theroot--2020-08-11--In Praise of Moesha's 1979 Volkswagen Type 181

Netflix recently announced it would be bringing a bevy of classic Black sitcoms to the streaming service , which has unlocked tons of forgotten memories for just about every Black millennial in America bored during the pandemic .
There ’ s one weird , oddly specific thing from one of those shows I want to hone in on , though , and that ’ s a mysterious VW Type 181 that ’ s stayed with me for more than 20 years .
I didn ’ t think I would connect a ’ 90s teen UPN sitcom to a German military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It starts with “ Moesha , ” the first of the old shows to appear on Netflix .
I haven ’ t watched a single episode since its six-season run that began in ’ 95 , but there are two things that stick out to me the most : A plot twist in the middle of season five that ruined the whole show ( if you ’ re binging this now , I won ’ t spoil it ) , and the aforementioned Type 181 which appears in the opening credits for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as adults have commented on the titular character ’ s , in hindsight , terrible displays of friendship , questionable relationship choices and now-frightening relationship with her stepmother , which all seemed so innocent when we were 11 .
I ’ m choosing to reminisce on a running gag involving the cars because this is Jalopnik and not The Root or The A.V .
Club .
In season one , we establish that Moesha Mitchell ’ s father , Frank , is a Saturn salesman , one of the top sellers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturn is mentioned frequently throughout the series from this point ; even Spring Hill , Tenn. , where real-life Saturns were built , gets a shout-out .
Real-life context matters here : Saturn was still very much a nascent brand in 1995 , having only been around since the summer of 1990 .
It was a fast-growing budget brand by that year , but “ budget ” is probably why Moesha , who turns 16 this season , has no interest in driving a car from a still-unfamiliar brand despite a family discount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daydreaming of owning a Jeep Wrangler , which , if you were a teenage girl in mid-90s SoCal ( see also : Cher Horowitz ) , was the must-have ride , and nothing less .
( “ Being seen in a bunk hooptie is like getting caught in a K-Mart buying a Jaclyn Smith ensemble to sit front row center at a Michael Bolton concert , ” Moesha quips . )
Midway through the first season on Moesha ’ s 16th birthday , she ’ s gifted a perfectly capable red Saturn SC2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her father , which she turns down .
( It ’ s also this moment where many now-adults rewatching the show realize that Moesha was not the teenage role model we all thought she was , but actually a spoiled , self-absorbed brat . )
She and her friend Kim instead go down to a Jeep dealer , and , in true sitcom fashion , discover that an actual Wrangler ’ s MSRP is way more than they budgeted for and leave empty-handed .
The rest of the season is spent bumming rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the pettiest of reasons and making bad fashion choices .
In the next season , Moesha vows to use her earnings to buy her own car , which she does .
All she can afford , however , is a bunk hooptie : a 1979 Volkswagen Type 181 with a mismatched interior , a faulty gas gauge and bad brake lights .
The worst part ?
It ’ s a stick shift , and Moesha herself can barely drive it .
By the way , it ’ s never referred to by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , throughout the series .
And we only know it ’ s a 1979 model because — in a strangely prescient for 2020 scene — Moesha and her friends are stopped by a police officer in Beverly Hills ( there are allusions to driving while Black , but the episode doesn ’ t address it any further ) who details the make and model .
Why am I still obsessing over Moesha ’ s Thing 24 years later ?
Because it ’ s the first time I ’ d ever seen this funky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rare for something like this to pop up at all .
At 11 growing up in Michigan , the only other time I ’ d seen a Thing was buried in the pages of an Auto Trader , likely because such a car would rust pretty quickly in our harsh winters .
To this day , even having lived in California for a year , I ’ ve never seen one in real life , they only exist in my mind as a B-plot in a UPN sitcom .
But why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did they make fun of this car so much ?
I want one .
VW manufactured the Thing for different markets between 1968 and 1983 .
It was technically sold in the United States between 1973-74 , in Mexico between 1970-80 , and across Europe during its entire run .
( It ’ s very likely Moesha ’ s ’ 79 Thing was a Mexican model that somehow made it over the border , which wouldn ’ t be unusual , if tricky , for Southern California , or it might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Torchinsky noted a few years ago , there may be some conspiracy involving Lee Iacocca as to why the Thing was only around in the States as long as it was .
The Thing might be wildly unsafe , completely impractical outside beach towns and slow as hell , but still .
The fact that we didn ’ t get an episode where , like Eddie Winslow on “ Family Matters ” did with one of his dad ’ s old police cars , Moesha gives her Thing a proper restore and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the envy of all the cliques was a missed opportunity .
And when I look back at all the ’ 90s and ’ 00s pop kitsch of my youth , I can ’ t think of another time where a leading teen character actually drove a car within their budget that also could ’ ve been a blast to drive and stand out from the rest of the crowd in a nonconformist way .
Think about the wave of teen movies and shows from that era , and all the cars were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s closest equivalent would be , I don ’ t know , Archie ’ s jalopy ?
Which made perfect sense for a teen earning meager wages back then and was probably the most realistic element of the show .
I started to think of some other weird cars that popped up through ’ 90s Black sitcoms .
There was Steve Urkel ’ s BMW Isetta , which was mocked for being notoriously slow and sadly plunged off a cliff , but wait – wouldn ’ t you want to drive one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never seen , the dim-witted Cole from “ Martin ” infamously drove an AMC Pacer , which , again , was thoroughly mocked throughout the show – and even growing up in real-life Detroit in the ’ 90s where “ Martin ” was set , I never saw a Pacer once .
As for procuring a Thing in 2020 , a 16-year-old would have to cough up around $ 20,000 or more for a good one , as we ’ ve since recognized its value .
And Brandy , the singer-actress that played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had the best luck with cars herself .
But I ’ ll always have the memories of Moesha ’ s Thing , the most underappreciated part of an otherwise decent show .

Aaron Foley on Jalopnik, shared by Monique Judge to The Root

Netflix recently announced it would be bringing a bevy of classic Black sitcoms to the streaming service, which has unlocked tons of forgotten memories for just about every Black millennial in America bored during the pandemic. There’s one weird, oddly specific thing from one of those shows I want to hone in on, though, and that’s a mysterious VW Type 181 that’s stayed with me for more than 20 years.
I didn’t think I would connect a ’90s teen UPN sitcom to a German military runabout, but here we go. It starts with “Moesha,” the first of the old shows to appear on Netflix. I haven’t watched a single episode since its six-season run that began in ’95, but there are two things that stick out to me the most: A plot twist in the middle of season five that ruined the whole show (if you’re binging this now, I won’t spoil it), and the aforementioned Type 181 which appears in the opening credits for two seasons.
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Most people revisiting “Moesha” as adults have commented on the titular character’s, in hindsight, terrible displays of friendship, questionable relationship choices and now-frightening relationship with her stepmother, which all seemed so innocent when we were 11. I’m choosing to reminisce on a running gag involving the cars because this is Jalopnik and not The Root or The A.V. Club.
In season one, we establish that Moesha Mitchell’s father, Frank, is a Saturn salesman, one of the top sellers in Southern California where the family lives. Saturn is mentioned frequently throughout the series from this point; even Spring Hill, Tenn., where real-life Saturns were built, gets a shout-out. Real-life context matters here: Saturn was still very much a nascent brand in 1995, having only been around since the summer of 1990. It was a fast-growing budget brand by that year, but “budget” is probably why Moesha, who turns 16 this season, has no interest in driving a car from a still-unfamiliar brand despite a family discount. She spends much of these episodes daydreaming of owning a Jeep Wrangler, which, if you were a teenage girl in mid-90s SoCal (see also: Cher Horowitz), was the must-have ride, and nothing less. (“Being seen in a bunk hooptie is like getting caught in a K-Mart buying a Jaclyn Smith ensemble to sit front row center at a Michael Bolton concert,” Moesha quips.)
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Midway through the first season on Moesha’s 16th birthday, she’s gifted a perfectly capable red Saturn SC2 – with leather seats!– from her father, which she turns down. (It’s also this moment where many now-adults rewatching the show realize that Moesha was not the teenage role model we all thought she was, but actually a spoiled, self-absorbed brat.) She and her friend Kim instead go down to a Jeep dealer, and, in true sitcom fashion, discover that an actual Wrangler’s MSRP is way more than they budgeted for and leave empty-handed. The rest of the season is spent bumming rides across Crenshaw, fighting with her stepmom for the pettiest of reasons and making bad fashion choices.
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In the next season, Moesha vows to use her earnings to buy her own car, which she does. All she can afford, however, is a bunk hooptie: a 1979 Volkswagen Type 181 with a mismatched interior, a faulty gas gauge and bad brake lights. The worst part? It’s a stick shift, and Moesha herself can barely drive it. By the way, it’s never referred to by its American model name, the Thing, throughout the series. And we only know it’s a 1979 model because — in a strangely prescient for 2020 scene — Moesha and her friends are stopped by a police officer in Beverly Hills (there are allusions to driving while Black, but the episode doesn’t address it any further) who details the make and model.
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Why am I still obsessing over Moesha’s Thing 24 years later? Because it’s the first time I’d ever seen this funky little rascal on screen, and it’s rare for something like this to pop up at all. At 11 growing up in Michigan, the only other time I’d seen a Thing was buried in the pages of an Auto Trader, likely because such a car would rust pretty quickly in our harsh winters. To this day, even having lived in California for a year, I’ve never seen one in real life, they only exist in my mind as a B-plot in a UPN sitcom. But why, I ask myself now at 35, did they make fun of this car so much? I want one.
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VW manufactured the Thing for different markets between 1968 and 1983. It was technically sold in the United States between 1973-74, in Mexico between 1970-80, and across Europe during its entire run. (It’s very likely Moesha’s ’79 Thing was a Mexican model that somehow made it over the border, which wouldn’t be unusual, if tricky, for Southern California, or it might have been a writing slip-up.) And as Torchinsky noted a few years ago, there may be some conspiracy involving Lee Iacocca as to why the Thing was only around in the States as long as it was.
(Editor’s Note: I think Aaron’s covered his bases very well here, but I personally think this is a U.S.-market 1974 Thing. The indicators are the big U.S.-spec ones, and those boxy air-intake duct things were used on ‘74 Things, and I think were less common on Mexican-market ones. Also, it’s not like finding a Thing back then would have been that hard, really. I don’t think they had to get a Mexican one over the border. I mean, it’s possible, but I think it’s just a writer’s mistake. I bet this is a ‘74. — JT)
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The Thing might be wildly unsafe, completely impractical outside beach towns and slow as hell, but still. The fact that we didn’t get an episode where, like Eddie Winslow on “Family Matters” did with one of his dad’s old police cars, Moesha gives her Thing a proper restore and it becomes the coolest car at school and the envy of all the cliques was a missed opportunity. And when I look back at all the ’90s and ’00s pop kitsch of my youth, I can’t think of another time where a leading teen character actually drove a car within their budget that also could’ve been a blast to drive and stand out from the rest of the crowd in a nonconformist way.
Think about the wave of teen movies and shows from that era, and all the cars were Jeeps and fresh-out-the-showroom convertibles. Moesha’s closest equivalent would be, I don’t know, Archie’s jalopy? Which made perfect sense for a teen earning meager wages back then and was probably the most realistic element of the show.
I started to think of some other weird cars that popped up through ’90s Black sitcoms. There was Steve Urkel’s BMW Isetta, which was mocked for being notoriously slow and sadly plunged off a cliff, but wait – wouldn’t you want to drive one of these at least once?
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And although never seen, the dim-witted Cole from “Martin” infamously drove an AMC Pacer, which, again, was thoroughly mocked throughout the show – and even growing up in real-life Detroit in the ’90s where “Martin” was set, I never saw a Pacer once.
As for procuring a Thing in 2020, a 16-year-old would have to cough up around $20,000 or more for a good one, as we’ve since recognized its value. And Brandy, the singer-actress that played Moesha, hasn’t, uh, had the best luck with cars herself. But I’ll always have the memories of Moesha’s Thing, the most underappreciated part of an otherwise decent show.


