theroot--2020-10-27--Netflix's Colin in Black & White Finds Its Kaepernick

In July , we reported that Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay were combining superpowers to develop Colin in Black & White , a new Netflix limited series which “ will focus on Kaepernick ’ s formative high school years , lending meaningful insight into the acts and experiences that led him to become the activist he is today.
” And today comes the news that the highly-anticipated , six-episode series has found its lead .
Per a Netflix press release provided to The Root : Jaden Michael will star as a young Colin Kaepernick during his formative high school years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael ’ s past credits include Todd Haynes ’ drama Wonderstruck , Baz Lurhmann ’ s critically acclaimed , The Get Down , and the indie feature , Custody alongside Viola Davis and Ellen Burstyn .
Most recently , Michael starred in the lead role in Lorne Michaels ’ comedy , Vampires vs .
The Bronx .
Shoutout to the casting director because the resemblance between Michael and Kaepernick is uncanny .
Aside from Kaepernick and DuVernay ’ s input , Emmy Award nominee Michael Starrbury will write and serve as an executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series has a narrator , Kap will be fulfilling those duties himself .
According to Netflix , Colin in Black & White “ will provide an introspective look at Kaepernick ’ s adolescent years as a Black teen growing up with a white adopted family ” and provide context into “ his journey to become a great quarterback.
” “ I never thought I would be casting a young me in a show about my life , ” Kaepernick tweeted on Tuesday .
“ I can ’ t wait for the world to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ netflix # ColinInBlackAndWhite @ ava ” The rest of us can ’ t either .
No word on a release date , but once it ’ s confirmed , we ’ ll be sure to provide an update .

Jay Connor on The Grapevine, shared by Jay Connor to The Root

In July, we reported that Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay were combining superpowers to develop Colin in Black & White, a new Netflix limited series which “will focus on Kaepernick’s formative high school years, lending meaningful insight into the acts and experiences that led him to become the activist he is today.” And today comes the news that the highly-anticipated, six-episode series has found its lead.
Advertisement
Per a Netflix press release provided to The Root:
Jaden Michael will star as a young Colin Kaepernick during his formative high school years in Colin in Black & White. Michael’s past credits include Todd Haynes’ drama Wonderstruck, Baz Lurhmann’s critically acclaimed, The Get Down, and the indie feature, Custody alongside Viola Davis and Ellen Burstyn. Most recently, Michael starred in the lead role in Lorne Michaels’ comedy, Vampires vs. The Bronx.
Advertisement Advertisement
Shoutout to the casting director because the resemblance between Michael and Kaepernick is uncanny.
Aside from Kaepernick and DuVernay’s input, Emmy Award nominee Michael Starrbury will write and serve as an executive producer. And because every good TV series has a narrator, Kap will be fulfilling those duties himself.
Advertisement
According to Netflix, Colin in Black & White “will provide an introspective look at Kaepernick’s adolescent years as a Black teen growing up with a white adopted family” and provide context into “his journey to become a great quarterback.”
“I never thought I would be casting a young me in a show about my life,” Kaepernick tweeted on Tuesday. “I can’t wait for the world to see @ItsJadenMichael be an all-star on @netflix #ColinInBlackAndWhite @ava”
Advertisement
The rest of us can’t either.
No word on a release date, but once it’s confirmed, we’ll be sure to provide an update.


theroot--2020-10-27--Rare Black Panther Comic #1 Signed by Chadwick Boseman Is Currently Up for Auction

To fans who would like a piece of memorabilia to honor the late Chadwick Boseman and are able to afford it—there ’ s something pretty damn valuable that may catch your eye .
On Monday , Nate D. Sanders Auctions announced that they were in possession of a rare Black Panther Comic # 1 signed by the late Boseman as well as the film adaptation ’ s director Ryan Coogler , and the comic book character co-creator , the late Stan Lee .
Detailed info via the official press release sent to The Root : The Black Panther comic # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as by director Ryan Coogler and co-creator , the late Stan Lee .
The comic is the Middle East-Comic Con variant and is graded 9.8 by CGC Signature Series .
Interestingly , Boseman writes ‘ ’ 42 ' ’ next to his name , referencing Jackie Robinson ’ s player number , which is also the name of the 2013 film starring Boseman as Robinson .
The film Black Panther shattered box office records upon its release in 2018 , confirming the demand for black-starring superhero films , and shepherding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third-highest-grossing film in the United States and made Boseman an instant superstar .
Bidding for the comic book starts at $ 8,000 .
Nate D. Sanders Auctions was established in Los Angeles in 1990 and holds auctions on a monthly basis .
The founder , Sanders , is known for his knowledge of Hollywood , sports and otherwise historical memorabilia .
Fans and peers alike were shocked to learn of Boseman ’ s death when it was announced this summer .
Boseman died at the age of 43 after a battle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of condolences and tribute on Marvel ’ s official social media pages .
“ Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman ’ s family .
Your legacy will live on forever .
Rest In Peace , ” the studio wrote on Instagram at the time .
This past September , Marvel Comics released special tribute issues with a banner tribute to Boseman at the top of the cover .
At the time of this article ’ s publishing , there hasn ’ t been a bid made on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this item and to place a bid , head to natedsanders.com .

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

To fans who would like a piece of memorabilia to honor the late Chadwick Boseman and are able to afford it—there’s something pretty damn valuable that may catch your eye.
On Monday, Nate D. Sanders Auctions announced that they were in possession of a rare Black Panther Comic #1 signed by the late Boseman as well as the film adaptation’s director Ryan Coogler, and the comic book character co-creator, the late Stan Lee.
Advertisement
Detailed info via the official press release sent to The Root:
The Black Panther comic #1 is signed by Black Panther himself, as well as by director Ryan Coogler and co-creator, the late Stan Lee. The comic is the Middle East-Comic Con variant and is graded 9.8 by CGC Signature Series. Interestingly, Boseman writes ‘’42'’ next to his name, referencing Jackie Robinson’s player number, which is also the name of the 2013 film starring Boseman as Robinson. The film Black Panther shattered box office records upon its release in 2018, confirming the demand for black-starring superhero films, and shepherding in more diverse filmmaking; it remains the third-highest-grossing film in the United States and made Boseman an instant superstar.
Advertisement Advertisement
Bidding for the comic book starts at $8,000. Nate D. Sanders Auctions was established in Los Angeles in 1990 and holds auctions on a monthly basis. The founder, Sanders, is known for his knowledge of Hollywood, sports and otherwise historical memorabilia.
Fans and peers alike were shocked to learn of Boseman’s death when it was announced this summer. Boseman died at the age of 43 after a battle with colon cancer. There were several messages of condolences and tribute on Marvel’s official social media pages.
Advertisement
“Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace,” the studio wrote on Instagram at the time.
Advertisement
This past September, Marvel Comics released special tribute issues with a banner tribute to Boseman at the top of the cover.
At the time of this article’s publishing, there hasn’t been a bid made on the signed comic yet. For more information on this item and to place a bid, head to natedsanders.com.


theroot--2020-10-27--It's a Very Scary Big Boo-uty Tuesday!

It's a Very Scary Big Boo-uty Tuesday!

So ... are you scared yet ?
Has this year of interminable terrors thrown enough your way for you to grasp the profound gravity of the situation we ’ re in ?
Or are you more the type to slip into zombie-like zen in moments of crisis ?
Maybe comfort eating is your coping strategy—in which case , you ’ re likely already high on your own supply of Halloween candy , though the scariest day of the year is still several days off .
( That ’ s what you get for buying candy for trick-or-treaters that will likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) We typically show up here every other Tuesday—which we fondly call “ Big Beauty Tuesday ” —to talk beauty and fashion .
But if we ’ re honest , we ’ re struggling to get in the mood this year , and not just because we have no place to go .
While Halloween is typically a great day for hair , makeup and costume changes , it ’ s far from the scariest day of this particular year ; that ’ s actually next Tuesday , Election Day ( or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depending upon who you ask ) —a day made all even scarier by the fact that for most of us , this has already been the scariest year of our lives .
Next Tuesday will largely determine our collective fate for the four years , and if you ’ re not happy with the course we ’ re currently on , this is no time to cower under the covers in fear .
No , we ’ re not idealistic enough to believe civic participation is all it takes to turn things around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for saving an already tenuous democracy should or can rest upon Black or Brown shoulders .
What we do believe is that voting is one of the limited and most effective means we have in preserving our liberties and advancing our own freedom project , which has somehow still found its way to the forefront amid a pandemic and perhaps the most destructive presidency in history .
We are scared , angry , and frankly , pretty worn out , at this point—but we know apathy isn ’ t the answer .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to do about it ?
Yes , there ’ s a lot to be frightened of—but there ’ s even more to fight for , and still more to look forward to .
Want to make this Halloween a little less scary ?
This Big Boo-uty Tuesday , we ’ re referencing one of our favorite experiments in Black horror , Lovecraft Country , the perfect inspiration as we face down some very real monsters in our midst .
In the midst of this horrifying year , let ’ s reclaim our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invest in our future—no costumes necessary .
The Glow Up tip : Love the looks in this BBT ?
Check out the Wahala and Masquerade palettes from Black-owned Beauty brand Juvia ’ s Place ( $ 25- $ 36 ) .
The Negro League Chicago American Giants cap is available from American Needle .

