theroot--2020-07-02--Appeals Court Finds That Judge Wrongfully Overturned Verdict That Awarded $38 Million to Family of K

Appeals Court Finds That Judge Wrongfully Overturned Verdict That Awarded $38 Million to Family of Korryn Gaines

In 2016 , Korryn Gaines was fatally shot by Baltimore police after they attempted to enter her home .
Her family sued , and after two years in court , a jury eventually rewarded them over $ 37 million in damages .
A judge overturned that verdict last year , arguing that the officer was protected under “ q ualified i mmunity.
” Now , the Baltimore Sun reports that an appeals court has found that the lower court acted wrongfully when it overturned that verdict .
However , there is no consensus between the attorneys about whether this new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award to the family .
Ken Ravenell , one of the attorneys for the Gaines family , believes that this new ruling reinstates the full amount for the moment .
“ This is obviously huge for Kodi and the rest of the Gaines family .
The court found that the trial judge violated the law in taking that verdict away .
They can now expect that they can collect a significant award in the near future.
” Ravenell said .
He did acknowledge that the new ruling has left open the possibility that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Attorneys for Baltimore County believe this new ruling significantly reduces the amount awarded to the family .
“ The County is continuing a comprehensive evaluation of the opinion and considering further action .
We can not comment further.
” Sean Naron , a county spokesman , wrote in an email to the Sun .
In August 2016 , police arrived at Gaines ’ apartment to serve her warrant for a missed court date regarding a traffic violation .
When no one opened the door , the police tried opening it with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to break the chain locking it .
They found Gaines in the apartment with her son , Kodi .
Gaines was holding a shotgun when they entered and the cops initially retreated back into the hallway .
Lawyers for the family say Gaines had an innate distrust of police and potentially suffered from a mental illness that made her detach from reality .
Cpl .
Royce Ruby was stationed for five hours just outside the door , which was cracked open a few inches .
Ruby testified that Gaines sat in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her lap and a cellphone to her ear .
She broadcast some of the standoff on Facebook until police succeeded in having her accounts shut down .
She used her phone to videotape officers , and sometimes gave the phone to 5-year-old Kodi so he could film , too .
Eventually , Kodi went into the kitchen and Gaines followed .
The boy would tell a therapist later that his mother was shot when she went to make him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich , according to testimony at trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kitchen and raised the shotgun in a firing position pointed toward officers .
He testified that he could see only the barrel of the shotgun and long braids of her hair .
“ Fearing for officer safety , he fired ‘ a head shot , ’ aiming high to avoid hitting Kodi , who he knew was in the kitchen , although he did not know exactly where , ” the appeals judges noted in their opinion .
The first bullet the officer fired ricocheted off the refrigerator and struck Kodi in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case but a jury did find that the first shot that struck Kodi violated the civil rights of both Korryn and Kodi .
This resulted in the over $ 37 million awarded to the family .
The family hopes this ruling will allow them the financial support to get Kodi the help he needs .
Kodi ’ s father , Corey Cunningham , says that his son has been a “ shell of himself ” since the incident occurred .
He ’ s had trouble behaving in school , suffers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counselor .
Kodi told his counselor that his mom was making herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when she was killed .
“ This gives them the hope that in the very near future a young Kodi will get the psychological care that he needs so desperately , ” Ravenell said .

In 2016, Korryn Gaines was fatally shot by Baltimore police after they attempted to enter her home. Her family sued, and after two years in court, a jury eventually rewarded them over $37 million in damages. A judge overturned that verdict last year, arguing that the officer was protected under “q ualified i mmunity.”
Now, the Baltimore Sun reports that an appeals court has found that the lower court acted wrongfully when it overturned that verdict. However, there is no consensus between the attorneys about whether this new ruling reinstates the full amount of the award to the family. Ken Ravenell, one of the attorneys for the Gaines family, believes that this new ruling reinstates the full amount for the moment.
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“This is obviously huge for Kodi and the rest of the Gaines family. The court found that the trial judge violated the law in taking that verdict away. They can now expect that they can collect a significant award in the near future.” Ravenell said. He did acknowledge that the new ruling has left open the possibility that a lower court can alter the amount. Attorneys for Baltimore County believe this new ruling significantly reduces the amount awarded to the family. “The County is continuing a comprehensive evaluation of the opinion and considering further action. We cannot comment further.” Sean Naron, a county spokesman, wrote in an email to the Sun.
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In August 2016, police arrived at Gaines’ apartment to serve her warrant for a missed court date regarding a traffic violation. When no one opened the door, the police tried opening it with a key from the complex before kicking it down to break the chain locking it. They found Gaines in the apartment with her son, Kodi. Gaines was holding a shotgun when they entered and the cops initially retreated back into the hallway. Lawyers for the family say Gaines had an innate distrust of police and potentially suffered from a mental illness that made her detach from reality.
From the Sun:
Cpl. Royce Ruby was stationed for five hours just outside the door, which was cracked open a few inches. Ruby testified that Gaines sat in the hallway of her apartment, a shotgun on her lap and a cellphone to her ear. She broadcast some of the standoff on Facebook until police succeeded in having her accounts shut down. She used her phone to videotape officers, and sometimes gave the phone to 5-year-old Kodi so he could film, too. Eventually, Kodi went into the kitchen and Gaines followed. The boy would tell a therapist later that his mother was shot when she went to make him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, according to testimony at trial. Ruby testified that Gaines suddenly went into the kitchen and raised the shotgun in a firing position pointed toward officers. He testified that he could see only the barrel of the shotgun and long braids of her hair. “Fearing for officer safety, he fired ‘a head shot,’ aiming high to avoid hitting Kodi, who he knew was in the kitchen, although he did not know exactly where,” the appeals judges noted in their opinion.
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The first bullet the officer fired ricocheted off the refrigerator and struck Kodi in the cheek. No officers were charged in the case but a jury did find that the first shot that struck Kodi violated the civil rights of both Korryn and Kodi. This resulted in the over $37 million awarded to the family.
The family hopes this ruling will allow them the financial support to get Kodi the help he needs. Kodi’s father, Corey Cunningham, says that his son has been a “shell of himself” since the incident occurred. He’s had trouble behaving in school, suffers from anxiety and has had to see a counselor. Kodi told his counselor that his mom was making herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when she was killed. “This gives them the hope that in the very near future a young Kodi will get the psychological care that he needs so desperately,” Ravenell said.


theroot--2020-07-02--White Woman Evicted for Yelling Racial Slurs at Black Soldier

