theroot--2020-05-07--In Case You Forgot That the Los Angeles Clippers Were Once Owned By a Racist, Blackballed Will Kindl

In Case You Forgot That the Los Angeles Clippers Were Once Owned By a Racist, Blackballed Will Kindly Remind You

With the Los Angeles Clippers on the brink of a first NBA title this season—before COVID-19 had other plans—it ’ s easy to forget that not too long ago , the team was mired in ineptitude for decades , courtesy of the worst owner in the history of professional sports : Donald Sterling .
He was notoriously cheap , harassed his own players and routinely invited women into the team ’ s locker room to fetishize his half-naked roster without their permission .
He was a fucking weirdo racist and the league is much better without him .
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mistress , V. Stiviano , had to expose him on tape saying a bunch of racist shit like “ It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you ’ re associating with black people ” and “ Why are you taking pictures with minorities ?
” Before Sterling was slapped with a lifetime ban from the league , the Clippers staged a silent protest in response .
But like many others , I ’ ve always wondered how that situation played out behind the scenes .
Did Clippers head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ass ?
Did any of the players throw a chair or demand a trade ?
Well now , six years later , we ’ ll finally be getting some answers in the documentary Blackballed , set to premiere on Quibi on May 18 .
‘ Blackballed ’ is a powerful documentary series that examines the cultural context of race in America through the lens of one of the most explosive events in recent sports history—the Donald Sterling expulsion .
Now , for the first time on camera , Chris Paul , Doc Rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JJ Redick , along with some of the biggest names from the worlds of sports , politics , business and media , explain how they asserted their power , leading to the most definitive and unprecedented punishment in sports history .
While we wait with bated breath for it to drop , here ’ s the trailer with a sneak peek at what we ’ ll all be in for .
Blackballed premieres on Quibi on May 18 .

With the Los Angeles Clippers on the brink of a first NBA title this season—before COVID-19 had other plans—it’s easy to forget that not too long ago, the team was mired in ineptitude for decades, courtesy of the worst owner in the history of professional sports: Donald Sterling.
He was notoriously cheap, harassed his own players and routinely invited women into the team’s locker room to fetishize his half-naked roster without their permission. He was a fucking weirdo racist and the league is much better without him. But in order to give him the boot, his mistress, V. Stiviano, had to expose him on tape saying a bunch of racist shit like “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people” and “Why are you taking pictures with minorities?”
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Before Sterling was slapped with a lifetime ban from the league, the Clippers staged a silent protest in response. But like many others, I’ve always wondered how that situation played out behind the scenes. Did Clippers head coach Doc Rivers try to beat his ass? Did any of the players throw a chair or demand a trade? Well now, six years later, we’ll finally be getting some answers in the documentary Blackballed, set to premiere on Quibi on May 18.
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From Quibi:
‘Blackballed’ is a powerful documentary series that examines the cultural context of race in America through the lens of one of the most explosive events in recent sports history—the Donald Sterling expulsion. Now, for the first time on camera, Chris Paul, Doc Rivers, DeAndre Jordan, Adam Silver and JJ Redick, along with some of the biggest names from the worlds of sports, politics, business and media, explain how they asserted their power, leading to the most definitive and unprecedented punishment in sports history.
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Yes, please!
While we wait with bated breath for it to drop, here’s the trailer with a sneak peek at what we’ll all be in for.
Blackballed premieres on Quibi on May 18.


theroot--2020-05-07--Buy Two Revlon Lipsticks and Get One Free at Ulta

For all my lipstick obsessed folk , I offer you a pretty good deal .
If you buy two Revlon @ @ @ @ @ from now until May 9th ) , you can get one tube for free !
@ @ @ @ @ your makeup arsenal while saving yourself a bit of cold hard cash ?
This will @ @ @ @ @ to finally put together that YouTube tutorial you ’ ve watched a thousand times .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Revlon Lipstick BOGO | $10 | Ulta
For all my lipstick obsessed folk, I offer you a pretty good deal. If you buy two Revlon lipsticks or lip glosses (from now until May 9th) , you can get one tube for free! Why not build up on your makeup arsenal while saving yourself a bit of cold hard cash? This will make it ten times easier to finally put together that YouTube tutorial you’ve watched a thousand times.


theroot--2020-05-07--Video Shows Birmingham, Ala., Police Officer Body Slamming Black Woman to the Ground for Not Wearing

Video Shows Birmingham, Ala., Police Officer Body Slamming Black Woman to the Ground for Not Wearing a Mask

Video footage of a police officer slamming a black woman to the ground over her failure to wear a face mask in a Birmingham , Ala. , Walmart on Tuesday has been shared on social media thousands of times , and now authorities are investigating the incident .
According to AL.com , the altercation happened while the off-duty officer was working as a security guard at a Walmart in Roebuck .
He was attempting to handcuff a woman for failure to wear a mask after she reportedly did not comply with his orders .
The officer is seen struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her up into the air , flips her and violently slams her to the ground as a gathered crowd responds in shock .
Birmingham police spokesman Sgt .
Rod Mauldin released a statement assuring the public the incident was put under immediate investigation “ The same day the interaction occurred immediate actions were taken for the sake of public trust and transparency , ” the statement said .
“ A preliminary investigation consistent with the Birmingham Police Department reportable use of force protocols were immediately initiated and investigators of the Internal Affairs Division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applies for all use of force incidents that occur within the Birmingham Police Department.
” This incident comes just days after other videos have gone viral showing NYPD officers violently arresting black people for violating social distancing guidelines , highlighting racial disparities in how police respond to violators .
The videos were contrasted with images of white people in city parks also violating guidelines but being handed face masks to wear by police instead of being ... for example ... body slammed .
Anyway , Mauldin ended his statement lauding the job the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcing safety guidelines during the pandemic .
“ We understand we are operating in trying times .
The Birmingham Police Department has maintained a consistent community oriented educational approach to the surrounding circumstances of Covid-19 .
As a department , we have been successful in our efforts to gain compliance and cooperation from the vast majority of citizens in Birmingham .
Our records indicate , we have not issued any citations or made arrests as it relates to the shelter in place ordinance or the face-covering ordinance .
We have made a valiant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to work cohesively with the community .
”

Video footage of a police officer slamming a black woman to the ground over her failure to wear a face mask in a Birmingham, Ala., Walmart on Tuesday has been shared on social media thousands of times, and now authorities are investigating the incident.
According to AL.com, the altercation happened while the off-duty officer was working as a security guard at a Walmart in Roebuck. He was attempting to handcuff a woman for failure to wear a mask after she reportedly did not comply with his orders.
The officer is seen struggling to handcuff the woman when he suddenly lifts her up into the air, flips her and violently slams her to the ground as a gathered crowd responds in shock.
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Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Rod Mauldin released a statement assuring the public the incident was put under immediate investigation
“The same day the interaction occurred immediate actions were taken for the sake of public trust and transparency,” the statement said. “A preliminary investigation consistent with the Birmingham Police Department reportable use of force protocols were immediately initiated and investigators of the Internal Affairs Division are conducting an investigation. This protocol applies for all use of force incidents that occur within the Birmingham Police Department.”
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This incident comes just days after other videos have gone viral showing NYPD officers violently arresting black people for violating social distancing guidelines, highlighting racial disparities in how police respond to violators. The videos were contrasted with images of white people in city parks also violating guidelines but being handed face masks to wear by police instead of being...for example...body slammed.
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Anyway, Mauldin ended his statement lauding the job the Birmingham Police Department has been doing in enforcing safety guidelines during the pandemic.
“We understand we are operating in trying times. The Birmingham Police Department has maintained a consistent community oriented educational approach to the surrounding circumstances of Covid-19. As a department, we have been successful in our efforts to gain compliance and cooperation from the vast majority of citizens in Birmingham. Our records indicate, we have not issued any citations or made arrests as it relates to the shelter in place ordinance or the face-covering ordinance. We have made a valiant effort to gain voluntary compliance and we will continue to work cohesively with the community.”