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

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-10-27--This Cute Rabbit Vibe Can Be Yours For a Decent $54

If you ’ re looking for a cute way to get off , try out this Fifty Shades of Gray @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s only $ 54 with the promo code SPOOKY , which is $ @ @ @ @ @ price .
It has three speeds and seven unique vibration patterns to really shake things @ @ @ @ @ and can be packed discreetly if you ’ re traveling .
What are you waiting @ @ @ @ @ a click away .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Greedy Girl Rabbit Vibe | $54 | Ella Paradis | Promo code SPOOKY
If you’re looking for a cute way to get off, try out this Fifty Shades of Gray Greedy Girl Rabbit Vibe. It’s only $54 with the promo code SPOOKY, which is $25 off the original list price. It has three speeds and seven unique vibration patterns to really shake things up. Plus is cute and can be packed discreetly if you’re traveling . What are you waiting for? Orgasms are just a click away.


theroot--2020-10-27--Ex-NYPD Officer Ordered to Pay $1 Million to Black Tennessee Woman Whose Home He Broke Into Before H

Ex-NYPD Officer Ordered to Pay $1 Million to Black Tennessee Woman Whose Home He Broke Into Before Hurling Racial Slurs

Does anyone remember Michael J. Reynolds , the former officer with the New York Police Department who flew to Nashville , Tenn. , to attend a 3-day bachelor party in 2018 and ended up breaking into the home of Black woman Conese Halliburton and her four sons , who lived next to the Airbnb he was staying in ?
You might remember that Reynolds hurled racial slurs at the family , cursed at them and even threatened them with violence .
You might also remember that he was sentenced to 15 days in jail behind the offense but somehow wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well now , more than 2 years after the incident , a federal district court judge has ruled that the Klan-ish ex-cop must pay out $ 1 million to the Black family he terrorized .
First , here ’ s what The Root reported in January : At around 2:30 a.m. on July 9 , 2018 , Reynolds is seen , via video surveillance from a neighbor ’ s RING camera , kicking in Halliburton ’ s door in an apparent drunken rage .
In an interview with The Tennessean , Halliburton recalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother fucking house , ” Reynolds shouted , Halliburton told the paper .
The video shows Reynolds shouting at the family “ Try to shoot me , and I ’ ll break every fucking bone in your fucking neck.
” He also is shown in the footage calling the family “ Fucking niggers.
” Reynolds claimed he mistook Halliburton ’ s home for his Airbnb which was one door down .
The Tennessean reports that Judge Eli Richardson approved a $ 1 million settlement against Reynolds on Monday .
The lawsuit against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired but instead resigned just before his official disciplinary process early this year , according to WKRN—was filed in January by Halliburton .
“ Ms .
Halliburton promised from the beginning that she would hold ex-Officer Reynolds fully accountable for his criminal misconduct and obtain justice for her family regarding this despicable incident , ” Nashville attorney Daniel A. Horwitz , who represented Halliburton , said .
“ We are certainly pleased with this development , but we also aren ’ t finished here.
” According to Fox 17 , Halliburton—who said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invasion left her “ reasonably fearing that her children would be murdered in front of her and fearing that she would be subject to deadly force herself ” — also filed a complaint with the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board against Reynolds and other NYPD officers involved in the incident .
The complaint states that the other officers laughed off Reynold ’ s home invasion and mocked Haliburton .
It also states that at least one officer , Thomas Geberth—whose bachelor party Reynolds and his companions were in Nashville to attend—tried to intimidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over what Reynolds had done .
Horwitz says due to Reynolds ’ bankruptcy declaration , Halliburton will likely only collect a small portion of the $ 1 million judgment .
She has launched a GoFundMe account to help with legal expenses .
“ As many of you know , a racist NYPD officer recently broke into my home , threatened to shoot us , and terrorized me and my children .
We are all traumatized by what happened , ” Halliburton wrote on the GoFundMe account .
“ To protect my family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was prosecuted , went to jail , lost his job and was held accountable for his crimes .
He has since declared bankruptcy , but I am still fighting for justice .
”

Does anyone remember Michael J. Reynolds, the former officer with the New York Police Department who flew to Nashville, Tenn., to attend a 3-day bachelor party in 2018 and ended up breaking into the home of Black woman Conese Halliburton and her four sons, who lived next to the Airbnb he was staying in? You might remember that Reynolds hurled racial slurs at the family, cursed at them and even threatened them with violence. You might also remember that he was sentenced to 15 days in jail behind the offense but somehow wasn’t removed from the force.
Advertisement
Well now, more than 2 years after the incident, a federal district court judge has ruled that the Klan-ish ex-cop must pay out $1 million to the Black family he terrorized.
First, here’s what The Root reported in January:
At around 2:30 a.m. on July 9, 2018, Reynolds is seen, via video surveillance from a neighbor’s RING camera, kicking in Halliburton’s door in an apparent drunken rage. In an interview with The Tennessean, Halliburton recalls the events. “This is my mother fucking house,” Reynolds shouted, Halliburton told the paper. The video shows Reynolds shouting at the family “Try to shoot me, and I’ll break every fucking bone in your fucking neck.” He also is shown in the footage calling the family “Fucking niggers.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Reynolds claimed he mistook Halliburton’s home for his Airbnb which was one door down.
The Tennessean reports that Judge Eli Richardson approved a $1 million settlement against Reynolds on Monday. The lawsuit against the former officer—whose racist ass should have been fired but instead resigned just before his official disciplinary process early this year, according to WKRN—was filed in January by Halliburton.
Advertisement
“Ms. Halliburton promised from the beginning that she would hold ex-Officer Reynolds fully accountable for his criminal misconduct and obtain justice for her family regarding this despicable incident,” Nashville attorney Daniel A. Horwitz, who represented Halliburton, said. “We are certainly pleased with this development, but we also aren’t finished here.”
According to Fox 17, Halliburton—who said in her suit against Reynolds that the home invasion left her “reasonably fearing that her children would be murdered in front of her and fearing that she would be subject to deadly force herself”— also filed a complaint with the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board against Reynolds and other NYPD officers involved in the incident. The complaint states that the other officers laughed off Reynold’s home invasion and mocked Haliburton. It also states that at least one officer, Thomas Geberth—whose bachelor party Reynolds and his companions were in Nashville to attend—tried to intimidate Haliburton’s neighbors who expressed contempt over what Reynolds had done.
Advertisement
From Fox 17:


theroot--2020-10-27--Anguished Protesters Confront Police After Officers Fatally Shoot Black Man in West Philadelphia

As soon as Walter Wallace Jr. collapsed on the ground , his mother rushed to his side .
In his final moments , the 27-year-old Black man was standing on a porch in West Philadelphia at around 4 p.m. Monday , a knife in his hand .
Two police officers , responding to a report of a man with a knife in the neighborhood , officers approached Wallace and his mother with their guns drawn .
One video of the incident shows Wallace ’ s mother attempting to get between him and officers , but Wallace brushes past her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding his knife .
Within seconds , the officers fire nearly a dozen shots at Wallace , who was standing nearly 10 feet away from officers at the time he was shot .
As he crumpled to the ground , another bystander video shows his mother and neighbors rushing into the street , their anguish on full display .
“ Bro , they just killed him in front of me , ” one man can be heard saying in a video .
“ Y ’ all ain ’ t have to give him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Philadelphia Monday night and into Tuesday morning , as protesters clashed with Philadelphia police , demanding to know why police hadn ’ t done more to deescalate the situation—why Wallace , whose family says he had mental health issues , wound up dead during a mental health crisis .
“ Why didn ’ t they use a Taser ?
” Walter Wallace Sr. asked the Philadelphia Inquirer .
He noted that his son was on medication .
“ His mother was trying to defuse the situation.
” Maurice Holloway , who witnessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the neighborhood attempted to diffuse the confrontation .
“ I ’ m yelling [ to officers ] ‘ Put down the gun , put down the gun , ’ and everyone is saying , ‘ Don ’ t shoot him , he ’ s gon na put it down , we know him , ’ ” Holloway told the Inquirer .
“ He turns and then you hear the shots , ” Holloway said .
“ They were too far from him ; it was so many shots.
” By 9:30 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Philadelphia , a historically Black neighborhood , marching as a line of vehicles honked behind them , reports the New York Times .
Violence broke out hours later , with videos shared on Twitter showing police in riot gear hitting protesters with batons as they confronted a group of demonstrators in a residential area .
Taryn Naundorff , a protester who recorded video of the confrontation , told the Times the police “ started forcefully pushing back the crowd and beating anyone who wouldn ’ t back up.
” At least one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on fire throughout the night .
The Inquirer , citing Philadelphia police , reports that one officer was hit by a truck .
Another 29 suffered minor injuries from being hit by various projectiles , including bricks near the 18th District Police Station .
As the Washington Post reports , multiple businesses were also looted .
According to WPVI , more than two dozen people who were out during the protests had been arrested as of early Tuesday morning .
Wallace ’ s shooting will be a profound test for a city that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner , Danielle Outlaw , and has had a progressive district attorney , Larry Krasner , since 2017 .
After a widely criticized incident earlier this year during which Philadelphia police trapped anti-police brutality protesters on a highway corridor and gassed them , the Philadelphia Police Department issued a temporary ban on using tear gas on demonstrators .
As the Post notes , although the city council has debated permanently banning the use of tear gas and rubber bullets during protests , it ’ s still unclear whether police adhered to that ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last night , city officials came forward acknowledging residents ’ pain but asked for patience as they investigate Wallace ’ s shooting .
Outlaw was on the streets talking to angry residents and demonstrators shortly after the shooting .
“ I recognize that the video of the incident raises many questions , ” Outlaw said in a statement .
“ Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation , ” she continued .
“ While at the scene this evening , I heard and felt the anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever be impacted.
” “ We intend to go where the facts and law lead us and to do so carefully , without rushing to judgment and without bias of any kind , ” Krasner said in a statement .
“ In the hours and days following this shooting , we ask Philadelphians to come together to uphold people ’ s freedom to express themselves peacefully and to reject violence of any kind.
” “ My prayers are with the family and friends of Walter Wallace , ” Mayor Jim Kenney said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video of this tragic incident and it presents difficult questions that must be answered.
” Activists and supporters have rallied around Wallace ’ s family and their supporters .
Philadelphia Bail Fund has been raising money to bail out demonstrators during the Wallace protests , and a GoFundMe for Wallace ’ s family has been set up .
Wallace ’ s shooting occurred in an area with a deep and traumatic history of police violence .
As one Twitter user noted , Wallace was shot just several blocks away from the site of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police killed 11 people , including five children .
As WPVI TV reported , two city blocks were razed and 61 homes destroyed in the bombing .
The city of Philadelphia did not apologize to residents for the bombing until this year .

