theroot--2020-12-07--Slew of Data Shows Widening Inequality Among Students Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

In the last week , more data has come out showing the extent that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an already-unequal education system .
As the Washington Post reports , the scope of the data varies—some look at national trends , other reports focus on state and district-level education .
Each piece of data provides a snapshot of a particular metric : enrollment rates in Chicago , for instance , or application rates to college .
Altogether , the data has painted a clearer picture of how the pandemic has affected America ’ s most vulnerable students : Black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; students attending high poverty districts ; English language learners ; and students without adequate access to online lessons or in-person learning .
One national analysis , released this week by the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. , concluded that the shift in remote learning this past spring set white students back one to three months in math .
For students of color , this setback was much more drastic : They fell behind three to five months in the subject .
Even worse , the firm predicts that the gap will only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts throughout the country .
Throughout the fall , Black and Latinx students have been underrepresented in schools where in-person learning is available .
“ Something out of the ordinary is needed to help these kids catch up , ” Emma Dorn , one of the authors of the McKinsey report , told the Post .
“ No matter what we do now , tangible learning loss has already occurred.
” Part of the issue is the resources that remote learning requires of students and their families .
As the Post notes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black children had a device for school—a number that rose up to 89 percent by the fall .
But they still lagged behind white students , 93 percent of whom had devices that allowed them to access online lessons .
On top of having the right devices and reliable internet service , students also need quiet places to work and can often benefit from the help of a parent while at home ( of course , even having all these resources isn ’ t a guarantee that students will have a smooth time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents and guardians found out this year ) .
Last week , a nationwide study found math scores had declined for students , though not as much as originally predicted .
A major caveat of the analysis , however , was that fewer schools and fewer students took the standardized test than the year before , leaving many to question whether some of the most at-risk students were not captured in the data .
In another recent analysis , Nat Malkus , a resident scholar in education policy at the right-leaning think tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in high-poverty districts missed an average of 12 days of classroom time when schools transitioned to remote learning in the spring—more than two weeks of school .
That number was lower at low-poverty schools , which saw an average of 8 days lost .
The switch to remote learning has also come with drops in enrollment .
From the Post : Those who have stayed in school , meanwhile , are more likely to be under-performing in their classes .
Multiple school districts have also released data showing that failing grades have increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being the most likely to be handed failing grades .
While this data centers on pre-K and K-12 education , this massive shift in American learning—and the new challenges it has introduced—could also have a profound effect on college attendance .
Submissions to the Common Application , a portal used by hundreds of U.S. colleges , have gone down , as well as applications for federal student aid ( by a rate of 16 percent ) .
Who this trend affects is telling : As the Post reports , the drop was most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as teens whose parents did not attend college .
John B .
King Jr. , former education secretary and president of the advocacy group Education Trust told the Post , “ I think we should be very concerned about the risk of a lost generation of students .
”

In the last week, more data has come out showing the extent that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an already-unequal education system.
As the Washington Post reports, the scope of the data varies—some look at national trends, other reports focus on state and district-level education. Each piece of data provides a snapshot of a particular metric: enrollment rates in Chicago, for instance, or application rates to college. Altogether, the data has painted a clearer picture of how the pandemic has affected America’s most vulnerable students: Black and Latinx children; those with learning disabilities; students attending high poverty districts; English language learners; and students without adequate access to online lessons or in-person learning.
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One national analysis, released this week by the consulting firm McKinsey & Co., concluded that the shift in remote learning this past spring set white students back one to three months in math. For students of color, this setback was much more drastic: They fell behind three to five months in the subject.
Even worse, the firm predicts that the gap will only grow as pandemic management measures continue in districts throughout the country. Throughout the fall, Black and Latinx students have been underrepresented in schools where in-person learning is available.
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“Something out of the ordinary is needed to help these kids catch up,” Emma Dorn, one of the authors of the McKinsey report, told the Post. “No matter what we do now, tangible learning loss has already occurred.”
Part of the issue is the resources that remote learning requires of students and their families. As the Post notes, research has shown that 79 percent of Black children had a device for school—a number that rose up to 89 percent by the fall. But they still lagged behind white students, 93 percent of whom had devices that allowed them to access online lessons.
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On top of having the right devices and reliable internet service, students also need quiet places to work and can often benefit from the help of a parent while at home (of course, even having all these resources isn’t a guarantee that students will have a smooth time adjusting to online learning, as many parents and guardians found out this year).
Last week, a nationwide study found math scores had declined for students, though not as much as originally predicted. A major caveat of the analysis, however, was that fewer schools and fewer students took the standardized test than the year before, leaving many to question whether some of the most at-risk students were not captured in the data.
Advertisement
In another recent analysis, Nat Malkus, a resident scholar in education policy at the right-leaning think tank American Enterprise Institute, found that children in high-poverty districts missed an average of 12 days of classroom time when schools transitioned to remote learning in the spring—more than two weeks of school. That number was lower at low-poverty schools, which saw an average of 8 days lost.
The switch to remote learning has also come with drops in enrollment. From the Post:
In Connecticut, attendance among Black, Latino and “high-needs” students — meaning those with disabilities, children from low-income families and English-language learners — is down by roughly 5 percent this year, the state reported. The declines are worse in districts located in some of Connecticut’s poorest cities. Chicago Public Schools reported enrollment among Black pre-kindergartners had dropped by 44 percent, and by nearly 30 percent for Latino children, both larger figures than those for White and Asian children.
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Those who have stayed in school, meanwhile, are more likely to be under-performing in their classes. Multiple school districts have also released data showing that failing grades have increased dramatically this fall, with vulnerable students being the most likely to be handed failing grades.
While this data centers on pre-K and K-12 education, this massive shift in American learning—and the new challenges it has introduced—could also have a profound effect on college attendance. Submissions to the Common Application, a portal used by hundreds of U.S. colleges, have gone down, as well as applications for federal student aid (by a rate of 16 percent). Who this trend affects is telling: As the Post reports, the drop was most pronounced for Latinx and low-income students, as well as teens whose parents did not attend college.
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John B. King Jr., former education secretary and president of the advocacy group Education Trust told the Post, “I think we should be very concerned about the risk of a lost generation of students.”


theroot--2020-12-07--Issa Rae Is Producing a Comedy Series Based on a Podcast About Well-Meaning White Folks and School I

Issa Rae Is Producing a Comedy Series Based on a Podcast About Well-Meaning White Folks and School Integration

Issa Rae is continuing her “ No Sleep ” tour and has another project in the works !
According to Variety , Issa has teamed up with writer-director-producer Adam McKay to produce a half-hour comedy series for HBO , adapted from the Serial Productions podcast Nice White Parents .
Issa will executive produce with Montrel McKay under her new production company HooRae and Adam will executive produce with Todd Schulman , via Hyperobject Industries .
The project has received a pilot commitment at the premium cabler .
The show is described as a satirical look at the conflict and comedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who claim to have the best intentions , wield their influence over generations of Black and brown students within the NY public school system .
Nice White Parents is a five-part podcast that launched in July 2020 with the tagline , “ If you want to understand what ’ s wrong with our public schools , you have to look at what is arguably the most powerful force in shaping them : white parents.
” In regards to the podcast , Mashable ’ s Jess Joho offered more insight : This American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through an on-the-ground investigation into the School for International Studies ( SIS ) , a New York City public school that was predominantly serving students of color .
That is , until a flood of white parents who couldn ’ t get their kids into preferred white schools instead decided to enroll them there , causing it to become a battleground of racial tensions and inequalities .
It ’ s a story that comes from a personal place for Joffe-Walt .
She began reporting on it after shopping around for schools as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was part of a larger history of white parents who have shaped our public school education system into what it is today — which is to say , a system that overwhelming and repeatedly fails students of color .
In addition to the insincerity of privileged white people wishing for truly diverse schools , there have been personal anecdotes and data suggesting that desegregation—at least the way it is currently implemented—isn ’ t so much helping Black students ... it ’ s harming them .
As Daisy M. Jenkins wrote at The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Black families faced heavier burdens with the desegregation mandate than whites .
Black children spent more time commuting , Black schools were closed to make desegregation more convenient for whites ( and to prevent their flight to the suburbs or private schools ) , and Black teachers and principals were fired when white and Black schools were merged .
Estimates show that more than 82,000 Black teachers provided instruction to a Black student population numbering around 2 million in 1954 .
Within a span of 10 years , around 40,000 Black teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black principals lost their jobs in 11 Southern states .
So , like many smart comedies , this upcoming series should have some real meaty material to explore .
As for the status of the developing series , the team is currently looking for a showrunner , so get your resumes ready !

