theroot--2020-06-30--After Years of Handwringing, YouTube Finally Bans (Some) White Nationalists From Its Platform

The beauty of YouTube is that user- generated content drives its success .
Anyone can post some videos , cultivate a following and make a decent living .
The problem is anyone can post a video and for too long YouTube has allowed blatant white supremacy go unchecked on the platform .
That may be changing , though , as YouTube has begun to ban some of the most high profile creators who engage in this kind of content .
Variety reports that Stefan Molyneux , David Duke and Richard Spencer were among the six channels banned by the platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We have strict policies prohibiting hate speech on YouTube , and terminate any channel that repeatedly or egregiously violates those policies , ” YouTube said in a statement .
American Renaissance and its related podcasts were banned as well as Spencer ’ s channels related to the National Policy Institute/Radix Journal .
Messages on the channels that have been booted say , “ This account has been terminated due to multiple or severe violations of YouTube ’ s policy prohibiting hate speech.
” The moves come under YouTube ’ s updated hate-speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bans videos and channels “ alleging that a group is superior in order to justify discrimination , segregation or exclusion based on qualities like age , gender , race , caste , religion , sexual orientation or veteran status.
” It also explicitly prohibits videos espousing conspiracy theories denying that certain violent events took place , like the Holocaust .
According to YouTube , after the update “ to better address supremacist content ” the platform increased video removals fivefold and to date has “ terminated over 25,000 channels for violating our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan , had 85,000 subscribers to his channel .
Spencer had 24,000 subscribers between his two channels and American Renaissance had 152,500 subscribers between its two channels .
Molyneux , by far , was the most prominent YouTuber to be included in the ban .
Molyneux had 928,000 subscribers and over 300 million lifetime views .
The Southern Poverty Law Center has said that Molyneux ’ s content “ amplifies ‘ scientific racism , ’ eugenics and white supremacism to a massive new audience.
” Molyneux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who soft pedaled far-right ideologies and was instrumental in the rise of the alt-right movement throughout the 2016 election .
Molyneux , an Irish-born man who currently resides in Canada , tweeted his belief that the ban is related to the upcoming U.S election .
YouTube ’ s move comes during a week where multiple tech companies have taken steps to crack down on hate speech on their platforms .
Reddit has removed removed multiple subreddits , including the pro-Trump community “ r/the_Donald , ” for violating the companies hate speech polices and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account for a similar violation .

The beauty of YouTube is that user- generated content drives its success. Anyone can post some videos, cultivate a following and make a decent living. The problem is anyone can post a video and for too long YouTube has allowed blatant white supremacy go unchecked on the platform. That may be changing, though, as YouTube has begun to ban some of the most high profile creators who engage in this kind of content.
Variety reports that Stefan Molyneux, David Duke and Richard Spencer were among the six channels banned by the platform for violating its hate speech policy.
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“We have strict policies prohibiting hate speech on YouTube, and terminate any channel that repeatedly or egregiously violates those policies,” YouTube said in a statement.
American Renaissance and its related podcasts were banned as well as Spencer’s channels related to the National Policy Institute/Radix Journal.
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From Variety:
Messages on the channels that have been booted say, “This account has been terminated due to multiple or severe violations of YouTube’s policy prohibiting hate speech.” The moves come under YouTube’s updated hate-speech policy, adopted a year ago, that bans videos and channels “alleging that a group is superior in order to justify discrimination, segregation or exclusion based on qualities like age, gender, race, caste, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status.” It also explicitly prohibits videos espousing conspiracy theories denying that certain violent events took place, like the Holocaust. According to YouTube, after the update “to better address supremacist content” the platform increased video removals fivefold and to date has “terminated over 25,000 channels for violating our hate speech policies.”
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David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, had 85,000 subscribers to his channel. Spencer had 24,000 subscribers between his two channels and American Renaissance had 152,500 subscribers between its two channels. Molyneux, by far, was the most prominent YouTuber to be included in the ban. Molyneux had 928,000 subscribers and over 300 million lifetime views.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has said that Molyneux’s content “amplifies ‘scientific racism,’ eugenics and white supremacism to a massive new audience.” Molyneux was one of the more prominent creators who soft pedaled far-right ideologies and was instrumental in the rise of the alt-right movement throughout the 2016 election. Molyneux, an Irish-born man who currently resides in Canada, tweeted his belief that the ban is related to the upcoming U.S election.
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YouTube’s move comes during a week where multiple tech companies have taken steps to crack down on hate speech on their platforms. Reddit has removed removed multiple subreddits, including the pro-Trump community “r/the_Donald,” for violating the companies hate speech polices and Twitch temporarily suspended president Trump’s account for a similar violation.


theroot--2020-06-30--Mr. America: Billy Porter Covers Essence's July-August Issue [Corrected]

It ’ s unfortunate that in the midst of celebrating its 50th anniversary , Essence has also been implicated in a rising controversy as past and current Black female staffers have anonymously launched a campaign to # TakeBackEssence .
But as we also commemorate 50 years of Pride and the closing of Pride Month , we can simultaneously celebrate another milestone made by the legacy imprint .
Dressed in a custom , African-American flag-inspired gown by stylist and designer Jason Rembert , entertainer , activist and fashion icon Billy Porter graces the magazine ’ s July-August issue , flanked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my DNA.
” Like Essence itself , Porter is 50 , and rightly called a national treasure in the cover story , penned by award-winning journalist and podcaster Tre ’ vell Anderson , who believed this to be a major first in the magazine ’ s history ( this would prove incorrect , as former Empire star Jussie Smollett preceded Porter in June 2015 ) .
In the story , Porter speaks passionately of the current moment , saying : White people are so afraid that we want vengeance that they can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want vengeance .
We want our rights .
We want equality .
We want to be treated like human beings .
We want to know that we can walk out of our houses and not be under threat of death every single day simply because of the color of our skin .
Of course , a variation on the same sentiments holds equally true for our LGBTQ+ brethren , and as one who sits at the intersection of those identities , Porter is the perfect person to remind us of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intersection of a racial uprising with the 50th celebration of Pride presents a prime opportunity to remind ourselves that any movement for Black lives must include all of them .
“ ‘ It took years of me vomiting up the filth that I was told about myself , and halfway believed , before I could walk around on this earth like I deserve to be here , ’ ” Porter tells Anderson in a truly compelling and emotional conversation .
“ But the filth was not only coming from White people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m so moved by the olive branch that this is saying to the world and to our community collectively , ” he later adds , in reference to the cover , “ that LGBTQ+ Black people are Black people first and we need to be supported and honored too .
Stop killing us like everybody else is.
” The significance of this pivotal moment in both America and Essence ’ s history certainly wasn ’ t lost on Rembert—also the founder and designer of label Aliette NY—who shared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evocative gown in an Instagram post : When I got called for this cover by [ Essence Chief Content and Creative Officer ] Moana Luu I was mixed with emotions .
It was three days after the death of George Floyd and still heavily in the thick of this pandemic .
I started requesting clothing and got great confirmations .
Saturday before the shoot came and that morning I called Moana .
I explained to her that I don ’ t feel comfortable giving credits to brands that are not publicly supporting black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it will be cool to have a black designer make a custom dress depicting the African American flag .
With the shoot in two days , I reached out to two of my favorite black designers , who werent able to make the dress on such short notice .
I reached back out to Moana with the news .
She said “ Jason , can I ask you a question ?
” I said yes of course..she said “ why not you ?
” For my entire career as a designer I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of my clients or projects..not because I didn ’ t feel like it wasn ’ t good enough..but because I understand my privilege of access..and my first instinct is to always give another designer the option first..especially someone who has less opportunity .
I am grateful for the support and belief from Moana for this one !
THANK YOU !
!
Of course , the opportunity to see Porter yet rock another gown is always a treat , and the Emmy , Tony and Grammy winner and gender-defying dresser discussed how eschewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major breakthrough , personally and professionally .
“ [ B ] y taking myself out of the masculinity game , that literally turned my life around , and all of those layers were building blocks to the authentic human being you see in front of you who gives zero f–ks , ” Porter proclaimed .
“ When I actually leaned into my truth , this is what ultimately happened .
Did it take two-plus decades ?
Yes , but it ’ s happening and this is my ministry.
” We applaud both Porter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusion , even as the media company continues to refute allegations of mistreatment and misconduct .
In fact , as this post was being composed , the company doubled-down on its disavowal of the accusations , issuing an abbreviated version of its public statement on social media .
Like many who have grown up on the pioneering brand , the controversy has both been troubling and potentially revelatory as we collectively hope to create better environments in which Black talents can thrive .
As Porter aptly noted , “ it ’ s those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community who can change the conversation.
” Corrected : Wednesday , 7/1/20 at 11 a.m. , ET : An earlier version of this article stated that Porter was the first gay man to cover Essence , but thanks to one of our readers , we stand corrected .
Porter was actually preceded by Jussie Smollett , who starred on one of four Empire-themed covers for the June 2 015 issue , another of which he shared with onscreen brothers Bryshere Gray and Trai Byers .
We ’ ve updated the article and @ @ @ @ @ @

