theroot--2020-07-24--‘A New Era’: Serena Williams and Her Daughter Among Team of Stars Backing L.A.’s New Professional Wo

‘A New Era’: Serena Williams and Her Daughter Among Team of Stars Backing L.A.’s New Professional Women’s Soccer Team

As part of a push to elevate professional women ’ s soccer in the U.S. , Serena Williams and her two-year-old daughter have joined a majority-women group of investors bringing a new soccer team to Los Angeles .
The team , tentatively called “ Angel City , ” will join the National Women ’ s Soccer League and already boasts an impressive roster of talent comprising former women ’ s national soccer team players , including Mia Hamm , Abby Wambach and Lauren Cheney Holiday .
Its investors are equally noteworthy : Actors Natalie Portman , Jessica Chastain , Uzo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom have championed women ’ s rights and equal pay in Hollywood , are financially supporting the new team .
But it isn ’ t the star power that will set Angel City apart , its investors say .
It will be the team ’ s commitment to pay equity and community involvement .
As entrepreneur Julie Uhrman , one of Angel City ’ s investors , recently told The Lily , Serena Williams ’ involvement in the team began with a short quip to her husband , Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soccer-playing prospects : “ We told him our story and he immediately started adding to it , ” Uhrman told The Lily about her pitch to Ohanian .
“ He shared a conversation that he had with his wife Serena [ Williams ] about their daughter .
She was kicking a soccer ball around the backyard and Alexis said , ‘ Maybe she ’ ll be a professional soccer player one day.
’ And Serena probably half-jokingly said , ‘ They don ’ t get paid.
’ ” “ And he looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I have 16 years to make this happen.
’ ” Players on the most recent iteration of the U.S. Women ’ s National Team have foregrounded the pitiful lack of compensation top-performing women athletes face when compared to their male peers , even when they clearly out-perform them .
Messaging from Angel City ’ s rollout promised “ a new era of sports and entertainment in Los Angeles.
” This means changing expectations both on and off the field , Uhrman told The Lily .
“ We intend to write a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently about ownership and ticketing partnership and community collaboration , ” she said .
This includes greater and more purposeful involvement with community youth programs and taking care in showcasing the athletes so fans feel more emotionally connected to them .
“ It means that we ’ re creating a platform where we can leverage our celebrity and leverage the attention to really create an environment where every young girl believes that they can be a professional women ’ s soccer player , ” Uhrman added .
We ’ ll see if Alexis @ @ @ @ @ @

Anne Branigin on The Glow Up, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

As part of a push to elevate professional women’s soccer in the U.S., Serena Williams and her two-year-old daughter have joined a majority-women group of investors bringing a new soccer team to Los Angeles.
The team, tentatively called “Angel City,” will join the National Women’s Soccer League and already boasts an impressive roster of talent comprising former women’s national soccer team players, including Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach and Lauren Cheney Holiday. Its investors are equally noteworthy: Actors Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Uzo Aduba and America Ferrera, all of whom have championed women’s rights and equal pay in Hollywood, are financially supporting the new team.
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But it isn’t the star power that will set Angel City apart, its investors say. It will be the team’s commitment to pay equity and community involvement.
As entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, one of Angel City’s investors, recently told The Lily, Serena Williams’ involvement in the team began with a short quip to her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, about their daughter Alexis Olympia’s soccer-playing prospects:
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“We told him our story and he immediately started adding to it,” Uhrman told The Lily about her pitch to Ohanian. “He shared a conversation that he had with his wife Serena [Williams] about their daughter. She was kicking a soccer ball around the backyard and Alexis said, ‘Maybe she’ll be a professional soccer player one day.’ And Serena probably half-jokingly said, ‘They don’t get paid.’”
“And he looked at her and said, ‘Challenge accepted. I have 16 years to make this happen.’”
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Players on the most recent iteration of the U.S. Women’s National Team have foregrounded the pitiful lack of compensation top-performing women athletes face when compared to their male peers, even when they clearly out-perform them.
Messaging from Angel City’s rollout promised “a new era of sports and entertainment in Los Angeles.” This means changing expectations both on and off the field, Uhrman told The Lily.
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“We intend to write a new playbook where we reshape expectations and think differently about ownership and ticketing partnership and community collaboration,” she said. This includes greater and more purposeful involvement with community youth programs and taking care in showcasing the athletes so fans feel more emotionally connected to them.
“It means that we’re creating a platform where we can leverage our celebrity and leverage the attention to really create an environment where every young girl believes that they can be a professional women’s soccer player,” Uhrman added.
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We’ll see if Alexis Olympia will be among them.


theroot--2020-07-24--Now $20 off, the Amazon Fire TV Cube Is Here to Indulge Your Appetite With a Free Year of Food Netwo

Now $20 off, the Amazon Fire TV Cube Is Here to Indulge Your Appetite With a Free Year of Food Network Kitchen

For the uninitiated into Amazon ’ s vast , evergrowing hardware ecosystem , the Cube is the company ’ s @ @ @ @ @ powerful Amazon Fire TV.
” In other words , if you ’ re looking for @ @ @ @ @ , look no further : armed with 4K support , along with Dolby Vision and @ @ @ @ @ a natural gateway to services like Netflix , YouTube , Prime Video , Disney+ , @ @ @ @ @ Max , accessible using the included remote as well as voice controls .
To sweeten @ @ @ @ @ slashing the price by $ 20 and giving Kinja Deals readers a whole year of @ @ @ @ @ free , serving up fan-favorite series including Chopped , The Kitchen , and Diners , @ @ @ @ @

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

Fire TV Cube + Food Network Kitchen (1-Year) | $100 | Amazon
For the uninitiated into Amazon’s vast, evergrowing hardware ecosystem, the Cube is the company’s self-proclaimed “fastest, most powerful Amazon Fire TV.” In other words, if you’re looking for a place to start streaming , look no further: armed with 4K support, along with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, it serves as a natural gateway to services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and HBO Max, accessible using the included remote as well as voice controls .
The Best Streaming Services For years now new streaming video services have entered the competition in what they offer to keep… Read more
To sweeten the deal, Amazon is slashing the price by $20 and giving Kinja Deals readers a whole year of Food Network Kitchen, absolutely free, serving up fan-favorite series including Chopped, The Kitchen, and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.


theroot--2020-07-24--A Majority of Americans Support Black Lives Matter, but Are Divided on the Policy Changes the Moveme

A Majority of Americans Support Black Lives Matter, but Are Divided on the Policy Changes the Movement Has Championed

Americans agree that racism in the criminal justice system is a problem .
Where they ’ re still divided is how to address it—and how far to go .
According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll published earlier this week , a record-high number of Americans acknowledge that Black people and other minorities are treated differently than white people in the criminal justice system .
But a majority of those polled still oppose policies intended to transform law enforcement .
The poll also finds similar divisions with regard to reparations and the removal of Confederate monuments .
In all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in how respondents answered .
In total , 69 percent of Americans agree that Black people experience a different criminal justice system than white people do .
This year marks the first year that a majority of white people ( 62 percent ) agree with this assertion .
The percentage of Black folks who express this opinion has also increased in the last six years .
In 2014 , the Post writes , 89 percent of Black respondents said Black people were not treated equally by the police ; this year , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans also agree that killings of unarmed Black people “ are a sign of broader problems in the treatment of Black people by police , ” at 55 percent , but this number has decreased since last month , when 69 percent of Americans agreed with this statement .
A majority of Americans—63 percent—also say they support Black Lives Matter .
But the greatest disagreement comes in how Americans actually want to tackle the problems of discriminatory policing and systemic racism .
Two of the most transformative proposals , slashing police budgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still unpopular with a majority of Americans , though there are steep racial and generational divides in people ’ s responses .
Among all U.S. adults , 55 percent say they oppose cutting police funds and redistributing that money to social services .
Black respondents were the only demographic group in the survey who supported the policy , at 50 percent .
Only a third of white Americans said they wanted to cut police budgets , while Hispanic respondents were evenly split : 47 percent saying they supported divesting from the police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against it .
Still , this idea was largely a fringe one before the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Minn. , at the end of May .
The same is true of reparations , which have been discussed for generations but are starting to see more approval among a greater share of Americans .
A majority of Americans ( 63 percent ) still oppose the government giving money to Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved .
But the rate of people who do support reparations—31 percent—is a sizable increase from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1999 ABC News poll , the Washington Post writes .
Currently , more than 80 percent of Black people favor reparations , compared to roughly 75 percent of white people who say the government should not pay them .
A slight majority of Hispanic respondents , 56 percent , say they oppose government-funded reparations .
There were similar divisions with regard to removing Confederate statues , which honor figures who were either prolific slave owners , willing to die to preserve slavery , or both .
More than three out of four Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white and Hispanic respondents said they preferred to keep them .

