theroot--2020-10-12--Death of Orlando Black Man Found Hanging From Tree Ruled Suicide; Community Demands More Answers

A Black man was found hanging from a tree in Orlando , Fla. , on Oct. 5 .
The police officers who found him said they saw no signs of a struggle , and a medical examiner ruled the man ’ s death a suicide .
But family and friends of the man are unconvinced that the official report is true , and some are saying they noticed physical injuries to his face when viewing his body .
Now , they are demanding more answers than they ’ ve been given .
WESH 2 reports that 22-year-old Nevan Baker was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday in Orlando ’ s Barker Park , according to a case report by the Orlando Police Department .
According to the Orlando Sentinel , Baker ’ s family , along with friends and community activists , are demanding that the OPD release any photos and video evidence the department has that was taken at or near the scene of the hanging .
Baker ’ s mother Sharhonda James said that when she viewed her son ’ s body at the morgue , she noticed injuries to his face .
Those injuries include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his forehead and a misaligned jaw.
” the Sentinel reports .
Civil attorney Ben Crump—who is calling for further investigation into Baker ’ s death , according to USA Today—tweeted Sunday that the police “ quickly ruled his death a suicide but now we learn his hands were tied , teeth missing and face bruised.
” “ We ’ re not going to let this go ; the community is not going to let this go , ” James told the Sentinel .
Authorities are standing by the official report that says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen social media posts regarding a man who was found deceased in Barker Park , ” the OPD said in a statement .
“ This is a tragic case of suicide , and it is difficult for investigators to discuss details publicly , out of respect to the victim ’ s privacy , and that of his family.
” “ Officers have exhausted all leads and , at this time , there is no evidence of foul play or any kind of physical struggle , ” the statement continues .
“ The medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of death as suicide .
Our detectives continue to support the victim ’ s family where they can .
We are keeping the victim , his family , and friends in our thoughts during this difficult time.
” The OPD ’ s statement doesn ’ t include any mention or explanation for the damage to Baker ’ s face that James said she saw .
If the alleged injuries to Baker ’ s face weren ’ t enough , Black people will always be understandably suspicious when a Black person is found hanging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mulrain Jr. explained this during a Sunday vigil at Barker Park , according to the Sentinel .
“ We ’ re not saying mental health isn ’ t real .
We ’ re not saying suicides do not happen , ” Mulrain said .
“ We ’ re saying the issue is that you can not take it lightly when a Black person is hanging from a tree .
You can not rule it as a suicide immediately without a thorough investigation.
” Earlier this year , the bodies of two Black men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malcolm Harsch , were found hanging from trees in California within weeks of each other .
Both deaths were ultimately ruled suicides and in both cases , the men ’ s family members expressed disbelief that they would kill themselves , and said they were suspicious of how the investigation was handled .
Baker ’ s family appears to feel no differently .
According to the Sentinel , Baker ’ s grandmother , Francine James , called her grandson a “ gentle soul ” and said that he helped her around the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from where he was found hanging .
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide , please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline , at 800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) .

A Black man was found hanging from a tree in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 5. The police officers who found him said they saw no signs of a struggle, and a medical examiner ruled the man’s death a suicide. But family and friends of the man are unconvinced that the official report is true, and some are saying they noticed physical injuries to his face when viewing his body. Now, they are demanding more answers than they’ve been given.
WESH 2 reports that 22-year-old Nevan Baker was found by police around 3 a.m. last Monday in Orlando’s Barker Park, according to a case report by the Orlando Police Department.
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From WESH:
Officers at the scene tried to help Baker, according to the report. One officer grabbed Baker “by the lower half” while the other two cut a white rope in order to get Baker on the ground. Officers were not able to find a pulse once he was on the ground, police said in the report.
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According to the Orlando Sentinel, Baker’s family, along with friends and community activists, are demanding that the OPD release any photos and video evidence the department has that was taken at or near the scene of the hanging.
Baker’s mother Sharhonda James said that when she viewed her son’s body at the morgue, she noticed injuries to his face. Those injuries include “swelling on his nose, bumps on his forehead and a misaligned jaw.” the Sentinel reports.
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Civil attorney Ben Crump—who is calling for further investigation into Baker’s death, according to USA Today—tweeted Sunday that the police “quickly ruled his death a suicide but now we learn his hands were tied, teeth missing and face bruised.”
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“We’re not going to let this go; the community is not going to let this go,” James told the Sentinel.
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Authorities are standing by the official report that says Baker committed suicide.
“We have seen social media posts regarding a man who was found deceased in Barker Park,” the OPD said in a statement. “This is a tragic case of suicide, and it is difficult for investigators to discuss details publicly, out of respect to the victim’s privacy, and that of his family.”
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“Officers have exhausted all leads and, at this time, there is no evidence of foul play or any kind of physical struggle,” the statement continues. “The medical examiner also investigated and ruled the cause of death as suicide. Our detectives continue to support the victim’s family where they can. We are keeping the victim, his family, and friends in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
The OPD’s statement doesn’t include any mention or explanation for the damage to Baker’s face that James said she saw.
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If the alleged injuries to Baker’s face weren’t enough, Black people will always be understandably suspicious when a Black person is found hanging from a tree. Community activist Miles Mulrain Jr. explained this during a Sunday vigil at Barker Park, according to the Sentinel.
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“We’re not saying mental health isn’t real. We’re not saying suicides do not happen,” Mulrain said. “We’re saying the issue is that you cannot take it lightly when a Black person is hanging from a tree. You cannot rule it as a suicide immediately without a thorough investigation.”
Earlier this year, the bodies of two Black men, 24-year-old Robert L. Fuller and 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch, were found hanging from trees in California within weeks of each other. Both deaths were ultimately ruled suicides and in both cases, the men’s family members expressed disbelief that they would kill themselves, and said they were suspicious of how the investigation was handled.
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Baker’s family appears to feel no differently. According to the Sentinel, Baker’s grandmother, Francine James, called her grandson a “gentle soul” and said that he helped her around the house and that they lived about a mile away from where he was found hanging.
“He wouldn’t kill himself,” she said.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-TALK (8255).


theroot--2020-10-12--This Has to be the Most Bizarre Trump Story of All Time

I still can ’ t believe that this story is true even from this Washington Football Team-ass administration , but apparently , Trump wanted to pull a stunt so outrageous that even his New York Jets-ass administration was like “ Nah , Slim .
You bugging the fuck out.
” President COVID-45 reportedly pitched this idea while COVID-19 was running through his body like the Kardashians at an NBA All-star game .
Apparently , the president of people who watch unboxing videos on YouTube wanted to pull this stunt where he ’ d walk out of the Walter Reed National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few days after testing positive for the coronavirus—and appear weak and feeble only to rip open his shirt to reveal a Superman T-shirt , according to the New York Times .
If this WWE-ass , fake Hulkamania-ass ...
Wait ... Ford F-150 America , this is y ’ all president ?
And this embarrassment still may be COVID-19 contagious despite his doctor ’ s note and his insistence that he ’ s better .
Trump announced he was diagnosed with the coronavirus on Friday , October 2 .
By the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reed and began taking remdesivir , an anti-viral drug .
He was also given an experimental antibody cocktail from the drugmaker Regeneron , and later placed on the steroid dexamethasone .
During Trump ’ s three-day stay at the hospital , contradicting narratives on his prognosis emerged .
Unnamed Trump advisors and other associates reportedly described him as being “ very tired , very fatigued and having some trouble breathing , ” according to CNN .
Others have claimed the rumors were exaggerated .
The uncertainty of Trump ’ s condition was exacerbated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differing timelines for the president ’ s infection .
Conley initially claimed that Trump ’ s condition was improving after a 72-hour diagnosis , which meant he would have been diagnosed on Wednesday , September 30 .
He later released a statement saying he “ incorrectly ” stated the timeline .
At the time , Conley also dodged several important questions pertaining to Trump ’ s diagnosis , including whether the president received supplemental oxygen .
And don ’ t forget President Untanned Rumpus briefly left the hospital Oct. 4 to do a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave to his supporters .
And since being released , he ’ s been dropping videos for his upcoming mixtape “ WAP !
-White Anglo Saxon President.
” And he ’ s expected to take the coronavirus show on the road as he ’ s scheduled to host several racism pep rallies ahead of the Nov. 3 election , Business Insider reports .
“ Don ’ t let it dominate you , ” Trump said in a video that totally looked photoshopped but the White House swears it wasn ’ t .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ re going to beat it.
” As it stands some 210,000 people have died of the coronavirus in the U.S .
But this is Manwich America ’ s superhero .

