theroot--2020-08-28--NBA, NBPA Announce Social Justice Initiatives; NBA Playoffs to Resume on Saturday

It ’ s official : the NBA playoffs will resume on Saturday .
Per ESPN , the league will also work with its players on a number of initiatives centered on social justice , police reform and other important issues impacting our communities .
“ These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season , providing a platform to promote social justice , as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community , ” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We look forward to the resumption of the playoffs and continuing to work together—in Orlando and in all NBA team markets—to push for meaningful and sustainable change.
” These initiatives include the following : • Establishing a social justice coalition among players , coaches and team owners that will address “ voting access , promoting civic engagement , and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform , ” in addition to other issues of concern .
• In every city where an NBA team owns and controls its arena , owners will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arenas into voting centers for the upcoming presidential election in November—similar to what the Detroit Lions earlier this week .
And if that option is unavailable , owners will instead use the arena for voter registration and/or to receive ballots .
The Atlanta Hawks , Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks are among teams that have already announced that their areas will be used as voting locations .
• The NBA will work its players and broadcast partners to develop advertising that will air during each NBA playoff game .
These ads will “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local elections , and to raise awareness around voting access.
” Teams returned to practice on Friday , though several teams have made themselves unavailable for media inquiries .

It’s official: the NBA playoffs will resume on Saturday.
Per ESPN, the league will also work with its players on a number of initiatives centered on social justice, police reform and other important issues impacting our communities.
“These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season, providing a platform to promote social justice, as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts said in a joint statement. “We look forward to the resumption of the playoffs and continuing to work together—in Orlando and in all NBA team markets—to push for meaningful and sustainable change.”
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These initiatives include the following:
Establishing a social justice coalition among players, coaches and team owners that will address “voting access, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform,” in addition to other issues of concern.
In every city where an NBA team owns and controls its arena, owners will collaborate with local officials to transform those arenas into voting centers for the upcoming presidential election in November—similar to what the Detroit Lions announced
The NBA will work its players and broadcast partners to develop advertising that will air during each NBA playoff game. These ads will “promote greater civic engagement in national and local elections, and to raise awareness around voting access.”
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Teams returned to practice on Friday, though several teams have made themselves unavailable for media inquiries.


theroot--2020-08-28--TGIF Playlist: Brandy Versus Monica

TGIF Playlist: Brandy Versus Monica

So , if you ’ re a true R & B fan like I am , you ’ d know @ @ @ @ @ been announced between Brandy and Monica .
I screamed online and several group chats about @ @ @ @ @ ll be going hit for hit , while we just sit back and enjoy some @ @ @ @ @ So I thought , why not do a TGIF playlist to prepare for Monday ’ @ @ @ @ @ it is , a celebration of two R & B divas that deserve their flowers @ @ @ @ @ , don ’ t forget to stream B7 by Brandy .
Make sure to tune @ @ @ @ @ the full version .
They ’ re still doing 3 months of FREE listens .
@ @ @ @ @ Up In My Room ” —Brandy 7 .
“ Before You Walk Out of My @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment :

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
So, if you’re a true R&B fan like I am, you’d know that a new Versuz has been announced between Brandy and Monica. I screamed online and several group chats about this news. They’ll be going hit for hit, while we just sit back and enjoy some quality music and vocals! So I thought, why not do a TGIF playlist to prepare for Monday’s battle? So here it is, a celebration of two R&B divas that deserve their flowers and then some. Also, don’t forget to stream B7 by Brandy. Make sure to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of FREE listens.
1. “The Boy Is Mine” —Brandy ft. Monica
2. “I Wanna Be Down” —Brandy
3. “The First Night” —Monica
4. “Sittin’ Up In My Room” —Brandy
5. “Slow Jam” —Monica ft. Usher
6. “Almost Doesn’t Count” —Brandy
7. “Before You Walk Out of My Life” —Monica
8. “Angel In Disguise” —Brandy
9. “For You I Will” —Monica
10. “Have You Ever” —Brandy
11. “Why I Love You So Much” —Monica
12. “Full Moon” —Brandy
13. “So Gone” —Monica
14. “Borderline” —Brandy
15. “Love All Over Me” —Monica
16. “Top Of The World” —Brandy ft. Mase
17. “U Should’ve Known Better” —Monica
18. “What About Us?” —Brandy
19. “Everything To Me” —Monica
20. “Brokenhearted” —Brandy ft. Wanya Morris
21. “Right Here (Departed)” —Brandy
22. “Unconditional Oceans” —Brandy
23. “Ascension” —Jhené Aiko ft. Brandy
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
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Until next week, y’all.


theroot--2020-08-28--GQ's September Issue Features the 'Godmother of the Moment,' Trans Activist Ceyenne Doroshow

There was a time in the not-too-distant past that seeing women in GQ was simply a signifier of who cis-hetero , mostly white men had deemed the “ sexiest women alive.
” It was a ranking that proved problematic—particularly when it occasionally zeroed in on race and age—and unsurprisingly , has seemed to fade away in recent years ( at least , based on a basic Google search ) .
So , it ’ s not a minor deal that GQ ’ s September issue includes a glamorously shot feature of a woman best known for her advocacy in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities—and is middle-aged , Black and trans herself .
Ceyenne ( pronounced like “ Cayenne , ” as in pepper ) Doroshow is the founder and executive director of GLITS ( Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society ) , and as Harron Walker , contributor writer to our sister site , Jezebel , writes : “ [ S ] he ’ s served as a kind of one-woman Swiss Army knife for those who ’ ve needed help of virtually any kind.
” “ Giving people opportunities is a wonderful thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not failing them is the bigger thing—not letting them fail themselves.
” “ It ’ s all about setting people up to be able to make choices , ” she adds .
“ Do you want to go to college ?
Okay , let ’ s find programming and grants to help pay your tuition and rent .
If college is not your thing , maybe you want to go to trade school .
Let ’ s get you there .
If you want to be a sex worker , how do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimize your risks ?
You can be whatever you want to be , but let ’ s find a way to do it sustainably.
” Doroshow ’ s been doing the work for decades , but her recent fame has come as a result of her appearance at June ’ s Brooklyn Liberation rally , the event attended by more than 15,000 people clad in white , now widely recognized as the “ largest trans-based protest in history.
” Doroshow ’ s speech , which rousingly opened with “ We ’ re whores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her message of affirmation , empowerment and love for her embattled and endangered community , to whom she said : “ I want you to breathe and sustain !
I want you to stand tall and proud and Black and live.
” She backed up her calls for change and accountability for the Black trans community—including supporting sex workers , incarcerated trans women and the homeless—with an announcement .
GLITS had remarkably raised $ 1 million just that week ; money used to put a down payment on a $ 2 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to house trans people , a longtime challenge with newfound urgency amid the pandemic .
And as the crowd roared , she added : “ We ’ re still raising money , motherfuckers !
” It was in many ways a watershed moment—and one Walker rightly compares to the far less enthusiastic reception of trans rights pioneers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera at gay liberation events a half-century prior .
Doroshow is leveraging her newfound visibility—but only for the sake of the less visible members of the community she remains committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her growing profile as a movement leader might impede the work she does with GLITS .
Tending to an image or juggling press commitments is , for Doroshow , not nearly as important as securing stable housing and employment for Black trans people and sex workers , helping folks transition out of prison , assisting asylum seekers in coming to the United States , and the myriad other priorities constantly vying for her attention ... “ I just want people to know that they have me .
I am not unreachable .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” She laughs .
“ I ’ m still the same fucking bitch !
” Walker ’ s nearly 5,000-word profile of Doroshow is extensive , intimate and empathetic , chronicling her journey from her pre-transition days to sex worker to a “ godmother ” of the New York Black trans community .
“ She is quite literally the embodiment of what it means to love people who look like her , ” Asanni Armon , founder of For the Gworls , tells GQ .
“ That ’ s really beautiful and really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vision is fulfilled , the money GLITS has raised thus far will go to good use .
“ We ’ re talking to developers about opening up a sex-worker health care clinic on the ground floor , ” she tells Walker .
“ Another place we ’ re looking at has eight apartments , with a restaurant downstairs .
Imagine that !
A trans-owned , trans-run restaurant right here in New York.
” It ’ s the kind of hopeful narrative one might expect to see during a season of Pose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transformative in the lives of the real-life communities upon which those characters are based ( and many of the actors who play them hail from ) .
As GQ reminds us , both the life expectancy and prospects of Black trans folk remain grim : “ At least 26 trans and gender-nonconforming people have been reported killed to date in the U.S. this year , the majority of whom were Black , ” Walker reports , later citing a 2015 study to note : “ In the greater job market , Black trans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of the general population.
” For those who survive , thriving becomes yet another challenge as a member of the most marginalized community in America , and typically the last to be mentioned in the outcries over lost Black lives .
Doroshow , reflecting on the life and tragic and mysterious 1992 death of Marsha P. Johnson , is not immune to those concerns ; indeed , it reinforces the need for her work .
“ How she was treated at the end of her life ?
How supported was she ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were really looking out for her—really supporting her—why was she out on that pier the night she lost her life ?
” “ Why ?
” is a question we should all be asking when it comes to the ongoing lack of support and protections for the Black trans community—and while Doroshow ’ s advocacy is incredible , one also can ’ t help but long for the day she and others like her are allowed to just be .