theroot--2020-05-07--Becoming: Yes, Malia Obama Does 'Cry a Little Bit' Every Time She Hears a Stevie Wonder Song

Michelle Obama ’ s Becoming , the former first lady ’ s first chance to step into the spotlight in such an intimate way , is now available for our consumption .
At the time of this blog ’ s publishing , I had just finished diving into Mrs. Obama ’ s Becoming myself and it ’ s a quick , nostalgic and endearing watch .
In the doc , she reflects on the pressures to perform everything “ perfectly ” in the 8 years of President Barack Obama ’ s administration , joking about the family dynamics with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced from conservative media , and more .
Since this is a peek at the life of “ Forever FLOTUS ” as she navigates her life post-presidency , we get a glimpse into all of the key players in her life , including secret agent Allen Taylor .
“ Allen is more like a brother than he is an agent , ” Mrs. Obama revealed during the film .
“ He was my first experience of having a detail — so that ’ s 12 years of a relationship , if not more.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we see a clip from one of her tour appearances , where she reflects on teaching Malia and Sasha Obama how to do their own chores despite having the privilege of having White House staff to do that for them .
“ I ’ m not raising kids that don ’ t know how to make a bed , ” Mrs. Obama said at the time .
Today , the two Obama girls we ’ ve watched grow up before our eyes are 21 ( Malia ) and 18 ( Sasha ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malia visiting her mom during one of the stops in the book tour .
“ You ’ re so good , I love you too much , ” says Malia ( her mom ’ s “ little potato ” ) .
“ Why you always crying ?
” Mrs. Obama asks her .
“ This has demonstrated in a way—it ’ s just like , damn , those eight years weren ’ t for nothing .
You know ?
” Malia tells her mom .
“ You see that huge crowd out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave about—people are here because people really believe in hope and hope in other people.
” With a smile and a small eye-roll , she adds , “ And also every time you guys play Stevie Wonder , I don ’ t know , I cry a little bit.
” As Mrs. Obama reflected on the fact that she and Mr. Obama are currently “ empty-nesters , ” the two daughters also reflected on their mother ’ s evolving future .
“ I ’ m excited for her to be proud of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s the most important thing for a human to do is to be proud of themselves , ” said Sasha .
“ No longer facing that same scrutiny , being able to let all of that leave your mind creates so much more space , ” Malia added .
Becoming is now streaming on Netflix .

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

Michelle Obama’s Becoming, the former first lady’s first chance to step into the spotlight in such an intimate way, is now available for our consumption.
At the time of this blog’s publishing, I had just finished diving into Mrs. Obama’s Becoming myself and it’s a quick, nostalgic and endearing watch. In the doc, she reflects on the pressures to perform everything “perfectly” in the 8 years of President Barack Obama’s administration, joking about the family dynamics with her brother Craig Robinson, the misogynoir she faced from conservative media, and more.
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Since this is a peek at the life of “Forever FLOTUS” as she navigates her life post-presidency, we get a glimpse into all of the key players in her life, including secret agent Allen Taylor.
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“Allen is more like a brother than he is an agent,” Mrs. Obama revealed during the film. “He was my first experience of having a detail — so that’s 12 years of a relationship, if not more.”
At one point in the doc, we see a clip from one of her tour appearances, where she reflects on teaching Malia and Sasha Obama how to do their own chores despite having the privilege of having White House staff to do that for them.
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“I’m not raising kids that don’t know how to make a bed,” Mrs. Obama said at the time. Today, the two Obama girls we’ve watched grow up before our eyes are 21 (Malia) and 18 (Sasha).
In one clip, we see Malia visiting her mom during one of the stops in the book tour.
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People Magazine breaks down the exchange:
“You’re so good, I love you too much,” says Malia (her mom’s “little potato”). “I cried again,” Malia continues. “Why you always crying?” Mrs. Obama asks her. “It’s always so ...,” Malia begins. “This has demonstrated in a way—it’s just like, damn, those eight years weren’t for nothing. You know?” Malia tells her mom. “You see that huge crowd out there and that last kind of speech you gave about—people are here because people really believe in hope and hope in other people.” With a smile and a small eye-roll, she adds, “And also every time you guys play Stevie Wonder, I don’t know, I cry a little bit.”
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As Mrs. Obama reflected on the fact that she and Mr. Obama are currently “empty-nesters,” the two daughters also reflected on their mother’s evolving future.
“I’m excited for her to be proud of what she’s done because I think that’s the most important thing for a human to do is to be proud of themselves,” said Sasha.
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“No longer facing that same scrutiny, being able to let all of that leave your mind creates so much more space,” Malia added.
Becoming is now streaming on Netflix.


theroot--2020-05-07--Hot or Haute? Issa Rae Took Cosmo's 'Expensive Taste Test'—and Made Us Reconsider Our Quarantine Spe

Hot or Haute? Issa Rae Took Cosmo's 'Expensive Taste Test'—and Made Us Reconsider Our Quarantine Spending