I still can’t believe that this story is true even from this Washington Football Team-ass administration, but apparently, Trump wanted to pull a stunt so outrageous that even his New York Jets-ass administration was like “Nah, Slim. You bugging the fuck out.”
President COVID-45 reportedly pitched this idea while COVID-19 was running through his body like the Kardashians at an NBA All-star game. Apparently, the president of people who watch unboxing videos on YouTube wanted to pull this stunt where he’d walk out of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center—where he’d been for a few days after testing positive for the coronavirus—and appear weak and feeble only to rip open his shirt to reveal a Superman T-shirt, according to the New York Times.
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If this WWE-ass, fake Hulkamania-ass...Wait...Ford F-150 America, this is y’all president?
And this embarrassment still may be COVID-19 contagious despite his doctor’s note and his insistence that he’s better.
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From Business Insider:
Trump announced he was diagnosed with the coronavirus on Friday, October 2. By the next night, he was transported to Walter Reed and began taking remdesivir, an anti-viral drug. He was also given an experimental antibody cocktail from the drugmaker Regeneron, and later placed on the steroid dexamethasone. During Trump’s three-day stay at the hospital, contradicting narratives on his prognosis emerged. Unnamed Trump advisors and other associates reportedly described him as being “very tired, very fatigued and having some trouble breathing,” according to CNN. Others have claimed the rumors were exaggerated. The uncertainty of Trump’s condition was exacerbated after White House physician Sean Conley gave differing timelines for the president’s infection. Conley initially claimed that Trump’s condition was improving after a 72-hour diagnosis, which meant he would have been diagnosed on Wednesday, September 30. He later released a statement saying he “incorrectly” stated the timeline. At the time, Conley also dodged several important questions pertaining to Trump’s diagnosis, including whether the president received supplemental oxygen.
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And don’t forget President Untanned Rumpus briefly left the hospital Oct. 4 to do a coronavirus driveby in the presidential SUV to wave to his supporters. And since being released, he’s been dropping videos for his upcoming mixtape “WAP!-White Anglo Saxon President.” And he’s expected to take the coronavirus show on the road as he’s scheduled to host several racism pep rallies ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Business Insider reports.
“Don’t let it dominate you,” Trump said in a video that totally looked photoshopped but the White House swears it wasn’t. “Don’t be afraid of it. You’re going to beat it.”
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As it stands some 210,000 people have died of the coronavirus in the U.S.
But this is Manwich America’s superhero.


theroot--2020-10-12--Alex Smith Returns, Dak Prescott Bows Out and Other Takeaways From Week 5 of the NFL

This weekend was a lot , so let ’ s get to it .
In April , curiosity got the best of me .
So like millions of other people , I watched ESPN ’ s Project 11 , which documented Alex Smith ’ s improbable quest to return to the field after suffering one of the most catastrophic injuries in professional sports : a compound fracture in his right leg that resulted in a broken tibia and fibula .
If this sounds bad , his injury somehow became even more horrifying after it was infected with a flesh-eating bacteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 17 surgeries over the course of nine fucking months—leaving his leg looking like The Crypt Keeper as doctors mulled if it would just be easier to amputate it and tell Smith to cast his leg in the next Saw movie .
After watching Project 11 , I was 1,000 percent convinced that the three-time Pro Bowler would never play in an NFL game again .
But with should-be franchise quarterback Dwayne Haskins struggling on the field and backup Kyle Allen reminding everyone why he went undrafted in 2018 , Smith ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field for the Washington Football Team for his first game in almost two years—to his family ’ s delight .
Yes , he was rusty , and yes , he struggled on the field—he was sacked six times and only threw for a total of 37 yards in a 30-10 ass-whooping against the Rams—but who gives a shit ?
This man defied the odds and somehow—somehow—returned to the game he loves .
Can you imagine how much anxiety he was playing with ?
Or how fearful he was that he may reinjure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another down this season , he ’ s still an automatic lock for Comeback Player of the Year .
On the flipside , Dak Prescott had a lot riding on this season .
After failing to agree to terms with the Cowboys this summer , the two-time Pro Bowler decided to bet on himself and play this year on the franchise tag .
The Cowboys stumbled out the gate against the Giants on Sunday and were in the midst of potentially extending their two-game skid when this ( click at your own risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESPN ’ s Adam Schefter reports that Dak had successful surgery on the ankle and will be out for four-to-six months as he recovers , making his contract negotiations after this season extremely interesting .
Will Dallas put a ring on it despite his injury ?
Or will they continue to try to play him and not pay him ?
The Broncos Got Screwed by the Coronavirus As if their rash of disastrous injuries weren ’ t enough , the Broncos , who were scheduled to play the Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore-less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Week 5 game would be postponed to next Sunday after the Patriots reported another positive coronavirus test on Sunday , per CNN .
This means that in an unprecedented season already rife with devastating injuries and scheduling hell due to the coronavirus , their bye week has been effectively erased since they spent what would ’ ve been their bye week practicing and preparing for the Patriots instead of resting their bodies .
Understandably , several Broncos players took to Twitter to air out their frustrations at a season that continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , the NFL needs to strongly consider the forfeiture of games because all this plug-and-play nonsense going on with rescheduling due to positive coronavirus tests isn ’ t sustainable and is significantly impacting the integrity of the game .
So now the Broncos have to face a Pats team that not only might have Newton and Gilmore back on the field but will have two weeks of preparation and rest ?
That ’ s bullshit .
The Atlanta Falcons have been an embarrassment to humankind all season and after dropping to 0-5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally threw coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff out the front door like Uncle Phil did Jazz .
“ Decisions like these are very difficult , but the previous two seasons and start to this one have been especially hard for me because of the deep love , admiration and respect I and my family have for Dan , Thomas and their families , ” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement .
“ For many years , they have represented me , our team , organization and Atlanta with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would want in the leaders of the team.
” ESPN reports that in the interim , team president Rich McKay will assume day-to-day oversight of football operations , and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will be interim head coach .
In other news , the Falcons will still be trash .
Who Balled Out This Week • The Cleveland Browns .
At 4-1 for the first time since 1994 , they ’ re legit ... right ?
Especially with OBJ returning to form and doing shit like this : • Calvin Ridley and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L against the Panthers , but they did the damn thing with a combined 257 yards and one touchdown .
• Troy Reeder collected three sacks ( leave Alex Smith alone ! )
in the Rams 30-10 destruction of the Washington Football Team .
• Kyler Murray ( 380 throwing yards , two total TDs ) and Deandre Hopkins ( 131 yards , 1 TD ) continue to make magic together as they wrecked the Jets .

This weekend was a lot, so let’s get to it.
Alex Smith Returns, Dak Prescott Makes His Gruesome Exodus
In April, curiosity got the best of me. So like millions of other people, I watched ESPN’s Project 11, which documented Alex Smith’s improbable quest to return to the field after suffering one of the most catastrophic injuries in professional sports: a compound fracture in his right leg that resulted in a broken tibia and fibula.
If this sounds bad, his injury somehow became even more horrifying after it was infected with a flesh-eating bacteria that forced him to undergo a total of 17 surgeries over the course of nine fucking months—leaving his leg looking like The Crypt Keeper as doctors mulled if it would just be easier to amputate it and tell Smith to cast his leg in the next Saw movie.
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After watching Project 11, I was 1,000 percent convinced that the three-time Pro Bowler would never play in an NFL game again. But with should-be franchise quarterback Dwayne Haskins struggling on the field and backup Kyle Allen reminding everyone why he went undrafted in 2018, Smith’s number got called and the 36-year-old took the field for the Washington Football Team for his first game in almost two years—to his family’s delight.
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Unreal.
Yes, he was rusty, and yes, he struggled on the field—he was sacked six times and only threw for a total of 37 yards in a 30-10 ass-whooping against the Rams—but who gives a shit? This man defied the odds and somehow—somehow—returned to the game he loves. Can you imagine how much anxiety he was playing with? Or how fearful he was that he may reinjure that leg? If he never plays another down this season, he’s still an automatic lock for Comeback Player of the Year.
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What an incredible story.
On the flipside, Dak Prescott had a lot riding on this season. After failing to agree to terms with the Cowboys this summer, the two-time Pro Bowler decided to bet on himself and play this year on the franchise tag. The Cowboys stumbled out the gate against the Giants on Sunday and were in the midst of potentially extending their two-game skid when this (click at your own risk) happened in the third quarter:
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Dak had successful surgery on the ankle and will be out for four-to-six months as he recovers, making his contract negotiations after this season extremely interesting. Will Dallas put a ring on it despite his injury? Or will they continue to try to play him and not pay him?
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The Broncos Got Screwed by the Coronavirus
As if their rash of disastrous injuries weren’t enough, the Broncos, who were scheduled to play the Cam Newton and Stephon Gilmore-less Patriots on Monday, found out that their Week 5 game would be postponed to next Sunday after the Patriots reported another positive coronavirus test on Sunday, per CNN.
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This means that in an unprecedented season already rife with devastating injuries and scheduling hell due to the coronavirus, their bye week has been effectively erased since they spent what would’ve been their bye week practicing and preparing for the Patriots instead of resting their bodies.
Understandably, several Broncos players took to Twitter to air out their frustrations at a season that continues to unravel due to COVID-19.
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At this point, the NFL needs to strongly consider the forfeiture of games because all this plug-and-play nonsense going on with rescheduling due to positive coronavirus tests isn’t sustainable and is significantly impacting the integrity of the game. So now the Broncos have to face a Pats team that not only might have Newton and Gilmore back on the field but will have two weeks of preparation and rest? That’s bullshit.
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Don’t Be Mad, Dan Quinn—UPS Is Hiring
The Atlanta Falcons have been an embarrassment to humankind all season and after dropping to 0-5 against the Panthers, owner Arthur Blank finally threw coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff out the front door like Uncle Phil did Jazz.
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“Decisions like these are very difficult, but the previous two seasons and start to this one have been especially hard for me because of the deep love, admiration and respect I and my family have for Dan, Thomas and their families,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “For many years, they have represented me, our team, organization and Atlanta with class, commitment and all the passion you would want in the leaders of the team.”
ESPN reports that in the interim, team president Rich McKay will assume day-to-day oversight of football operations, and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will be interim head coach.
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In other news, the Falcons will still be trash.
Who Balled Out This Week
The Cleveland Browns. At 4-1 for the first time since 1994
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theroot--2020-10-12--Get the Latest 64GB iPad Mini in Space Gray for $336 ($63 off)

If you don ’ t mind your Apple tablets in miniature form , today is an excellent opportunity to try @ @ @ @ @ .
Amazon has the 64GB Wi-Fi model down to $ 336 , a $ 63 @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve ever seen .
The 7.9-inch display means it isn ’ t too far @ @ @ @ @ territory , but this is the perfect size for reading , casual gaming , and @ @ @ @ @ s also now great for note taking and art thanks to the added Apple Pencil @ @ @ @ @ separate $ 95 purchase if you so desire .
Despite the smaller size , you @ @ @ @ @ ’ s preferred 10-hour battery mark on a full charge .
Ships immediately .

Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

Apple iPad Mini (64GB) | $345 | Amazon
If you don’t mind your Apple tablets in miniature form, today is an excellent opportunity to try out the latest iPad Mini. Amazon has the 64GB Wi-Fi model in Silver down to $345 , a $54 discount and the lowest price in months.
The 7.9-inch display means it isn’t too far removed from “phone” territory, but this is the perfect size for reading, casual gaming, and light browsing. It’s also now great for note taking and art thanks to the added Apple Pencil support, which is a separate $95 purchase if you so desire. Despite the smaller size, you’re still hitting Apple’s preferred 10-hour battery mark on a full charge. Ships immediately.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 10/12/2020 and updated by Andrew Hayward with new information on 04/13/2021.


theroot--2020-10-12--Smells Like Tween Spirit: Nandi Bushell Is So Dope, Dave Grohl Wrote a Song About Her

If you ’ ve seen the 10-year-old ’ s animated drum renditions while scrolling your Twitter timeline , you know exactly who I ’ m talking about .
Nandi ’ s dad John Bushell ( also a musician ) bonds with his daughter over their shared love for acts such as Queen , Jimi Hendrix , Amy Winehouse , Aretha Franklin , Bob Marley , the Rolling Stones , and the Beatles , the latter of which inspired Nandi to become a drummer at the age of 5 .
“ I ’ d always look on Ringo Starr ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d always love it , ” Nandi told the LA Times in a recent interview .
“ And I did really well in this maths club , so I got to ... get a toy drum kit .
...
I ’ d just start practicing it .
We got a teacher for a couple of months and then we started doing grades and jam with my dad .
And then we took it to the next level !
” Nandi ’ s dope drum skills started to gain a bunch of attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video rockin ’ out to the Foo Fighters ’ 1997 song , “ Everlong , ” challenging Dave Grohl to a drum battle .
“ I would love to have a drum battle with you !
I LOVE ‘ Everlong , ’ it ’ s really hard to play as it ’ s so fast but so much FUN !
, ” she tweeted along with this adorably hype and engaging video .
Fun fact : It only took her three days to learn it—you know , because she ’ s dope !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s attention , too .
Thanks to the beauty of virtual events , Grohl was able to quickly set up a battle with the young drummer .
In fact , her epic battle with Grohl amassed over 1.7 million views on YouTube—and counting !
In round 2 of their highly entertaining drum battle , Grohl dedicated a song to the young musician dubbing Nandi , “ the No .
1 supergirl.
” “ That was epic , ” Nandi exclaimed .
“ He wrote a song about me ...
I thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical beats .
But no .
He wrote a song about me .
That ’ s crazy !
” Dave Grohl VS Nandi Bushell EPIC Battle - Round Two !
The stakes have been raised !
/ YouTube Of course , Nandi being a Black girl drummer and the impact of this representation isn ’ t lost on us .
“ Some boys say , ‘ Oh , women can ’ t play the drums because they ’ re girls , ’ ” Nandi noted .
“ But girls can do just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people like music , and ... it ’ s important that people get treated fairly and equally.
” Nandi is providing the soundtrack to Black Girl Magic .
Get into her videos , ASAP !

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

Nandi Bushell is a rock star.
If you’ve seen the 10-year-old’s animated drum renditions while scrolling your Twitter timeline, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Nandi’s dad John Bushell (also a musician) bonds with his daughter over their shared love for acts such as Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles, the latter of which inspired Nandi to become a drummer at the age of 5.
“I’d always look on Ringo Starr’s drum kit on YouTube, and I’d always love it,” Nandi told the LA Times in a recent interview. “And I did really well in this maths club, so I got to ... get a toy drum kit. ... I’d just start practicing it. We got a teacher for a couple of months and then we started doing grades and jam with my dad. And then we took it to the next level!”
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Nandi’s dope drum skills started to gain a bunch of attention in August, when she posted a video rockin’ out to the Foo Fighters’ 1997 song, “Everlong,” challenging Dave Grohl to a drum battle.
“I would love to have a drum battle with you! I LOVE ‘Everlong,’ it’s really hard to play as it’s so fast but so much FUN!,” she tweeted along with this adorably hype and engaging video.
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Fun fact: It only took her three days to learn it—you know, because she’s dope! Needless to say, it got Grohl’s attention, too. Thanks to the beauty of virtual events, Grohl was able to quickly set up a battle with the young drummer. In fact, her epic battle with Grohl amassed over 1.7 million views on YouTube—and counting!
Dave Grohl VS Nandi Bushell EPIC Drum Battle - Dead End Friends - Them Crooked Vultures - Checkmate! / YouTube
In round 2 of their highly entertaining drum battle, Grohl dedicated a song to the young musician dubbing Nandi, “the No. 1 supergirl.”
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“That was epic,” Nandi exclaimed. “He wrote a song about me...I thought he was just going to play some jazz—some technical beats. But no. He wrote a song about me. That’s crazy!”
Dave Grohl VS Nandi Bushell EPIC Battle - Round Two! The stakes have been raised! / YouTube
Of course, Nandi being a Black girl drummer and the impact of this representation isn’t lost on us.
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“Some boys say, ‘Oh, women can’t play the drums because they’re girls,’” Nandi noted. “But girls can do just as much as boys can...Lots of people like music, and...it’s important that people get treated fairly and equally.”
Nandi is providing the soundtrack to Black Girl Magic. Get into her videos, ASAP!


theroot--2020-10-12--Veiled, but Not Mandatorily Masked? Despite Strict Protocol Plans, Cynthia Bailey's Weekend Wedding

Veiled, but Not Mandatorily Masked? Despite Strict Protocol Plans, Cynthia Bailey's Weekend Wedding Raised Concerns

