theroot--2020-06-05--Here's Everything You Need to Know About the NBA's Return (Before the Clippers Win Their 1st NBA Tit

Here's Everything You Need to Know About the NBA's Return (Before the Clippers Win Their 1st NBA Title)

Nearly three months after the Devil ( and Rudy Gobert ) stole our joy , comes the news that the NBA will be making its triumphant return .
I ’ m sure you have plenty of questions about how in the hell this will all play out , so I ’ ll do my best to answer them all .
Wait , so the NBA is really back ?
Yup .
But prayerfully it ’ s more along the lines of Soulja Boy ’ s greatest comeback of all-time than Dr. Dre ’ s Calabasas—I mean , Compton .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hell did this happen ?
It ’ s been rumored for a minute , but on Thursday , The NBA board of governors approved a 22-team format to resume the season .
Yeeeeeeeeah , about that .
Only the top eight teams in each conference and the six teams within six games of the eighth seed will be extended an invite—which means Vince Carter ’ s career is effectively over and the Golden State Warriors will be put out to pasture .
So to clarify , these are the teams that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of The Hunger Games : Eastern Conference : The Milwaukee Bucks , Toronto Raptors , Boston Celtics , Miami Heat , Indiana Pacers , Philadelphia 76ers , Brooklyn Nets , Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards .
Western Conference : LeBron and them , LA Clippers , Denver Nuggets , Utah Jazz , Oklahoma City Thunder , Houston Rockets , Dallas Mavericks , Memphis Grizzlies , Portland Trail Blazers , New Orleans Pelicans , Sacramento Kings , San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns .
The Knicks would ’ ve been invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much rather throw Charles Oakley out of Madison Square Garden than build a competent team .
Aiight , so the playoffs will have 22 teams ?
Nah , they ’ ll still have 16 , but all 22 teams will play eight regular-season games in order to determine playoff seeding .
The top seven teams in each conference will automatically clinch a playoff spot , but the eighth seed could come down to a play-in tournament .
If the eighth-seeded team is more than four games ahead of the team with the ninth-best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that conference will forego a play-in tournament .
But if the ninth-seeded team is within four games or fewer of the eighth-seeded team , then a play-in tournament will take place .
The tournament is essentially a best-of-two series .
For the ninth seed to get into the playoffs , they ’ d have to beat the eighth seed twice .
Whereas if the eighth seed wins either game , they get to hurl confetti and celebrate by either getting their ass beat by the Lakers , Clippers or Bucks in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s ... a bit confusing , but OK .
Does this mean the playoffs will have a different format , too ?
Nah .
The playoffs will be business as usual : 16 teams with a traditional conference-based structure and , of course , a best-of-seven series in each round .
At the absolute latest , the season will end in October .
October ?
!
But doesn ’ t the NBA season usually start around that time ?
Well , I mean , shit .
With a tentative July 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you expect this season to be over ?
Everything is getting pushed back .
The NBA Draft Lottery has been bumped to August 25 , the NBA Draft will go down on October 15 and next season is expected to resume on December 1 .
Consider it an early Christmas gift .
Gotcha .
Considering we ’ re still in the middle of a global pandemic , where will this all be taking place ?
And how will safety be addressed ?
As much as I would ’ ve loved to see this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the NBA season will resume at Disney ’ s massive Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando , Fla. Players will report to the Disney campus beginning July 9 and will be subject to daily testing throughout the duration of the season .
If any player tests positive for the coronavirus , the league will quarantine that player while the rest of the team will continue playing .
Staff are forbidden from going into players ’ rooms and social distancing protocols will be in place .
If everyone is playing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s the point in busting your ass to get the No .
1 seed ?
There ’ s no home-court advantage .
So you ’ re really trying to tell me there ’ s no difference between playing the Brooklyn Nets versus the Boston Celtics in the first round ?
But I get your point , somewhat , as does the NBA—which is why they ’ re looking into ways emulate that advantage .
Sadly , most of the proposed suggestions are complete dog shit .
The higher-seeded team being awarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third and fourth quarters , following the traditional jump ball to begin the game .
The higher-seeded team being allowed to designate one player to be able to be whistled for seven fouls instead of six before fouling out .
The higher-seeded teams being able to transport their actual hardwood home court from their arenas to Orlando to try to preserve the feel of their home playing experience .
An off-court feature in which playoff teams , in order of seeding 1-16 , receive first choice on picking which hotel they will stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports Complex and Disney World Resort .
ESPN is owned by the Walt Disney Co .
Seven fouls ?
!
Like I said : dog shit .
But welcome back , NBA .
We missed you dearly .

Nearly three months after the Devil (and Rudy Gobert) stole our joy, comes the news that the NBA will be making its triumphant return. I’m sure you have plenty of questions about how in the hell this will all play out, so I’ll do my best to answer them all.
Wait, so the NBA is really back?
Yup. But prayerfully it’s more along the lines of Soulja Boy’s greatest comeback of all-time than Dr. Dre’s Calabasas—I mean, Compton. Because that shit was trash.
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How in the hell did this happen?
It’s been rumored for a minute, but on Thursday, The NBA board of governors approved a 22-team format to resume the season.
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Hold up. Only 22 teams? But…
Yeeeeeeeeah, about that. Only the top eight teams in each conference and the six teams within six games of the eighth seed will be extended an invite—which means Vince Carter’s career is effectively over and the Golden State Warriors will be put out to pasture. So to clarify, these are the teams that will be participating in the NBA’s version of The Hunger Games:
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Eastern Conference: The Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards.
Western Conference: LeBron and them, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns.
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The Knicks would’ve been invited to the party but their owner would much rather throw Charles Oakley out of Madison Square Garden than build a competent team.
Aiight, so the playoffs will have 22 teams?
Nah, they’ll still have 16, but all 22 teams will play eight regular-season games in order to determine playoff seeding. The top seven teams in each conference will automatically clinch a playoff spot, but the eighth seed could come down to a play-in tournament.
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If the eighth-seeded team is more than four games ahead of the team with the ninth-best record in the same conference, then that conference will forego a play-in tournament. But if the ninth-seeded team is within four games or fewer of the eighth-seeded team, then a play-in tournament will take place.
The tournament is essentially a best-of-two series. For the ninth seed to get into the playoffs, they’d have to beat the eighth seed twice. Whereas if the eighth seed wins either game, they get to hurl confetti and celebrate by either getting their ass beat by the Lakers, Clippers or Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. Congrats!
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That’s...a bit confusing, but OK. Does this mean the playoffs will have a different format, too?
Nah. The playoffs will be business as usual: 16 teams with a traditional conference-based structure and, of course, a best-of-seven series in each round. At the absolute latest, the season will end in October.
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October?! But doesn’t the NBA season usually start around that time?
Well, I mean, shit. With a tentative July 31 resumption date, when the hell did you expect this season to be over? Everything is getting pushed back. The NBA Draft Lottery has been bumped to August 25, the NBA Draft will go down on October 15 and next season is expected to resume on December 1. Consider it an early Christmas gift.
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Gotcha. Considering we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic, where will this all be taking place? And how will safety be addressed?
As much as I would’ve loved to see this all go down on a cruise ship, the NBA season will resume at Disney’s massive Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla. Players will report to the Disney campus beginning July 9 and will be subject to daily testing throughout the duration of the season. If any player tests positive for the coronavirus, the league will quarantine that player while the rest of the team will continue playing.
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Staff are forbidden from going into players’ rooms and social distancing protocols will be in place.
If everyone is playing in the same arena with no fans, then what’s the point in busting your ass to get the No. 1 seed? There’s no home-court advantage.
So you’re really trying to tell me there’s no difference between playing the Brooklyn Nets versus the Boston Celtics in the first round? But I get your point, somewhat, as does the NBA—which is why they’re looking into ways emulate that advantage. Sadly, most of the proposed suggestions are complete dog shit.
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From ESPN:
The higher-seeded team being awarded the first possession of the second, third and fourth quarters, following the traditional jump ball to begin the game. The higher-seeded team being allowed to designate one player to be able to be whistled for seven fouls instead of six before fouling out. The higher-seeded team receiving an extra coach’s challenge. The higher-seeded teams being able to transport their actual hardwood home court from their arenas to Orlando to try to preserve the feel of their home playing experience. An off-court feature in which playoff teams, in order of seeding 1-16, receive first choice on picking which hotel they will stay at in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney World Resort. ESPN is owned by the Walt Disney Co.
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Seven fouls?! Like I said: dog shit.
But welcome back, NBA. We missed you dearly.


theroot--2020-06-05--Your Floors Need Cleaning, Get a Refurbished Dyson V10 for $250 off and Get Your Floors Looking Fres

Your Floors Need Cleaning, Get a Refurbished Dyson V10 for $250 off and Get Your Floors Looking Fresh Again

Your floors are starting to feel grimey , and your trusty ol ’ broom doesn ’ t seem to really @ @ @ @ @ A vacuum cleaner can not only help speed up the process , but make sure @ @ @ @ @ gunk that brooms can often miss get picked up .
Dyson ’ s V10 Motorhead @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s ready for deep cleaning sessions , and it ’ s cordless , @ @ @ @ @ all those tough-to-reach spots without hassle .
All that power would typically cost you $ @ @ @ @ @ you can get a refurbished model on Newegg for just $ 250 , so you @ @ @ @ @ price for a vacuum that ’ ll make cleaning your floors a breeze .

