theroot--2020-08-19--Breonna Taylor Billboard Defaced With Red Paint Over Her Forehead Resembling Bullet Wound

If the calls for justice on behalf of any Black victim of police violence should be considered a no-brainer , we should definitely be uplifting the name of someone who was fatally shot during the botched serving of a drug warrant while unarmed and in the confines of her own home where no drugs were found .
Unfortunately , racism doesn ’ t work in a way that considers Black humanity or even basic logic , and because racism is the way it is , someone vandalized a Louisville , Ky. , billboard calling for justice for Breonna Taylor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ located near the area of Lexington Road and Spring Street—was discovered Tuesday morning having been vandalized with a splash of red paint over Taylor ’ s forehead resembling a bullet wound .
The billboard is one of 26 that were erected around the city where Taylor lived and was killed earlier this month , courtesy of Oprah Winfrey .
The 26 billboards—each of which includes a demand “ that the police involved in killing Breonna Taylor be arrested and charged ” —are meant to represent every year of Taylor ’ s life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover of Winfrey ’ s magazine , O , which marked the first time in the publication ’ s history that someone other than Winfrey was featured alone on the cover .
Here ’ s the thing : This isn ’ t like the defacing of Black Lives Matter murals painted on streets .
Those murals are easily accessible and , well , we know racists reside all around those streets so vandalism should be expected .
But one would have to be fueled with a lot of white supremacist energy to hike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way that mocks the death of the person being recognized on said billboard .
This act of vandalism is uniquely disgusting .
Fortunately , the billboard had been restored by Tuesday afternoon , according to ABC Action News .
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If the calls for justice on behalf of any Black victim of police violence should be considered a no-brainer, we should definitely be uplifting the name of someone who was fatally shot during the botched serving of a drug warrant while unarmed and in the confines of her own home where no drugs were found. Unfortunately, racism doesn’t work in a way that considers Black humanity or even basic logic, and because racism is the way it is, someone vandalized a Louisville, Ky., billboard calling for justice for Breonna Taylor.
According to CBS News, the billboard— located near the area of Lexington Road and Spring Street—was discovered Tuesday morning having been vandalized with a splash of red paint over Taylor’s forehead resembling a bullet wound.
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The billboard is one of 26 that were erected around the city where Taylor lived and was killed earlier this month, courtesy of Oprah Winfrey. The 26 billboards—each of which includes a demand “that the police involved in killing Breonna Taylor be arrested and charged”—are meant to represent every year of Taylor’s life and they match the design of the September cover of Winfrey’s magazine, O, which marked the first time in the publication’s history that someone other than Winfrey was featured alone on the cover.
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Here’s the thing: This isn’t like the defacing of Black Lives Matter murals painted on streets. Those murals are easily accessible and, well, we know racists reside all around those streets so vandalism should be expected. But one would have to be fueled with a lot of white supremacist energy to hike oneself up a billboard and deface it in a way that mocks the death of the person being recognized on said billboard. This act of vandalism is uniquely disgusting.
Fortunately, the billboard had been restored by Tuesday afternoon, according to ABC Action News.
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theroot--2020-08-19--Take $220 off a Refurbished Dyson V10 and Get Your Floors Looking Fresh Again

Your floors are starting to feel grimey , and your trusty ol ’ broom doesn ’ t seem to really @ @ @ @ @ A vacuum cleaner can not only help speed up the process , but make sure @ @ @ @ @ gunk that brooms can often miss get picked up .
The Dyson V10 has a @ @ @ @ @ s ready for deep cleaning sessions , and it ’ s cordless , so you @ @ @ @ @ tough-to-reach spots without hassle .
All that power would typically cost you a little over @ @ @ @ @ now you can get a refurbished model on Newegg for just $ 280 , so @ @ @ @ @ pretty low price for a vacuum that ’ ll make cleaning your floors a breeze @ @ @ @ @ published by Jordan McMahon on 8/9/2020 and updated with new information on 8/19/2020 .

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

Dyson V10 Total (Refurbished) | $290 | Newegg | Use Promo Code 63WTNTY84A
Your floors are starting to feel grimey, and your trusty ol’ broom doesn’t seem to really do the trick anymore. A vacuum cleaner can not only help speed up the process, but make sure all the little specs of gunk that brooms can often miss get picked up. The Dyson V10 has a powerful cleaning head that’s ready for deep cleaning sessions, and it’s cordless, so you can get into all those tough-to-reach spots without hassle. All that power would typically cost you over $350, but right now you can get a refurbished model for just $290 when you use the code 63WTNTY84A, so you’re paying a pretty low price for a vacuum that’ll make cleaning your floors a breeze.
This deal was originally published on 8/9/2020 and was updated with new information on 1/26/2021.


theroot--2020-08-19--This Massive Bottle of Hand Sanitizer Feeds Your Empty Ones for $12

I f you need some hand sanitizer , Amazon ’ s Solimo brand is selling massive bottles of this magical @ @ @ @ @ ethyl variety for just $ 12 .
Perfect for refilling smaller bottles , you ’ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s time .

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

Solimo Hand Sanitizer 67oz | $12 | Amazon
I f you need some hand sanitizer, Amazon’s Solimo brand is selling massive bottles of this magical elixir of the 62% ethyl variety for just $12. Perfect for refilling smaller bottles, you’ll have it within a week’s time.


theroot--2020-08-19--Trump Calls for Boycott of Goodyear Tires After Claim That Company Banned MAGA Attire

If the president doesn ’ t walk his ass into Jerry Jones ’ empty Cowboys stadium and have all of the seats after calling for a boycott of Goodyear Tires upon learning that they don ’ t want their employees wearing that “ Make America Great Again ” shit .
The official sportswear of klansmen on the go , MAGA merch is right up there with whatever homeless clothes Yeezy is making .
And the president , who is basically just a grown baby in Depends , couldn ’ t wait to take to Twitter to whine about it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS .
Get better tires for far less !
” Trump wrote on Twitter .
“ ( This is what the Radical Left Democrats do .
Two can play the same game , and we have to start playing it now ! )
.
” What game would that be , old racist orange man ?
Would that be the game where America stops acting as if your divisive rhetoric and constant gaslighting doesn ’ t come with accountability ?
Apparently , Goodyear Tires is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because free coffee and car grease , so much so that a Goodyear employee tweeted an image of a diversity training slide show that noted that “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual , Transgender Pride ” were considered acceptable .
Listed under the “ unacceptable ” section were “ Blue Lives Matter , ” “ All Lives Matter , ” “ MAGA Attire ” and “ Political Affiliated Slogans or Material , ” Politico reports .
And Goodyear is right .
One of these groups promotes diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a spittoon is fine to have in the living room area of your double wide .
Goodyear issued a statement shortly after Trump ’ s tweet noting that their corporate office didn ’ t create the slide and that the missive was not part of their diversity training class .
Now see , Goodyear why did you have to go and Michael Jordan the whole thing up , talking about some “ MAGAs buy tires , too ” bullshit ?
“ To be clear on our longstanding corporate policy , Goodyear has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or discrimination , ” the statement read , Politico reports .
“ To enable a workplace environment free of those , we ask that associates refrain from workplace expressions in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party , as well as similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues.
” The statement also claimed that the company supports law enforcement and pushed back on claims Goodyear is “ anti-police.
” Politico notes that “ Goodyear is headquartered in Ohio , a 2020 swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump ’ s attack on Goodyear is his latest in which he used his official Twitter account to call on boycotts of prominent companies that he believes don ’ t like him , including Apple and CNN .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

If the president doesn’t walk his ass into Jerry Jones’ empty Cowboys stadium and have all of the seats after calling for a boycott of Goodyear Tires upon learning that they don’t want their employees wearing that “Make America Great Again” shit.
The official sportswear of klansmen on the go, MAGA merch is right up there with whatever homeless clothes Yeezy is making. And the president, who is basically just a grown baby in Depends, couldn’t wait to take to Twitter to whine about it.
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“Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES - They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less!” Trump wrote on Twitter. “(This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!).”
What game would that be, old racist orange man? Would that be the game where America stops acting as if your divisive rhetoric and constant gaslighting doesn’t come with accountability?
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Apparently, Goodyear Tires is the place where Trump supporters tend to work because free coffee and car grease, so much so that a Goodyear employee tweeted an image of a diversity training slide show that noted that “Black Lives Matter” and “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride” were considered acceptable. Listed under the “unacceptable” section were “Blue Lives Matter,” “All Lives Matter,” “MAGA Attire” and “Political Affiliated Slogans or Material,” Politico reports.
And Goodyear is right. One of these groups promotes diversity and inclusion and the other group believes that a spittoon is fine to have in the living room area of your double wide.
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Goodyear issued a statement shortly after Trump’s tweet noting that their corporate office didn’t create the slide and that the missive was not part of their diversity training class. Now see, Goodyear why did you have to go and Michael Jordan the whole thing up, talking about some “MAGAs buy tires, too” bullshit?
“To be clear on our longstanding corporate policy, Goodyear has zero tolerance for any forms of harassment or discrimination,” the statement read, Politico reports. “To enable a workplace environment free of those, we ask that associates refrain from workplace expressions in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party, as well as similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of racial justice and equity issues.”
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The statement also claimed that the company supports law enforcement and pushed back on claims Goodyear is “anti-police.”
Politico notes that “Goodyear is headquartered in Ohio, a 2020 swing state, and employs roughly 63,000 people.”
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Trump’s attack on Goodyear is his latest in which he used his official Twitter account to call on boycotts of prominent companies that he believes don’t like him, including Apple and CNN.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-19--Rainbow Was Relegated to 'Lady Chores' on Black-ish, but Tracee Ellis Ross Wasn't Havin' That Ish

