theroot--2020-06-25--Royal and Oratorial: Meghan and Harry Follow in the Obamas' Footsteps With New Public Speaking Deal

For you royal watchers wondering how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will maintain their standard of living since stepping down as senior royals , a new deal might provide an answer—and it has the presidential stamp of approval .
( And for those of you who couldn ’ t care less , have a blessed day .
This isn ’ t for you—and no , we don ’ t care that you don ’ t care . )
According to Vanity Fair , Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just signed with the aptly named Harry Walker Agency , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the world ’ s leading speakers bureau.
” The high-profile agency certainly boasts some of the world ’ s most in-demand speakers , including Bill and Hillary Clinton , Stacey Abrams , Al Gore , Shaquille O ’ Neal , Venus Williams , and Tyler Perry ( in whose Beverly Hills manse the Sussexes reportedly currently reside ) .
And perhaps most impressive to the royal couple , Barack and Michelle Obama are also on the bureau ’ s roster , reportedly making “ millions of dollars through lucrative public speaking engagements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are said to be looking at the Obamas ’ business model as inspiration for their own , and public speaking is likely to be key to their future earnings ...
Since arriving in Los Angeles they have not earned a penny , choosing instead to focus on their charities and Covid-19 response work .
Signing up with the Harry Walker agency is their first major move , and a strong hint that we will soon see—and hear—more of the royal couple .
That earnings assessment isn ’ t entirely accurate , since Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voicing Disney ’ s Elephant documentary to Elephants Without Borders .
But aside from both being seasoned public speakers ( and Meghan a former actress ) , bestselling royal biographer Andrew Morton tells Vanity Fair the couple is the “ hottest ticket in Hollywood ” at the moment , and predicts they will quickly earn “ hundreds of thousands of dollars both through public speaking and meet and greets.
” And if the response to Meghan ’ s recent heartfelt Black Lives Matter-themed commencement speech is any indication , no doubt she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have also been unfounded rumblings this week ( also via Vanity Fair ) that the recent racial uprisings have inspired Meghan to consider a political run at some point ( perhaps even with presidential aspirations ) , the Sussexes might plan to follow in the Obama ’ s footsteps even more closely than we suspect—with a welcome gender role reversal , since the couple is now in Meghan ’ s home country .
For now , we won ’ t bet on seeing her name on any ballots , but it wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor launched a successful political career—and Harry would no doubt make an excellent First Gentleman .

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

For you royal watchers wondering how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will maintain their standard of living since stepping down as senior royals, a new deal might provide an answer—and it has the presidential stamp of approval. (And for those of you who couldn’t care less, have a blessed day. This isn’t for you—and no, we don’t care that you don’t care.)
According to Vanity Fair, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just signed with the aptly named Harry Walker Agency, which, according to its website, is “the world’s leading speakers bureau.” The high-profile agency certainly boasts some of the world’s most in-demand speakers, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Stacey Abrams, Al Gore, Shaquille O’Neal, Venus Williams, and Tyler Perry (in whose Beverly Hills manse the Sussexes reportedly currently reside). And perhaps most impressive to the royal couple, Barack and Michelle Obama are also on the bureau’s roster, reportedly making “millions of dollars through lucrative public speaking engagements over the years.”
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As Vanity Fair reports:
Harry and Meghan are said to be looking at the Obamas’ business model as inspiration for their own, and public speaking is likely to be key to their future earnings... Since arriving in Los Angeles they have not earned a penny, choosing instead to focus on their charities and Covid-19 response work. Signing up with the Harry Walker agency is their first major move, and a strong hint that we will soon see—and hear—more of the royal couple.
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That earnings assessment isn’t entirely accurate, since Meghan reportedly donated her likely substantial fee for voicing Disney’s Elephant documentary to Elephants Without Borders. But aside from both being seasoned public speakers (and Meghan a former actress), bestselling royal biographer Andrew Morton tells Vanity Fair the couple is the “hottest ticket in Hollywood” at the moment, and predicts they will quickly earn “hundreds of thousands of dollars both through public speaking and meet and greets.” And if the response to Meghan’s recent heartfelt Black Lives Matter-themed commencement speech is any indication, no doubt she’ll be in high demand.
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Since there have also been unfounded rumblings this week (also via Vanity Fair) that the recent racial uprisings have inspired Meghan to consider a political run at some point (perhaps even with presidential aspirations), the Sussexes might plan to follow in the Obama’s footsteps even more closely than we suspect—with a welcome gender role reversal, since the couple is now in Meghan’s home country. For now, we won’t bet on seeing her name on any ballots, but it wouldn’t be the first time an actor launched a successful political career—and Harry would no doubt make an excellent First Gentleman.