Americans agree that racism in the criminal justice system is a problem. Where they’re still divided is how to address it—and how far to go.
According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll published earlier this week, a record-high number of Americans acknowledge that Black people and other minorities are treated differently than white people in the criminal justice system. But a majority of those polled still oppose policies intended to transform law enforcement. The poll also finds similar divisions with regard to reparations and the removal of Confederate monuments.
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In all these areas, there were substantial racial divides in how respondents answered.
In total, 69 percent of Americans agree that Black people experience a different criminal justice system than white people do. This year marks the first year that a majority of white people (62 percent) agree with this assertion. The percentage of Black folks who express this opinion has also increased in the last six years. In 2014, the Post writes, 89 percent of Black respondents said Black people were not treated equally by the police; this year, that rate is 97 percent.
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A majority of Americans also agree that killings of unarmed Black people “are a sign of broader problems in the treatment of Black people by police,” at 55 percent, but this number has decreased since last month, when 69 percent of Americans agreed with this statement. A majority of Americans—63 percent—also say they support Black Lives Matter.
But the greatest disagreement comes in how Americans actually want to tackle the problems of discriminatory policing and systemic racism. Two of the most transformative proposals, slashing police budgets and offering Black communities reparations, are still unpopular with a majority of Americans, though there are steep racial and generational divides in people’s responses.
Advertisement
Among all U.S. adults, 55 percent say they oppose cutting police funds and redistributing that money to social services. Black respondents were the only demographic group in the survey who supported the policy, at 50 percent. Only a third of white Americans said they wanted to cut police budgets, while Hispanic respondents were evenly split: 47 percent saying they supported divesting from the police, while another 48 percent saying they were against it.
Still, this idea was largely a fringe one before the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., at the end of May. The same is true of reparations, which have been discussed for generations but are starting to see more approval among a greater share of Americans.
Advertisement
A majority of Americans (63 percent) still oppose the government giving money to Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved. But the rate of people who do support reparations—31 percent—is a sizable increase from the 19 percent who favored it in a 1999 ABC News poll, the Washington Post writes.
Currently, more than 80 percent of Black people favor reparations, compared to roughly 75 percent of white people who say the government should not pay them. A slight majority of Hispanic respondents, 56 percent, say they oppose government-funded reparations.
Advertisement
There were similar divisions with regard to removing Confederate statues, which honor figures who were either prolific slave owners, willing to die to preserve slavery, or both. More than three out of four Black people support their removal, while majorities of white and Hispanic respondents said they preferred to keep them.


theroot--2020-07-24--I've Eaten 170,000 Honey Roasted Peanuts Since March

So this morning after eating the 170,000th honey roasted peanut I ’ ve eaten since March OH IT WAS SO DELICIOUS THE WAY THE HONEY AND THE ROASTED PEANUT CONVERGED IN MY MOUTH CRUNCHY SWEET TANGY SEXY YES SEXY A HONEY ROASTED PEANUT IS THE SEXIEST NUT WAY SEXIER THAN CASHEWS WHICH HAVE NUT SCOLIOSIS AND ALMONDS WHICH TASTE LIKE FEBREEZE SPRAYED ON TEETH .
BUT YEAH I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO EAT JUST SIX THIS MORNING .
BUT SIX TURNED TO SIXTEEN .
SIXTEEN TURNED TO SEVENTY-TWO .
SEVENTY-TWO TURNED TO SIX HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN .
BECAUSE ONCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ T STOP .
WHICH IS WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT LAY ’ S .
BUT THE ONLY WHITE THING I PUT IN MY MOUTH NOW IS TOOTHPASTE FUCK A POTATO CHIP UNLESS ITS BBQ IF AMERICA CAN BE ANTIBLACK I CAN BE ANTIWHITE WITH ... FOOD WHICH ADMITTEDLY MAKES NO SENSE AND NEEDS TO BE WORKSHOPPED A BIT MAYBE BUT PROTEST STARTS AT HOME .
Anyway , after I finished eating that can of honey roasted peanuts , I walked past a mirror to see if there were any honey roasted peanut bits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ RE THERE I ’ M HAPPY LIKE “ OH , A NIGHTCAP ” WHICH HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WHEN YOU ’ RE BIG BEARDED SOMETIMES ITS CELERY SOMETIMES ITS A PANCAKE PIECE ONCE I FOUND A WHOLE ASS UNBITTEN CHICKEN WING JUST SITTING IN MY BEARD LIKE IT WAS A COUCH ON MY FACE .
BUT YEAH I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR EXPECTING TO SEE ME BUT NOW I AM A HONEY ROASTED PEANUT WITH A BEARD .
I LOOK LIKE A MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM MASCOT .
I LOOK OBSCENE .
I LOOK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WINDEX IF RAID WASN ’ T CLOSE ENOUGH .
I LOOK LIKE I NEED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE OR SOMETHING .
BUT I ’ M STILL REALLY SMART WHICH IS HOW I MANAGED TO TYPE THIS DESPITE NOT HAVING HANDS ANYMORE .

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

So this morning after eating the 170,000th honey roasted peanut I’ve eaten since March OH IT WAS SO DELICIOUS THE WAY THE HONEY AND THE ROASTED PEANUT CONVERGED IN MY MOUTH CRUNCHY SWEET TANGY SEXY YES SEXY A HONEY ROASTED PEANUT IS THE SEXIEST NUT WAY SEXIER THAN CASHEWS WHICH HAVE NUT SCOLIOSIS AND ALMONDS WHICH TASTE LIKE FEBREEZE SPRAYED ON TEETH. BUT YEAH I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO EAT JUST SIX THIS MORNING . BUT SIX TURNED TO SIXTEEN. SIXTEEN TURNED TO SEVENTY-TWO. SEVENTY-TWO TURNED TO SIX HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN. BECAUSE ONCE I START EATING THEM I JUST CAN’T STOP. WHICH IS WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT LAY’S. BUT THE ONLY WHITE THING I PUT IN MY MOUTH NOW IS TOOTHPASTE FUCK A POTATO CHIP UNLESS ITS BBQ IF AMERICA CAN BE ANTIBLACK I CAN BE ANTIWHITE WITH...FOOD WHICH ADMITTEDLY MAKES NO SENSE AND NEEDS TO BE WORKSHOPPED A BIT MAYBE BUT PROTEST STARTS AT HOME.
Anyway, after I finished eating that can of honey roasted peanuts, I walked past a mirror to see if there were any honey roasted peanut bits in my beard. SOMETIMES WHEN THEY’RE THERE I’M HAPPY LIKE “OH, A NIGHTCAP” WHICH HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WHEN YOU’RE BIG BEARDED SOMETIMES ITS CELERY SOMETIMES ITS A PANCAKE PIECE ONCE I FOUND A WHOLE ASS UNBITTEN CHICKEN WING JUST SITTING IN MY BEARD LIKE IT WAS A COUCH ON MY FACE. BUT YEAH I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR EXPECTING TO SEE ME BUT NOW I AM A HONEY ROASTED PEANUT WITH A BEARD. I LOOK LIKE A MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM MASCOT. I LOOK OBSCENE. I LOOK LIKE SOMETHING YOU’D SPRAY WITH WINDEX IF RAID WASN’T CLOSE ENOUGH. I LOOK LIKE I NEED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE OR SOMETHING. BUT I’M STILL REALLY SMART WHICH IS HOW I MANAGED TO TYPE THIS DESPITE NOT HAVING HANDS ANYMORE.


theroot--2020-07-24--Trailer Roundup: 2020 Is Unknown, So Don't Look Deeper

Happy Friday , y ’ all .
This has been a week of more announcements that the movies we hoped to see this summer ( and in the near future ) have been pushed back even further , so we might as well get settled into this virtual entertainment life .
With that said , it ’ s time for another round of movie and TV trailers !
Let ’ s get it ... First Impressions : Any major city with a subway system knows about the subway performers ( for example , New York City residents have “ Showtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life ) .
Well , Turf Nation takes us to the Bay Area ( Oakland , Calif. , to be exact ) and the beloved dance crew , Turf Feinz .
The crew , which performs on the local BART trains , has worked with H.E.R , G-Eazy , Kehlani , Jack Harlow , E-40 and more .
I ’ m down to watch a group of young Black boys dancing their hearts out and learn more about them ... besides , anyone who can contort their limbs like that gets mad respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Showtime ; Release Date : Oct. 4 , 2020 , at 9 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : Based on the award-winning James McBride novel of the same name , this upcoming TV series follows abolitionist John Brown ( Ethan Hawke ) , but the story is told from the perspective of an enslaved boy named Onion ( portrayed by rising star Joshua Caleb Johnson ) .
Onion joins Brown ’ s crew of abolitionist soldiers during Bleeding Kansas , which leads to the famous 1859 raid on the .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intriguing with Black-ass stars such as Daveed Diggs ( who portrays Frederick Douglass ) , Orlando Jones and Hubert Point-Du Jour .
First Impressions : PBS choosing to stream Stanley Nelson ’ s award-winning documentary is especially poignant right now , of course , to honor the legacy of the late great Rep. John Lewis as well as his fellow “ Freedom Riders.
” The doc first aired in 2011 , and it “ tells the powerful , harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months that transformed America.
” This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to digest this soon .
First Impressions : So , Jason Wheems is “ unknown ” to me .
But , my God did his story make my ears perk up , immediately !
You see , Wheems died after a stand-up performance in Philadelphia .
He was dead for 5 minutes .
As in no heartbeat or pulse .
Yikes .
I typically enjoy stand-up comedy in general , but that is quite a pitch ( it ’ s the ultimate way of turning tragedy into comedy ) and I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just like Wheems , I ’ m actually unfamiliar with Sam Jay ’ s work .
Well , at least I think I am .
Jay is actually the first Black lesbian writer to be staffed at Saturday Night Live .
Speaking of firsts , this is Jay ’ s first Netflix comedy special , which is clearly a big ass deal for stand-up comedians because Netflix has been bodying the stand-up content .
I ’ m excited to be introduced to Jay ’ s comedy in this way .
First Impressions : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film , but the fact that it is set “ fifteen minutes into the future , ” according to the press release , is interesting .
Don ’ t Look Deeper stars Helena Howard as a high school senior who struggles with the fact that she may not be completely ... human .
Cue powerful forces that attempt to search for and ultimately control her and all the drama that comes with that .
Plus , my guy Don Cheadle is in it .
I ’ ll definitely add this to my ever-growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Third Day ( HBO ; Release Date : Sept. 14 at 9 p.m .
ET ) The Third Day official teaser / HBO ( YouTube ) First Impressions : The Third Day is a limited drama series with a fascinating concept where six episodes will be split to tell the stories of “ Summer ” and “ Winter.
” In “ Winter , ” Naomie Harris stars as Helen , “ a strong-willed outsider who comes to the island seeking answers , but whose arrival precipitates a fractious battle to decide its fate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are distorted.
” Harris is continuously a captivating actress , but her performance in Moonlight alone should persuade anyone to see anything she appears in .
First Impressions : Well , of course , RuPaul is taking the ever-popular Drag Race series to Vegas .
Everyone knows there is lots of money to be made in Sin City ( whether it ’ s the risky gambling or the secure show residency ) , so the popular past contestants are taking their show on the road .
The special will feature Season 11 winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia O ’ Hara , Derrick Barry , Kameron Michaels , Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “ Vanjie ” Mateo .
First Impressions : As part of PBS ’ POV series , Chez Jolie Coiffure follows ex-pat Sabine and her “ nightmare journey from enslavement to managing a hair salon in the African Quarter of Brussels , ” per the press release .
Sabine is a larger-than-life personality who works at a tiny shop called Jolie Coiffure and she primps and pampers undocumented immigrants to make them feel beautiful in a harsh reality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yeah , I ’ m completely sold .
First Impressions : It ’ s finally here !
After we ’ ve covered the anticipated project in our Tribeca roundup and Strong Black Lead features for July , this dope doc is available to stream right now .
Directed by award-winning director-editor Farah X and Academy Award-nominated director-producer Lisa Cortés , The Remix “ spotlights the fearless contributions of style architect Misa Hylton with special appearances from 90 ’ s hip hop fashion authorities ; April Walker , Dapper Dan and celebrated Vogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerby Jean-Raymond , ” per the press release .
First Impression : Yes , this project is about the late beloved Robert “ Bob ” Nesta Marley .
This documentary will not only honor the reggae music he provided to the entire universe but the man behind the influential art .
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Marley so this doc is certainly well-timed .
Besides , Marley always promoted love—which is the kind of joy we absolutely need in this hell of a year .
And on that note ( yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end on ) , that ’ s all for this week !
‘ Til next Friday !

