theroot--2020-07-20--HBCUs in Atlanta to Go Virtual for Fall Semester

Inexplicably , there ’ s an ongoing argument happening across the country about sending kids back to school even as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in several states .
Apparently , the illusion of normality is far more important than the actual safety of the nation ’ s youth .
Thankfully , a few schools are actually displaying some common sense .
Among those are three of Atlanta ’ s largest historically Black colleges .
According to AJC , Morehouse , Spelman and Clark Atlanta University have announced that their fall semester will be conducted virtually .
While earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to in-person classes for the fall , the increase of cases in Fulton County has resulted in a change of those plans .
“ It was just 19 days ago , on July 1 , when we published our plan , fully anticipating that , as summer progressed , the virus would subside .
Quite the opposite has been the case .
An honest appraisal of the evolving facts compelled us to change course , ” Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell wrote in a statement released to first-year students .
The three schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory fees .
Clark University said it will send each student a free Dell laptop that the school purchased from the company at a steep discount .
Morehouse will have one facility open on campus for 40 international students and those who have a substantial need for housing .
Combined , there are approximately 8,000 students enrolled at the schools .
There is no word on what they intend to do for the spring semester .
It ’ s wild how these schools , when presented with new information , adjusted and made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s almost as if you don ’ t have to put people in harm ’ s way for completely arbitrary reasons .
If only Georgia ’ s governor felt the same .

Inexplicably, there’s an ongoing argument happening across the country about sending kids back to school even as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in several states. Apparently, the illusion of normality is far more important than the actual safety of the nation’s youth. Thankfully, a few schools are actually displaying some common sense. Among those are three of Atlanta’s largest historically Black colleges.
According to AJC, Morehouse, Spelman and Clark Atlanta University have announced that their fall semester will be conducted virtually. While earlier this month the schools announced plans to return to in-person classes for the fall, the increase of cases in Fulton County has resulted in a change of those plans. “It was just 19 days ago, on July 1, when we published our plan, fully anticipating that, as summer progressed, the virus would subside. Quite the opposite has been the case. An honest appraisal of the evolving facts compelled us to change course,” Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell wrote in a statement released to first-year students.
Advertisement
The three schools will be offering discounted tuition and reducing mandatory fees. Clark University said it will send each student a free Dell laptop that the school purchased from the company at a steep discount. Morehouse will have one facility open on campus for 40 international students and those who have a substantial need for housing. Combined, there are approximately 8,000 students enrolled at the schools. There is no word on what they intend to do for the spring semester.
It’s wild how these schools, when presented with new information, adjusted and made a change to their plans. It’s almost as if you don’t have to put people in harm’s way for completely arbitrary reasons. If only Georgia’s governor felt the same.


theroot--2020-07-20--‘Strike for Black Lives’: Tens of Thousands Walk Off Their Jobs to Demand better Pay, Working Condit

‘Strike for Black Lives’: Tens of Thousands Walk Off Their Jobs to Demand better Pay, Working Conditions for Black Workers

From janitors and Uber drivers to nursing home aides and servers , tens of thousands of Americans either walked off or are expected to Monday as part of the “ Strike for Black Lives , ” a massive show of collective action meant to draw increased attention to systemic racism in America ’ s workplaces .
The strike was organized by dozens of labor , political and racial advocacy groups , including the Service Employees International Union , International Brotherhood of Teamsters and American Federation of Teachers , reports The Washington Post .
These demonstrations were held in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of actions workers could take .
In Washington , strikers are expected to gather at noon on Capitol Hill in support of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , or Heroes Act , as talks intensify over a fourth coronavirus relief package .
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) is set to join strikers in New York outside Trump Tower .
Health workers at a nursing home outside Los Angeles are planning walkouts during multiple shifts .
Other workers in the city are planning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a major thoroughfare on the city ’ s west side .
If workers can ’ t leave their jobs for the rest of the day , organizers encourage them to at noon take a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd , killing him and leading to a wave of protests nationwide — hold 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence , or walk off the job for the same length of time .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reckoning for corporations that have long ignored the concerns of their Black workforce and denied them better working conditions , living wages and health care , ” Ashlee Henderson , an organizer for the Movement for Black Lives and co-executive director of the Tennessee-based Highlander Research and Education Center told the Associated Press .
Some of the top concerns shared by workers in the various industries are raising wages , which have remained stagnant even as housing prices have surged in recent decades , and allowing workers to unionize so they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and child care benefits .
Among the specific workplaces being called out is McDonald ’ s , which was the subject of a federal lawsuit filed in Florida last Friday .
A group of workers at the fast-food behemoth claimed managers at a corporate-run store in Lakeland created a “ racially hostile work environment ” and mistreated its Black customers .
As the AP reports , when these workers flagged the problems to the chain ’ s corporate leaders , their managers cut their hours and adjusted their workplace responsibilities , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you really believe Black lives matter , it ’ s time to stop with the lip service and start with real action : treat your Black employees like our lives matter , ” said Faith Booker , a Black woman among the plaintiffs of the McDonald ’ s lawsuit .
She told the AP she planned to join Monday ’ s strike .

