theroot--2020-12-13--Wrapping Paper Roll Call: It's Crunch Time—Get Your Shopping in Shape!

Ummm ... we are now within two weeks of Christmas ( and Kwanzaa—and nearly halfway through Hanukkah ) —have you locked down your holiday gifts yet ?
With shipping slower than usual this year , most retailers aren ’ t guaranteeing holiday delivery on orders placed past the middle of this week , so your options are dwindling—and perhaps your finances are , too ( we see you , mid-month payday ) .
Accordingly , if you ’ re giving gifts this year , you likely want them to be both meaningful and useful well after the holiday passes—and inspiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week , the ongoing pandemic has solidified two main factions when it comes to fitness , which we previously dubbed the “ Get Tight , Get Right Gang ” and the “ Let It Go League.
” ( If you ’ ve somehow managed to be part of the “ Maintenance Minority , ” we salute you . )
As a new year at last approaches , most of us are either experiencing at-home fitness fatigue or resolving to get back into our pre-pandemic wardrobes by the time we can all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp you belong to ( even the “ Whatever ’ s Clever Crew ” ) , safeguarding our health remains paramount right now as we head into 2021 .
Whether making a resolution or maintaining a routine , keeping ourselves , our families and our communities healthy should be our highest priorities , which means this year may be one of the few in which the gift of fitness might be gratefully accepted in the altruistic spirit in which it ’ s intended .
With that in mind , we ’ ve gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black founders and retailers—meaning you can flex your support for Black-owned businesses while also helping your loved ones strap on that Fitbit and flex their muscles .
And what ’ s more ?
You can skip the slow delivery and score gift cards for most of these brands .
Venus Williams ’ activewear brand has plenty of goods for tennis lovers and fitness generalists alike ( and even a current streetwear collab with K-Swiss ) , but one of the brand ’ s bestsellers , the EleVen by Venus Williams Resistance Rope is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only $ 20—but paying it forward in toning .
Speaking of tennis , it ’ s one of the sports best equipped for this socially-distanced era—and Ascot Manor ’ s designs go far beyond the typical “ tennis whites ” ( double-entendre intended ) .
What ’ s more , this woman-owned brand is supporting the next generation of Venuses , Serenas , Naomis and Cocos , re-investing a percentage of sales “ to help support under-resourced , highly-skilled competitive junior tennis players with both financial and apparel sponsorship.
” “ Black is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is us , Black is we , ” The Last Poets famously rhymed ... and this newly launched all-black line of fitness apparel made for us , by us is actively on brand with that message , providing a line of sleek separates for men and women in our signature color that works equally well as streetwear .
If she ’ s more prone to look on the bright side , she ’ ll likely love the vibrant prints from this activewear label—in fact , they ’ re made to mix and match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these prints ?
The brand makes coordinating designs and goods for little ones and the home , too .
Think Peloton has the market cornered on indoor cycling ?
CycMode is an Atlanta-based “ 4,000 square-foot flagship production hub and multi-studio space for immersive indoor cycling on bikes that move , HIIT/strength training , and yoga workouts.
” Launching January 2 , CycMode will host daily livestream group fitness classes to national at-home subscribers—so gift them a membership .
If you can always depend on him to do the heavy lifting , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designs of Barbell Commission—because muscleheads can make a fashion statement , too !
This label ’ s low-frills designs will give both style and needed support to his squat day .
Those of us who ’ ve been working from home most of this year may have had less success finding new ways to workout at home—which is why Sworkit ’ s at-home and on-the-go workout system of over 400+ workouts is right on time .
This Shark Tank-winning app offers a curated collection of over 800 body weight and small equipment exercises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone on your list .
Is someone you love making a pivot into the meat-free life ?
Help support their journey with the plant-based flavors of VeganSmart , which are perfect as a meal replacement ( the perfect protein-rich accompaniment for a concurrent weight-loss journey ) , or as a guilt-free snack or treat—and with a subscription , they ’ ll never run out .
Fun fact : every body is a bikini body , and every body deserves stylish swimwear—which is why we love the size-inclusive designs Taylor Paige Long creates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall to 4X , these stunning designs will make her feel like a siren , no matter her size .
This yoga-centric brand has absolutely gorgeous apparel— and equally gorgeous yoga mats in cork and suede , elevating that much-needed moment of stretching and serenity into pretty stylish one , as well .
Wine it up !
This Caribbean dance-inspired workout series of live and on-demand classes is exactly the festive infusion their fitness routine needs .
A monthly VIP subscription ( currently on sale for $ 45 ) offers u nlimited access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emand library , updated with 12 new classes per month .
P lus , it includes e xclusive deals and discounts on Brukwine ’ s club-ready gear .
If they ’ re the outdoorsy type , this Rwanda-based brand has the goods for their hiking , r unning and track and field needs , offering stylish apparel and gear for men and women , plus an eco-friendly fabric line .
With kicks named for Black excellence and designed in the powerful red , black and green motif , we had to put this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because when it comes to Black pride , it ’ s never a trend ; it ’ s a legacy !

