theroot--2020-06-03--Defense Secretary to Trump: Are You Bugging? We Aren’t Using the Military Against Protesters

For days , President Trump has been threatening to use military force to stop peaceful protesting in the name of George Floyd , whose life was taken by Minneapolis police while in their custody .
On Wednesday , The Root was there to capture Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper reaction when asked about the military being used against American protesters : To be honest , it really wasn ’ t Trump ’ s fault , as Trump believed as the President of the United States he had the presidential power of a gaggle of Karens and could use the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
But Esper was like , “ Man , if you don ’ t get the fuck out of here with that bullshit and quit calling my work phone ... ” I ’ m paraphrasing , as he noted that he does not support “ the use of active-duty military forces in quelling countrywide unrest—a statement that puts him at odds with President Trump , who has threatened to send troops into U.S. cities , ” reports the Washington Post .
In truth , Trump was doing his usual grandstanding and tough-talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check with anyone before yelling that he was going to call in the military .
The actual name for Trump ’ s military action against his own people is called the Insurrection Act and it gives members of the military the power to arrest folks .
Esper said that should only be used as a “ last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations.
” “ We are not in one of those situations now , ” he said , the Washington Post reports .
“ I do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also did a better job of expressing empathy for the killing of Floyd , calling it a “ horrible crime ” and adding that “ racism is real in America , and we must all do our very best to recognize it , to confront it , and to eradicate it.
” “ The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman is a horrible crime .
The officers on the scene that day should be held accountable for his murder .
It is a tragedy that we have seen repeat itself too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to extend the deepest of condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd from me and the Department .
Racism is real in America , and we must all do our very best to recognize it , to confront it , and to eradicate it , ” Esper said , the Washington Post reports .
And now senior White House reporter for NBC News digital ( with the best last name in journalism ) Shannon Pettypiece is noting that Esper ’ s words weren ’ t well-received by the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m sure they mean Trump since he hates when anyone tells him “ no.
” So I hope Esper has updated his LinkedIn profile because the clock is ticking on how long he ’ s in his current position of being better than the president .

For days, President Trump has been threatening to use military force to stop peaceful protesting in the name of George Floyd, whose life was taken by Minneapolis police while in their custody.
On Wednesday, The Root was there to capture Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper reaction when asked about the military being used against American protesters:
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To be honest, it really wasn’t Trump’s fault, as Trump believed as the President of the United States he had the presidential power of a gaggle of Karens and could use the military the way a single Karen uses the police.
But Esper was like, “Man, if you don’t get the fuck out of here with that bullshit and quit calling my work phone...” I’m paraphrasing, as he noted that he does not support “the use of active-duty military forces in quelling countrywide unrest—a statement that puts him at odds with President Trump, who has threatened to send troops into U.S. cities,” reports the Washington Post.
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In truth, Trump was doing his usual grandstanding and tough-talking, so he probably didn’t check with anyone before yelling that he was going to call in the military.
The actual name for Trump’s military action against his own people is called the Insurrection Act and it gives members of the military the power to arrest folks. Esper said that should only be used as a “last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations.”
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“We are not in one of those situations now,” he said, the Washington Post reports. “I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act.”
Esper also did a better job of expressing empathy for the killing of Floyd, calling it a “horrible crime” and adding that “racism is real in America, and we must all do our very best to recognize it, to confront it, and to eradicate it.”
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“The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman is a horrible crime. The officers on the scene that day should be held accountable for his murder. It is a tragedy that we have seen repeat itself too many times. With great sympathy, I want to extend the deepest of condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd from me and the Department. Racism is real in America, and we must all do our very best to recognize it, to confront it, and to eradicate it,” Esper said, the Washington Post reports.
And now senior White House reporter for NBC News digital (with the best last name in journalism) Shannon Pettypiece is noting that Esper’s words weren’t well-received by the White House, and by White House, I’m sure they mean Trump since he hates when anyone tells him “no.”
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So I hope Esper has updated his LinkedIn profile because the clock is ticking on how long he’s in his current position of being better than the president.


theroot--2020-06-03--Just Mercy Is Available to Rent for Free Throughout June in Honor of George Floyd

Though the primary purpose of films is to entertain , it can also be used to make a statement and inform the masses on important issues throughout history .
2019 ’ s Just Mercy was certainly touted as a film that accomplished as much .
In June , Warner Bros. Pictures decided to make the critically acclaimed film available to the public for free on participating digital platforms to honor the late George Floyd , who was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin .
“ We believe in the power of story , ” Warner Bros. wrote in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson , is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society .
For the month of June , Just Mercy will be available to rent for free across digital platforms in the US.
” Warner Bros. opened Just Mercy in theaters last Christmas after world premiering the drama at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival .
Michael B. Jordan stars as Bryan Stevenson , a defense attorney appealing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The film also stars Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson and was directed by Short Term 12 and The Glass Castle filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton .
Just Mercy grossed $ 50 million worldwide and earned Foxx a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role .
In addition to Stevenson ’ s long time legal work and social activism , he is also the founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative .
The initiative , which works “ to end mass incarceration , excessive punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement regarding Floyd ’ s killing in May , calling for all police departments nationwide to implement former President Barack Obama ’ s 2015 Task Force on 21st Century Policing recommendations .
“ To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking , we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today , ” the statement further read .
“ Thank you to the artists , storytellers , and advocates who helped make this film happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and allies .
For further information on Bryan Stevenson and his work at the Equal Justice Initiative please visit EJI.org.
” Just Mercy is now available to rent for free across digital platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video and will be available throughout the month of June .

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

Though the primary purpose of films is to entertain, it can also be used to make a statement and inform the masses on important issues throughout history.
2019’s Just Mercy was certainly touted as a film that accomplished as much. In June, Warner Bros. Pictures decided to make the critically acclaimed film available to the public for free on participating digital platforms to honor the late George Floyd, who was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin.
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“We believe in the power of story,” Warner Bros. wrote in a statement. “Our film Just Mercy, based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society. For the month of June, Just Mercy will be available to rent for free across digital platforms in the US.”
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As IndieWire reports:
Warner Bros. opened Just Mercy in theaters last Christmas after world premiering the drama at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. Michael B. Jordan stars as Bryan Stevenson, a defense attorney appealing the wrongful murder conviction of an African-American man. The film also stars Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson and was directed by Short Term 12 and The Glass Castle filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton. Just Mercy grossed $50 million worldwide and earned Foxx a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.
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In addition to Stevenson’s long time legal work and social activism, he is also the founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative. The initiative, which works “to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment and racial inequality” released an official statement regarding Floyd’s killing in May, calling for all police departments nationwide to implement former President Barack Obama’s 2015 Task Force on 21st Century Policing recommendations.
“To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today,” the statement further read. “Thank you to the artists, storytellers, and advocates who helped make this film happen. Watch with your family, friends and allies. For further information on Bryan Stevenson and his work at the Equal Justice Initiative please visit EJI.org.”
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Just Mercy is now available to rent for free across digital platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video and will be available throughout the month of June.


theroot--2020-06-03--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 3: The Whispers, 'Keep On Lovin' Me'

It is hands down one of the best videos of Black Men Walking of all time .
There ’ s even the rogue brotha in the back who clearly didn ’ t get the memo about wearing neutral colors and since he didn ’ t get that memo , he didn ’ t get the memo about the choreography for their walk either .
I love it .
Whenever I have five friends present , I try to coerce my squad into walking somewhere , with style and flair .
That first step buddy in the red jacket takes ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of jammy jam it ’ s about to be .
Also , buddy in the red is me in almost every situation where chill is requested .
It ’ s not that I can ’ t chill , it ’ s just that it ’ s so hard to chill when the music hits you right .
Shit , right now I feel like taking a walk with the homies with this song in the background .
In fact , I love this song and video SO much that my groomsman and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this song .
Don ’ t believe me ?
Here you go .
Any video that makes you want to recreate it ( like this video featuring Zo , Phonte and Eric Roberson ) and add it to your wedding and even the bride signs off ?
Iconic .
Shouts out The Whispers for being black excellence in the field of Cool Black Men Doing Natural Cool Black Men Things .

