theroot--2020-06-15--Death of Oluwatoyin Salau: What We Know So Far

Citizens are demanding answers surrounding the death of 19-year-old Oluwatoyin Salau , a Black Lives Matter activist from Tallahassee , Fla. , who went missing on June 6 , the same day she tweeted that she was sexually assaulted .
The Tallahassee Democrat reports that her body was found on Saturday , and her family confirmed the tragic news on Monday morning .
According to a press release , Tallahassee Police officials have confirmed that the bodies of two female homicide victims were found just off of Monday Road in southeast Tallahassee on Saturday night around 9:15 p.m , Salau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politician Victoria “ Vicki ” Sims .
A suspect , 49-year-old Aaron Glee Jr. , was arrested and is currently in custody .
The Florida AARP wrote that Ms. Sims “ worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others ” on their Facebook page .
On June 6 , Salau , who friends and family called “ Toyin , ” wrote that she was sexually assaulted at 5:30 a.m. in Florida .
She was offered a ride by the man who claimed he could help her pick up her belongings from a church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
She was staying at a church in order to “ escape unjust living conditions.
” She was not homeless , her friend confirmed on Twitter , however , she did not feel like she was safe in her home due to sexual assault at the hands of a family member .
She was staying with a friend prior to her disappearance .
“ When we arrived at his house he offered me a shower and I thanked him , ” she wrote , adding that she was given a change of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me by peeing with the bathroom open obviously knowing I was out of it , ” she continued .
She said that the man offered her a massage , and ended up “ using her body ” while she was still awake .
She was able to escape .
“ Literally wearing this man ’ s clothes right now DNA all over me because I couldn ’ t locate his house the moment I called the police because I couldn ’ t see , ” she wrote .
Elsewhere in her tweet thread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she was sexually harassed by a 32-year-old man who studies at FAMU .
She wrote that he tried to force her to perform oral sex on him , and when she refused , he harassed her through text and tried to come to her home .
Salau was a mainstay during Tallahassee area Black Lives Matter protests .
In a video posted on Twitter of Salau speaking at a protest before her disappearance , she discussed the importance of including LGBTQ black people in the Black Lives Matter conversation .
“ Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she reminds us .
“ We ’ re doing this for every black person , because at the end of the day , I can not take my fucking skin color off ...
Wherever the fuck I go , I ’ m profiled ...
I ’ mma die about my fucking skin ... my blackness is not for your fucking consumption.
” “ Toyin was very passionate , ” Danaya Hemphill , Salau ’ s friend , says of her character .
“ She was very vocal she was very loving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was like a light in a dark room.
” There was a GoFundMe page circulating to support Toyin , however , Hemphill has invalidated it on Twitter .
The person who started the fraudulent one was “ most definitely is not a friend of the family.
” She also said that those aiming to help should not give her family members money , as Toyin was trying to get away from them .

Citizens are demanding answers surrounding the death of 19-year-old Oluwatoyin Salau, a Black Lives Matter activist from Tallahassee, Fla., who went missing on June 6, the same day she tweeted that she was sexually assaulted. The Tallahassee Democrat reports that her body was found on Saturday, and her family confirmed the tragic news on Monday morning.
According to a press release, Tallahassee Police officials have confirmed that the bodies of two female homicide victims were found just off of Monday Road in southeast Tallahassee on Saturday night around 9:15 p.m, Salau and 75-year-old former state worker and local politician Victoria “Vicki” Sims. A suspect, 49-year-old Aaron Glee Jr., was arrested and is currently in custody. The Florida AARP wrote that Ms. Sims “worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others” on their Facebook page.
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On June 6, Salau, who friends and family called “Toyin,” wrote that she was sexually assaulted at 5:30 a.m. in Florida. She was offered a ride by the man who claimed he could help her pick up her belongings from a church and find someplace to sleep for the night. She was staying at a church in order to “escape unjust living conditions.” She was not homeless, her friend confirmed on Twitter, however, she did not feel like she was safe in her home due to sexual assault at the hands of a family member. She was staying with a friend prior to her disappearance.
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“When we arrived at his house he offered me a shower and I thanked him,” she wrote, adding that she was given a change of clothes. “He exposed himself to me by peeing with the bathroom open obviously knowing I was out of it,” she continued. She said that the man offered her a massage, and ended up “using her body” while she was still awake. She was able to escape.
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“Literally wearing this man’s clothes right now DNA all over me because I couldn’t locate his house the moment I called the police because I couldn’t see,” she wrote. Elsewhere in her tweet thread, Salau described another recent incident in which she was sexually harassed by a 32-year-old man who studies at FAMU. She wrote that he tried to force her to perform oral sex on him, and when she refused, he harassed her through text and tried to come to her home.
Salau was a mainstay during Tallahassee area Black Lives Matter protests. In a video posted on Twitter of Salau speaking at a protest before her disappearance, she discussed the importance of including LGBTQ black people in the Black Lives Matter conversation.
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“Tony McDade was a black trans man,” she reminds us. “We’re doing this for every black person, because at the end of the day, I cannot take my fucking skin color off...Wherever the fuck I go, I’m profiled...I’mma die about my fucking skin...my blackness is not for your fucking consumption.”
“Toyin was very passionate,” Danaya Hemphill, Salau’s friend, says of her character. “She was very vocal she was very loving, very spiritual, very caring. Toyin she was like a light in a dark room.”
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There was a GoFundMe page circulating to support Toyin, however, Hemphill has invalidated it on Twitter. The person who started the fraudulent one was “most definitely is not a friend of the family.” She also said that those aiming to help should not give her family members money, as Toyin was trying to get away from them.
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Rest in power Toyin.
This is a developing story.


theroot--2020-06-14--Protect Your Eyes For Cheap With Sunglass Warehouse's 3-Day Sale

Do you need new sunglasses but don ’ t need anything fancy ?
Well , aren ’ t you lucky @ @ @ @ @ you can save 30 % at Sunglass Warehouse if you use the code FLAG30 at @ @ @ @ @ bunch of different styles for cheap , so make sure to take advantage of this @ @ @ @ @ eye health , after all .
You need to hurry , though , this sale @ @ @ @ @ .

Elizabeth Henges on Kinja Deals, shared by Jordan McMahon to The Root

30% Off Sunglasses | Sunglass Warehouse | Use code FLAG30
Do you need new sunglasses but don’t need anything fancy? Well, aren’t you lucky. Anyway, starting today you can save 30% at Sunglass Warehouse if you use the code FLAG30 at checkout. They have a bunch of different styles for cheap, so make sure to take advantage of this deal—sunglasses are good for your eye health, after all.
You need to hurry, though, this sale only lasts until June 16th.


theroot--2020-06-15--Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch Lead 2020 BET Award Nominations; Show To Broadcast On CBS To

Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch Lead 2020 BET Award Nominations; Show To Broadcast On CBS Too

Musicians Drake , Roddy Ricch , and Megan Thee Stallion lead the nomination pack for the 2020 BET Awards , which is set to air live across ViacomCBS networks including BET , BET HER , and CBS on June 28 at 8 p.m .
ET .
Drake is up for wins in six categories , including Male Hip-Hop Artist and Video of the Year ( “ No Guidance ” with Chris Brown ) , while Hot Girl Meg and Roddy have five nods apiece .
They could both win in the Album of the Year ( Fever and Please Excuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Video of the Year categories ( for “ Hot Girl Summer ” and “ The Box ” ) .
Additionally , Megan is up for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Best Collaboration ( “ Hot Girl Summer ” with Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ ign ) , and Roddy is up for Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best New Artist .
Other big names up for awards this year include Beyoncé , Chris Brown , DaBaby , Lizzo and Nicki Minaj , who were all nominated in four categories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced they would still be moving forward with virtual programming for the BET Awards amidst the COVID-19 pandemic by “ using an array of innovative techniques and artist-generated content , ” which would “ [ allow ] the audience to join in a celebration of black love , joy , pride and power with an all-star lineup.
” This is a monumental year for BET Networks .
The television channel is celebrating its 40th anniversary , and its highly-anticipated awards show celebrating the best in black culture and entertainment turns 20 this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below , and find out more about the show here .
I USED TO KNOW HER - H.E.R .
PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR BEING ANTISOCIAL - RODDY RICCH KIRK FRANKLIN - JUST FOR ME PJ MORTON FT.
LE ’ ANDRIA JOHNSON & MARY MARY - ALL IN HIS PLAN DOLEMITE IS MY NAME

