theroot--2020-06-06--Black Lives Matter—but Not Black Skin? Indian Celebs Called Out for Expressing Solidarity After Prof

Black Lives Matter—but Not Black Skin? Indian Celebs Called Out for Expressing Solidarity After Profiting from Colorism

It ’ s currently en vogue to declare that black lives matter ( and make no mistake : they do ) , but it ’ s far less comfortable to discuss how anti-black racism manifests throughout the world .
Colorist beauty standards are not only closely correlated to socioeconomic success here in the United States , but are well documented in countries throughout South America , Africa and Asia .
In India , in particular , the caste system that determines socioeconomic status is also closely linked to skin color , as indicated by a 2016 genetic study by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hyderabad .
“ The Brahmins ( upper caste population ) in Uttar Pradesh are the ones with the fairest skin , ” according to the iTech Post , which reported on the study ’ s results .
“ And , Manjhis ( lower caste population ) are the ones with the darkest skin.
” So , there should be little surprise that skin lightening creams—marketed as “ fairness creams ” —are a huge market in India .
Despite potential side effects as severe as kidney , liver and brain damage , the sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an over $ 31 billion industry worldwide as of 2024 .
Neither should it come as a shock that like America , India hires its biggest celebrities—typically Bollywood stars—to help shill these not only colorist but often dangerous products .
This was the uncomfortable truth that went viral this week as various Indian celebrities , including crossover star Priyanka Chopra , issued statements in support of Black Lives Matter .
“ There is so much work to be done and it needs to [ start ] at an individual level on a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a post on Chopra ’ s Instagram .
“ We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and end this hate .
End this race war here in the US , and around the world .
Wherever you live , whatever your circumstances , NO ONE deserves to die , especially at the hands of another because of their skin color.
” Chopra ’ s mention of skin color would prove ironic when Twitter user @ aluminiummaiden included the actress in a May 31 thread listing popular Indian actors who ’ ve appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ads with the actors ’ social media posts decrying racism .
The thread went viral , as not only several followers but multiple news outlets picked up the story .
But in the case of Chopra , who became famous in the U.S. while starring in ABC ’ s Quantico , the controversy wasn ’ t new .
In December 2018 , New York magazine ’ s The Cut ran and then swiftly deleted a fairly vicious takedown piece of Chopra following her marriage to fellow actor and musician Nick Jonas which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actress ’ participation in promoting colorist beauty standards in her native India .
While the original article wasn ’ t long for this world , Medium blogger Seema Hari continued the conversation , calling Chopra “ a highly successful perpetrator of colorism , racism and bigotry in her own country.
” In a December 2018 post titled “ Dear Priyanka Chopra , endorsing colorism and discrimination is not ok , it never was and never will be , ” Hari , also of Indian descent , chronicled Chopra ’ s participation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000 , alleging that Chopra herself has also lightened significantly since winning the title .
After beginning a career in Bollywood , Chopra appeared in lightening ads and commercial spots for both Ponds and Garnier well after she ’ d already gained star status in India .
“ Moreover , it wasn ’ t like this bigotry was the norm that she subscribed to out of passivity , ” Hari wrote .
“ Many morally sane Indian actors and actresses had already called out these skin lightening products and declined endorsement deals with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 31 , Priyanka decided to pocket millions from yet another brand willing to pay , encouraging skin color-based discrimination and intentionally destroying the confidence of millions of dark-skinned Indians ... “ And she didn ’ t even stop there , ” Hari continued .
“ When asked about these endorsements , she continued to defend her choice of endorsing skin lightening creams in interviews saying that she chose her endorsements very carefully , and only chose to endorse Ponds ‘ White ’ beauty because it didn ’ t make false promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the cream also gives you a ‘ pinkish glow ’ .
” To be fair , Chopra had addressed the issue herself in Allure ’ s April 2017 issue , where she joined the likes of Meghan Markle , Tessa Thompson , Zazie Beetz , Tamika Mallory and several other well-known women of color in discussing the sometimes contradictory politics of multicultural beauty .
Chopra then said : [ My skin ] is as complicated as I am .
When I was growing up , I didn ’ t see anyone on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America wants to get a tan , and everyone in Asia wants to get their skin lightened .
I straddle both countries .
Girls there are told that they ’ re too dark or dusky and that lighter skin is better .
Because I ’ m a darker tone , I had issues growing up as a teenager .
Pressures exist and it ’ s on us to make those pressures not seem important to girls .
I ’ ve achieved what I ’ ve achieved and skin color has nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been an asset .
I like the color of my skin very much .
It ’ s so primitive that people are judged on the basis of the color of their skin .
I mean , it ’ s skin .
We all have it .
Chopra addressed the issue again in a September 2017 cover story for Vogue India , where she admitted to being “ very conscious of the color of my skin ” as a teenager and confirmed having used lightening products herself because “ because [ in India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re fairer.
” Acknowledging only one of her multiple appearances on behalf of these products before she was an internationally known c elebrity—though Hari alleges the latest was as recently as 2014—Chopra expressed regret , saying : As Hari pointed out , using multiple visual examples as proof , Chopra was less than completely honest .
“ Out of all the celebrities promoting color discrimination , Priyanka is the only repeat offender , endorsing multiple brands , ” Hari wrote .
“ As explained earlier , it was not one innocent slip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with different brands spanning TV , print and online marketing spots over a decade.
” Still , Chopra is far from the only Indian actress to appear in these ads , and therefore not the only one to slightly side-eye when they then speak out in favor of Black Lives Matter , however helpful and well-meaning their public support may be .
But one can not ignore the irony in publicly decrying racism when one has actively participated in one of its more nuanced , yet nevertheless deeply pervasive aspects ; one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” “ ugly ” or in any way less-than , no matter the ethnicity .
As @ aluminiummaiden conceded , “ It ’ s not that their views can ’ t change or that they shouldn ’ t speak up for what they want , it ’ s about selective and performative activism especially when they have at some point propagated a colorist attitude in their own country.
” With that in mind , as we reckon with the multiple layers upon which anti-black racism functions around the world , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who choose to speak out also consider even any unwitting role they may have played in perpetuating bias—bias that can trickle down from the pages of magazines to encounters with police on city streets .
Because in order for black lives to matter , blac k skin has to , too .