theroot--2020-08-12--The Life Lost But Never Forgotten and The Movie I Struggle to Watch Because Of It (Happy Birthday, T

The Life Lost But Never Forgotten and The Movie I Struggle to Watch Because Of It (Happy Birthday, Tra)

I ’ ve tried a few times .
I actually managed to make it all the way through to the end for the first time in almost 10 years a few months ago .
It was on , I was up late and I decided to force myself to make it through the movie .
“ It ’ s been 9 years , ” I told myself .
I can ’ t let a movie—especially a movie I liked—to have so much negative power over me and my psyche .
I don ’ t pray nearly as much as my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mother for that matter ) would like , but that night , I prayed that I hadn ’ t done something stupid .
I prayed that watching John Q didn ’ t push some imaginary button or summon some doomsday siren .
I anxiously waded through the next day praying that my phone wouldn ’ t ring , that some unknown number from a familiar area code wouldn ’ t pop up on the caller ID and alert me to some new tragedy befallen an old friend .
Again .
My phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 12 , 2011 , just before midnight , I got a call from my daughter ’ s mother : My 2-year-old daughter was having breathing issues and needed to go to the Emergency Room .
I met them there .
I remember spending less than 3 hours at the hospital which felt like a short amount of time .
We were discharged after some breathing treatments .
I went home .
At about 2 a.m. , wired and unable to sleep , I turned on the television and began watching John Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until recently I was able to watch that movie until the end .
I went to sleep around 4 a.m .
I guess because of how tired I was , I was knocked out cold because I didn ’ t wake up at the sound of my phone buzzing at around 5:45 a.m .
When my alarm went off at 6:15 a.m .
I did wake up , saw the call , checked the message and was informed by one of my longtime friends via voicemail that I needed to call immediately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tra , my best friend .
My brother .
I was jarred awake , immediately called and was told that there was a terrible accident and it didn ’ t look good .
I can ’ t describe the feeling of being 700 miles away from a person you love while waiting to hear for more information that you know will change your life and the lives of so many people while hoping that the news comes back okay .
But the voice of my friend who called was the unwanted confirmation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ it ’ s bad ” that way before .
He told a whole story , a tragedy , with two non-specific words .
At 8 a.m. while I was pulling out of my apartment complex to head to work with a head full of uncertainty and dread and my mind in a complete fog .
I got the worst phone call I ’ ve ever received in life .
One of my other friends , one of my closest friends from back home , one of my groomsmen when I married in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his number show up on my caller ID and I just knew .
I felt it .
I answered and before I could say “ Hello , ” he just said , “ He ’ s gone .
Tra ’ s gone.
” He hung up .
I hung up .
I crumbled into tears in my car .
An electrical fire sparked by a fire heater set off a blaze around 2 a.m. CST .
He was in the house with his girlfriend , her two kids and another of our friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two didn ’ t .
My brother and one of his girlfriend ’ s daughters died in the fire trying to get out of the house ; he was trying to get her out .
According to the newspaper article that I have , the fire was put out around 2:30 a.m. CST , making it 3:30 a.m. EST .
While I was at home watching John Q , wide awake , my best friend was dying in a house fire .
I ’ ve never been able to shake that .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to the Emergency Room because my daughter was having problems .
Only to end up watching a movie about a man willing to give his life for his child and while I ’ m watching it , my best friend loses his life while trying to save the life of a child .
My mind just won ’ t let me shake it .
Perhaps it meant nothing .
But it somehow means everything .
To the point where I , again , was afraid I ’ d done something stupid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy-handed movie that is mostly saved by a Denzel Washington performance .
Today is Tra ’ s birthday .
August 12 , 2020 , he would have turned 41 .
His death impacted me in ways that I still discover .
I told my wife that today was his birthday and she asked me if I was sad .
I said yes .
She asked me if I cried and the answer was “ no , ” but just her asking me made me feel like I was about to fall apart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my stomach .
I ’ ve been blessed in that I ’ ve never lost any of my parents or siblings .
Tra ’ s death though , I ’ ve never been able to get over it or entirely let it go .
I ’ m not consumed by it , by what we were supposed to do together or who we were supposed to become .
When I got married , the fact that he wasn ’ t there was something I had to sit with for a little while in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tuned into the joy happening a room away .
As the years go by , it gets easier , the pain less instant , less present .
There are things I do with him in mind : The book I will write will be dedicated to him .
There ’ s no book of my life that doesn ’ t include a chapter on Tra .
In that , through his son , myself , his family and friends , he will live forever .
In the moving-on is a healing of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t always clean .
For in my mind those last moments are always connected to a visual and a feeling of me watching a movie about death while my brother was actively dying .
I ’ m still afraid to watch it again .
I may never .
Its existence brings up one of the most painful , and enduring , eras of my life .
A movie .
A fictional recounting .
A fear that ’ s taken up room in my head that seems to be intent on staying .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe one day it won ’ t immediately register .
Maybe one day .
Like I said , I can ’ t just watch John Q .

