theroot--2020-05-21--Missing Sports? Watch Some of These Anime

Around this time of year we ’ d typically be wrapping up the basketball season and in the midst of the baseball season , while pretending we care about tennis in the lead up to Wimbledon .
Obviously , that ain ’ t happening and with The Last Dance wrapping up last Sunday , there really isn ’ t much going on in the world of sports .
Fear not though , if you ’ re really fiending for some sports the good folks at Crunchyroll sent a list of sports anime that can get you through the drought .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball , there ’ s something for you .
Megalo Box made quite a stir when it was released two years ago and for good reason .
The world building , animation quality and story all make for one certified banger .
The show follows Junk Dog/Joe as he fights his way from an underground boxing tournament to the world of Megalo boxing .
It ’ s basically boxing but the fighters wear mechanical frames called Gear on their arms that makes their hits more deadly .
The fights go hard and Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but win the Megalonia tournament is compelling .
If you ’ re in the mood to see some hands being thrown , you can ’ t do much better than this .
With season two confirmed to be on the way , there is no better time to get caught up on what is , in my opinion , one of the coolest anime to be realized in the last few years .
Kuroko ’ s Basketball is one of the most anime-ass sports anime in the game and that ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was a middle school team labeled “ the generation of miracles.
” Each member of the team is essentially the handle god , with each boasting some specialized skill set .
There was an unnoticed sixth man , Tetsuya Kuroko , whose skill set is being so mediocre that no one notices his passing game .
The show follows the Seirin Private High School basketball team as first year students Kuroko and Taiga Kagami attempt to lead them to victory and in the process become some of the greatest to ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertaining from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it to those dismayed at the lack of playoffs .
Still Feeling Some Way About Opening Day ?
Watch MIX Baseball is usually well underway by this time of the year .
While baseball has never been my bag , I understand it plays quite a huge role in some folks summertime traditions .
I find the best baseball stories tend to have some emotional underpinning and MIX is no different .
The story follows step brothers Touma and Suichirou , two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School baseball team .
As the story goes on and the team ’ s goal of making nationals become more in reach , the more you learn about the tragic backstory of the siblings as they try to honor their father ’ s legacy .
If you ’ re looking for a solid baseball story , here you go .
All of these anime can be easily found for free on Crunchyroll .
If you ’ re missing sports or just getting tired of TV shows do yourself a favor and watch more @ @

Around this time of year we’d typically be wrapping up the basketball season and in the midst of the baseball season, while pretending we care about tennis in the lead up to Wimbledon . Obviously, that ain’t happening and with The Last Dance wrapping up last Sunday, there really isn’t much going on in the world of sports.
Fear not though, if you’re really fiending for some sports the good folks at Crunchyroll sent a list of sports anime that can get you through the drought. Whether you like boxing, basketball or baseball, there’s something for you.
Advertisement
Miss Seeing People Catch Hands? Try Megalo Box
Megalo Box made quite a stir when it was released two years ago and for good reason. The world building, animation quality and story all make for one certified banger. The show follows Junk Dog/Joe as he fights his way from an underground boxing tournament to the world of Megalo boxing. It’s basically boxing but the fighters wear mechanical frames called Gear on their arms that makes their hits more deadly. The fights go hard and Joe’s quest to not only enter but win the Megalonia tournament is compelling. If you’re in the mood to see some hands being thrown, you can’t do much better than this. With season two confirmed to be on the way, there is no better time to get caught up on what is, in my opinion, one of the coolest anime to be realized in the last few years.
Advertisement Advertisement
Tired of Running Simulation Mode on 2K? Here’s Kuroko’s Basketball
Kuroko’s Basketball is one of the most anime-ass sports anime in the game and that’s what makes it grest. The story goes that there was a middle school team labeled “the generation of miracles.” Each member of the team is essentially the handle god, with each boasting some specialized skill set. There was an unnoticed sixth man, Tetsuya Kuroko, whose skill set is being so mediocre that no one notices his passing game. The show follows the Seirin Private High School basketball team as first year students Kuroko and Taiga Kagami attempt to lead them to victory and in the process become some of the greatest to ever do it. The show is wildly entertaining from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it to those dismayed at the lack of playoffs.
Advertisement
Still Feeling Some Way About Opening Day? Watch MIX
Baseball is usually well underway by this time of the year. While baseball has never been my bag, I understand it plays quite a huge role in some folks summertime traditions. I find the best baseball stories tend to have some emotional underpinning and MIX is no different. The story follows step brothers Touma and Suichirou, two of the best players on the Meisei High School baseball team. As the story goes on and the team’s goal of making nationals become more in reach, the more you learn about the tragic backstory of the siblings as they try to honor their father’s legacy. If you’re looking for a solid baseball story, here you go.
Advertisement
All of these anime can be easily found for free on Crunchyroll. If you’re missing sports or just getting tired of TV shows do yourself a favor and watch more anime.


theroot--2020-05-21--Trump Ignores Michigan Attorney General, Refuses to Wear Mask While Touring Ford Plant, and We Know

Trump Ignores Michigan Attorney General, Refuses to Wear Mask While Touring Ford Plant, and We Know Why He Won’t

The Michigan attorney general doesn ’ t have time for Trump ’ s maskless fuckshit and told him that he has a “ legal responsibility ” —under state law—to wear a mask when he visits a Ford Motor Co. factory Thursday , or he should not come back to visit factories .
“ I ask that while you are on tour you respect the great efforts of the men and women at Ford—and across this state—by wearing a facial covering , ” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in an open letter to Trump ( pdf ) Wednesday .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
The plant has a policy of requiring masks , and the company said it had informed the White House about that policy , CNBC reports .
And what did the president do ?
He toured the plant without wearing a mask because he ’ s an asshole , and as such , assholes are going to asshole .
It ’ s just kind of the way .
To be honest , Trump has been making this all up as he goes .
He ’ s yet to wear a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s advocated bringing sunlight inside the body and consuming household disinfectants ; and not only has he been advocating for but allegedly he is consuming ( he ain ’ t taking that shit ) the “ miracle ” drug that only he believes is a miracle , hydroxychloroquine .
Some Republicans would argue that Trump is currently pushing to open the country to jump start America ’ s struggling economy so he doesn ’ t want to appear weak or worried by wearing a mask , but Republicans are also assholes so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t want to expose the president but his refusal to sign some kind of act that sends me money has forced my hand : The real reason President Trump doesn ’ t want to wear a mask is because it will totally fuck up his face makeup .
I know a lot about face makeup .
I can ’ t tell you the number of old ladies who have fucked up my good church shirts with their face makeup during their ungodly hugs .
He knows that if he wears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of putting mask lines all through his KKW Beauty concealer .
The president claimed while visiting the Ford plant , that he did wear a mask and a face guard , which he took off so that he wouldn ’ t give the press the pleasure of seeing him look like a regular person wearing a mask and a face guard .
Instead , he ’ d rather look like an asshole refusing to wear a mask because white supremacists ( aka Trump ’ s base ) respect assholes ( see Costco guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential mask and handed his face guard to a cameraman for some reason before walking away from the press and back to the tour looking just like the asshole that he is .

The Michigan attorney general doesn’t have time for Trump’s maskless fuckshit and told him that he has a “legal responsibility”—under state law—to wear a mask when he visits a Ford Motor Co. factory Thursday, or he should not come back to visit factories.
Advertisement
“I ask that while you are on tour you respect the great efforts of the men and women at Ford—and across this state—by wearing a facial covering,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in an open letter to Trump (pdf) Wednesday.
Trump visited the Rawsonville Components Plant in Ypsilanti on Thursday. The plant has a policy of requiring masks, and the company said it had informed the White House about that policy, CNBC reports.
Advertisement Advertisement
And what did the president do? He toured the plant without wearing a mask because he’s an asshole, and as such, assholes are going to asshole. It’s just kind of the way.
To be honest, Trump has been making this all up as he goes. He’s yet to wear a mask since the coronavirus pandemic hit; he’s advocated bringing sunlight inside the body and consuming household disinfectants; and not only has he been advocating for but allegedly he is consuming (he ain’t taking that shit) the “miracle” drug that only he believes is a miracle, hydroxychloroquine.
Advertisement
Some Republicans would argue that Trump is currently pushing to open the country to jump start America’s struggling economy so he doesn’t want to appear weak or worried by wearing a mask, but Republicans are also assholes so what the fuck do that know.
I didn’t want to expose the president but his refusal to sign some kind of act that sends me money has forced my hand: The real reason President Trump doesn’t want to wear a mask is because it will totally fuck up his face makeup. I know a lot about face makeup. I can’t tell you the number of old ladies who have fucked up my good church shirts with their face makeup during their ungodly hugs. He knows that if he wears a mask, he runs the risk of putting mask lines all through his KKW Beauty concealer.
Advertisement
The president claimed while visiting the Ford plant, that he did wear a mask and a face guard, which he took off so that he wouldn’t give the press the pleasure of seeing him look like a regular person wearing a mask and a face guard. Instead, he’d rather look like an asshole refusing to wear a mask because white supremacists (aka Trump’s base) respect assholes (see Costco guy). He even showed the press the presidential mask and handed his face guard to a cameraman for some reason before walking away from the press and back to the tour looking just like the asshole that he is.


theroot--2020-05-21--ICON 360: Harlem's Fashion Row Launches a New Nonprofit and Virtual Fundraiser for Designers Impacte

ICON 360: Harlem's Fashion Row Launches a New Nonprofit and Virtual Fundraiser for Designers Impacted by COVID-19

