theroot--2020-12-16--GTFOH Trump Watch: Even Mar-a-Lago Neighbors Don’t Want You

Once the president and his family are dragged from the White House , they ’ ve got to live somewhere , and considering how bizarre and meth-infused the last four years have been , there is really only one place for the Trump crime family to settle : Florida .
Apparently , Melania is going to continue this whole act as if she ’ s really Trump ’ s wife and doesn ’ t have a full grown-ass boyfriend on the side , as she and the Secret Service have reportedly been looking at a Palm Beach , Fla. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some 40 minutes from Mar-a-Lago and costs a cool $ 35,000 a year .
But there is only one problem : the neighbors near his shitty-ass resort don ’ t want him there and legal agreements he signed years ago may give them their way .
According to the Washington Post , Trump converted Mar-a-Lago into a private club in 1993 because he was short on cash .
In order to appease the neighbors , Trump agreed that no guest would spend more than 21 days a year at the club and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
Oh , and Trump ’ s attorney promised that Trump would never live there .
“ There ’ s absolutely no legal theory under which he can use that property as both a residence and a club , ” Glenn Zeitz , a nearby Palm Beach homeowner , told the Post .
“ Basically he ’ s playing a dead hand.
” And get this , Trump even deeded development rights to the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation , thereby giving up his rights to develop Mar-a-Lago or use it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use.
” Because Trump is a white man , I mean the president of the United States , Palm Beach has been lax about enforcing the agreement as Trump spent damn near most of his presidency either there or on the golf course .
So it looks like The Root isn ’ t the only one telling Trump to GTFOH .
Can we please stop acting like Russia is hacking anything when their best friend is in the White House ?
I mean seriously .
If that is the case , I hacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I finally caved in and got my own .
I also hacked my mother ’ s phone number to use for my CVS rewards points .
So , while the president is running around crying about fantasy election scenarios in which he remains the president , he ’ s not said anything about reports that Russia “ hacked ” some of America ’ s “ most deeply held secrets.
” According to the Associated Press , the months-long operation was so deep that it could take digital sleuths weeks , maybe even years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In some cases , we may never know what was viewed by Russian “ hackers.
” You hear that ?
They stole CVS receipts of information and the president hasn ’ t said anything about his password being stolen .
I mean , damn , at least act like you didn ’ t just give it up .
There used to be a time when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) could congratulate the president-elect on winning the election and that wouldn ’ t even be news .
It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal .
“ Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result , but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20 .
The electoral college has spoken , ” McConnell said , the Washington Post reports .
“ So today , I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden .
The president-elect is no stranger to the Senate .
He ’ s devoted himself to public service for many years.
” But that was before Trump drew a line in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congratulating Biden on his presidential win isn ’ t just an act of defiance against Trump ’ s fantasy coup , it is an official shunning of the president ’ s attempts to steal the election from the American people .
And you know that means that President Petty logged right into his Twitter account to do his best to shame McConnell .
He also added : “ Mitch , 75,000,000 VOTES , a record for a sitting President ( by a lot ) .
Too soon to give up .
Republican Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are angry !
” And , yet , Biden is still the president-elect , and President Trump is going to cry in the car as it leaves the White House on Jan. 20 .
Oh , So You Just Going to Fire Err ’ body President Trump only fucks with people who are loyal to him .
And , by loyal , I mean those who are either willing to carry the lie or do his dirty work or both .
White House counsel has had to warn the president several times that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it too obvious that there ’ s a “ loyalty test ” inside the Trump administration .
Trump ’ s just throwing himself around because he lost the election and anybody can get it .
Hell , even Evil Fred Flintstone Face Attorney General Bill Barr was resigned Monday .
I hope that Trump understands that firing people doesn ’ t get America any closer to wanting him to serve a second term .

Once the president and his family are dragged from the White House, they’ve got to live somewhere, and considering how bizarre and meth-infused the last four years have been, there is really only one place for the Trump crime family to settle: Florida.
Apparently, Melania is going to continue this whole act as if she’s really Trump’s wife and doesn’t have a full grown-ass boyfriend on the side, as she and the Secret Service have reportedly been looking at a Palm Beach, Fla., school for Barron. The school is some 40 minutes from Mar-a-Lago and costs a cool $35,000 a year.
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But there is only one problem: the neighbors near his shitty-ass resort don’t want him there and legal agreements he signed years ago may give them their way.
According to the Washington Post, Trump converted Mar-a-Lago into a private club in 1993 because he was short on cash. In order to appease the neighbors, Trump agreed that no guest would spend more than 21 days a year at the club and no guest would stay longer than seven consecutive days. Oh, and Trump’s attorney promised that Trump would never live there.
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“There’s absolutely no legal theory under which he can use that property as both a residence and a club,” Glenn Zeitz, a nearby Palm Beach homeowner, told the Post. “Basically he’s playing a dead hand.”
And get this, Trump even deeded development rights to the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation, thereby giving up his rights to develop Mar-a-Lago or use it for “any purpose other than club use.”
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Because Trump is a white man, I mean the president of the United States, Palm Beach has been lax about enforcing the agreement as Trump spent damn near most of his presidency either there or on the golf course.
So it looks like The Root isn’t the only one telling Trump to GTFOH.
Russia’s Been Watching America’s Netflix
Can we please stop acting like Russia is hacking anything when their best friend is in the White House? I mean seriously. If that is the case, I hacked my sister’s Netflix password before I finally caved in and got my own. I also hacked my mother’s phone number to use for my CVS rewards points.
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So, while the president is running around crying about fantasy election scenarios in which he remains the president, he’s not said anything about reports that Russia “hacked” some of America’s “most deeply held secrets.”
According to the Associated Press, the months-long operation was so deep that it could take digital sleuths weeks, maybe even years, to figure out what was stolen. In some cases, we may never know what was viewed by Russian “hackers.”
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From AP:
A U.S. investigation determined the height of the documents stolen — if printed out and piled up — would triple the height of the Washington Monument. In this case “several Washington Monument piles of documents that they took from different government agencies is probably a realistic estimate,” Thomas Rid, a Johns Hopkins cyber conflict expert said. “How would they use that? They themselves most likely don’t know yet.”
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You hear that? They stole CVS receipts of information and the president hasn’t said anything about his password being stolen. I mean, damn, at least act like you didn’t just give it up.
Mitch McConnell Congratulates Biden and All Hell Breaks Loose
There used to be a time when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) could congratulate the president-elect on winning the election and that wouldn’t even be news. It would be, dare I say it, normal.
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“Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result, but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20. The electoral college has spoken,” McConnell said, the Washington Post reports. “So today, I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden. The president-elect is no stranger to the Senate. He’s devoted himself to public service for many years.”
But that was before Trump drew a line in the sand with Russian prostitute urine. McConnell congratulating Biden on his presidential win isn’t just an act of defiance against Trump’s fantasy coup, it is an official shunning of the president’s attempts to steal the election from the American people.
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And you know that means that President Petty logged right into his Twitter account to do his best to shame McConnell.
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He also added: “Mitch, 75,000,000 VOTES, a record for a sitting President (by a lot). Too soon to give up. Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!”
And, yet, Biden is still the president-elect, and President Trump is going to cry in the car as it leaves the White House on Jan. 20.
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Oh, So You Just Going to Fire Err’body
President Trump only fucks with people who are loyal to him. And, by loyal, I mean those who are either willing to carry the lie or do his dirty work or both. White House counsel has had to warn the president several times that firing FBI Director Christopher Wray would make it too obvious that there’s a “loyalty test” inside the Trump administration.
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From NBC News:
The lawyers, led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone, specifically said that firing Wray could spark legal issues similar to those raised after Trump ousted James Comey as FBI director in 2017 in the midst of the Russia investigation, the officials said. Their concern was that firing Wray could be seen as retaliation because the president has publicly pressured him to take specific actions on certain investigations — such as announcing a probe into President-elect Joe Biden’s son — and then expressed frustration that Wray has not followed his suggestions.
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Trump’s just throwing himself around because he lost the election and anybody can get it. Hell, even Evil Fred Flintstone Face Attorney General Bill Barr was fired resigned Monday.
I hope that Trump understands that firing people doesn’t get America any closer to wanting him to serve a second term.


theroot--2020-12-16--The Halo Effect: Brooklyn Designer's Natural Hair Breaks Guinness World Record

Every natural hair journey is unique , but few result in a Guinness World Record .
The mane of Brooklyn , N.Y. , fashion designer Simone Williams is defying the odds , breaking the record for largest afro ( female ) previously set by New Orleans native Aevin Dugas , with Williams ’ natural halo measuring 4 feet , 10 inches in circumference ( Dugas ’ measured 4 feet , 4 inches in 2011 ) .
In fact , it was Dugas—along with the responses her own voluminous hair regularly garners , that compelled Williams to attempt the record .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ knees !
” she told Guinness in its press release on the milestone , which was confirmed earlier this month .
“ I could not believe it !
I opened the email to make sure it wasn ’ t a mistake .
I took about 10 minutes to process.
” As Williams , who designs for her own label , Simone Imaani , explained in a video montage commemorating her win , her massive ‘ fro is truly the result of a full-circle moment ( pun intended ) .
Sporting her natural texture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ junior high school ( a peak time for peer pressure ) , “ that ’ s when I convinced my mother to let me get a perm , ” she recalled .
Straightening her hair for the next decade , upon graduating from college she decided to return to her natural texture , a choice that was as much economical as aesthetic .
“ It began because I wanted to save the money spent at the hair salon to help with the costs of moving into my first apartment , ” she told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult at first since I was accustomed to wearing my hair straight and I didn ’ t know how to manage my natural hair texture.
” Nine years later , Williams ’ locks have since grown to just over 8 inches tall and nearly 9 inches wide when picked out .
“ When my hair is fully styled and big and voluminous I get a lot of stares , a lot of comments , lots of compliments , ” she told Guinness .
“ I want to think that everything is positive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they have no idea what ’ s going on or what they ’ re looking at.
” Speaking with CNN following the Guinness honor , Williams also shared her surprisingly straightforward hair regimen—though undoubtedly , her wash day requires a bit more product and labor than most .
There isn ’ t any magical serum or product that ’ s aided in her impressive hair growth , either .
Williams told CNN that her hair regimen is pretty low-maintenance : she deep conditions once a week and makes sure to avoid as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also runs in her family—she ’ s got an aunt with locks that go down to her calves .
Aside from the honor of having her name in Guinness ’ record book , Williams told CNN the accomplishment is an affirmation of “ confidence and pride , ” something her hair may now instill in others .
“ When I first decided to go natural , there was no one that I could really look up to , ” she said .

