theroot--2020-11-11--Looks Like There's a New Monster Coming to Netflix; Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s Long-Awaited Indie Heads t

Looks Like There's a New Monster Coming to Netflix; Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s Long-Awaited Indie Heads to Streaming

In news that may feel long overdue for some Sundance fans , Netflix has recently announced its decision to acquire the Kelvin Harrison Jr.-led indie , Monster , to its platform .
( If that name sounds familiar to you , it ’ s probably because you ’ re still lowkey traumatized from his emotional performances in the 2019 films Waves and Luce .
I know I still am . )
But if you ’ re a fan of hella stressful movies with stellar performances all throughout , then Monster will be right up your alley , too .
Per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is an adaptation of the Walter Dean Meyers NYT bestselling novel of the same name , “ follows a 17-year-old honor student ( Harrison ) from Harlem whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder.
” The film also boasts a phenomenal cast which includes Jeffrey Wright , Jennifer Hudson , Jharrel Jerome ( pre-When They See Us ) , John David Washington ( pre-BlacKkKlansmen ) , Nas , and A $ AP Rocky .
John Legend ’ s Get Lifted Film Co. is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as executive producer alongside Tonya Lewis Lee from ToniK Productions .
Legend expressed his excitement for the long-awaited film via Twitter yesterday : Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter , Tonya Lewis Lee had this to say : “ We at ToniK are thrilled to have brought Walter Dean Myers ’ National Book Award and Michael L. [ Printz ’ s ] award-winning work to screen and are so pleased to partner once again with Netflix to showcase this important story to the world.
” As of now , no release date has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honest , I ’ m perfectly okay with that .
2020 has given me—and probably you—enough trauma to stress over and ball our eyes out to .
So by all means Netflix , please take your time .
I ’ m still in recovery , anyway .

Shanelle Genai on The Grapevine, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

In news that may feel long overdue for some Sundance fans, Netflix has recently announced its decision to acquire the Kelvin Harrison Jr.-led indie, Monster, to its platform. (If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because you’re still lowkey traumatized from his emotional performances in the 2019 films Waves and Luce. I know I still am.) But if you’re a fan of hella stressful movies with stellar performances all throughout, then Monster will be right up your alley, too.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the 2018 film, which is an adaptation of the Walter Dean Meyers NYT bestselling novel of the same name, “follows a 17-year-old honor student (Harrison) from Harlem whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder.” The film also boasts a phenomenal cast which includes Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Hudson, Jharrel Jerome (pre-When They See Us), John David Washington (pre-BlacKkKlansmen), Nas, and A$AP Rocky. John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. is also behind the production with the artist serving as executive producer alongside Tonya Lewis Lee from ToniK Productions. Legend expressed his excitement for the long-awaited film via Twitter yesterday:
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Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Tonya Lewis Lee had this to say: “We at ToniK are thrilled to have brought Walter Dean Myers’ National Book Award and Michael L. [Printz’s] award-winning work to screen and are so pleased to partner once again with Netflix to showcase this important story to the world.” As of now, no release date has been set. And if I’m honest, I’m perfectly okay with that. 2020 has given me—and probably you—enough trauma to stress over and ball our eyes out to.
So by all means Netflix, please take your time. I’m still in recovery, anyway.


theroot--2020-11-11--What Happened to Quawan Charles?

What Happened to Quawan Charles?

Quawan Charles was a high school sophomore who looked younger than his decade-and-a-half age .
Although this tragedy is spreading across social media posts as the story of “ Bobby ” Charles , only his mother and close family members called him by that nickname before he disappeared .
But if Quawan had just disappeared , he would be known as a “ missing child.
” Quawan ’ s parents didn ’ t give him permission to leave home , which may lead people to call him a “ runaway.
” The strange gaps in this case , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly locked from the inside , might even make some people refer to Quawan ’ s story as a “ mystery.
” But Quawan Charles is not missing nor did he vanish .
Even though no one has been arrested , what happened to Quawan Charles isn ’ t even a mystery .
His family knows where he was .
His family is reportedly aware of who he left with .
His family knows where he is .
And still , no one knows what happened ... Around 3 p.m. on October 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and received no answer .
Quawan had recently moved in with his father in Baldwin , La.
, a tiny town of about 2,500 roughly 39 miles from Roxanne ’ s home in Youngsville .
Roxanne was perplexed .
Quawan couldn ’ t stop talking about how he wanted to grow his hair out and had asked her to take him to get a lineup .
So why wasn ’ t he answering the phone like he usually did ?
When she reached out to Quawan ’ s father , Kenneth Jacko , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bedroom and knocked .
No answer .
But you know how teenagers are—Quawan was probably asleep .
Or maybe he was on those headphones .
Or , perhaps , he was just being Quawan .
“ He was always to himself , ” Quawan ’ s cousin and family spokesperson Celina Charles told The Root .
“ He didn ’ t really talk much .
He basically stayed to himself.
” Kenny was sure Quawan would reply soon .
He wanted that haircut .
Roxanne called again .
Nothing .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just go into Quawan ’ s room but the door was locked from the inside .
By the time Kenny managed to open the door , he was ready to give Quawan a piece of his mind .
There was just one problem : Roxanne rushed to Baldwin .
On her way to Kenny ’ s house , she flagged down a Baldwin police officer and told him that their teenager had gone missing .
The officer gave a curious response .
“ They brushed her off , ” Charles family attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They told her things such as ‘ Look , he ’ s probably at a football game ; He ’ s probably with some friends.
’ Basically , don ’ t worry about it.
” Roxanne continued to tell law enforcement officers that something was wrong , but according to Haley : “ They just kept on getting collective indifference from , from law enforcement.
” “ And then the next night went by—still no Bobby , ” Celina recounted .
“ The first went by .
No Bobby .
So on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they decided to go out and try to find some answers.
” After three days of searching , one of Quawan ’ s friends mentioned that he last saw the teenager in the car with a white lady and her teenage son , which they passed along to the police department , who were beginning to take the youngster ’ s disappearance seriously .
The mother of the teenage son admitted that she picked Quawan up to “ go hang out with her son , ” but after that , she doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigators hired by the family .
Neither Quawan ’ s mom or dad had ever met this 17-year-old son or his mother according to The Root ’ s interviews with Quawan ’ s family members and attorneys .
“ She was very coy in regards to what happened with Bobby after they picked him up , ” said Haley .
“ But we know Bobby didn ’ t tell his father that he was leaving.
” On Nov. 3 , police informed the family that they had found Quawan ’ s body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Baldwin .
The family says authorities told them that Quawan had drowned .
But gruesome pictures ( warning : explicit ) taken by the family seem to reveal a mutilated body .
“ We think that he was tortured because his mouth , ” Celina said .
“ It doesn ’ t even look like Quawan has a mouth anymore .
We think that he was hit in the head .
We don ’ t know if he ’ d been shot.
” So who would know what happened ?
Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Root a recording of an anonymous woman who called Roxanne Nelson with information that the mother who allegedly picked up Quawan may know more than she has divulged .
The caller claimed that she randomly confronted her son about his unusual behavior and he revealed that something had been “ eating him up.
” Allegedly , the white family who picked up Quawan may have been high on mushrooms and the son reported that the car curiously smelled like bleach .
In any case , the son reportedly admitted to being introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing .
The Baldwin Police Department has passed the case along to the Iberia Parish Sheriff ’ s Department , neither of which answered The Root ’ s requests for comment .
To be fair , they also haven ’ t answered most of the Charles family ’ s questions either .
For instance , When C elina contacted the media to let them know that they were holding a community vigil for the missing child , the local news outlets replied : “ What missing child ?
” The Root spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged that they hadn ’ t received an Amber Alert or a media request from police during the entire time Quawan was missing .
In fact , the only information they had received from BPD about the case was after Quawan ’ s body had been found .
And curiously , the family , the media and the press release all received different dates for when they discovered the teen ’ s body .
On Tuesday , the Iberia Parish Sheriff ’ s Office released this statement : Of course , everyone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone had to say something .
“ We have dealt with several of these cases and each of them involve some sort of policing that has caused irreparable harm , loss of life , injury to an individual , ” local activist Jamaal Taylor said .
“ The problem is , when these police officers see our children , they don ’ t see theirs.
” Taylor , whose organization , Stand Black , was contacted by the family and was the first to bring attention to Quawan ’ s case , partly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s loss , explaining that this is the most literal example of Black lives not mattering to law enforcement .
“ If Quawan was a little white girl , Louisiana would be turned upside down right now trying to figure out what happened , ” Taylor told The Root .
“ We want the officers involved that took no action placed on leave .
We need an investigation into what happened and why they failed to issue an Amber alert at the time of the report of this young man going missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they blew it off and told the parents to go look for the child at a football game.
” Stand Black has planned a protest and vigil for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Iberia Parish Courthouse in New Iberia , La .
Meanwhile , the family has ordered their own autopsy and are still searching for answers .
But according to co-attorney Chase Trichell , the Iberia Parish sheriff is sticking with the drowning story .
“ We just want to know what happened , ” Trichell told The Root .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t even say if they have suspects .
Even if the Iberia Sheriff doesn ’ t have answers , at least they can tell us where to start asking questions.
” So far , no one has been arrested or charged in Quawan Charles ’ death .
The Baldwin Police Department admits to handling the missing person case while the Iberia Parish Sheriff ’ s Office is handling the rest of the investigation .
Katherine Breaux , a spokesperson for the sheriff ’ s office , told The Advocate his parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone ’ s house in Loreauville.
” They were not .
Instead , the family is left with a number of questions : • What was the cause of his death ?
• Exactly where did authorities find his body ?
• How did he end up in a creek ?
( The family told The Root that Quawan could not swim . )
• Was he still alive during the family ’ s search ?
• Why didn ’ t the Baldwin Police Department alert the media ?
“ They will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If they talked to the [ family last seen with Quawan ] , they hadn ’ t told us anything .
We don ’ t know how they found Quawan .
Was he naked or was he dressed ?
Did he have his phone on him ?
All we know is that they found him face down in a Creek , in a field .
We don ’ t know what happened.
” “ I mean ... that ’ s all we got right now , ” she said , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got .
”