From janitors and Uber drivers to nursing home aides and servers, tens of thousands of Americans either walked off or are expected to Monday as part of the “Strike for Black Lives,” a massive show of collective action meant to draw increased attention to systemic racism in America’s workplaces.
The strike was organized by dozens of labor, political and racial advocacy groups, including the Service Employees International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters and American Federation of Teachers, reports The Washington Post.
Advertisement
These demonstrations were held in more than two dozen cities. There were also a variety of actions workers could take.
From the Washington Post:
In Washington, strikers are expected to gather at noon on Capitol Hill in support of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or Heroes Act, as talks intensify over a fourth coronavirus relief package. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) is set to join strikers in New York outside Trump Tower. Health workers at a nursing home outside Los Angeles are planning walkouts during multiple shifts. Other workers in the city are planning a car caravan down President Barack Obama Boulevard, a major thoroughfare on the city’s west side. If workers can’t leave their jobs for the rest of the day, organizers encourage them to at noon take a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd, killing him and leading to a wave of protests nationwide — hold 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence, or walk off the job for the same length of time.
Advertisement Advertisement
“The Strike for Black Lives is a moment of reckoning for corporations that have long ignored the concerns of their Black workforce and denied them better working conditions, living wages and health care,” Ashlee Henderson, an organizer for the Movement for Black Lives and co-executive director of the Tennessee-based Highlander Research and Education Center told the Associated Press.
Some of the top concerns shared by workers in the various industries are raising wages, which have remained stagnant even as housing prices have surged in recent decades, and allowing workers to unionize so they can negotiate better health care, sick leave, and child care benefits.
Advertisement
No Peace Without Economic Justice When Andre Perry thinks about American policing and incarceration, he sees an economic issue as… Read more
Among the specific workplaces being called out is McDonald’s, which was the subject of a federal lawsuit filed in Florida last Friday. A group of workers at the fast-food behemoth claimed managers at a corporate-run store in Lakeland created a “racially hostile work environment” and mistreated its Black customers. As the AP reports, when these workers flagged the problems to the chain’s corporate leaders, their managers cut their hours and adjusted their workplace responsibilities, the suit alleges.
Advertisement
“McDonald’s, if you really believe Black lives matter, it’s time to stop with the lip service and start with real action: treat your Black employees like our lives matter,” said Faith Booker, a Black woman among the plaintiffs of the McDonald’s lawsuit. She told the AP she planned to join Monday’s strike.


theroot--2020-07-20--Honoring a Nation’s ‘Conscience’: How Will Lawmakers Pay Tribute to Rep. John Lewis’ Legacy?