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

Issa Rae is continuing her “No Sleep” tour and has another project in the works!
According to Variety, Issa has teamed up with writer-director-producer Adam McKay to produce a half-hour comedy series for HBO, adapted from the Serial Productions podcast Nice White Parents. Issa will executive produce with Montrel McKay under her new production company HooRae and Adam will executive produce with Todd Schulman, via Hyperobject Industries.
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Here’s the breakdown, via Variety:
The project has received a pilot commitment at the premium cabler. The show is described as a satirical look at the conflict and comedy that arise when highly resourced white parents, who claim to have the best intentions, wield their influence over generations of Black and brown students within the NY public school system.
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Nice White Parents is a five-part podcast that launched in July 2020 with the tagline, “If you want to understand what’s wrong with our public schools, you have to look at what is arguably the most powerful force in shaping them: white parents.”
Oop.
In regards to the podcast, Mashable’s Jess Joho offered more insight:
This American Life producer Chana Joffe-Walt tells the story through an on-the-ground investigation into the School for International Studies (SIS), a New York City public school that was predominantly serving students of color. That is, until a flood of white parents who couldn’t get their kids into preferred white schools instead decided to enroll them there, causing it to become a battleground of racial tensions and inequalities. It’s a story that comes from a personal place for Joffe-Walt. She began reporting on it after shopping around for schools as a new parent herself, only to discover she was part of a larger history of white parents who have shaped our public school education system into what it is today — which is to say, a system that overwhelming and repeatedly fails students of color.
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In addition to the insincerity of privileged white people wishing for truly diverse schools, there have been personal anecdotes and data suggesting that desegregation—at least the way it is currently implemented—isn’t so much helping Black students...it’s harming them.
As Daisy M. Jenkins wrote at The Root in 2014:
The reality is that Black families faced heavier burdens with the desegregation mandate than whites. Black children spent more time commuting, Black schools were closed to make desegregation more convenient for whites (and to prevent their flight to the suburbs or private schools), and Black teachers and principals were fired when white and Black schools were merged. Estimates show that more than 82,000 Black teachers provided instruction to a Black student population numbering around 2 million in 1954. Within a span of 10 years, around 40,000 Black teachers lost their jobs. Ninety percent of Black principals lost their jobs in 11 Southern states.
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So, like many smart comedies, this upcoming series should have some real meaty material to explore. As for the status of the developing series, the team is currently looking for a showrunner, so get your resumes ready!


theroot--2020-12-07--Wentz Who?, Gregg Williams Is an Idiot and Other Takeaways from Week 13 of the NFL

Hmmm .
Where shall we begin ?
Wentz Hits the Bench and It Might Be Time to Bring the Pain Who ’ s the most expensive backup in the league ?
If you answered embattled QB Carson Wentz you might be correct .
Because after embarrassing his ancestors all season , the Eagles finally had enough and sent his ass to bed without dinner .
On Sunday , after Philly dug themselves into a 23-3 hole against the Packers , coach Doug Pederson finally benched Wentz in favor of rookie Jalen Hurts .
And what did Hurts do ?
Orchestrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute and almost spark a comeback that would ’ ve never occurred under Wentz ’ s command .
“ We needed a spark , ” Pederson said .
“ We needed something to go our way , so I put Jalen in the game.
” After entering the game in the third quarter , Hurts responded in kind with 109 passing yards and a touchdown before eventually falling short 30-16 to the Packers .
Hurts might not have won the game , but he certainly left a big impression on his teammates—especially Wentz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been chatter , I ’ ve had to get a lot of questions over the last handful of weeks .
But I don ’ t let my mind go there at the end of the day , ” Wentz said after the game .
“ I ’ m a competitor and when I ’ m out on that field , whether it ’ s practice or a walkthrough or a game , I ’ m going to leave it all on the field and do everything I can .
And today that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ leaving it all on the field ” he means his putrid 40 percent completion rate and 57.4 quarterbacking rating on Sunday in one of the worst games of his career , I hope he enjoys his view from the bench because his time in Philadelphia might be coming to an end .
Pederson has yet to name a starter for Week 14 , but for his part , Hurts is doing and saying all the right things .
“ Any experience and any opportunity to touch the field , it only kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s kind of has been that way all year , and today Coach gave me that opportunity , ” Hurts said .
“ With all my heart , I had every intention of coming in and getting it done and winning the game , but we came up short , and that only lights a fire in everybody moving forward.
” The Eagles can ’ t turn back around now .
It ’ s officially Hurts o ’ clock in Philadelphia .
On Sunday , Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jets up four points against the Raiders with 13 seconds left on the clock , in what can at best be called an inconceivable lapse in judgment , instead of defending the goal line and dropping damn near your entire defense into coverage , Williams did the unthinkable and instead called a seven-man blitz—something the NFL hasn ’ t seen since 2006 .
Predictably , such an unprecedented call didn ’ t end well .
And instead of the Jets finally winning their first game of the season , Trevor Lawrence took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this happened : Bruhhhhhhh .
What in the hell ?
Much like the rest of us , Jets coach Adam Gase couldn ’ t believe Williams called that play .
“ Our guys work way too hard to go through this shit , ” Gase fumed after the game .
Jets safety Marcus Maye echoed those sentiments but opted to be a little less profane in expressing his frustration .
“ I just felt like we could ’ ve been in a better call in that situation , ” Maye said .
Apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
Because on Monday morning , guess who woke up fired on their day off ?
Mr. Gregg Williams .
It ’ s a wonder he still even had a job in the NFL after that whole bounty scandal with the Saints , in which Williams dimed out his own players and was temporarily banished from the league in 2012 , but he sure as hell ain ’ t employed anymore .
I Hate to Be the Bearer of Bad News , But the Cleveland Browns Are For Real Looking at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game between the Browns and Titans on Sunday was actually competitive .
But as someone who watched it in real-time , I can confirm that in no way , shape , or form was that the case .
Like , at all .
Baker Mayfield went theeeeeeeeeeee entire fuck off and threw four touchdowns by the damn half , and the Titans basically spent the rest of the game padding their stats as not to embarrass themselves in their deceptive 41-35 defeat .
It was a bloodbath of the highest order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coward-ass coward , he ’ s officially accomplished something we haven ’ t seen in Cleveland since 2007 .
Ladies and gentlemen , the Browns will finish the 2020 season with a winning record .
I know , I can ’ t believe it myself .
Dude has a bevy of weapons at his disposal and if he finally decides to play like a top-tier quarterback instead of merely a game manager , the rest of the league is in some serious trouble once the playoffs start .
Who Balled Out This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Darren Waller continued his reign of terror with a 200 yard , two-touchdown outing against the Jets , but did you see this catch Tyreek Hill made against my beloved Broncos ?
!
Somehow it was ruled incomplete even though it never touched the field .
Unreal .
I ’ d feel bad for the dude , but after he pulled this classless shit he ’ ll be just fine .

Hmmm. Where shall we begin?
Wentz Hits the Bench and It Might Be Time to Bring the Pain
Who’s the most expensive backup in the league?
If you answered embattled QB Carson Wentz you might be correct. Because after embarrassing his ancestors all season, the Eagles finally had enough and sent his ass to bed without dinner.
On Sunday, after Philly dug themselves into a 23-3 hole against the Packers, coach Doug Pederson finally benched Wentz in favor of rookie Jalen Hurts. And what did Hurts do? Orchestrate two touchdowns within a little over a minute and almost spark a comeback that would’ve never occurred under Wentz’s command.
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“We needed a spark,” Pederson said. “We needed something to go our way, so I put Jalen in the game.”
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After entering the game in the third quarter, Hurts responded in kind with 109 passing yards and a touchdown before eventually falling short 30-16 to the Packers. Hurts might not have won the game, but he certainly left a big impression on his teammates—especially Wentz.
“Obviously, there’s been chatter, I’ve had to get a lot of questions over the last handful of weeks. But I don’t let my mind go there at the end of the day,” Wentz said after the game. “I’m a competitor and when I’m out on that field, whether it’s practice or a walkthrough or a game, I’m going to leave it all on the field and do everything I can. And today that’s what I did.”
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If by “leaving it all on the field” he means his putrid 40 percent completion rate and 57.4 quarterbacking rating on Sunday in one of the worst games of his career, I hope he enjoys his view from the bench because his time in Philadelphia might be coming to an end. Pederson has yet to name a starter for Week 14, but for his part, Hurts is doing and saying all the right things.
“Any experience and any opportunity to touch the field, it only kind of raises the value of that player. It’s kind of has been that way all year, and today Coach gave me that opportunity,” Hurts said. “With all my heart, I had every intention of coming in and getting it done and winning the game, but we came up short, and that only lights a fire in everybody moving forward.”
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The Eagles can’t turn back around now. It’s officially Hurts o’clock in Philadelphia.
The Jets Bid Gregg Williams Adieu
On Sunday, Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams did an incredibly stupid thing.
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With the Jets up four points against the Raiders with 13 seconds left on the clock, in what can at best be called an inconceivable lapse in judgment, instead of defending the goal line and dropping damn near your entire defense into coverage, Williams did the unthinkable and instead called a seven-man blitz—something the NFL hasn’t seen since 2006.
Predictably, such an unprecedented call didn’t end well. And instead of the Jets finally winning their first game of the season, Trevor Lawrence took a glimpse into his crystal ball when this happened:
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Bruhhhhhhh. What in the hell?
Much like the rest of us, Jets coach Adam Gase couldn’t believe Williams called that play.
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“Our guys work way too hard to go through this shit,” Gase fumed after the game. Jets safety Marcus Maye echoed those sentiments but opted to be a little less profane in expressing his frustration.
“I just felt like we could’ve been in a better call in that situation,” Maye said.
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Apparently, Jets ownership felt the exact same way. Because on Monday morning, guess who woke up fired on their day off? Mr. Gregg Williams.
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It’s a wonder he still even had a job in the NFL after that whole bounty scandal with the Saints, in which Williams dimed out his own players and was temporarily banished from the league in 2012, but he sure as hell ain’t employed anymore.
What a dumb ass.
I Hate to Be the Bearer of Bad News, But the Cleveland Browns Are For Real
Looking at the box score, you’d think the game between the Browns and Titans on Sunday was actually competitive. But as someone who watched it in real-time, I can confirm that in no way, shape, or form was that the case. Like, at all.
Advertisement
Baker Mayfield went theeeeeeeeeeee entire fuck off and threw four touchdowns by the damn half, and the Titans basically spent the rest of the game padding their stats as not to embarrass themselves in their deceptive 41-35 defeat. It was a bloodbath of the highest order, and even though Mayfield might still be a coward-ass coward, he’s officially accomplished something we haven’t seen in Cleveland since 2007.
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Ladies and gentlemen, the Browns will finish the 2020 season with a winning record.
I know, I can’t believe it myself.
Dude has a bevy of weapons at his disposal and if he finally decides to play like a top-tier quarterback instead of merely a game manager, the rest of the league is in some serious trouble once the playoffs start.
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Who Balled Out This Week
I already gave Mayfield his flowers, and Darren Waller continued his reign of terror with a 200 yard, two-touchdown outing against the Jets, but did you see this catch Tyreek Hill made against my beloved Broncos?!
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Somehow it was ruled incomplete even though it never touched the field. Unreal.
I’d feel bad for the dude, but after he pulled this classless shit he’ll be just fine.
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See y’all next week.