In recent months , we ’ ve seen people lose their jobs as a result of being racist .
A woman in North Carolina has learned that it can also cost you your home .
WTVD reports that Diamonte Ugbesia was visiting a friend at the Kings Cross apartment complex in Fayetteville , N.C. , last week when a white woman came out and began shouting racial slurs at him .
Ugbesia took out his phone and began recording for his own safety .
“ I hate Black people .
I hate ( n-word ) .
I hate Black people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the video .
A man is seen approaching the woman and she tells him , “ You better kill that ( n-word ) .
” “ Get the f*** back down .
I don ’ t want anything to do with you .
Don ’ t record .
You better kill that ( n-word ) .
” At that point , another man in the hallway is heard telling the woman to stop calling him the n-word .
“ Let him go , just go inside , ” the man said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black person in my life , ” she said .
“ Get down !
He ’ s like taking a picture of me right now.
” “ Because you ’ re being ridiculous , ” the other man said .
“ No , because he ’ s stupid , ” the woman said .
The two then went inside the woman ’ s apartment and Ugbesia stopped recording .
Ugbesia is a soldier in the U.S Army who is stationed at Fort Bragg .
“ I got deployed to Afghanistan .
Me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a person saying they hate me based off my skin color ?
That ’ s what I was mad about .
You don ’ t even know me.
” Ug besia told WTVD .
“ I never heard somebody flat out call me the n-word or say they hate me .
I was shocked , you know ?
” The apartment complex quickly took action against the woman .
Kings Housing Management sent an email to tenants at the complex that read : “ We have been made aware and received video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King ’ s Cross last night .
We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior or failure to live in a cooperative manner .
Particularly , this incident not only violates our lease agreement but the ethical standards of our community and company and will not be tolerated .
We have taken immediate legal action to terminate the tenancy of the resident in violation.
” Ugbesia was happy to see the complex take action against the woman and said she doesn ’ t embody the values he fought to defend .
LTC Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement about the incident on Wednesday , WTVD notes .
“ It ’ s unfortunate that one of our Paratroopers had to experience this .
As an organization , The Army and the 82nd Airborne Division rejects hate and prejudice in all forms .
It ’ s not tolerated here , and is not indicative of the values we live by , ” the statement read .
Now I ’ m sure some white folks are lamenting “ we can ’ t even be racist without losing our homes ?
!
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people losing their lives , I think it ’ s safe to say they can handle an eviction notice .

In recent months, we’ve seen people lose their jobs as a result of being racist. A woman in North Carolina has learned that it can also cost you your home.
WTVD reports that Diamonte Ugbesia was visiting a friend at the Kings Cross apartment complex in Fayetteville, N.C., last week when a white woman came out and began shouting racial slurs at him. Ugbesia took out his phone and began recording for his own safety. “I hate Black people. I hate (n-word). I hate Black people,” the woman is heard saying in the video. A man is seen approaching the woman and she tells him, “You better kill that (n-word).”
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From WTVD:
“Get the f*** back down. I don’t want anything to do with you. Don’t record. You better kill that (n-word).” At that point, another man in the hallway is heard telling the woman to stop calling him the n-word. “Let him go, just go inside,” the man said. “I will never (expletive) a Black person in my life,” she said. “Get down! He’s like taking a picture of me right now.” “Because you’re being ridiculous,” the other man said. “No, because he’s stupid,” the woman said. The two then went inside the woman’s apartment and Ugbesia stopped recording.
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Ugbesia is a soldier in the U.S Army who is stationed at Fort Bragg. “I got deployed to Afghanistan. Me coming home from Afghanistan serving my country to a person saying they hate me based off my skin color? That’s what I was mad about. You don’t even know me.” Ug besia told WTVD. “I never heard somebody flat out call me the n-word or say they hate me. I was shocked, you know?”
The apartment complex quickly took action against the woman. Kings Housing Management sent an email to tenants at the complex that read:
“We have been made aware and received video footage of a disturbance that occurred at King’s Cross last night. We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior or failure to live in a cooperative manner. Particularly, this incident not only violates our lease agreement but the ethical standards of our community and company and will not be tolerated. We have taken immediate legal action to terminate the tenancy of the resident in violation.”
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Ugbesia was happy to see the complex take action against the woman and said she doesn’t embody the values he fought to defend.
LTC Mike Burns of the 82nd Airborne Division issued a statement about the incident on Wednesday, WTVD notes . “It’s unfortunate that one of our Paratroopers had to experience this. As an organization, The Army and the 82nd Airborne Division rejects hate and prejudice in all forms. It’s not tolerated here, and is not indicative of the values we live by,” the statement read.
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Now I’m sure some white folks are lamenting “we can’t even be racist without losing our homes?!” Considering that racism has resulted in countless black people losing their lives, I think it’s safe to say they can handle an eviction notice.


theroot--2020-07-02--Keep Your Mind and Hands Busy With the Best LEGO Deals

These ar e the best LEGO deals for July 2020 .
It ’ s no surprise that LEGO kits are in high demand right now .
With families stuck together and home and looking for interactive activities that engage both the mind and fingers , LEGO sets fit that bill perfectly .
Some sets are in short supply right now , but many others are available for 20 % off or more , spanning franchises such as Minecraft , Star Wars , Overwatch , and Frozen .
And right now , you ’ ll also find some amazing deals on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Official LEGO licens ed video games have been immensely popular , spanning all kinds of pop culture properties—and right now , Amazon has a few of them on deep discount .
You can snag the LEGO Marvel Collection for just $ 15 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One , bundling three separate superhero games into one package , plus LEGO DC Super-Villains is $ 15 on PS4 or $ 20 on Nintendo Switch .
Elsewhere , LEGO The Incredibles is $ 15 on PS4 and Xbox One , and $ 20 on Switch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just $ 10 on Xbox One , $ 13 on PS4 , and $ 20 on Switch .
Another standout deal is LEGO Harry Potter Collection for $ 16 on PS4 or Xbox One , or $ 20 on Switch .
This is a PSA rather than a deal .
Right n ow , you can pre-order the new LEGO Super Mario Adventures Starter Course , which gives you an interactive playset inspired by the classic video game levels .
This 231-piece set is pricey due to the technological edge , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensors , but it ’ s sure to be damn near impossible to track down once it releases this fall .
Order it while you can !
If the Amazon links above and below are out , then try Best Buy instead .
• None Buy it now for $ 60 If you don ’ t have a baseplate for anchoring buildings , landscapes , and other custom creatio ns , then this is an easy and affordable upgrade—especially for kids .
Right now , Amazon has the 10 ” x 10 ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is half off the regular price .
If you ’ re buying a new LEGO Classic kit , don ’ t forget to grab a couple of these as well .
• None Buy it now for $ 5 For an affordable , modestly-sized 342-piece kit , this is a pretty sick-looking Batmobile .
It looks angul ar and powerful , and all the more intimidating with the Dark Knight in the driver ’ s seat .
Along with Batman and Joker minifigs , you also get various Bat-cessories , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stud shooters .
Save 18 % on this one right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 24 This movie isn ’ t co ming out for a few months now due to COVID-19 , but you can get a head start on the action with this first LEGO set inspired by Wonder Woman 84 .
It ’ s hard to know exactly what ’ s going on here , but the playset includes minifigs of a winged Wonder Woman along with Cheetah and Max , along with a control center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s just over $ 5 off right now at Amazon .
• None Buy it now for $ 35 Here ’ s a LEGO set that you can build whil e rewatching Star Wars : The Rise of Skywalker : it ’ s the A-Wing Starfighter from the film .
You also get Snap Wexley and Lieutenant Connix minifigs with this 269-piece ship set , which is 18 % off the usual price right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 24 Set course for the red planet with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main attraction is a sleek shuttled he aded to an unfamiliar destination .
You ’ ll have a couple of astronaut minifigs to help explore the new terrain , not to mention a Mars rover , a tiny Helidrone , and other gadgets .
This STEM-centric set has 273 pieces and is currently 20 % off the list price .
• None Buy it now for $ 32 Minecraft is basically the digital version of LEGO bricks , but the plastic collaboration betwe en the brands has yielded some pretty entertaining builds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with , letting you construct crossbow-wielding Pillagers , a large Iron Golem , an “ explosive ” interactive TNT set piece , and more .
Save 16 % off the list price at Amazon right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 25 If you ’ re buying LEGO for a young kid , start with one of the LEGO Classic boxes .
This Creative Fun Building Kit is a sizable option , providing a robust 900 pieces of various colors and shapes to play with .
Without step-by-step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting kids familiar with the tiny blocks and unlocking a bit of creativity in the process .
Of course , there are larger Duplo blocks for the really young ’ uns , but LEGO suggests this is ideal for ages 4+ .
• None Buy it now for $ 40 The LEGO City Cargo Train is easily the most expensive and most ambitious set on this list right now , thanks to its remote control capabilities .
This 1,226-piece set comes with a cargo train with four cars , a command center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as a 10-speed Bluetooth controller used to operate the railway .
It ’ s currently $ 17 off the regular price .
• None Buy it now for $ 213 If you have Frozen II loopin g constantly in your home right now to satiate the young ’ uns ( thanks , Disney+ ) , then this might be an ideal pick-up for the moments that the screen turns off .
This adorable kid-friendly build lets you construct a functional jewelry box to put your own jewelry into , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rings .
It ’ s 300 pieces altogether , and is $ 8 off at Amazon right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 32 This is one of the better deals on a recent LEGO set that we ’ ve seen .
Even if you ’ re not into the Overwatch video game , this set delivers a fun build with a reconfigurable result .
The 602-piece set lets you switch between two forms of the robotic soldier without rebuilding , plus it has a battery-powered light-up eye .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual $ 50 price point .
• None Buy it now for $ 38 Big Tony Stark fan ?
Now you can add the Iron Man Hall of Armor to your LEGO Avengers setup for $ 12 off of t he list price .
It comes with four different Iron Man suits , including a swappable Stark head , plus two enemy Outriders and a big robotic Igor Suit that you can put Tony Stark into .
This 524-piece set is 20 % off .
• None Buy it now for $ 48