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

There was a time in the not-too-distant past that seeing women in GQ was simply a signifier of who cis-hetero, mostly white men had deemed the “sexiest women alive.” It was a ranking that proved problematic—particularly when it occasionally zeroed in on race and age—and unsurprisingly, has seemed to fade away in recent years (at least, based on a basic Google search). So, it’s not a minor deal that GQ’s September issue includes a glamorously shot feature of a woman best known for her advocacy in New York City’s trans and sex-worker communities—and is middle-aged, Black and trans herself.
Ceyenne (pronounced like “Cayenne,” as in pepper) Doroshow is the founder and executive director of GLITS (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society), and as Harron Walker, contributing writer to our sister site, Jezebel, writes: “[S]he’s served as a kind of one-woman Swiss Army knife for those who’ve needed help of virtually any kind.”
Advertisement
“Giving people opportunities is a wonderful thing,” Doroshow tells Walker. “Not failing them is the bigger thing—not letting them fail themselves.”
Advertisement Advertisement
“It’s all about setting people up to be able to make choices,” she adds. “Do you want to go to college? Okay, let’s find programming and grants to help pay your tuition and rent. If college is not your thing, maybe you want to go to trade school. Let’s get you there. If you want to be a sex worker, how do we teach you to do that sustainably and minimize your risks? You can be whatever you want to be, but let’s find a way to do it sustainably.”
Doroshow’s been doing the work for decades, but her recent fame has come as a result of her appearance at June’s Brooklyn Liberation rally, the event attended by more than 15,000 people clad in white, now widely recognized as the “largest trans-based protest in history.”
Advertisement
Doroshow’s speech, which rousingly opened with “We’re whores!” went viral, as did her message of affirmation, empowerment and love for her embattled and endangered community, to whom she said:
“I want you to breathe and sustain! I want you to stand tall and proud and Black and live.”
Advertisement
She backed up her calls for change and accountability for the Black trans community—including supporting sex workers, incarcerated trans women and the homeless—with an announcement. GLITS had remarkably raised $1 million just that week; money used to put a down payment on a $2 million, 12-unit building in Queens, N.Y. intended to house trans people, a longtime challenge with newfound urgency amid the pandemic. And as the crowd roared, she added: “We’re still raising money, motherfuckers!”
It was in many ways a watershed moment—and one Walker rightly compares to the far less enthusiastic reception of trans rights pioneers Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera at gay liberation events a half-century prior. Doroshow is leveraging her newfound visibility—but only for the sake of the less visible members of the community she remains committed to.
Her concern lies more with how her growing profile as a movement leader might impede the work she does with GLITS. Tending to an image or juggling press commitments is, for Doroshow, not nearly as important as securing stable housing and employment for Black trans people and sex workers, helping folks transition out of prison, assisting asylum seekers in coming to the United States, and the myriad other priorities constantly vying for her attention... “I just want people to know that they have me. I am not unreachable. I am not unapproachable because this all happened.” She laughs. “I’m still the same fucking bitch!”
Advertisement
Walker’s nearly 5,000-word profile of Doroshow is extensive, intimate and empathetic, chronicling her journey from her pre-transition days to sex worker to a “godmother” of the New York Black trans community.
“She is quite literally the embodiment of what it means to love people who look like her,” Asanni Armon, founder of For the Gworls, tells GQ. “That’s really beautiful and really rare in this moment.”
Advertisement
If Doroshow’s vision is fulfilled, the money GLITS has raised thus far will go to good use. “We’re talking to developers about opening up a sex-worker health care clinic on the ground floor,” she tells Walker. “Another place we’re looking at has eight apartments, with a restaurant downstairs. Imagine that! A trans-owned, trans-run restaurant right here in New York.”
It’s the kind of hopeful narrative one might expect to see during a season of Pose, but would be nothing short of transformative in the lives of the real-life communities upon which those characters are based (and many of the actors who play them hail from). As GQ reminds us, both the life expectancy and prospects of Black trans folk remain grim:
“At least 26 trans and gender-nonconforming people have been reported killed to date in the U.S. this year, the majority of whom were Black,” Walker reports, later citing a 2015 study to note: “In the greater job market, Black trans people are unemployed at four times the rate of the general population.”
Advertisement
For those who survive, thriving becomes yet another challenge as a member of the most marginalized community in America, and typically the last to be mentioned in the outcries over lost Black lives. Doroshow, reflecting on the life and tragic and mysterious 1992 death of Marsha P. Johnson, is not immune to those concerns; indeed, it reinforces the need for her work.
“How she was treated at the end of her life? How supported was she?” she asks. “If people were really looking out for her—really supporting her—why was she out on that pier the night she lost her life?”
Advertisement
“Why?” is a question we should all be asking when it comes to the ongoing lack of support and protections for the Black trans community—and while Doroshow’s advocacy is incredible, one also can’t help but long for the day she and others like her are allowed to just be.
“I think I’m a neighbor, a mom, a friend, a tart,” she laughs.


theroot--2020-08-28--Step Into Fall With 15% off Astroflex's Leather Wakeflex Shoes at Huckberry

Maybe you ’ re one of those people who doesn ’ t realize their shoes need replaced until things have @ @ @ @ @ maybe you just like having a wide array of shoes to match any outfit you @ @ @ @ @ a good deal on a solid pair will spare your wallet while still filling out @ @ @ @ @ closet ’ s lacking a good pair of leather shoes , consider Astroflex ’ s @ @ @ @ @ down to $ 115 at Huckberry right now , and you can pick from three @ @ @ @ @ preference .

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

Astroflex Wakeflex | $115 | Huckberry
Maybe you’re one of those people who doesn’t realize their shoes need replaced until things have gotten really bad, or maybe you just like having a wide array of shoes to match any outfit you choose. Either way, a good deal on a solid pair will spare your wallet while still filling out your wardrobe. If your closet’s lacking a good pair of leather shoes, consider Astroflex’s Wakeflex shoes, which are down to $115 at Huckberry right now, and you can pick from three different colors to fit your preference.


theroot--2020-08-28--Twitter Sets Former NFL Star Brian Urlacher Straight After He Comes for Jacob Blake

It ’ s also a cesspool of bigotry , fallacies and white supremacist rhetoric that endangers the lives of those we hold dear .
In a past life , NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher—which is Wakandan for “ this man is about to get dragged ” —was a force of nature ; a six-foot , six-inch brute who spent his entire 13-year career terrorizing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators as a member of the Chicago Bears .
But in 2020 A.T. ( After Trump ) , instead of shutting the fuck up and minding his business , Urlacher feels as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shit like this on Instagram : “ Brett Favre played the [ Monday Night Football ] game the day his dad died , threw 4 TDs in the first half , and was a legend for playing in the face of adversity , ” he posted .
“ NBA Players boycott the playoffs because a dude reaching for a knife , wanted on a felony sexual assault warrant , was shot by police.
” Remember what I said about bigotry , fallacies and white supremacist rhetoric that endanger the lives of those we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three boxes in approximately 50 words .
So as a reward for being willfully ignorant and painfully obtuse , Twitter was kind enough to tear him a brand spanking new asshole .
Even Urlacher ’ s former teammate , Matt Forte , came for him .
“ The comment @ BUrlacher54 posted is void of empathy , compassion , wisdom and coherence , ” he tweeted .
“ But full of pride and ignorance !
” I try to extend grace to retired players who are likely suffering from CTE , but then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges , teachers , underwriters and police officers and I ’ m much more inclined to tell him to [ REDACTED SO THAT I CAN KEEP MY JOB ] .
The 42-year-old ’ s former team was so disgusted by his unsolicited opinion that they issued the following statement on Thursday night .
“ The social media posts in no way reflect the values or opinions of the Chicago Bears organization.
” Last time I checked , non-compliance wasn ’ t punishable by death by the criminal justice system—unless , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m sure Urlacher is likely too preoccupied with inspiring the next Kyle Rittenhouse to care or notice .

Social media is a graveyard for common sense.
It’s also a cesspool of bigotry, fallacies and white supremacist rhetoric that endangers the lives of those we hold dear.
In a past life, NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher—which is Wakandan for “this man is about to get dragged”—was a force of nature; a six-foot, six-inch brute who spent his entire 13-year career terrorizing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators as a member of the Chicago Bears.
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But in 2020 A.T. (After Trump), instead of shutting the fuck up and minding his business, Urlacher feels as though its his civil duty to post shit like this on Instagram:
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“Brett Favre played the [Monday Night Football] game the day his dad died, threw 4 TDs in the first half, and was a legend for playing in the face of adversity,” he posted. “NBA Players boycott the playoffs because a dude reaching for a knife, wanted on a felony sexual assault warrant, was shot by police.”
Remember what I said about bigotry, fallacies and white supremacist rhetoric that endanger the lives of those we hold dear? Urlacher somehow checked all three boxes in approximately 50 words.
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So as a reward for being willfully ignorant and painfully obtuse, Twitter was kind enough to tear him a brand spanking new asshole.
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Even Urlacher’s former teammate, Matt Forte, came for him.
“The comment @BUrlacher54 posted is void of empathy, compassion, wisdom and coherence,” he tweeted. “But full of pride and ignorance!”
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I try to extend grace to retired players who are likely suffering from CTE, but then I remember that people like Urlacher are judges, teachers, underwriters and police officers and I’m much more inclined to tell him to [REDACTED SO THAT I CAN KEEP MY JOB].
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The 42-year-old’s former team was so disgusted by his unsolicited opinion that they issued the following statement on Thursday night. “The social media posts in no way reflect the values or opinions of the Chicago Bears organization.”
Last time I checked, non-compliance wasn’t punishable by death by the criminal justice system—unless, of course, you’re Black; though I’m sure Urlacher is likely too preoccupied with inspiring the next Kyle Rittenhouse to care or notice.


theroot--2020-08-28--VAN JONES IS AARON BURR!