Ahh , we love Black love ... and white weddings , come to think of it .
We ’ ve also come to stan a thorough safety plan for gathering in the midst of an ongoing pandemic , which is why we ’ ve heartily applauded the protocol-friendly pivots some betrothed celebs have taken in recent months , whether they be outdoor ceremonies with enforced distancing ( a la Elaine Welteroth ) , masks as guest gifts ( as per Niecy Nash ) , or both .
That ’ s why , when we heard Real Housewives of Atlanta star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her October 10 wedding plans to Fox Sports sportscaster Mike Hill , we were heartened to hear they ’ d be putting “ ‘ strict ’ precautions in place to ensure the safety of their guests ” —or so the couple told People ahead of the ceremony , also granting the magazine exclusive photos .
Ahead of the wedding , Bailey and Hill hired a team to come and deep clean to the venue .
And before entering the ceremony , guests were required to undergo temperature checks and asked to wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be spaced out according to social-distancing guidelines .
“ Everyone has to wash their hands before coming inside and we will have hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue , ” said the reality star .
“ And everyone must be wearing a mask at all times , it ’ s not optional.
” “ We want to make people feel comfortable and not look irresponsible , ” added Hill .
“ We ’ re doing everything we possibly can.
” The couple gave more details on their plans to Page Six , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor and outdoor socially-distanced seating options and their guests “ with face masks and shields ” —and having security enforce wearing them .
Bailey noted : “ Instead of focusing on the accessories in my hair or what kind of food we ’ re going to have , Mike and I have been putting most of our wedding energy into COVID-19 protocols ... And we ain ’ t playin ’ around.
” “ If anyone doesn ’ t adhere to the rules , then they ’ re just going to be asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re taking this seriously , we want to protect ourselves and our guests.
” “ We have so many rules and regulations in play , I ’ m surprised anyone is coming , ” she continued .
“ We set up the food stations taking all of this into consideration , and you don ’ t have to sit at a table with people you don ’ t know , you can kind of move around .
It ’ s a huge space , so you can be as far away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling connected to the ceremony.
” However , more candid photos and video from the undeniably joyous nuptials and reception tell a slightly different story , as masks at the lavish event at the Governors Towne Club in Acworth , Ga. seemed optional , at best .
While the couple reportedly self-isolated together “ for several months due to COVID-19 , ” obviously , they could not guarantee the same for their guests .
Nevertheless , in reference to their own quarantine , Hill told People “ If we could survive that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re happy , we ’ re ready to go.
” “ This is not our first rodeo , ” Bailey said of marrying her “ best friend , ” to whom she became engaged in July 2019 , after a 14-month courtship .
“ Both Mike and I have been married before—but we are ready to ride !
” The couple may be rightfully ready , but with all due respect to their chosen date , after only a few short weeks since Trump ’ s garden party for Supreme Court nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super-spreader event , were they really ready to host 250 guests at an indoor venue ?
Understandably , many followers of the RHOA franchise—in which Bailey may have made history as the first cast member to have two weddings over the course of her tenure ( Season 13 is currently filming ) —were dubious about the safety of the event .
“ Wait😳 aren ’ t we in a pandemic😬😶 , ” read a comment on one Instagram post following the event , while others on the same post commented : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lol .
I hardly see masks and everyone next to [ each ] other ” “ Nobody wearing [ a ] mask !
We are [ our ] worst enemy !
” While we can ’ t say nobody was wearing a mask ( we see several ) , there were definitely enough lacking to make us cringe at the possible contagion—particularly as Bailey and Hill ’ s guests appeared to be a predominantly Black crowd , and we have also been the demographic predominantly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak ( one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , while we may not approve of the seemingly lax protocols , it was ultimately up to the couple and the guests ’ comfort level—though as we know , that ’ s not the extent to which transmission works , so for the sake of public safety , we hope they all quarantine post-event , too .
But as for what was worn at the event , People provides a few details , including on Bailey ’ s Black-designed bridal gown : Bailey ’ s Real Housewives of Atlanta costars Kandi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ castmate Eva Marcille were also on hand , dressed in white gowns to support Bailey as her bridesmaids , while Porsha Williams , Marlo Hampton and Real Housewives of Potomac ’ s Gizelle Bryant and Karen Huger all stunned in black , occasionally sporting bedazzled masks and face shields as accessories to their evening wear .
Speaking of Marcille , she and Bailey also recently teamed up with Seagram ’ s Escapes on an initiative to encourage us all to buy Black this upcoming holiday season .
Intended to help Black-owned businesses not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uniquely challenging one , due to the pandemic—the models are helping launch Seagram ’ s first Holiday Marketplace .
“ As business owners , we noticed the disproportionate numbers in which African-Americans are losing their businesses , and not just having a hard time , but completely losing businesses that they ’ ve been working on for years , ” Marcille told Page Six .
“ I mean , there are millions of us on unemployment.
” It ’ s a disparity The Root has recently reported on , and one Bailey has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release provided to The Glow Up .
“ A lot of us took a major hit during the coronavirus shut down and are struggling to stay afloat , ” she said , further telling Page Six that she faced a tenuous moment during with keeping her own businesses running during the prolonged outbreak .
“ By supporting B lack-owned businesses you enable communities to become stronger by investing in small businesses that help to sustain them .
Seagram ’ s Escapes Holiday Marketplace : Featuring Black-Owned Businesses is a great opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m thrilled to launch this program with Seagram ’ s Escapes.
” Black business owners are encouraged to sign up for Seagram ’ s Escapes ’ Holiday Marketplace by Oct. 15—and three participating companies will receive a $ 10,000 grant to help increase their reach , including being promoted by Bailey and Marcille .
“ It ’ s really dope because it brings awareness to black-owned businesses that you might not have known about , ” Marcille told Page Six .
“ It creates a space for them to thrive and to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re hoping everyone thrives—which is why , in addition to expressing our concern for everyone ’ s health and safety , we are expressing congratulations to Bailey and Hill and hopes for the enduring health of their new marriage .
“ We are not perfect , but , are perfect for each other , ” Bailey and Hill told People .
“ We are living in a very different time , and now more than ever we realize that life is too short , and to never take anything for granted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other .
Love with the help of God conquers all.
” All the best to the happy couple—and their guests !

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

Ahh, we love Black love...and white weddings, come to think of it. We’ve also come to stan a thorough safety plan for gathering in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, which is why we’ve heartily applauded the protocol-friendly pivots some betrothed celebs have taken in recent months, whether they be outdoor ceremonies with enforced distancing (a la Elaine Welteroth), masks as guest gifts (as per Niecy Nash), or both.
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That’s why, when we heard Real Housewives of Atlanta star and model-entrepreneur Cynthia Bailey was moving forward with her October 10 wedding plans to Fox Sports sportscaster Mike Hill, we were heartened to hear they’d be putting “‘strict’ precautions in place to ensure the safety of their guests”—or so the couple told People ahead of the ceremony, also granting the magazine exclusive photos.
Ahead of the wedding, Bailey and Hill hired a team to come and deep clean to the venue. And before entering the ceremony, guests were required to undergo temperature checks and asked to wash their hands. Once inside, they will be spaced out according to social-distancing guidelines. “Everyone has to wash their hands before coming inside and we will have hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue,” said the reality star. “And everyone must be wearing a mask at all times, it’s not optional.” “We want to make people feel comfortable and not look irresponsible,” added Hill. “We’re doing everything we possibly can.”
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The couple gave more details on their plans to Page Six, where they shared plans to provide both indoor and outdoor socially-distanced seating options and their guests “with face masks and shields”—and having security enforce wearing them. Bailey noted: “Instead of focusing on the accessories in my hair or what kind of food we’re going to have, Mike and I have been putting most of our wedding energy into COVID-19 protocols...And we ain’t playin’ around.”
“If anyone doesn’t adhere to the rules, then they’re just going to be asked to leave,” Bailey added. “We’re taking this seriously, we want to protect ourselves and our guests.”
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“We have so many rules and regulations in play, I’m surprised anyone is coming,” she continued. “We set up the food stations taking all of this into consideration, and you don’t have to sit at a table with people you don’t know, you can kind of move around. It’s a huge space, so you can be as far away from people as you want while still feeling connected to the ceremony.”
However, more candid photos and video from the undeniably joyous nuptials and reception tell a slightly different story, as masks at the lavish event at the Governors Towne Club in Acworth, Ga. seemed optional, at best.
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While the couple reportedly self-isolated together “for several months due to COVID-19,” obviously, they could not guarantee the same for their guests. Nevertheless, in reference to their own quarantine, Hill told People “If we could survive that, we can survive anything together...We’re happy, we’re ready to go.”
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“This is not our first rodeo,” Bailey said of marrying her “best friend,” to whom she became engaged in July 2019, after a 14-month courtship. “Both Mike and I have been married before—but we are ready to ride!”
The couple may be rightfully ready, but with all due respect to their chosen date, after only a few short weeks since Trump’s garden party for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett proved to be a super-spreader event, were they really ready to host 250 guests at an indoor venue? Understandably, many followers of the RHOA franchise—in which Bailey may have made history as the first cast member to have two weddings over the course of her tenure (Season 13 is currently filming)—were dubious about the safety of the event.
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“Wait😳 aren’t we in a pandemic😬😶,” read a comment on one Instagram post following the event, while others on the same post commented:
“A lot of people not wearing masks”
“I thought they was gonna be responsible lol . I hardly see masks and everyone next to [each] other”
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“Nobody wearing [a] mask ! We are [our] worst enemy!”
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While we can’t say nobody was wearing a mask (we see several), there were definitely enough lacking to make us cringe at the possible contagion—particularly as Bailey and Hill’s guests appeared to be a predominantly Black crowd, and we have also been the demographic predominantly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak (one in 1,000 Black Americans, in fact). However, while we may not approve of the seemingly lax protocols, it was ultimately up to the couple and the guests’ comfort level—though as we know, that’s not the extent to which transmission works, so for the sake of public safety, we hope they all quarantine post-event, too.
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But as for what was worn at the event, People provides a few details, including on Bailey’s Black-designed bridal gown:
The bride wore a gown by Nneka C. Alexander of Brides by Nona along with Badgley Mischka shoes and a headpiece by Bridal Styles Boutique. The couple exchanged rings from Rockford Collection and Beverly Diamonds during the celebratory event, put together by wedding planner Courtney Ajinça.
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Bailey’s Real Housewives of Atlanta costars Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, and former castmate Eva Marcille were also on hand, dressed in white gowns to support Bailey as her bridesmaids, while Porsha Williams, Marlo Hampton and Real Housewives of Potomac’s Gizelle Bryant and Karen Huger all stunned in black, occasionally sporting bedazzled masks and face shields as accessories to their evening wear.
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Speaking of Marcille, she and Bailey also recently teamed up with Seagram’s Escapes on an initiative to encourage us all to buy Black this upcoming holiday season. Intended to help Black-owned businesses not only survive but thrive this holiday season—a uniquely challenging one, due to the pandemic—the models are helping launch Seagram’s first Holiday Marketplace.
“As business owners, we noticed the disproportionate numbers in which African-Americans are losing their businesses, and not just having a hard time, but completely losing businesses that they’ve been working on for years,” Marcille told Page Six. “I mean, there are millions of us on unemployment.”
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It’s a disparity The Root has recently reported on, and one Bailey has experienced personally, as noted in a press release provided to The Glow Up. “A lot of us took a major hit during the coronavirus shut down and are struggling to stay afloat,” she said, further telling Page Six that she faced a tenuous moment during with keeping her own businesses running during the prolonged outbreak. “By supporting B lack-owned businesses you enable communities to become stronger by investing in small businesses that help to sustain them. Seagram’s Escapes Holiday Marketplace: Featuring Black-Owned Businesses is a great opportunity to support B lack-owned businesses and I’m thrilled to launch this program with Seagram’s Escapes.”
Black business owners are encouraged to sign up for Seagram’s Escapes’ Holiday Marketplace by Oct. 15—and three participating companies will receive a $10,000 grant to help increase their reach, including being promoted by Bailey and Marcille.
Advertisement
“It’s really dope because it brings awareness to black-owned businesses that you might not have known about,” Marcille told Page Six. “It creates a space for them to thrive and to be highlighted during the holiday season.”
We’re hoping everyone thrives—which is why, in addition to expressing our concern for everyone’s health and safety, we are expressing congratulations to Bailey and Hill and hopes for the enduring health of their new marriage.
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“We are not perfect, but, are perfect for each other,” Bailey and Hill told People. “We are living in a very different time, and now more than ever we realize that life is too short, and to never take anything for granted. We are so grateful to have found each other. Love with the help of God conquers all.”
All the best to the happy couple—and their guests!