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

Featured Deal: LEGO Star Wars The Child | $79 | Amazon
These are the best LEGO deals for January 2022 .
If you’re looking for something to occupy your quarantine hours, why not pick up a new LEGO set or two? They’re mentally stimulating, whether you’re building to instructions or just creating things from scratch, and they’re a great activity whether you’re solo or with family. Right now, you’ll find solid savings on LEGO sets inspired by Super Mario, Star Wars, and more. Scroll on for today’s best LEGO deals!
Build the charming Child (a.k.a. Grogu/Baby Yoda) from The Mandalorian with this LEGO Star Wars kit, which has 1,073 pieces to build a 7.5” tall recreation, plus it comes with a minifigure and placard. It’s a few dollars off.
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If you want to showcase your favorite Mandalorian in your gaming room or office, this is the best way to do just that. At 635 pieces there’s a lot of impressive detail here, with Boba Fett’s iconic helmet in all its glory. This LEGO Boba Fett Helmet measures 21cm high, which won’t take up too much room anywhere, and when you consider that his targeting rangefinder can be swiveled for when Boba needs to lock-on to a lone Jedi or Wampa, it’s hard to resist at 17% off.
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The LEGO Jeep Wrangler belongs on the open road. Or at least moving around on the floor or a table. This model vehicle actually has front steering and a powerful axle-articulation suspension. The best part is once you have your own LEGO Jeep Wrangler, you get to do the secret wave when you see other LEGO Jeep Wrangler owners playing with their LEGO Jeep Wrangler. It’s quite the community. You can get in on this for $30 off.
Save $30 LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler High-Performance, Off-Road Toy
There’s a button to operate the front steering and its powerful axle-articulation suspension means kids will love testing out their model on obstacles around the home. With opening doors and hood, fold-down rear seats, a full-size spare tire, winch and classic Jeep branding, this fun toy model car brings kids closer than ever to the real Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Buy for $40 at Walmart
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Playing Minecraft sparks the same feeling as playing with LEGO. Using basic building blocks for endless possibilities of creations. You enter this flow when you are setting up a farm or erecting a home in Minecraft in the same way you do when you play with LEGO. So what better pairing than a Minecraft LEGO set? Even better, you can get it for $12 off on Amazon.
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The LEGO Bonsai Tree kit is another one that’s been popular in that batch, and right now Amazon is slashing $10 off the list price. It’s a build with 878 pieces for just $5 0 right now, and it comes with both green leaves and cherry blossom blooms that you can swap out with ease. Otherwise, unlike the real thing, you won’t have to trim this tree to keep it looking just right once it’s completed.
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This 540-piece Mandalorian set sadly doesn’t have any Baby Yoda in sight, but what it does have is a pretty sick-looking AT-ST walker that’s been heavily modified from the original Empire issue. You also get minifigs of The Mandalorian himself and ally Cara Dune, as well as a pair of Klatooinian Raider baddies, all for $10 off of the list price right now.
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Build your own pint-sized X-Wing Fighter with LEGO bricks in this affordable kit, which is currently $10 off at Amazon. The 474-piece build turns out a ship with extendable wings, spring-loaded lasers, and other fun details, plus you get Luke, R2-D2, and Leia amongst the included minifigs. Pick up a new TIE Fighter build for $32, meanwhile, and reenact some classic Star Wars space battles in your own home. Just be prepared to pick up the pieces and rebuild after your blast them.
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Here’s a great way to get your kids started on LEGO building or to bulk up your own collection. In honor of the great LEGO Masters TV show, Walmart is offering a bundle that contains multiple basic LEGO Creative kits for a total of 613 pieces for just $25. That’s $20 off the list price, plus you get a big storage bag to hold everything. Unlock your imagination with the wide variety of color bricks in this set.
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Set course for the red planet with this LEGO City Space kit. Maybe you’ll be able to beat Elon Musk. The main attraction is a sleek shuttled headed to an unfamiliar destination. You’ll have a couple of astronaut minifigs to help explore the new terrain, not to mention a Mars rover, a tiny Helidrone, and other gadgets. This STEM-centric set has 273 pieces and is currently 20% off the list price.
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These new LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Moments sets are adorable. Each looks like an old-timey book from the outside, but opens up to reveal a different classroom playset from the magical school. There’s a few different sets, each with 200+ pieces and currently 20% the list price at Amazon at $24 apiece. Choose from Charms Class, Potions Class, or Transfiguration Class. Or ya know, don’t choose and get all three.
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“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled bricks that are too stuck together yearning to breathe free.” Right now, you can save $6% off the price of the towering Statue of Liberty kit. With 1,685 pieces, it’s a meaty challenge aimed at anyone 16+, and the end result stands 17 inches tall. If you’re looking for a big distraction right about now, this should fit the bill.
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If you held off on picking up the LEGO Super Mario starter kit, now’s the time: it’s 20% off at Amazon. While the price-per-brick ratio may seem way off for a 231-piece set, that’s because you get a digitally-enhanced Mario here with video-screen eyes and the ability to interact with the game courses you construct. Beyond the starter pack, many of the expansion packs are also 20% off, as listed below.
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theroot--2020-07-02--Catholic Priest in Indiana Suspended After Calling Black Lives Matter 'Maggots and Parasites'

