theroot--2020-07-06--In Illinois, 7 out of 10 COVID-19 Cases During Pregnancy Affected Black and Latinx Women

A new report from the Chicago Tribune finds Black and Latinx birthing parents represented the vast majority of COVID-19 cases while pregnant in Illinois .
According to data shared by the state ’ s Department of Public Health last week , nearly half ( 49 percent ) of all these cases affected pregnant Latinx parents , while another quarter ( 23 percent ) affected Black expectant parents .
Illinois ’ Black and Latinx populations comprise just 15 and 14 percent of the total population , respectively .
But when it comes to pregnant parents contracting the coronavirus , Black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of all related cases .
At least 1,089 women in Illinois have had COVID-19 while pregnant , and of those cases , five have died , according to Illinois Department of Public Health data received Thursday .
Nearly half of them , 43 % , were hospitalized , although the department can ’ t confirm whether it was related to their pregnancy or fighting the virus .
Among these women , 49 % were Hispanic and 23 % were Black .
Melaney Arnold , a Health Department spokesperson , said the reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % because for much of the data , pregnancy status is unknown .
Notably , pregnant women don ’ t appear to be more at risk for contracting the novel coronavirus than non-pregnant women , but do show higher rates of hospitalization , according to the Centers for Disease Control ( unfortunately , the CDC didn ’ t differentiate whether those hospitalizations were due to the virus of the pregnancy ) .
While Black maternal mortality rates have been ( correctly ) identified as a nationwide crisis in recent years , Black pregnant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in other parts of the country .
As the Tribune reports , Black women are six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications in the state and are much more likely to have cardiovascular disease .
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG ) said the latter disparity is due in part to systemic racism and racial bias in the healthcare system .
“ The issues that our community faces are just being exacerbated and brought to light during the pandemic .
They have been issues for a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doula who works with young moms , told the Tribune .
“ When a woman is experiencing chronic stress from scarcity , not having enough food , not knowing where she ’ s going to live , being unemployed , chronic stress from racism , that seeps in on a cellular level.
” The Tribune report comes out as the New York Times has released its own investigation of how the coronavirus has impacted Black and Latinx populations across the country .
The report supports previous documentation that found higher rates of infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Latinx Americans .
The Times article paid particular attention to coronavirus rates in the suburbs and exurbs , where trends are underreported compared to major cities .
The Times notes that “ a significant imbalance in the number of virus cases , not just deaths ” points toward systemic inequities , rather than underlying health issues .
Dr. Mary Bassett , the Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University , elaborated on this , telling the paper that the focus on comorbidities when talking about coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is about who still has to leave their home to work , who has to leave a crowded apartment , get on crowded transport , and go to a crowded workplace , and we just haven ’ t acknowledged that those of us who have the privilege of continuing to work from our homes aren ’ t facing those risks , ” said Bassett .
Last month , CDC officials said the true number of coronavirus cases was likely 10 times the number of reported cases .
Without proper documentation , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases had the same racial and ethnic fault lines Americans have been seeing in reported infections .

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

A new report from the Chicago Tribune finds Black and Latinx birthing parents represented the vast majority of COVID-19 cases while pregnant in Illinois. According to data shared by the state’s Department of Public Health last week, nearly half (49 percent) of all these cases affected pregnant Latinx parents, while another quarter (23 percent) affected Black expectant parents.
Illinois’ Black and Latinx populations comprise just 15 and 14 percent of the total population, respectively. But when it comes to pregnant parents contracting the coronavirus, Black and Latinx women accounted for more than 70 percent of all related cases.
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From the Tribune:
At least 1,089 women in Illinois have had COVID-19 while pregnant, and of those cases, five have died, according to Illinois Department of Public Health data received Thursday. Nearly half of them, 43%, were hospitalized, although the department can’t confirm whether it was related to their pregnancy or fighting the virus. Among these women, 49% were Hispanic and 23% were Black. Melaney Arnold, a Health Department spokesperson, said the reporting likely underestimates pregnant cases by about 30% because for much of the data, pregnancy status is unknown.
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Notably, pregnant women don’t appear to be more at risk for contracting the novel coronavirus than non-pregnant women, but do show higher rates of hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control (unfortunately, the CDC didn’t differentiate whether those hospitalizations were due to the virus of the pregnancy).
While Black maternal mortality rates have been (correctly) identified as a nationwide crisis in recent years, Black pregnant parents fare worse in Illinois than they do in other parts of the country. As the Tribune reports, Black women are six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications in the state and are much more likely to have cardiovascular disease. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said the latter disparity is due in part to systemic racism and racial bias in the healthcare system.
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“The issues that our community faces are just being exacerbated and brought to light during the pandemic. They have been issues for a long time,” Mary Calderon, a doula who works with young moms, told the Tribune. “When a woman is experiencing chronic stress from scarcity, not having enough food, not knowing where she’s going to live, being unemployed, chronic stress from racism, that seeps in on a cellular level.”
The Tribune report comes out as the New York Times has released its own investigation of how the coronavirus has impacted Black and Latinx populations across the country. The report supports previous documentation that found higher rates of infection and mortality for the coronavirus among Black and Latinx Americans. The Times article paid particular attention to coronavirus rates in the suburbs and exurbs, where trends are underreported compared to major cities.
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The Times notes that “ a significant imbalance in the number of virus cases, not just deaths” points toward systemic inequities, rather than underlying health issues. Dr. Mary Bassett, the Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, elaborated on this, telling the paper that the focus on comorbidities when talking about coronavirus deaths made her angry.
“This really is about who still has to leave their home to work, who has to leave a crowded apartment, get on crowded transport, and go to a crowded workplace, and we just haven’t acknowledged that those of us who have the privilege of continuing to work from our homes aren’t facing those risks,” said Bassett.
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Last month, CDC officials said the true number of coronavirus cases was likely 10 times the number of reported cases. Without proper documentation, officials can’t determine whether the unreported cases had the same racial and ethnic fault lines Americans have been seeing in reported infections.


theroot--2020-07-06--Colin Kaepernick Scores Overall First-Look Deal With the Walt Disney Company

On Monday morning , ESPN announced that Kaepernick has signed an overall first-look deal with The Walt Disney Company .
“ I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors , creators , storytellers , and producers , and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives , ” Kaepernick said in a statement , via ESPN ’ s press release sent to The Root .
“ I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story , in addition to many other culturally impactful projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press release : The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race , social injustice and the quest for equity , and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers .
The first-look deal will extend across all Walt Disney Platforms including Walt Disney Television , ESPN , Hulu , Pixar , and The Undefeated .
Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated , which is expanding its portfolio across Disney , to develop stories from the perspective of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right : Kaepernick will have access to all branches of the Disney family tree .
Imagine a Pixar-animated version of Kap—or Kap becoming a Disney prince .
Hey , anything ’ s possible in the wonderful world of Disney !
Until then , there is one project already in development and it involves an exclusive docuseries chronicling Kaepernick ’ s journey from his perspective that will feature “ extensive new interviews ” and “ a vast never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years.
” Jemele Hill , who has a previous relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a producer on the project .
Libby Geist , Kevin Merida and Connor Schell will executive produce .
“ During this unprecedented time , The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters , ” Disney ’ s executive chairman Bob Iger said in a statement .
“ Colin ’ s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports , culture and race , which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate , enlighten and entertain , and we look forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaboration.
” Kaepernick will be pretty busy in the entertainment sector as it was also recently announced he has an upcoming project with Ava DuVernay and Netflix called Black & White .
We look forward to seeing what else he develops with Disney !

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

Touchdown! Colin Kaepernick for the win.
On Monday morning, ESPN announced that Kaepernick has signed an overall first-look deal with The Walt Disney Company.
“I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” Kaepernick said in a statement, via ESPN’s press release sent to The Root. “I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
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More info via the press release:
The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers. The first-look deal will extend across all Walt Disney Platforms including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated. Kaepernick will work closely with The Undefeated, which is expanding its portfolio across Disney, to develop stories from the perspective of Black and Brown communities.
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You read that right: Kaepernick will have access to all branches of the Disney family tree. Imagine a Pixar-animated version of Kap—or Kap becoming a Disney prince. Hey, anything’s possible in the wonderful world of Disney!
Until then, there is one project already in development and it involves an exclusive docuseries chronicling Kaepernick’s journey from his perspective that will feature “extensive new interviews” and “a vast never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years.” Jemele Hill, who has a previous relationship with ESPN and The Undefeated, will be a producer on the project. Libby Geist, Kevin Merida and Connor Schell will executive produce.
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“During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters,” Disney’s executive chairman Bob Iger said in a statement. “Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”
Kaepernick will be pretty busy in the entertainment sector as it was also recently announced he has an upcoming project with Ava DuVernay and Netflix called Black & White.
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We look forward to seeing what else he develops with Disney!


theroot--2020-07-06--Makeup Setting Sprays with SPF Are Hard to Find (But We Found Them!)

“ Have you ever used a setting spray with SPF ?
” I get asked a lot of questions in my line of work , but this recent question from a friend caught me off guard : Not only have I not used a setting spray with SPF , it hadn ’ t even occurred to me that such a thing might exist .
But it would make so much sense for such a thing to exist !
Here ’ s why : Makeup setting spray is a liquid product that ’ s meant to be misted over the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( they generally use PVP or acrylate as the “ fixing ” agent ) that keeps makeup from smearing or running when you sweat .
But weirdly , while there are hundreds of setting sprays on the market , there seem to be very few that contain SPF .
But some do !
And we ’ ve rounded them up for you .
So right , it turns out that makeup setting sprays that also double as sunblock aren ’ t super easy to find .
But I was able to round up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m familiar with and feel comfortable recommending even without the benefit of having personally tried these .
Do you have a favorite makeup setting spray with SPF that I missed ?
Tell us in the comments !
Setting powders with SPF are also hard to find , but they do exist .
You ’ ll lose some of the on-the-go convenience factor of a small spray bottle , but if you prefer a powder , you prefer a powder !
Go forth and dust yourself .
Gift sets are a good way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committing big bucks .
They ’ re also a good way to end up with a lot of crap you don ’ t need or want , so cast a critical eye on them before purchasing !
But , in my research into setting sprays , I noticed that some of the skincare lines that offer products with built-in SPF offer what look like actually good and worth-your-money sets .
This set includes a daily foaming cleanser and a makeup setting spray with SPF 50 .
This travel-sized set includes a lightweight face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as a face primer and a makeup setting spray in SPF 40 .