It ’ s well-discussed fact around here at The Glow Up ( and The Root , at large ) that Issa Rae ’ s glow up is our favorite glow up .
Already a beautiful woman—albeit by her own branding , both “ awkward ” and “ insecure ” —Rae has emerged as one of Hollywood ’ s number one stunnas , shutting down red carpets on the regular with hair done ( shoutout to Felicia Leatherwood ) , nails done , everything did ... and we love to see it .
“ It almost just feels like I fooled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you put me on a magazine cover , ’ ” she jokes in the June issue of Cosmopolitan—where she is the cover star—later adding , “ I want to deserve to be here , and that ’ s part of what keeps me up at night.
” It ’ s humility and self-awareness we can get behind , so when we see Ms. Rae ( if you ’ re nasty ) on a mainstream magazine cover like Cosmo , our interest is naturally piqued .
A fter all , aside from being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s also leading the charge in Black Hollywood , creating opportunities and content for black artists that have rightfully earned her the title of “ the leading lady of Hollywood ’ s current Black Renaissance , ” according to writer Ira Madison III ( another beneficiary of Rae ’ s genius and generosity ) , aptly named “ The Distraction Issue.
” “ I want to be a pop-culture staple—a black pop-culture staple .
I want to have an impact on my community .
Everything I ’ ve done has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t take this moment lightly .
I want to do right by us , at the end of the day.
” Rae drops plenty of other gems in her cover story , the photoshoot for which took place before the coronavirus outbreak overwhelmed , well , everything—including expectations about the long-awaited fourth season of Insecure , airing now on HBO .
“ Someone asked me if I felt pressure about this season coming on , and up until now , I hadn ’ t , ” Rae shared from quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of my mentions have been like , ‘ Drop it , girl , stop playing , drop all the episodes at once ’ —like I ’ m HBO .
And I ’ m like , What the f*ck ?
We ’ re literally still mixing and editing.
” Girl , we can relate ( kinda ) .
What is this insistence on nonstop productivity when the world is on fire ?
All we ’ ve really managed to consistently do while in quarantine is a whole lot of online shopping , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Photoshop skills and possibly paid-for reviews .
Rae no doubt knows our pain after taking Cosmo ’ s ‘ Expensive Taste Test , ’ in which a variety of well-known faces try to guess which of two similar items is more expensive .
While Rae can no doubt now easily afford any of the items placed before her , she assures us her relationship to retail remains relatable .
“ I ’ ve been broke with expensive tastes for a long time—shoutout to Azealia [ Banks ] , ” she laughs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finer things.
” Does she ?
Really ?
After watching the video , it may be debatable ( we kid , we kid ) .
But since we love a deal , it did get us thinking about how much of our own compulsive spending is actually resulting in quality purchases .
Retail therapy is a real phenomenon ; the alternative is taking this unexpected downtime to slow down and reset , which is exactly what Rae thinks we should be doing .
“ We ’ re being forced to stop and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she says .
“ Humans are resilient .
We ’ re going to figure this sh*t out.
” The June issue of Cosmopolitan is available nationwide on May 12 .

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

It’s well-discussed fact around here at The Glow Up (and The Root, at large) that Issa Rae’s glow up is our favorite glow up. Already a beautiful woman—albeit by her own branding, both “awkward” and “insecure”—Rae has emerged as one of Hollywood’s number one stunnas, shutting down red carpets on the regular with hair done (shoutout to Felicia Leatherwood), nails done, everything did...and we love to see it.
Advertisement
“It almost just feels like I fooled people, ‘Ha, ha, you put me on a magazine cover,’” she jokes in the June issue of Cosmopolitan—where she is the cover star—later adding, “I want to deserve to be here, and that’s part of what keeps me up at night.”
It’s humility and self-awareness we can get behind, so when we see Ms. Rae (if you’re nasty) on a mainstream magazine cover like Cosmo , our interest is naturally piqued. A fter all, aside from being a new millennial paragon of black beauty, she’s also leading the charge in Black Hollywood, creating opportunities and content for black artists that have rightfully earned her the title of “the leading lady of Hollywood’s current Black Renaissance,” according to writer Ira Madison III (another beneficiary of Rae’s genius and generosity), aptly named “The Distraction Issue.”
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“I want to be a pop-culture staple—a black pop-culture staple. I want to have an impact on my community. Everything I’ve done has been for—and in thinking of—black people, and I don’t take this moment lightly. I want to do right by us, at the end of the day.”
Rae drops plenty of other gems in her cover story, the photoshoot for which took place before the coronavirus outbreak overwhelmed, well, everything—including expectations about the long-awaited fourth season of Insecure, airing now on HBO.
Advertisement
“Someone asked me if I felt pressure about this season coming on, and up until now, I hadn’t,” Rae shared from quarantine. “This f*cking virus changed everything. Most of my mentions have been like, ‘Drop it, girl, stop playing, drop all the episodes at once’—like I’m HBO. And I’m like, What the f*ck? We’re literally still mixing and editing.”
Advertisement
Girl, we can relate (kinda). What is this insistence on nonstop productivity when the world is on fire? All we’ve really managed to consistently do while in quarantine is a whole lot of online shopping, where we are literally basing our purchases on Photoshop skills and possibly paid-for reviews. Rae no doubt knows our pain after taking Cosmo’s ‘Expensive Taste Test,’ in which a variety of well-known faces try to guess which of two similar items is more expensive. While Rae can no doubt now easily afford any of the items placed before her, she assures us her relationship to retail remains relatable.
“I’ve been broke with expensive tastes for a long time—shoutout to Azealia [Banks],” she laughs, adding, “and I know the finer things.”
Does she? Really? After watching the video, it may be debatable (we kid, we kid). But since we love a deal, it did get us thinking about how much of our own compulsive spending is actually resulting in quality purchases. Retail therapy is a real phenomenon; the alternative is taking this unexpected downtime to slow down and reset, which is exactly what Rae thinks we should be doing.
Advertisement
“We’re being forced to stop and just reevaluate, be creative in our approach,” she says. “Humans are resilient. We’re going to figure this sh*t out.”
The June issue of Cosmopolitan is available nationwide on May 12.


theroot--2020-05-07--For Two More Days Grab 30% off All Sale and Outlet Items at Puma

With two days left in this Puma sale , now is a great time to upgrade a pair of running @ @ @ @ @ or replace an old hoodie .
Use code GOODNEWS to get 30 % off anything @ @ @ @ @ section on the site .
They are two different sections so double-check which one you @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ re looking at some very good deeply discounted products for men , @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m a huge fan of Puma and my favorites the Hybrid Sky are @ @ @ @ @ shake out to about $ 45 .
That ’ s over 50 % off the @ @ @ @ @ the deals in this sale will see you saving money very close to that .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 35 .
The sale ends May 9 .

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

30% off Sale & Outlet Items | Puma | Use code GOODNEWS
With two days left in this Puma sale, now is a great time to upgrade a pair of running shoes, casual sneakers, or replace an old hoodie. Use code GOODNEWS to get 30% off anything in the sale or outlet section on the site. They are two different sections so double-check which one you are in. Either way, you’re looking at some very good deeply discounted products for men, women, and kids.
I’m a huge fan of Puma and my favorites the Hybrid Sky are included in the sale and shake out to about $45. That’s over 50% off the original price. Most of the deals in this sale will see you saving money very close to that.
Free shipping on orders over $35. The sale ends May 9.


theroot--2020-05-07--Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods Gets June Release Date on Netflix

Spike Lee ’ s newest joint , a historical drama titled Da 5 Bloods , will be released on the streaming giant Netflix early next month .
According to Indiewire , the film will have a June 12 global release date .
This is the Oscar-winning director ’ s first Netflix film , but the streaming service is also the place for fans to watch his classic She ’ s Got ta Have It , which was adapted into a Netflix series that ran for two seasons .
“ Four African American Vietnam veterans return to Vietnam , ” reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader and the promise of buried treasure .
These heroes battle forces of humanity and nature while confronted by the lasting ravages of the immorality of the Vietnam War.
” The film stars Chadwick Boseman , Jonathan Majors , Paul Walter Hauser , Delroy Lindo and Clarke Peters .
Lee shared the news of the film ’ s release on his social media pages , complete with a teaser poster , which features a black military figure with red tears dripping from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being released in the summer , the Indiewire report notes that it will still be eligible for consideration for the 2021 Academy Awards because the film was initially slated for theatrical release .