theroot--2020-06-25--Disney's Splash Mountain Ride to be Rethemed Around 'Princess and the Frog'

I ’ ve long felt that The Princess and the Frog has not gotten the love it rightfully deserved .
Princess Tiana hasn ’ t received the same energy given to Elsa and Anna from Frozen .
Hopefully , that will change in a very big way .
CNBC reports that Disneyland announced plans to redesign its Splash Mountain attraction around the 2009 film .
The ride will detail what happens to Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen after their happily ever after in the movie .
Splash Mountain has had a famously problematic history .
The ride is based off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so filled with racist tropes that Disney straight up buried it and refused to even put it on Disney+ .
“ With this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic , the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today .
The new concept is inclusive— one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by , and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.
” Disney said in a statement .
There have long been calls for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have only grown as more people have been speaking out against systemic racism .
Disney has said that this retheming has been in the works for over a year .
The project is being led by senior creative producer Charita Carter .
There is still no starting date for the retheming due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
While I have fond memories of riding Splash Mountain as a kid , I have no objection to changes and I ’ m excited to see The Princess and the Frog finally get some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by how well the recent rethemes of Tower of Terror and California Screamin ’ went at Disney ’ s California Adventure , I have no doubt that this will be a banger .
So as we say farewell to Splash Mountain , let us not forget the incredible rap that announced its arrival into this world .

I’ve long felt that The Princess and the Frog has not gotten the love it rightfully deserved. Princess Tiana hasn’t received the same energy given to Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Hopefully, that will change in a very big way.
CNBC reports that Disneyland announced plans to redesign its Splash Mountain attraction around the 2009 film. The ride will detail what happens to Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen after their happily ever after in the movie. Splash Mountain has had a famously problematic history. The ride is based off Song of the South, a film so filled with racist tropes that Disney straight up buried it and refused to even put it on Disney+.
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“With this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive— one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.” Disney said in a statement.
There have long been calls for the ride to be changed, calls that have only grown as more people have been speaking out against systemic racism. Disney has said that this retheming has been in the works for over a year. The project is being led by senior creative producer Charita Carter. There is still no starting date for the retheming due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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While I have fond memories of riding Splash Mountain as a kid, I have no objection to changes and I’m excited to see The Princess and the Frog finally get some respect put on its name. Judging by how well the recent rethemes of Tower of Terror and California Screamin’ went at Disney’s California Adventure, I have no doubt that this will be a banger.
So as we say farewell to Splash Mountain, let us not forget the incredible rap that announced its arrival into this world.


theroot--2020-06-25--Pour Yourself a Glass of Something Strong for These Can't-Miss Huckberry Deals