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Musicians Drake, Roddy Ricch, and Megan Thee Stallion lead the nomination pack for the 2020 BET Awards, which is set to air live across ViacomCBS networks including BET, BET HER, and CBS on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET.
Drake is up for wins in six categories, including Male Hip-Hop Artist and Video of the Year (“No Guidance” with Chris Brown), while Hot Girl Meg and Roddy have five nods apiece. They could both win in the Album of the Year (Fever and Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, respectively) and Video of the Year categories (for “Hot Girl Summer” and “The Box”). Additionally, Megan is up for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Best Collaboration (“Hot Girl Summer” with Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign), and Roddy is up for Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best New Artist.
Other big names up for awards this year include Beyoncé, Chris Brown, DaBaby, Lizzo and Nicki Minaj, who were all nominated in four categories each.
In May, the network announced they would still be moving forward with virtual programming for the BET Awards amidst the COVID-19 pandemic by “using an array of innovative techniques and artist-generated content,” which would “[allow] the audience to join in a celebration of black love, joy, pride and power with an all-star lineup.”
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This is a monumental year for BET Networks. The television channel is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and its highly-anticipated awards show celebrating the best in black culture and entertainment turns 20 this year.
Check out the list of nominees below, and find out more about the show here.
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
H.E.R.
JHENE AIKO
KEHLANI
LIZZO
SUMMER WALKER
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
ANDERSON .PAAK
CHRIS BROWN
JACQUEES
KHALID
THE WEEKND
USHER
BEST GROUP
CHLOE X HALLE
CITY GIRLS
EARTHGANG
GRISELDA
JACKBOYS
MIGOS
BEST COLLABORATION
CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE - NO GUIDANCE
DJ KHALED FT. NIPSEY HUSSLE & JOHN LEGEND - HIGHER
FUTURE FT. DRAKE - LIFE IS GOOD
H.E.R. FT. YG - SLIDE
MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI MINAJ & TY DOLLA $IGN - HOT GIRL SUMMER
WALE FT. JEREMIH - ON CHILL
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
DABABY
DRAKE
FUTURE
LIL BABY
RODDY RICCH
TRAVIS SCOTT
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
CARDI B
DOJA CAT
LIZZO
MEGAN THEE STALLION
NICKI MINAJ
SAWEETIE
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE - NO GUIDANCE
DABABY - BOP
DJ KHALED FT. NIPSEY HUSSLE & JOHN LEGEND - HIGHER
DOJA CAT - SAY SO
MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI MINAJ & TY DOLLA $IGN - HOT GIRL SUMMER
RODDY RICCH - THE BOX
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BENNY BOOM
COLE BENNETT
DAVE MEYERS
DIRECTOR X
EIF RIVERA
TEYANA “SPIKE TEE” TAYLOR
BEST NEW ARTIST
DANILEIGH
LIL NAS X
POP SMOKE
RODDY RICCH
SUMMER WALKER
YBN CORDAE
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
CUZ I LOVE YOU - LIZZO
FEVER - MEGAN THEE STALLION
HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM - BEYONCÉ
I USED TO KNOW HER - H.E.R.
KIRK - DABABY
PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR BEING ANTISOCIAL - RODDY RICCH
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
FRED HAMMOND - ALRIGHT
JOHN P. KEE FT. ZACARDI CORTEZ - I MADE IT OUT
KANYE WEST - FOLLOW GOD
KIRK FRANKLIN - JUST FOR ME
PJ MORTON FT. LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON & MARY MARY - ALL IN HIS PLAN
THE CLARK SISTERS - VICTORY
BEST ACTRESS
ANGELA BASSETT
CYNTHIA ERIVO
ISSA RAE
REGINA KING
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
ZENDAYA
BEST ACTOR
BILLY PORTER
EDDIE MURPHY
FOREST WHITAKER
JAMIE FOXX
MICHAEL B. JORDAN
OMARI HARDWICK
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
ALEX HIBBERT
ASANTE BLACKK
JAHI DI’ALLO WINSTON
MARSAI MARTIN
MILES BROWN
STORM REID
BEST MOVIE
BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME
HARRIET
HOMECOMING: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ
JUST MERCY
QUEEN & SLIM
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
AJEÉ WILSON
CLARESSA SHIELDS
COCO GAUFF
NAOMI OSAKA
SERENA WILLIAMS
SIMONE BILES
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
KAWHI LEONARD
LEBRON JAMES
ODELL BECKHAM JR.
PATRICK MAHOMES II
STEPHEN CURRY
BET HER AWARD
ALICIA KEYS - UNDERDOG
BEYONCÉ FT. BLUE IVY CARTER, WIZKID & SAINT JHN - BROWN SKIN GIRL
CIARA FT. LUPITA NYONG’O, ESTER DEAN, CITY GIRLS & LA LA - MELANIN
LAYTON GREENE - I CHOOSE
LIZZO FT. MISSY ELLIOTT - TEMPO
RAPSODY FT. PJ MORTON - AFENI
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE - NO GUIDANCE
DABABY - BOP
FUTURE FT. DRAKE - LIFE IS GOOD
MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI MINAJ - HOT GIRL SUMMER
RODDY RICCH - THE BOX
THE WEEKND - HEARTLESS
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
BURNA BOY (NIGERIA)
INNOSS’B (DRC)
SHO MADJOZI (SOUTH AFRICA)
DAVE (U.K.)
STORMZY (U.K.)
NINHO (FRANCE)
S.PRI NOIR (FRANCE)
VIEWER’S CHOICE: BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT
REMA (NIGERIA)
SHA SHA (ZIMBABWE)
CELESTE (U.K.)
YOUNG T & BUGSEY (U.K.)
HATIK (FRANCE)
STACY (FRANCE)


theroot--2020-06-15--Thousands Flood the Streets of Brooklyn for Black Trans Lives Matter Demonstration

More than 15,000 people , all wearing white , came together in front of the Brooklyn Museum in New York City on Sunday to stand up for and celebrate black trans lives .
According to CBS News , the massive gathering was planned by trans activists and groups including The Okra Project and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute , in response to the continued killing of black trans people in recent weeks—even as the entire country has mobilized to stand up for black lives .
Photos and video posted on social media over the weekend showed a stunning turnout for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trans-based protest in history.
” Speakers at the event included the sister of Layleen Polanco , an Afro-Latina transgender woman who died last June while in solitary confinement at Rikers Island .
New footage released by NBC News over the weekend shows that while Polanco was dying of an epileptic seizure , guards were outside her cell laughing .
No one has been found criminally responsible in Polanco ’ s death and the official report published by NYC ’ s Department of Investigations used her “ deadname , ” the name assigned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected while she was alive , NBC reported .
“ I wasn ’ t surprised that the report was going to find the police not guilty , ” Polanco ’ s sister Melania Brown said .
“ What bothered me the most was deadnaming .
The public and myself and my family deserve a public apology .
It clearly shows their bias.
” In the weeks since massive protests against anti-black violence have been taking place across the country , black trans people—such as Tony McCade , killed by police in Tallahassee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found dismembered in Philadelphia—have continued to experience high levels of violence .
Riah Milton , a black transgender woman who was killed in Ohio last week , was also misgendered in the official statements from authorities on her death according to the Cincinnati Inquirer .
“ Whether you are Black trans or not—you have a duty to elevate Black trans power , ” trans activist Raquel Willis said at the protest in Brooklyn on Sunday , which came after the Trump Administration finalized a rule that eliminates anti-discrimination protections for transgender people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court issued a landmark ruling , establishing that the federal law prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sex includes transgender and gay people , according to the New York Times .
Organizers said Sunday ’ s protest in Brooklyn was inspired by the NAACP ’ s Silent Protest Parade in 1917 , in which 10,000 people dressed in white and took to the streets of New York to protest anti-black violence .
It was a fitting and critical reminder that all black lives have to matter in the fight for black liberation @ @ @ @ @ @

More than 15,000 people, all wearing white, came together in front of the Brooklyn Museum in New York City on Sunday to stand up for and celebrate black trans lives.
According to CBS News, the massive gathering was planned by trans activists and groups including The Okra Project and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, in response to the continued killing of black trans people in recent weeks—even as the entire country has mobilized to stand up for black lives.
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Photos and video posted on social media over the weekend showed a stunning turnout for what organizers are calling the “largest trans-based protest in history.”
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Speakers at the event included the sister of Layleen Polanco, an Afro-Latina transgender woman who died last June while in solitary confinement at Rikers Island. New footage released by NBC News over the weekend shows that while Polanco was dying of an epileptic seizure, guards were outside her cell laughing.
No one has been found criminally responsible in Polanco’s death and the official report published by NYC’s Department of Investigations used her “deadname,” the name assigned to her at birth, which she later rejected while she was alive, NBC reported.
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“I wasn’t surprised that the report was going to find the police not guilty,” Polanco’s sister Melania Brown said. “What bothered me the most was deadnaming. The public and myself and my family deserve a public apology. It clearly shows their bias.”
In the weeks since massive protests against anti-black violence have been taking place across the country, black trans people—such as Tony McCade, killed by police in Tallahassee, and Dominique Fells, whose body was found dismembered in Philadelphia—have continued to experience high levels of violence.
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Riah Milton, a black transgender woman who was killed in Ohio last week, was also misgendered in the official statements from authorities on her death according to the Cincinnati Inquirer.
“Whether you are Black trans or not—you have a duty to elevate Black trans power,” trans activist Raquel Willis said at the protest in Brooklyn on Sunday, which came after the Trump Administration finalized a rule that eliminates anti-discrimination protections for transgender people in health care.
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On Monday the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, establishing that the federal law prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sex includes transgender and gay people, according to the New York Times.
Organizers said Sunday’s protest in Brooklyn was inspired by the NAACP’s Silent Protest Parade in 1917, in which 10,000 people dressed in white and took to the streets of New York to protest anti-black violence. It was a fitting and critical reminder that all black lives have to matter in the fight for black liberation, especially black trans ones.


theroot--2020-06-15--30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 15: Cameo, 'Word Up!'

One day , Cameo will get the documentary they truly deserve .
One trip through their video archives makes want to know everything about the group possible .
Sure , Larry Blackmon is the most recognizable because he was the front-man and lead vocalist ( I struggled with putting singer here ) , but the whole band was really out there .
Seriously , just fall down the Cameo music video rabbithole—you ’ re welcome .
“ Word Up !
” is a video that came out when I was , maybe , 7 years old and I have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I remember Larry Blackmon ’ s red codpiece as clear as day .
Because of it I will never , ever in my entire life forget this video .
I have absolutely no idea why he even wore this thing .
And yet it added EVERYTHING to the video and is probably the reason why “ Word Up !
” is their biggest single .
And the truth is , it ’ s not even the weirdest clothing item he even wore in videos .
The video for “ Single Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the codpiece is fire red , Levar Burton is chasing down the band and well , the rest is history .
Honestly , I think if the codpiece—I ’ m really trying to see how many times I can fit this word into this article without it being gratuitous—were another color , say black , and thus less pronounced , the video doesn ’ t resonate .
But it ’ s red , so it does .
The lesson here : when in doubt , toss on a codpiece .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead detective on a case chasing down a man with a red codpiece and a band named Cameo and one of the two cops you bring with you strips inside a club and starts dancing gyratiously ?
I ’ d be pissed .
It ’ s New York though , he ’ d just get moved to desk duty .
It does lend new meaning to stop-and-frisk , though .
See what I did there ?
You probably do .
Either way , for his work towards the advancement of artistic expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve all the awards .
Side note : Am I the only one who didn ’ t realize that Larry Blackmon was singing lead on “ Single Life ” for years ?
I thought it was a woman .
Cameo , man ... iconic .