Harlem ’ s Fashion Row ( HFR ) was founded to bring attention and a much-needed platform to designers of color—and it ’ s done so for over a decade , garnering groundbreaking respect throughout the industry and enviable corporate partnerships .
In the midst of the coronavirus , HFR ’ s mission continues , as on Wednesday , its CEO and founder Brandice Daniel announced the nonprofit entity ICON 360 , co-sponsored by Gap , Inc. , Ciroc , Nike and Shea Moisture and designed to support designers with financial relief and encouragement through this ongoing crisis .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty for designers , ” reads the HFR website .
“ With the halt in productions and dramatic declines in sales , we at Harlem ’ s Fashion Row have decided to take action and assist designers of color through these unprecedented times.
” Designers in need are encouraged to apply for an ICON 360 grant , named for HFR ’ s annual awards issued during September ’ s Fashion Week .
The grants will be issued in as-yet-unspecified amounts from the newly formed nonprofit , but to raise funds and awareness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment organization is hosting a “ Virtual Fundraiser ” on May 30 , presumably in place of its annual September gala ( though we shall see ) .
The virtual event will feature “ special fashion industry guests , to celebrate and support designers who apply for the ICON 360 grant , ” says the site .
“ During this crisis I thought it was critical to do everything in our power to support designers of color , ” says Daniel in a statement sent to The Glow Up .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designers who are making bold pivots in their business .
As a fashion community we have an incredible opportunity to help scale the businesses of designers who are thriving even in the middle of a pandemic.
” Confirmed panelists for ICON 360 include Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Lindsey Peoples Wagner , veteran fashion and beauty editor Mikki Taylor , pioneering designer Tracy Reese , Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund winner Christopher John Rogers in conversation with celebrity stylists Wayman and Micah ( Regina King , KiKi Layne ) , celebrity stylist Kesha McLeod ( Serena Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claire Sulmers and more .
The full schedule and tickets ( $ 22 ) for the three-hour event are available now—and designers can apply for the ICON360 grant on the HFR website .

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

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) was founded to bring attention and a much-needed platform to designers of color—and it’s done so for over a decade, garnering groundbreaking respect throughout the industry and enviable corporate partnerships. In the midst of the coronavirus, HFR’s mission continues, as on Wednesday, its CEO and founder Brandice Daniel announced the nonprofit entity ICON 360, co-sponsored by Gap, Inc., Ciroc, Nike and Shea Moisture and designed to support designers with financial relief and encouragement through this ongoing crisis.
“The current economic climate has brought forth uncertainty for designers,” reads the HFR website. “With the halt in productions and dramatic declines in sales, we at Harlem’s Fashion Row have decided to take action and assist designers of color through these unprecedented times.”
Advertisement
Designers in need are encouraged to apply for an ICON 360 grant, named for HFR’s annual awards issued during September’s Fashion Week. The grants will be issued in as-yet-unspecified amounts from the newly formed nonprofit, but to raise funds and awareness of designers in need, the arts and entertainment organization is hosting a “Virtual Fundraiser” on May 30, presumably in place of its annual September gala (though we shall see). The virtual event will feature “special fashion industry guests, to celebrate and support designers who apply for the ICON 360 grant,” says the site.
“During this crisis I thought it was critical to do everything in our power to support designers of color,” says Daniel in a statement sent to The Glow Up. “I’m incredibly inspired by the resilience of designers who are making bold pivots in their business. As a fashion community we have an incredible opportunity to help scale the businesses of designers who are thriving even in the middle of a pandemic.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Confirmed panelists for ICON 360 include Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Lindsey Peoples Wagner, veteran fashion and beauty editor Mikki Taylor, pioneering designer Tracy Reese, Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund winner Christopher John Rogers in conversation with celebrity stylists Wayman and Micah (Regina King, KiKi Layne), celebrity stylist Kesha McLeod (Serena Williams), influencers like Tai Beauchamp and Claire Sulmers and more. The full schedule and tickets ($22) for the three-hour event are available now—and designers can apply for the ICON360 grant on the HFR website.


theroot--2020-05-21--Mental Health Evaluation Ordered After Cory Booker Reveals His Top Five Favorite Rappers

Since his graceful exit from our upcoming presidential race , his affable nature and eternal optimism have struggled to find a place to call home .
I mean , sure , he has the Senate and his constituency in New Jersey , but Cory is a man of the people , and apparently the people didn ’ t want his ass to be president .
So perhaps eager to turn on the charm and prove he ’ s not some artificial intelligence program or soundboard gone rogue , T-Bone ’ s imaginary friend made an appearance on Fat Joe ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Fat Joe Show , ” and discussed his failed presidential bid , his relationship with Rosario Dawson and even his vegan diet .
He also shared his top five favorite rappers , which , if you look directly at , will allegedly turn you into salt .
( I ’ m not taking that risk . )
Now the word “ favorite ” clearly indicates that his choices are subjective—mine would include the likes of Positive K and whoever muttered , “ Here ’ s a hint , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wreckx-N-Effect ’ s “ Rumpshaker ” —but this ain ’ t the way , Cory .
This ain ’ t the way .
And Twitter let him know about it .
When Fat Joe posed the same question to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in April , she passed the test with flying colors .
“ Not in order—Nas , Big Pun is up there , of course , we ’ ve got Biggie , I think 2Pac , and ... the fifth one is so hard , ” she said , before taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ KRS-One.
” “ You have a mean starting five , yo , ” Joe replied .
“ I didn ’ t know I liked you this much !
That ’ s crazy.
” I don ’ t know whose paper Cory copied his answers off of , but allegedly Carole Baskin is to blame .

Cory Booker is at a crossroads.
Since his graceful exit from our upcoming presidential race, his affable nature and eternal optimism have struggled to find a place to call home. I mean, sure, he has the Senate and his constituency in New Jersey, but Cory is a man of the people, and apparently the people didn’t want his ass to be president.
That’s gotta hurt.
So perhaps eager to turn on the charm and prove he’s not some artificial intelligence program or soundboard gone rogue, T-Bone’s imaginary friend made an appearance on Fat Joe’s IG Live show, aptly titled “The Fat Joe Show,” and discussed his failed presidential bid, his relationship with Rosario Dawson and even his vegan diet.
Advertisement
He also shared his top five favorite rappers, which, if you look directly at, will allegedly turn you into salt. (I’m not taking that risk.)
Advertisement Advertisement
Now the word “favorite” clearly indicates that his choices are subjective—mine would include the likes of Positive K and whoever muttered, “Here’s a hint, it’s like a long sharp sword!” on Wreckx-N-Effect’s “Rumpshaker”—but this ain’t the way, Cory. This ain’t the way.
And Twitter let him know about it.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Dammit, Cory.
When Fat Joe posed the same question to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in April, she passed the test with flying colors.
Advertisement
“Not in order—Nas, Big Pun is up there, of course, we’ve got Biggie, I think 2Pac, and...the fifth one is so hard,” she said, before taking a minute to mull her final pick. “KRS-One.”
“You have a mean starting five, yo,” Joe replied. “I didn’t know I liked you this much! That’s crazy.”
Advertisement
I don’t know whose paper Cory copied his answers off of, but allegedly Carole Baskin is to blame.


theroot--2020-05-21--Stop Living In Filth: The Shark ION P50 Cordless Vacuum Is $170 Off

Now that life and work are one in the same ( isn ’ t it great !
? )
, @ @ @ @ @ start reassessing your living conditions .
And as I know all too well , that @ @ @ @ @ Lucky for you , the insanely popular Shark ION P50 is $ 300—down 36 % @ @ @ @ @ to 50 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning , this cordless vac will help you collect every @ @ @ @ @ and cat hair from your floors and furniture to store in a vat and catapult @ @ @ @ @ for large animal- and child-infested spaces , the upright vacuum uses “ DuoClean ” technology @ @ @ @ @ powerhead and two brush rollls , to suck up even the finest grains of dirt @ @ @ @ @ its anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filter keep you from sneezing through excruciating Zoom @ @ @ @ @ cleaning—upright , stick , and handheld—save you the trouble of mowing your whole couch ( @ @ @ @ @ full-size vacuum cleaner .
Because that ’ s just not practical .

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

Shark ION P50 Cordless Vacuum | $300 | Amazon
Now that life and work are one in the same (isn’t it great!?), now is the time to start reassessing your living conditions. And as I know all too well, that starts with obsessively vacuuming. Lucky for you, the insanely popular Shark ION P50 is $300—down 36% from MSRP. With up to 50 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning, this cordless vac will help you collect every crumb, dust speck, and cat hair from your floors and furniture to store in a vat and catapult into the sun.
Perfect for large animal- and child-infested spaces, the upright vacuum uses “DuoClean” technology, carried out by one powerhead and two brush rollls, to suck up even the finest grains of dirt and dust. Combined, its anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filter keep you from sneezing through excruciating Zoom calls. Three modes of cleaning—upright, stick, and handheld—save you the trouble of mowing your whole couch (or car) with a full-size vacuum cleaner. Because that’s just not practical.


theroot--2020-05-21--Davido, Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi Cover Billboard for Publication's First Issue Devoted Entirely to A

Davido, Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi Cover Billboard for Publication's First Issue Devoted Entirely to Africa