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

Ummm...we are now within two weeks of Christmas (and Kwanzaa—and nearly halfway through Hanukkah)—have you locked down your holiday gifts yet? With shipping slower than usual this year, most retailers aren’t guaranteeing holiday delivery on orders placed past the middle of this week, so your options are dwindling—and perhaps your finances are, too (we see you, mid-month payday). Accordingly, if you’re giving gifts this year, you likely want them to be both meaningful and useful well after the holiday passes—and inspiring, too.
As we pointed out earlier this week, the ongoing pandemic has solidified two main factions when it comes to fitness, which we previously dubbed the “Get Tight, Get Right Gang” and the “Let It Go League.” (If you’ve somehow managed to be part of the “Maintenance Minority,” we envy salute you.) As a new year at last approaches, most of us are either experiencing at-home fitness fatigue or resolving to get back into our pre-pandemic wardrobes by the time we can all regularly socialize again.
Advertisement
Regardless of which camp you belong to (even the “Whatever’s Clever Crew”), safeguarding our health remains paramount right now as we head into 2021. Whether making a resolution or maintaining a routine, keeping ourselves, our families and our communities healthy should be our highest priorities, which means this year may be one of the few in which the gift of fitness might be gratefully accepted in the altruistic spirit in which it’s intended.
Advertisement Advertisement
With that in mind, we’ve gathered some of our favorite health-fortifying options by Black founders and retailers—meaning you can flex your support for Black-owned businesses while also helping your loved ones strap on that Fitbit and flex their muscles. And what’s more? You can skip the slow delivery and score gift cards for most of these brands.
Venus Williams’ activewear brand has plenty of goods for tennis lovers and fitness generalists alike (and even a current streetwear collab with K-Swiss), but one of the brand’s bestsellers, the EleVen by Venus Williams Resistance Rope is also a bargain, checking in at only $20—but paying it forward in toning .
Advertisement
Speaking of tennis, it’s one of the sports best equipped for this socially-distanced era—and Ascot Manor’s designs go far beyond the typical “tennis whites” (double-entendre intended). What’s more, this woman-owned brand is supporting the next generation of Venuses, Serenas, Naomis and Cocos, re-investing a percentage of sales “ to help support under-resourced, highly-skilled competitive junior tennis players with both financial and apparel sponsorship.”
Advertisement
“Black is you, Black is me, Black is us, Black is we,” The Last Poets famously rhymed...and this newly launched all-black line of fitness apparel made for us, by us is actively on brand with that message , providing a line of sleek separates for men and women in our signature color that works equally well as streetwear.
Advertisement
If she’s more prone to look on the bright side, she’ll likely love the vibrant prints from this activewear label—in fact, they’re made to mix and match! Looking to spread the high-impact of these prints ? The brand makes coordinating designs and goods for little ones and the home, too.
Advertisement
Think Peloton has the market cornered on indoor cycling? CycMode is an Atlanta-based “4,000 square-foot flagship production hub and multi-studio space for immersive indoor cycling on bikes that move, HIIT/strength training, and yoga workouts.” Launching January 2, CycMode will host daily livestream group fitness classes to national at-home subscribers—so gift them a membership .
Advertisement
If you can always depend on him to do the heavy lifting, he’ll dig the no-pain, all-gain designs of Barbell Commission—because muscleheads can make a fashion statement, too! This label’s low-frills designs will give both style and needed support to his squat day.
Advertisement
Those of us who’ve been working from home most of this year may have had less success finding new ways to workout at home—which is why Sworkit’s at-home and on-the-go workout system of over 400+ workouts is right on time. This Shark Tank-winning app offers a curated collection of over 800 body weight and small equipment exercises, meaning there’s a workout for everyone on your list.
Advertisement
Is someone you love making a pivot into the meat-free life? Help support their journey with the plant-based flavors of VeganSmart, which are perfect as a meal replacement (the perfect protein-rich accompaniment for a concurrent weight-loss journey), or as a guilt-free snack or treat—and with a subscription, they’ll never run out.
Advertisement
Fun fact: every body is a bikini body, and every body deserves stylish swimwear—which is why we love the size-inclusive designs Taylor Paige Long creates for Nomads Swimwear. Sized from S mall to 4X, these stunning designs will make her feel like a siren, no matter her size .
Advertisement
This yoga-centric brand has absolutely gorgeous apparel— and equally gorgeous yoga mats in cork and suede , elevating that much-needed moment of stretching and serenity into pretty stylish one , as well.
Advertisement
Wine it up! This Caribbean dance-inspired workout series of live and on-demand classes is exactly the festive infusion their fitness routine needs. A monthly VIP subscription (currently on sale for $45) offers u nlimited access to Brukwine’s entire o n-d emand library, updated with 12 new classes per month. P lus, it includes e xclusive deals and discounts on Brukwine’s club-ready gear.
Advertisement
If they’re the outdoorsy type, this Rwanda-based brand has the goods for their hiking, r unning and track and field needs, offering stylish apparel and gear for men and women, plus an eco-friendly fabric line.
Advertisement
With kicks named for Black excellence and designed in the powerful red, black and green motif , we had to put this sneaker and apparel brand on your radar, because when it comes to Black pride , it’s never a trend; it’s a legacy!