VAN JONES IS AARON BURR!

It finally dawned on me yesterday , after reading that Van Jones said Jared Kushner has “ the dopest job in the world.
” Which is such a Van Jones-ass thing to do and say—and not just because he ’ s praising the effete criminal dickwad who ’ s what would happen if every Jared ever and every 28-year-old MBA ever were melted down , poured into a cauldron , mixed together , and dripped into a six-foot mold of a rabbit ’ s penis .
No , what made “ dopest job in the world ” such a quintessentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word self-consciously inserted to communicate ( flaccid ) hipness .
It ’ s market-tested coolness .
Performative colloquialism .
A dog whistle to Zoom avatars .
Pamplemousse LaCroix rebranded , repacked , and resold as hot sauce .
VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS WHAT HAPPENS IF “ I WAN NA BE IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS ” WAS SENTIENT IF “ TALK LESS ; SMILE MORE ” PASSED THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A BANK MANNEQUIN LEARNED HOW TO BE REAL BY SINGING “ WAIT FOR IT ” TO ITSELF IN THE DARK WHEN THE STORE WAS CLOSED IF “ DEAR THEODOSIA ” WAS SUNG INSTEAD TO JARED KUSHNER WITH JARED KUSHNER ABOUT JARED KUSHNER IF “ WEEHAWKEN , DAWN .
GUNS DRAWN.
” WAS SAID EVERY MORNING BY VAN JONES TO VAN JONES ’ S SOUL IF “ EV ’ RYONE GIVE IT UP FOR AMERICA ’ S FAVORITE FIGHTING FRENCHMAN !
” IS JUST WHAT VAN JONES SAID EACH TIME EMMANUEL MACRON OR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ONE MAN BE SO CORPORATE BE ON EVERY FENCE BE ON BOTH SIDES ALL SIDES NEW SIDES SMOOTH SIDES BLUE SIDES NOT-YET-INVENTED SIDES SPACE SIDES EVENT HORIZON SIDES SIDES FROM THE FUTURE SIDES THAT COME WITH BOXES OF CHICKEN HE IS A HUMAN CHYRON THE PANELIST ON TVS IN BARS IN PURGATORY THE “ VERY FINE PERSON ON BOTH SIDES ” THE BOWL OF SALAD ON A TABLE AT AN AWARDS BANQUET A CUCUMBER ASS NIGGA EVERY BLACK BEST FRIEND EVER FUSED TOGETHER INTO A BLOCK OF CHEESE THAT DOES NOTHING BUT CHEESE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR .

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

It finally dawned on me yesterday, after reading that Van Jones said Jared Kushner has “the dopest job in the world.” Which is such a Van Jones-ass thing to do and say—and not just because he’s praising the effete criminal dickwad who’s what would happen if every Jared ever and every 28-year-old MBA ever were melted down, poured into a cauldron, mixed together, and dripped into a six-foot mold of a rabbit’s penis. No, what made “dopest job in the world” such a quintessentially Van thing is “dopest”—a word self-consciously inserted to communicate (flaccid) hipness. It’s market-tested coolness. Performative colloquialism. A dog whistle to Zoom avatars. Pamplemousse LaCroix rebranded, repacked, and resold as hot sauce.
And then—“BOOM!”—it hit me.
VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS WHAT HAPPENS IF “I WANNA BE IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS” WAS SENTIENT IF “TALK LESS; SMILE MORE” PASSED THE BAR AND BOUGHT VENEERS IF A JOS. A BANK MANNEQUIN LEARNED HOW TO BE REAL BY SINGING “WAIT FOR IT” TO ITSELF IN THE DARK WHEN THE STORE WAS CLOSED IF “DEAR THEODOSIA” WAS SUNG INSTEAD TO JARED KUSHNER WITH JARED KUSHNER ABOUT JARED KUSHNER IF “WEEHAWKEN, DAWN. GUNS DRAWN.” WAS SAID EVERY MORNING BY VAN JONES TO VAN JONES’S SOUL IF “EV’RYONE GIVE IT UP FOR AMERICA’S FAVORITE FIGHTING FRENCHMAN!” IS JUST WHAT VAN JONES SAID EACH TIME EMMANUEL MACRON OR MIKE PENCE ENTERED A ROOM HOW CAN ONE MAN BE SO CORPORATE BE ON EVERY FENCE BE ON BOTH SIDES ALL SIDES NEW SIDES SMOOTH SIDES BLUE SIDES NOT-YET-INVENTED SIDES SPACE SIDES EVENT HORIZON SIDES SIDES FROM THE FUTURE SIDES THAT COME WITH BOXES OF CHICKEN HE IS A HUMAN CHYRON THE PANELIST ON TVS IN BARS IN PURGATORY THE “VERY FINE PERSON ON BOTH SIDES” THE BOWL OF SALAD ON A TABLE AT AN AWARDS BANQUET A CUCUMBER ASS NIGGA EVERY BLACK BEST FRIEND EVER FUSED TOGETHER INTO A BLOCK OF CHEESE THAT DOES NOTHING BUT CHEESE VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR VAN JONES IS AARON BURR.


theroot--2020-08-28--We're Sensing a Pattern Here: Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington and More Center Black Hair This Se

We're Sensing a Pattern Here: Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington and More Center Black Hair This September

Heads up—if you hadn ’ t heard , our tresses are trending this month .
A number of famous and brilliant women have put their heads together to discuss one of the most specific and polarizing aspects of Black beauty—our hair .
Earlier this week , Glamour magazine debuted their groundbreaking September cover story , which called out the pervasive issue of hair discrimination by featuring an array of differently coiffed Black women and pointedly asking “ Was It Our Hair ?
Or Was It You ?
” Celebs Gabrielle Union , Uzo Aduba , Keke Palmer , and Marsai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dubbed “ the hair issue , ” issuing a PSA in which they read aloud 13 women ’ s experiences of hair discrimination and amplified the CROWN Act ( Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair ) , which launched in 2019 , has thus far been passed in seven states , and is currently campaigning to be passed at the federal level .
Great minds clearly think alike ; as it turns out , Elle.com also has Black hair on the brain , and as the focus of its inaugural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars none other than hair icon-turned-hair entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross .
Launched Thursday , the new platform is the brainchild of “ the Black girl coalition ” of Elle Beauty Director Chloe Hall , Assistant Editor Nerisha Penrose , and Webby-nominated producer Angel Lenise ; Hall writes that the trio , along with London-based graphic designer Joelle Avelino , “ came together to create an editorial package centering the joy and beauty of our communities .
The brief was simple : How can we use our platform to spotlight the beauty of Blackness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Of the process , Hall also writes : Of course , the standout amongst these contributors is Ellis Ross , who creative directed her own all-Black , all-female team to create her cover shoot ; including photographer Djeneba Aduayom , stylist and costume designer Shiona Turini , her own makeup , and an array of evocative hair looks by Emmy-nominated stylist Araxi Lindsey .
The vision was reportedly part of a mandate by the actress “ that the resulting art be our vision as Black women , together.
” To that end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t stop with the visuals .
None other than close friend and fellow actress , producer and advocate Kerry Washington interviews Ellis Ross for the cover story , in which the two discuss intersectional feminism via Kimberlé Crenshaw , the importance of Black female friendships , honoring and sharing power and platforms with the marginalized , self-advocacy , and the birth of Ellis Ross ’ less-than-year-old but already cult-favorite haircare brand , Pattern Beauty , saying : “ There was a void , in both seeing ourselves in our natural , authentic beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for us to do our hair naturally—to wear it the way it naturally came out of our heads.
” Ellis Ross ’ oft-repeated narrative paraphrases Toni Morrison , in that she created the products she wanted to see in the world , with an ethos to match .
Pattern not only produces texture-loving products—and in fact , just dropped a new collection of mini styling tool s and accessories this week ( $ 8- $ 37 ) , but supports organizations that in turn support women and people of color .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is her baby , she is but another shepherd in supporting the creative ingenuity Black women have always possessed .
“ There ’ s been a real shift , ” she says of our current discussion around Black beauty and culturally specific creativity .
“ And bringing the circle back to Dr. Crenshaw and this idea of the frame—I realize that Black girls have been magic forever , but once we got this term , the world was able to see that magic in a way it wasn ’ t being received before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been here doing this forever .
This is not some new phenomenon .
Braids are not new .
Cornrows are not new .
Twists are not new .
Bantu knots are not new .
If our hair could talk , it would tell you of our legacy .
Black beauty is timeless and holds such a story that I am so grateful to be a part of , and to continue allowing it to unfold through me .
Black women and our hair have been at the center of social , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and movements through time .
We hold so much power in our beauty .
Our beauty is filled with love and joy and an emotional intelligence that reaches into spaces that allow us to connect with each other in such sacred ways .
Ellis Ross ’ words echo those of Hall , who teases that Elle.com ’ s exploration into the power of Black beauty will be not only inclusive , but indefinite , writing : The thing about Black beauty is that it is infinite .
There is no limit to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They can not be contained in a single issue or month in the calendar year .
This is our commitment : Black beauty is and will be at the center of everything we do at ELLE.com .
We will launch the visuals , stories , videos , audiograms , letters , and covers dedicated to our community .
As editors , writers , producers , friends , and sisters , it ’ s our job to keep telling these stories and using our platform to amplify our stories and the stories of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning .

Heads up—if you hadn’t heard, our tresses are trending this month. A number of famous and brilliant women have put their heads together to discuss one of the most specific and polarizing aspects of Black beauty—our hair.
Earlier this week, Glamour magazine debuted their groundbreaking September cover story, which called out the pervasive issue of hair discrimination by featuring an array of differently coiffed Black women and pointedly asking “Was It Our Hair? Or Was It You?” Celebs Gabrielle Union, Uzo Aduba, Keke Palmer, and Marsai Martin added their influence to what Glamour dubbed “the hair issue,” issuing a PSA in which they read aloud 13 women’s experiences of hair discrimination and amplified the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), which launched in 2019, has thus far been passed in seven states, and is currently campaigning to be passed at the federal level.
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Great minds clearly think alike; as it turns out, Elle.com also has Black hair on the brain, and as the focus of its inaugural State of Black Beauty coverage, which stars none other than hair icon-turned-hair entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross. Launched Thursday, the new platform is the brainchild of “the Black girl coalition” of Elle Beauty Director Chloe Hall, Assistant Editor Nerisha Penrose, and Webby-nominated producer Angel Lenise; Hall writes that the trio, along with London-based graphic designer Joelle Avelino, “came together to create an editorial package centering the joy and beauty of our communities. The brief was simple: How can we use our platform to spotlight the beauty of Blackness in all its complexity and splendor?”
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Of the process, Hall also writes:
As the package came together over the past several months, I realized what made it so special was that it was made for Black people, by Black people. We recorded real women sharing the microaggressions they’ve faced for their hairstyles in corporate America. ... We talked to activists, actresses, politicians, and thought leaders about their personal relationships to beauty.
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Of course, the standout amongst these contributors is Ellis Ross, who creative directed her own all-Black, all-female team to create her cover shoot; including photographer Djeneba Aduayom, stylist and costume designer Shiona Turini, her own makeup, and an array of evocative hair looks by Emmy-nominated stylist Araxi Lindsey. The vision was reportedly part of a mandate by the actress “that the resulting art be our vision as Black women, together.”
To that end, the Black woman magic doesn’t stop with the visuals. None other than close friend and fellow actress, producer and advocate Kerry Washington interviews Ellis Ross for the cover story, in which the two discuss intersectional feminism via Kimberlé Crenshaw, the importance of Black female friendships, honoring and sharing power and platforms with the marginalized, self-advocacy, and the birth of Ellis Ross’ less-than-year-old but already cult-favorite haircare brand, Pattern Beauty, saying:
“There was a void, in both seeing ourselves in our natural, authentic beauty, and also having products that would work for us to do our hair naturally—to wear it the way it naturally came out of our heads.”
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Ellis Ross’ oft-repeated narrative paraphrases Toni Morrison, in that she created the products she wanted to see in the world, with an ethos to match. Pattern not only produces texture-loving products—and in fact, just dropped a new collection of mini styling tool s and accessories this week ($8-$37), but supports organizations that in turn support women and people of color. As Ellis Ross tells Washington, while Pattern is her baby, she is but another shepherd in supporting the creative ingenuity Black women have always possessed.
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“There’s been a real shift,” she says of our current discussion around Black beauty and culturally specific creativity. “And bringing the circle back to Dr. Crenshaw and this idea of the frame—I realize that Black girls have been magic forever, but once we got this term, the world was able to see that magic in a way it wasn’t being received before.
She later adds:
I always remind people, we’ve been here doing this forever. This is not some new phenomenon. Braids are not new. Cornrows are not new. Twists are not new. Bantu knots are not new. If our hair could talk, it would tell you of our legacy. Black beauty is timeless and holds such a story that I am so grateful to be a part of, and to continue allowing it to unfold through me. Black women and our hair have been at the center of social, cultural, political, and economic revolutions and movements through time. We hold so much power in our beauty. Our beauty is filled with love and joy and an emotional intelligence that reaches into spaces that allow us to connect with each other in such sacred ways.
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Ellis Ross’ words echo those of Hall, who teases that Elle.com’s exploration into the power of Black beauty will be not only inclusive, but indefinite, writing:


theroot--2020-08-28--Give Yourself a Breath of Fresh Air With $70 off This Dyson Air Purifier

When you were spending most of your day at the office , you probably didn ’ t have much time @ @ @ @ @ day to notice all that dust piling up around your apartment .
With most of @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s been plenty of time to sweat the small stuff when it comes @ @ @ @ @ dusting is one of the least enjoyable parts of cleaning , so why not ease @ @ @ @ @ good air purifier will do a good job of collecting a decent chunk of the @ @ @ @ @ spend your Saturdays wiping off .
Dyson ’ s TP02 air purifier isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s down $ 200 for a refurbished model on Newegg .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ ll still have to clean up some dust , but it won @ @ @ @ @ a process once the Dyson ’ s all set up .

Dyson TP02 Air Purifier (Refurbished) | $230 | Newegg
When you were spending most of your day at the office, you probably didn’t have much time at the end of the day to notice all that dust piling up around your apartment. With most of us staying at home, there’s been plenty of time to sweat the small stuff when it comes to cleaning. Still, dusting is one of the least enjoyable parts of cleaning, so why not ease up the process? A good air purifier will do a good job of collecting a decent chunk of the dust you’d otherwise spend your Saturdays wiping off. Dyson’s TP02 air purifier isn’t a bad option, and it’s down $200 for a refurbished model on Newegg. Don’t get your hopes up, you’ll still have to clean up some dust, but it won’t be as painstaking a process once the Dyson’s all set up.


theroot--2020-08-28--Earn Our Votes: The Black National Convention Aims to Set an Agenda That Both Political Parties Must

Earn Our Votes: The Black National Convention Aims to Set an Agenda That Both Political Parties Must Address

If there won ’ t be peace , then let there be a lesson in the destruction of Black bodies .
Let the funerals of those unarmed Black bodies killed by police resonate on a frequency so high that it breaks through white silence , shakes the rafters of white supremacy , and seeps into the consciousness of America .
Let the hashtag serve as a warning , a reminder , a coded message in a slave ’ s song that Black Lives Matter .
And once the ashes and the dust and the smoke disappears , let the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flatly that what existed before was broken and what comes next must be better .
That ’ s the impetus behind the Movement for Black Lives ( M4BL ) , a coalition of some 50 nationwide Black-focused community groups that have banded together under the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement to host the first ever virtual and free Black National Convention ( BNC ) , today , Aug. 28 at 7 p.m .
ET , a few hours after the 2020 March on Washington ends .
( The Root is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What this convention will do is create a Black liberation agenda that is not a duplication of the Vision for Black Lives , but really is rooted as a set of demands for progress , ” said Jessica Byrd , co-founder of the Electoral Justice Project ( EJP ) at the Movement for Black Lives .
The Movement for Black Lives and the EJP—the electoral strategy arm of M4BL—will focus the Black National Convention on creating a unified Black platform whose demands for both the people and their respective communities are met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention will be a celebration of Blackness and building political power including Black people from all corners of our movement and the world—from Capitol Hill , Hollywood , and academia to the rural south , ” said Byrd .
“ About 90 percent of the BNC is made up of local organizers , and we ’ ve commissioned a host of Black filmmakers and Black creatives to produce a program that not only activates Black people politically , but champions Black joy , creativity , and resilience.
” The lineup of speakers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who of those who have been doing the work , or to paraphrase the late John Lewis , causing good trouble , including : Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors , # MeToo Movement founder Tarana Burke , writer and transgender rights activist Raquel Willis , Mayor of Jackson , Mississippi , Chokwe Antar Lumumba .
The event will be livestreamed on The Root and on the website BlackNovember.org , and directed by award-winning writer and Surviving R. Kelly filmmaker dream hampton .
“ I have long thought there was great storytelling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” hampton said .
“ The real stars have always been these organizers who get things done.
” The convention was originally scheduled to take place in America ’ s Blackest city , Detroit , but as with most things in 2020 , the coronavirus had different plans .
Take the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the recent shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Wisconsin , not to mention the staggeringly disproportionate number of Blacks killed by the coronavirus , and what you have is a pressure cooker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda that prioritizes Black concerns , which includes but is not limited to : a call to end police violence , divestment from policing , and an investment in flourishing , sustainable communities , the group ’ s website notes .
The 2020 Black National Convention will take inspiration and guidance from the 1972 National Black Political Convention , which brought thousands of African-Americans to Gary , Ind.
, to advocate for the betterment of Black people .
What ’ s hauntingly scary is the issues that plagued Black America in 1972 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From the Gary Declaration , the doctrine that emerged from the 1972 convention : Our cities are crime-haunted dying grounds .
Huge sectors of our youth — and countless others — face permanent unemployment .
Those of us who work find our paychecks able to purchase less and less .
Neither the courts nor the prisons contribute to anything resembling justice or reformation .
The schools are unable — or unwilling — to educate our children for the real world of our struggles .
Meanwhile , the officially approved epidemic of drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength of our best young warriors .
The idea isn ’ t to leave the convention with an endorsement as the M4BL notes emphatically that they are “ anti-Trump and pro-visionary.
” They are clear that work needs to be done on both sides to ensure that Black issues are not only addressed but eradicated .
“ An endorsement is not our North Star , ” said Kayla Reed , co-founder & executive director , Action St. Louis .
“ Our agenda is our North Star , and while we want Trump out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials to be aware that what they have done currently and what they have proposed is not enough.
” So they will converge virtually to create a doctrine that will serve as a sacred document that the Black vote comes with demands and that the old system of doing things isn ’ t just ineffective , it ’ s broken beyond repair .
But the fight will continue and those in power have been put on notice : Black Lives Matter .
Check back at 7 p.m. for the livestream of the event @