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

Happy Friday, y’all. This has been a week of more announcements that the movies we hoped to see this summer (and in the near future) have been pushed back even further, so we might as well get settled into this virtual entertainment life. With that said, it’s time for another round of movie and TV trailers! Let’s get it...
Turf Nation trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Any major city with a subway system knows about the subway performers (for example, New York City residents have “Showtime!” ringing in their heads for life). Well, Turf Nation takes us to the Bay Area (Oakland, Calif., to be exact) and the beloved dance crew, Turf Feinz. The crew, which performs on the local BART trains, has worked with H.E.R, G-Eazy, Kehlani, Jack Harlow, E-40 and more. I’m down to watch a group of young Black boys dancing their hearts out and learn more about them...besides, anyone who can contort their limbs like that gets mad respect from me.
Advertisement
The Good Lord Bird (Showtime; Release Date: Oct. 4, 2020, at 9 p.m. ET)
The Good Lord Bird trailer / Showtime (YouTube)
First Impressions: Based on the award-winning James McBride novel of the same name, this upcoming TV series follows abolitionist John Brown (Ethan Hawke), but the story is told from the perspective of an enslaved boy named Onion (portrayed by rising star Joshua Caleb Johnson). Onion joins Brown’s crew of abolitionist soldiers during Bleeding Kansas, which leads to the famous 1859 raid on the. U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry. The cast is intriguing with Black-ass stars such as Daveed Diggs (who portrays Frederick Douglass), Orlando Jones and Hubert Point-Du Jour.
Advertisement Advertisement
Freedom Riders (PBS/PBS Video App; Now Streaming)
Freedom Riders trailer / American Experience PBS (YouTube)
First Impressions: PBS choosing to stream Stanley Nelson’s award-winning documentary is especially poignant right now, of course, to honor the legacy of the late great Rep. John Lewis as well as his fellow “Freedom Riders.” The doc first aired in 2011, and it “tells the powerful, harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months that transformed America.” This is required viewing and I’m certainly going to digest this soon.
Advertisement
Jason Weems: Unknown (On Digital; Release Date: Aug. 4, 2020)
Jason Weems Unknown trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: So, Jason W eems is “unknown” to me. But, my God did his story make my ears perk up, immediately! You see, W eems died after a stand-up performance in Philadelphia. He was dead for 5 minutes. As in no heartbeat or pulse. Yikes. I typically enjoy stand-up comedy in general, but that is quite a pitch (it’s the ultimate way of turning tragedy into comedy) and I will be tuned in.
Advertisement
Sam Jay: 3 In The Morning (Netflix; Release Date: Aug. 4, 2020)
Sam Jay: 3 in the Morning trailer / Netflix (YouTube)
First Impressions: Just like Wheems, I’m actually unfamiliar with Sam Jay’s work. Well, at least I think I am. Jay is actually the first Black lesbian writer to be staffed at Saturday Night Live. Speaking of firsts, this is Jay’s first Netflix comedy special, which is clearly a big ass deal for stand-up comedians because Netflix has been bodying the stand-up content. I’m excited to be introduced to Jay’s comedy in this way.
Advertisement
Don’t Look Deeper (Quibi; Release Date: July 27, 2020)
Don’t Look Deeper trailer / Quibi (YouTube)
First Impressions: This looks to be a sci-fi futuristic film, but the fact that it is set “fifteen minutes into the future,” according to the press release, is interesting. Don’t Look Deeper stars Helena Howard as a high school senior who struggles with the fact that she may not be completely...human. Cue powerful forces that attempt to search for and ultimately control her and all the drama that comes with that. Plus, my guy Don Cheadle is in it. I’ll definitely add this to my ever-growing list of content to watch.
Advertisement
The Third Day (HBO; Release Date: Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. ET)
The Third Day official teaser / HBO (YouTube)
First Impressions: The Third Day is a limited drama series with a fascinating concept where six episodes will be split to tell the stories of “Summer” and “Winter.” In “Winter,” Naomie Harris stars as Helen, “a strong-willed outsider who comes to the island seeking answers, but whose arrival precipitates a fractious battle to decide its fate as the lines between fantasy and fact are distorted.” Harris is continuously a captivating actress, but her performance in Moonlight alone should persuade anyone to see anything she appears in.
Advertisement
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue (VH1; Release Date: Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT)
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue Trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: Well, of course, RuPaul is taking the ever-popular Drag Race series to Vegas. Everyone knows there is lots of money to be made in Sin City (whether it’s the risky gambling or the secure show residency), so the popular past contestants are taking their show on the road. The special will feature Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly as well as iconic queens Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo.
Advertisement
Chez Jolie Coiffure (PBS; Release Date: Aug. 3, 2020, at 10 p.m. ET)
Chez Jolie Coiffure trailer / PBS (YouTube)
First Impressions: As part of PBS’ POV series, Chez Jolie Coiffure follows ex-pat Sabine and her “nightmare journey from enslavement to managing a hair salon in the African Quarter of Brussels,” per the press release. Sabine is a larger-than-life personality who works at a tiny shop called Jolie Coiffure and she primps and pampers undocumented immigrants to make them feel beautiful in a harsh reality. This is a glow up with gumption. Yeah, I’m completely sold.
Advertisement
The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion (Netflix; Now Streaming)
The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion trailer / YouTube
First Impressions: It’s finally here! After we’ve covered the anticipated project in our Tribeca roundup and Strong Black Lead features for July, this dope doc is available to stream right now. Directed by award-winning director-editor Farah X and Academy Award-nominated director-producer Lisa Cortés, The Remix “spotlights the fearless contributions of style architect Misa Hylton with special appearances from 90’s hip hop fashion authorities; April Walker, Dapper Dan and celebrated Vogue Fund-winning designer and recent CFDA nominee, Kerby Jean-Raymond,” per the press release.
Advertisement
Marley (Select Theaters / Digital; Release Date: July 31, 2020)
Marley trailer / Blue Fox Entertainment (YouTube)
First Impression: Yes, this project is about the late beloved Robert “Bob” Nesta Marley. This documentary will not only honor the reggae music he provided to the entire universe but the man behind the influential art. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Marley so this doc is certainly well-timed. Besides, Marley always promoted love—which is the kind of joy we absolutely need in this hell of a year.
Advertisement
And on that note (yes, love is a great note to end on), that’s all for this week! ‘Til next Friday!


theroot--2020-07-24--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: A Look Inside Our Secret Location

