theroot--2020-05-28--Cash Money Is an Army: Record Label Pays June Rent for Hundreds of New Orleans Residents

Cash Money Records is paying the June rent of hundreds of subsidized tenants and families who live in the New Orleans area formerly known as Magnolia , Calliope , and Melpomene housing projects , now named as Scattered Sites Harmony Oaks , Marrero Commons and Guste .
According to a press release , Cash Money Records ( founded by New Orleans natives and brothers Bryan “ Birdman ” Williams and Ronald “ Slim ” Williams ) reportedly donated $ 225,000 to Forward Together New Orleans ( FTNO ) , a nonprofit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisiana city during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Given the scale of COVID-19 and its far-reaching impacts on the City of New Orleans , Forward Together New Orleans plans to immediately issue checks to the scattered sites to pay for June rent for those tenants who are in the public housing programs , excluding any monies already subsidized by the government and other organizations , ” the press release reads .
“ FTNO is The Mayor ’ s Fund which began as New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell ’ s transition committee and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office , a vehicle that offers nonprofit , partnership support to future New Orleans mayors.
” “ The legacy of Cash Money belongs to the city of New Orleans , ” Birdman said in a statement .
“ There ’ s nothing more important to us than giving back to the brothers and sisters who live on those same streets we grew up on—from musicians to service workers to everyday working families .
That ’ s what this label was always about.
” The brothers have also given back to their city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a charity named for their parents .
For over 20 years , they ’ ve been donating free Thanksgiving dinners to New Orleans residents in need , and have also provided free health screenings available to all New Orleans residents who come to the turkey giveaway , in collaboration with Ochsner Health Systems .
“ New Orleans made us and is part of who we are , ” Slim said .
“ We are devastated that this pandemic is hitting our community there so hard and we are committed to doing what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the long term.
” “ In years to come , when we look back on how our city came together to get through the coronavirus crisis , we will have no better example of leadership than the Williams brothers , these sons of New Orleans who make our city proud today , ” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell .
“ No one should have to fear losing their home while trying to protect their health .
”

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

Cash Money Records is paying the June rent of hundreds of subsidized tenants and families who live in the New Orleans area formerly known as Magnolia, Calliope, and Melpomene housing projects, now named as Scattered Sites Harmony Oaks, Marrero Commons and Guste.
According to a press release, Cash Money Records (founded by New Orleans natives and brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams) reportedly donated $225,000 to Forward Together New Orleans (FTNO), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing urgent care needs and resources to the Louisiana city during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“Given the scale of COVID-19 and its far-reaching impacts on the City of New Orleans, Forward Together New Orleans plans to immediately issue checks to the scattered sites to pay for June rent for those tenants who are in the public housing programs, excluding any monies already subsidized by the government and other organizations,” the press release reads. “FTNO is The Mayor’s Fund which began as New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s transition committee and now plans to thrive long past her tenure in office, a vehicle that offers nonprofit, partnership support to future New Orleans mayors.”
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“The legacy of Cash Money belongs to the city of New Orleans,” Birdman said in a statement. “There’s nothing more important to us than giving back to the brothers and sisters who live on those same streets we grew up on—from musicians to service workers to everyday working families. That’s what this label was always about.”
The brothers have also given back to their city through The Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation, a charity named for their parents. For over 20 years, they’ve been donating free Thanksgiving dinners to New Orleans residents in need, and have also provided free health screenings available to all New Orleans residents who come to the turkey giveaway, in collaboration with Ochsner Health Systems.
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“New Orleans made us and is part of who we are,” Slim said. “We are devastated that this pandemic is hitting our community there so hard and we are committed to doing what we can to help now and in the long term.”
“In years to come, when we look back on how our city came together to get through the coronavirus crisis, we will have no better example of leadership than the Williams brothers, these sons of New Orleans who make our city proud today,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “No one should have to fear losing their home while trying to protect their health.”


theroot--2020-05-28--Grilltastic's $39 Steam Cleaner Gets Your Grill Primed for July 4th BBQs

For many , Memorial Day was the first big BBQ day of the season , but you know it doesn @ @ @ @ @ The 4th of July will be even bigger , and all that char from the @ @ @ @ @ t clean itself .
You don ’ t have to scrub your arm off for @ @ @ @ @ Just pick up a Grilltastic steam cleaner for $ 39 at MorningSave , which excretes @ @ @ @ @ steel bristle to exile all the grease and grime from your life .

Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

Grilltastic Steam Grill Cleaner | $39 | MorningSave
For many, Memorial Day was the first big BBQ day of the season, but you know it doesn’t stop there. The 4th of July will be even bigger, and all that char from the burgers you burnt won’t clean itself. You don’t have to scrub your arm off for the job, though. Just pick up a Grilltastic steam cleaner for $39 at MorningSave, which excretes steam over a sturdy stainless steel bristle to exile all the grease and grime from your life.


theroot--2020-05-28--Black Ass Game: Tracee Ellis Ross Wants to Hit The High Note With Rihanna

Much like the night she debuted her first-ever single to promote her upcoming movie The High Note , Tracee Ellis @ @ @ @ @ play our ever-popular Black Ass Game .
What we did is we recited a lyric @ @ @ @ @ who sung “ high notes ” of their own and Tracee had to guess the @ @ @ @ @ Whitney Houston to Minnie Ripperton , Tracee really didn ’ t have anything to be @ @ @ @ @ the damn thing !
When we asked Tracee who ’ d be her ideal duet @ @ @ @ @ , of course !
Actually , let ’ s be real—Tracee is down to do @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s dinner , lunch or swimming !
So ... do we get an @ @ @ @ @ Because we are here for that .
Get into our video above !
I t @ @ @ @ @ smile , which is sorely needed these days .
The High Note releases On Demand @ @ @ @

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

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-05-28--Protests Erupt in Minneapolis for 2nd Straight Night after Death of George Floyd; All 4 Officers Inv

Protests Erupt in Minneapolis for 2nd Straight Night after Death of George Floyd; All 4 Officers Involved Identified

Parts of Minneapolis were still smoldering Thursday morning as the city awakened from a second night of violent clashes between police and thousands of protesters , enraged by the death of 46-year-old George Floyd at the hands of four officers Monday .
As the Star Tribune reports , Wednesday night ’ s protests erupted in violence in certain parts of the city .
While protests outside of the South Side police station were mostly peaceful , around E. Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue , long-simmering anger at the police and lack of accountability came to a head .
Some protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of stores , while MPD launched flash-bang grenades , sprayed tear gas and shot other projectiles at demonstrators .
One person was fatally shot during the protests .
According to the Star Tribune , the suspect in the shooting is a pawn shop store owner who suspected the victim was burglarizing his store .
Police have not yet released numbers on the number of people arrested Wednesday night .
The uprising in Minneapolis over the last two days is a direct response to the death of Floyd , who was originally detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of a Cup Foods deli on Monday night .
During the arrest , a white police officer kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck for at least eight minutes as Floyd and bystanders pleaded for the officer to get off him .
“ I can not breathe !
I can not breathe !
” Floyd cried out as he lay face down on the ground .
“ Don ’ t kill me !
” Floyd went unconscious during the arrest , dying in the hospital hours later .
But tensions between MPD and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly after the fatal police shooting of 24-year-old Jamar Clark in 2015 .
Police officers never faced any charges for the killing .
Protests were not limited to Minneapolis on Wednesday night .
In Memphis , Tenn. , and Los Angeles , hundreds marched in solidarity with Floyd and angry Minneapolis residents .
In L.A. , dozens of protesters blocked both sides of the 101 Freeway .
Police confirmed that none of the LA demonstrators were arrested ; in Memphis , police clad in riot gear arrested at least two protesters .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for Officer Derek Chauvin , the cop who kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck , to be charged in his killing .
“ I ’ ve wrestled with , more than anything else over the last 36 hours , one fundamental question : Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail ?
” Frey said .
“ If you had done it , or I had done it , we would be behind bars right now .
And I can not come up with a good answer to that.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ used on Floyd is not authorized by MPD .
“ We are not talking about a split-second decision that was made incorrectly , ” said the mayor .
“ There ’ s somewhere around 300 seconds in those five minutes , every one of which the officer could have turned back , every second of which he could have removed his knee from George Floyd ’ s neck.
” The decision to prosecute the officers lies in the hands of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman .
In a statement , the attorney ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension ( BCA ) , which investigates most police shootings and in-custody deaths , and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner to gather and review evidence “ in the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd.
” Freeman declined to press charges in Clark ’ s killing in 2015 .
The FBI is also working with the BCA on the investigation , meaning federal officials also have the authority to make an arrest .
The FBI promised a “ robust investigation ” into Floyd ’ s death , calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the bureau .
All four police involved in Floyd ’ s death have now been identified .
Officers Chauvin and Tou Thao , shown prominently in the viral video of Floyd ’ s arrest , both have disciplinary records .
Chauvin was involved in three police shootings prior to Floyd ’ s arrest , while Thao has been the subject of multiple complaints , including one instance of excessive force .
Both are considered veterans of the Minneapolis Police Department .
Officers Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng were also involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not released bodycam footage of the arrest , during which officers claimed Floyd had physically resisted .
Footage from a nearby store showed Floyd exiting his car with police , being compliant as he was handcuffed and led by officers to the sidewalk .