Jolie Kerr on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

“Have you ever used a setting spray with SPF?”
I get asked a lot of questions in my line of work, but this recent question from a friend caught me off guard: Not only have I not used a setting spray with SPF, it hadn’t even occurred to me that such a thing might exist. But it would make so much sense for such a thing to exist! Here’s why: Makeup setting spray is a liquid product that’s meant to be misted over the face after you’ve applied your makeup (they generally use PVP or acrylate as the “fixing” agent) that keeps makeup from smearing or running when you sweat. But weirdly, while there are hundreds of setting sprays on the market, there seem to be very few that contain SPF. But some do! And we’ve rounded them up for you.
Makeup Setting Sprays from SPF 30 to SPF 50
So right, it turns out that makeup setting sprays that also double as sunblock aren’t super easy to find. But I was able to round up four good options—all from skincare lines I’m familiar with and feel comfortable recommending even without the benefit of having personally tried these. Do you have a favorite makeup setting spray with SPF that I missed? Tell us in the comments!
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Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Supergoop! Defense Refresh SPF 40 (Re)setting Mist Mini
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Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
Ulta Beauty SPF 50 Sunscreen Rose Water Setting Spray
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Setting Powders with SPF
Setting powders with SPF are also hard to find, but they do exist. You’ll lose some of the on-the-go convenience factor of a small spray bottle, but if you prefer a powder, you prefer a powder! Go forth and dust yourself.
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Ilia Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20
Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense, SPF 30
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SUPERGOOP! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45
SPF Skincare Sets
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Gift sets are a good way to try out a few products without committing big bucks. They’re also a good way to end up with a lot of crap you don’t need or want, so cast a critical eye on them before purchasing! But, in my research into setting sprays, I noticed that some of the skincare lines that offer products with built-in SPF offer what look like actually good and worth-your-money sets.
Kate Somerville Glow and Go Set
This set includes a daily foaming cleanser and a makeup setting spray with SPF 50.
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Supergoop! Jet Set SPF Travel Kit
This travel-sized set includes a lightweight face and body lotion in SPF 50, as well as a face primer and a makeup setting spray in SPF 40.


theroot--2020-07-06--Frederick Douglass Statue Torn Down on the Anniversary of His ‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of Ju

Frederick Douglass Statue Torn Down on the Anniversary of His ‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of July’ Speech

On July 5 , 1852 , Frederick Douglass gave an iconic speech in Rochester , N.Y. , in which he asked a question that is still relevant to Black people 168 years later : “ What to the Slave is the Fourth of July ?
” On Sunday in Rochester—on the anniversary of the day Douglass delivered his speech—a statue of the 19th-century abolitionist was torn down .
From the Associated Press : Police said the statue of Douglass was taken on Sunday from Maplewood Park , a site along the Underground Railroad where Douglass and Harriet Tubman helped shuttle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their investigation Monday and no arrests had been made , according to a department spokesperson .
The statue was found at the brink of the Genesee River gorge about 50 feet ( 15 meters ) from its pedestal , police said .
There was damage to the base and a finger .
“ This is all that is left at this [ particular ] moment of a monument that we put so much work and thought and love and care into , ” Carvin Eison , a project director for the organization responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park , told WROC referring to the concrete base where the statue stood .
“ What comes of this ?
” Eison asked .
“ Is this some type of retaliation because of the national fever over Confederate monuments right now ?
Very disappointing .
It ’ s beyond disappointing.
” Investigators looking into this travesty of this crime haven ’ t announced any suspects , but this has “ angry white people who will swear they aren ’ t racist ” written all over it .
Indeed , this probably was done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over all over the country .
Of course , those of us who want to see Confederate statues come down are objecting to the celebration of the institution of slavery .
What statement is being made by tearing down the Douglass statue ?
That abolition was wrong and those who fought for it don ’ t deserve commemoration ?
That this happened on the anniversary of Douglass ’ speech and in the same city where it was delivered indicates that this wasn ’ t a tit for tat thing like when a white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ White Lives Matter ” on a statue of Black tennis player Arthur Ashe because “ You guys tagged my statue so I am tagging your statue.
” In that instance , any old Black person ’ s statue would do , but this was something different .
Anyway , Eison told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle that the damage to the statue is too extensive for it to be repaired , but he said another statue will take its place .
According to WROC , Eison said he wants to “ put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did this [ knows ] that we are not going to be deterred from what our objective is and our objective is to continually celebrate Frederick Douglass.
” “ They can topple over this monument , they could go topple over all of them , this monument will still stand because the ideas behind it are bigger than the monument , ” he said .

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave an iconic speech in Rochester, N.Y., in which he asked a question that is still relevant to Black people 168 years later: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” On Sunday in Rochester—on the anniversary of the day Douglass delivered his speech—a statue of the 19th-century abolitionist was torn down.
From the Associated Press:
Police said the statue of Douglass was taken on Sunday from Maplewood Park, a site along the Underground Railroad where Douglass and Harriet Tubman helped shuttle slaves to freedom. Police were continuing their investigation Monday and no arrests had been made, according to a department spokesperson. The statue was found at the brink of the Genesee River gorge about 50 feet (15 meters) from its pedestal, police said. There was damage to the base and a finger.
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“This is all that is left at this [particular] moment of a monument that we put so much work and thought and love and care into,” Carvin Eison, a project director for the organization responsible for bringing the Douglass statue to the park, told WROC referring to the concrete base where the statue stood.
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“What comes of this?” Eison asked. “Is this some type of retaliation because of the national fever over Confederate monuments right now? Very disappointing. It’s beyond disappointing.”
Investigators looking into this travesty of this crime haven’t announced any suspects, but this has “angry white people who will swear they aren’t racist” written all over it. Indeed, this probably was done in retaliation for Confederate monuments being toppled over all over the country.
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Of course, those of us who want to see Confederate statues come down are objecting to the celebration of the institution of slavery. What statement is being made by tearing down the Douglass statue? That abolition was wrong and those who fought for it don’t deserve commemoration?
That this happened on the anniversary of Douglass’ speech and in the same city where it was delivered indicates that this wasn’t a tit for tat thing like when a white man in Richmond, Va., painted “White Lives Matter” on a statue of Black tennis player Arthur Ashe because “You guys tagged my statue so I am tagging your statue.” In that instance, any old Black person’s statue would do, but this was something different.
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Anyway, Eison told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle that the damage to the statue is too extensive for it to be repaired, but he said another statue will take its place.
According to WROC, Eison said he wants to “put a monument back here immediately so whoever did this [knows] that we are not going to be deterred from what our objective is and our objective is to continually celebrate Frederick Douglass.”
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“They can topple over this monument, they could go topple over all of them, this monument will still stand because the ideas behind it are bigger than the monument,” he said.


theroot--2020-07-06--Ebony Magazine Removes CEO Willard Jackson Amid Investigation Into ‘a Number of Transactions’

I believe the phrase is “ where there ’ s smoke , there ’ s fire , ” but “ I tried to tell , y ’ all ” works perfectly fine , too .
For years , The Root has reported on the myriad of struggles that have derailed the once-revered Ebony Magazine .
From its failure to compensate contributors to taking The Root to court for calling that shit out to breaking the story that Ebony ’ s entire online staff was allegedly fired without pay , which resulted in a class-action lawsuit , we ’ ve covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surprise of nobody , comes the news that Ebony ’ s board of directors has ordered the removal of CEO Willard Jackson Jr. As part of its ongoing investigation , the board has commissioned an independent inquiry into a number of financial transactions that have occurred under Jackson ’ s stewardship .
Additionally , according to a statement provided by Ebony , the board of directors will “ continue to assess all structural , managerial , and financial facets of the organization with an eye toward amplifying the current calls for economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection of an interim CEO and operating committee are underway , and the board is expected to make an announcement “ soon ” regarding “ the payment of delinquent compensation to EBONY employees.
” “ The board of directors individually and collectively understands the legacy and value of Ebony to Black communities globally , ” Jacob Walthour Jr. , newly elected chairman of Ebony ’ s board of directors and co-founder of Blueprint Capital Advisors , said in a statement provided to The Root .
“ Founder John H. Johnson conducted himself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , integrity and honor that has come to define Black professionalism in America .
While the Board expects that Ebony will always need to adapt its business model to stay relevant , it must never compromise the core values of Mr. Johnson.
” “ As we approach Ebony ’ s 75th anniversary , now more than any other time since the Civil Rights movement , Black people need a medium to express ‘ their ’ voice and record this historical moment , ” John C. Robinson , an Ebony editor , said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this valuable asset to the Black community and being a part of the next 75 years.
” Jackson is a partner in CVG Group , which purchased Ebony in 2016 courtesy of financing provided by Parkview Capital Credit Inc.
It ’ s been an ugly year for us all , but hopefully with an overhaul in leadership and a renewed commitment to reputable business practices , Ebony will be able to repair its relationships within the Black community and bounce back .