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

One day, Cameo will get the documentary they truly deserve. One trip through their video archives makes want to know everything about the group possible. Sure, Larry Blackmon is the most recognizable because he was the front-man and lead vocalist (I struggled with putting singer here), but the whole band was really out there. Seriously, just fall down the Cameo music video rabbithole—you’re welcome.
Cameo “Word Up!” (1986)
“Word Up!” is a video that came out when I was, maybe, 7 years old and I have no idea how or where I saw it, but I remember Larry Blackmon’s red codpiece as clear as day. Because of it I will never, ever in my entire life forget this video. I have absolutely no idea why he even wore this thing. And yet it added EVERYTHING to the video and is probably the reason why “Word Up!” is their biggest single.
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And the truth is, it’s not even the weirdest clothing item he even wore in videos. The video for “Single Life” has some rather interesting clothing choices, but the codpiece is fire red, Levar Burton is chasing down the band and well, the rest is history. Honestly, I think if the codpiece—I’m really trying to see how many times I can fit this word into this article without it being gratuitous—were another color, say black, and thus less pronounced, the video doesn’t resonate. But it’s red, so it does. The lesson here: when in doubt, toss on a codpiece.
Also, how blown would you be as the lead detective on a case chasing down a man with a red codpiece and a band named Cameo and one of the two cops you bring with you strips inside a club and starts dancing gyratiously? I’d be pissed. It’s New York though, he’d just get moved to desk duty. It does lend new meaning to stop-and-frisk, though. See what I did there? You probably do.
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Either way, for his work towards the advancement of artistic expression featuring codpieces, Larry Blackmon and Cameo deserve all the awards.
Side note: Am I the only one who didn’t realize that Larry Blackmon was singing lead on “Single Life” for years? I thought it was a woman. Cameo, man...iconic.


theroot--2020-06-15--This Purple Crockpot Jumps Straight From the Barney Bag for $32

This Crockpot is PURPLE AS ALL HELL , and I love it , and it ’ s on sale for @ @ @ @ @ slow cooker has three easy settings—low , high , and warm—and the lid and internal @ @ @ @ @ Now , go find all your favorite ingredients inside that same Barney Bag and let @ @ @ @ @ can make ( and gobble up ) today !

Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Crockpot 7qt Slow Cooker (Purple) | $32 | Amazon
This Crockpot is PURPLE AS ALL HELL, and I love it, and it’s on sale for $32. The 7-quart slow cooker has three easy settings—low, high, and warm—and the lid and internal pot are dishwasher safe. Now, go find all your favorite ingredients inside that same Barney Bag and let’s see what we can make (and gobble up) today!


theroot--2020-06-15--Beyoncé Urges Kentucky Attorney General to Bring Breonna Taylor's Killers to Justice

In March , 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by members of the Louisville Metro Police Department , after officers entered her Kentucky home using a no-knock search warrant .
The officers , Jon Mattingly , Myles Cosgrove , and Brett Hankison , have been placed on administrative leave , but have not been arrested for her murder .
In an open letter shared on her website Saturday , written on behalf of Taylor ’ s family and those who have been following her story , music superstar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter urged Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to charge the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation was turned over to your office , and yet all of the officers involved in the shooting remain employed by the LMPD , ” the “ Homecoming ” singer wrote .
“ With every death of a Black person at the hands of the police , there are two real tragedies : the death itself , and the inaction and delays that follow it .
This is your chance to end that pattern .
Take swift and decisive action in charging the officers .
The next months can not look like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her letter , the department ’ s handling of Taylor ’ s murder has created “ more questions than answers.
” A police report released to the public last week contained little information about Taylor ’ s death and contradicted the accounts of witnesses , including Taylor ’ s boyfriend Lawrence Walker .
For example , t he report lists Taylor ’ s injuries as “ none , ” while she was shot eight times , and t he box next to “ forced entry ” was checked “ no , ” despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was broken into with a battering ram .
“ Commit to transparency in the investigation and prosecution of these officers ’ criminal conduct , ” Queen Bey ’ s letter continues .
“ Investigate the LMPD ’ s response to Breonna Taylor ’ s murder , as well the pervasive practices that result in the repeated deaths of unarmed Black citizens.
” Last week , the state of Kentucky introduced legislation that would ban no-knock warrants , which they call “ Breonna ’ s Law.
” Hopefully , more changes will follow .

In March, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by members of the Louisville Metro Police Department, after officers entered her Kentucky home using a no-knock search warrant. The officers, Jon Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and Brett Hankison, have been placed on administrative leave, but have not been arrested for her murder.
In an open letter shared on her website Saturday, written on behalf of Taylor’s family and those who have been following her story, music superstar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter urged Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to charge the three officers.
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“The LMPD’s investigation was turned over to your office, and yet all of the officers involved in the shooting remain employed by the LMPD,” the “Homecoming” singer wrote. “With every death of a Black person at the hands of the police, there are two real tragedies: the death itself, and the inaction and delays that follow it. This is your chance to end that pattern. Take swift and decisive action in charging the officers. The next months cannot look like the last three.”
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As Beyoncé wrote in her letter, the department’s handling of Taylor’s murder has created “more questions than answers.” A police report released to the public last week contained little information about Taylor’s death and contradicted the accounts of witnesses, including Taylor’s boyfriend Lawrence Walker. For example, t he report lists Taylor’s injuries as “none,” while she was shot eight times, and t he box next to “forced entry” was checked “ no,” despite witnesses saying that Taylor’s apartment was broken into with a battering ram.
“Commit to transparency in the investigation and prosecution of these officers’ criminal conduct,” Queen Bey’s letter continues. “Investigate the LMPD’s response to Breonna Taylor’s murder, as well the pervasive practices that result in the repeated deaths of unarmed Black citizens.”
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Last week, the state of Kentucky introduced legislation that would ban no-knock warrants, which they call “Breonna’s Law.”
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Hopefully, more changes will follow.


theroot--2020-06-15--The Root Interviews Kentucky U.S. Senate Candidate Charles Booker On Instagram Live Today

If there was ever a moment when a black progressive could win national primary in Kentucky and convince the America people that the state is ready to move beyond Mitch McConnell , state Rep. Charles Booker ( D-Louisville ) is ready to claim it .
National protests spurred by the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Booker ’ s hometown have buoyed Booker ’ s profile and have resurrected hopes that he can actually defeat his toughest primary opponent and Democratic Party establishment pick , Amy McGrath .
Booker , 35 , was considered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his moving words on police violence and presence at protests in Louisville ( which his opponents have largely been absent from ) have progressives believing he can pull off an upset similar to what Reps. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) did in 2018 .
Of course , Massachusetts and New York aren ’ t Kentucky , but Booker is trying to prove naysayers wrong .
He has some notable believers in The Louisville Courier Journal , the state ’ s largest newspaper , and U.S. Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with senior reporter Terrell J. Starr on Monday at 12 p.m .
ET on The Root ’ s Instagram Live ( @ the.root ) , Booker will break down his legislative priorities , his views on policing , the national protests calling for abolition of policing , his primary race and much more .

If there was ever a moment when a black progressive could win national primary in Kentucky and convince the America people that the state is ready to move beyond Mitch McConnell, state Rep. Charles Booker (D-Louisville) is ready to claim it.
National protests spurred by the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Booker’s hometown have buoyed Booker’s profile and have resurrected hopes that he can actually defeat his toughest primary opponent and Democratic Party establishment pick, Amy McGrath. Booker, 35, was considered a long shot a month ago, but his moving words on police violence and presence at protests in Louisville (which his opponents have largely been absent from) have progressives believing he can pull off an upset similar to what Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) did in 2018. Of course, Massachusetts and New York aren’t Kentucky, but Booker is trying to prove naysayers wrong.
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He has some notable believers in The Louisville Courier Journal, the state’s largest newspaper, and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.
During an hourlong interview with senior reporter Terrell J. Starr on Monday at 12 p.m. ET on The Root’s Instagram Live (@the.root), Booker will break down his legislative priorities, his views on policing, the national protests calling for abolition of policing, his primary race and much more.


theroot--2020-06-15--ABC News Executive Reportedly Made "Picking Cotton" Comment Aimed at Good Morning America's Robin Ro

ABC News Executive Reportedly Made "Picking Cotton" Comment Aimed at Good Morning America's Robin Roberts

A white female casting executive at ABC News is under investigation for what is being described as an “ extensive history ” of insensitive comments , including racist ones geared at black employees .
Barbara Fedida ’ s abuses of power and alleged acts of discrimination were uncovered in a HuffPost investigative piece , which dropped Saturday .
It was written over the course of six months and featured 34 sources who agreed to be interviewed , most anonymously .
Fedida , who was placed on administrative leave , has reportedly been at the center of more than a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2016 , ABC News even hired an executive coach to help her become a more empathic , racially sensitive and effective leader , however , it didn ’ t work .
In 2018 , she ’ s alleged to have pointed a racist comments about Good Morning America co- anchor Robin Roberts .
“ Roberts , a Black woman who has co-anchored Good Morning America since 2005 , wanted more money as part of a contract renewal , and Fedida felt that Roberts had gotten enough , ” the report reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts could want and said it wasn ’ t as if the network was asking Roberts to ‘ pick cotton , ’ according to one source who was in the room and witnessed the exchange.
” The piece also claims that Fedida reportedly called female staffers “ cunts , ” showed little interest in the National Association of Black Journalists ( NABJ ) despite diversity being a key part of her job , and also reportedly said she ’ d spend “ more on toilet paper ” than she would Kendis Gibson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She is said to have fostered such a toxic work environment that those who left ABC News during her reign likened it to leaving an abusive marriage .
In a statement , ABC News condemns the allegations against Fedida , saying that they are “ deeply disturbing ” and “ do not represent the values and culture of ABC News , where we strive to make everyone feel respected in a thriving , diverse and inclusive workplace.
” Fedida calls the allegations “ heartbreaking and incredibly misleading ” in a statement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work of hiring , supporting and promoting talented journalists of color , ” she said .
“ ... that track record is well-documented and undeniable .
”