If there won’t be peace, then let there be a lesson in the destruction of Black bodies. Let the funerals of those unarmed Black bodies killed by police resonate on a frequency so high that it breaks through white silence, shakes the rafters of white supremacy, and seeps into the consciousness of America. Let the hashtag serve as a warning, a reminder, a coded message in a slave’s song that Black Lives Matter.
And once the ashes and the dust and the smoke disappears, let the agenda serve as a ransom note, stating flatly that what existed before was broken and what comes next must be better.
Advertisement
That’s the impetus behind the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), a coalition of some 50 nationwide Black-focused community groups that have banded together under the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement to host the first ever virtual and free Black National Convention (BNC), today, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. ET, a few hours after the 2020 March on Washington ends. (The Root is a media partner of the BNC.)
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“What this convention will do is create a Black liberation agenda that is not a duplication of the Vision for Black Lives, but really is rooted as a set of demands for progress,” said Jessica Byrd, co-founder of the Electoral Justice Project (EJP) at the Movement for Black Lives.
The Movement for Black Lives and the EJP—the electoral strategy arm of M4BL—will focus the Black National Convention on creating a unified Black platform whose demands for both the people and their respective communities are met.
Advertisement
“Friday’s Black National Convention will be a celebration of Blackness and building political power including Black people from all corners of our movement and the world—from Capitol Hill, Hollywood, and academia to the rural south,” said Byrd. “About 90 percent of the BNC is made up of local organizers, and we’ve commissioned a host of Black filmmakers and Black creatives to produce a program that not only activates Black people politically, but champions Black joy, creativity, and resilience.”
The lineup of speakers at the BNC is a who’s who of those who have been doing the work, or to paraphrase the late John Lewis, causing good trouble, including: Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, #MeToo Movement founder Tarana Burke, writer and transgender rights activist Raquel Willis, Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Chokwe Antar Lumumba.
Advertisement
The event will be livestreamed on The Root and on the website BlackNovember.org, and directed by award-winning writer and Surviving R. Kelly filmmaker dream hampton.
“I have long thought there was great storytelling to do in the world of Black activism,” hampton said. “The real stars have always been these organizers who get things done.”
Advertisement
The convention was originally scheduled to take place in America’s Blackest city, Detroit, but as with most things in 2020, the coronavirus had different plans. Take the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the recent shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Wisconsin, not to mention the staggeringly disproportionate number of Blacks killed by the coronavirus, and what you have is a pressure cooker that could be cooled with a Black agenda that prioritizes Black concerns, which includes but is not limited to: a call to end police violence, divestment from policing, and an investment in flourishing, sustainable communities, the group’s website notes.
The 2020 Black National Convention will take inspiration and guidance from the 1972 National Black Political Convention, which brought thousands of African-Americans to Gary, Ind., to advocate for the betterment of Black people.
Advertisement
What’s hauntingly scary is the issues that plagued Black America in 1972 are the same issues that plague us today.
From the Gary Declaration, the doctrine that emerged from the 1972 convention:
Our cities are crime-haunted dying grounds. Huge sectors of our youth — and countless others — face permanent unemployment. Those of us who work find our paychecks able to purchase less and less. Neither the courts nor the prisons contribute to anything resembling justice or reformation. The schools are unable — or unwilling — to educate our children for the real world of our struggles. Meanwhile, the officially approved epidemic of drugs threatens to wipe out the minds and strength of our best young warriors.
Advertisement
The idea isn’t to leave the convention with an endorsement as the M4BL notes emphatically that they are “anti-Trump and pro-visionary.” They are clear that work needs to be done on both sides to ensure that Black issues are not only addressed but eradicated.
“An endorsement is not our North Star,” said Kayla Reed, co-founder & executive director, Action St. Louis. “Our agenda is our North Star, and while we want Trump out of office, we also want elected officials to be aware that what they have done currently and what they have proposed is not enough.”
Advertisement
So they will converge virtually to create a doctrine that will serve as a sacred document that the Black vote comes with demands and that the old system of doing things isn’t just ineffective, it’s broken beyond repair. But the fight will continue and those in power have been put on notice: Black Lives Matter.
Check back at 7 p.m. for the livestream of the event.
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Powered by http://Restream.io


theroot--2020-08-28--Day 4: Satan Slept, and What We’ve Learned Now That the Republican National Convention Has Ended

So what did we learn ?
We learned that the end is just like the beginning .
We learned that the mind can convince itself of anything .
We learned that Trumpism doesn ’ t care about Black life , but we knew that .
We learned that there are some Black people who will gain the world ( or just white gaze ) and lose their soul .
We learned that Trump has a daughter named Tiffany and that Don Jr. might have a cocaine problem .
We also learned that the Trump administration will stop at nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned nothing and everything , but mostly nothing .
The Praise Trumpathon has finally ended , and the orange bag of Jell-o extract has accepted the nomination and made yet another speech whistling directly to the fears of white America , who are so afraid that one day those who have been subjected to the violence of redlining , police brutality , the hot glares of suspicion , inferior schooling , housing , banking , living , wages , emergency room care are going to say enough .
The funniest part of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , is that as unarmed Black people die in the streets and protests against their killings continue , more white people are mad at the reaction and not the act .
They aren ’ t mad that Jacob Blake was shot in the back in front of his children ; they ’ re mad that we are .
It ’ s all fucked up and bass ackwards , which is the only way to describe the president hosting some 1,000 people on the South Lawn of the White House—potentially violating federal law—without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear his acceptance speech .
Since the Republican National Convention began just a few days ago , America has lost 3,200 people to the coronavirus , yet the president must feed his ego .
And maybe that ’ s what we learned , or what we ’ ve always known , is that the president , much like that insatiable plant in Little Shop of Horrors , can ’ t get enough blood on his hands to be satisfied .
In one of the longest convention acceptance speeches ever , the lies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the callousness and the ability to blatantly ignore an entire group of Americans was also front and center .
The president continued his claim as the best president for Black people since Abraham Lincoln , while completely ignoring the shooting of Jacob Blake and the Black American uprising that happened after George Floyd was killed and continued in the wake of Blake ’ s shooting .
Trump condemned the violence during protests while ignoring the reason for said protests , but that ’ s been a hallmark of this presidency ; this convenient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of you .
And one by one , they all came out to offer their words of flattery to King Joffrey Baratheon , hoping that their lives would be spared and , in turn , they earned themselves favor .
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson was there , as was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , ( R-Ky. ) , Sen. Tom Cotton , ( R-Ark . )
, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , Rep. Jeff Van Drew , ( R-N.J. , ) the bastard who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the president ’ s favorite child ; White House adviser Ja ’ Ron Smith ; Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani , he of the teeth of rotten pebbles ; Dana White , president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship , and Alice Johnson , who Kim Kardashian , two black women and Trump freed from prison .
I honestly felt the worst for Johnson .
I don ’ t know if she is a Trump supporter ; I don ’ t know if she believed any of her speech , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who spoke on this night , she didn ’ t choose to be there .
She had to be there .
The president has proven two things since taking office that are unarguable : the president is a liar and he is vindictive .
He ’ s used his position to take people ’ s jobs , he ’ s used his powerful social media platform to bash those who don ’ t agree with his policy .
It ’ s not lost on me that Johnson could very easily be tossed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a petty man .
So while Johnson tried to steer her speech toward God and her faith , she ultimately had to declare President Trump a savior as well , and in doing so , became one in a series of Black faces who ’ ve declared that Trump ’ s not bad because I ’ m Black and I like him .
A Howard University grad ( sorry , Howard ) who claimed , “ And , in the wake of the murder of Breonna Taylor , George Floyd , and LeGend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen his true conscience .
I just wish every American could see the deep empathy he showed to families whose loved ones were killed in senseless violence.
” Fuck , we wish we could see it , too .
And that ’ s what we really learned in the end of this four-day long retelling of what we ’ ve all witnessed : the president , or at least his staff , know what ’ s right and they just don ’ t give a fuck until it ’ s election time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ neckless nigga on stage to declare that the president has a heart if the White House isn ’ t aware that he ’ s heartless ?
This has all been propaganda at the highest level and these niggas ( Smith , Carson , Herschel Walker , etc . )
have been the “ prop ” part of it .
So maybe what we ’ ve learned is everything we ’ ve already known : that the white gaze is as powerful as heroin to those who long for it .
The president is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or may not actually fuck with this president , and never under any circumstances trust a nigga with no neck even if he went to Howard .