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

Spike Lee’s newest joint, a historical drama titled Da 5 Bloods, will be released on the streaming giant Netflix early next month.
According to Indiewire, the film will have a June 12 global release date. This is the Oscar-winning director’s first Netflix film, but the streaming service is also the place for fans to watch his classic She’s Gotta Have It, which was adapted into a Netflix series that ran for two seasons.
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“Four African American Vietnam veterans return to Vietnam,” reads the synopsis for the film. “They are in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader and the promise of buried treasure. These heroes battle forces of humanity and nature while confronted by the lasting ravages of the immorality of the Vietnam War.” The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Jonathan Majors, Paul Walter Hauser, Delroy Lindo and Clarke Peters.
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Lee shared the news of the film’s release on his social media pages, complete with a teaser poster, which features a black military figure with red tears dripping from his eyes.
While the film is being released in the summer, the Indiewire report notes that it will still be eligible for consideration for the 2021 Academy Awards because the film was initially slated for theatrical release.


While Black

The “ clip of a person killed while doing a thing while black ” phenomenon is such a part of our national zeitgeist that the most passionate conversations about it now revolve around the ethics of viewing and sharing the footage .
This sort of video-captured brutality and terror has become so common , so rote , that our discourse about it is meta—which can only happen when an act occurs so frequently that it ’ s become a genre .
The uniquely absurd nature of life while black in America exists on a spectrum .
On one end is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of microaggression that leaves you wondering why the server just offered you hot sauce for your pancakes .
At the other end , of course , is death .
Sometimes the death is an indirect consequence of a centuries-old ecosystem of intentional decisions , which is what ’ s happening to thousands of black Americans dying of COVID-19 today .
There are black people reading this sentence who will become—or have already become—infected with a deadly virus that ’ s spreading today because of the residue of racist decisions made 100 years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as simple as the murder of a man out for a jog .
It ’ s equally terrifying and absurd that Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while doing a thing intended to extend his life .
A thing—jogging alone—that , because of that ecosystem of racist decisions , might be the only safe outdoor activity to do in America today .
“ Safe ” is a funny word .
I don ’ t quite know how to react to news like this anymore .
You ’ d assume a form of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d think the same thoughts and feel the same feelings I did the dozens of times this has happened before , but it ’ s not there .
It was , but it ’ s gone now .
To be honest , I ’ m not even that interested now in his murderers being brought to justice .
I want it to happen , of course ; I want them to suffer .
I want them to die .
I want Hell to exist so they can burn in it .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest , grand jury , trial , and verdict feels anticlimatic ; a collective , trauma-induced burying of the lede .
I just want Ahmaud Arbery—and the Ahmaud Arberys that came before ( and will come after ) him—to be not dead .
That ’ s it .
Everything else is colored bubbles .

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

The “clip of a person killed while doing a thing while black” phenomenon is such a part of our national zeitgeist that the most passionate conversations about it now revolve around the ethics of viewing and sharing the footage. This sort of video-captured brutality and terror has become so common, so rote, that our discourse about it is meta—which can only happen when an act occurs so frequently that it’s become a genre.
The uniquely absurd nature of life while black in America exists on a spectrum. On one end is the happy-sad comedy of the innocuous sort of microaggression that leaves you wondering why the server just offered you hot sauce for your pancakes. At the other end, of course, is death. Sometimes the death is an indirect consequence of a centuries-old ecosystem of intentional decisions, which is what’s happening to thousands of black Americans dying of COVID-19 today. There are black people reading this sentence who will become—or have already become—infected with a deadly virus that’s spreading today because of the residue of racist decisions made 100 years ago. And sometimes death is just death, as simple as the murder of a man out for a jog.
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It’s equally terrifying and absurd that Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while doing a thing intended to extend his life. A thing—jogging alone—that, because of that ecosystem of racist decisions, might be the only safe outdoor activity to do in America today. “Safe” is a funny word.
I don’t quite know how to react to news like this anymore. You’d assume a form of muscle memory would develop, where I’d think the same thoughts and feel the same feelings I did the dozens of times this has happened before, but it’s not there. It was, but it’s gone now. To be honest, I’m not even that interested now in his murderers being brought to justice. I want it to happen, of course; I want them to suffer. I want them to die. I want Hell to exist so they can burn in it. But the prolonged public dance of protest, arrest, grand jury, trial, and verdict feels anticlimatic; a collective, trauma-induced burying of the lede.
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I just want Ahmaud Arbery—and the Ahmaud Arberys that came before (and will come after) him—to be not dead. That’s it. Everything else is colored bubbles.


theroot--2020-05-07--Earl Thomas Is Having the Worst Birthday Ever

Instead of spending his birthday hurling confetti and devouring chocolate cake , Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas has some explaining to do .
TMZ Sports reports that on April 13 , police were called to a home in Austin , Texas , at approximately 3:41 a.m .
Upon their arrival , they discovered “ a black female wearing an orange sweater with a knife in her hand , chasing a shirtless black male , with a pistol in his hand around a vehicle.
” The woman in question would be Thomas ’ wife , Nina , but make yourself some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets even crazier from there .
According to court docs retrieved by TMZ , Nina and Earl had gotten into an argument about Earl ’ s drinking ; and after Seth , Earl ’ s brother , came to pick Earl up , Nina got nosey and checked Earl ’ s Snapchat to see what they were up to .
She then discovered a video of Earl booed up with another woman , immediately activated “ No This Nigga Didn ’ t ” mode and tracked him down to a nearby Airbnb , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in bed together with “ other women.
” Presumably boiling with rage , she then pulled out a 9mm Beretta and put it to Earl ’ s head in order to “ scare him.
” But unbeknownst to her , there was a bullet in the chamber despite her opting to remove the magazine prior to their confrontation .
Thanks to cell phone footage captured by one of the women that Earl had no business being butt-ass naked with , police have evidence of Nina repeatedly striking Earl in the nose as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife .
Nina also made it a point to wave the gun at the alleged mistresses and yell , “ I got something for all you hoes !
” while one of Nina ’ s homegirls that she brought with her to confront Earl was “ aggressively swinging ” a knife during the altercation .
I can ’ t be the only one who thinks this is one bad wig away from sounding like a Tyler Perry movie .
Thankfully , cooler heads prevailed at the time and nobody but Earl ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arrest Nina and her two homegirls in tow because apparently it ’ s illegal to beat your husband up and shove a gun in his face .
And somehow this was all kept secret until today ... which just so happens to be Earl ’ s birthday .
Nina was charged with burglary of a residence with intent to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon , family violence and was also hit with an emergency protective order that requires her to stay the hell away from Earl and his alleged mistress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since bonded out , while Earl didn ’ t face any charges .
For their part , the Ravens , who have a zero-tolerance policy in regards to domestic violence after that whole Ray Rice debacle , seem to be taking a wait and see approach .
“ We became aware of the situation when we read and saw it on the reports late last night and early this morning , ” the team said in a statement .
The seven-time Pro Bowler , however , took to Instagram on Wednesday to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s really not anybody ’ s business .
It pisses me off that it got out , but it ’ s the world we live in today , ” he said .
“ Stuff like this happens , bro ... We ’ re trying to live the best life we possibly can but sometimes it doesn ’ t go as planned .
Just pray for us as we go through this stuff.
” Considering Earl doesn ’ t appear to be the aggressor in this instance , I expect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should they opt to cut him , they ’ ll take a gruesome $ 25 million cap hit .
We ’ ll keep you updated as this story develops .