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

Every natural hair journey is unique, but few result in a Guinness World Record. The mane of Brooklyn, N.Y., fashion designer Simone Williams is defying the odds, breaking the record for largest afro (female) previously set by New Orleans native Aevin Dugas, with Williams’ natural halo measuring 4 feet, 10 inches in circumference (Dugas’ measured 4 feet, 4 inches in 2011).
In fact, it was Dugas—along with the responses her own voluminous hair regularly garners, that compelled Williams to attempt the record.
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“My mouth dropped, then my knees!” she told Guinness in its press release on the milestone, which was confirmed earlier this month. “I could not believe it! I opened the email to make sure it wasn’t a mistake. I took about 10 minutes to process.”
As Williams, who designs for her own label, Simone Imaani, explained in a video montage commemorating her win, her massive ‘fro is truly the result of a full-circle moment (pun intended). Sporting her natural texture as a child, once she reached junior high school (a peak time for peer pressure), “that’s when I convinced my mother to let me get a perm,” she recalled. Straightening her hair for the next decade, upon graduating from college she decided to return to her natural texture, a choice that was as much economical as aesthetic.
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“It began because I wanted to save the money spent at the hair salon to help with the costs of moving into my first apartment,” she told Guinness. “The process was very difficult at first since I was accustomed to wearing my hair straight and I didn’t know how to manage my natural hair texture.”
Nine years later, Williams’ locks have since grown to just over 8 inches tall and nearly 9 inches wide when picked out. “When my hair is fully styled and big and voluminous I get a lot of stares, a lot of comments, lots of compliments,” she told Guinness. “I want to think that everything is positive, but there are some people who stare like they have no idea what’s going on or what they’re looking at.”
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Speaking with CNN following the Guinness honor, Williams also shared her surprisingly straightforward hair regimen—though undoubtedly, her wash day requires a bit more product and labor than most.
There isn’t any magical serum or product that’s aided in her impressive hair growth, either. Williams told CNN that her hair regimen is pretty low-maintenance: she deep conditions once a week and makes sure to avoid as much manipulation as possible. Long hair also runs in her family—she’s got an aunt with locks that go down to her calves.
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Aside from the honor of having her name in Guinness’ record book, Williams told CNN the accomplishment is an affirmation of “confidence and pride,” something her hair may now instill in others. “When I first decided to go natural, there was no one that I could really look up to,” she said.


theroot--2020-12-18--Black Man Serving Life Sentence for $20 Marijuana Sale Released From Prison

A Black man in Louisiana who was serving a life sentence over two bags of weed worth only $ 20 has finally been freed from prison after 12 years .
I didn ’ t need any further proof that the American justice system is far from just , but a life sentence ?
For what may have barely been an eighth ?
What the actual fuck ?
According to WWLTV , 53-year-old Fate Winslow was resentenced to time served and released from Angola State P rison on Wednesday .
In 2008 , Winslow was homeless when an undercover cop asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some weed .
According to the appeal filed by attorneys at the Innocence Project New Orleans ( IPNO ) , Winslow left and shortly returned with two small bags of weed worth $ 20 .
The officer then gave him $ 5 for some food .
Aww , what a sweet gesture before entirely fucking up someone ’ s life .
Winslow ’ s case received substantial media coverage throughout the years , including multiple Rolling Stone articles .
One of those articles pointed out the fact that while Winslow was arrested and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave him the drugs wasn ’ t even arrested , despite the fact he had been found with the marked $ 20 bill on him .
“ The other inmates could never believe it .
They always said , ‘ You ’ re doing life for a bag of weed ?
’ ” Winslow told WWLTV .
Winslow had previously been convicted for three non-violent crimes , including a business burglary when he was 17 , a car burglary when he was 27 , and cocaine possession when he was 36 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple offender , which apparently translates to life without parole .
“ A life sentence for two bags of weed ?
I never thought something like that could happen.
” Winslow told WWLTV .
Hard same .
Honestly , the fact he even served 12 years over two bags of weed is a testament to just how fucked the legal system is .
Imagine thinking you were going to spend the rest of your life in prison over a dimebag ?
The sentence is more immoral than the actual act .
Winslow ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lead attorney Jee Park appealed on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel .
“ There are hundreds of individuals serving life sentences for nonviolent crimes in Louisiana , ” Park said .
“ He received an obscenely excessive sentence given his life circumstances and crime , and today , we are correcting that unconstitutional , inhumane sentence.
” Winslow is excited to be reunited with his children and grandchildren .
He plans to live with his daughter in Shreveport as he gets back on his feet and has a landscaping job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WWLTV that beyond the obvious desire to reconnect with his family , one of the first things he wants to do is hit up a Popeye s. All I know is that after the fuckery this man had to endure , there better not be a 15-minute wait on spicy when he gets there .

A Black man in Louisiana who was serving a life sentence over two bags of weed worth only $20 has finally been freed from prison after 12 years.
I didn’t need any further proof that the American justice system is far from just, but a life sentence? For what may have barely been an eighth? What the actual fuck?
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According to WWLTV, 53-year-old Fate Winslow was resentenced to time served and released from Angola State P rison on Wednesday. In 2008, Winslow was homeless when an undercover cop asked if he knew where he could get some weed. According to the appeal filed by attorneys at the Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO), Winslow left and shortly returned with two small bags of weed worth $20. The officer then gave him $5 for some food.
Aww, what a sweet gesture before entirely fucking up someone’s life.
Winslow’s case received substantial media coverage throughout the years, including multiple Rolling Stone articles. One of those articles pointed out the fact that while Winslow was arrested and sentenced, the white drug dealer who gave him the drugs wasn’t even arrested, despite the fact he had been found with the marked $20 bill on him.
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“The other inmates could never believe it. They always said, ‘You’re doing life for a bag of weed?’” Winslow told WWLTV.
Winslow had previously been convicted for three non-violent crimes, including a business burglary when he was 17, a car burglary when he was 27, and cocaine possession when he was 36. He was convicted for marijuana distribution as a multiple offender, which apparently translates to life without parole.
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“A life sentence for two bags of weed? I never thought something like that could happen.” Winslow told WWLTV.
Hard same. Honestly, the fact he even served 12 years over two bags of weed is a testament to just how fucked the legal system is. Imagine thinking you were going to spend the rest of your life in prison over a dimebag? The sentence is more immoral than the actual act.
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Winslow’s sentence was reduced after IPNO director and lead attorney Jee Park appealed on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel. “There are hundreds of individuals serving life sentences for nonviolent crimes in Louisiana,” Park said. “He received an obscenely excessive sentence given his life circumstances and crime, and today, we are correcting that unconstitutional, inhumane sentence.”
Winslow is excited to be reunited with his children and grandchildren. He plans to live with his daughter in Shreveport as he gets back on his feet and has a landscaping job already waiting for him.
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He told WWLTV that beyond the obvious desire to reconnect with his family, one of the first things he wants to do is hit up a Popeye s. All I know is that after the fuckery this man had to endure, there better not be a 15-minute wait on spicy when he gets there.


theroot--2020-12-17--Get Back to the Basics With the Best Pens, According to Reviewers

While m any of us grab our smartphone to jot down a quick note , I ’ m one of the Luddites out there who still prefer putting pen to paper .
Beyond making a work-related to-do list , handwriting notes can be such a meditative task , one that feels indispensable in the chaos of 2020 .
Though a ny old pen can get the job done , there ’ s no denying that some writing utensils are better than others .
Not to mention , we all have unique preferences and concerns , regardless of what we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have compiled a list of some of our favorites , from affordable everyday ballpoint pens to fancier fountain pens to help steer you in the right direction .
Back when I was in school , I always gravitated toward pens with a comfortable grip .
When I ’ m writing down notes in a rush , I tend to press down forcefully , which often causes me to experience a sore grip .
As a result , I tend to splurge on ballpoint pens with an embossed grip , like u ni- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pen .
It ’ s thicker than those flimsy doctor ’ s office pens , and for the left-handers out there , its quick-drying ink won ’ t let you down .
In fact , uni Super Ink is known to protect against water and fading , ensuring that your notes are legible long after they ’ re written down .
W riting with this pen is a joy since it offers little resistance when you glide it across the page .
Oh , and though they can be purchased in packs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so if you end up loving it , you won ’ t have to keep buying more and piling up plastic waste .
No , fountain pens haven ’ t gone out of style .
They ’ ve evolved and are perfect for those of us who write with a lighter touch .
With its new , modern design , the Pilot Varsity d isposable f ountain pen comes in a 6-pack with 3 black and 3 blue pens .
The advanced liquid ink system and unique real fountain pen nib are great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stain your hands or countertops .
The best part is that its transparent design allows you to see how much ink is left before the pen runs out .
This feature is great for budgeting how much time you have left before you need to replenish your pen supply .
If you ’ re the type of organizer who gets a kick out of color-coding , this combo pack might be the choice for you .
Amazon reviewers note that the Pilot Precise V5 RT pen doesn ’ t provide much resistance as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ink dries quickly , and the fine point is great for in-line book annotations .
( Calling all English majors out here ! )
This pack comes with five colors : black , blue , red , green , and purple , which should cover all your bases .
The shells all have colors to match , too , so you ’ ll never be surprised when you put pen to paper .
Plus , they ’ re refillable , so if you like what these pens are putting out , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pens into the dump .
If you ’ d rather just have an arsenal of pens at your disposal , grab a box of Bi C Round Stick pens .
They don ’ t produce the best ink , and they aren ’ t super comfortable to grip , but they ’ re cheap to buy , come in large quantities .
This pack includes 120 black ink pens and 120 blue ink pens , giving you 240 total pens at a unit price of $ 0.10 per pen .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies or for those guest check-in clipboards at doctor ’ s offices .
With a latex-free grip for maximum comfort , this Pentel ballpoint pen is guaranteed to keep your hands from cramping mid-meeting or mid-lecture .
In fact , the grip is one of the features that first drew me to this pen back in college .
Manufactured with a stainless steel tip , this pen is extremely durable , made to withstand all of your heavy-duty writing needs .
Featuring smooth , bold ink , the Sharpie S-Gel pens are designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re talking to those purists out there who keep their technology use to a minimum and can ’ t get enough of that thrill of putting pen to paper .
At an affordable unit price of $ 1 per pen , this product has a sleek and modern design without ever sacrificing quality .
This story was originally written by Jordan McMahon on 09/14/2020 and updated by Juliana Clark on 12/16/2020 .