I believe the phrase is “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” but “I tried to tell, y’all” works perfectly fine, too.
For years, The Root has reported on the myriad of struggles that have derailed the once-revered Ebony Magazine. From its failure to compensate contributors to taking The Root to court for calling that shit out to breaking the story that Ebony’s entire online staff was allegedly fired without pay, which resulted in a class-action lawsuit, we’ve covered it all.
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And now, to the surprise of nobody, comes the news that Ebony’s board of directors has ordered the removal of CEO Willard Jackson Jr. As part of its ongoing investigation, the board has commissioned an independent inquiry into a number of financial transactions that have occurred under Jackson’s stewardship.
Additionally, according to a statement provided by Ebony, the board of directors will “continue to assess all structural, managerial, and financial facets of the organization with an eye toward amplifying the current calls for economic and racial justice and equality.” The selection of an interim CEO and operating committee are underway, and the board is expected to make an announcement “soon” regarding “the payment of delinquent compensation to EBONY employees.”
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“The board of directors individually and collectively understands the legacy and value of Ebony to Black communities globally,” Jacob Walthour Jr., newly elected chairman of Ebony’s board of directors and co-founder of Blueprint Capital Advisors, said in a statement provided to The Root. “Founder John H. Johnson conducted himself and Ebony business with a level of class, integrity and honor that has come to define Black professionalism in America. While the Board expects that Ebony will always need to adapt its business model to stay relevant, it must never compromise the core values of Mr. Johnson.”
“As we approach Ebony’s 75th anniversary, now more than any other time since the Civil Rights movement, Black people need a medium to express ‘their’ voice and record this historical moment,” John C. Robinson, an Ebony editor, said. “We are committed to the preservation of this valuable asset to the Black community and being a part of the next 75 years.”
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Jackson is a partner in CVG Group, which purchased Ebony in 2016 courtesy of financing provided by Parkview Capital Credit Inc.
It’s been an ugly year for us all, but hopefully with an overhaul in leadership and a renewed commitment to reputable business practices, Ebony will be able to repair its relationships within the Black community and bounce back.


theroot--2020-07-06--Dear Stan Smith(s), I Owe You an Apology

I don ’ t know exactly when my disdain for adidas Originals Stan Smith shoes started .
I ’ m guessing it was somewhere in my 20s , a time culturally defined as grown-and-sexy that featured the coolest of the cool jettisoning super baggy clothing and jerseys in favor of button-ups and lifestyle tennis shoes to match said button-ups—thanks Jay-Z .
The sheer amount of Nike Air Force 1s and Those-Aren ’ t-Pradas-They ’ re-Steve-Maddens is astonishing , in retrospect .
Either way , I ’ m pretty sure it was somewhere in the 2000s where I copped my first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe I didn ’ t even buy them .
Maybe I just tried them on in stores and was so appalled at the bowling shoe look on my feet against my baggy-esque jeans that I decided then and there that I couldn ’ t rock with the iconic shoe .
Oh , what ( and why ) are Stan Smith ’ s ?
Even if you aren ’ t sure , I guarantee that you ’ ve seen them .
They ’ re ubiquitous .
They ’ re a staple shoe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re the all white , super clean adidas silhouette with the white man—Stan Smith , natch—on the tongue outlined in green and with a green heel tag that says “ Stan Smith ” below the adidas trefoil logo .
Hell , I was watching an episode of This Is Us and one of the characters on the shoe remarked to Kevin ( a main character ) about his signature Stan Smiths .
Everybody rocks them .
Well , that is ( was ) everybody except me .
Again , I disdained them shits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day to ask my community about shoes folks hated that were universally loved .
My entire reason for asking this question was because of adidas Stan Smith shoes .
I ’ ve written before about how I don ’ t like Jordan 3s , considered by many to be the best Jordan silhouette ( for me it ’ s either the 1 , 4 or 11 ) .
I wasn ’ t alone in my Stan Smith hatred .
I was , however , surprised to see just how many beloved and classic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force 1s , all manner of Jordans , Adidas Superstar ( shell-toes ) , Reebok Freestyle ( 5411s ) , etc .
Folks hate a lot of things .
Anywho , one day in March—in a COVID-19 world—I was perusing many of the various sneaker websites and apps I frequent when I ’ m not reading about quantum physics or writing the definitive article about definitive articles and I came across the new adidas x Pharrell Williams SS20 spring capsule .
It was a collection of , maybe , 4 takes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campus , but also included a take on the Stan Smith that I found myself attracted to .
The colorway was some sort of sail-to-light-pink tint but the light pink shoelaces put me over the top .
There was something about the way the color of the shoes worked that I couldn ’ t shake .
Even though I genuinely dislike the shoe as a rule , this particular take on it pulled me in .
I went back and forth with myself for a few days about whether or not I should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hate to spend $ 110 on a pair of shoes that I ’ ll hate the minute I open the box , but you know how things nag at you until you finally just do the thing to stop the nagging ?
That ’ s what I did .
I hit purchase on the adidas app and waited .
A few days later the box arrived and I was afraid to open the box while also very curious what was inside ( aside from the obvious ) .
Immediately I loved how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you about that feeling of opening up a box of shoes and loving what ’ s on the inside .
We all also know the other side of buying a pair of shoes and immediately regretting the purchase as soon as you see the shoes in-hand .
It ’ s a downside to having to order so many shoes on-line ; the other downside is having to find out the hard way that just because you wear a size 10 in one shoe doesn ’ t mean you wear a size 10 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m a 9.5 in Jordans and Lebrons and a 10.5 ( or even an 11 in some silhouettes ) in Yeezys and some adidas Boost .
Anyway , I loved them .
Which surprised me .
I loved how they looked on my feet .
I started wearing them more and more .
I even took a picture with them on my feet and sent them to people .
And then I turned a corner I never thought I ’ d turn .
I wondered if maybe I didn ’ t hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did what any self-respecting individual would do once he loves how something looks on his feet that costs ( regularly ) under $ 100 and needs to be sure if he was wrong—I bought another pair , with the more classic look ( that I thought was black but is somehow really , really dark blue ) , but not the classic Stan Smith ’ s .
And I loved them .
So then I bought the classic , green-label Stan Smith ’ s .
And then I noticed the Disney x adidas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mouse Stan Smith ’ s because I needed some black and white shoes since I have so many black t-shirts ( this is what I told myself ; they were a birthday present to myself ) .
If you ’ re keeping count , I went from hating a shoe in March to owning four pairs by June 3rd .
But wait , there ’ s more .
I ’ d told myself to stop buying shoes—I went on a bit of a binge if you ’ ll remember—but I was on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith ’ s and I like colorful colorways and didn ’ t even try to stop myself .
I just hit purchase and called it a day .
And they ’ re awesome .
I haven ’ t worn them yet .
They ’ re pretty .
So as you can see , I seem to have been wrong about Stan Smith ’ s .
I owe them an apology .
Not only did I not like them , I actively didn ’ t like them publicly only to find out I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Stan Smith ’ s for disparaging what is actually a pretty fly sneaker .
It never did anything to me and now it ’ s here for me all the time , on trips to Target and The Home Depot .
My bad .
Thank you for being a friend .
PJ Out .

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

I don’t know exactly when my disdain for adidas Originals Stan Smith shoes started. I’m guessing it was somewhere in my 20s, a time culturally defined as grown-and-sexy that featured the coolest of the cool jettisoning super baggy clothing and jerseys in favor of button-ups and lifestyle tennis shoes to match said button-ups—thanks Jay-Z. The sheer amount of Nike Air Force 1s and Those-Aren’t-Pradas-They’re-Steve-Maddens is astonishing, in retrospect. Either way, I’m pretty sure it was somewhere in the 2000s where I copped my first pair of adidas Stan Smiths. Hell, maybe I didn’t even buy them. Maybe I just tried them on in stores and was so appalled at the bowling shoe look on my feet against my baggy-esque jeans that I decided then and there that I couldn’t rock with the iconic shoe.
Oh, what (and why) are Stan Smith’s? Even if you aren’t sure, I guarantee that you’ve seen them. They’re ubiquitous. They’re a staple shoe. Everybody rocks Stan Smiths. They’re the all white, super clean adidas silhouette with the white man—Stan Smith, natch—on the tongue outlined in green and with a green heel tag that says “Stan Smith” below the adidas trefoil logo. Hell, I was watching an episode of This Is Us and one of the characters on the shoe remarked to Kevin (a main character) about his signature Stan Smiths. Everybody rocks them.
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Well, that is (was) everybody except me. Again, I disdained them shits. I even went on Facebook one day to ask my community about shoes folks hated that were universally loved. My entire reason for asking this question was because of adidas Stan Smith shoes. I’ve written before about how I don’t like Jordan 3s, considered by many to be the best Jordan silhouette (for me it’s either the 1, 4 or 11). I wasn’t alone in my Stan Smith hatred. I was, however, surprised to see just how many beloved and classic shoes folks hated. That list included Air Force 1s, all manner of Jordans, Adidas Superstar (shell-toes), Reebok Freestyle (5411s), etc. Folks hate a lot of things.
Anywho, one day in March—in a COVID-19 world—I was perusing many of the various sneaker websites and apps I frequent when I’m not reading about quantum physics or writing the definitive article about definitive articles and I came across the new adidas x Pharrell Williams SS20 spring capsule. It was a collection of, maybe, 4 takes on classic adidas silhouettes like the Nizza and Campus, but also included a take on the Stan Smith that I found myself attracted to. The colorway was some sort of sail-to-light-pink tint but the light pink shoelaces put me over the top. There was something about the way the color of the shoes worked that I couldn’t shake. Even though I genuinely dislike the shoe as a rule, this particular take on it pulled me in. I went back and forth with myself for a few days about whether or not I should make the purchase. I’d hate to spend $110 on a pair of shoes that I’ll hate the minute I open the box, but you know how things nag at you until you finally just do the thing to stop the nagging? That’s what I did. I hit purchase on the adidas app and waited.
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A few days later the box arrived and I was afraid to open the box while also very curious what was inside (aside from the obvious). Immediately I loved how the shoes looked. Any sneakerhead will tell you about that feeling of opening up a box of shoes and loving what’s on the inside. We all also know the other side of buying a pair of shoes and immediately regretting the purchase as soon as you see the shoes in-hand. It’s a downside to having to order so many shoes on-line; the other downside is having to find out the hard way that just because you wear a size 10 in one shoe doesn’t mean you wear a size 10 in all shoes. For instance, I’m a 9.5 in Jordans and Lebrons and a 10.5 (or even an 11 in some silhouettes) in Yeezys and some adidas Boost.
Anyway, I loved them. Which surprised me. I loved how they looked on my feet. I started wearing them more and more. I even took a picture with them on my feet and sent them to people. And then I turned a corner I never thought I’d turn. I wondered if maybe I didn’t hate Stan Smith’s. So I did what any self-respecting individual would do once he loves how something looks on his feet that costs (regularly) under $100 and needs to be sure if he was wrong—I bought another pair, with the more classic look (that I thought was black but is somehow really, really dark blue), but not the classic Stan Smith’s. And I loved them. So then I bought the classic, green-label Stan Smith’s.
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And then I noticed the Disney x adidas Stan Smith collection and bought the Mickey Mouse Stan Smith’s because I needed some black and white shoes since I have so many black t-shirts (this is what I told myself; they were a birthday present to myself). If you’re keeping count, I went from hating a shoe in March to owning four pairs by June 3rd.
But wait, there’s more. I’d told myself to stop buying shoes—I went on a bit of a binge if you’ll remember—but I was on a site and saw some very colorful Stan Smith’s and I like colorful colorways and didn’t even try to stop myself. I just hit purchase and called it a day. And they’re awesome. I haven’t worn them yet. They’re pretty. So as you can see, I seem to have been wrong about Stan Smith’s. I owe them an apology. Not only did I not like them, I actively didn’t like them publicly only to find out I was mistaken the whole time.
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I apologize to Stan Smith’s for disparaging what is actually a pretty fly sneaker. It never did anything to me and now it’s here for me all the time, on trips to Target and The Home Depot.
My bad. Thank you for being a friend. PJ Out.