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

It’s unfortunate that in the midst of celebrating its 50th anniversary, Essence has also been implicated in a rising controversy as past and current Black female staffers have anonymously launched a campaign to #TakeBackEssence. But as we also commemorate 50 years of Pride and the closing of Pride Month, we can simultaneously celebrate another milestone made by the legacy imprint.
Advertisement
Dressed in a custom, African-American flag-inspired gown by stylist and designer Jason Rembert, entertainer, activist and fashion icon Billy Porter graces the magazine’s July-August issue, flanked by the quote: “Activism is in my DNA.”
Like Essence itself, Porter is 50, and rightly called a national treasure in the cover story, penned by award-winning journalist and podcaster Tre’vell Anderson, who believed this to be a major first in the magazine’s history (this would prove incorrect, as former Empire star Jussie Smollett preceded Porter in June 2015). In the story, Porter speaks passionately of the current moment, saying:
White people are so afraid that we want vengeance that they can’t acknowledge the truth. But we don’t want vengeance. We want our rights. We want equality. We want to be treated like human beings. We want to know that we can walk out of our houses and not be under threat of death every single day simply because of the color of our skin.
Advertisement Advertisement
Of course, a variation on the same sentiments holds equally true for our LGBTQ+ brethren, and as one who sits at the intersection of those identities, Porter is the perfect person to remind us of that fact. Also true is that the intersection of a racial uprising with the 50th celebration of Pride presents a prime opportunity to remind ourselves that any movement for Black lives must include all of them.
“‘It took years of me vomiting up the filth that I was told about myself, and halfway believed, before I could walk around on this earth like I deserve to be here,’” Porter tells Anderson in a truly compelling and emotional conversation. “But the filth was not only coming from White people. The filth was coming from my own.
Advertisement
“I’m so moved by the olive branch that this is saying to the world and to our community collectively,” he later adds, in reference to the cover, “that LGBTQ+ Black people are Black people first and we need to be supported and honored too. Stop killing us like everybody else is.”
Advertisement
The significance of this pivotal moment in both America and Essence’s history certainly wasn’t lost on Rembert—also the founder and designer of label Aliette NY—who shared the story behind Porter’s gorgeous and evocative gown in an Instagram post:
When I got called for this cover by [Essence Chief Content and Creative Officer] Moana Luu I was mixed with emotions. It was three days after the death of George Floyd and still heavily in the thick of this pandemic. I started requesting clothing and got great confirmations. Saturday before the shoot came and that morning I called Moana. I explained to her that I don’t feel comfortable giving credits to brands that are not publicly supporting black people. She agreed. I then said it will be cool to have a black designer make a custom dress depicting the African American flag. With the shoot in two days, I reached out to two of my favorite black designers, who werent able to make the dress on such short notice. I reached back out to Moana with the news. She said “Jason, can I ask you a question?” I said yes of course..she said “why not you?” For my entire career as a designer I never forced my designs or custom on any of my clients or projects..not because I didn’t feel like it wasn’t good enough..but because I understand my privilege of access..and my first instinct is to always give another designer the option first..especially someone who has less opportunity. I am grateful for the support and belief from Moana for this one! THANK YOU!!
Advertisement
Of course, the opportunity to see Porter yet rock another gown is always a treat, and the Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner and gender-defying dresser discussed how eschewing traditional masculinity paved the way for a major breakthrough, personally and professionally.
Advertisement
“[B]y taking myself out of the masculinity game, that literally turned my life around, and all of those layers were building blocks to the authentic human being you see in front of you who gives zero f–ks,” Porter proclaimed. “When I actually leaned into my truth, this is what ultimately happened. Did it take two-plus decades? Yes, but it’s happening and this is my ministry.”
We applaud both Porter’s tenacity and Essence’s inclusion, even as the media company continues to refute allegations of mistreatment and misconduct. In fact, as this post was being composed, the company doubled-down on its disavowal of the accusations, issuing an abbreviated version of its public statement on social media. Like many who have grown up on the pioneering brand, the controversy has both been troubling and potentially revelatory as we collectively hope to create better environments in which Black talents can thrive.
Advertisement
As Porter aptly noted, “it’s those of us in positions of power in our community who can change the conversation.”
Advertisement
Corrected: Wednesday, 7/1/20 at 11 a.m., ET: An earlier version of this article stated that Porter was the first gay man to cover Essence, but thanks to one of our readers, we stand corrected. Porter was actually preceded by Jussie Smollett, who starred on one of four Empire-themed covers for the June 2015 issue, another of which he shared with onscreen brothers Bryshere Gray and Trai Byers. We’ve updated the article and headline to reflect this correction.


theroot--2020-06-30--How Oluwatoyin ‘Toyin’ Salau’s Family Remembered Her

Last weekend , dozens of Oluwatoyin “ Toyin ” Salau ’ s family and friends gathered to lay the 19-year-old student and activist to rest .
They crowned her coffin with pink carnations and wore face masks as they leaned into each other ’ s arms , sharing memories of their beloved , pausing to wipe away tears .
If you read the Tallahassee Democrat ’ s account of her memorial , you will see part of Salau ’ s life absent in all the accounts of her death .
How she was described as faithful—carrying with her a Bible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon formed against me shall prosper for my righteousness is of the Lord.
” How she loved modeling and fashion , balancing cosmetology courses with classes at Tallahassee Community College .
We know she was an active organizer and activist—participating in Black Lives Matter protests in a town where the police force had shot and killed three men over the course of just two months .
She dreamed of channeling that passion into a criminal justice career , her loved ones said—one of her goals was to study law at Florida A & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens when a Black person dies a violent death—whether if it ’ s at the hands of white supremacist vigilantes or police , whether its gender or racial violence .
You become your death—the circumstances of it , the outrage of it , the inaction that follows it .
This has been especially true of Breonna Taylor , the 26-year-old EMT killed in her Louisville apartment by police in a botched—and now , illegal—no-knock warrant drug raid .
In the last few weeks , as millions around the country continue to call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black women face , activists and writers on social have warned against making the 26-year-old EMT a meme .
“ It ’ s been [ x ] number of days since Breonna Taylor was killed ” becoming an easy shorthand for a societal failures .
The same is also true of Salau .
It is hard to get past the brutal details of her last days on this earth : a sexual assault that led her to seek refuge with a man she did not know , who then assaulted and killed her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both specifically horrific and representative : for myself , and everyone we know , Toyin reminds us of someone we love .
She reminds us of someone who was failed .
She reminds us of someone who fought fiercely and deserves far , far better .
But in each of these stories , I remind myself that the person I am writing about belongs to a specific family , a specific neighborhood , a specific friend or loved one .
That their beauty is preserved in these details : the communities they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wounding them ; their particular gifts and vulnerabilities and hangups .
We know , from what her loved ones chose to share , that Toyin loved beauty , and that she loved justice .
So when I think of Toyin Salau , I try to think of the things that might have delighted her : the way a luminescent powder can make your cheekbones as sharp and bright as a blade ; how the right winged eyeliner could open up your whole face ; how she—once the youngest member of her church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready , while trying to soothe others , while trying to soothe herself .
To write about these Black Lives Matter protests , and to write about structural violence , is to write about death , because it ’ s so frequently the impetus of the former and the effect of the latter .
And it ’ s to write about death almost interchangeably—the names and hashtags piling on top of each other , a paragraph that functions as a mass grave .
It ’ s a numbing and demoralizing practice if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read about the lived experiences of these Black women and the specific ways their families , chosen and otherwise , have mourned them—the songs their loved ones sang for them , the flowers they arranged , the details they shared with a local reporter—I want to linger there .
To remember them as they were , to stay a bit longer with the places and people they touched , absent the trauma of their deaths .
It is sacred ground .

Last weekend, dozens of Oluwatoyin “Toyin” Salau’s family and friends gathered to lay the 19-year-old student and activist to rest. They crowned her coffin with pink carnations and wore face masks as they leaned into each other’s arms, sharing memories of their beloved, pausing to wipe away tears.
If you read the Tallahassee Democrat’s account of her memorial, you will see part of Salau’s life absent in all the accounts of her death. How she was described as faithful—carrying with her a Bible passage from Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper for my righteousness is of the Lord.” How she loved modeling and fashion, balancing cosmetology courses with classes at Tallahassee Community College.
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We know she was an active organizer and activist—participating in Black Lives Matter protests in a town where the police force had shot and killed three men over the course of just two months. She dreamed of channeling that passion into a criminal justice career, her loved ones said—one of her goals was to study law at Florida A&M.
There is a flattening that happens when a Black person dies a violent death—whether it’s at the hands of white supremacist vigilantes or police, whether its gender or racial violence. You become your death—the circumstances of it, the outrage of it, the inaction that follows it. This has been especially true of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old EMT killed in her Louisville apartment by police in a botched—and now, illegal—no-knock warrant drug raid. In the last few weeks, as millions around the country continue to call for greater attention and accountability for the violence Black women face, activists and writers on social media have warned against making the 26-year-old EMT a meme. “It’s been [x number of] days since Breonna Taylor was killed” was becoming an easy shorthand for a societal failures.
Advertisement Advertisement
The same is also true of Salau. It is hard to get past the brutal details of her last days on this earth: a sexual assault that led her to seek refuge with a man she did not know, who then assaulted and killed her. The circumstances of her death are both specifically horrific and representative: for myself, and everyone we know, Toyin reminds us of someone we love. She reminds us of someone who was failed. She reminds us of someone who fought fiercely and deserves far, far better.
But in each of these stories, I remind myself that the person I am writing about belongs to a specific family, a specific neighborhood, a specific friend or loved one. That their beauty is preserved in these details: the communities they were rooted in, equally capable of blessing and wounding them; their particular gifts and vulnerabilities and hangups. We know, from what her loved ones chose to share, that Toyin loved beauty, and that she loved justice. So when I think of Toyin Salau, I try to think of the things that might have delighted her: the way a luminescent powder can make your cheekbones as sharp and bright as a blade; how the right winged eyeliner could open up your whole face; how she—once the youngest member of her church choir—might have sung to herself while getting ready, while trying to soothe others, while trying to soothe herself.
Advertisement
To write about these Black Lives Matter protests, and to write about structural violence, is to write about death, because it’s so frequently the impetus of the former and the effect of the latter. And it’s to write about death almost interchangeably—the names and hashtags piling on top of each other, a paragraph that functions as a mass grave. It’s a numbing and demoralizing practice if you are not careful.
So when I read about the lived experiences of these Black women and the specific ways their families, chosen and otherwise, have mourned them—the songs their loved ones sang for them, the flowers they arranged, the details they shared with a local reporter—I want to linger there. To remember them as they were, to stay a bit longer with the places and people they touched, absent the trauma of their deaths. It is sacred ground.