Jordan McMahon, Juliana Clark,  and Gabe Carey on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Top Product: BIC Gel-Ocity Quick-Dry Retractable (0.7mm) | $43 | Amazon
While many of us grab our smartphone to jot down a quick note, I’m one of the Luddites out there who still prefer putting pen to paper. Beyond making a work-related to-do list, handwriting notes can be such a meditative task.
Though any old pen can get the job done, there’s no denying that some writing utensils are better than others. Not to mention, we all have unique preferences and concerns, regardless of what we are shopping for. At Kinja Deals, we have compiled a list of some of our favorites, from affordable everyday ballpoint pens to fancier fountain pens to help steer you in the right direction.
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With a comfortable design, the VITOLER Retractable Erasable Gel Pens are erasable and retractable. They write like gel pens but read like pencils. Note that it’s recommended to wait until the ink has fully dried before erasing. These pens are guaranteed to keep your papers and books looking neat.
These inks are high-quality, non-toxic, acid-free, and non-bleeding. Take notes for homework, editing, or tackling work in the office.
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No, fountain pens haven’t gone out of style. They’ve evolved and are perfect for those of us who write with a lighter touch.
Advertisement
With its new, modern design, the Pilot Varsity disp osable fountain pen comes in a 6-pack with 3 black and 3 blue pens. The advanced liquid ink system and unique real fountain pen nib are great for smooth writing that won’t stain your hands or countertops. The best part is that its transparent design allows you to see how much ink is left before the pen runs out. This feature is great for budgeting how much time you have left before you need to replenish your pen supply.
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The Zebra 701 metal pen is one of the top pens with the option for refillable ink. This tool is designed with a knurled metal grip to create stability and comfort in the user’s overall writing experience. No more straining your hand as you write notes or sign documents!
Beyond its functionality, this pen features a sleek design, so you can make a personal style statement every time you pull it out of your bag.
Plus, this pen is refillable, so you can save money and eliminate the overall waste in your life.
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The BIC Gel-Ocity Quick Dry Gel Pens come in three colors blue, black, and red. The pen delivers a controlled comfortable writing experience with a full-length grip. For $43, you get a value pack with 48 black gel pens that have 0.7 mm points creating vivid lines.
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Who doesn’t love a good ballpoint pen? The Paper Mate Profile Retractable Ballpoint Pens are a great staple for your office and school supplies. They come with a soft grip for ease while writing and a retractable tip to prevent any ink stains in your bag. Plus, if you love a medium point, this pen’s thickness is 1.0 mm, so all you pen pressers need not to worry!
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Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens delivers bold ink to liven up your writing. The 0.7 mm medium point spreads ink beautifully and dries three times as fast . Goodbye smudges! Plus, these pens are fully wrapped with a comfort grip to keep your writing experience as smooth and painless as possible. Note that o ne pack includes 10 jet Black gel pens.
This story was published by Jordan McMahon on 09/14/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 09/08/2021.


theroot--2020-12-18--Walter Mosley’s The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Adaptation Finds Its Leading Man in Samuel L. Jackson

Shaft and The Banker star Samuel L. Jackson is set to star in a new limited series for Apple+ TV , The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey .
The six-episode limited series is based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Walter Mosley , with Mosley tapped to write the screen adaptation as well executive produce alongside Jackson , his producing partner Diane Houslin , and David Levine and Eli Selden for Anonymous Content .
More details on the plot via Deadline : In the series , produced by Apple Studios , Jackson stars as Ptolemy Grey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , by his friends , by even himself .
On the brink of sinking even deeper into a lonely dementia , Ptolemy experiences a seismic shift when he ’ s given the tremendous opportunity to briefly regain his memories , and uses this precious and fleeting lucidity to solve his nephew ’ s death and come to terms with his past .
This project will be the latest collaboration between Jackson and Apple+ TV , the most recent being the 2020 feature The Banker with fellow Marvel ’ s Avengers co-star Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avengers , Jackson is also staying in high demand with the franchise , especially in the upcoming year .
Last week , t he Walt Disney Company barraged the world ( and Twitter ) with news of their project slate for 2021 and beyond .
One of those projects , Secret Invasion , will see Jackson reprising his role as former S.H.I.E.L.D .
director Nick Fury and there have been talks of him potentially appearing in three more additional Marvel films ( though those rumors haven ’ t been confirmed yet . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other upcoming films include The Hitman Wife ’ s Bodyguard , The Asset , Spiral and the animated Blazing Samurai .
As for Mosley , he ’ s arguably still coming down off that high of winning the National Book Award ’ s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and being the first Black man to do so .
( Yeah , you read that right .
I can ’ t believe we ’ re still doing “ firsts ” in 2020 but alas , here we are . )
But that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gems about his creative process ; he recently visited our podcast , The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit !
and is teaching the art of fiction and storytelling in a new series for MasterClass available now .
As of now , there has been no word yet on a potential release date for the series .

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

Shaft and The Banker star Samuel L. Jackson is set to star in a new limited series for Apple+ TV, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. The six-episode limited series is based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Walter Mosley, with Mosley tapped to write the screen adaptation as well executive produce alongside Jackson, his producing partner Diane Houslin, and David Levine and Eli Selden for Anonymous Content. More details on the plot via Deadline:
In the series, produced by Apple Studios, Jackson stars as Ptolemy Grey, a 91-year-old man forgotten by his family, by his friends, by even himself. On the brink of sinking even deeper into a lonely dementia, Ptolemy experiences a seismic shift when he’s given the tremendous opportunity to briefly regain his memories, and uses this precious and fleeting lucidity to solve his nephew’s death and come to terms with his past.
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This project will be the latest collaboration between Jackson and Apple+ TV, the most recent being the 2020 feature The Banker with fellow Marvel’s Avengers co-star Anthony Mackie. And speaking of t he Avengers, Jackson is also staying in high demand with the franchise, especially in the upcoming year. Last week, t he Walt Disney Company barraged the world (and Twitter) with news of their project slate for 2021 and beyond. One of those projects, Secret Invasion, will see Jackson reprising his role as former S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury and there have been talks of him potentially appearing in three more additional Marvel films (though those rumors haven’t been confirmed yet.) As it stands, Jackson’s other upcoming films include The Hitman Wife’s Bodyguard, The Asset, Spiral and the animated Blazing Samurai.
As for Mosley, he’s arguably still coming down off that high of winning the National Book Award’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and being the first Black man to do so. (Yeah, you read that right. I can’t believe we’re still doing “firsts” in 2020 but alas, here we are.) But that’s not stopping him from dropping gems about his creative process; he recently visited our podcast, The Root Presents: It’s Lit! and is teaching the art of fiction and storytelling in a new series for MasterClass available now.
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As of now, there has been no word yet on a potential release date for the series.