In a recent episode of the LA Times ’ TV podcast “ Can ’ t Stop Watching , ” Ross spoke with LA Times staff writer and show host Yvonne Villarreal and recalled the time she spoke up on behalf of her character Rainbow “ Bow ” Johnson , once she realized that Bow was relegated to typical sexist sitcom wife tropes .
” What I did speak up about from the beginning was , “ Why am I carrying laundry ?
” “ Why am I the person in the kitchen cooking right now , when this has nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even sometimes when it does have something to do with the scene .
And I started coining them as “ lady chores.
” “ Why am I doing the lady chores ?
” “ Can ’ t [ co-star ] Anthony [ Anderson ] do the lady chore ?
” Because I don ’ t believe they ’ re “ lady chores.
” I believe they ’ re house chores .
And I don ’ t believe that we should assume , because I believe every relationship is a negotiation between two people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing , and I think the more that we portray that on television , the more that that becomes the reality out in the world , or matches the reality that the world actually is.
” It ’ s important to note that this isn ’ t an inherent knock or shaming on domestic work ( after all , feminism supports the right to choose ) , but that these things shouldn ’ t be gendered in the first place .
Chores are chores .
Work is work .
There is no such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking of work , Ross has been werkin ’ the political circuit !
She recently facilitated Night 2 of the Democratic National Convention .
“ As a Black woman , I find myself at a crucial intersection in American politics .
For far too long , Black female leadership ... has been utilized without being acknowledged or valued , but we are turning the tide , ” Ross said Tuesday night .
Ross is turning the tide in both her art and life , indeed .
Join the discussion !
The Root @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Glow Up, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

Tracee Ellis Ross isn’t boss-ish, she’s a whole boss.
In a recent episode of the LA Times’ TV podcast “Can’t Stop Watching,” Ross spoke with LA Times staff writer and show host Yvonne Villarreal and recalled the time she spoke up on behalf of her character Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, once she realized that Bow was relegated to typical sexist sitcom wife tropes.
Ross says:
”What I did speak up about from the beginning was, “Why am I carrying laundry?” “Why am I the person in the kitchen cooking right now, when this has nothing to do with the scene?” Even sometimes when it does have something to do with the scene. And I started coining them as “lady chores.” “Why am I doing the lady chores?” “Can’t [co-star] Anthony [Anderson] do the lady chore?” Because I don’t believe they’re “lady chores.” I believe they’re house chores. And I don’t believe that we should assume, because I believe every relationship is a negotiation between two people about what each of them feel comfortable doing, and I think the more that we portray that on television, the more that that becomes the reality out in the world, or matches the reality that the world actually is.”
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It’s important to note that this isn’t an inherent knock or shaming on domestic work (after all, feminism supports the right to choose), but that these things shouldn’t be gendered in the first place. Chores are chores. Work is work. There is no such thing as male work or female work.
Speaking of work, Ross has been werkin’ the political circuit! She recently facilitated Night 2 of the Democratic National Convention.
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“As a Black woman, I find myself at a crucial intersection in American politics. For far too long, Black female leadership...has been utilized without being acknowledged or valued, but we are turning the tide,” Ross said Tuesday night .
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Ross is turning the tide in both her art and life, indeed.
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-19--Former Washington Running Back Derrius Guice Accused of Raping Two Women

Nearly two weeks after he was released by the Washington Football Team over disturbing charges of strangulation and assault and battery of his girlfriend , former LSU star Derrius Guice has been accused of rape by two former students who attended the same school .
According to USA Today , two women allege that Guice raped them mere months apart in 2016 as he was blossoming into a star contributor for LSU ’ s football team .
The women maintain that the details of their alleged sexual assaults were relayed to an athletics administrator , a nurse and at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence that the school investigated the matter .
Additionally , neither woman reported either incident to law enforcement authorities .
From USA Today : ( Trigger warning : the following includes graphic details of multiple incidents of alleged sexual assault . )
Both women told USA TODAY that Guice assaulted them in their own apartments after nights of heavy drinking .
One woman said Guice showed up uninvited to a party she was hosting , then entered her bedroom while she was sleeping and raped her .
The other woman , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she allowed him into her home after meeting him for the first time at a bar .
“ I was drunk and passed out on my bed , ” the first woman said .
“ I never gave him consent .
I never wanted to have sex with him .
I don ’ t even remember except the flashbacks I had .
I just wonder sometimes , does he even know that that was wrong ?
” In response to the allegations , Guice ’ s attorney , Peter D. Greenspun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned the timing of the women ’ s decision to come forward .
“ At no time were allegations of physical or sexual assault brought against Derrius during his years as a student-athlete at LSU , ” Greenspun wrote in a statement to USA Today .
“ To bring up such assertions only after the Virginia charges were initiated certainly calls into question the credibility , nature and timing of what is being alleged years later .
“ Such speculation and innuendo should not be the basis for Derrius to be required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants to be absolutely clear .
The allegations in this story are just that and have no basis in fact.
” Earlier this month , The Root reported that Guice was charged with one count of strangulation , three counts of assault and battery and one count of destruction of property in relation to domestic-violence incidents involving his girlfriend .
“ This afternoon we learned that there were multiple charges filed against Derrius , ” Washington ’ s football team wrote in a statement on August 7 .
“ Upon review of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal discussions , we have decided to release Derrius immediately.
” Washington head coach Ron Rivera expounded on Washington ’ s decision during an interview with reporters on August 10 .
“ Any time you have to release a very talented player it ’ s always a tough decision , ” Rivera said .
“ We take those allegations very , very seriously and we had to make a decision .
I talked to [ Washington ’ s ] players yesterday that I made a decision I believe was in the best interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right decision we ’ ll benefit from it and if not it will be on me .
I will take full responsibility going forward to make sure we do things the right way .
”

Nearly two weeks after he was released by the Washington Football Team over disturbing charges of strangulation and assault and battery of his girlfriend, former LSU star Derrius Guice has been accused of rape by two former students who attended the same school.
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According to USA Today, two women allege that Guice raped them mere months apart in 2016 as he was blossoming into a star contributor for LSU’s football team. The women maintain that the details of their alleged sexual assaults were relayed to an athletics administrator, a nurse and at least two coaches, but USA Today found no evidence that the school investigated the matter. Additionally, neither woman reported either incident to law enforcement authorities.
From USA Today: (Trigger warning: the following includes graphic details of multiple incidents of alleged sexual assault.)
Both women told USA TODAY that Guice assaulted them in their own apartments after nights of heavy drinking. One woman said Guice showed up uninvited to a party she was hosting, then entered her bedroom while she was sleeping and raped her. The other woman, the tennis player, said Guice raped her when she allowed him into her home after meeting him for the first time at a bar. “I was drunk and passed out on my bed,” the first woman said. “I never gave him consent. I never wanted to have sex with him. I don’t even remember except the flashbacks I had. I just wonder sometimes, does he even know that that was wrong?”
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In response to the allegations, Guice’s attorney, Peter D. Greenspun, maintained his client’s innocence and questioned the timing of the women’s decision to come forward.
“At no time were allegations of physical or sexual assault brought against Derrius during his years as a student-athlete at LSU,” Greenspun wrote in a statement to USA Today. “To bring up such assertions only after the Virginia charges were initiated certainly calls into question the credibility, nature and timing of what is being alleged years later.
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“Such speculation and innuendo should not be the basis for Derrius to be required to make any comment at all. But he wants to be absolutely clear. The allegations in this story are just that and have no basis in fact.”
Earlier this month, The Root reported that Guice was charged with one count of strangulation, three counts of assault and battery and one count of destruction of property in relation to domestic-violence incidents involving his girlfriend.
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“This afternoon we learned that there were multiple charges filed against Derrius,” Washington’s football team wrote in a statement on August 7. “Upon review of the nature of these charges and following internal discussions, we have decided to release Derrius immediately.”
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Washington head coach Ron Rivera expounded on Washington’s decision during an interview with reporters on August 10.
“Any time you have to release a very talented player it’s always a tough decision,” Rivera said. “We take those allegations very, very seriously and we had to make a decision. I talked to [Washington’s] players yesterday that I made a decision I believe was in the best interest of our organization and if it was the right decision we’ll benefit from it and if not it will be on me. I will take full responsibility going forward to make sure we do things the right way.”


theroot--2020-08-19--Abolish Gutless White Journalists Saying 'America' When They Clearly Mean 'White America'

You can not read Ethan Strauss ’ s piece on the NBA ’ s rating problems without a subscription to The Athletic .
Fortunately , you do not need to read it to have read it , because his 25-character tweet accurately synopsizes the 2,000 words behind the paywall .
In it , Strauss stretches himself into logical origami to determine that the NBA ’ s very public embrace of Black Lives Matter has cratered its ratings .
This takeaway is dumb and myopic and yup , racist too , for myriad reasons , including the been proven fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bothered by the NBA ’ s progressive branding and messaging that they ’ d refuse to watch wasn ’ t watching anyway .
But enough about that weird and boring piece !
I ’ m more interested in how he framed it when sharing because it revealed a flaccid and gutless and editorially flawed linguistic tic that so many—too many—white journalists and pundits and writers possess .
And that ’ s referencing a vague and amorphous “ America ” when they clearly just mean “ white America.
” Of course , “ America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exists , for these white people who are paid money to know what words mean , to say “ white people.
” Millennials , Christians , Evangelicals , Red-state voters , Rust Belt voters , Suburbanites , Soccer moms—the list is so long that I made a list and only stopped at 40 because I wanted to hoop .
The reason why this happens is simple : W hite Americans are , to them , the baseline Americans .
The standard-issue Americans .
The American-est Americans .
To them , “ white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interchangeable as “ Clorox ” and “ bleach.
” People who are not white are the ones who require the qualifiers .
Also , this is just aggressively bad writing , reporting and thinking .
Imagine , for instance , that instead of naming “ the NBA ” in his tweet , Ethan Strauss referred to it as “ a professional basketball league.
” ( “ On a professional basketball league losing America.
” ) That would be goofy as fuck , right ?
You ’ d give yourself an ulcer wondering why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just say “ the NBA.
” It ’ s like going to Wendy ’ s and asking for a “ burger.
” Refusing to name white people is just as goofy and weird and dumb .
And just think of how much better and heavier and more precise their work would be if they performed the radical act of literally just naming the thing they ’ re actually talking about .
I ’ ve reached the quota of words I planned to devote to this topic today .
Goodbye !