As soon as Walter Wallace Jr. collapsed on the ground, his mother rushed to his side.
In his final moments, the 27-year-old Black man was standing on a porch in West Philadelphia at around 4 p.m. Monday, a knife in his hand. Two police officers, responding to a report of a man with a knife in the neighborhood, officers approached Wallace and his mother with their guns drawn. One video of the incident shows Wallace’s mother attempting to get between him and officers, but Wallace brushes past her, walking toward the backpedaling officers, still holding his knife.
Advertisement
Within seconds, the officers fire nearly a dozen shots at Wallace, who was standing nearly 10 feet away from officers at the time he was shot. As he crumpled to the ground, another bystander video shows his mother and neighbors rushing into the street, their anguish on full display.
“Bro, they just killed him in front of me,” one man can be heard saying in a video. “Y’all ain’t have to give him that many shots.”
Advertisement Advertisement
That rage coursed through Philadelphia Monday night and into Tuesday morning, as protesters clashed with Philadelphia police, demanding to know why police hadn’t done more to deescalate the situation—why Wallace, whose family says he had mental health issues, wound up dead during a mental health crisis.
“Why didn’t they use a Taser?” Walter Wallace Sr. asked the Philadelphia Inquirer. He noted that his son was on medication. “His mother was trying to defuse the situation.”
Advertisement
Maurice Holloway, who witnessed the shooting, said multiple people in the neighborhood attempted to diffuse the confrontation.
“I’m yelling [to officers] ‘Put down the gun, put down the gun,’ and everyone is saying, ‘Don’t shoot him, he’s gonna put it down, we know him,’” Holloway told the Inquirer.
Advertisement
“He turns and then you hear the shots,” Holloway said. “They were too far from him; it was so many shots.”
By 9:30 p.m., protesters had taken to the streets of West Philadelphia, a historically Black neighborhood, marching as a line of vehicles honked behind them, reports the New York Times. Violence broke out hours later, with videos shared on Twitter showing police in riot gear hitting protesters with batons as they confronted a group of demonstrators in a residential area.
Advertisement
Taryn Naundorff, a protester who recorded video of the confrontation, told the Times the police “started forcefully pushing back the crowd and beating anyone who wouldn’t back up.”
At least one police car and a dumpster were set on fire throughout the night. The Inquirer, citing Philadelphia police, reports that one officer was hit by a truck. Another 29 suffered minor injuries from being hit by various projectiles, including bricks near the 18th District Police Station. As the Washington Post reports, multiple businesses were also looted.
Advertisement
According to WPVI, more than two dozen people who were out during the protests had been arrested as of early Tuesday morning.
Wallace’s shooting will be a profound test for a city that recently hired its first Black female police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, and has had a progressive district attorney, Larry Krasner, since 2017. After a widely criticized incident earlier this year during which Philadelphia police trapped anti-police brutality protesters on a highway corridor and gassed them, the Philadelphia Police Department issued a temporary ban on using tear gas on demonstrators. As the Post notes, although the city council has debated permanently banning the use of tear gas and rubber bullets during protests, it’s still unclear whether police adhered to that ban during last night’s protests.
Advertisement
Last night, city officials came forward acknowledging residents’ pain but asked for patience as they investigate Wallace’s shooting.
Outlaw was on the streets talking to angry residents and demonstrators shortly after the shooting.
Advertisement
“I recognize that the video of the incident raises many questions,” Outlaw said in a statement.
“Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation,” she continued. “While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community. Everyone involved will forever be impacted.”
Advertisement
“We intend to go where the facts and law lead us and to do so carefully, without rushing to judgment and without bias of any kind,” Krasner said in a statement. “In the hours and days following this shooting, we ask Philadelphians to come together to uphold people’s freedom to express themselves peacefully and to reject violence of any kind.”
“My prayers are with the family and friends of Walter Wallace,” Mayor Jim Kenney said on Monday. “I have watched the video of this tragic incident and it presents difficult questions that must be answered.”
Advertisement
Activists and supporters have rallied around Wallace’s family and those protesting . Philadelphia Bail Fund has been raising money to bail out demonstrators during the Wallace protests, and a GoFundMe for Wallace’s family has been set up.
Wallace’s shooting occurred in an area with a deep and traumatic history of police violence. As one Twitter user noted, Wallace was shot just several blocks away from the site of the 1985 MOVE bombing, during which police killed 11 people, including five children. As WPVI TV reported, two city blocks were razed and 61 homes destroyed in the bombing. The city of Philadelphia did not apologize to residents for the bombing until this year.


theroot--2020-10-27--Childish House Judiciary Republicans Send Troll Tweet Wishing Hillary Clinton 'Happy Birthday' After

Childish House Judiciary Republicans Send Troll Tweet Wishing Hillary Clinton 'Happy Birthday' After Barrett Confirmation

Hillary Clinton , the former secretary of state who should ’ ve been the first female president if not for Russia fucking with the votes , celebrated her 73rd birthday Monday .
Clinton ’ s birthday just so happened to fall on the same day Senate Republicans were voting to force judge Amy Coney Barrett onto the Supreme Court .
So you know what that means if you ’ re a petty ass punk who can ’ t keep Hillary Clinton ’ s name out of your mouths ... TROLL TWEET !
The Hill notes “ the tweet came shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate vote , with Sen. Susan Collins ( Maine ) the only Republican to buck party lines and oppose the nominee.
” Barrett was sworn in at a ceremony at the White House with President Trump and a silent mime in whiteface… News Editor Monique Judge : Stephen , that wasn ’ t a mime , that was Clarence Thomas .
Me : You Sure ?
Please God , let this event , like the one before it , also be a super-spreader soiree .
“ Barrett will take her judicial oath on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court Chief Justice John Roberts , ” the Hill reports .
This ceremony may or may not include the beheading of a goat and the drinking of blood , as I ’ m unfamiliar with Illuminati practices .
We all could ’ ve guessed that jacket-less Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan was behind the tweet because he ’ s the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee .
He ’ s also a whiny white man who would totally troll tweet a private citizen who isn ’ t thinking about their asses .
Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , didn ’ t have time to hear a broke bitch say something but she did take a moment to condemn Barrett ’ s confirmation .

Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who should’ve been the first female president if not for Russia fucking with the votes, celebrated her 73rd birthday Monday. Clinton’s birthday just so happened to fall on the same day Senate Republicans were voting to force judge Amy Coney Barrett onto the Supreme Court.
So you know what that means if you’re a petty ass punk who can’t keep Hillary Clinton’s name out of your mouths...TROLL TWEET!
Advertisement
The Hill notes “the tweet came shortly after Barrett was confirmed in a 52-48 Senate vote, with Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) the only Republican to buck party lines and oppose the nominee.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Barrett was sworn in at a ceremony at the White House with President Trump and a silent mime in whiteface…
News Editor Monique Judge: Stephen, that wasn’t a mime, that was Clarence Thomas.
Advertisement
Me: You Sure?
Please God, let this event, like the one before it, also be a super-spreader soiree. “Barrett will take her judicial oath on Tuesday in a private ceremony with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts,” the Hill reports. This ceremony may or may not include the beheading of a goat and the drinking of blood, as I’m unfamiliar with Illuminati practices.
Advertisement
We all could’ve guessed that jacket-less Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan was behind the tweet because he’s the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee. He’s also a whiny white man who would totally troll tweet a private citizen who isn’t thinking about their asses.
Clinton, who was reportedly booked and busy, didn’t have time to hear a broke bitch say something but she did take a moment to condemn Barrett’s confirmation.


theroot--2020-10-28--The Hero Gotham Deserves: Javicia Leslie’s New Batwoman Stuns in First-Look Images from 3rd Season

On Monday , the CW unveiled two first-look images for its new Batwoman , played by Javicia Leslie , the first Black woman to portray the superhero in a live-action TV or film .
While superhero costumes are ostensibly meant to disguise ( skintight latex be damned ) , there ’ s no mistaking the new Batwoman is a Black woman , and that ’ s by design , says Leslie .
The redesigned costume will be featured in episode three of the new season .
Leslie , playing crime-fighter Ryan Wilder , has taken over the role from Ruby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Batwoman coming into her own .
The suit will be more form-fitting , but more importantly , will also showcase the character ’ s tight , curly hair .
The wig , designed by Janice Workman , is black and textured , with crimson red streaks matching the red accents on Batwoman ’ s costume .
It ’ s a stunning departure from the straight , chest-length , candy-apple red wig Rose wore during her time as Batwoman .
“ I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman—it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and her moment !
” Leslie said in a statement .
The actress added that she worked with costume designer Maya Mani and executive producer Caroline Dries on the new look .
“ I felt it was important that viewers could tell by the silhouette that Batwoman was a Black girl , ” she continued .
“ With the form-fitting suit and beautiful Afro , we definitely nailed it !
” In a tweet Monday sharing the photos , Leslie announced , “ Blackwoman , I mean Batwoman is here.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in season one , and Janice Workman crushed it with this new take , ” said Dries .
“ Javicia and I saw various prototypes of styles and red ombres , and at one point we were trading our own iPad-doodled versions .
Janice translated that into what we are looking at now.
” Dries—like many Batwoman fans—is pleased with the results .
“ When I see it , I smile .
It makes me feel inspired , ” she said .
Mastering superhero hair is not easy , and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the women who play them .
Storm , one of the most well-known characters in Marvel ’ s X-Men lineup , is typically depicted with long , bone-straight hair , despite being an African priestess .
In a chat with Charles Pulliam-Moore , our iO9 colleague , he pointed out that the wig is an essential part of the Batwoman costume .
Remember , Ryan Wilder , like billionaire Bruce Wayne , doesn ’ t have actual superpowers , relying instead on superior fighting skills and some handy tricks .
Among these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slip off if an opponent attempts to grab her hair during a fight .
This means we ’ ll likely see a literal wig-snatching scene during the new season of Batwoman—but bet on Leslie ’ s character , a highly-skilled street fighter , to ultimately get the upper hand .
There were also minor but notable updates to the suit Leslie will rock in the new season .
It features red gauntlets over the forearms , shorter boots , and laser etching “ to create more visual depth and a stronger silhouette , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the only exciting development within the Batman/DC Universe .
Earlier this month , fans caught a first glimpse of Zoe Kravitz wrapped up in leather as the world ’ s most elusive , glamorous burglar , Catwoman .
Filming in London , Kravitz was spotted dressed as an off-duty Selina Kyle sporting a black patent leather trench , knee-high lace-up boots , fishnets , and—the best part—a matching patent leather fascinator .
Alas , you ’ ll have to wait until 2022 to see Kravitz as Catwoman .
But Javicia Leslie ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her out in January 2021 .