theroot--2020-07-06--Get Perfect Hair Without a Care and Avoid Salon Prices

Welcome to summer humidity where your hair can use all the help it can get .
Give your follicles a @ @ @ @ @ this hairdryer and styler combo from Infinity Gold for just $ 24 .
While saving @ @ @ @ @ price you also save 80 % in drying time .
Bringing in tech to the @ @ @ @ @ super fast but won ’ t be damaged by removing the healthy moisture that keeps @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s got tw o speeds ( high and low ) and three temperatures @ @ @ @ @ and cool ) .
It was constructed with influences from salon professionals so the cord @ @ @ @ @ of tangles while you prefect your ideal coif .
If you ’ ve read a @ @ @ @ @ MorningSave before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 @ @ @ @ @ shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ $ 8 .

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

Blower Brush Hair Dryer & Styler | $24 | MorningSave
Welcome to summer humidity where your hair can use all the help it can get. Give your follicles a fighting chance against frizz with this hairdryer and styler combo from Infinity Gold for just $24 .
While saving 85% off its usual price you also save 80% in drying time. Bringing in tech to the thoughtful design your hair dries super fast but won’t be damaged by removing the healthy moisture that keeps it bouncy and silky. It’s got tw o speeds (high and low) and three temperatures (hot, medium, and cool). It was constructed with influences from salon professionals so the cord swivels to reduced the chance of tangles while you prefect your ideal coif.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on MorningSave before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.


theroot--2020-07-06--Did We Stutter? A Spinoff of The Office Centered Around Stanley is Gaining Attention

Fans of the NBC series The Office are getting in their last viewings before it disappears from Netflix in 2021 , when the beloved show moves to NBCUniversal ’ s streaming service , Peacock .
While many are waiting to hear if the Peacock launch will come with a reboot of the show , one cast member is aiming to keep the hilarity coming regardless .
If you like The Office , then you know all about Stanley Hudson , a retired sales rep at the show ’ s paper company Dunder Mifflin .
Through his “ over it ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Scott ’ s ( Steve Carrell ) shenanigans to his undying love of “ pretzel day , ” we can ’ t think of a single thing to dislike about good ol ’ Stanley .
Even if you ’ re not a fan of the show , Stanley GIFs have become increasingly popular via social media sites because , with a single look of joy , annoyance , or disdain , Stanley is relatable .
Leslie David Baker , who portrays Stanley , launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to fund a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s already gained a ton of traction online .
The show is titled Uncle Stan : Coming Out of Retirement , and per the synopsis , it ’ s centered around Stanley leaving the “ white sand beaches ” of Florida in order to help his nephew Lucky run a flower/motorcycle shop in Los Angeles .
“ With his business failing , his kids growing up without enough attention , and on the brink of losing his patience with the cast of characters he has working in the shop , Lucky is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get from no-nonsense Uncle Stan , ” the caption reads .
As of press time , over $ 28,000 has been raised out of the campaign ’ s $ 300,000 goal , thanks to the generous donations of 176 backers .
The fundraiser ends on August 1 .
Of course , a production of this magnitude ( especially in the age of COVID-19 ) poses a few risks and challenges , which are outlined on the Kickstarter page .
Nevertheless , the cast and crew are committed to seeing this project to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workspace to get the job done .
“ With our team of entertainment professionals that between them have decades of experience in the industry , we will help ensure that we stick to our scheduled production and reward fulfillment schedule , ” the outline continues .
“ In addition to our amazing team , we will also be doing our best to offset any unforeseen risks with production insurance , contingency plans , and frequent communication between our team members , and you , our fans.
” Until then , watch a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Fans of the NBC series The Office are getting in their last viewings before it disappears from Netflix in 2021, when the beloved show moves to NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock. While many are waiting to hear if the Peacock launch will come with a reboot of the show, one cast member is aiming to keep the hilarity coming regardless.
If you like The Office, then you know all about Stanley Hudson, a retired sales rep at the show’s paper company Dunder Mifflin. Through his “over it” attitude regarding any and all of boss Michael Scott’s (Steve Carrell) shenanigans to his undying love of “pretzel day,” we can’t think of a single thing to dislike about good ol’ Stanley. Even if you’re not a fan of the show, Stanley GIFs have become increasingly popular via social media sites because, with a single look of joy, annoyance, or disdain, Stanley is relatable.
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Leslie David Baker, who portrays Stanley, launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to fund a spinoff starring the character, and it’s already gained a ton of traction online. The show is titled Uncle Stan: Coming Out of Retirement, and per the synopsis, it’s centered around Stanley leaving the “white sand beaches” of Florida in order to help his nephew Lucky run a flower/motorcycle shop in Los Angeles.
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“With his business failing, his kids growing up without enough attention, and on the brink of losing his patience with the cast of characters he has working in the shop, Lucky is going to need all the help he can get from no-nonsense Uncle Stan,” the caption reads. As of press time, over $28,000 has been raised out of the campaign’s $300,000 goal, thanks to the generous donations of 176 backers. The fundraiser ends on August 1.
Of course, a production of this magnitude (especially in the age of COVID-19) poses a few risks and challenges, which are outlined on the Kickstarter page. Nevertheless, the cast and crew are committed to seeing this project to fruition and aim to have a safe workspace to get the job done.
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“With our team of entertainment professionals that between them have decades of experience in the industry, we will help ensure that we stick to our scheduled production and reward fulfillment schedule,” the outline continues. “In addition to our amazing team, we will also be doing our best to offset any unforeseen risks with production insurance, contingency plans, and frequent communication between our team members, and you, our fans.”
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Until then, watch a few of Stanley’s best moments below.


theroot--2020-07-06--#BlackoutDay2020: Why There's Never Been a Better Time to Buy Black—and Why Black Creators Matter, T

#BlackoutDay2020: Why There's Never Been a Better Time to Buy Black—and Why Black Creators Matter, Too

