theroot--2020-12-17--Black Man Sues Kansas Sheriff's Deputy for Allegedly Running Over Him With a Patrol Truck

It sounds like something from a nightmare , but it ’ s what 35-year-old Lionel Womack is alleging he experienced in real life—a cop in Kansas deliberately driving a patrol truck over his body while chasing him through an open field .
Womack , who used to be a former police officer , was pulled over during a late-night traffic stop this summer by deputies from Kiowa County and Pratt County in Kansas , according to a federal lawsuit filed he filed on Thursday , which AP first reported .
He accuses the deputies of using excessive force and being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Womack said he attempted to escape the officers in a “ flight or fight ’ ’ moment because he was surrounded by multiple patrol vehicles and felt in danger .
He ended up leaving his car and running away from the deputies on foot , and that ’ s when he says that a specific officer—Sheriff ’ s Deputy Jeremy Rodriguez—purposely ran over him with a truck .
AP obtained video of the encounter , which serves as a key piece of evidence in Womack ’ s lawsuit .
The dashcam footage from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vehicle shows Rodriguez using his patrol truck to catch up to Womack , who was unarmed .
Rodriguez swerves his truck to hit Womack , knocking him to the ground and running over him .
Womack rolls out from under the truck , his arms and legs flailing on the ground as someone on the video shouts , “ lie down , lie down.
” A deputy in the second patrol truck can be heard uttering an expletive as he watches what is happening .
Womack alleges in his lawsuit that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pelvis and thigh as well as to his right knee , ankle and foot .
“ I never imagined that I would someday be the victim of excessive force by a fellow law enforcement officer , ” Womack told the AP in a statement in which he added that he still believes in a “ blue brotherhood.
” It ’ s a stance I find pretty stunning in light of what sounds like an incredibly harrowing experience .
Womack ’ s attorney has also reportedly accused the Kiowa County ’ s Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the deputy who ran his client over .
The sheriff ’ s office has made no public statement on the case .
Meanwhile , Womack is currently in jail on charges that relate to another incident with law enforcement in Oklahoma , said his wife ( who is also a police officer ) .
Since the 2017 Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville , Va. , when James Field Jr. , a white supremacist , drove into a group of peaceful protestors with his car and killed 32-year-old Heather Heyer and left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people using their cars to mow down other human beings have been on the rise .
During this year ’ s protests against racial justice , counter-protestors and even police were also seen speeding up their vehicles and driving into crowds of people .

It sounds like something from a nightmare, but it’s what 35-year-old Lionel Womack is alleging he experienced in real life—a cop in Kansas deliberately driving a patrol truck over his body while chasing him through an open field.
Womack, who used to be a former police officer, was pulled over during a late-night traffic stop this summer by deputies from Kiowa County and Pratt County in Kansas, according to a federal lawsuit filed he filed on Thursday, which AP first reported. He accuses the deputies of using excessive force and being callously indifferent to his civil rights.
Advertisement
Womack said he attempted to escape the officers in a “flight or fight’’ moment because he was surrounded by multiple patrol vehicles and felt in danger. He ended up leaving his car and running away from the deputies on foot, and that’s when he says that a specific officer—Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Rodriguez—purposely ran over him with a truck. AP obtained video of the encounter, which serves as a key piece of evidence in Womack’s lawsuit.
From the AP:
The dashcam footage from a Pratt County sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle shows Rodriguez using his patrol truck to catch up to Womack, who was unarmed. Rodriguez swerves his truck to hit Womack, knocking him to the ground and running over him. Womack rolls out from under the truck, his arms and legs flailing on the ground as someone on the video shouts, “lie down, lie down.” A deputy in the second patrol truck can be heard uttering an expletive as he watches what is happening. Womack alleges in his lawsuit that he sustained serious injuries to his back, pelvis and thigh as well as to his right knee, ankle and foot.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I never imagined that I would someday be the victim of excessive force by a fellow law enforcement officer,” Womack told the AP, in a statement in which he added that he still believes in a “blue brotherhood.”
It’s a stance I find pretty stunning in light of what sounds like an incredibly harrowing and dehumanizing experience. Womack’s attorne y has also reportedly accused the Kiowa County’s Sheriff of trying to cover up the behavior of the deputy who ran his client over.
Advertisement
The sheriff’s office has made no public statement on the case. Meanwhile, Womack is currently in jail on charges that relate to another incident with law enforcement in Oklahoma, said his wife (who is also a police officer).
Since the 2017 Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Va., when James Field Jr., a white supremacist, drove into a group of peaceful protestors with his car and killed 32-year-old Heather Heyer and left numerous others injured, more incidents of people using their cars to mow down other human beings have been on the rise. During this year’s protests against racial justice, counter-protestors and even police were also seen speeding up their vehicles and driving into crowds of people.


theroot--2020-12-17--The 10 Best Deals of December 17, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 17, 2020