It’s currently en vogue to declare that black lives matter (and make no mistake: they do), but it’s far less comfortable to discuss how anti-black racism manifests throughout the world. Colorist beauty standards are not only closely correlated to socioeconomic success here in the United States, but are well documented in countries throughout South America, Africa and Asia. In India, in particular, the caste system that determines socioeconomic status is also closely linked to skin color, as indicated by a 2016 genetic study by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
“The Brahmins (upper caste population) in Uttar Pradesh are the ones with the fairest skin,” according to the iTech Post, which reported on the study’s results. “And, Manjhis (lower caste population) are the ones with the darkest skin.”
Advertisement
So, there should be little surprise that skin lightening creams—marketed as “fairness creams”—are a huge market in India. Despite potential side effects as severe as kidney, liver and brain damage, the sale of hydroquinone-based creams is expected to become an over $31 billion industry worldwide as of 2024. Neither should it come as a shock that like America, India hires its biggest celebrities—typically Bollywood stars—to help shill these not only colorist but often dangerous products.
This was the uncomfortable truth that went viral this week as various Indian celebrities, including crossover star Priyanka Chopra, issued statements in support of Black Lives Matter.
Advertisement Advertisement
“There is so much work to be done and it needs to [start] at an individual level on a global scale,” read a portion of a post on Chopra’s Instagram. “We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and end this hate. End this race war here in the US, and around the world. Wherever you live, whatever your circumstances, NO ONE deserves to die, especially at the hands of another because of their skin color.”
Advertisement
Chopra’s mention of skin color would prove ironic when Twitter user @aluminiummaiden included the actress in a May 31 thread listing popular Indian actors who’ve appeared in ads for fairness creams, juxtaposing the ads with the actors’ social media posts decrying racism.
Advertisement
The thread went viral, as not only several followers but multiple news outlets picked up the story. But in the case of Chopra, who became famous in the U.S. while starring in ABC’s Quantico, the controversy wasn’t new. In December 2018, New York magazine’s The Cut ran and then swiftly deleted a fairly vicious takedown piece of Chopra following her marriage to fellow actor and musician Nick Jonas which called out, among other things, the actress’ participation in promoting colorist beauty standards in her native India. While the original article wasn’t long for this world, Medium blogger Seema Hari continued the conversation, calling Chopra “a highly successful perpetrator of colorism, racism and bigotry in her own country.”
Advertisement
In a December 2018 post titled “Dear Priyanka Chopra, endorsing colorism and discrimination is not ok, it never was and never will be,” Hari, also of Indian descent, chronicled Chopra’s participation in skin-lightening advertising since winning Miss World in 2000, alleging that Chopra herself has also lightened significantly since winning the title. After beginning a career in Bollywood, Chopra appeared in lightening ads and commercial spots for both Ponds and Garnier well after she’d already gained star status in India.
“Moreover, it wasn’t like this bigotry was the norm that she subscribed to out of passivity,” Hari wrote. “Many morally sane Indian actors and actresses had already called out these skin lightening products and declined endorsement deals with these companies. But at the wise age of 31, Priyanka decided to pocket millions from yet another brand willing to pay, encouraging skin color-based discrimination and intentionally destroying the confidence of millions of dark-skinned Indians...
Advertisement
“And she didn’t even stop there,” Hari continued. “When asked about these endorsements, she continued to defend her choice of endorsing skin lightening creams in interviews saying that she chose her endorsements very carefully, and only chose to endorse Ponds ‘White’ beauty because it didn’t make false promises of making someone white ‘overnight’ and the cream also gives you a ‘pinkish glow’.”
To be fair, Chopra had addressed the issue herself in Allure’s April 2017 issue, where she joined the likes of Meghan Markle, Tessa Thompson, Zazie Beetz, Tamika Mallory and several other well-known women of color in discussing the sometimes contradictory politics of multicultural beauty. Chopra then said:
[My skin] is as complicated as I am. When I was growing up, I didn’t see anyone on TV who looked like me... Everyone in America wants to get a tan, and everyone in Asia wants to get their skin lightened. I straddle both countries. Girls there are told that they’re too dark or dusky and that lighter skin is better. Because I’m a darker tone, I had issues growing up as a teenager. Pressures exist and it’s on us to make those pressures not seem important to girls. I’ve achieved what I’ve achieved and skin color has nothing to do with it—in fact, it might have been an asset. I like the color of my skin very much. It’s so primitive that people are judged on the basis of the color of their skin. I mean, it’s skin. We all have it.
Advertisement
Chopra addressed the issue again in a September 2017 cover story for Vogue India, where she admitted to being “very conscious of the color of my skin” as a teenager and confirmed having used lightening products herself because “because [in India] you’re prettier if you’re fairer.” Acknowledging only one of her multiple appearances on behalf of these products before she was an internationally known celebrity—though Hari alleges the latest was as recently as 2014—Chopra expressed regret, saying:
A lot of girls with a darker skin hear things like, ‘Oh, poor thing, she’s dark.’ In India they advertise skin-lightening creams: “Your skin’s gonna get lighter in a week.” I used it [when I was very young]. Then when I was an actor, around my early twenties, I did a commercial for a skin-lightening cream. I was playing that girl with insecurities. And when I saw it, I was like, “Oh shit. What did I do?” I started talking about being proud of the way I looked. I actually like my skin tone.
Advertisement
As Hari pointed out, using multiple visual examples as proof, Chopra was less than completely honest. “Out of all the celebrities promoting color discrimination, Priyanka is the only repeat offender, endorsing multiple brands,” Hari wrote. “As explained earlier, it was not one innocent slip up, but big multi-year endorsement deals with different brands spanning TV, print and online marketing spots over a decade.”
Still, Chopra is far from the only Indian actress to appear in these ads, and therefore not the only one to slightly side-eye when they then speak out in favor of Black Lives Matter, however helpful and well-meaning their public support may be. But one cannot ignore the irony in publicly decrying racism when one has actively participated in one of its more nuanced, yet nevertheless deeply pervasive aspects; one that inherently determines proximity to blackness “bad,” “ugly” or in any way less-than, no matter the ethnicity. As @aluminiummaiden conceded, “It’s not that their views can’t change or that they shouldn’t speak up for what they want, it’s about selective and performative activism especially when they have at some point propagated a colorist attitude in their own country.”
Advertisement
With that in mind, as we reckon with the multiple layers upon which anti-black racism functions around the world, it’s fair to ask that those celebs who choose to speak out also consider even any unwitting role they may have played in perpetuating bias—bias that can trickle down from the pages of magazines to encounters with police on city streets. Because in order for black lives to matter, black skin has to, too.


theroot--2020-06-06--NFL Now Says It Supports Players Who Peacefully Protest, But Doesn't Mention Colin Kaepernick

On the heels of a powerful video from black NFL players demanding that the league stand up for black lives and admit it was wrong for punishing players for silently protesting , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has seemingly answered the call .
“ We the National Football League condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people , ” Goodell said in a video message posted on the NFL ’ s social media channels on Friday night .
“ We the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier , and encourage all to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Without black players , there would be no national football league , ” Goodell added in the recorded statement : However , a glaring omission from the league ’ s apparent support of players who peacefully protest now is any mention of Colin Kaepernick—the quarterback who has been notoriously blacklisted by the league after he began kneeling in silent protest against police brutality .
So forgive me for saying that Goodell ’ s claim he “ wants to be part of the much-needed change in this country , ” rings a little hollow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
In the hours after the NFL posted on Twitter about its newfound support for peaceful protests by players , many have outlined what the league needs to do at minimum to prove this isn ’ t all just talk : “ The protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence , inequality , and oppression of black players , coaches , fans and staff , ” Goodell said in the video message , with a straight face that betrayed no sense of irony .
He added that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be reaching out to players and other people who can help inform how the NFL can move forward and be better .
We ’ re sure Colin Kaepernick will be listening out for a phone call too .

On the heels of a powerful video from black NFL players demanding that the league stand up for black lives and admit it was wrong for punishing players for silently protesting, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has seemingly answered the call.
“We the National Football League condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people,” Goodell said in a video message posted on the NFL’s social media channels on Friday night. “We the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.”
Advertisement
“Without black players, there would be no national football league,” Goodell added in the recorded statement:
Advertisement Advertisement
However, a glaring omission from the league’s apparent support of players who peacefully protest now is any mention of Colin Kaepernick—the quarterback who has been notoriously blacklisted by the league after he began kneeling in silent protest against police brutality.
So forgive me for saying that Goodell’s claim he “wants to be part of the much-needed change in this country,” rings a little hollow.
Advertisement
I’m not the only one. In the hours after the NFL posted on Twitter about its newfound support for peaceful protests by players, many have outlined what the league needs to do at minimum to prove this isn’t all just talk:
Advertisement
Period.
“The protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff,” Goodell said in the video message, with a straight face that betrayed no sense of irony.
Advertisement
He added that he and the NFL are “listening” and will be reaching out to players and other people who can help inform how the NFL can move forward and be better.
We’re sure Colin Kaepernick will be listening out for a phone call too.


theroot--2020-06-06--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 6: Rick James & Smokey Robinson 'Ebony Eyes'

Have you ever watched something so ridiculous that it becomes both perfect and almost life-changing ?
That for me is the video for Rick James single featuring Smokey Robinson off of his 1983 album , Cold Blooded .
I don ’ t know why God made me the way he did , but I was structurally engineered to enjoy unbridled blackness in all of its forms .
I ’ m rooting for everybody black isn ’ t nearly as much of a thing as we want it to be , and I ’ m not exception , but I probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My Ethos ” than others .
It is why I can enjoy with glee nonsensical black productions where reality and story and plot matter .
With that said , I fucking LOVE this song AND video .
I wrote about it a few years ago and I will quote myself because , well , it turns out I said everything I need to say about this iconic ( song and ) video then .
I called the song a perfect moment in black history and I stand on that .
I mean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bad one at that .
I love it .
It ’ s the stuff love is made of .
With Motown and music legend Robinson in tow , James wrote an ode to black women that was slower tempo and more traditional R & B than most of his hits .
While James was known for the punk-funk stylings of his larger hits , “ Ebony Eyes ” saw him smooth it out and keep it mellow , mellow .
Robinson and James traded stanzas , and most of the hook duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absolutely most perfect karaoke songs of all time , since James ’ singing is more performance than it is good .
And that ’ s really what karaoke is all about .
I love Rick James ; that was not a shot .
But with “ Ebony Eyes , ” we have an ode to black women being sung by the smooth crooner and the super freak , who shot a nonsensical eight-minute mini movie ( the year after Michael Jackson ’ s “ Thriller , ” no less ) about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a beach because of bad weather , and the two of them singing about their ebony-eyed angels back home .
They build spears , have tiki torches , there ’ s a parrot and they shave ; James throws an SOS note into the ocean and then a trunk full of white suits—literally , white suits—shows up , they shoot flares , and their women show up on a yacht and rescue them .
It ’ s bad , real bad , Joe Jackson .
But it ’ s also perfect because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
“ Ebony Eyes ” is a perfect music moment in black history , and I bet you didn ’ t know that , ebony eyes .
If two black men ship-wrecked an island whose SOS results in a trunk full of white clothes isn ’ t iconic shit , then really , what is ?
?
?