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

Dyson V10 Total (Refurbished) | $290 | Newegg | Use Promo Code 63WTNTY84A
Your floors are starting to feel grimey, and your trusty ol’ broom doesn’t seem to really do the trick anymore. A vacuum cleaner can not only help speed up the process, but make sure all the little specs of gunk that brooms can often miss get picked up. The Dyson V10 has a powerful cleaning head that’s ready for deep cleaning sessions, and it’s cordless, so you can get into all those tough-to-reach spots without hassle. All that power would typically cost you over $350, but right now you can get a refurbished model for just $290 when you use the code 63WTNTY84A, so you’re paying a pretty low price for a vacuum that’ll make cleaning your floors a breeze.
This deal was originally published on 8/9/2020 and was updated with new information on 1/26/2021.


theroot--2020-06-05--Texas GOP Calling for Chairwoman’s Resignation After She Claimed George Floyd’s Death Was Staged

I don ’ t know what level of Hell this is but… .
I don ’ t even know how you fix your lips or fingers to type such horrible things , but a Texas county GOP chairwoman is looking at adding to the staggering unemployment numbers as Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey is calling for her resignation for claiming that George Floyd ’ s death was staged .
“ Cynthia Brehm ’ s position regarding the tragic injustice of the death of George Floyd has no place in the Republican Party of Texas , ” Dickey said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can not abide by her caustic remarks .
They are out of alignment with our core beliefs and our platform .
“ I have personally reached out to Cynthia Brehm and called on her to resign her post as Chair of the Republican Party of Bexar County immediately , ” he added .
Republican Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott has also condemned Brehm ’ s comments calling them “ disgusting ” and adding that they “ have no place in the Republican Party or in public discourse , ” the Texas Tribune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aka “ Big Eddie Munster , ” also called for Brehm to resign , calling her comments “ wrong , and only serve to divide us at a time when we all need to come together , ” the Hill reports .
Brehm , whom I don ’ t know but can only assume from her Facebook posts is a follower of Alex Jones and a believer of the president , suggested in a since-deleted Facebook post—which had to be deleted by Brehm because Facebook will let you post anything but won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t care about black people–that the death of George Floyd was fabricated .
Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds , ignoring pleas from both Floyd and those gathered around .
That officer , who doesn ’ t deserve to be named here because fuck him , and three other officers who didn ’ t do shit to help Floyd have all been charged with Floyd ’ s death .
The killing set off a wave of protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-policing of black and brown people .
Brehm ’ s dumb-ass , aluminum foil hat of a post claimed that Floyd ’ s death was faked to inflame “ racial tensions and drive a wedge in the growing group of anti deep state sentiment from common people , that have already been psychologically traumatized by Covid-19 fears.
” Brehm added that these types of high-profile instances of police violence coincidentally align with elections .
“ Historically , in election years and in politically contested areas or in groups , racial or gun violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ Considering the rising approval rating of President Trump in the black community , an event like this is unfortunately ‘ Predictable.
’ ” The Hill notes that Brehm isn ’ t the only one pushing this and other fucking insane conspiracy theories that have circulated online .
This wasn ’ t even Brehm ’ s first ridiculous Alex Jones-esque claim , as she also noted that “ the coronavirus pandemic—which has infected at least 67,354 Texans and killed 1,716 as of Thursday—was also fabricated by Democrats , ” the Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been promulgated by the Democrats to undo all the good President Trump has done , ” Brehm said at a May political rally before she encouraged attendees to “ take off your masks , exercise your constitutional rights .
Stand up , speak up and vote Republican.
” Republicans didn ’ t call for her resignation after her coronavirus babble .
Thankfully , The Root has a correspondent on the ground in Texas who has been covering the fallout from Brehm ’ s latest dumbass statements and I ’ d like to @ @ @ @ @

I mean…
I don’t know what level of Hell this is but….
I don’t even know how you fix your lips or fingers to type such horrible things, but a Texas county GOP chairwoman is looking at adding to the staggering unemployment numbers as Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey is calling for her resignation for claiming that George Floyd’s death was staged.
“Cynthia Brehm’s position regarding the tragic injustice of the death of George Floyd has no place in the Republican Party of Texas,” Dickey said in a statement, the Hill reports. “We can not abide by her caustic remarks. They are out of alignment with our core beliefs and our platform.
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“I have personally reached out to Cynthia Brehm and called on her to resign her post as Chair of the Republican Party of Bexar County immediately,” he added.
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has also condemned Brehm’s comments calling them “disgusting” and adding that they “have no place in the Republican Party or in public discourse,” the Texas Tribune reports.
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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, aka “Big Eddie Munster,” also called for Brehm to resign, calling her comments “wrong, and only serve to divide us at a time when we all need to come together,” the Hill reports.
Brehm, whom I don’t know but can only assume from her Facebook posts is a follower of Alex Jones and a believer of the president, suggested in a since-deleted Facebook post—which had to be deleted by Brehm because Facebook will let you post anything but won’t delete vile, racists posts because they don’t care about black people–that the death of George Floyd was fabricated.
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Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, ignoring pleas from both Floyd and those gathered around. That officer, who doesn’t deserve to be named here because fuck him, and three other officers who didn’t do shit to help Floyd have all been charged with Floyd’s death. The killing set off a wave of protests from people who are tired of the over-policing of black and brown people.
Brehm’s dumb-ass, aluminum foil hat of a post claimed that Floyd’s death was faked to inflame “racial tensions and drive a wedge in the growing group of anti deep state sentiment from common people, that have already been psychologically traumatized by Covid-19 fears.”
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Brehm added that these types of high-profile instances of police violence coincidentally align with elections.
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“Historically, in election years and in politically contested areas or in groups, racial or gun violence incidents are becoming commonplace,” she wrote. “Considering the rising approval rating of President Trump in the black community, an event like this is unfortunately ‘Predictable.’”
The Hill notes that Brehm isn’t the only one pushing this and other fucking insane conspiracy theories that have circulated online.
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This wasn’t even Brehm’s first ridiculous Alex Jones-esque claim, as she also noted that “the coronavirus pandemic—which has infected at least 67,354 Texans and killed 1,716 as of Thursday—was also fabricated by Democrats,” the Hill notes.
“[The pandemic] has been promulgated by the Democrats to undo all the good President Trump has done,” Brehm said at a May political rally before she encouraged attendees to “take off your masks, exercise your constitutional rights. Stand up, speak up and vote Republican.”
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Republicans didn’t call for her resignation after her coronavirus babble. Thankfully, The Root has a correspondent on the ground in Texas who has been covering the fallout from Brehm’s latest dumbass statements and I’d like to cut to her now:


theroot--2020-06-05--There Are Really Only 2 Kinds of People: Those of Us Who Are Against Lynching and Kentucky Sen. Rand

There Are Really Only 2 Kinds of People: Those of Us Who Are Against Lynching and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul

On the day of George Floyd ’ s memorial service , Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul just couldn ’ t pass up the moment to be an asshole .
Paul , who has the hair of wet spaghetti noodles , wanted to add an amendment to the bipartisan anti-lynching legislation because he had nothing to do with writing it , and it ’ s hard for people like Rand Paul to watch legislation pass that they ’ ve had nothing to do with .
Did I mention that Rand Paul is an asshole ?
Democratic Sens .
Cory Booker of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got emotional and came very close to yelling , “ What the fuck is wrong with you , Rand Paul ?
” when speaking about Kentucky senator ’ s attempt to hold up legislation to make lynching a federal crime on a day when America was still grieving the loss of Floyd , whose life was taken while in Minneapolis police custody .
Paul came to the Senate floor in Washington to add an amendment to the anti-lynching legislation , arguing that the bill as written is overly broad and said that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for lynching only and not for other crimes , ” CNN reports .
CNN did not note that Paul is a stone-cold bitch who saw an opportunity to grandstand and perform his routine of being a stone-cold bitch to make news .
I added that part .
The GOP senator , who is also the starting tight end for Satan ’ s Warriors , Hell ’ s most beloved football team , then was willing to pass the bill but only after his amendment was added because lynching really needs to be explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it confused with , um ... lynching .
Seriously , what ’ s close to lynching ?
Like , what could be so close to lynching that Paul would need to add a caveat that says : “ Hey , now we are trying to lump everything into this lynching law and I don ’ t know if I ’ m cool with that ” ?
“ Senator Paul is now trying to weaken a bill that was already passed—there ’ s no reason for this , there ’ s no reason for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Booker , who was clearly emotional , said he considered Paul a friend and then added that he felt “ so raw today , ” saying , “ of all days we ’ re doing this right now when God , if this bill passed today , what that would mean for America .
That this body and that body have finally agreed .
“ It would speak volumes for the racial pain and the hurt of generations , ” Booker said .
“ I do not need my colleague , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me about one lynching in this country .
I ’ ve stood in the museum in Montgomery , Ala. , and watched African-American families weeping at the stories of pregnant women lynched in this country and their babies ripped out of them while this body did nothing , ” CNN reports .
Pointing to Paul , Booker said he didn ’ t question his heart but he had serious concerns about this .
“ My colleague over there , Rand Paul , is one of the first hands I shook ” on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is my friend ... but I am so raw today.
” “ I seek to amend this legislation not because I take lynching lightly , but because I take it seriously , and this legislation does not , ” Paul said , arguing that “ this bill would cheapen the meaning of lynching by defining it so broadly as to include a minor bruise or abrasion .
Our nation ’ s history of racial terrorism demands more seriousness from us than that.
” Don ’ t be confused ; this has nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill .
Paul is doing what Paul does because Paul is an asshole .
It ’ s kind of the asshole way .

On the day of George Floyd’s memorial service, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul just couldn’t pass up the moment to be an asshole. Paul, who has the hair of wet spaghetti noodles, wanted to add an amendment to the bipartisan anti-lynching legislation because he had nothing to do with writing it, and it’s hard for people like Rand Paul to watch legislation pass that they’ve had nothing to do with.
Did I mention that Rand Paul is an asshole?
Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California both got emotional and came very close to yelling, “What the fuck is wrong with you, Rand Paul?” when speaking about Kentucky senator’s attempt to hold up legislation to make lynching a federal crime on a day when America was still grieving the loss of Floyd, whose life was taken while in Minneapolis police custody.
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Paul came to the Senate floor in Washington to add an amendment to the anti-lynching legislation, arguing that the bill as written is overly broad and said that his amendment “would apply the criminal penalties for lynching only and not for other crimes,” CNN reports.
CNN did not note that Paul is a stone-cold bitch who saw an opportunity to grandstand and perform his routine of being a stone-cold bitch to make news. I added that part.
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The GOP senator, who is also the starting tight end for Satan’s Warriors, Hell’s most beloved football team, then was willing to pass the bill but only after his amendment was added because lynching really needs to be explained so that we don’t get it confused with, um...lynching.
Seriously, what’s close to lynching? Like, what could be so close to lynching that Paul would need to add a caveat that says: “Hey, now we are trying to lump everything into this lynching law and I don’t know if I’m cool with that”?
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“Senator Paul is now trying to weaken a bill that was already passed—there’s no reason for this, there’s no reason for this,” Harris said, CNN reports.
Booker, who was clearly emotional, said he considered Paul a friend and then added that he felt “so raw today,” saying, “of all days we’re doing this right now when God, if this bill passed today, what that would mean for America. That this body and that body have finally agreed.
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“It would speak volumes for the racial pain and the hurt of generations,” Booker said. “I do not need my colleague, the senator from Kentucky, to tell me about one lynching in this country. I’ve stood in the museum in Montgomery, Ala., and watched African-American families weeping at the stories of pregnant women lynched in this country and their babies ripped out of them while this body did nothing,” CNN reports.
Pointing to Paul, Booker said he didn’t question his heart but he had serious concerns about this.
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“My colleague over there, Rand Paul, is one of the first hands I shook” on the Senate floor, Booker said. “He is my friend...but I am so raw today.”
“I seek to amend this legislation not because I take lynching lightly, but because I take it seriously, and this legislation does not,” Paul said, arguing that “this bill would cheapen the meaning of lynching by defining it so broadly as to include a minor bruise or abrasion. Our nation’s history of racial terrorism demands more seriousness from us than that.”
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Don’t be confused; this has nothing to do with the language in the bill. Paul is doing what Paul does because Paul is an asshole. It’s kind of the asshole way.


theroot--2020-06-05--Thousands of Black Lives Matter COVID-19 Face Masks Seized by Law Enforcement: a ‘Gross Disregard fo

Thousands of Black Lives Matter COVID-19 Face Masks Seized by Law Enforcement: a ‘Gross Disregard for Black Life’

Boxes containing more than 2,000 Black Lives Matter cloth face masks intended to protect protesters were seized by law enforcement agents in California , says the Movement for Black Lives ( M4BL ) .
The masks , which had the messages “ Stop Killing Black People ” and “ Defund Police ” printed on them , were sent on Thursday to help protect protesters from spreading and contracting COVID-19 , which has hit black communities disproportionately hard across the U.S .
The masks were intended for demonstrations to cap off the M4BL “ Week of Action.
” But as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it to M4BL chapters in D.C. , St. Louis , New York City and Minneapolis .
In fact , they never left the state of California .
Tracking numbers from the U.S .
Postal Service show that the packages were “ Seized by Law Enforcement.
” Further instructions were given to contact the U.S .
Postal Inspection Service for more information .
Chelsea Fuller , a spokesperson for M4BL , told The Root there was no update on the state of the packages and by what agency they were seized as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with an attorney to locate the masks .
Fuller said the seizure of the packages show a “ gross disregard for black life ” on the part of law enforcement and government officials , adding that those institutions are “ aiding and abetting in the spread of the virus , which is disproportionately affecting black and brown people and folks living in poverty.
” Many protesters have taken a calculated risk to demonstrate during a pandemic , wearing face masks , bringing hand sanitizer , and taking other precautions to help mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks COVID and aggressive police tactics—including pepper bullets , tear gas , and beatings—pose to protesters ’ health , millions have turned out to Black Lives Matter protests in every state in the country , collectively deciding that “ police brutality and state violence are just as dangerous a pandemic as COVID-19 , ” says Fuller .
“ People have had enough .
We ’ re not even that far into 2020 and the police have already shot nearly 400 people , ” Fuller said ( the latest numbers from The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project , which tracks police killings , actually has that number surpassing 450 as of Friday morning ) .
She compared the government ’ s seizure of the face masks to efforts by the federal government to stymie black liberation and c ivil r ights movements of the ’ 60s and ’ 70s .
Attorney General William Barr has not shown support for the anti-police brutality protests , personally making the call to forcefully clear protesters near the White House on Monday so Donald Trump could stage a photo op at a nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government would confiscate cloth masks that were really an offering of love to keep people safe really speaks to the hate and the complete disregard and devaluing of black life that this administration has , ” says Fuller .
She ’ s been heartened by all the people who have reached out offering to help find the confiscated masks , and by the diverse scores of people who have united to protest throughout the last two weeks .
M4BL ’ s “ Week of Action ” continues today with a virtual , nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cap off the week .
“ The majority of our folks truly believe that a world without police brutality is possible , ” she said .
“ We believe there is a world where all of us can stand in our full humanity , and be shown the dignity and respect that all people deserve .
”

Boxes containing more than 2,000 Black Lives Matter cloth face masks intended to protect protesters were seized by law enforcement agents in California, says the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL).
The masks, which had the messages “Stop Killing Black People” and “Defund Police” printed on them, were sent on Thursday to help protect protesters from spreading and contracting COVID-19, which has hit black communities disproportionately hard across the U.S. The masks were intended for demonstrations to cap off the M4BL “Week of Action.”
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But as the Huffington Post reports, the masks never made it to M4BL chapters in D.C., St. Louis, New York City and Minneapolis. In fact, they never left the state of California. Tracking numbers from the U.S. Postal Service show that the packages were “Seized by Law Enforcement.” Further instructions were given to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for more information.
Chelsea Fuller, a spokesperson for M4BL, told The Root there was no update on the state of the packages and by what agency they were seized as of Friday morning, though M4BL has been working with an attorney to locate the masks.
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Fuller said the seizure of the packages show a “gross disregard for black life” on the part of law enforcement and government officials, adding that those institutions are “aiding and abetting in the spread of the virus, which is disproportionately affecting black and brown people and folks living in poverty.”
Many protesters have taken a calculated risk to demonstrate during a pandemic, wearing face masks, bringing hand sanitizer, and taking other precautions to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Despite the risks COVID and aggressive police tactics—including pepper bullets, tear gas, and beatings—pose to protesters’ health, millions have turned out to Black Lives Matter protests in every state in the country, collectively deciding that “police brutality and state violence are just as dangerous a pandemic as COVID-19,” says Fuller.
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“People have had enough. We’re not even that far into 2020 and the police have already shot nearly 400 people,” Fuller said (the latest numbers from The Washington Post’s “Fatal Force” project, which tracks police killings, actually has that number surpassing 450 as of Friday morning).
She compared the government’s seizure of the face masks to efforts by the federal government to stymie black liberation and c ivil r ights movements of the ’60s and ’70s. Attorney General William Barr has not shown support for the anti-police brutality protests, personally making the call to forcefully clear protesters near the White House on Monday so Donald Trump could stage a photo op at a nearby church.
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“The fact that the government would confiscate cloth masks that were really an offering of love to keep people safe really speaks to the hate and the complete disregard and devaluing of black life that this administration has,” says Fuller.
She’s been heartened by all the people who have reached out offering to help find the confiscated masks, and by the diverse scores of people who have united to protest throughout the last two weeks. M4BL’s “Week of Action” continues today with a virtual, nationwide rally at 2 p.m. ET to cap off the week.
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“The majority of our folks truly believe that a world without police brutality is possible,” she said. “We believe there is a world where all of us can stand in our full humanity, and be shown the dignity and respect that all people deserve.”