theroot--2020-06-30--Felicia Pride, on the 'Vulnerability, Sensuality, Softness and Hardness' of the Women in Her Short F

Felicia Pride, on the 'Vulnerability, Sensuality, Softness and Hardness' of the Women in Her Short Film, Tender

TV and film writer ( and former contributor to The Root ) Felicia Pride has an array of stories bubbling inside of her .
Leading with a fascinating Hollywood journey that includes TV writing credits in Queen Sugar , a festival-accepted feature film and more exciting things to come , Pride embodies her surname .
Having found Pride through her creator collective and newsletter The Create Daily ( which strives to pay it forward to the creative community through jobs , fellowships , grant programs and more ) , I got to know Pride a bit more through social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on the phone with her to discuss her newest project for Pride Month .
It was like catching up with a homegirl .
Via her production company Felix & Annie , Inc. ( named after her parents ! )
, Pride ’ s short film Tender follows two Black women the day after a one night stand .
That ’ s it—that ’ s your hook .
Everything else ?
Well , you have to see it .
From the moment I saw the still featuring Kiana ( Farelle Walker ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warmest embrace , I felt every bit of tenderness emanating from the frame .
“ I remember running [ the title ] past my homegirl [ and ] running it past [ producer ] Regina [ Hoyles ] and [ was ] like ‘ This is it ’ , ” Pride told The Root .
“ [ I wanted ] to be able to show our vulnerability , our sensuality , our softness , but also our hardness [ and ] our defense mechanisms and how we actually do pull them down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is the keyword here , because , through Walker ’ s and Clarke ’ s portrayal , you not only notice the unique security between them but we , the audience , feel at ease watching them .
“ I would tell Farelle something in private that Trishauna would not know what I was telling and vice versa , ” the writer-director revealed .
“ It helps actors to be in the moment because you don ’ t know how the other actor is gon na play it .
So we really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , and wants and having those [ be ] consistent , but then sort of shifting the strategies that the actors would use in order to get what they wanted.
” While navigating a society that perpetuates an abrasive narrative around Black women ( though we certainly have plenty of reasons to be angry ) , we can ’ t ignore the fact that a film like Tender is a welcome reprieve , especially these days .
It is a special salve to witness two Black women with total agency loving up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each other in a world that suffocates us .
“ I just thought about my relationships with black women , and it is with black women that I feel like I can be my most vulnerable .
I really wanted to try to get and show that on screen , ” Pride noted .
Not only did I appreciate that I was witnessing two Black women in a tender space , but also the fact that we were able to sufficiently explore a nice variety of identities and experiences ( such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , etc . )
in under 15 minutes .
“ We have two characters who are in very different stages in their lives , ” Pride explained .
“ You have Farrelle Walker who plays Kiana , who is Gen X.
She ’ s older .
She ’ s settled .
And it looks like she ’ s kind of given up a little bit on her desires .
And when I say desires , I mean sexual , but also emotional work desires , career desires , life desires .
She ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] I feel like she ’ s lost her sexual mojo a little bit .
And there ’ s some shame around her body.
” “ And then you put her up against Lulu , who is queer , out , proud , very sexually confident , but not as confident in other areas of her life , ” Pride continued .
“ She ’ s still figuring things out .
So , the idea was to have these two women pour themselves into each other.
” Pride debuted the short film in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reception from the audience , who she says “ poured ” into her as well , in a sense .
After falling in love with Kiana and Lulu , some wondered if the story could possibly be expanded in a feature film .
“ I was really overwhelmed , gratefully , by how people , women , Black women , Black queer women have supported and embraced this film to the point where I was like , ‘ Oh , shit !
’ We need more representation , right ?
We know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me .
We need more stories and Tender is one of those voices—this is a slice of life .
This is my vision for this one particular story .
But , the fact that we need more stories I was like , ‘ Mannn ... maybe I should consider expanding .
People want more , ” Pride said .
In the spirit of true vulnerability , though , Pride got vulnerable with me for a second .
Like I said , she makes you feel like she ’ s your forever homegirl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fucking— ” Pride starts , as we both fill in the obvious blank with uproarious cackling .
Pride absolutely knows the trials and tribulations of getting a feature film developed , financed , produced and ultimately distributed .
The film she co-wrote with director Angel Kristi Williams , Really Love , was accepted into the 2020 SXSW Film Festival and was one of my most-anticipated premieres .
Then , Da ‘ Rona happened .
“ I have spent 10 years in my life trying to get a feature made , ” Pride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the fear ... stepping into directing a feature , which was the point of this , to get there .
Also , making sure that I ’ m doing right by these two characters [ and ] making sure that I ’ m doing right by the community that these characters represent.
” “ There was just something in my spirit that was like , ‘ You need to be doing this , ’ so , I am committed to try to make Tender into a feature , ” Pride confirmed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen , I don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen in terms of production for indie filmmaking , but at least I know that I want to have that commitment .
So I ’ m excited .
This is going to be a new challenge !
But , I feel bolstered by the need for more stories like this.
” The journey of feature filmmaking may be anything but tender , but my ongoing support for Pride will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what she does next ... and I hope you keep your eyes on her , too .
This interview has been edited and condensed .

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

TV and film writer (and former contributor to The Root) Felicia Pride has an array of stories bubbling inside of her. Leading with a fascinating Hollywood journey that includes TV writing credits in Queen Sugar, a festival-accepted feature film and more exciting things to come, Pride embodies her surname.
Advertisement
Having found Pride through her creator collective and newsletter The Create Daily (which strives to pay it forward to the creative community through jobs, fellowships, grant programs and more), I got to know Pride a bit more through social media and was therefore excited to finally sit down on the phone with her to discuss her newest project for Pride Month. It was like catching up with a homegirl.
Via her production company Felix & Annie, Inc. (named after her parents!), Pride’s short film Tender follows two Black women the day after a one night stand. That’s it—that’s your hook. Everything else? Well, you have to see it.
Advertisement Advertisement
From the moment I saw the still featuring Kiana (Farelle Walker) and Lulu (Trishauna Clarke) wrapped in the warmest embrace, I felt every bit of tenderness emanating from the frame.
Advertisement
“I remember running [the title] past my homegirl [and] running it past [producer] Regina [Hoyles] and [was] like ‘This is it’,” Pride told The Root. “[I wanted] to be able to show our vulnerability, our sensuality, our softness, but also our hardness [and] our defense mechanisms and how we actually do pull them down when we feel safe.”
“Safe” is the keyword here, because, through Walker’s and Clarke’s portrayal, you not only notice the unique security between them but we, the audience, feel at ease watching them.
Advertisement
“I would tell Farelle something in private that Trishauna would not know what I was telling and vice versa,” the writer-director revealed. “It helps actors to be in the moment because you don’t know how the other actor is gonna play it. So we really worked a lot with objectives, of course, and wants and having those [be] consistent, but then sort of shifting the strategies that the actors would use in order to get what they wanted.”
Advertisement
While navigating a society that perpetuates an abrasive narrative around Black women (though we certainly have plenty of reasons to be angry), we can’t ignore the fact that a film like Tender is a welcome reprieve, especially these days. It is a special salve to witness two Black women with total agency loving up on each other and providing adequate space for each other in a world that suffocates us.
“I just thought about my relationships with black women, and it is with black women that I feel like I can be my most vulnerable. I really wanted to try to get and show that on screen,” Pride noted.
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Not only did I appreciate that I was witnessing two Black women in a tender space, but also the fact that we were able to sufficiently explore a nice variety of identities and experiences (such as queer, Generation X, working class, etc.) in under 15 minutes.
“We have two characters who are in very different stages in their lives,” Pride explained. “You have Farrelle Walker who plays Kiana, who is Gen X. She’s older. She’s settled. And it looks like she’s kind of given up a little bit on her desires. And when I say desires, I mean sexual, but also emotional work desires, career desires, life desires. She’s just had this surgery [and] I feel like she’s lost her sexual mojo a little bit. And there’s some shame around her body.”
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“And then you put her up against Lulu, who is queer, out, proud, very sexually confident, but not as confident in other areas of her life,” Pride continued. “She’s still figuring things out. So, the idea was to have these two women pour themselves into each other.”
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Pride debuted the short film in spring and immediately received quite the warm reception from the audience, who she says “poured” into her as well, in a sense. After falling in love with Kiana and Lulu, some wondered if the story could possibly be expanded in a feature film.
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“I was really overwhelmed, gratefully, by how people, women, Black women, Black queer women have supported and embraced this film to the point where I was like, ‘Oh, shit!’ We need more representation, right? We know that. But, it was so reconfirming for me. We need more stories and Tender is one of those voices—this is a slice of life. This is my vision for this one particular story. But, the fact that we need more stories I was like, ‘Mannn...maybe I should consider expanding. People want more,” Pride said.
In the spirit of true vulnerability, though, Pride got vulnerable with me for a second. Like I said, she makes you feel like she’s your forever homegirl. “Getting a feature made is a fucking—” Pride starts, as we both fill in the obvious blank with uproarious cackling.
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Pride absolutely knows the trials and tribulations of getting a feature film developed, financed, produced and ultimately distributed. The film she co-wrote with director Angel Kristi Williams, Really Love, was accepted into the 2020 SXSW Film Festival and was one of my most-anticipated premieres. Then, Da ‘Rona happened.
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“I have spent 10 years in my life trying to get a feature made,” Pride exclaimed. “So, my thing is the fear...stepping into directing a feature, which was the point of this, to get there. Also, making sure that I’m doing right by these two characters [and] making sure that I’m doing right by the community that these characters represent.”
“There was just something in my spirit that was like, ‘You need to be doing this,’ so, I am committed to try to make Tender into a feature,” Pride confirmed. “Features are very hard to make. I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t know what’s going to happen in terms of production for indie filmmaking, but at least I know that I want to have that commitment. So I’m excited. This is going to be a new challenge! But, I feel bolstered by the need for more stories like this.”
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The journey of feature filmmaking may be anything but tender, but my ongoing support for Pride will be. I can’t wait to see what she does next...and I hope you keep your eyes on her, too.
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This interview has been edited and condensed.