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

Have you ever watched something so ridiculous that it becomes both perfect and almost life-changing? That for me is the video for Rick James single featuring Smokey Robinson off of his 1983 album, Cold Blooded.
Rick James featuring Smokey Robinson “Ebony Eyes” (1984)
I don’t know why God made me the way he did, but I was structurally engineered to enjoy unbridled blackness in all of its forms. I’m rooting for everybody black isn’t nearly as much of a thing as we want it to be, and I’m not exception, but I probably fall further down that line towards “My Ethos” than others. It is why I can enjoy with glee nonsensical black productions where reality and story and plot matter.
Advertisement
With that said, I fucking LOVE this song AND video. I wrote about it a few years ago and I will quote myself because, well, it turns out I said everything I need to say about this iconic (song and) video then. I called the song a perfect moment in black history and I stand on that. I mean, this video is a mini-movie, and a bad one at that. I love it. It’s the stuff love is made of.
With Motown and music legend Robinson in tow, James wrote an ode to black women that was slower tempo and more traditional R&B than most of his hits. While James was known for the punk-funk stylings of his larger hits, “Ebony Eyes” saw him smooth it out and keep it mellow, mellow. Robinson and James traded stanzas, and most of the hook duties went to James, creating one of the absolutely most perfect karaoke songs of all time, since James’ singing is more performance than it is good. And that’s really what karaoke is all about. I love Rick James; that was not a shot. But with “Ebony Eyes,” we have an ode to black women being sung by the smooth crooner and the super freak, who shot a nonsensical eight-minute mini movie (the year after Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” no less) about their plane, Ebony Eyes, crashing on a beach because of bad weather, and the two of them singing about their ebony-eyed angels back home. They build spears, have tiki torches, there’s a parrot and they shave; James throws an SOS note into the ocean and then a trunk full of white suits—literally, white suits—shows up, they shoot flares, and their women show up on a yacht and rescue them. It’s bad, real bad, Joe Jackson. But it’s also perfect because it’s Rick James doing Rick James things. “Ebony Eyes” is a perfect music moment in black history, and I bet you didn’t know that, ebony eyes.
Advertisement Advertisement
If two black men ship-wrecked an island whose SOS results in a trunk full of white clothes isn’t iconic shit, then really, what is???


theroot--2020-06-07--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Bars Black Reporters From Covering Protests, Citing "Bias"

Black journalists working at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette say they are being cut off from doing their job during one of the most pivotal news-making events in history—the ongoing protests for racial justice—on accusations that they are biased .
The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh says a number of black journalists have been barred from doing protest-related stories for the Post-Gazette , while others have had their articles censored and their bylines removed , in apparent retaliation for a tweet posted by Alexis Johnson , a black reporter who writes for the paper .
Michael A. Fuoco , another journalist at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guild of Pittsburgh , told The Post that editors rejected several of Johnson ’ s pitches for protest-related coverage Monday .
They then told her she could not cover them at all because her tweet showed bias , Johnson told The Post .
Management told her that her byline on a protest-related article could lead “ the credibility of the newsroom [ to ] be questioned and people might question if I was biased , ” Johnson recalled .
The newspaper does not have an official social media policy , Fuoco said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any issues about her social media presence or a race-related incident at work .
“ I thought it was a funny tweet and something to think about , as we ’ ve seen destruction in the city over the years for different motivations , ” Johnson said .
Johnson isn ’ t the only journalist who says they are now being sidelined at the Post-Gazette—when reporting needs black perspectives more than ever .
Michael Santiago , a black photojournalist who helped the Post-Gazette earn a Pulitzer Prize last year , says he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Another reporter at the Post-Gazette , Ashley Murray , says a story she wrote about police brutality was pulled from the paper ’ s website over the weekend : “ The PG simply does not remove stories , ever , for any reason , ” The Newspaper Guild tweeted on Saturday , outlining why they believe the silenced journalists are being specifically targeted .
“ It is a longstanding policy in journalism and at the PG that you do not remove published material ; it is simply unethical to do so.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reinstate the black reporters and their colleagues who they say have been retaliated against for supporting Johnson , the reporter who made the initial tweet .
Johnson has also filed an official grievance against her employer for barring her for covering the protests , according to the Washington Post .
So far the Mayor of Pittsburgh has even chimed in to vouch for her as a professional journalist with integrity .
What ’ s so appalling is that her integrity as a professional is even in question because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion , in the midst of an uprising against systemic racism that threatens black people in a myriad of ways and shows up in all sorts of institutions—including in newsrooms .

Black journalists working at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette say they are being cut off from doing their job during one of the most pivotal news-making events in history—the ongoing protests for racial justice—on accusations that they are biased.
The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh says a number of black journalists have been barred from doing protest-related stories for the Post-Gazette, while others have had their articles censored and their bylines removed, in apparent retaliation for a tweet posted by Alexis Johnson, a black reporter who writes for the paper.
Advertisement
The tweet in question:
Advertisement Advertisement
From the Washington Post:
Michael A. Fuoco, another journalist at the Pittsburgh paper and president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, told The Post that editors rejected several of Johnson’s pitches for protest-related coverage Monday. They then told her she could not cover them at all because her tweet showed bias, Johnson told The Post. Management told her that her byline on a protest-related article could lead “the credibility of the newsroom [to] be questioned and people might question if I was biased,” Johnson recalled. The newspaper does not have an official social media policy, Fuoco said. Johnson said she had never before had any issues about her social media presence or a race-related incident at work. “I thought it was a funny tweet and something to think about, as we’ve seen destruction in the city over the years for different motivations,” Johnson said.
Advertisement
Johnson isn’t the only journalist who says they are now being sidelined at the Post-Gazette—when reporting needs black perspectives more than ever.
Michael Santiago, a black photojournalist who helped the Post-Gazette earn a Pulitzer Prize last year, says he has also been barred from working the protests:
Advertisement
Another reporter at the Post-Gazette, Ashley Murray, says a story she wrote about police brutality was pulled from the paper’s website over the weekend:
Advertisement
“The PG simply does not remove stories, ever, for any reason,” The Newspaper Guild tweeted on Saturday, outlining why they believe the silenced journalists are being specifically targeted. “It is a longstanding policy in journalism and at the PG that you do not remove published material; it is simply unethical to do so.”
Advertisement
The Guild has since launched a petition demanding that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reinstate the black reporters and their colleagues who they say have been retaliated against for supporting Johnson, the reporter who made the initial tweet. Johnson has also filed an official grievance against her employer for barring her for covering the protests, according to the Washington Post. So far the M ayor of Pittsburgh has even chimed in to vouch for her as a professional journalist with integrity.
What’s so appalling is that Johnson’s integrity as a professional is even in question because she is a black woman with an opinion, in the midst of an uprising against systemic racism that threatens black people in a myriad of ways and shows up in all sorts of institutions—including in newsrooms.


theroot--2020-06-07--Snoop Dogg Says He's Voting For The First Time in 2020 to Get Trump Out

West Coast rapper and internet uncle Snoop Dogg says he will be making his voice heard at the ballot box this year—for the first time in his life .
During an interview with Big Boy for Real 92.3 in which the rapper is wearing a head wraps and holding a signature fat blunt , Snoop revealed that he hadn ’ t been aware that he could vote given his criminal history .
“ For many years they had me brainwashed thinking that you couldn ’ t vote cause you had a criminal record , ” he said .
“ My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now I can vote.
” But it ’ s safe to say that a huge driving factor in Snoop ’ s decision to do his civic duty this year is the insane fact that Donald Trump is President of the United States .
“ I ain ’ t never voted a day in my life , but this year I think I ’ m gon na get out and vote cause I can ’ t stand to see this punk in office one more year , ” Snoop said .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in my opinion .
During the interview , Snoop also referenced his history of calling out Trump—specifically during a 2011 Comedy Central roast of the former star of The Apprentice .
“ Donald says he wants to run for president and move on into the White House , ” Snoop joked at the time .
“ Why not ?
It wouldn ’ t be the first time you kicked a black family out of their home .
”

West Coast rapper and internet uncle Snoop Dogg says he will be making his voice heard at the ballot box this year—for the first time in his life.
During an interview with Big Boy for Real 92.3 in which the rapper is wearing a head wraps and holding a signature fat blunt, Snoop revealed that he hadn’t been aware that he could vote given his criminal history.
Advertisement
“For many years they had me brainwashed thinking that you couldn’t vote cause you had a criminal record,” he said. “My record’s been expunged, so now I can vote.”
But it’s safe to say that a huge driving factor in Snoop’s decision to do his civic duty this year is the insane fact that Donald Trump is President of the United States.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I ain’t never voted a day in my life, but this year I think I’m gonna get out and vote cause I can’t stand to see this punk in office one more year,” Snoop said.
It’s as good a motivating factor as any, in my opinion.
During the interview, Snoop also referenced his history of calling out Trump—specifically during a 2011 Comedy Central roast of the former star of The Apprentice.
Advertisement
“Donald says he wants to run for president and move on into the White House,” Snoop joked at the time. “Why not? It wouldn’t be the first time you kicked a black family out of their home.”


theroot--2020-06-07--Pick Up This Versatile $19 Backpack and Be Ready For a Variety of Situations

I find myself in sudden need of a backpack .
Something lightweight , that can hold essential gear , but @ @ @ @ @ cause problems if I need to move quickly .
This backpack is lightweight , water-resistant @ @ @ @ @ it rains a lot in Florida this time of year ) , and should be @ @ @ @ @ need .
If you use code ZIYE93SJ at checkout , you can grab one in @ @ @ @ @ just $ 19 .
The backpack has a few other nice features too , like @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have to carry it around in an airport and a place to @ @ @ @ @ charge devices .
It ’ s a pretty nifty backpack for a good price !