Making our way in the world today Takes all black people got .
Taking a break from wypipo Sure would help a lot .
Wouldn ’ t you like to get away ?
Sometimes you want to go Where the Karens can be shamed And the cops don ’ t cock and aim You want to be where they clap on beat and reparations can be claimed .
You want to go where white people aren ’ t insane .
You want to go where people can see that racism causes pain .
You want to go where white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to an email , DM , tweet or message , I try to understand the writer ’ s point of view .
Oftentimes , they make good points .
But more often than not , readers who object to some of our content don ’ t like what we say simply because most of the writers at The Root are writing from a secret location whose existence most people aren ’ t even aware of .
I can honestly say that , since I ’ ve been here , I have never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nor have I seen or heard anyone tell one of our writers which side of an issue they are allowed to take .
We have debated some stories among each other , but the only directive I have ever seen given is that everything we post here must come from the same secret place .
We don ’ t just write .
for Black people .
We don ’ t just write about B lack people .
Here , we center the conversation around B lack people as if the white gaze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a society built on the supremacy of whiteness , some people can ’ t even fathom such a place .
So they write to us .
The first email was in regards to Jay Connor ’ s article about NBA star James Harden ...
But not really .
I understand what you ’ re saying .
What you ’ re talking about is our collective objectivity , which is a pillar of journalism .
The Root staff contains journalists that have worked all over the industry .
In fact , the organizations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times to academic journals—regularly solicit our writers for contributions and even try to steal them away .
I ’ m telling you this to explain that the idea of objectivity is relative .
What you consider as “ objective ” is really the white point of view .
Tony Kornheiser , one of my favorite sportswriters , often says that “ The chances of rain are always 50/50 .
It will either rain , or it won ’ t. ” One of the ways in which white America gaslights B lack people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not raining , when we can actually feel the raindrops .
Take Donald Trump , for instance .
Very few outlets that we regard as being the bastions of journalism will explicitly call Donald Trump a racist .
They don ’ t say it because they want to appear as if they are being objective .
However , they ’ re not taking a neutral position , they are taking the white position .
If an objective person saw a convicted serial killer standing over a pile of dead bodies while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be committing malpractice if they didn ’ t mention the guy holding the knife and wrote : “ We should consider all the possibilities before we assume this guy is a murderer.
” An objective person makes an evaluation by considering all the evidence and it is incumbent upon a journalist to tell the audience about the evidence .
To be clear , no one should be convicted and sentenced based on holding a knife but that is a job for a prosecutor .
It also wouldn ’ t be objective to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was president , there was a mountain of evidence that Donald Trump is a racist dating back nearly half a century .
He was literally charged by the Department of Justice and entered an agreement to stop being racist .
He castigated Mexicans , Muslims , African immigrants , B lack people and every non-white constituency in America .
The reason that Blue Lives Matter even exists is that cops want to disrupt the conversation about police killing B lack people .
Cops shot and killed a disproportionate amount of B lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 largest cities , according to Mapping Police Violence .
These killings don ’ t correlate to the racial crime rate , the rate of violence against police or even the overall crime rate .
They just kill people .
When Jay wrote about James Harden , a B lack man , wearing a face mask that represents the attempt to disrupt the conversation about B lack lives and police brutality , Jay wasn ’ t being biased ; he was actually being objective by including the relevant information .
You can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why people were outraged and you can ’ t explain the outrage without mentioning the indisputable facts .
But here is the important part : You ’ re not used to seeing these points of view from news outlets because white people get to determine the standards of journalistic objectivity .
When outlets report on police , they write from the white viewpoint because cops actually protect and serve white interests .
They kill white people at a lower rate than white people ’ s percentage of the population .
When outlets write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him from the white point of view because most white voters voted for Trump .
They truly believe they are being objective by not reporting relevant information that doesn ’ t affect them .
What if white people couldn ’ t get wet ?
Would you trust a weatherman who always reported the chance of rain as 50/50 If he explained his prediction by saying “ well , it ’ s not raining inside the studio where I ’ m standing right now ” would you still consider his weather report ?
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the storm clouds and heard the thunder rolling .
What if you saw the raindrops .
What if you got soaking wet ?
From his viewpoint , it was not raining .
Was he just being objective ?
Or could it be that he just being white ?
Here ’ s another letter about the article on Nick Cannon : I ’ ve postponed this letter many times because I ’ ve tried to understand your writing to the best of my ability .
I started reading your work at around age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout my years my philosophy has changed .
In the beginning I took your word as true and tried to adapt it to my life , only to realize it did not fit .
I grew up in the pacific northwest .
The demographic there is mostly white do to historic laws the state and territory imposed .
I ’ ve never denied the struggle of those less fortunate than me no matter their melanin level .
But here is where I differ from you , no friend , coworker , fellow student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color for his circumstances .
I met someone years ago who did and because of your writing I inquired why , to my surprise it was because his brother was in a gang and he had been arrested before .
I immediately thought that was because of race .
I later learned it was less because of race and while this is just anecdotal I listened .
With every story from white , black or brown I realized that race had less to contribute than the actions of the man .
I continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and housing loans and homelessness rates.. again finding that the actions of the man outweighed the race .
It was disheartening to learn that a man had more to overcome than his race and that he had to create his own future and that only his actions stopped him .
I was lost .
I tried to read every source I can ( this was 6 or so years ago ) .
I kept on reading your articles .
You were a balance to the rest .
I admired ( and continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as true ) but also saw flaws in what you believe .
The definitions you gave weren ’ t holistic , they were narrow and were written to silence opposition .
I believe in free speech although I ’ m sure you will use this against me to some extent ( again I ’ ve read many of your articles ) but I would say the only reason you have the success you have is because of free speech .
Recently I read an by you article about racism and white supremecy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .
In all the articles I read you have had some logical inconsistencies but we ’ re all human and we learn .
However this inconsistency was a paragraph away .
You said black people can ’ t be racist and then tried to define the difference between white supremecy and racism .
You said that racism is hate by the color of the skin whether it was black white or brown no matter the power behind it , and I agree with that ; but supremecy was a power structure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree with you that black supremecy doesn ’ t exist today but I disagree that black racism doesn ’ t exist ( black Hebrew isrealites , 5 % ers etc ) I ’ ve seen you make arguments for it before and respect them but this was plain as day contradictory .
Is there something I ’ m missing ?
I love your work ; you ’ re one of my favorite journalists because I don ’ t believe you can be bought .
Although I may not agree with all of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least make your clapback mailbag .
Thank you for this letter .
I think you may have misread that article because your letter gives me the opportunity to explain my belief .
I believe B lack people can be racist because I believe that we have misunderstood the difference between racism and white supremacy .
Both B lack and white people often think that white supremacists are super-racists who wear Nazi insignias and organize marches , while racists just don ’ t like B lack people , for whatever reason .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with News Editor Monique Judge , who edited that article and gave me permission to share our conversation .
While I understand people who contend that black people can ’ t be racist because racism requires power , I have repeatedly written ( including here , here and here ) that the idea of power is subjective .
A black police officer wields as much power as his fellow white officers .
Whether they are black are white , cops are all subject to the same racist notion that black people are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of black people .
A powerless white man who stocks the shelves at Home Depot and hates black people is a racist , even if he can ’ t materially affect any black person ’ s day-to-day life.
” Michael Harriot : I think a lot of people disagree with it .
But I stand by it .
Candace Owens is racist .
Monique : I know you do .
We agree to disagree .
[ Candace Owens ] is ignorant .
Michael Harriot : A lot of cops are racist .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are racist against themselves .
Monique : this is a really good piece .
Michael Harriot : do those toothless white motherfuckers who work at the gas station have any real power ?
Monique : likely not but they are part of a system of power and that ’ s what i mean Michael Harriot : They vote for Trump because they are racist Monique : lol we should have this debate on video : “ Can Black People Be Racist ?
” Michael Harriot : Right , my contention is that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a racist system , then you are racist Monique : explain give power .
you mean like what Candace Owens does ?
and T im Scott and Ben Carson and Van Jones et al Michael Harriot : No , I think there needs to be a denotation between white supremacy and racism .
racism is personal and individual white supremacy is systemic .
That ’ s why we add “ systemic ” to racism ” when we talk about white supremacy .
Michael Harriot : For instance , a KKK member is racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black person ’ s life He believes in white supremacy just like a lot of people believe in Christianity but aren ’ t Christians .
But , if you call a police officer racist because they subconsciously believe that black people are more dangerous , that person will swear up and down that they aren ’ t racist because they don ’ t hate black people And THAT is why we can ’ t reform police Monique : because the issue is tied to racism Michael Harriot : Because a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers hate black people that is how they define racism What we ’ re actually talking about is white supremacy Monique : ok i can see your point on that Michael Harriot : So we can never get to where we want to go unless we explain that we don ’ t care how white people FEEL .
We care about the OUTCOME of their ACTIONS have you written this before ?
It ’ s been my mantra for a long time .
It ’ s also why White people can contend that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bone in their bodies They think racism comes from the inside of their bodies .
That conversation prompted a larger discussion , but my point has always been , if we talk about police shootings using the same term as we talk about someone who says the n-word in Target , we will never be able to discuss police brutality or school funding because white people assume that they aren ’ t racist if they don ’ t shoot a B lack person in the face or hateB lack people in their heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we can legislate systemic issues like redlining and use of force .
So we ( myself included ) must stop using racism as a catch-all when we really mean white supremacy—the system that gives white people more opportunity for prosperity and life .
You mistakenly thought I said “ B lack people can ’ t be racist , ” which is an easy mistake because a lot of B lack people believe it .
But not me .
You just assumed I did .
I don ’ t know why they still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know why doo-doo porn is so prevalent in Germany .
I don ’ t know why Post Malone is .
There ’ s one other thing that admittedly befuddles me : Why do you think white people are so smart ?
Why do you think white people were able to collectively bamboozle 88 percent of B lack people into voting for the Democrats ?
Why do you think we were too dumb to notice the flim-flam ?
And why can ’ t the Republicans use that same hypnosis trick and convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why don ’ t Asians vote Republican ?
Or Hispanic Americans ?
Why is it that no other racial group or ethnic demographic in the entire country vote Republican except for white people ?
Why is it impossible for you to fathom the possibility that you might be right and everyone else might be right ?
Why is it so hard for you to believe that every other group in America are voting for their own interests in the same way that white people are ?
And , as far as B lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part of that article that I deleted for brevity :