theroot--2020-12-18--Wrapping Paper Roll Call: Give Their Hustle Some Glow

If there ’ s one gift the work-from-home set would likely love to receive this season , it ’ s boundaries .
While there are definite benefits to eschewing the commute and daily lunch budget for comfortable pants ( or none at all ) and working from bed ( if you insist ) , there are also significant downsides as the lines between that aforementioned work and home become increasingly blurred .
Given the circumstances , we dare not complain , but Refinery29 perfectly encapsulated our perverse privilege ( because unequivocally , it is a privilege ) in a recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Working From Home.
” Added to this is the fact that , as pointed out by a Black C-suite exec quoted in LeanIn ’ s Women in the Workplace 2020 report ( produced with McKinsey & Co. ) : “ The greatest challenge has been the ability to disconnect from work .
I get out of bed and go straight to my office , which is 20 steps away .
And it ’ s very easy to get in early and stay late because there ’ s more than enough work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her having an actual office to go to , since far too many of us have been forced to carve out corners of our bedrooms , living rooms , closets or kitchens to find a place to work each day .
With none of us returning to the office anytime soon , if ever ( we ’ re optimistically forecasting a minimum of 4-6 months , if not much longer ) , if the work-from-homie in your life doesn ’ t have a designated workspace as comfortable , organized , and full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tis the season for you to give the gift of an assist .
( And remember : a well-thought-out gift card goes a long way . )
Okay , so maybe you don ’ t have an extra room to spare or convert into a whole-ass office .
But if you have a closet—or even a corner—you can still make it special .
( Y ’ all do realize The Glow Up ’ s famed “ Beauty Closet ” is literally that , right ?
With just some wallpaper , a mirror and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few peel-and-stick panels , Chicago-based wallcoverings studio Mitchell Black can brighten up any work-from-home space—and differentiate said space from the rest of the home .
If wallpaper ’ s not their vibe , you can still help them set a mood with one of the brilliant , Zero VOC paint colors from Clare—which you can preview with stick-on samples !
Once they decide on a shade , Clare will deliver everything you need to your door ( yes , including supplies ) , making this a major upgrade on home improvement .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their era-appropriate “ Indoor Person ” sweatshirts , because this is where we live . )
Okay , so maybe you want to skip the DIY and get straight to the decor .
Let the walls do the p ep-talking with banners from this perennial favorite brand , which centers Blackness in all of its quotes and sayings—making their banners both made for collecting and worth far more than small talk .
Maybe it ’ s not inspiration , but organization they really need in their head and schedule ; which is where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co. come in handy .
In addition to Alter ’ s Semi-Annual and Annual planners ( also available for digital download ) , The Dailies undated 30 Day Planner is available , as is a gift-worthy Sacred Divination Journal by Tatianna Tarot .
If she ’ s an aspiring ( or established ) “ enterpreneuher , ” give her an affirming and adorable boost with Copper & Brass ’ brown girl-specific “ goal getting journals , perfect for budding businesswoman and positive-thinking pros alike .
On the subject of entrepreneurs , did you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black women every day ( h/t iFundWomen ) .
For those getting started—or getting brave enough to launch their own ventures amid layoffs and furloughs , them you support their hustle with an all-access pass ( $ 30 ) to this virtual daylong conference on January 31 , hosted by EveryStylishGirl and featuring “ business , media and fashion ’ s leading tastemakers and curators.
” “ Whether your business is a product or you ’ re looking to build yourself into a brand , our speakers intimately understand the challenges Black businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that helped launch their brands to success !
” promise the organizers .
If they ’ re working from home , chances are they ’ re spending way too much time in front of their laptop screens—which means some blue-light filtering lenses are a must .
A gift card to this eyewear brand co-owned by Jamie Foxx will protect their gaze—and with both a 2 for $ 50 sale and a new collection inspired by Disney ’ s Soul ( starring Foxx , of course ) , your gift could be a double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , make sure it ’ s high quality .
These rich Haitian blends are considered some of the best beans around—and with a subscription , you ’ re sure to keep them buzzing well after the holidays .
If they prefer to sip the tea , twerk up their routine with a Trap Tea Set from Ivy ’ s Tea ... with some loose leaves to fill it .
Or better yet , help them “ Zen the F*ck Out ” with a classy , bougie and ratchet set of Trap China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which we all need , while another round of stimulus relief remains in limbo .
Add to that a page just for gratitude , and even amidst this dark time , they ’ ll be reminded of all there is to be grateful for .
The art of letter writing may have given way to the text , but the art itself is always ripe for a revival—and the gift of stationery and great pens is ample incentive .
Paper & Stylo offers personalized options and hardworking staples alike , perfect for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you a thank you note .
Sourdough wasn ’ t the only thing rising this year .
A whole new crop of plant lovers brought the outdoors in , brightening their lives by any means necessary .
If growth is their focus for 2021 , give them a visual metaphor to help ground their intentions .
Help spark some initiative ( or help them relax ) with the highly relatable messages on these Harlem-created candles ... because if there ’ s anything we should all be doing at the end of 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know it ’ s only Zoom , but let ’ s not lose all our sartorial sense while we ’ re trapped indoors .
Pants may be optional , but the most dapper person in your life will likely love the opportunity to dress up a little bit with this kid-founded brand—which has grown with its owner into adulthood .
We love checking things off our to-do list—which is why we are entirely here for the organized , yet inspiring “ Let ’ s Do This !
” -themed notepad from Effie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a state of perpetual overwhelm *raises hand* will appreciate the effort to help us feel accomplished—no matter how much we have to get done .
If they ’ re leery about being in close quarters at the nail salon *raises unmanicured hand again* , treat them to some instant polish with these handpainted sets—which have come a long way since first-gen press-ons .
Watch how much much more expressive those Zoom meetings become they feel like their nails are “ did.
” No hairstylist ?
No problem .
If they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zoom -ready while making a transition ( or simply giving their tre sses a much-needed break ) , choosing from the many , many styles Fanm Djanm offers will help them make a new style statement with an enviable and elegant w ardrobe of wraps .
Remember the joy of shopping for school supplies ?
Well , the office aesthete will love Greer ’ s upgraded take on the essentials—and even better , those not-so-essentials they might never buy for themselves .
Matter of fact , h ow would they feel about being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the day ( and this list ) , ” w hooooo f*cking s aaaa ” is exactly the phrase that escapes our lips—and this stress relief candle with notes of eucalyptus , oatmeal “ and a sprinkle of curse words ” is exactly the level of petty we need to let the workday go .

If there’s one gift the work-from-home set would likely love to receive this season, it’s boundaries. While there are definite benefits to eschewing the commute and daily lunch budget for comfortable pants (or none at all) and working from bed (if you insist), there are also significant downsides as the lines between that aforementioned work and home become increasingly blurred. Given the circumstances, we dare not complain, but Refinery29 perfectly encapsulated our perverse privilege (because unequivocally, it is a privilege) in a recent article titled: “The Literal Pain of Working From Home.”
Some of this silence might have to do with the fact that we feel lucky to be able to work from home at all. You may wonder if it’s insensitive to be talking about the pain from working a cushy white-collar job while other workers are actively facing danger. The great COVID work-from-home era has, however, only highlighted how unhealthy our work habits and setups are...Our homes never asked to be offices and many of our cramped apartments were ill-prepared to serve as a workspace, but we’ve made do...
Added to this is the fact that, as pointed out by a Black C-suite exec quoted in LeanIn’s Women in the Workplace 2020 report (produced with McKinsey & Co.): “The greatest challenge has been the ability to disconnect from work. I get out of bed and go straight to my office, which is 20 steps away. And it’s very easy to get in early and stay late because there’s more than enough work to be done.”
Advertisement
Frankly, we envy her having an actual office to go to, since far too many of us have been forced to carve out corners of our bedrooms, living rooms, closets or kitchens to find a place to work each day. With none of us returning to the office anytime soon, if ever (we’re optimistically forecasting a minimum of 4-6 months, if not much longer), if the work-from-homie in your life doesn’t have a designated workspace as comfortable, organized, and full of creature comforts as possible, perhaps ‘tis the season for you to give the gift of an assist. (And if all else fails, remember: a well-thought-out gift card goes a long way.)
Okay, so maybe you don’t have an extra room to spare or convert into a whole-ass office. But if you have a closet—or even a corner—you can still make it special. (Y’all do realize The Glow Up’s famed “Beauty Closet” is literally that, right? With just some wallpaper, a mirror and shelving?). With just a few peel-and-stick panels, Chicago-based wallcoverings studio Mitchell Black can brighten up any work-from-home space—and differentiate said space from the rest of the home.
Advertisement Advertisement
If wallpaper’s not their vibe, you can still help them set a mood with one of the brilliant, Zero VOC paint colors from Clare—which you can preview with stick-on samples! Once they decide on a shade, Clare will deliver everything you need to your door (yes, including supplies), making this a major upgrade on home improvement. (We’re also quite fond of their era-appropriate “Indoor Person” sweatshirts, because this is where we live now .)
Advertisement
Alright, so you’d rather skip the DIY and get straight to the decor. Let the walls do the pep-talking with banners from this perennial favorite brand, which centers Blackness in all of its quotes and sayings—making their pieces both made for collecting and worth far more than small talk.
Advertisement
Maybe it’s not inspiration, but organization they really need in their head and schedule; which is where the bullet journal-inspired planners of Alter Planning Co. come in handy. In addition to Alter’s Semi-Annual and Annual planners (also available for digital download), The Dailies undated 30 Day Planner is available, as is a gift-worthy Sacred Divination Journal by Tatianna Tarot.
Advertisement
If she’s an aspiring (or established) “enterpreneuher,” give her an affirming and adorable boost with Copper & Brass’ brown girl-specific “goal getting journals, perfect for budding businesswoman and positive-thinking pros alike.
Advertisement
On the subject of entrepreneurs, did you know 763 new businesses are started by Black women every day (h/t iFundWomen). For those getting started—or getting brave enough to launch their own ventures amid layoffs and furloughs, them you support their hustle with an all-access pass ($30) to this virtual daylong conference on January 31, hosted by EveryStylishGirl and featuring “business, media and fashion’s leading tastemakers and curators.”
Advertisement
“Whether your business is a product or you’re looking to build yourself into a brand, our speakers intimately understand the challenges Black businesses face and will candidly share the secrets that helped launch their brands to success!” promise the organizers.
Advertisement
If they’re working from home, chances are they’re spending way too much time in front of their laptop screens—which means some blue-light filtering lenses are a must. A gift card to this eyewear brand co-owned by Jamie Foxx will protect their gaze—and with both a 2 for $50 sale and a new collection inspired by Disney’s Soul (starring Foxx, of course), your gift could be a double vision.
Advertisement
If they run on coffee, make sure it’s high- quality and delicious . These rich Haitian blends are considered some of the best beans around—and with a subscription, you’re sure to keep them buzzing well after the holidays.
Advertisement
If they prefer to sip the tea, twerk up their routine with a Trap Tea Set from Ivy’s Tea...with some loose leaves to fill it. Or better yet, help them “Zen the F*ck Out” with a classy, bougie and ratchet set of Trap China.
Advertisement
This planner thinks of everything—even financial planning (which we all need, while another round of stimulus relief remains in limbo. Add to that a page just for gratitude, and even amidst this dark time, they’ll be reminded of all there is to be grateful for.
Advertisement
The art of letter writing may have given way to the text, but the art itself is always ripe for a revival—and the gift of stationery and great pens is ample incentive. Paper & Stylo offers personalized options and hardworking staples alike, perfect for journaling, love letters, or writing you a thank you note.
Advertisement
Sourdough wasn’t the only thing rising this year. A whole new crop of plant lovers brought the outdoors in, brightening their lives by any means necessary. If growth is their focus for 2021, give them a visual metaphor to help ground their intentions.
Advertisement
Help spark some initiative (or help them relax) with the highly relatable messages on these Harlem-created candles...because if there’s anything we should all be doing at the end of 2020, it’s exhaling the bullshit.
Advertisement
We know it’s only Zoom, but let’s not lose all our sartorial sense while we’re trapped indoors. Pants may be optional, but the most dapper person in your life will likely love the opportunity to dress up a little bit with this kid-founded brand—which has grown with its owner into adulthood.
Advertisement
We love checking things off our to-do list—which is why we are entirely here for the organized, yet inspiring “Let’s Do This!”-themed notepad from Effie’s Paper. Those of us in a state of perpetual overwhelm *raises hand* will appreciate the effort to help us feel accomplished—no matter how much we have to get done.
Advertisement
If they’re leery about being in close quarters at the nail salon *raises unmanicured hand again*, treat them to some instant polish with these handpainted sets—which have come a long way since first-gen press-ons. Watch how much much more expressive those Zoom meetings become they feel like their nails are “did.”
Advertisement
No hairstylist? No problem. If they’re trying to keep their look chic and Zoom-ready while making a transition (or simply giving their tresses a much-needed break), choosing from the many, many styles Fanm Djanm offers will help them make a new style statement with an enviable and elegant wardrobe of wraps.
Advertisement
Remember the joy of shopping for school supplies? Well, the office aesthete will love Greer’s upgraded take on the essentials—and even better, those not-so-essentials they might never buy for themselves. Matter of fact, how would they feel about being gifted a great fountain pen?
Advertisement
And the end of the day (and this exhaustive l ist), ”whooooo f*cking saaaa” is exactly the phrase that escapes our lips—and this stress relief candle with notes of eucalyptus, oatmeal “and a sprinkle of curse words” is exactly the level of petty we need to let the workday go.