Elizabeth Henges on Kinja Deals, shared by Elizabeth Henges to The Root

Slim Water Resistant College Travel Backpack | $19 | Amazon | Use code ZIYE93SJ
I find myself in sudden need of a backpack. Something lightweight, that can hold essential gear, but something that won’t cause problems if I need to move quickly. This backpack is lightweight, water-resistant (which is nice, it rains a lot in Florida this time of year), and should be good to hold everything you need. If you use code ZIYE93SJ at checkout, you can grab one in a variety of colors for just $19.
The backpack has a few other nice features too, like a luggage strap so you don’t have to carry it around in an airport and a place to thread a wire through to charge devices. It’s a pretty nifty backpack for a good price!


theroot--2020-06-07--Defund Police vs. #8CantWait Reforms: Differing Calls for Change to Address Police Brutality

Two major calls to action have emerged in the current uprising against police brutality triggered by the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor—not to mention the numerous incidents of cops around the country violently cutting down peaceful protesters and members of the media alike .
Protestors in cities across the country have been calling for government officials to commit to defunding police departments .
It ’ s a proposal that has long been put forward by racial justice activists , given that the U.S. spends in excess of $ 115 billion a year on policing—more than it does on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and housing .
The evidence of cops across the country armed in riot gear and supplies of teargas have served to only intensify the stance of many that the way to end police violence is to stop funding it .
An open-letter and petition being circulated by black organizers across the country calls on local leaders to : Some elected officials seem to be listening .
Earlier this week Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he would cut a planned $ 100- $ 150 million increase for the budget of the LAPD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Forbes reported .
Others have been less willing to commit to defunding police .
In Minneapolis , where George Floyd was killed by a police officer who kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes , Mayor Jacob Frey was booed by protestors when he refused to say he w ould defund the city ’ s police department : Rather than agreeing to decrease taxpayer funded spending on police , most elected officials have been signaling their support for reforms guided towards curbing police violence .
The most popular of these reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put forward by prominent black activists from Campaign Zero , and have been been supported by former President Barack Obama : In Chicago , where protestors have also been pushing for a decrease in police spending , Mayor Lori Lightfoot has shown support for the eight reform recommendations instead : But more than one thread on Twitter has challenged the veracity of the data being used to push the reforms , which asserts that they have been proven to reduce police violence by 72 per cent : Others black activists have challenged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms—already in place in many police departments across the country—is enough to protect those impacted by police brutality : Meanwhile , officials in Minneapolis are moving forward with introducing some of the # 8CantWait reforms in the wake of the horrific police killing of George Floyd that was captured on video .
On Friday the city council voted to ban chokeholds and neck restraints by cops and to require police to try to stop any colleagues they see using improper force , AP reported .

Two major calls to action have emerged in the current uprising against police brutality triggered by the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor—not to mention the numerous incidents of cops around the country violently cutting down peaceful protesters and members of the media alike.
Defunding Police Departments
Protestors in cities across the country have been calling for government officials to commit to defunding police departments.
Advertisement
It’s a proposal that has long been put forward by racial justice activists, given that the U.S. spends in excess of $115 billion a year on policing—more than it does on public services like education, mental health, and housing. The evidence of cops across the country armed in riot gear and supplies of teargas have served to only intensify the stance of many that the way to end police violence is to stop funding it.
An open-letter and petition being circulated by black organizers across the country calls on local leaders to:
Vote no on all increases to police budgets
Vote yes to decrease police spending and budgets
Vote yes to increase spending on Health care, education and community programs that keep us safe.
Advertisement Advertisement
Some elected officials seem to be listening.
Earlier this week Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he would cut a planned $100-$150 million increase for the budget of the LAPD after activists rallied outside of his home, Forbes reported.
Advertisement
Others have been less willing to commit to defunding police. In Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed by a police officer who kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes, Mayor Jacob Frey was booed by protestors when he refused to say he w ould defund the city’s police department:
Advertisement
#8CantWait Reforms
Rather than agreeing to decrease taxpayer funded spending on police, most elected officials have been signaling their support for reforms guided towards curbing police violence.
Advertisement
The most popular of these reforms is list of eight that have been put forward by prominent black activists from Campaign Zero, and have been been supported by former President Barack Obama:
Advertisement
In Chicago, where protestors have also been pushing for a decrease in police spending, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has shown support for the eight reform recommendations instead:
Advertisement
But more than one thread on Twitter has challenged the veracity of the data being used to push the reforms, which asserts that they have been proven to reduce police violence by 72 per cent:
Advertisement
Others black activists have challenged the proposal’s basic premise that interim reforms—already in place in many police departments across the country—is enough to protect those impacted by police brutality:
Advertisement
Meanwhile, officials in Minneapolis are moving forward with introducing some of the #8CantWait reforms in the wake of the horrific police killing of George Floyd that was captured on video.
On Friday the city council voted to ban chokeholds and neck restraints by cops and to require police to try to stop any colleagues they see using improper force, AP reported.
Advertisement
From AP:


theroot--2020-06-07--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 7: TLC, 'Waterfalls'

To call TLC ’ s “ Waterfall ” video iconic is almost underselling it .
This award-winning video owned MTV back when that was a thing worthy of note and did it while addressing social issues like violence and HIV-awareness .
The video stayed true to concept , used some CGI and showed our favorite girl group of the time in amazing fashion .
This video is so synonymous with the group that if you say TLC to somebody that is old enough to remember them in their heyday , they can probably visualize T-Boz , Left Eye and Chili @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water .
Plus , the video featured Bokeem Woodbine , Shyheim and Ella Joyce ( of Roc fame ) well before she ever decided to sign on to be in Tyler Perry ’ s Temptation : Confessions of a Marriage Counselor .
Ultimately there ’ s something about a video done right that resonates .
It suck because of the song and how the video looked and the stories it told , which in 1995 were relevant in ways that hadn ’ t been presented similarly by artists of the pop caliber .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re funny , some because they take the culture and art to new places .
Others are iconic because they get the video so right that they become undeniably sticky for the culture .
That last part is what TLC ’ s “ Waterfalls ” video was and is .
Some videos are just good and for that reason last forever .

To call TLC’s “Waterfall” video iconic is almost underselling it. This award-winning video owned MTV back when that was a thing worthy of note and did it while addressing social issues like violence and HIV-awareness. The video stayed true to concept, used some CGI and showed our favorite girl group of the time in amazing fashion.
TLC “Waterfalls” (1995)
This video is so synonymous with the group that if you say TLC to somebody that is old enough to remember them in their heyday, they can probably visualize T-Boz, Left Eye and Chili with easy standing on top of the water.
Advertisement
Plus, the video featured Bokeem Woodbine, Shyheim and Ella Joyce (of Roc fame) well before she ever decided to sign on to be in Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.
Ultimately there’s something about a video done right that resonates. It suck because of the song and how the video looked and the stories it told, which in 1995 were relevant in ways that hadn’t been presented similarly by artists of the pop caliber. Some videos are iconic because they’re funny, some because they take the culture and art to new places. Others are iconic because they get the video so right that they become undeniably sticky for the culture. That last part is what TLC’s “Waterfalls” video was and is. Some videos are just good and for that reason last forever.
Advertisement Advertisement
RIP, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.


theroot--2020-06-08--Exclusive: A Coalition of Women of Color Pens Letter Accusing NYC Mayor's Administration of Racism