Quawan Charles was a high school sophomore who looked younger than his decade-and-a-half age. Although this tragedy is spreading across social media posts as the story of “Bobby” Charles, only his mother and close family members called him by that nickname before he disappeared.
But if Quawan had just disappeared, he would be known as a “missing child.” Quawan’s parents didn’t give him permission to leave home, which may lead people to call him a “runaway.” The strange gaps in this case, including the fact that Quawan’s bedroom was reportedly locked from the inside, might even make some people refer to Quawan’s story as a “mystery.”
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But Quawan Charles is not missing nor did he vanish. Even though no one has been arrested, what happened to Quawan Charles isn’t even a mystery. His family knows where he was. His family is reportedly aware of who he left with. His family knows where he is.
Fifteen-year-old Quawan Charles is dead.
And still, no one knows what happened...
Well...almost no one.
Around 3 p.m. on October 30, Roxanne Nelson called her son Quawan and received no answer. Quawan had recently moved in with his father in Baldwin, La., a tiny town of about 2,500 roughly 39 miles from Roxanne’s home in Youngsville.
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Roxanne was perplexed. Quawan couldn’t stop talking about how he wanted to grow his hair out and had asked her to take him to get a lineup. So why wasn’t he answering the phone like he usually did?
When she reached out to Quawan’s father, Kenneth Jacko, Kenny checked the door to his son’s bedroom and knocked. No answer. But you know how teenagers are—Quawan was probably asleep. Or maybe he was on those headphones. Or, perhaps, he was just being Quawan.
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“He was always to himself,” Quawan’s cousin and family spokesperson Celina Charles told The Root. “He didn’t really talk much. He basically stayed to himself.”
Kenny was sure Quawan would reply soon. He wanted that haircut. Roxanne called again. Nothing. After a little coercing, She convinced Kenny to just go into Quawan’s room but the door was locked from the inside. By the time Kenny managed to open the door, he was ready to give Quawan a piece of his mind. There was just one problem:
Quawan was gone.
Roxanne rushed to Baldwin. On her way to Kenny’s house, she flagged down a Baldwin police officer and told him that their teenager had gone missing. The officer gave a curious response.
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“They brushed her off,” Charles family attorney Ronald Haley told The Root. “They told her things such as ‘Look, he’s probably at a football game; He’s probably with some friends.’ Basically, don’t worry about it.”
Roxanne continued to tell law enforcement officers that something was wrong, but according to Haley: “They just kept on getting collective indifference from, from law enforcement.”
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“And then the next night went by—still no Bobby,” Celina recounted. “The first went by. No Bobby. So on the second, they got to the point where they decided to go out and try to find some answers.”
After three days of searching, one of Quawan’s friends mentioned that he last saw the teenager in the car with a white lady and her teenage son, which they passed along to the police department, who were beginning to take the youngster’s disappearance seriously.
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The mother of the teenage son admitted that she picked Quawan up to “go hang out with her son,” but after that, she doesn’t know what happened, according to investigators hired by the family. Neither Quawan’s mom or dad had ever met this 17-year-old son or his mother according to The Root’s interviews with Quawan’s family members and attorneys.
“She was very coy in regards to what happened with Bobby after they picked him up,” said Haley. “But we know Bobby didn’t tell his father that he was leaving.”
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On Nov. 3, police informed the family that they had found Quawan’s body in a creek near a wooded area in Baldwin. The family says authorities told them that Quawan had drowned. But gruesome pictures (warning: explicit) taken by the family seem to reveal a mutilated body.
“We think that he was tortured because his mouth,” Celina said. “It doesn’t even look like Quawan has a mouth anymore. We think that he was hit in the head. We don’t know if he’d been shot.”
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So who would know what happened?
Well, someone does.
The family shared with The Root a recording of an anonymous woman who called Roxanne Nelson with information that the mother who allegedly picked up Quawan may know more than she has divulged.
What Happened to Quawan Charles?
The caller claimed that she randomly confronted her son about his unusual behavior and he revealed that something had been “eating him up.” Allegedly, the white family who picked up Quawan may have been high on mushrooms and the son reported that the car curiously smelled like bleach. In any case, the son reportedly admitted to being introduced to Quawan on the day he went missing.
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The Baldwin Police Department has passed the case along to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department, neither of which answered The Root’s requests for comment. To be fair, they also haven’t answered most of the Charles family’s questions either.
For instance, When Celina contacted the media to let them know that they were holding a community vigil for the missing child, the local news outlets replied: “What missing child?”
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The Root spoke to two nearby news outlets, and both acknowledged that they hadn’t received an Amber Alert or a media request from police during the entire time Quawan was missing. In fact, the only information they had received from BPD about the case was after Quawan’s body had been found. And curiously, the family, the media and the press release all received different dates for when they discovered the teen’s body.
On Tuesday, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office released this statement:
The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a male juvenile, who was discovered by Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies on November 3, 2020 near the village of Loreauville. Investigators have interviewed multiple individuals and collected physical evidence which is being processed. An autopsy has been performed and the results are pending as of this time. Investigators have updated the parents of the juvenile concerning the status of the investigation and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. Anyone with information concerning this death is urged to contact Detective Jarred Spurlock of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Investigation at 337-369-3711
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Of course, everyone has the right to remain silent.
But someone had to say something.
“We have dealt with several of these cases and each of them involve some sort of policing that has caused irreparable harm, loss of life, injury to an individual,” local activist Jamaal Taylor said. “The problem is, when these police officers see our children, they don’t see theirs.”
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Taylor, whose organization, Stand Black, was contacted by the family and was the first to bring attention to Quawan’s case, partly blames police indifference for the Charles family’s loss, explaining that this is the most literal example of Black lives not mattering to law enforcement.
“If Quawan was a little white girl, Louisiana would be turned upside down right now trying to figure out what happened,” Taylor told The Root. “We want the officers involved that took no action placed on leave. We need an investigation into what happened and why they failed to issue an Amber alert at the time of the report of this young man going missing. And, more importantly, why they blew it off and told the parents to go look for the child at a football game.”
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Stand Black has planned a protest and vigil for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Iberia Parish Courthouse in New Iberia, La. Meanwhile, the family has ordered their own autopsy and are still searching for answers. But according to co-attorney Chase Trichell, the Iberia Parish sheriff is sticking with the drowning story.
“We just want to know what happened,” Trichell told The Root. “No one has been arrested. They won’t even say if they have suspects. Even if the Iberia Sheriff doesn’t have answers, at least they can tell us where to start asking questions.”
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So far, no one has been arrested or charged in Quawan Charles’ death. The Baldwin Police Department admits to handling the missing person case while the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is handling the rest of the investigation. Katherine Breaux, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, told The Advocate his parents were “aware that he went to someone’s house in Loreauville.”
They were not.
Instead, the family is left with a number of questions:
When did Quawan die?
What was the cause of his death?
Exactly where did authorities find his body?
How did he end up in a creek? (The family told The Root that Quawan could not swim.)
Was he still alive during the family’s search?
Why didn’t the Baldwin Police Department alert the media?
“They will not tell us anything, Celina Charles added. “If they talked to the [family last seen with Quawan], they hadn’t told us anything. We don’t know how they found Quawan. Was he naked or was he dressed? Did he have his phone on him? All we know is that they found him face down in a c reek, in a field. We don’t know what happened.”
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“I mean...that’s all we got right now,” she said, before quietly adding:
“Knowing is all we got.”


theroot--2020-11-11--Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt Are Teaming Up to Produce an Adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates' The Water D

Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt Are Teaming Up to Produce an Adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates' The Water Dancer