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

You cannot read Ethan Strauss’s piece on the NBA’s rating problems without a subscription to The Athletic. Fortunately, you do not need to read it to have read it, because his 25-character tweet accurately synopsizes the 2,000 words behind the paywall.
In it, Strauss stretches himself into logical origami to determine that the NBA’s very public embrace of Black Lives Matter has cratered its ratings. This takeaway is dumb and myopic and yup, racist too, for myriad reasons, including the been proven fact that the sort of “American” so bothered by the NBA’s progressive branding and messaging that they’d refuse to watch wasn’t watching anyway.
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But enough about that weird and boring piece! I’m more interested in how he framed it when sharing because it revealed a flaccid and gutless and editorially flawed linguistic tic that so many—too many—white journalists and pundits and writers possess. And that’s referencing a vague and amorphous “America” when they clearly just mean “white America.”
Of course, “America” is not the only word that exists, for these white people who are paid money to know what words mean, to say “white people.” Millennials, Christians, Evangelicals, Red-state voters, Rust Belt voters, Suburbanites, Soccer moms—the list is so long that I made a list and only stopped at 40 because I wanted to hoop. The reason why this happens is simple: W hite Americans are, to them, the baseline Americans. The standard-issue Americans. The American-est Americans. To them, “white people” and “American” are as interchangeable as “Clorox” and “bleach.” People who are not white are the ones who require the qualifiers.
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Also, this is just aggressively bad writing, reporting and thinking. Imagine, for instance, that instead of naming “the NBA” in his tweet, Ethan Strauss referred to it as “a professional basketball league.” (“On a professional basketball league losing America.”) That would be goofy as fuck, right? You’d give yourself an ulcer wondering why he’s working so hard to not just say “the NBA.” It’s like going to Wendy’s and asking for a “burger.” Refusing to name white people is just as goofy and weird and dumb. And just think of how much better and heavier and more precise their work would be if they performed the radical act of literally just naming the thing they’re actually talking about.
I’ve reached the quota of words I planned to devote to this topic today. Goodbye!


theroot--2020-08-19--Stay Safe and Stylish With These Three Classic Paisley Reusable Masks From Levi's for $15

Levi ’ s is known for being cool and classic .
Bringing that vibe into your PPE can be challenging .
Looking good while staying safe is now a thing that you are 100 % allowed to be concerned about .
If you did the traditional bandana look but are concerned it just isn ’ t protecting you or those around you enough fear not .
This three-pack of reversible reusable paisley printed masks ( $ 15 ) are what you ’ ve been searching for .
Levi ’ s designed these for fashion and function .
These are comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most masks like these are not FDA-approved as medical devices but are perfect for social distancing and keep you from touching your face .
And with each purchase , Levi ’ s donates to Doctors Without Borders .
They ’ re double-layered cotton , have ear loops to fit snuggly around your face , and customers have recommended the large size for adults .
Wash before and after use if possible .
S tay safe and chic out there .
20 % off and free shipping on your first order or free @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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

Reusable Reversible Face Masks (Pack of 3) | $15 | Levi’s
Levi’s is known for being cool and classic. Bringing that vibe into your PPE can be challenging . Looking good while staying safe is now a thing that you are 100% allowed to be concerned about. If you did the traditional bandana look but are concerned it just isn’t protecting you or those around you enough fear not. This three-pack of reversible reusable paisley printed masks ($15) are what you’ve been searching for.
Levi’s designed these for fashion and function. These are comfortable enough for hours of wear if needed. Most masks like these are not FDA-approved as medical devices but are perfect for social distancing and keep you from touching your face. And with each purchase, Levi’s donates to Doctors Without Borders . They’re double-layered cotton, have ear loops to fit snuggly around your face, and customers have recommended the large size for adults. Wash before and after use if possible. S tay safe and chic out there.
20% off and free shipping on your first order or free shipping on orders over $100.


theroot--2020-08-19--When Molly Met 'Vonne-y: Yvonne Orji Has Hilarious Sit-Down Interview With Her Insecure Character

Season Four of Insecure was not the best for Molly Carter .
Fans of the show took to the Twitter streets to discuss how poorly Issa Dee ( Issa Rae ) was treated by her lawyer best friend , and Yvonne Orji—the now-Emmy-nominated actress who portrays the fictional character—often found herself having to explain that the show is not real and that she is nothing like the woman she plays .
So , t he Momma , I Made It comedian and her Insecure co-star Jay Ellis concocted a brilliant idea for Orji and Molly to have a sit-down interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ madness to rest .
In the clip , uploaded to Orji ’ s IGTV on Tuesday , the duo meets for the first time and have a heart-to-heart about whether Molly is a good friend , why fuckboys may be a good thing and so much more .
After noting that Orji cut her hair in order to differentiate herself from the Insecure character , the two discuss the hordes of hate hurled at Molly this season .
“ They can miss me with all that hate…sticks and stones , sticks and stones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detractors , who Orji notes are mostly members of Black Twitter .
Molly has no idea what that is and asks if Black Twitter is a “ group ” like the Black Panthers .
“ I really think it ’ s funny how people forget how loyal of a friend I ’ ve been , people don ’ t remember Malibu ?
” Molly asks .
“ Daniel showed up at the mixer .
Who was there to run an interference ?
” She also says that Toni Childs from Girlfriends is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the word “ child ” in her name .
Makes enough sense , if you ask me !
Shortly after , Orji says that she has a few “ fan questions , ” because hey , who knows ?
Molly may have some fans hiding somewhere .
The first question was “ Out of all the guys you dated on the show , who would you bang , marry , kill ?
” Molly says that she would bang Jared , affectionately known as “ Enterprise Bae , ” marry “ Asian Bae @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ] would have a good life together , ” and would kill Dro by stabbing him—in the face .
“ We thank God for the ‘ f-boys ’ in our lives because they send us to therapy , ” Orji quips , before asking if Molly is still regularly attending her therapy sessions ( she is ) .
As their time together comes to an end , Orji surprises Molly with a few parting gifts .
The first is her Jesus & Jollof podcast co-host Luvvie Ajayi Jones ’ New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The Do-Better Manual , a pop art portrait of Yvonne/Molly ( whichever stews your peas ) done by Melissa Falconer , and bottles of ‘ dat bubbly .
This is something that has to be seen to be enjoyed thoroughly .
We ’ re glad the two have a kinship now that we ’ re sure will last a lifetime .
( I mean ...
I ’ d hope so , since they can bond over that Emmy nod . )
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
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J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Season Four of Insecure was not the best for Molly Carter. Fans of the show took to the Twitter streets to discuss how poorly Issa Dee (Issa Rae) was treated by her lawyer best friend, and Yvonne Orji—the now-Emmy-nominated actress who portrays the fictional character—often found herself having to explain that the show is not real and that she is nothing like the woman she plays.
So, t he Momma, I Made It comedian and her Insecure co-star Jay Ellis concocted a brilliant idea for Orji and Molly to have a sit-down interview, in order to finally put the madness to rest. In the clip, uploaded to Orji’s IGTV on Tuesday, the duo meets for the first time and have a heart-to-heart about whether Molly is a good friend, why fuckboys may be a good thing and so much more.
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After noting that Orji cut her hair in order to differentiate herself from the Insecure character, the two discuss the hordes of hate hurled at Molly this season.
“They can miss me with all that hate…sticks and stones, sticks and stones,” Molly dismissively says of her detractors, who Orji notes are mostly members of Black Twitter. Molly has no idea what that is and asks if Black Twitter is a “group” like the Black Panthers.
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“I really think it’s funny how people forget how loyal of a friend I’ve been, people don’t remember Malibu?” Molly asks. “Daniel showed up at the mixer. Who was there to run an interference?” She also says that Toni Childs from Girlfriends is a worse friend than her because she has the word “child” in her name. Makes enough sense, if you ask me!
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Shortly after, Orji says that she has a few “fan questions, ” because hey, who knows? Molly may have some fans hiding somewhere. The first question was “Out of all the guys you dated on the show, who would you bang, marry, kill?” Molly says that she would bang Jared, affectionately known as “Enterprise Bae,” marry “Asian Bae” Andrew because she believes “[they] would have a good life together,” and would kill Dro by stabbing him—in the face.
“We thank God for the ‘f-boys’ in our lives because they send us to therapy,” Orji quips, before asking if Molly is still regularly attending her therapy sessions (she is).
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But Molly Wasn't That Wrong, Though Is it shady to refuse to do your best friend a favor because of some arbitrary (and fabricated)… Read more
As their time together comes to an end, Orji surprises Molly with a few parting gifts. The first is her Jesus & Jollof podcast co-host Luvvie Ajayi Jones’ New York Times’ bestseller I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual, a pop art portrait of Yvonne/Molly (whichever stews your peas) done by Melissa Falconer, and bottles of ‘dat bubbly.
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This is something that has to be seen to be enjoyed thoroughly. We’re glad the two have a kinship now that we’re sure will last a lifetime. (I mean...I’d hope so, since they can bond over that Emmy nod.)
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theroot--2020-08-19--Rihanna, Domestic Goddess? Rih Is Rumored to Be Dropping Housewares, but Her Navy Is Sending an SOS