A white female casting executive at ABC News is under investigation for what is being described as an “extensive history” of insensitive comments, including racist ones geared at black employees. Barbara Fedida’s abuses of power and alleged acts of discrimination were uncovered in a HuffPost investigative piece, which dropped Saturday. It was written over the course of six months and featured 34 sources who agreed to be interviewed, most anonymously.
Fedida, who was placed on administrative leave, has reportedly been at the center of more than a dozen HR complaints in the past few years. In 2016, ABC News even hired an executive coach to help her become a more empathic, racially sensitive and effective leader, however, it didn’t work. In 2018, she’s alleged to have pointed a racist comments about Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts.
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“Roberts, a Black woman who has co-anchored Good Morning America since 2005, wanted more money as part of a contract renewal, and Fedida felt that Roberts had gotten enough,” the report reads. “Fedida then asked what more Roberts could want and said it wasn’t as if the network was asking Roberts to ‘pick cotton,’ according to one source who was in the room and witnessed the exchange.”
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The piece also claims that Fedida reportedly called female staffers “cunts,” showed little interest in the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) despite diversity being a key part of her job, and also reportedly said she’d spend “more on toilet paper” than she would Kendis Gibson, a former black ABC News anchor. She is said to have fostered such a toxic work environment that those who left ABC News during her reign likened it to leaving an abusive marriage.
In a statement, ABC News condemns the allegations against Fedida, saying that they are “deeply disturbing” and “do not represent the values and culture of ABC News, where we strive to make everyone feel respected in a thriving, diverse and inclusive workplace.” Fedida calls the allegations “heartbreaking and incredibly misleading” in a statement.
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“I am proud of my decades of work of hiring, supporting and promoting talented journalists of color,” she said. “...that track record is well-documented and undeniable.”
Sure, Jan.


theroot--2020-06-17--University of California Votes to Restore Affirmative Action 24 Years After Its Repeal

In 1996 , the state of California passed proposition 209 which prohibited race and gender from being a factor in university admissions .
Now , some 24 years later , the University of California voted unanimously to restore affirmative action .
The move was made in the hope of diversifying their student population , according to CNN .
The school ’ s Board of Regents reached an unanimous vote , endors ing the repeal of prop 209 .
They also voted in favor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 which would formally appeal prop 209 .
“ Proposition 209 has forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial inequality without factoring in race , even where allowed by federal law .
The diversity of our university and higher education institutions across California , should — and must — represent the rich diversity of our state.
” U. C. president Janet Napolitano said in a statement .
“ There is amazing momentum for righting the wrongs caused by centuries of systemic racism in our country .
The UC Board of Regents ’ votes to endorse ACA 5 and to repeal Proposition 209 plays a part in that effort , ” Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ As we continue to explore all the University ’ s opportunities for action , I am proud UC endorsed giving California voters the chance to erase a stain , support opportunity and equality , and repeal Proposition 209.
” In a news release , the board said Proposition 209 challenged the university ’ s efforts to create and maintain a student body that “ reflects California ’ s laudable cultural , racial , geographic and socioeconomic diversity.
” On Wednesday , the California state Assembly passed Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendment must pass through the state Senate by June 25 in order to appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot .
California is one of only eight states that prevents race and gender from being a factor when it comes to admissions .
“ It makes little sense to exclude any consideration of race in admissions when the aim of the University ’ s holistic process is to fully understand and evaluate each applicant through multiple dimensions , ” Napolitano said in her statement .
Last month , the University of California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scores as an admissions requirement for four years in an effort to shape the school ’ s admissions process to reflect “ the broad-based values of the university .
”

In 1996, the state of California passed proposition 209 which prohibited race and gender from being a factor in university admissions. Now, some 24 years later, the University of California voted unanimously to restore affirmative action.
The move was made in the hope of diversifying their student population, according to CNN. The school’s Board of Regents reached an unanimous vote, endors ing the repeal of prop 209. They also voted in favor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 which would formally appeal prop 209. “Proposition 209 has forced California public institutions to try to address racial inequality without factoring in race, even where allowed by federal law. The diversity of our university and higher education institutions across California, should — and must — represent the rich diversity of our state.” U. C. president Janet Napolitano said in a statement.
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From CNN:
“There is amazing momentum for righting the wrongs caused by centuries of systemic racism in our country. The UC Board of Regents’ votes to endorse ACA 5 and to repeal Proposition 209 plays a part in that effort,” Board Chair John A. Pérez said in a statement. “As we continue to explore all the University’s opportunities for action, I am proud UC endorsed giving California voters the chance to erase a stain, support opportunity and equality, and repeal Proposition 209.” In a news release, the board said Proposition 209 challenged the university’s efforts to create and maintain a student body that “reflects California’s laudable cultural, racial, geographic and socioeconomic diversity.”
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On Wednesday, the California state Assembly passed Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 by a vote of 60-14. The amendment must pass through the state Senate by June 25 in order to appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. California is one of only eight states that prevents race and gender from being a factor when it comes to admissions. “It makes little sense to exclude any consideration of race in admissions when the aim of the University’s holistic process is to fully understand and evaluate each applicant through multiple dimensions,” Napolitano said in her statement.
Last month, the University of California voted to remove ACT and SAT test scores as an admissions requirement for four years in an effort to shape the school’s admissions process to reflect “the broad-based values of the university.”


theroot--2020-06-17--Retail on the Rebound? Trump Touts 17.7 Percent Boost in May Retail Sales—Conveniently Ignoring Apri

Retail on the Rebound? Trump Touts 17.7 Percent Boost in May Retail Sales—Conveniently Ignoring April's Record Drop

It ’ s safe to say that the retail landscape as we once knew it will not recover with a COVID-19 vaccine—in fact , much of it was on the decline well before the coronavirus reached our shores , with traditional brick-and-mortar locations proving unable to keep up with the increase in online shopping .
And as the pandemic imposed nationwide lockdowns and resulted in record unemployment numbers , retail was bound to be among the most impacted .
After all , a lack of disposable income tends to restrict discretionary spending—and accordingly , mid-April returns showed a record 16.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse than initially predicted ( h/t CNBC ) .
This , after an 8.7 percent plunge in March .
Totaled , that ’ s a 25.1 drop in retail spending since February of this year .
But let ’ s not confuse your president with facts—or basic math .
Amid his continued attempts to gaslight America about the devastating impacts of the coronavirus—and as Republicans continue to waffle on the second round of stimulus checks—on Tuesday , Trump was thrilled to boast about a 17.7 percent jump in retail sales in May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the pandemic continues to affect the country .
While the news understandably called for renewed optimism about the market at large , it conveniently overlooked the fact that given March and April ’ s numbers , we ’ re still running at a 7.4 percent deficit .
Also telling is that the administration credits the end of lockdowns with the surge—and unsurprisingly , some press outlets have followed suit .
“ Retail sales shattered already-lofty expectations for May as consumers freed from the coronavirus-induced lockdowns began shopping again , ” CNBC crowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being almost completely shuttered during the lockdown , food services and drinking places saw a 29.1 % rebound in May .
Some states began allowing outdoor dining during the month after the establishments were limited to curbside pickup and delivery.
” Sounds great ... except that 29.1 percent increase is a rebound from what , exactly ?
And should that surge really be attributed to the end of lockdown when most blue states ( and several red ones ) remained under some form of stay-at-home orders through at least mid-May ?
Or might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cash provided by the first round of stimulus checks that arrived between mid-April and mid-May ; funds those of us lucky enough to still be employed were able to use at our discretion ?
You know , the same type of funds Republicans have delayed issuing more of even as their president reportedly supports another $ 2 trillion stimulus package ( h/t CNN ) ?
“ The return of shoppers last month was likely aided by the $ 3 trillion in rescue money that the federal government has provided to companies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Americans ’ retail purchases would need to surge by an additional 9 % to return to their level before the pandemic.
” But while the administration has no problem boasting about returns , they are less eager to provide more remedial action .
“ [ A ] s I ’ ve already said , we ’ ll be looking in July to make a decision about whether to go forward with another rescue package , ” Senator Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) told the press on Monday .
“ And we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s credit ( I can ’ t believe I just typed that ) , by July , we should also know if the recent spates of reopenings , coupled with weeks of public protests , will result in a surge of COVID-19 cases that outweigh those of the economy .
So , maybe we should temper those celebrations , since as CNBC concedes , “ While the monthly gains set records , the economy is still making up for lost ground .
”