Parts of Minneapolis were still smoldering Thursday morning as the city awakened from a second night of violent clashes between police and thousands of protesters, enraged by the death of 46-year-old George Floyd at the hands of four officers Monday.
As the Star Tribune reports, Wednesday night’s protests erupted in violence in certain parts of the city. While protests outside of the South Side police station were mostly peaceful, around E. Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue, long-simmering anger at the police and lack of accountability came to a head. Some protesters were filmed damaging property and taking items out of stores, while MPD launched flash-bang grenades, sprayed tear gas and shot other projectiles at demonstrators.
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One person was fatally shot during the protests. According to the Star Tribune, the suspect in the shooting is a pawn shop store owner who suspected the victim was burglarizing his store. Police have not yet released numbers on the number of people arrested Wednesday night.
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The uprising in Minneapolis over the last two days is a direct response to the death of Floyd, who was originally detained over a suspected counterfeit $20 bill outside of a Cup Foods deli on Monday night. During the arrest, a white police officer kneeled on Floyd’s neck for at least eight minutes as Floyd and bystanders pleaded for the officer to get off him.
“I cannot breathe! I cannot breathe!” Floyd cried out as he lay face down on the ground. “Don’t kill me!”
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Floyd went unconscious during the arrest, dying in the hospital hours later.
But tensions between MPD and the community have long run high, particularly after the fatal police shooting of 24-year-old Jamar Clark in 2015. Police officers never faced any charges for the killing.
Advertisement
Protests were not limited to Minneapolis on Wednesday night. In Memphis, Tenn., and Los Angeles, hundreds marched in solidarity with Floyd and angry Minneapolis residents. In L.A., dozens of protesters blocked both sides of the 101 Freeway. Police confirmed that none of the LA demonstrators were arrested; in Memphis, police clad in riot gear arrested at least two protesters.
Earlier on Wednesday night, Mayor Jacob Frey called for Officer Derek Chauvin, the cop who kneeled on Floyd’s neck, to be charged in his killing.
Advertisement
“I’ve wrestled with, more than anything else over the last 36 hours, one fundamental question: Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?” Frey said. “If you had done it, or I had done it, we would be behind bars right now. And I cannot come up with a good answer to that.”
Frey noted that the move Chauvin used on Floyd is not authorized by MPD.
“We are not talking about a split-second decision that was made incorrectly,” said the mayor. “There’s somewhere around 300 seconds in those five minutes, every one of which the officer could have turned back, every second of which he could have removed his knee from George Floyd’s neck.”
Advertisement
The decision to prosecute the officers lies in the hands of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. In a statement, the attorney’s office said it was working expeditiously with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which investigates most police shootings and in-custody deaths, and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner to gather and review evidence “in the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd.”
Freeman declined to press charges in Clark’s killing in 2015.
The FBI is also working with the BCA on the investigation, meaning federal officials also have the authority to make an arrest. The FBI promised a “robust investigation” into Floyd’s death, calling the case a “top priority” for the bureau.
Advertisement
All four police involved in Floyd’s death have now been identified. Officers Chauvin and Tou Thao, shown prominently in the viral video of Floyd’s arrest, both have disciplinary records. Chauvin was involved in three police shootings prior to Floyd’s arrest, while Thao has been the subject of multiple complaints, including one instance of excessive force. Both are considered veterans of the Minneapolis Police Department.
Officers Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng were also involved in Floyd’s arrest.
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Police have not released bodycam footage of the arrest, during which officers claimed Floyd had physically resisted. Footage from a nearby store showed Floyd exiting his car with police, being compliant as he was handcuffed and led by officers to the sidewalk.


theroot--2020-05-28--Kamala and Maya's Big Idea Celebrates the Girl Power That Launched Two Political Powerhouses