theroot--2020-06-30--Take Off Your Mask, Terry Crews

Take Off Your Mask, Terry Crews

Before this pandemic , “ Caucasian Acoustic Cruising ” was one of my favorite pastimes .
I loved rifling through YouTube to find examples of white people playing guitar while earnestly singing acoustic versions from the most ratchet negro songbook available .
I watched this video of Chad Whitman ( Not his real name , but probably his real name ) singing Cardi B ’ s “ Bodak Yellow ” at least 38,309 times .
Oh , how it gave me joy !
But that was the old Mike .
Ever since COVID-19 crawled out of a pot in Mar-a-Lago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty sure that ’ s how it happened ) , my new favorite hobby is trolling the internet for videos of people of no color going apeshit about wearing masks .
Apparently , wypipo find the prospect of covering their noses and mouths with a piece of cloth so disturbing that it triggers a reaction psychologists describe as Unseasoned Mask Affective Disorder ( UMAD ) .
And , because I am nothing if not a giver , I decided to share a few of the worst cases of UMAD that can be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Crews was expected to compete for a silver medal in the 2020 Olympics ( no way he was gon na beat Candace Owens in the shucking events but I think he could ’ ve taken Jason Whitlock and Kanye West in the jiving competition ) , but since the Summer Games were canceled , Crews found time to tweet this on Tuesday .
This fits Crews ’ modus operandi .
Crews ’ Twitter account is a smorgasbord of fuckshit displaying his repeated attempts at cleaning the collective Caucasian Doc Martens using only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Everybody Hates White Supremacy ( Except Terry Crews ) , the Van Jones of Ben Carsons invalidated Gabrielle Union ’ s experiences on the set of America ’ s Got Talent by defending # TeamRacism .
He constantly pleads with the black community not to fall victim to their anger and promote something he calls “ Black Supremacy.
” Apparently Terry Crews wakes up every morning and thinks to himself : “ I must protect white people at all costs.
” If nothing else , you have to admire Crews ’ ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twisted stepandfetchitry to center whiteness in a black narrative .
Ok , you don ’ t have to .
While you might think Crews may be auditioning for the lead part in the Marvel Universe ’ s new superhero saga , Respectability Man ( with Diamond and Silk as the Wonder Twins ) , I understand what Crews is saying .
I ’ ve heard it before .
I think he is regurgitating a narrative that is actually a trending topic .
Terry Crews is trying to protect white people from a black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks , persecuting its unwilling captors was one of America ’ s favorite pastimes .
Think about it .
Birth of a Nation , the country ’ s first blockbuster film , was a movie praising the Ku Klux Klan for their patriotism and bravery .
We euphemize the bloodiest conflict in our short history as a “ Civil War.
” We still romanticize white supremacist Confederate traitors .
We herald brutal police officers as heroes .
But that was the old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the streets to protest injustice and police brutality , warning black people about unrestrained black anger has become America ’ s newest national pastime .
There is a widespread belief that black people are finally fed up with white people ’ s bullshit and all the negro anger is spilling out into the street and endangering white lives .
And it ’ s not just white people like Tucker Carlson , Donald Trump and Candace Owens who are warning people not to explode .
But white people have nothing to worry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in has nothing to do with anger or backlash .
Contrary to popular belief , Black people aren ’ t mad about anything .
We are totally calm .
That uncomfortable feeling that is causing white people to celebrate Juneteenth , remove racist icons from pancake boxes and apologize for every perceived act of discrimination is not because of our anger .
We just took off our masks .
Imagine how angry you ’ d be if you had to be muzzled like a dog for 400 years .
Imagine if you had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
Imagine living in a world where the men and women charged with protecting and serving you would blow your face off if they didn ’ t like the way you walked , talked or even reached .
Imagine sending your child to schools named after white supremacist traitors so your kid could learn how enslaving your ancestors was part of someone ’ s “ heritage.
” Imagine working in a place where white people dished out bite-sized morsels of racism and called it a “ microaggression.
” Imagine building a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from the stolen labor while your family toils in poverty .
Now imagine if , when you pointed out these irrefutable truths , they said you were playing the “ race card.
” Imagine having to do all this with a smile on your face lest you upset the people who perpetuate that historical harm .
Imagine if your grandmother was “ muzzled like a dog ” and her grandmother wore the same muzzle .
That ’ s what it ’ s always been like to be B lack in America .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and live in a country every day pretending there isn ’ t an invisible virus called white supremacy in the air that makes it hard for us to breathe .
Which is ( and I know this is going to sound crazy ) actual proof that Black people are not angry .
If Black people were angry about our condition , there would be no more white people .
There would be no more America .
This entire planet would cease to exist .
Earth ’ s atmosphere could not contain the white-hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their anger .
What makes you think we ’ re angry ?
Police murdered Black men long before Rayshard Brooks .
Trayvon Martin and Emmett Till are just two examples of white people lynching Black people for being in a white space at the wrong time , just like Ahmaud Arbery .
Police all across America were disproportionately taking a knee on Black people ’ s necks long before Derek Chauvin met George Floyd .
Cops were breaking into unsuspecting homes long before they served a no-knock warrant at Breonna Taylor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston .
That was a rhetorical statement .
Cops already killed them .
But rest assured , this is not anger .
We just simultaneously stopped devoting so much of our energy to making white people feel comfortable .
We just took ourselves off “ mute ” because we also want to know what it feels like to breathe free .
And if seeing Bl ack people unmasked gives you the heebie-jeebies , imagine how white supremacy must feel .
And now that our masks are off , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Perhaps this is the secret that Terry Crews feared getting out .
But fuck it , I ’ m gon na say it : In this particular context , on one side , there is a group of people who are incessantly whining about the prospect of wearing a mask for the 15 minutes they are picking up their free-range , gluten-free avocado kale wraps from Whole Foods .
On the other side ... You know what ?
I ’ ll let Paul Laurence Dunbar explain it : That poem , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first published 125 years ago .
And until this day , all white people—every single one of them—have never seen us without wearing the cloak of white appeasement .
See , white people ?
We hate masks , too .
But unlike these belligerent sufferers of UMAD , we ’ re not gon na whine about it .
Until things change , America will just have to get used to Black people not wearing those respectability masks .
Well ... Not all Black people .
Can somebody tell Terry Crews ?