Anne Branigin on The Grapevine, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

On Monday, the CW unveiled two first-look images for its new Batwoman, played by Javicia Leslie, the first Black woman to portray the superhero in a live-action TV or film. While superhero costumes are ostensibly meant to disguise (skintight latex be damned), there’s no mistaking the new Batwoman is a Black woman, and that’s by design, says Leslie.
The redesigned costume will be featured in episode three of the new season. Leslie, playing crime-fighter Ryan Wilder, has taken over the role from Ruby Rose, and the revamped look symbolizes the new Batwoman coming into her own. The suit will be more form-fitting, but more importantly, will also showcase the character’s tight, curly hair.
Advertisement
The wig, designed by Janice Workman, is black and textured, with crimson red streaks matching the red accents on Batwoman’s costume. It’s a stunning departure from the straight, chest-length, candy-apple red wig Rose wore during her time as Batwoman.
“I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman—it’s her style, her swag, and her moment!” Leslie said in a statement. The actress added that she worked with costume designer Maya Mani and executive producer Caroline Dries on the new look.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I felt it was important that viewers could tell by the silhouette that Batwoman was a Black girl,” she continued. “With the form-fitting suit and beautiful Afro, we definitely nailed it!”
In a tweet Monday sharing the photos, Leslie announced, “Blackwoman, I mean Batwoman is here.”
Advertisement
“The wig was something we never perfected in season one, and Janice Workman crushed it with this new take,” said Dries. “Javicia and I saw various prototypes of styles and red ombres, and at one point we were trading our own iPad-doodled versions. Janice translated that into what we are looking at now.”
Advertisement
Dries—like many Batwoman fans—is pleased with the results.
“When I see it, I smile. It makes me feel inspired,” she said.
Advertisement
Mastering superhero hair is not easy, and it’s a particularly loaded feature of Black superheroes and the women who play them. Storm, one of the most well-known characters in Marvel’s X-Men lineup, is typically depicted with long, bone-straight hair, despite being an African priestess.
In a chat with Charles Pulliam-Moore, our iO9 colleague, he pointed out that the wig is an essential part of the Batwoman costume. Remember, Ryan Wilder, like billionaire Bruce Wayne, doesn’t have actual superpowers, relying instead on superior fighting skills and some handy tricks. Among these is the wig, which can easily slip off if an opponent attempts to grab her hair during a fight. This means we’ll likely see a literal wig-snatching scene during the new season of Batwoman—but bet on Leslie’s character, a highly-skilled street fighter, to ultimately get the upper hand.
Advertisement
There were also minor but notable updates to the suit Leslie will rock in the new season. It features red gauntlets over the forearms, shorter boots, and laser etching “to create more visual depth and a stronger silhouette,” said the CW.
This is not the only exciting development within the Batman/DC Universe. Earlier this month, fans caught a first glimpse of Zoe Kravitz wrapped up in leather as the world’s most elusive, glamorous burglar, Catwoman. Filming in London, Kravitz was spotted dressed as an off-duty Selina Kyle sporting a black patent leather trench, knee-high lace-up boots, fishnets, and—the best part—a matching patent leather fascinator.
Advertisement
Alas, you’ll have to wait until 2022 to see Kravitz as Catwoman. But Javicia Leslie’s new Batwoman? You can check her out in January 2021.


theroot--2020-10-28--Get This 65" Sony Smart TV for $600, The Lowest Price Ever

If you ’ re in the market for a new smart TV , Best Buy has you covered with a @ @ @ @ @ 65 '' option .
Complete with Sony ’ s speedy X1 processor and X-Reality Pro @ @ @ @ @ Sony after all—is optimized for PlayStation , thanks to its built-in Game Mode .
If @ @ @ @ @ getting a new next gen console , this may be the perfect companion purchase .
@ @ @ @ @ sweeten the deal , making it not only visually stunning but user friendly as well @ @ @ @ @ original retail $ 999 ) has mostly positive reviews on Best Buy and Amazon .
@ @ @ @ @ while you can !
This deal was originally published by Elizabeth Lanier on 9/27/2020 and @ @ @ @ @ new information on 10/28/2020 .

Elizabeth Lanier and Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Quentyn Kennemer to The Root

Sony 65" Smart TV X750H | $600 | Amazon
If you’re in the market for a new smart TV, Best Buy has you covered with a great deal on a Sony 65" option. Complete with Sony’s speedy X1 processor and X-Reality Pro engine, the TV—being a Sony after all—is optimized for PlayStation, thanks to its built-in Game Mode. If you’re planning on getting a new next gen console, this may be the perfect companion purchase. HDR 10 and Android TV sweeten the deal, making it not only visually stunning but user friendly as well.
The X750H model (original retail $999) has mostly positive reviews on Best Buy and Amazon. Take advantage of the savings while you can!
This deal was originally published by Elizabeth Lanier on 9/27/2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 10/28/2020.


theroot--2020-10-28--BET Hip Hop Awards 2020: Y'all Know Why We're Here—The Cyphers!

You in the virtual hood now , baby !
The 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards debuted on Tuesday night and we ’ re here to give you that awards show scoop .
The hosts of the night were 85 South ( Karlous Miller , DC Young Fly and Chico Bean ) , who coupled their hosting duties with the skits they ’ re known for .
Instead of walking up to the stage , the presenter and winners pulled up to the trap house .
Cordae ( also known as the turnt and supportive boo-thang to two-time U.S. Open champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a powerful message via freestyle .
“ What is the purpose of our existence ?
What are you content with ?
What are we really after in life and what are your intentions ?
What ’ s the essentials to living ?
These fundamental decisions are quite necessary , ” he rhymed ( h/t BET ) , later adding , “ Our idea of freedom is being held for hostage , but it don ’ t matter because we dealt with the worst.
” City Girls gave us cheetah vibes , performing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edited to “ Kitty Talk ” for TV , of course ! )
Jhené Aiko , Big Sean and Ty Dolla $ ign later performed “ Body Language ” right in the bedroom ( with a smoke machine ) .
2 Chainz and Lil Wayne performed “ Money Maker ” and brought more virtual HBCU homecoming energy to the show .
Other performances included Burna Boy , Chris Martin , Gucci Mane , Lil Baby , Mulatto , and Tobe Nwigwe ( of the “ Try Jesus , Not Me ” viral hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BET Hip Hop Awards are the cyphers .
Folks like Chika , Adé , Flo Milli came through to spit their best rhymes .
This year , “ the ladies had something to say , ” featuring cyphers with the ladies of R & B .
In fact , prior to the show , Brandy reminisced about that epic “ I Wan na Be Down ” performance from the 2014 BET Awards and as I looked at the cypher , I realized why .
She ( as Bran ’ Nu ) recreated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor ( who took home Video Director of the Year ) , H.E.R.
, and Erykah Badu .
As noted in our nominations report , DaBaby , Roddy Ricch , Megan Thee Stallion and Drake were on the leaderboard , but who took home the most wins ?
!
Megan Thee Stallion took home 3 awards ( including Hip Hop Artist of the Year ) , followed by Beyoncé ( who won for her appearance on Megan ’ s “ Savage Remix ” ) and Roddy Ricch with two awards each .
Rapsody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which she said was not only her first BET Award but her first award ever .
“ For Lyricist of the Year—the women don ’ t always get recognized for that , ” Rapsody said , giving tribute to female emcees such as Lauryn Hill , MC Lyte , Queen Latifah , and more .
Master P received a special award—the I Am Hip Hop Award , presented by Snoop Dogg .
“ I want to thank every kid on the block .
I want them to know that one day you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I did , ” Master P said in his acceptance speech .
During the In Memoriam segment , Quavo came through with a special tribute performance for the late Pop Smoke ( who posthumously won the Best New Hip Hop Artist award ) .
Cordae also did a heartfelt tribute of reminiscing for the late Juice WRLD .
We also appreciated the LGBTQ inclusion with the ceremony ’ s BET Foqus campaign .
Naturally , since it ’ s exactly a week before the presidential election , Kamala Harris stopped by and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete list of winners at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards , head to bet.com .

You in the virtual hood now, baby! The 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards debuted on Tuesday night and we’re here to give you that awards show scoop.
The hosts of the night were 85 South (Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean), who coupled their hosting duties with the skits they’re known for. Instead of walking up to the stage, the presenter and winners pulled up to the trap house.
Advertisement
The Performances
Cordae (also known as the turnt and supportive boo-thang to two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka) opened the show with a powerful message via freestyle.
“What is the purpose of our existence? What are you content with? What are we really after in life and what are your intentions? What’s the essentials to living? These fundamental decisions are quite necessary,” he rhymed (h/t BET), later adding, “Our idea of freedom is being held for hostage, but it don’t matter because we dealt with the worst.”
Advertisement Advertisement
City Girls gave us cheetah vibes, performing their song “Pussy Talk” (but edited to “Kitty Talk” for TV, of course!)
Advertisement
Jhené Aiko, Big Sean and Ty Dolla $ign later performed “Body Language” right in the bedroom (with a smoke machine).
2 Chainz and Lil Wayne performed “Money Maker” and brought more virtual HBCU homecoming energy to the show.
Advertisement
Other performances included Burna Boy, Chris Martin, Gucci Mane, Lil Baby, Mulatto, and Tobe Nwigwe (of the “Try Jesus, Not Me” viral hit).
The Cyphers
Everybody knows the climaxes of the BET Hip Hop Awards are the cyphers. Folks like Chika, Adé, Flo Milli came through to spit their best rhymes.
Advertisement
This year, “the ladies had something to say,” featuring cyphers with the ladies of R&B.
Advertisement
In fact, prior to the show, Brandy reminisced about that epic “I Wanna Be Down” performance from the 2014 BET Awards and as I looked at the cy pher , I realized why. She (as Bran’Nu) recreated the girl power rap rendition with Teyana Taylor (who took home Video Director of the Year), H.E.R., and Erykah Badu.
The Winners
As noted in our nominations report, DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion and Drake were on the leaderboard, but who took home the most wins?!
Advertisement
Megan Thee Stallion took home 3 awards (including Hip Hop Artist of the Year), followed by Beyoncé (who won for her appearance on Megan’s “Savage Remix”) and Roddy Ricch with two awards each.
Rapsody won the Lyricist of the Year Award, which she said was not only her first BET Award but her first award ever. “For Lyricist of the Year—the women don’t always get recognized for that,” Rapsody said, giving tribute to female emcees such as Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and more.
Advertisement
Lil Baby won the Impact Track award.
Master P received a special award—the I Am Hip Hop Award, presented by Snoop Dogg. “I want to thank every kid on the block. I want them to know that one day you can make it out the block because I did,” Master P said in his acceptance speech.
Advertisement
Everything Else
During the In Memoriam segment, Quavo came through with a special tribute performance for the late Pop Smoke (who posthumously won the Best New Hip Hop Artist award). Cordae also did a heartfelt tribute of reminiscing for the late Juice WRLD.
Advertisement
We also appreciated the LGBTQ inclusion with the ceremony’s BET Foqus campaign.
Advertisement
Naturally, since it’s exactly a week before the presidential election, Kamala Harris stopped by and encouraged everyone to vote.
For the complete list of winners at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards, head to bet.com.