theroot--2020-12-13--MAGA Marchers and Proud Boys Descend on D.C., Setting Fire to Churches' Black Lives Matter Signs and

MAGA Marchers and Proud Boys Descend on D.C., Setting Fire to Churches' Black Lives Matter Signs and Getting into Stabbing Fights [Updated]

Roaming bands of white supremacists trawled the streets of Washington D.C. on Saturday , setting fires to Black Lives Matter banners and getting into stabbing fights in what appeared to be a free-for all outpouring of racist rage .
Earlier in the day , MAGA supporters gathered in the nation ’ s capital for a rally to protest the election results , where the Washington Post reports they heard from Alex Jones and Michael Flynn ( who was recently pardoned by Trump for lying to the FBI ) .
Videos posted on social media show a band of diminutive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will “ destroy the GOP ” because the party has not ensured Trump stays in office—though he has absolutely no valid claim to do so because he undeniably lost the election .
By that evening , members of the white nationalist Proud Boys group began spreading out across the D.C. area , pulling Black Lives Matter signs off of historically Black churches and destroying them—including by setting the signs afire : “ Last night demonstrators who were part of the MAGA gatherings tore down our Black Lives Matter sign and literally burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rev .
Ianther M. Mills of Asbury Methodist Church , one of the institutions whose sign was taken by the marauding MAGAs .
“ For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings.
” Rev .
Mills added that the church would “ move forward , undaunted in our assurance that Black Lives Matter and we are obligated to shout the truth without ceasing , ” but said that he found it alarming that the incidents were not being denounced at the highest levels .
President Trump notoriously told the Proud Boys to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the presidential debates in September , and it appears that they have consequently responded to the statement as marching orders in light of their leader ’ s electoral loss .
At some point last night , the white nationalist group also clashed with counter protestors in physical fights in which multiple people were stabbed .
At least four people were stabbed near Harry ’ s Bar at 11th and F streets NW , a gathering point for the Proud Boys , a male-chauvinist organization with ties to white nationalism .
The victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. fire spokesman Doug Buchanan said .
It was not immediately clear with which groups the attackers or the injured might have been affiliated .
The violence escalated after an evening of faceoffs with counterprotesters that took place near Harry ’ s , Black Lives Matter Plaza , Franklin Square , and other spots around downtown .
At first , officers in riot gear successfully kept the two sides apart , even as the groups splintered and roamed .
In helmets and bulletproof vests , Proud Boys marched through downtown in military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ 1776 !
” Though this year we ’ ve seen riot cops employ pepper spray and use their batons wantonly against people during protests for racial justice , the police present in D.C. last night appeared unprepared to sufficiently stem the clashes happening on the streets , which left at least eight people injured and hospitalized two officers .
The police said 23 people were arrested from Saturday ’ s violent gatherings .
As darkness continues to fall quicker across the country during the winter , it remains to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protestors ” will be allowed to take out their rage at losing the election , and when any leader—Republican or Democrat—will have the courage to speak out and condemn them unreservedly .
Updated : 12/13/2020 , 4:15 p.m .
ET : The D.C. police say that they are investigating the Proud Boys ’ burning of Black Lives Matter signs taken from the Ashbury Methodist Church and Metropolitan AME Church as possible hate crimes .
“ We take these offenses very seriously , ” said a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is asking anyone with information about the incidents to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411 .