It is hard to sum up civil rights icon and longtime congressman John Lewis ’ legacy—much less find suitable ways of honoring it .
But as the country grapples with losing one of its most esteemed public servants , ideas have poured forth on how to properly pay tribute to the life and deeds of a man frequently referred to as the “ conscience of Congress.
” Among them is pushing to fully restore voting rights , a cause Lewis championed throughout his life as an activist and lawmaker .
He was a major advocate of the landmark 1965 Voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court in 2013 .
“ They ’ re saying , in effect , that history can not repeat itself .
But I say , come and walk in my shoes , ” Lewis said at the time of the high court ’ s decision .
Lewis ’ Democratic colleagues say the late congressman must be honored with the passage of new , more robust protections against voter suppression .
This weekend , Democratic lawmakers Reps. Karen Bass ( D-Calif. ) , Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
and James Clyburn ( D-S.C. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advancement Act , which restores the protections lost in 2013 , reports The Washington Post .
“ It should be the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 , ” Clyburn said during an appearance on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” on Sunday .
“ That ’ s the way to do it .
Words may be powerful , but deeds are lasting.
” “ What we have to do is live up to his legacy .
We need to continue that fight for social justice .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is to pass the voting rights act and get it signed , ” Bass told ABC ’ s “ This Week.
” As NPR notes , when the Democrat-controlled House passed the legislation in Dec. 2019 , Lewis announced the tally .
Lewis ’ passing has also renewed demands to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma , Ala. , upon which Lewis marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help advance Black voting rights .
Pettus was a Confederate general and a grand general of the Ku Klux Klan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kay Ivey to rename the bridge after Lewis began circulating last month .
As of Monday morning , the petition had more than 575,000 signatures .
In a letter addressed to U.S. congressional representatives on Monday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House will honor Lewis with a moment of silence , reports ABC News .
Her letter added that the Lewis family will announce plans for “ John ’ s farewell ” later in the week .
Some in Congress would like to see Lewis , who served for three decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in state at the Capitol .
But as The New York Times reports , that desire is complicated by the coronavirus pandemic , which requires public officials to manage large crowds and gatherings to prevent further spread of the deadly disease .
Congressman Elijah Cummings , who died last year , was the first Black lawmaker to receive this honor .
Rep. Bass , who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus , also called for flags to be lowered to half-mast until Lewis is laid to rest .
WABE Atlanta reports that Atlanta Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s flags will be flown at half-mast for Lewis indefinitely .

It is hard to sum up civil rights icon and longtime congressman John Lewis’ legacy—much less find suitable ways of honoring it. But as the country grapples with losing one of its most esteemed public servants, ideas have poured forth on how to properly pay tribute to the life and deeds of a man frequently referred to as the “conscience of Congress.”
Among them is pushing to fully restore voting rights, a cause Lewis championed throughout his life as an activist and lawmaker. He was a major advocate of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013.
Advertisement
“They’re saying, in effect, that history cannot repeat itself. But I say, come and walk in my shoes,” Lewis said at the time of the high court’s decision.
Lewis’ Democratic colleagues say the late congressman must be honored with the passage of new, more robust protections against voter suppression. This weekend, Democratic lawmakers Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and James Clyburn (D-S.C.) called for the passage of Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores the protections lost in 2013, reports The Washington Post.
Advertisement Advertisement
“It should be the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020,” Clyburn said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “That’s the way to do it. Words may be powerful, but deeds are lasting.”
“What we have to do is live up to his legacy. We need to continue that fight for social justice. And again, the first thing we need to do is to pass the voting rights act and get it signed,” Bass told ABC’s “This Week.”
Advertisement
As NPR notes, when the Democrat-controlled House passed the legislation in Dec. 2019, Lewis announced the tally.
Advertisement
Lewis’ passing has also renewed demands to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., upon which Lewis marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help advance Black voting rights.
Pettus was a Confederate general and a grand general of the Ku Klux Klan.
A petition calling on Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to rename the bridge after Lewis began circulating last month. As of Monday morning, the petition had more than 575,000 signatures.
Advertisement
In a letter addressed to U.S. congressional representatives on Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House will honor Lewis with a moment of silence, reports ABC News. Her letter added that the Lewis family will announce plans for “John’s farewell” later in the week.
Some in Congress would like to see Lewis, who served for three decades as a congressman representing Georgia, lie in state at the Capitol. But as The New York Times reports, that desire is complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, which requires public officials to manage large crowds and gatherings to prevent further spread of the deadly disease.
Advertisement
Congressman Elijah Cummings, who died last year, was the first Black lawmaker to receive this honor.
Rep. Bass, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, also called for flags to be lowered to half-mast until Lewis is laid to rest. WABE Atlanta reports that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms declared the city’s flags will be flown at half-mast for Lewis indefinitely.


theroot--2020-07-20--Nikema Williams Chosen to Replace Rep. John Lewis on the November Ballot