Regardless of their occupation , quite a few white Americans are dead set on ensuring systemic racism continues in this country .
Take , for instance , a Catholic priest based in Indiana who told his followers that the Black Lives Matters movement is comprised of “ maggots and parasites.
” CBS News reports that Rev .
Theodore Rothrock of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel was suspended by Bishop Timothy Doherty of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana due to comments Rothrock made in the church ’ s weekly bulletin .
The diocese released a statement expressing concern about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The suspension offers the Bishop an opportunity for pastoral discernment for the good of the diocese and for the good of Father Rothrock .
Various possibilities for his public continuation in priestly ministry are being considered , but he will no longer be assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Mt .
Carmel , ” the statement read .
“ The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own.They are wolves in wolves clothing , masked thieves and bandits , seeking only to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit from the fear of others .
They are maggots and parasites at best , feeding off the isolation of addiction and broken families , and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.
” Rothrock wrote in the bulletin .
Well damn , S on .
T ell us how you really feel .
Rothrock was on track to take over as pastor of Mt .
Carmel in August .
White people really can ’ t help fumbling the bag over racism .
Rothtrock issued a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
“ It was not my intention to offend anyone , and I am sorry that my words have caused any hurt to anyone , ” Rothrock wrote .
He says that it ’ s necessary for the church to condemn bigotry .
“ We must also be fully aware that there are those who would distort the Gospel for their own misguided purposes .
People are afraid , as I pointed out , rather poorly I would admit , that there are those who feed on that fear to promote more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Essentially , Rothrock ’ s statement boils down to , “ I ’ m sorry y ’ all mad , racism is bad but the real racists are the folks using their voices to end systemic racism.
” He would ’ ve really just been better off not saying anything at all .

Regardless of their occupation, quite a few white Americans are dead set on ensuring systemic racism continues in this country. Take, for instance, a Catholic priest based in Indiana who told his followers that the Black Lives Matters movement is comprised of “maggots and parasites.”
CBS News reports that Rev. Theodore Rothrock of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel was suspended by Bishop Timothy Doherty of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana due to comments Rothrock made in the church’s weekly bulletin. The diocese released a statement expressing concern about the comments and detailed Rothrock’s suspension. “The suspension offers the Bishop an opportunity for pastoral discernment for the good of the diocese and for the good of Father Rothrock. Various possibilities for his public continuation in priestly ministry are being considered, but he will no longer be assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,” the statement read.
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“The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own.They are wolves in wolves clothing, masked thieves and bandits, seeking only to devour the life of the poor and profit from the fear of others. They are maggots and parasites at best, feeding off the isolation of addiction and broken families, and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.” Rothrock wrote in the bulletin.
Well damn, S on. T ell us how you really feel.
Rothrock was on track to take over as pastor of Mt. Carmel in August. White people really can’t help fumbling the bag over racism. Rothtrock issued a half-hearted apology on the church’s website. “It was not my intention to offend anyone, and I am sorry that my words have caused any hurt to anyone,” Rothrock wrote. He says that it’s necessary for the church to condemn bigotry. “We must also be fully aware that there are those who would distort the Gospel for their own misguided purposes. People are afraid, as I pointed out, rather poorly I would admit, that there are those who feed on that fear to promote more fear and division.” Rothrock added.
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Essentially, Rothrock’s statement boils down to, “I’m sorry y’all mad, racism is bad but the real racists are the folks using their voices to end systemic racism.”
He would’ve really just been better off not saying anything at all.


theroot--2020-07-02--WNBA Star Maya Moore Earns MVP Off the Court by Helping Wrongly Convicted Black Man Regain His Freed

WNBA Star Maya Moore Earns MVP Off the Court by Helping Wrongly Convicted Black Man Regain His Freedom

As a young girl , Maya Moore dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player .
But after conquering the sport as an adult , and abandoning that dream in order to pursue criminal justice reform , another dream of hers has now become a reality .
ESPN reports that after putting her WNBA career on pause in 2019 in order to help Jonathan Irons , who was wrongly convicted for burglary and assault with a weapon in 1998 , Moore was on hand Wednesday when he was finally released from prison after serving 22 years .
“ I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irons said in a video that Moore posted on Instagram , capturing his first taste of freedom .
“ I ’ m free , I ’ m blessed , I just want to live my life worthy of God ’ s help and influence.
” Moore was instrumental in Irons ’ convictions being vacated back in March .
And now that he ’ s free , she ’ s overcome with a sense of relief .
“ My rest is gon na start now , ” she said Thursday on Good Morning America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been able to have the fullness of the rest that I wanted .
And so I ’ m like , ‘ OK guys , now is the time to take a break.
’ So I ’ m looking forward to some rest and then seeing what the future holds , maybe around the same time next spring.
” Moore learned of Irons ’ ordeal prior to her freshman year at UConn .
Her godfather , Reggie Williams , was reviewing legal documents pertaining to Irons ’ case and the future WNBA star would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his freedom .
But that freedom came at a steep cost : in order to do so , Moore sacrificed the most decorated career in the history of the WNBA ; in which she was named a six-time WNBA All-Star , made All-WNBA First Team five times , was the WNBA MVP in 2014 and was a four-time WNBA champion .
Could you imagine Michael Jordan leaving the Bulls in his prime to fight for criminal justice reform ?
“ I was overwhelmed seeing Maya watch Jonathan Irons walk out of the Jefferson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Minnesota Lynx coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve said in a statement .
“ I also can ’ t help but feel a great deal of anger .
Maya Moore should never have had to leave her profession to engage in the fight against the two-tiered criminal justice system that over polices , wrongfully convicts , and over sentences black and brown communities .
The criminal justice system in America is so far from fair and equal and it angers me that Maya has had to sacrifice so much to overcome this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maya Moore , and whether she ever returns to the court or not , we know that her future will be paved in righteous intentions .

As a young girl, Maya Moore dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. But after conquering the sport as an adult, and abandoning that dream in order to pursue criminal justice reform, another dream of hers has now become a reality.
ESPN reports that after putting her WNBA career on pause in 2019 in order to help Jonathan Irons, who was wrongly convicted for burglary and assault with a weapon in 1998, Moore was on hand Wednesday when he was finally released from prison after serving 22 years.
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“I feel like I can live life now,” Irons said in a video that Moore posted on Instagram, capturing his first taste of freedom. “I’m free, I’m blessed, I just want to live my life worthy of God’s help and influence.”
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Moore was instrumental in Irons’ convictions being vacated back in March. And now that he’s free, she’s overcome with a sense of relief.
“My rest is gonna start now,” she said Thursday on Good Morning America. “I haven’t really been able to have the fullness of the rest that I wanted. And so I’m like, ‘OK guys, now is the time to take a break.’ So I’m looking forward to some rest and then seeing what the future holds, maybe around the same time next spring.”
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Moore learned of Irons’ ordeal prior to her freshman year at UConn. Her godfather, Reggie Williams, was reviewing legal documents pertaining to Irons’ case and the future WNBA star would eventually make it her mission to ensure his freedom. But that freedom came at a steep cost: in order to do so, Moore sacrificed the most decorated career in the history of the WNBA; in which she was named a six-time WNBA All-Star, made All-WNBA First Team five times, was the WNBA MVP in 2014 and was a four-time WNBA champion.
Could you imagine Michael Jordan leaving the Bulls in his prime to fight for criminal justice reform?
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“I was overwhelmed seeing Maya watch Jonathan Irons walk out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center a free man,” Minnesota Lynx coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve said in a statement. “I also can’t help but feel a great deal of anger. Maya Moore should never have had to leave her profession to engage in the fight against the two-tiered criminal justice system that over polices, wrongfully convicts, and over sentences black and brown communities. The criminal justice system in America is so far from fair and equal and it angers me that Maya has had to sacrifice so much to overcome this racially disparate system.”
That part.
Respect due to Maya Moore, and whether she ever returns to the court or not, we know that her future will be paved in righteous intentions.