theroot--2020-12-18--New York Passes Law Banning Confederate Flags, Hate Symbols From Being Sold on State Property

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law on Tuesday that would ban hate symbols from being sold on state property .
According to ABC News , the law describes hate symbols specifically as “ symbols of white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideology or the Battle Flag of the Confederacy.
” The law will allow for certain exceptions .
If the imagery serves a “ educational or historical purpose ” it will still be allowed to be displayed on state property .
If a vendor is trying to sell a Confederate flag at , say the state fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The language of the law specifically calls out the Confederate Battle Flag , calling it “ a symbol of racism , exclusion , oppression and violence towards African Americans.
” State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi , who introduced the bill , released a statement celebrating the bill ’ s passage .
“ This bill allows New York State to lead by example , and discourage the perpetuation of symbols that do not represent our values of justice and inclusion , ” she wrote .
“ Today we say no to hate.
” I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories like these , I can ’ t help but feel a bit of discomfort .
Sure , this is a nice gesture , but it ’ s so small .
There was nothing stopping New York , or any state who has taken similar measures , from doing this before .
If you ’ re reading this story then I ’ m sure you ’ ve encountered the oft-repeated refrain of “ Following the deaths of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , and Ahmaud Arbery , ” throughout the year .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism , to say “ Hey !
That ’ s racist !
Don ’ t do that.
” Let ’ s keep it a buck , we ’ ve been asking for laws banning Confederate flags and taking down Confederate for years .
So why did it take so much death , such horrific death to get local governments to simply do the bare minimum ?
Apologies for going straight Debbie Downer there .
Anyway , according to the Hill the law goes into effect immediately , and Gov .
Cuomo has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of [ the ] legislation ” he believes that “ technical changes ” might be needed to ensure certain First Amendment rights aren ’ t infriginged .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law on Tuesday that would ban hate symbols from being sold on state property.
According to ABC News, the law describes hate symbols specifically as “symbols of white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideology or the Battle Flag of the Confederacy.” The law will allow for certain exceptions. If the imagery serves a “educational or historical purpose” it will still be allowed to be displayed on state property. If a vendor is trying to sell a Confederate flag at, say the state fair, that’s a no-no.
Advertisement
The language of the law specifically calls out the Confederate Battle Flag, calling it “a symbol of racism, exclusion, oppression and violence towards African Americans.”
State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, who introduced the bill, released a statement celebrating the bill’s passage. “This bill allows New York State to lead by example, and discourage the perpetuation of symbols that do not represent our values of justice and inclusion,” she wrote.
Advertisement Advertisement
“Today we say no to hate.”
I can’t lie, whenever I encounter stories like these, I can’t help but feel a bit of discomfort. Sure, this is a nice gesture, but it’s so small. There was nothing stopping New York, or any state who has taken similar measures, from doing this before. If you’re reading this story then I’m sure you’ve encountered the oft-repeated refrain of “Following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery,” throughout the year.
Advertisement
That’s where my discomfort lies.
It’s so easy to call out racism, to say “Hey! That’s racist! Don’t do that.” Let’s keep it a buck, we’ve been asking for laws banning Confederate flags and taking down Confederate for years. So why did it take so much death, such horrific death to get local governments to simply do the bare minimum?
Advertisement
Apologies for going straight Debbie Downer there.
Anyway, according to the Hill the law goes into effect immediately, and Gov. Cuomo has said that while he supports “the spirit of [the] legislation” he believes that “technical changes” might be needed to ensure certain First Amendment rights aren’t infriginged.


theroot--2020-12-17--Philadelphia Man Shot by Police and Falsely Convicted of Rape Exonerated After 19 Years in Prison

Listen : Stories about Black men spending years and even decades behind bars for crimes they didn ’ t commit are never stories you want to hear .
But there are certain stories where the degree of racism , injustice and cruel behavior on the part of law enforcement and the criminal justice system is so inconceivably egregious that even the most desensitized of us who are well-exposed to American racism can ’ t help but be shocked .
On Wednesday , 45-year-old Termaine Joseph Hicks was exonerated of rape after spending 19 years in a Philadelphia prison .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His only “ crime ” was attempting to help a rape victim , and for his efforts , he was shot three times in the back by police officers who then charged him with the rape and told blatant lies that ensured his conviction .
It was before dawn on Nov. 27 , 2001 , and Termaine Joseph Hicks was at the wrong place at precisely the wrong time .
A woman had been pistol-whipped , dragged into an alleyway behind what was then St. Agnes Hospital in South Philadelphia , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fled the scene .
Hicks heard her screams and rushed to help .
But , seconds later , police officers arrived , took him for the rapist and shot him three times .
Hicks survived , but was charged with the rape and sentenced to 12½ to 25 years in prison .
On Wednesday , after 19 years ’ incarceration , Hicks , 45 , was , at last , exonerated .
The Philadelphia District Attorney ’ s Conviction Integrity Unit agreed with Hicks and his lawyers , civil-rights attorney Susan Lin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case was built on lies — possibly to cover up the unjustified shooting — that were contradicted by newly analyzed and compelling forensic evidence .
Keep in mind that it wasn ’ t new evidence that exonerated Hicks ; evidence that was available nearly 20 years ago was reviewed after he spent 19 years of his life in a prison cell—during which he was denied parole multiple times because he wouldn ’ t admit to guilt , according to his attorneys .
According to the Inquirer , Philadelphia police officer Martin Vinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest or stomach as Hicks was pulling a gun from his pocket and lunging toward him .
Hicks said the officer shot him in the back as he was reaching into his pocket for his phone to call 911 .
Forensic evidence of Hicks ’ medical records and a new review of his clothing showed that only one man was telling the truth , and it wasn ’ t the cop .
The analysis of Hicks ’ clothes showed bullet holes in the back of his shirt but not the front .
Innocence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also evidence that police planted a gun they said they found on Hicks , noting that the gun was smeared with blood but Hick s ’ coat pocket had no blood at all .
“ He has always maintained that he arrived at the scene when he attempted to help the victim , ” Potkin said , the Inquirer reports .
“ He had his hand in his pocket because he was going to attempt to call the police when they arrived and shot him in the back .
Police claimed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of their effort to cover up the circumstances of the shooting , but the weapon that was attributed to Mr. Hicks was registered to an active Philadelphia police officer.
” According to a 2002 report by the South Philly Review , Vinson and his partner at the time , Sgt .
Dennis Zungolo said they found Hicks standing over the victim—who hasn ’ t been identified and wasn ’ t able to identify her actual attacker—with his pants down .
No real explanation has been reported as to how the hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing towards his innocence .
Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Tracy Brandeis-Roman offered him a “ bittersweet congratulations ” when she vacated his sentence and lamented “ the pain and the trauma of the victim , and then more pain in realizing that the wrong person was convicted.
” What ’ s worse is that the officers involved in the shooting and false arrest are still on the force and there ’ s no telling if they ’ ll face charges or any other disciplinary action for their alleged malfeasance .
More from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employed by the department .
In 2016 , the city paid $ 15,000 to settle a civil-rights lawsuit naming Vinson as one of two officers who dragged a taxi driver falsely accused of stealing a cell phone out of his cab , assaulted him , and told him if he did not like it , he could “ go back to his country.
” The Police Advisory Commission ’ s executive director , Anthony Erace , said he was not familiar with Hicks ’ case but would seek a review .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum misconduct is discovered , and at a maximum potential criminal behavior is possible , it ’ s got to be examined.
” Hicks , whose 24-year-old son was 5 at the time of his arrest , met his 2-year-old grandson for the first time after his release .
He wrote and directed 12 plays in prison and plans to keep writing now that he ’ s free .
“ I feel 100 pounds lighter , ” he said after his release , the Inquirer reports .
“ It ’ s unfortunate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took for me to clear my name .
I ’ ve been saying the same thing since day one .
The things that are promised to citizens should be delivered : a fair trial , and a fair look at what ’ s being presented .
”