Another Ta-Nehisi Coates adaptation is on the horizon !
According to The Hollywood Reporter , Oprah Winfrey ’ s Harpo Films , Brad Pitt ’ s Plan B ( which has also produced notable works such as Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk ) and MGM ( Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ) are joining forces to produce an adaptation of Coates ’ debut novel , The Water Dancer .
In case you ’ re unfamiliar , THR provides more details on The Water Dancer : Set in the pre-Civil War South , the story follows Hiram Walker , born into bondage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no memory of his mother .
A [ carriage ] accident reveals to him a superpower called conduction , an ability to travel large distances and that is triggered by powerful memories of his mother .
As he struggles to gain an understanding of this power , he becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and meets historical figures .
The Water Dancer was actually the first pick of Winfrey ’ s revival of her popular Oprah ’ s Book Club last November .
Recently , in October , Winfrey added another one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Me ) to her curated reading list titled , “ Books That Help Me Through.
” Speaking of Between the World and Me , HBO will be premiering a special event for the nonfiction book starring folks such as Jharrel Jerome , Susan Kelechi Watson , Yara Shahidi , Angela Bassett , Wendell Pierce , Joe Morton , MJ Rodriguez , Mahershala Ali and Winfrey , later this month on Nov. 21 .
Kamilah Forbes , who directed the stage adaptation of the book , will also be producing the upcoming adaptation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s debut fiction novel has at its heart , a beautiful character in Hiram Walker , whose personal odyssey weaves the supernatural and spiritual , with the terrible reality of the forced separations endured by enslaved people and their families for centuries , ” MGM ’ s film group chairman Michael De Luca and MGM ’ s film group president Pamela Abdy said in a statement .
“ Hiram ’ s story is one of devotion to those he loves , and the journey he takes to bring them together .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join Ta-Nehisi , Kamilah , Plan B and Harpo Films in bringing this film to the screen.
” “ I ’ m honored to be working with Harpo , Plan B and my old friend Kamilah Forbes , ” Coates added in a statement .
“ We all believe that MGM is the best home for this adaptation and look forward to bringing it to life .
”

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

Another Ta-Nehisi Coates adaptation is on the horizon!
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, Brad Pitt’s Plan B (which has also produced notable works such as Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk) and MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) are joining forces to produce an adaptation of Coates’ debut novel, The Water Dancer.
In case you’re unfamiliar, THR provides more details on The Water Dancer:
Set in the pre-Civil War South, the story follows Hiram Walker, born into bondage. He possesses amazing photographic memory but has no memory of his mother. A [carriage] accident reveals to him a superpower called conduction, an ability to travel large distances and that is triggered by powerful memories of his mother. As he struggles to gain an understanding of this power, he becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and meets historical figures.
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The Water Dancer was actually the first pick of Winfrey’s revival of her popular Oprah’s Book Club last November. Recently, in October, Winfrey added another one of Coates’ works (Between the World and Me) to her curated reading list titled, “Books That Help Me Through.”
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Speaking of Between the World and Me, HBO will be premiering a special event for the nonfiction book starring folks such as Jharrel Jerome, Susan Kelechi Watson, Yara Shahidi, Angela Bassett, Wendell Pierce, Joe Morton, MJ Rodriguez, Mahershala Ali and Winfrey, later this month on Nov. 21. Kamilah Forbes, who directed the stage adaptation of the book, will also be producing the upcoming adaptation of The Water Dancer.
“Ta-Nehisi’s debut fiction novel has at its heart, a beautiful character in Hiram Walker, whose personal odyssey weaves the supernatural and spiritual, with the terrible reality of the forced separations endured by enslaved people and their families for centuries,” MGM’s film group chairman Michael De Luca and MGM’s film group president Pamela Abdy said in a statement. “Hiram’s story is one of devotion to those he loves, and the journey he takes to bring them together. All of us at MGM are incredibly honored to join Ta-Nehisi, Kamilah, Plan B and Harpo Films in bringing this film to the screen.”
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“I’m honored to be working with Harpo, Plan B and my old friend Kamilah Forbes,” Coates added in a statement. “We all believe that MGM is the best home for this adaptation and look forward to bringing it to life.”


theroot--2020-11-13--Did Police Protests Help Biden Get Elected? Black Swing State Activists Believe So

Since the election ( which is still not technically over , although it ’ s very much decided ) , Congressional Democrats have squabbled over what is to blame for their less-than-stellar performance at the ballot box .
Among the accusations , launched most vociferously by S.C. Rep. James Clyburn , is that “ sloganeering ” in the form of “ Defund the police ” was harmful for Democrats , particularly in congressional races .
According to a new Bloomberg CityLab report , which spoke to several activists for its report , noted that “ pretty much every city in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for President-elect Joe Biden , as did their surrounding suburbs .
In fact , cities like Milwaukee , Detroit , Philadelphia , Atlanta and Pittsburgh—all of which have relatively large Black populations and saw a lot of protest activity over the summer—were instrumental in giving Biden victories in their respective home states .
The Associated Press ’ VoteCast survey , widely referenced in the wake of the election , found a majority ( 68 percent ) of Biden voters thought racism among police was a serious problem .
Most Biden voters ( 53 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration in casting their votes .
“ It was that organizing around police violence that actually led us to be able to mobilize folks to the polls , ” Pittsburgh-based organizer Jasiri X told Citylab .
“ We took that energy and those resources that we got and for the first time we were able to hire people , and to recruit digital canvassers , and put money into things like voting festivals because we had access to those resources.
” A survey of Black voters conducted by Black Futures Lab prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was effective with engaging younger voters .
Across all age groups , Black voters were most moved by messages that voting was an extension of their protest efforts .
Of course , “ defund the police ” and police protest aren ’ t synonymous : many people , Black and non-Black , support substantive police reform but stop short of demanding smaller budgets for law enforcement—or abolishing police forces altogether .
But the Pennsylvania-based activists Citylab spoke to said the “ defund/abolish the police ” language appeared to draw in more people than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrequent Black voters who were pivotal to Biden ’ s victory .
It also opened up crucial discussions about the nature of policing and what effective reform could look like—even if people misunderstood or didn ’ t agree with the stance .
It ’ s possible that voters across the country responded to police brutality differently on the local level—particularly with state and congressional representatives—than they did the presidency , though why this is worth exploring ( Trump is a uniquely galvanizing force in and of himself , after all ) .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s clear that Black Lives Matter in all its facets , from police abolition to reform , paved Biden ’ s way to the White House .

Since the election (which is still not technically over, although it’s very much decided), Congressional Democrats have squabbled over what is to blame for their less-than-stellar performance at the ballot box. Among the accusations, launched most vociferously by S.C. Rep. James Clyburn, is that “sloganeering” in the form of “Defund the police” was harmful for Democrats, particularly in congressional races.
Activists—and a bit of data—have challenged that claim.
According to a new Bloomberg CityLab report, which spoke to several activists for its report, noted that “pretty much every city in the U.S. that hosted protests” voted for President-elect Joe Biden, as did their surrounding suburbs. In fact, cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Pittsburgh—all of which have relatively large Black populations and saw a lot of protest activity over the summer—were instrumental in giving Biden victories in their respective home states.
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The Associated Press’ VoteCast survey, widely referenced in the wake of the election, found a majority (68 percent) of Biden voters thought racism among police was a serious problem. Most Biden voters (53 percent) also said it was a consideration in casting their votes.
“It was that organizing around police violence that actually led us to be able to mobilize folks to the polls,” Pittsburgh-based organizer Jasiri X told Citylab. “We took that energy and those resources that we got and for the first time we were able to hire people, and to recruit digital canvassers, and put money into things like voting festivals because we had access to those resources.”
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A survey of Black voters conducted by Black Futures Lab prior to the election also found that protest-centered messaging was effective with engaging younger voters. Across all age groups, Black voters were most moved by messages that voting was an extension of their protest efforts.
Of course, “defund the police” and police protest aren’t synonymous: many people, Black and non-Black, support substantive police reform but stop short of demanding smaller budgets for law enforcement—or abolishing police forces altogether.
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But the Pennsylvania-based activists Citylab spoke to said the “defund/abolish the police” language appeared to draw in more people than it turned away, especially first-time and infrequent Black voters who were pivotal to Biden’s victory. It also opened up crucial discussions about the nature of policing and what effective reform could look like—even if people misunderstood or didn’t agree with the stance.
It’s possible that voters across the country responded to police brutality differently on the local level—particularly with state and congressional representatives—than they did the presidency, though why this is worth exploring (Trump is a uniquely galvanizing force in and of himself, after all).
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Still, based on what we know now, it’s clear that Black Lives Matter in all its facets, from police abolition to reform, paved Biden’s way to the White House.


theroot--2020-11-13--Leaked Internal Affairs File Reveals 2 Ex-Cops in Pennsylvania Exchanged Mad Racist Texts