theroot--2020-10-29--Next-Gen Round-Up: Playstation Has A Fancy New Collection, Xbox Leans Into a Meme, and Nintendo Is J

Next-Gen Round-Up: Playstation Has A Fancy New Collection, Xbox Leans Into a Meme, and Nintendo Is Just Kinda Here

Y ’ all , this continues to be one of the strangest console launches I ’ ve lived through .
Typically there are multiple events throughout the year , each giving you more information about the new console , before culminating in some star-studded , over-the-top launch event .
For obvious , virus-related reasons , that hasn ’ t happened this year .
We ’ re two weeks away from the next generation of consoles launching and there ’ s none of the fanfare , fervor , heated arguments over shit none of us have even gotten our hands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
Information has come out in fits and spurts , and the discourse has mainly boiled down to “ Mannnnnn , look at these big-ass consoles !
” It ’ s not necessarily bad , just weird .
Anyway , as we lead into the launch of the consoles , Playstation has revealed the list of games included in the Playstation Collection , Xbox has leaned into the meme in a very big way , and Nintendo is just , you know , there .
So , let ’ s break it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in September , Sony announced that the Playstation Plus Collection would be launching alongside the console in November .
It was unclear whether the collection would be an added benefit to Playstation Plus subscribers or if it incur a separate charge .
Playstation revealed in a blog post today that the Playstation Plus collection will be free for new and existing PS Plus subscribers , on both PS4 and PS5 .
Those who subscribe on PS5 , will have access to upgraded , better performing versions of the titles .
The post also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be available when the program launches on Nov. 12 .
• The Last of Us Remastered It ’ s a solid list of games , I can ’ t even front .
This is clearly being established as a competitor to Xbox ’ s Game Pass service , which provides subscribers access to over 100 games , with Sony seemingly aiming for quality over quantity .
While Game Pass has over 100 games , the quality greatly varies from title to title .
The Playstation Plus Collection , meanwhile , only has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality from “ good ” to “ whole-ass masterpiece.
” The blog post also revealed that Playstation Plus subscribers will receive a free game in Bugsnax when the PS5 launches .
This game has been in every PS5 promotional event and now I know why .
The game looks ... fine .
I mean , Kero Kero Bonito did the theme , the art style is cute , and it ’ ll probably play nice at the price of free 99 .
After the look of the Xbox Series X was revealed earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s built like a fridge because , well , the shit looks like a fridge .
In one of the most grandiose instances of leaning into the meme , Microsoft has made the Xbox Series X fridge .
If this ain ’ t good-ass marketing , I don ’ t what is .
Videos have begun going up today showing influencers unboxing their fridge and honestly , I ’ m here for it should unboxing videos of household appliances become a thing .
Snoop Dogg received a Series X fridge because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series X fridge .
It ’ s this kind of cheeky fun that I miss from console launches .
If you find yourself desperately needing an Xbox Series X fridge , Xbox is currently running a giveaway for one .
Man , Nintendo kind of lost their momentum this year .
It was looking all good back in March when Animal Crossing dropped but in the time since , they haven ’ t really released or announced anything super jaw dropping .
There hasn ’ t been much in the way of updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no word on the long rumored Switch Pro , and what , retrospectively , is looking like their biggest fall launch in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection had an incredibly consumer unfriendly launch ( it ’ s three old-ass games , with no modern upgrades , priced at $ 60 and available for a limited time . )
To say I wasn ’ t expecting much from the final third-party Nintendo Direct for the year is an understatement .
Still , there were some fun surprises to be had .
The Direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Default II , the long-awaited sequel to the Nintendo 3DS original .
The game looks to maintain the art style of the first game , just with higher graphical fidelity .
The look ended with the reveal that the game would miss its projected 2020 release date and instead drop on Feb. 26 .
The Direct ended with the reveal that the Wii games No More Heroes and No More Heroes 2 : Desperate Struggle are now on the Switch , to promote the upcoming No More Heroes III .
These games were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I can not wait to revist them again .
I ’ d be like “ yo check them out !
” but I haven ’ t played these games since I was 17 so I can ’ t , safely , tell you if they hold up .
Give me a week though , I ’ ll get back to you .
That about does it for gaming news today .
As I said earlier , we are only weeks away from the new consoles dropping and I , for one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the next-generation are going to look like .

Y’all, this continues to be one of the strangest console launches I’ve lived through. Typically there are multiple events throughout the year, each giving you more information about the new console, before culminating in some star-studded, over-the-top launch event. For obvious, virus-related reasons, that hasn’t happened this year.
We’re two weeks away from the next generation of consoles launching and there’s none of the fanfare, fervor, heated arguments over shit none of us have even gotten our hands on, that I’ve grown accustomed to.
Advertisement
Information has come out in fits and spurts, and the discourse has mainly boiled down to “Mannnnnn, look at these big-ass consoles!” It’s not necessarily bad, just weird.
Anyway, as we lead into the launch of the consoles, Playstation has revealed the list of games included in the Playstation Collection, Xbox has leaned into the meme in a very big way, and Nintendo is just, you know, there.
Advertisement Advertisement
So, let’s break it down.
Playstation
During the PS5 price reveal in September, Sony announced that the Playstation Plus Collection would be launching alongside the console in November. It was unclear whether the collection would be an added benefit to Playstation Plus subscribers or if it incur a separate charge.
Advertisement
Playstation revealed in a blog post today that the Playstation Plus collection will be free for new and existing PS Plus subscribers, on both PS4 and PS5. Those who subscribe on PS5, will have access to upgraded, better performing versions of the titles. The post also provided a list of the games that will be available when the program launches on Nov. 12.
First-Party:
Bloodborne
Days Gone
Detroit: Become Human
God of War
Infamous Second Son
Ratchet and Clank
The Last Guardian
The Last of Us Remastered
Until Dawn
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Third Party Games:
Batman: Arkham Knight
Battlefield 1
Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Edition
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Fallout 4
Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
Monster Hunter: World
Mortal Kombat X
Persona 5
Resident Evil 7 biohazard
It’s a solid list of games, I can’t even front. This is clearly being established as a competitor to Xbox’s Game Pass service, which provides subscribers access to over 100 games, with Sony seemingly aiming for quality over quantity. While Game Pass has over 100 games, the quality greatly varies from title to title.
Advertisement
The Playstation Plus Collection, meanwhile, only has 20 games, but they range in quality from “good” to “whole-ass masterpiece.”
The blog post also revealed that Playstation Plus subscribers will receive a free game in Bugsnax when the PS5 launches. This game has been in every PS5 promotional event and now I know why.
Advertisement
The game looks...fine. I mean, Kero Kero Bonito did the theme, the art style is cute, and it’ll probably play nice at the price of free 99.
Xbox
After the look of the Xbox Series X was revealed earlier this year, people instantly began saying it’s built like a fridge because, well, the shit looks like a fridge. In one of the most grandiose instances of leaning into the meme, Microsoft has made the Xbox Series X fridge.
Advertisement
If this ain’t good-ass marketing, I don’t what is.
Videos have begun going up today showing influencers unboxing their fridge and honestly, I’m here for it should unboxing videos of household appliances become a thing. Snoop Dogg received a Series X fridge because, of course Snoop Dogg received a Series X fridge.
Advertisement
It’s this kind of cheeky fun that I miss from console launches. If you find yourself desperately needing an Xbox Series X fridge, Xbox is currently running a giveaway for one.
Man, Nintendo kind of lost their momentum this year. It was looking all good back in March when Animal Crossing dropped but in the time since, they haven’t really released or announced anything super jaw dropping.
Advertisement
There hasn’t been much in the way of updates for the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4, no word on the long rumored Switch Pro, and what, retrospectively, is looking like their biggest fall launch in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection had an incredibly consumer unfriendly launch (it’s three old-ass games, with no modern upgrades, priced at $60 and available for a limited time.)
To say I wasn’t expecting much from the final third-party Nintendo Direct for the year is an understatement. Still, there were some fun surprises to be had.
Advertisement
The Direct opened with a new look at Bravely Default II, the long-awaited sequel to the Nintendo 3DS original. The game looks to maintain the art style of the first game, just with higher graphical fidelity. The look ended with the reveal that the game would miss its projected 2020 release date and instead drop on Feb. 26.
The Direct ended with the reveal that the Wii games No More Heroes and No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle are now on the Switch, to promote the upcoming No More Heroes III. These games were my entire fucking jam in high school and I cannot wait to revist them again. I’d be like “yo check them out!” but I haven’t played these games since I was 17 so I can’t, safely, tell you if they hold up.
Advertisement
Give me a week though, I’ll get back to you.
That about does it for gaming news today. As I said earlier, we are only weeks away from the new consoles dropping and I, for one, am incredibly curious what the early days of the next-generation are going to look like.


theroot--2020-10-28--Get an Early Start on Your Black Friday Shopping in Amazon’s Holiday Dash Sale