The tragic passing of John Lewis last Friday has left a massive hole in the U.S House of Representatives .
Lewis was up for re-election this year and won the Democratic nomination for 5th Congressional District seat during Georgia ’ s June primary .
In the wake of his death , a group of Georgia Democrats gathered over the weekend to determine who would replace him on the ballot in November .
According to the Washington Post , on Monday , the Democratic Party ’ s executive committee voted for Nikema Williams , a state senator and the chairwoman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Per state law , the Georgia Democrats were required to pick a replacement candidate on the first business day after Lewis ’ death .
In remarks given to the committee after being nominated , Williams said that she was still grieving the loss of Lewis , calling him “ a personal hero , friend and mentor.
” “ Nobody could possibly fill the shoes of Congressman Lewis , ” Williams said while highlighting her resume of fighting injustice , much like Congressman Lewis .
“ It would be the honor of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 5th Congressional District , ” she added .
Williams was one of five candidates who was picked by a high-profile nominating committee that included Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams .
Among the other names up for nomination were state lawmaker Park Cannon , Atlanta City Council member Andre Dickens , Emory University professor Robert Franklin , and head of the Georgia NAACP James “ Major ” Woodall .
Early Monday afternoon , the U.S. House honored Lewis with a moment of silence and a bereavement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) presided over the chamber .
hero , our colleague , our brother , our friend.
” “ The world is a better place because John Lewis pursued freedom , ” he said .
Earlier Monday , several members paid tribute to Lewis on the House floor , including Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer ( D-Md. )
.
“ Even at 80 , John Robert Lewis had the heart and fiery soul of a young protester for a righteous cause , an organizer for the community and country he served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of his life , John marched for justice , civil rights , peace and equality .
On every step on his journey , he brought all of us and this country he loved with him.
” Williams will face Republican Angela Stanton-King , an author and television personality .
Stanton-King was pardoned by President Trump earlier this year for her role in an auto theft ring back in 2007 .
That is , uh , certainly some competition .
Williams is the favorite to win as the 5th Congressional District skews heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the district with 85 percent of the vote .

The tragic passing of John Lewis last Friday has left a massive hole in the U.S House of Representatives. Lewis was up for re-election this year and won the Democratic nomination for 5th Congressional District seat during Georgia’s June primary. In the wake of his death, a group of Georgia Democrats gathered over the weekend to determine who would replace him on the ballot in November.
According to the Washington Post, on Monday, the Democratic Party’s executive committee voted for Nikema Williams, a state senator and the chairwoman of the state party, to replace Lewis. Per state law, the Georgia Democrats were required to pick a replacement candidate on the first business day after Lewis’ death. In remarks given to the committee after being nominated, Williams said that she was still grieving the loss of Lewis, calling him “a personal hero, friend and mentor.”
Advertisement
“Nobody could possibly fill the shoes of Congressman Lewis,” Williams said while highlighting her resume of fighting injustice, much like Congressman Lewis. “It would be the honor of my life to serve as the voice of the 5th Congressional District,” she added.
Williams was one of five candidates who was picked by a high-profile nominating committee that included Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Among the other names up for nomination were state lawmaker Park Cannon, Atlanta City Council member Andre Dickens, Emory University professor Robert Franklin, and head of the Georgia NAACP James “Major” Woodall.
Advertisement Advertisement
From the Post:
Early Monday afternoon, the U.S. House honored Lewis with a moment of silence and a bereavement resolution. A visibly emotional Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) presided over the chamber. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-Ga.), dean of the Georgia delegation, called Lewis “our hero, our colleague, our brother, our friend.” “The world is a better place because John Lewis pursued freedom,” he said. Earlier Monday, several members paid tribute to Lewis on the House floor, including Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.). “Even at 80, John Robert Lewis had the heart and fiery soul of a young protester for a righteous cause, an organizer for the community and country he served,” Hoyer said. “Every day of his life, John marched for justice, civil rights, peace and equality. On every step on his journey, he brought all of us and this country he loved with him.”
Advertisement
Williams will face Republican Angela Stanton-King, an author and television personality. Stanton-King was pardoned by President Trump earlier this year for her role in an auto theft ring back in 2007. That is, uh, certainly some competition. Williams is the favorite to win as the 5th Congressional District skews heavily Democratic. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the district with 85 percent of the vote.