A small coalition of former and current female staffers of color for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote a letter condemning the former presidential candidate for overseeing years-long marginalization of their voices , which led to many of them feeling ignored as they tried to help the mayor avoid pitfalls in reaction to the national protests over black men and women killed by police , according to the letter provided exclusively to The Root and interviews with current city hall staffers .
Separately , a wider coalition of current and former de Blasio staffers plan to protest the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies and what they claim are his concessions to the New York Police Department on Monday at 10 a.m. “ We are the dismissed , the unheard .
We are the invisible .
We are Breonna Taylor .
We are Nina Pop .
We are Atatiana Jefferson .
We are Layleen Cubilette-Polanco .
We are Sandra Bland .
We are Erica Garner .
You may not see us , sir , but we see you , ” the letter from the female staffers begins .
“ Your administration has continually diminished our power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so you didn ’ t even see us coming .
We have seen you and your predominantly white inner circle continually shut out diverse and opposing voices when making decisions that affect our lives and the lives of our families .
We have seen how slow you were to shut down the city for the pandemic that is disproportionately killing Black and brown people , but how quickly you implemented a curfew when we took to the streets to fight for our right to live .
You may not hear us , sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women of color who support the letter asked that their names not be published for fear of professional retaliation ( some of them spoke anonymously to The Root for the same reason ; more female staffers agree with the letter but declined to work behind the scenes in drafting it for fear their participation would be leaked ) .
This letter is different from the one published by the New York Daily News last week in which a separate group of former staffers criticized the mayor for tolerating police violence against the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect during his first campaign .
Several of de Blasio ’ s ex- and current staffers said that he has a penchant for naming his black wife and children in staff emails and public statements when he wants to shield himself from criticisms from people of color on his staff or external challenges to his policing policies .
They also told The Root that the women of color who do have senior roles are often ignored and are shut down by white supervisors and advisers in what they say are the mayor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Root that they are at their wits end with de Blasio ’ s inner-circle of white men whom he listens to while tokenizing and ignoring the people of color on his staff .
“ I came to this administration full of enthusiasm to change and address the historical inequities in our human service community network , ” the senior staffer said .
“ You provide the best counsel based on years of working with the community and your thoughts are marginalized and , at worst , second guessed .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather a series of demands of what should be done that are not grounded in the needs or realities of people of color .
[ De Blasio ’ s administration is ] tone deaf .
It is exhausting and demoralizing.
” A junior staffer in de Blasio ’ s office says that the mayor and his mostly white senior advisers task lower-ranking officials with creating policies to ensure that executive city hall decisions do not negatively impact people of color only for their recommendations to be ignored .
She said that she and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior staff against enacting a curfew amid the COVID-19 pandemic when people are already cooped up in their homes and would be targeted by the NYPD .
“ My sister is someone ’ s daughter , ” the staffer said .
“ She went to a protest and saw snippers on a roof .
She ’ s seeing so much militarization than I ever had to .
It ’ s insane .
The cops don ’ t like him .
Why is he trying to win them over ?
” The recent protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some impact , as de Blasio has vowed to defund the NYPD for the first time , according to the New York Times .
As late as Friday , he expressed some doubt over cutting the department ’ s funding , which represents $ 6 billion of his $ 90 billion proposed budget .
But this action comes too late for some of the women behind the letter .
Another current staffer said the letter was inspired by the protesters on the streets and that she and other members of de Blasio ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the curfew and to take a stronger stance against the NYPD and its union .
“ We can no longer be silent , ” the staffer said .
“ We have an obligation to speak out about what is happening because it is not a unique experience and many women of color in different workplaces have similar experiences .
We have an opportunity to make real change , if people in power are ready to actually do the work.
” The Root reached out to the de Blasio administration for comment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a response .
The protest against de Blasio by former staffers is set to start at 10 a.m. at City Hall and end at Gracie Mansion , the mayor ’ s residence .
Here is the full text of the letter provided to The Root : We are women of color in your administration .
We are the dismissed , the unheard .
We are the invisible .
We are Breonna Taylor .
We are Nina Pop .
We are Atatiana Jefferson .
We are Layleen Cubilette-Polanco .
We are Sandra Bland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not see us , sir , but we see you .
Your administration has continually diminished our power , ideas , and value so much so you didn ’ t even see us coming .
We have seen you and your predominantly white inner circle continually shut out diverse and opposing voices when making decisions that affect our lives and the lives of our families .
We have seen how slow you were to shut down the city for the pandemic that is disproportionately killing Black and brown people , but how quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the streets to fight for our right to live .
You may not hear us , sir , but we hear you .
We have heard you publicly acknowledge your gaps in understanding due to your white male privilege , but we know those are just talking points because we wrote them .
And when the show is over , the cards go in the trash , and you never do the work .
We hear the way in which you assert that white male privilege over the few women of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and lived experiences – to uphold the shortcomings of your tone-deaf politicos .
And , we hear the way that your white senior staff have adopted those tactics , abusing their power to exploit our nonunion labor , relying on us to handle the work , but refusing to pay us what we deserve .
Although we appreciate the four-sentence paragraph in your all-staff email , your very late attempt to acknowledge the pain of people of color , particularly Black staffers in your administration , simply wasn ’ t enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ macro aggressions for far too long , and refuse to be silenced when our lives and the lives of our communities are at stake .
Your leadership has caused Black women and women of color , many of whom have led key City efforts under your tenure , to leave in silence due to a toxic workplace environment , abuse , and discrimination .
We honor their efforts to make this City a livable one for our communities and we want them to know they ’ re not forgotten .
So now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want you and those in your administration that continue to protect the culture of white supremacy within the institution that you lead to listen .
It is not enough to say you are committed to doing the work .
People of color need to be at the table so we can help shape these decisions and hold you accountable .
It is not enough to call out the structural racism that exists in the country , without putting in place anti-racist policies to ensure you are not further contributing to it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not hold those who inflicted that pain , including those in your administration , accountable for the trauma they have caused us and our communities .
It is not enough to say you are committed to a diverse workforce , and not pay us the same as our white counterparts .
And with all due respect , sir , the problem is not that we don ’ t recognize our power , and the power we hold together .
The problem is you and your white inner circle don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Up Women of Color in Your Administration and Allies

A small coalition of former and current female staffers of color for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote a letter condemning the former presidential candidate for overseeing years-long marginalization of their voices, which led to many of them feeling ignored as they tried to help the mayor avoid pitfalls in reaction to the national protests over black men and women killed by police, according to the letter provided exclusively to The Root and interviews with current city hall staffers.
Separately, a wider coalition of current and former de Blasio staffers plan to protest the mayor’s handling of his curfew policies and what they claim are his concessions to the New York Police Department on Monday at 10 a.m.
Advertisement
“We are the dismissed, the unheard. We are the invisible. We are Breonna Taylor. We are Nina Pop. We are Atatiana Jefferson. We are Layleen Cubilette-Polanco. We are Sandra Bland. We are Erica Garner. You may not see us, sir, but we see you,” the letter from the female staffers begins. “Your administration has continually diminished our power, ideas, and value so much so you didn’t even see us coming. We have seen you and your predominantly white inner circle continually shut out diverse and opposing voices when making decisions that affect our lives and the lives of our families. We have seen how slow you were to shut down the city for the pandemic that is disproportionately killing Black and brown people, but how quickly you implemented a curfew when we took to the streets to fight for our right to live. You may not hear us, sir, but we hear you.”
The women of color who support the letter asked that their names not be published for fear of professional retaliation (some of them spoke anonymously to The Root for the same reason; more female staffers agree with the letter but declined to work behind the scenes in drafting it for fear their participation would be leaked). This letter is different from the one published by the New York Daily News last week in which a separate group of former staffers criticized the mayor for tolerating police violence against the very people of color he claimed he would protect during his first campaign.
Advertisement Advertisement
Several of de Blasio’s ex and current staffers said that he has a penchant for naming his black wife and children in staff emails and public statements when he wants to shield himself from criticisms from people of color on his staff or external challenges to his policing policies. They also told The Root that the women of color who do have senior roles are often ignored and are shut down by white supervisors and advisers in what they say are the mayor’s white inner circle.
One staffer told The Root that they are at their wits end with de Blasio’s inner-circle of white men whom he listens to while tokenizing and ignoring the people of color on his staff.
Advertisement
“I came to this administration full of enthusiasm to change and address the historical inequities in our human service community network,” the senior staffer said. “You provide the best counsel based on years of working with the community and your thoughts are marginalized and, at worst, second-guessed. There is no support from the administration, but rather a series of demands of what should be done that are not grounded in the needs or realities of people of color. [De Blasio’s administration is] tone deaf. It is exhausting and demoralizing.”
A junior staffer in de Blasio’s office says that the mayor and his mostly white senior advisers task lower-ranking officials with creating policies to ensure that executive city hall decisions do not negatively impact people of color only for their recommendations to be ignored. She said that she and other staffers warned the mayor’s senior staff against enacting a curfew amid the COVID-19 pandemic when people are already cooped up in their homes and would be targeted by the NYPD.
Advertisement
“My sister is someone’s daughter,” the staffer said. “She went to a protest and saw sni pers on a roof. She’s seeing so much militarization than I ever had to. It’s insane. The cops don’t like him. Why is he trying to win them over?”
The recent protests about police brutality seem to have had some impact, as de Blasio has vowed to defund the NYPD for the first time, according to the New York Times. As late as Friday, he expressed some doubt over cutting the department’s funding, which represents $6 billion of his $90 billion proposed budget. But this action comes too late for some of the women behind the letter.
Advertisement
Another current staffer said the letter was inspired by the protesters on the streets and that she and other members of de Blasio’s team tried to advise the mayor against the curfew and to take a stronger stance against the NYPD and its union.
“We can no longer be silent,” the staffer said. “We have an obligation to speak out about what is happening because it is not a unique experience and many women of color in different workplaces have similar experiences. We have an opportunity to make real change, if people in power are ready to actually do the work.”
Advertisement
The Root reached out to the de Blasio administration for comment and will update the story if there is a response.
The protest against de Blasio by former staffers is set to start at 10 a.m. at City Hall and end at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s residence.
Advertisement
Here is the full text of the letter provided to The Root:
Open Letter Response to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s All-Staff Email:
We are women of color in your administration.
We are the dismissed, the unheard. We are the invisible.
We are Breonna Taylor. We are Nina Pop. We are Atatiana Jefferson. We are Layleen Cubilette-Polanco. We are Sandra Bland. We are Erica Garner.
Advertisement
You may not see us, sir, but we see you.
Your administration has continually diminished our power, ideas, and value so much so you didn’t even see us coming.
Advertisement
We have seen you and your predominantly white inner circle continually shut out diverse and opposing voices when making decisions that affect our lives and the lives of our families.
We have seen how slow you were to shut down the city for the pandemic that is disproportionately killing Black and brown people, but how quickly you implemented a curfew when we took to the streets to fight for our right to live.
Advertisement
You may not hear us, sir, but we hear you.
We have heard you publicly acknowledge your gaps in understanding due to your white male privilege, but we know those are just talking points because we wrote them. And when the show is over, the cards go in the trash, and you never do the work.
Advertisement
We hear the way in which you assert that white male privilege over the few women of color in leadership – dismissing degrees, expertise, and lived experiences – to uphold the shortcomings of your tone-deaf politicos.
And, we hear the way that your white senior staff has adopted those tactics, abusing their power to exploit our nonunion labor, relying on us to handle the work, but refusing to pay us what we deserve.
Advertisement
Although we appreciate the four-sentence paragraph in your all-staff email, your very late attempt to acknowledge the pain of people of color, particularly Black staffers in your administration, simply wasn’t enough. We have sat on these micro and macro aggressions for far too long, and refuse to be silenced when our lives and the lives of our communities are at stake. Your leadership has caused Black women and women of color, many of whom have led key City efforts under your tenure, to leave in silence due to a toxic workplace environment, abuse, and discrimination. We honor their efforts to make this City a livable one for our communities and we want them to know they’re not forgotten.
So now that we finally have your attention, we want you and those in your administration that continue to protect the culture of white supremacy within the institution that you lead to listen.
Advertisement
It is not enough to say you are committed to doing the work. People of color need to be at the table so we can help shape these decisions and hold you accountable.
It is not enough to call out the structural racism that exists in the country, without putting in place anti-racist policies to ensure you are not further contributing to it.
Advertisement
It is not enough to acknowledge our pain, but not hold those who inflicted that pain, including those in your administration, accountable for the trauma they have caused us and our communities.
It is not enough to say you are committed to a diverse workforce, and not pay us the same as our white counterparts.
Advertisement
And with all due respect, sir, the problem is not that we don’t recognize our power, and the power we hold together. The problem is you and your white inner circle don’t.
Are you listening now?
Signed,
Fed Up Women of Color in Your Administration and Allies
Update: 6/8/20, 9:26 a.m. E.T.: De Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein sent the following comment: “This administration has strived to be a place of equity and inclusion, where people from all walks of life get a seat at the table to bring their experiences into policy discussions and decisions. If members of the team feel they haven’t been heard, we must do better—period.”
Advertisement
The female staffers who penned the letter were responding to an email obtained by The Root that Mayor de Blasio sent on Saturday, which read:


theroot--2020-06-07--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Bars Black Reporters From Covering Protests, Citing 'Bias'

Black journalists working at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette say they are being cut off from doing their job during one of the most pivotal news-making events in history—the ongoing protests for racial justice—on accusations that they are biased .
The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh says a number of black journalists have been barred from doing protest-related stories for the Post-Gazette , while others have had their articles censored and their bylines removed , in apparent retaliation for a tweet posted by Alexis Johnson , a black reporter who writes for the paper .
Michael A. Fuoco , another journalist at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guild of Pittsburgh , told The Post that editors rejected several of Johnson ’ s pitches for protest-related coverage Monday .
They then told her she could not cover them at all because her tweet showed bias , Johnson told The Post .
Management told her that her byline on a protest-related article could lead “ the credibility of the newsroom [ to ] be questioned and people might question if I was biased , ” Johnson recalled .
The newspaper does not have an official social media policy , Fuoco said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any issues about her social media presence or a race-related incident at work .
“ I thought it was a funny tweet and something to think about , as we ’ ve seen destruction in the city over the years for different motivations , ” Johnson said .
Johnson isn ’ t the only journalist who says they are now being sidelined at the Post-Gazette—when reporting needs black perspectives more than ever .
Michael Santiago , a black photojournalist who helped the Post-Gazette earn a Pulitzer Prize last year , says he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Another reporter at the Post-Gazette , Ashley Murray , says a story she wrote about police brutality was pulled from the paper ’ s website over the weekend : “ The PG simply does not remove stories , ever , for any reason , ” The Newspaper Guild tweeted on Saturday , outlining why they believe the silenced journalists are being specifically targeted .
“ It is a longstanding policy in journalism and at the PG that you do not remove published material ; it is simply unethical to do so.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reinstate the black reporters and their colleagues who they say have been retaliated against for supporting Johnson , the reporter who made the initial tweet .
Johnson has also filed an official grievance against her employer for barring her for covering the protests , according to the Washington Post .
So far the M ayor of Pittsburgh has even chimed in to vouch for her as a professional journalist with integrity .
What ’ s so appalling is that Johnson ’ s integrity as a professional is even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman with an opinion , in the midst of an uprising against systemic racism that threatens black people in a myriad of ways and shows up in all sorts of institutions—including in newsrooms .


theroot--2020-06-07--Snoop Dogg Says He's Voting for the First Time in 2020 to Get Trump Out


theroot--2020-06-09--Sorry to This Monument: Brits Give Statue of Prolific Slave Trader a Nice New Home at the Bottom of

Sorry to This Monument: Brits Give Statue of Prolific Slave Trader a Nice New Home at the Bottom of the Bristol Harbor

A statue of a prominent slave trader found its proper home on Sunday : at the bottom of a harbor .
The overdue relocation came at the hands of Black Lives Matter protesters in the British town of Bristol .
Videos of them toppling the statue , rolling it through the streets , and Jazzy Jeff-ing it into the Bristol Harbor went viral over the weekend , as massive anti-racism protests spread across the world .
The statue was of 17th century slave trader Edward Colston , who headed the Royal Africa Company and was responsible for trafficking an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPR .
He helped build the city with that blood money , making him not unlike a lot of America ’ s founders .
But , as NPR reports , the statue—and the prominence of Colston ’ s name on the city ’ s buildings and landmarks—has “ long been a point of contention ” in the British port city .
“ I think it felt like a big relief , ” organizer Katie Finnegan-Clarke told NPR .
Finnegan-Clarke has worked to expose Colston ’ s legacy through the organization “ Countering Colton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way that he was dragged across the city and essentially thrown overboard into the water like so many people had suffered under his regime during the slave trade.
” Around the statue ’ s now-empty pedestal , protesters lay dozens of “ Black Lives Matter ” signs , the anti-racism messages fanning out in concentric circles .
According to SkyNews , a plaque that once detailed the highlights of Colston ’ s biography has also been replaced .
It now reads , “ This plaque is dedicated to the slaves that were @ @ @ @ @ @

A statue of a prominent slave trader found its proper home on Sunday: at the bottom of a harbor.
The overdue relocation came at the hands of Black Lives Matter protesters in the British town of Bristol. Videos of them toppling the statue, rolling it through the streets, and Jazzy Jeff-ing it into the Bristol Harbor went viral over the weekend, as massive anti-racism protests spread across the world.
Advertisement
The statue was of 17th century slave trader Edward Colston, who headed the Royal Africa Company and was responsible for trafficking an estimated 84,000 Africans to the Americas, writes NPR.
He helped build the city with that blood money, making him not unlike a lot of America’s founders. But, as NPR reports, the statue—and the prominence of Colston’s name on the city’s buildings and landmarks—has “long been a point of contention” in the British port city.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I think it felt like a big relief,” organizer Katie Finnegan-Clarke told NPR. Finnegan-Clarke has worked to expose Colston’s legacy through the organization “Countering Colton. “It was just incredibly poetic the way that he was dragged across the city and essentially thrown overboard into the water like so many people had suffered under his regime during the slave trade.”
Around the statue’s now-empty pedestal, protesters lay dozens of “Black Lives Matter” signs, the anti-racism messages fanning out in concentric circles.
Advertisement
According to SkyNews, a plaque that once detailed the highlights of Colston’s biography has also been replaced. It now reads, “This plaque is dedicated to the slaves that were taken from their homes.”


theroot--2020-06-09--Due to a ‘Misclassification Error’ the Unemployment Rate Looks Like It’s Dropping Faster Than It Act

Due to a ‘Misclassification Error’ the Unemployment Rate Looks Like It’s Dropping Faster Than It Actually Is

On Friday , the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its official jobs report for May which reported the first drop in the unemployment rate since the pandemic began wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy .
Just one problem : The number was off by 3 percentage points .
According to the Washington Post , the BLS added a note to its report identifying a “ misclassification error ” that put the current percentage of unemployed citizens at 13.3 , which means the rate was 16.3 for May .
That number was originally reported as an improvement from the 14.7 unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong .
In fact , the error acknowledged by the BLS—the agency that releases jobs reports every month— also occurred in the reports for March and April .
April ’ s unemployment numbers would have been five percentage points higher than reported if the appropriate assessment standards were applied .
Economists say the BLS was trying to be as transparent as possible about how hard it is to collect real-time data during a pandemic .
The BLS admitted that some people who should have been classified as “ temporarily unemployed ” during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ absent ” from work for “ other reasons.
” The “ other reason ” category is normally used for people on vacation , serving jury duty or taking leave to care for a child or relative .
These are typically situations where the worker decides to take leave .
But in this unusual pandemic circumstance , the “ other reason ” category was applied to some people staying at home and waiting to be called back .
This problem started in March when there was a big jump in people claiming they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for “ other reasons.
” The BLS noticed this and flagged it right away .
In March , the BLS said the unemployment rate likely should have been 5.4 percent , instead of the official 4.4 percent rate .
In April , the BLS said the real unemployment rate was likely about 19.7 percent , not 14.7 percent .
All and all , 4.9 million people were falsely listed as employed in a report that indicated 2.5 million jobs were added in May .
It ’ s unclear why an error that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fixed , but the BLS says it ’ s working on it .
“ BLS and the Census Bureau are investigating why this misclassification error continues to occur and are taking additional steps to address the issue , ” the note at the bottom of Friday ’ s report reads .
And lest some think that the Trump administration is fiddling with the numbers , economists and other experts reject that idea .
Some took this as a sign that President Trump or one of his staffers may have tinkered with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially since most forecasters predicted the unemployment rate would be close to 20 percent in May , up from 14.7 percent in April .
But economists and former BLS leaders from across the political spectrum strongly dismissed that idea .
“ You can 100 % discount the possibility that Trump got to the BLS .
Not 98 % discount , not 99.9 % discount , but 100 % discount , ” tweeted Jason Furman , the former top economist for former president Barack Obama .
“ BLS has 2,400 career staff of enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scope to change this number .
”