Cops , in my humble opinion , are generally racist .
I don ’ t think that ’ s a controversial statement , provided you have at least one foot grounded in reality .
Need an example ?
Well , a trove of leaked texts between two ex-Scranton , Pa. , police officers revealed that they were hella racist .
According to the Po st- Gazette , the texts were in an internal affairs file that stemmed from a sexual assault investigation into one of the officers .
The cell phone of former Cpl .
Tom McDonald was recovered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former Patrolwoman Bryanna Gifford had exchanged numerous racist text messages .
The investigation conducted by Capt .
Dennis Lukasewicz found that the two had exchanged 76 racist comments about Black people , six about Hispanic people , and three about those from the Middle East .
As for how the documents got out , well , it ’ s a whole a damn thing , y ’ all .
The documents from McDonald ’ s internal affairs file were posted publicly on Facebook by Dajuan Saunders , the plaintiff in a federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sued McDonald and the city in 2017 claiming his rights were violated by McDonald during a 2010 arrest for driving under the influence and sought the documents in connection with his case .
City officials this week refused to confirm the identify of the officers .
In a statement Monday , Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said two officers — a man and a woman — were fired in June .
The Times-Tribune previously reported that McDonald was fired in June .
Abigail Corrigan , Cognetti ’ s executive assistant , confirmed Tuesday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently employed by the city.
” The leaked documents did not appear to be in the publicly available docket in federal court .
However , in a July 20 response to Saunders ’ motion to compel the city to produce documents , including McDonald ’ s disciplinary records , attorney Jenna Kraycer Tuzze , who represents the city , wrote they “ intend to produce ” McDonald ’ s internal affairs file “ in the near future.
” Tuzze , of the firm Oliver , Price & Rhodes , is the attorney who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheet on the internal affairs file Saunders posted to Facebook .
McDonald is currently the subject of multiple lawsuits .
Scranton attorney Matt Comerford filed a federal lawsuit earlier this year , alleging McDonald used his position in the department ’ s undercover drug unit to coerce female informants into sexual acts .
McDonald has not been charged for the allegations in that lawsuit .
Man , just an upstanding officer of the law , that Tom McDonald .
I can ’ t see why the police department decided to fire him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McDonald is currently the subject of another lawsuit , after straight-up threatening to kill one of his fellow police officers shortly after being fired .
He allegedly told Sgt .
Thomas Carroll “ I am planning to take it to your team .
It will be out in the open not a house or building like you always train.
” Goddamn , whose mans is this ?
All I can say is damn on that one .
McDonald is currently facing charges of terroristic threats and harassment , and waived his right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the racist texts , McDonald busted out the “ just because it sounds racist , doesn ’ t mean it is racist , ” excuse .
In a written response to questions about the texts , McDonald admitted to investigators that he sent them , but said that while the texts could be “ construed ” as racist , he denied using them in a racist manner .
I just don ’ t get how one uses a racial slur in a not racist manner ?
Police Chief Leonard Namiotka held a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actions of the officers .
“ I ’ d like to emphasize that the Scranton Police Department does not condone the acts of the people that were investigated , ” Namiotka said .
“ We are not a racist organization .
We will not tolerate any comments , anything derogatory , against any individual.
” In his written responses , McDonald admitted the texts were “ inappropriate and unprofessional , ” but were reflective of the culture in the Scranton Police Department .
Namiotka took umbrage with that assertion , saying “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” during the news conference .
“ I believe the officer was trying to cover for himself to make himself look good in this investigation where he was doing wrong .
And ultimately , he paid for that by being terminated .
”

Cops, in my humble opinion, are generally racist. I don’t think that’s a controversial statement, provided you have at least one foot grounded in reality. Need an example? Well, a trove of leaked texts between two ex-Scranton, Pa., police officers revealed that they were hella racist.
According to the Po st- Gazette, the texts were in an internal affairs file that stemmed from a sexual assault investigation into one of the officers. The cell phone of former Cpl. Tom McDonald was recovered from a police vehicle and revealed that McDonald and former Patrolwoman Bryanna Gifford had exchanged numerous racist text messages.
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The investigation conducted by Capt. Dennis Lukasewicz found that the two had exchanged 76 racist comments about Black people, six about Hispanic people, and three about those from the Middle East.
As for how the documents got out, well, it’s a whole a damn thing, y’all.
From the Post- Gazette:
The documents from McDonald’s internal affairs file were posted publicly on Facebook by Dajuan Saunders, the plaintiff in a federal civil lawsuit against the city. Saunders sued McDonald and the city in 2017 claiming his rights were violated by McDonald during a 2010 arrest for driving under the influence and sought the documents in connection with his case. City officials this week refused to confirm the identify of the officers. In a statement Monday, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said two officers — a man and a woman — were fired in June. The Times-Tribune previously reported that McDonald was fired in June. Abigail Corrigan, Cognetti’s executive assistant, confirmed Tuesday in an email that Gifford “is not currently employed by the city.” The leaked documents did not appear to be in the publicly available docket in federal court. However, in a July 20 response to Saunders’ motion to compel the city to produce documents, including McDonald’s disciplinary records, attorney Jenna Kraycer Tuzze, who represents the city, wrote they “intend to produce” McDonald’s internal affairs file “in the near future.” Tuzze, of the firm Oliver, Price & Rhodes, is the attorney who signed the law firm’s cover sheet on the internal affairs file Saunders posted to Facebook.
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McDonald is currently the subject of multiple lawsuits. Scranton attorney Matt Comerford filed a federal lawsuit earlier this year, alleging McDonald used his position in the department’s undercover drug unit to coerce female informants into sexual acts. McDonald has not been charged for the allegations in that lawsuit.
Man, just an upstanding officer of the law, that Tom McDonald. I can’t see why the police department decided to fire him in June, after suspending him without pay.
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McDonald is currently the subject of another lawsuit, after straight-up threatening to kill one of his fellow police officers shortly after being fired.
He allegedly told Sgt. Thomas Carroll “I am planning to take it to your team. It will be out in the open not a house or building like you always train.”
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Goddamn, whose mans is this? All I can say is damn on that one. McDonald is currently facing charges of terroristic threats and harassment, and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
With regards to the racist texts, McDonald busted out the “just because it sounds racist, doesn’t mean it is racist,” excuse. In a written response to questions about the texts, McDonald admitted to investigators that he sent them, but said that while the texts could be “construed” as racist, he denied using them in a racist manner.
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I just don’t get how one uses a racial slur in a not racist manner?
Police Chief Leonard Namiotka held a news conference on Tuesday, calling out the actions of the officers. “I’d like to emphasize that the Scranton Police Department does not condone the acts of the people that were investigated,” Namiotka said. “We are not a racist organization. We will not tolerate any comments, anything derogatory, against any individual.”
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In his written responses, McDonald admitted the texts were “inappropriate and unprofessional,” but were reflective of the culture in the Scranton Police Department.
Namiotka took umbrage with that assertion, saying “That’s 100 percent false,” during the news conference. “I believe the officer was trying to cover for himself to make himself look good in this investigation where he was doing wrong. And ultimately, he paid for that by being terminated.”


theroot--2020-11-13--Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Proposes 'Anti-Mob' Legislation Allowing Citizens to Shoot Looters and Rio

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Proposes 'Anti-Mob' Legislation Allowing Citizens to Shoot Looters and Rioters

Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) really wants citizens to be able to shoot people .
The governor is reportedly proposing “ anti-mob ” legislation that would expand Florida ’ s Stand Your Ground law , allowing armed people to protect property by shooting looters , rioters or anyone else displaying nefarious intentions against businesses and other properties .
What could go wrong , right ?
According to the Miami Herald , DeSantis pledged in September to crack down on “ violent and disorderly assemblies ” pointing to the wave of protests that happened around the country amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned violent although most did not .
Apparently , DeSantis ’ idea of making good on his promise is giving vigilantes more power in the state where George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin .
I ’ m not the only one who thinks this is the shittiest of shitty ideas .
Denise Georges , a former Miami-Dade County prosecutor who handled Stand Your Ground c ases , told the Herald that DeSantis ’ proposal only “ allows for vigilantes to justify their actions.
” “ It also allows for death to be the punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And that is cruel and unusual punishment .
We can not live in a lawless society where taking a life is done so casually and recklessly.
” According to Newsweek , Aubrey Webb , another former Miami-Dade prosecutor , expressed similar sentiments to that of Georges .
“ It dangerously gives armed private citizens power to kill as they subjectively determine what constitutes ‘ criminal mischief ’ that interferes with a business , ” he said .
“ Someone graffiti-ing ‘ Black Lives Matter ’ on a wall ?
Urinating behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The Herald reports that besides giving trigger-happy citizens the right to shoot anyone who looks at a business sideways , DeSantis ’ proposal would expand “ forcible felonies ” to include looting , rioting or anything else that constitutes “ criminal mischief ” that could result in the “ interruption or impairment ” of a business .
So yeah , if there were any piece of legislation I would pray gets struck down on behalf of Floridians ( especially Black ones ) , it ’ s this shit here that is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even a cop waiting to happen .