So what did we learn?
We learned that the end is just like the beginning. We learned that the mind can convince itself of anything. We learned that Trumpism doesn’t care about Black life, but we knew that. We learned that there are some Black people who will gain the world (or just white gaze) and lose their soul. We learned that Trump has a daughter named Tiffany and that Don Jr. might have a cocaine problem. We also learned that the Trump administration will stop at nothing to praise the Trump administration.
Basically we learned nothing and everything, but mostly nothing. The Praise Trumpathon has finally ended, and the orange bag of Jell-o extract has accepted the nomination and made yet another speech whistling directly to the fears of white America, who are so afraid that one day those who have been subjected to the violence of redlining, police brutality, the hot glares of suspicion, inferior schooling, housing, banking, living, wages, emergency room care are going to say enough. The funniest part of this whole thing, this American way of life, is that as unarmed Black people die in the streets and protests against their killings continue, more white people are mad at the reaction and not the act. They aren’t mad that Jacob Blake was shot in the back in front of his children; they’re mad that we are.
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It’s all fucked up and bass ackwards, which is the only way to describe the president hosting some 1,000 people on the South Lawn of the White House—potentially violating federal law—without masks, during a global pandemic, to hear his acceptance speech. Since the Republican National Convention began just a few days ago, America has lost 3,200 people to the coronavirus, yet the president must feed his ego. And maybe that’s what we learned, or what we’ve always known, is that the president, much like that insatiable plant in Little Shop of Horrors, can’t get enough blood on his hands to be satisfied.
In one of the longest convention acceptance speeches ever, the lies continued, as to be expected; the callousness and the ability to blatantly ignore an entire group of Americans was also front and center. The president continued his claim as the best president for Black people since Abraham Lincoln, while completely ignoring the shooting of Jacob Blake and the Black American uprising that happened after George Floyd was killed and continued in the wake of Blake’s shooting. Trump condemned the violence during protests while ignoring the reason for said protests, but that’s been a hallmark of this presidency; this convenient willingness to simply ignore what is right in front of you.
Advertisement Advertisement
And one by one, they all came out to offer their words of flattery to King Joffrey Baratheon, hoping that their lives would be spared and, in turn, they earned themselves favor. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson was there, as was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky.), Sen. Tom Cotton, (R-Ark.), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Rep. Jeff Van Drew, (R-N.J.,) the bastard who switched parties last year; Ivanka Trump, the president’s favorite child; White House adviser Ja’Ron Smith; Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, he of the teeth of rotten pebbles; Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Alice Johnson, who Kim Kardashian, two black women and Trump freed from prison.
I honestly felt the worst for Johnson. I don’t know if she is a Trump supporter; I don’t know if she believed any of her speech, but I know that out of all the people who spoke on this night, she didn’t choose to be there. She had to be there. The president has proven two things since taking office that are unarguable: the president is a liar and he is vindictive. He’s used his position to take people’s jobs, he’s used his powerful social media platform to bash those who don’t agree with his policy. It’s not lost on me that Johnson could very easily be tossed back in prison because the president is a petty man. So while Johnson tried to steer her speech toward God and her faith, she ultimately had to declare President Trump a savior as well, and in doing so, became one in a series of Black faces who’ve declared that Trump’s not bad because I’m Black and I like him.
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Like the neckless Ja’Ron Smith.
A Howard University grad (sorry, Howard) who claimed, “And, in the wake of the murder of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and LeGend Taliferro—a moment of national racial consciousness—I have seen his true conscience. I just wish every American could see the deep empathy he showed to families whose loved ones were killed in senseless violence.”
Fuck, we wish we could see it, too. And that’s what we really learned in the end of this four-day long retelling of what we’ve all witnessed: the president, or at least his staff, know what’s right and they just don’t give a fuck until it’s election time. Think about it: Why drag this neckless nigga on stage to declare that the president has a heart if the White House isn’t aware that he’s heartless? This has all been propaganda at the highest level and these niggas (Smith, Carson, Herschel Walker, etc.) have been the “prop” part of it.
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So maybe what we’ve learned is everything we’ve already known: that the white gaze is as powerful as heroin to those who long for it. The president is still a liar, Alice Johnson may or may not actually fuck with this president, and never under any circumstances trust a nigga with no neck even if he went to Howard.


theroot--2020-08-28--The Root Jams Weekly (8/28/2020): 'Walkout'

It ’ s been a week in America .
After another shooting of a Black person at the hands of @ @ @ @ @ , no less—everybody reached a new level of over it .
Athletes in several of @ @ @ @ @ , cancelled or walked out of games or contests .
It ’ s the kind @ @ @ @ @ response is essentially “ fuck you ” and a need to walk out somewhere .
@ @ @ @ @ that feeling .
Marvin Gaye “ Just to Keep You Satisfied ”

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

It’s been a week in America. After another shooting of a Black person at the hands of police—7 times in the back, no less—everybody reached a new level of over it. Athletes in several of the major sports either postponed, cancelled or walked out of games or contests. It’s the kind of week when the only response is essentially “fuck you” and a need to walk out somewhere. This playlist is dedicated to that feeling.
Michael Harriot
Devin the Dude “What a Job”
Lauryn Hill “Lost Ones”
Tupac “Fuck All Y’all”
Outkast “Liberation”
Run the Jewels “JU$T”
Jay Connor
Marvin Gaye “Just to Keep You Satisfied”
Marvin Gaye “Is That Enough”
Kanye West “Spaceships”
Monique Judge
N.W.A “Fuck Tha Police”
DMX “Party Up”
GoldLink ft Pusha T “Cokewhite”
Crime Mob “Knuck If You Buck”
Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz ft Lil Scrappy “What You Gon Do”
Bonecrusher “Never Scared”
Lil Jon & The Easttside Boyz “Bia Bia”
Maiysha Kai
James Brown “The Payback”
Ice Cube “The Wrong Nigga to Fuck With”
Jidenna “Worth the Weight”
Roberta Flack “Compared to What”
Earthgang “Powered Up”
Panama Jackson
Lil Scrappy “No Problems”
C-Murder featuring Snoop Dogg, Mr. Magic “Down For My Niggas”
Soul Position “Fuckajob”
Kelis “Caught Out There”


theroot--2020-08-28--Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19 With up to 47% off KN95 Masks [Exclusive]

Listen , no matter how loud the anti-maskers have a temper tantrum , masks protect yourself and others from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ in a pandemic and you know , it requires a bit of preparation for going @ @ @ @ @ 20-Pack of KN95 masks ( and any other size ) are $ 48 , and @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll get free shipping so you can throw out that $ 17 shipping @ @ @ @ @ 50-pack !
If you have a bigger household , you might want to invest in @ @ @ @ @ , or even the 100-pack for $ 160 .
Like I said before , yes @ @ @ @ @ days , but this brand of KN95 masks is certified by the FDA to block @ @ @ @ @ up to .3-micron levels .
Specifically , FDA Appendix A approved masks .
What are @ @ @ @ @ a box and start using them !
Like I say at the end of all @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not politicize a virus , please .
Be safe .

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

KN95 Masks (20-Pack) | $48 | N95maskco | Promo code KINJASHIP
KN95 Masks (50-Pack) | $104 | N95maskco | Promo Code KINJASHIP
KN95 Masks (100-Pack) | $160 | N95maskco | Promo Code KINJASHIP
Listen, no matter how loud the anti-maskers have a temper tantrum, masks protect yourself and others from COVID-19. We’re living in a pandemic and you know, it requires a bit of preparation for going out in public. This 20-Pack of KN95 masks (and any other size) are $48, and with the code KINJASHIP, you’ll get free shipping so you can throw out that $17 shipping fee for the 20- or 50-pack! If you have a bigger household, you might want to invest in the 50-pack for $104, or even the 100-pack for $160.
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theroot--2020-08-28--Turning Pain Into Policy: Kamala Harris, Ben Crump Explain Why Police Reform Starts With Economic Ju

Turning Pain Into Policy: Kamala Harris, Ben Crump Explain Why Police Reform Starts With Economic Justice

Whatever personal feelings one may hold about vice presidential hopeful Kamala Harris ’ history as a prosecutor , attorney general and senator , the vast majority of lawyers , legal scholars and criminal justice experts agree on one inarguable fact : She is not Mike Pence .
Unlike Pence , Harris wears a mask .
Harris doesn ’ t think COVID-19 will take a self-care hiatus on Election Day .
And when Vice President and gay conversion therapy advocate Mike Pence was bungling the economic and medical response to a certain global pandemic , Sen. Harris was writing legislation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus conversation .
The Root can also confirm that Harris was not standing in a coronavirus cesspool on Thursday night blaming Black protesters for the violence in Kenosha , Wis. , after an armed white-wing extremist opened fire on people protesting a police officer opening fire on an unarmed Black man .
How do we know ?
The Root has obtained exclusive footage of Harris ’ recent conversation with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump , who represents many of the victims and families affected by police brutality .
Crump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump or a police union ( because ... y ’ all know ) , talked with the senator as she was probably figuring out how she was going to clean up after she mopped the floor with Pence in the upcoming presidential debate .
The two attorneys talked about the recent incidents of police brutality and how to transform that pain into actionable policy .
“ If you go into upper-middle-class suburbs , you will not see the kind of police presence you see in other communities , ” Harris explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will see well-funded schools ... You will see families who have jobs that pay them a minimum wage so they don ’ t have to worry about putting food on the table at the end of the month or paying rent .
You will see families that have access to healthcare that is affordable and available .
What you will see is small businesses that have access to capital .
These are the things that you see in healthy communities and healthy communities are safe communities.
” Noting the 57th anniversary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that reform requires “ accountability and consequences ” for police officers , which includes a national standard for use of force and reigning in qualified immunity .
In a separate conversation , Mike Pence squinted his eyes , tilted his head in a gesture of mock sympathy and said : “ Law and order ... Jesus ... Make America ... Constitution ... 404 Error ... Racism file not found.
” A team of white coat-wearing engineers rushed into the room , opened the VP ’ s earhole with a Phillips head screwdriver , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d have to reboot Pence before he could finish the interview .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-08-28--Chinonye Chukwu Is Directing a Film About Mamie Till Mobley's Relentless Pursuit of Justice Followin

Chinonye Chukwu Is Directing a Film About Mamie Till Mobley's Relentless Pursuit of Justice Following Emmett Till's Brutal Murder