Roaming bands of white supremacists trawled the streets of Washington D.C. on Saturday, setting fires to Black Lives Matter banners and getting into stabbing fights in what appeared to be a free-for all outpouring of racist rage.
Earlier in the day, MAGA supporters gathered in the nation’s capital for a rally to protest the election results, where the Washington Post reports they heard from Alex Jones and Michael Flynn (who was recently pardoned by Trump for lying to the FBI).
Advertisement
Videos posted on social media show a band of diminutive, pinch-faced, red-hatted white men chanting that they will “destroy the GOP” because the party has not ensured Trump stays in office—though he has absolutely no valid claim to do so because he undeniably lost the election.
By that evening, members of the white nationalist Proud Boys group began spreading out across the D.C. area , pulling Black Lives Matter signs off of historically Black churches and destroying them—including by setting the signs afire:
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
“Last night demonstrators who were part of the MAGA gatherings tore down our Black Lives Matter sign and literally burned it in the street,” said the Rev. Ianther M. Mills of Asbury Methodist Church, one of the institutions whose sign was taken by the marauding MAGAs. “For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings.”
Advertisement
Rev. Mills added that the church would “move forward, undaunted in our assurance that Black Lives Matter and we are obligated to shout the truth without ceasing,” but said that he found it alarming that the incidents were not being denounced at the highest levels.
President Trump notoriously told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” during the presidential debates in September, and it appears that they have consequently responded to the statement as marching orders in light of their leader’s electoral loss.
Advertisement
At some point last night, the white nationalist group also clashed with counter protestors in physical fights in which multiple people were stabbed.
From the Washington Post:
At least four people were stabbed near Harry’s Bar at 11th and F streets NW, a gathering point for the Proud Boys, a male-chauvinist organization with ties to white nationalism. The victims were hospitalized and suffered possibly life-threatening injuries, D.C. fire spokesman Doug Buchanan said. It was not immediately clear with which groups the attackers or the injured might have been affiliated. The violence escalated after an evening of faceoffs with counterprotesters that took place near Harry’s, Black Lives Matter Plaza, Franklin Square, and other spots around downtown. At first, officers in riot gear successfully kept the two sides apart, even as the groups splintered and roamed. In helmets and bulletproof vests, Proud Boys marched through downtown in military like rows, shouting “move out” and “1776!”
Advertisement
Though this year we’ve seen riot cops employ pepper spray and use their batons wantonly against people during protests for racial justice, the police present in D.C. last night appeared unprepared to sufficiently stem the clashes happening on the streets, which left at least eight people injured and hospitalized two officers. The police said 23 people were arrested from Saturday’s violent gatherings.
As darkness continues to fall quicker across the country during the winter, it remains to be seen just how far these white “protestors” will be allowed to take out their rage at losing the election, and when any leader—Republican or Democrat—will have the courage to speak out and condemn them unreservedly.
Advertisement
Updated: 12/13/2020, 4:15 p.m. ET: The D.C. police say that they are investigating the Proud Boys’ burning of Black Lives Matter signs taken from the Ashbury Methodist Church and Metropolitan AME Church as possible hate crimes. “We take these offenses very seriously,” said a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department in a statement to The Root. The MPD is asking anyone with information about the incidents to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.