Rihanna, Domestic Goddess? Rih Is Rumored to Be Dropping Housewares, but Her Navy Is Sending an SOS for R9

C ould our next serving of hot tea be served from a Fenty teacup ?
The eagle eyes in Rihanna ’ s fandom ( also known as @ TeamofRihanna on Twitter ) recently caught wind of a new trademark application by the singer ’ s company , Roraj Trade , LLC , cleverly titled “ Sorry , I ’ m Booked ” and filed on Aug. 6 ( h/t Delish ) .
Is the multitasking mogul planning a move into the literary realm ?
Perhaps , since the filing covers “ Digital media , namely , electronic publications dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronic publications featuring science fiction , adventure , mystery , history , action , drama , documentary content , comedy , horror , romance , music , children ’ s entertainment and thrillers.
” But it ’ s more likely that Rih ’ s covering her bases for a potential expansion of the Fenty empire into housewares since the application also covers : “ Tableware , namely forks , knives and spoons ; ” “ Bowls , plates , pots , pans , utensils for barbecues , namely forks , tongs , turners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hot sauce , pepper sauce , spices , hot pepper powder , salt.
” Listen , sign us up for Rihanna ’ s hot sauce—and whatever Bajan cook-up she ’ s planning .
Really , this shouldn ’ t come as a total surprise to her followers , since aside from already telling us she was a savage , as recently as May , she was teasing us with her bomb culinary skills ( all while modeling a lace catsuit by Savage x Fenty topped with what appeared to be a Fenty Maison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beauty GlossBomb , of course ) .
But while we stan an empire builder with multiple income streams , it seems much of the moonlighting musician ’ s “ Navy ” has a one-track mind—in fact , the only tracks they want to hear about are those on her long-rumored ninth album , which Rih has been teasing for well over a year now .
While some were intrigued by the idea of being able to further indulge in a fully Fenty-branded lifestyle , many were understandably concerned that this new trademark would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what the Navy has preemptively named R9 .
Of course , Rihanna never ceases to surprise ( or amaze ) .
Though she may indeed be planning to share her recipe for “ Birthday Cake ” with the world , she ’ s also fully aware that her beloved Navy is waiting impatiently for her next musical offering—and as we know , she ’ s quite fond of trolling them in the meantime .
In fact , she did just that last weekend , responding to a clip posted by a remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
# R9 ” Forever clever ... and she can cook too !
Obviously , we ’ ll be anxiously awaiting whatever Rihanna drops next .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

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

“Pour it up,” indeed.
C ould our next serving of hot tea be served from a Fenty teacup? The eagle eyes in Rihanna’s fandom (also known as @TeamofRihanna on Twitter) recently caught wind of a new trademark application by the singer’s company, Roraj Trade, LLC, cleverly titled “Sorry, I’m Booked” and filed on Aug. 6 (h/t Delish).
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Is the multitasking mogul planning a move into the literary realm? Perhaps, since the filing covers “Digital media, namely, electronic publications dealing with culinary topics, cooking and recipes; electronic publications featuring science fiction, adventure, mystery, history, action, drama, documentary content, comedy, horror, romance, music, children’s entertainment and thrillers.” But it’s more likely that Rih’s covering her bases for a potential expansion of the Fenty empire into housewares since the application also covers: “Tableware, namely forks, knives and spoons; ” “Bowls, plates, pots, pans, utensils for barbecues, namely forks, tongs, turners; ” aprons, and even “Hot sauce, pepper sauce, spices, hot pepper powder, salt.”
Listen, sign us up for Rihanna’s hot sauce—and whatever Bajan cook-up she’s planning. Really, this shouldn’t come as a total surprise to her followers, since aside from already telling us she was a savage, as recently as May, she was teasing us with her bomb culinary skills (all while modeling a lace catsuit by Savage x Fenty topped with what appeared to be a Fenty Maison jacket and applying a bit of Fenty Beauty GlossBomb, of course).
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But while we stan an empire builder with multiple income streams, it seems much of the moonlighting musician’s “Navy” has a one-track mind—in fact, the only tracks they want to hear about are those on her long-rumored ninth album, which Rih has been teasing for well over a year now. While some were intrigued by the idea of being able to further indulge in a fully Fenty-branded lifestyle, many were understandably concerned that this new trademark would mean yet another delay in the release of what the Navy has preemptively named R9.
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Of course, Rihanna never ceases to surprise (or amaze). Though she may indeed be planning to share her recipe for “Birthday Cake” with the world, she’s also fully aware that her beloved Navy is waiting impatiently for her next musical offering—and as we know, she’s quite fond of trolling them in the meantime. In fact, she did just that last weekend, responding to a clip posted by a remarkable doppelgänger with “where the album sis? #R9”
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Forever clever...and she can cook too! Obviously, we’ll be anxiously awaiting whatever Rihanna drops next.
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Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-19--Men Lie, Women Lie, Cops Don't—Unless We're Talking About the Cop Who Lied on Raptors Exec Masai Uji

Men Lie, Women Lie, Cops Don't—Unless We're Talking About the Cop Who Lied on Raptors Exec Masai Ujiri

There are two groups of people that I don ’ t trust under any circumstances : cashiers when they say I can ’ t have extra napkins ( y ’ all greedy with the oxtail gravy , too ) and police officers when they insist that they ’ re acting in the best interest of Black and Brown folks .
All of the above are full of shit .
As we ’ ve previously reported here at The Root , Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri is the subject of a lawsuit alleging that he assaulted Alan Strickland — a bold-faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s deputy— in the immediate aftermath of the Raptors Game 6 victory against the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals .
This alleged assault transpired when Strickland prevented Ujiri from rushing the court to celebrate the Raptors ’ first-ever NBA championship .
Here are the fine details of Strickland ’ s lawsuit , courtesy of our previous reporting : In his lawsuit , Strickland alleges that he incurred “ injury to his body , health , strength , activity and person ” and that he continues to suffer “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical , and nervous pain and suffering.
” He also alleges that the incident caused him “ permanent disability ” and that he ’ s experienced “ great anxiety , embarrassment , anger , loss of enjoyment of life , injury to reputation and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial.
” As a result of such a seemingly catastrophic injury—more on that later—Strickland ( with his wife , Kelly , who is listed as a co-plaintiff in the suit ) is seeking punitive damages , payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both to date and any required in the future ) , reimbursement of lost wages , legal costs for filing the lawsuit and at least $ 75,000 in general damages .
The couple has also requested a jury trial .
As to how in the hell you incur such significant injuries during what witnesses described as a “ shoving match , ” in which “ no punches were thrown , ” is beyond me , but leave it to Strickland to tap into his mutant ability to distort the truth to try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thankfully , we now live in the day and age of technological advancements .
And according to ESPN , new footage has emerged from Strickland ’ s own bodycam that proves that he was actually the aggressor that fateful night .
In conjunction with this new evidence , Ujiri filed a countersuit on Tuesday on the grounds that Strickland ain ’ t shit , ain ’ t never been shit , and won ’ t ever be shit .
“ After being shoved and cursed at , Mr. Ujiri did not respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit says .
“ Instead , he calmly asked Mr. Strickland why he had pushed him , informed Mr. Strickland he was the Raptors ’ President and held up his all-access arena credential to show it to Mr. Strickland .
Rather than trying to communicate with Mr. Ujiri , Mr. Strickland chose to dismiss Mr. Ujiri ’ s claim that he was the Raptors ’ President and ignore the all-access credential Mr. Ujiri was trying to show him .
Mr. Strickland then forcefully shoved Mr. Ujiri a second time .
“ Only after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuck up ’ and shoved twice did Mr. Ujiri show any response and return a shove to Mr. Strickland ’ s chest .
Mr. Ujiri ’ s defensive response was a reasonable and justified reaction to Mr. Strickland ’ s use of unnecessary and excessive force.
” The Raptors also released a statement in response to Ujiri ’ s countersuit .
“ We are mindful this remains before the courts , but we have always maintained that the claims made against Masai are baseless and entirely without merit , ” the statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows exactly that—Masai was not an aggressor , but instead was the recipient of two very violent , unwarranted actions .
The events of that evening cast a pall over what should have been a night of celebration , and the year since.
” Thankfully , no criminal charges were ever filed against Ujiri—nor should they have been—but let ’ s hope that this new evidence absolves the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year of any legal culpability and that the courts do the right thing and dismiss Strickland ’ s lawsuit—though I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , either .