We will never forget the image of Emmett Louis Till ’ s grotesquely disfigured face , after his mother Mamie Till Mobley decided to intentionally leave his casket open so the nation could reckon with the hateful evil that caused it .
Additionally , we shall never forget the stark pain on her face as she stood over her son ’ s casket .
That image of Till , as well as Mobley ’ s pursuit of justice , helped lead to the start of the civil rights movement .
According to Deadline , a feature film focused on Mobley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Chinonye Chukwu directing .
The news was announced on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the torture and lynching of 14-year-old Till , which occurred on August 28 , 1955 .
Chukwu ’ s profile is already pretty established , as she became the first Black woman to win the Grand Jury prize at Sundance Film Festival for her acclaimed feature Clemency ( which is currently available to watch on Hulu ) .
Deadline provides more details on the upcoming film : The film is based on the extensive research of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till ’ s cousin , Simeon Wright .
[ The ] latter was an eyewitness to the kidnapping of Till and served as a consultant to the project before his death in 2017 .
For more than 27 years , Beauchamp has investigated the kidnapping , torture and murder of Emmett Till , allegedly for whistling at a white woman .
His efforts succeeded in getting the United States Department of Justice to reopen the case in 2004 .
Beauchamp ’ s research formed the basis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J P Reilly and Chinonye Chukwu .
“ I am deeply honored to be telling this story and working with such an incredible producing team , ” Chukwu said in a statement .
“ Amidst the pain and brutality that is inherent to Mamie and Emmett ’ s story , I intend to delve deeply into their humanities , the love and joy they shared , and the activist consciousness that grows within Mamie as she seeks justice for her son.
” Along with Beauchamp , Whoopi Goldberg , Barbara Broccoli , Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Frederick Zollo will be producing the film .
“ Today the return of open racism reminds us that the real danger is in NOT telling Emmett Till ’ s story , ” Goldberg said .
“ Chinonye Chukwu taking the helm as our director is an opportunity for us to step forward artfully and without fear to tell the truth .
We could not be in better hands.
” Production for the upcoming film is set to begin in 2021 , which will be the year of Till ’ s 80th @ @

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

We will never forget the image of Emmett Louis Till’s grotesquely disfigured face, after his mother Mamie Till Mobley decided to intentionally leave his casket open so the nation could reckon with the hateful evil that caused it. Additionally, we shall never forget the stark pain on her face as she stood over her son’s casket.
That image of Till, as well as Mobley’s pursuit of justice, helped lead to the start of the civil rights movement. According to Deadline, a feature film focused on Mobley’s relentless fight is coming soon with Chinonye Chukwu directing. The news was announced on the eve of the 65th anniversary of the torture and lynching of 14-year-old Till, which occurred on August 28, 1955.
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Chukwu’s profile is already pretty established, as she became the first Black woman to win the Grand Jury prize at Sundance Film Festival for her acclaimed feature Clemency (which is currently available to watch on Hulu).
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Deadline provides more details on the upcoming film:
The film is based on the extensive research of award-winning documentarian Keith Beauchamp and his relationship with Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till’s cousin, Simeon Wright. [The] latter was an eyewitness to the kidnapping of Till and served as a consultant to the project before his death in 2017. For more than 27 years, Beauchamp has investigated the kidnapping, torture and murder of Emmett Till, allegedly for whistling at a white woman. His efforts succeeded in getting the United States Department of Justice to reopen the case in 2004. Beauchamp’s research formed the basis for the original screenplay he co-authored with Michael J P Reilly and Chinonye Chukwu.
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“I am deeply honored to be telling this story and working with such an incredible producing team,” Chukwu said in a statement. “Amidst the pain and brutality that is inherent to Mamie and Emmett’s story, I intend to delve deeply into their humanities, the love and joy they shared, and the activist consciousness that grows within Mamie as she seeks justice for her son.”
Along with Beauchamp, Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Broccoli, Thomas K. Levine, Michael J. P. Reilly, and Frederick Zollo will be producing the film.
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“Today the return of open racism reminds us that the real danger is in NOT telling Emmett Till’s story,” Goldberg said. “Chinonye Chukwu taking the helm as our director is an opportunity for us to step forward artfully and without fear to tell the truth. We could not be in better hands.”
Production for the upcoming film is set to begin in 2021, which will be the year of Till’s 80th birthday.


theroot--2020-08-28--Livestream: Watch the March on Washington: 'Get Your Knee Off Our Necks'

Fifty-seven years after Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “ I Have A Dream , ” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom , a group of activists have once again gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to advocate for the value of Black lives .
“ The Commitment March : Get Your Knee Off Our Necks , ” was organized by Rev .
Al Sharpton , Martin Luther King III and the National Action Network following the widespread protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers .
The march follows a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , was shot in the back multiple times by an officer in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
During the ensuing protests a white teenager shot and killed two protesters .
The event is expected to draw over 50,000 people from across the nation .
Among those in attendance will be the families of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor and Eric Garner .
For those unable to attend the march , fear not , as the event will be livestreamed in its entirety and you can watch it above .
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; journalist Joy Reid , attorney Benjamin Crump and Rep. Joyce Beatty are expected to speak later .
After the speakers give their remarks the attendants will march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at 1 p.m. Later this evening at 9 p.m. EST , the event will continue with a virtual event hosted by April Ryan with a keynote speech from Rev .
William Barber II , remarks from NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson , and a performance by Bebe Winans .

Fifty-seven years after Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream,” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a group of activists have once again gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to advocate for the value of Black lives.
“The Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks,” was organized by Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III and the National Action Network following the widespread protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The march follows a week where Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot in the back multiple times by an officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. During the ensuing protests a white teenager shot and killed two protesters.
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The event is expected to draw over 50,000 people from across the nation. Among those in attendance will be the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Eric Garner.
For those unable to attend the march, fear not, as the event will be livestreamed in its entirety and you can watch it above. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has already spoken with Congressman Al Green today; journalist Joy Reid, attorney Benjamin Crump and Rep. Joyce Beatty are expected to speak later. After the speakers give their remarks the attendants will march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at 1 p.m.
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Later this evening at 9 p.m. EST, the event will continue with a virtual event hosted by April Ryan with a keynote speech from Rev. William Barber II, remarks from NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, and a performance by Bebe Winans.


theroot--2020-08-28--Lake Charles Voted to Keep a Confederate Monument Up. Hurricane Laura Had Other Plans

Since 1915 , a garish statue honoring Confederate soldiers stood tall on the grounds of Lake Charles ’ courthouse .
T his year , as Black Lives Matter movements inspired people around the world to topple statues honoring racist historical figures , the town appeared to seriously consider taking the statue down , but ultimately voted to keep the statue up .
The vote from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury took place on Aug. 13. , with the group deciding by a 10-4 margin to keep the South ’ s Defenders Monument up , in a town where 48 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But as the New Orleans Advocate reports , Hurricane Laura , which made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday morning as potentially the strongest storm to ever hit the state , toppled the statue her damn self .
Photos of the damage were shared all over social media on Thursday afternoon as residents began surveying the damage the historic storm made to their town .
The green statue was thrown off its pedestal , laying on its side on the courtyard grass , its legs crumpled beneath it .
While many outside Lake Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area were more concerned about the state of their homes and their community .
Forecasters had warned of an “ unsurvivable ” storm surge across Southern Louisiana earlier in the week , urging people in affected areas to evacuate .
Many took the warning seriously—the last time the National Hurricane Center issued such a warning was Hurricane Katrina , which hit the Gulf Coast 15 years ago this week .
While the storm surge did reach 20 feet in mostly rural , marshy areas , reports USA Today , many other places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But there is still a long road to recovery for many Louisiana residents .
At least six people have died as a result of Hurricane Laura , and aerial footage—as well as up-close photos of the damage—show a wide path of devastation carving through southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas .
Roofs have been ripped off homes , businesses and schools , and many roads remain underwater .
As of Thursday afternoon , more than 400,000 Louisiana residents were without power .

Since 1915, a garish statue honoring Confederate soldiers stood tall on the grounds of Lake Charles’ courthouse. T his year, as Black Lives Matter movements inspired people around the world to topple statues honoring racist historical figures, the town appeared to seriously consider taking the statue down, but ultimately voted to keep the statue up.
The vote from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury took place on Aug. 13., with the group deciding by a 10-4 margin to keep the South’s Defenders Monument up, in a town where 48 percent of the residents identify as Black.
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But as the New Orleans Advocate reports, Hurricane Laura, which made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday morning as potentially the strongest storm to ever hit the state, toppled the statue her damn self.
Photos of the damage were shared all over social media on Thursday afternoon as residents began surveying the damage the historic storm made to their town.
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The green statue was thrown off its pedestal, laying on its side on the courtyard grass, its legs crumpled beneath it. While many outside Lake Charles cheered the fallen statue, people from the area were more concerned about the state of their homes and their community.
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Forecasters had warned of an “unsurvivable” storm surge across Southern Louisiana earlier in the week, urging people in affected areas to evacuate. Many took the warning seriously—the last time the National Hurricane Center issued such a warning was Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast 15 years ago this week.
While the storm surge did reach 20 feet in mostly rural, marshy areas, reports USA Today, many other places were spared the deadly levels predicted.
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But there is still a long road to recovery for many Louisiana residents. At least six people have died as a result of Hurricane Laura, and aerial footage—as well as up-close photos of the damage—show a wide path of devastation carving through southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. Roofs have been ripped off homes, businesses and schools, and many roads remain underwater. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 400,000 Louisiana residents were without power.


theroot--2020-08-28--Mets, Marlins Walk Off the Field After Honoring Jackie Robinson With 42-Second Moment of Silence