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

I can’t just watch the movie John Q.
I’ve tried a few times. I actually managed to make it all the way through to the end for the first time in almost 10 years a few months ago. It was on, I was up late and I decided to force myself to make it through the movie. “It’s been 9 years,” I told myself. I can’t let a movie—especially a movie I liked—to have so much negative power over me and my psyche.
But it does.
I don’t pray nearly as much as my wife (and her mother...and my mother for that matter) would like, but that night, I prayed that I hadn’t done something stupid. I prayed that watching John Q didn’t push some imaginary button or summon some doomsday siren. I anxiously waded through the next day praying that my phone wouldn’t ring, that some unknown number from a familiar area code wouldn’t pop up on the caller ID and alert me to some new tragedy befallen an old friend. Again.
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My phone never rang with bad news.
See? I can’t just watch John Q.
On January 12, 2011, just before midnight, I got a call from my daughter’s mother: My 2-year-old daughter was having breathing issues and needed to go to the Emergency Room. I met them there. I remember spending less than 3 hours at the hospital which felt like a short amount of time. We were discharged after some breathing treatments. I went home. At about 2 a.m., wired and unable to sleep, I turned on the television and began watching John Q.
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That would be the last time until recently I was able to watch that movie until the end. I went to sleep around 4 a.m. I guess because of how tired I was, I was knocked out cold because I didn’t wake up at the sound of my phone buzzing at around 5:45 a.m. When my alarm went off at 6:15 a.m. I did wake up, saw the call, checked the message and was informed by one of my longtime friends via voicemail that I needed to call immediately, something bad had happened. It was Tra, my best friend. My brother. I was jarred awake, immediately called and was told that there was a terrible accident and it didn’t look good.
I can’t describe the feeling of being 700 miles away from a person you love while waiting to hear for more information that you know will change your life and the lives of so many people while hoping that the news comes back okay. But the voice of my friend who called was the unwanted confirmation. I’ve never heard somebody say “it’s bad” that way before. He told a whole story, a tragedy, with two non-specific words.
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At 8 a.m. while I was pulling out of my apartment complex to head to work with a head full of uncertainty and dread and my mind in a complete fog. I got the worst phone call I’ve ever received in life. One of my other friends, one of my closest friends from back home, one of my groomsmen when I married in 2018, called me. I saw his number show up on my caller ID and I just knew. I felt it. I answered and before I could say “Hello,” he just said, “He’s gone. Tra’s gone.” He hung up. I hung up. I crumbled into tears in my car.
An electrical fire sparked by a fire heater set off a blaze around 2 a.m. CST. He was in the house with his girlfriend, her two kids and another of our friends. Three people made it out. Two didn’t. My brother and one of his girlfriend’s daughters died in the fire trying to get out of the house; he was trying to get her out. According to the newspaper article that I have, the fire was put out around 2:30 a.m. CST, making it 3:30 a.m. EST.
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While I was at home watching John Q, wide awake, my best friend was dying in a house fire.
I’ve never been able to shake that. The fact that what set off the night was going to the Emergency Room because my daughter was having problems. Only to end up watching a movie about a man willing to give his life for his child and while I’m watching it, my best friend loses his life while trying to save the life of a child. My mind just won’t let me shake it. Perhaps it meant nothing. But it somehow means everything. To the point where I, again, was afraid I’d done something stupid by watching, in 2020, this heavy-handed movie that is mostly saved by a Denzel Washington performance.
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Today is Tra’s birthday. August 12, 2020, he would have turned 41. His death impacted me in ways that I still discover. I told my wife that today was his birthday and she asked me if I was sad. I said yes. She asked me if I cried and the answer was “no,” but just her asking me made me feel like I was about to fall apart. I even started to get sick to my stomach. I’ve been blessed in that I’ve never lost any of my parents or siblings. Tra’s death though, I’ve never been able to get over it or entirely let it go. I’m not consumed by it, by what we were supposed to do together or who we were supposed to become. When I got married, the fact that he wasn’t there was something I had to sit with for a little while in the quiet of my room before I tuned into the joy happening a room away. As the years go by, it gets easier, the pain less instant, less present. There are things I do with him in mind: The book I will write will be dedicated to him. There’s no book of my life that doesn’t include a chapter on Tra. In that, through his son, myself, his family and friends, he will live forever. In the moving-on is a healing of some sort.
But that healing isn’t always clean. For in my mind those last moments are always connected to a visual and a feeling of me watching a movie about death while my brother was actively dying. I’m still afraid to watch it again. I may never. Its existence brings up one of the most painful, and enduring, eras of my life. A movie. A fictional recounting. A fear that’s taken up room in my head that seems to be intent on staying. One day it will all make sense maybe. Maybe one day it won’t immediately register. Maybe one day.
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Like I said, I can’t just watch John Q.
Happy birthday, Tra.


theroot--2020-08-12--‘Kill Them All’: Colorado Officer Suspended but Not Fired After Violent Posts Aimed at Black Lives M

‘Kill Them All’: Colorado Officer Suspended but Not Fired After Violent Posts Aimed at Black Lives Matter Protesters

Can police departments really say they ’ re making an earnest effort to weed out the violent , corrupt and racist police officers in their units if they aren ’ t willing to immediately fire those who say or post things online that indicate that they are extrajudicial execution cases waiting to happen ?
A Colorado Springs police officer thought he was masking his identity when he used a pseudonym to post—on more than one occasion—the words “ KILL THEM ALL ” in response to stories about Black Lives Matter protesters .
After an investigation identified the officer behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fired .
CBS Denver reports that Sergeant Keith Wrede made the comments on June 30 .
The first comment was made in response to a livestream of a Black Lives Matter protest where demonstrators blocked an interstate for over an hour .
Most of the protesters reportedly had already left by the time police arrived , so it ’ s unclear what prompted an allegedly stable and professional law enforcement officer to respond to the story by virtually shouting , “ KILL THEM ALL.
” On a related post , Wrede repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ALL ” while using a Facebook profile under the name Steven Eric .
An internal affairs investigation found that Wrede was behind both posts and he was later suspended for five days , made to give up more than $ 2,000 in wages and reassigned from his specialized unit to a different position in the department .
CSPD Chief Vince Niski wrote a letter to the public Monday expressing his solidarity with those outraged by Wrede ’ s online behavior—calling his comments “ unprofessional , distasteful , and not reflective of our department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fire him .
“ It was determined , ” Niski wrote , “ that the comments were made off-duty out of frustration and there was no indication of any physical action or intent to cause harm .
I am in no way minimizing Sergeant Wrede ’ s words .
His comments were unacceptable , have damaged our relationship with members of our community , and fell short of our standards.
” “ While his statements were harmful and reprehensible , I can not deprive the community of a good police officer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an error in judgment , ” he continued .
“ We hope that you can accept our apology and be assured that the CSPD and Sgt .
Wrede will continue to faithfully serve the public.
” Note : If you ’ re going to apologize to people concerned about police violence , maybe don ’ t refer to a cop who probably fantasizes about going full Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2 on anyone in a BLM shirt as a “ good police officer ” you ’ re unwilling to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have followed what one North Carolina police department did after catching a few of their cops fantasizing about killing Black people .
About a week before Wrede was caught expressing his willingness to re-enact the climax scenes from Smoking Aces on protesters blocking highways , a Wilmington , N.C. , sergeant discovered a nearly two-hour-long recording from a patrol car created by an “ accidental activation ” where three officers were caught conversing at length about how they “ can ’ t wait ” for a civil war to break out so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those officers were immediately fired because b ruh , what if they stayed on the job and later actually did the shit they were wet dreaming about ?
How silly will the CSPD look if Sgt .
Wrede ends up starring in the next viral video where an unarmed Black person is killed by a cop turned executioner ?
I ’ m going to go ahead and paraphrase Maya Angelou and say , “ When a cop shows you who they are , you damn sure better believe them the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badges and will ‘ KILL THEM ALL.
’ ” I ’ m just saying , there are some cops the streets need to be “ deprived ” of .
Join the discussion !
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Can police departments really say they’re making an earnest effort to weed out the violent, corrupt and racist police officers in their units if they aren’t willing to immediately fire those who say or post things online that indicate that they are extrajudicial execution cases waiting to happen?
A Colorado Springs police officer thought he was masking his identity when he used a pseudonym to post—on more than one occasion—the words “KILL THEM ALL” in response to stories about Black Lives Matter protesters. After an investigation identified the officer behind the posts, he was suspended...but not fired.
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CBS Denver reports that Sergeant Keith Wrede made the comments on June 30. The first comment was made in response to a livestream of a Black Lives Matter protest where demonstrators blocked an interstate for over an hour. Most of the protesters reportedly had already left by the time police arrived, so it’s unclear what prompted an allegedly stable and professional law enforcement officer to respond to the story by virtually shouting, “KILL THEM ALL.” On a related post, Wrede repeated the sentiment by commenting “KILL EM ALL” while using a Facebook profile under the name Steven Eric. An internal affairs investigation found that Wrede was behind both posts and he was later suspended for five days, made to give up more than $2,000 in wages and reassigned from his specialized unit to a different position in the department.
CSPD Chief Vince Niski wrote a letter to the public Monday expressing his solidarity with those outraged by Wrede’s online behavior—calling his comments “unprofessional, distasteful, and not reflective of our department”—but also defending his decision not to fire him.
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“It was determined,” Niski wrote, “that the comments were made off-duty out of frustration and there was no indication of any physical action or intent to cause harm. I am in no way minimizing Sergeant Wrede’s words. His comments were unacceptable, have damaged our relationship with members of our community, and fell short of our standards.”
“While his statements were harmful and reprehensible, I cannot deprive the community of a good police officer and his services because of an isolated incident of an error in judgment,” he continued. “We hope that you can accept our apology and be assured that the CSPD and Sgt. Wrede will continue to faithfully serve the public.”
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Note: If you’re going to apologize to people concerned about police violence, maybe don’t refer to a cop who probably fantasizes about going full Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on anyone in a BLM shirt as a “good police officer” you’re unwilling to “deprive” the people of.
Niski should have followed what one North Carolina police department did after catching a few of their cops fantasizing about killing Black people. About a week before Wrede was caught expressing his willingness to re-enact the climax scenes from Smoking Aces on protesters blocking highways, a Wilmington, N.C., sergeant discovered a nearly two-hour-long recording from a patrol car created by an “accidental activation” where three officers were caught conversing at length about how they “can’t wait” for a civil war to break out so they can “slaughter” Black people. Those officers were immediately fired because b ruh, what if they stayed on the job and later actually did the shit they were wet dreaming about?
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How silly will the CSPD look if Sgt. Wrede ends up starring in the next viral video where an unarmed Black person is killed by a cop turned executioner?
I’m going to go ahead and paraphrase Maya Angelou and say, “When a cop shows you who they are, you damn sure better believe them the first time because them mother fuckers got guns and badges and will ‘KILL THEM ALL.’”
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I’m just saying, there are some cops the streets need to be “deprived” of.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-12--Get That Perfect Pearly Smile With a Two-Pack of Optic White Renewal Toothpaste for $10