theroot--2020-10-12--Ibram X. Kendi on Using His Influence to Ensure That All Black Lives Matter

“ There ’ s just nothing to me better than when the people that you love the most—and I just love Black people–you know , send you love letters .
And that ’ s really what The Root 100 is.
” — Ibram X. Kendi , Director of Boston University ’ s Center for Antiracist Research , 2020 The Root 100 Honoree Calling Ibram X. Kendi , Ph.D. , “ accomplished ” is quite the understatement .
And as the accolades continue funneling in—which already include New York Times bestselling author , director of Boston University ’ s Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributor and academic—Kendi is making sure to use that influence to bring relief “ to Black people who are suffering under the foot of racism.
” “ Many of us are constantly being attacked , constantly being discredited , constantly being told that we ’ re worthless and nothing , ” said Kendi , w hich is why he says he was especially honored to be recognized on this year ’ s The Root 100 .
“ To be recognized by African Americans , I mean , it means everything.
” Watch as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people , why lists like The Root 100 are so critical , and more in the video above .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-10-12--Your #1 for #2 Is on Sale, Grab Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray for Just $7

Everybody poops as we ’ ve been told so no one should ever feel bad but alleviating some of the aftermath is not only pleasant for you but super thoughtful if you cohabitate .
Poo-Pourri has been on the market for a few years and is an extremely charming solution to a common life issue .
Today only take 25 % off a small selection of the Toilet Spray .
There are four 2 ounce bottles on sale currently for just $ 7 .
I got a sample box when they first emerged and I can say this stuff actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more traditional and among the company ’ s best-sellers .
So if you ’ re looking to make your powder room garden-fresh the honey or peony ones would be ideal .
I have to say Stars & Spritz is pretty intriguing as a scent combo with sea salt and eucalyptus too .
Just spray the bowl before you get down to business and never worry again .
We actually have one of these upstairs in case either of the dogs have an accident and I can tell you it 100 % masks the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t discriminate against excrement and works for everyone .

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

Poo-Pourri 5-Pack Toilet Spray | $24 | SideDeal
Everybody poops, as we’ve been told, so no one should ever feel bad but alleviating some of the aftermath is not only pleasant for you but super thoughtful if you cohabitate. Poo-Pourri has been on the market for a few years and is an extremely charming solution to a common life issue. Today take 56 % off this delightful selection of Toilet Spray.
There are five 2 ounce bottles in this pack to add some whimsy to the powder room. I got a sample box when they first emerged, and I can say this stuff actually works. This pack has the very popular Cloud Berry, a blend of cloudberry, daisy, and vanilla. And there is Sweet Violet, a blend of blackberry, violet, and honey. You’ll also get one bottle of the Heaven Scent smell. The floral scents are obviously more traditional and among the company’s best-sellers. So if you’re looking to make your potty time more pleasant this summer, you can. Just spray the bowl before you get down to business and never worry again. We actually have one of these upstairs in case either of the dogs has an accident. I can tell you it 100% masks the doggie doo in no time. Poo-Pourri doesn’t discriminate against excrement and works for everyone.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you’ve seen, they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders, no matter how many.
This deal was originally posted by Sheilah Villari in October 2020 and updated with new information on 9/15/2021.


theroot--2020-10-12--Trump: Racists Call It Columbus Day, So I’m Calling It Columbus Day!

Christopher Columbus is considered a hero of racists , and rightfully so .
He was an inept sailor who stumbled upon an inhabited land , claimed it as his own and then had the police , who traveled with him , kill everyone who lived there over small infractions including jogging , jaywalking and sleeping , and those they couldn ’ t kill , they served no-knock warrants .
So it ’ s fitting that while the rest of America that knows how to use self-checkout has been pushing to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kenny G refuses to listen to the people and issued a holiday announcement for ... wait for it…Columbus Day .
Trump claimed Friday that “ radical activists ” were seeking to tarnish the “ explorer , ” who allegedly got lost going to the bathroom in his own home , legacy .
“ Sadly , in recent years , radical activists have sought to undermine Christopher Columbus ’ s legacy , ” Trump said in his proclamation declaring Monday Columbus Day , the Associated Press .
“ These extremists seek to replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of failings , his discoveries with atrocities , and his achievements with transgressions.
” Trump has tried to fashion himself as this protector of old American history , which is bullshit .
Trump knows that racists care about racist history so they cling to it because that ’ s all they have and Trump uses this to his advantage .
He ’ s already “ signed an executive order recently to establish a commission to promote what he calls ‘ patriotic education , ’ ” which is commonly referred to as the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was solely created because the White House couldn ’ t stand the fact that a Black woman spearheaded the New York Times ’ 1619 Project , “ which highlights the long-term consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans , ” AP reports .
AP notes that Trump usually touts his racist-ass commission at all of his campaign rallies because he knows that racists love it .
So , of course , he included it in his proclamation for Columbus Day , noting that anything against racist history is rooted in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erase Christopher Columbus from our national heritage.
” “ Together , we must safeguard our history and stop this new wave of iconoclasm by standing against those who spread hate and division , ” Trump declared .

Christopher Columbus is considered a hero of racists, and rightfully so. He was an inept sailor who stumbled upon an inhabited land, claimed it as his own and then had the police, who traveled with him, kill everyone who lived there over small infractions including jogging, jaywalking and sleeping, and those they couldn’t kill, they served no-knock warrants.
So it’s fitting that while the rest of America that knows how to use self-checkout has been pushing to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, the president of people who enjoy the musical stylings of Kenny G refuses to listen to the people and issued a holiday announcement for...wait for it…Columbus Day.
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Trump claimed Friday that “radical activists” were seeking to tarnish the “explorer,” who allegedly got lost going to the bathroom in his own home, legacy.
“Sadly, in recent years, radical activists have sought to undermine Christopher Columbus’s legacy,” Trump said in his proclamation declaring Monday Columbus Day, the Associated Press. “These extremists seek to replace discussion of his vast contributions with talk of failings, his discoveries with atrocities, and his achievements with transgressions.”
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Trump has tried to fashion himself as this protector of old American history, which is bullshit. Trump knows that racists care about racist history so they cling to it because that’s all they have and Trump uses this to his advantage. He’s already “signed an executive order recently to establish a commission to promote what he calls ‘patriotic education,’” which is commonly referred to as the “Stephen Miller wrote this bullshit.” It was solely created because the White House couldn’t stand the fact that a Black woman spearheaded the New York Times’ 1619 Project, “which highlights the long-term consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans,” AP reports.
AP notes that Trump usually touts his racist-ass commission at all of his campaign rallies because he knows that racists love it. So, of course, he included it in his proclamation for Columbus Day, noting that anything against racist history is rooted in “...revisionist history that is trying to erase Christopher Columbus from our national heritage.”
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“Together, we must safeguard our history and stop this new wave of iconoclasm by standing against those who spread hate and division,” Trump declared.
Spoken like a true racist-in-chief.


theroot--2020-10-12--For Kobe: After Suffering One of Its Biggest Tragedies, Los Angeles Achieves Arguably Its Most Meani

For Kobe: After Suffering One of Its Biggest Tragedies, Los Angeles Achieves Arguably Its Most Meaningful Triumph

Less than an hour before the Game 6 of the NBA Finals showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat , the Heat gave me a glimmer of hope : Heat guard is listed active for tonight ’ s do-or-die game vs. Lakers after tearing his plantar fascia in Game 1 .
This was the was text notification I received from Bleacher Report .
And while Jimmy Butler predicted that it would be Duncan Robinson that would explode in Game 6 and push the series to a seventh game , the triumphant return of Dragic had me really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
So much so , that I scrolled through my phone and harassed almost every Lakers fan I knew with a word of warning : “ GAME 7 ” .
Almost immediately the Lakers went to work , playing suffocating defense and forcing turnovers while attacking the paint on the other end of the floor .
And with Butler gassed from playing so many minutes during the series , the game quickly got out of hand .
Before I knew it , the Heat were down by 28 points at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the time the bloodbath was over , LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 47 points and 29 boards .
Also , if you think Playoff Rondo would miss the opportunity to make an auspicious appearance—he brought 19 points and four assists to the Heat ’ s funeral—you ’ d be sadly mistaken .
The Heat had absolutely no answer for the Lakers ’ discipline and ferocity .
It was like the entire team was possessed by the ghost of Kobe—and maybe they were .
“ When I took the job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Hey , I know what you did for me for 20 years , ’ ” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka , who used to be Kobe ’ s agent , told reporters after the game .
“ He said , ‘ I ’ ll give you two , three years , you ’ ll fix this .
You ’ ll get the Lakers back on top.
’ “ I guess you were right , man .
You give me the energy to do it.
” Growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending almost my entire adult life in Phoenix , Ariz. , I have no concept whatsoever of what it means for a city to win a championship in professional sports .
Sure , the Suns ’ Steve Nash era was a beautiful thing to witness firsthand and the Cardinals making the Super Bowl in 2009 is a memory I ’ ll never forget , but neither of the above was anywhere near what I experienced last night .
Because now that I live in Los Angeles , championships are the expectation—not an aberration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprised of a 17-win season in 2015-16 , Kobe ’ s ugly exodus , Byron Scott ’ s ineptitude as a coach , the late David Stern vetoing the infamous Chris Paul trade , LeBron ’ s first season as a Laker ending in resounding failure , the Buss family taking turns backstabbing each other , Kobe ’ s tragic death and a fucking global pandemic that has transformed a once booming metropolis into the set for The Walking Dead , Los Angeles had plenty to celebrate after the Lakers won their 17th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unfortunately for me , I live all of two blocks away from Staples Center—the epicenter of the Lakers Universe .
So almost immediately after the game was over , fans began flooding my neighborhood waving Lakers jerseys , honking their car horns , letting off fireworks and doing the absolute most for a good five or six hours strong ; until liiiiiiiiike 1 a.m .
I know this because my nosey ass went outside to take it all in myself .
I also know this because my ass couldn ’ t sleep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of my apartment .
But Los Angeles deserves this moment , as do the players and organization that did their part to help a city that ’ s been through so much begin to heal—even Dwight Howard ’ s punk ass .
Congratulations to the Lakers , their fans and most importantly my home , Los Angeles .
I never really understood the connection between the Lakers and Los Angeles before , but after last night , it all makes so much more sense .