theroot--2020-12-07--Suck Up the Savings with a Discounted Dyson Ball Vacuum Cleaner, Only $130 Today

Dyson vacuums dominate recommendations for dirt-sucking dust devils , but they ’ re often pricey .
Today ’ s deal @ @ @ @ @ barrier .
The Dyson Ball Total Clean Upright vacuum in refurbished condition is down to @ @ @ @ @ % off ) today on Newegg .
This is about as low of a price @ @ @ @ @ on a Dyson , since they hold their value pretty well !
But take advantage @ @ @ @ @ can— this deal is only good for today .
This deal was originally published in @ @ @ @ @ Quentyn Kennemer with new information on 12/7/2020 .

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

Dyson Ball Total Clean Upright Vacuum | $200 | Best Buy
Dyson vacuums dominate recommendations for dirt-sucking dust devils, but they’re often pricey. Today’s deal, though, removes that barrier. The Dyson Ball Total Clean Upright vacuum in brand spanking new condition is down to $200 (50% off original retail price) today at Best Buy. This is about as low of a price you can hope to find on a Dyson, since they hold their value pretty well!
This deal was originally published in March 2020 and updated by Elizabeth Lanier with new information on 12/13/2020.


theroot--2020-12-07--Don Cheadle and Robert Downey Jr. Honor Chadwick Boseman at 2020 MTV Movie and TV Awards

Sunday night , MTV hosted its annual Movie and TV Awards show , only this time with a twist .
Instead of the usual format , the network decided to switch things up with the Greatest of All Time honors , highlighting the best of the best , or rather the ‘ GOATS ’ of the following categories : Scream Queen , Legendary Lip Lock , Dance Your Ass Off , Heartbreaking Break-Up , Comedy Giant , Zero to Hero , She-Ro and Dynamic Duo .
But the biggest award of the night came when Avengers co-stars Don Cheadle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ Hero for the Ages ’ award to their fellow Marvel leading man , the late Chadwick Boseman .
Per MTV , the award , which highlighted one “ whose heroism onscreen was only surpassed by the true hero they were off-screen , ” serves as the latest posthumous award for Boseman , who is also set to receive the Actor Tribute at the 2020 IFP Gotham Awards .
Both Cheadle and Downey Jr. reflected on Chadwick ’ s energy and legacy , Cheadle saying in part : Each time he stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influenced everyone there , and with every role he created a new legion of fans .
He had an incredible power to unify people in their love for his work and their respect for him as a person .
The way he lived his life united people behind a higher purpose , and that will be his legacy .
Chadwick will forever be known as the Black Panther , but he also painted incredibly powerful portrayals of iconic and influential real men who changed the world .
He brought humanity and truth to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than life , and he did it in a way that honored their memories .
The second you first saw him onscreen or had the opportunity to meet him in person , his energy and intensity was undeniable .
There was something different and special about Chadwick Boseman .
Mr. Boseman truly embodied what it meant to be a superhero .
His impact as a groundbreaking leading man , as an icon on screen ... it won ’ t be quantified by the box office records he broke but by the legion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to come .
To see the full list of winners and to watch the replay head on over to MTV ’ s website .

Shanelle Genai on The Grapevine, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

Sunday night, MTV hosted its annual Movie and TV Awards show, only this time with a twist. Instead of the usual format, the network decided to switch things up with the Greatest of All Time honors, highlighting the best of the best, or rather the ‘GOATS’ of the following categories: Scream Queen, Legendary Lip Lock, Dance Your Ass Off, Heartbreaking Break-Up, Comedy Giant, Zero to Hero, She-Ro and Dynamic Duo.
But the biggest award of the night came when Avengers co-stars Don Cheadle and Robert Downey Jr. appeared virtually to present the ‘Hero for the Ages’ award to their fellow Marvel leading man, the late Chadwick Boseman. Per MTV, the award, which highlighted one “whose heroism onscreen was only surpassed by the true hero they were off-screen,” serves as the latest posthumous award for Boseman, who is also set to receive the Actor Tribute at the 2020 IFP Gotham Awards. Both Cheadle and Downey Jr. reflected on Chadwick’s energy and legacy, Cheadle saying in part:
Each time he stepped on the set, he inspired and influenced everyone there, and with every role he created a new legion of fans. He had an incredible power to unify people in their love for his work and their respect for him as a person. The way he lived his life united people behind a higher purpose, and that will be his legacy. Chadwick will forever be known as the Black Panther, but he also painted incredibly powerful portrayals of iconic and influential real men who changed the world. He brought humanity and truth to the portrayal of people that felt larger than life, and he did it in a way that honored their memories.
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Robert Downey Jr. echoed similar sentiments, adding:
The second you first saw him onscreen or had the opportunity to meet him in person, his energy and intensity was undeniable. There was something different and special about Chadwick Boseman. Mr. Boseman truly embodied what it meant to be a superhero. His impact as a groundbreaking leading man, as an icon on screen... it won’t be quantified by the box office records he broke but by the legion of fans who will celebrate him for many years to come.
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To see the full list of winners and to watch the replay head on over to MTV’s website.


theroot--2020-12-07--Beloved B*A*P*S Co-Star Natalie Desselle-Reid Dead at 53 [Updated]

Natalie Desselle-Reid , most known for co-starring in the beloved Robert Townsend-helmed comedy B*A*P*S ( which stood for Black American Princess ) , has died at the age of 53 .
An official cause of death has not yet been disclosed .
“ Just absolutely decimated by this news ... Actress Natalie Desselle , a bright shining star passed away this morning , ” actress Holly Robinson-Peete tweeted on Monday .
“ I got to know her when my mom was managing her .
She will be so missed ... sending out prayers to her children and husb and .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just a few days ago , Halle Berry posted a throwback video on Instagram featuring herself and Desselle-Reid as their popular B*A*P*S characters Nisi and Mickey .
“ Let ’ s find Tiffany , ” Berry captioned the photo , with the behind-the-scenes sketch video featuring Nisi and Mickey shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills .
“ Tiffany ” was , of course , referencing the luxury jewelry store .
B*A*P*S also recently got a bit more of its nostalgic flowers when Netflix temporarily added it to its list of Strong Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and devastated by the news , fans took to Twitter to reminisce on the joy Desselle-Reid brought as well as to honor her life and work .
Desselle-Reid was born on July 12 , 1967 , in Alexandria , La .
A seemingly bubbly spirit , Desselle-Reid also hilariously portrayed one of the wicked stepsisters in Rodgers and Hammerstein ’ s Cinderella , starring Brandy .
Other credits include Family Matters , Eve , Def Jam ’ s How to Be a Player , Madea ’ s Big Happy Family , Set It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rest in power to our own Black American Princess , Natalie Desselle-Reid .
We send our condolences to her family and loved ones at this time .
Updated : 12/7/2020 , 3:04 p.m .
ET : According to TMZ , a family member has confirmed that the cause of Desselle-Reid ’ s death was colon cancer .
Desselle-Reid was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year .

Natalie Desselle-Reid, most known for co-starring in the beloved Robert Townsend-helmed comedy B*A*P*S (which stood for Black American Princess), has died at the age of 53.
An official cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
“Just absolutely decimated by this news...Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning,” actress Holly Robinson-Peete tweeted on Monday. “I got to know her when my mom was managing her. She will be so missed...sending out prayers to her children and husb and. Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl.”
Just a few days ago, Halle Berry posted a throwback video on Instagram featuring herself and Desselle-Reid as their popular B*A*P*S characters Nisi and Mickey.
“Let’s find Tiffany,” Berry captioned the photo, with the behind-the-scenes sketch video featuring Nisi and Mickey shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. “Tiffany” was, of course, referencing the luxury jewelry store.
B*A*P*S also recently got a bit more of its nostalgic flowers when Netflix temporarily added it to its list of Strong Black Lead content in May 2019.
Shocked and devastated by the news, fans took to Twitter to reminisce on the joy Desselle-Reid brought as well as to honor her life and work.
Desselle-Reid was born on July 12, 1967, in Alexandria, La. A seemingly bubbly spirit, Desselle-Reid also hilariously portrayed one of the wicked stepsisters in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, starring Brandy. Other credits include Family Matters, Eve, Def Jam’s How to Be a Player, Madea’s Big Happy Family, Set It Off, ER, and more.
Rest in power to our own Black American Princess, Natalie Desselle-Reid. We send our condolences to her family and loved ones at this time.
Updated: 12/7/2020, 3:04 p.m. ET: According to TMZ, a family member has confirmed that the cause of Desselle-Reid’s death was colon cancer. Desselle-Reid was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.
More from TMZ:


theroot--2020-12-07--Virginia Military Institute Removes Monument to White Supremacy