Senator Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) is a consistent presence in our news cycle , currently due to being considered a frontrunner among Joe Biden ’ s potential running mates for the White House .
Of course , Harris also made headlines before and during her own 2020 presidential run for her incisive and seemingly fearless delivery during hearings and debates , which Biden memorably experienced firsthand last June .
Her sister Maya , a fellow attorney , is also a political power-player , acting as an advisor on Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 presidential campaign , as campaign chairwoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , and as a political analyst for MSNBC .
Their mother is the late Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris , a breast cancer researcher and activist who served on the President ’ s Special Commission on Breast Cancer during her lifetime .
It is this legacy of dynamic , change-making women that Maya ’ s daughter Meena Harris , also a lawyer and founder of the Phenomenal Women activism campaign and lifestyle brand , draws upon when discussing the inspiration behind her first book , Kamala and Maya ’ s Big Idea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 2 .
If you ’ re thinking that ’ s a cute title for a biography on political insiders , it ’ s not quite the tome you might be imagining .
In fact , the children ’ s book is a retelling of a story Meena grew up hearing from the women in her family , recounting how her mother and aunt became early community organizers when they galvanized their neighbors into transforming the vacant lot next to their building into a playground .
“ There are many reasons I wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was I grew up in this incredible environment surrounded by these three really strong and—even in my child ’ s eye back then—really powerful women of color and black women , and that was my grandmother , my mom and my aunt , ” Harris told The Glow Up earlier this year , a few weeks after Kamala ended her presidential campaign .
“ I just loved hearing stories about them and looking at pictures of them growing up—they were so central to my upbringing , ” she continued .
“ But then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about who they were as kids was really special to me and something I loved as a child , and this was one of those stories that I heard.
” It ’ s a story the California senator shared on the campaign trail , and it ’ s hard not to smile at the thought of a little Kamala and sister Maya putting their then-precocious political savvy to work .
As the book illustrates , community organizing can be as simple as being brave enough to ask for what you need , pooling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , easily executable strategies .
This is the lesson Meena , now with two daughters of her own , wanted to share with both her own and other families .
“ I think the lessons are not only unique to the environment I grew up in , which is something I want to memorialize for my own daughters , ” she explained .
“ But now as a mother myself , and having founded the Phenomenal Woman action campaign and engaging with some of these issues , I see how valuable it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to really engage in a dialogue with adults about how do you really your kids with a spirit and feeling of responsibility , of making an impact ?
” While Kamala and Maya ’ s Big Idea may be centered around two thoughtful and determined little girls , it ’ s really a story about community—one equally relevant and relatable for all children and their parents .
“ One other really heartening thing is seeing so many parents of sons saying “ I can ’ t wait to read this with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This isn ’ t just for black girls or girls of color ; I think that it is just as important for boys to engage with this—and for that matter , for white children to engage with it .
I think it ’ s just as important to have representation for my daughters as it is for children in less diverse communities to be engaging with content in books around black children…I think that ’ s so important.
” Also important is what Meena ’ s contribution to the genre—witg illustrations by former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coco ) —represents .
In 2018 , 7 % of children ’ s book authors were black , Latinx or Native , while over half of children ’ s books written about people of color were written by white authors .
That “ diversity gap ” isn ’ t lost on Meena , who is proud to be part of a new wave of voices entering the space , which now also includes books by celebs Lupita Nyong ’ o and Gabrielle Union .
Union has already praised Kamala and Maya ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who called it “ [ a ] n inspiring tale ” ( h/t Amazon ) .
“ I also carry with me a feeling of purpose and responsibility there , as well : to have it not only be a children ’ s book about black girls and women of color but also being written by a woman of color , illustrated by a woman of color—unfortunately that ’ s still somewhat rare , ” Meena explained , noting how essential it was to even get the hair of her two young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was another reason why I wanted to write this ...
I ’ m excited to kind of be building on this conversation , and I ’ m still learning , too.
” Though she never could ’ ve predicted it , there has perhaps been no better time than the downtime and dynamics of our present crisis to begin instilling in children ( and their parents ) a sense of communal responsibility and empowerment to enact positive change with consideration for the greater good .
This is the message at the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idea , and another component of the Harris legacy that began with Meena ’ s civil rights activist grandparents .
“ The way Kamala has talked about it is when she was growing up she was surrounded by adults marching and shouting about justice and equality and civil rights , ” Meena shared .
“ I think I got a lot of that too , but you know in a different way .
Obviously , it wasn ’ t in the ‘ 60s , but my grandmother and all of them still carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I , even as a child , was really exposed to the same commitment and responsibility .
And not only constantly telling me—you know , talking about it with me in the context of current events and politics and things like that—but also showing it in their actions .
“ I think that is a key kind of step for parents to think about ... how to talk to your kids about racism or race , ” she continued .
“ Yes , we have to talk about this stuff—we have to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have to show our kids that we ’ re doing it , too.
” Meena referenced the 2017 Women ’ s March that followed Donald Trump ’ s inauguration as a pivotal point in her understanding of how much people were craving conversations and guidance on everyday activism .
“ You had so many incredible women , but like , ordinary women—everyday folks just saying ‘ What can I do in my community ?
What can I do in my own space , in my own neighborhood to use my voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something ?
’ “ It has to be ongoing ; it has to be like real deep engagement , ” she said in response to her own question , later adding : “ We ’ re seeing it already , but I think it ’ s up to all of us to be actively engaging in these conversations ; not only with adults , but again , with our kids…When I think about these conversations around equity and activism , and working around things like equal pay and opportunity and advancement for women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the fact that it almost feels like it ’ s too late by the time we ’ re having that conversation… “ We know this stuff starts early ; we know that the bad stuff—in terms of social norms and dimming girls light and treating them differently than boys starts super young , right ?
” she continued .
“ Although I ’ m right now choosing to do this through a children ’ s book , I think that this stuff is just as if not more important than the conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are not paying attention to it this early , 20 years down the road is almost too late ...
I think we have to really elevate the conversation around girls—and boys , too , for that matter—because it comes down to cultural norms.
” One need look no further than her now-famous aunt to understand how powerful representation can be in shifting those norms .
In fact , Meena suggested that perhaps Kamala Harris ’ greatest legacy may be the enduring impact she makes upon little girls of color , girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were .
“ Some of the most emotional moments for me when she was on the campaign trail were these images and videos of her with these young girls , ” Meena recounted .
“ You know , many of them black and brown girls who were just looking at her and seeing them themselves.
” Speaking in February as the COVID-19 crisis was just dawning , Meena also agreed we currently have a critical opportunity to heighten our awareness and understanding of civic issues that will affect generations to come .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conversation via Phenomenal Woman and Kamala and Maya ’ s Big Idea , she ’ s personally been drawing inspiration from Gen Z ; especially young climate activists .
“ It is an opportunity where we ’ re not only seeing heightened engagement with politics , ” she said , suggesting , “ but lean into that , and think about how you ’ re gon na look back and talk about this moment with your kids , and with your grandkids.
” This interview was edited and condensed for clarity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available June 2 , 2020 , and for preorder now at major booksellers and at phenomenalgirl.com .