Listen: Stories about Black men spending years and even decades behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit are never stories you want to hear. But there are certain stories where the degree of racism, injustice and cruel behavior on the part of law enforcement and the criminal justice system is so inconceivably egregious that even the most desensitized of us who are well-exposed to American racism can’t help but be shocked.
On Wednesday, 45-year-old Termaine Joseph Hicks was exonerated of rape after spending 19 years in a Philadelphia prison. But Hicks wasn’t just falsely imprisoned. His only “crime” was attempting to help a rape victim, and for his efforts, he was shot three times in the back by police officers who then charged him with the rape and told blatant lies that ensured his conviction.
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From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
It was before dawn on Nov. 27, 2001, and Termaine Joseph Hicks was at the wrong place at precisely the wrong time. A woman had been pistol-whipped, dragged into an alleyway behind what was then St. Agnes Hospital in South Philadelphia, and raped — until the rapist was startled and fled the scene. Hicks heard her screams and rushed to help. But, seconds later, police officers arrived, took him for the rapist and shot him three times. Hicks survived, but was charged with the rape and sentenced to 12½ to 25 years in prison. On Wednesday, after 19 years’ incarceration, Hicks, 45, was, at last, exonerated. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit agreed with Hicks and his lawyers, civil-rights attorney Susan Lin, and the Innocence Project, that the case was built on lies — possibly to cover up the unjustified shooting — that were contradicted by newly analyzed and compelling forensic evidence.
Advertisement Advertisement
Keep in mind that it wasn’t new evidence that exonerated Hicks; evidence that was available nearly 20 years ago was reviewed after he spent 19 years of his life in a prison cell—during which he was denied parole multiple times because he wouldn’t admit to guilt, according to his attorneys.
According to the Inquirer, Philadelphia police officer Martin Vinson reported that he shot Hicks in the chest or stomach as Hicks was pulling a gun from his pocket and lunging toward him. Hicks said the officer shot him in the back as he was reaching into his pocket for his phone to call 911. Forensic evidence of Hicks’ medical records and a new review of his clothing showed that only one man was telling the truth, and it wasn’t the cop. The analysis of Hicks’ clothes showed bullet holes in the back of his shirt but not the front.
Advertisement
Innocence Project attorney Vanessa Potkin said that there was also evidence that police planted a gun they said they found on Hicks, noting that the gun was smeared with blood but Hick s’ coat pocket had no blood at all.
“He has always maintained that he arrived at the scene when he attempted to help the victim,” Potkin said, the Inquirer reports. “He had his hand in his pocket because he was going to attempt to call the police when they arrived and shot him in the back. Police claimed that Mr. Hicks had a gun on him as part of their effort to cover up the circumstances of the shooting, but the weapon that was attributed to Mr. Hicks was registered to an active Philadelphia police officer.”
Advertisement
According to a 2002 report by the South Philly Review, Vinson and his partner at the time, Sgt. Dennis Zungolo said they found Hicks standing over the victim—who hasn’t been identified and wasn’t able to identify her actual attacker—with his pants down.
No real explanation has been reported as to how the hell Hicks was convicted with so much evidence pointing towards his innocence. Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Tracy Brandeis-Roman offered him a “bittersweet congratulations” when she vacated his sentence and lamented “the pain and the trauma of the victim, and then more pain in realizing that the wrong person was convicted.”
Advertisement
What’s worse is that the officers involved in the shooting and false arrest are still on the force and there’s no telling if they’ll face charges or any other disciplinary action for their alleged malfeasance.
More from the Inquirer:
Vinson and Zungolo remain employed by the department. In 2016, the city paid $15,000 to settle a civil-rights lawsuit naming Vinson as one of two officers who dragged a taxi driver falsely accused of stealing a cell phone out of his cab, assaulted him, and told him if he did not like it, he could “go back to his country.” The Police Advisory Commission’s executive director, Anthony Erace, said he was not familiar with Hicks’ case but would seek a review. “When you have a circumstance where at a minimum misconduct is discovered, and at a maximum potential criminal behavior is possible, it’s got to be examined.”
Advertisement
Hicks, whose 24-year-old son was 5 at the time of his arrest, met his 2-year-old grandson for the first time after his release. He wrote and directed 12 plays in prison and plans to keep writing now that he’s free.
“I feel 100 pounds lighter,” he said after his release, the Inquirer reports. “It’s unfortunate and sad that it took how long it took for me to clear my name. I’ve been saying the same thing since day one. The things that are promised to citizens should be delivered: a fair trial, and a fair look at what’s being presented.”


theroot--2020-12-17--In Both 40mm and 44mm Sizes, You Can Slap an Apple Watch Series 6 to Your Wrist for $49 Less Today

Foolishly , I bought the 44mm Apple Watch Series 6 at full price— $ 529—back in September .
For a limited time , however , you can snatch one up yourself in the smaller , 40mm form factor for just $ 350 in your choice of ( PRODUCT ) RED , Gold , or Space Gray .
Meanwhile , the 44mm version I have is down to $ 380 in ( PRODUCT ) RED , Space Gray , and Silver .
Keep in mind , these are all GPS-only models , so anyone hoping to stream music or receive text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby is out of luck .
Another caveat is that only certain colors will arrive before Christmas , which could be a dealbreaker for some last-minute holiday shoppers .
Still , it ’ s the biggest discount we ’ ve seen on the Apple Watch Series 6 since Black Friday .
So far , the Series 6 has been kind to me , what with its faster S6 dual-core processor , advanced fitness tracking capabilities , and most importantly to me , the ability to stream music without my phone in reach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Series 6 knowing what I know now about the SE .
The exclusive features aren ’ t for everyone , including myself .
If you don ’ t need an ECG sensor or blood oxygen monitoring , the more affordable Apple Watch SE is the Apple Watch to buy this year .
Though it does use the 1-year-older Series 5 chip , it ’ s still twice as fast as a Series 3 and honestly doesn ’ t cost much more at the current $ 250 to $ 300 sale price depending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t take it from me .
My wife , the wearables expert in our household had this to say in her review for Gizmodo : Unless your top priority is future-proofed advanced health-monitoring , or you just really love an always-on display , you should get a Watch SE .
I promise you won ’ t feel like you ’ ve been cheated .
If you ’ re not sure if you like smartwatches enough to plop down $ 400 , then absolutely the Watch SE is the way to go .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 Series 3 .
Don ’ t even think about it for your children , as it doesn ’ t even support the Family Setup feature that the cheapest watch seems perfect for .
While the Series 3 was a great smartwatch , its time has passed .
We thank it for its service and wish it a happy afterlife .
This story was originally published by Gabe Carey on 11/16/2020 and updated with new information on 12/17/2020 .

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

Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) | $350 | Amazon
Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm) | $380 | Amazon
Foolishly, I bought the 44mm Apple Watch Series 6 at full price—$529—back in September. For a limited time, however, you can snatch one up yourself in the smaller, 40mm form factor for just $350 in your choice of (PRODUCT)RED, Gold, or Space Gray. Meanwhile, the 44mm version I have is down to $380 in (PRODUCT)RED, Space Gray, and Silver. Keep in mind, these are all GPS-only models, so anyone hoping to stream music or receive text messages on the go without your phone nearby is out of luck. Another caveat is that only certain colors will arrive before Christmas, which could be a dealbreaker for some last-minute holiday shoppers. Still, it’s the biggest discount we’ve seen on the Apple Watch Series 6 since Black Friday.
So far, the Series 6 has been kind to me, what with its faster S6 dual-core processor, advanced fitness tracking capabilities, and most importantly to me, the ability to stream music without my phone in reach. That said, I almost regret buying the Series 6 knowing what I know now about the SE. The exclusive features aren’t for everyone, including myself. If you don’t need an ECG sensor or blood oxygen monitoring, the more affordable Apple Watch SE is the Apple Watch to buy this year. Though it does use the 1-year-older Series 5 chip, it’s still twice as fast as a Series 3 and honestly doesn’t cost much more at the current $250 to $300 sale price depending on the configuration.
But don’t take it from me. My wife, the wearables expert in our household had this to say in her review for Gizmodo:
Unless your top priority is future-proofed advanced health-monitoring, or you just really love an always-on display, you should get a Watch SE. I promise you won’t feel like you’ve been cheated. If you’re not sure if you like smartwatches enough to plop down $400, then absolutely the Watch SE is the way to go. Don’t even look at the $200 Series 3. Don’t even think about it for your children, as it doesn’t even support the Family Setup feature that the cheapest watch seems perfect for. While the Series 3 was a great smartwatch, its time has passed. We thank it for its service and wish it a happy afterlife.
This story was originally published by Gabe Carey on 11/16/2020 and updated with new information on 12/17/2020.


theroot--2020-12-17--Autopsy Reveals Black Man Was Shot in the Back by Texas Police