A Confederate statue on the campus of one of Virginia ’ s oldest institutions is finally being removed after Black students spoke out about a campus culture that literally and figuratively worshipped the graven image of white supremacy .
Construction crews gathered at Virginia Military Institute on Monday to begin the process of removing the statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas “ Stonewall ” Jackson .
The monument to the school ’ s most celebrated alumnus also served as the symbol for the institution ’ s oppression and mistreatment of its Black students ever since the 181-year-old military college integrated its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VMI cadets were required to salute the Stonewall statue while “ flaggers ” —enthusiasts who revered the idea of a Southern white supremacist utopia—converged on the campus because , as one student told The Root : “ It ’ s basically Confederate Disneyland.
” Inspired by the George Floyd protests and annoyed by a September visit from Vice President Mike Pence , several students and Black alums began speaking out about the white supremacist culture that permeates the Lexington , Va. , campus .
The statue had been a subject of controversy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keeping it in place in front of VMI ’ s historic barracks as recently as July .
VMI said it will be relocated to a nearby Civil War museum at a battlefield where dozens of VMI cadets were killed or wounded .
Amid a wave of Confederate monument removals around the country in the wake of George Floyd ’ s killing in Minneapolis , some VMI students and graduates called for the statue ’ s removal .
Peay said at the time that the school would change some of its longstanding traditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Civil War battlefield .
But he said it would not remove the statue of Jackson , who owned enslaved people , or rethink the names of buildings honoring Confederate leaders .
The statue ’ s removal is part of a series of major changes at the school , including the resignation of the institute ’ s longtime superintendent Gen. J.H .
Binford Peay III and the call for an investigation by Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam , another VMI alumnus .
Peay was replaced by Cedric Rims , the first Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pledged to create an office of diversity , eliminating its status as the lone state-supported college or university in Virginia without an office of inclusion or diversity .
“ This institute has an incredible opportunity to have a voice of truth in this critical time and that requires taking ownership of the whole truth .
Today was a very small step towards that , ” cadet LeAndrew Jefferson told The Root .
“ I see many days like this to come in one form or another because there are people who care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contractors will reinstall the Stonewall statue at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park , the site where VMI cadets annually reenact a Civil War battle before laying wreaths at the graves of the white supremacists who died in the Battle of New Market—a tradition required of first-year “ rats.
” In 2015 , the school ended the practice of requiring rats to salute the statue .
VMI ’ s student body of 1,698 is six percent Black , according to the State Council of Higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a lot more time to remove actual white supremacy from the campus .

A Confederate statue on the campus of one of Virginia’s oldest institutions is finally being removed after Black students spoke out about a campus culture that literally and figuratively worshipped the graven image of white supremacy.
Construction crews gathered at Virginia Military Institute on Monday to begin the process of removing the statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The monument to the school’s most celebrated alumnus also served as the symbol for the institution’s oppression and mistreatment of its Black students ever since the 181-year-old military college integrated its ranks in 1968.
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For years, VMI cadets were required to salute the Stonewall statue while “flaggers”—enthusiasts who revered the idea of a Southern white supremacist utopia—converged on the campus because, as one student told The Root: “It’s basically Confederate Disneyland.” Inspired by the George Floyd protests and annoyed by a September visit from Vice President Mike Pence, several students and Black alums began speaking out about the white supremacist culture that permeates the Lexington, Va., campus.
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The Associated Press reports:
The statue had been a subject of controversy for years, but the school had committed to keeping it in place in front of VMI’s historic barracks as recently as July. VMI said it will be relocated to a nearby Civil War museum at a battlefield where dozens of VMI cadets were killed or wounded. Amid a wave of Confederate monument removals around the country in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis, some VMI students and graduates called for the statue’s removal. Peay said at the time that the school would change some of its longstanding traditions, such as relocating an oath ceremony from the Civil War battlefield. But he said it would not remove the statue of Jackson, who owned enslaved people, or rethink the names of buildings honoring Confederate leaders.
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The statue’s removal is part of a series of major changes at the school, including the resignation of the institute’s longtime superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III and the call for an investigation by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, another VMI alumnus. Peay was replaced by Cedric Rims, the first Black superintendent to lead the school. VMI also pledged to create an office of diversity, eliminating its status as the lone state-supported college or university in Virginia without an office of inclusion or diversity.
“This institute has an incredible opportunity to have a voice of truth in this critical time and that requires taking ownership of the whole truth. Today was a very small step towards that,” cadet LeAndrew Jefferson told The Root. “I see many days like this to come in one form or another because there are people who care about the truth and moving forward.”
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Contractors will reinstall the Stonewall statue at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, the site where VMI cadets annually reenact a Civil War battle before laying wreaths at the graves of the white supremacists who died in the Battle of New Market—a tradition required of first-year “rats.” In 2015, the school ended the practice of requiring rats to salute the statue.
VMI’s student body of 1,698 is six percent Black, according to the State Council of Higher Education For Virginia.
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The school will need a lot more time to remove actual white supremacy from the campus.


theroot--2020-12-07--Refresh Your Face With a Bottle of Mario Badescu Face Spray, Only $6

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated @ @ @ @ @ the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch @ @ @ @ @ 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
Sometimes we need a refresher @ @ @ @ @ low $ 6 you can try Mario Badescu Face Spray .
Made with aloe , @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a great midday skincare pick-me-up , especially if your skin is on @ @ @ @ @ moisturizes your face while also cutting excess oil like a toner , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ honestly sells itself .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher in November 2020 @ @ @ @ @ 12/7/20 .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Mario Badescu Face Spray | $7 | Amazon
Sometimes we need a refresher. Well, for a low $7 you can try Mario Badescu Face Spray. Made with aloe, herbs, and rosewater, it’s a great midday skincare pick-me-up, especially if your skin is on the dry side. It moisturizes your face while also cutting excess oil like a toner, and it’s super affordable. It honestly sells itself.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher in November 2020, and was updated on 1/14/21.


theroot--2020-12-07--Armed Thugs Showed Up at the House of Michigan's Secretary of State Shouting 'Stop the Steal'

The baseless election conspiracy rhetoric that the outgoing president has been irresponsibly pushing drove a crowd of disgruntled and radicalized white people to gather with guns outside the home of Michigan ’ s chief election official over the weekend .
“ As my four year old son and I were finishing up decorating the house for Christmas on Saturday night , and he was about to sit down to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas , dozens of armed individuals stood outside my home shouting obscenities and chanting into bullhorns in the dark of night , ” Michigan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement on Sunday .
No one was arrested in the incident , according to the Washington Post .
In her statement about the incident , Benson seemed to point to the Trump campaign ’ s ongoing efforts to claim his election loss is a conspiracy as contributing to the armed thugs gathering outside her home yelling “ stop the steal.
” “ Through blatantly false press releases , purely political legislative hearings , bogus legal claims and so-called ‘ affidavits ’ that fail to allege any clear or cogent evidence of wrongdoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election have perpetuated an unprecedented , dangerous , egregious campaign to erode the public ’ s confidence in the results of one of the most secure , accessible and transparent elections in our state ’ s history , ” she said .
Of course , the Republican Party has been curiously silent about the dangerous , real-life repercussions of the dishonest rhetoric that Trump has been pushing—though they had no problem being vocal in their outrage this year at the supposedly egregious harm that people did to buildings and other inanimate objects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Michigan denounced the threats made outside Benson ’ s home on Sunday .
Although the group dispersed with no arrests when police responded just before 10 p.m. Saturday , Michigan state officials accused the group of “ terrorizing ” Benson ’ s family .
“ They shouted baseless conspiracy theories about the election , and in videos uploaded to social media , at least one individual could be heard shouting ‘ you ’ re murderers ’ within earshot of her child ’ s bedroom , ” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worthy ( D ) said in a joint statement on Sunday .
“ This mob-like behavior is an affront to basic morality and decency.
” They added that “ terrorizing children and families at their own homes is not activism.
” Vitriolic rhetoric has led bipartisan leaders to warn that Trump ’ s baseless attacks on the election are endangering election officials ’ lives .
Multiple Michigan officials have reported being threatened and harassed over the election results , as have officials in Georgia , Arizona , Vermont , Kentucky , Minnesota and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , intimidation , and bullying , the armed people outside my home and their political allies seek to undermine and silence the will and voices of every voter in this state , ” said Benson .
“ Their goal is to overturn and upend the results of an election that are clear and unequivocal.
” Benson added that the threats will not deter her from doing her job as Michigan ’ s chief of elections .
But it ’ s deeply disturbing that this is where America is in 2020 : with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not being unequivocally denounced by all of our elected leaders .
There ’ s no guarantee that things won ’ t get worse before—and even after—Inauguration Day .
Michigan has been the site of right-wing threats of violence already this year .
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the target of a thwarted kidnapping plot in which 13 so-called militia members were charged in October with planning to overthrow the state government because of its coronavirus restrictions .
The monster Trump has unleashed on this country will not go quietly .