theroot--2020-07-20--John Boyega Confirms to Star Wars Fans That He's 'Moved On' From the Franchise

The Star Wars franchise continues to expand , with a new Taika Waititi-directed film reportedly in development .
Nevertheless , don ’ t expect John Boyega to take part in it .
The actor confirmed his departure from the series in an Instagram comment , responding to a fan who wrote about what he ’ d like to see from the character in the next installment .
“ Lol no thank you .
I ’ ve moved on , ” Boyega wrote with a heart emoji .
In another comment , he added that he ’ s planning to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his career .
( “ Not into playing one role for too long , I have more to offer than that.
” ) Earlier this year on Twitter , he wrote that members of the cast have also moved on from the series after a “ very fulfilling ” experience with “ some disappointments.
” Boyega has been vocal about the difference between him and Finn , especially on social media in response to fans who have difficulty separating the actor from the role .
In May , after the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down Twitter users—many of them Star Wars fans—for getting upset that he was using derogatory language in tweets .
“ This is my own personal account .
I am not here for the kids , ” he wrote .
“ I have parents so no need to report to Disney .
They are for Business .
Thanks.
” Other than being a vocal opponent of police brutality , Boyega has become increasingly visible during events protesting the issue .
In early June , he took part in a protest at London ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to continue the good fight for Black lives and equality ... even if it jeopardizes his career .
He ’ s going to be just fine , though : he ’ s starring in the forthcoming film Naked Singularity as well as Borderland with Jodie Turner-Smith .
After his comments at the protest , a host of Hollywood creatives including Jordan Peele and Matthew A. Cherry voiced their support .
“ Look I don ’ t know if I ’ m going to have a career after this , but fuck that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protestors .
“ Black lives have always mattered .
We have always been important .
We have always meant something .
We have always succeeded regardless .
And now is the time .
I ain ’ t waiting.
” To new experiences and roles !
We ’ re looking forward to seeing his growth .

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

The Star Wars franchise continues to expand, with a new Taika Waititi-directed film reportedly in development. Nevertheless, don’t expect John Boyega to take part in it. The actor confirmed his departure from the series in an Instagram comment, responding to a fan who wrote about what he’d like to see from the character in the next installment.
“Lol no thank you. I’ve moved on,” Boyega wrote with a heart emoji. In another comment, he added that he’s planning to move on because he wants to do more with his career. (“Not into playing one role for too long, I have more to offer than that.”) Earlier this year on Twitter, he wrote that members of the cast have also moved on from the series after a “very fulfilling” experience with “some disappointments.”
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Boyega has been vocal about the difference between him and Finn, especially on social media in response to fans who have difficulty separating the actor from the role. In May, after the death of George Floyd made headlines, Boyega shut down Twitter users—many of them Star Wars fans—for getting upset that he was using derogatory language in tweets.
“This is my own personal account. I am not here for the kids,” he wrote. “I have parents so no need to report to Disney. They are for Business. Thanks.”
Advertisement
Other than being a vocal opponent of police brutality, Boyega has become increasingly visible during events protesting the issue. In early June, he took part in a protest at London’s Hyde Park, where he said he wants to continue the good fight for Black lives and equality...even if it jeopardizes his career. He’s going to be just fine, though: he’s starring in the forthcoming film Naked Singularity as well as Borderland with Jodie Turner-Smith. After his comments at the protest, a host of Hollywood creatives including Jordan Peele and Matthew A. Cherry voiced their support.
“Look I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but fuck that,” he told the crowd of protestors. “Black lives have always mattered. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting.”
Advertisement
To new experiences and roles! We’re looking forward to seeing his growth.