It ’ s December 17 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Maximize your storage capacity with the SanDisk 512GB Ultra microSDXC .
Optimize your smile with the Nuoavawhite complete home whitening system .
And finally , get that perfect brew of a single serving of coffee with the Keurig K-Select coffee maker .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Thursday ’ s best deals overall .
I can ’ t think of any computer accessory that ’ s gotten more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the webcam .
From Zoom meetings to digital concerts to online comic conventions to just Skyping with your family , the webcam kept us connected in a very disjointed world .
A solution is on the horizon for the pandemic but we are still social distancing and should be now more than ever .
If you need to upgrade your system or even just finally grab a cam this is a great deal from a very reliable company .
From now until December 19 save 46 % on Aukey ’ s FHD Webcam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presents everything in high-def for crisp clear pictures with built-in stereo microphones .
The 1080p streaming makes this perfect for YouTube live or even Twitch feeds .
This works well in low light too if that your preferred setup .
Stereo sound allows everything to be heard fully and clearly .
It ’ s easy to install and clips right onto a flat-screen or laptop .
Just plug into your device ’ s USB port and you ’ re good to go .
Don ’ t worry you ’ ll get a manual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck or something goes wrong .
But given how dependable Aukey products are we don ’ t expect the latter .
Free shipping on this order for Prime members .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Designed with the outdoors person in mind , Jaybird prides itself in its creation of weatherproof , truly wireless alternatives to Apple ’ s AirPods and AirPods Pro , Sony ’ s WF-1000XM3 , and Bose ’ s QuietComfort earbuds .
Whether you ’ re stuck in a snowstorm as I am here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dunes of the UAE halfway around the world , the $ 150 Jaybird Earthproof ‘ phones are MIL-STD 810G-certified to not only ensure water and sweat resistance but can also handle exposure to all sorts of chaotic environments , including those rife with tropical humidity , hurricane-force water , and yes , desert sandstorms .
The more substantially marked down Jaybird Tarah Pro , on the other hand , do not guarantee military-grade protection , but they can endure a little water and sweat .
And while they ’ re not “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with any of your devices that support Bluetooth , wirelessly despite being tethered to one another by a soft fabric cable .
Plus , the battery life is much longer than the 6- to 10-hour ceiling offered by the Earthproof buds ( 10 hours with the case and 6 without ) .
Both headphone models are compatible with the Jaybird app , where you can personalize EQ settings , listen to music from your Spotify account , and check out playlists and podcasts recommended by other Jaybird users .
This deal was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire HD family is getting some love right now , with all tablets across the line discounted for the holidays .
The sweet spot is arguably the Amazon Fire HD 8 w/ offers , with the discount bringing your final total down to $ 65 .
Upgrade to a 64GB model for just $ 30 more .
This 8 '' tablet plays games , feeds you videos , puts words on the screen , and sends sweet music through your ears .
Plus , you ’ ll always find more to do in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be as robust or powerful as an iPad , but for $ 65 , it ’ s perfectly priced as a gift for someone who could use a portable screen .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
As every year passes , memory cards become more expansive yet cheaper , and that ’ s further shown here with this amazing microSD card bargain .
This SanDisk 512GB Ultra microSDXC card can be slotted into a Nintendo Switch , camera , or smartphone that supports this memory type , and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and games as the memory card can handle .
It ’ s $ 120 off the list price right now for a sizable chunk of storage .
If that ’ s more than you need , Amazon also has a 256GB version for just $ 27 .
This deal was originally published by Daryl Baxter .
Microsoft loves to run crazy deals on Xbox Game Pass , allowing new subscribers to get a few months for $ 1 .
Unfortunately , current subscribers are left out in the cold during those deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal current subscribers can use .
Best Buy is selling three months of Xbox Game Pass for PC for $ 20 .
That ’ ll save subscribers a bit of money on their next few months .
The deal is pretty well-timed considering that Among Us was just added to the service this week .
Here ’ s another recommendation though : check out Monster Train .
The deck-building game takes the basic idea of Slay the Spire and adds in a a tower defense component and a dash of Magic the Gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s best hidden gems , so don ’ t miss out on it .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
There were so many games in 2020 that I don ’ t blame you if you forgot about some of the more niche ones .
Dragon Ball Z : Kakarot ?
Serious Sam 4 ?
Hyper Scape ?
It ’ s hard to keep track of everything .
But one game you probably shouldn ’ t forget is Deadly Premonition 2 : A Blessing In Disguise .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game about an FBI agent investigating a mystery is good .
It ’ s that it ’ s weird .
We ’ re talking like The Room weird , where the line between good and bad starts to blur .
It ’ s an experience , even if it ’ s not going to change your world .
If you ’ re curious , Amazon currently has the game on sale for $ 43 , so check it out if you dare .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing bright red lipstick to make your teeth look whiter .
This was a cheaper option than buying a usually very expensive whitening kit .
Well , today is your lucky day .
LED light and hydrogen peroxide have long been apart of this system and now it ’ s here just for you .
Save 94 % on one of MorningSave ’ s best selling items .
This kit from Nuoavawhite has been clinically proven to not only get those chompers back to pearly white but restore and strengthen your enamel too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the comfort of your home , and let ’ s be honest most of us are probably still happy to be there .
That ’ s a heck of a self-care night .
This kit comes with the whitening syringes filled with professional-grade hydrogen peroxide whitening gel , easy to mold trays , and blue LED accelerator lights .
The best part is you ’ ll get up to twenty-five treatments out of just one kit .
Some very happy customers have mentioned seeing vast results after just one treatment .
This deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up your day now .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , it ’ s a flat rate of $ 8 .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Everybody poops as we ’ ve been told so no one should ever feel bad but alleviating some of the aftermath is not only pleasant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cohabitate .
Poo-Pourri has been on the market for a few years and is an extremely charming solution to a common life issue .
Today take 55 % off this yuletide selection of the Toilet Spray .
There are four 2 ounce bottles in this pack and just in time for the festive season .
I got a sample box when they first emerged and I can say this stuff actually works .
The floral scents are obviously more traditional and among the company ’ s best-sellers .
So if you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirited this December you can pick from Secret Santa , Merry Spritzmas , Heaven Scent , and Lavender Vanilla .
Just spray the bowl before you get down to business and never worry again .
We actually have one of these upstairs in case either of the dogs have an accident and I can tell you it 100 % masks the doggie doo in no time .
Poo-Pourri doesn ’ t discriminate against excrement and works for everyone .
These come in little gift bags so they ’ ll make great gag gifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve read a few of our pieces on SideDealbefore and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , use the code KINJAFS at checkout for free shipping today only .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
If you still haven ’ t gotten on the Keurig single cup coffee maker , now ’ s your chance .
At $ 60 , this device is about 45 % off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can buy tasty K-cups or even buy your own filters and brew some of your specialty ground coffee beans , the choice is up to you .
Of course , you can choose the intensity of the coffee and can pick from 4- , 8- , 10- , and 12-ounce cups .
This is a great deal , and I would hop on it before it ’ s gone !
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
I ’ m becoming a big fan of these novelty marital aids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this one really gets the job done but it ’ s stupid cute .
The Satisfyer Pro Penguin is back in stock at Ella Paradis so they took 41 % off for the holidays .
To celebrate spend this cold day snowed-in with something that knows how to handle it all and you .
Let this adorable little vibe warm you up .
The Satisfyer collection across the board is incredibly elite especially their clitoral stimulators .
I was married to their Pro 2 for most of the lockdown .
The Pro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dressed-up version , literally .
It ’ s sweet , petite , and in that classic tux complete with a bowtie .
Each of these has a lot of power for their size and are relatively quiet too , which is surprising given said power .
There are eleven intensity settings if needed but in all honesty , you ’ re satisfied so quick you rarely need to take it ... all the way to eleven .
They live up to the name for sure .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah @ @

Juliana Clark on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Thursday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s December 17, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Maximize your storage capacity with the SanDisk 512GB Ultra microSDXC. Optimize your smile with the Nuoavawhite complete home whitening system. And finally, get that perfect brew of a single serving of coffee with the Keurig K-Select coffee maker.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Thursday’s best deals overall.
#1: Aukey 1080p webcam
I can’t think of any computer accessory that’s gotten more of a workout in recent history than the webcam. From Zoom meetings to digital concerts to online comic conventions to just Skyping with your family, the webcam kept us connected in a very disjointed world. A solution is on the horizon for the pandemic but we are still social distancing and should be now more than ever. If you need to upgrade your system or even just finally grab a cam this is a great deal from a very reliable company. From now until December 19 save 46% on Aukey’s FHD Webcam with the code QHX7A7H5.
This webcam presents everything in high-def for crisp clear pictures with built-in stereo microphones. The 1080p streaming makes this perfect for YouTube live or even Twitch feeds. This works well in low light too if that your preferred setup. Stereo sound allows everything to be heard fully and clearly. It’s easy to install and clips right onto a flat-screen or laptop. Just plug into your device’s USB port and you’re good to go. Don’t worry you’ll get a manual and a warranty in case you get stuck or something goes wrong. But given how dependable Aukey products are we don’t expect the latter.
Free shipping on this order for Prime members.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#2: Jaybird headphones
Designed with the outdoors person in mind, Jaybird prides itself in its creation of weatherproof, truly wireless alternatives to Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro, Sony’s WF-1000XM3, and Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds. Whether you’re stuck in a snowstorm as I am here in New York or a desert sandstorm in the dunes of the UAE halfway around the world, the $150 Jaybird Earthproof ‘phones are MIL-STD 810G-certified to not only ensure water and sweat resistance but can also handle exposure to all sorts of chaotic environments, including those rife with tropical humidity, hurricane-force water, and yes, desert sandstorms.
The more substantially marked down Jaybird Tarah Pro, on the other hand, do not guarantee military-grade protection, but they can endure a little water and sweat. And while they’re not “true” wireless, they will pair with any of your devices that support Bluetooth, wirelessly despite being tethered to one another by a soft fabric cable. Plus, the battery life is much longer than the 6- to 10-hour ceiling offered by the Earthproof buds (10 hours with the case and 6 without). Both headphone models are compatible with the Jaybird app, where you can personalize EQ settings, listen to music from your Spotify account, and check out playlists and podcasts recommended by other Jaybird users.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#3: Amazon fire hd 8 tablet
The Amazon Fire HD family is getting some love right now, with all tablets across the line discounted for the holidays. The sweet spot is arguably the Amazon Fire HD 8 w/ offers, with the discount bringing your final total down to $65. Upgrade to a 64GB model for just $30 more.
This 8" tablet plays games, feeds you videos, puts words on the screen, and sends sweet music through your ears. Plus, you’ll always find more to do in the Amazon Appstore. It might not be as robust or powerful as an iPad, but for $65, it’s perfectly priced as a gift for someone who could use a portable screen.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#4: SanDisk 512gb MicroSD card
As every year passes, memory cards become more expansive yet cheaper, and that’s further shown here with this amazing microSD card bargain. This SanDisk 512GB Ultra microSDXC card can be slotted into a Nintendo Switch, camera, or smartphone that supports this memory type, and you can store as many videos, photos, and games as the memory card can handle.
It’s $120 off the list price right now for a sizable chunk of storage. If that’s more than you need, Amazon also has a 256GB version for just $27.
This deal was originally published by Daryl Baxter.
#5: xbox game pass
Microsoft loves to run crazy deals on Xbox Game Pass, allowing new subscribers to get a few months for $1. Unfortunately, current subscribers are left out in the cold during those deals. Fortunately, here’s a deal current subscribers can use. Best Buy is selling three months of Xbox Game Pass for PC for $20. That’ll save subscribers a bit of money on their next few months. The deal is pretty well-timed considering that Among Us was just added to the service this week. Here’s another recommendation though: check out Monster Train. The deck-building game takes the basic idea of Slay the Spire and adds in a a tower defense component and a dash of Magic the Gathering. It’s one of this year’s best hidden gems, so don’t miss out on it.
Save $5 3 Months of Xbox Game Pass for PC Games on games on games
Play video games from an ever expanding catalog of first and third party Xbox titles for PC. Buy for $25 at Newegg Use the promo code EMC2AAZ2847
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#6: Deadly premonition 2
There were so many games in 2020 that I don’t blame you if you forgot about some of the more niche ones. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot? Serious Sam 4? Hyper Scape? It’s hard to keep track of everything. But one game you probably shouldn’t forget is Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing In Disguise. It’s not that the survival horror game about an FBI agent investigating a mystery is good. It’s that it’s weird. We’re talking like The Room weird, where the line between good and bad starts to blur. It’s an experience, even if it’s not going to change your world. If you’re curious, Amazon currently has the game on sale for $43, so check it out if you dare.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#7: Nuoavawhite home whitening kit
There’s an old beauty trick of wearing bright red lipstick to make your teeth look whiter. This was a cheaper option than buying a usually very expensive whitening kit. Well, today is your lucky day. LED light and hydrogen peroxide have long been apart of this system and now it’s here just for you. Save 94% on one of MorningSave’s best selling items.
This kit from Nuoavawhite has been clinically proven to not only get those chompers back to pearly white but restore and strengthen your enamel too. This is professional-level whitening done in the comfort of your home, and let’s be honest most of us are probably still happy to be there. That’s a heck of a self-care night. This kit comes with the whitening syringes filled with professional-grade hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, easy to mold trays, and blue LED accelerator lights. The best part is you’ll get up to twenty-five treatments out of just one kit. Some very happy customers have mentioned seeing vast results after just one treatment. This deal won’t last long so brighten up your day now.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#8: poo-pouri toilet spray
Everybody poops as we’ve been told so no one should ever feel bad but alleviating some of the aftermath is not only pleasant for you but super thoughtful if you cohabitate. Poo-Pourri has been on the market for a few years and is an extremely charming solution to a common life issue. Today take 55% off this yuletide selection of the Toilet Spray.
There are four 2 ounce bottles in this pack and just in time for the festive season. I got a sample box when they first emerged and I can say this stuff actually works. The floral scents are obviously more traditional and among the company’s best-sellers. So if you’re looking to make your powder room more spirited this December you can pick from Secret Santa, Merry Spritzmas, Heaven Scent, and Lavender Vanilla. Just spray the bowl before you get down to business and never worry again. We actually have one of these upstairs in case either of the dogs have an accident and I can tell you it 100% masks the doggie doo in no time. Poo-Pourri doesn’t discriminate against excrement and works for everyone. These come in little gift bags so they’ll make great gag gifts or stocking stuffers.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on SideDealbefore and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, use the code KINJAFS at checkout for free shipping today only.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#9: keurig k-select coffee maker
If you still haven’t gotten on the Keurig single cup coffee maker, now’s your chance. At $60, this device is about 45% off the original list price of $130. You can buy tasty K-cups or even buy your own filters and brew some of your specialty ground coffee beans, the choice is up to you. Of course, you can choose the intensity of the coffee and can pick from 4-, 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce cups. This is a great deal, and I would hop on it before it’s gone!
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#10: satisfyer pro penguin
I’m becoming a big fan of these novelty marital aids. Yes, these are completely functional and this one really gets the job done but it’s stupid cute. The Satisfyer Pro Penguin is back in stock at Ella Paradis so they took 41% off for the holidays. To celebrate spend this cold day snowed-in with something that knows how to handle it all and you. Let this adorable little vibe warm you up.
The Satisfyer collection across the board is incredibly elite especially their clitoral stimulators. I was married to their Pro 2 for most of the lockdown. The Pro Penguin is basically the same except a dressed-up version, literally. It’s sweet, petite, and in that classic tux complete with a bowtie. Each of these has a lot of power for their size and are relatively quiet too, which is surprising given said power. There are eleven intensity settings if needed but in all honesty, you’re satisfied so quick you rarely need to take it...all the way to eleven. They live up to the name for sure.
Free shipping on all orders.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.


theroot--2020-12-17--How Many Prints Does It Take to Slay Like the Queen Bee? The PrettyLittleThing x Lil’ Kim Collab Mig

How Many Prints Does It Take to Slay Like the Queen Bee? The PrettyLittleThing x Lil’ Kim Collab Might Hold the Answer

If there was ever a collection that made me want to hop in my whip and head to the nearest club or poppin ’ post-pandemic function simply to stunt in my ‘ fit , it ’ s this latest one from Lil ’ Kim and PrettyLittleThing .
The line features a myriad of sexy ensembles ranging from red , baby pink and brown snakeskin print pieces to the more simplified albeit still sultry black vinyl , mesh and sparkly ‘ fits .
( But really , if it ’ s black vinyl and sparkly , can it really be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the collection via PLT : Legendary rapper and undisputed Queen of the 90 ’ s hip hop scene , Lil Kim , just dropped the ultimate collection of clothing as fierce as her rhymes .
With a signature sound and style that undoubtedly transformed the rap scene , our girl Lil Kim paved the way for the female rappers of today .
This Brooklyn babe has released a collection of next level party looks that are bold , badass and unapologetically out-there .
Unleash your animal instinct through print , serve them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fits and continue her love affair with faux fur with statement outerwear pieces .
This category is iconic doll , so look no further and get adding to your basket .
OK , OK , but before you do that—let ’ s take a look at a few of my personal favorite lewks to help guide you in your decision-making .
First up , the Red Snake High Neck Crop Top and matching Maxi Skirt .
Now this look is fierce , with a capital F. Kimberly is serving nothing but body ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and face .
But the key things here for me are the slight shoulder pads in the crop top and hella deep thigh slit in the maxi skirt .
Between you and me , I live for a good thigh meat moment and this is absolutely giving it .
Of course , you have to buy both top and the skirt separately because hardly anyone ’ s giving you a full ‘ fit for one price anymore .
Tuh , the nerve .
Moving onto this lil ’ baby pink beauty , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve always wanted to be the type of woman who could pull out a jumpsuit for almost any occasion ( issa whole outfit in one , who doesn ’ t love that ? )
But while this baby pink piece definitely gives me “ out and about—but make it fast fashion , ” I ’ m not too sure I could pull this off at a more upscale event .
I love to be proven wrong though , so maybe , just maybe I ’ ll test the waters for myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Rona lets up .
Actually , on second thought , I probably won ’ t be trying to go to anybody ’ s event any time soon thanks to PPSDD ( that ’ s post-pandemic-social-distancing-disorder ) so I ’ ma let y ’ all have it .
Last but not least , enter the Black Diamante Mesh Bodycon Dress , complete with a matching mask .
I ’ m not gon ’ lie to you , this ‘ fit is hella bomb .
The sparkles , the diamante , the mask—so apropos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure what kind of protection that mask is going to give with it being you know , mesh and all , but hey !
It ’ s doing what it set out to do and that is give a whole bedazzled lewk that barely leaves anything to the imagination but will look sexy AF on the ‘ Gram .
It ’ s also arguably the most Queen Bee outfit of the entire collection so I ’ d say overall , it works .
To view the entire collection , head on over to @ @

