theroot--2020-08-18--It Cost Me $64 to Vote in the Georgia Primary Elections

I am a 23-year-old Black man from Cobb County , Georgia , and it cost me $ 64 to vote in the Georgia primary elections .
As a recent college graduate working out-of-state before starting law school , I have been voting by absentee ballot since 2016 .
Until this year , I had encountered few issues in casting my ballot , even in the 2018 midterms , which saw 53,000 voter registrations—70 percent of which were from Black voters—reportedly held up in the Secretary of State ’ s office ( the office held by the then-Republican nominee for governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , my luck ran out .
The presidential primaries were originally scheduled for March 24 , and I submitted my absentee ballot request on February 17 .
I felt comfortable as I dropped my ballot in the mailbox on March 16 , knowing that state election officials had postponed the primary to May 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Election officials rescheduled the primary again to June 9 .
On May 26 , after seeing a Facebook post by Gwinnett County school board member Everton Blair describing how to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to do just that .
Not seeing confirmation that my ballot—which I had mailed over two months prior—had been received , I immediately called the elections office .
The woman on the other end looked up my information and told me that not only had they not received my ballot , but that they had failed to receive many voters ’ ballots when COVID-19 forced their office to temporarily close .
She instructed me to submit another request form , in hopes that another ballot could be mailed to me with enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mail it back before June 9 , the date by which it had to be received to be counted .
I submitted my second absentee ballot application immediately after hanging up the phone , and I said a prayer .
My ballot finally arrived on June 5 , four days before it needed to be in the hands of a Cobb County election official .
Express shipping was my only option at that point , so the next morning , I scrambled to fill out the ballot and walked to a nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I used my phone to locate another store , but without a car , I had to call an Uber—something I had not done during the pandemic .
Once there , I chose the shipping option that would get my ballot to Georgia on June 8 , but not trusting the elections office , I arranged for the ballot to be shipped to my family ’ s home so that my mom could hand-deliver it to the office for me .
I paid because I remembered the incalculable price that people like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I also paid because my college degree and well-paying job afforded me the means to do so .
I prevailed against voter suppression ( having to request and mail an absentee ballot multiple times to have my vote counted ) , but only because my access to information and resources made that possible .
It has been widely reported that Black Georgians voting in-person faced similarly steep barriers on primary day , from long waits to issues with new voting machines .
Disturbingly , those who showed up to vote having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were turned away .
Even the Republican Secretary of State called these issues “ unacceptable.
” Fortunately , our elected leaders can do something about it .
After having recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 , the US Senate has the opportunity to restore a key provision of that landmark bill that was gutted in 2013 by the Supreme Court .
The newly-introduced John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would , among other things , require that any state with a history of voting discrimination within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making changes to its voting procedures .
It is necessary but not sufficient that the Senate consider and ultimately pass that bill .
To truly have fair and safe elections , mail-in voting must be improved and expanded ( like California did by mailing an absentee ballot to every registered voter ) , the U.S .
Postal Service must be funded , election officials must communicate election changes early and often , automatic voter registration must be implemented ( as has been done in New York ) , and Election Day must become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our democracy is at stake .
I urge our leaders to act while there is still time .
Black lives can not matter until Black votes matter , too .
Gevin Reynolds graduated from Harvard University in 2019 as a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar .
In college , he interned for the late Congressman John Lewis .
Follow him on Twitter at @ GevinReynolds .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

I am a 23-year-old Black man from Cobb County, Georgia, and it cost me $64 to vote in the Georgia primary elections.
Let me explain.
As a recent college graduate working out-of-state before starting law school, I have been voting by absentee ballot since 2016. Until this year, I had encountered few issues in casting my ballot, even in the 2018 midterms, which saw 53,000 voter registrations—70 percent of which were from Black voters—reportedly held up in the Secretary of State’s office (the office held by the then-Republican nominee for governor) one month before the election.
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This year, my luck ran out.
The presidential primaries were originally scheduled for March 24, and I submitted my absentee ballot request on February 17. I felt comfortable as I dropped my ballot in the mailbox on March 16, knowing that state election officials had postponed the primary to May 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Election officials rescheduled the primary again to June 9. On May 26, after seeing a Facebook post by Gwinnett County school board member Everton Blair describing how to check your absentee ballot status online, I decided to do just that. Not seeing confirmation that my ballot—which I had mailed over two months prior—had been received, I immediately called the elections office.
The woman on the other end looked up my information and told me that not only had they not received my ballot, but that they had failed to receive many voters’ ballots when COVID-19 forced their office to temporarily close. She instructed me to submit another request form, in hopes that another ballot could be mailed to me with enough time for me to fill it out and mail it back before June 9, the date by which it had to be received to be counted.
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I submitted my second absentee ballot application immediately after hanging up the phone, and I said a prayer.
My ballot finally arrived on June 5, four days before it needed to be in the hands of a Cobb County election official. Express shipping was my only option at that point, so the next morning, I scrambled to fill out the ballot and walked to a nearby UPS store. Finding it unexpectedly closed, I used my phone to locate another store, but without a car, I had to call an Uber—something I had not done during the pandemic.
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Once there, I chose the shipping option that would get my ballot to Georgia on June 8, but not trusting the elections office, I arranged for the ballot to be shipped to my family’s home so that my mom could hand-deliver it to the office for me.
“$63.86,” the clerk said.
I paid because I remembered the incalculable price that people like the late Congressman John Lewis had paid, but I also paid because my college degree and well-paying job afforded me the means to do so. I prevailed against voter suppression (having to request and mail an absentee ballot multiple times to have my vote counted), but only because my access to information and resources made that possible.
Advertisement
It has been widely reported that Black Georgians voting in-person faced similarly steep barriers on primary day, from lo ng waits to issues with new voting machines. Disturbingly, those who showed up to vote having requested but never received an absentee ballot were turned away. Even the Republican Secretary of State called these issues “unacceptable.”
Advertisement
Fortunately, our elected leaders can do something about it.
After having recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the US Senate has the opportunity to restore a key provision of that landmark bill that was gutted in 2013 by the Supreme Court. The newly-introduced John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would, among other things, require that any state with a history of voting discrimination within the past 25 years seek federal approval before making changes to its voting procedures.
Advertisement
It is necessary but not sufficient that the Senate consider and ultimately pass that bill. To truly have fair and safe elections, mail-in voting must be improved and expanded (like California did by mailing an absentee ballot to every registered voter), the U.S. Postal Service must be funded, election officials must communicate election changes early and often, automatic voter registration must be implemented (as has been done in New York), and Election Day must become a federal holiday.
The future of our democracy is at stake. I urge our leaders to act while there is still time. Black lives cannot matter until Black votes matter, too.
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Gevin Reynolds graduated from Harvard University in 2019 as a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar. In college, he interned for the late Congressman John Lewis. Follow him on Twitter at @GevinReynolds.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-19--Black Lives Matter Signs Reportedly Set on Fire in Cleveland