The coronavirus changed me.
Before this pandemic, “Caucasian Acoustic Cruising” was one of my favorite pastimes. I loved rifling through YouTube to find examples of white people playing guitar while earnestly singing acoustic versions from the most ratchet negro songbook available. I watched this video of Chad Whitman (Not his real name, but probably his real name) singing Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” at least 38,309 times. Oh, how it gave me joy!
But that was the old Mike.
Ever since COVID-19 crawled out of a pot in Mar-a-Lago’s kitchen (I’m pretty sure that’s how it happened), my new favorite hobby is trolling the internet for videos of people of no color going apeshit about wearing masks. Apparently, wypipo find the prospect of covering their noses and mouths with a piece of cloth so disturbing that it triggers a reaction psychologists describe as Unseasoned Mask Affective Disorder (UMAD). And, because I am nothing if not a giver, I decided to share a few of the worst cases of UMAD that can be found on social media:
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
You’re welcome.
White people changed Terry Crews.
Before the pandemic, Crews was expected to compete for a silver medal in the 2020 Olympics (no way he was gonna beat Candace Owens in the shucking events but I think he could’ve taken Jason Whitlock and Kanye West in the jiving competition), but since the Summer Games were canceled, Crews found time to tweet this on Tuesday.
Advertisement
This fits Crews’ modus operandi. Crews’ Twitter account is a smorgasbord of fuckshit displaying his repeated attempts at cleaning the collective Caucasian Doc Martens using only his tongue. In a previous episode of Everybody Hates White Supremacy (Except Terry Crews), the Van Jones of Ben Carsons invalidated Gabrielle Union’s experiences on the set of America’s Got Talent by defending #TeamRacism. He constantly pleads with the black community not to fall victim to their anger and promote something he calls “Black Supremacy.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Apparently Terry Crews wakes up every morning and thinks to himself:
“I must protect white people at all costs.”
If nothing else, you have to admire Crews’ ability to contort himself into a knot of twisted stepandfetchitry to center whiteness in a black narrative.
Advertisement
Ok, you don’t have to.
While you might think Crews may be auditioning for the lead part in the Marvel Universe’s new superhero saga, Respectability Man (with Diamond and Silk as the Wonder Twins), I understand what Crews is saying. I’ve heard it before. I think he is regurgitating a narrative that is actually a trending topic.
Advertisement
Terry Crews is trying to protect white people from a black supremacist takeover.
Seriously, it’s a real thing.
The 2020 protests changed America.
Before the public lynchings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks, persecuting its unwilling captors was one of America’s favorite pastimes. Think about it. Birth of a Nation, the country’s first blockbuster film, was a movie praising the Ku Klux Klan for their patriotism and bravery. We euphemize the bloodiest conflict in our short history as a “Civil War.” We still romanticize white supremacist Confederate traitors. We herald brutal police officers as heroes.
Advertisement
But that was the old America.
Ever since black people took to the streets to protest injustice and police brutality, warning black people about unrestrained black anger has become America’s newest national pastime. There is a widespread belief that black people are finally fed up with white people’s bullshit and all the negro anger is spilling out into the street and endangering white lives. And it’s not just white people like Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump and Candace Owens who are warning people not to explode.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But white people have nothing to worry about. This moment that America finds itself in has nothing to do with anger or backlash. Contrary to popular belief , Black people aren’t mad about anything. We are totally calm. That uncomfortable feeling that is causing white people to celebrate Juneteenth, remove racist icons from pancake boxes and apologize for every perceived act of discrimination is not because of our anger.
We just took off our masks.
Imagine how angry you’d be if you had to be muzzled like a dog for 400 years. Imagine if you had to wear a mask for your entire life. Imagine living in a world where the men and women charged with protecting and serving you would blow your face off if they didn’t like the way you walked, talked or even reached. Imagine sending your child to schools named after white supremacist traitors so your kid could learn how enslaving your ancestors was part of someone’s “heritage.” Imagine working in a place where white people dished out bite-sized morsels of racism and called it a “microaggression.” Imagine building a country for free while watching generations of people benefit from the stolen labor while your family toils in poverty.
Advertisement
Now imagine if, when you pointed out these irrefutable truths, they said you were playing the “race card.” Imagine having to do all this with a smile on your face lest you upset the people who perpetuate that historical harm. Imagine if your grandmother was “muzzled like a dog” and her grandmother wore the same muzzle.
That’s what it’s always been like to be B lack in America. Black people have to walk and talk and live in a country every day pretending there isn’t an invisible virus called white supremacy in the air that makes it hard for us to breathe.
Advertisement
Which is (and I know this is going to sound crazy) actual proof that Black people are not angry.
If Black people were angry about our condition, there would be no more white people. There would be no more America. This entire planet would cease to exist. Earth’s atmosphere could not contain the white-hot heat that resulted from black people releasing their anger.
Advertisement
What makes you think we’re angry?
Police murdered Black men long before Rayshard Brooks. Trayvon Martin and Emmett Till are just two examples of white people lynching Black people for being in a white space at the wrong time, just like Ahmaud Arbery. Police all across America were disproportionately taking a knee on Black people’s necks long before Derek Chauvin met George Floyd. Cops were breaking into unsuspecting homes long before they served a no-knock warrant at Breonna Taylor’s apartment. Ask 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones. Ask 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston.
Advertisement
That was a rhetorical statement. Cops already killed them.
But rest assured, this is not anger.
This is a mask removal.
We just simultaneously stopped devoting so much of our energy to making white people feel comfortable. We just took ourselves off “mute” because we also want to know what it feels like to breathe free. And if seeing Bl ack people unmasked gives you the heebie-jeebies, imagine how white supremacy must feel.
Advertisement
And now that our masks are off, there is one more truth that must be told. Perhaps this is the secret that Terry Crews feared getting out. But fuck it, I’m gonna say it:
Black supremacy is real.
In this particular context, on one side, there is a group of people who are incessantly whining about the prospect of wearing a mask for the 15 minutes they are picking up their free-range, gluten-free avocado kale wraps from Whole Foods.
Advertisement
On the other side... You know what? I’ll let Paul Laurence Dunbar explain it:
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties. Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask. We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!
Advertisement
That poem, “We Wear the Mask,” was first published 125 years ago. And until this day, all white people—every single one of them—have never seen us without wearing the cloak of white appeasement.
See, white people? We hate masks, too. But unlike these belligerent sufferers of UMAD, we’re not gonna whine about it. Until things change, America will just have to get used to Black people not wearing those respectability masks.
Advertisement
Well... Not all Black people.
Can somebody tell Terry Crews?


theroot--2020-06-30--Figuring Out Sex Toy Storage, Part 2: Lockboxes

As part of a continuing series exploring the wide world of sex toy storage options , today we ’ ll take a look at lockboxes that can house your collection—and keep prying eyes away 👀—when it ’ s not in use .
One important thing to do before purchasing any kind of storage piece or system is to measure the toys you have to be sure they ’ ll fit .
It ’ s also worth considering what accessories you need to store in addition to the toys themselves ; things like lube , condoms , chargers , etc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ storage system you hit on .
And finally , it ’ s always a good idea to invest in storage that allows your collection to grow ( if you ’ re in the market for something new to play with , we have recommendations ! )
The Joyboxx is , essentially , a Caboodles for your sex toys : It ’ s a plastic , flip-top storage box designed for sex toys up to 12 inches .
It comes in two colors , purple or black , and it ’ s dishwasher-safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking of cleaning !
A great feature of the Joyboxx is that it ’ s designed with cleaning and safe storage in mind , which is an important part of sexual health ; there is an antimicrobial silver ion agent mixed into the plastic to keep bacterial at bay while the toys aren ’ t in use , and the box is fitted with a removable tray that can be used as a “ coaster ” for dirty toys .
When the time comes to wash the toys , the tray serves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
The Joyboxx is lockable , and has a hidden USB hole to keep toys charged up while in storage .
If you want something a little less Caboodles-looking , the Toy Chest lockable adult toy storage box will serve you well .
Its exterior has a black matte finish , and it is 8.5 '' tall and 15 '' wide , so it can accommodate almost all toys , regardless of length .
Its interior is lined and has an adjustable shelf , so you can configure it to fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes in pink , as well as in a smaller size ( 11 '' x 3.5 '' ) .
Ella Paradis offers Inventory readers 50 % off its storage and cleaning products ; discounts will be applied to your cart automatically .
There are also storage options that aren ’ t specifically designed for adult toys but that will do the job just fine , like this hidey-hole masquerading as a dictionary .
It has a combination lock , and an interior compartment that is 5.75 '' x 9 '' x 1.75 '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store toys up to 9 '' in length .
This box doesn ’ t offer any bells and whistles , like charging ports or antimicrobial fabrication , and air circulation may also be an issue , since it ’ s not designed specifically with sex toys in mind—this is something to keep in mind , generally , when picking out storage for these items .
Makeup and toiletries bags make excellent storage for sex toys .
This one is especially versatile because its interior is fitted with six adjustable dividers , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different shapes and sizes—plus , it has a double zipper that could be secured with a cable lock if you need to add a layer of security .
It also has a zipper side pocket for storing charging cords , condoms , toy wipes , etc.
, and the flip-up top is fitted with pockets that can hold bottles of lube or slimmer , shorter toys .
If you ’ re going to go the makeup bag route , look for one that is waterproof to make cleaning it easier .
This lockbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has interior that can be customized by rearranging the adjustable partitions to fit whatever it is that you ’ re storing .
The top is fitted with a removable zip-up mesh bag for storing charging cords and other small accessories , and it comes in four styles : Black with a black interior , white with a turquoise interior , glittery pink with a pink interior , and black & white polka dot with a pink interior .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