Tiwa Savage , Davido and Mr. Eazi are the cover stars for Billboard ’ s latest special issue , which is entirely devoted to the continent of Africa .
The feature states that as streaming has gained popularity , the sounds and visibility of African artists and producers has similarly increased , thanks to tracks like Drake ’ s “ One Dance ” ( which features Nigeria ’ s WizKid ) , and albums like the Beyoncé-curated The Lion King : The Gift .
“ The three major-label groups—Universal , Warner and Sony—have all ramped up their investments in Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending A & R scouts to major hubs and forming joint ventures and partnerships , ” the feature reads , adding , “ [ Africa ] has also emerged as a particular wellspring of talent , thanks to stars like Tiwa Savage , Davido and Mr. Eazi… [ highlighting ] just how many possibilities await African talent.
” “ The music is amazing .
The feeling you get from Afrobeats and African music is just different , ” Davido explains of the factors driving industry interest in Africa , especially in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America and would play African music , people would say , ‘ Yo , what ’ s that ?
That shit ’ s hard.
’ They didn ’ t understand what the artists were saying , but the feeling they got [ from the music ] was just crazy .
People have always loved African music , but we didn ’ t have the avenues to go worldwide .
Back then , you actually had to have an African friend or come to Africa to experience it.
” The world is certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first female winner of the “ Best African Act ” category at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards , Mr. Eazi ( an independent artist ) performed at the 2019 Coachella Music & Arts Festival , and Davido ’ s “ Fall ” is the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history .
However , all artists say there are still misconceptions of Africa , and it ’ s something they see when traveling abroad .
“ It was a lot worse before , when people literally thought we lived in trees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Savage says .
“ But it ’ s changing as people see pictures via social media when people visit places like Ghana , Tanzania , South Africa and Zimbabwe .
Nothing beats that experience when somebody actually lands in Africa .
And it depends where in Africa , because it ’ s a continent and not a country.
” However , all are optimistic about the future of African artists as it pertains to mainstream music conversations .
“ There ’ s also a general wind of appreciation now for what being African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m African , it ’ s great to be African , and we ’ re flaunting it , ’ ” says Mr. Eazi .
“ When Davido is singing , he ’ s talking about things that are very particular to his culture .
It ’ s also the same when Tiwa sings ... Everyone is waking up because of what ’ s happening ...
It ’ s not politics that ’ s bringing people here .
It ’ s art and young business people .
”

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

Tiwa Savage, Davido and Mr. Eazi are the cover stars for Billboard’s latest special issue, which is entirely devoted to the continent of Africa.
The feature states that as streaming has gained popularity, the sounds and visibility of African artists and producers has similarly increased, thanks to tracks like Drake’s “One Dance” (which features Nigeria’s WizKid), and albums like the Beyoncé-curated The Lion King: The Gift.
Advertisement
“The three major-label groups—Universal, Warner and Sony—have all ramped up their investments in Africa in recent years: opening offices, sending A&R scouts to major hubs and forming joint ventures and partnerships,” the feature reads, adding, “[Africa] has also emerged as a particular wellspring of talent, thanks to stars like Tiwa Savage, Davido and Mr. Eazi…[highlighting] just how many possibilities await African talent.”
Advertisement Advertisement
“The music is amazing. The feeling you get from Afrobeats and African music is just different,” Davido explains of the factors driving industry interest in Africa, especially in recent years. “When I was in school in America and would play African music, people would say, ‘Yo, what’s that? That shit’s hard.’ They didn’t understand what the artists were saying, but the feeling they got [from the music] was just crazy. People have always loved African music, but we didn’t have the avenues to go worldwide. Back then, you actually had to have an African friend or come to Africa to experience it.”
The world is certainly taking notice. Tiwa Savage became the first female winner of the “Best African Act” category at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, Mr. Eazi (an independent artist) performed at the 2019 Coachella Music & Arts Festival, and Davido’s “Fall” is the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history. However, all artists say there are still misconceptions of Africa, and it’s something they see when traveling abroad.
Advertisement
“It was a lot worse before, when people literally thought we lived in trees. That was a big misconception,” Savage says. “But it’s changing as people see pictures via social media when people visit places like Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nothing beats that experience when somebody actually lands in Africa. And it depends where in Africa, because it’s a continent and not a country.”
Advertisement
However, all are optimistic about the future of African artists as it pertains to mainstream music conversations.
“There’s also a general wind of appreciation now for what being African is about: ‘Hey, I’m African, it’s great to be African, and we’re flaunting it,’” says Mr. Eazi. “When Davido is singing, he’s talking about things that are very particular to his culture. It’s also the same when Tiwa sings...Everyone is waking up because of what’s happening...It’s not politics that’s bringing people here. It’s art and young business people.”


theroot--2020-05-21--Unnamed NFL Player Sues United Airlines for Sexual Harassment, Assault

In recent years , United Airlines has been battered by accusations of racial discrimination and failing to prevent mishap after mishap as its reputation has gone from pristine to swirling around the bottom of a toilet bowl .
Unfortunately , that notoriety has grown after an unnamed NFL player has decided to sue United for sexual harassment and assault .
The player , filing the civil complaint under the “ John Doe ” pseudonym , claims that he and another man ( who also is an unnamed plaintiff ) were sexually harassed and assaulted on a February 10 flight from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit was filed after the company reportedly failed to properly respond to the allegations .
Per Master Tesfatsion of Bleacher Report , the victim alleges that a female passenger made “ unwanted sexual advances , ” ripped away the player ’ s COVID-19 face mask and “ grabbed his penis.
” They also claim that the woman in question was intoxicated and consuming prescription pills before she was eventually moved .
“ This matter is about accountability ; not just from United but from the assailant as well , ” attorneys Darren Darwish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided to Bleacher Report .
“ Those with a duty to others should be held accountable for their failures to uphold their responsibilities .
Those who report assaults should not be ignored , but believed , their claims investigated , and appropriate action taken where warranted.
” United Airlines has yet to comment on the allegations levied against their company .

In recent years, United Airlines has been battered by accusations of racial discrimination and failing to prevent mishap after mishap as its reputation has gone from pristine to swirling around the bottom of a toilet bowl. Unfortunately, that notoriety has grown after an unnamed NFL player has decided to sue United for sexual harassment and assault.
From ProFootballTalk:
The player, filing the civil complaint under the “John Doe” pseudonym, claims that he and another man (who also is an unnamed plaintiff) were sexually harassed and assaulted on a February 10 flight from Los Angeles to New Jersey.
Advertisement
The lawsuit was filed after the company reportedly failed to properly respond to the allegations.
Per Master Tesfatsion of Bleacher Report, the victim alleges that a female passenger made “unwanted sexual advances,” ripped away the player’s COVID-19 face mask and “grabbed his penis.” They also claim that the woman in question was intoxicated and consuming prescription pills before she was eventually moved.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
“This matter is about accountability; not just from United but from the assailant as well,” attorneys Darren Darwish and Benji Azizian wrote in a statement provided to Bleacher Report.
“Those with a duty to others should be held accountable for their failures to uphold their responsibilities. Those who report assaults should not be ignored, but believed, their claims investigated, and appropriate action taken where warranted.”
Advertisement
United Airlines has yet to comment on the allegations levied against their company.


theroot--2020-05-21--Karine Jean-Pierre Hired as Joe Biden Senior Presidential Campaign Adviser

There ’ s been a lot of speculation as to whether Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will pick a black woman to be his running mate in the upcoming 2020 election .
Well , there still aren ’ t any definitive answers as to who his vice president pick will be , but in the meantime , Biden has chosen another black woman as a senior adviser for his presidential campaign .
The Washington Post reports that veteran political strategist and MSNBC political analyst Karine Jean-Pierre will start next week in advising the presumptive Democratic nominee on strategy and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and progressives .
You might remember Jean-Pierre from the time she stepped between Sen. Kamala Harris and some protestor who walked his entitled ass on stage and snatched Harris ’ microphone while she was speaking at a forum .
Jean-Pierre—who was a 2019 Root 100 honoree—served as a regional political director in both of former President Barack Obama ’ s presidential election campaigns .
In fact , Obama ’ s senior campaign adviser , Valerie Jarrett , lauded Jean-Pierre as a “ superstar ” and said she ’ ll be an asset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resonate importantly with African American women , but also with the entire country , ” according to the Post .
“ This really is the most important general election in generations , ” Jean-Pierre told non-profit news organization The 19th .
“ I ’ ve known Joe Biden for 10 years now .
I believe he ’ s a man of integrity , he ’ s a man who knows how to lead , he ’ s a man who knows how to use the levers of government to help people and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump in November .
For me , as a black woman , I just could not sit this out.
” Jean-Pierre also made it clear that black women are a large part of how Biden got this far in the first place .
“ Black voters , black women , have helped him get to this point , ” she said .
“ When everybody was counting him out , black voters spoke out .
I am so proud and excited as a black woman watching how black women have exerted their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clear this [ the Trump administration ] is not okay.
” Biden must know well how much his campaign stands to gain from employing women of color because he announced Tuesday that he also hired former Obama administration political director Julie Chavez Rodriguez as a senior adviser .

There’s been a lot of speculation as to whether Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will pick a black woman to be his running mate in the upcoming 2020 election. Well, there still aren’t any definitive answers as to who his vice president pick will be, but in the meantime, Biden has chosen another black woman as a senior adviser for his presidential campaign.
The Washington Post reports that veteran political strategist and MSNBC political analyst Karine Jean-Pierre will start next week in advising the presumptive Democratic nominee on strategy and how to engage black voters as well as women and progressives.
Advertisement
You might remember Jean-Pierre from the time she stepped between Sen. Kamala Harris and some protestor who walked his entitled ass on stage and snatched Harris’ microphone while she was speaking at a forum. Jean-Pierre—who was a 2019 Root 100 honoree—served as a regional political director in both of former President Barack Obama’s presidential election campaigns.
Advertisement Advertisement
In fact, Obama’s senior campaign adviser, Valerie Jarrett, lauded Jean-Pierre as a “superstar” and said she’ll be an asset in helping Biden’s message “resonate importantly with African American women, but also with the entire country,” according to the Post.
“This really is the most important general election in generations,” Jean-Pierre told non-profit news organization The 19th. “I’ve known Joe Biden for 10 years now. I believe he’s a man of integrity, he’s a man who knows how to lead, he’s a man who knows how to use the levers of government to help people and he’s the man who could beat Donald Trump in November. For me, as a black woman, I just could not sit this out.”
Advertisement
Jean-Pierre also made it clear that black women are a large part of how Biden got this far in the first place.
“Black voters, black women, have helped him get to this point,” she said. “When everybody was counting him out, black voters spoke out. I am so proud and excited as a black woman watching how black women have exerted their power. We had to say loud and clear this [the Trump administration] is not okay.”
Advertisement
Biden must know well how much his campaign stands to gain from employing women of color because he announced Tuesday that he also hired former Obama administration political director Julie Chavez Rodriguez as a senior adviser.


theroot--2020-05-21--Shit, Shower, Shave, and Surf TV All at the Same Time With a 32" Fire TV, Now Just $130

A 32 '' 720P TV isn ’ t exactly lighting up anyone ’ s home theater , but if you @ @ @ @ @ the bathroom—or somewhere less gross , like the kitchen—it ’ s perfect .
You can @ @ @ @ @ ’ s model , which includes the Amazon Fire TV platform to give you all @ @ @ @ @ you desire .
Your total is $ 130 with the discount .