Shanelle Genai on The Glow Up, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

If there was ever a collection that made me want to hop in my whip and head to the nearest club or poppin’ post-pandemic function simply to stunt in my ‘fit, it’s this latest one from Lil’ Kim and PrettyLittleThing.
The line features a myriad of sexy ensembles ranging from red, baby pink and brown snakeskin print pieces to the more simplified albeit still sultry black vinyl, mesh and sparkly ‘fits. (But really, if it’s black vinyl and sparkly, can it really be considered simple? Probably not.) More on the collection via PLT:
Legendary rapper and undisputed Queen of the 90’s hip hop scene, Lil Kim, just dropped the ultimate collection of clothing as fierce as her rhymes. With a signature sound and style that undoubtedly transformed the rap scene, our girl Lil Kim paved the way for the female rappers of today. This Brooklyn babe has released a collection of next level party looks that are bold, badass and unapologetically out-there. Unleash your animal instinct through print, serve them nothing but body in curve clinging ‘fits and continue her love affair with faux fur with statement outerwear pieces. This category is iconic doll, so look no further and get adding to your basket.
Advertisement
OK, OK, but before you do that—let’s take a look at a few of my personal favorite lewks to help guide you in your decision-making. First up, the Red Snake High Neck Crop Top and matching Maxi Skirt.
Advertisement Advertisement
Now this look is fierce, with a capital F. Kimberly is serving nothing but body (ody-ody, if I may add) and face. But the key things here for me are the slight shoulder pads in the crop top and hella deep thigh slit in the maxi skirt. Between you and me, I live for a good thigh meat moment and this is absolutely giving it. Of course, you have to buy both top and the skirt separately because hardly anyone’s giving you a full ‘fit for one price anymore. Tuh, the nerve.
Moving onto this lil’ baby pink beauty, the Baby Pink Snake Mesh Jumpsuit.
Advertisement
Now I’ve always wanted to be the type of woman who could pull out a jumpsuit for almost any occasion (issa whole outfit in one, who doesn’t love that?) But while this baby pink piece definitely gives me “out and about—but make it fast fashion,” I’m not too sure I could pull this off at a more upscale event. I love to be proven wrong though, so maybe, just maybe I’ll test the waters for myself and report back my findings once the ‘Rona lets up. Actually, on second thought, I probably won’t be trying to go to anybody’s event any time soon thanks to PPSDD (that’s post-pandemic-social-distancing-disorder) so I’ma let y’all have it.
Last but not least, enter the Black Diamante Mesh Bodycon Dress, complete with a matching mask.
Advertisement
I’m not gon’ lie to you, this ‘fit is hella bomb. The sparkles, the diamante, the mask—so apropos. Now, I’m not sure what kind of protection that mask is going to give with it being you know, mesh and all, but hey! It’s doing what it set out to do and that is give a whole bedazzled lewk that barely leaves anything to the imagination but will look sexy AF on the ‘Gram. It’s also arguably the most Queen Bee outfit of the entire collection so I’d say overall, it works.
Advertisement
To view the entire collection, head on over to prettylittlething.us.


theroot--2020-12-17--Wyoming Congressman Apologizes for Tweeting ‘Where the White Women At’ GIF to State’s First Black Sh

Wyoming Congressman Apologizes for Tweeting ‘Where the White Women At’ GIF to State’s First Black Sheriff

What I mean is that I hate the way white people frame their apologies after doing or saying something that was clearly racist and intentional .
It ’ s always different variations of : “ It was a stupid yet innocent mistake .
I didn ’ t mean it that way .
Everyone who knows me knows there isn ’ t a racist bone in my body.
” ( In my mind , there are millions of bigoted skeletons walking the Earth wondering why the rest of their body never wants to claim them .
They also keep calling me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Cyrus Western ( R-Sheridan ) .
The Casper Star-Tribune reports that Western , in his infinite white and western wisdom ( See what I did there ? )
, thought it was a good idea to congratulate Wyoming ’ s first Black sheriff , Albany County Sheriff Aaron Appelhans , on his new appointment by posting a now-deleted tweet featuring a GIF of the Black sheriff from the movie Blazing Saddles , played by actor Cleavon Little , asking , “ Where the white women at ?
” I know what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men can jump because otherwise there ’ s no way in hell he could perform the mental gymnastics necessary to explain how that shit wasn ’ t meant to be racist .
Western , who deleted his tweet after an outpouring of criticism , said that it was intended to be a reference to the film and was not intended to disparage Appelhans .
In the film , Little played protagonist Sheriff Bart , a former slave who challenges the racist sensibilities of an all-white town in a satirical lampooning of the racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Old West .
“ I ’ d like to issue a retraction , ” Western wrote in a tweet Wednesday morning .
“ My remark about the new Albany Sheriff was dumb and uncalled for.
” “ What I did was insensitive , and , while unintended , I recognize that it was wrong , ” he added .
“ I hope he accepts my apology.
” “ It was stupid , and I wasn ’ t really thinking , ” Western said in an interview Wednesday , the Tribune reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an old comedy satire movie where an African American sheriff moves to a Western town and breaks down norms .
That was the sentiment , there was never any kind of malice or anything , and it was only afterwards I realized that it was really dumb.
” So let me see if I have this right : Besides the fact that he came across a story about Wyoming ’ s newly appointed Black Sheriff and immediately thought , “ Oh shit , Blazing Saddles has a Black sheriff , so there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are we to believe that Western read the words “ Where the white women at , ” and it never occurred to him that his tweet may not be received the way he supposedly intended it ?
I ’ m just saying , a more plausible explanation is that Western used a satirical western to display non-satirical western racism .
( I ’ m sorry , but if you want the puns to stop , I ’ m going to need him to change his last name . )
Maybe Kanye Western just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( OK , that ’ s the last one , I promise . )
Appelhans confirmed to the Tribune on Wednesday that Western called him and apologized for letting his unmitigated whiteness cloud his common sense .
( My words , not his . )
“ We definitely had a conversation about—how do I say it—his tweet and the connotations of it as well , racist connotations , ” he said .
“ He was apologetic and we had a conversation about being a politician and making sure you ’ re representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just on a broader scale , knowing he represents a portion of the state , he also represents the state as well.
” Despite Western ’ s lame attempt at pleading ignorance , Appelhans said that he believes he “ definitely knows what he did was wrong.
” “ And there ’ s a potential for us to cross paths with both of our positions and law enforcement working on some of the bills that are gon na be in the state Legislature , ” Appelhans said .
“ I basically told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m looking forward to him meeting those expectations and be better.
” All I know is Appelhans is way “ better ” than me .
I would have dragged his racist-ass all up and down the western hemisphere .
( OK , that was the last one . )