Less than an hour before the Game 6 of the NBA Finals showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat, the Heat gave me a glimmer of hope:
Goran Dragic Active for Game 6
Heat guard is listed active for tonight’s do-or-die game vs. Lakers after tearing his plantar fascia in Game 1.
This was the was text notification I received from Bleacher Report. And while Jimmy Butler predicted that it would be Duncan Robinson that would explode in Game 6 and push the series to a seventh game, the triumphant return of Dragic had me really thinking that the Heat would emerge victorious on Sunday. So much so, that I scrolled through my phone and harassed almost every Lakers fan I knew with a word of warning: “GAME 7”.
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Boy, was I fucking wrong.
Almost immediately the Lakers went to work, playing suffocating defense and forcing turnovers while attacking the paint on the other end of the floor. And with Butler gassed from playing so many minutes during the series, the game quickly got out of hand. Before I knew it, the Heat were down by 28 points at the half—the second-largest lead in NBA Finals history—and by the time the bloodbath was over, LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 47 points and 29 boards. Also, if you think Playoff Rondo would miss the opportunity to make an auspicious appearance—he brought 19 points and four assists to the Heat’s funeral—you’d be sadly mistaken.
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The Heat had absolutely no answer for the Lakers’ discipline and ferocity. It was like the entire team was possessed by the ghost of Kobe—and maybe they were.
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“When I took the job, I remember [Kobe] said, ‘Hey, I know what you did for me for 20 years,’” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, who used to be Kobe’s agent, told reporters after the game. “He said, ‘I’ll give you two, three years, you’ll fix this. You’ll get the Lakers back on top.’
“I guess you were right, man. You give me the energy to do it.”
Growing up in Tulsa, Okla., and spending almost my entire adult life in Phoenix, Ariz., I have no concept whatsoever of what it means for a city to win a championship in professional sports. Sure, the Suns’ Steve Nash era was a beautiful thing to witness firsthand and the Cardinals making the Super Bowl in 2009 is a memory I’ll never forget, but neither of the above was anywhere near what I experienced last night. Because now that I live in Los Angeles, championships are the expectation—not an aberration.
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So after a ten-year championship drought comprised of a 17-win season in 2015-16, Kobe’s ugly exodus, Byron Scott’s ineptitude as a coach, the late David Stern vetoing the infamous Chris Paul trade, LeBron’s first season as a Laker ending in resounding failure, the Buss family taking turns backstabbing each other, Kobe’s tragic death and a fucking global pandemic that has transformed a once booming metropolis into the set for The Walking Dead, Los Angeles had plenty to celebrate after the Lakers won their 17th championship as a franchise on Sunday night.
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Unfortunately for me, I live all of two blocks away from Staples Center—the epicenter of the Lakers Universe. So almost immediately after the game was over, fans began flooding my neighborhood waving Lakers jerseys, honking their car horns, letting off fireworks and doing the absolute most for a good five or six hours strong; until liiiiiiiiike 1 a.m.
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It was absolute chaos.
I know this because my nosey ass went outside to take it all in myself.
I also know this because my ass couldn’t sleep with all that shit going on right outside of my apartment.
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But Los Angeles deserves this moment, as do the players and organization that did their part to help a city that’s been through so much begin to heal—even Dwight Howard’s punk ass.
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Congratulations to the Lakers, their fans and most importantly my home, Los Angeles. I never really understood the connection between the Lakers and Los Angeles before, but after last night, it all makes so much more sense.


theroot--2020-10-13--The Safe Negro Guide to Lovecraft Country: 'Rewind 1921'