Multiple homeowners in Cleveland , Ohio , have reported their Black Lives matter signs were set on fire .
According to Fox 8 , three homeowners in the neighborhood of Ohio City reported their signs were set on fire , and other residents reported that their signs supporting presumptive Democratic p residential nominee Joe Biden were stolen .
Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack has called on Cleveland p olice to investigate the burned signs as a hate crime .
“ People plucking yard signs here and there is something that we ’ ve seen forever , but burning signs like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that these were burned and let ’ s say some of the Biden signs were not , that tells me that the people that were doing it were targeting a specific message , ” McCormack told Fox 8 .
Ohio City resident Paul Sherlock told the news outlet that he was walking his dogs when he noticed the Black Lives Matter sign on his front lawn had been stolen .
Sherlock felt that this was not only theft , but a violation of his freedom of speech .
“ My Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people suddenly aware of Black Lives Matter , it ’ s saying that I support it , so I should be allowed to express that opinion , ” Sherlock told Fox 8 .
Ohio City Incorporated has asked for the homeowners affected to check any surveillance footage they may have to see if it captured the face of whoever is responsible .
Some homeowners have already begun to move their signs indoors and display them in their windows .
One of the homeowners who had their BLM sign burned has already replaced it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intends to double down on the signs .
“ I ’ m going to buy more signs , so you take one , I ’ m going to put up two , you take two , I ’ m going to put up four.
” “ What I would guess is that they are trying to silence the voices of our community for supporting our black neighbors .
We will not be silent and we will continue to support initiatives for racial justice , ” McCormack told Fox 8 .

Multiple homeowners in Cleveland, Ohio, have reported their Black Lives matter signs were set on fire.
According to Fox 8, three homeowners in the neighborhood of Ohio City reported their signs were set on fire, and other residents reported that their signs supporting presumptive Democratic p residential nominee Joe Biden were stolen. Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack has called on Cleveland p olice to investigate the burned signs as a hate crime.
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“People plucking yard signs here and there is something that we’ve seen forever, but burning signs like this is a different level. The fact that these were burned and let’s say some of the Biden signs were not, that tells me that the people that were doing it were targeting a specific message,” McCormack told Fox 8.
Ohio City resident Paul Sherlock told the news outlet that he was walking his dogs when he noticed the Black Lives Matter sign on his front lawn had been stolen. Sherlock felt that this was not only theft, but a violation of his freedom of speech. “My Black Lives Matter sign is not going to make people suddenly aware of Black Lives Matter, it’s saying that I support it, so I should be allowed to express that opinion,” Sherlock told Fox 8.
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Ohio City Incorporated has asked for the homeowners affected to check any surveillance footage they may have to see if it captured the face of whoever is responsible. Some homeowners have already begun to move their signs indoors and display them in their windows. One of the homeowners who had their BLM sign burned has already replaced it. Sherlock told Fox 8 that he intends to double down on the signs. “I’m going to buy more signs, so you take one, I’m going to put up two, you take two, I’m going to put up four.”
“What I would guess is that they are trying to silence the voices of our community for supporting our black neighbors. We will not be silent and we will continue to support initiatives for racial justice,” McCormack told Fox 8.


theroot--2020-08-18--Five Kitchen Upgrades to Take You From Summer to Fall Under $50

For people who love to cook , this time of year , the end of summer and start of fall can feel like a beginning .
It ’ s also entirely possible that in this terrible year , many people who hadn ’ t previously thought of themselves the type who love to cook found themselves in the kitchen a lot more than they anticipated , and are maybe feeling that fall cooking excitement for the first time !
Regardless of whether you ’ re an old pro or a newer cook , it ’ s pretty much a given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a bit , and these inexpensive tools and small appliances can help make your autumn extra delicious .
After a long couple of months of relying on frozen vegetables for fiber , one of the best things about this summer was having access to fresh produce again—if you , like me , are already despondently anticipating a return to that sorry state , it ’ s a good time to go wild at the farmers ’ market .
Tools and small appliances that help turn a farmers ’ market haul into meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soups , can help to keep that fresh produce feeling alive .
Enter : The stick blender !
This little guy takes up very little storage space , is easy to clean , and will make quick work of turning vegetables like tomatoes or squash into delicious homemade soups and sauces—stick blenders are also great for whipping up morning smoothies , if that ’ s your thing , and for blending up fancy coffee and/or boozy drinks .
Another type of small appliance that can take you from the end of summer-early fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the good old slow cooker !
Crockpots are actually great in the summertime , because they don ’ t throw off a lot of heat in the kitchen while the weather is still warm , and they ’ re the perfect thing for the chilis and stews you ’ ll start craving when a chill hits the air .
This year , with people entertaining ( small groups only please ! )
at home more than ever before , a dual-chambered slow cooker—or even a tri-chambered one—allows you to serve more than one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone ?
? )
at a time .
Making breakfast sandwiches at home is easy , to be sure .
But the cleanup , ouch .
If you ’ re a person who regularly makes breakfast sandwiches , or if you ’ d like to be but the whole thing feels like more of a chore than it ’ s worth , a breakfast sandwich maker like this one , that makes cleanup a cinch , is a great investment .
In five minutes , you can have the exact sammie you want—on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are you more of a hard roll guy ?
No problem .
Want to throw some pork roll in there , pal ?
Go for it , but for God ’ s sake it ’ s called Taylor ham !
If I were in the business of predicting trends , I ’ d say that homemade pasta making will take the place of sourdough as this fall ’ s It DIY Carb .
You heard it here first !
Stock up on semolina now !
If you have a stand mixer , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will probably be the best option for you .
If you want a standalone machine , this pasta maker comes with three attachments for rolling out spaghetti , ravioli , and lasagna noodles ; attachments for making gnocchi , angel hair , and trenette are sold separately .
Back at the beginning of this journey through seasonal transitions in cooking , I mentioned slow cookers .
They have SO many wonderful uses , one of the most popular of which is turning big , cheap cuts of meat into tender , delicious meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Those big cuts of meat , tender though they ’ ll be when they emerge from Ye Olde Crock , still need to be shredded up .
The old use-two-forks method works , sure , but it can be tedious and very taxing on the forearms .
These massive “ claws ” make shredding much easier than the fork method , so if you plan to have a meaty autumn , it ’ s worth considering the purchase .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