The baseless election conspiracy rhetoric that the outgoing president has been irresponsibly pushing drove a crowd of disgruntled and radicalized white people to gather with guns outside the home of Michigan’s chief election official over the weekend.
“As my four year old son and I were finishing up decorating the house for Christmas on Saturday night, and he was about to sit down to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, dozens of armed individuals stood outside my home shouting obscenities and chanting into bullhorns in the dark of night,” Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement on Sunday.
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Video footage posted on social media confirms the secretary’s report:
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No one was arrested in the incident, according to the Washington Post.
In her statement about the incident, Benson seemed to point to the Trump campaign’s ongoing efforts to claim his election loss is a conspiracy as contributing to the armed thugs gathering outside her home yelling “stop the steal.”
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“Through blatantly false press releases, purely political legislative hearings, bogus legal claims and so-called ‘affidavits’ that fail to allege any clear or cogent evidence of wrongdoing, those unhappy with the results of this election have perpetuated an unprecedented, dangerous, egregious campaign to erode the public’s confidence in the results of one of the most secure, accessible and transparent elections in our state’s history,” she said.
Of course, the Republican Party has been curiously silent about the dangerous, real-life repercussions of the dishonest rhetoric that Trump has been pushing—though they had no problem being vocal in their outrage this year at the supposedly egregious harm that people did to buildings and other inanimate objects while protesting racial injustice.
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Democratic prosecutors in Michigan denounced the threats made outside Benson’s home on Sunday.
From the Washington Post:
Although the group dispersed with no arrests when police responded just before 10 p.m. Saturday, Michigan state officials accused the group of “terrorizing” Benson’s family. “They shouted baseless conspiracy theories about the election, and in videos uploaded to social media, at least one individual could be heard shouting ‘you’re murderers’ within earshot of her child’s bedroom,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy (D) said in a joint statement on Sunday. “This mob-like behavior is an affront to basic morality and decency.” They added that “terrorizing children and families at their own homes is not activism.” Vitriolic rhetoric has led bipartisan leaders to warn that Trump’s baseless attacks on the election are endangering election officials’ lives. Multiple Michigan officials have reported being threatened and harassed over the election results, as have officials in Georgia, Arizona, Vermont, Kentucky, Minnesota and Colorado.
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“Through threats of violence, intimidation, and bullying, the armed people outside my home and their political allies seek to undermine and silence the will and voices of every voter in this state,” said Benson. “Their goal is to overturn and upend the results of an election that are clear and unequivocal.”
Benson added that the threats will not deter her from doing her job as Michigan’s chief of elections. But it’s deeply disturbing that this is where America is in 2020: with a democracy marked by postures of violence that are not being unequivocally denounced by all of our elected leaders. There’s no guarantee that things won’t get worse before—and even after—Inauguration Day.
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Michigan has been the site of right-wing threats of violence already this year. Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the target of a thwarted kidnapping plot in which 13 so-called militia members were charged in October with planning to overthrow the state government because of its coronavirus restrictions.
The monster Trump has unleashed on this country will not go quietly.


theroot--2020-12-07--I Guess We’ve Got to Talk About the Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock Debate

This debate was doomed before it started .
On one side , you have Raphael Warnock , a sensible Black pastor and politician who rose to prominence on the Atlanta political scene after a push to expand Medicare under the Affordable Care Act .
On the other side , you have Kelly Loeffler , a Karen , Trump enthusiast who co-owns the WNBA ’ s Atlanta Dream .
On one side , you have a Black man , and on the other , you have a white woman who , if she wasn ’ t involved in the debate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police to note that there is a Black man on a stage holding a podium that he ’ s probably going to steal .
On one side , you have sensibility and a plan .
On the other , you have the incumbent who is proud of her 100 percent voting record in perfect alignment with Trump .
This debate went about as well as you ’ d expect .
On Sunday , Warnock and Loeffler got together to hash out their positions on everything ahead of twin Georgia runoff elections that hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance ( Democrat Jon Ossoff literally debated an empty podium as David Perdue refused to debate because Republican ) .
And Warnock and Loeffler couldn ’ t have been further apart on everything .
Loeffler won ’ t even admit that her boo , President Trump , lost re-election in November .
According to CBS News , Loeffler was asked specifically about “ President-elect Joe Biden ’ s victory in Georgia and whether she agreed with Mr. Trump ’ s unfounded accusations of widespread voter fraud , Loeffler sidestepped the matter.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal recourse , and that ’ s what ’ s taking place , ” Loeffler said .
And later , because always later , Loeffler pulled out her aluminum foil sun hat and started spouting off Trump ’ s unfounded and completely unsupported claims of voter irregularities in the November election .
Not once did Loeffler acknowledge the countless number of post-election challenges that have been thrown out of the courts , including Georgia , because there was no voter fraud .
Instead of Warnock turning to the moderator and noting that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” He simply pointed out that she ’ s batshit crazy for trying to delegitimize a legit election .
“ The people have spoken on the presidential election , and they ’ re waiting on their senator to be focused on them , not the person in the White House.
” Now , why would the pastor think that the truth would work on this woman ?
However , Loeffler , again and again , tacitly admitted Mr. Trump ’ s defeat by casting the runoffs necessary to prevent a leftward march @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , the future of our country , ” she said , alluding to the high-stakes battle for control of the Senate .
Loeffler more than a dozen times blasted “ radical liberal Raphael Warnock ” and hammered the pastor as a socialist who would ensure everything from a government takeover of the U.S. healthcare system to the seizure of Americans ’ guns .
Warnock , who is not a socialist , countered by blasting Loeffler as a self-interested , uber-wealthy politician who “ lied not only on me , but on Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , misrepresenting bits and pieces of sermons he ’ s delivered over the years .
You know how cold you have to be to claim that a white woman lied on Jesus ?
!
Warnock did come to play with this woman .
The rest of the debate followed suit .
Warnock wouldn ’ t say whether or not he supported expanding the Supreme Court ; Loeffler claimed that it was Democrats ’ fault that a second stimulus bill hadn ’ t been passed , completely ignoring that the House passed a bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s desk .
Both said they ’ d take a COVID-19 vaccine .
Come on Georgia : You already turned blue and voted for Biden !
Please continue shunning wild conspiracies from rich white women and vote to take over Congress .
I mean , it ’ s only the fate of the free world hanging in the balance .

This debate was doomed before it started.
On one side, you have Raphael Warnock, a sensible Black pastor and politician who rose to prominence on the Atlanta political scene after a push to expand Medicare under the Affordable Care Act. On the other side, you have Kelly Loeffler, a Karen, Trump enthusiast who co-owns the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
On one side, you have a Black man, and on the other, you have a white woman who, if she wasn’t involved in the debate, would’ve most likely called the police to note that there is a Black man on a stage holding a podium that he’s probably going to steal.
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On one side, you have sensibility and a plan. On the other, you have the incumbent who is proud of her 100 percent voting record in perfect alignment with Trump.
This debate went about as well as you’d expect.
On Sunday, Warnock and Loeffler got together to hash out their positions on everything ahead of twin Georgia runoff elections that hold the fate of the world in their balance (Democrat Jon Ossoff literally debated an empty podium as David Perdue refused to debate because Republican).
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And Warnock and Loeffler couldn’t have been further apart on everything. Loeffler won’t even admit that her boo, President Trump, lost re-election in November. According to CBS News, Loeffler was asked specifically about “President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia and whether she agreed with Mr. Trump’s unfounded accusations of widespread voter fraud, Loeffler sidestepped the matter.”
“The president has every right to every legal recourse, and that’s what’s taking place,” Loeffler said.
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And later, because always later, Loeffler pulled out her aluminum foil sun hat and started spouting off Trump’s unfounded and completely unsupported claims of voter irregularities in the November election. Not once did Loeffler acknowledge the countless number of post-election challenges that have been thrown out of the courts, including Georgia, because there was no voter fraud.
Instead of Warnock turning to the moderator and noting that “Karen can’t be serious?!” He simply pointed out that she’s batshit crazy for trying to delegitimize a legit election.
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“The people have spoken on the presidential election, and they’re waiting on their senator to be focused on them, not the person in the White House.”
Now, why would the pastor think that the truth would work on this woman?
From CBS News:
However, Loeffler, again and again, tacitly admitted Mr. Trump’s defeat by casting the runoffs necessary to prevent a leftward march. ″Everything is at stake in this election, the future of our country,” she said, alluding to the high-stakes battle for control of the Senate. Loeffler more than a dozen times blasted “radical liberal Raphael Warnock” and hammered the pastor as a socialist who would ensure everything from a government takeover of the U.S. healthcare system to the seizure of Americans’ guns. Warnock, who is not a socialist, countered by blasting Loeffler as a self-interested, uber-wealthy politician who “lied not only on me, but on Jesus” by highlighting and, he said, misrepresenting bits and pieces of sermons he’s delivered over the years.
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You lied on Jesus! Jesus!
You know how cold you have to be to claim that a white woman lied on Jesus?!
Warnock did come to play with this woman.
The rest of the debate followed suit. Warnock wouldn’t say whether or not he supported expanding the Supreme Court; Loeffler claimed that it was Democrats’ fault that a second stimulus bill hadn’t been passed, completely ignoring that the House passed a bill in May that sat on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk. Both said they’d take a COVID-19 vaccine.
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Come on Georgia: You already turned blue and voted for Biden! Please continue shunning wild conspiracies from rich white women and vote to take over Congress. I mean, it’s only the fate of the free world hanging in the balance.


theroot--2020-12-07--Black Detroit Lawmaker Receives Racist Threats for Refusing to Entertain Widespread Voter Fraud Clai

Black Detroit Lawmaker Receives Racist Threats for Refusing to Entertain Widespread Voter Fraud Claims