There are two groups of people that I don’t trust under any circumstances: cashiers when they say I can’t have extra napkins (y’all greedy with the oxtail gravy, too) and police officers when they insist that they’re acting in the best interest of Black and Brown folks.
All of the above are full of shit.
As we’ve previously reported here at The Root, Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri is the subject of a lawsuit alleging that he assaulted Alan Strickland — a bold-faced liar who moonlights as an Alameda County sheriff’s deputy— in the immediate aftermath of the Raptors Game 6 victory against the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals. This alleged assault transpired when Strickland prevented Ujiri from rushing the court to celebrate the Raptors’ first-ever NBA championship.
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Here are the fine details of Strickland’s lawsuit, courtesy of our previous reporting:
In his lawsuit, Strickland alleges that he incurred “injury to his body, health, strength, activity and person” and that he continues to suffer “great mental, emotional, psychological, physical, and nervous pain and suffering.” He also alleges that the incident caused him “permanent disability” and that he’s experienced “great anxiety, embarrassment, anger, loss of enjoyment of life, injury to reputation and severe emotional and physical distress in an amount to be determined at trial.” As a result of such a seemingly catastrophic injury—more on that later—Strickland (with his wife, Kelly, who is listed as a co-plaintiff in the suit) is seeking punitive damages, payment of all medical and incidental expenses (both to date and any required in the future), reimbursement of lost wages, legal costs for filing the lawsuit and at least $75,000 in general damages. The couple has also requested a jury trial.
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As to how in the hell you incur such significant injuries during what witnesses described as a “shoving match,” in which “no punches were thrown,” is beyond me, but leave it to Strickland to tap into his mutant ability to distort the truth to try to malign and disparage an innocent Black man.
Thankfully, we now live in the day and age of technological advancements. And according to ESPN, new footage has emerged from Strickland’s own bodycam that proves that he was actually the aggressor that fateful night.
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Cue shock and awe.
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In conjunction with this new evidence, Ujiri filed a countersuit on Tuesday on the grounds that Strickland ain’t shit, ain’t never been shit, and won’t ever be shit.
“After being shoved and cursed at, Mr. Ujiri did not respond aggressively towards Mr. Strickland,” the suit says. “Instead, he calmly asked Mr. Strickland why he had pushed him, informed Mr. Strickland he was the Raptors’ President and held up his all-access arena credential to show it to Mr. Strickland. Rather than trying to communicate with Mr. Ujiri, Mr. Strickland chose to dismiss Mr. Ujiri’s claim that he was the Raptors’ President and ignore the all-access credential Mr. Ujiri was trying to show him. Mr. Strickland then forcefully shoved Mr. Ujiri a second time.
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“Only after being unjustifiably told to ‘back the fuck up’ and shoved twice did Mr. Ujiri show any response and return a shove to Mr. Strickland’s chest. Mr. Ujiri’s defensive response was a reasonable and justified reaction to Mr. Strickland’s use of unnecessary and excessive force.”
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The Raptors also released a statement in response to Ujiri’s countersuit.
“We are mindful this remains before the courts, but we have always maintained that the claims made against Masai are baseless and entirely without merit,” the statement said. “We believe this video evidence shows exactly that—Masai was not an aggressor, but instead was the recipient of two very violent, unwarranted actions. The events of that evening cast a pall over what should have been a night of celebration, and the year since.”
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Thankfully, no criminal charges were ever filed against Ujiri—nor should they have been—but let’s hope that this new evidence absolves the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year of any legal culpability and that the courts do the right thing and dismiss Strickland’s lawsuit—though I don’t trust our court system, either.


theroot--2020-08-19--Throw the Ultimate Mos Eisley Pool Party With These Inflatable Beach Ball Droids

If you ’ re lucky enough to have your own outdoor cantina now is the time to throw the ultimate @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just you and your fam .
These three adorable Star Wars inflatable beach @ @ @ @ @ , which is crazy because one usually runs for $ 6 .
You ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ in the universe R2-D2 and BB-8 .
Tossing BB-8 around in the pool will be @ @ @ @ @ of his scenes from The Force Awakens .
You can pose or just lounge poolside @ @ @ @ @ with good ol ’ R2 .
And bat the Death Star all afternoon before defeating @ @ @ @ @ .
Each blows up it fourteen inches around and they can even be used as @ @ @ @ @ ’ s room .
This item ships for free for Prime Members .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Star Wars Inflatable Water Toys | $12 | Amazon
If you’re lucky enough to have your own outdoor cantina now is the time to throw the ultimate geek party even if it’s just you and your fam. These three adorable Star Wars inflatable beach balls are just $12, which is crazy because one usually runs for $6.
You’ll get the two cutest droids in the universe R2-D2 and BB-8. Tossing BB-8 around in the pool will be an easy recreation of most of his scenes from The Force Awakens. You can pose or just lounge poolside in your Princess Leia bikini with good ol’ R2. And bat the Death Star all afternoon before defeating the Empire and deflating it. Each blows up it fourteen inches around and they can even be used as decoration for your favorite Rebel’s room.
This item ships for free for Prime Members.


theroot--2020-08-19--Don't Tell Nobody But There's a Surprise 'Black Party' for Kamala Harris, and Guess Who's Gonna DJ?