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

This video perfectly reflects black cool...and I love it.
It is hands down one of the best videos of Black Men Walking of all time. There’s even the rogue brotha in the back who clearly didn’t get the memo about wearing neutral colors and since he didn’t get that memo, he didn’t get the memo about the choreography for their walk either. I love it. Whenever I have five friends present, I try to coerce my squad into walking somewhere, with style and flair.
The Whispers “Keep On Lovin’ Me” (1979)
That first step buddy in the red jacket takes?? That lets you know what kind of jammy jam it’s about to be. Also, buddy in the red is me in almost every situation where chill is requested. It’s not that I can’t chill, it’s just that it’s so hard to chill when the music hits you right. Shit, right now I feel like taking a walk with the homies with this song in the background.
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In fact, I love this song and video SO much that my groomsman and I walked down the aisle at my wedding to this song. Don’t believe me? Here you go.
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Any video that makes you want to recreate it (like this video featuring Zo, Phonte and Eric Roberson) and add it to your wedding and even the bride signs off? Iconic.
Shouts out The Whispers for being black excellence in the field of Cool Black Men Doing Natural Cool Black Men Things.


theroot--2020-06-03--'This Is NOT Okay': Model-Activist Munroe Bergdorf Calls Out the Hypocrisy in L'Oréal's Anti-Racism

'This Is NOT Okay': Model-Activist Munroe Bergdorf Calls Out the Hypocrisy in L'Oréal's Anti-Racism Posts

As we reflect on the impact of the past week ’ s protests and # BlackoutTuesday , it might be considered as much a social experiment as a social justice movement .
While prompted by black women in the music industry , scores of individuals and other industries quickly followed suit , prompting many a side-eye as some who ’ d previously remained silent , passive or even opposition to issues of racial justice posted black squares and statements of solidarity .
One such brand was L ’ Oréal Paris , which , while being one of the first mainstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its advertising , proved to have a far less progressive stance when it came to honestly and openly addressing race .
In 2017 , the brand made headlines when it cast its first transgender model , activist Munroe Bergdorf , in its 2017 # AllWorthIt U.K. campaign .
But within days , it made headlines again when it fired Bergdorf for speaking frankly about racism in a social media post which read , in part : Honestly I don ’ t have energy to talk about the racial violence of white people anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of y ’ all don ’ t even realise or refuse to acknowledge that your existence , privilege and success as a race is built on the backs , blood and death of people of colour .
Your entire existence is drenched in racism .
From micro-aggressions to terrorism , you guys built the blueprint for this shit .
L ’ Oréal instantly dismissed Munroe , tweeting a statement which claimed to support diversity but deemed her “ at odds with [ their ] values.
” “ Because nothing screams ‘ performative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman from your beauty campaigns for daring to call out racism and white supremacy , ” wrote The Root ’ s Monique Judge at the time .
Perhaps the brand has since recognized at least some of the truth in Bergdorf ’ s words—or , maybe they just realized silence wasn ’ t an option in this moment of racial crisis .
As social media increasingly became devoted to statements supporting black lives , L ’ Oréal issued its own via Instagram , accompanying a visual which read : “ Speaking out is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not having it .
And because speaking out is worth it , she called out the brand in a blistering retort on Monday : Excuse my language but I am SO angry .
FUCK YOU @ lorealparis .
You dropped me from a campaign in 2017 and threw me to the wolves for speaking out about racism and white supremacy .
With no duty of care , without a second thought .
I had to fend for myself being torn apart by the world ’ s press because YOU didn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to get me to incriminate myself with pairing me up with your shady lawyers , when I had done NOTHING wrong .
THAT is what you get for ‘ speaking out ’ when employed by @ lorealparis .
Racist snakes .
You do NOT get to do this .
This is NOT okay , not even in the slightest .
I said just yesterday that it would only be a matter of time before RACIST AF brands saw a window of PR opportunity to jump on the bandwagon .
Fuck you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was my support when I spoke out ?
Where was my apology ?
I ’ m disgusted and writing this in floods of tears and shaking .
This is gaslighting .
Again : Welp .
Bergdorf ’ s comments rightly garnered an outpouring of support on social media .
As reported by Page Six , at least one commenter had a suggestion for how L ’ Oréal , which has long held the goodwill of beauty consumers due to its multiracial campaigns and full-spectrum offerings , could put some substantive action behind their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which currently counts Viola Davis as one of its U.S. brand ambassadors , has yet to issue a public response or an apology to Bergdorf .
Instead , the brand joined others in posting a black box to its Instagram feed in honor of # BlackTuesday , offering no further words than the hashtag itself .
As for Bergdorf , she admits the revival of the issue has been triggering .

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

As we reflect on the impact of the past week’s protests and #BlackoutTuesday, it might be considered as much a social experiment as a social justice movement. While prompted by black women in the music industry, scores of individuals and other industries quickly followed suit, prompting many a side-eye as some who’d previously remained silent, passive or even opposition to issues of racial justice posted black squares and statements of solidarity.
One such brand was L’Oréal Paris, which, while being one of the first mainstream brands to break the gender binary in its advertising, proved to have a far less progressive stance when it came to honestly and openly addressing race. In 2017, the brand made headlines when it cast its first transgender model, activist Munroe Bergdorf, in its 2017 #AllWorthIt U.K. campaign. But within days, it made headlines again when it fired Bergdorf for speaking frankly about racism in a social media post which read, in part:
Honestly I don’t have energy to talk about the racial violence of white people anymore. Yes ALL white people...Because most of y’all don’t even realise or refuse to acknowledge that your existence, privilege and success as a race is built on the backs, blood and death of people of colour. Your entire existence is drenched in racism. From micro-aggressions to terrorism, you guys built the blueprint for this shit.
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L’Oréal instantly dismissed Munroe, tweeting a statement which claimed to support diversity but deemed her “at odds with [their] values.”
“Because nothing screams ‘performative allyship’ like dropping a black trans woman from your beauty campaigns for daring to call out racism and white supremacy,” wrote The Root’s Monique Judge at the time.
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Welp.
Perhaps the brand has since recognized at least some of the truth in Bergdorf’s words—or, maybe they just realized silence wasn’t an option in this moment of racial crisis. As social media increasingly became devoted to statements supporting black lives, L’Oréal issued its own via Instagram, accompanying a visual which read: “Speaking out is worth it.”
L’Oréal Paris stands in solidarity with the Black community, and against injustice of any kind. We are making a commitment to the @naacp to support progress in the fight for justice. #BlackLivesMatter
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Understandably, Bergdorf was not having it. And because speaking out is worth it, she called out the brand in a blistering retort on Monday:
Excuse my language but I am SO angry. FUCK YOU @lorealparis. You dropped me from a campaign in 2017 and threw me to the wolves for speaking out about racism and white supremacy. With no duty of care, without a second thought. I had to fend for myself being torn apart by the world’s press because YOU didn’t want to talk about racism. You even tried to get me to incriminate myself with pairing me up with your shady lawyers, when I had done NOTHING wrong. THAT is what you get for ‘speaking out’ when employed by @lorealparis. Racist snakes. You do NOT get to do this. This is NOT okay, not even in the slightest. I said just yesterday that it would only be a matter of time before RACIST AF brands saw a window of PR opportunity to jump on the bandwagon. Fuck you. Fuck your ‘solidarity’. Where was my support when I spoke out? Where was my apology? I’m disgusted and writing this in floods of tears and shaking. This is gaslighting.
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Again: Welp.
Bergdorf’s comments rightly garnered an outpouring of support on social media. As reported by Page Six, at least one commenter had a suggestion for how L’Oréal, which has long held the goodwill of beauty consumers due to its multiracial campaigns and full-spectrum offerings, could put some substantive action behind their public statements:
Well then I guess it’s about time you issued a long overdue public apology to Munroe Bergdorf AND compensated her for the trauma you caused. This is hollow unless you admit that you’ve used black women as props to show how many foundation shades you have but you certainly haven’t supported, stood in solidarity or spoken out for them before.
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L’Oréal, which currently counts Viola Davis as one of its U.S. brand ambassadors, has yet to issue a public response or an apology to Bergdorf. Instead, the brand joined others in posting a black box to its Instagram feed in honor of #BlackTuesday, offering no further words than the hashtag itself. As for Bergdorf, she admits the revival of the issue has been triggering.


theroot--2020-06-05--Audio Released in the Police Shooting of Dion Johnson

Protests have raged across the country in righteous outrage at the police killing of George Floyd .
In Phoenix , protests have been held not only in honor of Floyd but also for Dion Johnson , the 28-year-old black man who was shot and killed by an Arizona Department of Safety Trooper the same day Floyd died at the hands of police in Minneapolis .
AZ Central reports that audio from the May 25 dispatch call from the incident was released by an unknown source .
In the three-minute audio released on YouTube , the officer reports finding Johnson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Loop 101 freeway and Tatum Boulevard with Johnson asleep in the driver ’ s seat .
The officer mentions the smell of alcohol and possible open containers in the vehicle .
Some time goes by before the officer notes that shots have been fired .
AZ Central notes that the Phoenix Police Department released its own statement about the incident on Wednesday evening , which provides a more details about what led to the shooting , according to police spokeswoman Sgt .
Maggie Cox .
The statement said the trooper “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer cans and a gun in the vehicle.
” The trooper removed the gun from Johnson ’ s vehicle and secured it on his motorcycle .
After calling for backup , the trooper noticed Johnson moving , so he went back to the car and tried to arrest Johnson .
Johnson , now awake , “ grabbed onto ” the trooper through the driver ’ s side door , which began the struggle .
The trooper later told investigators he was worried he would be pushed into oncoming traffic so he drew his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Johnson began to comply but as the trooper was holstering his gun , Mr. Johnson reached for the gun and a second altercation ensued , ” Cox said .
“ The trooper , fearing for his life , then fired his service weapon striking Mr. Johnson .
A second trooper arrived after the shooting and assisted in removing Mr. Johnson from the vehicle.
” Johnson ’ s family was presented with both the audio and traffic camera footage of the incident .
The shooting isn ’ t on the footage but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and left on the ground for six minutes after being shot .
DPS troopers aren ’ t required to wear body cameras so this may be the only footage that exists of the shooting .
Erma Johnson , Johnson ’ s mother , expressed shock and disbelief at what she witnessed .
“ I can ’ t believe that someone that ’ s supposed to protect and serve would treat a human being the way they treated my son when he was shot , handcuffed , thrown to the ground , obviously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they shot.
” Johnson told AZ Central .
During those six minutes Johnson was on the ground , an ambulance and a fire truck can be seen waiting on the side of the highway before going in to provide assistance .
“ I just want those officers to be charged , arrested and fired for cruelty to human life , human beings.
” Johnson said .
Dion ’ s brother , Dustin Johnson also expressed his dismay about the shooting .
“ It broke my heart , my soul , everything .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trayvon Martin got killed .
And I never thought in my wildest dreams or anything that it would happen to my family , ” Johnson said .
A trooper investigation is currently being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department as well as an administrative investigation by the Arizona Department of Safety .