As part of a continuing series exploring the wide world of sex toy storage options, today we’ll take a look at lockboxes that can house your collection—and keep prying eyes away 👀—when it’s not in use.
One important thing to do before purchasing any kind of storage piece or system is to measure the toys you have to be sure they’ll fit. It’s also worth considering what accessories you need to store in addition to the toys themselves; things like lube, condoms, chargers, etc. should all have a home in whatever storage system you hit on. And finally, it’s always a good idea to invest in storage that allows your collection to grow (if you’re in the market for something new to play with, we have recommendations!)
Advertisement
Joyboxx | $44 | Amazon
The Joyboxx is, essentially, a Caboodles for your sex toys: It’s a plastic, flip-top storage box designed for sex toys up to 12 inches. It comes in two colors, purple or black, and it’s dishwasher-safe, so keeping it clean is super easy. Speaking of cleaning! A great feature of the Joyboxx is that it’s designed with cleaning and safe storage in mind, which is an important part of sexual health; there is an antimicrobial silver ion agent mixed into the plastic to keep bacterial at bay while the toys aren’t in use, and the box is fitted with a removable tray that can be used as a “coaster” for dirty toys. When the time comes to wash the toys, the tray serves as a washing and drying rack, as well. The Joyboxx is lockable, and has a hidden USB hole to keep toys charged up while in storage.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
If you want something a little less Caboodles-looking, the Toy Chest lockable adult toy storage box will serve you well. Its exterior has a black matte finish, and it is 8.5" tall and 15" wide, so it can accommodate almost all toys, regardless of length. Its interior is lined and has an adjustable shelf, so you can configure it to fit your collection. The Toy Chest also comes in pink, as well as in a smaller size (11" x 3.5"). Ella Paradis offers Inventory readers 50% off its storage and cleaning products; discounts will be applied to your cart automatically.
Advertisement
There are also storage options that aren’t specifically designed for adult toys but that will do the job just fine, like this hidey-hole masquerading as a dictionary. It has a combination lock, and an interior compartment that is 5.75" x 9" x 1.75", so it can be used to store toys up to 9" in length. This box doesn’t offer any bells and whistles, like charging ports or antimicrobial fabrication, and air circulation may also be an issue, since it’s not designed specifically with sex toys in mind—this is something to keep in mind, generally, when picking out storage for these items.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Makeup and toiletries bags make excellent storage for sex toys. This one is especially versatile because its interior is fitted with six adjustable dividers, so it can be configured to fit toys of different shapes and sizes—plus, it has a double zipper that could be secured with a cable lock if you need to add a layer of security. It also has a zipper side pocket for storing charging cords, condoms, toy wipes, etc., and the flip-up top is fitted with pockets that can hold bottles of lube or slimmer, shorter toys. If you’re going to go the makeup bag route, look for one that is waterproof to make cleaning it easier.
Advertisement
This lockbox is secured with a key, and has interior that can be customized by rearranging the adjustable partitions to fit whatever it is that you’re storing. The top is fitted with a removable zip-up mesh bag for storing charging cords and other small accessories, and it comes in four styles: Black with a black interior, white with a turquoise interior, glittery pink with a pink interior, and black & white polka dot with a pink interior.


theroot--2020-07-02--Vehicle Transporting the Governor of Iowa Struck a Black Lives Matter Protester

Apparently , somewhere along the line , hitting protesters with a car just became the default move of authority figures .
While we ’ ve seen multiple police officers employ this horrific tactic over the last month , a driver for the Governor of Iowa has become the latest to use it as well .
The Des Moines Register reports that a group of Black Lives Matters protesters stood outside of an event Governor Kim Reynolds attended at Family Traditions Meat in Ackley , Iowa .
The protesters were there to encourage the governor to immediately sign an executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felons who have served their time .
Reynolds has previously indicated she would sign the order but not until the end of summer or early fall .
Jaylen Cavil , an organizer with Des Moines Black Lives Matter , was among the protesters standing in the driveway of the business as the governor was leaving .
Cavil was hoping the governor would stop and hear out their concerns .
“ The SUV that Gov .
Reynolds was driving in drove right up to me .
I was standing right in front of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was like , ‘ I ’ m going to stand here .
Surely the driver of the governor is not going to hit me with her car .
This is the governor , my governor , who ’ s supposed to be representing me .
I ’ m sure that her car is not going to intentionally hit me.
’ I was wrong , ” Cavil told the Register .
Cavil said he was spun around and lifted onto the hood of the car during the incident .
While he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was understandably shocked by what occurred .
Pat Garrett , the spokesperson for the governor , has yet to comment , though the Iowa State Patrol has acknowledged the incident .
“ The vehicle was operated by a member of the Iowa State Patrol .
As the vehicle started to leave a scheduled stop and enter the roadway , a demonstrator approached which caused the Governor ’ s vehicle to slow .
The demonstrator stopped short and to the side of the vehicle .
As the vehicle began to turn away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrator intentionally stepped in front of the slowly moving vehicle , ” Sgt .
Alex Dinkla , a spokesperson for the Iowa State Patrol , said in a statement .
Cavil said the vehicle drove off after striking him and he was approached by a state patrol officer who began to yell at him shortly after he was hit .
“ I 100 % think they intentionally hit me .
There ’ s no way that this driver could not see me right in front of his car.
” Cavil said .
Matthew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters at the event , corroborated Cavil ’ s version of events .
Despite this unfortunate turn of events , Cavil does not intend to back down from putting pressure on the governor .
“ We just want answers .
That ’ s why we ’ re following her around .
We want her to know that we are not going to stay silent , ” Cavil said .

Apparently, somewhere along the line, hitting protesters with a car just became the default move of authority figures. While we’ve seen multiple police officers employ this horrific tactic over the last month, a driver for the Governor of Iowa has become the latest to use it as well.
The Des Moines Register reports that a group of Black Lives Matters protesters stood outside of an event Governor Kim Reynolds attended at Family Traditions Meat in Ackley, Iowa. The protesters were there to encourage the governor to immediately sign an executive order that would restore voting rights for convicted felons who have served their time. Reynolds has previously indicated she would sign the order but not until the end of summer or early fall. Jaylen Cavil, an organizer with Des Moines Black Lives Matter, was among the protesters standing in the driveway of the business as the governor was leaving. Cavil was hoping the governor would stop and hear out their concerns.
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“The SUV that Gov. Reynolds was driving in drove right up to me. I was standing right in front of the car and I just stood there. I was like, ‘I’m going to stand here. Surely the driver of the governor is not going to hit me with her car. This is the governor, my governor, who’s supposed to be representing me. I’m sure that her car is not going to intentionally hit me.’ I was wrong,” Cavil told the Register.
Cavil said he was spun around and lifted onto the hood of the car during the incident. While he didn’t suffer from any injuries, he was understandably shocked by what occurred. Pat Garrett, the spokesperson for the governor, has yet to comment, though the Iowa State Patrol has acknowledged the incident.
Advertisement Advertisement
“The vehicle was operated by a member of the Iowa State Patrol. As the vehicle started to leave a scheduled stop and enter the roadway, a demonstrator approached which caused the Governor’s vehicle to slow. The demonstrator stopped short and to the side of the vehicle. As the vehicle began to turn away from the protestor and onto the roadway, the demonstrator intentionally stepped in front of the slowly moving vehicle,” Sgt. Alex Dinkla, a spokesperson for the Iowa State Patrol, said in a statement.
Cavil said the vehicle drove off after striking him and he was approached by a state patrol officer who began to yell at him shortly after he was hit. “I 100% think they intentionally hit me. There’s no way that this driver could not see me right in front of his car.” Cavil said. Matthew Bruce and Grace Merritt, two other protesters at the event, corroborated Cavil’s version of events. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, Cavil does not intend to back down from putting pressure on the governor.
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“We just want answers. That’s why we’re following her around. We want her to know that we are not going to stay silent,” Cavil said.


theroot--2020-07-01--Playing with the Ella Paradis Queen of Hearts: An Amazing, Wallet-Friendly Hands-Free Vibe