The best Huckberry deals of June 2020 are here .
It might technically be summer , but Huckberry is currently clearing out its spring outerwear selection with some jackets as much as $ 100 off the list price .
Snag something at a discount for those cool nights and for later this year .
We ’ ve picked a couple of our favorites from the selection below , along with some of the other top Huckberry deals right now , including boots , shirts , pants , and bags .
Huckberry has free shipping on orders of $ 75+ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cool summer nights or the autumn ahead , Grayers ’ Paragon quilted featherweight jacket is a thin and lightweight way to retain heat .
This nylon zip jacket is built to resist the wind without bulking you up , and right now it ’ s down $ 95 from the list price .
• None Buy it now for $ 70 Save $ 55 on Danner ’ s sturdy-looking Vertigo 917 boots , which are waterproof and breathable yet comfortable and stylish all the same .
Whether you ’ re planning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these are a strong option amongst Danner ’ s wider boots sale at Huckberry .
• None Buy it now for $ 165 Plan ahead with the Topo Designs Mountain Jacket , which is marked down more than 50 % from the original $ 349 price point .
This heavy duty coat is perfect for those bitter winter days and built to resist cold and snow alike , thanks to 200g of PrimaLoft Black Eco insulation made from recycled plastic bottles .
• None Buy it now for $ 157 Wellen ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a classic chino silhouette , cut from a slubby cotton with subtle detailing and stitching throughout .
They ’ re $ 35 off the list price right now , whether you opt for slate ( shown ) , cobalt , or khaki .
• None Buy it now for $ 53 Save $ 67 right now on this sleek and stylish Proof Elements jacket , which looks like the perfect option for cool summer nights and then autumn beyond .
The ThermoTech fabric warms up as you wear it , keeping you comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buy it now for $ 81 Save big on the Proof merino-blend travel shirt , which is currently marked down from $ 128 in this black and white check pattern .
It ’ s made from merino wool and polyester and is claimed to be “ temperature-regulating , moisture-wicking , and super breathable.
” • None Buy it now for $ 51 Be prepared for your next outdoors adventure by snagging the Mystery Ranch Mission Duffel 40L while it ’ s 30 % off the list price .
This backpack is made from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ durability , with lots of pockets and plenty of room for a weekend worth of gear .
• None Buy it now for $ 105 This lightweight coat is perfect for year-round adventuring and ideal for layering , with water and wind-resistant materials .
It has button-snaps , zippers , and drawstrings to keep you as bundled up and enclosed from the elements as you please , and right now it ’ s $ 179 off the regular price .
• None Buy it now for $ 119 There ’ s nothing quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and if you ’ re in need of a great one , the Flint and Tinder American Made Flannel should do the trick .
It ’ s marked down significantly from the original $ 98 price point , with a few color options still in stock .
Mix , match , and layer to your heart ’ s content .
• None Buy it now for $ 41 Whether you need something warm for wandering your local surroundings or just want a cozy hoodie to social distance in , the Wellen Waffle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The waffle weave design keeps it feeling soft while the front pocket will warm your hands during spring strolls , plus it ’ s $ 31 off the normal price right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 57 Rhodes ’ s Huxley is a sleek-looking Chelsea Boot that can go both casual or formal , with calf leather uppers paired with twin elastic gores for easy on-off .
Available in five colors ranging from $ 88 to $ 176 , these boots are handcrafted in Portugal and currently up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normal price .
• None Buy it now for $ 88 -176 Well-worn towels might still do the job , but if you ’ re keen on adding some “ insanely soft ” towels to your home , then Huckberry can help .
The Nutrl Classic Bath Set promises just that , with a few different color options available .
They ’ re discounted from $ 110 right now .
• None Buy it now for $ 93