I ’ m in the middle of trying out a teeth whitening kit .
I ’ m seeing results but @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll be in the market for a good toothpaste to maintain my results @ @ @ @ @ pearly goodness were not wasted .
A whitening one will definitely help keep up the @ @ @ @ @ my chompers .
Take $ 4 off this two-pack Optic White Renewal Toothpaste from Colgate @ @ @ @ @ used a few kinds of toothpaste like this over the years and have heard good @ @ @ @ @ It claims to remove ten years of stains which is ridiculous , no way .
@ @ @ @ @ few shades and you can notice .
With the fluoride formula your are also protecting @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s enamel-safe and they suggest using it daily .
: insert horrified face @ @ @ @ @ toothpaste daily ?
Best results happen over four weeks so get to brushing now .
@ @ @ @ @ for Prime members and it will be sent out August 14 .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Colgate Optic White Renewal Toothpaste (2-Pack) | $10 | Amazon
I’m in the middle of trying out a teeth whitening kit. I’m seeing results but once I’m done I’ll be in the market for a good toothpaste to maintain my results so all my efforts in pearly goodness were not wasted. A whitening one will definitely help keep up the work I just put into my chompers. Take $4 off this two-pack Optic White Renewal Toothpaste from Colgate today.
I’ve used a few kinds of toothpaste like this over the years and have heard good things about this one . It claims to remove ten years of stains which is ridiculous , no way. But it does lighten a few shades and you can notice. With the fluoride formula your are also protecting against cavities. Yay! It’s enamel-safe and they suggest using it daily. :insert horrified face: Do people not use toothpaste daily? Best results happen over four weeks so get to brushing now.
Free shipping on this item for Prime members and it will be sent out August 14.


theroot--2020-08-12--TikTok Trump Impersonator Sarah Cooper Scores Comedy Variety Show at Netflix, Maya Rudolph to Execut

TikTok Trump Impersonator Sarah Cooper Scores Comedy Variety Show at Netflix, Maya Rudolph to Executive Produce

Sarah Cooper is one of the rare bright lights of 2020 because she has actually accomplished the impossible—making it so that the sound of Trump ’ s voice doesn ’ t automatically make me sick .
In fact , her impersonation videos are the primary source of my Trump content now .
I rarely watch anything having to do with President Pissy Pumpkin unless it ’ s accompanied by her lively and entertaining facial expressions .
If you ’ ve engaged in any part of the internet , you ’ ve probably seen her by now , reenacting presidential press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral .
Naturally , her star rose quickly ( and her effect was presidentially palpable ) , so it was only a matter of time before networks and streaming platforms ( or the networks ’ streaming platforms ) started courting the author and comedian .
With that said , The Hollywood Reporter announced Wednesday that Cooper landed a comedy variety show at Netflix !
Maya Rudolph ( who is also on everyone ’ s immediate radar right now due to a certain VP candidate pick ) will executive produce the series and Natasha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The United States vs. Billie Holiday ) will direct/executive produce .
THR gives more scoop on what the show will entail : Titled Sarah Cooper : Everything ’ s Fine , the special will feature vignettes focusing on issues related to politics , race , gender , class and other topics .
An array of short interviews and sketches featuring special guests will also be part of the special .
The one-off will premiere at a date to be determined in the fall .
Cooper is having a winning week because she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday night .
Maybe we should title Cooper ’ s new life , “ How to Winner.
” Congrats !
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

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

Sarah Cooper is one of the rare bright lights of 2020 because she has actually accomplished the impossible—making it so that the sound of Trump’s voice doesn’t automatically make me sick. In fact, her impersonation videos are the primary source of my Trump content now. I rarely watch anything having to do with President Pissy Pumpkin unless it’s accompanied by her lively and entertaining facial expressions.
If you’ve engaged in any part of the internet, you’ve probably seen her by now, reenacting presidential press conferences in videos that have immediately gone viral.
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Naturally, her star rose quickly (and her effect was presidentially palpable), so it was only a matter of time before networks and streaming platforms (or the networks’ streaming platforms) started courting the author and comedian. With that said, The Hollywood Reporter announced Wednesday that Cooper landed a comedy variety show at Netflix!
Maya Rudolph (who is also on everyone’s immediate radar right now due to a certain VP candidate pick) will executive produce the series and Natasha Lyonne (Orange Is the New Black, The United States vs. Billie Holiday) will direct/executive produce.
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THR gives more scoop on what the show will entail:
Titled Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine, the special will feature vignettes focusing on issues related to politics, race, gender, class and other topics. An array of short interviews and sketches featuring special guests will also be part of the special. The one-off will premiere at a date to be determined in the fall.
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Cooper is having a winning week because she also recently guest hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night.
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Maybe we should title Cooper’s new life, “How to Winner.” Congrats!
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-12--Master P Reflects on Becoming His Own 'Master' and Working With Tupac

The ex-rapper , actor , record label executive and former NBA player came to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s @ @ @ @ @ , Rome wasn ’ t built in a day .
In fact , it took @ @ @ @ @ the No Limit empire , and his story of resilience , No Limit Chronicles , @ @ @ @ @ Miller said that he landed an epic distribution deal with Priority Records because he understood @ @ @ @ @ grandfather taught me—he said , ‘ You never do a deal when you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ told The Root .
See an excerpt of our conversation above .
No Limit Chronicles @ @ @ @ @ continues on Wednesday , Aug. 12 , and Aug. 18 on BET .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-08-12--Black Twitter Erupts After Deion Sanders Sells His Soul to Barstool Sports: 'He's Trading His Morals

Black Twitter Erupts After Deion Sanders Sells His Soul to Barstool Sports: 'He's Trading His Morals For a Check'

In being outspoken for a living , I make it a point to come from a place of logic and understanding when I broach certain topics in front of millions of people on a weekly basis .
Whether it ’ s a podcast , a television or radio segment , or my writing , I really , really , really try to do my research beforehand so I don ’ t sound like a fucking buffoon while exploring relevant issues that impact the Black community .
But , bruh ... WHAT IN THE FUCK IS DEION SANDERS DOING ?
Days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opting out of the upcoming season over COVID-19 concerns , the worst tackler in the history of professional sports has announced that he ’ s leaving the NFL Network to join the unruly frat house known as Barstool Sports .
For those unfamiliar with Barstool Sports ’ unique brand of racial insensitivity and obnoxious behavior , Prime Time ’ s defection is like our very own Senior Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr. dipping from The Root to go join Fox News as a Hannity correspondent .
It ’ s like spotting Joy Reid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One America News Network hoodies .
It ’ s like Joe Biden opting to say something sensical about Black people .
In the laundry list of abysmal ideas , this is up there with touching a Black woman ’ s hair , the Spice Girls going solo and trying me instead of Jesus ( cause I throw hands ) .
Clearly , the 53-year-old NFL Hall of Famer can ’ t be in his right mind thinking this was a good idea , but that didn ’ t stop him from trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports ’ Pardon My Take .
“ I haven ’ t had this platform to give you all this stuff I ’ ve got in my head !
” he said .
“ Good lord !
I got ta get it out !
” As part of his blood pact with Beelzebub , Larry Brown Sports reports that Sanders will host his own podcast , 21st and Prime , join Pardon My Take as a weekly guest on Sundays and contribute yet-to-be-determined video content that will likely involve beer pong and crushing cans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not that Prime ’ s boss , Dave Portnoy , cares because when he ’ s not preoccupied with founding problematic entertainment companies like Barstool Sports , he ’ s either deeming himself “ uncancellable ” —like he did after videos of him hurling racial slurs surfaced online in July—or recruiting clown-ass niggas like Willie Colon and Brandon Newman to shuck and jive for Massa .
And as you can already suspect , Black Twitter ain ’ t feeling this move in the least .
Wake me up when COVID-19 and this nightmare @ @ @ @