Prime Day might be done , but the savings haven ’ t stopped .
Amazon ’ s Holiday Dash sale collects all sorts of bargains from across the site , from headphones to smartphones , toys , candy , DNA tests , and plenty more .
Each day brings new deals , and we ’ ll be updating this space daily to bring you the best of the sales in the weeks ahead .
Whether you ’ re starting your holiday shopping early or just want to keep an eye out for serious savings , be sure to check back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Hasbro Games Between the approaching winter and the never-ending pandemic , you might be looking for some distractions in the months ahead .
Luckily , Amazon and Hasbro have sense the grand need and have discounted dozens of board and electronic games , ranging from classics like Clue and Monopoly to remixed versions and newer games .
Here are a few picks below , but be sure to see the full selection .
Save Up to 53 % off Sabrent SSDs If your computer isn ’ t giving you the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple upgrade could come in the form of a solid state drive ( SSD ) .
They ’ re way faster than traditional hard drives , and while they can be expensive , Amazon currently has a sale taking up to 53 % off of several of Sabrent ’ s internal and external SSDs .
Be sure to scope out the full range of options .
Electric toothbrushes are significantly more effective than your cheap , average manual brusher , and Philips ’ Sonicare brand is one of the best around .
Right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ models for 40 % off the list price , including the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 for $ 60 and a few color options for the ProtectiveClean 6500 at $ 90 apiece .
If you ’ re willing to invest a bit more cash , an OLED TV can seriously impress with its deeper black levels and dazzling contrast over typical LCD sets .
This LG CX 55 ” 4K HDR set is an excellent option , and right now it ’ s down to $ 1,3 97 on Amazon—a 30 % savings .
Save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bidet ’ s SlimEdge toilet attachment , which easily hooks up to your existing throne with no plumbing necessary , adding rear-end spitzing capabilities with minimal fuss .
Save on toilet paper and get a more refreshing finish by adding a bidet attachment to your toilet .
Save Up to 40 % off Le Creuset Cookware Le Creuset ’ s cast iron cookware and stoneware is serious business and it commands serious prices , as well .
Luckily , Amazon has a bunch of it on deep discount right now , including 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Signature Sauteuse Oven , now $ 180 , plus a cast iron grill pan for $ 100 and $ 20 stoneware salt and pepper shakers .
Motorola makes some of the best budget Android smartphones around , and right now Amazon is carving down prices even further on several of those handsets .
Hit the link above for the full range , but you can get a 2019 Moto G7 Play for just $ 130 ( $ 70 off ) , a Motorola One Action for $ 230 ( $ 120 off ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( shown ) for just $ 244 ( $ 56 off ) Got questions about your heritage ?
You ’ re certainly not alone , as the millions of folks sending away saliva to DNA testing services demonstrate .
Seek answers with the 23andMe ancestry and traits DNA test , one of the most popular kits around .
It only takes a few minutes to spit into the tube and mail off your sample , and then within a couple of weeks , you ’ ll have a detailed and extensive look into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to connect with DNA relatives .
It ’ s $ 10 off at Amazon right now .
Active noise-canceling headphones don ’ t have to total wallet-drainers .
Anker ’ s Soundcore Life Q20 headphones feature hybrid active noise canceling smarts at a fraction of the price of big-name rivals , priced at just $ 45 right now—a 25 % savings off of the already-low list price .
These Bluetooth wireless cans promise a big bass kick and up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge , making them ideal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any device .

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

Black Friday weekend hit a little different this year, and for your sake and everyone’s, we hope you did all of your deals shopping online. Luckily, retailers far and wide served up fantastic deals all weekend long, and they’re not stopping.
We’ve seen loads of great Cyber Monday deals, ranging from cheap earbuds and bath towels to PS4 games, cookware, apparel, cosmetics, and more. Here are some of the best deals around right now, updated daily through the rest of this weekend to bring even more can’t-miss bargains.
Advertisement
This isn’t a deal in terms of price, but if you’re still looking to secure a Nintendo Switch before Christmas, Amazon has the standard console with red and blue Joy-Con controllers up for grabs at $300. It’s currently listed as being in stock on December 15 as of this writing, although that’s sure to change as people snap ‘em up.
Meanwhile, Best Buy has the newly-announced Fortnite Wildcat Bundle in stock, which comes with a specially-branded console along with the free-to-play game pre-downloaded on the system, plus 2,000 V-Bucks and exclusive in-game content. That’s also $300. And lastly, it won’t ship until January, but Amazon also has the adorable Animal Crossing-themed Switch console available for purchase at regular price.
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement
Amazon has a big Cyber Monday sale on smartphones that includes models from a variety of brands and is mostly focused on budget-friendly hardware. But there are a few big discounts on flagship phones here, too.
Standouts include the new OnePlus 8T for $630, a $120 savings from the list price, as well as the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro for $750—that’s $250 off. Other bargains include the Moto G Power for $175, Google Pixel 3a XL for $299, and even a Tracfone Apple iPhone 7 for $130. Check out the full deal listing for several sub-$100 phones, as well.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Got a Nintendo Switch or is someone you love getting it as a holiday gift? If you haven’t already played Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party, they’re two of the must-play multiplayer gems on the console. And right now, Target is slashing $40 off the combined price for these hits with this discounted bundle. Now that’s a heck of a deal.
Advertisement
JACHS NY dropped prices up to 70% off for Black Friday, but the deals are even more serious for Cyber Monday, with items now up to 90% off without a coupon or code. JACHS NY primarily specializes in men’s apparel and accessories, but also has a handful of women’s pieces in the mix. Whether you’re looking to stock up for winter or grab some cheap bargains for the rest of the year, now’s the time to save big.
Advertisement
Clip coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout
Advertisement
Looking for affordable wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank? You won’t find a much better deal than Mpow’s M5 wireless earbuds for just $30 at Amazon right now. This deal is exclusively for Prime members, mind you, and you’ll have to clip the coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout. These earbuds have a strong 4.4-star rating at Amazon and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life per charge, with an additional 36 hours of charge available in the case.
Advertisement
If you grew up in a certain era (say, the early-to-mid ‘90s), then you might remember these classic Tiger Electronics handheld video games. They were cheap, featured great licenses, and were a fun way to kill some time. Well, they’re back: these X-Men and Transformers games have been revived exactly as they were back when, and right now they’re $10 each at Amazon. Stuff one of these in a nostalgic fan’s stocking.
Advertisement
If your dull blades aren’t slicing through proteins like butter these days, then it might be time for a kitchen upgrade. Luckily, Macy’s has these color-coded Cuisinart knives for just $15 right now, a savings of $25. You get five stainless steel blades here, each with a cover for safe storage, ranging from a lil’ 3.5” paring knife up to an 8” chef’s knife.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Get your game on from essentially anywhere with the Acer Nitro 5, a notebook primed for high-quality PC gaming. This portable beast has an Intel Core i5 chip alongside a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, plus the 15.6” screen has a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and there’s a hefty 1TB hard drive here and a speedy 256GB SSD alongside too. It’s $300 off the list price at Walmart right now.
Advertisement
If it’s high time to upgrade your entertainment center, especially ahead of the long winter ahead, then scope out this massive deal on a massive Samsung 4K TV from Best Buy. Right now, you can save $600 off the list price of this 82” Class 8 set, which will look super crisp in Ultra HD glory. Whether paired with a new game console or even just for streaming Netflix, it’s bound to be a beauty. Just make sure you have something large enough to hold it!
Advertisement
Apple’s latest Macs are powered by its own brand new M1 chips, which are shockingly more powerful than the old Intel-driven models. Amazingly, you can already save $100 off the list price of either the base 256GB or larger 512GB models of the super-thin MacBook Air, which are now $899 and $1,149 respectively at Adorama. They’re significantly more powerful than the old Air laptops, making them more capable options for content creation.
Advertisement
Clip coupon and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout
Advertisement
If your old artificial tree isn’t looking the part anymore, or if you’re finally ready to be done with buying a real tree each year, KingSo is offering discounts on fake Christmas trees at Amazon. A 7.5-foot tree is $60 when you clip the coupon on the page and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout. A snow-flecked version of the same tree comes out to $72 when you clip the coupon and put in the same code.
Advertisement
AirPods-like wireless earbuds don’t have to break the bank or even stress your wallet much at all. Amazon has these Boltune wireless earbuds for $26 right now, a savings of $14 from the already-low list price. They have a 4.5-star rating from Amazon customers and provide about 4 hours of playback per charge, with another 34 hours’ worth of charges available in the case.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is an incredible value, delivering 100+ playable games for Xbox One/Series X/Series S and PC players, including all of the company’s own big first-party games and lots of other gems large and small. It’s usually $15 a month, which includes an Xbox Live Gold subscription, but right now Target is offering a three-month subscription card for a mere $20. Check it out now if you haven’t, or add extra time to keep gaming through the winter.
Advertisement
If you need a cheap and easy way to transform a “dumb” TV into a smart one, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite can do the trick. This tiny lil’ stick plugs right into an HDMI port and provides easy access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon’s own video offerings. It comes with a remote, too, and is marked down 40% to just $18 right now.
Looking for something that can hit 4K resolution? The Fire TV Stick 4K is also 40% off at $30 today.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Home ownership may seem forever out of reach for some of us, but right now you can bestow such a wondrous gift on your feline friend(s) for a mere $39 from Chewy. FRISCO’s 33” faux fur cat tree and condo has a couple of cubbies, a big laying platform at the top, and a dangly ball to bat around. The full savings will show up in your cart.
Advertisement
Paper Mario: The Origami King was one of the standout releases in a relatively quiet year for the Nintendo Switch, so if you didn’t check it out earlier in 2020, now’s the time to dive in. This role-playing adventure is currently $10 off at Amazon—a rare discount indeed.
Advertisement
If you have a die-hard Dragon Ball fan on your list, then you can ensure an enormous grin on their face this holiday with the Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set. Currently half off the list price from Amazon, this set comes with 26 (!) paperback books that tell the entire saga—and thankfully without the added filler of the anime adaptation.
Clip the coupon on the page
Advertisement
If sitting all the time at your home desk isn’t doing any favors for your back, then you might want to consider upgrading to a standing desk. Flexispot’s adjustable desk converts from sitting to standing heights with the simple buttons, and right now Amazon is slashing $100 off the list price. Reap the potential health benefits with this affordable standing setup. Just clip the coupon on the page to snag the savings.
Advertisement
If you need a beautiful new screen for your stay-at-home cinematic exploits, check out this Sony X800H 65-inch 4K HDR set. This LED display is sure to be a stunner, and would undoubtedly pair well with the new PlayStation 5… or Xbox Series X or S, even. Save $202 at Amazon.
Clip the coupon on the page
Advertisement
Looking for one of those infrared thermometers that scans someone’s temperature without actually touching their forehead? You’re in luck: Amazon has iHealth’s forehead thermometer for just $20 , a 6 0% savings over the list price, when you clip the coupon.
Advertisement
Some might scoff at the idea of an adult cruising around on an electric scooter, but we bet you’d feel pretty boss roaming around town on this thing. Segway’s Ninebot ES4 electric kick scooter is a premium model and priced accordingly, but right now it’s $270 off the list price — that’s just $500 at Amazon right now.
Advertisement
If you’ve been curious about Apple’s famed wireless earbuds but didn’t want to pay full price, here’s your chance: Amazon has the AirPods for just $110 right now. That’s a $49 savings off the regular list price. Or you can snag the version with a wirelessly-chargeable case for $140, which is $59 off list. In either case, you get compact ‘buds that charge within the case, pair easily with iOS devices and Macs (but work with others too), and last up to 5 hours per charge.
Advertisement
Snag one of the season’s hottest new video games for the adventurer in your family. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla shifts the action to the Viking conquest of England, with dazzling terrain, brutal action, and captivating storytelling. Right now, you can save $10 off the list price on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or Xbox (works on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One) at Amazon.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you’re looking to bring the Amazon Alexa voice assistant into your home, whether it’s for the first time or you’re expanding into new rooms and spaces, now’s the time. Amazon is offering up to 60% off various models, including $30 off the brand new globe-shaped Echo, $21 off the smaller new Echo Dot, and half-off the screen packing Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Right now is a rough time for spotty home Wi-Fi connectivity, especially for those of us working from home and doubly so for those of us with kids doing remote learning. If your old Wi-Fi router isn’t cutting it anymore, consider an Eero mesh router. These handy whole-home systems use multiple access points to blanket your entire space with seamless, smooth internet access. Right now, Amazon has multiple sets and devices for 20% off the list price.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Snag the heart of your next gaming rig with this 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake processor, which is marked down $230 right now from the original list price at Newegg. Along with a powerful chip for your new desktop, you’ll also get an Intel software bundle—valued at $150—which has creativity and productivity tools alongside some in-game goodies for titles like Fortnite and Auto Chess.
Advertisement
Rev up your next quiet afternoon or evening with a LEGO Speed Champions building kit. These officially-licensed sets let you create blocky recreations of iconic sports cars and other rides, including the McLaren Senna, Ferrari F40 Competizione, and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0, along with many others, and several sets are marked down 20% right now at Amazon.
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you need a better streaming solution for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or any of your other favorite services, why not snag a Roku? The company’s most popular devices are on sale right now, with the Roku Ultra down to $69 (from $100), the Roku Streaming Stick+ for just $30 (down from $50), and the Roku Premiere for $24 (usually $40). They all have 4K video support, but otherwise have various features.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Use code SUPERSALE at checkout
Advertisement
The Always Pan is a recent cookware sensation: a well-designed, attractive, multi-function ceramic non-stick pan that can potentially replace all of the old pots and pans in your kitchen. Whether braising, steaming, frying, boiling, and more, it’s a super-handy addition that includes a modular lid, steaming basket and colander, easy-pour spouts, and beech wood spatula with a built-in rest. It’s not cheap, but right now you can save $50 off the list price directly from Our Place with the promo code SUPERSALE. Some color options won’t ship until late December, however, so be sure to check if you need it sooner.
Advertisement
Secure virtual private network (VPN) service into early 2023 with this great NordVPN Black Friday bargain. You’ll save 68% off the regular price for two years of service, and then they’ll toss in another three free months on top of that. All told, you’ll get 27 months of VPN service for just $89 right now, and the popular provider has 5,400+ global servers to connect through and lets you use up to six simultaneous devices.
Use promo code 4STUDENT at checkout + mail-in rebate
Advertisement
Save $300 total off of a powerful MSI GL75 Leopard 17.3-inch gaming laptop at Newegg right now with this promotion. This beast has a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 chip with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, 16GB RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and 512GB SSD. There’s $100 instant savings and the promo code 4STUDENT will knock another $100 off, and then the last $100 savings comes via a mail-in rebate (don’t forget!).