Stop me if you ’ ve heard this one before : Trump supporters are racist .
Some people might call the statement debatable or even an outright lie , but anyone who can support a man who constantly proves himself to be a xenophobe and hater of all things Black Lives Matter is no different from their cult leader in my book .
Besides , when push comes to shove , they always show their true colors ( and their hatred for people of true color ) .
A Detroit Democratic lawmaker found this out the hard way after she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing with the House Oversight Committee last week in which Trump attorney and Danny DeVito ’ s Penguin cosplayer Rudy Giuliani brought out a bunch of so-called “ witnesses ” to regurgitate all of the claims of widespread voter fraud that have been dismissed by judges , debunked by legal experts and denounced by election officials—not to mention the fact that even Attorney General William Barr said there ’ s no evidence to support the nonsense , according to the Department of Justice .
Fox 2 Detroit reports that Rep. Cynthia Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Oversight Committee and one of three Democrats who participated in the sham-ass hearing , said she received multiple voicemails in which disgruntled and delusional Trump supporters threatened her and essentially said she should be lynched .
Johnson shared one of the voicemails to her Facebook page in which a very angry white woman can be heard calling her a “ big-lip nigger.
” “ Honey , how dare you bully witnesses on the stand , ” KKK Karen said .
“ Your name and phone number are out there now .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you Democrat.
” “ Dems are going down , especially big-lip niggers like you , ” she continued .
Sidenote : I ’ m not sure why racists still think “ big-lip ” is an insult to Black people considering the fact that rich white women all over America are injecting the fuck out of their mouths with fillers in an attempt to emulate the look , but whatever .
So what did Johnson do exactly to draw such ire ?
Well , as far as I can tell , all she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Detroit News , none of the witnesses who claimed to have seen nefarious activities at the TCF Center—where Detroit ’ s absentee ballots were counted—were sworn in under oath before giving their testimony , and Johnson rightfully took issue with that .
“ You ’ re allowing people to come in here and lie .
And I know they ’ re lying , ” Johnson said during the hearing .
Fortunately , Johnson appears to be mostly unbothered by the white nonsense .
In another Facebook post , she shared screenshots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sample ” of the phone calls she ’ s gotten since the hearing .
“ I just want all these people to know I ’ m not changing my number , ” Johnson captioned the post .
“ And with technology you know I share !
”

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Trump supporters are racist.
Some people might call the statement debatable or even an outright lie, but anyone who can support a man who constantly proves himself to be a xenophobe and hater of all things Black Lives Matter is no different from their cult leader in my book. Besides, when push comes to shove, they always show their true colors (and their hatred for people of true color).
A Detroit Democratic lawmaker found this out the hard way after she took part in a more than four-hour-long hearing with the House Oversight Committee last week in which Trump attorney and Danny DeVito’s Penguin cosplayer Rudy Giuliani brought out a bunch of so-called “witnesses” to regurgitate all of the claims of widespread voter fraud that have been dismissed by judges, debunked by legal experts and denounced by election officials—not to mention the fact that even Attorney General William Barr said there’s no evidence to support the nonsense, according to the Department of Justice.
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Fox 2 Detroit reports that Rep. Cynthia Johnson, the Democratic chair of Michigan’s House Oversight Committee and one of three Democrats who participated in the sham-ass hearing, said she received multiple voicemails in which disgruntled and delusional Trump supporters threatened her and essentially said she should be lynched. Johnson shared one of the voicemails to her Facebook page in which a very angry white woman can be heard calling her a “big-lip nigger.”
“Honey, how dare you bully witnesses on the stand,” KKK Karen said. “Your name and phone number are out there now. You should be swinging from a fucking rope you Democrat.”
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“Dems are going down, especially big-lip niggers like you,” she continued.
Sidenote: I’m not sure why racists still think “big-lip” is an insult to Black people considering the fact that rich white women all over America are injecting the fuck out of their mouths with fillers in an attempt to emulate the look, but whatever.
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So what did Johnson do exactly to draw such ire? Well, as far as I can tell, all she did was call out the bullshit.
According to the Detroit News, none of the witnesses who claimed to have seen nefarious activities at the TCF Center—where Detroit’s absentee ballots were counted—were sworn in under oath before giving their testimony, and Johnson rightfully took issue with that.
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“You’re allowing people to come in here and lie. And I know they’re lying,” Johnson said during the hearing.
Fortunately, Johnson appears to be mostly unbothered by the white nonsense. In another Facebook post, she shared screenshots of what she said is “only a sample” of the phone calls she’s gotten since the hearing.
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“I just want all these people to know I’m not changing my number,” Johnson captioned the post. “And with technology you know I share!”


theroot--2020-12-07--Bake Your Heart Out With Two Nordic Ware Sheet Pans for $28

Two pure aluminum Nordic Ware sheet pans are only $ 28 , down $ 10 from their original list price @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t rust and can give you perfectly browned cookies , salmon , asparagus @ @ @ @ @ heart desires .
Grab a set of these classic cookie sheets from a brand you @ @ @ @ @ What are you waiting for ?

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon to The Root

Nordic Ware Sheet Pans (2-pack) | $28 | Amazon
Two pure aluminum Nordic Ware sheet pans are only $28, down $10 from their original list price of $38. They won’t rust and can give you perfectly browned cookies, salmon, asparagus, and whatever else your heart desires. Grab a set of these classic cookie sheets from a brand you trust, right now. What are you waiting for?


theroot--2020-12-07--20 Spoiler-Filled Questions After Finally Watching HBO's The Undoing

I watched HBO ’ s The Undoing , and I have questions .
1 .
Why would he try to burn the murder thing in a janky outdoor fire pit when the whole ass ocean is literally right there ?
2 .
Do rich whites ( “ the wich ” ) just not have ceilings in their homes ?
3 .
Is there a ceiling-less house level of Zillow that unlocks when you ’ re a wich ?
4 .
I live in a high ceiling-ed house myself , but my ceilings , you know , exist .
When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate agent asks how high they want their ceilings to be , do they just respond “ outer space ” ?
5 .
Are the wich aware of oceans ?
6 .
Do they assume that every body of water is just some wealthier wich ’ s in-ground swimming pool ?
7 .
Although we learned who did it , how come Donald Sutherland ’ s eyebrows were never considered a suspect ?
8 .
Or one of Nicole Kidman ’ s Balenciaga Space Suit coats ?
9 .
Between her height , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s like she ’ s an Avenger named Porcelain Privilege .
11 .
If I saw one of those coats just randomly jaunting through Spanish Harlem at midnight , I ’ d charge it with something— ” coating while white ?
” —wouldn ’ t you ?
12 .
Who ’ d win in a scoff-off between Haley Fitzgerald ( Noma Dumezweni ) and Annalise Keating ?
13 .
Does anyone have worse luck with husbands than Nicole Kidman ’ s characters on HBO prestige soaps ?
14 .
I guess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , didn ’ t she ?
15 .
Also , she definitely hooks up with that detective with the beard after this is all over ?
16 .
“ The Undoing Part Two : The Back-Breaking ” has a nice ring to it , right ?
17 .
If dude was a big enough deal as an oncologist to get a New York magazine cover , wouldn ’ t getting fired for having an affair with the gorgeous young mom of one of his patients also be a story somewhere ?
18 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tweeted or something about it , right ?
19 .
I guess what I ’ m getting at is that there ’ s no way in hell in the world we exist in—even the ceiling-less subworld that they exist in—that she doesn ’ t know he was fired .
20 .
So between this thing and the “ I ’ ve never heard of the ocean before ” thing , is the takeaway here that the wich are just really dumb ?

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

I watched HBO’s The Undoing, and I have questions.
1. Why would he try to burn the murder thing in a janky outdoor fire pit when the whole ass ocean is literally right there?
2. Do rich whites (“the wich”) just not have ceilings in their homes?
3. Is there a ceiling-less house level of Zillow that unlocks when you’re a wich?
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4. I live in a high ceiling-ed house myself, but my ceilings, you know, exist. When the wich are house shopping and the real estate agent asks how high they want their ceilings to be, do they just respond “outer space”?
5. Are the wich aware of oceans?
6. Do they assume that every body of water is just some wealthier wich’s in-ground swimming pool?
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7. Although we learned who did it, how come Donald Sutherland’s eyebrows were never considered a suspect?
8. Or one of Nicole Kidman’s Balenciaga Space Suit coats?
9. Between her height, her hair, and those coats, it’s like she’s an Avenger named Porcelain Privilege.
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10. “What’s your superpower?” “My skin.”
11. If I saw one of those coats just randomly jaunting through Spanish Harlem at midnight, I’d charge it with something—”coating while white?”—wouldn’t you?
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12. Who’d win in a scoff-off between Haley Fitzgerald (Noma Dumezweni) and Annalise Keating?
13. Does anyone have worse luck with husbands than Nicole Kidman’s characters on HBO prestige soaps?
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14. I guess Caitlin Stark had pretty bad luck too, didn’t she?
15. Also, she definitely hooks up with that detective with the beard after this is all over?
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16. “The Undoing Part Two: The Back-Breaking” has a nice ring to it, right?
17. If dude was a big enough deal as an oncologist to get a New York magazine cover, wouldn’t getting fired for having an affair with the gorgeous young mom of one of his patients also be a story somewhere?
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18. At the very least, someone would have tweeted or something about it, right?
19. I guess what I’m getting at is that there’s no way in hell in the world we exist in—even the ceiling-less subworld that they exist in—that she doesn’t know he was fired.
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20. So between this thing and the “I’ve never heard of the ocean before” thing, is the takeaway here that the wich are just really dumb?


theroot--2020-12-07--And For His Next Trick, Floyd Mayweather Is Going to Beat Logan Paul's Ass