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

Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) is a consistent presence in our news cycle, currently due to being considered a frontrunner among Joe Biden’s potential running mates for the White House. Of course, Harris also made headlines before and during her own 2020 presidential run for her incisive and seemingly fearless delivery during hearings and debates, which Biden memorably experienced firsthand last June. Her sister Maya, a fellow attorney, is also a political power-player, acting as an advisor on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, as campaign chairwoman for her older sister’s 2020 run, and as a political analyst for MSNBC. Their mother is the late Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a breast cancer researcher and activist who served on the President’s Special Commission on Breast Cancer during her lifetime.
It is this legacy of dynamic, change-making women that Maya’s daughter Meena Harris, also a lawyer and founder of the Phenomenal Women activism campaign and lifestyle brand, draws upon when discussing the inspiration behind her first book, Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, due for release by HarperCollins Publishers on June 2. If you’re thinking that’s a cute title for a biography on political insiders, it’s not quite the tome you might be imagining. In fact, the children’s book is a retelling of a story Meena grew up hearing from the women in her family, recounting how her mother and aunt became early community organizers when they galvanized their neighbors into transforming the vacant lot next to their building into a playground.
Advertisement
“There are many reasons I wrote it, but the very first reason was I grew up in this incredible environment surrounded by these three really strong and—even in my child’s eye back then—really powerful women of color and black women, and that was my grandmother, my mom and my aunt,” Harris told The Glow Up earlier this year, a few weeks after Kamala ended her presidential campaign. “I just loved hearing stories about them and looking at pictures of them growing up—they were so central to my upbringing,” she continued. “But then, to also—through my grandmother, especially—learn about who they were as kids was really special to me and something I loved as a child, and this was one of those stories that I heard.”
Advertisement Advertisement
It’s a story the California senator shared on the campaign trail, and it’s hard not to smile at the thought of a little Kamala and sister Maya putting their then-precocious political savvy to work. As the book illustrates, community organizing can be as simple as being brave enough to ask for what you need, pooling resources and talents, and creating basic, easily executable strategies. This is the lesson Meena, now with two daughters of her own, wanted to share with both her own and other families.
“I think the lessons are not only unique to the environment I grew up in, which is something I want to memorialize for my own daughters,” she explained. “But now as a mother myself, and having founded the Phenomenal Woman action campaign and engaging with some of these issues, I see how valuable it can be to share that with other parents and to really engage in a dialogue with adults about how do you really your kids with a spirit and feeling of responsibility, of making an impact?”
Advertisement
While Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea may be centered around two thoughtful and determined little girls, it’s really a story about community—one equally relevant and relatable for all children and their parents.
“One other really heartening thing is seeing so many parents of sons saying “I can’t wait to read this with my son,” Meena said. “This isn’t just for black girls or girls of color; I think that it is just as important for boys to engage with this—and for that matter, for white children to engage with it. I think it’s just as important to have representation for my daughters as it is for children in less diverse communities to be engaging with content in books around black children…I think that’s so important.”
Advertisement
Also important is what Meena’s contribution to the genre—with illustrations by former Pixar Development Artist Ana Ramirez Gonzalez (Coco)—represents. In 2018, 7% of children’s book authors were black, Latinx or Native, while over half of children’s books written about people of color were written by white authors. That “diversity gap” isn’t lost on Meena, who is proud to be part of a new wave of voices entering the space, which now also includes books by celebs Lupita Nyong’o and Gabrielle Union. Union has already praised Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, as has Stacey Abrams, who called it “[a]n inspiring tale” (h/t Amazon).
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“I also carry with me a feeling of purpose and responsibility there, as well: to have it not only be a children’s book about black girls and women of color but also being written by a woman of color, illustrated by a woman of color—unfortunately that’s still somewhat rare,” Meena explained, noting how essential it was to even get the hair of her two young heroines right on the page. “That was another reason why I wanted to write this...I’m excited to kind of be building on this conversation, and I’m still learning, too.”
Though she never could’ve predicted it, there has perhaps been no better time than the downtime and dynamics of our present crisis to begin instilling in children (and their parents) a sense of communal responsibility and empowerment to enact positive change with consideration for the greater good. This is the message at the heart of Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, and another component of the Harris legacy that began with Meena’s civil rights activist grandparents.
Advertisement
“The way Kamala has talked about it is when she was growing up she was surrounded by adults marching and shouting about justice and equality and civil rights,” Meena shared. “I think I got a lot of that too, but you know in a different way. Obviously, it wasn’t in the ‘60s, but my grandmother and all of them still carried this deep commitment to making sure that I, even as a child, was really exposed to the same commitment and responsibility. And not only constantly telling me—you know, talking about it with me in the context of current events and politics and things like that—but also showing it in their actions.
“I think that is a key kind of step for parents to think about...how to talk to your kids about racism or race,” she continued. “Yes, we have to talk about this stuff—we have to learn how to have these conversations—and then also, we have to show our kids that we’re doing it, too.”
Advertisement
Meena referenced the 2017 Women’s March that followed Donald Trump’s inauguration as a pivotal point in her understanding of how much people were craving conversations and guidance on everyday activism. “You had so many incredible women, but like, ordinary women—everyday folks just saying ‘What can I do in my community? What can I do in my own space, in my own neighborhood to use my voice, to speak up, to do something?’
Advertisement
“It has to be ongoing; it has to be like real deep engagement,” she said in response to her own question, later adding: “We’re seeing it already, but I think it’s up to all of us to be actively engaging in these conversations; not only with adults, but again, with our kids…When I think about these conversations around equity and activism, and working around things like equal pay and opportunity and advancement for women in the workplace, I also think about the fact that it almost feels like it’s too late by the time we’re having that conversation…
“We know this stuff starts early; we know that the bad stuff—in terms of social norms and dimming girls light and treating them differently than boys starts super young, right?” she continued. “Although I’m right now choosing to do this through a children’s book, I think that this stuff is just as if not more important than the conversations we’re having around women because if you are not paying attention to it this early, 20 years down the road is almost too late...I think we have to really elevate the conversation around girls—and boys, too, for that matter—because it comes down to cultural norms.”
Advertisement
One need look no further than her now-famous aunt to understand how powerful representation can be in shifting those norms. In fact, Meena suggested that perhaps Kamala Harris’ greatest legacy may be the enduring impact she makes upon little girls of color, girls like the ones she and Maya once were.
“Some of the most emotional moments for me when she was on the campaign trail were these images and videos of her with these young girls,” Meena recounted. “You know, many of them black and brown girls who were just looking at her and seeing them themselves.”
Advertisement
Speaking in February as the COVID-19 crisis was just dawning, Meena also agreed we currently have a critical opportunity to heighten our awareness and understanding of civic issues that will affect generations to come. In addition to making her own contribution to the conversation via Phenomenal Woman and Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, she’s personally been drawing inspiration from Gen Z; especially young climate activists.
“It is an opportunity where we’re not only seeing heightened engagement with politics,” she said, suggesting, “but lean into that, and think about how you’re gonna look back and talk about this moment with your kids, and with your grandkids.”
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This interview was edited and condensed for clarity. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea is available June 2, 2020, and for preorder now at major booksellers and at phenomenalgirl.com.


theroot--2020-05-28--Minneapolis Man Loses His Lease After Going Full Karen on Black Tenants Using Office Gym

At this point , white people just really need to learn how to read the room .
Just one day after Amy “ Central Park Karen ” Cooper became internet- infamous for calling the police on a black man after he asked her to leash her dog—a thing that resulted in her losing her job , her dog and her welcome on park grounds—a white man in Minneapolis got himself caught on camera calling the authorities on five black men for using the gym of an office building of which they all are tenants .
Now , that white man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that managing partner of F2 Group Tom Austin lost his lease in a venture capitalist ’ s office building after a video posted to Instagram showed him going full Karen ( or Chad ?
Steve ?
Hunter ?
At some point the black delegation is going to have to settle on a name for male Karens ) and threatening to call the police on black men who refused to answer his questions about where their office was .
The black men in question are young entrepreneurs who own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branding agency that is part of the WeWork co-working space in the Mozaic East building where the gym is located .
Video footage of the confrontation with Austin was posted to Top Figure ’ s Instagram page and has since gone viral .
The video starts with Austin holding up his phone presumably to record whatever infraction he thinks is occurring while the men can be heard in the background complaining that they ’ re just trying to work out in the gym where they ’ re allowed to be .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I ’ m a tenant in the building—are you ?
” The men answered that they were tenants at which point Austin demands to know which office they work in .
After being told that it ’ s none of his mother fucking business where they work , Austin threatens to call the police on them—he called the property manager instead .
The Mozaic East building is owned by Ackerberg Group and the company ’ s CEO , Stuart Ackerberg , wasn ’ t happy after seeing the video .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , according to the Tribune .
“ This is not how we do business .
I ’ m alarmed by what I saw.
” “ It appears they had every right to be there and to use that amenity , ” he continued .
Austin ’ s lease was terminated over the incident and he has since offered an apology saying , via email , “ Should have handled it differently .
Not my job to have done anything.
” Of course , like most wypipo apologies , Austin ’ s came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Austin , who was a vocal critic of renaming Lake Calhoun to Bde Maka Ska , said in an interview Wednesday that he regretted saying anything to the men and insisted he was not being racist .
He said the building had recently sent out an e-mail reminding them that only tenants were allowed to use the gym and other amenities in the building .
He said he was suspicious that the men were not all tenants because he saw one person in the group of five men using his key fob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other doors .
He said they became “ aggressive ” when he confronted them .
Imagine expecting five men in a group to all be carrying key fobs in their gym shorts just to avoid the suspicion that they were somewhere they didn ’ t belong .
Then imagine those men being the ones characterized as “ aggressive.
” It ’ s also worth mentioning that this happened in the same city where , just a day prior , a white Minneapolis police officer made national headlines for kneeling on the neck of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later died , prompting protests against racism and police violence all over the city .
Again , learn how to read the room .