Man...I really hate wypipo apologies.
What I mean is that I hate the way white people frame their apologies after doing or saying something that was clearly racist and intentional. It’s always different variations of: “It was a stupid yet innocent mistake. I didn’t mean it that way. Everyone who knows me knows there isn’t a racist bone in my body.” (In my mind, there are millions of bigoted skeletons walking the Earth wondering why the rest of their body never wants to claim them. They also keep calling me the n-word.)
Meet Wyoming legislator Rep. Cyrus Western (R-Sheridan). The Casper Star-Tribune reports that Western, in his infinite white and western wisdom (See what I did there?), thought it was a good idea to congratulate Wyoming’s first Black sheriff, Albany County Sheriff Aaron Appelhans, on his new appointment by posting a now-deleted tweet featuring a GIF of the Black sheriff from the movie Blazing Saddles, played by actor Cleavon Little, asking, “Where the white women at?”
Advertisement
I know what you’re thinking: I guess white men can jump because otherwise there’s no way in hell he could perform the mental gymnastics necessary to explain how that shit wasn’t meant to be racist.
From the Tribune:
Western, who deleted his tweet after an outpouring of criticism, said that it was intended to be a reference to the film and was not intended to disparage Appelhans. In the film, Little played protagonist Sheriff Bart, a former slave who challenges the racist sensibilities of an all-white town in a satirical lampooning of the racism often obscured by Hollywood’s depictions of the Old West. “I’d like to issue a retraction,” Western wrote in a tweet Wednesday morning. “My remark about the new Albany Sheriff was dumb and uncalled for.” “What I did was insensitive, and, while unintended, I recognize that it was wrong,” he added. “I hope he accepts my apology.”
Advertisement Advertisement
“It was stupid, and I wasn’t really thinking,” Western said in an interview Wednesday, the Tribune reports. “It was a reference to an old comedy satire movie where an African American sheriff moves to a Western town and breaks down norms. That was the sentiment, there was never any kind of malice or anything, and it was only afterwards I realized that it was really dumb.”
So let me see if I have this right: Besides the fact that he came across a story about Wyoming’s newly appointed Black Sheriff and immediately thought, “Oh shit, Blazing Saddles has a Black sheriff, so there’s an obvious connection there,” are we to believe that Western read the words “Where the white women at,” and it never occurred to him that his tweet may not be received the way he supposedly intended it? I’m just saying, a more plausible explanation is that Western used a satirical western to display non-satirical western racism. (I’m sorry, but if you want the puns to stop, I’m going to need him to change his last name.)
Advertisement
Maybe Kanye Western just doesn’t care about Black people. (OK, that’s the last one, I promise.)
Appelhans confirmed to the Tribune on Wednesday that Western called him and apologized for letting his unmitigated whiteness cloud his common sense. (My words, not his.)
Advertisement
“We definitely had a conversation about—how do I say it—his tweet and the connotations of it as well, racist connotations,” he said. “He was apologetic and we had a conversation about being a politician and making sure you’re representing the people who elected you to office. Just on a broader scale, knowing he represents a portion of the state, he also represents the state as well.”
Despite Western’s lame attempt at pleading ignorance, Appelhans said that he believes he “definitely knows what he did was wrong.”
Advertisement
“And there’s a potential for us to cross paths with both of our positions and law enforcement working on some of the bills that are gonna be in the state Legislature,” Appelhans said. “I basically told him I have expectations for him and I’m looking forward to him meeting those expectations and be better.”
All I know is Appelhans is way “better” than me. I would have dragged his racist-ass all up and down the western hemisphere. (OK, that was the last one.)


theroot--2020-12-17--Imprisoned in Michigan for Nearly Four Decades, Walter Forbes Is Freed After Witness Recants Stateme

Imprisoned in Michigan for Nearly Four Decades, Walter Forbes Is Freed After Witness Recants Statement

Walter Forbes , a 63-year-old Black man in Michigan , is now free to spend the holidays with his family for the first time in over 37 years .
Forbes was recently released from his decadeslong incarceration after the witness who helped imprison him recanted her original testimony this year and acknowledged it was a lie , due to renewed probing of the case by the Michigan Innocence Clinic .
Forbes was convicted of arson and murder in the death of Dennis Hall and sentenced to life in prison in 1987 , reports the Detroit Free Press .
Hall died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days after he shot Forbes in retaliation for the latter breaking up a bar fight he was involved in .
Forbes was arrested for Hall ’ s death on the testimony of a woman named Annice Kennebrew , who said she saw him and two other men burn down the apartment building in which the victim lived .
There were multiple discrepancies in Kennebrew ’ s testimony to prosecutors at the time , which differed from the forensic evidence investigators found at the scene of the crime , according to a CNN report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the fire that said the apartment was burned down as part of an insurance fraud scheme by the building ’ s owner David Jones .
That tip was corroborated by another witness who said he knew someone who was paid by Jones to set the fire .
Of course , none of this was followed up by prosecutors who went forward with pinning the murder on Forbes alone after charges against the other two men accused by Kennebrew were dismissed .
After Forbes reached out to the Michigan Innocence Project with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with Kennebrew and she admitted in 2017 that she had fabricated the entire story .
“ She came clean , ” Syed said .
“ She said that at the time of the fire she was 19 , and there were two men in the community that took advantage of that.
” Weeks after the fire , two local men approached her and pressured her to implicate Forbes and two other men in the arson .
“ They threatened to kill my children , parents , siblings , and me if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testify at trial that I saw Walter and the other two men set the fire , ” Kennebrew said in a sworn 2017 affidavit .
“ Everything I told police , and everything I testified to at trial relating to my witnessing the setting of the fire , was a fabrication , ” the affidavit continued .
“ As far as I know , Walter had nothing to do with this crime.
” Court documents obtained by CNN show that the Jackson County Prosecutor ’ s Office in Michigan fought the efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the inconsistencies in Kennebrew ’ s initial testimony were insignificant .
Still , a judge heard the case earlier this year and ended up throwing out the conviction , which led to Forbes being freed in November .
“ I didn ’ t think it would take that long , but patience paid off , ” he told the Detroit Free Press , adding that he doesn ’ t hold animosity for the woman who lied to convict him .
“ If I didn ’ t forgive , it wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be detrimental to me , ” Forbes said , though he expressed distrust in the system that prosecuted and imprisoned him on the testimony of one woman .
“ Up until I was convicted , I thought the system would work , that it would correct itself .
In hindsight , I was naive , ” Forbes said .
“ Calling it the justice system gives a false impression.
” Meanwhile , the landlord who owned the building that was set on fire earned a payout of $ 50,000 in insurance money at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be convicted in a case of arson insurance fraud in 1990 .
He is now deceased .