It’s safe to say that the retail landscape as we once knew it will not recover with a COVID-19 vaccine—in fact, much of it was on the decline well before the coronavirus reached our shores, with traditional brick-and-mortar locations proving unable to keep up with the increase in online shopping. And as the pandemic imposed nationwide lockdowns and resulted in record unemployment numbers, retail was bound to be among the most impacted. After all, a lack of disposable income tends to restrict discretionary spending—and accordingly, mid-April returns showed a record 16.4 percent plunge in retail sales, even worse than initially predicted (h/t CNBC). This, after an 8.7 percent plunge in March. Totaled, that’s a 25.1 drop in retail spending since February of this year.
But let’s not confuse your president with facts—or basic math.
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Amid his continued attempts to gaslight America about the devastating impacts of the coronavirus—and as Republicans continue to waffle on the second round of stimulus checks—on Tuesday, Trump was thrilled to boast about a 17.7 percent jump in retail sales in May, well over the 8 percent previously forecasted as the pandemic continues to affect the country. While the news understandably called for renewed optimism about the market at large, it conveniently overlooked the fact that given March and April’s numbers, we’re still running at a 7.4 percent deficit.
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Also telling is that the administration credits the end of lockdowns with the surge—and unsurprisingly, some press outlets have followed suit. “Retail sales shattered already-lofty expectations for May as consumers freed from the coronavirus-induced lockdowns began shopping again,” CNBC crowed, also reporting that: “After being almost completely shuttered during the lockdown, food services and drinking places saw a 29.1% rebound in May. Some states began allowing outdoor dining during the month after the establishments were limited to curbside pickup and delivery.”
Sounds great...except that 29.1 percent increase is a rebound from what, exactly? And should that surge really be attributed to the end of lockdown when most blue states (and several red ones) remained under some form of stay-at-home orders through at least mid-May? Or might it also be credited to the influx of cash provided by the first round of stimulus checks that arrived between mid-April and mid-May; funds those of us lucky enough to still be employed were able to use at our discretion?
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You know, the same type of funds Republicans have delayed issuing more of even as their president reportedly supports another $2 trillion stimulus package (h/t CNN)?
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“The return of shoppers last month was likely aided by the $3 trillion in rescue money that the federal government has provided to companies and households,” AP News notes. “Americans’ retail purchases would need to surge by an additional 9% to return to their level before the pandemic.”
But while the administration has no problem boasting about returns, they are less eager to provide more remedial action. “[A]s I’ve already said, we’ll be looking in July to make a decision about whether to go forward with another rescue package,” Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told the press on Monday. “And we’ll let you know.”
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To McConnell’s credit (I can’t believe I just typed that), by July, we should also know if the recent spates of reopenings, coupled with weeks of public protests, will result in a surge of COVID-19 cases that outweigh those of the economy. So, maybe we should temper those celebrations, since as CNBC concedes, “While the monthly gains set records, the economy is still making up for lost ground.”


theroot--2020-06-16--Love Yourself Enough to Finally Buy the Foot Massager

A lot of people are dealing with some seriously achy feet right now—spending a few months not doing a whole lot of walking followed by doing a whole lot of walking all of a sudden will do that to you .
So !
This is a great time to talk about foot massagers , especially because professional massages are largely unavailable since salons and spas are still shut down .
Most foot massagers will fall into one of these categories : Electric foot massagers , manual foot massagers , and foot spas .
We covered foot spas as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take a look at them again down the line because … well , you guys like foot content !
( We know things about you , you see , and one of those things is that you like foot content . )
So for now , we ’ ll focus on the electric and manual foot massagers and check out some of the different options out there .
The top-rated foot massager on Amazon has a ton of bells and whistles : It features divided chambers for each foot , with separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shiatsu-style massage mechanism , which is good for people with foot injuries or problems that require a harder or gentler massage than the healthy foot .
It ’ s also remote control operated and comes apart for easy cleaning .
However , according to reviewers , it ’ s not ideal for people with smaller feet .
If the idea of a heated shiatsu foot massager sounds great , but the idea of throwing a bunch of money at such a machine sounds … less great , this HoMedics model is for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitted with nodes to mimic the feeling of being massaged by the heel of the hand ( the heads ) and the fingers ( the nodes ) , and the unit is fitted with a control button at the base of the massager that allows you to change the pressure and heat settings using your toes—no leaning forward required !
Air compression massagers are a slightly different take on traditional massagers .
They wrap around the feet , legs , arms , etc.
, secured in place by velcro , and tighten around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s akin to a blood pressure cuff .
The compression wraps can be used to treat tired and sore muscles , and will can to relieve the symptoms of edema ( swelling of the legs and feet ) , varicose veins , restless leg syndrome , and poor circulation .
Manual foot massagers feature nubby dowels , usually made of wood , affixed to a frame .
Put it on the floor , pop your feet on top and roll back and forth to get your massage going .
This model is lightweight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy to travel with or to stash out of sight for quick storage and retrieval .
This electric roller-style massager is sort of a mashup of the electric shiatsu-style machines and the manual foot massager .
The nice thing about this model is that it ’ s super versatile : It can be used as a foot massager , yes , but also as a calf , thigh , and neck massager as well .
It has two different massage functions—the outer edges are fitted with rolling nodules for targeting the soles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a kneading massage mechanism for use on the sides of the feet as well as the calves , thighs , and neck .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

A lot of people are dealing with some seriously achy feet right now—spending a few months not doing a whole lot of walking followed by doing a whole lot of walking all of a sudden will do that to you. So! This is a great time to talk about foot massagers, especially because professional massages are largely unavailable since salons and spas are still shut down.
Most foot massagers will fall into one of these categories: Electric foot massagers, manual foot massagers, and foot spas. We covered foot spas as part of our guide to at-home pedicures, and will take a look at them again down the line because … well, you guys like foot content! (We know things about you, you see, and one of those things is that you like foot content.) So for now, we’ll focus on the electric and manual foot massagers and check out some of the different options out there.
A Souped Up Electric Foot Massager
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The top-rated foot massager on Amazon has a ton of bells and whistles: It features divided chambers for each foot, with separate controls for both the heating and the shiatsu-style massage mechanism, which is good for people with foot injuries or problems that require a harder or gentler massage than the healthy foot. It’s also remote control operated and comes apart for easy cleaning. However, according to reviewers, it’s not ideal for people with smaller feet.
A Less Expensive Electric Option
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If the idea of a heated shiatsu foot massager sounds great, but the idea of throwing a bunch of money at such a machine sounds … less great, this HoMedics model is for you. It has rotating heads that are fitted with nodes to mimic the feeling of being massaged by the heel of the hand (the heads) and the fingers (the nodes), and the unit is fitted with a control button at the base of the massager that allows you to change the pressure and heat settings using your toes—no leaning forward required!
Compression Wraps for Feet, Legs, and Arms
Advertisement
Air compression massagers are a slightly different take on traditional massagers. They wrap around the feet, legs, arms, etc., secured in place by velcro, and tighten around the muscles in a way that’s akin to a blood pressure cuff. The compression wraps can be used to treat tired and sore muscles, and will can to relieve the symptoms of edema (swelling of the legs and feet), varicose veins, restless leg syndrome, and poor circulation.
A Budget Pick
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Manual foot massagers feature nubby dowels, usually made of wood, affixed to a frame. Put it on the floor, pop your feet on top and roll back and forth to get your massage going. This model is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to travel with or to stash out of sight for quick storage and retrieval.
A Versatile Option for Feet, Legs, and Neck
Advertisement
This electric roller-style massager is sort of a mashup of the electric shiatsu-style machines and the manual foot massager. The nice thing about this model is that it’s super versatile: It can be used as a foot massager, yes, but also as a calf, thigh, and neck massager as well. It has two different massage functions—the outer edges are fitted with rolling nodules for targeting the soles of the feet, and the center houses a kneading massage mechanism for use on the sides of the feet as well as the calves, thighs, and neck.


theroot--2020-06-16--Trot Into Summer With a Fresh New Pair of Running Shoes

Hard as it may be to believe , what with everyone being stuck inside all the time these days , but summer is just around the corner .
With warmer weather comes new opportunities to take your workouts outdoors ( as long as you ’ re doing so safely and with a mask ) and there ’ s no better way to make it happen than to take up running .
Whether it ’ s been a while since you hit the tracks , your old running shoes have a few miles too many on them , or you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change of pace ( sorry , sorry everyone ) a new pair of running shoes is a great way to not only kickstart your motivation to get miles in but also to make sure your feet are being taken care of while you do it .
You can ’ t go wrong with the classics Nike ’ s Pegasus is one of the more esteemed and long-lasting lines in the modern landscape of running shoes and the Nike Pegasus 36 shows that isn ’ t changing any time soon .
The 37th iteration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though it hasn ’ t been out quite long enough for us to deliver a verdict on how well it holds up over time .
Its predecessor is another story .
It ’ s proved a highly effective and reliable shoe for beginner and longtime runners alike , just as good for a short 5K as it is a half-marathon .
We ’ re living in a true golden age of foam-based shoe soles .
While Adidas Boost material and Nike ’ s React foam definitely dominate the space , don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the base of the brand ’ s signature Phantom runner .
It ’ s significantly denser and not quite as cushy as something like the Boost , but the foam provides a super sturdy , durable base for someone looking for a shoe with a bit more weight to it .
Speaking of Boost , you can ’ t talk about running shoes in 2020 without spotlighting it a little bit .
A didas introduced the revolutionary ultra-lightweight material way back in 2013 and it ’ s been a staple of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s become a staple of the brand ’ s output , from lifestyle shoes like the Ultra Boost to the Houston Rockets star James Harden ’ s signature basketball sneakers .
If you want a running shoe with a Boost sole , you can ’ t go wrong with the Solar Glide .
It ’ s a light but durable sneaker that won ’ t weigh your feet down while you ’ re getting your miles in and features a cushy , supportive Boost sole .
You ’ ll feel like you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet .
For those who put safety first Nothing gets in the way of making running into a habit like soreness and post-run pain .
Well , nothing except for injuries .
Any of these can easily derail any running plans you have in place .
Get ahead with the Nike Infinity React , which debuted last year and made waves across the fitness world .
The shoe is designed specifically to reduce soreness and risk of injury , and it works .
Internal studies conducted during the shoe ’ s development showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 % reduction in injury according to Nike .
If safety is your priority , the Nike React Infinity is a perfect running shoe .
Whether you ’ re currently living in a city and need an escape or regularly spend time in the great outdoors , warm weather and the era of social distancing have trail running looking more appealing than ever .
If you ’ re going to head off the beaten path though , you need to make sure you have the right shoes .
That ’ s where trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hierro V5 comes equipped with more durable , grippy soles to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way .
It ’ ll keep your run going smoothly wherever the open road takes you .