Protests have raged across the country in righteous outrage at the police killing of George Floyd. In Phoenix, protests have been held not only in honor of Floyd but also for Dion Johnson, the 28-year-old black man who was shot and killed by an Arizona Department of Safety Trooper the same day Floyd died at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
AZ Central reports that audio from the May 25 dispatch call from the incident was released by an unknown source. In the three-minute audio released on YouTube, the officer reports finding Johnson’s car parked at the gore point of the Loop 101 freeway and Tatum Boulevard with Johnson asleep in the driver’s seat. The officer mentions the smell of alcohol and possible open containers in the vehicle. Some time goes by before the officer notes that shots have been fired.
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AZ Central notes that the Phoenix Police Department released its own statement about the incident on Wednesday evening, which provides a more details about what led to the shooting, according to police spokeswoman Sgt. Maggie Cox.
From AZ Central:
The statement said the trooper “smelled an odor of alcohol, saw beer cans and a gun in the vehicle.” The trooper removed the gun from Johnson’s vehicle and secured it on his motorcycle. After calling for backup, the trooper noticed Johnson moving, so he went back to the car and tried to arrest Johnson. Johnson, now awake, “grabbed onto” the trooper through the driver’s side door, which began the struggle. The trooper later told investigators he was worried he would be pushed into oncoming traffic so he drew his gun, Cox said. “Mr. Johnson began to comply but as the trooper was holstering his gun, Mr. Johnson reached for the gun and a second altercation ensued,” Cox said. “The trooper, fearing for his life, then fired his service weapon striking Mr. Johnson. A second trooper arrived after the shooting and assisted in removing Mr. Johnson from the vehicle.”
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Johnson’s family was presented with both the audio and traffic camera footage of the incident. The shooting isn’t on the footage but it does show Johnson’s body handcuffed and left on the ground for six minutes after being shot. DPS troopers aren’t required to wear body cameras so this may be the only footage that exists of the shooting.
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Erma Johnson, Johnson’s mother, expressed shock and disbelief at what she witnessed.
“I can’t believe that someone that’s supposed to protect and serve would treat a human being the way they treated my son when he was shot, handcuffed, thrown to the ground, obviously, because he was in the car before they shot.” Johnson told AZ Central. During those six minutes Johnson was on the ground, an ambulance and a fire truck can be seen waiting on the side of the highway before going in to provide assistance.
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“I just want those officers to be charged, arrested and fired for cruelty to human life, human beings.” Johnson said. Dion’s brother, Dustin Johnson also expressed his dismay about the shooting. “It broke my heart, my soul, everything. I’ve been out here marching since Trayvon Martin got killed. And I never thought in my wildest dreams or anything that it would happen to my family,” Johnson said.
A trooper investigation is currently being conducted by the Phoenix Police Department as well as an administrative investigation by the Arizona Department of Safety.


theroot--2020-06-04--These Are the Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands to Support Right Now

Who here cares about animals ?
They ’ re super fluffy , and whatever your choice make great companions .
My love for pets made me realize that maybe I should make a list of some of my favorite cruelty-free beauty brands and highlight one product from each , just to support the movement .
I ’ m not vegan or anything , but I do believe that we should be a little bit more conscious of what we apply on our faces and if what we consume hurts other living things .
Let ’ s get to it !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for good cause .
They just announced that they would be donating a million dollars to the Black Lives Matter movement .
They ’ re also extremely cruelty-free .
They aren ’ t totally vegan , though , so make sure to check the ingredients before you buy .
The brand has everything you ’ d ever need from skincare to its more classic beauty products , including the infamous Boy Brow .
If it helps , I ’ ve tried almost everything from Glossier and never had a single complaint .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Try out The Makeup Set—it comes with Cloud Paint ( blush ) , Boy Brow , and mascara .
Perfect for beginners .
Too Faced .
What can I say about Too Faced ?
They have an array of products but are mostly known for their eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks .
Particularly the Melted Matte liquid lipstick .
I can probably give you a separate post on how much I love it , but the selfie above can give you proof of its magnificence .
It applies smoothly , dries quickly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your lips if you choose not to wear lip liner ( I never do .
Lips on juicy ) .
And , if you wear for a while ( as I did on date nights ) , it doesn ’ t crack or become uncomfortable .
But !
It isn ’ t kiss-proof .
In fact , I have an ongoing joke with the guy I ’ m dating about how lipstick will wind up all over his face after we , well , kiss .
A bit of setting powder can solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a problem .
Obviously I don ’ t .
I have a special love for e.l.f .
Cosmetics because they were there when I departed on my beauty journey as a broke college student .
Everything is hella cheap and the products themselves are easy to apply , which is a hell of a combination .
I usually purchase makeup brushes from them , but the liquid eyeliner is something to discuss .
It goes on smoothly without flaking and dries relatively quickly .
That ’ s important because you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panda .
Unless you want to , I ’ m not going to judge , but like , 2008 was 12 years ago .
Tarte is another well-known brand , and their concealer is on point .
I have issues with the shade range , especially for those with a darker skin tone than mine , but for those who can partake , the coverage is about medium , and with setting spray or powder , it won ’ t fade at the end of the day .
It covers up most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be good for folks with similar issues .
Unlike Glossier , Tarte is also vegan , so use that information to your advantage .

Ignacia on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Who here cares about animals? They’re super fluffy, and whatever your choice make great companions. My love for pets made me realize that maybe I should make a list of some of my favorite cruelty-free beauty brands and highlight one product from each, just to support the movement. I’m not vegan or anything, but I do believe that we should be a little bit more conscious of what we apply on our faces and if what we consume hurts other living things. Let’s get to it!
The Makeup Set | $40 | Glossier
Glossier is extremely trendy right now and for good cause. They just announced that they would be donating a million dollars to the Black Lives Matter movement. They’re also extremely cruelty-free. They aren’t totally vegan, though, so make sure to check the ingredients before you buy. The brand has everything you’d ever need from skincare to its more classic beauty products, including the infamous Boy Brow. If it helps, I’ve tried almost everything from Glossier and never had a single complaint. The packaging is also easy on the eyes. Try out The Makeup Set—it comes with Cloud Paint (blush), Boy Brow, and mascara. Perfect for beginners.
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Melted Matte Lipstick | $21 | Sephora
Too Faced. What can I say about Too Faced? They have an array of products but are mostly known for their eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks. Particularly the Melted Matte liquid lipstick. I can probably give you a separate post on how much I love it, but the selfie above can give you proof of its magnificence. It applies smoothly, dries quickly, and won’t bleed much outside your lips if you choose not to wear lip liner (I never do. Lips on juicy). And, if you wear for a while (as I did on date nights), it doesn’t crack or become uncomfortable. But! It isn’t kiss-proof. In fact, I have an ongoing joke with the guy I’m dating about how lipstick will wind up all over his face after we, well, kiss. A bit of setting powder can solve the problem if you want it to be a problem. Obviously I don’t.
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H20 Proof Eyeliner Pen | $2 | e.l.f. cosmetics
I have a special love for e.l.f. Cosmetics because they were there when I departed on my beauty journey as a broke college student. Everything is hella cheap and the products themselves are easy to apply, which is a hell of a combination. I usually purchase makeup brushes from them, but the liquid eyeliner is something to discuss. It goes on smoothly without flaking and dries relatively quickly. That’s important because you don’t need to look like a damn panda. Unless you want to, I’m not going to judge, but like, 2008 was 12 years ago.
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Shape Tape Concealer | $27 | Tarte
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theroot--2020-06-04--Louisville City Council Moves Forward With 'Breonna's Law'; Cops Walk Out on Mayor Because They're B

Louisville City Council Moves Forward With 'Breonna's Law'; Cops Walk Out on Mayor Because They're Big, Whiny Babies

The Louisville Metro Council ’ s Public Safety Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve Breonna ’ s Law , an ordinance that would mandate all officers have to wear body cameras while executing no-knock warrants .
Mayor Greg Fischer has suspended the use of the warrants , but the ordinance would cement guidelines for how they are executed in the future .
WLKY TV reports that the no-knock warrants would be limited cases involving murder , hostage-taking , kidnapping , terrorism , or human or sexual trafficking .
The officers who barged their way into Taylor ’ s home on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug raid of the 26-year-old EMT ’ s home .
Instead , they shot Taylor eight times , killing her .
However , the ACLU is pushing for a complete ban on no-knock warrants .
The future of the ordinance now rests in the hands of the full Metro Louisville Council , which will vote on the measure .
Protesters in Louisville have continued to rally behind Taylor ’ s family for the last week , demanding charges be brought against the police officers who killed her .
LMPD officers and the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting that killed West Louisville resident David McAtee .
McAtee , the founder of YaYa ’ s BBQ , was shot and killed in the early hours of June 1st .
Police claimed that a shot had been fired from a crowd they were attempting to disperse , and they returned fire .
On Tuesday , LMPD released silent surveillance footage they said shows the 53-year-old firing a gun first at officers .
The Washington Post notes that the footage is missing key details , like where the police were standing at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fischer fired Police Chief Steve Conrad on Monday after it was revealed that officers were not turning on their body cameras , even though it had recently been mandated ( due to Taylor ’ s death ) that they do so .
On Wednesday , the police expressed their wrath toward Fischer during an evening roll-call in which a large group of officers walked out on the mayor as he came to address them .
An LMPD officer bragged to local news station WDRB TV that Fischer was “ booed out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police officers ’ response .
“ The men and women of LMPD are putting in long hours , ” he said in a statement .
“ They are suffering insults and assaults from people they are working to protect .
They are worried for their families and this city .
They are frustrated , and some of them expressed that frustration today.
” Meanwhile , just to remind you , this is the total number of police officers who have been arrested in the deaths of Taylor and McAtee : 0 .