An independent autopsy has revealed that a Black man who was killed by a Texas police officer was shot in the back .
According to CBS News , 22-year-old Joshua Feast was shot by La Marque police officer Jose Santos last week .
Santos approached Feast about an outstanding warrant , which is when investigators say Feast pulled a gun out on the officer .
Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump , who ’ s representing Feast ’ s family , has said that the results of the independent autopsy show Feast was not a threat to the officer when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defenseless man who was running away , ” Crump said at a press conference announcing the autopsy results on Wednesday .
“ There was no reason for [ Santos ] to shoot and kill this young man , who had only turned 22 three weeks ago.
” The autopsy revealed that the bullet hit Feast in the upper back and didn ’ t go through him .
He suffered severe internal injuries and lost over 500 milliliters of blood .
Crump told reporters that Feast died before he arrived at the hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s neighbors who witnessed the incident , who claimed that Santos shot Feast as he was running away .
They said that while Santos called out Feast ’ s name , he never instructed him to stop running or to put up his hands .
According to Crump , they also alleged that the officer kicked Feast while he was on the ground .
Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset has said that investigators in his office have told him that body camera footage of the shooting shows Feast aiming his gun at Santos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while he hasn ’ t the video for himself , the description he ’ s been given alleges that Feast ran towards the officer with a gun before turning around and fleeing .
Feast allegedly dropped a 9mm pistol in the street and EMS workers found a .45 pistol in his clothing .
Crump has filed a request with the sheriff ’ s office to allow the family to view the body camera footage and for the official autopsy to be released .
Lakeisha Feast , Joshua ’ s mother , told CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video before his funeral on Friday for her own “ peace of mind.
” Trochesset has said the video wouldn ’ t be released to the public as it ’ s evidence in an ongoing investigation .
The results of that investigation will then be sent to the Galveston County District Attorney ’ s office who will decide if charges should be filed against the officer .
It should be noted that this is not the first time Officer Santos has been at the center of controversy .
Crump has said Santos is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing a different incident during a 2013 arrest in Galveston in which a group of officers is seen beating and kicking a Black man and holding his head underwater along a beach .
CBS News has not confirmed that Santos is one of the officers in the video .
Crump said Santos was working as a Galveston police officer at the time , and a federal lawsuit filed in 2014 over the incident names Santos as one of the defendants .
Santos denied allegations of excessive force in the lawsuit , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galveston Police Department in December 2013 , according to the Galveston County Daily News , but a department spokeswoman didn ’ t have a reason for the resignation .
The La Marque Police Department has not clarified whether Santos is still employed by the department or if he has faced any disciplinary action for the shooting .
During the press conference , Crump said that if Santos had been fired from the force , Feast would still be alive and his two children would still have their father .
“ I just feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead and the officer should be held accountable , ” Lakeisha Feast told CBS .
“ My grandkids should still have their father here .
It ’ s very hurtful .
”

An independent autopsy has revealed that a Black man who was killed by a Texas police officer was shot in the back.
According to CBS News, 22-year-old Joshua Feast was shot by La Marque police officer Jose Santos last week. Santos approached Feast about an outstanding warrant, which is when investigators say Feast pulled a gun out on the officer. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who’s representing Feast’s family, has said that the results of the independent autopsy show Feast was not a threat to the officer when he was shot.
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“He was a defenseless man who was running away,” Crump said at a press conference announcing the autopsy results on Wednesday. “There was no reason for [Santos] to shoot and kill this young man, who had only turned 22 three weeks ago.”
The autopsy revealed that the bullet hit Feast in the upper back and didn’t go through him. He suffered severe internal injuries and lost over 500 milliliters of blood. Crump told reporters that Feast died before he arrived at the hospital.
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Crump cited the accounts of Feast’s neighbors who witnessed the incident, who claimed that Santos shot Feast as he was running away. They said that while Santos called out Feast’s name, he never instructed him to stop running or to put up his hands. According to Crump, they also alleged that the officer kicked Feast while he was on the ground.
Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset has said that investigators in his office have told him that body camera footage of the shooting shows Feast aiming his gun at Santos before running off. Trochesset adds that while he hasn’t the video for himself, the description he’s been given alleges that Feast ran towards the officer with a gun before turning around and fleeing. Feast allegedly dropped a 9mm pistol in the street and EMS workers found a .45 pistol in his clothing.
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Crump has filed a request with the sheriff’s office to allow the family to view the body camera footage and for the official autopsy to be released. Lakeisha Feast, Joshua’s mother, told CBS that she would like to see the video before his funeral on Friday for her own “peace of mind.”
Trochesset has said the video wouldn’t be released to the public as it’s evidence in an ongoing investigation. The results of that investigation will then be sent to the Galveston County District Attorney’s office who will decide if charges should be filed against the officer. It should be noted that this is not the first time Officer Santos has been at the center of controversy.
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From CBS News:
Crump has said Santos is the same officer seen in a video showing a different incident during a 2013 arrest in Galveston in which a group of officers is seen beating and kicking a Black man and holding his head underwater along a beach. CBS News has not confirmed that Santos is one of the officers in the video. Crump said Santos was working as a Galveston police officer at the time, and a federal lawsuit filed in 2014 over the incident names Santos as one of the defendants. Santos denied allegations of excessive force in the lawsuit, which was later dismissed. Santos resigned from the Galveston Police Department in December 2013, according to the Galveston County Daily News, but a department spokeswoman didn’t have a reason for the resignation.
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The La Marque Police Department has not clarified whether Santos is still employed by the department or if he has faced any disciplinary action for the shooting. During the press conference, Crump said that if Santos had been fired from the force, Feast would still be alive and his two children would still have their father.
“I just feel like my son shouldn’t be dead and the officer should be held accountable,” Lakeisha Feast told CBS. “My grandkids should still have their father here. It’s very hurtful.”


theroot--2020-12-17--OK, Are We Ready to Talk About Jenna Bush Hager Hosting 'A Celebration of Toni Morrison'?

“ Say what , now ?
” has been the typical ( if not most explicit ) response to an announcement made this week that Jenna Bush Hager , former first daughter-turned-Today with Hoda and Jenna co-host , would be hosting “ A Celebration of Toni Morrison ” on the morning show December 21 , 2020 .
Yes , you heard that right : Jenna “ My Dad Is George W. Bush ” Hager is hosting a celebration of Toni Morrison , coincidentally ( or not ) airing on what The Root ’ s Freelance Entertainment Writer Shanelle Genai fondly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ... and we have both questions and serious concerns .
Where do we begin , exactly ?
Well , first of all , there are a lot of things that confuse us that we ’ ve long since given up figuring out—like why Jenna Bush Hager is a host on Today .
( As first daughters go , it still makes a helluva lot more sense than Ivanka being a White House senior adviser , so we ’ ll pick our battles . )
While this writer doesn ’ t regularly tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreshadowing ( to use a literary term ) , since Hager initially announced that The Bluest Eye , which this year celebrates 50 years since its publication , would be her December book club pick on Nov. 30 .
Making the subsequent announcement that she ’ d be hosting this upcoming salute to the author , Hager explained that her affinity for Morrison ’ s first novel , a book formerly banned in many parts of her native Texas , began in high school , writing on Today ’ s site : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was assigned to my sophomore English class at Austin High School .
While it started as another homework project , it quickly turned into reading a book I felt I had chosen for myself .
I remember marking it up like I had never marked up any books before .
I was totally in awe of Toni Morrison ’ s ability to make us feel like we were walking in Pecola ’ s footsteps .
Even if you didn ’ t necessarily relate , there was no way you didn ’ t empathize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never read anything quite like this .
It was a book that talked about adult subjects but the underlying themes of racism , otherness and feeling not good enough were things that my classmates were dealing with , particularly my classmates of color .
It was the first book that really opened my eyes to how literature can create understanding and take you into worlds you don ’ t know .
OK , we can respect the chord of empathy and openness Hager ’ s trying to strike here , especially when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And we certainly agree that even in the shittiest year of our lifetimes to date , the half-century milestone of this still groundbreaking novel—as well as the legacy of Morrison , who died in August 2019 , is worthy of celebration .
Honestly , we ’ re here for celebrating Morrison any and every day of the week , month or year—but what we ’ re not going to do is ignore the Black girl in the room .
In the 50 years since The Bluest Eye was published , its painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the other members of her too-small universe in Morrison ’ s native Lorain , Ohio , has been a source of empathy and affirmation for Black girls , many of whom felt seen for the first time in Morrison ’ s prose and characters .
Perhaps Morrison ’ s most famous quote is “ If there ’ s a book that you want to read , but it hasn ’ t been written yet , then you must write it ” ( h/t Goodreads ) .
While Hager may have felt The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve chosen for herself , it was not , in fact , written for her .
As Morrison herself once explained in an interview , she was compelled to write her debut novel ( and arguably , many of those that followed ) for “ the most vulnerable ... female Black children who have never held center stage in anything.
” She further noted her reasons for centering “ a little hurt Black girl ” in her narrative arose from being “ deeply concerned about the feelings of being ugly.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who didn ’ t catch that [ we were beautiful ] right away , ” she added .
Does that mean The Bluest Eye is the exclusive bastion of Black girls ?
Of course not , since , as Hager , who calls Morrison her “ favorite author of all time ” acknowledged , “ it still holds incredible power to spark current conversations ...
While this fact is heartbreaking , it also shows how complicated and complex some of these themes are.
” But in our humble opinion ( one clearly shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both be led by and equally center the same girls and women Morrison wrote her novel for—a novel which ironically wasn ’ t initially well-received when it debuted in 1970 .
With so many of our current conversations encouraging the sharing of the mic and relinquishing of platforms to the more marginalized , it ’ s fair to cringe at the thought of Hager or any other white woman leading ( on a mainstream national broadcast , no less ) , what is by necessity a deeply nuanced and still relevant dialogue on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a poor , Black , dark-skinned girlhood experience .
To be fair , while Hager is billed as the host of the hourlong special ( not exactly a draw , to our thinking—seriously , no producer or co-host questioned this idea ? )
the rest of her guests will be Black women , including “ queen of all media ” ( and friend of Morrison ) Oprah Winfrey , founder of Well-Read Black Girl ( and 2019 The Root 100 honoree ) Glory Edim , Patsy novelist Nicole Dennis-Benn , and high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bluest Eye on her annual mandatory reading lists .
With that added detail in mind , what is our complaint , exactly ?
( We know—we Blacks always have something to complain about . )
Simply that it might be nice if , instead of us all cocking our heads at Hager ’ s good taste in books and willingness to bring this oft-banned , unequivocally Black novel to her largely white fanbase—let alone giving her impressions of this seminal work , which no one asked for—she ’ d at least opt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edim , or even Cheriza .
And maybe she will , in a refreshing bait-and-switch , though we can ’ t guarantee we ’ ll be tuning in at 11 am Monday morning to find out .
Do we think more non-Black and female people need to read The Bluest Eye ?
Without question—but after they do , they need to sit back and do what we ’ ve been advising our politicians and pretty much everyone else to do since time immemorial : Listen to Black women .