Walter Forbes, a 63-year-old Black man in Michigan, is now free to spend the holidays with his family for the first time in over 37 years.
Forbes was recently released from his decadeslong incarceration after the witness who helped imprison him recanted her original testimony this year and acknowledged it was a lie, due to renewed probing of the case by the Michigan Innocence Clinic. Forbes was convicted of arson and murder in the death of Dennis Hall and sentenced to life in prison in 1987, reports the Detroit Free Press.
Advertisement
Hall died in an apartment fire in 1982, days after he shot Forbes in retaliation for the latter breaking up a bar fight he was involved in.
Forbes was arrested for Hall’s death on the testimony of a woman named Annice Kennebrew, who said she saw him and two other men burn down the apartment building in which the victim lived. There were multiple discrepancies in Kennebrew’s testimony to prosecutors at the time, which differed from the forensic evidence investigators found at the scene of the crime, according to a CNN report.
Advertisement Advertisement
Prosecutors also received a tip days after the fire that said the apartment was burned down as part of an insurance fraud scheme by the building’s owner David Jones. That tip was corroborated by another witness who said he knew someone who was paid by Jones to set the fire. Of course, none of this was followed up by prosecutors who went forward with pinning the murder on Forbes alone after charges against the other two men accused by Kennebrew were dismissed.
After Forbes reached out to the Michigan Innocence Project with his case, his attorney Imran Syed made contact with Kennebrew and she admitted in 2017 that she had fabricated the entire story.
Advertisement
From CNN:
“She came clean,” Syed said. “She said that at the time of the fire she was 19, and there were two men in the community that took advantage of that.” Weeks after the fire, two local men approached her and pressured her to implicate Forbes and two other men in the arson. “They threatened to kill my children, parents, siblings, and me if I did not report to the police and testify at trial that I saw Walter and the other two men set the fire,” Kennebrew said in a sworn 2017 affidavit. “Everything I told police, and everything I testified to at trial relating to my witnessing the setting of the fire, was a fabrication,” the affidavit continued. “As far as I know, Walter had nothing to do with this crime.”
Advertisement
Court documents obtained by CNN show that the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office in Michigan fought the efforts to reopen Forbes’ case in court, saying the inconsistencies in Kennebrew’s initial testimony were insignificant. Still, a judge heard the case earlier this year and ended up throwing out the conviction, which led to Forbes being freed in November.
“I didn’t think it would take that long, but patience paid off,” he told the Detroit Free Press, adding that he doesn’t hold animosity for the woman who lied to convict him.
Advertisement
“If I didn’t forgive, it wouldn’t be detrimental to them, it would be detrimental to me,” Forbes said, though he expressed distrust in the system that prosecuted and imprisoned him on the testimony of one woman.
“Up until I was convicted, I thought the system would work, that it would correct itself. In hindsight, I was naive,” Forbes said. “Calling it the justice system gives a false impression.”
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the landlord who owned the building that was set on fire earned a payout of $50,000 in insurance money at the time and then went on to be convicted in a case of arson insurance fraud in 1990. He is now deceased.


theroot--2020-12-17--Keep Those Toes Warm With a Pair of Ugg Slippers

On the east coast , we finally got our first snowfall , and it has reminded me that everyone should @ @ @ @ @ slippers to avoid cold , hardwood floors .
If you have carpet , this isn @ @ @ @ @ you .
You can grab a pair of women ’ s moccasin slippers ( weird @ @ @ @ @ , but go off ) , or a pair of men ’ s clog slippers @ @ @ @ @ ’ s .
You know the deal— Uggs are made out of real sheep ’ @ @ @ @ @ so it ’ ll keep your feet insulated and happy whenever you wear them .
@ @ @ @ @ ?

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

UGG Women’s Moccasin Slippers | $100 | Macy’s
UGG Men’s Clog Slippers | $100 | Macy’s
On the east coast, we finally got our first snowfall, and it has reminded me that everyone should have a pair of warm slippers to avoid cold, hardwood floors. If you have carpet, this isn’t the post for you. You can grab a pair of women’s moccasin slippers (weird appropriation of Native American culture, but go off), or a pair of men’s clog slippers for $100 at Macy’s. You know the deal—Uggs are made out of real sheep’s fur and skin, so it’ll keep your feet insulated and happy whenever you wear them. What are you waiting for?


theroot--2020-12-17--ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts Will Revisit the NBA Shut Down With March 11 2020

For hoop heads , March 11 is a day that will live on in infamy .
On that fateful Wednesday night , Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus , bringing the entire league to a halt and leaving us to endure a world without NBA basketball .
It took nearly five months for the NBA to get back on its feet and when it finally returned , it looked nothing like anything we had ever experienced .
Fans were nowhere to be found , social justice initiatives were at the forefront , and even though players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they made it a point to remind the world at the end of the day , they ’ re still Black folks just like the rest of us .
It ’ s an experience that will stay with both the NBA and its fans for the rest of our lives .
And now , ESPN will revisit the day that started it all with the latest installment of its critically-acclaimed 30 for 30 Podcasts series , March 11 2020 .
Featuring news stories , audio clips , and contributions from everyone from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Jazz halftime performer Frankie J , we ’ ll be treated to the inside scoop on the NBA shut down as told by the unfortunate souls who lived it .
“ This has been the strangest , longest , and most challenging of years .
It ’ s hard to process all we ’ ve been through , but it ’ s actually quite simple to identify the turning point , the moment where it felt like everything changed : March 11th , ” Julia Lowrie Henderson , 30 for 30 Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement provided to The Root .
“ All of our lives were impacted by the events of that day .
At the time we had no idea how deeply , or how long this might last , but we felt the seismic shift when the first professional athlete tested positive for coronavirus and the NBA suspended its season .
If our mission at 30 for 30 is to tell stories that explore how sports , competition , athleticism , and adventure affect our lives and our world , then it felt crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the story of that day.
” March 11 2020 is set to premiere on Dec. 21 .
But for those eager to get a taste , you can check out the trailer now on Apple Podcasts .

For hoop heads, March 11 is a day that will live on in infamy.
On that fateful Wednesday night, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the entire league to a halt and leaving us to endure a world without NBA basketball.
Advertisement
It took nearly five months for the NBA to get back on its feet and when it finally returned, it looked nothing like anything we had ever experienced. Fans were nowhere to be found, social justice initiatives were at the forefront, and even though players were isolated from the rest of civilization, they made it a point to remind the world at the end of the day, they’re still Black folks just like the rest of us.
Advertisement Advertisement
It’s an experience that will stay with both the NBA and its fans for the rest of our lives. And now, ESPN will revisit the day that started it all with the latest installment of its critically-acclaimed 30 for 30 Podcasts series, March 11 2020.
Featuring news stories, audio clips, and contributions from everyone from Dr. Fauci to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to Jazz halftime performer Frankie J, we’ll be treated to the inside scoop on the NBA shut down as told by the unfortunate souls who lived it.
Advertisement
“This has been the strangest, longest, and most challenging of years. It’s hard to process all we’ve been through, but it’s actually quite simple to identify the turning point, the moment where it felt like everything changed: March 11th,” Julia Lowrie Henderson, 30 for 30 Podcasts’ Senior Editorial Producer, said in a statement provided to The Root. “All of our lives were impacted by the events of that day. At the time we had no idea how deeply, or how long this might last, but we felt the seismic shift when the first professional athlete tested positive for coronavirus and the NBA suspended its season. If our mission at 30 for 30 is to tell stories that explore how sports, competition, athleticism, and adventure affect our lives and our world, then it felt crucial to us to find a way to tell the story of that day.”
March 11 2020 is set to premiere on Dec. 21. But for those eager to get a taste, you can check out the trailer now on Apple Podcasts.


theroot--2020-12-17--NFL Says It Won't Barge Ahead of Frontline Workers, High-Risk People to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