theroot--2020-07-02--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: Black Supremacy

It ’ s not my fault .
Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton hired Black supremacist writers like Zack Linly , Joe Jurado and Ishena Robinson who took it upon themselves to call white women out of their names .
There is an anti-white clique of writers at The Root , headed by Senior Editor Stephen Crockett , who constantly attacks our Caucasian friends .
I ’ d never do that .
Luckily , the people who are complaining about our hateful writers wrote directly about it to our Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton , who took this issue very seriously .
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I think she ’ s going to fire these guys because she just responded to these emails with “ LOL , ” which obviously means she ’ s “ lamenting our loss ” of writers .
I managed to obtain a few of these emails , and I think she immediately opened an investigation into those vitriolic posts and even created a new policy called “ Love Makes Anger Obsolete.
” At least that what I think it means when she just responded to the complaints with : ” What is happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s mailbag can solve these issues before she terminates these writers for The Root ’ s institutional reverse racism .
She didn ’ t ask me to do this , but as the only member of the staff with a degree in wypipology , I can attempt to fix this .
You ’ re welcome for my service .
Here are a few of the complaints from our fragile brave readers : From : Wendy To : Danielle Belton Subject : Article about the white lady harassing the attorneys about a patio I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that woman ’ s treatment of that couple .
While reading I came across your statement of “ walking hate crime Wendy ” and this I did not like or appreciate .
My name is Wendy and I am not in the slightest racist not fo I support this or any other white persona actions against ANY POC , so I take full offense at my name being used as a racist moniker , or in a racist “ title ” .
I would appreciate if that could be changed or removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ derogatory to any Wendy ’ s since this is public and frames all people named Wendy as perpetrators of hate crimes ... not ok in the slightest , thank you .
I have started this column at least three times but I feel like you should know this before I begin .
The Rootdoesn ’ t wade in the kiddie pool .
We have no problem destroying your least favorites and your favorites , but like the mafia , we have rules .
We don ’ t go after kids , ever.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids are named Karen , it ’ s not an old name that no one uses anymore .
You are actively giving power to cyberbullies and regular bullies to make the lives of certain children worse than they should have to be .
Here ’ s a fun fact did you know that Karen is fairly popular name for Asian Americans ?
so now when they go back to school they can be bullied as COVID-Karens .
And I get that you ’ re not the only ones doing this , the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re just like the police who don ’ t live in Minnesota but say that not all knees to the neck are deadly , or maybe you ’ re the police force that says yes systematic racism exists but not here , so there ’ s no need to even examine the issue to see if any harm is being done .
Before you file your textual harassment lawsuits , allow me to formally apologize for my colleagues ’ words .
I can definitively say that I am not anti-Karen because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my children are half-Karen .
And you know what Karen ’ s favorite fast food place is ?
But if it ’ s Sunday , she will eat a Wendy ’ s chicken sandwich .
See ?
Not all black people .
Sometimes , in their haste to condemn the actions of a few racists , some of our writers get a little overzealous .
I can ’ t imagine how upsetting it must be to have someone stereotype you because of the actions of a few people who happen to share one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be horrible .
I hope that you haven ’ t suffered too badly because of our insensitive actions .
Hopefully , you are gainfully employed and won ’ t have to endure the inhumanity of a prospective employer throwing your resume away because you have the wrong name .
I hope no one has seen you in the parking lot of Whole Foods and locked their door because they assumed you were going to assault them with a negative attitude .
If so , I apologize .
And Keelan is right .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keishas or Katrinas .
I think I read about the Karen-to-prison pipeline in a magazine somewhere .
I know that Karens use drugs at the same rate as Kims but are three times more likely to be arrested and sentenced to being “ canceled ” on social media .
I don ’ t know why we haven ’ t done a story about how Wendies are disproportionately shot and killed by police .
Sure , some people may argue that all of the Karens and Beckies in our stories haven ’ t suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but still , our name-calling makes you sad , and that ’ s what counts .
In fact , I need to apologize , too .
See , I have often argued that black people wouldn ’ t give a fuck about how white people felt about us in their hearts if we could eliminate systemic racism .
I honestly believe that the tangible disparities in wealth , wages , health , education , employment , incarceration , arrests , bail , voter suppression , police shootings , housing , homeownership and every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more important than how white people feel about us .
But Karens are different .
When Wendies and Karens read about the horrible actions that black people face every day , they sit down and fire off angry accusatory letters to writers who are writing about real events .
Because Karens don ’ t give a microscopic fuck about equality , justice ore even black people .
Karens only think about themselves .
They ignore the abused black people in these stories because all they can think about is : Which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karens !
” But not me .
• Why don ’ t you focus more on Karen-on-Karen crime ?
• If you concentrated on education and hard work , you could overcome the stigma of your name .
• What about the Karens in Chicago ?
• Your mother named you years ago .
Why are you so focused on the past ?
• My ancestors didn ’ t harass Karens , so why should I be responsible ?
• We elected a vice president with a wife named , which is proof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • If women like Wendy Williams and Karen Carpenter can make it without complaining , why can ’ t you ?
I guess what I ’ m trying to say is that everyone at The Root believes that Karen Lives Matter ...
I asked him and he ’ s still lamenting over the loss .
White people were outraged about our “ attacking ” on Terry Crews : Dear Crews Crew ( I desperately hope that ’ s what he calls his fans ) , I realize that Crews was trying to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent those tweets .
I understand that he was simply saying that he doesn ’ t want America to go from—as he put it “ Black Lives Matter to Black Lives Better.
” Here is why I have a problem with that : There is no evidence on the face of the earth that this will ever happen .
There are already people diligently working to prevent this horrible outcome .
In fact , the people working to ensure that black supremacy will never become a reality might surprise you You know who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against whites ?
Black people have fought alongside whites to correct every injustice in our history .
Black women were heavily involved in the suffrage movement .
But when white women got the right to vote , white women essentially said : “ Fuck y ’ all nigger wenches.
” Black people fought in the 19th-century labor movement , the anti-war movement of the 1960s , every battle for immigrants ’ rights , the equal rights movement , the right to choose , gun control , income inequality and the battle for universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people got what they wanted , they spurned the black people who stood alongside them and sometimes led the fight .
That is the reason why Terry Crews ’ statement was so stupid .
It ’ s not because he was trying to lick the anus of his imaginary white overseers , it was because he was erasing the history of the people who fight against the thing that he is suggesting could happen .
The reason that Black supremacy will never happen is that Black people won ’ t allow it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people for doing something that will never happen , why didn ’ t he just warn Black vampires not to enslave Caucasians by attacking their delicious-looking jugular veins ?
He could have cautioned all the negro werewolves to leave white people alone during the next full moon .
Maybe he should tweet a plea to all the negro alchemists to share the gold they made from lead .
Because any and all of that will happen before America turns into a Black supremacist country And , instead of talking down to Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe Crews should instruct every single white person to do one thing for Black people because it is the least they can do : Thank us for our service .