Tres Dean on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Hard as it may be to believe, what with everyone being stuck inside all the time these days, but summer is just around the corner. With warmer weather comes new opportunities to take your workouts outdoors (as long as you’re doing so safely and with a mask) and there’s no better way to make it happen than to take up running.
Whether it’s been a while since you hit the tracks, your old running shoes have a few miles too many on them, or you’re just in the mood for a change of pace (sorry, sorry everyone) a new pair of running shoes is a great way to not only kickstart your motivation to get miles in but also to make sure your feet are being taken care of while you do it.
The Top Pick
Advertisement
Nike’s Pegasus is one of the more esteemed and long-lasting lines in the modern landscape of running shoes and the Nike Pegasus 36 shows that isn’t changing any time soon. The 37th iteration of the shoe recently hit stores, though it hasn’t been out quite long enough for us to deliver a verdict on how well it holds up over time. Its predecessor is another story. It’s proved a highly effective and reliable shoe for beginner and longtime runners alike, just as good for a short 5K as it is a half-marathon.
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The Rugged Option
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We’re living in a true golden age of foam-based shoe soles. While Adidas Boost material and Nike’s React foam definitely dominate the space, don’t sleep on UnderArmour’s HOVR material, the base of the brand’s signature Phantom runner. It’s significantly denser and not quite as cushy as something like the Boost, but the foam provides a super sturdy, durable base for someone looking for a shoe with a bit more weight to it.
Advertisement
The Comfort Option
Advertisement
Speaking of Boost, you can’t talk about running shoes in 2020 without spotlighting it a little bit. Adidas introduced the revolutionary ultra-lightweight material way back in 2013 and it’s been a staple of the sneaker world ever since. It’s become a staple of the brand’s output, from lifestyle shoes like the Ultra Boost to the Houston Rockets star James Harden’s signature basketball sneakers. If you want a running shoe with a Boost sole, you can’t go wrong with the Solar Glide. It’s a light but durable sneaker that won’t weigh your feet down while you’re getting your miles in and features a cushy, supportive Boost sole. You’ll feel like you’re running with pillows strapped to your feet.
Advertisement
The Risk-Averse Option
Advertisement
Nothing gets in the way of making running into a habit like soreness and post-run pain. Well, nothing except for injuries. Any of these can easily derail any running plans you have in place. Get ahead with the Nike Infinity React, which debuted last year and made waves across the fitness world. The shoe is designed specifically to reduce soreness and risk of injury, and it works. Internal studies conducted during the shoe’s development showed that runners using the shoe saw a 52% reduction in injury according to Nike. If safety is your priority, the Nike React Infinity is a perfect running shoe.
Advertisement
The Off-Road Option
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Whether you’re currently living in a city and need an escape or regularly spend time in the great outdoors, warm weather and the era of social distancing have trail running looking more appealing than ever. If you’re going to head off the beaten path though, you need to make sure you have the right shoes. That’s where trail runners come in. The New Balance Hierro V5 comes equipped with more durable, grippy soles to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. It’ll keep your run going smoothly wherever the open road takes you.


theroot--2020-06-16--Oklahoma State's Chuba Hubbard Threatens Boycott, Calls Out Coach for Supporting One America News: '

Oklahoma State's Chuba Hubbard Threatens Boycott, Calls Out Coach for Supporting One America News: 'I Am a Young Black Man That Wants Change'

Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy has promised to “ make some changes ” after his poor choice in attire le d to a damn near mutiny within his football program .
On Monday , Gundy ’ s star running back , Chuba Hubbard , put him on blast for rocking a One America News Network t-shirt in a recent photo and threatened to boycott the team ’ s upcoming season .
“ I will not stand for this , ” Hubbard tweeted .
“ This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE.
” For those unfamiliar with OAN ’ s brand of baseless conspiracy theories and incessant pro-Trump propaganda , consider yourself blessed .
The network is so firmly entrenched in its extremist , ring-wing bullshit that it makes Fox News look like a Black Lives Matter protest .
As such , it comes as no surprise that Hubbard ’ s teammates , including linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga , echoed his sentiments .
“ I stand with him !
” he tweeted in support .
As tensions escalated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Twitter to drop the hammer .
“ I hear and respect the concerns expressed by our Black student-athletes , ” he tweeted .
“ This is a time for unity of purpose to confront racial inequities and injustice .
We will not tolerate insensitive behavior by anyone at Oklahoma State.
” What is a coach who supports “ refreshing , ” bigoted bullshit supposed to do ?
Take to Twitter to offer a non-apology , of course .
“ In light of today ’ s tweet with the T-shirt I was wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realize it ’ s a very sensitive issue with what ’ s going on in today ’ s society , ” Gundy said in a joint video featuring Hubbard .
“ We had a great meeting .
It made me aware of some things that players feel like could make our organization and our culture even better than it is here at Oklahoma State.
” “ I ’ m looking forward to making some changes , and it starts at the top with me .
And we ’ ve got good days ahead.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ own thoughts , which included something that Gundy ’ s statement didn ’ t : an actual apology .
“ I ’ ll start off by first saying that I went about it the wrong way by tweeting , ” Hubbard said .
“ I ’ m not someone that has to tweet something to make change .
I should have went to him as a man .
I ’ m more about action .
That was bad on my part .
From now on , we ’ re gon na focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important thing.
” Then they shook hands and the world was magically cured of bigotry .
So I guess Gundy won ’ t wear OAN hoodies at Trump rallies or Trader Joe ’ s anymore ?
For his part , Hubbard seems to be satisfied with whatever compromise they came to , as he addressed the situation Tuesday on Twitter .
“ I am a young black man that wants change , ” he tweeted .
“ I want change that will bring a better experience for my black brothers and sisters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that simple.
” As one of the best running backs in the country , Oklahoma State would ’ ve been in a world of hurt had Hubbard followed through on his intention to boycott playing football .
And from NASCAR ’ s Bubba Wallace to NFL stars like Ezekial Elliot and Patrick Mahomes it ’ s great to see black athletes being much more assertive in using their platforms to combat inequality within their respective sports .

Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy has promised to “make some changes” after his poor choice in attire le d to a damn near mutiny within his football program.
On Monday, Gundy’s star running back, Chuba Hubbard, put him on blast for rocking a One America News Network t-shirt in a recent photo and threatened to boycott the team’s upcoming season.
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“I will not stand for this,” Hubbard tweeted. “This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE.”
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For those unfamiliar with OAN’s brand of baseless conspiracy theories and incessant pro-Trump propaganda, consider yourself blessed. The network is so firmly entrenched in Trump’s asshole its extremist, ring-wing bullshit that it makes Fox News look like a Black Lives Matter protest.
As such, it comes as no surprise that Hubbard’s teammates, including linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, echoed his sentiments.
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“I stand with him!” he tweeted in support.
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As tensions escalated, Oklahoma State president Burns Hargis took to Twitter to drop the hammer.
“I hear and respect the concerns expressed by our Black student-athletes,” he tweeted. “This is a time for unity of purpose to confront racial inequities and injustice. We will not tolerate insensitive behavior by anyone at Oklahoma State.”
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Well, shit.
What is a coach who supports “refreshing,” bigoted bullshit supposed to do? Take to Twitter to offer a non-apology, of course.
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“In light of today’s tweet with the T-shirt I was wearing, I met with some players and realize it’s a very sensitive issue with what’s going on in today’s society,” Gundy said in a joint video featuring Hubbard. “We had a great meeting. It made me aware of some things that players feel like could make our organization and our culture even better than it is here at Oklahoma State.”
“I’m looking forward to making some changes, and it starts at the top with me. And we’ve got good days ahead.”
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Hubbard followed that up with his own thoughts, which included something that Gundy’s statement didn’t: an actual apology.
“I’ll start off by first saying that I went about it the wrong way by tweeting,” Hubbard said. “I’m not someone that has to tweet something to make change. I should have went to him as a man. I’m more about action. That was bad on my part. From now on, we’re gonna focus on bringing change. That’s the most important thing.”
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Then they shook hands and the world was magically cured of bigotry.
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So I guess Gundy won’t wear OAN hoodies at Trump rallies or Trader Joe’s anymore?
For his part, Hubbard seems to be satisfied with whatever compromise they came to, as he addressed the situation Tuesday on Twitter.
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“I am a young black man that wants change,” he tweeted. “I want change that will bring a better experience for my black brothers and sisters at Oklahoma State. It’s that simple.”
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As one of the best running backs in the country, Oklahoma State would’ve been in a world of hurt had Hubbard followed through on his intention to boycott playing football. And from NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace to NFL stars like Ezekial Elliot and Patrick Mahomes it’s great to see black athletes being much more assertive in using their platforms to combat inequality within their respective sports.


theroot--2020-06-16--Mississippi Lawmakers Are Drafting Legislation to Remove Confederate Symbol From State Flag

Inexplicably , the Confederate symbol still flies in Mississippi as a part of its state flag .
Despite having the largest black percentage of black people of any state , Mississippi still sees fit to fly one of the most notorious symbols of white supremacy .
There is hope that nationwide momentum for the removal of Confederate monuments will help change that .
Mississippi state legislators are drafting legislation to remove the Confederate symbol from the state flag , according to CBS News .
This is the first time in almost 20 years that any action has been taken by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Mississippi state flag has the C onfederate emblem on its upper left side and flies in front of multiple state buildings , including the Governor ’ s mansion .
On Monday , this new proposal was sent before the state Senate Constitutional Committee .
The proposal seeks to change the flag through legislation and not through a ballot vote .
This a move that Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves ( R ) has opposed , telling reporters in a press conference last Monday that the decision should be made by voters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symbol from the flag has garnered over 140,000 signatures so far .
“ I love my state , it ’ s just that my state doesn ’ t always love me back , ” Jarrius Adams , a 22-year-old activist in Mississippi told CBS News .
“ Myself , and so many other people my age , can ’ t be black or an activist and be silent on Confederate symbols such as the flag .
For so many people it represents this history that was not welcoming of our community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just disregarded the contributions that our people have made to Mississippi and the nation.
” Adams said .
The proposed alternative , and one that flies in front of many homes in Mississippi already , is the Stennis Flag , a design with 19 blue stars around one large star to commemorate the state ’ s induction into the United States in 1817 .
But the flag faces its own criticism : Its designer and namesake , Laurin Stennis , is the white granddaughter of the late U.S .
Senator John C. Stennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Voting Rights Act , the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 .
Citing Senator Stennis ’ voting record , Adams said he was uncomfortable with the replacement .
“ I totally understand that , but if they ’ re good with the design , they recognize the momentum we have and they can understand that this is , you know , a white person cleaning up another white person ’ s mess , ” Stennis said during a telephone interview with CBS News on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid renewed calls to remove Confederate monuments from public spaces .
In Virginia , Gov .
Ralph Northam has declared his intention to remove multiple confederate monuments , NASCAR has banned Confederate flags from being displayed at races and the armed forces have banned the Confederate flag from its bases .