With a primary focus on Black-owned businesses since our founding here at The Glow Up , admittedly , we occasionally forget the rest of the world hasn ’ t caught on to how rich , varied and high-quality the offerings from Black entrepreneurs can be .
# BlackoutDay2020 aims to change that , as everyone—not just us folks and fam—is encouraged to spend July 7 buying only from Black-owned businesses .
While the concept isn ’ t new , the timing has perhaps never been better , as not only has the Black entrepreneurial market been booming in retail in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter uprisings combined with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic have created an unprecedented focus on ways to support Black businesses , in particular .
Providing perhaps the most concise and comprehensive explanation of the day and its potential impact , Complex reports : On July 7 , 2020 , # BlackoutDay2020 aims to unite Black people in economic solidarity through a campaign encouraging participants to support Black-owned businesses exclusively .
Similar digital demonstrations throughout the years , namely # BuyBlack and # BankBlack , were established to narrow the wealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
Leaders like Marcus Garvey , Booker T. Washington , and Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. championed these vehicles of Black capitalism , which were the foundation for entire prosperous Black communities , including Black Wall Street in Tulsa , Oklahoma , Jackson Ward in Richmond , Virginia , and others .
Today , though countless big-name corporations position themselves as allies of the Black community by donating millions to non-profit organizations , the upcoming # BlackoutDay2020 has the potential to reform the white-dominated economic system .
The digital magazine goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to be confused with the brainchild of 2015 's # TheBlackout , created by Black Tumblr aficionados Mars Sebastian , T ’ von Green , and Nukirk , “ a 24-hour digital celebration of Blackness using selfies to showcase the community ’ s beauty , pride , and history.
” While continuing their efforts in the years since , Sebastian , Green and Nukirk aren ’ t involved with Tuesday ’ s initiative ( Green having departed the brand ) , but they nevertheless had to make the distinction clear for followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two and a longstanding co-opting of the brand and intent .
In spite of the unfortunate erasure and however begrudgingly , Sebastian and Nukirk seem to be supporting # BlackoutDay2020 , an initiative organized by Blackout Coalition founder Calvin Martyr as “ a one-day social media campaign of economic solidarity to fight racial injustice , ” writes Complex .
The event site , where followers can register to participate , says its mission “ is to create an international community of economic solidarity and national consciousness unified around our common experience and ancestry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s more : this is to be the first of many , as Martyr told Houston ’ s KHOU-11 .
“ I believe , we believe , that if we unite enough people for one day to not spend their dollars , it will make an impact in the economy , and they will take notice , ” he said , citing the 2018 Nielsen report that black consumers spend an estimated $ 1.2 trillion annually .
“ If you must spend a dollar , ” Martyr added , “ spend it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re building a tool for you to be able to shop anywhere in the country with black businesses.
” Martyr ’ s campaign has notably garnered the support of rapper-entrepreneur T.I.
, who has been promoting the event across his social networks .
And while no one has any idea if Martyr was aware of the preexisting movement by Sebastian and Nukirk , the initial creators of the hashtag # BlackoutDay are nonetheless in support of the effort—though tweets from Sebastian indicate it ’ s bittersweet .
Sebastian doesn ’ t claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but of course , this is a story we ’ ve unfortunately heard before .
Among the most obvious is the widespread adoption of the term and hashtag # BlackGirlMagic , which has made its way into everything from our colloquial speech to major branding initiatives by Essence and Google since being popularized by CaShawn Thompson on Twitter and arguably inspired by a phrase in Joan Morgan ’ s 1999 manifesto When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost : My Life as A Hip Hop Feminist .
And as previously proven , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement to elevate B lack lives and influence can simultaneously and ironically erase its originators .
While graciously supporting an effort that will hopefully drive participants to sites like We Buy Black and My Black Receipt ( we also always recommend Shoppe Black , Blk + Grn and Marjani Beauty as Black-owned online marketplaces convenient for one-stop , all-Black shopping ) .
And then , of course , there is the option of not spending at all , and turning Black spending power into a day of Black saving power .
The Blackout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , satisfying the anti-capitalists within our ranks .
But regardless of whether you choose to save on Tuesday or flex your credit , let ’ s also try to give credit where it ’ s due .
Black dollars most definitely matter ; Black creators do , too .

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

With a primary focus on Black-owned businesses since our founding here at The Glow Up, admittedly, we occasionally forget the rest of the world hasn’t caught on to how rich, varied and high-quality the offerings from Black entrepreneurs can be. #BlackoutDay2020 aims to change that, as everyone—not just us folks and fam—is encouraged to spend July 7 buying only from Black-owned businesses.
While the concept isn’t new, the timing has perhaps never been better, as not only has the Black entrepreneurial market been booming in retail in recent years, but the recent Black Lives Matter uprisings combined with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic have created an unprecedented focus on ways to support Black businesses, in particular. Providing perhaps the most concise and comprehensive explanation of the day and its potential impact, Complex reports:
On July 7, 2020, #BlackoutDay2020 aims to unite Black people in economic solidarity through a campaign encouraging participants to support Black-owned businesses exclusively. Similar digital demonstrations throughout the years, namely #BuyBlack and #BankBlack, were established to narrow the wealth gap and circulate resources within our own communities. Leaders like Marcus Garvey, Booker T. Washington, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. championed these vehicles of Black capitalism, which were the foundation for entire prosperous Black communities, including Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia, and others. Today, though countless big-name corporations position themselves as allies of the Black community by donating millions to non-profit organizations, the upcoming #BlackoutDay2020 has the potential to reform the white-dominated economic system.
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The digital magazine goes on to explain that the day is not to be confused with the brainchild of 2015's #TheBlackout, created by Black Tumblr aficionados Mars Sebastian, T’von Green, and Nukirk, “a 24-hour digital celebration of Blackness using selfies to showcase the community’s beauty, pride, and history.” While continuing their efforts in the years since, Sebastian, Green and Nukirk aren’t involved with Tuesday’s initiative (Green having departed the brand), but they nevertheless had to make the distinction clear for followers, due to understandable confusion between the two and a longstanding co-opting of the brand and intent.
Advertisement Advertisement
In spite of the unfortunate erasure and however begrudgingly, Sebastian and Nukirk seem to be supporting #BlackoutDay2020, an initiative organized by Blackout Coalition founder Calvin Martyr as “a one-day social media campaign of economic solidarity to fight racial injustice,” writes Complex. The event site, where followers can register to participate, says its mission “is to create an international community of economic solidarity and national consciousness unified around our common experience and ancestry as Emancipated Peoples of America.” What’s more: this is to be the first of many, as Martyr told Houston’s KHOU-11.
Advertisement
“I believe, we believe, that if we unite enough people for one day to not spend their dollars, it will make an impact in the economy, and they will take notice,” he said, citing the 2018 Nielsen report that black consumers spend an estimated $1.2 trillion annually.
“If you must spend a dollar,” Martyr added, “spend it with a black business only. We’re building a tool for you to be able to shop anywhere in the country with black businesses.”
Advertisement
Martyr’s campaign has notably garnered the support of rapper-entrepreneur T.I., who has been promoting the event across his social networks. And while no one has any idea if Martyr was aware of the preexisting movement by Sebastian and Nukirk, the initial creators of the hashtag #BlackoutDay are nonetheless in support of the effort—though tweets from Sebastian indicate it’s bittersweet.
Advertisement
Sebastian doesn’t claim to have created the term “blackout,” but of course, this is a story we’ve unfortunately heard before. Among the most obvious is the widespread adoption of the term and hashtag #BlackGirlMagic, which has made its way into everything from our colloquial speech to major branding initiatives by Essence and Google since being popularized by CaShawn Thompson on Twitter and arguably inspired by a phrase in Joan Morgan’s 1999 manifesto When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: My Life as A Hip Hop Feminist.
Advertisement
And as previously proven, both things can be true: a movement to elevate B lack lives and influence can simultaneously and ironically erase its originators. While graciously supporting an effort that will hopefully drive participants to sites like We Buy Black and My Black Receipt (we also always recommend Shoppe Black, Blk + Grn and Marjani Beauty as Black-owned online marketplaces convenient for one-stop, all-Black shopping).
And then, of course, there is the option of not spending at all, and turning Black spending power into a day of Black saving power. The Blackout Coalition seems to equally support this approach, satisfying the anti-capitalists within our ranks.
Advertisement
But regardless of whether you choose to save on Tuesday or flex your credit, let’s also try to give credit where it’s due. Black dollars most definitely matter; Black creators do, too.


theroot--2020-07-06--California Police Looking for White Man and Woman Who Defaced Black Lives Matter Mural

Police in Martinez , Calif. , are looking for two white people who decided to spend the 4th of July holiday defacing a Black Lives Matter mural painted on a street in front of a courthouse .
When you think about it , it ’ s a fitting way to celebrate the 4th since Black lives didn ’ t matter on the original Independence Day either , but it ’ s a safe bet that historical symbolism isn ’ t what these vandals were going for—these wypipo were just mad .
According to the New York Times , Martinez resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mural on the street in front of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse .
The couple—who are apparently Trump supporters ( shocking , I know ) based on the fact that one of them was wearing a red cap that reads “ Trump , Four More Years ” —defaced the mural less than an hour after it was finished .
Video footage of the incident shared on social media shows a white woman ( let ’ s call her “ Klan-ish Karen ” ) using black paint and a roller to paint over part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( let ’ s call him “ MAGA Mike ” ) recorded the angry onlookers who had gathered .
( He also recorded himself and his partner committing a crime .
It ’ s like wypipo don ’ t know how to do anything right . )
“ We ’ re sick of this narrative , ” MAGA Mike can be heard saying .
“ The narrative of police brutality , the narrative of oppression , the narrative of racism .
It ’ s a lie .
It ’ s a lie.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people dismiss the lived experiences of millions of Black people and decide for themselves that racism isn ’ t happening as if they would know .
These white people took things even further by insinuating that Black oppression in America died with the Emancipation Proclamation and that Black people owe the same people who enslaved us a “ thank you ” for setting us free .
The woman , using two expletives , tells onlookers to “ keep this ” in New York , adding , “ This is not happening in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man in the red shirt tells onlookers : “ Keep America great again , that ’ s right .
Why don ’ t you guys learn about history , the Emancipation Proclamation Act ?
” and “ You ’ re only free because of our forefathers.
” A woman can be heard off-camera telling the man he is not “ from America ” and that he is a “ colonizer.
” “ Your ancestors aren ’ t from here , ” she says .
“ You don ’ t know nothing , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fortunately , these idiot criminals left police plenty of clues to aid in their pursuit .
At one point in the video , Klan-ish Karen can be heard telling MAGA Mike to get another can of paint and he was recorded going to his truck which put the truck ’ s license plate in clear view .
On Sunday , the Martinez Police Department released the following statement : On July 4th , community members obtained a permit from the City to paint Black Lives Matter on Court Street in downtown Martinez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unidentified white male and white female arrived .
While the male made comments to a group of onlookers his companion began painting over the mural with black paint .
At one point she made a statement that this was not , “ …happening in my town.
” She also asked the male to get her another can of paint to continue with the act of vandalism .
It appeared that the couple came to the mural with cans of paint and a roller with the specific purpose of vandalizing over the mural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time painting this mural only to have the suspects destroy it by dumping and rolling paint over part of the message .
According to the Times , the mural has been restored but , apparently , the Racist Wonder Twins aren ’ t the only ones in Martinez who are salty over it .
ABC 7 reports , that on Sunday a man was arrested for pulling a gun on a member of a crowd who was watching over the mural to make sure it wasn ’ t defaced again .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody .
And flipped us off .
So I got on my skateboard to just kind of follow him to get the plates , ” the crowd member who wishes to remain anonymous told ABC .
He said the man then “ made a U-turn , came back at me and pointed the gun in my face .
[ He ] said , ‘ Do you want to do something ?
’ That ’ s it .
Immediately a cop was behind him and pulled him over .
Thank God !
”

Police in Martinez, Calif., are looking for two white people who decided to spend the 4th of July holiday defacing a Black Lives Matter mural painted on a street in front of a courthouse. When you think about it, it’s a fitting way to celebrate the 4th since Black lives didn’t matter on the original Independence Day either, but it’s a safe bet that historical symbolism isn’t what these vandals were going for—these wypipo were just mad.
According to the New York Times, Martinez resident Justin Gomez obtained a permit to paint the mural on the street in front of the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse. The couple—who are apparently Trump supporters (shocking, I know) based on the fact that one of them was wearing a red cap that reads “Trump, Four More Years”—defaced the mural less than an hour after it was finished.
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Video footage of the incident shared on social media shows a white woman (let’s call her “Klan-ish Karen”) using black paint and a roller to paint over part of the mural while the white man (let’s call him “MAGA Mike”) recorded the angry onlookers who had gathered. (He also recorded himself and his partner committing a crime. It’s like wypipo don’t know how to do anything right.)
“We’re sick of this narrative,” MAGA Mike can be heard saying. “The narrative of police brutality, the narrative of oppression, the narrative of racism. It’s a lie. It’s a lie.”
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It’s always infuriating when white people dismiss the lived experiences of millions of Black people and decide for themselves that racism isn’t happening as if they would know. These white people took things even further by insinuating that Black oppression in America died with the Emancipation Proclamation and that Black people owe the same people who enslaved us a “thank you” for setting us free.
From the Times:
The woman, using two expletives, tells onlookers to “keep this” in New York, adding, “This is not happening in my town.” At one point, the man in the red shirt tells onlookers: “Keep America great again, that’s right. Why don’t you guys learn about history, the Emancipation Proclamation Act?” and “You’re only free because of our forefathers.” A woman can be heard off-camera telling the man he is not “from America” and that he is a “colonizer.” “Your ancestors aren’t from here,” she says. “You don’t know nothing,” the man in the red shirt replies.
Fortunately, these idiot criminals left police plenty of clues to aid in their pursuit. At one point in the video, Klan-ish Karen can be heard telling MAGA Mike to get another can of paint and he was recorded going to his truck which put the truck’s license plate in clear view.
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From CBS San Francisco:
The vehicle was a Nissan pickup truck with the word “NICOLE” on the right side of the tailgate in silver lettering. The truck has a camper shell and the license plate is 52701B1.
The case is currently under investigation and if any members of the public can identify the male and female involved in this incident please call our Dispatch Center at 925-372-3440 with the information.
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On Sunday, the Martinez Police Department released the following statement:
On July 4th, community members obtained a permit from the City to paint Black Lives Matter on Court Street in downtown Martinez. Once the mural was completed, an unidentified white male and white female arrived. While the male made comments to a group of onlookers his companion began painting over the mural with black paint. At one point she made a statement that this was not, “…happening in my town.” She also asked the male to get her another can of paint to continue with the act of vandalism. It appeared that the couple came to the mural with cans of paint and a roller with the specific purpose of vandalizing over the mural. The community spent a considerable amount of time painting this mural only to have the suspects destroy it by dumping and rolling paint over part of the message.
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According to the Times, the mural has been restored but, apparently, the Racist Wonder Twins aren’t the only ones in Martinez who are salty over it.
ABC 7 reports, that on Sunday a man was arrested for pulling a gun on a member of a crowd who was watching over the mural to make sure it wasn’t defaced again.
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“He rolled by us and yelled at everybody. And flipped us off. So I got on my skateboard to just kind of follow him to get the plates,” the crowd member who wishes to remain anonymous told ABC. He said the man then “made a U-turn, came back at me and pointed the gun in my face. [He] said, ‘Do you want to do something?’ That’s it. Immediately a cop was behind him and pulled him over. Thank God!”


theroot--2020-07-06--Pulitzer Prize Administrator Dana Canedy Named New Publisher of Simon & Schuster

Legacy publishing house Simon & Schuster just scored a prize : Pulitzer Prize-winning former journalist turned Pulitzer Prize administrator Dana Canedy has just been announced as the new senior vice president and publisher of its flagship imprint .
Canedy ’ s former employer , the New York Times , where she spent two decades , reported the news on Monday morning , calling the position “ one of the biggest jobs in book publishing.
” This , after Canedy made history when she assumed the role of Pulitzer Prize administrator in 2017 .
“ I think that this is proof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that—glass—and glass is meant to be broken ...
The fact that I ’ m the first woman , person of color and youngest [ is ] not lost on me .
I ’ m humbled and blessed.
” Canedy told The Root in 2018 , as Kendrick Lamar became the first performer of “ popular ” music to receive the coveted Pulitzer .
This May , the Times ’ Nikole-Hannah Jones was awarded the 2020 prize for The 1619 Project , alongside a posthumous honor for her idol , journalist Ida B .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was largely credited to the new infusion of energy Canedy brought to the role as well as the highly diverse committees she ‘ s overseen .
“ We have to look forward and we have to represent the future and stay relevant and urgent , ” she told The Root of her approach to the Pulitzers .
No doubt Canedy will be bringing that same energy to her new role at Simon & Schuster , which she begins on July 27 .
“ The ultimate goal of the job is to champion the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told the Times .
“ to bring in new authors , and to commission books that I and my team think are important .
And basically , when you boil all that down , that means applying news judgment.
” Canedy herself was a New York Times bestselling author of a 2009 memoir titled A Journal for Jordan .
The book chronicles the creation of the journal her late partner , First Sgt .
Charles M. King , kept for their now 14-year-old son Jordan , while stationed in Iraq , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The book is currently in development as a film starring Michael B. Jordan and directed by Denzel Washington , scheduled to begin production this fall with Canedy as a producer .
Notably , Canedy will be the third woman and first Black person to hold the position of Senior Vice President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster—but in case anyone is inclined to mistake this highly accomplished woman for a token hire , it should also be noted that Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp began wooing her years ago .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in an era of racial reckoning when suddenly everybody is looking for people of color and women to add to their boards and to bring in to their companies—he started talking to me two years ago , ” she disclosed to the Times .
“ That ’ s the way you want to go into a company .
I wouldn ’ t be taking this job if I thought he just wanted a Black publisher.
” Karp credits Canedy for being a talent who can very likely attract more of the same—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she ’ ll hopefully be riding in on the success of several political tell-alls , including former National Security Advisor John Bolton and an upcoming release by presidential niece Mary L. Trump , the Times notes .
“ I think they ’ re leading on the publishing of political books in this moment , and that ’ s important , ” said Canedy .
“ I ’ m particularly proud to be joining them at a time when they ’ re doing that , and I will continue to help in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 5:10 p.m. , ET : An earlier version of this article referenced Canedy ’ s new role at Simon & Schuster as “ Executive Vice President and Publisher.
” The publishing house has since sent a corrected version of their press release wh ich identifies Canedy ’ s position as Senior Vice President and Publisher .
The post has been corrected to reflect the change in title .

Legacy publishing house Simon & Schuster just scored a prize: Pulitzer Prize-winning former journalist turned Pulitzer Prize administrator Dana Canedy has just been announced as the new senior vice president and publisher of its flagship imprint.
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Canedy’s former employer, the New York Times, where she spent two decades, reported the news on Monday morning, calling the position “one of the biggest jobs in book publishing.” This, after Canedy made history when she assumed the role of Pulitzer Prize administrator in 2017.
“I think that this is proof that glass ceilings are made just of that—glass—and glass is meant to be broken...The fact that I’m the first woman, person of color and youngest [is] not lost on me. I’m humbled and blessed.” Canedy told The Root in 2018, as Kendrick Lamar became the first performer of “popular” music to receive the coveted Pulitzer. This May, the Times’ Nikole-Hannah Jones was awarded the 2020 prize for The 1619 Project, alongside a posthumous honor for her idol, journalist Ida B. Wells. The sea change in representation was largely credited to the new infusion of energy Canedy brought to the role as well as the highly diverse committees she ‘s overseen.
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“We have to look forward and we have to represent the future and stay relevant and urgent,” she told The Root of her approach to the Pulitzers. No doubt Canedy will be bringing that same energy to her new role at Simon & Schuster, which she begins on July 27.
“The ultimate goal of the job is to champion the work of our amazing authors,” she told the Times. “to bring in new authors, and to commission books that I and my team think are important. And basically, when you boil all that down, that means applying news judgment.”
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Canedy herself was a New York Times bestselling author of a 2009 memoir titled A Journal for Jordan. The book chronicles the creation of the journal her late partner, First Sgt. Charles M. King, kept for their now 14-year-old son Jordan, while stationed in Iraq, where King was killed in combat in 2006. The book is currently in development as a film starring Michael B. Jordan and directed by Denzel Washington, scheduled to begin production this fall with Canedy as a producer.
Notably, Canedy will be the third woman and first Black person to hold the position of Senior Vice President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster—but in case anyone is inclined to mistake this highly accomplished woman for a token hire, it should also be noted that Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp began wooing her years ago.
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“Jon should get credit for the fact that in an era of racial reckoning when suddenly everybody is looking for people of color and women to add to their boards and to bring in to their companies—he started talking to me two years ago,” she disclosed to the Times. “That’s the way you want to go into a company. I wouldn’t be taking this job if I thought he just wanted a Black publisher.”
Karp credits Canedy for being a talent who can very likely attract more of the same—and entering the role during an election year, she’ll hopefully be riding in on the success of several political tell-alls, including former National Security Advisor John Bolton and an upcoming release by presidential niece Mary L. Trump, the Times notes. “I think they’re leading on the publishing of political books in this moment, and that’s important,” said Canedy. “I’m particularly proud to be joining them at a time when they’re doing that, and I will continue to help in that effort.”
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Corrected: Monday, 7/6/20 at 5:10 p.m., ET: An earlier version of this article referenced Canedy’s new role at Simon & Schuster as “Executive Vice President and Publisher.” The publishing house has since sent a corrected version of their press release wh ich identifies Canedy’s position as Senior Vice President and Publisher. The post has been corrected to reflect the change in title.


theroot--2020-03-10--Get This Car Jump Starter Kit 35% Off to Make Sure You're Never Stranded

On the road a lot ?
Whether you ’ re living a nomadic lifestyle or work commute takes you through winding countrysides , you ’ ll want something like this Gooloo car jump starter to save yourself a hitchhike or a potential call to AAA .
Normally $ 80 , you can use promo code ZXJUSYXS and clip the coupon offer on Amazon for a 35 % discount , bringing your final total down to $ 45 .
This thing packs a 18 ,0 00mAh battery that outputs voltage across a variety of mediums , including USB 3.0 Quick Charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tank to call someone if you ’ re unsuccessful jumping the car ’ s battery .
It comes with a 12V battery clamp for that particular job , and an onboard LCD display keeps you informed on its remaining capacity .
Gooloo rates the jump starter for up to 30 1500-amp surges on cars , motorcycles , ATVs , RVs , trucks , and boats .
You could just as well jump a tractor in case the upcoming harvest season doesn ’ t throw any luck your way .
This deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3/10/2020 and updated with new information on 7/6/2020 .

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

Gooloo 1200A SuperSafe Jump Starter | $45 | Amazon | Promo code HVA3KLKE
On the road a lot? Whether you’re living a nomadic lifestyle or work commute takes you through winding countrysides, you’ll want something like this Gooloo car jump starter to save yourself a hitchhike or a potential call to AAA. Normally $80, you can use promo code HVA3KLKE and bring your final total down to $45.
This 1200A starter packs a 18,000mAh battery that outputs voltage across a variety of mediums, including USB 3.0 Quick Charge to keep enough fuel in your phone’s tank to call someone if you’re unsuccessful jumping the car’s battery. It comes with a 12V battery clamp for that particular job, and an onboard LCD display keeps you informed on its remaining capacity.
Gooloo rates the jump starter for up to 30 1500-amp surges on cars, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, trucks, and boats. You could just as well jump a tractor in case the upcoming harvest season doesn’t throw any luck your way.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 3/10/2020 and updated with new information on 10/5/2020.


theroot--2020-07-06--Pharrell to Executive Produce Netflix Docuseries Centered Around Gospel Music

As if it were possible , it appears that Pharrell is in an even more creative space than usual .
The music and entertainment mogul confirmed on Sunday at the virtual Essence Festival program “ Get Lifted ” that he will be teaming up with Netflix to present Voices of Fire .
The show is billed as a docuseries centered around creating a gospel choir in Virginia , Pharrell ’ s home state .
The Hollywood Reporter writes that the series is slated to air later this year .
It follows well-known and lauded musician Bishop Ezekiel Williams ( who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) on his quest to find undiscovered vocal talents throughout the state .
The show will be executive produced by Pharrell and Mimi Valdez through his company i am OTHER , Arthur Smith and Frank Sinton for A. Smith & Co. , and Bianca Barnes-Williams .
“ With the belief that diverse backstories can give their collective voice a greater meaning , the Bishop and his team will search for people of all ages , ethnicities and backgrounds , ” reports the site regarding who will be enlisted .
The chosen few will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams and his “ team of influential gospel leaders.
” In June , it was announced that Pharrell would be teaming up with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and Netflix for a Juneteenth-themed musical .
Details of that particular collaboration are scarce , but neither Pharrell nor Barris are strangers to educating the masses about the celebration ’ s importance .

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

As if it were possible, it appears that Pharrell is in an even more creative space than usual. The music and entertainment mogul confirmed on Sunday at the virtual Essence Festival program “Get Lifted” that he will be teaming up with Netflix to present Voices of Fire. The show is billed as a docuseries centered around creating a gospel choir in Virginia, Pharrell’s home state.
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The Hollywood Reporter writes that the series is slated to air later this year. It follows well-known and lauded musician Bishop Ezekiel Williams (who happens to be Pharrell’s uncle) on his quest to find undiscovered vocal talents throughout the state. The show will be executive produced by Pharrell and Mimi Valdez through his company i am OTHER, Arthur Smith and Frank Sinton for A. Smith & Co., and Bianca Barnes-Williams.
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“With the belief that diverse backstories can give their collective voice a greater meaning, the Bishop and his team will search for people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds,” reports the site regarding who will be enlisted. The chosen few will be selected on the show by Bishop Williams and his “team of influential gospel leaders.”
In June, it was announced that Pharrell would be teaming up with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and Netflix for a Juneteenth-themed musical. Details of that particular collaboration are scarce, but neither Pharrell nor Barris are strangers to educating the masses about the celebration’s importance.


theroot--2020-07-06--John Boyega and Jodie Turner-Smith to Star in 'Vengeance-Fueled Chase Movie,' Borderland

It looks like John Boyega and Jodie Turner-Smith will be adding to the Black British Invasion in Hollywood with their new project .
The two actors will be co-starring in an upcoming “ IRA thriller ” called Borderland , along with Jack Reynor ( Midsommar ) and Felicity Jones ( The Theory of Everything ) .
The film will be produced by Chris Coen ( Funny Games ) , Rebecca Brown , Piecrust Productions and Rocket Science .
The film will follow an Irish paramilitary , Michael ( Reynor ) , who witnesses the shooting of his pregnant wife at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tempest ( Boyega ) when a border ambush goes wrong .
When Tempest is sent back to London to lead a covert counter-terrorist operation , Michael joins a ruthless active service unit ( ASU ) wreaking havoc in the capital .
For Michael , the mission is personal – to hunt down Tempest – and he ’ ll stop at nothing to avenge his wife ’ s death .
“ Borderland is a vengeance-fueled chase movie , fusing some pulse ticking action with a powerful message for our times , ” co-writers Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re thrilled that the script , driven as much by character as it is by plot , has attracted such a first-rate cast.
” Boyega tweeted about the news shortly after it was announced with an apt pair of “ praise hand ” emojis .
Earlier this month , Boyega confirmed that he was less concerned about any possible career risks or backlash that come from his activism efforts and more concerned about Black lives .
But with this news , it looks like Boyega definitely has at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline .
We ’ re going to keep our eyes peeled to make sure this momentum continues for the actor because if we notice or suspect any dimming of his light , we ’ ll call it out !
And that goes for Turner-Smith , too , who has also been very outspoken about racism and other social justice issues .
Borderland is expected to shoot in-location in the UK starting in early 2021 .

It looks like John Boyega and Jodie Turner-Smith will be adding to the Black British Invasion in Hollywood with their new project.
The two actors will be co-starring in an upcoming “IRA thriller” called Borderland, along with Jack Reynor (Midsommar) and Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything). The film will be produced by Chris Coen (Funny Games), Rebecca Brown, Piecrust Productions and Rocket Science.
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Deadline provides the synopsis scoop:
The film will follow an Irish paramilitary, Michael (Reynor), who witnesses the shooting of his pregnant wife at the hands of an SAS sergeant named Tempest (Boyega) when a border ambush goes wrong. When Tempest is sent back to London to lead a covert counter-terrorist operation, Michael joins a ruthless active service unit (ASU) wreaking havoc in the capital. For Michael, the mission is personal – to hunt down Tempest – and he’ll stop at nothing to avenge his wife’s death.
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“Borderland is a vengeance-fueled chase movie, fusing some pulse ticking action with a powerful message for our times,” co-writers Tom and Charles Guard said in a statement. “We’re thrilled that the script, driven as much by character as it is by plot, has attracted such a first-rate cast.”
Boyega tweeted about the news shortly after it was announced with an apt pair of “praise hand” emojis.
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Earlier this month, Boyega confirmed that he was less concerned about any possible career risks or backlash that come from his activism efforts and more concerned about Black lives.
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But with this news, it looks like Boyega definitely has at least one more promising project coming down the pipeline. We’re going to keep our eyes peeled to make sure this momentum continues for the actor because if we notice or suspect any dimming of his light, we’ll call it out! And that goes for Turner-Smith, too, who has also been very outspoken about racism and other social justice issues.
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Borderland is expected to shoot in-location in the UK starting in early 2021.


theroot--2020-07-06--Grab a G-Spot Vibrator Bundle for $34 at Ella Paradis

Ella Paradis has come through to deliver multiple orgasms with a g-spot vibrator as well as bath bombs to relax @ @ @ @ @ get to work on the self-pleasure .
The bundle is down to $ 34 with @ @ @ @ @ , ” so I would hop on this before it ’ s gone !

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Single Ladies Vibrator Bundle | $34 | Ella Paradis | Promo code FIREWORKS
Ella Paradis has come through to deliver multiple orgasms with a g-spot vibrator as well as bath bombs to relax your body before you...get to work on the self-pleasure. The bundle is down to $34 with the promo code “FIREWORKS,” so I would hop on this before it’s gone!


theroot--2020-07-07--Virginia Schools Are Changing Their Confederate Names Because Honoring Slavery Is No Way to Teach Hi

Virginia Schools Are Changing Their Confederate Names Because Honoring Slavery Is No Way to Teach History

White people want to have it both ways .
They want so badly for Black people to understand that “ the past is the past ” and that “ slavery is over , ” but they also want desperately to cling to every monument and flag that celebrates institutions of oppression .
They also apparently enjoy having things named for leaders of the Confederacy .
Fortunately , activists who understand that immortalizing slavers and colonizers is no way to preserve history are being heard and changes are happening as a result .
Now , schools across the state of Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of new , more progressive monikers and symbols .
The Washington Post reports that students , alumni and parents in Virginia have been successful in getting their counties and school districts to agree to long-overdue name changes for some of their schools .
The school board at Prince William County recently voted to change the names of two of their schools , both of which were named for Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson .
As a result of the vote , Stonewall Middle School will have its name changed to Unity Braxton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known Black couple from the county , Celestine and Carroll Braxton .
According to WTOP News , Celestine Braxton was a civil rights activist and a Prince William County teacher for 33 years and her husband , Carroll , was one of the first Black men to enlist in the Marine Corps and a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012 .
The board also voted to change Stonewall Jackson High School ’ s name to Unity Reed High School after Arthur Reed , a “ much-loved security assistant at the high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Post , Fairfax County is currently looking for a new name for Robert E. Lee High School which is named after another iconic ( to white people ) Confederate general .
Two Black seniors from the high school helped lead the charge for this name change .
17-year-olds Kimberly Boateng and Kadija Ismail got involved in ongoing efforts to change the school ’ s name last year .
“ One day I was sitting after school and the lobby was empty and I looked up and it was kind of menacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Then I walked to the plaque underneath it and saw it was donated by the Daughters of the Confederacy .
And suddenly I felt , ‘ This is ridiculous.
’ ” Ismail launched an online petition to change the name .
That petition got over 1,000 signatures in the first 24 hours and , the next day , she and Boateng wrote an open letter to Superintendent Scott Brabrand and the school board .
The board voted unanimously for the name change and now U.S. Rep. John Lewis , President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the names being considered for the school ’ s new title .
Last month , Loudoun County voted to remove the Raiders mascot from Loudoun County High School .
The mascot was named for Confederate Col. John S. Mosby ’ s troops who are most known for being “ guerrilla-style fighters who wrought havoc on Union supply lines , ” the Post reports .
That vote was also unanimous , but it came with plenty of objection .
The decision to change the school ’ s mascot also started with a petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shawn Carver , launched a counter-petition saying the original mascot—a soldier holding a confederate flag—had already been changed to a “ generic cowboy-like raider.
” The petition urged the school board to “ protect the legacy of thousands of students from being destroyed.
” ( Funny how it ’ s just a “ generic ” symbol , but also somehow vital to the school ’ s “ legacy.
” Somebody lying is all I ’ m saying . )
Carver ’ s petition got almost 1,000 signatures but the board voted unanimously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

White people want to have it both ways. They want so badly for Black people to understand that “the past is the past” and that “slavery is over,” but they also want desperately to cling to every monument and flag that celebrates institutions of oppression. They also apparently enjoy having things named for leaders of the Confederacy. Fortunately, activists who understand that immortalizing slavers and colonizers is no way to preserve history are being heard and changes are happening as a result. Now, schools across the state of Virginia are dropping their confederate names and mascots in favor of new, more progressive monikers and symbols.
The Washington Post reports that students, alumni and parents in Virginia have been successful in getting their counties and school districts to agree to long-overdue name changes for some of their schools.
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The school board at Prince William County recently voted to change the names of two of their schools, both of which were named for Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson.
As a result of the vote, Stonewall Middle School will have its name changed to Unity Braxton Middle School in honor of a well known Black couple from the county, Celestine and Carroll Braxton. According to WTOP News, Celestine Braxton was a civil rights activist and a Prince William County teacher for 33 years and her husband, Carroll, was one of the first Black men to enlist in the Marine Corps and a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012.
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The board also voted to change Stonewall Jackson High School’s name to Unity Reed High School after Arthur Reed, a “much-loved security assistant at the high school,” WTOP reports.
According to the Post, Fairfax County is currently looking for a new name for Robert E. Lee High School which is named after another iconic (to white people) Confederate general. Two Black seniors from the high school helped lead the charge for this name change.
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17-year-olds Kimberly Boateng and Kadija Ismail got involved in ongoing efforts to change the school’s name last year.
“One day I was sitting after school and the lobby was empty and I looked up and it was kind of menacing,” Boateng told the Post. “Then I walked to the plaque underneath it and saw it was donated by the Daughters of the Confederacy. And suddenly I felt, ‘This is ridiculous.’”
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Ismail launched an online petition to change the name. That petition got over 1,000 signatures in the first 24 hours and, the next day, she and Boateng wrote an open letter to Superintendent Scott Brabrand and the school board. The board voted unanimously for the name change and now U.S. Rep. John Lewis, President Barack Obama and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez are among the names being considered for the school’s new title.
Last month, Loudoun County voted to remove the Raiders mascot from Loudoun County High School. The mascot was named for Confederate Col. John S. Mosby’s troops who are most known for being “guerrilla-style fighters who wrought havoc on Union supply lines,” the Post reports. That vote was also unanimous, but it came with plenty of objection.
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The decision to change the school’s mascot also started with a petition. A white graduate from the school, Shawn Carver, launched a counter-petition saying the original mascot—a soldier holding a confederate flag—had already been changed to a “generic cowboy-like raider.” The petition urged the school board to “protect the legacy of thousands of students from being destroyed.” (Funny how it’s just a “generic” symbol, but also somehow vital to the school’s “legacy.” Somebody lying is all I’m saying.)
Carver’s petition got almost 1,000 signatures but the board voted unanimously to change the mascot all the same.


theroot--2020-07-07--Seattle Detective Placed on Leave for Posting 'All Lives Splatter' After Activists Hit by Car

Members of law enforcement making vile and racist comments on Facebook is nothing new .
As protests against police brutality continue around the country , the comments have seemingly increased in their lack of empathy .
A detective in Seattle , Wash. , has been placed on leave for posting an “ All Lives Splatter ” meme after a group of Black Lives Matters activists were struck by a car this past weekend .
CBS News reports that the King County ’ s Sheriff ’ s Office has launched an investigation into Detective Mike Brown for multiple Facebook posts related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now-deleted posts said , “ I see a couple of people got infected with COVID-19 from the hood of a car on I-5 last night.
” Brown , a 40- year veteran of the King County Sheriff ’ s Office , has been relieved of all his police powers while the investigation is ongoing .
The sheriff ’ s office will also investigate whether any of its other employees liked or commented on the posts .
“ This has taken priority with me .
And I ’ ve asked the undersheriff to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is their top priority right now , ” Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht told KIRO 7 .
“ We value all members of our community and are committed to serving everyone equally , with dignity and respect .
I will take swift action to thoroughly investigate when the conduct of Sheriff ’ s Office members fails to reflect our core values and violates Sheriff ’ s Office policy , ” she added .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee ( D ) revealed that Brown was his cousin and expressed his disapproval of the posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Washington State Patrol , Dawit Kelete , who is Black , drove his car around vehicles that were parked on Interstate 5 to protect a demonstration of Black Femme March , part of the Black Lives Matter movement , early Saturday .
He struck two and then sped away , investigators said .
Video showed protesters screaming and scattering as the car approached .
Summer Taylor , a 24-year-old veterinary clinic worker , was killed .
Diaz Love , 32 , from Portland , Oregon , was in serious condition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at $ 1.2 million .
Kelete ’ s lawyer , John Henry Browne , said the crash was a “ horrible , horrible accident ” and was not intentional .
This is undoubtedly a tragic loss of life .
The fact that Brown saw fit to make light of it is simply horrific and further illustrates the divide between law enforcement and the people they ’ re paid to protect .
If Brown can ’ t see the humanity in people who simply want law enforcement to do better at their job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who may have co-signed his posts should be fired immediately .

Members of law enforcement making vile and racist comments on Facebook is nothing new. As protests against police brutality continue around the country, the comments have seemingly increased in their lack of empathy. A detective in Seattle, Wash., has been placed on leave for posting an “All Lives Splatter” meme after a group of Black Lives Matters activists were struck by a car this past weekend.
CBS News reports that the King County’s Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into Detective Mike Brown for multiple Facebook posts related to the incident. One of the now-deleted posts said, “I see a couple of people got infected with COVID-19 from the hood of a car on I-5 last night.” Brown, a 40- year veteran of the King County Sheriff’s Office, has been relieved of all his police powers while the investigation is ongoing. The sheriff’s office will also investigate whether any of its other employees liked or commented on the posts.
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“This has taken priority with me. And I’ve asked the undersheriff to make sure that our internal investigation command understands this is their top priority right now,” Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht told KIRO 7. “We value all members of our community and are committed to serving everyone equally, with dignity and respect. I will take swift action to thoroughly investigate when the conduct of Sheriff’s Office members fails to reflect our core values and violates Sheriff’s Office policy,” she added. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) revealed that Brown was his cousin and expressed his disapproval of the posts in a tweet on Tuesday.
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From CBS News:
According to the Washington State Patrol, Dawit Kelete, who is Black, drove his car around vehicles that were parked on Interstate 5 to protect a demonstration of Black Femme March, part of the Black Lives Matter movement, early Saturday. He struck two and then sped away, investigators said. Video showed protesters screaming and scattering as the car approached. Summer Taylor, a 24-year-old veterinary clinic worker, was killed. Diaz Love, 32, from Portland, Oregon, was in serious condition. Kelete’s bail was set Monday at $1.2 million. Kelete’s lawyer, John Henry Browne, said the crash was a “horrible, horrible accident” and was not intentional.
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This is undoubtedly a tragic loss of life. The fact that Brown saw fit to make light of it is simply horrific and further illustrates the divide between law enforcement and the people they’re paid to protect. If Brown can’t see the humanity in people who simply want law enforcement to do better at their job, then he, and any other cop who may have co-signed his posts should be fired immediately.