Restoration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 million for felons to pay off outstanding legal fines and fees in order to regain the right to vote , ” NBC News reports .
In doing so , Bloomberg and co. gave some 32,000 former prisoners back their right to vote , and Florida didn ’ t like that shit .
“ Today , I sent a letter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into potential violations of election laws , ” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said in a statement on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have instructed the Statewide Prosecutor to work with law enforcement and any Statewide Grand Jury that the Governor may call.
” And you know who asked that she look into the restorative justice efforts ?
Pig excrement , Ron DeSantis , aka “ Don ’ t I look pretty , Daddy ?
” Florida voters passed a measure in 2018 to restore voting rights to felons who have not been convicted of murder or sexual offenses and who had completed their sentences .
Republicans in the state legislature responded by passing a law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any outstanding fines and fees to consider their sentence complete .
Voting rights groups sued over the law , comparing it to a poll tax , but an appeals court earlier this month ruled the law was constitutional .
“ The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and no American should be denied that right .
Working together with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition , we are determined to end disenfranchisement and the discrimination that has always driven it , ” Bloomberg said in a statement on Tuesday after the initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to the pushback by saying , “ This transparent political ploy is just the latest example of Republicans attempting to keep Floridians disenfranchised.
” You know if it involves stealing an election and voting , then Nestor ’ s father , who is not really his father , Rep. Matt Gaetz , wouldn ’ t be far behind .
Nestor ’ s papa took his ass to the show of Trump ’ s favorite OnlyFans sex worker , Sean Hannity , and claimed that Florida needed to investigate the paying of felons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felony [ under Florida statute ] for someone to either directly or indirectly offer something of value to impact whether or not someone votes , ” Gaetz told Fox News .
“ You have the question of whether or not paying someone restitution and court costs constitutes something of value .
“ The next step is to determine whether or not this is intended whether or not someone votes , ” Gaetz added .
And this is where Florida loses itself .
First Republicans claimed that the tax was not a “ poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs before former prisoners could go to the polls .
Now that the debt has been paid , Florida wants to investigate the payoff .
Florida just can ’ t stop Florida-ing all over the shits .
Florida is basically the soiled adult diaper on the ass of America .
Florida is where dreams go to die .
You know what Satan calls hell ?
Florida .

First, Florida voters did something so un-Florida-like that everyone outside of Florida was like, “Bitch, do y’all see Florida?” That’s because in 2018, Florida voters voted to give felons back the right to vote, which, now that I think about it, might be completely Florida-like considering Florida is made up of two things: old people and felons. I kid. There aren’t that many old people in Florida.
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Because Florida is governed by the Gomer Pyle of governors who wants nothing more than to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham as Trump’s human stepping stool. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the GOP-led legislature came out with a “poll tax,” which wasn’t part of the original amendment voters passed but Republicans decided that felons in Florida wouldn’t be able to vote until all of their court fees and fines were paid in full.
Like Batman, in stepped billionaire Mike Bloomberg and his utility fanny pack to the rescue. The former New York City mayor “partnered with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition to help raise at least $16 million for felons to pay off outstanding legal fines and fees in order to regain the right to vote,” NBC News reports. In doing so, Bloomberg and co. gave some 32,000 former prisoners back their right to vote, and Florida didn’t like that shit.
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“Today, I sent a letter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into potential violations of election laws,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said in a statement on Wednesday, NBC News reports. “And I have instructed the Statewide Prosecutor to work with law enforcement and any Statewide Grand Jury that the Governor may call.”
And you know who asked that she look into the restorative justice efforts? Pig excrement, Ron DeSantis, aka “Don’t I look pretty, Daddy?”
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From NBC News:
Florida voters passed a measure in 2018 to restore voting rights to felons who have not been convicted of murder or sexual offenses and who had completed their sentences. Republicans in the state legislature responded by passing a law in 2019 requiring those felons to pay any outstanding fines and fees to consider their sentence complete. Voting rights groups sued over the law, comparing it to a poll tax, but an appeals court earlier this month ruled the law was constitutional. “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and no American should be denied that right. Working together with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, we are determined to end disenfranchisement and the discrimination that has always driven it,” Bloomberg said in a statement on Tuesday after the initiative was announced. Bloomberg spokesman Jason Schechter responded to the pushback by saying, “This transparent political ploy is just the latest example of Republicans attempting to keep Floridians disenfranchised.”
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You know if it involves stealing an election and voting, then Nestor’s father, who is not really his father, Rep. Matt Gaetz, wouldn’t be far behind. Nestor’s papa took his ass to the show of Trump’s favorite OnlyFans sex worker, Sean Hannity, and claimed that Florida needed to investigate the paying of felons’ debts.
“It is a felony [under Florida statute] for someone to either directly or indirectly offer something of value to impact whether or not someone votes,” Gaetz told Fox News. “You have the question of whether or not paying someone restitution and court costs constitutes something of value.
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“The next step is to determine whether or not this is intended whether or not someone votes,” Gaetz added.
And this is where Florida loses itself. First Republicans claimed that the tax was not a “poll tax” but merely a straightening of affairs before former prisoners could go to the polls. Now that the debt has been paid, Florida wants to investigate the payoff. Florida just can’t stop Florida-ing all over the shits. Florida is basically the soiled adult diaper on the ass of America. Florida is where dreams go to die.
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You know what Satan calls hell? Florida.