The Root is a hate group.
It’s not my fault. Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton hired Black supremacist writers like Zack Linly, Joe Jurado and Ishena Robinson who took it upon themselves to call white women out of their names. There is an anti-white clique of writers at The Root, headed by Senior Editor Stephen Crockett, who constantly attacks our Caucasian friends.
I’d never do that.
Luckily, the people who are complaining about our hateful writers wrote directly about it to our Editor-in-Chief Danielle Belton, who took this issue very seriously. I don’t want to break the news, but I think she’s going to fire these guys because she just responded to these emails with “LOL,” which obviously means she’s “lamenting our loss” of writers. I managed to obtain a few of these emails, and I think she immediately opened an investigation into those vitriolic posts and even created a new policy called “Love Makes Anger Obsolete.”
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At least that what I think it means when she just responded to the complaints with: ”What is happening? LMAO.”
Hopefully, today’s mailbag can solve these issues before she terminates these writers for The Root’s institutional reverse racism. She didn’t ask me to do this, but as the only member of the staff with a degree in wypipology, I can attempt to fix this.
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You’re welcome for my service.
Here are a few of the complaints from our fragile brave readers:
From: Wendy
To: Danielle Belton
Subject: Article about the white lady harassing the attorneys about a patio Hello, I read your article and am absolutely appalled at that woman’s treatment of that couple. While reading I came across your statement of “walking hate crime Wendy” and this I did not like or appreciate. My name is Wendy and I am not in the slightest racist not fo I support this or any other white persona actions against ANY POC, so I take full offense at my name being used as a racist moniker, or in a racist “ title”. I would appreciate if that could be changed or removed, as I feel it is extremely derogatory to any Wendy’s since this is public and frames all people named Wendy as perpetrators of hate crimes... not ok in the slightest, thank you. Wendy
From: Keelan
To: Danielle Belton
Subject: Karen I have started this column at least three times but I feel like you should know this before I begin. The Rootdoesn’t wade in the kiddie pool. We have no problem destroying your least favorites and your favorites, but like the mafia, we have rules. We don’t go after kids, ever.” This is absolute Bull Shit. Little kids are named Karen, it’s not an old name that no one uses anymore. You are actively giving power to cyberbullies and regular bullies to make the lives of certain children worse than they should have to be. Here’s a fun fact did you know that Karen is fairly popular name for Asian Americans? so now when they go back to school they can be bullied as COVID-Karens. Cool Job. And I get that you’re not the only ones doing this, the entire mass media system is responsible, you’re just like the police who don’t live in Minnesota but say that not all knees to the neck are deadly, or maybe you’re the police force that says yes systematic racism exists but not here, so there’s no need to even examine the issue to see if any harm is being done.
From: Karen B.
To: Danielle Belton
Subject: Karen Harassment I am tired of the negative connotation of the name Karen. I am compiling a record of all offensive comments Your retractment and apology may be srnt to my email. Thank you Karen B.
Dear Karens (and Wendy),
Before you file your textual harassment lawsuits, allow me to formally apologize for my colleagues’ words. I can definitively say that I am not anti-Karen because I married a Karen, which technically means my children are half-Karen. And you know what Karen’s favorite fast food place is?
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Chick-fil-A.
But if it’s Sunday, she will eat a Wendy’s chicken sandwich.
See? Not all black people.
Sometimes, in their haste to condemn the actions of a few racists, some of our writers get a little overzealous. I can’t imagine how upsetting it must be to have someone stereotype you because of the actions of a few people who happen to share one common characteristic with you. It must be horrible.
Advertisement
I hope that you haven’t suffered too badly because of our insensitive actions. Hopefully, you are gainfully employed and won’t have to endure the inhumanity of a prospective employer throwing your resume away because you have the wrong name. I hope no one has seen you in the parking lot of Whole Foods and locked their door because they assumed you were going to assault them with a negative attitude. If so, I apologize.
And Keelan is right. I bet teachers punish Karens more harshly than Keishas or Katrinas. I think I read about the Karen-to-prison pipeline in a magazine somewhere. I know that Karens use drugs at the same rate as Kims but are three times more likely to be arrested and sentenced to being “canceled” on social media.
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I don’t know why we haven’t done a story about how Wendies are disproportionately shot and killed by police. Sure, some people may argue that all of the Karens and Beckies in our stories haven’t suffered a single substantive setback for their actions but still, our name-calling makes you sad, and that’s what counts.
In fact, I need to apologize, too.
See, I have often argued that black people wouldn’t give a fuck about how white people felt about us in their hearts if we could eliminate systemic racism. I honestly believe that the tangible disparities in wealth, wages, health, education, employment, incarceration, arrests, bail, voter suppression, police shootings, housing, homeownership and every other crevice and corner of American society are more important than how white people feel about us.
Advertisement
But Karens are different.
Karens cry.
When Wendies and Karens read about the horrible actions that black people face every day, they sit down and fire off angry accusatory letters to writers who are writing about real events. Because Karens don’t give a microscopic fuck about equality, justice ore even black people. Karens only think about themselves. They ignore the abused black people in these stories because all they can think about is:
“But what about me?”
Which is why most people say: “Fuck Karens!”
But not me.
I have some solutions.
Why don’t you focus more on Karen-on-Karen crime?
If you concentrated on education and hard work, you could overcome the stigma of your name.
What about the Karens in Chicago?
Your mother named you years ago. Why are you so focused on the past?
My ancestors didn’t harass Karens, so why should I be responsible?
We elected a vice president with a wife named Karen
If women like Wendy Williams and Karen Carpenter can make it without complaining, why can’t you?
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I guess what I’m trying to say is that everyone at The Root believes that Karen Lives Matter...
Well, not Zack
I asked him and he’s still lamenting over the loss.
White people were outraged about our “attacking” on Terry Crews:
To: Michael Harriot
From: L. Jackson
Subject: You could learn a lot from Terry Crews I saw Terry Crews on Roland Martin and want to know why everyone is attacking him. He is trying to fight for equality for all regardless of color. That’s was MLK’s dream. Thats what he died for. If black lives matter is truly about equality, then why are you worried about what he said?
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Dear Crews Crew (I desperately hope that’s what he calls his fans),
I realize that Crews was trying to protect against “Black supremacy” when he sent those tweets. I understand that he was simply saying that he doesn’t want America to go from—as he put it “Black Lives Matter to Black Lives Better.”
Advertisement
Here is why I have a problem with that:
There is no evidence on the face of the earth that this will ever happen. There are already people diligently working to prevent this horrible outcome. In fact, the people working to ensure that black supremacy will never become a reality might surprise you
Advertisement
You know who’ll stop black people from turning against whites?
Black people.
Black people have fought alongside whites to correct every injustice in our history. Black women were heavily involved in the suffrage movement. But when white women got the right to vote, white women essentially said: “Fuck y’all nigger wenches.”
Advertisement
Black people fought in the 19th-century labor movement, the anti-war movement of the 1960s, every battle for immigrants’ rights, the equal rights movement, the right to choose, gun control, income inequality and the battle for universal healthcare.
And every single time white people got what they wanted, they spurned the black people who stood alongside them and sometimes led the fight.
Advertisement
That is the reason why Terry Crews’ statement was so stupid. It’s not because he was trying to lick the anus of his imaginary white overseers, it was because he was erasing the history of the people who fight against the thing that he is suggesting could happen.
The reason that Black supremacy will never happen is that Black people won’t allow it. And, if Crews wants to condemn Black people for doing something that will never happen, why didn’t he just warn Black vampires not to enslave Caucasians by attacking their delicious-looking jugular veins? He could have cautioned all the negro werewolves to leave white people alone during the next full moon. Maybe he should tweet a plea to all the negro alchemists to share the gold they made from lead. Because any and all of that will happen before America turns into a Black supremacist country
Advertisement
And, instead of talking down to Black people as if we were the problem, maybe Crews should instruct every single white person to do one thing for Black people because it is the least they can do:
Thank us for our service.