Inexplicably, the Confederate symbol still flies in Mississippi as a part of its state flag. Despite having the largest black percentage of black people of any state, Mississippi still sees fit to fly one of the most notorious symbols of white supremacy. There is hope that nationwide momentum for the removal of Confederate monuments will help change that.
Mississippi state legislators are drafting legislation to remove the Confederate symbol from the state flag, according to CBS News. This is the first time in almost 20 years that any action has been taken by the state to change the flag. The Mississippi state flag has the C onfederate emblem on its upper left side and flies in front of multiple state buildings, including the Governor’s mansion. On Monday, this new proposal was sent before the state Senate Constitutional Committee. The proposal seeks to change the flag through legislation and not through a ballot vote.
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This a move that Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) has opposed, telling reporters in a press conference last Monday that the decision should be made by voters and not politicians. A petition to remove the symbol from the flag has garnered over 140,000 signatures so far.
“I love my state, it’s just that my state doesn’t always love me back,” Jarrius Adams, a 22-year-old activist in Mississippi told CBS News. “Myself, and so many other people my age, can’t be black or an activist and be silent on Confederate symbols such as the flag. For so many people it represents this history that was not welcoming of our community, not inclusive, and in many cases just disregarded the contributions that our people have made to Mississippi and the nation.” Adams said.
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From CBS News:
The proposed alternative, and one that flies in front of many homes in Mississippi already, is the Stennis Flag, a design with 19 blue stars around one large star to commemorate the state’s induction into the United States in 1817. But the flag faces its own criticism: Its designer and namesake, Laurin Stennis, is the white granddaughter of the late U.S. Senator John C. Stennis, an outspoken segregationist who voted against the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Citing Senator Stennis’ voting record, Adams said he was uncomfortable with the replacement. “I totally understand that, but if they’re good with the design, they recognize the momentum we have and they can understand that this is, you know, a white person cleaning up another white person’s mess,” Stennis said during a telephone interview with CBS News on Monday.
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The effort to remove the flag comes amid renewed calls to remove Confederate monuments from public spaces. In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam has declared his intention to remove multiple confederate monuments, NASCAR has banned Confederate flags from being displayed at races and the armed forces have banned the Confederate flag from its bases.


theroot--2020-06-16--The Insecure Season 4 Finale Was a Lot, but This Issa Rae-Luther Vandross Mashup Will Never Be Too M

The Insecure Season 4 Finale Was a Lot, but This Issa Rae-Luther Vandross Mashup Will Never Be Too Much

As we all simmered down from the big cliffhanger that dangled at the end of Insecure ’ s Season 4 finale , fans reflected on the fact that the television show had served as a necessary escape from the hellscape we ’ re currently living in ( while also serving as a poignant reminder of the pre-pandemic days ) .
Our Sundays are definitely going to feel a bit emptier now with no episode of Insecure to look forward to ( and later argue about on Twitter ) .
So , this past Sunday , while we watched the melancholy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seales ) postpartum depression story arc and the eventual reunion of Issa Dee ( Issa Rae ) and Molly ( Yvonne Orji ) , there was also some requisite soap-operatic drama to be had .
In a scene right out of The Game , we found out that Lawrence ’ s ( Jay Ellis ) ex-girlfriend Condola ( Christina Elmore ) was pregnant—right when he and Issa were getting to a good and mature place with their recent romantic reconciliation .
Most of us had hypothesized that this would happen and it actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Yikes !
Though that predictable plot twist left a lot of us irate ( as soon as Lawerence said Condola came to “ talk , ” I legit yelled at the screen , “ ARE Y ’ ALL REALLY FUCKING DOING THIS ?
!
” ) , that doesn ’ t mean there ’ s no room to appreciate what I believe to be the show ’ s best season , as a whole .
Remember the Megan Thee Stallion-Steve Harvey mashup ?
How can you forget ?
The image is permanently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the production group is continuing their hilarious antics in timely fashion with their newest fusion video called “ Never Too Much ” by Issa Vandross .
That ’ s right , Issa Rae ’ s face has been superimposed onto Luther Vandross ’ head and body .
The video served as a recap of the past season—but also , this shit is ridiculously funny .
From what I ’ ve seen , Issa hasn ’ t publicly commented on it yet , but I imagine she ’ d get a kick out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s face it , we all do—please watch this video .
Watch it here ... and now .

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

As we all simmered down from the big cliffhanger that dangled at the end of Insecure’s Season 4 finale, fans reflected on the fact that the television show had served as a necessary escape from the hellscape we’re currently living in (while also serving as a poignant reminder of the pre-pandemic days). Our Sundays are definitely going to feel a bit emptier now with no episode of Insecure to look forward to (and later argue about on Twitter).
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Writer’s Note: Beware of Insecure Season 4 finale episode spoilers below.
So, this past Sunday, while we watched the melancholy revelation of Tiffany’s (Amanda Seales) postpartum depression story arc and the eventual reunion of Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji), there was also some requisite soap-operatic drama to be had. In a scene right out of The Game, we found out that Lawrence’s (Jay Ellis) ex-girlfriend Condola ( Christina Elmore ) was pregnant—right when he and Issa were getting to a good and mature place with their recent romantic reconciliation. Most of us had hypothesized that this would happen and it actually turned out to be a real thing! Yikes!
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Though that predictable plot twist left a lot of us irate (as soon as Lawerence said Condola came to “talk,” I legit yelled at the screen, “ARE Y’ALL REALLY FUCKING DOING THIS?!”), that doesn’t mean there’s no room to appreciate what I believe to be the show’s best season, as a whole.
Cue Myster Giraffe.
Remember the Megan Thee Stallion-Steve Harvey mashup? How can you forget? The image is permanently sealed in my memory.
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Well, the production group is continuing their hilarious antics in timely fashion with their newest fusion video called “Never Too Much” by Issa Vandross. That’s right, Issa Rae’s face has been superimposed onto Luther Vandross’ head and body. The video served as a recap of the past season—but also, this shit is ridiculously funny.
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From what I’ve seen, Issa hasn’t publicly commented on it yet, but I imagine she’d get a kick out of this. If you need a laugh—let’s face it, we all do—please watch this video. Watch it here...and now.


theroot--2020-06-16--NYPD Disbanding Plainclothes Anti-Crime Unit, aka 'Last Chapter' of Stop and Frisk

Calls for police departments to be defunded , dismantled and outright abolished have grown nationwide over the last month .
New York has responded to these calls by closing a 600-person plainclothes unit .
Which , uh , is something I guess ?
The anti-crime unit was responsible for finding and getting guns off the street , often employing the questionable stop-and-frisk tactic to do so , according to NBC News .
“ I would consider this in the realm of closing the last chapters of stop , question and frisk , ” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea told reporters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a seismic shift in the culture of how the NYPD polices this great city.
” Stop-and-frisk is a tactic that has garnered much deserved controversy .
Its usage was woefully ineffective and rarely resulted in any guns or illegal materials being found .
In addition to not working , it was just straight up racist .
A federal ruling in 2013 rendered the tactic unconstitutional as 80 percent of stops were black and Latinx people .
Despite this history , Shea said that the move wasn ’ t a critique of the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ exceptional ” job .
Instead he points to changes in policing from the last decade .
“ We can do it with brains .
We can do it with guile .
We can move away from brute force , ” Shea said .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Monday that every community in the state would have to implement “ major ” reform aimed at redesigning public safety .
“ How do we change the police ?
” he said .
“ How do we take this moment and institutionalize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the discussions about reform “ thoughtful ” but added that the move to disband the anti-crime unit could backfire .
“ This is not without risk , ” he said .
“ The risk will fall squarely on my shoulders.
” While I ’ m sure the NYPD would love a pat on the back for finally “ ending ” stop-and-frisk , this all rings a bit hollow .
This is a program that was proven not to work seven years ago .
You don ’ t get points for finally not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have been doing in the first place .