theroot--2020-06-05--Viral Sensations Young T & Bugsey Don't Plan on Rushing Their Journey to the Top

If you ’ re a fan of trying to keep up with what ’ s hot on social media right now , odds are you know about TikTok .
The video- creation app has been all the rage for the past few months , and during quarantine , dance and comedy videos have been keeping many people busy and entertained .
One of the most popular TikTok challenges is the # DontRushChallenge , which has given people a reason to look good while cooped up in the house .
With the simple shake of a makeup brush or swipe of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magic ) , those participating in the video appear to go from drab to fab instantaneously .
After they ’ ve glowed up , those in the video “ toss ” their beauty tools to a friend , who also puts in that work to look and feel their best for the camera , creating a chain of fun and ferocity .
The challenge is set to the Afrobeat-inspired rap song of the same name , performed by UK rap sensations Young T and Bugsey .
The 23-year-old Not tingham , England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 15 , are signed to Blac k Butter Records across the pond and are being pushed by Epic Records .
With cosigns from grime music sensation Stormzy and music outlets touting them as the UK ’ s “ next biggest hip-hop act , ” the viral challenge was just another notch in the duo ’ s belt on their way to the top .
“ We ’ re not competing against anybody , we ’ re competing against ourselves , literally outdoing our last song , ” Young T ( born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the phone .
“ As long as our songs are great and our songs are banging , that ’ s all we ’ ve got to keep on doing… [ Expectations ] don ’ t add any more pressure or give us any more nerves.
” When it comes to collaboration , Bugsey ( born Doyin Julius ) explains that the balance of the rappers ’ personalities and creative approaches allows for a seamless partnership .
“ When two people are very much alike , they either get along amazingly , or they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But T and I get along well , and our differences make the bond even stronger , ” he explains .
“ I think we both play an equal role when we make music ; we don ’ t have a set structure—there ’ s sessions where I ’ m driving the focus on the hook , and some days it ’ s T ... Plus , T can produce , so it ’ s like an extra element when we ’ re making something .
He can hear stuff in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be missing or that need to be adjusted.
” “ Don ’ t Rush ” features the artist Headie One , and can be found on Young T and Bugsey ’ s debut album Plead The Fifth , which dropped in March .
The song , produced by GRADES ( who is responsible for tracks like “ Inhale Exhale ” and “ Bad Blood ” by Nao to name a few ) , implements Afrobeat stylings and subtle instrumentals that make a big impact .
Throughout the track , the rappers speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nigeria , which adds another layer of personalization to the catchy tune .
T is Jamaican and Bugsey is Nigerian , so they aim to add their heritages into their work .
The twosome recalls that the recording session initially felt like “ just another day , ” but they could tell something was different about this particular song when the pieces started coming together .
“ GRADES already had a skeleton of the beat already , ” Bugsey says of the recording session , which took place in mid-2019 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew ‘ All right cool , this one ’ s ours ... ’ Once we finished the session , we knew we definitely made a good song here .
‘ School Trip ’ [ from Plead The Fifth ] was produced [ by GRADES ] in the same session , so that was very productive.
” The # DontRushChallenge was started on Twitter by 20-year-old Toluwalase Asolo , a student from the University of Hull in England , who sent out the video and tagged the musicians .
The original clip has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big names such as Christina Milian , Skai Jackson , Marsai Martin , beauty influencer Jackie Aina and more have participated in the challenge with their friends .
Our community is not the only one getting in on the fun : Native American girls in powwow regalia , drag queens and cosplayers of all races have made their own versions of the video , showing just how far-reaching the challenge has become .
“ It ’ s nice to see that we ’ ve given people sort of something for them to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world issues ] , ” Bugsey says .
“ We ’ ve seen doctors and nurses and all key workers doing the challenge as well .
I know that no one is coming out [ of ] the house , no one is getting ready [ to go out ] , but we still gave people something for them to feel special.
” The song itself is also doing numbers .
According to a report from Rolling Stone , in March when the challenge took off , “ Don ’ t Rush ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] in one week and then over a million a week later , ” per the analytics company Alpha Data .
This is compared to 40,000 to 50,000 U.S. streams of the song in January and February .
The song itself peaked at No .
3 on Billboard ’ s Rap Digital Song Sales chart , No .
20 on the Official U.K. Singles chart and at No .
84 on the Billboard Hot 100 .
Young T and Bugsey ’ s Plead The Fifth implements Afrobeats and Afroswing sounds , and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hip-hop with melodies as well as trap-heavy beats .
The song “ Dreadlocks ” from the project features an experimental pop/trap sound , while “ Strike a Pose ” utilizes a more African sound .
Young T explains that the UK rap scene features an assortment of sounds from trap to grime to Afrobeats , and their music stands out because of how naturally the rhythms and energy flow from them due to their heritages .
“ The majority of people that make the music in [ the UK ] , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Africa and [ Caribbean countries ] first , ” he says .
“ It ’ s a natural instinct for us to do that type of music , and I feel that we actually make the type of music which has evolved in the game .
We fit in [ with the current scene ] but still , we ’ re being ourselves.
” Mainstream musical acts such as Drake , Ed Sheeran , Justin Bieber and more have implemented the sounds of the Caribbean and Africa in their tracks such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of You ” and “ I Don ’ t Care.
” Bugsey says that while it ’ s wonderful to hear the influence of black music and black people among today ’ s most popular artists , it ’ s even more important to highlight the artists who hail from these countries , as well as the history , “ sounds , amenities and patterns ” coming from these areas .
We ’ re started to see more of these celebrations , with Billboard Magazine ’ s celebration of music and artists from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man and Bounty Killer Verzuz battle weeks ago .
“ We now finally get artists that are highlighting the origin of the music , and all these sounds and all these dances are popping off and [ are going ] all around the world , I think that ’ s definitely a good thing , ” he says .
“ I ’ m proud to say that we are the artists who are doing that as well .
It ’ s our music , and it ’ s our heritage , and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you got ta embrace it and just let the flavor and your sauce out , it ’ s part of you.
” “ I think there ’ s gon na be way more artists in the picture who implement where they ’ re from , ” he continues .
“ It might not just be Africa , it could be more Latin countries , it could be somewhere else in the UK ... there ’ s so many heritages that actually do amazing music , that you can hear in popular music , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ in what ’ s in the Top 10 .
As newer artists emerge , you ’ re going to see more and more of them being pushed and being highlighted in the actual grand scale of [ music ] , and sent to the masses.
” Where do Young T and Bugsey go from here ?
They ’ re planning on touring when the dust from COVID-19 settles and the music industry is back on some sort of mend , as their initial tour around the U.S. and UK was postponed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more tracks from their album in order to keep the momentum going .
At this point , however , they ’ re just trusting the process , and are thankful for the blessings that have come their way with the # DontRushChallenge .
“ I can start music today and be gone for five years , and somebody starts music tomorrow and they blow and they have a quick start .
But that ’ s their journey , and my journey is different , ” Young T explains .
“ I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I ’ m going to get to my place .
Always believe in yourself and believe in that ‘ thing ’ you do .
”