theroot--2020-07-02--Black and Asian Americans Report More Discrimination Because of COVID-19 Than Other Groups, Study Fi

Black and Asian Americans Report More Discrimination Because of COVID-19 Than Other Groups, Study Finds

Nearly four in ten Asian and Black Americans say they ’ ve experienced racist behavior or attacks toward them since the start of the coronavirus outbreak , according to a new study conducted by the Pew Research Center .
Published on Thursday , the study further illustrates how the effects of the pandemic have fallen across specific racial fault lines : How you view and have experienced this public health crisis depends largely on your race and ethnic background .
Among white , Latinx , Asian , and Black Americans , Asian and Black Americans were most likely to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
More than half of Asian Americans ( 58 percent ) said people expressing racist views to them had become more common since the start of the coronavirus pandemic ; about 45 percent of Black folks said this was true for them .
But the data also points to how insulated lived experiences still are among racial groups—people outside those racial groups perceived the racism Asian and Black Americans experienced to be significantly lower .
In total , about four-in-ten American adults said they thought Asians experienced more racism , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) shared this belief about Black people .
Asian Americans are more likely than any other group to say they have been subject to slurs or jokes because of their race or ethnicity since the coronavirus outbreak : 31 % say this has happened to them , compared with 21 % of Black adults , 15 % of Hispanic adults and 8 % of white adults .
About a quarter ( 26 % ) of Asian Americans and 20 % of Black Americans say they feared someone might threaten or physically attack them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hispanic Americans .
There were also notable differences within racial groups along gender and age .
The study found Black men were more likely than Black women to say someone acted as if they were uncomfortable around them during the pandemic ( it ’ s also worth noting that the pandemic , in this case , may not be the cause for this , but merely the context ) .
Nearly half of Black men ( 49 percent ) reported this experience , compared to 31 percent of Black women .
Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety because of their race at higher rates than Black women ( 27 percent vs 15 percent , respectively ) .
Black adults younger than 50 were also more likely to report that they ’ ve been subject to verbal or physical harassment or abuse since the start of the pandemic .
A large part of the pandemic experience has revolved around the use—or non-use—of masks .
While the need to wear a mask is universal , the experience ( and fears ) that come with wearing them are not .
Of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were most likely to say they worried about whether others might find them suspicious for wearing a facemask , at 42 percent .
This was followed by Asian Americans at 36 percent .
Almost a quarter of Latinx adults voiced similar fears , while only 5 percent of white adults worried about whether they ’ d be viewed as suspicious for wearing a mask .
Interestingly , white people were also the least likely to wear a mask or face covering all or most of the time—62 percent , which , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asians and Asian Americans were the most likely to say they were regularly wearing a mask ( 80 percent ) , followed by Latinx adults ( 74 percent ) and Black Americans ( 69 percent ) .
These numbers reflect the very different concerns Asian and Black Americans have about wearing a mask .
For Black folks , wearing a face covering could heighten the fear that someone else would view them as a threat .
For Asians and Asian Americans—who have been unfairly and incorrectly blamed for the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how they would be viewed for wearing a mask , but how they might be harassed for not wearing one .
At a time when systemic racism is at the forefront of the national conversation , data like this highlights how differently the coronavirus has impacted communities beyond the ( well-documented ) disparities in health outcomes .
Another concern—rent deferments , due to a loss in income or employment—has also hit Black and Asian Americans at higher rates than other groups , according to a recent Lending Tree study .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this Pew study ( perhaps less a silver lining than a reflection of the very specific moment we ’ re in ) , Black Americans were also most likely of any group to report that people have expressed support for them because of their race and ethnicity , at 51 percent .
Now , if this country could juuuuuust find a way to codify that support in its budgets , its laws , and the distribution of resources , then we ’ d be getting somewhere .

Nearly four in ten Asian and Black Americans say they’ve experienced racist behavior or attacks toward them since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a new study conducted by the Pew Research Center.
Published on Thursday, the study further illustrates how the effects of the pandemic have fallen across specific racial fault lines: How you view and have experienced this public health crisis depends largely on your race and ethnic background.
Advertisement
Among white, Latinx, Asian, and Black Americans, Asian and Black Americans were most likely to say that racism towards their communities increased during the pandemic. More than half of Asian Americans (58 percent) said people expressing racist views to them had become more common since the start of the coronavirus pandemic; about 45 percent of Black folks said this was true for them.
But the data also points to how insulated lived experiences still are among racial groups—people outside those racial groups perceived the racism Asian and Black Americans experienced to be significantly lower. In total, about four-in-ten American adults said they thought Asians experienced more racism, and less than a third (30 percent) shared this belief about Black people.
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From Pew:
Asian Americans are more likely than any other group to say they have been subject to slurs or jokes because of their race or ethnicity since the coronavirus outbreak: 31% say this has happened to them, compared with 21% of Black adults, 15% of Hispanic adults and 8% of white adults. About a quarter (26%) of Asian Americans and 20% of Black Americans say they feared someone might threaten or physically attack them, more than the shares of white and Hispanic Americans.
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There were also notable differences within racial groups along gender and age. The study found Black men were more likely than Black women to say someone acted as if they were uncomfortable around them during the pandemic (it’s also worth noting that the pandemic, in this case, may not be the cause for this, but merely the context). Nearly half of Black men (49 percent) reported this experience, compared to 31 percent of Black women. Black men also reported fearing for their physical safety because of their race at higher rates than Black women (27 percent vs 15 percent, respectively).
Black adults younger than 50 were also more likely to report that they’ve been subject to verbal or physical harassment or abuse since the start of the pandemic.
Advertisement
A large part of the pandemic experience has revolved around the use—or non-use—of masks. While the need to wear a mask is universal, the experience (and fears) that come with wearing them are not. Of all racial and ethnic groups, Black Americans were most likely to say they worried about whether others might find them suspicious for wearing a facemask, at 42 percent. This was followed by Asian Americans at 36 percent. Almost a quarter of Latinx adults voiced similar fears, while only 5 percent of white adults worried about whether they’d be viewed as suspicious for wearing a mask.
Interestingly, white people were also the least likely to wear a mask or face covering all or most of the time—62 percent, which, to be fair, is still a majority. Asians and Asian Americans were the most likely to say they were regularly wearing a mask (80 percent), followed by Latinx adults (74 percent) and Black Americans (69 percent).
Advertisement
These numbers reflect the very different concerns Asian and Black Americans have about wearing a mask. For Black folks, wearing a face covering could heighten the fear that someone else would view them as a threat. For Asians and Asian Americans—who have been unfairly and incorrectly blamed for the spread of the virus in the U.S.—the fear is likely less about how they would be viewed for wearing a mask, but how they might be harassed for not wearing one.
At a time when systemic racism is at the forefront of the national conversation, data like this highlights how differently the coronavirus has impacted communities beyond the (well-documented) disparities in health outcomes. Another concern—rent deferments, due to a loss in income or employment—has also hit Black and Asian Americans at higher rates than other groups, according to a recent Lending Tree study.
Advertisement
Still, if one silver lining can be found in this Pew study (perhaps less a silver lining than a reflection of the very specific moment we’re in), Black Americans were also most likely of any group to report that people have expressed support for them because of their race and ethnicity, at 51 percent.
Now, if this country could juuuuuust find a way to codify that support in its budgets, its laws, and the distribution of resources, then we’d be getting somewhere.