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its official jobs report for May which reported the first drop in the unemployment rate since the pandemic began wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy. Just one problem: The number was off by 3 percentage points.
According to the Washington Post, the BLS added a note to its report identifying a “misclassification error” that put the current percentage of unemployed citizens at 13.3, which means the rate was 16.3 for May. That number was originally reported as an improvement from the 14.7 unemployment rate from April—only that number was also wrong.
Advertisement
In fact, the error acknowledged by the BLS—the agency that releases jobs reports every month— also occurred in the reports for March and April. April’s unemployment numbers would have been five percentage points higher than reported if the appropriate assessment standards were applied.
From the Post:
Economists say the BLS was trying to be as transparent as possible about how hard it is to collect real-time data during a pandemic. The BLS admitted that some people who should have been classified as “temporarily unemployed” during the shutdown were instead misclassified as employed but “absent” from work for “other reasons.” The “other reason” category is normally used for people on vacation, serving jury duty or taking leave to care for a child or relative. These are typically situations where the worker decides to take leave. But in this unusual pandemic circumstance, the “other reason” category was applied to some people staying at home and waiting to be called back. This problem started in March when there was a big jump in people claiming they were temporarily “absent” from work for “other reasons.” The BLS noticed this and flagged it right away. In March, the BLS said the unemployment rate likely should have been 5.4 percent, instead of the official 4.4 percent rate. In April, the BLS said the real unemployment rate was likely about 19.7 percent, not 14.7 percent.
Advertisement Advertisement
All and all, 4.9 million people were falsely listed as employed in a report that indicated 2.5 million jobs were added in May.
Advertisement
It’s unclear why an error that has been occurring since March has yet to be fixed, but the BLS says it’s working on it.
“BLS and the Census Bureau are investigating why this misclassification error continues to occur and are taking additional steps to address the issue,” the note at the bottom of Friday’s report reads.
Advertisement
And lest some think that the Trump administration is fiddling with the numbers, economists and other experts reject that idea.
From the Post:


theroot--2020-06-08--Here's What to Buy Your Dad for Father's Day

With Father ’ s Day around the corner on June 21 , we here at The Inventory urge you to think ahead when it comes to ordering gifts online .
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , even the largest supply chains are having trouble keeping up with demand , not to mention the bottlenecks impacting the United States Postal Service .
To get a headstart on your holiday shopping , we ’ ve put our heads together to bring you a curated list of recommendations to inspire your generosity .
Whether you plan to deliver them in person or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , we hope to bring your family joy in these times of uncertainty .
But regardless of what you buy , remember Father ’ s Day is more about coming together to make memories than receiving material goods .
As long as you don ’ t buy him yet ANOTHER tie this year , our job here is done .
If it were up to me , shavers wouldn ’ t even need to exist .
The beard is to be celebrated with just as much reverence as your father is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real world , where 90 % of people are whisker-hating fascists who want all these quarantine beards to go right in the trash .
If your dad is awaking from the weeks-long slumber in his man cave to get back into that sad world , get him a nice electric shaver .
I ’ m totally down for the cheap ones in a pinch , but if you really love your dad , you ’ ll get him a Braun Series 7 .
It reads the density of your beard to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean , comfortable shave .
It has all the other bells and whistles we like , too , like a 360-degree Flex Head that doesn ’ t flinch against a strong jawline , plus beard trimming attachments to help him clean up nicely .
Your old man is , well , getting old , and a scavenger hunt for lost keys has become the highlight of his exciting new morning routine .
Don ’ t let him tell you he actually enjoys it .
Order him a 4-pack of Tile Mate tags , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anything with your smartphone .
Attach them to his keys , stick one behind the stack of expired credit cards in his wallet , and use it for anything else that isn ’ t the cold brew he always seems to have exact GPS coordinates on .
Maybe your dad ’ s retired and finally working through his big ol ’ stack of books , or maybe he just likes to flip through the pages of a world entirely removed from whatever ’ s stressing him out right now .
Either way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carry around as many books as he ’ d like and not needing a reading light just to turn a few pages at night .
While it ’ s especially apt for dads who still have a few years of wrangling tots back together at the grocery store and out at the park , the JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack can help any dad out .
It ’ s got plenty of space to hold all the necessities for a day out with the kids , like wipes and a couple snacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep handy .
It comes in enough colors to alleviate any concerns that it won ’ t match any of his assuredly stylish fits , too .
Ok , so I know apparel is so freaking boring as a Father ’ s Day present , but like , some dads just are not fashion-forward , and as good daughters , we must help them rise to their greatest potential .
And even if their style doesn ’ t improve , they ’ ll finally leave that one pair of weekend jeans with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closet .
We can only hope .
I bought my pops a pair of Levi ’ s a couple of summers ago , and he ’ s loved them .
It ’ s a personal goal of mine to rehaul his wardrobe—he still wears the same flannel shirt he bought when I was born ... 27 years ago .
Anyway , Levi ’ s are a timeless brand and will legitimately never go out of style .
So go ahead and help your dad look so much better in the family photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re at it , go ahead and get him the matching denim jacket .
It ’ ll make him feel cool .
My dad has a green thumb that I did NOT inherit .
Back when I was a kid , we used to go out to our backyard and he would plant cabbages , cucumbers , zucchinis , and other fruits and veggies .
Since retiring , he ’ s moved to Charlotte , NC which means he has so much more green space than we did back in Long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type this , he sent pictures of a trellis he ’ s building in our family group chat .
So I thought , why not get him a proper gardening tool set ?
This specific option has 12 tools including gloves , apron , and a gardening pad , as well as sheers , a rake , and everything else you ’ d need to reap what you sow .
Basically , if your dad is one of those people who love outdoor projects , this can be a great little gift for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may never inherit that green thumb , but I ’ ll find joy in watching my dad use his .
Although I have not seen my dad since February due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the fact that he ’ s an essential worker and I live in New York City , if there ’ s one thing I know about him it ’ s that he likes golf .
In fact , most of the dads in my life are fans of the sport even if I personally could list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more fun using a club and a ball than golf .
But since this is Father ’ s Day and not Gabe ’ s Day , I plan on sprucing up my dad with a new wardrobe from the William Murray Golf collection .
Yes , that Bill Murray .
Lo and behold , my dad likes Caddyshack so much he takes his fashion tips from Carl Spackler .
And who can blame him ?
I would unironically wear this Piano Man button down myself .
For a bolder look , try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each pattern is influenced by Murray and his brothers .
This Clubber Lane polo , for instance , pays homage to the famous “ Cinderella Boy ” scene from Caddyshack with its repeated depiction of “ the occasional cut-down Mums.
” As we all know , you can ’ t spell chic without Bill Murray .
One thing my dad and I do have in common is a shared obsession with keeping our vehicles clean .
While he ’ s more of a Subaru Outback guy and I ’ m more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re in agreement on Japanese engineering ) , we ’ re both the kind of person to keep a variety of cleaning tools in the garage .
This Premier car care kit from Armor All will replenish his supply while covering any bases that may have otherwise been left out .
From tire shine to air freshener , it ’ s a practical gift that—depending on the dad in question—shows you give as much of a shit about the immaculacy of his car as he does .
Included in the package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shine Wash & Wax , glass cleaner , original protectant , multi-purpose cleaner , Extreme™ wheel and tire cleaner , Extreme™ tire shine , on-the-go car air freshener pump spray , and a nifty wash pad .
Even the page description insists the Armor All car care kit is the “ perfect gift for any car care enthusiast.
” However , I ’ d argue most of these are things ordinary non-car enthusiasts should own , too .
As I learned from my dad , there is no pride in neglecting your possessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car owner like mine , here ’ s a budget alternative to buying a $ 60+ Haiwaiian shirt golf polo .

Gabe Carey, Ignacia, Jordan McMahon,  and Quentyn Kennemer on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