The Louisville Metro Council’s Public Safety Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve Breonna’s Law, an ordinance that would mandate all officers have to wear body cameras while executing no-knock warrants.
Mayor Greg Fischer has suspended the use of the warrants, but the ordinance would cement guidelines for how they are executed in the future. WLKY TV reports that the no-knock warrants would be limited cases involving murder, hostage-taking, kidnapping, terrorism, or human or sexual trafficking.
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The officers who barged their way into Taylor’s home on March 13 were there to execute a drug raid of the 26-year-old EMT’s home. Instead, they shot Taylor eight times, killing her.
However, the ACLU is pushing for a complete ban on no-knock warrants. The future of the ordinance now rests in the hands of the full Metro Louisville Council, which will vote on the measure.
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Protesters in Louisville have continued to rally behind Taylor’s family for the last week, demanding charges be brought against the police officers who killed her. LMPD officers and the National Guard are also under investigation for another shooting that killed West Louisville resident David McAtee.
McAtee, the founder of YaYa’s BBQ, was shot and killed in the early hours of June 1st. Police claimed that a shot had been fired from a crowd they were attempting to disperse, and they returned fire. On Tuesday, LMPD released silent surveillance footage they said shows the 53-year-old firing a gun first at officers.
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The Washington Post notes that the footage is missing key details, like where the police were standing at the time the shots were fired.
Mayor Fischer fired Police Chief Steve Conrad on Monday after it was revealed that officers were not turning on their body cameras, even though it had recently been mandated (due to Taylor’s death) that they do so.
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On Wednesday, the police expressed their wrath toward Fischer during an evening roll-call in which a large group of officers walked out on the mayor as he came to address them.
An LMPD officer bragged to local news station WDRB TV that Fischer was “booed out of the fucking room.”
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Fischer said he respected the police officers’ response.
“The men and women of LMPD are putting in long hours,” he said in a statement. “They are suffering insults and assaults from people they are working to protect. They are worried for their families and this city. They are frustrated, and some of them expressed that frustration today.”
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Meanwhile, just to remind you, this is the total number of police officers who have been arrested in the deaths of Taylor and McAtee: 0.


theroot--2020-06-04--George Floyd Remembered at Powerful Memorial Service in Minneapolis

One of the most powerful moments during the memorial service Thursday for George Floyd occurred near the end of the ceremony as attendees stood in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds , the amount of time that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck .
As mourners bowed their heads and dabbed tears from their eyes to the sounds of an organist playing in the background , the poignant tribute crystalized just how devastatingly long Floyd was held down .
“ That ’ s how long he was laying there , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eulogy during the 90-minute service .
The private memorial , held at North Central University , featured many high-profile guests , including the Rev .
Jesse Jackson , Minn. Rep. Ilhan Omar , Mass .
Rep. Ayanna Pressley , Marsai Martin , Ludacris , Tiffany Haddish , Kevin Hart , Ludacris , Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and members of the Minnesota Vikings .
The specter of COVID-19 hung over the proceedings as most of the attendees were in masks and according to the Star Tribune , had to have their temperatures checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s family spoke and remembered the effect he had on people .
“ Everywhere you go , you see people how they cling to him , ” Floyd ’ s brother Philonise said .
“ They wanted to be around him ... .George , he was like a general .
He walks outside and everyone wanted to greet him , wanted to have fun with him .
Guys doing drugs and smokers , you couldn ’ t tell , because when you spoke with George , you felt like you was the president.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ having much growing up but just enjoying the moments they spent playing video games , sports and cooking with their mother .
The youngest Floyd brother , Rodney , said George taught him “ how to be a man because he was in the world already before us.
” Rev .
Sharpton delivered a passionate eulogy for Floyd .
“ George Floyd ’ s story has been the story of black folks .
Because ever since 401 years ago , the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck .
It ’ s time for us to stand up in George ’ s name and say , ‘ Get your knee off our necks !
’ ” Gospel singer Hezekiah Walker also performed the song “ Every Praise ” towards the end of the ceremony .
North Central University President Scott Hagan announced that a scholarship will be created in Floyd ’ s name to support young black leaders .
Hundreds gathered outside of North Central University in a vigil honoring Floyd .
As attendees exited the service , the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ If we don ’ t get no justice , they don ’ t get no peace.
” This was the first of several memorials taking place to honor Floyd over the next six days , according to the Associated Press .
His body will be delivered to his birthplace of Raeford , N.C. , where a private family service will be held on Saturday .
On Monday , a public viewing will be held in Houston , where Floyd grew up and spent most of his life , followed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A memorial was also held today in New York City where Mayor Bill de Blasio attempted to give a speech but was drowned out by chants to resign .
On May 25 , Floyd died after Chauvin held his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for over 8 minutes .
Last Friday , Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter .
On Wednesday , those charges were increased to second-degree felony murder and charges were filed against Tou Thao , J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane , the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Demonstrations erupted in all 50 states and around the globe for more than week after Floyd ’ s death , and protests are ongoing in cities across the country , as activists call for police reform following the death of Floyd and Breonna Taylor , an EMT in Louisville , Ky. , who was killed by police in her own home during a botched “ no-knock ” warrant .

One of the most powerful moments during the memorial service Thursday for George Floyd occurred near the end of the ceremony as attendees stood in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck.
As mourners bowed their heads and dabbed tears from their eyes to the sounds of an organist playing in the background, the poignant tribute crystalized just how devastatingly long Floyd was held down.
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“That’s how long he was laying there,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy during the 90-minute service.
The private memorial, held at North Central University, featured many high-profile guests, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Minn. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Mass. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Marsai Martin, Ludacris, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and members of the Minnesota Vikings. The specter of COVID-19 hung over the proceedings as most of the attendees were in masks and according to the Star Tribune, had to have their temperatures checked before entering.
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Members of Floyd’s family spoke and remembered the effect he had on people.
“Everywhere you go, you see people how they cling to him,” Floyd’s brother Philonise said. “They wanted to be around him....George, he was like a general. He walks outside and everyone wanted to greet him, wanted to have fun with him. Guys doing drugs and smokers, you couldn’t tell, because when you spoke with George, you felt like you was the president.”
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Philonise reminisced about the family not having much growing up but just enjoying the moments they spent playing video games, sports and cooking with their mother. The youngest Floyd brother, Rodney, said George taught him “how to be a man because he was in the world already before us.”
Rev. Sharpton delivered a passionate eulogy for Floyd. “George Floyd’s story has been the story of black folks. Because ever since 401 years ago, the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed to be is you kept your knee on our neck. It’s time for us to stand up in George’s name and say, ‘Get your knee off our necks!’”
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Gospel singer Hezekiah Walker also performed the song “Every Praise” towards the end of the ceremony.
North Central University President Scott Hagan announced that a scholarship will be created in Floyd’s name to support young black leaders.
Advertisement
Hundreds gathered outside of North Central University in a vigil honoring Floyd. As attendees exited the service, the people outside began chanting Floyd’s name and “If we don’t get no justice, they don’t get no peace.”
This was the first of several memorials taking place to honor Floyd over the next six days, according to the Associated Press. His body will be delivered to his birthplace of Raeford, N.C., where a private family service will be held on Saturday. On Monday, a public viewing will be held in Houston, where Floyd grew up and spent most of his life, followed by a 500-person memorial to be held on Tuesday. A memorial was also held today in New York City where Mayor Bill de Blasio attempted to give a speech but was drowned out by chants to resign.
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On May 25, Floyd died after Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for over 8 minutes. Last Friday, Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. On Wednesday, those charges were increased to second-degree felony murder and charges were filed against Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, the other three officers involved in Floyd’s death.
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Demonstrations erupted in all 50 states and around the globe for more than week after Floyd’s death, and protests are ongoing in cities across the country, as activists call for police reform following the death of Floyd and Breonna Taylor, an EMT in Louisville, Ky., who was killed by police in her own home during a botched “no-knock” warrant.


theroot--2020-06-04--Black Streamers Are Grateful For New Twitch Viewers, But Heartbroken It Took Police Violence To Make

Black Streamers Are Grateful For New Twitch Viewers, But Heartbroken It Took Police Violence To Make It Happen