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

Featured Deal: Alba Optics Solo | $174
Huckberry’s best deals of September 2021 are here!
After spending the better part of the calendar year in a pandemic, I bet that your co-workers have probably seen every shirt you own on your Zoom meetings. If I’m right, then there’s no better excuse to spice up your virtual workwear by cashing in on Huckberry’s best deals.
From apparel to footwear, Huckberry has everything you can think of on sale.
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Made from hemp and organic cotton, the Wellen Hemp Polo provides long-lasting wear with sustainable materials that you can wear guilt-free. It is an easy-going , ultra-flattering design that will give you plenty of room without being baggy.
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The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts - 9" is a performance short chino that was carefully constructed from a blended fabric to create a soft, year-round garment. It’s pre-shrunk for the ideal fit right out of the box. Note that it was expertly made from a sustainable factory in Indonesia.
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I don’t know about you, but I love tie-dye. Available in mustard, navy, and tide, the Wellen Shibori Stripe Tee features a beautiful pattern, made from the shibori dyeing process which is all done by hand.
Made from 100% organic cotton, these t-shirts also have the signature Wellen softness and are environmentally friendly.
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Having a solid set of whiskey glasses is key to kicking off the summer right! When you raise a glass to toast at the next outdoor party, do it in style!
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Huckberry is selling some beautiful Whiskey Peaks glasses, including American Mountains, Grand Tetons, and International Mountains. These glasses are made from 100% lead-free handblown glass, which is lighter than leaded glass and equally durable.
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As part of the summer sale, Huckberry is offering an up to 25% discount on hybrid shorts, which can be worn either in the water or on land. Plus, the hydrophobic fabrics dry super quickly, so you’re ready to hit your local bar.
The Beardedgoat Ridgeline Short is versatile and durable. It provides a four-way stretch for maximum mobility. Made from nylon ripstop fabric, this product is lightweight, yet durable. Plus, it comes with two side hand pockets, two rear pockets, and a hidden stash pocket for valuables.
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Handmade in Northern Italy, Astorflex can guarantee quality shoes that are stylish and eco-friendly. Plus, their soles are 100% made from natural rubber to ensure that you’re walking on a cloud. For Memorial Day weekend, Huckberry is offering deals on products from this brand at up to 35% off.
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The line-up includes styles and designs that will satisfy even the pickiest of shoe shoppers. One example is the highly flexible Astorflex Patnoflex Travel, the ideal summer shoe for those on the move. Another is the Astroflex Rolflex, a great shoe to transition from one season to another.
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Linen shirts are super stylish and functional for the summertime. However, my biggest pet peeve is how easily they wrinkle. Well, no more! Introducing the Wills Wrinkle-Free Linen Shirt (Bright Navy).
This breathable, lightweight garment pairs well with chinos, slacks, and even shorts. Note that it comes with a single pocket at the left chest, which is a great place to store a handy pen.
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With temperatures rising, everyone needs to have a beach towel in their arsenal. And why not cash in on one at a discounted price? At up to 45% off, Turkish Towels are a steal this Memorial Day weekend. They are super soft and plush, regardless if you are sitting by the pool, the lake, or the ocean.
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Named after the 45 RPM, Forty Five makes classic, vintage t-shirts to pay homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s. The brand’s shirts are made from 100% USA-grown Supima cotton in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. They’ve been designed at the perfect length for tucking and untucking and with a timeless sleeve length. They’re also been garment-dyed for added softness and preshrunk to ensure that you get the perfect fit.
This weekend, buy three t-shirts at the bundled price of $95.
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Looking for a new pair of glasses? Try the Alba Optics Solo, which features stunning lenses to choose from. They are designed to withstand the rigors of hiking and provides blue light and UV protection. Its color equalizer gives beautiful clarity and temple tips are telescopic to provide a custom fit. Note that these are made it Italy, so you’re getting the best of the best fashion-wise .
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Marine Layer Banks Pullover Hoodie is a great garment for a casual outing. As a brand, Marine Layer is known for providing the ultimate comfort and quality. This fabric has a heathered look to give a vintage impression. It also has a kangaroo pouch for storage. And it has a functional drawstring hoodie to ward off a cold breeze.
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Every guy needs a smart pair of trousers to take them from the office to the cornerstore without missing a beat. Available in 10 vibrant colors, the Flint and Tinder 365 pants are now on sale at two for $175. You can put that extra $21 on a summer date night. They’re super lightweight and dyed to comfortable straight out of the box. They even come with a fifth front pocket to securely carry all of your belongings.
This story was originally written by Sheilah Villari on 03/31/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 09/09/2021.


theroot--2020-06-25--Arizona City Councilman Apologizes After Saying 'I Can't Breathe' at Anti-Mask Rally

To live in Arizona is to perpetually exist in one long , heavy sigh .
If it ’ s not being embarrassed by the actions of your fellow citizens , you can be damn sure the elected officials will do something that is just inhumanly trash .
Take for instance Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips who , CNN reports , mockingly said “ I can ’ t breathe , ” while at an anti-mask protest on Wednesday .
I ’ ll give you a minute to process the sheer amount of bullshit in that sentence .
Phillips organized the protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires face masks to be worn while out in public .
Phillips took the mic and said “ I can ’ t breathe , I can ’ t breathe , ” sarcastically .
He then removed the mask , rolled his eyes and said “ Insanity , ” to which the crowd erupted in applause .
“ I can ’ t breathe , ” were the last words of George Floyd and Eric Garner .
The words have since become a rallying cry in the protests that have ensued against police brutality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out by members of his own party .
Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey ( R ) tweeted , “ Despicable doesn ’ t go far enough .
The final words of George Floyd should NEVER be invoked like this .
Anyone who mocks the murder of a fellow human has no place in public office .
Period.
” Arizona Sen. Martha McSally ( R ) also issued a response on Twitter .
“ It ’ s disgusting you are mocking the dying words of a murdered man.
” McSally said .
Phillips issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially denying any connection between his comments and George Floyd ’ s death .
Eventually , he issued an apology to Floyd ’ s family .
“ I am sorry about a comment I made today that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made .
He didn ’ t deserve what happened to him and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I can ’ t breathe in a mask .
Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of awfulness here .
After seeing a video of a man dying and pleading that he can ’ t breathe as well as the prolonged protests and outrage that have occurred in the wake of that man ’ s death , why the hell would you think using those words in a mocking manner was an OK thing to do ?
In addition to that , Arizona is currently experiencing a consistent uptick in COVID-19 cases , with thousands of new cases being reported daily .
It ’ s been proven that masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This man organized a rally and put lives in danger over a minor , minor inconvenience that can help save lives .