For people who love to cook, this time of year, the end of summer and start of fall can feel like a beginning. It’s also entirely possible that in this terrible year, many people who hadn’t previously thought of themselves the type who love to cook found themselves in the kitchen a lot more than they anticipated, and are maybe feeling that fall cooking excitement for the first time! Regardless of whether you’re an old pro or a newer cook, it’s pretty much a given that home cooking is here to stay for a bit, and these inexpensive tools and small appliances can help make your autumn extra delicious.
After a long couple of months of relying on frozen vegetables for fiber, one of the best things about this summer was having access to fresh produce again—if you, like me, are already despondently anticipating a return to that sorry state, it’s a good time to go wild at the farmers’ market. Tools and small appliances that help turn a farmers’ market haul into meals to stock in your freezer, like soups, can help to keep that fresh produce feeling alive. Enter: The stick blender! This little guy takes up very little storage space, is easy to clean, and will make quick work of turning vegetables like tomatoes or squash into delicious homemade soups and sauces—stick blenders are also great for whipping up morning smoothies, if that’s your thing, and for blending up fancy coffee and/or boozy drinks.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Another type of small appliance that can take you from the end of summer-early fall produce haul into colder weather cooking is the good old slow cooker! Crockpots are actually great in the summertime, because they don’t throw off a lot of heat in the kitchen while the weather is still warm, and they’re the perfect thing for the chilis and stews you’ll start craving when a chill hits the air. This year, with people entertaining (small groups only please!) at home more than ever before, a dual-chambered slow cooker—or even a tri-chambered one—allows you to serve more than one hot dish (chili and queso, anyone??) at a time.
Advertisement
Making breakfast sandwiches at home is easy, to be sure. But the cleanup, ouch. If you’re a person who regularly makes breakfast sandwiches, or if you’d like to be but the whole thing feels like more of a chore than it’s worth, a breakfast sandwich maker like this one, that makes cleanup a cinch, is a great investment. In five minutes, you can have the exact sammie you want—on an English with cheese? Sure! Are you more of a hard roll guy? No problem. Want to throw some pork roll in there, pal? Go for it, but for God’s sake it’s called Taylor ham!
Advertisement
Advertisement
If I were in the business of predicting trends, I’d say that homemade pasta making will take the place of sourdough as this fall’s It DIY Carb. You heard it here first! Stock up on semolina now! If you have a stand mixer, like a KitchenAid, a pasta attachment set will probably be the best option for you. If you want a standalone machine, this pasta maker comes with three attachments for rolling out spaghetti, ravioli, and lasagna noodles; attachments for making gnocchi, angel hair, and trenette are sold separately.
Advertisement
Back at the beginning of this journey through seasonal transitions in cooking, I mentioned slow cookers. They have SO many wonderful uses, one of the most popular of which is turning big, cheap cuts of meat into tender, delicious meals like pulled pork or chicken. But! Those big cuts of meat, tender though they’ll be when they emerge from Ye Olde Crock, still need to be shredded up. The old use-two-forks method works, sure, but it can be tedious and very taxing on the forearms. These massive “claws” make shredding much easier than the fork method, so if you plan to have a meaty autumn, it’s worth considering the purchase.


theroot--2020-08-18--Steve Harvey and Kanye West Were Chilling at Chik-Fil-A...and I Just Want to Know What That Is in Ha

Steve Harvey and Kanye West Were Chilling at Chik-Fil-A...and I Just Want to Know What That Is in Harvey's Pocket