As our period of social distancing and quarantine isolation drags on , we ’ ll be bringing you a series of sex toy reviews to help you make the best buying decisions to keep your solo sex life buzzing along , or to spice things up for couples ( or thruples or etc , etc , etc . )
who may be experiencing some boredom in the bedroom .
On deck today is the Queen of Hearts by Ella Paradis .
Queen of Hearts , a new product from Ella Paradis , is a remote-controlled egg-shaped vibrator designed for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be used hands-free , and for couples play , one partner can control the remote and the experience of their mate .
Queen of Hearts retails for $ 84 , but Inventory readers can get 55 % off ; the discount will be automatically applied at checkout .
Queen of Hearts is a bulb-shaped silicone vibrator that can be used both internally and externally ; it has 10 vibration modes that are controlled by remote control , so it can be used for hands-free solo use and it can double as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much to love about Queen of Hearts—for a relatively small toy , it has a lot of features .
First up , some nitty-gritty : Queen of Hearts is made of silicone , so it should not be used with silicone lubricants , and it can be washed with mild soap and water , or with any toy cleaners that are safe to use on silicone .
The toy itself is USB rechargeable , with an hour-long run time ( charging time is 50 minutes ) ; the remote operates using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , Queen of Hearts is 100 % waterproof , so it can be used in the tub , shower , hot tub , pool , ocean , lake , rain barrel full of water , etc .
Queen of Hearts can be used in a few different ways : For solo use , it can be inserted for a hands-free session—I can not recommend hands-free toys highly enough , the experience of masturbating is truly elevated when your hands can roam a bit .
The other advantage of hands-free toys is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to positions because the toy will move with you .
For people who prefer clitoral stimulation , Queen of Hearts can also be used externally , though you ’ ll lose a bit of its hands-free quality—it can be positioned and used hands-free if you lie on your back , though you may need to reposition it from time to time , but it won ’ t stay in place if you switch to any other positions .
However !
What you lose in movement , you ’ ll gain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be positioned downward for a bit of extra stimulation .
I see you there looking all skeptical and that ’ s fine , go ahead and doubt !
Just … promise that you ’ ll try it because I guarantee you will doubt no more .
Also , it ’ s a small thing that shouldn ’ t matter all that much but I find it delightful so I guess it does matter to some extent : The heart-shaped remote control is adorable .
Queen of Hearts retails for $ 84 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; the discount will be automatically applied at checkout .
Who Is Queen of Hearts For ?
Queen of Hearts will serve a lot of different needs , wants , hopes , desires , etc .
I loved this toy for solo use—much , much , much more so than I anticipated prior to trying it out .
While I found that external use produced stronger orgasms , with internal use the hands-free feature more than made up for what was lost in intensity .
For couples use , Queen of Hea rts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take advantage of being able to move into different positions .
It would be an excellent addition to foreplay—a great advantage of a hands-free toy is that the person using it can enjoy it while also servicing their partner .
When I explained how it works , and the various ways it can be used , to one of my partners , he said , “ That ’ s so sexy.
” It is , and I ’ m looking forward to the day in 2023 when he and I will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may test our theory out .
Disclaimer : Ella Paradis provided sample units for this review .
Under normal circumstances , these would be returned .
For obvious reasons , Ella Paradis probably won ’ t want these ones back , but this did not factor into the content of this review .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Queen of Hearts | $38 | 55% Discount Applied in Cart
As our period of social distancing and quarantine isolation drags on, we’ll be bringing you a series of sex toy reviews to help you make the best buying decisions to keep your solo sex life buzzing along, or to spice things up for couples (or thruples or etc, etc, etc.) who may be experiencing some boredom in the bedroom. On deck today is the Queen of Hearts by Ella Paradis.
Queen of Hearts, a new product from Ella Paradis, is a remote-controlled egg-shaped vibrator designed for both solo and couples use—in solo play, it can be used hands-free, and for couples play, one partner can control the remote and the experience of their mate.
Queen of Hearts retails for $84, but Inventory readers can get 55% off; the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
The Details
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Queen of Hearts is a bulb-shaped silicone vibrator that can be used both internally and externally; it has 10 vibration modes that are controlled by remote control, so it can be used for hands-free solo use and it can double as a couples toy.
There’s so much to love about Queen of Hearts—for a relatively small toy, it has a lot of features. First up, some nitty-gritty: Queen of Hearts is made of silicone, so it should not be used with silicone lubricants, and it can be washed with mild soap and water, or with any toy cleaners that are safe to use on silicone. The toy itself is USB rechargeable, with an hour-long run time (charging time is 50 minutes); the remote operates using a lithium coin battery, which is included. And, Queen of Hearts is 100% waterproof, so it can be used in the tub, shower, hot tub, pool, ocean, lake, rain barrel full of water, etc.
Queen of Hearts can be used in a few different ways: For solo use, it can be inserted for a hands-free session—I cannot recommend hands-free toys highly enough, the experience of masturbating is truly elevated when your hands can roam a bit. The other advantage of hands-free toys is that they give you more options when it comes to positions because the toy will move with you.
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For people who prefer clitoral stimulation, Queen of Hearts can also be used externally, though you’ll lose a bit of its hands-free quality—it can be positioned and used hands-free if you lie on your back, though you may need to reposition it from time to time, but it won’t stay in place if you switch to any other positions. However! What you lose in movement, you’ll gain in a surprise feature: The tail can be positioned downward for a bit of extra stimulation. I see you there looking all skeptical and that’s fine, go ahead and doubt! Just … promise that you’ll try it because I guarantee you will doubt no more.
Also, it’s a small thing that shouldn’t matter all that much but I find it delightful so I guess it does matter to some extent: The heart-shaped remote control is adorable.
Queen of Hearts retails for $84, but Inventory readers can get 55% off; the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Advertisement
Who Is Queen of Hearts For?
Queen of Hearts will serve a lot of different needs, wants, hopes, desires, etc. I loved this toy for solo use—much, much, much more so than I anticipated prior to trying it out. While I found that external use produced stronger orgasms, with internal use the hands-free feature more than made up for what was lost in intensity.
Advertisement
For couples use, Queen of Hea rts is best used internally so you can take advantage of being able to move into different positions. It would be an excellent addition to foreplay—a great advantage of a hands-free toy is that the person using it can enjoy it while also servicing their partner. When I explained how it works, and the various ways it can be used, to one of my partners, he said, “That’s so sexy.” It is, and I’m looking forward to the day in 2023 when he and I will be allowed to see each other again so we may test our theory out.
Disclaimer: Ella Paradis provided sample units for this review. Under normal circumstances, these would be returned. For obvious reasons, Ella Paradis probably won’t want these ones back, but this did not factor into the content of this review.


theroot--2020-07-01--Trial for George Floyd's Killers Set for March 2021, but Judge Warns It Could Be Moved From Minneapo

Trial for George Floyd's Killers Set for March 2021, but Judge Warns It Could Be Moved From Minneapolis

The judge presiding over the trial of the four Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd has threatened to have the case tried outside of the city if the lawyers involved continue to make “ inappropriate ” public statements .
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill gave the warning at a pretrial hearing for Derek Chauvin , J. Alexander Kueng , Tou Thao , and Thomas Lane on Monday , according to a report from CNN .
At the hearing , lawyers for the cops complained that recent statements about the case made by government officials—including the President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the officers , and also alleged that the Floyd family ’ s legal team has leaked information to the media .
But Benjamin Crump , a lawyer for the Floyd family , hit back at the leaking accusation and underscored the importance of transparency for a case that has triggered ongoing protests across the country .
“ I don ’ t believe anybody on our legal team has leaked any information , ” Crump said , but he defended the public disclosure of details in the case sought by the media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter is that there is so much information that has been divulged on this case that everybody , Erin , you all at CNN and all the other media companies are trying to get information , ” Crump said on CNN ’ s Erin Burnett Outfont .
“ It is important to be transparent .
If you ’ re not transparent , and we don ’ t have accountability , we continue to have mistrust .
... At the end of the day , I ’ m sorry , Black people are losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play technicalities .
No , we can ’ t accept that.
” Judge Cahill said at the hearing that the court is targeting March 8 , 2021 , as the start date for the trial , and emphasized that he did not want attorneys or officials to make comments about the merits of the case , possible evidence , or guilt or innocence in public or it could be moved to a different location .
Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder after a widely viewed video showed the officer kneeling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost consciousness and died .
The other three officers on the scene of the killing have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter .
Chauvin and Thao remain in custody , while Keung and Lane have been released on conditional bond .

The judge presiding over the trial of the four Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd has threatened to have the case tried outside of the city if the lawyers involved continue to make “inappropriate” public statements.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill gave the warning at a pretrial hearing for Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Tou Thao, and Thomas Lane on Monday, according to a report from CNN.
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At the hearing, lawyers for the cops complained that recent statements about the case made by government officials—including the President and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—would prejudice juries against the officers, and also alleged that the Floyd family’s legal team has leaked information to the media.
But Benjamin Crump, a lawyer for the Floyd family, hit back at the leaking accusation and underscored the importance of transparency for a case that has triggered ongoing protests across the country.
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From CNN:
“I don’t believe anybody on our legal team has leaked any information,” Crump said, but he defended the public disclosure of details in the case sought by the media and others. “The truth of the matter is that there is so much information that has been divulged on this case that everybody, Erin, you all at CNN and all the other media companies are trying to get information,” Crump said on CNN’s Erin Burnett Outfont. “It is important to be transparent. If you’re not transparent, and we don’t have accountability, we continue to have mistrust. ... At the end of the day, I’m sorry, Black people are losing our lives and everybody else is trying to play technicalities. No, we can’t accept that.”
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Judge Cahill said at the hearing that the court is targeting March 8, 2021, as the start date for the trial, and emphasized that he did not want attorneys or officials to make comments about the merits of the case, possible evidence, or guilt or innocence in public or it could be moved to a different location.
Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder after a widely viewed video showed the officer kneeling on the neck of 46-year-old Floyd until he lost consciousness and died. The other three officers on the scene of the killing have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter. Chauvin and Thao remain in custody, while Keung and Lane have been released on conditional bond.


theroot--2020-07-01--Ray Fisher Claims Joss Whedon Was 'Gross, Abusive, and Unprofessional' to the Justice League Cast an

Ray Fisher Claims Joss Whedon Was 'Gross, Abusive, and Unprofessional' to the Justice League Cast and Crew

Justice League star Ray Fisher seems to be calling for some justice of his own .
On Monday , the 32-year-old actor who portrays Cyborg in the 2018 DC Comics film , posted a clip on Twitter from Comic-Con 2017 where he and other cast members participated in a promotional panel .
At the panel , Fisher discussed working with Joss Whedon , who co-wrote the screenplay and took over as director during the remainder of post-production after director Zack Snyder ( who worked during principal photography ) stepped down .
“ I ’ d like to take a moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , ” he posted along with the clip .
That “ statement ” was when he said , “ Yeah , Joss is a great guy and Zack [ Snyder ] picked a good person to clean up and finish up for him.
” The Hollywood Reporter provides additional context on this : Fisher , who played the hero Cyborg in the film , has been sharing details of his time on Justice League over the past few weeks , following Snyder revealing that he would debut his own cut of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t praise [ writer ] Chris Terrio and @ ZackSnyder for simply putting me in Justice League , ” Fisher wrote June 6 .
“ I praise them for EMPOWERING me ( a black man with no film credits to his name ) with a seat at the creative table and input on the framing of the Stones before there was even a script !
” Justice League underwhelmed at the box office , earning $ 658 million globally .
Over the years , there has been speculation over what changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League and the final product Whedon oversaw .
It is believed the storyline featuring Fisher ’ s Victor Stone/Cyborg and his father Silas Stone ( Joe Morton ) was among the storylines that were dramatically cut back .
Fisher is definitely a huge supporter of the Snyder movement , displaying the popular hashtag # ReleaseTheSnyderCut in his Twitter bio .
His initial tweet retracting his previous Comic-Con comments about Whedon , had folks wondering whether he would expound in any way .
Well , on Wednesday , Fisher did just that .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-set treatment of the cast and crew of Justice League was gross , abusive , unprofessional , and completely unacceptable , ” Fisher wrote .
“ He was enabled , in many ways , by Geoff Johns and Jon Berg.
” Johns was DC Entertainment President and Chief Creative Officer at the time ( he left in 2018 ) and Berg was a producer on the film .
If you watch the previous clip in hindsight , it actually looks pretty apparent that Fisher didn ’ t look completely comfortable or convinced about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a contractual obligation .
He even looked over to co-star Jason Momoa , who offered absolutely no co-signing or any reaction at all .
He certainly didn ’ t look this uncomfortable when he initially entered the panel stage .
The Root has reached out to Joss Whedon ’ s representative for comment and we are awaiting their response .