Behold: White People

A secret police force is roaming the streets of Portland , Ore. , snatching up protesters and violating their civil rights .
The New York Times obtained an internal memo from the Department of Homeland Security that stated the federal officers are “ not specifically trained in riot control or mass demonstrations.
” They have gassed and attacked peaceful protesters during the demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd , which engulfed the city for 52 straight days .
Luckily , white people have joined the fight against injustice and people are sharing it all over social media .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that last one was a protest .
Are we sure that wasn ’ t some type of performance art installation ?
Learn the story behind the “ iconic ” photo of Bucknekkid Becky ?
See , white people , this is your fault .
Look , white people , this comes with the territory .
If a massive number of Black people show up at a protest , at least one person is gon na yell “ fuck the police , ” at least one enterprising young entrepreneur will be selling protest-themed T-shirts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely hook up with a few rappers to have a spontaneous freestyle session .
If one negro rally- goer in a sea of peaceful protesters breaks a window , steals a television or throws a rock at a cop , the behavior is automatically attributed to the collective group of protesters .
That ’ s why people show up on their lawns and point guns at Black demonstrators .
It ’ s why Republicans cast Black Lives Matter as a “ terrorist organization.
” It ’ s why white people bring up Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s why news networks hire white people to discuss voters but ask Black pundits to talk about “ Black voters.
” But if every Black person has to answer for the shortcomings of every Black individual , then white people need to explain Ass-out Ashley because I gots nothing .
The Los Angeles Times attempted to explain how the woman ’ s outburst of caucasity was an attempt at “ capturing the imagination ” of people who wear flip- flops to church , writing : Numerous photos and videos posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she halted in the middle of the street at about 1:45 a.m. She stood calmly , a surreal image of human vulnerability in the face of an overpowering force that has been criticized nationally by civil rights advocates .
The agents , in gas masks and helmets , continued firing pepper balls in a staccato “ pop , pop , pop ” heard on video , aiming low at the asphalt , where puffs of smoke mingled with clouds of gas .
At one point , a fellow protester , clothed , carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the woman , angling to protect her .
But the woman sidestepped him .
He jumped out of the way , perhaps realizing that he made them both a target .
Before it was over , she struck ballet poses and reclined on the street .
She also sat on the asphalt in a yoga-like position , facing officers , before they left .
I want to fight whoever wrote this .
Secondly , why didn ’ t they point out that she was a white lady ?
Is there any doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black woman ( I know , but stick with me for a moment ) that they would have mentioned it 217 times in the story ?
I don ’ t want to stereotype anyone but this is peak whiteness .
And it ’ s nasty AF .
My mother would have whipped my sisters ’ asses if they did it because this woman clearly has no home training .
Oh , my mom is pretty liberal so she might not have seen anything wrong with public nudity , but out there walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What in the walking-shoeless-at-Walmart was this clothes-less Karen thinking ?
I know I may have asked that question before , but the first one was a regular “ why ” and the other one was more pointed , as in : “ W hy are white people like this ?
” Although I don ’ t believe in the stupid “ distraction ” argument , why is some white person always showing up to inject their Caucasian sensibilities into every conversation ?
There ’ s absolutely nothing wrong with what this lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need to transform a protest movement centered around Black lives into a stage for her whatever-the-fuck-she-was-trying-to-say ?
Even when they aren ’ t weaponizing their privilege , they will find a way to make the shit about them .
And I ’ m not talking about all white people , I ’ m just talking about the antifa dudes who hold their Fight Club meetings at Black demonstrations and pretend they are doing us a favor .
I ’ m talking about the performative liberals who make sure you know that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re most interested in proving that they ’ re not like the “ other ” whites .
I ’ m talking about the movement hijackers and subject deflectors .
OK , white people , I ’ ve been authorized to make you an offer : The Black delegation is willing to reduce Black-on-Black violence by 8 percent ; down to the same level as white-on-white crime , according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics ’ 2018 report .
The 95 percent of Black people who don ’ t commit a crime in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 97 percent of white people who didn ’ t commit a crime in any given year and put a stop to that small group of negro scofflaws .
And , in exchange , we ask you to do one thing : We ’ ll take responsibility for the tiny percentage of negro thugs who scare you shitless if you come get your people and make them denounce white supremacy , cop-calling , mask-raging and literally showing their minuscule asses at the protest .
It ’ s up to you , white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are .