Making our way in the world today
Takes all black people got.
Taking a break from wypipo
Sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go
Where the Karens can be shamed
And the cops don’t cock and aim
You want to be where they clap on beat
and reparations can be claimed.
You want to go where white people aren’t insane. You want to go where people can see
that racism causes pain. You want to go where white people aren’t insane.
Before I respond to an email, DM, tweet or message, I try to understand the writer’s point of view. Oftentimes, they make good points. But more often than not, readers who object to some of our content don’t like what we say simply because most of the writers at The Root are writing from a secret location whose existence most people aren’t even aware of.
I can honestly say that, since I’ve been here, I have never been told what opinion I should have, nor have I seen or heard anyone tell one of our writers which side of an issue they are allowed to take. We have debated some stories among each other, but the only directive I have ever seen given is that everything we post here must come from the same secret place.
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Your authentic B lack self.
We don’t just write. for Black people. We don’t just write about B lack people. Here, we center the conversation around B lack people as if the white gaze has blown a bulb. And in a society built on the supremacy of whiteness, some people can’t even fathom such a place.
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So they write to us.
The first email was in regards to Jay Connor’s article about NBA star James Harden...
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And Stephen Crockett’s article about Donald Trump:
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But not really.
To: Danielle Belton
From: Gabriel “the patriot” Hi, I stumbled upon your page in regards to a James harden article, and it took all of two sentences to realize that this “news outlet” is nothing but a group of biased childish “adults”. Also an article addressing our president as someone come get there racist uncle out of the White House. Now I don’t know your history or anything about you or the others associated with this site, but this a blog not a news outlet. Your “authors” share painfully obvious personal opinions and it’s one of the worst forms of journalism I’ve seen in a time of total dog shit journalism. Congratulations. Also the blue patriot mask is to support our police. You ignorant dumb fuck, not the murderers who played cop for a bit. Either you are all stupid or you just type what people want to read regardless of the truth.
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Dear Gabriel,
I understand what you’re saying. What you’re talking about is our collective objectivity, which is a pillar of journalism.
Advertisement
The Root staff contains journalists that have worked all over the industry. In fact, the organizations and outlets you know and trust—from the New York Times to academic journals—regularly solicit our writers for contributions and even try to steal them away. I’m telling you this to explain that the idea of objectivity is relative. What you consider as “objective” is really the white point of view.
Tony Kornheiser, one of my favorite sportswriters, often says that “The chances of rain are always 50/50. It will either rain, or it won’t.”
Advertisement
One of the ways in which white America gaslights B lack people is to try to convince us that it is not raining, when we can actually feel the raindrops.
Take Donald Trump, for instance. Very few outlets that we regard as being the bastions of journalism will explicitly call Donald Trump a racist. They don’t say it because they want to appear as if they are being objective. However, they’re not taking a neutral position, they are taking the white position.
Advertisement
If an objective person saw a convicted serial killer standing over a pile of dead bodies while holding a bloody knife, a reporter would be committing malpractice if they didn’t mention the guy holding the knife and wrote: “We should consider all the possibilities before we assume this guy is a murderer.” An objective person makes an evaluation by considering all the evidence and it is incumbent upon a journalist to tell the audience about the evidence. To be clear, no one should be convicted and sentenced based on holding a knife but that is a job for a prosecutor. It also wouldn’t be objective to not mention the knife.
Donald Trump is holding a bloody knife.
Even before he was president, there was a mountain of evidence that Donald Trump is a racist dating back nearly half a century. He was literally charged by the Department of Justice and entered an agreement to stop being racist. He castigated Mexicans, Muslims, African immigrants, B lack people and every non-white constituency in America.
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Not calling Donald Trump a “racist” isn’t objective. It’s malpractice.
The police are holding a bloody knife.
The reason that Blue Lives Matter even exists is that cops want to disrupt the conversation about police killing B lack people. Cops shot and killed a disproportionate amount of B lack people n 92 of America’s 100 largest cities, according to Mapping Police Violence. These killings don’t correlate to the racial crime rate, the rate of violence against police or even the overall crime rate. They just kill people.
Advertisement
When Jay wrote about James Harden, a B lack man, wearing a face mask that represents the attempt to disrupt the conversation about B lack lives and police brutality, Jay wasn’t being biased; he was actually being objective by including the relevant information. You can’t write about the outrage without explaining why people were outraged and you can’t explain the outrage without mentioning the indisputable facts.
But here is the important part:
You’re not used to seeing these points of view from news outlets because white people get to determine the standards of journalistic objectivity. When outlets report on police, they write from the white viewpoint because cops actually protect and serve white interests. They kill white people at a lower rate than white people’s percentage of the population. When outlets write about Donald Trump, they report on him from the white point of view because most white voters voted for Trump. They truly believe they are being objective by not reporting relevant information that doesn’t affect them.
Advertisement
What if white people couldn’t get wet?
Would you trust a weatherman who always reported the chance of rain as 50/50 If he explained his prediction by saying “well, it’s not raining inside the studio where I’m standing right now” would you still consider his weather report?What if you peeked out the window and saw the storm clouds and heard the thunder rolling. What if you saw the raindrops. What if you got soaking wet?
Advertisement
From his viewpoint, it was not raining. Was he just being objective?
Or could it be that he just being white?
Here’s another letter about the article on Nick Cannon:
Thank You, Nick Cannon Entertainment giant Viacom CBS fired television host, comedian and former Atlanta A&T percussionist Read more
From: Ryan To: Michaelharriot Hello Micheal, I’ve postponed this letter many times because I’ve tried to understand your writing to the best of my ability. I started reading your work at around age 14 ( I am now 24) throughout my years my philosophy has changed. In the beginning I took your word as true and tried to adapt it to my life, only to realize it did not fit. I grew up in the pacific northwest. The demographic there is mostly white do to historic laws the state and territory imposed. I’ve never denied the struggle of those less fortunate than me no matter their melanin level. But here is where I differ from you, no friend, coworker, fellow student or brother has ever blamed his skin color for his circumstances. I met someone years ago who did and because of your writing I inquired why, to my surprise it was because his brother was in a gang and he had been arrested before. I immediately thought that was because of race. I later learned it was less because of race and while this is just anecdotal I listened. With every story from white, black or brown I realized that race had less to contribute than the actions of the man. I continued to follow the trail through bank loans and housing loans and homelessness rates.. again finding that the actions of the man outweighed the race. It was disheartening to learn that a man had more to overcome than his race and that he had to create his own future and that only his actions stopped him. I was lost. I tried to read every source I can (this was 6 or so years ago). I kept on reading your articles. You were a balance to the rest. I admired (and continue to admire your dedication to what you perceive as true) but also saw flaws in what you believe. The definitions you gave weren’t holistic, they were narrow and were written to silence opposition. I believe in free speech although I’m sure you will use this against me to some extent (again I’ve read many of your articles) but I would say the only reason you have the success you have is because of free speech. Recently I read an by you article about racism and white supremecy and felt like this was a straw too far. In all the articles I read you have had some logical inconsistencies but we’re all human and we learn. However this inconsistency was a paragraph away. You said black people can’t be racist and then tried to define the difference between white supremecy and racism. You said that racism is hate by the color of the skin whether it was black white or brown no matter the power behind it, and I agree with that; but supremecy was a power structure. (Of course I paraphrase) I agree with you that black supremecy doesn’t exist today but I disagree that black racism doesn’t exist(black Hebrew isrealites, 5 %ers etc) I’ve seen you make arguments for it before and respect them but this was plain as day contradictory. Is there something I’m missing? I love your work; you’re one of my favorite journalists because I don’t believe you can be bought. Although I may not agree with all of it, I hope to hear back or at least make your clapback mailbag. Thank you, Ryan
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for this letter.
I think you may have misread that article because your letter gives me the opportunity to explain my belief.
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I believe B lack people can be racist because I believe that we have misunderstood the difference between racism and white supremacy. Both B lack and white people often think that white supremacists are super-racists who wear Nazi insignias and organize marches, while racists just don’t like B lack people, for whatever reason. In fact, that article prompted a discussion with News Editor Monique Judge, who edited that article and gave me permission to share our conversation.
Monique: I disagree with this: “3. Black people can be racist. While I understand people who contend that black people can’t be racist because racism requires power, I have repeatedly written (including here, here and here) that the idea of power is subjective. A black police officer wields as much power as his fellow white officers. Whether they are black are white, cops are all subject to the same racist notion that black people are more dangerous, which leads to disproportionate murders of black people. A powerless white man who stocks the shelves at Home Depot and hates black people is a racist, even if he can’t materially affect any black person’s day-to-day life.”
Michael Harriot: I think a lot of people disagree with it. But I stand by it. Candace Owens is racist. Monique: I know you do. We agree to disagree. [Candace Owens] is ignorant. Michael Harriot: A lot of cops are racist. A lot of niggas who date white girls are racist against themselves. Monique: this is a really good piece. Michael Harriot: do those toothless white motherfuckers who work at the gas station have any real power? Monique: likely not but they are part of a system of power and that’s what i mean Michael Harriot: They vote for Trump because they are racist Monique: lol we should have this debate on video: “Can Black People Be Racist?” Michael Harriot: Right, my contention is that if you are black and have power in a racist system, then you are racist Monique: explain give power. you mean like what Candace Owens does? and T im Scott and Ben Carson and Van Jones et al Michael Harriot: No, I think there needs to be a denotation between white supremacy and racism. racism is personal and individual white supremacy is systemic. That’s why we add “systemic” to racism” when we talk about white supremacy. Monique: hm Michael Harriot: For instance, a KKK member is racist but might not have any influence on a black person’s life He believes in white supremacy just like a lot of people believe in Christianity but aren’t Christians. But, if you call a police officer racist because they subconsciously believe that black people are more dangerous, that person will swear up and down that they aren’t racist because they don’t hate black people And THAT is why we can’t reform police Monique: because the issue is tied to racism Michael Harriot: Because a lot of white people believe that we think police officers hate black people that is how they define racism and technically they’re correct What we’re actually talking about is white supremacy Monique: ok i can see your point on that Michael Harriot: So we can never get to where we want to go unless we explain that we don’t care how white people FEEL. We care about the OUTCOME of their ACTIONS Monique: this is good have you written this before? Michael Harriot: ALL the time It’s been my mantra for a long time. It’s also why White people can contend that they don’t have a racist bone in their bodies They think racism comes from the inside of their bodies.
That conversation prompted a larger discussion, but my point has always been, if we talk about police shootings using the same term as we talk about someone who says the n-word in Target, we will never be able to discuss police brutality or school funding because white people assume that they aren’t racist if they don’t shoot a B lack person in the face or hateB lack people in their heart. You can’t legislate feelings but we can legislate systemic issues like redlining and use of force.
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So we (myself included) must stop using racism as a catch-all when we really mean white supremacy—the system that gives white people more opportunity for prosperity and life.
You mistakenly thought I said “B lack people can’t be racist,” which is an easy mistake because a lot of B lack people believe it. But not me. You just assumed I did.
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Which makes you racist, Ryan.
(Not really. But Monique thinks so.)
Finally, this:
From: Jeff
To Michael Harriot I think your afraid to admit Owens knows what shes talking abut. I know many black conservatives who have realized that the Democratic Party is patronizing black people to get their vote. When will your people realize this? would you be willing to admit that you don’t know everything?
Dear Jeff
I don’t know everything.
I don’t know why they still make black jelly beans. I don’t know why doo-doo porn is so prevalent in Germany. I don’t know why Post Malone is.
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There’s one other thing that admittedly befuddles me:
Why do you think white people are so smart?
Why do you think white people were able to collectively bamboozle 88 percent of B lack people into voting for the Democrats? Why do you think we were too dumb to notice the flim-flam? And why can’t the Republicans use that same hypnosis trick and convince us to vote for the GOP?
Advertisement
Why don’t Asians vote Republican? Or Hispanic Americans? Why is it that no other racial group or ethnic demographic in the entire country vote Republican except for white people?
Why is it impossible for you to fathom the possibility that you might be right and everyone else might be right? Why is it so hard for you to believe that every other group in America are voting for their own interests in the same way that white people are?
Advertisement
And, as far as B lack conservatives go, I’d share a part of that article that I deleted for brevity:
The black conservative has bought into the racist idea that black people are lazy and irresponsible and it is that, and not racism, that stops us from advancing like the hard-working, sexually demure Caucasian class. No one has worked harder than black people. No one recognizes the need for black fathers more than black people. Black people also believe in unity and faith. But white supremacy keeps fucking it up. If white people eliminated white supremacy and black people still had all of these problems, I’d be retweeting Candace Owens every day with the caption: “Yass sis! Love your edges!”
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See?
I admit it.