With protests raging over the murder of George Floyd and the racist institution of policing in general , Twitch streamers find themselves faced with the same choice as the rest of us : Speak up or stay silent .
Difference is , many streamers have audiences numbering in the thousands or even millions .
They can make a difference , but not all of them have chosen to .
Streaming , like other entertainment cultures , has a strong tendency to limit conversations to games , esports , or talking about literally anything other than politics .
Recent years have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platforms like Twitch , but they remain niche compared to streamers who dedicate their lives to playing a single big game like Fortnite , cycling through a variety of games , or even just whispering sweet nothings into a camera .
Take a cursory glance at many streamers ’ chat rules and you ’ ll likely find a clause about avoiding political discussions , or banning them outright .
Moreover , Twitch is an undeniably white platform , with 2018 data showing that 71.5 % of streamers and viewers identify as white .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , as exemplified by the platform ’ s problems with racist emotes over the years .
And while the company has posted multiple messages of support for Black protesters and victims of police violence in recent days , it ’ s still owned by Amazon , a company that sells racist surveillance technology to police .
When it comes to matters of racism , then , Twitch has some serious baggage that impacts streamers , viewers , and the structure of the platform as a whole .
Floyd ’ s killing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger across the country , however , has even shaken some typically apolitical Twitch streamers from their shells .
“ It ’ s unacceptable , ” former Fortnite pro and aspiring Valorant pro Ali “ Myth ” Kabbani wrote on Twitter last week , concluding his succinct message with a “ JusticeForGeorgeFloyd ” hashtag .
Kabbani is by most measures the most popular Black streamer on Twitch .
Police violence , especially the recent outburst of it across the nation , has impacted him personally .
“ Today I had to text my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interacting with cops .
It ’ s a shame that I even have to send a message like that .
Please make a donation if you can , ” he tweeted at the end of last week along with a screenshot showing that he ’ d donated $ 1,000 to the Minnesota Freedom Fund .
Non-Black big-name streamers who traditionally try to keep it light have also spoken up .
Imane “ Pokimane ” Anys linked to the Minnesota Freedom fund on Twitter last week and this week educated her viewers on topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs. white people killed by police .
And Tyler “ Ninja ” Blevins , the former Twitch ( and now Mixer ) megastar who once came under fire for rapping the n-word during a stream , posted repeated messages showing support for protesters and opposition to police overreach this past week .
He and other big names , like fellow ex-Twitch ( now YouTube ) personality Jack “ CouRage ” Dunlop and veteran Twitch star Ben “ Cohh Carnage ” Cassell , participated in Tuesday ’ s social media blackout by refraining from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and opportunism is thin .
In other sections of the influence-o-sphere , we ’ ve seen people like Jake Paul , a white YouTuber , film a mall riot for content , while others have taken to going out in broad daylight and posing in front of shattered storefronts for imminently ‘ grammable photo ops .
Blackout Tuesday , meanwhile , received widespread criticism for overwhelming important hashtags with black squares and , in some cases , functioning as an empty and late gesture rather than a real show of solidarity .
Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a history of being a little more talkative on social issues , especially when it comes to his own charitable efforts , began his stream last week with a frank statement .
“ My name is Benjamin Lupo , I play video games for a living , and I ’ m white , ” he said .
“ I didn ’ t choose to be white , just like George Floyd didn ’ t choose to be black ...
Right now we live in a world where something that you have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re allowed to live .
You ’ ve got black men and women facing discrimination every single day in the United States literally just for being black .
They die just for being black .
Think about that for a second .
People are being killed for something they have no control over—just being themselves .
It ’ s fucking terrifying .
Right now in Minneapolis and a ton of other places , there ’ s protesting .
And yeah , there ’ s stuff being destroyed .
You know why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I hope you fucking hear me when I say this : Those people are doing that because they have not been heard before now .
This has been going on for fucking years .
When people go unheard , that ’ s when rioting happens.
” He also preemptively addressed the pushback he ’ d assuredly receive : “ I know people are gon na be like ‘ Oh , Lupo , stay in your fucking lane !
’ I don ’ t give a shit anymore .
I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a nightmare .
And the worst part about it is , because I ’ m white , I don ’ t even really know what it ’ s like ...
I don ’ t understand it .
I don ’ t have to face that.
” He is correct .
He doesn ’ t have to face that .
As a result , he finds himself in the same position as many white streamers : He can choose when to engage with these issues and when to just be a lovably grumpy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less blowback by doing the latter .
Black streamers do not have that advantage .
The question , then , is where things go from here .
After protests die down one way or another , will these enormously popular figures continue to champion anti-racist , anti-police causes ?
Or will they resume a status quo of blissful indifference ?
Variety streamer PikaChulita , who is Black , believes that streamers have a responsibility to speak out , and that they can ’ t just skate by on the bare minimum .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to actual work , in order to support the Black community , and educate themselves/others , because you should never underestimate the power of your voice , ” she told Kotaku in a Twitter DM .
“ The bare minimum is performative and shallow .
Like , a singular black box as part of Blackout Tuesday , or telling their Black friends ‘ I see you.
’ IDEAL action is amplifying Black voices and actively listening to our experiences and what we have to say .
IDEAL action is holding the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prejudice , including your family and friends .
IDEAL action is using your platform for the greater good , and not being afraid of what might come of it—or simply , just opening your wallet.
” Josh Boykin , a longtime games critic and streamer , agreed , also noting that Black streamers should not be expected to step up right now , given everything that ’ s going on around them .
“ We ’ re also fielding calls and messages from loved ones and doing work in our local communities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fatigue of watching part of the country seem to battle against our humanity , ” he told Kotaku in a Twitter DM .
“ So I think it ’ s important to make space for Black creators in particular right now , and acknowledge they might not be posting often or at all , but are still likely very much taking this issue on.
” It ’ s not as simple as just raiding viewers into a Black streamer ’ s chat or hosting their channel , though .
While those are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger streamers should work to create communities in which racism is unacceptable first , because that ’ s still far from the default on Twitch .
“ Some of these larger communities can be pretty toxic/dangerous to Black people , and I ’ d hope the people running those communities would think about how to change their community ’ s infrastructure and expectations , otherwise they ’ re perpetuating the problem , ” he said .
Some streamers have hesitated in the face of calls to action , remaining deafeningly silent even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more impossible to ignore than ever .
Outspoken streamers like Dmbrandon , who recently streamed a protest he attended , have pointed to sponsor contracts as a possible reason for their hesitance .
“ If you signed a contract saying you wouldn ’ t talk about politics in a public space , as an influencer , you literally said ‘ money > lives , ’ ” he wrote on Twitter .
Three industry sources speaking to Kotaku under the condition of anonymity , however , painted a different picture , saying that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clauses that broadly forbid commentary on controversial issues , that ’ s not necessarily the issue here .
Brands , for better or worse , are all about saying that Black lives matter right now , and they ’ ve also allowed streamers to do things like delay sponsored streams behind the scenes .
This , if you think about it , makes business sense on multiple levels : Now is not the time for hawking products .
Not only would an ad be a bad look ; it probably wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ hesitance seems to be more rooted in fear of alienating audience members .
“ We think smaller to middle level streamers are not speaking up because they are afraid of losing audience—polarizing people who may be right-wing or opposing views—and that is the motivation for not speaking up vs any contractual obligation , ” said one source .
There ’ s also the issue of influencers underestimating their own , well , influence .
Last week , streamer , YouTuber , and cosplayer StellaChuuuuu , who is not Black , sparked controversy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think her words or even a fundraiser would have much of an impact because “ Sometimes I feel like just a cosplayer .
Just a streamer .
Just an egirl .
It ’ s hard to feel like I can do anything for the world .
I feel useless since I ’ m not on the front lines or are active enough .
Who would listen ?
” But she has hundreds of thousands of followers across multiple platforms .
Some of them immediately called her out , insisting that her large audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard not to read resistance to doing so as an attempt to avoid rubbing some viewers the wrong way or losing money .
Jade Aurora , a Black cosplayer who has confronted StellaChuuuuu and other content creators who expressed similar sentiments , said she did it because she believes that if you ’ ve cultivated an audience , you have a responsibility to speak out against injustice .
“ I felt it was necessary because when you have as large of a following as [ she does ] , you do have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aurora told Kotaku in a Twitter DM .
“ Even if you are not able to physically protest , the very least you can do is let us know that you support us and stand with us , especially when you have Black fans and followers .
When you say that you are choosing to be silent because you ’ re worried about losing followers and subscribers ( especially bigoted ones ) you need to ask yourself : ‘ Why would I want these types of people as part of my audience anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are far more important than likes and follows.
” PikaChulita characterized it as another symptom of Twitch ’ s larger racism problem , saying that over the years , some large streamers have “ failed to cultivate/regulate their communities to reflect those sorts of values .
There ’ s rampant racism , homophobia , transphobia , and misogyny within the gaming community , and a lot of streamers—namely non-Black ones—have allowed these people to join their audience because they wanted support , numbers , money , etc .
So when these things happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are prioritizing their own personal gain over black lives .
Plain and simple , white silence = violence.
” StellaChuuuuu has since committed to doing “ better ” and has spread resources and messages of support for Black Lives Matter across multiple platforms .
PikaChulita and other Black streamers have done their best to provide resources , raise money for bail funds , and have conversations with their audiences , despite the toll it takes on them while they ’ re dealing with a national moment that is nonetheless tragic on a deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading info/resources , and having raw , unfiltered , uncomfortable , and painful testimonials and discussions ( not debates , because I don ’ t debate my humanity ) surrounding blackness in the U.S. , as well as all over the world , ” said PikaChulita .
“ I ’ ve also tried to offer some hangout nights for the Black members of my community and our accomplices as a way to offer reprieve for the mental and emotional weight of everything that is currently unfolding around us.
” Many Black streamers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , Tanya “ Cypheroftyr ” DePass , who in the past has dealt with sustained stalking-based harassment that Twitch failed to address until recently , raised $ 142,781 for national nonprofit The Bail Project in a single charity stream .
“ Y ’ all .
I am FLUMMOXED .
ABSOLUTELY FLUMMOXED , ” she wrote on Twitter in the stream ’ s aftermath .
“ I had a goal of $ 500 this morning , thinking folks would be worn out after a hard month of fundraising .
Y ’ all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am humbled , grateful , thankful for everyone .
$ 142,781 raised in 10.5 hours.
” Other Black streamers like Deejay Knight , Black Girl Gamers , Ebonix , and iamBrandon have also run successful charity streams , and countless others like Storymodebae , BlackOni , J-Roc , SenseiCJ , and Okaydrian have educated their audiences and engaged them in difficult conversations about race and oppression .
Meanwhile , big names like Lupo have been passing around lists of Black streamers to follow and support .
But it ’ s been bittersweet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving more attention than ever .
On the other , it ’ s pretty telling that it ’ s only just now happening in this particular moment .
“ I ’ m glad that Black creators are finally being recognized , but at this cost ?
Really ?
” said iamBrandon on Twitter , calling for Twitch to assign partner managers , who serve as a direct line between streamers and Twitch , to more Black creators .
“ We have been here this whole time and making some pretty dope stuff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I ’ m pretty disappointed to see some companies now trying [ to ] find Black folks to use for their content .
Elevate us all the time , not just for Black History Month .
It took us dying for years before some of these brands opened their eyes to see there are Black creators they could be supporting .
Take that in.
” “ The only other time I ’ ve seen this many non-Black people tag/mention BGG this much is when we ’ re receiving racist vitriol , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As much as we ’ re grateful to receive new support , BGG is not a proxy for doing the work regarding police brutality .
Run those pockets .
Sign those petitions.
” Looking for ways to advocate for black lives ?
Check out this list of resources by our sister site Lifehacker for ways to get involved .