Look , I don ’ t wan na start spreading stuff but I heard through the watermelonvine ( which everyone knows , is superior to grapes ) that someone whose name rhymes with Joe Biden ( I ’ m terrible at rhyming ) is throwing a secret pre-party for a certain California senator , who just became the first Black woman to be nominated for vice president .
Yep , before the Democrats introduce the next vice president at their national convention on Wednesday night , DJ D-Nice will be spinning records at “ The Black Party ” —a watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shhhh !
Don ’ t say it out loud !
People might hear you !
Who told me ?
Well , you know a good reporter can ’ t reveal his sources !
All I can say is this : A certain member of New Edition called me last night , who also may have been in the group Bell Biv DeVoe .
As I was trying to tell this person we shall call “ Not Ricky Bell or Ronnie Devoe ” about my great idea for a Verzuz battle ( A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of New Edition .
Genius , right ? )
, he asked me if I was going to the party on Wednesday night .
He was like : “ You didn ’ t know they ’ re throwing a party for Kamala Harris ’ speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday ?
” And I was like : “ No I didn ’ t .
Cory Booker just did an interview for The Root Institute and he didn ’ t say nothing !
Kamala even has my cell number !
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected her to be VP.
” I was just about to call Sen. Harris and say “ You can ’ t call nobody ?
” when this person said : “ Bruh , it ’ s a surprise party .
She don ’ t even know about it !
” and then I was cool .
“ I had an opportunity to meet her in person , ” Bivins told The Root .
“ I was in Detroit campaigning for Joe and Cory [ Booker ] was there .
[ Governor ] Gretchen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And just the way she came into the room , I could see she was a people ’ s person .
And at this point , she was just coming there to support Joe ... For me , what I ’ m so excited about it , is because I think he made a hell of a choice , man .
But as a person , I ’ m excited for him plus I ’ m excited for us.
” Bivins acknowledged that he feels it is his duty to use his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social justice arena .
“ I just think that our responsibility is to engage B lack voters and also engage the Black men who really didn ’ t show up in 2016 , ” he explained .
“ It ’ s important for me to speak out when I see injustice and tell how important that vote is .
And not to sit home and talk about it , but actually go to the polls of mailing your ballot and let your voice be heard .
And I think that message is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was in ’ 08 when we saw history with Barack .
Twelve years later , it ’ s critical for us to usher in something new and something different and the change.
” He still didn ’ t tell me how to get into the party , but I knew who to call to get more details and answer the most important question for Black America : Who all gon ’ be there ?
“ I ’ m not just excited about her as a candidate , ” civil rights attorney Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m more excited about her character .
That ’ s why I ’ m committed to helping this ticket defeat Donald Trump.
” Although Crump was noncommittal about buying me a drink , he said his friendship with Harris predates her nomination as Vice President and lauded her “ progressive record as a prosecutor and attorney general.
” “ There ’ ll be no cake but this is absolutely a party and pep rally , ” said Biden National Campaign co-chair , Rep. Cedric Richmond ( D-La. )
.
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s going to have to be done to make sure that we win this election for the reasons that we ’ ve articulated , which is , uniting the country , restoring the soul of America and bringing everybody along with us this time—Black , white , Latinx , women , rural—that ’ s what it ’ s about .
“ It ’ s all virtual , ” Richmond revealed .
“ D-Nice will be there .
Michael Bivins will be there .
I ’ ll be there .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the president and the future vice president.
” Wait ... D-Nice will be there ?
Here is exclusive footage of my reaction : Richmond went on to explain how the Democratic National Convention is the “ pep rally before the big game , ” but I wasn ’ t really paying attention after he mentioned that D-Nice would be deejaying this virtual block party .
I ’ d been trying to get in contact with D-Nice since he gave the world its moment of happiness at the beginning of the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-Nice to see if he could put my name on the list at the door and to ask him which song he planned to play when he hears the big news in November that the Biden-Harris ticket earned 270 electoral votes .
“ I was going with my gut instinct , I would probably play ‘ A Change Is Gon na Come ’ by Sam Cooke just because that ’ s what moves me and because I know how important this moment is , ” D-Nice told The Root .
“ But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is more upbeat ... more uplifting.
” D-Nice explains that his newfound status as the official DJ of # Black J oy was not even part of his plan .
He says he was using Instagram as a tool to explore conversations about music and culture when he began playing some of his favorite songs .
“ I was just happy with having 200 people , ” the rapper/DJ recounted .
“ I was happy having a conversation with John Legend .
Dave Chappelle joined me .
I had old school rapper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a buddy—another DJ named Clark Kent and I told him , ‘ I don ’ t know what this is .
It definitely feels like I ’ m connected to people.
’ Clark Kent ’ s advice to me was : “ You should actually be deejaying now , you should just do it.
’ ” D-Nice says that he is excited to host this event for the Biden campaign , especially for the prospect of being involved with Sen. Harris becoming the first Black veep .
“ I love Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is also an opportunity for all of us to make history and I ’ m just happy to be able to use my platform to do it.
” Asked about the prospect of spinning at an inaugural ball , D-Nice said he would be honored , even discussing the idea of a virtual “ People ’ s Ball ” where the entire country could celebrate a Biden-Harris victory together .
“ That ’ s a great idea , ” he said .
“ And , of course , if Biden or Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ d see if there was room on the list.
” The “ Black Party ” begins at 8 p.m .
ET and anyone can RSVP at joe.link/blackparty .
Don ’ t tell anyone I said this , but I ’ m pretty sure ladies get in free before 11 .
See y ’ all at the party !
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Can y’all keep a secret?
Look, I don’t wanna start spreading stuff but I heard through the watermelonvine (which everyone knows, is superior to grapes) that someone whose name rhymes with Joe Biden (I’m terrible at rhyming) is throwing a secret pre-party for a certain California senator, who just became the first Black woman to be nominated for vice president.
Yep, before the Democrats introduce the next vice president at their national convention on Wednesday night, DJ D-Nice will be spinning records at “The Black Party”—a watch party sponsored by African Americans for Biden.
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Shhhh! Don’t say it out loud! People might hear you!
Who told me? Well, you know a good reporter can’t reveal his sources!
All I can say is this: A certain member of New Edition called me last night, who also may have been in the group Bell Biv DeVoe. As I was trying to tell this person we shall call “Not Ricky Bell or Ronnie Devoe” about my great idea for a Verzuz battle (A face-off between New Edition and the individual members of New Edition. Genius, right?), he asked me if I was going to the party on Wednesday night.
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I was like: “What party?”
He was like: “You didn’t know they’re throwing a party for Kamala Harris’ speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday?”
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And I was like: “No I didn’t. Cory Booker just did an interview for The Root Institute and he didn’t say nothing! Kamala even has my cell number! She’s gotten all big-time since Biden selected her to be VP.”
I was just about to call Sen. Harris and say “You can’t call nobody?” when Michael Bivins this person said: “Bruh, it’s a surprise party. She don’t even know about it!” and then I was cool.
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“I had an opportunity to meet her in person,” Bivins told The Root. “I was in Detroit campaigning for Joe and Cory [Booker] was there. [Governor] Gretchen [Whitmer] from Michigan was there. And just the way she came into the room, I could see she was a people’s person. And at this point, she was just coming there to support Joe...For me, what I’m so excited about it, is because I think he made a hell of a choice, man. But as a person, I’m excited for him plus I’m excited for us.”
Bivins acknowledged that he feels it is his duty to use his platform and celebrity status in the political and social justice arena.
Advertisement
“I just think that our responsibility is to engage B lack voters and also engage the Black men who really didn’t show up in 2016,” he explained. “ It’s important for me to speak out when I see injustice and tell how important that vote is. And not to sit home and talk about it, but actually go to the polls of mailing your ballot and let your voice be heard. And I think that message is so important this year, just like it was in ’08 when we saw history with Barack. Twelve years later, it’s critical for us to usher in something new and something different and the change.”
He still didn’t tell me how to get into the party, but I knew who to call to get more details and answer the most important question for Black America:
Who all gon’ be there?
“I’m not just excited about her as a candidate,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump told The Root. “I’m more excited about her character. That’s why I’m committed to helping this ticket defeat Donald Trump.”
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Although Crump was noncommittal about buying me a drink, he said his friendship with Harris predates her nomination as Vice President and lauded her “progressive record as a prosecutor and attorney general.”
“There’ll be no cake but this is absolutely a party and pep rally,” said Biden National Campaign co-chair, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.). “If you’re ready for the hard work that’s going to have to be done to make sure that we win this election for the reasons that we’ve articulated, which is, uniting the country, restoring the soul of America and bringing everybody along with us this time—Black, white, Latinx, women, rural—that’s what it’s about.
Advertisement
“It’s all virtual,” Richmond revealed. “D-Nice will be there. Michael Bivins will be there. I’ll be there. It is a virtual happy hour to get ready to see the president and the future vice president.”
Wait...D-Nice will be there?
Here is exclusive footage of my reaction:
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Richmond went on to explain how the Democratic National Convention is the “pep rally before the big game,” but I wasn’t really paying attention after he mentioned that D-Nice would be deejaying this virtual block party. I’d been trying to get in contact with D-Nice since he gave the world its moment of happiness at the beginning of the global pandemic.
So I reached out to D-Nice to see if he could put my name on the list at the door and to ask him which song he planned to play when he hears the big news in November that the Biden-Harris ticket earned 270 electoral votes.
Advertisement
“I was going with my gut instinct, I would probably play ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ by Sam Cooke just because that’s what moves me and because I know how important this moment is,” D-Nice told The Root. “But I think I should probably find a song that is more upbeat...more uplifting.”
D-Nice explains that his newfound status as the official DJ of # Black J oy was not even part of his plan. He says he was using Instagram as a tool to explore conversations about music and culture when he began playing some of his favorite songs.
Advertisement
“I was just happy with having 200 people,” the rapper/DJ recounted. “I was happy having a conversation with John Legend. Dave Chappelle joined me. I had old school rapper, Big Daddy Kane. I call up a buddy—another DJ named Clark Kent and I told him, ‘I don’t know what this is. It definitely feels like I’m connected to people.’ Clark Kent’s advice to me was: “You should actually be deejaying now, you should just do it.’”
D-Nice says that he is excited to host this event for the Biden campaign, especially for the prospect of being involved with Sen. Harris becoming the first Black veep.
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“I love Joe Biden,” D-Nice said. “But this is also an opportunity for all of us to make history and I’m just happy to be able to use my platform to do it.”
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Asked about the prospect of spinning at an inaugural ball, D-Nice said he would be honored, even discussing the idea of a virtual “People’s Ball” where the entire country could celebrate a Biden-Harris victory together.
“That’s a great idea,” he said. “And, of course, if Biden or Harris wanted to stop by our party, we’d see if there was room on the list.”
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The “Black Party” begins at 8 p.m. ET and anyone can RSVP at joe.link/blackparty.
Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I’m pretty sure ladies get in free before 11.
See y’all at the party!
Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-19--Clinton Could've Stepped, Biden Accepts and Kamala Got Next: Recap of Day 2 of the Democratic Nation

Clinton Could've Stepped, Biden Accepts and Kamala Got Next: Recap of Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention

Day 1 was the day .
The tone was set .
The big Joker was played .
They could ’ ve dropped the mic and walked off after one day of a virtual Democratic National Convention and America would ’ ve been just as hype and ready to take down one of the worst administrations this side of Belarus .
But nope , there had to be a Day 2 and sadly , no one holds the star power of former First Lady Michelle Obama .
Not even former President Bill Clinton , who should have brought out Arsenio Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saxophone and tried to conjure up the magic he once had .
At best , his speech was “ meh.
” And let ’ s not act like he wasn ’ t on a plane with Jeffrey Epstein at one point in his life .
Like if there was anyone during this climate who shouldn ’ t have been on this stage , it was Bill Clinton .
I get why he was there , but at this point , he adds nothing , not one thing , to anything he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on where you stand , he might even take away from it .
As time has proven with most white allies , eventually they show their true cards and he went all-in with his “ I ’ m not racist but I ’ m about to say some racist shit ” bag when Barack was running against Hillary .
So at this point , I ’ m cool on Bill .
Meanwhile , former Democratic presidential nominee and Secretary of State John Kerry also said something , but I wasn ’ t listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , John Kerry is Ja Rule and no one is out here trying to get Ja Rule on the phone to see what he thinks .
Like where did they find this bama , and did we really need to hear how bad Donald Trump is to America ?
Look , I ’ ve never been shy about my love for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
She is goddamn amazing , and her takedown of Ted Yoho ’ s verbal assault—in which he called her a “ fucking bitch ” —should be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ready to fuck a punk up on sight .
But I can ’ t say that her 90-second endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders didn ’ t have me and most of America scratching our scalps .
Like , “ Oh shit , there ’ s a fire , ” AOC done gone rogue .
Thankfully , she went on Twitter to explain to those of us who didn ’ t know this was a formality .
I guess NBC News was also confused as they didn ’ t waste any time tweet-bashing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assholes her way : Chuck Schumer also said some shit but I ’ m going to need him to get back to the Senate so he can run us those stimulus checks .
Until then , I ’ m not really trying to hear anything Schumer has to say because I only speak guapanese .
But Day 2 wasn ’ t a complete wash. Biden finally activated his presidential credit card and lost the “ presumptive ” title , which I got sick of writing this past month , and accepted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden did her best to tell Mr. Biden ’ s story and Mrs. Biden is actually way more endearing than her husband because she didn ’ t talk about kicking anyone ’ s ass or question anyone ’ s Blackness .
The star of the night , the piece de resistance , the one I ’ m rooting for in all of this and actually made me like Biden a bit more , was Jacquelyn , the New York Times security guard who was caught yelling , “ I love you Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to meet with the editorial board .
That moment , that elevator moment , was as pure as everyone who has ever worked in these buildings during famous visits and knows that you aren ’ t supposed to have a human reaction .
You aren ’ t supposed to actually like the people who visit or , god forbid , have an actual fangirl moment .
And Jacquelyn did that .
And just when you thought America couldn ’ t love her anymore , she was asked to nominate Biden for president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elevator was beautiful .
“ I take powerful people up in my elevator all the time .
When they get off , they go to their important meetings .
Me ?
I just head back to the lobby , ” Jacquelyn said .
“ But in the short time I spent with Joe Biden , I could tell he really saw me , that he actually cared , that my life meant something to him.
” “ And I knew , even when he went into his important meeting , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , ” she added .
The state roll call was also cute and needed because nothing says let ’ s wind this thing down like listening to a bunch of politicians spouting pre-recorded messages .
Regular citizens from each state got to stand in front of iconic historical state landmarks ( think , the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama ) and cast their states ’ votes for Joe Biden .
John Legend closed out the night with “ Never Break.
” Which was nice .
I know that this is not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to play with you and your little friends .
This day is going to have many folks in their homes ugly crying into a pillow because this is the day that Sen. Kamala Harris accepts the nomination for vice president and , politics aside , this is a historical moment and one America won ’ t forget .
Plus , videos like this are already moving around and punching folks right in the feels .
Yes , the Kamala Hive and the AKAs are going to be relentless on your timeline and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a junior senator from Chicago is speaking .
Maybe you ’ ve heard of him ?
Barack Obama .
Expect him to tear the house down .
Not because he ’ s going to speak highly of Biden , which , of course , he ’ s going to , but because we hate this phase of the breakup where your ex has been drinking water and exfoliating and their skin is clear and they lost weight and still don ’ t want to fuck with you .
Other speakers will include Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ant ’ s eyelash of being America ’ s vice president ( I don ’ t know this but I ’ d like to think that because I like her a lot ; Biden does , too ) , former f irst l ady Hillary Clinton , Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers , New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham and former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

Day 1 was the day. The tone was set. The big Joker was played. They could’ve dropped the mic and walked off after one day of a virtual Democratic National Convention and America would’ve been just as hype and ready to take down one of the worst administrations this side of Belarus.
But nope, there had to be a Day 2 and sadly, no one holds the star power of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Not even former President Bill Clinton, who should have brought out Arsenio Hall and pulled out some shades and a saxophone and tried to conjure up the magic he once had. At best, his speech was “meh.” And let’s not act like he wasn’t on a plane with Jeffrey Epstein at one point in his life. Like if there was anyone during this climate who shouldn’t have been on this stage, it was Bill Clinton. I get why he was there, but at this point, he adds nothing, not one thing, to anything he’s involved in. In fact, depending on where you stand, he might even take away from it. As time has proven with most white allies, eventually they show their true cards and he went all-in with his “I’m not racist but I’m about to say some racist shit” bag when Barack was running against Hillary. So at this point, I’m cool on Bill.
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Meanwhile, former Democratic presidential nominee and Secretary of State John Kerry also said something, but I wasn’t listening to that shit either. At this point, John Kerry is Ja Rule and no one is out here trying to get Ja Rule on the phone to see what he thinks. Like where did they find this bama, and did we really need to hear how bad Donald Trump is to America?
Look, I’ve never been shy about my love for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She is goddamn amazing, and her takedown of Ted Yoho’s verbal assault—in which he called her a “fucking bitch”—should be a study on how to be both poised and ready to fuck a punk up on sight. But I can’t say that her 90-second endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders didn’t have me and most of America scratching our scalps. Like, “Oh shit, there’s a fire,” AOC done gone rogue. Thankfully, she went on Twitter to explain to those of us who didn’t know this was a formality.
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I guess NBC News was also confused as they didn’t waste any time tweet-bashing AOC only to apologize after sending haters and assholes her way:
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Chuck Schumer also said some shit but I’m going to need him to get back to the Senate so he can run us those stimulus checks. Until then, I’m not really trying to hear anything Schumer has to say because I only speak guapanese.
But Day 2 wasn’t a complete wash. Biden finally activated his presidential credit card and lost the “presumptive” title, which I got sick of writing this past month, and accepted the Democratic nomination for president.
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Dr. Jill Biden did her best to tell Mr. Biden’s story and Mrs. Biden is actually way more endearing than her husband because she didn’t talk about kicking anyone’s ass or question anyone’s Blackness.
The star of the night, the piece de resistance, the one I’m rooting for in all of this and actually made me like Biden a bit more, was Jacquelyn, the New York Times security guard who was caught yelling, “I love you Joe Biden” as he was taking the elevator up to meet with the editorial board. That moment, that elevator moment, was as pure as everyone who has ever worked in these buildings during famous visits and knows that you aren’t supposed to have a human reaction. You aren’t supposed to actually like the people who visit or, god forbid, have an actual fangirl moment. And Jacquelyn did that. And just when you thought America couldn’t love her anymore, she was asked to nominate Biden for president, and her speech in front of the elevator was beautiful.
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“I take powerful people up in my elevator all the time. When they get off, they go to their important meetings. Me? I just head back to the lobby,” Jacquelyn said. “But in the short time I spent with Joe Biden, I could tell he really saw me, that he actually cared, that my life meant something to him.”
“And I knew, even when he went into his important meeting, he’d take my story in there with him,” she added.
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The state roll call was also cute and needed because nothing says let’s wind this thing down like listening to a bunch of politicians spouting pre-recorded messages. Regular citizens from each state got to stand in front of iconic historical state landmarks (think, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama) and cast their states’ votes for Joe Biden.
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John Legend closed out the night with “Never Break.” Which was nice.
Day 3
I know that this is not a competition, but Day 3 did not come to play with you and your little friends.
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This day is going to have many folks in their homes ugly crying into a pillow because this is the day that Sen. Kamala Harris accepts the nomination for vice president and, politics aside, this is a historical moment and one America won’t forget.
Plus, videos like this are already moving around and punching folks right in the feels.
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Yes, the Kamala Hive and the AKAs are going to be relentless on your timeline and they should be.
Advertisement
Oh, and a junior senator from Chicago is speaking. Maybe you’ve heard of him? Barack Obama. Expect him to tear the house down. Not because he’s going to speak highly of Biden, which, of course, he’s going to, but because we hate this phase of the breakup where your ex has been drinking water and exfoliating and their skin is clear and they lost weight and still don’t want to fuck with you.
Other speakers will include Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who came within an ant’s eyelash of being America’s vice president (I don’t know this but I’d like to think that because I like her a lot; Biden does, too), former f irst l ady Hillary Clinton, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
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Join the discussion! The Root is hosting its first-ever, virtual Root Institute, presented by Target, featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics, culture, health, community building and social impact. Subscribe for updates today!


theroot--2020-08-19--Black Army Vet Called N-Word Several Times at New York 'Back the Blue' Rally and Somehow She’s Surpr

Black Army Vet Called N-Word Several Times at New York 'Back the Blue' Rally and Somehow She’s Surprised

In today ’ s episode of Now , Sis , a Black Army veteran learned a valuable lesson after she showed up to a Back the Blue rally on Sunday in Wayne County , N.Y. , and was met with an unexpected discovery—they racist AF up in there .
Just as Black people discovered long ago that not all skin folk are kinfolk , this proud military vet found out the hard way that not all uniforms are unified—particularly , when that uniform is occupied by Black skin—after she was called a nigger several times at the rally .
13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conner went to the rally to “ support my brothers and sisters in arms ” but “ Instead , I was greeted with backlash and racism.
” Conner recorded the incident where multiple rally-goers can be heard shouting the slur at her as they rode down the street on motorcycles .
“ As I ’ m on the corner , I just hear the N-word being called out , ” Conner told WHAM .
“ Someone told me to take a knee , and that ’ s the part where I was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t care that I am out here to literally support what they are doing.
’ Instead , they just saw me for the color of my skin.
” Listen : I really try to be nice to younger Black folk who act like they ’ re brand new to America .
I don ’ t like to tear down my people just because they ain ’ t quite as woke as I wish they were .
I won ’ t go all the way in on this woman , so this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That being said : Negro , is you crazy ?
The Black Lives Matter movement has been around for the better part of a decade now and we ’ re still having to explain to people that the “ All Lives Matter ” and the “ Blue Lives Matter ” movements only exist to counter the fight against racial injustice .
Back the Blue is to BLM what the incel revolution is to the “ Me too ” movement , what white cronyism is to affirmative action , and what Ben Shapiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to “ WAP.
” ( I ’ m not sure if that last one actually fits the analogy , that ’ s just my dry humor .
Almost as dry as ... you know , I ’ m just going to move on . )
Unfortunately , Conner appears to be a slow learner , because even after hitting up a pro-cop demonstration and finding herself on the business end of white nationalist bigotry , she still believes these opposing movements can coexist in harmony .
“ It ’ s either you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter or you support Black Lives Matter .
I support both , ” she said .
“ It ’ s hard for people to understand .
It ’ s sad .
It really is.
” When one side highlights systemic racism in policing while the other side is adamant that said systemic racism doesn ’ t exist ; when one side wants police accountability and the other side wants to talk about “ Black-on-Black crime ” first ; when one side wants to defund the police and the other side wants to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe action figures strapped with military-grade weaponry—there simply is no supporting both sides .
Apparently , Conner isn ’ t the only one who suffers from this “ we ’ re all one race , the human race ” delusion .
Rachel Kauka , a member of the group Concerned Citizens of Wayne County and one of the organizers for Black Lives Matter events in Wayne County , says the video was overwhelming and shocking to her .
“ There were so many leaders that were also in that rally , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some of the leaders that we asked to come to one of our specific rallies in Palmyra , N.Y. , they would not come but they were in support of the rally that happened [ Sunday ] and I think that a lot of negative things happened [ Sunday ] .
So it kind of showed us where they stand and it kind of showed the division that Wayne County has , as well.
” James Schuler , another member of Concerned Citizens of Wayne County , says the video shows more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county .
“ We have been doing a lot of great work but unfortunately we weren ’ t able to show that good work because the ugly side came out , ” said Schuler .
I mean , this is just straight Bizzaro World shit .
I wish that just one of these cyborgs with built-in rose-colored glasses would ask themselves one question : If cops are in such dire need of our protection and support ( because apparently , the blue wall , the multitude of pro-cop TV shows and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically carry more severe penalties than that of civilians clearly aren ’ t enough ) then why didn ’ t the Back the Blue movement exist before the Black Lives Matter movement became popular ?
Anyway , I guess it ’ s all fine because the organizers of the rally apologized to Conner .
“ They reached out and said , ‘ I ’ m sorry , but we didn ’ t expect this to happen , and so I ’ m really sorry , ’ ” she told WHAM .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m sure you did , sis .
I ’ m sure you did .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social impact .
Subscribe for updates today !