Instead of spending his birthday hurling confetti and devouring chocolate cake, Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas has some explaining to do.
TMZ Sports reports that on April 13, police were called to a home in Austin, Texas, at approximately 3:41 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered “a black female wearing an orange sweater with a knife in her hand, chasing a shirtless black male, with a pistol in his hand around a vehicle.”
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The woman in question would be Thomas’ wife, Nina, but make yourself some popcorn or something, because the story gets even crazier from there.
According to court docs retrieved by TMZ, Nina and Earl had gotten into an argument about Earl’s drinking; and after Seth, Earl’s brother, came to pick Earl up, Nina got nosey and checked Earl’s Snapchat to see what they were up to. She then discovered a video of Earl booed up with another woman, immediately activated “No This Nigga Didn’t” mode and tracked him down to a nearby Airbnb, where she discovered Seth and her husband in bed together with “other women.”
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Presumably boiling with rage, she then pulled out a 9mm Beretta and put it to Earl’s head in order to “scare him.” But unbeknownst to her, there was a bullet in the chamber despite her opting to remove the magazine prior to their confrontation.
That’s when all hell broke loose.
Thanks to cell phone footage captured by one of the women that Earl had no business being butt-ass naked with, police have evidence of Nina repeatedly striking Earl in the nose as he attempted to wrestle the gun away from his wife. Nina also made it a point to wave the gun at the alleged mistresses and yell, “I got something for all you hoes!” while one of Nina’s homegirls that she brought with her to confront Earl was “aggressively swinging” a knife during the altercation.
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I can’t be the only one who thinks this is one bad wig away from sounding like a Tyler Perry movie.
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed at the time and nobody but Earl’s pride died, but police decided to arrest Nina and her two homegirls in tow because apparently it’s illegal to beat your husband up and shove a gun in his face.
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And somehow this was all kept secret until today...which just so happens to be Earl’s birthday.
Nina was charged with burglary of a residence with intent to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence and was also hit with an emergency protective order that requires her to stay the hell away from Earl and his alleged mistress(es). She’s since bonded out, while Earl didn’t face any charges.
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For their part, the Ravens, who have a zero-tolerance policy in regards to domestic violence after that whole Ray Rice debacle, seem to be taking a wait and see approach.
“We became aware of the situation when we read and saw it on the reports late last night and early this morning,” the team said in a statement.
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The seven-time Pro Bowler, however, took to Instagram on Wednesday to address the matter in a since-deleted post.
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“It’s really not anybody’s business. It pisses me off that it got out, but it’s the world we live in today,” he said. “Stuff like this happens, bro...We’re trying to live the best life we possibly can but sometimes it doesn’t go as planned. Just pray for us as we go through this stuff.”
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Considering Earl doesn’t appear to be the aggressor in this instance, I expect the Ravens to retain his services. But should they opt to cut him, they’ll take a gruesome $25 million cap hit.
We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.


theroot--2020-05-07--Stop Me If You've Heard This Before, But Jason Whitlock Is a Special Kind of Stupid

After a lengthy stint at ESPN , former NFL Pro Bowler-turned-sports commentator Marcellus Wiley expressed his desire to pursue greener pastures at Fox Sports in 2018 .
I was a big fan of his previous show , SportsNation , and looked forward to him expanding upon his unique skill set of league experience , eloquence—though not of the over-the-top Stephen A. Smith variety—and charisma .
Then he revealed that of all the goddamn people , he ’ d be joining Jason fucking Whitlock for a new show called Speak for Yourself and all hell broke loose in his Instagram comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried his best to toe the company line and assure us all that we should give the show a chance before assuming the worst , but with well over a decade of harmful rhetoric to Whitlock ’ s credit , that routinely undermines both black progress and agency , therefore unnecessarily endangering our lives , I refused to do so .
Because Jason Whitlock would inevitably say something stupid .
In the time since Speak for Yourself premiered , it ’ s gone to great lengths to create a very much-needed conduit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ ll see familiar faces like former NBA star Jim Jackson , three-time Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington and Bengals great TJ Houshmandzadeh blend insight and barbershop humor while discussing the news and topics of the day .
But far too often , what you won ’ t see is any of those above—Wiley included—check Whitlock for inevitably saying something stupid .
Unfortunately , instead of secluding Whitlock ’ s penchant for respectability politics and willful ignorance to television , both tend to bleed into other platforms—like social media .
And on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outrage at the killing of Ahmaud Arbery , an unarmed black man who was gunned down by two white men while jogging in a Southern Georgia suburb , Whitlock did what Whitlock does .
“ This isn ’ t helpful .
It ’ s Twitter trolling , ” Whitlock whitlocked .
“ It ’ s using this man ’ s tragedy to build a brand as more outspoken than Michael Jordan .
There are all kinds of ways to draw attention to this tragedy .
Suggesting that [ black people ] are hunted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imagine being so apathetic to the plight of your own people that you misconstrue genuine grief as an inhumane ploy to amplify a brand that ’ s already worth almost half a billion dollars .
Mind you , this is the same guy who once said that LeBron is too rich to experience “ real racism , ” so the full extent of his stupidity has a precedent .
But then again , this is the same guy who condemned the Jena 6 and has made it his mission in life to mock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So while his jab at LeBron ’ s outrage is unsurprising , Whitlock ’ s adherence to being on the wrong side of history is as revolting as it is well-documented .
Not because he isn ’ t intelligent , but because he willingly sacrifices his integrity time and time and time again in order to either minimize or derail social issues that directly impact our lives .
And as much as I ’ d love to suggest that we just collectively go about our lives and ignore him , the real problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians , teachers and others who directly influence our lives—and look nothing like us—that don ’ t .