The National Football League says it doesn ’ t expect to get—and will not ask for—preferential treatment when it comes to taking the COVID-19 vaccine .
As the Associated Press reports , representatives from the NFL ’ s players union and the league said they would not be jumping ahead of high-priority patients in order to get the vaccine .
“ No one should be thinking about the vaccine going anywhere other than our first responders and the most vulnerable people right now , ” DeMaurice Smith , executive director of the NFL Players Association , told the AP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he continued .
“ While JC [ Tretter ] and I have a fiduciary duty to our players , I don ’ t think either of us for a nanosecond forgets that we ’ re fortunate enough to be playing a game while millions of people are out there trying to keep up safe , and that ’ s where the focus should be.
” Smith ’ s comments were backed up by the league ’ s chief medical officer , Dr. Allen Sills .
“ We ’ re in complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel that it ’ s vital that frontline healthcare workers and other essential service workers are at the front of the line , ” said Sills .
The statements come after months of professional and amateur sports leagues , including the NFL , NBA and NCAA , having routine access to COVID testing that many essential workers still don ’ t have .
In a report earlier this month from the Washington Post , San Francisco-based emergency room nurse Jane Sandoval , who has regularly treated patients infected by the coronavirus over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employer , California Pacific Medical Center , has refused to provide testing for medical staff—even those who had possibly been exposed to the virus .
The United States ’ largest nursing union , National Nurses United , released a survey in November that made clear Sandoval wasn ’ t unique : two-thirds of the union ’ s 15,000 members said they had never been tested for the deadly virus .
This has not been true of the nation ’ s top athletes , whose leagues have contracted with private labs for tests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most Americans can access .
According to the Post , within a one week span in November , the NFL conducted more than 43,000 tests for players , coaches and staffers .
This disparity won ’ t be true for the vaccine , the NFL pledges .
And thus far , as the United States embarks on what the AP dubs “ the largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history , ” healthcare workers and vulnerable patients have been at the front of the line .
This includes nurses and elderly nursing home residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine distribution here and abroad .
According to the AP , government officials hope that two approved vaccines will be given to 20 million high-risk Americans by the end of the year , with another 30 million in January .
The “ average ” person likely won ’ t have an opportunity to take the vaccine until next spring .
Regardless of the timeline , the NFL says it ’ s going along with what public health experts have determined is the most effective , fair way to distribute the vaccine .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be driven by public health concerns and what medical and government officials determine to be the most efficacious for risk reduction across society as a whole , ” said Dr. Sills .
“ We ’ re prepared to support that effort .
”

The National Football League says it doesn’t expect to get—and will not ask for—preferential treatment when it comes to taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
As the Associated Press reports, representatives from the NFL’s players union and the league said they would not be jumping ahead of high-priority patients in order to get the vaccine.
Advertisement
“No one should be thinking about the vaccine going anywhere other than our first responders and the most vulnerable people right now,” DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, told the AP.
“Football is not an essential business,” he continued. “While JC [Tretter] and I have a fiduciary duty to our players, I don’t think either of us for a nanosecond forgets that we’re fortunate enough to be playing a game while millions of people are out there trying to keep up safe, and that’s where the focus should be.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Smith’s comments were backed up by the league’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills.
“We’re in complete harmony with the union in that we feel that it’s vital that frontline healthcare workers and other essential service workers are at the front of the line,” said Sills.
Advertisement
The statements come after months of professional and amateur sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA and NCAA, having routine access to COVID testing that many essential workers still don’t have. In a report earlier this month from the Washington Post, San Francisco-based emergency room nurse Jane Sandoval, who has regularly treated patients infected by the coronavirus over the last nine months, noted that her employer, California Pacific Medical Center, has refused to provide testing for medical staff—even those who had possibly been exposed to the virus.
The United States’ largest nursing union, National Nurses United, released a survey in November that made clear Sandoval wasn’t unique: two-thirds of the union’s 15,000 members said they had never been tested for the deadly virus.
Advertisement
This has not been true of the nation’s top athletes, whose leagues have contracted with private labs for tests that provide faster, more accurate results than most Americans can access. According to the Post, within a one week span in November, the NFL conducted more than 43,000 tests for players, coaches and staffers.
This disparity won’t be true for the vaccine, the NFL pledges. And thus far, as the United States embarks on what the AP dubs “the largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history,” healthcare workers and vulnerable patients have been at the front of the line.
Advertisement
This includes nurses and elderly nursing home residents, who are currently top priority for vaccine distribution here and abroad. According to the AP, government officials hope that two approved vaccines will be given to 20 million high-risk Americans by the end of the year, with another 30 million in January. The “average” person likely won’t have an opportunity to take the vaccine until next spring.
Regardless of the timeline, the NFL says it’s going along with what public health experts have determined is the most effective, fair way to distribute the vaccine.
Advertisement
“The rollout of the vaccine is going to be driven by public health concerns and what medical and government officials determine to be the most efficacious for risk reduction across society as a whole,” said Dr. Sills. “We’re prepared to support that effort.”


theroot--2020-12-17--Mike Pence to Get Televised COVID-19 Vaccine; Biden, Some Time Next Week

In an attempt to ensure Americans ( read anti-vaxers and Black folks ) that the coronavirus vaccine is safe , Vice President and sexless robot Mike Pence will publicly get the shot Friday .
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to get the vaccine as early as next week .
Because Pence doesn ’ t do anything without his wife , Karen Pence ( her real name is Karen , I ’ m not calling her a Karen ) , and Surgeon General Jerome Adams will also get the shot at an event Friday .
And all of this seems really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been doing everything it could to make the White House the outbreak monkey house , including hosting maskless , superspreader events , is now going to host a vaccination station ?
Whatever .
It ’ s going to take a lot of convincing for me to get the first round of this vaccination .
I ’ m not against vaccinations , but I ’ m against everything associated with this administration , besides stimulus checks .
And it ’ s all just moving a little too fast for my liking .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becomes a normal , communicative human , who actually enjoys sex with his wife then I will consider taking the vaccine but not before Dec. 21 as I ’ m waiting to see what superpower I get .
Also if you see a light-skinned man flying past your window , it ’ s just me working my UberEats superpower side hustle .
Nigga , do you know how many orders I can pick up and drop off if I can fly ?
!
Biden ’ s going to take the vaccine , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think it ’ s wise to have both of them vaccinated at the same time .
I ’ ve seen all episodes of 24 except the remake with the Dr. Dre Black guy so I know what hell I ’ m talking about .
“ I don ’ t want to get ahead of the line , but I want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take , ” Biden told reporters earlier Wednesday in Wilmington , Delaware , NBC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ll do it publicly so you can all witness my getting it done.
” Former Presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush , and Bill Clinton have also volunteered to take the vaccine on camera to help build public trust and I ’ m going to need Obama to kindly take his name off this list .
Surely , the doctor of housing , Ben Carson , would be more than willing to take his place .

In an attempt to ensure Americans (read anti-vaxers and Black folks) that the coronavirus vaccine is safe, Vice President and sexless robot Mike Pence will publicly get the shot Friday. President-elect Joe Biden is expected to get the vaccine as early as next week.
Because Pence doesn’t do anything without his wife, Karen Pence (her real name is Karen, I’m not calling her a Karen), and Surgeon General Jerome Adams will also get the shot at an event Friday. And all of this seems really stupid.
Advertisement
The White House for months has been doing everything it could to make the White House the outbreak monkey house, including hosting maskless, superspreader events, is now going to host a vaccination station?
Whatever. It’s going to take a lot of convincing for me to get the first round of this vaccination. I’m not against vaccinations, but I’m against everything associated with this administration, besides stimulus checks. And it’s all just moving a little too fast for my liking. Now if Mike Pence gets the shot and becomes a normal, communicative human, who actually enjoys sex with his wife then I will consider taking the vaccine but not before Dec. 21 as I’m waiting to see what superpower I get. Also if you see a light-skinned man flying past your window, it’s just me working my UberEats superpower side hustle. Nigga, do you know how many orders I can pick up and drop off if I can fly?!
Advertisement Advertisement
Biden’s going to take the vaccine, too. Hopefully, Kamala is waiting because I don’t think it’s wise to have both of them vaccinated at the same time. I’ve seen all episodes of 24 except the remake with the Dr. Dre Black guy so I know what hell I’m talking about.
“I don’t want to get ahead of the line, but I want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take,” Biden told reporters earlier Wednesday in Wilmington, Delaware, NBC News reports. “When I do it, I’ll do it publicly so you can all witness my getting it done.”
Advertisement
Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton have also volunteered to take the vaccine on camera to help build public trust and I’m going to need Obama to kindly take his name off this list. Surely, the doctor of housing, Ben Carson, would be more than willing to take his place.