In being outspoken for a living, I make it a point to come from a place of logic and understanding when I broach certain topics in front of millions of people on a weekly basis. Whether it’s a podcast, a television or radio segment, or my writing, I really, really, really try to do my research beforehand so I don’t sound like a fucking buffoon while exploring relevant issues that impact the Black community.
But, bruh...WHAT IN THE FUCK IS DEION SANDERS DOING?
Days removed from inexplicably berating NFL players for opting out of the upcoming season over COVID-19 concerns, the worst tackler in the history of professional sports has announced that he’s leaving the NFL Network to join the unruly frat house known as Barstool Sports.
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For those unfamiliar with Barstool Sports’ unique brand of racial insensitivity and obnoxious behavior, Prime Time’s defection is like our very own Senior Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr. dipping from The Root to go join Fox News as a Hannity correspondent. It’s like spotting Joy Reid in one of Mike Gundy’s One America News Network hoodies. It’s like Joe Biden opting to say something sensical about Black people.
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In the laundry list of abysmal ideas, this is up there with touching a Black woman’s hair, the Spice Girls going solo and trying me instead of Jesus (cause I throw hands). Clearly, the 53-year-old NFL Hall of Famer can’t be in his right mind thinking this was a good idea, but that didn’t stop him from trying to convince us otherwise Wednesday morning on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take.
“I haven’t had this platform to give you all this stuff I’ve got in my head!” he said. “Good lord! I gotta get it out!”
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Ummm, ok.
As part of his blood pact with Beelzebub, Larry Brown Sports reports that Sanders will host his own podcast, 21st and Prime, join Pardon My Take as a weekly guest on Sundays and contribute yet-to-be-determined video content that will likely involve beer pong and crushing cans of Miller Lite on his forehead.
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Jesus wept.
Not that Prime’s boss, Dave Portnoy, cares because when he’s not preoccupied with founding problematic entertainment companies like Barstool Sports, he’s either deeming himself “uncancellable”—like he did after videos of him hurling racial slurs surfaced online in July—or recruiting clown-ass niggas like Willie Colon and Brandon Newman to shuck and jive for Massa.
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And as you can already suspect, Black Twitter ain’t feeling this move in the least.
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I hate it here.
Wake me up when COVID-19 and this nightmare are both over.


theroot--2020-08-12--Trump Claims Kamala Harris Is ‘Dream Opponent.’ Wait Till She Destroys Sexless Robot Mike Pence

On Wednesday , President Trump was doing it again , and by again , I mean he was acting as if a tornado of an opponent who is looking to bring his house down was fitting right into his plans .
The president of people who enjoy Barstool Sports claimed that California Sen. Kamala Harris , she of the sisterhood of 1908 and the Howard University bonafides , had a lackluster showing in the 2020 Democratic primary and he couldn ’ t wait for her to join Biden ’ s ticket as his vice president .
He even had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ @ KamalaHarris started strong in the Democrat Primaries , and finished weak , ultimately fleeing the race with almost zero support , ” Trump wrote , Politico reports .
“ That ’ s the kind of opponent everyone dreams of !
” Politico reports that Tuesday , the president tried to act like he wasn ’ t about to soil his Depends upon learning that the strength of Black womanhood was about to come down on his soft spine , claiming that Harris “ did very poorly ” in her bid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious Senate confirmation process as ‘ nasty.
’ ” The president uses this descriptor for women he ’ s afraid of , in fact , he ’ s called just about every woman who has called him out on his bullshit “ nasty , ” including “ former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton , the late former first lady Barbara Bush , Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
” “ She was nasty to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Trump said about Harris to reporters , adding that he thought she “ was the meanest , most horrible , most disrespectful of anybody in the U.S. Senate.
” The president is also a draft-dodging , orange-skinned failed businessman with ties to Russian oligarchs who would package America up in a three-way trade for a chance to sit on Vladimir Putin ’ s lap .
Oh , and he ’ s also a bitch .
Supporters of Harris , a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration officials in congressional hearings as an advantage in her vice presidential candidacy .
Trump went on to characterize Harris as being known as “ just about the most liberal person in the U.S. Senate , ” and said : “ I would ’ ve thought that Biden would ’ ve tried to stay away from that a little bit.
” Of course , Harris was not the most left-leaning contender under consideration to become Biden ’ s running mate , and her Senate colleagues include such prominent progressives as Massachusetts Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a self-professed democratic socialist .
Later Tuesday evening , Trump called into Fox News ’ Sean Hannity late-night right-wing sex line and instead of talking about Harris , who was all the rage , Trump went off on a tangent about windmills and how they kill birds and bring down property values .
It was so bizarre that even Fox News had a series of Kamala footage ready to go and the president wouldn ’ t stop talking about the wind .
But sure , keep telling America how Harris was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

On Wednesday, President Trump was doing it again, and by again, I mean he was acting as if a tornado of an opponent who is looking to bring his house down was fitting right into his plans.
The president of people who enjoy Barstool Sports claimed that California Sen. Kamala Harris, she of the sisterhood of 1908 and the Howard University bonafides, had a lackluster showing in the 2020 Democratic primary and he couldn’t wait for her to join Biden’s ticket as his vice president. He even had the whitedacity to @ her on Twitter.
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“@KamalaHarris started strong in the Democrat Primaries, and finished weak, ultimately fleeing the race with almost zero support,” Trump wrote, Politico reports. “That’s the kind of opponent everyone dreams of!”
Politico reports that Tuesday, the president tried to act like he wasn’t about to soil his Depends upon learning that the strength of Black womanhood was about to come down on his soft spine, claiming that Harris “did very poorly” in her bid for president, “and repeatedly referred to her treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious Senate confirmation process as ‘nasty.’”
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The president uses this descriptor for women he’s afraid of, in fact, he’s called just about every woman who has called him out on his bullshit “nasty,” including “former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, the late former first lady Barbara Bush, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.”
“She was nasty to a level that was just a horrible thing,” Trump said about Harris to reporters, adding that he thought she “was the meanest, most horrible, most disrespectful of anybody in the U.S. Senate.”
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The president is also a draft-dodging, orange-skinned failed businessman with ties to Russian oligarchs who would package America up in a three-way trade for a chance to sit on Vladimir Putin’s lap.
Oh, and he’s also a bitch.
From Politico:
Supporters of Harris, a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, have pointed to her prosecutorial interrogations of various Trump administration officials in congressional hearings as an advantage in her vice presidential candidacy. Trump went on to characterize Harris as being known as “just about the most liberal person in the U.S. Senate,” and said: “I would’ve thought that Biden would’ve tried to stay away from that a little bit.” Of course, Harris was not the most left-leaning contender under consideration to become Biden’s running mate, and her Senate colleagues include such prominent progressives as Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — a self-professed democratic socialist.
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Later Tuesday evening, Trump called into Fox News’ Sean Hannity late-night right-wing sex line and instead of talking about Harris, who was all the rage, Trump went off on a tangent about windmills and how they kill birds and bring down property values. It was so bizarre that even Fox News had a series of Kamala footage ready to go and the president wouldn’t stop talking about the wind.
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But sure, keep telling America how Harris was the choice you wanted, windmill man.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-12--Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19 With 20% off KN95 Masks [Exclusive]

Listen , no matter how loud the anti-maskers have a temper tantrum , masks protect yourself and others from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ in a pandemic and you know , it requires a bit of preparation for going @ @ @ @ @ 20-Pack of KN95 masks ( and any other size ) are $ 48 , 20 @ @ @ @ @ KINJA20 , which is $ 12 off the original price of $ 60 .
If @ @ @ @ @ , you might want to invest in the 50-pack for $ 104 , or even @ @ @ @ @ .
Like I said before , yes , masks are overpriced these days , but @ @ @ @ @ are certified by the CDC to block 95 % of air particles up to .3-micron @ @ @ @ @ waiting for ?
Grab a box and start using them !

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

KN95 Masks (40-Pack) | $24 | MorningSave
Listen, no matter how loud the anti-maskers have a temper tantrum, masks protect yourself and others from COVID-19. We’re living in a pandemic and you know, it requires a bit of preparation for going out in public. This 40-Pack of KN95 masks is $24 . Yes, masks are overpriced these days, but these five-layer KN95 masks block 95% of air particles up to .3-micron levels. What are you waiting for? Grab a box and start using them!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher in August 2020 and updated by Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 10/27/2020.


theroot--2020-08-12--After 61-Point Outburst, Damian Lillard Demands NBA 'Put Some Respect on My MF Name!'