theroot--2020-10-28--Oprah Knows We've Been Going Through It, So Her Latest Book Club Picks Are 7 Books That Help Her Thr

Oprah Knows We've Been Going Through It, So Her Latest Book Club Picks Are 7 Books That Help Her Through

There ’ s been this wild theory going around that now that all of us non-essential workers have been working from home ( shout out to the essential workers keeping us all afloat ) , we have ample free time to engross ourselves in reading .
In my case , that would entail finally diving into at least a hundred books I ’ ve long since purchased but have yet to read , though I keep purchasing shelving to house them .
But I can ’ t say that the circumstances of this year have compelled me to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been reading to co-host our new weekly literary podcast , The Root Presents : It ’ s Lit ( yep , absolutely shameless plug ) , I ’ ve been more than content to spend my remaining hours engrossed in bingeable television ... since passing time has become a legitimate coping mechanism in 2020 .
Or maybe , I just need to read the right books to help me cope .
That ’ s the theme of Oprah ’ s latest book club announcement this week , which isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven tomes the woman who has mastered the art of living her best life returns to again and again to help center herself in troubling times .
During this turbulent , uncertain time , it can be hard to focus on anything—even on one good book .
That ’ s why today , Oprah announced that over the coming weeks , she ’ ll be conducting conversations on both the Oprah ’ s Book Club and Apple social platforms around seven books she knows and trusts and revisits time and again .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book stack has been personally curated by Oprah .
“ In each of these books , ” Oprah said , “ and for various reasons , I find comfort , beauty , inspiration , reassurance .
At a time when the ground is shifting beneath us , we need to continue to find ways of living our best lives , and for me , there is no best life without books.
” We ’ re a little late to the party , which Oprah invited us to this past Monday .
But each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Book Club will explore one of her picks .
So , what are these seven inspirational modern classics , you ask ?
As described and listed in chronological order by the magazine : • None The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle , which Oprah says has changed the course of her life and continues to guide her .
• by Jon Meacham , for how it reminds us that previous dark chapters in our nation ’ s history have been temporary , and we emerged from them .
• by the late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose observations about joy , nature , and humanity soothe and touch us .
• None Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and by James Baldwin , both of which , from different decades , wrestle with racism and inequality .
• The recently released When the Light of the World Was Subdued , Our Songs Came Through : a Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry edited by U.S .
Poet Laureate Joy Harjo that is filled with pain , hope , and resilience .
Using the hashtag # ReadWithUs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Book Club on its Instagram and Facebook pages—or , you can just read them at your own leisure , and glean some much-needed comfort and insight .
After all , we ain ’ t got nothing but time .

There’s been this wild theory going around that now that all of us non-essential workers have been working from home (shout out to the essential workers keeping us all afloat), we have ample free time to engross ourselves in reading. In my case, that would entail finally diving into at least a hundred books I’ve long since purchased but have yet to read, though I keep purchasing shelving to house them. But I can’t say that the circumstances of this year have compelled me to do so; aside from the admittedly amazing books I’ve been reading to co-host our new weekly literary podcast, The Root Presents: It’s Lit (yep, absolutely shameless plug), I’ve been more than content to spend my remaining hours engrossed in bingeable television...since passing time has become a legitimate coping mechanism in 2020.
Or maybe, I just need to read the right books to help me cope. That’s the theme of Oprah’s latest book club announcement this week, which isn’t a hot new bestseller, but seven tomes the woman who has mastered the art of living her best life returns to again and again to help center herself in troubling times.
Advertisement
Per O Magazine:
During this turbulent, uncertain time, it can be hard to focus on anything—even on one good book. That’s why today, Oprah announced that over the coming weeks, she’ll be conducting conversations on both the Oprah’s Book Club and Apple social platforms around seven books she knows and trusts and revisits time and again. The “Books That Help Me Through” book stack has been personally curated by Oprah. “In each of these books,” Oprah said, “and for various reasons, I find comfort, beauty, inspiration, reassurance. At a time when the ground is shifting beneath us, we need to continue to find ways of living our best lives, and for me, there is no best life without books.”
Advertisement Advertisement
We’re a little late to the party, which Oprah invited us to this past Monday. But each subsequent Monday through November 30, the Book Club will explore one of her picks. So, what are these seven inspirational modern classics, you ask? As described and listed in chronological order by the magazine:
Advertisement
Using the hashtag #ReadWithUs, you can connect with Oprah’s Book Club on its Instagram and Facebook pages—or, you can just read them at your own leisure, and glean some much-needed comfort and insight. After all, we ain’t got nothing but time.


theroot--2020-10-28--Students Protest at Maine High School After Policy Prohibits Teachers From Expressing Support for Bl

Students Protest at Maine High School After Policy Prohibits Teachers From Expressing Support for Black Lives Matter

After district officials sent a memo informing school faculty they couldn ’ t visibly express their support for Black Lives Matter , students at a Maine high school decided to protest .
According to CNN , an official for Scarborough Public Schools District sent a memo on Monday , informing teachers that they couldn ’ t wear clothing or display items that had controversial phrases such as “ White Lives Matter , ” Biden/Harris campaign slogans , and “ Black Lives Matter.
” Students at Scarborough High School were upset with the inclusion of “ Black Lives Matter ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , a group of students stood outside of the town municipal building with signs that had phrases such as “ Racism Is Still Taking Lives ” and “ Why Is Demanding Equality Controversial ?
” Students at the protest told reporters that they feel Black Lives Matter is an apolitical movement to combat racism .
“ You can ’ t choose what race you are .
You can choose your opinion on certain political stances , but because it is about someone ’ s race , that doesn ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told WMTW .
“ I really don ’ t know where this is coming from and quite frankly , I think it ’ s absurd they would ask us not to say or wear Black Lives Matter , ” senior Casey Maddock told WGME .
The memo , sent exclusively to faculty , was an election reminder and also included “ Make America Great Again , ” and “ Trump/Pence ” on the list of banned phrases .
“ I believe that Black Lives Matter is a human rights issue .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our schools , ” Maddock added .
Okay , so , maybe Gen Z is going to be alright after all .
Fingers crossed .
Following Tuesday ’ s protest , the superintendent for Scarborough Public School , Sanford J .
Prince IV , issued a statement apologizing for the inclusion of Black Lives Matter on the list .
“ As I now reflect on a communication that was shared by our curriculum director to staff yesterday , I understand that the reference to the phrase ‘ Black Lives Matter ’ was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memo , ” Prince wrote .
“ Please know that inclusion of that phrase was not at all intended to be a statement to make any member of the community feel less valued in any way and we are deeply apologetic for that.
” Prince added that the district needs “ to better educate and equip ourselves to have these conversations.
” He told CNN that the students were peaceful and very respectful during the protest .
“ That ’ s what we really want our students to do , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when they feel passionate about something , they can get motivated and bring about change.
” The student protesters hope they ’ ll be able to discuss future policy changes with the school board .
It ’ s unclear whether the phrase “ Black Lives Matter , ” was taken off the list of banned phrases .