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) really wants citizens to be able to shoot people. The governor is reportedly proposing “anti-mob” legislation that would expand Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, allowing armed people to protect property by shooting looters, rioters or anyone else displaying nefarious intentions against businesses and other properties. What could go wrong, right?
According to the Miami Herald, DeSantis pledged in September to crack down on “violent and disorderly assemblies” pointing to the wave of protests that happened around the country amid the death of George Floyd—some of which turned violent although most did not. Apparently, DeSantis’ idea of making good on his promise is giving vigilantes more power in the state where George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin.
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I’m not the only one who thinks this is the shittiest of shitty ideas.
Denise Georges, a former Miami-Dade County prosecutor who handled Stand Your Ground c ases, told the Herald that DeSantis’ proposal only “allows for vigilantes to justify their actions.”
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“It also allows for death to be the punishment for property crimes,” Georges continued. “And that is cruel and unusual punishment. We can not live in a lawless society where taking a life is done so casually and recklessly.”
According to Newsweek, Aubrey Webb, another former Miami-Dade prosecutor, expressed similar sentiments to that of Georges.
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“It dangerously gives armed private citizens power to kill as they subjectively determine what constitutes ‘criminal mischief’ that interferes with a business,” he said. “Someone graffiti-ing ‘Black Lives Matter’ on a wall? Urinating behind a dumpster? Blocking an entrance?”
The Herald reports that besides giving trigger-happy citizens the right to shoot anyone who looks at a business sideways, DeSantis’ proposal would expand “forcible felonies” to include looting, rioting or anything else that constitutes “criminal mischief” that could result in the “interruption or impairment” of a business.
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So yeah, if there were any piece of legislation I would pray gets struck down on behalf of Floridians (especially Black ones), it’s this shit here that is just extrajudicial execution by some yokel who ain’t even a cop waiting to happen.


theroot--2020-11-13--U.S. Appeals Court Rejects Lawsuit Against Harvard’s Affirmative Action Policy

According to CNN , the case was brought forth by a group of Asian A merican students who felt the university ’ s policy disproportionately benefited Black and Hispanic students .
Judge Sandra Lynch wrote the ruling for the appellate panel and found the university ’ s “ limited use of race ” in its admissions practices didn ’ t violate the precedent set by the Supreme Court .
“ Harvard has an ongoing obligation to engage in constant deliberation and continued reflection regarding its admissions policies , ” Lynch wrote .
“ Harvard has shown that its holistic consideration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edward Blum , president of Students for Fair Admissions ( SFFA ) , filed the lawsuit in November 2014 and has already stated his intention to appeal the ruling .
It ’ s apparently Blum ’ s lifework to make it harder for Black and brown students to get into college .
He was the one behind Abigail Fisher ’ s case against the University of Texas in 2016 .
Fischer , for those unaware , was a teenager who thought her whiteness was the reason behind her not getting into the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact her grades were lower than the majority of folks who were admitted .
Blum lost that case in the Supreme Court , which is where this case is all but certain to go .
Things are far different than they were four years ago .
Affirmative action cases have barely been upheld by the court in the past , and the Republican party ’ s 6-3 supermajority on the court means that long-standing protections for Black and Hispanic students could be at risk should the court take up the appeal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start because of the prevalence of affirmative action practices nationwide .
It took on new relevance this summer as the country focused on systemic racism , ignited by the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
One of the main points of contention was Harvard ’ s use of a “ personal ” score , in addition to academic and extracurricular ratings , that SFFA challengers say allowed admissions officials to enhance the prospects of Black and Hispanic applicants and disadvantage Asian Americans .
The appeals court on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District Court Judge Allison Burroughs after a three-week trial .
The SFFA challengers had argued that the flexible “ personal ” rating has led to the racial stereotyping of Asian Americans .
During the trial , SFFA contended Asian Americans were typecast as one-dimensional or merely “ book smart.
” The appeals court found the claims of stereotyping to be unfounded , with the personal rating being based on more factors than simply race .
“ Harvard ’ s interest in diversity is not an interest in simple ethnic diversity , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in effect guaranteed to be members of selected ethnic groups , but a far broader array of qualifications and characteristics of which racial or ethnic origin is but a single though important element , ” Lynch wrote .
The SFFA also claimed in the case that the school imposes “ a racial penalty ” on Asian Americans , a claim that Harvard ’ s lawyers roundly rejected .
For the class of 2024 , Harvard said its demographics break down to 24.6 percent Asian American students , 13.9 percent Black students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up 2 percent .
The remaining 47.7 percent is white .
Maybe I ’ m just bad at math , but being the second most populous demographic at the university doesn ’ t exactly seem like a penalty to me .
Just saying .
Should the Supreme Court decide to take up the appeal , the case most likely wouldn ’ t be heard until later next year .

A U.S. appeals court has rejected a case challenging Harvard’s affirmative action policy.
According to CNN, the case was brought forth by a group of Asian A merican students who felt the university’s policy disproportionately benefited Black and Hispanic students. Judge Sandra Lynch wrote the ruling for the appellate panel and found the university’s “limited use of race” in its admissions practices didn’t violate the precedent set by the Supreme Court.
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“Harvard has an ongoing obligation to engage in constant deliberation and continued reflection regarding its admissions policies,” Lynch wrote. “Harvard has shown that its holistic consideration of race is not impermissibly extensive.”
Edward Blum, president of Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), filed the lawsuit in November 2014 and has already stated his intention to appeal the ruling. It’s apparently Blum’s lifework to make it harder for Black and brown students to get into college.
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He was the one behind Abigail Fisher’s case against the University of Texas in 2016. Fischer, for those unaware, was a teenager who thought her whiteness was the reason behind her not getting into the school and not, you know, the fact her grades were lower than the majority of folks who were admitted.
Blum lost that case in the Supreme Court, which is where this case is all but certain to go.
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Things are far different than they were four years ago. Affirmative action cases have barely been upheld by the court in the past, and the Republican party’s 6-3 supermajority on the court means that long-standing protections for Black and Hispanic students could be at risk should the court take up the appeal.
From CNN:
The Harvard case has been closely watched from the start because of the prevalence of affirmative action practices nationwide. It took on new relevance this summer as the country focused on systemic racism, ignited by the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. One of the main points of contention was Harvard’s use of a “personal” score, in addition to academic and extracurricular ratings, that SFFA challengers say allowed admissions officials to enhance the prospects of Black and Hispanic applicants and disadvantage Asian Americans. The appeals court on Thursday rejected the claim, as had US District Court Judge Allison Burroughs after a three-week trial. The SFFA challengers had argued that the flexible “personal” rating has led to the racial stereotyping of Asian Americans. During the trial, SFFA contended Asian Americans were typecast as one-dimensional or merely “book smart.”
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The appeals court found the claims of stereotyping to be unfounded, with the personal rating being based on more factors than simply race.
“Harvard’s interest in diversity is not an interest in simple ethnic diversity, in which a specified percentage of the student body is in effect guaranteed to be members of selected ethnic groups, but a far broader array of qualifications and characteristics of which racial or ethnic origin is but a single though important element,” Lynch wrote.
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The SFFA also claimed in the case that the school imposes “a racial penalty” on Asian Americans, a claim that Harvard’s lawyers roundly rejected. For the class of 2024, Harvard said its demographics break down to 24.6 percent Asian American students, 13.9 percent Black students, 11.8 Hispanic students, and Indigenous students make up 2 percent. The remaining 47.7 percent is white.
Maybe I’m just bad at math, but being the second most populous demographic at the university doesn’t exactly seem like a penalty to me. Just saying.
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Should the Supreme Court decide to take up the appeal, the case most likely wouldn’t be heard until later next year.


theroot--2020-11-12--The NFL Taps The Weeknd for 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show

If you ’ re a fan of football and funky musings of unrequited love , then this news is especially for you .
Today , the NFL announced its headliner for the 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show in Tampa Bay , Fla. and it ’ s none other than the soulful Starboy himself , The Weeknd .
( Sidenote , I was today-years-old when I realized there ’ s no ‘ e ’ in the latter half of The Weeknd ’ s name .
Has it always been spelled like that or has 2020 just made me forget even the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latter , huh ?
Hm .
I really oughta get back in therapy . )
The Weeknd ’ s performance will be the second installment in the NFL ’ s Pepsi and Jay-Z ’ s Roc Nation collaboration , the first bringing Grammy-nominated superstars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira to last year ’ s stage .
In a press release via the NFL , The Weeknd spoke on his upcoming performance , saying , in part : “ We all grow up watching the world ’ s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that position .
I ’ m humbled , honored and ecstatic to be the center of that infamous stage this year.
” Jay-Z , who controversially began collaborating with the NFL in 2019 in an effort to bridge the gap between the league and other artists who refused to perform at games due to the NFL ’ s treatment of Colin Kaepernick , also shared his thoughts .
“ The Weeknd has introduced a sound all his own .
His soulful uniqueness has defined a new generation of greatness in music and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time and the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show is going to be an extraordinary experience with an extraordinary performer.
” Extraordinary might be an overstatement though , especially given the staggering amount of COVID-19 cases that have been rising all across the country recently .
Last I heard , they were considering filling up about 20 % of the stadium ’ s seats due to the virus so I ’ m not sure how lit you can really be with over half of the regular-sized crowd not in attendance .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re talking about ; he can probably get lit in a room alone by himself .
So I guess I won ’ t rule anything out just yet .