Did you catch the fire ?
Sunday ’ s journey through Lovecraft Country was full of hope—as passed down to us by our ancestors and living elders .
It might seem an odd takeaway that an episode beginning with a hexed Dee coming dangerously close to becoming a Topsy twin ( uh , tripl et ?
I ’ m still having nightmares about them damn twins , y ’ all ! )
and ending with Tulsa , Okla. , engulfed by the flames of white terrorism would be hopeful , but it was .
In week seven of HBO ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ righteous rage but I ’ m thinking that the fire this time ( to reference the work of James Baldwin and the recently deceased Randall Kenan ) also contains a just love ; a love grounded in justice for ancestors of yore and the descendants of the future .
In this episode , we see , through the lens of the past , the fire that is ours in the present day to catch and pass on .
And we see this coupling—of rage and love—in the Greenwood citizens ’ defense of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s rejection and subsequent protection of his father ; by Hippolyta , who channels the fire as the literal motherboard for the time machine ; and again literally in Leti ’ s long , fiery walk back to the Stradford Hotel ( a real-life location ) and the portal , clutching the Book of Names .
Before we get to Tulsa 1921 , let ’ s check in on the Black Scooby Gang ( my ode to Buffy the Vampire Slayer ) , who began the episode blaming each other for Dee ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative development in the first third of this episode , giving us Lancaster ’ s final death at the hands of Christina ’ s clever manipulation of his regeneration spell ( with help from Ruby ) , Hippolyta ’ s superhero-like entrance , and Act One culminating with Ruby driving off in Christina ’ s Rolls Royce after a “ Come to Jesus ” moment with Leti .
At first , I interpreted Ruby warning Leti against following “ after some man ” as simply hypocritical , for she is doing the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) man .
But this scene and the next , featuring Christina and Ruby , brings clarity to Ruby ’ s motives .
She is maneuvering to protect herself and Leti , period .
Fuck everyone else .
The promise she extracts from Christina regarding Leti was a foreshadowing filled with foreboding .
Yet however detached , Ruby ’ s actions mirror those of Montrose , as he is similarly maneuvering to protect Atticus and his grandson—Leti ain ’ t nothing more than an incubator to him , where Tic and the ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not bode well , for the Black Scoobies will have to come together , fully , to defeat Christina .
Though the Scooby Gang is in disarray , they must gather their resources to save Dee from Lancaster ’ s Topsy twins .
They must return to the afternoon of May 31 , 1921 , the start of the 24-hour period that saw the destruction of the affluent Black community of Greenwood by white terrorism .
The massacre seemingly begins with the suspicious arrest and jailing of teenager Dick Rowland , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some sort of assault on elevator operator Sarah Page , who was , at the very least , a platonic friend who never even pressed charges against Rowland .
Mechelle Brown , program coordinator at the Greenwood Cultural Center , explains that thousands of whites began to riot outside of the Tulsa courthouse , compelling 100 armed Black men to approach the courthouse , intent on protecting Rowland ( returning after a smaller contingent was initially rebuffed by the sheriff ) .
When one Black man was confronted about the gun he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chaos exploded .
“ It was powerful… [ the writers ] did their research .
As [ Montrose ] is recalling the Black entrepreneurs , some of those sites , [ like ] Standpipe Hill , were accurate , ” Brown enthused , “ What I liked about this portrayal , [ was ] them showing African Americans fighting back .
There were Blacks fighting to defend their community ... Watchmen didn ’ t show that.
” It is the fire—the coupling of righteous rage and just love—that pushes the citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defend their families , homes , and businesses as a unit .
A lesson the Scoobies must learn to emulate if they are to survive their showdown with Christina .
The Rowland incident was simply the catalyst in an already tense racial situation ; “ It was a racial tinderbox , ” insists communications professor Dr. Reynaldo Anderson , who also contributes to the forthcoming graphic novel on the Greenwood Massacre , Across the Tracks : Remembering Greenwood , Black Wall Street , and the Tulsa Race Massacre ( Abrams Books , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the year prior to the riots , “ It was an eye-for-an-eye situation ; [ the Blacks ] lynched a white guy on Saturday and [ the whites ] lynched a Black dude on a Sunday.
” Dr. Anderson laments that nonviolence has erroneously been the vision of the Black fight for civil rights in America , saying , “ nonviolence is only a recent invention.
” He insists that Black Wall Street was a part of the Golden Age of Black Nationalism ( 1880-1920 ) , and these folks prided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily engaged in self-defense .
“ A lot of Black veterans were there to defend BWS , ” he further explains .
“ The African Blood Brotherhood , one of the precursors to the Black Panther Party [ was there ] .
” There was , at that time , also an overwhelming number of Black folks in Oklahoma of many different ethnicities : the African Americans fleeing the post-Reconstruction South ; Black Indigenous folks who were children of those enslaved by the Five Nations ; folks from the Caribbean and West Africa—because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black state of its own .
Accordingly , there was a multiplicity to Greenwood ’ s Blackness that would later be revered as unique along with the better known Harlem Renaissance , for , by the summer of 1921 , Greenwood would be reduced to ashes .
Brown recalls that its Black defenders were simply overwhelmed and outgunned by newly deputized whites and the National Guard , which would later place 6,000 surviving Greenwood residents—men , women , and children—in internment camps , holding them there as whites looted their homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is the weight of these memories that brings us a drunken Montrose , suddenly dropped into the birthplace of both his early familial and romantic trauma .
Tic reacts to his father ’ s drunkenness with bitter anger ; he remains so heavily jarred by his father ’ s revelation that George might be his biological father , he is too disgusted to recognize his father ’ s PTSD .
Montrose has often spoken of removing everything soft from himself , and we ’ ve been made to realize he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well , making Tic ’ s coldness his just reward .
But love ain ’ t always just .
Both of these men are out of balance ; they ain ’ t got the full fire Sanchez is talking about .
They ’ ve got a lot of rage , but it ’ s self-righteous .
Conversely , they ’ ve got some deep love , but it ain ’ t grounded in justice .
Montrose ’ s pursuit to do right by his first love , Thomas , acknowledges the depth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoroughly , even though it ’ s 30 years too late .
This pursuit , though senseless , is fruitful , for it grows the gentleness inside him .
We see Montrose ’ s look of longing and regret as he refers to his young lover as a “ faggot ” —cruelly , the same slur the white mob will soon after repeat as they shoot Thomas in the head .
Montrose ’ s reckoning with his memories of Thomas is his own act of coming out of the closet to himself—a much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw in Episode 5 .
Montrose begins to restore the softness so hated by his father and further hardened by his own self-hate .
It is in that dirty alleyway , bottle in hand , that Montrose begins to ground his love in justice ; justice for Thomas and justice for his own young , gay self—a self he suppressed and lied about for years .
Montrose ain ’ t got the fullness of the fire that Sanchez raps about but he has enough of it to spark the fire in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alley that Tic is not simply reminded of the sacrifices of his father but recognizes that the soul murder Montrose committed upon him , he first committed upon himself .
Tic regrets his deep disregard of his father and is spurred to action by the violent white gang of teenagers that threatens the three people he ’ s loved the most in this world .
It is here that Tic catches the fire , grounding his own love in justice for the young Dora , George , and Montrose and acting in righteous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a boy full of the softness that will be needed if there is any hope of reconciliation between the two .
“ I got ya , kid ” brings us full circle as we are reminded of the opening scenes of the series , in which Tic is rescued from Cthulu by Jackie Robinson ’ s forceful swing as he repeats the self-assured and assuring phrase .
Tic now has the fire he could only dream existed in a heroic celebrity figure , but now burns bright in him as his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A requiem for the dead plays as we witness the destructive effects of white folks ’ jealousy ; their need to scorch the earth rather than see Black folks prosper .
Soprano Janai Brugger ’ s voice soars in an operatic requiem for the dead ( seriously y ’ all , they wrote an original fucking opera !
I so respect these creators ’ level of geekdom ! )
; a soulful rendering of Sanchez ’ s poem as Leti herself catches the fire from Nana Hattie ( Regina Taylor ) and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older woman into the afterlife .
The sacrificial horror of Nana Hattie ’ s death , which shows her skin melting off of her skeleton as she holds tight to Leti ’ s hand , is another example of Lovecraft Country displaying the beauty and the power indicative of the horror genre when it is done at this level of excellence .
At first , Leti ’ s walk back seems filled with sadness and regret at the loss of life—but I know I ’ m not the only one who cries when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s journey home is tearful , yes , as she carries the Book of Names in an act of justice—and deep love for Dee , Tic and the future generation that lies just below her heart .
But she is also filled with an anger so deep , so righteous , she can barely contain it , only able to focus upon placing one foot in front of the other .
Leti is filled with the just love of the ancestors and is now in possession of righteous rage to pass on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a people who demand nothing short of liberation .
Glossary : a list of terms and descriptions to help you along your journey into Lovecraft Country .
National Coming Out Day - Montrose came out , fully , to himself and his son this past Sunday , wonderfully coinciding with National Coming Out Day 2020 .
Sonic Screwdriver - a near-omnipotent tool used by the various incarnations of Dr. Who , the British science fiction wonder .
Hippolyta reveals her own sonic screwdriver , used in place of the key to the orrery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a Jewish entertainer who performed in Blackface and was a superstar of the 1920s .
His song , “ Avalon , ” plays at the Stratford when they arrive .
Sonia Sanchez - Sanchez ’ s “ Catch the Fire ” is the 2004 poem that we hear the poet recite as Nana Hattie literally burns in Leti ’ s hand .
It is repeated in operatic form in the final scenes of the episode .
Requiem for the Dead - its most specific meaning is typically a Catholic mass for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Janai Brugger ’ s soprano operates as a dirge or a lament for the dead that honors their sacrifice in a deeply meaningful way .
Cajon al Muerto - “ a drumming ceremony honoring one ’ s ancestors and earthbound spirits that is common in La Regla de Osha ” per Dr. Nicholas Jones ’ book Staging Habla de Negros : Radical Performances of the African Diaspora in Early Modern Spain ( 2019 ) .
This is a specifically diasporic method of honoring the dead , a different sort of requiem that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Osage County Murders - a conspiracy of white men to marry and then murder wealthy Indigenous women ( The Osage are an American-Indian nation ) for their land and resources .
These murders were occurring at the same time as the Tulsa massacre .
White folks were running wild , actively and openly killing Black and Indigenous people of means .
Recommendations : If your interest is piqued and you would like to take a deeper dive , here are some media suggestions that will help you better understand the Lovecraftian universe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Negro Thought in America 1880 - 1915 : Racial Ideologies in the Age of Booker T. Washington ( 1963 ) , August Meier Negro in American Life and Thought : The Nadir , 1877-1901 ( 1954 ) , Rayford W. Logan Killers of the Flower Moon : The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI ( 2017 ) , David Grann