After a lengthy stint at ESPN, former NFL Pro Bowler-turned-sports commentator Marcellus Wiley expressed his desire to pursue greener pastures at Fox Sports in 2018. I was a big fan of his previous show, SportsNation, and looked forward to him expanding upon his unique skill set of league experience, eloquence—though not of the over-the-top Stephen A. Smith variety—and charisma. Then he revealed that of all the goddamn people, he’d be joining Jason fucking Whitlock for a new show called Speak for Yourself and all hell broke loose in his Instagram comments.
With his bag secured, Wiley tried his best to toe the company line and assure us all that we should give the show a chance before assuming the worst, but with well over a decade of harmful rhetoric to Whitlock’s credit, that routinely undermines both black progress and agency, therefore unnecessarily endangering our lives, I refused to do so.
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Because Jason Whitlock would inevitably say something stupid.
In the time since Speak for Yourself premiered, it’s gone to great lengths to create a very much-needed conduit for talented black commentators. Day after day, you’ll see familiar faces like former NBA star Jim Jackson, three-time Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington and Bengals great TJ Houshmandzadeh blend insight and barbershop humor while discussing the news and topics of the day. But far too often, what you won’t see is any of those above—Wiley included—check Whitlock for inevitably saying something stupid.
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Like this:
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Unfortunately, instead of secluding Whitlock’s penchant for respectability politics and willful ignorance to television, both tend to bleed into other platforms—like social media. And on Wednesday, after LeBron James expressed his outrage at the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man who was gunned down by two white men while jogging in a Southern Georgia suburb, Whitlock did what Whitlock does.
“This isn’t helpful. It’s Twitter trolling,” Whitlock whitlocked. “It’s using this man’s tragedy to build a brand as more outspoken than Michael Jordan. There are all kinds of ways to draw attention to this tragedy. Suggesting that [black people] are hunted every day/every time is just shit-stirring.”
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Imagine being so apathetic to the plight of your own people that you misconstrue genuine grief as an inhumane ploy to amplify a brand that’s already worth almost half a billion dollars. Mind you, this is the same guy who once said that LeBron is too rich to experience “real racism,” so the full extent of his stupidity has a precedent.
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But then again, this is the same guy who condemned the Jena 6 and has made it his mission in life to mock Colin Kaepernick at every given opportunity. So while his jab at LeBron’s outrage is unsurprising, Whitlock’s adherence to being on the wrong side of history is as revolting as it is well-documented.
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Because he’s a special kind of stupid.
Not because he isn’t intelligent, but because he willingly sacrifices his integrity time and time and time again in order to either minimize or derail social issues that directly impact our lives.
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He’s Ben Carson in blackface.
And as much as I’d love to suggest that we just collectively go about our lives and ignore him, the real problem is that there are far too many politicians, teachers and others who directly influence our lives—and look nothing like us—that don’t.


theroot--2020-05-07--Buy One Hempz Lotion, Get 50% off the Other

I don ’ t know who needs to hear this but , you should moisturize and moisturize often .
I @ @ @ @ @ to hear arguments otherwise—using lotion every day should be a part of your overall grooming @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t elaborate .
Luckily , Ulta agrees with me and is offering a @ @ @ @ @ lotion .
If you buy one , you get the other 50 % off .
@ @ @ @ @ before they ’ re gone .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Hempz Lotion BOGO | $23 | Ulta
I don’t know who needs to hear this but, you should moisturize and moisturize often. I really don’t want to hear arguments otherwise—using lotion every day should be a part of your overall grooming routine, and no I won’t elaborate. Luckily, Ulta agrees with me and is offering a cool BOGO sale for Hempz lotion. If you buy one, you get the other 50% off. Grab a bottle or two before they’re gone. This deal will run until June 26.
This deal was originally posted by Ignacia Fulcher in May 2020 and updated new information by Sheilah Villari on 6/24/2020.


theroot--2020-05-07--Welcome to the Jungle, Steve Mnuchin: Axl Rose Brings the Treasury Secretary to His Knees, Knees

Axl Rose , lead singer for Guns N ’ Roses is tired of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin ’ s bullshit .
On Wednesday , the frontman with tonsils made from barbed wire noted that some 70,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus and in case anyone was trying to figure out whether or not Steven Mnuchin on Trump ’ s taint was an asshole , Rose cleared it all up : “ It ’ s official !
” Rose tweeted .
“ Whatever anyone may have previously thought of Steve Mnuchin he ’ s officially an asshole.
” Rose barely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday he had time .
Here ’ s live footage of Axl Rose allocating time in his busy schedule to accommodate Mnuchin .
In what could ’ ve only happened in Trump ’ s administration , Mnuchin responded and , of course , he fucked that up .
Mnuchin tweeted “ What have you done for the country lately ?
” the Hill reports .
A fine jerkish retort .
The problem was that Mnuchin punctuated his tweet with a flag emoji—the Liberia flag emoji—which is only a single star and stripes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Insert facepalm emoji ) .
Twitter users were on Mnuchin ’ s ass ; he quickly deleted and then replaced the tweet .
Rose didn ’ t let up , sarcastically tweeting that he “ didn ’ t get we ’ re hoping 2 emulate Liberia ’ s economic model.
” He added that he wasn ’ t responsible for massive deaths like the one administration Mnuchin ’ s familiar with .
“ Unlike u I don ’ t hold a fed gov position of responsibility 2 the American people n ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US during a pandemic , ” he wrote .
Rose was referring specifically to Mnuchin ’ s “ suggestion Monday that Americans should consider traveling domestically instead of making long-haul flights during the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Hill reports .
Mnuchin told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo that now is a “ great time for people to explore America.
” “ A lot of people haven ’ t seen many parts of America .
I wish I could get back on the road soon , ” he said .
It wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of “ Live and Let Die ” was blasted throughout an Arizona factory Trump toured , while Republicans pushed to reopen the country knowing that the coronavirus is still terrorizing citizens .
Rose has never been a fan of this administration and asked that Trump stop playing the band ’ s music at his shitty rallies because he fucking sucks as a person and president .

Axl Rose, lead singer for Guns N’ Roses is tired of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s bullshit.
On Wednesday, the frontman with tonsils made from barbed wire noted that some 70,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus and in case anyone was trying to figure out whether or not Steven Mnuchin on Trump’s taint was an asshole, Rose cleared it all up:
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“It’s official!” Rose tweeted. “Whatever anyone may have previously thought of Steve Mnuchin he’s officially an asshole.”
Rose barely uses his Twitter account, but on Wednesday he had time.
Here’s live footage of Axl Rose allocating time in his busy schedule to accommodate Mnuchin.
In what could’ve only happened in Trump’s administration, Mnuchin responded and, of course, he fucked that up.
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Mnuchin tweeted “What have you done for the country lately?” the Hill reports. A fine jerkish retort. The problem was that Mnuchin punctuated his tweet with a flag emoji—the Liberia flag emoji—which is only a single star and stripes, instead of the United States flag. (Insert facepalm emoji).
But...But...But….what about Kaepernick kneeling????
Twitter users were on Mnuchin’s ass; he quickly deleted and then replaced the tweet.
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Rose didn’t let up, sarcastically tweeting that he “didn’t get we’re hoping 2 emulate Liberia’s economic model.” He added that he wasn’t responsible for massive deaths like the one administration Mnuchin’s familiar with.
“Unlike u I don’t hold a fed gov position of responsibility 2 the American people n’ go on TV tellin them 2 travel the US during a pandemic,” he wrote.
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Rose was referring specifically to Mnuchin’s “suggestion Monday that Americans should consider traveling domestically instead of making long-haul flights during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Hill reports.
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Mnuchin told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo that now is a “great time for people to explore America.”
“A lot of people haven’t seen many parts of America. I wish I could get back on the road soon,” he said.
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It wasn’t lost on Rose that his version of “Live and Let Die” was blasted throughout an Arizona factory Trump toured, while Republicans pushed to reopen the country knowing that the coronavirus is still terrorizing citizens.
Rose has never been a fan of this administration and asked that Trump stop playing the band’s music at his shitty rallies because he fucking sucks as a person and president.


theroot--2020-05-07--One of Trump’s Personal Valets Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Either President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are the outbreak monkeys destined to infect the entire White House with the coronavirus since they insist on not following any of the orders that the rest of the country must follow , or they ’ ve moved one step closer to contracting the virus , as one of the president ’ s personal valets has tested positive for coronavirus .
According to CNN , the man , who is a part of an elite military unit with the U.S. Navy , tested positive on Wednesday .
The test was later confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive test reportedly upset the president but it was unclear if Trump was mad about his valet catching the virus or if he was upset that he ’ d have to use another valet while this one took sick leave or both .
The White House issued a statement to CNN confirming the positive test results .
“ We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military , who works on the White House campus , has tested positive for Coronavirus , ” deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement , CNN reports .
“ The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.
” A White House source told CNN that the valet exhibited “ symptoms ” Wednesday morning , and added that “ the news that someone close to Trump had tested positive for coronavirus was “ hitting the fan ” in the West Wing.
” CNN notes that “ Trump , Vice President Mike Pence and the senior staffers who regularly interact with them are still being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is breaking , please check back for updates .