If you’re a fan of football and funky musings of unrequited love, then this news is especially for you. Today, the NFL announced its headliner for the 2021 Super Bowl Halftime Show in Tampa Bay, Fla. and it’s none other than the soulful Starboy himself, The Weeknd. (Sidenote, I was today-years-old when I realized there’s no ‘e’ in the latter half of The Weeknd’s name. Has it always been spelled like that or has 2020 just made me forget even the simplest of pop culture knowings? Probably the latter, huh? Hm. I really oughta get back in therapy.)
The Weeknd’s performance will be the second installment in the NFL’s Pepsi and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation collaboration, the first bringing Grammy-nominated superstars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira to last year’s stage. In a press release via the NFL, The Weeknd spoke on his upcoming performance, saying, in part: “We all grow up watching the world’s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl and one can only dream of being in that position. I’m humbled, honored and ecstatic to be the center of that infamous stage this year.”
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Jay-Z, who controversially began collaborating with the NFL in 2019 in an effort to bridge the gap between the league and other artists who refused to perform at games due to the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick, also shared his thoughts.
“The Weeknd has introduced a sound all his own. His soulful uniqueness has defined a new generation of greatness in music and artistry. This is an extraordinary moment in time and the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show is going to be an extraordinary experience with an extraordinary performer.”
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Extraordinary might be an overstatement though, especially given the staggering amount of COVID-19 cases that have been rising all across the country recently. Last I heard, they were considering filling up about 20% of the stadium’s seats due to the virus so I’m not sure how lit you can really be with over half of the regular-sized crowd not in attendance. But then again, this is the Weeknd we’re talking about; he can probably get lit in a room alone by himself. So I guess I won’t rule anything out just yet.


theroot--2020-11-12--All the Face Washes That Do and Don’t Work for Acne, According to Experts

Even if you ’ re not out and about as much as usual these days , you don ’ t want to be distracted by your breakout on your next Zoom meeting .
We know it can be a struggle to find a face wash that effectively combats your acne without drying up your skin or emptying your wallet .
Brittney Powell , a skincare blogger at The Blushing Bliss , knows that routine well and has tried many different acne-targeting face washes to no avail .
“ Previous cleansers I ’ ve tried that didn ’ t work [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murad Acne Cleanser , Cetaphil , Cerave , Kate Sommerville Eradikate Cleanser , Clean & Clear Triple Clear , and Clean & Clear Continuous Control , ” Powell tells me .
“ Depending on how specific you break it down , there are either 4 types of skin or up to 16 ( made popular by Dr. Leslie Baumann , a trusted Derm in the space ) , but at the end of the day , I ’ m a believer in 4 types : dry , oily , combination , or normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MD , a board-certified dermatologist and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology , University of Miami School of Medicine .
“ One thing to keep in mind is that there are A LOT of skin types and some of them do require different approaches , which is why I like to recommend acne suffers at least consult with a board-certified dermatologist.
” While you surely won ’ t avoid trial-and-error entirely , given that your skin is unique , there are thankfully some budget-friendly options to check out before considering a larger spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , First Aid Beauty ’ s face cleanser is sulfate and fragrance-free to ensure that your skin maintains its natural pH without stripping away moisture , ” remarks Juliana Clark , Associate Producer at The Inventory .
“ This product is so powerful it can remove dirt , oil , grime , and even makeup .
Just add a bit of water to the cleanser ’ s whipped texture , and watch your skin transform !
” “ One of my favorites that I use , whenever I ’ ve lost control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clear acne wash .
It has a 2 % dose of salicylic acid which after about a week of day and night use keeps the pimples and grease at bay , ” says Rhea Henry , a content strategist with Rank-It.ca “ However , ” Henry continues , “ it is a bit harsh when I ’ m not having an active breakout so I find I generally don ’ t use it as often outside of summer when I tend to have most of my breakouts ; I just follow it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find that my face feels a little dry.
” Powell has tried numerous cleaners over the years to deal with her active acne outbreaks , investing considerable time and money without a solution .
“ I have found that the best cleansers for acne are very gentle and mild cleansers , versus something harsh and drying like many traditional acne cleansers are , ” she said .
“ This is because traditional acne cleansers have harsh ingredients like sulfates , menthol , and alcohol that dry out and irritate the skin leading to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up being the solution to her needs , and her skin has cleared up since .
One of her favorites is Neutrogena Ultra Gentle , which is available in both creamy and foaming formulas .
“ The foaming formula being better for those with oilier skin types , but both are super gentle and hydrating without stripping your skin or leaving a gross film of moisture , ” Powell elaborates .
Best for Sensitive Skin : , , and “ My go-to recommendations for nearly all patients looking to improve the appearance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cetaphil , Ceravem , and Vanicream ( the original versions for each brand ) , ” Dr. Minars tells me .
According to Dr. Minars , these non-drying products are hugely beneficial since dryness helps contribute to skin issues .
They also don ’ t have pesky dyes or fragrances .
“ Having your products free from colors and fragrances are particularly important for those patients with sensitive skin types , as those elements can irritate and flare up their issues.
” “ It ’ s interesting to mention , as I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin , and the reality is that they ’ re having sensitivity issues because they ’ re overwhelming their systems with wrong products or too aggressive regiment , ” Dr. Minars cautions .
“ Be mindful of overwashing your face , as it can be irritating and actually create a sort of negative feedback loop that strips your face of natural oils.
” You also do not need to wash your face more any once a day , says Dr. Minars .
“ I suggest that patients do not need to perform anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal routine .
If you have very specific issues that require attention in the morning you ’ re fine to proceed , but by and large , I see more benefits when patients wash upon their return home each day.
” When it comes to products that are designed to offer a “ deep clean ” like the Luna , “ I wouldn ’ t recommend using it daily , as your face doesn ’ t need that level of frequency with such a device .
I ’ ve had a patient who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have without using one at all , ” Dr. Minars explains , “ Now don ’ t get me wrong , they can be great for many of us , just be mindful and limit your sessions to two times per week.
” No one solution is guaranteed to work for everyone , but a little budget-friendly trial and error—paired with the advice of experts—can help you find the right products and routine to help your skin feel its best .
This story was originally published by Chaya Milchtein on 09/10/2020 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 11/12/2020 .

Chaya M Milchtein and Juliana Clark on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser | Dermstore | $40
Even if you’re not out and about as much, as usual, these days, you don’t want your coworkers to be distracted by your breakout on the next Zoom call. We know that it can be a struggle to find the best face wash for your skin type without drying out your wallet.
Brittney Powell, a skincare blogger at The Blushing Bliss, knows that routine well and has tried many different acne-targeting face washes to no avail.
“Previous cleansers I’ve tried that didn’t work [include] Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Murad Acne Cleanser, Cetaphil, Cerave, Kate Sommerville Eradikate Cleanser, Clean & Clear Triple Clear, and Clean & Clear Continuous Control,” Powell tells me.
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“Depending on how specific you break it down, there are either 4 types of skin or up to 16 (a belief made popular by Dr. Leslie Baumann, a trusted dermatologist in the beauty space), but at the end of the day, I’m a believer in 4 types: dry, oily, combination, or normal skin,” says Todd Minars, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine. “One thing to keep in mind is that there are A LOT of skin types and some of them do require different approaches, which is why I like to recommend acne sufferers at least consult with a board-certified dermatologist.”
While you surely won’t avoid trial-and-error entirely, given that your skin is unique, there are thankfully some budget-friendly options to check out before considering a larger spend.
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This story was originally published by Chaya Milchtein on 09/10/2020 and updated by Juliana Clark with new information on 09/03/2021.


theroot--2020-11-12--Yet Another Far-Right Extremist Has Been Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Violence Against Prett

Yet Another Far-Right Extremist Has Been Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Violence Against Pretty Much Everyone

I can ’ t even lie , I ’ m a bit surprised at Trump supporters inability to act like they ’ ve been here before .
I know for damn sure this is not the first , second , or even third time these folks have been in the loser ’ s circle , yet , that doesn ’ t stop people like Brian Maiorana from allegedly threatening large-scale violence to express disappointment in the election results .
The Washington Post reports that Maiorana , a Staten Island resident , was arrested by federal agents on Tuesday on charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a convicted sex offender , and despite being banned from owning guns , federal agents say they found a pistol , taser , and crossbow in his home .
They had been monitoring Maiorana since September , as he frequently made violent , threatening posts on an unnamed social media platform .
“ Its [ sic ] come to the point where pipe bombs need to be thrown into these mobs of … protesters , ” he wrote on Oct. 19 , according to a criminal complaint .
Following the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only intensified .
On Sunday , the day after it was projected that Joe Biden would be next president of the United States , Maiorana allegedly wrote “ All right thinking people need to hit the streets while these scumbags are celebrating and start blowing them away.
” He didn ’ t just leave it at that ; he also referenced “ The Turner Diaries , ” a manifesto for right-wing extremism that influenced the Oklahoma City bombers back in the ‘ 90s .
“ We blow up the FBI building for real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also added an anti-Semitic threat against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) , calling him “ the Jew Senator from Jew York.
” God , you just know he really thought he was doing something with that last post .
So , I have two questions .
First , does he not know the feds are monitoring pretty much everything these days ?
Second , why would you talk about blowing up the FBI , on the goddamn internet ?
You are basically asking to catch a case at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice will not stand idly by when people like the defendant allegedly threaten to kill elected officials , lawful protesters and law enforcement simply because of animus towards the outcome of an election , ” Seth D. DuCharme , acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York , said in a statement .
According to the New York Times , his posts continued in intensity and frequency up until the time of his arrest , with him writing on Monday , “ The carnage needs to come in the form of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a democrat.
” Maiorana also frequently posted to a militia message board under the handle “ Proud Patriot Sailor.
” His posts included declarations that he had purchased weapon parts , “ to start manufacturing implements of war.
” Court documents show he wasn ’ t lying either , as his bank records reveal he had purchased parts to build semi-automatic weapons as recently as July .
“ Americans have a constitutional right to voice their opinions , but this Office will not tolerate violence or threats of violence used to intimidate others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Maiorana isn ’ t the only person to fuck their whole life up after being in their feelings over the election results .
A police chief in Arkansas was recently forced to resign after it was found he posted calls for violence against “ Marxist democrats ” on social media .