At this point, white people just really need to learn how to read the room.
Just one day after Amy “Central Park Karen” Cooper became internet- infamous for calling the police on a black man after he asked her to leash her dog—a thing that resulted in her losing her job, her dog and her welcome on park grounds—a white man in Minneapolis got himself caught on camera calling the authorities on five black men for using the gym of an office building of which they all are tenants. Now, that white man is suffering losses, as well.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that managing partner of F2 Group Tom Austin lost his lease in a venture capitalist’s office building after a video posted to Instagram showed him going full Karen (or Chad? Steve? Hunter? At some point the black delegation is going to have to settle on a name for male Karens) and threatening to call the police on black men who refused to answer his questions about where their office was.
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The black men in question are young entrepreneurs who own Top Figure, a social media and branding agency that is part of the WeWork co-working space in the Mozaic East building where the gym is located. Video footage of the confrontation with Austin was posted to Top Figure’s Instagram page and has since gone viral.
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The video starts with Austin holding up his phone presumably to record whatever infraction he thinks is occurring while the men can be heard in the background complaining that they’re just trying to work out in the gym where they’re allowed to be.
“I’m Tom Austin,” Austin said. “I’m a tenant in the building—are you?”
The men answered that they were tenants at which point Austin demands to know which office they work in. After being told that it’s none of his mother fucking business where they work, Austin threatens to call the police on them—he called the property manager instead.
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The Mozaic East building is owned by Ackerberg Group and the company’s CEO, Stuart Ackerberg, wasn’t happy after seeing the video.
“My heart hurts,” he said, according to the Tribune. “This is not how we do business. I’m alarmed by what I saw.”
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“It appears they had every right to be there and to use that amenity,” he continued.
Austin’s lease was terminated over the incident and he has since offered an apology saying, via email, “Should have handled it differently. Not my job to have done anything.” Of course, like most wypipo apologies, Austin’s came with an explanation. From the Tribune:
Austin, who was a vocal critic of renaming Lake Calhoun to Bde Maka Ska, said in an interview Wednesday that he regretted saying anything to the men and insisted he was not being racist. He said the building had recently sent out an e-mail reminding them that only tenants were allowed to use the gym and other amenities in the building. He said he was suspicious that the men were not all tenants because he saw one person in the group of five men using his key fob to let others into the bathroom and other doors. He said they became “aggressive” when he confronted them.
Imagine expecting five men in a group to all be carrying key fobs in their gym shorts just to avoid the suspicion that they were somewhere they didn’t belong. Then imagine those men being the ones characterized as “aggressive.”
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It’s also worth mentioning that this happened in the same city where, just a day prior, a white Minneapolis police officer made national headlines for kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, a black man who later died, prompting protests against racism and police violence all over the city.
Again, learn how to read the room.


theroot--2020-05-28--Today Only Grab a 40% Discount on Women's Designer Apparel at Saks Off 5th

40 % off Select Women ’ s Apparel | Saks Off 5th | Use Code HERDEAL When you think of Saks you think luxury and expensive .
So it makes sense that even the outlet branch follows suit but sometimes the discounts are too good to ignore .
Off 5th markets itself as “ the premier luxury-value destination , ” and today only you can take 40 % off a selection of women ’ s apparel with the code HERDEAL .
When I say the prices are wild in this selection I mean it .
Prices ( pre-discount ) run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3,900 Versace snakeskin trenchcoat .
There are some decent deals with the discount code if you have the time to comb through .
B ut there are some more affordable pieces in the clearance section that are just as stylish .
I ’ m l oving the saving on these Ray- Ban sunglasse s that are now $ 60 .
There are 9,600 products on sale here so patience and a plan will help but you ’ re sure to find a great deal you are comfortable with .
Shipping is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend over $ 99 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

40% off Select Women’s Apparel | Saks Off 5th | Use Code HERDEAL
When you think of Saks you think luxury and expensive. So it makes sense that even the outlet branch follows suit but sometimes the discounts are too good to ignore. Off 5th markets itself as “the premier luxury-value destination, ” and today only you can take 40% off a selection of women’s apparel with the code HERDEAL.
When I say the prices are wild in this selection I mean it. Prices (pre-discount) run form a $24 bolero to a $3,900 Versace snakeskin trenchcoat. There are some decent deals with the discount code if you have the time to comb through. B ut there are some more affordable pieces in the clearance section that are just as stylish . I’m l oving the saving on these Ray- Ban sunglasse s that are now $60. There are 9,600 products on sale here so patience and a plan will help but you’re sure to find a great deal you are comfortable with.
Shipping is a flat $8 or free if you spend over $99.


TGIF Playlist: Revolution

What a heavy couple of weeks it ’ s been .
If you combine the pandemic with the murdering of Black people , the result it produces would probably be exhaustion .
At least that ’ s what I ’ m feeling .
We all cope with racism and injustice in a variety of ways—none is better or worse than the other .
So , with the heaviness of police violence and Black people dying of COVID-19 at enormously high rates , I decided to focus all my energy into a bit of musical healing ( because , like Solange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got a lot to be mad about ) .
I curated a revolutionary soundtrack full of hits from Black artists about how dope we are , and how resilient we always are in times of crisis .
E njoy the music and remember that this too , shall pass .
Make su re to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version .
They ’ re still doing 3 months of FREE listens .
And if you want , donate to the Minnesota freedom fund .
12 .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gil Scott-Heron And here ’ s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment :

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

3 Months Free | Amazon Music Unlimited
What a heavy couple of weeks it’s been. If you combine the pandemic with the murdering of Black people, the result it produces would probably be exhaustion. At least that’s what I’m feeling. We all cope with racism and injustice in a variety of ways—none is better or worse than the other. So, with the heaviness of police violence and Black people dying of COVID-19 at enormously high rates, I decided to focus all my energy into a bit of musical healing (because, like Solange and the great James Baldwin, I’ve got a lot to be mad about).
I curated a revolutionary soundtrack full of hits from Black artists about how dope we are, and how resilient we always are in times of crisis. E njoy the music and remember that this too, shall pass. Make su re to tune into Amazon Music Unlimited for the full version. They’re still doing 3 months of FREE listens. And if you want, donate to the Minnesota freedom fund.
1. “A Change Is Gonna Come” — Sam Cooke
2. “The Story Of O.J.” — Jay-Z
3. “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” —Marvin Gaye
4. “Mad” — Solange ft. Lil Wayne
5. “Changes” — 2Pac
6. “Borderline (An Ode to Self-Care)” — Solange ft. Q. Tip
7. “Mississippi Goddam” — Nina Simone
8. “We The People...” — A Tribe Called Quest
9. “What’s Going On” — Marvin Gaye
10. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” — Marvin Gaye
11. “Young, Gifted, And Black” — Nina Simone
12. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” — Gil Scott-Heron
13. “Strange Fruit” — Billie Holiday
14. “Keep Ya Head Up” — 2Pac
15. “Say It Loud-I’m Black & I’m Proud” — James Brown
16. “Alright” — Kendrick Lamar
17. “Freedom” — Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar
And here’s the completed playlist on Amazon Music for your enjoyment:
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Stay Black, y’all ✊🏾. Until next week.


theroot--2020-05-29--Cheap Headphones, Chargers, Air Purifiers, and More: 11 RAVPower and TaoTronics Deals You Can't Pass

Cheap Headphones, Chargers, Air Purifiers, and More: 11 RAVPower and TaoTronics Deals You Can't Pass Up