In today’s episode of Now, Sis, a Black Army veteran learned a valuable lesson after she showed up to a Back the Blue rally on Sunday in Wayne County, N.Y., and was met with an unexpected discovery—they racist AF up in there. Just as Black people discovered long ago that not all skin folk are kinfolk, this proud military vet found out the hard way that not all uniforms are unified—particularly, when that uniform is occupied by Black skin—after she was called a nigger several times at the rally.
13 WHAM reports that three-year Army veteran Tatyana Conner went to the rally to “support my brothers and sisters in arms” but “Instead, I was greeted with backlash and racism.” Conner recorded the incident where multiple rally-goers can be heard shouting the slur at her as they rode down the street on motorcycles.
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“As I’m on the corner, I just hear the N-word being called out,” Conner told WHAM. “Someone told me to take a knee, and that’s the part where I was like, ‘Okay, these people really don’t care that I am out here to literally support what they are doing.’ Instead, they just saw me for the color of my skin.”
Listen: I really try to be nice to younger Black folk who act like they’re brand new to America. I don’t like to tear down my people just because they ain’t quite as woke as I wish they were. I won’t go all the way in on this woman, so this will be a light roast at best.
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That being said: Negro, is you crazy?
The Black Lives Matter movement has been around for the better part of a decade now and we’re still having to explain to people that the “All Lives Matter ” and the “Blue Lives Matter” movements only exist to counter the fight against racial injustice. Back the Blue is to BLM what the incel revolution is to the “Me too” movement, what white cronyism is to affirmative action, and what Ben Shapiro’s wife’s nether regions are to “WAP.” (I’m not sure if that last one actually fits the analogy, that’s just my dry humor. Almost as dry as...you know, I’m just going to move on.)
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Unfortunately, Conner appears to be a slow learner, because even after hitting up a pro-cop demonstration and finding herself on the business end of white nationalist bigotry, she still believes these opposing movements can coexist in harmony.
“It’s either you support All Live Matter, Police Lives Matter or you support Black Lives Matter. I support both,” she said. “It’s hard for people to understand. It’s sad. It really is.”
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Nah, sis...you can’t support both.
When one side highlights systemic racism in policing while the other side is adamant that said systemic racism doesn’t exist; when one side wants police accountability and the other side wants to talk about “Black-on-Black crime” first; when one side wants to defund the police and the other side wants to keep them patrolling the streets dressed like G.I. Joe action figures strapped with military-grade weaponry—there simply is no supporting both sides.
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Apparently, Conner isn’t the only one who suffers from this “we’re all one race, the human race” delusion.
From WHAM:
Rachel Kauka, a member of the group Concerned Citizens of Wayne County and one of the organizers for Black Lives Matter events in Wayne County, says the video was overwhelming and shocking to her. “There were so many leaders that were also in that rally,” she said. “I know that, some of the leaders that we asked to come to one of our specific rallies in Palmyra, N.Y., they would not come but they were in support of the rally that happened [Sunday] and I think that a lot of negative things happened [Sunday]. So it kind of showed us where they stand and it kind of showed the division that Wayne County has, as well.” James Schuler, another member of Concerned Citizens of Wayne County, says the video shows more work need to be done to unify the county. “We have been doing a lot of great work but unfortunately we weren’t able to show that good work because the ugly side came out,” said Schuler.
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I mean, this is just straight Bizzaro World shit.
I wish that just one of these cyborgs with built-in rose-colored glasses would ask themselves one question: If cops are in such dire need of our protection and support (because apparently, the blue wall, the multitude of pro-cop TV shows and the fact that crimes committed against police officers typically carry more severe penalties than that of civilians clearly aren’t enough) then why didn’t the Back the Blue movement exist before the Black Lives Matter movement became popular?
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Anyway, I guess it’s all fine because the organizers of the rally apologized to Conner.
“They reached out and said, ‘I’m sorry, but we didn’t expect this to happen, and so I’m really sorry,’” she told WHAM. “I just really appreciate that.”
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I’m sure you did, sis. I’m sure you did.
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theroot--2020-08-19--Cuba Gooding Jr. Accused of Raping a Woman in 2013

Another woman has come forward with accusations against Cuba Gooding Jr. An unidentified woman has filed a civil lawsuit against the actor , alleging that he raped her twice in 2013 .
She is suing Gooding for a “ crime of violence ” under the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act .
Variety details the allegations ( Trigger Warning : The following passage contains very graphic details of an alleged rape ) : The unidentified woman said the incident occurred in Gooding ’ s New York City hotel room after meeting the actor at a Greenwich Village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuser ’ s friend for drinks at The Mercer Hotel in SoHo , where he was staying , and asked her up to his room , when the two arrived there together , so he could change his clothes .
According to the suit , the woman insisted on leaving the room to meet her friend downstairs once he began to undress in front of her .
Gooding allegedly blocked the door , pushed her onto the bed and touched her inappropriately without consent .
“ Plaintiff was wearing a halter top dress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Defendant finished taking off his clothes ( he was now completely naked ) and forcibly and without consent put one hand in her halter top to touch Plaintiff ’ s breasts and one hand up her dress.
” The suit claims he then allegedly raped the woman vaginally and anally , despite repeated pleas for him to stop .
According to the New York Times , longtime women ’ s rights lawyer Gloria Allred is on the legal team representing the complainant .
“ We never received the complaint , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Gooding ’ s attorney Mark Jay Heller said in a statement .
“ The contentions that he acted inappropriately in the complaint are completely inappropriate and untruthful.
” Back in October 2019 , Gooding turned himself into NYPD and pleaded not guilty to sexual misconduct charges involving three women .
In December 2019 , seven more women came forward with sexual misconduct allegations , which means 22 women in total had accused Gooding of sexual misconduct by that time .
Last week during a court hearing , Assistant District Attorney Jenna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 30 .
Gooding ’ s trial regarding the sexual misconduct allegations was set to begin in April but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The woman involved in this most recent civil lawsuit wants to move forward with a jury trial and is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages .
Join the discussion !
The Root is hosting its first-ever , virtual Root Institute , presented by Target , featuring several of the leading minds in our community talking about politics , culture , health , community building and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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

Another woman has come forward with accusations against Cuba Gooding Jr.
An unidentified woman has filed a civil lawsuit against the actor, alleging that he raped her twice in 2013. She is suing Gooding for a “crime of violence” under the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Variety details the allegations (Trigger Warning: The following passage contains very graphic details of an alleged rape):
The unidentified woman said the incident occurred in Gooding’s New York City hotel room after meeting the actor at a Greenwich Village lounge. He invited her and the accuser’s friend for drinks at The Mercer Hotel in SoHo, where he was staying, and asked her up to his room, when the two arrived there together, so he could change his clothes. According to the suit, the woman insisted on leaving the room to meet her friend downstairs once he began to undress in front of her. Gooding allegedly blocked the door, pushed her onto the bed and touched her inappropriately without consent. “Plaintiff was wearing a halter top dress that evening,” the suit reads. “Defendant finished taking off his clothes (he was now completely naked) and forcibly and without consent put one hand in her halter top to touch Plaintiff’s breasts and one hand up her dress.” The suit claims he then allegedly raped the woman vaginally and anally, despite repeated pleas for him to stop.
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According to the New York Times, longtime women’s rights lawyer Gloria Allred is on the legal team representing the complainant .
“We never received the complaint, but the allegations are completely false and perjurious,” Gooding’s attorney Mark Jay Heller said in a statement. “The contentions that he acted inappropriately in the complaint are completely inappropriate and untruthful.”
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Back in October 2019, Gooding turned himself into NYPD and pleaded not guilty to sexual misconduct charges involving three women. In December 2019, seven more women came forward with sexual misconduct allegations, which means 22 women in total had accused Gooding of sexual misconduct by that time. Last week during a court hearing, Assistant District Attorney Jenna Long said that the tally had risen to 30. Gooding’s trial regarding the sexual misconduct allegations was set to begin in April but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The woman involved in this most recent civil lawsuit wants to move forward with a jury trial and is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
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