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

Insignia 32" 720p Fire TV | $130 | Amazon
A 32" 720P TV isn’t exactly lighting up anyone’s home theater, but if you’re putting it in the bathroom—or somewhere less gross, like the kitchen—it’s perfect. You can save $40 on Insignia’s model, which includes the Amazon Fire TV platform to give you all the smart features and apps you desire. Your total is $130 with the discount.


theroot--2020-05-21--Question for the Singer: An Open Letter to Lana Del Rey

Now that you ’ ve pulled out your MacBook and fixed your fingers to claim that you ’ ve been criticized and crucified for the inability to truly perform lyrics in your catalog pertaining to “ being embodied , feeling beautiful by being in love even if the relationship is not perfect , or dancing for money , ” did you really find it necessary to name-check mostly women of color in order to make your point ?
For context : Early on Thursday , singer Lana Del Rey announced that she was dropping a new album on September 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the majority of her two-page Instagram post found the artist biting back at criticism from “ female writers and alt singers ” who claim that her music and lyrics “ glamorize abuse , ” when in reality , she ’ s just singing about “ realities of what we are all now seeing are very prevalent emotionally abusive relationships all over the world.
” A lyric that comes to mind that could be viewed as the glamorization of abuse can be found in her song “ Ultraviolence , ” where she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing : “ He hit me and it felt like a kiss.
” Well , in order to authenticate her point , the “ Summertime Sadness ” musician—who says she ’ s “ not not a feminist ” —mentions Doja Cat , Nicki Minaj , Beyoncé , Cardi B , Kehlani , Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello as musicians who have had “ number ones with songs about being sexy , wearing no clothes , fucking , ” and “ cheating.
” Lana : you are correct in your assertion that , yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more comfortable in using their own voices in their songs , and exploring themes not always widely accepted , such as sex , abusive relationships and mental health .
However , your notion that you ’ re the only woman in the music industry who is berated by music critics for singing about these topics is not only wrong but willfully obtuse .
Black women , for years , have been singing about sex , oppression , abuse , and passive and aggressive relationships for years , and as history teaches us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artists are no strangers to criticism regarding their content , either .
The “ Empress of Blues ” Bessie Smith had songs in her catalog leaning towards the sexier side in the 1920s and ‘ 30s , such as “ Dirty Mother For You , ” while Millie Jackson , a legendary musician who gained fame in the 1960s , is helmed as the “ Queen of Raunchy Soul ” with tracks like “ Hurts So Good.
” While neither of us was alive to witness these artists in their primes , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these women faced hurdles and criticism during their respective careers .
Jackson even decided to create her own label , Weird Wreckuds , in order to make the raunchy tunes she became popular for—without any approval or assistance necessary .
In your missive , you attempted to drag Nicki Minaj and Cardi B through the mud as female artists whose overt sexuality is ( perhaps to you ) surprisingly gaining the support of thousands of fans and critics .
Yet , you claim you couldn ’ t do the same during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Note : no female music writers were directly name-dropped in Del Rey ’ s note .
However , earlier in her career , she was criticized for her seemingly submissive lyricism by journalists and singers alike . )
Both the rappers you mentioned have been criticized for their content and physical appearances since their respective careers began .
Nicki Minaj ’ s videos , where she often shows off her voluptuous body , have been met with gasps , guffaws , and hatred .
Also , while she has no problem talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detractors often have no issue continuing to label her a stripper , because to many , stripping is an immoral occupation for women they also like to call “ whores , ” “ harlots , ” and “ jezebels.
” However , these artists use the criticism of their bodies as empowerment , and allow the sexuality they purvey both in person and in the booth to take center stage .
Though their content doesn ’ t stop their critics from finding them , it also doesn ’ t halt their successes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album release announcement , you state that you “ paved the way for other women to stop ‘ putting on a happy face ’ and to just be able to say whatever the hell they wanted to in their music , ” adding “ ... if I even expressed a note of sadness in my first two records I was deemed literally hysterical as though it was literally the 1920s.
” Lest we forget , Nina Simone highlighted the wide range of emotions found at the center of black life—sadness , rage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her recordings and lyrics were so visceral that her work has been covered several times since then by artists from all over the world .
However , critics were quick to discuss how her content was “ inappropriate ” for the time .
In fact , Her song “ Mississippi Goddam ” was banned from Southern radio for its content about her disdain towards racism .
Even more recently , Beyoncé ’ s “ Formation ” video preceding her 2016 Lemonade album and visual alluded to her anger , sadness and frustration regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The singer—who you name-dropped in your unnecessary letter— was criticized by many right-wing pundits such as Tomi Lahren for doubling down on the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and her proud Southern black roots .
Lahren even called out her “ ex-drug dealer ” of a husband .
While this is strictly about the women of color you decided to mention , I can ’ t help but notice you also decided to add Ariana Grande to the mix .
While her discussions of mental health , heartbreak and death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank U , Next , it would be amiss of me to not mention the heavy criticism she also faces as a public figure .
( I mean ... she was blamed for Mac Miller ’ s death by many of his fans .
Enough said . )
White female artists such as Alanis Morrissette , Courtney Love with her band Hole , Meredith Brooks and Fiona Apple made waves using their sad , angry and frustrated indignations to drive their projects , proving that ( yep ) white women can be scorned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , be criticized for it , and still persevere .
This is not a “ you ” problem , and it makes you sound foolish .
“ There has to be a place in feminism for women who look and act like me , ” you wrote in your letter .
“ The kind of woman who says no but men hear yes—the kind of women who are slated mercilessly for being their authentic , delicate selves.
” The way feminism works is that it has to involve women who look and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like me .
These issues are not central to white women ’ s experiences , but all women ’ s experiences—and like you , many female artists want to sing about what they ’ ve been through .
It ’ s unfortunate that you ’ ve been a victim of criticism for your lyrics in the past , but that doesn ’ t mean you ’ re the only one .
I ’ ll also say this : there is no place in feminism for any woman who tears down other women as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something she sees as unfair—much like there is no place in feminism for women who take down the victories of other women as means to promote themselves , their products and/or services .
Given the “ stan ” -heavy music industry you ’ re currently a part of , how about using the frustrated energy you ’ re directing towards these women and their careers to thank your legions of fans for supporting you thus far ?
You do make good music ( Born to Die was wonderful ) and people do enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be enough for you .
Before you speak to the manager about your issues regarding your personal vendetta against music critics , consumers and artists more successful than you are , you should recognize the history surrounding your unfounded claims and those you felt entitled enough to drag .
While I have a feeling you didn ’ t intend for your ... album release announcement…to have been taken in this way , your comments prove a clear misunderstanding of your privilege as a white musician ; the privilege of not addressing ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issues women of color face on a regular basis , let alone in the entertainment industry .
Maybe if you were more aware of the accomplishments made by women who *don ’ t* look like you—despite dodging heaping amounts of criticism—you could remove that chip from your shoulder and just make good music .
At this point , that ’ s all we needed to hear : that you ’ re making music and there ’ s an album coming out .