In a past life , 112 might ’ ve given you thoughts of interwoven harmonies during Bad Boy ’ s heyday , but now that we live in the era of Damian Lillard , that number means something entirely different .
Ever since Paul George and Patrick Beverly of the Los Angeles Clippers made the foolish mistake of openly taunting the same dude who committed 1st-degree murder on national television last spring , Dame has been playing like a man possessed .
With the Trail Blazers ’ playoff aspirations on the line , the five-time NBA All-Star responded with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only to channel his inner Goku and go Super Saiyan with an even nastier 61-point explosion on Tuesday night against the Mavericks .
Blood was shed , egos were slain and Dame emerged from the bloodbath unscathed .
Oh , and this happened too : “ I ’ ve never seen a shot like that—ever , ” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after the game .
“ That was unbelievable.
” For those of you who ran out of fingers , toes and offspring to count on , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More importantly , in tying his career-high with 61 points , he not only became the second player in NBA history to score 60 or more points in a single season , but he ’ s dragged the once-depleted Trail Blazers into the 8th seed in the West and can clinch a spot in the play-in series with a win against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday .
“ Damian played incredible , ” Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis said .
“ Made some unbelievable shots .
Hats off to him.
” That he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t just about stuffing his stat sheet , it ’ s about the bigger picture .
“ Ain ’ t nothing I want more , ” he said of making the playoffs .
“ When I came here ( to Disney World ) I told them I ’ m not here to waste my time .
Our work ain ’ t done yet but we ’ re fighting for it.
” Prior to the NBA restart , Yahoo Sports ’ Chris Haynes called the Trail Blazers “ the most dangerous team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key contributors like Jusuf Nurkić and Zach Collins returning from injury , but primarily due to Dame ’ s penchant for going nuclear on the basketball court .
“ If Portland gets the play-in game , I think they win it , ” Haynes said on The Bill Simmons Podcast .
“ And if Portland is in this thing , Bill , to me , they ’ re the most dangerous team in this league .
I think if they get in , even if it ’ s the Lakers at the No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential to take the Lakers to the distance .
And if they happen to get by the Lakers , you could see them in the Finals , man.
” Dame is coming for your hairline and your ass .
My relentless disdain for all things purple and gold ( I even hate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches off principle ) runs decades deep , so nothing would bring me more joy than to watch Dame D.O.L.L.A .
infiltrate the playoffs and disembowel the Lakers with an endless barrage of pull-up jumpers from 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cussing , stop flaking on plans and actually start picking up the phone when people call me .
Just do me this one solid .
One thing ’ s for sure though .
After last night , y ’ all better put some respect on his fucking name .

In a past life, 112 might’ve given you thoughts of interwoven harmonies during Bad Boy’s heyday, but now that we live in the era of Damian Lillard, that number means something entirely different.
Ever since Paul George and Patrick Beverly of the Los Angeles Clippers made the foolish mistake of openly taunting the same dude who committed 1st-degree murder on national television last spring, Dame has been playing like a man possessed.
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With the Trail Blazers’ playoff aspirations on the line, the five-time NBA All-Star responded with a 51-point outburst on Sunday against the 76ers, only to channel his inner Goku and go Super Saiyan with an even nastier 61-point explosion on Tuesday night against the Mavericks.
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Blood was shed, egos were slain and Dame emerged from the bloodbath unscathed. Oh, and this happened too:
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“I’ve never seen a shot like that—ever,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after the game. “That was unbelievable.”
For those of you who ran out of fingers, toes and offspring to count on, that’s 112 points in two damn games.
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Bad Boy who?
More importantly, in tying his career-high with 61 points, he not only became the second player in NBA history to score 60 or more points in a single season, but he’s dragged the once-depleted Trail Blazers into the 8th seed in the West and can clinch a spot in the play-in series with a win against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
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“Damian played incredible,” Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis said. “Made some unbelievable shots. Hats off to him.”
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That he did. But for Dame, it wasn’t just about stuffing his stat sheet, it’s about the bigger picture.
“Ain’t nothing I want more,” he said of making the playoffs. “When I came here (to Disney World) I told them I’m not here to waste my time. Our work ain’t done yet but we’re fighting for it.”
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Prior to the NBA restart, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes called the Trail Blazers “the most dangerous team in the league.” In part because of key contributors like Jusuf Nurkić and Zach Collins returning from injury, but primarily due to Dame’s penchant for going nuclear on the basketball court.
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“If Portland gets the play-in game, I think they win it,” Haynes said on The Bill Simmons Podcast. “And if Portland is in this thing, Bill, to me, they’re the most dangerous team in this league. I think if they get in, even if it’s the Lakers at the No. 1 seed, Portland has the potential to take the Lakers to the distance. And if they happen to get by the Lakers, you could see them in the Finals, man.”
You hear that, LeBron?!
Dame is coming for your hairline and your ass.
My relentless disdain for all things purple and gold (I even hate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches off principle) runs decades deep, so nothing would bring me more joy than to watch Dame D.O.L.L.A. infiltrate the playoffs and disembowel the Lakers with an endless barrage of pull-up jumpers from 80 feet out.
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Please, God.
I’ll stop cussing, stop flaking on plans and actually start picking up the phone when people call me.
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Just do me this one solid.
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One thing’s for sure though. After last night, y’all better put some respect on his fucking name.
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Or else.


theroot--2020-08-14--Of the Nearly 1,800 Confederate Symbols on Public Land, 59 Have Been Removed Since George Floyd's De

Of the Nearly 1,800 Confederate Symbols on Public Land, 59 Have Been Removed Since George Floyd's Death

Today I learned that there are , literally , over a thousand Confederate symbols on public land all over America .
In recent years , calls have grown for these glorified participation trophies to be removed , calls that have only grown louder in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death earlier this summer .
According to CBS News , an update to the Southern Poverty Law Center ’ s “ Whose Heritage ?
” report , has shown that over 59 Confederate symbols have been renamed , relocated , or outright removed in the nearly three months since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monuments , a Confederate flag emblem on police uniforms in a South Dakota town , and even the state flag of Mississippi being changed to remove Confederate iconography .
Five Confederate monuments have been relocated and multiple parks , schools , and roads have been renamed .
In late May , Floyd was killed after former Officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for over eight minutes .
Video of the incident went viral and spurred ongoing nationwide protests and intensified efforts to have Confederate monuments removed from public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the 2015 shooting at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston , N.C. Nine Black people were killed by a white nationalist as a result of that tragedy .
According to the SPLC , that event “ sparked a nationwide movement to remove Confederate monuments , flags and other symbols from the public square , and to rename schools , parks , roads and other public works that pay homage to the Confederacy.
” The SPLC reports that over the last five years , 125 Confederate symbols have been removed and 103 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from public spaces .
This all still feels discouraging when you see the numbers .
It ’ s cool some places are making progress but there are still , literally , hundreds of Confederate monuments standing across the country .
It ’ s rather concerning that it takes the unnecessary death of a Black person for any action to be taken in removing them .

Today I learned that there are, literally, over a thousand Confederate symbols on public land all over America. In recent years, calls have grown for these glorified participation trophies to be removed, calls that have only grown louder in the wake of George Floyd’s death earlier this summer.
According to CBS News, an update to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “Whose Heritage?” report, has shown that over 59 Confederate symbols have been renamed, relocated, or outright removed in the nearly three months since Floyd was killed. This includes 38 monuments, a Confederate flag emblem on police uniforms in a South Dakota town, and even the state flag of Mississippi being changed to remove Confederate iconography. Five Confederate monuments have been relocated and multiple parks, schools, and roads have been renamed.
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In late May, Floyd was killed after former Officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes. Video of the incident went viral and spurred ongoing nationwide protests and intensified efforts to have Confederate monuments removed from public areas.
The SPLC started the report following the 2015 shooting at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, N.C. Nine Black people were killed by a white nationalist as a result of that tragedy. According to the SPLC, that event “sparked a nationwide movement to remove Confederate monuments, flags and other symbols from the public square, and to rename schools, parks, roads and other public works that pay homage to the Confederacy.” The SPLC reports that over the last five years, 125 Confederate symbols have been removed and 103 monuments have been either removed or relocated from public spaces.
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This all still feels discouraging when you see the numbers. It’s cool some places are making progress but there are still, literally, hundreds of Confederate monuments standing across the country. It’s rather concerning that it takes the unnecessary death of a Black person for any action to be taken in removing them.


theroot--2020-08-13--The Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager Eased My Broken Body Working From Home