theroot--2020-07-24--Auntie Unfiltered: Ageism Is Bullshit

Auntie Unfiltered: Ageism Is Bullshit

It ’ s my 49th birthday today ( I know , I know .
Hold your applause . )
, and I couldn ’ t think of a better occasion to discuss the topic of ageism .
Ageism is everywhere .
We live in a culture that is obsessed with youth and looking young , as if the natural process of aging—a process that everyone goes through—is something to be ashamed of .
Products are specifically marketed and targeted at women over 40 to make us feel bad about our skin , laugh lines , “ crow ’ s feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our face , skin and bodies .
In the workplace , we can at times be treated as relics , as if we don ’ t have anything of value to add to the conversation .
People would have you think we have outlived our usefulness .
Well , I have news for you : We haven ’ t .
Women over 40 are here .
We are loud .
We are proud .
We are doing more and accepting less bullshit in our lives .
We know our value and our worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything less , and why should we ?
We aren ’ t new to this ; we are true to this .
As always , I want to hear from you , so if you have questions , comments , or concerns , if you need advice , or if you have a topic you think auntie should discuss , hit me up at AuntieSubmissions @ theroot.com .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-07-24--Every Single Player, Coach of the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals Took a Knee Last Night...It

Every Single Player, Coach of the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals Took a Knee Last Night...It Just Wasn't During the National Anthem

While Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron spent his Thursday evening doing everything but charging Breonna Taylor ’ s killers with murder , the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals made it their mission to draw attention to injustices such as hers—I think .
USA Today reports that with no fans in the stands , as baseball takes necessary precautions in order to protect its players and team personnel from exposure to COVID-19 , the two teams took a knee prior to Thursday night ’ s game as part of their MLB opening day ceremony .
In a coordinated gesture between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New York Yankees before the first major league game played this year Thursday night , players clutched a black cloth that winded from the Nationals ’ first base line around to the Yankees on the third-base line .
Then , before a pre-recorded rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner , every player and coach out for pregame introductions took a knee on the grass , for about 20 seconds .
Considering this type of thing would ’ ve never happened just a season ago , it ’ s wild to think that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But before you burst out in applause and commend MLB for giving a fuck about Black lives , it ’ s important to note that while both teams did take a knee , it wasn ’ t during the national anthem .
It was prior to it even being played .
This is an important distinction , because what ’ s not being widely reported is that they all stood up during the national anthem .
So what ’ s the difference ?
That depends on who you ask .
To Yankees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black , he believes that their message was loud and clear .
“ To have everyone kneel at the same time , it was to give hope to any overall reason you want to do it , ” he said after the Yankees ’ 4-1 victory .
“ For me , it ’ s for the racial injustice and Black lives in general .
And a lot of other things going on .
We all have individual reasons to do so .
I believe with everything we did beforehand , wearing the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unity ceremony before , that ’ s what was decided.
” To Nationals closer Sean Doolittle , who ’ s white , it was a moment of solidarity with other athletes .
“ It was emotional .
I thought it was powerful , ” he said .
“ It was important for us and for the Yankees that everybody bought in .
Holding the ribbon and kneeling .
To show support for athletes that have done it in other sports , and so far in baseball .
To show support for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality and racism and injustice.
” To Trump ’ s sock poppet Rudy Giuliani and an overwhelming majority of the MAGA sect , it was anti-American .
“ All those ball players , including the Yankees , taking a knee during the National Anthem of the country that made them millionaires is hypocritical , ” he tweeted .
“ Support for BLM , which is provoking attacks on our law enforcement and innocent people all over America , is disgraceful.
” And to a sizeable amount of actual baseball fans , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell a joke and you don ’ t laugh , that doesn ’ t negate my intent .
It just means that I failed somewhere in my execution .
On a similar note , it ’ s abundantly clear that the Yankees and Nationals failed in whatever the hell they were trying to do Thursday night , because not only are we all confused about their execution , but the intention behind it as well .
Would every player and coach who took a knee last night provide the same answer that Stanton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have even similar reasons ?
Probably not .
So why do it in the first place ?
That ’ s textbook performative activism .
So instead of continuing to entertain a bunch of grown-ass men who are pretending to be proponents of progress , I ’ ll go back to doing what I do best—ignoring major league baseball .
Because this is some bullshit .

While Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron spent his Thursday evening doing everything but charging Breonna Taylor’s killers with murder, the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals made it their mission to draw attention to injustices such as hers—I think.
USA Today reports that with no fans in the stands, as baseball takes necessary precautions in order to protect its players and team personnel from exposure to COVID-19, the two teams took a knee prior to Thursday night’s game as part of their MLB opening day ceremony.
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From USA Today:
In a coordinated gesture between the reigning World Series champion Washington Nationals and New York Yankees before the first major league game played this year Thursday night, players clutched a black cloth that winded from the Nationals’ first base line around to the Yankees on the third-base line. Then, before a pre-recorded rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, every player and coach out for pregame introductions took a knee on the grass, for about 20 seconds.
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Considering this type of thing would’ve never happened just a season ago, it’s wild to think that this is the new normal—at least for now.
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But before you burst out in applause and commend MLB for giving a fuck about Black lives, it’s important to note that while both teams did take a knee, it wasn’t during the national anthem. It was prior to it even being played.
This is an important distinction, because what’s not being widely reported is that they all stood up during the national anthem.
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So what’s the difference? That depends on who you ask.
To Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who’s Black, he believes that their message was loud and clear.
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“To have everyone kneel at the same time, it was to give hope to any overall reason you want to do it,” he said after the Yankees’ 4-1 victory. “For me, it’s for the racial injustice and Black lives in general. And a lot of other things going on. We all have individual reasons to do so. I believe with everything we did beforehand, wearing the Black Lives Matter T-shirts, the patches and the unity ceremony before, that’s what was decided.”
To Nationals closer Sean Doolittle, who’s white, it was a moment of solidarity with other athletes.
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“It was emotional. I thought it was powerful,” he said. “It was important for us and for the Yankees that everybody bought in. Holding the ribbon and kneeling. To show support for athletes that have done it in other sports, and so far in baseball. To show support for the movement about Black Lives Matter and ending police brutality and racism and injustice.”
To Trump’s sock poppet Rudy Giuliani and an overwhelming majority of the MAGA sect, it was anti-American.
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“All those ball players, including the Yankees, taking a knee during the National Anthem of the country that made them millionaires is hypocritical,” he tweeted. “Support for BLM, which is provoking attacks on our law enforcement and innocent people all over America, is disgraceful.”
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And to a sizeable amount of actual baseball fans, it reeked of performative bullshit.
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If I tell a joke and you don’t laugh, that doesn’t negate my intent. It just means that I failed somewhere in my execution. On a similar note, it’s abundantly clear that the Yankees and Nationals failed in whatever the hell they were trying to do Thursday night, because not only are we all confused about their execution, but the intention behind it as well.
Would every player and coach who took a knee last night provide the same answer that Stanton and Doolittle did? Would they all have even similar reasons? Probably not. So why do it in the first place? That’s textbook performative activism.
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So instead of continuing to entertain a bunch of grown-ass men who are pretending to be proponents of progress, I’ll go back to doing what I do best—ignoring major league baseball.
Because this is some bullshit.
Y’all are literally playing with Black people’s lives.


theroot--2020-07-15--Now 10% off, Our Custom Neck Gaiters Can Double as a Headband—and Proceeds Go to LGBTQ Charities

10 % off Neck Gaiters | Gizmodo , Kotaku , Jalopnik , and More You may have seen our neck @ @ @ @ @ our sister sites ’ dedicated store pages , but for a limited time only , @ @ @ @ @ one by 10 % and donating a percentage of the sales to charities like The @ @ @ @ @ The Okra Project , and The Trevor Project .
Support your favorite sites—and keep your @ @ @ @ @ a benevolent cause .
Whether you want to show off your appreciation for Kotaku ’ @ @ @ @ @ Jezebel ’ s meticulous ( and sometimes hilarious ) reporting on issues important to women @ @ @ @ @ to do so for just $ 19 .
A portion of the proceeds will be @ @ @ @ @ The Okra Project , respectively .
Each gaiter is washable and reusable and can also @ @ @ @ @ , bandana , wristband , neck warmer , and more .
Here ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ face shields , along with the names of the charities involved .