The best RAVPower and TaoTronics deals for June 2020 are here .
RAVPower , TaoTronics , VAVA , and Boltune already provide some of the best-priced gadgets and accessories available today , and right now you can save even more on some of the sister brands ’ top devices .
Whether you ’ re looking for a humidifier , air purifier , wireless earbuds , or even a portable solar panel , we ’ ve rounded up the best deals on those companies ’ top products below .
And many of them have exclusive Kinja Deals promo codes that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Save 40 % on the new VAVA air purifier , which is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms and uses as little as 0.9W of power .
This HEPA filter can capture up to 99.97 % of fine particles , and at the lowest fan speed in sleep mode , it ’ s whisper-quiet at 25dB .
Use promo code KINJAAP14 to knock $ 32 off the list price .
• None Buy it now for $ 48 RAVPower ’ s FileHub Plus does quite a bit for such a compact device .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting up a Wi-Fi network wherever you are , plus it ’ s a portable DLNA media server for spreading files between multiple devices .
On top of all of that , it also has a 6,700mAh power bank built in , providing a couple of backup smartphone charges for when you need ‘ em .
Save $ 15 off the list price with the promo code KINJAMLS .
• None Buy it now for $ 25 RAVPower is currently knocking $ 70 off the price of its flexible solar panel by using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at checkout .
This portable solar panel is ideal for off-the-grid applications , such as mounting to a boat , RV , or cabin .
It ’ s waterproof and offers an energy conversion rate of up to 20 % , says RAVPower , purportedly beating rival models .
• None Buy it now for $ 130 Maxing out your iPhone ’ s storage ?
Give yourself some breathing room with BesDio ’ s 128GB flash drive , which plugs into the charging port via Lightning connector .
It ’ ll automatically pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it easier to transfer them to a computer and backing up files so you can delete them on your phone .
Use promo code KINJACQ5 to save $ 17 right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 23 Why shell out for AirPods Pro ?
Boltune ’ s wireless earbuds offer noise cancelation and are much-loved by Amazon customers , with a 4.7-star rating and positive reviews for its bass response and battery life .
Clip the coupon and enter the Kinja Deals exclusive promo code KJBTBH024 to save a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price .
• None Buy it now for $ 38 If you ’ re spending a lot more time at home right now—like , oh , most of the rest of the world—then you ’ ll want to make sure it ’ s a comfortable place .
For many people , that means having a humidifier cranked up to help with nasal congestion , itchy eyes , and skin dryness .
TaoTronics ’ Warm and Cold Mist Humidifier stores a massive 5.5L of water , letting it run for up to 45 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mode makes it perfect for distraction-free snoozing .
Available in white and black , the TaoTronics Warm and Cold Mist Humidifier is currently being offered for $ 63 when you clip the coupon and use promo code KINJIA66 .
• None Buy it now for $ 63 If you prefer large over-ear cans rather than earbuds , TaoTronics ’ wireless active noise canceling Bluetooth headphones are another low-cost alternative to pricier brands .
You can snag them for $ 34 right now by clipping the coupon on the page and using promo code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % off the list price .
These headphones promise a big boost kick , speedy charging , and 30 hours of battery life .
• None Buy it now for $ 34 Feeling short on ports on your laptop ?
Today ’ s top laptops might only stick you with a couple of ports , but the VAVA USB-C 9-in-1 Hub should give you everything you need .
You ’ ll have three full-sized USB ports ( 2x USB 2.0 , 1x USB 3.0 ) , a USB-C charging port , Ethernet port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and both SD and microSD ports .
Clip the coupon and use the Kinja Deals promo code KinjaVA529 to take the price down a total of 50 % .
• None Buy it now for $ 30 Get RAVPower ’ s pint-sized travel router on the cheap right now with the promo code KINJA515 , which chops $ 13 off of the list price .
You can use this travel router to create a wireless network while traveling , stream media from external storage , and facilitate a portable DLNA media server @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s dirt cheap !
• None Buy it now for $ 10 Charge with confidence with RAVPower ’ s 61W USB-C Power Delivery charging brick , which packs a whole lot of charging power into one small , highly portable brick .
At 61W , it ’ ll handle many laptops and the Nintendo Switch , along with tablets , smartphones , and more , and right now you can save $ 6 on this highly-rated item by clipping the coupon on the page .
• None Buy it now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page If you don ’ t need the fully wireless sensation—or you ’ re worried about losing the little buds—then maybe Boltune ’ s connected wireless headphones are a better pick for you .
These Bluetooth 5.0 headphones are connected by a small cord that dangles along the back of your neck , and they ’ re IPX7 splash resistant with up to 16 hours of battery life .
Even a quick top-up , just five minutes on the charger , can give you up to two hours of usage .
Clip the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of extra bucks on these .
• None Buy it now for $ 22

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

Featured Deal: VAVA 4K Ultra Short-Throw Projector | $2,200 (10/13 11:15am-11:15pm PT)
Amazon Prime Day is here, and sister brands VAVA and Boltune are getting in on the fun with some serious savings on devices such as a 4K Ultra Short-Throw Projector, wireless earbuds, dash cameras, USB-C hubs, and more.
We’ve collected the best deals from both brands below, some of which are available across both days and others that are limited to particular time windows. Mark your calendars if you want to save $600 on a 4K projector or take advantage of one of these other bargains.
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Deal valid: Tuesday, Oct. 13 - 11:15am-11:15pm PT
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VAVA’s top-end projector is wild. Unless typical projectors, you can set this one only 7.2” away from your wall to get a crisp, 100” 4K picture. Ultimately, you can get up to a 150” image with the benefits of HDR, and a blinding 6000 nits of brightness to help ensure clarity.
Obviously, such quality doesn’t come cheap, but this is a premium option for a dazzling picture without hanging a set on your wall. It’s marked down $600 off the list price during the Prime Day promotional window above, and that’s the lowest price we’ve seen to date.
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Deal valid: Wednesday, Oct. 14 - 4:50pm-10:50pm PT
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Get a view on your little one with the VAVA Baby Monitor, which comes with a 5” 720 portable display that shows a full color image in daylight and a greyscale infrared view at night. It has LED noise indicators and zoom features, plus an automatic panoramic view.
It’s 20% off the list price during that Prime Day timeframe above, and it has incredible reviews at Amazon with a 4.7-star customer rating from more than 5,700 reviews.
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Deal valid: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13-14
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Whether you’re driving for Uber or Lyft or just want the peace of mind of recording your motoring interactions, VAVA’s 1080p Dual Dash Camera lets you record both through the windshield and inside your ride.
They’re compact cameras with Sony sensors, and you’ll even get night vision recording in the mix. Clip the coupon for the full $25 savings across the full span of Prime Day.
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Deal valid: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13-14
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This model of the VAVA Dual Dash Camera has very similar specs to the one listed above, but has the added benefit of a built-in 2” LCD screen so that you can see what it’s recording without pulling out your smartphone. Save $30 during Prime Day and be sure to clip the coupon.
Deal valid: Tuesday, Oct. 13 - 4:45pm-10:45pm PT
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Feeling short on ports on your laptop? Today’s top laptops might only stick you with a couple of ports, but the VAVA USB-C 9-in-1 Hub should give you everything you need.
You’ll have three full-sized USB ports (2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0), a USB-C charging port, Ethernet port, HDMI port, 3.5mm audio port, and both SD and microSD ports. It’s $20 off the list price during the Prime Day window listed above.
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Deal valid: Wednesday, Oct. 14 - 3:45pm-9:45pm PT
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Here’s a slightly trimmed down and cheaper USB-C 8-in-1 hub that’s available on Wednesday during Prime Day. This hub comes with a trio of USB ports (2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0), a 4K HDMI port, an Ethernet port, SD and microSD card ports, and a 100W USB-C Power Delivery port. It’ll be marked down to $32 during that six-hour window above.
Deal valid: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13-14
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This VAVA 12-in-1 docking station is a huge step up from your average USB-C port-heavy hub, providing your laptop with all sorts of perks. In addition to four USB ports, a USB-C PD port, Ethernet port, SD and microSD card slots, DC in, and 3.5mm audio ports, it also has two HDMI ports to support dual-display 4K resolution at 60Hz for compatible PCs. Save $30 right now when you clip the coupon and use promo code KJVA1009 at checkout.
Deal valid: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13-14
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Set up a wireless outdoors security camera system with the VAVA Cam Pro, which is on sale during Prime Day in single-camera and two-camera sets. Each camera delivers a 1080p feed with motion detection and sends a push notification to your phone, and comes with a local storage hub with 8GB of space to work with.
The single-camera option sells for $128 during Prime Day, marked down a total of $52 with a coupon clip, while the two-camera set sells for $222—a savings of $58 with coupon clip.
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Deal valid: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13-14
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AirPods are great, but not everyone wants to shell out that much cash for wireless earbuds. Luckily, Boltune has a much more affordable option with its wireless Bluetooth 5.2 earbuds.
The earbuds provide six hours on a charge, but the charging case has another 34 hours to continue topping them up over and over again. They’re IPX8 splash resistant and have touch controls, plus Amazon customers are pretty pleased with them given the current 4.6-star rating.
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Deal valid: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13-14
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Why shell out for AirPods Pro? Boltune’s wireless earbuds offer active canceling and are much-loved by Amazon customers, with a 4.6-star rating and positive reviews for its bass response and battery life. Save $22 during Prime Day.


theroot--2020-05-29--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: White People Be Knowing