To live in Arizona is to perpetually exist in one long, heavy sigh. If it’s not being embarrassed by the actions of your fellow citizens, you can be damn sure the elected officials will do something that is just inhumanly trash.
Take for instance Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips who, CNN reports, mockingly said “I can’t breathe,” while at an anti-mask protest on Wednesday.
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I’ll give you a minute to process the sheer amount of bullshit in that sentence.
You good? Alright.
Phillips organized the protest in response to an order issued that requires face masks to be worn while out in public. Phillips took the mic and said “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe,” sarcastically. He then removed the mask, rolled his eyes and said “Insanity,” to which the crowd erupted in applause. “I can’t breathe,” were the last words of George Floyd and Eric Garner. The words have since become a rallying cry in the protests that have ensued against police brutality and systemic racism.
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Phillips was quickly called out by members of his own party. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) tweeted, “Despicable doesn’t go far enough. The final words of George Floyd should NEVER be invoked like this. Anyone who mocks the murder of a fellow human has no place in public office. Period.” Arizona Sen. Martha McSally (R) also issued a response on Twitter. “It’s disgusting you are mocking the dying words of a murdered man.” McSally said.
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Phillips issued a statement to the Arizona Republic, initially denying any connection between his comments and George Floyd’s death. Eventually, he issued an apology to Floyd’s family. “I am sorry about a comment I made today that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made. He didn’t deserve what happened to him and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I can’t breathe in a mask. Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended.” Phillips said.
There are just levels of awfulness here. After seeing a video of a man dying and pleading that he can’t breathe as well as the prolonged protests and outrage that have occurred in the wake of that man’s death, why the hell would you think using those words in a mocking manner was an OK thing to do? In addition to that, Arizona is currently experiencing a consistent uptick in COVID-19 cases, with thousands of new cases being reported daily. It’s been proven that masks help mitigate the spread of the virus. This man organized a rally and put lives in danger over a minor, minor inconvenience that can help save lives.
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Guy Phillips is, in a word, trash.


theroot--2020-06-25--Jeff Bezos Says Black Lives Matter, but Will He Make a Meaningful Stand for Black Amazon Employees?

If you look at allyship as some sort of contest , Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been eager to put some points on the board .
He ’ s done this mostly through highly publicized , “ spicy ” responses to racist customers , and by canceling his meetings on Juneteenth and encouraging other employees “ to do the same if you can.
” But Amazon ’ s black workers say Bezos ’ record on addressing racial issues at his company leaves a lot to be desired , according to a new report from The New York Times .
Bezos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : as the richest man in the world urged his employees to reflect on systemic racism , his black employees—many of whom work at Amazon ’ s fulfillment facilities—couldn ’ t simply clear their schedules that day .
And unlike other major retailers like Target and Nike , Amazon didn ’ t offer Juneteenth as a company-wide , paid holiday .
But the issues with Amazon go much deeper than paid holidays .
For example , Amazon has been hostile to efforts to unionize—and Black employees , particularly Somali immigrants in the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this effort .
The fact that fair labor practices could be a racial justice issue seems to elude Amazon ’ s senior management .
In fact , as the Times points out , employees have directly flagged Amazon ’ s problems with racial inequality and bias directly to Bezos and other members of his senior team : In April , before George Floyd was killed in police custody in Minneapolis , a group of midlevel employees wrote to Mr. Bezos and his senior team , saying there was “ a systemic pattern of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to emails viewed by The New York Times .
They said they were prompted to write after a leak of meeting notes showed that David Zapolsky , Amazon ’ s general counsel , had called a black warehouse employee in Staten Island “ not smart or articulate.
” Mr. Zapolsky had said his comments were “ personal and emotional ” and that he did not know the employee was black .
But in their email , the corporate employees said it “ was not an isolated incident , but rather a symptom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon adopted the entrenched racism that plagued America , evidenced by the “ homogeneity ” of the its leadership compared with “ the rich racial and ethnic diversity amongst our hourly worker population.
” One example of Amazon failing to respond to the concerns and needs of Black employees involves racist graffiti that has been scrawled into the bathrooms of its Los Angeles warehouse since last year .
Johnnie Corina , who filed a discrimination complaint against Amazon last week , said he reported the hate speech several times to the company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an investigation into the incidents .
Nor did the company address the graffiti with workers , or say the behavior was unacceptable ( Amazon denies this , saying it addressed warehouse employees about “ unacceptable graffiti ” in December and February and began investigating the hate speech in June , perhaps after reflecting on the importance of Juneteenth or something ) .
As a result of the company ’ s inaction , Corina said he didn ’ t feel safe going back to work .
“ To not do any interventions is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , ” he told the Times .
Whatever energy Amazon lacked in addressing racist hate speech , it more than made up for it in firing a black janitorial contractor who shared images of the graffiti on social media .
Donald Archie , who worked at the same LA warehouse as Corina , recently filed a complaint against the company for terminating him after he posted a photo of the racist words on Twitter .
Yes , you read that right .
He wasn ’ t fired because Amazon thought he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he called it out .
Amazon ’ s response ?
Archie was fired for “ not escalating concerns about the graffiti and violating the company ’ s cellphone use policy , ” the Times writes .
Sounds like you ’ ve got some meetings on your horizon , Jeff .