Kinitra D. Brooks on The Grapevine, shared by Kinitra D. Brooks to The Root

Did you catch the fire? Sunday’s journey through Lovecraft Country was full of hope—as passed down to us by our ancestors and living elders. It might seem an odd takeaway that an episode beginning with a hexed Dee coming dangerously close to becoming a Topsy twin (uh, tripl et? I’m still having nightmares about them damn twins, y’all!) and ending with Tulsa, Okla., engulfed by the flames of white terrorism would be hopeful, but it was.
“We die here, don’t we?” — Nana Hattie to Leti
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In week seven of HBO’s groundbreaking series, I spoke about righteous rage but I’m thinking that the fire this time (to reference the work of James Baldwin and the recently deceased Randall Kenan) also contains a just love; a love grounded in justice for ancestors of yore and the descendants of the future. In this episode, we see, through the lens of the past, the fire that is ours in the present day to catch and pass on. And we see this coupling—of rage and love—in the Greenwood citizens’ defense of their families and community; in Tic’s rejection and subsequent protection of his father; by Hippolyta, who channels the fire as the literal motherboard for the time machine; and again literally in Leti’s long, fiery walk back to the Stradford Hotel (a real-life location) and the portal, clutching the Book of Names.
“I could name myself anything. Infinite possibilities that came with infinite wisdom, and I’m gonna use all of it to save my daughter.” — Hippolyta
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Before we get to Tulsa 1921, let’s check in on the Black Scooby Gang (my ode to Buffy the Vampire Slayer), who began the episode blaming each other for Dee’s demise. We got some fast-moving narrative development in the first third of this episode, giving us Lancaster’s final death at the hands of Christina’s clever manipulation of his regeneration spell (with help from Ruby), Hippolyta’s superhero-like entrance, and Act One culminating with Ruby driving off in Christina’s Rolls Royce after a “Come to Jesus” moment with Leti.
“Regeneration could be life or...could be a curse.” — William
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At first, I interpreted Ruby warning Leti against following “after some man” as simply hypocritical, for she is doing the same with Christina—following after her own (wo)man. But this scene and the next, featuring Christina and Ruby, brings clarity to Ruby’s motives. She is maneuvering to protect herself and Leti, period. Fuck everyone else. The promise she extracts from Christina regarding Leti was a foreshadowing filled with foreboding. Yet however detached, Ruby’s actions mirror those of Montrose, as he is similarly maneuvering to protect Atticus and his grandson—Leti ain’t nothing more than an incubator to him, where Tic and the (future) George are concerned. This does not bode well, for the Black Scoobies will have to come together, fully, to defeat Christina.
“Whatever’s going on between you all, leave it here. Right here.” — Hippolyta
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Though the Scooby Gang is in disarray, they must gather their resources to save Dee from Lancaster’s Topsy twins. They must return to the afternoon of May 31, 1921, the start of the 24-hour period that saw the destruction of the affluent Black community of Greenwood by white terrorism. The massacre seemingly begins with the suspicious arrest and jailing of teenager Dick Rowland, who shined shoes and was falsely accused by of some sort of assault on elevator operator Sarah Page, who was, at the very least, a platonic friend who never even pressed charges against Rowland.
Mechelle Brown, program coordinator at the Greenwood Cultural Center, explains that thousands of whites began to riot outside of the Tulsa courthouse, compelling 100 armed Black men to approach the courthouse, intent on protecting Rowland (returning after a smaller contingent was initially rebuffed by the sheriff). When one Black man was confronted about the gun he was carrying, a struggle ensued and the chaos exploded.
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“If I could go back in time, I would take that bullet.” — Montrose to Tic
“It was powerful…[the writers] did their research. As [Montrose] is recalling the Black entrepreneurs, some of those sites, [like] Standpipe Hill, were accurate,” Brown enthused, “What I liked about this portrayal, [was] them showing African Americans fighting back. There were Blacks fighting to defend their community...Watchmen didn’t show that.”
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It is the fire—the coupling of righteous rage and just love—that pushes the citizens of Greenwood, most especially the men, to defend their families, homes, and businesses as a unit. A lesson the Scoobies must learn to emulate if they are to survive their showdown with Christina. The Rowland incident was simply the catalyst in an already tense racial situation; “It was a racial tinderbox,” insists communications professor Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, who also contributes to the forthcoming graphic novel on the Greenwood Massacre, Across the Tracks: Remembering Greenwood, Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre (Abrams Books, Spring 2021). As he notes, in the year prior to the riots, “It was an eye-for-an-eye situation; [the Blacks] lynched a white guy on Saturday and [the whites] lynched a Black dude on a Sunday.”
“Boy, you have no idea what you’re walking into here.” — Montrose to Tic
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Dr. Anderson laments that nonviolence has erroneously been the vision of the Black fight for civil rights in America, saying, “nonviolence is only a recent invention.” He insists that Black Wall Street was a part of the Golden Age of Black Nationalism (1880-1920), and these folks prided themselves on being self-reliant, autonomous and heavily engaged in self-defense.
“A lot of Black veterans were there to defend BWS,” he further explains. “The African Blood Brotherhood, one of the precursors to the Black Panther Party [was there].”
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“If anyone comes close, you shoot to warn and then you shoot to kill.” — Gilbert
There was, at that time, also an overwhelming number of Black folks in Oklahoma of many different ethnicities: the African Americans fleeing the post-Reconstruction South; Black Indigenous folks who were children of those enslaved by the Five Nations; folks from the Caribbean and West Africa—because Black Oklahomans had recently pushed to create a Black state of its own. Accordingly, there was a multiplicity to Greenwood’s Blackness that would later be revered as unique along with the better known Harlem Renaissance, for, by the summer of 1921, Greenwood would be reduced to ashes. Brown recalls that its Black defenders were simply overwhelmed and outgunned by newly deputized whites and the National Guard, which would later place 6,000 surviving Greenwood residents—men, women, and children—in internment camps, holding them there as whites looted their homes and businesses before burning everything to the ground.
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The wound will come back, no matter how many times you try to swap the spare parts.” — William to Lancaster
It is the weight of these memories that brings us a drunken Montrose, suddenly dropped into the birthplace of both his early familial and romantic trauma. Tic reacts to his father’s drunkenness with bitter anger; he remains so heavily jarred by his father’s revelation that George might be his biological father, he is too disgusted to recognize his father’s PTSD. Montrose has often spoken of removing everything soft from himself, and we’ve been made to realize he has excised so much of it from Tic as well, making Tic’s coldness his just reward. But love ain’t always just. Both of these men are out of balance; they ain’t got the full fire Sanchez is talking about. They’ve got a lot of rage, but it’s self-righteous. Conversely, they’ve got some deep love, but it ain’t grounded in justice.
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“The only thing I ever wanted to be was your father. So it can’t change. It can’t.” — Montrose to Tic
Montrose’s pursuit to do right by his first love, Thomas, acknowledges the depth of the adolescent feelings he rejected so thoroughly, even though it’s 30 years too late. This pursuit, though senseless, is fruitful, for it grows the gentleness inside him. We see Montrose’s look of longing and regret as he refers to his young lover as a “faggot”—cruelly, the same slur the white mob will soon after repeat as they shoot Thomas in the head. Montrose’s reckoning with his memories of Thomas is his own act of coming out of the closet to himself—a much more intimate revelation than the momentary evolution we saw in Episode 5. Montrose begins to restore the softness so hated by his father and further hardened by his own self-hate. It is in that dirty alleyway, bottle in hand, that Montrose begins to ground his love in justice; justice for Thomas and justice for his own young, gay self—a self he suppressed and lied about for years. Montrose ain’t got the fullness of the fire that Sanchez raps about but he has enough of it to spark the fire in his son.
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“I cut out all the soft parts of myself, just to be a man because men have sons.” — Montrose to Tic
It is also in this alley that Tic is not simply reminded of the sacrifices of his father but recognizes that the soul murder Montrose committed upon him, he first committed upon himself. Tic regrets his deep disregard of his father and is spurred to action by the violent white gang of teenagers that threatens the three people he’s loved the most in this world. It is here that Tic catches the fire, grounding his own love in justice for the young Dora, George, and Montrose and acting in righteous rage to protect his young gay father, a boy full of the softness that will be needed if there is any hope of reconciliation between the two. “I got ya, kid” brings us full circle as we are reminded of the opening scenes of the series, in which Tic is rescued from Cthulu by Jackie Robinson’s forceful swing as he repeats the self-assured and assuring phrase. Tic now has the fire he could only dream existed in a heroic celebrity figure, but now burns bright in him as his father’s rescuer...and hero.
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“You live through something like that, it makes an unbreakable bond.” — Montrose to Tic
A requiem for the dead plays as we witness the destructive effects of white folks’ jealousy; their need to scorch the earth rather than see Black folks prosper. Soprano Janai Brugger’s voice soars in an operatic requiem for the dead (seriously y’all, they wrote an original fucking opera! I so respect these creators’ level of geekdom!); a soulful rendering of Sanchez’s poem as Leti herself catches the fire from Nana Hattie (Regina Taylor) and she, in turn, helps usher the older woman into the afterlife. The sacrificial horror of Nana Hattie’s death, which shows her skin melting off of her skeleton as she holds tight to Leti’s hand, is another example of Lovecraft Country displaying the beauty and the power indicative of the horror genre when it is done at this level of excellence.
Advertisement
“When my great-great-grandson is born, he will be my faith turned flesh.”— Nana Hattie to Leti
At first, Leti’s walk back seems filled with sadness and regret at the loss of life—but I know I’m not the only one who cries when I am filled with rage. Leti’s journey home is tearful, yes, as she carries the Book of Names in an act of justice—and deep love for Dee, Tic and the future generation that lies just below her heart. But she is also filled with an anger so deep, so righteous, she can barely contain it, only able to focus upon placing one foot in front of the other. Leti is filled with the just love of the ancestors and is now in possession of righteous rage to pass on to her son and future generations of a people who demand nothing short of liberation.
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Glossary: a list of terms and descriptions to help you along your journey into Lovecraft Country.
National Coming Out Day - Montrose came out, fully, to himself and his son this past Sunday, wonderfully coinciding with National Coming Out Day 2020.
Advertisement
Sonic Screwdriver - a near-omnipotent tool used by the various incarnations of Dr. Who, the British science fiction wonder. Hippolyta reveals her own sonic screwdriver, used in place of the key to the orrery Tic gave to Christina.
Al Jolson - a Jewish entertainer who performed in Blackface and was a superstar of the 1920s. His song, “Avalon,” plays at the Stratford when they arrive.
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Sonia Sanchez - Sanchez’s “Catch the Fire” is the 2004 poem that we hear the poet recite as Nana Hattie literally burns in Leti’s hand. It is repeated in operatic form in the final scenes of the episode.
Requiem for the Dead - its most specific meaning is typically a Catholic mass for the dead. But in this episode, Janai Brugger’s soprano operates as a dirge or a lament for the dead that honors their sacrifice in a deeply meaningful way.
Advertisement
Cajon al Muerto - “a drumming ceremony honoring one’s ancestors and earthbound spirits that is common in La Regla de Osha” per Dr. Nicholas Jones’ book Staging Habla de Negros: Radical Performances of the African Diaspora in Early Modern Spain (2019). This is a specifically diasporic method of honoring the dead, a different sort of requiem that is uniquely Black in its origin and practice.
Osage County Murders - a conspiracy of white men to marry and then murder wealthy Indigenous women (The Osage are an American-Indian nation) for their land and resources. These murders were occurring at the same time as the Tulsa massacre. White folks were running wild, actively and openly killing Black and Indigenous people of means.
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Recommendations: If your interest is piqued and you would like to take a deeper dive, here are some media suggestions that will help you better understand the Lovecraftian universe and other themes in this episode.
Film:
Back to the Future (1985), Robert Zemeckis
The Exorcist (1973), William Friedkin
Abby (1974), William Girdler
Constantine (2005), Frances Lawrence
Readings:
The Time Machine (1895), HG Wells
The Silver Key (1929), HP Lovecraft
Phantom Stranger (1952 - Present),
The Mysterious Traveler (1956-59), Joe Gill & Steve Ditko
Mage: The Hero Discovered (2004), Matt Wagner
Television:
Dr. Who (2005 - Present)
Quantum Leap (1989 - 1993)
Reference:
Negro Thought in America 1880 - 1915: Racial Ideologies in the Age of Booker T. Washington (1963), August Meier
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Negro in American Life and Thought: The Nadir, 1877-1901 (1954), Rayford W. Logan
The Golden Age of Black Nationalism, 1850-1925 (1988), Wilson Jeremiah Moses
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (2017), David Grann