Question for Lana Del Rey:
Now that you’ve pulled out your MacBook and fixed your fingers to claim that you’ve been criticized and crucified for the inability to truly moan along perform lyrics in your catalog pertaining to “being embodied, feeling beautiful by being in love even if the relationship is not perfect, or dancing for money,” did you really find it necessary to name-check mostly women of color in order to make your point?
For context: Early on Thursday, singer Lana Del Rey announced that she was dropping a new album on September 5. She could’ve stopped there, but the majority of her two-page Instagram post found the artist biting back at criticism from “female writers and alt singers” who claim that her music and lyrics “glamorize abuse,” when in reality, she’s just singing about “realities of what we are all now seeing are very prevalent emotionally abusive relationships all over the world.” A lyric that comes to mind that could be viewed as the glamorization of abuse can be found in her song “Ultraviolence,” where she references a song by The Crystals, singing: “He hit me and it felt like a kiss.”
Advertisement
Well, in order to authenticate her point, the “Summertime Sadness” musician—who says she’s “not not a feminist”—mentions Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Kehlani, Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello as musicians who have had “number ones with songs about being sexy, wearing no clothes, fucking,” and “cheating.”
Lana: you are correct in your assertion that, yes, nowadays, women are becoming more and more comfortable in using their own voices in their songs, and exploring themes not always widely accepted, such as sex, abusive relationships and mental health. However, your notion that you’re the only woman in the music industry who is berated by music critics for singing about these topics is not only wrong but willfully obtuse.
Advertisement Advertisement
Black women, for years, have been singing about sex, oppression, abuse, and passive and aggressive relationships for years, and as history teaches us we understand in life, black female artists are no strangers to criticism regarding their content, either. The “Empress of Blues” Bessie Smith had songs in her catalog leaning towards the sexier side in the 1920s and ‘30s, such as “Dirty Mother For You,” while Millie Jackson, a legendary musician who gained fame in the 1960s, is helmed as the “Queen of Raunchy Soul” with tracks like “Hurts So Good.” While neither of us was alive to witness these artists in their primes, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that these women faced hurdles and criticism during their respective careers. Jackson even decided to create her own label, Weird Wreckuds, in order to make the raunchy tunes she became popular for—without any approval or assistance necessary.
In your missive, you attempted to drag Nicki Minaj and Cardi B through the mud as female artists whose overt sexuality is (perhaps to you) surprisingly gaining the support of thousands of fans and critics. Yet, you claim you couldn’t do the same during the earlier years of your career. (Note: no female music writers were directly name-dropped in Del Rey’s note. However, earlier in her career, she was criticized for her seemingly submissive lyricism by journalists and singers alike.)
Advertisement
Both the rappers you mentioned have been criticized for their content and physical appearances since their respective careers began. Nicki Minaj’s videos, where she often shows off her voluptuous body, have been met with gasps, guffaws, and hatred. Also, while she has no problem talking about her past, Cardi B’s detractors often have no issue continuing to label her a stripper, because to many, stripping is an immoral occupation for women they also like to call “whores,” “harlots,” and “jezebels.”
However, these artists use the criticism of their bodies as empowerment, and allow the sexuality they purvey both in person and in the booth to take center stage. Though their content doesn’t stop their critics from finding them, it also doesn’t halt their successes from doing the same.
Advertisement
Elsewhere in your album release announcement, you state that you “paved the way for other women to stop ‘putting on a happy face’ and to just be able to say whatever the hell they wanted to in their music,” adding “...if I even expressed a note of sadness in my first two records I was deemed literally hysterical as though it was literally the 1920s.”
Advertisement
Lest we forget, Nina Simone highlighted the wide range of emotions found at the center of black life—sadness, rage and frustration— many times throughout her catalog . Her recordings and lyrics were so visceral that her work has been covered several times since then by artists from all over the world. However, critics were quick to discuss how her content was “inappropriate” for the time. In fact, Her song “Mississippi Goddam” was banned from Southern radio for its content about her disdain towards racism.
Even more recently, Beyoncé’s “Formation” video preceding her 2016 Lemonade album and visual alluded to her anger, sadness and frustration regarding unarmed black people being killed by police. The singer—who you name-dropped in your unnecessary letter— was criticized by many right-wing pundits such as Tomi Lahren for doubling down on the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and her proud Southern black roots. Lahren even called out her “ex-drug dealer” of a husband.
Advertisement
While this is strictly about the women of color you decided to mention, I can’t help but notice you also decided to add Ariana Grande to the mix. While her discussions of mental health, heartbreak and death are central to her projects Sweetener and Thank U, Next, it would be amiss of me to not mention the heavy criticism she also faces as a public figure. (I mean...she was blamed for Mac Miller’s death by many of his fans. Enough said.)
White female artists such as Alanis Morrissette, Courtney Love with her band Hole, Meredith Brooks and Fiona Apple made waves using their sad, angry and frustrated indignations to drive their projects, proving that (yep) white women can be scorned in life and love, sing about it, be criticized for it, and still persevere. This is not a “you” problem, and it makes you sound foolish.
Advertisement
“There has to be a place in feminism for women who look and act like me,” you wrote in your letter. “The kind of woman who says no but men hear yes—the kind of women who are slated mercilessly for being their authentic, delicate selves.”
The way feminism works is that it has to involve women who look and act like you and look and act like me. These issues are not central to white women’s experiences, but all women’s experiences—and like you, many female artists want to sing about what they’ve been through. It’s unfortunate that you’ve been a victim of criticism for your lyrics in the past, but that doesn’t mean you’re the only one .
Advertisement
I’ll also say this: there is no place in feminism for any woman who tears down other women as a way to solidify a statement about something she sees as unfair—much like there is no place in feminism for women who take down the victories of other women as means to promote themselves, their products and/or services. Given the “stan”-heavy music industry you’re currently a part of, how about using the frustrated energy you’re directing towards these women and their careers to thank your legions of fans for supporting you thus far? You do make good music (Born to Die was wonderful) and people do enjoy your work for its transparency; that should be enough for you.
Before you speak to the manager about your issues regarding your personal vendetta against music critics, consumers and artists more successful than you are, you should recognize the history surrounding your unfounded claims and those you felt entitled enough to drag. While I have a feeling you didn’t intend for your...album release announcement…to have been taken in this way, your comments prove a clear misunderstanding of your privilege as a white musician; the privilege of not addressing (or appearing to be aware of) the issues women of color face on a regular basis, let alone in the entertainment industry.
Advertisement
Maybe if you were more aware of the accomplishments made by women who *don’t* look like you—despite dodging heaping amounts of criticism—you could remove that chip from your shoulder and just make good music.
At this point, that’s all we needed to hear: that you’re making music and there’s an album coming out.
Advertisement
Thanks for reading...and Happy Quarantining.


theroot--2020-05-21--She's a Savage: Savage x Fenty Finds a New Campaign Star in Megan Thee Stallion

Rihanna already told you she ’ s a savage—and her Savage x Fenty collection may have found its spirit animal in Megan Thee Stallion , whose “ Savage Remix ” featuring Beyoncé is still riding high on the Billboard 100 as we speak .
But one savage turn deserves another , which is why it should come as no surprise that Thee Stallion is the newest face of the lingerie line .
The hip-hop star made the announcement via Instagram , wearing Savage x Fenty ’ s branded T-shirt Bra and Booty Short in Black Caviar and Balconette Bra and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of sexy self-quarantined snaps for the brand ’ s summer social media campaign .
Frankly , we should ’ ve predicted this “ classy , bougie , ratchet , sassy , moody , nasty ” collaboration—which is aptly hashtagged # SavagexTheeStallion—when Megan performed at Rihanna ’ s Diamond Ball last September .
( Could that long-rumored musical collab be in the works , as well ? )
.
Leave it to the two to rescue “ Hot Girl Summer ” from the sweatsuit-laden wasteland we ’ ve been in while sheltering-in-place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were looking for , ” said Rihanna in a statement obtained by Harper ’ s Bazaar .
“ She is a risktaker with an attitude , character , and personality.
” As its newest brand partner , Megan joins the likes of Normani , Jackie Aina and the bad girl herself as faces of the sexy subscription-based brand .
Of her latest coup , Thee Stallion said in a statement : “ I ’ m so excited to work with a brand that embodies diversity and celebrates women in all their glory ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel sexy , comfortable and confident .
We want all the hotties around the world to feel good about themselves exactly as they are.
” And while if you don ’ t jump to put jeans on , you might not feel Meg ’ s pain , Savage x Fenty is for all types of bodies , with bras ranging from 32A to 42H and panties from XS to 3X , priced from $ 13 to $ 105 ( and no , a subscription isn ’ t mandatory for purchase ) .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rihanna already told you she’s a savage—and her Savage x Fenty collection may have found its spirit animal in Megan Thee Stallion, whose “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé is still riding high on the Billboard 100 as we speak. But one savage turn deserves another, which is why it should come as no surprise that Thee Stallion is the newest face of the lingerie line. The hip-hop star made the announcement via Instagram, wearing Savage x Fenty’s branded T-shirt Bra and Booty Short in Black Caviar and Balconette Bra and Side Tie Undie in Yellow Sunflower in a series of sexy self-quarantined snaps for the brand’s summer social media campaign.
Advertisement
Frankly, we should’ve predicted this “classy, bougie, ratchet, sassy, moody, nasty” collaboration—which is aptly hashtagged #SavagexTheeStallion—when Megan performed at Rihanna’s Diamond Ball last September. (Could that long-rumored musical collab be in the works, as well?). Leave it to the two to rescue “Hot Girl Summer” from the sweatsuit-laden wasteland we’ve been in while sheltering-in-place.
“Meg is the energy we were looking for,” said Rihanna in a statement obtained by Harper’s Bazaar. “She is a risktaker with an attitude, character, and personality.”
Advertisement Advertisement
As its newest brand partner, Megan joins the likes of Normani, Jackie Aina and the bad girl herself as faces of the sexy subscription-based brand. Of her latest coup, Thee Stallion said in a statement:
“I’m so excited to work with a brand that embodies diversity and celebrates women in all their glory...In my Savage x Fenty, I feel sexy, comfortable and confident. We want all the hotties around the world to feel good about themselves exactly as they are.”
Advertisement
And while if you don’t jump to put jeans on, you might not feel Meg’s pain, Savage x Fenty is for all types of bodies, with bras ranging from 32A to 42H and panties from XS to 3X, priced from $13 to $105 (and no, a subscription isn’t mandatory for purchase). You can shop all collections online now.


theroot--2020-05-21--Sorry Lawrence Hive—Issa Rae Would Exterminate You in a Lovebirds Game of 'Frame, Marry, Kill'

Trying to solve a murder isn ’ t a game , but luckily , we ’ re in the safety of our own homes while we play a game of “ Frame , Marry , Kill ” with Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani .
When we played this fun game with the cast of How to Get Away With Murder , we had no idea we ’ d be able to recycle this niche game for another movie , but lo and behold , it applies to The Lovebirds , too !
Get into Kumail ’ s adorable deductive reasoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cage or Falcon .
( I had to toss in that question since Kumail has joined the Marvel family with The Eternals ; y ’ all saw that promo picture ) .
Y ’ all know we had to throw in some Insecure drama in this game , just for Issa .
Now , when I asked this question ( Lawrence , Molly , Issa ) , I knew that the answer had twice as much of a chance to start controversy , given the character arc that ’ s going down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Molly ( Yvonne Orji ) .
Because Issa firmly keeps her foot on Lawrence ’ s ( Jay Ellis ) neck , it ’ s pretty clear what she wants to do to him .
But , she has some of that same energy for y ’ all in the Lawrence Hive , too !
That ’ s right , Issa is the murder hornet to the Lawrence Hive .
Sorry , not sorry .
You ’ ll know exactly why Kumail wants to “ kill ” Keith ( Mahdi Cocci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust me .
The Lovebirds drops on Netflix on May 22 .