Nathan Grayson on Kotaku, shared by Genetta M. Adams to The Root

With protests raging over the murder of George Floyd and the racist institution of policing in general, Twitch streamers find themselves faced with the same choice as the rest of us: Speak up or stay silent. Difference is, many streamers have audiences numbering in the thousands or even millions. They can make a difference, but not all of them have chosen to.
Streaming, like other entertainment cultures, has a strong tendency to limit conversations to games, esports, or talking about literally anything other than politics. Recent years have seen political streamers grow increasingly popular on platforms like Twitch, but they remain niche compared to streamers who dedicate their lives to playing a single big game like Fortnite, cycling through a variety of games, or even just whispering sweet nothings into a camera.
Advertisement
Take a cursory glance at many streamers’ chat rules and you’ll likely find a clause about avoiding political discussions, or banning them outright. Moreover, Twitch is an undeniably white platform, with 2018 data showing that 71.5% of streamers and viewers identify as white. Historically, Twitch has struggled on race-related issues, as exemplified by the platform’s problems with racist emotes over the years. And while the company has posted multiple messages of support for Black protesters and victims of police violence in recent days, it’s still owned by Amazon, a company that sells racist surveillance technology to police. When it comes to matters of racism, then, Twitch has some serious baggage that impacts streamers, viewers, and the structure of the platform as a whole.
Floyd’s killing at the hands of police and the ensuing anger across the country, however, has even shaken some typically apolitical Twitch streamers from their shells.
Advertisement Advertisement
“It’s unacceptable,” former Fortnite pro and aspiring Valorant pro Ali “Myth” Kabbani wrote on Twitter last week, concluding his succinct message with a “JusticeForGeorgeFloyd” hashtag.
Kabbani is by most measures the most popular Black streamer on Twitch. Police violence, especially the recent outburst of it across the nation, has impacted him personally. “Today I had to text my sister to make sure she complies when interacting with cops. It’s a shame that I even have to send a message like that. Please make a donation if you can,” he tweeted at the end of last week along with a screenshot showing that he’d donated $1,000 to the Minnesota Freedom Fund.
Advertisement
Non-Black big-name streamers who traditionally try to keep it light have also spoken up. Imane “Pokimane” Anys linked to the Minnesota Freedom fund on Twitter last week and this week educated her viewers on topics like the disproportionate number of Black people vs. white people killed by police. And Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, the former Twitch (and now Mixer) megastar who once came under fire for rapping the n-word during a stream, posted repeated messages showing support for protesters and opposition to police overreach this past week. He and other big names, like fellow ex-Twitch (now YouTube) personality Jack “CouRage” Dunlop and veteran Twitch star Ben “Cohh Carnage” Cassell, participated in Tuesday’s social media blackout by refraining from streaming.
Advertisement
The line between sincere support and opportunism is thin. In other sections of the influence-o-sphere, we’ve seen people like Jake Paul, a white YouTuber, film a mall riot for content, while others have taken to going out in broad daylight and posing in front of shattered storefronts for imminently ‘grammable photo ops. Blackout Tuesday, meanwhile, received widespread criticism for overwhelming important hashtags with black squares and, in some cases, functioning as an empty and late gesture rather than a real show of solidarity.
Ben “Dr Lupo” Lupo, who has a history of being a little more talkative on social issues, especially when it comes to his own charitable efforts, began his stream last week with a frank statement.
Advertisement
“My name is Benjamin Lupo, I play video games for a living, and I’m white,” he said. “I didn’t choose to be white, just like George Floyd didn’t choose to be black... Right now we live in a world where something that you have no control over influences what kind of life you’re allowed to live. You’ve got black men and women facing discrimination every single day in the United States literally just for being black. They die just for being black. Think about that for a second. People are being killed for something they have no control over—just being themselves. It’s fucking terrifying. Right now in Minneapolis and a ton of other places, there’s protesting. And yeah, there’s stuff being destroyed. You know why those people are doing that, chat? I hope you fucking hear me when I say this: Those people are doing that because they have not been heard before now. This has been going on for fucking years. When people go unheard, that’s when rioting happens.”
“IDEAL action is holding the people around you accountable for their racism and prejudice, including your family and friends. IDEAL action is using your platform for the greater good, and not being afraid of what might come of it.”
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He also preemptively addressed the pushback he’d assuredly receive: “I know people are gonna be like ‘Oh, Lupo, stay in your fucking lane!’ I don’t give a shit anymore. I don’t fucking care, dude. It’s a nightmare. And the worst part about it is, because I’m white, I don’t even really know what it’s like... I don’t understand it. I don’t have to face that.”
He is correct. He doesn’t have to face that. As a result, he finds himself in the same position as many white streamers: He can choose when to engage with these issues and when to just be a lovably grumpy games guy. He will face significantly less blowback by doing the latter. Black streamers do not have that advantage. The question, then, is where things go from here. After protests die down one way or another, will these enormously popular figures continue to champion anti-racist, anti-police causes? Or will they resume a status quo of blissful indifference?
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Variety streamer PikaChulita, who is Black, believes that streamers have a responsibility to speak out, and that they can’t just skate by on the bare minimum.
“By speaking out, I’m referring to actual work, in order to support the Black community, and educate themselves/others, because you should never underestimate the power of your voice,” she told Kotaku in a Twitter DM. “The bare minimum is performative and shallow. Like, a singular black box as part of Blackout Tuesday, or telling their Black friends ‘I see you.’ IDEAL action is amplifying Black voices and actively listening to our experiences and what we have to say. IDEAL action is holding the people around you accountable for their racism and prejudice, including your family and friends. IDEAL action is using your platform for the greater good, and not being afraid of what might come of it—or simply, just opening your wallet.”
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Josh Boykin, a longtime games critic and streamer, agreed, also noting that Black streamers should not be expected to step up right now, given everything that’s going on around them. “We’re also fielding calls and messages from loved ones and doing work in our local communities in addition to dealing with the mental trauma and fatigue of watching part of the country seem to battle against our humanity,” he told Kotaku in a Twitter DM. “So I think it’s important to make space for Black creators in particular right now, and acknowledge they might not be posting often or at all, but are still likely very much taking this issue on.”
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It’s not as simple as just raiding viewers into a Black streamer’s chat or hosting their channel, though. While those are certainly useful options, Boykin cautioned that bigger streamers should work to create communities in which racism is unacceptable first, because that’s still far from the default on Twitch. “Some of these larger communities can be pretty toxic/dangerous to Black people, and I’d hope the people running those communities would think about how to change their community’s infrastructure and expectations, otherwise they’re perpetuating the problem,” he said.
Some streamers have hesitated in the face of calls to action, remaining deafeningly silent even as police violence against Black people has grown more impossible to ignore than ever. Outspoken streamers like Dmbrandon, who recently streamed a protest he attended, have pointed to sponsor contracts as a possible reason for their hesitance.
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“If you signed a contract saying you wouldn’t talk about politics in a public space, as an influencer, you literally said ‘money > lives,’” he wrote on Twitter.
Three industry sources speaking to Kotaku under the condition of anonymity, however, painted a different picture, saying that while sponsor contracts occasionally include morals or disparagement clauses that broadly forbid commentary on controversial issues, that’s not necessarily the issue here. Brands, for better or worse, are all about saying that Black lives matter right now, and they’ve also allowed streamers to do things like delay sponsored streams behind the scenes. This, if you think about it, makes business sense on multiple levels: Now is not the time for hawking products. Not only would an ad be a bad look; it probably wouldn’t get many eyeballs.
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Instead, streamers’ hesitance seems to be more rooted in fear of alienating audience members.
“We think smaller to middle level streamers are not speaking up because they are afraid of losing audience—polarizing people who may be right-wing or opposing views—and that is the motivation for not speaking up vs any contractual obligation,” said one source.
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“It took us dying for years before some of these brands opened their eyes to see there are Black creators they could be supporting. Take that in.”
There’s also the issue of influencers underestimating their own, well, influence. Last week, streamer, YouTuber, and cosplayer StellaChuuuuu, who is not Black, sparked controversy by saying that she didn’t think her words or even a fundraiser would have much of an impact because “Sometimes I feel like just a cosplayer. Just a streamer. Just an egirl. It’s hard to feel like I can do anything for the world. I feel useless since I’m not on the front lines or are active enough. Who would listen?”
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But she has hundreds of thousands of followers across multiple platforms. Some of them immediately called her out, insisting that her large audience absolutely would listen and that it’s hard not to read resistance to doing so as an attempt to avoid rubbing some viewers the wrong way or losing money.
Jade Aurora, a Black cosplayer who has confronted StellaChuuuuu and other content creators who expressed similar sentiments, said she did it because she believes that if you’ve cultivated an audience, you have a responsibility to speak out against injustice.
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“I felt it was necessary because when you have as large of a following as [she does], you do have a certain level of influence,” Aurora told Kotaku in a Twitter DM. “Even if you are not able to physically protest, the very least you can do is let us know that you support us and stand with us, especially when you have Black fans and followers. When you say that you are choosing to be silent because you’re worried about losing followers and subscribers (especially bigoted ones) you need to ask yourself: ‘Why would I want these types of people as part of my audience anyway?’ Human lives and human rights are far more important than likes and follows.”
PikaChulita characterized it as another symptom of Twitch’s larger racism problem, saying that over the years, some large streamers have “failed to cultivate/regulate their communities to reflect those sorts of values. There’s rampant racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny within the gaming community, and a lot of streamers—namely non-Black ones—have allowed these people to join their audience because they wanted support, numbers, money, etc. So when these things happen, they remain silent, because they are prioritizing their own personal gain over black lives. Plain and simple, white silence = violence.”
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StellaChuuuuu has since committed to doing “better” and has spread resources and messages of support for Black Lives Matter across multiple platforms.
PikaChulita and other Black streamers have done their best to provide resources, raise money for bail funds, and have conversations with their audiences, despite the toll it takes on them while they’re dealing with a national moment that is nonetheless tragic on a deeply personal level.
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“I have been spreading info/resources, and having raw, unfiltered, uncomfortable, and painful testimonials and discussions (not debates, because I don’t debate my humanity) surrounding blackness in the U.S., as well as all over the world,” said PikaChulita. “I’ve also tried to offer some hangout nights for the Black members of my community and our accomplices as a way to offer reprieve for the mental and emotional weight of everything that is currently unfolding around us.”
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Many Black streamers have received unprecedented support in recent days. On Tuesday, Tanya “Cypheroftyr” DePass, who in the past has dealt with sustained stalking-based harassment that Twitch failed to address until recently, raised $142,781 for national nonprofit The Bail Project in a single charity stream.
“Y’all. I am FLUMMOXED. ABSOLUTELY FLUMMOXED,” she wrote on Twitter in the stream’s aftermath. “I had a goal of $500 this morning, thinking folks would be worn out after a hard month of fundraising. Y’all proved me so wrong today and I am humbled, grateful, thankful for everyone. $142,781 raised in 10.5 hours.”
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Other Black streamers like Deejay Knight, Black Girl Gamers, Ebonix, and iamBrandon have also run successful charity streams, and countless others like Storymodebae, BlackOni, J-Roc, SenseiCJ, and Okaydrian have educated their audiences and engaged them in difficult conversations about race and oppression. Meanwhile, big names like Lupo have been passing around lists of Black streamers to follow and support. But it’s been bittersweet. On one hand, these creators are receiving more attention than ever. On the other, it’s pretty telling that it’s only just now happening in this particular moment.
“I’m glad that Black creators are finally being recognized, but at this cost? Really?” said iamBrandon on Twitter, calling for Twitch to assign partner managers, who serve as a direct line between streamers and Twitch, to more Black creators. “We have been here this whole time and making some pretty dope stuff. I’m not gonna lie, but I’m pretty disappointed to see some companies now trying [to] find Black folks to use for their content. Elevate us all the time, not just for Black History Month. It took us dying for years before some of these brands opened their eyes to see there are Black creators they could be supporting. Take that in.”
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“The only other time I’ve seen this many non-Black people tag/mention BGG this much is when we’re receiving racist vitriol,” said Black Girl Gamers on Twitter. “As much as we’re grateful to receive new support, BGG is not a proxy for doing the work regarding police brutality. Run those pockets. Sign those petitions.”
Looking for ways to advocate for black lives? Check out this list of resources by our sister site Lifehacker for ways to get involved.
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theroot--2020-06-04--Funko Pops Are as Low as $2 Each in Today’s Top Deals