A secret police force is roaming the streets of Portland, Ore., snatching up protesters and violating their civil rights. The New York Times obtained an internal memo from the Department of Homeland Security that stated the federal officers are “not specifically trained in riot control or mass demonstrations.” They have gassed and attacked peaceful protesters during the demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd, which engulfed the city for 52 straight days.
Luckily, white people have joined the fight against injustice and people are sharing it all over social media.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Wait... I don’t think that last one was a protest. Are we sure that wasn’t some type of performance art installation?
Advertisement
Learn the story behind the “iconic” photo of Bucknekkid Becky?
Nah, I think I’m good.
See, white people, this is your fault.
Look, white people, this comes with the territory. If a massive number of Black people show up at a protest, at least one person is gonna yell “fuck the police,” at least one enterprising young entrepreneur will be selling protest-themed T-shirts and a local spoken word artist will definitely hook up with a few rappers to have a spontaneous freestyle session.
Advertisement
If one negro rally-goer in a sea of peaceful protesters breaks a window, steals a television or throws a rock at a cop, the behavior is automatically attributed to the collective group of protesters. That’s why people show up on their lawns and point guns at Black demonstrators. It’s why Republicans cast Black Lives Matter as a “terrorist organization.” It’s why white people bring up Chicago and Black-on-Black crime whenever anyone mentions injustice. It’s why news networks hire white people to discuss voters but ask Black pundits to talk about “Black voters.”
Advertisement
But if every Black person has to answer for the shortcomings of every Black individual, then white people need to explain Ass-out Ashley because I gots nothing.
The Los Angeles Times attempted to explain how the woman’s outburst of caucasity was an attempt at “capturing the imagination” of people who wear flip-flops to church, writing:
Numerous photos and videos posted on Twitter show the unidentified woman as she halted in the middle of the street at about 1:45 a.m. She stood calmly, a surreal image of human vulnerability in the face of an overpowering force that has been criticized nationally by civil rights advocates. The agents, in gas masks and helmets, continued firing pepper balls in a staccato “pop, pop, pop” heard on video, aiming low at the asphalt, where puffs of smoke mingled with clouds of gas. At one point, a fellow protester, clothed, carrying a homemade shield, darted in front of the woman, angling to protect her. But the woman sidestepped him. He jumped out of the way, perhaps realizing that he made them both a target. Before it was over, she struck ballet poses and reclined on the street. She also sat on the asphalt in a yoga-like position, facing officers, before they left.
Advertisement
I want to fight whoever wrote this.
First of all...why?
Secondly, why didn’t they point out that she was a white lady? Is there any doubt in your mind that had this been a Black woman (I know, but stick with me for a moment) that they would have mentioned it 217 times in the story? I don’t want to stereotype anyone but this is peak whiteness. And it’s nasty AF. My mother would have whipped my sisters’ asses if they did it because this woman clearly has no home training. Oh, my mom is pretty liberal so she might not have seen anything wrong with public nudity, but out there walking amongst white people in your bare feet? What in the walking-shoeless-at-Walmart was this clothes-less Karen thinking?
Advertisement
And thirdly...why?
I know I may have asked that question before, but the first one was a regular “why” and the other one was more pointed, as in: “Why are white people like this?” Although I don’t believe in the stupid “distraction” argument, why is some white person always showing up to inject their Caucasian sensibilities into every conversation?
Advertisement
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with what this lady did, but why does she feel the need to transform a protest movement centered around Black lives into a stage for her whatever-the-fuck-she-was-trying-to-say? Even when they aren’t weaponizing their privilege, they will find a way to make the shit about them.
And I’m not talking about all white people, I’m just talking about the antifa dudes who hold their Fight Club meetings at Black demonstrations and pretend they are doing us a favor. I’m talking about the performative liberals who make sure you know that they’re an ally even though they’re most interested in proving that they’re not like the “other” whites. I’m talking about the movement hijackers and subject deflectors.
Advertisement
OK, white people, I’ve been authorized to make you an offer:
The Black delegation is willing to reduce Black-on-Black violence by 8 percent; down to the same level as white-on-white crime, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ 2018 report. The 95 percent of Black people who don’t commit a crime in any given year will even join in the 97 percent of white people who didn’t commit a crime in any given year and put a stop to that small group of negro scofflaws. And, in exchange, we ask you to do one thing:
Stop it.
We’ll take responsibility for the tiny percentage of negro thugs who scare you shitless if you come get your people and make them denounce white supremacy, cop-calling, mask-raging and literally showing their minuscule asses at the protest.
Advertisement
It’s up to you, white people.
We’re ready when you are.