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

If you’re a fan of trying to keep up with what’s hot on social media right now, odds are you know about TikTok. The video- creation app has been all the rage for the past few months, and during quarantine, dance and comedy videos have been keeping many people busy and entertained.
One of the most popular TikTok challenges is the #DontRushChallenge, which has given people a reason to look good while cooped up in the house. With the simple shake of a makeup brush or swipe of a hair comb (and some editing magic), those participating in the video appear to go from drab to fab instantaneously. After they’ve glowed up, those in the video “toss” their beauty tools to a friend, who also puts in that work to look and feel their best for the camera, creating a chain of fun and ferocity. The challenge is set to the Afrobeat-inspired rap song of the same name, performed by UK rap sensations Young T and Bugsey.
Advertisement
The 23-year-old Not tingham, England, natives , who linked up around the age of 15, are signed to Blac k Butter Records across the pond and are being pushed by Epic Records. With cosigns from grime music sensation Stormzy and music outlets touting them as the UK’s “next biggest hip-hop act,” the viral challenge was just another notch in the duo’s belt on their way to the top.
“We’re not competing against anybody, we’re competing against ourselves, literally outdoing our last song,” Young T (born Rashard Tucker) tells The Root over the phone. “As long as our songs are great and our songs are banging, that’s all we’ve got to keep on doing…[Expectations] don’t add any more pressure or give us any more nerves.”
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When it comes to collaboration, Bugsey (born Doyin Julius) explains that the balance of the rappers’ personalities and creative approaches allows for a seamless partnership.
“When two people are very much alike, they either get along amazingly, or they don’t get along at all. But T and I get along well, and our differences make the bond even stronger,” he explains. “I think we both play an equal role when we make music; we don’t have a set structure—there’s sessions where I’m driving the focus on the hook, and some days it’s T...Plus, T can produce, so it’s like an extra element when we’re making something. He can hear stuff in the beat, he can hear stuff I might be missing or that need to be adjusted.”
Advertisement
“Don’t Rush” features the artist Headie One, and can be found on Young T and Bugsey’s debut album Plead The Fifth, which dropped in March. The song, produced by GRADES (who is responsible for tracks like “Inhale Exhale” and “Bad Blood” by Nao to name a few), implements Afrobeat stylings and subtle instrumentals that make a big impact. Throughout the track, the rappers speak in Pidgin, an English-based language spoken in Nigeria, which adds another layer of personalization to the catchy tune. T is Jamaican and Bugsey is Nigerian, so they aim to add their heritages into their work.
Advertisement
The twosome recalls that the recording session initially felt like “just another day,” but they could tell something was different about this particular song when the pieces started coming together.
“GRADES already had a skeleton of the beat already,” Bugsey says of the recording session, which took place in mid-2019. “When he played it, we just knew ‘All right cool, this one’s ours...’ Once we finished the session, we knew we definitely made a good song here. ‘School Trip’ [from Plead The Fifth] was produced [by GRADES] in the same session, so that was very productive.”
Advertisement
The #DontRushChallenge was started on Twitter by 20-year-old Toluwalase Asolo, a student from the University of Hull in England, who sent out the video and tagged the musicians. The original clip has been viewed over 2 million times, and big names such as Christina Milian, Skai Jackson, Marsai Martin, beauty influencer Jackie Aina and more have participated in the challenge with their friends. Our community is not the only one getting in on the fun: Native American girls in powwow regalia, drag queens and cosplayers of all races have made their own versions of the video, showing just how far-reaching the challenge has become.
Advertisement
“It’s nice to see that we’ve given people sort of something for them to take their mind off [of the current world issues],” Bugsey says. “We’ve seen doctors and nurses and all key workers doing the challenge as well. I know that no one is coming out [of] the house, no one is getting ready [to go out], but we still gave people something for them to feel special.”
Advertisement
The song itself is also doing numbers. According to a report from Rolling Stone, in March when the challenge took off, “Don’t Rush” logged in “over 300,000 [streams] in one week and then over a million a week later,” per the analytics company Alpha Data. This is compared to 40,000 to 50,000 U.S. streams of the song in January and February. The song itself peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Rap Digital Song Sales chart, No. 20 on the Official U.K. Singles chart and at No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Young T and Bugsey’s Plead The Fifth implements Afrobeats and Afroswing sounds, and also peppers in elements of R&B and hip-hop with melodies as well as trap-heavy beats. The song “Dreadlocks” from the project features an experimental pop/trap sound, while “Strike a Pose” utilizes a more African sound. Young T explains that the UK rap scene features an assortment of sounds from trap to grime to Afrobeats, and their music stands out because of how naturally the rhythms and energy flow from them due to their heritages.
Advertisement
“The majority of people that make the music in [the UK], it’s still first-, second-generation people from Africa and [Caribbean countries] first,” he says. “It’s a natural instinct for us to do that type of music, and I feel that we actually make the type of music which has evolved in the game. We fit in [with the current scene] but still, we’re being ourselves.”
Mainstream musical acts such as Drake, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and more have implemented the sounds of the Caribbean and Africa in their tracks such as “One Dance,” “Shape Of You” and “I Don’t Care.” Bugsey says that while it’s wonderful to hear the influence of black music and black people among today’s most popular artists, it’s even more important to highlight the artists who hail from these countries, as well as the history, “sounds, amenities and patterns” coming from these areas. We’re started to see more of these celebrations, with Billboard Magazine’s celebration of music and artists from Africa, as well as the Beenie Man and Bounty Killer Verzuz battle weeks ago.
Advertisement
“We now finally get artists that are highlighting the origin of the music, and all these sounds and all these dances are popping off and [are going] all around the world, I think that’s definitely a good thing,” he says. “I’m proud to say that we are the artists who are doing that as well. It’s our music, and it’s our heritage, and you can’t hide from it, you gotta embrace it and just let the flavor and your sauce out, it’s part of you.”
“I think there’s gonna be way more artists in the picture who implement where they’re from,” he continues. “It might not just be Africa, it could be more Latin countries, it could be somewhere else in the UK...there’s so many heritages that actually do amazing music, that you can hear in popular music, in what’s ‘selling,’ in what’s in the Top 10. As newer artists emerge, you’re going to see more and more of them being pushed and being highlighted in the actual grand scale of [music], and sent to the masses.”
Advertisement
Where do Young T and Bugsey go from here? They’re planning on touring when the dust from COVID-19 settles and the music industry is back on some sort of mend, as their initial tour around the U.S. and UK was postponed. They’re also planning on pushing more tracks from their album in order to keep the momentum going. At this point, however, they’re just trusting the process, and are thankful for the blessings that have come their way with the #DontRushChallenge.
“I can start music today and be gone for five years, and somebody starts music tomorrow and they blow and they have a quick start. But that’s their journey, and my journey is different,” Young T explains. “I have to trust the process and have some belief that I’m going to get to my place. Always believe in yourself and believe in that ‘thing’ you do.”


theroot--2020-06-05--Sephora's Insider Rewards Are More Rewarding This June—You Can Use Them to Support Black LGBTQ+

If you consider yourself a regular at Sephora , no doubt you ’ ve signed up for and accumulated points and rewards through their Beauty Insider Program—maybe you ’ re even enough of a product junkie to be a VIB or Rouge member and participate in their active online community .
But for the month of June—also known as Pride Month—the retailer has a more rewarding way to use those points than trading them in for trial-sized luxury products and makeup accessories .
Instead , you can really make them count by donating them in support of black LGBTQ+ lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBJC ) .
Sephora ’ s latest Charity Rewards initiative encourages shoppers to use their rewards points as a fuel for change in America .
Accordingly , the retailer has pledged to donate dollars for points—500 points equals a $ 10 donation , 1,000 points equals a $ 20 donation , and 1,500 points equals a $ 30 donation—directly to the NBJC and their efforts to empower and support the marginalized Black lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender , and queer communities .
If you ’ ve got 500 points or more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service of our LGBTQ+ community , it ’ s as simple as signing in to your Sephora account ; under the profile tab , scroll down to “ Shop Rewards Bazaar ” and scroll again to look for ‘ Charity Reward - National Black Justice Coalition ” in each rewards tier , and choose the level you ’ d like to donate .
From there , you can simply check out , as usual , knowing you ’ ve put a little more beauty—and equality—into the world .
And since Sephora also carries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pat McGrath Labs , Adwoa Beauty and Briogeo—and will hopefully join the # 15PercentPledge to get more black beauty brands on their shelves—if you ’ re not an Insider , June might be a great time to sign up and start earning those points .