I can’t even lie, I’m a bit surprised at Trump supporters inability to act like they’ve been here before. I know for damn sure this is not the first, second, or even third time these folks have been in the loser’s circle, yet, that doesn’t stop people like Brian Maiorana from allegedly threatening large-scale violence to express disappointment in the election results.
The Washington Post reports that Maiorana, a Staten Island resident, was arrested by federal agents on Tuesday on charges of making threatening interstate communications. Maiorana is a convicted sex offender, and despite being banned from owning guns, federal agents say they found a pistol, taser, and crossbow in his home. They had been monitoring Maiorana since September, as he frequently made violent, threatening posts on an unnamed social media platform.
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“Its [sic] come to the point where pipe bombs need to be thrown into these mobs of … protesters,” he wrote on Oct. 19, according to a criminal complaint. Following the results of the election, Maiorana’s posts only intensified.
On Sunday, the day after it was projected that Joe Biden would be next president of the United States, Maiorana allegedly wrote “All right thinking people need to hit the streets while these scumbags are celebrating and start blowing them away.”
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He didn’t just leave it at that; he also referenced “The Turner Diaries,” a manifesto for right-wing extremism that influenced the Oklahoma City bombers back in the ‘90s. “We blow up the FBI building for real,” Maiorana allegedly wrote on Sunday. He also added an anti-Semitic threat against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), calling him “the Jew Senator from Jew York.”
God, you just know he really thought he was doing something with that last post.
So, I have two questions. First, does he not know the feds are monitoring pretty much everything these days? Second, why would you talk about blowing up the FBI, on the goddamn internet? You are basically asking to catch a case at that point.
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“The Department of Justice will not stand idly by when people like the defendant allegedly threaten to kill elected officials, lawful protesters and law enforcement simply because of animus towards the outcome of an election,” Seth D. DuCharme, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.
According to the New York Times, his posts continued in intensity and frequency up until the time of his arrest, with him writing on Monday, “The carnage needs to come in the form of extermination of anyone that claims to be a democrat.” Maiorana also frequently posted to a militia message board under the handle “Proud Patriot Sailor.” His posts included declarations that he had purchased weapon parts, “to start manufacturing implements of war.”
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Court documents show he wasn’t lying either, as his bank records reveal he had purchased parts to build semi-automatic weapons as recently as July.
“Americans have a constitutional right to voice their opinions, but this Office will not tolerate violence or threats of violence used to intimidate others with whom they disagree,” DuCharme said.
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Maiorana isn’t the only person to fuck their whole life up after being in their feelings over the election results. A police chief in Arkansas was recently forced to resign after it was found he posted calls for violence against “Marxist democrats” on social media.


theroot--2020-11-12--With a $1 Million Gift, Howard University Announces the Launch of a Center for Women, Gender and Glo

With a $1 Million Gift, Howard University Announces the Launch of a Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership

On Saturday , Nov. 7 , the nation learned that a graduate of Howard University , Kamala Harris , will become the highest-ranking woman in American history when she assumes the vice presidency next January .
It ’ s also a remarkable milestone for the 153-year-old HBCU , which already counts among its extensive cadre of accolades and esteemed alumni one Schwarzman Scholar , three Marshall Scholars , four Rhodes Scholars , 11 Truman Scholars , 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients—in addition to producing more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first female vice president proved the harbinger of a new era in Howard ’ s legacy as an incubator for female leaders ; on Thursday , university President Wayne A. I. Frederick announced a $ 1 million gift from Heather and Jim Murren to launch the Center for Women , Gender and Global Leadership .
Per a release from Howard provided to The Glow Up : The gift kicks off a multi-million fundraising effort for what will be an interdisciplinary , student-centered , faculty-led institute that works with professional programs in health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as majors in the arts and sciences .
The Center will be led by J. Jarpa Dawuni , Esq.
, Ph.D. , Howard ’ s esteemed associate professor of political science , who has been recognized as a Fulbright Specialist Scholar and a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow .
The Center ’ s academic focus will include producing innovative and theoretically grounded research and creating a data center on issues of women and gender in the United States and the global Black diaspora .
The Center will provide opportunities for students through scholarships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will match students with high-impact women leaders , entrepreneurs , industry experts , policymakers and social justice advocates for mentorship and sponsorship opportunities .
“ The vision of the Center for Women , Gender and Global Leadership is to prepare future leaders who are gender-conscious and grounded in Black feminist consciousness through collaboration with faculty on research , service learning and global engagement , ” Dr. Dawuni explained in a statement .
“ The career pipeline project will act as a transformational strategy for opening up professional opportunities and preparing our students for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the release , Dr. Dawuni ’ s vision for the Center for Women , Gender and Global Leadership includes four areas of focus : student-centered teaching and learning ; high-impact faculty research , publications and grant-making ; community-centered service learning ; and global advocacy .
Recognizing the potential impact of a center dedicated to cultivating future generations of female leaders .
Trustee Jim Murren and Heather Murren issued the following statement : We can not overstate the importance of advancing Black women ’ s leadership at this moment in history .
Facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downturn and a renewed societal focus on racial injustice , the country is facing a critical inflection point .
To secure our national economy and ensure our future prosperity , we have to promote female leadership and ensure women ’ s equal representation across all sectors of our society .
Women already represent a significant and growing proportion of the labor force and a vocal component of civic life .
This gift seeks to capture that energy , develop this exceptional talent pool and push our country forward , with women at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Frederick , Howard has become a widely influential institution that is uniquely positioned to develop the next generation of leaders .
With Dr. Dawuni ’ s guidance , we will work to bring this Center to life and realize the vision behind it .
As lifetime investors of Howard , we know that the returns on this investment will be exceptional for Black women and for our country as a whole as we move past these challenging times .
For at least one current Howard student of Dr. Dawuni who was present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s intended focus also holds promise for broader and more holistic understanding and perspectives ; not only of feminist thought but of gender and intersectionality , on the whole .
“ Many times , we overlook the complexity gender has in relation to the experience of identifying as women while interacting with different cultural backgrounds and identities , ” said Anyah Gilmore-Jones , a senior political science major .
“ Gender is often conflated with the simplistic concept of being only ‘ feminine ’ or ‘ masculine.
’ The establishment of this Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical thinking , organizing , and the learning of global perspectives on feminist and gender issues.
” A date for the opening of the center has yet to be scheduled , as fundraising efforts continue .
“ We are extremely grateful to Trustee Jim Murren and Mrs. Heather Hay Murren for this generous $ 1 million gift to create the Center for Women , Gender and Global Leadership at Howard University , ” said President Frederick .
“ Our students ’ college experiences will be significantly enriched through this program , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rightful place as leaders in every facet of our society and the global community , ” To make a donation to the Center for Women , Gender and Global Leadership , please visit https : //giving.howard.edu/centerforwomen .
For more information , please email genderstudies @ howard.edu .