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

10% off Neck Gaiters | Gizmodo, Kotaku, Jalopnik, and More
You may have seen our neck gaiter accessory around each of our sister sites’ dedicated store pages, but for a limited time only, we’re discounting each one by 10% and donating a percentage of the sales to charities like The National Black Justice Coalition, The Okra Project, and The Trevor Project. Support your favorite sites—and keep your face covered—while giving back to a benevolent cause.
Whether you want to show off your appreciation for Kotaku’s excellent games coverage or Jezebel’s meticulous (and sometimes hilarious) reporting on issues important to women, now is the chance to do so for just $19. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Trans Lifeline and The Okra Project, respectively. Each gaiter is washable and reusable and can also be used as a headband, bandana, wristband, neck warmer, and more.
Here’s a full rundown of our branded face shields, along with the names of the charities involved.


theroot--2020-07-24--The Root Jams Weekly (7/24/2020): 'Uncut Gems'

We all have our favorites .
You know , the songs or artists that you love more than everybody else @ @ @ @ @ indy circuit jams .
The artist with 10 followers .
The artist on the rise @ @ @ @ @ you know—with your whole heart—would change or should have changed the world ... if only @ @ @ @ @ list is dedicated to the songs that should be and could be .
If only @ @ @ @ @ ” ( she is POP ROYALTY in my eyes ) The Teskey Brothers “ Let @ @ @ @ @ Jam in Van & Tank and the Bangas “ You So Dumb ( Live at @ @ @ @ @ “ Sons of The James , Rob Milton & DJ Harrison featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow @ @ @ @ @ Said ” Above & Beyond “ Good For Me ” Ben L ’ Oncle “ @ @ @ @ @ Under My Skin ”

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

We all have our favorites. You know, the songs or artists that you love more than everybody else. The b-sides. The indy circuit jams. The artist with 10 followers. The artist on the rise. Or those jams that you know—with your whole heart—would change or should have changed the world...if only folks really listened. This list is dedicated to the songs that should be and could be. If only.
J’Na Jefferson
Sault “Up All Night”
Saint Mela “Alkaseltzer”
Khruangbin “Maria También”
Yebba “Distance”
Rina Sawayama “XS” (she is POP ROYALTY in my eyes)
beabadoobee “Care”
Pink Sweat$ “Icy”
The Teskey Brothers “Let Me Let You Down”
Michael Harriot
K.L.U.B. Monsta “Mugshots”
T.I featuring Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B. “Memories Back Then”
CeeLo Green “El Dorado Sunrise”
Curren$y “Airborne Aquarium”
Jam in Van & Tank and the Bangas “You So Dumb (Live at the Sierra High Festival)“
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Panama Jackson
Berto Antonio “Cleopatra”
Cecily “Clumsy”
DJ Shadow “Building Steam with a Grain of Salt”
Ray J “Anytime”
Bobby Valentino “One Girl to Love”
The Jacksons “Everybody”
Hem “Half Acre”
Beirut “Nantes”
Jessica Pratt “As The World Turns”
Sons of The James, Rob Milton & DJ Harrison featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow “Things I Should Have Said”
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Real Estate “Had to Hear”
Robag Wruhme “Tulpa Ovi”
The Drums “Let’s Go Surfing”
Riz La Vie “Napkins”
Anne Branigin
Sault “Masterpiece”
Sampa The Great “OMG”
Mereba “Bet”
Remi Wolf “Woo!”
Joe Jurado
Swardy “Here On My Own”
Giraffage “Do U Want Me”
Omniboi “Going Nowhere”
Oscar Beige “Rain, After Running Away”
Tonja Stidhum
Kid Sister “Switch Board”
Blood Orange “Best to You”
Above & Beyond “Good For Me”
Laura Marling “Wild Fire”
Maiysha Kai
Natalie Cole “Beautiful Dreamer”
Bobby McFerrin “Sweet in the Morning”
United Future Organization “I’ll Bet You Thought I’d Never Find You”
Ben L’Oncle “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
Rozzi “Creep”


theroot--2020-07-24--Trump on Portland Mayor Getting Tear-Gassed: They Rocked That Bama!

On Thursday , Trump took a break from punching South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham in the stomach to call into his favorite OnlyFans exotic dancer Sean Hannity ’ s Fox News show to clown the Portland , Ore. , Mayor Ted Wheeler .
Wheeler wanted to join the Black Lives Matter protesters in the Oregon c ity , but the protesters really don ’ t rock with him— and apparently the federal troops that Trump deployed on the city don ’ t either .
“ He made a fool out of himself , ” Trump told his boo , Sean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the people so he went into the crowd and they knocked the hell out of him .
That was the end of him.
” “ So , it was pretty pathetic , ” he said .
Holy fuck , we are about to die .
For the record , that is a sitting president making jokes about federal troops tear-gassing a mayor ; I didn ’ t have this on my 2020 bingo card .
I also didn ’ t have Trump deploying federal officers as his personal army against the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is threatening to send federal agents to several American cities for some bullshit they ’ ve named “ Operation Legend.
” “ Frankly , we have no choice but to get involved , ” Trump said at the White House event where he made the announcement , Al Jazeera reports .
“ Politicians running many of our cities have put interests of criminals above law-abiding citizens , ” Trump said .
“ These same politicians have now embraced the far-left movement to break up our police departments , causing violent crime in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of control , ” Trump said , citing murder rates in New York , Philadelphia , Minneapolis and Chicago .
Trump is reportedly deploying agents in Chicago from the Federal Bureau of Investigation , Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Fire arms and Explosives ( ATF ) , the Drug Enforcement Agency ( DEA ) , the U.S .
Marshals Service , and the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) , Al Jazeera reports .
WTF is happening , America ?
No , seriously , WTF is happening ?
Back in Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the “ Multnomah County Justice Center on Wednesday to speak to the thousands of protestors that have gathered there for nearly two months , ” New York Post reports .
But as soon as he tried to speak , the crowd began chanting “ Tear gas Teddy ” and “ Do your job !
” “ I stand with you , ” the mayor told the crowd , but they didn ’ t want to hear that shit .
Wheeler was then hit with a wave of tear gas fired by federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration .
“ I ’ m not gon na lie , it stings , ” Wheeler said .
“ It ’ s hard to breathe , and I can tell you with 100 percent honesty that I saw nothing that provoked this response.
” The Post notes that Wheeler doesn ’ t want federal forces in his city as they only appear to escalate violence .
But Trump told Hannity the protestors are “ not respecting the police.
” “ The police do an incredible job , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s a very dangerous job.
” Apparently being a mayor in an American city is also a dangerous job , as the president will deploy federal troops on your city to tear gas peaceful protesters .

On Thursday, Trump took a break from punching South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham in the stomach to call into his favorite OnlyFans exotic dancer Sean Hannity’s Fox News show to clown the Portland, Ore., Mayor Ted Wheeler.
Wheeler wanted to join the Black Lives Matter protesters in the Oregon c ity, but the protesters really don’t rock with him— and apparently the federal troops that Trump deployed on the city don’t either.
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“He made a fool out of himself,” Trump told his boo, Sean Hannity. “He wanted to be among the people so he went into the crowd and they knocked the hell out of him. That was the end of him.”
“So, it was pretty pathetic,” he said.
Bwhahahahaha!
Holy fuck, we are about to die. For the record, that is a sitting president making jokes about federal troops tear-gassing a mayor; I didn’t have this on my 2020 bingo card. I also didn’t have Trump deploying federal officers as his personal army against the American people. As it stands, Trump is threatening to send federal agents to several American cities for some bullshit they’ve named “Operation Legend.”
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“Frankly, we have no choice but to get involved,” Trump said at the White House event where he made the announcement, Al Jazeera reports. “Politicians running many of our cities have put interests of criminals above law-abiding citizens,” Trump said.
“These same politicians have now embraced the far-left movement to break up our police departments, causing violent crime in their cities to spiral—and I mean spiral seriously—out of control,” Trump said, citing murder rates in New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Chicago.
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Trump is reportedly deploying agents in Chicago from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire arms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Al Jazeera reports.
WTF is happening, America? No, seriously, WTF is happening?
Back in Portland, the mayor took to the steps of the “Multnomah County Justice Center on Wednesday to speak to the thousands of protestors that have gathered there for nearly two months,” New York Post reports.
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But as soon as he tried to speak, the crowd began chanting “Tear gas Teddy” and “Do your job!”
“I stand with you,” the mayor told the crowd, but they didn’t want to hear that shit. Wheeler was then hit with a wave of tear gas fired by federal officers sent to the city by the Trump administration.
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“I’m not gonna lie, it stings,” Wheeler said. “It’s hard to breathe, and I can tell you with 100 percent honesty that I saw nothing that provoked this response.”
The Post notes that Wheeler doesn’t want federal forces in his city as they only appear to escalate violence.
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But Trump told Hannity the protestors are “not respecting the police.”
“The police do an incredible job,” he said. “It’s a very tough job. It’s a very dangerous job.”
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Apparently being a mayor in an American city is also a dangerous job, as the president will deploy federal troops on your city to tear gas peaceful protesters.


theroot--2020-07-24--It's Not Too Late! BIPOC Designers Encouraged to Apply for Awards From the ICON 360 Fund

There is $ 1 million in award money currently available to 20 talented designers of color right now—but you can ’ t win if you don ’ t apply .
On Friday , Harlem ’ s Fashion Row ( HFR ) announced it is re-opening its applications for Black , Indigenous , People of Color ( BIPOC ) designers interested in applying for the ICON 360 Fund , a $ 1 million dollar donation made by CFDA ( Council of Fashion Designers of America ) /VOGUE ’ s Common Thread .
Specifically intended to help sustain designers who have pivoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harlem ’ s Fashion Row has donated $ 40,000 to designers seeking relief for their business since the fund launched in May and was further enriched by Common Thread in early June .
Brandice Daniel , founder of ICON 360 and Harlem ’ s Fashion Row will be distributing 20 awards to deserving applicants , with the help of the Icon 360 Board , which includes : fashion icon Audrey Smaltz ; Executive Brand Strategist Sybil Amuti ; founder of UFCG Umindi Francis ; Global Creative Emil Wilbekin ; Cosmopolitan magazine Beauty Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Founder of ENVSN Festival Sharifa Murdock ; Chief Administrative & Financial Officer at CFDA CaSandra Diggs , and Vogue magazine Fashion News Director Chioma Nnadi .
As HFR reported in a release sent to The Glow Up , the committee will select 12 applicants to receive $ 5,000 awards ; 5 applicants to receive $ 25,000 awards ; 5 applicants to receive $ 50,000 awards , and 5 applicants to receive $ 100,000 awards .
The winners will be announced during New York Fashion Week in September .
Obviously , this kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost for any emerging designer , but first , you have to apply .
You can do so—and find out more about ICON360 and Harlem ’ s Fashion Row—on their website .