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

If you consider yourself a regular at Sephora, no doubt you’ve signed up for and accumulated points and rewards through their Beauty Insider Program—maybe you’re even enough of a product junkie to be a VIB or Rouge member and participate in their active online community. But for the month of June—also known as Pride Month—the retailer has a more rewarding way to use those points than trading them in for trial-sized luxury products and makeup accessories. Instead, you can really make them count by donating them in support of black LGBTQ+ lives via the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC).
As Refinery29 reports:
Sephora’s latest Charity Rewards initiative encourages shoppers to use their rewards points as a fuel for change in America. Accordingly, the retailer has pledged to donate dollars for points—500 points equals a $10 donation, 1,000 points equals a $20 donation, and 1,500 points equals a $30 donation—directly to the NBJC and their efforts to empower and support the marginalized Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.
Advertisement
If you’ve got 500 points or more you’re willing to allocate in service of our LGBTQ+ community, it’s as simple as signing in to your Sephora account; under the profile tab, scroll down to “Shop Rewards Bazaar” and scroll again to look for ‘Charity Reward - National Black Justice Coalition” in each rewards tier, and choose the level you’d like to donate. From there, you can simply check out, as usual, knowing you’ve put a little more beauty—and equality—into the world. And since Sephora also carries black-owned luxury-level brands like Fenty Beauty, Pat McGrath Labs, Adwoa Beauty and Briogeo—and will hopefully join the #15PercentPledge to get more black beauty brands on their shelves—if you’re not an Insider, June might be a great time to sign up and start earning those points.


theroot--2020-06-05--Judge Rules That 3 Men Will Stand Trial for Murder in Ahmaud Arbery Case

On Thursday , after an investigator offered heartbreaking new details about the events that led up to the death of Ahmaud Arbery—including that one of the men was heard using a racial slur after Arbery was killed—a Georgia judge ruled that the three men charged in Arbery ’ s death would stand trial for murder .
A Glynn County judge ruling that Greg McMichael , Travis McMichael and William Bryan will all be tried for murder , according to the Washington Post .
Richard Dial , an investigator for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who testifying over the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the events leading up to Arbery ’ s death on Feb. 25 and the moments after it .
One of the more notable revelations was that Bryan told investigators Travis McMichael called Arbery a “ fucking nigger ” after Arbery was shot and laid dying on the street .
A search of McMichael ’ s social media history revealed multiple instances of him using the slur in both a private Instagram message and a post where he said he loved his Coast Guard job because there “ weren ’ t any n @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was Arbery who was acting in self-defense , not Travis McMichael , who shot Arbery three times .
“ I don ’ t believe it was self-defense by Mr. McMichael .
I believe it was self-defense by Mr. Arbery .
I believe Mr. Arbery was being pursued , and he ran until he couldn ’ t run anymore .
And it was : turn his back to a man with a shotgun , or fight with his bare hands against a man with a shotgun , and he chose to fight.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jog in the Satilla Shores neighborhood outside of Brunswick , Ga. , when Travis and Greg McMichael , believing that he was responsible for a string of break-ins in the neighborhood , armed themselves and chased after him .
When Bryan witnessed the men chasing Arbery in front of his home , Bryan got into his vehicle and joined them .
According to Dial ’ s testimony , the men engaged in a prolonged and elaborate chase of Arbery with Bryan striking Arbery with his truck at one point .
Arbery eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being shot three times and dying on the scene .
Controversy has surrounded the handling of the case .
Three prosecutors have recused themselves from the case with the first two due to conflicts of interest .
Video of Arbery ’ s death , recorded by Bryan , leaked onto the internet in early May and after national outrage , the GBI took on the case and arrested Travis and Greg McMichael , 74 days after the shooting occurred .
Bryan was arrested later in the same month .
Travis and Greg McMichael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault .
William Bryan faces charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment .
If convicted , all three men face life in prison .

On Thursday, after an investigator offered heartbreaking new details about the events that led up to the death of Ahmaud Arbery—including that one of the men was heard using a racial slur after Arbery was killed—a Georgia judge ruled that the three men charged in Arbery’s death would stand trial for murder.
A Glynn County judge ruling that Greg McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan will all be tried for murder, according to the Washington Post. Richard Dial, an investigator for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who testifying over the course of several hours, provided a detailed timeline of the events leading up to Arbery’s death on Feb. 25 and the moments after it.
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One of the more notable revelations was that Bryan told investigators Travis McMichael called Arbery a “fucking nigger” after Arbery was shot and laid dying on the street. A search of McMichael’s social media history revealed multiple instances of him using the slur in both a private Instagram message and a post where he said he loved his Coast Guard job because there “weren’t any n words anywhere.”
Dial also argued that it was Arbery who was acting in self-defense , not Travis McMichael, who shot Arbery three times.
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“I don’t believe it was self-defense by Mr. McMichael. I believe it was self-defense by Mr. Arbery. I believe Mr. Arbery was being pursued, and he ran until he couldn’t run anymore. And it was: turn his back to a man with a shotgun, or fight with his bare hands against a man with a shotgun, and he chose to fight.” Dial said.
Arbery was out for a jog in the Satilla Shores neighborhood outside of Brunswick, Ga., when Travis and Greg McMichael, believing that he was responsible for a string of break-ins in the neighborhood, armed themselves and chased after him. When Bryan witnessed the men chasing Arbery in front of his home, Bryan got into his vehicle and joined them. According to Dial’s testimony, the men engaged in a prolonged and elaborate chase of Arbery with Bryan striking Arbery with his truck at one point. Arbery eventually confronted Travis McMichael, resulting in him being shot three times and dying on the scene.
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Controversy has surrounded the handling of the case. Three prosecutors have recused themselves from the case with the first two due to conflicts of interest. Video of Arbery’s death, recorded by Bryan, leaked onto the internet in early May and after national outrage, the GBI took on the case and arrested Travis and Greg McMichael, 74 days after the shooting occurred. Bryan was arrested later in the same month.
Travis and Greg McMichael face charges of felony murder and aggravated assault. William Bryan faces charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. If convicted, all three men face life in prison.


theroot--2020-06-05--Where Do We Go From Here?: Oprah to Host Two-Night Conversation Special on Systemic Racism

When it feels like we ’ re trapped in an endless loop of police killings and the fights to dismantle the system that perpetuates it , we often can ’ t help but ask , “ Where do we go from here ?
” That very conversation will be the topic of OWN Spotlight : Where Do We Go From Here ?
, a two-night special hosted by Oprah Winfrey .
Here ’ s the pertinent info about the special via a press release sent to The Root : The special features Oprah Winfrey as she speaks directly with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and artists about systematic racism and the current state of America .
Discovery , Inc. is the # 1 pay TV portfolio in the U.S. , reaching 1 in 3 US TV households on an average night , and for the first time in its history , will simulcast a program across all of its 19 U.S. brands , including top networks OWN , Discovery , HGTV , ID , Food Network and TLC .
The in-depth conversations offer insight and tangible plans to answer the questions “ What matters now ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Where do we go from here ?
.
” Featured guests include politician Stacey Abrams , journalist Charles M. Blow ; Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ; Academy award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay ( “ When They See Us , ” “ 13th ” , “ Queen Sugar ” ) , professor and author Jennifer Eberhardt ( author of “ Biased ” ) ; journalist and Pulitzer prize-winning founder of the “ 1619 Project ” Nikole Hannah-Jones ; historian and author Ibram Kendi ( “ How to be an Anti-Racist ” ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ) , Color of Change founder Rashad Robinson ; and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP ) national board member Rev .
Dr. William J. Barber II .
“ I ’ ve been having private conversations with friends and thought leaders about what ’ s next and where we go from here , ” Oprah said in a statement .
“ I thought it would be both of interest and service to bring their ideas , concerns and comments into a national spotlight.
” “ As a network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , OWN is committed to providing our community with important dialogue and helpful resources in this challenging time as we mourn the murder of George Floyd and ask ourselves how can we come together to create meaningful change , ” Tina Perry , President , OWN said in a statement .
“ I am proud that our Discovery family has joined us to amplify this message in solidarity.
” Since we ’ re on the topic of systemic racism and DuVernay and Oyelowo ’ s involvement in the special , I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment beat if I didn ’ t mention an incident that occurred this week on Twitter .
On Thursday , Oyelowo recounted a previous encounter at the premiere of Selma where the cast and crew donned shirts that read , “ I Can ’ t Breathe ” since the event coincided with the NYPD killing of Eric Garner .
As we know , that has once again become an all-too-familiar phrase , as we ’ re now thrust in a revolution to fight for the honor of George Floyd , murdered under similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that the Selma crew were wearing the shirts caused a bit of a stir with Academy members , who called the film ’ s studio and its producers accusing them of “ stirring shit ” and threatened not to vote for the film in retaliation .
This threat materialized in reality as Selma may have gotten a nomination for Best Picture that year , but that very fact only further highlighted the other snubs in categories such as Best Director ( for DuVernay ) , Best Actor ( for Oyelowo ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s quite the head-scratcher that a film can get nominated in the leading category in the entire ceremony , but receive no other recognition in acting or technical categories .
How does that work ?
!
It clearly reeked of a consolation prize—which they didn ’ t even end up winning .
“ Ava & David , we hear you .
Unacceptable .
We ’ re committed to progress , ” The Academy tweeted from their official account in response .
“ Where do we go from here , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We Go From Here ?
will air on OWN ( as well as its YouTube , Facebook and Instagram platforms ) and across Discovery ’ s 18 other U.S .
Networks on June 9 and 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT .

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

When it feels like we’re trapped in an endless loop of police killings and the fights to dismantle the system that perpetuates it, we often can’t help but ask, “Where do we go from here?”
That very conversation will be the topic of OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here?, a two-night special hosted by Oprah Winfrey.
Advertisement
Here’s the pertinent info about the special via a press release sent to The Root:
The special features Oprah Winfrey as she speaks directly with a range of Black thought leaders, activists and artists about systematic racism and the current state of America. Discovery, Inc. is the #1 pay TV portfolio in the U.S., reaching 1 in 3 US TV households on an average night, and for the first time in its history, will simulcast a program across all of its 19 U.S. brands, including top networks OWN, Discovery, HGTV, ID, Food Network and TLC. The in-depth conversations offer insight and tangible plans to answer the questions “What matters now?” “What matters next?” and “Where do we go from here?.” Featured guests include politician Stacey Abrams, journalist Charles M. Blow; Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; Academy award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay (“When They See Us,” “13th”, “Queen Sugar”), professor and author Jennifer Eberhardt (author of “Biased”); journalist and Pulitzer prize-winning founder of the “1619 Project” Nikole Hannah-Jones; historian and author Ibram Kendi (“How to be an Anti-Racist”), award-winning actor David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Color of Change founder Rashad Robinson; and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) national board member Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II.
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“I’ve been having private conversations with friends and thought leaders about what’s next and where we go from here,” Oprah said in a statement. “I thought it would be both of interest and service to bring their ideas, concerns and comments into a national spotlight.”
“As a network dedicated to supporting and uplifting black lives, OWN is committed to providing our community with important dialogue and helpful resources in this challenging time as we mourn the murder of George Floyd and ask ourselves how can we come together to create meaningful change,” Tina Perry, President, OWN said in a statement. “I am proud that our Discovery family has joined us to amplify this message in solidarity.”
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Since we’re on the topic of systemic racism and DuVernay and Oyelowo’s involvement in the special, I’d be remiss in my role on the entertainment beat if I didn’t mention an incident that occurred this week on Twitter. On Thursday, Oyelowo recounted a previous encounter at the premiere of Selma where the cast and crew donned shirts that read, “I Can’t Breathe” since the event coincided with the NYPD killing of Eric Garner. As we know, that has once again become an all-too-familiar phrase, as we’re now thrust in a revolution to fight for the honor of George Floyd, murdered under similar circumstances. .
According to Oyelowo, the fact that the Selma crew were wearing the shirts caused a bit of a stir with Academy members, who called the film’s studio and its producers accusing them of “stirring shit” and threatened not to vote for the film in retaliation.
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This threat materialized in reality as Selma may have gotten a nomination for Best Picture that year, but that very fact only further highlighted the other snubs in categories such as Best Director (for DuVernay), Best Actor (for Oyelowo) or any of the other top categories. It’s quite the head-scratcher that a film can get nominated in the leading category in the entire ceremony, but receive no other recognition in acting or technical categories. How does that work?! It clearly reeked of a consolation prize—which they didn’t even end up winning.
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“Ava & David, we hear you. Unacceptable. We’re committed to progress,” The Academy tweeted from their official account in response.
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“Where do we go from here,” indeed.
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OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here? will air on OWN (as well as its YouTube, Facebook and Instagram platforms) and across Discovery’s 18 other U.S. Networks on June 9 and 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.


theroot--2020-06-06--Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand Commits $100 Million in Donations for Racial Justice

Former NBA star and forever basketball great Michael Jordan has pledged to donate $ 100 million over the next ten years to organizations working to ensure racial equality , social justice , and greater access to education .
The massive joint commitment from Jordan and his Jordan Brand was announced on Friday .
In a statement announcing the donation , Jordan Brand president Craig Williams said they “ embrace the responsibility ” to drive real impact for the Black community .
Jordan Brand is us , the Black Community .
Jordan Brand is more than one man .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proud family that has overcome obstacles , fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice .
The will , the work , the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another , pouring their dreams into the next .
It ’ s 2020 , and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life .
Yet as much as things have changed , the worst remains the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t a controversial statement .
Until the ingrained racism that allows our country ’ s institutions to fail is completely eradicated , we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people .
The Jordan Brand hasn ’ t yet named specific organizations that will receive the funds .
Earlier in the week , The Last Dance star released a personal statement on the killing of George Floyd and other acts of racism and injustice .
“ I am deeply saddened , truly pained and plain angry , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country .
We have had enough .
”

Former NBA star and forever basketball great Michael Jordan has pledged to donate $100 million over the next ten years to organizations working to ensure racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education. The massive joint commitment from Jordan and his Jordan Brand was announced on Friday.
In a statement announcing the donation, Jordan Brand president Craig Williams said they “embrace the responsibility” to drive real impact for the Black community.
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From the statement:
Jordan Brand is us, the Black Community. Jordan Brand is more than one man. It has always been a family. We represent a proud family that has overcome obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice. The will, the work, the excellence the world has come to know is the result of one generation after another, pouring their dreams into the next. It’s 2020, and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life. Yet as much as things have changed, the worst remains the same. Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.
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The Jordan Brand hasn’t yet named specific organizations that will receive the funds.
Earlier in the week, The Last Dance star released a personal statement on the killing of George Floyd and other acts of racism and injustice.
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“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan said. “I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”


theroot--2020-06-06--Knead Some of the Stress Away with Naipo's $40 Neck and Back Massager

My friend has something she refers to as a stress lump—you know , a muscle knot that bunches up when @ @ @ @ @ lump happens to be in my right shoulder blade , and it ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ .
With everything going on , a good massager can help with some relief , @ @ @ @ @ are pretty darn good .
The oCuddle massager is only $ 40 right now , @ @ @ @ @ and use code Z48CZ39E at checkout .
I have a different version of this massager @ @ @ @ @ you , it ’ s a god-send .
This particular version is fancier than mine @ @ @ @ @ a carrying case , and two heat settings .
If you have a stress lump @ @ @ @ @ yourself to grab this , even if it won ’ t make the stress go @ @

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

Naipo oCuddle Neck and Back Massager | $40 | Amazon
My friend has something she refers to as a stress lump—you know, a muscle knot that bunches up when stressed out. My stress lump happens to be in my right shoulder blade, and it’s been there for A WHILE now. With everything going on, a good massager can help with some relief, and Naipo’s massagers are pretty darn good. The oCuddle massager is only $40 right now, marked down from the list price of $60.
I have a different version of this massager, and let me tell you, it’s a godsend. This particular version is fancier than mine, with adjustable straps, a carrying case, and two heat settings. If you have a stress lump, you owe it to yourself to grab this, even if it won’t make the stress go away.
This deal was originally published by Elizabeth Henges on 06/12/2020 and updated by Andrew Hayward with new information on 01/06/2021.


theroot--2020-06-06--Jaime Harrison: How Do I Tell My Black Sons That This Could Be Them?