In a birthday card last month , my eldest brother joked that the aches and pains don ’ t start until you turn 40 .
Man , I wish .
It felt like the switch for serious back pain flipped on the day I turned 30 .
More likely , it ’ s because I was frequently hoisting my infant son at the time , but the nexus of those life events hit me in a bad way .
Occasional cramps and tweaks built up until one day I woke up , sat up on the bed , leaned down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and felt a pop in my lower back .
I ’ d thrown my back out and was hobbled for a solid week ... and it wouldn ’ t be the last time .
Over the last few years , I ’ ve had severe bouts of this every few months or so , when either the pressure in my back builds to a breaking point or excessive strain yields quick and obvious results , like the morning after flying back home from a walking-heavy trip to Tokyo ( worth it ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m terrible at taking care of myself .
It just rarely seems like a priority amidst everything else going on in life , and while I ’ m getting better at it in some respects , that ’ s mainly from having learned some hard and stupid lessons over and over again .
Thank goodness for my wonderful wife for showing me the care and foresight that I rarely apply to myself .
A couple years back , she gave me this Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager for Christmas , and like a proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set it up immediately .
But ever since I got it plugged in and permanently in place next to my desk , it has been a life-changer .
The Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager sits behind your back or neck in a chair—and can be affixed with velcro straps ( particularly useful for the neck ) —with four sturdy , circular knobs that sit behind a mesh fabric window .
Power the massager on and each set of two knobs begins rotating and kneading themselves into your muscles .
On top of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use and alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise rotations .
In short : oh god , it ’ s nice .
I work from home and spend much of my day at my desk , so when my back is sore or feels tight , I ’ ll pop this slim , cushioned massager behind my back and savor the soothing sensation .
You don ’ t need to push very hard against it to feel the results , but sometimes in a really sore spot , it ’ s worth leaning into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zyllion ’ s massager runs for 20 minutes before automatically shutting off , but I ’ ll usually just press the button again and keep going for a longer stretch .
And if you don ’ t like or need the heat or just need to cool off , another quick press of the on/off button shuts off the red glow and the radiating warmth .
In addition to the wall charger , Zyllion also helpfully includes a car charger , although I ’ ve never personally used it there ( no commute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and neck massager , you can use it all over your body if you can find the right position and backing support to drive the pulsating balls into your muscles .
I never thought I ’ d be enthusiastic about a back massager , but reading the glowing Amazon customer appraisals—with 4.5 stars across more than 15,000 reviews—I ’ m reminded of just how much benefit I ’ ve felt from this little thing over the last couple of years .
A particular shout out to the reviewer who called it their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after four years of faithful service , “ They should be distributed to everyone over 30 .
I think if used by enough people , they could end wars , mend marriages , and save humanity from itself.
” Hyperbole , sure , but it ’ s hard to believe that something this useful and durable sells for $ 50 or less .
In fact , you can snag it right now for $ 32 at Amazon when you clip the coupon and use the promo code INVENTZMA15 .
I use mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Spoonk acupressure mat I also use a few nights a week , my back pain episodes are less common and less severe , and tend to dim inish much more quickly than before .
Hell , I ’ m using it right now as I write this review .
And that ’ s an endorsement even more glowing than the warm , red massage balls within this thing .
Disclaimer : The massager shown is a new review sample sent by Zyllion for photos and so I could verify that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already-owned unit .
Mine still runs like new but has everyday wear and dirt from years of steady use .

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

Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager | $42 | Use Promo Code INVENTZMA15
In a birthday card last month, my eldest brother joked that the aches and pains don’t start until you turn 40. Man, I wish.
It felt like the switch for serious back pain flipped on the day I turned 30. More likely, it’s because I was frequently hoisting my infant son at the time, but the nexus of those life events hit me in a bad way. Occasional cramps and tweaks built up until one day I woke up, sat up on the bed, leaned down to grab my shirt on the floor, and felt a pop in my lower back. I’d thrown my back out and was hobbled for a solid week ... and it wouldn’t be the last time. Over the last few years, I’ve had severe bouts of this every few months or so, when either the pressure in my back builds to a breaking point or excessive strain yields quick and obvious results, like the morning after flying back home from a walking-heavy trip to Tokyo (worth it).
Like many adults, I’m terrible at taking care of myself. It just rarely seems like a priority amidst everything else going on in life, and while I’m getting better at it in some respects, that’s mainly from having learned some hard and stupid lessons over and over again. Thank goodness for my wonderful wife for showing me the care and foresight that I rarely apply to myself. A couple years back, she gave me this Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager for Christmas, and like a proper oaf, I didn’t bother to set it up immediately. But ever since I got it plugged in and permanently in place next to my desk, it has been a life-changer.
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The Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager sits behind your back or neck in a chair—and can be affixed with velcro straps (particularly useful for the neck)—with four sturdy, circular knobs that sit behind a mesh fabric window. Power the massager on and each set of two knobs begins rotating and kneading themselves into your muscles. On top of that, the massaging knobs heat up during use and alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. In short: oh god, it’s nice. I work from home and spend much of my day at my desk, so when my back is sore or feels tight, I’ll pop this slim, cushioned massager behind my back and savor the soothing sensation. You don’t need to push very hard against it to feel the results, but sometimes in a really sore spot, it’s worth leaning into the massager. It hurts so good.
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Zyllion’s massager runs for 20 minutes before automatically shutting off, but I’ll usually just press the button again and keep going for a longer stretch. And if you don’t like or need the heat or just need to cool off, another quick press of the on/off button shuts off the red glow and the radiating warmth. In addition to the wall charger, Zyllion also helpfully includes a car charger, although I’ve never personally used it there (no commute). And while billed as a back and neck massager, you can use it all over your body if you can find the right position and backing support to drive the pulsating balls into your muscles.
I never thought I’d be enthusiastic about a back massager, but reading the glowing Amazon customer appraisals—with 4.5 stars across more than 15,000 reviews—I’m reminded of just how much benefit I’ve felt from this little thing over the last couple of years. A particular shout out to the reviewer who called it their “little glowing friend” and concluded, after four years of faithful service, “They should be distributed to everyone over 30. I think if used by enough people, they could end wars, mend marriages, and save humanity from itself.”
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Hyperbole, sure, but it’s hard to believe that something this useful and durable sells for $50 or less. In fact, you can snag it right now for $4 2 at Amazon when you use the promo code INVENTZMA15.
I use mine almost every day, and between this and the Spoonk acupressure mat I also use a few nights a week, my back pain episodes are less common and less severe, and tend to diminish much more quickly than before. Hell, I’m using it right now as I write this review. And that’s an endorsement even more glowing than the warm, red massage balls within this thing.
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Disclaimer: The massager shown is a new review sample sent by Zyllion for photos and so I could verify that it’s exactly the same as my already-owned unit. Mine still runs like new but has everyday wear and dirt from years of steady use.


theroot--2020-08-13--The State of Black Women in Corporate America: Why Achievement Can't Close the Gender Wage Gap

As long as pay disparities for Black women continue , inevitably so will the respectability politics that insist that we are somehow culpable for those inequities—you know , the “ pull yourself up by your bootstraps ” mentality that is the hallmark of so many of America ’ s suppressive policies and longheld beliefs about mobility .
However , as all too many Black women know , bridging the so-called “ achievement gap ” to attain higher education and better career options doesn ’ t necessarily translate to mobility ; ironically , the more the odds for success seemingly improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further achievement .
“ We see the same general pattern : Women are having a worse experience than men .
Women of color are having a worse experience than white women .
And Black women , in particular , are having the worst experience of all , ” posits the introduction to Lean In ’ s latest report , The State of Black Women in Corporate America .
Published in tandem with Black Women ’ s Equal Pay Day 2020 , the report draws attention to the many unique challenges Black women face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps , especially ) within the upper echelons of corporate America .
Drawing data from Lean In and McKinsey & Company ’ s annual Women in the Workplace study , it includes the experiences of over 22 million people , along with the participation of a quarter of a million individual employees over the course of the past five years , making it potentially “ the largest study on the state of women in corporate America , and the largest study on the experiences of women of color at work , ” Lean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In this moment , with a national conversation underway about the systemic injustices Black people face , we must take a hard look at what ’ s happening in the workplace , ” said LeanIn.Org ’ s Managing Director Raena Saddler .
“ For too many Black women , work is yet another place where we encounter inequality and discrimination .
Our report shares clear , concrete solutions companies can implement today to ensure there is a work environment where Black women are represented and empowered to thrive.
” Most importantly , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack ambition .
In fact , Lean In tells us , despite that ambition , “ Black women face far more barriers to advancement and receive notably less support than women as a whole.
” Some factoids of note in The State of Black Women in Corporate America : • 41 percent of Black women want to be a top executive versus 28 % of white women • For every 100 men who advance to a managerial role , 58 Black women do ; in comparison to 80 white women and 72 women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from managers and get less access to senior leaders • 59 percent of Black women have never had an informal interaction with a senior leader , versus 47 percent of white women • Black women are more than 3 times more likely than white men to hear a coworker express surprise about their language skills or other abilities – almost 2.5 times more likely than white women While these findings may not be news to those of us Black women already navigating the complicated social and professional networks that comprise corporate America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a call to action for employers to make their workplaces equal for women .
The only way to do this is to center on the women who are most marginalized .
If employers want to do better by women , they must do better by Black women .
”

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

As long as pay disparities for Black women continue, inevitably so will the respectability politics that insist that we are somehow culpable for those inequities—you know, the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality that is the hallmark of so many of America’s suppressive policies and longheld beliefs about mobility. However, as all too many Black women know, bridging the so-called “achievement gap” to attain higher education and better career options doesn’t necessarily translate to mobility; ironically, the more the odds for success seemingly improve, so too do the obstacles for further achievement.
“We see the same general pattern: Women are having a worse experience than men. Women of color are having a worse experience than white women. And Black women, in particular, are having the worst experience of all,” posits the introduction to Lean In’s latest report, The State of Black Women in Corporate America.
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Published in tandem with Black Women’s Equal Pay Day 2020, the report draws attention to the many unique challenges Black women face in the workplace, even (or perhaps, especially) within the upper echelons of corporate America. Drawing data from Lean In and McKinsey & Company’s annual Women in the Workplace study, it includes the experiences of over 22 million people, along with the participation of a quarter of a million individual employees over the course of the past five years, making it potentially “the largest study on the state of women in corporate America, and the largest study on the experiences of women of color at work,” Lean In tells The Glow Up.
“In this moment, with a national conversation underway about the systemic injustices Black people face, we must take a hard look at what’s happening in the workplace,” said LeanIn.Org’s Managing Director Raena Saddler. “For too many Black women, work is yet another place where we encounter inequality and discrimination. Our report shares clear, concrete solutions companies can implement today to ensure there is a work environment where Black women are represented and empowered to thrive.”
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Most importantly, the report dispels the notion that Black women lack ambition. In fact, Lean In tells us, despite that ambition, “Black women face far more barriers to advancement and receive notably less support than women as a whole.”
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Some factoids of note in The State of Black Women in Corporate America:
41 percent of Black women want to be a top executive versus 28% of white women
Black women are promoted more slowly
For every 100 men who advance to a managerial role, 58 Black women do; in comparison to 80 white women and 72 women overall
Black women receive less support from managers and get less access to senior leaders
59 percent of Black women have never had an informal interaction with a senior leader, versus 47 percent of white women
Black women face more everyday discrimination
Black women are more than 3 times more likely than white men to hear a coworker express surprise about their language skills or other abilities – almost 2.5 times more likely than white women
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While these findings may not be news to those of us Black women already navigating the complicated social and professional networks that comprise corporate America, Lean In says:
“This is a call to action for employers to make their workplaces equal for women. The only way to do this is to center on the women who are most marginalized. If employers want to do better by women, they must do better by Black women.”