Stop me if you ’ ve heard this one before , but ...
So Kanye West and Steve Harvey walk into a Chick-fil-A ... What ?
You heard this one ?
No , bruh , the punchline is not , “ They joined the CEO in opposing gay-wedding-abortions to protect their religious freedoms ” —dude , that ’ s dark .
Anyway , Yeezus and the Darkwing Duck cosplay champion apparently paid a recent visit to the fast-food chain that closes on Sunday because God don ’ t like really good lemonade , and Kanye posted a picture of Harvey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Harvey was hungry.
” Who knows what the two talked about over lunch .
Perhaps Ye is considering Harvey as a running mate in the upcoming presidential race .
( They have opposing views when it comes to proper attire because while Harvey has an affinity for bright , vibrant colors , Kanye ’ s entire clothing line looks like Jesus-pajamas—but they still connect on enough issues to make that ticket work . )
Maybe they were discussing gifts for their mutual friend President Donald Trump .
( Harvey wanted to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleep in at night , but that got shut down when Kanye cited it as proof that slavery is a choice . )
Perhaps they were planning a support group where they can talk about how sleep deprivation disproportionately affects the affluent .
Kanye wanted to have the discussion in private first because , in public , Harvey always starts off loud and wrong , like ... What they discussed doesn ’ t matter .
There ’ s really only one important question here : WTF is that in Steve Harvey ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of the photo Kanye posted , you can see what appears to be the corner of a ziplock bag hanging out of Coach Hightower ’ s pants pocket .
Now , to be fair , that bag could contain anything .
Maybe it ’ s some kind of miracle ointment designed to bring back Harvey ’ s ’ 90s hairline .
Maybe he ’ s just holding onto Kanye ’ s medication because that ’ s what a good friend and non-enabler does .
Or maybe the baggie in Broderick ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know his full name is Broderick Stephen Harvey ?
I had no idea . )
explains why the two were so hungry in the first place .
I ’ m not saying that what Harvey has in his pocket is clearly a 14-gram bag of OG Bubba Kush ( not that I would know about such things ) , I ’ m just asking questions here .
I ’ m just saying , maybe the King of Comedy isn ’ t taking the advice of a certain sports journalist and TV personality that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend of his : Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but...
So Kanye West and Steve Harvey walk into a Chick-fil-A...
What? You heard this one? No, bruh, the punchline is not, “They joined the CEO in opposing gay-wedding-abortions to protect their religious freedoms”—dude, that’s dark.
Anyway, Yeezus and the Darkwing Duck cosplay champion apparently paid a recent visit to the fast-food chain that closes on Sunday because God don’t like really good lemonade, and Kanye posted a picture of Harvey under the caption, “Me and Steve Harvey was hungry.”
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Who knows what the two talked about over lunch. Perhaps Ye is considering Harvey as a running mate in the upcoming presidential race. (They have opposing views when it comes to proper attire because while Harvey has an affinity for bright, vibrant colors, Kanye’s entire clothing line looks like Jesus-pajamas—but they still connect on enough issues to make that ticket work.)
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Maybe they were discussing gifts for their mutual friend President Donald Trump. (Harvey wanted to get Trump a cage for his toupee to sleep in at night, but that got shut down when Kanye cited it as proof that slavery is a choice.)
Perhaps they were planning a support group where they can talk about how sleep deprivation disproportionately affects the affluent. Kanye wanted to have the discussion in private first because, in public, Harvey always starts off loud and wrong, like...
What they discussed doesn’t matter. There’s really only one important question here: WTF is that in Steve Harvey’s pocket?
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If you look closely toward the bottom of the photo Kanye posted, you can see what appears to be the corner of a ziplock bag hanging out of Coach Hightower’s pants pocket.
Now, to be fair, that bag could contain anything. Maybe it’s some kind of miracle ointment designed to bring back Harvey’s ’90s hairline. Maybe he’s just holding onto Kanye’s medication because that’s what a good friend and non-enabler does.
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Or maybe the baggie in Broderick’s pocket (Did y’all know his full name is Broderick Stephen Harvey? I had no idea.) explains why the two were so hungry in the first place.
I’m not saying that what Harvey has in his pocket is clearly a 14-gram bag of OG Bubba Kush (not that I would know about such things), I’m just asking questions here.
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I’m just saying, maybe the King of Comedy isn’t taking the advice of a certain sports journalist and TV personality that I imagine has to be a close friend of his:
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-18--There Is No Spoon and No Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix 4 Because He Wasn't Invited

Neo ( Keanu Reeves ) may be “ The One ” of The Matrix franchise , but we can ’ t ignore the impact of the one and only Morpheus , portrayed by Laurence Fishburne .
Whether it was his wise words or his royal style ( shout-out to those sunglasses without temples ) , Morpheus was the man .
As you may know by now , a fourth installment of The Matrix is coming , now known as The Matrix 4 .
For those of you who intentionally forgot that there was a third Matrix ( some fever dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how bad it was , I know the number “ four ” comes as a surprise to you .
But , yes , the fourth Matrix will be directed by Lana Wachowski and while the plot details are a mystery , we do know there ’ s a packed cast : Keanu Reeves , Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett-Smith reprising their roles as well as new characters portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II , Jonathan Groff , Priyanka Chopra and Neil Patrick Harris .
You may have noticed the omission of Laurence Motherfucking Fishburne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s not going to be in it , friends .
I ’ m sorry , what ?
!
Yes , I ’ m reporting on this news and am reacting to the news in real-time .
The shocking news comes straight from Fishburne , himself .
“ I have not been invited .
Maybe that will make me write another play .
I wish them well .
I hope it ’ s great , ” Fishburne recently told New York Magazine , via The Wrap .
Fishburne knows Morpheus is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s cool with that .
He ’ s also comfortable with the fact that he ’ s played plenty more roles that he ’ ll be remembered for .
“ It is probably the role that I ’ ll be best remembered for , which is great ; it ’ s not the only thing I ’ ll be remembered for , which is better , ” Fishburne noted .
“ What I get with [ Morpheus ] is I ’ ve got Darth Vader in this hand , and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve got Bruce Lee , I ’ ve got Muhammad Ali shuffled in there , and I ’ ve got kung fu.
” Exactly .
There are so many sides of Fishburne to choose from .
I mean , shit , he didn ’ t even mention playing Ike Turner in What ’ s Love Got To Do With It , which precedes The Matrix and is an iconic performance that sits in a special place in the hearts of the Black community ( as well as earning him a 1994 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted , Morpheus dies in the multiplayer game , The Matrix Online which is apparently a part of The Matrix canon , but fans believe his death was faked .
Stranger things have happened in 2020 , so maybe Fishburne may surprise us and pop up in the film after all .
There ’ s still time for such surprises because Warner Bros. pushed back the release date to Spring 2022 due to the production shutdown caused by the global coronavirus pandemic .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