theroot--2020-07-02--Trailer Roundup: The No Limit Chronicles of a Fatal Affair

Welcome to the latter half of 2020—we made it !
Who knows what the last six months of this bizarre year will bring , because one thing 2020 has been—other than painful , stressful and ridiculous—is unpredictable .
In the spirit of unpredictable energy , I am doing this trailer roundup on a Thursday instead of a Friday .
Why ?
Because today is a Friday at The Root , thanks to the Fourth of July holiday .
For me and other Black citizens of America , that ’ s all it really is—a day off and another excuse for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studying that damn flag .
( Editor ’ s note : Mmm , ribs . )
Anyway , let ’ s get to these trailers !
We ’ ve already given some love to Black Is King and Respect this week , which were highlighted during the 2020 BET Awards , but we have more !
No Limit Chronicles ( BET ; Release Date : July 29 , 2020 , at 9 p.m .
ET ) First Impressions : From the moment this debuted , a huge chunk of Black Twitter confirmed just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this kind of chronicling of No Limit ’ s legacy .
This 5-part docuseries will offer a comprehensive look into the journey of Master P and No Limit Records .
Because I ’ m always here for entertainment documentaries , this makes me say uhhhhh ...
I want to see this !
First Impressions : The popularity of ESPN ’ s The Last Dance naturally had basketball fans wondering about the possibility of a similar documentary about LeBron James ( who is constantly compared to Michael Jordan ) ; and while we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Greatness Code looks like it ’ ll be kind of a pre-game .
This docuseries follows athletes at the top of their game such as James , Tom Brady , Alex Morgan , Usain Bolt , Shaun White , Katie Ledecky and Kelly Slater .
First Impressions : This film ( from Emmy-winning filmmaker Marlon Johnson and award-winning filmmaker Anne Flatté ) Edward “ Nardie ” White and co-founder Zambia Nkrumah as they lead the African-American drum corps located in Louisville , Kentucky .
From the trailer , we ’ ll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the culture is to this town ’ s drumline .
To check out your local screenings , head to rivercitydrumbeatmovie.com .
First Impressions : I know a Negro Noir addition when I see one !
First , let ’ s get into the fact that literally every “ thrilling ” movie about an affair follows the same plot lines : Someone is unhappy with their sparkless and sexless marriage , comes across an intriguing new or old flame , they fuck or almost fuck , the intriguing flame then becomes obsessed or things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyway , yay ‘ 90s Black legends !
Also , shout-out to the horror-fication of ‘ 90s jams ( Thanks to Jordan Peele ’ s Us ! )
; this movie gives the spotlight to a fave , Joe ’ s “ All The Things ( Your Man Won ’ t Do ) .
” I can not wait for this mess !
Born To Play ( ESPN ; Available Now on ) First Impressions : This film , which recently debut on ESPN at the top of the month “ is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by people who you never knew played .
Until now.
” It follows a woman ’ s football team , something that definitely doesn ’ t get enough shine , which is firmly pointed on in the fact that the team exists in sports-obsessed Boston ( Boston Renegades ) .
“ Being on the field just makes me feel alive , like that ’ s where I ’ m supposed to be , ” one of the Black young women utters in the trailer .
Anyone who has a passion , no matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s like .
This looks good !
That ’ s all , folks !
See y ’ all next week .

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

Welcome to the latter half of 2020—we made it!
Who knows what the last six months of this bizarre year will bring, because one thing 2020 has been—other than painful, stressful and ridiculous—is unpredictable. In the spirit of unpredictable energy, I am doing this trailer roundup on a Thursday instead of a Friday. Why? Because today is a Friday at The Root, thanks to the Fourth of July holiday. For me and other Black citizens of America, that’s all it really is—a day off and another excuse for some ribs. Ain’t nobody studying that damn flag. (Editor’s note: Mmm, ribs.)
Anyway, let’s get to these trailers! We’ve already given some love to Black Is King and Respect this week, which were highlighted during the 2020 BET Awards, but we have more!
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No Limit Chronicles (BET; Release Date: July 29, 2020, at 9 p.m. ET)
No Limit Chronicles trailer / No Limit Forever (YouTube)
First Impressions: From the moment this debuted, a huge chunk of Black Twitter confirmed just how much the streets have been waiting for this kind of chronicling of No Limit’s legacy. This 5-part docuseries will offer a comprehensive look into the journey of Master P and No Limit Records. Because I’m always here for entertainment documentaries, this makes me say uhhhhh...I want to see this!
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Greatness Code (Apple TV+; Release Date: July 10, 2020)
Greatness Code Official Trailer / Apple TV (YouTube)
First Impressions: The popularity of ESPN’s The Last Dance naturally had basketball fans wondering about the possibility of a similar documentary about LeBron James (who is constantly compared to Michael Jordan); and while we haven’t quite gotten there yet, Greatness Code looks like it’ll be kind of a pre-game. This docuseries follows athletes at the top of their game such as James, Tom Brady, Alex Morgan, Usain Bolt, Shaun White, Katie Ledecky and Kelly Slater.
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River City Drumbeat (Virtual Theaters; Release Date: August 7, 2020)
River City Drumbeat trailer / Miami Film Festival (YouTube)
First Impressions: This film (from Emmy-winning filmmaker Marlon Johnson and award-winning filmmaker Anne Flatté) Edward “Nardie” White and co-founder Zambia Nkrumah as they lead the African-American drum corps located in Louisville, Kentucky. From the trailer, we’ll get an intimate look into how important furthering the culture is to this town’s drumline. To check out your local screenings, head to rivercitydrumbeatmovie.com.
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Fatal Affair (Netflix; Release Date: July 16, 2020)
Fatal Affair Official Trailer / Netflix (YouTube)
First Impressions: I know a Negro Noir addition when I see one! First, let’s get into the fact that literally every “thrilling” movie about an affair follows the same plot lines: Someone is unhappy with their sparkless and sexless marriage, comes across an intriguing new or old flame, they fuck or almost fuck, the intriguing flame then becomes obsessed or things go awry in a similar way. Anyway, yay ‘90s Black legends! Also, shout-out to the horror-fication of ‘90s jams (Thanks to Jordan Peele’s Us!); this movie gives the spotlight to a fave, Joe’s “All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” I cannot wait for this mess!
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Born To Play (ESPN; Available Now on VOD
Born To Play trailer / Born to Play (YouTube)
First Impressions: This film, which recently debut on ESPN at the top of the month “is a love letter to the game, written by people who you never knew played. Until now.” It follows a woman’s football team, something that definitely doesn’t get enough shine, which is firmly pointed on in the fact that the team exists in sports-obsessed Boston (Boston Renegades). “Being on the field just makes me feel alive, like that’s where I’m supposed to be,” one of the Black young women utters in the trailer. Anyone who has a passion, no matter the field, knows exactly what that’s like. This looks good!
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That’s all, folks! See y’all next week.