Love ‘ em or hate ‘ em , Funko Pop toys are absolutely ubiquitous .
There ’ s a licensed Funko toy for nearly every significant movie , TV series , comic book , and video game , not to mention many bands , celebrities , and historical icons .
And we ’ re still barely scratching the surface .
With many thousands of Funko Pop toys available now , it ’ s thankfully not difficult to find some pretty stellar deals at any given moment .
We ’ ve rounded up the best deals we ’ ve seen below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2 apiece .
And while we didn ’ t include any full-priced items in this roundup , GameStop is also currently offering a Buy 3 Get 1 Free deal on all regularly-priced $ 12 Funko Pop toys .
Jump on that deal while it lasts !
You ’ ll have to supply the Hagrid , but this deluxe bundle gets you Hagrid ’ s hut and his pooch Fang from the Harry Potter series .
It ’ s just over half-off the normal price at Amazon right now , with a glowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon has LOADS of other discounted Harry Potter POP !
toys too .
• None Buy it now for $ 16 Speaking of Harry Potter Pop Products—here ’ s one in the Funkoverse line of strategic board games , perfect for entertaining the family while stuck at home .
You ’ ll get mini POP !
Figures of Harry , Hermione Granger , Lord Voldemort , and Bellatrix Lestrange , as well as two board locations and a playable game around it all .
It ’ s 43 % off the $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buy it now for $ 23 This is quite a deal on an Amazon-exclusive two-pack of POP !
Figures from Disney ’ s 1985 film The Black Cauldron , including both hero Taran and the evil Horned King .
You ’ ll get the pair of them for just $ 8 , which is a 73 % savings over the original price .
• None Buy it now for $ 8 Save 62 % off the regular price for this special Amazon-exclusive version of Pharah from the game Overwatch , featuring the Anubis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Overwatch toys too , including the large Toxic Wrecking Ball POP !
for just $ 11 ( a 55 % savings ) .
• None Buy it now for $ 5 Discover the theory of relativity for relatively cheap with Amazon ’ s sale on the Albert Einstein Funko Pop Did you know that theoretical physicists have toys ?
This one does .
In any case , Amazon is knocking 42 % off the list price for this historical icon .
• None Buy it now for $ 6 Snag a Funko Pop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 76 for just two bucks in GameStop ’ s sale .
You can ’ t customize this one , of course , but hopefully it ’ s close to the version you envisioned .
There ’ s also a Fallout Vault Dweller ( Male Armor ) available for the same price .
• None Buy it now for $ 2 Save $ 16 on this deluxe Game of Thrones statue featuring Peter Dinklage ’ s Tyrion Lannister plopped atop the titular throne .
There ’ s a handful of these sets with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and this one ’ s the cheapest right now at GameStop .
• None Buy it now for $ 9 Whether you ’ re a big fan of the Skrull general ( hilariously portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn ) or just need to complete your set , GameStop has Captain Marvel ’ s Talos for just $ 2 at the moment .
The site has a number of other discounted Captain Marvel Funko Pop toys as well , with the others priced around $ 5 apiece .
• None Buy it now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mandalorian learned to tame the wily Blurg and ultimately earned its respect with this sizable premium Funko Pop .
It stands five inches tall and is 25 % off the list price , with a 4.7-star customer rating at Amazon .
There ’ s a vast line of The Mandalorian POP !
toys , with a number of Baby Yoda ones that have been frequently selling out .
• None Buy it now for $ 25 Rose didn ’ t get much screen time in The Rise of Skywalker , sadly , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this deeply-discounted Funko Pop toy from the film .
Right now , you can save 60 % off the list price at Amazon , which also has a Rey figure from the film for just $ 8 ( that ’ s 28 % off ) .
• None Buy it now for $ 4 GameStop is supposed to be the only place you ’ ll find this fully-orange take on the talk show icon , although secondary markets disagree .
The retailer actually hosted a full line of different Conan figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the one that caught our eye the most by far .
The 25 % discount here only sweetens the deal one of the most distinctive Funko Pop toys to date .
• None Buy it now for $ 9 Here ’ s another GameStop exclusive from last year ’ s hit shooter Borderlands 3 : a female version of the infamous psycho character seen on the game series ’ covers .
Like many other Funko Pop toys at GameStop right now , this one ’ s marked down to just $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 5

Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Featured Deal: The Batman (Jumbo) | $30 | Amazon
The best Funko Pop deals are here.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Funko Pop toys are absolutely ubiquitous. There’s a licensed Funko toy for nearly every significant movie, TV series, comic book, and video game, not to mention many bands, celebrities, and historical icons. And we’re still barely scratching the surface.
There are thousands of Funko Pop toys out there, and thankfully it’s not that difficult to find some excellent deals. We’ve picked many of our favorites below.
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Matt Reeve’s take on The Batman starring Robert Pattinson just hit theaters . This is the most Gotham-y Gotham in any Batman movie yet. By the way, it’s worth going to a Dolby Cinema just for the sound of the batmobile alone. The costume also looked phenomenal. If you want to look at it every day in this Funko Pop form, you can do so for 25% off. This is the jumbo version which means it stands a full 10 inches tall.
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We can live like Jack and Sally if we want by saving $5 on this Jack Skellington driving a train Funko Pop. Jack of course is from everyone’s favorite holiday movie. Which holiday and I talking about? Doesn’t matter. Save yourself the crisis and just watch it twice a year.
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The Witcher is an acclaimed fantasy novel series, then video game franchise, and now Netflix show. Even though it’s already 2 seasons in, it only took us a single episode to know for certain that Henry Cavill was born for this role. This Pop shares the same heart-melting smolder as he himself and you can get it for your desk for a couple dollars off.
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Later this month, the Pokémon Funko Pop collection expands even further with the addition of everyone’s favorite starter—Charizard. Personally, I don’t think the Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venasuar evolution chain gets enough lough, but I do get the Chari-appeal. You get your for $12.
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The Harry Potter film franchise just celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The series having been adapted from the novels by Daniel Radcliffe who went on to star in the titular role has gone on to become one of the most impactful pieces of fiction within our generation. And with that comes plenty of merch like this Funko! Pop of Professor Dumbledore alongside the school of Hogwarts where most of the series takes place. You can get the set for $5 off.
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The teaser from the end of The Mandalorian season 2 has finally come to fruition with the recent release of The Book of Boba Fett. This end credits moment of Boba Fett taking Jabba’s throne and palace alongside the help of Fennec Shand is in the form of a large Funko Pop display and it’s currently $5 off.
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Like many, Hawkeye was one of the MCU Disney+ shows I was least interested in when they announced everything that was coming down the pipeline, but now being caught up I’m surprised and delighted to say it was probably my favorite of the shows so far. Based on the Matt Fraction Hawkeye series, this show chooses to put new character, Kate Bishop, at the forefront which proved to be an excellent choice as Hailee Steinfeld crushes the role. You can pre-order her Funko Pop for $12 with an expected release of March this year.
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The final two episodes of What If...? reinforced what I already knew—Ultron was underutilized in the MCU. The finale showed us an alternate reality where Ultron was both a multiversal threat and voiced by Ross Marquand. He did a bang-up job as he has replaced others across the MCU with his near-perfect impressions, but I would have loved to get more of James Spader in the role. Anywho, he’s a Funko Pop now for $12.
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The moment we all cheered and cried in theaters as a vinyl figure. Those of us who saw Avengers Endgame opening night will remember the energy of that crowd forever as Iron Man dropped to his knees and snapped his fingers, saving the Marvel universe. Now that moment is a Funko Pop that glows-in-the-dark. The price has been reduced on Amazon to just $21. Immortalize Tony Stark’s final moments on your desk.
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A set of Funko Pops about nothing! The legendary Seinfeld TV show recently made its way to the world of Funko Pop, and if you’re looking for an easy and slightly discounted way to pick up all eight core Pops, here’s a deal at Amazon: grab ‘em all for $70, a $20 discount off the list price. This set doesn’t include the Funko Exclusive variants of Kramer, however.
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Demand for Grogu/Baby Yoda stuff has been high since The Child first appeared on The Mandalorian—and if the other Funko Pop versions didn’t sate your desire for silly trinkets, then what if we added a cup? This one is marked down to $11 right now at Amazon.
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Funko amassed a wide array of pop culture icons for rainbow-slathered Pride Pop! editions for 2021. Amazon has a few of them marked down to $12 each right now, including WALL-E, Mickey Mouse, and a Star Wars Stormtrooper. Grab ‘em while they last!
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This story was originally published by Andrew Hayward on 06/02/2020 and updated by Joe Tilleli with new information on 03/10/2022.


theroot--2020-06-04--Another Black Man Died in Police Custody After Crying Out ‘I Can’t Breathe.’ His Death Has Been Rule

Another Black Man Died in Police Custody After Crying Out ‘I Can’t Breathe.’ His Death Has Been Ruled a Homicide

A medical examiner ’ s report revealed that a black man died of oxygen deprivation while being detained by police after exclaiming , “ I can ’ t breathe ” —and that man ’ s name is not George Floyd .
The Seattle Times reports that 33-year-old Manuel Ellis died in Tacoma , Wash. , on March 3 after he was arrested by four officers from the Tacoma Police Department .
On Wednesday , Ellis ’ death was ruled a homicide by the Pierce County Medical Examiner ’ s Office .
Like Floyd , Ellis died while in handcuffs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s what happened as reported by the Times : At the time of his March 3 death , officials said , the 33-year-old appeared to be suffering from excited delirium , which often includes attempts at violence , unexpected strength and very high body temperature .
They said that might have explained why Ellis allegedly banged on a patrol car and attacked two officers trying to calm him down .
Although Ellis , an openly struggling addict , had drugs in his system when he died , the Pierce County Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died of respiratory arrest due to hypoxia due to physical restraint .
And here ’ s the officers ’ account of what happened : Police encountered Ellis on his walk home at 11:22 p.m .
They say he was harassing a woman at the intersection of 96th Street South and Ainsworth Avenue and pounding on her car window .
He also tried to open the doors of occupied vehicles , police said .
When two officers in the area asked him what he was doing , Ellis allegedly told them he had warrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then he repeatedly struck their patrol car .
The two officers inside notified dispatch they needed priority backup then got out of the car .
“ He picked up the officer by his vest and slam-dunked him on the ground , ” Ed Troyer , spokesman of the Pierce County Sheriff ’ s Department , which is investigating the incident , told The News Tribune on Tuesday .
“ He never tried to run , he engaged with the officers and started a fight.
” There was a struggle before police got Ellis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the paramedics but within minutes of their arrival , Ellis stopped breathing and lost consciousness .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
It ’ s unclear why it took three months for the examiner ’ s report to determine the cause of Ellis ’ death to be released , but they ’ ve had the results since May 11 , the Times reports .
The officers involved were placed on administrative leave after the incident but have since returned to work .
According to the New York Times , Troyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers used a chokehold or that any knees were placed on Ellis ’ neck .
He said the officers rolled him on his side as soon as he said he couldn ’ t breathe .
Of course , Troyer noted that he couldn ’ t say anything for certain since the officers weren ’ t wearing body cameras .
Ellis ’ family held a vigil for him in Tacoma on Wednesday night where hundreds gathered .
The investigation into Ellis ’ death is ongoing .

A medical examiner’s report revealed that a black man died of oxygen deprivation while being detained by police after exclaiming, “I can’t breathe”—and that man’s name is not George Floyd.
The Seattle Times reports that 33-year-old Manuel Ellis died in Tacoma, Wash., on March 3 after he was arrested by four officers from the Tacoma Police Department. On Wednesday, Ellis’ death was ruled a homicide by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Like Floyd, Ellis died while in handcuffs and he was restrained by four officers. Here’s what happened as reported by the Times:
At the time of his March 3 death, officials said, the 33-year-old appeared to be suffering from excited delirium, which often includes attempts at violence, unexpected strength and very high body temperature. They said that might have explained why Ellis allegedly banged on a patrol car and attacked two officers trying to calm him down. Although Ellis, an openly struggling addict, had drugs in his system when he died, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined Ellis died of respiratory arrest due to hypoxia due to physical restraint.
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And here’s the officers’ account of what happened:
Police encountered Ellis on his walk home at 11:22 p.m. They say he was harassing a woman at the intersection of 96th Street South and Ainsworth Avenue and pounding on her car window. He also tried to open the doors of occupied vehicles, police said. When two officers in the area asked him what he was doing, Ellis allegedly told them he had warrants and wanted to talk to them. Then he repeatedly struck their patrol car. The two officers inside notified dispatch they needed priority backup then got out of the car. “He picked up the officer by his vest and slam-dunked him on the ground,” Ed Troyer, spokesman of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, which is investigating the incident, told The News Tribune on Tuesday. “He never tried to run, he engaged with the officers and started a fight.” There was a struggle before police got Ellis handcuffed on the ground.
The officers called the paramedics but within minutes of their arrival, Ellis stopped breathing and lost consciousness. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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It’s unclear why it took three months for the examiner’s report to determine the cause of Ellis’ death to be released, but they’ve had the results since May 11, the Times reports.
The officers involved were placed on administrative leave after the incident but have since returned to work.
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According to the New York Times, Troyer said he doesn’t believe the officers used a chokehold or that any knees were placed on Ellis’ neck. He said the officers rolled him on his side as soon as he said he couldn’t breathe. Of course, Troyer noted that he couldn’t say anything for certain since the officers weren’t wearing body cameras.
Ellis’ family held a vigil for him in Tacoma on Wednesday night where hundreds gathered.
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The investigation into Ellis’ death is ongoing.