On Thursday night , when the Miami Marlins and New York Mets expressed their intention to play , despite plenty of other MLB teams opting to strike in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake , it raised eyebrows .
Then shortly after taking the field , this happened : If you would ’ ve told me at least four of five months ago that this would ever occur in a Major League Baseball game , I would ’ ve keeled over laughing in disbelief .
However , it ’ s clearly a new day , and America is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of systemic oppression and racialized violence .
Let ’ s just hope this country keeps that same energy at the polls in November .
After rumblings of a potential player protest , the Mets took their places on the field as scheduled .
However , starting pitcher Michael Wacha did not throw a warm-up pitch , and the teams did not exchange lineup cards .
Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson stepped into the box and both teams seemed in position to start playing , but only 42 seconds of silence , likely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both teams then exited the field , with Brinson leaving a “ Black Lives Matter ” shirt at home plate .
Prior to the game , Mets slugger Dominic Smith tearfully bemoaned the mistreatment of Black men in America .
This presumably inspired the rest of his team to protest on Thursday .
“ I think the most difficult part is to see people still don ’ t care , ” he said on Wednesday .
“ For this to just continuously happen , it just shows the hate in people ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know ?
Black men in America , it ’ s not easy.
” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred , arguably the worst in professional sports , also drew criticism from Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen for his lack of empathy in handling these protests .
The conversation was caught on a hot mic Thursday that CNBC reports was being livestreamed : “ That ’ s Rob ’ s instinct , ” Van Wagenen said in a conversation he didn ’ t appear to know was being streamed on MLB.com .
“ At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it .
He just doesn ’ t get it.
” Van Wagenen said in the video — after specifying the conversation “ can ’ t leave this room ” — that Manfred wanted the Mets and Marlins to walk off the field together shortly before the scheduled 7:10 p.m. first pitch , then come back and play at 8:10 p.m .
However , later Thursday night , Van Wagenen reversed course and pinned the blame on Mets COO Jeff Wilpon .
“ Jeff Wilpon called Commissioner Manfred this afternoon to notify him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Van Wagenen said in a statement .
“ They discussed the challenges of rescheduling the game .
Jeff proposed an idea of playing the game an hour late .
I misunderstood that this was the Commissioner ’ s idea .
In actuality , this was Jeff ’ s suggestion .
“ The players had already made their decision so I felt the suggestion was not helpful .
My frustration with the Commissioner was wrong and unfounded .
I apologize to the Commissioner for my disrespectful comments and poor judgment in inaccurately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Jeff Wilpon.
” On Friday , Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day .
To commemorate his legacy , more than 100 current and former Black MLB players will donate part of their salaries to combat racial inequality and empower Black communities .
MLB is expected to resume play on Friday as well .

On Thursday night, when the Miami Marlins and New York Mets expressed their intention to play, despite plenty of other MLB teams opting to strike in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, it raised eyebrows.
Then shortly after taking the field, this happened:
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If you would’ve told me at least four of five months ago that this would ever occur in a Major League Baseball game, I would’ve keeled over laughing in disbelief. However, it’s clearly a new day, and America is slowly coming to terms with its extensive history of systemic oppression and racialized violence.
Let’s just hope this country keeps that same energy at the polls in November.
From Yahoo Sports:
After rumblings of a potential player protest, the Mets took their places on the field as scheduled. However, starting pitcher Michael Wacha did not throw a warm-up pitch, and the teams did not exchange lineup cards. Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson stepped into the box and both teams seemed in position to start playing, but only 42 seconds of silence, likely in honor of Jackie Robinson, followed. Both teams then exited the field, with Brinson leaving a “Black Lives Matter” shirt at home plate.
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Prior to the game, Mets slugger Dominic Smith tearfully bemoaned the mistreatment of Black men in America. This presumably inspired the rest of his team to protest on Thursday.
“I think the most difficult part is to see people still don’t care,” he said on Wednesday. “For this to just continuously happen, it just shows the hate in people’s heart. That just sucks, you know? Black men in America, it’s not easy.”
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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, arguably the worst in professional sports, also drew criticism from Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen for his lack of empathy in handling these protests. The conversation was caught on a hot mic Thursday that CNBC reports was being livestreamed:
“That’s Rob’s instinct,” Van Wagenen said in a conversation he didn’t appear to know was being streamed on MLB.com. “At a leadership level, he doesn’t get it. He just doesn’t get it.” Van Wagenen said in the video — after specifying the conversation “can’t leave this room” — that Manfred wanted the Mets and Marlins to walk off the field together shortly before the scheduled 7:10 p.m. first pitch, then come back and play at 8:10 p.m.
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However, later Thursday night, Van Wagenen reversed course and pinned the blame on Mets COO Jeff Wilpon.
“Jeff Wilpon called Commissioner Manfred this afternoon to notify him that our players voted not to play,” Van Wagenen said in a statement. “They discussed the challenges of rescheduling the game. Jeff proposed an idea of playing the game an hour late. I misunderstood that this was the Commissioner’s idea. In actuality, this was Jeff’s suggestion.
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“The players had already made their decision so I felt the suggestion was not helpful. My frustration with the Commissioner was wrong and unfounded. I apologize to the Commissioner for my disrespectful comments and poor judgment in inaccurately describing the contents of his private conversation with Jeff Wilpon.”
On Friday, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day. To commemorate his legacy, more than 100 current and former Black MLB players will donate part of their salaries to combat racial inequality and empower Black communities.
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MLB is expected to resume play on Friday as well.


theroot--2020-08-28--Jacob Blake Is No Longer Handcuffed to His Hospital Bed, Attorney Says [Updated]

After being shot in the back multiple times by Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey , 29-year-old Jacob Blake is paralyzed from the waist down , says his family .
Despite Blake ’ s incapacitation—and his clear need to continue to receive treatment—his father says Blake is currently handcuffed to his hospital bed .
Blake ’ s father , also named Jacob Blake , shared the detail with CNN on Thursday .
The younger Blake is still recovering from gunshot wounds to his spinal cord , liver and kidney at a Wauwatosa , Wisconsin hospital , where he has been since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s father said he was “ heartbroken ” to see his son shackled to his hospital bed .
His uncle , Justin Blake , called it “ insult to injury.
” “ He is paralyzed and can ’ t walk and they have him cuffed to the bed , ” he said .
“ Why ?
” No one seems to have an answer , though the practice of shackling those in state custody—even as they receive critical medical care—has a long history in this country , and it is still ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and state prisons and jails still shackle pregnant incarcerated women while they give birth .
At a press conference on Thursday , Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers said he had “ no personal understanding why [ the handcuffing ] would be necessary.
” “ I would hope that we would be able to find a more—a better way to help him ... in recovering , ” Evers said .
“ That seems counterintuitive .
It seems to be bad medicine.
” The practice , of course , isn ’ t intended to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ostensibly , it ’ s to prevent people who are of interest to , or in custody of , the state from “ escaping ” —logic be damned .
What it explicitly does is reinforce ownership .
Blake—and the many other Black men and women who have shared this cruel experience—is being treated like state property .
Blake has been hospitalized for five days because of actions undertaken by Kenosha police officers ; he may very well never walk again because of the choices those cops made .
But the handcuffs holding Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police and the district ’ s attorney intend for him once he recovers adequately .
Updated : 8/28/2020 , 7:15 p.m. : The handcuffs have been removed and the warrant that led to Blake being shackled to his hospital bed has been vacated , his attorney , Patrick Cafferty , told CNN .
Kenosha County Sheriff ’ s Department spokesman Sgt .
David Wright explained earlier Friday that Blake was handcuffed to the bed because he “ has felony warrants for his arrest from crimes he committed prior to the shooting incident.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are guarding in the hospital would be treated in this manner , ” Wright said in a statement .
In response to the statement from the sheriff ’ s office , Blake ’ s uncle , Justin Blake , told CNN , “ It shows how little class and compassion the sheriff has .
”

After being shot in the back multiple times by Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey, 29-year-old Jacob Blake is paralyzed from the waist down, says his family. Despite Blake’s incapacitation—and his clear need to continue to receive treatment—his father says Blake is currently handcuffed to his hospital bed.
Blake’s father, also named Jacob Blake, shared the detail with CNN on Thursday. The younger Blake is still recovering from gunshot wounds to his spinal cord, liver and kidney at a Wauwatosa, Wisconsin hospital, where he has been since being shot on Sunday night.
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Blake’s father said he was “heartbroken” to see his son shackled to his hospital bed.
His uncle, Justin Blake, called it “insult to injury.”
“He is paralyzed and can’t walk and they have him cuffed to the bed,” he said. “Why?”
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No one seems to have an answer, though the practice of shackling those in state custody—even as they receive critical medical care—has a long history in this country, and it is still ongoing. For instance, guards from local and state prisons and jails still shackle pregnant incarcerated women while they give birth.
At a press conference on Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said he had “no personal understanding why [the handcuffing] would be necessary.”
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“I would hope that we would be able to find a more—a better way to help him ... in recovering,” Evers said. “That seems counterintuitive. It seems to be bad medicine.”
The practice, of course, isn’t intended to help the detained person in any way. Ostensibly, it’s to prevent people who are of interest to, or in custody of, the state from “escaping”—logic be damned. What it explicitly does is reinforce ownership. Blake—and the many other Black men and women who have shared this cruel experience—is being treated like state property.
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Blake has been hospitalized for five days because of actions undertaken by Kenosha police officers; he may very well never walk again because of the choices those cops made. But the handcuffs holding Blake to his bed make clear what Kenosha police and the district’s attorney intend for him once he recovers adequately.
More chains.
Updated: 8/28/2020, 7:15 p.m.: The handcuffs have been removed and the warrant that led to Blake being shackled to his hospital bed has been vacated, his attorney, Patrick Cafferty, told CNN.
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From CNN: