theroot--2020-05-08--Mikki Kendall and L.L. McKinney on Writing Marvel's Black Widow: Bad Blood

While the release of Black Widow ’ s first standalone film has been delayed , fear not .
There is still a way for you to get your fix of the Marvel Universe ’ s premier spy .
Marvel ’ s Black Widow : Bad Blood is an episodic series that you can read or listen to on Serial Box .
The series takes place across 14 chapters and follows Black Widow as she deals with one of her most personal conflicts yet .
Someone has stolen the Black Widow ’ s blood .
Now she must find them before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Natasha Romanoff follows the trail across the globe , she discovers she wasn ’ t the only target .
Whoever is responsible stole Bucky Barnes ’ blood , too .
And one thing is certain : anyone who wants the blood of the Widow and the Winter Soldier needs to be taken down , and fast .
Despite a tangled web of shared history stretching back to their Red Room days , Barnes and Romanoff must join forces , confronting the demons of their past as they race to protect their future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all it takes to save the world—or destroy it .
The Root recently spoke with two of the women behind the series , Mikki Kendall ( Hood Feminism ) and L.L .
McKinney ( A Blade So Black ) .
The Root : What initially drew you both to the character ?
Mikki Kendall : In my case , Alex de Campi had asked me if I ’ d be interested in doing a project with Serial Box and then I think I said something like “ I don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people and then disappears into the ether so I want something cool.
” It wasn ’ t that I had a problem with writing black people , it ’ s just that I wanted to make sure that it was more than a token appearance .
I wanted it to be a full-fledged story .
L.L .
McKinney : It was the same for me.
, Alex de Campi also reached out to me and asked if I wanted to work on this Black Widow thing and my immediate response was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know what it was going to be , but when certain people ask you if you want to work with certain characters , you kinda jump on it .
TR : What was the collaborative process like , working together to craft the story ?
MK : I ’ m 99 percent certain the giggle you heard from Elle was because I physically act out things while I ’ m explaining stuff I want to include in the story .
So I ’ m pretty sure she ’ s still giggling about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flip and the time I walked into the door .
LLM : It ’ s very funny because there are so many people involved in the story and there was one point— this is where Mikki threatened to physically fight me but it was good-natured— where we got to a point where I was like , “ I don ’ t buy it , ” or “ I don ’ t get this particular thing that ’ s happening right here , ” but I ’ m just one person .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through it and then I was like , “ Okay !
Alright , now I understand .
” Having that many minds in a room made us able to undo a knot .
TR : What were some of the ideas and themes you wanted to explore with the character of Black Widow ?
LLM : I wanted to write fight scenes .
I love writing fight scenes and Black Widow kicks all the ass .
And then finding out we were gon na have Bucky along I was like “ Yo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MK : For me , I wanted to do a fight scene , but I also wanted her to be more than a foil to other people ’ s stuff .
I really wanted Natasha to explore her own internal life a little bit .
That was a big thing for me .
I wasn ’ t expecting this to be a big psychological thing but I just wanted to see past the flips , the person behind the flips a little bit .
TR : What do you guys like about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I both were having this super busy year where I don ’ t think either of us had the space to do a whole solo project .
What I really liked about Serial Box ’ s format and the writing room is that you get to do the thing you want to do and not that it ’ s low stakes in terms of quality but it ’ s low stakes in terms of word count .
You ’ ve made this plan , you ’ ve talked to these people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you get to write for a character you really want to write for and it doesn ’ t eat your year .
LLM : It was very rewarding because as we said , you still put your best stuff forward but there ’ s something freeing about short form .
I ’ ve done short stories and anthologies and what not and it ’ s like writing short form but you ’ re using long-form tools to do it .
Because it is part of a bigger piece but I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form the complete arc from beginning to end .
I have the episode arc but it limits itself to being able to do a short story without having to work it like a short story .
It ’ s working a completely different muscle , creatively .
So that ’ s what I liked .
Also , I didn ’ t have time .
TR : Are there any other Marvel characters you ’ d want to tackle going forward ?
LLM : I really want to do Blade right now .
MK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re gon na fight right now .
That ’ s one of my favorite characters .
Can ’ t be doing that .
LLM : I would love to write Spider-Byte , she ’ s the black Spider-Woman .
There isn ’ t much about her out there and I would love to explore that .
MK : Okay , I ’ ll give you that .
I would like to write Spider-Ham .
I don ’ t really have a good reason for it except the pig cracks me up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Widow : Bad Blood drop every Tuesday on Serial Box .
We definitely would recommend checking it out .
The story starts with a bang , is filled with intrigue and the short-form format makes it easy to finish episodes in one sitting .

While the release of Black Widow’s first standalone film has been delayed, fear not. There is still a way for you to get your fix of the Marvel Universe’s premier spy.
Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood is an episodic series that you can read or listen to on Serial Box. The series takes place across 14 chapters and follows Black Widow as she deals with one of her most personal conflicts yet.
Advertisement
From Serial Box:
Someone has stolen the Black Widow’s blood. Now she must find them before it’s too late. As Natasha Romanoff follows the trail across the globe, she discovers she wasn’t the only target. Whoever is responsible stole Bucky Barnes’ blood, too. And one thing is certain: anyone who wants the blood of the Widow and the Winter Soldier needs to be taken down, and fast. Despite a tangled web of shared history stretching back to their Red Room days, Barnes and Romanoff must join forces, confronting the demons of their past as they race to protect their future. A single drop of blood could be all it takes to save the world—or destroy it.
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The Root recently spoke with two of the women behind the series, Mikki Kendall (Hood Feminism) and L.L. McKinney (A Blade So Black).
The Root: What initially drew you both to the character?
Mikki Kendall: In my case, Alex de Campi had asked me if I’d be interested in doing a project with Serial Box and then I think I said something like “I don’t want to be the black writer that just writes black people and then disappears into the ether so I want something cool.” It wasn’t that I had a problem with writing black people, it’s just that I wanted to make sure that it was more than a token appearance. I wanted it to be a full-fledged story.
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L.L. McKinney: It was the same for me., Alex de Campi also reached out to me and asked if I wanted to work on this Black Widow thing and my immediate response was “Hell yeah!” I didn’t know what it was going to be, but when certain people ask you if you want to work with certain characters, you kinda jump on it.
TR: What was the collaborative process like, working together to craft the story?
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*McKinney laughs*
MK: I’m 99 percent certain the giggle you heard from Elle was because I physically act out things while I’m explaining stuff I want to include in the story. So I’m pretty sure she’s still giggling about an entire almost flip that was not a flip and the time I walked into the door.
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LLM: It’s very funny because there are so many people involved in the story and there was one point— this is where Mikki threatened to physically fight me but it was good-natured— where we got to a point where I was like, “I don’t buy it,” or “I don’t get this particular thing that’s happening right here,” but I’m just one person. They spent one or two hours walking me through it and then I was like, “Okay! Alright, now I understand. ” Having that many minds in a room made us able to undo a knot.
TR: What were some of the ideas and themes you wanted to explore with the character of Black Widow?
Advertisement
LLM: I wanted to write fight scenes. I love writing fight scenes and Black Widow kicks all the ass. And then finding out we were gonna have Bucky along I was like “Yo, let me do the thing please.”
MK: For me, I wanted to do a fight scene, but I also wanted her to be more than a foil to other people’s stuff. I really wanted Natasha to explore her own internal life a little bit. That was a big thing for me. I wasn’t expecting this to be a big psychological thing but I just wanted to see past the flips, the person behind the flips a little bit.
Advertisement
TR: What do you guys like about the Serial Box format?
MK: Elle and I both were having this super busy year where I don’t think either of us had the space to do a whole solo project. What I really liked about Serial Box’s format and the writing room is that you get to do the thing you want to do and not that it’s low stakes in terms of quality but it’s low stakes in terms of word count. You’ve made this plan, you’ve talked to these people, you’ve worked your stuff out and you get to write for a character you really want to write for and it doesn’t eat your year.
Advertisement
LLM: It was very rewarding because as we said, you still put your best stuff forward but there’s something freeing about short form. I’ve done short stories and anthologies and what not and it’s like writing short form but you’re using long-form tools to do it. Because it is part of a bigger piece but I don’t have to worry about having to form the complete arc from beginning to end. I have the episode arc but it limits itself to being able to do a short story without having to work it like a short story. It’s working a completely different muscle, creatively. So that’s what I liked. Also, I didn’t have time.
TR: Are there any other Marvel characters you’d want to tackle going forward?
LLM: I really want to do Blade right now.
MK: Okay listen, L. , we’re gonna fight right now. That’s one of my favorite characters. Can’t be doing that.
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LLM: I mean Blade, Storm?
MK: We’re gonna fight, for sure.
LLM: Bishop would be good.
MK: Bishop, Domino. There’s a lot.
LLM: I would love to write Spider-Byte, she’s the black Spider-Woman. There isn’t much about her out there and I would love to explore that.
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MK: Okay, I’ll give you that. I would like to write Spider-Ham. I don’t really have a good reason for it except the pig cracks me up.
New episodes of Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood drop every Tuesday on Serial Box. We definitely would recommend checking it out. The story starts with a bang, is filled with intrigue and the short-form format makes it easy to finish episodes in one sitting.


theroot--2020-05-08--Yes, We've Heard the Sussexes Are Living in Tyler Perry's Mansion. No, We Don't Know Why—but Why Y'a

Yes, We've Heard the Sussexes Are Living in Tyler Perry's Mansion. No, We Don't Know Why—but Why Y'all So Mad?

You know that “ California compound ” we kept hearing Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle have been calling home since relocating to Los Angeles ?
Multiple reports say it ’ s the Beverly Hills mansion of none other than Tyler Perry , who apparently has more time to shop for big-ass cribs than halfway-realistic wigs .
TMZ broke the news on Thursday , citing British tabloid and Sussex archnemesis The Daily Mail as the original source .
The Mail gleefully reported that “ Perry ’ s eight-bedroom , 12-bathroom Tuscan-style villa sits on 22 acres on the top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estates guard-gated community , offering sweeping views of the city from the backyard.
” However , they were also sure to note that they don ’ t know whether the Sussexes are Perry ’ s guests or renting the biggest Airbnb ever ; only that the title of the mansion in question seems to still be in Perry ’ s name .
That ’ s all we know about that .
Frankly , we were unaware of any personal relationship between the British royals and the Madea creator ( we heard rumors he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never saw pics to prove it ) —and frankly , it ’ s really none of our business ( beyond reporting it , which is , well , our job ) .
But that didn ’ t stop the royal haters from losing their ever-loving minds at the very notion that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might have a friend in a high enough place that he ’ d allow them to stay at his ridiculously large and undoubtedly well-appointed house , where he pays the bills and he decides who comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he likes .
God forbid .
Do the rest of us need to get public consensus when we have houseguests , too ?
And let ’ s be clear : Despite the fact that a family of three is reportedly staying in Perry ’ s home , only one person is ever to blame .
Y ’ all see this ugly , racist , sexist , denigrating shit right here ?
None of us even knows for sure whether the Sussexes are paying rent to Perry ( What ?
Had he promised you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sure as hell looks like there ’ s a gang of folks allowing them to take up residence in their heads for free.99 !
Even bestselling British authors like Something Borrowed ’ s Emily Giffin ( ma ’ am , didn ’ t they pay you good Hollywood movie money to make a whole rom-com dud off of one of your rom-com dud-ass books ? )
seem to have time to worry about whether the Sussexes ’ good fortune is somehow going to affect their bank account—you know , because there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could or should possibly be more worried about now .
Honestly , we kinda hope they stay mad , just like we hope the Sussexes are actually staying rent-free with Tyler .
We just hope Meghan doesn ’ t end up in his next film .

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

You know that “California compound” we kept hearing Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle have been calling home since relocating to Los Angeles? Multiple reports say it’s the Beverly Hills mansion of none other than Tyler Perry, who apparently has more time to shop for big-ass cribs than halfway-realistic wigs.
Advertisement
TMZ broke the news on Thursday, citing British tabloid and Sussex archnemesis The Daily Mail as the original source. The Mail gleefully reported that “Perry’s eight-bedroom, 12-bathroom Tuscan-style villa sits on 22 acres on the top of a hill in the ultra-exclusive Beverly Ridge Estates guard-gated community, offering sweeping views of the city from the backyard.” However, they were also sure to note that they don’t know whether the Sussexes are Perry’s guests or renting the biggest Airbnb ever; only that the title of the mansion in question appears to still be in Perry’s name.
That’s all we know about that. Frankly, we were unaware of any personal relationship between the British royals and the Madea creator (we heard rumors he was at the royal wedding, but never saw pics to prove it)—and frankly, it’s really none of our business (beyond reporting it, which is, well, our job). But that didn’t stop the royal haters from losing their ever-loving minds at the very notion that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might have a friend in a high enough place that he’d allow them to stay at his ridiculously large and undoubtedly well-appointed house, where he pays the bills and he decides who comes, goes and stays as long as he likes. God forbid. Do the rest of us need to get public consensus when we have houseguests, too?
Advertisement Advertisement
And let’s be clear: Despite the fact that a family of three is reportedly staying in Perry’s home, only one person is ever to blame.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Y’all see this ugly, racist, sexist, denigrating shit right here? None of us even knows for sure whether the Sussexes are paying rent to Perry—or even if they’re for sure staying there. (What? Had he promised you the spare bedroom or something?) But it sure as hell looks like there’s a gang of folks allowing them to take up residence in their heads for free.99! Even bestselling British authors like Something Borrowed’s Emily Giffin (ma’am, didn’t they pay you good Hollywood movie money to make a whole rom-com dud off of one of your rom-com dud-ass books?) seem to have time to worry about whether the Sussexes’ good fortune is somehow going to affect their bank account—you know, because there’s nothing at all any of us could or should possibly be more worried about now.
Honestly, we kinda hope they stay mad, so we hope the Sussexes actually are staying rent-free with Tyler. We just hope Meghan doesn’t end up in his next film.


theroot--2020-05-08--Stop and Frisk, but in a Pandemic: Data Confirms Black New Yorkers Targeted for Social Distancing Vi

Stop and Frisk, but in a Pandemic: Data Confirms Black New Yorkers Targeted for Social Distancing Violations at Higher Rates

After a series of violent arrest videos went viral this week , the NYPD finally released citywide data on social distancing arrests on Thursday night .
“ Police officers made at least 120 arrests and issued nearly 500 summonses for social-distancing violations between March 16 and May 5 , ” the New York Times reports .
“ Citywide , black people make up 68 percent of those arrested on charges of violating social-distancing rules , while Hispanic people make up 24 percent.
” As was reported earlier by WCBS , just 7 percent of those arrested for poor social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the violations was released Friday afternoon .
Out of 374 social distancing summons specifically citing health code violations and Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s executive order , 304 were given to black and Latinx people .
The data was released by the NYPD .
The numbers appear to validate what many had suspected for weeks—that black New Yorkers were being over-policed compared to white residents .
According to the most recent Census , black people comprise a quarter of the city ’ s population , while Hispanics and Latinx make up 27.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as reports of arrests suggested major discrepancies in the ways majority black and brown neighborhoods were being policed , some public officials and criminal justice advocates have likened the social-distancing arrests to “ stop-and-frisk , ” the unconstitutional practice of arresting mostly black and Latinx men and boys with little to no cause .
The practice is most associated with the NYPD during former-Mayor Michael Bloomberg ’ s tenure .
De Blasio has long been a public critic of stop-and-frisk and pushed back against the comparison to the Times on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ systematic , oppressive , unconstitutional strategy that created a new problem much bigger than anything it purported to solve , ” he said .
“ This is the farthest thing from that .
This is addressing a pandemic .
This is addressing the fact that lives are in danger all the time .
By definition , our police department needs to be a part of that because safety is what they do.
” Later , once the Times story went live , de Blasio addressed the discrepancies in arrests publicly .
“ Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of summonses issued over 6 weeks , ” the mayor wrote .
“ But the disparity in the numbers does NOT reflect our values.
” “ We HAVE TO do better and we WILL , ” he added .
The disparities in social distancing arrests garnered much public scrutiny this week after several high-profile arrests drew outrage online .
Earlier in the week , the NYPD deflected on whether race was an issue in the arrests .
“ The common denominator here is starting with a lack of compliance , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gothamist .
“ Every incident is unique and has to be examined under the lens of the circumstances of that particular incident.
” But for others viewing the videos on social media , there was another clear common denominator : the fact that the offenders are black .
The racial disparity was especially stark considering many New Yorkers took to city streets and parks last weekend .
Photos taken at the parks parks showed throngs of residents—many of them white , some not wearing face masks or coverings—reveling in the warm spring weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disturbing arrest videos with images of NYPD officers handing out masks to people at city parks .
In the latter pictures , all of the recipients appeared to be white .
As the Times reports , the Brooklyn District Attorney ’ s office was the first , and thus far , the only prosecutor in the city to release statistics on its social-distancing arrests .
There , the racial discrepancies were even more pronounced than they were citywide : New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries , who represents Brooklyn , also drew the comparison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s infamous stop-and-frisk policies .
With black communities already suffering disproportionately from the coronavirus itself , as well as from unemployment and hunger brought on by the pandemic , Jeffries said the added vulnerability to arrests presented “ a toxic combination.
” As Jeffries told the Times , “ We can ’ t unleash a new era of overly aggressive policing of communities of color in the name of social distancing .
”

After a series of violent arrest videos went viral this week, the NYPD finally released citywide data on social distancing arrests on Thursday night.
“Police officers made at least 120 arrests and issued nearly 500 summonses for social-distancing violations between March 16 and May 5,” the New York Times reports. “Citywide, black people make up 68 percent of those arrested on charges of violating social-distancing rules, while Hispanic people make up 24 percent.”
Advertisement
As was reported earlier by WCBS, just 7 percent of those arrested for poor social distancing practices were white.
More detail on the violations was released Friday afternoon. Out of 374 social distancing summons specifically citing health code violations and Mayor Bill de Blasio’s executive order, 304 were given to black and Latinx people. The data was released by the NYPD.
Advertisement Advertisement
The numbers appear to validate what many had suspected for weeks—that black New Yorkers were being over-policed compared to white residents. According to the most recent Census, black people comprise a quarter of the city’s population, while Hispanics and Latinx make up 27.5 percent.
Advertisement
Over the last few weeks, as reports of arrests suggested major discrepancies in the ways majority black and brown neighborhoods were being policed, some public officials and criminal justice advocates have likened the social-distancing arrests to “stop-and-frisk,” the unconstitutional practice of arresting mostly black and Latinx men and boys with little to no cause. The practice is most associated with the NYPD during former-Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s tenure.
De Blasio has long been a public critic of stop-and-frisk and pushed back against the comparison to the Times on Thursday.
Advertisement
“What happened with stop-and-frisk was a systematic, oppressive, unconstitutional strategy that created a new problem much bigger than anything it purported to solve,” he said. “This is the farthest thing from that. This is addressing a pandemic. This is addressing the fact that lives are in danger all the time. By definition, our police department needs to be a part of that because safety is what they do.”
Later, once the Times story went live, de Blasio addressed the discrepancies in arrests publicly.
Advertisement
“Most people practice social distancing, with only hundreds of summonses issued over 6 weeks,” the mayor wrote. “But the disparity in the numbers does NOT reflect our values.”
“We HAVE TO do better and we WILL,” he added.
Advertisement
The disparities in social distancing arrests garnered much public scrutiny this week after several high-profile arrests drew outrage online.
Earlier in the week, the NYPD deflected on whether race was an issue in the arrests.
Advertisement
“The common denominator here is starting with a lack of compliance,” said NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, according to Gothamist. “Every incident is unique and has to be examined under the lens of the circumstances of that particular incident.”
But for others viewing the videos on social media, there was another clear common denominator: the fact that the offenders are black. The racial disparity was especially stark considering many New Yorkers took to city streets and parks last weekend. Photos taken at the parks parks showed throngs of residents—many of them white, some not wearing face masks or coverings—reveling in the warm spring weather.
Advertisement
Many on social media contrasted the disturbing arrest videos with images of NYPD officers handing out masks to people at city parks. In the latter pictures, all of the recipients appeared to be white.
Advertisement
As the Times reports, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office was the first, and thus far, the only prosecutor in the city to release statistics on its social-distancing arrests. There, the racial discrepancies were even more pronounced than they were citywide:
In the borough, the police arrested 40 people for social-distancing violations from March 17 through May 4, the district attorney’s office said. Of those arrested, 35 people were black, four were Hispanic and one was white. More than a third of the arrests were made in the predominantly black neighborhood of Brownsville. No arrests were made in the more white Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope.
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New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Brooklyn, also drew the comparison between the social-distancing arrests and the city’s infamous stop-and-frisk policies. With black communities already suffering disproportionately from the coronavirus itself, as well as from unemployment and hunger brought on by the pandemic, Jeffries said the added vulnerability to arrests presented “a toxic combination.”
As Jeffries told the Times, “We can’t unleash a new era of overly aggressive policing of communities of color in the name of social distancing.”


theroot--2020-05-08--Nikes for Nurses: A GoFundMe Campaign Takes a Necessary Step in Supporting Frontline Healthcare Work

Nikes for Nurses: A GoFundMe Campaign Takes a Necessary Step in Supporting Frontline Healthcare Workers

May 6 through May 12 is Nurses Week 2020 , and if you weren ’ t in the habit of appreciating our vital healthcare workers before , no doubt you are now .
In fact , the American Nurses Association has extended the week to the entire month of May—and it should be noted that 2020 was already designated as the World Health Organization ’ s Year of the Nurse and Midwife .
Most of us will never know what it ’ s like to be in the shoes of a healthcare worker , especially during the unfathomable experience of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against COVID-19 .
But New Yorker Ajón Crump is doing her best to ensure that those doing the work ( and enduring the risk ) have the footwear they deserve , launching the Nikes for Nurses campaign in mid-April to provide a less-discussed yet much-needed resource for these essential workers .
“ My first goal was to help out in some way .
It didn ’ t necessarily have to be in a large capacity—if I was delivering groceries , that would have been enough , ” the 26-year-old tells The Glow Up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she wanted sneakers for her birthday , and she ’ s an R.N .
in Florida .
So , that was the first moment where I was just like , ‘ Oh , nurses definitely need sneakers ; [ they ’ re ] definitely an essential part of the uniform.
’ ” Unsurprisingly , many nurses are experiencing a high turnover of their footwear as this highly contagious crisis rages on , and many plan to discard them altogether when it eventually ends ( prayers up ) .
Crump , had become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her feet as a Mac technician at Apple ’ s Genius Bar ; when she decided that she wanted to make a grand gesture of thanks to our healthcare workers , the longtime Nike devotee knew exactly what brand of sneaker she wanted to gift .
“ [ Nike ] is a company that I ’ ve always admired for their core values and how people-focused they are , ” Crump says while taking a few minutes to chat by phone from her home in Long Island , N.Y. , where she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really appreciate the role that they took in COVID-19 relief , even as it first started , when they mentioned that they were closing their stores and paying their retail employees .
Those are all things that I like to see and all things that mirror the company that I work at , so that ’ s why Nike.
” Specifically , Crump has chosen to gift the Nike Air Zoom Winflo 5 , a personal favorite of the budding philanthropist and one she hopes her beneficiaries will enjoy , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
“ I think that they are also a good-looking shoe…I was very big on my getting nurses a fresh new pair that look good .
Like , you deserve it all.
” So , how does it work ?
While Crump initially purchased an array of sneakers and used social media to broadcast available sizes , she ’ s now taking orders from nurses or their loved ones for specific sizes .
After asking for the hospital or medical facility where they work and their role in that medical facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , and ships the following week .
Having now formed a five-member , all-female crew of volunteers , Crump is able to focus on some special touches , like replacing each box ’ s packing slip with a handwritten thank-you card to the recipient .
“ I love when loved ones of nurses reach out to me because then I can include part of their story in the thank-you card , ” she says .
“ I wrap the boxes as if they ’ re Christmas presents.
” With no assistance other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Crump ordered and sent out over 70 pairs of sneakers , purchased at full price , to nurses all around the country .
At the time of this posting , she ’ s attempting to raise $ 15,000 , which will provide 200 sneakers for 200 nurses .
“ I don ’ t plan on stopping really until I get to a point where I ’ m not receiving enough donations to really cover sneakers in a large scale—and even then , there ’ s really no reason to stop to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over ; if it can really be over , ” she says .
“ And then , even beyond that , I think we ’ ve gotten to the space where we ’ ve realized how important all health care officials are and essential workers are .
Their experience , it ’ s not going to change what they ’ ve gone through just because it ’ s over .
So , I think that they are always going to be deserving of new sneakers .
If we could provide them , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ d also be ideal to get Nike onboard with her initiative ( c ’ mon , Nike ! )
.
Crump has yet to reach any decision-makers at the brand , but the effort seems ripe for an alliance .
“ I am still working on that because any form of participation on Nike ’ s part would be greatly appreciated , ” she says .
“ I think that any form will maximize the awareness of what we ’ re doing , and that ’ s going to both bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses that we can accommodate .
So , if that happens , that would be certainly the icing on the cake to this whole experience , ” she added .
But in the meantime , Crump is counting the campaign ’ s blessings .
“ Honestly , we get good news every day , ” she says .
“ I get a $ 1000 donor and I ’ m like , ‘ Wow , people really understand what we ’ re doing.
’ ” And along with Nikes , what message would Crump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The message that I ’ d have for them is that the world is really still operating and getting close to normal—whatever normal will be for us once all of this is done—specifically because of them , ” she says .
“ We think of essential workers and what the world needs to run right now , but really they are that foundation .
They are the bloodline—they are the heart , the brain , all of it—they ’ re the people that are really keeping us all alive.
” If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline of the COVID-19 crisis , please e-mail nikesfornurses @ gmail.com ; for information on how to volunteer , or other inquiries , contact nfn.people @ gmail.com .
To check the progress of the campaign or donate , visit Nikes for Nurses .

May 6 through May 12 is Nurses Week 2020, and if you weren’t in the habit of appreciating our vital healthcare workers before, no doubt you are now. In fact, the American Nurses Association has extended the week to the entire month of May—and it should be noted that 2020 was already designated as the World Health Organization’s Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
Most of us will never know what it’s like to be in the shoes of a healthcare worker, especially during the unfathomable experience of being on the frontlines during the fight against COVID-19. But New Yorker Ajón Crump is doing her best to ensure that those doing the work (and enduring the risk) have the footwear they deserve, launching the Nikes for Nurses campaign in mid-April to provide a less-discussed yet much-needed resource for these essential workers.
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“My first goal was to help out in some way. It didn’t necessarily have to be in a large capacity—if I was delivering groceries, that would have been enough,” the 26-year-old tells The Glow Up. “And then my cousin mentioned that she wanted sneakers for her birthday, and she’s an R.N. in Florida. So, that was the first moment where I was just like, ‘Oh, nurses definitely need sneakers; [they’re] definitely an essential part of the uniform.’”
Unsurprisingly, many nurses are experiencing a high turnover of their footwear as this highly contagious crisis rages on, and many plan to discard them altogether when it eventually ends (prayers up). Crump, had become well accustomed to hours on end spent on her feet as a Mac technician at Apple’s Genius Bar; when she decided that she wanted to make a grand gesture of thanks to our healthcare workers, the longtime Nike devotee knew exactly what brand of sneaker she wanted to gift.
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“[Nike] is a company that I’ve always admired for their core values and how people-focused they are,” Crump says while taking a few minutes to chat by phone from her home in Long Island, N.Y., where she’s still working full-time. “I really appreciate the role that they took in COVID-19 relief, even as it first started, when they mentioned that they were closing their stores and paying their retail employees. Those are all things that I like to see and all things that mirror the company that I work at, so that’s why Nike.”
Specifically, Crump has chosen to gift the Nike Air Zoom Winflo 5, a personal favorite of the budding philanthropist and one she hopes her beneficiaries will enjoy, as well. “I love them,” she says. “I think that they are also a good-looking shoe…I was very big on my getting nurses a fresh new pair that look good. Like, you deserve it all.”
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So, how does it work? While Crump initially purchased an array of sneakers and used social media to broadcast available sizes, she’s now taking orders from nurses or their loved ones for specific sizes. After asking for the hospital or medical facility where they work and their role in that medical facility, she places orders each Friday and Sunday, and ships the following week. Having now formed a five-member, all-female crew of volunteers, Crump is able to focus on some special touches, like replacing each box’s packing slip with a handwritten thank-you card to the recipient.
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“I love when loved ones of nurses reach out to me because then I can include part of their story in the thank-you card,” she says. “I wrap the boxes as if they’re Christmas presents.”
With no assistance other than individual donations, in April alone, Crump ordered and sent out over 70 pairs of sneakers, purchased at full price, to nurses all around the country. At the time of this posting, she’s attempting to raise $15,000, which will provide 200 sneakers for 200 nurses.
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“I don’t plan on stopping really until I get to a point where I’m not receiving enough donations to really cover sneakers in a large scale—and even then, there’s really no reason to stop to me, even once the COVID-19 crisis is over; if it can really be over,” she says. “And then, even beyond that, I think we’ve gotten to the space where we’ve realized how important all health care officials are and essential workers are. Their experience, it’s not going to change what they’ve gone through just because it’s over. So, I think that they are always going to be deserving of new sneakers. If we could provide them, that’d be ideal.”
Obviously, it’d also be ideal to get Nike onboard with her initiative (c’mon, Nike!). Crump has yet to reach any decision-makers at the brand, but the effort seems ripe for an alliance.
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“I am still working on that because any form of participation on Nike’s part would be greatly appreciated,” she says. “I think that any form will maximize the awareness of what we’re doing, and that’s going to both bring us more donations and bring us more nurses that we can accommodate. So, if that happens, that would be certainly the icing on the cake to this whole experience,” she added.
But in the meantime, Crump is counting the campaign’s blessings.
“Honestly, we get good news every day,” she says. “I get a $1000 donor and I’m like, ‘Wow, people really understand what we’re doing.’”
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And along with Nikes, what message would Crump send to those on the frontlines?
“The message that I’d have for them is that the world is really still operating and getting close to normal—whatever normal will be for us once all of this is done—specifically because of them,” she says. “We think of essential workers and what the world needs to run right now, but really they are that foundation. They are the bloodline—they are the heart, the brain, all of it—they’re the people that are really keeping us all alive.”
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If you know a nurse who is on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, please e-mail nikesfornurses@gmail.com; for information on how to volunteer, or other inquiries, contact nfn.people@gmail.com. To check the progress of the campaign or donate, visit Nikes for Nurses.


theroot--2020-05-08--26-Year-Old Black Woman Dies Giving Birth After She Was Neglected by Doctors for Weeks, Family Says

Amber Isaac was a little more than a month away from her delivery date , and thrilled about the prospect of finally meeting her first child , a baby boy named Elias .
But one issue had her worried : in February , she learned her platelet count was low , a symptom of several conditions that could result in dangerous complications for pregnant women .
Throughout the month of March , Isaac tried to get an in-person visit at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx , to no avail .
Because of the coronavirus , all appointments were being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the hospital in late April , where doctors had to do an emergency caesarean section weeks before she was scheduled to deliver her baby .
She wouldn ’ t survive the procedure , dying alone in the delivery room .
Now , her family is raising the alarm about Isaac ’ s death , saying it could have been avoided .
“ All of this was 100 percent preventable .
All of it , ” her partner , Bruce McIntyre III recently told The Guardian .
“ I feel like she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a white mother , to be completely honest with you.
” McIntyre summarized her care at Montefiore as rude , neglectful , and unprofessional .
Isaac herself complained publicly about her care at the hospital just days before admitted , writing on Twitter : “ Can ’ t wait to write a tell all about my experience during my last two trimesters dealing with the incompetent doctors at Montefiore.
” Upon being admitted , doctors discovered Isaac , a 26-year-old Afro-Latina , had developed HELLP syndrome , a pregnancy-related complication that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
In most instances , the condition is spotted while birthing parents are receiving prenatal care , Dr. Joia Crear-Perry , founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative , told The Guardian .
“ It ’ s definitely not something that people in the United States generally die from , ” Crear-Perry said .
“ If you are a person who has been receiving prenatal care and people are aware that you have something going on , it ’ s not a surprise , you ’ re able to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death draws increased attention to the struggles black mothers face during their pregnancies .
Before the pandemic , pregnant black women were dying at two to three times the rate of their white counterparts .
With the safety protocols at hospitals forcing many parents to do their checkups remotely ( through apps or videos ) , some expectant parents and maternal care advocates are concerned that more women like Isaac might fall through the cracks .
“ We know she did all that she was supposed to do , right ?
” Crear-Perry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the only one .
That ’ s the story of the black maternal mortality issue across the United States.
” While disparities in maternal care are a nationwide trend , the Guardian notes that the gap is even wider in New York City .
There , black women are eight times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related complication than white women , the outlet reported , citing a study conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene .
The pandemic has made patient care more challenging , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly hard by the virus , like the Bronx ( where Montefiore is located ) .
Hospitals have become increasingly reliant on telehealth—typically , checkups done via video conference—but experts say the can ’ t substitute in-person appointments , especially for checks that require professional equipment , like taking a birthing parent ’ s blood pressure or checking a baby ’ s heartbeat .
The City ’ s Ese Olumhense , who first reported on Isaac ’ s death , wrote that Isaac ’ s family was sent a $ 2,000 hospital bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have the nerve to send us a $ 2,000 bill after not saving her life , ” McIntyre told the local nonprofit news outlet .
“ As if we were at fault for this.
” In a statement sent to The City , the hospital defended its maternal health record .
“ Ninety-four percent of our deliveries are by minority mothers , and Montefiore ’ s maternal mortality rate of 0.01 % is lower than both New York City and national averages , ” read the statement .
“ Any maternal death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to Ms. Isaac ’ s family , especially to her mother , our longtime colleague.
” While mourning his partner and raising their newborn son , McIntyre has started a black maternal health campaign , as well as a new foundation , “ Save a Rose , ” to honor Isaac ’ s memory and to help protect and save other expectant birthing parents .
But there are still practical matters to attend to , like raising money for her funeral expenses .
Isaac ’ s story has also struck a chord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , Chicona and Hawk Newsome , the brother and sister co-founders of Black Lives Matter New York , joined McIntyre for a press conference outside the Montefiore Medical Center .
“ Hearing about Amber as a person is what really touches us , ” Chivona Newsome told The City .
“ We don ’ t want her to be another number .
We want the world to see her face .
We want the world to know her story .
We want the world to know that she was making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those around her .
”

Anne Branigin on The Glow Up, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

Amber Isaac was a little more than a month away from her delivery date, and thrilled about the prospect of finally meeting her first child, a baby boy named Elias. But one issue had her worried: in February, she learned her platelet count was low, a symptom of several conditions that could result in dangerous complications for pregnant women.
Throughout the month of March, Isaac tried to get an in-person visit at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, to no avail. Because of the coronavirus, all appointments were being done remotely.
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She was finally admitted to the hospital in late April, where doctors had to do an emergency caesarean section weeks before she was scheduled to deliver her baby. She wouldn’t survive the procedure, dying alone in the delivery room.
Now, her family is raising the alarm about Isaac’s death, saying it could have been avoided.
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“All of this was 100 percent preventable. All of it,” her partner, Bruce McIntyre III recently told The Guardian. “I feel like she would have got more attentive care if she was a white mother, to be completely honest with you.”
McIntyre summarized her care at Montefiore as rude, neglectful, and unprofessional. Isaac herself complained publicly about her care at the hospital just days before admitted, writing on Twitter: “Can’t wait to write a tell all about my experience during my last two trimesters dealing with the incompetent doctors at Montefiore.”
Advertisement
Upon being admitted, doctors discovered Isaac, a 26-year-old Afro-Latina, had developed HELLP syndrome, a pregnancy-related complication that is only fatal in a small number of cases. In most instances, the condition is spotted while birthing parents are receiving prenatal care, Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, told The Guardian.
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“It’s definitely not something that people in the United States generally die from,” Crear-Perry said. “If you are a person who has been receiving prenatal care and people are aware that you have something going on, it’s not a surprise, you’re able to manage it with treatment.”
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Isaac’s death draws increased attention to the struggles black mothers face during their pregnancies. Before the pandemic, pregnant black women were dying at two to three times the rate of their white counterparts. With the safety protocols at hospitals forcing many parents to do their checkups remotely (through apps or videos), some expectant parents and maternal care advocates are concerned that more women like Isaac might fall through the cracks.
“We know she did all that she was supposed to do, right?” Crear-Perry said. “And she’s not the only one. That’s the story of the black maternal mortality issue across the United States.”
Advertisement
While disparities in maternal care are a nationwide trend, the Guardian notes that the gap is even wider in New York City. There, black women are eight times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related complication than white women, the outlet reported, citing a study conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The pandemic has made patient care more challenging, particularly in boroughs that have been hit particularly hard by the virus, like the Bronx (where Montefiore is located). Hospitals have become increasingly reliant on telehealth—typically, checkups done via video conference—but experts say the can’t substitute in-person appointments, especially for checks that require professional equipment, like taking a birthing parent’s blood pressure or checking a baby’s heartbeat.
Advertisement
The City’s Ese Olumhense, who first reported on Isaac’s death, wrote that Isaac’s family was sent a $2,000 hospital bill two weeks after she died.
“They have the nerve to send us a $2,000 bill after not saving her life,” McIntyre told the local nonprofit news outlet. “As if we were at fault for this.”
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In a statement sent to The City, the hospital defended its maternal health record.
“Ninety-four percent of our deliveries are by minority mothers, and Montefiore’s maternal mortality rate of 0.01% is lower than both New York City and national averages,” read the statement. “Any maternal death is a tragedy. Our hearts go out to Ms. Isaac’s family, especially to her mother, our longtime colleague.”
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While mourning his partner and raising their newborn son, McIntyre has started a black maternal health campaign, as well as a new foundation, “Save a Rose,” to honor Isaac’s memory and to help protect and save other expectant birthing parents. But there are still practical matters to attend to, like raising money for her funeral expenses.
Isaac’s story has also struck a chord with racial justice advocates in the area. On Tuesday, Chicona and Hawk Newsome, the brother and sister co-founders of Black Lives Matter New York, joined McIntyre for a press conference outside the Montefiore Medical Center.
Advertisement
“Hearing about Amber as a person is what really touches us,” Chivona Newsome told The City.
“We don’t want her to be another number. We want the world to see her face. We want the world to know her story. We want the world to know that she was making a positive impact on our community and all those around her.”


theroot--2020-05-08--Auntie Unfiltered: White People Using Black and Brown Emojis

As my granny used to say , “ We can ’ t have shit to ourselves.
” White people using @ @ @ @ @ been a thing for a while now , and one lady wrote me an email @ @ @ @ @ that practice should be seen as wrong .
In this episode of Auntie Unfiltered , @ @ @ @ @ representation and why non-black people using black emojis is not a show of solidarity—not the @ @ @ @ @ why would you pick such a lazy way to show “ solidarity ” ?
Watch @ @ @ @ @ know what you think in the comments .
And remember , I want to hear @ @ @ @ @ me at auntiesubmissions @ theroot.com to ask for advice or give me a heads up @ @ @ @ @ would be good for me to cover .

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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude


theroot--2020-05-08--Trailer Roundup: Momma, I Made It to Lovecraft Country

Welcome to May !
Did you allow the force to be with you earlier this week ?
This week is short and sweet in terms of content so let ’ s not waste any further time so you can return to your dance challenges and bread baking !
In case you missed it , we already showcased the Greenleaf trailer , which is a big deal because it ’ s for the popular show ’ s final season .
First Impressions : Based on the 2016 Matt Ruff novel of the same name , it looks like Lovecraft Country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scarily effective usage of Wilson Pickett , though ! )
.
I ’ m really excited to see Jonathan Majors since his superb performance in The Last Black Man in San Francisco and the rest of the cast looks stacked , including Courtney B. Vance , Jurnee Smollett , Aunjanue Ellis , Michael K. Williams and Wunmi Mosaku .
Also , it ’ s important to note that while Jordan Peele has joined the project as an executive producer , this joint is created by Mis ha Green ( Underground ) .
First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young Don Cornelius and Soul Train is fully ingrained into the culture at this point in the series , with the popular dance show being syndicated in 107 markets—and yet isn ’ t getting the respect it deserves .
We all know why .
Anyway , it looks like we ’ re going to be diving deeper into how Cornelius handled the extreme success .
Wait , do I spy Darius McCrary as James Brown ?
!
First Impressions : Listen , if you ’ ve ever been to an event ( or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) with Yvonne Orji , you know that she is pretty much the best hype woman in Hollywood right now .
With Momma , I Made It , she ’ s returning to her roots in Lagos , Nigeria .
Everyone and their mama may hate Molly and her rigidness right now because of Insecure ’ s 4th season , but Orji ’ s joyful energy is all up and through this special .
By the way , I recently interviewed Orji about it , so stay tuned !
‘ Til next Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wash your hands .

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

Welcome to May! Did you allow the force to be with you earlier this week?
This week is short and sweet in terms of content so let’s not waste any further time so you can return to your dance challenges and bread baking! In case you missed it, we already showcased the Greenleaf trailer, which is a big deal because it’s for the popular show’s final season.
Lovecraft Country (HBO; Release Date: August 2020, exact date currently unknown)
Lovecraft Country: Official Teaser / HBO (YouTube)
First Impressions: Based on the 2016 Matt Ruff novel of the same name, it looks like Lovecraft Country is about to be some shit (this scarily effective usage of Wilson Pickett, though!). I’m really excited to see Jonathan Majors since his superb performance in The Last Black Man in San Francisco and the rest of the cast looks stacked, including Courtney B. Vance, Jurnee Smollett, Aunjanue Ellis, Michael K. Williams and Wunmi Mosaku. Also, it’s important to note that while Jordan Peele has joined the project as an executive producer, this joint is created by Mis ha Green (Underground).
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American Soul (BET: Season 2 Release Date: May 27, 2020 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
American Soul Season 2 Trailer / BET Networks (YouTube)
First Impressions: Sinqua Walls is returning as young Don Cornelius and Soul Train is fully ingrained into the culture at this point in the series, with the popular dance show being syndicated in 107 markets—and yet isn’t getting the respect it deserves. We all know why. Anyway, it looks like we’re going to be diving deeper into how Cornelius handled the extreme success. Wait, do I spy Darius McCrary as James Brown?!
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Yvonne Orji: Momma, I Made It! (HBO; Release Date: June 6, 2020 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Yvonne Orji: Momma, I Made It! Promo / HBO (YouTube)
First Impressions: Listen, if you’ve ever been to an event (or have even been in the same room) with Yvonne Orji, you know that she is pretty much the best hype woman in Hollywood right now. With Momma, I Made It, she’s returning to her roots in Lagos, Nigeria. Everyone and their mama may hate Molly and her rigidness right now because of Insecure’s 4th season, but Orji’s joyful energy is all up and through this special. By the way, I recently interviewed Orji about it, so stay tuned!
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‘Til next Friday, folks! Indulge in some self-care and wash your hands.


theroot--2020-05-08--Charlie Wilson Becomes 1st Artist to Score No. 1 Hits In Each of The Last Three Decades

As much as we love all things Charlie Wilson , one thing we don ’ t give him enough credit for is his longevity .
Since The Gap Band ’ s arrival on the scene in the early 70s , he ’ s blessed us with hit after hit for decades .
And with his latest single , “ Forever Valentine , ” Billboard reports that Uncle Charlie has become the first artist to score number one hits in each of the last three decades .
“ Blessed to announce # ForeverValentine is the # 1 song at radio on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he tweeted .
“ Thank you to my fans , radio & my team @ PMusicGroup !
Also BIG congrats to @ BrunoMars @ Stereotypes & @ DMile85 !
WE DID THAT !
” Co-written and co-produced by Bruno Mars , “ Forever Valentine ” marks Uncle Charlie ’ s seventh No .
1 entry on Billboard ’ s Adult R & B charts .
Here ’ s a full roster of Wilson ’ s leaders on the chart since it began in 1993 : ( Song Title , Weeks at No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) “ Charlie Last Name : Wilson , ” six , Sept. 17 , 2005 “ There Goes My Baby , ” nine , March 21 , 2009 “ You Are , ” 13 , Dec. 18 , 2010 “ My Love Is All I Have , ” five , Feb. 16 , 2013 “ I ’ m Blessed , ” two , April 22 , 2017 “ Chills , ” three , March 31 , 2018 “ Forever Valentine ” one to date , May 9 , 2020 With “ Valentine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some guy named R. Kelly for the most leaders on the list by a male act in the chart ’ s 26-year history .
Simply put , the Tulsa , Okla. , native isn ’ t going anywhere anytime soon .
“ I am so happy and proud of ‘ Forever Valentine , ’ ” Wilson told Billboard .
“ Bruno had the vision and we always wanted to work together musically .
To have a No .
1 song in May with ‘ Valentine ’ in the title proves what we set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is actually an ‘ Anti-Valentine ’ s Day ’ love song because we want you to celebrate love not just on Valentine ’ s Day but every day.
” He added , “ After 20 years since my first hit as a solo artist , it ’ s amazing to consistently earn these No .
1 songs .
I so appreciate radio and the streaming services for all of their support over the years.
” You can get your two-step on to Uncle Charlie ’ s latest hit below .

As much as we love all things Charlie Wilson, one thing we don’t give him enough credit for is his longevity. Since The Gap Band’s arrival on the scene in the early 70s, he’s blessed us with hit after hit for decades. And with his latest single, “Forever Valentine,” Billboard reports that Uncle Charlie has become the first artist to score number one hits in each of the last three decades.
“Blessed to announce #ForeverValentine is the #1 song at radio on the @Billboard & Mediabase charts!” he tweeted. “Thank you to my fans, radio & my team @PMusicGroup! Also BIG congrats to @BrunoMars @Stereotypes & @DMile85! WE DID THAT!”
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Co-written and co-produced by Bruno Mars, “Forever Valentine” marks Uncle Charlie’s seventh No. 1 entry on Billboard’s Adult R&B charts.
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From Billboard:
Here’s a full roster of Wilson’s leaders on the chart since it began in 1993: (Song Title, Weeks at No. 1, Date Reached No. 1)
“Charlie Last Name: Wilson,” six, Sept. 17, 2005
“There Goes My Baby,” nine, March 21, 2009
“You Are,” 13, Dec. 18, 2010
“My Love Is All I Have,” five, Feb. 16, 2013
“I’m Blessed,” two, April 22, 2017
“Chills,” three, March 31, 2018
“Forever Valentine” one to date, May 9, 2020
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With “Valentine,” he also ties Maxwell and some guy named R. Kelly for the most leaders on the list by a male act in the chart’s 26-year history.
Simply put, the Tulsa, Okla., native isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“I am so happy and proud of ‘Forever Valentine,’” Wilson told Billboard. “Bruno had the vision and we always wanted to work together musically. To have a No. 1 song in May with ‘Valentine’ in the title proves what we set out to accomplish in this record. It is actually an ‘Anti-Valentine’s Day’ love song because we want you to celebrate love not just on Valentine’s Day but every day.”
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He added, “After 20 years since my first hit as a solo artist, it’s amazing to consistently earn these No. 1 songs. I so appreciate radio and the streaming services for all of their support over the years.”
You can get your two-step on to Uncle Charlie’s latest hit below.


theroot--2020-05-08--Keep Your Space Effortlessly Clean With an Ecovacs Robotic Vacuum

Who here is tired of sweeping their own floors ?
It ’ s ok , you can admit it .
@ @ @ @ @ Save has come through with a dope deal—for $ 149 , you can get an @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 57 % off the original list price ( $ 350 ) .
It @ @ @ @ @ modes , as well as amazing suction to get crumbs , ants and whatever else @ @ @ @ @ you can walk barefoot throughout your house in peace .
You can also control your @ @ @ @ @ is HERE ) with the touch of your phone when you download the app .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s gone !

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

Ecovacs Robotic Vacuum | $149 | Morning Save
Who here is tired of sweeping their own floors? It’s ok, you can admit it. Luckily for you, Morning Save has come through with a dope deal—for $149, you can get an Ecovacs robotic vacuum. It’s 57% off the original list price ($350). It comes with three different cleaning modes, as well as amazing suction to get crumbs, ants and whatever else up off your floor so you can walk barefoot throughout your house in peace. You can also control your vacuum (because the future is HERE) with the touch of your phone when you download the app. Grab this deal before it’s gone!


theroot--2020-05-08--Turns Out That Mike Pence Hot Mic Empty Box Moment Was Just a Joke [Corrected]

The last time I snitched I was 12 .
Me and another kid had gotten caught shooting BB guns in the woods and the apartment rental office where I lived found out and threatened to kick us out .
They thought the guns were real .
My dad walked me down to the rental office to explain and me fearing my whole family being kicked to the curb I told on everyone .
When we left the rental office my dad explained that I wasn ’ t supposed to do that .
I didn ’ t understand .
He told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you take the fall .
I didn ’ t take you down there to tell on everyone else , I took you down there to own up to what you did.
” Ever since then I never snitched .
Until today : Jimmy Kimmel got me fucked up !
A since-deleted video by late night show host Jimmy Kimmel alleged that Vice President Mike Pence delivered empty boxes of personal protective equipment to a health care center in Virginia for a photo op .
After dropping off the boxes , Pence is shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informs Pence that the remaining boxes in the car are empty .
Pence is then heard saying , “ Well can I carry the empty ones ?
Just for the camera ?
” Narrating the video , Kimmel says , “ Mike Pence pretending to carry empty boxes of PPEs into a hospital is the perfect metaphor for who he is and what he ’ s doing.
” But it turns out none of that was the truth .
The Vice President did help carry boxes to the front of the Virginia nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truck to ask about carrying empty boxes , he laughed and then shut the doors to the van .
No more boxes were moved and the whole thing was just a joke .
Kimmel shared an edited version of the video on his show and has since apologized and deleted the video .
Everyone ran the clip which everyone is now deleting because it isn ’ t true .
I ’ m not saying I wasn ’ t wrong but Jimmy Kimmel .
First name : J-I-M-M-Y got me out here looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence and all of those who believe in him and his ability to lift boxes with items in them .
I have no problem attacking him when he ’ s wrong and apologizing when I fucked up .
Which I did .
His last name is spelled : K-I-M-M-E-L It was supposed to be a moment in which Vice President Mike Pence showed that he ’ s a man of the people , that he ’ s not too good to roll up his sleeves and jump in and help .
But , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about as compassionate as Thanos and about as caring as his boss .
Pence joined a team to help deliver boxes of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) outside a Virginia nursing home with COVID-19 patients on Thursday—without wearing any himself , because he ’ s a total asshole .
Unfortunately for Pence , he was mic ’ d up for the photo-op and he was literally caught asking if he could carry empty boxes to the door so he could look strong and tough and not like an asshole .
Except he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just last week , Pence ’ s dumb-ass visited the Mayo Clinic .
What ’ s the Mayo Clinic , you ask ?
Just a hospital with a strict-ass mask policy that Pence and his staff fully knew about when he entered the facility without a mask !
Pence then claimed he didn ’ t wear a mask because he wanted to look people in the eye .
I know this sounds strange , but when Pence does wear a mask , he wears it over his eyes .
He also explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly and he felt fine .
Yep , he ’ s an asshole .
Pence would later admit that he should ’ ve worn a mask to the Mayo Clinic , basically confirming that he ’ s an asshole .
So enjoy the video below of the maskless Pence fake lifting boxes and trying to look strong for the cameras .
He probably elected not to wear a mask so that America could see him wince while carrying a box full of air .

Correction: Tuesday, May 8, 2020, 4:58 p.m. EDT:
The last time I snitched I was 12. Me and another kid had gotten caught shooting BB guns in the woods and the apartment rental office where I lived found out and threatened to kick us out. They thought the guns were real. My dad walked me down to the rental office to explain and me fearing my whole family being kicked to the curb I told on everyone. When we left the rental office my dad explained that I wasn’t supposed to do that. I didn’t understand. He told me: “You got caught so you take the fall. I didn’t take you down there to tell on everyone else, I took you down there to own up to what you did.” Ever since then I never snitched.
Until today: Jimmy Kimmel got me fucked up!
From USA Today:
A since-deleted video by late night show host Jimmy Kimmel alleged that Vice President Mike Pence delivered empty boxes of personal protective equipment to a health care center in Virginia for a photo op. After dropping off the boxes, Pence is shown returning to a vehicle where an individual informs Pence that the remaining boxes in the car are empty. Pence is then heard saying, “Well can I carry the empty ones? Just for the camera?” Narrating the video, Kimmel says, “Mike Pence pretending to carry empty boxes of PPEs into a hospital is the perfect metaphor for who he is and what he’s doing.”
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But it turns out none of that was the truth. The Vice President did help carry boxes to the front of the Virginia nursing home and when he walked back to the truck to ask about carrying empty boxes, he laughed and then shut the doors to the van. No more boxes were moved and the whole thing was just a joke. Kimmel shared an edited version of the video on his show and has since apologized and deleted the video. Everyone ran the clip which everyone is now deleting because it isn’t true.
Jon Thompson, Pence’s campaign communication manager, weighed in and tweeted “This is absolute garbage spread by @JimmyKimmel.” Thompson then goes on to link the original C-Span video and says “Pence is clearly joking about empty boxes & if Kimmel showed the full clip from CSPAN, not the one he selectively edited, you see and hear it.”
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I’m not saying I wasn’t wrong but Jimmy Kimmel. First name: J-I-M-M-Y got me out here looking real raggedy. I apologize to Mike Pence and all of those who believe in him and his ability to lift boxes with items in them. I have no problem attacking him when he’s wrong and apologizing when I fucked up. Which I did.
His last name is spelled: K-I-M-M-E-L
Earlier:
It was supposed to be a moment in which Vice President Mike Pence showed that he’s a man of the people, that he’s not too good to roll up his sleeves and jump in and help. But, who are we kidding; Pence is about as compassionate as Thanos and about as caring as his boss.
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Pence joined a team to help deliver boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) outside a Virginia nursing home with COVID-19 patients on Thursday—without wearing any himself, because he’s a total asshole.
Here’s how NBC News describes the event:
Pence put a box of equipment on the doorstep of the Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Alexandria and waved inside before wheeling over more boxes and helping unload them. He was not wearing a mask or gloves while handling the packages. Other officials who were with him were also not wearing masks.
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Unfortunately for Pence, he was mic’d up for the photo-op and he was literally caught asking if he could carry empty boxes to the door so he could look strong and tough and not like an asshole. Except he’s always an asshole. Always.
Just last week, Pence’s dumb-ass visited the Mayo Clinic. What’s the Mayo Clinic, you ask? Just a hospital with a strict-ass mask policy that Pence and his staff fully knew about when he entered the facility without a mask! Pence then claimed he didn’t wear a mask because he wanted to look people in the eye. I know this sounds strange, but when Pence does wear a mask, he wears it over his eyes. He also explained that he and his staff are tested regularly and he felt fine. Yep, he’s an asshole.
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Pence would later admit that he should’ve worn a mask to the Mayo Clinic, basically confirming that he’s an asshole.
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So enjoy the video below of the maskless Pence fake lifting boxes and trying to look strong for the cameras. He probably elected not to wear a mask so that America could see him wince while carrying a box full of air.


theroot--2020-05-08--Big Ole Teeth: This Fusion of Megan Thee Stallion and Steve Harvey Is Hauntingly Hilarious

What happens when you act like a lady and think like a savage ?
Well , thanks to the foolery of the creative production group Myster Giraffe , we found out in a way that we never would ’ ve imagined .
Most of us were scrolling our timelines , minding everyone else ’ s business when we came across the following clip : The clip was from Meg ’ s appearance on NPR ’ s Tiny Desk performance back in December , but something was ... off .
That ’ s right , you see Steve Harvey ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s .
You see it .
Let it marinate .
First off , I ’ m mad at how smoothly these two faces blended together , facial expressions and all .
I mean , there ’ s a point in the clip where Steve Thee Stallion is body rolling and it looks too much like wrong and right .
How is this possible ?
!
Is this the most ridiculous thing you ’ ve seen this week ?
Survey says ... yes !
Of course , the outrageous video immediately started trending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t Myster Giraffe ’ s first foray into freaky fusions—other celebrities have already gotten the face mashup treatment , such as Chrissy Teigen/John Legend , Trevor Noah/Cardi B , Tiffany Haddish/Lizzo and more .
You can check out the rest of Myster Giraffe ’ s work on their Instagram page .
No official or public word yet on whether Meg and Steve saw this and got as much of a kick out of it as we have .
At the time of this blog ’ s publishing , Meg is busy showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is…wondering why he doesn ’ t have a figure at the Hollywood Wax Museum .
Happy Friday and may this haunt your dreams forever .

What happens when you act like a lady and think like a savage?
Well, thanks to the foolery of the creative production group Myster Giraffe, we found out in a way that we never would’ve imagined. Most of us were scrolling our timelines, minding everyone else’s business when we came across the following clip:
The clip was from Meg’s appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk performance back in December, but something was...off. That’s right, you see Steve Harvey’s face superimposed onto Megan Thee Stallion’s. You see it. Let it marinate.
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First off, I’m mad at how smoothly these two faces blended together, facial expressions and all. I mean, there’s a point in the clip where Steve Thee Stallion is body rolling and it looks too much like wrong and right. How is this possible?! Is this the most ridiculous thing you’ve seen this week? Survey says...yes!
Of course, the outrageous video immediately started trending on Twitter.
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Oh, and this isn’t Myster Giraffe’s first foray into freaky fusions—other celebrities have already gotten the face mashup treatment, such as Chrissy Teigen/John Legend, Trevor Noah/Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish/Lizzo and more. You can check out the rest of Myster Giraffe’s work on their Instagram page.
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No official or public word yet on whether Meg and Steve saw this and got as much of a kick out of it as we have. At the time of this blog’s publishing, Meg is busy showing off her #SavageRemixChallenge moves and Steve is…wondering why he doesn’t have a figure at the Hollywood Wax Museum.
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Happy Friday and may this haunt your dreams forever.


theroot--2020-05-08--After 74 Days of Nothing, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Needed Just 36 Hours to Find 'Probable Cau

After 74 Days of Nothing, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Needed Just 36 Hours to Find 'Probable Cause for Felony Murder' in the Death of Ahmaud Arbery

In just 36 hours , the Georgia Bureau of Investigation managed to do something that other agencies failed to do over the past 74 days : Find enough probable cause to arrest Gregory and Travis McMichael and charge the father and son with murder and aggravated assault in the death of Ahmaud Arbery .
During a press conference Friday , GBI Director Vic Reynolds told reporters that the agency was handed the case by Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Durden on Tuesday evening .
The investigation began early Wednesday morning and they spent most of the day going through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they canvassed the neighborhood where the crime took place and conducted interviews .
By that evening , they believed probable cause had been established to place Travis and Gregory McMichael under arrest for felony murder and aggravated assault .
When pressed on why they were able to do in 36 hours what prior agencies had failed to do over the last 74 days , Reynolds said : “ I can ’ t speak on what anyone else sees or doesn ’ t see about a case , but I will tell you that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One are facts , the other law .
Whatever the facts are , we apply the law to it .
I ’ m very comfortable in telling you that there ’ s more than sufficient probable cause for felony murder in this case.
” The GBI was asked to get involved in the case after a video went viral of Travis McMichael shooting and killing Arbery , 25 , who was jogging through the mostly white suburb of Satilla Shores neighborhood just outside of Brunswick , Ga. , on Feb. 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls for tougher hate crime laws .
Reynolds stressed that this is still an ongoing investigation .
There has been much speculation about the involvement of the person who recorded the video of Arbery ’ s death .
“ Don ’ t know yet , ” Reynolds said when asked if the person who shot the video would be taken into custody .
“ We ’ re going to go wherever the evidence takes us .
Let ’ s say hypothetically if we believe tomorrow or in a week or three weeks there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then we ’ ll do it.
” Durden stressed that public opinion did not play a role in getting the arrests made .
“ Public opinion is always going to be there , we can ’ t let that influence the decision .
We can ’ t make a snap decision .
I understand public opinion , I understand the sympathy , ” Durden said .
“ We have made the decision based on what we believe is the applicable law and our interpretation of the evidence that has been covered here.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would put the case before a grand jury to determine criminal charges , something that couldn ’ t happen until June due to COVID-19 restrictions , which closed the courts .
When asked if he brought GBI in to expedite the process he replied , “ No , those are two separate things .
June 12 is a directive from the Georgia Supreme Court .
The other thing has to do with evidence and some matters that I requested that GBI run down.
” Reynolds told reporters : “ This case , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durden for ultimate prosecution will be complete .
It will be done and every stone will be turned over , I promise.
” It should be noted that today , Friday would have been Arbery ’ s 26th birthday .
The NAACP held a protest to mark his birthday and activists plan to run 2.23 miles on Friday to honor Arbery , according to CBS News .
The miles are meant to signify the date he was killed .

In just 36 hours, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation managed to do something that other agencies failed to do over the past 74 days: Find enough probable cause to arrest Gregory and Travis McMichael and charge the father and son with murder and aggravated assault in the death of Ahmaud Arbery.
During a press conference Friday, GBI Director Vic Reynolds told reporters that the agency was handed the case by Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Durden on Tuesday evening. The investigation began early Wednesday morning and they spent most of the day going through the investigative file. On Thursday, they canvassed the neighborhood where the crime took place and conducted interviews. By that evening, they believed probable cause had been established to place Travis and Gregory McMichael under arrest for felony murder and aggravated assault.
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When pressed on why they were able to do in 36 hours what prior agencies had failed to do over the last 74 days, Reynolds said: “I can’t speak on what anyone else sees or doesn’t see about a case, but I will tell you that we base our decision on two things. One are facts, the other law. Whatever the facts are, we apply the law to it. I’m very comfortable in telling you that there’s more than sufficient probable cause for felony murder in this case.”
The GBI was asked to get involved in the case after a video went viral of Travis McMichael shooting and killing Arbery, 25, who was jogging through the mostly white suburb of Satilla Shores neighborhood just outside of Brunswick, Ga., on Feb. 23. The video led to public outcry and calls for tougher hate crime laws.
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Reynolds stressed that this is still an ongoing investigation. There has been much speculation about the involvement of the person who recorded the video of Arbery’s death. “Don’t know yet,” Reynolds said when asked if the person who shot the video would be taken into custody. “We’re going to go wherever the evidence takes us. Let’s say hypothetically if we believe tomorrow or in a week or three weeks there’s probable cause for an arrest, then we’ll do it.”
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Durden stressed that public opinion did not play a role in getting the arrests made. “Public opinion is always going to be there, we can’t let that influence the decision. We can’t make a snap decision. I understand public opinion, I understand the sympathy,” Durden said. “We have made the decision based on what we believe is the applicable law and our interpretation of the evidence that has been covered here.”
Durden had previously said that he would put the case before a grand jury to determine criminal charges, something that couldn’t happen until June due to COVID-19 restrictions, which closed the courts. When asked if he brought GBI in to expedite the process he replied, “No, those are two separate things. June 12 is a directive from the Georgia Supreme Court. The other thing has to do with evidence and some matters that I requested that GBI run down.”
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Reynolds told reporters: “This case, when it’s handed over to Mr. Durden for ultimate prosecution will be complete. It will be done and every stone will be turned over, I promise.”
It should be noted that today, Friday would have been Arbery’s 26th birthday. The NAACP held a protest to mark his birthday and activists plan to run 2.23 miles on Friday to honor Arbery, according to CBS News. The miles are meant to signify the date he was killed.


theroot--2020-05-08--Everything Is Love: Meet the 20-Year-Old Photographer Who Immortalized His Grandparents in Ivy Park

Remember January 2020 , when massive orange boxes full of Beyoncé ’ s relaunched Adidas x Ivy Park collection arrived in homes across Hollywood , inspiring impromptu celebrity photoshoots , immense envy , and a few imitators ?
Five months later , that major fashion moment feels worlds away as we shelter in place , our homes becoming the only massive—or minuscule—boxes consuming us , as of late .
A series of poignant , yet impossibly chic portraits by 20-year-old photographer Eric Hart , Jr. bring back the magic of that genius marketing moment , in a far subtler fashion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his muses , Hart photographed the duo in his hometown of Macon , Ga. , reimagining Beyoncé ’ s of-the-moment streetwear for a more mature—but no less stylish—generation .
Then , as is customary of his generation , Hart posted the photos to social media , where we and thousands of others were instantly enchanted .
“ I ’ m going to be completely honest .
I just really wanted to shoot some portraits as it ’ s been a minute with the COVID situation , ” Hart told The Root , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the shoot produced “ lots of laughter ” from his impromptu models .
“ It really wasn ’ t planned out that much , I just knew I ’ d never shot my granddad and thought it would be cute to get them together .
I knew I wanted them to match and I just happened to have the Ivy Park gear , so I thought it would be incredibly dope of them to wear it .
We shot it in our living room ; it took a little bit of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they got there.
” Like many college students , orders to quarantine forced Hart and his fellow classmates in NYU ’ s Tisch Department of Photography & Imaging Class of 2022 to leave campus mid-spring semester .
For Hart , returning home to Macon has proven ripe for new inspiration , as he told Dazed Digital in late April .
“ The whole COVID situation has made me go back to a place I was in when I was first starting out with photography , ” Hart further shared with The Root .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create the most artistic thing or planning out this very elaborate concept—which I do love to do—but simply shooting freely .
I think as a creative , somewhere I forgot to find the beauty in what simply is .
You don ’ t always have to try and create beauty , it ’ s easy to find if you just look around you .
So I am becoming more conscious that there are never any setbacks to creativity , you just have to do it.
” In fact , Macon is where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what has now become his life ’ s work began with a spontaneous experiment .
“ I honestly first tried out photography when I was sitting at home one day bored .
Where I live in Macon there are tons of greenery surrounding , so I decided to grab my iPod and see what I could do , ” Hart tells The Root .
“ I eventually started taking self-portraits in my room , which led to me asking my friends if they would model for me ... Nearly every weekend I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Somewhere along the way photography really became my passion .
I started to dive deeper into the photographic world and eventually got to a point in which I knew visual storytelling was what I was supposed to be doing.
” Hart , who shoots with a Canon 5D , describes his style as “ somewhat of an editorial and conceptual mix , ” explaining , “ I ’ m big on portraits and love the process of editing.
” Though it ’ s hard to imagine studying photography translates easily to distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with adapting the curriculum to keep everyone on track during the quarantine .
“ I have truly felt every one of my professors go the extra mile to accommodate student ’ s needs , ” he says .
“ I think while creative learning isn ’ t what it was , we all make the best of it and there is something very intimate about my photo classes now that they are done remotely.
” Remarkably , before starting his first year at NYU—on full scholarship—Hart launched a creative visual multimedia brand ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ d be an ambitious undertaking for any artist , but one he has continued in tandem with his studies , though he admits the idea was initially born in a moment of pre-college insecurity .
“ Once I knew that I would be attending NYU , for some reason I had somewhat of a fear that I didn ’ t have a signature style that would help me stand out .
I don ’ t know why this was such a big deal for me but I knew I loved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aesthetics , and mediums at the time , ” he explains .
“ I thought to myself : While other photographers brand themselves with their work showcasing signature looks and/or aesthetics , why don ’ t I just actually brand my creative content under one roof but make it all correlate in thought and approach ?
“ As Love Hart is actually my name , I decided to use that as my premise of creating , ” Hart continues .
“ I want everything that I do to stem from a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that be love of self , love of another being , or love of one ’ s community , I want all of my work to explore this journey we know as love.
” Hart ’ s love for his work has clearly bolstered his confidence , as he now has a clear vision for his personal and professional brand .
“ My goal with Love Hart is to honestly build a lucrative brand that shifts the culture of what a brand could be , ” he says .
“ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a photographic-driven brand .
The curiosity of wanting to see all that a photographic brand could be is what motivates me .
I often question : Could there ever be an equivalent of a RocNation in the photo world ?
A Disney ?
A 40 Acres and a Mule ?
A Tyler Perry Studio ?
The list goes on .
What does that look like ?
What does that feel like ?
As of right now , I don ’ t know the answer to that question but eventually , Love Hart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ambition is matched by humility—and reverential perspective that belies his 20 years .
“ I am inspired by legacies .
I have always been drawn to powerful people of color who use their voice to positively impact the society around them , ” he says .
“ I ’ m talking Dr. Deborah Willis .
I ’ m talking Spike Lee .
Gordon Parks , Oprah Winfrey , James Baldwin , Angela Davis…the list goes on .
I am also very inspired by young creatives who are paving the way for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyler Mitchells , Barry Jenkins , Justin Bettmans , Dana Scruggs , the Campbell Addys of the world for creating content that displays modern stories of color and continuously growing with their craft.
” And of course , the Carters—Jay-Z and Beyoncé , that is .
As Hart , whose Twitter bio warns “ I take pics and talk about Beyoncé constantly ” explained in a post , he ’ s “ been in the Hive since my mom would play ‘ Cater 2 U ’ while we cleaned the house.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he asks .
“ For me , it ’ s the work ethic and passion that she has for her craft that I am so inspired by .
This love that she has for what she does is just so evident in her work .
For some reason that ambition of hers , that love , it just resonates with me.
” One can ’ t help but hope that Hart ’ s tribute has caught the eye of Queen Bey ( since she ’ s been known to help make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his biggest muses are much closer to home .
“ Most of all , I am inspired by my aunt and my grandmother , who have always taught me to be a go-getter , to use my voice for good , ” he says .
“ Without their guidance and love , I simply would not be the man I am .
So all that I do is driven by what they taught me to be.
” While he ’ s clearly finding solace in creative output , Hart is equally feeling empathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dependent on their craft who are struggling while we continue to quarantine .
“ Art and creativity are always necessary .
If someone is a true creative they can ’ t fight the urge to create ... you always get over that hump somehow , ” he says , later adding , “ My heart goes out to all creatives as well as workers in every field who are falling victim to not being able to work.
” “ I ’ m coping with just lots of planning , writing , my grandmother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remix of ‘ Savage ’ with Beyoncé , ” Hart responds when asked how he ’ s handling this period of uncertainty .
“ Just simple things that bring me joy .
”

Remember January 2020, when massive orange boxes full of Beyoncé’s relaunched Adidas x Ivy Park collection arrived in homes across Hollywood, inspiring impromptu celebrity photoshoots, immense envy, and a few imitators? Five months later, that major fashion moment feels worlds away as we shelter in place, our homes becoming the only massive—or minuscule—boxes consuming us, as of late.
A series of poignant, yet impossibly chic portraits by 20-year-old photographer Eric Hart, Jr. bring back the magic of that genius marketing moment, in a far subtler fashion. With his grandparents Vickie and Junior as his muses, Hart photographed the duo in his hometown of Macon, Ga., reimagining Beyoncé’ s of-the-moment streetwear for a more mature—but no less stylish—generation. Then, as is customary of his generation, Hart posted the photos to social media, where we and thousands of others were instantly enchanted.
Advertisement
“I’m going to be completely honest. I just really wanted to shoot some portraits as it’s been a minute with the COVID situation,” Hart told The Root, sharing that aside from the now-viral images, the shoot produced “lots of laughter” from his impromptu models.
“It really wasn’t planned out that much, I just knew I’d never shot my granddad and thought it would be cute to get them together. I knew I wanted them to match and I just happened to have the Ivy Park gear, so I thought it would be incredibly dope of them to wear it. We shot it in our living room; it took a little bit of time for them to loosen up, but they got there.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Like many college students, orders to quarantine forced Hart and his fellow classmates in NYU’s Tisch Department of Photography & Imaging Class of 2022 to leave campus mid-spring semester. For Hart, returning home to Macon has proven ripe for new inspiration, as he told Dazed Digital in late April.
From the inside looking out, I see how much I didn’t cherish the life around me prior to this crisis. Not even just friends and family, but the life that grows out of this beautiful place we call Earth. The calm it brings, the peace it exudes, the contagious beauty that can cause one to sit and be mesmerized for hours. This is what I miss most. Taking the time to be in tune with the outside world is something I will no longer take for granted.
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“The whole COVID situation has made me go back to a place I was in when I was first starting out with photography,” Hart further shared with The Root. “It wasn’t about trying to create the most artistic thing or planning out this very elaborate concept—which I do love to do—but simply shooting freely. I think as a creative, somewhere I forgot to find the beauty in what simply is. You don’t always have to try and create beauty, it’s easy to find if you just look around you. So I am becoming more conscious that there are never any setbacks to creativity, you just have to do it.”
In fact, Macon is where Hart discovered his talent for photography; what has now become his life’s work began with a spontaneous experiment.
Advertisement
“I honestly first tried out photography when I was sitting at home one day bored. Where I live in Macon there are tons of greenery surrounding, so I decided to grab my iPod and see what I could do,” Hart tells The Root . “I eventually started taking self-portraits in my room, which led to me asking my friends if they would model for me...Nearly every weekend I would be asking my classmates to shoot.
“Somewhere along the way photography really became my passion. I started to dive deeper into the photographic world and eventually got to a point in which I knew visual storytelling was what I was supposed to be doing.”
Advertisement
Hart, who shoots with a Canon 5D, describes his style as “somewhat of an editorial and conceptual mix,” explaining, “I’m big on portraits and love the process of editing.” Though it’s hard to imagine studying photography translates easily to distance learning, Hart credits his NYU professors with adapting the curriculum to keep everyone on track during the quarantine.
Advertisement
“I have truly felt every one of my professors go the extra mile to accommodate student’s needs,” he says. “I think while creative learning isn’t what it was, we all make the best of it and there is something very intimate about my photo classes now that they are done remotely.”
Remarkably, before starting his first year at NYU—on full scholarship—Hart launched a creative visual multimedia brand (including merch) called Love Hart. It’d be an ambitious undertaking for any artist, but one he has continued in tandem with his studies, though he admits the idea was initially born in a moment of pre-college insecurity.
Advertisement
“Once I knew that I would be attending NYU, for some reason I had somewhat of a fear that I didn’t have a signature style that would help me stand out. I don’t know why this was such a big deal for me but I knew I loved to play with a wide variety of styles, aesthetics, and mediums at the time,” he explains. “I thought to myself: While other photographers brand themselves with their work showcasing signature looks and/or aesthetics, why don’t I just actually brand my creative content under one roof but make it all correlate in thought and approach?
“As Love Hart is actually my name, I decided to use that as my premise of creating,” Hart continues. “I want everything that I do to stem from a place of being conscious about love. Whether that be love of self, love of another being, or love of one’s community, I want all of my work to explore this journey we know as love.”
Advertisement
Hart’s love for his work has clearly bolstered his confidence, as he now has a clear vision for his personal and professional brand. “My goal with Love Hart is to honestly build a lucrative brand that shifts the culture of what a brand could be,” he says. “I don’t know if I have ever heard of a photographic-driven brand. The curiosity of wanting to see all that a photographic brand could be is what motivates me. I often question: Could there ever be an equivalent of a RocNation in the photo world? A Disney? A 40 Acres and a Mule? A Tyler Perry Studio? The list goes on. What does that look like? What does that feel like? As of right now, I don’t know the answer to that question but eventually, Love Hart will answer.”
Advertisement
Refreshingly, Hart’s ambition is matched by humility—and reverential perspective that belies his 20 years.
“I am inspired by legacies. I have always been drawn to powerful people of color who use their voice to positively impact the society around them,” he says. “I’m talking Dr. Deborah Willis. I’m talking Spike Lee. Gordon Parks, Oprah Winfrey, James Baldwin, Angela Davis…the list goes on. I am also very inspired by young creatives who are paving the way for me, as well. I thank the Tyler Mitchells, Barry Jenkins, Justin Bettmans, Dana Scruggs, the Campbell Addys of the world for creating content that displays modern stories of color and continuously growing with their craft.”
Advertisement
And of course, the Carters—Jay-Z and Beyoncé, that is. As Hart, whose Twitter bio warns “I take pics and talk about Beyoncé constantly” explained in a post, he’s “been in the Hive since my mom would play ‘Cater 2 U’ while we cleaned the house.”
“How can one not love Beyoncé?” he asks. “For me, it’s the work ethic and passion that she has for her craft that I am so inspired by. This love that she has for what she does is just so evident in her work. For some reason that ambition of hers, that love, it just resonates with me.”
Advertisement
One can’t help but hope that Hart’s tribute has caught the eye of Queen Bey (since she’s been known to help make a young photographer’s name) but his biggest muses are much closer to home.
Advertisement
“Most of all, I am inspired by my aunt and my grandmother, who have always taught me to be a go-getter, to use my voice for good,” he says. “Without their guidance and love, I simply would not be the man I am. So all that I do is driven by what they taught me to be.”
While he’s clearly finding solace in creative output, Hart is equally feeling empathy for his peers, especially artists financially dependent on their craft who are struggling while we continue to quarantine.
Advertisement
“Art and creativity are always necessary. If someone is a true creative they can’t fight the urge to create...you always get over that hump somehow,” he says, later adding, “ My heart goes out to all creatives as well as workers in every field who are falling victim to not being able to work.”
“I’m coping with just lots of planning, writing, my grandmother’s cooking, [and] the remix of ‘Savage’ with Beyoncé,” Hart responds when asked how he’s handling this period of uncertainty . “ Just simple things that bring me joy.”