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

Neo (Keanu Reeves) may be “The One” of The Matrix franchise, but we can’t ignore the impact of the one and only Morpheus, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne. Whether it was his wise words or his royal style (shout-out to those sunglasses without temples), Morpheus was the man.
As you may know by now, a fourth installment of The Matrix is coming, now known as The Matrix 4. For those of you who intentionally forgot that there was a third Matrix (some fever dream called The Matrix Revolutions) because of how bad it was, I know the number “four” comes as a surprise to you. But, yes, the fourth Matrix will be directed by Lana Wachowski and while the plot details are a mystery, we do know there’s a packed cast: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett-Smith reprising their roles as well as new characters portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Priyanka Chopra and Neil Patrick Harris.
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You may have noticed the omission of Laurence Motherfucking Fishburne. Well, that’s because he’s not going to be in it, friends. I’m sorry, what?! Yes, I’m reporting on this news and am reacting to the news in real-time. The shocking news comes straight from Fishburne, himself.
“I have not been invited. Maybe that will make me write another play. I wish them well. I hope it’s great,” Fishburne recently told New York Magazine, via The Wrap.
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Fishburne knows Morpheus is one of his most beloved characters and he’s cool with that. He’s also comfortable with the fact that he’s played plenty more roles that he’ll be remembered for.
“It is probably the role that I’ll be best remembered for, which is great; it’s not the only thing I’ll be remembered for, which is better,” Fishburne noted. “What I get with [Morpheus] is I’ve got Darth Vader in this hand, and I’ve got Obi-Wan in that hand. I’ve got Bruce Lee, I’ve got Muhammad Ali shuffled in there, and I’ve got kung fu.”
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Exactly. There are so many sides of Fishburne to choose from. I mean, shit, he didn’t even mention playing Ike Turner in What’s Love Got To Do With It, which precedes The Matrix and is an iconic performance that sits in a special place in the hearts of the Black community (as well as earning him a 1994 Oscar nod).
As The Wrap noted, Morpheus dies in the multiplayer game, The Matrix Online which is apparently a part of The Matrix canon, but fans believe his death was faked. Stranger things have happened in 2020, so maybe Fishburne may surprise us and pop up in the film after all. There’s still time for such surprises because Warner Bros. pushed back the release date to Spring 2022 due to the production shutdown caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.
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Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-18--Black Teenager Who Was Told to Cut His Locs by School Wins Court Ruling

On Monday evening , a Texas federal judge ruled in favor of a Black teenager who was told he had to cut his hair or he couldn ’ t attend school .
According to NBC News , a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge George C. Hanks Jr. will allow 16-year- old Kaden Bradford to attend Barbers Hill School without facing suspension for his locs .
In January , both Kaden and his older cousin DeAndre Arnold were told by the school that they would have to cut their hair or they wouldn ’ t be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was not allowed to walk because he refused to cut his hair .
The Barbers Hill Independent School District intended to keep Bradford indefinitely placed in in-school suspension , which would have prevented him from participating in school activities .
Bradford ’ s family filed a lawsuit against the school in May of this year , believing the school ’ s dress code to be racist .
In July , the b oard of t rustees for the school district voted unanimously not to change the dress code .
Officials in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 5,400 students , have said that the high school allows dreadlocks , also called locs , but has “ a community-supported policy ” governing the length of male students ’ hair .
The district dress code states male students can not have their hair “ gathered or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below ” the collar , earlobes and eyes when let down .
Kaden ’ s mother , Cindy Bradford , has said her son , like DeAndre , has worn locs for years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ headband to keep his locs off his shoulders , his mother said .
The school told her that if Kaden kept his locs pulled back , he would not be in violation of its hair policy , she said .
But the policy changed in December 2019 , midway through Kaden ’ s sophomore year , to restrict the length of hair when it was let down .
“ Today ’ s momentous decision enjoining enforcement of BHISD ’ s discriminatory dress and grooming policy makes a huge difference for our client , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extracurricular activities after being unfairly deprived of an equal education for many months , ” Janai Nelson , a ssociate d irector-c ounsel of the NAACP Legal Defens e Fund , said in a statement sent to The Root .
The LDF represented Bradford ’ s family along with legal firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld , who worked pro bono .
The ruling found that Kaden “ has shown a substantial likelihood that his rights under the Equal Protection Clause and the First Amendment will be violated if his motion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has additionally shown that he will receive either inferior instruction or no instruction if his motion is denied.
” A final ruling on the federal complaint is still being awaited following the preliminary injunction .
“ We are pleased with the court ’ s decision , as it means that K.B .
is no longer being deprived of an equal education simply for existing as his full self , ” Mahogane Reed , an LDF Fellow , said in a statement .
“ It is especially critical that we do not close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who already endure countless hurdles in their quest to get an education because their physical appearance does not meet some arbitrary standard of acceptability .
”

On Monday evening, a Texas federal judge ruled in favor of a Black teenager who was told he had to cut his hair or he couldn’t attend school.
According to NBC News, a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge George C. Hanks Jr. will allow 16-year- old Kaden Bradford to attend Barbers Hill School without facing suspension for his locs. In January, both Kaden and his older cousin DeAndre Arnold were told by the school that they would have to cut their hair or they wouldn’t be able to attend classes. Arnold graduated in May but was not allowed to walk because he refused to cut his hair. The Barbers Hill Independent School District intended to keep Bradford indefinitely placed in in-school suspension, which would have prevented him from participating in school activities.
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Bradford’s family filed a lawsuit against the school in May of this year, believing the school’s dress code to be racist. In July, the b oard of t rustees for the school district voted unanimously not to change the dress code.
From NBC News:
Officials in the majority-white Barbers Hill district, which has nearly 5,400 students, have said that the high school allows dreadlocks, also called locs, but has “a community-supported policy” governing the length of male students’ hair. The district dress code states male students cannot have their hair “gathered or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below” the collar, earlobes and eyes when let down. Kaden’s mother, Cindy Bradford, has said her son, like DeAndre, has worn locs for years. Last year, Kaden would wear a headband to keep his locs off his shoulders, his mother said. The school told her that if Kaden kept his locs pulled back, he would not be in violation of its hair policy, she said. But the policy changed in December 2019, midway through Kaden’s sophomore year, to restrict the length of hair when it was let down.
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“Today’s momentous decision enjoining enforcement of BHISD’s discriminatory dress and grooming policy makes a huge difference for our client, who may now return to class and extracurricular activities after being unfairly deprived of an equal education for many months,” Janai Nelson, a ssociate d irector-c ounsel of the NAACP Legal Defens e Fund, said in a statement sent to The Root. The LDF represented Bradford’s family along with legal firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, who worked pro bono.
The ruling found that Kaden “has shown a substantial likelihood that his rights under the Equal Protection Clause and the First Amendment will be violated if his motion for a preliminary injunction is denied, and he has additionally shown that he will receive either inferior instruction or no instruction if his motion is denied.” A final ruling on the federal complaint is still being awaited following the preliminary injunction.
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“We are pleased with the court’s decision, as it means that K.B. is no longer being deprived of an equal education simply for existing as his full self,” Mahogane Reed, an LDF Fellow, said in a statement. “It is especially critical that we do not close the schoolhouse door to children of color, who already endure countless hurdles in their quest to get an education because their physical appearance does not meet some arbitrary standard of acceptability.”