theroot--2020-08-13--Georgia's First Capital Votes to Remove Former Slave Market From Town's Center

In Louisville , Ga. , one of the last remaining former slave markets is finally being removed from the town ’ s center .
CNN reports that an advisory committee of 14 members was formed in July to determine what to do with the Old Market House .
The structure has been in the town—the first capital of the state—since 1795 and is one of the few remaining former slave markets still standing in the country .
On Tuesday , the Louisville city council voted in favor of the committee ’ s proposal to remove the structure from the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re trying our best to do what ’ s right here , ” Louisville Mayor Larry Morgan told WJBF .
The town has mostly been supportive of the endeavor ; of the 70 letters the committee said they received regarding the removal , 42 were in favor and only 16 were opposed .
The remaining 12 letters had mixed opinions .
Following the vote , questions remain on where the structure will be relocated , what will replace it and what potential legal ramifications may arise from moving it .
“ Since our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right-of-way have been posed ; and state Sen. Jesse Stone requested the State ’ s Attorney General to offer an opinion on the legality of moving this historic structure , ” Lillian Easterlin , advisory committee member and executive administrative director of Jefferson County , told CNN .
Community members have proposed plans to build a museum where the Old Market House stands should no legal obstacles arise .
“ I just want for everyone to come together .
I want for downtown to be a place that everyone loves and right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like , for our future generations and our current generations , we have to do something .
And now is the time .
We have this platform and now is the perfect time to use it , ” Nikki Tarver , an advisory committee member , told WJBF .
The city of Louisville said that currently , there are no set plans for where the structure will go nor what would replace it in the event of it ’ s removal .
It ’ s just wild to me that a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American town and it took over 100 years for ( white ) folks to finally go , “ You know , that ’ s a little bit weird.
” This firmly skips “ better late than never , ” territory and goes straight to “ it ’ s about damn time .
”

In Louisville, Ga., one of the last remaining former slave markets is finally being removed from the town’s center.
CNN reports that an advisory committee of 14 members was formed in July to determine what to do with the Old Market House. The structure has been in the town—the first capital of the state—since 1795 and is one of the few remaining former slave markets still standing in the country. On Tuesday, the Louisville city council voted in favor of the committee’s proposal to remove the structure from the town’s center. “We’re trying our best to do what’s right here,” Louisville Mayor Larry Morgan told WJBF. The town has mostly been supportive of the endeavor; of the 70 letters the committee said they received regarding the removal, 42 were in favor and only 16 were opposed. The remaining 12 letters had mixed opinions.
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Following the vote, questions remain on where the structure will be relocated, what will replace it and what potential legal ramifications may arise from moving it. “Since our last committee meeting, issues concerning legal right-of-way have been posed; and state Sen. Jesse Stone requested the State’s Attorney General to offer an opinion on the legality of moving this historic structure,” Lillian Easterlin, advisory committee member and executive administrative director of Jefferson County, told CNN.
Community members have proposed plans to build a museum where the Old Market House stands should no legal obstacles arise. “I just want for everyone to come together. I want for downtown to be a place that everyone loves and right now it’s not. So I feel like, for our future generations and our current generations, we have to do something. And now is the time. We have this platform and now is the perfect time to use it,” Nikki Tarver, an advisory committee member, told WJBF.
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The city of Louisville said that currently, there are no set plans for where the structure will go nor what would replace it in the event of it’s removal. It’s just wild to me that a former slave market stood in the middle of an American town and it took over 100 years for (white) folks to finally go, “You know, that’s a little bit weird.” This firmly skips “better late than never,” territory and goes straight to “it’s about damn time.”


theroot--2020-08-13--5 Months After Breonna Taylor's Death, Kentucky Attorney General Finally Meets With Her Family

Well , it only took five months , but Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has finally met with the family of Breonna Taylor .
While not much has been revealed about the meeting , the family and the family ’ s attorneys have expressed appreciation for the conference and appear to be somewhat hopeful that justice is earnestly being sought after .
According to USA Today , the meeting included Taylor ’ s mother , sister , aunt , a community activist and the family ’ s attorneys .
Cameron ’ s office said in a statement that the attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express his condolences , ” but they didn ’ t provide additional information because the “ investigation remains ongoing , and our office of Special Prosecutions continues to review all the facts in the case to determine the truth.
” Tamika Palmer , Taylor ’ s mother , said in a statement that she was glad Cameron sought the meeting Wednesday and that he “ seemed sincere and genuine.
” Palmer said Cameron didn ’ t say which direction he ’ s leaning , but that after the meeting , she ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will come out and that justice will be served.
” “ We let him know how important it was for their office to get all the facts , to get the truth and to get justice for Breonna , ” Palmer said .
“ We all deserve to know the whole truth behind what happened to my daughter .
“ The attorney general committed to getting us the truth .
We ’ re going to hold him up to that commitment.
” According to family attorney Lonita Baker , Cameron—who hadn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s family members before the Wednesday meeting—told them he hadn ’ t met with the family earlier because he didn ’ t want it to interfere with the investigation .
Baker said Cameron claimed he is waiting on a ballistics report from the FBI as well as planned interviews and re-interviews with witnesses .
She also said Cameron “ did not give a timeline , however it is our position that we ’ re not going to wait forever .
We do want this resolved quickly and accurately so that Ms. Palmer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it relates to the murder of Breonna Taylor , ” CNN reports .
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump , who also represents Taylor ’ s family , said he is hopeful that arrests will be made in connection to Taylor ’ s death “ sooner rather than later.
” Crump noted that the meeting marked 150 days since Taylor was fatally shot in her home and said that “ we expect , hopefully before 200 days , charges to happen.
” According to CNN , Crump and Baker also held a “ positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greg Fischer and the city attorney on Wednesday in which the two “ held no punches back.
” “ It was intense , long meetings , but we thought it was productive , ” Crump said .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Well, it only took five months, but Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has finally met with the family of Breonna Taylor. While not much has been revealed about the meeting, the family and the family’s attorneys have expressed appreciation for the conference and appear to be somewhat hopeful that justice is earnestly being sought after.
According to USA Today, the meeting included Taylor’s mother, sister, aunt, a community activist and the family’s attorneys.
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Cameron’s office said in a statement that the attorney general met with the family to “express his condolences,” but they didn’t provide additional information because the “investigation remains ongoing, and our office of Special Prosecutions continues to review all the facts in the case to determine the truth.”
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From USA Today:
Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, said in a statement that she was glad Cameron sought the meeting Wednesday and that he “seemed sincere and genuine.” Palmer said Cameron didn’t say which direction he’s leaning, but that after the meeting, she’s “more confident” that “truth will come out and that justice will be served.” “We let him know how important it was for their office to get all the facts, to get the truth and to get justice for Breonna,” Palmer said. “We all deserve to know the whole truth behind what happened to my daughter. “The attorney general committed to getting us the truth. We’re going to hold him up to that commitment.”
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According to family attorney Lonita Baker, Cameron—who hadn’t even spoken to any of Taylor’s family members before the Wednesday meeting—told them he hadn’t met with the family earlier because he didn’t want it to interfere with the investigation.
Baker said Cameron claimed he is waiting on a ballistics report from the FBI as well as planned interviews and re-interviews with witnesses. She also said Cameron “did not give a timeline, however it is our position that we’re not going to wait forever. We do want this resolved quickly and accurately so that Ms. Palmer and the family can get some answers as it relates to the murder of Breonna Taylor,” CNN reports.
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Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who also represents Taylor’s family, said he is hopeful that arrests will be made in connection to Taylor’s death “sooner rather than later.”
Crump noted that the meeting marked 150 days since Taylor was fatally shot in her home and said that “we expect, hopefully before 200 days, charges to happen.”
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According to CNN, Crump and Baker also held a “positive, productive” meeting with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and the city attorney on Wednesday in which the two “held no punches back.”
“It was intense, long meetings, but we thought it was productive,” Crump said.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!