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

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the nation learned that a graduate of Howard University, Kamala Harris, will become the highest-ranking woman in American history when she assumes the vice presidency next January. It’s also a remarkable milestone for the 153-year-old HBCU, which already counts among its extensive cadre of accolades and esteemed alumni one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients—in addition to producing more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.
But the addition of the first female vice president proved the harbinger of a new era in Howard’s legacy as an incubator for female leaders; on Thursday, university President Wayne A. I. Frederick announced a $1 million gift from Heather and Jim Murren to launch the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership.
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Per a release from Howard provided to The Glow Up:
The gift kicks off a multi-million fundraising effort for what will be an interdisciplinary, student-centered, faculty-led institute that works with professional programs in health, business, communications and law, as well as majors in the arts and sciences. ... The Center will be led by J. Jarpa Dawuni, Esq., Ph.D., Howard’s esteemed associate professor of political science, who has been recognized as a Fulbright Specialist Scholar and a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow. The Center’s academic focus will include producing innovative and theoretically grounded research and creating a data center on issues of women and gender in the United States and the global Black diaspora. The Center will provide opportunities for students through scholarships and internships. Additionally, the program will match students with high-impact women leaders, entrepreneurs, industry experts, policymakers and social justice advocates for mentorship and sponsorship opportunities.
Advertisement Advertisement
“The vision of the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership is to prepare future leaders who are gender-conscious and grounded in Black feminist consciousness through collaboration with faculty on research, service learning and global engagement,” Dr. Dawuni explained in a statement. “The career pipeline project will act as a transformational strategy for opening up professional opportunities and preparing our students for leadership in their chosen careers.”
Advertisement
According to the release, Dr. Dawuni’s vision for the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership includes four areas of focus: student-centered teaching and learning; high-impact faculty research, publications and grant-making; community-centered service learning; and global advocacy. Recognizing the potential impact of a center dedicated to cultivating future generations of female leaders. Trustee Jim Murren and Heather Murren issued the following statement:
We cannot overstate the importance of advancing Black women’s leadership at this moment in history. Facing a global pandemic, a severe economic downturn and a renewed societal focus on racial injustice, the country is facing a critical inflection point. To secure our national economy and ensure our future prosperity, we have to promote female leadership and ensure women’s equal representation across all sectors of our society. Women already represent a significant and growing proportion of the labor force and a vocal component of civic life. This gift seeks to capture that energy, develop this exceptional talent pool and push our country forward, with women at the helm. Under the transcendent leadership of President Frederick, Howard has become a widely influential institution that is uniquely positioned to develop the next generation of leaders. With Dr. Dawuni’s guidance, we will work to bring this Center to life and realize the vision behind it. As lifetime investors of Howard, we know that the returns on this investment will be exceptional for Black women and for our country as a whole as we move past these challenging times.
Advertisement
For at least one current Howard student of Dr. Dawuni who was present at the announcement, the Center’s intended focus also holds promise for broader and more holistic understanding and perspectives; not only of feminist thought but of gender and intersectionality, on the whole.
“Many times, we overlook the complexity gender has in relation to the experience of identifying as women while interacting with different cultural backgrounds and identities,” said Anyah Gilmore-Jones, a senior political science major. “Gender is often conflated with the simplistic concept of being only ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine.’ The establishment of this Center will promote the expansion of knowledge, critical thinking, organizing, and the learning of global perspectives on feminist and gender issues.”
Advertisement
A date for the opening of the center has yet to be scheduled, as fundraising efforts continue. “We are extremely grateful to Trustee Jim Murren and Mrs. Heather Hay Murren for this generous $1 million gift to create the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership at Howard University,” said President Frederick. “Our students’ college experiences will be significantly enriched through this program, which will empower Black women to continue to take their rightful place as leaders in every facet of our society and the global community,”
To make a donation to the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership, please visit https://giving.howard.edu/centerforwomen. For more information, please email genderstudies@howard.edu.


theroot--2020-11-12--Man, We Ain’t Ever Going to Get Another Stimulus Check

First , there were talks and then the talks were off .
Then there were talks about the talks and then those talks were off .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) said Pelosi ’ s $ 3.4 trillion coronavirus proposal was too high .
Then Republicans slapped together some bullshit bill that ol ’ turkey neck McConnell , with his Mitch-ass , was pushing but it was way too low .
And then the talks were off again .
Then the election happened and then Trump started lying and then the talks took a back seat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader Charles Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) believe that the $ 3.4 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions ( HEROES ) Act , the same one passed by House Democrats back in May , should serve as a “ starting point ” with Senate Republicans on a new round of coronavirus relief legislation , the Hill reports .
Unless Stacey Abrams can continue the Herculean task of flipping both Georgia Senate seats in the runoff in January , we are fucked , and all I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another stimulus dollar again unless President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Venmo that shit straight to our accounts.
” “ The HEROES Act should be the starting point , not an emaciated bill that prioritizes protections for corporations and considers the needs of American families as an afterthought , ” Schumer told reporters at a joint press conference with Pelosi , the Hill reports .
“ The HEROES Act , passed in the House , does meet this moment .
It doesn ’ t pick and choose who we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic crisis in decades , ” he argued .
When asked if Democratic leaders had a new game plan , because , you know , the old one titled HEROES ACT didn ’ t work with this Republican Senate , Pelosi said passing the HEROES ACT has always been the goal .
“ It has been our position all along to crush the virus , honor our heroes , put money in the pockets of the American people , ” she said .
All that shit sounds nice , but imaginary money doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve tried .
But tell me more , Pelosi , about what you ’ ve sent to President-elect Biden .
“ What Joe Biden got in this election was a mandate , a mandate to address the challenges that our country faces as well as to have a positive initiative on how to grow the economy in a fair way and in order to do that we must address the pandemic , ” she said .
The Hill notes that before the election , “ Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.8 trillion and $ 2.2 trillion.
” But much like the Washington Football Team before it , the talks failed and nobody scored .
Schumer seems to think that not having Trump in the White House does wonders for their position .
Apparently , he forgot about ol ’ turkey neck .
“ The biggest change since Election Day is that Donald Trump , who is not for helping us in COVID and who is against the HEROES bill , has lost , ” Schumer said .
“ So yes , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It should move things in our direction.
” He went on to call the election “ more a referendum on who can handle COVID well than anything else , ” the Hill reports .
“ The Donald Trump approach was repudiated , the Joe Biden approach was embraced , ” Schumer said .
Unless Abrams can flip Georgia , we ain ’ t getting no stimulus money .

First, there were talks and then the talks were off. Then there were talks about the talks and then those talks were off. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Pelosi’s $3.4 trillion coronavirus proposal was too high. Then Republicans slapped together some bullshit bill that ol’ turkey neck McConnell, with his Mitch-ass, was pushing but it was way too low. And then the talks were off again. Then the election happened and then Trump started lying and then the talks took a back seat to it all.
Now, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) believe that the $3.4 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, the same one passed by House Democrats back in May, should serve as a “starting point” with Senate Republicans on a new round of coronavirus relief legislation, the Hill reports.
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Unless Stacey Abrams can continue the Herculean task of flipping both Georgia Senate seats in the runoff in January, we are fucked, and all I hear is “we may never see another stimulus dollar again unless President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Venmo that shit straight to our accounts.”
“The HEROES Act should be the starting point, not an emaciated bill that prioritizes protections for corporations and considers the needs of American families as an afterthought,” Schumer told reporters at a joint press conference with Pelosi, the Hill reports.
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“The HEROES Act, passed in the House, does meet this moment. It doesn’t pick and choose who we’re going to help during the greatest health and economic crisis in decades,” he argued.
When asked if Democratic leaders had a new game plan, because, you know, the old one titled HEROES ACT didn’t work with this Republican Senate, Pelosi said passing the HEROES ACT has always been the goal.
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“It has been our position all along to crush the virus, honor our heroes, put money in the pockets of the American people,” she said.
All that shit sounds nice, but imaginary money doesn’t spend. Trust me, I’ve tried. But tell me more, Pelosi, about what you’ve sent to President-elect Biden.
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“What Joe Biden got in this election was a mandate, a mandate to address the challenges that our country faces as well as to have a positive initiative on how to grow the economy in a fair way and in order to do that we must address the pandemic,” she said.
The Hill notes that before the election, “Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin were talking about a potential deal between $1.8 trillion and $2.2 trillion.”
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But much like the Washington Football Team before it, the talks failed and nobody scored.
Schumer seems to think that not having Trump in the White House does wonders for their position. Apparently, he forgot about ol’ turkey neck.
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“The biggest change since Election Day is that Donald Trump, who is not for helping us in COVID and who is against the HEROES bill, has lost,” Schumer said. “So yes, we think there has been a change. It should move things in our direction.”
He went on to call the election “more a referendum on who can handle COVID well than anything else,” the Hill reports.
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“The Donald Trump approach was repudiated, the Joe Biden approach was embraced,” Schumer said.
Unless Abrams can flip Georgia, we ain’t getting no stimulus money.


theroot--2020-11-12--Black and Magical: Cast of Netflix's Jingle Jangle Plays Black Ass Game

The David E. Talbert-penned and directed musical transports audiences to a mythical village of Cobelton and follows a brilliant but down-on-his-luck toymaker , Jeronicus Jangle , ( played by Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker ) .
Jangle is betrayed by Gustafson ( played by Keegan-Michael Key , who is so phenomenally wicked in this role ) because what ’ s a film without drama , I suppose .
But through the inspiration and unflinching faith of his granddaughter Journey ( 11-year-old cutie pie Madalen Mills ) and friends , Jangle is able to tap into the power ( and dare I say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that ’ s all I ’ m going to give y ’ all about this film ’ s plot .
You ’ ll thank me later .
Guess what ?
!
Cobelton , the town where Jingle Jangle is set , is chock-full-of Black folks !
Black folks in the streets ; Black folks in the stores .
Black folks owning stores .
We love to see it .
If you look closely , you might even catch the South African Gwara Gwara dance in the film ’ s choreography .
Jingle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitaker , Keegan-Michael Key , Phylicia Rashad , Anika Noni Rose , Ricky Martin and newcomer Madalen Mills ( who was selected to be Journey after a worldwide talent search in 2019 ) .
John Legend also signed on as a producer of the musical .
As the star-studded cast is dripping with so much melanin , we thought it would only be appropriate to play The Root ’ s very own , Black Ass Game .
...
Which Christmas anthem are you bumping : Temptations rendition of “ Silent Night ” or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ...
Which Christmas side reigns supreme : Baked mac and cheese or collard greens ?
...
Which mythical city would win in a tree lighting ceremony : Cobelton or Wakanda ?
Watch director David E. Talbert and the stars of Netflix ’ s Jingle Jangle head off in a round of The Root ’ s Black Ass Game .
You are guaranteed to have a good laugh .

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