With Father’s Day around the corner on June 21, we here at The Inventory urge you to think ahead when it comes to ordering gifts online.
To get a headstart on your holiday shopping, we’ve put our heads together to bring you a curated list of recommendations to inspire your generosity. Whether you plan to deliver them in person or have them shipped out by a third party, we hope to bring your family joy! But regardless of what you buy, remember Father’s Day is more about coming together to make memories than receiving material goods.
As long as you don’t buy him yet ANOTHER tie this year, our job here is done.
Advertisement
Braun Series 7 Electric Shaver | $160 | Amazon
If it were up to me, shavers wouldn’t even need to exist. The beard is to be celebrated with just as much reverence as your father is about to be. But we live in the real world, where 90% of people are whisker-hating fascists who want all these quarantine beards to go right in the trash. If your dad is awaking from the weeks-long slumber in his man cave to get back into that sad world, get him a nice electric shaver.
I’m totally down for the cheap ones in a pinch, but if you really love your dad, you’ll get him a Braun Series 7. It reads the density of your beard to determine the optimal amount of power for a clean, comfortable shave. It has all the other bells and whistles we like, too, like a 360-degree Flex Head that doesn’t flinch against a strong jawline, plus beard trimming attachments to help him clean up nicely.
Advertisement Advertisement
Tile Mate 4-Pack | $61 | Amazon
Your old man is, well, getting old, and a scavenger hunt for lost keys has become the highlight of his exciting new morning routine. Don’t let him tell you he actually enjoys it. Order him a 4-pack of Tile Mate tags, which allow you to track the location of anything with your smartphone. Attach them to his keys, stick one behind the stack of expired credit cards in his wallet, and use it for anything else that isn’t the cold brew he always seems to have exact GPS coordinates on.
Advertisement
Kindle Paperwhite | $130 | Amazon
Maybe your dad’s retired and finally working through his big ol’ stack of books, or maybe he just likes to flip through the pages of a world entirely removed from whatever’s stressing him out right now. Either way, he’ll appreciate being able to carry around as many books as he’d like and not needing a reading light just to turn a few pages at night.
Advertisement
JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack | $23 | Amazon
While it’s especially apt for dads who still have a few years of wrangling tots back together at the grocery store and out at the park, the JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack can help any dad out. It’s got plenty of space to hold all the necessities for a day out with the kids, like wipes and a couple of snacks, or a couple of tools he likes to keep handy. It comes in enough colors to alleviate any concerns that it won’t match any of his assuredly stylish fits, too.
Advertisement
Levi’s 501 Jeans | $70 | Levi
Ok, so I know apparel is so freaking boring as a Father’s Day present, but like, some dads just are not fashion-forward, and as good daughters, we must help them rise to their greatest potential. And even if their style doesn’t improve, they’ll finally leave that one pair of weekend jeans with the permanent indent of their wallet in the closet. We can only hope. I bought my pops a pair of Levi’s a couple of summers ago, and he’s loved them. It’s a personal goal of mine to rehaul his wardrobe—he still wears the same flannel shirt he bought when I was born ...27 years ago.
Advertisement
Anyway, Levi’s are a timeless brand and will legitimately never go out of style. So go ahead and help your dad look so much better in the family photos. He deserves it. And while you’re at it, go ahead and get him the matching denim jacket. It’ll make him feel cool.
Gardening Tool Set | $33 | Amazon
My dad has a green thumb that I did NOT inherit. When I was a kid we used to go out to our backyard and he would plant cabbages, cucumbers, zucchinis, and other fruits and veggies. Since retiring, he’s moved to Charlotte, NC which means he has so much more green space than we did back on Long Island. In fact, as I type this, he sent pictures of a trellis he’s building in our family group chat. So I thought, why not get him a proper gardening tool set?
Advertisement
This specific option has 12 tools including gloves, apron, and a gardening pad, as well as sheers, a rake, and everything else you’d need to reap what you sow. Basically, if your dad is one of those people who love outdoor projects, this can be a great little gift for him. As for me? I may never inherit that green thumb, but I’ll find joy in watching my dad use his.
Gabe Carey , Content & Strategy Manager
Advertisement
William Murray Golf Apparel | Amazon
Although I have not seen my dad for a while, if there’s one thing I know about him it’s that he likes golf. In fact, most of the dads in my life are fans of the sport even if I personally could list at least a dozen activities that would be more fun using a club and a ball than golf. But since this is Father’s Day and not Gabe’s Day, I plan on sprucing up my dad with a new wardrobe from the William Murray Golf collection.
Yes, that Bill Murray. Lo and behold, my dad likes Caddyshack so much he takes his fashion tips from Carl Spackler. And who can blame him? I would unironically wear this Piano Man button-down myself. For a bolder look, try the Critter camo pants on for size. Each pattern is influenced by Murray and his brothers. This Clubber Lane polo, for instance, pays homage to the famous “Cinderella Boy” scene from Caddyshack with its repeated depiction of “the occasional cut-down Mums.” As we all know, you can’t spell chic without Bill Murray.
Advertisement
Car Wash Kit | $27 | Amazon
One thing my dad and I do have in common is a shared obsession with keeping our vehicles clean. While he’s more of a Subaru Outback guy and I’m more of a Miata (hey, at least we’re in agreement on Japanese engineering), we’re both the kind of person to keep a variety of cleaning tools in the garage. This Premier car care kit from Armor All will replenish his supply while covering any bases that may have otherwise been left out. From tire shine to air freshener, it’s a practical gift that—depending on the dad in question—shows you give as much of a shit about the immaculacy of his car as he does.
Advertisement
Included in the package you’ll find Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax, glass cleaner, original protectant, multi-purpose cleaner, Extreme™ wheel and tire cleaner, Extreme™ tire shine, on-the-go car air freshener pump spray, and a nifty wash pad. Even the page description insists the Armor All car care kit is the “perfect gift for any car care enthusiast.” However, I’d argue most of these are things ordinary non-car enthusiasts should own, too. As I learned from my dad, there is no pride in neglecting your possessions. If your dad’s a car owner like mine, here’s a budget alternative to buying a $60+ Hawaiian shirt golf polo.


theroot--2020-06-08--Shocking No One, the Trump Administration Denies Systemic Racism Within Policing Exists

I don ’ t think anyone expected a thoughtful , nuanced take on the racial issues that continues to plague American society to come from the Trump administration .
Despite Trump ’ s claims that “ MAGA loves the black people , ” some of his most prominent cabinet members have denied that systemic racism within law enforcement even exists .
On Monday , when asked by CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer if George Floyd would still be alive if he were white , Ken Cuccinelli , the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security , said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think he would .
What I heard in that eight-and-a-half minute clip was someone who was a bully , who is abusing his position of authority and power in the law.
” When Blitzer asked him if he felt systemic racism was a problem within law enforcement he said , “ There are individuals who are racist , they ’ re a small number .
I would suggest that a bigger problem that can be filtered and trained for is simply bullying.
” Over the weekend , multiple Trump administration officials expressed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue for police forces .
“ I don ’ t think that the law enforcement system is systemically racist , ” Attorney General William Barr said in an interview with CBS ’ Face the Nation on Sunday .
Barr went on to roll out the “ few bad apples ” argument by saying “ I think that there are instances of bad cops .
And I think we have to be careful about automatically assuming that the actions of an individual necessarily mean that their organization is rotten .
All organizations have people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed opposition to repealing qualified immunity , which exempts police officers from personal liability when using deadly force while on the job .
“ I don ’ t think you need to reduce immunity to go after the bad cops , because that would result , certainly in police pulling back , ” Barr said .
It ’ s unclear what he meant by “ pulling back.
” Chad Wolf , the acting Homeland Security secretary went on ABC ’ s This Week and also minimized the idea that systemic racism exists within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a broad brush of systemic racism is really a disservice to the men and women who put on the badge , the uniform every day , risk their lives every day to protect the American people , ” Wolf said .
Black people make up 13 percent of the country ’ s population yet comprise 23 percent of the people who are shot and killed by police each year .
In Minneapolis , where George Floyd died at the hands of law enforcement , police are seven times more likely to use force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If there has been any constant to the last four years , it ’ s that the worldview of the Trump administration isn ’ t necessarily predicated on facts or statistics .
According to them , millions of Americans have taken to the streets to protest the actions of a “ few bad apples ” and not a broken system in desperate need of reform .
If there ’ s a message here , it ’ s that sweeping reform probably isn ’ t going to happen at the federal level under @ @ @ @

I don’t think anyone expected a thoughtful, nuanced take on the racial issues that continues to plague American society to come from the Trump administration. Despite Trump’s claims that “MAGA loves the black people,” some of his most prominent cabinet members have denied that systemic racism within law enforcement even exists.
On Monday, when asked by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer if George Floyd would still be alive if he were white, Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said, “No, I don’t think he would. What I heard in that eight-and-a-half minute clip was someone who was a bully, who is abusing his position of authority and power in the law.” When Blitzer asked him if he felt systemic racism was a problem within law enforcement he said, “There are individuals who are racist, they’re a small number. I would suggest that a bigger problem that can be filtered and trained for is simply bullying.”
Advertisement
Over the weekend, multiple Trump administration officials expressed the view that systemic racism is not an issue for police forces. “I don’t think that the law enforcement system is systemically racist,” Attorney General William Barr said in an interview with CBS’ Face the Nation on Sunday. Barr went on to roll out the “few bad apples” argument by saying “I think that there are instances of bad cops. And I think we have to be careful about automatically assuming that the actions of an individual necessarily mean that their organization is rotten. All organizations have people who engage in misconduct.”
Barr also expressed opposition to repealing qualified immunity, which exempts police officers from personal liability when using deadly force while on the job. “I don’t think you need to reduce immunity to go after the bad cops, because that would result, certainly in police pulling back,” Barr said. It’s unclear what he meant by “pulling back.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Chad Wolf, the acting Homeland Security secretary went on ABC’s This Week and also minimized the idea that systemic racism exists within policing. “Painting law enforcement with a broad brush of systemic racism is really a disservice to the men and women who put on the badge, the uniform every day, risk their lives every day to protect the American people,” Wolf said.
Black people make up 13 percent of the country’s population yet comprise 23 percent of the people who are shot and killed by police each year. In Minneapolis, where George Floyd died at the hands of law enforcement, police are seven times more likely to use force against black people as compared to whites.
Advertisement
If there has been any constant to the last four years, it’s that the worldview of the Trump administration isn’t necessarily predicated on facts or statistics. According to them, millions of Americans have taken to the streets to protest the actions of a “few bad apples” and not a broken system in desperate need of reform. If there’s a message here, it’s that sweeping reform probably isn’t going to happen at the federal level under this current administration.