This week ’ s mailbag was mostly filled with white people offering advice to black people on how to protest , how to respond to white supremacy and how to think in general .
Although the unbelievable depth of white people ’ s brazenry knows no bounds , it ’ s always enlightening to learn about dealing with oppression from people who have never experienced it .
It ’ s like me telling Tiger Woods to use the nine iron instead of a wedge .
Even though I don ’ t have a clue what a nine iron does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love unsolicited input from someone whose golf handicap is 2,303 over par .
I also don ’ t know what that means .
But it sounds good , so ...
I don ’ t know if this tweet and this email are from the same person , but they both objected to the sentiment of this article : This black Trump supporter and “ patriot ” blocked me .
Luckily , I had screenshots : First of all , no .
Secondly , I appreciate the praise that you have bestowed upon me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you believe that it is my advice that will inspire rebellion and not a system that doesn ’ t even offer the rebels a smidgen of justice after a police officer killed a man in front of a half-dozen witnesses , three other police officers and at least five cameras that captured every conceivable angle .
Thank you for the accolades .
Now , as far as your contention that “ It is because of history that we can now advise with full certainty that rioting and violence does not pay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I need to know if you earned your doctorate in fiction or alternate universe theory because history teaches us no such thing .
On December 16 , 1773 , dozens of tax protesters and smugglers who belonged to a secret underground organization called the Sons of Liberty dressed as Native Americans , snuck onto ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into the sea .
Their actions paid enormous dividends and cemented them forever in history This was a protest .
They were looters .
We call it the Boston Tea Party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory , pro-slavery advocates essentially went to war with abolitionists to make Kansas a slave state , opposition to the Missouri Compromise , which explicitly forbade slavery .
So white supremacists rioted for over a year .
They broke into an armory , stole a cannon , destroyed two pro-slavery newspaper and destroyed any business that served black people .
So , John Brown and other abolitionists just started killing white “ pro-slavers.
” On May 24 , 1856 , Brown , his sons and a few ex-slaves hacked the white supremacists to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept doing it for years until ... Kansas was admitted as a free state in 1861 , in part because of violence .
After the Uncivil War , white people started a whole motherfucking terrorist network called the Ku Klux Klan .
When the 13th , 14th , and 15th Amendments passed , black people outvoted whites .
In states like Louisiana , Georgia and Mississippi , up to 90 percent of black eligible voters cast votes , so whites terrorized black people across the country .
There was and there never will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the angry white racist .
Georgia was so bad that it is the only state ever kicked out of America for being too racist .
Louisiana was even worse .
Legal segregation , poll taxes , poll tests and “ race laws ” were a direct result of white terror campaigns and stealing votes from black people .
Because of the violence ( most of the racial massacres were called “ riots ” ) , 15 white men essentially went into a room and chose the president in exchange for the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wanted .
Or , as the History Channel describes the Compromise of 1877 : That ’ s how we got another 100 years of legalized racial subjugation .
After WWI , black soldiers came back to the U.S. with a new attitude .
They called themselves the “ new negro ” and expressed their feelings like they should have equal rights .
So what did white people do ?
They started killing black people ( I ’ m kinda tired of typing that sentence ) .
The Red Summer of 1919 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riots ” but they were actually a series of coordinated violent attacks that were just like the reconstruction “ riots.
” The Chicago race riot is what led to the desegregation of that city .
In 1927 , the Chicago Real Estate Board made it illegal for whites to sell property to non-whites .
Ten years later , the city founded the Chicago Housing Authority and began razing neighborhoods to build low-cost housing for whites .
The CHA used federal funds that required all of these new housing developments to have a homogenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rule ” banned blacks from buying property in white neighborhoods and wouldn ’ t allow banks to finance homes in black neighborhoods .
The government eventually came up with a shorter name for the policy based on the colors of its segregation maps .
These guaranteed loans are what built the middle class .
So , redlining was created because of rioting and violence , which gave white people their economic base from the tax money and labor of black people .
See ?
That violent shit worked .
Oh , and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we call “ manifest destiny ?
” That was because wypipo pillaged Native American lands .
It looked just like what ’ s going on in Minneapolis now And despite what you have been led to believe , nonviolent protests did not give black people civil rights .
Do you think black people woke up the day after Emmett Till ’ s murder and said : “ You know what ?
I think I ’ m ready for equality now.
” Black people had protested for those rights for 100 years and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just that white people were the ones inflicting the violence .
The same white folks running America in 1935 were in charge in 1955 , it was just no longer possible for them to justify their brutality while talking about equality .
The rarely talked about part of the civil rights movement is the part that the intersection of TV and violence played in gaining equal rights .
You must remember that the country was watching Leave it To Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show while racists were bombing churches and lynching black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a powerful catalyst and these violent images were broadcast to the world during a time when we were bragging about America ’ s moral exceptionalism .
It was not just the marchers in Selma that brought about the Voting Rights Act , it was the billy clubs and broken skulls .
The Birmingham Children ’ s Crusade didn ’ t move the needle as much as the girls whose bodies were torn apart in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church .
But the American education system would really have us believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and white people said : “ You know what ?
I never thought about it like that ?
Nah , homey .
Protest does not cause change unless it is accompanied by blood .
Even Jesus knew that .
And he didn ’ t even have his Ph.D .
I still get letters on this article : I read your article .
Interesting .
I will only say that your stereotyping of whites is broad .
I understand much of it , will admit that no one really understands what experiences others have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know how life is to the blind , or to those born with one arm or a deformity .
I can be understanding , kind or avoid trying to understand because I feel unequipped even repulsed by their differences .
I am one who will say that I am not responsible and what occur hundreds of years ago .
I can ’ t speculate on what my beliefs would have been had I been of that time .
I can tell you that there are people who are colorblind .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like .
They blend into fabric of the community without fanfare as it should be/ I love the way you began your letter by equating someone being of a different race with blindness or a deformity .
While some people may take offense , I will just ride with it .
In fact , let ’ s imagine that whiteness was a disease called Callous Racist Asshole Contagious Cell Anemia that was created 400 years ago and infected 62 percent of the population .
Let ’ s even imagine that this virus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just looking at someone ’ s skin color .
Now , imagine that the symptoms of being Callous Racist Asshole Contagious Cell Anemic was that it made your heart cold and your brain believe you were genetically superior .
Let ’ s assume that this sickness made you delusional , ignorant , mean and sometimes made you go on murderous rampages .
Even when you weren ’ t killing , imagine that this disease made you treat people really badly .
A few of the infected people , however , didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cure that included reeducation and self-examination .
What if it had no side effects but the infected people refused to take the vaccine because their delusional brains wouldn ’ t let them accept any information coming from a non-CRACCA .
What would be the best way to stamp out this disease ?
Would it be safer to assume that all CRACCAs to assume they had it and take the medicine or should it be left up to the individual CRACCA ?
And if you saw someone who definitely was a CRACCA , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like all the other CRACKAs or would you stereotype him for your own protection .
Let ’ s say , there was a guy who was giving away the medical cure to any CRACCA who asked : You need the vaccine .
Acknowledging the history , symptoms and existence of the disease is not a condemnation of the disease .
You don ’ t have to know what someone has been through to acknowledge their humanity .
You don ’ t have to be colorblind to treat people fairly .
It is entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me as a human being .
Only CRACCAs think like that .