theroot--2020-08-18--Furniture, Kitchen Gear, and Household Goods: Today’s Best Walmart Deals

The best Walmart deals of August 2020 are here .
Walmart is well known for its rollback prices , shaving dollars off of the usual price points to entice you into its stores—but you can find those very same prices online .
If you ’ re looking for indoor and outdoor furniture , women ’ s fashion , kitchen appliances , and affordable gadgets , then look no further .
We ’ ve rounded up today ’ s best Walmart.com deals in those categories and others , as you ’ ll find below .
Don ’ t miss these bargains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flowery pattern of this special edition Pioneer Woman-themed release , then you can save $ 40 off an Instant Pot right now .
Instant Pots have become extremely popular for their rapid pressure cooking , whether it ’ s meats , veggies , eggs , or something else entirely , and you won ’ t find a bargain like this very often .
Walmart has a bunch of first-party Nintendo Switch games on sale for $ 50 each right now , and while we ’ ve seen some of these deals elsewhere of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are truly hot and fresh : Animal Crossing : New Horizons , Super Smash Bros .
Ultimate , and Luigi ’ s Mansion 3 .
Each is $ 10 off the list price , a rare discount , and all are highly recommended .
You won ’ t find a much lower price on an officially refurbished model of Dyson ’ s signature cordless , stick-like vacuums .
For a Dyson , this is cheeeeeap .
This V6 Absolute model provides up to 20 minutes of sustained suction , with a motorized head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked down $ 40 from the usual refurbished price at Walmart right now , and has a six-month official warranty direct from Dyson .
Save $ 200 off the price of this Best Choice brand Modern Home dining set , which comes with a 55-inch table with engineered wood , four chairs , and a two-person bench with storage underneath .
The table itself also has a storage rack directly beneath the tabletop , adding extra function to this furniture .
There ’ s free delivery , too .
Up your kitchen game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rotisserie from Best Choice .
You can also dehydrate food , easily crisp up french fries and other veggies , and bakes , toasts , and more .
It also has tongs and an oven mitt included , along with other accessories to enable it many functions .
Save $ 115 right now .
Late summer tends to deliver the hottest days , which can make your home a sweltering hellfire if you ’ re not properly equipped .
Don ’ t let the heat sneak up on your : grab a Lasko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s currently $ 14 off at Walmart .
It has three blowing speeds , a timer setting , and a remote control — so you don ’ t even need to get up to blast some breeze in your general direction .
Nice one .
If the price didn ’ t already give it away , let ’ s be very clear : this isn ’ t a very fancy TV .
At 720p resolution , it ’ s not as crisp as the standard 1080p sets you usually see , let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That said , this is a good-sized TV that already has the Roku streaming platform built in , which means you won ’ t have to connect a streaming box or stick to access apps like Netflix , Hulu , and more .
For $ 108 , that ’ s a bargain if you ’ re not too fussy about picture sharpness .
Walmart customers seem to agree , given the 4.5-star rating .
Whether you ’ re sending kids back to school in the coming weeks or just need a handy on-the-go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this Champion-branded franchise backpack .
Available in red , black , and grey , Walmart is currently slashing $ 15 off the list price of this medium-sized bag .
Whether it ’ s your first place or you just need some fresh hardware , Tramontina ’ s Primaware 18-piece nonstick cookware set is an easy , affordable kitchen upgrade .
This bundle provides a set of pans , cooking utensils , and other accessories that ’ ll let you do a lot more in your kitchen .
Save $ 10 off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vizio ’ s latest and greatest V-Series 4K HDR Smart TVs in stock right now , and this sizable 60 ” model is already marked down $ 50 from the MSRP .
You ’ ll get a crisp , vibrant picture thanks to Vizio ’ s new IQ Active image processor , while the built-in array of streaming apps mean you won ’ t need an additional device to access Netflix , Hulu , Disney+ , and other top services .
Sit back and relax outdoors with this two-pack of comfy , ergonomic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairs , which fold up for easy transport and storage .
They have the added perks of removable headrests and cup holders too , making them extra-functional furniture for cookouts , tailgating , and more .
Save $ 59 off the usual bundle price right now , and be sure to check the color options for availability .
The whole concept of outdoor furniture based on Ryan ’ s World—a wildly popular YouTube channel in which a young child reviews toys—is pretty unnerving .
But if you ’ re keen on something to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might be able to overlook that given the $ 170 discount here off the list price .
Besides , that branded banner can clearly be left off .
This microwave has no frills whatsoever , but if you just want a microwave that is small , cheap , and simple , this should do the trick .
It ’ s a compact 0.7 cubic feet , but for Lean Cuisines and other smaller cooking needs , this is a stellar price .
Save $ 10 off the list price right now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as it is sold in red , white , or black .