If you look at allyship as some sort of contest, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been eager to put some points on the board. He’s done this mostly through highly publicized, “spicy” responses to racist customers, and by canceling his meetings on Juneteenth and encouraging other employees “to do the same if you can.”
But Amazon’s black workers say Bezos’ record on addressing racial issues at his company leaves a lot to be desired, according to a new report from The New York Times. Bezos’ Juneteenth email provides a prime example: as the richest man in the world urged his employees to reflect on systemic racism, his black employees—many of whom work at Amazon’s fulfillment facilities—couldn’t simply clear their schedules that day. And unlike other major retailers like Target and Nike, Amazon didn’t offer Juneteenth as a company-wide, paid holiday.
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But the issues with Amazon go much deeper than paid holidays. For example, Amazon has been hostile to efforts to unionize—and Black employees, particularly Somali immigrants in the company’s Minneapolis warehouses—have been instrumental in this effort. The fact that fair labor practices could be a racial justice issue seems to elude Amazon’s senior management.
In fact, as the Times points out, employees have directly flagged Amazon’s problems with racial inequality and bias directly to Bezos and other members of his senior team:
In April, before George Floyd was killed in police custody in Minneapolis, a group of midlevel employees wrote to Mr. Bezos and his senior team, saying there was “a systemic pattern of racial bias that permeates Amazon,” according to emails viewed by The New York Times. They said they were prompted to write after a leak of meeting notes showed that David Zapolsky, Amazon’s general counsel, had called a black warehouse employee in Staten Island “not smart or articulate.” Mr. Zapolsky had said his comments were “personal and emotional” and that he did not know the employee was black. But in their email, the corporate employees said it “was not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a bigger problem.” They said Amazon adopted the entrenched racism that plagued America, evidenced by the “homogeneity” of the its leadership compared with “the rich racial and ethnic diversity amongst our hourly worker population.”
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One example of Amazon failing to respond to the concerns and needs of Black employees involves racist graffiti that has been scrawled into the bathrooms of its Los Angeles warehouse since last year. Johnnie Corina, who filed a discrimination complaint against Amazon last week, said he reported the hate speech several times to the company, but to his knowledge Amazon never launched an investigation into the incidents. Nor did the company address the graffiti with workers, or say the behavior was unacceptable (Amazon denies this, saying it addressed warehouse employees about “unacceptable graffiti” in December and February and began investigating the hate speech in June, perhaps after reflecting on the importance of Juneteenth or something).
As a result of the company’s inaction, Corina said he didn’t feel safe going back to work.
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“To not do any interventions is really not a safe environment for a black person,” he told the Times.
Whatever energy Amazon lacked in addressing racist hate speech, it more than made up for it in firing a black janitorial contractor who shared images of the graffiti on social media. Donald Archie, who worked at the same LA warehouse as Corina, recently filed a complaint against the company for terminating him after he posted a photo of the racist words on Twitter.
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Yes, you read that right. He wasn’t fired because Amazon thought he was responsible for the graffiti, but because he called it out.
Amazon’s response? Archie was fired for “not escalating concerns about the graffiti and violating the company’s cellphone use policy,” the Times writes.
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Sounds like you’ve got some meetings on your horizon, Jeff.