“Say what, now?” has been the typical (if not most explicit) response to an announcement made this week that Jenna Bush Hager, former first daughter-turned-Today with Hoda and Jenna co-host, would be hosting “A Celebration of Toni Morrison” on the morning show December 21, 2020.
Yes, you heard that right: Jenna “My Dad Is George W. Bush” Hager is hosting a celebration of Toni Morrison, coincidentally (or not) airing on what The Root’s Freelance Entertainment Writer Shanelle Genai fondly refers to as “the Negro Solstice”...and we have both questions and serious concerns.
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Where do we begin, exactly? Well, first of all, there are a lot of things that confuse us that we’ve long since given up figuring out—like why Jenna Bush Hager is a host on Today. (As first daughters go, it still makes a helluva lot more sense than Ivanka being a White House senior adviser, so we’ll pick our battles.) While this writer doesn’t regularly tune into Today, apparently there was some foreshadowing (to use a literary term), since Hager initially announced that The Bluest Eye, which this year celebrates 50 years since its publication, would be her December book club pick on Nov. 30. Making the subsequent announcement that she’d be hosting this upcoming salute to the author, Hager explained that her affinity for Morrison’s first novel, a book formerly banned in many parts of her native Texas, began in high school, writing on Today’s site:
I remember where I was sitting when it was assigned to my sophomore English class at Austin High School. While it started as another homework project, it quickly turned into reading a book I felt I had chosen for myself. I remember marking it up like I had never marked up any books before. I was totally in awe of Toni Morrison’s ability to make us feel like we were walking in Pecola’s footsteps. Even if you didn’t necessarily relate, there was no way you didn’t empathize with Pecola. Thematically, I had never read anything quite like this. It was a book that talked about adult subjects but the underlying themes of racism, otherness and feeling not good enough were things that my classmates were dealing with, particularly my classmates of color. It was the first book that really opened my eyes to how literature can create understanding and take you into worlds you don’t know.
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OK, we can respect the chord of empathy and openness Hager’s trying to strike here, especially when it is in such short supply these days. And we certainly agree that even in the shittiest year of our lifetimes to date, the half-century milestone of this still groundbreaking novel—as well as the legacy of Morrison, who died in August 2019, is worthy of celebration.
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Honestly, we’re here for celebrating Morrison any and every day of the week, month or year—but what we’re not going to do is ignore the Black girl in the room. In the 50 years since The Bluest Eye was published, its painful and poignant story of 11-year-old Pecola Breedlove and the other members of her too-small universe in Morrison’s native Lorain, Ohio, has been a source of empathy and affirmation for Black girls, many of whom felt seen for the first time in Morrison’s prose and characters.
Advertisement
Perhaps Morrison’s most famous quote is “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it” (h/t Goodreads). While Hager may have felt The Bluest Eye a book she might’ve chosen for herself, it was not, in fact, written for her. As Morrison herself once explained in an interview, she was compelled to write her debut novel (and arguably, many of those that followed) for “the most vulnerable...female Black children who have never held center stage in anything.” She further noted her reasons for centering “a little hurt Black girl” in her narrative arose from being “deeply concerned about the feelings of being ugly.”
“I wanted to speak for those of us who didn’t catch that [we were beautiful] right away,” she added.
Advertisement
Does that mean The Bluest Eye is the exclusive bastion of Black girls? Of course not, since, as Hager, who calls Morrison her “favorite author of all time” acknowledged, “it still holds incredible power to spark current conversations... While this fact is heartbreaking, it also shows how complicated and complex some of these themes are.”
Advertisement
But in our humble opinion (one clearly shared many others), those conversations should both be led by and equally center the same girls and women Morrison wrote her novel for—a novel which ironically wasn’t initially well-received when it debuted in 1970. With so many of our current conversations encouraging the sharing of the mic and relinquishing of platforms to the more marginalized, it’s fair to cringe at the thought of Hager or any other white woman leading (on a mainstream national broadcast, no less), what is by necessity a deeply nuanced and still relevant dialogue on colorism, class and abuse rooted in a poor, Black, dark-skinned girlhood experience.
Advertisement
To be fair, while Hager is billed as the host of the hourlong special (not exactly a draw, to our thinking—seriously, no producer or co-host questioned this idea?) the rest of her guests will be Black women, including “queen of all media” (and friend of Morrison) Oprah Winfrey, founder of Well-Read Black Girl (and 2019 The Root 100 honoree) Glory Edim, Patsy novelist Nicole Dennis-Benn, and high school teacher Kessina Cheriza, who includes The Bluest Eye on her annual mandatory reading lists.
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With that added detail in mind, what is our complaint, exactly? (We know—we Blacks always have something to complain about.) Simply that it might be nice if, instead of us all marveling cocking our heads at Hager’s good taste in books and willingness to bring this oft-banned, unequivocally Black novel to her largely white fanbase—let alone giving her impressions of this seminal work, which no one asked for—she’d at least opt to relinquish her hosting spot to someone like Edim, or even Cheriza. And maybe she will, in a refreshing bait-and-switch, though we can’t guarantee we’ll be tuning in at 11 am Monday morning to find out.
Do we think more non-Black and female people need to read The Bluest Eye? Without question—but after they do, they need to sit back and do what we’ve been advising our politicians and pretty much everyone else to do since time immemorial: Listen to Black women.


theroot--2020-12-17--NBA Foundation Announces First Recipients of Grants to Empower the Black Community

On the same day that the NBA Foundation named Greg Taylor its first-ever e xecutive d irector , it also made another major announcement as part of its mission to advance economic empowerment within the Black community .
On Thursday , it announced initial recipients of grants totaling $ 2 million to seven organizations that “ provide skills training , mentorship , coaching and pipeline development for high school , college-aged , job-ready and mid-career Black men and women in communities across the United States and Canada ” : As we previously reported in The Root back in August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the National Basketball Players Association partnered to create the NBA Foundation in order to “ help Black men and women with obtaining jobs , securing employment following school and with career advancement.
” “ Given the resources and incredible platform of the NBA , we have the power to ideate , implement and support substantive policies that reflect the core principles of equality and justice we embrace , ” Michelle Roberts , the NBPA ’ s executive director , said at the time .
“ This Foundation will provide a framework for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these principles.
” Aside from establishing the NBA Foundation itself , the league also announced plans to invest as much as $ 300 million into empowering the Black community over the course of the next 10 years , and this $ 2 million grant serves as the first donation that the NBA Foundation has made toward that cause .
“ Incredible news just before the Holidays begin !
” exalt ’ s official account tweeted on Thursday .
“ We are honored and humbled to be apart of this new endeavor through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Exalt , @ nba thank you so much for supporting our mission to re-engage court involved you with their love for learning !
” While increased awareness of social justice issues impacting our community is important , it ’ s subsequent actions that will truly convey how committed the NBA is to these causes .
Congratulations to all seven grant recipients and we look forward to hearing how the NBA will remain involved in helping Black folks to flourish .

On the same day that the NBA Foundation named Greg Taylor its first-ever executive director, it also made another major announcement as part of its mission to advance economic empowerment within the Black community.
On Thursday, it announced initial recipients of grants totaling $2 million to seven organizations that “provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development for high school, college-aged, job-ready and mid-career Black men and women in communities across the United States and Canada”:
As we previously reported in The Root back in August, the NBA’s board of governors and the National Basketball Players Association partnered to create the NBA Foundation in order to “help Black men and women with obtaining jobs, securing employment following school and with career advancement.”
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“Given the resources and incredible platform of the NBA, we have the power to ideate, implement and support substantive policies that reflect the core principles of equality and justice we embrace,” Michelle Roberts, the NBPA’s executive director, said at the time. “This Foundation will provide a framework for us to stay committed and accountable to these principles.”
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Aside from establishing the NBA Foundation itself, the league also announced plans to invest as much as $300 million into empowering the Black community over the course of the next 10 years, and this $2 million grant serves as the first donation that the NBA Foundation has made toward that cause.
“Incredible news just before the Holidays begin!” exalt’s official account tweeted on Thursday. “We are honored and humbled to be apart of this new endeavor through the NBA Foundation! From all of us at Exalt, @nba thank you so much for supporting our mission to re-engage court involved you with their love for learning!”
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While increased awareness of social justice issues impacting our community is important, it’s subsequent actions that will truly convey how committed the NBA is to these causes.
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Congratulations to all seven grant recipients and we look forward to hearing how the NBA will remain involved in helping Black folks to flourish.