On Friday , to the surprise of many , singer Teyana Taylor announced her retirement from the music industry .
Citing her desire to no longer be at the beck and call of a record label that has continuously undervalued her otherworldly talents , The Album songstress has opted to abandon music and instead prioritize her mental health .
“ The crazy part about it is I asked Def Jam to drop me on almost 10 different occasions , ” Taylor explained to her fans on Instagram Live .
“ Straight to their face , up in the building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yo , just drop me .
Because at this point , I can ’ t let this kill me.
” Taylor wouldn ’ t be the first entertainer to announce her retirement .
Jay-Z issued similar threats in a past life , as did Kid Cudi back in 2009 , Master P in 1998 , and 50 Cent in 2007 .
To the surprise of no one , each went on to rise like the p hoenix and continue to release music—as have just about every other artist who ’ s prematurely “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that we don ’ t believe Taylor is frustrated with the music industry , but “ retirements ” have a tendency to fall into one of two categories : Either they ’ re a publicity stunt or a means to establish more favorable terms in order to continue pursuing their passions .
To that end , on August 26 , 2017 , Floyd Mayweather called it a career—for the third time—after collecting nearly $ 300 million dollars to beat the brakes off of some obnoxious asshole named Conor McGregor , which admittedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t exactly the paragon of virtue himself .
In the process , he would leave the sport with a perfect 50-0 boxing record at 40 years old , and presumably spend the rest of his days beefing with 50 Cent ( isn ’ t he supposed to be retired too ? )
and flaunting his immense wealth on Instagram .
But a funny thing happened along the way : Much like Kid Cudi , Jay-Z , and Teyana Taylor ( I don ’ t believe for a second that we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the five-division champ can ’ t keep his hands out of the cookie jar .
In 2018 , he got paid $ 9 million to obliterate some poor unfortunate soul in an exhibition match that more closely resembled “ a carnival act ” —the “ fight ” lasted a grand total of 139 seconds—and for his next trick , he ’ ll be avenging the untimely demise of Nate Robinson by beating the shit out of YouTube demigod Logan Paul .
To the untrained eye , most will mistake Paul for the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the afterlife .
But nope !
That was his brother Jake , who should be facing 20 years in prison for the hate crime he committed against Robinson ’ s dignity .
In the immediate aftermath , Mayweather took to Instagram to congratulate Robinson for even stepping in the ring , but also issued what some might interpret as a whole-ass threat : “ Nate , I ’ m proud of you and I will always stand behind all my brothers.
” Translation : “ You fuck with my brothers , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this official announcement : While details are scarce at the moment—neither a weight class nor location has been revealed—I can confirm that not only will the pay-per-view bout go down on Feb. 20 , but there ’ s a very real possibility that Paul will get decapitated on live television .
Because unlike Robinson , whose penchant for ignoring defense in the NBA has apparently continued on as a boxer , Mayweather is a whole-ass professional fighter—arguably the greatest to ever live .
And if revenge is a dish best served cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a microwave .
Or just do this : For more info on the fight , hit up FanMio .

On Friday, to the surprise of many, singer Teyana Taylor announced her retirement from the music industry. Citing her desire to no longer be at the beck and call of a record label that has continuously undervalued her otherworldly talents, The Album songstress has opted to abandon music and instead prioritize her mental health.
“The crazy part about it is I asked Def Jam to drop me on almost 10 different occasions,” Taylor explained to her fans on Instagram Live. “Straight to their face, up in the building, at the table. Like, ‘Yo, just drop me. Because at this point, I can’t let this kill me.”
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Taylor wouldn’t be the first entertainer to announce her retirement. Jay-Z issued similar threats in a past life, as did Kid Cudi back in 2009, Master P in 1998, and 50 Cent in 2007. To the surprise of no one, each went on to rise like the p hoenix and continue to release music—as have just about every other artist who’s prematurely “retired.” That’s not to say that we don’t believe Taylor is frustrated with the music industry, but “retirements” have a tendency to fall into one of two categories: Either they’re a publicity stunt or a means to establish more favorable terms in order to continue pursuing their passions.
To that end, on August 26, 2017, Floyd Mayweather called it a career—for the third time—after collecting nearly $300 million dollars to beat the brakes off of some obnoxious asshole named Conor McGregor, which admittedly felt a bit weird considering Mayweather isn’t exactly the paragon of virtue himself. In the process, he would leave the sport with a perfect 50-0 boxing record at 40 years old, and presumably spend the rest of his days beefing with 50 Cent (isn’t he supposed to be retired too?) and flaunting his immense wealth on Instagram.
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But a funny thing happened along the way: Much like Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, and Teyana Taylor (I don’t believe for a second that we’ve heard the last from her), the five-division champ can’t keep his hands out of the cookie jar.
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In 2018, he got paid $9 million to obliterate some poor unfortunate soul in an exhibition match that more closely resembled “a carnival act”—the “fight” lasted a grand total of 139 seconds—and for his next trick, he’ll be avenging the untimely demise of Nate Robinson by beating the shit out of YouTube demigod Logan Paul.
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To the untrained eye, most will mistake Paul for the same dude who sent Robinson’s jaw to the afterlife. But nope! That was his brother Jake, who should be facing 20 years in prison for the hate crime he committed against Robinson’s dignity.
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In the immediate aftermath, Mayweather took to Instagram to congratulate Robinson for even stepping in the ring, but also issued what some might interpret as a whole-ass threat: “Nate, I’m proud of you and I will always stand behind all my brothers.”
Translation: “You fuck with my brothers, I fuck with yours.”
Which brings us to this official announcement:
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While details are scarce at the moment—neither a weight class nor location has been revealed—I can confirm that not only will the pay-per-view bout go down on Feb. 20, but there’s a very real possibility that Paul will get decapitated on live television. Because unlike Robinson, whose penchant for ignoring defense in the NBA has apparently continued on as a boxer, Mayweather is a whole-ass professional fighter—arguably the greatest to ever live. And if revenge is a dish best served cold, Paul might want to invest in a microwave.
Or just do this:
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For more info on the fight, hit up FanMio.


theroot--2020-12-09--2 Virginia Police Officers Hit With Misdemeanor Charges Related to Conduct During George Floyd Prote

2 Virginia Police Officers Hit With Misdemeanor Charges Related to Conduct During George Floyd Protests

You don ’ t need me to tell you that cops absolutely showed their asses during the protests that initially arose from the death of George Floyd .
Surprisingly , two Virginia cops are actually facing charges as a result of their conduct during one of those protests .
According to ABC News , Richmond police detectives Mark Janowski and Christopher Brown have been hit with two more misdemeanor counts of assault and battery .
The two were previously charged with one count each back in October .
Richmond Commonwealth ’ s Attorney Colette McEachin confirmed the charges but declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 34-year old white man , has been with the department for six years while Brown , a 28-year-old Black man , has been there for five .
The weirdest part of this whole situation is that these dudes have gotten hit with three misdemeanor assault charges , but we have no idea what happened to warrant them .
The only real detail we have about the incident is that it happened on May 31 , on the second night of protests following George Floyd ’ s death .
Local authorities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which strikes me as strange .
These are public servants , no ?
So if they allegedly fuck up and potentially abuse their power against the public , shouldn ’ t the public know exactly what they did ?
It ’ s even more strange considering the fact these charges stem from a protest that was against the very thing these officers have been charged with .
Protesters in Richmond have expressed serious concerns over the way the police responded to the demonstrations .
In June , a police SUV was seen driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were blocking it ’ s path .
A month later , McEachin ’ s office cleared Richmond police of any wrongdoing stemming from both that incident , and another incident where a cop allegedly spit on a protester .
The fact we saw a police car drive through a crowd and they didn ’ t get charged , while these two got hit with multiple charges , and we still don ’ t know what they did makes me incredibly curious about the severity of the incident .

You don’t need me to tell you that cops absolutely showed their asses during the protests that initially arose from the death of George Floyd. Surprisingly, two Virginia cops are actually facing charges as a result of their conduct during one of those protests.
According to ABC News, Richmond police detectives Mark Janowski and Christopher Brown have been hit with two more misdemeanor counts of assault and battery. The two were previously charged with one count each back in October. Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin confirmed the charges but declined to give any further details.
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Janowski, a 34-year old white man, has been with the department for six years while Brown, a 28-year-old Black man, has been there for five.
The weirdest part of this whole situation is that these dudes have gotten hit with three misdemeanor assault charges, but we have no idea what happened to warrant them. The only real detail we have about the incident is that it happened on May 31, on the second night of protests following George Floyd’s death. Local authorities have failed to provide any information beyond that which strikes me as strange.
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These are public servants, no? So if they allegedly fuck up and potentially abuse their power against the public, shouldn’t the public know exactly what they did?
It’s even more strange considering the fact these charges stem from a protest that was against the very thing these officers have been charged with. Protesters in Richmond have expressed serious concerns over the way the police responded to the demonstrations.
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In June, a police SUV was seen driving over a curb and hitting protesters who were blocking it’s path. A month later, McEachin’s office cleared Richmond police of any wrongdoing stemming from both that incident, and another incident where a cop allegedly spit on a protester.
The fact we saw a police car drive through a crowd and they didn’t get charged, while these two got hit with multiple charges, and we still don’t know what they did makes me incredibly curious about the severity of the incident.


theroot--2020-12-08--Black Mother Fatally Shot; White Man Confesses He Wanted to 'Teach Her a Lesson': Report