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

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-05-21--The Infamous Relwen Peached Sailcloth Tanker Is Down 60% In Huckberry's Memorial Day Sale

Last time it was on sale at Huckberry , James Willems of Funhaus compared the Relwen Peached Sailcloth tanker to @ @ @ @ @ Seinfeld ’ s J. Peterman catalog .
Now it ’ s back on sale at @ @ @ @ @ Normally $ 298 , the down to 60 % right now , to $ 119—a @ @ @ @ @ light jacket .
Replete with more zippers and buttons than you ’ ll know what @ @ @ @ @ ’ s more than a fashion statement : it ’ s also downright practical .
@ @ @ @ @ of many slashed prices in Huckberry ’ s vast Memorial Day sale , which sees @ @ @ @ @ Mystery Ranch ’ s “ The Mission ” hybrid bag to the classic Rhodes Footwear @ @ @ @ @ got you fancying a fancy new watch ?
The stunning Luminox Xcor Aerospace Pilot is @ @ @ @ @ $ 815 .
Peruse the whole gamut in our evergreen roundup of the best Huckberry @ @

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

Relwen Peached Sailcloth Tanker | $119 | Huckberry
Last time it was on sale at Huckberry, James Willems of Funhaus compared the Relwen Peached Sailcloth tanker to an eccentric creation out of Seinfeld’s J. Peterman catalog. Now it’s back on sale at an even steeper discount. Normally $298, the down to 60% right now, to $119—a reasonable price for a year-round light jacket. Replete with more zippers and buttons than you’ll know what to do with, it’s more than a fashion statement: it’s also downright practical.
The Sailcloth tanker is one of many slashed prices in Huckberry’s vast Memorial Day sale, which sees prices drop on everything from Mystery Ranch’s “The Mission” hybrid bag to the classic Rhodes Footwear Huxley boot. Stimulus check got you fancying a fancy new watch? The stunning Luminox Xcor Aerospace Pilot is on sale too—at a jaw-dropping $815. Peruse the whole gamut in our evergreen roundup of the best Huckberry deals.


theroot--2020-05-21--Trump’s Claimed at Least 6 Times That He’s Been Michigan’s ‘Man of the Year.’ There’s Only One Probl

Trump’s Claimed at Least 6 Times That He’s Been Michigan’s ‘Man of the Year.’ There’s Only One Problem: The Award Doesn’t Exist

If you are wondering when the president is lying , just look at his anus-shaped mouth and if it ’ s moving , well you have your answer .
But the president ’ s current lie—and possibly his longest-running lie—is bizarre even for the president .
On Thursday , Trump was trying to explain his connection to Michigan after threatening to withhold money from the swing state after falsely claiming that state officials were trying to steal the election by allowing residents to vote by mail .
Trump , who is visiting Michigan Thursday , was asked if he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November election with his current threats especially considering residents there are currently going through a flooding emergency .
Trump replied : “ No , I ’ m not .
I ’ m — no , I ’ m not concerned at all .
We ’ re going to help Michigan .
Michigan is a great state .
I ’ ve gotten tremendous business to go to Michigan .
Michigan is one of the reasons I ran .
I was honored in Michigan long before I thought about — I was honored as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big event.
” He continued : “ I remember so well.
” He claimed this happened at an event about five or six years before he thought about running for president , where he gave a speech decrying the loss of Michigan ’ s auto business to Mexico .
“ And I posed many questions to Michigan that night , and I think , I think it made quite an impression , ” he said , CNN reports .
There is only one problem : Michigan doesn ’ t have a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did it would go to a Michigander not an orange walrus from New York .
And CNN notes that this isn ’ t the first time he ’ s told this lie .
I n fact , he ’ s been kicking this story , or some version of the story , since 2016 .
Do you know the level of commitment you have to have to carry a lie since 2016 ?
Well , CNN thinks it has solved the mystery .
From CNN : Journalists tried and failed to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For one , the state does not have an official Man of the Year award .
For two , Trump had never lived in Michigan . )
In an August 2019 telling , Trump himself said he had been confused about why he had supposedly gotten the award : “ I said , ‘ How come ?
’ I didn ’ t even understand it myself.
” Then a former Republican congressman from Michigan , Dave Trott , contacted CNN and other news outlets to solve the mystery .
Trott offered a convincing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech at an event Trott had organized , a Lincoln Day dinner for Republicans in Oakland County , Michigan , in 2013 .
There , Trott said , Trump gave a “ rambling ” address resembling the one he says he did — and Trott gave him a framed copy of Lincoln ’ s Gettysburg Address and other gifts .
But Trott did not give him any Man of the Year award , and nor did anyone else .
Trott , a two-term congressman who decided against running again in 2018 and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” told CNN last year that he was unwilling to correct the President to his face at an auto industry roundtable in 2017 where Trump appeared to thank him over the nonexistent award .
“ But now that I ’ m out of Congress , I feel comfortable correcting the story , ” Trott said in 2019 .
CNN notes that this is hardly one of Trump ’ s most hazardous lies but it further proves the lengths this president will go to make himself beloved and adored to a country that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

President Donald Trump is a liar. I can’t stress this fact strongly enough.
If you are wondering when the president is lying, just look at his anus-shaped mouth and if it’s moving, well you have your answer.
But the president’s current lie—and possibly his longest-running lie—is bizarre even for the president.
Advertisement
On Thursday, Trump was trying to explain his connection to Michigan after threatening to withhold money from the swing state after falsely claiming that state officials were trying to steal the election by allowing residents to vote by mail.
Trump, who is visiting Michigan Thursday, was asked if he was worried about losing the state in the November election with his current threats especially considering residents there are currently going through a flooding emergency.
Advertisement Advertisement
Trump replied: “No, I’m not. I’m — no, I’m not concerned at all. We’re going to help Michigan. Michigan is a great state. I’ve gotten tremendous business to go to Michigan. Michigan is one of the reasons I ran. I was honored in Michigan long before I thought about — I was honored as the Man of the Year in Michigan at a big event.”
He continued: “I remember so well.” He claimed this happened at an event about five or six years before he thought about running for president, where he gave a speech decrying the loss of Michigan’s auto business to Mexico. “And I posed many questions to Michigan that night, and I think, I think it made quite an impression,” he said, CNN reports.
Advertisement
There is only one problem: Michigan doesn’t have a man of the year, and if they did it would go to a Michigander not an orange walrus from New York. And CNN notes that this isn’t the first time he’s told this lie. I n fact, he’s been kicking this story, or some version of the story, since 2016.
Do you know the level of commitment you have to have to carry a lie since 2016?
Well, CNN thinks it has solved the mystery. From CNN:
Journalists tried and failed to figure out what he was talking about. (For one, the state does not have an official Man of the Year award. For two, Trump had never lived in Michigan.) In an August 2019 telling, Trump himself said he had been confused about why he had supposedly gotten the award: “I said, ‘How come?’ I didn’t even understand it myself.” Then a former Republican congressman from Michigan, Dave Trott, contacted CNN and other news outlets to solve the mystery. Trott offered a convincing explanation: Trump was talking about his speech at an event Trott had organized, a Lincoln Day dinner for Republicans in Oakland County, Michigan, in 2013. There, Trott said, Trump gave a “rambling” address resembling the one he says he did — and Trott gave him a framed copy of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and other gifts. But Trott did not give him any Man of the Year award, and nor did anyone else. Trott, a two-term congressman who decided against running again in 2018 and now says Trump is “unfit for office,” told CNN last year that he was unwilling to correct the President to his face at an auto industry roundtable in 2017 where Trump appeared to thank him over the nonexistent award. “But now that I’m out of Congress, I feel comfortable correcting the story,” Trott said in 2019.
Advertisement
CNN notes that this is hardly one of Trump’s most hazardous lies but it further proves the lengths this president will go to make himself beloved and adored to a country that truly doesn’t fuck with him.