After district officials sent a memo informing school faculty they couldn’t visibly express their support for Black Lives Matter, students at a Maine high school decided to protest.
According to CNN, an official for Scarborough Public Schools District sent a memo on Monday, informing teachers that they couldn’t wear clothing or display items that had controversial phrases such as “White Lives Matter,” Biden/Harris campaign slogans, and “Black Lives Matter.” Students at Scarborough High School were upset with the inclusion of “Black Lives Matter” on that list and decided to protest.
Advertisement
On Tuesday, a group of students stood outside of the town municipal building with signs that had phrases such as “Racism Is Still Taking Lives” and “Why Is Demanding Equality Controversial?” Students at the protest told reporters that they feel Black Lives Matter is an apolitical movement to combat racism.
“You can’t choose what race you are. You can choose your opinion on certain political stances, but because it is about someone’s race, that doesn’t make it political,” senior Mia Golder told WMTW.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I really don’t know where this is coming from and quite frankly, I think it’s absurd they would ask us not to say or wear Black Lives Matter,” senior Casey Maddock told WGME. The memo, sent exclusively to faculty, was an election reminder and also included “Make America Great Again,” and “Trump/Pence” on the list of banned phrases.
“I believe that Black Lives Matter is a human rights issue. It is not political and therefore has every place in our schools,” Maddock added.
Advertisement
Okay, so, maybe Gen Z is going to be alright after all. Fingers crossed.
Following Tuesday’s protest, the superintendent for Scarborough Public School, Sanford J. Prince IV, issued a statement apologizing for the inclusion of Black Lives Matter on the list.
Advertisement
“As I now reflect on a communication that was shared by our curriculum director to staff yesterday, I understand that the reference to the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ was offensive to many people who read the memo,” Prince wrote. “Please know that inclusion of that phrase was not at all intended to be a statement to make any member of the community feel less valued in any way and we are deeply apologetic for that.”
Prince added that the district needs “to better educate and equip ourselves to have these conversations.” He told CNN that the students were peaceful and very respectful during the protest.
Advertisement
“That’s what we really want our students to do,” he said. “We want to teach them that when they feel passionate about something, they can get motivated and bring about change.”
The student protesters hope they’ll be able to discuss future policy changes with the school board. It’s unclear whether the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” was taken off the list of banned phrases.


theroot--2020-10-28--An American Family: Ilhan Omar and Daughter Isra Star on Teen Vogue's November Cover

As a Black girl born in Minneapolis , you ’ d think I ’ d have closely tracked the ascension of Somalian refugee turned American political firebrand Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-Minn. ) .
But as I graduated high school just outside the Twin Cities and made a new life as a college student in New York City , Omar was a new arrival in the “ Land of 10,000 Lakes.
” In fact , I was sitting in a movie theater for New York City ’ s Tribeca when I first tuned into Omar ’ s potential , watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s campaign to represent our shared hometown , while balancing family life with her now ex-husband and three children , including eldest daughter Isra .
By the end of 2018 , Omar would be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives , a history-making moment in which the hijab-wearing Democrat would both compel the end of an antiquated congressional rule banning headwear on the House floor , and would both stoke the ire and a stream of anti-Muslim , anti-African rhetoric from Trump and his base .
Against this and so many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain a fearless front .
Apparently , it runs in the family .
Now poised for reelection after winning her primary by a landslide , Omar and 17-year-old Isra star on the cover Teen Vogue ’ s November 2020 issue , which bears the subtitle “ Our Time Is Now.
” As it has for the rest of the nation , it ’ s been a strange time for Omar and her family ; the representative ’ s father , who brought his family to the States and was an ardent supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June .
Months before , Omar ’ s personal life had come under scrutiny as she remarried in March , this time to a political consultant after becoming a co-defendant in his contentious divorce .
And , as both a Minneapolis resident and Minnesota ’ s representative in the House , the events of May 25 of this year understandably shook her to the core—but as she tells Teen Vogue , her own comfort hasn ’ t been her concern .
“ There are people every single day who are showing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s murder .
There are people showing up every single day protesting decades and centuries of brutality , ” she says .
“ And there are people burying not just one but multiple members in their family that have died because of the complications of COVID , so I don ’ t have the luxury to think about getting , you know , an extra hour of sleep because people are experiencing severe unrest in their lives.
” Omar ’ s altruism—and outspokenness—has been inherited by her daughter .
Isra is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having been one of the cofounders of 2019 's U.S .
Youth Climate Strike .
Now , the teenager is focused more on college .
Having once fostered aspirations for Harvard , she intends to major in sociology and possibly minor in African or African-American studies in college , possibly becoming a public defender or social worker .
“ I have a lot of opportunities that a lot of people don ’ t , and so recognizing where I fit in this space is the thing that is definitely hard to imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later adding ; “ Young people have a very unique ability when it comes to organizing , especially digitally , that a lot of older folks do not understand .
Understand that you are important and your voice is too , and don ’ t let adults especially tell you otherwise.
” With the next election already well in progress , how we use our voices is at the forefront of our current conversation—and the future of our democracy .
Nevertheless , Omar urges us not to allow fear to be the foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want us to vote from a place of fear , right ?
We all understand how harmful Trump ’ s rhetoric is to all of us , how his policies are harmful to all of us .
And how the othering , and the isolation , and the chaos that he brings has really impacted the health and the well-being of many of the people we love and care for .
But I also know getting rid of him doesn ’ t get rid of all of our trauma .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain and the harm that has been done to our communities , ” she said .
“ So I want us to vote from a place of love , ” she continued .
“ And that really , I think , changes the way in which you engage with politics—if you understand that politics is personal .
That the politicians who we have in positions of power have the ability to be responsive to you or to be responsive to people who want to cause you harm .
And love for ourselves means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be responsive to us .
And so I am choosing to participate , to organize , to vote , encourage people to vote , because I want us to be able to use our collective power to get people in office that we can hold accountable .
”

As a Black girl born in Minneapolis, you’d think I’d have closely tracked the ascension of Somali refugee turned American political firebrand Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). But as I graduated high school just outside the Twin Cities and made a new life as a college student in New York City, Omar was a new arrival in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” In fact, I was sitting in a movie theater for New York City’s Tribeca when I first tuned into Omar’s potential, watching a documentary chronicling the community organizer’s campaign to represent our shared hometown, while balancing family life with her now ex-husband and three children, including eldest daughter Isra.
Advertisement
By the end of 2018, Omar would be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, a history-making moment in which the hijab-wearing Democrat would both compel the end of an antiquated congressional rule banning headwear on the House floor, and would both stoke the ire and a stream of anti-Muslim, anti-African rhetoric from Trump and his base. Against this and so many other criticisms and threats, Omar would repeatedly maintain a fearless front.
Apparently, it runs in the family. Now poised for reelection after winning her primary by a landslide, Omar and 17-year-old Isra star on the cover of Teen Vogue’s November 2020 issue, which bears the subtitle “Our Time Is Now.”
Advertisement Advertisement
As it has for the rest of the nation, it’s been a strange time for Omar and her family; the representative’s father, who brought his family to the States and was an ardent supporter of his daughter, died from COVID-19-related complications in June. Months before, Omar’s personal life had come under scrutiny as she remarried in March, this time to a political consultant after becoming a co-defendant in his contentious divorce. And, as both a Minneapolis resident and Minnesota’s representative in the House, the events of May 25 of this year understandably shook her to the core—but as she tells Teen Vogue, her own comfort hasn’t been her concern.
Advertisement
“There are people every single day who are showing up to care for the site of George Floyd’s murder. There are people showing up every single day protesting decades and centuries of brutality,” she says. “And there are people burying not just one but multiple members in their family that have died because of the complications of COVID, so I don’t have the luxury to think about getting, you know, an extra hour of sleep because people are experiencing severe unrest in their lives.”
Omar’s altruism—and outspokenness—has been inherited by her daughter. Isra is already an activist in her own right, having been one of the cofounders of 2019's U.S. Youth Climate Strike. Now, the teenager is focused more on college. Having once fostered aspirations for Harvard, she intends to major in sociology and possibly minor in African or African-American studies in college, possibly becoming a public defender or social worker.
Advertisement
“I have a lot of opportunities that a lot of people don’t, and so recognizing where I fit in this space is the thing that is definitely hard to imagine,” Isra tells Teen Vogue, later adding; “Young people have a very unique ability when it comes to organizing, especially digitally, that a lot of older folks do not understand. Understand that you are important and your voice is too, and don’t let adults especially tell you otherwise.”
With the next election already well in progress, how we use our voices is at the forefront of our current conversation—and the future of our democracy. Nevertheless, Omar urges us not to allow fear to be the foundation of our votes.