Either President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are the outbreak monkeys destined to infect the entire White House with the coronavirus since they insist on not following any of the orders that the rest of the country must follow, or they’ve moved one step closer to contracting the virus, as one of the president’s personal valets has tested positive for coronavirus.
According to CNN, the man, who is a part of an elite military unit with the U.S. Navy, tested positive on Wednesday. The test was later confirmed by a White House physician. The positive test reportedly upset the president but it was unclear if Trump was mad about his valet catching the virus or if he was upset that he’d have to use another valet while this one took sick leave or both.
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The White House issued a statement to CNN confirming the positive test results.
“We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus,” deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley said in a statement, CNN reports. “The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”
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A White House source told CNN that the valet exhibited “symptoms” Wednesday morning, and added that “the news that someone close to Trump had tested positive for coronavirus was “hitting the fan” in the West Wing.”
CNN notes that “Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and the senior staffers who regularly interact with them are still being tested weekly for coronavirus.”
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This story is breaking, please check back for updates.


theroot--2020-05-07--T.I. and Killer Mike Donated 500 Meals to Atlanta Families in Need, and They're Not Close to Being D

T.I. and Killer Mike Donated 500 Meals to Atlanta Families in Need, and They're Not Close to Being Done Yet

When it comes to the devastation caused by COVID-19 , many celebrities are doing more than offering verbal support .
T.I .
and Killer Mike are about that action and made sure to suit up in order to help others in their native city of Atlanta .
On Wednesday , the Run The Jewels emcee and the Trouble Man himself posted up in front of Atlanta ’ s Bankhead Seafood Market—which they bought together in 2018—in order to distribute 500 meals to residents of the Georgia city .
Of course , they adhered to the CDC ’ s guidelines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food , which was packaged up in brown bags .
“ Mike and I are natives of the community , and this is our establishment , ” T.I .
told reporters at the event .
“ We ’ ve always had genuine and sincere passions to fill the gap , and this is just one of the many ways to do so.
” Along with the Atlanta-based , community support non-profit PAWKids , the duo has a goal to distribute 1,000 meals per week to families in need .
The organization ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help assist in providing meals .
During the event , she stated that they ’ ve already provided over 86,000 pounds of food , and they ’ re not close to being finished .
Johnston told GPB Radio News in Atlanta that the area where the market is located , Grove Park , is already considered a food desert .
Additionally , the neighborhood ’ s Food Giant shut down , which left many citizens in the area without access to groceries and a place to fill and refill prescriptions .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even more appreciated .
“ T.I .
and I went in and bought a business and wanted to keep it going .
And in the middle of that , a pandemic happened , ” Killer Mike said of the circumstances .
“ So , whether money is being made the priority is human beings and people .
People need to eat ...
Giving back is not something you do just in times of pandemic ... if we all do a little bit , no one has to do a lot.
” Kudos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to donate to those who need it most during these uncertain times .
( This picture is tough , by the way . )

When it comes to the devastation caused by COVID-19, many celebrities are doing more than offering verbal support. T.I. and Killer Mike are about that action and made sure to suit up in order to help others in their native city of Atlanta.
On Wednesday, the Run The Jewels emcee and the Trouble Man himself posted up in front of Atlanta’s Bankhead Seafood Market—which they bought together in 2018—in order to distribute 500 meals to residents of the Georgia city. Of course, they adhered to the CDC ’s guidelines and wore gloves and masks while providing the food, which was packaged up in brown bags.
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“Mike and I are natives of the community, and this is our establishment,” T.I. told reporters at the event. “We’ve always had genuine and sincere passions to fill the gap, and this is just one of the many ways to do so.”
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Along with the Atlanta-based, community support non-profit PAWKids, the duo has a goal to distribute 1,000 meals per week to families in need. The organization’s founder Latonya Johnston was also on hand to help assist in providing meals. During the event, she stated that they’ve already provided over 86,000 pounds of food, and they’re not close to being finished.
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Johnston told GPB Radio News in Atlanta that the area where the market is located, Grove Park, is already considered a food desert. Additionally, the neighborhood’s Food Giant shut down, which left many citizens in the area without access to groceries and a place to fill and refill prescriptions. This makes the need for help even deeper and even more appreciated.
“T.I. and I went in and bought a business and wanted to keep it going. And in the middle of that, a pandemic happened,” Killer Mike said of the circumstances. “So, whether money is being made the priority is human beings and people. People need to eat...Giving back is not something you do just in times of pandemic...if we all do a little bit, no one has to do a lot.”
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Kudos to everyone who has done their part to donate to those who need it most during these uncertain times. (This picture is tough, by the way.)


theroot--2020-05-08--Two Men Involved in Shooting of Ahmaud Arbery Have Been Arrested and Face Murder Charges

On Tuesday , video was released showing the graphic shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery .
As the video went viral , public outcry intensified with many outraged that the men responsible hadn ’ t been arrested or faced any charges .
CNN reports that Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael have been arrested and will placed in Glynn County Jail .
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation , the men face charges of murder and aggravated assault .
It ’ s been over two months since the incident occurred and there has been growing outrage that both men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody .
On February 23 , Gregory McMichael and his son saw Arbery jogging in a neighborhood outside of Brunswick .
According to a Glynn County Police report , they believed him to be responsible for a series of burglaries in their neighborhood and drove after him with guns .
Travis McMichael approached Arbery with his shotgun and shot Arbery three times during a struggle for the shotgun .
Earlier this week , District Attorney Tom Durden of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit said that he would put the case before a grand jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed .
As courts are currently closed due to coronavirus , the earliest the case would ’ ve been heard was June .
The GBI announced Wednesday evening that they were investigating the case .
“ It ’ s a travesty of justice that they enjoyed their freedom for 74 days after taking the life of a young black man who was simply jogging .
Yet , tomorrow , on Ahmaud ’ s birthday , his parents are denied the simple joy of celebrating with their son.
” said Benjamin Crump , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A press conference will be held on Friday morning to discuss the case according to a tweet from GBI .