theroot--2020-05-21--Paul Pierce Is a Hater

Paul Pierce Is a Hater

Unlike the general populous , I ’ m very lucky to be able to express my opinion for a living .
Be it on television , radio , podcasts , on stages , in classrooms , on panels , or even as a consultant , I ’ m compensated rather nicely to basically say , “ This is what I think.
” After a decorated 19-year career in the NBA , future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce is now able to do the same .
In both instances , our opinions are formed from personal experience .
So when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s because I ’ ve spent the last 17 years watching him obliterate my team , the Orlando Magic , and some of my favorite players along the way with relative ease .
( I felt the exact same way about Kobe , y ’ all—I ’ m consistent . )
But Paul Pierce is part of the NBA ’ s fraternity , so even though he might hop on Blue Ivy ’ s internet and say “ Fuck Lebron !
” behind a burner account , or randomly mumble it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concert , he can ’ t say it with his chest without incurring the wrath of the NBA community .
So instead , he ’ s taken veiled shots at LeBron throughout the years or will say something completely outlandish—but seemingly innocuous—like King James “ isn ’ t a Top 5 player of all-time , ” like he did Wednesday on NBA Countdown .
On the surface , Paul ’ s reasoning is sound : Michael Jordan , Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Bill Russell , Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant will tear any player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twelve .
But LeBron ’ s omission isn ’ t based on merit , it ’ s very much personal ( Remember what I said about personal experience ? )
—as revealed by Paul ’ s own former teammate , Kendrick Perkins , on ESPN ’ s Hoop Streams .
“ Paul Pierce ’ s list is personal because—and we don ’ t talk about this enough—but Paul and Bron have never liked each other since Bron ’ s rookie year , ” Perkins said .
He then goes on to explain how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Boston Celtics and LeBron ’ s Cleveland Cavaliers almost erupted into a good ol ’ fashion , passionate ass whooping .
“ Paul is talking noise to the bench , right ?
” Perkins recalled .
“ He ’ s talking big noise to the Cavs bench , and they ’ re sitting over there , Bron and them , they ’ re all sitting over there .
[ ... ] Paul actually spits over there at the bench , right ?
The ultimate disrespect.
” He continued , “ It ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both teams were meeting in the back .
We had guys ready to fight .
We had to hold people back .
Guys were ready to fight .
Ever since that moment , LeBron James and Paul Pierce hate each other .
They don ’ t speak together , even now today.
” So now that we have proper context—more of which you can find here—let ’ s close our eyes , hold hands and sing it together , y ’ all : Paul Pierce is a fucking hater .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was never particularly fond of 2Pac .
Even as a teenager , I thought he unnecessarily provoked his peers and conjured up chaos for no reason whatsoever .
But to say he isn ’ t an all-time great would be preposterous , and Paul ’ s lying ass is doing exactly that—even though our very own Managing Editor Genetta Adams co-signed that foolishness once upon a time herself .
Never in the history of the NBA have we seen a player with Karl Malone ’ s size , Michael Jordan ’ s athleticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Magic Johnson ’ s otherworldly passing ability all crammed into the same DNA strand .
This nigga is a literal cheat code who Skynet sent from the future to destroy the hopes and dreams of opposing teams and NBA coaches .
I hate his ass for a reason and apparently , so does Paul Pierce .
The difference is only one of us will openly admit it .
There are a few other reasons why The Truth has such an aversion to his own namesake , and because I ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
LeBron Busted His Ass On the Basketball Court Being a writer means I ’ m bad at math and numbers make me break out in hives .
Thankfully , Pro Basketball Reference is really good at each of the above and the receipts aren ’ t particularly pretty .
In 39 regular season matchups throughout the course of their careers , Bron gave Paul that work , outscoring him by an average of nine points per game .
And in the playoffs , shit only got uglier , with LeBron averaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ass counterpart in 30 contests .
And before you say , “ But Paul won 21 of those games in the regular season !
” Okay , sure .
He did .
But LeBron has the superior record in the playoffs and two more rings sooooooo ... Look , I get it .
I was well into my 30s before I realized that I could even grow facial hair myself .
But much like Beyoncé ’ s baby daddy , the verdict is still out on whatever hopes and dreams have been attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since apparently prayer has changed everything but his chin .
Meanwhile , say what you want about LeBron ’ s hairline , but his beard game is mean .
So because feuds have been born from much less , it ’ s quite possible that beard envy is the source of Paul ’ s ire .
Has he tried castor oil ?
LeBron Never Took a Wheelchair to the Bathroom Look , man .
Throughout the course of his career , Paul was a prolific scorer who gave just about any defender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
He was also extra as hell , and we all remember the time that this dude crumpled to the floor and grabbed his knee like he just got shot in the 2008 NBA Finals .
As he got wheeled off the court in a fucking wheelchair we all watched in horror and immediately assumed the worst .
Did he tear his ACL ?
Rupture his Achilles ?
Is his career over with ?
Then the most insane thing happened : minutes later , this dude comes jogging his ass back onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the Lakers the business .
What in the hell ?
Fam , wasn ’ t your leg about to get amputated ?
How in the hell did Iyanla fix your life so fast ?
As it turns out , Paul just needed to take a piss .
“ I have a confession to make , ” he told Jalen Rose and Michelle Beadle during an episode of ESPN ’ s NBA Countdown last year .
“ I just had to go to the bathroom.
” In making his case that LeBron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all-time , Paul argued that King James has never built an organization from the ground up .
“ Bill Russell built up the organization in Boston , ” he said .
“ He should get way more credit than we give him , a lot of times he ’ s left out of the conversation .
So in saying that , Kareem , look at some of the names I said , Kareem , Magic , Jordan , Tim Duncan , Kobe , Bird , these guys are all top-10 players who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued the tradition.
” Yes , this came from the same guy who didn ’ t win jack shit until the Celtics acquired two first ballot NBA Hall of Famers in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen , but that ’ s beside the point .
As a basketball player , it ’ s not Lebron ’ s job to build a damn thing .
That ’ s what general managers are for .
Bron ’ s job is to take whatever roster the front office has assembled and lead them to an NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far .
More importantly—and unlike Paul—Bron never allowed some pretty abysmal rosters to preclude him from getting to the playoffs .
We ’ re talking about a dude who routinely dragged dilapidated parts like Anderson Varejão and The Ghost of Deron Williams to the promised land , and willed the Cavs to two wins in the 2015 NBA Finals despite teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love wearing street clothes .
Meanwhile , Paul put up plenty of numbers , but his Celtics weren ’ t exactly world-beaters prior to Garnett and Allen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuck is he talking about ?
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury , Paul Pierce is a hater .
I would slam my gavel , but even he knows this already .

Unlike the general populous, I’m very lucky to be able to express my opinion for a living. Be it on television, radio, podcasts, on stages, in classrooms, on panels, or even as a consultant, I’m compensated rather nicely to basically say, “This is what I think.” After a decorated 19-year career in the NBA, future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce is now able to do the same.
In both instances, our opinions are formed from personal experience. So when I say, “Fuck LeBron!” it’s because I’ve spent the last 17 years watching him obliterate my team, the Orlando Magic, and some of my favorite players along the way with relative ease. (I felt the exact same way about Kobe, y’all—I’m consistent.) But Paul Pierce is part of the NBA’s fraternity, so even though he might hop on Blue Ivy ’s internet and say “Fuck Lebron!” behind a burner account, or randomly mumble it under his breath at a Spice Girls concert, he can’t say it with his chest without incurring the wrath of the NBA community. So instead, he’s taken veiled shots at LeBron throughout the years or will say something completely outlandish—but seemingly innocuous—like King James “isn’t a Top 5 player of all-time,” like he did Wednesday on NBA Countdown.
Advertisement
On the surface, Paul’s reasoning is sound: Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant will tear any player in any era a new asshole or twelve. But LeBron’s omission isn’t based on merit, it’s very much personal (Remember what I said about personal experience?)—as revealed by Paul’s own former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, on ESPN’s Hoop Streams.
Advertisement Advertisement
“Paul Pierce’s list is personal because—and we don’t talk about this enough—but Paul and Bron have never liked each other since Bron’s rookie year,” Perkins said.
He then goes on to explain how a 2004 preseason dust-up between Paul’s Boston Celtics and LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers almost erupted into a good ol’ fashion, passionate ass whooping.
Advertisement
“Paul is talking noise to the bench, right?” Perkins recalled. “He’s talking big noise to the Cavs bench, and they’re sitting over there, Bron and them, they’re all sitting over there. [...] Paul actually spits over there at the bench, right? The ultimate disrespect.”
He continued, “It ended up turning up. After the game, both teams were meeting in the back. We had guys ready to fight. We had to hold people back. Guys were ready to fight. Ever since that moment, LeBron James and Paul Pierce hate each other. They don’t speak together, even now today.”
So now that we have proper context—more of which you can find here—let’s close our eyes, hold hands and sing it together, y’all: Paul Pierce is a fucking hater.
Advertisement
As a card-carrying member of Team Biggie, I was never particularly fond of 2Pac. Even as a teenager, I thought he unnecessarily provoked his peers and conjured up chaos for no reason whatsoever. But to say he isn’t an all-time great would be preposterous, and Paul’s lying ass is doing exactly that—even though our very own Managing Editor Genetta Adams co-signed that foolishness once upon a time herself.
Advertisement
Never in the history of the NBA have we seen a player with Karl Malone’s size, Michael Jordan’s athleticism and explosiveness, Kobe’s guile and Magic Johnson’s otherworldly passing ability all crammed into the same DNA strand. This nigga is a literal cheat code who Skynet sent from the future to destroy the hopes and dreams of opposing teams and NBA coaches. I hate his ass for a reason and apparently, so does Paul Pierce. The difference is only one of us will openly admit it.
There are a few other reasons why The Truth has such an aversion to his own namesake, and because I’ve got time today, let’s deduce together.
Advertisement
LeBron Busted His Ass On the Basketball Court
Being a writer means I’m bad at math and numbers make me break out in hives. Thankfully, Pro Basketball Reference is really good at each of the above and the receipts aren’t particularly pretty.
Advertisement
In 39 regular season matchups throughout the course of their careers, Bron gave Paul that work, outscoring him by an average of nine points per game. And in the playoffs, shit only got uglier, with LeBron averaging 12 whole points-per-game more than his hating ass counterpart in 30 contests. And before you say, “But Paul won 21 of those games in the regular season!” Okay, sure. He did. But LeBron has the superior record in the playoffs and two more rings sooooooo...
Advertisement
Paul Can’t Grow a Beard
Look, I get it. I was well into my 30s before I realized that I could even grow facial hair myself. But much like Beyoncé’s baby daddy, the verdict is still out on whatever hopes and dreams have been attempting to sprout on Paul’s face, since apparently prayer has changed everything but his chin. Meanwhile, say what you want about LeBron’s hairline, but his beard game is mean. So because feuds have been born from much less, it’s quite possible that beard envy is the source of Paul’s ire. Has he tried castor oil?
Advertisement
LeBron Never Took a Wheelchair to the Bathroom
Look, man. Throughout the course of his career, Paul was a prolific scorer who gave just about any defender you put in front of him the business. He was also extra as hell, and we all remember the time that this dude crumpled to the floor and grabbed his knee like he just got shot in the 2008 NBA Finals. As he got wheeled off the court in a fucking wheelchair we all watched in horror and immediately assumed the worst. Did he tear his ACL? Rupture his Achilles? Is his career over with?
Advertisement
Then the most insane thing happened: minutes later, this dude comes jogging his ass back onto the court to raucous applause and proceeds to give the Lakers the business. What in the hell? Fam, wasn’t your leg about to get amputated? How in the hell did Iyanla fix your life so fast?
Advertisement
As it turns out, Paul just needed to take a piss.
No, really.
“I have a confession to make,” he told Jalen Rose and Michelle Beadle during an episode of ESPN’s NBA Countdown last year. “I just had to go to the bathroom.”
LeBron would never.
LeBron Actually Carried His Team
In making his case that LeBron isn’t a top 5 player of all-time, Paul argued that King James has never built an organization from the ground up.
Advertisement
“Bill Russell built up the organization in Boston,” he said. “He should get way more credit than we give him, a lot of times he’s left out of the conversation. So in saying that, Kareem, look at some of the names I said, Kareem, Magic, Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kobe, Bird, these guys are all top-10 players who either helped build up their organization or continued the tradition.”
Yes, this came from the same guy who didn’t win jack shit until the Celtics acquired two first ballot NBA Hall of Famers in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, but that’s beside the point. As a basketball player, it’s not Lebron’s job to build a damn thing. That’s what general managers are for. Bron’s job is to take whatever roster the front office has assembled and lead them to an NBA title—which he’s done three times so far.
Advertisement
More importantly—and unlike Paul—Bron never allowed some pretty abysmal rosters to preclude him from getting to the playoffs. We’re talking about a dude who routinely dragged dilapidated parts like Anderson Varejão and The Ghost of Deron Williams to the promised land, and willed the Cavs to two wins in the 2015 NBA Finals despite teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love wearing street clothes.
Meanwhile, Paul put up plenty of numbers, but his Celtics weren’t exactly world-beaters prior to Garnett and Allen’s arrival. So what the fuck is he talking about?
Advertisement
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Paul Pierce is a hater.
I would slam my gavel, but even he knows this already.
I rest my case.