theroot--2020-12-17--Kinaras Stay Lit: Unpacking the Future of Kwanzaa in the Black Community

It ’ s that time of year again !
While we all know that Christmas is the Beyoncé of holidays , among the trifecta of December festivities exists ( what I like to refer to as ) Black Christmas , or Kwanzaa .
But , Black people , my people : How many of you all plan on celebrating Kwanzaa this year ?
Better question : With the year ’ s racial reckoning , and the insatiable appetite for Black culture ( because everybody wants to be Black until it ’ s time to actually be Black ) , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are new to Kwanzaa , the seven-day celebration was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga , co-founder of the US Organization , and is a part of the Black Nationalist tradition .
It begins on Dec. 26 and every day promotes one of seven core principles : unity ( umoja ) , self-determination ( kujichagulia ) , collective work and responsibility ( ujima ) , cooperative economics ( ujamaa ) , purpose ( nia ) , creativity ( kuumba ) , and faith ( imani ) .
But the celebration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pride , is not without its criticisms .
Keith A. Mayes , an associate professor of African-American and African studies at the University of Minnesota , points to three main critiques about Kwanzaa , including one about its founder Maulana Karenga , who served time for imprisoning and assaulting two Black women .
“ He [ Karenga ] was a polarizing figure on a number of different levels for different people , ” explains the scholar and author of Kwanzaa : Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition .
Beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its core , Kwanzaa is about returning Black people to their roots .
Kwanzaa started in the midst of the Black freedom struggle—a time when the reconnection to Africa was so desperately needed .
Times have changed , but as the deaths of Breonna Taylor , George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade have shown us , they ’ ve also stayed the same .
What is the future of Kwanzaa , especially as America ’ s racial reckoning continues ?
“ I think the future of Kwanzaa is what it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to remain something that people know , ” Mayes said , adding , “ Maybe it ’ s not our generation that will take it to another level , maybe the next generation .
So I think it has the potential to grow.
” Watch the entire episode of Unpack That above .
Habari gani !

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


theroot--2020-12-17--Satisfyer's Penguin Is Back so Take It to Your South Pole for Only $50

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated to spreading holiday cheer with the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch up for yourself .
It 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
I ’ m becoming a big fan of these novelty marital aids .
Yes , these are completely functional and this one really gets the job done but it ’ s stupid cute .
The Satisfyer Pro Penguin is back in stock at Ella Paradis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the holidays .
To celebrate spend this cold day snowed-in with something that knows how to handle it all and you .
Let this adorable little vibe warm you up .
The Satisfyer collection across the board is incredibly elite especially their clitoral stimulators .
I was married to their Pro 2 for most of the lockdown .
The Pro Penguin is basically the same except a dressed-up version , literally .
It ’ s sweet , petite , and in that classic tux complete with a bowtie .
Each of these has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are relatively quiet too , which is surprising given said power .
There are eleven intensity settings if needed but in all honesty , you ’ re satisfied so quick you rarely need to take it ... all the way to eleven .
They live up to the name for sure .

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

Satisfyer Pro Penguin | $50 | Ella Paradis
I’m becoming a big fan of these novelty marital aids. Yes, these are completely functional and this one really gets the job done but it’s stupid cute. The Satisfyer Pro Penguin is back in stock at Ella Paradis so they took 41% off for the holidays . To celebrate spend this cold day snowed-in with something that knows how to handle it all and you. Let this adorable little vibe warm you up .
The Satisfyer collection across the board is incredibly elite especially their clitoral stimulators. I was married to their Pro 2 for most of the lockdown. The Pro Penguin is basically the same except a dressed-up version, literally. It’s sweet , petite, and in that classic tux complete with a bowtie. Each of these has a lot of power for their size and are relatively quiet too, which is surprising given said power. There are eleven intensity settings if needed but in all honesty, you’re satisfied so quick you rarely need to take it...all the way to eleven. They live up to the name for sure.
Free shipping on all orders.


theroot--2020-12-17--Michael B. Jordan Puts on for the Culture With Basketball Tournament for HBCUs

Throughout the course of the past year , we ’ ve seen the profiles of HBCUs continue to escalate , as everyone from Chris Paul to Pharrell Williams ( to even Peyton Manning ) has made it their mission to support the next generation of Black royalty .
And ever eager to put on for the culture and keep a spotlight on historically Black colleges and universities , Michael B. Jordan has announced a basketball showcase that will feature four of the top Division I HBCU men ’ s and women ’ s basketball programs in the country .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark , N.J. , will not only provide resources for student-athletes to live their hoop dreams both on and off the court , but will create an “ immersive cultural experience ” that will celebrate additional elements of HBCU life , such as culinary events , live musical performances , a battle of the bands , film festivals , college and career opportunities , and much more .
“ This past year has been the tipping point for so many , including myself , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Jordan said in a statement to The Root .
“ As a Newark native , I am committed to bringing change to the community and am honored to be able to present The Hoop Dreams Classic as a way to celebrate the value of community , education , and Black college experiences .
Through our shared love of basketball , I look forward to bringing the communal spirit of HBCUs to the city that helped shape me into the man I am today.
” The basketball programs that will participate have yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s safe to assume that Howard University—which recently lured five-star recruit Makur Maker away from UCLA—could be a participant .
In July , Maker became the highest-ranking college basketball prospect to commit to an HBCU since the creation of ESPN ’ s recruiting database in 2007 .
Partial proceeds from the event will be used to support organizations that focus on supporting HBCUs and the local Newark community .
It ’ s unclear what COVID-19 protocols will be in place , but as long as attendees and participants will able to remain safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone .
You sure as hell can never get enough Black excellence , so shoutout to Michael B. Jordan for creating another opportunity to celebrate our own .

Throughout the course of the past year, we’ve seen the profiles of HBCUs continue to escalate, as everyone from Chris Paul to Pharrell Williams (to even Peyton Manning) has made it their mission to support the next generation of Black royalty. And ever eager to put on for the culture and keep a spotlight on historically Black colleges and universities, Michael B. Jordan has announced a basketball showcase that will feature four of the top Division I HBCU men’s and women’s basketball programs in the country.
The Hoop Dreams Classic, which is going down on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., will not only provide resources for student-athletes to live their hoop dreams both on and off the court, but will create an “immersive cultural experience” that will celebrate additional elements of HBCU life, such as culinary events, live musical performances, a battle of the bands, film festivals, college and career opportunities, and much more.
Advertisement
“This past year has been the tipping point for so many, including myself, in revving up support for Black people,” Jordan said in a statement to The Root. “As a Newark native, I am committed to bringing change to the community and am honored to be able to present The Hoop Dreams Classic as a way to celebrate the value of community, education, and Black college experiences. Through our shared love of basketball, I look forward to bringing the communal spirit of HBCUs to the city that helped shape me into the man I am today.”
The basketball programs that will participate have yet to be revealed, but it’s safe to assume that Howard University—which recently lured five-star recruit Makur Maker away from UCLA—could be a participant. In July, Maker became the highest-ranking college basketball prospect to commit to an HBCU since the creation of ESPN’s recruiting database in 2007.
Advertisement Advertisement
Partial proceeds from the event will be used to support organizations that focus on supporting HBCUs and the local Newark community. It’s unclear what COVID-19 protocols will be in place, but as long as attendees and participants will able to remain safe, this sounds like a win for everyone.
Advertisement
You sure as hell can never get enough Black excellence, so shoutout to Michael B. Jordan for creating another opportunity to celebrate our own.