On Tuesday, video was released showing the graphic shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery. As the video went viral, public outcry intensified with many outraged that the men responsible hadn’t been arrested or faced any charges.
CNN reports that Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael have been arrested and will placed in Glynn County Jail. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the men face charges of murder and aggravated assault. It’s been over two months since the incident occurred and there has been growing outrage that both men hadn’t even been taken into custody.
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On February 23, Gregory McMichael and his son saw Arbery jogging in a neighborhood outside of Brunswick. According to a Glynn County Police report, they believed him to be responsible for a series of burglaries in their neighborhood and drove after him with guns. Travis McMichael approached Arbery with his shotgun and shot Arbery three times during a struggle for the shotgun.
Earlier this week, District Attorney Tom Durden of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit said that he would put the case before a grand jury to determine if criminal charges would be filed. As courts are currently closed due to coronavirus, the earliest the case would’ve been heard was June. The GBI announced Wednesday evening that they were investigating the case.
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“It’s a travesty of justice that they enjoyed their freedom for 74 days after taking the life of a young black man who was simply jogging. Yet, tomorrow, on Ahmaud’s birthday, his parents are denied the simple joy of celebrating with their son.” said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Arbery’s father. A press conference will be held on Friday morning to discuss the case according to a tweet from GBI.


theroot--2020-05-08--Reebok Has Brought Back the Jacket Michael Jordan Dissed Just To Be Petty

Ever since the Denny ’ s Twitter account gained sentience , there ’ s been a sort of voyeuristic pleasure in watching brands feud and act petty .
Corporations : they ’ re people , just with more money and not really !
Still , every now and then a brand finds a way to turn bad press into good press .
This week , Reebok showed the rest of the sneaker world how pull that off with style .
With sports pretty much on hiatus at large amidst the coronavirus pandemic , all eyes have turned to the 10-part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examines the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls as well as Michael Jordan ’ s career with the team at large .
Each episode has given way to a bevy of memes , deep-dives on basketball culture of the ‘ 90s , and the sort of product placement that is inevitable when you ’ re dealing with a figure as culturally omnipresent as Michael Jordan was during that time .
While that product placement has generally been the best kind possible ( seriously , just look at what original Air Jordan colorways are selling for right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months ago ) , Reebok found itself on the receiving end of some nasty press when one of the most recent episodes aired .
Depicting Jordan ’ s time on the 1992 Olympic USA basketball ‘ Dream Team , ’ Jordan himself shares an anecdote from the team ’ s medal ceremony ( they took home gold ) .
Jordan , a career-long Nike/eventual Jordan Brand athlete , found himself forced to don a track jacket/pants combo produced by Reebok due to the brand having an Olympic endorsement deal at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan pettiness , he draped the American flag over the Reebok logo on the podium , obscuring the brand ’ s product placement in the now-iconic photos of the team accepting their medals .
Reebok understandably found themselves pretty ruthlessly clowned on Twitter for this in the days that followed .
Their response ?
Roll with it .
On Friday , May 8 Reebok will be putting the very American flag-emblazoned jacket Jordan dissed back up for sale for the first time in ages .
Reebok announced the drop on Twitter earlier on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would go up for sale on Friday and that numbers would be very limited .
As of just a couple of hours ago , it ’ s live at the price of $ 80 .
Right now , only two things are certain .
One , this jacket will absolutely sell out , and fast , so those looking to pick one up should act fast .
Two , those lucky enough to pick one up better not even accidentally cover up that logo .
If you ’ re picking sides in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have some conviction .

Tres Dean on News, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Reebok Hush Track Jacket | $80
Ever since the Denny’s Twitter account gained sentience, there’s been a sort of voyeuristic pleasure in watching brands feud and act petty. Corporations: they’re people, just with more money and not really! Still, every now and then a brand finds a way to turn bad press into good press. This week, Reebok showed the rest of the sneaker world how pull that off with style.
With sports pretty much on hiatus at large amidst the coronavirus pandemic, all eyes have turned to the 10-part ESPN docu-series The Last Dance, which examines the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls as well as Michael Jordan’s career with the team at large. Each episode has given way to a bevy of memes, deep-dives on basketball culture of the ‘90s, and the sort of product placement that is inevitable when you’re dealing with a figure as culturally omnipresent as Michael Jordan was during that time.
While that product placement has generally been the best kind possible (seriously, just look at what original Air Jordan colorways are selling for right now compared to how they were doing two months ago), Reebok found itself on the receiving end of some nasty press when one of the most recent episodes aired. Depicting Jordan’s time on the 1992 Olympic USA basketball ‘Dream Team,’ Jordan himself shares an anecdote from the team’s medal ceremony (they took home gold). Jordan, a career-long Nike/eventual Jordan Brand athlete, found himself forced to don a track jacket/pants combo produced by Reebok due to the brand having an Olympic endorsement deal at the time. In a classic display of Michael Jordan pettiness, he draped the American flag over the Reebok logo on the podium, obscuring the brand’s product placement in the now-iconic photos of the team accepting their medals.
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Reebok understandably found themselves pretty ruthlessly clowned on Twitter for this in the days that followed. Their response? Roll with it. On Friday, May 8 Reebok will be putting the very American flag-emblazoned jacket Jordan dissed back up for sale for the first time in ages.
Reebok announced the drop on Twitter earlier on Thursday, only indicating that the jacket would go up for sale on Friday and that numbers would be very limited. As of just a couple of hours ago, it’s live at the price of $80.
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Right now, only two things are certain. One, this jacket will absolutely sell out, and fast, so those looking to pick one up should act fast. Two, those lucky enough to pick one up better not even accidentally cover up that logo. If you’re picking sides in this feud, you’ve gotta have some conviction.


TGIF Playlist: Daydreaming

Thank goodness it ’ s Friday .
Because the days all blend together , I thought that Thursday was indeed @ @ @ @ @ informed me that I was wrong .
All of this inspired a daydreaming theme for @ @ @ @ @ playlist .
Here you ’ ll find tons of bops that ’ ll get your @ @ @ @ @ way , with good thoughts .
Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for @ @ @ @ @ ’ re still doing 3 months of FREE listens .
10 .
“ Feels Like @ @ @ @ @ — Tame Impala And here ’ s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your @ @

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
Thank goodness it’s Friday. Because the days all blend together, I thought that Thursday was indeed Friday, but my co-workers informed me that I was wrong. All of this inspired a daydreaming theme for this week’s TGIF playlist. Here you’ll find tons of bops that’ll get your mind running in a good way, with good thoughts. Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of FREE listens.
1. “Daydreaming” — Paramore
2. “Fantasy” — Mariah Carey
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3. “Skyline To” — Frank Ocean
4. “Day Dreaming” — Aretha Franklin
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5. “Thinkin Bout You” — Frank Ocean
6. “911 / Mr. Lonely” — Tyler, The Creator ft. Frank Ocean
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7. “BLEACH” — BROCKHAMPTON
8. “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” — Missy Elliot
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9. “Rooting for My Baby” — Miley Cyrus
10. “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” — Tame Impala
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11. “The Difference” — Flume ft. Tori y Moi
12. “Warm Winds” — SZA ft. Isaiah Rashad
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13. “Moon River” — Frank Ocean
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
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Until next week, everyone.