Calls for police departments to be defunded, dismantled and outright abolished have grown nationwide over the last month. New York has responded to these calls by closing a 600-person plainclothes unit. Which, uh, is something I guess?
The anti-crime unit was responsible for finding and getting guns off the street, often employing the questionable stop-and-frisk tactic to do so, according to NBC News. “I would consider this in the realm of closing the last chapters of stop, question and frisk,” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea told reporters. Shea believes the move will be “a seismic shift in the culture of how the NYPD polices this great city.”
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Stop-and-frisk is a tactic that has garnered much deserved controversy. Its usage was woefully ineffective and rarely resulted in any guns or illegal materials being found. In addition to not working, it was just straight up racist. A federal ruling in 2013 rendered the tactic unconstitutional as 80 percent of stops were black and Latinx people.
Despite this history, Shea said that the move wasn’t a critique of the work of officers who he said did an “exceptional” job. Instead he points to changes in policing from the last decade. “We can do it with brains. We can do it with guile. We can move away from brute force,” Shea said.
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From NBC News:
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that every community in the state would have to implement “major” reform aimed at redesigning public safety. “How do we change the police?” he said. “How do we take this moment and institutionalize it to have progress?” Shea called the discussions about reform “thoughtful” but added that the move to disband the anti-crime unit could backfire. “This is not without risk,” he said. “The risk will fall squarely on my shoulders.”
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While I’m sure the NYPD would love a pat on the back for finally “ending” stop-and-frisk, this all rings a bit hollow. This is a program that was proven not to work seven years ago. You don’t get points for finally not doing the thing that you shouldn’t have been doing in the first place.


theroot--2020-06-16--When a Bad Apple Spoils a New Barrel: New Study Unpacks the Dangers of Hiring Previously Fired Cops

One of the most confounding distortions of language centers around the colloquialism of “ bad apples ” with regard to policing .
The phrase is frequently used to minimize the severity of the policing problem in this country : W hy say policing itself is the problem when we can focus on throwing out the few “ bad apples ” of the bunch ?
The phrase ’ s origins , of course , speak to contagion and corruption : a few bad apples are capable of spoiling all the other “ good ” ones .
And as a new study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” don ’ t just spoil one department or community—all too often , cops fired because of egregious infractions just end up working for another agency .
The study , entitled “ The Wandering Officer , ” appears in the Yale Law Journal and marks “ the first systematic investigation of wandering officers and possibly the largest quantitative study of police misconduct of any kind , ” according to authors Ben Grunwald and John Rappaport .
Focusing exclusively on Florida , Grunwald and Rappaport analyzed data on 98,000 full-time law enforcement officers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They found that “ wandering officers ” —cops fired from one agency only to be hired at another—were “ relatively common , ” according to the Washington Post .
But just as importantly , given the chance at a fresh start , these wandering officers continued the same behavior that previously got them fired .
Here ’ s how Grunwald captured the findings in an interview with the Post : First , during any given year , there are about 1,100 full-time law enforcement officers working in Florida who had been previously fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s roughly 3 percent of all full-time law enforcement officers working in the state .
Second , police officers who are fired tend to get rehired by another agency within three years .
Third , officers who ’ ve been fired and land another job tend to move to smaller agencies with fewer resources and slightly larger communities of color .
Finally , when a wandering officer gets hired by a new agency , they tend to get fired about twice as often as other officers and are more likely to receive “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general and for physical and sexual misconduct .
How the different findings work with each other is important : not only do bad cops continue to work high-stakes jobs , they do so in increasingly vulnerable communities .
And as one might expect , absent any real consequence aside from a move to another town , police aren ’ t incentivized to change their behavior—and many don ’ t .
Addressing why police departments may hire risky officers , Grunwald suggested two possibilities—lack of knowledge , due to the big holes in state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture of impunity .
“ Law-enforcement agencies are highly immunized from legal liability , ” Grunwald told the Post .
“ And , as we ’ ve seen in the past few weeks , there can be a band-of-brothers ethos among police officers , where they feel that they are duty-bound to unconditionally support each other.
” While comprehensive , one important data set the analysis doesn ’ t cover is officers fired by an agency , only to be rehired by that same agency at a later date .
“ Our definition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there are a substantial number of cases in which officers are fired and then rehired by the same agency , ” said Rappaport .
Anecdotally , police unions play a major role in reinstating problem officers back into the departments and communities they have caused harm to , he added .
Moving forward , the researchers say there needs to be better data collection on officers who are fired , as well as consistent and accessible databases to search this information ( Florida is one of a few states that have decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Rappaport suggested that police chiefs may be in the dark about how risky wandering officers are to their departments—generously allowing that an “ education campaign ” may do the trick .
But he also put a “ nuclear option ” on the table , modeled by Connecticut : prohibit law enforcement from hiring any officer previously fired ( this would only be possible with accurate data collection , he cautioned ) .
But given the impact one bad cop can have on a city , it seems clear that in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far from the worst-case scenario .

One of the most confounding distortions of language centers around the colloquialism of “bad apples” with regard to policing. The phrase is frequently used to minimize the severity of the policing problem in this country: W hy say policing itself is the problem when we can focus on throwing out the few “bad apples” of the bunch?
The phrase’s origins, of course, speak to contagion and corruption: a few bad apples are capable of spoiling all the other “good” ones. And as a new study illustrates, these so-called “bad apples” don’t just spoil one department or community—all too often, cops fired because of egregious infractions just end up working for another agency.
Advertisement
The study, entitled “The Wandering Officer,” appears in the Yale Law Journal and marks “the first systematic investigation of wandering officers and possibly the largest quantitative study of police misconduct of any kind,” according to authors Ben Grunwald and John Rappaport. Focusing exclusively on Florida, Grunwald and Rappaport analyzed data on 98,000 full-time law enforcement officers in the state over a 30-year period. They found that “wandering officers”—cops fired from one agency only to be hired at another—were “relatively common,” according to the Washington Post.
But just as importantly, given the chance at a fresh start, these wandering officers continued the same behavior that previously got them fired.
Advertisement Advertisement
Here’s how Grunwald captured the findings in an interview with the Post:
First, during any given year, there are about 1,100 full-time law enforcement officers working in Florida who had been previously fired from other Florida agencies — that’s roughly 3 percent of all full-time law enforcement officers working in the state. Second, police officers who are fired tend to get rehired by another agency within three years. Third, officers who’ve been fired and land another job tend to move to smaller agencies with fewer resources and slightly larger communities of color. Finally, when a wandering officer gets hired by a new agency, they tend to get fired about twice as often as other officers and are more likely to receive “moral character violations,” both in general and for physical and sexual misconduct.
Advertisement
How the different findings work with each other is important: not only do bad cops continue to work high-stakes jobs, they do so in increasingly vulnerable communities. And as one might expect, absent any real consequence aside from a move to another town, police aren’t incentivized to change their behavior—and many don’t.
Addressing why police departments may hire risky officers, Grunwald suggested two possibilities—lack of knowledge, due to the big holes in state and national decertification databases, and a culture of impunity.
Advertisement
“Law-enforcement agencies are highly immunized from legal liability,” Grunwald told the Post. “And, as we’ve seen in the past few weeks, there can be a band-of-brothers ethos among police officers, where they feel that they are duty-bound to unconditionally support each other.”
While comprehensive, one important data set the analysis doesn’t cover is officers fired by an agency, only to be rehired by that same agency at a later date.
Advertisement
“Our definition of wandering officer excludes these cases, but there are a substantial number of cases in which officers are fired and then rehired by the same agency,” said Rappaport. Anecdotally, police unions play a major role in reinstating problem officers back into the departments and communities they have caused harm to, he added.
Moving forward, the researchers say there needs to be better data collection on officers who are fired, as well as consistent and accessible databases to search this information (Florida is one of a few states that have decades worth of disciplinary data to pull from). Rappaport suggested that police chiefs may be in the dark about how risky wandering officers are to their departments—generously allowing that an “education campaign” may do the trick. But he also put a “nuclear option” on the table, modeled by Connecticut: prohibit law enforcement from hiring any officer previously fired (this would only be possible with accurate data collection, he cautioned).
Advertisement
But given the impact one bad cop can have on a city, it seems clear that in this case, the “nuclear option” is far from the worst-case scenario.


theroot--2020-06-16--Does This Headline Hurt Your Eyes? Save Up to 65% on Rx Frames and Lenses at GlassesUSA [Exclusive]

65 % off Basic Prescription Lens Frames* | GlassesUSA | Promo code KINJA65 50 % off Blue Light Blocking Lenses | GlassesUSA | Promo code BLUE50 25 % off Designer Brands | GlassesUSA | Promo code EXCLUSIVE25 Now that we ’ re at home all the time , slowly losing our minds , it ’ s crucial , now than ever , that we start taking our vision seriously .
I mean , without the right pair of glasses , how are you going to finally binge-watch the entirety of The Sopranos over the next few weeks—without overworking your retinas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see every bright sky blue-tinged pixel of your island in Animal Crossing : New Horizons ?
You ’ re going to need a fresh pair of prescription frames for 65 % off , and we ’ re going to give that to you , courtesy of GlassesUSA .
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Before you check out with a fresh pair of frames , however , I do recommend uploading a photo of yourself and trying them on your virtual face—a real thing you can on this website .
This story was originally published in March 2020 and updated by Gabe Carey with new information on 6/16/2020 .

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

65% off Basic Prescription Lens Frames* | GlassesUSA | Promo code KINJA65
50% off Blue Light Blocking Lenses | GlassesUSA | Promo code BLUE50
20% off Designer Brands | GlassesUSA | Promo Code PREMIUM20
Now that we’re at home all the time, slowly losing our minds, it’s crucial, now than ever, that we start taking our vision seriously. I mean, without the right pair of glasses, how are you going to finally binge-watch the entirety of The Sopranos over the next few weeks—without overworking your retinas? How are you going to comfortably see every bright, raytraced pixel on your new PS5 or Xbox Series X?
You’re going to need a fresh pair of prescription frames for 65% off, and we’re going to give that to you, courtesy of GlassesUSA. Right now. Take a moment. Find your next pair of glasses, look at the price, and slash that by two thirds. Now check out and enter the promo code KINJA65, and add blue light blocking lenses while you’re at it, for 50% less with the code BLUE50. Whether you’re staring at Good Screen or Bad Screen, your eyes will thank you for the added layer of protection. You don’t necessarily even need a prescription.
To further sweeten the deal, GlassesUSA is giving Kinja Deals readers a 20% discount on designer brands including Gucci, Prada, Armani, and more. Just drop the promo code PREMIUM20 in at checkout and watch the numbers shrink. No matter your standards, you’re bound to find a new pair of eyes that suit you well. If not, there’s a 100% money-back guarantee on ALL GlassesUSA orders. Before you check out with a fresh pair of frames, however, I do recommend uploading a photo of yourself and trying them on your virtual face—a real thing you can do on this website.
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This story was originally published by Gabe Carey in March 2020 and updated with new information on 02/23/2021.