Benjamin Levin and Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deals: Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera | $60
The best Walmart deals of September 2020 are here.
Walmart is well known for its rollback prices, shaving dollars off of the usual price points to entice you into its stores—but you can find those very same prices online. If you’re looking for indoor and outdoor furniture, women’s fashion, kitchen appliances, and affordable gadgets, then look no further.
And the mega-retailer is about to take a shot at Amazon’s rapid-delivery dominance with the September 15 launch of Walmart+, a premium service that includes unlimited same-day delivery from stores along with other perks. Stay tuned for more details as the launch nears.
We’ve rounded up today’s best Walmart.com deals in those categories and others, as you’ll find below. Don’t miss these bargains!
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If you’re still keen on physical photo prints, this is a heck of a deal. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S lets you take snaps and immediately print them out on little strips. This camera is listed at $100 elsewhere, but it’s only $60 at Walmart with a bonus 10-pack of film included.
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If you’re running low on face masks or just want to have a solid stockpile as backup, Walmart currently has this 50-pack of disposable masks for just over $12. The tri-layer fabric mask attaches via soft elastic ear hoops—and if you want even more, you can bump up to a 100-pack for just $20.
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Gear up for outdoor running this fall with this Wilson training hoodie. Available in both men’s and women’s varieties in the same style, this hooded jacket is ventilated and allows for full range of motion. It’s priced between $21 and $48 depending on size.
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Save more than half off the list price of this compact Soul Tracks record player, which folds up like a briefcase and stays out of sight when not in use. It has modest stereo speakers of its own, but works best connected to external speakers. In any case, so long as your expectations are in check, customer reviews suggest that this is a solid vinyl player for the price.
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If you can deal with the flowery pattern of this special edition Pioneer Woman-themed release, then you can save $40 off an Instant Pot right now. Instant Pots have become extremely popular for their rapid pressure cooking, whether it’s meats, veggies, eggs, or something else entirely, and this is a pretty solid bargain.
Advertisement
Walmart has a bunch of first-party Nintendo Switch games on sale for $50 each right now, and while we’ve seen some of these deals elsewhere of late, there are three bargains that are truly hot and fresh: Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Luigi’s Mansion 3. Each is $10 off the list price, a rare discount, and all are highly recommended.
Advertisement
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Up your kitchen game with this multifunction 16.9-quart air fryer and rotisserie from Best Choice. You can also dehydrate food, easily crisp up french fries and other veggies, and bakes, toasts, and more. It also has tongs and an oven mitt included, along with other accessories to enable it many functions. Save $115 right now.
Advertisement
If the price didn’t already give it away, let’s be very clear: this isn’t a very fancy TV. At 720p resolution, it’s not as crisp as the standard 1080p sets you usually see, let alone a 4K Ultra HD set.
That said, this is a good-sized TV that already has the Roku streaming platform built in, which means you won’t have to connect a streaming box or stick to access apps like Netflix, Hulu, and more. For $108, that’s a bargain if you’re not too fussy about picture sharpness. Walmart customers seem to agree, given the 4.5-star rating.
Advertisement
Whether it’s your first place or you just need some fresh hardware, Tramontina’s Primaware 18-piece nonstick cookware set is an easy, affordable kitchen upgrade.
Advertisement
This bundle provides a set of pans, cooking utensils, and other accessories that’ll let you do a lot more in your kitchen. Save $10 off the list price right now.
Advertisement
Walmart has Vizio’s latest and greatest V-Series 4K HDR Smart TVs in stock right now, and this sizable 60” model is already marked down $50 from the MSRP.
You’ll get a crisp, vibrant picture thanks to Vizio’s new IQ Active image processor, while the built-in array of streaming apps mean you won’t need an additional device to access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other top services.
Advertisement
The whole concept of outdoor furniture based on Ryan’s World—a wildly popular YouTube channel in which a young child reviews toys—is pretty unnerving.
Advertisement
But if you’re keen on something to entertain the kids in the backyard, you might be able to overlook that given the $170 discount here off the list price. Besides, that branded banner can clearly be left off.
Advertisement
This microwave has no frills whatsoever, but if you just want a microwave that is small, cheap, and simple, this should do the trick. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic feet, but for Lean Cuisines and other smaller cooking needs, this is a stellar price.
Save $10 off the list price right now and be sure to check the color availability, as it is sold in red, white, or black.


theroot--2020-08-18--Neighbors Who Allegedly Harassed Black Woman in Long Island Now Face Charges

If there is one thing white people refuse to do , it ’ s let Black people live in peace .
A white couple in Long Island is facing charges after allegedly harassing their neighbor , a Black woman , for years .
NBC News reports that Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced John McEneaney , 57 , was charged with criminal mischief and harassment , and his girlfriend , 53-year-old Mindy Canarick , was charged with criminal tampering .
In July , the case went viral after Jennifer McLeggan , a Black woman , posted a letter that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door .
The letter outlined the various ways Canarick and McEneaney have harassed her in the three years since she ’ s moved into her home .
McLeggan alleged that McEneaney had consistently fired pellets from a pellet gun across her lawn from April 2017 to July 2020 .
In 2019 , McLeggan allegedly witnessed Canarick throwing dog feces onto her property when she was returning home from work .
McLeggan won a judgement in small claims court for $ 5,036.24 against Canarick that same year .
While McLeggan believes that harassment has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been filed .
“ While we did not find evidence to support a hate crime charge , this kind of persistent harassment is never acceptable , ” the district attorney said in a stream .
“ This conduct crossed the line between being a bad neighbor and into the realm of criminality.
” After posting the letter to her door , the community quickly rallied around McLeggan .
In July , a rally was held in support of McLeggan shortly after she posted the letter .
One man , who goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent the last 37 days keeping guard outside of McLeggan ’ s home .
She frequently posts appreciation tweets to the people in her neighborhood who have come by to show support .
In a recent interview with Desus and Mero , McLeggan spoke about just how many people in the community have begun to look out for her .
Predictably , while leaving court on Monday , McEneaney told reporters that he and his partner were innocent and that they were the real victims .
Oh white people , when will you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black person does not count as being victimized ?

If there is one thing white people refuse to do, it’s let Black people live in peace.
A white couple in Long Island is facing charges after allegedly harassing their neighbor, a Black woman, for years.
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NBC News reports that Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced John McEneaney, 57, was charged with criminal mischief and harassment, and his girlfriend, 53-year-old Mindy Canarick, was charged with criminal tampering. In July, the case went viral after Jennifer McLeggan, a Black woman, posted a letter that was several feet long to her front door. The letter outlined the various ways Canarick and McEneaney have harassed her in the three years since she’s moved into her home.
McLeggan alleged that McEneaney had consistently fired pellets from a pellet gun across her lawn from April 2017 to July 2020. In 2019, McLeggan allegedly witnessed Canarick throwing dog feces onto her property when she was returning home from work. McLeggan won a judgement in small claims court for $5,036.24 against Canarick that same year. While McLeggan believes that harassment has been racially motivated, hate crime charges have not been filed.
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“While we did not find evidence to support a hate crime charge, this kind of persistent harassment is never acceptable,” the district attorney said in a stream. “This conduct crossed the line between being a bad neighbor and into the realm of criminality.”
After posting the letter to her door, the community quickly rallied around McLeggan. In July, a rally was held in support of McLeggan shortly after she posted the letter. One man, who goes by the name of Flow, has spent the last 37 days keeping guard outside of McLeggan’s home. She frequently posts appreciation tweets to the people in her neighborhood who have come by to show support. In a recent interview with Desus and Mero, McLeggan spoke about just how many people in the community have begun to look out for her.
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Predictably, while leaving court on Monday, McEneaney told reporters that he and his partner were innocent and that they were the real victims. Oh white people, when will you learn that being in the presence of a Black person does not count as being victimized?