theroot--2020-05-21--‘I Am Very Serious About Them Losing Their Life’: Alabama Mayoral Candidate Calls for Public Hanging

‘I Am Very Serious About Them Losing Their Life’: Alabama Mayoral Candidate Calls for Public Hanging of Drug Dealers

An Alabama mayoral candidate—in the 21st century—wants to bring back public hangings as punishment for drug dealers .
According to AL.com , James Earl Ray ... sorry ... Michael Ray James , who is running for mayor in the small city of Sylacauga , is calling for the execution of repeat drug dealers by way of hanging .
James has made several Facebook posts advocating for the practice and—in case you ’ re assuming he ’ s just being hyperbolic or saying things for shock value—has made it part of his platform as a candidate .
“ I am serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three times , I am very serious about them losing their life , whether it ’ s to lethal injection or hanging , ” James told AL.com .
Last week , James posted the following on Facebook : “ Please consider that Drug Dealers have murdered , for profit , approximately 1,000,000 teenagers , sisters , brothers , mothers , fathers , aunts and uncles in a short 20 year period .
Yes , I ’ m very aware public hanging is extreme and totally not possible without Federal Approvals and not from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but definitely brings attention to this scourge on Sylacauga , Alabama and the United States of America .
Drugs like Fentanyl , Meth , Cocaine , Crack and Heroin are increasingly being dumped on Americans from Asia and South America .
My concern has nothing to do with addicts but only Drug Dealers .
I ’ ve watched children and entire Family units be destroyed because we ’ ve given up on the so called ‘ War on Drugs.
’ ” James ’ proposed policy for handling drug dealers is outrageous for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s talking about hanging people , which is bound to raise the eyebrows of the nearly 34 percent of Sylacauga ’ s population who are black .
After all , James is running for mayor in a state with such a deep history of lynching that it has a whole lynching museum .
Secondly , the death penalty is supposed to be reserved for perpetrators of the most heinous crimes , which typically include actual murder—not drug dealers who haven ’ t committed violent crimes .
James , who is a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , said he ’ s seen in his students the effects drugs have on children and families .
He told AL.com that he ’ s “ not a nut ” and that his “ biggest concern is what drugs can do to a community.
” “ It seems like nothing ’ s being done about the drug problem , ” he said .
“ Something should be done about it.
” Sure , something should be done about drug addiction and trafficking in any city .
But this ain ’ t it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t the answer and public hangings in the year 2020 will always look more like good old-fashioned racism than any kind of a solution .

An Alabama mayoral candidate—in the 21st century—wants to bring back public hangings as punishment for drug dealers.
According to AL.com, James Earl Ray...sorry...Michael Ray James, who is running for mayor in the small city of Sylacauga, is calling for the execution of repeat drug dealers by way of hanging. James has made several Facebook posts advocating for the practice and—in case you’re assuming he’s just being hyperbolic or saying things for shock value—has made it part of his platform as a candidate.
Advertisement
“I am serious about, after somebody has been convicted three times, I am very serious about them losing their life, whether it’s to lethal injection or hanging,” James told AL.com.
Last week, James posted the following on Facebook:
“Please consider that Drug Dealers have murdered, for profit, approximately 1,000,000 teenagers, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles in a short 20 year period. Yes, I’m very aware public hanging is extreme and totally not possible without Federal Approvals and not from city or state officials. Extreme yes, but definitely brings attention to this scourge on Sylacauga, Alabama and the United States of America. Drugs like Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine, Crack and Heroin are increasingly being dumped on Americans from Asia and South America. My concern has nothing to do with addicts but only Drug Dealers. I’ve watched children and entire Family units be destroyed because we’ve given up on the so called ‘War on Drugs.’”
Advertisement Advertisement
James’ proposed policy for handling drug dealers is outrageous for a couple reasons: First, he’s talking about hanging people, which is bound to raise the eyebrows of the nearly 34 percent of Sylacauga’s population who are black. After all, James is running for mayor in a state with such a deep history of lynching that it has a whole lynching museum. Secondly, the death penalty is supposed to be reserved for perpetrators of the most heinous crimes, which typically include actual murder—not drug dealers who haven’t committed violent crimes.
James, who is a special education teacher at Central Elementary in Coosa County, said he’s seen in his students the effects drugs have on children and families. He told AL.com that he’s “not a nut” and that his “biggest concern is what drugs can do to a community.”
Advertisement
“It seems like nothing’s being done about the drug problem,” he said. “Something should be done about it.”
Sure, something should be done about drug addiction and trafficking in any city. But this ain’t it, chief. More death isn’t the answer and public hangings in the year 2020 will always look more like good old-fashioned racism than any kind of a solution.


theroot--2020-05-21--Free Four-Piece Gift From Fenty Because They Are Treating Us so Good Right Now

Fenty is kind of killing it with all these deals lately .
If I ’ m not careful my entire @ @ @ @ @ ( not complaining ) .
For the next five days spend $ 60 and grab @ @ @ @ @ .
No code needed it will appear in your cart .
You will be prompted @ @ @ @ @ and once you make your selection the face primer , eye primer , and mascara @ @ @ @ @ Yes , t hese are all mini sizes but a mini mascara on its own @ @ @ @ @ the math still works out in your favor .
These are great to toss in @ @ @ @ @ .
PS .
I ’ m still recommending the Moroccan Spice palette .
I love @ @ @ @ @

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

Free Four-Piece Gift With $60 Purchase | Fenty Beauty
Fenty is kind of killing it with all these deals lately. If I’m not careful my entire collection will be from Rihanna (not complaining). For the next five days spend $60 and grab a four-piece set for free. No code needed it will appear in your cart.
You will be prompted to pick your foundation color and once you make your selection the face primer, eye primer, and mascara will all be added. Yes, t hese are all mini sizes but a mini mascara on its own is $13. So the math still works out in your favor. These are great to toss in your purse or overnight bag .
Free shipping on all orders.
PS. I’m still recommending the Moroccan Spice palette. I love mine so very much.


theroot--2020-05-21--First Look: Mary J. Blige Asked for 'No More Drama' but She's Experiencing a Lot of It in Body Cam

Sometimes , you prepare to watch a movie trailer expecting one thing and something else happens .
That ’ s what I experienced watching the trailer for Body Cam .
Before knowing anything about the film , I figured it was yet another police drama , which may or may not tackle the racial complexities of police interactions .
After all , one of the key components in many real-life cases is in the title .
Oh no , this one ... is something else , entirely .
The official synopsis , via Paramount : Wait , what ?
!
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ shit goes awry ” scene in a police stop to involve ... a whole alien !
Or whatever the hell that is in the trailer .
In case you wanted a sneak peek , you ’ re in luck because The Root scored an exclusive extended preview clip so you can get a better feel of what to expect in this horror/thriller/mystery .
All I ’ m going to say is that the above clip is why “ they got roaches ?
” was a prerequisite question to ask before black kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over someone ’ s house .
I certainly heard it a lot growing up .
Anyway , enjoy and ... you ’ ve been warned .
Directed by Malik Vitthal , Body Cam also stars Anika Noni Rose , Nat Wolff and David Zayas .
Body Cam is now available to purchase on Digital , will be available to rent On Demand on June 15 and will be released on DVD on July 14 .
Correction , 5/21/2020 , 1:31 p.m .
ET : An earlier version of this article misstated the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been corrected .

Sometimes, you prepare to watch a movie trailer expecting one thing and something else happens.
That’s what I experienced watching the trailer for Body Cam. Before knowing anything about the film, I figured it was yet another police drama, which may or may not tackle the racial complexities of police interactions. After all, one of the key components in many real-life cases is in the title.
Advertisement
Oh no, this one...is something else, entirely.
The official synopsis, via Paramount:
When a routine traffic stop results in the unexplained, grisly death of her colleague, a cop (Mary J. Blige) realizes footage of the incident will play for her eyes only. As the attacks mount, she races to understand the supernatural force behind them.
Advertisement Advertisement
Wait, what?! I certainly wasn’t expecting the “shit goes awry” scene in a police stop to involve...a whole alien! Or whatever the hell that is in the trailer. In case you wanted a sneak peek, you’re in luck because The Root scored an exclusive extended preview clip so you can get a better feel of what to expect in this horror/thriller/mystery.
Body Cam Extended Preview / Paramount Movies (YouTube)
All I’m going to say is that the above clip is why “they got roaches?” was a prerequisite question to ask before black kids in the hood were allowed to stay over someone’s house. I certainly heard it a lot growing up. Anyway, enjoy and... you’ve been warned.
Advertisement
Directed by Malik Vitthal, Body Cam also stars Anika Noni Rose, Nat Wolff and David Zayas.
Body Cam is now available to purchase on Digital, will be available to rent On Demand on June 15 and will be released on DVD on July 14.
Advertisement
Correction, 5/21/2020, 1:31 p.m. ET: An earlier version of this article misstated the release date for On Demand. This has since been corrected.