Justice League star Ray Fisher seems to be calling for some justice of his own.
On Monday, the 32-year-old actor who portrays Cyborg in the 2018 DC Comics film, posted a clip on Twitter from Comic-Con 2017 where he and other cast members participated in a promotional panel. At the panel, Fisher discussed working with Joss Whedon, who co-wrote the screenplay and took over as director during the remainder of post-production after director Zack Snyder (who worked during principal photography) stepped down.
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“I’d like to take a moment to forcefully retract every bit of this statement,” he posted along with the clip. That “statement” was when he said, “Yeah, Joss is a great guy and Zack [Snyder] picked a good person to clean up and finish up for him.”
The Hollywood Reporter provides additional context on this:
Fisher, who played the hero Cyborg in the film, has been sharing details of his time on Justice League over the past few weeks, following Snyder revealing that he would debut his own cut of the movie on HBO Max. “I don’t praise [writer] Chris Terrio and @ZackSnyder for simply putting me in Justice League,” Fisher wrote June 6. “I praise them for EMPOWERING me (a black man with no film credits to his name) with a seat at the creative table and input on the framing of the Stones before there was even a script!” Justice League underwhelmed at the box office, earning $658 million globally. Over the years, there has been speculation over what changed between Snyder’s vision for Justice League and the final product Whedon oversaw. It is believed the storyline featuring Fisher’s Victor Stone/Cyborg and his father Silas Stone (Joe Morton) was among the storylines that were dramatically cut back.
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Fisher is definitely a huge supporter of the Snyder movement, displaying the popular hashtag #ReleaseTheSnyderCut in his Twitter bio.
His initial tweet retracting his previous Comic-Con comments about Whedon, had folks wondering whether he would expound in any way. Well, on Wednesday, Fisher did just that.
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“Joss Wheadon’s [sic] on-set treatment of the cast and crew of Justice League was gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable,” Fisher wrote. “He was enabled, in many ways, by Geoff Johns and Jon Berg.” Johns was DC Entertainment President and Chief Creative Officer at the time (he left in 2018) and Berg was a producer on the film.
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If you watch the previous clip in hindsight, it actually looks pretty apparent that Fisher didn’t look completely comfortable or convinced about what he was saying...as if it was a contractual obligation. He even looked over to co-star Jason Momoa, who offered absolutely no co-signing or any reaction at all.
He certainly didn’t look this uncomfortable when he initially entered the panel stage.
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The Root has reached out to Joss Whedon’s representative for comment and we are awaiting their response.


theroot--2020-07-01--8 Louisiana Cops Indicted for Allegedly Beating 2 Men Over a Seatbelt Violation

At this point , it ’ s pretty clear that cops are by and large , pretty trash .
Eight cops in Louisiana have only reinforced that assertion after allegedly beating two men over a seatbelt violation .
NBC News reports that the eight cops from the Shreveport Police Department involved in the incident have been indicted on charges of excessive force .
The two victims , driver Chico Bell and passenger Damon Robinson , had their hands up when the eight officers allegedly began to beat them .
Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announced that each of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count of malfeasance in office .
The incident occurred on Jan. 24 when an officer attempted to pull the men over for a seat belt violation as they were leaving a home .
The men didn ’ t initially stop and a dash cam video shows objects being thrown out of their vehicle .
Eventually , the men pulled over and stuck their hands out of the window in a gesture of surrendering .
It was at this point that the police officers pulled Bell out of the car through the window and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasing him , ” according to a press release from the District Attorney .
According to the release , medical records show that Bell ’ s injuries included a broken orbital plate .
Robinson was meanwhile “ punched multiple times through the open truck window ” by one Shreveport officer as his “ hands were being held by other officers , ” the district attorney said .
“ SPD officers then took Robinson to the ground , where one officer apparently struck him in the face with a flashlight , despite Robinson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the release said .
Robinson ’ s nose was broken “ in several places ” from the attack .
A sheriff ’ s deputy at the scene said the violence occurred even though Robinson ’ s was compliant during the arrest , which police body- and dash-cam footage verified , the district attorney said .
Mark Ordoyne , Aaron Jaudon , David Francis .
D ’ Andre Jackson , Christopher McConnell , Brandon Walker , William Isenhour , and Treveion Brooks are the eight officers who were indicted .
McConnell was fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jun .
17 , and the other six officers have been placed on leave .
Stewart said that “ very small amounts of ecstasy , cocaine and a stolen gun , ” were among the items that Bell and Robinson threw from the car window .
Bell ’ s charges included possession of controlled substances , obstruction of justice , cyberstalking , and a fugitive matter .
Robinson was arrested for resisting an officer .
The district attorney threw out the charges for both men as a result of the excessive force used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief , said that he launched an investigation immediately after the incident took place .
“ All parties are innocent until proven guilty and in order to preserve the officers rights to due process I will not make any further comments at this time , ” Raymond said in a news conference .
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins released a statement indicating that the city is working towards police reform .
“ The nation is going through a reckoning because , in the past , officers were too infrequently held accountable for bad policing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is the change citizens are demanding .
My administration has identified funding for body cameras and expects to have them by the end of the summer .
We are also analyzing existing funds to start a crisis intervention program that will allow counselors to help address emergency mental health calls .
Reform takes work , but I am committed to that work.
” Perkins told KTAL .

At this point, it’s pretty clear that cops are by and large, pretty trash. Eight cops in Louisiana have only reinforced that assertion after allegedly beating two men over a seatbelt violation.
NBC News reports that the eight cops from the Shreveport Police Department involved in the incident have been indicted on charges of excessive force. The two victims, driver Chico Bell and passenger Damon Robinson, had their hands up when the eight officers allegedly began to beat them. Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart announced that each of the officers involved has been charged with one count of malfeasance in office.
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The incident occurred on Jan. 24 when an officer attempted to pull the men over for a seat belt violation as they were leaving a home. The men didn’t initially stop and a dash cam video shows objects being thrown out of their vehicle. Eventually, the men pulled over and stuck their hands out of the window in a gesture of surrendering. It was at this point that the police officers pulled Bell out of the car through the window and “began striking, kicking, and tasing him,” according to a press release from the District Attorney. According to the release, medical records show that Bell’s injuries included a broken orbital plate.
From NBC News:
Robinson was meanwhile “punched multiple times through the open truck window” by one Shreveport officer as his “hands were being held by other officers,” the district attorney said. “SPD officers then took Robinson to the ground, where one officer apparently struck him in the face with a flashlight, despite Robinson’s hands being behind his back,” the release said. Robinson’s nose was broken “in several places” from the attack. A sheriff’s deputy at the scene said the violence occurred even though Robinson’s was compliant during the arrest, which police body- and dash-cam footage verified, the district attorney said.
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Mark Ordoyne, Aaron Jaudon, David Francis. D’Andre Jackson, Christopher McConnell, Brandon Walker, William Isenhour, and Treveion Brooks are the eight officers who were indicted. McConnell was fired on May 8, Ordoyne resigned on Jun. 17, and the other six officers have been placed on leave.
Stewart said that “very small amounts of ecstasy, cocaine and a stolen gun,” were among the items that Bell and Robinson threw from the car window. Bell’s charges included possession of controlled substances, obstruction of justice, cyberstalking, and a fugitive matter. Robinson was arrested for resisting an officer. The district attorney threw out the charges for both men as a result of the excessive force used.
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Ben Raymond, the Shreveport police chief, said that he launched an investigation immediately after the incident took place. “All parties are innocent until proven guilty and in order to preserve the officers rights to due process I will not make any further comments at this time,” Raymond said in a news conference. Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins released a statement indicating that the city is working towards police reform.
“The nation is going through a reckoning because, in the past, officers were too infrequently held accountable for bad policing. While it isn’t pretty, this is the change citizens are demanding. My administration has identified funding for body cameras and expects to have them by the end of the summer. We are also analyzing existing funds to start a crisis intervention program that will allow counselors to help address emergency mental health calls. Reform takes work, but I am committed to that work.” Perkins told KTAL.