theroot--2020-09-25--Megan Thee Stallion Is Performing on the SNL Premiere Hosted by Chris Rock—Oh, Did Something Else Ha

Megan Thee Stallion Is Performing on the SNL Premiere Hosted by Chris Rock—Oh, Did Something Else Happen?

In addition to the huge success of “ WAP ” and her Revlon deal , this week alone was packed with flourishing news for Thee Stallion , including being named one of the Time 100 Most Influential People of 2020 ( and rocking a fierce cover courtesy of 2020 Root 100 honoree Dana Scruggs ) .
On the heels of that honor , on Thursday , Saturday Night Live ( SNL ) announced details of its upcoming 46th season premiere—Chris Rock is set to host with Meg performing .
Oh , I know you didn ’ t think I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an opportunistic Oompa Loompa who pulled a predictably patriarchal and outright gross stunt attempting to profit off the violence of a Black woman less than 24 hours after Black women were mourning the fresh reopening of the constantly excruciating wound that is misogynoir-based injustice , right ?
Right .
More details via SNL ’ s press release sent to The Root : This will mark Rock ’ s third appearance as host .
The multiple Emmy and Grammy Award winner stars in the fourth installment of FX ’ s critically acclaimed drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Megan Thee Stallion will make her SNL musical guest debut .
Her latest album , Suga , has garnered over 900 million streams to date and spawned this summer ’ s smash hit and 3x platinum single , “ Savage.
” Oh , and Black Twitter came together ( led by Black women , naturally ) with a cacophony of calls to stream Meg ’ s music !
It was a beautiful sight to behold .
The 46th season premiere of SNL airs Oct. 3 at 11:30 p.m .
ET on NBC .

Megan Thee Stallion is having a stellar season.
In addition to the huge success of “WAP” and her Revlon deal, this week alone was packed with flourishing news for Thee Stallion, including being named one of the Time 100 Most Influential People of 2020 (and rocking a fierce cover courtesy of 2020 Root 100 honoree Dana Scruggs). On the heels of that honor, on Thursday, Saturday Night Live (SNL) announced details of its upcoming 46th season premiere—Chris Rock is set to host with Meg performing.
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Oh, I know you didn’t think I was about to primarily focus the morning news on an opportunistic Oompa Loompa who pulled a predictably patriarchal and outright gross stunt attempting to profit off the violence of a Black woman less than 24 hours after Black women were mourning the fresh reopening of the constantly excruciating wound that is misogynoir-based injustice, right? Right.
Anyway!
More details via SNL’s press release sent to The Root:
This will mark Rock’s third appearance as host. The multiple Emmy and Grammy Award winner stars in the fourth installment of FX’s critically acclaimed drama series Fargo, launching Sept. 27. Megan Thee Stallion will make her SNL musical guest debut. Her latest album, Suga, has garnered over 900 million streams to date and spawned this summer’s smash hit and 3x platinum single, “Savage.”
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Oh, and Black Twitter came together (led by Black women, naturally) with a cacophony of calls to stream Meg’s music! It was a beautiful sight to behold.
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The 46th season premiere of SNL airs Oct. 3 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
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Updated: Friday, 9/25/2020 at 9:59 a.m., ET:
In a notable move that I hope other music (particularly hip-hop) sites and blogs follow, High Snobiety posted on Instagram (with an admirably strategic photo of Meg to center her, instead) that they would no longer be covering the male rapper (this word choice is the spirit of continuing not to give him grace by mentioning his name) who allegedly shot Meg Thee Stallion and attempted to exploit the violence enacted against her to sell his useless album, noting his “moves are particularly sickening considering the proximity to this week’s ruling on the murder of Breonna Taylor.”
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“The rapper just added to his list of disgraceful behavior by dropping the most toxic album of the year,” the publication wrote in the caption. “He recently became [ a] music industry pariah after Megan Thee Stallion revealed that he shot her during an incident that led to his arrest on July 12. However, rather than publicly apologizing to Megan or addressing the issue, he released an album instead, using the media attention from the shooting to promote his work.”
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More of this energy, please.