theroot--2020-08-18--Going Hollywood: Meghan and Harry Are Reportedly Pitching a 'Top-Secret' TV or Film Project

You can take the woman out of Hollywood , but you can ’ t take the Hollywood out of the woman—or , at least that seems to be the case with Los Angeles-born actress-turned-duchess-turned-prodigal daughter Meghan Markle , who returned to her home state with her royal husband and son earlier this year .
Newly settled into what Variety reports is a $ 14.7 million , 18,671 square feet , 9-bedroom , 16-bathroom , 7.4-acre compound in Montecito , California , ( for which they took out a mortgage—just like us ! )
and securing representation from at least one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sussex are now apparently ready to go full Hollywood .
Variety reports the royal couple “ has been quietly shopping an idea for a project around town , ” taking meetings with several networks this past June .
That ’ s about all the outlet seems to know , since the concept , format ( TV or film ) , and whether it ’ s to be scripted or unscripted are under wraps ; but “ whatever it is , the couple would like to serve as joint producers on the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the top-secret idea.
” Insiders indicate their pitch has been shopped to numerous media companies .
One venue that has heard the pitch is NBCUniversal where a meeting was set with top executives at the company , including Bonnie Hammer , the chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios , who knew Markle from her years as an actor on “ Suits.
” NBCUniversal declined to comment , when contacted by Variety .
Reps for the couple also declined Variety ’ s request for comment—as did Disney , for which Markle narrated April ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re missing the pencil-skirted days of Rachel Zane ( Markle ’ s character on Suits ) , alas , you shouldn ’ t expect the duchess to be taking on any new roles .
“ A source close to Markle tells Variety that the former royal has absolutely no plans to act , and therefore , she will not be acting in the project that was pitched , ” writes the magazine .
Also unknown—and we ’ re slightly tongue-in-cheek in our inquiry—is whether Harry or Meghan would be seeking to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential project .
After all , as recently confirmed by the new Sussex tell-all , Finding Freedom , Meghan , who once founded and hosted the now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig , also penned many of the captions on the Sussex Royal Instagram account .
“ Launching the account was a somewhat liberating experience for Meghan , ” an unnamed aide shared with the authors ( h/t Town & Country ) .
“ Not having a platform of her own to talk directly to the public was one of the toughest changes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her own brand on Instagram and her blog .
@ SussexRoyal meant that she finally had a place to curate.
” With independence from the British royal family now well underway , it ’ s also clear the duchess is relishing regaining her voice , particularly at such a pivotal moment in racial and social justice .
“ I think to see the changes that are being made right now is ... something I look forward to being a part of , ” said Meghan during an interview during the female-focused online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named for the amendment , which celebrated its centennial on Monday ) .
“ And being part of using my voice in a way that I haven ’ t been able to of late .
So , yeah , it ’ s good to be home .
”

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

You can take the woman out of Hollywood, but you can’t take the Hollywood out of the woman—or, at least that seems to be the case with Los Angeles-born actress-turned-duchess-turned-prodigal daughter Meghan Markle, who returned to her home state with her royal husband and son earlier this year. Newly settled into what Variety reports is a $14.7 million, 18,671 square feet, 9-bedroom, 16-bathroom, 7.4-acre compound in Montecito, California, (for which they took out a mortgage—just like us!) and securing representation from at least one high-end agency, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now apparently ready to go full Hollywood.
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Variety reports the royal couple “has been quietly shopping an idea for a project around town,” taking meetings with several networks this past June. That’s about all the outlet seems to know, since the concept, format (TV or film), and whether it’s to be scripted or unscripted are under wraps; but “whatever it is, the couple would like to serve as joint producers on the project, according to a source with knowledge of the top-secret idea.”
More details from Variety:
Insiders indicate their pitch has been shopped to numerous media companies. One venue that has heard the pitch is NBCUniversal where a meeting was set with top executives at the company, including Bonnie Hammer, the chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios, who knew Markle from her years as an actor on “Suits.” NBCUniversal declined to comment, when contacted by Variety.
Reps for the couple also declined Variety’s request for comment—as did Disney, for which Markle narrated April’s Elephant docuseries. But if you’re missing the pencil-skirted days of Rachel Zane (Markle’s character on Suits), alas, you shouldn’t expect the duchess to be taking on any new roles. “A source close to Markle tells Variety that the former royal has absolutely no plans to act, and therefore, she will not be acting in the project that was pitched,” writes the magazine.
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Also unknown—and we’re slightly tongue-in-cheek in our inquiry—is whether Harry or Meghan would be seeking to be part of the writers room on any potential project. After all, as recently confirmed by the new Sussex tell-all, Finding Freedom, Meghan, who once founded and hosted the now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig, also penned many of the captions on the Sussex Royal Instagram account.
“Launching the account was a somewhat liberating experience for Meghan,” an unnamed aide shared with the authors (h/t Town & Country). “Not having a platform of her own to talk directly to the public was one of the toughest changes for her, especially after building so much of her own brand on Instagram and her blog. @SussexRoyal meant that she finally had a place to curate.”
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With independence from the British royal family now well underway, it’s also clear the duchess is relishing regaining her voice, particularly at such a pivotal moment in racial and social justice.
“I think to see the changes that are being made right now is...something I look forward to being a part of,” said Meghan during an interview during the female-focused online summit The 19th Represents: (so named for the amendment, which celebrated its centennial on Monday). “And being part of using my voice in a way that I haven’t been able to of late. So, yeah, it’s good to be home.”