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

There is $1 million in award money currently available to 20 talented designers of color right now—but you can’t win if you don’t apply. On Friday, Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) announced it is re-opening its applications for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) designers interested in applying for the ICON 360 Fund, a $1 million dollar donation made by CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)/VOGUE’s Common Thread. Specifically intended to help sustain designers who have pivoted their business due to the pandemic, Harlem’s Fashion Row has donated $40,000 to designers seeking relief for their business since the fund launched in May and was further enriched by Common Thread in early June.
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Brandice Daniel, founder of ICON 360 and Harlem’s Fashion Row will be distributing 20 awards to deserving applicants, with the help of the Icon 360 Board, which includes: fashion icon Audrey Smaltz; Executive Brand Strategist Sybil Amuti; founder of UFCG Umindi Francis; Global Creative Emil Wilbekin; Cosmopolitan magazine Beauty Director Julee Wilson; Co-Owner of Liberty Fairs and Founder of ENVSN Festival Sharifa Murdock; Chief Administrative & Financial Officer at CFDA CaSandra Diggs, and Vogue magazine Fashion News Director Chioma Nnadi.
As HFR reported in a release sent to The Glow Up, the committee will select 12 applicants to receive $5,000 awards; 5 applicants to receive $25,000 awards; 5 applicants to receive $50,000 awards, and 5 applicants to receive $100,000 awards. The winners will be announced during New York Fashion Week in September.
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Obviously, this kind of financial help could be a much-needed boost for any emerging designer, but first, you have to apply. You can do so—and find out more about ICON360 and Harlem’s Fashion Row—on their website.


theroot--2020-07-24--Chicago Temporarily Removes Columbus Statues, Paving the Way for Increased Law Enforcement in Black

Chicago Temporarily Removes Columbus Statues, Paving the Way for Increased Law Enforcement in Black Neighborhoods

Chicago said arrivederci to its Christopher Columbus statues in the early hours of Friday morning , in response to protests “ that have become unsafe for both protesters and police , ” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot .
As WGN TV Chicago reports , construction crews used a large crane to remove the Grant Park Columbus statue at around 3 a.m. , to the cheers of a small crowd that had gathered .
The Little Italy Columbus statue was taken down at around 5:30 am .
According to a statement released by Lightfoot ’ s office , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered temporary measures for now .
The statues have been sites of conflict between law enforcement and protesters in the last few weeks , as demonstrators have vandalized and attempted to topple the monuments .
Hailed in U.S. primary school textbooks as a great explorer , Columbus carried out horrendous acts of violence against indigenous peoples in the Caribbean , helping to usher in an age of genocide that would sweep across the Americas .
By removing the statues , the city of Chicago hopes to redistribute public safety resources ( that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city that have seen surges in violence this summer .
The city also plans to announce a formal review process for all public landmarks , including murals , monuments and memorials .
Here is Lightfoot ’ s full statement , courtesy of WGN TV : The City of Chicago—at Mayor Lightfoot ’ s direction—has temporarily removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park until further notice .
This action was taken after consultation with various stakeholders .
It comes in response to demonstrations that became unsafe for both protesters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals to independently pull the Grant Park statue down in an extremely dangerous manner .
This step is about an effort to protect public safety and to preserve a safe space for an inclusive and democratic public dialogue about our city ’ s symbols .
In addition , our public safety resources must be concentrated where they are most needed throughout the city , and particularly in our South and West Side communities .
Over the coming days , Mayor Lightfoot and the City will be announcing a formal process to assess each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murals across Chicago ’ s communities , and develop a framework for creating a public dialogue to determine how we elevate our city ’ s history and diversity .
As the Mayor has stated previously , this is not about a single statue or mural , but how we create a platform to channel our city ’ s dynamic civic energy to collaboratively , purposefully and peacefully reflect our values as Chicagoans and uplift the stories of all of our diverse city ’ s residents , particularly when it comes to the permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of “ public safety resources ” is broad , it ’ s fair to assume a substantial portion of these resources would include policing .
Chicago police complained about exhaustion and burnout from working long shifts last month when they confronted Black Lives Matter protesters around the city .
And as recent spikes in gun violence has claimed the lives of young Black people , the city is scrambling to figure out how to prioritize its personnel .
Thomas Abt , a senior fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of the people and organizations that we usually depend on to respond to homicide and violent crime are overburdened right now.
” The statue removal also comes after Lightfoot specifically requested that additional federal agents pouring into the city be tasked with fighting drug and firearms trafficking .
Black Lives Matter Chicago and other social justice groups filed a civil rights lawsuit Thursday against several law enforcement agencies in an attempt to prevent federal agents from performing the kind of violent crackdowns on protests that have been on display in Portland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief to restrain federal law enforcement officers from violating the First and Fourth amendments of protesters , legal observers and journalists , ” attorney Tess Kleinhouse said at a news conference yesterday , according to the Chicago Sun-Times .
Kleinhouse filed the civil suit , which names Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf as a defendant , among others .
Wolf claimed the injection of federal agents into Chicago is “ something very different than what ’ s going on in Portland , ” saying their focus will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug crime—things federal agencies already have a hand in .
“ The Department of Justice , DEA , FBI and others , along with elements of the Department of Homeland Security , are working on those criminal investigations and those criminal activities every day .
And they do that locally with law enforcement , ” Wolf said , according to the Sun-Times .
“ And I think that will continue to operate pretty well.
” But activists and organizers like Aislinn Pulley , one of the founders of Black Lives Matter Chicago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to suppress our righteous anger , and we will not be suppressed , we will continue fighting back , ” Pulley told protesters yesterday .
“ We see what ’ s happening in Portland , that was the first test case .
And now it ’ s coming here .
”

Chicago said arrivederci to its Christopher Columbus statues in the early hours of Friday morning, in response to protests “that have become unsafe for both protesters and police,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
As WGN TV Chicago reports, construction crews used a large crane to remove the Grant Park Columbus statue at around 3 a.m., to the cheers of a small crowd that had gathered. The Little Italy Columbus statue was taken down at around 5:30 am.
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According to a statement released by Lightfoot’s office, the city’s takedown of the two statues are considered temporary measures for now. The statues have been sites of conflict between law enforcement and protesters in the last few weeks, as demonstrators have vandalized and attempted to topple the monuments. Hailed in U.S. primary school textbooks as a great explorer, Columbus carried out horrendous acts of violence against indigenous peoples in the Caribbean, helping to usher in an age of genocide that would sweep across the Americas.
By removing the statues, the city of Chicago hopes to redistribute public safety resources (that is, police) in areas of the city that have seen surges in violence this summer. The city also plans to announce a formal review process for all public landmarks, including murals, monuments and memorials.
Advertisement Advertisement
Here is Lightfoot’s full statement, courtesy of WGN TV:
The City of Chicago—at Mayor Lightfoot’s direction—has temporarily removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park until further notice. This action was taken after consultation with various stakeholders. It comes in response to demonstrations that became unsafe for both protesters and police, as well as efforts by individuals to independently pull the Grant Park statue down in an extremely dangerous manner. This step is about an effort to protect public safety and to preserve a safe space for an inclusive and democratic public dialogue about our city’s symbols. In addition, our public safety resources must be concentrated where they are most needed throughout the city, and particularly in our South and West Side communities. Over the coming days, Mayor Lightfoot and the City will be announcing a formal process to assess each of the monuments, memorials, and murals across Chicago’s communities, and develop a framework for creating a public dialogue to determine how we elevate our city’s history and diversity. As the Mayor has stated previously, this is not about a single statue or mural, but how we create a platform to channel our city’s dynamic civic energy to collaboratively, purposefully and peacefully reflect our values as Chicagoans and uplift the stories of all of our diverse city’s residents, particularly when it comes to the permanent memorialization of our shared heritage.
Advertisement
While the use of “public safety resources” is broad, it’s fair to assume a substantial portion of these resources would include policing. Chicago police complained about exhaustion and burnout from working long shifts last month when they confronted Black Lives Matter protesters around the city. And as recent spikes in gun violence has claimed the lives of young Black people, the city is scrambling to figure out how to prioritize its personnel. Thomas Abt, a senior fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice, told the New York Times, “All of the people and organizations that we usually depend on to respond to homicide and violent crime are overburdened right now.”
The statue removal also comes after Lightfoot specifically requested that additional federal agents pouring into the city be tasked with fighting drug and firearms trafficking. Black Lives Matter Chicago and other social justice groups filed a civil rights lawsuit Thursday against several law enforcement agencies in an attempt to prevent federal agents from performing the kind of violent crackdowns on protests that have been on display in Portland, Ore.
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“The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief to restrain federal law enforcement officers from violating the First and Fourth amendments of protesters, legal observers and journalists,” attorney Tess Kleinhouse said at a news conference yesterday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Kleinhouse filed the civil suit, which names Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf as a defendant, among others.
Wolf claimed the injection of federal agents into Chicago is “something very different than what’s going on in Portland,” saying their focus will be gang crime, illicit narcotics and drug crime—things federal agencies already have a hand in.
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“The Department of Justice, DEA, FBI and others, along with elements of the Department of Homeland Security, are working on those criminal investigations and those criminal activities every day. And they do that locally with law enforcement,” Wolf said, according to the Sun-Times. “And I think that will continue to operate pretty well.”
But activists and organizers like Aislinn Pulley, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter Chicago, are not convinced.
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“They are trying to suppress our righteous anger, and we will not be suppressed, we will continue fighting back,” Pulley told protesters yesterday. “We see what’s happening in Portland, that was the first test case. And now it’s coming here.”