Thanks, Caucasians!
This week’s mailbag was mostly filled with white people offering advice to black people on how to protest, how to respond to white supremacy and how to think in general.
Although the unbelievable depth of white people’s brazenry knows no bounds, it’s always enlightening to learn about dealing with oppression from people who have never experienced it. It’s like me telling Tiger Woods to use the nine iron instead of a wedge. Even though I don’t have a clue what a nine iron does, I’m sure he’d love unsolicited input from someone whose golf handicap is 2,303 over par.
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I also don’t know what that means.
But it sounds good, so...
Thanks, Caucasians!
I don’t know if this tweet and this email are from the same person, but they both objected to the sentiment of this article:
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This black Trump supporter and “patriot” blocked me. Luckily, I had screenshots:
From: Shay
To: Michael Harriot Don’t you think it is irresponsible to promote violence and rioting?
Dear regular Shay and Dr.-Shay-Ph.D.-who-I-doubt-is-black-or-even-has-a-doctorate-degree-because-most-people-with-Ph.D.s-know-that-you-don’t-use-“Ph.D.”-and-Dr.-simultaneously-but-OK-I’ll-go-with-it,
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First of all, no.
Secondly, I appreciate the praise that you have bestowed upon me. I am indeed honored to read that you believe that it is my advice that will inspire rebellion and not a system that doesn’t even offer the rebels a smidgen of justice after a police officer killed a man in front of a half-dozen witnesses, three other police officers and at least five cameras that captured every conceivable angle.
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Thank you for the accolades.
Now, as far as your contention that “It is because of history that we can now advise with full certainty that rioting and violence does not pay the type of dividends you think,” I need to know if you earned your doctorate in fiction or alternate universe theory because history teaches us no such thing.
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Or maybe you’re excluding white people.
On December 16, 1773, dozens of tax protesters and smugglers who belonged to a secret underground organization called the Sons of Liberty dressed as Native Americans, snuck onto ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into the sea. Their actions paid enormous dividends and cemented them forever in history
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This was a protest. They were looters.
We call it the Boston Tea Party.
In 1855 and 1856 in the Kansas/Nebraska territory, pro-slavery advocates essentially went to war with abolitionists to make Kansas a slave state, opposition to the Missouri Compromise, which explicitly forbade slavery. So white supremacists rioted for over a year. They broke into an armory, stole a cannon, destroyed two pro-slavery newspaper and destroyed any business that served black people.
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So, John Brown and other abolitionists just started killing white “pro-slavers.” On May 24, 1856, Brown, his sons and a few ex-slaves hacked the white supremacists to death with axes and knives. They kept doing it for years until...
Kansas was admitted as a free state in 1861, in part because of violence.
After the Uncivil War, white people started a whole motherfucking terrorist network called the Ku Klux Klan. When the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments passed, black people outvoted whites. In states like Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi, up to 90 percent of black eligible voters cast votes, so whites terrorized black people across the country. There was and there never will be an equivalent terror group more deadly than the angry white racist. Georgia was so bad that it is the only state ever kicked out of America for being too racist. Louisiana was even worse.
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But it worked.
Legal segregation, poll taxes, poll tests and “race laws” were a direct result of white terror campaigns and stealing votes from black people. Because of the violence (most of the racial massacres were called “riots”), 15 white men essentially went into a room and chose the president in exchange for the South able to treat black people any way it wanted. Or, as the History Channel describes the Compromise of 1877:
From the late 1870s onward, southern legislatures passed a series of laws requiring the separation of whites from “persons of color” on public transportation, in schools, parks, restaurants, theaters and other locations. Known as the “Jim Crow laws” (after a popular minstrel act developed in the antebellum years), these segregationist statutes governed life in the South through the middle of the next century, ending only after the hard-won successes of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
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Rioting and violence works for white people
That’s how we got another 100 years of legalized racial subjugation.
After WWI, black soldiers came back to the U.S. with a new attitude. They called themselves the “new negro” and expressed their feelings like they should have equal rights. So what did white people do?
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They started killing black people (I’m kinda tired of typing that sentence).
The Red Summer of 1919 was typified by what they called “race riots” but they were actually a series of coordinated violent attacks that were just like the reconstruction “riots.” The Chicago race riot is what led to the desegregation of that city. In 1927, the Chicago Real Estate Board made it illegal for whites to sell property to non-whites. Ten years later, the city founded the Chicago Housing Authority and began razing neighborhoods to build low-cost housing for whites. The CHA used federal funds that required all of these new housing developments to have a homogenous racial makeup. This “Neighborhood Composition Rule” banned blacks from buying property in white neighborhoods and wouldn’t allow banks to finance homes in black neighborhoods. The government eventually came up with a shorter name for the policy based on the colors of its segregation maps.
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They called it “redlining.”
These guaranteed loans are what built the middle class. So, redlining was created because of rioting and violence, which gave white people their economic base from the tax money and labor of black people.
See? That violent shit worked.
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Oh, and all that “westward expansion” shit that we call “manifest destiny?” That was because wypipo pillaged Native American lands. It looked just like what’s going on in Minneapolis now
And despite what you have been led to believe, nonviolent protests did not give black people civil rights. Do you think black people woke up the day after Emmett Till’s murder and said: “You know what? I think I’m ready for equality now.”
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Black people had protested for those rights for 100 years and those protests were never peaceful. It was just that white people were the ones inflicting the violence. The same white folks running America in 1935 were in charge in 1955, it was just no longer possible for them to justify their brutality while talking about equality.
So, what changed?
The rarely talked about part of the civil rights movement is the part that the intersection of TV and violence played in gaining equal rights. You must remember that the country was watching Leave it To Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show while racists were bombing churches and lynching black people. A mirror’s reflection is a powerful catalyst and these violent images were broadcast to the world during a time when we were bragging about America’s moral exceptionalism.
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It was not just the marchers in Selma that brought about the Voting Rights Act, it was the billy clubs and broken skulls. The Birmingham Children’s Crusade didn’t move the needle as much as the girls whose bodies were torn apart in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church. But the American education system would really have us believe that MLK told white people his dream and white people said:
“You know what? I never thought about it like that?
Nah, homey. Protest does not cause change unless it is accompanied by blood. Even Jesus knew that.
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And he didn’t even have his Ph.D.
I still get letters on this article:
From: Farright
To: Michael Harriot I read your article. Interesting. I will only say that your stereotyping of whites is broad. I understand much of it, will admit that no one really understands what experiences others have. We simply dont. I don’t know how life is to the blind, or to those born with one arm or a deformity. I can be understanding, kind or avoid trying to understand because I feel unequipped even repulsed by their differences. I am one who will say that I am not responsible and what occur hundreds of years ago. I can’t speculate on what my beliefs would have been had I been of that time. I can tell you that there are people who are colorblind. There are more people than it may seem like. They blend into fabric of the community without fanfare as it should be/
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Dear Farright,
I love the way you began your letter by equating someone being of a different race with blindness or a deformity. While some people may take offense, I will just ride with it.
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In fact, let’s imagine that whiteness was a disease called Callous Racist Asshole Contagious Cell Anemia that was created 400 years ago and infected 62 percent of the population. Let’s even imagine that this virus was easily detected by the naked eye by just looking at someone’s skin color.
Now, imagine that the symptoms of being Callous Racist Asshole Contagious Cell Anemic was that it made your heart cold and your brain believe you were genetically superior. Let’s assume that this sickness made you delusional, ignorant, mean and sometimes made you go on murderous rampages. Even when you weren’t killing, imagine that this disease made you treat people really badly. A few of the infected people, however, didn’t show symptoms.
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Suppose there was a cure that included re- education and self-examination. What if it had no side effects but the infected people refused to take the vaccine because their delusional brains wouldn’t let them accept any information coming from a non-CRACCA.
What would be the best way to stamp out this disease?
Would it be safer for all CRACCAs to assume they had it and take the medicine or should it be left up to the individual CRACCA? And if you saw someone who definitely was a CRACCA, would you trust that he wasn’t like all the other CRACC As or would you stereotype him for your own protection?
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Let’s say, there was a guy who was giving away the medical cure to any CRACCA who asked.
Here’s my medical opinion:
You need the vaccine.
Acknowledging the history, symptoms and existence of the disease is not a condemnation of the disease. You don’t have to know what someone has been through to acknowledge their humanity. You don’t have to be colorblind to treat people fairly. It is entirely possible to see my blackness and treat me as a human being.
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Only CRACCAs think like that.