Minneapolis , Minn. ; Louisville , Ky. ; Brunswick , Ga .
These are the latest cities turned inside out because of the killing of innocent black men and women by members of law enforcement .
Rightly , the outrage and the pain have spread to every corner of the nation , including cities and communities here in South Carolina .
This pain is chronic , inescapable , unyielding and personal .
For as long as I have known myself , I have felt it .
Like most black folks I ’ ve learned to live with it .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground , gasping for air , calling out for the loving embrace of his deceased mother shook me to my very core and forced me to realize that I can no longer tolerate the pain .
I ’ m tired .
My community is tired .
We are fed up .
When I flip on the news , I don ’ t see chaos ; I see a community crying out in pain and seeking relief .
The tears of parents or siblings praying for their missing loved ones reminds me of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw in my grandmother ’ s eyes when she told me she had to huddle with family members as members of the Ku Klux Klan marched through her neighborhood with torches .
To this day , I still feel the pain watching videos about Emmett Till , a 14-year-old black boy brutally murdered for whistling at a white woman—who turned out to be a liar—and whose round face reminds me of my own .
I remember hearing the soul wrenching pain in the voice of Billie Holiday , the first time I listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a ballad about “ black bodies swinging in the southern breeze.
” Those are my memories and my pain , but what about my kids ?
My two beautiful black boys my wife and I are raising .
How do I explain to my beautiful black sons they could be treated differently because of the color of their skin ?
How do I tell them this prejudice could incite those who are sworn to protect and serve them to one day hurt or kill them ?
While some parents fear stealing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myths of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny , black parents like me have a dangerous undertaking .
It is my worst nightmare to know what could happen some day while my sons are walking home from the store , jogging in the neighborhood or being pulled over by the police .
In 1968 in my hometown of Orangeburg , S.C. , National Guard troops and South Carolina Highway Patrol shot and killed unarmed black college students and civil rights leaders protesting segregation at a bowling alley in my hometown of Orangeburg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Charleston was visited by a racist gunman who opened fire on our brothers and sisters , murdering nine parishioners and clergy , including my friend , state Sen. Clemente Pinckney .
That same year , an unarmed Walter Scott was shot in the back by a policeman in broad daylight , as he ran for his life in North Charleston .
These incidents are not new because black Americans have been beaten , mutilated and lynched for centuries in the South and across the nation .
So what is different in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enough is enough .
We are done with the racial profiling , bias and over-policing that have plagued our communities for decades .
We are tired of lawmakers responding to hate crimes with prayers but no meaningful works .
It is past time to toughen hate crime legislation , end private prisons and cash bail , and train law enforcement officials on implicit bias and ways to deescalate situations instead of immediately resorting to lethal violence .
The timeless words of the Declaration of Independence , “ we hold these truths to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created equal , ” has to become meaningful and more than just beautiful prose .
I will not stop fighting until everyone across our nation feels safe in their neighborhoods , their schools and their places of worship .
I am running for this U.S. Senate seat — once held by a segregationist Benjamin “ Pitchfork ” Tillman an d now a lackluster Lindsey Graham — because South Carolina deserves a leader who will do more than pay lip service to this crisis .
As James Baldwin once said , “ Not everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
” For the sake of my sons and for our children , who are our nation ’ s future , we must address these deep-rooted injustices and move forward as a state and nation .
Jaime Harrison is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina , running against Sen. Lindsey Graham .

Minneapolis, Minn.; Louisville, Ky.; Brunswick, Ga. These are the latest cities turned inside out because of the killing of innocent black men and women by members of law enforcement. Rightly, the outrage and the pain have spread to every corner of the nation, including cities and communities here in South Carolina.
This pain is chronic, inescapable, unyielding and personal. For as long as I have known myself, I have felt it. Like most black folks I’ve learned to live with it. But watching George Floyd being pinned to the ground, gasping for air, calling out for the loving embrace of his deceased mother shook me to my very core and forced me to realize that I can no longer tolerate the pain.
Advertisement
I’m tired. My community is tired. We are fed up.
When I flip on the news, I don’t see chaos; I see a community crying out in pain and seeking relief. The tears of parents or siblings praying for their missing loved ones reminds me of my childhood. I remember the hurt I saw in my grandmother’s eyes when she told me she had to huddle with family members as members of the Ku Klux Klan marched through her neighborhood with torches. To this day, I still feel the pain watching videos about Emmett Till, a 14-year-old black boy brutally murdered for whistling at a white woman—who turned out to be a liar—and whose round face reminds me of my own. I remember hearing the soul wrenching pain in the voice of Billie Holiday, the first time I listened to her song “Strange Fruit,” a ballad about “black bodies swinging in the southern breeze.”
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Those are my memories and my pain, but what about my kids? My two beautiful black boys my wife and I are raising. How do I explain to my beautiful black sons they could be treated differently because of the color of their skin? How do I tell them this prejudice could incite those who are sworn to protect and serve them to one day hurt or kill them? While some parents fear stealing the innocence of their kids by dispelling the myths of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, black parents like me have a dangerous undertaking. It is my worst nightmare to know what could happen some day while my sons are walking home from the store, jogging in the neighborhood or being pulled over by the police.
In 1968 in my hometown of Orangeburg, S.C., National Guard troops and South Carolina Highway Patrol shot and killed unarmed black college students and civil rights leaders protesting segregation at a bowling alley in my hometown of Orangeburg. In 2015, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston was visited by a racist gunman who opened fire on our brothers and sisters, murdering nine parishioners and clergy, including my friend, state Sen. Clemente Pinckney. That same year, an unarmed Walter Scott was shot in the back by a policeman in broad daylight, as he ran for his life in North Charleston.
These incidents are not new because black Americans have been beaten, mutilated and lynched for centuries in the South and across the nation.
Advertisement
So what is different in 2020? Simply, the cameras are on.
Enough is enough. We are done with the racial profiling, bias and over-policing that have plagued our communities for decades. We are tired of lawmakers responding to hate crimes with prayers but no meaningful works. It is past time to toughen hate crime legislation, end private prisons and cash bail, and train law enforcement officials on implicit bias and ways to deescalate situations instead of immediately resorting to lethal violence.
The timeless words of the Declaration of Independence, “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” has to become meaningful and more than just beautiful prose. I will not stop fighting until everyone across our nation feels safe in their neighborhoods, their schools and their places of worship.
I am running for this U.S. Senate seat — once held by a segregationist Benjamin “Pitchfork” Tillman an d now a lackluster Lindsey Graham — because South Carolina deserves a leader who will do more than pay lip service to this crisis.
As James Baldwin once said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” For the sake of my sons and for our children, who are our nation’s future, we must address these deep-rooted injustices and move forward as a state and nation.
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Jaime Harrison is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, running against Sen. Lindsey Graham.


theroot--2020-06-06--Breonna Taylor's Neighbor Sues Louisville Police Officers for Firing Into Their Home on Fatal Night

Breonna Taylor ’ s neighbor has filed a lawsuit against the officers from the Louisville Police Department who shot and killed the 26-year-old in her home in March , alleging that the cops also “ blindly fired ” in their apartment .
Chelsey Napper , who lived next to Taylor , says that the police sprayed gunfire into her apartment with a total disregard for the value of human life , according to a report from the Louisville Courier-Journal .
Napper ’ s lawsuit adds that she was pregnant at the time of the incident and had a child in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her household was almost shot by the police .
“ A bullet that was shot from the defendant police officers ’ gun flew inches past Cody Etherton ’ s head while he was in the hallway of Chelsey Napper ’ s apartment , ” it states .
The suit claims that gunshots struck objects in Napper ’ s living room , dining room , kitchen and hallway .
Her sliding glass door also was shattered , as seen in photos provided by Taylor ’ s family ’ s attorney , Sam Aguiar .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use “ sound reasonable judgment ” when firing “ blind shots into multiple homes.
” Napper has named three officers in her suit—Jonathan Mattingly , Brett Hankison , Myles Cosgrove—and is seeking damages and a jury trial .
Breonna Taylor ’ s family has also sued the three cops for wrongful death in the shooting of the young woman who would have turned 27 this weekend .
“ She always wanted to do anything that would help her be a better friend , a daughter , a girlfriend , ” Breonna Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with The Cut to mark her daughter ’ s birthday on Friday .
“ I was definitely in awe of her .
For her to die the way she did was a smack in the face .
It just feels like they took a piece of me.
” The three officers who fatally fired on Breonna Taylor in her home are on administrative duty pending an internal Louisville Metro Police Department investigation , according to Courier-Journal .
The March 13 incident is now under investigation by the FBI , but none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or charged .

Breonna Taylor’s neighbor has filed a lawsuit against the officers from the Louisville Police Department who shot and killed the 26-year-old in her home in March, alleging that the cops also “blindly fired” in their apartment.
Chelsey Napper, who lived next to Taylor, says that the police sprayed gunfire into her apartment with a total disregard for the value of human life, according to a report from the Louisville Courier-Journal.
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Napper’s lawsuit adds that she was pregnant at the time of the incident and had a child in the home, and that someone in her household was almost shot by the police.
From Courier-Journal:
“A bullet that was shot from the defendant police officers’ gun flew inches past Cody Etherton’s head while he was in the hallway of Chelsey Napper’s apartment,” it states. The suit claims that gunshots struck objects in Napper’s living room, dining room, kitchen and hallway. Her sliding glass door also was shattered, as seen in photos provided by Taylor’s family’s attorney, Sam Aguiar. It also accuses the officers of failing to use “sound reasonable judgment” when firing “blind shots into multiple homes.”
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Napper has named three officers in her suit—Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, Myles Cosgrove—and is seeking damages and a jury trial.
Breonna Taylor’s family has also sued the three cops for wrongful death in the shooting of the young woman who would have turned 27 this weekend.
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“She always wanted to do anything that would help her be a better friend, a daughter, a girlfriend,” Breonna Taylor’s mother Tamika Palmer said in an interview with The Cut to mark her daughter’s birthday on Friday. “I was definitely in awe of her. For her to die the way she did was a smack in the face. It just feels like they took a piece of me.”
The three officers who fatally fired on Breonna Taylor in her home are on administrative duty pending an internal Louisville Metro Police Department investigation, according to Courier-Journal.
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The March 13 incident is now under investigation by the FBI, but none of the officers involved have been arrested or charged.