Last week , a white man admitted to fatally shooting a Black woman in an alley in Enid , Okla. , and told police he did it to “ teach her a lesson.
” An investigation into the shooting is still ongoing , but officials are confident that his arrest will bring “ closure ” to the woman ’ s family .
WFTV 9 reports that 30-year-old Shane Dale Perosi is accused of maliciously gunning down 27-year-old Martika Ferguson , and is charged with first-degree murder , possession of a firearm by a felon and destruction of evidence .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any information as to what led up to the shooting or what “ lesson ” Perosi felt was worth taking Ferguson ’ s life , but a statement was released saying that EPD officers “ responded to a report of a woman found lying in the north alleyway of the 700 block of West Nagel , ” and that “ the incident was initially report by residents of the neighborhood , who saw the woman lying in the alley before calling police.
” Last Wednesday , the EPD released another statement saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s SWAT team served a no-knock search ” at Perosi ’ s home and that evidence was found linking him to the killing .
Perosi also reportedly confessed to the shooting and expressed no remorse for what he ’ d done .
“ During an interview with Perosi , he confessed he shot and killed Ferguson , ” the statement continued .
“ Perosi said he ’ d done so to teach her a lesson .
During his booking at Garfield County Detention Facility , Perosi again reiterated he had murdered Ferguson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d done so .
The investigation of Ferguson ’ s murder is ongoing.
” The statement also praised investigators who the department said , “ brought closure to the victim ’ s family and have made our community safer with the arrest of their suspect.
” Before Perosi was identified and arrested , Ferguson ’ s mother , Effie Ferguson , told News 9 Oklahoma that her daughter has an 8-year-old son who is now grappling with the loss of his mother .
“ It was sad , but he knows he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Effie said .
She also told reporters that Ferguson “ got into a few scuffles here and there , ” but that “ she wasn ’ t bad enough to be shot.
” “ My first thought was are they going to come after us ?
” Ferguson said , News 9 reports .
“ Who all are they after ?
What could she have done that was so awful that they would just shoot her ?
She wasn ’ t an awful girl.
” According to WFTV , investigators have not determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting .

Last week, a white man admitted to fatally shooting a Black woman in an alley in Enid, Okla., and told police he did it to “teach her a lesson.” An investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, but officials are confident that his arrest will bring “closure” to the woman’s family.
WFTV 9 reports that 30-year-old Shane Dale Perosi is accused of maliciously gunning down 27-year-old Martika Ferguson, and is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and destruction of evidence.
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The Enid Police Department hasn’t released any information as to what led up to the shooting or what “lesson” Perosi felt was worth taking Ferguson’s life, but a statement was released saying that EPD officers “responded to a report of a woman found lying in the north alleyway of the 700 block of West Nagel,” and that “the incident was initially report by residents of the neighborhood, who saw the woman lying in the alley before calling police.”
Last Wednesday, the EPD released another statement saying that “officers and members of the department’s SWAT team served a no-knock search” at Perosi’s home and that evidence was found linking him to the killing. Perosi also reportedly confessed to the shooting and expressed no remorse for what he’d done.
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“During an interview with Perosi, he confessed he shot and killed Ferguson,” the statement continued. “Perosi said he’d done so to teach her a lesson. During his booking at Garfield County Detention Facility, Perosi again reiterated he had murdered Ferguson and said he was glad he’d done so. The investigation of Ferguson’s murder is ongoing.”
The statement also praised investigators who the department said, “brought closure to the victim’s family and have made our community safer with the arrest of their suspect.”
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Before Perosi was identified and arrested, Ferguson’s mother, Effie Ferguson, told News 9 Oklahoma that her daughter has an 8-year-old son who is now grappling with the loss of his mother.
“It was sad, but he knows he’s got me and papa,” Effie said.
She also told reporters that Ferguson “got into a few scuffles here and there,” but that “she wasn’t bad enough to be shot.”
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“My first thought was are they going to come after us?” Ferguson said, News 9 reports. “Who all are they after? What could she have done that was so awful that they would just shoot her? She wasn’t an awful girl.”
According to WFTV, investigators have not determined whether race played a part in the shooting.


theroot--2020-12-08--Georgia Just Can’t Quit Trying to Suppress the Vote, Reduces Early Voting Locations by Half in 3rd L

Georgia Just Can’t Quit Trying to Suppress the Vote, Reduces Early Voting Locations by Half in 3rd Largest County

Georgia Republicans can ’ t help but be Georgia Republicans , and in what is totally not voter suppression , the third largest county in the state announced plans to significantly reduce early voting locations for the upcoming Senate runoff election .
According to the New York Times , election officials in Georgia ’ s Cobb County have announced plans to substantially reduce the number of early voting locations from 11 in the general election to just five for the runoff .
Cobb County is Georgia ’ s third largest county and swung in the favor of the Democrats during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was not our desire to reduce the number of early voting locations for the runoff , but unfortunately it became a necessity , ” Janine Eveler , the Cobb County director of elections , said in a statement .
Eveler cites staffing shortages as the reason for the reduced locations .
“ We are at the end of the election cycle and many are tired or just unwilling to work so hard , especially during this time of year , ” Eveler added .
While advocacy groups such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NAACP have offered to help recruit staffers for the upcoming runoff , Eveler said there isn ’ t enough time to fully train any new recruits .
Local Democratic leaders in the state can ’ t help but see partisan politics at play and it ’ s not like they don ’ t have a good reason .
Georgia Republicans have an extensive history of suppressing the vote ; it ’ s the whole reason Stacey Abrams formed Fair Fight .
The fact that these closures are in predominantly Democratic-leaning areas only makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is the stated reason that we ’ ve been given why they ’ re doing it , which is the lack or inability to find staff to work , but then there ’ s also the perceived action of having 10 polling locations open to early voting in an area that didn ’ t fare well for the current majority parity , ” said Erick Allen , a Democratic state representative in Georgia .
“ The perception is that there is a fear that doing the same thing would have the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would be unfavorable to the majority party.
” An open letter from multiple organizations , including the ACLU and NAACP , implores election officials to keep these locations open .
There is significant concern that this move would unfairly suppress the Black and brown vote , as some of the locations being closed are in predominantly Black neighborhoods .
“ Georgia ’ s Black and Latinx residents are more likely to live in poverty than other residents and will have more difficulty traveling long distances to access advance voting locations , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cobb County , ” the letter stated .
“ As a result , the elimination of advance voting locations will discourage or prevent many of Cobb County ’ s Black and Latinx voters from participating in the runoff election.
” Unfortunately , stopping Black people from voting seems to be the M.O.
, of the Republican P arty .
Early voting begins on Dec.14 in the state , with the runoff election being held on Jan. 5 .
The election will see Rev .
Raphael Warnock ( D ) going up against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jon Ossoff ( D ) against Sen. David Perdue ( R ) .
The outcome will determine which party gets control of the Senate .
Should both Warnock and Ossoff win their races , there will be a 50-50 split in the Senate , with Vice President-e lect Kamala Harris becoming the tie-breaker vote , giving Democrats control of the chamber .

Georgia Republicans can’t help but be Georgia Republicans, and in what is totally not voter suppression, the third largest county in the state announced plans to significantly reduce early voting locations for the upcoming Senate runoff election.
According to the New York Times, election officials in Georgia’s Cobb County have announced plans to substantially reduce the number of early voting locations from 11 in the general election to just five for the runoff. Cobb County is Georgia’s third largest county and swung in the favor of the Democrats during both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
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“It was not our desire to reduce the number of early voting locations for the runoff, but unfortunately it became a necessity,” Janine Eveler, the Cobb County director of elections, said in a statement. Eveler cites staffing shortages as the reason for the reduced locations. “We are at the end of the election cycle and many are tired or just unwilling to work so hard, especially during this time of year,” Eveler added.
While advocacy groups such as the Stacey Abrams-led Fair Fight Action and the NAACP have offered to help recruit staffers for the upcoming runoff, Eveler said there isn’t enough time to fully train any new recruits.
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Local Democratic leaders in the state can’t help but see partisan politics at play and it’s not like they don’t have a good reason. Georgia Republicans have an extensive history of suppressing the vote; it’s the whole reason Stacey Abrams formed Fair Fight. The fact that these closures are in predominantly Democratic-leaning areas only makes the move look more sus.
“There is the stated reason that we’ve been given why they’re doing it, which is the lack or inability to find staff to work, but then there’s also the perceived action of having 10 polling locations open to early voting in an area that didn’t fare well for the current majority parity,” said Erick Allen, a Democratic state representative in Georgia. “The perception is that there is a fear that doing the same thing would have the same result or contribute to the same result that would be unfavorable to the majority party.”
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An open letter from multiple organizations, including the ACLU and NAACP, implores election officials to keep these locations open. There is significant concern that this move would unfairly suppress the Black and brown vote, as some of the locations being closed are in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
“Georgia’s Black and Latinx residents are more likely to live in poverty than other residents and will have more difficulty traveling long distances to access advance voting locations, especially because of the limited public transportation options in Cobb County,” the letter stated. “As a result, the elimination of advance voting locations will discourage or prevent many of Cobb County’s Black and Latinx voters from participating in the runoff election.”
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Unfortunately, stopping Black people from voting seems to be the M.O., of the Republican P arty.
Early voting begins on Dec.14 in the state, with the runoff election being held on Jan. 5. The election will see Rev. Raphael Warnock (D) going up against Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R), and Jon Ossoff (D) against Sen. David Perdue (R). The outcome will determine which party gets control of the Senate. Should both Warnock and Ossoff win their races, there will be a 50-50 split in the Senate, with Vice President-e lect Kamala Harris becoming the tie-breaker vote, giving Democrats control of the chamber.